A New Horizon
Miruna moved carefully through the crowd gathered at the front of the boat, leaning subtly on her crutches. The crystal railing caught the sunlight, scattering it in countless directions, and she kept her gaze fixed there, avoiding the glances from the other studebts arounf her. As she stood in the open air, her hair caught the breeze, and she brushed it away impatiently, focusing on the sea ahead.
Around her, excitement buzzed like an undercurrent. The older students mingled freely on the decks, chatting, laughing, and peering over the sides. But up here, at the bow, where the first-years were gathered, a different energy settled—anticipation, nervousness, a collective breath held in expectation. Miruna inhaled the salty air and felt the familiar weight of Aero, her kestrel, shift on her shoulder.
*At least they put us at the front*, Aero observed, his voice a comforting murmur in her mind. *It's a nice view for the first trip.*
*I wonder how much longer until we see it*, Miruna responded, her fingers gripping the railing a bit tighter. The gentle sway of the boat felt soothing, almost meditative, despite the energy around her. She scanned the horizon, searching for any sign of their destination.
The boat had been moving steadily for nearly two hours now, leaving behind the misty coastline of the mainland. Miruna had been fascinated when they first set off—the way the crystal hull seemed to skim over the water as if enchanted, its surface glittering like a thousand diamonds under the afternoon sun. She hadn’t seen anything quite like it before; even in the books she devoured in the hidden library, nothing had described such an elegant, magical vessel.
The wind carried snatches of conversations her way.
“Have you heard? They say the school is inside a glacier…”
“…never seen anything like it, and I’ve traveled everywhere with my parents…”
“…wonder what the classes will be like…”
Miruna let the murmurs drift past her, catching only fragments. She was glad for the distraction, glad that she could stand here without having to engage in small talk or explain why she leaned on her crutches. It felt freeing, in a way, to just be another face in the crowd, on her way to somewhere new instead of just a sidenote to her brother.
*You’re not thinking about him, are you?* Aero asked, a touch of concern threading through his thoughts.
*No*, Miruna replied firmly, though she knew the kestrel could feel the tension in her shoulders. *I’m not thinking about him, or them. This is about me now. I’m ready for this.*
The kestrel fluffed his feathers, a gesture of approval. *Good. Because you deserve this.*
Ahead, the mist began to thicken, a wall of white that seemed to rise straight out of the sea. The boat slowed, the engines humming softly as it drifted closer. Miruna felt her pulse quicken as the crystalline vessel seemed to steer itself toward the mist, gliding smoothly as if drawn by an invisible current.
There was a hushed silence among the first-years now, every eye straining to see through the fog. Then, slowly, a shape emerged—an immense wall of ice, towering above the water, shimmering with an ethereal blue glow.
“It’s the glacier,” someone whispered nearby, awe in their voice.
Miruna’s breath caught in her throat. The glacier was unlike anything she had imagined—an enormous, translucent structure that seemed to pulse with its own light, like a living thing. The boat moved closer, and for a moment, she wondered if they were going to crash into it. But just as the thought crossed her mind, the ship veered slightly, angling toward a narrow passage that seemed to appear out of nowhere.
*Look at that*, Aero murmured. *It's like the ice is opening just for us.*
*Maybe it is*, Miruna replied, unable to tear her eyes away. As they approached the passage, the wall of ice loomed higher, and she could see intricate patterns etched into its surface—runes and symbols that glowed faintly, as if infused with ancient magic.
The boat continued forward, and the ice seemed to part for them, the walls sliding aside in a slow, graceful movement. Miruna heard gasps from the other students, and she felt a thrill run through her. She had never seen anything like it—a gateway opening into the very heart of a glacier.
As they passed through, the temperature dropped slightly, and a soft, blue-tinted light filled the air. The passage widened into a vast cavern, and Miruna’s eyes widened at the sight that greeted them: an underground dock, shimmering with light reflected from the ice above. The water was so clear it looked like liquid crystal, and along the edges, hundreds of lanterns cast a warm, golden glow.
“Welcome to Crystalline Peak,” a voice boomed over the ship's deck, amplified by some unseen magic. “Older students, please make your way to your dormitories. First-years, remain where you are. You will be escorted shortly.”
Miruna watched as the older students began to disembark, their movements purposeful, familiar with the routine. They passed by in groups, some chatting excitedly, others quietly observing the new arrivals. Miruna shifted her weight, adjusting her crutches, and glanced around at the other first-years. She caught the eye of a boy who looked just as nervous as she felt and offered a small smile. He returned it, a bit awkwardly.
*At least we’re here now*, Aero said, sensing her thoughts.
*Yes, finally*, Miruna agreed. No turning back now.
A few moments later, a group of professors appeared at the dock, each wearing robes of deep blue embroidered with silver threads. One of them stepped forward, a tall woman with short-cropped silver hair and piercing eyes. She raised her hand, and the noise on the deck fell silent.
“First-years!” she called out in a commanding voice that seemed to carry effortlessly across the water. “Welcome to Crystalline Peak School of Arcane Mastery. You will be divided into four groups of ten and guided through orientation, health checks, and a tour of the campus. Please listen for your name and follow your assigned guide.”
Miruna straightened slightly, listening as the names were called. She was placed in the second group, along with the boy she had smiled at earlier. She moved carefully to join her group, feeling a little more at ease with Aero still perched on her shoulder.
Once the groups were formed, the guides began to lead them toward a set of wide stairs carved directly into the ice. The stairs spiraled upward, and Miruna could feel the cold seeping through her shoe as she climbed, her crutches tapping softly on each step. She adjusted her grip, finding her rhythm quickly despite the incline.
*At least they didn’t make us climb a ladder*, Aero teased lightly.
*Small blessings*, she replied with a wry smile.
At the top of the stairs, they emerged into a large, open chamber with vaulted ceilings that seemed to glow with an inner light. Miruna paused to catch her breath and took in the sight. The walls were lined with delicate carvings, and the air felt charged with magic.
“This way,” their guide instructed, leading them toward another passageway. “We have a lot to cover today, and not much time. Stay close.”
Miruna fell into step with the group, feeling a mixture of nerves and excitement. She had made it this far—further than she ever thought she would—and now she was here, about to start a new chapter in a place where her past didn’t matter. Here, she could be whoever she wanted to be.
As they walked, she stole a glance at the other students around her. Some looked confident, others unsure. She saw determination in their eyes and felt a surge of it in herself. This is where I belong. I’m ready for whatever comes next.
* I’ll be right here with you*, Aero promised, his thoughts a steady presence in her mind.
*I know*, Miruna replied, her resolve hardening. *We’ve got this.*