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Echelons Elysium sat within the Maloti mountains of Lesotho among long-forgotten ruins. Two crumbling pillars marked the entrance for the ones who knew what lay beyond. Lennox, Rue, and Felix walked between the familiar structures. The calming hum of magic filled their ears as a five story white brick building came into view. The library was grander than SCHUni with grounds. The library claimed well over ten acres to the edge of the Orange River. Summer air blew the strands of Rue’s hair, trapping her violet gaze. 

“You are whipped, Nox.” Felix laughed, breaking her trance. Lennox squeezed Rue’s hand, gazing at her with pure love. “I can’t help it, she gets more beautiful every day.” 

“Sucker,” he smirked, pushing ahead with bags in hand.

The group moved up the worn down path to the covered courtyard. With every ten steps, candles on pillars sprang to life alerting to their arrival. The platlife around the columns reached toward the sun. Every step pulled her closer to the energy inside the climbing plants. Her eyes scanned the arched doorways leading to large steps inside. Her smile grew as the sound of wings overhead welcomed them inside. 

Two figures landed behind the group causing them to turn. Lennox smiled widely when she was met with the familiar faces of Satori, the Library Mouse with large white ears with matching wings. She was quickly followed by Osian, a Cervanthrope with stag antlers and brown wings. Their eyes were identical to Lennox’s, exact replicas of her silver chain scars. 

“Welcome back, Junebug!” Osian smiled brightly at the three of them. 

The quiet voice of Satori leapt with excitement. “It’s great to see you all back safe!”

“It’s good to stop by for the week.” Lennox glanced at Osian but quickly moved her gaze to Satori. Guilt settled in her stomach, as it did each time Osain smiled at her. 

“The others are upstairs! We have drinks and Natharia found a game on her last mission. I think she called it Twister.” 

“Oh, I’m gonna kick your asses.” Felix elbowed her.

“Mr. Toll has always had a way with words, hasn’t he Little Phoenix?” Xemos’s voice echoed from behind the two Phoenix’s. 

Lennox peered to the side. Xemos in his usual suit walked down the stairs with his sister, the Goddess Lady Renas, behind him. The Goddess dressed in a matching lavender dress that sparkled like starlight even in the thin streams of daylight peaking into the courtyard. Her long black hair braided into intricate pleats at the crown of her head.

“Welcome home, Little Phoenix. Rue- Felix.” She smiled warmly. 

“Thank you, Lady Renas. Xemos.” The male demon nodded at them. 

Rue smiled at the familiar deities. “Glad to be back.” 

“Unfortunately settling in is going to have to wait, Miss. Cade. You’re needed in the main study. We have a batch of new devotees who could use your coaching.” Xemos motioned for her to follow him. 

“Of course. It’s what I’m here for.” She released Rue’s hand and kissed her on the cheek. “I’ll see you both later.” 

“I’ll show everyone to their room!” Satori offered, excitedly. 

“Wonderful, thank you.” Renas smiled softly and turned to go up the stairs. 

With a final goodbye, Lennox followed the two up the God’s up the stairs, and down the white halls. Books lined the bottom of the windows on long shelves. It was a short walk to the main study just past the statue of a tall willow tree. The room held hundreds of thousands of books, scrolls, and tomes where twenty new devotees waited for their lesson. 

The small Romanian village was alive with the spirit of the Capra festival. Rhythmic drumming and vibrant tunes of traditional instruments echoed through the cobbled streets. The night was only illuminated by fire, laughter and cheers.

The celebration of the new year was welcomed with brightly colored costumes and intricate masks. Unknowing humans and supernatural creatures alike moved in wild, erratic

dances, all in celebration of the goat—Capra.

Lennox stood off to the side, arms crossed over her olive green coat. Her body shivered slightly, the cold biting at her cheeks. Her violet eyes scanned the crowd, narrowing when they landed on Aron. He was unmistakable even in his goat mask, which was almost too large for his head. His denim jacket and Ghost band tee clashed hilariously with the traditional costume he’d been forced into as he stumbled over his

feet. Dancers around him moved in perfect rhythm.

“Lennox!” Aron’s voice rang out over the music, muffled by the mask. He waved

an arm wildly, nearly smacking one of the other dancers. “Come on, you’ve gotta join us!”

She shook her head firmly, stepping back. “Not a chance. You look ridiculous enough for

both of us!”

“That’s the point!” He called back, weaving his way through the crowd toward her.

His movements were far from graceful. Aron grabbed ahold of the mask as he

nearly tripped over his own feet- Twice. The annoyed look on her face was replaced with a small smile. I can’t believe they actually got him to be the goat. Finally, he reached her, yanking the mask off with a grin. His blond hair was damp with sweat and his banana was sideways; Green eyes shining with mischief.

“Come on, Lennox,” he insisted, his voice full of charm. Taking a step closer he motioned to himself. “It’s tradition! Besides, how often do you get to dance with a goat?”

“I’ll pass. You’re doing just fine embarrassing yourself without my help.” Aron groaned dramatically, placing the mask on top of his head like a hat.

“You never let yourself go... But you’re also not getting away.” Before she could protest, he grabbed her hand and tugged her into the circle of dancers.

“Aron—no!” she pleaded, digging her heels into the ground. It only worked for a second before with a second tug she found herself pulled into the swirling mass of color and music.

“Just follow my lead!” he instructed with a grin.

“Your lead?” she scoffed, dodging a dancer who nearly smacked her with a brightly adorned stick. “You’re the worst one here!”

“Exactly! No pressure to be good!” he laughed as he spun her around clumsily.

Despite herself, Lennox felt a small laugh find its way up as Aron fumbled through the steps. The dancers around him cheered excitedly. His carefree attitude was infectious and it has already spread to everyone around them. He does make the perfect goat. Eventually, she found herself relaxing, even as she stumbled through the unfamiliar movements. For a few songs, the others lead her in their traditions. Patiently allowing her to learn. On the next song, the music sped up. The drumming grew louder, and the dancers around them cheered as the group formed a tighter circle. Aron placed the mask back on his head, tipped his face to the sky and let out an exaggerated bleat, causing the crowd to erupt into laughter.

“See?” he said, pulling Lennox closer so she could hear him over the noise. “This isn’t so bad, is it?”

She rolled her eyes, but the faintest smile tugged at her lips. “You’re still ridiculous.”

“And you’re still here,” he shot back with a wink.

The festival continued around them, and though Lennox would never admit it, she felt a strange warmth spread through her chest. Maybe, just for tonight, she could let herself enjoy Aron’s absurdity.