"That's just how I am, and congratulations I suppose." Aaron replied, still very little emotion on his face.

Aaron paid attention, listening carefully. Eribois moved himself a bit so other people could see.

Kolin was grateful for the interruption. His family had been constantly hammering on him about his classes and grades.

"I would like to start off by introducing our eighth years this year, the top of the school and our very best students. Eighth years, if you would come on up," She gestured to the stage she and the elders had dined on.

Artanis watched, trying to stay patient. Every year was the same. Too bad she couldn't read while she listened.

Artanis stared at her empty plate, listening as her family cheered for some of the eighth year students. Let's hope this year, the family night will run smoother.

"Aaron Cold and Eribois, and last, but not least, Valerie Morghulis and Elius!" Gwendolyn announced. Valerie waved as people cheered, most everyone except Velor and Morghulis, but she didn't mind. "These students have risen to the top of the food chain, and I have to say I couldn't be more proud. They are some of the smartest, and most talented students I've had the honor to have during my time as Headmistress. Not too mention the biggest and the swiftest," She said, smiling at Aaron, Eribois, Valerie, and Elius. Elius straightened up a bit, seeming pleased.

Xan clapped and cheered as the last two were called, watching enraptured.

A small smirk formed on Aaron's face as he stood quietly where he needed to, looking over the gathering. His hard work had culminated to this, so far. There was just a bit left to go in his journey.

Artanis unenthusiastically clapped along. Same old. "Patience," Uknyte responded. "Yeah, yeah. I don't have that right now."

"All right, off you," Gwendolyn shooed the 8th years off the stage. "Next, I would like to introduce all our families here to our new Dragon rider and her dragon. Yves and Galifer sacrificed everything to get them here, our last Dragon Rider pair," Gwendolyn gestured to Alexandra and Polonius. Xan stood and walked up to the stage, looking around as whispers filled the room.

Her parents were quiet as they studied the new girl passed the front tables and towards the stage. Artanis could feel the resentment rolling off of her parents, but said nothing. "Who does she think she is?" Her father snorted quietly.

Alexandra. Her parents muttered angrily among themselves, not wanting to be the first to speak up. Artanis sighed, rubbing her forehead. This was going to be another long year. Maybe this time they wouldn't threaten to take her out of the academy just for trying to befriend some of the outsiders.

Valerie sat beside Aaron, Elius curled beside the table. "I don't mean this as a dig at you, but I hope this doesn't go as badly as when you showed up," Valerie said quietly to Aaron. Not moments later, her mother's voice echoed among the murmurs. "How do We know she didn't just kill Yven and Galifer and steal the egg for herself?" She asked.

"Yven would not have brought her here if she had. I also do not think a young, untrained kitchen cook could defeat a great pair of warriors like Yven and Galifer," Gwendolyn replied. "Well what was she doing out in the woods and not in the castle?" Velor asked. Gwendolyn did look at Xan in question.