A Rainy Day

The morning sky was a canvas of gray, the rain tapping rhythmically against the windows of the lecture hall. Clara Emerson adjusted her jacket as she walked into class, her umbrella dripping with rainwater. The weather seemed to dampen everyone’s spirits, but Clara loved rainy days—there was something calming about them. She often found the sound of rain soothing, a backdrop to her thoughts that felt oddly like home.

The first class of the day was Linguistic Bridges, an intensive course on mastering Zaylaran and English. The lecture hall buzzed softly with the sound of chatter as the students filed in. Dr. Lyneth Aerath, the zaylaran linguistics professor, began the lesson with an overview of the challenges of phonetic systems and syntax, her voice lilting with a melodic cadence.

Midway through the class, Emily Carter surprised everyone.

“Dr. Aerath, I think I’ve figured out how to pronounce this phrase,” she said, her voice clear as she effortlessly repeated a Zaylaran sentence.

Dr. Aerath’s red eyes widened slightly. “Impressive, Ms. Carter. Your grasp of pronunciation is quite rare for a beginner.”

The human students clapped, and even the usually reserved zaylaran students nodded in approval. Clara smiled warmly at Emily, proud of her friend. Kaelion Vel’Ryn, seated a row behind Clara, observed the exchange with quiet curiosity. His sharp gaze lingered on Emily briefly before shifting back to Clara, who was diligently taking notes.

She’s talented, Kaelion thought of Emily, but his attention drifted again. Clara’s focus was unwavering, yet she occasionally glanced back at her classmates with an encouraging smile. It was a small gesture, but one that didn’t go unnoticed.

The second lecture, Diplomatic Foundations, brought a shift in energy. Professor Amara Vel’Keir strode into the room, her presence commanding attention with an ease that silenced the room.

“Today, you will begin a semester-long project,” she announced. “The goal is to explore collaboration between humans and zaylarans, culminating in a presentation that demonstrates your understanding of diplomacy. I have already paired you with your partners.”

The students exchanged curious glances as the list appeared on the holoscreen:

Rynar Vel’Tael – Emily Carter

Jake Johnson – Velira Sylaen

Sarah Ling – Lyssara Ael’Vyn

Noah Barnes – Drakven Val’Korr

Clara Emerson – Kaelion Vel’Ryn

Clara’s heart skipped a beat when she saw her name next to Kaelion’s. This will be interesting, she thought, glancing toward him. He met her gaze briefly, his expression unreadable as always. His piercing eyes carried a weight that made Clara feel like he was always analyzing.

J.J. groaned dramatically. “Velira? You’re stuck with me? Lucky you.”

Velira raised an elegant eyebrow. “I’ll reserve judgment until I see your work ethic.”

“Challenge accepted,” J.J. quipped, already scribbling down ideas in his notebook.

Emily turned to Rynar, her voice enthusiastic. “I was thinking we could focus on the role of art in diplomacy. It’s something we both appreciate, right?”

Rynar smiled. “That could work. Art has bridged many cultural gaps on Zaylara. Your idea has merit.”

Sarah looked at Lyssara nervously. “So, uh, do you have any ideas?”

Lyssara’s eyes sparkled mischievously. “Let’s explore negotiation strategies used in ancient zaylaran history. It’s fascinating and not too dry. I promise.”

“Deal,” Sarah replied, relieved. “That sounds really cool.”

Clara turned to Kaelion, feeling slightly intimidated. “What do you think we should do?”

Kaelion’s voice was calm and deliberate. “We should choose a topic that emphasizes practicality. Perhaps analyzing recent interspecies treaties?”

Clara nodded. “That sounds perfect. We can divide the research evenly and maybe include examples from current events.”

Kaelion inclined his head slightly. “Agreed.” He observed her for a moment longer than necessary. She’s efficient and unassuming. This might not be as tedious as I expected.

As the rain continued to pour, the students trickled back to the dorms. Sarah realized she had forgotten her umbrella and stood awkwardly by the door.

“You can share mine,” Clara offered with a smile. “I just need to ask Professor Vel’Keir something first. Wait for me by the exit?”

Sarah nodded, grateful. By the time Clara joined her, the two huddled under the small umbrella, chatting as they walked through the rain. Clara’s laughter echoed softly against the gray sky, her cheerful demeanor a contrast to the dreary weather.

When they reached the dorms, Clara gasped. “I left my phone in the lecture hall!”

“I’ll come with you,” Sarah said, but Clara shook her head.

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll be quick. You go inside and dry off.”

Before Sarah could protest, Clara was already running back into the rain, the umbrella left in Sarah’s hands. By the time Sarah entered the common area, the others were lounging around, drying off.

“Where’s Clara?” J.J. asked, sprawled on the couch.

Sarah sighed. “She went back to get her phone. In the rain.”

Rynar frowned. “She’ll catch a cold.”

Kaelion stood abruptly, grabbing an umbrella. “I’ll go.”

“Wait,” Velira started, but the door opened, and Clara walked in, drenched and shivering.

“Too late,” Lyssara said, smirking.

Clara laughed weakly. “It’s fine. I’m just going to shower and warm up.”

Kaelion watched her retreat to her room, his hand tightening briefly on the umbrella. She’s careless. But… she’s resilient, he mused, feeling an unfamiliar concern prickling at the edge of his thoughts.

The next morning, Clara woke up feeling warm. Her head ached, and she debated staying in bed but decided against it. It’s not that bad. I’ll power through, she thought, taking some medicine and tea before heading to class.

Ethics and Leadership was engaging, but Clara struggled to focus. Her headache throbbed, and her notes grew increasingly sparse. Kaelion, seated beside her, noticed her pale complexion. The usual light in her eyes was dimmed.

She’s unwell, he thought, his expression unreadable. He watched as she soldiered through the lecture, admiring her determination despite his growing concern. Yet he said nothing, unsure if his interference would be welcome.

After class, Velira and Lyssara flanked Clara. “You’re going straight to bed,” Velira said firmly, her tone brooking no argument.

Clara tried to protest, but Lyssara cut her off. “Don’t argue. You’re sick.”

Kaelion followed silently, his usual stoicism masking his unease. Once Clara was settled, the group dispersed, leaving him to handle her workload. As a student representative, he fielded questions from human students, efficiently managing their concerns. Each task completed felt like a small victory in allowing Clara the rest she needed.

She overworks herself, Kaelion thought as he scanned another report. Why does she push so hard?

Later that evening, he checked in with Velira. “How is she?”

“Sleeping, finally,” Velira replied. “Thanks for picking up the slack today.”

Kaelion nodded, but his thoughts lingered on Clara. Rest, Clara. The world can wait.

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