In this Discord roleplay, On one particular evening during their second week at the Academy, Rose, Thalga, Naomi, and Vita gathered in their common room, waiting for room service after the cafeteria was temporarily closed due to a first-year's spellcasting accident. Being in the furthest common room meant they faced a particularly long wait for their food...

While they waited, Thalga studied a dull, almost grey crystal—a stark contrast to the expected bright blue and vibrant color of such gemstones. When Naomi asked if it was like the one at the wineyard, Thalga confirmed it was similar to the disabled ones found in the Palace Gardens, which are causing the garden to decay in an accelerated rate. Naomi expressed concern that the problem might be spreading.

Thalga explained the critical importance of these crystals to their world. Many inventions depended on these crystal—farmlands, gardens, and cooling systems—all provided by Luminary Einar Giedensera.

She detailed how these crystals are gemstones from The Sunfire Expanse that, when exposed to the Elemental Chaos, can be used as power sources. However, they never measure up to the original, ancient Niðavellirian designs of the old dwarven days, which were mostly lost during the Throne War.

Rose, whose spirits had been lifted after a recent talk with Professor Lorelai following her difficult start to the year, noted how rare it was for Thalga to lack an answer. Naomi, who had also experienced a rocky but improving start to the week and felt a strange sensation with Einar at the Shamsha, offered to help. Meanwhile, Vita had been distracted since Prince Ramiel's visit and remained concerned about her magic after a cold conversation with Professor Giedensera—she was napping through the discussion.

Finally, a young human man named Aiden arrived with their ordered food. Rose recognized him, and he explained that delivering food was his punishment for being near the first-year's miscasted "Fog Cloud" spell in the cafeteria. Professor Azran had demanded that everyone involved "clean up the mess." When Aiden's stomach audibly rumbled, Rose kindly invited him to join them.

As Aiden served the food, an adorable penguin named Duke Slippington waddled into the room, having followed Aiden without him initially noticing. Rose and Thalga spotted the cute creature first, leading to a frantic chase as Duke created slippery ice patches throughout the room. Rose made a sliding jump to catch Duke before he could leap onto a dish of shrimp. Quick-thinking Aiden used a spell to encase a shrimp in a large ice cube, successfully distracting Duke.

Noticing that Aiden hadn't eaten, the ladies generously shared their food with him. Vita then joined the group, nearly slipping on the ice, and was introduced to their unexpected penguin guest.

After eating, Aiden shared that he had no main subject at the Academy, being interested in Creatures, Theranlore, and Beastcare. He briefly mentioned receiving a personal invitation from a former Creaturology professor before quickly changing the subject. Duke, who follows him everywhere, had been found with scratches and bitemarks a few weeks prior.

Aiden revealed that he previously worked at the "Howling Heart Reserve," which had been closed down by Mr. Howledge. Rose expressed empathy, suggesting that Duke could sense Aiden's continued care for creatures. As Aiden prepared to leave, fearing Professor Azran's wrath for taking too long, Rose, Naomi, and Thalga playfully assured him that socializing wasn't against the rules.

Rose expressed her interest in pursuing what Aiden mentioned to discover where Duke Slippington came from and what had happened to him. She hoped this investigation might eventually lead to establishing a "creatures program for Cursebreakers."