WHO HAS SEEN THE WIND ?

Who has seen the wind?

Neither you nor I:

But when the trees bow down their heads,

The wind is passing by.

- CHRISTINA ROSSETTI

ISOLDE'S POV

The head of the girls' dorm was probably the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.

She did not look like my people. Her skin was white but instead of my pale white, hers' was livelier with a refreshing yellow hue. There was some kind of marking in between her eyebrows. Her almond-shaped eyes turned into crescent moons whenever she laughed. At the moment her smiley face was directed at me.

"Hello, Dear. My name is Yang Dayuu. I am the head of the girls' dorm. I am here to help you settle in. Now, I already know your name but it would be great f you tell me some more about yourself."

I hesitated for a moment, then cleared my throat to introduce myself.

"Isolde Morozova, madam. I am from the small village of Selos in the country of Prussia under the Rule of the 16th Tsar. I turned 16 two days ago and was blessed by a deity I do not recognize", with that I was quiet again.

She laughed again at my introduction, "Well that was certainly a lot of information, dear. You even told me about the ruler". I flushed at her comments.

Stupid Isolde! Why would you tell her that?

"But not even recognizing the deity? Now that's new."

Was there truly no other like me? I suddenly felt even more alone.

Probably seeing me deflate, Madam gave me another of her wide smiles, "Well, no worries, little one. I'll get the Gibril on it and they will find the Godly hidden one in no time. You do not worry about a thing, love. Just prepare for your first day at the academy and make new friends."

Her words were probably meant to reassure me but the thought of making friends worried me even more.

"Now then, I'll leave her to you, Darling. I'll really need some rest if I'm to go back to the barracks tomorrow morning. See you later, Isolde. Best of luck."

Granted I haven't known Inayat for a long time but his presence was assuring to me. So the thought of him leaving did not sit well with me. But what could I have done to stop him? I couldn't demand him to stay, he wasn't mama.

So instead I said, "Goodbye, Captain" in a fake cheerful tone and turned to the Madam.

"Well then, let's get going Isolde. And Captain Baig? If you call me darling one more time, I will punch you in that face which will be bad for you since it's your only saving grace," with that she marched forward with me running behind her.

I could hear Inayat laughing behind us. He sure found that insult entertaining.

Then again, he finds everything entertaining. I looked behind to see him standing there Instead of walking away.

"I know you love me, Dayuu, no need hide it behind harsh barbs, love."

We were walking at a normal pace again after Dayuu stomped away at Inayat's parting comments when she spoke again, breaking the deafening silence, "How did you tolerate that tool until now? I would've killed him halfway through the journey."

The question broke my attention from her dress that seems to be flowing with each step she took. She looked like she was walking on air with her soundless steps and almost dancing movement.

"He wasn't that bad. I mean, there were instances where he laughed at me when I was scared for my life. But other than that, he was a good travel companion," I said, wanting to defend the man who introduced me to this world even if he was a noble.

"That's probably because you are new around here. He used to be quite the prankster during our academy days. Would stick gum in girls' hair, throw paintballs at teachers and students alike, put itching powder in the strict watchman's pants. I swear to Madam Wind, the only reason he wasn't expelled was because he's Ibrahim Baig's grandson."

It sounded like she had an old grievance towards him. Maybe she was one of the people he pranked.

"Did you get pranked too, madam?"

"Uh. well no, of course not. I was too smart to fall for his foolish stunts," she said with a suspiciously uncertain voice.

"Of course, Madam", I said sounding not one bit convinced.

"Anyways, let's not talk about attention seeking rakes. And please don't call me Madam. You're not a Farishta. Do call me Dayuu, love"

Rake? who? Inayat? Don't you have to be charming for that?

"So which God was it that blessed you, Ma - um, Dayuu?" I asked trying to keep the flow of conversation going.

"Oh! I was blessed with the magic of wind by Madam wind or Feng Po Po. She came to me riding her majestic tiger when I turned sixteen. She asked me if I have seen her wind and she probably really liked the answer so blessed me and Voila, here I am."

"What was your answer?"

"It wasn't really an answer. I just recited an old poem I had read in my father's library. It goes like this:

Who has seen the wind?

Neither I nor you.
But when the leaves hang trembling,
The wind is passing through.
Who has seen the wind?
Neither you nor I.
But when the trees bow down their heads,
The wind is passing by."

"That's very beautiful," I said, giving thoughts to the poem.

"It is. It shows the might of the wind. It might be invisible to human eyes but it holds the strength to make you bow. It can bring you bliss but at the same time rage storms."

I shivered slightly as I thought of the kind of destruction Dayuu can bring forth with this power.

"Hmm, now tell me, dear Isolde, have you tried out any of your new powers? I blew out my mother's kitchen few hours into my blessing. Madam Wind must've regretted instantly." She gave another hearty chuckle.

"Not really. I still don't know what kind of magic I have," I answered almost shyly.

"No worries, we will figure that out too. Do you have any more questions, my dear? ", she said with much enthusiasm but there was a slight crease in between her beautiful thin brows.

If she's giving me the chance, why not go out with it?

"Are you a noble, Dayuu?" I aksed, hoping this time the answer would be negative.

"Heavens, No. Do not lump me with those spoilt brats. I'd rather die than be of the same origin as Inayat Baig," she proclaimed rather loudly for some reason and the brunches over our heads shook violently.

Oh, that was nice. I felt myself relax after her answer.

And then the questions began.

"What is your dress called? I have never seen such a thing before. Oh! oh! and what is that marking on your forehead?" I asked, feeling excited about something after a long, long time.

"Well this dress is called Hanfu clothing. It's a traditional style of outfit from my country in the far eastern regions. And my forehead marking is called Hua Dian, it's a special kind of accessory for women's makeup that shows their status or rank. Everyone here is allowed to wear their traditional clothing as long we wear our assigned colored mage robes on top and diadem. I left mine in the quarters today since I wasn't going out. "

"What color is it?"

"It's white with sky blue crystal and thread work on it. You'll see me wearing it when the academy starts. Ah, here we are. The girls' dorm. TADA!"

I looked forward and saw a beautiful peach pink small castle standing in front of me.

Goodness! they had smaller castles inside this castle. Just how big is this place? How will I find my way around here?

As if reading my thoughts, Dayuu said, "You will get used to finding your way in no time. But until then you may have a map."

She was quickly replacing Inayat as my favorite mage.

We walked into the castle and climbed the stairs to the second floor in silence. She stopped in front of a room and brought out a key from her pocket to open the door. The door opened with a squeaky sound and I peeked inside.

It was a spacious round room with three beds on three sides under huge windows. There were small desks and Closets next to them. I spied a door on the side which I am assuming is the bathroom and toilet.

"So this is your room for the next five years. Six, if you fail a year. And this is your bed", she pointed towards the middle bed. "You're luggage will be arriving shortly."

"Thank you so much, Dayuu" I said, truly meaning it.

"You need to be less humble, sweetheart. That's the only way you can compete with those noble children."

Noble children?

"Will they stay here too?"

"Well, of course they will. Where else will they go? One of your roommates is noble too you know. She'll be arriving two days before the term starts."

And with that, all I felt was dread.

GLOSSARY

*Madam Wind: Feng Po Po, the goddess of wind in Chinese mythology who rules over storm and moisture. She is often portrayed as an old woman riding a Tiger.

*Hanfu: Traditionally style of clothing worn by Han people of China.

*Hua Dian: Traditional Chinese ornamental makeup.

*Gibril: Or Gabriel, the messenger of God. Famous for appearing to prophets with God's words.

*Farishta: Means angel in Dari, Farsi and Hindi.

*Tsar: East and South Slavic monarchs in the 10th century.

_________________________________________

Please vote and comment. Hope you like this chapter.