A Scholar, and Beyond, G (#76)

[hawksandfeathers]

Title: A Scholar, and Beyond
Rating: G
Prompt: New Beginnings (#76)
Summary: Tris goes to Lightsbridge. Drabble.

Tris wrapped her shawl tighter around herself as she ascended the steps to Lightsbridge. If this was an act of defiance or fear, she wasn't certain. Cynicism broke through her eyes, making them steely, and yet earnestness and anticipation completed the woman's picture of diversity. Her breezes whipped through her braids, and the men in flamboyant robes stopped in their jaunty tracks. Feebly, Tris blamed it on a passing wind and inwardly cursed herself, looking up to the clouds. She had spoken with Niko the night before, trying to remember everything she saw while listening to his concern-laced words. "Trisana," he had said softly, "keep your weathers strong, no matter how much that oppressive place tries to extinguish them." His heavy, long-lashed eyes seemed to know everything, but still she could relate, she knew them as her teacher's. "I will, Niko," she'd answered, stroking Little Bear's fur. "I always will."

Someone pushed past Tris, and she drew back indignantly. Opening her mouth to snap, she took a breath, and stopped herself. I shall have to hide, she thought, and push away my essence. Refuse what I am. She was swallowed by the white building as she walked, her shawl trailing behind her. All she could see was competition and emptiness, all she could hear was spiraling arguments. Trying to mute the sounds, she entered a chamber where a young man sat, regally clearing his throat. "Trisana?" he called. "You have only academic powers?"

"For now," she replied.

[wordy]

Ooh, this is fascinating! I'd never considered the university could be oppressive, but now that I think about it, it could definitely seem that way to Tris considering her magic and all that she's been through. Very nice fic.

[mistrali]

I love that about refusing who she is and pushing away her essence. Throughout WotE she's wanted to do just that by disguising her magic, but now she's seeing the other side of it. I'm a little confused about who the man is - if he's a Lightsbridge official, how does he know her first name and why does she reply "For now", since ambient magic can't be learned?

I loved that you didn't go into too much detail. It kind of made me feel like I was going to new and unexplored places along with Tris.

[Kris11]

I liked the way you captured Tris's personality here. There's that spark and strength that is hers, even when she's not in a temper and you caught that perfectly.

[hawksandfeathers]

Thanks guys!