The Academy's grand hall buzzed with the usual chaos of a new semester, students greeting old friends, exchanging gossip about summer adventures, and eyeing newcomers with barely concealed curiosity. The vaulted ceiling stretched high above, enchanted to mimic a perfect autumn sky, though outside the actual weather was considerably less pleasant. Near one of the tall windows overlooking the courtyard, a commotion was building. "No, no, *no!* You utter *barbarian!*" A bright, theatrical voice r...