<div class="floatright"><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Callea</div><div class="spoiler_body">(https://i.pinimg.com/736x/6a/92/1b/6a921b86158b63ded209119c94706da1--fantasy-heroes-fantasy-characters.jpg)</div></div><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Priestess</div><div class="spoiler_body">(http://s1.1zoom.me/b5050/955/Legend_of_the_Cryptids_Blonde_girl_Dress_Key_lock_517966_2048x2732.jpg)</div></div></div>Yolande's fingers drummed on the grip of her weapon as she waited for the ceremony to wrap up.  She was glad to be through with her own role in this, but really, for her the important thing was what would happen tomorrow, when classes began.  She did perk up slightly as two of the important staff members were introduced - especially the first: Callea.  Just Callea - the elf apparently had another name, but she hadn't shared it with anyone so far as Yolande knew.  She was the reason the heroine had begun on her path, inspired by a chance childhood meeting.  When, years later, she had admitted that to Callea, the magus had seemed politely amused, and that had been the end of their interaction, until the school's charter was announced and she appeared, claiming to be seeking a short break from wandering, and volunteering to lead classes for a time.<br/><br/>The other, courteously referred to by her title, was the other prominent woman on the staff.   Clearly a self-effacing, empathetic counsellor, Yolande had been pleased to receive her when the call had gone out for someone to fulfill the very necessary role of healer at an academy that was serious about teaching combat skills.  Reputedly, she had been making waves in her own circles as an undeniable talent, and one that had a knack for putting others at ease, building a sizable following of her own.  More than just a healer, Yolande had insisted that they take advantage of the Priestess' obvious strengths, and appointed her Counsellor to the students as well.<br/><br/>Although some of the after-ceremony conversations were pleasant enough - after all, Yolande had no trouble singing the praises of the school she had founded, and was comfortable thanking parents for their confidence, and going on at length of how transformative the Academy would be, for the students, and beyond.  Some of the sponsors were a little more off-putting ... standing oddly close when talking with her, and staring about themselves as if thinking their support had given them some sort of ownership of the place.  That was not the case - she had always been clear that was not the case, sometimes rather bluntly, which is why Kabuno had taken over most of the sponsor-relations duties early on.  But she could not remain aloof today - Yolande did her best to smile and call on all the tact she possessed, and looked forward to the end of it all.<br/><br/><br/>At last nearly all the guests had gone, and when Kabuno assured her he could deal with the last few details, Yolande gladly retreated to her quarters, where Anders had shown his usual thoughtfulness.  She returned the embrace and kiss, before pulling back to help herself to tea and a bite.  "Oh, Anders, it was everything I'd dreaded.  But it's over, and no blood was spilled."  She grinned, chewing slowly, savouring.  "And I shouldn't have to face anything like that again until graduation... a pretty small price to pay, considering.  But... what about you, dear?  Did you get the forge set up as you wanted?"<br/><br/>It was good to settle down with conversation, and tea... and to change out of her armour into a simple silk night-shirt.  Though her mind kept turning to tomorrow, and when the real work of the Academy began.  She had never actually taught before, and though she'd been given a few pointers by Callea, she was still turning over a few possibilities in her mind.  But Anders... as the conversation wound down, he started to get amorous.  Understandably - this was a day worthy of a private celebration, too.  But somehow, the way his advances kept impinging on her thoughts of her duties was irksome, even though she knew he meant only the best.  But her mood darkened a little, and she really didn't feel like enjoying each other that night.  Yes, it had been a few nights... quite a few nights, what with all the necessary preparations.  But... "Sorry dear, but no.  Not tonight.  I'm just... too distracted.  You understand."  And he did, though the disappointment on his face was a little pathetic.  But he loved her, he understood, and once again she was glad of his support, as she snuggled into bed beside him, pulled the covers up high, and drifted off to sleep.<br/><br/>In the morning it was soon hectic again, a quick meal, back into armour... she left Equalizer behind, knowing there were racks of training weapons in place, as she strode to the section of courtyard where she would be leading twelve students in some basic exercises, warm-ups, weaponless drills, before she'd even let them touch the light batons they were starting with on this first day.  Then up to wooden swords, blunted weapons, all the while watching them, learning their names, learning their moves.  She and the other instructors were going to be comparing notes and making sure students were channelled into the right classes for each young woman.  She just hoped they were ready to work hard.<br/>