Page 35 of A Dose of Agony
“Oh, well, you know, not as well as they would be if I had the structure of daily classes.”
He lifts a brow. “That’s not because you’re incapable of learning an immense amount on your own. In fact, I suspect you could exceed expectations by studying at your own pace. If you are not doing as much as you would, that is due to your own motivation. Tell me, are you not motivated to learn about Orizian culture?”
Oh, great, more guilt.
“I am interested. Greatly interested, actually. It’s mostly that some other topics are more pressing.”
“Like?”
I sigh. “Like… brewing potions to protect myself. Like learning about the Akrasia Games, so I can figure out how to save my sister.”
Though my involvement in the Akrasia Games hasn’t been a secret for months, and my sister’s involvement is now pretty common knowledge as well, most people in the supernatural world don’t react well to the casual mention of the games. I’m tired of beating around the bush, though, and for whatever reason, I trust this professor.
To his credit, he doesn’t so much as blink at my divulgence.
“How about following the war, that—if I may be so bold—centers around your family.”
My stomach twists. “I would love to understand more about what’s going on with the war, but Laithe isn’t very forthcoming. And it’s not like there are any books I can study about events happening now.”
“No, there are not. But have you considered the possibility that you might be thrust into that conflict soon? Wouldn’t it be of utmost importance—behind your physical protection, of course—to understand as much about the culture and language of the world you are so entangled in?”
Apprehension curls in my gut. “Yes.”
He smiles. “Wonderful. Now that’s settled, let’s see if we can get you caught up.”
My private lesson with Professor Zyair lasts for a full ninety minutes and consists of monotonous repetition of strange words I’ve been trying my best to memorize.
“Good work today, Candice. I feel I have adequately motivated you to being serious about your Orizian studies, and so I’m confident you will make great strides this week. I’d also like you to write an essay. It can be on any topic regarding the culture. I’m sure your friend Laithe would be more than helpful on the matter. It won’t require much studying. It’s the translation that will be the most work. I would like it written in Orizian.”
My eyes flare. “I don’t know that many words—”
“You can write the essay in Earth English and translate each phrase. Use the English alphabet for now. Perhaps next week, I’ll assign you to translate the English words into High Orizian symbols. That’s also an important skill, but for now verbal understanding is priority.”
I wrinkle my nose. That is not going to be fun. “All right. How long does it have to be?”
“Two pages.”
I nod. “I have a few questions if you wouldn’t mind diverting the topic for a few minutes.”
“Of course not.”
“This might be an odd question, so I hope it’s okay. But are you nonbinary? Or what are you pronouns?”
His brow flicks up, but it’s followed by an amused smile. “My species is genderless if that is what you mean.”
“Yes. So, do you prefer to be referred to as they/them in English?”
He tilts his head.
“I ask because I’ve begun using those pronouns for Laithe, and I thought maybe you’d like the same?”
“Gender is meaningless to my people. You can refer to me in any way you like.”
Same response Laithe first gave. “But saying ‘he came to Elite Hall to instruct me’ is incorrect, isn’t it?”
“I suppose so.”
“So, I will use genderless pronouns.”
