Rewriting Eternity

ESTELLA GLENDEWOOD
Not gonna lie, it was fun. The game was fun. Experiencing this eight-hour challenge with Carsein turns out to be not that bad after all. I feel a quiet warmth inside, a sense that the bond between Carsein and me grows closer with every trial we face. It is as if the long hours of danger and adventure melt away our old doubts, leaving only trust and something even deeper-a connection that promises a brighter future.

"Haaaa, I can't believe I survive this 8-hour game. Let's head to the field," I say aloud, stretching out my arm toward Carsein. He nods in agreement, his eyes reflecting both relief and satisfaction. Together, we set off.

We arrive at the field, and I see that many students are making their way there, chatting and laughing about their experiences. The atmosphere is light and celebratory. I glance around and my eyes widen in delight-there is a long table set up with an impressive spread of food. Platters of roasted meats, bowls overflowing with vibrant salads, freshly baked bread, and sparkling fruits create a feast fit for royalty. The aroma of spices and herbs fills the air, and my stomach rumbles in anticipation.

Before we can settle in, the dean's voice rings out, crisp and authoritative:
"Alright, students, take a seat and have your feast! After this, you can take a rest in your tent and tomorrow morning, we will announce the winner."

The words create a buzz among the crowd, and I feel excitement stir within me as I step toward the table with Carsein by my side. Once we reach the food, I pause for a moment-my eyes scanning the lively throng for a familiar face. I need to find Fiona.

"ESTELLAAAA!" I suddenly hear someone screaming in excitement. My heart skips a beat. I see Kendrick calling out, his voice high and urgent. I turn and spot Fiona standing behind him, her smile radiant even in the hustle of the moment.

Without a second thought, I break into a run toward her. I close the distance and envelop her in a tight hug. "FIONA, HOW ARE YOU?" I ask breathlessly, pressing my face against her shoulder. She pats my back gently, her voice warm and joyful as she replies that she does quite well in the game. I feel a surge of happiness at her words-it means a lot to me that she is doing well.

"Hey, Estella, why did you ignore me?" Kendrick whines in a teasing tone as he steps forward, half-joking yet clearly wanting attention. Before I can retort, Carsein steps in with a smirk and a playful glint in his eye, "Maybe because she don't care about you." The light teasing sends a ripple of laughter through our little group, and I can't help but smile at their banter.

"Alright, you guys, let's go and take a seat and have our meal," I say firmly, holding Fiona's hand as we weave through the crowd toward the long table. The field is abuzz with excited chatter and the clinking of cutlery as students begin to settle down.

We find a cozy spot at the table, and the conversation soon flows freely.
Kendrick, ever the mischief-maker, pipes up, "Estella, you really need to stop ignoring me if you want to be part of the fun!" He grins, nudging me playfully. I roll my eyes and reply, "Maybe because I'm too busy saving my energy for the really important battles, Kendrick."

Fiona laughs softly and adds, "Well, I think we all know who really led the charge out there. It's not every day you see someone juggling danger with that kind of grace." Her tone is warm, and I feel a blush rise on my cheeks as Carsein grins at me proudly.

The conversation drifts from one topic to another. Carsein recounts a particularly thrilling moment from the race when he narrowly deflected a spell aimed at me, and I listen, both amused and touched. Kendrick interjects with humorous exaggerations, and Fiona offers thoughtful insights on teamwork and strategy. Every word, every shared smile, cements the sense that we are all survivors-and more importantly, that we are a family in this academy.