The Schoolyard of St. Alma's.
Two students are walking together, when a third student comes up to them. They greet each other casually.
3rd Student: Did you hear what just happened?
1st Student: No, what?
2nd Student (excited):Tell us.
3rd Student: You know the lynx in the other class? Rita, I think?
2nd Student: Risha.
3rd Student: That's it. Well, she just attacked Alys!
1st Student: What! Why?
3rd Student:No idea, she just pounced on her. Fortunately, two professors were nearby and they managed to pull her off.
2nd Student: How awful! Poor Alys. Was she badly hurt?
3rd Student: I don't think so. One of the professors took her to the infirmary.
1st Student: What about the lynx?
3rd Student: I suppose she was taken to the principal's office. I wouldn't want to be in her clothes right now.
2nd Student: Me neither. Do you think she'll get expelled?
1st Student: Not likely, don't you know who her father is? The School isn't going to throw out the daughter of a national hero.
2nd Student: That's so unfair! if it had been one of us...
3rd Student: Some people really do have it easy. At least she'll most definitely get a public trashing for this, as well as having to apologize to Alys.
1st Student: Serves her right. Still, I wonder what made her do such a thing?
2nd Student: Oh, who cares? Say, you girls are still up for tonight, right?
The 1st and Student both nod. At this point, the bell rings. All three immediately head for their next lesson.
*****
Meanwhile, Nasari is entertaining two guests in her garden. Said guests are none other than Alys' parents.
Alys' father: It's unfortunate that the General should happen to be out of town on the day we decided to visit.
Nasari: Oh, you know, his work keeps him busy.
Alys' mother: Where is he now?
Nasari: He's inspecting the troops stationed near the boarder to Frigonia.
Alys' father: Hmmm...You can never be too careful when it comes to those northerners.
Leorin, who has been sitting next to Nasari, suddenly tugs at her sleeve.
Leorin: Mooom! I'm bored, can I go play?
Nasari: Yes, but don't go too far. Albert, keep an eye on him, will you?
Albert: Yes, my Lady.
Alys' father: How old is the boy now?
Nasari: He'll be six this year.
Alys' mother: I seem to recall you having a daughter, as well?
Nasari: Yes. She's at school, but she'll be home for the holidays.
Alys' father: I take it that the school she's attending is St. Alma's?
Nasari: Naturally.
Alys' mother: Our Alys is about the same age as your daughter, I think. She, too, is at St. Alma's.
Nasari: Hopefully, our daughters get along as well as we do.
Alys' mother: I wouldn't worry about that.
Alys' father: Yes, I'm sure they're the best of friends.
