L'académie
an excerpt

“I know the truth behind everything.”

Tupo took in the impassive white face there before him. It shone with a lustrue like pearl in the dying afternoon sun, standing stark against the figures black clothes. The face was as much a contrast to the figures clothes as he was to his surrounds. Closed eyes that couldn't possibly see stared back down at him, as lush pink blossoms fell and twirled about him. If there was any sign of shock or surprise, there was no sign of it.

“I've been here almost ten years,” Tupo continued, not bothering to keep the edge from his voice. Everything was resting on this moment, and he intended to make it count. “You think I'm not smart enough to work it out eventually? It's not like there's much to keep us seniors busy when we get to this point.”

The face continued to regard Tupo. Those closed eyes and thin nose, leading to an equally thin mouth, with just the hint of a pout. Still, there was something of total ambivilience in that fixed expression. It was one that never changed. Tupo knew it too well, and it was a face he had worn himself enough times, or at least one similar enough. The figure put out a black gloved hand, placing it delicately against the trunk of the tree behind him. The reply that came was quiet and considered.