"Oh?" You can't see anything off in the distance, and you tilt your head to the side. There's no way that Hinnom can see better than you out in the sunlight - but sure enough, a few seconds later, the two forms come into view.

"How did you know?" you ask, surprised, but there's no time for that when the pair is walking straight towards you. They're both swaddled in suncloaks, and for a moment, you're hesitant: maybe it's not the right troll? Sipara hadn't mentioned he'd be with a friend. But then the light catches the smaller one's horns, and the caps flash white in the daylight. You saw his pictures on the forums, and while plenty of trolls dock their horns, adorning the stubs is significantly less common.

The academy is full of highbloods: there isn't a single teacher in your hall that is lower than teal, but even after two sweeps, talking to one makes you feel like you're swallowing nails. But Sipara asked her to retrieve her moirail, and you agreed, so you square your shoulders and steps forward.

"Greetings," you call out. If you pretends this is one of your mock trials, then maybe your voice won't shake. "My name is Marduk Lector, of the Imperial Legislacerator, division eight under Proctor Sungazer."

"I was sent to collect Pheres Dysseu?"