The door creaked open again and the old man finally came out. His blue robe swayed lazily as he walked, and in his hands was a folded green uniform.
He walked straight up to Kaiden, not saying anything at first. Then he shoved the uniform into Kaiden's hands and said flatly, "This is yours."
Kaiden looked down at it. It was simple but looked well made. A clean green fabric, the sleeves trimmed with faint gold lines. He unfolded it slowly and that's when he saw it — a small sigil stitched on the chest. A flame.
"Fire element," the elder said, like he was just confirming what he already knew.
He reached into his robe pocket and pulled out a small metallic badge. He placed it in Kaiden's hand and added, "This will allow you into your dormitory."
Before Kaiden could even say thanks, the man turned around and walked away again. His robe dragged across the floor as the door closed behind him with a dull thud.
Kaiden stared at the uniform for a second, then at the badge in his palm.
