Work Text:
"Iris, wait!"
I turned around from where I stood on a secluded balcony, the sounds of the party growing as my field of view shifted toward the building. It was Faith, because of course it was. The collegia's second and one of my closer friends. I'd tried to maintain at least a nominal relationship with all the researchers assigned under me, but Faith had been the most insistent about following tradition and thus we'd spent the most time bonding out of any of the others. Faith was pretty, and far better at it than I was, if I ever stopped to admit that, but blushing faces and distracted workers trailed wherever Faith went, and that was rather disruptive.
"What is it, Faith?" I asked. I tried to keep my exhaustion from showing in my voice. It had been a long day, and I wanted to be well rested for tomorrow.
"I just..." Faith stopped, trying to put emotion to words, "I know us passing review isn't certain. And I want you to know that it's ok. If they rule against us, we'll figure it out."
I flinched, my already battered ego calling out for mercy. The fact that some powerful exectus had it out for me wasn't exactly a well kept secret, but that it had spread all the way into my cohort of oblivious friends hurt, and Faith's lack of the same was even more painful. I didn't even know who it was that had it out for me. I'd asked Astis about it, but even my former professor didn't know why my requests for grants kept being denied. Grants for inconsequential amounts of money, compared to the funds other projects needed. All I needed was enough to thank the dozen odd students for helping me in their spare time. It wasn't like theoretical architecture needed any materials.
But Faith was still waiting for a reply, and I had to say something reassuring. "It'll be fine. I have enough saved away to keep this afloat for another term or so, even if they do deny us again."
At that, Faith rushed towards me and it was a mark of how often people had done this to me since I graduated that I didn't step back.
"Iris, you're amazing!! I knew you'd think of something." I couldn't help but smile just a little at the sheer enthusiasm that filled Faith's voice. That cheerful hum could brighten a room in seconds.
"Oh shush." I sighed, "I really should be getting to bed, though, can you say my goodbyes for me?"
Faith gave an exaggerated salute and bounced off, leaving me alone once again. I turned back to the balcony, staring at the city below. The lower districts were still shining, streets illuminated by the oil fountains, burning away at all hours. It was late enough that guildside had closed, and you could trace the border by which houses still had windows lit. It was a nice city. My city. But I was too tired to properly appreciate the care and though put into its design. It was fascinating, and on a good day I could ramble for hours about it, but I was trying to save up all that energy for the review tomorrow. I yawned. It was late. I'd already been excused from the party. I should just go rest.
The sky had cleared up overnight and sun had heated the street to a comfortable warmth. People were out and about, but I hadn't passed many on my way to the exectus' hall. I'd been taking the quieter side streets, rehearsing my speech over and over in my mind. A review could go in whatever direction the exectus' cared for, and I wanted to be ready. I'd heard of people having whole teams assigned to them, or being fined instead of offered the grants they asked for. Without a patron, it was all up to luck, whether you got a favorable committee or a disinterested one.
Guilt ripped at me as I strode on. I'd had several offers over the years, and turned down each one. Even Astis offered, though my old mentor backed down once I'd explained I simply wasn't interested. I was quite happy squandering my potential on "trivialities" as they were so often called. Patrons entailed work, and losing the independence I'd worked so hard for. Plus, they never had interesting requests. I had no interest in working on glorified art projects, designing yet another luxury residence for guildside, or more gardens for the upper city which, quite frankly, had more than enough of them already.
I noticed my walking had turned to stomping when a flock of birds across the street took flight. I drew in a breath. I had to be calm. Anger was the enemy of reason, and all that. I'd never been one for those sorts of teaching, but I begrudgingly agreed that focused breathing helped. Besides, I didn't have any real issue. Like I'd told Faith, I had enough funds stored away to keep the collegia going for one or two terms. Three if I really stretched it. Even if we never managed to get a grant, we'd have enough time to wrap up our research.
And then I was there. The square itself was crowded. Mostly people sitting on the benches, enjoying the shade. There wasn't much foot traffic, almost all of which was between the incoming streets and the exectus' hall. It was a wonderful building, only slightly tainted by the bad memories of late. I crossed the plaza, waving back to a few acquaintances as I did. I tried to soak in the sunlight. The hall's major flaw, in my professional opinion, was a lack of windows. There was the large skylight in the audience chamber, but the side passages relied on lantern light, which gave occupants a distinctly ratlike feeling as they wandered through the paneled maze.
I walked up to the guard sitting outside and waved. Standard rapier and helmet, but no armored vest and lacking proper posture, I noted. A new recruit then.
"Hello there. I'm here for a review of my collegia, led by Exectus Zara?"
The guard nodded to me, answering, "The previous review is running late. You'll be a while, Junior Professor Iris."
Brow furrowing, I asked, "How Long?"
"Could be an hour or–" The guard began, before getting cut off by another voice.
"Iris, Doll!" And I turned around with a proper smile this time, because that voice couldn't belong to anyone by Astis.
"I thought you were busy teaching, Professor."
Astis strode over and wrapped an arm around my shoulders, my tall, lanky frame making the motion harder, but not impossible, making up for the height difference with well muscled arms, more accustomed than I to projects that required just as much doing, as thinking. About a month into my first class, I'd realized that Astis could physically restrain me with just one hand, and had to miss three whole days while I got over the embarrassment of having such a thought. I'd fantasized about being in a collegia with her a few times, I admit, since my mentor was about as traditional as you could get, but fortunately I'd never been offered the temptation.
I blinked out of my embarrassed reverie to catch the second half of her reply, "...and so I took a detour to check on you."
"Thank you," I murmured. "Where are we going?"
In response, Astis pulled me through the door of a small cafe. I'd seen it before–the I thought the owner might have a second location in the lower districts somewhere–but I'd never gone in. I didn't tend towards cafes in general. On the seldom occasions I put thought into my food, I preferred to make something for myself. Guests generally praised my cooking, not that I thought it was anything special. But I could nibble at a pastry during social events, and a meal with my mentor was something I'd never pass up. Then Astis had relinquished me, sliding into the chair, gesturing for me to take the remaining seat when I saw who else was seated at our table.
I froze.
"Bricks and mortar, what are you doing here." I spat, my fragile cheer shattered in an instant.
Tendence, my self-proclaimed rival and former classmate, glanced up from the distressingly tasty looking treats already arranged on the table and gave me the most superior, scum sucking grin I'd ever received in my life, which was saying a lot, given how I'd spent five whole years studying directly under Astis with this arrogant twat. And it clearly wasn't enough to pull me into contest after contest, declaring victory over me or slinky away without ever acknowledging defeat, no, Tendence had to show up and ruin my first real chance to talk with Astis in the past year. By all the hells, I simply couldn't catch a break.
"I was invited. " Tendence bragged.
I groaned internally, and looked desperately at Astis. The look I received did not fill me with hope. So, with the bounds of propriety leaving me no other option, I sat down at the table. Knowing it was the only reliable way to annoy Tendence, I smoothed out my expression and put on my most professional mask. The conceited little brat across from me lifted up a circular pastry and took a bite out of it, visibly savoring the taste. That was fine by me. If the game was wait for me to break, I'd simply hold strong. I'd endured more during the nightmare that was group projects with this idiot.
When it became clear I wasn't going to talk to Tendence unprompted, my former mentor sighed. "Have you two really not learned to get along yet?"
I started, "I'm not the one–" at the exact same time that Tendence replied, "I have no issue–"
We both broke off mid sentence, my angered glare matched with yet another condescending smirk. And Astis wondered why we didn't like each other. Actually, Astis probably knew full well about our animosity and the reasons for it. We hadn't exactly been subtle about our disagreements. But I was supposed to be acting pleasant out of respect for the person sitting next to me, so I'd put up with Tendence's antics. I picked something from the arrangement before me at random, and took a bite. It was very good. Little wafers of crispness sandwiched around some sort of cream filling.
"So, I hear you have a little review coming up. Nervous~?" Tendence let out a little trill of laughter that made me grit me teeth together.
I wanted to break those annoyingly fashionable glasses adorning the ever conceited expression, but since that would put me up for a very different sort of review, I had to suffice with feigning nonchalantness as I replied, "Not at all. The collegia will continue our research regardless of whether today's exectus decides we're worth of a grant."
"Oh wow, look at the well funded junior professor!" Tendence's voice actually contained a hint of admiration, which I took as a sign that the part of my brain which detected sarcasm had completely given up.
Astis broke in before I could snap back, "You could skip these reviews entirely, if you accepted my offer of patronage, you know. I know how much you value your independence, but we could always work something out."
"The Professor, is great, Iris! You really should." Tendence added, which made me look up from where I was glaring into my treat.
"Wait, you've patroned Tendence?" I asked.
"Of course," Astis answered, "Its an offer I make to all my best students"
I bit my lip, "I appreciate the offer, truly. But I have to turn you down."
We talked for a while afterwards. Astis mostly gave up on trying to recruit me, and the conversation shifted instead to various city politics. I could care less, but that unfortunately didn't stop the various guild leaders from continually arguing about things that severely impacted my life. Apparently the newest scuffle was about food prices and taxes on guild side. I didn't know there was anything to debate about, but apparently our prestigious leaders had found a way to bring conflict to, 'lets pay the people who catch our food.'
Halfway through a rant about the economy of the lower districts, Astis cut off, "...we really should be going now. Tendence, you know where to meet me afterwards?"
After a nod from Tendence, Astis stood and offered me a hand. I accepted it gladly, and we left the shop together. Anything to get away from the glasses festooned bother of a researcher. The time had passed rather quickly, I noted. But it was good to be early, and the plaza had gotten more crowded since we'd entered. The guard on rotation had changed as well, this one wearing the full outfit of the city watch. I didn't have to introduce myself this time either. Asits was a notable enough figure among the city that we were waved through without question.
The inside of the building was absolutely stunning, and it always took the edge off whatever nerves I was feeling. It was the only side of the hall with windows, which was food for the mosaic the city had commissioned. It spanned the entire audience chamber floor, and, if rumors were to be believed, it required maintenance almost twice a term. It was a map of the city, each building represented by a geometric shape that best conveyed its purpose, designed to show the organic nature of the separate districts bordering each other. Or that was what the plaque on the wall said, anyways.
I'd argued both for and against the concept, and didn't really have a fixed opinion about it. The most definitive conclusion I'd come to was that the city itself might be considered an organism, but the construction and expansion of each individual district was motivated by decidedly systemic forces. And the money and political agendas of the city's leaders, but I left that unsaid on all my papers. Still, it was pretty. The tile work was masterfully done, and the colors shone true no matter the lighting, which was impressive, given the lighting was completely dependent on sunlight or moonlight filtering through whatever weather the skies blessed us with each day.
I walked through the audience chamber to the side door labeled, 'Exectus Zara', then looked back at Astis, questioningly. I saw a strange look on the older researcher's face. The expression disappeared in an instant, though, and was replaced with by an encouraging smile.
I faced my professor just long enough to hear a, "Good luck!" before I turned and stepped through the entryway.
The side room was much smaller than the main audience chamber, which only sat hearings twice a day. This room had a stand for the subject to speak from, and a chair on a raised portion of the floor for the exectus. Aside from that, the only furniture was a row of chairs on one side of the room, for observers. I doubted we would have any of those unless the exectus had invited some. The room was lit by a singular lamp, burning bright from the little alcove behind the throne-like seat in front of me.
It was designed to illuminate the petitioner, while masking the identity of the one overseeing any affairs taking place. An interesting idea, blending metaphor into physical space, but in reality, all it did was give prospective guild members a headache. And besides, the concept was ruined by the fact that the side chambers were labeled with the names of their occupants. Zara in particular, was the opposite of reclusive. Just about everyone knew the outgoing exectus. Blinding light or no, I could easily picture the standard-issue red cloak, adorned with years upon years of trophies, pins, and other trinkets haphazardly placed upon it.
"Speak," Came the stern-but-welcoming voice.
I drew in a breath. It wasn't like my performance at this stage mattered to whoever it was that kept ordering my grant applications be denied, but still. It was better to get this right.
"I am here petitioning the city's exectus for a grant to pursue my studies in theoretical architecture, as described by the city charter. I request enough to employ myself and seven part time researchers, whose names are included in my written application."
"Explain the purpose of your studies, for any witnesses and the record." Standard practice, and something Zara must have said at least five times today already, judging by the bored tone in which it was said.
"My collegia and I are continuing our study of the guiding principles that define each city district's architecture and how they impact future construction projects within the city limits, as well as further the collective knowledge within the city's library."
That last bit was true of every collegia operating under the city charter, as well as every professor and researcher within the walls. It was part of the oath you made during your graduation, but it didn't hurt to sprinkle into the middle of reviews like these. And I knew that Exectus Zara in particular was much more generous to people who were enthusiastic about the findings their research could obtain. I was never optimistic to the point of wishfulness, but I did believe in the work I was doing, and I wanted to reaffirm that with the exectus. Zara, meanwhile, had raised a hand to cut me off.
"Have the bounds of your project changed at all in the past term?"
I paused, "...no?"
There was a sigh.
"Then I'm afraid I will have to deny your request once again."
"What?" I asked, shocked, "Exectus Zara, at least let me finish my–"
"I'm sorry, Iris, Dear. But a decision has already been reached on this matter. Effective immediately, the city withdraws its sponsorship of your collegia. Unless you have a patron willing to oversee you in our stead, you are obligated to turn in all your research to the city library, and cease all unsanctioned research."
Dread started pooling in my stomach. This wasn't allowed, surely. A single exectus couldn't just make that decision for me, a whole group had to be involved, and- And that meant that an entire council had agreed on this. It had to be my mysterious political opponent, but why? I didn't have any political rivals, save perhaps Tendence, I supposed, and I wasn't doing anything important, much as it stung to admit, so why? In time of prosperity the city never had any issues with sponsoring research purely to satisfy the researcher. Anyone graduate could start a collegia, provided you could find the initial five members, and... stars, what was I going tell Faith and the others.
"Please, Exectus, you can't!" I was begging and I didn't care. The city couldn't just dissolve
Zara's voice was at least kind, with the reply of, "This was decided without my input, Junior Professor. Though I at least have the authority to grant you a day or so to find a patron, if you wish."
Tears threatened the corners of my eyes, "Then who decided it? Tell me and I'll talk to them! There has to be a way, I can't just–"
"Iris. This is done. You can't change the city's will. Accept the judgment now or I will have to add to the record that you resisted sentencing."
Through the glare of light reflecting through my watery eyes, I saw the exectus lean over the wooden stand separating us, and add, in a much quieter tone, "I can't patron you myself, but if you'd like, I could arrange lunch between you and one of my close friends. I know you've been open about not wanting a patron but..."
The offer trailed off into nothingness as I shook my head. "Thank you. Truly. But I'll figure this out myself."
I stood in the plaza outside, arms crossed, lightly shaking. Astis hadn't been waiting for me and I didn't know what to do. I couldn't fight this. Zara had been clear enough about that. And I couldn't bring myself to go back to my collegia–which wasn't even mine, anymore–not yet. All I could do was stand here, and try not to cry. I should find a patron. I knew so many people who would take me in, but I couldn't. I couldn't just give in to the whims of someone else. What if they changed? What if I changed?
My surroundings were opposite to my emotions. The sun had started to go down and more people had taken to the benches and less were walking up and down the access streets. There was talking and laughing, a group of younger children playing some sort of skipping game under an awning. Aside from one curious glance I received from a passing student, no one noticed me or acknowledged my presence. Aside from me and whichever exectus had been involved, not a soul knew about the news tearing my heart in two. The number likely wouldn't go up. It would be published to the city records, of course, but no one looked at the recent ones anyways. Then, in possibly the only way this mess of emotions could get any more conflicting, came Astis, arm in arm with Tendence.
"Iris! Wait up!" It was Tendence, leaving Astis and running up to me.
"What's the matter?" Astis added, seconds behind.
I flinched away from the concerned glances, hating the lump in my throat, "Um, it's just... I- The review didn't go as planned. I spoke to Exectus Zara and the city has withdrawn its sponsorship of my collegia."
Tendence let out a little gasp and said, "They can't do that! There's nothing about theoretical architecture that could be harmful to other researchers or the city itself! Right?" Tendence looked to our former professor for affirmation.
"In extreme cases, the city can decide a researcher's talents are required elsewhere." Astis paused, "Which if anything, should be taken as a compliment."
When that didn't cheer me up, Astis winced and changed course, "Did Exectus Zara give you any way to continue your research?"
"I can find a patron, but..." I trailed off. "I can't, Professor. I can't just give up. I worked so hard to get here and–"
Astis put a hand on my shoulder, cutting me off, "Iris. I know. I saw firsthand just how hard you fought, but some things just can't be. You understand that, right?"
I drew in a breath, then nodded.
With that simple acknowledgment, Asits reached down and pulled a leafed tablet out of a bag I'd been too distraught to notice. It was a new addition, I hadn't seen it when we'd had lunch, so my professor must have picked it up while I was still in my audience with Zara. As for the tablet itself, I recognized it immediately. The language was unique to patronage agreements, if the large seal of city approval and conveniently placed signature didn't give it away. As soon as I saw it, I knew I was going to sign it, but bricks and mortar and stars above, I didn't want to.
"It has a provision that I'm not allowed to assign you work until the two of us and a neutral third party agree that your current studies are completed. As well as one retracting my right to bar members of your current collegia from working with you in the future."
I shut my eyes and reached to take it. I breathed out a quiet, "Okay." And signed.
I traced my full name onto the paper, my finger tingling slightly as the ink leached from it onto the page. I swiped across, setting everything in place and handed it back. I didn't need to read the exact terms. I trusted that Astis had worded the two provisions correctly. I wouldn't agree to this with anyone I trusted less. And the contract itself linked itself to the city charter, which defined a more stable definition of the relationship between patron and researcher than any scribe could hope to pen. As I signed, I felt what little faith still remained from earlier in the day break away completely. All that was left was to hope that Astis was kind to me. It wasn't like I'd have any luck with the city after this.
"Thank you, Iris. This is for the best, and I hope one day you'll understand."
I shook my head. This couldn't be for the best. I couldn't accept that. But it was the only option I had that let me and Faith and the rest of my collegia stay together. I half listened Tendence let out some excited babble, and found I didn't have the strength to resist the arms that wrapped around my middle. Astis meanwhile, had retrieved the contract and stowed it away somewhere. It seemed we were skipping the formalities, but I couldn't be bothered to care. The up and down whirlwind of emotions had stripped away everything other than my desire to fall into a bed and rest.
"Now," Astis started, looking to me, "I have other things I need to get to, but before I go, Tendence will be joining you in your research, understood?"
Then, without waiting for my reply, my former professor turned patron looked at Tendence, "You've done very well in your own work, Little Thing, so you may have this as your reward. Escort Iris back, alright? I'll arrange your possessions to arrive tomorrow."
"Professor–" I tried to cut in.
"This isn't a punishment for you, Iris, but a reward for Tendence. You might as well start learning to live together now. Once your current study is done, you'll likely both be staying in my residence with me." With that, Astis ruffled Tendence's hair, nodded to me, and turned to walk away.
I opened my mouth to say something, anything, but then shut it. I wouldn't debase myself like that, not in public, and especially not in front of the endlessly cheerful brat next to me. I glared at Tendence, who had turned to wave farewell to Astis. A reward for good work indeed. At least I could take pleasure in the fact that my ever-enthusiastic rival would hate this nearly as much as I would. I scoffed, then glared back at the questioning glance I received. Stars, I hated just how perfectly those glasses framed Tendence's face. Stupid brat.
"So," I asked, "What did you do to get stuck with me? Must've been pretty bad."
"Oh?" Tendence replied.
I blinked. "You hate me. I assume Astis knows that."
"Hate–" Tendence began, before breaking out laughing, "Astis was right, you really are that unobservant, wow. I don't hate you Iris! I tease you a lot, but only because your reactions are so good."
When it became obvious I was too stunned to speak, Tendence added, "Professor Astis has been maneuvering towards this for years. Did you really never notice?"
"I- What?"
I hadn't been expecting that. Maneuvering for what? To get me to make up with Tendence of all people? No, the seriousness that had accompanied the question led to more than just that. But the only other thing that could refer to was- And I froze, because it would make a horrible amount of sense if the person who had wanted to be my patron longer than any other was also the one who'd pushed the city into revoking its sponsorship. But my mentor wouldn't do that, right? Astis had connections, of course, and those connections might even be able to pass a judgment like the one I'd been faced with, but...
I drew in a breath. "Whoever's been denying my grant requests- that wasn't Astis, right?"
A look of genuine concern overtook Tendence's face, "Oh. You really didn't know. I'm sorry, Iris."
I stumbled in place, falling into Tendence's offered arms. I thought I had Astis' approval. I know my mentor had always believed I could do more for the world with my other skills, but- Stars. I'd signed the contract. In the eyes of the city I was Astis' now, and there wasn't anything I could do without putting forth for a full-scale trial. I couldn't just sit here, accept my place beneath others after I'd worked for so long to be independent. But my new patron had been able to push the city into cutting it's support of my collegia without me ever knowing, it wasn't a stretch to imagine the same fate of any attempts to dissolve our contract. And that meant... I had no choice but to accept this.
I straightened up, and walked with my new researcher, to my old home, and waited for the next day.