Phaedra walked around the empty plot. Her black ponytail bounced on her back as she looked up and down and all around. The plot was not square, it was reasonably flat and at least there weren't any trees or large rocks to remove. But it was still a far cry from her vision. Just a few months from now there would be a tavern here with an outside bar, a small kitchen and two guestrooms. Phaedra was envisioning a comfy deck with tarp covering, tables and chairs and candlelights. If they could make it be all she wanted, she would graduate with honours AND have a place to start working.

Less than a week later, another young woman was standing on the very same plot of land. This one tanned, freckled and with a long reddish-brown braid. Berenice wasn't as self-assured as Phaedra, but she wanted to do well. There was as much riding on this project for her. She'd spent long  evenings with Phaedra talking and designing and long nights drawing. Now they finally had a plan on paper. Berenice felt there was still a few things that needed changing.Coming here would help her find the inconsistencies... at least she hoped so.

Not too much later, construction on the inn was in full swing. The single labourer, a stocky, pale-skinned young man with a round face and an easy smile, was building the outline wall brick by brick. Kerry whistled while working, not minding that it was early. He'd stop around noon anyway and would return to work in the evening. Berenice would come later to inspect his work and give him the specs for the following day. Since he was working by himself, it would take a while to complete the structure, but Kerry didn't mind taking on the project.He would enjoy crafting something from the ground up all on his own.

A few weeks came and went and the rough structure of the inn was up. Amyna frowned and tried to imagine it all. She knew the project had specified they needed a cloth roof which was why she'd signed up.... but this was more than a summer party tent where people could sit and have a few drinks. There were two guest rooms, a kitchen and a small room meant for washing up. Sure she could make a weave big enough to cover it all. But people would not like it when a rainstorm hit and their bedding got soaked. Speaking off, for that bedding she had a lot of ideas... but that was beside the point for now.
"A wooden roof with skylights would be better." And those skylights would need frames they could close too. But she did not say that last bit out loud yet.
Kerry nodded: "I've been telling Berenice that but she is not really ready to change her plans."
"What's Phaedra saying?" Amyna asked.
"As long as she gets her tavern I think she'll be happy."
"So we go talk to Berenice."
"It's too early." Kerry shrugged.
"That might be even better." Amyna smirked and she stomped off.

The sun was setting when Berenice was finally ready to talk to them. All four of the Remyndal Hall students were now present at the building site. It wasn't a thing that had happened before. The inn seemed to hold it's breath.
"I'm just saying that having a roof over the rooms would probably improve the experience for the people staying there." Amyna butted heads, "And make certain the furniture lasts."
"But we wanted to allow the air inside, to have that camping feel." Berenice argued.
"I can make bigger windows." Kerry offered.
"Add shutters though." Amyna said.
"I don't know if you can make something that can be put up and taken down depending on the forecast? I did love the idea of sleeping under the night sky." Phaedra said.
"I think that's why we're all here." Berenice sighed, figuring she'd have to change her plans.

Opening night came and saw the finished tavern and inn with a mostly fixed roof but side panels that could be dismantled. The deck in front of the bar was covered by a huge, colourful tarp and adorned with lanterns. In the back the two rooms had access to a small, private deck with an outside fireplace. In the summer most people would leave the panels open, but if a storm came, they'd be able to close off the rooms. Kerry and Berenice had discussed long hours to make it work. The insides of the rooms had been decorated and looked plush and cosy. Amyna's contribution not having stopped at a roof. And to string it all together, Phaedra was already welcoming people. She'd compiled a small menu and so far opening night seemed to be a succes. But she knew that the true test was coming still. And with autumn coming they did not have too much time.

But Phaedra would have to wait a while before she could fulfill her dream. Because a certain headmistress was also among the invited. She liked what she saw and knew it was time to send more of her pupils out into the big world. Amasia knew they would return, at one time, but they would be wiser, stronger and they'd have a companion. Her own purple wher purred as the headmistress petted her lovingly.
"Let's make some more connections, shall we?" Amasai said and gestured for the four students to come closer.

Lantessama Isle