Knights Against the Night Part 11

The Workshop always went quiet on Christmas.

It was a little startling if you wasn't used to it.

Even the elves slept in on the morning after the big day.

Beano and Mars hadn't, taking advantage of the quiet.

They sat on the roof, watching the dawn, and checking off options.

"Well teaching and the guard is off straight away." Beano said.

"We knew that already." Mars said, setting aside the paperwork.

"Mentoring?" Beano asked, frowning. "I thought that was what some of the older kids did."

Mars glanced over, looking over the mouse's head to examine the papers.

"Field work mentorship." Mars said, considering.

"That... might be an option." Beano said, eyes lighting.

Mars tapped one of the requirements. "Psyche."

Beano sighed. "Why do I get a feeling even the cleaners get given to Phych?"

"I could..." Mars offered, half hearted.

Beano shrugged. "We'll have to brave the healing rooms eventually."

Mars pushed the mentor paperwork to the side.

"Not yet." Mars said, "Maybe later."

"Research." Beano said. "No psyche required."

Mars shook his head, "Not for me. Might be good for you."

"The healers." Beano snorted, "Psyche required, but you can start the basic training beforehand."

"I doubt I have the patience. Not really a Ted job, is it?" Mars said.

Beano's tail flicked, "You would have to start at the beginning, bet you might end up in classes with baby dolls."

Mars shook his head, "Not until I pass the Psyche. I can barely believe they let us attend the party without testing us."

"They didn't have much choice." Beano replied, "Unless they wanted to lock us in our rooms for a week, and they won't do that unless we prove dangerous."

Mars put aside the healers leaflet, considering it and wondering if it would be possible to get the basics without being railroaded into the rest.

A possibility to bring up later, when he had more information. Would be good to give Beano something else to focus on.

"Shame we didn't have any Dolls. Might have been useful." Mars said.

"Maybe." Beano readily agreed, glancing over the burn scars guiltily. "I'm... sorry" He offered.

Mars shook his head, "There was nothing you could have done." but even as he said it, he knew Beano wouldn't believe him, still blaming himself for falling into the dark when the house was under attack.

"Den mother." Beano said, smirking. "And look, another Phych eval."

Mars laughed, "I can see why they don't get many of those."

Beano paused, an idea occurring to him. "Do you remember having a den mother? I don't think I do. I don't think I know anyone who did..."

Mars glanced over. "No. I didn't. Didn't get a mentor either, in or out of the field."

Beano nodded, eyes clouded in thought, "And the classes are larger now. I checked the rankings."

Mars tilted his head. "There are more students."

"Yes..." Beano trailed off. "And less support staff."

"Oh."

"It's getting worse."