The next day came...
Alaric woke early, the pre-dawn light just beginning to filter through his window. He'd slept well despite the late planning session, mind already shifting into the day's priorities.
The second debate was in two days. Everything hinged on their performance there.
He dressed, reviewed his notes one final time, then headed down to breakfast.
The dining hall was less crowded this early, mostly the students who rose before dawn to study or train. Alaric grabbed his food and claimed a quiet corner table.
He'd barely taken three bites when Oliver appeared, looking considerably less awake.
"Morning," Oliver mumbled, dropping into the seat across from him. "Why are you up so early?"
"Work to do."
Oliver studied him for a moment, then shook his head. "You know, most people would be stressed out of their minds helping run someone's campaign while maintaining perfect grades in. You just... do it."
"Stress is unproductive."
