Fifteen years earlier, Peirft Perot approached the Citadel's grand gates with a mixture of nervousness and excitement. The sun dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows over the courtyard as he stepped onto the cobblestones, his footsteps echoing in the quiet.

A group of novice acolytes bustled past him, their robes billowing in the breeze as they chattered excitedly amongst themselves. Peirft couldn't help but feel a pang of envy at their camaraderie, wishing he had friends to share in his journey.

As he entered the Citadel, the grandeur of the ancient structure took his breath away. The vast halls stretched out before him, lined with towering shelves of books and illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight.

Peirft wandered through the corridors, his eyes wide with wonder as he took in the sights and sounds of his new home. He couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer magnitude of knowledge that surrounded him.

Lost in his thoughts, Peirft nearly collided with a passing maester, who shot him a reproachful glance before continuing on his way. "Watch where you're going, boy," the maester muttered gruffly, disappearing around a corner before Peirft could respond.

Embarrassed, Peirft hurried onwards, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. He had hoped to make a good impression on his first day, but it seemed he had already fallen short.

As he navigated the maze-like corridors of the Citadel, Peirft couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation about the journey that lay ahead. But deep down, he knew that he was exactly where he was meant to be, and that no amount of awkward encounters could dampen his spirits.

With renewed determination, Peirft set off to explore his new surroundings, eager to begin his journey into the world of knowledge and discovery.

© WordHeavy