Holy College of Martvilisi, Unitary State of Mktvartvelo"This hall was built and inaugurated in the year 2669, Your Supreme Highness", Chancellor Anachadze explained. "Primarily to satisfy the needs of an increase of student those years. However, with the construction of a second building in the following years, the lecture rooms are mostly used by conferences, cultural events, and courses by visiting professors. And of course, as a place for administrative meetings, and a few personal rooms for some professors, including myself, of course".
"I understand",
Sinatdedopali Tsiuri replied. "The style is a bit minimalist but it looks professional and comfortable".
"Indeed", the Chancellor said. "I believe my predecessors opted for a practical and relatively affordable project".
The Sinatdedopali nodded. "Let me introduce you some more of our professors and scholars", the Chancellor added as they approached to the conference halls, where nearby the door a number of professors were standing in line along the walls close to the entry. She could easily one face, even if it had passed so many years.
"Nice to see you again...Your Supreme Highness", Professor
Aka Salukvadze said.
"You haven't changed much", the Sinatdedopali replied with a smile. "I'm glad to see you here", she added.
Once the salutations and introductions were made, the Chancellor indicated them it was time to enter. As the room was filling, they had still a few minutes left before the start of the ceremony.
"Are these your students?", the Sinatdedopali asked Professor Salukvadze, as they were waiting on the platfrom, behind the curtains, where some appetizers had been prepared.
"Indeed", Aka answered, "some of them are, Your Supreme Highness".
"Oh, come on", the Sinatdedopali cheerfully replied, "such formalities are not required. After all, didn't you drink my blood and didn't I drink your blood?", she asked, not completely with some joyful snide.
"That's right...", Aka replied. "It was, obviously, a long time ago".
"Yes, we were so young", the Sinatdedopali looked back, pensively. "I can remember your face of disgust, after that last sip".
"That's not right!", a surprised but amused Aka replied.
"Maybe so", the Sinatdedopali said with a joyful and calm smile. "But even if that was not the case, I prefer to remember it in that way".
"I was concerned, even if confident, when I read about
your situation", the Sinatdedopali added with a more serious voice and intonation. "I'm glad everything ended positively".
"So I am myself", Aka replied with slightly uncomfortable smile. "While I was offered positions in larger universities, I quite enjoy my time here. It is the right atmosphere".
"What are you working now?", the Sinatdedopali inquiried.
"Something calmer and less ambitious, I guess", Aka answered, "a work on the Mitsvalebulta Hymns and adivination. Along some more personal and banal projects".
"I see", the Sinatdedopali. "Have you heard about the situation in Chrdilo-Dasavlet?", she asked.
"I did", Aka replied. "Although I did not visit the shrine, personally. Even if I had the chance, some time ago. Before I had noticed of this...situation. But I had two students who visited it. Not that she said or described anything which may surprise me".
"I was curious", the Sinatdedopali explained, "because, if I am not wrong, you studied together".
"Yes...", Aka replied. "It was a long time ago and we were just teenagers, of course. But this sudden interest, this sudden fame, caught me by surprise I must say. Even then, Sopho gained a reputation for her talent and sophistication. But I still remember that we felt that such erudition was fated to be moved toward being a magistrate or toward...a more honorary position".
"I can see what you mean", her old friend replied. "Anyway", she continued, "so are you happy here?".
"Certainly", Aka answered. "It is, of course, a different kind of happiness that the one I once enjoyed".
"I can imagine", the Sinatdedopali replied with a smile, "or rather, I can only imagine. I heard you had a kid".
"Indeed", Aka replied.
"I wouldn't mind to meet her, one day", the Sinatdedopali replied with a friendly smile.
"It will be a honour and a pleasure, surely", Aka simply and cheerfully replied.
The conversation was suddenly postponed, as the Chancellor started her intervention after turning the microphone on.