Azul and Kalim

Azul is surprised to hear of Kalim’s conduct n Book 4, and upon making his way into Scarabia suggests that they take the opportunity to between relations between the two dorms.

When Jamil cautions against it Azul concedes, saying in front of Kalim, “Back to spending yet another holiday stuck indoors in the dead of winter, just the three of us. It’s unavoidable, I suppose…,” supported by Jade and Floyd (Grim: “Layin’ on the guilt trip a little thick there, don’t ya think?!”)

This successfully causes Kalim to intervene in favor of Azul, as he is one of the top mages in the school, “Scarabia would benefit greatly from having him over,” and “turning away esteemed guests out of hand would bring shame upon the Asim family name.” 

Azul says he will “be more than happy to share any insights” that he has and proceeds to do so, sharing various tips with Kalim on how to improve studying efficiency.

Kalim observes, “You know a lot about this stuff, Azul. I’m impressed. And here I was just pushing for frantic hard work with no real direction. I think I’ve put my students in an unfair position,” but Azul encourages him with, “Everyone makes mistakes…There’s still room to make up for lost time.”

Azul is Kalim’s interviewer for his fourth birthday vignette, saying, “To tell the truth, l’d been hoping for a chance to get to know you better,” and flattering Kalim’s “incredible talent” for music, and concluding with, “I do hope we have another chance to enjoy a nice, long chat together later.”

During Vargas Camp Azul happens upon Kalim after he has spilled water over his group’s firewood and offers to help him replace it. Board game club members watching nearby observe, “Azul, helping another club for free? At first I thought I was so tired I was seeing things…”

Azul gives Kalim advice on what kind of wood it is that they should be looking for, and after leaving “a favorable enough impression” he decides, “I may as well cement it,” offering to carrying the wood by himself. Azul seems to struggle with the load (“My muscles are screaming… It feels like it’s going to flatten me!”) but he refuses any assistance from Kalim, saying, “I want to be a man of my word and help you.” Kalim responds, “You are SUCH a nice guy!,” and Azul silently reflects, “Now he’s seen that I chose to help him with no regard for my own comfort. One more loud groan for good measure…” so it is possible that he was not truly struggling beneath the load at all.

After the return to camp Azul encourages Kalim to tell his parents about “this delightful time (we) shared gathering wood,” emphasizing his “timely arrive in (Kalim’s) moment of need, the breadth of (his) knowledge, and, of course, (his) willingness to haul heavy firewood at (his) own peril.”

In silence Azul reveals his motivation: “It’s the perfect plan. This should get my foot in the door to make future business connections with the Asims…” but the plan does not seem to go as perfectly as Azul had hoped, with Kalim assuring him that he will be telling his parents all about everything including Lilia, Cater, and Jade.

When Kalim thanks Azul for his help during the Lantern event Azul responds, “You’re quite welcome. And of course, you’re ALWAYS welcome to come see me if anything ever troubles you.”

It is possible that Azul goes to Kalim’s at school, when possible: ghosts during the Phantom Bride event disrupt what Kalim describes as his “studying together” with Azul and Riddle, but Azul specifies, “What you mean is, YOU were getting help from US, Kalim.”