Deep in Tall Tower, through a maze of staircases and hallways, Fenn and Ayana sat across from each other on beds in their room, sharing stories and laughter. Each had their green cloak sitting on a hook near the entrance of their room and were sitting comfortably.

“So when do you ship out?” Fenn asked.

“Soon, but I have no idea,” Ayana said, “hopefully soon. Nobody seems to want to tell me much though.”

Fenn glanced over at Ayana’s cloak. Fresh runes, embroidered with bright yellow thread, stood out.

They really are getting you ready to head out of here.

Fenn tried to keep her focus on the conversation. “Have they told you anything? Ship? Fleet? Mentor?”

Ayana smiled and her tail flitted around. “I know it’s Southern Fleet. I’m pretty sure we’re all ending up in Southern Fleet. I asked about the Fury and the masters nearly laughed at me. I don’t care though, I think I’ll get a good posting. Some big ship with nice food and comfy bunks. The little cutters and frigates are too small for a trainee and a mentor.”

You asked for the flagship of the fleet? Gotta try I guess.

“I imagine there’s no word on how long it will be either?” Fenn asked. “Like usually they’re 6 months but you’re starting in the middle of a cycle.”

Ayana shrugged. “I’m not worried about it. But it will mean no more trips to serve soup in North Finger. Keeping Imtha on the straight and narrow is your job now!”

“Oh, the burden,” Fenn said sarcastically.

Just as the laughter died down, a chirp came from outside the curtain to their room. Ayana popped up and pulled it open. A little paper bird was flapping its wings and circling around. It sped through the opening towards Fenn and landed in her hands. The paper swiftly unfolded to reveal the note inside. Fenn read it aloud.

“Fenn, parcel for you at the main entrance. Under escort. Attend to it immediately.”

Parcel? Thanks Mom.

“Ooo,” Ayana said, “I want to come see it. Maybe it’s something fun this time.”

“I have my doubts,” Fenn replied.

They both put on their cloaks and set out from the room. Through a hallway, down a staircase, then another, and another, before reaching the main floor and finding their way to the entry to Tall Tower. The room was broad and well lit with none of the security of the Admiralty building. The same stone as everywhere else but more carpets, lamps, and furniture to keep it appealing to visitors. Off to the side of the entryway was the guest parlour, full of tables for visitors who aren’t granted entry into the Coven’s home. The opposite side of the entry was a desk and a shelf behind it with an acolyte attending it. Mail and the rest were being sorted and given direction before moving up into the tower.

Standing near the desk with full pomp and circumstance was a pair of navy officers. Two humans. The taller one with the larger hat was pale and had a commodore’s bars. He towered over all the Alloci in the room and looked down on them with a big nose and moustache. His body language was obviously uncomfortable. The shorter officer, to Fenn’s surprise, was Lieutenant Naresh Lorne.

The clerk at the desk gave Fenn a tired look. “At your request, commodore: Fenn’Taeram.”

The commodore immediately pulled off his hat to give Fenn a rigid salute. Naresh slowly followed. His head was arched sideways a little and he gave Fenn a look of complete confusion while his hat was at his chest. Ayana cracked up laughing. The commodore cleared his throat and pulled a letter out of his coat.

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“A dispatch from Duchess Taeram’Lomi lin Ascensa, Admiral-Governor of the Southern Fleet, for Her Elegance, Fenn’Taeram lin Ascensa, to be delivered by no other hand.”

Fenn watched Naresh’s jaw hit the floor as he processed the connection between mother and daughter.

Damnit. Well there’s that I guess. At least he’ll leave me alone now. Or he’ll suck up even more. Gods, he’s going to suck up even more.

Fenn tried to straighten up and look tall. She nodded at Naresh, smiled at the commodore, and reached out for the letter.

“Many thanks, Commodore.”

The commodore put his hat back on and then stood motionless. Fenn looked around if anyone else was supposed to have her attention. She saw Naresh doing the same. Everybody seemed lost except the entirely confident and still commodore.

Well… dismissed… you don’t want me to curtsy or something, do you?

The commodore dropped his composure. “Instructions, my lady.”

“Oh, right, sorry” Fenn said quickly.

Sure enough, the letter had instructions on it. To be delivered by the commodore, read, and then resealed and returned to him.

Always paranoid that the masters will be reading our mail.

Fenn pulled it open and tried to skim the letter quickly.

Fleet action is great… a few more months ashore… simply must come for tea… grand ball next month… posting soon… you’ll be in our fleet together… Admiralty visit got the rumours going… and so forth.

Fenn finished the letter and paused.

Admiralty Rumours? Ah, Naresh. Mom is being quite on the nose with this. Do I respond right away or send a post later… Is this a hurry… hmm.

“Ahem,” the commodore interrupted, “This is not a social call. I'm sure you understand that we have no desire to prolong this visit."

You know what, screw this guy. I’ll play mom’s game.

Fenn looked towards the back of the room. “Ayana, have you met Naresh? He’s the one who was so helpful the other week in Copper Bottom.”

Ayana gave a very exaggerated greeting. "Naresh! Well raise my sails. I've heard so much about you!"

Fenn took a step to the side so that she was facing squarely with Naresh. “It seems there’s a grand ball coming up in a few weeks time. I may need an escort."

“My Lady!” the commodore swiftly interrupted, “this is a slight. Acolytes never attend these functions. You’re just wasting time I could be spending profitably somewhere else.”

Fenn turned back to the commodore and smiled even larger. “You’ll beg my pardon, commodore, but my appropriate styling is ‘her elegance,’ or have the navy’s standards of courtesy changed recently?”

The commodore fumed silently.

Fenn kept going. “And who knows, in a few weeks time I may forsake my vows completely, abandon the Coven, and need accompaniment to the lovely ball coming up. Just to be safe, I should get to know the lieutenant more, for prudence’ sake. Why doesn’t he come by the guest parlor Thursday week for afternoon tea? And without an escort. I’m sure you can spare him.”

Fenn turned to face the commodore squarely and looked him straight in the eyes. Fenn spoke to him flatly and assertively. “He will attend my tea next Thursday. He will be there and you will not. I insist on it.”

The commodore was nearly choking on the words. “Yes, your elegance. I will surly keep your words in mind. Will that be all?”

“Dismissed.”

The commodore saluted again while giving Fenn a death glare and then made his exit. Naresh looked like he would explode with laughter. Ayana was beaming at the back of the room and burst out cackling the moment the commodore left.

Master Joran’Teek, arriving from the guest parlour, was not as amused. “An interesting exchange, Fenn.”

Oh hell.

“And here I thought nobility and courtesy didn’t interest you.”

“I…” Fenn stammered. “I… uh… “ Damn it all.

“I won’t humiliate you for humiliating another. I want you to grow past that. You can have every morning ritual until… let’s say next Thursday. It may help you to reflect on your priorities with the Coven. And for today, maybe time sweeping the upper staircases will help clarify your reflection. I’m sure Ayana’Muro can assist you.”

Still worth it.