Chapter 2: The Encounter
04.The first challenge
Aria burst through the front door, her face lit up with an excitement that made her seem almost radiant. The thrill of the upcoming challenge filled her with a vibrant energy that was hard to contain.
“Mom! You wouldn't believe what I found!” she exclaimed, her voice echoing through the small but cozy house.
Her mother, a kind-eyed woman with a strong but gentle presence, looked up from her sewing. She had a habit of working on small projects in the evening, a quiet way to wind down after a long day at her workshop. Tonight, she was stitching the hem of a dress, but Aria’s entrance made her set aside the fabric.
“What happened, dear?” her mother asked, smiling at her daughter's excitement.
Aria launched into a detailed recount of her day, about the notice from the kingdom, and about selecting technicians regardless of their status.
“I just know I can do this, Mom. Its what I've always wanted. To really prove myself, to make a difference with my designs,” Aria said, her eyes sparkling.
Her mother smiled, though a hint of worry lingered in her eyes. “I'm so proud of you, Aria. But you know it won’t be easy. There are many who still hold onto old ways of thinking, and being special, unlike others, attracts a lot of attention.”
Aria's smile faltered for a brief moment, a flicker of disappointment crossing her face. She quickly masked it, not wanting to dampen the moment or worry her mother. She took a deep breath and nodded, determination hardening in her eyes.
“I know, Mom,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady. “But I'm ready for it. I've worked hard for this opportunity, and I’m not going to let anything stand in my way.”
Her mother reached out and squeezed her hand gently. “I believe in you, Aria. Just remember to stay true to yourself, no matter what challenges you face.”
Aria nodded again, forcing a smile. “I will, Mom. Thank you.”
But as she walked to her room, her mother’s words continued to echo in her mind, the worry in her voice like a thorn that wouldn’t stop pricking. The excitement she had felt earlier began to ebb away, replaced by a gnawing doubt. She sat on her bed, staring at the floor, her heart heavy.
Aria took a deep breath, trying to push the negative thoughts away. “No,” she murmured, “I have to stay focused.”
Despite her efforts to remain positive, the unsettling feeling lingered, making her doubt herself in ways she hadnt before. She lay down, staring at the ceiling, her mind racing. It was going to be a long night.
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Even as she drifted into a restless sleep, the worry persisted, a constant reminder of the challenges she would face. Aria knew she had to overcome not only the doubts of others but also her own insecurities. And that, perhaps, was the hardest battle of all.
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The next day, Mrs. Bennett talked to other ladies at the workshop and told them that Aria was challenging for the test. It was a modest place, filled with the scent of wood and the hum of various tools. Ordinary women from the town gathered there, bringing items for repair or simply to chat. The other women were favorable at first, but snippets of conversation, tinged with skepticism and prejudice, began to surface.
“Can you believe shes even thinking about applying? she's not even married yet.” one woman whispered.
“Its not proper work for a woman,” another agreed, her tone dismissive.
Mrs. Bennett felt a pang of frustration but kept her head low. She knew that no one would listen even if she spoke out.
Then, a voice cut through the murmurs. “True talent knows no gender or status; its the heart and mind that define ones worth.” The speaker was an elderly man who had come in to get his tools sharpened.
Arias mother, bolstered by this unexpected support, looked at the man blankly for about ten seconds. Then, suddenly, she jumped up and packed her things.
"Eliza? Where are you going?"
"To my daughter. I should make her apply before she changes her mind!"
With that, she hurried out of the workshop. The other ladies just stared at the open door in front of them.
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Aria's mother called out as she entered the house, her voice filled with a mix of determination and urgency.
"Aria? Honey? Are you home?"
Aria looked up from her workbench, surprised by the early return. "Mom? You're back early."
Her mother wasted no time, stepping closer with a resolute expression. "Aria, I want you to do it. No, you MUST do it."
Confusion clouded Aria's features. "Do what...?"
Aria's mother took a deep breath, her eyes softening slightly as she placed a gentle hand on Aria's shoulder. "The engineering aptitude test, Aria. The one that can secure you a place at the Lysoria Defense Academy."
Aria's confusion deepened, mingling with a touch of hesitation. "But, Mom, I'm already contributing here. I'm helping with the defense efforts. Why do I need to take that test?"
Her mother's expression grew more earnest, her grip tightening slightly. "Because, Aria, your potential is far greater than what you're doing now. You have a gift, and the academy can help you develop it further. You'll have access to resources, mentors, and opportunities that you can't get anywhere else."
Aria looked away, her thoughts swirling. She recalled her conversation that morning with some villagers, where she had tentatively mentioned the test. Their dismissive reactions, rooted in their views on her gender and status as a commoner, had left her feeling disheartened. The weight of their prejudice felt like a heavy burden pressing down on her shoulders.
"But what if I fail? What if I'm not good enough? what if I'm just a plane commoner girl who has dreams that she her self can't control?" Aria whispered, the weight of prejudice pressing down on her shoulders.
Her mother gently lifted Aria's chin, forcing her to meet her gaze. "You are more than good enough, Aria. You have always been brilliant and capable. This is your chance to prove it, not just to others, but to yourself. And no matter what happens, I will always be proud of you."
Aria felt a surge of emotion, her mother's unwavering support bolstering her resolve. The villagers' words still stung, but her mother's belief in her was a powerful antidote. "Alright, Mom. I'll do it. I'll take the test."
Her mother smiled, a mixture of pride and relief washing over her features. "That's my girl. I know you'll make us all proud."
Aria nodded, determination hardening within her. "I won't let you down."
As her mother enveloped her in a warm embrace, Aria felt a renewed sense of purpose. She knew that this test was the first step towards a future she had only dared to dream of, despite the doubts of those around her.