“Lords and Ladies, your attention please!” The headmaster’s voice boomed throughout the hall, obviously magically enhanced. “The most revered representative of Lamur, High Priest Lesit, will open the ceremony for us.”

A man in ornate ceremonial robes advanced to the stage. “In the name of Lamur, Lord of Lightning and all the gods of light I welcome you sojourners and chosen. Blessed are you to be hand-picked by our divine lords and guardians. On this festival of divine providence we celebrate you as living, physical embodiments of our gods’ foresight and care for our well-being.”

“This position comes with great benefits, but also solemn duties. Ensure you comport yourselves properly at all times keeping this in mind. Your primary purpose is to fulfill the missions given to you by the gods, as relayed by their humble servants- the divinely instituted noble hierarchy and the clergy.”

Abruptly his volume increased inhumanly. “Failure to comply is absolutely unacceptable, a perversion of the natural and divine order! Never forget that your gifts were given to you for a specific purpose by the gods of light! Fail to use them rightly and THEY SHALL BE TAKEN AWAY! IN THE NAME OF LAMUR, I DECLARE THIS TO BE A ZONE OF FORBIDDANCE!”

Smiling benevolently he returned to his former tone. “I pray you will forgive my theatrics. I am merely attempting to impress upon all of you the importance of your position. I am certain you will all rise to the occasion.”

He stepped aside for a moment and the headmaster took his place. “Thank you High Priest. Students, the High Priest has graciously given us an opportunity to learn a very important lesson. I would like everyone try using their abilities now.” He paused, nodding slightly as perturbed murmurs rippled through the hall. “As you are experiencing, high priests of the gods can forbid the use of your abilities. We must obey the will of the gods in all things.”

Smiling widely he continued. “Of course, in their benevolence the gods allow us a great deal of leeway as long as we obey their will as expressed by their delegated representatives. Only when extreme transgressions have occurred do the high priests resort to this.”

His expression became stern. “However, keep in mind that even the gods of darkness have high priests, and although the gods of light had decreed that we must struggle against their followers, we must not disregard the divine nature of those gods. If a high priest of darkness ever declares a conflict over you must retreat immediately. Honor to the gods and their wills above all!”

Quickly his smile returned. “Fortunately, this almost never comes up unless someone directly defies the will of the gods, something I am certain none of you would ever even consider.” He stepped back.

Lesit took his place. “In the name of Lamur, I declare the Zone of Forbiddance lifted.” He smiled and lifted a hand. “May Lamur, Lord of Lightning, and all the gods of light bless and watch over you, and grant you overflowing boons in reward for your faithful obedience and great deeds.”

“And with that I declare this Festival of Divine Providence begun!” the headmaster announced. “The servants have prepared some wonderful appetizers, so partake, mingle and celebrate the bounty the gods have showered down upon us.”

“Thank goodness” Liuka said as the crowd began surging towards the tables. “I’m starving.”

“I apologize. If we had not spent so much time on my chitin we would have been able to acqhuire something to eat before we khame.”

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“Oh, don’t apologize! The result was well worth all the work. You look gorgeous!”

Emokha’s carapace had a dull gleam now, making her almost seem to glow slightly under all the floating magelights. “You lookh lovely yourself. That dress certainly bekhomes you.”

“You think?” Liuka spun in place. “It’s not new but I always liked it. The fact that it comes close to matching you is a bonus.”

“You mean you did not choose it in the hopes of someday befriending one of the Viluota? I am shockhed.”

“No, I’m just lucky I guess.” She rubbed her stomach. “Lucky and starving. Let’s get moving! C’mon, draw one of those half-scissors and cut your way through the crowd.”

“I suppose I khould fly us to the table, but I am afraid everyone would be able to see up your dress.”

“Is that why you always wear pants? Makes sense I guess. I don’t think I’d want to give up dresses, even for the ability to fly.”

“Viluota never wear dresses. We may no longer be raiders and hunters as such, but our brains do not know that. We must be free to move, free to strikhe.”

“Well let’s strike some appetizers before my growling stomach drowns out conversation.” The two made their way over to the tables. Liuka went through two plates in rapid succession. Emokha was more desultory. Most of the selection seemed to be a poor match for her tastes.

The small table in the corner they’d seized was out of the way, so there was no competition. When someone did approach them then it was fairly obvious. Despite that Liuka didn’t notice at first, still intent on her third plate. When she did look up she flushed and looked as if she was about to say something. She didn’t get the chance.

“Liuka dear, you look terribly thirsty.” The voice was smooth and sweet. “Why don’t you go get yourself a drink?”

Emotions danced on Liuka’s face, then she smiled simply. “Good idea” she agreed. Without a backward look she bee-lined towards the beverage table. Emokha frowned slightly. Something was off. Before she could analyze or process the situation the visitor continued.

“Lady Emokha, it is so pleasant to finally make your acquaintance.” She curtsied gracefully.

“Yessss. I suppose it is.” Emokha seemed uncertain, dazed even.

“Of course it is! We don’t have any classes together and you’re always working so hard. So diligent! I would have felt terrible interrupting such dedication, but I so desperately wanted to talk to you. I was sure that we have so much in common and would be good friends!”

Several of Emokha’s eyes began blinking de-synchronously. “Is that so?”

“Of course it is! Oh, my pardon. I was so excited to finally formally meet you that I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Elame. We’re going to be good friends!”

“Oh. Yes. I see. I am Emokha.”

“Of course you are! I am so delighted to finally meet you in person. It’s simply been a delight to observe your process from afar! You’re so strong and competent, so cool and focused.”

“Am I? Thankh you…for saying so.”

“Of course you are! Ah, this is so wonderful, just like you. And you just joined the academy too, just think of all the wonderful achievements you have yet to perform!” Her eyes opened wide. “Oh, I just had the most darling brilliant idea! Why don’t you join my team for the spring team exercise? That way I could witness your amazing feats at close range! Wouldn’t that be spectacular?”

“Would it?” Emokha contorted slightly, her head askew as if the room were twisting in front of her.

“Of course it would! It would simply be the greatest thing ever! You have to join my team! You must you must you must! It would be the most wonderful best experience ever!”

Emokha’s eyes closed one by one, then they all opened at once. “Interesting. I will need…some time to khonsider such an…imposing opportunity.”

“Of course you will! I’m certain you’ll have good news for me soon! I’ll be looking forward to it! We’ll have such a great time together!” She waved cheerily and walked away.

“Will we?” Emokha asked herself softly. She looked under the table at her still-trembling claws. Her eyes closed again. After an indeterminate period they opened, and her claws were steady again.

Without looking she beckoned under the table with one claw. Gloe left his spot along the wall and glided over. “Liukha?” she asked softly.

“Ori’s got her.”

“Good.” She took a long breath. “Good. Khan you signal him from here?”

“If it’s simple.”

“Then we are leaving.” She took another breath. “Please, and thankh you.”

“No worries. Hang here for a minute.” Gloe stepped aside and adjusted his outfit. “He got it. They’ll meet us outside.”

Standing, Emokha wiped her face vigorously and dropped the napkin as if it were contaminated. “We khannot leave qhuickhly enough for me.”