We sat for a while, Safi taking in her accomplishment and me appreciating her tenacity. She tried to talk but after not talking for 18 days she only managed to choke and splutter. After clearing her throat and practicing some sounds, she spoke.

“I hate to admit it, but that Elder was right,” she said. “This sect is no joke.” Before replying, I made sure to clear my own throat.

“Well, I think you did your part in showing him you weren’t joking either.”

“I did, didn’t I,” she mused.

“Does this mean we pass?” I wondered out loud.

“It better,” said Safi gruffly.

“It does,” said Chit who had suddenly appeared next to our new rooms. Safi and I both jumped in surprise, we were too tired to notice her approach. The nearby disciples were all watching us as we got up and followed Chit, we knew better than to rely on her to explain anything.

Some disciples greeted us as we walked past, a few even exited their own cave rooms to have a gander at the new recruits. We were led to the bathing area. Clean clothes were bundled into our arms, they looked to be the green disciple robes we had seen the others wear.

There was a male entrance and a female entrance so Safi and I left each other’s side for the first time in a long time to clean ourselves of the excessive grime currently coating our worn body and clothes.

There were a couple of men inside, they were talking to each other whilst standing in a deep area of the bath. I took my time in the shower, having to scrape hard to get the crusted grit off my skin. My hair was matted and locked in place by wet mud. I used half a bottle of soap before the water finally ran clear.

The rest of my body was a similar story, but finally, I was able to dip myself into the hot bath. “You just finished the provisional?” asked one of the bathing disciples as I submerged myself.

“Provisional?” I asked, my voice cracking slightly. “You mean I’m not done?”

The two boys laughed at me as I walked nearer so that we weren’t shouting across the bath.

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“Don’t worry, it’s nothing you have to worry about now. For all intents and purposes you are an official disciple of the sect,” he said which made me sigh in relief.

“So why is it called the provisional?”

“There’s another test after five years to make sure your growth is at an acceptable speed. If they don’t see satisfactory progress then you are not given any resources or special opportunities.”

“But you’re still part of the sect?”

“Well, they give you a new robe which Gutura has learned to not respect so most people just quit,” said the other boy. I nodded in understanding, to cut off bad cultivators before they harmed themselves was for their own benefit as well as the sects.

“And you guys?” I asked. “How long have you been here?”

“Three years, both of us,” said the first one.

“Maybe you can show me the ropes?” I asked.

“We can do that,” said the one who had done most of the talking. “I’m Jamie.”

“I’m Ta’oma,” said the other. We talked for a while, but I left just in case Safi was waiting for me. I waited for a while in the bath lobby, to the point where Jamie and Ta’oma left the bath. They laughed at my awkward wave as they passed. I grumbled a little under my breath wondering what was taking Safi so long.

Eventually, Chit came out pushing the curtains aside. I had assumed she had left but she was in the bath with Safi. Safi came out after, she spotted me and waved.

“Nice hair!” I exclaimed. It had been cut short, she ran a hand through it nervously.

“Thank you,” she said. “I had to, it was irrecoverable.”

“More practical like this anyway,” I laughed. Considering the state of my own hair after 18 days of neglect, I could hardly imagine her situation. “Did Chit give you a hand?” I asked. Chit nodded in reply.

“I ran out begging for help, apparently it’s quite a common issue. Thanks again,” said Safi. Chit shook her head then turned, taking us somewhere else. I wished she would tell us where but she was as tight-lipped as ever.

“Welcome back,” laughed Safi’s rival Elder as we reentered his office.

“You seem surprised,” said Safi.

“Pleasantly surprised,” said the Elder. “Well, instead of giving you a spiel you probably won’t listen to. Read this book in your own time, it will give you all the relevant information about the sect and your responsibilities as disciples.”

“You’re busy?” I asked innocently, the Elder smiled.

“I’m lazy… Now scram,” he said. We exited the room almost immediately after entering, even Chit gave us a double-take which we could only slightly appreciate considering the scarf still covering her face.

“He gave us this,” I said, showing her the book. I barely caught her eyes rolling through the small gap in her scarf. “He’s quite eccentric,” I laughed. Chit sighed then began walking, we fell into the usual position following behind her. “I assume this means we’re about to part ways?” I asked. She shook her head.

“She’s going to stick around for a bit,” said Safi. “We had a little chat in the bath and found there were a few ways to help each other out.”

“Well, that’s… Delightful,” I said. “Welcome aboard.”