10

Raiya

Raiya felt more confident over the next few days. She didn’t mind as much anymore the trailing figures behind her, especially when they looked at her with more neutral or positive expressions. Though the animosity from the Speakers had dissipated, the acolytes had all become united under Rhea. Raiya had been prepared for any further ambushes or sabotage attempts, but despite the ill feelings and angry expressions cast her way, she was left alone. Perhaps Joseph or Julian had taken steps to ensure there would be no retribution cast her way after what happened before or Joseph had indeed wanted to make sure she was given a fair chance. Either way, she was happy that things had begun to look up for her. The only drawback was that she wasn’t allowed to meet with Julian alone. She still had her question about Speakers being flyers that she wanted to ask, but she figured she would have to wait for them to leave before she would get the opportunity to have a conversation with him again.

When the final day arrived, they informed her that they would take the entire day to discuss their observations before voting. At nightfall, they would announce their decision.

Feeling nervous, she wandered outside to where the girls were helping Denali bathe Priyana, anxious to do something to get her mind off the negative thoughts swirling inside.

“Rai!” Marigold called out to her, a nickname she had decided upon and enforced the others to call the girl. Eri and Gina both greeted the troubled-looking child, smiling at her arrival while Denali scowled, ignoring her presence.

“How is she?” Raiya asked them, admiring the gleaming gold scales of the pleased, languishing Queen.

“She’s growing so big so fast that she’s constantly shedding scales. We’ve been using the scrubbing sands Sibilla recommended for the growth stage and oiling her as much as possible to help,” Gina said, gesturing to the white sand in her hand.

’Don’t stop, it feels so good,’ Priyana projected out blissfully.

Denali smiled at her dragon’s thoughts. ‘Yeah, yeah. I’m sure it does with all your shedding of scales. You’re growing too fast,’ she informed her.

‘I can’t control that.’

Priyana spread her wings to allow the girls access to cleaning underneath them.

The hurried footsteps of someone rapidly approaching the bathing pool caused all the girls to look behind, seeing a servant rushing towards them.

“You, girl!” he called out breathlessly upon arrival, putting his hands on his knees and trying to gain his breath and speak at the same time. “Speaker…Julian…looking…for…you!”

“Speaker Julian is looking for me?” Raiya asked surprised at first before feeling her heart speed up. “Where?” She had already begun moving towards the fortress.

“The library! He’s in the library and he said to hurry!” he called out behind her retreating form. When he turned back around, he blanched at seeing the huge form of Priyana, her eyes gazing at him menacingly. She was not pleased at the disruption to her bath time. “I have to go,” he said faintly, dashing after the girl. The girls giggled at the sight of his rapidly retreating form, Denali herself sharing a small smile with them.

Raiya rushed through the fortress, avoiding the crowded hallways, and taking the shortcuts she knew would take her to her destination faster. As she approached the entryway into the library, she could feel her anxiety rising. She felt sick to her stomach as she slowed down her approach, smoothed down her skirts and fixed her hair. Julian was just inside the entrance, waiting for her. He eyed her panting, sweaty form with concern but said nothing, turning and walking to their usual table. As she peered around the library, she noticed that it was just him and her. There were the usual scholars who attended to the library and few other people from the fortress, but none of the other Speakers or acolytes.

“Speaker Julian, you summoned me?” she asked breathlessly.

“Indeed Raiya,” he began, gesturing for her to sit before moving around and taking his usual seat. “I trust you know why?”

“Is it about the votes? Have they finished?”

A look of surprise flitted across his face, and some other emotion she couldn’t quite name. He hesitated before saying, “I did receive word that they’ve come to a decision. The results will be announced tonight, before the feast being held in their honor since they are to depart tomorrow. But what I called you in here to discuss isn’t that. Do you know what today is by chance?”

Her heart was thumping so loudly, she was sure that Julian could hear it. But, when asked this question, it was her turn to look confused. “Um,” she said hesitantly, trying to think of why today was special in any way. But nothing popped into her mind aside from the feast and this being the last day of the honored guests. “It’s the feast, right? For the Speakers? Did they happen to ask you for your input on the results?” She hoped that if she continued to pester him about it, he might reveal something. Surely he could sense her distress and would wish to alleviate it, right?

Julian looked as if he wanted to say something, then furrowed his brows. “I could be mistaken…” he muttered to himself, shaking his head before his usual jovial smile appeared. “No, they didn’t tell me the results and even if they did, I wouldn’t tell you.” He gave her his best stern look and she giggled. “From what I’ve seen and heard, you don’t have to worry though.”

Relief swept through her, her breath catching in excitement. Now she couldn’t wait for tonight!

“Thank you, this wouldn’t have been possible without your help! I must tell everyone about this! Oh, but before that, I have a question if you have the time by the way?” She had suddenly remembered the question she had been meaning to ask him.

“What is it?”

“Have there ever been any known flyers that were also Speakers?”

The question hung in the air as the man stared at the girl. She fidgeted uncomfortably in her seat as he continued to stare at her, not answering her question. She felt that maybe she shouldn’t have asked it at all.

“Raiya. Are you asking because you hope to be a flyer?” he asked softly. “You know that it’s impossible for you, right? They won’t select you as a tribute.”

“I was just curious,” she replied stiffly. She hadn’t expected that sort of response. Julian had always supported her and to hear him shut down the desire that had begun to curl up in the back of her heart hurt.

“Yes, there have been Speakers that have become flyers as well,” he said. “In fact, the first few dragon-flyers must have been Speakers from what we can gather. They weren’t known at the time as Speakers of course, but they were the people who had strong psychic abilities that could form attachments with dragons. As everyone argues, those with a more enhanced psyche have a greater chance with forming a Bond.”

“Can you name anyone that we know for sure? Some famous historical person whose story isn’t lost?”

Julian hummed thoughtfully before plucking a book from the pile on the table. The brown leather cover of the book was beautifully decorated with dragons flying about.

“This is for you. I had it prepared for you for today because I thought… Well, it doesn’t matter now since I must have been mistaken. I wrote this myself, for you. It’s not much but it’s a condensed summary of important dragons and figures from the last five hundred years. I wanted you to have something to help you with your lessons. I made sure to annotate both bloodlines and occupation for each person. You’ll find your answers in there.”

Raiya accepted the gift, speechless. She hadn’t imagined she would ever receive something as valuable as this. Julian seemed to take no offense at her lack of words, rather, he prided himself on giving the girl a gift that would have such an impact.

“I, really, I… Thank you so much Speaker Julian. For this, for everything. I’ll cherish this book like I cherish you,” she finally managed to say once she composed herself. Seeing her bright, beaming face and the look of childish wonder was more than enough for Julian. He truly felt bad that such a child was placed in a situation like this.

“Tell me about your favorite person, that’s all I want to hear,” he said, his own smile growing wider. “You can go and get ready for the feast now.”

She rose and began to walk away, but Julian called back out to her. She turned, watching him fiddle and fumble with another book in his hands before he finally looked at her. “Raiya, even if I’m mistaken, I still hope that the rest of your day goes splendidly. I wish that for all your days. And for you to have a nice, long, and happy life.”

“Thank you,” she replied hesitatingly, a bit confused at what he was implying but too preoccupied with the book in her hand to further investigate. “The same to you as well. I wish for the same always for you too! See you at the feast!” She was gone, the energy she had seemingly spent getting here having returned already. The wonders of youth, Julian sighed before leaning back in his chair. His eyes remained glued on the spot she had just been standing in.

“I thought for sure Sibilla had mentioned it was today…” he mused out loud, sliding his gaze towards the ceiling, his brows furrowing once again.

*~*

Raiya walked down the corridor, stroking the leather-bound covering of the book and tracing the carvings. Though she wanted to read it right now, her thoughts went back to the feast and the announcement. Julian had all but assured her that the news would be positive but, in his absence, and with the lack of another distraction, the nervousness had returned with a vengeance. What if Julian had been mistaken about what he had heard?

“Why are you frowning?” a familiar voice broke through her thoughts. She glanced up to see Marigold walking in her direction.

“I’m just worried about the announcement. I hate not knowing anything about it.”

“I know the feeling.” Marigold laughed lightly as she stopped briefly before the girl. “I wish I could talk for longer, but I must head out to the fields. Gina and Eri are waiting there already for Denali. She is supposed to take Priyana out for some flight training with Dragonlord Hyun.”

Raiya started when hearing the two familiar names. “She’s flying with him again?” she asked slowly, thinking back to that night on the fields with Godrick and the boy. “Shouldn’t that be Chief Ralph’s job?”

Marigold gave her a confused look. “That’s what I just said and normally yes, but Chief Ralph is often busy with his duties, so he designated the General Commander to do it who in turn recommended Dragonlord Hyun.”

“You think they’ll be able to make it to the feast then? It’s late for practice and the feast starts soon.”

“I’m sure they will, but even if they won’t, Denali won’t necessarily mind. She always misses functions she deems unnecessary to attend,” Marigold responded, raising her eyebrows. “You seem super interested in the pair though.” A wicked smile spread across her face. “What? You jealous? Got a crush on him huh? You’re too young though, I won’t let anything happen yet!”

“No, what do you even mean?” Raiya instantly denied, feeling a hotness rise in her cheeks. “That’s disgusting! Only grownups would think of something like that! Anyways, I have to go!”

She could hear Marigold’s laugh echoing down the hall as she dashed away, feeling extremely embarrassed. She didn’t have a crush on the boy for sure, she could admit that freely and easily. Her interest in Hyun was purely out of curiosity and a sense of obligation for being the start of the biggest change in her life. Then there is the fact that he is Bonded to a Prince, the first one in five hundred years. Thanks to her lessons with Julian, all this information helped grow her fascination with the older boy.

Raiya shoved the thoughts aside. She had no time to think of any of this right now. She headed towards the kitchens, wanting to check in on how the preparations for the feast were coming and if they might need her help. As she walked, she saw many servants running around. No doubt they were each tasked with some order from Ashari or Sibilla and with time running short, they must assuredly feel the pressure. As Raiya slipped into the kitchens, she could see that it was no different from the chaos outside. In fact, one could even argue that it was far more chaotic here with how many bodies were packed into this room.

She could hear Ashari’s voice bellow out orders from deep within the kitchens and, as Raiya ventured cautiously forward, could see that the woman herself was busy vigorously stirring a large pot. Whatever was in it smelt sickly sweet to Raiya as she approached. When Ashari caught sight of her, she didn’t say anything already guessing why the girl had arrived. She pointed to the wet dishes that needed to be dried and Raiya eagerly moved to fulfill the task bestowed upon her.

“It’s for them ones that came with those Speakers,” the servant who was washing the dishes confided. His hands were quick and deft, each dish emerging pristine from his soapy water.

“What do you mean? What Ashari is making right now?”

“No, them meats over there getting cooked.” He nodded in the direction of the two spits that had been set up to cook animals whole. A whole pig was currently roasting over one with two servants tirelessly spinning it over. “It’s a waste of one whole pig if you ask me. To give them to only a few people who won’t eat it all.”

“Just think of the leftovers though,” she replied, licking her lips. “You said it yourself. They won’t eat it all right? Ashari usually lets us eat the leftovers to not waste anything.”

He laughed at that. “’Tis true, Mistress Ashari is most giving. My family has been able to eat well despite us making nothing.”

The two settled into a comfortable silence and, after the dishes were done and dry, she moved on to another station that needed help. An hour passed before Raiya’s attention was directed to the entrance of the kitchens where Julian was standing. Once he caught her gaze, he beckoned her to follow before slipping out the door. Raiya turned to catch the gaze of Ashari who nodded her dismissal while placing a baking pan full of batter into the stone oven. Raiya tossed off the apron tied around her waist, one that had been made for her by Ashari to fit her small size and ran out the kitchens.

“I’ve already submitted a request to the Weavers Guild for your robes. I requested Mikala herself to make them. A few days ago, right after you were first tested,” he informed her as he began to walk briskly.

She trotted to keep up while wrapping her head around the information. Mikala? Wasn’t she the Master of Craft at Dragonspire Fortress?

“Wait, so I’ve been accepted then for sure right? If you did that?” she asked, feeling excited once more.

“I did it in the hopes you would. If you aren’t, well, it’s just a small loss.”

Requesting the personal services of the highest-ranking crafts-person in the fortress did not, in any way, sound like a small loss.

“Will they be of similar design like that of the other acolytes?” she asked, her excitement squashed once more.

“Yes, of course Raiya. What an absurd question to ask. Now go get ready. I figured you would have gone either to the kitchens or outside, so I went looking for you to make sure you had time to bathe yourself. Oh, and wear something nice, something other than your servant attire. You do have something nice to wear, right? I didn’t ask Sibilla…”

As he rambled on, Raiya began to tune him out. If she was accepted, she would be considered higher than a servant. But she didn’t think the treatment directed towards her would improve. No, she’d have to work harder than the others to continue to earn the respect that naturally was given to others born in the upper-class.

“Why are you still here?” Julian’s voice interrupted her train of thoughts. He had long since paused and was simply staring at the girl whose expression told him she was long lost in her thoughts. “Go! Hurry child!”

Startled, she nodded her head quickly before dashing off, hurrying to her room. There was another reason Raiya clung to her room. When she had been a simple servant, she had to share the communal bath used by the other lower-class servants. Now, because she had been selected to become Denali’s lady-in-waiting, if Denali continued to rise and become a powerful figure in the fortress, her personal servants would also rise above the others. Like now, serving a Queen flyer meant the girls were given a large, spacious room to share. Attached to the room was a bathing chamber for their personal use. It was indeed a luxury to the four girls and Raiya did not intend to give it up unless she was forced to.

She entered the empty room and tossed the book Julian had given her onto her bed, already anticipating the others to be about fulfilling their duties in the fields. She walked into the bathing chambers, sliding out of her clothes as she went before hopping into the steaming waters. Raiya worked quickly with the little time she had, quickly scrubbing her skin and hair with the soap bar on the dish by the bathing pool. It was scentless, naturally, because it was cheap. Sweet-scented salts, soaps, and oils were luxuries afforded only by the upper and middle classes. Servants had to make do with what they could afford or make on their own. She dunked her head underneath to rinse off the suds quickly before emerging from the tub, water streaming down her body as she reached for a towel to dry her hair. She glanced at the mirror, foggy from the steam of the hot water. Her hair looked like a tangled mess.

Oh well.

She shrugged and wrapped the towel around her body, there wasn’t enough time to fight with her hair. She rummaged through her chest, looking for anything she could wear and came across a new problem. She didn’t have anything except for servant uniforms. Her parents hadn’t given her anything to take with her to the fortress and she had never been able to afford anything, especially when she was a child and paid far less than the other servants. The only people she could have hoped to receive something like that from would have been her adopted parents or Ashari, but even they hadn’t done so.

“I can’t blame them,” she said aloud, staring at the matching garments stacked on top of each other. “They would never have thought I’d need anything else.”

Then, an idea popped into her head. She quickly dug to the bottom of the chest, throwing aside the uniforms in search of something. She did have one other thing. Something she hadn’t thrown away even though a part of her desperately wanted to. Her fingers scraped against the bottom of the chest, and she froze. It wasn’t there.

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The simple, blue dress she had worn when she had been sold to the fortress was gone.

She looked through the uniforms she had tossed aside, wondering if maybe she had tossed out the dress accidentally alongside them but came up with nothing. How could this be? Where had it gone? She hadn’t gotten rid of it, and she was sure she had packed it with her other meager belongings when she changed rooms. Panicking she threw about her stuff. Where could it have gone?!

Just then, a knock sounded at the door before it opened. Marigold’s head popped into the room, her eyes taking in the messy scene before landing on the girl sitting on the floor with just a simple towel wrapped around her.

“You’re going to catch a cold like that,” she chided her, quickly entering, and shutting the door. But Raiya paid her no mind, continuing to stare numbly down at all her belongings.

“I’m missing my dress, my blue one,” she murmured. “Have you seen it?” She whirled around and caught sight of Marigold’s grinning face, a familiar dress in her arms.

“What, you mean this old thing? Sibilla asked me to deliver this to you. She had a very good friend of hers fix it up for your big day today.”

Raiya’s eyes filled with tears. She got up, walking over and examining the dress. It seemed that it had been altered to fit her current size and decorated simply with beautiful silver threadwork on the sleeves, hem, and chest.

“Sibilla wanted me to also tell you that it isn’t much and she is sorry for never actually getting you a dress. She hopes you’ll forgive her,” Marigold continued softly.

“She’s done more than enough,” Raiya whispered, touching the dress reverently.

“Come on, let’s fix your hair up before we get you dressed,” Marigold said with a grin, moving towards the shared vanity table the girls had in their room. Raiya sat down as Marigold placed the dress down on her bed, wrinkling her nose at the mess surrounding it before moving to the table. “You’ve got to clean this up before you go by the way. And that’s a nice-looking book by the way. Did you borrow it from the library?”

Raiya stuck her tongue out at the mirror, knowing the other one would see it. She received a smack on the head with the comb Marigold pulled out from the drawer for that. As she began to comb the wild mess, she realized how much of a struggle this was going to be.

“I got it from Speaker Julian. He said he made it for me for some reason because today was special.” When she caught sight of Marigold’s concentrated face, she suggested, “Maybe we should just braid it?” She winced as the comb began to yank through her hair repeatedly.

“That’s a lovely gift from him! Yes, today is very special for you, isn’t it? Oh, we could braid it, but why did it get so tangled and curly? Is this normal when it gets wet?”

“Maybe it's best to just braid it,” she said, wincing as the comb yanked through her hair repeatedly.

“Maybe,” Marigold agreed, forcing the comb through once more. “Why did it get so curly? What is this?”

Raiya shrugged. She herself didn’t understand her hair and she was often too lazy to really take care of it. Marigold set the comb down before gently threading her fingers through the wet thick, black hair, beginning to braid.

“At least you’ll be somewhat presentable,” she grumbled.

Raiya didn’t respond, wanting to sink in her chair and pout. As soon as Marigold finished, she leapt to her feet and rushed towards the bed, throwing the towel off without a care in the world.

“Put on your undergarments first!” Marigold shrieked, averting her gaze as the girl attempted to put on the dress first. Sheepishly the younger girl did as she was bid, sliding on the white shift she wore underneath her clothing. Marigold sighed as she walked over, helping the girl slide into the dress before carefully buttoning up the back. “Does it fit good? Sibilla said they had to guess your measurements.”

“It fits great! It’s very nice. Doesn’t it look nice?” Raiya twirled around a bit, feeling giddy while showing it off.

“Well, today is your special day after all. Everything must go well, Sibilla insisted after telling me what today was. Now before you go, I wanted to wish—”

“Hello? It’s me, Julian. Raiya are you in there?” came a muffled voice followed by rapid knocking.

Marigold opened the door, allowing the tall man inside. He didn’t step in, instead taking in the chaotic scene before him with slowly raising eyebrows.

“Sorry about the mess,” she said sheepishly. “We were just tidying up.”

“No time for that, the feast is about to start!” He turned towards Raiya and froze, taking in her neat appearance. “Well, don’t you look pretty! What a lovely blue dress, it compliments you well,” he said, sounding very pleased. “Come along now, we must be quick!” He turned on his heel, quickly striding away with his robes fluttering around his long legs.

Raiya gave Marigold an apologetic look as she followed after him, knowing that the other would end up cleaning up the room in her stead. Marigold just waved her off, a smile on her face. “Good luck, I’ll try to finish this quickly and see you there!” she called after her.

“Thanks Goldie” she called back before running to catch up with the form that had disappeared around the corner.

“Now Raiya,” Julian began as he glanced back behind him at the girl trying desperately to catch up. “Remember to bow before them once you read their table. You must present yourself ostentatiously. Then, ensure you stand upright, head held high but not too high, you don’t want to seem domineering. Straight, and good posture. Hands folded in front of you. Oh, and make sure you also acknowledge your soon-to-be fellow acolytes. A simple bow in their direction should suffice, I think. Naturally after you acknowledged the Speakers first. Oh and—”

“Ostentatiously? What does that word even mean?” Raiya muttered to herself.

“What was that, Raiya? You have a question?” Julian asked, glancing back at her distractedly.

“No, sir!” she quickly responded, trying to keep track of everything else he said. Well, she would simply have to make do if she forgot anything.

The pair arrived at the entrance to the dining hall and Julian took a second to smooth his appearance out before encouraging her to do the same. She gently smoothed down her dress and placed her braid over her shoulder, glancing at him for his approval. He gave a thumbs-up before ushering her inside. The general clamor didn’t dissipate when they walked in, but she did notice many heads turning in their direction to watch the pair walk in. She followed him to a table where all the acolytes were sitting. It was a bit farther from the dais where the large table was, about three tables down. The first two were filled with Speakers with the third seating acolytes. The fourth table had room at the end, and she quickly sat down, not wanting the other acolytes to notice her arrival and prevent her from sitting. She had a feeling that it was something they would do. Julian rushed up the dais steps to his usual seat at the table, returning every greeting sent his way. She watched him sit down and immediately engage in conversation with Sibilla, the pair continuously glancing in her direction all the while. It was very obvious what their topic of conversation was about. Her eyes drifted down the table. Ralph was staring moodily off into the distance, looking less than pleased with the festivities. Godrick was engaged in conversation with someone standing next to him, but what caught her eye was that the seat next to him was empty. The seat where Hyun would normally have been sitting. Her eyes darted around, looking for him through the general crowd. Was he skipping the feast or simply late from the flying lessons with Denali? Somehow, the thought of him skipping it made her feel dejected. Then she quickly stomped on the feeling. Why should she care if he came? She didn’t want to see his smug face anyways.

But then, she caught sight of Denali walking into the room, talking and laughing with the person next to her. Hyun. The pair made their way to the dais, with Hyun gesturing to a servant to grab a seat for Denali. She would soon have her own official spot at the table, but for now, she would have had to sit at the table below the dais, where important visitors sat. As Hyun sat down, he pointed to his right for where the servant should place the chair. Denali settled herself at the end of the table, next to Hyun with a pleased smile. Ralph also seemed pleased with this sudden change, noticing that she was only two chairs away and so he leaned forward. The three began to engage in conversation and Godrick, growing tired of sitting in the middle of it, rose from his seat and joined the conversation happening between Sibilla and Julian.

Raiya, however, felt bitter as she watched the first three interact, not entirely sure why she resented the scene. She turned her gaze away. She didn’t feel like looking at it anymore. It was then that the bell chimed, signaling the arrival of the food. Servants bustled out with trays laden with platters that they placed on the tables. Eight servants carried the roasted whole pigs, placing them at the first four tables. Her mouth watered at the sight and smell. Ashari and her servants had really outdone themselves. As a dish of soup was placed before her, she recognized the server to be the one that helped her wash the dishes. He winked at her before continuing on down the table. She watched as the acolytes surrounded the pig, gouging out slices for themselves. She knew she didn’t want to stand up and compete with the others for slices of meat, she’d wait until they were done. Instead, she took sips of the soup, enjoying the savory, creamy broth.

As she ate, she kept glancing up at the Speakers engaged in conversation amongst themselves, specifically Joseph who was speaking in low tones with an elderly bald man. Sooner or later the announcement would be made. She had thought that it would be done before the feast started but it seems she was wrong. As the servants continued to bustle around, refilling cups, and bringing more food, she began to notice that they were paying her special attention. Instead of having to stand up and serve herself, plates filled with food were placed before her. Savory meats, soft potatoes, steamed vegetables, and warm, buttery rolls. The glances and stares directed her way at this special attention made her want to disappear. She saw Marigold and the other two girls bring more food, Eri and Gina heading for the dais while Marigold approached the table she was seated at. They were bringing out desserts now and her mouth watered at the sight of the small cakes, fruit pies, treacle tarts, cream rolls, and puddings.

“Here you go,” Marigold cheerfully said, placing down a plate that held three lemon treacle tarts and a cream roll. Raiya glanced up at her, her mouth falling open.

“Is this all for me?” she asked. “Why am I getting so much food?”

“Ashari’s orders,”she replied, winking. “You know why!” She bustled away, serving the others at the table.

Raiya wanted to ask if it was because of the announcement, but she was beginning to feel like there really was something else she was missing about today. A special day in relation to her?

She picked up one of the tarts but before she could bite into it, both Julian and Joseph rose at the same time.

Dragon’s balls. She knew what was coming next.

Julian cleared his throat before addressing the crowd before him that had quieted down respectfully.

“As I’m sure you’re aware of by now,” he began, “we’ve had foreign dignitaries as our esteemed guests over the course of the week. Many of you may know some of these Speakers who come from different fortresses. But most of you will not know the majority who are not ambassadors but rather scholars, alchemists, historians, and so much more. Now, I’m sure you’ve all wondered why they’re here. What’s the purpose? Speakers only converge when something big is going to happen. Indeed, you would be correct in saying this. A testing was conducted for the potential initiation of one into our Guild. Perhaps you’ve seen them running about the fortress completing tasks here and there. Raiya, please stand.” He gestured at the girl who had frozen in her spot when all eyes fell upon her.

She quickly placed down the tart, standing up straight. Then she remembered Julian’s words before she entered the hall and bowed deeply in the direction of the dais and Speakers before bowing again before the acolytes. Then she straightened herself up again, head held high enough, and hands placed before her. She saw the proud smile on Godrick’s face and the pleased expression on Sibilla’s.

“Raiya has been with us for five years now. Since her arrival, she has served us all admirably as an integral part of our functioning fortress. What many of us didn’t know, at the time, was that Raiya possessed the unique gift that all Speakers have. The ability to communicate with dragons.”

Murmurs echoed throughout the crowd as they gazed at her with newfound interest. Some were curious, most were confused, and there were a few uncertain looks that met her timid one. She could tell what they were all thinking. How could she, a simple serving girl, possess such a gift? How could she, who came from nothing, possibly be something? The rules were set. No one from a lower class could rise to a higher class, the common folk had the rebellion to thank for that. It was impossible, should be impossible.

“Thank you, Speaker Julian. I’ll take it from here,” Joseph said, before he turned to face the crowd. “When a person with the gift is discovered, we Speakers must convene to determine the truth of it. Throughout the time we have been here, we have monitored her closely. We’ve tested her extensively and have found, to our surprise and unexpected delight, that she possesses intimate knowledge and an outstanding ability to self-teach and memorize information. Over the course of this day, we have deliberated on whether we should accept her into our ranks based on her abilities or deny her access because of where she comes from.” He paused, gazing at the crowd that appeared fixated on his words. Many were eager to hear the result now that this celebration had been revealed to be more than just a farewell. He cleared his throat, glancing amongst his colleagues seated at the table, specifically the elderly one he had been speaking to earlier, who all nodded their heads as if affirming that the decision he was about to announce was indeed their will.

“Guild Master Joseph, as Speaker of Dragonspire Fortress I formally ask, does the Speakers Guild accept Raiya as an official acolyte of Dragonspire Fortress, and as my apprentice?”

The sudden change in formality had everyone holding their breath as they listened to what would be a historical decision. For the servants witnessing this moment, it was a fairy tale, a simple, sweet dream that they knew could never happen. The child could hope, but no matter what, the highborn always united and shoved down those beneath them.

“With the authority bestowed upon me by the Speakers Guild as its Guild Master, we have decided to, unfortunately, accept Raiya as an official acolyte and apprentice to you, Speaker Julian of Dragonspire. I say unfortunately for we all surely lament the loss of a star acolyte to a fortress that isn’t ours. We congratulate both you, Speaker Julian for your new apprentice, and of course to you as well girl.” He nodded his head towards the stunned child before taking his seat. “It would be a waste to deny you this right because of your low birth with the talents you’ve shown throughout the week.”

Silence in the room, none sure what to do next. Then, Sibilla stood and began clapping, a proud smile spread across her face. Godrick was quick to join in next, then Julian. Soon the Speakers seated at the tables joined in, rising, and clapping politely in her direction. Before long, most in the room stood and applauded, the sound deafening. Her fellow acolytes did not, however, join in. Rhea’s expression was dark, and her frown was twisted further down. Those seated around her held nervous expressions, none daring to do anything to draw her wrathful glare. Other acolytes simply looked on in jealousy and dislike. Whether they liked it or not, they would have to acknowledge her as one of them now, a competitor aiming for the same positions they were.

But Raiya didn’t care about their disdain for her. She was too busy smiling and inwardly cheering herself. She was finally given an opportunity to do something, make something of herself. Perhaps a child shouldn’t dream so big, but perhaps big dreams were the only way for one to maintain hope in the bleakness of life.

Her eyes drifted to Julian first, and as he caught her gaze, he mouthed out, “I told you so.” Then, he sat down with his ever-familiar smile, giving her a thumbs up before engaging Iva in conversation. She next caught the gazes of Godrick and Sibilla, both filled with pride. She knew that without these two, she really wouldn’t have made it very far. They had given her opportunities and love when most were happy to ignore a small, filthy child. She owed this and much more to them and she wished that she could run up, hug them, and express just how grateful she was. But she couldn’t. Not at this moment.

As the applause died down and people returned to their own conversations and meals, Raiya took her seat again. A few people came up to wish her congratulations and speak with her for a bit, but many left her alone, still unsure of how to treat her and she was content with that.

The remainder of the feast passed by quickly. She remained seated while watching people begin to leave at their own discretion. The Speakers hadn’t stuck around long after the announcement, being the first to leave with their acolytes scurrying after them. Raiya knew that some would be departing tonight and that by tomorrow night, most if not all would be gone. Ralph was the next to go, dragging along with him a girl she recognized. It was Chara, one of the servants that worked closely under Ashari. Raiya didn’t know why she was following after Ralph, so she instead watched as Sibilla departed next followed shortly after by Godrick. Then Julian rose, offering his hand to Iva and helping her up. The pair walked down the dais, talking, and laughing. He stopped by her table briefly to wish her congratulations once more, paused as if he wanted to say something else, shook his head instead, wished her a good night, and left with Iva after she had offered her own congratulations.

As the tables began to empty, the servants filtered in to slowly clean up the mess. As she stood up, so too did Denali and Hyun. She had forgotten about the pair over the course of the evening and now the two had begun to make their way over to her. As they walked, they seemed enamored with each other, laughing, talking, and standing intimately next to each other without a care for their surroundings. Raiya gazed at Denali in wonder, seeing her in a new light for the first time. Here was a girl, only a few years older than her, showing that youthfulness instead of the constant cold, stoic, and perhaps even heartless image she often presented to others. The two appeared to be quite close and clearly enjoyed each other’s company. She turned away, not wanting to watch them anymore. It left her chest feeling heavy for some reason. But before she could leave, the pair called out to her, forcing her to turn back around.

Denali tossed her long, thick braid behind her shoulder. “Congratulations on your sudden, surprising rise,” she flatly said. That was the best Raiya could ever expect from Denali, no, even more than what she had expected from the woman.

“You honor me Dragonlady,” she replied, bowing.

“Yes, congratulations! Good on you for accomplishing this,” Hyun eagerly said, clasping her hand and shaking it.

She eyed his face for any sign of mockery or disdain but saw none. Instead, he bore the same expression as the one she had seen when they had first met, and he had given her advice. This was him being sincere.

“You honor me, Dragonlord. Without you, I would never have thought to ask or even think of doing this,” she replied, bowing to him next as she slipped her hand out of his. She didn’t miss the flicker of emotion in Denali’s eyes as she glanced at their touching hands.

“Good luck with your future studies and let us form a good working relationship in case we have to work together, you as Speaker and I as Chief. Now, shall we go?” Hyun asked, turning his gaze back to Denali who agreed. The pair walked away, and Raiya stared after them, an empty feeling filling her chest. His words echoed in her head, dully. The chances of them having any sort of relationship, including a working one, were slim to none. She had already been told there was no hope for her here.

She sighed, glancing around at the servants working and talking amongst themselves. Maybe she would stay to help. As she began to pick up a few platters, one of them ran up to her in a panic.

“You mustn’t do this anymore Raiya! It’s not allowed, we will get in trouble,” the woman hissed, grabbing the platters from her hand. “You are no longer a low-ranking servant child. You must learn to act your new station.”

Raiya began to understand now what the different looks had meant from those who had stared at her after the announcement. While a new door had opened for her with a new group of people, another had now been firmly shut behind her with an old group. She was no a longer part of this circle, she had become more than them and so they would no longer speak as or behave as freely around her. The new problem was that while she may no longer fit in with the lower-class, she was still not accepted by the upper or middle. She was once again stuck feeling like she didn’t belong anywhere and that made her miserable.

As she left the room, she noticed that the looks the servants were giving her were similar to those of the Speakers during the first few days. A disdainful look, as if she was beneath them. She didn’t quite understand why her suddenly becoming an acolyte changed all her relationships with these people whom she had been raised around over the last five years. How those flimsy relationships crumbled easily, as if they were never real to begin with.

She made her way slowly to her room, exhaustion kicking in alongside the loneliness. She would be happy once she collapsed onto her bed and slept a long, deep sleep. When she arrived at her door, she noticed a tray with something colorful on it. She blearily peered at the object, her brain struggling to understand what her tired eyes were seeing. On the tray was a small, beautifully decorated cake with her name scribbled on top of it and the number eleven. There was a box next to the cake.

She continued to stare at the sight, not sure if she was that exhausted that she had begun to see things or if someone had left this out there accidentally.

But it has my name, she thought inwardly, feeling ashamed of how stupid she could be at times. She looked up and down the corridor, fully expecting someone to appear. Was this a prank perhaps on someone’s part? Or maybe someone had left her this gift as a celebratory congratulations for becoming an acolyte? But what was with the number eleven? She crouched, picking up the box and opening it slowly. Inside lay a note nestled on a pair of black robes. It was from Julian then. This was most likely a congratulations gift then. Her first thing to take a look at were the robes Julian had ordered for her. The material was soft and light, perfect to wear during the warmer times especially with the darkness of the fabric. There were naturally no lines, but in time that would change. Next to the robes were a matching pair of boots with sturdy, leather soles and the same soft cloth material on top. Feeling happy, she put them in the box before looking at the letter that had been placed on top of the robes. She opened the folded paper, recognizing the neat, cursive handwriting instantly. At first, she didn’t quite understand, rereading the letter multiple times over and over. Even then, she sat there in silence, her brain not quite trying to make sense of it even as a dawning realization made itself known to her. For good measure, she reread the letter one more time, her hands beginning to shake as she felt her emotions once more rise up and get the best of her.

Raiya,

Congratulations on becoming an acolyte once more! We (Sibilla, Ashari, Godrick, and I to name a few) are so proud of you! I clarified with Sibilla after we met in the library today and know for a fact now what today is. So, without further ado, happy birthday! These well wishes extend not just from me but from everyone who cares about you in the fortress.

The cake is a gift from Ashari. The robes and book are gifts from me. The dress is a gift from Sibilla and Godrick.

Enjoy them!

With warmth,

Julian

Drops of water fell onto the note, blurring the ink where it landed. She mechanically reached up to wipe away the tears spilling from her eyes. It all made sense now.

The hesitant looks on Marigold and Julian’s faces as they both spoke and stopped themselves. The random gifts popping up that she coincidentally thought were for something else. The servants who had treated her in a special way, mainly under Ashari’s order. The new dress and Marigold helping her get ready.

How could she have forgotten that today had been her birthday?