“Tell me when the tailor gets here…if it isn’t too much trouble for you,” she said over her shoulder before going into her bedroom and shutting the door.

With no idea what else to do, Shae went to her room, retrieved her needlepoint, and sat at the table stitching. Her mother would sit and wait like this as well, if told.

She stared at the sun she was stitching into the fabric, which shone down on a vase of blooming flowers. She wondered what their fragrance would be like if they were in the room. The garden she had come across had smelled beautiful. She would have to go again and enjoy it more. Shae wondered how many gardens like that might be within the castle walls. Surely it was not only the one.

There was a knock on the door. “You may enter,” she called out.

The door opened and an older woman walked in. She nodded. “Edhol Wutharda, I’m here to measure you for your uniforms.”

Shae nodded. “I am Shaewynn Welcen.”

Two young girls followed the chena in, carrying baskets laden with cloth.

“Is your roommate here?”

“Yes.” Shae went to her roommate’s door and knocked politely. “Miss Linnath, Lady Edhol is here for our uniforms.”

“We’ll start with you, Miss Shaewynn,” Lady Edhol said. “Stand here, please.”

Shae went to the place that had been pointed out. One of the girls lifted her arms, dragging piece of string along the inside of her arm, then around her waist and bust. She called out the numbers to Lady Edhol, who wrote them down on a piece of parchment.

Miss Linnath came out of her room after a few moments and the other girl began taking her measurements as well.

The girl finished with the upper half of Shae’s body. “Could you please lift your dress, Miss Shaewynn?” the girl asked.

Shae pulled her dress up, trying to hide her tail behind her leg. The girl went to measure the length of her legs when she let out an undignified squeak and backed away.

“I’m sorry, Miss Shaewynn. I was just a little…nevermind.” The girl took the remaining measurements and stood quickly.

Lady Edhol shifted through the baskets of clothes and pulled out a dress in the king’s rich green. Then she pulled out a tunic and pants in an undyed fabric. She set them aside and when Miss Linnath’s measurements were done, she did the same again but handed over the clothes to Shae’s roommate.

“We’re going to be tailoring uniforms specially for you, but these should do for tomorrow.”

“Thank you,” Miss Linnath accepted them, glancing at Shae.

“And you two, go to the next room and get started. I’ll catch up with you.”

“Yes, Miss Edhol.” They gathered the baskets and curtseyed before leaving the room.

The chena pulled a small fabric bag from her belt and opened its contents onto the table. There were all manner of sewing items, needles, thread, scissors, and a few things for which Shae did not know their purpose. “I did warn them.”

“I don’t…” Shae started.

“Lady Gwethenn told me you were half-shisa.”

Shae looked away. She heard the door to her roommate’s room shut. She had heard as well, no doubt.

“Is there something wrong with my measurements?” Shae asked, looking at the uniforms on the table.

“Of course not, but I do need to cut a hole in your things for your tail.”

“There is no need, Lady Edhol.”

“Nonsense. I don’t make clothes that aren’t comfortable; and don’t try to lie to me that you’re fine with your tail squished beneath your clothes.”

Shae was silent for a moment as the chena snipped through the cloth of the dress and took some extra cloth and pinned it into place. Lady Edhol’s skin was a gray like clouds before a storm. The colorless skin of a chena.

“You have…an important position,” Shae said carefully.

“Even though I’m a chena?” the lady looked up, her yellow eyes flashed like lightning as she smiled. “My Lady Queen does not judge based on race. Sit down. Tell me what’s on your mind.”

Shae accepted the offer to sit. It was not proper to speak of one’s problems and worries to a complete stranger, however. All topics of proper conversation seemed to have fled from her mind, however, and she sat in silence for a few minutes.

“Is that your needlepoint?” Lady Edhol nodded toward the yet unfinished project.

“Yes.”

“It looks very good.” Her needle poked through the cloth, followed by the length of thread. “We’ll have to start with something a bit more simplistic in class though. Sketching should be generic enough, I think.”

Classes. Shae had avoided thinking about them as much as possible. There would be no more hiding tomorrow. “I look forward to taking classes from such skilled instructors as the king would employ.”

Lady Edhol set aside the finished dress and picked up the undyed cloth.

“Are those…pants?” Shae asked incredulously.

“Well unless someone made a mistake somewhere, they should be.”

“But a proper lady does not wear pants. They are made for men.”

“Well they’re easier to move around in for your weapon’s training, or so they tell me.” She glanced up. “I assume they won’t allow such fancy headgear either.”

“You are awfully direct in your speech.”

“Well I guess I never really learned to be delicate. I don’t mean any disrespect, but you are going to have to take it off.”

Shae nodded.

“Are you ashamed of showing them?”

Ashamed of her mother!? “No, never!” Shae said quickly. She quickly untied the ribbon holding her bonnet in place, and then pulled it off. Her ears pricked forward.

“Very lovely color.” The master tailor snipped the thread and held up the pants. “All done, it seems.”

“Thank you very much, Lady Edhol.” Shae smiled.

“And Miss Shaewynn, if you ever need to talk, just let Ethyth know and she’ll tell you where to find me.”

Shae smiled. “Thank you, Lady Edhol.” She stood, curtseying for her guest.

“I will see you tomorrow.” The chena let herself out.

Shae picked up the green dress and held it up. There was a knock on the door. She set down the dress and walked over to open the door. Outside was the girl she had met in the castle, Miss Ashcor.

“Can I help you?” She realized the other girl was staring above her face. She didn’t have her bonnet on! Her ears flattened against her head reflexively. It would be like this tomorrow too. “Is there something you needed, Miss Ashcor?”

The girl looked back at Shae’s face. “Oh, I wanted to apologize for my behavior earlier. I meant no disrespect to you.”

“It is no problem. You did seem to be worried about something. I hope it has been resolved?”

“I’m afraid not, but thank you for your concern.” Miss Ashcor glanced quickly to the side, and then smiled. “I won’t take up any more of your time.”

“I will see you tomorrow then.” Shae returned the smile.

The other girl nodded and then walked away. Shae shut the door, reaching up to her ears, which had relaxed somewhat during the conversation. So far no one had responded nearly as poorly to her shisa blood as she had assumed. Perhaps people in the capitol really were that much more tolerant of other races. She held onto that hope as she went to bed for the night.

By the time she made it back to the dining hall, there were already a number of people there. Kwen immediately waved her over to a table that held half of its eight-person occupancy.

“This is my sister, Shaewynn.” Kwen said to the others as soon as they sat down. “This is Erinnen and Camthall and of course you remember Merai.”

“I’m glad to meet you all.” Shae responded.

“Linnath wouldn’t sit with us.” Kwen nodded toward the human who was currently sitting at one of the tables by herself. Shae was not surprised.

The other two candidates her sister had apparently quickly made friends with were both elves. Camthall had long teal hair, and Erinnen’s was a light orange.

“I’m still upset that we have to come here for our meals.” Camthall looked around.

“But they are feeding us.” Merai grinned. “The food smells delicious.”

“It really does.” Kwen agreed. “And at least they’re not making us cook it ourselves.”

“Oh that would be too much.” Erinnen shook her head. “Oh there’s my roommate. She’s a little thin looking. I suppose she could use the food.”

The other girl came over to the table, slipping into a seat shyly. Shae introduced herself and learned that the human girl’s name was Faynavia.

Most of the other tables held multiple people. Shae recognized the girl she had met in the castle at a table with three others.

“As it is the appointed time, I will now begin.” Shae turned to see the elf who had led the interview standing at the front of the room. “You are all here as candidates, hoping to be among the next of the queen’s handmaidens. This is not an easy process, nor is it one we take lightly. Any noble standing you have means nothing here. You are all servants to the crown.”

“Does she just expect us to forget that we are nobles? That seems most disagreeable.” Camthall commented with a frown.

Lady Gwethenn continued, “Tonight, Edhol Wutharda will come to your rooms and measure you for your uniforms. While you are candidates, these are the only clothing you will wear unless specified otherwise.”

Erinnen made a sound of disgust. Shae was quite sure that did not include headwear of any kind. By tomorrow everyone would know she and her sister were half-shisa. Their teachers might already know of their heritage, but she doubted their fellow candidates would be as understanding. She glanced at her sister who was looking at the elf with rapt attention.

“Beginning tomorrow you will attend classes meant to teach you everything you will need to know. We will use your successes and failures in these classes to choose who will remain a candidate. Now I will let your teachers introduce themselves and the subjects they will be teaching.” Lady Gwethenn nodded to the woman at the far end of the table before sitting down.

“My name is Aravalia Sirelia. I have been a courtesan for my entire life, having followed in my mother’s footsteps. I will be teaching you court etiquette and helping you to understand the politics that will become a common part of your life.” She smiled and sat.

The next up was the older angic. “I’m Kithnath Vulaye. I’ll be teaching you about the history of Graymane, both physical and mental aspects.”

Ninynn Gerrin, an elf, told them she would be teaching them about the spirits and magic. Edhol Wutharda, a chena, would be teaching crafts and other hobbies of proper ladies.

A younger human man stood up, his lips pressed together for a moment before speaking. “My name is Targrim Borfalk. Me and Tes…I mean Elentesa Lewlyth will be in charge of teaching simple weapon skills and horseman…er…womanship?”

“Weapon skills!?” Erinnen exclaimed what they were all thinking. There was a murmur of agreement from the other tables.

“Well not big weapons or…um…”

Miss Elentesa stood from her place next to the man. “As handmaidens to the queen you would be expected to be able to protect her. We will be teaching you to handle daggers and bows. Simple weapons that can be highly effective in earning you precious seconds that can mean the life of your monarch.”

“This might not be as boring as I thought,” Kwen said excitedly as the two teachers sat and Lady Gwethenn stood again. “Breakfast will be served tomorrow morning at six. Following that you will report to the stables behind the dorms. For now, you may come up and get your meal.”

“Wait? Go up there?” Camthall frowned.

A door to the right of the table opened and a woman in a white smock waved at them. One of the commoners at a table near the door got up and went to it, disappearing inside. She came out a door to the left of the teacher’s table carrying a tray filled with steaming food.

“You’re expecting us to go up there and get our own food?” A young noble stood up, facing Lady Gwethenn.

The older elf looked back calmly. “That is correct.”

“That is unacceptable. Make these commoners get out food for us.”

“Get it yourself,” one of the commoners said from the doorway where a small line had formed.

“You are all equal here.” Lady Gwethenn stated.

“My father is Lord of Narrows Creek and I am sure he would be most displeased to hear of this.”

“He send you here to become a handmaiden for the queen and this is part of that training. It would behoove you to calm yourself.”

“I will not! I refuse to be treated as equals with this trash.”

“I agree,” another noble called out.

“Poor nobles can’t do anything on their own.” One of the commoners in the line snickered.

“You will not speak to me in that manner.” The daughter of the Lord of Narrows Creek moved toward the commoner, hand clenched.

Madame Ethyth walked up, putting herself in the noble’s path. “That is quite enough. I believe you should return to your room and think over your behavior.”

“Don’t you dare take that tone of voice with me. You’re nothing but a filthy faerie.

There was a flash and a yellow circle appeared on the floor beneath the young noble of Narrows Creek. It was filled with symbols Shae had never before seen. In the next instant the girl was gone.

There was stunned silence.

“Did you see that!?” Kwen did not seem to be as stunned as everyone else. “That was amazing! What did you do?”

“I simply sent Miss Rerann back to her room.”

“Thank you, Madame Ethyth.” Lady Gwethenn nodded as the red haired woman walked back toward the entrance. “As for the rest of you, this is the only way you will receive your meal, though you are welcome to not eat.”

Shae glanced at the others at her table. Kwen stood up. “Well I’m hungry. I don’t see what the big deal is anyway. It’s like sneaking to the kitchen for a snack.”

Shae got up to follow her sister and the others at the table did the same.

The rooms were rather small. There was little room to do anything. She couldn’t wait to find out what her roommate would be like. She sat at the desk for a few minutes, then got up and checked on her bedroom, which still looked the same as when she’d left it. Then she scanned the books on the bookshelf. The History of Graymane, The Health of the Body, and Political Dance were only some of the numerous titles. It looked like part of being a candidate was studying. She blanched at the thought.

There was nothing to do here. She moved to the door and opened it, looking out at the bustle. If she was still in her room, looking out into the hallway couldn’t hurt.

Another servant came down the hall, a young lady with dark green hair following after him. Was this her new roommate? Kwen rushed out toward the girl. She flinched away and Kwen stopped short.

“I’m sorry, I thought you might be my new roommate,” she said quickly.

The servant continued down the hallway past Kwen’s room. The girl with the green hair looked away and followed him.

“Still not staying in your room?”

Kwen winced and turned around to see the hall mistress standing just behind her. “I’m sorry, I thought it was my roommate.”

“The fastest way to know would be to stay in your room until she arrives.”

“It’s just so boring…there’s nothing to do and no one to talk to.”

Ethyth just chuckled for a moment. “And what will you do if your roommate doesn’t come?”

“Doesn’t come? You mean doesn’t get here on time?”

“That or they decide not to come. Some find out the conditions of their stay here and decide it’s not for them. Some people won’t have roommates.”

“But that will be so sad. I was looking forward to meeting someone new. I mean there are the other girls, and I’m sure they’re nice but this was going to be my roommate. Almost like a sister, only not quite cause I haven’t know her as long.”

Ethyth smiled. “Come with me. I have to welcome a few more people and I’ll let you say hi.”

“Really?”

The woman nodded and Kwen followed after her to room 214. Inside was the girl she had just seen in the hall as well as en elven girl with long teal hair.

“This is Kwenthien, she’s a little hyper so I’m keeping an eye on her.”

The half-shisa curtseyed properly. The teal haired girl responded in kind, but the other girl simply stood there. Kwen thought she might still be mad about being startled in the hallway.

“And I am Madame Ethyth, the hall mistress for this dorm. There are a few rules you need to abide by while you are here. Rooms are to be kept tidy and will be inspected once a week.”

The girl with the green hair was looking at the floor. Her hair was covered by a strip of cloth that was then tied under her hair at the base of her neck. As the hall mistress talked, she kept her eyes on the ground, or glanced behind her at the open door to one of the bedrooms.

“Any questions?” Ethyth asked.

“What if we choose to have our meal brought to us?”

“That is not an option.”

The young noble did not look happy.

“Now if that’s all, just don’t forget the meeting in the dining hall at 6.” She nodded Kwen out the door.

The next room they went to, both ladies wore fine dresses. Ethyth introduced herself and Kwen again. Both resident’s eyes went to Kwen immediately, then back to the hall mistress with a frown.

“Pleased to meet you,” Kwen curtseyed.

“Welcome to the dorms, there are just a few rules of which I need to make you aware.”

“You put us in these tiny rooms without servants and now you’re placing more rules on us? My father is Lord of Narrows Creek and I am sure he would be most displeased to hear of this.”

Ethyth stood silently while the young noble spoke, letting her finish before speaking. “All of the candidates are given the same rules and expectations.”

“I wish to speak to your master.”

“I have been given full authority in this place. There is nothing my master would say to you that I have not already.”

The young lady glared for a moment. “What are these rules?”

“Your rooms are to be kept clean, and will be inspected once a week. Laundry is collected Monday mornings and returned the next day. Meals are served three times a day at specific times in the room at the end of this hall. Dinner tonight at 6 will include instructions about your new schedule. Anything else you need should be reported to me.”

“So we are to be treated as common servants?”

“As the Queen’s Handmaidens, you would be a servant. If this is not agreeable to you, you are welcome to leave.”

The rooms were small. Kwen figured it would not be that hard to keep her room clean if she put all her clothes in a pile. She had less of them here anyway.

“Now if that is all.” Ethyth did not seem to wait for a reply, but shut the door.

“She was kind of-”

“Your roommate is here.”

“Really?!” Kwen beamed. She rushed back to her room just as the servant was leaving. There was no one in the sitting room, so she ran to the other bedroom and poked her head inside. “Hello!”

The young elf spun around turned, folding her hands over the velvet green dress she wore. “Yes?”

“Oh, sorry to bother you. I’m your roommate and I was excited to meet you. My name is Kwenthien Welcen.”

“I am Laenarra Milwen. Pleased to meet you.” She curtseyed, which Kwen returned.

“Oh, Ethyth needs to talk to us now. She’s the hall mistress.” The red haired woman was standing at the door as Laenarra glided out of her room. Kwen had never seen anyone walk so smoothly.

Ethyth repeated the rules that Kwen had heard twice already, and Laenarra listened without saying a word. When she asked for questions at the end, the smaller girl had none.

“You are now free to go where you like, but remember the meeting in the dining hall at 6.” She glanced at Kwen who smiled back.

“Is that really our hall mistress?” Laenarra asked once the door had shut.

“She does claim to be.” Kwen ignored the slip of the tongue. “So I would imagine she is.”

“From where do you come, Lady Kwenthien?”

“Garwood Valley, and you?”

“Appleblossom. It’s a rather large city to the east.”

“As large as Tarchatel?”

“Almost.”

“So it must not be much of a change to come to this city.”

“Garwood Valley is small I assume?”

“Yes, this is a rather large change for me.”

“Well I’ve heard the small towns have such a warm charm. Have you met any of the other girls yet?”

“A few, but only in passing. I’m sure we’ll be able to meet everyone at dinner though.”

The other lady nodded. “If you don’t mind, I wish to unpack my things.”

Kwen nodded as the girl went into her room and shut the door. She decided that Laenarra seemed very nice. She was glad she was getting along with her roommate. She couldn’t wait to introduce her to Shae.

Kwen then remembered she was allowed out of her room now. She could go see how Shae was. She knocked on the door to her sister’s room, and had to knock again before the door opened to show the pink haired roommate.

“Is my sister here?”

“Not unless she didn’t hear the door with her bedroom door open,” the other girl said. “Of course maybe she just let me answer it. Below her station to open a door.”

A quick check showed her sister was not in her room.

“If that’s all, you can leave now.”

Kwen couldn’t help but smile. “I like you.”

“Excuse me?”

“When Shae comes back, could you mention my room number is 206?”

“Of course. I certainly have nothing better to do than relay your messages.”

“Thank you.” Kwen beamed broadly before leaving the room.

Once outside, the defensive walls of the castle rose up around her. On the top of the walls she could see guards walking back and forth or talking with each other. One of the men noticed her looking and waved with a smile and a wink. Shae turned away quickly and made her way in the other direction.

The courtyard was a flurry of activity. Though the castle had been built for defense in the past, now the gates stood wide open with only a pair of guards controlling the flow of traffic in and out. Boys were running errands, servants walked back and forth with their own orders, guards patrolled, and even a horse drawn carriage rattled past.

Shae made her way to a low wall off to the side where she was out of the way and sat watching life go on in front of her.

An older man walked by leading two horses behind him at a leisurely pace. The horses pricked their ears forward, their eyes watchful but not wary of their surroundings.

A girl walked past in a pretty green dress. She moved stiffly and kept glancing back and forth as she walked as if expecting to see someone she recognized at any moment.

Two older women stood off to the side, talking. One had a basket of clothes under her arm. The second’s clothing was slightly fancier, betraying service of a noble. Both were smiling as they chatted.

No one paid Shae more than a moment’s glance as they passed. It was interesting to watch how people went along their normal day when she was not a part of it. At home she was always a part of everything that went on. Here they did not know who or what she was; at least not yet.

When she tired of sitting she found another building that appeared similar to the dorms in which her new room was. Next to it was a large, lavish stable. She only looked in as she passed the huge open doors to see stable hands and horse heads poking from their stalls.

The castle proper towered over everything in the courtyard. The grand doors to it were open as well and guards stood proudly at attention. Past them was a beautifully sculpted entrance way. The floor was huge blocks of polished white marble with matching columns that pushed the vaulted ceiling high overhead. The walls were lined with vases of fresh cut flowers flanked by paintings marked with the names of kings and courtiers as well as tapestries depicting heroes in battle.

One tapestry in particular caught her eye. It was much larger than the others, such that Shae had to take several steps back in order to view it all at once. A young man with platinum blonde hair and pointed ears, stood regally with a sword held ready at his side. Behind him was a huge gray gryffin, one taloned foot raised as its wings flared and it called up toward the sky.

Even without looking at the nameplate she knew that this was the Founding King and his gryffin mount. At the time he was only a young knight, but he went on to command a squad to win a decisive battle, which earned himself the monarchy of the newly formed Graymane.

Further down the hall she was surprised to see a large amount of greenery beyond an intricately carved archway. On closer inspection she found a stone walkway that entered a beautiful garden, which opened to the sky. A large tree sat at its center, casting dappled light over the flowers and bushes below. Shae followed the path among the plants, stopping every so often to smell an open blossom.

The path ended at another similar arch back in another hallways of the castle. To her left she saw a pair of guards flanking a huge wooden door. Both had a shoulder guard on their right shoulder that boasted three black lines. She remembered the hall mistress’ warning and decided to go in the other direction.

She had not gone more than a few steps when she heard a rather loud voice. “And what am I supposed to do if I don’t even know where he is?”

“You think I’m privy to that information?”

Shae saw the woman who had given Kwen and her their first test. She was speaking to a young woman with dark purple hair who was frowning quite decidedly. The young noble was about to duck back to the walkway, embarrassed at her accidental eavesdropping when the older woman looked up.

“Well hello again.” The woman approached. “It was Lady…um…”

“Shaewynn Welcen,” Shaewynn provided. “It is a pleasure to see you again, Lady Elentesa.”

“Oh I’m certainly not of a rank to be called ‘Lady’ by you.” The woman smiled. “I’m glad to see you passed the interview.”

“Thank you.” Shae smiled, glancing at the young woman who had followed Miss Elentesa over with crossed arms.

“Oh, let me introduce you. Lady Shaewynn, this is Ashcor Lynnal. She’s a candidate just like you.”

Shae curtseyed. “Pleased to meet you, Lady Ashcor.”

Ashcor nodded, her frown deepening.

“Don’t be like that, Ash.”

“Would you like to tell me how I should be?”

“And now you’re just being a cheeky brat.” Miss Elentesa chuckled. “Now if you two will excuse me, I have a meeting to attend.”

She bowed shallowly to them both before making her way to the door guarded by the men with black bands on their shoulders. She spoke to one in a soft voice and he nodded and opened the door for her.

Shae looked back at the young woman with whom she had been left. “They have some lovely gardens here.”

“Yes, my…well the master gardener is very talented.” The other girl sighed. “If you’ll excuse me.” Without waiting for a response she turned and moved away.

Kwen pulled hers open immediately and beamed. “I was accepted!”

Shae hesitated, looking at the blue wax impressed with the queen’s seal. Kwen had been accepted. What if she was denied? How long would it be until she saw Kwen again?

“You going to open yours, Shae?” Kwen asked.

“Oh…yes.” She slid her finger under the wax and pulled open the envelope. She pulled the papers out slowly and with a deep breath, unfolded it. She read the formal writing slowly, and then again more quickly.

“So?” Kwen prodded.

“I was accepted,” Shae said sighing with relief as she said the words out loud.

“Of course you did. There’s no way they could accept me and not you.”

Father would be proud of her making it.

“It does say we have to be there by tonight,” Kwen said. “Not much time.”

“That’s why everyone stayed in town.” Shae stood.

Uncle Haerlann came in. “I heard your letters arrived. Good news?”

“We both made it,” Kwen said excitedly.

“Well I’m glad to hear it. You’re not leaving too soon I hope?”

“We need to be there by tonight.”

“It has been a pleasure having you both here. I’ll send for the servants to gather your things and get the carriage prepared.”

“Thank you, Uncle.” Shae went to her room to oversee the packing of the one trunk the letter had said she was allowed to bring. Their uniform would be provided for them, so there was not a need for as many clothing as she had at first assumed.

A servant then took her trunk downstairs. Kwen’s trunk was already settled on the back of their carriage and she was cuddling Shamal one last time.

“He’s going to miss you,” Uncle Haerlann said.

“I’ll miss him too, and you too Uncle.”

“Thank you again for letting us stay.” Shae curtseyed before her uncle.

“Don’t think anything of it, and don’t hesitate to let me know if you need anything at all.”

The sisters climbed into the carriage and with one last wave they traveled down the driveway to the road, and then up toward the castle. This time there was a long line of carriages as well as people on foot.

“Everyone’s coming at once.” Kwen looked out the window over the crowd. “Seems like a lot of people made it.”

“Well a lot had to apply to fill up the inns.”

When they reached the front of the line the guard took their letters and assigned them each a servant to carry their trunk and show them the way. The servants led them toward a large building that was positioned to the side in the castle’s courtyard. Inside they climbed up one flight of stairs to a hallway crawling with girls and servants.

Shae followed carefully after the servant carrying her trunk. She lost sight of Kwen in the confusion. The servant went to a door labeled with 204 and pushed it open. Shae followed and closed the door to the noise behind her. Inside was a small sitting room. There were two cushioned chairs facing a round table, a small desk against one wall, and a bookcase on the other.

Three doors adorned the far wall. One of them was open and a young woman walked out. It was the commoner with the braided pink hair and brown dress from before the interviews.

She stared at Shae for a moment. “You? I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that I ended up with a noble. I doubt many of us commoners were accepted.”

“Hello again, Miss Linnath,” Shae said. She had not expected to share a room with anyone, much less a commoner. Why had they not put her sister with her?

The servant came back out of the door on the far right. “This is your room,” he explained. “The Hall Mistress will be by to tell you more. You are requested to stay in your room until she comes.” He bowed and made his way back out into the confusion.

Miss Linnath stood looking at her for a moment. She looked over the other noble’s fancily decorated bonnet, the dress made of expertly dyed fabric, and the comfortable beaded shoes.

“Has the Hall Mistress been by to talk to you yet?” Shae asked. If they were forced together, it would be best to try and get along.

“Nope, probably waiting for both of us to be here.”

The door opened inward. “Shae! It’s so cool here.”

“Kwen, what have I told you about entering without knocking first?”

“Sorry, Shae.” Her attentions shifted to Miss Linnath. “Oh your roommate is here. Mine isn’t yet.”

“Splendid, they’re both here.” Miss Linnath said in a dull voice.

“I believe you were told to stay in your room.” A shorter woman stood behind Kwen with vibrant red hair cut off at her shoulders. Her green eyes were youthful and she had the pointed ears of an elf. Her uniform was a green and white dress unlike those of the guards and other servants.

“Oh, sorry.”

“I am Madame Ethyth, the Hall Mistress. I am in charge of your lives in these dorms and I suggest you get used to obeying the orders that are given to you. Now go back to your room.”

Shae heard Miss Linnath chuckle. Kwen sulked away from the door and Madame Ethyth walked forward into the room.

“Now, the first point of business is shaving your heads.”

“…what?”

The woman’s face broke into a huge grin. “Just kidding. I run a tough building, but I don’t need everyone walking on eggshells. As long as you do as you’re told and keep things clean and moderately quiet, we’ll get along handsomely.”

Shae looked back at her roommate who looked amused.

“Now as for the dorm rules. Beds are to be made up every morning and your rooms kept clean. They will be inspected once a week on a randomly selected day. And yes, you will do this yourself. Laundry will be collected every Monday morning and be returned the next day. Any essentials you need should be reported to me with your name and room number. Meals are served three times a day in the room to the right of the northern stairs. Dinner is served at 6 tonight and will include instructions about your new schedule.”

“Any questions?”

Neither candidate had anything to ask.

“Ah, and you’re permitted to walk anywhere in the city, including the castle as long as you aren’t late for any appointments and you don’t try to pass any guards with black bands on their shoulders.”

“Thank you for taking me into your care.” Shae curtseyed shallowly.

The woman raised an eyebrow and then grinned. “Don’t forget the meeting at 6.” She turned and left the room.

“Sounds like you won’t have anyone waiting on you hand and foot anymore.” Miss Linnath smirked.

“It will take a little getting used to, but I knew this position would reduce me to a servant,” Shae said truthfully. Maybe a lot of getting used to, but she could do it.

“I think you would look good with a shaved head.” The pink haired girl retreated into her room and shut the door. Shae sighed. Her roommate disliked her this much and she didn’t even know she was a shisa yet.

Shae retreated to her own room. It was small as well. A window was against the far wall and a bed on the right. Her trunk was placed at the end of her bed. Opposite the bed was a door that slid into the wall and revealed a small closet. When she turned around she saw there was a vanity mostly hidden by the open door.

Shae went to her trunk and pulled a wrapped bundle from the top. She unwrapped the cat carving and placed it on the small nightstand next to her bed just under the window.