F I N A L x T O U C H
The sound of heels coming into contact with the smooth marble of the hall resonated through the other halls and was the only noise to be heard. Esmeralda could only hear the beating of her own heart in her chest as she made her way to the grand chamber. This was finally it; this was what her whole life studies had come to. This was the highest point of her career and all that was left to do was receive the honor of master scholar and then… Well, she’d get to that part once she was there. She still was to be judged by the other masters.
There were currently two younger adept scholars trailing behind the Peisio Dovaa with all her life’s work. She had needed to take on a few apprentices to look over but both and successfully graduated to adept and now soon she would be their master in turn. They finally made it to the large oak door and she held her breath for a few moments hand hanging in mid-air. Then Esmeralda knocked and waited. Both doors were pulled open by more students and Esmeralda entered with her head held high. Masters and students filled the large room. A new master was no small business.
“Come forth child and present yourself.”
“I am Esmeralda Valerai Vorporian, Expert Scholar and Healer Corporal for the Dovaa Army.”
All eyes were on her now, the two adepts behind her moved forward and one by one handed her work to the masters present.
“You may seat yourself.”
Esmeralda settled herself down on the chair that had been brought behind her and clasped her hands in front of her. As they read her work they would ask her questions on it, but she also knew her integrity as a Dovaa would also be questioned. Finally as the first hour ticked by in silence, one of the masters looked up from her work.
“Is it true you have been widowed?”
“Yes.”
It was the truth; you couldn’t lie while you were here.
“And your daughter?”
“Alive and well, she is on the bath of a battle mage. She has chosen the Kiandri clan and they have welcomed her with open arms. You will find no fault in that regard; she has embraced fully her Dovaa side.”
That seemed to settle the man down and silence continued to reign again for a few moments. Another master spoke up, this time the question was about her work and her work only and she answered calmly. Finally, after four hours many of the masters had closed her work and were murmuring amongst themselves. That went one for a good twenty minutes before finally the eldest of the master scholars spoke up.
“We do not find fault and we welcome you Esmeralda Valerai Vorporian as Master Scholar, Healer Corporal for the Dovaa Army.”
Esmeralda cracked a smile and stood up to bow, those around them were clapping loudly and there would be a celebration to attend later on. She had made it, she had finally done it.
