On the morning of the assessment, Elonore ate only two bowls of porridge.
More accurately, one and a half bowls. She had just lifted the second when her hand trembled. The spoon struck the rim with a ding, and nearly half the porridge spilled across the table.
Saina watched her and set down the steamed bun in her hand.
"Nervous?"
Elonore pressed her lips together and said nothing.
Saina fished two meat pies from a basket behind the stove. They were still steaming, grease soaking through the coarse burlap wrapped around them. She walked over and shoved them straight into Elonore's hands.
"If you fail, come back and wash the pots."
Elonore looked up at her.
"If you pass, you're still washing the pots."
Elonore's eyes reddened around the rims, but the corners of her mouth lifted. She tucked the meat pies into her pocket and lowered her head. "Thank you, Sister Saina."
Saina snorted and turned back to the stove.
Elena came down from the second floor with a damp cloth in hand. She stopped in front of Elonore without a word, tugged her collar over, wiped away the porridge stains, then straightened the crooked collar button.
"Don't embarrass yourself."
Her movements were swift, her tone cold. But as she wiped the collar, her fingertips lingered on the fabric for half a breath longer.
Su Li leaned against the doorframe and watched the whole thing. He untied the bonded short blade from his waist and walked over to Elonore.
"Take this with you. It might be useful."
Elonore accepted the short blade with both hands. The instant her palm touched the hilt, the forging patterns on its body glimmered faintly.
Aether frequency flowed through the hilt and into her arm, a steady, rhythmic pulse like a heart beating at