Completed [Valintar/Solo] You don't always stick the landing

[Lavira]

Timestamp: Winter, 74, 510

Lavira awoke early, as she often did, staring up at the rough stone overhead and the dim lighting of a pre-dawn day inside the volcano. The low murmurings of the dreaming and restless of other Yasi made for interesting music, as always, as the teenager sat up and swung her feet off the simple bed.

Arching her toes against the yearworn rock beneath her feet and stretching her back, she let one hand explore the edge of the bandage that now only covered the left side of her head and face, still containing the left eye. She moved her hand along the line of linen and then over it. Her first stop, as with any new day now, was to the infirmary to have the bandage changed, but even as she was getting ready to rise, grabbing her Vinati from its folded spot on the floor beside the bed, a messenger was approaching her nook. A lass a few years older than Lavira; a Dek, by the haggard work-wary look the young woman wore. She offered the note to the Yasi before her with her other hand outstretched and that tell-tale look of hope glinting in her eyes. Vira, as she was sometimes called, considered for a moment as she took the note and unfolded it on her knees while she secured her top, then fished a couple copper pinions from her pants and tossed it to the woman. Sometimes any news was better than no news, and this looked like it could be good!

The note read: Lavira, meet Master Duvin at The Enclave entrance as soon as you have risen.

I wonder what he wants? Maybe he's gotten word from the Valintar, finally! She thought with not a bit of her own raised hopes. It looked like the infirmary would have to wait. Vira finished dressing, put on her shoes, and headed off to the Enclave to meet with Duvin Kakiv, her excitement not quite hidden from her step.

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Along the way, Lavira paused at the Communal to grab a quick bite and settle her stomach from its giddy state lest she inadvertently embarrass herself in front of Duvin, or someone of greater importance. She silently hoped she might be able to coerce some left over bread from the day before from one of the kitchen hands without getting them in trouble, just enough to settle her stomach of course. A mouthful, and that was it.

As she neared the kitchens themselves, the great heat of morning preparations making it nearly unbreathable to anybody but those used to it, she spotted a younger Yasi hauling a pot to be cleaned. The insides looked to be left over soup from the evenings meal, or perhaps something special for one of the Endal flights. Whatever it might be, it smelled good even from here.

"Psst!" She called to the younger one, waving a hand for him to come closer. The lad couldn't be more than nine, by his looks, and skittish to boot given the nervous glance he threw over his shoulder to where Chef Davoid could be heard barking orders to the morning team. The kid bit his lip and shook his head and turned to go with the pot in tow. Lavira psst'd again to him and fished out something from her pocket that wouldn't drain her money any further: a feather she'd found the day before up near the aeries. It was down-heavy, probably from an eaglet or breast of an older bird, and so soft. She'd considered keeping it for good luck, but thought the kid could use some better fortune than she right now...especially if it might earn her a snack that didn't cost.

The kid eyed the feather with that same kind of look Lavira herself held for all things bird. Idolization. He quickly shuffled to her and held his hand out for the feather. "Whachoo want for it?" He asked.

"A mouthful of whatever you have left in there. Nothing more."

He considered, his hand falling back to support the pot again and his eyes looking back to the kitchens once more. "I could get in trouble...and so could you..."

"Then I'll take the days reductions. If you get caught, just tell you were coerced." But the boy remained hesitant. Finally, after what seemed an eternity, he took the feather from her hand and turned his eyes away as Vira scooped a hand down inside the nearly scraped clean pot and fished out the remains of some kind of fish soup (she could see the bits of flaky flesh on her fingers among the jus and vegetable bits). This morsel, she licked quickly from her fingers, whispered a thanks, and hurried off again. Better not be late!

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She came to a skidding halt to the receptionists desk in the Enclave, panting and gingerly rubbing the now throbbing side of her head still contained in the bandage. The sun outside the volcano was just beginning to peak upon the glacier ice, which meant the mountain inside still remained mostly dark, only the glows of the deep fires far below really giving significant shine to the cavern. Thus, the inside was lit by carefully contained bits of coal, giving a soft glow to the otherwise beautiful library.

Taking a moment to catch her breath, Vira finally produced the note she'd been given and showed it to the receptionist, saying, "I was told to meet Master Duvin here. Would you mind pointing me to him?"

The receptionist regarded the note passively, then said, "If you'll just wait here, I'll fetch him for you." And then the woman was off, moving quickly into the confines of aisles to find the Yasi Headmaster. And so, Lavira waited.

[Lavira]

It took about fifteen minutes, or so Vira guessed as she watched the dim light creep across the floor and listened to the faint song of the pre-dawn birds that some of the Inarta kept. The echoing footfalls of two approaching raised the young woman's head from its lowered state and her eyebrows besides as she saw the welcome face of the Youthmaster striding alongside the receptionist she'd spoken briefly to.

"Ah, good morning Lavira. Up early as always, I see." The man called, smiling at her after coming to a halt and clasping his hands behind his back. "I've good news and better news for you; walk with me, lass, walk with me." He gestured back to the warrens leading to the Enclave and Lavira turned to follow, putting herself on his left side so she could keep him in sight.

"Been to see one of the healers yet this morn?" He asked, sociably, to which the teen shook her head in reply.

"No, sir. I came as soon as I received your note. Am I getting my Bendi for the remainder of this period?" She asked, keen to know if she'd be put back to work yet. Idleness was not something the determined youth was used to.

"Mm, no, not today." He replied simply, clapping a hand to her shoulder in reassurement, however.

Lavira looked away, discouraged. She'd sorely hoped the Youthmaster might assign her at least something to pass the time today, but it seemed there were other things on his mind. "Am I in trouble, sir? I've kept my quarters clean and ordered and have even volunteered some around the infirmary; just menial labor to pass the time, I suppose. This isn't about that harrier I found, is it...?" But Duvin just laughed.

"No, Vira, you're not in any trouble, and certainly not in regards to the little raptor you found. He's a spirited thing, I hear. Not unlike yourself. Have you picked a name for him yet?"

"I was toying around with either Kontak or Tulaj....I like the ring of Tulaj more, though. He's pretty malnourished, though; most of the pinions I got last season have gone into his care, unfortunately. At least his wings weren't broken. I need to do some study on his breed, though. The couple of times I've been able to take him out, he doesn't seem too interested in the live prey I've spotted. But he doesn't look like a carrion-type." She shrugged a little and turned back to the youthmaster who'd been observing her as she spoke. He didn't offer any advice outright other than to say, ""Maybe you can find something in the Enclave records. You're a smart girl, Vira. I'm sure you'll figure it out."

[Lavira]

"Maybe." She answered as they turned down a corridor that led towards the gates. "Sir, are we going outside? I'm afraid I left my Katinu in my quarters."

The older man just shook his head, leading her past the gates themselves and down one of the other corridors that connected the whole of Wind Reach. He paused near one of the grand archways that looked out at the glaciers and mountains beyond, and peered at the landscape that made Wind Reach so breathtaking to be in. It was a sight Inartans saw daily, be it through these same beautiful constructs or on the wings of the eagles as the elite few could.

He waited what seemed an eternity to Lavira before finally speaking. "Lavira, I promised good news, and here it is. You will no longer be Yasi. The Valintar has asked to see you for caste re-assignment." Duvin let this hang in the air for a moment, allowing the lass to absorb the news. When she didn't respond after several minutes, however, he looked to her and frowned. "What's wrong, lass? I thought you would be excited." The anxiety in her eyes was answer enough for the moment.

"You're concerned Valintar Kaden will place you somewhere he shouldn't."

"No!" She started, then hung her head. "Yes." the teen looked out at the horizon now beginning to lighten properly as dawn approached. "Meera had offered me an apprenticeship with her as a falconer. I was supposed to have an answer for her the day after the...the accident; I'd already put off responding in hopes one of the fledglings might choose me, but now I don't believe they will. How can one of the great ones count on their rider if she's half blind? I'd always be favoring the right and that is unfair to the eagle."

Duvin scoffed at her a bit and boxed one of her ears, though not without affection. "You're a smart girl, Lavira; I'd encourage you not to make such dull minded remarks in front of Kaden. Meera and the other falconers are aware of your circumstances and understanding; at least, most are. We all have bad fortune from time to time, and you'd done nothing wrong. You were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Lavira looked away, eyes still on the smooth stone of the warren floor. The wrong place at the wrong time...bad luck my ass. She thought to herself with a terse breath released through nose. "Sir, I shouldn't have been gawking at him when he came in. That was careless of me and he could've knocked me from the cliffside for such wrecklessness."

But Duvin just chuckled and clapped her shoulder again, turning to continue down the corridor and towards the Valintar's office. "Vira, if you hadn't looked up, you mightn't have had a chance to protect yourself even as you had. The eagle might've knocked you from the cliff in its fall because you weren't braced, or injured you worse than you were in its own efforts to gain purchase. Duck and cover is a good failsafe when you've nowhere else to go, lass, and not else to protect yourself with. Better alive, than ruined or carrion for the vultures." He finished with a laugh.

But it didn't fully dissuade her fretting. Lavira released another low breath. "What of the Valintar puts me in Dek?" It was a common enough question for a Yasi when facing judgment failing placement as an apprentice or Endal prior. ""What if he sees that I'm no good to the city other than to muk the pools or scrub pots..." She was thinking of the messenger girl who'd probably only gotten that task by sheer luck. "I know the healers have said I probably won't see from that side again, and if I don't, okay then; but I don't want that to be a hinderance or reason to become Dek. You know how hard a worker I am, sir. Since when have I left a task unfinished? Or shirked my studies? I know some of the other Yasi and I didn't exactly see eye to eye (They think I'm too soft, or something), but I had top marks in falconry compared to others my age, and even showed potential in in tracking. I had a chance to talk to Master Harif once and he said if I could improve my climbing skills, I might be great at locating things that've fallen from the cliffs." She shrugged a little at this, kicking a stone from the pathway as they walked.

"Vira, look at me." Her mentor now said, crossing his arms over his chest as the girl turned towards him. "The chances of you being placed as Dek are slim. You yourself as much as said so. So why berate yourself? You are a skilled young woman with great potential who simply met with a bad circumstance. Don't let it stand in your way of becoming something great, girl. Just keep your chin up and no matter what the Valintar decides, use that determination I know you for make you better. Alright?" He waited for her to respond; and he was rewarded with a smile, half-hearted, but there. "Good girl. Now come along. It's after dawn; Kaden should be there by now."

[Lavira]

The walk to the Valintar's office didn't take much longer after they'd reached the corridor from the gate and the Youthmaster and Yasi passed only a tiny handful out and about this early, mostly late-shift Deks who were finishing up their duties (and on the verge of collapse, judging by the looks). As they came within sight of the impressive office, Lavira couldn't help but catch her breath a bit.

It was always one of the most amazing pieces of architecture in the city with its position by one of the lakes and the views are always stunning. How one could possibly neglect this inspirational location was a mystery. If nothing else in their home, this spot was awe-inspiring. Duvin smiled a bit at the teens response and clapped her shoulder one last time. "Here's where I depart, Lavira. Remember what I said, lass, and you'll be fine. Eyes to the sky, and don't forget who you really are." He released her shoulder then and turned to leave, letting Vira get settled on her own. The Valintar always knew best.

The Valintar always knows best...Then why am I still unsure? I don't even see that eagle he keeps, Starvine was it? Maybe he's not in yet. Why am I arguing myself out of this? I've gotta face it eventually anyways, may as well just go on and get it done. Vira waited for Duvin to be out of sight before approaching the entrance to the atriumesque chamber. She placed her hand upon the handle, took a deep breath, and pushed...

[Phoenix]

Kaden had been expecting Lavira, so when the heavy door to his office was slowly pushed inwards, the Valintar met the timid young woman with a plesent smile and a warm greeting. "Lavira, well met. Thank you for so kindly coming to see me." There was a polite incline of his head paired with the words, his hand sweeping across his desk towards the empty chair that waited for her there; Kaden hadn't risen when she entered, but instead set aside the quill he had been twirling thoughtfully between his fingers.

When she got herself settled, Kaden leaned back in his seat and crossed his arms lightly over his chest in a very relaxed posture. It was obvious that the girl was nervous by the way her eyes darted from place to place, and how she couldn't quite look him in the eye. The Valintar was used to this, of course. Being a person of station, it was not uncommon for those below him to feel a sense of unease in his presence.

"I have been informed of your accident. How have you been healing? Did you receive the care that you needed?"

x

[Lavira]

Lavira nearly cringed when the door actually opened, mutely cursing her luck that he'd actually be in when he said he'd be. It figured he was. Kaden was ALWAYS on time, rain or shine.

Once inside, the girl made her way over to the offered chair, sparing nervous glances at anything but the man himself, from the shining floor to the beautiful ceiling and the even more beautiful windows. Why was everything so pretty? It made her think of the harrier when he was in flight. He had a silent way about him, only the vaguest of hisses sounding when he flapped his wings that made the girl think of the nocturnal cousins. Owls weren't nearly as intelligent as hawks and eagles, though. Beautiful and deadly, yes, but somewhat dim when it came to being taught new things.

"Good morning, sir, and well met as well. I didn't think it would be prudent of me to miss a meeting with you, sir, eventhough I'm a bit afraid." She trailed off, eyes falling on his paperwork and then rising to meet his gaze at last. "If this is a bad time, however, I can certainly come back later. You seem busy, anyways." She started to rise again, ready to leave if he permitted only to settle back into the seat and fold her hands tightly together against her middle, as though the gesture might settle her quaking nerves. Kaden was known for his kindness, though. A friendly man with a friendly face; she really shouldn't be so nervous! But her fretting over the pending placement simply refused to put her at ease; so perhaps it came as a benefit that he asked of her injury and a hand moved to touch the bandages.

"Oh, uhm, yessir, I did. The healers have been very good. They even showed me how I can splint something, if I ever needed it. I was just curious and the one who's been treating me had some extra time to show me. I figure if the albino ever got into a spot, I'd be able to help him a little more than otherwise. Better informed than ignorant, heh." She let out a little laugh and brushed the hand upwards over the top of her hair.

It would be several moments after this that her thoughts finally spilled free from confining lips. Her eyes locked with his, a frightened but determined shine, as fierce as always. "Master Kaden, please...I can't be a Dek. I am not useless, sir. I know what the healers said, but I've seen others with worse than I got do helpful and sometimes great things here. I am no different, sir. I'm sorry I wasn't able to get back to Meera before that youngling caught me; I was just holding out hope, you see, that...maybe...you know..." A standard story he's probably heard a million times: one of the fledglings would choose her and raise her into something more than..."...that maybe they'd see I was more than average."

[Phoenix]

Kaden listened as the words spilled from the anxious young woman, nodding when necessary to show that he was indeed listening; a grunt of approval was all the sound that he made when she spoke of the healers good work and professional dealing with her injury.

However, when panic took hold of Lavira's words and she spoke quickly and almost fearfully, Kaden spoke up, holding up his hands to calm her as he cut her off. "Alright, lets take a moment to calm down. We haven't made any decisions here, and no one is ever just thrown into a Caste that they don't deserve." Smiling at the girl, Kaden pushed away from his desk and moved towards his office door. "Would you like anything to drink? Aleeya!" The door was open and the Yasi who was running his errands this Season came rushing, breathless, to the Valintar's call.

"Yes, sir?"
"Why don't you run down to the kitchens and get young Lavira and myself something to drink?"
"Yes, sir!" And she was gone in a flash, long red pigtails flying behind her as she bolted down the hall.

Returning to his desk, Kaden turned his attention back to the young chiet while they waited for their refreshments. "Tell me a bit about yourself then, Lavira. What do you like to do? What do you want to do?" Kaden spoke carefully, keeping his voice light and kind. He knew that he would have to approach this differently than his other transactions; normally, he observed the individuals skills and gave them a position. Lavira was clearly sensitive and so the answers he needed must be obtained with finesse. "What was your favorite thing to do before you were injured?"

[Lavira]

Vira started to protest when he called his aide out to fetch them something to drink, but quickly reconsidered. A drink would have been perfect right about then, something to wet her drying mouth and maybe weight her overzealous tongue. Duvin was right, though; if she blabbered like that throughout this meeting, Kaden might see her as dull and might put her somewhere she felt she truly wouldn’t be worthy in. That alone would be awful. So, the young lass took a deep breath and watched Aleeya leave to fetch them something, the rush of air helping to cool her lungs, and some of her nerves and bring focus back to her thoughts.

That alone made answering his questions easier.

”I’m sorry for my outburst, sir. I’m just a little nervous and feel I’ve made it worse by talking too much. And assuming. She paused, and then answered his first question and request. ”Well, I love the aeries, sir, both the wind eagles, and the smaller roosts throughout the city. The sounds and smells and sights of all the birds helps clear my head when I’m feeling overwhelmed. I’ve always enjoyed getting Benti with the Wind Eagles, too, but I’m sure you hear that all the time. There’s just something…magical about it, being around them, I mean. Even when they’re but clumsy hatchlings, they’re beautiful, and I’ve had my fingers nipped a fair few times by a youngster, but it never really bothers me. I count each nip as a lesson to be learned from. I did something the bird didn’t like, so I amend the action for next time. I’ve never been bitten for the same thing twice. Except with this albino I’m caring for; but I think he’s a little off anyways.”

Lavira then reached around behind her and took hold of the leather string that hung from the knot of her top in back. She deftly unclasped it from the Vinati and brought it forward, holding it with great care and affection, a valued possession to the fifteen year old. It didn’t look like much more than a white feather with some beads and a string attatched, but to Vira, it was so much more. ”My parents gave me this when I was eight, the day I joined the other Yasi to begin my real education and training. Of all things, this always gives me hope, and I’ve wondered if it’s not lucky. They said when they gave it to me, ‘Vira, wear this with pride. It is not of the great ones, but of the ones who came before, the Bay eagles. It came from the tail of your mothers first, and oldest friend and has seen her through her life. Until now. We want to give it to you so that you will always remember what truly lies in your heart. You may not know it now, but you will know when the time is right.’” The girl brushed the feather against her cheek, eyes closed in adoration. ”I wish I could have met the bay eagle they spoke of, because my parents were right. I knew what lay in my heart the moment I set foot inside the Wind Eagles aeries: I wanted to fly. I wanted to stand in the clouds with my arms spread wide and head back and just fly!” Her eyes were still closed, but the snowy feather on its string had been lowered to her lap so her chin could raise and smile broaden.

”How jealous man is that we are trapped upon the earth, incapable of rising without other means, forced to watch the beasts and more that have been able to fly since before humanity in all its derivatives could so much as open their eyes.” Her eyes opened and she lowered them from the ceiling they had found and back to the Valintar. The smile slowly faded and Vira returned the heirloom to the knot it was always secured to. Afterwards, she reached to her head and carefully undid the bandages until the medicine-soaked gauze was completely removed, exposing her downcast face.

The wound was healing well, visibly, but it was immediately clear she’d never see from that side again. The green and gold globe had gone milky, the pupil permanently covered by an opaque film that left her blind entirely. The worst of it was almost healed now, the outlying sections of the gouging having become puffy and sensitive scar tissue while the interior remained uncomfortable, and even painful to the touch with crusty scabs and stitches still visible. It wasn’t exactly pretty right now, and probably never would be. The girl got to her feet and laid the bandages on the chair, walking afterwards to the stained glass to look out at the lake.

She was really just looking at herself, however, the faint reflection discouraging to the teen. ”And now I’m afraid that I’m one of the jealous ones, unable to open their eyes.” She touched the puffy scar-tissue at the edge of the wound. ”I can’t see one choosing me now. They need a rider who is strong and fully functioning, and I am not the latter. I will never be able to use a bow to its utmost perfection now; I will forever be favoring one side with attention forever split. Riders are supposed to be apex warriors, sir. And now, I’m just a half-blind kid.” The lass took another slow breath to keep from rambling and returned to the chair, gathering the bandages up but letting them settle in her lap as she sat.

”You have always judged fairly the ones who come before you, Valintar. I don’t want sympathy, sir, only the same fairness that others before me have received. I am not weak. I am strong, stronger than a lot of the other youth. Maybe not as physically, but I outshine them in other ways. Few other my age could mark prey and send their raptor to precision the way I can; fewer still able to understand the honor of it, that the birds want to work with those who deserve it. I still want to fly someday, sir. Let the others think I’m too ‘soft’ to be an Endal. I knew from the start you don’t have to be a diamond to shine and that it’s okay to be afraid. Courage without fear isn’t courage, afterall. It’s only arrogance. Master Duvin taught me that.” The smile returned, a shadow of the one that was most often seen on her face in days to come. It was strangely maternal, kind and brave, understanding.

And now that she’d finally stopped talking, she wondered if she’d truly answered his questions. It felt wrong to add more this time; wherever that speech had come from, it felt okay to leave it as it was, for once to not be so open-mouthed as Inartans often were. At least, she hoped that instinct was right.

[Phoenix]

As the last passionate word fell from the young girls lips, the Valintars office was filled with poignant silence so heavy that it was almost palpable. Kaden had grown increasingly motionless the longer that Lavira spoke. It was not often that the Valintar was completely shocked by those who came to visit him.

Frankly, the girls hunger to help and her desire to be around the birds moved him. Yes, every Yasi grew up wanting to be an Endal; to the young ones, it was all about the fame and the glory and the expected ease of life that the Endal’s received. Everyone saw them getting the benefits of the Caste, but never thought about what they had to sacrifice in turn.

It was rare for the Wind Eagle to be the youngsters passion. Normally, a Wind Eagle was a means to an end, an awesome tool with which to do awesome things when in fact they were more intelligent than most of the people they protected. Lavira clearly understood this far more deeply than most of the teens that he encountered.

“Well… well, well, well…” Just to break the silence, Kaden muttered softly to himself as he watched the girl fidget under his gaze. Normally, an injury such as the one she had sustained would keep her from doing anything useful without putting herself and those she worked with in danger; pretty much any job within the city was dangerous, in one way or another. But there had to be something she could do… to deprive the girl of what she so dearly, and clearly, loved seemed cruel.

“Do you think you can still function as well as before despite your injury? Because I do think that you would benefit and enrich any of the animals that you encounter.” As was his trademark, Kaden bent to shuffling some papers while Lavira waited, a smile cracking his features when he, seemingly, found the one he was looking for. “It says here that the Dek that normally cared for the nesting mothers is no longer fit or able to preform that task.” He turned a smile on the young girl, leaning forward so that he could pass the paper across the desk for her to read.

Nesting Attendant:

Requirements: Caring for, cleaning, feeding and otherwise seeing to the needs of the nesting Wind Eagle. These future mothers can be ornery and otherwise illy dispositioned because of their state. Individuals must be of high intellect and with a firm understanding of Wind Eagles, their tempers, and with a strong affinity to Animal Husbandry and Birdkeeping.

Other duties: Cleaning the nest, the nesting area, and the corridors adjacent. Preparing (and, if necessary, catching) the Wind Eagles food. Will be in charge of all nesting mothers at that time.

“As you can see, it’s a very specified job. The Dek that was tending to it prior was crippled but highly intelligent. But it’s also a Seasonal job, since the Eagles mostly nest in the spring. That means for the rest of the year…” Kaden let his sentence trail, loking thoughtfully down at the stacks of papers on his desk once more. Another one was found and hefted, though he only skimmed this quickly before lifting his gaze back to Lavira. “… You should be busy enough tending to the hatchlings as they fledge and grow. Helping them survive and learn should their mothers be required elsewhere to fulfill their Endal duties. This would make you Chiet, if you find this agreeable?”

[Lavira]

”Yessir, I can still function as well as before. I’ve just not been given the chance to fully show this since the accident. Just because you’re scarred doesn’t mean you’re any less than you were.” Mother taught me that. She almost added, still smiling slightly and waiting for what was sure to come next. But what did as he shuffled through the parchments before him, nearly broke her. Vira felt her heart plummet as the words left his mouth and her spirit sink into defeat. Dek…

Dejectedly, the girl took the document he offered her and began to read over it, her features changing as she read from absolute dismay to something far, far better. His words bounced around in her head like the echo’s off the mountains as he went on and her eyes continued reading, and re-reading what was on the page. Nesting attendant. Truly? But, Dek…it’s so hard to come out of that station. Then again, I may just get to sleep in the aeries instead of the commonrooms. Happier dreams there. A grin, nearly invisible, twitched one corner of her lips and the young lady looked up to him immediately as he finished speaking.

”Chiet, sir?” She began in disbelief.

But the disbelief quickly faded, everything that was spoken and read finally absorbed and emblazoning itself across her marred face.”It is very much agreeable, sir. I…I get to work with them again. I, heh, I never thought I’d be able to unless it was to scrub the ridges from time to time, if ever I was so lucky. They will be some of the best hatchlings to fly from the colony, sir, and the happiest mothers besides, I will make certain of this. They will want for nothing, even if I must lay upon the eggs myself if the mother cannot provide. No greater generation will fly!” She finished fondly and proudly, pressing a fist over her heart in an overwhelmed show of gratitude. ”Thank you, Master Kaden. Thank you for this opportunity.”