Vienna had never been graced to be allowed into these venerated halls before, taking in her new environment as each wall and crevice molded in the darkness of her mind. She had been watching others sent when they were given the call, even those she felt less capable than herself. 'You are not ready', they would say, and she would return to training for another year. But today was special and different from the others. It was [i]she[/i] was sent to the inner sanctums this time, to commune with the Immortal Emperor. Maybe now they saw something worthy of her. She felt very proud indeed. 

	When she finally reached her destination, Vienna kept her head low as she tried to avoid making eye contact with anyone, on the off-chance she would offend a superior rank or someone of nobility. Such strict laws and traditions, but she understood them. Just as they branded her with special rules, it is for the betterment of their people. Although not that such a thing would be possible in the first place. Her engraved silvered-mask covered most of her face and her eyes. It was more she was trying to keep a low profile, issuing greetings only when necessary. 
	
	"Ah... my sincerest greetings too, elder brother." she breathed to one of the men in the grand amber-lit halls leading to the Throne Room that reached out to her. 

	Each word was soft, like a murmur, as though it was hard for her to speak. He didn't look like someone from her own unit, so she wasn't really interested in what he had to say. It was a dry sort of truth, but if she was going to strain herself to socialize, she only wanted to do so when absolutely needed. They would probably never see each other again anyways. Biding time for a chance to depart with a few modest nods to his exchanges across the ruthless ticking minutes, she found an opportunity when an acquaintance of his appeared. By the two clasped in a handshake she was already gone. 
	
	Truthfully, she was just never good with words, let alone eloquently disarming a social dilemma if it occurred. There was no doubt she might say something callous without even realizing it and offend someone, or say nothing and offend someone. Judging how she didn't know how go about such things, the windows for failure were quite vast. Best she avoided it all. She had few rights as it was and she preferred to not spoil them, especially now. She soon found a place alone by one of the intricately carved pillars, leaning back against it with a sigh. Her resting spot was a safe distance away from the others, as she was afraid her very presence might send an uncomfortable chill down their spines. As her powers were quite untamed around other sources, even with the inhibitors placed. And her emotions were flaring. She felt overwhelmed by the new environment, happiness, fear, anxiety, excitement; all of it smothered her. Vienna only hoped she can make a good impression now that it mattered.

...