[h1][color=da9100]Berenice Eldri[/color][/h1][hr]The sarcasm in the girl’s voice was evident to Berenice. [color=da9100][b]“Ah, it seems that the Serpents were not your ideal destination,”[/b][/color] she said, understanding instantly dawning on her. [color=da9100][b]“It should be fine though. From what I gather, you can still study other magic practices even if you ended up chosen by a Cult unsuitable to your aptitude. Maybe inform our mentor of the situation?”[/b][/color] Berenice offered some advice to Sarahi, who seemed much more interested in playing with what seemed to be her tutelary. [color=da9100][b]“I’d heard tutelaries can take any form, but iridescent butterflies? Fascinating!”[/b][/color]

As she ended her comment, a hand landed on her shoulder, squeezing it tightly. All of her previous excitement vanished as Berenice visibly deflated. She straightened her back as a heavy voice was heard from behind her.

[b]“Sorry for intruding. I’m sure you two had a pleasant conversation, but I need to borrow my daughter for a few moments,”[/b] Anak said, the smile on his face as fake as ever.

[color=da9100][b]“Ah, sorry, but I have to go. I’m sure we will meet later, once our mentor summons us. Goodbye!”[/b][/color] Berenice said with an apologetic look on her face before turning around and walking away with her father.

--

[b]“Quite presumptuous of you to not come straight back to me after the ceremony. I’ll personally oversee your training upon our return.”[/b] A veiled threat was the first thing that came out of Anak’s mouth after some time of walking in silence. His daughter had just been formally accepted into one of the most prestigious institutions in Photep, and the first thing he did was berate her for wanting to meet her fellow Novitiates.

[color=da9100][b]“Yes father,”[/b][/color] Berenice mouthed out dryly. She had gotten used to this level of abuse by now, causing her to not even flinch at the thought of the grueling workload that was in front of her. Inwardly, she also scolded herself, however. She could have been smarter; first return to Anak for debriefing and then go meet the others. At least that way she could’ve met the other Novitiate, Sirvan.

They soon arrived at a table clearly occupied by the Edri family and friends. Berenice could see a lot of familiar faces sitting and chatting, partaking in the delicacies brought over by the Cults in order to entertain their guests. A commencement into the Cults was always a momentous occasion for Photep as new blood and ideas were being injected into the city’s arguably most important foundational block.

[b]“Ah! Berenice, my child!”[/b] A middle-aged woman immediately shot up from her seat and literally bolted into a hug, crushing the 16-year old girl into her embrace. [color=da9100][b]“M-mom, mom, MOM! Relax!”[/b][/color] Berenice posed a token resistance at first before surrendering and hugging back. Her mother’s infectious happiness rubbed off to her, alleviating her spirits somewhat after the more-than cold reception she had received from her Anak.

[b]“Sit, sit! Tell us what happened! What did the Vizier tell you? Oh, actually don’t tell us, I bet it’s something important that only Sorcerers should know!”[/b] Anak visibly cringed at the sound of his wife’s words, but he remained silent instead of commenting on it and proceeded to sit down beside her. [b]“Yes, my daughter, tell us what you thought of the ceremony,”[/b] he said instead, that same fake smile returning once again.

With a sigh, Berenice joined them in the table and started narrating her experience.

--

After a while, Anak stood up once again. [b]“Let this be a toast to the future of the Eldri family and our beloved Berenice, who is joining the Cults as a Novitiate! This is indeed a sign by the gods that our family still has their favor! Cheers!”[/b]

Everyone held up their cups in agreement as well and cheered. With a hearty laugh, Anak placed his cup down and walked over to where Berenice was seated. [b]“Now, I think it’s time for my lovely daughter to finally meet her new sorcery guide, let’s not keep her here any longer.”[/b]

[color=da9100][b]“Yeah... thank you all for coming to my commencement!”[/b][/color] She told everyone, waved goodbye to her mother and turned around to leave. [b]“I’ll be waiting for you back at the house. Don’t be late!”[/b] Anak’s voice was heard from behind as she walked, a constant reminder of what awaited her upon her return.

[i]“...”[/i] A warm feeling suffused her being once again, and a slight smile donned Berenice’s face. Her hands moved below her cloak to pet her tutelary, thanking him for comforting her. [color=da9100][i]“At least I know your feelings will always be genuine…”[/i][/color]

With her spirits somewhat risen, Berenice decided to look for her new mentor. No matter how much she despised it, she agreed with her father that meeting and introducing herself to her future tutor was important. First impressions mattered after all, and she had delayed hers for quite some time. What if Magus Nevrakis was the type of person that detested tardiness? Berenice did not want to get on the Magus’ bad side from the get go, if she could help it.