How to become an aari

“So I don’t need to change?” Mary asked weakly.

“No, you are perfect just the way you are” Tariana reassured her and drew her into a tight hug.

After a long hug, Tariana went to sit down at her place and Mary took several sips of the, mostly cold, tea.

“I know that your friends in Domne means a lot to you, I won’t suggest that you don’t contact them. But you can’t let them decide who you are Mary” Tariana told her. Mary furrowed her eyebrows, she had never thought about it like that.

“But shouldn’t I be open for the opinion of other people?” Mary asked.

“You should, it’s part of what makes us grow. But you need to first decide if the opinion is a valid one. You need to know yourself and then be honest about if the opinion you are given is a valid one. I know this is hard for you because you have been told things about yourself that aren’t true for a long time” Tariana explained.

“For the time being, if you feel like there is something that you think you need to change with yourself. Go to Bettina, Kopa or even me. We will be honest with you. As you get more comfortable with things, you will start to become more secure in who you are, and you won’t need our guidance” Tariana said.

Mary nodded. It sounded like a good idea. She trusted them and she would try and be more open with them.

“I can do that” she told Tariana.

“I don’t doubt it. I’m happy we got that out of the way, now we can talk about what I really wanted to talk with you about”

“There was something else?” Mary asked.

“Yes. After talking with Kopa and Tenac about how you are getting by and the progress you are making, I have an offer for you” Tariana said.

“Oh” was all Mary could say.

“Do you know how you become an aari Mary?” Tariana asked.

“I know that you train for it, that the training takes place here in the sanctum. But no details” Mary said after thinking about it.

“Anyone can apply to train to become an aari. Once a year we hold a two-week evaluation. Anyone that wants to become an aari will go through this evaluation. It is designed to find out if you have the necessary talents. If you are accepted, you move into the sanctum and start a three-year training” Tariana started to explain.

“It consists both of practical and theoretical trainings and evaluations. At the end of the three years there is a series of test. If you pass them, you are inducted into the order of aari and are sorted into one of the areas”

“One of the areas?” Mary asked.

“Yes, we are divided into different specialities. Like agriculture, aquaponics, healing, education and so on. At first you are given a position that your teachers and examiners find suits your talents. That doesn’t mean you stay there for ever. For example, the diplomatic area is something that you typically never get placed in straight out of training. You need experience to work in that area”

“That is the one you belong to?” Mary asked.

“Technically I belong to all and none of them at the same time, as the head of the order. But it is one of the areas that takes up most of my time” Tariana said.

“I think I understand”

“The reason that I’m telling you all of this Mary is that this year’s evaluation begins in two-weeks’ time and I think you should be part of it.”

Mary just looked at Tariana, not quite able to comprehend what she just said. Did she want Mary to become an aari?

“You want me to become an aari?” she asked, just to be safe.

“I do, I think with your gifts it would be a waste not to have you in the order. And I’m being selfish as it would mean that I could keep you close” Tariana said with a smile.

“Do you think I can make it?”

“I do, otherwise I wouldn’t have suggested it, Mary. I would like to give you some time to think it through. But as we are so close to the evaluation I need to know by the end of the week. If you feel you are not ready, there is always next year”

“I would really like to say yes, but I think I need to talk to Kopa and Bettina first. Is that okay?” Mary asked.

“It is, take your time, you have a week to decide. You can just send your answer with Kopa when you decide. And remember Mary, if you feel like it is to much now, there will be other opportunities. You are still young.” Tariana answered as she filled Mary’s teacup with more tea.

They spent the rest of the time talking about what Mary had seen of the city and Tariana prised Mary for her Salamis. When Kopa was announced and entered the room Mary smiled at him and stood up and gave him a tight hug.

It took him a couple of seconds to overcome his surprise, but then he hugged her back.

“You seem to be in a better mood” he told her.

“I am. Thank you for bringing me” Mary said.

“Anything for you Mary” he told her, and they said goodbye to Tariana before making their way home.

As they were sitting in the boat on the way across the river Mary thought about the offer. She had always wanted to become an aari, but was now the time to try to become one?

“Kopa, can I ask you something?” she asked as he was helping her onto the dock.

“Anything” he simply said.

“Tariana asked if I wanted to try out to become an aari. I think I would like to, but do you think Bettina would be disappointed if I didn’t train to become a herbalist with her?” Mary asked, she felt Kopas big hand on her shoulder.

“Mary, the only thing Bettina, and I, want is for you to be happy. If that means becoming an aari, an herbalist or anything else that you find exciting, then we will support you in that. I know that Bettina will be happy that you have found something that you like, no matter what it is” he told her in his calm voice.

“Really?”

“I promise, we will never be disappointed in a choice that makes you happy” he confirmed.

“Okay” she said, and they walked on in silence.

“Kopa?”

“Yes Mary”

“Thank you for always being there for me”

“No need to thank me Mary, we belong together. It’s as simple as that”

“You are right, Bettina, you and me” Mary nodded, Kopa placed his hand on her shoulder again and squeezed it gently.

“Let’s go home and tell Bettina that you are joining the evaluation” Kopa said. “She will want to cook something special for tomorrow”

“I haven’t decided if I want to do it yet” Mary objected.

“Mary, if you have thought about it enough for you to ask about Bettina’s feelings, you have already decided that you want to do it. I’ll tell Tariana tomorrow” he told her.

She thought about it the rest of the way home. He was right. The only reason she was hesitating was because she was doubting that she would be able to make it through the evaluation. But she would never know if she didn’t try.