Are you ready?

As spring came, Mary and her friends focused all their attention into their studies. Firlea told Jontak that all dates were cancelled until after the exams. Mary stopped her training sessions and outings with Tenac. None of them used their free Saturdays to visit family or friends.

Instead, they studied, both theoretically and practically. They helped each other and the other third-year students as well.

Mary was almost fluid in old Urundi, and she now preferred to use the original books instead of the modern translations. Sometimes that led to her finding details that her friends that used the translations didn’t. They compared notes on the subjects they had together, that way Mary could add the details she had found.

A month before the exams, a note was delivered to Mary. Tariana asked her to come for tea in the afternoon in her private chambers. Mary had learned the way there by now and walked up to join her friend.

Her father was standing outside Tariana’s apartment.

“Dad,” Mary said with a big smile and hugged him.

“Hello, little one,” he smiled back.

“Are you joining us?” Mary asked.

“Oh no. I’m just here to make sure you are still alive. Your mother and I haven’t seen you in quite a while. I thought it would be best to make sure,” he told her.

“I’m sorry about that,” Mary said. She felt guilty for not going home more than two or three times in the last few months.

“Don’t be. I know you need to do this. I just wanted to say hi. Your mother and I keep busy in other ways. Your mother is in full planning mode for your celebration party,” he told her.

“Dad, I haven’t even started taking my exams. We don’t know if there is something to celebrate,” Mary pointed out.

“Like you weren’t sure you would join the evaluation, or like you didn’t know if you would be accepted. I’m placing my bet on that your mother is right in planning the biggest party of the century for when you become an aari,” her father chuckled.

“Thanks dad. Please don’t let her make too big of a deal out of it,” Mary said.

“Oh, that’s too late for that. I think she is planning on inviting most of the city and everyone we might have said hello to in the last forty years, or so. She is proud of you, Mary, and like any proud mother, she wants to brag. Let her,” Kopa told her.

“Okay,” Mary nodded.

“Now off you go. I’ll see you later,” he told her and gave her a hug before walking off.

Mary smiled as she was announced by the riders at the door and was let in. Tariana was sitting in her usual seat by the table by the window, and Mary walked over to her.

“Sit down Mary, the tea just arrived,” Tariana said and poured the tea for them. Mary saw she was using the teapot that Tenac had gotten her for her birthday.

“Did you see your father?” Tariana asked as she offered Mary a platter of cookies.

“Yes, I think I have neglected him and mom,” Mary confessed.

“Don’t be silly. They know how things are at the end of the third year. When I did my third year, I remember I was so wrapped up in my books, I barely knew what day it was. I can’t remember how many meals I skipped until my stomach would object. Don’t do that,” she said with a laugh.

“It’s hectic, but I don’t mind,” Mary said.

“No, I don’t think you do. You have always been a hard worker,” Tariana smiled.

“The reason I asked you to stop by for tea, besides me getting to enjoy you company, was so we could talk about your future,” she continued. Mary nodded. She had figured that much.

“Once you start your exams, we can’t keep your abilities a secret anymore. How do you feel about that?” Tariana asked.

“I’m okay with it. I’m really grateful that I have had these years to come to terms with everything and to figure things out. But I’m ready to take the next step,” Mary said.

“You have grown so much since you got to Salmis. I don’t know if you realise how remarkable your journey is. But even without people knowing that you have all five elements, you are still impressing your teachers and have gotten a reputation of being one of the best students to pass through the sanctum,” Tariana told her.

Mary felt her cheeks heat by the praise. She had gotten a lot better at handling compliments, but sometimes they still made her feel uncomfortable.

“Thank you. I have done my best. The last year has been tough with using magic and hide my fire magic. But I don’t think I have slipped up,” Mary said.

“Oh my, I didn’t think about that. I’m sorry Mary. I should have realised that,” Tariana told her.

“No, it’s fine. But what happens when people find out? What should I expect?” Mary asked.

“Well, the first thing that will happen is that the day before your exams begin, I have scheduled a council meeting. I will tell them of my little trick and hope they are understanding. By now, most of them have heard about you. Which is what we wanted. You have gotten a reputation by your own merits,” Tariana smiled.

“After that, I’m guessing that your exams will have at least one council member present at all of them. Don’t be surprised if some of the council members seek you out. But if they want to book meetings with you, tell them to do so after your exams. I will tell them that as well. You don’t need the distraction,” she continued.

“After the exams are done, there are a few days when the last exam is undertaken individually,” Tariana said. Mary nodded.

The big secret final exam that every trainee was scared to death about. You could get top marks on all of your exams, but if you failed that one, you failed everything.

“You could take that time to meet with some of them if you would like. Or if you prefer, we could arrange a lunch with me and maybe Kopa present and you could meet them all in one go,” Tariana said.

“I think I would prefer a lunch,” Mary said.

“Then we arrange that. I have agreed to start the process of choosing my successor before the mid-winter solstice. So, I’m afraid there will be some intense months ahead of you,” Tariana told Mary.

“That is alright,” Mary nodded. Mary didn’t think her chances of being selected as one of the contenders would be high. She knew she was skilled in her crafts and in magic, but she was still someone from the outside, someone that the council didn’t see coming.

Mary wasn’t upset about it. Her goal was to become an aari and then to help as many people as she could. Sure, she could have helped many people if she became the new Lady. But that wasn’t the only way.

“Does this mean I can tell my friends?” Mary asked. That had been the biggest down-side to everything. She hated to hide such a big thing from her friends.

“It’s still a little early for that. Hold off for two more weeks, is that okay?” Tariana said.

“Yeah, two more weeks is fine,” Mary smiled.

“Now, let’s talk about more fun things. Have you met anyone that you fancy?” Tariana asked and smiled.

“You mean on my many walks between my room and the library? No, I can’t say I have,” Mary smiled.

“I guess it isn’t the optimal place to meet someone,” Tariana laughed.

“But once you become an aari, you will have more time for that. Besides, you are still young. You have plenty of time,” she added.

“Maybe,” Mary said.

Mary wasn’t as opposed to the idea as she had been. Her biggest problem was that the one person she could see herself having that kind of relationship with was her best friend. Normally, she might have shared her problems with Tariana. But Tenac was her son. Mary didn’t want to put Tariana in a situation where she needed to keep things secret from him.

The afternoon with Tariana was relaxing. Mary always enjoyed when they got the chance to drink tea and talk. Tariana asked about Mary’s and Procecsa’s research and Mary told her they were almost ready to release the results.

“I hear your mother is planning a party for you,” Tariana smiled.

“Yes, dad told me,” Mary nodded.

“Why don’t you sound happy about it?” Tariana asked.

“I just don’t want her to go to all that trouble for nothing. And even if I pass all my exams, I’m still a little uncomfortable with being the centre of attention,” Mary admitted.

“First off, you will pass your exams. Unless you have a total meltdown, I can’t see anything stopping you. And you need to get used to be the centre of attention. As an aari, we are always recognised, always talked about and people always want to talk to us. It’s part of our life,” Tariana smiled.

“I guess I need to practice,” Mary told her.

“What better place to do it than at a party that your mother has arranged? I’m looking forward to it,” Tariana said.

“Knowing my mom, there will be an abundance of food,” Mary laughed.

“Oh, that’s one of the things I’m looking forward to. Bettina is an amazing cook,” Tariana said dreamily.

“She is,” Mary agreed.

Overall, Mary felt better after her talk with Tariana, as she always did. She now knew what she could expect from the near future. She wouldn’t go as far as to say that she was looking forward to being scrutinized by the council.

But she was relieved that she didn’t need to keep her secret any longer. Mary also knew that she was better equipped to deal with it now than she had been two years ago. Tariana had given her the time she needed to find confidence in herself.

Two weeks later, she sat down with her two friends in their room. They had just come back after having dinner and Mary had asked them if they could talk. As usual, they sat down in the bay-window.

“I need to apologise to you,” Mary started. Her two friends looked surprised.

“I have not been completely honest about my abilities. I didn’t want to lie to you, but Tariana and I thought it was for the best that as few people as possible knew,” she continued.

“What are you talking about, Mary?” Hinat asked.

Mary stretched out her hand, and in her palm, she produced a sphere of fire. Both her friends drew in a sharp breath.

“Mary, you are doing fire magic,” Firlea pointed out.

“I am,” Mary nodded.

“How long have you been able to do that?” Hinat asked.

“About two and a half years. I discovered it halfway through our first year,” Mary told her, feeling guilty.

“Wait!” Firlea exclaimed and both her friends looked at her.

“That means you control all five elements,” she then said. She looked as she did the counting in her head.

“Yes, that is why I haven’t told you,” Mary nodded. She then told them everything.

“Our friend is going to be the next Lady,” Firlea squealed, excited. Both Hinat and Mary smiled at their friend.

“That is far from certain,” Mary smiled.

“Oh, come on. You are an overachiever. I don’t think you know how not to be at the top of anything you try,” Firlea snorted.

“She has a point,” Hinat laughed.

“That is not true. You have seen my attempts at embroidery, and you have heard Tenac complain about my skill with weapons,” Mary objected.

“Fortunately for you, I don’t think either of those skills is required to become the next Lady,” Firlea said.

“Who knew?” Hinat asked.

“Furnlow, Procecsa and some of my teachers. Then my parents, and Tenac,” Mary told them.

 “You told Tenac, but not us?” Hinat asked with a smile.

“Well, yes. He needed to know, as he was training me,” Mary said.

“Uhu. Yeah, that’s why,” Firlea smirked, and both her friends laughed.

Mary just shook her head at her friends. They had an evening without studying, they just spent it talking about things. It felt good, like they needed to take a step back from everything and remember that there were things outside the sanctum.

Before they knew it, it was time for examination weeks.