"This is the child?" Blonde, elvish, the most annoying scowl upon her face- she didn't look like much.
"Yes ma'am. We caught her stealing rations from the supplies."
"Should I assume she's the same thief who's eluded your guards for the past few weeks?"
"…Yes ma'am."
"I see. Dismissed." The soldier snapped to attention before leaving the room, closing the door behind him.
"So." She stood, moved around the desk and in front of the sullen girl. "What is your name?" Other than stare at her sword the girl did nothing.
"Silent one, eh? I can work with that." The captain bent down, looked at her eye to eye. "I suppose you have no parents? Anyone?"
The girl shook her head, a glimmer of emotion flashing through her eyes. Unconditioned.
"Well then." She stood back up. "Apparently you have some highly valuable skills. If you want, you could join us. Food, lodging and pay provided, in exchange for becoming part of the Queen's Stormguard. Of course, you can always refuse and return to the streets and risk getting caught by other people. Your choice."
"I'll work for you." The voice was young, not quite hardened yet. "Not much of a choice to make, was there?"
"But it was one all the same. I'll ask again- Your name?"
"Kestrel." She'd remember that.
"Kestrel. You are now highborn. You have been singled out as having potential and will be tested. You will pass, and will be transferred to this facility for training, becoming a Stormguard. If you are ready, your parents are waiting outside to bring you to the trials."
"Yes… Captain."