Chapter 3.

Rifiuto: Non Miriena

One Year Later

Glinda looked around.

Everyone wore their graduation robes, their hats and tassles. They all sat silently in their chairs as the ceremony started.

Glinda out of habit, turned to say something to Elphie. Then, she remembered.

Elphie wasn't here.

"That's right. She died last year. All because of that bastard Avaric."


Later that afternoon, Glinda went to the cemetery.

"Elphie, I graduated today. You would have too."

She looked down at the cap, gown, and tassle in her arms.

"I know I shouldn't have gotten these, but....it made me feel better, picking up your cap and gown. Like you were with me today."

Silent, she laid the items out at her friend's grave.

"I miss you, Elphie."

Then, she turned and left.

One week later, the first sighting of the 'raven beauty' was reported, up on Dead Man's Curve.