"It's been a whole week! When are we going to get the results of our test back?" asked Evangeline, pacing the floor of her room.
"For the eightieth time, I don't know. Master Quill told us that he'll notify us as soon as they arrive," replied Bell, lounging on a chair and flipping through a book.
"How are you so calm? Aren't you nervous?" asked Evangeline.
"Of course I'm nervous. I just try to keep my mind off of it. You should try it one time; I think you'll like it," offered Bell sarcastically.
"Ha-ha, very funny," said Evangeline, stopping her pacing to reprimand her friend. But the pacing soon returned and Evangeline returned to questioning her friend.
"Where do you want to be stationed?"
Bell looked up from her book. "I haven't really thought about it. What about you?"
"Denerim! I heard that it has the most luxurious Scholar base in all of Ferelden. Wouldn't that be grand?"
"Of course it would be. But what about Lothering? That was where the Order was founded after all," mused Bell.
"Lothering? I've heard that place is a pigsty. You don't want to go there."
Bell was confused. "But the history –"
"You know I hate history, Bell. I like the idea of being a public speaker. You know, talking on behalf of the Order."
"A public speaker. Well look who's Miss Fancy-Shmancy! You'll be accepted as a representative in a heartbeat," said Bell.
"Thanks, I –," Evangeline paused, craning her neck to see into the hallway. "Hey, it's Master Quill! I think he has our scores!"
The two girls ran from the room into the lecture hall, finding other nervous Initiates already sitting in chairs. The pair quickly grabbed a seat and waited as the people filed in.
"News travels fast," whispered Bell.
Evangeline nodded, her face pale and her hands gripping her chair.
"Relax, Evangeline. Breathe in, breathe out. You did fine," coaxed Bell.
Evangeline nodded, releasing her death grip on the chair.
Bell turned her attention to Master Quill and found that her heart started pounding violently in her chest. This test determined everything: whether she can be a Scholar, where she'll be posted, what she'll study – basically, her whole life was planned according to that paper.
There was no elaborate ceremony, just the calling of names. There was only one rule: no opening scores until everyone is called and out of the lecture hall.
The list went on and on, so it seemed. Evangeline received her score, and her hands were shaking in anticipation.
And then the list stopped. No more names.
There must be a mistake, thought Bell. Where's my score?
Almost as in response, Master Quill spoke. "That concludes our gathering. Everyone may leave…except for Miss Bell. Would you kindly mind staying for a moment?"
Bell's mouth went dry, but she nodded, hoping that the Master could see her. Evangeline gave Bell a reassuring smile, then quickly ducked out of the room.
In a matter of seconds, the room was empty.
Bell slowly stood up and walked up to the podium that stood on the stage. As she turned to face Master Quill, she saw a roll of parchment, neatly rolled with an unfamiliar seal.
"I have your scores, Miss Bell," Master Quill said, keeping his professional composure. "But I also have a letter, signed by the Head of the Order. I suggest you read this first," Quill said, picking up the parchment that Bell spotted earlier.
Bell took the letter and carefully broke the seal. She read the note, then looked up.
"Highever?"
"Yes, yes! Isn't that wonderful! Go on, keep reading," urged the old man, letting his enthusiasm get the best of him.
Bell returned to the parchment and her heart nearly stopped beating. There must be a mistake.
"C-Cousland?" stuttered Bell.
The aged man nodded enthusiastically.
"But they're one of the most important nobles in all of Ferelden," breathed Bell, excitement welling up on her chest.
"Yes! You will be under the guidance of Master Aldous. He is an old friend of mine. Extremely smart book wise, but never that bright when it came to the common things," mused the old man.
"But to return to the subject, yes, you are being stationed in Highever. It's a long ride from here to there. You will set out tomorrow."
"Wait," said Bell. "You said it would be a long ride. What do you mean?"
"Why, you'll be getting a horse, of course! You can pick one out today. Oh, and you know how our horses are. Best of their breed. Treat them with respect."
"Of course, Master Quill."
"Write to me when you get there. There's always a courier willing to deliver a letter for good coin!" the man said, jingling his coin purse. "Off to Evangeline, I presume?"
Bell nodded her head.
"Good. I think I'll have some tea."
Author's Note: I realized I put "Aedolus" instead of "Aldous". Terribly sorry about that!