Disclaimer: Only Alani and any people you don't recognize are mine.

Chapter 3 – Announcements and Departures: "For years, you have studied to achieve this credential. Over that time, both of you have proven yourselves worthy of the honor. Glaki, you're always ready to help a fellow student understand lessons they struggle with. Alani, since the beginning, you've been willing to defend those who can't help themselves, no matter what the situation calls for. Apart, each of you has earned the respect of your peers and elders, and together, you stand here, close as sisters, finally reaching your goal to become true mages. As symbols of this, I give you these medallions as you take your mage names." Moonstream, the Dedicate Superior of Winding Circle, glanced at a paper with Glaki's and Alani's mage names on it before sliding the medals over the girls' heads. Then she closed her speech with "Congratulations, Glakisa Jadefire and Alani Silverglass. May you always remember your time here and fulfill the responsibilities of a mage."

Alani's heart thudded as she and Glaki turned to face the crowd. She decided that the events yesterday in the Room were worth this. Her dream had been realized, and now she had to follow the path set for her. Rubbing Tanu's ring, Alani felt more confident than ever before.

Several hours later, a special dinner was taking place at one of the best eating houses in Summersea. Glaki and Alani sat with their housemates, Shaia and Calren, their guardians, Lark and Rosethorn, Alani's teachers, Tris and Sandstone, and Glaki's teacher, Dedicate Meadow. Also present were Kethlun Warder, Tris's former student and Glaki's friend and Daja Kisubo, the mage who found Ani (she was also Tris's foster-sister). It was Keth who said, "So, what will you two do now?"

Glaki grinned and replied, "I'm going back to Tharios. Maybe Dema (another friend) can get me mage's work. Even if he can't, I am a Tharian. I've heard a lot's changed there. People are more equal, but things aren't perfect. I want to help people like Mama and Aunt Yali, and like the prathmuni. As a mage, I think I can."

Tris smiled at Glaki. She remembered Tharios, and she hoped Glaki could help too. "So what about you, Alani? Going back to Fatepha?"

Ani took a deep breath. Here it was. The choice hadn't been real...until now.

"Actually, I'm going to Tortall. I've decided that it's high time I tried to find my dad. Besides, in Tortall, I could join the Queen's Riders and be a warrior, or teach ambient magic at their university. I hear their amount of ambient mages is sadly lacking. I like choices, and Tortall will give them to me." Silence followed her words.

"Tortall! That's crazy! It's so far away!" choked Sandstone. Daja shook her head. "It's a risk, especially the part about your dad, but if you want it, go for it."

"It's not as risky as you think. I've been scrying, and every time, I'm looking for my family. In the last two, I'd found them. I know scrying's unreliable, but I also know that if the same idea is repeated, it's more likely to occur." There was a general agreement to this, and the talk moved to the teachers and other adults, who spoke of their adventures while traveling. After a few hours, everyone went home.

Several days passed. Alani and Glaki went to the docks to book passage on ships to Tortall and Tharios. Ironically, both ships left on the same day. That morning, the atmosphere was one of expectation. Packed bags sat near the door as Glaki and Alani ate their last breakfast with those who had become their family. Soon it was time to leave for the harbor. Sandstone, Meadow, Keth, Tris, and Daja met the group from Discipline along the way.

When they reached the docks, both ships were nearing departure. The girls turned to the others, hugging Shai and Cal. They thanked Lark and Rosethorn for watching over them, thanked their teachers for all they'd learned. Glaki hugged Keth. Then both girls turned to the mages responsible for bringing them to the temple. Glaki said to Tris, "When Aunt Yali died, you could have left me to die or else live a horrible life. Instead, you took me in, despite being a kid yourself. I owe you so much." Tris went red, telling Glaki she only did what she felt was right. Alani faced Daja. She knew what had to be said. "I don't know where I'd be if you hadn't seen what I could do. I'd probably be in some mine as punishment for stealing or worse. My mom always said I'd go far. Now I'm proving her right, but I'd never have this chance without you. Thanks isn't enough for that. All I can do is not waste this chance. Then you won't ever regret giving it." Daja shook her head, saying that she knew she wouldn't regret it. The women hugged the girls and Ani and Glaki walked away together. At Glaki's ship, they stopped. The two friends who'd been like sisters for years, stared at each other. There seemed to be nothing to say. Suddenly they rushed at each other, hugging fiercely. "Good luck. And no matter what, you'll be fine. Show those stuffy nobles what you can do!" Glaki declared as they pulled apart. Alani smiled and responded with, " I can't wait to hear what happens in Tharios when you get there! I know you can do so much for them. Prove to everyone what a yaskedasu's daughter can do!" They laughed and Ani walked on, heading for her ship. Reaching it, she went on board and stood at the rail. She waved to her friends as the ship pulled away from the dock. When she could no longer see them, she turned to go below. As she did so, she heard a whisper on the wind. Very good, my child. Your future awaits you. Go on, and don't look back. Tanu is indeed with me, Alani thought, realizing that a part of her life was truly over, but a new chapter was starting.