//------------------------------//
// Ch 8 - The Choosing - Standing Her Ground 
// Story: Phoenix-born Rising - The Ascension of Sunset Shimmer 
// by The Voice in the Water 
//------------------------------//

Heya Sunny!

How’re things going since your last letter? I hope you’ve found a way to deal with those meanies. Oh, I wish I could be there to help cheer you up or just make sure that nobody’s giving you a hard time.

Things are super busy right now. Rainbow's helping Windstorm get ready for the Summer Solstice celebration, so she’s being all “argh, I’m having to work! I want to go goof off and fly around!” But I can tell she’s having fun.

AJ’s being… AJ. All work work work, no time for fun except in the afternoon. The trees are starting to make the first apples, and her entire family’s been busy. Says the Dorsett Golds are just starting to come in. And that means cider soon. And speaking of soon, right now it's almost noon. Which means that Lyra’s going to be in the market with the other minstrels playing her bassoon. And if Bon Bon’s there, she might start to swoon. They do seem to like spending time around each other. But it doesn’t feel like it does when we’re gettin together to have fun with AJ and Rainbow. It's almost like when Maud and Mudbriar are hanging out. I wonder if Bon Bon likes Lyra. But, that’d be weird, because they’re both girls. Can girls like girls? I du’know, I thought we were supposed to like boys. That’s what daddy and all the grownups say.

Anyway, we miss you. Write soon. I want to know how you got back at those meaniepants that tried to mess up the book we gave you. You should have seen AJ when we read your letter. She looked like she was about to rip a tree out of the ground, she was so mad. And Rainbow was ready to fly straight to you and beat them up. We stopped her, but wowie, she was ticked. 

Oh, and tell your new friends that they’re always welcome to come visit Golden Tree. I’ll be sure to throw them a “welcome to the West” party.

Missing you. Lots of hugs and love coming your way.

Your bestie and sister, Pinkie Pie

Sunset lowered the letter to her lap and smiled warmly as she let out a happy sigh.

‘Glad to know that Pinkie’s still Pinkie, even when writing letters.’ She thought as she folded the paper. Swinging her feet off her bed, she made her way over to her footlocker. Pulling out a small key, she popped open the lock Lady Inkwell had given her, and slipped the letter into a folder with the others she’d gotten from home, right next to her books and her clothes.

“Sunset, you almost ready?” Daisy said from behind. “It’s almost time for breakfast.”

“Just a minute.” Sunset said as she closed the chest’s lid and snapped the lock shut. “Okay, have you got everything?”

“Yup!” Daisy chirped.

“Ready to go.” Lily said.

“Okay.” Sunset said as she closed the footlocker and returned the lock to its place.

Taking a step back, Sunset took a deep breath and began a basic infusion spell dance. Both Lily and Daisy watched her as she called on her flame, feeding it with the desire to protect. Soon, strands of teal flame flowed from her soul-gem, and into the runes inscribed on her chest, the lock, a set of identical runes engraved on Daisy and Lily’s storage chests, and several larger rune circle inscribed on pieces of wood she’d tacked to the inside of the door and below the window frames.

With one final flourish, she cut off the flow of her flame into her runes, all of which flashed to life with a burst of teal light, which faded away moments later. Taking a second to catch her breath, she felt the flame settle into the inscriptions, bringing the enchantments to life. Now, anyone who tried to open the object with the runes other than the ones that were keyed to them would find them completely sealed and locked, and trigger a loud audio alarm.

“Alright. Let’s go.” Sunset said as she turned to her roommates.

Exiting the room, Sunset closed and locked the door, feeling the enchantment engage. Without another word, the three of them took their manuals, and placed them on the crowns of their heads. Once in place and balanced, they began to walk towards the dining room.

It had been a week since the theft of her book.

The three thieves, though Sunset was sure they weren’t the only ones involved, had been interrogated by Lady Inkwell about why they were outside after dark. Under the phoenix-born’s questioning, the three had admitted to stealing Sunset’s book, and their plan to provoke her into breaking her probation and get her kicked out. Needless to say, Lady Inkwell was not happy, and made an example of them by putting them on garbage bin cleaning duty for the remainder of the training course.

It came as no surprise to Sunset that she’d been called into Lady Inkwell’s office the next morning. Sparkler had arrived during breakfast, and told Sunset that Lady Inkwell wanted to see her. Reluctantly, Sunset followed, doing her best to ignore the smug look on Sapphire’s face.

Sensing Sunset’s distress, Sparkler told her that she wasn’t in trouble. Rather, Lady Inkwell wanted to check to make sure she was okay, since she’d heard her book had been stolen, but that it was no longer in the thieves’ possession. Sunset was sure that was true, but she also suspected the phoenix-born had worked out that she’d been involved in the mysterious flash of light and anti-sound that temporarily blinded and muted the thieves.

And so, Sunset found herself for a third time in Lady Inkwell’s office, sitting in what was starting to become her regular seat, looking down at her hands and wondering if she was going to get in trouble.

“So, Sunset, how did you get your book back?” Lady Inkwell asked, her left hand resting on her amp, the subtle glow of runes letting Sunset know it was powered. Behind her, Dylis was on his perch, eyeing Sunset critically.

“Um…” Sunset began, but couldn’t muster the energy to continue with the lie that had been bubbling up in her throat. She knew better than to try lying while Lady Inkwell was powering her amp.

“Sunset, I know you’ve got it. The three students I was forced to discipline this morning admitted to taking it, yet it wasn’t where they said they hid it after Sparkler caught them.” Lady Inkwell said as she regarded the young girl, “If you didn’t get it back, you wouldn’t be nearly this calm. I'd dare to say you'd probably be on the warpath. So, how did you get it back?”

They were really going to do this, weren’t they?

‘Well, no point in dragging this out.’ Sunset thought as she steeled herself.

“There’s not much to say. I took your advice and used my head.” Sunset said, keeping her tone as respectful as possible. “Without, I might add, laying a hand on them.”

“And how exactly did you do that?” Lady Inkwell asked, her eyebrow quirking a little, while behind her, Dylis narrowed his eyes and glared.

Gulping, Sunset regarded Lady Inkwell.

“I… I jerry-rigged a couple of rune integrations.” She said.

“Oh, you did, did you? That’s honestly quite impressive. What sort of integrations?” Lady Inkwell asked as she steepled her fingers and leaned forward, giving Sunset an appraising look.

“Um… well. When you told me that I couldn’t hurt them, I knew I had to find a non-violent way to get my book back. But, I… don’t know any spell-dances for something like that. But, I thought I could maybe use what Bronze Hammer, my master, taught me about runes.” Sunset said, before taking a deep breath and continuing. “So I… did some modifications to a pair of tier two runes, one light and one sound dampening, inscribed them on a couple of stones, and set them to overload when I struck them hard enough. I hoped that when they overloaded, it would make a sound deadzone and a flash of light bright enough to blind whoever stole my book long enough for me to get it back and get away.”

“Really now?” Lady Inkwell said, lacing her fingers together with interest. “How did you overload them without burning them out, let alone carve runes stable enough to hold that amount of power?”

“I didn’t power them directly. I created a runic chain.” Sunset said with increased ease, as she slipped into artificer mode. Usually, she would be talking with Bronze about these sorts of things, so she focused on that, using the feeling of discussing magical theory to ground herself. “I used a tier one security rune to create an impact sensor, and integrated it as a trigger for a tier two power storage rune. I created the chain so that when I slammed the stones together, the power rune would pour all of the stored flame into the light and sound dampening runes at just the right rate to create a controlled overload.”

Looking at Lady Inkwell, Sunset was surprised to see a half-smile on her face.

“That’s very impressive, Sunset.” She said, as she leaned back in her chair. “Especially so considering that such runic assemblies are notoriously volatile if the runes aren’t inscribed carefully.”

“Thank you, your grace.” Sunset said, smiling a little with pride. “I’ve… always had a knack for this sort of thing. Bronze says that I’m a natural at magic… when I’m not letting my emotions get the better of me.”

“I can see that. For someone your age, it’s a remarkable feat.” Lady Inkwell said, before her eyes turned serious. “Had you not managed the inscriptions right, you could have detonated the runes and hurt yourself. What possessed you to take such a risk instead of coming to me?”

Sunset’s earlier elation drained away, and a cold pit of shame settled into her stomach.

“They… threatened to burn my book if I went to you.” Sunset admitted. “I couldn’t risk it, so I… came up with my other plan.”

“And if it didn’t work?” Lady Inkwell asked.

“I… didn’t think that far ahead.” Sunset said with a small amount of shame.

Lady Inkwell huffed through her nose.

“Sunset, you have no idea how lucky you are that it worked out. But, this is getting out of hand. I think it might be a good idea if I held onto your book until the rite is over.” She said evenly. “It’s obvious that they’re going to keep going after it.”

Lady Inkwell’s expression softened at the look of horror on Sunsets face, but continued nonetheless. “I understand that it means a lot to you, but clearly, keeping it in your room is just asking for trouble.”

Sunset’s throat constricted and her stomach sank.

“May I speak freely, your grace?” Sunset asked with a trembling voice.

“You may.” Lady Inkwell said with a flourish of her hand.

“I… I don’t want to do that.” Sunset said nervously.

“Sunset.” Lady Inkwell said softly, “I understand. Believe me, I do. But… if you keep it with you, it’s going to continue to be in danger. Do you trust me?”

Every one of Sunset’s nerves sang at that question, and the sight of the still glowing runes on the amp.

“I want to.” She replied.

“But you don’t?” Lady Inkwell said.

“Not enough to give you my book.” Sunset admitted with shame. “I don’t trust anyone but my sisters with it.”

“I see.” Lady Inkwell said, her features taking a slightly saddened tint. Behind her, Dylis released a low hiss as his glare became even more disapproving, causing Sunset to shrink down. Sparing her partner a glance, making the phoenix to look away and trill with irritation, Lady Inkwell rose from her desk and walked around towards Sunset, carrying her amp with her.

“Sunset…” Lady Inkwell said as she kneeled down by the young girl, her voice gentle and soft. “Look.”

Holding up the amp for Sunset to see, she continued.

“I understand that you have a hard time trusting me, or anyone, with your book, but trust that I’m telling you the truth. I won’t force you to give it to me, and I won’t punish you if you refuse. But, I swear, that if you’re willing to trust me with it, I will keep it safe. I will not let anything happen to it. And, when this is all over, I will return it to you.”

Sunset watched the apple as Lady Inkwell spoke. Not a wisp of black fog had formed within.

“So, can you trust me? Can I help you keep it safe?” Lady Inkwell asked.

“I… do you swear to keep it safe? Can you promise me that it’ll be okay?” Sunset said, her trepidation still obvious.

“I swear, on all my years as Queen Celestia’s senechal, that if you can trust me with it, I will protect it, and that I will return it to you when this is all over.” Lady Inkwell said.

“I…” Sunset began, but found that her voice died in her throat. She didn’t like it. She didn’t want to do it. Giving up her book would mean that her sisters… her family… they wouldn’t be with her. But, she wasn’t sure she could keep them safe if they stayed with her. Hadn’t that fact already been proven.

“… you can think about it if you want to Sunset.” Lady Inkwell said reassuringly. “I don't need an answer right away.”

Sunset’s mind was reeling. Could she give up her book, even for a few weeks, knowing that Lady Inkwell would keep it safe? The thought was tempting. More tempting than she cared to admit. If it wasn’t for Lady Inkwell fixing it in the first place, it would be gone. But, it would mean giving up…

…her sisters…

“No… I… I can’t.” Sunset said, her voice quavering, but building in determination. “I can’t. I know it’d be safer with you, but I can’t. I need it. I need them.”

“Them?”

“My sisters.” Sunset said. “I… need them. Having that book means that they’re with me. That their love is with me. And… I need that now… I need them. If I give you the book, then I’m letting them go. Saying that I couldn’t protect what’s mine. I can’t keep them safe. I know it’d be safe with you, but I’d admit that I’m not strong enough to protect my sisters. My family. I have to be the one to do it. I need to be the one to do it.” Sunset lowered her head, and hugged her arms to her chest, “I’m sorry.”

Sunset flinched a little as Lady Inkwell regarded her with that detached, unreadable expression she wore when she was thinking.

“I see.” Lady Inkwell said with a thoughtful hum. “In that case… might I make a suggestion?”

“Of course, your grace.” Sunset replied. Not that she had much choice, but she was at least grateful that Lady Inkwell asked.

“Keep your things locked up.” Lady Inkwell said.

“Your grace?” Sunset said.

“You heard me.” Lady Inkwell said calmly, “I’ll give you a padlock to put on your chest. Make sure to use it. It won’t be as secure as me holding onto it, but it’ll be something. Just know that if it stays with you, it’ll be at risk.”

Sunset stared at Lady Inkwell. She hadn’t thought of that. She’d never needed to lock her footlocker before, but it made sense under her current circumstances. But locks could be picked, or forced open…

'Wait.’ Sunset thought, her mind going back to her book on runes, and the revelation she’d had the night before. She had skills that she could use. Skills that meant she didn’t have to play by the Heliopolan’s rules. She could play by her’s. ‘Locks can be broken, but there’s more that I can do.’

Sunset’s eyes went wide.

“Your grace, might I make a request?” Sunset said, as she raised her head to look at Lady Inkwell.

“What sort of request?”

“With your permission, I’d like to inscribe some security runes around my room.” Sunset said.

“Really? What kind?”

“Locking ones. Alarm ones. I think… no, I know I can key them to me and my roommates.” Sunset said. “I can’t make them permanent, but they’d last most of the day if I powered them in the morning.”

Lady Inkwell once again regarded Sunset, before a slight smile graced her lips and she nodded.

“Normally, I wouldn’t allow such things, but given your circumstances, I think I can make an exception.” Lady Inkwell said, before her eyes turned hard as she pointed her index finger at Sunset. “But just security runes. Nothing more. I don’t want you putting anything that can hurt anyone in my school, understood? You’ve been making incredible progress… despite everything that you’ve been going through. I wouldn’t want to see you waste it on some petty scheme for revenge, am I clear?”

“Of course, your grace.” Sunset said.

“Good. Now, I believe it's time for the first lesson of the day.” Lady Inkwell said as she turned towards her desk, lifting her arm for Dylis. Before she could complete the motion, Dylis had flown from his perch, landing on her arm at the moment she finished raising it. Running a finger across the bridge of his beak then scratching him behind the ear, Lady Inkwell smiled at him before bringing her arm to her right shoulder, which Dylis climbed onto. Looking back at Sunset, Lady Inkwell gestured to the door. “Shall we?”

That evening, Sunset skipped the supplemental lessons for a second time. Instead, she spent the evening hours properly and painstakingly inscribing the runes on the inside of her, Lily, and Daisy’s footlockers, as well as on a couple planks of wood she’d gotten from Sparkler. Unlike her rush-job runes from the night before, she took her time with them, making sure that she made the runes as clean and precise as possible. It was tedious, but in the end, she’d stood up and inspected her work with pride.

‘I bet Bronze would be impressed.’ She thought as she did one final check, then began the first of many empowerment dances she would do to provide the runes with her flame.

*****

That had been days ago, and since that time, things had settled down a bit. Lady Inkwell had made a general announcement the day after the theft, once again condemning the actions of the thieves, and once providing a stern warning that anyone who tried something like that would face harsh repercussions. It still irked her that Lady Inkwell wasn’t tossing them out. She just couldn’t understand why the Queen’s seneschal wasn’t cracking down harder.

Still, Sunset and her friends had enjoyed a couple of days harassment free after Lady Inkwell’s announcement, and had taken advantage of them to double down on their studies, even going so far as to start walking to class with their books balanced on their heads. At first, there had been some not-so-gentle teasing from the other students, but after a few days, and a couple of compliments from Lady Inkwell about their diligence, many of the other students, particularly those few Heliopolans that had just seen fit to ignore them rather than join in on the changeling hunt, began to follow suit.

“Hey dirt-eaters, still trying to prove to Lady Inkwell that you can act like proper Heliopolans?” A condescending voice said from near the classroom entrance.

‘I don’t need to deal with this at this hour.’ Sunset thought, sparing a glance in the direction the irritating bleating had come from. To her intense displeasure, she saw Sapphire, Rosy and Orange standing by the door, looking smug.

“Who’re you talking to, Sapphire?” Sunset said, feigning confusion.

“I’m talking to you, Sunslip Stumble!” Sapphire hissed.

“I have no idea who that is. Daisy, have you ever met someone named Sunslip Stumble?” Sunset replied as she looked at Daisy, her book remaining balanced on her head.

“Um…no, I don’t know anyone named that.” Daisy said nervously.

Unperturbed, Sunset turned to Lily.

“How about you Lily, you know anyone named Sunslip Stumble?” Sunset asked.

“No, I don’t think so.” Lily said, looking as nervous as Daisy.

“Well, clearly Sapphire’s got an imaginary friend now or something, because she’s talking to someone that’s named Sunslip Stumble that likes to eat dirt.” Sunset replied as she turned back to a fuming Sapphire. “I mean, it can’t be any of us, because none of us are named that, and none of us eat dirt.”

“Watch your mouth dirt-eater.” Rosy said as she balled her fists and took a step towards Sunset.

“Wow, you too Rosy?” Sunset replied. “You’ve got an imaginary friend that eats dirt? Did you come up with that all on your own, or did you steal that idea from Sapphire because you’re so mentally deficient that you can’t come up with your own ideas?”

“Why you…” Rosy said as she took another step towards Sunset.

“Ah ah ah.” Sunset tisked as she wagged her finger back and forth. “Do I have to remind you that if you touch me, you’ll get kicked out. Do you want that? To mar your family’s reputation by having the Queen’s seneschal personally expel you from the phoenix rite? I’ll bet that the shame would last for generations.”

“You think you’re so clever, don’t you?” Orange hissed.

“No, I don’t think I’m clever.” Sunset said with a smirk. “I know I’m clever. At least, more clever than you dullards. Tell me, how did you score on the last quiz again?”

“I don’t see what that…” Orange began.

“Because last I checked, we managed to score in the top ten on the last one.” Sunset said, interrupting Orange as she put an index finger on her cheek, before looking up at the ceiling as though in thought. “I’m pretty sure I remember you three all scoring in the bottom fifty.”

The three girls glared daggers at Sunset.

“Oh, but clearly you’re the more clever ones.” Sunset continued as she reached up and retrieved the book she’d been balancing on her crown. “After all, you’re from Heliopolis. You know everything already, and don’t need to study, or put any effort into things. Like, how someone who’s not just barking orders has to conduct themselves, or what’s the proper way to set a table. No, you can just coast along and not have to try, because you’re so high and mighty. I hope that works out for you when it comes time for the placement exams.

“So, while this has been very entertaining, a great insight into your vibrant imaginations and how sad you are that you need to make imaginary friends so that you can have someone who can stand you to talk with you, my friends and I need to get to class so we can be ready for the next exam. I’d wish you good luck, but I know you don’t need it, since you’ve already got this in the bag.”

And with that, Sunset walked past Sapphire and her friends, Daisy and Lily following quickly behind. Chancing a look back, Sunset had to suppress a chuckle as she grinned with satisfaction at the sight of Sapphire turning red with anger.

“I really wish you wouldn’t do that Sunset.” Daisy said, her nerves showing as she glanced back over her shoulder at Sapphire.

“Sorry Daisy.” Sunset said as they approached their desks. “I just want to let her know I’m… we’re not going to put up with her crap anymore.”

“You could do that without making them mad by just ignoring them.” Lily said as she settled in.

“I tried that before, and look where I ended up.” Sunset said.

“Still…” Daisy said.

“I get that it's scary. But, if we don’t make a stand, they’ll keep making our lives miserable.” Sunset said, “How many times did the alarm runes I put on the door go off before those jerks stopped trying?”

“Fair point.” Daisy said.

“And how many times did they try to sabotage our practical lessons until we started working to always have each other’s backs?” Sunset continued. “Sure, they’ve started to back off now, but that doesn’t mean we can drop our guard. Or show weakness.”

“I knew that the Helopolans were mean, but I didn’t know it would be this bad.” Lily sighed.

“I know.” Sunset also sighed. “But, we’re almost done. All that’s left is a couple more weeks, then the rite will be over, and we can head home and never worry about this place again.”

“Yea.” “Seriously.”

Soon, the other students began to filter in, followed by Lady Inkwell, who headed directly to the back of the lecture stage, and, lifting her right arm for Dylis to climb onto, transferred her partner to his golden perch. Taking a moment to reach up and scratch the phoenix on the back of the head affectionately, she turned, and headed up to the front of the stage. Pulling out her own manual, she flipped the book open and cleared her throat.

“Alright everyone, today we’re going to review chapter 12 on the proper settings for a five course meal for the different tiers of nobility.” Lady Inkwell said as she watched the students pull their own manuals out. “This afternoon, we’ll be doing a practical execution of what you’ve learned. I expect you to put in your best efforts. Bear in mind, you will not be permitted to use your notes on this practical. Anyone who does not get a passing mark will be required to attend evening supplemental lessons. Am I clear?”

There was a soft murmur of agreement among the students.

“Good.” Lady Inkwell said as she walked to a table and lifted a short, flared snifter made glass with ribbons of red and blue. “Now, who can tell me which drink this glass is used to serve to which rank of noble, and which course you would bring such a drink out for?”

*****

Morning lessons dragged out as Lady Inkwell reviewed the table settings and mercilessly quizzed them on the utensils, flatware and glasses that they would be using. By the time mid-day came around, Sunset, Daisy and Lily trudged to the lunch room, their heads spinning with all the information that Lady Inkwell had covered. Even if it was mostly review, it was still a lot to take in.

“So, what do you think? Grab the back table and review before the practical?” Lily asked as they pushed the doors to the lunch room open.

“I’m game.” Daisy said.

“Me too. Do you have the practice cards?” Sunset asked.

“Right here.” Lily replied as she patted her school bag.

“Good. I think I need to review which plates you serve a baron vs. a count on.” Sunset said as they got into line for their food.

A few minutes, and a couple of trays of lunch later, the three girls made their way to their usual table. Yet, as they arrived, much to their annoyance, there were already two occupants. Two occupants that Sunset recognized as the sky-runners involved in the theft of her book.

“What are they doing?” Lily said with irritation. “That’s our table.”

“I think that’s the point. Look.” Sunset said as she bobbed her head to the side to indicate other tables, noticing that most of them had at least one occupant already. Only a few didn’t have an occupant. All of which was right next to Sapphire’s table. “I see their game. Keep us from sitting anywhere but by the night-queen. Then, we have to deal with her all break long.”

“Crap. You’re right.” Lily said. “So, what, head back to the room and study there.”

“We could do that.” Daisy said. “I don’t want any trouble.”

“Or, I could go over there and get them to move.”

Both girls turned to Sunset, and balked at the look on her face: a deep, angry glare that said she was plotting something potentially unpleasant.

“Sunset, please, don’t.” Daisy said, gently tugging on Sunset’s sleeve “It's not worth it.”

“I beg to differ.” Sunset hissed.

“She’s right, Sunset. We can study in the room.” Lily said, her voice nervous, but trying to sound convincing. “You know that if you make a scene, Lady Inkwell will get mad at you. ”

Sunset’s brow furrowed angirly. Her friends were right. And, as much as it irritated her, once she stopped and thought about it, this wasn’t a battle she was in a position to win. Right now, doing well on the practical was more important than asserting herself. No matter how much she wanted to put those arrogant jerks in their place..

“Fine. You’re right.” Sunset said, turning away from the table and heading towards the door. “Let’s go.”

Sunset could hear their tormentors giggling as she and her friends left the room. 

‘Yea yea yea, laugh it up you pig offal sucking jerks.’ Sunset thought as she trudged down the hall with Daisy and Lily. ‘Hope you actually know this stuff, because we’ll have the last laugh when you get stuck in supplemental lessons again.’

Soon, the trio arrived at their room. Unlocking the door, they passed through the alarm wards, and locked the door behind them. Once Lily and Daisy were inside, Sunset placed a hand on the wood panel she’d engraved with security runes, and felt how much flame was left. From the amount she could sense, there was at least six more hours worth of power left.

She’d take the opportunity to top them off before they went to the practical.

“Okay.” Lily said, pulling a giant stack of wooden cards with pictures of different types of tableware drawn on them. “I’ve got the cards if you’re both ready.”

“Ready when you are.” Sunset said as she sat on the floor, her lunchtray to her left.

“Bring it on.” Daisy chirped, her face determined.

“Okay.” Lily said as she laid out the cards on the ground. Taking a bite of her bread, she pointed to Sunset, “Third course, fish, baron… go!”

*****

Sunset adjusted the collar of her uniform with a finger as she, Daisy and Lily took their desks at the back left corner of the exam hall. At the head of the classroom were Lady Inkwell and Dylis, the former regarding them impassively, her arms folded behind her back, the latter glaring out over the students with his usual hawkish scowl. To Lady Inkwell’s side, there was a large, ceramic urn set on a table.

“Good afternoon everyone. I hope that you’re been studying, because from this day forward, we are in the final stretch of preparation for the rite, and therefore I expect you to work even harder. Starting now. During this practical, you will be working in randomized teams of two. Through the door behind me is a mockup of a banquet hall.” Lady Inkwell continued, pointing to a set of double doors leading to the adjacent lecture room. “You will be given three tables, each of which has a card on it, describing the course, type of meal, and rank of the individuals that you will be setting for.”

Taking a breath, Lady Inkwell continued.

“You will be graded on your ability to work as a team, how accurate your settings are, and the speed at which you complete them.” Lady Inkwell said as she paced before the students, before turning and fixing them with a hard stare. “Understood?”

“Yes ma’am!” The students relied in unison.

“Good.” Lady Inkwell said, before indicating the urn at her feet with a glance. “In this container are a hundred coins, each one marked with a number and a color. Each card on your assigned table has a color code on it matching your assignment coin, denoting who is the ‘head’ setter, and who is to be their support when it comes to setting the table.”

Taking a moment to look out over the students, Lady Inkwell continued.

“Now, I’m going to dispense your team assignments. Each of you is to hold your arms straight up above your heads, palm open and up. Once everyone is iready, I’ll send a random coin to you, which will denote who you will be working with. When I call your number, you will head into the next room, and find your tables. Once everyone is paired off, you’ll have ten minutes to confer with your partner, then we will begin the exam under Sparkler and my observation. Understood?”

“Yes. ma’am!”

“Alright. Hands up.” Lady Inkwell said, followed by the sound of fabric rustling filled the air as a hundred hands rose. Nodding, Lady Inkwell lifted her arm up to Dylis, who climbed onto the appendage. Once her partner had hopped on, she extended her arm, allowing the phoenix to take to the air and fly towards the doors leading to the other room. As he approached, the doors automatically opened, allowing him to fly through before closing. 

While Dylis was flying away, Lady Inkwell began to move her arms in a spell-dance. As she wove her flame, the coins in the urn began to glow. All at once, they shot up into the air in one giant mass, then streaked down towards each of the students. Moments later, each coin landed in one upturned hand.

Closing her hand around the coin, Sunset lowered her arm and looked at the number, seeing the numerals for ‘twelve’ painted on the coin with blue paint.

“What’d you get?” Daisy asked.

Turning to her friends, Sunset held out her coin, a gesture soon imitated by the other girls.  

“Darn it.” Lily said with dismay as she looked at the coins her friends were holding: Daisy’s was a red 43, Lily had blue 20. Combined with Sunset’s blue 12, that meant that all of them would be working with one of the Heliopolans.

‘Not good.’ Sunset thought as she looked out over the other students, her apprehension rising. ‘Still, most of them just ignore us or give us annoyed looks. Not great odds, but not a catastrophe… yet.’

“Pair one, please rise and head to the exam room.” Lady Inkwell’s voice cut through Sunset’s thoughts. Turning her attention to the front of the room, Sunset watched as two of the students rose from their seats and made their way to the double doors behind Lady Inkwell. Once the pair was through the door, Lady Inkwell turned her attention back to the students. “Pair two, please rise and head to the exam room.”

The process repeated itself several times, each one increasing Sunset’s nerves. A couple of the students that had been actively giving her a hard time had already been called, but she could see, to her horror, that Sapphire was still sitting near the front of the room.

‘Please, Celestia, if you have any mercy in your heart, don’t pair me with her.’ Sunset prayed in her head.

“Pair twelve, please rise and head to the exam room.”

Slowly, watching Sapphire for any hint of movement, Sunset rose to her feet. Much to her great relief, Sapphire remained seated.

‘Thank you.’ Sunset thought. 

Her relief was dashed a moment later, because she saw who had risen instead.

Standing next to Sapphire, emerald eyes glaring, face twisted into a scowl of disgust, hands balled into fists, was Orange Spice.

“You can’t be serious!” The Heliopolan snarled, “You want me to work with her?! I’m not pairing up with that dirt-eater!”

Much to Sunset’s irritation, there were a few murmurs of agreement among the other students.

‘Trust me, the feeling’s mutual, night-lover.’ Sunset thought as she glared daggers at Orange Spice. Despite her loathing, she held her tongue. Better to not anger Lady Inkwell, no matter how much she didn’t like this turn of events.

“If that’s how the numbers fell, then yes, you are.” 

The words were spoken with a voice little different from her usual one, but there was something about the way Lady Inkwell said it that froze the blood of everyone in the room. Turning to face the royal seneschal, Sunset found herself unable to move from fright. A sentiment she could tell was shared by the other students.

“Let me re-emphasize something for all of you, since it’s clear that many of you still don’t understand.” Lady Inkwell said, her voice remaining the same calm tone as usual, yet somehow becoming more threatening than the roar of a linnorm. Clasping her arms behind her back, she walked off the edge of the stage, and floated down before landing at the front of the first row of desks, her eyes ever so slightly narrowing as she swept them across the room. “Some of you seem to think that you have a choice in the matter. Let me dissuade you of that notion. I do not care who you think you are. I do not care where you are from. I am in charge here. I make the rules. And I do not care for this foolishness that’s been going on in my school. And, I don’t care who you wound up getting paired with. You will work with them, you will perform your assigned duties to the best of your ability, and you will treat each other with respect. Am. I. Clear?”

Slowly, painfully, every student in the room fearfully nodded.

“I’m glad we have that out of the way.” Lady Inkwell said, her posture and countenance remaining nearly the same, yet her demeanor somehow returning to her normal levels of threatening as she floated into the air and landed back to the stage, as though nothing had happened. “Now, please head into the practical room, and find your tables.”

Breaking out of her terrified trance, Sunset all but sprinted into the next room. She was vaguely aware of Orange Spice running alongside her, but she barely registered the other girl’s presence. All that she knew was that every one of her instincts were telling her to get as far away from Lady Inkwell and her potential wrath as possible.

Pushing the doors open, Sunset burst into the mockup of the dining room. Across the floor, a hundred fifty tables were arranged in clusters of three. The tables themselves were typical of the type used at formal dining events, each one only tall enough to reach knee height on an adult sun-gazer. Each was covered with elaborate table cloths, and surrounded by plush floor pillows. Near each cluster was another, equally low table, set out with dozens of different types of plates, glasses and utensils.

Sunset’s mind barely registered all of the items in the room. Instead, her focus instantly snapped to Sparkler, who was currently walking towards the newest arrivals, a warm smile on her face.

Fear still driving her actions, Sunset took off running towards the older fire-caller, the only thing registering in her young mind being that Sparkler was safe. Sparkler had been kind to her. Sparkler wouldn’t hurt her.

“Ah, Sunset, what… Sunset, are you alright. You look scared out of your mind.” Sparkler said as she knelt down and caught  the younger girl as she rushed into her, wrapping her arms around the younger fire-caller. “Shh shh shh, it's okay sweetie. What’s wrong?”

Looking over Sunset’s shoulder, Sparkler spotted the other girl that had entered at the same time as Sunset. At the sight of Orange Spice and her similarly distraught appearance, Sparkler’s eyes narrowed and she huffed through her nose.

“Hmm, I take it she’s your partner for the practical?” Sparkler said cooly. Feeling Sunset nod, Sparkler huffed. “Let me guess, she said something foolish in front of Lady Inkwell?”

Another nod.

“It’s okay Sunset.” Sparkler said as she gently held the trembling girl and patted Sunset’s back.

“It’s really not.” Sunset whimpered.

“Sunset… do you trust me?” Sparkler said as she pulled back from the hug and looked Sunset in the eyes, getting a small nod in return. “Does Lady Inkwell know what’s been going on with that girl and her friends?” Another nod, “Okay, then believe me when I tell you it will be okay.”

Sunset let out a small whimper in response, prompting Sparkler to sigh.

“Sunset, let me give you a little advice, from me to you. Okay?” Sparkler said, earning a small nod from Sunset. “Did you say anything dumb around Lady Inkwell?”

Sunset shook her head.

“Did she admonish you?”

Another shake.

“Then you don’t have to worry. Lady Inkwell’s not mad at you.”

“But…” Sunset whimpered as she clung to Sparkler. “I… can’t work with Orange. She’ll try to get me while my back is turned. She hates me.”

“If she does, she’ll be the one in trouble. Not you.” Sparkler said.

“How can you be so sure?” Sunset asked, her voice still quaking.

“Look up, in the rafters.” Sparkler said with a small grin.

Slowly, Sunset tilted her head back, not sure what she was looking for. Slowly, her eyes scanned the rafters, until she spotted what she suspected was what Sparkler wanted her to see. There, perched high above them in the cross-beams, was Dylis, the phoenix’s eyes scanning the room critically.

“Is that… Dylis?” Sunset asked.

“Yup. That’s why you don’t have anything to worry about.” Sparkler said with a smile. “As long as he’s up there, if anyone tries anything, Lady Inkwell will know.”

“But…how?” Sunset asked, her curiosity piqued.

“No idea.” Sparkler said with a chuckle. “I just know that if something goes wrong and he sees it, so does Lady Inkwell.”

“But, I don’t know if I can work with Orange Spice.” Sunset whimpered, “She hates me… and I can’t say that the feeling isn’t mutual.”

Sparkler sighed, but patted Sunset’s shoulder comfortingly.

“Sunset, here’s a little free advice from someone who’s been around longer than you. Sometimes, you’ll need to work with someone you don’t like. They may be your worst enemy. They may want you gone, or dead.” Sparkler said seriously, “But, when you have a common goal, and everything’s on the line, you have to find a way to make it work. It’ll be hard. But you can do it. Alright?”

“Yes ma’am.” Sunset said, still shrunken in on herself.

“I told you, silly, call me Sparkler.” Sparkler said as she booped Sunset’s nose, earning a giggle from the young girl. “Now, what number table are you?”

“Twelve…” Sunset said, her voice still a little shakey.

“Okay. If you go to the fourth row from the right, and head towards the north side of the room, you’ll find your tables. I’m going to go see how Orange Spice is doing. While I do that, you take a couple of deep breaths, and we’ll meet you there, okay?” Sparkler said as she rose and patted Sunset on the head. “After all, you still have a practical to do.”

As Sparkler left, Sunset closed her eyes, taking several deep breaths, focusing her mind on one of Bronze’s meditation techniques. It took a few moments, but she managed to calm herself enough to get her head back on straight.

‘Thanks Bronze.’ Sunset thought to herself, her emotions now under control. Looking over towards Sparkler and seeing her kneeling down by Orange Spice, Sunset turned away and started walking towards her table.

“Aww, did widdle Sunslip Stumble need to cwy into Sparkler’s showlder?” Sunset heard one of the other students say, but she paid him, and the other students giggling at the jab, no mind as she focused on her meditations.

A few more verbal jabs and venomous giggling later, and Sunset reached her tables. Looking back over her shoulder, she saw Sparkler and Orange Spice making their way over. She’d be dealing with the arrogant Heliopolan all too soon, so she took a quick look at the first card to get a sense of what she’d be in for. The first table was to be set for a baron and baroness in the dessert course, with blue leading. That was pretty easy.

The next table was a little harder, calling for a main course setting for a duke and duchess, with red leading. Tougher, but not insurmountable. It meant Orange would be in charge of this one, but Sunset knew she could make corrections if needed.

Just as Sparkler delivered Orange Spice, Sunset reached the last table, and picked up the card. In an instant, all of the panic she’d been feeling threatened to come flooding back in. Taking a step back, she closed her eyes and focused on the most advanced of her meditation techniques.

“What’s wrong Sunslip Stumble?” Orange asked, ignoring the irritated look on Sparkler’s face. “You don't know what those funny little lines on the white thing are?”

“Orange Spice…” Sparkler said in a warning tone.

“Right… fine… sorry, Sunset.” Orange Spice said as though she’d swallowed something bitter and slimy.

Sparkler looked down at Orange Spice, before huffing and turning her attention to Sunset, who was now glaring fire at the Heliopolan girl.

“Sunset, are you going to be alright?” Sparkler asked.

“I’ll manage.” Sunset said without taking her eyes off Orange Spice.

“Well, okay. Remember, if anything important comes up, just call one of us over.” Sparkler said.

“I will.” Sunset said.

“The same goes for you Orange Spice. If something important comes up, you can call someone over.” Sparkler said, giving Orange Spice one last warning look, before she walked off, leaving only the two young girls glaring at one another.

“Well, Sunslip Stumble, what’s got your mud-caked butt in a twist.” Orange said with a sneer.

Sunset didn’t respond with words. Instead, she simply walked up to Orange Spice, and held out the card.

Narrowing her eyes with irritation, Orange Spice and snatched the card out of Sunset’s hand. Reading the words printed on the velum sheet, her pupils shrank to pinpricks and her breathing became shallow.

“No… no way…” Orange whimpered, most of the color draining from her face, causing her skin to go from ochre to mustard. “You’re trying to trick me… you switched the cards. You did something.”

“I’m not.” Sunset said as calmly as she could. “Celestia’s sun, I wish I was. But, I’m not.”

There, on the card, were six words. Six simple words. Two of which were conjoined by a hyphen. Seven syllables.

Phoenix-born, main course, blue leads.

 “We need to set a place for a phoenix-born.” Sunset said, her meditation techniques the only thing keeping her from having a full blown freakout.

“She can’t be serious?” Orange Spice said as she looked up at Sunset. “She expects me to set a place for a phoenix-born, with you as lead? I’m screwed! I’m completely and utterly screwed. There’s no way you’re going to pull that off! Hell, I’m not even sure I could pull it off!”

“You think I feel any better about it?” Sunset said incredulously. She didn’t like it, and she didn’t like who she had to work with. But, at the same time, Sparkler’s words stuck out in her mind. “But, this is what we got, and this is what we’re going to have to do.”

“Like you have any chance of getting it right!” Orange Spice hissed. “I’ve been at dinners with Commander Spitfire, and do you know who she lets set her places? The most senior staff members! Phoenix-born settings are the most difficult to do because everything has to be exactly right, down to the angle you set the forks at. And they expect some dirt-eating gutter rat to be able to pull that off?!”

“Y’know, it’s not good to talk about yourself like that.” Sunset said defiantly.

“Why you…!” Orange Spice snarled.

“I’m sorry, did I offend you, your highness?” Sunset shot back, “Need I remind you where I’ve been placing in the exam rankings up until now? Do you remember where I’m sitting?”

Orange Spice glared at Sunset, her mouth narrowing into a thin, angry line.

“Well. Do you?” Sunset said as she crossed her arms across her chest. “What’s my rank?”

“I don’t see what that has to do with this.” Orange Spice growled.

“It has everything to do with this.” Sunset said, her glare unwavering. “Because you’re questioning my ability. So, what’s my rank?”

“…first.” Orange hissed, her face twisting in disgust as though she’d been forced to lick moorgaunt droppings.

“And where are you ranked?” Sunset replied.

“That’s none of your business dirt-eater.” Orange Spice countered.

“From what I remember, it's somewhere down in the fifties. And that’s higher than your so-called ‘leader’ Sapphire.” Sunset said, “So, by all accounts, I should be worried about you dragging me down, not the other way around. Or is there some strange, exotic Heliopolan logic that says that the person who’s at the top of the class is doing worse than someone that’s at the low end of the average?”

“Watch your tone with me, dirt-eater.” Orange Spice growled, “You’re nothing compared to us.”

“And yet, I’m still the one ranked higher than you when it comes to doing the thing we’re here to do.” Sunset replied with a scoff. “Look, you don’t like me…”

“That’s an understatement.” Orange Spice interrupted.

“…and at this point, I hate you enough that given the chance, I’d merrily feed you to a nest of vethris.” Sunset said, savoring the horrified look on Orange Spice’s face, “But, like it or not, we’re partnered up for this. What do you think will happen if Lady Inkwell finds out that you’re refusing to work with me, right after she went off on everyone just now?”

The other girl could only glare in response.

“That’s what I thought.” Sunset said, “So, either we work together, get through this thing, and can go back to hating each other in peace, or you can snub me, you refuse to let me help you, and we both fail.”

“Hey, if it takes you down a peg, I’m fine with that.” Orange Spice said with a devilish smirk. “Maybe if I do bad enough, you’ll get put on garbage duty at the rite.”

“So you’re fine with me still being at the top of the class?” Sunset said evenly, “Because, chances are, if Lady Inkwell sees me trying to work with you, and you refuse, who do you think she’s going to fail in a teamwork exercise? The person putting in the effort, or the person refusing to even try? My radiants are on the one that’s refusing to work as a team.”

“And what makes you think Lady Inkwell would notice that?” Orange Spice replied.

“You kinda drew a target on yourself with that little outburst.” Sunset said, extending her hand to Orange Spice. “So, the way I see it, you can either refuse to work with me and fail, while I get a free pass because you’ve been giving me such a hard time, or work with me, and we both benefit. Either way, I come out ahead, while only one scenario gives you a chance to improve your standing, particularly with Lady Inkwell. So, what do you say? Truce?”

Orange glared down at Sunset’s hand.

“Truce.” She said, refusing to take Sunset’s hand. "For now…"

‘Well, I’ll take what I can get.’ Sunset thought as Orange Spice turned away and walked towards the table of supplies. Glancing behind her into the rafters, she spotted Dylis looking at her, a touch of amusement in his eyes.

*****

Sunset adjusted the angle of the fish fork on the left side of the smallest, bronze, oval plate as Orange placed the gold-plated goblet up and to the right of the main, bronze plated dish. Looking at the arrangement, Sunset’s mind went back to the diagrams she’d been studying with Daisy and Lily for the last three weeks.

“You’re off center.” Orange said, adjusting one of the forks from where Sunset had placed it. “The oyster fork needs to be two milimeters to the right.”

“Only if we were serving an archduke.” Sunset said, as she moved the fork back into place. “This setting is for a duke. That means we’re supposed to have less perfect symmetry. And that means a slightly larger gap between the oyster fork and the fish fork, while the cheese fork is placed closer to the fish fork.”

Looking at the arrangement, Orange grunted irritably, before growling “Whatever.”

‘Looks like she just remembered that little tidbit.’ Sunset thought, forcing herself not to smile at Orange’s mistake.

The test had been going like this for nearly an hour, and Sunset could tell that Orange Spice was nearing the end of her rope. As much as she’d love to have been able to relish correcting the arrogant Heliopolan, she could tell by the frustrated growling and irritable looks that Orange didn’t like being reminded that Sunset knew more than she did about anything.

“How’re things going over here, girls?” A voice from behind them said. Looking up, they spotted Sparkler, looking at them sternly.

“We’re pretty much done, right Orange?” Sunset said.

“If you say so Miss Know-it-all.” Orange Spice said as she finished placing a second bronze goblet down next to the first and adjusting its placement to the proper position.

“Well, I have to say, whatever you’re doing, keep it up.” Sparkler said as she turned away and headed to the next set of tables. “The settings look almost professional.”

Sunset smiled a little as she watched Sparkler leave, only to hear Orange click her tongue in irritation.

“Don’t let it go to your head dirt-eater.” Orange muttered.

Glancing at the Heliopolan, Sunset chose to stay silent. She could let Orange have her tiny acts of defiance, so long as she deferred to Sunset when it came to getting things right. Because by this point, Sunset had made it abundantly clear that she knew what she was doing, and the Heliopolan didn’t. It was a wonderful feeling to show up Orange. She wasn’t Sapphire, but it was the next best thing. 

“Alright, I think this one’s done.” Sunset said, before she looked at Orange Spice. “You see anything out of place?”

“No.” Orange grumbled. “Can we just get on with the last one? The sooner we get done with this, the sooner I have to stop looking at you.”

“Whatever you say.” Sunset said.

If Sunset was being honest with herself, this was going far better than she was expecting it to, though she wasn’t ready to drop her guard just yet. There were still far too many ways that this could go wrong. Surreptitiously glancing up, she spotted Dylis scanning the room, his eyes periodically coming to rest on them. 

There was something comforting about knowing that he was up there, and that anything he saw would make its way to Lady Inkwell.

But now, came the hardest part. This was going to be the make or break part of the whole exercise. Slowly turning to the final table, Sunset took a deep breath, her apprehension rising dramatically as she regarded their final challenge. Setting the places for a phoenix-born.

“Alright.” Sunset said to Orange as the two of them approached the table, “We need three pure gold plates: one 16 centimeter soft vegetables plate with 15° spill lip, one 14 centimeter salad plate with a 30° parabolic curve, and one 25 cm dinner plate with three utensil notches to start. While I grab those, do you know which serving vessels you need for the drinks?”

“Um…” Orange said, fidgeting slightly.

“Why don’t you come with me and we’ll see if anything on the table jogs your memory.” Sunset said, keeping her voice as pleasant as possible. She suspected that Orange Spice didn’t know, or couldn’t remember. At this point, she wasn’t sure which, nor did she care. Even she wasn’t entirely sure she had everything right, but given the precision needed for this particular setting, she wasn’t expecting to get full marks. She would settle for good enough to pass.

As both girls reached the table, Sunset began to scan its contents for the plates, utensils and other materials she’d need for the task ahead of her. Yet, as her eyes passed over the available resources, Sunset’s heart sank and her panic began to rise again. Inspecting everything a second time, she took a step back. 

“They’re not here…” Sunset whispered.

“What?” Orange said, her voice irritated.

“They aren’t here. The plates, utensils, drink vessels. All of the things we’d need for a phoenix-born setting. They’re not here!” Sunset said with horror.

“What do you mean they aren’t here!” Orange all but yelled. “They have to be!”

“Look. No gold plates, none of the right bowls, no carved opal drinking chalices, half the utensils we’d need are missing, so are the spider-silk napkins.” Sunset said as she rattled off all of the things they’d need. “There’s no way for us to do the settings like this.”

“Well, what are we going to do?! If you’re right, and the pieces we need are missing…” Orange Spice said, letting the end of the sentence hang.

Sunset considered their options. To her dismay, there was only one viable course they could take.

“We… need to tell Lady Inkwell.” Sunset said.

“Are you nuts!?” Orange replied. “If we tell her that, she’ll flunk us!”

“It’s possible.” Sunset admitted, “But, it's the best option we’ve got.”

“No it isn’t. There’s another one. We can go to one of the other supply tables, and take the supplies we need from them!” Orange said as she started looking around, “There, that one! They’re too busy working to notice. We go over, grab what we need, and get back here and to the setting.”

“Orange, we can’t do that.” Sunset protested. “It’d mean the other groups might not be able to do their settings properly.”

“So?” Orange Spice growled. “All that matters is that we pass. Who cares about the other groups?”

“Lady Inkwell will.” Sunset said as she spread her arms out to the side, palms up, “And so will I. I’m not going to ruin someone else’s chances like that.”

“This is bull!” Orange said, throwing her hand to the side to indicate the direction that Lady Inkwell was sitting and observing the exam. “Lady Inkwell wouldn’t care about that. All she’s going to care about is that we get the place set right. We’re just taking initiative and getting what we need without bothering her.”

“No.” Sunset said, putting her fists on her hips and glaring at Orange Spice, “We’d be cheating. And I won’t be part of that. And I know Lady Inkwell wouldn’t approve at all.”

“And how would you know that, dirt-eater.” Orange said as she pointed at Sunset with an index finger.

“Trying to insult me doesn’t make you right.” Sunset said levely. “And I know because, unlike you, I’ve actually had positive interactions with her. And I know she values honesty and integrity enough that she’d be forgiving of something like this, but not forgiving of us ruining another group’s chances.”

“And what makes you so sure?” Orange Spice asked, folding her hands across her chest.

“Well, let’s look at this logically. The pieces we need to do the phoenix-born settings are missing. The less likely scenario is that they weren’t put out, and that means she knows they’re not here. But that means if we suddenly have the things we need, and another group that did have them suddenly doesn’t, what do you think she’ll think? My guess, that we stole them from another group. And how well do you think that would go over?” Sunset said, before looking around at the other tables nearby, “The other more likely possibility is that someone’s trying to make us, and by us, I mean me, fail. It’s not like you butt sniffers haven’t done that to me already. And in that case, Lady Inkwell needs to know so that she can take care of the problem.”

“If the second one is true, why would she believe us.” Orange said, now starting to look unsure.

“Didn’t you learn that she’s good at figuring out if someone’s lying yet?” Sunset said with a cocky smirk. “I do believe that she’s more than proven she’s good at spotting lies. And, thanks to you hamster brained jerks pulling this on me for the past two three weeks, I’m pretty sure she’d be inclined to believe me if I told her what was going on.”

Orange glared at Sunset, who returned the favor, each testing the other’s resolve. After a minute, Orange looked away.

“Urgh, fine!” Orange hissed, “You go get her and tell her what’s going on. I’ll stay here and make sure nobody messes with the settings.”

Alarm runes immediately went off in Sunset’s head. 

‘This could be a trick.’ She thought as she glared at Orange Spice. 

She knew she shouldn’t trust Orange to be left alone with the settings, because if she was somehow in on whatever was going on, she’d probably try to mess them up and pass the blame onto Sunset. But, if she did, and Dylis saw, then she’d be in the clear. And, it wasn’t like Orange could lie her way out of a torn linen bag.

But, even knowing all of that, she wasn’t willing to take the chance. 

“I could do that. Or… I could do this.” Sunset said as she raised her arm up as high as she could, and turned to face where Lady Inkwell was sitting. Taking a deep breath, she shouted. “Lady Inkwell! I think we have a problem!”

At her cry, Sunset saw not only Lady Inkwell turn in their direction, but Sparkler and the other proctors, as well as many of the other students,.

“What are you doing?” Orange Spice shrieked.

“Changing the game.” Sunset said as she turned to watch their supply table. As she waited for Lady Inkwell to arrive, she kept her eyes glued to the materials, but watched the other students with her peripheral vision. Most of them were curious, but one of them, an earth-weaver boy with long, apricot hair, dusky yellow skin and silvery eyes named Golden Topaz, began to look slightly nervous.

Sunset knew she’d need to keep an eye on him.

“Yes, Sunset, what’s wrong?” Sunset heard Lady Inkwell say from behind.

Without taking her eyes off the supply table, Sunset walked around to the other side, putting herself between Golden Topaz and Lady Inkwell. Now, he’d be directly in Lady Inkwell’s line of sight as she explained the situation. 

“We… seem to be missing some plates to do our final setting.” Sunset said as she tried to project an air of confidence, despite her nerves.

“I see. One moment, Sunset.” Lady Inkwell said, before looking around the room, “All of you, get back to work! I didn’t tell you that the practical had stopped, now did I?! You’re still on the clock!”

At that, the other students hastily turned away and resumed their exams. 

‘Good.’ Sunset thought as Lady Inkwell returned her attention to the young fire-caller. ‘Now they can’t try sneaking the items back.’

“Now, Sunset, are you sure that the items you need for your final setting are missing?” Lady Inkwell asked as she crossed her arms across her chest and gave Sunset a scrutinizing look.

“Positive.” Sunset said with more certainty in her voice.

“And you, Orange?” Lady Inkwell asked, turning to Orange Spice. “Do you agree that the items you need aren’t here?”

“I… I don’t know.” Orange admitted nervously, “I don’t remember what goes into this setting. I’m sorry, your grace.”

“I see. Well, thank you for being honest about that. So, tell me, Sunset: which setting is it, and what’s missing?” Lady Inkwell asked as she walked to the table to inspect its contents.

Sunset suddenly realized Lady Inkwell had just thrown a giant wrench into what she thought was a perfect plan: the phoenix-born wanted her to list off the items that were missing. If she was claiming that she was missing the components needed for the setting, and they were in the middle of a practical, Lady Inkwell asking her for what she thought was missing was entirely reasonable.

After all, part of the test was to see if she knew what she needed.

She’d been so set on catching whoever took their supplies that she didn’t consider the possibility of Lady Inkwell asking for a list. Well, she’d decided to change the game. Now, she needed to throw the knucklebones. 

Straightening her blouse and standing tall, Sunset looked Lady Inkwell in the eyes.

“Aren’t you going to try to find whoever took them?” Sunset asked.

“What makes you think they were taken?” Lady Inkwell asked, raising an eyebrow.

“It’s the most logical explanation.” Sunset said.

“But not the only one.” Lady Inkwell said.

“Well, no, but after everything that’s been happening to me, it's the one that makes the most sense.” Sunset replied, “Especially considering that nobody else has their materials missing.”

“Are you sure of that?” Lady Inkwell asked. “Could it be that they just haven’t thought to bring it to my attention?”

“Well… I suppose it's possible.” Sunset said. “But…”

“Sunset, I understand that you’re suspicious of wrongdoing, and rightly so.” Lady Inkwell said, “But, without proof, you can’t just start throwing baseless accusations around. And regardless of the situation, you are in the middle of an exam.”

“But…” Sunset tried to protest, but stopped as Lady Inkwell shook her head.

“I will deal with it Sunset.” Lady Inkwell said with finality, “Now, getting back to your exam, what setting are you supposed to be doing.”

“It's a phoenix-born setting, your grace.” Sunset said. 

“Well, that’s a tricky one, now isn’t it?” Lady Inkwell asked as she looked at Sunset expectantly. “So, what’s missing?”

Sunset was about to start listing off what she remembered, but froze before she started.

They were in the middle of a test. And yes, while there was a general murmuring of students discussing their settings, Sunset was about to openly list off possible answers to what needed to be done for a phoenix-born setting. And, if she was right, that might tip off anyone listening in.

“Your grace, do you want me to say it aloud, during a test? Someone might hear.” Sunset asked. 

“Well, that’s true, isn’t it. I’m glad you remembered.” Lady Inkwell said with a touch of warmth. “How about you come over to the table, and we’ll figure it out. You too Orange Spice.”

Sunset was about to protest as she looked over her shoulder at Golden Topaz, who had gone back to his own exam, and was no longer paying her any attention. She didn’t want him out of Lady Inkwell’s sight. Yet, after a moment, decided against it. Even if she suspected him, Lady Inkwell was right: she didn’t have any proof, other than he’d been one of the Heliopolans giving her a hard time. And even if that was all the proof she needed to know that he was up to something, she couldn’t exactly refuse Lady Inkwell’s request. Grumbling internally, she made her way over to the Queen’s seneschal along with Orange Spice.

Once the two of them arrived at the table, they saw Lady Inkwell begin to move her right in a spell-dance, which she ended with a sharp flick of her wrist. Before either girl knew what was happening, a spark of light, raspberry colored flame appeared on the floor on the other side of the table from Lady Inkwell, and rapidly traced a circle along the ground, which included all three of their set tables, their supply table, and all three of them. Once the spark completed its circuit, a translucent, light raspberry colored shell of refined flame instantly materialized. As the shell snapped into place, Sunset noticed that she couldn’t hear anything outside the hemisphere. Somehow, the dome was cutting off all sound from entering, or, she presumed, leaving.

Sunset’s inner arcanist suddenly wanted very much to ask about whatever spell Lady Inkwell had just cast. 

“There. Now, you can speak freely.” Lady Inwell asked as she folded her arms behind her back and clasped her wrists. “So, please, tell me what’s missing.”

Sunset’s attention snapped back to Lady Inkwell.

“Oh… r-right.” Sunset stammered. Taking a deep breath, she composed herself. “For the plates, we needed three pure gold plates: one 16 centimeter soft vegetables plate with 15° spill lip, one 14 centimeter salad plate with a 30° parabolic curve, and one 25 cm dinner plate with three utensil notches. For bowls, we’d have needed four: one carved sapphire finger dipping bowl, one 12 centimeter diameter, solid gold snail bowl with a 3-to-1 width to height ratio, one nine centimeter diameter tungsten waste bowl with a 5-to-2 width to height ratio with a incurved lip, and one, 12 centimeter, platinum dipping sauce bowl with five partitions and a 10 to 3 width to height ratio.”

Having run out of air in her lungs from the extensive list she’d just rattled off, Sunset took a couple of breaths, and looked at Lady Inkwell.

“Go on.” Lady Inkwell prompted with a small twirl of her wrist.

‘So she’s not going to tell me if I got them right… great.’ Sunset thought as she prepared to continue.

“For the drinking vessels, we needed one carved opal brandy snifter, one gold stemmed, carved ruby narrow necked wine glass, and one carved topaz tumbler, and one fine porcelain tea cup with gold embossing.” Sunset said. Now, came the hard part, the utensils. Taking a deep breath, Sunset steeled herself, and continued. “For the utensils, we need four forks: a two tined snail fork, a four tined dinner fork, one four tined fish fork, and one four tined fruit fork. We’d need three spoons, one place spoon, one sauce spoon, and one citrus spoon. Finally, there are four knives: one fruit knife, one fish knife, one continental dinner knife, and one meat carving knife. All of these utensils must be made of cast tungsten, with gold embossing and topaz, ruby and jacinth insets.”

“Anything else?” Lady Inkwell asked, giving Sunset a scrutinizing look.

“Um… yes!” Sunset said, “Yes, we’d need two, woven spider silk napkins, one 12 cm square, and one 30 cm square. The former should be light cream yellow, while the latter needs to be deep crimson with phoenix feather embroidery.”

“Is that it?” Lady Inkwell asked.

Sunset wracked her brain, but couldn’t come up with anything else.

“Yes, your grace. That’s everything I remember.” Sunset said, now unsure of herself.

“Well, that was impressive.” Lady Inkwell said, “Though, for the setting, you’d need five sauce spoons, one for each of the partitions in the condiment bowl. The citrus spoon, fruit fork and knife, and tea cup are for the dessert course. And, you forgot one significant element of the setting: the seven tungsten skewers and carved ruby drinking bowl used to serve the phoenix their share of the meal.”

Most of the color drained from Sunset’s face, and she quickly folded her hand across her stomach and bowed to Lady Inkwell.

“I’m sorry, your grace. Please, I apologize for neglecting to remember the need to provide for your bond partner.” Sunset said.

Behind Lady Inkwell, Sunset heard Orange Spice snort condescendingly.

“Mind yourself Orange Spice.” Lady Inkwell said without looking back at the other girl. “Her efforts eclipse yours by a sizable margin. You are in no position to deride her omissions.”

Sunset, her head still bowed, took great pleasure in imagining the look of horror on Orange Spice’s face.

“Regardless of your errors, that was well done Sunset.” Lady Inkwell said. “Now, since you do not have the items you need, please come over and select the closest approximation that you can find, and do the setting as though you had the correct pieces.”

Sunset looked at Lady Inkwell in shock. Was she asking her to improvise using things that were not the proper size, dimension and the like. But, using the size was how she knew how things were supposed to go. 

“Um… yes, your grace.” Sunset said as she approached the table. “I’ll do my best.”

“No, you two will do your best. The exam is for you and Orange Spice to work as a team. So, you’ll work as a team.” Lady Inkwell said as she looked at Orange Spice. “Who's the leader for this setting?”

“She is.” Orange Spice said, pointing to Sunset.

“I see. Well, in that case,” Lady Inkwell said as she lifted her right hand and snapped her fingers, causing the sound buffering dome to vanish, and the murmurs of the exam room to come flooding back in. “Sunset. Orange. Please proceed.”

*****

Twenty nerve wracking minutes later, Sunset and Orange were putting the finishing touches on their mock phoenix-born setting. Without the proper items to gauge the positioning, they had to eyeball and guess at where the pieces went. It was bad enough as is, there was an additional wrinkle that added to the pressure: the entire time, Lady Inkwell had stayed close by, seated on one of the floor cushions.

Knowing that the time was slipping away, and that Lady Inkwell was right there, Sunset and Orange kept making small adjustments: tweak the salad fork standing in for the snail fork 0.1 degrees counter clockwise, adjust the distance between the wine glass and snifter by half a millimeter, readjust the spoons on the edge of the bowl standing in for the partitioned sauce bowl. For the most part, Sunset gave the direction, while Orange, despite making a sour face the entire time, did as she was asked. 

Just as they stood to give their setting one final inspection, both girls nearly jumped out of their skins when they heard Lady Inkwell stand and shout, “Alright, time’s up. Everyone, go to your supply tables, and take a seat on the floor. You are to remain seated until we grade your work. If we see anyone trying to make last minute adjustments, you will automatically fail and will be in supplemental lessons for the next week.”

Sunset and Orange quickly scurried to their supply table and sat on opposite ends from one another, hands on their knees and backs resting against the edge.

“Alright. We’re going to begin grading now. Once you’ve been graded, you’re free to go.” Lady Inkwell said, before turning to Sunset and Orange, her expression softening. “Well, since I’m already here, I might as well take care of you two first.”

Neither girl looked at the other. Instead, they simply nodded to Lady Inkwell. Smiling a little, Lady Inkwell went to their first setting. Flicking her right wrist in the air, a clipboard and quill materialized in her hands, which she used to begin jotting down notes.

After inspecting the setting for what felt like a distressingly short yet far too long time from Sunset’s perspective, Lady Inkwell moved to the second setting, and, flipping to a new page, began taking notes. Sunset watched, her stomach filling with spiders as Lady Inkwell’s brow furrowed a little. If she had to guess, from the position of Lady Inkwell’s head, she’d been inspecting the placement of the forks in relation to the salad plate and wine-glass. She’d tried to tell Orange tha they were too close, but, as the one leading, Orange had the final say.

Several nerve wracking and agonizing minutes later, Lady Inkwell finished her inspection and moved to the final table. Flipping to a fresh sheet of paper, she began to make her assessment.

‘I’m done.’ Sunset thought, her arms wrapped around her legs as she buried her face in her knees. ‘There’s no way that we got the setting right. Darn it. If I find out who stole our supplies, I’m going to find a way to put alarm runes all over their room to wake them up to the sound of screaming every twenty minutes!’

She stayed like that for how long she didn’t know, but eventually, she heard the staccato click of Lady Inkwell’s high-heeled shoes approaching. Unwilling to look up at the obviously disappointed face of the Queen’s seneschal, Sunset simply hugged her legs tighter.

“Sunset, please look at me.” Lady Inkwell said, her voice with only a hint of warmth to it. “You too Orange.”

Though framed as a request, Lady Inkwell’s words hit Sunset like the thagomizer of a crag linnorm, and she snapped her head up. Much to her surprise, Lady Inkwell’s expression wasn’t disappointment. Rather, there was something that she wasn’t expecting: pride. Though it was subtle, Sunset could see that Lady Inkwell was impressed.

“I’m not afraid to say that the two of you did very well, especially considering the circumstances you found yourselves in.” Lady Inkwell began. “Now, for your grades. Table one was almost perfect, aside from a slight misfold of the napkin and the diner fork was a millimeter too close to the knife. But, otherwise, very well done.”

Sunset beamed internally, but remained respectfully silent.

“Now, for the next setting. This one could have used a little more work. To begin, the settings were 5° too far apart. Second, the main plate for the duchess was 3 millimeters too close to the edge of the table, as was the waste bowl for the duke. The forks were not spaced properly for the duchess, and the wine glasses were too close to one another. At this stage, it is acceptable, but there will need to be significant improvement in the future.”

Sunset shrunk down a little. She thought she had the plates set at the appropriate distances from the table edge. She made a mental note to spend more time practicing when she got the chance.

“And now,” Lady Inkwell said as she flipped to the final page, “we come to the wyvern in the room: the phoenix-born setting.”

Sunset shrunk down a bit, noticing Orange doing the same out of the corner of her eyes.

“I want to say that under the circumstances, and considering the degree of precision needed for this particular setting, you both did as well as you could.” Lady Inkwell began, “Because you didn’t have the right pieces, I won’t be grading you on this one. However, I will give you my assessment of your efforts. Overall, I’m very pleased. While the setting wouldn’t pass inspection for an actual event, you’ve done commendable considering that it’s your first time attempting it. You both pass with glowing sunlight.”

Sunset let out the breath she didn’t even know she was holding and slumped forward onto her knees, gently sobbing in relief. She could hear Orange giggling in relief, probably to avoid breaking down too.

“You both did well. Please, feel free to enjoy the rest of your afternoon.” Lady Inkwell said with a small smile. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

And with that, Lady Inkwell walked off to grade the next table.

Sunset couldn’t find the energy to move, instead choosing to simply stay on the floor and remain curled up. She did it. She managed to pass, and ‘with glowing sunlight’. She was so happy that she could barely think.

“We did it.” Orange Spice said, relief all but oozing from her voice. “We actually did it.”

“Yea.” Sunset chuckled. “We did.”

“I’m just… hahaha, I can’t believe it.” Orange chuckled as she slapped her knees with her hands. “Y’know, for a dirt-eater, you’re not so bad.”

Sunset’s elation quickly began to dry up, and was rapidly replaced with smouldering rage. Did the stupid little twit really just say that to her? Really? Was that supposed to be a compliment?

Lifting her head from her knees, Sunset glared venomously at Orange Spice without bothering to hide her anger. Whatever response the Heliopolan was expecting, it wasn’t that.

“Is that so?” Sunset hissed as she stood up and glared at the shocked Heliopolan. “Well, I hope you enjoy the boost to your ranking that all my efforts got you. And let me tell you something, you stuck-on piece of cowpie. 

“First, stop calling me dirt-eater, you small minded butt tick. I have never eaten dirt, and I never plan to so long as I live. 

“Second, I’m not so bad? Really? Gee, thanks! Maybe if you’d, I don’t know, given me a chance when we first met, you’d have found that out sooner. When I first showed up here, I was willing to be your friend. But noooo, you threw that all away because I’m not from Heliopolis. 

“Third, you’ve got some gall saying that to me. In case you didn’t notice, I’m the one who managed to get us that glowing review. I’m the one who brought Lady Inkwell over and got us off the hook for the missing supplies. And even after saving you from probably flunking because your solution was to go and steal from another table, you still don’t think of me as anything other than some lower animal? Really? Well, I hope you have dreams tonight, you arrogant sack of worms. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going back to my room. So, if you’d kindly drop dead, moon-kisser, that’d be great!”

And with that, Sunset turned and stormed out of the hall, ignoring the shocked look on Orange Spice, and several other children’s faces, as she went. Unseen and unheard by any of the students was the almost imperceptible look of frustration on Lady Inkwell’s face, while high in the rafters, an irritated hiss escaped from Dylis's throat.