Sister Tarla entered the room and found her "interviewee" sitting quietly in a chair that seemed too big. Tarla could not see the face of its occupant, except for the long black hair. She referred to the scrolls she was holding: "Candidate's name is Eleia. Arrival, yesterday night. Task, evaluate. Report to Mother Anjelik when done."

Tarla stiffled a sigh. It was just like Anjelik to be so..terse. The young Sister walked to the opposite chair and faced the girl for the first time. She gasped before she could help it. Perched on the arm rest of the chair was a tiny falcon. Her superiors had said nothing about a bird.

"She is my companion," Eleia said. The girl had a quiet voice.

Smiling politely, Tarla nodded. "I'm Sister Tarla Wyless. I'm just going to ask you a few questions about yourself, and afterwards if you like, you can ask a few questions."

The other girl smiled faintly. An absent hand went up to stroke the bird's head. Before Tarla consulted her interview sheet, she thought she saw Eleia's smile grow amused. Then the girl crooned a "shh" to her companion and indicated that the interview should go on.

"Your full name?"

"Disoriented Dreamer ...Eleia Rhi'ken."

Tarla frowned faintly. "Disoriented Dreamer?"

"I called myself that for the past few years. It's a travelling name," was the answer. Eleia saw that "DD" was scribed as a pseudonym. That was fine for her. It was time to relinquish the name, anyhow.

"Your age?"

"Unknown." At the quizzical look, Eleia explained she was an orphan. They went on to the next question.

"What's your purpose with the Tower?" She said this as kindly as possible.

"I was passing through. Actually, I don't think I may have seen it at all, if it wasn't pointed out to me by Everlyn." Eleia nodded to the falcon. "Nothing more than refuge, I suppose. I need a place to rest a while, and I'm led to believe that the forests stretches a long while before I can find an inn."

"That's true." The interview lasted a few minutes longer before Tarla decided to end it. The moment Eleia had stated she only wanted refuge, Tarla knew there wasn't much more to ask. Neither did Eleia have any questions about the Tower. It was a pity, really, Tarla thought. A girl who had somehow befriended a falcon was not a common thing. She wouldn't be surprised if Eleia had some telepathic abilities with animals.

As she sent Eleia to one of the vacant rooms, Tarla reported to the senior Mother. Odd that the Senior Mother would want a personal account of the interview. When Tarla told her that Eleia was only a passing traveller, Anjelik frowned.

"You're certain she only wants a few day's stay?"

"Yes. I doubt she knows more about the Tower than it being a place for religious refuge," she said. "Why? Did you suspect something else?"

"Oddly enough, I did..."

*Which is why you will invite Eleia to stay at the Tower*

Both Anjelik and Tarla's eyes met confirming that each had heard the voice. A moment later, feathers fluttered, and Eleia's companion landed on the table. *Allow me to introduce myself, Mother Anjelik. I am Everlyn, Eleia's companion* the bird said. *Sister Tarla and I have met*

Tarla blushed at the amused tone.

"I know you..." Anjelik said. She was talking more to herself than the bird, hardly even noticing Tarla. Then the elder Mother blinked and sent the Sister out. What Anjelik and Everlyn spoke about, Tarla did not know. But the result was that Eleia stayed more than just a few days...

Back to the box.

Copyright © 1996 Juliana Ng

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