roina_arwen: Darcy wearing glasses, smiling shyly (Anne Boleyn - necklace)
Zarina tried very hard to moderate her pace down the long hallway, but she was so excited for her long-desired apprenticeship that she arrived at the huge Citadel kitchen extra early. The sun was barely peeking over the horizon, but the chefs and their assistants had been hard at work for hours. The heady smell of freshly baked bread and sugary cinnamon buns tickled her nose and tantalized her taste buds.

“Greetings, Tantine Leona,” she said politely to the plump woman, adding a small curtsey of respect along with the honorary title of Auntie, often used with older women as a measure of respect.

Her stomach rumbled as a tray of warm almond pastries wafted by, bound for the dining hall breakfast rush. Zarina had broken her fast of course, but as with most adolescents, her appetite knew no bounds.

Leona was pleased with her new apprentice’s eagerness. She led Zarina back to the prep station and handed her a grey apron. “Put this on, wash your hands, and then we shall see what your knife skills look like,” she stated, motioning towards the sturdy cutting board and the overflowing crate of vegetables and purple tubers that awaited her.

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roina_arwen: Darcy wearing glasses, smiling shyly (Anne Boleyn - necklace)
Sovann and Zarina were granted a seven-day to move from their home on the outskirts of the capital into their assigned apartment in the High Matriarch’s Citadel, at the center of Capital City.

It was a lovely apartment in the East Tower, comfortably furnished. Zarina was pleased to learn she would have her own bedroom, instead of an alcove off of her mother’s. She was also excited to attend school at the Citadel, and meet other children whose mothers were as special as her own.

Sovann looked at her reflection in the hallway mirror. She had been fitted for several bright blue dresses, each of which featured two small gold buttons below the throat, a thin blue and gold braided belt, and the required gauzy black veil to cover her head and face at all times when out in public. Inside the Citadel, away from public view, her face could remain uncovered. Sovann’s long hair was in a simple plait down her back, and several dark hair pins held the veil firmly in place.

As an Apprentice Matriarch - a position that she would hold for her first five years of service - these dresses would be her daily work wear.

Most of her days from now on would be spent in the study of national and international laws and important legal decisions, centuries of history, the variety of belief systems that might influence the Sovereignty, and much more. Sovann would sit in on all Council sessions, but would not have a voice in the Council itself - only within the cloistered privacy of the Chambers - until she had graduated to full Matriarch status. She was primarily to absorb information, to help her make rational decisions in the future.

Sovann knocked lightly on Zarina’s door before opening it. “Are you dressed and ready for school?”

Just like her mother, Zarina was admiring her reflection. The loose white shirt sleeves fluttered at her elbows, and the knee length blue jumper looked lovely on her - the color brought out her eyes and bright smile. “Yes, mama - I’m ready!”

“I made you jam toast. Eat quickly, then I’ll bring you down to your school room.”

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