The news had silenced the Imalandro in a haze of shock. The news had been delivered without warning or reason. Just a few words.

Perhaps we didn't find the next Keeper amongst the new novices because...

Irien stopped dead in her tracks as the thought of Anya came to her.

What happens if Anya was meant to be the next Keeper? Meant to be, but forbidden to participate.

Irien shook her head.

"This is ridiculous," she muttered to herself, pressing her palm to her forehead. A revolting headache was making itself known.

There were plenty of novices that were unable to participate or deemed unworthy, and yet the thought had barely finished forming when a smile curved her lips.

Her pacing of the small room increased in pace. Surrounded by her fellow guardians, including her sister and Lord Derrick, she must have looked deranged or at least unhinged. A glance in her sits'er direction made Irien curse under her breath.

Could they at least do their frolicking at a better time?

"Is there something the matter, my dear?" Irien turned to face Elder Galadrian, peering at her over his long spectacles. His crooked nose seemed even more hooked than she remembered.

"Nothing...well there is something." She centered herself, wiping her hands on the skirt of her formal wear.

"Care to indulge and old man with your concerns? Before a river is carved into the carpet by your pacing."

Irien looked down and indeed the plush carpets looked a little dented from her path. "My concerns are not that much different to your own I'm sure." Irien replied levelly. "I'm sure you'd be busy on your own rivers, if your old legs allowed for such frivolous exertions of time and energy."

He chuckled and indicated for her to join him at one of the couches. "One would think you had grown out of your witty comments, my dear, but I guess they are much apart of you as whining is apart of Elder Foalin."

Irien grinned and took a seat next to the Elder, aware to keep her back rigid and legs prepared to stand if need be. One could never relax when in the company of an Elder.

"Tell me, what bothers you." Galadrian pressed.

Irien shifted closer to the elderly man, leaning forward so her words were heard by only him. There was no better place to find wisdom than in the oldest Elder, she was certain he would know the answers. "Elder Galadrian," she hesitated, "I have a novice who was...owing to an incident on the road...was forbidden to participate in the Choosing. Do you think–?"

"–that she was meant to be the next Keeper?" Galadrian completed for her. "Could be, but no one can be certain. The Gods are as mysterious as the Will and it is near impossible to guess their intentions, but there is a chance that what you suggest is possible."

Irien felt hope surge through her, "So would it be possible for her to be examined?"

The old man chuckled, "You have not changed since your novicehood, my dear. Determined as ever."

"And likely to never change," Irien murmured.

Galadrian nodded, chuckling to himself. "I'm sorry to say that what you ask is near impossible. The Keeper is–"

"I'm asking if you could examine her."

"I could." Galadrian scratched his chin. "You know, if I were the Gods, I would choose you as the next Keeper."

Irien laughed with the old man, "Me? I'm not strong or disciplined enough to have that much control." Irien bit her tongue as she said it, Anya's words coming fast to the forefront of her mind.

"If I bring you her to you will you examine her?" she asked, taking the old man's hands in her own.

Elder Galadrian cleared his throat and smiled at her like a father. "I'm forbidden to do so by others' knowledge," he said with a glint in his grey eyes.

Irien frowned, but then the old man winked and stood with a surety that did not suit his body. She stared at his back, unsure if she had heard correctly.

By others' knowledge...Silverbark...that's a yes.

The journey back to the living quarters served a more challenging task than anyone could have guessed. Eventually they reached the foot of the abhorring spiral stairs. Fatigue from the day's festivities, Anya cringed inwardly. Outside the celebrations continued, although one could argue that it was less festive than initially intended, but nonetheless loud and chaotic. Dorothy had refused to leave Anya's side, despite Anya's encouragement to enjoy what the city had to offer on the historic day.

"Vot 'appen if you gets 'ungry? Eh?" Dorothy had asked.

"I'd cook."

"Not in my kitchen."

They had just reached the eighth floor when they heard footsteps rushing down the corridor. Irien appeared around the corner, flushed and flustered. As soon as she noticed the two of them her determined scowl softened. "There you are. Anya, come with me, quick!" Anya whimpered softly at the thought of walking faster than need be, but arguing was swiped off the table as Irien swiveled on her heels and marched up the next flight.

"Is there not an easier way to commute from one level to another?" she held her side from a painful stitch after climbing three levels.

"There is, but it is dangerous for novices. I could do it for you but I prefer the exercise."

If Anya had the breath to spare, she would have sighed instead she concentrated on placing one foot on each step. Finally Irien turned from the stairs, and strode a short distance to a set of large, bronze doors. "Stay here," she instructed.

Anya waited as Irien disappeared into the room, but not for long. Irien reappeared, followed by the old man from the balcony. Anya grimaced and dropped into a shallow, awkward curtsey.

"Indrasiom Aniri," she said in a hurry

"Is this her?" he asked, smiling with a hint of amusement. Had she said it wrong?

Irien nodded nervously, her hand rose to cover her thinly pressed lips.

The old man gazed at Anya, staring her straight in the eye for what seemed like minutes. "Good afternoon, Novice Anya. I am Elder Galadrian." He said finally.

An Elder! Now what have I done?

An honour to meet you, Elder Galadrian."

"I'm sure it is. Your teacher has informed me of the unfortunate event during your journey." He noticed her flinch and raised his hand as he had done to the crowd earlier. "No need to fret, child. The punishment was chosen and dealt out. Lady Irien speaks highly of you I will have you know."

"She speaks highly of my talent for trouble?" Anya scoffed, forgetting for a moment who she spoke with. "Pardon."

He hinted at a smile but it never reached his eyes. "She has requested I examine you."

"Examine me? Examine me for what?"

He turned to Irien. "You were right about one thing, Lady Irien."

"Yes, I did warn you." Irien smiled.

"I think it marvelous. Reminds me of you." They both laughed as if it were some private joke. "Now, back to what I was saying. If you would remain still for a moment."

Elder Galadrian stepped toward Anya, raising his hand to her forehead. She stepped back but a glance from Irien told her not to take another. His old wrinkled hands were cold and dry on her forehead, but they only remained there for a short while. Withdrawing his hands and opening his eyes, he seemed to look at Anya differently.

"I'm....sorry?" Might as well apologize upfront. "Is something matter?"

"You could say that," the Elder said in a whisper. "Wait here. Both of you."

Anya looked at Irien desperately after Elder Galadrian disappeared behind the bronze doors once more. "What have I done? I swear I've behaved and...If this is more punishment for before–"

"It's not."

"Then what is it?"

"Shhh."

"Irien?"

The doors opened again and Elder Galadrian stepped out followed this time by a tall lady.

Anya gasped when she recognized the beautiful woman. Dark hair braided down her back and hazel eyes scrutinizing her even before she had fully exited the room.

"Is this her?" she asked smoothly.

'Indeed, Keeper Karia. Will you look at her?" Galadrian replied.

"I would be a fool not to look at her after you stormed into the room as if the Elements had been stolen." She smiled faintly at Anya. "You look worried Novice Anya."

Anya managed to not swallow her tongue. "Should I be?"

A smile spread across the Keeper's face and a short chuckle escaped her lips.

"Will you examine her, Keeper?" Lord Galadrian asked again. "Like I said she does possess I reasonable amount of power. More than the other novices I examined."

Keeper Karia moved forward, staring at Anya intently. "Yes, she does possess power unlike the other novices." Anya felt heat rise up to her cheeks. The guardians in front of her seemed to be studying her as if she were some prize animal.

"Lady Irien, would you mind following me?"

"Not at all, my lady."

"Thank you, Novice Anya. You may return to your living quarters until you are summoned." Karia smiled at the confusion that must have been shining bright on Anya's face and winked.

I'm definitely in trouble.

Irien found herself smiling like a young novice at the Keeper of the Elements. Karia seemed not to notice as she paced around in her large study. The Keeper's rooms were spacious and minimally decorated. An accurate depiction of the woman. Karia was known to avoid complications, preferring to guide rather than lead unless necessary. Despite being an intimidating figure, both in height and stature, Karia was kind and tolerant of those that fussed around her. Patience brewed over thousands years. Patience that would vanish in a mere five years when her replacement came of age. Anya could be that replacement. The thought sent a thrill down her spine.

Karia seated herself in one of the large armchairs by the mantelpiece and closed her eyes. Her hands folded neatly in front of her chin, a slight frown marring her pale forehead.

Irien waited watching the wood crackle in the fireplace. Questions racing through her mind, occupying her thoughts. Question about her own position, her own role in Anya's training. Surely she could not be expected to cover all guardian matters.

Surely I cannot be expected to teach her everything a Keeper needs to know. I don't even know all that uardians need to know.

"Those are things you need not worry about, Lady Irien."

Irien jolted in her seat.

"Don't be surprised, mind reading is only one of the many gifts the Gods grant a Keeper."

"I was unaware of that gift," Irien said sheepishly.

"Not many are. It's a tiring task and requires an immense amount of time and patience, not to mention it's rude and intrusive. Suffice it is to say I do not use it often, but I could see the questions racing in your eyes and thought it kinder for me to answer them."

Irien nodded but stopped when she noticed Karia's knowing smile.

Has she read my mind again?

"You should learn to get used to strange new discoveries."

"I should?"

"Yes, strange things always seem to be present in the presence of the Keeper, and since your novice–"

"It's her isn't it?"

"Yes," Karia chuckled. "And I'm giving you the choice to be her first adviser."

Irien stared at Karia, a wide grin preventing her from looking anything but a fool. So wide was the grin her cheeks burned. None of it mattered. Anya was to become Keeper!