"One may tolerate a world of demons for the sake of an angel."- Steven Moffat

Aedan and I watch the ink spread on the table, engulfing the papers. We jump towards the elder, immediately scooping up the papers while Aedan produces apology after apology.

After the chaos quietens down and the papers have been restacked - blackened edges all aligned, he greets us while studying us from head to toe.

"You can appear before a council who will then decide if you are worthy to be taught," he finally says and then begs a moment of absence, before appearing ages later, indicating that Aedan and I should follow. "You are lucky that they are meeting today, otherwise you would have had to wait for weeks until the next meeting."

Aedan and I smile at each other, taking that as a sure sign that we are meant to come study here.

He leads us up another flight of stairs.

Aedan grabs my hand as we ascend, squeezing it tightly. The walls gradually disappear, leaving only the steps and infinite sky between us and the river.

"You will go first," he says to Aedan as we reach the top.

Aedan gives me a promising smile as they disappear behind a heavy oak door.

The platform does not allow one to pace a lot, its edges lacking walls barely separating you from a tumble to death. Settling for a rapid tap of my foot, time slows down as I wait for any sound or sign of movement behind the door.

Finally the door creaks open, revealing Aedan with a broad smile: "They told me they will teach me, regardless of what Father said."

Following in Aedan's footsteps, I enter a truly magnificent room - one that is true to the city's character. My footsteps pat against the stone floor. As I pass from the roofless first half to the second half of the room, the shadows from the lattice work with heavy vines provides a welcome relief against the sunlight.

The twelve chairs arranged in semilunar fashion, is a mixture of wood, tree trunks and marble.

The elders stare at me from their seats, their thoughts indecipherable behind their stony faces.

A wrinkled woman, eyes hiding in bags of skin, stands up. "Laelia Elderlight of the family Darkwood, may the sun rise brightly for you." She takes her seat again.

"My elders, I hope the wind always carries you swiftly."

"We will be frank with you: King Eoghan Elderlight of the family Darkwood contacted Inwir City and told us to expect you. He informed us that you want to study healing. We were ordered to decline you, but nothing was said concerning your brother."

The man who spoke has dark eyes with a friendly twinkle.

"However, Inwir City has been granted independence since its founding. We were given the freedom to rule it as we see fit. We have all been here since then," the woman continues.

"We have decided that we will grant you a fair interview and then decide if you are worthy."

I smile. "I thank you for granting me a fair chance."

They batter me with questions. Whenever I answer, I see their faces light up. Finally the Elder in charge stands up for a second time. "Laelia Elderlight of the family Darkwood, we are pleased to inform you that we will accept you into our school and we are prepared to teach you the art of healing."

"Thank you, I will be forever in your debt," I say with a respectful bow.

The loud crash of the door being thumped open, cause all of us to jump. One of the elders give a startled cry.

My father must have told them that he doesn't want me to be a healer. He didn't tell them what he told us. So I knew he would come.

Knowing whose wrath awaits me if I turn around, I do so slowly and brace myself.

The Second One's fury seem to fill the hall with ice. His golden curls are scattered haphazardly, as if he left wherever he comes from in an unprecedented haste.

The Council of Inwir City rise from their seats like one.

"Lord Sun, we were not expecting you," one offers repectfully.

He doesn't look at me.

"I have just come to attend to this matter."

"Your king made his wishes clear, yet you decide to disobey his wishes."

"The City of Inwir has been granted freedom to choose its scholars as it sees fit."

"The City of Inwir has been granted freedom to decide on their King's decrees, but has the wisdom to pay their king respect." He is talking normally, yet it seems like he is shouting at us.

"Indeed, and we pay our king the biggest respect, but it is not his place to deny Laelia Elderlight of the family Darkwood an education."

"It is my wish that the applicant not be taught in the art of healing. The applicant is free to choose any other skill to train in, but not the art of healing."

I can see them immediately changing their decision. In an instant I am denied my dreams.

My anger erupts. "You have no right to deny me when the Council of Inwir City has already given their blessing."

He does not look at me.

"Does Inwir City respect me?"

They say yes in unison.

I smile: "If that is your wish, I will abide by it. But know this Khairrim Cadeyrn, Lord of the Sun..."

I walk to him and look him squarely in the eye.

I stand on my toes and whisper in his ear: "I have tolerated your rudeness toward me for years, but now you have gone too far. Be careful."

I am not sure if I will be able to carry my threat out.

"Farewell, Khairrim Cadeyrn."

I exit the room and don't look back.

Aedan looks at me.

"What happened?"

"We will not be studying here."

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