Kiesha's formal wear arrived in short order and was the perfect size. Marina apparently had a good eye for such things. Kiesha worked her hairstyle and makeup to suit the dress and was soon ready for dinner. The map proved enormously helpful, and she soon found herself at the entrance of the students' dining room. She found the doors closed and Marina standing in front.

"After tonight," Marina said, "you will enter through these doors. However, you have not yet been introduced to the other students. Follow me."

Kiesha did as instructed, finding the pace rather fast, as she was in high-heels. She felt very lucky that she did not trip or sprain her ankle. Marina stopped at a partially open door and motioned to Kiesha to be silent. Kiesha could hear conversation coming from within, which abruptly halted when someone tapped a glass.

"Students," a male voice said. Kiesha thought it might belong to Barneus Longner. "We have a new addition to your group this evening. Kiesha Williams is the daughter of a couple who used to be members of our Society. She has traveled a long way to be here, so let's give her a warm welcome."

As mild applause began in the dining room, Marina nodded to Kiesha and stepped to the side, allowing Kiesha enough room to enter. Inside, she saw a cheerfully lit room with a long dining table. There were six male students seated on one side and five female on the other. Kiesha assumed that the empty spot in the middle of the table on the right side was hers. She deduced from the place cards that places were assigned, not chosen.

She stood rather self-consciously just inside the room, unsure as to what was expected of her. It was Mr. Longner who put her at ease.

"Kiesha, meet your fellow students," he said. He then proceeded to introduce each of them in turn. They each nodded when their name was called. Some smiled at her welcomingly, while others seemed merely polite. When the introductions were complete, Mr. Longner told her to take her place at the table. He then rang a small bell, and the kitchen staff entered and placed the first course on the table.

The student on Kiesha's left was a girl named Celina, who turned out to be the one staying in the room next to her.

"Hi, there," Celina said. "When did you get here?"

"A couple of hours ago," Kiesha responded. "You?"

"Oh, I grew up here. But don't worry, all the students come here for testing before their training begins."

"Testing?" Kiesha asked as her trepidation reached its peak.

"Everyone goes through a series of tests to see where their skills lie. After the tests, they either stay here or go to one of the other Training Centers. This is the best place, though. Only the most talented train here."

"Well, I probably won't be here long, then."

"Don't be ridiculous," Celina said cheerfully. "I've heard of your parents. They were really powerful. Why did they leave The Society?"

"My mom said they left to raise me away from the pressures of The Society," Kiesha replied, hoping she wasn't repeating something she shouldn't.

"The Society does place a lot of pressure on a person," Celina agreed. "Some of us thrive on it, and some don't. It was probably a good decision on their part. There were times when I wished I weren't part of The Society."

Kiesha talked some to Cora, the girl to her right, but Cora seemed shy, so most of the conversation was between Kiesha and Celina. By the time dessert was served, Kiesha and Celina were becoming fast friends, which was a new experience for Kiesha.

When the meal was over, the students returned to their rooms. Kiesha found she did not need the map this time, as she had Celina to guide her.

"This place is rather confusing," Celina said. "I'll help you get everywhere you need to go, though. As I said, I grew up here, so I know it like the back of my hand."

"Thanks," Kiesha said. "Maybe I won't embarrass myself by going around with my face glued to a map."

The two girls laughed at this. Celina was very easy to talk to, and Kiesha liked her immensely. They parted when they reached their rooms.

"We'd better not talk into the night," Celina said. "We are expected for the first of the tests early in the morning."

"Oh, boy," Kiesha exclaimed.

"It's not a competition," Celina assured her. "The tests are only meant to ascertain your strengths so they know where to send you. Oh, by the way, breakfast comes to our rooms, so there's no need to go wandering around in the morning looking for the dining room again."

"Breakfast in our rooms?" Kiesha asked.

"Yes," Celina laughed. "The Society sort of spoils its members. If you want you can bring your tray into my room so we can have breakfast together."

"I just might take you up on that."

"I hope you do," Celina said genuinely. With that, they retired for the evening. Kiesha found it challenging to go to sleep, though. She missed her family terribly. It would be entirely misleading to state that she did not shed a few tears that night.