Ascendants

The next morning, the remaining three initiates gathered in Tissaia's office. The Rectoress looked at them, expressionless.

"Congratulations. You three are the strongest of your group. All of you will eventually Ascend."

Nera beamed. Uma smiled gently. Serena felt uncomfortable.

"Where are Iva, Ilfri, and Kali?" she asked.

Tissaia looked at Serena.

"They did not have what it takes to pass initiation. So, they now serve Aretuza in another way."

The other girls looked at each other, confused.

"From now on, you won't have to wear initiates' clothing, but you will have a different uniform. But more on that later. For now, let's talk about the rest of your time here at Aretuza."

Tissaia explained their further education and training as future Ascendants. She reiterated their later purpose as a royal mage.

"You will not only learn proper manners, but also politics, how to dance, eat, and serve your royals faithfully."

The girls nodded. Tissaia dismissed them, saying that they've earned the day to themselves.

"But tomorrow, your lives will become hell again."

The girls shivered, and Nera and Uma left the office. Serena hung back.

"Rectoress?"

"Yes?"

"You said that we would serve a royal court."

"Yes, the Brotherhood usually tries to pair mages with their own country's royals," Tissaia paused. "For instance, Nera will most likely return to Kaedwen, and Uma will most likely return to Verden."

"Then what about me?"

"What do you think, cupcake?"

"You said the others don't know my origins. But if they heard my family name, they'll know for sure. Aep Nyr isn't an overly common name, but..."

"Aep is."

"Yes. Many Nilfgaardians have Aep something as their last name."

"You will be Serena. That is all. None shall know about your nationality."

"But where will I serve? Fringilla Vigo currently serves Emperor Emhyr."

"Yes. And seeing as we are at war with Nilfgaard, you cannot be labelled as a Nilfgaardian."

"Rectoress, you never once have asked me about where my loyalties lie."

"You will be a mage. Your loyalties will be to the other mages."

"But Fringilla-"

Tissaia held up a hand.

"Fringilla is a lost cause. She has turned her back on the mages and the Brotherhood. I do hope you don't follow in her footsteps."

"Nilfgaard has not been good to my family. My father died during the battle in Cintra," Serena said quietly.

Tissaia looked at the girl in front of her. She saw pain and knew that that pain could be turned into anger if fueled properly. Tissaia hoped that she could direct Serena's anger upon Nilfgaard.

"Then, what allegiance would you have to them?"

"It's still my native land. My mother still lives in the City of Golden Towers. I'm still Nilfgaardian."

"No, you are an student of Aretuza. You can never again claim Nilfgaardian ties. Do you understand, cupcake? Otherwise, you will quickly make enemies here."

Serena bit her lip. She knew that Tissaia was right; she just didn't want to believe it.

Her head nodded. "I understand."

"Good. Now, go. I have a meeting with the Chapter soon."

Serena left Tissaia's office and wandered around Aretuza. She headed up the flight of stairs that would take her to the battlements on the top of the academy. Out on the roof, she leaned over the ledge and stares at Tor Lara. Taking a deep breath, she felt a small sense of peace.

"I can never go back to who I used to be, can I?" she asked herself quietly.

Her eyes scanned the crashing waves. Serena wished desperately that she could see her mother.

"The view's beautiful, isn't it?"

She jumped in shock and spun around. A young man stood behind her, hands clasped behind his back.

"Who, who are you?"

"Valentin of Temeria," he said as he stuck his hand out.

Serena took it, and they shook hands.

"Serena," she said.

Their hands fell back to their sides.

"Hello, Serena."

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm an assistant to Stovren, the Rector of Ban Ard. He's come for the Chapter meeting."

"Ahh."

"So Serena, what are you doing here?"

"I'm a student here; I just passed initiation."

"Oh, nice. Congratulations."

"Thanks."

Valentin walked forward to stand side-by-side with Serena. She felt a little uneasy, but remembered something Tissaia said.

"Fear is weakness, and weakness is inevitable. But you must never show either emotion to anyone, cupcake. You must be stronger, always."

Serena stood up a little straighter. Valentin laughed gently.

"It looks like Rectoress de Vries has taught you well."

She sensed something was off.

Turning towards him, Serena asked, "Why are you really here, Valentin?"

He smiled and tilted his head towards her. The young man looked at her lazily.

"Rector Stovren has heard of you, Serena. You've caught his attention."

"Good or bad?"

"Oh, very good things. But clouds of mystery surround you. Somehow, your Rectoress has managed to hide everything about you from the Brotherhood and the Chapter."

He looked thoughtful.

"Much like Yennefer of Vengerberg, I suppose. Except, her secret was that she's quarter elf. But other than that, you do take after her quite a bit, I must admit, even in looks."

"Rectoress de Vries has mentioned my similarity to her," Serena said.

"Yes, but why?"

"I, I don't know."

"Don't you want to?"

"No."

"Are you not curious, Serena?"

"I've never been the inquisitive type. Now, if you'll excuse me, I should be getting back to my room."

"Let me escort you."

Serena shook her head.

"No need. I'm sure your Rector will need you once the Chapter meeting is over. Goodbye, Valentin."

Then, Serena headed downstairs, leaving him on the roof. She made her way back to her room and shut the door behind her. Leaning heavily against the door, she let out a breath she hadn't know she'd been holding.

A few minutes later, there was the sound of heels clicking and a knock at her door.

"Cupcake, my office in five minutes."

Then, Tissaia left.

Serena shook herself out of her reverie and left her room. She walked Aretuza's halls and made her way up to Tissaia's office. Once there, she knocked on the door.

"Come in, cupcake."

Serena turned the door knob. Tissaia was sitting in her chair behind the desk and looked up as the door squeaked open.

"Shut the door behind you."

Serena did so. Tissaia muttered an incantation in Elder and a nearly transparent, glossy, film bubble surrounded the room. Serena's eyes widened.

"A sound barrier. So any prying ears cannot hear what we say."

Serena nodded. Tissaia stood up and walked over to her.

"Tell me, what did Stovren's assistant want with you?"

Serena bit her lip.

"He said you've neglected to tell the Brotherhood and Chapter anything about me. That 'clouds of mystery surround me.' I guessed he was digging for something, anything."

"And what did you tell him, cupcake?"

"Nothing. I didn't mention anything about my past or nationality. I introduced myself as Serena, that's it. Just like you said."

"Anything else?"

"Not really, he just said I was quite like Yennefer, and I commented that you had said so too. Then, I excused myself before he could ask anymore questions."

"Good. No one can know. I have worked hard on my end, now it appears you must do so as well."

"Yes, Rectoress."

"Hmm. So Stovren sends a mole to dig. We must be careful, much more careful from now on. Do you understand, Serena?"

Serena looked up. It was the first time Tissaia hadn't called her by her nickname. She knew then that the Rectoress was dead serious and nodded.

"Yes, I do."

"Good. You may go."

Serena nodded and left the office. After she was gone, the sound barrier disintegrated, and Tissaia sighed.