Free Surrender by Rhiannon Paille

Araraema. Kaliel had been found nestled in a bed of violet flowers, the same ones that bloomed at her feet when she touched the land. She doubted her elder had left for either of those reasons.
    “What for?”
    “She wouldn’t say. She’s on her way to Orlondir to speak with Lady Atara.”
    Kaliel gasped. The room spun around her and everything went dark as she bumped against the wall, threatening to fall to the floor.
    Luenelle caught her by the arm and pulled her up, staring into her eyes with alarm. “Kaliel? Are you ill?”
    She shook her head; but it made it worse. She waited a moment, trying to compose herself. “I haven’t eaten,” she said between heavy breaths.
    Luenelle kept hold of her and stiffened up. “Then we shall get you some food.” She pulled Kaliel down the corridor and passed the doors leading to the kitchen. She entered through the mess hall and sat her down on one of the wooden logs at the front, ducking into the kitchen.
    Kaliel stretched out along the table top’s wooden slab and closed her eyes. Before she had a chance to think, Luenelle came bustling through the doors with a bowl of porridge and a spoon. Kaliel began to devour the food. Luenelle remained quiet while she ate. The last few moons had made them grow closer as friends.
    “How was your journey?” Luenelle asked.
    Intimidating, Kaliel thought. “It was fine,” she answered.
    Luenelle beamed. “And, you’re not invalid.”
    Kaliel smiled as she was expected to at the joke. It was clearly aimed at Pux. I would have preferred that, she thought as her mind drifted to him. “No, I’m unchanged …” ... except the stars sang.
    “Desaunius will return with good news. I’m certain her business has nothing to do with you.” She stood and spied the empty bowl, raising an eyebrow. “Another helping?”
    Kaliel shyly withdrew. “No, thank you. I think I’ll take a walk this afternoon.”
    Luenelle said nothing as she disappeared into the kitchen again. When she reappeared she pulled a piece of parchment out of her pocket and handed it to her. “Your elder left you homework. You have some herbs to collect, and a tea to brew,” she said, then laughed. “I’m so happy you’ve taken your journey to the Great Oak!” She sat down at the table across from Kaliel and took her hands in her own. “Nobody understands. I’m the only one who hasn’t been called to duty. Everyone else …” she trailed off as Kaliel began to feel seasick. She shook her head. “You know ... we all leave eventually.”
    Kaliel faked a smile and took a look at the list. “Chamomile tea.”
    “That’s an easy one.”
    “Right, well, I suppose I will go for a walk then. Maybe Pux can help me with the herb list?"
    Luenelle snorted obnoxiously. “Pux can’t even help with the chores, let alone anything that requires real intelligence.”
    Kaliel only gave her another fake smile as she rose and left the mess hall. When she was in the hallway she grimaced at what Luenelle had said about her best friend. Pux wasn’t invalid, but he wanted to keep his secret. She scurried down the corridor, grabbed a wicker basket from the porch, and raced off through the meadow to find out where Pux was frolicking in the forests.
    * * *

7-The Flames
    Desaunius pulled the horse into the courtyard in Orlondir and slipped off its chestnut back. She moved her hands through her ankle-length hair and wound it in a traditional bun, pinning it into place. She grabbed the reins, looking for someone from the Grand Hall. It was dismally quiet in Orlondir when the Fire Festivals weren’t happening. Hearing nothing, she began circling the courtyard, pulling the horse across the cobblestone walkways and weaving around the crystal statues and perfectly trimmed grass. When she glanced back at the archway to the Grand Hall, she noticed a woman standing there in a long white gown, beaded necklaces hanging to her waist, locks of summery brown hair down to the small of her back. Her