How Did We Get Into This Mess - KOTLC Oneshots

For Now | Chapter Two | Non-Applicable

"I didn't really ask you here to talk about volunteer hours," Prentice clarified, clearing his throat.

"I figured about as much," Jolie teased, smiling. "I checked my registry pendant and I have many more than what's needed."

She sat with her hands folded in her lap, an invisible string pulling her to the sky.

"Being thorough is a gift of yours. As is your invaluable perspective. What you said yesterday struck a chord in me. I, myself, have been affected by the discord in our unfailingly orthodox societal ways when it comes to outdated specificities. Such as multiple births. I've always wondered why children are shamed for contributing to overpopulation- after all, they didn't choose to be born."

Jolie had mainly been talking about matchmaking . . . but the more she thought about it, the more problems she could find in the Elvin world.

"And I'm sure nobody needs to tell you about prejudice when it comes to abilities- and the lack of them. It's cruel how we can be to those different from the majority."

She was at a loss for words. Here was an authority figure who wasn't dismissing her opinions, or suggesting she not spread such treasonous words. Here was someone who understood.

"Exactly . . . That's . . . exactly how I feel."

Prentice steepled his fingers, shuffling some papers on his desk.

"If I told you there was a group of people looking to change things around here, what would you say?"

"You mean rebels?"

"That word tends to have a negative connotation. But sure."

This was escalating quickly.

"Can't you just petition the Council? Try to talk it out legally?"

"You think that hasn't been tried? We've been blatantly ignored, forcibly silenced by higher powers. The Council believes we live in an utopia free of problems and imperfections. They turn a blind eye to how some are treated as proletarian, dispensable lower-class citizens in order to keep up their flawless illusion."

Jolie couldn't just stand by, like some damsel in distress out of a human fairytale. She had always dreamed of doing something- no, what was she thinking? She wasn't even done with Foxfire! Who was she kidding? Finishing the Elite levels had to come first.

"The answer is no. For now. I won't talk about what you've told me- and you should know conjurors have a unique capability to sense when our memories are missing. I'll see you with Wylie Saturday?"

"Cyrah will be taking him. Know that my door is always open for one willing to believe in the black swan."

How cryptic.

"Ah, not to be a bother, but is there any way I could log the time I've spent here as volunteer hours? I'd qualify for a temporary opening as a regent if I hit a certain amount-"

"Of course."

Conjuring up a scroll and easel, Jolie set the scroll handles in place, unrolling her logbook. It went on and on and on . . . until finally, she came to the last empty box.

Prentice signed with a flourish, adding a little T-rex doodle next to his name.

"You too?"

"Hey, dinosaur obsession is contagious, I'll have you know. Watch out- you might be next!"

The beacon of the gold tower chuckled at his own joke, the corner of Jolie's mouth lifting at the interaction. He swept his dreadlocks over his shoulder, standing to open the door.

"It was nice talking to you, Jolie. Do let your mother know I've been craving her ripplefluffs? Neither Cyrah nor I can bake to save our lives."

"Deal."

Once at her dorm, Jolie sank to her knees, eyes wide. Being a rebel didn't sound enticing on the outside, but something about the idea was calling to her. Whispering her name. Why now?

The real question was, what was Prentice going on about with black swans?

( I don't care what  anyone thinks, this Wylie dinosaur thing is the best ever. )