The Choosing

Choosing Day

I sighed as my mother adjusted my sash once more, before taking her hands in mine.

"Mother, stop fussing. It's only a assessment" I met her eyes slowly

She gave me a a slight smile, nodding "Right. Appearance is always important though" she reminded, fixing my hood over my eyes.

My eyes snapped up as I heard steps approaching. I glanced back down and gave my mother a peck on the forehead. I quickly scanned her face, knowing no matter what the outcome of today, it would be the last time I saw her.

She quickly grabbed my hand and led me towards the door, just as a guard entered the room.

"I'm here for Miss Vivien Audri Lancaster"

I squeezed my mother's hand once before joining the man "Bye mom. Wish me luck" I murmured quietly,  giving her a smile and slipped out of the room.

As I walked behind the towering guard I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.

The corridors were simple yet elegant. The walls were painted white with lavish patterns in black.

As I continued to walk I focused on the floor. The blue-black tiles gleamed, showing me my reflection. No doubt they were scrubbed down every day.

I returned my attention to today's events. The Choosing was a simple thing, really. It occurred to every eighteen year old vampire.

You went through a series of tests until the area you would best suit was revealed.

My mother was a Corage, as was my father. My brother, who was a year older than me, was a Paladin.

There were four departments:

Berserker - No fear in taking the life of another if facing a threat. They are considered to be very up front people. They usually are ones to start riots, because of their truthfulness. Or so they say. Most think their just rude and enjoy picking fights.

Paladin- One who would devote their life to protecting the royal family. These people would willingly give up their life to save another, and take one only if absolutely required. They guard the castle.

Corage - Committ themselves to others who are less fortunate. They are compassionate people, who offer up everything they own to help out others. They work as nurses or healers, in the vampire world. Occasionally they are sent to the human world to work as doctors.

Neutral - They are one of the rarest specialties. While being caring, and devoted people, they would not hesitate to take a life if necessary. They are all yet none of the previous types. You never know what to expect. Their job is to make sure that humans stay safe from rogues and demons.

Having been lost in my own thoughts, I hadn't noticed the guard had stopped, causing me to collide with him.

He gave a grunt and stepped to the side, gesturing in front of me.

I took a deep breath as the double doors before me opened.

I stepped forward, into the light as I had rehearsed a thousand times before.

I bowed my head slightly before meting a pair of expectant eyes.

The king sat on a wooden throne, the only piece of furniture in the room.

Designs had been carved in carefully, making the chair seem frail.

"Your Majesty " I managed, keeping my voice even

"Vivien Lancaster, is it not?"

I lifted my head, meeting his gaze fully "Correct, your Highness, thought I prefer to go by Audri"