The White Lily

Chapter 2

(This is in 3rd person point of view for the most of the chapter)

Iris grabbed Grams arm as they finally made their way to the long line of people waiting for a chance to sign up for the Ceremony. Grams brushed her wispy, curly white hair out of her face. Iris had never seen Grams hair and Grams never bothered to describe it because she doubted that Iris would understand what certain colors were.

Iris gripped Grams arm, "I don't want to win I just want to participate and see how far I can get." Iris said in her sweet tone of voice. Grams smiled sweetly and she straightened up as much as she could when they finally came to the sign-up booth. The person standing there was wearing a white cloak covering their head. The only thing that you could see was a few wisps of long brown hair and a pair of pale lips.

"Age is 15 to 20 years of age. Participants may come from all three sections," The cloaked figure said in a semi-loud voice. Iris looked up at the voice and narrowed her eyes slightly, Grams smiled weakly as she turned Iris's head a little bit towards the left.

"Name, Age, and Home are all necessary to sign up." the figure said, Iris, nodded.

"Name is Iris Ivy Jones. Age is 17. Home is the Slums Sector." she said in a strong voice. But she still sounded kind, her voice had a fragile like sound to it making it hard for her to sound angry.

The figure nodded and grabbed a tag from the bottom of the table they were standing at. "If you wish to proceed to keep this on at all times, please proceed to the waiting hall until the celebration begins," the figure said and Grams nodded, grabbing the bracelet that they were holding out. Grams pulled Iris away and started for the giant doors of the arena.

"Grams, what does this place look like?" Iris asked as she ran her hand along one of the stone walls, "I smell wood and stone, are there torches on the wall I smell ash in the air?" Iris said her clouded ask widened.

Grams smiled, "There is a large wooden door that has multiple designs on the front and back. Right now we are walking through a hall of stone, and yes, there are torches lining the walls giving light to the hall." Grams said sweetly. She wrapped her around through Iris' arm, "I know you'll do well dear," she said happily.

"How would you know? I can't see a person even if they stand a foot away from me, I'm blind Grams. I'm sure I won't make it past the first round," Iris said handing her head down her eyes open but staring at nothing. Grams sighed and tightened her grip on her arm.

"I taught you everything that I know. I showed you what to look for, my family might have died but what they have taught me will be passed down onto you my dear, Iris," Grams said looked up at Iris and giving her a determined look. "I don't need you to win I just want you to have the ability to say 'Even though I was blind I tried to win' I want you to be able to say that with a smile even though the odds are against you..." Grams said smiling. Iris glared down at her and gave a small hit to her arm. "That's not nice Grams" Iris complained.

"Come, my dear, you must get ready to listen and I must find a good seat," Grams said as they made it to wide open doors that held the contestants, Grams reached up and grabbed Iris face. "Just listen and you will know what to do, listen for me in the crowd, I promise I won't stop cheering. Good luck my dear." Grams said sweetly and placed a kiss on Iris' forehead before she back out of the doorway pushing Iris into the room.