The Ashes Wake

Chapter 13: Trifica

TRIFICA
"Until a youngling reaches aged sixteen, the year they come of-age and join the economical sphere, they must attend Institution. An educated Kingdom is a successful Kingdom."

Tenth Decree of the Doctrine of Establishment
405 Year, Novus Season

-

"Mother... some creature just walked inside the house!"

Trifica recognized her brother's voice before she saw him. "It's okay Sam! It's just Raiden. He's-he's a friend," she yelled as she closed the front door. Then she winced.

Friend?

She ran to catch up, stepping over stray toys and clothes on the floor. They walked together into the living room where Sam and Mikah sat, reading books. They looked like twins almost, her two youngest brothers with matching black hair that sat like raggedy rugs on their heads. Their eyes were orange, excited at the prospect of a new friend.

"You got a scrape on your head, mister," Sam said, pointing.

Raiden smiled, and Trifica was surprised at its genuineness. "It's all right. I heal pretty fast."

"Cool!" Mikah said, throwing down his book and walking over to them. "I'm Mikah. I'm aged eleven."

Sam, not wanting outdone, followed suit. He grabbed Raiden's other hand and shook it rapidly. "And I'm Sam. I'm almost aged six! Technically aged five and a half, but saying almost aged six sounds better." He gave a proud, toothy grin.

Before Raiden could answer, Trifica's mother burst into the living room. "I thought I heard some shouting. What's going on here?" She caught sight of Raiden and put a hand to her chest. "Oh! And who might this be?"

Trifica blushed and fought the urge to roll her eyes. She knew what her mother was thinking-and what she had been thinking ever since Trifica became legal age. Her mother's voice echoed in her ears. "A girl-creature like you will be picked up in no time. You have a quiet kind of beauty, and many creatures are fond of that. You're pretty enough to be on their arm, but not so much that it daunts them."

Well, it certainly wasn't the first time she had let her mother down.

"Mother, this is my friend, Raiden. Emphasis on friend."

Trifica saw Raiden's top lip curl in amusement, but he only said, "It's a pleasure. Sorry to show up unexpectedly, but there are some things I should discuss with you."

Her mother's eyes widened. It was impolite to be addressed so directly by a stranger, but she turned to Mikah and Sam and said, "Kitsus, go clean your room before dinner. Your father and brother will be home soon-and tell your sister to finish her inking assignment!"

The two brothers grumbled but left the room nonetheless.

"Please, sit down," her mother said as she gestured to their ratty couch. Trifica grimaced, but Raiden sat down happily. "I'm Elaine-this beautiful creature's mother!" She squeezed Trifica's cheek.

"Mom, enough!"

Raiden tried to pass a fit of laughter off as a ferocious cough, but then his face turned solemn.

Trifica tried to swallow the thick ball of anxiety in her throat.

Raiden folded his hands in his lap. "Your daughter has informed me that you're familiar with the Mother Dragon."

Elaine raised her eyebrows and her mouth turned up in a surprised fashion. "The younglings tale? Of course, I've been reciting it to my children for years now. I hardly see why that's of importance."