Together?- A SOPHITZ fanfiction (UPDATES ON HOLD)

Results and Ceremonies

Sophie sprinted down the hall, turned right, left, and turned a final left into the atrium where the other students who had received their results waited with their parents. She barreled straight into her parents and squeezed them tightly, a sob escaping from her mouth. Grady and Edaline, who had not seen their daughter in months, surrounded her and hugged her tightly, both unable to hide their grins.

"You did it, Sophie. You passed with flying colors. We're so proud of you," Grady said, Edaline unable to speak due to her happy tears. After about a minute, Sophie stepped away and wiped her tears to finally, coherently read her results.

Her breath caught in her throat like the first time as she took in the spectacular results. Metaphysics: 95.02. Linguistics: 92.61 (she was right; she had missed that translation). Elvin History: 97.108. Multispeciesial studies: 93.004 (she may have missed more than just a date, Sophie thought).

But the shocking, never before seen results came for every one of her special abilities. In Enhancing, she received a 99.251. In Inflicting, a 98.743. And in Telepathy, a perfect, symmetrical 100 had been typed onto her scroll. Grady and Edaline glowed with pride.

"You've made history again. 'First elf to make a 100 in their Elite levels.' What a title," Grady said, shaking his head in disbelief. "You blow us away at every turn," Edaline said in a hushed whisper, stroking Sophie's hair. Sophie relaxed at the touch, tuning out the looks from her fellow prodigies following her emotional moment.

She had really missed her parents. Staying away from them was awful, considering she pushed them away when she needed them most. Sophie made a silent promise to herself that she would spend most of whatever time she had left as a normal girl with her parents. They deserved at least that.

The room felt cramped as more and more prodigies joined their families in the atrium after getting their results. There were smiles of joy and tears of disappointment, but everyone had made it mostly unscathed. When Magnate Leto and the entire staff filed into the room, silence settled on the crowd. Magnate Leto paused and then began to speak.

"Thank you. Thank you to all of your parents who have supported your academic study and growth through learning your special abilities. Thank you to all of the Mentors who have trained and seen through the rough edges of our prodigies to turn them into the powerful, cultivated adults they have become today."

"And thank you to the prodigies, for your tireless energy and hard work you put in through your 8 years here at Foxfire. You have persevered through all of the challenges we threw your way and will all become successful members of our Nobility. Prodigies, please follow me out into the pyramid where your final ceremony will occur. Upon the completion of the ceremony, you will be full-fledged members of the Nobility."

"Please, do not take this lightly. This is an important duty for our world and its people. Everyone plays an important part in the peace we have obtained through years, centuries, a millennium of struggle. Have no doubt." He gave a long-lasting piercing look to the silent room. With that brisk speech, he turned on his heels, the Mentors parting before him, and marched the prodigies towards the large glass pyramid and out of the twisting towers for the last time.

The crowd lay packed despite the large space- Sophie had been slammed into more backs and knees than she could count, having been led away from her parents to join the crowd of prodigies. They were headed to the foot of a stage at the center of the room where Magnate Leto stood behind a podium, joined by smiling gnomes whose arms were laden with deep green capes. The room stilled once more and all eyes turned to the Principal of Foxfire.

"It is with great honor," he started, "that I introduce you to our most honorable councilors." At once, the 12 glittering leaders entered through a side door Sophie had never seen, clad in matching green outfits and silver capes, looking like the prime of every and any royalty. They all smiled benevolently at the applause and acclaim of the attending families, an air of stability radiating off them. Councillor Emery raised his hands and the room silenced as fast, if not faster than Magnate Leto.

"Thank you," he announced, his booming voice echoing off the colorful glass panes of the pyramid. He observed the room, his eyes resting on Sophie's stricken face for no more than a second, before speaking again. "Please join me in congratulating the graduating class of Elite-level Foxfire prodigies who will now be entering the ranks of our Elven Nobility." The room burst into applause once more until they were silenced once more.

"Each prodigy will be called one by one on stage to receive their diploma, cape, and official nobility titles. Each and every one of you has been selected for a different purpose. Some of you will become Foxfire Mentors, for those of you adept at learning and working with others. Some of you will be selected as Regents or Emissaries, to work as agents for the council. Others will be..." Sophie zoned out at the other titles, panic-stricken as to what they would say for Sophie.

It would have to be bogus, right? After all, their façade had to be held until 3 weeks from now. Right? Sophie began to feel sick as names were called out one by one. So far, most had received lower nobility ranks. When Lhouna received the title of Mentor, Sophie clapped distractedly. The position was perfect for her wise friend, whose stable calm would lead her prodigies to success. But as the gap separating Sophie from walking up to the stage thinned, Sophie felt desperate for an escape.

"Sophie Elizabeth Foster-Ruewen," Councillor Emery's commanding voice called out. Sophie felt like she would pass out. She took a few shaky steps as all eyes fell on her small frame. Dex nudged her reassuringly, his eyes sparkling, and Sophie willed herself not to fall as she made her way up the short flight of stairs. She stepped beside the podium where Magnate Leto waited; he handed her her diploma and smiled warmly before whispering, "You kids grow up too fast." Sophie's eyes felt a little moist as she nodded and crossed the stage where a gnome waited with her cape.

Sophie crouched down for the little gnome to fasten the silky cape around her neck, her Ruewen pin stark against the green fabric. "Thank you," she muttered in Gnomish. As she rose, her eyes met with Councillor Emery's but he gave her the benefit of giving her no preferential treatment. "Miss Foster-Ruewen will be joining the Nobility ranks as an Emissary." Sophie's heartbeat was drowned out by the thundering applause and woops of her friends as her eyes locked with Councillor Bronte's. 3 weeks, he mouthed.

___________________

One day late, sorry everybody. At least I've got an excuse, right? Holiday and all...

Happy Thanksgiving! I'm so thankful for every one of you!

Love, OrbitAstra 💫