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His alarm blared in the early morning silence, causing him to awake with a start. He rubbed his eyes sleepily and turned it off hurriedly.

The room seemed so still at five in the morning. He stretched himself before rising from the comforting embrace of his bed. Already the home seemed different to him. He began to yearn for a life of his own, where he could provide for himself. This was never truly his home but rather his parent's. He walked down the hallway and grabbed a towel before stepping into the bathroom for a shower.

He threw his clothes into the hamper and began to fiddle with the knobs on the wall. The water was at a comfortable temperature almost immediately. He let his mind begin to drift as he stepped in.

Thoughts of his future as an Assembly Runner made him smile for a moment. The whole job consisted of doing many things, teaching others how to do something that they had no knowledge of before. There is much honor in the position that he would be in. The only problem was that he wouldn't be around Hlara much anymore. Being a Runner meant you could be moved anywhere in the country at any given time. He made himself a mental note to discuss it with her when he got the chance.

He rubbed the shampoo deep into his fur. He wondered who he would be getting coursed under. He wasn't familiar with any Runners within Miraldin, mostly because all of the specialists were already in the capitol city. It was possible that he would be getting trained by them. He didn't know if he would be able to keep track of all the things he would be learning if that were to be the case.

He rinsed himself off thoroughly and shut off the water. He grabbed his towel and dried himself. The noise from his parent's room indicating that they were rising for the day. He wrapped the towel around his waist and made his way back to his room for a change of clothes. He threw on some of his nicer clothes, ones that were pleasant to wear and yet still distinguished.

The shower began once more down the hall as he sat down at his writing desk and dug through a drawer. He removed a small journal and a simple pen. He opened it to a blank page and thought for a moment about what he would write. The journal was something of a gift from his father. It was to write down thoughts of major events and the occasional rant, it helped him keep everything in perspective.

He set his pen to the paper.

Well, it seems that I'm to be an Assemblyman from what my course explained. A Runner, no less. I don't really feel I deserve such an honor, but the Queen herself has spoken to me. I wonder why she even bothers. Dad said I may have something that she finds, "Intriguing" is the word I would use. She is very... intimidating in person. She had more confidence than I expected, but she's not really just a normal Scale either. I guess we all forget that she lead a rebellion not 20 years ago. I really should study up more on the Tempest behaviors and try to understand their culture. She seems so strong.

General Kusedh was in the room also, he wasn't really to keen on my presence. They were discussing "relations" with the surrounding countries. He was just as terrifying as I had always heard. Those eyes will pierce through the finest Tempest metal with the slightest glance. Yet there was a softness to him, I could feel it in the way he spoke with Tiralin. He must know her very well. Lovers perhaps? I wouldn't dare accuse them of it, but the thought is entertaining to me.

The entire perimeter of the room was watched closely by the Tempest Guard. I would imagine that most of them were Lowlanders and Turel, They nearly killed me as I walked in. However, It would seem that they have steady hands and spared my life at the second thought. I couldn't imagine the type of training they would have to deal with to be so efficient.

The fact remains however, that I am to begin my adult life today. I think I will bring this journal with me, it might be my only saving grace should life take me to difficult places. No matter how cynical I seem, I am quite excited at the prospect of being able to do my part to make this country a capable contender in world affairs. Even if I'm just doing small things, at least it's something.

Elijah sniffed the air for a moment, the sweet aroma of food drifted into his room. He looked to his clock, 6:30.

Well, it seems that breakfast is ready. I hope my parents don't make a scene. I guess I should pack some clothes before I eat.

He closed his journal and went to his closet. He removed one of his leather bags and began to stuff it sloppily with his clothes. Once it was nearly stuffed he shouldered his bag and slid in his journal as he walked to the kitchen.

Walter was working in the kitchen diligently as Elijah took a seat at the table and set his bag next to him.

"Morning!" Walter chimed. The food seemed to consist of potatoes, eggs, and various green veggies.

"Good morning." Elijah replied groggily.

Catherine walked into the kitchen still wearing her bathrobe as she took her seat.

"How was your sleep, hon?" She asked with a cheery tone.

"It was alright. I slept soundly enough." Elijah replied. "Still, I am excited to get started today."

She smiled sweetly. "I would imagine so. It will be quiet around here without you."

"I'm sure you and dad will find something to keep yourselves busy."

Walter laughed. "That's the truth of it. You don't need to make him feel guilty about leaving, Catherine. Leaving home is hard enough as it is."

"I know." She said with a deep sigh as she fiddled with her silverware. "I just wish I knew more about what you will be doing."

"I'll call you guys every couple of days to let you know what I'm up to. It can't be all that bad."

"You're going to be a Runner, Eli. That means you'll be doing Assembly work." She explained. "They can have you do anything."

"Mom, even if they do have me doing hard work, I would be proud to do it for people who have already done so much for me. I have faith that the Assembly will not lead me astray."

She looked worried at his statement. "I understand, but you shouldn't be so sure of other peoples intentions. Trust placed in the wrong people always ends badly. Trust only the ones you know."

Elijah sighed. "Yes mother..."

"I'm serious, Eli. There's a reason Tiralin keeps such a close eye on them."

"Alright Catherine, he gets the point." Walter said over his shoulder. "Let the man make his own decisions, he'll learn one way or the other."

They all stayed silent for a moment to gather their thoughts before a knock at the door interrupted them.

"Now really, it's not even 7 o'clock yet." Catherine groaned as she got up from her seat to check the door. She shuffled up to it with an irritated frown and popped it open. Her jaw went slack as she looked into the eyes of the General, who stood donning his full Tempest plate armor, minus the helmet.

"Greetings, Mrs. Atlir. I am here to retrieve Elijah. Has he prepared?" Kusedh asked, appearing rather well rested.

"I... uhm. Of course sir." She stuttered. "But I thought he was to meet with her majesty at the school in an hour."

"The Queen had to return to the Halls to discuss with the Assembly some occurring events. She has sent me to retrieve your son and bring him to her." He explained simply. "I am sorry for disturbing your home, but it was requested of me."

"It's really alright, sir. It was just that I wanted to have one last meal with him this morning."

Kusedh nodded in understanding. "Very well, I will be waiting in the car for him. Send him to me when you finish. Try to make it before 7:30." He turned to go.

"Perhaps you would like to join us sir?" She asked before he left.

He turned back around looking a bit caught off guard as he mulled over his thoughts. "No ma'am. I have some work I should be attending to."

"So you don't have about thirty minutes of free time?" She asked innocently, trying to look pitiful. "Surely you must be hungry."

He was silent for several seconds. "I suppose..." He said begrudgingly. "but I cannot tarry for too long. I was only sent to retrieve Elijah." He squeezed through the relatively small door frame as Catherine held open the door for him. The front hall was tall enough for him to stand with about five inches to spare. He stood against the wall to let her by once she closed the door. He followed her into the kitchen with a defeated expression.

"We have company!" She chimed to Walter. He turned to see Kusedh lumber in behind her, looking rather upset.

"Ah, Good morning General!" Walter said as he turned back to his work. "Would you like some breakfast?"

Kusedh shook his head. "Just some tea if you have any."

Catherine removed a chair from the table and set it against the far wall. Replacing it with a small padded rug. "Please, come and sit." She offered.

He nodded in thanks and sat at the table next to Elijah. He seemed unsure of what to do with himself.

Elijah grinned nervously. "Good morning, sir." He managed. "I suppose that you're not here for pleasantries."

"No, I came to take you to the Halls." Kusedh explained. "The Queen was unable to stay at the school for the night and had to attend a meeting this morning."

Elijah nodded. "Didn't she know that there was going to be a meeting?"

"No, the Assembled decided late last night that they wanted to meet. They were hoping that she wouldn't attend." He said tiredly. "They wish dearly to make decisions without the burden of her power to make or break them. However, I may discuss it no further."

Catherine took her seat and watched the General closely. "It's alright. I was actually more curious to hear about what you would have Elijah doing."

"Other than the usual Runner duties? I haven't the slightest clue. That would be up to Tiralin, she's the one coursing him."

Walter walked to the table with three steaming cups and dispensed them evenly in front of his family and guest before heading back to the cooking food.

"Since when does Tiralin course anyone?" Catherine asked, genuinely curious.

"To the extent of my knowledge, she never has." He replied. "She hasn't discussed this decision with me yet." He grabbed his cup delicately and sipped from it. The cup seemed pitifully small in comparison to his massive stature. "I can't speak for her, but I think she just wants Elijah to have the best training available. Some of our Runners recently have been terribly disobedient and inept."

Catherine cocked an eyebrow. "How's that?" She drank from her cup.

"They show great disdain for Tiralin. Some have even insulted her right to her face." He was awkwardly silent for a moment. "Some can't even perform the simplest tasks let alone the complicated ones. The fact that they have the gall to face her is beyond my comprehension."

Walter piled the food on three plates and went to place them on the table. "The fools should have more respect for her." He stated. "They need to remember what she gave up for them."

Elijah nodded in agreement as his food was placed in front of him.

"If they have a grievance, why not appeal to the Assembly?" Catherine asked. "Why do they insult her personally?"

"They are cowards I'm afraid. They would hate to see how many of us respect her instead of oppose her." Kusedh grinned weakly as he sipped at the tea again, effectively finishing it off. "Some of the newer Assembled have been trying to get someone to court her so she would be willing to see things their way. They underestimate her stubbornness I think." He finished with a laugh.

Elijah seemed surprised to hear the General laugh. He kept his mouth shut and turned his attention to his meal. It was of mediocre quality but he was in no position to complain. The only reason that dinner last night was so good was because it was technically a celebration. He smiled fondly in memory of the delicious meal before taking his first bite of his breakfast. If the seasoning weren't so perfect, it would probably be the worst thing he'd ever eaten.

Kusedh sat silently as Walter refilled his cup and took his own seat to eat.

"You will keep an eye on him won't you?" Catherine asked as she finished a bite.

Kusedh didn't show any signs of annoyance. "Yes, I will be checking up on him as often as allowed. Though only if my duties allow." He explained. "Tiralin will be overseeing everything he does."

Walter sighed deeply. "Catherine, let the man alone. He's got duties to tend to, Elijah can take care of himself."

Elijah shrugged and swallowed his mouthful. "I'll be fine mom. I'll keep in contact."

"Besides, he'll have the whole Assembly at his back." Walter finished as he took another bite of his food.

Kusedh sat silently and watched Elijah eat quietly. It was rather unnerving to have those gray eyes stare at him. Elijah tried not to meet his gaze.

The meal was eaten silently for the next several minutes before the telephone rang suddenly. Catherine went to the phone and picked it up.

"Hello?" She asked. "Yes... Yes of course." She turned to the General and held out the phone. "For you."

The General stood and grabbed the phone. He listened for a couple seconds. "Ulisn ini'lithil." He said simply. "Yes... I am here and retrieving Elijah... Of course, Majesty. Right away." He put the phone on the receiver and turned to Elijah. "The Queen requires my assistance. We need to go."

Catherine sighed in disappointment. Elijah shouldered his bag and stepped from his meal, leaving it half-eaten. His parents stood next to each other and watched him follow Kusedh to the door.

"Good luck, Eli." Walter said with a proud smile.

"Come back when you get the chance, dear." Catherine said, tears welling up in her eyes. "We'll miss you!"

Elijah turned and waved as he made his way out the door. "I'll be back." He called over his shoulder. "Don't worry about me."

He shut the door behind him and followed the General into the large vehicle. It was designed for Scales, leaving plenty of room on the seat next to him. As it pulled away from his house with a roar of it's electrical engines, he turned to look at the house. His parents were standing just outside the front door, waving a solemn goodbye to him. He waved back and turned back to the front.

"...It is hard to let your children go forth." Kusedh pointed out. "But we can't stop them from pursuing their own lives."

Elijah gave him a sideways glance. "You have children?" He asked, genuinely curious.

"No, but I've watched it many times. Parents make their children a part of their lives. It's the only part of their being that they will eventually have to cut free."

Elijah took that to heart. "True." He said simply. "How else would we be able to continue?"

"That's the beauty of it, I think. We let need go over want, it shows our willingness to continue on. Regardless of what we want." The General replied.

Elijah was quiet for a moment, thinking to himself. "If you don't mind me asking, why don't you have children?"

Kusedh chuckled to himself. "My duties wouldn't allow me to properly attend a child's needs. Besides that, I am unable to conceive."

Elijah flushed at such a personal answer. "I see." He managed to say.

The General watched him with curiosity. "Something bothering you, Mr. Atlir?"

"It's just that I didn't want to offend you with such a personal question." He stated flatly, trying not to stammer.

"I am not offended. It is better to answer questions and not trouble the minds of those who ask them." Kusedh explained. "There are few questions I will not answer."

They both sat in silence as the car drove loudly down the road to the Halls.

"What of you? Have you considered having children?" He asked.

"I... have." Elijah replied, unsure of himself. "I always imagined that I would have children with my current girlfriend. I still need to give her a call." He said offhandedly. "I know I'm still young, but I do want children someday."

"It's a noble thing to have children." Kusedh mused. "There are many joys to be had in parenthood."

Elijah sighed inwardly. "I suppose... I would like to live by myself for a little while first. See what I can do on my own, you know?"

The General nodded in agreement. "A luxury few can afford, but a noble pursuit, I think. See what it is you can truly offer your mate should the time come."

The Halls were within view, they would arrive shortly at it's gates.

"Heh, you make it sound uncertain." Elijah noted.

"You make it sound certain." Kusedh rebutted. "There is that one thing that always exists in the future, Mr. Atlir. The factor of uncertainty."

"True, but Hlara and I have been together for so long. Who else could I possibly have?"

"There it is. The one thing you overlook, the possibility of something intervening between you and Hlara. There is no such thing as destiny. She may have been and still be yours, but the future remains to be seen. Expect anything."

Elijah rolled his eyes. "Don't you think you're over thinking it a little?"

"Perhaps." He replied simply. "I am prone to it."

"Well, none of that matters now anyway. I'm going to the Halls to begin my course. Then I shall begin my life of service to those around me."

"Perhaps professionally." Kusedh stated. "Your personal life is yours to do with as you see fit."

He nodded absently as the car pulled to a stop at the gates, the gates that stood perpetually open to those who wished to enter. The only condition was that no unauthorized vehicles were permitted entry beyond the defensible walls, which stood proudly around the building. Elijah stepped from the vehicle with his bag, Kusedh followed after him. The guards stood at attention As he walked beside Elijah. They all held Kaldur's with bayonets attached to their guns thoroughly. Each one of the dozens of guards also had a weapon of their choice at their hips secured tightly but ready at a moments notice to defend their wielders. Their armor looked thick and and nearly covered their entire bodies. Each helmet designed to hide their faces down to their mouths, with horns angled behind them to mimic the horns of the Tempest Dragons that had all but perished.

"Incredible." Elijah whispered as they climbed the stairs to the main doors of what seemed a glorious palace. The color was dark blue, meant to mimic the color of the Tempest metal. The guards stood like statues at the doors, it would've been easy to mistake them for architecture if you weren't paying attention.

On the inside the walls were painted white, the floor was a natural stone gray color and was left unpolished. Intricate light features hung from the ceiling that was the same white as the walls. The halls were filled with Scales and Furs alike that stepped to the side quickly once they realized the General walked among them. Elijah was forced to walk quickly behind him. There were two staircases to the left and right, that seemed to be where the crowds were heading. Kusedh and Elijah continued walking, a pair of guards were eyeing him curiously. Kusedh held up one finger, they nodded and let him pass with the General.

The hallway was long but the end was clearly visible. It opened into a very large room with wooden desks and chairs facing the stage. It was dome shaped with observation balconies looking down onto the floors, where citizens came to view the Assembly meetings. They were completely packed full. Every desk save one was filled with scales of all kinds. Tiralin stood upon the stage, watching Kusedh approach his desk as she spoke to those in the room. Elijah walked with Kusedh to his place as he stood next to his chair.

"Just stand next to me..." Kusedh whispered to him.

He nodded and did as he was told, then turned his attention to Tiralin as she spoke.

"... not let this turn into my country!" She said with a demanding tone. She wore common clothes to the meeting. Her face showed a weariness that could have only been brought on by many waking nights. As opposed to the more well dressed Assemblymen that sat comfortably before her. A great many of them wore rings with gems dotting the surfaces. They looked well rested as opposed to the one they served, with the exception of a few of the older members.

"It is already your country, Tiralin!" One of the Assemblymen yelled at her. "We have little to no say in how this country is run."

She scoffed at what he said. "Remember why I chose to enact the role of the Assembly! I listen to all of your concerns and worries, only to be called a tyrant with the likes of Olav! I try to tend to each one of you with equal consideration and action, only to be spat on when I take matters more pressing first!" She said with frustration. "Here I stand, as always ready to hear your plea's! Still you find me reprehensible!?"

"You will not break our resolve in this! Your iron rule will not stand with us! We see through your attempts to secure our border, it's nothing more than a cover for the security of your throne!" Another accused.

Elijah's jaw slacked at such an accusation, he couldn't believe the amount of disrespect the Scale showed. Kusedh just kept his expression stoic, but Elijah could see the fire in his eyes. The crowd watched from the balconies with distasteful frowns.

Tiralin's face twisted in disgust. "How dare _ you !? _You all know that I would never do such a thing! I bury myself with the duties of the ones I had hoped would assist me, but instead they condemn me! Condemn the fact that I serve over and for them!" She spat angrily. "My Tempest brethren would not doubt or accuse me of such treacheries!"

"They were fools then!" A Scale spouted at her. "They would follow their leader blindly!?"

Her anger only seemed to grow. " Fools!? They chose me with good reason! I proved myself worthy to lead such fine brothers and sisters! I doubt you would survive such a process, let alone qualify for it! I would sooner die than let any of you inept little Tyls'ayts lead these peoples to their deaths!"

The whole room boomed into an uproar, yet the citizens remained silent in their respective places. Kusedh smiled inwardly, Elijah had never paid much attention to the news of the Assembly meetings but he was pretty sure that this was becoming unorthodox.

"Silence!" She yelled to the room before her. The Assembled, rather begrudgingly, retook their seats and kept their cries of disdain to themselves. Elijah felt very uncomfortable all of the sudden. "If any of you have any news to report, feel free to do so now! I will no longer argue over the necessity of my rule."

They all watched her angrily, but they remained silent.

"Nothing?" She asked seeming unsurprised, as she awaited an answer for several moments. "Good, now get back to work! We still require you to earn your positions and keep." She said with a dismissive wave.

The Assemblymen gathered whatever supplies they had brought with them, and dispersed quietly through the several doors that circled the room. The citizens made a clamor as they walked to the exits, talking to each other with hushed voices.

Tiralin stepped down from the stage and walked to Kusedh quickly. She didn't stop, but instead gestured at him as she passed. Kusedh turned to follow.

"Come along." Kusedh said over his shoulder.

Elijah started after him and followed them both through a set of heavy doors that were guarded by sentries. Tiralin held up two fingers, they opened the doors and bowed their heads in respect as the three passed into the Royal wing.

Elijah was surprised to see the Royal wing was no different than the entrance hall. Scales and the occasional Furs were working fervently in the rooms and halls. They stood aside as Tiralin marched angrily to her destination. Elijah was having difficulty matching her long strides. She stopped at a door and pushed it open, Kusedh walked into the room without hesitation as she waved him through. Elijah followed him, seeming unsure of himself as he walked ahead of the Queen.

Tiralin gestured to a pair of guards patrolling the halls. They immediately walked to her and bowed.

"No one gets in here, understand?" She ordered.

"Yes, understood." They replied in unison.

"Alert me in case of emergencies, otherwise leave me be."

"Yes." They said as they stood to the sides of the door, facing the halls.

She shut the door behind herself and relaxed slightly. Her golden eyes fell on Kusedh and Elijah standing against the far wall of her living quarters. It was just a bed and a wardrobe of moderate value, a coffee table and a desk. She insisted on owning only what her people were able to achieve. Making a decision to live with very little furniture that didn't befit someone of her status. Honestly, she felt more comfortable like this.

Kusedh stood proudly in her presence, but his friendly grin betrayed his normally stoic face. It lightened her mood a little to see him smile.

Then there was Elijah Atlir. He was standing awkwardly and nervously fiddled with the strap of his bag. She had been keeping tabs on him since he had graduated starting school. His teachers often recommended that he be removed from school because of his lack of interest in a certain area. The reports also stated that he was something of a ringleader in all of his group studies, occasionally surprising everyone on the more challenging work that was given. Also having notes of being incredibly charismatic when problems had arisen with his colleagues. The teachers all the while insisted he had no skills, but she knew better than that.

"Thanks for showing back up, Kusedh." She said with a sarcastic tone, walking to her bed tiredly.

"As always." He replied sternly. "I would not abandon you to these people."

"I would hope not." She sat down heavily on the mattress. "They wanted me to give the Assembly full control over Wiroch. Offering me not even an excuse for the question."

"That's odd. They already basically hold all the power." Kusedh didn't move from his place. He continued to watch Tiralin with interest.

"True, but this was different. They wanted me to step down without reason. Like I may be interfering with their ability to stand without aid."

"... Tiralin, are they getting to you?" He asked worriedly.

She smiled absently. "Yes, It's becoming clear that I am no longer wanted among the Assembled."

Kusedh sighed. "I want you to think on this. They would be lost without you."

"Would they?" She asked absently. "We haven't seen how they would operate without me."

"They have no experience in running a country such as this. It will be to much for them!"

"As it was for me." She stated. "I'm going to withhold my powers for the next couple months. Let them test their leadership capabilities."

Kusedh looked surprised at her words. "That sounds exceedingly unwise."

She gave him a sideways glance. "That may be true. However, it is the only way to keep the Order satisfied."

Elijah looked confused at her statement, but kept his questions to himself.

"With all due respect, Tiralin. I don't think the Order would appreciate the chaos that will spring from this decision." Kusedh said.

"They will rebel against me if I don't give them wiggle room. We can't let that sort of thing happen." She explained. "If, and only if, my intervention is required shall I return with all of my authority. But for that to happen they must put everyone's lives at risk."

Kusedh rubbed his head in disbelief and exasperation. "If you are really set on doing this, I wish you would sleep on it first."

She laughed as she lay casually on her bed and let out a yawn. "If you insist... I want you to train him." She said with a vague gesture at Elijah.

Kusedh looked to Elijah. "That would interfere with my duties."

"I can make it an order if you like." She said simply.

He chuckled to himself for a moment. "As you wish, I shall inform Vilnui that he needs to take my place for the time being on the Queens order."

"Then let it be. When I awake I will be calling for an Assembly. I expect you to be there." She demanded calmly.

"Of course." He said with a respectful bow.

"You are dismissed." She said.

Kusedh patted Elijah on the shoulder and walked to the door. Elijah followed, eager to leave Tiralin's powerful presence. He was glad he was able to keep from offending her during the conversation between her and Kusedh. They had paid him little attention during their visit.

As they walked from her room the door was closed behind them.

"I would suggest you keep our conversation to yourself." Kusedh said, looking at Elijah.

Elijah looked Kusedh in the eye. "It is not my place to disclose information not directed to me." He replied.

Kusedh smiled. "Good, now before we start with your training we're going to get you set up in a room. Just don't expect anything fancy." He explained. "It's going to be a bunkroom."

Elijah laughed. "If there's one thing I've learned about sleep today is that you should take it when and where you can get it. Some people here look so tired."

"Work is our first priority here. Some of them haven't slept for thirty hours or more." Kusedh mused. "But we will not force you to work beyond your limit. You will be conditioned to function on as little sleep as possible, while still keeping your mind and senses as sharp as normal hours."

"Is that even possible?"

"You shouldn't underestimate your body, Mr. Atlir. When pushed, it will do whatever is required to prosper." He stated.

"Sounds like tough work, I hope I can keep up with everyone."

Kusedh smiled inwardly. "I don't foresee any trouble. You can do it just as everyone else can."