Valeria
The letter began with praise.
Valeria read the first paragraph twice before permitting herself to enjoy it.
Her technical comparison had been received well. Its use in the academy's tournament procedures reflected careful preparation and a sound understanding of the subject.
Her father had written that she had represented her training with distinction.
She rested the page on the table.
For a few seconds, she felt exactly as pleased as the words had intended.
She read the line about her preparation once more. Her father had noticed the part which took work before anyone sat at the council table. She wanted to carry the page to Mara and let her read it without introducing it with a complaint.
The enclosure lay folded beneath the letter. Valeria could see the delegation mark at its edge.
