Sorana looked out from the window into the darkness. A steady rain fell, pattering onto the tiled roof and cascading down to the cobblestones below. Nearby, the millpond water wheel creaked and groaned as a torrent rushed furiously past its churning paddles. Flashes of distant lightning momentarily lit the skies, giving shadows to the ominous thunderclouds above. She closed the shutters and fastened the latch. Her decision had been made.
Samantha’s books and papers were piled on the small table in the center of the room. An inkwell and an assortment of quills were neatly arranged next to them. Sitting, Sorana took a piece of new parchment from a stack and dabbed a sharpened quill into the ink. She thought for a moment and then began writing, in a flowing script:

Grandmaster,

I humbly request an audience with you to discuss my admittance into Three Steps Academy. I have been awarded master status as a Dancer and my good standing with the instructors should be well known. I eagerly await your reply. Sincerely,

Sorana Gale

Congratulations on passing the final exams, Miss Gale. I will be available much more in the upcoming days. We may speak then.

~Grandmaster Brinston

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