<div class="floatright">(http://i.imgur.com/RoDooxQ.jpg)</div><br/>Before they parted, Pipa gave Eren a quick peck on the cheek and murmured,  “best luck, be strong,” hoping she finds help for her scar from the temple’s healers. She and Pellen exchanged a smile and nod, each confident in the other's ability to pass their inspection, sure they would see one another on the other side. She handed her pack to one of the acolytes in tow and didn't look back.<br/><br/>She was flattered and excited to be given so much of the Headmistress’ attention, so soon.  She listened respectfully, walking with her hands held loosely behind her back and her head inclined slightly to indicate that she had her full attention.<br/><br/><em>"What? Fourteen or Fifteen I would guess?  You must have had a very smart family to allow you to watch the contests before the age of ascension.  You're Tanian, right, the age of adulthood is still sixteen in that nation isn't it?"</em><br/><br/>“I was Fifteen, I think. I was supposed to be prospecting with some classmates for an assignment. But instead of spending the weekend camping like we were supposed to, we snuck back to one girl's house and watched for a few hours before her parents caught us.“<br/><br/>“Truly I think I remember you because I saw so little. And what I did see, I remember it so clearly. If I give something my focused attention, I usually find that I can remember it very well.”<br/><br/><em>She squinted her eyes at Pipa and for a moment the quarter orc had the sense that the headmistress wasn't looking at her, so much as through her.  Then with a broad smile she asked, "Oooh, bright and magically connected to the earth as well." Then turning to the trio that had been trailing she commented, "I may have a new favorite for this year!"</em><br/><br/>Pipa gave a small grin, as she wondered what being the headmistress's favorite might entail. She watched her dark, flowing robe from the corner of her eye curious if her childhood memory remembered the rest of her as well as her face.