"Marakhova," called out the familiar voice of Illiana Stormwind, the matriarch of the family.

"Illiana," she replied frostily, "you honour us with your presence. Have you come to see the unleashing?"

"You know full well I have," responded the old woman. "I've heard great things about them. How many girls are undergoing the ceremony today?"

"Seven," said Marakhova, fully aware that the matriarch already knew, "though only two are destined to become greater mages."

"Two? I thought there was only one high-born Stormwind among the candidates."

"While it's true there is only one high-born, there is, in fact, another that shows extraordinary promise, the young peasant girl, Natalia, but you knew that already."

"Indeed," admitted Illiana, smiling, "I've kept an eye on her since she arrived here. She's been doing well, I hear."

"She has," admitted Marakhova, "though I daresay she will find challenges to overcome moving forward."

"Your opposition to her being granted station as a greater mage is well documented," Illiana pointed out.

"As is your fascination with her," replied Marakhova. "You nominated me to be the Grand Mistress of the Volstrum when you left. You should leave me to run it as I see fit."

"I shouldn't have to remind you that I only left to take up the mantle of the matriarch of this family. In that capacity, I outrank you, along with everyone else. Do you question my authority?"

"No, Matriarch," said Marakhova, bowing her head respectfully, "but I wish you would see reason where this girl is concerned. I have reservations about her."

"As you have stated, multiple times, but the decision has been made. Now, where are we in terms of the ceremony?"

"They are being bathed now. Once they are done, they will be purified by smoke, and then the ceremony will commence."

"And you have made sure the magebane has been administered? It would be bad form for them to manifest powers in the middle of the ceremony."

"I have done this before, Matriarch," stated Marakhova, a hint of annoyance in her tone. "The magebane was administered with breakfast, the same as it always is. None of the initiates will be able to use their powers, and they'll receive their customary afternoon dose long before this morning's wears off. The ceremony will be completed by then."

"Excellent," said Illiana, nodding her head. "Shall we proceed?"

"By all means," said Marakhova, nodding at the two guards.

They opened the doors, revealing a stone bathing pool, built into the floor, with small steps leading into the steaming water. Even as they entered, a young woman stood within, waist-deep in the water, wearing only a cotton shift, though her hair was immaculately styled.

The initiate sat, letting the water come up to her neck only briefly, then stood again, stepping forward to climb out of the pool. Attendants wrapped a thick robe around her and fussed with her hair, making sure not a strand was out of place.