"Do?" the old woman mused. "No, at least not specifically. I want you to use your own wits. Be mindful of those around you, everything at court is a play for power or influence. As a graduate, especially a powerful one, you will have your pick of assignments. You will arrive at someone's court and be apprenticed under a Sartellian, or a Stormwind. Remember that to them, you are a pawn, but you must be mistress of your own destiny, do you understand?"

"I think so, Matriarch."

"Good, then I shall say no more on the matter. Now, you must pass the final test."

"I thought you said there was no final test?" questioned Natalia.

"Well, we have to give you something to talk about with the others, don't we now?"

"Then what shall I cast?"

In answer, the matriarch pointed to the door. "Freeze that portal closed," she bid.

Natalia took a small step forward, extending her arms. Without uttering a word, there was the familiar tingle, and then a thick covering of ice sealed the door. "Shall I dispel it?" she asked.

"Not yet," said the grand matriarch, "for there is more I must speak of." She reached into her voluminous robes, withdrawing a pouch and handing it to Natalia. "Take this," she said.

Natalia grasped the pouch, "What is it?"

"Some gems," Illiana said. "Guard them well, for one day they may prove useful."

"For what? Are they magical?"

"No, of course not, but they are worth many coins."

"I thank you, Mistress, but I am hardly in need of it. As a graduate, I will be receiving a stipend, will I not?"

"You will," she replied, "as long as you are in service to the family. Now, we must return to our previous topic."

"Which is?" asked Natalia.

"The magerite. Tell me, how would you like the stone set?"

"A ring, I think," she replied, "much like yours."

Illiana Stormwind looked long and hard into Natalia's eyes, eyes which did not flinch. "Very well," she said, seeming to make a decision. "Now, there is one more thing about magerite that you need to know. When meeting another member of the family, always look for their gem. The darker the colour, the higher up in the family they will be. You should always show deference to one of more power. You'll also note that men will typically offer a handshake by holding out their hand with the palm down, allowing you to see their ring, or if they are bowing, they will hold their ring hand before them, displaying their power to those that know how to read the magerite."

"I will remember, Matriarch," said Natalia.

"Good, now I think we are done here. You may dispel the frozen portal spell."

"Is that it?" she asked. "Am I a graduate now?"

"There's still the little formality of the actual ceremony, of course, but for all intents and purposes, yes, you are now officially MISTRESS Natalia Stormwind."