Descending Fire 22, Realm Year 768

Realm Expeditionary Forces Main Camp
on the outskirts of Great Forks

Cutting through the silence of the night, Cathak Rae, Dragonlord of the Realm Expeditionary Forces, screams one name in anger.

"SHIIIIMAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!"

The scream can be heard over the entire camp, even in the quarters of General Tepet Ejava, where Cathak Shima herself was busy polishing the Roseblack's armor.

I'm so sorry for dragging you into this, Cousin Rae. Shima wipes the tears in her eyes with the sleeve of the servant's livery the general made her wear as punishment, before resuming her work.

"This is what happens when you don't think." The general was sitting on a comfortable chair, sipping wine as she watches Shima. She was oblivious to the fact that her dress, unusually short for livery, makes for excellent viewing conditions that the general is currently enjoying.

"Well?" The general continues. "Aren't you going to say anything?"

"I'm so sorry, general," Shima says softly. They're the only words she can.

"Well, so what are you going to do about it? Hmm?"

Shima grips her polishing rag tightly, trying so hard to think. Finally, she lets go, and the rag slowly falls to her feet. "I don't know..."

"Think, Shima. Use that highly intelligent brain of yours." General Ejava says, irritation etched in her voice. Then, she sighs. "This is no use. Clearly you will not come up with anything coherent tonight."

She refills her wine glass. "Its such a pity. You are a capable young lady, and you show promise. Your school records said you were an excellent student. I was thinking of training you to be my..." Her voice trails off. "You displayed an utter lack of discipline and self-control. You disappointed me, Cathak Shima."

She sips from her glass. "Go to your quarters. You are dismissed for tonight."

Shima didn't move. She finds herself kneeling on the floor, sobbing silently.

"Fine, I will have the guards escort you then." She drags Shima to her feet.

Ejava grabs Shima's shoulders and shakes her a bit. Looking at the girl's tear-streaked face, she says, "You have better regain your will soon. I have hope for you yet. Do not waste it."