Finally three hours had passed and Adanna was lost in the beauty of the garden, her fingers caressing the petals of a cobalt blue flower. She barely noticed the murmurs rising as the Duchess and her maids appeared, the other women already facing their tables.
"Ladies!" Duchess Camila's voice called out.
Adanna was brought back to reality as she turned around. A large circle of tables had been set up in the garden, each table holding a single crystal vase and a long line of griffin feathers – each of them different in colour and texture. Adanna's gaze drifted from the fiery red feathers to the bright yellow ones.
The other competitors, a sea of worried faces, stood beside their respective tables. Serena, her brow furrowed in concentration, was already examining the feathers spread before her. Adanna caught her eye and offered a reassuring smile, though her own heart was racing.
"Good afternoon ladies," Duchess Camila announced as she took her place at the centre of the circle. The chatter died down instantly, replaced by a tense silence. The Duchess, ever the picture of poise, began to speak. "Today's challenge is designed to test an essential quality for any future leader of Aeronia – the ability to create a harmonious environment."
A murmur of curiosity rippled through the crowd. Adanna watched as the Duchess gestured towards the tables.
"Before you lie the fallen feathers of our griffins," she explained. "These magnificent creatures are not harmed in any way. Naturally, they shed their feathers throughout the year." She paused, allowing the information to sink in. "As the future Duchess, you shall be responsible for ensuring the well-being of your people," the Duchess continued. "Part of this responsibility lies in creating an atmosphere conducive to peace and prosperity. And what better way to do so than by bringing beauty and harmony into your surroundings?"
The Duchess then launched into the specifics of the challenge. "Your task today is to arrange the provided feathers in the crystal vases before you. There are a few key points to remember." Her voice turned serious. "The vase must contain at least seven feathers. You may use the same color of feather a maximum of three times, and these repetitions cannot make up the entirety of the arrangement. Ultimately, your creation should be pleasing to the eye, a visual representation of balance and harmony."
A collective gasp escaped the assembled women. Some, particularly the griffin riders, nodded in understanding. Others, like Adanna and Serena, felt their stomachs twist in knots. The thought of creating something beautiful with such a limited set of tools and under the scrutinizing gaze of the Duchess and her peers was daunting.
The challenge seemed deceptively simple, yet Adanna knew that the complexity of griffin feather arrangement was not to be underestimated. The Duchess continued, her gaze sweeping over the room. "Five of you shall be leaving Aeronia today," she announced, a note of finality in her voice. "Only the top thirty-five will proceed to the next round."
A wave of panic surged through Adanna. Five eliminated so early? This competition was to be tougher than she anticipated.
"Lastly," the Duchess concluded, her voice laced with a hint of warning, "any attempt at cheating, whether through seeking assistance or using feathers not provided, shall result in immediate disqualification."
"When the bell rings," the Duchess declared, raising a small handbell, "your time shall begin. You have one hour to complete your arrangements. May the most creative and resourceful amongst you prevail."
A tense silence enveloped the garden as the Duchess signalled the start of the challenge with a delicate ring of the bell. The contestants rushed and started grabbing feathers for their tables, whilst Adanna gripped the edge of the table, her gaze fixed on the vibrant feathers before her.
Her mind raced, formulating strategies. Adanna took a deep breath and picked up the feathers one by one, feeling their silky texture between her fingers. Adanna stole a glance across the circle at Serena. Her friend's face was a mask of worry, reflecting Adanna's own churning stomach. Adanna tried to offer a reassuring smile, but it felt strained on her lips. The Duchess' words echoed in her head – "harmonious environment," "balance," "pleasing to the eye." But looking at the chaotic jumble of feathers on her table, Adanna felt utterly lost.
Red, blue, green, yellow, purple, orange, pink, brown, black, white – the Duchess had promised variety, and she had not disappointed. Adanna had never been very creative, but she knew that a good start was crucial. She picked up a handful of feathers, considering their sizes and shapes, trying to form a pattern in her mind.
Adanna cursed herself, why had she not listened to her governess when she had tried to teach her flower arrangement? Adanna groaned internally, remembering her impatience and dismissal of the lessons as 'frivolous'. Now she realized the depth of her mistake as she stared at the feathers scattered before her, hoping inspiration would strike. A lump formed in Adanna's throat. Was this it? Was her journey over before it even began?
Suddenly, a flash of blue caught her eye. She looked up, her gaze drawn to the vibrant blue flowers in the garden. An idea, fragile but hopeful, sparked in Adanna's mind. Taking a deep breath, she reached for a blue feather. Adding two more blue feathers, she placed them in the center of the vase. Then, drawing inspiration from the clouds and she dded three white feathers, their purity contrasting beautifully with the blue. Finally, mirroring the sun peeking through the clouds, she placed three yellow feathers.
Adanna stepped back, examining her handiwork. It was not perfect, she knew. It lacked the elegance and precision of the more experienced contestants. But it was a start, and she felt a glimmer of hope. The challenge required not just beauty but also creativity and resourcefulness. Perhaps, just perhaps, it would be enough.
Just as she started having a bit of faith in herself, Adanna heard a snicker from across the room. Glancing over, she spotted a lady with a haughty smile, her feathers arranged in a flawless pattern that seemed to defy gravity. A knot of doubt tightened in Adanna's stomach. Just as she was about to change her design, the bell rang again, signaling the end of the competition. Adanna let out a shaky breath, her hands trembling slightly.
She looked around at the other women, their arrangements completed and displayed proudly. Some were truly breathtaking, works of art rather than mere feather arrangements. Adanna's own efforts paled in comparison.
A wave of despair washed over her. She had taken a chance, hoping that it would be enough. But as she saw the confident smiles on the faces of some of the other competitors, doubt gnawed at her. Had her gamble backfired? Would this simple, blue-and-white-and-yellow arrangement be her undoing?
"The challenge is over," the Duchess announced, her eyes scanning the room with a critical gaze. "Now, I will inspect each table and hear your explanations for choosing these particular colors. If I am pleased with your explanation, I will say 'stay.'"
Adanna's heart sank. She needed to explain her choice. My goodness! She hadn't prepared for this.
Adanna observed with a heavy heart as the Duchess commenced her rounds. Each lady stood tall, explaining their feather choices with confidence. The Duchess listened intently, a small smile playing on her lips for some, a frown creasing her brow for others.
One by one, the duchesses decision came. "Stay," the Duchess declared to a lady whose arrangement boasted vibrant reds and oranges, supposedly representing the fiery spirit of a griffin. "Out," she pronounced to a nervous elf who stammered about the calming properties of blue feathers. Guards escorted the unfortunate elf from the garden, their polished armor clanking ominously.
Adanna's gut twisted with each dismissal. Her gaze darted between the Duchess and Serena's table. Serena, unlike Adanna, seemed to be holding her own. The Duchess listened intently as Serena spoke, her voice surprisingly steady. "The black feathers, Your Grace," Serena explained, gesturing to the three black feathers in the center, "represent the challenges a leader shall face. But the white feathers, on the sides signify the hope and resilience needed to overcome them. And the yellow feathers, represent the dawn of a new era under a just and compassionate ruler."
Adanna watched in awe as Serena finished, her heart pounding in her chest. A tense silence followed, broken only by the chirping of birds in the distance. Then, the Duchess spoke.
"I must admit," she said, "I am not particularly fond of black feathers. They do tend to evoke... unpleasant associations." An audible gasp rippled through the crowd, some ladies casting nervous glances at their own arrangements.
"However," the Duchess continued, her gaze fixed on Serena, "your explanation was... creative. The use of contrasting colors to represent the duality of leadership is a well-considered concept. Very well," she declared with a curt nod. "Stay."
Relief washed over Serena, a wide smile breaking across her face. She winked reassuringly at Adanna, who offered a shaky smile in return. The weight of anxiety that had been pressing down on Adanna seemed to lessen a fraction. If Serena, could survive this round, then perhaps there was hope for Adanna's simple blue, white, and yellow arrangement.
As the Duchess continued her rounds, a wave of determination washed over Adanna. She may not have the most elaborate arrangement, or the most eloquent explanation prepared, but she would face the Duchess with honesty and conviction. Taking a deep breath, Adanna steeled her nerves. It was her turn.
The Duchess approached Adanna's table causing Adanna's heart to race. She curtsied deeply, her hands trembling slightly as she clutched the hem of her gown. The Duchess' gaze flicked from Adanna's face to the vase, her lips pursed in a neutral line.
"Very well then," the Duchess said, her expression unreadable. "Please, explain your...creation."
Adanna inhaled a shaky breath. The words scrambled in her brain, refusing to form a coherent sentence. "Well, you see, Your Grace," she stammered, her voice barely a whisper, "the colors, they are a sort of... reflection, I mean, not a literal reflection, but a feeling reflection, if you will. When I beheld all these feathers – so many vibrant hues, it was quite overwhelming, in truth, like a rainbow had burst forth in my lap – "
A nervous giggle escaped Adanna's lips, her cheeks burning under the Duchess' scrutiny. She glanced desperately at Serena, who gave her a supportive thumbs-up from across the circle.
"And then," Adanna continued, her voice gaining a touch of momentum, "I looked about, and I saw these beautiful flowers, all these shades of blue and white and yellow, and it quite... calmed my spirit, you see? Like a soothing melody. And I thought, would it not be lovely to capture that feeling in the feathers? A bit of peace and serenity in this, well, this whole competition business."
Adanna's voice trailed off, her rambling explanation finally sputtering to a halt. She held her breath, bracing herself for the Duchess' judgment. To her surprise, the Duchess did not scowl or roll her eyes. Instead, a hint of a smile played on her lips.
"You know," the Duchess began, her voice surprisingly gentle, "I must admit, your explanation was... unconventional. Quite a lot to unpack in there, would you not say?"
"Oh, my apologies, Your Grace," she stammered, her voice morphing into a squeak. "I tend to... ramble a bit when I am nervous. Especially under pressure. Which, you know, is all the time."
The Duchess chuckled, a warm sound that surprised everyone. "There is something to be said for honesty," she said. "And for finding inspiration in unexpected places. Your arrangement," she continued, her gaze softening as she looked at the vase, "it is indeed quite beautiful. Simple, yet harmonious. The colors evoke a sense of tranquility, just as you described."
Adanna's jaw nearly hit the floor. "Stay?" she croaked, her voice thick with disbelief.
The Duchess nodded. "Stay," she confirmed. "You have surprised me, Adanna. Perhaps that is a good thing."
A wave of relief washed over Adanna, so strong it made her knees weak. She managed a watery smile and a shaky nod of thanks, still trying to process the unexpected turn of events. The happiness was short-lived, however, as the Duchess' voice cut through the air once more.
"Out," she declared, her gaze fixed on the lady at the next table.
The lady, a young vampire with sleek black hair, paled visibly. Guards came by her side, their expressions emotionless as they escorted her out of the garden.
The stark contrast between Adanna's unexpected survival and the vampire's dismissal sent a shiver down Adanna's spine. This competition was proving to be far more unpredictable than she had anticipated. Taking another deep breath, Adanna steeled her nerves. The Duchess was moving on, and with each passing contestant, Adanna knew the pressure would only intensify.
The Duchess continued her rounds, and the tension grew palpable as each contestant presented their creation. Adanna watched with a mixture of dread and a newfound sliver of hope. Each "Stay" was a victory, a tiny step closer to survival. Finally, the Duchess reached the two-and-thirtieth table, her expression unreadable.
"Out," she declared, her voice devoid of emotion. The young woman at the table, a trembling alien choked back a sob as the guards approached. Adanna's stomach twisted in a knot as she watched the scene unfold. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of pity for the contestants being dismissed so coldly.
Adanna exhaled a shaky breath, relief washing over her like a cool wave. Five down, five-and-thirty left. She had survived another round. But the celebration was short-lived.
The Duchess continued apace, moving to the remaining tables. Adanna watched in growing disbelief as the pronouncement of "Out" echoed through the garden with surprising frequency. Four more contestants were dismissed, their dreams of becoming Duchess shattered.
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd. Five was supposed to be the number. But instead, nine women stood dejectedly at the edges of the circle, escorted away by the silent guards. The Duchess, however, seemed unfazed.
Reaching the center of the garden, she turned to face the remaining contestants. Her gaze swept over them, lingering for a moment on Adanna.
"Congratulations, ladies," the Duchess her voice carrying across the garden. "You have made it to the next round."
Murmurs of happiness and nervous excitement filled the air as the Duchess announced the end of the first challenge. A collective gasp rippled through the crowd. Five was supposed to be the number. But instead, nine women stood dejectedly at the edges of the circle, escorted away by the silent guards. The Duchess, however, seemed unfazed.
Reaching the center of the garden, she turned to face the remaining contestants. Her gaze swept over them, lingering for a moment on Adanna.
"Congratulations, ladies," the Duchess boomed, her voice carrying across the garden. "You have made it to the next round."
A cheer erupted from the crowd, quickly replaced by a flurry of excited chatter. Adanna, however, felt a flicker of disappointment. Sure, surviving this round was a victory, but it came with a hefty price.
"The next challenge," the Duchess continued, her voice cutting through the noise, "shall be in two days' time. In the meantime, you are free to roam the estate grounds. However," she added, her gaze hardening, "leaving the estate is strictly forbidden. Those who break the rules shall face immediate disqualification."
A murmur of discontent rippled through the crowd. The main reason Adanna had entered this competition was to explore Aeronia, not to be confined to a single estate. A spark of rebellion ignited within her. She would not let these walls hold her prisoner. She had come to Aeronia, and Aeronia she would see.
The Duchess continued, outlining the rules for the next challenge in a stern voice. "The task shall be more difficult," she warned, her eyes flashing. "And remember, rules are rules. Anyone caught cheating shall be disqualified. Consider yourselves warned."
With that, the Duchess turned and walked out of the garden, leaving the remaining contestants to their thoughts. Adanna looked at Serena, their expressions mirroring each other's apprehension. This competition was becoming more intense with each passing moment. Adanna had survived the first round, but what challenges lay ahead? And more importantly, would she be willing to break the rules to explore the wonders of Aeronia? A sense of determination hardened Adanna's resolve. She had come too far to give up now. She may be stuck on the estate grounds, but she would not let that stop her from experiencing Aeronia, one way or another.