Receiving Accolades.

The 21st of Necrotic, years ago.
 
The sky is azure and unending, slight wisps of clouds pass overhead. Serene and calm combined with the warmth of summer.
 
I tug my belt a little, adjusting before kneeling in some of my most decorated formal wear. The pillow I’m kneeling on is soft and ornate, one of those I wasn’t expecting. I’ve spent my life learning but I never did it for recognition. Maybe that’s what makes me feel honored even more.
 
I look up to see my sister coming to get me. “Come, it is almost time.” As I slowly rise I think back over the actions I’d taken in the Ignis Xisti. Preventative measures to damage, the control of mana, cooperative teamwork without having to talk, not to mention Effy already knew me inside and out. Against them though, it was still a long shot.
 
“Are you ready?” she asks. “You’ve proven to have the ignis within you.”
 
“I couldn’t have done it without you though. Can I really say I deserve it?”
 
“Of course. I helped, but you planned and reacted. You were the reason we won and I did what I could to ease the burdens you did not think of.”
 
Closing my eyes, I’m discouraged. Easing my burdens...didn’t think of… I know it’s not possible for me to think of everything but how can I assess the situation if I can’t think of the other possible outcomes?
 
She rubs my hair and of course I immediately grimace. “Stop overthinking. You cannot think of everything. And no, I’m not reading your mind, I just know you.”
 
I let out the heaviest of sighs. “I know, but my actions could put anyone I’m with in danger if I don’t think of them all.”
 
“Sometimes overthinking is the worst action we take.” She takes a few steps toward the large double doors. “You’ve earned this and I am proud to watch your Nohris.”
 
The double doors open. I walk forward, meeting them, as forged specifically for me is a thin golden headpiece that does not connect at the front, and the swirl of the koi I used to watch so much is placed atop my head.