[Boarding school is not a new concept for Rilan, having been for a few years himself. Diplomacy school is different however. The way she describes it at least falls in line with that he assumed it would be like. The manner of selection, however, is curious and new.]

A tradition, I assume? Who selects the people to attend? Were you one of a few volunteers, at least, or is the choice taken out of your hands?

[Did you choose this life? he wants to ask. Or was it the first of many choices about your life that were taken from you for the good of your people?

The matter is serious enough to leave him with a sense of unease that temporarily halts his nibbling of food and drinking sweet tea.]