The concubine garden was impressive. Paved in white and lined with the same pink crystals from the entryway. Firynei felt amazed at seeing the crystals again. The tiny crystals were Kren that collected and solidified many years ago. Her mother explained to her once over a dinner-less night in the Danu shack. Those that could attain such a luxury item and used them to line the outside paths were very wealthy. It was a stark indication that Seukine was an Estate that rivaled the Holy Palace.

Today was the day she was to meet with the Women of Mir’fea. Wrel told her that that title was long ago stripped from them and rarely used anymore. The Women of Seukine was the title used for the concubine and wives now. Firynei wondered about the reason for such a change but did not ask. It was not her place to know such things.

She had spent a week with Wrel improving her manners and speech. The last of her purification was also completed and it left her feeling unique but also familiar. As if she had been at this status before. Probably long ago when in the care of her family estate. Still, the familiarity of the state she was in now was disconcerting yet nostalgic.

As the sedan stopped Firynei sat up straight. She had been surprised when the sedan had come for her. Pueya and Wrel had informed her that the Women of Seukine would want to meet her, but she had not thought it would be so soon. Her assumption was wrong and at the break of dawn, Wrel had awakened her with several tasks that needed to be completed.

The Pristine Sa had bathed her in rose scent water and dressed her in the blossoming attire provided by Asila. The jet-black dress was far too large for her small form and Wrel had fussed with the dress for hours before deciding to alter it. Her former master would not care because she was simply a Danu to him. He only had one use for her, and her appearance did not concern him.

Yet somehow Wrel was able to make her a simple dress from the black dress. The altered dress was plain and fit modestly to her form. Wrel gave Firynei one of her black underdresses to wear since she only had one underdress that was worn out. The larger underdress filled out the simple dress giving a more modest shape.

Firynei learned from Wrel that she was not shaped like most women in Vahnaine. While she would struggle to fill the upper part of any dress, she could tear apart the lower half if it were too tight. Her mother called her a pear once and other women of Asila would comment in whispers about her ‘child-bearing’ hips. It had been embarrassing when it was pointed out by the servant women there. Thankfully, she was unclean, so no one tried to harm her.

Slowly Firynei exited the sedan once the screens were erected for her. As a Fanu Re that had not debuted yet she was prohibited from being seen by the other women and servants. It was a disrespect to the husband and master of the estate to see the new concubine before she was properly introduced to the estate. The four screens were carried by four large guards. They were to walk her pace as she reached the concubine garden with Wrel leading in front of them.

This was what she had prepared for in the last week. With Wrel’s help, she believed that she could successfully speak with the women without losing face or being made a fool. Since Wrel had revealed herself to her, Firynei did not feel so helpless anymore. She gained a sense of security she never had. She trusted the woman that loved her mother just as much as she did.

“You are Fanu Fi,” The women of Seukine were all flowers at full bloom. The main wife Mune Mana’ki sat in the center of the garden party. Her deep onyx eyes were soft and lazy as she watched the woman to her right question Firynei.

“Yes, this is the one the Master has chosen, Fanu Fi,” Wrel said introducing Firynei.

“Such a flower you must be to catch the attention of our Mir’fea.” The woman speaking was Soi’de Bell. She was a Ganu of the first rank and known as a gossiper. She was also very loyal to concubine Wue.

Wrel had spent much of the week between teaching sessions gathering information on the women from servants. Firynei knew how to avoid insulting the woman.

“She was a slave before climbing up. How should we treat her? Is she one of us flowers that have been picked mainly from tended gardens? Or is she a weed that had bloom beautifully but for a day?” Wue asked mockingly. Wue Ul’a was the Nu of the Seukine Estate. The high concubine was the second wife of the master. Wrel had informed Firynei of her cruelty and sharp tongue. The light brown-colored eyes stared at the screen.

Firynei did not react negatively to the words and simply remained quiet. Any response would put her at a disadvantage, so she would rather remain aloof than to give anything away about herself.

“The wondrous Master of Seukine has chosen Fanu Fi as his slave concubine. A position that has never existed in this elegant estate. She has given Mir'fea reason to choose her, that we simple women cannot deign to understand. We dishonor his right to choose his concubine if we treat her unkindly. She is to become a part of our family, our younger sister.” The Mune said looking over to Wue with a gentle smile.

“This is our younger sister?” Soi’de pointed out before giggling, “Do tell us about yourself.”

“As the law dictates an introduction should not be made before the debut. All questions should be asked after the debut.” Wrel stated the laws of Vahnaine concubines to the women.

“And you must be the chosen Danu,” Wue said, placing her teacup down rather harshly.

“Yes, this one is Fanu Fi’s companion,” Wrel said, not giving any more information. “Even meeting like this, though acceptable, can be seen as too much.”

“How so, is this slave too precious to meet with her soon to be older sisters?” Delia finally spoke, her voice a little too high to be pleasant. Delia’ni Val was the second rank Ganu. A troublemaker in her own right.

“Master’s wishes were clear about this meeting. I only wish to follow his direction.” Wrel said sincerely.

“Then Mir’fea’s words should be heeded. He only wants what is best for his Fanu and we should help welcome her properly.” Mana’ki said looking over to the screen.

“We will help you with your debut. You have lived a harsh life and this moment should be grand for you. You are stepping up with dignity and pride no matter your former status. I will gladly send some of my Sha Sevies to aid you in preparing. Wue, Soi’de and Delia’ni will as well.” The Mune’s voice was soft and calm even as her words were more of an order than a suggestion.”

“That is not necessary, Fanu Fi does not wish to burden you with this. She is lowly and could not accept such extravagance. It would portray an undignified appearance and become an indignity to the master, who has bestowed the title of Fanu upon her.” Wrel lowered her head even as she shot down the offer.

“Nonsense, Mir’fea would only be thrilled to know that we are willing to help his precious Fanu,” Mana’ki quickly retorted as a smile grew on her face.

“Then we have no choice but to accept your offer humbly,” Wrel gave the woman a soft smile even though she lost the battle, “I will send a list of the items my mistress will need for her debut. If you would be kind enough to help us lowly ones, we will forever be in debt.”

“Please do so, Fanu Fi should be welcomed with open arms into the Hibiscus Garden.” The Mune sipped her tea and Wrel nodded in acknowledgment.

“This one thanks you for helping one such as I,” Firynei spoke softly from behind the screen and the women stopped in surprise. She finally spoke and they were not prepared for such a soft and innocent voice. Her voice made them wonder what she must look like to own such a gentle child-like voice.

“The time that the master has allowed for us has reached its limit. We must return to the master’s courtyard.” Wrel said bowing lowly and Firynei inclined her head toward the women.

The two of them then left with the aid of the guards and attendants to move the screens. They left the concubine courtyard and went straight to Ienia’s courtyard. They had to perform the proper introduction to the Master of the Estate. They were taken to his office once they arrived.

Firynei was anxious. She had not seen the estate master since before her cleansing. He did not bother or even come to see her when she was weakened. Pueya stopped in to see her many times though and she figured that the master was keeping an eye on her through that method. Though she was still very nervous she found herself very relieved from having to speak with the Women of Seukine. Only a few minutes with them and she was drained.

Wrel quickly checked over her attire. It was nothing like the clothes of a Fanu, but it would have to do until the tailor was done creating the Fanu wardrobe. Seukine had never had a Fanu so there had never been a need to create a Fanu’s wardrobe. For now, she had to make do with what was sent from Asila, though it was not made well and had to be altered to be even presentable.

They entered the office and Wrel instructed her to take a seat because she had begun to stand in a corner. Even though she knew she was a Fanu now she still felt like she needed to stand. She felt it was uncomfortable to be sitting in front of someone of such a high rank.

“You did excellent in the Hibiscus Garden. Apparently they still have thorns,” Wrel said harshly as a wide smile cracked her usual bland expression.

“Older cousin you should not call them such,” Firynei said shaking her head. Her cousin was so free with her speech that Firynei feared for the woman sometimes. She had never met such an outspoken servant.

“Should I call them vixens? Undesirable? Trash?” Wrel asked going over to fix Firynei’s cap. The clothes sent by Asila did not have a cap but Wrel made one out of the extra fabric from the cloak sent. The dark hat was much floppier than the ones of the Danus and Wrel even had time to embroider it.

“Older cousin please do not speak ill of them. I fear that they will hurt you if they were to hear your insults.” Firynei said.

Wrel’s expression softened and she smiled, “I would never leave you here alone. Firya would break all my bones and burn my soul if I were to leave you.”

Firynei found it hard to believe that about her mother. The woman was naturally loving, sweet, and never raising her voice, let alone become violent toward anyone. Though Wrel sounded as if she was speaking from experience.

“Enough of those women. You must be careful of them from now on. We could not reject their offer this time, so we are trapped in their web. They will do something to your debut, but we will be ready for their schemes. Understand?”

Firynei nodded, “I understand.”

She wanted to deny their ‘help’ but it was so meticulously planned that she had to agree. A rejection of the Mune’s help would be unkind and make her look arrogant and haughty. For now, she would have to be careful. Their attacks would be subtle and Firynei knew that she was inadequate at the type of fighting women did but she could not lay down without a fight. She could not be trampled over by them if she wanted to save her mother. If anything went wrong with her debut, then Ghain’dea would surely take it out on her mother.

Still, hurting the Master of Seukine was something she did not think she could accomplish. He had taken her into his home and negotiated a way to bring her mother here. If she told him the truth, he would help her. She was sure of it, but Ghain’dea was a dangerous man. He did not need a reason to kill her mother. If he thought she betrayed him, her mother was dead. What was she to do then?

“Gi’rea?” Wrel called her out of concern.

“I-I am fine. Just nervous,” she recovered with a soft smile. Wrel had yet to ask about the bottle but Firynei was sure the woman found it suspicious. She was a poor Danu, there was no way she could afford such a ceramic bottle.

Pueya entered the office. His jet-black eyes caught sight of Wrel and her. Firynei felt Pueya disapproved of Wrel. During his brief visits to check in on her, he ignored the older woman completely. Only communicating with her instead of her Pristine Sa. It was strange to Firynei, but she did not know the Rini well enough to ask about the animosity.

“Fanu Fi,” Pueya addressed her with a curt nod.

“Rini Pue,” Firynei acknowledged in kind.

“You have learned much from the Pristine Sa,” he said.

“Of course, she has, I am a Pristine Sa,” Wrel boasted with her strange but natural blank face as she came to stand near Firynei.”

Pueya glanced at the woman then looked back at Firynei. “Though you are lacking in respect. You appear to have some useful knowledge. I suppose even you would have to have some virtue.”

“Have I personally insulted you, Rini? You seem to hold a terrible opinion of me,” she said regarding him as little more than an annoyance.

“You lack etiquette.”

“Do I?” she asked as she motioned to Firynei’s perfect posture.

Pueya looked annoyed but could not say anything against her. Instead, he turned his attention to Firynei. She looked up to him before looking away, still not having control over old habits.

“You have become outstanding in such a short time.”

Firynei blushed at the compliment. It was an unusual occurrence to be looked upon with favor, “Will he be pleased?”

Pueya chuckled before he continued, “Very much so, you have been hiding such a brilliant light under all those arduous years. How could he not celebrate such progress?”

“Estate Master does not strike me as one who compliments others so readily. Nor does he seem to be one that glorifies the progress of a Fanu,” Wrel said walking about the office casually.

“Your manner of speaking is insulting,” Pueya warned her.

“Ah, forgive me,” she said mocking the Rini with her exaggerated gesture and tone.

“You—!”

“Please do not argue in the master’s office. It will dishonor him and bring shame to you both. Rini Pue, Pristine Wrel, we must always display our best for the Estate Master, even outside of his presence,” Firynei chastised them timidly.

Wrel broke into a large smile and Pueya smirked, both looking at her. She stammered, “I- I am sorry I—,”

“Perfect,”

“I do not understand,” she was confused by their reaction expecting a completely different response.

“You are reprimanding us, servants, correctly. It is your duty and right to make sure we behave accordingly.” Pueya explained to her.

“He is correct Firynei. You are doing well.”

“Now I will see if the master is ready,” Pueya said leaving the room . Wrel watched the Rini leave then turned her attention to Firynei.

“Once he arrives you must remain calm and composed. It will show your future husband how much you have learned.”

“Yes,” Firynei said knowing it would be hard to stamp down the anxiety she felt when around the Estate Master. The man was crippled and blind but still filled her with fear. He was intimidating even without a voice. Sightless but able to see into the minds of others. Surely, he would see inside someone as simple as her.