To dream of something is a mortal's right, the thing that allows us to be individuals. Even we do not know we dream - we act on a path that seems eerily appropriate... as though there is a goal we are not yet aware of.
I'm wondering if today my dreams start in the first place.
Today is January 2nd, my 12th birthday, and it's finally the day I get to have my list written at The Oracle's Tombstone.
What is a list again? It is a hint at what the heck we are meant to do with ourselves, 'cause it sure as Hell is confusing. However, we do know the hints are confusing and all otherworldly deities and what not have a way of doing things the way they want. Some people blame them for writing their lists so poorly, which also equals a miserable life, but that's only part of it. I was taught that, although they're written in riddles that can be perceived as half truths, each individual's list holds the key to his or her success - at least that's what we are told.
As I get ready to join the other children from the home, I hear sister Maria calling one of the other orphans at the door down the hall. I try to pick up my pace while still going over my rules: button the collar, flatten the shirt, fasten the vest, put on the pants, place the tracker on my ankle, then grab the tissue so it does not poke, cushion it behind my heels, then squeeze my feet into the shoes. "Good." I Iook in the mirror and see dark green eyes, almond brown skin, with a few bruises from having to stand one's ground, and light brown hair with a little red - but the red highlights that are more visible because of the sunlight glazing over my face.
"Phew" i sigh at least if you get a good list you can get out of this place for good. Bam!bam!bam! "Raymond Raymond!" "GET UP! WE HAVE NEVER BEEN TARDY, AND WE SHALL NOT START TODAY!"
I squint and grimace while saying, "Yes, Sister Maria!" It has to be said in the most appropriate tone so it wouldn't be considered yelling at an elder while still being heard, something many here have measured to the beat of a ruler. I step out of my room and quickly glance at it to ensure my bed is clean and nothing is out of place. When satisfied, I look down the hall, seeing Sister running into her first victim's room. It's best to ignore and get to the cafeteria. The faster I move, the sooner I can see what I am supposed to do with myself and get out of here. As I walk with one step then two, I hear a thunderous, resounding slap.
I close my eyes. I really do not want to turn around, but I do anyway and see short black-haired boy with pointy ears and milky skin with a grayish undertone. Jace, who is currently face down on the floor with his shoes untied, quietly whimpered, "Raymond, help..." I really wanted to just leave this accident-prone person and have a productive day, but I allow a sigh to escape, bend down, and pull up the half dark elf with his vest. "Jace you should honestly pay more attention to yourself before you really get hurt one day." He dusts himself off and pouts, which was one of the reasons people thought he was a girl when he first got here. Well until... "Well its not my fault! It was the bloody nun, rushing everybody like she has flames on her, the fork-tongued, holier-than-thou praying mantis!" ...And there it is: the devil's mouth. Jace looks like the sweetest kid in this orphanage, but as soon as he speaks, it's like a bunch of rats chewing on tin cans. He was almost adopted twice, and during both times, he was brought back after only two days. As I stand there trying to both calm Jace down and walk to the cafeteria, I notice Sister Maria completed her previous attack and is briskly walking toward us. "Raymond! Jace!" i hear the women is only a couple of feet away from us yet she still yells as if we are deaf. "morning mam!" we say in unison. "Go to homeroom you all can eat after the ceremony today. it takes me about three clicks to understand and half a click to reach my hand over Jaces mouth. "yes mam" i say as i change direction towards her class. we walk into our class and take our seats.as we sit we see one student after another rush inside with the same perplexed or annoyed expression, i turn to Jace "how do you feel about going to the oracles tomb stone today?" " honestly i forgot about that crap until that harpy started screeching in my ear about it this morning." i stare at Jace for a few seconds before turning and being absolutely appalled how someone could forget that this is literally the most important thing in an orphans life especially us who have not been adopted even once. before i can tern to call Jace a stupid douche for just everything, Sister Maria walks in.
"Okay class today i will cut right to the chase. as you all know this class is full of students of the church of Vermhole will be heading to the oracles tombstone in order to receive there list.
for a recap i will be going over what to expect. first what is a list? a list is the slight direction of our lives an increase in our abilities or a summons to a greater goal. with the list you will be chosen by the deity your blood linked to complete missions or acts in there name so that we may be part of a greater plan for there designs. once you walk in you will be given a vision much like an oracle and watch your list tittle written by your dietetics scribe once it is done you will be granted an ability that allows you to complete that list. once out you will be given a test to see the amount of energy or Mana given to you the higher the level the more likely you will be sent to a school of your choosing or given a scholarship to one. the point is children if you do Not want to be here then study and do good things. like our teachings say youth and purity are the sweetest fruits. so with that being said we shall leave for the oracles tom with great haste".