It's Good To See You

Sophie grinned at the sight of the woman.

They always picked out the ones who were motherly to represent the Celect.

Every time someone walked through the iron gates, they were there with their arms out, a warm smile, and their heart on their baggy sleeves. They embraced the broken and reassured them that they will be alright for they are within the safety of the city. That no monsters would ever harm them ever again. There was no such thing as passing through a city.

Everyone had to go through the rigorous steps of the Celect regardless of their true intentions.

Including Sophie who only wanted to work up enough Coin to last her another six months or more. She wanted to get to the City of Books as quickly as possible.

But the thing was– getting into the city was easy.

Leaving is the hard part.

Head Swan stopped before the nurturing woman and greeted her with a gentle smile, “The elder woman is hurt. Please assist her.”

Three out of the four women in white stormed over to 9624 and grabbed the frail old woman.

With arms and legs in hand, they whisked her into the two-story, oak wood-framed building that was spread out for half a mile north.

Behind the larger building, was a collection of smaller buildings that could be seen through the alleyways where casual workers moved back and forth, carrying boxes and food items in hand.

The collection of buildings was known as the Celect.

“I am pleased that you have made it back after so long.” The woman released her hands and placed them together, “And who might this be on your back?” Her eyes locked into Sophies, “My!” she practically gasped, “What a pretty young lady. Rare eyes too.”

“Sophie Hemingway. She is unharmed and unable to speak,” he replied.

“Is that so? Dont worry sweetheart, I’ll call the Fisherman’s son over right away to translate for you. He knows sign language pretty well,” she giggled, covering her mouth with the tips of her fingers, “He’s a handsome young boy too! And around your age, so you two will get along well.” She paused, collecting her thoughts, “Enough about him. My name is Borya Kassijari. I am one of 9 representatives of the Celect and will assist you with the moving, You can address me as Miss Borya or Mama Borya.”

Sophie nodded her head and Borya’s attention went back to Head Swan, “I release you– Head Swan and Cadre 11. Houses 14 and 15 are available for you. I will be sending some workers to your houses with food and supplies shortly.”

“Thank you Miss Borya.” Head Swan lowered his body, allowing Sophie to slide off his back.

Her feet planted on the cold, cobblestone ground and she immediately began to stretch.

(“Super grateful for Head Swan to carry me the entire time but man my ass is numb!”)

Head Swan turned to the group behind him. With a cherry voice, he shouted, “You heard her! Houses 14 and 15 are ours. Let's move!”

The group practically leaped in joy as they began to make their way over to the right where cottage houses sat on platforms in rows of 10.

There were already off-duty Blessed Sentries who only wore plain beige shirts with their signature white puffy pandas, standing outside the doors of the houses, chatting amongst one another.

Once they saw Cadre 11 making their way over, the noise escalated as they began to high-five the members as they passed by, congratulating them on their success.

4827 stepped forward.

In her hands were two pieces of paper that she handed to Borya, “Here is the information for both the elderly lady and Sophie.”

“Excellent,” Boyra reached out and patted 4827 on the shoulder, “I'm so happy you joined them, Christina…Oops! I mean, 4827. Feel free to stop by and talk with me at any time.”

“I will, Miss Borya.” 4827 nodded, “Thank you again.” she waved before leaving to go join the rest of the group.

With a deep inhale, Borya straightened her back, “Now then Sophie, let's get you settled.” She turned towards the Celect building and began to head to the doors. Sophie followed right behind her.

“This may be repetitive to you so please forgive me. But as you know, I have to inform you about what we do here.” Borya sighed.

(“Oh god the part I hate. The talking! I just wanna sleep…”) Sophie thought to herself.

“The Celect is an organization that assists those who have no home, no future, and no will to live due to the circumstances of the world. We provide the best care possible to children under the age of sixteen such as yourself with a loving home, family, and job so that you can make a living here in the city. For the adults, we provide them a house, temporary income, and a wide variety of jobs they can apply to.”

They stepped through the doors and into a warmly lit building where more women in white stood along the cream-colored walls with their backs pressed against it and their attention unwavering.

The room was partially open, with partitions separating different seating areas that held benches with lime green cushions and wooden coffee tables.

Whimpers and muttering cascaded through the walls as a single voice sang a somber song accompanied by an austere lute. Straight ahead was an elongated desk where casual workers were with their heads down, scribbling away.

“For you, Sophie, because you have been out in the elements, you will be staying here for a couple of days while we set your family up and gather a range of jobs you can do at your age.” Boyra continued on.

Suddenly a male voice burst out in anger to the left, behind a partition, “I'm telling you! There was a Demon out there with a jagged tattoo over his lips! He ate my wife in front of me!”

(“Those words can be taken two ways…”) Sophie thought, (“And I'm going straight to the underworld for that comment.”)

“I apologize. Many people and creatures have been scarred from what has happened to them. Anyway, we will be assigning you to a home with two parents and other children so that you can make friends and lead a normal life. A girl like you needs friends right?” she giggled as they approached the desk.

“Oh yes! I always forget this part…” Borya snapped her fingers, “A proper examination of your mind, body, and soul is required which will be conducted by a high-ranking Dove.”

Sophie's eyes wandered over to one of the women in white.

Doves are the women in white who worked side by side with Blessed Sentries, assisting the injured who were brought in daily.

And just like Blessed Sentries, being different was forbidden.

Their names have been stricken from them and a letter with numbers has been assigned.

Regardless of stature, race, or characteristics– Doves were never allowed to speak unless granted to do so.

They were the help and that was all.