Going Stir-Crazy

[Kiffles]

When one door closes, another one opens.

It was as if she hadn't understood that phrase to its full capacity, until now. The envelope had been neatly addressed to a, "Miss Cebrisae Mendrasia Goldenwaltz," from the "Silvermoon Division of Arcane Studies." Cebrisae nearly tripped over her skirt as she scrambled back into the house.

"M-Mother?!" The Sin'dorei paused in the hallway, quickly removing her shoes and letting them drop to the floor with a loud thunk. "Mother, word from the school just arrived!"

"I'm in the sitting room, for goodness sake - there's no need to shout...!"

Cebrisae rounded the corner of the first door on the left, clutching the doorframe as she leaned in. Indeed, her mother sat in her favored spot near the fireplace, nonchalantly reading a book held open with one hand. The enchanted broom nearby finished its sweeping and propped itself up in a far corner.

The older woman finally looked up after finishing her current page, adjusting the thin spectacles that lay at the end of her nose, "Now, what is this about word from the school?"

"I-I think it's, uhm...from the Academy, perhaps."

Her mother held out a hand wordlessly. Her daughter crossed the room and held the letter out to her, which she promtply took and inspected, opening the wax seal on the back and slipping out the parchment, therein.

"Miss Goldenwaltz," she read aloud, "It is with great pleasure that we, on behalf of the Division and the Academy, convey our sincere congratulations on the successful completeion of your studies." She glanced over the top of her pince-nez to Cebrisae, who was fidgeting in place in sheer excitement at those words. A faint smile twitched, and she continued, "As you embark on this new path in life, we hope that you will hold the knowledge you have gained in your studies as something valuable. We hope it shall provide you with ample opportunities for growth in your on-going education and professional development." She looked up from the letter, dark brows raised, "...Congratulations, my dear."

Cebrisae let out a noise that sounded as if it wanted to be a squeal, but merely came out as an elated squeak. "This means that I've graduated, doesn't it?"

"I suppose it does," her mother replied. "You're finally a certified arcane theorist." She smiled, thinly. "I am very proud of you."

Words that would've sounded sincere, had they not been coming from someone like her mother. Still, it was something she'd longed to hear for years, and despite sounding flat and careless, it was like music to the younger elf's ears. She clasped her hands and beamed at the woman.

"T-Thank you, mother...that means so very much to me."

"Mhm." Gently shifting one leg over the other, her mother scanned the bottom of the letter. "...As an alumnus, you and yours are also cordially invited to attend the graduation ceremony, to be held on the eleventh of the New Year." She folded the letter. "Well. I would say this calls for celebration, mm?"

The newly-appointed theorist felt her stomach twist. The last time graduation called for celebration, it was an extravagant party for her sister accomplishing her practices in becoming a magister. "...O-Oh. Well, we don't truly need to have such a big party..."

"Oh, no? What would you propose we do, then? Simple as your chosen career might be, I dare say all of your hard work shouldn't go unrewarded. Come now, Cebrisae."

Her mother was acting odd. Even she could see that. Her brows furrowed and her bottom lip curled up into her mouth.

"Well...maybe we could...go somewhere? For the holidays? Just, uhm...just you and I, and Esmira...?"

"Mmh...well, if that is truly what you would want. I suppose we could." Her mother's tone was the same now as it always was when she had to decide which of her robes were better. Or which of her children were better. "I believe your sister has acquired some connections in Dalaran - perhaps we could spend a week there and do some shopping and sight-seeing?"

Cebrisae's ears twitched.

Perhaps I could come with you, the next time you go to Dalran?

She wanted to protest. No. Anywhere but Dalaran. I've already promised someone that I would take them with me the next time I go, and if I go with you and Esmira, I'll look even more a mockery and this is such a bad idea but I can't just shove it back in your face--

"O-...Of course! Y-Yes, that would be lovely!"

...Graceful.

"Splendid." Her mother rose from her armchair, straightening her dress and handing the letter back to her daughter. "I'll send word to your sister, now. I'm sure she'll be positively delighted for you." With a small pat on the cheek, she brushed curtly past her daughter and off to the study.

Cebrisae could feel the entirety of her bulky, awkward body sag to a more comfortable posture when her mother was out of sight.

I hope that the next door opens, soon. I feel like I'm going stir-crazy.