Nuna

The hatchling fidgeted nervously before the Mirror Naming Council. Today was her last chance to be named by the Council, and she was not at all confident in her recent performance. One of the Council cleared their throat. "Well, young one. We have finished discussing your test results," they announced. Their face was still, their voice monotonous, as though they were imitating a Fae.

The hatchling's spirits plunged further still. The only reason a council member hid their feelings was for a negative hearing. She had failed for the final time, and would never acquire a proper name or title.

She had been fostered at an early age, to a neighboring clan with few hatchlings. Having grown up without any siblings, she did not form the strong bonds expected of young Mirrors, and was not subject to the lifelong squabbling, infighting, and intrigue of most Mirror families.

Instead, her various guardians had each taught he their passions: from her Ridgeback father, she learned to sneak and plan to pull of pranks; from her Spiral group-parents (all 5 of the current clan Spirals wanted to help raise her together) she learned to be open about her passions; from her Fae clan-leaders she learned to hide her reactions and read subtle cues from others; her Snapper mother trained her for endurance and cross-country explorations.

And, although she loved her clan-parents, she knew none of their lessons were an asset in the Mirror tests, which focused on ferocity, fighting ability, and spy potential. Her first failure was expected, her second normal, her third unusual, her fourth almost unheard of. Normally, only the terminally lazy failed all five trials - she would be the shame of her clan for generations.

The Council member cleared their throat again, snapping her back to the present. She steeled herself for the announcement of her inevitable failure.

"Ahem. We find ourselves with an... odd decision. Young one, as you are no doubt aware, you have failed the normal proficiency tests for Mirror hatchlings."

She kept her face blank, her voice neutral. They were being kind, and it would not do to take out her frustrations on a Council member. Perhaps she could make it out of this with a minor designation - it would limit her to a life of drudgery, but at least she would not be a disgrace. "Yes, honored one."

"Hmm. However, you have shown a number of surprising proficiencies in other areas. As the Voice of this Council, I am offering you the position of Ranging Diplomat," they lowered their voice. "Should you not feel up to this task, for it is an arduous honor, we shall also offer you the position of Scoutmaster."

Both titles were much, much better than she had expected. Prime honors, in fact. Scoutmasters trained those who gathered resources for the clan, and Ranging Diplomats traveled far and wide, gathering information, brokering trades, and spreading the clan's influence. Both were dangerous and prestigious in their own ways, but she knew which called to her.

"I would love to be a Ranging Diplomat, honored Council member," she stated firmly.

The one who spoke earlier chuckled. "And I suspect you shall do very well, Nuna."