Merit

Ionith rapped on the doorframe. Calysta looked up and smiled. “Ioni, come in.”
She closed the book she was reading and moved to embrace her oldest friend.
“I hope I’m not bothering you.”
Calysta smirked. “Don’t be silly , come and sit. Would you like anything to eat? Drink?”
“No thank you Lysta. I can’t stay too long.”
“Oh, then this is business then?” Her disappointment didn’t slip Ionith’s notice.
“Yes, now. But, I am free tomorrow. Banquo will be on maneuvers and since there are not any little ones around. Zo can handle things while I’m gone. Besides it will be good for her. She worries whenever Chennault and the Guard are out. Covering for me will help keep her busy.
Calysta nodded. “Diath came back this morning. ‘Bout time he did his own work.”
They both laughed. “So, Mother” She grinned at using Ionith’s unofficial title. “What can I do for you?”
“Well. Your Majesty.” She grinned back. “The clan has grown a lot lately.”
“True, and you need help?”
“Not me in particular, the clan. When we were small, our sorcerers could handle any injuries and accidents. But, our size now...”
“You think we need a dedicated healer?”
“Yes. Zo and I can handle most things. But, we do have other duties. We can’t rely on our basic medical care. Even our split class members don’t have all that might be needed.”
Calysta thought a moment. “I see your point. I agree.”
“Then you’ll speak with Diath?”
“Pthhh, He’ll agree with us and wonder why we even bothered him with it. Tomorrow, we will visit Sonnet and then Cimmeron. We will officially be seeing what they think.”
“Officially?” She asked recognizing her friend’s lilted voice. “What will we be doing, unofficially?”
“Spa at Zorast.” She said as she playfully rolled her pearl with her tail.
“Good plan, that is why you’re the boss.”
“Then the next day we will go Healer shopping.”
---
Five days later Calysta and Ionith, accompanied by Cassian and Cora, moved through the
market place towards the spot arranged as their meet area. They had placed a advertisement on the employment wall for a trained healer. Applicants were to meet them on this date. If no acceptable candidates were found. They would move onto the next market or maybe just wait until the next festival. When they arrived, four dragons, a Pearlcatcher, a Coatl, and two Fae, were waiting with Bish.
“Ah!” Bish interrupted his sentence. “And here they are my good healers and shaman.” He nodded his head towards one of the Fae. “May I present Chieftainess Calysta and Vice Chief of Domestic affairs, Ionith.”
“What?” Ionith whispered to Calysta.”
“Shhh, just go with it.” She whispered back. “Besides, I kind of like the sound of it.”
Ionith rolled her eyes.
As Bish ushered them to their seats he quietly said, “There is only one who is master level.
I will send her in last.” Then out loud he called for the Fae shaman.
---
The candidates were varied range in abilities. They dismissed the Fae Healer. She had only rudimentary skills. Calysta could see Cassian’s disgust. The advertisement clearly stated needing an experienced healer. The other two, although not Master level, seemed well trained. But, as Ionith noted later, the shaman might have clashed with Makani.
Last was the Coatl, a bright blue and yellow female.
Calysta noted her reluctance to leave Bish’s company. “He is a charmer.” She thought to herself.
“Name?”
“I am called Merit, Mistress.”
Merit answered all of the questions favorably. Her voice was calm, steady, confidant, but not arrogant.
Merit was also friendly and with her master rating, she far out classed the others. It was decided to offer her the position.