“Huh, why haven’t I-“ I stopped myself halfway through my thought. I knew why I couldn’t tell Ulok’s gender. It was because Ulok was wearing garments. “But why would you be wearing garments? Did you have another owner before I summoned you? Is it natural for your species to drape things over themselves?” I wondered aloud. I got a sense that Ulok was confused, that he perhaps didn’t understand. And why would he? Familiars typically only understand simple commands, not questions or sentences. “Yes, I suppose you wouldn’t understand. If you did, I could just ask you if you were male or female.” I wasn’t worried about talking to Ulok, people talk to their familiars all the time. It’s treated mostly like just thinking aloud, however most familiars don’t talk back.

  “I’m a guy.” Ulok said.

  I was stunned, “You… can speak?!” I blurted out.

  “Yes mam, is that surprising?” He asked, to my absolute shock and awe.

  “I’ve never heard of a familiar speaking before.” I told him.

  “If it pleases you mam, I can remain quiet.” He said.

  “No no, it’s fine. I was just surprised.” I said, not wanting him to be offended. Then it hit me, I had an intelligent being under my mental domination…. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine…” there was a short pause, “but I do have a question. If you would allow me.”

  “Of course,” I didn’t know how to react, how to think. I was still processing the realization of the situation, so until I decided what to do I would go about as normal.

  “What is your name my dy?” He wondered.

  “Oh, I don’t possess a name.” He looked shocked, almost offended. I don’t know how I could tell considering we were different species. Perhaps it was a side effect of the dominance rite?

  “You don’t have a name? May I ask why?”

  “I was never given one. My parents didn’t possess the magical prowess necessary to name me, like most parents in my country.” I expined. He was silent for a few moments, seemingly in thought.

  “Would you allow me to name you?” He requested.

  “I… what?” I stuttered.

  “I would be honored to give you a name.” He decred proudly.

  “I… you want to name me?”

  “If you wish me to.” He offered.

  “Your offer is enticing, but my world has ws for naming. Although, I have heard rumors that the one first in line for the position of Grand Duke has pns to rex some of those ws, as well as intensify others. Right now, those current rules must be followed, at least until the new Grand Duke is decided.” I expined. He seemed disappointed, but agreed to wait and drop the issue until then.

  Soon the st of the students finished their pairing rituals and we were dismissed, but I was asked to be sure to make myself avaible for ter questioning. I needed to be alone for a while, so I sent Ulok home. I wanted to have a conversation with my parents about what happened today at the ritual, and to discuss Ulok himself. When I arrived and opened the entrance to our home, I was surprised to see that several temple officials, a nun and a priest, were already talking with my parents.