I swallowed hard and wondered what I had gotten myself into. Clearly this style of writing would sound out-of-date and scream that it was not my writing. I looked into my mate's eyes searching for any kind of sign to show she knew. But the soft blue-grey looked of a summer sky not a swelling ocean storm.

"Why did you stop?" she asked.

I tried to think of an excuse, any excuse, that would allow me to quit this madness before she figured me out. I scanned the room. Its starkness was of no help. The videoscreen embedded in the far wall mirrored the room on its black face. Outside the window was a line strung across the alley, where bras hung like plucked chickens.

She hugged me tightly. "It's late. Perhaps we can read it tomorrow."

I sighed, silently thanking the elders.

"Are you coming to bed?"

"No."

"Don't worry, the Manuscript is already perfect I'm sure."

"It's the laundry," I said. "Can't leave it out during the night."

"But we always do."

"Didn't you see the report?" I paused. "The fairies have been rummaging at night to find anything to sell for credits."

"Okay." She kissed my forehead. "Just hurry."

I finished taking down the bras, even though they were still wet. I had to play along with my lies. I checked my story and there were already comments. "Wow. What a story! I'll add a chapter tomorrow, but it won't be as good." "I love it!" They continued with the same wisps of congradulations until comment #8.

It was posted by Elder St. Philup. "Come to my office."

I messaged him personally, "When?"

He had replied as soon as the page refreshed.

I slammed my fist down on the desk, angry at myself. I immediately deleted "Codex" and rushed to his office.

The door was open, and he waved a hand at the pillowed chair across from him. He was smiling. I felt slimey all over.

"Brilliant," he said.

"What?"

"The story is brilliant." He pulled on a tuft of beard. "I've been speaking with the elders. We would like to spotlight you in the next public reading."