Disclaimer: I, sadly, own nothing but my own original characters. Set during Squire.
Dayane of Graveshill was more nervous than she had ever been in her entire life. She was about to be given a chance that no one had ever been given. They were going to let her become a knight with only one year of training. The only reason for this was the fact that she was the Shang Fox. Since she was 3 she had been training with the warriors, building both mental strength as well as physical. But nothing could have prepared her for this moment. She was about to step into the mess hall and meet her new peers. This would be the greatest test of all, the test of acceptance.
Kel and her friends were seated at their usual table at the far right corner of the mess hall. All eyes were glued to Lord Wyldon as he prepared to lead them in evening prayer. As one they stood as he recited a prayer to the gods and ended with "So mote it be." Before they could sit he spoke again.
"I have an announcement to make." He waited for the room to become silent again.
"A new student will be joining us tonight. This is the first time that this institution has ever allowed a student to join without completing the customary four years as a page."
He paused to looks about the room. "The only reason this student is allowed to join is because they have spent the past thirteen years training with the Shang. I know that you will all treat them with the same respect and kindness that you bestow upon each other."
Kel wondered why he didn't just say "he" instead of "they" and "them". It was strange enough for a new student to join halfway through the semesters, but now Lord Wyldon was talking like he didn't know the word "he" was in the dictionary.
"And so, I present to you our newest student, Lady Dayane of Graveshill."
A collective gasp rippled through the hall as a young woman entered the room. She was tall, slim, and walked with an air of confidence and security. Her long black hair hung perfectly straight all the way down to her hips, kept out of her face by a thin silver circlet. Kel was to far away to see her face, but sensed that it would be beautiful. Just then a young page scurried up to her.
"Pardon me miss, but Lord Wyldon requests your presence at his table." He said breathlessly.
"Very well." Kel stood and fallowed the page back to the Lords table. There she found the girl and Lord Wyldon conversing quietly. She cleared her throat to announce herself. Both looked up at her, the girl in surprise, Wyldon in irritation.
"What took you so long Mindelan? I'm sure this young lady doesn't want to sit here with me all night." He turned to Dayane "This is Keladry of Mindelan. Keladry, Dayane of Graveshill. I have arranged for her to reside in the rooms beside yours. I expect you to take her under your wing, show her around. She is unfamiliar with Tortalls customs and culture. I expect you to teach her everything she will need to know. I believe you to be the most suited to this job. Do not make me regret this decision Mindelan. You may go." He waved them off dismissively. Kel turned to the girl, Dayane.
"Come with me and I'll introduce you to my friends."
Dayane got up and fallowed Kel obediently. She took the time to observe Dayane's features. Her eyes, tilted in a catlike way, were the most brilliant shade of green Kel had ever seen. They seemed almost unnatural, with a circle of gold around her irises and pupils. The rest of the face was equally exotic, a proud forehead, high delicate cheekbones, a thin, slightly long nose and a rounded chin. Kel was sure that many poems would be written about her in the coming weeks.
When they reached the table Dayane saw all the boys' jaws drop. Kel sighed and shoved one of them over to make room for her. She sat silently for a moment, gathered her bearings, and then looked around. Seeing all those eyes latched onto her made her smile slightly.
"You do know that it's impolite to stare, don't you?"
She smirked and looked at Kel who then proceeded to introduce them all. After they had eaten she showed Dayane to her rooms. Unfortunately it looked as if the entire room was thrown together at the last second, with mismatched furnishings and a cracked mirror. Dayane stood in the middle of it looking around. After a while she turned to Kel, amusement sparkling in her strange green eyes.
"Well, it looks as if I'll be making a trip into the city soon, doesn't it?" she said with a laugh. Kel found herself smiling with the girl, and quickly replaced her Yamani mask.
"I'd best turn in. Tomorrow I'll show you around the grounds and buildings. Does that suit you?"
"Oh, yes, whatever works for you. I don't have a knight master yet, so I've nothing better to do."
"I'll wait for you before going to breakfast. I know it must be strange here for you."
"It is, but I like the change. Its much cooler here and everyone looks nice enough."
"Looks can be deceiving."
"Yes, well I'd better get some sleep. I had a long journey today, and am quite exhausted."
"Good night Dayane"
"Good night Keladry."
Once Kel had left Dayane began to poke about, investigating her new rooms. She mentally made a list of everything she would need to fix it up. Luckily a caravan full of her things would be arriving shortly, so she wouldn't have to buy much. After inspecting every corner Dayane changed into her nightgown and slipped between the covers. Exhaustion over took her and she was soon lost on a deep, dreamless sleep.
Ok, so I know this is really farfetched and unbelievable and I know Dayane (Day-An-E) seems like a Mary Sue, but I promise that in the next chapter you'll see her many faults. If anyone has any ideas about how I can interpret her into the real Squire as seamlessly as possible, please share them. I want this to be worth both my time and yours, so I am completely open to any suggestions. Thanks for your time!