This summer I'm working as a housekeeper at a camp I attend with my family, and when I work I like to listen to music. David Bowie makes cleaning out toilets and scrubbing sinks way more bearable! This story sprang from his song "Strangers When We Meet." What would happen, I wondered, if Kel lost all her memories of working for her shield? How would she cope, and, more importantly, how would those who love her help her through it? So, here is yet another short story, told in a series of vignettes from various POVs. Not sure yet if there'll be any official pairings, but I'll let you know! ^_^ For now, enjoy!
Strangers When We Meet
I.
"Keladry, this is Lord Wyldon. He was the commander at Fort Mastiff for most of the war. He was also our training master when we were pages."
Wyldon met the eyes of the young woman carefully as he bowed over her hand. "Keladry, good evening." They were as bright as ever, glittering hazel, with long lashes that gave her the appearance of a dreamer. But there was something not quite right, and he knew Baird hadn't been exaggerating.
"I'm pleased to see you," she said, somewhat awkwardly. Nealan kept a careful, protective hold on her arm as she rose from a brief curtsey. "I understand you have only just returned from the northern front."
"Yes, that is the case," Wyldon replied, trying not to show the emotion roiling behind his passive mask. She truly doesn't remember. Not a thing. "I believe Jonathan is desirous that I remain in Corus to advise him in matters of state."
For a moment, confusion flitted across her face, and then Nealan leaned in and whispered, "Jonathan is the King of Tortall, Kel."
"Oh!" She blushed, far too easily. Keladry of Mindelan was always very careful with her expressions, and this slip told Wyldon just how badly she'd been wounded.
"Would the Lady Knight care for a dance?" Nealan asked, face and voice encouraging as he teased her gently. But she turned her face into his shoulder, and shook her head. "All right, that's okay. Perhaps you've had enough for tonight." He nodded shortly over her head to Wyldon, mouthing later, and coaxed Kel out of the ballroom.
Left behind, Wyldon stared into his glass of punch, feeling incredibly empty inside.