Disclaimer: The world of Valdemar, Heralds, and Companions all are the property of Mercedes Lackey. If you don't recognize them, I probably created them.
Kethra waved goodbye to all her classmates, still in blue uniforms. "I'll see you after Midsummer break!" she called as she turned to walk past the Companions' field once more. She had often longed to be a Herald, but it seemed not to be. Already, she was 15, young compared to her classmates, but Heralds were often Chosen younger. A few more years and she would have no chance. It wasn't her choice, anyhow. Companions Chose their Heralds, and none had Chosen her.
She drifted over to the fence and looked out at the rich grass. The white horse-like creatures paid little attention to her. Her eyes lingered longingly on them, then with a sigh she turned to go. I have to get my books still before I go home, she thought to herself. Mother will probably be waiting for me to help her with dinner. I wish we could afford a servant sometimes.
I'm glad I live in Haven, at least. All my friends have to go so far away from their homes to come to school. Kethra had never felt very homesick during the few times she had been away from home, but she did not think she wanted to actually live at the Collegium. She liked the comforts of home, even if they weren't rich enough to afford a servant.
* * *
Nydia wearily carried the last pail of milk to the house. Her chores weren't that difficult compared to some she knew, but she wasn't particularly fond of milking animals, cleaning stalls, and all the other parts of being a farmer. That was partly the reason she hadn't accepted any offers of a closer relationship with anyone. She was practically an old maid—at sixteen, most girls were married. Some had children, though many in her village waited on marriage till they were sixteen. But Nydia had not even considered it.
I don't want to end up like my mother. She works so hard, taking care of my grandparents and keeping our gardens growing. Britta had gray hair already, though she was just thirty-four, and only had two children. At least my brother is married. Maisha helps a lot with the housework. She paused to consider the options. What could she do, after all? They didn't have money to send her to any of the Collegia, not that she could be a Herald anyhow. She knew as well as all the children did—the Companions Chose their Heralds. They had all been taught that in school.
I don't know what I want, except that it isn't to be a farmer's wife, like my mother. Nydia hauled the milk buckets into the house and escaped food preparation to work in the garden. If there was one house job she hated, it was peeling and cutting vegetables.