The Lines of Time
As bones and backs
Crick and crack
As time falls distant
Mists become less resistant
Chapter 1: Bedrooms and Unexpected Bedmates
Shiantris rolls over in her sleep and curls into an object that seems warm. Her mind registers it as larger than her cat, she shakes herself awake as a bell tolls and the sunlight streams in on a boy as she screams, "AHHHHHHH!
"Huh?" the boy sits up and looks at the girl and demands, "What are you doing in my bed?"
"What?" Shiantris looks around, her eyes are wide and she begins to shake. "Where am I?"
"You're in MY bed, in MY room, in the Blues' Wing of the palace in Haven, in Valdemar!" the boy glares at her in annoyance.
"But… Valdemar's only in books…" Shiantris bit her lip. "What happened to me? My family? My cat?"
"So… you don't believe you are in Valdemar?" the boy stares incredulously at her.
"Actually, I believe it, but I can't believe that I'm not dreaming," Shiantris stares down at the bed sheets.
"Face the bed board."
Shiantris sighs as she faces the bed board. "I just don't understand why I'm in your room, or even in Haven for that matter."
"Who knows, probably a mage's doing…" the boy grumbles as he finishes dressing. "You may turn around, now."
"That might make sense. My name is Shiantris, what's yours?"
"Geoff," the boy grumbles and throws a bundle of clothes at Shiantris. "You may change behind the screen, we'll go eat, and then we'll see Herald-Mage Elspeth."
"Well, I guess I should be thankful I didn't have a run in with Falconsbane, Ma'ar, a wyrsa, or a blood mage…" Shiantris sighs as she walks behind the screen, changes, and when she emerges, fully clothed, she sees Geoff in shock. "Are you okay?"
"How do you know so much?"
"I'm rather well read up on Valdemar," Shiantris smiles.
"So, you basically know Valdemarian history," Geoff grumbles.
"Not really, I just know the basics," Shiantris shrugs her shoulders, liking the feel of the loose boy's garments on her skin.
"Joy," Geoff groans. "Let's go eat."
"That was the best meal I've had in a while!" Shiantris grins at Geoff happily.
"Glad you enjoyed it," Geoff nearly growls. "Herald-Mage Elspeth! I require your assistance!"
"Geoff Berrybush?" Elspeth frowns, "What is the matter?"
"This girl appeared in my room! I'm sure you mages are responsible for this… annoyance of a girl! She is all yours!"
"What?" Shiantris turns and glares at Geoff Berrybush's back, as he leaves the room. "JERK!" Shiantris yells at his back, "That jerk shows how bad some nobles can be, no offense meant, Lady Elspeth."
"I have taken no offence," Elspeth stares at the girl in front of her in curiosity.
"My name is Shiantris; you can call me Tris, if you like."
"Then I am Elspeth," the older girl chuckled.
"I'm going to be talking to Firesong and your mate, aren't I," Tris sighs.
"Yes, but it won't be that bad of an experience."
"Is Altra around?"
"How do you know about Altra?"
"I read," Tris smiles. "I'll elaborate on that statement when everyone that needs to know is here."
"And who needs to know?" Elspeth raises her brows at Tris.
"Altra, Sunpriest Karal, Darkwind, Talia, Kerowyn, and if possible Firesong and Silverfox," Tris frowns in thought. "If you think anyone else needs to know, fine by me, but keep me out of the council business. They'd blow a gasket."
"I'll have to notify my mother about you…" Elspeth frowns. "All of the people, including Firesong and Silverfox will be here shortly."
"I think you know how to do the second part of the truth spell, right?" Tris looks up as Elspeth nods, "You're going to have to put it on me once they get here or you'll never believe me."