[Note: I based this after the defeat of Orannis, when everyone had returned to the Old Kingdom. This is my first FanFic and though I love Constructive critism, I ask that you don't be too harsh D
If you noticed any mistakes feel free to let me know!
Lirael knew she should awaken, if not for the fact that the Sendings would not leave her be until she did, then for that fact that she had little time to get ready for her guests arrival. Yet the bed was too comfortable to not linger within its silky sheets and she found it hard to resist the soft pillows.
It felt marvelous to rest without the worry of ambush from Dead hands or Gore Crows. How long had it been since she last slept in a warm bed? How long had it been since she left the Clayr's glacier?
She sat up and stretched. It no longer mattered. She had no intentions of returning anytime soon, least not to stay. Besides, she was the Abhorsen-in-waiting now, all that she had wanted while living in the Glacier seemed idly insignificant.
She looked around her room, eyes resting on a small Dog statuette sitting on her bedside table. She picked it up gently, as if afraid it would break, and kissed it softly.
It was a silly gesture, but held much significance to the young girl.
She bathed quickly and upon returning to her room, found a sending ready to shove a light pink ruffled dress over her head.
"No!" she cried, fighting against it. "My normal clothes will be fine!"
After several minutes of struggling, the Sending obliged, bringing out Lirael's surcoat decorated with keys and her other necessary attire.
As soon as she was dressed, the sending shoved her into a chair and began pulling at her wet messy hair with a brush. It was obvious there would be no fighting here and Lirael reluctantly let her hair be –painfully- dried.
When it was done, her hair fell down her back in long, black, waves.
She couldn't help but notice how pretty it really was, especially when it shined so.
She soon let go of that thought, how ever, when the Sending attempted to tie a silver ribbon into her hair.
"No, no! I am quite fine without it, thank you!"
She stood and grabbed the dog statuette, placing it in her surcoat pocket before sweeping out of the room.
It was almost midday when they finally arrived.
The Sendings led them into the dining room where Lirael greeted them.
Sabriel squeezed her in a tight hug, carefully stilling the Bell Bandolier strapped across her chest. The resemblance between the two was almost unnerving, but being sisters, accepted. Touchstone nodded to her and smiled.
Ellimere had not come, deciding to stay and run things in her parents' absence.
As soon as he had hugged his Aunt, Sam immediately began checking her Charter hand.
"Has it been working fine?"
"It's as if I never lost it."
Satisfied, Sam stopped examining it.
"Lirael, it's lovely to see you again."
Nick stood next to Sam, smiling. The Charter mark on his forward looked almost out of place.
"Same to you, Nicholas."
"If you are quite done with your casual greetings," a familiar voice called, "I would enjoy my lunch, now."
"Mogget!" Sam cried.
He had grown attached to the free magic cat during their time together, despite his annoying sarcastic nature.
"Yes, yes, hello to you too. I wouldn't suppose you brought any sardines, did you?"
Sam shook his head and shrugged.
"Sorry. I'll remember next time."
Mogget sighed.
"Hello again Nicholas."
Nick simply stared.
"H-how… Did that cat just speak?"
Sabriel laughed.
"Yes it did. You see, Mogget is a Free Magic creature that was once bound by the Abhorsen, my father, to serve him and the Abhorsen's to come. He can take any form he chooses and I do believe he was the short man who carried you to Sam."
Nick nodded, still a bit flabbergasted though not entirely confused. Lirael assumed they had already informed him much about the Old Kingdom.
"Let us not forget that I am no longer bound to serve but choose to."
Sam rolled his eyes.
"Now. May we please eat?"
Lirael nodded and everyone sat down at the table. She ended up being seated between Sabriel and Nick.
The food was served instantly, Mogget hopping up onto the table to devour a fish prepared specially for him.
They chatted cheerfully as they ate, Sam showing off a new toy he had invented only to receive sarcastic remarks from Mogget.
When everyone had consumed their meal, Sabriel stood.
"Lirael, come with me. I wish to speak with you."
They left the room behind and Lirael followed her older sister through a door she had never noticed before, leading out to the rose garden.
"How is your studying?"
They walked past the well.
Lirael couldn't but shudder.
"Well enough. I have read The Book of the Dead several times, and have almost committed it to memory."
Sabriel nodded.
"Do not be fooled. Like most books bound with Charter magic, there are certain things it will show you when you are ready to see them."
Lirael nodded, remembering her days exploring the libraries back at the Clayr's Glacier.
They continued walking in silence.
Finally, Sabriel stopped and turned to face her. They stood too near the well for Lirael's comfort, making her shudder. But she felt braver with her older sister near.
"I hate to tell you this so soon after fighting Orranis, but I fear it cannot be ignored.
Hedge's arrival and the digging of the two halves of Orranis not only brought upon the kingdom hoards of Dead Hands, but it also released many free magic creatures.
Most of the dead have been taken care of, yet there are still more and in different parts of the kingdom. It would take far too long for me to vanquish them alone. I need you to help me."
Lirael nodded.
"Of course. Just tell me what I must do."
Sabriel smiled. "For now, wait. Mogget has already been informed and I have instructed him to let you know when a Dead Hand or Free magic being has been sighted. I myself must leave for Yarrl soon.
"I hope you are not forced to face anything too dangerous, though I am sure you will have little, if any, trouble. But be careful none the less."
Voices greeted them as Touchstone, Sam and Nick made their way into the rose garden.
"You too," she whispered, unsure at first if Sabriel had heard her, until the older sibling squeezed her hand tightly.