Chapter 1:
Arrival (Show-off)
Liam, Baron George, and the caravan arrived in Keira's home of Nastdras a day early. They were rewarded by the awesome sight of three battle corses. One was small, perhaps for the young ones. The middle was just that, middle-height. But the beauty was the tall, overlapping, hard-as-can-be course at the end.
And there was someone climbing up the steps to the starting platform. The figure was swathed in dark cloth, but when it reached the platform, the cloak was drawn off. There stood a tall young woman, her red hair fire-bright, her eyes gleaming jades. The white blouse was loose, as were the soft-looking dark-brown breeches she was wearing. She was barefoot, which they noticed as she began a series of intricate stretches, her tan face gleaming in the sun. Suddenly, she leaped.
The course took her on a series of flying leaps, flips, somersaults, twists, and other movements no one would have thought possible. People on other platforms suddenly appeared and threw things, which the girl evaded, getting hit few times. It was the work of 10 minutes to get around the whole thing. She finished with a spectacular twirling-flip, and something shot out of her long-sleeved blouse wrist-hole. Almost as soon as she'd landed, she flipped a knife at a target, hitting close to the center.
"I see you have noticed our best," someone said, the voice lifted with quiet amusement. A young Yamani girl came out, her face blank but her dark eyes bright with curiousity.
"I don't know who wouldn't be," Liam answered in soft Yamani, his eyes still on the girl. "Do you know who she is?"
"Her? That's Keira Darogesh. She's the best of us all here," said another voice, this one a boy's. He looked at Liam. "Don't stare such. She'll sense it." He looked at George. "I'm her younger brother, Jamethon Darogesh."
George shook the boy's hand; both grips were firm, but not testing. "George of Pirate's Swoop," he answered in Yamani. Tipping his head to Liam, he said "That's Alan. He's a friend of my son, and wanted to come along."
Suddenly there was a sharp whistle. Jamethon let go of George's hand and turned towards the platform where Kiera stood. She was staring at them, her face and eyes blank. The whistle, however, had held a question.
Jamethon put a finger to his lips and gave a whistle-hum. Keira's attention was caught by the small caravan. She seemed to sigh softly, then gave a last answering whistle. Jamethon nodded and turned to the others as Keira jumped off the high perch, landing in a crouching position. "She tells me to bring you two to our spot." He looked at the others. "I can give them directions, if you like," he said.
George shook his head. "They'll be fine." Liam was already mounted again, and George was quickly in the saddle. "Let's go then." Jamethon nodded, and they started off.
About half an hour later, they arrived in a hidden valley. A beautiful, gleaming river-lake lay in the middle, surrounded by at least a mile and a half of beautiful, flower-streamed valley. By the Lake was Keira, who was smiling, lost in thought. She remembered the feel of flying she'd experienced on the course. A loud whistle sounded nearby, and her smile vanished from her face, but a trace lingered in her eyes. She stood and brushed herself off, slipping on her Yamani mask of politeness.
Liam stared at her for a moment as he dismounted. She was beautiful, and strong too. In place of the breeches and shirt she'd worn, she now wore a light day-dress, not a kimono, but a regular, springy dress of light lavender. Remembering his manners, he bowed Yamani-style, feeling her sharp gaze on him. "I am honored to meet you, Lady Keira."
She returned the bow, not an inch lower than needed. "It is I who am honored, though I don't know you're name." She looked at Baron George and bowed again. "My lord Baron. It is an honor to meet you. My family and I have heard much of your... travels."
George was interested to notice that, though her dress was light, it had long sleeves that were slightly loose, and the dress itself was quite loose. He was almost certain he could see a knife imprinted above her deer-skin boot. "M'lady, it is I who am honored, but please. We will be traveling together for some time. I would rather not be called My lord Baron wherever I turn."
The corners of Keira's eyes crinkled in amusement, and the gleam of smile brightened for a moment. "And what is your friend's name, may I ask?" After a moment, she asked "Does he speak at all?"
George laughed. "He used to, to much, in fact. It is your beauty and grace that had stunned him speechless."
Liam's head jerked up towards George. "Aye, and I'll still wear you out one of these days." He looked at Keira. "Please, forgive my impoliteness. I am Luke." He bowed again, and Keira returned it.
"I am pleased to make your acquaintence, Luke." She looked at George for a moment, then asked "Are all of your people so blunt?"
George thought a moment, then nodded. "Most of them. My wife's worse."
Keira pulled her shukusen from her girdle and opened it to hide a smile. "Good," she concluded. "Now no one will shush me when I'm that blunt."
Liam chuckled. "No, they won't." He didn't mention the betrothal, but something flickered in Keira's eyes. She waved the fan once, twice, then folded it again.
She looked at Jamethon, who nodded. Keira beckoned, and both horses came to her. She looked them over. "Good choices, both of them... Watch the dark one. He needs more shade this time of year ((overheating)), even here in the Islands." George had ridden Alanna's Darkmoon to make an impression, and Liam had ridden a blue roan mare. Keira seemed taken with her, running her over with her sensitive fingers. The roan, normally jittery, was completely relaxed, chewing on a clump of grass.
Keira looked up at Liam. "She likes having an experience rider. I hope you don't abuse her trust some day." The look in her eyes was a sharp warning.
He shook his head. "I couldn't ask for a better mount. And I'd never abuse her, nor her young ones."
Keira nodded in apparent acceptance. She looked back at the roan, who was nuzzling the girl's chest.
You needn't worry, said the roan. He takes good care of me.
Keira laughed inside. You're spoiled. What is your name?
I am Reeda. Thank you for the work on the leg muscle, by the way. I appreciate it.
My pleasure, Reeda. I am Keira. Keira and Reeda parted for the time being, as everyone was staring at them. Jamethon gave Keira a soft whack on the head.
"Didn't Nana tell you not to do that in presence of the caravan riders?" he asked softly.
"Of course she did. I just didn't listen. It's not like they can do anything here," Keira added softly. "Why are you surprised? I never listen."
"I know you don't..." Keira shook her head slightly, at the same time tipping her head towards their visitors.
Jamethon sighed and nodded. "Forgive my sister. She tends to forget certain things."
Keira pulled out her shukusen to hide an embarassed smile. "Come. Leave the horses, they need to rest." She turned and led them through the most beautiful part of the Islands, showing them the plants, her eyes crinkling when they expressed amazment.
After 3 hours of relaxation, George looked back on the experience with amazement. Keira's knowledge was amazing, as were the many plants in the single valley. They had managed to avoid all thought of the betrothal.
Liam sat with Keira at the edge of the water. "We should probably go back soon," he said reluctantly.
She looked up, startled, but nodded. "My mother wants me to help with dinner tonight. I'll see you then, though..." She stood and dusted herself off again. Liam could have sworn he'd seen the imprint of a knife against her waist as she gave a Yamani bow. "It was a pleasure to meet you."
"It was all my pleasure, lady Keira, I assure you." He took her hand and brushed a kiss to the fingertips. She looked away, glad her Yamani side didn't allow blushing.
She led him out towards the horses, not surprised to see Nared, Jamethon, and George there. Nared glared at Liam, but his face gave nothing away as he bowed. "I am Nared Darogesh, Keira's older brother."
"I am Luke," Liam answered, bowing in return. "And you have met my friend George." Nared nodded. "Shall we head out, then?"
Throughout the next part of the ride, conversation ebbed and flowed, and only Liam noticed Keira was completely quiet. She seemed to be meditating... He shook the thought off and went to engage her in pleasant conversation, which they kept up until getting to the house.
A/N: Here's thanks to my reviewers!
Star: I know it seems far-fetched, but it's what it is. And of course it's "Sue-ish". I told you, that's what I write. Neway, thankies!
Wildphire: Thanks for the encouragment!
Light of the Wind: I always like to try and find non-commited characters, and the younger Princes and Princesses were open! And if you wonder so much, you should try to pull that into a story!
Warrior of Tortall: I'm glad it seems interesting. That's what I was going for!
And here's your update!
