Karigan was drawn back from her musings to discover her feet had led her to the mess hall. It was lunch time on a surprisingly cold spring day; surprising as summer was so close and the last fortnight had been quite pleasant. The cooks had prepared a heartening meal and Karigan was glad to see Mara sitting near a window and joined her as soon as her tray was full.
Mara looked up and smiled. "Howdy!" Karigan smiled in spite of herself. She felt withdrawn from those around her, not only because of her experiences. She felt that the general mood of the castle had degenerated as Sacoridia's armies prepared themselves for the upcoming war. Mara's smiling disposition was a nice change from the gloominess that had pervaded her thoughts and surroundings. She was suddenly sick of feeling unhappy and felt determined to have a nice afternoon. "What are you up to?" "Ugghhhh, meetings'. Karigan laughed. "Are you busy this afternoon?" Mara paused and tilted her head thoughtfully. "Nope, just paperwork today, which I can catch up on later. What do you have in mind? Trip into town?" Karigan smiled. "No, I thought perhaps you might want to join me in the baths since it's on the colder side today?" Mara's eyes lit up. "Ooooooh, yes! Much better idea!" Karigan laughed and the two chatted happily whilst they finished eating their lunch, Karigan closing her eyes in delight as the warm, buttery pear tart infused her mouth with delicious flavours. Mara smiled at her friends' enjoyment as it had been a while since Karigan had looked so content.
The two headed to the castle's communal baths. They had visited the pools in town often as they were far nicer, much like the muscled attendants who greeted the guests. Mara however, aware of how easily Karigan tired, used her growing workload as an excuse to use the closer pools. Mara had nipped in to see Laren whilst Karigan slowly changed and asked her to fill in for her afternoon meetings; Laren assented, having instructed Mara to do just so if Karigan asked her for something.
The pools were well appointed, with a large centre pool and numerous smaller individual pools. They quickly rinsed in the bathing area before slipping off their robes by the edge. Karigan chose the larger pool to enter as there were plenty of steps, which meant less bending over. She also knew the pool had a bench she could sit on with her back to the wall. It was nice, feeling ordinary again. Mara was kind and entered the water first, allowing Karigan to enter at her own pace without exposing her back to Mara. There were several other women present engrossed in their various conversations. She leaned into the hot water and signed, her eyes blissfully closed. They were silent for several minutes when Mara burst into random laughter and promptly launched into a story about Tegan and Garth. Karigan giggled helplessly. As her laughter died down Mara looked around to check no other people they knew were present before gossiping about the deepening friendship she had noticed between the two, including the other night when Mara had walked passed the open barn and seen them in the corner…
Karigan listened wide eyed and carried on whispering with her friend. Before long, she realised they had the bathhouse to themselves. Mara had her eyes closed, enjoying the relaxing heat. It's now or never, she told herself nervously. She took a deep breath before plunging into her story. Mara listened intently as Karigan bared her heart and told Mara about her journey north. All of it. Including the king. At the end, Karigan turned around so Mara could see her scars. As she turned back, she saw tears working their way down Mara's cheek and in spite of their nakedness, she hugged Karigan. "I am so sorry," she said, wiping her eyes. Karigan felt light despite the darkness of their chat; it was cathartic to tell someone her story. "I don't know what to do," she confessed. "I am meant to go to Drent in my own time but I don't know that I can. Or want to. Will I be able to regain my strength? Or will it be a waste of time? If I don't go, then I have hope it might improve. But if I go and it doesn't…" She sighed. Mara looked at her squarely. "You have spent enough time wondering, it is time to make it happen. Tomorrow at 9 bells you report to Drent." Karigan paused, before cheekily replying, "Yes Captain!" Mara swatted her playfully with warm water and Karigan choked, which caused Mara to laugh harder. Feeling much better than she had in a long time, Karigan made her way to bed that night with hope in her heart.
Karigan fought down feelings of nervousness as she made her way to the training grounds where Drent stood watching several first year trainees. She stood behind him and cleared her throat. He turned and squinted at the sun behind her. "Hmmmm. The prodigal daughter has returned," he grunted. Karigan stood a little taller, wincing slightly. 'Reporting for training, sir!" "Hmmmmph" was all she got in return. Without preamble he turned and walked towards the training house. Karigan scrambled after him. He stopped walking once they reached his office and turned to face her, arms over chest. "Now, she has told me of your wounds," he said, "I expected to see you in my office before today." Karigan said nothing; what could she say? He looked at her for a minute, then said "turn around and pull your shirt up." Karigan did so without complaint and after another minute she finally heard, "that's enough, put your shirt down." Karigan turned to find him looking out the window in thought. After a few moments he came to a decision and stared her straight in the face. "You will report to the hot ring every morning at 8 bells. We begin now." Without another word he walked out of the office towards the heated training tent.
He rummaged through a barrel of wooden swords designed for new students. After a minute he found one to his satisfaction and handed it to her. She grasped it, surprised by how light her first training sword had been now that she was used to the weight of steel in her hands. "Show me basic patterns." Karigan obeyed, dismayed by how limited her ability to move really was. After a few rounds she was panting with exhaustion and pain. She stopped to rest. Drent looked thoughtful again. "Well, girl. We have a lot of work to do. I don't think you will make sword master again, but we can get you to a better level than this." Karigan nodded, unable to talk. Drent turned and walked out. Karigan looked down at her sword, running her fingers gently along its' length. "Well," she said with a resigned sigh, "you and I are going to get to know each other real well again."
In the days that followed Drent began with basic exercises to rebuild her muscle and fitness whilst teaching her to modify sword patterns to cope with the damaged muscle. She felt some improvement and was happy to continue her training in the hot ring; although it became unbearable as spring progressed into summer, the heat loosened her muscles and allowed her to train more easily. She found the pain after training lessened after a time and it became easier to move and sit. She was still in constant discomfort but at least walking was better. And she needed the physical relief because her new role as Chief Rider saw her in contact with the castle staff more frequently and that meant one thing. More contact with the king.
She walked more quickly to the baths. She was finding it increasingly difficult to keep thoughts of him out of her head. She was brought into important battle strategy meetings not infrequently, since she had so much experience with Mornhaven and now Second Empire. Sacoridia's forces were clashing often and had managed to maintain their front, pushing back Second Empire troops. It seemed Second Empire had lost some focus with the death of Grandmother. Victory was close.
She spoke in the meetings and avoided her king's eyes, knowing that his burning gaze was fixed on her. She managed not to stutter too often and was relieved to know that the king's military advisors had at least some respect for her. But still they were hard meetings to endure, knowing that he was so close, aware of his every word, the movement of his strong hands when he spoke emphatically, the way his eyes would circle the room in order to hide his need to watch her. It was both torture and a relief that her low status meant she was always the first to leave the room. But in the end, she mused, it was better for both of them.
Drent insisted that she attend the baths immediately after training each day to ensure her muscles were in the best condition. She was grateful but knew it was no kindness on his behalf; he was not impressed if she showed up the following day barely able to lift a sword, as had happened after her first few sessions. She entered and let out a groan of annoyance. Why was the woman's bath closed?! Peering around the corner, she saw that the pool was an odd green colour. Ick. Pausing in front of the room that both women and men could swim in, she cocked her heard and listened. She couldn't hear anyone. The pool must be empty. She wasn't interested in swimming with men as truth be told she was a bit scared of her own vulnerability in a compromising situation, but she really needed to jump in or risk the wrath of Drent.
Making a decision she entered the baths and washed quickly before walking to the largest pool. At least her ears still worked; there was only one other person hidden in the steam of one of the smaller pools at the back. Karigan hopped down the steps still clothed in her dressing robe, sighing as she always did when the water hit her back. She found a bench to sit on and leaned back with her eyes closed, starting to organise her tasks for the day. Tegan was to ride out after lunch and needed the final dossier and her packs, she needed to visit the quartermaster and organise uniforms for 3 riders due in within the week, payroll needed to be approved, several mended saddles had to be inspected before they were approved for use and re-issued; there was a lot to do today.
Karigan was peripherally aware that the other patron had entered her pool and felt the water near her ripple. She lazily opened her eyes. There, standing in front of her, was the king. She was shocked upright and hastily bowed her head in deference. "Your majesty!" She kept her eyes lowered; his bare chest at such close quarters was making her head swim. Or was it the dawning realisation that her dressing robe was terribly revealing when soaked wet. She couldn't tell.
"Hello Karigan," Zachary said quietly. His hand slowly snaked through the water to land gently on her own. She was so confused. This felt wrong and yet… Thinking back to their kiss up north sent a shiver through her spine. They had crossed a line and there was no going back; they were connected in a way she could not explain. She couldn't, wouldn't grasp his hand, but neither could she pull away. He moved closer to her. "How are you?" he asked softly. "I am well," she whispered. His eyes roved over her face and he seemed at a loss for words, content to just look at her. Her eyes darted to the side and she licked her lips. She saw Fastion hidden in an alcove and swore to have words with him later. Fat lot of use he was. He could have warned her the king was present. Then a thought hit her; he knew she would be here after her training and had hidden on purpose! Weapons!
"I uh…..I should probably get on with my day," she stammered. "You could stay for a few more minutes?" he suggested. Karigan was so very aware of his heat and was pretty sure he had figured out that drenched bath robes highlighted all the right places. Suddenly without knowing what possessed her, she threaded her fingers though his and heard his breath catch. It felt so natural. And with her last ounce of daring she lifted her head to meet his eyes and they gazed at each other for what felt like an eternity. Unbidden tears of forlornness crept into her eyes. She was so lonely. And he was married. She squeezed his hand for the briefest moment then bowed her head in deference and murmured, "Your majesty", wading towards the steps as quickly as she could. She got out without a backward glance and only after she had changed and made it back to the office did she loose a huge breath she hadn't realised she was holding. Damn it. Her bath better open soon or it was back to the far less adequate tub in riders' quarters.