Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in this story except for the characters I create and the plotline.
A\N: YAY! It's finally the holidays! lol I was very very very very very happy with the number of reviews I received. :) So I decided to post this chapter before I leave for Tasmania in two days. Happy reading!
Edited: 14/01/10 *A few spelling and grammar errors fixed. I think one day I'll rewrite the Prologue and the first few chapters. This chapter could be expanded more.*
******
Another turning point;
a fork stuck in the road.
Time grabs you by the wrist;
directs you where to go.
So make the best of this test
and don't ask why.
It's not a question
but a lesson learned in time.
It's something unpredictable
but in the end it's right.
I hope you had the time of your life.
Time of Your Life, Green Day
******
Chapter 3 Meeting Neal
"Do I really have to?"
"Yes, Kat," sighed an exasperated Isadora.
"But I'm a fighter! A female warrior! A soon to be Shang! I'm not some air brain court lady. Only court ladies wear frilly, pink dresses!" stated Katerina.
"Alanna the Lioness is a female knight and she wears dresses too," countered Isadora.
"But that's different," stuttered Katerina.
"Really? I really don't see the difference. She's a female warrior too. Alanna is also the King's Champion. If she can wear a dress then you can too," said Isadora.
Katerina bowed her head in submission. "Fine, I'll wear a dress, but I won't be having any fun wearing it!"
Isadora laughed happily. "Finally," she yelped. "If it makes you feel better, the dress you're wearing isn't frilly or pink. Actually, it's quite fashionable. And it's pretty comfortable."
"Have you convinced her to wear a dress yet?" Princess Shinko entered the room, her eyes dancing with laughter.
Isadora grinned. "Yes I have! Show her the dress Shinko, she'll love it!"
Shinko pulled from behind her back the loveliest dress Katerina had ever seen.
"Wow," breathed Katerina. "It's beautiful!"
"Well go and try it on." Isadora quickly ushered Katerina into the bathroom.
"You look wonderful," chorused Isadora and Shinko when Katerina came out. The dress was a deep, forest green. At the hem and sleeves were sparkling emeralds. The neckline was modest, only showing a little bit of cleavage. The dress brought out all of Katerina's curves. There was a slit in the dress, allowing fighting to be easier. A belt could be attached at the waist, permitting a sword to be fastened if desired.
"Here, take these," said Shinko. She handed Katerina a pair of emerald earrings. "To match your eyes and the dress."
Yuki entered the room carrying a pile of clothing. "The ball's starting soon and we need to get ready! Shinko you have to look your best, so I suggest you hurry up and get dressed. Kel, here's your kimono for the performance. Remember that you and Isadora will fight against each other first. Then Shinko, you and me will do the fan game, with the shukusens."
Kel took the beautifully, embroidered kimono from Yuki. Yuki held out the matching shukusen and spread it open. It was as lovely as it was deadly. The ribbings were made of metal and the fabric covering them was a royal blue. Across the top, linked between the segments, were thin, strong blades. Blades that looked like they knew how to do their intended duty well.
Katerina remembered the well known saying in the Islands, Beware the woman of the warrior class, for all they touch is both decorative and deadly.
Suddenly, Katerina felt a sharp pain in her head. Gasping, she collapsed to the floor, cradling her head in her hands. Katerina was unaware of her friend's concerned faces. The only thing that she felt was the pain. The only thing she saw was a long, forgotten memory…
… "Kel! Show us! Show us how to fight with these fans!" said an excited voice.
"We've waited ages for these fans to arrive! We've to learn how to use them!" added a second voice.
Kel turned to the young girl with blonde hair and ice blue eyes. "Serena, we have to be patient. I'll teach you two how to fight with the shukusen when we get past the Daughters of the convent. I'm already in enough trouble with the Daughters."
The other girl with curly brown hair let out a peal of laughter. Instantly hands were clamped over her mouth, muffling her burst of mirth. Serena poked her head out into the corridor, heart thumping, hoping that the Daughters hadn't heard. After Serena was completely sure that the Daughters weren't coming, she turned to scold the girl with the brown hair.
"Melanie!" she hissed softly. "Try to keep quiet. We were very lucky that the Daughters didn't hear us. Imagine how much trouble we would be in if we were caught?" Serena shuddered violently.
Melanie looked down guilty.
"The coast is clear," whispered Kel.
The three girls silently crept down the long, winding corridor. They moved slowly, trying to muffle the rustling of their dresses. Slowly, metre by metre, they reached the Tapestry of Corus.
Serena glanced around, her eyes seeking out any Daughters that might have followed them. "I think we have successfully escaped the clutches of the Daughters," she whispered.
Kel nodded and after glancing around once more lifted the tapestry and turned the handle of the door underneath it. Silently, the girls slipped through the door, and ran through the passageway.
Once outside, Melanie grabbed a couple of candles from the box they had hidden in the trees. They hurried to the pond concealed slyly behind the bushes, at the secluded end of the convent.
Once they reached their destination, Melanie using her gift lit the candles. Serena and Melanie then turned to Kel expectedly, awaiting her instructions.
"You both know this is a shukusen, a Yamani fan used in the Islands," began Kel. "The ladies of the warrior class use these fans to protect themselves. When they do not want to openly, carry a weapon in public, the Yamani ladies would carry a shukusen around with them. The shukusen can be very dangerous if you're not careful, but when used properly can be a very good defence weapon."
"Now the first thing to learn is the proper way to throw and catch the shukusen." Kel snapped her fan open and tossed it up. The shukusen gave a little twirl in the air before landing neatly in the palm of her hand. She demonstrated the same movement a couple of times, before letting the other two girls have a go.
When she was sure Serena and Melanie had mastered the toss, she made them try and toss it higher. When it was time to leave, Melanie extinguished the candles. The night had been pretty successful. There were only a few cuts and scratches on the girl's hands. Melanie swept her hands over them and healed the injuries.
Clutching the shukusens tightly, the three girls snuck back to their rooms, successfully avoiding being seen by the strict Daughters.
Kel fell asleep with the biggest smile on her face in ages. Practicing with the shukusen had brought some enjoyment back into her life...
… "Kat! Kat!" a voice called.
Katerina groaned as she wearily lifted her head to glance at the person speaking. Her head was still throbbing madly. Katerina could feel a massive headache coming.
"What happened?" she asked.
Isadora glanced at her with worried eyes. "I'm not entirely sure. One moment Yuki was handing you the shukusen, and the next you had fainted. You've been out for five minutes and we were starting to get really worried. Shinko has gone to find Duke Baird, the healer, they should be here soon."
Right on cue, the door opened, and in strode Shinko and Duke Baird.
Shinko rushed to Katerina. "Kat, you're finally up. You had us really worried. I'm still going to let Duke Baird check you over."
Duke Baird walked over to where Katerina was sitting on the bed. He knelt down beside her and placed a hand on her forehead. After a while, he withdrew his hand and looked up puzzled. "Katerina, Princess Shinkokami tells me this has never happened before. I've checked you over and there seems to be nothing wrong with you. You aren't sick at all. How are you feeling now, Katerina? Dizzy?"
"No, Duke Baird, I don't feel dizzy at all. And I've never had a fainting spell before. Right now I've a humongous headache. My head feels like a stampede of horses trampled over me. But apart from that, I feel perfectly fine."
"Peculiar," muttered Duke Baird. "I can give you a concoction to stop the headache. Was there anything strange that happened before you fainted?"
"No, nothing strange happened," lied Katerina. She didn't really want to discuss the memory she had just relived yet. Katerina could feel the eyes of her friends burning holes in her back. Katerina sighed; she knew she would have to tell them eventually.
"Well, I'll just go and get the remedy for your headache," stated Duke Baird. "And if Katerina has another fainting spell, bring her to me."
Once Duke Baird had left the room, she was bombarded with questions. "Please listen," said Katerina tiredly. "I'm not entirely sure what happened to cause me to faint, and I prefer not to talk about it just now. Besides, we are running out of time to prepare for the ball."
"Fine, Kat. But promise us, you'll tell us what happened soon."
"I promise, Isadora."
Duke Baird arrived with the concoction for Katerina's headache and advised her to tell someone if the fainting continued. With only half a candle left to spare, the ladies were ready.
Princess Shinko was dressed in a revealing, yet modest, red dress. The dress was tight in the waist, bringing out all of Shinko's curves. It cascaded out into a flurry of fabric. Attached to the waist of the dress was a red shukusen. Jewels decorated Shinko's long, glossy hair. Shinko wore a tad of rice powder and lip paint, but she could've looked just as pretty without any.
Lady Yuki, stood beside the mirror, clothed in a flowing silver dress. Sapphires decorated the sleeves of the dress, as well as her hair. Yuki's ebony hair was plaited into two braids that trailed down her back. She wore a mask of rice powder and lip paint. Yuki's almond-shaped eyes shone with excitement and mischief.
Isadora had donned a cream coloured dress. The dress was simple, yet eye catching. Isadora wore no rice powder or lip paint. Her raven, black hair was tied back in a simple ponytail.
"Are we all ready?" inquired Shinko.
"Yes!" replied Yuki, Isadora and Katerina. There were all eager to get to the ball.
"Well what are we waiting for?" demanded Shinko. "Let's go!"
*****
"Announcing her Highness Princess Shinkokami and Lady Yukimi from the Yamani Islands!"
Princess Shinko and Lady Yuki glided gracefully down the stairs, dropping into a curtsey in front of King Jonathon and Queen Thayet. They moved to stand beside Prince Roald and Princess Kalasin.
"Announcing Isadora the Shang Unicorn and her apprentice Katerina!"
Isadora and Katerina strode down the stairs confidently. Reaching the royals they dipped into a gracefully curtsey. They too moved to stand beside Prince Roald and Princess Kalasin.
King Jonathon waited for silence before speaking. "I would like everyone to welcome her Highness Princess Shinkokami, Lady Yukimi, Isadora the Shang Unicorn and her apprentice Katerina!"
A round of applause and cheering met King Jonathon's speech. Jonathon waited for the cheering to die down before continuing. "Today's ball is to welcome our Yamani visitors here. It is also to celebrate the potential marriage between Princess Shinkokami and Prince Roald. Let the ball begin!"
Katerina chuckled softly as she watched Prince Roald stumble over his words, trying to ask Princess Shinko if she wanted to dance. Katerina had a nagging feeling that she had once been a very close friend of Prince Roald.
"Kat, would you like to walk around and get to know some of the squires and knights hanging around? Or would you prefer to talk to Lady Alanna and the others?" asked Isadora.
Katerina opened her mouth to say she would like to chat with Lady Alanna when she had a strange feeling that someone was watching her very intently. Katerina spun around and was met with curious, green eyes.
Kind green eyes. Warm and caring. Eyes like the forest, thought Katerina. Just like in my dream.
The eyes continued to stare pointy at her. Katerina was becoming extremely uncomfortable and unnerved by the man that was staring at her. She cleared her throat softly.
"Oh," said the man, blinking and breaking eye contact with Katerina. A rather pained smile crossed his face. "I haven't introduced myself. I'm Nealen of Queenscove. But please call me Neal, only my worst favourite aunt calls me Nealen."
"Katerina, apprentice of Isadora the Shang Unicorn," replied Katerina holding out her hand. "Just call me Kat."
Neal reached out and shook her hand. "This might sound strange Kat, but have we met before? You seem very familiar."
Katerina shook her head. "I don't think we've met before, Neal. I'm pretty sure I haven't seen you before."
"But have you ever been to Tortall?"
Katerina was hesitant to answer. She wasn't sure what to say. "I-I-I really don't think we've met. And I'm not sure if I've been to Tortall before."
"How can you be unsure if you've been to Tortall?" asked Neal.
"I might have lived here once when I was very young. I hardly any memories of Tortall."
"Oh," replied Neal sadly. "It's just you look a lot like this friend of mine."
"What was your friend like?"
"She is brave, courageous, funny and smart. She is very determined and always strives to do her best. She is a calm person, but when she gets mad, she can get very angry. She is passionate about the things she believes in. And she is the kindest person ever. She is-was my best friend."
"Was?"
Neal sighed. There were tears shining in his eyes. "She died in an accident at the convent. F-Four years ago."
Katerina had a nagging feeling that she might have known Neal's best friend. "Neal? What was her name?"
Neal took a deep breath preparing to answer her question. Katerina held her breath as she waited anxiously for his answer.
"Her name was Keladry."
******
A\N: Oooh! CLIFFHANGER!! lol. Review or I won't update!!!*grins evilly* Oh and the more reviews, the faster I update. *takes out a watch and starts swinging it. You are getting sleepy, when I clap my hands, you'll press the review button and write a review. CLAP!* lol
quickreader93: LOL! Well your welcome to tell me what you think will happen!
Anonymous: Thanks.
tamorapiercelover101: Yea you should review more! Reviews are great! *smiles happily* Lol. I'm going to have so much fun writing about the looks on the King and Lord Wyldon's faces!
onesongglory23: So many compliments! I'm flattered! lol. Well I'm glad you enjoyed it. And I'll try and update frequently.
Clear Blue Rain: lol. Keep on reviewing and I'll write more more MORE! :)
confuzzled lil phoenix: lol. Everyone's telling me to update more often.
maidenknight221: I'm glad you enjoyed it, and I'm planning to continue it, cos people are actually reading it.
HRInuyashaFan16: Thanks! I'm glad that everyone liked it.
Mrs. Dom Masbolle: Lol! Well your guess was pretty good ... but not exactly right. But you can keep on guessing. Hmm ... that is a pretty good idea, that Kel walks around and overhears a conversation and joins in. Do you mind if I borrow your idea, cos it's really good? *gets down on the floor and is prepared to beg*
Kada: I'm glad people find this story interesting and not boring. Hope you liked this chapter.
Aniki the Crim: Lol! I'm trying to make the chapters longer. They'll probably get longer as the story progresses. And no please don't steal this idea, cos if you did it wouldn't be oringal anymore. Lol! *starts drawing copyright signs*
Wander of Souls and Light: LOL! Sometimes it's pretty hard to find sayings and stuff for the beginnings of the chapters. Oh and Braiden ... he'll become really important later on in the story. LOL! I love ice cream it is so ice creamy? XD *takes bowl of ice cream with can of whipped cream and a cherry, and starts shoving it in my mouth* :D
Taeniaea: Thanks!
Once again thanks to all those who've reviewed and keep on reviewing. *takes out a watch and starts swinging it. You are getting sleepy, when I clap my hands, you'll press the review button and write a review. CLAP!* lol