Ok, like I said last chapter, these next few will come out fairly quickly due to the fact that majorities of the chapters will be pulled directly from the book- with my own spin, of course. This chapter, I felt it was important to really introduce Yuki in Neal's life since we never get a description of how they first meet or any of that sort of information. So I hope you like my characterization of her, and enjoy the chapter as a whole. So now I give you the one, the only…
The Lady Knight's Squire
Meeting: the act of coming together
Kel knocked on my door far to early in the morning. I groaned, "Coming!" and rolled out of bed onto the floor, whereupon I felt as though my muscles had been turned to ice and stiffly opened the door. "What on earth needs to be said at this ungodly hour?"
"My thanks," Kel said, and she was far to awake, as always. "Especially if they are going to be said before the trial today." She stepped past me, sitting on my chair while I returned to my bed and wrapped the blankets around me.
"What thanks?" I protested blearily. "I didn't do anything that you wouldn't have done. Besides, you'll be sitting beside Lalasa today, and that's what really matters."
"I know, but it still means a lot, to Lalasa and Gower, Tian, we're all grateful to have someone so willing to defend Lalasa and her mistress, The Girl." There was a taunting smile on her lips, but I had a feeling that her anger was directed inward. She softened for half a second to say, more earnestly, "Thank you, Neal. You really are my best friend." As warmed as I was by that, I was worried by the self-incrimination in her tone. Never- never!- had I heard her refer to herself as The Girl in anything but a joking tone.
"Kel, this is not your fault, and you cannot possibly believe that!"
"I know, I know," she repeated, "But that really doesn't matter to my conscience. If only I'd warned her that something like that might have happened, if only I'd realized how desperate Jo-" she cut herself off. Her hands trembled slightly in her lap. "No, the perpetrator will be punished by law and by my own hand."
"Kel…" I thought of all the things that I could say and settled on, "Don't do anything that you'll regret." I couldn't force her to do anything once riled up to this degree, just as I couldn't have stopped her from fighting bullies when we were pages.
There was something distant and cool in her eyes as she replied, "I won't," then left.
I let my head fall back against the wall, and prayed to Mithros for a speedy and just end to the trial.
We all forced ourselves to sit quietly behind Kel, Lord Raoul, and Lalasa. Jump sat between Kel's feet on the floor, silently baring his teeth towards the people on the opposite bench. Once more across the aisle was Paxton of Nond, looking especially anxious today, the corners of his eyes pinched and sad. Ebroin of Genlith was there again too, as well as a third man I didn't recognize on sight. He was marked an advocate by his white overrobe and large black skullcap.
"Master Advocate Muirgen of Sigis Hold," I heard Lord Raoul murmur when Kel asked about his identity. "He's very good- the best money can buy."
"There's little he can do when everybody knows Joren is guilty," Kel responded, anger a steady undercurrent to her normally calm voice. Raoul was about to answer when Duke Turomot struck the bronze disk with a polished granite ball, and we stood for a prayer to Mithros, as we had the previous two mornings.
Duke Turomot scowled at Kel, looking more parsimonious than ever. "These proceedings are a matter of law, not of noble privilege. Should you have challenges to issue, make them elsewhere. We-" he was cut off abruptly as the Watchmen on guard outside of the courtroom threw the doors open. He stepped in the room to announce, "His royal majesty, King Jonathan the Fourth. Her royal majesty, Queen Thayet."
As one we rose and bowed, or curtsied, to our monarchs. The two throne-like chairs that had been empty in the proceeding days were now being used by King Jonathan and Queen Thayet. The king nodded to Turomot, and the lord continued, splotches of heat rising in his cheeks. We didn't seat ourselves until Lord Turomot was once more comfortably positioned on his dias. I could tell no one was sure as to why the King and Queen had come to the trial. The best inkling that I had was that Alanna might have mentioned something about it, but I couldn't imagine the reason why she would do such a thing; the King and Queen present would make no difference on the outcome.
Duke Turomot interrupted my thoughts by commanding two Watchmen to, "Admit the convicted commoners!"
Two men in shackled where escorted in as a clerk red from a sheet of parchment. "Let the record show that the convicted witnesses, Ivath Brand and Urfan Noll, have entered the chamber. In exchange for their testimony, their fifteen-year sentence will be reduced to ten." A movement in front of my caught my attention. Kel had balled her fists, knuckles turning white.
"Proceed, Master Hayward," ordered Duke Turomot, seemingly oblivious to the turmoil.
"Admit to noble prisoner," Clerk Hayward called. The Watchmean on duty at another side door opened it. Sure enough, out came Joren of Stone Mountain, the same icy cold features that had annoyed me when we first met. He didn't look as though he had suffered an inkling for his imprisonment as he bowed to the monarchs and then to Duke Turomot. He went to the bench occupied by Ebroin of Genlith and the advocate.
He never glanced at Lalasa or Kel.
Movement in front of me caught my attention again. This time, it was Kel's whole body stiffening, and before she turned her face away I caught her schooling her face into smooth features any Yamani would envy.
Looking to sure of himself, Ebroin rose. "If I may speak, my lord Duke." Turomot nodded. "I am Ebroin of Genlith, steward for his Corus properties to Lord Burchard of Stone Mountan, father to Joren of Stone Mountain. As my lord is in the north and unable to reach the palace at present, I stand in his place. With me is Master Advocate Muirgen of Sigis Hold, licensed to speak in law in Tortall, Tyra, Maren, and Galla. He will serve on Squire Joren's behalf."
I nearly snorted to myself, but didn't quite dare. I was betting more than anything that Burchard was putting on a show, pretending the offenses meant less that a flies death.
"I know Master Advocate Muirgen," said Duke Turomot. "He may speak as required."
Ebroin sat, while the Master Advocate spread his arms. "Your majesties, my Lord Magistrate, the testimony of convicted men in such matters is a jest. They give you Squire Joren's name to please the Watch interrogators; they had to offer a truly big fish to justify any change in their sentence. They-"
"Yatter on, you cake-mouthed money britches," snarled Urfan. "We knows who paid us"- the guard beside him cuffed his ear; he continued despite the blow- "noble or not-" a second cuff shut him up.
The Master Advocate all but sneered at the men. "Need we include the common element?" he asked, accenting the words common ever so slightly. "They have identified Squire Joren, rightly or wrongly."
Duke Turomot nodded and the Watchmen escorted the prisoners from the room.
"No evidence connects Squire Jorden to this tawdry affair," began the Master Advocate persuasively.
Duke Turomot didn't bother to answer, instead raising a leather envelope that dripped with wax seals on ribbons.
"The map of the palace he made for those men," I heard Lalasa whisper to Kel.
Barely slowed, the Master Advocate continued, "I object to the use of law court mages to determine the truth of Squire Joren's testimony. They would not practice inquiry magic-" here again, the words were given a nasty slur- "if they were fit to make a decent living-"
"Oh, stop this currish rubble." Joren cold, clear voice brought all eyes to him. "Ebroin and Muirgen have talked at me for days. I'm weary of it." He looked at Duke Turomot. "I paid those idiots to steal the wench and stash her on Balor's Needle. I paid a-"
Muirgen and Ebroin could not have reached Joren faster if they were trying. I saw Kel face Sir Paxton and winced: the knight looked mortified, face in his hands.
"Squire, Master Joren, I beg you, not another word," Ebroin said in a rushed tone. "Think of your family, the smirch to your honor. There are ways to handle-"
Joren's face became a cruel mask and shook off the steward's restraining hand. "For a man who comes from a great family, you talk like a merchant. My honor?" His voice, which had been steadily rising, rang out in the hall. "What honor has a nation when a female lives among men and pretends to their profession of arms? What honor is there in forcing a good, brave knight like Wyldon of Cavall, a hero of the realm, to accept this creature into training and to allow her to continue?" I wanted to look at Kel, but I couldn't, not with this incredible bile spewing at such prodigious rates. Joren wasn't just insulting Kel; his words included my knight mistress, the female Riders, Lalasa, Mithros defend, even Queen Thayet could be construed as criminals according to Joren's words.
"I was not forced, Joren," Lord Wyldon told him, shoulders set as though he wanted to fight the younger man. "She earned her right to stay, as much as- more than- you lads. Against odds that might have broken one of you." As always, Wyldon's words rang with truth. I sincerely believed that it would kill him to lie.
Joren was unmoved. "I understand you are honor bound to say so, my lord," he said quietly. "The conclusions I draw are my own." Joren spat on the flagstones in front of her. It was only Lord Raoul's grip of steel- he had turned, seen my expression and grabbed my arm to prevent me from standing- that keep from launching an attack on Joren with nothing more than bare fists. I barely heard Joren's words over the rush of blood pounding in my skull. "I had her coming and going. Either she failed in her duty to her servant- and I'd have made sure the world knew the wonderful Keladry had shirked her first obligation as a noble- or she'd be so late she'd have to repeat the whole four years. No one would do that."
Kel would, I thought. Kel would rather die than let a little snake like you poison her from the inside out. Joren turned back towards the Lord Magistrate and said, "My lord Duke, you and the other examiners made allowance for her because certain interests in the kingdom mean her to succeed. You allowed her to take the big examinations alone. Of course, she passed." Joren crossed his arms over his chest. "So. I paid those men. I give you leave to sentence me under the law."
Duke Turomot leaned forward, crimson fire burning in his cheeks. "You are fortunate that, by law, a magistrate may not challenge for insult, Joren of Stone Mountain. I submit you knew that much before you found the courage to say such things of me and my examiners. But Mithros waits in judgment, you arrogant puppy. You may twist out law to suit you, but he weighs your every act, and will find you wanting." He sat back, gnarled fingers gripping the granite ball he used as a gravel. "With regard to your actions, the law is specific. According to The Laws of Tortall, section five, chapter twelve, paragraph two, in the matter of one noble's interference with the body servant of another noble: the offending noble must pay recompense for the loss of that servant for that period of time, in addition to the time which other servants spend in attempting to find or help the servant thus interfered with; the expense of any care of the servant following the interference; all expenses incurred by the noble with regard to court prosecution; and those costs incurred to bring said noble to court. I therefore fine Stone Mountain one hundred gold crowns, fifty of which are to be paid to Squire Keladry of Mindelan, five to the woman Lalasa Isran, and forty-five of which will be paid to this court for its expenses and those of the Watch."
"One hundred gold crowns!" gasped Ebroin of Genlith. There was an undignified squeak trailing the end of the words. "The wench was gone not even a full day!"
"Silence!" barked Duke Turomot, slamming the granite ball on the brass disk. "You lost your right to speak when your master confessed! The Isran woman earns commissions as a dressmaker to ladies, including, at the time of the interference, her royal majesty. I but include due concern for those delayed commissions."
"Stop whining and get them their filthy money, Ebroin," Joren snapped callously. "As far as I'm concerned, this country's going to the sewer-mucking merchants." He strode out through the door by which he had entered.
My attention was drawn from his exit by the King clearing his throat. The Lord Magistrate also looked at them, and the queen shook her head slightly. Sir Paxton rose, ashy. "Your majesties, your grace"- he looked at Kel- "Squire Keladry, I beg pardon for my squire's behavior. I did not know about his crime. Had I known he would act in this fashion, I would have gagged him myself." There was something hard in the corners of his mouth when he finished.
Duke Turomot held up a bony hand that still shook slightly with rage. "No bonle is responsible for the utterances of other nobles in court, unless there is proof that they are cohorts in the endeavor under study. You are a knight of good repute and standing with the Crown, Paxton of Nond. It is known that you persuaded your squire to face this court." I raised my eyebrows in surprise. How did he manage that?"I would suggest, however, that you use the time remaining of his service to school him in humility." You'll need a whipping post for that, I thought grimly.
Sir Paxton bowed and left through the main doors. Turomot looked at Ebroin of Genlith and said, "Your dispositions, sir?"
Ebroin, who had been in a heated discussion with the Master Advocate, looked up. "If it pleases the court, I require three days to raise so great a sum."
Duke Turomot's eyes narrowed slightly. "You have until sunset of the first night of Midwinter," he barked. "Each half-day you are late, a third pf the sum will be added as penalty, subject to the same divisions as the original sum."
"A third!" cried Ebroin. He quickly bowed his head when Duke Turomot leveled a glare at him. "Very well, my lord Duke."
"My Llord, I would like a question answered, please." I looked, startled, at Kel.
"Speak, Squire Keladry of Mindelan."
She had that mulish set to her chin that developed when she found something unjustifiable. "Did I hear right?" she managed to say calmly. "Joren had Lalasa kidnapped, roped, gagged, blindfolded, and dragged here and there in the dark. Then she was left on an open platform where she could have rolled into the opening to the stair and fallen to her death, and all her gets is a fine? For the inconvenience?"
"That is the law," said the duke. "A maidservant belongs to her mistress. Squire Joren deprived you of her services- I understand she worked at that time on a gown for her majesty"- he looked at the queen, who inclined her head- "and caused disruption to her work later as a result of disordered nerves. I remind you the young woman was also granted five gold crowns in my judgment."
The minute he finished speaking, Lalasa was at Kel's arm, begging, "Lady Kel, please, hush. The ones who did it are going to hard labor, that's what matters." Fear for Kel flooded her eyes.
"They wouldn't have touched you if he hadn't paid them," Kel told her, then turned back to Duke Turomot to say, "If he'd kidnapped me he'd have gotten prison or trial by combat." She clenched her hands so tightly two griffin wounds reopened. I nearly reached out to help them, an automatic response, before I caught myself. "but for her he tosses a few coins in our laps and goes on his way."
"You're tone borders on the insubordinate," Duke Turomot informed her, eyes chips of ice. I don't think he's ever been insulted twice in so short a time, let alone in his own court. "My clerk will send you the law pertinent to cases in which nobles interfere with those of common blood under the protection of other nobles. These laws have been in our codes for centuries, squire, worked out by men far wiser than you. If you have no more question…?" From the way Duke Turomot turned away, he expected none.
This time, Lalasa, with the help of Lord Raoul was successful in tugging Kel down to the seat. While Raoul spoke to her quietly, I noticed the King's face. Lips, thinned and almost bloodless, were staring off into space. Queen Thayet was murmuring into his ear, keeping one hand on the fists in his lap.
Duke Turomot ended the trial without and further a due, giving instructions to his clerk and the Master Advocate. Granite cracked on bronze, and cloth rustled as we all stood. King Jonathan stood, and with Thayet on his arm they began their exit.
Kel stepped around Lalasa.
"Mindelan, don't do this!" hissed Lord Wyldon. I couldn't have phrases it better myself.
The words "half-brained, twit" were on my lips, but Kel approached the monarchs, face slightly red and asked, "Your majesties, may I speak?"
Lord Raoul rested a hand on her shoulder and said something quietly into her ear. King Jonathan raised his brows, his wife turning with him. "Squire Keladry?"
"Privately, sire, if possible?" Thank Mithros Kel has some sense still flying about in her brain. Queen Thayet nodded to her husband, and King Jonathan glanced at Turomot's clerk.
The Lord Magistrate had already vanished into his private chambers, but the clerk offered, "Sire, my office is empty, if you will excuse the clutter." He went to one of the doors that led off the chamber and opened it with a bow.
Lord Raoul asked, "May I come, too?" Kel nodded.
Kel was about to head into the room when she looked at Lalasa. "Lalasa?" she asked. "It concerns you."
Lalasa looked like she'd get more enjoyment out of wrestling lions. "My lady, I couldn't. That company's to grand for the likes of me."
Kel followed the King and Queen into the room, Raoul at her elbow.
Wyldon marched out immediately, clearly having no desire to interact with this mess on any level. If Kel hadn't been my friend, I wouldn't have been any more inclined.
Kel's parents exchanged looks themselves, and with face Yamani straight they too left, leaving me with no idea of their feelings. Roald's face was carefully blank, but in a different way. Pity stirred in my chest. Kel was obviously calling their majesties on the detestable scene that had occurred in court, and while Roald surely had a yearning for that to be fixed, knowing his parents were on the receiving end of such a personal wrath couldn't be easy. He looked at the door for a moment, half turned, then walked as quickly as possible out the door. Inness, Cleon and I were all that remained.
"Come on, you two. I'm sure you're stomach's grumbling," Inness said calmly. "There's nothing we can do by standing here and listening to our stomachs growl."
"Jump?" I asked, directing my comment to the dog which had stayed patiently throughout the entire affair. "Will you stay here for Kel?" Inness half smiled, but when Jump gave a quick bark and trotted to the door, his smile grew uneasy. "Daine," I said by way of explanation. Then I let him lead both Cleon and I out.
Cleon's face was set in a near scowl. "That bastard," he growled, voice rumbling deep in his chest. "He made a fool of the law and everyone in the room. I wouldn't trust a single person to his care as a knight. He'd poison them in their sleep because they bored him."
I bared my teeth in a soundless snarl of my own. The scene had reeked of injustice and cruelty in courtroom. I privately wished that Kel would give and earful to their majesties. How could they let a law like that to exist? It gave a bad impression all around. I resolved to look at some law books. It might be nice to know what other little surprises were hiding under the cover of justice- and what laws could be used against a cold-hearted idiot like Joren.
I waved a quick goodbye to Cleon and Sir Inness before trotting off to the library quick as I could. I had no desire to see anyone else for the rest of the afternoon. What other nobles could have the gall to try this? I wondered as I wandered bookshelves made of wizened wood. Kel told me all the time that I had learned to question everything and anything from books, and had wondered aloud more than once if I ever got tired of being so suspicious.
I wished I had been more suspicious. Paranoia isn't paranoia if someone is out to get you, and Joren was indubitably out to get Kel by whatever means possible.
I wondered what he would try next.
I had no doubt that he would. He was to obnoxious a creature to give up. Though he had stopped bullying boys as pages, he had found other ways to make lives miserable. I bet he was the sort of child that burned ants with pieces of curved glass.
I tried to settle down with the law books, but to no avail. I went back to my room and prowled around like a caged cat when my looking glass shimmered slightly and a distinct female voice asked, "Neal?"
It was Alanna, of course, and I gave her the shorthand version of the events. She was silent for a second before asking, "Did Jon show up?"
"How did you know he was there?" I asked, taken aback.
There was another second of silence before she said, face inscrutable, "I asked him to be there."
"Why?"
Alanna just flashed a smile. "That, dear squire, will have to be answered another day. I must go now, but I'll be back soon after Midwinter."
"Where are we going?"
Alanna shrugged. "I haven't received any orders from Jon, if that's what you're asking. But don't worry, even if I haven't received orders by the time I reach Corus, I'll be more than happy to beat the tar out of you until we do. Sharpen your sword, boy." With those parting words she left, image rippling before disappearing entirely.
I sat on my bed, thoughts mulled over slowly and surely, but drew a blank. I could find no reason for Alanna to send King Jonathan (nor could I believe she had the power with which to send him) to a trial about a relatively small case.
After an hour of circling thoughts, I gave up for the time being. An answer was not willing to make itself known, and a had a headache starting at the back of my head. I rubbed my eyes, feeling suddenly tired. The last three days had worn me out completely. I settled on my bed, closing my eyes for just a moment…
And I woke up the next morning with my stomach screaming in protest. It demanded to be fed know no matter what the costs. It was still a little early, so I found myself in the hot tubs of the palace, soaking away three days of near constant tension. I left feeling much better, though I dreaded the return to practice. The Stump was sure to be in a sour mood, and in those moods he had a tendency to make everyone around him miserable to.
The morning was as bad as I feared. New pages, intimidated by the formidable visage the Stump made with his scarred face, performed even worse than usual, while the rest of the pages weren't much better. The squires performed alright, though I had more than my fair share of bruises from not paying proper attention.
I had already unsaddled Bluemoon and was walking towards the palace when I spotted a strange figure for the area: one of the Yamani ladies, who usually practiced a couple of fields over from the pages and squires, came walking up to me in a short but quick gait. "Squire Neal, am I correct?" she addressed me, to my surprise. I thought that she must have come for the Stump. I looked a little closer and saw it was the same woman who had called for Kel in November, one of the ladies she usually practiced with in the morning.
I bowed properly. "Yes, my lady. How may I help you?"
Dark eyes searched my face, before she said in that same lightly accented voice, "May I inquire if you know where Squire Kel is?"
I tilted my head, brow furrowing. "Wasn't she with you this morning? I understand that you and the ladies of the Yamani court attend practice sessions with your glaives in the morning."
The woman nodded her head in a sharp, bird-like motion. "However, she did not join us this morning. Lady Ilane assured us that she was fine, but when attempting to visit her I found no sign, which worried me greatly. Might you have any suggestions?"
I bowed again. "If you are willing to wait a moment, I can ask Lord Wyldon if he will excuse me from lunch in order to help in your search."
The woman- Yukimi noh Daiomoru- I finally recalled, nodded her head in that bird-like motion again. "If you are willing to do such a favor for this unworthy one, I would be most greatly appreciative." She also bowed in Yamani fashion. I hurried across the lawn, where I was nearly accosted by my friends as to the reason Lay Yukimi had approached me. Lord Wyldon, unhappy to no mean stretch of the imagination, frowned as he considered my request. Reason, of course, won out. It would be rude for him to refuse aid for such an important member of the delegation.
I made my way back to Lady Yukimi. "Please excuse my appearance, Lady Yukimi, but I will be happy to lead you to potential hiding spots for our mutual friend."
Lady Yukimi's eyes crinkled a little, and the expression of laughter on her face made her already stunning features irresistible. "As you can see, I am far from dressed in appropriate attire myself, but I find my worry for Keladry a greater force."
As if we were wearing clothes fit for a ball, I offered her my arm, which she took with the same crinkle of laughter around her eyes.
In truth, I had no idea for sure where she might be hiding, but I had some good guesses. My first guess was the courtyard near her room as a page. Since the sparrows often flocked there when Kel returned home in order to see their brethren, it wasn't to far a stretch.
I was both rewarded and punished for my thinking. Though I found Kel in the courtyard, it caused Lady Yukimi to disentangle herself from my arm, and I regretted the absence of her smooth skin against mine. Lady Yukimi posed what sounded like an angry question in Yamani. Kel glanced at me, and then answered swiftly in the same language, then switched back to Common.
"Thank you, Neal, for helping Yuki." Her face was Yamani smooth now that she was in the presence of Lady Yukimi, then turned to her friend with a small smile. "But truly, I'm fine. Yesterday was a long day and I told Mama that I wouldn't be coming."
There was a stubborn set to Lady Yukimi's mouth that made me suspect that not all Yamani where as emotionless as they liked to seem. "Yes, but I am more curious about the why's of the matter."
"Are all Yamani this curious?" I couldn't help asking. "I was under the impression they preferred to stay silent." Lady Yukimi sent me a scalding glare, while Kel shrugged.
"When you know someone for long enough, its acceptable to show emotions in a private situation, such as with family. Besides, I've been teaching the Yamani the Tortall way of doing things. If you don't show emotion," Kel teased, "then you'll never catch a man! They'll think you to cold."
Lady Yukimi laughed then, and I finally understood the comparison between a lady's laugh and bells. "Who says I want a Tortallan man?" she sniffed, then quieted. "You are alright?" she asked Kel again, face smooth and serious.
Kel used a phrase in Yamani, then looked at me and translated, "It roughly means 'light vanquishes demons'. It's a…phrase, that Yamani's use to say that they are doing better."
Lady Yukimi frowned for a second, shaking her head, "That's not an exact translation would be closer to 'the joy of light kills the ogres of the soul'." She corrected.
The approximations were about the same to me, but I wasn't about to start a debate over the matter. As if seeing our conversation was done, Crown flew down from her tree, peeping madly, and landed on Kel's shoulder, peering at the Yamani woman. She trilled a series of notes, and several birds flew around Lady Yukimi, before settling back in their tree.
She looked a un-rattled, but I still felt she was owed and explanation. "It's Daine," I said, "All the animals around the palace have been growing more human-like the more time they spend around Daine."
"Daine is the…Wildmage?" she stumbled a little over the pronunciation, but said it perfectly after I corrected her. She smiled a little over her success, when my stomach growled.
Lady Yukimi's eyes did the crinkling action again, and I felt the urge to smile in return to such a bright face. "I suppose I'm a little hungry."
"Just suppose?" Kel said, giving me a look that I didn't understand. She then sent the same look to Lady Yukimi before smiling. "The Own's barracks will be serving food still, so if you both want, you can join me."
Lady Yukimi bowed. "My mistress does not expect me back, so I will join you." She then turned to me and bowed again. "Thank you, Squire Nealan, for your very kind help in leading me to Kel. It was a most kind thing to do."
I felt a flush creep up my neck and burrow itself in my cheeks. "Please. Lady Yukimi, it was no problem at all."
"Well, I feel as though you may as well use my nick-name, Yuki. I am sure that I will call on your help again if I cannot find Kel, and such formalities are a bit much, don't you think?"
This time, the flush felt like it would never go away. "N-neal is fine for me," I stuttered, feeling the fool. Though I would never admit it, it was one of the reasons I admired ladies from afar- I turned into a babbling idiot once I was in speaking range.
Kel put and arm on Lady Yuki's shoulder and whispered something in her ear in Yamani. I felt myself grow a little cross before Lady Yuki once more interlaced her arm with mine. Kel ended up on my other side, and before long I was asking them both intensive questions about Yamani culture. Lady Yuki seemed more than happy to speak to me about it, and more than once I found myself listening to a passionate explanation of the ins and outs of Yamani culture. We spent the entire journey like that, as well as a good portion of the conversation during the meal. I don't know if Lady Yuki grew exhausted of my questions, because she answered them in the same straightforward manner, without any hints of frustration.
Though Kel often teased my about my insatiable thirst for knowledge, there was a certain seriousness to it that I couldn't combat. I did enjoy a good book more than anything. I looked slyly as Lady Yuki, and reconsidered.
Well, almost anything.
I was surprised how easy it was to fill conversation with Lady Yuki. Like Alanna, she had a sharp tongue, but she was clever and quick-witted, easily keeping up with the conversation even in Common. I could read Yamani and a few other languages thanks to my training as a university student, but I was horribly bad at speaking them, often mixing three languages in one sentance. The sun was wearing towards the middle of the afternoon before I finally realized that Kel might some time alone with her friend. I had intended to ask how her conversation with King Jonathan had gone, but with Lady Yuki here, I wasn't quite comfortable with posing such a question. I wasn't even sure if Yuki had been aware of the trial.
Nevertheless, it was with regret that I took my leave of Lady Yuki and Kel. I was sure that they wouldn't run dry of conversation; from the look that Lady Yuki had give Kel, her explanation as to her absence had not been adequate, and she had no desire to pursue such a line of questioning in front of a relative stranger. So I have them peace and relative quiet (as the griffin still squalled in the corned). Before I left Kel eyed me again that mysterious way, then smiled brightly and waved me off, assuring me she would visit that evening.
One thing remained with me, however. Even as I bowed and went back to my rooms, the feeling of Lady Yuki's skin against mine stayed with me long into the night.
TBC