Disclaimer: The world and characters created by Mercedes Lackey belongs to her, not me.
Chapter Eleven
Gadriel stretched his head to one side and rubbed his neck. He hadn't known that stretching, pulling, pushing, and lifting could be so strenuous. But that was what Kerowyn had had him doing for two hours and he was sore. Those things he couldn't name turned out to be equipment to discover how much you could pull, push, and lift and many in positions he couldn't see the reason for. He mentally shrugged, whatever the reasoning behind it Kerowyn seemed pleased. His tutor had immediately started him on learning his alphabet when she learned he couldn't read. And he had learned how to not fall off a horse. All in all a good morning's work. He'd had lunch with the trainees and then found himself with nothing to do till Court. Kaliria had said he would probably need the time to prepare but he didn't know what he'd need. :How about preparing some of those Dracul Pendants you told me about? It's a symbol of trust right? The Queen would be honoured to receive one.: Dalina suggested.
:Queen?: Gadriel asked puzzled.
:Yes it's her turn today. Remember how I told you how her and her brother are co-rulers?: Dalina asked.
:Yes.: he replied.
:Well they take turns and today it's Queen Lyra's turn.: Dalina clarified.
:Huh.: was Gadriel's articulate reply.
Queen Lyra had been looking forward to meeting Ambassador Gadriel and for once was hoping Court would start a little sooner. The moment found her sitting on the throne as she waited for people to start trickling in. Karal, Altra, and Natoli are the first to arrive. Karal the Karsite Ambassador as always was lead by Altra ,his Firecat who let the blind man use his eyes, and was closely followed by his wife, the Master Artificer Natoli. Karal wore full Sun Priest regalia of black and gold and had short dark hair and dark eyes. He had been the Ambassador since before she was Queen and the three of them were old friends of the family. Natoli wore a long green dress with her brown hair done up and a twinkle in her hazel eyes."Good afternoon Karal, Natoli, Altra. How is Kaliria? I hear she and her friends have become acquainted with the Tribe Ambassador.." Lyra greeted them.
Natoli and Karal smiled. "Yes, they seem quite taken with him." Natoli replied.
"I think being Chosen speaks for itself." Karal added.
Lyra smiled, "As it does for you?" she asked teasingly giving a pointed look to Altra. Karal grinned.
:And you.: Altra countered. Lyra laughed. By this time many others had arrived slowly filling the Grand Hall. Queen Lyra greeted some of her other guests and many expressed interest in the ambassador who was Chosen. The Court had more people then usual today as everyone wanted a good look at the cause for the latest gossip. Speaking of which, Gadriel strolled in. He was once again wearing a tailored version of his shed hide sleeveless tunic, pants, and boots, with his hair in a high ponytail ,except his bangs, the metal grieves, and the sash with the Dragon Star over his left hip bone. Among all the colourful court garb he really stood out. His extra foot of height didn't help matters Lyra thought wryly. "Ambassador Gadriel, greetings. It's a pleasure to meet you." She said and gestured for Karal and them to come over.
"Likewise. Dalina has told me a bit about you," He lifted his hand and opened it to reveal he had been holding something made of black beads, a black disc, and silver chain, "and she suggested you would be honoured to get a Dracul Pendant." He picked it up by the end of the chain revealing it to be a pendulum. The simple silver chain lead to an obsidian bead above the black disc which had a blue sheen and two obsidian beads below it. The lower bead was smaller then the other giving an impression of a point below the disc. "Traditionally, the giving of a Dracul Pendant is a sign of faith and trust in the one who receives it." Gadriel smiled mischievously, "It can also be seen as me vouching for you, so try not to do anything to drastic."
Natoli snorted having heard the last part as she, Karal, and Altra came up. The Queen simply looked amused, "Then I would indeed be honoured to receive it." She said as she took it from Gadriel, "Thank you." Gadriel gave a respectful nod. She turned to Karal, Natoli, and Altra. "Ambassador Gadriel may I introduce Ambassador Karal of Karse, his wife Master Artificer Natoli, and the Firecat Altra. You may also like to know that Herald Trainee Kaliria is their daughter."
"Indeed it is a pleasure to meet you." Gadriel told them.
Gadriel could see the family resemblance and besides that they smelled similar. He looked toward the Firecat and realized he was very much like the Companions. He bowed respectfully :It is a pleasure to meet a Fire brother.: Altra looked startled then narrowed his eyes in speculation. Elspeth and Darkwind came in followed by a Kyree, two Gryphons, and Vree. Dalina had showed him mentally what the Kyree and Gryphons looked like so he had known what to expect but seeing them in person was different. In person you could sense the aura of danger, smell the scent of sky, earth, and the musk of feathers and fur, you could see the twinkle of mischief, curiosity, and intelligence in their eyes. Gadriel bowed as they approached, "Greetings Elspeth and Darkwind." Then just to the Gryphons, Vree, and the Kyree, :Greetings fellow fliers, den brother. I am Gadriel.:
:Black man.:Vree replied happily.
The male Gryphon tilted its head in curiosity, :Fellow flier? I see no wings on you.:
:Though it is true you do not smell human.: the female Gryphon said.
:You smell of ash, lizard, and wind.: the Kyree stated, :How curious.:
Gadriel grinned. "Gadriel, This is Trevalyn, Hydona, and Ris." Darkwind said gesturing first to the Gryphons then the Kyree.
"It is a pleasure to meet the non-humans I've heard so much about." Gadriel replied graciously. The rest of the evening was spent meeting the other ambassadors, nobles, and Guild heads.
Author's Note: Sorry for taking so long I was feeling really lazy. For those who didn't realize the 'things he didn't know' that were along one wall in the salle was weight room equipment, bench press, etc. I don't do it intentionally but I always put a humours spin on everything. Which I like but I hope I can make the serious scenes appropriately.
