Ch. 13
A/N not too much here. Still need suggestions for the mysterious stranger! And more info, svp, on all Tortall characters. TY! Babooshka!
"Briar!" Sandry gasped in the garden, "what time is it?"
"Almost seven hours past the noon. Why?"
"I have to get ready for diner! Uncle will never forgive me if I'm late!" Sandry hated to break up their time together; they had been discussing flowers, particularly why they had petals, and why there were so many shapes and colors. Yet both knew that the guests were very important to maintain peace throughout the land. Emelan was small, Tortall was not.
********** ( scene change thingy. Yeehaw.
"Daine?" A knock sounded on her door.
"Yes Numair."
"Are you ready to go?"
"Almost."
"Good. I'm going to wait for you right here."
"Afraid you'll get lost, Numair? The all-powerful mage dies after becoming lost in Duke's castle. I can see it now, eh?"
"Not funny, Daine. Where are the others?"
"Who? Oh, well, Kel, Neal, Cleon, and the others with them are still getting dressed. Alanna and George are dressed and looking around the art gallery. Thayet and Jon are in their room, I think. Speaking of rooms, isn't this beautiful?"
"I suppose. Are all the rooms orangey-red like this?"
"I don't think so, maybe they all have themes. Wouldn't that be beautiful?"
"Hmm, and expensive!"
"Your Grace, please hold still!" Rose Bertin was having a hard time convincing Sandry to be still for her dressing.
"Rose, it's Sandry. And you need to hurry! We only have a few minutes!"
"I understand, that. But everyone will forgive you of all tardiness the moment you enter in this dress."
"Not Madame. You know how she is about being punctual!"
"Madame can be enticed to delay all punishments until after the ball. And after the ball you shall be back at Winding Circle with your friends. Now hold still!"
::Where's Sandry?::
::Still getting dressed. Is that the Madame woman over there? Isn't that how she described her, Briar?::
::Yeah, I think so Daja. It's not like her to take so long getting dressed. Is it?::
::She's in a different world now Briar. Come on, let's go to the dining room.::
::I guess your right Tris.::
Everyone was seated in the smaller dining room. Except for Sandry. She was still held captive under Rose Bertin's needle and pin. The apprentice, Lasla, ran into the dining room to whisper into the Duke's ear as to the reason. He nodded. The duke leaned over to tell the King that Sandry would be arriving shortly. Meanwhile, at the other end of the table, The three young mages and the squires were all talking animatedly. At first, the conversation had been awkward, but now it flowed freely.
"And how many times do you have to practice that?" Tris was asking very politely.
"About four times every day." Neal was also answering politely. He didn't like that fat redhead. She was mean, and he could tell she didn't like him.
"So, Briar, how did you like Tortall? I understand you've come before…"
"Oh, yes, I have, Kel. Sandry and I came for some training, but unfortunatley, our trip was cut short by a…erm, by a gang. We did, however, get to meet your George's mother. Very interesting woman, I tell you."
"Oh yes, Briar, she is very nice.
::Where is Sandry?:: Briar asked, mildly irritated. As soon as she came in, she would releive them of the strain of polite talk.
::I don't know, but I wish she would hurry up.:: Tris looked annoyed too.
::Don't we all?:: Briar looked over at Daja's depressed face. She mindspoke: ::At least she won't have to sit here with these knight people. They are nicer than what I tought, but, oh my!:: Briar laughed out loud, as did Tris. The young tortallans stared at them oddly; what were they laughing about? Jus then, the door opened.
A few minutes ago.
"Alright, Sandry, you are free to go, and, may I add, you look exquisite!" Sandry acknowledged Rose's compliment and permission and left with a cursory glance in the mirror. She had given Rose specific instructions to make the dress very calm and modest. It was. Rose had broken her usual flamboyant style to make this beautiful dress for Sandry. She hurried down the hall, hoping no one would be too offended that she was late. As she reached the wide doors, she stopped, smoothed her dress and hair down, and calmly entered the dining hall.
Briar glanced up as the door opened. There she was. Stunning. Beautiful. The most gorgeous creature he had ever seen. She smiled coyly. Briar experienced heart palpitations.
Neal was bored with Tris, so when the doors began to open, he turned excitedly to glimpse this Lady Sandrilene. But it was not a glimpse. Once he laid eyes on her svelte form, he couldn't tear them away. He watched as she slowly glided over to her Uncle, the King, and the Queen. She curtsied perfectly, with all the grace imaginable.
"My apologies, Your Highness, Your Majesties, Your Grace."
"My niece, Lady Sandrilene fa Toren."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Sandrilene." The King smiled warmly, the Queen nodding her agreement.
"It is indeed a pleasure to be in the company of such esteemed monarchs as yourself. I am afraid that I must claim all pleasure as mine, begging your Highness grace, and your Majesties." Her Uncle nodded his elation at the wonderful reception, as the King and Queen smiled warmly. She excused herself to sit with her friends and the other young people.
"Briar, Tris, Daja, aren't you going to introduce me?"
"I'm Kelandry, Kel, rather, this is Neal, and Cleon."
"I'm so pleased to finally be able to meet you! I have heard so much of you recently. It seems that everyone in Tortall has performed wonderous deeds. Is that true? It certainly seems to be!" Sandry, ever the queen of small talk, quickly drew the foreigners out of their shells, and Neal felt she was drawing his heart away too. 'Ahh,' he smiled to himself, 'what a perfect lady!'
Dinner progressed in a normal way, with polite small talk peppering the gourmet meal. With every passing second, Neal felt himself sucked into an infatuation. Little did he know of Briar's personal battle against the love he felt for Sandry.
'She's like your sister!' he berated himself, 'I doubt it would go over well with Lark and Rosethorn anyway. But then, she's not your sister, and I do lover her…at least, I think I do. But I can't tell her. Never. I would never be able to live if I found out she didn't love me too. Besides, we're both too young…I think…'
Kel gazed at Briar, who was holding his fork in one hand, head cocked to the side, deep in thought. 'He's skinny. Well, he's not fat. But he's really built, it looks like.' Sure enough, as Briar pulled his fork up, Kel could see muscles rippling under his fine tunic. 'I wonder how he got so built? Are all plant mages like that?'
"Sandry, perhaps you could show our guests the rest of the castle…it is quite beautiful by moonlight, and I have some urgent buisiness to take care of with some of the others. Would you?"
"Of course Uncle! I would love to." The seven youths set off to explore the mighty fortress.
They were just nearing the top of the stairs when Tris called out.
"What is it Tris?" Sandry asked worriedly.
"I never knew you had this room! What is this? A doll's house?"
"Oh, that! It's an old custom…my anscestors were so obsessed with the castle that they had a model built. It's an exact replica of the real castle. Any time we move a piece of furniture or replace it, we have a new piece built. It is a wonderful curiosity. I used to play with it, when I visited. But there's not much else in here. Mainly storage. Shall we continue?"
The castle continued to amaze and delight everyone. Sandry seemed to be caught up in the excitement, having never really seen the citadel through the eyes of a visitor. As the grand tour was nearing the end, Sandry directed them down a dark flight of stairs.
"The dungeon. From when my ancestors had enemies to imprison. I don't think anyone uses it now. Very dank, but no tour of a castle is complete without a dungeon!" The others all agreed with her, but Tris shuddered at the sight of shackles hanging on the wall. Briar followed her gaze, and suddenly was overcome with the memory of the shackles in Sotat, when he and Sandry had been imprisoned. Sandry, feeling this, caught his hand, gently pressed it, and led the group away and back to their rooms in the East Wing.
AN: ok, I realize it's been a loooong while since I update. I'm sorry. I've only gotten…ermm….3 reviews, tho, so I didn't really think it was worth it. I also got involved w/the end of school, my sister's graduation, my b'day, (yes, all the same day. Incedentially, my 16th b'day was her graduation. That would be…yesterday. Yeah. That b'day sucked cotton.and now that I can drive my car (Rinfy the Sporty Volvo) I will get a job and not have a ton of time to write. This is all I have written so far, so…yeah. There you go.
Babooshka. (Good grief, I have no life. To be 16 and reading/writng fanfiction. That's really really really sad. Urgh. I need a boyfriend. If only alan or john would ask me out. Shame they only think I'm cute, and won't do anything a/b it. )
A/N not too much here. Still need suggestions for the mysterious stranger! And more info, svp, on all Tortall characters. TY! Babooshka!
"Briar!" Sandry gasped in the garden, "what time is it?"
"Almost seven hours past the noon. Why?"
"I have to get ready for diner! Uncle will never forgive me if I'm late!" Sandry hated to break up their time together; they had been discussing flowers, particularly why they had petals, and why there were so many shapes and colors. Yet both knew that the guests were very important to maintain peace throughout the land. Emelan was small, Tortall was not.
********** ( scene change thingy. Yeehaw.
"Daine?" A knock sounded on her door.
"Yes Numair."
"Are you ready to go?"
"Almost."
"Good. I'm going to wait for you right here."
"Afraid you'll get lost, Numair? The all-powerful mage dies after becoming lost in Duke's castle. I can see it now, eh?"
"Not funny, Daine. Where are the others?"
"Who? Oh, well, Kel, Neal, Cleon, and the others with them are still getting dressed. Alanna and George are dressed and looking around the art gallery. Thayet and Jon are in their room, I think. Speaking of rooms, isn't this beautiful?"
"I suppose. Are all the rooms orangey-red like this?"
"I don't think so, maybe they all have themes. Wouldn't that be beautiful?"
"Hmm, and expensive!"
"Your Grace, please hold still!" Rose Bertin was having a hard time convincing Sandry to be still for her dressing.
"Rose, it's Sandry. And you need to hurry! We only have a few minutes!"
"I understand, that. But everyone will forgive you of all tardiness the moment you enter in this dress."
"Not Madame. You know how she is about being punctual!"
"Madame can be enticed to delay all punishments until after the ball. And after the ball you shall be back at Winding Circle with your friends. Now hold still!"
::Where's Sandry?::
::Still getting dressed. Is that the Madame woman over there? Isn't that how she described her, Briar?::
::Yeah, I think so Daja. It's not like her to take so long getting dressed. Is it?::
::She's in a different world now Briar. Come on, let's go to the dining room.::
::I guess your right Tris.::
Everyone was seated in the smaller dining room. Except for Sandry. She was still held captive under Rose Bertin's needle and pin. The apprentice, Lasla, ran into the dining room to whisper into the Duke's ear as to the reason. He nodded. The duke leaned over to tell the King that Sandry would be arriving shortly. Meanwhile, at the other end of the table, The three young mages and the squires were all talking animatedly. At first, the conversation had been awkward, but now it flowed freely.
"And how many times do you have to practice that?" Tris was asking very politely.
"About four times every day." Neal was also answering politely. He didn't like that fat redhead. She was mean, and he could tell she didn't like him.
"So, Briar, how did you like Tortall? I understand you've come before…"
"Oh, yes, I have, Kel. Sandry and I came for some training, but unfortunatley, our trip was cut short by a…erm, by a gang. We did, however, get to meet your George's mother. Very interesting woman, I tell you."
"Oh yes, Briar, she is very nice.
::Where is Sandry?:: Briar asked, mildly irritated. As soon as she came in, she would releive them of the strain of polite talk.
::I don't know, but I wish she would hurry up.:: Tris looked annoyed too.
::Don't we all?:: Briar looked over at Daja's depressed face. She mindspoke: ::At least she won't have to sit here with these knight people. They are nicer than what I tought, but, oh my!:: Briar laughed out loud, as did Tris. The young tortallans stared at them oddly; what were they laughing about? Jus then, the door opened.
A few minutes ago.
"Alright, Sandry, you are free to go, and, may I add, you look exquisite!" Sandry acknowledged Rose's compliment and permission and left with a cursory glance in the mirror. She had given Rose specific instructions to make the dress very calm and modest. It was. Rose had broken her usual flamboyant style to make this beautiful dress for Sandry. She hurried down the hall, hoping no one would be too offended that she was late. As she reached the wide doors, she stopped, smoothed her dress and hair down, and calmly entered the dining hall.
Briar glanced up as the door opened. There she was. Stunning. Beautiful. The most gorgeous creature he had ever seen. She smiled coyly. Briar experienced heart palpitations.
Neal was bored with Tris, so when the doors began to open, he turned excitedly to glimpse this Lady Sandrilene. But it was not a glimpse. Once he laid eyes on her svelte form, he couldn't tear them away. He watched as she slowly glided over to her Uncle, the King, and the Queen. She curtsied perfectly, with all the grace imaginable.
"My apologies, Your Highness, Your Majesties, Your Grace."
"My niece, Lady Sandrilene fa Toren."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Sandrilene." The King smiled warmly, the Queen nodding her agreement.
"It is indeed a pleasure to be in the company of such esteemed monarchs as yourself. I am afraid that I must claim all pleasure as mine, begging your Highness grace, and your Majesties." Her Uncle nodded his elation at the wonderful reception, as the King and Queen smiled warmly. She excused herself to sit with her friends and the other young people.
"Briar, Tris, Daja, aren't you going to introduce me?"
"I'm Kelandry, Kel, rather, this is Neal, and Cleon."
"I'm so pleased to finally be able to meet you! I have heard so much of you recently. It seems that everyone in Tortall has performed wonderous deeds. Is that true? It certainly seems to be!" Sandry, ever the queen of small talk, quickly drew the foreigners out of their shells, and Neal felt she was drawing his heart away too. 'Ahh,' he smiled to himself, 'what a perfect lady!'
Dinner progressed in a normal way, with polite small talk peppering the gourmet meal. With every passing second, Neal felt himself sucked into an infatuation. Little did he know of Briar's personal battle against the love he felt for Sandry.
'She's like your sister!' he berated himself, 'I doubt it would go over well with Lark and Rosethorn anyway. But then, she's not your sister, and I do lover her…at least, I think I do. But I can't tell her. Never. I would never be able to live if I found out she didn't love me too. Besides, we're both too young…I think…'
Kel gazed at Briar, who was holding his fork in one hand, head cocked to the side, deep in thought. 'He's skinny. Well, he's not fat. But he's really built, it looks like.' Sure enough, as Briar pulled his fork up, Kel could see muscles rippling under his fine tunic. 'I wonder how he got so built? Are all plant mages like that?'
"Sandry, perhaps you could show our guests the rest of the castle…it is quite beautiful by moonlight, and I have some urgent buisiness to take care of with some of the others. Would you?"
"Of course Uncle! I would love to." The seven youths set off to explore the mighty fortress.
They were just nearing the top of the stairs when Tris called out.
"What is it Tris?" Sandry asked worriedly.
"I never knew you had this room! What is this? A doll's house?"
"Oh, that! It's an old custom…my anscestors were so obsessed with the castle that they had a model built. It's an exact replica of the real castle. Any time we move a piece of furniture or replace it, we have a new piece built. It is a wonderful curiosity. I used to play with it, when I visited. But there's not much else in here. Mainly storage. Shall we continue?"
The castle continued to amaze and delight everyone. Sandry seemed to be caught up in the excitement, having never really seen the citadel through the eyes of a visitor. As the grand tour was nearing the end, Sandry directed them down a dark flight of stairs.
"The dungeon. From when my ancestors had enemies to imprison. I don't think anyone uses it now. Very dank, but no tour of a castle is complete without a dungeon!" The others all agreed with her, but Tris shuddered at the sight of shackles hanging on the wall. Briar followed her gaze, and suddenly was overcome with the memory of the shackles in Sotat, when he and Sandry had been imprisoned. Sandry, feeling this, caught his hand, gently pressed it, and led the group away and back to their rooms in the East Wing.
AN: ok, I realize it's been a loooong while since I update. I'm sorry. I've only gotten…ermm….3 reviews, tho, so I didn't really think it was worth it. I also got involved w/the end of school, my sister's graduation, my b'day, (yes, all the same day. Incedentially, my 16th b'day was her graduation. That would be…yesterday. Yeah. That b'day sucked cotton.and now that I can drive my car (Rinfy the Sporty Volvo) I will get a job and not have a ton of time to write. This is all I have written so far, so…yeah. There you go.
Babooshka. (Good grief, I have no life. To be 16 and reading/writng fanfiction. That's really really really sad. Urgh. I need a boyfriend. If only alan or john would ask me out. Shame they only think I'm cute, and won't do anything a/b it. )