Hi guys! Thanx for ALL of your suggestions - I've read and considered them ALL. I think ALL of you deserve a large round of applause. *clapclapclap* I now know what to do - but if the story starts to suck...tell me NICELY and I'll rewrite it. *grin* Aren't I nice? Yes, yes I am! ;o)
Anyway, like I promised, the continuation of THIS chapter (it's *short*) and a NEW one. I AM writing IN caps ALOT today, RIGHT? I couldn't be bother italicizing and bolding my writing at the moment...
Happy reading!
Giovanna xoxo
J>7^
Part XI
The young woman had introduced herself as Kara. In an ancient language, Kara' meant expensive'. Ozorne hoped that she was expensive because she was good.
He was jolted from his thoughts by the sound of the door being locked. Puzzled, he turned and looked at Kara, who had taken the key and was now placing it carefully on the window-sill. She smiled at him.
Do you wish for privacy or not? Kara asked him in her low voice.
he replied, smiling slightly. Kara replied by widening her smile, revealing white teeth. She moved around the room, lighting several candles. Then she went to the over-large bed, sat on it, and tapped her fingers on her thighs.
How do you want to do this? she asked. Quickly? Slowly? On the floor? On the bed? Standing, sitting, upside down - how?
Unfastening his cloak and pulling off his boots, Ozorne replied, Whatever you're best at.
At first, he thought he was being attacked. Then he realized that Kara was working in a fast mode. She pushed him onto the bed, straddled him, and had him totally undressed in less than two minutes. After that, Ozorne couldn't think.
He was standing with his back turned to her. It was hard to see him - it was completely dark - but a silverish light that covered him caught her eyes.
You must be careful, Daine.
She jumped, not expecting to hear him talk in a dream. I must be careful of what? she asked, wanting to see if she could talk.
There are many in this world who would use your power for their own benefit. That is why you must be careful. Tell no one you have just met about it. Tell no one you hate about it. Don't tell many of your friends - from experience, I can truthfully say that women say weird things when with a man.
Suddenly, Daine realized that this was a memory. A memory of one of her first classes with Numair. Then why can't I hear myself when I talked on that day? she asked herself. Nervous, she cleared her throat.
Why are you telling me this again?
The man didn't even turn around. Did he hear me? she thought. Can he hear me? Numair...Numair? I'm talking to you.
Be especially careful around religious people. There are many fanatics out there that would gladly tear you limb from limb, just because they think that you are some demon. I would take it amiss and hurt such a person badly if that happened - but it's better to be safe than sorry.
Numair, when are you coming back? I need help. I need you to teach me -
You must be careful.
At breakfast the next day, Daine found Valentina My Valentine perched on a stool, muttering soundlessly as Damara checked her temperature.
she asked, grinning at Valentina as she made herself some tea.
I think it is - after all, it's spring. Spring means confused weather. Confused weather means sniffles. But Damara doesn't seem convinced.
Frowning, Damara plucked her hand off Valentina's forehead. I'm not sure, she said, but you may be running a fever.
I've had fevers before, Valentina snapped, then sneezed. I'm telling you, it's just a spring flu!
was all that came out of Damara.
Damara, you're a healer -
All I can do is mend cuts, soothe headaches, and fade bruises out. I can't use my Gift to tell if you are sick-sick or not. Damara pursed her lips. Tell you what. If you don't get better in two days, I'll give you leave and send you to a skilled healer. In the meantime, you dress warmly, drink lots of tea, and try not to work a lot.
Valentina rolled her eyes and left the room.
I'm worried about her, Pichi the Kisser whispered, turning a page of her book.
Who? Valentina?
Pichi nodded, her lips tight. It's been a week - she's had five days off, and she's looking worse.
Daine put her embroidery away. She'd never had much patience for it, and today her fingers itched more than usual. You're right. Valentina is convinced that all she has is a flu - but I've never seen a flu turn a person into a living ghost.
Just then, Damara entered the room, followed by some men. Daine stifled a sigh, but composed herself - after all, it was working hours! I miss Juliana she thought. Juliana had moved out of the Silver Temple and into the palace a few days before. Daine's day-life was less colorful without her best friend.
Oh look! whispered Pichi, sending the men sidelong glances over the rim of her book. That emperor-chap is here again.
Great. He's gone through every single girl in the Temple...I wonder... With a sigh, Daine picked up her embroidery and put it neatly away, all the while aware of the eyes of hungry men. They can't pay, they can't play. At least, not with me. Damara had made that point very clear when Daine told her that, once, a man had paid only 50% and ran off.
She was busy reading the labels of wine when the smooth, clear voice cut through her concentration.
You like wine?
Daine turned and met the amber eyes of Ozorne.ยค