The Panther ~Ch.2
by Pinkpanther
Disclaimer: Anything that you might recognize from the Tortall books belongs toTamora Pierce. The events and characters in this story are purely fictional and are not based on any real-life events or people. The new characters however are mine so please do NOT use without my permission.
Enjoy!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"So tell me again, why do we have to bake out here in the sun just because there's yet another court lady coming?" complained Cleon.
"You should be used to this by now." replied Kel, shading her eyes against the brilliant sun. It was an extraordinarily hot summer day, and there was no sign of a breeze yet. They were standing in a courtyard that was used mainly for welcoming new people and made to look like a garden. Bees were humming drowsily about their business and the flowers were at full bloom. (Of course, the fact that the flowers were given magical help also made them last at full bloom for several months.) There were flowers everywhere and a fountain bubbled cheerfully in the corner. "You know that as members of the King's Council, we represent the King at minor events. Like welcoming new ladies to court, and showing them around. "
"This is so annoying. I hate these things. Those husband-hunters always size up every man that comes along, looking to see if we're rich or not, if we've got lots of titles and land. Most of them are completely brainless except in ways to gossip and make a scandal! You know what my aunt did last time I went home without Buri? She decided to give a party to welcome me and invited "every single eligible maiden" in every fief for leagues around!" moaned Sir Raoul.
"Sir Raoul!" scolded Kel. "That was highly unchivalrous of you!"
"But dewdrop, it's true!" said Cleon. "At the last ball we went to, I went without you and I was completely surrounded by this group of giggling girls. All they wanted me around for was to fetch them punch and fan them!"
Neal and a group of squires arrived. "No sign of her yet?" asked Neal
"No, Neal. I think she should be here soon though. It's past mid-morning already."
The squires milled around as the knights talked. Leaning closer, Neal whispered "You remember how easily love-sick I was before I met my darling Yamani? Well, those squires over there heard that this girl is a real beauty. They saw me coming and decided to welcome her. " He gestured and they all leaned in closer. "If she's like most of the other court ladies, she'll wrap them around her finger and have them writing poetry (most of it bad) and sighing over her."
Kel nodded and smiled. She was happy to have escaped this fate of being a useless doll that adorned the court. She was much happier being a knight, even if she did have bruises, aches and pains all the time.
The knights chatted about different things as the minutes went by.
At about an hour before lunch, they heard the rattle of hoofs on cobblestones.
They all stood up, brushing their uniforms off. Kel looked over at the squires and almost laughed. They reminded her so much of the times when she and other squires greeted other ladies and how the other squires (especially Neal) had mooned over them. The squires were now looking at each other, trying to straighten their tunics, buff their nails and flatten down their hair.
A carriage clattered into the courtyard and the knights and squires stood at attention. It wasn't just any plain carriage though. This one was pink and had curly silver trimmings. But most unbelievably, this one actually had roses and lilies that seemed to be growing out of it. It was pulled by four pretty mares with ribbons woven throughout their manes and tails. The curtains were rich cranberry velvet, covered with the daintiest white lace and pulled back partially by a matching creme satin ribbon. "Yep, definitely a girl." commented Cleon.
The carriage drew to a stop in front of the group. The coachman got down and walked to the door. All eyes were on the door as he turned the handle with silver filigree and beautiful tiger's eye gems.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you to J-Kid for the nice review. I did try to make this one longer. If this story works out, I might write a prequel about the scandal.
And now dear readers, I need some help. What is the name of Roald's fiancee and Neal's girlfriend? If there is romance later, I don't intend to break up any couples. I hope to dream up some more soon - I think I've got a plot outline already but details need to be fine-tuned. Anyway, please review. Thank you!
by Pinkpanther
Disclaimer: Anything that you might recognize from the Tortall books belongs toTamora Pierce. The events and characters in this story are purely fictional and are not based on any real-life events or people. The new characters however are mine so please do NOT use without my permission.
Enjoy!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"So tell me again, why do we have to bake out here in the sun just because there's yet another court lady coming?" complained Cleon.
"You should be used to this by now." replied Kel, shading her eyes against the brilliant sun. It was an extraordinarily hot summer day, and there was no sign of a breeze yet. They were standing in a courtyard that was used mainly for welcoming new people and made to look like a garden. Bees were humming drowsily about their business and the flowers were at full bloom. (Of course, the fact that the flowers were given magical help also made them last at full bloom for several months.) There were flowers everywhere and a fountain bubbled cheerfully in the corner. "You know that as members of the King's Council, we represent the King at minor events. Like welcoming new ladies to court, and showing them around. "
"This is so annoying. I hate these things. Those husband-hunters always size up every man that comes along, looking to see if we're rich or not, if we've got lots of titles and land. Most of them are completely brainless except in ways to gossip and make a scandal! You know what my aunt did last time I went home without Buri? She decided to give a party to welcome me and invited "every single eligible maiden" in every fief for leagues around!" moaned Sir Raoul.
"Sir Raoul!" scolded Kel. "That was highly unchivalrous of you!"
"But dewdrop, it's true!" said Cleon. "At the last ball we went to, I went without you and I was completely surrounded by this group of giggling girls. All they wanted me around for was to fetch them punch and fan them!"
Neal and a group of squires arrived. "No sign of her yet?" asked Neal
"No, Neal. I think she should be here soon though. It's past mid-morning already."
The squires milled around as the knights talked. Leaning closer, Neal whispered "You remember how easily love-sick I was before I met my darling Yamani? Well, those squires over there heard that this girl is a real beauty. They saw me coming and decided to welcome her. " He gestured and they all leaned in closer. "If she's like most of the other court ladies, she'll wrap them around her finger and have them writing poetry (most of it bad) and sighing over her."
Kel nodded and smiled. She was happy to have escaped this fate of being a useless doll that adorned the court. She was much happier being a knight, even if she did have bruises, aches and pains all the time.
The knights chatted about different things as the minutes went by.
At about an hour before lunch, they heard the rattle of hoofs on cobblestones.
They all stood up, brushing their uniforms off. Kel looked over at the squires and almost laughed. They reminded her so much of the times when she and other squires greeted other ladies and how the other squires (especially Neal) had mooned over them. The squires were now looking at each other, trying to straighten their tunics, buff their nails and flatten down their hair.
A carriage clattered into the courtyard and the knights and squires stood at attention. It wasn't just any plain carriage though. This one was pink and had curly silver trimmings. But most unbelievably, this one actually had roses and lilies that seemed to be growing out of it. It was pulled by four pretty mares with ribbons woven throughout their manes and tails. The curtains were rich cranberry velvet, covered with the daintiest white lace and pulled back partially by a matching creme satin ribbon. "Yep, definitely a girl." commented Cleon.
The carriage drew to a stop in front of the group. The coachman got down and walked to the door. All eyes were on the door as he turned the handle with silver filigree and beautiful tiger's eye gems.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you to J-Kid for the nice review. I did try to make this one longer. If this story works out, I might write a prequel about the scandal.
And now dear readers, I need some help. What is the name of Roald's fiancee and Neal's girlfriend? If there is romance later, I don't intend to break up any couples. I hope to dream up some more soon - I think I've got a plot outline already but details need to be fine-tuned. Anyway, please review. Thank you!