The Panther ~ Ch. 7
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!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"And 1, 2, 3..."
It was another hot, sunny morning. Kel and her friends were in the practice courts and all around them, other people, mostly men were exercising and practicing their swordskills. The golden glass doors led out to the archery range, where men lined up to shoot various types of bows. Kel finished her exercises with a some cool-down stretches and jogged over to get a towel from the supply closet. Sitting on a bench, she watched as Neal and Cleon sparred on the mats. Feeling her watching them, the two began to clown around and exaggerate all their moves, ending in a "dramatic finish" with Cleon holding an imaginery sword to Neal's throat. Laughing, the two came over to join Kel on the sidelines.
"Whew! It's really hot out isn't it?" complained Neal
"Not too bad. I hope there's something good for lunch, I'm really hungry." replied Kel, handing them each a towel.
"Me too! C'mon, let's hurry up, the bell's soon going to ring. Oh hang on! There's a page coming our way." The small page boy trotted over, holding out a letter. His face was flushed from the heat and he was full of the importance of his mission.
"Sir Keladry, ma'am." he puffed, bowing. "A note for you ma'am!"
"Thank you." smiled Kel, as she took the letter and sent him on his way with a fistful of sweets (now that she was a knight, she could afford more little luxuries). As she opened the heavy cream envelope, she absently noted the golden lilies on the flap. "It's from Lilian!" she exclaimed. "She says that she won't be joining us for lunch because she has a dress-fitting and a facial scheduled, but she will be going riding with us. Oh yes, she also says that she has a ladies' pony so we won't have to arrange for one."
"That's good. Hey Roald!" This last bit was aimed at the Prince who was just finishing his exercising as well.
"Yes?" he puffed. "What is it?"
"Lilian said she'll be riding with us today. Are you coming?"
"Sure, I'll be there. Usual time?"
"Yep."
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Since it was such a nice, sunny day, the friends decided to go to the dining hall by way of the herb garden and stables. As they neared the nobles' stables, they met Sir Myles and a young man just leaving.
"Good afternoon, sir." greeted Kel politely.
"Good afternoon! This is Lord Edmund of Meadowsburgh, who has just arrived at court. With your Highness' consent, may I introduce His Highness Crown Prince Roald, Sirs Keladry, Cleon and Neal." Lord Edmund bowed deeply.
"I am honoured, Higness, Sirs, to make your aquaintaince."
"I have just taken delivery of a fine new stallion." continued Sir Myles. "Lord Edmund has a keen interest in horses and has also recently bought a new mare."
"Yes, I hope to gentle her a bit more, before finding a buyer."
"A mare? How old is she?" asked Roald, eagerly.
"Very young, actually. Would you like to see her?"
"Yes! I'm actually looking for another horse right now. Would it be possible right now, before lunch?"
"Certainly! Anything, for your Highness."
"If you will excuse me," put in Sir Myles "I'm going to go back to my rooms before lunch. Good day."
"Good-bye!" they replied, as they all went into the stables.
~~~~~~~~~~~
"Wow! She is a beauty!" breathed Roald. The mare, who was white with grey dapples, had heard them come, and had put her nose over the side to greet them.
"Yes, she comes originally from the Copper Isles." Lord Edmund stroked her nose. "She is very spirited and so is a bit too lively for a lady." Pausing, he excitedly said "Your Highness, I'd like to make you an offer. I need someone to exercise her and I don't really trust the stableboys - a mare of her fine quality needs an expert horseman. Would you like to ride her while she's here?"
"Would I? I'd love to!" Roald sounded as excited as a tiny child who's just been offered a sweetshop.
"Then it's settled. Her tack is in the care of the grooms and you may ride her anytime." beamed Lord Edmund.
"That's fine and dandy. Can we PLEASE go to lunch now? I'm starved!" moaned Cleon.
"Lord Edmund, would you like to join us for lunch?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The four friends were lazing around on the benches of the herb garden next to the stables. Full and comfortable, they waited for Lilian to show up. Bees hummed and the spicy scent of the herb plants tickled their noses. The fountain in the courtyard bubbled merrily. In the distance, they could hear footsteps coming closer. Then they heard the cheerful light voice of Lady Lilian floating towards them. "Good afternoon, all of you. Isn't this such a beautiful warm day! Kel, honey, I'm so glad you got my little note, I wasn't sure if I should ask for a reply or not, but then I decided that since you were exercising she wrinkled her nose slightly you might be too busy. "
"And good day to you too!" Kel laughed at her long sentence. Lilian wore a light blue velvet jacket tailored to accentuate her figure and trimmed with layers of delicate white lace around the cuffs and neckline. The matching lady's riding skirt was very full and long with a double layer of ruffles at the bottom. The toes of shiny black boots peeked out from beneath the skirt. Perched on top of her black silky hair was a pretty straw hat with (of course!) tiny rosebuds and ribbons that fell to her waist. In contrast to her girlishness, the knights wore practical breeches and shirts.
"What kind of horse do you ride?" asked Roald
"Oh, I just bought this absolutely darling little white lady's pony a few months ago. The Daughter at the convent highly recommended her. I simply can't ride any faster than at a slow canter. Speaking of which, where are the horses?"
"We always saddle our own." answered Kel, getting up. "The stablemen have enough to do without us adding to their work. Besides, when you're on the road, you have to do it yourself."
"S-s-s-saddle our own?" stammered Lilian. "B-b-b-but I don't know how! I've never even been in a stable before."
"I can show you." offered Neal. "It isn't hard."
"B-b-b-but I couldn't possibly lift that heavy saddle!" fretted Lilian
"That's okay. I can saddle your pony for you." Replied Neal. After all, she did look too delicate to lift the saddle.
"Would you? Oh, that's so sweet of you, thank you." said Lilian, gratefully.
"Come on, let's go." called the ever impatient Cleon, who had gone on ahead.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Poor Lilian! Kel had never seen anyone so scared of horses before. Upon entering, she picked up her skirts carefully to keep them out of the mud. But as soon as the horse on the left looked at her, she squealed, backed away and bumped into the stall on the right, apologizing to the wall as she did so. This next horse turned to sniff her politely, whereupon Lilian dropped her skirts and with trembling legs, ran to catch up with Cleon.
"What's your pony's name?" asked Neal, looking at the board that listed each pony's name and location.
"Daisy." she trembled as the giant black stallion next to her showed her his teeth.
"C'mon, this way."
"We're gone to get our horses." called Kel as she and Cleon went in the opposite direction.
As soon as they reached Daisy's stall, Lilian made her way to a clean bale of straw. Placing her handkerchief on the straw, she decidedly unelegantly plopped herself down, still shaking. Daisy, who was a short and very fat white pony shuffled over sleepily.
"Where's her tack?" asked Neal, looking around.
"I think it's in the trunk over there." she pointed. Neal went over, and opened the lid of the beautiful wooden trunk. He lifted out a pale violet saddle blanket embroidered with golden roses. After placing it on Daisy's back, he went back. He gasped as he lifted out the next item, a gleaming sidesaddle with the Ravenswood armoury ensignia on it. He was holding a fortune in leather in his arms.
"Pretty thing isn't it?" commented Lilian, casually. Neal could only nod. The goods from this armoury were known for high quality and high price. He carefully finished saddling the pony and then his own horse. Leading the two, he and Lilian went back outside.
"Took you long enough!" commented Roald cheerfully.
"Let's go!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The weeks flew by. Lilian had become one of the group, and the friends settled into a comfortable routine. In the early mornings, the knights exercised and Lilian had her beauty routine. At lunch, Lilian sometimes sat with them or with other courtiers. In the early afternoons, Lilian joined the court ladies' sewing (and gossip) circles. Every week, she would give an afternoon tea party to which Kel was always guaranteed an invitation. Being a favourite among the other empty-headed court ladies because of her generosity and how she didn't aggressively hunt their suitors, she was always full of the latest news and gossip. Despite their different personalities, Kel had become a close friend of hers, and often, she would just invite Kel, Shinko and Yuki to her suite for tea, chocolates and a chat. In the late afternoon, the knights and Lilian would usually go for a ride, occasionally accompanied by Shinko and Yuki. To sum this up, she had settled down to the life of a court
lady.
It was another lovely hot day. The knights and Lilian were lounging in the herb garden again, before going out on a ride. Lilian, who was wearing the blue velvet riding habit again, was just telling Kel "simply the most THRILLING news" when Lord Edmund strode into the garden. "Hello, wonderful day!" he boomed. Lilian jumped up and went over to take his arm.
"Hello Edmund, darling. Did you come to visit me?" she smiled coquettishly.
"No, I was going to go for a ride and visit Flurrie. Greetings Your Highness, Sir Kel, Neal, Cleon." he nodded.
"Won't you come for a ride with us then, darling? I'm sure they don't mind."
"Certainly, if the lords and lady do not mind!"
"Please do." spoke up Kel, eagerly.
"Fine by me."
"Sure!"
"In that case,.... you boy!" called to a small stableboy. "Saddle these ladies' and gentlemen's horses as well as mine."
"No, that's fine,..." protested Kel.
"The boy needs the experience." before she could protest further, he went on "So tell me, Highness, I hear that you are working a wonder with Flurrie."
"She is magnificent!" Roald answered eagerly. "She has a smooth gait. The only problem is that this week, she seems to be getting quite skittish. A few days ago, she was so nervous that we had to walk all the way back. But she was fine again yesterday."
Lord Edmund looked very worried. "Perhaps I should find someone else to ride her then. If something were to happen to you, the Crown Prince...."
"No, that's alright. She's used to me now and she just needs a firmer hand."
He still looked doubtful. "If you're quite sure..."
"Yes! I really like her."
The boy and a friend came back a long while later with all the horses. "Ah, there you are! Thank you." said Lord Edmund, flipping him a coin.
"Ladies first." he bowed to them, as Kel and Lilian glanced at each other trying not to giggle. As the group crossed the courtyard, Lilian waved merrily to Daine, who was sitting on the edge of the garden fountain, deep in serious conversation with some ravens. All of them, except Lilian, mounted up from the ground.
"Oh dear!" she exclaimed almost as she was about to mount from the ladies' mounting block (sidesaddles and long skirts made it hard to do). "I left my gloves in the garden. I won't be a minute!" she called, trotting off to fetch them.
But as Lilian entered the courtyard again, she was met by screams from the horses and shouts of "No, Highness!" "Stop her!" Flurrie was bucking madly and kicking, the light of madness in her eyes. Roald was on her back trying desperately to control her. Suddenly, she reared and screamed. The next moment, she had started galloping headlong out the yard and into the Forest. "Follow him." yelled Edmund, digging his heals in.
"Lily, run and get Daine." shouted Kel as she, Cleon and Neal tore madly after the runaway horse.
"Daine, DAINE!" she screamed hysterically, grabbing her skirts and running towards the fountain. "Flurrie -- Roald--ran off--stop her!" she gasped, panting. Daine, immediately understanding the situation, gave a brisk nod and shifted to hawk form. She took to the skies after them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks to Jarna Hill, Empress Celeste, Caitlin M and Silver for the lovely reviews.
OK, I won't keep you longer, go onto the next chapter!
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!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"And 1, 2, 3..."
It was another hot, sunny morning. Kel and her friends were in the practice courts and all around them, other people, mostly men were exercising and practicing their swordskills. The golden glass doors led out to the archery range, where men lined up to shoot various types of bows. Kel finished her exercises with a some cool-down stretches and jogged over to get a towel from the supply closet. Sitting on a bench, she watched as Neal and Cleon sparred on the mats. Feeling her watching them, the two began to clown around and exaggerate all their moves, ending in a "dramatic finish" with Cleon holding an imaginery sword to Neal's throat. Laughing, the two came over to join Kel on the sidelines.
"Whew! It's really hot out isn't it?" complained Neal
"Not too bad. I hope there's something good for lunch, I'm really hungry." replied Kel, handing them each a towel.
"Me too! C'mon, let's hurry up, the bell's soon going to ring. Oh hang on! There's a page coming our way." The small page boy trotted over, holding out a letter. His face was flushed from the heat and he was full of the importance of his mission.
"Sir Keladry, ma'am." he puffed, bowing. "A note for you ma'am!"
"Thank you." smiled Kel, as she took the letter and sent him on his way with a fistful of sweets (now that she was a knight, she could afford more little luxuries). As she opened the heavy cream envelope, she absently noted the golden lilies on the flap. "It's from Lilian!" she exclaimed. "She says that she won't be joining us for lunch because she has a dress-fitting and a facial scheduled, but she will be going riding with us. Oh yes, she also says that she has a ladies' pony so we won't have to arrange for one."
"That's good. Hey Roald!" This last bit was aimed at the Prince who was just finishing his exercising as well.
"Yes?" he puffed. "What is it?"
"Lilian said she'll be riding with us today. Are you coming?"
"Sure, I'll be there. Usual time?"
"Yep."
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Since it was such a nice, sunny day, the friends decided to go to the dining hall by way of the herb garden and stables. As they neared the nobles' stables, they met Sir Myles and a young man just leaving.
"Good afternoon, sir." greeted Kel politely.
"Good afternoon! This is Lord Edmund of Meadowsburgh, who has just arrived at court. With your Highness' consent, may I introduce His Highness Crown Prince Roald, Sirs Keladry, Cleon and Neal." Lord Edmund bowed deeply.
"I am honoured, Higness, Sirs, to make your aquaintaince."
"I have just taken delivery of a fine new stallion." continued Sir Myles. "Lord Edmund has a keen interest in horses and has also recently bought a new mare."
"Yes, I hope to gentle her a bit more, before finding a buyer."
"A mare? How old is she?" asked Roald, eagerly.
"Very young, actually. Would you like to see her?"
"Yes! I'm actually looking for another horse right now. Would it be possible right now, before lunch?"
"Certainly! Anything, for your Highness."
"If you will excuse me," put in Sir Myles "I'm going to go back to my rooms before lunch. Good day."
"Good-bye!" they replied, as they all went into the stables.
~~~~~~~~~~~
"Wow! She is a beauty!" breathed Roald. The mare, who was white with grey dapples, had heard them come, and had put her nose over the side to greet them.
"Yes, she comes originally from the Copper Isles." Lord Edmund stroked her nose. "She is very spirited and so is a bit too lively for a lady." Pausing, he excitedly said "Your Highness, I'd like to make you an offer. I need someone to exercise her and I don't really trust the stableboys - a mare of her fine quality needs an expert horseman. Would you like to ride her while she's here?"
"Would I? I'd love to!" Roald sounded as excited as a tiny child who's just been offered a sweetshop.
"Then it's settled. Her tack is in the care of the grooms and you may ride her anytime." beamed Lord Edmund.
"That's fine and dandy. Can we PLEASE go to lunch now? I'm starved!" moaned Cleon.
"Lord Edmund, would you like to join us for lunch?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The four friends were lazing around on the benches of the herb garden next to the stables. Full and comfortable, they waited for Lilian to show up. Bees hummed and the spicy scent of the herb plants tickled their noses. The fountain in the courtyard bubbled merrily. In the distance, they could hear footsteps coming closer. Then they heard the cheerful light voice of Lady Lilian floating towards them. "Good afternoon, all of you. Isn't this such a beautiful warm day! Kel, honey, I'm so glad you got my little note, I wasn't sure if I should ask for a reply or not, but then I decided that since you were exercising she wrinkled her nose slightly you might be too busy. "
"And good day to you too!" Kel laughed at her long sentence. Lilian wore a light blue velvet jacket tailored to accentuate her figure and trimmed with layers of delicate white lace around the cuffs and neckline. The matching lady's riding skirt was very full and long with a double layer of ruffles at the bottom. The toes of shiny black boots peeked out from beneath the skirt. Perched on top of her black silky hair was a pretty straw hat with (of course!) tiny rosebuds and ribbons that fell to her waist. In contrast to her girlishness, the knights wore practical breeches and shirts.
"What kind of horse do you ride?" asked Roald
"Oh, I just bought this absolutely darling little white lady's pony a few months ago. The Daughter at the convent highly recommended her. I simply can't ride any faster than at a slow canter. Speaking of which, where are the horses?"
"We always saddle our own." answered Kel, getting up. "The stablemen have enough to do without us adding to their work. Besides, when you're on the road, you have to do it yourself."
"S-s-s-saddle our own?" stammered Lilian. "B-b-b-but I don't know how! I've never even been in a stable before."
"I can show you." offered Neal. "It isn't hard."
"B-b-b-but I couldn't possibly lift that heavy saddle!" fretted Lilian
"That's okay. I can saddle your pony for you." Replied Neal. After all, she did look too delicate to lift the saddle.
"Would you? Oh, that's so sweet of you, thank you." said Lilian, gratefully.
"Come on, let's go." called the ever impatient Cleon, who had gone on ahead.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Poor Lilian! Kel had never seen anyone so scared of horses before. Upon entering, she picked up her skirts carefully to keep them out of the mud. But as soon as the horse on the left looked at her, she squealed, backed away and bumped into the stall on the right, apologizing to the wall as she did so. This next horse turned to sniff her politely, whereupon Lilian dropped her skirts and with trembling legs, ran to catch up with Cleon.
"What's your pony's name?" asked Neal, looking at the board that listed each pony's name and location.
"Daisy." she trembled as the giant black stallion next to her showed her his teeth.
"C'mon, this way."
"We're gone to get our horses." called Kel as she and Cleon went in the opposite direction.
As soon as they reached Daisy's stall, Lilian made her way to a clean bale of straw. Placing her handkerchief on the straw, she decidedly unelegantly plopped herself down, still shaking. Daisy, who was a short and very fat white pony shuffled over sleepily.
"Where's her tack?" asked Neal, looking around.
"I think it's in the trunk over there." she pointed. Neal went over, and opened the lid of the beautiful wooden trunk. He lifted out a pale violet saddle blanket embroidered with golden roses. After placing it on Daisy's back, he went back. He gasped as he lifted out the next item, a gleaming sidesaddle with the Ravenswood armoury ensignia on it. He was holding a fortune in leather in his arms.
"Pretty thing isn't it?" commented Lilian, casually. Neal could only nod. The goods from this armoury were known for high quality and high price. He carefully finished saddling the pony and then his own horse. Leading the two, he and Lilian went back outside.
"Took you long enough!" commented Roald cheerfully.
"Let's go!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The weeks flew by. Lilian had become one of the group, and the friends settled into a comfortable routine. In the early mornings, the knights exercised and Lilian had her beauty routine. At lunch, Lilian sometimes sat with them or with other courtiers. In the early afternoons, Lilian joined the court ladies' sewing (and gossip) circles. Every week, she would give an afternoon tea party to which Kel was always guaranteed an invitation. Being a favourite among the other empty-headed court ladies because of her generosity and how she didn't aggressively hunt their suitors, she was always full of the latest news and gossip. Despite their different personalities, Kel had become a close friend of hers, and often, she would just invite Kel, Shinko and Yuki to her suite for tea, chocolates and a chat. In the late afternoon, the knights and Lilian would usually go for a ride, occasionally accompanied by Shinko and Yuki. To sum this up, she had settled down to the life of a court
lady.
It was another lovely hot day. The knights and Lilian were lounging in the herb garden again, before going out on a ride. Lilian, who was wearing the blue velvet riding habit again, was just telling Kel "simply the most THRILLING news" when Lord Edmund strode into the garden. "Hello, wonderful day!" he boomed. Lilian jumped up and went over to take his arm.
"Hello Edmund, darling. Did you come to visit me?" she smiled coquettishly.
"No, I was going to go for a ride and visit Flurrie. Greetings Your Highness, Sir Kel, Neal, Cleon." he nodded.
"Won't you come for a ride with us then, darling? I'm sure they don't mind."
"Certainly, if the lords and lady do not mind!"
"Please do." spoke up Kel, eagerly.
"Fine by me."
"Sure!"
"In that case,.... you boy!" called to a small stableboy. "Saddle these ladies' and gentlemen's horses as well as mine."
"No, that's fine,..." protested Kel.
"The boy needs the experience." before she could protest further, he went on "So tell me, Highness, I hear that you are working a wonder with Flurrie."
"She is magnificent!" Roald answered eagerly. "She has a smooth gait. The only problem is that this week, she seems to be getting quite skittish. A few days ago, she was so nervous that we had to walk all the way back. But she was fine again yesterday."
Lord Edmund looked very worried. "Perhaps I should find someone else to ride her then. If something were to happen to you, the Crown Prince...."
"No, that's alright. She's used to me now and she just needs a firmer hand."
He still looked doubtful. "If you're quite sure..."
"Yes! I really like her."
The boy and a friend came back a long while later with all the horses. "Ah, there you are! Thank you." said Lord Edmund, flipping him a coin.
"Ladies first." he bowed to them, as Kel and Lilian glanced at each other trying not to giggle. As the group crossed the courtyard, Lilian waved merrily to Daine, who was sitting on the edge of the garden fountain, deep in serious conversation with some ravens. All of them, except Lilian, mounted up from the ground.
"Oh dear!" she exclaimed almost as she was about to mount from the ladies' mounting block (sidesaddles and long skirts made it hard to do). "I left my gloves in the garden. I won't be a minute!" she called, trotting off to fetch them.
But as Lilian entered the courtyard again, she was met by screams from the horses and shouts of "No, Highness!" "Stop her!" Flurrie was bucking madly and kicking, the light of madness in her eyes. Roald was on her back trying desperately to control her. Suddenly, she reared and screamed. The next moment, she had started galloping headlong out the yard and into the Forest. "Follow him." yelled Edmund, digging his heals in.
"Lily, run and get Daine." shouted Kel as she, Cleon and Neal tore madly after the runaway horse.
"Daine, DAINE!" she screamed hysterically, grabbing her skirts and running towards the fountain. "Flurrie -- Roald--ran off--stop her!" she gasped, panting. Daine, immediately understanding the situation, gave a brisk nod and shifted to hawk form. She took to the skies after them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks to Jarna Hill, Empress Celeste, Caitlin M and Silver for the lovely reviews.
OK, I won't keep you longer, go onto the next chapter!