Scarlet and Evergreen
A Valdemar fanfiction by Brooklyn Bridge
Began on 02-22-02
Note to the wise: Valdemar and all connecting beings, places, and concepts thereof are property of Mercedes Lackey.
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"Good morning, Teacher." Devin turned to look at his protégé. "Good morning to you." He smiled warmly. "I take it you are here for word on your assignment." Karlina Toli-de'Farra nodded, her grin betraying her excitement. In these relatively peaceful days, it was rare for a Healer to be assigned so soon after she got her Greens. However, this young Healer possessed no ordinary combination of Gifts. "Well. Let's see. A Healer with Animal-Mindspeech.where would we put you.?" Karli mock-swung at her teacher. "Come on! I know you know what it is, and you know that I'm just dying to find out!" She shifted her weight from foot to foot like an impatient little. "Don't keep me in such suspense!"
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Rikard studied the young healer. She wasn't beautiful, nor even especially pretty. Her nose and ears were a bit too large for her round, plump face, her hair and eyebrows were bushy, and the hair above her upper lip was almost that of a young boy's moustache (a darkish peach fuzz.) But he had to give her this: there was a great deal of character behind her expressive hazel eyes, and a stubbornness in her chin to match. As he watched her bargain merrily with the friendly horse trader, her smile reached her eyes and they sparkled like twin pools in the late morning sunlight. He almost regretted starting off badly with her, but then he reminded himself that this was an assignment, that they were on business, and as a rule he never cozied up with his business partners. 'But then again, there's always a first time for everything,' he thought. He shook his head. 'Where'd that come from? I don't even know her!' That's never stopped you before, two-footed brother. Rikard looked down. Have a nice nap, oh eavesdropper? Rran rolled her eyes. You're projecting. It's not my fault I can Hear. She sniffed. You really should get that under control, you know. It could cause trouble for us later on. Rikard raised an eyebrow. Really, furry sister, you worry too much. He winked. Besides, how could a slightly leaky MindSpeech Gift cause trouble? The kyree's mental tone suddenly went serious. I mean it, Rikard, what if we're on assignment and someone is Looking for us? Or Listening? There's no way you'd be able to completely hide from someone who was Looking for you. Half-trained Gifts are just as bad as badly made guitars; both tend to slip out of tune at a moment's notice and at the worst moment possible. Promise me that you'll get training after this assignment! The kyree glared at him fiercely. The Bard waved his hands. Alright, alright, you win. I promise that I'll get training once we've finished. You'd better keep your word, Rikard. Otherwise I'll be out of a job. Or worse. Why's that? Because if they find you, they'll most likely kill you. And then I've got no partner. And if they kill me, I've got no life, either. I value my life. Very much. Point taken.
A Valdemar fanfiction by Brooklyn Bridge
Began on 02-22-02
Note to the wise: Valdemar and all connecting beings, places, and concepts thereof are property of Mercedes Lackey.
**************************************************************************
"Good morning, Teacher." Devin turned to look at his protégé. "Good morning to you." He smiled warmly. "I take it you are here for word on your assignment." Karlina Toli-de'Farra nodded, her grin betraying her excitement. In these relatively peaceful days, it was rare for a Healer to be assigned so soon after she got her Greens. However, this young Healer possessed no ordinary combination of Gifts. "Well. Let's see. A Healer with Animal-Mindspeech.where would we put you.?" Karli mock-swung at her teacher. "Come on! I know you know what it is, and you know that I'm just dying to find out!" She shifted her weight from foot to foot like an impatient little. "Don't keep me in such suspense!"
**************************************************************************
Rikard studied the young healer. She wasn't beautiful, nor even especially pretty. Her nose and ears were a bit too large for her round, plump face, her hair and eyebrows were bushy, and the hair above her upper lip was almost that of a young boy's moustache (a darkish peach fuzz.) But he had to give her this: there was a great deal of character behind her expressive hazel eyes, and a stubbornness in her chin to match. As he watched her bargain merrily with the friendly horse trader, her smile reached her eyes and they sparkled like twin pools in the late morning sunlight. He almost regretted starting off badly with her, but then he reminded himself that this was an assignment, that they were on business, and as a rule he never cozied up with his business partners. 'But then again, there's always a first time for everything,' he thought. He shook his head. 'Where'd that come from? I don't even know her!' That's never stopped you before, two-footed brother. Rikard looked down. Have a nice nap, oh eavesdropper? Rran rolled her eyes. You're projecting. It's not my fault I can Hear. She sniffed. You really should get that under control, you know. It could cause trouble for us later on. Rikard raised an eyebrow. Really, furry sister, you worry too much. He winked. Besides, how could a slightly leaky MindSpeech Gift cause trouble? The kyree's mental tone suddenly went serious. I mean it, Rikard, what if we're on assignment and someone is Looking for us? Or Listening? There's no way you'd be able to completely hide from someone who was Looking for you. Half-trained Gifts are just as bad as badly made guitars; both tend to slip out of tune at a moment's notice and at the worst moment possible. Promise me that you'll get training after this assignment! The kyree glared at him fiercely. The Bard waved his hands. Alright, alright, you win. I promise that I'll get training once we've finished. You'd better keep your word, Rikard. Otherwise I'll be out of a job. Or worse. Why's that? Because if they find you, they'll most likely kill you. And then I've got no partner. And if they kill me, I've got no life, either. I value my life. Very much. Point taken.