~ Salvation: Chapter 2~

Kally's eyes were wide with wonder as she rode out from under the wall and into the Palace complex.  A guard smiled and waved her through.

There were so many new sights and she could barely contain her self.  Tam carried her towards a man in Herald's Whites who seemed to be waiting for her.

"You must be Kally."  He greeted her with a warm smile.

Kally nodded mutely.

"Well, dismount and I can show you around."

Kally hesitated but decided she had jumped from her attic often enough she could jump off Tam.  Placing both legs on the right side she pushed off and landed in the snow. 

The man smiled.  "I am Teren, the Dean of the Collegium.  In essence, I am the one you will be speaking to you if you get into trouble."

"The dean?"  Kally repeated.  She had heard of him.  Was she really so important to them?

"Don't worry, I don't bite."  Teren assured her.

Kally nodded.  A servant came and collected Tam.  "Can't I stay with Tam?"

Teren laughed.  "Don't worry, you will see him everyday from now on.  I imagine you are getting tired."

"A little."  Kally admitted.

"How about I show you your room and we can have a tour tomorrow."  He suggested noting the dark shadows under her eyes.

Kally nodded mutely and followed him into the massive stone building before them.  He pointed out where the bathroom was, one that was inside and flushed the waste away, and showed her the room that would be her home for the next five years. 

"Don't worry, I'll collect you for breakfast.  Are you hungry now?"

"No sir."  Kally assured him, not wanting to ask for anything.

"Sleep well than.  You are safe and welcome here.  There are few other students here now because of Midwinter so you will have time to familiarize yourself with the Collegium before classes resume."

Kally waited until the sound of his footsteps echoed down the hall and sat on the bed pushed against one wall.  It was as soft as her bed had been before she had gone to live with her uncle.

Resolutely she banished all thought of her uncle and stretched out on the bed.  Within moments she was sound asleep.

The next morning she woke at her normal time before dawn and for a few moments was confused by the strange surroundings.

"Right.  Tam."  She said as she swung her feet off the bed and stretched.

She was exploring her room when there was a knock on the door.  "Come in."  She said.

Teren opened the door.  Beside him was a young woman with thick black hair and piercing grey eyes.  She was very pretty, even with the long scar that stretched down her cheek.

"Kally, this is Elf.  She has volunteered to show you about."  Teren said by way of introduction.

Kally studied the girl again.  She was at least four years older than Kally's own twelve.  She carried herself like a queen.

"Pleased to meet you ma'am."  Kally greeted her shyly uncertain of how to address her.

Elf smiled warmly, the smile warmed her eyes and made Kally feel like smiling too.  "I am not a Ma'am, just an Elf.  Did you travel far to get here?"

As Elf moved over to the bed Kally noticed she had a pronounced limp.  She wore the grey uniform of a trainee but she had obviously been injured, badly.

"Oh yes, Tam is the fastest horse I have ever ridden.  He got us here in one afternoon."  Kally almost bit her tongue for how young she sounded.

Instead of laughing at her Elf shook her head.  "He is not a horse.  They get their nose out of joint when you call them that."

Kally felt heat climb up her neck and cheeks.  "Oh I know, it just he looks like a horse."  Again she wished she could take that back.  What would this Trainee think of her?

"I assume you already talked with the Dean and had a tour of the Collegium.  How about we put away your uniforms and go down and see Tam."  Elf gestured to the pile of grey fabric that had been left on Kally's new desk.

At the idea of seeing Tam she grabbed the uniforms and was about to shove them willy-nilly into the wardrobe when she paused.

Elf's expression hadn't changed but she knew she wouldn't impress this tidy young woman by letting her uniforms be creased before she even wore them.  Instead she carefully hung each on the hooks and hangers.

"Now, first things first.  I suppose I should show you the bathing rooms and explain the rules."

Kally nodded and hoped she would see Tam soon.  She was dumbfounded at the sight of so many bathing tubs.  Did they really bathe that often?

She took note of each of the rules Elf explained.

Finally Elf explained how often they were expected to bathe.  Everyday, and wash for all meals.

Her expression must have betrays her thoughts.

"Being clean is very important here.  No one trusts a Herald that smells bad."  Elf explained.  "If you don't bath everyday you get The Bath.  You are held down and scrubbed until you are pink.  It is not very pleasant.  After we visit your Tam you should have a bath."

Kally seemed to consider it for a moment.  "For Tam, I would do anything, even have a bath everyday." 

Elf chuckled at her grimace.  "Now we should go see Tam."

Kally almost ran out the door.  Elf followed behind her at a more sedate pace.  When they reached the legendary Companion's Field she stood on the fence and looked at the horse-like creatures enjoy the mild winter day.

"There is so many!"  Kally turned to Elf.  "Do they all have Heralds?"

"No, some haven't Chosen yet."  Elf explained.  "Do you see Tam?"

"He is right there."  Kally pointed to a stallion making his way towards them.  He was massive compared to many of the others.

"Have you worked with horses much before?"

"Not really.  We had mostly dairy cows."  Kally admitted.

"Let's go to the barn and I will help you groom him.  After this he will be your responsibility." 

Elf patiently should her how to use the many brushes explaining why it was done.  Almost a candlemark later Elf released her from the grooming lesson and shooed her out of the Stable.

"Just explore.  I have to take care of my Companion."

Kally noticed a mare standing beside Elf. 

:Come Kally.  I would like to show you my home since I barged so rudely into yours.:

"You weren't rude."  Kally assured him.  "Is Elf alright?  I mean she seems a little stiff?"

:Old injuries.:

"She reminds me of a queen.  Very regal and noble.  I hope she doesn't think me a country bumpkin."

:She was not raised in Haven either.  I have no doubt she thinks you a charming girl who is embarking on the greatest adventure of her life.:  Tam reassured her.

"But I can't even ride."  Kally cried.  "What kind of trainee can't even ride?"

:Most first year students.  Elf will make certain you have the benefit of lessons soon.  Perhaps today.

"Will they let me ride you?"

:Of course.  Who else would you ride?  Don't worry Kally, you will come to love it here.:

"I already do.  Well except for bathing everyday."  Kally grimaced.  "Was she serious about that?"

:Yes.  Try emulating her.  She won't steer you wrong.  Shall we return now?:

"I suppose."  Kally looked back over her shoulder at the Stable.  "Will she be done by now?"

:She has much more experience than you do and is very efficient.:

Together they waded through the snow to the wooden building.  Inside Elf was braiding silver ribbons and strings of blue beads into her mare's mane and tail.  She looked like incredible.  Tam agreed.

"I just need a few more minutes."  Elf smiled at Kally as her clever fingers finished the braid.

"She's so pretty."  Kally admired.  She wished she was able to do that.

The mare dipped her head gracefully in acceptance of the compliment and trotted out the doors into the snow.

"Shall we get something to eat?"  Elf suggested as she returned the grooming supplies to their place.

Kally's stomach decided to growl at that moment.

"I agree, I am starved."  Elf led her inside and into the kitchen.  Together they gathered a small feast.  Elf led Kally to her bedroom on the ground floor among the classrooms.

Kally bit her lip to keep from asking why Elf's room was down here and accepted a seat on the bed.  Elf sat in the chair at the desk.

"Well, what do you think so far?  Worth turning your life upside down?"

Kally nodded.  "It is wonderful here."  The warm room and good food loosened her tongue and it was almost a candlemark before she realised she hadn't allowed Elf to say anything.  Both had finished their meals and the empty plates had been stacked on Elf's desk.

Kally hesitated.  "Would you mind if I asked a personal question?" 

Elf smiled ruefully.  "It's from bandits." 

"You really can read minds."  Kally's eyes widened.

"Yes, but I don't unless invited.  I am just used to being asked about my scar."

"It must have hurt."  Kally said ineffectually

"It did when it happened.  If you are done we can go to the library."  Elf winked and gave her a conspiratorial smile.

"Library?"  Kally bolted off the bed.

Soon Kally was among more books than she had every seen.  The smell of the leather and the paper reminded her of the Havens.

"Can I actually read them?"

"As long as they remain up here."  Elf confirmed.  "I'll let you alone for now.  I have some chores to finish."

"Thank you Elf."  Kally said as Elf left.

"It isn't a problem."  Elf assured her.  "I was new here once too."

Kally thought Elf looked like she belonged but said nothing.  She knew in her heart that Elf was a friend for life.

When her stomach reminded her it was time to eat she returned to the kitchen and made herself a meal and headed to her room.  As soon as she was finished she decided to try one of her new uniforms on. 

Kally was admiring herself in the small mirror when someone knocked on the door and it swung open.  A woman with straight black hair and smiling eyes looked her over.

"I am Sherril.  The Riding instructor.  I had some free time and was wondering if you would like a lesson now?"

"Of course."  Kally brightened.

Her riding lesson was tiring but worth every moment.  She could now mount Tam on her own.

Afterwards Kally poured herself a bath and scrubbed herself like she did every spring wash.  Since there was instant hot water she poured herself a second bath just to soak her sore muscles in.  As the steam rose she decided that a hot bath everyday was a wonderful idea.

That evening Kally met another trainee, Deven.  He was staying with his family in the city and had returned to the palace to escape a matchmaking mother.  He was very handsome, a little older than Elf and quite a bit taller.  Kally thought he looked like a hero.  He had a strong physique and dark brown hair and blue eyes.

A Queen and her Hero.  Kally thought whimsically.  She used to dream of a hero coming and rescuing her.  In a way one had, Tam.

"Would you care to join Dev and me grooming the unpartnered Companions?"

"Could you teach me how to do those braids you used on your own Companion?"  Kally asked hopefully.

"Of course.  I promised to braid all the Companions who wished it.  You may regret your choice."

"I won't."  Kally swore.

Deven laughed.  "You will when you can't unbend your fingers."

"I still won't, even then."  Kally stated.

Elf had a massive collection of ribbons and strings of beads.  Kally had been delighted when she saw all the hard candies Elf had also brought.  Elf assured her she was to help herself to as many as she wanted.

Together they braided late into the night.  Kally felt more welcome with these two trainees in those first few hours than she had ever felt in the three years with her uncle and his family.

She had been surprised when Elf gave her a thick blanket and a pillow so she could spend the night with Tam.  Kally had given Elf an impulsive hug and led Tam to the stall farthest from the door.

As she closed her eyes and breathed Tam's scent deeply she felt like she had not only come home but that she was welcome and valued.  Something she hadn't felt in years.

The next morning Kally woke and stretched.  A bit of straw tickled her ear but she still felt content. 

:Good morning Sleepy head.:  Tam teased her.

"Good morning."  She yawned.  "Is Elf going to show me around some more today?"

:No, she has decided to let you enjoy your Midwinter day Festival.  She won't mind if you join her though.  But first you should bathe and eat.:

"I will."  Kally clambered out of her nest of blankets.

:You should meet up with Teren today so he can judge what classes you should be in.:

"Classes like sums you mean?"

:And others like Equestrian and History.:

"What I do for you."  Kally mock huffed. 

Collecting her blankets and pillow she pulled her boots back on and hurried back to the Collegium.  On her bed she found a bag of candy drops and an embroidered pillow with a Companion rearing across its face made of a dark blue silky fabric.  Beneath it was a note from Elf that simply read 'Welcome and Happy Midwinter.'

Kally set the beautiful pillow on her bed and felt a tear wend its way down her cheek.  She hadn't thought of a gift for Elf.

Kally took her favourite book, from the desk.  It was much worn and dog-eared but it was her most valuable possession.  She left the book on the bed and collected a new uniform.  She rushed through her bath hoping to find Elf still in bed.

Her hair was still damp when she knocked on Elf's door softly.  Pushing it open she saw Elf was just waking.

"Come in and close the door."  Elf invited her.

A light flared into life above the bed.  Kally jumped at its sudden appearance.

"Oh, sorry.  I forgot you didn't know.  I am a mage, I can make mage-lights."

"Like the lights in the library?  I had wondered about them."  Kally calmed down and sat on the edge of her bed.  She had the pillow in her arms.

"I want to say thank you for the pillow.  It is the prettiest thing I have ever seen."  Kally felt herself tear up again.

"I am glad you like it."  Elf smiled.

"I didn't think to get you a gift."  Kally started.

Elf pulled herself up.  "You don't need to.  It is a gift among friends, it does not need to be reciprocated."

"But I want to.  You have been so wonderful to me."  Kally thrust the book at her.

Elf accepted the book.  She knew from its worn condition she truly loved this book.  "Thank you.  I will treasure it."

Kally grinned and threw her arms about Elf's neck.  Tears poured down her cheeks.

Elf said nothing, only held her close.

Eventually Kally pulled back.  "I am getting you all wet."

Elf laughed.  "It is nothing.  I will dry and you feel better."

"Thank you for everything."  Kally sniffed.

"It is my pleasure."  Elf gathered her hands.  "Don't worry little sister, it may all seem very strange and new now but soon the Collegium will be your home and the Heralds and Trainees your family."

Kally wiped away her tears.  "Can you be my sister?  I never had one before."

"So long as you are my little sister."  Elf grinned.

Kally grinned, her face lit by the love and acceptance she had always craved and sought.

Kally had found her home.