Chapter 2
Disclaimer: Once again I own nothing from Tamora Pierce books.
Notes: Thanks to everyone who reviewed you were all constructive or just plain nice *beams* I'll take in what you said and at least try to have an effect on my writing. I'll try to do this more detailed now that I'm at home and not trying to rush into doing something in one class period. I'm glad you at least like the concept! Oh yes and just in case your wondering the way I pronounce Larie, I kinda made up the name, is Like Lara (as in Lara Croft) Except with the e sound at the end though I doubt you care. Well here it goes
Midwinter was soon upon them and that meant the younger pages had to work in the kitchen while the older pages served the many guests of extravagant feasts held at the castle each night. Larie wished she were older and got to serve the guests, they all seemed so interesting!
Your time will come next year, she often reminded herself.
Larie's first two nights in the kitchens were uneventful, she passed food out to the older pages standing next to Alan, making fun of there annoying etiquette teacher. On the third night, while she stood, fidgeting, as she passed down finger bowls and towels, their etiquette teacher came mumbling down the line.
" Parnifu, get out there one of the other boys has become ill. Serve table 12."
Larie was so excited! She knew she should feel sorry for the sick boy but she couldn't wait to get out among the people! So she quickly scurried out of line as she was handed finger bowls and rushed to the table.
" Hello young page!" a kindly looking man, with rather rosy cheeks, greeted.
Larie wanted to ask him a million questions but remembered her manners and just said quietly, " Good evening, sir." She then continued around the table so the rest of the guests may clean their hands. Larie listened to their conversation intently.
" It is sad about the young prince," the man who had greeted Larie said
" Yes they say when the sickness hits that fast that there isn't much hope." Replied a rather plump woman.
So it's the prince that became ill! Larie thought sadly, They must be able to find a healer somewhere that can help him!
Larie had not been paying much attention to the task before her but she was snapped back into reality when the women in front of her shrieked.
Oh no now I've done it! I won't be able to serve for another two years at this rate, She thought looking down at the woman's wet dress. She had not been paying attention and spilled the water on the women
" I am so, so sorry," She blurted as she fumbled to give the women a towel.
" Well I say this is the worst service I have ever had, I am most displeased. I request another server." The women said, very snottily, Larie thought.
" Oh no it was just a mistake," The cheery greeter told her, " There is no need for another server. He is probably just nervous."
" Your too kind sir," Larie told him, very thankful that he had come to her rescue. Who knows what the etiquette teacher would have done!
" In fact tell whoever arranges all this that I want you to serve me every night,"
" Really sir?" Larie said dumbfounded. Though this was probably no the most polite thing to say but Larie often blurted out whatever she was thinking
The man chuckled quietly; he had a nice laugh, "Really."
" Thank you. Larric of Parnifu at your service." And she walked back to the kitchen to retrieve the first course.
After that the etiquette teacher was so pleased he got permission to let Larie go into the city the next day. Larie was very happy about that since she hadn't been able to buy any of her friends Midwinter gifts yet.
The next morning was nippy but Larie didn't mind the cold much. She pulled on a cloak and headed towards the crowded marketplace with her maid, Calissony (Calli). As she waded through the many people from store to store she saw Alan's friend George. He waved merrily when he saw Larie and she waved in return as he made his way through the crowd.
" Hello Larric. Doing some shopping?" he asked her
" Yes, I might be a bit late but I still have no Midwinter gifts for my friends. Do you know what Alan might want?" Alan spent many nights in town with her thief-friend, maybe she would have told him something. " I'm really stumped"
" Hmmmm" he said thoughtfully, "He could probably use some nice warm gloves. He seems to get cold very easily and seems to have lost one of his old pair."
" Thanks for the tip! I best be off now, your welcome to come if you want but don't have me keep you from important business or anything," She told him. Which was really just a way of saying I'd love to have you around but I don't want to beg please come with me.
" I'd love to join you," He replied, his eyes dancing.
So George and Larie walked through the busy streets picking out gifts for her friends and one to send back home to Baron, who Larie had been writing ever since she arrived. After almost the whole day had gone by, Larie bid goodbye to George and trudged back to the palace with Calli in toe carrying various backs and packages. When she got to her room Calli prepared a special treat, a hot bath. After relaxing her sore muscles Larie got out of the tub and directly in to bed and fell asleep anticipating the next day, the day of mid winter when gifts were exchanged. She had completely forgotten about the prince's illness and how she planned to go visit him today not until the next morning did she realize she had forgotten all about the prince, even to get him a gift!