Hey everyone! This one came up a lot faster than the last, no? Remember ~
reviews are appreciated at the end, regardless of who you are or what you
think of this story. Suggestions and ideas are welcomed and you'll get
credit if I use your idea unless you're a character *ducks pointy objects
thrown at her* because you practically write your parts at times anyways.
*warning* here's where a good deal of mush comes in. Please, now go on and
read since you've probably skipped over half of this anyways.
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Alyse was warmly welcomed the few days before when she had arrived at the palace and was now waiting for Faleron to arrive. His ordeal wouldn't be for over a month, but that was just time they could spend together since she hadn't seen him for months. Right now, though, she was celebrating her belated 17th birthday with the Yamanis ladies and Kel since she had missed it while on the road.
"More tea?" asked Shinko politely in Yamanis, passing her the kettle of hot water. "So, how is it having your memory back and living with your cousins all the way up north?"
"Yes, how are things for you? You haven't met anyone who would take Faleron's place, now would you've?" teased Yuki, delicately tasting a rice cake. Alyse blushed slightly, keeping her eyes towards the ground.
"No, there is no one who could replace Faleron..."
"I heard that your cousin's steward was quite handsome," said Lady Haname, keeping her face completely straight. "Surely you have noticed that at least?"
"Levi? Yeah, I guess he's kinda cute, if you go for the tall, dark and handsome look..." Alyse shrugged, sipping her tea. "Even if I did have an interest in him, he has someone else he's in love with. I overheard him and his father talking one night about him getting married since everyone else is settled down in his family. He said he was waiting for someone, but refused to say who it was."
"Secret lover? Wonder who it is," murmured Shinko, her eyes dancing merrily. "Wouldn't be one of your cousins, would it?"
"I doubt it," said Alyse, shrugging. "Elizabeth was forbidden by Amanda not to play with his heart, and Amanda, well, she...there's really no way to describe her."
Kel smiled, nodding her head slightly. "I know exactly what you mean. She's very nice when she wants to be, its those times her tongue gets the better of her that drives guys away."
"Is that why the King is so persistent in her finding a husband?" asked Shinko, having overheard something from her father-in-law earlier on.
"Yeah, I guess so," replied Alyse, shrugging slightly. She pulled out one of her fans and began juggling it carelessly, never missing the dull end as it spun round and round. Yuki's eyes followed her movements for a moment before getting dizzy.
"ugh..."
"What's wrong?" asked Shinko, her brow furring in worry.
"Alyse's fan is making me dizzy..." The room erupted in laughter as Alyse put it up, a teasing look dancing in her eyes. It was good to be among her friends again.
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Libby and Artman had ridden into a small fief last night just after dark with their escort of a squad of the King's Own. They had been given rooms around a large courtyard, and right about now everyone was waking up. Libby quickly got dressed and threw on her cape, walking out the door. 'Thwap!' Libby wiped the snow out of her eyes as Artman lay on the ground laughing, a pile of snowballs beside him.
"Oh, now you're gonna get it," she growled, getting some snow in a ball. Taking careful aim, she hit him on the side of his face, stopping his laughter quite effectively.
"Hey!" yelled Artman, scrambling to his feet. "That wasn't fair."
"Neither was getting me without me knowing it." Libby stuck out her tongue.
"Let's see you dodge this, then!" Libby ducked, letting a snowball wiz over her head and hit the lieutenant who happened to be standing behind her. "Oops..."
The man stood there for a moment before turning and looking at Artman, his eyes unreadable. "You know what this calls for?" he said, getting the attention of some other King's Own in the courtyard.
"What, sir?"
"SNOWBALL WAR!!!" The lieutenant began scooping up balls of snow and hurling them at anything that moved, including some of the fief's family members. Libby retaliated with some snowballs of her own, directing them at him and Artman. One hit her on the arm and she turned to see a little girl standing there with an impish look on her face.
"Oh, why you little~" 'Sploosh!' Libby was effectively cut off by a snowball courtesy of the little girl's brother. The man in charge of the fief peeped his head out the door, wandering what all the commotion was about. He was rewarded with getting a snowball in the back of his head and soon joined the fight. Lots of snow + lots of adults acting like kids = lots of fun!
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Mouse and Allie sat in their room, looking at the little girl who sat across from them. They had identified her mother as a member of the Rouge a few minutes after having returned, which was both a good and bad thing. It was good because they could fit some pieces in this puzzle. It was bad because it meant that she was now in the Rouge's care, which Vixen had ever so 'graciously' given the job to them.
"What are we supposed to do with her now?" asked Allie, looking at Mouse expectantly. "I mean, I know our 'good queen Vixie' gave her to us to take care of, but~"
"Was that meant to be sarcastic?" asked Vixen from the door, having been walking by.
"If sarcasm were water, we'd all be drowning," replied Allie, giving her a death glare. "Now go."
"Wait a sec, I thought I was the one in charge here~"
"Just go."
"Tsk, tsk, Allie, talking to your superiors like that." Vixen knew she was crossing the line as Allie's eye began to twitch. "Alright alright, I'm leaving."
"Now, as for my question..."
"I don't know," replied Mouse, keeping her eyes trained on the girl. "Considering the fact that I've never raised children before. Let's start with this, what's your name, little girl?"
".....Karalee."
"Ok, Karalee, and how old are you?"
"........six."
"See? It shouldn't be that hard," said Mouse, looking at Allie.
"Good, then you can take care of her most of the time."
"What?"
'Slam!' Mouse looked at Allie's empty chair, then at the door.
"Why that no good~" She was stopped as a pair of arms threw themselves around her neck. "What the~"
"Are you my mommy now?" asked Karalee, looking up at her with these huge puppy eyes.
"Well, I..."
"And am I going to live with you now? Will I ever have to go back?"
"Um~"
"And what about my aunt? Will she be looking for me or am I safe here?"
"I DON'T KNOW!!" yelled Mouse, scaring Karalee almost the point of tears. "Will you stop asking questions???"
"Yes ma'am..." Mouse sighed as the tears began to flow.
"Oh, alright. I'm sorry for yelling at you." The tears stopped, but she continued to sniff softly. "I don't know what's going to happen. Look, I can't guarantee that you'll be here very long or that everything will be ok, but I promise that as long as you're with me you'll be safe. Deal?"
Karalee nodded, her eyes shinning as she gave Mouse a death-grip hug. "Aww, how sweet," said someone from the door.
"Shut-up, Allie." Mouse got an idea and began to whisper in Karalee's ear.
"Hey, wait a sec here. What are you telling that kid? Mouse!" The girl flung herself at Allie, effectively attaching herself on the young woman's waist. "Mouse..."
"Auntie Allie, will you read me a story?" said Karalee sweetly, giving her the puppy eyes.
"You devil," growled Allie at Mouse. Turning to the girl she added, "No, I will not read you a story. And who said you could call me Auntie Allie?"
"Mama Mouse did!" exclaimed Karalee, getting all happy and bouncy. "I now have an Auntie Allie and a Mama Mouse! Whoopee!"
Allie and Mouse traded glances as the girl bounced around the room, sharing the exact same thought. [Oh my gosh....]
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Kyle had been running hard for three days now through the snow, trying to make it to the cave Daine had told him to meet her at on time. Something important had happened. What it was, he wasn't sure, but her message had been urgent and very crisp.
Glancing at the sun as he saw the cave through the trees he knew he was already an hour late and pressed on, knowing it would now only be a few more minutes. He ran in to see Daine pacing back and forth on the hard dirt floors, her face betraying her anxiety.
"What is it?" he asked, sitting down on a near by boulder. "What was so important that I had to drop everything and run for three days?"
"I got a message from the palace," explained Daine, digging out a note from her pouch. "You're to return to the palace immediately. Something to do with your father."
"Did it tell you anything else?" asked Kyle anxiously, rising to his feet.
"No, only to send you as soon as possible. I've arranged with a few friends of mine for you to ride south through a secret pass that stays open year round. I'll warn you now, its guarded by immortals and the only reason you're being let through is because of me and your gift."
"Thanks, where's the horse I'll be taking," said Kyle, slinging his things over his back.
"Horse?" said Daine, eyes dancing. "Who said anything about a horse. You're riding a wild cat near by."
"I'm riding a what?"
"She knows everything about this area and is well known by the immortals. It is the only way south until March, understand?"
"Yes, ma'am. But a wild cat..."
A large predator who's shoulder went up to his hips stalked in, yellow eyes searching them. "Nighteyes," said Daine cheerfully, greeting the wild cat with affection. "Thanks for the help, this means a lot to me."
The cat nodded, glancing at Kyle. "What?" said Daine. "Oh, yes he's the one you're to take south for me. Only to Henderson fief, he has a mount he can get there."
"I'm ready if she is," said Kyle, walking to her side. "Am I just to ride on her back?"
"That's the idea," said Daine, watching as Kyle mounted Nighteyes as best he could. "There, now just hold tight with this harness she said you could use. Don't be jerking on it or try to lead her because she already said she won't stand for it."
"Yes, Daine." The wild cat turned and headed out the door and was almost outside when Kyle added, "And Daine?"
"Yeah, Kyle?"
"Thanks!"
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Amanda sat on top of her highest tower, griffin feather in hand as she stared up at the stars. It was cold out, yet she wore only her breeches, boots, sword shirt, and leather jerkin that was hanging open. Things had been crazy lately, with Mid-winter coming closer and everyone scrambling around for last minute gifts.
The moon was full, and its soft light played off of the brindled feather that she usually kept in her room. An immortal's feather. She could probably sell it for several gold nobles, but it was worth more than any price they could pay. Many things from this world were.
The trap door opened and Levi came up, seeing her perched near the edge sitting Indian style. "Hey," he said, hoping not to startle her.
"Hey," she replied, her voice unusually soft as she continued to stare off into space.
"Um...I was wondering, Amanda...."
"Yeah?"
"...could we talk for a minute?"
"Sure, you know the rule. I'll listen when ever you need me to."
"...yeah." He walked over and sat beside her, feeling her shiver as his hands brushed her back. "Cold? Here, you can use my cloak." She didn't bother telling him she wasn't shivering from the cold and accepted it, wrapping it tightly around her shoulders.
"So, what was it you wanted to talk about?" she asked, trying not to yawn.
"Um, remember a few weeks ago when we were talking?"
"Yeah?"
"And we were sort of interrupted?"
"Oh yeah, by the Shang Lynx. Thank goodness, he finally left. He's nice and all and I don't mind having him around, just not for extended periods of time in my house. He could be such a pain sometimes...anyways. What was it you were saying again?"
"........never mind. Want to go play chess downstairs? We haven't done that for awhile."
"We just played last night, as we have every night since we came back from the progress."
"Well, we haven't played yet tonight and there's no reason to break the habit yet, is there?"
"Um, ok..." Amanda frowned at this sudden change of topic, but followed him down, offering him his cloak at the bottom of the stairs. "Here's you cloak~"
"Keep it," said Levi, "Yours is all beat up since you took it with you into the woods for a ride. So you can have mine."
"But don't you need it?" asked Amanda, opening the door into her study.
"No, I'm getting a new one for mid-winter, and since I didn't get you anything yet, consider it your gift."
"........um, ok...." Amanda went to the board and began to set up the pieces, sitting in her usual spot facing the fire. "White or black?"
"I'm black."
"Ok."
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Jennifer and Stephanie walked up to the fief, the herd being driven between them and leading a donkey that held their belongings. The first snow had been the day before and now they were taking up their winter residence at the fief where the sheep would stay in an indoor pen until the next spring.
"Who's that?" asked a squinty-eyed guard as they walked up to the gate.
"My new helper, and a friend of the family," replied Stephanie, making her way past him. "Leave him be, Comas."
"I wasn't told you had a helper."
"That's because the Master doesn't know yet."
"This could get you in trouble, Stephanie..."
"No more than the bar girls you bring back every night or so could get you put in jail," she retorted, walking away from him and towards the main building. "Come on, Jen."
"Yes, ma'am." They quickly penned up the animals and Stephanie led the way to the Master's study, walking so fast that Jennifer had to trot along beside her. She knocked on a large set of double doors at the end of a hallway and waited.
"Come in," said a reedy voice. She pushed one of the doors open and walked in, Jennifer close behind her. An old, wizened man sat wrapped up completely in blankets by a fire, a portable desk beside him and a quill in one of his old, wrinkled hands. Stephanie bowed low and motioned for Jennifer to do the same, waiting for the old man to speak. "So, you have returned for the winter," the man wheezed, his face grinning pleasantly. "I trust the herd and you are well?"
"Yes, sir."
"And who is your companion?"
"This is Jen," explained Stephanie, pulling the girl forward. "Sh~ he is a friend of the family who asked to stay with me for a while." Leaning a little closer, she added, "Family problems."
"Oh?" The old man's eyebrows went up with interest. "Well, he's welcome to stay with you as long as he wants. We won't pay him, but he can have free room and board as long as he helps you out and stays out of trouble, ok?"
"Yes, sir." They left as quickly as they could, going by the barn to pick up their things.
"So, I get to stay?" asked Jennifer, keeping her voice low.
"Yep, you get to stay," replied Stephanie, taking out a key and opening a door in the servants hallway. "Here's your new home." The door swung open and revealed a small room with two cots, a small fire place, a privy with a tub in a separate room, and small table with two chairs. In a way, it reminded Jennifer of her old loft room in Roberto's house. "What do you think?" asked Stephanie, throwing her things on one of the cots.
"Cool."
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Lyssa looked at the letter, just lying there on her desk. It hadn't been there when she left, so she assumed the mail had come and right about now Eric would be getting yet another letter from his father denouncing him from the family and saying that if he didn't give up this 'foolish undertaking' now he'd be thrown out forever. Some how it was renewed every couple weeks and he had yet to be sent the final letter saying he could never come home again.
She flipped over the letter and skimmed over the address, picking it up and breaking the seal when she realized it was Danielle's. She pulled out a long letter in her scrolly hand writing, and it said:
To my Friend Commander Lyssa;
How are you? I'm alright. I feel like a cow as this baby continues to grow inside of me, and Derick is ecstatic about becoming a father. I'm so glad I met him and can't thing of anyone else I'd like to be the father of my children.
I crave salt pork and chocolate constantly, but the mid-wife said that it's normal. Yep, we went ahead and hired one since Derick is set upon making sure everything will go smoothly. She's nice enough, but a bit pushy at times. If she thinks Derick's tiring me out too much, she'll say so and send him packing to another part of the house! She is sweet, though, and only does that because of her concern for the baby.
We have the nursery completed, and it's absolutely beautiful. It's all pastel blues and pinks and greens and yellows, oh I wish you could see it. Clothes I make for him or her are so small, yet I know he or she will probably be too small for them the first couple weeks anyways.
I still can't believe I'm having this baby. I can still remember when we would sit in the drawing room at Trebond and make assumptions of what would happen next in our lives. This, though, is more than I could ever dream. If anything, I always thought you would find someone before I did because of your ability to marry whomever you choose and not have to have the public's approval. But look what happened! I'm married to the son of a Duke who will inherit his lands when he is of age and you're now a Commander of the Riders.
That's enough of my ramblings for now, though, and I won't take up much more of your time since you're probably very busy. Send Eric my love and make sure you're taking care of him since his mother is no longer around to do it for him.
Love,
Danielle
Lyssa smiled at the note, agreeing with her that is was hard to perceive just how much things have changed. She sat down and pulled out a piece of paper, a quill and some ink.
Dear Dani...
*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*
Sarah woke up once more as the clattering of hooves filled the field, one of the horses had gotten out again. She was dressing hurriedly when John came in, his clothes all partially put on and hanging open too boot.
"You heard it too?" he asked, tucking in his shirt and butting up his tunic.
"Yeah, do you know who it is?"
"Yeah, Mandy."
"No......" Sarah sighed, that young horse was getting out of hand. Two out of every three nights she was able to get out of her stall and ran around the fields until they caught her, taking away at least an hour of their sleep.
They finished putting on all their wraps and trudged outside, taking a few lengths of rope with them. "You distract her and I'll sneak up behind her to put the noose on her neck," whispered John, walking as quietly as he could around the back.
"Here Mandy! Here girl!" called Sarah, holding an apple out for the horse to see. "Come on, let's go back inside, it's too cold out here to be staying outside for long. Come on, girl, we'll get you a nice warm stall with some clean hay and oats for you to eat..."
"Gotcha!"
"Neigh!!!" Mandy reared up on her hind legs and took off, racing through the snow.
"AAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!" Sarah watched Mandy drag John around the field, her hand clamped over her mouth in surprise.
"Oh my goodness..."
"HHHHHHEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Sarah recovered her senses and ran after the odd pair. "I'm coming John! Mandy! Stop! I'll give you some sugar cubes, just please, STOP!!"
Mandy abruptly did so, letting John slide head first into a tree. "Oww...."
"Are you alright?" asked Sarah, kneeling by him in the snow as she helped him sit up straight.
"I'm fine...it didn't hurt as bad as falling through the roof at least...*groan*..."
*snort*
"You hush," growled John at the horse, giving her the evil eye. "You just wait 'till I get my hands on you, I'll skin you alive~"
*slurp!* Mandy gave a horsish laugh as John wiped her slobber off his face from where she had licked him.
"Oh, gross! Mandy!"
"Shh, John, you'll wake the other horses," scolded Sarah, trying not to laugh. "Come on, lets go." She took the lead from his hands and put Mandy back in her stall before heading back inside with John. What a night..."
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Alyse sat in an over stuffed arm chair, flipping her fan nervously in one hand as she waited for the night to be over. Faleron had spent the day with her and his friends, and was now going through his Ordeal. She wished she could stay in the chapel with him until the next morning, but no one was allowed in it until he had entered the Chamber, so she waited.
Yuki and Shinko sat a little ways away, playing a game of checkers while they waited with their friend. Shinko was beating Yuki in to the dust and was about o suggest that she get Alyse to help her when Lady Haname walked in, wearing practice clothes.
"Get up, Alyse," she said, throwing a pair of practice clothes at her. "We're going down to the practice courts for awhile." Taking some weapons from a wall rack, she walked out and made her way to the designated area.
Alyse, not having been given a choice, got up and changed quickly, following the older Yamanis and her two friends down the halls and stairs to the courts. It was deserted at this hour, most people saving their practice for daylight. Lady Haname choose a glaive and walked out to the middle of one of the rings, biding the others to do the same.
"Since we didn't have practice this morning, we'll have it now," she instructed, quickly pairing them all up. "Any one disagree with me?"
Because no one dared to say otherwise, they got into position and began to spar with each other, switching off partners now and then. This lasted for three hours, and by the time Alyse had bathed and changed into fresh clothes she was exhausted and ready to sleep. Yuki stayed up all night in her place, reading a book as she waited for the morning hours to come....
***the next morning***
Alyse was up before the dawn and went down to the Chapel, quickly making her way through the crowds to take a seat near the front. Soon, now, soon they would know...
*creak*
Alyse shut her eyes as the giant, stone door opened, not wanting to see what was to happen next. Yuki shook her shoulder as Faleron stumbled out, his clothes drenched in sweat and his eyes red from crying. Alyse smiled as his knight master helped him stand and gave him something to drink, cheers going up from the crowd. Another squire had passed the test and was going to be made a knight!
***that night***
Alyse watched on with pride as Faleron was knighted by the King and received his shield, the emblem of his family on it with his personalized touch on it. Above his crest was a tiny fan embossed in gold and silver swirls. She waited for him to leave the main room and head for his quarters before going after him.
"How do you like it?" he asked, showing her the shield again when she finally caught up with him.
"It's beautiful," she replied, running a finger over the fan. "Who's idea was the fan?"
"I don't know," admitted Faleron. "I was planning on adding something like it myself later on, but someone must've read my mind or something..." He shrugged and went on. "I'm going out to eat with my family to celebrate, care to join us?"
"Sure." She took his arm and walked with him back down to where his family waited for a night of fun and feasting before he had to ride back to the boarders the next morning.
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Artman and Libby road into Northwatch, quickly going to the stables to get their horses in some shelter before heading to the main General's office. A guard at the door stopped them, asking who they were.
"We're the traveling Brazir mages, we need to talk to the main General," said Artman quickly, starting to push his way past. "There is no time to wait."
"Hey! You two there!" came a voice down the hall.
"Yeah?" called back Libby, confusion evident on her face. "What do you want?"
"Are you really the Brazir mages?"
"Yeah..."
"Then come with me." The man walked quickly back the way he had come, leading them to the sick bay on the lower floors of the fort. "The General said for you to meet him here."
"There you are!" called a burly man from a few beds away, motioning for them to come over. "I have your work all planned out for you already..."
"Work?" squeaked Libby, the color draining from her face. "I thought the agreement was to just send us here to restock and you were all set as it was and wouldn't need our help."
"Like we'd pass up an opportunity like this," laughed the man, shaking his head like they were joking with him. "You two could help us get things back together. All the men could be well again and be able to fight and you there could help us get several projects started or even completed in a couple weeks."
"What about the smaller forts who need our help even more?" demanded Artman, not liking the way this man was treating them like a set of tools he owned. "You aren't going to fall apart if we don't help, there are other places out there that will. Just give us the supplies and let us get back on our way."
"You can't leave here until I say you can," the man growled, suddenly turning very unfriendly. "You're under the law of the Tortallian government, which puts you under me!"
"Make me stay," retorted Artman, crossing his arms in defiance. "I dare you. You don't stand a chance against me."
"Little brat! Not stop this foolishness and follow me, there is much work for you to do~" He fell down, out cold as Libby sent a small sphere of power at his head.
"He was annoying," defended Libby as Artman gave her an odd look. "Come on, lets go get the stuff and get out of here, I'd rather not be around when he wakes up."
"Ok, lets go."
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Vixen leaned back against Joe as the fire light danced across them, sitting on the floor with the fire place in front and a cushion for them to lean on behind. Joe picked up his drink and sipped it sedately, a fine wine he had gotten from Paul for mid-winter a few weeks ago.
"Vixie," he said gently, hoping she hadn't fallen asleep.
" Yeah, Joe?" She turned to face him, her face unusually thoughtful for once. He figured it was from the wine.
"Mid-winter luck," he whispered, giving her a kiss and putting something in her one free hand (the other was wrapped around his waist). With her hair down and wearing a dress she had gotten recently, he could've sworn she looked more like a Queen of nobility than a Queen of thieves. Someone as nice and as sweet as her didn't deserve to live the life she did in his opinion.
She got up and freed her other hand before opening the box up, revealing a silver circlet with small, purple amethysts in it. "What in the world..."
"Every Queen needs a crown," he explained gently. "Whether queen of the earth or just queen of some poor guy's heart." He took it from her and placed it gently on her head, the light glinting off it prettily.
"Which would I be queen of?" she asked him teasingly, leaning beside him again.
"You are queen of my heart, which hardly makes me poor and more likely makes me the richest man in the world," he whispered, kissing her again. "What did you get me?"
"This," she replied, pulling a box out from behind the cushion they were leaning on. He opened it and pulled out a rapier with a bone handle and swept hilt, the silver gleaming in the light.
"Wow..."
"Yeah, that's what I said when I saw it in the Raven Armories." He flipped it over, checking if her story was true. Sure enough, right under the cross hilt was the imprint of a raven telling where it had come from.
"Vixen, I don't deserve something like this..."
"Then I don't deserve this crown," she replied, acting like she was going to take if off. He stopped her and stared her in the eyes, about to protest but realizing by the stubborn set of her jaw that she wasn't going to take it back.
"Must you always be like this?" he sighed teasingly, drawing the rapier out if its sheath.
"It's the best rapier you can find for the best fencer I know," she replied, kissing him on the cheek. "So, you like your new toy?"
"If I said I didn't I'd be lying," he replied, putting it away back in the box. "Thanks, Vixie."
"For what?"
"Being you."
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Kyle rode into the palace gates, quickly leaving his mount at the stables before heading over to the King's quarters. Demanding to know what was going on, he was quickly ushered in and given a seat before the King's desk.
"What's happened?" asked Kyle the moment the King walked in, jumping to his feet.
"Your father had a heart attack," explained the King, putting a hand on Kyle's shoulder to keep him from going anywhere. "We've already got a mount and some food waiting for you as soon as you get some sleep. I'll have a servant take you to your quarters~"
"I'm leaving now, sire," replied Kyle, turning to go. The King tightened his grip, making it impossible for him to move.
"You can't," said the King sternly, loosening his grip as Kyle turned back to him. "I can tell by the bags under your eyes that you rode straight through from the last fief, haven't you? If you fall asleep in the saddle and freeze to death from getting lost, you'll never make it in time. Go get at least a few hours of rest, your father needs you alive, not half dead."
"Yes, sire."
"Good. You there!" The page turned and looked at him, quickly bowing.
"Yes, sire?"
"Show this man to his rooms, it's the door closed to the stables in the guest's wing."
"Yes, sire." The page quickly obeyed his orders before running off to get back to work. Kyle went in and took off his boots before falling on the bed in a deep sleep. [I'm coming, dad..] was his last conscious thought as he dove into the land of nod.
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Amanda sat at her desk as the door opened, showing Elizabeth, Lady Hope, and baby Justin waiting outside. She quickly ushered them in and ordered for some tea and juice to be brought.
"How've you been?" asked Amanda when everything was set, settling in a chair across from the lady. "You normally don't visit this often, is everything alright?"
"Yes, everything's fine," replied Lady Hope. "Father's just getting to be a little bit out of hand, and since you're our closest neighbor I'll probably be running over here more often to escape from him."
Amanda nodded in understanding. She had walked to Brenna's house a few times when she and her father hadn't gotten along too well in the past, despite the fact that it was a several mile hike.
"You're always welcome here," said Elizabeth, being pretty good friends with the ladies as well. They both had a common interest in duping guys, something they could talk about for hours on end. "Little Justin is too, I'm sure Amanda wouldn't mind taking care of him." At the mention of his name, the little baby began to wail and scream loudly.
"Shh, hush little Justin, it's alright, Mommy's here..." Just continued to wail until Amanda held out her arms to take him.
"He can come with me to my room," she said, holding him gently, "Maybe all he needs is a change of scenery."
"Are you sure?" asked Lady Hope, even though she had already handed the baby over. "I'm sure you're a very busy person..."
"I'm never to busy for little kids," replied Amanda, smiling gently at the small bundle in her arms. "You're really not a sad little boy, are you? You just want some one to play with."
Elizabeth gave her sister an odd look as she walked out of the room, cooing softly to the little boy. "Your sister is better with my kids than I am," murmured Lady Hope, shaking her head. "Anyways, what were you saying about the cook and that maid?"
"Oh, yeah. Well, Sherry, that little girl who does small chores around this place, walked into the kitchen last night for a snack and saw them...."
Levi walked into Amanda's room, hearing some soft singing coming from her open door. "Lady Amanda?" he said, just in case someone was visiting.
"In here, Levi," she called over her shoulder from her couch, going back to her singing. He looked over her shoulder and saw Justin in her arms, falling asleep to the sound of her voice as she read a book that she held in her other hand.
"What were you singing?" he asked when the baby was asleep and she laid him gently in a basket with a blanket.
"Something my grandmother used to sing to me," she said softly, staring at the fire that kept the room warm. "I don't know what it is, but no one can stay awake once they've heard it long enough."
"That boring?"
"No." Amanda shot Levi a look telling him that was not appropriate. "That peaceful and soothing." Justin opened his just then, looking at her solemnly. "What?" she asked, getting down to his level. "No, I don't have anything to feed you with, you'll have to wait until your mother comes for you."
Levi gently picked him up and set him on his lap. "He just wants to have some fun, don't you, little guy?" Amanda watched him with an amused look on her face as he proceeded to act like the baby was flying through the air, something that brought about peals of laughter from the tike.
"What?" he said when he noticed Amanda was watching him. "Am I doing something wrong or what?"
"Nothing," she replied, taking the baby away from him. "That was just extremely.. ...cute."
"Cute?" Levi made a face, one that can't be described. "Cute as in sweet, adorably cute?"
"Yes, very cute." She left without another word, taking Justin with her. He could hear her all the way down the hall talking to him softly about something.
Elizabeth had been having a ball with Lady Hope when Amanda walked in, the baby still cooing and giggling sweetly in her arms. "You got him to settle down?" asked Lady Hope, taking him away from her.
"Yeah, we went to my room for awhile, then he came with me to the stables to meet the horses." Lady Hope glanced at the sun, realizing several hours had passed.
"I'm sorry, but I really must be going," she said regretfully, packing up her things. "I'll be coming by again soon, ok?"
"That's fine," replied Amanda, saying good bye to Justin. "Bring your other little ones two next time if you want to."
"Both of them?"
"Why not? If I need to, we can send them outside with Levi."
"Ok, um...thanks. Until next time, then."
"I'll show you to the door," said Elizabeth.
"You offered me to what?" cried Levi as he walked in the door.
"What did I tell you about spying?"
"I wasn't spying! I was peaking, there's a difference. Do you really think I could keep those two terrors out of trouble by myself for that long of a time???"
"No, but you can try," said Amanda sweetly, getting back to her desk. "And you have to if I order you to?"
"What if I quit."
"Then I'll beat you myself with a switch," said his father from the door. "You're not quitting, its a family tradition that one son works for this fief, generally the youngest, understand."
Levi sighed, wanting to bang his head against a door post. "Yes, dad."
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Jennifer walked out of the bathroom, her clothes already on and her hair sticking out in all directions. While it didn't look too bad spiked, she needed to comb it out so it would look nice enough for that night's dinner. Stephanie was too lazy to go by food, so they ate in the dinning room with the other servants and she'd gotten teased for having messy hair last time she ate there.
She sat with her back to the door (since she hadn't bound herself flat yet) and was getting all the tangles out when the door opened. "Is that you, Steph?" she asked, lowering her voice in case it was someone else.
"Hmhm." It didn't sound like Stephanie, but she figured maybe she'd had a tad to much to drink or had gotten kicked by a sheep again.
"Could you help me fix my hair? I'd rather get through dinner without any comments tonight." Gentle hands took the comb from her and began to pick out the knots for her, leaving her to relax for a few minutes.
"Where were you today?" asked Jennifer, settling down to wait for it to end as well as her answer. But none came. "Stephanie?" Still, silence. "Stephanie, this isn't funny..." She reached up and grabbed one of the person's hands, realizing something~ those were a guy's hands.
Whirling around, she was caught in a hug, the air rushing out of her as she was practically crushed against someone's chest. "Did you miss me?" asked a familiar voice, making her eyes open wide in surprise.
"Sean!?!" Anything he may've had planned to say was stopped as she kissed him, and it must've lasted quite sometime because Stephanie claimed later on to have come in and left, locking the door after her without being noticed by either one in the process. Anyways, by the time it had ended sometime had passed.
"I take that as a yes," said a breathless Sean.
"Yup." She leaned back on him, surprised to see that the door was locked. It didn't matter to her who did it, as long as they weren't disturbed.
"How've things been, with my sister an all," he asked, putting his arms around her.
"Fine, they think I'm a guy here and it's a little odd at times to have some of the girls try and flirt with me." Sean laughed as Jennifer shuddered. "But its fun taking care of the sheep, I really don't mind all the work. And she taught me some new tricks with the staff you gave me."
"Then it has come in handy?"
"Once or twice."
Sean grinned and kissed her again. "Told you so."
"Hey! That's not fair, it's not my fault I'm smaller and weaker~" No more words passed between the two for the night, and in a way it way much easier to pass the time like this because neither one could argue with the other.
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Lyssa walked out into the rings, those of the men who weren't on guard duty standing on the sidelines watching her. "Most of you want to know what this is all about," she yelled, getting everyone's attention. "Well, I'll tell you. We're holding a competition and the top three winners get to be free of guard duty for three months."
A cheer went up from the men, drowning her voice for a minute. As soon as they had quieted, she went on. "You can used either staffs or hand-to-hand. No blades." When a groan went up from a few, she added, "We can't risk any deaths or serious injuries. Blades only increase that, and I need everyone of you to be in top fighting condition. Now, it'll be a double elimination tournament, and co-ed so if you Rider ladies wish to join, you're welcome to but you will be facing the guys as well, ok? Signups will be in the mess hall during lunches and first round start tomorrow, ok? Now get back to where you're supposed to be!"
***two days later***
The competitions had been going fairly well, with only one or two isolated cases of unfair play and using illegal moves. Lyssa with in the ring right now, facing a friend of hers from the Rider's and a Captain of one of the squads in hand-to-hand combat. Neither had lost yet and if they won guaranteed them a spot in the top three.
"Ready?" asked the guy overseeing this round. Both women nodded. "Go!" Kari, who was Lyssa's opponent, sprang across the space and knock her on her back. Lyssa curled over and hooked Kari's arm so she could use the momentum and fling her over her body. Both lay there for a minute before getting up and waiting for the other to attack. It was Lyssa this time, and she did a series of short punches and jabs to confuse Kari before doing a roundhouse kick and sending her sprawling.
"Oh, you're gonna get it for that," said Kari, wiping some blood from her mouth.
"You think?" replied Lyssa, immediately on her guard. Kari grinned, stretching her back before charging at Lyssa, completely pinning her to the ground and knocking the wind from her as well.
"The winner is: Kari!" cried the guy, coming out to the middle of the ring. "Next up, Yammer vs. Payton!" Kari got her feet, helping Lyssa up as well.
"You alright?" she asked, getting kind of worried as Lyssa continued to gasp for air.
"I'm...*gasp*...fine..."
"You sure?"
"...*gasp*...yeah." She laid down on the side lines, sipping some water now and then until she got her breath back. "Dang, girl. You about killed me with that last hit," laughed Lyssa, rubbing the tender flesh where a bruise was beginning to form. "Where did you learn to do that??"
"Oh, it's just a trick I picked up from my brother's," shrugged Kari, smiling brightly.
"Right..."
***the next day***
Lyssa had fought her way through the ranks of the losers bracket and ended up with a respectable third while Kari took first and some muscled mountain took second. Not bad, considering what the competition was, wouldn't you agree?
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Sarah and John sat at their kitchen table, their two newest helpers sitting across from them. The last set, Anne and Tanner, had both moved with their respective families to different towns and these were their replacements: Roan McAlester and Julia O'Malley, two older teens who lived in town and needed some work. Neither one had any previous experience, but was oddly enough willing to learn, and that was something the pair wasn't going to pass up.
"What was it you wanted to see us about?" asked Sarah as they finished their dinner of hot soup and fresh bread.
"Yeah, what was so important that you had to lie to your families again?" asked John sarcastically, earning him a whap from Sarah. "Ow! What was that for?"
"For opening your mouth. Now, could you please explain this to me?"
"Sure," said Julia, shifting in her chair nervously. "I was wondering if I could come live with you, here at the stables. Pa and Ma aren't getting along well, and they sometimes start yelling at me 'cause they're so mad at each other..." She stopped there, eyes misting over with tears.
"Did you ask them first?" question Sarah, letting the idea sit in her mind for a moment. Julia nodded. "And what did they say?"
"As long as it don't cost them nothing, they don't care where I go."
"Then you're welcome here."
"What?" cried John, "Where's she gonna sleep? In the loft?"
"She can have my room," said Sarah, giving him a 'look'. "And I'll sleep on the floor in your room."
"Oh...that's fine."
"When are you going to move your stuff over?" asked Sarah, getting up out of her chair.
"It's already done," replied Julia, pulling a large bag onto the table. "I don't have much stuff, we couldn't really afford anything past the basics..."
"That's alright," sighed John, getting up and stretching. "It doesn't matter. I'm gonna go get that mat for you, Sarah, wanna help me Roan?"
"Sure." They got everything set up and Roan left after talking with Julia outside for a few minutes.
"Do you ever think we'll have this place to ourselves for more than a month or so?" John asked Sarah as they watched Roan ride off from the window.
"Probably not, knowing our luck," replied Sarah. "But I really don't mind."
"You know what?" asked John, smiling to himself. "Neither do I..."
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Alyse sat in her room reading a book, startled when someone pounded heavily on her door. "Come in," she called, getting up from the chair and heading towards it. Faleron had left three weeks ago and now she was waiting for the spring thaws to return home to Lynx mountain. It was risky business trying to get through the passes before the snow and ice was gone.
The door opened, revealing a frantic looking Princess Shinko and Yuki with a man from Faleron's squadron behind them. "What is it?" she asked, looking at them puzzled. "Is something wrong."
"Alyse," said Shinko gently, coming into the room. "It's Faleron."
"Is he hurt?" asked Alyse quickly, heading towards the door. "Is he here at the palace?"
"Alyse," commanded Lady Haname, coming into the room suddenly. "Sit down, please."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Faleron's group spread out to a couple different fiefs," explained Lady Haname, her voice unusually gentle. "His group of five's fief was ambushed by bandits, only one made it back alive."
"And I am he," said the guy who had come with them.
"So," murmured Alyse, her eyes taking a glazed over look. "You're....you're trying to tell....to tell me that..."
"Faleron's dead." Alyse sat back her chair, eyes bigger than ever with a shocked look on her face.
"...Alyse?"
"You're...you're lying..."
"No, sweetie," said Yuki, putting an arm around the poor girl. "We're not lying to you. Word just came in this morning. I'm so sorry..."
"You...you can't be telling the truth, Faleron's not dead..." Lady Haname motioned for everyone else to leave, and they reluctantly did, all save the man who she bid to stay.
"This man was there when he died," she whispered, trying to bring Alyse to her senses. "He has something for you."
The man drew out a small bag and said, "Faleron told me to give this to Lady Alyse if I was able to make it back. He knew he was going to die. Are you that woman?"
"Yes."
"He told me to tell you he loved you and wished he could say it to your face instead of through somebody else like this. He gave me this to give to you." He pulled out a fan she had given him sometime ago and a silver ring on a necklace. "He said he meant to give it to you for midwinter, but thought maybe it was best to wait." The man left as Alyse stared at the things he had handed to her, knowing for sure everything they had said was true, and that Faleron was dead.
"No...no..." Lady Haname wrapped her arms around the young woman and let her cry in her shoulder, for she too knew what it was like to lose a loved one.
"Shh...shh....what would he say if he saw you spoiling your pretty eyes like this? I know it's hard, I know better than you think, but you must move on..."
The door opened gently, followed by the King who walked in slowly. "Can I come in?"
"Yes, sire," whispered Alyse, getting up and curtsying slightly. "What do you want?"
"You've already heard?"
"Yes."
"I have some more news. I want to apologize to your cousin. She was right, it took me losing my pride and a squadron of men, but she was right. Please, if you could tell her I'm sorry and I need to talk to her next time she comes here when you see her..."
"I'll tell her. Is that all?"
"Yes."
"Then please leave."
"Are you sure~"
"Just go." The King left, Lady Haname going with him as Alyse went to her window seat, curled up in a blanket, and began to cry...
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Artman sat on the floor of their inn room, a book on his lap and the end of a rope in one hand. He read the book diligently, trying to soak up as many of the spells as he could. These were techniques that even Numair would have problems with, but maybe, just maybe he could learn to pull them off...
His hand which held a rope swung in a constant rhythm, the other end tied to the bedpost and in the middle a bunny who was hopping away contentedly. It was Pinky, and at that time Libby was trying to teach the rest of her rabbits how to do it.
Dusty, Rose and Pinky Jr. weren't doing to bad at it and only missed one out of every ten jumps or so. "Come, guys! You can do it!" Libby encouraged them, feeding them bits of carrot from her hands.
She began to swing the rope for Dusty once more and he started to jump getting to around twenty when he tried to do a flip instead of just jumping and got all tangled in the cord.
*whimper**whimper*
"Oh, it's alright," cooed Libby, bringing the bunny into her lap and untangling him paws as gently as she could. "You're getting better at it."
*whimper*
"Shh, you're fine, see? No marks left from the rope, and if you didn't try to show off you wouldn't fall and get all tangled..."
*sniff**whimper*
"It's not a bad thing, Dusty, you just need to learn your limits..."
"Libby! Are you talking to those bunnies again?" called Artman, still never missing a beat.
"Yeah, so?"
"How many times do I have to tell you? They can't understand what you're saying!"
"How do you know? I think they do."
"Women."
"WHAT WAS THAT???"
"Nothing."
"You understand me, don't you guys?" said Libby, lifting up Dusty to her face. He licked her nose and sat there staring at her. "Of course you do."
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Mouse sat in her room, dozing lightly. Karalee had a lot more energy than she appeared to have, and had completely worn out Mouse in a matter of hours. Allie walked in right about then, a pile of new clothes in her hands.
"Mouse! Karalee! I'm~ Karalee?" She searched around the room, looking under the bed and behind the door before shaking Mouse awake.
"~huh? What? What is it Allie? She's sleeping on the bed, so leave me alone...zzz..."
"No she's not," replied Allie, getting worried as she looked around once more. "She's not here, Mouse, where is she? Where's Karalee?"
"What do you mean she's not here?" asked Mouse, waking up again.
"Exactly what it sounds like, SHE'S GONE!!!"
"Oh...where did she go?"
"That's what I'm trying to figure out..."
"YOU MEAN SHE'S LOST??!!"
"...isn't that what I just said," said Allie, sweating slightly.
"Why didn't you say it out right??" cried Mouse, jumping up and beginning to search the room. "She has to be here somewhere..."
"I already checked, she's not in here!" cried Allie, going out and checking the hallway.
"What's going on in there?" called Vixen from her room, Joe coming with her as they walked down to where Allie and Mouse were. "We could here you all the way down there~"
"We weren't interrupting anything were we?" asked Allie sweetly, forgetting about the girl for a moment. Vixen glared at her and Joe went beet red. "I take that as a yes. Anyways, Karalee's missing~"
"Missing? How in the world do you lose a six year old girl!" cried Vixen, slapping herself on the forehead.
"I don't know but we did," retorted Mouse. "Now if you please help us or leave~"
"You have to think like a kid to find one," said Joe, walking into the middle of the room. "Now, if I was six years old, where would I go..." He glanced at Allie, asking, "Was the door locked?"
"Um...yeah it was. So how did she get out??"
"She didn't. Joe went and opened the closet door, revealing a small bundle on the floor. It was Karalee, wrapped up in her blanket and sound asleep.
"She looks so sweet," said Vixen softly. "How is the world can something so sweet be so much trouble..."
"I don't know, but that's not for us to decide," said Joe, dragging her out of the room. "Let's leave these two with their little trouble maker."
"Darn them," growled Allie as Mouse moved Kara back to the bed. Sighing, she picked up the clothes she'd gotten and handed them to her partner in child raising. "Here's the stuff you asked for."
"Allie..."
"What?"
"She's not going to get this." She pulled out a small whip Allie had hid in the stack. "How'd this get in here."
"Um....I don't know..."
"Sure you don't. We're raising a kid, Allie, not the next man tamer."
Allie made sure Mouse was out of earshot before whispering, "That's what you think."
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Kyle had reached the fief as few days ago and had been sitting by his adopted dad's bed since then. "I'm sorry I couldn't get here sooner," he whispered at the comatose man, wishing for once that the Baron would respond. "I tried, I really did. But it looks like I'm too late...."
"Son...." Kyle's head snapped up, his eyes searching the Baron's face as he realized he was awake.
"Dad!" He rushed over to the bedside and knelt there, waiting for him to say more. "Dad, you're alright...."
"No, no I'm not," wheezed the old man. "Kyle, I'm dying. I can feel it in my bones. Please, please tell me my lands will be secure...that you'll take of everything...."
"Of course I will," replied Kyle softly. "You've take care of me like your real son, what else could I do?"
"You are my son, blood ties or not," insisted the Baron, going off into a round of hacking. "You are now in charge around here. Please, Kyle. Be good to them, I'm trusting you to take care of this place, it's all I've ever had..."
"I know," whispered Kyle, tears running down his cheeks. "I know. I promise I'll do my best."
"Then you'll get married and have a family? An heir so that this will stay with people that I trust?"
"Anything to make you happy." The Baron relaxed and laid back, resting on his pillow once more. "Good bye, Kyle."
"What~"
"Good bye...everything I could ever need done, is now complete...good bye..."
"What? Father? No! You can't leave now! Not yet, no, Father!!!"
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Elizabeth rode into the fort once more, dreading the meeting that was to come. She was on her own this time, Amanda to busy helping the smithies with their work for weapons in case of an attack and Levi taking over all the diplomatic things that had to happen that day. Alyse was still in Corus, and was probably in some sort of depression in with the death of Faleron. They'd just gotten the news from a mage sent letter a few day ago, and right now they were wondering what to do next.
She sighed and walked into the room, seeing Lyssa and the General sitting there waiting for her. "Sorry about that," she said softly, sitting down. It wasn't like her not to be on time for things. "Something important came up at home..."
"Milady, if you were having fun with your latest boyfriend just say so and get it done with," drawled the General, having come to really not like her. "Excuses are not needed~"
"My cousin's best friend just died and we just got the news from Corus," cut in Elizabeth, her voice as cold as ice. "I don't care what you say about me, but at least get the facts straight when something is not my fault."
"...yes, milady."
"Who died?" asked Lyssa solemnly.
"Faleron."
"Oh my...."
"Yeah."
"Down to business," said the General, trying once more to take control. "Patrols are doing well and all we have left to take care of is the rotations~"
"Your soldiers are getting more time there than mine," said Lyssa accusingly, pointing a finger at him. "Yours only have to rotated every two weeks, mine every week."
"What can I say? It's just the way things worked out, right?" He looked at them smugly, knowing there was little physically they could do about it. Or so he thought.
"General, do you pride yourself for having strong soldiers?" asked Elizabeth, a sly tone in her voice.
"Yes, they can withstand anything."
"Then you'd say that Lyssa's soldiers are less hardy than yours."
"Of course, they aren't nearly as well trained and haven't spent as much time in the wilderness. Lyssa looked like she wanted to explode, but kept it in as Elizabeth sent her a look.
"Then you'd agree that they could live with less luxury."
"Of course, that's what they were trained for."
"Then it's settled, your shifts will shift since Lyssa's soldiers need more time in some comfort and yours do not."
"Wait, but I never~"
"Didn't you just say that yours were better than hers are withstanding anything? Then you must agree that this is a better idea or admit that hers are better than yours." Lyssa grinned, seeing a victory in sight...
"Fine, they can switch schedules." The General sat there, turning an unusual shade of green. "Now if you will excuse me..."
"Not bad," said Lyssa when the General had left. "I couldn't have done it better myself."
"What can I say?" said Elizabeth, shrugging with a grin. "I'm just me."
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Lyssa sat down at her desk after she got back, decided to write a letter to Coram and Rispah with the extra time she had before going to dinner. It read:
Coram and Rispah,
Hey, how are you? Haven't see you for months, but I wish I could. Things are ok out here, we haven't had more than a few run ins with the Scanrans, and no ones been killed yet from the attacks. Eric is fine, I don't know if he's written to you recently or not so I'll just tell you everything that's happened so far.
The General we have to work with is an idiot, that is truly the only way to describe him right now. He seems to have this idea that the noble girls and I don't have the ability to think or act by ourselves, so he does his best to take over everything and anything that needs to be done. Luckily, between us we can usually get him to quit or fool him into changing his ways, he's really not that bright.
Enough with the ranting, though. I held a competition to keep everyone's skills sharp awhile ago and got a respectable third place. Not that I couldn't have taken first, but that's just the way things went. Eric did alright, he was knocked out in the third round by the winner and then again in the fourth by one of his friends. I never got a chance to fight him, but he has improved his stances and his reflexes are better as well.
That's about all there is to say. Give the men my greetings and tell them if they don't obey I'll give them some good training when I get back! That should keep them inline.
Love,
Commander Lyssa
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Jennifer sat down between Stephanie and Sean at the small table, plates of steaming food set before them. "How'd you get the servants to bring us our food?" she asked, sipping some water from her cup.
"I have friends in high places, that's all," she replied, winking. "The head of the servants likes me more than he should. I do try to discourage him, but his insisted infatuation does come in handy..."
"Until he tries something like last year," finished Sean so only Jennifer could hear.
"What was that, little bro?"
"Nothing, sis."
"Sure it was..."
"What's the plan for the next week?" asked Jennifer, changing the subject. "And how much longer are you going to be here, Sean?"
"We're going to check on the sheep, and probably spend a few nights in the barn with that ewe who's about to give birth. We'll have to go and get fitted for some new clothes, too, you don't have much and Sean's clothes are too big for you." Jennifer sighed, she liked the way the clothes smelled of him when she wore them. "Stop day dreaming, lover girl and pay attention," laughed Steph, waving a hand in front of her eyes.
"What~! Oh, sorry about that...." Jennifer ducked her head as her face went bright red.
"I'll be around for another two weeks or so, maybe more," said Sean, trying to bring things back to what they were talking about before and not him and Jenny. "It depends on when I get the letter saying if I don't return soon, I'll be fired. Not that I care much, things aren't very fun around there when you're not in charge."
"Go work for Roberto," she replied with a shrug. "He's nice and he pays well, though not as well as the palace. You won't have to work all the time as well and since he already knows you it shouldn't be that hard..." She fidgeted with the charm he had given her on a necklace, a small frying pan with on a gold chain.
"Yeah, I guess I could," sighed Sean. "But it still wouldn't be the same..."
"You haven't even left yet and you're already pining over her," muttered Stephanie teasingly, rolling her eyes. "Don't let the fact that she's not glued to you kill you." Both young adults went bright red, wishing the ground would just swallow them whole. "After all, you did have three hours to yourselves today. Wasn't that enough time?"
"Depends on what you're trying to accomplish," replied Jennifer, a sly look in her eyes. "After all~"
"Stop!" cried Stephanie, covering her ears. "I don't want to hear it, I really don't..."
"Not bad," whispered Sean, leaning closer to Jennifer. "What made you decided to lie like that?"
Jennifer looked at him, her eyes still holding that sly look. "Who said I was lying?"
"WHAT???" Jennifer about fell over laughing as Sean gaped at her, eyes big as anything. Stephanie gave them an odd look, edging closer to the other side of the table.
"I don't even want to know..."
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Roan and Julia sat across from Sarah and John, eating their dinner silently. Sarah studied them for a moment, something was wrong. Well, not wrong necessarily in the sense that something horrible had happened, but something definitely not right. Julia shifted nervously in her seat, looking as if she was sitting on pins and needles and Roan refused to say much at all. When they had asked him about his little sister, he gave them a short answer instead of gushing on about how cute she was and such.
"Ok, what's going on," said John, getting up out of his seat suddenly. "I can't take it anymore, what's gotten into you two."
Julia silently raised her hand, a silver band on the ring finer of her left hand. "Oh my..." Sarah could find nothing else to say, John however was as blunt as ever.
"You're engaged?" His voice rose a few decibels higher than normal. "When did this happen??"
"Uh....yesterday...."
"Do your parents know about this?" asked Sarah calmly, finally getting her tongue back.
"....um.....no........."
"WHAT?!?!?!?!?!" John hit the roof. "DO YOU EXPECT US TO LET YOU LIVE TOGETHER HERE OR SOMETHING??? MAYBE YOU HADN'T NOTICED BUT YOUR FAMILIES MIGHT AS WELL BE AT WAR!!!" The McAlester family and the O'Malley family had been fighting like mad beats over a patch of land for the past thirty years. There was some controversy about an affair and a bet that was lost, so both had posted guards there and argued when ever they met on the street. Both families barely tolerated the fact that their kids where working together, and only agreed to it because they needed the money that came from that job to keep on fighting.
"...um, well....we were hoping you could keep it a secret...."
"....yeah, just until we break it to them...."
"How long will that be?" asked Sarah, clamping a hand of John's mouth to keep him from shouting again.
"....we're not sure...."
"Give me an estimate here."
"........a year?"
"WHAT??" Sarah sat back down hard, her eyes getting huge. This was going to be harder than she had first thought.
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
*sighs* This one had some tough spots in it. I know some won't be to happy with this chapter, death isn't a popular subject and it's even harder when its from a character you know. Did I have Alyse's permission to do this? Yeah, so don't sue me, you won't get squat. Please, review and, as usual:
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday dear Bryanna (Mouse), Amanda, Allie, and Lyssa!!!!
Happy Birthday to YOU!!!
That's right, on May 19, 24, 29, and 30 our favorite Rogue singer, unusual noble lady, Rogue courtesan, and Rider Commander are turning 16, 17, 16, and 15!! Be sure to wish them a happy birthday in your reviews please, and this chapter is dedicated to them and their parts in this story! ~thank you~
@~{~ crosseyedbutterfly
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Alyse was warmly welcomed the few days before when she had arrived at the palace and was now waiting for Faleron to arrive. His ordeal wouldn't be for over a month, but that was just time they could spend together since she hadn't seen him for months. Right now, though, she was celebrating her belated 17th birthday with the Yamanis ladies and Kel since she had missed it while on the road.
"More tea?" asked Shinko politely in Yamanis, passing her the kettle of hot water. "So, how is it having your memory back and living with your cousins all the way up north?"
"Yes, how are things for you? You haven't met anyone who would take Faleron's place, now would you've?" teased Yuki, delicately tasting a rice cake. Alyse blushed slightly, keeping her eyes towards the ground.
"No, there is no one who could replace Faleron..."
"I heard that your cousin's steward was quite handsome," said Lady Haname, keeping her face completely straight. "Surely you have noticed that at least?"
"Levi? Yeah, I guess he's kinda cute, if you go for the tall, dark and handsome look..." Alyse shrugged, sipping her tea. "Even if I did have an interest in him, he has someone else he's in love with. I overheard him and his father talking one night about him getting married since everyone else is settled down in his family. He said he was waiting for someone, but refused to say who it was."
"Secret lover? Wonder who it is," murmured Shinko, her eyes dancing merrily. "Wouldn't be one of your cousins, would it?"
"I doubt it," said Alyse, shrugging. "Elizabeth was forbidden by Amanda not to play with his heart, and Amanda, well, she...there's really no way to describe her."
Kel smiled, nodding her head slightly. "I know exactly what you mean. She's very nice when she wants to be, its those times her tongue gets the better of her that drives guys away."
"Is that why the King is so persistent in her finding a husband?" asked Shinko, having overheard something from her father-in-law earlier on.
"Yeah, I guess so," replied Alyse, shrugging slightly. She pulled out one of her fans and began juggling it carelessly, never missing the dull end as it spun round and round. Yuki's eyes followed her movements for a moment before getting dizzy.
"ugh..."
"What's wrong?" asked Shinko, her brow furring in worry.
"Alyse's fan is making me dizzy..." The room erupted in laughter as Alyse put it up, a teasing look dancing in her eyes. It was good to be among her friends again.
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Libby and Artman had ridden into a small fief last night just after dark with their escort of a squad of the King's Own. They had been given rooms around a large courtyard, and right about now everyone was waking up. Libby quickly got dressed and threw on her cape, walking out the door. 'Thwap!' Libby wiped the snow out of her eyes as Artman lay on the ground laughing, a pile of snowballs beside him.
"Oh, now you're gonna get it," she growled, getting some snow in a ball. Taking careful aim, she hit him on the side of his face, stopping his laughter quite effectively.
"Hey!" yelled Artman, scrambling to his feet. "That wasn't fair."
"Neither was getting me without me knowing it." Libby stuck out her tongue.
"Let's see you dodge this, then!" Libby ducked, letting a snowball wiz over her head and hit the lieutenant who happened to be standing behind her. "Oops..."
The man stood there for a moment before turning and looking at Artman, his eyes unreadable. "You know what this calls for?" he said, getting the attention of some other King's Own in the courtyard.
"What, sir?"
"SNOWBALL WAR!!!" The lieutenant began scooping up balls of snow and hurling them at anything that moved, including some of the fief's family members. Libby retaliated with some snowballs of her own, directing them at him and Artman. One hit her on the arm and she turned to see a little girl standing there with an impish look on her face.
"Oh, why you little~" 'Sploosh!' Libby was effectively cut off by a snowball courtesy of the little girl's brother. The man in charge of the fief peeped his head out the door, wandering what all the commotion was about. He was rewarded with getting a snowball in the back of his head and soon joined the fight. Lots of snow + lots of adults acting like kids = lots of fun!
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Mouse and Allie sat in their room, looking at the little girl who sat across from them. They had identified her mother as a member of the Rouge a few minutes after having returned, which was both a good and bad thing. It was good because they could fit some pieces in this puzzle. It was bad because it meant that she was now in the Rouge's care, which Vixen had ever so 'graciously' given the job to them.
"What are we supposed to do with her now?" asked Allie, looking at Mouse expectantly. "I mean, I know our 'good queen Vixie' gave her to us to take care of, but~"
"Was that meant to be sarcastic?" asked Vixen from the door, having been walking by.
"If sarcasm were water, we'd all be drowning," replied Allie, giving her a death glare. "Now go."
"Wait a sec, I thought I was the one in charge here~"
"Just go."
"Tsk, tsk, Allie, talking to your superiors like that." Vixen knew she was crossing the line as Allie's eye began to twitch. "Alright alright, I'm leaving."
"Now, as for my question..."
"I don't know," replied Mouse, keeping her eyes trained on the girl. "Considering the fact that I've never raised children before. Let's start with this, what's your name, little girl?"
".....Karalee."
"Ok, Karalee, and how old are you?"
"........six."
"See? It shouldn't be that hard," said Mouse, looking at Allie.
"Good, then you can take care of her most of the time."
"What?"
'Slam!' Mouse looked at Allie's empty chair, then at the door.
"Why that no good~" She was stopped as a pair of arms threw themselves around her neck. "What the~"
"Are you my mommy now?" asked Karalee, looking up at her with these huge puppy eyes.
"Well, I..."
"And am I going to live with you now? Will I ever have to go back?"
"Um~"
"And what about my aunt? Will she be looking for me or am I safe here?"
"I DON'T KNOW!!" yelled Mouse, scaring Karalee almost the point of tears. "Will you stop asking questions???"
"Yes ma'am..." Mouse sighed as the tears began to flow.
"Oh, alright. I'm sorry for yelling at you." The tears stopped, but she continued to sniff softly. "I don't know what's going to happen. Look, I can't guarantee that you'll be here very long or that everything will be ok, but I promise that as long as you're with me you'll be safe. Deal?"
Karalee nodded, her eyes shinning as she gave Mouse a death-grip hug. "Aww, how sweet," said someone from the door.
"Shut-up, Allie." Mouse got an idea and began to whisper in Karalee's ear.
"Hey, wait a sec here. What are you telling that kid? Mouse!" The girl flung herself at Allie, effectively attaching herself on the young woman's waist. "Mouse..."
"Auntie Allie, will you read me a story?" said Karalee sweetly, giving her the puppy eyes.
"You devil," growled Allie at Mouse. Turning to the girl she added, "No, I will not read you a story. And who said you could call me Auntie Allie?"
"Mama Mouse did!" exclaimed Karalee, getting all happy and bouncy. "I now have an Auntie Allie and a Mama Mouse! Whoopee!"
Allie and Mouse traded glances as the girl bounced around the room, sharing the exact same thought. [Oh my gosh....]
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Kyle had been running hard for three days now through the snow, trying to make it to the cave Daine had told him to meet her at on time. Something important had happened. What it was, he wasn't sure, but her message had been urgent and very crisp.
Glancing at the sun as he saw the cave through the trees he knew he was already an hour late and pressed on, knowing it would now only be a few more minutes. He ran in to see Daine pacing back and forth on the hard dirt floors, her face betraying her anxiety.
"What is it?" he asked, sitting down on a near by boulder. "What was so important that I had to drop everything and run for three days?"
"I got a message from the palace," explained Daine, digging out a note from her pouch. "You're to return to the palace immediately. Something to do with your father."
"Did it tell you anything else?" asked Kyle anxiously, rising to his feet.
"No, only to send you as soon as possible. I've arranged with a few friends of mine for you to ride south through a secret pass that stays open year round. I'll warn you now, its guarded by immortals and the only reason you're being let through is because of me and your gift."
"Thanks, where's the horse I'll be taking," said Kyle, slinging his things over his back.
"Horse?" said Daine, eyes dancing. "Who said anything about a horse. You're riding a wild cat near by."
"I'm riding a what?"
"She knows everything about this area and is well known by the immortals. It is the only way south until March, understand?"
"Yes, ma'am. But a wild cat..."
A large predator who's shoulder went up to his hips stalked in, yellow eyes searching them. "Nighteyes," said Daine cheerfully, greeting the wild cat with affection. "Thanks for the help, this means a lot to me."
The cat nodded, glancing at Kyle. "What?" said Daine. "Oh, yes he's the one you're to take south for me. Only to Henderson fief, he has a mount he can get there."
"I'm ready if she is," said Kyle, walking to her side. "Am I just to ride on her back?"
"That's the idea," said Daine, watching as Kyle mounted Nighteyes as best he could. "There, now just hold tight with this harness she said you could use. Don't be jerking on it or try to lead her because she already said she won't stand for it."
"Yes, Daine." The wild cat turned and headed out the door and was almost outside when Kyle added, "And Daine?"
"Yeah, Kyle?"
"Thanks!"
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Amanda sat on top of her highest tower, griffin feather in hand as she stared up at the stars. It was cold out, yet she wore only her breeches, boots, sword shirt, and leather jerkin that was hanging open. Things had been crazy lately, with Mid-winter coming closer and everyone scrambling around for last minute gifts.
The moon was full, and its soft light played off of the brindled feather that she usually kept in her room. An immortal's feather. She could probably sell it for several gold nobles, but it was worth more than any price they could pay. Many things from this world were.
The trap door opened and Levi came up, seeing her perched near the edge sitting Indian style. "Hey," he said, hoping not to startle her.
"Hey," she replied, her voice unusually soft as she continued to stare off into space.
"Um...I was wondering, Amanda...."
"Yeah?"
"...could we talk for a minute?"
"Sure, you know the rule. I'll listen when ever you need me to."
"...yeah." He walked over and sat beside her, feeling her shiver as his hands brushed her back. "Cold? Here, you can use my cloak." She didn't bother telling him she wasn't shivering from the cold and accepted it, wrapping it tightly around her shoulders.
"So, what was it you wanted to talk about?" she asked, trying not to yawn.
"Um, remember a few weeks ago when we were talking?"
"Yeah?"
"And we were sort of interrupted?"
"Oh yeah, by the Shang Lynx. Thank goodness, he finally left. He's nice and all and I don't mind having him around, just not for extended periods of time in my house. He could be such a pain sometimes...anyways. What was it you were saying again?"
"........never mind. Want to go play chess downstairs? We haven't done that for awhile."
"We just played last night, as we have every night since we came back from the progress."
"Well, we haven't played yet tonight and there's no reason to break the habit yet, is there?"
"Um, ok..." Amanda frowned at this sudden change of topic, but followed him down, offering him his cloak at the bottom of the stairs. "Here's you cloak~"
"Keep it," said Levi, "Yours is all beat up since you took it with you into the woods for a ride. So you can have mine."
"But don't you need it?" asked Amanda, opening the door into her study.
"No, I'm getting a new one for mid-winter, and since I didn't get you anything yet, consider it your gift."
"........um, ok...." Amanda went to the board and began to set up the pieces, sitting in her usual spot facing the fire. "White or black?"
"I'm black."
"Ok."
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Jennifer and Stephanie walked up to the fief, the herd being driven between them and leading a donkey that held their belongings. The first snow had been the day before and now they were taking up their winter residence at the fief where the sheep would stay in an indoor pen until the next spring.
"Who's that?" asked a squinty-eyed guard as they walked up to the gate.
"My new helper, and a friend of the family," replied Stephanie, making her way past him. "Leave him be, Comas."
"I wasn't told you had a helper."
"That's because the Master doesn't know yet."
"This could get you in trouble, Stephanie..."
"No more than the bar girls you bring back every night or so could get you put in jail," she retorted, walking away from him and towards the main building. "Come on, Jen."
"Yes, ma'am." They quickly penned up the animals and Stephanie led the way to the Master's study, walking so fast that Jennifer had to trot along beside her. She knocked on a large set of double doors at the end of a hallway and waited.
"Come in," said a reedy voice. She pushed one of the doors open and walked in, Jennifer close behind her. An old, wizened man sat wrapped up completely in blankets by a fire, a portable desk beside him and a quill in one of his old, wrinkled hands. Stephanie bowed low and motioned for Jennifer to do the same, waiting for the old man to speak. "So, you have returned for the winter," the man wheezed, his face grinning pleasantly. "I trust the herd and you are well?"
"Yes, sir."
"And who is your companion?"
"This is Jen," explained Stephanie, pulling the girl forward. "Sh~ he is a friend of the family who asked to stay with me for a while." Leaning a little closer, she added, "Family problems."
"Oh?" The old man's eyebrows went up with interest. "Well, he's welcome to stay with you as long as he wants. We won't pay him, but he can have free room and board as long as he helps you out and stays out of trouble, ok?"
"Yes, sir." They left as quickly as they could, going by the barn to pick up their things.
"So, I get to stay?" asked Jennifer, keeping her voice low.
"Yep, you get to stay," replied Stephanie, taking out a key and opening a door in the servants hallway. "Here's your new home." The door swung open and revealed a small room with two cots, a small fire place, a privy with a tub in a separate room, and small table with two chairs. In a way, it reminded Jennifer of her old loft room in Roberto's house. "What do you think?" asked Stephanie, throwing her things on one of the cots.
"Cool."
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Lyssa looked at the letter, just lying there on her desk. It hadn't been there when she left, so she assumed the mail had come and right about now Eric would be getting yet another letter from his father denouncing him from the family and saying that if he didn't give up this 'foolish undertaking' now he'd be thrown out forever. Some how it was renewed every couple weeks and he had yet to be sent the final letter saying he could never come home again.
She flipped over the letter and skimmed over the address, picking it up and breaking the seal when she realized it was Danielle's. She pulled out a long letter in her scrolly hand writing, and it said:
To my Friend Commander Lyssa;
How are you? I'm alright. I feel like a cow as this baby continues to grow inside of me, and Derick is ecstatic about becoming a father. I'm so glad I met him and can't thing of anyone else I'd like to be the father of my children.
I crave salt pork and chocolate constantly, but the mid-wife said that it's normal. Yep, we went ahead and hired one since Derick is set upon making sure everything will go smoothly. She's nice enough, but a bit pushy at times. If she thinks Derick's tiring me out too much, she'll say so and send him packing to another part of the house! She is sweet, though, and only does that because of her concern for the baby.
We have the nursery completed, and it's absolutely beautiful. It's all pastel blues and pinks and greens and yellows, oh I wish you could see it. Clothes I make for him or her are so small, yet I know he or she will probably be too small for them the first couple weeks anyways.
I still can't believe I'm having this baby. I can still remember when we would sit in the drawing room at Trebond and make assumptions of what would happen next in our lives. This, though, is more than I could ever dream. If anything, I always thought you would find someone before I did because of your ability to marry whomever you choose and not have to have the public's approval. But look what happened! I'm married to the son of a Duke who will inherit his lands when he is of age and you're now a Commander of the Riders.
That's enough of my ramblings for now, though, and I won't take up much more of your time since you're probably very busy. Send Eric my love and make sure you're taking care of him since his mother is no longer around to do it for him.
Love,
Danielle
Lyssa smiled at the note, agreeing with her that is was hard to perceive just how much things have changed. She sat down and pulled out a piece of paper, a quill and some ink.
Dear Dani...
*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*
Sarah woke up once more as the clattering of hooves filled the field, one of the horses had gotten out again. She was dressing hurriedly when John came in, his clothes all partially put on and hanging open too boot.
"You heard it too?" he asked, tucking in his shirt and butting up his tunic.
"Yeah, do you know who it is?"
"Yeah, Mandy."
"No......" Sarah sighed, that young horse was getting out of hand. Two out of every three nights she was able to get out of her stall and ran around the fields until they caught her, taking away at least an hour of their sleep.
They finished putting on all their wraps and trudged outside, taking a few lengths of rope with them. "You distract her and I'll sneak up behind her to put the noose on her neck," whispered John, walking as quietly as he could around the back.
"Here Mandy! Here girl!" called Sarah, holding an apple out for the horse to see. "Come on, let's go back inside, it's too cold out here to be staying outside for long. Come on, girl, we'll get you a nice warm stall with some clean hay and oats for you to eat..."
"Gotcha!"
"Neigh!!!" Mandy reared up on her hind legs and took off, racing through the snow.
"AAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!" Sarah watched Mandy drag John around the field, her hand clamped over her mouth in surprise.
"Oh my goodness..."
"HHHHHHEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Sarah recovered her senses and ran after the odd pair. "I'm coming John! Mandy! Stop! I'll give you some sugar cubes, just please, STOP!!"
Mandy abruptly did so, letting John slide head first into a tree. "Oww...."
"Are you alright?" asked Sarah, kneeling by him in the snow as she helped him sit up straight.
"I'm fine...it didn't hurt as bad as falling through the roof at least...*groan*..."
*snort*
"You hush," growled John at the horse, giving her the evil eye. "You just wait 'till I get my hands on you, I'll skin you alive~"
*slurp!* Mandy gave a horsish laugh as John wiped her slobber off his face from where she had licked him.
"Oh, gross! Mandy!"
"Shh, John, you'll wake the other horses," scolded Sarah, trying not to laugh. "Come on, lets go." She took the lead from his hands and put Mandy back in her stall before heading back inside with John. What a night..."
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Alyse sat in an over stuffed arm chair, flipping her fan nervously in one hand as she waited for the night to be over. Faleron had spent the day with her and his friends, and was now going through his Ordeal. She wished she could stay in the chapel with him until the next morning, but no one was allowed in it until he had entered the Chamber, so she waited.
Yuki and Shinko sat a little ways away, playing a game of checkers while they waited with their friend. Shinko was beating Yuki in to the dust and was about o suggest that she get Alyse to help her when Lady Haname walked in, wearing practice clothes.
"Get up, Alyse," she said, throwing a pair of practice clothes at her. "We're going down to the practice courts for awhile." Taking some weapons from a wall rack, she walked out and made her way to the designated area.
Alyse, not having been given a choice, got up and changed quickly, following the older Yamanis and her two friends down the halls and stairs to the courts. It was deserted at this hour, most people saving their practice for daylight. Lady Haname choose a glaive and walked out to the middle of one of the rings, biding the others to do the same.
"Since we didn't have practice this morning, we'll have it now," she instructed, quickly pairing them all up. "Any one disagree with me?"
Because no one dared to say otherwise, they got into position and began to spar with each other, switching off partners now and then. This lasted for three hours, and by the time Alyse had bathed and changed into fresh clothes she was exhausted and ready to sleep. Yuki stayed up all night in her place, reading a book as she waited for the morning hours to come....
***the next morning***
Alyse was up before the dawn and went down to the Chapel, quickly making her way through the crowds to take a seat near the front. Soon, now, soon they would know...
*creak*
Alyse shut her eyes as the giant, stone door opened, not wanting to see what was to happen next. Yuki shook her shoulder as Faleron stumbled out, his clothes drenched in sweat and his eyes red from crying. Alyse smiled as his knight master helped him stand and gave him something to drink, cheers going up from the crowd. Another squire had passed the test and was going to be made a knight!
***that night***
Alyse watched on with pride as Faleron was knighted by the King and received his shield, the emblem of his family on it with his personalized touch on it. Above his crest was a tiny fan embossed in gold and silver swirls. She waited for him to leave the main room and head for his quarters before going after him.
"How do you like it?" he asked, showing her the shield again when she finally caught up with him.
"It's beautiful," she replied, running a finger over the fan. "Who's idea was the fan?"
"I don't know," admitted Faleron. "I was planning on adding something like it myself later on, but someone must've read my mind or something..." He shrugged and went on. "I'm going out to eat with my family to celebrate, care to join us?"
"Sure." She took his arm and walked with him back down to where his family waited for a night of fun and feasting before he had to ride back to the boarders the next morning.
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Artman and Libby road into Northwatch, quickly going to the stables to get their horses in some shelter before heading to the main General's office. A guard at the door stopped them, asking who they were.
"We're the traveling Brazir mages, we need to talk to the main General," said Artman quickly, starting to push his way past. "There is no time to wait."
"Hey! You two there!" came a voice down the hall.
"Yeah?" called back Libby, confusion evident on her face. "What do you want?"
"Are you really the Brazir mages?"
"Yeah..."
"Then come with me." The man walked quickly back the way he had come, leading them to the sick bay on the lower floors of the fort. "The General said for you to meet him here."
"There you are!" called a burly man from a few beds away, motioning for them to come over. "I have your work all planned out for you already..."
"Work?" squeaked Libby, the color draining from her face. "I thought the agreement was to just send us here to restock and you were all set as it was and wouldn't need our help."
"Like we'd pass up an opportunity like this," laughed the man, shaking his head like they were joking with him. "You two could help us get things back together. All the men could be well again and be able to fight and you there could help us get several projects started or even completed in a couple weeks."
"What about the smaller forts who need our help even more?" demanded Artman, not liking the way this man was treating them like a set of tools he owned. "You aren't going to fall apart if we don't help, there are other places out there that will. Just give us the supplies and let us get back on our way."
"You can't leave here until I say you can," the man growled, suddenly turning very unfriendly. "You're under the law of the Tortallian government, which puts you under me!"
"Make me stay," retorted Artman, crossing his arms in defiance. "I dare you. You don't stand a chance against me."
"Little brat! Not stop this foolishness and follow me, there is much work for you to do~" He fell down, out cold as Libby sent a small sphere of power at his head.
"He was annoying," defended Libby as Artman gave her an odd look. "Come on, lets go get the stuff and get out of here, I'd rather not be around when he wakes up."
"Ok, lets go."
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Vixen leaned back against Joe as the fire light danced across them, sitting on the floor with the fire place in front and a cushion for them to lean on behind. Joe picked up his drink and sipped it sedately, a fine wine he had gotten from Paul for mid-winter a few weeks ago.
"Vixie," he said gently, hoping she hadn't fallen asleep.
" Yeah, Joe?" She turned to face him, her face unusually thoughtful for once. He figured it was from the wine.
"Mid-winter luck," he whispered, giving her a kiss and putting something in her one free hand (the other was wrapped around his waist). With her hair down and wearing a dress she had gotten recently, he could've sworn she looked more like a Queen of nobility than a Queen of thieves. Someone as nice and as sweet as her didn't deserve to live the life she did in his opinion.
She got up and freed her other hand before opening the box up, revealing a silver circlet with small, purple amethysts in it. "What in the world..."
"Every Queen needs a crown," he explained gently. "Whether queen of the earth or just queen of some poor guy's heart." He took it from her and placed it gently on her head, the light glinting off it prettily.
"Which would I be queen of?" she asked him teasingly, leaning beside him again.
"You are queen of my heart, which hardly makes me poor and more likely makes me the richest man in the world," he whispered, kissing her again. "What did you get me?"
"This," she replied, pulling a box out from behind the cushion they were leaning on. He opened it and pulled out a rapier with a bone handle and swept hilt, the silver gleaming in the light.
"Wow..."
"Yeah, that's what I said when I saw it in the Raven Armories." He flipped it over, checking if her story was true. Sure enough, right under the cross hilt was the imprint of a raven telling where it had come from.
"Vixen, I don't deserve something like this..."
"Then I don't deserve this crown," she replied, acting like she was going to take if off. He stopped her and stared her in the eyes, about to protest but realizing by the stubborn set of her jaw that she wasn't going to take it back.
"Must you always be like this?" he sighed teasingly, drawing the rapier out if its sheath.
"It's the best rapier you can find for the best fencer I know," she replied, kissing him on the cheek. "So, you like your new toy?"
"If I said I didn't I'd be lying," he replied, putting it away back in the box. "Thanks, Vixie."
"For what?"
"Being you."
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Kyle rode into the palace gates, quickly leaving his mount at the stables before heading over to the King's quarters. Demanding to know what was going on, he was quickly ushered in and given a seat before the King's desk.
"What's happened?" asked Kyle the moment the King walked in, jumping to his feet.
"Your father had a heart attack," explained the King, putting a hand on Kyle's shoulder to keep him from going anywhere. "We've already got a mount and some food waiting for you as soon as you get some sleep. I'll have a servant take you to your quarters~"
"I'm leaving now, sire," replied Kyle, turning to go. The King tightened his grip, making it impossible for him to move.
"You can't," said the King sternly, loosening his grip as Kyle turned back to him. "I can tell by the bags under your eyes that you rode straight through from the last fief, haven't you? If you fall asleep in the saddle and freeze to death from getting lost, you'll never make it in time. Go get at least a few hours of rest, your father needs you alive, not half dead."
"Yes, sire."
"Good. You there!" The page turned and looked at him, quickly bowing.
"Yes, sire?"
"Show this man to his rooms, it's the door closed to the stables in the guest's wing."
"Yes, sire." The page quickly obeyed his orders before running off to get back to work. Kyle went in and took off his boots before falling on the bed in a deep sleep. [I'm coming, dad..] was his last conscious thought as he dove into the land of nod.
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Amanda sat at her desk as the door opened, showing Elizabeth, Lady Hope, and baby Justin waiting outside. She quickly ushered them in and ordered for some tea and juice to be brought.
"How've you been?" asked Amanda when everything was set, settling in a chair across from the lady. "You normally don't visit this often, is everything alright?"
"Yes, everything's fine," replied Lady Hope. "Father's just getting to be a little bit out of hand, and since you're our closest neighbor I'll probably be running over here more often to escape from him."
Amanda nodded in understanding. She had walked to Brenna's house a few times when she and her father hadn't gotten along too well in the past, despite the fact that it was a several mile hike.
"You're always welcome here," said Elizabeth, being pretty good friends with the ladies as well. They both had a common interest in duping guys, something they could talk about for hours on end. "Little Justin is too, I'm sure Amanda wouldn't mind taking care of him." At the mention of his name, the little baby began to wail and scream loudly.
"Shh, hush little Justin, it's alright, Mommy's here..." Just continued to wail until Amanda held out her arms to take him.
"He can come with me to my room," she said, holding him gently, "Maybe all he needs is a change of scenery."
"Are you sure?" asked Lady Hope, even though she had already handed the baby over. "I'm sure you're a very busy person..."
"I'm never to busy for little kids," replied Amanda, smiling gently at the small bundle in her arms. "You're really not a sad little boy, are you? You just want some one to play with."
Elizabeth gave her sister an odd look as she walked out of the room, cooing softly to the little boy. "Your sister is better with my kids than I am," murmured Lady Hope, shaking her head. "Anyways, what were you saying about the cook and that maid?"
"Oh, yeah. Well, Sherry, that little girl who does small chores around this place, walked into the kitchen last night for a snack and saw them...."
Levi walked into Amanda's room, hearing some soft singing coming from her open door. "Lady Amanda?" he said, just in case someone was visiting.
"In here, Levi," she called over her shoulder from her couch, going back to her singing. He looked over her shoulder and saw Justin in her arms, falling asleep to the sound of her voice as she read a book that she held in her other hand.
"What were you singing?" he asked when the baby was asleep and she laid him gently in a basket with a blanket.
"Something my grandmother used to sing to me," she said softly, staring at the fire that kept the room warm. "I don't know what it is, but no one can stay awake once they've heard it long enough."
"That boring?"
"No." Amanda shot Levi a look telling him that was not appropriate. "That peaceful and soothing." Justin opened his just then, looking at her solemnly. "What?" she asked, getting down to his level. "No, I don't have anything to feed you with, you'll have to wait until your mother comes for you."
Levi gently picked him up and set him on his lap. "He just wants to have some fun, don't you, little guy?" Amanda watched him with an amused look on her face as he proceeded to act like the baby was flying through the air, something that brought about peals of laughter from the tike.
"What?" he said when he noticed Amanda was watching him. "Am I doing something wrong or what?"
"Nothing," she replied, taking the baby away from him. "That was just extremely.. ...cute."
"Cute?" Levi made a face, one that can't be described. "Cute as in sweet, adorably cute?"
"Yes, very cute." She left without another word, taking Justin with her. He could hear her all the way down the hall talking to him softly about something.
Elizabeth had been having a ball with Lady Hope when Amanda walked in, the baby still cooing and giggling sweetly in her arms. "You got him to settle down?" asked Lady Hope, taking him away from her.
"Yeah, we went to my room for awhile, then he came with me to the stables to meet the horses." Lady Hope glanced at the sun, realizing several hours had passed.
"I'm sorry, but I really must be going," she said regretfully, packing up her things. "I'll be coming by again soon, ok?"
"That's fine," replied Amanda, saying good bye to Justin. "Bring your other little ones two next time if you want to."
"Both of them?"
"Why not? If I need to, we can send them outside with Levi."
"Ok, um...thanks. Until next time, then."
"I'll show you to the door," said Elizabeth.
"You offered me to what?" cried Levi as he walked in the door.
"What did I tell you about spying?"
"I wasn't spying! I was peaking, there's a difference. Do you really think I could keep those two terrors out of trouble by myself for that long of a time???"
"No, but you can try," said Amanda sweetly, getting back to her desk. "And you have to if I order you to?"
"What if I quit."
"Then I'll beat you myself with a switch," said his father from the door. "You're not quitting, its a family tradition that one son works for this fief, generally the youngest, understand."
Levi sighed, wanting to bang his head against a door post. "Yes, dad."
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Jennifer walked out of the bathroom, her clothes already on and her hair sticking out in all directions. While it didn't look too bad spiked, she needed to comb it out so it would look nice enough for that night's dinner. Stephanie was too lazy to go by food, so they ate in the dinning room with the other servants and she'd gotten teased for having messy hair last time she ate there.
She sat with her back to the door (since she hadn't bound herself flat yet) and was getting all the tangles out when the door opened. "Is that you, Steph?" she asked, lowering her voice in case it was someone else.
"Hmhm." It didn't sound like Stephanie, but she figured maybe she'd had a tad to much to drink or had gotten kicked by a sheep again.
"Could you help me fix my hair? I'd rather get through dinner without any comments tonight." Gentle hands took the comb from her and began to pick out the knots for her, leaving her to relax for a few minutes.
"Where were you today?" asked Jennifer, settling down to wait for it to end as well as her answer. But none came. "Stephanie?" Still, silence. "Stephanie, this isn't funny..." She reached up and grabbed one of the person's hands, realizing something~ those were a guy's hands.
Whirling around, she was caught in a hug, the air rushing out of her as she was practically crushed against someone's chest. "Did you miss me?" asked a familiar voice, making her eyes open wide in surprise.
"Sean!?!" Anything he may've had planned to say was stopped as she kissed him, and it must've lasted quite sometime because Stephanie claimed later on to have come in and left, locking the door after her without being noticed by either one in the process. Anyways, by the time it had ended sometime had passed.
"I take that as a yes," said a breathless Sean.
"Yup." She leaned back on him, surprised to see that the door was locked. It didn't matter to her who did it, as long as they weren't disturbed.
"How've things been, with my sister an all," he asked, putting his arms around her.
"Fine, they think I'm a guy here and it's a little odd at times to have some of the girls try and flirt with me." Sean laughed as Jennifer shuddered. "But its fun taking care of the sheep, I really don't mind all the work. And she taught me some new tricks with the staff you gave me."
"Then it has come in handy?"
"Once or twice."
Sean grinned and kissed her again. "Told you so."
"Hey! That's not fair, it's not my fault I'm smaller and weaker~" No more words passed between the two for the night, and in a way it way much easier to pass the time like this because neither one could argue with the other.
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Lyssa walked out into the rings, those of the men who weren't on guard duty standing on the sidelines watching her. "Most of you want to know what this is all about," she yelled, getting everyone's attention. "Well, I'll tell you. We're holding a competition and the top three winners get to be free of guard duty for three months."
A cheer went up from the men, drowning her voice for a minute. As soon as they had quieted, she went on. "You can used either staffs or hand-to-hand. No blades." When a groan went up from a few, she added, "We can't risk any deaths or serious injuries. Blades only increase that, and I need everyone of you to be in top fighting condition. Now, it'll be a double elimination tournament, and co-ed so if you Rider ladies wish to join, you're welcome to but you will be facing the guys as well, ok? Signups will be in the mess hall during lunches and first round start tomorrow, ok? Now get back to where you're supposed to be!"
***two days later***
The competitions had been going fairly well, with only one or two isolated cases of unfair play and using illegal moves. Lyssa with in the ring right now, facing a friend of hers from the Rider's and a Captain of one of the squads in hand-to-hand combat. Neither had lost yet and if they won guaranteed them a spot in the top three.
"Ready?" asked the guy overseeing this round. Both women nodded. "Go!" Kari, who was Lyssa's opponent, sprang across the space and knock her on her back. Lyssa curled over and hooked Kari's arm so she could use the momentum and fling her over her body. Both lay there for a minute before getting up and waiting for the other to attack. It was Lyssa this time, and she did a series of short punches and jabs to confuse Kari before doing a roundhouse kick and sending her sprawling.
"Oh, you're gonna get it for that," said Kari, wiping some blood from her mouth.
"You think?" replied Lyssa, immediately on her guard. Kari grinned, stretching her back before charging at Lyssa, completely pinning her to the ground and knocking the wind from her as well.
"The winner is: Kari!" cried the guy, coming out to the middle of the ring. "Next up, Yammer vs. Payton!" Kari got her feet, helping Lyssa up as well.
"You alright?" she asked, getting kind of worried as Lyssa continued to gasp for air.
"I'm...*gasp*...fine..."
"You sure?"
"...*gasp*...yeah." She laid down on the side lines, sipping some water now and then until she got her breath back. "Dang, girl. You about killed me with that last hit," laughed Lyssa, rubbing the tender flesh where a bruise was beginning to form. "Where did you learn to do that??"
"Oh, it's just a trick I picked up from my brother's," shrugged Kari, smiling brightly.
"Right..."
***the next day***
Lyssa had fought her way through the ranks of the losers bracket and ended up with a respectable third while Kari took first and some muscled mountain took second. Not bad, considering what the competition was, wouldn't you agree?
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Sarah and John sat at their kitchen table, their two newest helpers sitting across from them. The last set, Anne and Tanner, had both moved with their respective families to different towns and these were their replacements: Roan McAlester and Julia O'Malley, two older teens who lived in town and needed some work. Neither one had any previous experience, but was oddly enough willing to learn, and that was something the pair wasn't going to pass up.
"What was it you wanted to see us about?" asked Sarah as they finished their dinner of hot soup and fresh bread.
"Yeah, what was so important that you had to lie to your families again?" asked John sarcastically, earning him a whap from Sarah. "Ow! What was that for?"
"For opening your mouth. Now, could you please explain this to me?"
"Sure," said Julia, shifting in her chair nervously. "I was wondering if I could come live with you, here at the stables. Pa and Ma aren't getting along well, and they sometimes start yelling at me 'cause they're so mad at each other..." She stopped there, eyes misting over with tears.
"Did you ask them first?" question Sarah, letting the idea sit in her mind for a moment. Julia nodded. "And what did they say?"
"As long as it don't cost them nothing, they don't care where I go."
"Then you're welcome here."
"What?" cried John, "Where's she gonna sleep? In the loft?"
"She can have my room," said Sarah, giving him a 'look'. "And I'll sleep on the floor in your room."
"Oh...that's fine."
"When are you going to move your stuff over?" asked Sarah, getting up out of her chair.
"It's already done," replied Julia, pulling a large bag onto the table. "I don't have much stuff, we couldn't really afford anything past the basics..."
"That's alright," sighed John, getting up and stretching. "It doesn't matter. I'm gonna go get that mat for you, Sarah, wanna help me Roan?"
"Sure." They got everything set up and Roan left after talking with Julia outside for a few minutes.
"Do you ever think we'll have this place to ourselves for more than a month or so?" John asked Sarah as they watched Roan ride off from the window.
"Probably not, knowing our luck," replied Sarah. "But I really don't mind."
"You know what?" asked John, smiling to himself. "Neither do I..."
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Alyse sat in her room reading a book, startled when someone pounded heavily on her door. "Come in," she called, getting up from the chair and heading towards it. Faleron had left three weeks ago and now she was waiting for the spring thaws to return home to Lynx mountain. It was risky business trying to get through the passes before the snow and ice was gone.
The door opened, revealing a frantic looking Princess Shinko and Yuki with a man from Faleron's squadron behind them. "What is it?" she asked, looking at them puzzled. "Is something wrong."
"Alyse," said Shinko gently, coming into the room. "It's Faleron."
"Is he hurt?" asked Alyse quickly, heading towards the door. "Is he here at the palace?"
"Alyse," commanded Lady Haname, coming into the room suddenly. "Sit down, please."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Faleron's group spread out to a couple different fiefs," explained Lady Haname, her voice unusually gentle. "His group of five's fief was ambushed by bandits, only one made it back alive."
"And I am he," said the guy who had come with them.
"So," murmured Alyse, her eyes taking a glazed over look. "You're....you're trying to tell....to tell me that..."
"Faleron's dead." Alyse sat back her chair, eyes bigger than ever with a shocked look on her face.
"...Alyse?"
"You're...you're lying..."
"No, sweetie," said Yuki, putting an arm around the poor girl. "We're not lying to you. Word just came in this morning. I'm so sorry..."
"You...you can't be telling the truth, Faleron's not dead..." Lady Haname motioned for everyone else to leave, and they reluctantly did, all save the man who she bid to stay.
"This man was there when he died," she whispered, trying to bring Alyse to her senses. "He has something for you."
The man drew out a small bag and said, "Faleron told me to give this to Lady Alyse if I was able to make it back. He knew he was going to die. Are you that woman?"
"Yes."
"He told me to tell you he loved you and wished he could say it to your face instead of through somebody else like this. He gave me this to give to you." He pulled out a fan she had given him sometime ago and a silver ring on a necklace. "He said he meant to give it to you for midwinter, but thought maybe it was best to wait." The man left as Alyse stared at the things he had handed to her, knowing for sure everything they had said was true, and that Faleron was dead.
"No...no..." Lady Haname wrapped her arms around the young woman and let her cry in her shoulder, for she too knew what it was like to lose a loved one.
"Shh...shh....what would he say if he saw you spoiling your pretty eyes like this? I know it's hard, I know better than you think, but you must move on..."
The door opened gently, followed by the King who walked in slowly. "Can I come in?"
"Yes, sire," whispered Alyse, getting up and curtsying slightly. "What do you want?"
"You've already heard?"
"Yes."
"I have some more news. I want to apologize to your cousin. She was right, it took me losing my pride and a squadron of men, but she was right. Please, if you could tell her I'm sorry and I need to talk to her next time she comes here when you see her..."
"I'll tell her. Is that all?"
"Yes."
"Then please leave."
"Are you sure~"
"Just go." The King left, Lady Haname going with him as Alyse went to her window seat, curled up in a blanket, and began to cry...
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Artman sat on the floor of their inn room, a book on his lap and the end of a rope in one hand. He read the book diligently, trying to soak up as many of the spells as he could. These were techniques that even Numair would have problems with, but maybe, just maybe he could learn to pull them off...
His hand which held a rope swung in a constant rhythm, the other end tied to the bedpost and in the middle a bunny who was hopping away contentedly. It was Pinky, and at that time Libby was trying to teach the rest of her rabbits how to do it.
Dusty, Rose and Pinky Jr. weren't doing to bad at it and only missed one out of every ten jumps or so. "Come, guys! You can do it!" Libby encouraged them, feeding them bits of carrot from her hands.
She began to swing the rope for Dusty once more and he started to jump getting to around twenty when he tried to do a flip instead of just jumping and got all tangled in the cord.
*whimper**whimper*
"Oh, it's alright," cooed Libby, bringing the bunny into her lap and untangling him paws as gently as she could. "You're getting better at it."
*whimper*
"Shh, you're fine, see? No marks left from the rope, and if you didn't try to show off you wouldn't fall and get all tangled..."
*sniff**whimper*
"It's not a bad thing, Dusty, you just need to learn your limits..."
"Libby! Are you talking to those bunnies again?" called Artman, still never missing a beat.
"Yeah, so?"
"How many times do I have to tell you? They can't understand what you're saying!"
"How do you know? I think they do."
"Women."
"WHAT WAS THAT???"
"Nothing."
"You understand me, don't you guys?" said Libby, lifting up Dusty to her face. He licked her nose and sat there staring at her. "Of course you do."
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Mouse sat in her room, dozing lightly. Karalee had a lot more energy than she appeared to have, and had completely worn out Mouse in a matter of hours. Allie walked in right about then, a pile of new clothes in her hands.
"Mouse! Karalee! I'm~ Karalee?" She searched around the room, looking under the bed and behind the door before shaking Mouse awake.
"~huh? What? What is it Allie? She's sleeping on the bed, so leave me alone...zzz..."
"No she's not," replied Allie, getting worried as she looked around once more. "She's not here, Mouse, where is she? Where's Karalee?"
"What do you mean she's not here?" asked Mouse, waking up again.
"Exactly what it sounds like, SHE'S GONE!!!"
"Oh...where did she go?"
"That's what I'm trying to figure out..."
"YOU MEAN SHE'S LOST??!!"
"...isn't that what I just said," said Allie, sweating slightly.
"Why didn't you say it out right??" cried Mouse, jumping up and beginning to search the room. "She has to be here somewhere..."
"I already checked, she's not in here!" cried Allie, going out and checking the hallway.
"What's going on in there?" called Vixen from her room, Joe coming with her as they walked down to where Allie and Mouse were. "We could here you all the way down there~"
"We weren't interrupting anything were we?" asked Allie sweetly, forgetting about the girl for a moment. Vixen glared at her and Joe went beet red. "I take that as a yes. Anyways, Karalee's missing~"
"Missing? How in the world do you lose a six year old girl!" cried Vixen, slapping herself on the forehead.
"I don't know but we did," retorted Mouse. "Now if you please help us or leave~"
"You have to think like a kid to find one," said Joe, walking into the middle of the room. "Now, if I was six years old, where would I go..." He glanced at Allie, asking, "Was the door locked?"
"Um...yeah it was. So how did she get out??"
"She didn't. Joe went and opened the closet door, revealing a small bundle on the floor. It was Karalee, wrapped up in her blanket and sound asleep.
"She looks so sweet," said Vixen softly. "How is the world can something so sweet be so much trouble..."
"I don't know, but that's not for us to decide," said Joe, dragging her out of the room. "Let's leave these two with their little trouble maker."
"Darn them," growled Allie as Mouse moved Kara back to the bed. Sighing, she picked up the clothes she'd gotten and handed them to her partner in child raising. "Here's the stuff you asked for."
"Allie..."
"What?"
"She's not going to get this." She pulled out a small whip Allie had hid in the stack. "How'd this get in here."
"Um....I don't know..."
"Sure you don't. We're raising a kid, Allie, not the next man tamer."
Allie made sure Mouse was out of earshot before whispering, "That's what you think."
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Kyle had reached the fief as few days ago and had been sitting by his adopted dad's bed since then. "I'm sorry I couldn't get here sooner," he whispered at the comatose man, wishing for once that the Baron would respond. "I tried, I really did. But it looks like I'm too late...."
"Son...." Kyle's head snapped up, his eyes searching the Baron's face as he realized he was awake.
"Dad!" He rushed over to the bedside and knelt there, waiting for him to say more. "Dad, you're alright...."
"No, no I'm not," wheezed the old man. "Kyle, I'm dying. I can feel it in my bones. Please, please tell me my lands will be secure...that you'll take of everything...."
"Of course I will," replied Kyle softly. "You've take care of me like your real son, what else could I do?"
"You are my son, blood ties or not," insisted the Baron, going off into a round of hacking. "You are now in charge around here. Please, Kyle. Be good to them, I'm trusting you to take care of this place, it's all I've ever had..."
"I know," whispered Kyle, tears running down his cheeks. "I know. I promise I'll do my best."
"Then you'll get married and have a family? An heir so that this will stay with people that I trust?"
"Anything to make you happy." The Baron relaxed and laid back, resting on his pillow once more. "Good bye, Kyle."
"What~"
"Good bye...everything I could ever need done, is now complete...good bye..."
"What? Father? No! You can't leave now! Not yet, no, Father!!!"
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Elizabeth rode into the fort once more, dreading the meeting that was to come. She was on her own this time, Amanda to busy helping the smithies with their work for weapons in case of an attack and Levi taking over all the diplomatic things that had to happen that day. Alyse was still in Corus, and was probably in some sort of depression in with the death of Faleron. They'd just gotten the news from a mage sent letter a few day ago, and right now they were wondering what to do next.
She sighed and walked into the room, seeing Lyssa and the General sitting there waiting for her. "Sorry about that," she said softly, sitting down. It wasn't like her not to be on time for things. "Something important came up at home..."
"Milady, if you were having fun with your latest boyfriend just say so and get it done with," drawled the General, having come to really not like her. "Excuses are not needed~"
"My cousin's best friend just died and we just got the news from Corus," cut in Elizabeth, her voice as cold as ice. "I don't care what you say about me, but at least get the facts straight when something is not my fault."
"...yes, milady."
"Who died?" asked Lyssa solemnly.
"Faleron."
"Oh my...."
"Yeah."
"Down to business," said the General, trying once more to take control. "Patrols are doing well and all we have left to take care of is the rotations~"
"Your soldiers are getting more time there than mine," said Lyssa accusingly, pointing a finger at him. "Yours only have to rotated every two weeks, mine every week."
"What can I say? It's just the way things worked out, right?" He looked at them smugly, knowing there was little physically they could do about it. Or so he thought.
"General, do you pride yourself for having strong soldiers?" asked Elizabeth, a sly tone in her voice.
"Yes, they can withstand anything."
"Then you'd say that Lyssa's soldiers are less hardy than yours."
"Of course, they aren't nearly as well trained and haven't spent as much time in the wilderness. Lyssa looked like she wanted to explode, but kept it in as Elizabeth sent her a look.
"Then you'd agree that they could live with less luxury."
"Of course, that's what they were trained for."
"Then it's settled, your shifts will shift since Lyssa's soldiers need more time in some comfort and yours do not."
"Wait, but I never~"
"Didn't you just say that yours were better than hers are withstanding anything? Then you must agree that this is a better idea or admit that hers are better than yours." Lyssa grinned, seeing a victory in sight...
"Fine, they can switch schedules." The General sat there, turning an unusual shade of green. "Now if you will excuse me..."
"Not bad," said Lyssa when the General had left. "I couldn't have done it better myself."
"What can I say?" said Elizabeth, shrugging with a grin. "I'm just me."
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Lyssa sat down at her desk after she got back, decided to write a letter to Coram and Rispah with the extra time she had before going to dinner. It read:
Coram and Rispah,
Hey, how are you? Haven't see you for months, but I wish I could. Things are ok out here, we haven't had more than a few run ins with the Scanrans, and no ones been killed yet from the attacks. Eric is fine, I don't know if he's written to you recently or not so I'll just tell you everything that's happened so far.
The General we have to work with is an idiot, that is truly the only way to describe him right now. He seems to have this idea that the noble girls and I don't have the ability to think or act by ourselves, so he does his best to take over everything and anything that needs to be done. Luckily, between us we can usually get him to quit or fool him into changing his ways, he's really not that bright.
Enough with the ranting, though. I held a competition to keep everyone's skills sharp awhile ago and got a respectable third place. Not that I couldn't have taken first, but that's just the way things went. Eric did alright, he was knocked out in the third round by the winner and then again in the fourth by one of his friends. I never got a chance to fight him, but he has improved his stances and his reflexes are better as well.
That's about all there is to say. Give the men my greetings and tell them if they don't obey I'll give them some good training when I get back! That should keep them inline.
Love,
Commander Lyssa
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Jennifer sat down between Stephanie and Sean at the small table, plates of steaming food set before them. "How'd you get the servants to bring us our food?" she asked, sipping some water from her cup.
"I have friends in high places, that's all," she replied, winking. "The head of the servants likes me more than he should. I do try to discourage him, but his insisted infatuation does come in handy..."
"Until he tries something like last year," finished Sean so only Jennifer could hear.
"What was that, little bro?"
"Nothing, sis."
"Sure it was..."
"What's the plan for the next week?" asked Jennifer, changing the subject. "And how much longer are you going to be here, Sean?"
"We're going to check on the sheep, and probably spend a few nights in the barn with that ewe who's about to give birth. We'll have to go and get fitted for some new clothes, too, you don't have much and Sean's clothes are too big for you." Jennifer sighed, she liked the way the clothes smelled of him when she wore them. "Stop day dreaming, lover girl and pay attention," laughed Steph, waving a hand in front of her eyes.
"What~! Oh, sorry about that...." Jennifer ducked her head as her face went bright red.
"I'll be around for another two weeks or so, maybe more," said Sean, trying to bring things back to what they were talking about before and not him and Jenny. "It depends on when I get the letter saying if I don't return soon, I'll be fired. Not that I care much, things aren't very fun around there when you're not in charge."
"Go work for Roberto," she replied with a shrug. "He's nice and he pays well, though not as well as the palace. You won't have to work all the time as well and since he already knows you it shouldn't be that hard..." She fidgeted with the charm he had given her on a necklace, a small frying pan with on a gold chain.
"Yeah, I guess I could," sighed Sean. "But it still wouldn't be the same..."
"You haven't even left yet and you're already pining over her," muttered Stephanie teasingly, rolling her eyes. "Don't let the fact that she's not glued to you kill you." Both young adults went bright red, wishing the ground would just swallow them whole. "After all, you did have three hours to yourselves today. Wasn't that enough time?"
"Depends on what you're trying to accomplish," replied Jennifer, a sly look in her eyes. "After all~"
"Stop!" cried Stephanie, covering her ears. "I don't want to hear it, I really don't..."
"Not bad," whispered Sean, leaning closer to Jennifer. "What made you decided to lie like that?"
Jennifer looked at him, her eyes still holding that sly look. "Who said I was lying?"
"WHAT???" Jennifer about fell over laughing as Sean gaped at her, eyes big as anything. Stephanie gave them an odd look, edging closer to the other side of the table.
"I don't even want to know..."
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Roan and Julia sat across from Sarah and John, eating their dinner silently. Sarah studied them for a moment, something was wrong. Well, not wrong necessarily in the sense that something horrible had happened, but something definitely not right. Julia shifted nervously in her seat, looking as if she was sitting on pins and needles and Roan refused to say much at all. When they had asked him about his little sister, he gave them a short answer instead of gushing on about how cute she was and such.
"Ok, what's going on," said John, getting up out of his seat suddenly. "I can't take it anymore, what's gotten into you two."
Julia silently raised her hand, a silver band on the ring finer of her left hand. "Oh my..." Sarah could find nothing else to say, John however was as blunt as ever.
"You're engaged?" His voice rose a few decibels higher than normal. "When did this happen??"
"Uh....yesterday...."
"Do your parents know about this?" asked Sarah calmly, finally getting her tongue back.
"....um.....no........."
"WHAT?!?!?!?!?!" John hit the roof. "DO YOU EXPECT US TO LET YOU LIVE TOGETHER HERE OR SOMETHING??? MAYBE YOU HADN'T NOTICED BUT YOUR FAMILIES MIGHT AS WELL BE AT WAR!!!" The McAlester family and the O'Malley family had been fighting like mad beats over a patch of land for the past thirty years. There was some controversy about an affair and a bet that was lost, so both had posted guards there and argued when ever they met on the street. Both families barely tolerated the fact that their kids where working together, and only agreed to it because they needed the money that came from that job to keep on fighting.
"...um, well....we were hoping you could keep it a secret...."
"....yeah, just until we break it to them...."
"How long will that be?" asked Sarah, clamping a hand of John's mouth to keep him from shouting again.
"....we're not sure...."
"Give me an estimate here."
"........a year?"
"WHAT??" Sarah sat back down hard, her eyes getting huge. This was going to be harder than she had first thought.
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
*sighs* This one had some tough spots in it. I know some won't be to happy with this chapter, death isn't a popular subject and it's even harder when its from a character you know. Did I have Alyse's permission to do this? Yeah, so don't sue me, you won't get squat. Please, review and, as usual:
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday dear Bryanna (Mouse), Amanda, Allie, and Lyssa!!!!
Happy Birthday to YOU!!!
That's right, on May 19, 24, 29, and 30 our favorite Rogue singer, unusual noble lady, Rogue courtesan, and Rider Commander are turning 16, 17, 16, and 15!! Be sure to wish them a happy birthday in your reviews please, and this chapter is dedicated to them and their parts in this story! ~thank you~
@~{~ crosseyedbutterfly