~ Chapter 10 ~
Keli twirled a golden leaf in her fingers. It was the first turned leaf she had seen.
"Hey Sia, out for a walk?" Tris called as he and Caewen approached.
"Just taking a break from the books." She answered as she stepped off the path to allow him to pass.
"Careful, or you'll have nothing left to learn." He teased as he dismounted next to her.
"Actually, we should return to Haven. Classes will be resuming soon." Keli commented.
"True." He walked next to her. "Are you ready to face it?"
"Yes. I am actually looking forward to it." Keli confessed. "I hope I won't be too far behind."
"You have practically covered the entire curriculum in one summer." He teased. "I doubt you will be behind."
Keli traced the veins of the delicate leaf. "There is still a massive amount I have to learn. I think Fyn is eager to get back to Haven as well."
"We can leave in a few days if you want." Tris offered.
"That would wonderful."
"You seem distracted." Tristen observed.
"I know it sounds redundant, but I am just thinking."
"About anything in particular, or do I not want to know?" Tris asked lightly.
"About the change of seasons." Keli answered, her simple topic unexpected.
"That's it?" Tris asked dubiously.
"I never really had a chance to watch it before. There were very few trees in my Haven and I had no time to go out into the country."
"I am amazed that you indulged in such a simple thought." He teased.
Keli mock punched his shoulder. "I can think as simply as the next person."
"You may be able to but you rarely do. Every time I ask you what you are thinking you give me a convoluted answer."
"It was the way I was raised. Remember, my father and grandmother both had to deal with their council. They had to think around corners in order to out wit them. I learned at their knees that if I was to survive I had to consider every possibility, every argument, and every benefit." Keli explained.
"It is rather depressing to think that's what Valdemar becomes." Tristen said seriously.
"You think the Queen doesn't have that problem?" Keli asked. "She does, perhaps not for the same reasons as I had but she still considers the repercussions of every request. It is the nature of being a monarch. Trust me, I am very glad she has that particular job and not I. Not to mention the fact that paranoia is a healthy disease for a monarch, something I was never good at."
"Elspeth mentioned that once. It bothered her too. I never really understood what she meant." Tristen said thoughtfully.
"Well, every word must be weighed, every friendship constantly examined and re-examined to ferret out the ones who have power over you, who seek power over you, or who you have power over. Everyone within striking distance must be watched as a potential assassin. Eventually you can't even look at a plate of food with out suspecting it of treason." Keli shuddered.
"I am suddenly very glad to be a mere Herald. Even more so than usual." Tristen said with genuine gratitude.
"You are far from a mere Herald." Keli corrected as she plucked a flower from the side of the path and studied its petals. "I doubt there is such a thing as a mere Herald for that matter."
"Was that supposed to be a compliment?" Tris asked confused.
"Yes." Keli laughed. "I was thinking out loud again."
"I received a letter from the Queen and Teren, mostly Teren. They have been trying to figure out what to do about the fact you have already earned your Whites in your time and shouldn't be expected to accept Greys." Tristen changed the topic to the one he had searched her out to discuss.
"I don't mind the Greys." Keli quickly assured him.
"They decided to let you keep your Whites as you attend classes. They are still uncertain about what exactly your rank will be." Tristen explained.
"You mean they don't know what to do with a second Queen's Own." Keli corrected.
Tristen laughed. "Well, yes. We have never had that problem before."
"Of course you haven't. We shall see how it falls out. Perhaps I would make a miserable Queen's Own. I was his only choice." Keli chose another flower.
"I think you would make a wonderful Queen's Own." Tristen informed her.
"Thank you. But I doubt I would be a good Queen's Own to the current Queen." Keli pointed out reasonably. "I will see how the pieces fall."
"What are you doing?" Tris gestured to her tiny bundle of flowers.
"I am just collecting some flowers." Keli admitted. "I never have before. It seemed like wonderfully useless thing to do."
"And you wanted to be useless?" Tris asked confused.
"For a few minutes, that's all." Keli assured him. "Mostly because I have never had a chance to be useless before. While it is a nice break from the books I think I prefer being useful."
"Would you like some help?" Tris asked.
"I don't need any help but you are welcome to join me." Keli gestured at the wildflowers scattered about them.
Tris watched as she picked flowers. He almost dreaded returning to Haven since he wouldn't see her as often. Even though he was supposed to be teaching her he had found it impossible to keep abreast of her studying.
Keli paused and wound her flowers into a band. "There." She turned to Tris and set the flower crown on his head.
"What's that for?"
:I believe she is flirting with you.: Caewen said dryly.
"I felt like it." Keli shrugged. "We should get back. Fyn is looking for you." She led the way back down the path.
:She did it again.: Tris commented to Caewen. :How does she know what Fyn is doing even though she is out of sight?:
:I have no idea, but Fyn thinks it is all great fun.: Caewen chuckled.
:What has she done this time?: Tristen was grinning in anticipation of whatever stunt Fyn had pulled this time.
:You'll see.: Caewen's mindvoice was tinged with laughter.
Tris removed the wreath of flowers and fingered the delicate blossoms. :I wish I could read her.:
:Perhaps you are over reading her.: Caewen suggested knowing he meant Keli and not Fyn.
"There you are!" Fyn came barrelling into view. "You said you'd take me riding." She grabbed Tris' hand and dragged him down the trail.
"Put the table back before you go riding." Keli called after them.
Fyn made a face at her. "Keli!"
Caewen made a sound that could only be construed as laughter. Keli waited until they were out of sight before meandering off the path. When she reached the small brook she sat on the bank. What on earth had possessed her to put her flowers on Tris' head? She liked him a great deal, respected his mind, enjoyed his wit, and cherished his company and did not want to risk their friendship on a romance. So why did she do something so foolish as give him those flowers.
:Ah, young love.: Solaris teased as she appeared next to her.
Keli jumped. "Why can't you give some warning when you do that?"
:That wouldn't be any fun.: Solaris teased.
"I am not in love." Keli protested.
:Aren't you? What would you say if I told you that you called for him at night?:
"I do not!" Keli objected.
:No, you don't. But it is obvious to me that you are very much in love.: Solaris assured her.
Keli started to protest again.
:Enough, you can protest all you want to later. For now, you should return to Haven soon, and not just because of classes.: Solaris told her seriously.
"Can't you give me more than that?" Keli pleaded. "You and Kenyon are going to drive me nuts."
:You can't change things from a distance.: Solaris said and vanished again.
Keli sighed. "I suppose I can't expect more from a Cat."
~*~
Keli had everything packed away that night when someone knocked on her door.
"Come in." She called as she hefted her bags off the bed.
"You wanted to speak to me?" Tris opened the door.
"Yes, do you mind if we leave tomorrow?" Keli asked.
"So eager to get back?" He asked lightly.
Keli gestured for him to have a seat. "Sola said it was important for us to get back soon. I can make us a portal there if you want."
Tris sat in the lone chair. "You can?"
"Certainly, they are easy enough." Keli shrugged. "Or Fyn and I can head back and you can visit some more with your brother and follow later."
"I'll come with you of course. I doubt it is urgent enough that you need to exhaust yourself with a gate." Tristen said.
"Exhaust me?" Keli was genuinely confused.
"They don't exhaust you?" It was Tristen's turn top be confused.
"No. I rarely have reason to use them but they are easy enough." Keli explained.
"You are full of surprises." He laughed.
Keli sat on the bed. "I suppose there have been more changes than I thought."
"Make sure you mention that little tidbit to Elspeth or Darkwind when we return."
"Darkwind? That must be a Tayledras name." Keli had managed to find one newer book that mentioned the Hawkbrothers in passing and their use of descriptive names.
"He is." Tris confirmed.
"I'll be certain to do that. Will you be remaining in Haven?" Keli acted nonchalant, double checking the buckles on her bags to avoid his gaze.
"I'll probably be sent out on circuit. We are still a little short handed." Tristen explained.
Keli hid her disappointment. "Are mages not normally sent out on Circuit?"
"Normally, no. Most strong gifts are kept at the Collegium for teaching or other duties, but I am not a very good teacher." Tristen clarified.
"Nonsense. You simply haven't found your style. Look at how much have you taught Fyn in just a few weeks, she is an accomplished rider already and you can't say that is all natural talent. You also have a great deal of patience, a very important quality in teachers. I think you are best with hands on exercises rather than theory." Keli said confidently.
"Perhaps." Tris shrugged even though he was flattered by her appraisal of his skills.
Keli brushed her hair out of her eyes and considered him for a moment. "I have a few odd questions I want to ask before we return to Haven."
"Like what?" Tris braced himself for more questions.
"I couldn't find any books on Heralds in the library but some said that they live to different rules than the rest of the populace."
"Well, for starters we are given to what most non-Heralds consider licentiousness." Tris started. "We rarely form lasting romances and I can only think of four couples that are permanent."
"So they are known for sleeping around?" Keli asked in disbelief. "I wouldn't have thought that would be tolerated."
"As the Healers put it, we are mostly young in a dangerous job, we are bound to be rather hedonistic. Is it different in your time?" Tristen asked.
"In my time everyone is rather hedonistic." Keli admitted. "According to the history books this time period was very repressive."
"Maybe outside Valdemar but inside Valdemar there is much more tolerance. Especially for Heralds." Tristen assured her.
Keli consider it all for a moment. "Interesting."
"Only you can infuse centuries of meaning into one word." Tris teased as he stood up. "I'll let you get to sleep."
Keli hesitated. "Tris…thank you for everything."
"You're welcome." Tris assured her and closed the door after himself.
:So much for seduction.: Keli commented to Kenyon as she lay back on the bed.
:You could always sneak into his room.: Kenyon suggested.
:Sneak up on an adept mage? I am not an idiot.: Keli snorted.
:He wouldn't strike at you. What made you decide to seduce him?: Kenyon asked.
:What Sola said. I realised I feel the same for him as I felt for Rodry. It took me long enough. It isn't just because he has been here.: Keli explained, ignoring the blush that crept up her cheeks.
:And you didn't want to lose him without telling him that you cared?: Kenyon guessed. :So what are you going to do?:
:Nothing, at least not now. For now I am glad to know that what the books alluded to was true.: Keli grinned.
:Good night then little Empress.: Kenyon terminated their link before she gave him a bit more detail than he wanted considering he had been celibate for the past twenty or so years, ever since Keli's mother died and her Companion with her.
~*~
Keli strapped her bags to the back of her saddle as she waited for Tris and Fyn. Kevyn had given Fyn a sweet Shin'a'in mare, now named Honey, so she didn't need to worry about Fyn sitting on her bags.
"Are we going yet?" Fyn asked as she bound out of the castle.
"First you have to put the vase back." Keli reminded her.
"How did you know?" Fyn asked again.
"Magic." Keli gave her a wink.
Fyn stuck her tongue out and rushed back inside.
"What did she take this time?" Tris asked as he appeared in the doorway.
Keli turned and smiled at him. "A vase."
"If you still feel it is necessary to get there fast we gate." Tristen offered.
"That is probably a good idea, otherwise it will take three days riding and neither Fyn nor I are up to that yet." Keli pointed out. "I think we are better Gating. Now hurry and saddle up."
Fyn returned soon and expertly saddled her own horse. "Are we going now?"
"We are going to use magic to get back to Haven." Keli led Kenyon out into the sun. Once Tristen and Fyn had joined her she closed her eyes and created the Gate in the barn door. Almost immediately the Field materialised in the doorway.
"Wow…" Fyn gaped.
"You first." Tris ordered Fyn.
"You just walk through?" Fyn asked doubtfully.
"Why don't you show her? I'll follow." Keli assured them
Tris reluctantly led Fyn through. Keli followed once they were through and closed the gate.
Several Heralds were rushing towards them.
"Keli, your hair is white." Fyn pointed out.
"I know. The dye just doesn't last through a portal." Keli started leading Kenyon to the Stables.
"You made a Gate?" A man with long white hair and a strange mask stopped her.
"Of course, it cut several days off our trip and Sola said it was urgent for me to get here." Keli explained as she closed the portal.
"You did it just to avoid a few days travel?" He sounded disbelieving.
"Why not?" Keli asked confusedly.
"Sia, when you get a chance can you show me how you make that type of gate?" Tristen asked.
"Certainly, if that is what you wish. Don't you have Gates here?" Keli asked, she had never expected that everyone would react like this.
"None that smooth." Tris said as he led Caewen and Fyn away.
"Where are you from?" The strange mage demanded.
Keli turned to him. "I am sorry, I never caught your name?"
"Firesong, now can you answer my question?" He demanded.
"Who are you?" Herald Elspeth demanded as she ran up.
"Herald Kelisiaori." Keli answered.
Elspeth looked disbelieving. She hadn't recognized the trainee that had appeared for only a few days several months ago.
"From the way you are all acting you have never seen some one gate before." Keli commented.
"You don't even look drained." Firesong said in disbelief.
Keli glanced between Elspeth and Firesong. Both were obviously eager to hear how she did it and she was miserable at explaining anything.
"Would it be alright if I unsaddle Kenyon before you pick my brains?" Keli asked as she continued towards the stables.
Both mages look reluctant.
"That or you will only get half the explanation." Keli warned. "I know I will forget something if I don't have a chance to sit down and explain."
They decided to wait impatiently as she removed the loosely cinched saddle and the packs.
"I don't have a room as yet so will here suffice for the moment?" Keli asked.
"Quite well." Elspeth sat on the bench and waited.
"From what you and Tris said your version of portals, or gates as you call them, are energy suckers and play havoc with the weather."
"In essence."
"My version of the portal spell was developed for war time use, they are energy efficient, subtle, and most importantly quiet."
"When was it developed?" Firesong asked.
"I don't know." Keli answered. "It may never be developed."
"I beg your pardon?" They said in unison.
"You wouldn't believe me." Keli assured them. "I have a few people I want to speak to, perhaps we can meet later."
Neither had time to protest as she left.
"Sola?" Keli called as soon as she was outside.
:You came faster than I thought you would, and you have already started turning everyone on their ears.: Solaris appeared at her side.
The breakfast bell rang.
"Are you hungry? I was going to collect Fyn before she gives in to temptation."
:She always gives it back.: Solaris reminded her.
"Thankfully." Keli agreed. "I am afraid I don't remember much about here, which way to the Collegium?"