Here's the next chapter; enjoy!
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Nida smiled as the dusty road spread out before their small entourage. She glanced at Elcan, riding next to her, and receded back into her thoughts and memories. *We're finally on the way to Haven. Everyone has their independent hopes and dreams, and maybe they're all about to be realized.* Nida looked over at her lifebonded again, and smiled at his peaceful expression. *No matter what happens, I'll always have Elcan. I love him so much. I am so glad my parents decided to move here, instead of with my stuffy old uncle. I still remember my earlier years here.* She closed her eyes, allowing Bloom free reign in following the others, and began to daydream about her past memories.
: Nida, do you think we'll like it here? I mean, its so far away from home, and mother is leaving us for a long time. : A ten year old version of Aaralyn blinked tears away, her brown eyes radiating fear. : I'm going to miss her. :
Nida looked over at her twin, ready to begin crying herself. : Me too, but mother said we'd be happy here, and she'll be back in a few months . I'm sure it will be okay. Hey, who's mother with? Looks about our age. Maybe we'll be able to make some friends here! : Both girls waited expectantly.
A young boy, also ten years old, with curly brown hair, came up to them, hazel eyes sparkling with excitement. He looked first to Aaralyn. "Hey, I'm Elcan. This is my parents' home. Mother says you two are twins. I'm a twin. My sister will be here soon. We're the same age as you. Mother says we're going to be friends!" The small boy poured his words out in an excited rush.
Aaralyn barely shoved her reply into his torrent of words. As soon as she sputtered her name, he shook Aaralyn's hand enthusiastically. "I bet we'll be friends right away!" He then turned his attention to Nida, and abruptly stopped talking. After a short pause, he recovered, and stumbled over the introduction. "H-Hey, I'm Elcan." His smile creased slightly as he tried to puzzle something out.
Nida seemed to be just as confused. "I-I'm Nida." They shook hands awkwardly, as Aaralyn and their mother watched, just as confused about the actions of the two children.
Nida sighed, coming back to the real world after her daydream. *Who would have thought that we would now be lifebonded. It doesn't usually show at such an early age, but I guess we were a special case, and it wasn't exactly developed until recently, when Elcan and I began to develop mindSpeech with each other. When we finally learned what the word truly love means, the explanation for our feelings was evident.* She smiled, brimming with happiness at her good fortune, and turned to see Elcan looking at her, and they both burst out laughing.
***
When Rolan and Gavan finally reminded them, forcefully, that they couldn't make it to Haven in a day, the friends halted at one of Lavada's recommended inns. They groomed the horses, while Edana argued with the innkeeper that the Companions were not horses, would not overstuff themselves, and should not be locked into their stalls, but allowed to roam free. After setting the Companions up for the night, they all trudged into the inn, seating themselves at the small trestle table.
Raul looked around approvingly. "It's clean, the stables are very well- kept, we only have to go two to a room, we're the only ones here, and that food smells delicious!" His inspection ended as he threw himself at a chunk of bread and a bowl of stew.
Tala smiled at her brother's enthusiasm. "We made great time today. Kaida, your mother picked a great inn, but she didn't expect us to get here until tomorrow!" The friends exchanged knowing looks, remembering that Lavada would have based the stops on her own pace. "According to her plan, we'd take a week to get to Haven. Maybe we should have let one of the other mothers take over the planning. There is no way in the hells that I am going that slow!" Everyone laughed at her vehement opposition for the suggested pace. "But, what are we going to do when we get there?" Tala's expression grew thoughtful and troubled, "I mean, we're going because Kaida and Edana are going to be Heralds, and I can see the rest of you finding things to do, but what can I do? I can't think of anything useful I can do." She looked down at her boots, unsettled by the prospect of being idle, or "useless."
Raul patted his sister on the back. "I'm sure there's something for you to do, Tala. You are going to arrive there, and someone will say you are exactly what they've been looking for. Until then, try not to dwell on it, okay?" Tala nodded reluctantly. "Now, why don't we get a good night's sleep, so we can go farther tomorrow." The friends all stumbled to their rooms, exhausted from the intense traveling, and collapsed into bed.
***
Edana and Kaida made their way to their room for the night, finding the beds to be a nice break from even the steady, smooth pace of the Companions.
"Hey Edana, I just thought of something." Kaida, thinking of her first conversation with Rolan, was going in circles trying to puzzle it out. "I think there's something odd about Rolan." Edana started at her friend's unexpected remark.
"What do you mean? What's so odd about Rolan?"
"I'm not sure, but, Companions usually take a couple days to find their Chosen, right? I mean, most of the time, the Herald-to-be finds themselves at Haven for some reason, anyhow, and a Companion just pounces on them." Edana nodded in agreement. "Well, right after you were Chosen, Rolan was mindSpeaking to me, and it sounded as if he'd been looking for you for a really long time. I don't get it. It may be nothing, but from what I've heard, Companions don't change their routine like that often."
Edana was silent for a while, deep in thought, confused with the new puzzle. "I really don't know. I guess, if it is anything, we'll find out when we get to Haven." Kaida nodded, sleep clouding her eyes. "Kaida, lets get some sleep. We pushed hard today, trying to go as far as possible in half a day. If we don't get some sleep, we're going to be testing whether you really can sleep while riding a Companion." They drifted off to sleep, both encompassed in their own thoughts, a little overwhelmed by the new twist in their lives.
***
Nida and Aaralyn climbed into their beds after listening to Elcan play the harp for an hour, even luring the innkeeper to sing awhile with him. "Hey Nida, did you hear what mother was muttering about before we left? I went to say goodbye to her, paused outside of her room to see if she was busy, and I thought she was talking to someone. I waited for her to finish talking to whoever it was, but when I came in, it was just her."
Nida looked at her sister in confusion. "I didn't hear her at all. What did she say?"
"I can't remember everything, but," Aaralyn paused as she searched her memory for the exact words, "something like 'I wonder how she's doing. I wonder if she's still alive. Will the twins meet her? Will they realize? I wonder what she's doing with her life,' and when I walked in, it looked like she had been crying."
Nida's face only showed more confusion than before. "I have no idea what that is all about. I guess we'll find out when we get to Haven, if we find out at all." Aaralyn nodded, and the twins fell asleep, the last thoughts on both of their minds being the troubling words of their mother.
***
After two days of hard traveling, the maze of walls that was Haven loomed up before them. As they crested a hill, they could see the Palace in the very center of huge, magnificent Great Houses, so adorned with fancy gardens and gildings that they could only belong to the wealthy courtiers.
They all started, shocked by the magnificence of the whole view. "How in the nine hells do you get through that maze?" Tala was staring at the twists and turns of the many-layered walls, built to confuse any attackers that try to make it to the Palace, layered and expanded as each generation grew past the walls and built past them.
Kaida's eyes unfocused as she mindSpoke to Gavan. : Rolan and I will get you through the walls. Soon enough, though, all of you will know every nuance of these roads. Now, lets get going, we don't want to keep anyone waiting. : His mindTouch hinted impatience as Kaida puzzled over his words.
: What do you mean 'keep anyone waiting,' who would be waiting for us? :
Gavan refused to answer her questions : Come on! :
They trotted down the winding streets and guarded gates, led by the Companions. As they went through the last gate, the Guard, in his deep blue and silver uniform, had a broad grin on his face at the sight of the Companions. "Rolan, you've finally returned. Congratulations! Who's the lucky one?" He looked up at Edana, his expression unreadable, but his eyes displaying a bittersweet happiness. "Hey! I'm Nemolen, the captain of the Guard." He stopped Kaida and Edana as they tried to flood him with questions. "I am not allowed to answer any of your questions. You are almost to the Palace. Your questions will be answered there." He shooed them on their way, more confused than ever.
"What was that about?" Edana was looking more and more confused at the special attention her Companion was getting. "Rolan, what are they talk-Why is that Companion charging towards us?" She looked alarmed, as if maybe they were in some sort of trouble. "Is there a Herald riding him, or what?"
Tala shrugged as the Companion came level with them. "It's no big deal. This is the Palace, the home of the Collegia, there have to be Companions swarming this place." She was about to say more, but as she opened her mouth, she looked up at the Companion, completely losing herself in his deep sapphire eyes.
: Tala, I am Lavan. I took too long in meeting you, but we are together at last. : His mindVoice hinted sorrow, as if he felt responsible for something in Tala's life. : You are my Chosen. I will never leave you. :
Raul laughed at his sister's shocked expression, overjoyed by the newest addition to their band. "I guess there's something for you to do, after all."
Tala mounted her Companion, leading Shadow behind her, and they continued to ride to the palace. All of them were laughing and joking, happier than they had felt in a long time, when two Guards rode up to them. "You all," one of the Guards motioned to his comrade, "Tiron will lead you to the palace. You will wait in the Audience Chamber for further instructions." Tiron started riding towards the Palace, and they all followed him, when the other Guard stopped them again. "You three," he motioned at Kaida, Edana, and Tala, "You are the new Heraldic trainees?" they nodded, as he stared at Rolan, "Follow me. Queen Selenay will want to see you right away."
The Heraldic trainees followed after the Guard, imaginations running wild as to why the Queen would want to see them. Grooms took their Companions, and they were led to a cozy room full of brightly-colored rugs and comfortable furniture. "Stay here. The Queen will be with you shortly." The Guard turned and left, without a word of explanation.
They sat in complete silence after the Guard left, until Tala couldn't take it any longer. "What in the hells is going on? We're not important enough to merit an audience with the Queen, and we didn't do anything wrong that I can think of!"
Kaida's eyes were clouded with confusion and fear. "Maybe she meets with every new Herald." She didn't look very confident in her explanation.
"That sounds reasonable to me. I mean, Heralds are the servants of the throne." Edana was trying her best to make her friends feel better, though it didn't seem to be working. *What can I say to make them a little more relaxed. I'm a little nervous too, but I don't think it's possible for us to be in trouble so quickly.* "I think I hear footsteps."
At that, a tall, elegant woman, dressed all in white, with long, brown hair strode into the thrown room, gazing at each of the three in turn with her shining brown eyes. "Heyla! You must the new trainees." She smiled as the girls started to relax into their chairs. "I am Queen Selenay." She shook hands with each in turn, as they fumbled over introductions. "Well, first thing's first, I need to make sure you three are clear on your facts."
Without further ado, the Queen launched into an explanation of Heralds to a depth that the girls had never heard before. "As you know, the Companions were summoned by King Valdemar to ensure that each ruler would be fair and just. The first three Companions Chose King Valdemar, the Seneschal, and the heir. The Companions Choose the Herald, and are the final judge on a person's character. To become a Herald, you need to have at least one of the Heraldic Gifts, and you need to be Chosen. Now, the ruler and the heir must be Heralds. The first three Companions were grove-born, as were most of the early Companions, appearing in the Grove when their Chosen was ready to become a Herald. Now, Companions give birth to other Companions. Companions are not grove-born anymore, except for one." She paused, and waited for the information to sink in to the three young girls in front of her.
"Are you familiar with the term the "Monarch's Own," or have you not heard of them?" She smiled at the identical blank looks on their faces. "The Monarch's Own is second only to the Monarch, and acts as their chief advisor. They are often a very strong Empath, described as wise beyond their years. Companions do not outlive their Chosen, but the Companion of the Monarch's Own, who is grove-born, will go out searching for the person meant to be the next Monarch's Own. If this Companion does die, another will appear in the grove and immediately leave to search for their Chosen. Oftentimes, it only takes a few weeks, but since Talia died two and a half months ago, we feared that we would not have a new Queen's Own for too long of a time. Captain Nemo contacted me as soon as he saw you three. I am overjoyed that Rolan has finally returned to us. I fear we will be in dire need of a fully functional Queen's Own very soon."
Edana started, her blue eyes blinking in shock, at the Queen's blunt statement. "Rolan, but he's my Companion." She blinked as the Queen nodded, "Me? Queen's Own? How?" She looked as if she expected someone to jump up from behind a couch and shout 'fooled you!' at any moment.
The Queen smiled. "I'm sure we will find out why Rolan Chose you soon enough, Edana, but for now, why don't we focus on getting you three settled in. Why don't we go tell your friends about this, and see how they will fit into life at the Palace?" The three trainees followed her out to the Audience Chamber, where their friends were waiting.
"It looks like your friends may have been finding their own talents, also." A Bard, dressed in scarlet from head to toe, a Healer, garbed in green, and an old man, dressed in blue, were standing with their friends. "This is Bard Merran, head of the Bardic Collegium, Healer Trevan, head of the Healer's Collegium, and Rogan, head of the Artificers. Have these younglings found places too?"
The golden-haired Bard smiled, his blue eyes sparkling with excitement. "This young man, Elcan, has one of the strongest Bardic Gifts I've ever seen. He has Creativity, Talent, and the Bardic Gift. This man is going to be not only a full Bard in quite a short time, but a fine Master Bard!" Kaida grinned at her twin's obvious excitement. This was what he had been dreaming of, and his dreams were coming true.
The Healer, brown eyes flashing, approached the Queen. "These two, the twins, both have strong Healing Gifts, and both have strong Empathy. Aaralyn is going to be primarily a Mindhealer, and Nida is going to be primarily an animal Healer, though both have at least a normal level in all three types of Healing Gifts, and will be trained as such." Aaralyn smiled, and Nida cheered silently, both of them unable to stop smiling.
Finally, the old man shook his head, covered in gray hair. His blue eyes displayed immense intelligence, and a vast sea of knowledge. "We Artificers do not have much in the way of your Gifts, though these two both have mindSpeech. This pair have the intelligence and disposition to become some of the greatest Master Artificers in the city, and I believe they will." Raul had his arm around Sanne, and they were both grinning, eyes flashing with delight.
Queen Selenay smiled as the eight friends all started to talk at once, telling the others of their experiences. *I think each and every one of their dreams are being realized. It seems that these younglings are going to be pulling a lot of weight. They have an unbelievably strong bond, and each has skills that complement each other. I can see them becoming an unbeatable team, but things like that only happen when Valdemar will need that. I fear for what will need a team of people like them.* "Well, since you all are going to be starting classes, I'll have Dean Elcarth show you around. He should be here any moment." At that, another man, dressed all in white, with brown hair to match his deep, brown eyes, strode into the Audience Chamber.
"Are these the new trainees? Ah! Welcome! I'll show you around, get you acquainted with the Collegia." He led the eight bright-eyed trainees out of the Audience Chamber, and began to give them a long tour, not stopping once in his commentary. "Each Collegia has its own dorms, but all of them take classes together. The Unaffiliates, or Blues as many call them, are not in a Collegia, but still sleep and take classes with them. That's you two." he motioned at Raul and Sanne, "Bells call you to the meals. If you are a cook's helper, you go at the first, if you are a server, at the second, and everyone else at the third. You will have uniforms fitted to you, and boots. You do not do laundry, unless you are assigned to it. You just put your uniform down one of these shoots, and clean uniforms will be left in your room. The trainees take turns doing different chores; sewing, cooking, cleaning, laundry, foal watch, we'll figure out what you're good at and put you to use. Here, lets get you all your first set of uniforms." He stopped and led them to get fitted for uniforms. "Glena, these younglings are going to need uniforms and boots. I'll leave them to your capable hands, and send Skif to show them around when you're done." Dean Elcarth strode out of the room, intent on another task, without pausing for breath.
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Nida smiled as the dusty road spread out before their small entourage. She glanced at Elcan, riding next to her, and receded back into her thoughts and memories. *We're finally on the way to Haven. Everyone has their independent hopes and dreams, and maybe they're all about to be realized.* Nida looked over at her lifebonded again, and smiled at his peaceful expression. *No matter what happens, I'll always have Elcan. I love him so much. I am so glad my parents decided to move here, instead of with my stuffy old uncle. I still remember my earlier years here.* She closed her eyes, allowing Bloom free reign in following the others, and began to daydream about her past memories.
: Nida, do you think we'll like it here? I mean, its so far away from home, and mother is leaving us for a long time. : A ten year old version of Aaralyn blinked tears away, her brown eyes radiating fear. : I'm going to miss her. :
Nida looked over at her twin, ready to begin crying herself. : Me too, but mother said we'd be happy here, and she'll be back in a few months . I'm sure it will be okay. Hey, who's mother with? Looks about our age. Maybe we'll be able to make some friends here! : Both girls waited expectantly.
A young boy, also ten years old, with curly brown hair, came up to them, hazel eyes sparkling with excitement. He looked first to Aaralyn. "Hey, I'm Elcan. This is my parents' home. Mother says you two are twins. I'm a twin. My sister will be here soon. We're the same age as you. Mother says we're going to be friends!" The small boy poured his words out in an excited rush.
Aaralyn barely shoved her reply into his torrent of words. As soon as she sputtered her name, he shook Aaralyn's hand enthusiastically. "I bet we'll be friends right away!" He then turned his attention to Nida, and abruptly stopped talking. After a short pause, he recovered, and stumbled over the introduction. "H-Hey, I'm Elcan." His smile creased slightly as he tried to puzzle something out.
Nida seemed to be just as confused. "I-I'm Nida." They shook hands awkwardly, as Aaralyn and their mother watched, just as confused about the actions of the two children.
Nida sighed, coming back to the real world after her daydream. *Who would have thought that we would now be lifebonded. It doesn't usually show at such an early age, but I guess we were a special case, and it wasn't exactly developed until recently, when Elcan and I began to develop mindSpeech with each other. When we finally learned what the word truly love means, the explanation for our feelings was evident.* She smiled, brimming with happiness at her good fortune, and turned to see Elcan looking at her, and they both burst out laughing.
***
When Rolan and Gavan finally reminded them, forcefully, that they couldn't make it to Haven in a day, the friends halted at one of Lavada's recommended inns. They groomed the horses, while Edana argued with the innkeeper that the Companions were not horses, would not overstuff themselves, and should not be locked into their stalls, but allowed to roam free. After setting the Companions up for the night, they all trudged into the inn, seating themselves at the small trestle table.
Raul looked around approvingly. "It's clean, the stables are very well- kept, we only have to go two to a room, we're the only ones here, and that food smells delicious!" His inspection ended as he threw himself at a chunk of bread and a bowl of stew.
Tala smiled at her brother's enthusiasm. "We made great time today. Kaida, your mother picked a great inn, but she didn't expect us to get here until tomorrow!" The friends exchanged knowing looks, remembering that Lavada would have based the stops on her own pace. "According to her plan, we'd take a week to get to Haven. Maybe we should have let one of the other mothers take over the planning. There is no way in the hells that I am going that slow!" Everyone laughed at her vehement opposition for the suggested pace. "But, what are we going to do when we get there?" Tala's expression grew thoughtful and troubled, "I mean, we're going because Kaida and Edana are going to be Heralds, and I can see the rest of you finding things to do, but what can I do? I can't think of anything useful I can do." She looked down at her boots, unsettled by the prospect of being idle, or "useless."
Raul patted his sister on the back. "I'm sure there's something for you to do, Tala. You are going to arrive there, and someone will say you are exactly what they've been looking for. Until then, try not to dwell on it, okay?" Tala nodded reluctantly. "Now, why don't we get a good night's sleep, so we can go farther tomorrow." The friends all stumbled to their rooms, exhausted from the intense traveling, and collapsed into bed.
***
Edana and Kaida made their way to their room for the night, finding the beds to be a nice break from even the steady, smooth pace of the Companions.
"Hey Edana, I just thought of something." Kaida, thinking of her first conversation with Rolan, was going in circles trying to puzzle it out. "I think there's something odd about Rolan." Edana started at her friend's unexpected remark.
"What do you mean? What's so odd about Rolan?"
"I'm not sure, but, Companions usually take a couple days to find their Chosen, right? I mean, most of the time, the Herald-to-be finds themselves at Haven for some reason, anyhow, and a Companion just pounces on them." Edana nodded in agreement. "Well, right after you were Chosen, Rolan was mindSpeaking to me, and it sounded as if he'd been looking for you for a really long time. I don't get it. It may be nothing, but from what I've heard, Companions don't change their routine like that often."
Edana was silent for a while, deep in thought, confused with the new puzzle. "I really don't know. I guess, if it is anything, we'll find out when we get to Haven." Kaida nodded, sleep clouding her eyes. "Kaida, lets get some sleep. We pushed hard today, trying to go as far as possible in half a day. If we don't get some sleep, we're going to be testing whether you really can sleep while riding a Companion." They drifted off to sleep, both encompassed in their own thoughts, a little overwhelmed by the new twist in their lives.
***
Nida and Aaralyn climbed into their beds after listening to Elcan play the harp for an hour, even luring the innkeeper to sing awhile with him. "Hey Nida, did you hear what mother was muttering about before we left? I went to say goodbye to her, paused outside of her room to see if she was busy, and I thought she was talking to someone. I waited for her to finish talking to whoever it was, but when I came in, it was just her."
Nida looked at her sister in confusion. "I didn't hear her at all. What did she say?"
"I can't remember everything, but," Aaralyn paused as she searched her memory for the exact words, "something like 'I wonder how she's doing. I wonder if she's still alive. Will the twins meet her? Will they realize? I wonder what she's doing with her life,' and when I walked in, it looked like she had been crying."
Nida's face only showed more confusion than before. "I have no idea what that is all about. I guess we'll find out when we get to Haven, if we find out at all." Aaralyn nodded, and the twins fell asleep, the last thoughts on both of their minds being the troubling words of their mother.
***
After two days of hard traveling, the maze of walls that was Haven loomed up before them. As they crested a hill, they could see the Palace in the very center of huge, magnificent Great Houses, so adorned with fancy gardens and gildings that they could only belong to the wealthy courtiers.
They all started, shocked by the magnificence of the whole view. "How in the nine hells do you get through that maze?" Tala was staring at the twists and turns of the many-layered walls, built to confuse any attackers that try to make it to the Palace, layered and expanded as each generation grew past the walls and built past them.
Kaida's eyes unfocused as she mindSpoke to Gavan. : Rolan and I will get you through the walls. Soon enough, though, all of you will know every nuance of these roads. Now, lets get going, we don't want to keep anyone waiting. : His mindTouch hinted impatience as Kaida puzzled over his words.
: What do you mean 'keep anyone waiting,' who would be waiting for us? :
Gavan refused to answer her questions : Come on! :
They trotted down the winding streets and guarded gates, led by the Companions. As they went through the last gate, the Guard, in his deep blue and silver uniform, had a broad grin on his face at the sight of the Companions. "Rolan, you've finally returned. Congratulations! Who's the lucky one?" He looked up at Edana, his expression unreadable, but his eyes displaying a bittersweet happiness. "Hey! I'm Nemolen, the captain of the Guard." He stopped Kaida and Edana as they tried to flood him with questions. "I am not allowed to answer any of your questions. You are almost to the Palace. Your questions will be answered there." He shooed them on their way, more confused than ever.
"What was that about?" Edana was looking more and more confused at the special attention her Companion was getting. "Rolan, what are they talk-Why is that Companion charging towards us?" She looked alarmed, as if maybe they were in some sort of trouble. "Is there a Herald riding him, or what?"
Tala shrugged as the Companion came level with them. "It's no big deal. This is the Palace, the home of the Collegia, there have to be Companions swarming this place." She was about to say more, but as she opened her mouth, she looked up at the Companion, completely losing herself in his deep sapphire eyes.
: Tala, I am Lavan. I took too long in meeting you, but we are together at last. : His mindVoice hinted sorrow, as if he felt responsible for something in Tala's life. : You are my Chosen. I will never leave you. :
Raul laughed at his sister's shocked expression, overjoyed by the newest addition to their band. "I guess there's something for you to do, after all."
Tala mounted her Companion, leading Shadow behind her, and they continued to ride to the palace. All of them were laughing and joking, happier than they had felt in a long time, when two Guards rode up to them. "You all," one of the Guards motioned to his comrade, "Tiron will lead you to the palace. You will wait in the Audience Chamber for further instructions." Tiron started riding towards the Palace, and they all followed him, when the other Guard stopped them again. "You three," he motioned at Kaida, Edana, and Tala, "You are the new Heraldic trainees?" they nodded, as he stared at Rolan, "Follow me. Queen Selenay will want to see you right away."
The Heraldic trainees followed after the Guard, imaginations running wild as to why the Queen would want to see them. Grooms took their Companions, and they were led to a cozy room full of brightly-colored rugs and comfortable furniture. "Stay here. The Queen will be with you shortly." The Guard turned and left, without a word of explanation.
They sat in complete silence after the Guard left, until Tala couldn't take it any longer. "What in the hells is going on? We're not important enough to merit an audience with the Queen, and we didn't do anything wrong that I can think of!"
Kaida's eyes were clouded with confusion and fear. "Maybe she meets with every new Herald." She didn't look very confident in her explanation.
"That sounds reasonable to me. I mean, Heralds are the servants of the throne." Edana was trying her best to make her friends feel better, though it didn't seem to be working. *What can I say to make them a little more relaxed. I'm a little nervous too, but I don't think it's possible for us to be in trouble so quickly.* "I think I hear footsteps."
At that, a tall, elegant woman, dressed all in white, with long, brown hair strode into the thrown room, gazing at each of the three in turn with her shining brown eyes. "Heyla! You must the new trainees." She smiled as the girls started to relax into their chairs. "I am Queen Selenay." She shook hands with each in turn, as they fumbled over introductions. "Well, first thing's first, I need to make sure you three are clear on your facts."
Without further ado, the Queen launched into an explanation of Heralds to a depth that the girls had never heard before. "As you know, the Companions were summoned by King Valdemar to ensure that each ruler would be fair and just. The first three Companions Chose King Valdemar, the Seneschal, and the heir. The Companions Choose the Herald, and are the final judge on a person's character. To become a Herald, you need to have at least one of the Heraldic Gifts, and you need to be Chosen. Now, the ruler and the heir must be Heralds. The first three Companions were grove-born, as were most of the early Companions, appearing in the Grove when their Chosen was ready to become a Herald. Now, Companions give birth to other Companions. Companions are not grove-born anymore, except for one." She paused, and waited for the information to sink in to the three young girls in front of her.
"Are you familiar with the term the "Monarch's Own," or have you not heard of them?" She smiled at the identical blank looks on their faces. "The Monarch's Own is second only to the Monarch, and acts as their chief advisor. They are often a very strong Empath, described as wise beyond their years. Companions do not outlive their Chosen, but the Companion of the Monarch's Own, who is grove-born, will go out searching for the person meant to be the next Monarch's Own. If this Companion does die, another will appear in the grove and immediately leave to search for their Chosen. Oftentimes, it only takes a few weeks, but since Talia died two and a half months ago, we feared that we would not have a new Queen's Own for too long of a time. Captain Nemo contacted me as soon as he saw you three. I am overjoyed that Rolan has finally returned to us. I fear we will be in dire need of a fully functional Queen's Own very soon."
Edana started, her blue eyes blinking in shock, at the Queen's blunt statement. "Rolan, but he's my Companion." She blinked as the Queen nodded, "Me? Queen's Own? How?" She looked as if she expected someone to jump up from behind a couch and shout 'fooled you!' at any moment.
The Queen smiled. "I'm sure we will find out why Rolan Chose you soon enough, Edana, but for now, why don't we focus on getting you three settled in. Why don't we go tell your friends about this, and see how they will fit into life at the Palace?" The three trainees followed her out to the Audience Chamber, where their friends were waiting.
"It looks like your friends may have been finding their own talents, also." A Bard, dressed in scarlet from head to toe, a Healer, garbed in green, and an old man, dressed in blue, were standing with their friends. "This is Bard Merran, head of the Bardic Collegium, Healer Trevan, head of the Healer's Collegium, and Rogan, head of the Artificers. Have these younglings found places too?"
The golden-haired Bard smiled, his blue eyes sparkling with excitement. "This young man, Elcan, has one of the strongest Bardic Gifts I've ever seen. He has Creativity, Talent, and the Bardic Gift. This man is going to be not only a full Bard in quite a short time, but a fine Master Bard!" Kaida grinned at her twin's obvious excitement. This was what he had been dreaming of, and his dreams were coming true.
The Healer, brown eyes flashing, approached the Queen. "These two, the twins, both have strong Healing Gifts, and both have strong Empathy. Aaralyn is going to be primarily a Mindhealer, and Nida is going to be primarily an animal Healer, though both have at least a normal level in all three types of Healing Gifts, and will be trained as such." Aaralyn smiled, and Nida cheered silently, both of them unable to stop smiling.
Finally, the old man shook his head, covered in gray hair. His blue eyes displayed immense intelligence, and a vast sea of knowledge. "We Artificers do not have much in the way of your Gifts, though these two both have mindSpeech. This pair have the intelligence and disposition to become some of the greatest Master Artificers in the city, and I believe they will." Raul had his arm around Sanne, and they were both grinning, eyes flashing with delight.
Queen Selenay smiled as the eight friends all started to talk at once, telling the others of their experiences. *I think each and every one of their dreams are being realized. It seems that these younglings are going to be pulling a lot of weight. They have an unbelievably strong bond, and each has skills that complement each other. I can see them becoming an unbeatable team, but things like that only happen when Valdemar will need that. I fear for what will need a team of people like them.* "Well, since you all are going to be starting classes, I'll have Dean Elcarth show you around. He should be here any moment." At that, another man, dressed all in white, with brown hair to match his deep, brown eyes, strode into the Audience Chamber.
"Are these the new trainees? Ah! Welcome! I'll show you around, get you acquainted with the Collegia." He led the eight bright-eyed trainees out of the Audience Chamber, and began to give them a long tour, not stopping once in his commentary. "Each Collegia has its own dorms, but all of them take classes together. The Unaffiliates, or Blues as many call them, are not in a Collegia, but still sleep and take classes with them. That's you two." he motioned at Raul and Sanne, "Bells call you to the meals. If you are a cook's helper, you go at the first, if you are a server, at the second, and everyone else at the third. You will have uniforms fitted to you, and boots. You do not do laundry, unless you are assigned to it. You just put your uniform down one of these shoots, and clean uniforms will be left in your room. The trainees take turns doing different chores; sewing, cooking, cleaning, laundry, foal watch, we'll figure out what you're good at and put you to use. Here, lets get you all your first set of uniforms." He stopped and led them to get fitted for uniforms. "Glena, these younglings are going to need uniforms and boots. I'll leave them to your capable hands, and send Skif to show them around when you're done." Dean Elcarth strode out of the room, intent on another task, without pausing for breath.