Hello everyone. I'm so sorry this came so late, but I'm a lot more busy than I thought I would be and it's a little hard to write two stories at once. I'm trying. Don't yell at me.

I've been forgetting about a disclaimer. I'm extremely absent-minded. I have to write everything down or I'll forget it. Anyway, here's the disclaimer.

Disclaimer: Do you know what disclaimer means? The prefix "dis-" is a negative meaning "no" or "not." The verb "claim" means "to designate as one's own." Put the two together and you get "not claim," or something close to that. So just the word "disclaimer" should tell you that I'm not saying that CoM is my own work. Some lawyers... *shakes head*

Responses to reviewers:

Sir James of Howell: Thanks for your story references. I'll be sure to check them out. As for the plot, it'll be coming out more in this chapter.

Dohgzmania: Naughty, naughty. Priorities first, hun. ;) Just kidding. I'm honored that you took up your oh-so-precious school time to read my pitiful little fic.

Muslima: Lol. Don't worry, you can keep talking to people. I do plan on finishing this one.

One more thing before I go into my chapter. I'm changing Sunseer's name. *changes to her special Announcer Voice* Thanks to Adi, his name is now...*drum roll* DEDICATE SKYLARK!!!!!!!!! I know, it's a bit like Lark, but I really like it. If you think it sucks, blame Adi. Just kidding. Blame me. I picked it.

On to my story...

***

*What am I going to wear?!?!* This was the frantic thought whirling around in Nen's head as she furiously picked apart her wardrobe in a manner that would have made Sandry proud. The thing was, she didn't have a wardrobe.

*A dress? No, the one I have is so ugly. But breeches would be too casual. Oh, why didn't I pack more when I left home???*

"Nen? Are you okay? It sounds like you're hosting a wrestling match in your bedroom."

The door opened.

Nen jumped and tripped over a shoe behind her, landing on her pile of recently discarded clothing. The curious face of Sandry peered at her through the foot wide opening in the doorway.

"Uhhhhhh, I, uh," Nen stuttered an explaination to Sandry. "I don't have anything to wear," she finished in a rush.

"Wear to what?" Sandry asked, puzzled.

"One of the dedicates wanted to see me."

Sandry grinned knowingly at her. "Come with me. I think I can lend you something."

***

Fifteen minutes later, Nen stood nervously at the door of the Seeing Room, plucking at the gorgeous green full-legged breeches Sandry had lent her. The breeches went perfectly with a light blue blouse and sleeveless white over-coat with silver embroidery. When Nen had first seen the outfit Sandry had whipped out of her closet, she had protested vehemently, saying that such finery wasn't fit for someone like her. Sandry just looked at her and sighed, then proceeded to strip Nen of her night clothes before she could say a word.

Finally, after a swift but violent inward tussle with herself, Nen opened the door.

And stared.

The previous day, when Nen had met Dedicate Skylark, the Seeing Room had been empty except for it's precious artifacts and seeing devices. Now, it was the definition of chaos. Formidable-looking harrier mages strode about looking important, while their apprentices and assistants scurried after them, trying not to knock over any glasses or bowls, and creating more chaos while trying to avoid it. Their superiors shouted across the room at one another exchanging swears and curses almost as much as encouragements and honest questions.

Almost immediately, Nen's other-self took hold of her, and the only thing she wanted to do was run away from these strangers. Run away from the noise and heat and smells of too many people packed into one area. The ceiling started to collapse and the walls to press in, and the air grew stale and thin. She breathed in short, quick gasps, and looked around with wide eyes, trying to control herself, trying not to run, but trying to make herself run at the same time.

And there it was, a beacon of light on a stormy sea: Dedicate Skylark.

He spotted her about the same time as she did him, and he grinned at her, then waded through the crowed toward her.

"Nen! How are you today? I'm great! Like you to meet someone. Oi! Robinton! C'mere a minute!"

Nen simply stared at the Dedicate as he went on, then waited patiently as he introduced her to the man Robinton.

"Nen, this is Master-Detective Robinton. Robinton, this is Nenyethilen Andrylica, my new apprentice."

Nen jumped at the word "apprentice." *He's only known me a day! How can he declare me his apprentice so soon?*

She quickly covered her suprise at Skylark's boldness and smiled at the burly, dark-haired Detective, shaking his hand politely.

"Pleasure to meet you, miss," said Robinton. "I don't suppose this rascal has told you what the hubbub is all about?" He grinned at Skylark.

"You wound me, old friend," said Skylark dramatically, placing a hand over his heart. Then he sobered. "No, I haven't told her yet. She's only just got here. Come. Let's go outside on the balcony where we can breathe."

He led them to a door Nen hadn't noticed before and opened it, waiting for Robinton and Nen to file through before closing it quietly and following them outside. There, he addressed Nen, a serious look on his face she hadn't seen before. It scared her.

"Nen, remember yesterday, when you asked me about the Seer's Light?"

"Yes..." Nen said, the sense of forboding in her starting to grow.

"It's gone," Skylark said bluntly.

"Oh..." Nen trailed off as the shock of it hit her. "How? Who would steal it? Why would they? No one can use it anyhow."

Skylark held up a hand. "One at a time, one at a time! How? We're still figuring that out. Who would steal it? Only about every serious thief in the known world. Why would they steal it? Because it's worth more than the throne of Emelan. And I didn't say *no one* could use it. I said *not very many* could use it."

Nen stared at him, speechless. When she found her voice, it came out more like a squeak than anything else. "You really need to learn how to break something to someone. Elsewise, people are going to start dying from heart attacks in the middle of a conversation with you."

A roar of raucous laughter jerked her head around. Robinton was keeled over, shaking with the force of his laughter. His face was a bright cherry red and his long, wavy hair hung in his eyes.

*I'm funny?* Nen thought, mildly bewildered. *I never knew that before...*

Skylark mock-glared at his friend. "Oh, shut up, Davin. It hasn't happened yet, and I don't plan on it ever happening."

Nen was confused. "Davin?" *I thought his name was Robinton...*

"Davin Robinton. I know him from school."

"Oh." *Duh, Nen.*

"Anyway," Robinton said, wiping his eyes and straightening up. "Skylark has told me what a wonderful Seer you are."

Nen stared at him. *Me? Wonderful?*

"I was wondering if you could do something for me."

"What kind of something," she asked, though she knew what was coming.

"Can you See when you want to? Or do your visions come unexpectedly?"

"Both," Nen said shortly after some thought.

Robinton nodded curtly. "Good. I'll see you later tonight, then, with your results? Please excuse me. I have to check up on the circus."

He swished his black cloak and strode through the door before waiting for an answer. Nen rounded on Skylark.

"What did he mean, he'd see me later tonight?"

Skylark looked at her. "You know what he meant. Don't worry, I'll help you with it."

"I feel so reassured."

He patted her shoulder. "I have that effect on people."

Nen glared at him.

"Come, I'll help you get started."

*When did I agree to anything?*

***

*dances* I'm done, I'm done, I'm finally DOOOOOOOOOOONE! Well, done with this chapter, anyway. Reviews are good, they keep me happy, and a happy author writes lots of new chapters!

Hope the switch with Dedicate Skylark's name wasn't too confusing. Just forget the whole Sunseer thing. It was really dumb and I'm ashamed of it, so I'll forget it too. Sunseer? Who's Sunseer? It's Skylark. *shakes head* Some people...

Anyway, I'm kind of on a roll right now. Lots of creative energy. So I might do two chapters. MIGHT. Capital letters, people. Or I might do a chapter for my other story. I really have to get started on it. Anyhow, see you all later!

Your Crazy Authoress,

littlehorse :)