A week had passed since the plain box wagon drawn by four impressive
blood bays, all bearing the crest of the Varis family had arrived at the
House of Healing. Rumors as to whom it carried, and what was wrong with
them flew around the Palace like levin bolts. From the blues, Herald-
Trainee Natasha had heard that the Lord Varis was deathly ill. The bardic
trainees had told her that the Varis heir had been attacked. And the grays
were of the mind that both Lord and heir had contracted some horrible, mage
created illness. She sighed. Even the heir to the throne didn't get
better gossip that the average inhabitant of the Palace. Her mother, Queen
Lyra, knew exactly who was in the wagon, and what had happened to him or
her, but wasn't talking.
Natasha was bored, and boredom drove her to gossip mongering. Two days ago she had completed her equestrian training under Herald Sherrill. A month before that, she had finished the normal round of classes that Herald-Trainees underwent. She was due her whites very soon, but had nothing to occupy her time until her first circuit.
:Why don't you offer to help at the House of Healing.: Marpessa was eavesdropping on Natasha's internal monologue, again. :You are a trained mindhealer, Tasha. You always seem to forget that little fact.:
:Do you think I could handle it, 'Pessa? Comforting the odd trainee- in-distress is a little different than dealing with people that are confronting life threatening illness or injury.:
Natasha felt a wave of confidence and love wash over her. :I am sure you will do wonderfully, Tasha.:
:You are awfully good at that unconditional love and unshakeable confidence thing, 'Pessa. Who should I talk to about helping out? You know my aversion to Healers.: The winter after she was chosen, she and some of the other trainees had been ice skating on the stretch of the Terilee River that ran through Companion's field. After losing a few races, Natasha had come up with a way to use Marpessa's superior speed to win some. She had fashioned a makeshift harness that allowed Marpessa to run along the river bank while pulling her chosen on skates. After practicing with the harness a bit, she had demonstrated her invention to the other trainees. Races were organized, and Natasha actually won a few before hitting a flaw in the ice at top speed and breaking her leg. Her mother had thought it would be a good lesson to let the leg heal by itself, keeping Natasha bed ridden in the House of Healing for a month before she could use crutches. She had crutched away from Healers as fast as she could, and not been back since.
:You should talk to Marrta. She is a mindhealer herself, and a very powerful Empath. And she is close with Talia. According to Rolan, she is in her office. You can talk with her right now.: Rolan had this uncanny ability that allowed him to locate almost anyone associated with the three Collegia, as long as they were in the city of Haven. Natasha thought that the other Companions were a bit in awe of the Grove Born's homing beacon.
Natash headed out of the Garden and across the lawn that separated the Palace from the House of Healing. Healer Marrta's office was near one of the building's side entrances, so Tasha headed there, bypassing the large main door. The Council started discussing the line of succession if she sneezed. Gods knew what they would do if the Heir was seen walking into the House of Healing.
Tasha knocked on the plain wooden door that was distinguished from the dozens of identical ones stretching up and down the hall by a brass nameplate that proclaimed the Healer's name and specialty. Marrta worked with patients to overcome the stress that often followed a traumatic incident. Her patients had lost limbs, senses, Companions, or loved ones. Marrta helped them regain their balance within life and was especially good at counseling groups of people.
"Enter." Marrta's voice was soft and her rolled r's proclaimed her place of origin to be near the Comb, the mountain range that separated Valdemar from Rethwellen. Natasha stepped into the room and closed the door gently behind her. The woman behind the desk was tiny, and looked as if she hadn't gotten much sleep recently. There were dark circles under her large green eyes, her bright red hair was tousled, and her dark green robes were creased.
"Healer Marrta, do you have a few minutes? I would like to talk to you about volunteering some of my time to help out around here." Natasha was really nervous now. Despite Marpessa's love and confidence in her abilities, there really was a world of difference between what she had used her gift for, and what she would be required to do with the patients here.
"I always have time for a fellow empath, Herald-Trainee Natasha." The healer gave Tasha a weary smile. "And as for volunteering, any time you would be willing to give us would be appreciated. We can always use any extra help, especially the help of someone that garners praise from Herald Talia. She has complimented your abilities on many occasions."
Natasha blushed at the compliment. Praise from strangers made her a little uncomfortable. "It is my duty as Herald and mindhealer to use my abilities to help those who need help. When I was so busy, I always hoped that I would get a few days off, but now that I have the foreseeable future to do what I will with my time, I don't think I can do anything but work." She gave a little grimace. "I guess what they say about Heralds is true."
Marrta laughed. "It most certainly is! You don't stop till you're dead. Every Herald is the same." Her laughter melted into seriousness. "Are you ready to get to work?" Natasha nodded solemnly. "I think I have the perfect patient for you to work with. She is about your age, and I think you will have quite a bit in common." She rose, attempted to smooth her robes with her palms, and sighed. "I'll tell you about her as we walk."
The patient Natasha was to be working with was called Aithre. She was 18, two years Natasha's junior, and the heir to the vast Varis holdings. Almost two weeks ago, she had had her throat slit, and was raped repeatedly. Her father had rushed her to Haven under the care of a healer, hoping that the Healer's Collegium could do something for her severed vocal cords. The Healers could do nothing. In fact they were amazed she was even alive. Her father had remained behind to deal with the perpetrator. Natasha hoped that they did more than just 'deal' with him.
:'Pessa, are you hearing this! This girl has lived through a nightmare!: Natasha knew that she had to keep herself under control. If she felt too much for this girl, she would begin projecting. So she thrust her emotions at Marpessa, knowing that the Companion could shunt them off into the void, where their energies could be reabsorbed.
:I know, love. And she is hurting. The Companions can feel her hurt, even through the shields that the Healers have placed around her.: Marpessa gave her a mental caress. :Be strong.:
Marrta was still talking. "Talia and I have been shielding her since she arrived. She has had very little contact with anyone besides myself, the nightshift Healer, Holly, and her father's advisor, Bergin. She is projecting at such a strength that even the ungifted become uncomfortable around her after awhile. Would you test her for mindspeech? If she had it, perhaps it would help to lift the burden of her disability."
"Certainly I will." Natasha could sense the shields around the door they were approaching. Their strength made the air tingle and the hairs on the back of Tasha's neck rise. Tasha gasped. She felt Marpessa insinuate herself into the front of her mind. Marrta gave her a strange look. "Marpessa being nosy. I guess she wants to ride along."
Marrta laughed at this. Marpessa was very curious about new people. Curious enough to even speak to some of them, breaking the very old rule that dictated a Companion spoke only to their Herald. The Companion's tendencies had become something of a legend around the Collegium, much to the dismay of Rolan and the more senior Companions.
"Shield tightly, Natasha. And clamp down on anything you might feel. We don't yet know if she is receptive." Natasha obeyed, but left a tiny pinprick hole in her shields. It always helped her to know what someone was feeling. Marrta opened the door and stepped in, Natasha close on her heels.
The sick-room was spartan, as such places usually are. The single window looked out on the healer's garden, and the sun of the late spring day shone through welcomingly. "Aithre, this is Herald-Trainee Natasha. Natasha, Aithre Varis." Natasha was surprised at the appearance of the girl on the bed. Aithre was skinny, with unkempt auburn hair that fell just past her shoulders, and light green eyes that seemed to take over half of her thin face. A well cut, high necked dressing gown covered the horrific scar that was the remnant of her attack. She did not, in the slightest, resemble the young noblewomen that Natasha knew.
From the hole in her shields, Natasha could feel a thread of fear, laced through with undirected anger, begin to insinuate itself through her shields, weakening them. With a finger of her own power, Tasha plugged the hole, fixing any damage that the other girl's rampant emotions had caused.
:Natasha.: Marpessa's mindvoice echoed within her mind; strong despite their physical distance and the strong shields surrounding both Natasha and the sick room. :She has the ability to mindspeak.:
:That is a relief, Chosen.: Tasha was truly glad that Aithre has the ability to mindspeak. Clear communication with her healers would make her recovery a great deal easier. Natasha pushed a gentle tendril of power towards the patient's mind, brushing against it. The girl look at her, startled. :Hello, Aithre.: Tasha said in a soft mindvoice. Aithre's eyes widened further, her mouth moving mutely. :Would you like to try?: The girl nodded hungrily. :Imagine a thread passing between your mind and mine. Push your words down the thread, just as you would direct your voice when speaking. Understand?: Aithre nodded resolutely, her mouth set in a grim line, brow furrowed in concentration.
:Hello?: Her mindvoice was weak, and a little doubting, but it was there, just the same.
:Excellent. You can push a little harder. It will make it easier for me to hear you.: Tasha smiled at her, in what she hoped was an encouraging manner.
:Thank you so much!: The voice was stronger now. :I thought I was going to go mad writing on that slate for the rest of my life.: She tossed a grimace at the slate and chalk stick sitting on the bedside table. :Well, my gratitude aside, is there any particular reason you are here?: Despite all that she had been through, Aithre was remained a self-possessed young woman. She had the blunt politeness that only the very powerful could afford. Natasha grinned.
:A visit. Possible liberation.: Aithre looked ecstatic. :Only temporary, of course.:
:Of course.: Aithre looked disgruntled. :I suppose you are a better keeper than the healers that have been hanging around.: Her mindvoice changed colors abruptly, now tinged green with excitement. :It is a beautiful day. I would so like to go out, even if it is to just sit in the garden.: She looked wistfully out the window.
Marpessa pushed herself into the front of Tasha's mind; :Bring her to the field, Chosen. Please?: 'Pessa was curious enough to start groveling if Natasha didn't acquiesce. She stifled a giggle.
:Calm down horse! Why don't you haul your lazy tail up here so you can escort us down. I'm not so sure of Aithre's strength right now. It may be good to have a large white lump for her to lean on.: Natasha could feel Marpessa's mental grumble in response to the jibe, but the mare didn't return the insults because she was currently focused on running full tilt to Healer's without injuring some innocent bystander.
"Marrta, would it be alright if I took Aithre down to Companion's Field for a short walk?" The healer looked a little less than thrilled at this suggestion. "Don't worry, healer. Marpessa has volunteered her services if your patient tires. I will return her in one piece shortly before dinner. And it is a beautiful day." The last was said with a wheedling not in her voice. Even the Heir resorted to dirty tricks, now and again.
Marrta looked over at her patient, who had snatched up the slate and written; 'Please?', in large letters across it. "Oh, alright." Marta said grudgingly. In truth, she was glad that her patient had shown such friendly interest in the Heir.
Aithre grinned and swung her feet out of the bed. :Out! I have to get dressed!: She flapped her hands at the two women and gave Natasha a mental shove out the door. :Thank you, Natasha.: Aithre's mindvoice said shyly.
Natasha smiled at the younger girl, who was doing a wonderful job of holding herself together. :It was my pleasure, my Lady. But you will probably be cursing my name when the reaction headache sets in.: With that, she left Aithre to her clothes.
Outside the door, Marrta looked at the Heir with a relieved expression etched clearly across her features. "Aithre's Gifts are a relief. I could see her becoming frustrated with that tablet every time she had a conversation that required more than a few words. I would have had her tested sooner, but due to the sensitive nature of the incident, I thought it best to limit her contact to only the most discreet until she was ready to handle more." Marrta knew of the general penchant for gossip among the court residence, and had done her best to prevent the spreading of harmful rumors.
Aithre's voice startled Natasha. :Natasha, who is Marpessa?: There was no weakness in the mindvoice, despite the shields and Aithre's inexperience.
:Marpessa is my Companion. You will meet her in a minute. She is waiting outside for us. You'd better hurry before she kicks down the doors. She can be a pest about meeting new people.:
"How strong are her gifts, anyway?" Marrta's question jerked Natasha back to the conversation.
Natasha grinned at her. "Strong enough that she just mindspoke me from behind the shields."
Marrta looked a little goggle-eyed. "No wonder she ate through them so quickly. She should be taught to ground, center and shield as soon as possible, shouldn't she."
"I'll take care of it myself, but her energy reserves will need a little while to replenish themselves after all that her body has undergone." Natasha gave the healer a confident smile. "She should have the basics in a week or so."
The door opened, and Aithre stepped out, now clad in a high necked brown dress of light linen, holding a thick shawl of dark green. :I am ready.: She held the shawl up so Marrta could see it. :So I don't catch a chill: Tasha could feel Aithre pushing her thought toward Marrta.
:She hasn't mindspeech, Aithre. I'll tell her: "Aithre said to tell you that she'll be careful not to catch a chill," Tash relayed to Marrta. "Good girl." Marrta nodded approvingly. "And sensible shoes. I won't have my patients traipsing around outdoors in those ridiculous slippers that so many highborn insist on wearing."
Aithre smiled and gave a mental chuckle. :My father would tan my hide if I ever wore those things anywhere that wasn't a formal occasion. Besides, they make my arches sore. No support.:
Tasha laughed outright at that. "I agree completely. I hate those things. I'm lucky I can wear my Grays almost anywhere, even court meals. For some reason, slippers just don't look right with uniforms."
:Court meals?: Aithre gave her an inquiring look.
Tasha made a face. "Court dinners, council sessions, endless balls. Heir's duty. Must keep up appearances."
:Heir!: Aithre's eyes were wide. She look as if she didn't know whether to curtsey or grovel. :You are the Heir?:
Tasha put a comforting hand on Aithre's arm. :I am only the Heir when I am at court functions. At any other time, I am simply Herald-Trainee Natasha.: Tasha grinned at her. :Besides, you are an Heir yourself. I could call you Lady Varis and you could call me Princess Natasha and we could act completely ridiculous.:
Aithre made a face at that suggestion. :I hate being Ladied by everyone. I am hardly a Lady by the usual standard of the word. It will be nice to have a friend that I can swap war stories with, and I never let friends call me anything but Aithre.: She smiled at Natasha.
:And I never let friends call me anything but Natasha, Tasha or Tash. Take your pick. My name shortens up quite nicely. :
Aithre held out her hand. :Pleased to meet you, Herald-Trainee Natasha.:
Tasha clasped her wrist, glad that Aithre had opened up, despite the emotional and physical ride she had been subject to. :The pleasure is mine, Aithre Veris. Let's get out of here.:
Natasha was bored, and boredom drove her to gossip mongering. Two days ago she had completed her equestrian training under Herald Sherrill. A month before that, she had finished the normal round of classes that Herald-Trainees underwent. She was due her whites very soon, but had nothing to occupy her time until her first circuit.
:Why don't you offer to help at the House of Healing.: Marpessa was eavesdropping on Natasha's internal monologue, again. :You are a trained mindhealer, Tasha. You always seem to forget that little fact.:
:Do you think I could handle it, 'Pessa? Comforting the odd trainee- in-distress is a little different than dealing with people that are confronting life threatening illness or injury.:
Natasha felt a wave of confidence and love wash over her. :I am sure you will do wonderfully, Tasha.:
:You are awfully good at that unconditional love and unshakeable confidence thing, 'Pessa. Who should I talk to about helping out? You know my aversion to Healers.: The winter after she was chosen, she and some of the other trainees had been ice skating on the stretch of the Terilee River that ran through Companion's field. After losing a few races, Natasha had come up with a way to use Marpessa's superior speed to win some. She had fashioned a makeshift harness that allowed Marpessa to run along the river bank while pulling her chosen on skates. After practicing with the harness a bit, she had demonstrated her invention to the other trainees. Races were organized, and Natasha actually won a few before hitting a flaw in the ice at top speed and breaking her leg. Her mother had thought it would be a good lesson to let the leg heal by itself, keeping Natasha bed ridden in the House of Healing for a month before she could use crutches. She had crutched away from Healers as fast as she could, and not been back since.
:You should talk to Marrta. She is a mindhealer herself, and a very powerful Empath. And she is close with Talia. According to Rolan, she is in her office. You can talk with her right now.: Rolan had this uncanny ability that allowed him to locate almost anyone associated with the three Collegia, as long as they were in the city of Haven. Natasha thought that the other Companions were a bit in awe of the Grove Born's homing beacon.
Natash headed out of the Garden and across the lawn that separated the Palace from the House of Healing. Healer Marrta's office was near one of the building's side entrances, so Tasha headed there, bypassing the large main door. The Council started discussing the line of succession if she sneezed. Gods knew what they would do if the Heir was seen walking into the House of Healing.
Tasha knocked on the plain wooden door that was distinguished from the dozens of identical ones stretching up and down the hall by a brass nameplate that proclaimed the Healer's name and specialty. Marrta worked with patients to overcome the stress that often followed a traumatic incident. Her patients had lost limbs, senses, Companions, or loved ones. Marrta helped them regain their balance within life and was especially good at counseling groups of people.
"Enter." Marrta's voice was soft and her rolled r's proclaimed her place of origin to be near the Comb, the mountain range that separated Valdemar from Rethwellen. Natasha stepped into the room and closed the door gently behind her. The woman behind the desk was tiny, and looked as if she hadn't gotten much sleep recently. There were dark circles under her large green eyes, her bright red hair was tousled, and her dark green robes were creased.
"Healer Marrta, do you have a few minutes? I would like to talk to you about volunteering some of my time to help out around here." Natasha was really nervous now. Despite Marpessa's love and confidence in her abilities, there really was a world of difference between what she had used her gift for, and what she would be required to do with the patients here.
"I always have time for a fellow empath, Herald-Trainee Natasha." The healer gave Tasha a weary smile. "And as for volunteering, any time you would be willing to give us would be appreciated. We can always use any extra help, especially the help of someone that garners praise from Herald Talia. She has complimented your abilities on many occasions."
Natasha blushed at the compliment. Praise from strangers made her a little uncomfortable. "It is my duty as Herald and mindhealer to use my abilities to help those who need help. When I was so busy, I always hoped that I would get a few days off, but now that I have the foreseeable future to do what I will with my time, I don't think I can do anything but work." She gave a little grimace. "I guess what they say about Heralds is true."
Marrta laughed. "It most certainly is! You don't stop till you're dead. Every Herald is the same." Her laughter melted into seriousness. "Are you ready to get to work?" Natasha nodded solemnly. "I think I have the perfect patient for you to work with. She is about your age, and I think you will have quite a bit in common." She rose, attempted to smooth her robes with her palms, and sighed. "I'll tell you about her as we walk."
The patient Natasha was to be working with was called Aithre. She was 18, two years Natasha's junior, and the heir to the vast Varis holdings. Almost two weeks ago, she had had her throat slit, and was raped repeatedly. Her father had rushed her to Haven under the care of a healer, hoping that the Healer's Collegium could do something for her severed vocal cords. The Healers could do nothing. In fact they were amazed she was even alive. Her father had remained behind to deal with the perpetrator. Natasha hoped that they did more than just 'deal' with him.
:'Pessa, are you hearing this! This girl has lived through a nightmare!: Natasha knew that she had to keep herself under control. If she felt too much for this girl, she would begin projecting. So she thrust her emotions at Marpessa, knowing that the Companion could shunt them off into the void, where their energies could be reabsorbed.
:I know, love. And she is hurting. The Companions can feel her hurt, even through the shields that the Healers have placed around her.: Marpessa gave her a mental caress. :Be strong.:
Marrta was still talking. "Talia and I have been shielding her since she arrived. She has had very little contact with anyone besides myself, the nightshift Healer, Holly, and her father's advisor, Bergin. She is projecting at such a strength that even the ungifted become uncomfortable around her after awhile. Would you test her for mindspeech? If she had it, perhaps it would help to lift the burden of her disability."
"Certainly I will." Natasha could sense the shields around the door they were approaching. Their strength made the air tingle and the hairs on the back of Tasha's neck rise. Tasha gasped. She felt Marpessa insinuate herself into the front of her mind. Marrta gave her a strange look. "Marpessa being nosy. I guess she wants to ride along."
Marrta laughed at this. Marpessa was very curious about new people. Curious enough to even speak to some of them, breaking the very old rule that dictated a Companion spoke only to their Herald. The Companion's tendencies had become something of a legend around the Collegium, much to the dismay of Rolan and the more senior Companions.
"Shield tightly, Natasha. And clamp down on anything you might feel. We don't yet know if she is receptive." Natasha obeyed, but left a tiny pinprick hole in her shields. It always helped her to know what someone was feeling. Marrta opened the door and stepped in, Natasha close on her heels.
The sick-room was spartan, as such places usually are. The single window looked out on the healer's garden, and the sun of the late spring day shone through welcomingly. "Aithre, this is Herald-Trainee Natasha. Natasha, Aithre Varis." Natasha was surprised at the appearance of the girl on the bed. Aithre was skinny, with unkempt auburn hair that fell just past her shoulders, and light green eyes that seemed to take over half of her thin face. A well cut, high necked dressing gown covered the horrific scar that was the remnant of her attack. She did not, in the slightest, resemble the young noblewomen that Natasha knew.
From the hole in her shields, Natasha could feel a thread of fear, laced through with undirected anger, begin to insinuate itself through her shields, weakening them. With a finger of her own power, Tasha plugged the hole, fixing any damage that the other girl's rampant emotions had caused.
:Natasha.: Marpessa's mindvoice echoed within her mind; strong despite their physical distance and the strong shields surrounding both Natasha and the sick room. :She has the ability to mindspeak.:
:That is a relief, Chosen.: Tasha was truly glad that Aithre has the ability to mindspeak. Clear communication with her healers would make her recovery a great deal easier. Natasha pushed a gentle tendril of power towards the patient's mind, brushing against it. The girl look at her, startled. :Hello, Aithre.: Tasha said in a soft mindvoice. Aithre's eyes widened further, her mouth moving mutely. :Would you like to try?: The girl nodded hungrily. :Imagine a thread passing between your mind and mine. Push your words down the thread, just as you would direct your voice when speaking. Understand?: Aithre nodded resolutely, her mouth set in a grim line, brow furrowed in concentration.
:Hello?: Her mindvoice was weak, and a little doubting, but it was there, just the same.
:Excellent. You can push a little harder. It will make it easier for me to hear you.: Tasha smiled at her, in what she hoped was an encouraging manner.
:Thank you so much!: The voice was stronger now. :I thought I was going to go mad writing on that slate for the rest of my life.: She tossed a grimace at the slate and chalk stick sitting on the bedside table. :Well, my gratitude aside, is there any particular reason you are here?: Despite all that she had been through, Aithre was remained a self-possessed young woman. She had the blunt politeness that only the very powerful could afford. Natasha grinned.
:A visit. Possible liberation.: Aithre looked ecstatic. :Only temporary, of course.:
:Of course.: Aithre looked disgruntled. :I suppose you are a better keeper than the healers that have been hanging around.: Her mindvoice changed colors abruptly, now tinged green with excitement. :It is a beautiful day. I would so like to go out, even if it is to just sit in the garden.: She looked wistfully out the window.
Marpessa pushed herself into the front of Tasha's mind; :Bring her to the field, Chosen. Please?: 'Pessa was curious enough to start groveling if Natasha didn't acquiesce. She stifled a giggle.
:Calm down horse! Why don't you haul your lazy tail up here so you can escort us down. I'm not so sure of Aithre's strength right now. It may be good to have a large white lump for her to lean on.: Natasha could feel Marpessa's mental grumble in response to the jibe, but the mare didn't return the insults because she was currently focused on running full tilt to Healer's without injuring some innocent bystander.
"Marrta, would it be alright if I took Aithre down to Companion's Field for a short walk?" The healer looked a little less than thrilled at this suggestion. "Don't worry, healer. Marpessa has volunteered her services if your patient tires. I will return her in one piece shortly before dinner. And it is a beautiful day." The last was said with a wheedling not in her voice. Even the Heir resorted to dirty tricks, now and again.
Marrta looked over at her patient, who had snatched up the slate and written; 'Please?', in large letters across it. "Oh, alright." Marta said grudgingly. In truth, she was glad that her patient had shown such friendly interest in the Heir.
Aithre grinned and swung her feet out of the bed. :Out! I have to get dressed!: She flapped her hands at the two women and gave Natasha a mental shove out the door. :Thank you, Natasha.: Aithre's mindvoice said shyly.
Natasha smiled at the younger girl, who was doing a wonderful job of holding herself together. :It was my pleasure, my Lady. But you will probably be cursing my name when the reaction headache sets in.: With that, she left Aithre to her clothes.
Outside the door, Marrta looked at the Heir with a relieved expression etched clearly across her features. "Aithre's Gifts are a relief. I could see her becoming frustrated with that tablet every time she had a conversation that required more than a few words. I would have had her tested sooner, but due to the sensitive nature of the incident, I thought it best to limit her contact to only the most discreet until she was ready to handle more." Marrta knew of the general penchant for gossip among the court residence, and had done her best to prevent the spreading of harmful rumors.
Aithre's voice startled Natasha. :Natasha, who is Marpessa?: There was no weakness in the mindvoice, despite the shields and Aithre's inexperience.
:Marpessa is my Companion. You will meet her in a minute. She is waiting outside for us. You'd better hurry before she kicks down the doors. She can be a pest about meeting new people.:
"How strong are her gifts, anyway?" Marrta's question jerked Natasha back to the conversation.
Natasha grinned at her. "Strong enough that she just mindspoke me from behind the shields."
Marrta looked a little goggle-eyed. "No wonder she ate through them so quickly. She should be taught to ground, center and shield as soon as possible, shouldn't she."
"I'll take care of it myself, but her energy reserves will need a little while to replenish themselves after all that her body has undergone." Natasha gave the healer a confident smile. "She should have the basics in a week or so."
The door opened, and Aithre stepped out, now clad in a high necked brown dress of light linen, holding a thick shawl of dark green. :I am ready.: She held the shawl up so Marrta could see it. :So I don't catch a chill: Tasha could feel Aithre pushing her thought toward Marrta.
:She hasn't mindspeech, Aithre. I'll tell her: "Aithre said to tell you that she'll be careful not to catch a chill," Tash relayed to Marrta. "Good girl." Marrta nodded approvingly. "And sensible shoes. I won't have my patients traipsing around outdoors in those ridiculous slippers that so many highborn insist on wearing."
Aithre smiled and gave a mental chuckle. :My father would tan my hide if I ever wore those things anywhere that wasn't a formal occasion. Besides, they make my arches sore. No support.:
Tasha laughed outright at that. "I agree completely. I hate those things. I'm lucky I can wear my Grays almost anywhere, even court meals. For some reason, slippers just don't look right with uniforms."
:Court meals?: Aithre gave her an inquiring look.
Tasha made a face. "Court dinners, council sessions, endless balls. Heir's duty. Must keep up appearances."
:Heir!: Aithre's eyes were wide. She look as if she didn't know whether to curtsey or grovel. :You are the Heir?:
Tasha put a comforting hand on Aithre's arm. :I am only the Heir when I am at court functions. At any other time, I am simply Herald-Trainee Natasha.: Tasha grinned at her. :Besides, you are an Heir yourself. I could call you Lady Varis and you could call me Princess Natasha and we could act completely ridiculous.:
Aithre made a face at that suggestion. :I hate being Ladied by everyone. I am hardly a Lady by the usual standard of the word. It will be nice to have a friend that I can swap war stories with, and I never let friends call me anything but Aithre.: She smiled at Natasha.
:And I never let friends call me anything but Natasha, Tasha or Tash. Take your pick. My name shortens up quite nicely. :
Aithre held out her hand. :Pleased to meet you, Herald-Trainee Natasha.:
Tasha clasped her wrist, glad that Aithre had opened up, despite the emotional and physical ride she had been subject to. :The pleasure is mine, Aithre Veris. Let's get out of here.:
