*A/N* Ok I know everyone hates these but please stick with me. I just wanted to tell you guys that Loki-Gurl16 has some really great stories out and she is seriously hurtin for reviews. So go check her out. Yeah that's it… On with the story!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
In the morning Paige awoke as usual and her hand reached under the pillow for the flint she used to light her candle to find it missing.
'Gods. Its gonna be one of those days,' she thought, climbing out of bed.
Just as she usually did, Paige grabbed Blood and it around her neck. As she did this, the ruby glowed with enough light to show her where she was going.
"What…" Paige started, staring at the shining stone.
Her hand rose to hold Blood. Using the light she noticed her fling lying on the floor next to her bed. She walked over, letting go of Blood, and picked it up. She lit her candle. Going to use the candle light to see what was making Blood's ruby glow Paige picked up the knife again only to find that it had gone out.
'Interesting,' she thought to herself as she changed into a large, lose, maroon skirt and white tank top blouse. Quickly she put on her flat, brown, lace-up sandals and hurried through the tunnels to the living cave.
"Good morning Paige," Sarah said setting a plate in front of Paige, who had sat down at the table.
"Good morning mom. Thanks for breakfast," Paige replied and began to eat. "I'm gonna go clean up Dark Fyre when I'm done eating."
"Zailer was going to, but that animal is just as stubborn as you. He wouldn't let Zailer come close to him," Sarah said.
Paige giggled and pushed back from the table and took her plate to her mom.
Still giggling slightly she walked out to Dark Fyre's field.
"Fyre! Fyre come here!" she called as she came closer to the field.
Dark Fyre looked up from his grazing and noticed Paige standing on the outskirts of his field. Slowly he trotted over to where Paige stood.
"Ah Fyre, come on. I'm sorry I didn't take care of you last night. I was kinda hurt," Paige explained. To prove her point Paige moved her hair so that her stitched up wound showed. Dark Fyre nickered and nudged Paige's other shoulder.
"Oh sure. Now your gonna be nice to me," Paige teased. She pulled out a currycomb from the basket she had brought and began to comb Dark Fyre down. "Hey boy. You wanna head into town today and check out what's going on after last night?" Dark Fyre nudged her again. "Alright then. We ready to go?" Dark Fyre lipped her skirt impatiently. "Alright. Lemme go tell mom and grab one of my other knives."
Minutes later Paige was galloping towards the Mire, her leg sheath resting against the inside of her thigh. As they closed in on the entrance gate to the Mire she slowed Dark Fyre to a walk and entered the city.
She and Dark Fyre wandered through the city keeping an eye out for new thieves trying their hands out on pick pocketing from the bags that tended not to pay attention to their coin pouches. She fingered the lump under her shirt that was her moneybag as she looked.
It was this moment that she saw a beautiful black appaloosa horse with white speckles on its rear. The horse looked strong and majestic.
After admiring the horses for some moments she noticed the boy standing next to him. Boy was not exactly the right word. He stood at near 6 feet, which towered over her own 5'3 body. His hair was dark red and shown beautifully in those early afternoon sun. As he talked to the owner of the stable that he was going to leave his horse with he stood with arrogance though his visage suggested that he was no more than 17 years old, dressed in fine clothes which gave the impression he was a noble.
"Sure acts like one huh Fyre," she asked quietly. Dark Fyre snorted in reply.
Paige laughed and nudged her horse towards the stable. The noble boy had just begun to walk his horse into one of the stalls when Paige reached the owner.
"'Ello Paige," a stable hand called.
"Hello Anthony," Paige responded as she dismounted.
"See ta Fyre for ya?" Anthony asked as he approached the two of them.
"If ya don't mind. That'd be great. Where's Daniel?"
Anthony pointed to a man who was following after the noble boy.
"Alright. Thanks Tony. I'll be back before you leave. If I ain't just let Fyre out. He'll find me," Paige said as she walked towards Daniel.
"Will do Paige. Good ta see your still out."
"I'm sure," Paige laughed as she tossed a silver coin over her shoulder to Anthony.
"We will be sure to take good care of your horse, sir," Daniel told the noble.
Paige stood just outside the stall door and waited for Daniel to come out. She didnt have to wait long before the two men walked out.
"Hey ya Daniel. I left Fyre with Tony. He'll be here all day."
"Sure Paige,"Daniel replied smiling as she placed two silver coins and one copper one into his palm.
Daniel nodded to the two teens and retreated into a stall three doors down.
Paige was about tot walk off when the noble boy cleared his throat.
"Hello," he said.
"Hello," Paige replied without turning around. "Good bye," she refused to be intimidated by this boy.
Paige began to walk back towards the busy market when she heard heavy steps behind her.
"Is there a reason you are following me?" she questioned still not turning around.
"Yes actually. I was going to request your company for a few moments. I am new to this city and it seems that you know your way around here," he said in a superior voice.
Paige whirled around and fixed him with a cold stare from her stormy grey eyes.
"Look. I don't know what you think I am but I am going to walk away and pretend you never said anything to me," Paige said venomously.
"Oh. I am terribly sorry fair lady. I did not mean to imply anything other than you being familiar to the whereabouts of things in this city. I meant no disrespect by the comment. I beg your forgiveness," the boy said, seeming to turn on the noble charm. "Might I make it up to you by treating you to lunch?"
Realizing that this was a perfect opportunity for a free meal she decided that she would go along with his belief that she was a lady.
"Well kind sir, then it is I that should apologize. I should not have been so quick to judge your motives. I would be honored to accept your invitation for lunch. Might I inquire to thy name."
"My name is Tristan of Vantage Point in Tortall. No apology lady. I should have chosen my words more carefully."
"Okay then sir Tristan of Vantage Point we can go to a little bakery down the street and have a lunch of ham, cheese and bread if you wish."
"Lead on Lady Paige," Tristan said as he began walking next to her.
Upon hearing "lady" in front of her name Paige stopped, startled.
"Lady Paige? Is something the matter?" Tristan asked with concern on his face.
"Oh. No. Nothing is the matter Sir Tristan. It is just that I have become so unacostome to hearing that name it startles me," she answered and resumed her stroll.
"And why is that?" Tristan inquired, matching her pace.
"Oh it is just that I have most people just call me Paige."
"Yes. Well with such a lovely name it does seem rather difficult to categorize it with such commonness as 'lady.' I again beg thy forgiveness."
"My aren't you a flatterer," Paige said, playing the part of a noble lady.
" The truth is not flattery, Lady Paige."
"Please Sir Tristan call me Paige only."
"Then it shall be done. But you must call me Tristan."
"If you insist."
"I do."
"Well then Tristan we are here," Paige said stopping in front of a small bakery with outdoor eating area.
They sat down and soon had their food placed in front of them. As they ate, they discussed the reason why a Tortillian would venture to Emelan. Paige learned that Tortall's prestigious mage, Master Numair Salmalin, had come to request the assistance of a few of the head mages at Winding Circle. He also was here to request assistance from Honored Moonstream and Master Niklarn Goldeneye.
"You know Niklaren Goldeneye?" Paige asked in disbelief.
"I study under him. I have the gift to control darkness."
"So you study under him? That is so interesting."
"Yes, well I just started since we have been in Emalen. We are staying at Winding Circle. I just come here with two of their dedicates and their four former students."
"That is quite interesting. I'm sorry Tristan, I really should be going," Paige said standing and turning to walk away.
Tristan was immediately on his feet. He made a grab for her right hand and when they connected Paige turned around and looked at him.
"Please join me for lunch tomorrow? I would really enjoy getting to know you more."
"I would like that. But now I must part. Should I again meet you at the stables?"
"Yes. That would be lovely," Tristan said and brushed his lips over her knuckles. "May I accompany you back?"
"If you wish," Paige smiled with her answer.
"I do," Tristan said leaving money on the table to pay for the meal. "I should pick up Constellation any ways."
"Constellation. That is your horse's name then? Beautiful creature," Paige said unable to keep her amazement of the animal from her voice.
"The lady knows horses?" Tristan asked intrigued.
"A bit. I know a fine horse when I see one."
"I am surprised. Most ladies would not be able to tell what kind of horse they rode. I do so look forward to seeing your horse."
"Do you now? Well you shall get the chance soon. Please stay a safe distance away though. He does not do kindly with strangers." 'Or family,' she added silently to herself.
They reached the stable a few minutes later and were greeted by Daniel and Anthony who were playing horseshoes.
"Hey Paige. Pickin' up Fyre?" Tony asked as his horseshoe tapped the metal stake.
"Yes. I shall be on my way. IF you are to busy I can go pick up Fyre myself."
"Oh no. No I'll get him for you," Anthony said and walked down the row of stalls towards Dark Fyre's."
"Will you be wanting Constellation sir?" Daniel asked Tristan.
"Yes. Thank you."
Daniel walked down towards Constellation's stall leaving Tristan and Paige alone.
"Paige. I would really enjoy seeing you again."
"Then you shall," Paige responded as Anthony brought Dark Fyre to her.
Paige was slightly shocked to see a lady's bridal and saddle on him, but Dark Fyre acted as if he wore one all the time. Paige caught Anthony's eye and he winked at her.
"Here you are Lady Paige," Anthony said with a smile.
"Thank you Anthony," Paige glared at him slightly before regaining her "lady like" composure.
She mounted gracefully, hoping that it looked the same as most ladies did. She despised riding sidesaddle but it was required of a lady to ride in such a way.
"Your horse is beautiful. His black mane and tail set off the copper of his coat perfectly," Tristan said admiring Fyre. "What an unusual sock though," he said examining Dark Fyre's right front leg. "It looks like black fire burning from his hoof up to his knee."
"It is his name sake," Paige replied, patting Dark Fyre on the neck. "And now I must be leaving you. I will return here tomorrow."
"Then I shall see you here," Tristan answered and mounted Constellation.
Paige turned Dark Fyre around and guided Fyre through the crowd. When she saw that Tristan left, Paige returned to the stable to return her borrowed tack.
"Hey Tony, thanks a lot. I owe you."
Tony turned around and smiled.
"I'll hold you to that. Now might I ask why you came back."
"To return your tack."
"Come now Paige. If you were to return tomorrow to see Sir Tristan and rode the way you normally do, do you think he would buy that you were a lady? No he wouldn't. Though, why you are pretending to be one confuses me."
"He thought I was one and I just let him continue to believe that I was. Though I don't know how he thought that if I am dressed like this," Paige said shaking her skirt to prove her point.
"Even though you don't dress like them Paige, you carry yourself like a lady."
"Well if you say so. Alright well I need to get home before mom sends Zailer looking for me," Page laughed and swung one leg over so she would ride how she usually did.
"You might want to ride sidesaddle until you reach the city limits. You never know who you might run into."
"Your right," Paige groaned and resettled herself so she could sit sidesaddle again. "I'll bring this back to you tomorrow then."
"Alright Paige. See you tomorrow, lady," Tony said walking back over to Daniel and collecting his horseshoes.
Paige turned Dark Fyre and headed down the thinning crowd and out of the city. As soon as she was out of sight from the city she swung her right leg over the saddle and settled in. When she was comfortable she patted Dark Fyre on the neck and asked, "You wanna go for a run before we go home?"
In response Dark Fyre flicked his ears back in Paige's direction and pulled slightly on the rein, but would do no more until Paige allowed it. Paige dropped the reigns to give Dark Fyre enough slack to put his head down and grabbed a small amount of mane so that she would not fall off when Dark Fyre took off."
"Go ahead then boy."
Darks Fyre quickened his pace to a trot, then gallop, then full out canter. Paige crouched low so that she did not create too much wind resistance. The two flew through across the turain, moving in synchronized motion.
Their short run ended up lasting until after sun set and wen they finally reached home it was well after dark. Just as they entered sight range of the cave Paige saw Zailer putting a saddle on what looked like a shadow.
"Zailer! No need to saddle Whisper! I'm home," Paige called as she rode up to him.
"Mother is worried sick, Paige," Zailer scolded. "She says your still to injured to be out and straining your shoulder like that."
"Ok Zailer."
"Ah! What is with the saddle? You know that it's to heavy for you to be lifting in your condition."
"Please Zailer. Don't lecture me about my injury. I didn't lift the saddle. Anthony from the stables in town did," Paige explained when Zailer gave her a perplexed look.
"And why is that?"
"I'll explain when we get inside so that way mom doesn't have to ask too. Help me unsaddle Dark Fyre."
Dark Fyre stood staring impatiently at the two siblings. He snorted and Zailer undid the buckles on the saddle and pulled it off Dark Fyre's back. When Zailer lifted his bridal off, Dark Fyre walked over to where the solid black shadow that was whisper stood.
"Now let's go inside so mother doesn't worry herself to death," Zailer suggested as he pulled back the bush that concealed the entrance to their home.
When Paige walked into the living area she was greeted by a very worried and irritated looking Sarah.
"Paige! Where have you been!? You should not be out over extending yourself."
"Mom its ok. I took care of myself. As to where I was…you'll never guess what happened today."
Paige told them all about her meeting Tristan and ended with Tristan saying that he wanted to see her again tomorrow.
"Again tomorrow!? That is wonderful. I shall help you get ready tomorrow," Sara exclaimed.
"No mom! It's all right. I really don't know if I'm even going to see him tomorrow. I'm sure he meets so many ladies in a day that he won't even remember 'Lady Paige'."
"Just in case Paige. It is good to see my daughter around nobles."
"Yes well if you say so mom. I'm not hungry. I'm still full from lunch. I'm going to bed. See you two in the morning," Paige said.
She stood and walked to her room. When she reached for her table candle she noticed a slight glow from under her shirt; she pulled it out and realized that it was blood's gem again.
'This is to weird,' Paige thought as she readied herself for bed.
When she was ready and dressed for bed she climbed into her bed and pulled the covers up. She thought about all that had happened to her and smiled.
"Not a bad day," she said quietly. "Tristan wasn't to bad looking either."
She smiled and turned over in her bed and put her back to the entrance and fell asleep.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Hey guys! If you are reading this then I guess you got to the end and my chapter didn't suck to bad, or you absolutly hated it and are looking for the end so you can flame me. Either way please review? *Bambie eyes* Please?
Sorry that I didn't get to answer any reviews. I will next chapter I promise.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
In the morning Paige awoke as usual and her hand reached under the pillow for the flint she used to light her candle to find it missing.
'Gods. Its gonna be one of those days,' she thought, climbing out of bed.
Just as she usually did, Paige grabbed Blood and it around her neck. As she did this, the ruby glowed with enough light to show her where she was going.
"What…" Paige started, staring at the shining stone.
Her hand rose to hold Blood. Using the light she noticed her fling lying on the floor next to her bed. She walked over, letting go of Blood, and picked it up. She lit her candle. Going to use the candle light to see what was making Blood's ruby glow Paige picked up the knife again only to find that it had gone out.
'Interesting,' she thought to herself as she changed into a large, lose, maroon skirt and white tank top blouse. Quickly she put on her flat, brown, lace-up sandals and hurried through the tunnels to the living cave.
"Good morning Paige," Sarah said setting a plate in front of Paige, who had sat down at the table.
"Good morning mom. Thanks for breakfast," Paige replied and began to eat. "I'm gonna go clean up Dark Fyre when I'm done eating."
"Zailer was going to, but that animal is just as stubborn as you. He wouldn't let Zailer come close to him," Sarah said.
Paige giggled and pushed back from the table and took her plate to her mom.
Still giggling slightly she walked out to Dark Fyre's field.
"Fyre! Fyre come here!" she called as she came closer to the field.
Dark Fyre looked up from his grazing and noticed Paige standing on the outskirts of his field. Slowly he trotted over to where Paige stood.
"Ah Fyre, come on. I'm sorry I didn't take care of you last night. I was kinda hurt," Paige explained. To prove her point Paige moved her hair so that her stitched up wound showed. Dark Fyre nickered and nudged Paige's other shoulder.
"Oh sure. Now your gonna be nice to me," Paige teased. She pulled out a currycomb from the basket she had brought and began to comb Dark Fyre down. "Hey boy. You wanna head into town today and check out what's going on after last night?" Dark Fyre nudged her again. "Alright then. We ready to go?" Dark Fyre lipped her skirt impatiently. "Alright. Lemme go tell mom and grab one of my other knives."
Minutes later Paige was galloping towards the Mire, her leg sheath resting against the inside of her thigh. As they closed in on the entrance gate to the Mire she slowed Dark Fyre to a walk and entered the city.
She and Dark Fyre wandered through the city keeping an eye out for new thieves trying their hands out on pick pocketing from the bags that tended not to pay attention to their coin pouches. She fingered the lump under her shirt that was her moneybag as she looked.
It was this moment that she saw a beautiful black appaloosa horse with white speckles on its rear. The horse looked strong and majestic.
After admiring the horses for some moments she noticed the boy standing next to him. Boy was not exactly the right word. He stood at near 6 feet, which towered over her own 5'3 body. His hair was dark red and shown beautifully in those early afternoon sun. As he talked to the owner of the stable that he was going to leave his horse with he stood with arrogance though his visage suggested that he was no more than 17 years old, dressed in fine clothes which gave the impression he was a noble.
"Sure acts like one huh Fyre," she asked quietly. Dark Fyre snorted in reply.
Paige laughed and nudged her horse towards the stable. The noble boy had just begun to walk his horse into one of the stalls when Paige reached the owner.
"'Ello Paige," a stable hand called.
"Hello Anthony," Paige responded as she dismounted.
"See ta Fyre for ya?" Anthony asked as he approached the two of them.
"If ya don't mind. That'd be great. Where's Daniel?"
Anthony pointed to a man who was following after the noble boy.
"Alright. Thanks Tony. I'll be back before you leave. If I ain't just let Fyre out. He'll find me," Paige said as she walked towards Daniel.
"Will do Paige. Good ta see your still out."
"I'm sure," Paige laughed as she tossed a silver coin over her shoulder to Anthony.
"We will be sure to take good care of your horse, sir," Daniel told the noble.
Paige stood just outside the stall door and waited for Daniel to come out. She didnt have to wait long before the two men walked out.
"Hey ya Daniel. I left Fyre with Tony. He'll be here all day."
"Sure Paige,"Daniel replied smiling as she placed two silver coins and one copper one into his palm.
Daniel nodded to the two teens and retreated into a stall three doors down.
Paige was about tot walk off when the noble boy cleared his throat.
"Hello," he said.
"Hello," Paige replied without turning around. "Good bye," she refused to be intimidated by this boy.
Paige began to walk back towards the busy market when she heard heavy steps behind her.
"Is there a reason you are following me?" she questioned still not turning around.
"Yes actually. I was going to request your company for a few moments. I am new to this city and it seems that you know your way around here," he said in a superior voice.
Paige whirled around and fixed him with a cold stare from her stormy grey eyes.
"Look. I don't know what you think I am but I am going to walk away and pretend you never said anything to me," Paige said venomously.
"Oh. I am terribly sorry fair lady. I did not mean to imply anything other than you being familiar to the whereabouts of things in this city. I meant no disrespect by the comment. I beg your forgiveness," the boy said, seeming to turn on the noble charm. "Might I make it up to you by treating you to lunch?"
Realizing that this was a perfect opportunity for a free meal she decided that she would go along with his belief that she was a lady.
"Well kind sir, then it is I that should apologize. I should not have been so quick to judge your motives. I would be honored to accept your invitation for lunch. Might I inquire to thy name."
"My name is Tristan of Vantage Point in Tortall. No apology lady. I should have chosen my words more carefully."
"Okay then sir Tristan of Vantage Point we can go to a little bakery down the street and have a lunch of ham, cheese and bread if you wish."
"Lead on Lady Paige," Tristan said as he began walking next to her.
Upon hearing "lady" in front of her name Paige stopped, startled.
"Lady Paige? Is something the matter?" Tristan asked with concern on his face.
"Oh. No. Nothing is the matter Sir Tristan. It is just that I have become so unacostome to hearing that name it startles me," she answered and resumed her stroll.
"And why is that?" Tristan inquired, matching her pace.
"Oh it is just that I have most people just call me Paige."
"Yes. Well with such a lovely name it does seem rather difficult to categorize it with such commonness as 'lady.' I again beg thy forgiveness."
"My aren't you a flatterer," Paige said, playing the part of a noble lady.
" The truth is not flattery, Lady Paige."
"Please Sir Tristan call me Paige only."
"Then it shall be done. But you must call me Tristan."
"If you insist."
"I do."
"Well then Tristan we are here," Paige said stopping in front of a small bakery with outdoor eating area.
They sat down and soon had their food placed in front of them. As they ate, they discussed the reason why a Tortillian would venture to Emelan. Paige learned that Tortall's prestigious mage, Master Numair Salmalin, had come to request the assistance of a few of the head mages at Winding Circle. He also was here to request assistance from Honored Moonstream and Master Niklarn Goldeneye.
"You know Niklaren Goldeneye?" Paige asked in disbelief.
"I study under him. I have the gift to control darkness."
"So you study under him? That is so interesting."
"Yes, well I just started since we have been in Emalen. We are staying at Winding Circle. I just come here with two of their dedicates and their four former students."
"That is quite interesting. I'm sorry Tristan, I really should be going," Paige said standing and turning to walk away.
Tristan was immediately on his feet. He made a grab for her right hand and when they connected Paige turned around and looked at him.
"Please join me for lunch tomorrow? I would really enjoy getting to know you more."
"I would like that. But now I must part. Should I again meet you at the stables?"
"Yes. That would be lovely," Tristan said and brushed his lips over her knuckles. "May I accompany you back?"
"If you wish," Paige smiled with her answer.
"I do," Tristan said leaving money on the table to pay for the meal. "I should pick up Constellation any ways."
"Constellation. That is your horse's name then? Beautiful creature," Paige said unable to keep her amazement of the animal from her voice.
"The lady knows horses?" Tristan asked intrigued.
"A bit. I know a fine horse when I see one."
"I am surprised. Most ladies would not be able to tell what kind of horse they rode. I do so look forward to seeing your horse."
"Do you now? Well you shall get the chance soon. Please stay a safe distance away though. He does not do kindly with strangers." 'Or family,' she added silently to herself.
They reached the stable a few minutes later and were greeted by Daniel and Anthony who were playing horseshoes.
"Hey Paige. Pickin' up Fyre?" Tony asked as his horseshoe tapped the metal stake.
"Yes. I shall be on my way. IF you are to busy I can go pick up Fyre myself."
"Oh no. No I'll get him for you," Anthony said and walked down the row of stalls towards Dark Fyre's."
"Will you be wanting Constellation sir?" Daniel asked Tristan.
"Yes. Thank you."
Daniel walked down towards Constellation's stall leaving Tristan and Paige alone.
"Paige. I would really enjoy seeing you again."
"Then you shall," Paige responded as Anthony brought Dark Fyre to her.
Paige was slightly shocked to see a lady's bridal and saddle on him, but Dark Fyre acted as if he wore one all the time. Paige caught Anthony's eye and he winked at her.
"Here you are Lady Paige," Anthony said with a smile.
"Thank you Anthony," Paige glared at him slightly before regaining her "lady like" composure.
She mounted gracefully, hoping that it looked the same as most ladies did. She despised riding sidesaddle but it was required of a lady to ride in such a way.
"Your horse is beautiful. His black mane and tail set off the copper of his coat perfectly," Tristan said admiring Fyre. "What an unusual sock though," he said examining Dark Fyre's right front leg. "It looks like black fire burning from his hoof up to his knee."
"It is his name sake," Paige replied, patting Dark Fyre on the neck. "And now I must be leaving you. I will return here tomorrow."
"Then I shall see you here," Tristan answered and mounted Constellation.
Paige turned Dark Fyre around and guided Fyre through the crowd. When she saw that Tristan left, Paige returned to the stable to return her borrowed tack.
"Hey Tony, thanks a lot. I owe you."
Tony turned around and smiled.
"I'll hold you to that. Now might I ask why you came back."
"To return your tack."
"Come now Paige. If you were to return tomorrow to see Sir Tristan and rode the way you normally do, do you think he would buy that you were a lady? No he wouldn't. Though, why you are pretending to be one confuses me."
"He thought I was one and I just let him continue to believe that I was. Though I don't know how he thought that if I am dressed like this," Paige said shaking her skirt to prove her point.
"Even though you don't dress like them Paige, you carry yourself like a lady."
"Well if you say so. Alright well I need to get home before mom sends Zailer looking for me," Page laughed and swung one leg over so she would ride how she usually did.
"You might want to ride sidesaddle until you reach the city limits. You never know who you might run into."
"Your right," Paige groaned and resettled herself so she could sit sidesaddle again. "I'll bring this back to you tomorrow then."
"Alright Paige. See you tomorrow, lady," Tony said walking back over to Daniel and collecting his horseshoes.
Paige turned Dark Fyre and headed down the thinning crowd and out of the city. As soon as she was out of sight from the city she swung her right leg over the saddle and settled in. When she was comfortable she patted Dark Fyre on the neck and asked, "You wanna go for a run before we go home?"
In response Dark Fyre flicked his ears back in Paige's direction and pulled slightly on the rein, but would do no more until Paige allowed it. Paige dropped the reigns to give Dark Fyre enough slack to put his head down and grabbed a small amount of mane so that she would not fall off when Dark Fyre took off."
"Go ahead then boy."
Darks Fyre quickened his pace to a trot, then gallop, then full out canter. Paige crouched low so that she did not create too much wind resistance. The two flew through across the turain, moving in synchronized motion.
Their short run ended up lasting until after sun set and wen they finally reached home it was well after dark. Just as they entered sight range of the cave Paige saw Zailer putting a saddle on what looked like a shadow.
"Zailer! No need to saddle Whisper! I'm home," Paige called as she rode up to him.
"Mother is worried sick, Paige," Zailer scolded. "She says your still to injured to be out and straining your shoulder like that."
"Ok Zailer."
"Ah! What is with the saddle? You know that it's to heavy for you to be lifting in your condition."
"Please Zailer. Don't lecture me about my injury. I didn't lift the saddle. Anthony from the stables in town did," Paige explained when Zailer gave her a perplexed look.
"And why is that?"
"I'll explain when we get inside so that way mom doesn't have to ask too. Help me unsaddle Dark Fyre."
Dark Fyre stood staring impatiently at the two siblings. He snorted and Zailer undid the buckles on the saddle and pulled it off Dark Fyre's back. When Zailer lifted his bridal off, Dark Fyre walked over to where the solid black shadow that was whisper stood.
"Now let's go inside so mother doesn't worry herself to death," Zailer suggested as he pulled back the bush that concealed the entrance to their home.
When Paige walked into the living area she was greeted by a very worried and irritated looking Sarah.
"Paige! Where have you been!? You should not be out over extending yourself."
"Mom its ok. I took care of myself. As to where I was…you'll never guess what happened today."
Paige told them all about her meeting Tristan and ended with Tristan saying that he wanted to see her again tomorrow.
"Again tomorrow!? That is wonderful. I shall help you get ready tomorrow," Sara exclaimed.
"No mom! It's all right. I really don't know if I'm even going to see him tomorrow. I'm sure he meets so many ladies in a day that he won't even remember 'Lady Paige'."
"Just in case Paige. It is good to see my daughter around nobles."
"Yes well if you say so mom. I'm not hungry. I'm still full from lunch. I'm going to bed. See you two in the morning," Paige said.
She stood and walked to her room. When she reached for her table candle she noticed a slight glow from under her shirt; she pulled it out and realized that it was blood's gem again.
'This is to weird,' Paige thought as she readied herself for bed.
When she was ready and dressed for bed she climbed into her bed and pulled the covers up. She thought about all that had happened to her and smiled.
"Not a bad day," she said quietly. "Tristan wasn't to bad looking either."
She smiled and turned over in her bed and put her back to the entrance and fell asleep.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Hey guys! If you are reading this then I guess you got to the end and my chapter didn't suck to bad, or you absolutly hated it and are looking for the end so you can flame me. Either way please review? *Bambie eyes* Please?
Sorry that I didn't get to answer any reviews. I will next chapter I promise.
