Disclaimer- I own only Shadowflame, Ayren and Darkfire anyone else mentioned belongs only to Mercedes Lackey and Larry Dixon. (How I wish I was them But I'm not oh well)
When we left this little story, Shadowflame was in Companion's Field with Darkfire after being insulted by Firesong. Firesong was feeling badly about unintentionally insulting her. So that's where we were NOW---
Here we are.....
Chapter 4 Some New Revelations
Shadowflame slowly fell asleep laying next to Darkfire with the dyheli nearby. Rolan eventually came over, having been told by Talia what had happened. Even Caryo came over. They both stood almost all night as guards, against what no one quite understood.
Ayren squawked a bit as Aya flew past the end of his beak, rousing Shadowflame. She stretched slightly and moved so that Darkfire could get to his feet, shaking slightly to rouse himself. Shadowflame stood still stretching. She noticed that her clothes weren't very wrinkled but would still need a good cleaning. She started walking toward the Collegium knowing that most of the trainees would not be up yet and she would be able to grab a quick bath. After letting herself out of the field she walked across the grounds slowly. Only someone calling her name stopped her.
She looked up and saw Alberich leaning against the small fence surrounding the salle grounds.Sighing and knowing she could not avoid him forever and in fact the taciturn Weaponsmaster would seek her out eventually. She didn't see Kerowyn about which meant she wouldn't be grilled too harshly.
Alberich merely nodded at her when she made it over to him. He cocked his head and looked at her. "You were not here this morning. You are avoiding me?" He raised an eyebrow.
Although he had spoken in Valdemaran, she switched to Karsite which she was very fluent in. "I am not avoiding you, friend. I slept in the Field last night and have just wakened. If you have time I will join you in less than half a candlemark." Alberich simply nodded and she jogged the rest of the way to the small room she'd commandeered in the Collegium. There she quickly stripped out of her clothing and threw herself into her training uniform, a cut down version of trainee grays, grabbed her two daggers and her sword and jogged back to the salle, glad to have the chance to work out. It would clear her mind and help her sort out what, if anything, she would say to the people in her ekele.
She quickly stretched out and silently thanked the Star-Eyed that she'd been able to jog back and forth. Alberich also stretched abit and waited for her to be ready. Then she nodded and fell into a fighting stance. With a barely noticeable quirk to his lips, they fell to.
Just over a candlemark and a half later, they broke apart. Sweat was raining down both of their faces. Breath was coming in gasps. 'Flame felt a certain pride in that she could make him sweat. Someone nearby applauded. 'Flame barely held back a groan, knowing it had to be Kero. Sure enough a quick glance showed the mercenary captain lounging in the doorway, clapping softly. 'Flame stood upright, and shook her hair out of her face. Even though it had been confined to a braid, a lot of it had become plastered to her forehead.
She caught the towel that Alberich tossed her way without a word. She quickly wiped off her face with one and then with a clean one wiped off her blade and sheathed it. Kerowyn handed her a dipper full of water which she sipped greatfully. She kept herself moving not wanting to stiffen up. After her breathing had slowed, and she had had some water she waited for Kero to speak, knowing the Herald Captain had not come merely to offer her water.
Kerowyn nodded to ALberich and then waved for 'Flame to follow her. They didn't go far. Waiting near the equitation field, were both Darkfire and Sayvel, who stood in full tack awaiting her rider. 'Flame stifled the groan in her throat. She knew why Kero was doing this but it didn't make it easier. Riding the advanced equitation course without a saddle was not her idea of fun. Still, she kept her opinions to herself, even blocking out Darkfire and Ayren at least until she was on Darkfire's back.
Without a word the two women turned for the equitation courses, 'Flame asking a page to take her sword back to her room for her. They did not notice the people emerging from the vale, watching them leave.
Firesong watched his sister ride by, completely at ease bareback on that large black stallion he had met the day before. The beads of his mask clacked slightly as the breeze picked up. Aya came over and settled on his shoulder. Absently, he reached up and scratched her chest. Over his head he heard an eagle shriek. Looking up he saw Ayren sitting in a tree, shredding a rabbit for his breakfast.
Footsteps behind him made him turn. Talia was walking towards him, Rolan at her side. She came to stand beside him, not looking at him but after'Flame and Kero. She simply looked after the women for a moment. Firesong also turned his attention that way. "When she got here, she was still recovering from severe injuries. Selenay wanted Healers to look at her but she refused. Only Darkwind knows how she was injured. I understand he wouldn't even tell Elspeth. It was not comfortable around them for a time." She still hadn't looked at him. "She won't get close to anyone, Firesong. She doesn't speak about why her hair is red and not the silver it should be. She says nothing. Last night, she slept here with Darkfire. Almost like a newly Chosen and her Companion."
For another few minutes they watched as the two women began the course. Kero, as Firesong expected, took the course with ease. She had spent most of her life on horseback and he expected it of her. Just then a black streak raced by her, covering ground as if it was flying. It took him a moment to realize just who it was. He watched as his sister clung to her horse's back like a burr. Together they covered the course with ease, Kero and Sayvel close on their heels. When they had finished, he saw his sister sit up straighter and throw her head back laughing. Firesong could only marvel at the skill she had displayed.
Talia had a slight smirk on her face when Firesong turned back to her. She quickly covered it. "Selenay invites all of you for breakfast in her private garden." Firesong hadn't noticed the others with him, being so engrossed in his sister. "If you will follow me."
She led them away, Firesong glancing back over his shoulder as Shadowflame's laughter reached him on the breeze.
Shadowflame immersed herself neck deep into the pool in her vale. Since Rolan had told Darkfire that all the Tayledras had gone to eat breakfast with Selenay and Daren, she had decided it was safe to bathe here rather than at the Collegium. She used her breathing exercises to relax her muscles fiber by fiber. She had worked hard this morning and still had to go to council.Sighing she got out of the pool and into the robe that she'd placed nearby. Towelling her hair dry she padded into the ekele. quickly she changed into her usual outfit. It was all black, with a tank top shirt, riding breeches and calf boots. She quickly brushed out her hair and put it into another braid.
:Now I know why you dress as you do,: Ayren said settling onto his perch. :Your sib is vain.:
'Flame chuckled tying off the end of her braid with a bradied leather thong, containing only one of Ayren's feathers. :He is vain,: she conceded. :But he is well loved and able to be vain.: Ayren offered no reply, except to groom his talons slightly. As the bell rang for the start of classes at the Collegium, 'Flame made her way across the grounds and into the palace. Ayren took the aerial route, winging into the Council Chambers from a window kept open for him. 'Flame walked on, nodding to those she knew and even stopping to talk to several of the Heralds that she was familiar with. Seeing Kero waiting for her, she quickly made her excuses and walked toward the Council Chambers.
"I'll be leaving in the morning," Kero said smiling. "Anything I can help you with before then?"
'Flame smiled. She knew what Kero was asking but it was something she had to do herself. "No, but when you get back, see if Darkwind and Elspeth went through. They were going to deliver a message for me." Kero just nodded, knowing she had been politely rebuffed. She waved Kero through, so that council could start. The sooner it started, the faster it ended.
'Flame found herself seated next to Darian instead of next to Firesong as she'd feared. As she sat she sent a thought to Darkfire. :Firesong isn't here. Any ideas?:
She felt him distance himself for a moment before he came back. :He'll be in in a moment. Can't tell what he's doing but he's with Selenay and Talia.:
'Flame gave a mental grunt and settled herself into her chair. She turned to the gentleman at her side. "I'm sorry apparently in all the bustle, we were never introduced. I'm Shadowflame, sister to Firesong." Darien smiled and shook the hand she extended.
"I'm Darien. Its very nice to meet you." He smiled slightly. "I had the honor of being taught by both your father and your brother." He saw her stiffen and a cool mask come over her face. With barely a rustle of wings, Ayren came and settled on the back of her chair. He glared with a cold eye at Darien. Kuari flew to perch on the back of his chair, staring down the much larger eagle.
"I'm afraid you are mistaken Darien." She explained softly. "While I am Firesong's sister, I am not Starfall's daughter." Dropping that bit of unusual news she turned to face another table. Another woman, this one about their age, wearing the working costume of one who worked with her hands, tapped 'Flame on the shoulder. "Natoli!" She gasped surprised. "When did you get back?"
The other woman laughed lightly. "Just last evening. Karal is playing with the children and saying hello to Firesong."
'Flame chuckled. Karal's love and devotion to his two children was known by all the Council members and had often been his excuse to skip unnecessary sessions. "It's good to have you back, Nat." They exchanged a few more pleasantries until Prince Daren walked into the chamber room. Behind him walked both Silverfox and Firesong followed closely by the gryphons.
Natoli walked to her seat and sat down. 'Flame smiled at Daren and tossed him a saucy wink which he returned.
Firesong stiffened, seeing hers but not his. Still he said nothing knowing it was not the time. Once Talia and Selenay arrived the business began in earnest.
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Reviewer Thanks---
Hawk Sister- Thank you! Kyrette was VERY pleased with the extra scratches!
Fireblade- I got it I got it! The mistake has been fixed now and in all chapters to come. I'm too lazy to go back and repost the previous ones. ;P
Darkfyre- You're right it would be confusing but I don't think it'll happen. We'll just have to wait and see.
Now Kyrette wants me to put in a few words of his here- Go ahead Kyrette. :Thank you, Cat. Now you've all been asking about the background of Shadowflame, Darkfire and Ayren. Please stop asking! Its coming I promise you! As soon as I can get my writer here to help we'll get it into the story.: (You know he acts like its all my fault.) :So, enjoy this one and there will be more to come. Oh a please send more scratches. She neglects me so...:
Cat- Hey! I do not. Now the children are in bed and I'm gonna get come sleep too!
Kyrette sighing mornfully- :See? She doesn't care. Fireblade are you sure that you don't need me?:
Cat- Foreget it. SHe has enough muses. She doesn't need you too!
Kyrette justs casts a look of indignation at the writer and goes to bed. You see what happens now? I swear he likes the kids more than me and only uses me because none onf them can type! Oh well... DOn't worry I'll get another chapter out of him soon!
Have some banana bread and there is pumpkin muffins if you want!
When we left this little story, Shadowflame was in Companion's Field with Darkfire after being insulted by Firesong. Firesong was feeling badly about unintentionally insulting her. So that's where we were NOW---
Here we are.....
Chapter 4 Some New Revelations
Shadowflame slowly fell asleep laying next to Darkfire with the dyheli nearby. Rolan eventually came over, having been told by Talia what had happened. Even Caryo came over. They both stood almost all night as guards, against what no one quite understood.
Ayren squawked a bit as Aya flew past the end of his beak, rousing Shadowflame. She stretched slightly and moved so that Darkfire could get to his feet, shaking slightly to rouse himself. Shadowflame stood still stretching. She noticed that her clothes weren't very wrinkled but would still need a good cleaning. She started walking toward the Collegium knowing that most of the trainees would not be up yet and she would be able to grab a quick bath. After letting herself out of the field she walked across the grounds slowly. Only someone calling her name stopped her.
She looked up and saw Alberich leaning against the small fence surrounding the salle grounds.Sighing and knowing she could not avoid him forever and in fact the taciturn Weaponsmaster would seek her out eventually. She didn't see Kerowyn about which meant she wouldn't be grilled too harshly.
Alberich merely nodded at her when she made it over to him. He cocked his head and looked at her. "You were not here this morning. You are avoiding me?" He raised an eyebrow.
Although he had spoken in Valdemaran, she switched to Karsite which she was very fluent in. "I am not avoiding you, friend. I slept in the Field last night and have just wakened. If you have time I will join you in less than half a candlemark." Alberich simply nodded and she jogged the rest of the way to the small room she'd commandeered in the Collegium. There she quickly stripped out of her clothing and threw herself into her training uniform, a cut down version of trainee grays, grabbed her two daggers and her sword and jogged back to the salle, glad to have the chance to work out. It would clear her mind and help her sort out what, if anything, she would say to the people in her ekele.
She quickly stretched out and silently thanked the Star-Eyed that she'd been able to jog back and forth. Alberich also stretched abit and waited for her to be ready. Then she nodded and fell into a fighting stance. With a barely noticeable quirk to his lips, they fell to.
Just over a candlemark and a half later, they broke apart. Sweat was raining down both of their faces. Breath was coming in gasps. 'Flame felt a certain pride in that she could make him sweat. Someone nearby applauded. 'Flame barely held back a groan, knowing it had to be Kero. Sure enough a quick glance showed the mercenary captain lounging in the doorway, clapping softly. 'Flame stood upright, and shook her hair out of her face. Even though it had been confined to a braid, a lot of it had become plastered to her forehead.
She caught the towel that Alberich tossed her way without a word. She quickly wiped off her face with one and then with a clean one wiped off her blade and sheathed it. Kerowyn handed her a dipper full of water which she sipped greatfully. She kept herself moving not wanting to stiffen up. After her breathing had slowed, and she had had some water she waited for Kero to speak, knowing the Herald Captain had not come merely to offer her water.
Kerowyn nodded to ALberich and then waved for 'Flame to follow her. They didn't go far. Waiting near the equitation field, were both Darkfire and Sayvel, who stood in full tack awaiting her rider. 'Flame stifled the groan in her throat. She knew why Kero was doing this but it didn't make it easier. Riding the advanced equitation course without a saddle was not her idea of fun. Still, she kept her opinions to herself, even blocking out Darkfire and Ayren at least until she was on Darkfire's back.
Without a word the two women turned for the equitation courses, 'Flame asking a page to take her sword back to her room for her. They did not notice the people emerging from the vale, watching them leave.
Firesong watched his sister ride by, completely at ease bareback on that large black stallion he had met the day before. The beads of his mask clacked slightly as the breeze picked up. Aya came over and settled on his shoulder. Absently, he reached up and scratched her chest. Over his head he heard an eagle shriek. Looking up he saw Ayren sitting in a tree, shredding a rabbit for his breakfast.
Footsteps behind him made him turn. Talia was walking towards him, Rolan at her side. She came to stand beside him, not looking at him but after'Flame and Kero. She simply looked after the women for a moment. Firesong also turned his attention that way. "When she got here, she was still recovering from severe injuries. Selenay wanted Healers to look at her but she refused. Only Darkwind knows how she was injured. I understand he wouldn't even tell Elspeth. It was not comfortable around them for a time." She still hadn't looked at him. "She won't get close to anyone, Firesong. She doesn't speak about why her hair is red and not the silver it should be. She says nothing. Last night, she slept here with Darkfire. Almost like a newly Chosen and her Companion."
For another few minutes they watched as the two women began the course. Kero, as Firesong expected, took the course with ease. She had spent most of her life on horseback and he expected it of her. Just then a black streak raced by her, covering ground as if it was flying. It took him a moment to realize just who it was. He watched as his sister clung to her horse's back like a burr. Together they covered the course with ease, Kero and Sayvel close on their heels. When they had finished, he saw his sister sit up straighter and throw her head back laughing. Firesong could only marvel at the skill she had displayed.
Talia had a slight smirk on her face when Firesong turned back to her. She quickly covered it. "Selenay invites all of you for breakfast in her private garden." Firesong hadn't noticed the others with him, being so engrossed in his sister. "If you will follow me."
She led them away, Firesong glancing back over his shoulder as Shadowflame's laughter reached him on the breeze.
Shadowflame immersed herself neck deep into the pool in her vale. Since Rolan had told Darkfire that all the Tayledras had gone to eat breakfast with Selenay and Daren, she had decided it was safe to bathe here rather than at the Collegium. She used her breathing exercises to relax her muscles fiber by fiber. She had worked hard this morning and still had to go to council.Sighing she got out of the pool and into the robe that she'd placed nearby. Towelling her hair dry she padded into the ekele. quickly she changed into her usual outfit. It was all black, with a tank top shirt, riding breeches and calf boots. She quickly brushed out her hair and put it into another braid.
:Now I know why you dress as you do,: Ayren said settling onto his perch. :Your sib is vain.:
'Flame chuckled tying off the end of her braid with a bradied leather thong, containing only one of Ayren's feathers. :He is vain,: she conceded. :But he is well loved and able to be vain.: Ayren offered no reply, except to groom his talons slightly. As the bell rang for the start of classes at the Collegium, 'Flame made her way across the grounds and into the palace. Ayren took the aerial route, winging into the Council Chambers from a window kept open for him. 'Flame walked on, nodding to those she knew and even stopping to talk to several of the Heralds that she was familiar with. Seeing Kero waiting for her, she quickly made her excuses and walked toward the Council Chambers.
"I'll be leaving in the morning," Kero said smiling. "Anything I can help you with before then?"
'Flame smiled. She knew what Kero was asking but it was something she had to do herself. "No, but when you get back, see if Darkwind and Elspeth went through. They were going to deliver a message for me." Kero just nodded, knowing she had been politely rebuffed. She waved Kero through, so that council could start. The sooner it started, the faster it ended.
'Flame found herself seated next to Darian instead of next to Firesong as she'd feared. As she sat she sent a thought to Darkfire. :Firesong isn't here. Any ideas?:
She felt him distance himself for a moment before he came back. :He'll be in in a moment. Can't tell what he's doing but he's with Selenay and Talia.:
'Flame gave a mental grunt and settled herself into her chair. She turned to the gentleman at her side. "I'm sorry apparently in all the bustle, we were never introduced. I'm Shadowflame, sister to Firesong." Darien smiled and shook the hand she extended.
"I'm Darien. Its very nice to meet you." He smiled slightly. "I had the honor of being taught by both your father and your brother." He saw her stiffen and a cool mask come over her face. With barely a rustle of wings, Ayren came and settled on the back of her chair. He glared with a cold eye at Darien. Kuari flew to perch on the back of his chair, staring down the much larger eagle.
"I'm afraid you are mistaken Darien." She explained softly. "While I am Firesong's sister, I am not Starfall's daughter." Dropping that bit of unusual news she turned to face another table. Another woman, this one about their age, wearing the working costume of one who worked with her hands, tapped 'Flame on the shoulder. "Natoli!" She gasped surprised. "When did you get back?"
The other woman laughed lightly. "Just last evening. Karal is playing with the children and saying hello to Firesong."
'Flame chuckled. Karal's love and devotion to his two children was known by all the Council members and had often been his excuse to skip unnecessary sessions. "It's good to have you back, Nat." They exchanged a few more pleasantries until Prince Daren walked into the chamber room. Behind him walked both Silverfox and Firesong followed closely by the gryphons.
Natoli walked to her seat and sat down. 'Flame smiled at Daren and tossed him a saucy wink which he returned.
Firesong stiffened, seeing hers but not his. Still he said nothing knowing it was not the time. Once Talia and Selenay arrived the business began in earnest.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Reviewer Thanks---
Hawk Sister- Thank you! Kyrette was VERY pleased with the extra scratches!
Fireblade- I got it I got it! The mistake has been fixed now and in all chapters to come. I'm too lazy to go back and repost the previous ones. ;P
Darkfyre- You're right it would be confusing but I don't think it'll happen. We'll just have to wait and see.
Now Kyrette wants me to put in a few words of his here- Go ahead Kyrette. :Thank you, Cat. Now you've all been asking about the background of Shadowflame, Darkfire and Ayren. Please stop asking! Its coming I promise you! As soon as I can get my writer here to help we'll get it into the story.: (You know he acts like its all my fault.) :So, enjoy this one and there will be more to come. Oh a please send more scratches. She neglects me so...:
Cat- Hey! I do not. Now the children are in bed and I'm gonna get come sleep too!
Kyrette sighing mornfully- :See? She doesn't care. Fireblade are you sure that you don't need me?:
Cat- Foreget it. SHe has enough muses. She doesn't need you too!
Kyrette justs casts a look of indignation at the writer and goes to bed. You see what happens now? I swear he likes the kids more than me and only uses me because none onf them can type! Oh well... DOn't worry I'll get another chapter out of him soon!
Have some banana bread and there is pumpkin muffins if you want!