In Time and Space
By Kierseth
Disclaimer: Emerald Flame and I own Rena and Ria and various other characters. Anything you recognize from Mercedes Lackey's books, we DO NOT own.
Muse: Emerald Flame
Thoughts
:Mindspeech:
"Normal Speech"
~*~*~*~
"Where are we supposed to go?" Wyn asked Ria as they walked down the alleyway. The girls had gathered their things and told the boys what had happened. They stood shocked for a moment until Linx had raced down the stairs to the street and seen the waiting Companions. The group was now making their way to the Collegium, Naison and Alanar carrying the packs.
"That's a good question" Ria replied. "Where do you think they will go Alanar?"
:They will probably be put to work at the Palace. Linx would make a good page, being as quick as he is, Wyn will probably be put to work as a stablehand, being gentle and Asper would fit right in assisting the Weaponsmaster.:
Ria relayed Alanar's guesses and listened as the boys speculated over their new jobs.
:How are you holding up Rena?: asked Naison, swinging his head around to nuzzle the strangely silent girl.
:I'm.. I'm still in shock, I think. I don't know if I'm right for this. Who's going to accept a thief? Or better yet, a group of them?:
:They will accept you Rena. All of you. There have been thieves-turned-Heralds before. You will be fine.: He turned to Alanar, who had been listening in, and tightened his Mindspeech. :I don't know how the Heralds will react to their powers, though. We've had a few rare gifts before, like Firestarting, but nothing like this. Time and matter manipulation? This is a whole new kettle of fish.:
:I agree.: Alanar said, casting one sapphire eye back at her Chosen. :Ria's power is going to create quite a stir. Rena's as well. Just think of what they can do!: Alanar's eyes sparkled with the possibilities.
:The Collegium is going to flip, you know.:
:I know. But after they figure out how to train these girls and get their Gifts in hand, they will be a force to reckon with.:
:That is what I'm worried about.: Naison tilted his head at Rena, walking woodenly alongside him
~*~*~
Jaylen, the Guard on duty at the Gate, squinted his eyes at the approaching group.
"Hey Jorje! Come look at this!"
"What?" The blond man leaned against the wall and yawned. The warm sun was making him sleepy.
"It looks like Naison and Alanar are back. With a group."
"What?" Jorje stood straighter, watching the group approach.
Naison and Alanar walked up to the confused guards and stopped.
:Tell them who you are and that you have been Chosen by Naison and I.: Alanar told the girls.
Rena stepped forward. "Umm, hi. I'm Rena and this is my sister Ria," she motioned to her twin, "we've been Chosen by Naison and Alanar."
"And who are they?" Jorje asked Rena, stepping forward and looking the boys up and down, taking in their ragged garments.
"This is Linx, Wyn and Asper." she explained, putting a hand on each of the boy's shoulders in turn. "They are our... charges. We ask that they be allowed to stay with us."
"I don't know." Jaylen said slowly. He didn't want to let a group of ruffians and street urchins into the Palace grounds, but they were accompanied by Companions. It was too much. "I will accompany you all to the Collegium. Jorje, I'll send Aron to stand for me." He turned and walked under the archway, casting curious glances at the strange party following him. This was most unusual.
The group followed the Guard in silence. Rena's head was awash with emotions. How were the Heralds to react? She had never heard of anyone having powers of their type before. Were they going to be turned away? Thought of as freaks? Would the boys be allowed to stay? She shook her head and set her chin. No one would turn away the boys. And if they did, she'd go with them. They weren't going to be turned away, with no one to take care of them.
Ria was in awe. The grass was thick and green, the paths were covered in small rocks and bordered by larger ones, and there were small shaped shrubs lining the paths. The buildings rose high above their heads, majestic and proud, soaring into the sky.
:That is the Healer's Collegium. The Palace is next, with the Bardic and Heraldic Collegia on either end.: Alanar informed her.
:Their beautiful!: Ria told her.
:I know. You should see Companion's Field.: With that reminder, Alanar broke direct contact with Ria and Sent out for Marienne.
:Mari? How's Lynnes?:
:He's fine Nari. Calm down. Your Call can't be ignored. Take care of your Chosen first. Then come and check on your son. He's playing tag with Sonovan right now.: Marienne Sent her an image of the colts chasing each other.
Alanar heaved a sigh. :All right.:
Ria was puzzled. She had felt Alanar withdraw from her mind and heard her heave a sigh.
:Are you all right Alanar?:
:I'm fine Ria. I was just checking on my son.:
:You have a son?:
:Yes. His name is Lynnes. He's almost a year old and this is the first time I've left him for so long.:
:I'm sure he's fine, Alanar. Marienne is very capable. She has a son Lynnes's age, doesn't she?: asked Naison.
:She does, Sonovan. They're playing tag right now.:
:So don't worry.: He turned to Ria. :This is her first child. She's a little overprotective.:
Alanar just snorted and flicked her tail in his face.
Ria smiled at their antics. Meanwhile, they had walked around the corner of Healer's and looking ahead, Ria caught sight of a large stallion.
:That is Ison. His Chosen, Forie, the Head of the Collegium will be showing you around the Collegium and is the one you should ask about Linx, Wyn and Asper.: Alanar told Ria.
They walked up to Ison and a middle-aged, brown-haired woman who had emerged from the door behind Ison (:That's Forie.: Naison whispered) and halted, the boys hanging back, unsure of what to do.
Jaylen gave a quick salute. "Ma'am? This is Rena and Companion Naison, and Ria and Companion Alanar. They've just been Chosen."
"Why did you feel it necessary to leave your post to escort them here?" Forie asked, a little miffed.
Jaylen leaned in close. "They have... guests... with them."
Forie poked her head out around Naison's rump and caught sight of Linx's dark hair.
"You." She pointed at the boys. Linx poked his head slowly out from his hiding spot. "Come here."
Linx walked slowly up to the Head of the Collegium, but before he reached her, Asper jumped in front of him. "What is it you want, Herald?" he asked slowly.
Forie fumed, eyes narrowing. "Who are you? Why did you accompany these Trainees?"
Rena jumped in, stepping in front of Asper and catching Forie's attention. "We asked them to come. I'm Rena and this is Ria. We are the boys' guardians, so to speak."
"Explain."
"We found them on the streets and... took them under our wing. We are all orphans."
"And now you don't know what to do." She eased a little.
"Right. Could they stay here with us? They would work, of course, but we can't leave them." Rena tried to keep the pleading tone out of her voice but failed miserably.
"I don't know. I will have to check with Heria, the Housekeeper. She will know if anyone needs another hand." Forie turned to Ison for a moment, then turned back.
"Thank you Jaylen. I can take it from here." She dismissed the Guard with a little wave of her hand, and turned back to the girls. "Well, anyway, welcome to the Collegia and congratulations on being Chosen. Naison, Alanar, I can show them around. You too Ison." At Alanar's hesitance, Forie made shooing motions with her hands. "Go Nari! Ria will be well taken care of." She watched the trio head to the Field and turned back to the group.
"Well, this is a fine kettle of fish. Let me introduce myself. I am Forie, the Head of the Collegium. I think I will take you boys to meet Heria." she eyed their clothes and waistlines. "We'll see what we can do to find you some clothes and get some food into you all." The boys broke out into happy grins and Ria smiled at them. Rena narrowed her eyes a bit, still not fully trusting the woman.
Forie turned and ushered them into the door behind her. It lead into a long hallway, wooden floors gleaming, warm oak walls lining either side of the passageway, with doors at various intervals. She led them down the hall, pointing at doors and giving a running commentary. "This is the library, this door leads to the Herald's Wing, this one to the Palace. Those stairs lead to the Trainee's Wing, where you, Ria and Rena will be staying. The boys will be with the rest of the help down near the kitchens. Follow me and I will take you there."
They passed the stairs that led to the Trainee's Wing and walked down a side corridor. She knocked on a door, opened it and poked her head inside. "Heria?" she called.
"Yes?" came the bright answer.
"Can you come out here? And bring your book."
Forie pulled her head back out of the doorway and a short, rotund woman came through, carrying a tomb of a book. Ria's eyes grew wide at the size of the text.
"Hello. Are you all new Trainees?" Heria asked.
"No." the Head replied. "The girls are and we will need to get them some uniforms, but the boys are their charges. Are there any positions open? Pages, stable hands, that sort?"
"Let me see." Heria flipped through her book with alarming speed. "Ahh here. Salel can use a hand in the Salle, cleaning and repairing and the like, Perrie could use another page or two and let's see... Yes, I think that might do. Uril needs another set of hands in the stable since Eli left. You, would do well with Salel," she pointed at Asper, "you with Perrie," pointing at Wyn, "and you can go with Uril." pointing at Linx. "Do you like horses?" she asked Linx.
"I don't know. I've never been around them before."
"Did you like Naison and Alanar?" Ria asked him.
"Oh yes!"
"He'll do fine." Forie said brusquely. "Thank you Heria. Could you send notes to Salel, Uril and Perrie and tell them that the boys will be waiting in the kitchen? I'll send the girls to you after they have some food." She swept off and the little group followed, Linx giving a little wave back to Heria.
They went through another door and led them into the kitchen. Rena's drooled a bit at the smell of freshly baked bread. "Hullo Quinn. We have some more." the woman said to the big man in the white smock, sleeves rolled back to reveal meaty forearms.
"Hullo Forie. Greetings to you younglings." He boomed in a deep voice. "Need a little refreshment?" He placed a plate of sliced meats and cheeses on the large table, along with two loaves of bread, some cups and a pitcher of juice. The boys fell to while Forie looked on. Rena picked up a slice of meat and inspected it closely before slowly chewing off a corner. Ria watched her sister intently and only took a slice of cheese after her twin nodded to her.
:They are so cautious!: Forie Spoke to Ison.
:They are off the streets, For. They have a right to be cautious.: he reminded her.
She sat on a stool and sipped a cup of tea while the little group polished off the food.
"Are you all ready?" Forie asked when they had neatly stacked the cups and platters. Ria nodded. "Now is where we part ways. Rena and Ria, come with me, Asper, Wyn and Linx, you stay here and wait until Salel, Perrie and Uril send for you." The little group sat still for a moment, then slowly got up.
"I'll miss you Ria." Wyn said in a small voice.
"I'll miss you too Wyn. But we aren't going far. You all will be able to see us whenever you want. I promise." The small boy impulsively hugged the girl. She stroked his hair and slowly pried his arms away from her waist.
"Wait with the others and be good. Don't make any messes for Master Quinn."
"I'm not Master Quinn, little lady, I'm just Quinn." the beefy man said.
"Quinn then."
"Linx, stay out of trouble, Asper watch him." Rena warned, giving Asper a slap on the back and tweaking Linx's hair.
"Come on girls." Forie said, walking them out of the kitchen. Rena looked back and watched as the door closed on the three boys she had come to love.
~*~*~*~
Reviewer Response Time!!
Terryie: It does, doesn't it? I'm still trying to figure out which one to use!
Fireblade K'Chona: Confused, but I'm glad you like. I think...
Arrowblade: Thank you so much! As a matter of fact, there is. etcetera-cat wrote a fic for a friend of ours using characters from my Valdemar RPG Shifted Silver. It's a AU Valdemar where there are powers like Ria and Rena's all over. Feel free to join. http://www.avidgamers.com/shiftedsilver
Katsiebee: Don't you hate that? This one went up sooner than I expected though.
Next: The girls settle in and Forie is in for a big surprise.
By Kierseth
Disclaimer: Emerald Flame and I own Rena and Ria and various other characters. Anything you recognize from Mercedes Lackey's books, we DO NOT own.
Muse: Emerald Flame
Thoughts
:Mindspeech:
"Normal Speech"
~*~*~*~
"Where are we supposed to go?" Wyn asked Ria as they walked down the alleyway. The girls had gathered their things and told the boys what had happened. They stood shocked for a moment until Linx had raced down the stairs to the street and seen the waiting Companions. The group was now making their way to the Collegium, Naison and Alanar carrying the packs.
"That's a good question" Ria replied. "Where do you think they will go Alanar?"
:They will probably be put to work at the Palace. Linx would make a good page, being as quick as he is, Wyn will probably be put to work as a stablehand, being gentle and Asper would fit right in assisting the Weaponsmaster.:
Ria relayed Alanar's guesses and listened as the boys speculated over their new jobs.
:How are you holding up Rena?: asked Naison, swinging his head around to nuzzle the strangely silent girl.
:I'm.. I'm still in shock, I think. I don't know if I'm right for this. Who's going to accept a thief? Or better yet, a group of them?:
:They will accept you Rena. All of you. There have been thieves-turned-Heralds before. You will be fine.: He turned to Alanar, who had been listening in, and tightened his Mindspeech. :I don't know how the Heralds will react to their powers, though. We've had a few rare gifts before, like Firestarting, but nothing like this. Time and matter manipulation? This is a whole new kettle of fish.:
:I agree.: Alanar said, casting one sapphire eye back at her Chosen. :Ria's power is going to create quite a stir. Rena's as well. Just think of what they can do!: Alanar's eyes sparkled with the possibilities.
:The Collegium is going to flip, you know.:
:I know. But after they figure out how to train these girls and get their Gifts in hand, they will be a force to reckon with.:
:That is what I'm worried about.: Naison tilted his head at Rena, walking woodenly alongside him
~*~*~
Jaylen, the Guard on duty at the Gate, squinted his eyes at the approaching group.
"Hey Jorje! Come look at this!"
"What?" The blond man leaned against the wall and yawned. The warm sun was making him sleepy.
"It looks like Naison and Alanar are back. With a group."
"What?" Jorje stood straighter, watching the group approach.
Naison and Alanar walked up to the confused guards and stopped.
:Tell them who you are and that you have been Chosen by Naison and I.: Alanar told the girls.
Rena stepped forward. "Umm, hi. I'm Rena and this is my sister Ria," she motioned to her twin, "we've been Chosen by Naison and Alanar."
"And who are they?" Jorje asked Rena, stepping forward and looking the boys up and down, taking in their ragged garments.
"This is Linx, Wyn and Asper." she explained, putting a hand on each of the boy's shoulders in turn. "They are our... charges. We ask that they be allowed to stay with us."
"I don't know." Jaylen said slowly. He didn't want to let a group of ruffians and street urchins into the Palace grounds, but they were accompanied by Companions. It was too much. "I will accompany you all to the Collegium. Jorje, I'll send Aron to stand for me." He turned and walked under the archway, casting curious glances at the strange party following him. This was most unusual.
The group followed the Guard in silence. Rena's head was awash with emotions. How were the Heralds to react? She had never heard of anyone having powers of their type before. Were they going to be turned away? Thought of as freaks? Would the boys be allowed to stay? She shook her head and set her chin. No one would turn away the boys. And if they did, she'd go with them. They weren't going to be turned away, with no one to take care of them.
Ria was in awe. The grass was thick and green, the paths were covered in small rocks and bordered by larger ones, and there were small shaped shrubs lining the paths. The buildings rose high above their heads, majestic and proud, soaring into the sky.
:That is the Healer's Collegium. The Palace is next, with the Bardic and Heraldic Collegia on either end.: Alanar informed her.
:Their beautiful!: Ria told her.
:I know. You should see Companion's Field.: With that reminder, Alanar broke direct contact with Ria and Sent out for Marienne.
:Mari? How's Lynnes?:
:He's fine Nari. Calm down. Your Call can't be ignored. Take care of your Chosen first. Then come and check on your son. He's playing tag with Sonovan right now.: Marienne Sent her an image of the colts chasing each other.
Alanar heaved a sigh. :All right.:
Ria was puzzled. She had felt Alanar withdraw from her mind and heard her heave a sigh.
:Are you all right Alanar?:
:I'm fine Ria. I was just checking on my son.:
:You have a son?:
:Yes. His name is Lynnes. He's almost a year old and this is the first time I've left him for so long.:
:I'm sure he's fine, Alanar. Marienne is very capable. She has a son Lynnes's age, doesn't she?: asked Naison.
:She does, Sonovan. They're playing tag right now.:
:So don't worry.: He turned to Ria. :This is her first child. She's a little overprotective.:
Alanar just snorted and flicked her tail in his face.
Ria smiled at their antics. Meanwhile, they had walked around the corner of Healer's and looking ahead, Ria caught sight of a large stallion.
:That is Ison. His Chosen, Forie, the Head of the Collegium will be showing you around the Collegium and is the one you should ask about Linx, Wyn and Asper.: Alanar told Ria.
They walked up to Ison and a middle-aged, brown-haired woman who had emerged from the door behind Ison (:That's Forie.: Naison whispered) and halted, the boys hanging back, unsure of what to do.
Jaylen gave a quick salute. "Ma'am? This is Rena and Companion Naison, and Ria and Companion Alanar. They've just been Chosen."
"Why did you feel it necessary to leave your post to escort them here?" Forie asked, a little miffed.
Jaylen leaned in close. "They have... guests... with them."
Forie poked her head out around Naison's rump and caught sight of Linx's dark hair.
"You." She pointed at the boys. Linx poked his head slowly out from his hiding spot. "Come here."
Linx walked slowly up to the Head of the Collegium, but before he reached her, Asper jumped in front of him. "What is it you want, Herald?" he asked slowly.
Forie fumed, eyes narrowing. "Who are you? Why did you accompany these Trainees?"
Rena jumped in, stepping in front of Asper and catching Forie's attention. "We asked them to come. I'm Rena and this is Ria. We are the boys' guardians, so to speak."
"Explain."
"We found them on the streets and... took them under our wing. We are all orphans."
"And now you don't know what to do." She eased a little.
"Right. Could they stay here with us? They would work, of course, but we can't leave them." Rena tried to keep the pleading tone out of her voice but failed miserably.
"I don't know. I will have to check with Heria, the Housekeeper. She will know if anyone needs another hand." Forie turned to Ison for a moment, then turned back.
"Thank you Jaylen. I can take it from here." She dismissed the Guard with a little wave of her hand, and turned back to the girls. "Well, anyway, welcome to the Collegia and congratulations on being Chosen. Naison, Alanar, I can show them around. You too Ison." At Alanar's hesitance, Forie made shooing motions with her hands. "Go Nari! Ria will be well taken care of." She watched the trio head to the Field and turned back to the group.
"Well, this is a fine kettle of fish. Let me introduce myself. I am Forie, the Head of the Collegium. I think I will take you boys to meet Heria." she eyed their clothes and waistlines. "We'll see what we can do to find you some clothes and get some food into you all." The boys broke out into happy grins and Ria smiled at them. Rena narrowed her eyes a bit, still not fully trusting the woman.
Forie turned and ushered them into the door behind her. It lead into a long hallway, wooden floors gleaming, warm oak walls lining either side of the passageway, with doors at various intervals. She led them down the hall, pointing at doors and giving a running commentary. "This is the library, this door leads to the Herald's Wing, this one to the Palace. Those stairs lead to the Trainee's Wing, where you, Ria and Rena will be staying. The boys will be with the rest of the help down near the kitchens. Follow me and I will take you there."
They passed the stairs that led to the Trainee's Wing and walked down a side corridor. She knocked on a door, opened it and poked her head inside. "Heria?" she called.
"Yes?" came the bright answer.
"Can you come out here? And bring your book."
Forie pulled her head back out of the doorway and a short, rotund woman came through, carrying a tomb of a book. Ria's eyes grew wide at the size of the text.
"Hello. Are you all new Trainees?" Heria asked.
"No." the Head replied. "The girls are and we will need to get them some uniforms, but the boys are their charges. Are there any positions open? Pages, stable hands, that sort?"
"Let me see." Heria flipped through her book with alarming speed. "Ahh here. Salel can use a hand in the Salle, cleaning and repairing and the like, Perrie could use another page or two and let's see... Yes, I think that might do. Uril needs another set of hands in the stable since Eli left. You, would do well with Salel," she pointed at Asper, "you with Perrie," pointing at Wyn, "and you can go with Uril." pointing at Linx. "Do you like horses?" she asked Linx.
"I don't know. I've never been around them before."
"Did you like Naison and Alanar?" Ria asked him.
"Oh yes!"
"He'll do fine." Forie said brusquely. "Thank you Heria. Could you send notes to Salel, Uril and Perrie and tell them that the boys will be waiting in the kitchen? I'll send the girls to you after they have some food." She swept off and the little group followed, Linx giving a little wave back to Heria.
They went through another door and led them into the kitchen. Rena's drooled a bit at the smell of freshly baked bread. "Hullo Quinn. We have some more." the woman said to the big man in the white smock, sleeves rolled back to reveal meaty forearms.
"Hullo Forie. Greetings to you younglings." He boomed in a deep voice. "Need a little refreshment?" He placed a plate of sliced meats and cheeses on the large table, along with two loaves of bread, some cups and a pitcher of juice. The boys fell to while Forie looked on. Rena picked up a slice of meat and inspected it closely before slowly chewing off a corner. Ria watched her sister intently and only took a slice of cheese after her twin nodded to her.
:They are so cautious!: Forie Spoke to Ison.
:They are off the streets, For. They have a right to be cautious.: he reminded her.
She sat on a stool and sipped a cup of tea while the little group polished off the food.
"Are you all ready?" Forie asked when they had neatly stacked the cups and platters. Ria nodded. "Now is where we part ways. Rena and Ria, come with me, Asper, Wyn and Linx, you stay here and wait until Salel, Perrie and Uril send for you." The little group sat still for a moment, then slowly got up.
"I'll miss you Ria." Wyn said in a small voice.
"I'll miss you too Wyn. But we aren't going far. You all will be able to see us whenever you want. I promise." The small boy impulsively hugged the girl. She stroked his hair and slowly pried his arms away from her waist.
"Wait with the others and be good. Don't make any messes for Master Quinn."
"I'm not Master Quinn, little lady, I'm just Quinn." the beefy man said.
"Quinn then."
"Linx, stay out of trouble, Asper watch him." Rena warned, giving Asper a slap on the back and tweaking Linx's hair.
"Come on girls." Forie said, walking them out of the kitchen. Rena looked back and watched as the door closed on the three boys she had come to love.
~*~*~*~
Reviewer Response Time!!
Terryie: It does, doesn't it? I'm still trying to figure out which one to use!
Fireblade K'Chona: Confused, but I'm glad you like. I think...
Arrowblade: Thank you so much! As a matter of fact, there is. etcetera-cat wrote a fic for a friend of ours using characters from my Valdemar RPG Shifted Silver. It's a AU Valdemar where there are powers like Ria and Rena's all over. Feel free to join. http://www.avidgamers.com/shiftedsilver
Katsiebee: Don't you hate that? This one went up sooner than I expected though.
Next: The girls settle in and Forie is in for a big surprise.