A/N: I posted this late because I moved. You know the drill; I now lived in
a capital!
This chapter is for Clearbrook, who I know personally and miss so much! This chapter is also for morgaine who has great stories that everyone should check out!!
WOW! This one is as long as chapter 'Steel Eyes' (chapter 6). Well, I hope your enjoying the story and understand the plot! It's very important that if you don't understand, review/email and ask me! I am getting ready to finish the story! NNOOOO!! I enjoyed doing this so much!! But it isn't done yet, so let's celebrate the 10th chapter!!!
____________________________________________________________________________ ______
Muslima: No, joke today. Sorrie'd. (accent)
Zakyu: Muslima, we don't need a joke.
Muslima: ?
Zakyu: Because you are one!
Muslima: [chasing Zakyu down with pots and pans] Come back here you filthy scum! (English accent)
Died Niko: }8P HAHAHA!! I get to do the disclaimer: HAHAHA!! IF YOU'RE THE FBI, GO AWAY! We don't make any copper fill's (or any money) on this so if you sue me all you'll get is beaten, old 95 windows computer and a bunch of books so it's not worth it.
Muslima: [Five miles away] on w/ the story!!
____________________________________________________________________________ ______
Chapter X {LOLz! The 10th chapter!}
The four of them were on the roof, savoring their rest time. Briar had told Daja and Sandry of what Lionel said. Tris was in a corner, only half- listening, thoughts buzzing in her head as she starred in the sky.
Sandry frowned, and began the task of tightening and making sure the threads were healthy. "He's right," she said quietly to Daja as she plucked one string and then another thread. "Believe me I know. If there's anything that might keep the fighting from your home and family, then it's worth a try."
She fell silent, her blue eyes darkened by memories, as a few brown hairs softly blown by the wind, touched her face. And, Daja knew she was thinking of her own family- noble travelers that encountered all of the road's dangers however in the end died of a plague. She, like Sandry, often thought of her parents and questioned what would of happened if they were still alive.
But they weren't, Daja told herself. And now Discipline was her home, and she wasn't going to let it go.
"I agree." She said firmly.
She glanced at Tris; it didn't look like she was paying attention.
"Tris?" asked a concerned voice. "Tris!" The voice said now inpatient.
"Wha--?" asked a startled Tris, she was woken from her thoughts. A blush stained her cheeks as she pushed up her glasses. She realized where she was. "Ye-yeah me too." Daja looked at her questioning.
"I agree." She said hotly. "Stop starring. You act as if I did a crime." Daja rolled her eyes.
"Sweet as ever." Briar smirked, then out loud with a charming smile, "Coppercurls, having to much trouble keeping your head out of the clouds?"
"Leave her be. It's obvious that 'air head' is thinking of a boy," teased Sandry.
"No such thing!" Tris scuffed stubbornly, intent on looking at the sky. Briar turned his head and looked at the fields as if they were suddenly the most interesting thing in the realm, he was trying to hide his blushing. He was doing it too often! Someone was bond to notice eventually, said the voice of caution that he had relied heavily on in his passed life.
"Boy! It's weeding time! Bring Tris too. I want a good job this time, before we're going!" Yelled a familiar voice, Rosethorn.
"Coming!" Briar and Tris called back before they groaned, and limped like old men down the steps. Daja sat around a moment longer, enjoying the breeze before she confessed she had to go Frostpine.
Soon, Sandry was alone sewing, or so she thought.
"Pretty up here. Don't you agree, Lady Sandrilene?"
Sandry was a little surprised. She glanced back to see where it came from, Starwind. She blinked as she saw a familiar medallion one that nobles only have. It was meant hidden by his cloak but the wind had lifted it a moment.
Sandry turned around, astonished yet puzzled and continued sewing. "You seem to know who I am," she said. She suddenly turned around facing him. "Who are you?"
Perhaps she had surprised him but not a sign showed it, he had that guarded expression on his face that Sandry knew so well. "Does it matter?" he said ignoring her question, he continued to admire the landscape.
"Yes it does matter," She pressed on determinedly as she faced him. She was a little more than a head shorter than him but mustered as much authority as she could in her small frame and narrow shoulders.
He glazed at her with gentle eyes. It was the first time he looked and focused on her she realized. She suddenly felt uncomfortable under his gaze and felt a little giddy. She glared at him dismissing her sudden peculiar thoughts. "Do you intent to consider yourself some anonymous flunky?" she said with a little more hostility than she meant, maybe because of her sudden queer feelings.
" 'Anonymous flunky'?" he repeated with a faint smile. She narrowed her eyes at him.
"You never wished to meet a... Anonymous flunky?" he inquired, knowing his own share of female fancies.
Sandry felt herself darken a few shades. "Do you always elude personal questions?"
Lionel Starwind grinned. It was the first real grin she had seen on his face, as if he was struggling to hold laughter. Raising from his seat, he made a graceful half-bow and said, "Delight to make your acquaintance, Lady Sandrilene fa Toren, daughter of Count Mattin fer Toren and his countess, Amiliane fa Landreg, the great-niece of his grace, Duke Vedris of the realm of Emelan, and cousin of her Imperial Highness Empress Berenene of the Namorn Empire."
Sandry stiffened.
"And now that I have been thoroughly put in my place, may I take leave?" He asked gently. "I believe I must prepare for travel that I fondly look forward to. Especially, traveling with you." He added with a small, amused smile. Than, without waiting for a reply he left. Leaving Sandry with some very bleak thoughts.
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Going to Blue Harbor, in the wagon
It was a hot day. Somewhat humid. Not that Sandry wasn't used to it, it was summer. Moreover, Midsummer's Day wasn't far off. Only a few days left. Rosethorn and Lark resolved that they would stay for the celebrations since officials of Blue Harbor asked them to, being personal friends.
Sandry pushed her honey-colored hair out of her face. Putting down her work, she decided to rest her hands.
Briar was sound asleep with Little Bear on his stomach who was also sleeping. Tris was starring dreamily outside at the sea as they approached Blue Harbor. Her loyal ribbons of wind from Winding Circle blew her hair and clothes in different directions. And Daja, nodding off one moment and than woken up by the next as the wagon went over a bump.
Tris would you please, blow some of that wind to me. I'm terribly hot. she admitted.
Tris blinked, seized out of her trance, she turned to her. Sure. and turned back.
As Tris spoke, Sandry already felt relief as a breeze enveloped her. Thank you. On the magical tie they had, she felt a acknowledgment, like a nod.
Now she was more comfortable thoughts circled easily. What about Starwind? Sandry suddenly asked herself. What was he doing with a crest? A noble crest? Sandry grimaced; too bad she didn't see which noble crest it was. Maybe, he was a-- !
"Blue Harbor," Tris softly said.
Sandry got up and went to the front where Rosethorn, Lark and Lionel were. The others awoken, followed also. "Yep," said Rosethorn as she 'tap' a half- asleep Briar with her cane. "That's Blue Harbor, a beauty. Though I would said it needed a bit more green and less blue."
All Sandry could see was that huge temple. That's where all the funerals were held.
**************************************************************************** ******
@ Blue Harbor, within it's gates and staying at a friend's house
The five entered the house, the roof was tall and the walls with the cleanliness of whiter-than-white. The wood of the furniture was highly polished. Daja, Tris and Briar looked around in awe. Little Bear sniffed around Daja's shoes.
"Lark! Rosethorn!" a pleasant high voice exclaimed. The owner of that voice embraced Lark once more. The woman of twenty years or so, had brown curls that bounced. "Nice to see you too, Ida." Rosethorn smiled. 'This Ida must be close friends with 'em,' thought Briar.
"As with me," replied Ida. "I am sorry we had to meet under such circumstances," she said with sincerity. She glanced back. "Ah! This is my husband, Faour Shinesburg." She said to the tall, thin man who gave a remarkable warm smile that lighted his face and greeted them.
"I didn't know you lived in Blue Harbor, and in such a fine place," Lark said to the both of them.
Ida smiled, pleased. Then, realized the students. "You have some more students!"
"This is Briar, Daja, Tris and Sandry. " Each student bowed polity in turn.
"This is Ida, she was our first student to come to Discipline."
Ida looked curiously to Lionel. "And this is Lionel Starwind who is a friend."
"Yes. I remember you mentioning him." She smiled widely. "Nice to meet you," said Faour as he shook hands with him. Ida turned to all of them, and waved a hand to the waiting maids who came to help with the luggage. "The maids will take the luggage as I show you your rooms."
The rooms were pleasant and spacious. Ida and her husband, Faour, were kind and loved to smile-more like Lark's type though Rosethorn thoroughly enjoyed being with both of them and recalling when they were at Winding Circle. They were just married and Faour hinted they were having a baby. Truly, in the world it was hard to come by such nice people who didn't have glass in their eyes while smiling.
Everyone was given a room each. Sandry who was done packing visited Daja's room to see if she needed any help. Briar was already there playing with Little Bear.
"What's wrong?" Sandry asked. She could tell something was upsetting Daja.
Daja bit the inside of her mouth as she brushed thought of lying away; Sandry would have sensed it. "I don't have a red band for mourning to bring to Winding Circle. I don't have one for..."
Her voice died away; it was hard to say the name. Briar put a comforting hand on her shoulder. Sandry frowned, thinking. Suddenly, her face brightened. "I know!" she exclaimed and then added in a quieter voice, "I saw a merchant selling red cloth, I'll seek out and--"
"No." Briar said firmly. He all too well remembered what happened to Tris. "I'll go."
"You don't know which clothe to pick, Briar." Sandry protested in a tone she more than often won with. "They'll cheat you. The merchants here are more than cunning."
Briar couldn't argue with that. He was about testify when Sandry cut in once more. "It's OK. I am smart I will be out and in a 'jippy'," she said using a slang word she heard only just yesterday. "I saw the cloth I will be needing," she said now reassuring the both of them.
And with that she went out.
Sandry with more than a little of spirit of adventure, she dodged chicken, nips, and huge cross men. She roamed around trying to find the same stall she saw with the beautiful piece of cloth. She felt small compared the huge crowds. The city was so crowded; everyone was pushed against each other. Merchants were selling things, yelling out prices, deals and bargains. Men argued, shouted and fought. Women filled the noisy streets yelling at outrageous prices and the same time trying to hole on to their young one's. Young children, half-naked pushed each other down and ran evading cantankerous and cranky adults. Impromptu street games were played by neighborhood kids. Peddlers sold wares from pushcarts or from the packs they carried on their backs. Young people socialized. And other men and women gossiped and bargained while their children ran round under the watchful eyes of the whole neighborhood.
Sandry was in awe. How many people! More than in Summersea, could it be possible? Much more people than last time she had been here.
Sidetracked, Sandry asked a girl who was about her age, about it. "Your not from here are you," she stated more than questioning the obvious. The girl glance at Sandry's dress, mourning clothes. The girl didn't seem to notice the fineness, it was probably common among mourning dresses. Sandry was thankful because the girl spoke to her as an equal.
"This is a merchant city. Merchants come here because of pilgrims or morn-- ," sorrow was in the girl's eye, she avoided using the word and covered up with, "people who visit the Temple of Musya for personal reason's. They get a lot of profit. But because Midsummer's Day is so near, others take advantage of the celebration. Many people over the region come over and merchant's try they're luck. I'm from a merchant family myself-"
The girl continued, and Briar and Tris thought she talked a lot! Sandry began to regret her choice of who to speak to and listened a moment longer, out of politeness and then asked the girl about cloth stalls. The girl gave a lengthy answer mixed with her own experience going there. Sandry thanked the girl retreated with an inadequate excuse.
"Be careful! There are many nips around there!" The girl had declared after giving the directions to the-run-away-Sandry.
Sandry took the routes the girl had mentioned and by a miracle, she didn't get lost.
Now was the decisive moment. Sandry stood at the stall. Several people came and went, others bargained with a woman who was the merchant. She eyed the woman; she had the large body of a comforting mother. As she bargained she was more than ecstatic to point out the good things in her commodities but the customer who got a lower price always wore a blank expression, just like in court. With this observation, Sandry felt she more than get a good price.
~~~
She had been right. She got a steal. Now she knew why Tris was so stubborn, she was a merchant. At this thought Sandry smiled.
Unexpectedly, Sandry realized it was getting late. The sun had already passed it's zenith and even now, lowing. She would have to find her way to that Ida's house now (that's where they were staying).
Sandry began to feel nervous; more people started abandoning the streets. She felt lost. No one was on the streets. She heard a noise. Sandry strained to listen.
Voices. Maybe she ask for help or directions. She felt too proud to use mindlink with Briar or one of the girl's.
Sandry turned the corner. That's when she heard, "-and I cut his purse an' he didn't even know it!" She saw the boys. Thieves! Probably they were a gang. With a pounding heart beat she turned right back.
"Hey, you!" Yelled one of the boys who spotted her.
"Did y' she her?" asked one of the boys to another who was trotting after her. "Ain't she that girl we spotted with that redhead who beat Klaus out?"
'Redhead?' thought Sandry as she ducked into an alleyway. Were they talking about Tris? Sandry asked herself as two boys passed, not noticing her.
"Klaus got beaten up by a girl!" "Klaus can't find even' find a girl." Jeered the boys who had white bands on their ankles. The two girl's who were with them, who also had the bands shook their fists but joined in. "You know the Thief Lord wouldn't be to happy if he knowen one of his 'trusted'," a dark girl steered, "couldn't get a lil' kaq." Sandry shook with anger; kaq was a very rude word.
'That must be Klaus,' Sandry thought as she spotted a tall boy who suddenly stopped.
"She's probably in one of the alleyways," Klaus said ignoring them. "She was snooping around us. Let's get her before she gets to the guards!"
'Uh oh.' Sandry looked, hastily around.
Nothing. There was a dead end.
Sandry's first reaction was panic but conclude she couldn't do anything if she didn't have a calm mind.
"Hsst!"
'What is THAT? A snake?'
"Hsst! Up here!"
Sandry looked up, craned her neck until she saw him; the old man! He was peering with his one eye at her from atop of the roof. "The trellis!" He pointed his warp hands at the wooden trellis. "Climb it! Now!"
Sandry couldn't help but gape; never would she had thought HE would save her. He motioned furiously for her to come up.
"Hurry!" he whispered. "They'll see you."
Sandry looked at the trellis: flimsily-looking crisscrossing slats of wood interlaced with dying vines. It didn't look sturdy. She looked up for reassurance.
"Come," he mouthed.
Holding her breath, she climbed up. She was thankful she was light. Just as she stumbled on the roof, two others entered the alley. "Nobody!" they shouted as they exited.
"Huh?" Sandry was bewildered; there was no one. Where had that storyteller go? Where COULD he have gone?
**************************************************************************** ******
Meanwhile...
"What!" and then after her outburst Tris hissed, "Sandry went alone!" A large spark flashed.
"Aren't we fiery today," Briar retorted, sarcastic, mad at Tris for speaking to him so.
Tris turned on him. "Well, thanks to Daja I'm made of iron too." "It's not as if I could stop her," he said. "You know what's she's like."
Tris grimaced, she know very well what Sandry was like. 'Stubborn noble!' she thought. 'When she comes back I'll ring her neck-what if she doesn't come back--?' Tris stopped herself, she wouldn't think like that. And with that complete determine thought she threw a rock in the stream that ran in Ida's backyard.
I need to cool off, she decided. She sat down. When that didn't work she threw a rock in the air, pointed her finger and shot a tiny bolt which left a black scorched mark on the rock before it tumbled into the stream with a splash.
Tris signed. Streams appear always happy, laughing. Eerily, it comforted her to put that at a halt-at least for a moment as the stone spatter the water.
She pushed her glasses. Noticing a smear she took them off and (tried) to clean them with her dress. "Here," said a handsome voice. Briar, Tris realized, and blushed to have thought such a thought. He meant the handkerchief that was put on front of her nose so she could see it.
"Are you always so well prepared?" she said with a smirk.
"Only for girls with dreamboat eyes," came the reply.
Only when Briar bowed down and tenderly clamped her mouth shut did she realized she was gaping and-blushing. Suspicious and covering her giddy bewilderment she got up and peered at him so close-in order to read his face. Yet she missed his dark blushing and his pounding heart and him thinking, how could've I said that-?
Tris decided (with dismay) he was probably just teasing her. "H-a-ha," she said acidly slow as she pushed him against a tree. Did he know how he made her heart pound? The joke hurt.
She let her hand linger on his chest, savoring the moment, she realized with a start she took pleasure in it. Feeling herself go rigid, she removed her as if she had been burnt.
Hurt, Briar looked away, "Yep," he mumbled. "Tris you are fiery." Tris glanced up and was taken by surprise at his expression.
She suddenly wanted to sooth him-touch his face. Jerkily, half-afraid, half- possessed, she did. How lovely to touch him! How wonderful feel his face and let lye there! The pleasure thrilled her yet it terrified her.
Tris gazed into Briar's face, and he looked back at her with steady eyes for a long moment.
Then before anything else could be said or done, Sandry came.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
R2R
flutterby~ WOW! *.* I going to cry! THANX. This meant a lot to me-hopefully you'll enjoy this chappie too! It does have a lot of Sandry! Meliara- Countess-Of-Tlant~ OK. See, sometimes the mindlink did work and didn't work cause the sheild was weak. This makes Lionel VERY upset cause it means the other parts of the objects, Eclipse were taken either by the Reaper of Eclipse or Musya (god of death and Eclipse) both mean bad things-OH NO!! I TOLD TO MUCH! Old well, does it make sense now? Thanx for askin' hope it did! Anyanka~ YUP! F-L-U-F-F! There is more in this chapter too! I'll never forgive myself! I'm a Tom-boy! NNNOOOO!!! stargirl2004~ Yup, it is. Really-thanx for pointing it out but I'm too lazy to fix it now. Maybe later. I have a lot of storiesgoing on. As for Musya, read the 6th Chapter or read my response to Meliara-Countess-Of-Tlant. I super glad you enjoy my wannabe fluff scene. LOLz!I am never good at 'em! Jishoshojo~ OH I LUVVV YOUUU!!!!! Thank you! I really try on this romance stuff. I was beginning to think I'm helpless! Gliniel of Tirragen + Malfoy~ Yup I fast! It's not hard at all! When you break your fast the feeling is wonderful! Remember how it felt to get your computer? Now times that feeling by 3. That's the feeling of breaking your fast and knowing you did it for the sake of Allah. You should try it! It's one of the 5 pillars of Islam. Oh yeah-! Eid Mubrack! (Yeah, I spelled it wrong...)
Priestess of the Storm~ Ur awsome!!!!!!! You love that fluff??? ^_^ Me pleased! Sandry/Pasco that sounds kool. But make him attractive (OH MY GUSH VHAT ISH SAYIN!) Really that is up to ye. ^_* YOU know best!
Muslima: It's snowing in TEXAS!!! (For real it was)
Zakyu: MY SNOWMAN MELTED!!!!!!! (Really it did, my bro cried)
Muslima: Oh, with that white hair I thought YOU were the snowman.
This chapter is for Clearbrook, who I know personally and miss so much! This chapter is also for morgaine who has great stories that everyone should check out!!
WOW! This one is as long as chapter 'Steel Eyes' (chapter 6). Well, I hope your enjoying the story and understand the plot! It's very important that if you don't understand, review/email and ask me! I am getting ready to finish the story! NNOOOO!! I enjoyed doing this so much!! But it isn't done yet, so let's celebrate the 10th chapter!!!
____________________________________________________________________________ ______
Muslima: No, joke today. Sorrie'd. (accent)
Zakyu: Muslima, we don't need a joke.
Muslima: ?
Zakyu: Because you are one!
Muslima: [chasing Zakyu down with pots and pans] Come back here you filthy scum! (English accent)
Died Niko: }8P HAHAHA!! I get to do the disclaimer: HAHAHA!! IF YOU'RE THE FBI, GO AWAY! We don't make any copper fill's (or any money) on this so if you sue me all you'll get is beaten, old 95 windows computer and a bunch of books so it's not worth it.
Muslima: [Five miles away] on w/ the story!!
____________________________________________________________________________ ______
Chapter X {LOLz! The 10th chapter!}
The four of them were on the roof, savoring their rest time. Briar had told Daja and Sandry of what Lionel said. Tris was in a corner, only half- listening, thoughts buzzing in her head as she starred in the sky.
Sandry frowned, and began the task of tightening and making sure the threads were healthy. "He's right," she said quietly to Daja as she plucked one string and then another thread. "Believe me I know. If there's anything that might keep the fighting from your home and family, then it's worth a try."
She fell silent, her blue eyes darkened by memories, as a few brown hairs softly blown by the wind, touched her face. And, Daja knew she was thinking of her own family- noble travelers that encountered all of the road's dangers however in the end died of a plague. She, like Sandry, often thought of her parents and questioned what would of happened if they were still alive.
But they weren't, Daja told herself. And now Discipline was her home, and she wasn't going to let it go.
"I agree." She said firmly.
She glanced at Tris; it didn't look like she was paying attention.
"Tris?" asked a concerned voice. "Tris!" The voice said now inpatient.
"Wha--?" asked a startled Tris, she was woken from her thoughts. A blush stained her cheeks as she pushed up her glasses. She realized where she was. "Ye-yeah me too." Daja looked at her questioning.
"I agree." She said hotly. "Stop starring. You act as if I did a crime." Daja rolled her eyes.
"Sweet as ever." Briar smirked, then out loud with a charming smile, "Coppercurls, having to much trouble keeping your head out of the clouds?"
"Leave her be. It's obvious that 'air head' is thinking of a boy," teased Sandry.
"No such thing!" Tris scuffed stubbornly, intent on looking at the sky. Briar turned his head and looked at the fields as if they were suddenly the most interesting thing in the realm, he was trying to hide his blushing. He was doing it too often! Someone was bond to notice eventually, said the voice of caution that he had relied heavily on in his passed life.
"Boy! It's weeding time! Bring Tris too. I want a good job this time, before we're going!" Yelled a familiar voice, Rosethorn.
"Coming!" Briar and Tris called back before they groaned, and limped like old men down the steps. Daja sat around a moment longer, enjoying the breeze before she confessed she had to go Frostpine.
Soon, Sandry was alone sewing, or so she thought.
"Pretty up here. Don't you agree, Lady Sandrilene?"
Sandry was a little surprised. She glanced back to see where it came from, Starwind. She blinked as she saw a familiar medallion one that nobles only have. It was meant hidden by his cloak but the wind had lifted it a moment.
Sandry turned around, astonished yet puzzled and continued sewing. "You seem to know who I am," she said. She suddenly turned around facing him. "Who are you?"
Perhaps she had surprised him but not a sign showed it, he had that guarded expression on his face that Sandry knew so well. "Does it matter?" he said ignoring her question, he continued to admire the landscape.
"Yes it does matter," She pressed on determinedly as she faced him. She was a little more than a head shorter than him but mustered as much authority as she could in her small frame and narrow shoulders.
He glazed at her with gentle eyes. It was the first time he looked and focused on her she realized. She suddenly felt uncomfortable under his gaze and felt a little giddy. She glared at him dismissing her sudden peculiar thoughts. "Do you intent to consider yourself some anonymous flunky?" she said with a little more hostility than she meant, maybe because of her sudden queer feelings.
" 'Anonymous flunky'?" he repeated with a faint smile. She narrowed her eyes at him.
"You never wished to meet a... Anonymous flunky?" he inquired, knowing his own share of female fancies.
Sandry felt herself darken a few shades. "Do you always elude personal questions?"
Lionel Starwind grinned. It was the first real grin she had seen on his face, as if he was struggling to hold laughter. Raising from his seat, he made a graceful half-bow and said, "Delight to make your acquaintance, Lady Sandrilene fa Toren, daughter of Count Mattin fer Toren and his countess, Amiliane fa Landreg, the great-niece of his grace, Duke Vedris of the realm of Emelan, and cousin of her Imperial Highness Empress Berenene of the Namorn Empire."
Sandry stiffened.
"And now that I have been thoroughly put in my place, may I take leave?" He asked gently. "I believe I must prepare for travel that I fondly look forward to. Especially, traveling with you." He added with a small, amused smile. Than, without waiting for a reply he left. Leaving Sandry with some very bleak thoughts.
**************************************************************************** ******
Going to Blue Harbor, in the wagon
It was a hot day. Somewhat humid. Not that Sandry wasn't used to it, it was summer. Moreover, Midsummer's Day wasn't far off. Only a few days left. Rosethorn and Lark resolved that they would stay for the celebrations since officials of Blue Harbor asked them to, being personal friends.
Sandry pushed her honey-colored hair out of her face. Putting down her work, she decided to rest her hands.
Briar was sound asleep with Little Bear on his stomach who was also sleeping. Tris was starring dreamily outside at the sea as they approached Blue Harbor. Her loyal ribbons of wind from Winding Circle blew her hair and clothes in different directions. And Daja, nodding off one moment and than woken up by the next as the wagon went over a bump.
Tris would you please, blow some of that wind to me. I'm terribly hot. she admitted.
Tris blinked, seized out of her trance, she turned to her. Sure. and turned back.
As Tris spoke, Sandry already felt relief as a breeze enveloped her. Thank you. On the magical tie they had, she felt a acknowledgment, like a nod.
Now she was more comfortable thoughts circled easily. What about Starwind? Sandry suddenly asked herself. What was he doing with a crest? A noble crest? Sandry grimaced; too bad she didn't see which noble crest it was. Maybe, he was a-- !
"Blue Harbor," Tris softly said.
Sandry got up and went to the front where Rosethorn, Lark and Lionel were. The others awoken, followed also. "Yep," said Rosethorn as she 'tap' a half- asleep Briar with her cane. "That's Blue Harbor, a beauty. Though I would said it needed a bit more green and less blue."
All Sandry could see was that huge temple. That's where all the funerals were held.
**************************************************************************** ******
@ Blue Harbor, within it's gates and staying at a friend's house
The five entered the house, the roof was tall and the walls with the cleanliness of whiter-than-white. The wood of the furniture was highly polished. Daja, Tris and Briar looked around in awe. Little Bear sniffed around Daja's shoes.
"Lark! Rosethorn!" a pleasant high voice exclaimed. The owner of that voice embraced Lark once more. The woman of twenty years or so, had brown curls that bounced. "Nice to see you too, Ida." Rosethorn smiled. 'This Ida must be close friends with 'em,' thought Briar.
"As with me," replied Ida. "I am sorry we had to meet under such circumstances," she said with sincerity. She glanced back. "Ah! This is my husband, Faour Shinesburg." She said to the tall, thin man who gave a remarkable warm smile that lighted his face and greeted them.
"I didn't know you lived in Blue Harbor, and in such a fine place," Lark said to the both of them.
Ida smiled, pleased. Then, realized the students. "You have some more students!"
"This is Briar, Daja, Tris and Sandry. " Each student bowed polity in turn.
"This is Ida, she was our first student to come to Discipline."
Ida looked curiously to Lionel. "And this is Lionel Starwind who is a friend."
"Yes. I remember you mentioning him." She smiled widely. "Nice to meet you," said Faour as he shook hands with him. Ida turned to all of them, and waved a hand to the waiting maids who came to help with the luggage. "The maids will take the luggage as I show you your rooms."
The rooms were pleasant and spacious. Ida and her husband, Faour, were kind and loved to smile-more like Lark's type though Rosethorn thoroughly enjoyed being with both of them and recalling when they were at Winding Circle. They were just married and Faour hinted they were having a baby. Truly, in the world it was hard to come by such nice people who didn't have glass in their eyes while smiling.
Everyone was given a room each. Sandry who was done packing visited Daja's room to see if she needed any help. Briar was already there playing with Little Bear.
"What's wrong?" Sandry asked. She could tell something was upsetting Daja.
Daja bit the inside of her mouth as she brushed thought of lying away; Sandry would have sensed it. "I don't have a red band for mourning to bring to Winding Circle. I don't have one for..."
Her voice died away; it was hard to say the name. Briar put a comforting hand on her shoulder. Sandry frowned, thinking. Suddenly, her face brightened. "I know!" she exclaimed and then added in a quieter voice, "I saw a merchant selling red cloth, I'll seek out and--"
"No." Briar said firmly. He all too well remembered what happened to Tris. "I'll go."
"You don't know which clothe to pick, Briar." Sandry protested in a tone she more than often won with. "They'll cheat you. The merchants here are more than cunning."
Briar couldn't argue with that. He was about testify when Sandry cut in once more. "It's OK. I am smart I will be out and in a 'jippy'," she said using a slang word she heard only just yesterday. "I saw the cloth I will be needing," she said now reassuring the both of them.
And with that she went out.
Sandry with more than a little of spirit of adventure, she dodged chicken, nips, and huge cross men. She roamed around trying to find the same stall she saw with the beautiful piece of cloth. She felt small compared the huge crowds. The city was so crowded; everyone was pushed against each other. Merchants were selling things, yelling out prices, deals and bargains. Men argued, shouted and fought. Women filled the noisy streets yelling at outrageous prices and the same time trying to hole on to their young one's. Young children, half-naked pushed each other down and ran evading cantankerous and cranky adults. Impromptu street games were played by neighborhood kids. Peddlers sold wares from pushcarts or from the packs they carried on their backs. Young people socialized. And other men and women gossiped and bargained while their children ran round under the watchful eyes of the whole neighborhood.
Sandry was in awe. How many people! More than in Summersea, could it be possible? Much more people than last time she had been here.
Sidetracked, Sandry asked a girl who was about her age, about it. "Your not from here are you," she stated more than questioning the obvious. The girl glance at Sandry's dress, mourning clothes. The girl didn't seem to notice the fineness, it was probably common among mourning dresses. Sandry was thankful because the girl spoke to her as an equal.
"This is a merchant city. Merchants come here because of pilgrims or morn-- ," sorrow was in the girl's eye, she avoided using the word and covered up with, "people who visit the Temple of Musya for personal reason's. They get a lot of profit. But because Midsummer's Day is so near, others take advantage of the celebration. Many people over the region come over and merchant's try they're luck. I'm from a merchant family myself-"
The girl continued, and Briar and Tris thought she talked a lot! Sandry began to regret her choice of who to speak to and listened a moment longer, out of politeness and then asked the girl about cloth stalls. The girl gave a lengthy answer mixed with her own experience going there. Sandry thanked the girl retreated with an inadequate excuse.
"Be careful! There are many nips around there!" The girl had declared after giving the directions to the-run-away-Sandry.
Sandry took the routes the girl had mentioned and by a miracle, she didn't get lost.
Now was the decisive moment. Sandry stood at the stall. Several people came and went, others bargained with a woman who was the merchant. She eyed the woman; she had the large body of a comforting mother. As she bargained she was more than ecstatic to point out the good things in her commodities but the customer who got a lower price always wore a blank expression, just like in court. With this observation, Sandry felt she more than get a good price.
~~~
She had been right. She got a steal. Now she knew why Tris was so stubborn, she was a merchant. At this thought Sandry smiled.
Unexpectedly, Sandry realized it was getting late. The sun had already passed it's zenith and even now, lowing. She would have to find her way to that Ida's house now (that's where they were staying).
Sandry began to feel nervous; more people started abandoning the streets. She felt lost. No one was on the streets. She heard a noise. Sandry strained to listen.
Voices. Maybe she ask for help or directions. She felt too proud to use mindlink with Briar or one of the girl's.
Sandry turned the corner. That's when she heard, "-and I cut his purse an' he didn't even know it!" She saw the boys. Thieves! Probably they were a gang. With a pounding heart beat she turned right back.
"Hey, you!" Yelled one of the boys who spotted her.
"Did y' she her?" asked one of the boys to another who was trotting after her. "Ain't she that girl we spotted with that redhead who beat Klaus out?"
'Redhead?' thought Sandry as she ducked into an alleyway. Were they talking about Tris? Sandry asked herself as two boys passed, not noticing her.
"Klaus got beaten up by a girl!" "Klaus can't find even' find a girl." Jeered the boys who had white bands on their ankles. The two girl's who were with them, who also had the bands shook their fists but joined in. "You know the Thief Lord wouldn't be to happy if he knowen one of his 'trusted'," a dark girl steered, "couldn't get a lil' kaq." Sandry shook with anger; kaq was a very rude word.
'That must be Klaus,' Sandry thought as she spotted a tall boy who suddenly stopped.
"She's probably in one of the alleyways," Klaus said ignoring them. "She was snooping around us. Let's get her before she gets to the guards!"
'Uh oh.' Sandry looked, hastily around.
Nothing. There was a dead end.
Sandry's first reaction was panic but conclude she couldn't do anything if she didn't have a calm mind.
"Hsst!"
'What is THAT? A snake?'
"Hsst! Up here!"
Sandry looked up, craned her neck until she saw him; the old man! He was peering with his one eye at her from atop of the roof. "The trellis!" He pointed his warp hands at the wooden trellis. "Climb it! Now!"
Sandry couldn't help but gape; never would she had thought HE would save her. He motioned furiously for her to come up.
"Hurry!" he whispered. "They'll see you."
Sandry looked at the trellis: flimsily-looking crisscrossing slats of wood interlaced with dying vines. It didn't look sturdy. She looked up for reassurance.
"Come," he mouthed.
Holding her breath, she climbed up. She was thankful she was light. Just as she stumbled on the roof, two others entered the alley. "Nobody!" they shouted as they exited.
"Huh?" Sandry was bewildered; there was no one. Where had that storyteller go? Where COULD he have gone?
**************************************************************************** ******
Meanwhile...
"What!" and then after her outburst Tris hissed, "Sandry went alone!" A large spark flashed.
"Aren't we fiery today," Briar retorted, sarcastic, mad at Tris for speaking to him so.
Tris turned on him. "Well, thanks to Daja I'm made of iron too." "It's not as if I could stop her," he said. "You know what's she's like."
Tris grimaced, she know very well what Sandry was like. 'Stubborn noble!' she thought. 'When she comes back I'll ring her neck-what if she doesn't come back--?' Tris stopped herself, she wouldn't think like that. And with that complete determine thought she threw a rock in the stream that ran in Ida's backyard.
I need to cool off, she decided. She sat down. When that didn't work she threw a rock in the air, pointed her finger and shot a tiny bolt which left a black scorched mark on the rock before it tumbled into the stream with a splash.
Tris signed. Streams appear always happy, laughing. Eerily, it comforted her to put that at a halt-at least for a moment as the stone spatter the water.
She pushed her glasses. Noticing a smear she took them off and (tried) to clean them with her dress. "Here," said a handsome voice. Briar, Tris realized, and blushed to have thought such a thought. He meant the handkerchief that was put on front of her nose so she could see it.
"Are you always so well prepared?" she said with a smirk.
"Only for girls with dreamboat eyes," came the reply.
Only when Briar bowed down and tenderly clamped her mouth shut did she realized she was gaping and-blushing. Suspicious and covering her giddy bewilderment she got up and peered at him so close-in order to read his face. Yet she missed his dark blushing and his pounding heart and him thinking, how could've I said that-?
Tris decided (with dismay) he was probably just teasing her. "H-a-ha," she said acidly slow as she pushed him against a tree. Did he know how he made her heart pound? The joke hurt.
She let her hand linger on his chest, savoring the moment, she realized with a start she took pleasure in it. Feeling herself go rigid, she removed her as if she had been burnt.
Hurt, Briar looked away, "Yep," he mumbled. "Tris you are fiery." Tris glanced up and was taken by surprise at his expression.
She suddenly wanted to sooth him-touch his face. Jerkily, half-afraid, half- possessed, she did. How lovely to touch him! How wonderful feel his face and let lye there! The pleasure thrilled her yet it terrified her.
Tris gazed into Briar's face, and he looked back at her with steady eyes for a long moment.
Then before anything else could be said or done, Sandry came.
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R2R
flutterby~ WOW! *.* I going to cry! THANX. This meant a lot to me-hopefully you'll enjoy this chappie too! It does have a lot of Sandry! Meliara- Countess-Of-Tlant~ OK. See, sometimes the mindlink did work and didn't work cause the sheild was weak. This makes Lionel VERY upset cause it means the other parts of the objects, Eclipse were taken either by the Reaper of Eclipse or Musya (god of death and Eclipse) both mean bad things-OH NO!! I TOLD TO MUCH! Old well, does it make sense now? Thanx for askin' hope it did! Anyanka~ YUP! F-L-U-F-F! There is more in this chapter too! I'll never forgive myself! I'm a Tom-boy! NNNOOOO!!! stargirl2004~ Yup, it is. Really-thanx for pointing it out but I'm too lazy to fix it now. Maybe later. I have a lot of storiesgoing on. As for Musya, read the 6th Chapter or read my response to Meliara-Countess-Of-Tlant. I super glad you enjoy my wannabe fluff scene. LOLz!I am never good at 'em! Jishoshojo~ OH I LUVVV YOUUU!!!!! Thank you! I really try on this romance stuff. I was beginning to think I'm helpless! Gliniel of Tirragen + Malfoy~ Yup I fast! It's not hard at all! When you break your fast the feeling is wonderful! Remember how it felt to get your computer? Now times that feeling by 3. That's the feeling of breaking your fast and knowing you did it for the sake of Allah. You should try it! It's one of the 5 pillars of Islam. Oh yeah-! Eid Mubrack! (Yeah, I spelled it wrong...)
Priestess of the Storm~ Ur awsome!!!!!!! You love that fluff??? ^_^ Me pleased! Sandry/Pasco that sounds kool. But make him attractive (OH MY GUSH VHAT ISH SAYIN!) Really that is up to ye. ^_* YOU know best!
Muslima: It's snowing in TEXAS!!! (For real it was)
Zakyu: MY SNOWMAN MELTED!!!!!!! (Really it did, my bro cried)
Muslima: Oh, with that white hair I thought YOU were the snowman.