"…and that's why it's easier to Fetch objects from places you've been many times, and know well." Dirk finished, concluding his private lesson with a young gifted trainee.
"Unless, of course, you have a magnificent Farseeing partner to guide you." Kris finished, sneaking up behind Dirk.
Dirk rolled his eyes and dismissed his student, who giggled, and ran off toward the stables. Dirk's classes were held outside. It was simply more convenient for him and his students, especially the young Griffon. Kris felt an unnatural chill down his spine whenever he thought about the trainee with the rare and frightening gift of Firestarting. Usually the more unusual gifts like his tended to crop up before times of desperation, when such a gift would mean life or death.
"So, my magnificent Farseeing brother, what brings you to my humble classroom?" Dirk said, gesturing to the area around the well.
"Nothing, really. I didn't mean to interrupt, but I didn't think you were still in class. I checked your room first."
"It's that Christa. She's absorbing everything I throw at her so fast. Her power for Fetching is enormous. It worries me a little. I bet she could fetch her own Companion from Hardorn when she reaches full potential!" Dirk said, shaking his head. Kris couldn't tell if he was telling the truth, or simply exaggerating…
"They're all like that, aren't they? It might be one of the reason's they're chosen—insatiable curiosity and eagerness to learn everything. I haven't had a trainee yet who hasn't been incredibly thirsty for knowledge."
Dirk and Kris were thoughtful for a moment as they reflected. Dirk broke the silence, "Care for a game of hinds and hounds and some good wine? I'll let you be hinds." Dirk grinned.
Kris playfully punched Dirk in the shoulder, and they headed for Dirk's room my default. It was comfortably messy as always; dirty uniforms strewn all over the floor, music books lying open on his desk, and a pile of letters spread out on his bed. "Is the family just as crazy as ever or what?"
"Always." Dirk laughed. "They're looking forward to our visit."
Kris had begun setting up the game board. "Well, tell them Midwinter is just around the corner."
"I seem to be out of wine—didn't we finish the last of my stash last week?"
"I have some in my room. I'll run and get it real quick."
"Good. I'll send for some food. I don't feel like beating you on an empty stomach!"
***
Kris took a shortcut to his room—out through Dirk's garden door, through the yard, and through his own door nearly opposite Dirk's. It saved a lot of time going this way, instead of through the Palace corridors.
He was practically running—he didn't throw his cloak on, and it was cold outside at this time of year! He was intent on getting to his room and back, when he heard a soft moan coming from somewhere in front of him. It was coming from off to one side, and he had no intention of intruding. In the summer, these gardens were used for walking, and um…exercise of another sort. In the winter, however, even in the mostly enclosed gazebos, it tended to be too cold for that.
He made it to his room, and found his wine tucked neatly away in a cupboard. On his way back, he tried going around the amorous couple, but he didn't hear anything anymore, so he just made his way to Dirk's room.
Suddenly, someone ran out of a group of bushes, and ran right into Kris—it was Naril. "Oh!" she gasped, right as a young (probably a new recruit) guardsman appeared behind her. They were both flushed, and the lacings on her bodice looked as if they had been hastily tied.
"Naril!" Kris couldn't believe this! "What are you doing?"
"I'm not doing anything." Naril said sweetly, her tone clearly saying, I'm doing exactly what you think I'm doing.
Kris was furious! He stormed away from the seemingly innocent young temptress and burst through Dirk's door. "I caught Naril in the gardens with another man!"
Dirk's stunned expression would have been funny under other circumstances. "What?"
"Your sweet, innocent Naril was in the garden, entertaining one of the new recruits! I caught them red handed!" Kris was red with rage, but hoped Dirk would now see Naril's not-so-angelic ways.
Right then, Naril squeezed past Kris, and ran into Dirk's arms. She was disheveled and crying. "Oh, Dirk, love, I tried to get here before him. I'm afraid he's gotten the wrong idea! I was clumsy, and I stumbled on the garden path, and fell into a briar bush. The young guard happened to see it all, and came to see if I was alright. Don't be mad, dearheart." Naril said, before bursting into another round of tears.
"It's alright sweetling. I believe you. Why don't you go wash your face, and calm yourself down?" Dirk comforted her, leading her to the door. As soon as she was gone, he turned on Kris. "What has gotten into you? You scared her out of her wits, you blockhead!"
"Dirk, can't you see she's lying to you? For god's sake man, if you won't believe the word of your best friend, you might well take into consideration that I'm also a Herald! Why would I lie to you?" Kris tried to reason.
"Some Herald. Some greedy, self-centered, egotistic Herald." Dirk was trying hard not to shout. "You just can't accept the fact that she wanted me and not you! You can't take being the rejected one for once in your pretty little life. You're barely worth your whites, you…you…feind!"
"She's not what she seems, Dirk! I'm telling you now! Look at her for what she really is, man!"
"I want you to leave." Dirk's fists were balled at his sides, and his face was red. "I want you out of my room, right now."
Kris stared at his Dirk for half a second before he marched out off the room. He said nothing—the door slamming and echoing off the walls said enough.