Disclaimer: I own nothing except Devon. (Stage opens up but Nuit is not
there to brag about her pink bunny PJ's because she is sick with a head
cold and will more that likely fall asleep at her computer.)
Before I begin I would like to personally thank Zuma who wrote constructive criticism. Here are the answers your three questions. First, Yes I will explain later why Alanna and Thom's father hates Devon so much and in this story he did indeed love his wife. (It's one of the major pieces of the plot). Second, I will explain what Devon looks like in this chapter. (As was planned). Third, I am aware that Devon is older than the age Shang usually takes on students; this is also a smaller conflict in the plot. So thanks again and continue reading please.
.Um I have on final question. How old is Duke Roger?
The next day Lord Alan gave to letters to his children one for Duke Gareth of Naxen and One for the First Daughter of the convent. Thom quickly opened and read each letter. He rewrite them saying that, Lord Alan, would be sending his son, Thom to the Daughters for mage training and his son, Alan, to the palace for knight training. Alanna made sure there was no difference. Assured that no one would be able to tell, she grinned at him knowing it would be years before some one sorted out the confusion. Later as Thom climbed into a riding gown Maude cut Alanna's hair while Devon watched.
I've something to say to both you girls," Maude said as the first lock drifted to the floor.
"What?" both girls asked nervously
"Well, Alanna you've a gift for healing" The scissors worked on. " Greater than mine, greater than any other I have ever known. You've other abilities that you'll learn to use. But healings what counts. I dreamt a warning last night, as clear as the gods shouting in my ear."
Both Alanna and Devon giggled
"Don't laugh at the gods girls" Maude said sternly "Though you'll find that out foe yourself so-"
She was cut off when Thom stumbled in, dressed in a pale green riding dress.
"Mithros, how do girls walk in these things"?
"It's called grace Thom" Devon said dryly. " Something you lack"
"Hush, I'm trying to talk" Maude said sharply. "Now Alanna have you ever thought of all the lives you'll take as a knight?"
Alanna bit her lip "no"
"As I suspected." Maude murmured, "You see only glory. But there are lives lost. Families without fathers or sons and sorrow. Think before fighting, who you fight. If only because one day you'll meet your match. If you want to pay for the lives you take heal. Heal often and always or it will take centuries to cleanse your soul. It's harder to heal than to kill, the mother knows why but you have a gift for both." She brushed Alanna's cropped hair.
"Keep your hood up. You look enough like Thom to fool anyone but Coram.
Thom, Alanna and Devon all stared in shock at the mirror.
"There are two Thom's" Devon said with humor.
"Speaking of Thom, I've a warning for you to lad. Don't hide. If you feel like you slipping into isolation than reach out for your sisters but what ever you do don't become a loner. And don't become to proud. It will be your undoing"
"And as for you Devon." Maude said quietly
Devon looked at Maude
"You see things child. Things never meant to be seen. I've noticed to before. You can't heal like Alanna. You can't see the future or read minds. You don't have to. You see souls. You can sense others emotions and hear their pain and bond with them to help them through it. I suppose in a manor you do heal. Not body but mind and spirit. Every thing about you is soothing. You are a born protector of all those in need. I only wish you to think before you act child. You do what you first think rather than stopping and hearing the hints and warnings that others or even you yourself give. Your instincts are good, but keep in mind that sometimes they are wrong and you need to let life take it's course."
Devon stared at Maude for a long time before nodding Thom and Alanna looked at her with concern. But she didn't speak; rather she turned to the mirror. Alanna and Thom where once again marveling at how identical they where. Devon compared them to her. Her skin was a shade or two darker than the twins' but was still considered pale. She had an innocent rounded face with where naturally rosy cheeks but the effect of classic beauty in her face was ruined by a bunch of freckles and a small tip tilted nose the added to the impish pixie look she had. Her hair was a dark chocolate brown that fell to her mid back in soft curls. She had a rounded chin and her mouth curved up slightly at the corners, her lower lip plumper than her bottom lip. She hade the same bone setting as Alanna but lacked her sturdiness.
"Hey Devon? Are you ready to go"
Devon looked up at Thom and Alanna who waited by the door. Grabbing her brown leather shoulder bag she followed her older sister and brother out of the castle and into the yard.
Before I begin I would like to personally thank Zuma who wrote constructive criticism. Here are the answers your three questions. First, Yes I will explain later why Alanna and Thom's father hates Devon so much and in this story he did indeed love his wife. (It's one of the major pieces of the plot). Second, I will explain what Devon looks like in this chapter. (As was planned). Third, I am aware that Devon is older than the age Shang usually takes on students; this is also a smaller conflict in the plot. So thanks again and continue reading please.
.Um I have on final question. How old is Duke Roger?
The next day Lord Alan gave to letters to his children one for Duke Gareth of Naxen and One for the First Daughter of the convent. Thom quickly opened and read each letter. He rewrite them saying that, Lord Alan, would be sending his son, Thom to the Daughters for mage training and his son, Alan, to the palace for knight training. Alanna made sure there was no difference. Assured that no one would be able to tell, she grinned at him knowing it would be years before some one sorted out the confusion. Later as Thom climbed into a riding gown Maude cut Alanna's hair while Devon watched.
I've something to say to both you girls," Maude said as the first lock drifted to the floor.
"What?" both girls asked nervously
"Well, Alanna you've a gift for healing" The scissors worked on. " Greater than mine, greater than any other I have ever known. You've other abilities that you'll learn to use. But healings what counts. I dreamt a warning last night, as clear as the gods shouting in my ear."
Both Alanna and Devon giggled
"Don't laugh at the gods girls" Maude said sternly "Though you'll find that out foe yourself so-"
She was cut off when Thom stumbled in, dressed in a pale green riding dress.
"Mithros, how do girls walk in these things"?
"It's called grace Thom" Devon said dryly. " Something you lack"
"Hush, I'm trying to talk" Maude said sharply. "Now Alanna have you ever thought of all the lives you'll take as a knight?"
Alanna bit her lip "no"
"As I suspected." Maude murmured, "You see only glory. But there are lives lost. Families without fathers or sons and sorrow. Think before fighting, who you fight. If only because one day you'll meet your match. If you want to pay for the lives you take heal. Heal often and always or it will take centuries to cleanse your soul. It's harder to heal than to kill, the mother knows why but you have a gift for both." She brushed Alanna's cropped hair.
"Keep your hood up. You look enough like Thom to fool anyone but Coram.
Thom, Alanna and Devon all stared in shock at the mirror.
"There are two Thom's" Devon said with humor.
"Speaking of Thom, I've a warning for you to lad. Don't hide. If you feel like you slipping into isolation than reach out for your sisters but what ever you do don't become a loner. And don't become to proud. It will be your undoing"
"And as for you Devon." Maude said quietly
Devon looked at Maude
"You see things child. Things never meant to be seen. I've noticed to before. You can't heal like Alanna. You can't see the future or read minds. You don't have to. You see souls. You can sense others emotions and hear their pain and bond with them to help them through it. I suppose in a manor you do heal. Not body but mind and spirit. Every thing about you is soothing. You are a born protector of all those in need. I only wish you to think before you act child. You do what you first think rather than stopping and hearing the hints and warnings that others or even you yourself give. Your instincts are good, but keep in mind that sometimes they are wrong and you need to let life take it's course."
Devon stared at Maude for a long time before nodding Thom and Alanna looked at her with concern. But she didn't speak; rather she turned to the mirror. Alanna and Thom where once again marveling at how identical they where. Devon compared them to her. Her skin was a shade or two darker than the twins' but was still considered pale. She had an innocent rounded face with where naturally rosy cheeks but the effect of classic beauty in her face was ruined by a bunch of freckles and a small tip tilted nose the added to the impish pixie look she had. Her hair was a dark chocolate brown that fell to her mid back in soft curls. She had a rounded chin and her mouth curved up slightly at the corners, her lower lip plumper than her bottom lip. She hade the same bone setting as Alanna but lacked her sturdiness.
"Hey Devon? Are you ready to go"
Devon looked up at Thom and Alanna who waited by the door. Grabbing her brown leather shoulder bag she followed her older sister and brother out of the castle and into the yard.