A./N: Okay, people have been asking/inquiring/pointing out about Toby's "missing" Collegium years. More than one person anyway. So... I've decided to write a short chapter all about that for your help. The reason that I didn't write them originally is because A. It wasn't too important to the story and B. A isn't true, I'm just lazy. Right then. On with the story!
It had been a few weeks since Toby had settled in at the Heraldic Collegium, which wasn't too hard seeing as he had lived right next to it almost his entire life. It was strange, he decided, going down the Stable every day to visit Ryu, and for equitation lessons. Now when he walked into the Stable he wasn't a hand, he was a Herald Trainee, and one of the Companions there was his.
He hadn't started classes like any other newly Chosen either. He hadn't needed Orientation, and a lot of other classes too, because of having been so near to Heralds and there lives for so long. He knew his way about the Collegium well enough, and he knew, from overhearing conversations and such, all Valdemar's history and much of it's landscape. That meant that many of his classes were with older Trainees, ones that had been Trainees for a year or more. But, since the age of trainees and how long they've been a trainee had nothing to do with each other, it wasn't that bad.
He heard about the other students that he would have been with, a girl called Talia, Rolan's Chose, who was going to, or try to, undo the Royal Brat. Toby grinned. He wouldn't want that job. The princess had been down around the Stable often enough to know that it wasn't going to be easy.
He'd made a friend, in his weapons class, a boy called Ronald. He was thirteen and his Companion was a large stallion name Mateo. It fit him well, seeing as Mateo meant bear in another language. Ronald was a bit shy too, which is what got Toby and him stuck together, but not so much as Toby. He had powerful mindspeech and often startled Toby by speaking straight into his head.
Toby himself found out he had this entirely new gift, one that some of the older Heralds referred to as Invisibility. Herald Dirk said Disguise fit better, seeing as Toby couldn't turn invisible. He also said that gift was the reason people had a tendency to sit on him, and he had to not project the idea of not being noticed, the opposite actually. He had to keep a clear image of himself in his mind, letting people notice him. Toby didn't see how this could be called a gift at all until Herald Dirk had pointed out he would make wonderful spy if they ever needed one. So, the weeks past by, Toby's classes passed by, his bond to Ryu became every stronger and not much really happened.
Ryu? Toby asked one day while brushing off the Companion after Equitation.
Yes? Ryu replied, scratching a place on his leg.
Toby shrugged, then answered, I still can't believe I'm going to be a Herald.
Why ever not? You've always been right for one, Ryu said then added with a wink, I was just waiting until you were old enough to Choose you.
Toby grinned and patted the Companion, then continued brushing him.
You know, I bet you'll be the greatest Herald ever, even better then Vanyel... Ryu continued.
Shut up Ryu... Toby said.
Okay, well maybe not THAT great. But you've got this new gift, you'll probably graduate early... you're well on your way to greatness I'd say, Ryu said.
Toby just grinned and shook his head. One thing was for sure, being Ryu's Chosen and training to be a Herald was much better then being the person off to the side, amidst the bustle, but not part of it.