Disclaimer: Everything you recognize belongs to Tammy. All else is mine.

A/N:

Hey, guys! So sorry… I know, I was sorry last time too. But now that I've got things under control, I hope to update way more often than I have been. Under a few conditions: 1) I get reviews. 2) I get at least a little bit of constructive criticism. 3) I'm surviving Lit & Comp. 4) I don't have any major projects at the time. You know what is sad? I only have 8 reviews for 4 chapters… PLEASE REVIEW! Reviewing means faster updates, because I'll be motivated! Hint hint

5. Chapter V

Unpacking, Yhani surveyed the room. It was smaller than her's at Queenscove. There was a bed to the left with maroon bedding. Straight ahead she could see a courtyard from the window. To the right was a door—most likely leading to the privy. It was very homey.

Yhani took her bags to the privy room and stashed them there. She changed into a clean tunic and washed her face in the water basin. Looking into the mirror before her, she saw a pair of green eyes staring back at her from a delicate face framed with black hair. She let out a sigh, loosening the tension that had taken over her. She grinned reassuringly at the girl in front of her before walking into the larger room.

She brought a few possessions out with her, such as some ink and parchment and one of her Yamani figurines and placed them on the nightstand beside the bed.

Soon after she's situated her belongings, a bell rang throughout the palace. It was loud! Yhani was startled. "I guess it's time to head to the mess…"

As she left her peaceful chambers, Yhani locked the door and was all at once in the midst of the palace bustle. Young boys were entering the mob of people heading towards the food. She put the key in her pocket and turned to join the group, which was thinning.

"Ouch!"

A frightened face gazed up at Yhani. It belonged to a boy about her age. He had large brown eyes on a freckled face. "I'm so sorry! I—I didn't mean to…"

Yhani looked at the dirty-blonde boy. "It's okay. I should've watched where I was going."

The hall was empty now except for a few stragglers. "We'd better get going. I've only been here a week, and it's never good to be late for meals," he said. They both started off in the direction everyone else was headed.

"What's your name?" Yhani wondered. "I'm Yhani of Queenscove."

"Oh, I'm Winston of Nalmirr," he said. "It's on the border of Tyra," he added.

Finally they reached the mess hall. Some boys were still mingling around. Yhani followed Winston's example and grabbed a tray, picking out food. They walked over to an unoccupied table and sat.

Owen stood up from his seat among the knights and teachers dining. The pages, squires, and those at the Training Master's table stood up as well. Owen led the prayer, saying, "Let us thank Mithros and the Great Mother for this food before us, and that in this time of peace, we stay in peace."

"So mote it be," was the unison response. They all sat and began the meal.

Winston was a nice fellow, as Yhani soon found out. When he first met someone, he was rather shy, but warmed up to them as he got more comfortable. Yhani learned that he came from a large family and was the third son to train at the palace.

As the two talked, Yhani spotted someone sneaking along the wall in the shadows behind Winston. Winston was oblivious to the figure as he was concentrating on his elaborate description of his home. A tray slamming on the table beside him startled him back into reality.

"Why is it that the only seat not taken is at the table with Queenscove?" Huk'kam Mungt hissed at Yhani.

"Well, asthe saying goes," Yhani replied heatedly, "Never be late to meals. It brings two things: cold food and," she looked him in the eye, "trivial seating."

"Quit it with the proverbs," he shot back.

Winston glanced from one to the other, bemused. Why was Yhani so cold to this boy? She was so nice to him. "Uh, Yhani…" he started.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Winston," Yhani said, diverting her attention back to her friend. "Fortunately you don't know this boy, until now that is. Winston, Monk; Monk, Winston." Finishing her supper, she rose, tray in hand. People were already leaving, and she decided it wouldn't hurt if she did as well. "I'll see you tomorrow, Winston. I'd rather not be in the company of this holy man." True to her word, Yhani marched out of the doors.

"Oka-ay," Winston said. "What's eating her?"

Mungt just shot looks to kill after the retreating girl, shoving food into his mouth. Winston saw that his plate was empty, and got up. "Well, I guess I'll be seeing you around… uh…"

"Huk'kam Mungt," the boy replied through mouthfuls of potatoes.

Back in Yhani's chambers, the girl threw herself onto her bed and pounded her pillow. Why in Yama's name did that boy keep showing up? It was obvious that they both detested each other, and Yhani did not think they would ever get along. She fell asleep, face down on her pillow, those thoughts running through her mind all night.

A/N:

How'd you like it? I just love the clash between Yhani and Monk… so fun to write! So, what could I've done better? Please, please, please review and tell me! Tell me what you liked, too!

Keep an eye out for the next chapter… I'll make my deadline Wednesday. Fair enough?

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Cady