I'm back!
Comet- It's about time I was getting bored waiting for you.
Yah so bored you decided to go on vacation.
Comet- What can I say. It's tiring being a muse.
Yah, yah. Well I'm sorry I haven't updated for such a long time. I kind of accedntally fell out of the swing of writing TP and had to read the books all over agin to get back in the swing of things.
Hurray I got over fifty reviews for this fic. I'm so happy. I actually think I just might make it over a hundred.
Comet- Well don't count your chickens before they hatch.
What do you know about chickens?
Comet- Absolutely nothing asides form they taste good.
Whatever. Now I think I caused you all to wait long enough for this chapter. So on with the fic.
Diaclaimer- I don't own anything here. Got that. Good.
Elemental Magic
Sandry smiled as she recalled all the memories of her life at winding circle. She and Evvy were just walking don't the stairs to the entrance hall to met with Briar and Pasco. Sandry was wearing a crystal blue gown that she had made just for the occasion. Her light brown hair was pulled up above her head but came down to brush her shoulders. After much deliberation she decided to use the crystal Briar gave her instead of the silver chain she was planning on wearing. Evvy, after much persuading allowed Sandry to let her wear the chain instead as she had no jewelry of her own.
The two of them waked down to find their escorts talking with the Duke. Well actually only Briar was taking. Pasco was just standing a little behind him looking uncomfortable. Sandry walked up to Pasco with her finger to her lips indicating she wanted him to be quiet. Looking up she winked at the Duke smiling. Then without warning yelled through her thought speak link.
HEY BRIAR! Needless to say Briar jumped about three feet in the air in surprise. Turning to face his smiling friend he couldn't help but crack a little grin on his face.
"What was that for Duchess?" He asked her rubbing his head. "Are you trying to give me a head ache?"
"Oh just call it payback for all those year of you pulling my braids." Briar was about to give another comeback when the Duke interrupted his thoughts.
"Children, you may continue your conversation later. It's time we were announced into the ballroom." With that he took Yasmín's hand and went to the door at the front of the room that led to the grand staircase.
"Come on Thief boy." Sandry said borrowing Daja's name for him. "Evvy, Pasco you two are going to be introduced right after us so you had better come along as well."
They all assembled at the top of the stairs where a herald was reading off names. No matter how many times I do this I still get nervous." Sandry whispered to Briar. In response he just squeezed her hand.
"I never got to tell you how nice you looked. Isn't that a standard thing to mention to your date?"
"Yes. Though I'm not sure this could quite call this a date."
"So it's Ok if I tell you, you look horrible?"
"Briar!" Sandry playfully hit him on the arm as the Duke and Yasmín was announced into the hall.
"What." He said with a hurt look on his face. "It was a simple question."
"Oh be quiet you. We're up next anyway." At those words the Herald's voice rang through the room.
"Announcing the Grand niece of his grace duke Vedris. Daughter of the late Count Mattin fer Toren and his countess, Amiliane fa Landreg and famous thread mage of the quarter of Winding Circle. Lady Sandrilene fa Toren. And her escort from Sotat the famous green mage of the quartet of Winding Circle Briar Moss." The two of them descended the stairs smiling at the crowd as they all watch the two teens come down.
Since when have I been know as 'the famous green mage of the quartet of Winding Circle'? Briar asked through their mind link as they came down the stairs.
I think they started referring to the four of us as 'the famous quartet of winding Circle' after we survived an earthquake underground, helped destroys a massive pirates' fleet that was about to over come Summersea, tamed a forest fire, and helped in the blue pox plague of 1036. Not to mention bringing Rosethorn back to life. Not that anyone asides from Niko, Moonstream, Lark, and us knows about that. Sandry replied as they bowed and curtsied to his grace and took their seats next to him. They then turned their attention to Pasco and Evvy who were just being announced.
"Announcing the student of Briar Moss, Evumeimei Dingzai and the youngest son of Macarin and Zahra Acalon and student to Lady Sandrilene fa Toren, Pasco Acalon." At the top of the steps appeared their two very nervous looking students. They managed to make it down the stairs though and bowed and curtsied to his grace. Though Evvy wobbled slightly when she went down. Stepping away they collapsed in the chairs next to Briar.
"How did I let you talk me into this Pahan Briar?" Evvy whispered to him as she gazed at all the spoons and forks in front of her.
"You didn't." He whispered back . "You let Sandry talk you into it." He leaned back with a smirk on his face to watch the next person to come down as his student shot him an angry look.
After about ten minutes everyone was seated and the Duke stood up. Clinking one of his forks on his glass he made sure everyone was listening before he started speaking.
"I figure many of you are wondering why exactly I planed on this gathering. As all of you might know I'm not as young as I used to be. I admit to that. So now I wish to inform you that I have finally chosen the person to inherit my rule after I have passed on." He gave a slight pause to allow the people to look at everyone seated at the high table and whisper quietly who the Duke would trust enough to give this honor. "Sandy will you please stand up." He looked at his Grand Niece with a smile on his face.
'Who me?' Thought to herself with disbelief.
Way to go Duchess. Briar said to her. She looked at him and he just smiled. Sanding up shakily she looked one out at the crowd of people who were just staring at her with shock written on almost all their faces. Thoughts of how good of a ruler could this teenager be mingled with thoughts that she could very well be one of the most powerful mages of their time.
"Sandrilene fa Toren do you accept my decision and are you willing to be the next ruler of Emelan?" The Duke asked her with a comforting smile on his face.
One more glance around the room that started with her uncle and ended with Pasco, Evvy, and Briar. Turning back to face him she smiled and curtsied as well as she could with out knocking over her chair or bumping into the table. "I will be honored to your grace. I promise to serve the people to the best of my ability and to be as good as a ruler as you are."
At those words the entire congregation starting with Briar started clapping. As the applause died down the Duke looked out once more and four simple words. "Bring out the food."
Sitting down Sandry stared at Briar with a shocked look on her features. "I never though this was what he wanted this celebration for." She shook her head and looked down at the food the servants placed in front of her.
"You did great. If that was me up there I would have frozen for sure." Briar said taking a bit out of the meat.
"Yah well if it were you up there everyone would probably think the Duke was crazy." Evvy interjected and then turned back to Pasco to continue their discussion on… well what ever it was they were discussing. Sandry smiled and they continued eating and talking about random subjects.
It wasn't long before all the plates were cleaned away and the center floor cleared. The Duke offered Yasmín his arm and they went onto the dance floor to begin the dancing portion of the evening. As the orchestra started their first song Sandry stood up dragging Briar to his feet.
"Let's dance." She pulled him to the dance floor and smiled.
"You know I can't dance." He said looking slightly embarrassed as all were looking at them.
"Nonsense. I taught you to dance myself."
"Exactly that's why I can't dance." Smirking he lead her of in the perfect moves. Slapping his arm she smiled got into the dance. Smiling at each other for a moment they lost themselves in each others eyes for the moment. After the first dance the orchestra struck up a livelier tune and more people came onto the dance floor jerking the two of them out of their daydreams.
"So I guess you really are going to be a duchess." Briar said after a moment.
"Hmm… Oh yes I guess I will. I just can't believe he choose me." She looked over at her uncle who was smiling at Yasmín as they danced.
"Yah. I guessed that since that was about the fifth time you said it." Looking up while she blushed he smiled nodded his head behind her. "Well if anything it looks like our students are getting along better." She turned her head to look at Evvy and Pasco. Evvy was in Pasco's arms as he spun her around and just plain showed off all his dancing moves. Evvy in turn looked like she was having the time of her life. The people around them didn't seem as happy as they tried to avoid getting hit.
"Yes I guess they aren't mad at us anymore fore making them go together."
"I don't think so but I bet you they'll still act mad." She giggled and they continued dancing until someone tapped Briar on the shoulder.
"May I cut in?" The young man then took Sandry's hand and continued dancing.
Who's he? Briar asked as he went to sit down.
He's the Henry en Flantor Chancellor of an important town at the edge of Emelan. She replied to his as she continued dancing. He's 23 and has three children. Julius fer Snancaton. She said for the next person. A highly esteemed man who is obviously color blind. She remarked at his puke green pants and orange shirt. She continued her running commentary though all the following people who insisted on a dance with her. After four more danced Briar went back out on the floor to claim her back.
"Thank you." She said as they continued dancing. "I don't know how much longer I could've put up with them. They wouldn't stop congratulating me and commenting on how to and not to rule." She shook her head and smiled once again at him.
"You're very welcome. Though I think Lord Marcel fancied you." That comment earned him another smack as Lord Marcel was a rather plump man of 57 and already had 8 grandchildren.
"Hey look I think Yasmín and Pasco are panning something." She pointed to the two of them who were talking while the Duke and Evvy watched. "Come one let's see what their up to." With that they walked over as Yasmín was talking to the conductor.
"What are you doing Pasco?" Sandry asked as they got closer.
"Oh Lady Sandry, congratulations. Me and the monster are going to show these people how to really dance." With that the two of them went to the center of the floor and cleared of enough room.
"Hurry up Briar. I just love watching their performances." Sandry pulled him over to a clear spot just as the orchestra started. Pasco and Yasmín started of with the traditional moves slowly adding more complex moves as they went along. Doing flips and bends that a normal person probably couldn't do they sped along so that they were a blur to the eye.
"He's getting better at controlling his magic." Sandry said as the two of them watched him glow slightly brighter as the dance continued.
"I must agree." As the dance ended the Duke came up to them.
"So how would you two feel contributing to the entertainment? It would do good to see what their future ruler can do with her friends or friend. And I'm sure they want to know what you are capable of." He asked over the commotion of everyone clapping and praising the two.
"What do you think, Sandry? Do you think we could match that?" Briar looked expectantly at her.
"Hmmm… No I don't think so." She said with a sad look on her face.
"What?"
"I think wee can beat them." Smirking at Briar and her uncle who laughed cheerfully at them. "I know we don't usually show of but this should be fun. Uncle we'll need five pots of soil." And telling her plan to Briar through thought speak waked off to prepare. Five minutes later they were standing in the center of the floor with three pots in front of them. Smiling at each other they nodded at Duke Vedris who announced them.
"Mages Sandrilene and Briar with to perform a little magic for our entertainment." At that Briar walked up to the pots placed a few different color seeds in them raised his hands over them and they started to grow into different color plants. Slowly at first then faster until they were a foot high. Then Sandry took control of the plants and started to weave and move the plants to form a pattern. As Briar continued to make the plants grow Sandry weaved until the plants touched the ceiling and woven into a portrait of the sun setting over the citadel.
The crowd gasped as the picture as the two mages slipped out the back covered from sight by their creation.
"That was fantastic." Briar said to her as they walked out in the garden. All though of the prophecy had left his mind during dinner.
"I haven't done something like that for ages."
"Yes you were never one to show of."
"Well there's not much to show of when you're a stitch witch." They walked around the garden until they reached, what seemed to Briar to be an empty, glowing, wall.
"What's this?" He asked as she reached for it.
"This is what I wanted to show you." She said leading him around the wall a bit.
"But I thought… This cloak…" He broke of confused.
"The cloak was supposed to be your Birthday present but it seemed a more proper time to give it to you now. No this is something completely different." She lead him to a small opening in the wall. So small that Briar guessed that it was most likely concealed by magic by the slight glow it gave of and that you could only find it if you knew where it was.
On the other side of the wall was a building the exact replica of Discipline cottage where they used to live. It was almost exact copy with a few major changes.
"Sandy! What…" Briar was speechless. He turned to her for answers.
"Well I knew we couldn't live at Discipline any more. It was our home for four years. The best four years of my life but they're taking in new students. So I knew you guys would need a new place to live so I commissioned this to be built with some added details that I thought you guys would like."
"This is great Sandry." He looked at the garden that was an almost replica of Rosethorn's. Looking up he gave a slight gasp. There in a corner of the house was a small green house.
"I remembered how you used to marvel at Crane's green house so I had a smaller one built in the corner."
"But…"
"Oh I know how Rosie doesn't like them so I had a special feature added. Come on in." She opened a door to the miniature greenhouse and walked to a corner where there was a thick cord. Pulling on it the roof of the greenhouse lifted and slowly moved over to go over the top of the workroom.
"This is amazing. It'll let me work on some plants even when it's raining and keep them indoors and in the sun and fresh air." The two of them walked indoors and had a look around.
"I had the builders copy the inside exactly like Discipline. Look here's my room and yours. Tris and Daja's rooms are upstairs and I've even kept Lark and Rosethorn's rooms for visitors. I also added a forge in the back for Daja and a library/watch tower off that way for Tris." She pointed to a door in the kitchen.
"I want to go up on the roof. That was always the best part." Briar dashed up the steps and up a ladder that obviously led to the thatched roof.
"Slow down!" Sandry called after him. "It's not easy doing all this climbing in a nice dress." She finally made it and sat down next to him.
"The view is awesome!" He exclaimed as he looked out at the sea.
"Yah and over here you can see almost all of Summersea." Sandry said from the other side of the roof. "I just can't wait to show Daja and Tris when they get here."
"I'm sure they'll love it. It's just like Discipline. I guess if we can't go back this is the next best thing." They sat their just thinking for a moment. Suddenly Sandry felt a pull on a chunk of her hair.
"Will you ever cut that our?" She cried looking a Briar who was laying on his back hands under his head.
"What?" He looked at her innocently. "I swear I'm innocent."
"You innocent?" She snorted.
"Now that doesn't sound very lady like."
"Oh shut up you. I don't think you've ever been innocent in your life."
"Hey. I think your right." He sat up with a thoughtful look on his face. "And can you believe I've got the markings to prove it." He stuck out his hands and stared at them. "Well somewhere under here…" He used his magic to poke the plants living in his hand around. They both had a good laugh at that. Once they quieted down Sandry looked in his eyes again for the third time that night. Climbing over to sit next to him she looked out at sea.
"I really missed you." She moved a little closer and he put his arms around her.
"Hey I've missed you to Duchess." He pulled her close when a scream pierce the still night air. They turned toward the party. Fear in their eyes. Suddenly an explosion rocked the ground.
"Oh no Uncle, Pasco!"
"Evvy!" Briar jumped off the roof right onto the path from the front door. Turning around he caught Sandry as she jumped and together they sprinted towards the ballroom. Just as another explosion rocked the citadel.
*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~
Yah I finished another chapter with a cliffie.
Comet- Are you obsessed with cliffhangers?
Ummm… Yes.
Comet- *shakes head*
No matter. I hope you liked the new Discipline. I've had the idea for it for a long time 'cept I don't think it turned out as well as I planed it. No matter. Now for a special treat for me getting over 50 reviews I decided to do a little review responding with Comet's help to answer some of your questions.
hahahahah.....hehehehhe.. – Sorry. S/B all the way
Krazy Kitty :P – Here I've numbered your responses.
Camet- Yah she had better or else she'd probably answer some more than once.
1. They were apart for so long they stoped checking their ties to each other. So Sandry only really noticed when she was felling for them
2. I did hmmm…
3. Thanks for the tip.
4. It probably should but I just don't feel like changing it.
Comet- Lazy.
And damm proud of it.
5. Thanks. I liked that part to. =D
6. ?
7. Sorry 'bout that. That's how I talk so that's how I usually write everyone. I'll try to stop though.
8. don't worry I love CC.
Mystic Elf - Thanks I agree there really should be a whole lot more CoM fics.
Russetwolf713- Thanks
Comet- Look see someone likes me.
Yah yah.
Hollie- I love you. You are one of my most faithful reviewers. I think you reviewed every chapter. I sooo glad you like it. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! For adding it on your fav story list. *huggs* And yes I've read three out of the four Immortal books. I haven't read the lad one 'cause I can't find it! And when I do I don't have any money to buy it.
Comet- Well what about the library?
They don't have it there either =(
Oh and about chapter 4 umm… 5 whatever. They weren't mad at each other. They were just joking around.
Comet- Yah as Evvy said they were just reliving memories very loudly. And sorry this up-date wasn't sooner.
LadyEvenstar – Yah I know it's similar that's where I got the idea from. I think… geez it's been so long.
Comet- And whose fault is that.
I'm sorry. Any way Yah I don't own the idea for the cloak. Don't sue pleze.
K8y- The little bear accident was made up but it's true that Briar couldn't teach him to walk on a leash. He says do himself in 'Street Magic'
Elayne- Hmmm… really I always thought they were just reciting off names of plants with thorns. Hmmm… I guess I just have to look that up now.
Comet- Yah now you can do some actual research.
Oh Pooh.
Any way that ends the review responses. Now you go review. While I go and try to work on one of my other bazillion fics. Remember Review! Review! Review! Review! Review! Review!
Comet- Yah, yah they get the message. Now get a move on it. So you can come back here and write another chapter.
K! Bye. *walks away*
Comet- hey she actually listened to me. Hey wait come back. *runs after Moon*wolf*