Chapter Two - Seeing is Believing

Thom was completely bored.

This was the third ball he had attended in the last fortnight and he was beginning to tire of the constant need of mindless chatter. Everything evolved around the same subjects – music, horse races, garden parties and guessing who is attached to who. At first, Thom had revelled in listening to such gossip as Emilie had told him that there was always a secret, hidden message behind them. But he had given up on figuring out what they were because he couldn't see anything such idle talk.

Although he was quite please with himself on his own dilemma front. Since Emilie and him had concocted a plan to deceive his mother in believing that he was looking for a wife, he had became friendly attached to two well-mannered and proper court ladies. And there were no more confrontation from the Lioness.

Lady Harriet of Mahi was three years older but still acted as if she was new to the court life. She was pretty on the outside with her dark hair and big, blue eyes but it became apparent to Thom after their first little talk that there was nothing inside her head except for finding a potential husband. It irked, that she had now taken to fastening herself to his side every time they were in each other company.

As Thom sipped his wine from the refreshment table, he contemplated his second lady.

Lady Trudi Vanter, who was the oldest daughter of the newly established Lord Vanter placed in the bronze book for his help in bringing about safe trade routes from the Tuisine border and beyond. It was clear that Lady Trudi did not feel comfortable in such grand setting and would barely talk yet Thom saw a sweetness in her composure that he thought he might be able to help her during some of the court functions.

It all seems to be going so well, Thommused heartily as he took another sip from his glass, even my mother has remarked with interest in my socializing. Thank you Emilie! I can't wait to discuss tonight's gossip…maybe she can reveal what's happening.

Thom sighed at his lack of ability to understand the working of holding a ball. Emilie had tried to explain it as a group of spies each from different parties wanting to know who has the cake and if they can get a slice. Balls were like face to face communication with your enemy and therefore everything said could be information or a pack of lies. This had sparked some kind of interest in Thom's mind but it became infuriating that he had no access to the understanding.

"Lord Thom there you are!" exclaimed a familiar voice. "If I didn't know you better I would say that you are hiding from me!"

Thom groaned inwardly as he turned around to face Lady Harriet who had brought another man with her. She is trying to make me jealous by showing off a peacock. Thom controlled his, bubbling laughter before it escaped from him.

"Oh no dear lady," replied Thom with practise ease, "I would hate myself for losing any amount of time in your company. And who is this? Is it another suitor which I have to battle with your affection?"

Lady Harriet was excessively pleased with his answer, since she left the man and slipped her arm through Thom's and returned a sweetly smile. "Oh no, Lord Thom this is my cousin. He has just arrived and wanted to see the man I have been boring him with, in my letters for the last couple of weeks."

"I am most flattered," replied Thom with another wake smile and nodded to the man to acknowledge his presence. "Well, if your cousin does not mind, can I whisk you off Lady Harriet for a dance?"

"Certainly," Harriet beamed at him.

And after the next four dances, Thom could not stand it any longer and excused himself from his partner as he returned her to her cousin, pleading that he must be up early for a visit to his father's house. He knew instantly that this did not sit well with Lady Harriet as she pouted and frowned at his departure but Thom was grateful when she finally accepted his going.

Balls are all fine and dandy, thought Thom, but there is only so much I can take of that woman! Maybe I will have to distance myself and find another…yes I think that will be a good idea.

His robes billowed at he strode quickly down the corridor as Thom thought about where he was going. It was too early for him to go straight to bed, even though he was visiting his father in the morning, so in the end Thom took a detour to the magician library to start reading up on his little knowledge of wild magic.

Reaching the entrance of the quiet library, brought peace to Thom's wary mind and he wandered in, looking for the books which would accompany his time until late into the night. Seeing that there was plenty of room to sit and read, Thom picked the closest table near the dying embers of a fire for warmth. At the end of the table, Thom lightly touched a light globe which filled the dark room with a sudden burst of light, so much so that Thom had to blink a couple of time to regain his sight.

Getting comfortable, Thom leaned back in his chair and opened the old dusty, red bounded, book and began to read with interest. He had always enjoyed being on his own when reading. It was a rare privilege when he was younger, having so many siblings as well as a mother who wanted to teach her children to defend themselves. Thom loved disappearing for a morning or the whole of an evening to lose himself in such a good book. Although, his childhood was filled with adventure stories and fables while now it was subjects and countries' political upheaval.

The night moved slowly on without disturbing him as the words built up to pages and then onto books. The opening of the squeaky, library door finally broke Thom's concentration, and he looked up from his page slightly annoyed at the interruption and was about to scold the person until an apologetic Emilie came into view with a tray of cocoa, the new drink imported from Galla, and a few pieces of cakes. From her attire of wearing a deep blue ball gown and the white snow gems in her hair, she must of come from the ball directly.

"Sorry," she whispered sincerely as she moved to the table and placed the tray down gently. "I didn't know that you were working."

"How did you find me?", queried Thom as he reached out for the cup and a slice of ginger cake.

"Aahh, I can not reveal such secrets," Emilie wiggled her finger at him as she sat across him and helped herself.

Thom raised his eyebrow in surprise and waited for her to explain further and then it became a staring contest. Finally Emilie cracked and said, "I had one of the servants follow you out as I noticed you hurrying from Lady Harriet."

"You had me followed," Thom exclaimed, "why?"

"Because, I thought you wanted to talk afterwards," replied Emilie innocently and Thom gave another look. "Fine! Fine! I wanted to know why you basically ran out of the ball room particularly when there were several ladies wanting an introduction and I couldn't find you!"

"I really can't say that I am that sorry about missing meeting tedious court ladies", muttered Thom as he rubbed his forehead. "I guess my mother was right about court – full of nosy no-bodies who have nothing to contribute."

"That sweeping statement must include me as well I suppose," asked Emilie quietly.

Thom was extremely uncomfortable, he started to wrestle in his chair as he realised he had insulted the person who was helping him.

"I…I did not mean…" Thom was sputtering, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean you…You the exception."

"I don't know if I should be flattered," replied Emilie somewhat icily, putting down her cup and straighten out her dress and looked at the fire.

"I said that I am sorry", reiterated Thom but the met with silence, "don't go in the huff."

Emilie remained facing the fire and the stillness flooded the library. Thom tried to stay strong but couldn't face knowing he was in the wrong. After waiting for another long period, Thom cracked and got up from his seat, walked around the table and kneeled in front of Emilie, trapping her in her chair by placing his arms on the armrests.

Thom stared up and saw that Emilie's green eyes were fighting tears. He wondered why such a casual comment would hurt her so deeply. It's not like I haven't made them before.

"I am truly sorry," he said softly.

"I know that," she said quietly, "but you have no clue about the courts, neither does your mother so therefore you shouldn't make such quick judgement… It hurts Thom. Just because I seem to be doing nothing useful like your mother…or Daine or Lady Knight Keladry…I don't wield a sword or have any magical ability to save myself…doesn't mean I'm not valuable in helping Tortall."

"You are valued," concluded Thom. "And I am sorry." Emilie gave him a small smile but he still felt that there was some resentment in her mood. He couldn't stand it. Emilie was the only good friend outside his family that he could tell things…everything. So he leaned up and kissed her on the cheek.

"I am sorry," he repeated with much genuine sorrow that Emilie ruffled his hair as an acceptance.

"I'm sorry for getting all moody on you," offered Emilie as she took the tray and headed out to the hall. Thom followed her, the tiredness of the ball and the amount of wine he was drinking had caught up to him. He intended to have a good night sleep.

"Come on Thom," nudged Emilie in the direction of his quarters, "I'll walk you to your rooms just in case some beautiful, flirty court lady tries to ambush you. Can't have the whole palace know that a famous black robe, like yourself, can't handle a bunch of girls."

"I resent that true assessment", muttered Thom.

Weaving through many corridors and taking short cuts through the servants' passages, they arrived at Thom's quarters.

Thom opened his door and turned around to say goodnight to Emilie who smiled in reply and said "Enjoy your outing with your father and remember to wear something casual for Lady Harriet's racing picnic the day after."

Thom pulled a face while Emilie laughed an headed towards her own room.

It wasn't until Thom was laying in bed, unable to get to sleep due to the coldness in his room, that he wondered how did Emilie know about him going to see his father.

Lady Harriet must of told her…though they never talk to one another…in fact Mahi makes a point of ignoring her…interesting. How did she know?

At last sleep came to him and blocked out any more thinking.

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Oky, doky….I'm not quite sure how this was suppose to go but my brain thinks it is important. However I would be very happy if you can tell me what you think!