Chapter 4: Learning

Seren smiled as Lan trotted up to her. It was the end of her first week at the Collegium and she was still feeling overwhelmed about being here. The only time that feeling seemed to go away was when she was around Lan.

:Hello, love. Ready for a ride?: Lan pushed his head against her to have his ears scratched.

:No tricks.: Herald Tara had been working her hard with all the moves she wanted her to learn in her equestrian class.

:I'm as tired of that class as you are.: Lan pulled away moving so she could use the fence to mount.

:I'm not tired of that class, I'm just tired.: she mounted with a growing ease.

:Chosen, at least say you like one of your classes.: Lan shook his head. :Field Investigations at least should be interesting.:

:I never said I didn't like any of my classes, just that I'm tired. I like all of them. Well except for Herald Mika's.: she paused staring over at the Salle. :I don't mind learning how to fight, but he… he is so strange.:

:I did warn you.: Lan didn't sound amused, which was a rare occurrence.

:I don't understand it though. He is strange but I can't figure out what it is about him that makes him strange. None of the other Trainees think he is strange at all either, I asked Hespira and she just stared at me as if I was crazy for thinking that.: she wrapped her hands in Lan's mane as he broke into a gallop.

:Well love I think he is strange. And as for your friend's reaction, half the other girls in the Collegium have a crush on him. I am very glad that you don't.:

:Why would they have a crush on him? Wait, why are you glad?: she wasn't sure if what he said bothered her or flattered her.

:You're mine.: he answered simply.

Seren blinked a little surprised by the answer. It definitely wasn't what she had expected. :You mean your Chosen.:

:No, I meant mine.:

:Lan, you're crazy.: Seren decided to forget what he had said. :Where are you taking me?:

:The Grove.:

:The Grove.: she felt a stir of fear. :The other Companions won't mind?:

:No.: Lan slowed. :Many of them want to meet you.:

Seren groaned. :That was exactly the wrong thing to tell me.: She began to feel the same nerves as on the day she had arrived here. :You love torturing me.:

:No, love I don't. If I did you would never hear the end of all the things you'll have to face as a Herald.:

:You are horrible.: Seren informed him as her nerves frayed even more.

:Sorry, I guess I should have warned you.: Lan whickered at her.

:You should warn everyone you meet.: Seren started looking around. They had stopped and just to the side stood a Companion.

The stallion seemed different from all the others she had seen. Not physically he was like all the others in how he looked. But his eyes seemed more blue than all the others and his coat looked just a little whiter.

:Who…: she trailed off realizing that he might be able to hear her.

:I am Jair, the King's Own Companion.: Seren flushed. To her this was even more unsettling than meeting the King's Own.

"Hi," was all she could come up with.

:Jair is one of those who wanted to see you.: Lan sounded near gleeful.

"Why?" it slipped out before she could stop it.

:A strange circumstance.: Jair answered cryptically.

Seren stared at him, confused. :What does he mean?: She tried to get Lan to tell her.

:You'll know soon enough.: she glared at Lan's ears unhappily.

"Torture," she muttered to herself.

Jair heard her though and shook his head in denial at her. :No, Seren. It is only that this would be better for you to learn yourself.:

Seren bit her lip, it probably wouldn't be a good idea to argue with this Companion. Lan heard that thought. :Why can't you think that about me?:

"You're to annoying," Seren pulled at his mane.

:Bye.: she blinked Jair was trotting away.

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The firecone again Seren realized as she found herself staring at it. She had thought the dream wouldn't come back now that she was bonded to Lan. It was the same as always though. The firecone sitting there in front of her. There wasn't a feeling of being pulled towards it this time however.

It just seemed to want to tell her something. If a tree could do that. Maybe it was just the dream though. Seren felt as though it was important for her to know what it was trying to tell her though.

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"Where were you yesterday?" Hespira asked as Seren slid into a seat at the table next to her.

"With Lan," she answered and took a bite of her food.

"Oh."

"You were looking for me?"

"Yeah, I thought maybe we could go for a ride together," she explained. "I guess I would have found you if I started out on my own."

"Sorry, I would have waited if I'd known."

"I know. Now we have classes again," they both groaned. "At least we have Herald Mika first."

Seren didn't reply. No one seemed to understand why she thought Mika was weird so she had decided not to tell anyone anymore. Hespira liked him so it was a waste to say it to her at all anyways.

"We should go so we're not late," Hespira said standing.

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Seren used her practice sword as a cane to stand with. She was exhausted. Her sparing partner had not gone easy on her at all. The only consolation was that Lyal wasn't going any easier on anyone else. Resting her gaze moved on to Mika.

He was completely focused on the two Trainees. That wasn't strange at least. But why did everything seem so familiar? She really did not like being around him.