Hide and Seek:
Disclaimer: It's amazing how my name isn't Tamora Pierce and yet I like to play with her characters. Too bad that I only own Eriko and her family but what are you going to do when all you have is an overactive imagination and proudly make no money from this.
A/N: I finally got another chapter out! Thanks to nativewildmage and Janavi for commenting. Now on with the show!
Excitement was mounting as another ball was announced at the Palace to celebrate the knights who fought against the Scanrans, especially for Kel, since it was she who had killed the 'Nothing Man'. A few new court ladies had even arrived from the Convent to join the celebration. The war had ended a few months ago but now the country is just waiting for Prince's Roald wedding and for any loose ends to be dealt with. There was a flurry of activities to get everything ready as autumn started to roll around. The ball was set for next week, after all Scanra political affairs were dealt with. Until then, everyone was waiting for the night of introductions, presentations, and a well deserve break.
Someone had let it slip to Merric that Kel and I were looking for him. We had looked everywhere and had asked if anyone saw him but they all had the same answer, no. He still needed to be drawn and dressed but without him, we couldn't do it. Kel was carrying the bag that held the dress, slippers, and face paint. If he thinks he could hide, he had another thing coming. It took us all morning to come back to Kel's rooms in the Knights' Wing.
"What do we do now?" Kel asked me as she fed the sparrows.
"The faster we do this, the sooner Merric can leave," I answered exasperatedly.
"Tell me again, why I'm helping you instead of Yuki?"
"Because you're the best friend a girl could ever ask for... and Yuki is busy helping Neal with something."
"Well we can't do anything now since he's not even here."
"Fine. You want to go into town then?"
"Sure. I need a new dagger anyways."
"Don't you have three already?"
"It's better with an even number."
Getting up, Kel picked up the bag with the dress again and we walked out but as soon as we did, we spotted a patch of red hair heading into the room at the end of the hall.
"Faleron," Kel said with affirmation.
"Of course! They're cousins right?" I asked as it hit me.
"Yep."
Grinning we walked towards Faleron's room and knocked the door. We waited for a few seconds before Faleron opened the door. When he did, his smile disappeared for a second before gracing his face again.
"Kel, Eri. What can I do for you two?"
"Can we come in?" Kel asked automatically.
"Well I'm kind of busy right now, how about later?" Faleron suggested. He was smiling but he was also nervous as I saw his fingers itch on the door.
"Please Faleron? We were hoping to have tea with Neal and Yuki but they has business to attend to," I lied.
"What about Seaver? Or Dom? Shinko and Roald should be around here somewhere," Faleron pushed a bit.
"Oh," I said in a disappointed tone.
"Why? What's wrong?" Faleron asked.
"Yes, what's wrong?" Kel asked calmly but I knew she was amused.
"It's just that I was hoping we could have tea with you. You're so nice and all, but it's all right if you're busy," I said pouting slightly. I sighed dejectedly before turning around even biting inside of my cheeks to cause a few tears.
"Don't be sad, we can have tea later just not now," Faleron said cracking a bit as I turned around to face him.
"We'll be busy later because of the upcoming ball," Kel said.
Kel looked at Faleron as if to say 'I'm disappointed in you'. Faleron was conflicted between letting us in or telling us to leave.
Getting as close as I could to Faleron, I looked at him straight in the eyes and said, "Please? Just for a few minutes of your time and we'll be out of your hair." I smiled as soft as I could and for good measure, I gave him doe eyes.
"Okay. If it's just for a few minutes," Faleron finally relented when we heard a small crash.
"What was that?" Kel asked.
"Just some books...falling," Faleron rushed before letting us in.
He led us to a small table in one of the corners before calling for one of the servants to bring tea. Pulling a chair out for me, he excused himself for a minute to the other side of the room where the dressing area was.
"He's here," Kel whispered casually, placing the bag behind her chair.
"You think I don't know that," I whispered back.
"Good acting by the way."
"What can I say? Always did want to join a players' group."
We quieted as soon as there was a knock on the door. Faleron came back out to answer the door and headed towards us with a tray of tea.
"So what's with the tunic?" Kel asked noticing that he had changed out of the practice tunic into a blue one.
"I just thought it would be nice to change into something more suitable for company," he answered placing the cups in front of us.
"Were you two planning on going somewhere?" Faleron asked eyeing the bag.
"Yeah, that's why we wanted to chat a bit before leaving," I answered.
"What's wrong?" he asked when he noticed that both of us were looking past him.
"I keep thinking that someone is watching us," Kel commented.
"I doubt anyone is watching us," Faleron said nervously.
"Of course not, how silly of us," I stated.
I let Kel and Faleron chat a bit for a while about a few skirmishes on the borders and how good it was to be back. I half listened and gave my opinion every so often while watching the dressing room and the door. It didn't take long until I saw some shuffling behind the screens.
"Excuse me but do you mind if I use your dressing room?" I interrupted.
"What?" Faleron paled.
"Kel and I will be going into town soon and I want to change into something more comfortable," I said picking up the bag and standing up.
"Can't you change elsewhere?" Faleron said with a bit of panic in his voice.
"Are you hiding something Fal?" Kel asked.
"No! It's nothing like that. It's just... dirty?" Faleron lamely said.
"It'll be real quick. I promise."
Walking towards the dressing room, I walked behind the screen.
"Wait! No!" Faleron said scrambling behind the screen as well.
"Fal, you pervert!" Kel yelled at him.
Unfortunately, the minor scuffle caused Kel and Faleron to tumble into the screens knocking it over. Seeing Merric trying to run for it, I jumped onto his back and knocked him down.
"Merric! What a surprise to see you here!" I cheerfully faked a smile.
"Get... off... of... me!" Merric wheezed.
"What? Did I knock the wind out of you?" I asked sweetly, sitting on his back.
"Yes!" he yelled as I dropped the bag onto his head.
Merric was thrashing wildly but I waited for my hand to glow a deep blue-gray with the Gift before I bound his hand and legs onto the ground.
"What the hell!" Merric yelled again.
"Can't have you escaping again now can I?" I said patronizingly while patting his head.
Getting up, I helped Kel and Faleron out of the mess. Faleron was surprise at the whole thing as I checked them over for any scratches.
"How-how come... why isn't someone knocking the door down?" Faleron questioned.
"Did you really think that I'd be so careless and not sound proof the room?" I smirked.
"A little help here!" Merric yelled.
"You can wait your turn," Kel scolded him before rounding towards Faleron, "As for you, I asked if you've seen Merric and you said no."
"He's right there?" Faleron said meekly at Kel's Yamani face.
"You're lucky you already became a woman," Kel told him.
"So Merric, do you want to dress up now or later?" I mocked him.
"You're dressing him up now?" Faleron inquired with amusement.
"We could but then we'll be late for the midday meal," I said.
"How about I come back later?" Merric asked a bit calmer.
"Okay," I agreed.
Taking the binding off of him, I patted him on the head again before helping Kel upright the screens, making sure that the room was clean as possible.
"Do you still want to go into town?" I asked Kel.
"Sure, we can get something to eat there while we look around."
Bidding them a farewell, we left the room without mishap. We walked out of the palace and into the city.
"Are you sure he's going to be there?" Kel asked me a few minutes later.
"If not, I'll find him," I said as a smile played on my lips.
"What did you do?" Kel asked suspiciously.
"I placed a small tracking spell on him," I told her before we entered a small shop.
As the bell for midday meal rung throughout the palace, Merric made his way from his room to the Mess Hall. He was developing a headache and it didn't seem like it was going away anytime soon. Getting in line, he grabbed the tray and filled it with food before sitting down at a table with Faleron and Neal. It wasn't long until Dom and Eric joined them as well. After the prayer, Merric dug into his food and tuned the others out.
"What?" Merric asked irritably.
"I asked who are you taking to the ball?" Dom reiterated.
"Why?"
"Because everyone here has someone to take but you," Faleron said.
"I never said I wasn't taking anyone."
"Then who are you taking?" Eric asked.
"Don't care," Merric stated.
"Are you sure? There must be someone you want to escort. Is it one of the new ladies?" Neal asked.
"No. What about you guys? Who are you taking?"
"Obviously Neal is taking Yuki, I'm taking Lady Lucinda, Faleron is taking Lady Constance, and Eric is taking Kel," Dom said as Merric's head shot up.
"Kel? Kel is actually going to the ball with you…. without chopping your head off?" Merric asked in disbelief.
"Well, no not exactly. I haven't asked her yet," Eric explained, embarrassed.
"Oh, well then just watch out when you ask her. If you see her with the glaive, it'll probably be better to just ask her to dance with you at the ball. That way you don't lose any limbs," Merric told Eric.
"Uh... what about you? You should take someone. It's suppose to be a great occasion," Eric suggested, changing the subject.
"You know, Lady Constance could probably introduce you to someone," Faleron offered.
"What about Eri?" Neal questioned.
"What about her?" Merric asked warily.
"Sure, why not? I'm pretty sure she's not going with anyone, she never does anyways," Eric said.
"Oh that reminds me. She and Kel were looking for you today," Neal commented.
"Trying to run out were you?" Dom asked.
"He didn't get a chance to. They found him before the meal and ate him alive," Faleron joked.
"Har har. I'm leaving," Merric announced, turning in his tray and leaving the Hall.
Merric was just wandering around, stopping every once in a while to see where he was. The headache he had earlier seemed to grow in size as he walked around. Stopping, he rubbed his temples and looked around. Sighing, he continued to walk out of the Palace and onto the practice courts. Leaning on the low fence, Merric just closed his eyes for second to get rid of the ever-growing headache. It was persistent, that much he knew but how it came about... well there was a number of reasons. Opening his eyes again, he almost fell back when he saw a pair of deep blue eyes staring back at him.
"Hi!" Eri greeted cheerfully but he had a feeling she was only faking it to annoy him.
"What now?" Merric asked annoyed.
"Kel is waiting for us in the east library," she stated coolly, losing the cheerfulness.
Studying her carefully, he could see that Eri was wearing a white blouse and a brown skirt. Her wavy mess of hair was let loose spilling across her back, like she had just ran instead of walked.
"Do you always dress like that?" Merric wondered before turning red as what he just asked.
She only raised an eyebrow at him before answering, "I may be a lady but it doesn't mean I have to dress like one. Come on."
Merric was seriously contemplating on running away but followed her anyways, figuring that if he didn't, the others would rat him out and then he'd have to face Kel. They walked in silence for a bit before Merric tried to fill the gap.
"So..."
"So what?"
"I don't know. Just trying to fill the silence."
"Okay."
"I didn't know you had the Gift," Merric started again after a few seconds.
"I do. My parents both have the Gift, as do my brothers."
"All of them?"
"All of them. Each of us kind of have a blend of magic in us that comes from both parents."
"A blend?"
"Yeah. We're here."
Merric was about to ask for an explanation but was cut off as Eri entered the library. Following her inside, the first thing he saw was a bag thrown at him.
"You can get changed over there," Kel instructed, pointing to the small broom closet on the side.
Merric groaned audibly before going into the closet. Once inside, Merric took out the deep blue dress and changed into it. It took him only a few minutes to get the dress and slippers on, covering his breeches, but he couldn't tie off the back. Putting his tunic inside the bag, Merric came out, ready to face the music.
"Let's make this fast will you?" Merric scowled.
"Now, now Lady Marina. Patience is a virtue," Kel commented as she tightened and tied the back of the dress. Rummaging through another bag, Kel took out three small containers the size of a rock.
"What are those?" Merric asked but he already knew the answer.
"Punishment for running and not taking the consequences like a man... such a pity too," Eri mocked.
He didn't even see the chair behind him or notice when Kel pushed him into the chair and put a wig on him. A blonde wig. As Merric protested, Kel only cuffed him once before he settled down enough for Eri to put eye paint, rogue, and a bit of lip color. Looking at their finished product, Kel directed Merric over to a squishy chair while Eri sat on a stool in front of him with a book and some charcoal.
"Now sit still before I make you my sparring partner for the next two weeks," Kel told him. Merric glared at Kel before sitting back into the chair and looking at Eri as her hands moved fluidly across the paper.
A frown would crease her forehead slightly out of concentration every other minute before disappearing leaving it smooth. When she frowned again, her lips pressed into a thin line leaving them a very pale, barely pink before they relax and she smiled a soft smile. Her fingers were long and delicate, slim and light as it held the charcoal darkening her fingertips with color.
"We're done now," Eri's voice rang through Merric's thoughts.
"What?" Merric was confused. Kel almost frowned breaking her mask but held back just in time to see Merric blush before he raced to the small closet.
What was that about? Kel thought.
"I should've brought you earlier for Faleron's and Dom's portrait," Eri commented casually to Kel.
"Why?"
"Because you're threats are very potent," Eri said as she walked to the closet knocking it lightly, "Be careful with the dress will you?"
Merric swore rather loudly as he tripped over his own feet and fell back against the wall. Merric was confused to say the least when he ran into the closet. He didn't know that he had been staring at her, he just... let his mind wander a bit but the way Eri smiled made her glow.
Stop it! Stop thinking that! Merric scolded himself as he tapped his head against the wall. The small amount of light filtering in told him that he had forgotten to take the bag.
"Dammit!" Merric swore loudly.
"Forget something Merric?" Eri inquired mockingly.
Sticking his head out, he saw Eri dangling the bag out of his reach. Looking around, he saw Kel walk out the door in time waving him a small 'goodbye'.
"Toss it here," Merric demanded.
"What do you say?" Eri asked coolly.
And I was staring at her! Merric screamed at himself.
"Can you give me the bag?" Merric asked.
"I'm sorry but can you repeat that?" Eri inquired.
"Please give me the bag," Merric almost spat out.
"Where's the dress?" Eri asked handing him his tunic. Merric searched for a second before handing her the dress and slippers.
"Here take this too," he said as he handed Eri the wig.
Eri stuffed both items into the bag before leaving the room. Making sure the tunic was on right; Merric left the library walking towards the Knights' Wing. Knocking on Faleron's door, it opened as Kel was coming out.
"Hey Kel," Merric greeted.
"Hi Merric...here, you might need this more than me," Kel said giving him a plain handkerchief before shouting, "I'm going now. If you need me, I'll be in the Visitors' Wing!"
Kel looked at Merric once more before shaking her head, leaving him by the door. Merric entered the room and saw that Neal, Dom, Faleron, Seaver, Roald, and Owen were scattered everywhere. Roald was in the middle of explaining something when it got quiet.
"They got you too?" Dom questioned while pointing to his lips. Merric touched his lips and looked at his fingers as everyone started to laugh at him.
