One Step Too Far:
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: Yay! It's another chappie so I hope this is a good one. Thanks to Kokari, nativewildmage, and Kathryne of Jesslaw for reviewing.
To say that Merric was sore was an understatement. After the long hour jousting he had with Kel, he was sore and on top of that the sword practices and such made him sore for days. Lying on his bed, Merric almost fell asleep before a knocking sounded on his door. Groaning, he got up and opened the door.
"Yes?" Merric asked the servant.
"Your presence is needed in the stables sir," the man told him, bowing before walking away.
"Wait!" Merric called out.
"Yes Sir Merric?"
"Did whoever tell you why?"
"Only that Sir Keladry will have your hide if you don't get going."
"Thank you."
Closing the door behind him, Merric slumped against the cool wood of the door before leaving his rooms again.
Making sure that Dust had food and had been brushed, I stepped out of the stall and walked towards the small crowd.
"What are you guys doing?" I asked.
Kel turned, having heard me and answered, "We're just getting some hand to hand combat practice. How was the ride?"
"It's a bit cold but it was fine," I shrugged.
"Maybe next time you'll remember how to dress properly then," Neal scolded eyeing the summer breeches and tunic I had nicked.
"It wasn't that cold."
"Fine but if you get a cold don't come running to me about it."
"Don't worry, your father is a better healer anyways," I mocked while Neal glared.
"Do you provoke people for a hobby?" Faleron inquired.
"I prefer the word conversation."
Dom and Esmond tried to hide their smile when we heard Kel yelling out for someone. Turning in her direction, my eyes began to flash dangerously at Merric sluggishly walking up to Kel. Watching as Kel yell at Merric for being so slow, I turned towards the Palace doors and left them without a word.
Dom, Esmond, Neal, and Faleron all gaped at the dark look while Merric almost wetted his pants when he saw her dark expression. It was so much like the glares he get from her older brothers that he found it very terrifying. It made him feel very small and insignificant even. Shaking the thought away, Merric slowly walked towards Kel trying very hard to not look behind him at Eri. Following the group towards an open practice court, they all began to stretch as Merric's thoughts flew back to Eri.
Ever since they were dragged back to the palace by Kel, Eri made sure that she kept her distance from him and if they were within talking distance, he could hear all of her snide remarks. The first few days had sent chills down his spine but as the week went along, he found it easier to avoid her since she made such an effort to keep herself in her room. Eric was really worried at first and had asked everyone what was wrong but either no one knew or he and Kel kept their mouth shut. Soon he passed it off as a mood swing and left it alone.
Every glare he got, every remark made was imprinted into his mind. While Merric remained calm about it, he was slowly starting to frown more and on more than one occasion, snarled at those who disturbed him. He found that he got less and less sleep every time he heard Eri or saw her, losing precious sleep that could help heal his body. Merric was considered getting some sleeping medicine but turned away from the thought when Faleron tapped him on the shoulders.
"Come on, we're starting," Faleron said.
"Oh goody. Who's going to beat the shit out of me now?" Merric mumbled.
"I am," Faleron responded.
Groaning, Merric positioned himself and started as soon as Kel gave the signal.
They all sparred and traded partners until the bell rung indicating that midday meal was only a bell away. Stopping, they all rested a bit before walking back to their respective rooms. Finding the tub full of warm water, Merric took off his practice clothes and started to wash himself. A few minutes later, he donned a dark red tunic and brown breeches before falling onto his bed face first. Sighing, he turned over and stared at the ceiling as his eyes became heavy under the weight.
I'll just take a short nap, he thought before Merric fell into a deep sleep, ignoring his surroundings.
Making my way towards the Mess Hall, I carefully avoided the mass of people while searching the crowds. Slipping into the Hall, I got in line and grabbed a tray of food before spotting Neal's wild gestures in the back. Finding a seat, I carefully avoided Neal's arms and sat down across from Kel, next to Esmond. Making light conversation with Esmond and Kel, I ate as quickly as I could when I spotted Merric coming through the Hall doors. Excusing myself, I left the table only to be run over by someone else half way.
"Oh Mithros! I'm sorry milady," the voice said as the person extended their arm to help me up.
"It's fine..." I began but faltered as I saw the man helping me up.
"You're not hurt are you? Break anything?" the man, knight, asked nervously.
"What? No, no. I'm fine," I replied, feeling my cheeks heat up under his dark gaze. Dropping my head, I fidgeted a bit.
"Are you sure? You seemed a bit flushed."
"Yes, no worries needed."
Turning away from him, I bent down to pick up the bowls and utensils when his hands stopped me.
"Please milady it was my fault," he said gathering them for me while flashing me a sheepish smile, which only made me blush even more.
"Right... I mean no. It was my fault too. I didn't see where I was going."
"Well then that means we're both at fault," he said giving me a broad grin that made me feel flutters.
"Right... thank you good sir but I must be going now," I said in a rush. Grabbing my tray, I almost bolted to the door when he stopped me.
"Allow me," he replied taking the tray from me and balancing it with his own.
"Thank you," I muttered quietly.
"The pleasure is all mine really. Can I accompany you to the door so there won't be anymore mishap?" he suggested.
Looking away from him, I gave a curt nod and walked with him. As soon as he put the trays down for the servants, he extended his arm for me. Taking it hesitantly, he led me out of the Hall and into the corridor. Glancing at him, he was a good half feet taller than I was with dark golden hair and kind brown eyes. Giving me another smile, I noticed how his cheery demeanor was infectious. The awkward silence lasted until we came to an intersection where he gently took my hand and bowed down to kiss it.
"Sir Anthony of Whitehorn at your service good lady," he introduced.
"Lady Eriko noh Kansetsu of Heathercoves," I automatically responded.
"You must be one of the Princess's ladies."
"I am but please call me Eri."
"Lady Eri," Anthony bowed again.
"Oh please! Eri is fine," I said getting him to stand.
"For a beautiful lady as you calling you anything else would be a disgrace. I have to go now but hopefully I'll see you soon." With that, he bowed to me once more before going left towards the Knights' Wing. Watching him disappear around the corner, I resisted the urge to squeal like a court lady and happily walked towards Daine and Numair's room.
He didn't know how long he stood there but it was enough that he never wanted to see it again. Gripping his tray until his knuckles were white, he stiffly walked towards the back and as calmly as he could, set the tray down next to Faleron.
"Have a nice nap?" Owen asked him to which Merric glared at him.
"What's it to you?" Merric growled.
"Nice to see you too," Owen mumbled dejectedly into his vegetables.
With renewed vigor, Merric stabbed every piece of food on his tray imagining it to be the knight's head.
"Whoa there, calm down Merric. What's wrong with you?" Faleron asked him.
"Not enough sleep?" Esmond offered before Merric could answer.
"Yeah. What he said," Merric muttered in distaste.
"I told you to come down for the med-"
"I don't need it!" Merric said, harshly cutting off Neal.
Feeling very hungry, he shoveled the food into his mouth when he noticed that the table had gone quiet except for Yuki and Neal who were whispering to each other. Looking around, he saw the concerned and worried looks on his friends and cousin. Swallowing, Merric sighed inaudibly before turning towards Neal with an apologetic look.
"I'll come by tonight if you're still offering," Merric said.
"Sure. Come by before you go to bed and I'll give you a small vile of it," Neal replied.
The tension and concern melted away quickly into a conversation while Merric stared at his food slowly eating it but feeling empty. It wasn't that he was hungry anymore but to see Eri look at the knight like that made his heart ache. She flushed under the knight's look and Merric was jealous. Even if they had met on accident, why was it that he didn't get the brunt of her coldness like he had? Why is it that she looked away from the knight like a court lady? What did the knight say that made her blush a healthy pink? If he had bumped into her instead of the knight would she be angry or indifferent?
Feeling the swarm of questions, Merric got a slight headache and shook it away before finishing his food. Seeing the familiar hand shoveling vegetables onto his plate, Merric looked up into Kel's face. It didn't show a lot of emotion but there was a flicker of concern in her eyes before they became neutral.
"Eat your vegetables... and if you need to talk come find me," she told him. Not leaving him time to answer, Kel got up and walked with Yuki away from the tables.
All week, I felt like I was on air. My steps had a little bounce to it and I've felt happier than I have in the last few days. Even Daine and Numair noticed it, although Daine hit the mark when I saw her smirk at me behind Numair's back. I was so happy that I took Dust out for rides around the fields but after the fourth ride around, Dust became a bit irritable. I had seen Anthony more than twice since that midday meal and it made me feel so lighthearted when he bowed and smiled at me in greeting that I almost giggled. Only Dust's bite on my arm brought me back down but it didn't stop me from feeling happy.
Walking back to my room, I was about to take a bath when I noticed the note on the desk. Picking it up, I read through it quickly before leaving the room and heading towards Kel's quarters.
"Kel?" I asked knocking on the door.
Frowning a bit, I knocked again but got no answer. Sighing, I turned around and walked back to my room. I was in a hurry to take a bath but as I turned at the corner I ran into someone.
"Excuse m- oh it's just you," I said a bit colder than I had intended.
Looking up at Merric, I glared at him and swiftly walked away before he could do anything.
My mood dipped when I ran into him but it dipped even further when I realized my bath water had run cold. Frowning again, I warmed it with my Gift before getting into it. I hadn't stayed in there for more than ten minutes when I got out and changed for dinner. Sitting in front of the vanity, I picked up my brush and ran it through my tangled hair. It didn't take long until I realized that my face and hands were red and a bit raw. For the last few days, I had cleaned myself harder than usual every time I came into contact with Merric but it didn't happen often. Scowling a bit, I took out a small container of healing rub and dabbed it onto my face and hands.
Running the brush through my hair again, I started to feel a bit guilty. Thinking back to the run, I could see the hurt and anger clearly written on Merric's face when I brushed him off. I know that I've been mean and even cruel to Merric but being caught in my disguise was humiliating, something I never want anyone but my family, Yuki, Shinko, and Kel to know about. My disguise was my escape, so simple yet complicated. I could remember all the times I had fun, running around the village playing with the other kids my age. It was exhilarating and gave me such a sense of freedom that Lady Ironheart never once broke. I'm lucky. There are very few court children who have such understanding parents like Kel's.
I was angry when he, of all people, found out. If anything, it made it worse that I helped him out when we were being chased. I should've left him there and maybe he wouldn't have found me but then I would be guilty for abandoning him. Thinking no more of it, I got up and left the room.
Sitting down beside Yuki, I began to eat my meal mechanically while listening to the others talk. The Mess Hall was loud as usual but Kel's apology didn't go unheard by me as I looked up and smiled at her. Turning towards Yuki, we talked about Shinko and of any news from the Yamani Islands. The dinner was loud and made a lot of racket but left me feeling very homey. Sensing that someone was looking at me, I turned and looked around until I saw Merric looking at me from down the table. He was frowning and mumbling something when my stomach gave a little flip.
"Hello Lady Eri." Feeling my cheeks burn slightly, I looked behind Yuki to see Anthony giving me a grin.
"Good evening Anthony," I greeted with a smile of my own.
"I was wondering if you would like to take a walk with me," Anthony asked a bit shyly.
Our table stopped talking and I could feel them look between him and me confused. I could feel their stares on me, as I turned a bit red from embarrassment.
"Of course," I answered. Getting up, I could see Yuki and Kel giving me a calculating look before I turned away and picked up my tray.
"Wait. I'm coming too if you don't mind."
I had forgotten that Eric was there with us. Facing Eric, I could see the same calculating look before I turned towards Anthony who was confused if anything else.
"My brother Sir Eric of Heathercoves," I introduced formally.
Anthony's mouth formed a small 'o' before nodding his head towards Eric. Turning back to me, he took and balanced my tray on one hand while holding out his arm to me. I waited until Eric was in front of us that I rested my hand on Anthony's arm. Walking out of the Hall I could still feel eyes on me.
Anthony walked and chatted with me around the Palace grounds by the stables, where we stopped so he could introduce his horses to me. Eric followed behind us, watching us like a hawk that it unnerved me a bit. Nevertheless, I was having a good time and nothing could ruin it. While we talked about each other's families, we also got to talk about other things as well. He was very charming and kind, waiting until I finished before interrupting my rambles. His wit was sharp and he could see the humor in my comments. When we talked about the knights we knew, I couldn't help but notice a flash of a frown on his face when I mentioned Kel. I frowned slightly as well but decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.
Merric felt hurt and angry all at once. Hurt because he realized that Eri likes the knight and angry because... well because it wasn't him. He usually wasn't a jealous kind of person but he was jealous. Feeling a bit sick, Merric abandoned his meal and left the table while everyone else was looking at her. He walked back to his quarters and flopped onto his bed. He felt really tired and decided to take another nap but couldn't. He didn't know how long he was laying there but when the bell signaling the end of dinner rung, he felt his stomach rumble in protest of not having any food. Sighing Merric decided to wait out the crowd coming back before leaving his room. On the way to the kitchens, he heard a light laugh and chuckle floating his way. Ignoring it, he continued on towards the kitchens. Asking one the closest servant, he left the kitchen for the practice courts with hot meat buns.
Wandering the courts he numbly ate the food, making sure to avoid all the couples walking by. Leaning against one of the fences, he ate the last bun before dusting his hands of the crumbs. Slumping against the low fence, Merric stared at the spot on the other side of the court.
I should see Neal about giving me another vile, Merric thought when he heard someone coming closer.
He didn't know if the person was heading for him or just passing but just to be sure, he stood up.
Don't need them to think I'm some thief.
Trying to hop the fence, his foot got caught making him land with a thud onto the ground.
"Who's there?" the person asked nervously.
"Sorry. Didn't mean to scare you," Merric answered going up to the person.
"Well watch it next time," Eri said when he recognized the coldness of her voice.
Looking around, he noticed that the knight and Eric was nowhere to be seen.
"Where's your knight in shining armor?" Merric couldn't help but spat.
"None of your business."
He could feel the coldness of her voice seep into his very bones. He was tired of it all, tired of her snide remarks and glares. What had he done wrong? Why was it that she took it out on him?
"What is your problem?" Merric whispered harshly.
"My problem? I was just walking by when I thought a thief was around," she answered indifferently.
"I'm not a thief!" he continued in a harsh whisper.
Merric knew that if he yelled people would be running to them for the trouble he's causing a lady. Merric had to laugh at the thought of Eri being a lady.
"What are you laughing about?"
"Nothing."
"Then keep it to yourself," she spat before turning away but Merric stopped her.
"What is wrong with you?"
"Nothing unlike you."
"That's it. We have to talk-"
"Can't this wait until you're sane?" she interrupted bitingly.
"I don't know what he sees in you."
"What are you talking about?"
"I mean the knight. You're so mean and demented, I'm surprise he hasn't run yet."
"What?" Eri asked, narrowing her eyes at him.
"You heard me. I thought you hate to be the damsel in distress but that's just a cover up isn't it," Merric bit out angrily.
All of that pent up anger had to go somewhere but he didn't imagine taking it out on her.
"I am not a dams-"
"And you're fickle too, you know that?"
"I am-"
"One minute you're nice and the next you're biting someone's head off. You think you're so superior, don't you?"
"I neve-"
"And another thing. What's with the disguise huh? Finding the next guy to flirt with?"
"I. Don't. Flirt."
"Oh, good evening Anthony," Merric mimicked, "It's disgusting."
"Shut up while-"
"Mithros, you're an annoying little tart."
He didn't know what he felt first. Regret and horror, the floor, or the burning sting of shame. Looking up at her, he could see Eri restraining herself from sending him to the Infirmary. Watching her lower her hand, he could see it shaking tremendously while the other clench and unclench. The worst part was seeing the tears he had caused.
"I may be mean," she started out, her voice quavering.
Getting up, "I'm so sorry. I did-"
"And I may be annoying. Sometimes... I'll be fickle."
"I didn't mean it. I'm-"
"But. I was never, am, nor will I ever be a tart," she finished quietly.
Eri had long lost her mask and Merric could see the hurt and anger written all over her face. Her tears were falling freely now, making many little rivers down her face.
"If I were you, I'd never, ever, speak to me again," she spoke calm and dangerously.
Turning swiftly, the last he saw was Eri wiping her face with the back of her hand.
