Still:
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: Ah! I finally updated again and thank you to those who reviewed. Just a pre-Christmas treat for all of you. And to think you get both Journey and Ladies! Enjoy!
Merric was the happiest he has been all week. There was a bounce to his walk and he smiled at almost anything that went by him, but Faleron wasn't going to tell him that. Sitting down at a table in the Robin's Inn, Faleron and Merric ordered their meal before Merric started up again.
"And then she apologized to me," Merric recounted for the tenth time this week.
"Oh joy the world is right again," Faleron quipped in a bored tone.
"She even smiled at me and today I saw her look at me," Merric continued.
"Why don't you just marry her and leave me alone already," Faleron muttered to which Merric choked on his drink.
Sighing, Faleron gave Merric a few hard thumps on the back before going back to his own meal. Merric went from dark purple to a dark red before his mouth was gaping at Faleron.
"Shut that mouth before you choke on something. Mainly my fist," Faleron retorted.
"Bu-but I can't ask her that!" Merric squeaked.
"Then shut up and let me eat."
"I just wanted to tell you how she apologized," Merric said quietly before eating his meal.
"Ten times? You want to tell me that ten times?"
"Is it really ten? I could've sworn I just told you."
"Just shut up and eat."
vvvvvvvv
"Hey Kai! Kai!"
"What?"
Turning around, Kai could see his best friend running to catch up with him. Stephan of Cornroe was panting by the time he caught up with Kai.
"I. Found. The. Guy," Stephan panted.
"And?" Kai asked anxiously.
"Hold on, will you? I do need to breathe."
"Sorry Stephan."
"That's much better."
"Now about the knight?"
"Apparently from what I hear Eri told him that it wouldn't work..."
"Why do I feel that there's a 'but'?"
"Because there is. But from what others say he was the one who stopped courting because she wasn't fait-"
"Not faithful my ass! The kid is lying."
"Yeah well don't yell at me. I'm just telling you what's going around in Court."
"What's his name?"
"I'm not telling you."
"And why not?"
"From what I hear, the last guy who made your sister cry ended up in the Infirmary."
"He fainted. That wasn't my fault and where did you hear that?"
"I heard Sir Alanna talking about it."
"And how did she hear about it?"
"From Prince Roald I think. Say what did the guy do anyways?"
"Never mind, I've got duties right now. You're still joining us for dinner right."
"Sure, see you later."
Bidding Stephan good-bye, Kai turned around and left for his duties.
The things I do for my sister, Kai thought as he shook his head.
Jump and the sparrows were everywhere all at once trying to get their say through Daine. Kel and Yuki were chatting and from Kel's frowns and slight blush it's about her. I would join Yuki and tease Kel about Eric but I was tired as it is and falling asleep in my chair. I had finally nodded off when I felt something fall in my lap.
"What the-" I started but was interrupted by a high-pitched shrill.
Rubbing my eyes, I found Kitty in my lap looking up at me with her big eyes. Kitty gave another soft shrill before curling up herself and falling asleep on my lap. Looking at Daine, I saw her smile before I turned back to Kitty and patted her scaled body. I have to admit though that Kitty scared me at first but the more I got to know her, the more she became friendly. From what I have learned, Kitty was very protective of Daine and that to get on her bad side was like telling Papa I now worship the ground that Lady Ironheart walks on. Shuddering at the thought, I looked around the room. We were all in Daine and Numair's room but I was bored out of my mind. Normally, I would go riding but the weather has been cold recently and I doubt Dust would let me take him anywhere outside with the wind this strong and cold.
"Hey get up," Kel said as she nudged me.
"What? I'm up. I'm up."
"We're going to see Peachblossom now, do you want to come with?" Yuki asked me.
"No, I think I'll just go back to my room and sleep."
"Alright then we'll see you later," Kel said as they left first with Jump and the sparrows.
Picking up Kitty, "Where do I put her?" I asked Daine.
"Oh, you can put her on the bed," Daine instructed.
After putting Kitty down, I said good-bye to Daine and made my way back to the Visitors' Wing. Yawning again, I had gone by one of the libraries when I heard my name. Turning around, I came face to face with Lady Deannie peeking out of the library. Smoothing out my dress, I walked in and saw that she wasn't alone. Lady Harriet and Emmeline were there as well with a few other ladies. They were all sitting in a circle where a few of them were sewing a patter or embroidering a handkerchief. Like them, I was dressed for the occasion of social calls but their dresses were much more fancier than mine, although, I find that I might puke from a few of their over perfumed hair and make-up. Lady Deannie gestured me to an open chair next to her while Emmeline handed me a sewing pattern and needle. Resisting the urge to sigh, I took them from her and started off at the base of the pattern.
"So, how are you ladies today?" I inquired conversationally.
"Oh we're fine," Emmeline answered.
"Although we are a bit bored," Harriet added.
"Really? And here I thought all of you were having a grand time," I forced with a smile.
"Well it would be but the weather has been dreadful lately," the youngest lady said.
"And everyone seems to be so busy lately," a timid girl added.
"You mean all the knights seem to be busy lately," Harriet teased.
"Or should we say Sir Conrad has been busy," Emmeline continued.
"Now girls, I'm sure Katherin gets enough embarrassment from her family so there's no need for us to add to it," Deannie added kindly patting Katherin's hand.
From the other girls' chorus of agreement, Deannie was obviously the leader of this group. I sat there with a lady-like smile and posture struggling to stay awake as they spoke of the knights that were courting them and the parties they had attended at each other's home. I was half way through the pattern when I felt someone poke me lightly. Turning to my right, I saw Katherin incline her head towards one of the other ladies by the name of Alice.
"I feel tired too but that least we can do is listen," Katherin whispered to me inaudibly.
"Sorry," I answered back with a slight blush.
"It's alright. They bored me to tears once but I hid it well enough. I mean, till this day I still don't know what they're talking about when they laugh about a branch and a lake," Katherin said reassuring me.
"I'm Lady Eriko noh Kansetsu of Heathercoves," I introduced myself.
"What a mouthful."
"I know."
"I'm Lady Katherin of Searsport," she spoke extending her hand.
Shaking it, Katherin began to tell me about her family as I told her about mine. Katherin is very pretty with waist long light brown hair and slightly large brown eyes. She wasn't as timid as I initially thought and she even had a spark of life. Not only that but I also learned that she has two older brothers as well but it was her father who raised her since her mother died when she was younger. She never got to know her mother or any mother figures other than her grandmother because her father hadn't remarried. This social call would've gone well if it wasn't for what I heard next.
"You're being courted by Sir Anthony?" Emmeline asked Alice with awe.
"Of course. He's such a gentleman and oh so sweet as well," Alice stated in a dreamy voice.
And to think that's what I use to say, I thought to myself.
Anthony never spoke more than three words to me any more but rather keeping himself away from me. Not that I don't mind but I honestly thought he had more grace than that. Then again it might be because of the gossip he has heard. Oh, I'm not ignorant of Court gossip and I've heard what others have been saying. I'm even sure my brothers would've heard it by now as well. I didn't really think he was someone so important or so high riding the gossip of Court but apparently he is.
"Is it true?" Harriet asked me.
"What?"
Turning my attention back to the group, I could see every pair of eyes on me with curiosity.
"Did you really spurn his love for you?" Harriet asked.
I almost laughed out loud right there and then.
"I heard he didn't want to be tied down."
"No that's wrong. My mother says she caught him with another woman."
"Well I heard that he caught her with another knight."
"No, no. You're all wrong. I heard that his family didn't approve of it."
"It's the other way around Lily. Her father had a fit when he found out."
"Really? But that ca-"
"Girls!" Deannie scolded loudly.
All of them became quiet at once and turned to look at Deannie.
"Do you realize how rude all of you are being?" Deannie questioned with a lady-like glare. I didn't even know that was possible.
"Sorry," the girls murmured while Katherin patted my hand sympathetically.
I've been wrong twice now about the ladies in court because Katherin and Deannie are proof of the intelligence beyond gossip and fashion.
"I'm sure Eriko can answer our questions but only if she wants to," Deannie continued, speaking as she would to a group of children.
"It's alright Deannie. I've heard the gossip myself you know," I spoke up with gratitude.
"So...are any of them true?" the girl Alice asked.
"As far as I know? None of them are true," I answered.
"Then...what really happened?" Alice asked quietly but I could see a spark of fear in her eyes.
Must be from the rumor of his infidelity, I thought.
"We both parted on equal terms."
"What do you mean?" Lily inquired.
"We both agreed that we weren't suited for each other. Nothing more, nothing less."
"So neither of you..." Alice faltered.
"Neither of us was unfaithful. If anything Anthony was the perfect gentleman."
I heard Alice sigh with relief as the other girls say how they knew that all along. The bell tolled the hour and soon Deannie got up with her sewing pattern.
"Alright girls. We should go and get ready for dinner now but remember we'll meet again tomorrow 2 bells after midday meal, is that fine?" Deannie asked.
A chorus of agreement was heard before they all left the library. I contemplated on giving the pattern and needle back but Emmeline said it was all right while Deannie said I should bring it back tomorrow and join them. There were only a few of us left when Alice came up to Katherin and I.
"Lady Eriko?" Alice asked.
"Yes."
"I'm Alice, the one Anthony of Whitehorn is courting."
"Oh, well what can I do for you?"
"No, I just wanted to tell you thank you for telling the truth."
"Well it was my pleasure. Besides it gets tiring to hear such nonsense that I just had to say what really happened."
"I still want to say thank you. I was afraid that one of the rumors were true."
"You mean you were afraid that he would cheat on you."
Alice blushed slightly before nodding her head 'yes'.
"It's understandable but he really is sweet and I wish you all the luck."
"Thank you Lady Erik-"
"Please Eri is fine."
"Oh well then I hope you join us again sometimes."
"I'll try."
Alice bid us good-bye before leaving with the others. Katherin and I left the library and chatted for a bit longer before we parted ways and continued towards our own rooms.
Kel and Yuki were walking to Eri's room when they ran into Eric.
"Hi Eric," Kel and Yuki greeted.
"Hey girls. Have you see Eri anywhere?" Eric asked.
"We're going to her room right now," Kel told him.
"Good. I've got something to talk to her about," Eric started but Yuki cut him off.
"Why don't you two go to the Mess Hall and I'll go get Eri."
"No it's alright, I'll co-"
"Nonsense. You and Kel can find a table for us," and with that Yuki left Kel behind with Eric.
"Well, how about it Lady Knight," Eric asked extending his arm to her with a grin.
"Sure," Kel answered covering her blush behind her mask.
vvvvvvv
Neal was waving them over as soon as he saw Yuki and Eri. Merric turned to see them walk over but mainly focused on Eri when Dom poked his side with a fork. Yelping a bit, Merric rubbed his side before finding Eri sitting away from him as far as possible. He was disappointed and confused at first because there was a spot next to him but pushed it away when he realized that it was Eric that she sat next to.
Makes sense. He is her brother after all, Merric assured himself.
Three different conversations started all at once and it was a wonder that anyone could keep up at all. Every once in a while Merric would look up across the table and look at Eri. When everyone was done, the group got up and left together. Trailing behind, Merric waited until half the group had to left for the stables and he was walking alongside with Eri. She didn't notice at first but Merric took these few minutes to gather enough courage and ready himself. When she finally acknowledged his presence, Merric flushed and coughed.
"Uh...Hi Eri," Merric squeaked.
When she only raised an eyebrow, Merric scolded himself for such a bad greeting.
"Hello Merric," she replied.
Merric couldn't help but detect a hint of coldness in her voice. Brushing the thought aside, Merric waited until the others were ahead of them a little before speaking.
"Ca-can I ask you something?" Merric stuttered.
"I don't see why not," but she wasn't even looking at him.
"I, well I was wondering..."
"Yes?"
Taking a deep silent breath, "I was wondering if I could court you," he blurted out.
Being a bit loud, Merric waited along with Kel, Yuki, Neal, Eric, and Owen for her answer but instead heard her laugh.
"Are you kidding me?" Eri asked as her laughs died down.
"What?"
"I wouldn't let you court me if you were the last knight or man in all of Tortall and even then I'd rather give myself over to the Scanrans than you."
"Bu-but why?" Merric asked frantically.
He had planned it all and he still didn't understand why. He at least thought she would blush and be shy about it. Okay so that was a bit out of loop but still.
"You apologized and we had a good laugh. Why?" Merric asked again when she didn't answer.
"I may have apologized on the behalf of Kai but I'm still mad at you," Eri finished. Giving a curt nod to everyone she swept past them.
"Still?" Merric called out to her retreating back.
