Chapter 38 Perchance to Dream:

:That Induction ceremony was a bore don't you think so Xirthan? It was the two days after the ceremony and Aine was headed towards the Companion's stables to, as she put it so blithely to one of her classmates, 'attend to the grooming of her Companion between classes.'

Xirthan shuffled in the stall, awaiting the arrival of his Chosen. :Truth be told, it didn't do anything for me either love.:

Aine laughed at Xirthan's matter of fact declaration. :Well thank the gods that's over now...I want more hand to hand combat, some more weapons training! She made mock fighting gestures and sword slashes as she walked along. Then, Aine entered the comparatively darker and dustier air inside the stable.

:Hmph, well what about the other classes? those are important too you know.: Xirthan directed his now inscrutable gaze toward's Aine as she entered.

"Do I have to go to all of those?" she asked outloud now with a slight tone of mock dread to her query.

:Yes dear, all of them. You never know when, well let's say with accounting for example, when it will be of a major help to you someday.:

Aine rolled her eyes, then used MindSpeech this time. :I've already had my share of money managing; being a merchant and a member of the Merchant's Guild isn't my cup of tea.: All at once, crystal clear images of Constance and Gerard, her mother and father, popped up in her mind. It startled her a little. She remembered the ugly conversation with them when she wanted to strike out on her own. Aine continued with slight annoyance. :Annnddd, pleasee, don't call me 'dear' Xirthan I hate that word!

Xirthan snorted heartily and seemed to feel a little nonplussed for the moment. A rare thing to see in Xirthan.

Aine yawned, then smiled a little, turned toward Xirthan and said outloud, "Sorry about that Xirthan, I - I'm a little irritable for some reason." I didn't mean to -"

:I know Love, and don't worry about it. We'll just concentrate on being the best we can to and with each other, okay?. Xirthan winked at her.

Aine noticed that. And she began petting and caressing his mane and graceful silk-white neck now. Ske looked into his luminous blue eyes and said, "It's a deal. I like the word love better Xirthan, in fact...well...I love you very much, you kind of grow on me." To Aine's surprise she became a little misty eyed here. "It seems very spiritual."

:I share the same sentiments Aine.:

Aine was getting more obviously tired now and Xirthan wanted to warn her, yet Aine persisted in her desire 'just to take a little nap' in between classes. At this point of time between classes there didn't seem to be any other Trainees or Companions present nearby. "I'm just going to take a little catnap Xirthan," she said outloud. Outside she noticed some of the students running by, shouting exclamations and laughter, through the split in the fading wood of the stable wall.

Xirthan knew, of course, that convention, punctuality and studiousness were very important for Herald Trainees. He refrained from lecturing her at this point though. She just wanted a little rest. There was a little time yet before the next class...Xirthan finished with the seemingly endless chewing of his hay. He decided it was time to lie down too. Not being an ordinary horse, or even one at all for that matter, he could do this. :Open the door, Aine please, I need to stretch out a little, maybe I'll rest with you here for a little while: With a bow and a sweeping gesture of her arm, Aine opened the door to his stall. He sighed lightly, then gracefully laid down upon the dusty ground. He didn't want his Chosen to lie down in all the dirt and hay. He would offer himself up as a resting place.

Aine took the cue. She laid down, with her head looking up at the rafters above, upon Xirthan's 'chest' area. Her golden, lengthy hair splayed out around her head and spread out upon him. A sunbeam from the hole in the wall had aimed itself at just below Xirthan's head, thus giving a soft glow to Aine's hair.

Xirthan whickered a little at her. :Now you're falling asleep again, it won't be my fault if you are late for class. As a matter of fact I will refuse to wake you up, you must learn on your own how to: -

Aine was opening and closing her mouth repeatedly, making little lip smacking and tongue clucking noises in the manner some people do before just falling asleep, then she sighed. It was either that or she was mocking Xirthan's mindspeech again...

Xirthan snorted as Aine quickly fell asleep. Her head lolled down upon him and the rest of her body relaxed. If possible she looked even more beautiful in sleep, with her strong yet lithe figure curled up in the fetal position. The serene look on her face indicated no thought of care or stress. She certainly looked no less attractive while asleep. It was too late now for any intervention though, and Xirthan would, of course, stick to his intention not to intervene on her behalf as he noticed now she was already deep in sleep. She needed to further develop her independence.

Xirthan thought about things for a while, and tried to think of some innocuous reason, some kind of alibi for her should he be inquired about where Aine was. He hated to lie and thought seriously about this. He then considered he would deal with the situation as it came. Perhaps she would come around soon.

Aine's eyes began to move around behind her closed eyelids. She fell into a dream...

It's been a while since an update. I am curious to know if any reviewer would like to let me know what they think about the story thus far. I will be going back and editing and polishing it up a bit (because of new acquired knowledge as well). Then we would like to continue with the second half.