Disclaimer: Much as Hawk-Sister believes I am the Great Lady in disguise,
I am not. Otherwise, I'd put this in a book and sell it! And I'd have
birds! And when has Misty ever mentioned muses, particularly of
the...unique type that I have? I am making no money off this. Don't sue.
Queen's Own brings up a very good point-how can the Circle protect lifebonds? Well, Queen's Own, unlike Vanyel and 'Lendel, Kamaria's father approves of the match and won't drag her back to the Chantrea estate. Much as Amaya may complain. And as for the protection-neither Van or 'Lendel were being forced into a marriage. This is just my take on what they would've done.
Muse responsible: Krathnae! I've forgiven him. He's being very good now. *scratches Krathnae's crest*
Krathnae: *starts looking happier*
Blade: Happy muses mean more chappies.
--------------------------------------------------
Several days of riding after Alain had spoken to the merchant, they topped a rise which allowed them to look down on Haven.
[I haven't realized how much I've missed Haven until now...] thought Kamaria.
:Part of that's me, I think. You've let your shields down again.: said Ramya. :You seem to be something of an Empath. I myself have that Gift, though it's quite small...:
Kamaria brought her shields up again. "You'll need your shields in Haven," said Alain. "It's just been us four on the road, but in Haven-"
"Lots of people."
"Exactly. Now, come on! If we hurry, we'll get back there before dinner."
:Dinner?: asked Sitara, hopefully. :Let's go!:
Kamaria snorted. "You really do love food."
:You haven't noticed?:
"True," said Kamaria, conceding that point.
Ramya had already started forward, and Sitara trotted for a few steps to catch up.
It didn't take much time for the four to reach Haven's gates. The Guard waved them through.
Kamaria instantly knew as soon as they had entered the city why Alain had told her to keep her shields up. The thoughts pressed in from every direction-
:Thicken your shields, then,: came Alain's Mind-voice. :It's easy enough.:
Kamaria grounded, centered, and managed to push back the buzz of thoughts. "Thanks," she said aloud, over the noise of the city.
Winding their way through the streets, Alain and Kamaria finally reached the inner wall, where the Guard waved them through once more.
A Herald, whom Kamaria recognized as the Dean, was waiting for them at the gates. The thin, birdlike woman waved at Alain and said, "Welcome, Trainee Kamaria, and welcome back, Trainee Alain. I am Dean Nessa," she added for Kamaria's benefit.
Alain Mindtouched Kamaria for a brief moment, saying :I'll take the Companions and get them fed and groomed-you neel to get your uniforms and things. And keep in Mindtouch with me as long as you can-I want to see how far you can stretch.:
Kamaria dismounted and carefully unfastened the packs from her saddle. "See you later, Sitara," she said to her Companion, who nuzzled her before following Alain and Ramya.
The Dean led Kamaria into Herald's Collegium, chatting amiably. "You've had the Heralds in a fine muddle, I can tell you. That fiasco with the Earl was the last thing we needed...it's a good thing Alain is well-liked, the volunteers among the Trainees took all the work except the trial out of our hands, really."
Kamaria blushed. "Now, here's your room. Put your things in there," said Nessa, opening a door.
Kamaria entered a small room with a bed, desk, and fireplace. It wasn't very big, compared to her former quarters, but the fireplace would warm it far better than a larger room. The Dean, watching her closely, said, "I'm glad you're not one of the nobles who'll make a fuss about such things."
Wondering exactly what she meant, Kamaria set her packs on the bed and followed the Dean out of the room.
"Now, what weapons-training have you had?" asked Nessa, leading her through the corridors.
"Well, Father insisted that we all learn a bit of knife-fighting, since he still has enemies, and I can stick on a fighting horse's back through about anything. Mostly, he taught us how to defend ourselves and run," said Kamaria, truthfully. "Us being my sibs and I."
The Dean nodded distractedly. "You've been educated in History and Mathematics, I presume?"
At last, firm ground. "I know a lot of history," said Kamaria confidently. "Father let me read the old House Chronicles, and I read a lot when it's cold outside. I don't like mathematics that much, but I can do them. And I've been drilled in Etiquette since I was born."
"That's good. We can exempt you from Etiquette, then, and History. Can you speak any other languages?"
Kamaria replied, in Rethwellan, "I speak Rethwellan fluently, since my uncle's wife came from there, and she taught us all, and I can speak a little Hardornen."
The Dean said something in Hardornen.
"I didn't understand that," said Kamaria, switching back to Valdemaran.
"Hmm." Nessa thought for a moment. "Can you do any chores?"
"I can embroider and knit, and I can mend things if it's just a torn seam or something. I can't cook at all, though."
"Very well," replied the Dean.
"This is a rough estimate of what classes you'll be down for-Weapons, definitely, Equitation, Survival, Mathematics, Gift-training, Geography...that'll do for starters."
Kamaria nodded hesitantly. "Here we are." Nessa opened a door into a small, cluttered office. A woman worked busily behind the desk, raising her head. "New one? Ah-hello, Kamaria."
Kamaria blinked. "How-"
"Everyone in Herald's Collegium knows your name, young one. Now...I think you'll be about a nine," she said, looking Kamaria up and down.
Kamaria barely had time to blink before the woman whisked into another room and dumped a set of clothes into her arms. "If you'll go behind that screen there, see if they fit...and take off your shoes. You need to be measured for riding boots."
Kamaria, dizzied by the whirlwind that was the Housekeeper, put on the clothes, managing to think, [At long last, I earn my Grays,] before submitting to the Housekeeper's orders.
A few minutes later, Kamaria found herself back in her room, clutching another armful of Grays, wearing half-boots.
"Knock knock," said a teasing voice at the door. Kamaria looked up and met Alain's eyes. "Heyla," she said, smiling.
The Dean nodded at Alain and said, "Kamaria, the rest of the day is yours...Alain, why don't you give her the tour?"
"Consider it done," said Alain as the Dean departed.
Kamaria left her room, closing the door behind her. They walked over to the stairs, where Alain stopped. "Upstairs is the library-I'll show you that later. Over there is the door to the dining room, in the basement is the kitchens, and I'm about to show you your classrooms."
Kamaria followed down the stairs, at last emerging in a hallway filled with doors and the low buzz of learning. "Most of the classrooms are in the Herald's Wing, since it's largest," explained Alain, "All of them are on this ground floor in this hall, or right above on the floor above us. The other rooms are storage or living quarters."
Alain pointed out classrooms as they went quietly along the hall. "By the way, your range in Mindtouching is a bit stronger than average...I was able to 'hear' you until I reached the stables and fed Sitara."
Kamaria said, "Is this good or bad?"
"Neither, it's just a comment."
They wandered outside. "You know, we could go to the salle and see if anyone's around..." mused Alain.
"Sure," replied Kamaria, unthinkingly.
Having nothing else to do, they wandered over to the salle. Inside were several students a few years younger than Alain and Kamaria, most in Grays, but two in russet, one in pale green, and three in blue. Through Mindspeech, Alain said, :You might want to steer clear of the Blues...some of them are sons of friends of the Earl. If you stick close to other Heraldic Trainees, you'll be all right...and I think you're strong enough that I'd hear a Mindcall if you did get into trouble.:
:Thanks,: said Kamaria, gratefully.
The Weaponsmaster strolled over. "So this is the new one?" he inquired, looking closely at Kamaria.
"Trainee Kamaria, Weaponsmaster," said Alain.
"Hmm. Have you any weapons training?" asked the Weaponsmaster.
"A bit in knife-fighting, some in hand-to-hand, and I'm all right with a bow," replied Kamaria.
"You look to have good potential with a sword, though it may be late to so teach you," said the Weaponsmaster, "Let me see how you do."
He handed her a slim practice blade, battered and dented with frequent use, but somehow suited to Kamaria.
Kamaria hefted the sword and swung it in a figure eight, finding the balance of it. The Weaponsmaster watched her, ominously silent.
"What am I supposed to do?" asked Kamaria, finally.
Alain said, "Here. Try to spar with me. I'll go slowly."
Picking up a sword, Alain turned to face Kamaria, then swung.
Kamaria parried the blow far more easily than she thought she would have, then tried an attack of her own. Alain blocked it, surprise in his eyes.
Growing more confident, Kamaria tried to remember what she had seen her father do on the practice courts and did her best to emulate it.
Alain defended himself as her unpracticed blows fell. Turning the tide, he lunged and twisted his sword at her leg, feinting, then struck at her wrist.
Kamaria somehow dodged, then scored a touch on Alain.
Halting, she glanced at the Weaponsmaster, who was blinking at her. So was Alain.
"Did I do something?" she asked.
The Weaponsmaster, seeming to be completely astonished, said, slowly, "You are...a natural with a sword. Has anyone ever trained you before?"
"I just remembered what I saw my father doing on the practice courts, and tried to imitate him," said Kamaria, nonplussed. [I've never been a natural at anything before...]
"Who is your father?"
"Lord-General Garethe Chantrea," said Kamaria. The Weaponsmaster's eyes widened.
"I served under your father twenty-three years ago, before I rose to become Weaponsmaster. To this day, I've never seen anyone his equal with the rapier."
It was Kamaria's turn to blink.
Crisply, the Weaponsmaster turned back to his students and said, "Return tomorrow two candlemarks after noon."
Kamaria nodded.
Alain took her blade and set both down where they had been. "Let's go outside," he said, as Kamaria tried to break her trance of astonishment.
------------------------------------------------------
That was long. Krathnae!
Krathnae: *appears*
Fireblade: Please make more action show up. Action is hardly likely to argue with something with as large claws as you.
Reviewerthanking!
Kaelin: Now.
Herald-Mage Brianna: Here you go. It's a bit boring at first, but it will get more interesting! Promise!
Stee Parker: *blinks* Right.
Katsibee: Have pie.
Darkfyre: Scheherezade has something to say.
Scheherezade: I don't have a lightsaber, but I do have a rapier, though I don't often need it. As for Krathnae, I am disciplining him firmly. He will have gryphon simulacrums for you by the next chapter, or he'd better, and the rest of the time, I am going to work him hard. Please do not do anything to him that will interfere with his ability to write chapters or leave him too tired to think.
Fireblade: OK, speech done? Good.
Hawk-Sister: You swell my ego again! Even though I am not Misty in disguise. I only write fanfiction. Hope you enjoyed.
Rhiannon15: We should.
Next chappie should come soon! Or the feathery muse will be disciplined again!
~Fireblade K'Chona
Queen's Own brings up a very good point-how can the Circle protect lifebonds? Well, Queen's Own, unlike Vanyel and 'Lendel, Kamaria's father approves of the match and won't drag her back to the Chantrea estate. Much as Amaya may complain. And as for the protection-neither Van or 'Lendel were being forced into a marriage. This is just my take on what they would've done.
Muse responsible: Krathnae! I've forgiven him. He's being very good now. *scratches Krathnae's crest*
Krathnae: *starts looking happier*
Blade: Happy muses mean more chappies.
--------------------------------------------------
Several days of riding after Alain had spoken to the merchant, they topped a rise which allowed them to look down on Haven.
[I haven't realized how much I've missed Haven until now...] thought Kamaria.
:Part of that's me, I think. You've let your shields down again.: said Ramya. :You seem to be something of an Empath. I myself have that Gift, though it's quite small...:
Kamaria brought her shields up again. "You'll need your shields in Haven," said Alain. "It's just been us four on the road, but in Haven-"
"Lots of people."
"Exactly. Now, come on! If we hurry, we'll get back there before dinner."
:Dinner?: asked Sitara, hopefully. :Let's go!:
Kamaria snorted. "You really do love food."
:You haven't noticed?:
"True," said Kamaria, conceding that point.
Ramya had already started forward, and Sitara trotted for a few steps to catch up.
It didn't take much time for the four to reach Haven's gates. The Guard waved them through.
Kamaria instantly knew as soon as they had entered the city why Alain had told her to keep her shields up. The thoughts pressed in from every direction-
:Thicken your shields, then,: came Alain's Mind-voice. :It's easy enough.:
Kamaria grounded, centered, and managed to push back the buzz of thoughts. "Thanks," she said aloud, over the noise of the city.
Winding their way through the streets, Alain and Kamaria finally reached the inner wall, where the Guard waved them through once more.
A Herald, whom Kamaria recognized as the Dean, was waiting for them at the gates. The thin, birdlike woman waved at Alain and said, "Welcome, Trainee Kamaria, and welcome back, Trainee Alain. I am Dean Nessa," she added for Kamaria's benefit.
Alain Mindtouched Kamaria for a brief moment, saying :I'll take the Companions and get them fed and groomed-you neel to get your uniforms and things. And keep in Mindtouch with me as long as you can-I want to see how far you can stretch.:
Kamaria dismounted and carefully unfastened the packs from her saddle. "See you later, Sitara," she said to her Companion, who nuzzled her before following Alain and Ramya.
The Dean led Kamaria into Herald's Collegium, chatting amiably. "You've had the Heralds in a fine muddle, I can tell you. That fiasco with the Earl was the last thing we needed...it's a good thing Alain is well-liked, the volunteers among the Trainees took all the work except the trial out of our hands, really."
Kamaria blushed. "Now, here's your room. Put your things in there," said Nessa, opening a door.
Kamaria entered a small room with a bed, desk, and fireplace. It wasn't very big, compared to her former quarters, but the fireplace would warm it far better than a larger room. The Dean, watching her closely, said, "I'm glad you're not one of the nobles who'll make a fuss about such things."
Wondering exactly what she meant, Kamaria set her packs on the bed and followed the Dean out of the room.
"Now, what weapons-training have you had?" asked Nessa, leading her through the corridors.
"Well, Father insisted that we all learn a bit of knife-fighting, since he still has enemies, and I can stick on a fighting horse's back through about anything. Mostly, he taught us how to defend ourselves and run," said Kamaria, truthfully. "Us being my sibs and I."
The Dean nodded distractedly. "You've been educated in History and Mathematics, I presume?"
At last, firm ground. "I know a lot of history," said Kamaria confidently. "Father let me read the old House Chronicles, and I read a lot when it's cold outside. I don't like mathematics that much, but I can do them. And I've been drilled in Etiquette since I was born."
"That's good. We can exempt you from Etiquette, then, and History. Can you speak any other languages?"
Kamaria replied, in Rethwellan, "I speak Rethwellan fluently, since my uncle's wife came from there, and she taught us all, and I can speak a little Hardornen."
The Dean said something in Hardornen.
"I didn't understand that," said Kamaria, switching back to Valdemaran.
"Hmm." Nessa thought for a moment. "Can you do any chores?"
"I can embroider and knit, and I can mend things if it's just a torn seam or something. I can't cook at all, though."
"Very well," replied the Dean.
"This is a rough estimate of what classes you'll be down for-Weapons, definitely, Equitation, Survival, Mathematics, Gift-training, Geography...that'll do for starters."
Kamaria nodded hesitantly. "Here we are." Nessa opened a door into a small, cluttered office. A woman worked busily behind the desk, raising her head. "New one? Ah-hello, Kamaria."
Kamaria blinked. "How-"
"Everyone in Herald's Collegium knows your name, young one. Now...I think you'll be about a nine," she said, looking Kamaria up and down.
Kamaria barely had time to blink before the woman whisked into another room and dumped a set of clothes into her arms. "If you'll go behind that screen there, see if they fit...and take off your shoes. You need to be measured for riding boots."
Kamaria, dizzied by the whirlwind that was the Housekeeper, put on the clothes, managing to think, [At long last, I earn my Grays,] before submitting to the Housekeeper's orders.
A few minutes later, Kamaria found herself back in her room, clutching another armful of Grays, wearing half-boots.
"Knock knock," said a teasing voice at the door. Kamaria looked up and met Alain's eyes. "Heyla," she said, smiling.
The Dean nodded at Alain and said, "Kamaria, the rest of the day is yours...Alain, why don't you give her the tour?"
"Consider it done," said Alain as the Dean departed.
Kamaria left her room, closing the door behind her. They walked over to the stairs, where Alain stopped. "Upstairs is the library-I'll show you that later. Over there is the door to the dining room, in the basement is the kitchens, and I'm about to show you your classrooms."
Kamaria followed down the stairs, at last emerging in a hallway filled with doors and the low buzz of learning. "Most of the classrooms are in the Herald's Wing, since it's largest," explained Alain, "All of them are on this ground floor in this hall, or right above on the floor above us. The other rooms are storage or living quarters."
Alain pointed out classrooms as they went quietly along the hall. "By the way, your range in Mindtouching is a bit stronger than average...I was able to 'hear' you until I reached the stables and fed Sitara."
Kamaria said, "Is this good or bad?"
"Neither, it's just a comment."
They wandered outside. "You know, we could go to the salle and see if anyone's around..." mused Alain.
"Sure," replied Kamaria, unthinkingly.
Having nothing else to do, they wandered over to the salle. Inside were several students a few years younger than Alain and Kamaria, most in Grays, but two in russet, one in pale green, and three in blue. Through Mindspeech, Alain said, :You might want to steer clear of the Blues...some of them are sons of friends of the Earl. If you stick close to other Heraldic Trainees, you'll be all right...and I think you're strong enough that I'd hear a Mindcall if you did get into trouble.:
:Thanks,: said Kamaria, gratefully.
The Weaponsmaster strolled over. "So this is the new one?" he inquired, looking closely at Kamaria.
"Trainee Kamaria, Weaponsmaster," said Alain.
"Hmm. Have you any weapons training?" asked the Weaponsmaster.
"A bit in knife-fighting, some in hand-to-hand, and I'm all right with a bow," replied Kamaria.
"You look to have good potential with a sword, though it may be late to so teach you," said the Weaponsmaster, "Let me see how you do."
He handed her a slim practice blade, battered and dented with frequent use, but somehow suited to Kamaria.
Kamaria hefted the sword and swung it in a figure eight, finding the balance of it. The Weaponsmaster watched her, ominously silent.
"What am I supposed to do?" asked Kamaria, finally.
Alain said, "Here. Try to spar with me. I'll go slowly."
Picking up a sword, Alain turned to face Kamaria, then swung.
Kamaria parried the blow far more easily than she thought she would have, then tried an attack of her own. Alain blocked it, surprise in his eyes.
Growing more confident, Kamaria tried to remember what she had seen her father do on the practice courts and did her best to emulate it.
Alain defended himself as her unpracticed blows fell. Turning the tide, he lunged and twisted his sword at her leg, feinting, then struck at her wrist.
Kamaria somehow dodged, then scored a touch on Alain.
Halting, she glanced at the Weaponsmaster, who was blinking at her. So was Alain.
"Did I do something?" she asked.
The Weaponsmaster, seeming to be completely astonished, said, slowly, "You are...a natural with a sword. Has anyone ever trained you before?"
"I just remembered what I saw my father doing on the practice courts, and tried to imitate him," said Kamaria, nonplussed. [I've never been a natural at anything before...]
"Who is your father?"
"Lord-General Garethe Chantrea," said Kamaria. The Weaponsmaster's eyes widened.
"I served under your father twenty-three years ago, before I rose to become Weaponsmaster. To this day, I've never seen anyone his equal with the rapier."
It was Kamaria's turn to blink.
Crisply, the Weaponsmaster turned back to his students and said, "Return tomorrow two candlemarks after noon."
Kamaria nodded.
Alain took her blade and set both down where they had been. "Let's go outside," he said, as Kamaria tried to break her trance of astonishment.
------------------------------------------------------
That was long. Krathnae!
Krathnae: *appears*
Fireblade: Please make more action show up. Action is hardly likely to argue with something with as large claws as you.
Reviewerthanking!
Kaelin: Now.
Herald-Mage Brianna: Here you go. It's a bit boring at first, but it will get more interesting! Promise!
Stee Parker: *blinks* Right.
Katsibee: Have pie.
Darkfyre: Scheherezade has something to say.
Scheherezade: I don't have a lightsaber, but I do have a rapier, though I don't often need it. As for Krathnae, I am disciplining him firmly. He will have gryphon simulacrums for you by the next chapter, or he'd better, and the rest of the time, I am going to work him hard. Please do not do anything to him that will interfere with his ability to write chapters or leave him too tired to think.
Fireblade: OK, speech done? Good.
Hawk-Sister: You swell my ego again! Even though I am not Misty in disguise. I only write fanfiction. Hope you enjoyed.
Rhiannon15: We should.
Next chappie should come soon! Or the feathery muse will be disciplined again!
~Fireblade K'Chona