Ch 3

Much thanks to all of you that reviewed, if I didn't respond, I am very sorry. My mom was in the ICU for a couple of days and only recently was released. So, I was a little preoccupied. Please don't stop with the encouragement though, it feeds me!! Hope you enjoy, and believe me the next part is going to be JUICY!

Lady

"I don't know what to do Fastion, he said, give him time, but," Karigan grunted, trying to keep the Weapon from hitting her.

"But, he kissed you!" Fastion smirked, executing a series of thrusts as Karigan's face clouded in a blush.

"Ow!" Karigan cursed, backing off to suck on her injured knuckles.

Fastion just stood there, smirking, not even breathing hard.

"It was on the forehead Fastion!! When are you going to come off that?! I swear I could've told Estora and she wouldn't have twittered as much as you!" Karigan huffed, sitting down in the shade.

"Oh come on Kari, I'm just teasing you," Fastion sat beside her.

"I just, I have no idea what I did, or what to do!" Karigan laid back, exasperated.

"Heres an idea," Fastion began,

"What?! What!" Karigan interrupted, sitting up.

"How about giving him time like he asked?"

Karigan whacked him with her wooden sword.

The weapon stood up, bowing, a silent invitation to another bout.

The Green Rider grinned, rose to her feet and attacked.

Alton rode Night Hawk past the practice fields; Karigan was there, swinging her sword with grace and precision. He had not realized she had begun training with the Weapons. There was so much he hadn't known, so much he had missed in the past year. He felt remarkably guilty. Some of the other Riders had filled him in on what he had missed. So many deaths and Karigan had born the brunt of the weight for a long time. He knew how isolation felt, and it pained him to think of Kari going through that.

He rode through the forests, the scent of bayberry thick in the air, a reminder. "I know, I know, I promised. It is so hard, these memories," he murmured, his throat thick with the words.

The wind blew past him, and closed his eyes. "I know Ms. Bayberry. I will."

He pulled on Night Hawk's reigns turning him back to the castle, his mouth set in a tight line.

Riding up to the stables, he was met by Captain Mapstone. "You've got to go get cleaned up," she stated simply, her dress uniform on.

"Why?" Alton asked, dismounting.

"The King has called a ball to celebrate his engagement to Lady Estora," she gave him a hard look.

"All right," Alton nodded; balls were a duty as a noble.

"Alton, Karigan will be attending."

Her eyes were searching him, measuring his emotions and intent.

He nodded. "Thank you, Captain."

Karigan cursed. She hadn't wanted to attend this ball. It was awkward enough facing Zachary now, after that night in the astronomy tower. He had withdrawn from her, allowing her space. That changed when a Green Foot arrived with a message that her presence was requested at the ball.

"Requested, my ass," she snorted, shrugging her dress long coat on, "demanded, commanded,"

"Those rhyme, you know," Tad, a new Rider recruit mentioned, walking by her room.

Karigan shook her head. Tad was an odd person. His Rider gift was visions of the future, and he often seemed to only be half in this world.

Ignoring the other Rider she surveyed herself in the mirror. "This is as good as it gets," she murmured, picking up her Rider brooch and heading out the door.

The ballroom was saturated with people. Karigan wrinkled her nose, highly perfumed people, she thought. Her eyes darted around the room, avoiding looking anywhere near the dais where Zachary sat.

There were no other Riders that she could see in attendance, and Karigan shook her head. As if she didn't stand out enough. She delved into the throng of attendees, hoping to find a quiet corner to hide in.

Alton entered the Ballroom; he had forgone his Rider attire for an elegant long coat of black wool. His tunic was pure white linen, embroidered around the neck and sleeves with fine black silk thread. His breeches were immaculately tanned black leather, and his boots were polished to their highest shine. Noting the envious looks he was being given by the other, over-attired men, simplicity won out over pomposity this night.

Yet, for once the Lord of D'yer was not thinking of his appearance, or the approving looks he was receiving from the female members of nobility. He was looking for a Rider in Green.

King Zachary paused in his conversation to Lady Estora and her father. In the span of the last ten minutes both two Green Riders had entered the ball room. First Karigan entered, looking grumpy and uncomfortable. Followed minutes later by the Lord D'yer searching the room anxiously. Zachary's gut clenched. He was trying to put these possessive feelings behind him, but he could not help but want to keep them apart. What right did he have? He kept asking himself. Only his heart would not be silenced.

Karigan had found the perfect hiding place. The balcony that allowed fresh air into the ballroom had heavy, velvet curtains. Said curtains obscured the fact there was even a balcony to escape to. The ever efficient Rider had slid between the curtains, and now breathed in the fresh air of the perfect full-moon night. Now if she could only remain here, undisturbed,

"Karigan."

"Damn," she muttered, turning to face the intruder, and promptly froze, "Alton," she breathed, suddenly nervous.

Am I doing good, or was it too choppy? I was trying not to force it, but sometimes you just have to! Lady