Nixiesocean:
Responses:
SimpleGrl007:-D Blame all the novels I've read. It's meant to be terrible, Draining. Thus why the Dragons outlawed it. Think of what their wars would've been like! For Everett and Mia, yes, they both were Dragonblooded. If you think about Cyrun (Ceara's mother) and Bamien (her father) they both are pure Dragons, and have a whole head of silver hair (denoting their scale-color). Everett and Mia are both decedents of Dragons (Dragonblooded) and therefore have a streak of silver, enough to show Draconic blood, but not enough to change shapes.
Get it?
I shan't reveal anything on the topic of foreshadowing. I have a tendency to throw foreshadowings into stories and then forget about them. (See Lady in Shining Armor, The Goddess tells Katharine to cherish her father, but I never ended up killing him off.)
Chapter 7: Kindness
Master Everett allowed us to stay in the "living room" which mainly consisted of a fire, a decorated table and three well-made and decorated chairs. He might've assumed we were married because he didn't make a scandal of us coming into town on one horse. Syan and Sara (I can't tell them apart without the streak of silver) brought us food.
"Please, Master Everett, I could make the meals," Ceara said the first day we were there. "It's the least I can do for you." She smiled. "I know how important your children are to you."
He grinned gratefully. "Thank you, Lady." He replied. "I'm afraid I can't offer much more than a few herbs from Syan and Sara's garden."
Ceara, ever so kind, replied. "Let me see their garden." He took her outside. Syan and Sara led him. I walked behind. Ceara seemed to love being around a family. I realized how sorely she must miss her parents. "Oh, it's simply splendid!" She said. In truth, it wasn't. There were weeds growing and dead vines everywhere. Syan and Sara simply beamed at the praise. "Here, girls, help me pull this weed." Everett, satisfied went back inside. The girls were speaking in that hissing language again, so I followed Everett inside.
"Can you read, Master Everett?" I asked, trying not to be intrusive.
His eyes dropped. "All Dragonborn can, Adam. I'm just not that good. Mia had Dragonblood too, so Syan and Sara are very strong in the way of Dragons."
"Ceara brought paper with her." I said kindly. "I want to find a way to thank you for your kindness."
"There's really nothing-" He started. I held up a hand.
"I go by the name Adam, as you know." Everett nodded. "In truth, though, I am the missing prince, Ade." It felt good to tell the man, whose eyes were wide. "Before you pamper me like a spoiled brat, I want to tell you this. I left the palace for this very reason. I've been living in the wilderness, more nights on a floor will not hurt me." I bowed my head. "I have thought of a way to thank you, though."
"Really, Mast – Your Highness, I don't need anything." He said truthfully.
"I want to give you a letter of recommendation." I said. "I want you to work at the palace." I breathed deeply. "Your girls can get educated, and still have a garden. Lady Cyrun and Lord Bamien can help you with anything Dragon-like."
"Oh, truly, Your Highness, we're okay." Everett said. "The girls, I think, don't want to leave their mother's grave."
I bowed my head. "I'll stay a few more days, if that's okay, and if you still don't want to move – I'll pay for the expenses – I'll just give you some money."
"Please, Your Highness, I don't need it." He objected.
I raised my head. "I need to find a way to forgive myself for running away from being a prince." I admitted. "I need to find a way to repay my parents for doing such a dreadful act of disobedience."
"I see." Was all he said.
"You're a superb carpenter." I continued. "By having you move to the palace, I'm saying sorry, while adding to your life."
"Uh-huh. Forgive my saying so, but I cannot accept, Your Highness." He said.
"I understand." I stood. "Where can I start working?"
"Work?" He asked dumbly.
"I want to work for my living while I stay under your roof, Master Everett. I don't plan on sitting around watching you work extra hard just so I can stay here for a little bit."
Everett nodded. He took me to his shop and showed me how to slice wood properly. Then, he showed me how to gently shave off the wood, so it stays round. We must've worked very hard because before long night set in.
"Papa!" One of the girls (Syan?) came in. "Ceara made our garden bloom! Just before our eyes!"
"It's true Papa! Ceara's a Dragon! She can do that!" The other (Sara?) added. Smiling, Ceara entered.
He turned to her with wide eyes. "My lady, truly this is a great gift."
"Don't think on it, Master Everett." She replied with a wave of her hand. "The girls worked extra hard for it." There was a twinkle in her eye. "They'll be ready for sale by tomorrow."
His eyes watered. "Oh, by the Goddess, this is all too gracious!"
Ceara gave him a smile. "One Dragonborn helps another. Is it not so, Master Everett?"
He bowed. "Yes, my lady." He wept. "I have nothing to give you in return!" Syan and Sara were very confused by his manor. I had a feeling this was for the Dragonborn, so I slowly made my way out. I sat on the ground near the house, thinking.
Comforting words came from inside, but I couldn't understand them. What could I do to help him? I could add onto his house… since Ceara would be selling the herbs tomorrow, he could afford not to work one day. We could work on an addition to the house. I'd cut the lumber and pay for it all.
Would he accept? Not from me, I was of the people that shunned him, though I had changed. Ceara? Yes. He would take anything from her. I put my head between my knees. Someone came out.
"What's on your mind, love?" She asked quietly.
"Nothing," I lied.
"Not even me?" She inquired. I smiled weakly.
"I'm thinking of what I could do to help Master Everett." I said. "Which led me to my next thought. 'What to do after we leave?' We'll have to leave before the week's out, that I know. We can't endanger them."
"I know," She whispered. A slight movement produced a kiss on my cheek. "Walk with me." I stood. We walked outside Everett's lands and into the forest. I heard the softly chirping of crickets, the hooting of owls and the squeaks of mice in the night. Before long, she had me against a tree. She peppered me with kisses. "Love, after our time of safety, Asnarinith may kill us. I'm not saying I want that, but it's a possibility. Don't sweat the small stuff." She whispered. "Live for the bigger picture."
I wrapped my arms around her waist and kissed her cheek. "I'll try, sweet." I said softly. She laid her head on my chest. I still smelled that rain. "Is we survive week's end in good health, I promise by the Goddess, I will marry you, and we will have little Syans and little Saras all over the place."
She breathed on my chest softly. "I accept." She murmured. I gently let her go and sat on the ground. She lay down on the forest's floor, putting her head on my thighs. She curled up like a small dog and fell asleep. I ran my fingers through her hair. There were no tangles, despite us riding all day and putting dirt into her hair. I listened to her soft breathing and decided I loved her dearly.
I vow, with the Goddess as my witness, to never let my Ceara near a Draining.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Jade was an interesting lady. She had heard of my mother, and at the age of six, began learning how to fight with a sword, although she had her father's protests. The men started to refuse to duel 'the princess'. So she sought out the one person that would – my mother, which brought her here.
I had a spark of romantic interest in her. I blamed it on Ade, as he was having some romantic moment right now. I stared into the night sky, wondering how on earth, an oddball like Ceara charmed Ade. What fascinated him about her so much that he fell in love? It seemed like a foreign concept to me. What made him so folly-filled that he ran away from the perfect life?
Sighing, I undressed and slipped into my feather-filled bed and tried to sleep. The moonlight teased me. It mocked me, reminding me of how much I had on my mind. I rolled over and faced the wall. I closed my eyes and tried to sleep.
I stared up at the moon. Who was Jade? How was my family doing? Would Mother be angry enough to disown me? I'm sure she'd understand. I looked down at Ceara. Her silver hair reflected the moonlight, giving her an odd glow. I stroked her hair. It was silky, even though she had dirt in it. I remembered her conversation.
"Draining is like losing a limb." I shuddered. I would not let her go near such an awful thing. I promise, by the Goddess, Ceara, you will not be Drained.
That pronouncement woke the elder prince. Draining? What was it? What did it do? I could see how Ade had fallen in love, she was beautiful, but beauty faded. What would happen in ten years? Twenty? Would they still be in their youthful love?
"Your Highness," A timid voice said. It was my maid. My bed was sweat-soaked from unknown nightmares. "It is dawn, would you like to awoken later?"
"No, Marjorie, I am fine." I replied. "Send for a hot bath and new bedding."
She nodded and left. Jade had given me a letter.
Your Highness,
Would you like to join me for breakfast? I shall hold it at eight bells.
Princess Jade.
P.S. No, this not an attempt at courtship.
Like I'd want to court a lady that could wield a sword!
In any case, I wrote a reply and sent it via messenger to Princess Jade.
Your Highness,
I accept your gracious offer.
Prince Aram.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I awoke to the smells of breakfast. Cinnamon rolls (where'd we get cinnamon?) with hot scones. My stomach grumbled. I opened my eyes. Ceara was scooping rolls out of the fire with a poker with a flat tip instead of a pointy one. Syan and Sara were up and looking extremely excited. Everett was also up. I felt sheepish at being the last to wake.
"Papa! Ceara made rolls!" They said together.
"I know." He tweaked one's nose. "If you're really good, she may let you go sell herbs with her."
"Oh, please, Ceara!" They chimed.
"Only if your father says yes." She replied. She saw me getting up. "Hey, lazybones, come on, everyone else is up." I rolled my eyes. I got up. She turned to Master Everett. "Are there extra chairs?"
Immediately, Everett stood, gesturing for me to take his chair. "No, it's all right. I'll eat down here." He seemed stunned by a royal who would eat on the ground. As if to prove myself, I sat. I rolled up the blankets he had let us borrow. I put them on the far side.
"Breakfast is served!" She called like the mistress of a manor. She did an elaborate twirl and gently set the plate of cinnamon-covered rolls and buttered scones on the table. Syan and Sara cheered. She gave each of the girls two rolls and a scone. She gave Everett two rolls and a scone; then took the plate to sit on the ground with me. Realizing she had forgotten something, she quickly jumped up and grabbed two cups. She set them in front of the twins. Winking, she pulled a pitcher of something from behind her back. She poured it into the cups, which were shaped like the ones at the palace.
Syan and Sara clapped their hands, obviously enjoying being treated like real princesses. Everett smiled gratefully. He ate quickly, however. "Why eat so fast, Master Everett?" Ceara asked kindly.
"I must be working." He replied, looking at the empty plate.
"I'll wash the dishes." I offered. "Besides, you can take a day off, can't you? Ceara will be selling herbs, so your day's wage is covered."
He looked down. "The local lord commissioned a piece of furniture, and it is rather complex. I'd like to get it done as soon as possible. We need the extra money." As if horrified at letting that slip, he ducked his head. Syan and Sara were giggling and laughing at some unspoken thing.
"Who is the local lord here?" I asked.
"Lord Gabon." He replied. I knew Lord Gabon, that meant we were further south than I'd thought. Lord Gabon ruled over the southern most portion of Furde, most of it being trees.
"I see." I replied. "Is it time to sell herbs?" I asked; Ceara knew what I was thinking.
"I believe it is. Ask your father, girls."
"Please." They asked in time.
He obviously loved his twins greatly. He gave them each a hug. "Be good. If I hear one word about misbehaving…" He trailed off. Giggling, they gave him a kiss and left.
"Master Everett, I really think I could be of some assistance, even if it isn't money." I said quietly. "We'll be here not much longer, and I want to help."
He sighed. "I see you have a good heart. There is nothing I can give in repayment, but I can give you work, if you'd like."
I held out a hand. "On a shake, you'll allow me to work." He shook it. "What would you like me to do?"
"Would you mind doing simple house-cleanings for me?" He asked. "Syan and Sara aren't old enough to do it for me, so, you can guess the rest."
He showed me how to sweep out the ashes of a fireplace, clean kettles, pots and others. I swept the floors and shined the little amount of silver they owned (I was determined to get some sort of pretty jewelry for the twins as a thank-you) and polished the table and chairs. I got new water from the well and brought it inside to scrub the fireplace clean of ash. By the time Ceara was back to the hut, the house was practically shining. I had thrown myself into the work and hadn't noticed the slowly descending sun. My stomach reminded me I hadn't stopped for lunch.
I decided that I'd have a small cottage for just Ceara and I, and any kids we may have. I liked a small place once and a while, one that I could take care of, away from the court's eyes and enough to give one pleasure at one's own hard work. I knew if I ever returned to the palace, I would never be able to sweep out a fireplace and shine silver, simple things that made me proud.
Ceara whistled when she entered. "You did all this, Adam?" She asked.
I nodded. "Aye, love." I said. "I rather like it, small and cozy."
"It's Papa's." One of the twins interrupted.
"And our's." The other added.
"I know, sillies. I was just commenting how I like a little hut like this." I rustled their heads.
"Girls, give your old Dad a hug." Everett's voice called. The girls, happiness unabated, ran to embrace their father.
"Papa!" They squealed as one, "We sold everything!"
"Everything?" He asked, looking at Ceara, who merely shrugged.
"Even though they ran you out of town, they'll still buy good herbs." She winked. She handed over a finely decorated pouch. "I bought this with some of the extra money. Master Tanner was having a sale." She smiled. "Only a silver too, I could hardly believe it."
He looked down at the blonde heads. "Were you two girls good?"
"Yes, Papa." They chorused. I smiled. Aram and I weren't like that. I was quiet, and he was loud. Our link made it possible for him to voice my concerns without me actually saying anything.
His eyes were watering. "Thank you, both of you." He whispered, burying his head in his daughter's hair.
"Don't worry," Ceara added kindly. "They're good-hearted girls. You won't have to worry about their marriages."
"Papa?" One asked.
"Why are you crying?" The other finished.
"I'm happy, girls." He murmured. "We have Lady Ceara and Prince Ade in our midst."
"A true prince?" One asked.
I smiled. "A real prince."
"Do you have any princesses?" The other, Sara, I think, inquired.
"I don't, myself." I slipped an arm around Ceara's waist. "Though a princess is visiting my brother."
Everett ducked his head. I realized he did this instead of blushing. "You two need to find a priestess."
"We will." I promised. "Don't worry."
"Papa," Syan said quietly.
"Ceara will be fine." Sara ended.
He nodded, as if apologizing to even be inquiring about our social life.
"I want to be a princess!" Syan added with a pout.
"Syan!" Sara said. "You can't be!"
"Why not?" The other squabbled.
"Because we're commoners!"
I turned to Ceara and murmured, "Walk with me," Repeating the phrase she had said the night before.
Nixiesocean: Review! ... Please!!!
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