Disclaimer: I don't own Narnia or any characters you may recognize from the books or the movies, I wish I did but I don't... I also don't own the Narnian Calendar. It belongs to Elecktrum who was kind enough to let me borrow it for my story. Her own stories are awesome and you should go read them too.

Summary: Not all shields look as we expected... Not all shields are physical...

Additional Disclaimer: I do not own the Wicked Witch of the West...

A/N: As requested by Dreaminsapphire, this chapter features one of the many arguments held between Katerina and Sallowpad the Raven. Hope it lives up to your expectations!

Chapter Nine

32 Yule 1001

I had forgotten how much more annoying people I already considered a bother tended to be if they bugged me in the first week after I had been sick. I had also forgotten that I tended to lose my natural filter between my brain and my mouth when sick or when irritated while still recovering from being sick. When I was first invited to stay on for an indefinite amount of time, not all of the Four's advisors and councilors were...enthusiastic...about the invitation or the fact that I accepted it. So, there would be impromptu gatherings of said advisors and councilors when I was in the presence of all four royals and I would be subjected to a mini-inquisition. Most of the advisors and councilors were content after the first four or five times (apparently this was an unheard of success in the wake of the White Witch) to accept me at my word, accept the vouch that Oreius, Sherket, and Alithia all made on my behalf, or ignore me until I went on my way after growing tired of the company at the Cair. I thought the ones who were holding out for the third option were of the mindset that I didn't leave because of weather making travel through the mountains dangerous until spring, which I thought was rather silly as I had no place else to go and I readily admitted it on more than one inquisition. Not to mention the fact, who in their right (or crazy) mind would grow tired of most of the company present at the Cair? Unfortunately, in the minority of the advisors and councilors who still tried to trick me into admitting I'm the wicked witch of the West (or was it the wicked witch from the North... not sure), there was one councilor in particular who quickly turned from a bother and occasional irritant into an outright aggravation.

It was Sixthday. It was also the third, no, fourth day since I had officially started to recover from my fever (as Alithia called it) and I had finally gained permission from Alithia and Tuulea to be up and about for at least half a day (it helped that I didn't wobble when they were checking my progress the day before...I only crumpled after they left). Lucy was overjoyed at my recovery and begged for me spend the morning with her (and the rest of the Royals), which I conceded to as Tuulea, Alithia, and Oreius had all informed me about how...upset...she had been upon learning I was sick. Of course, I doubted that Lucy knew another inquisition ambush had been set up once certain councilors heard I was to join their majesties that morning, otherwise the dear girl would have seen to it that my morning turned out quite differently.

It was eighth hour when Lucy led me into the large conservatory, chattering merrily about several subjects at once (it was a lot easier to keep track of those conversations when I was not still getting over being sick). I was a little surprised to see so many Narnians already there in addition to their majesties, but I dismissed it as being the result of Lucy's habit of inviting everyone she saw to her impromptu gatherings (a mistake on my part as I later admitted to a rather annoyed Kentauri). My only excuse, well, excuses, would be that I wasn't that eager to be proactively alert that morning, I didn't think an inquisition would occur so soon, and I was starving...I hadn't eaten breakfast yet but I would have settled for a mug of hot chocolate or coffee (but I preferred finding something chocolate).

Susan had called Lucy over, leaving me free to wander over to the table loaded with various refreshments. I could smell coffee and...oooh, chocolate (three guesses as to what I was aiming for) as I reached the table. I had just poured a steaming mug of hot chocolate when a harsh, croaking voice broke through my chocolate-induced bliss (did I mention how much I loved chocolate?), "I see you have sufficiently recovered from your fever to join us this morn, Lady Katerina."

Some inquisitions start with all the subtlety of a bull Elephant charging into a battlefield with two Rhinos and four Centaurs on his flanks (now that had been an interesting training session), while other inquisitions are rightly called ambushes as they start with the exchange of niceties and are then followed by a series of possibly incriminating questions. As I eyed the Raven watching me from his perch atop one of the chairs near the refreshment table, I realized that Sallowpad was using the second strategy for that morning's inquisition. Unfortunately, that meant I had to play nice even though I wasn't in the mood to play at all. "For a little while, Master Sallowpad, or at least until the healers change their minds."

Sallowpad tilted his head to peer at me with one beady eye and I knew before he said a word that I probably wasn't going to enjoy this round of questions. "So, how do you feel about winter, Lady Katerina?"

Oh joy, we were going to start with the seemingly casual questions first. I shifted the still-untouched mug of hot chocolate so I could hold it with both hands as I answered with more congeniality than I had thought I was capable of just then. "I suppose I feel about it much like I feel about the other seasons. Each has something appealing and each has something that I could live without if I ever figured out how to do it. I have never seen reason to shy away from winter, neither have I wished it to stay longer than it should as everything has its season. Winter, spring, summer, autumn all have their appointed times of the year and I enjoy each season in its proper turn."

Sallowpad ruffled his wings a little then he countered, "You have never seen reason to shy from winter? What of blizzards or even the bitter cold? Do you find these aspects of winter appealing?"

"No, but blizzards and the bitter cold often come with winter just as spring can bring floods or summer droughts. Some winters are harsher than others are, and I readily admit that I do not enjoy the harsh weather save when I am separated from it by at least four sturdy walls and a solid roof. Of course, I never went through a winter that lasted one hundred years so I've not the same hesitancy as those with that experience. However, for the most part, I hold that the seasons themselves are benign, it is more one's attitude towards any particular season that dictates how appealing one does or does not find that particular season."

I heard someone murmuring that I had a point, but whoever said it was immediately hushed as we all waited for Sallowpad to respond. The old Raven only paused a moment before he grudgingly agreed, then he continued the interrogation with another seemingly casual question. "And, when winter changes to spring, will you be traveling on to other lands as the passes will then be clear?"

I tilted my head slightly then shrugged, "Oh, I have no doubt that I will be traveling around come spring, though I do not think I shall leave Narnia so soon. Unless, of course, I have already worn out my welcome by the time of spring thaw, then I suspect not only will I be leaving, but I shall have an abundance of help in doing so."

Lucy giggled behind me and Edmund snickered at the dry tone I used, while Sallowpad clacked his beak before he continued in a sly tone. "But, surely you have the wish to see others you know outside of Narnia. Unless, there is a particular reason you desire to remain in Narnia through the spring."

I repressed the urge to throw something (like my mug of hot chocolate) at the stubborn Raven's head as his insinuation that I was in Narnia for less than honest means was one I had already denied...seven different times. Instead, I gave another little shrug as I forced myself to answer in calm (i.e., not annoyed) tone. "As I have stated in previous conversations, I do not know anyone outside of Narnia, therefore, I can hardly desire to visit them. I desire to remain in Narnia for several reasons, one being that I was invited and then accepted, for the most part, and another being that I have nowhere else to go. Although I am certain that spring in Narnia is not something I shall easily forget, who knows it could even turn into a life-changing experience." At the time, I had no idea how right I was and, let me tell you, Murphy loved that statement of mine.

Sallowpad suddenly ruffled his feathers and I knew I was about to be subjected to whatever was really stuck up his craw. "It is astonishing, Lady Katerina, how you express a desire to remain in Narnia, and yet you have recently committed such deeds that one would assume you intended to make a hasty retreat as soon as the snow clears from the passes. Does your family know what you do here? I rather doubt that such actions as attacking the Kings or giving Queen Lucy private and unauthorized lessons in combat would meet with the approval of any family with honor."

The old Raven overstepped his bounds by bringing up my family and two incidents that had nothing to do with family honor. The dead quiet around us was what told me that everyone knew the Bird had delivered an underhanded insult...and they were all waiting for me to indicate how this would be handled. I took a calming breath as I carefully set my mug of now-cold chocolate on the table (otherwise it might accidently slip out of my hand in the direction of Sallowpad's head) and raised my old shields before I replied in an as even and unemotional voice as I could manage. "'Attack' implies that I committed an action with the intent to harm, physically or otherwise. I have never attacked the Kings, Master Sallowpad, unless perhaps you refer to my action of tackling them into the snow on the Twenty-second of Yule. If that is the case, let me assure you that I never acted with the intent to harm their majesties; I was merely making a point. Had that been an attack, then I would not be standing here as I committed my actions in the presence of a number of guards including General Oreius and Captain Ardon. Although, I do acknowledge that their majesties and others present were in all likelihood a bit surprised at my actions and might have mistook them for something less benign at first. Still, let me assure you, that if I were to actually attack someone, there would be no uncertainty or doubt on the part of observers or the individual that I was doing anything other than attacking said individual." Looking back, I probably should not have said that last bit, but I had a raging headache and Sallowpad the Raven had officially become an outright aggravation in my book.

I didn't give anyone time to interject as I continued in an even, unemotional, and coldly formal tone. "In regards to the lessons I have given to Queen Lucy, I made the privacy of the lessons a condition of my tutelage. I did not want any unfortunate incidents to occur because an overzealous guard mistook a lesson for a true attack. The matter of said lessons being unauthorized was the result of an unintentional oversight on my part, for which I have already taken responsibility. And, seeing how the matter was resolved between myself and their majesties as of yesterday, there is absolutely no reason to get your feathers in a bunch, Master Sallowpad." I probably should not have said that last bit either, but it slipped out before I could stop myself.

Sallowpad ruffled his feathers and clacked his beak, but he didn't say a word, which meant this round of inquisition was finally over. Lucy and Susan appeared next to me and hurried me out of the conservatory while I could clearly hear Edmund requesting Sallowpad stay for a private word while most of the other advisors and councilors departed to conduct their own business. I allowed Susan and Lucy to usher me into one of the rooms a couple halls down from the conservatory and they chattered at me and with their ladies-in-waiting about nonsense like whether it was best to wear a matching ribbon or to wear tastefully contrasting ribbons. Needless to say, the ladies-in-waiting (especially the Nymphs and surprisingly a Hedgehog) had many opinions on that sort of fluff and, thankfully, they more than made up for my lack of conversation.

I was also thankful that the relative inattention allowed me to mull over what had happened and to strengthen my old shields as best I could. Unfortunately, I forgot to pay close attention to what direction the conversation around me had turned to, so when I heard my name I responded to what I thought was a call for my attention. "Yes?"

Lucy's squeal of delight and the laugh of glee from Susan were the only warnings before my doom descended on me as the two Queens pulled me to my feet then ushered me down a new set of corridors, not to mention several flights of stairs. I was still trying to figure out what I had inadvertently agreed to when we entered a large room that I recognized as the one I had been dragged to nearly five months ago in order to allow Tuulea to create a new wardrobe for me. Suddenly, I didn't really want to know what I had agreed to anymore...of course, that question was answered as Lucy cheerfully clapped her hands and just about crowed, "Tuulea, Kat agreed to let us put her in dresses." I promised myself to never again answer any of the Royals when they call my name with anything that could be taken as an affirmative to the question they asked but I didn't hear...never again.

I hid my dismay at the thought of revealing one of my secrets when Tuulea settled that fear by sweeping in with roll after roll of fabric and just draping them all over me with a quick word of assurance. "Don't worry, Child, I have your measurements already so we'll just start by picking out colors and fabrics. We need both winter and spring garments. Don't squirm so, Child. And, don't make that face; a nice shade of pink won't hurt you..." I despised pink, especially on me. Tuulea smacked me on the back of the head with a roll of said pink fabric (don't ask me if it was satin or silk or something else, I wouldn't know), which she then handed to one of the Nymphs although I don't know if she was her assistant or one of the Queens' ladies-in-waiting. "Although, making that face might so we won't use it after all. No, let's see I think we should use some verdant, some emerald, periwinkle, oh this ruby and this cyan, not to mention some of this lovely amethyst and a nice sea blue. Of course, we should try to keep you in more jewel tones, Child, as they look stunning with your coloring. Not to mention the fact that you are someone who can wear almost any color and look good in it. So some sapphire should go in that pile..." I hated that I could wear almost any color and look good in it, I truly did.

Tuulea was bustling around so quickly that it was starting to make me dizzy, but she went perfectly still as she eyed the two fabrics I was actually examining with some interest. "Oh, honestly, Child, the dove gray and that chocolate brown are so...very well we shall compromise, here let me take those from you and I shall find something similar but not quite as dull. Hmm, perhaps if I make you some tunics out of these two fabrics, yes? Good, now for the design of your dresses, we shall have to come up with something that will fit you and won't be too much of a bother should you do something rash or get into one of your more interesting incidents. Yes, I know you don't plan on doing anything like that, but you seem to have developed a knack for such incidents especially according to what the good General has to say about the matter. And, I know you don't want to start with the fancier designs yet, so we shall have to compromise on that as well. Let's see I shall make you three dresses of the fancier designs, about six of these two-piece, oh and we shan't forget these ones here with the corset as part of the top bodice. Don't make that face, Child, I shall make sure you can still move so it won't feel much different than when you wear your cuirass. Now, where was I? Oh, yes I think five of those. Of course, this is just in the winter set. For the spring, we shall be using lighter fabrics and not just cotton so we'll need a slightly different variation on each of these designs here."

Why did I suddenly have the feeling that Tuulea and the Queens were not going to let me run around outside of training with just a nice tunic combined with trousers or a skirt if they had any say in the matter? So much for keeping them out of my closet. I carefully kept up my shields and the mask that I was fine throughout the long process of selecting colors, fabrics, and designs for both winter and spring dresses. I didn't want to upset Lucy or Susan by letting my shields down or letting my mask slip enough that they saw how bothered I had been by that last set of comments Sallowpad had made. Or, how uncomfortable their chattering crowd of ladies-in-waiting and assistants were making me as time wore on. Nevertheless, it was a relief when Tuulea switched from seamstress to healer and decreed that I had expended enough energy for the day and I should return to my rooms for rest. Susan and Lucy were oblivious to how much I needed the break, thank God, as they cheerfully bid me a good day with the promise from Lucy to come spend time with me the next morning.

I forced myself to eat the lunch waiting for me in my parlor, though I only managed half of it before I wandered back into my bedroom. I pulled off my boots and let my hair down so I could braid it then I just curled up on top of my bed as I struggled through some unexpected emotions dredged up that morning. I ran a thumb over the cross and lion pendants as I quietly hummed a lullaby to myself. I must have drifted off for a bit, because when I opened my eyes again the world outside my window was dark and the bedroom door had been pulled to but I could see light streaming in through the crack and underneath the door, it was probably candlelight.

I didn't bother with my boots although the floor was a little chilly whenever I missed the carpet as I padded to the door and stepped into my parlor, which was partially lit by one of the candelabras. The lighting kept half the parlor in the dark as neither the windows were open nor the fireplace lit, but I had no doubt that someone was in the parlor with me. I knew this for two reasons: first, there was a tray of food on my desk with two mugs next to it and, second, he opened the drapes as soon as I entered the parlor completely. I ignored him as I wandered over to my desk and surveyed the contents of the tray, attempting to decide if any of it appealed to me enough that I would try to eat. I spoke without turning around and in the same even and unemotional tone that I had used on Sallowpad, "If I eat, will you leave me alone?"

"Yes, if that is what you wish."

My temper flared and I snapped at him for no reason save that I was desperately struggling to maintain my shields, my mask, and my sense of independence. "I don't need a sitter or a nursemaid, General."

He sounded calm as ever as he simply stated, "I agree and I never intended to act as one. Eat, Katerina Alambiel, and I will leave you alone if that is what you wish." I could hear him moving around behind me but I refused to turn around even as I watched his shadow.

Sitting at my desk with my back to Oreius, I never felt more foolish as I pushed the smaller tray with the two mugs and a coffeepot away from me. I was being petty and even cruel in my actions as I poured myself some water and stared at the sandwich in front of me. My pride and my temper were definitely getting in the way of my ability to act civilly to one who had declared himself my friend only three nights ago. I glanced at the shadow falling across the left side of my desk and realized Oreius was leaning against the edge of the window with his back mostly towards me as he watched the stars, I guess (yes, I peeked over my shoulder to confirm all this). I turned back to the simple meal and dutifully ate even as the silence became nearly oppressive a disturbing difference to the silences that had fallen between us before and one I hated.

I finally finished eating and walked around to lean against the window opposite of Oreius. He didn't even look down at me as he calmly asked, "Do you wish for me to leave you alone, Katerina?"

You know how sometimes you can sense that the question a person asks of you is far more complex than what it appears on the surface? That night I knew that Oreius wasn't just asking me if I wanted him to leave me alone for the night. He was asking me if I wanted to retract my decision to let him into my life as my friend. If I told him "yes", we would never be more than mentor and student...we would never be true friends. The fact that he was giving me the option to undo what had been done three nights ago, that he cared enough to allow me to make the call, that is what shredded the last flimsy bits of my mask and the shields I had hastily thrown back up. I held a hand over my eyes as I released a shaky breath before I quietly whispered, "No. No, Kentauri, I don't want you to leave me alone. I would rather you stayed for a little while at least. Please forgive me. I should not have said those things to you and especially not in that tone. I was just..."

"Trying to maintain what little control you had left. I know the feeling and I forgive you." I pulled my emotions back under control and lowered my hand and then Oreius finally looked down at me before he moved away from the window. "I suppose you need a fire, Katerina Alambiel. Otherwise, you would probably fall ill again and then Alithia would blame me for your actions."

Accepting the proverbial white flag, I rolled my eyes at him when he glanced back over his shoulder. "You do realize that just because Humans run at a lower body temperature than Centaurs, it doesn't mean you need a good fire any less than I do during winter, right? And, if I were to get sick because you were too lazy to build a fire, you would deserve whatever Alithia decided to do to you." He smirked at me then turned his attention to the fireplace, which had a merrily burning fire within a matter of minutes. Well, he made that look disgustingly easy. It wasn't until Oreius laughed that I realized I had said the last bit aloud, and I just shrugged. "Coffee?"

So, at a little over two hours until midnight, I found myself sharing coffee with the Centaur General Oreius and slowly letting go of the hurt I had been hiding all day. Oreius had made himself comfortable on the large rug in front of my fireplace while I leaned back against the settee with a throw wrapped around my shoulders. We had been discussing some additional moves he thought I should teach to Lucy when I propped my coffee mug on my knees and gave Oreius a serious look. "Are you going to ask whatever question has been eating at you for the last hour and a half, Kentauri?"

He smirked and took another drink of his coffee before he replied. "I may have a question, but since I am still waiting for an answer to the last question I asked you, I think it would be best to hold onto this question a little longer."

I paused as I searched my memory for what question he might have asked that I still hadn't answered, then I had an "aha" moment. I gave him an incredulous look, "You mean your question about why I don't like being called 'Kitty'? That is what you have been waiting for?" He looked amused as he nodded and I shook my head. I hesitated about answering because I had an inkling as to what the current question bugging him concerned, and if I answered this question that one was sure to follow. "Swear that what I tell you tonight will not pass from your lips to another's ears and that if you should hear me repeat my answers you will give no sign that you ever heard them before that moment."

Oreius gave me that look of his that said he was questioning my sanity again, but his curiosity must have been victorious as he solemnly swore to do as I asked of him. I set my empty coffee mug down and twisted to fully face the patiently waiting Kentauri. "One of the reasons I don't like being called 'Kitty' is because it was used to tease me when I was younger. I had fallen out of a tree and broken my left arm due to the help of some local bullies who then decided it would be fun to chase me while meowing and saying things like "Here, kitty, kitty, kitty" and "Poor kitty fell out of the tree, what's she going to do now?" I outran them, but the problem was I got lost and ran into a dead-end with a seven-foot brick wall. So, I did the absolutely logical thing of trying to climb the wall even with my broken arm...don't laugh, Oreius, I haven't finished. I never turned around to see if the bullies I had run from were getting closer, I just started hopping up and down trying to find a handhold in this wall. At the time I was only three inches over five feet and there was nothing for me to use for a stand, so between those two facts and my broken arm, the wall-climbing venture wasn't going well. Of course, just when I was about to give up, I heard footsteps running closer so I started jumping again. I actually managed to make a running leap and I found a handhold about a foot below the top of the wall, but I couldn't pull myself up with a broken arm so I fell back to the ground. All of this was to the vast amusement of Clive and Jack who had chased off the bullies before they came looking for me. Jack wound up carrying me back to the Home because I had sprained my ankle when I fell and then I had to put up with four months of non-stop teasing in the form of being called "Kitty who could not climb a wall or break her fall." By the time the teasing finally ceased, I had decided that I never wanted to be called 'Kitty' again."

I grabbed a pillow off the settee and threw it at Oreius, "Stop laughing. I was ten and do you have any idea how annoying and somewhat traumatizing it was to not only be given a nickname but to have every child in the house turn it into a rhyme that they used for every rhyming game they could think of? It was...it was horrible. Stop laughing." I probably would have been more convincing if I had been able to keep from smiling.

I was starting to wonder what all was in Oreius' coffee when he finally managed to get his laughter under control. He stared at me with undisguised mirth as he shook his head, "That cannot be the only reason you dislike being called 'Kitty'."

I felt my smile slip as I remembered the other reason, the main reason I hated being called that name. I hesitated then I chose to trust Oreius with one of my secrets, "You're right. The main reason I hate being called 'Kitty' is that the Monster was very, very fond of calling me that when he held me prisoner. I had never realized how terrifying hearing someone call "Here, kitty, kitty, kitty" could be until that time. He liked to hunt in the dark, so I couldn't see him just hear him when he was taunting me by calling me 'Kitty' along with a couple other things I'd rather not repeat." I shook my head in an attempt to rid myself of those dark memories before I glanced up to meet Oreius' solemn gaze and gave a little shrug. "You see now, why I do not like to be called 'Kitty', yes?"

He nodded and I decided to move on with our conversation, "Next question?"

Of course, he changed his question when I tugged the throw closer as I shivered and he gave me an assessing look, "Are you really cold?"

I shivered again then leaned forward and barely touched his wrist with my fingers, "Does that answer your question, Kentauri?"

He rubbed his wrist then shook his head at me, "Should I build up the fire even higher or do you want to just come over here and sit between me and the fire?"

For a moment, I actually considered moving closer but my hesitancy about letting others too far into my personal space overruled and I just shook my head, "I'm fine. I'll just pour another cup of coffee and that should warm my fingers up nicely." Once I had said cup of coffee, I glanced at Oreius and intoned, "Next question?"

Oreius watched me carefully, as if he was trying to decided how much to say. "I gave you my word, Katerina Alambiel, that I would not push you for information. However, I wanted to let you know that there is no shame in being an orphan no matter how your family died."

I smirked in spite of myself, "I reacted to Sallowpad's question about my family by ignoring it, Oreius. What does that say about me?" I shook my head, "Don't answer that, Kentauri, it was rhetorical. I ignored it because I don't even know who my family is, much less whether they are alive or dead. I was found wandering the woods with no memory of who I was or where I came from, so it could be that I really am an orphan or I was just abandoned. And, the terrible thing is that I preferred for my family to be dead because it meant they weren't there due to unchangeable circumstances and not because they just didn't want me."

I always felt horrible about admitting to feeling that way when I was younger, but looking up, I didn't see disgust or pity in Oreius' eyes. All I saw was understanding for the girl I had been so long ago and the woman I was now. "As I said, there is no shame in the circumstances of your past. And, both of my promises still hold true." I nodded my thanks and he changed the subject to something lighter, "I understand that their majesties and Tuulea spent the morning adding to your wardrobe."

I leaned my head back with a groan, "Oh, don't remind me, Kentauri. I think they've decided that one way or another they are going to get me into dresses more days than not. This morning was just the choosing of colors, fabrics, and designs for both winter and spring! And, did I get any real say in the matter? No! Tuulea wants me back for initial fittings in two days...this is going to be utter torture. What's worse is that I have already been threatened with having every single garment I currently possess gussied up with ribbons and lace and other thingamajigs if I do not cooperate fully, which includes the wearing of all these dresses."

The Kentauri just looked at me, the skirt I was wearing, and then he raised an eyebrow. I responded by sticking my tongue out at him, which caught him off guard before he smirked. Then I saw a familiar look creep into his eyes as he mulled over my complaints. "Oh no."

"What's wrong?"

I glared at him, "You have that look in your eye."

Oreius shook his head, but that look never left. "What look?"

"That look where you are coming up with one of those tortures you have thinly disguised as training routines like the evil genius you are."

He laughed at me again (apparently my way of describing things entertained him) before he grinned, "You think I'm a genius."

"An evil genius, Kentauri, evil. Pay attention, otherwise my entire attempt at a backhanded compliment goes to waste. You are a genius at creating tortures thinly disguised as training, but you are an evil genius." I paused and judged that by his amused expression, Oreius still wasn't really registering the whole 'evil' part of what I called him. "What are you planning? Never mind, don't tell me, I'm sure I'll find out soon enough." I was right and I didn't appreciate it at all when I learned what it was.

Oreius laughed at me and he left shortly after that, I suspected it was to go fill in the blanks on his evil plan. I turned in and got some sleep, surprisingly I didn't experience any nightmares. Our late night talks on Sixthday became a routine for Oreius and myself, although the location of these talks changed at times, if we were in the same place as each other, every Sixthday ended with our talking about various subjects, some serious and some light. I suppose one might consider that night had been the first testing of our new relationship as official and true friends, which was the most important though there were certainly other more dramatic ways in which it was tested.

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A/N: Please Read and Review! This chapter was a struggle to write, so I hope y'all enjoyed the end result. To anonymous reviewer "Hey", I am afraid that I only have five planned chapters left for this story unless I get requests. So, if anyone has a request for Shields (including who's POV the next chapter should be in), this is the time to let me know. :) I most likely won't post again this week as I have a paper to write, but hopefully new chapters will go up next week. Click the little review button below and let me know what y'all think about this chapter and if y'all have any requests for future chapters.