Hearing a knock at my door, standing quickly door slid open on it's own levy stepped in smiling.

K-"Are we there?"

L- "Yes little one we are here, I thought you might like to veiw the landing."

Hurrying thru the door careful not to push levy out of the way, he chuckled following after. He came up from behind me raising me up in his arms cradling me, being taller he had more of a lengthy step not taking long before reaching where the funny pilots had argued before. I froze from the beautiful site of vadum, grasping tightly onto levy's robe sleeves he held me tight.

K-"Levy it's even more beautiful in person!

L- "Ha yes little one."

I never blinked thru the entire time we landed, 4 winged birds flew alongside the cruiser white with black winged feathers. I almost lept out of levy's arms spotting the horses, he held onto me tightly laughing at my excitment. Barely felt the landing of cruiser touching ground the help hurried towards the cruiser ready to unload their luggage. A tall female who looked like the head mistress at the estate wore her hair long, golden spikes held her hair in a tight bun. She was a brown colored sangheili, easy on the eyes she smiled waving to us. Levy held me the entire time till his hoof touched ground, he placed me down. I smiled in return bowing towards her, she did the same in return and towards levy as well.

L-" Ah so great of you to invite my grand daughter and I to your beautiful state. Keila, this is Mistress Cato. cato this is Keila Mdama, kato is a good friend of mine as well as her husband.

C- "It's an honor as always, and thank you for tutoring Karo in such short notice. Keila you look just like your grandmother such a beautiful sangheili.

K- "Thank you mistress, that means alot to me."

C- "Oh kaidon levu she is a darling, so well mannered. She will make a good wife someday."

"Mother sorry we are late, Rta and I were training and couldn't stop."

I took a step closer towards levy, as he bowed hello towards them. I did the same staying silent, they were just like the computer pictured them to be. Karo stepped forward grasping my right hand he held it to chin level kissing the top of my hand. I didn't know how to react never had anyone treated me in such a way. Levy chuckled as karo began to introduce himself, rta scoffed at his brothers flirting.

"Hello m'lady Keila I am Ka-"

K- "You are Karo, and you must be Rta."

R- "Welcom to the vadum estate m'lady. Kaidon Levu Mdama, it is good to see you again. Excuse me I must get back to training, Nice meeting you Keila."

Rta didn't give me the chance to reply as he turned hurrying back to train, karo snickered he stayed. It was like he had never been around another female sangheili before around his age. Cato grinned watching her prodigy of a son leave us, levy laughed shaking his head.

L- "Just like his old man, never went a day without training."

C-" I am afraid so, but he is excelling quickly soon he will be joining the war college. He still has 7 years on him before that happens. Then he leaves home for another 4 years."

L-"Well at least they are allowed to come home once a year for 2 months."

C- "HA yes, levu you always seemed to look on the positive veiws on life. Come karo why dont you escort keila to her room."

"I would be honored mother, come m'lady if you would allow me?"

He held his arm for me to hold, looking over at levy he nodded giving me a reassuring smirk. Hesitant but I did as he asked me to intertwining my arm with his. He was cute in a way, but I had not become interested boys just yet. Surely he hasn't yet, maybe he was being really nice. I couldn't help but stare off taking in my surroundings, everything was just as I had seen on the cruiser. Suddenly we stopped, karo had waved his free hand in my face I blinked letting go of his arm inhaling sharply embarrassed.

K-"I.. I am sorry I completly dazed out admiring your place."

"Yes it is a nice place, and it is alright m'lady. This is your room, if you need anything feel free to ask anyone here. I am sorry I must leave but I really should get back to training."

We bowed to one another as he walked back down the halls, opening the doors to my room. It was similar to back home of course the decore was different, but religon wise it was the same. The help began bringing my things into my room bowing first of course and began to unpack everything for me. Walking towards the back of my room two large window like doors were open revealing the stables, and acres of pastures with the majestic animals. I couldnt help but almost lean over the edge trying to get a closer look, such large beautiful tan fur with a champaigne colored maine. But there were other colors as well, some were pure white, and black. Biting my lip I so wished to ride one, but I must respect their property.

K- "I wonder if it would be alright if I went to look around, maybe watch the boys."

Without thinking twice I was already sprinting thru the halls , the weather was warm small breeze blew as well like any other day. I heard the familiar voices only faintly, I was careful not to get lost the further I walked the closer they sounded. Then found their training area, similar to ours except for grass they had sand. I had never seen some of the plants they had growing they were green with looked like thorns surrounding their stalks. The boys were topless karo wore a red lower skirt, as rta wore a white one. And they were training hard, sweat could be seen flying off of their constantly moving bodies. Kneeling down resting my knees on the sand as I watched them, they hadn't even realized I was there till karo had gotten leg swept by his older brother rta. I couldnt help but clap karo tilted his head back his mandibles spread panting, he then sprang up brushing the sand off of him. Rta nodded in greeting ready to traing again, I think karo felt slightly embarrased by that time as he tried harder to impress me. To be honest I was impressed by both, I couldn't help study both of their physical traits. If you didn't know who was who, you would think karo was the elder brother and rta the youngest. He was slim but his muscles very define, karo as I said before was even more bulky but in good shape as well. They started again, it seemed to be more intense then before, maybe because I was here. But I was enjoying myself at the mean time.

K- "You guys are very talented! Woo go karo, rta!"

Rta turned his head to face me, I had distracted him somehow as karo slammed his fist against the back of rta's head. Knocking him out cold, he fell face first onto the sand karo knelt down losing his balance. I screamed hurrying to my feet sitting next to rta's unconcious body turning him over karo just knelt there.

K-Rta! Wake up. Karo get me some water. Now!

"Brother i'm sorry I thought. Uh ok ok."

Karo scurried to his feet hurrying to find some water, I rested rtas head onto my lap. I didn't know what to do but keep talking to him, I was so scared.

K- "Rtas please wake up please.."

Rtas hand flinched, then his head turned to the side. Just in time karo came back throwing the bucket of water at both of us. Rta shot up spitting the water from his mouth, I gasped from the water cooling before hitting my body. Chills ran thru my body standing up, shrugging it off helping rtas to his feet.

K- "God that's cold, rta are you alright?"

R- "Uh yeah I think so. Thanks.."

"Brother I'm so sorry are you alright?"

R- "It was my fault for being distracted."

"Heh, well who could blame you with such a great supporter watching."

R- "Mn.. Yeah I guess."

K- "This is my fault I am so sorry rtas."

Helping him get out of the sun, his right arm hung over my shoulders letting him use me for support. I sat him down onto a granite bench where he could cool off and rest for the moment.

K- "Let me take a look rta.."

He stared at me for a moment but leaned over my way as I checked out the bump on the back of his head. I was careful not to press too much onto the bump. Karo grinned watching us rta felt unsure, his eyes looking up into mine as I concentrated on his wound. Soon as I locked eyes with him, it was like I couldn't pull away he was like a book once finishing a chapter you decided to read alittle more. Standing up I felt akward moving next to karo as my arms crossed.

K- "It looks like you will have a bump for awhile but nothing serious."

R-"Thank you again."

K-'' Your welcome.."

R- "I should go bathe."

"I will come along and make sure you don't drown yourself."

R- "Ha ha."

Waving towards them, I decided to go back to my room taking off my dress to let it dry. Having to put on another dress similar but of different color pure white. Later as I sat brushing my hair I couldn't help but laugh at what happened earlier, it was horrible but funny at the same time.

K- "Why did he look at me. So ridiculous."

Later that night was even more akward, cato began telling embarrassing stories about the boys and they hated it. I couldn't hide my laughter and neither could levu, but rta and karo seemed to be doing alright. Soon after we had all went to bed, having been a long day I was worn out from all of the excitment earlier. It didn't take me long to fall asleep feeling the breeze brush against my legs, keeping me cool thru the night.

In the morning one of the female servants knocked softly against my door before opening it to come inside. She greeted me helping me out of the bed, being used to being waited on. Removing my robe for me, to hand me my blue dress I slid it over my head myself. Letting the female to tie the waist straps for me, I sat down before an elegant vanity painted in gold. Brushing my hair slowly like a daily ritual for me, doing it myself then having someone do it for me. For the only person allowed to touch my hair would be tarak who I trust completly. Levy came in after I had finished brushing my hair grasping my head dress for me he placed it over my head into place.

L- "Good morning little one. How did you sleep?"

K- "I slept great levy, I hope you did the same."

L- "Of course, I made arrangments for you I am sure you will like."

K- "Like what levy?"

L- "Well from now on Karo and I will be doing our lessons, rtas is going to show you around. He offered to skip training for today which is a rare thing for him to do. Now hurry along he is waiting for you outside. Go on."

Running out of the room I hurried downstairs, stopping once I heard hooves hitting the pavement of the estate. My heart jumped recongizing the sounds made by the animal. My eyes lit up once turning the corner heading out the front door almost squealed seeing two large horses saddled and waiting patiently. Rtas held both by their ropes attatched to the bridles.

K- "Are you serious? I get to ride one?"

R- "Kaidon told me you were anxious to get on one of our animals so, figured I would escort you around on my two favorite horses."

K- "Oh rtas they are beautiful."

For the first time he grinned, running his hand along the length of one of the horses head. He motioned for me to come closer with a reasurance in his eyes, I beleived him cautious approaching the massive animals. Nodding towards an entire black horse, with a long mane and tail the hooves were covered in a thick coat of long fur.

R- "This one is a female she has no name males are easier to name then the female. So I will let you name her."

I looked at him in shock handing me the rope to her bridle, hearing her bit rub against her teeth tossing her head. She bumped her nose gently against my chest, I giggled letting go of her rope holding her head feeling her soft fur.

K- "Shiku, I want to name her shiku."

R- "Alright from now on her name is shiku and you can teach her."

K- "Alright girl from now on your name is shiku."

Tossing her head once more, a soft neigh escaped her lips. Glancing over towards the white horse reaching my hand over to pet his soft nose he looked exactly like her seeming more muscular probably difference of male and female.

R- "Very strange animal this one he named Tao he doesn't let anyone touch him except me. He likes you."

K- "Maybe cause I smell of flowers. Heh."

R- "Then I agree with him you do smell nice."

Another akward moment between both of us till tao raised up on his hind legs, rta was careful easing him away from shiku and I so he wouldn't hurt either of us. It was amazing how well rta could control such a large animal with ease, comforting the beast with quiet words of the sangheili language.

K- "Rtas' can you teach me how you do that?"

R- "You already have, you speak to shiku with respect and a soft tone. These animals are able to predict how and what we are thinking, feeling. No matter what beast you come into contact with, you should always be patient. But now we ride, can you jump up yourself?"

Nodding I stood next to shiku turning her head she watched me grasping onto the side of the saddle.

I couldn't help but admire the craftsmenship of the what felt like a matching nylon saddle and bridle. Glowing a bright pink, her chest held an armored nylon strap as well of course made for royalty. The saddle matched with a cushioned gel filled pad fabric of the same nylon reach out over her rear exposing only her tail. Shiku was much taller than I by 4 feet having to grip onto her mane with a slight bend of my knees kicking off the ground I managed to just barely swing my right foot over her back. Situating myself Rtas held her a minute making sure I was ready he waited for me to give him the signal. But I felt scared not budging an inch, my breathing became heavy feeling my hearts beating against my chest.

R- "You are scared, it is ok to be. Why don't I ride with you till you are comfortable by yourself."

Swallowing my pride I nodded quickly swallowing hard, shiku stood still exhaling a deep breath. Feeling her warm massive body between my legs felt in a way amazing, luckily I wasn't scared of heights, looking over the side seeing how far way from the ground I was. Rtas handed me the reigns to hold her so he could give tao to one of the stable workers.

K-"Easy girl, this is my first time please don't hurt me."

R- "She is gentle, if you do get hurt it wasn't her fault. You should trust her as she will trust you, be still shiku."

He was able to hop from behind her, using his hands to push himself up onto her back right behind me. Startled she took a step forward I froze letting go of the reigns gripping onto her mane tightly with my eyelids closed tightly.

R- "Easy, it's alright keila. When you are comfortable open your eyes but you will be missing out."

I felt his breath against my neck, blowing loose strands of my hair from behind my neck. His arms reached underneath mine to grip onto the reigns his legs gently tapped against her sides as she started forward. Hearing her hooves hitting against the stone, she walked proud raising her legs high showing off her prowess. Rtas robe pressed up against my back, it was dark blue having dark brown inner linning matching with a second kimono thinner. The collar and sleeves of each side exposed from underneath the outter kimono. Finally gathering up my strength to crack open my eyes, looking down watching the ground pass by, gazing around the surroundings. The bobbing of shiku's head and ears swiveling back to front, listening for commands that might be given. Looking back at rta he chuckled seeing I was enjoying myself.

R- "Not so bad is it?"

K- "It's amazing!."

R- "Heh that's nothing of what she can do, hold on."

K- "What?"

He called out in a "Yip!" shiku's speed increased in a slow run. I had trouble balancing on her becoming scared I felt as if I was going to fall off. Grasping onto rta's arms tightly. He released his left hand to press against my stomach pressing me back against him, he whispered.

R- "It's ok follow my body, find her rythm and your body will move with hers."

If my skin was a lighter color you would be able to see I was blushing, never have I been touched by a male on the stomach. Excpet for my parents, or grandfather my body found the rythm on it's own. Her gait was much smoother, removing his hand from my stomach he was steering her with just one hand as the otherrested on his hip. Her breathing was like listening to an old tuned engine that could run forever, the flow of her mane and tail made her look even more graceful as if she wasn't even touching the ground. Leaning down pressing my hands against her neck rubbing her, thinking back when rta just jumped up on her like it was nothing. He was more fit then meets the eye, training everyday like he did I am not suprised anymore if he becomes a ship master right after he graduates college. Pushing shiku even faster, he turned her towards the entrance of the estate. We were leaving and heading towards the city itself, I remember the map on the cruiser coming here. It felt awesome the wind blowing in my face, seeing animals in their habitat doing their own thing.

K- "Where exactly are you taking me?"

R- "I am going to show you the entire city."

K-"What in just one day?"

R- "One day."

K- "That's impossible."

R- "Nothing is impossible."

Rtas' kicked her once more she increased speed even more running as fast as she could, leaning forward my body followed his movement. Her mane blowing in our faces, the sound of her hooves in the same sounding rythm 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3. Never changing even when turning. Rta had her turn a swift right, leaning into the turn she first her front half into the air in a jump clearing what seemed to be an impossible fence to jump over. But she jumped with ease landing with a thud only to continue her speed. I laughed raising my hands in the air as rtas' took over, he managed a soft chuckle. Slowing down he forced shiku to zigzag up the side of the hill once on the top a large cherry blossum tree planted in the middle of the flat hilltop. Rtas' slid off offering his left hand for me to take, letting him help me down I slid off the slide hurrying to the very edge. My mouth dropped at the veiw the entire city you could see for miles on this hill, now I see why he said that.

K- "Rtas it's beautiful really is."

R- "This is where my mother first shown me the entire city. Now you know where it is you can come here anytime you like."

Shiku snorted her breathing becoming quieter lowered her head and began to graze amongst the grass. Leaning against the trunk of the cherry blossom tree, sliding down onto my knees careful to straighten my dress. Rta stayed next to shiku rubbing her neck, but I could feels eyes watching me. Sliding my body turning away from the large city facing rtas'.

K- "Rta I have something I want to ask you."

R- "Yes?"

K- "Can you train me to fight?"

He was stumped at the question turning his back to shiku leaning against her, he had complete trust in her. He thought about it then shook his head.

R- "I don't think that is a good idea.. Takes years of practice, and training."

K- "But i'm a fast learner, please.. I am begging you please. I want to be as good as you."

R- Why do you want to do that for?"

K- "I just.. Don't laugh. Promise?"

R- "Alright I promise."

K- "I have this goal."

It was so hard to just spit it out and embarrassing it was hard to even swallow, looking at the ground. Approaching shiku rubbing her neck now standing next to rta, he waited patiently.

K- "I hope to one day become the first ship mistress."

R- "Oh really?"

K- "Yes it sounds ridiculous I know."

R- "Well it is hard to become a ship master period. Course thats what my parents expect from me anyway. Karo he just loves messing around he doesn't want to join the navy but become a merchant. Famous merchant and like 5 wives or something like that. I don't find it ridiculous at all."

K- "Really?"

R- "Yes, and if it is that important to you I will try to work something out alright? But you must know I will not be easy on you just because you are female."

K- "Thank you! Thank you so much!"

I was so excited I couldnt help but jump in his arms hugging him as tight as I could. Even tho he was 2 foot taller then me his neck was still reachable. He patted my back feeling alittle uncomfortable from my reaction. Letting him go, he snapped his tongue against the roof of his mouth catching shiku's attention.

R- "We should get back."

K- "Alright."

First try I had made it on her back situating myself comfortably on the saddle. He was next to get on turning shiku we headed back towards the estates. He kept her what seemed like a sprint, but he explained it was called a trot her gate wasn't as smooth but smooth enough for you to keep a good balance. It felt like hours passed by making it back in just an hour, the sunset revealing its bright orange colors mixing with purple from the clouds. It was becoming hard to keep my eyes open, I was falling asleep finally passing out against rta. He stayed still allowing me to sleep against him, his head towered over the top of hers from being so tall. Tilting his head he stared down at her, only the soothing steps from shiku's walk could be heard that echoed around them. He wondered if this was going to be a lasting friendship, never had he thought a female would ask him to help train her. But he was flattered anyway, looking up he could already see the stars twinkling thru the sunset light.

Back at the estates levy was waiting in the front, grinning he nodded at rtas'. Levy was careful approaching shiku not wanting to scare her, reaching for me he was easily able to slide me off of her back cradling me close to him.

L- "That was a nice thing you did."

R- "She asked me to train her you know Kaidon."

L- "Well seeing that I will be here every year, I dont see why not. 2 months out of year. Alot can be done, she will make you proud. You would be a perfect teacher."

R- "Mn.. Maybe we will start early tomorrow morning. I figure I can make time for riding lessons as well."

L- "She would love that rtas' Vadum, your a good man and student."

Snuggling closer against levy's warm body he chuckled turning his back to rtas heading inside to take me to bed. Careful as he placed me on the bed tucking me in, removing the small headband placing at the table next to the bed. I woke up after he placed a kiss against my forehead, I smiled.

L- "Go to sleep little one you have a big day tomorrow."

Nodding slowly turning my body over to my side, falling asleep instantly dreaming of the ride from earlier.