La la la...winter is in the air...

Song for this Chapter: Jumper → Third Eye Blind - I remember this song being like, my motivation for writing this chapter.

Chapter 23: Midwinter

In the last chapter...

Hokay, so Buri died and they had their funeral. Raoul realized that he was an idiot for being mad at Romeli…blah...blah…blah. Romeli shed her antlers. Then Romeli has her first walk in the snow (which she didn't enjoy one bit). Her friends, James, Ethan, Whave, and Sereem and her all went to eat at the mess hall and they talked about random stuff. They then find out that Ethan has a crush on Ryoku (winks). They leave for the palace the next day and the trip is pretty boring. Romeli starts to get sick and stuff because of the plant virus, until eventually she like wipes out and has to heal them. Um…that's pretty much it.

The first day of Midwinter was tomorrow and Romeli could barely contain her pulsing excitement. She would get to spend much more time with her friends, and would even get to meet some new people at the balls. Of course meeting others could be bittersweet...

However, today was going to be most delightful, though the celebrations and scrounging of delicacies had yet to commence. Today, her and Ryoku were going to raid Corus' colorful markets and stores for clothes and gifts.

It was a couple bells after lunch. Romeli lounged in her greatly missed quarters reading one of her father's many addictive books. This particular one was on the history of the Realm of the Gods.

A knock on the door made Romeli's eyes lift away from the thin, albeit enjoyable pages. She rose from her comfortable chair and walked out of her room to open the main door leading to the hallway.

Ryoku's grinning face greeted her happily. Romeli smiled and opened the door wider to admit her inside.

"So, are you ready to go?" asked Ryoku as she stepped inside. Her purse jingled with saved coins.

Romeli nodded. "I just need to get my purse." She slipped into her room and grabbed her bag of coins that her parents had given her. Soon they were out the door and on their way.

OOO

The lower city was a marvelous place made of mostly cozy shops and stalls on the streets. Every once in a while, a carriage would pass by. The scuffing of the horses' hooves rose the dust, making yellow specks sprinkle their clothes. Neither of them cared to notice. Romeli was too hypnotized under the spell of the market's colors to care. The shouts of salesmen shouting persuasive poetry to buy their fresh products rang in her ears. Several times she found herself stopping at a stall, gazing at priceless clothes or drool worthy rings. Ryoku would roll her eyes and tug Romeli's arm to begin their walking again.

"Oh. Let's go in here," Ryoku said pointy to a dainty shop with a sign reading 'Lalassa's Dresses' "The owner was my father's friend's maid."

Romeli looked at her. "Your father's who-now?"

Ryoku sighed laughing. "Never mind. Let's go."

They entered the shop, the ringing of the bell making their presence known.

A woman of about the age of her late thirties walked up to a desk from the back room at the sound of the bell. She smiled warmly at the two of them, though her eyes looked confused when they fell on Romeli.

"Lady Ryoku!" she greeted. "My, it's been a long time since I have seen you. How is your father fairing? And who is your friend?"

Ryoku smiled back. "My father is doing quite well. He came back from the forts just two days ago along with my other brother Tim. And this is my friend Romeli," introduced Ryoku. "She's Daine's and Numair's daughter."

Lalassa smiled at Romeli. "It's very nice to meet you, Lady Romeli." Romeli smiled and nodded.

"Oh Lalassa," Ryoku started. "This could be a monster of a favor, but do you think you could make us gowns for midwinter? It doesn't have to be by tomorrow though. Whenever will work."

Lalassa smiled. "Of course Lady Ryoku. Anything for Master Neal's daughter." She turned to Romeli. "And it would be magnificent to make a dress for you. The color green will suit you well."

Romeli had to fight an inner war to keep herself from rolling her eyes.

After taking measurements, Romeli and Ryoku laughed before bidding farewell, ringing through the door once again.

"So, what should we give our friends?" asked Ryoku as they wove briskly through the marketplace.

Romeli shrugged, walking in step with Ryoku. "I dunno. I already have something for James in my room, but I can't think of anything to give the others. We could just browse I guess. You're the one who knows where we're going."

Ryoku nodded, grinning. "You're right. Let's check out some stores."

An hour later, they bought just about everything they needed. Romeli had bought a glass miniature sword for Whave that reminded her of him. For Ethan she got him a pair of riding gloves (since she accidentally burned the other pair.) For Sereem, she got him a book about horses, and Tim a sack of his favorite sweets. She also got a glass flower for Ryoku that she sneaked away in her bag while the Yamani was off buying other things. And for James, well she had something else in store for him.

"I have just about everything I need," said Ryoku. "I just need a gift for—Ethan." She said his name like it was a sacred object.

Romeli looked at her suspiciously, brows raised and eyes twinkling. Ryoku blushed and covered her eyes with her hands, a Yamani tradition that she saw her do on rare occasions.

"Oh Romeli I'm sorry. My mother is always telling me to hide my emotions, saying that it is disrespectful. But I just can't help it. Ethan, he's so—so—you know." She sighed making Romeli hide a snort behind her hand.

Oh the irony, Romeli thought wickedly. Ethan had a crush on Ryoku, and Ryoku has a crush on Ethan. This is just too good. I can't wait to see their faces when they find out. Maybe I should tell her. Nah…Don't want to ruin the fun now do I?

"Romeli," Ryoku said waving her hand in front of Romeli's face. "What do you think I should get him?"

Romeli shrugged. "Maybe some chocolate and a card or something. Flowers, perhaps."

Ryoku grinned. "I have a great idea." She tugged Romeli by the arm and dragged her down the street.

OOO

Romeli woke up at around ten o' clock the next day. She eased herself out of bed tiredly and wiped her eyes. Today was the first day of Midwinter.

Despite her weariness, she couldn't help but grin. She couldn't wait to see the faces of her friends when they saw what she gave them.

She creaked open her door, dressed in comfortable breeches and a tunic. Her parents smiled as they sat on the ground, playing with a rehabilitating fox.

Daine smiled when she came in bleary eyed. "Your friends dropped by earlier with some things for you," she informed. "They're in the corner by your father's desk."

Romeli nodded. She walked over towards them taking two wrapped objects out of her pockets. "These ate for you." Walking towards the corner, she scooped up her gifts with care and put them back down next to her parents so they could open them all together.

Daine was the first to open her gift. When she did, she smiled, handling the fragile object in her hand with care. In her hand was a glass humming bird that looked so real that it seemed to be frozen by frost. It was misted a slight teal, the tips of its outspread wings a sea blue, and its beak and claws a magnificent orange.

"You're turn Da," said Romeli after her mother had thanked her.

Numair unwrapped the wrapping with care, playing the patient parent. When at last he had it open, he looked down at a pendent. The pendent was a dull bronze with interesting symbolism around the smooth edges. Even across from the object, she could sense the powers stored inside of it. Numair fingered the object thoughtfully.

"A healing pendent," Numair said. "Thank you," Romeli smiled. Healing pendants weren't at all rare, but if used at the right time, they had the ability to save someone's life. Both of her parents looked at her, telling her it was her turn next.

Romeli picked a gift out randomly, it just happened to be Whave's. She unwrapped the gift to reveal a wooden box. She examined it closely, looking for an opening. When she found a latch, she opened it swiftly.

Romeli yelped rather loudly and threw the box across the room when a green snake popped out at her face. After her heart began to slow, it was only then that she realized the snake was fake. A coiled spring made it pop out. Her parents were laughing uncontrollably. The guest-fox yowled at the surprise.

Romeli laughed and picked out her next gift. This one was from her Aunt and Uncle Alanna and George. When she unwrapped the gift and opened the box, she found herself gazing down at a beautiful spyglass. She picked it up, turning it in her hands. It was spotless silver, and was much lighter than she thought. When she looked through the glass, she could see far and clearly.

Her other presents were also quite enjoyable. Ethan gave her a pair of crystal green ear bobs that she adored greatly. Ryoku gave her a beautifully shaped rock that looked like a cave big enough for Sharpfang to sleep in. In fact, it probably was for Sharpfang. Sereem gave her a half-pound of Corus's best sweets. Tim gave her a scarf, and James gave her a book of adventure poems and a painting of a black mare galloping along a windy field. She embraced all of her gifts happily, hoping that they too enjoyed the presents she gave them.

OOO

Later at noon, all of her friends somehow managed to come to Romeli's room. They piled through her door, tackling her down with gigantic hugs. After their thanks and hers were over, they lazed on the floor.

"Arg," cried Tim dryly. "I have to serve Lady Amala's table," he complained. All the pages cried out in disgust.

"Uhg," said Ryoku. "She needs to learn to get a room. The flirt."

"And guess what else?" said Ethan. "My father arrived this morning."

Silence.

"That's great Ethan!" said Romeli enthusiastically. "I love it when relatives visit."

Every one sat up and glared at her. Romeli looked at them "That isn't a good thing is it," she asked.

"Nope."

"Well why not?" she asked curious.

"Don't you know the story of the coronation of King Jonathan and the betrayal of the Tirragen House?" asked Whave seriously.

"Well yeah, but—."

"My father," started Ethan like he was talking of scum. "Was corrupted, just like his older brother Alex, and nearly the rest of the house."

"Why aren't you like them?" asked Romeli.

"Just because I was born from a bad chicken, doesn't mean I'm a bad egg. That's where the problem starts. My mother, who was forced to marry to help her fief, and me believed differently from my father. When we would speak of something he didn't approve of or talk to someone who was 'below us', we were beaten."

Romeli's eyes widened. She never even thought it could be that bad. "Ethan that's horrible!"

Ethan nodded bitterly. "And once he finds out that I'm still friends with Ryoku and have been talking to you, I'm done for sure."

"You should report to the King. Why doesn't your mother do anything about it?" asked Romeli slightly frustrated. It was horrible.

Ethan looked down and she knew she hit a nerve. Tears filled his eyes. "She died last year of a high fever" A long tear dripped down his face.

Romeli and the rest of them shook their heads in pity. Romeli scoot over to him and put one arm around him. Ethan leaned his head against her shoulder giving in to her hug.

"Don't worry Ethan, we have your back," said Ryoku. Her eyes seemed pained, though it was hard to tell through the shield that kept her emotions in check. Romeli heard a sharp intake of breath from Ethan. It was then that she realized how much Ryoku affected him. The thought made her weakly smile.

OOO

That night, Romeli sat with her mother, father, Domitan, his wife Keladry, Alanna, Neal, and his wife Yuki. They were seated at a large round table, equipped with wonderful glassware and a vase exploding with roses. She sat next to Daine and Alanna.

That night she wore a dark green velvet gown with long sleeves that widened at the elbows. The dress had a low square neck line, with a trim of black lace. She desired to wear no makeup deciding it was too uncomfortable. She did however wear Ethan's earrings—her only ornament.

"Still after all of these years, I regret picking you as a squire, Neal," said Alanna dryly. Obviously she was furious that in some twisted way, Neal was at the same table as her.

Neal grinned. "If I weren't mistaken, you chose my son to be your squire as well?" Neal pointed out, brows raised.

Alanna glared. "You know well why I chose your son." She turned to the other lady knight, Keladry. "So how is the fort?"

Kel shrugged and let out a smile. "It's all the same, a few raiders here and there, but nothing too serious so far." Alanna looked at her boredly.

Kel turned to Daine. "So, what have you been doing over these couple of months?"

Daine smiled. "Me, Romeli, and Numair have been staying at Northwatch just helping with the battles." Kel nodded turning towards Neal and conversing with him.

A couple minutes later their server who just so happened to be Sereem brought around the water to dip their hands in, and little bowls of delicacies to nibble on, like olives and cheese.

"Hey Romy," greeted Sereem as he abandoned his manners and walked towards her. "I didn't know you were going to sit at this table."

Romeli smiled and grabbed a cheese slice from the platter. "I didn't know you were going to serve," she said nibbling on a bit. She smiled again.

Sereem walked around the table once again before leaving to get the first course.

Kel looked at Romeli curiously. "You know Sereem?"

Romeli nodded. "Yeah we're friends."

Kel popped a cracker into her mouth, chewing it thoroughly before speaking again. "When did you meet him?"

"Oh. At the ball when Daine and Numair came back. I was introduced as well. I met James and he introduced me to his brother, sister, Sereem, Whave, and Ethan. We're all friends."

"She saved my life you know," said Dom, playing the part of drunken pirate trying to brag about a ridiculous adventure.

Romeli looked at him confused. "No I didn't. I healed a cut on your arm and took a tumor out of your horse's foot."

"My fair lady," insisted Dom, now a dramatic poet. It reminded her a lot like James, truthfully "It is true that only healed my skin. But inside, you have healed thy soul."

Kel hit her hand on her forehead. "Never marry anyone related to a Queenscove, Romeli," she said warningly. Both Dom and Neal glared.

Romeli smiled. Across the room she could see Sereem carrying over a tray of food. Right on cue, her stomach grumbled.

OOO

After a very filling meal, everyone continued on with the festivities in the ballroom. The whole hall was full of dancing, music, and lots of talking.

Romeli stood by her friends as they talked and joked about various things, sipping at glasses of sweet lemonade.

"I have to say that this is quite enjoyable for a ball," said Whave. He never really was one to enjoy the art of dancing and court.

James shrugged. "I guess so." He gazed around the room happily. "I mean who can't enjoy a room full of beautiful court ladies?" The boy pages laughed. Romeli and Ryoku rolled their eyes.

"So who's up for a game of Trip the People You Hate?" asked Ryoku, casually changing the subject.

"Wait. What?" asked Romeli confused

Tim rolled his eyes. "It's a game we play at balls. The title speaks for itself. You try and innocently trip all the people you hate. It's quite fun actually."

Romeli eyed them uncertainly. "Don't you guys get punished for doing that?"

"Well of course!" answered James as if it were a stupid question. "We've been punished twenty-two times in fact!"

Romeli's eyes widened. "Twenty-two! James are you kidding—."

"Romeli calm down," said James patting her back. "It's worth the punishment, trust me. Live a little! Don't you do anything daring in your life?"

Romeli looked at him coldly as if the question was insulting. Hmmm let me think. Have I done anything daring in my life? No, surely not, she thought sarcastically. "Of course I do," she told him. "I bet I can trip more people than you."

"Oh you're on."

Romeli followed the others as they went on their great hunt for people they hated. The first sight of the nearest prey was none other than Gerardo of Stone Mountain.

"So, who wants the honor of tripping our little friend here?" asked Whave looking at them all with raised brows.

"I nominate Romeli," said Tim happily. "You have a score to settle."

Romeli grinned as she looked at Gerardo with wicked eyes. At the moment he was trying to impress a group of giggling court girls. Perfect timing. "I would love to."

She started to walk slowly towards him, scrapping up a plan. All of a sudden, acting like the flirting court girls he was surrounded by seemed incredibly enjoyable.

"Hello Gerardo," said Romeli in the most girlish voice she could come up with. She fluttered her eyelashes daintily.

Gerardo, who had been conversing with a court girl turned to see who was talking to him. He smiled. "Hello Lady Romeli. Change your mind about me did you?"

Feeling like an undercover spy, Romeli peeled a sweet smile across her lips. "Sometimes one mistakenly judges actions before people," Romeli said letting her eyes flutter once again. She nearly gagged saying such a thing. It was a physical challenge not to laugh. Thankfully enough, she held it in.

"I quite understand," said Gerardo smiling. "We're only human, fated to make mistakes."

"And what a mistake it was Sir, Gerardo," she whispered.

"Would you like a drink?" asked Gerardo, an invisible sign in court asking the other to stay and converse longer.

Romeli smiled. It was perfect. "Of course, Sir Gerardo."

Gerardo walked off in search of a drink. Before he went too far however, Romeli sent out her Gift and made an invisible three inch high wall in front of the squires feet Gerardo.

Gerardo stumbled over the unexpected wall and fell into a server, making him spill his tray of wine and finger sandwiches. The crash made a loud clatter that echoed throughout the whole hall, making people turn around to look at the source of all the corruption. Gerardo was lying on the ground soaked in wine, his hair, face, and clothes were splattered with torn apart sandwiches. His face was deep red.

Romeli laughed flirtatiously and walked away, a clear sign of rejection. She walked over to her friends who were just short of rolling on the ground in fits of laughter. When she came over, they all slapped her back in victory.

"Excellent," said Ethan grinning as she gave her a hug. Romeli laughed.

"Perfect form as well," said James impressed. "Have you considered ever being a professional tripper?"

"Not really no," answered Romeli. "But now that you mention it I—."

"Oh no," whispered Ethan hiding behind James. "I thing he saw me." Everyone showed signs of panic.

"Who?" she asked confused as her friends tried to block Ethan from view.

"His father," whispered Ryoku.

"Oh." She walked towards them trying not to make it seem suspicious, as his father grew nearer. At the last second she made him invisible with her Gift.

Ethan's father was a tall man that was strongly built. He had black hair and ice blue eyes. His face seemed to be made of emotionless rock.

"Where did he go?" he asked in a hard voice. "I thought I just saw him." He looked at them with a hard gaze. Finally his eyes lowered on Romeli.

"You girl," he said. "Do you know Ethan of Tirragen?" he asked of her. His eyes seemed to pierce through her mind. She saw James shake his head from the corner of her eye.

"I'm sorry who?" Romeli asked. "No I don't think I know him."

Ethan's father didn't seem to buy her lie. He left glaring at all of them, passing closely by where Ethan was still standing invisible.

Once his father had disappeared amongst the thick crowds of people, Romeli lifted her spell from Ethan, making him visible again. His face was pale.

Ryoku looked deeply at him. Her face was full of concern. "Are you all right?"

Ethan refused to look into her eyes. When he spoke his voice was barely a whisper. "I—I'm fine. I better go, you know?" He walked off his head still lowered. He hid behind as many groups as possible, maneuvering himself until he slipped past the door. His friends watched him go in silence.

"Do you think he'll be okay?" asked Romeli nervously as she wrung her hands.

"He'll be fine," replied James quietly. "He always is."

OOO

Ethan closed his bedroom door and sat down on his bed heavily. He absolutely hated his father. He had hated him ever since he found out the truth about him—that he was a Tyrant and a controlling jerk wanting everything to be his way. And if it wasn't—well, Ethan had scars to prove that he didn't like it.

There were many things that his father didn't like about Ethan. For one, he didn't believe in what his father did. Men were of the higher race and that women were meant to live in dresses and stay in their houses.

He lazed on his bed for about fifteen minutes, wondering where his friends were now, and if they might have some left over pie that they could bring him. All of a sudden there was a strict knock on the door.

"Come in," he called, sitting up. Maybe it was his friends coming to see him.

His father entered with a cold glare A wave of fear hit Ethan as his father walked towards him.

"I thought I told you not to hang out with that girl, boy," he said hardly as he stood in front of him.

Ethan stood up and stared into his eyes without blinking. He rose his chin. "So what if I have been hanging out with her," he said bravely. There was no way he was going to shame himself for being with Ryoku.

His father bubbled with rage. "You're a disgrace to our fife, boy. I have every right to—."

"I don't care what you do," spat Ethan angrily. "Just leave my friends out of it."

His father smiled. "It's not your friends I'm concerned about. You need to shape up! You were just like your damn mother, and look what happened to her!"

The anger and fury that Ethan was trying to hold in began to leak out at the mention of his mother. "Don't you dare bring her into this!" he growled.

"Your mother was a disgrace to the Tirragen House. You should be glad that she died!"

"How could you even think such a thing! She was your wife!" Ethan yelled, frustrated and shocked.

"You're too young to understand these things," his father retorted angrily. "You're pathetic. I don't know what your mother saw in you. "

"Shut up," Ethan growled.

His father looked at him hardly. "No." His anger began to turn dangerous as his hands turned to fists. Ethan cringed. "It's time you learn where you are in the food chain, boy." He brought his fist up and then down on Ethan's face.

OOO

About an hour after Ethan had left, their friends decided to leave the ball. It just wasn't the same knowing that one of their friends was sulking. Instead, they went into James' room to talk for a little bit.

"I'm going to go and see Ethan," said Whave after they had been in his room for about ten minutes. "Something isn't right."

His friends waved him off as they continued their conversation about the disgusting art of moldy cheese.

Minutes later, Whave barged through the door with wide eyes. "It's Ethan! Hurry!"

All of them quickly stood up with pale faces and rushed out of James's room and towards Ethan's.

"Oh my goodness," whispered Ryoku shocked. She held her fingers to her lips horrified.

Ethan was sitting on the ground looking down at they floor when they entered. He seemed to be bleeding from the nose. There were bruises running up his arm. Everyone rushed towards him.

"Guys, give him some breathing room," said Sereem as he opened his bedroom window.

Romeli stayed crouched by him, looking at his cuts and bruises. "Ethan, please look up. I'm going to help you."

She saw Ethan wince, but he looked up, his eyes full of shame. They all gasped. His face was sprinkled with ghastly bruises that were already turning an impressive collection ofcolors. One of his eyes was so swollen and bruised that it was closed shut. He had a splitlip. But worst of all was a broken and bleeding nose.

Romeli shook her head. "Your father?" she asked him bitterly. Ethan nodded, miserable.

Romeli turned around to the others. "We have to turn him in," she told them referring to his father. "This is ridiculous."

Tim shook his head. "We can't Romeli. The Tirragen house is very powerful. We're only pages."

Romeli couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Well we should at least tell someone. Like your father, Tim. He's head healer."

"Why don't you just heal him?" asked James. "My father doesn't need to get into this."

Romeli sighed. They were right. "This may hurt a little," she whispered to Ethan. He nodded. Closing her eyes, she began to heal him.

When she fluttered her eyes open, Ethan was fully mended except for a yellow tinge where the bruises had been. He smiled at them.

"Thanks Romy." Romeli grinned.

Ryoku came over to him and hugged him tightly. "Ethan I am so glad you're okay," she whispered hugging him tightly.

When they let go, Ethan traced his hand on Ryoku's cheek and kissed her sweetly.

"Oh Gods Ethan. Not in front of me!" complained Tim and James at the same time, shielding their eyes.

Both Ryoku and Ethan blushed.

OOO

Two weeks later, all of the fourth year page friends graduated to their first year of Squire-hood. Sereem had left only days after with Kel as his Knight Master. They were headed north to help with the war.

Ethan, who was now Ryoku's lovesick boyfriend, was devastated when he found out he had to leave with his own Knight Master, Owen of Jesslaw. They were bound for the desert.

"What do you mean you're leaving?" asked Romeli sadly as she sat across from James. He was packing his things.

"I mean that I'm leaving," said James as he attempted to fit a bucket of candy into his pack. "I have to go and get something for Alanna at House Olau. I'm sorry, but I have to go. I'll be back in a little over a week."

Romeli nodded. "Lucky," she mumbled

James rolled his eyes. Romeli never ceased to have a sense of adventure.

Romeli suddenly seemed to look much happier. She shrugged. "See ya." She stood up and walked out of his room.

James glared at her retreating body. "I feel so loved."

Right.

Replies:

Kuyaga: Oh don't worry I will. It's not gonna be the roof tho. It's gonna be a colder place. Aren't I just so evil? Hahaha.

Dreambringer: aww thanx. Don't worry I'll try to update quicker next time.

Lady. Of. The. Own: You read all of it in one day! You my dear have quite a talent. It would take me like a week to read all of this. Well okay maybe a couple of days…. Yes I think I'm going to leave the big part in the story, it would make more sense. How did you like my tripping part? Lol. Thanka very much!

HyperLittleCat: You got out of Azkaban just for me? Lol. I luv antarctica. You like Ethan? How cute. He's taken tho. Sorry bout the mistakes. Oh I know I don't have to put the disclaimer all the time, but it's fun. Lol. ur funny. Haha. So did ya read HP 6? Luv the book.

Queen Thayet12990: lol. u make me laugh. Okay. I'lll try and update faster nxt time.

Wingedrider: lol. thanka.

George Bassy: lol. I'll try and e-mail when I have time. I'm sarting marching band soon. Aww how cute. Lol.