Chapter 2:
The next morning, Carrea woke up feeling groggy. You had too much wine. She scolded herself, whilst fumbling around for a clean set of robes. Seeing the reber mask on her bedside table, she smiled. I should find him, and give it back. But I don't even know which is his room. Picking it up, she admired the work done on it. It's such a beautiful mask. I wonder why he left without it.. Especially seeing as he said he would unmask me if he didn't find out my name. She laughed, remembering the events of the night before. Quickly dressing, she decided to try and find him, instead of waiting for him to appear with her mask. Hopefully it won't be ready if I find him, then that gives him another reason to talk to me. After having a quick meal, she wrapped the mask with some spare cloth to protect it, inserted a small note, then left her room. I don't know where to even begin...
"Carrea!" Turning around she found one of her friends walking over hurriedly.
"Yes?"
"I never saw you at the ball last night. Did you go in the end?"
"Of course I did, but you didn't see my mask, so how did you know what to look for?" She asked confused.
"Oh, well knowing, you'd chose something simple, so I just looked out for someone your height."
Laughing Carrea shook her head, "actually, I didn't choose a simple mask – just the dress."
"Come and show me!" She said pulling Carrea back into her room.
"I've only got the dress..."
"Don't tell me you lost your mask already?" She replied making herself comfy in one of the chairs.
"Not quite." She giggled, and went to get her dress. Returning, she lifted up the dress to herself.
"Ahh, very you. I may have seen you then.. But it's all a blur now, I had too much wine. So where is this elusive mask of yours?"
"It got broken." Carrea sighed, returning her dress back to the bedroom. "But it's being fixed."
"Broken? What happened?" She frowned at her.
Scowling, Carrea sat down in another chair and remembered the event. "I got knocked over, and it fell off and landed on the floor. And before I could pick it up, it was stood on. It was made of gold, and it got crushed too easily."
"That's awful." She replied sympathetically, "erm, you don't have any more wine left do you?"
"Go ahead." Carrea said waving her hand dismissively. "Not that I can stop you anyway." She grinned.
"Well my night was really good. I spent the whole night dancing with different people, but mostly with this man in a mask shaped like a mullook." She said pouring herself a generous glass of wine. "Oh and I even got to have a few glasses of Anuren! That was great."
"I was too reckless with my wine. I am sure I said a few things I wouldn't do normally."
"So, when will I get to see this mask of yours? Surely it won't take long to fix."
"Err.. I'm not sure." She said sheepishly.
"You're not sure? Why where did you send it to be fixed?"
"I didn't send it anywhere." She replied blushing, "the man I met at the ball said he'd fix it for me, I assume because it was his friend who broke it and he felt responsible."
"Ohh there was a man, was there." She winked at Carrea. "So come on, tell us all about it!"
"What?" She yelped, "there really isn't much to tell."
"You say that now, but I can never tell with you. Did you get to dance with him?"
"Yeah," she smiled shyly, "twice."
"And did you find out who he was?"
"Not his name, but I know what he looks like. When I lost my mask, he put his on me."
"Well, what does he look like?" She asked eagerly.
"Why are you so curious." Carrea frowned at her.
"Well," she said taking a quick gulp of wine, "you are so shy, you rarely have such adventures. I'm quite impressed you managed to get the courage to dance with someone you didn't know. And twice as well!"
"That's very cheeky!" Carrea scoffed.
"But true?"
Carrea ignored her and reached onto her table where her servant had left a tray of pastries. Picking one, she sat back and started eating. "Yes, take whichever one you like." She said before her friend could say anything.
"Actually I am more interested in who this man of yours is."
"He's not mine!" Carrea hissed.
"Did you not dance with him twice?"
"Yes."
"And did you at any time receive a kiss from him."
Surprised, Carrea almost choked on her pastry, but decided to continue eating it, instead of answering.
"By that reaction, I assume yes. Therefore I will call him yours." She nodded affirmatively. "So what does he look like?" She asked eagerly, "maybe I know who it is."
Swallowing the rest of her pastry, she sighed, then answered slowly. "Well I know for one that he is a Healer. And, well is a typical Kyralian I guess... But he has such lovely blue eyes."
"You know, that's not very helpful."
"Well that's what he was like. Tallish, dark hair which was at most shoulder length... I think... And blue eyes."
With a thoughtful expression her friend was silent for a while, then replied, "did he look like anyone else in the Guild?"
"I don't go round paying attention to what everyone looks like in the Guild." She scoffed in reply.
"Hmm.. Well project an image of him."
Concentrating, Carrea tried hard to project an image of him, but it came up blurry. Laughing, her friend choked out between giggles, "how much wine did you have?"
"Only a few glasses." Carrea retorted defensively.
"Ok ok." She said trying to control her laughing, "well could you perhaps focus more on his face?"
Slowly the image changed, and a face was more clearly seen. "Ahh, I have seen him about from time to time." She nodded. "I think I know who it is, but I don't think you'll like it."
"Why?" She said worriedly.
"Because if it is him, then he doesn't live at the Guild, he lives in the country."
"Oh." Carrea said a little disappointed, "who is it?"
"Lord Dorrien."
"But you don't know for sure?"
"Was he charming and sweet?"
"Yes, very sweet."
"Then there's no doubt. It's him." She nodded fervently. Suddenly the projection ended and Carrea stood up.
"Well then. I should go and find him, so I can return his mask."
"You still have it?"
"Yeah, he never asked for it back." She replied pointing to the wrapped mask on the table.
"Ooo let's see." The mask was quickly unwrapped, and the note slipped out and onto the floor. Before Carrea could grab it, he friend picked it up and read it. "Well, someone did have a good time last night." She grinned. Placing it with the wrapping, she looked at the mask. "Oh wow, this is a lovely mask. In fact, I do remember seeing this last night... Because I was going to ask about it."
"He told me he carved it himself."
"Well then, something that precious should be returned." Carrea took the mask from her and re-wrapped it carefully. "I do believe Lord Rothen's rooms are on the second floor, so you may find him there."
"How do you know that?"
"You'd know all these sorts of things if you weren't so busy with your head in a book. His room is near mine, so you can spy from there if you want."
"I'm not some kind of stalker."
"Of course you're not, now lets go!" She grinned jumping up and pulling Carrea with her. Dragging her out the door, she led her all the way to her rooms and stood in the doorway. "Ok, now that room over there," she said pointing to a room down the corridor slightly, "is his room. So he-"
Hearing the door open, then jumped back and peered out like frightened ceryni. Out stepped a familiar figure, and Carrea heard a hiss from behind her. "Is that him?"
"I think so."
"Well then, go and say hello." She giggled, then pushed her out the door and closed it behind her.
Sighing, Carrea walked slowly towards him. He started heading down the corridor in a swift motion, and Carrea had to walk fast to keep up. As he reached the stairwell, he began to create a disk of energy beneath him ready to float downwards. Before he could go anywhere, Carrea reached out and tapped him on the arm. Turning around, he looked at her and smiled.
"Hello again."
"Hi," she said nervously, "erm, I've brought your mask back." Gently, she held out the wrapped mask to him.
"Thank you." He grinned, taking it from her. "I was just coming to find you, to give you this." From his robes he brought out a similar cloth covered object.
"You fixed it!" Carrea said surprised. She gently uncovered it and saw that the crumpled gold was now moulded back into it's former glory. "Thank you so much." She said admiring it.
"I am glad you like it." He smiled happily, "let me go and put this away, and I'll be back."
"Oh, well I should put this somewhere safe before something happens to it..."
"I'll see you downstairs in a minute then." He said, and hurried off back to his room. Covering the mask back up, she too hurried off to her room. Entering her room, she quickly unveiled it once more to see the fine work done on it. Turning it around she noticed something which caught the light. It's been engraved... She thought puzzled. There on the back of her mask was a small message. So his name is Dorrien! A light knock turned her attention to the door. Placing the mask on the table, she opened the door.
"That was quick." Carrea smiled.
"Yes, and yet I had time to read that lovely note you left with my mask." She chuckled at him embarrassed, and looked away. "It was very sweet."
-Healers! There has been an accident in the city. Please all report to the Healers' Quarters.
Carrea looked at Dorrien worried. "It must be bad if Vinara is calling all of us." She frowned, exiting the door in a hurry. Together they made their way to the Healer's Quarters where Vinara was explaining the situation to the Healers.
"Can the rest of you find an empty treatment room, patients are being sent here. Expect the worse, so please have two Healers in each room."
Inside, Healers were buzzing about with clean cloth and directing patients about. Carrea wandered down the corridors, looking for an empty treatment room. All the rooms were filled with blood stained patients, trying to silence muffled cries as the Healers helped them.
"Here's one." Dorrien said grabbed her hand and pulling her in, before she got lost in the sudden influx of Healers.
"Ah good." Carrea nodded, and set a bowl of water ready beside the bed table. "I wonder what's happened." She mused aloud.
"By the looks of the patients," Dorrien replied peeking out from the doorway. "It looks as if a building has collapsed." Curious, Carrea joined him and too saw the dust covered people, baring both large bruises and cuts.
"This looks like it'll be a long morning." She said wincing at the amount of people already there.
"Are there any empty rooms?" A young Healer called.
"Over here."
The Healer led a young girl, barely conscious towards them. "Her parents are being treated. When she is well enough, call for an Alchemist." She left in a flurry, leaving the girl standing at the door.
"Hello there." Carrea said softly to the girl as she picked her up and sat her on the bed. She quickly started looking for injuries on her, starting with her head.
"Wait!" Dorrien said urgently. He carefully pulled back some of her matted dark hair, revealing a gash. "I'll wash it, continue." Gently, he washed the wound as Carrea continued checking for more wounds on her. Finally, she rested her hands on her and checked for internal damage. Carefully repairing everything, she returned to the head wound. Fortunately it was mostly superficial, and she would be fine. Opening her eyes, she looked back at Dorrien, "it's clean. You can Heal it." He nodded. Turning back to the girl, Carrea began Healing the gash, and soon it had closed, leaving a small inflamed scar.
"I'm done." Carrea sighed wearily. A soft bandage was placed over the newly Healed wound and Carrea gently lay the girl down, who had now fallen asleep.
"I'll find an Alchemist," he smiled at her, "you have a rest." As he left, Carrea perched on the end of the bed and rested. Soon, an Alchemist came in and took the little girl away, and Carrea quickly cleaned up ready for the next person.
"Somebody help!" Came a cry from outside her room. Rushing outside, an Alchemist was desperately trying to save a man who had collapsed.
"Bring him in here." Carrea said, grabbing the man's feet. Once he was on the bed, Carrea heard the Alchemist thank her, and leave again. Alone, she carried on Healing the man. His chest had been crushed, collapsing his lung and he had internal bleeding. Gently placing her hands on him, she first stopped the bleeding and concentrated on his chest. Relieving pressure, Carrea carefully re-inflated the collapsed lung, and checked over the patient.
"Where am I?" She heard a weak hoarse voice ask. Opening her eyes, Carrea turned to the patient.
"You are at the Guild. I just Healed you."
"At the Guild? What? Why?" He panicked.
"Calm down. You need to rest!"
"No! I must get out of here!" Wincing in pain, he tried to get up, but Carrea held him down.
"You need to stay still. Or you'll ruin the work I just did!"
"No!" He cried again, and jumped up pushing Carrea away. She fell back, landing with a crash against the cabinet, and the man stumbled off out of the room. Carrea sighed, now covered in pieces of cloth and Healing items.
"What happened in here?"
"And ungrateful patient." Carrea replied picking off items.
"Here," Dorrien said holding his hand out to her. Taking it, he pulled her to her feet. "You look like you could do with a rest."
"Where did you go anyway?"
"I helped with some of the emergencies, fortunately now there are no more new patients. So you won't have to feel guilty about taking a rest." He grinned.
"Ok then." She smiled. "I'm glad that's all over. I really need to sit down and relax." She said relieved.
"I know just the place." He smiled mischievously, "so long as you don't mind a bit of walking."
"Walking? Why whe-"
He stopped her quickly, placing his hand over her mouth. "No more questions. It's a surprise."
"Lead the way." She chuckled once he had removed his hand.
"Actually," he said thinking. "Meet me outside the Magician's Quarters in a bit, I'll go and get some food."
"Oh, ok."
"Don't worry," he said softly, and gently kissed her. "I'll be quick." Grinning, he quickly left, leaving Carrea standing dazed.
A little while later Carrea sat outside the Magician's Quarters waiting. The sun shone down warmly, alighting the bright blue sky and making the day peaceful. It was early afternoon and magicians flocked outside to be in the lovely weather. The courtyard was filled with purples and reds as the Healers were still scarce, most were still in the quarters.
"Carrea?" Came a voice to her side. Snapping out of a daydream she turned to find Lord Rothen standing nearby.
"Yes?"
"I heard there was an emergency in the Healer's Quarters, is everything alright there now?"
"From what I can tell. I've been told there are no new patients now."
"That's good." He nodded. "You haven't by any chance seen my son, Dorrien, have you."
"Erm.." She replied blushing slightly. Fortunately she was saved by him appearing.
"Ah, there you are." Rothen said to him.
"Have you been looking for me?"
"Yeah, and I was going to ask you to join me for a meal, but" he said pointing at small basket he was carrying "I can see you're already busy with that."
"Yes, I am." He grinned. "But I shall see you this evening."
"Have fun." Rothen smiled, then casually carried on walking into the Magician's Quarters.
"So, are you ready?" Dorrien smiled at her.
"Yes." She said eyeing the basket curiously.
"You'll find out what's in it soon enough." He chuckled, seeing her looking at the basket. Standing, Carrea followed him along the path heading towards the Residences. As they walked on, the forest came closer and closer.
"The forest?" Carrea said surprised.
Dorrien nodded, "have you ever explored it?"
"No," she frowned, "I guess, I was too scared as a novice, and I just forgot it was there."
"Well then you are in for a treat, it is especially lovely this time of year."
As they began to walk uphill, they walked slower, but still Carrea ended up exhausted through all the walking.
"I really need to stop a minute." She gasped, lagging behind slightly.
"I'm sorry," he smiled sympathetically, "I am so used to walking this much." He walked back to tree Carrea had collapsed on, and placed the basket on the floor. "Don't worry, there isn't much further to go."
"Good." She chuckled, catching her breath. "Because I can barely take another step!"
Leaning against the tree next to her, he watched her and waited a few minutes. "Better?"
"Yes, thank you."
"Come on then." He grinned, and grabbed the basket again. "It'll only take a few minutes." Before she could protest, he took her hand and pulled her along. Walking deeper into the forest, the sound of water arose. "See, we are here now!" As they took a few more steps, a hidden rocky landscape appeared, covered with running water trickling away.
"What is this place?" Carrea asked amazed.
"This is the Guild spring."
"It's lovely." She breathed. "I can't believe something like this exists in the Guild."
"There are many beautiful things in the Guild," he said turning to look at her. Before he could continue, Carrea pointed to the basket.
"So what did you bring with you?"
"Oh," he replied, forgetting he was holding the basket. "Well sit down, and I'll show you."
Letting go of his hand, Carrea walked alongside the spring until finding an even spot. Sitting down, she rested her back against a tree, welcoming the rest. Following, Dorrien put the basket out of her view and sat down beside her.
"I've brought," he started, bringing out a bottle, "pachi wine-"
"Pachi wine?" Carrea yelped.
"Yes," he chuckled, placing it down. "I hope it's ok?"
"Yeah, just unexpected."
"The food isn't the best as I couldn't find much. There's some pastries and cakes, and some fruit."
"Do you have any pachis?" Carrea asked curiously.
Fumbling through the basket, Dorrien pulled out a pachi, "just one."
"You don't perhaps have a knife too? Cause I don't like the skin." She laughed.
"I do in fact." He said bringing out a peeling knife. Carefully he peeled the pachi, cut off a slice, and held out the small piece near her mouth. Instead of biting it however, Carrea reached up and took the slice from him, and ate it. Hiding his disappointment, he cut himself a slice, and then tried again with a larger piece. This time he put it closer to her mouth. Blushing, she took a small bite from the pachi slice, earning a smile from Dorrien.
"Nice?"
"Yes, thank you." She replied coyly, then took the rest of the pachi and finished it. Taking another piece for himself, Dorrien sliced off the final bit and offered it to her. Gently she bit half of it and shook her head.
"You can have the other half."
Smiling more, he ate the rest and wiped the juice away. "Would you like some pachi wine too?"
"Just a little bit." She giggled, "or I'll end up like last night. Thankfully I wasn't too bad."
"Well I didn't notice anything." He said pouring some wine into a glass.
"I almost landed flat on my face at one point." She said with a stifled groan.
"There is little chance of that happening now." He smiled, pouring himself a glass too. "Here," he said passing her a glass. Saying thanks, she took it and sipped appreciatively.
"I forgot how nice pachi wine is."
"I'm glad you like it."
Smiling, Carrea looked around at the forest, admiring the peacefulness. It's the complete opposite of the Guild. So relaxing and wonderful. "Thank you for bringing me here. I can't believe I haven't visited here before. It's just..."
"It's always good to have somewhere like this, especially for us Healers. Sometimes you just need to sit and unwind." He replied with a small stretch.
"Much better than being cooped up in my room."
"And with better company?"
Laughing, she looked at him with an odd expression. "Of course." Standing, she rose and walked over to the spring. The water pooled off on one side, joining to a small stream, and flowing further into the forest. After a few minutes she crouched down, looking intently at something. Wondering what had caught her attention, Dorrien walked over to see.
"Be quiet." Carrea whispered to him as she heard him approach. He crouched beside her, trying to see what it was. Seeing his confusion, Carrea pointed to the opposite side of the spring, "over there."
"I don't see anything."
Carrea pulled him towards her, "there." She pointed again. Hidden amongst the grass was a skulk of zill resting. "Now do you see?"
"Ohhh." He laughed. A ball of red fur was seen, with the occasional white nose poking out. "They must be taking advantage of the warm weather."
Carrea grinned, "they are so adorable, I haven't seen a family of zill before."
"You really don't explore do you?" He smirked at her.
"Well it seems that I must work a lot more than you. I don't have time to go exploring the forest unlike some."
"Actually, I explored most of this when I was a boy. I know all the hiding places out here." He grinned. Carefully Carrea knelt down from crouching, trying not to disturb the zill. The ground beneath her crumbled away suddenly, and she lost her balance falling top heavy straight into the spring.
"Ugh!" She cried sopping wet. "It's really cold!" Dorrien lay on the ground in bouts of laughter, trying his hardest to stop.
"I'm sorry." Smothering laughter he made his way over and held his hand out to help her out. As she grabbed his hand, she smirked. Instead of pulling herself up, she pulled him down into the spring. He toppled in beside her with a small splash.
"Is it so funny now?" She grinned, and started to climb out.
"Yes, it is." He said pulling her back into the water, and holding her in a hug, "cause now I'm not letting you go."
Chuckling, Carrea replied, "can we at least get out of the water?" She felt the ground beneath her vibrate as a disk of energy levitated them out of the spring. Dorrien placed them down again on dry land and steam began to rise from their robes as he magically dried them.
"Is that better?" He asked, brushing a few strands of Carrea's hair away, tucking them behind her ear. Instead of moving away however, his hand cupped her cheek softly. As she looked up at him, she found her face close to his. Bright blue eyes looked back at her; twinkling, and a gentle smile curled at his lips.
"Yes." She breathed, "much better."
"Good." She felt him say, moving even closer to her. Soft lips pressed gently upon hers, sending tingling shivers down her spine. Lingering slightly, he pulled away, leaving Carrea breathless. Before he could move too far away, Carrea leant forward and kissed him back, then ended it with a smile.
"I-" Dorrien started, but was interrupted by a mental communication. Carrea waited patiently leaning further into the hug, and resting her head upon his chest. After a short while, she felt his arms hold her tighter. "I'm sorry." He whispered to her.
"Do you have to go?"
"Yes – and I need to tell you something."
Frowning, Carrea lifted her head from him and stood back. "What?"
She could see a guilty discomfort on his face as he began to speak. "Well, as you might know, I don't live here at the Guild. And I... Have to go back the day after tomorrow."
"Oh."
"I was going to tell you earlier, but, well everything else happened."
"Where do you live?"
He sighed heavily, "in a village near the South Pass. I usually visit once a year to report to Vinara."
Carrea looked away and didn't respond to him. His hands slid sullenly from her arms and he turned to put away the items back in the basket.
"Come on, I'll show you the way back." He said sadly, holding her hand. They walked back in silence, and Carrea was aware of him looking at her from time to time. Deep in reverie, she continued to look ahead, wondering what would happen. When they arrived at her door, Carrea turned to face him again.
"Look, don't worry about it. I'll figure out something." He smiled at her. When she didn't reply, he carried on. "I might have some more free time later, I'll come back if I do. Tomorrow I'm going to be busy most of the day. And then... I leave really early the next morning."
"So not only do I just find out that you are leaving in a couple of days, but you are saying that I might not even see you again for ages?"
"No! I will have some free time, but I am also very busy-"
"So I'm just an amusement?" She glared at him teary eyed. "Thank you." Before he could answer, she slipped into her room, shutting the door firmly behind her. Ignoring Dorrien knocking at her door, she continued into the bedroom in tears. After a few minutes, she heard the front door open and close again. Angry, Carrea went back into the guestroom to confront her intruder.
"Oh, my lady. You frightened me to death there."
"It's just you." Carrea muttered. "Sorry about that."
"It's ok. I've come with a meal for you. If you want it that is. Is something the matter?"
Wincing, Carrea quickly dried away her tears, "it's nothing."
"Maybe a drink would help?"
"Yes please, I don't mind what it is." Carrea watched her servant place down a covered tray and pour a drink from an unfamiliar bottle. "What's that?" She said pointing to the bottle.
"Oh this, pachi wine." She grinned, "a gift from an admirer I have been told. I'm not sure why it is half empty though."
"Did you perhaps get it from a man who was outside my door a few minutes ago."
"Yes, I did. Would you rather have something else?" She inquired frowning.
"No," Carrea replied after a hesitation, "pachi wine is fine, thank you." Sitting down, she glanced at the covered tray again, "there's no surprises with my food too?"
"Oh no, my lady, just the wine." She laughed, passing the glass to Carrea. "Will you be wanting anything else?"
"No, thank you. You go chase after that sweetheart of yours. I'll be fine." She smirked.
"Have a nice evening, my lady." She bowed and left hurriedly.
Later that evening, a quiet knock came from her door. I bet it's him. I should go and answer it, and apologise. But he should have said something earlier... I don't see how anything can happen. The knock came again, a little more stronger, and Carrea found herself wandering to the door. What should I do? I should at least find out what is going to happen now. Before she could change her mind, she turned the door handle and opened the door. However the corridor outside was empty. Sighing, she returned to her room.