Disclaimer: Obviously I don't own the character, nor the world. Just the plot.

7- Invitation

Next morning, Sonea had great difficulties concentrating on her studies. More than once, her teachers had found her daydreaming, and each time she had to apologize. In addition, she had to fight against the desire to hold the ring hidden under her robes up, clasping it tightly in her hand. When at last the bell rang the end of the morning classes, she hurried out the classroom and headed towards Rothen's one, not a little anxious. She hoped Regin hadn't noticed her mood, otherwise weird rumors were sure to begin soon… though they couldn't reach the weirdness of the reality.

Sooner than she expected, she found herself standing before Rothen's room. Fortunately, he was still in there. As soon as he saw her, he came to her, a wide smile on his face.

"Sonea! What a good surprise! You look fine. I'm glad to see you. But… won't it bring you troubles?" He added, lowering his voice, which had suddenly taken an anxious tone.

"Not at all. In fact, I'm allowed to have lunch with you today… if you don't mind." She said, her voice a little hesitative.

"Of course not! Come, come on, Tania will be glad to see you again. And since Dorrien is having lunch with Vinara, I would have been lonely. It's good to have your company again." His smile was so genuine, she instantly felt better.

"He really is like my father. I couldn't have missed the real one so much." Sonea thought, and she said "It's good to see you too. I've missed you." Then she thought about what he said, and asked: "Dorrien is having lunch with Vinara?"

"Yes, they need to talk about Healers' stuff. They… Oh, sorry. You surely wanted to speak to him as well… and I'm sure he would have put the lunch aside if he knew you were coming."

She didn't know if she was supposed to be grateful or distressed by Dorrien's absence… He already knew, but would he be kind enough to convince Rothen nothing was wrong? "It's fine, it's you I wanted to see anyway."

By then they had reached Rothen's rooms. Tania was indeed very glad to see Sonea, and she expressed it very clearly and for so long that Rothen had to send her off to bring the meal, laughing.

They ate slowly, enjoying the idle talk they hadn't had for months. But Rothen had noticed Sonea's nervousness and eventually had to ask.

"Are you sure you're allowed to be here? I don't want you to have any more troubles with him."

"I promise, it's fine, Rothen, actually… he suggested it." Looking away from Rothen's astonished and suddenly suspicious look, she said "I have something to tell you."

"You wouldn't have… he wouldn't… teach you –"

"Black magic? No!" Sonea herself felt shocked. "No, in fact he would like it if you were to join us for dinner, this evening."

A silence fell on them the time Rothen understood what she had said.

"He wants me to join him for dinner… Why? Why would he invite me, of all people?"

"Guardian stuff – or rather not – listen, just… come, okay? It's important. There is something he wants to tell – or rather to ask you, and he can't do it another way."

"And you know what it is." That wasn't a question. Sonea answered nevertheless.

"Yes. Don't worry, but please, come, and try not to be too harsh on him."

"Not too harsh? What is happening with you?" Rothen looked totally lost and pretty much frightened too.

"You will know everything tonight. Will you come? Please."

"I… I will come." He sighed, looking torn apart by this decision.

"Thank you!" She hugged him tight, then took a step back. "I'd better leave now. Afternoon classes are going to start."

She almost reached the door when Dorrien opened it from the other side and entered the room. Seeing the scene before him, and especially Rothen's puzzled face, he frowned.

"I told you 'gently', Sonea."

At this, his father seemed to suffocate. "Do you know what's going on? Does everyone know but me? And will no one explain things to me?"

The frown on Dorrien's forehead deepened. "Wait, haven't you told him –" He began asking Sonea, who cut him.

"The High Lord has invited him for dinner. Everything will be explained there."

Understanding enlightened Dorrien's face. "Ah. Yes. I supposed that's the best way to do it. Well, I just have to prepare myself to eat alone, in this case. And, Sonea… Nice ring."

She hadn't noticed that her robes had opened a bit, letting her pendant be seen. As she did, she tried to fasten up hastily, but Rothen, more and more suspicious, asked to see it. She reluctantly handed it over, waiting to see the understanding on her former guardian's face. She didn't have to wait for long. As soon as he recognized the Velan House's incal, he went by a blank look, which fast turned into a horrified one. He raised his head to stare at her, and she couldn't hold his gaze. A gaze so… disappointed that it hurt her. She had to look away. She said once more "Everything will be explained tonight.", took back her ring and hugged Rothen, who had completely stiffened. She turned on her heel and looked at Dorrien, begging. With a nod, this one beckoned her to leave while he was taking care of his father, to which he turned when she had left.

"Listen, I know it's very disturbing, but for now you better drink something and breathe deeply, because you, too, have classes to attend, before dinner. Wait tonight to make up your opinion of them. And if I know them, it's going to be alright. Don't worry… well, too much, at least."

Ok, so here is the last chapter I've written and tapped. Thank you for reading it.

Just to tell you, I'm going to spend August in a place without internet - or computer, for that matter. So it may take a while for the next one to be available somewhere else than in my head. I'll try to update at least one more time before I go, but I don't make any promise.

If you have any comment about the way the story has been going, or will perhaps go, please let me know =) Since I write it not only for me but also for you, I'd found interesting to know what you think about it.

Until next chapter, Fairfarren, dear readers!