"What?" I grumbled, opening my eyes and seeing my Russian God staring at me and almost crying with laughter.
"Nothing," he murmured, his eyes still twinkling with amusement as he scooted over next to me on the bed.
"What is it?" I asked again as a naked Dimitri leaned across to me and started kissing my neck.
"You were just sleep talking. You must have been dreaming. You kept talking about…"
"Giraffe Strigoi…" I butted in. "It was a weird dream, and they were scary as hell!"
The corners of Dimitri's mouth turned up as he tried to suppress a smile.
"You kept saying 'Go for the neck and legs – they're weaker there!'"
I knew he was making fun of me, and in truth, I could see it was pretty funny.
"Makes perfect sense to me," I said with an attempt at frostiness.
"That it does," he agreed with mock seriousness. "If we are ever invaded by a heard of Strigoi Giraffe, I'll remember your words of wisdom."
"Ass," I muttered under my breath.
"What about my ass?" he teased playfully.
"Nothing – it's a damn fine ass, Guardian Belikov. Why don't you bring it closer to me?!"
We cuddled in bed for an hour, and then it was time for Dimitri to get up and sneak back to his dorm room.
I opened the door and carefully checked the corridor. All was quiet, so with a final kiss I motioned Dimitri out into the hallway, and he tiptoed silently down the hall, letting himself into his room.
"I love you," he mouthed to me as he stepped into his room. I blew him a kiss and then shut my door, flopping back onto the bed and cuddling the pillow that still held the faint scent of my Russian God. It was another hour or so before I needed to get up, so I lay there thinking about how things were about to change again.
First leaving the academy, then leaving the country and now leaving everyone I knew and loved behind, except Dimitri.
I wasn't frightened – I knew I'd be ok as long as Dimitri and I were together – but I guess it finally started to dawn on me what a big deal it would be living not quite in the human world but as the only two Dhampir in a settlement of Alchemists. It didn't help that I knew next to nothing about where we'd be living. I pulled out the St. Vlad's laptop that I really must figure out how to return to them and fired it up, checking my email and then typing New Hampshire into Google.
The pictures looked beautiful, and I could see it bordered Canada on its northern border. There'd been mention of a car, so maybe Dimitri and I could spend a weekend in Quebec? The temperatures looked similar to Montana, so I guess I wouldn't be escaping the snow in Winter. On the plus side if we were near one of the lakes that would mean ice-skating!
Thinking about ice-skating made me think about Lissa. We'd loved to skate at the Academy, and at her home at Christmas before her family passed away. Unless our visit to Court lined up, I don't suppose I'd be seeing her for Christmas this year. The thought of that made me sad. She was my best friend, and instead of guarding her like we always thought I would, we'd be apart for the next few years. While a small voice in the back of my head insisted maybe that was a good thing for both of us, my heart was hurting at the idea. And I couldn't help but get a little teary.
Lissa being on my mind, I decided to check in on her. She was awake and sitting in bed with Christian. She too was crying.
"She won't be awake, yet," a sleepy Christian was arguing. "Go back to sleep - you can see her later when she's up."
"But it's her last day here! I can't even go to the allocations ceremony as it's Guardians only," Lissa wailed. "And I was so rude to her and Celeste yesterday when we were shopping."
I pulled myself out of her head and picked up my phone.
Want to spend the morning together before the allocation ceremony? I'm awake now – we could do breakfast?
I pressed send and climbed out of bed, wiping my slightly damp eyes. My phone pinged almost immediately. In a series of quick messages, we arranged to meet at the breakfast place I went to with Mom, Abe, and Dimitri. I was pretty hungry – all the sexing with Dimitri last night had worked up an appetite! Speaking of my Comrade, I'd better let him know where I was going. We hadn't arranged to breakfast together, but I should let him know I was meeting Lissa.
Off to breakfast with Lissa. I'll be back by 11 to get ready for the allocations.
As with Lissa, I got a reply almost immediately.
Did you want me to come to breakfast with you?
I took a moment thinking how to phrase it, so he wasn't offended. In the end, I went with the truth.
No. I need a bit of time alone with Lissa to say goodbye for now.
I pressed send and jumped into the shower, quickly hosing off any remnants of last night's deliciously sinful activities. Stepping out of the shower, I let my damp hair hang loose. Once I was allocated, I'd no doubt have to wear it up more often, so I might as well make the most of leaving it out while I could. I should cut it, I mused, fingering the dark locks in contemplation. But Dimitri loved it so much – I don't suppose it mattered if it was long, provided I could secure it.
Slipping into jeans and a tight top, then putting on my combat boots, I picked up my phone and read Dimitri's response.
I understand. Take all the time you need. I love you.
I smiled and slipped the phone into my pocket. I was a lucky woman!
I'd already ordered when Lissa and Celeste arrived. Emil and Celeste did the twelve hours on, twelve hours off Guardian shifts typical with a higher profile charge. Celeste basically covered the vampire 'morning' and 'day' and switched with Emil who covered dinner and while Lissa slept. It worked for them. In her mid-twenties, Celeste was closer to Lissa's age and a lot more chatty than Emil, who was in his early forties and naturally taciturn.
I stuck my hand up and waved, attracting their attention. Even at 7 pm, the place was already pretty full. I was in a small four-person booth, and Celeste gestured Lissa in first opposite me before taking the outer seat, as per protocol. A Dhampir server came over and passed Lissa a menu, ignoring Celeste as she was in uniform and obviously guarding.
"Celeste? Have you had breakfast this morning?" Lissa asked, gesturing for our server to wait as she took her menu.
"No, Princess. I'll eat later on. I shouldn't be eating on duty."
"Remember it's Lissa, now. And if you're hungry, by all means, eat. I'm perfectly well protected in here, and I don't like the idea of you working on an empty stomach."
Celeste looked around and shrugged. Lissa had a point. There were probably twenty or thirty Guardians in here.
"Sure. Might as well get in practice for Lehigh, right? I'll start with a large black coffee," she said to the Dhampir server, taking the menu she offered.
Celeste was looking over the menu so didn't notice when I lifted my eyebrows at Lissa.
I was thinking about what you said yesterday. You're right - I need to be more conscious of my Guardian's needs, and it's also my responsibility to make sure other people treat them well she said through the bond.
"Love you, Liss," I told her, seemingly out of the blue, giving her an approving smile. "So get ready for Lehigh – does that mean you're off to uni, Celeste?"
"Apparently so! I got an email last night telling me I've been allocated as Lissa's primary Guardian," she said jubilantly.
I smiled, and I was happy for Celeste, but it was bittersweet.
"Oh shoot – I'm so insensitive! I'm sorry – I know that's the position you wanted," Celeste said her face flushing as she realized what she'd said.
"It's ok, Celeste. If it can't be Dimitri or me, I can't think of anyone I'd trust more to look after Lissa than you."
"Thanks, Rose. That really means a lot," Celeste replied, giving me a grin. "Anyway, there's apparently going to be four of us - me and another for Lissa, and two for Christian."
"Any idea on the other Guardians?" I asked she and Lissa.
Liss shook her head.
"Hopefully Eddie for Christian since they requested the allocation together. Not sure on the others. I kind have thought Meredith might be interested, but she never said anything…"
"You could have said something to her?" I replied.
"True," Lissa admitted. "I suppose we'll find out this afternoon."
In one of the only fair aspects of allocations, Moroi who were allocated a graduate Guardian received a text message during the allocations ceremony with the pertinent details. Since it was Guardians only at the ceremony, it was the easiest and quickest way to disseminate information in a timely and accurate fashion. Guardians received a packet of information at the ceremony with all the details they needed about their charge and the allocation.
"When will you and Dimitri get the details of your allocation?" Celeste asked curiously after ordering two tall stacks with bacon. "I don't suppose you'll be getting the usual white envelope?"
"Croft said to come see him after the ceremony, and he'd give us details then."
"Are you worried?" Lissa asked. Lissa's knowledge about Alchemists was pretty sketchy and formed from the little we'd told her.
"A bit," I finally admitted. "I haven't had time to be worried before now."
My bond mate and best friend smiled.
"I'm sure it will be fine. And it's not forever. Five years will fly in no time!"
Our order arrived, and we dug in. Even Lissa had an appetite this morning, which was unusual for her. After we'd finished, Celeste and I eating enough for three or four normal people, it was time for conversation again.
"Do you have to wear your uniform for the ceremony?" Lissa asked me.
"Ah ha."
"I still don't know why Moroi can't come," she commented testily.
"It's less of a ceremony and more of a 'have your name called out and get given your parcel of info' sort of thing," Celeste explained. "The only speeches are going over some of the admin stuff like when your paycheck arrives and your benefits and all that sort of thing. They also announce your starting pay level. Almost everyone there will be on the same pay rate, but some will be a bit higher if they are in more danger or doing extended duties or if they're in a position where they're expected to buy food and cook for themselves and that sort of thing."
"So everyone's going to know what you're earning?" Lissa asked in shock.
"Don't stress it, Liss," I laughed. "All the other Guardians already know what I'll be earning," I said, setting up the joke.
"Yeah," Celeste agreed seeing the twinkle in my eye, "Not very much!" we said together, and lifting her hand, I gave her a high five. It was a common Guardian joke.
Lissa and I had never discussed a Guardian's pay or conditions. We'd never needed to. It was all handled through Court via Guardian Headquarters, so much like I didn't really understand the complicated Moroi taxation and tithing rules, she didn't get the system for the pay and promotion of Guardians.
Through the bond, she asked me what sort of pay a graduate Guardian could expect. It wasn't the sort of thing you were meant to discuss with a charge, but since I was talking to my friend and not a charge, I took a sip of my coffee before mentioning a figure.
Lissa was surprised, but she thought about the expenses of food and board, medical and all the other benefits Guardians received and decided while the pay was bad it wasn't scandalous.
"That's a month Liss – not a week," I quickly clarified.
"Oh," Lissa said, her hand covering her mouth in surprise. "I had no idea! That's not very much." She didn't know what more to say. If Celeste hadn't been there, we would have talked about it, but I knew Lissa was embarrassed now she knew how poorly Celeste and her other Guardians were remunerated for the long hours and all the risks they took guarding her.
"Yep. No one becomes a Guardian for the money. But I do like the looks I get when I'm in uniform" Celeste said lightly, defusing the tension a little.
"Do men stare a lot?" Lissa asked innocently.
Celeste and I both laughed.
"Do they just!" I said. "I've only worn my uniform a few times, Liss, and you wouldn't believe how much more men stare. I find it creepy."
"I don't mind it," Celeste grinned. "There's a lot of men who like a woman in uniform!"
"I feel like I haven't seen you in ages!" I said to Meredith as she followed me into my dorm room. It was 10.45 pm, and I was getting ready for the allocation ceremony. "Lissa's a bit freaked out about us being apart, so I've been trying to spend time with her before I go."
I casually didn't mention the part about me also being worried about being so far away from my best friend.
"It's ok. I've been busy myself," Meredith said with a pretty blush.
"Eddie?" I asked shrewdly.
"Yes," she sighed, throwing herself onto my bed. "It was never meant to turn into anything, but I really like him."
"And how does he feel?" I asked.
"That's it! I have no idea," she wailed.
"Have you tried asking him about it?" I gently teased.
"I've tried, but we end up… otherwise occupied."
"Doing the horizontal mumba? Assult with a friendly weapon? Peeling the skin off the banana?!"
"Rose!" Meredith laughed in embarrassment. "And not that last one. Eddie's circumcised!"
"Is way more than I ever wanted to know!" I growled, throwing up my hands in surrender and grimacing.
"I don't know what he wants from me," she explained.
"Oh, I've got a fair idea," I kidded.
"Yeah ok. I mean I don't know if he wants anything more than that from me."
"Why don't you wait 'til allocations are announced and then ask him? Don't stress yourself out until you know if more is even going to be possible," I counseled, hoping now, more than ever, that Meredith would be allocated to Lissa. After me, she was the year's top female graduate, and Lissa was a high profile female charge, so there was a good chance, but you just never knew with these things.
"Want me to braid your hair?" I checked, trying to change the subject.
"Sure. Want me to do yours?"
"Yeah alright. I'll put it up in the bun holder, but it stays in longer if it's braided first."
Meredith sat down, and I quickly brushed and put her hair into a braid. Her hair was shorter than mine, but still long enough it should be put up. Besides which, this was the sort of event where it paid to show off one's molnija.
"Oh… I didn't think you'd have company," I heard from the doorway. Since I was already dressed, I'd left the door open.
"Hi Mom," I said turning to face her and give an encouraging smile. "Meredith and I were just braiding each other's hair. I can do it myself, but it's always neater when someone else does it."
"Yes. That's why I ended up cutting mine," Mom said easily. "Anyway, I'll leave you girls to it."
I could hear the disappointment in her voice.
"Don't be silly, Mom. Take a seat. We'd appreciate the company."
Mom nodded and sat in the other chair. The chair now I thought about it! Not that I wanted to think about my mother sitting in the chair I used to get it on with my man last night!
"You should both wear your Queen's Badges," Mom counseled. "They're rare as hens' teeth, and it's unheard for ones as young as you both to have one."
I nodded. It hadn't occurred to me, but Mom was right.
"Switch – I'll do your hair now," Meredith said.
I exchanged places, and within minutes, Meredith had my long hair braided and helped me secure it into the bun-holder Dimitri had given me for my eighteenth.
"You both look lovely," Mum complimented, giving us the once over.
"Thanks, Guardian Hathaway," Meredith said, smiling at her. "Thanks, Rose. I'm going to finish getting ready in my room."
It wasn't a particularly subtle exit, but it was clear Mom wanted to talk. Seeing Meredith to the door, I closed it behind her.
"What's up, Mom?"
"I just wanted to spend some time before you leave," she said, looking a little sad. "I know how crazy this life gets. It could be months before I see you again."
"I know. But we'll be back at court every month, so hopefully we can meet up if Lord Szelsky is in town?"
"Aye. And perhaps I could come for a weekend nearby some time? I have a cousin in Vermont."
"In Montpelier?" I asked, bring my chair closer to her before flopping down on it.
"Yes?" Mom replied, her tone asking me what I knew.
"I recently got a copy of my birth certificate," I explained.
"That's where you were born," Mom confirmed with a nod. "I have a Dhampir cousin who was the mistress of a wealthy Moroi. When I found myself pregnant with nowhere to go, she took me in. We stayed in a cottage on their property until you were old enough to go to the Academy."
"I can't remember any of that," I said.
"You were just a wee thing," Mom said with a shrug, although she did look disappointed. "He passed away some years ago, but my cousin and the Moroi wife still live there together."
"Isn't that strange?" I queried, raising my eyebrows. Mom shrugged.
"Bridget and Elaine always knew about each other. The three of them made the move from Scotland to Vermont together, and they lived as a family group. Bridget was a second mother to my cousin Elaine's children. Bridget and Campbell never had Moroi children of their own. He was older, and when he passed away a few years back, neither of them saw the need to move or change their living arrangements."
"Do you have many cousins?" I asked tentatively.
"Aye – a few. Most of them are a lot older. Perhaps you could visit Elaine with me sometime, and we can tell you about them? She knows more about the family history."
"I'd really like that," I said, knowing when not to push. This was the most forthcoming my mother had ever been about her family history and mine. I didn't want to spook her now she was finally divulging things.
"It was nice of you to save Pavel last night," I commented as I found my Queen's Badge and carefully pinned it to my uniform lapel.
"Yes. Tasha Ozera doesn't seem to know when enough is enough," Mom said with a smirk. "Pavel has always been kind to me – it was a small thing to rescue him."
"Still – I hope having a drink with Abe wasn't too much?" I probed.
"Oh you know your father," Mom said evasively, "he's charm itself when he wants to be."
I looked at my mother carefully, and she just might have been blushing. Right. I was going to leave that well alone!
"Rose? You know I'm proud of you, don't you?" she suddenly blurted out. "I love you very much, and I'm proud of all you've achieved."
I nodded, suddenly feeling like I was four years old again. I wanted my Mom, and her approval meant everything.
"I do… but it's nice to hear it," I said in a small voice, leaning forward and closing the distance between us. Hugging my mother, tears were rolling down my cheeks as we embraced, both of us still seated on our chairs. It was nice just to have this time together.