DarkPriestess66: I know I didn't write about Harry and Corina getting married, since they are just normal Heralds, they just went to a temple and wedded that way. No fanfare, no special crap like the High ranking Heralds would have aka Monarch's Own or Monarch. Sorry, I haven't updated. I was extremely sick in November and just recovering this month.
Corina's mother looked at her wayward daughter and thought about how this betrothal would stop this crazy Herald nonsense, her daughter was going to marry, a suitor of her choosing. "Your betrothal, that I have arranged myself, seeing as you steadily remain convinced you belong with those Heralds. I know you do not, you will marry and be a proper Lady of the Court."
Corina's eyes widen as she heard what her mother announced. She was trying to tell herself that Heralds do not beat their mothers with the edge of her sword. She glanced at her father and he was gripping his goblet of wine like he would break the goblet. So her father had no idea, what his wife had planned.
Dasher's mind-voice was full of surprise when he spoke to his Chosen. :Is your Mother crazy, she might be in need of a true MindHealer. There is no way, she could possibly believe this isn't wrong, you're lifebound and a married woman to boot::
"You sent me a letter, saying you needed my assistance, but that turned out to be a lie. I do not like liars." Corina states as she stared down at her mother. "I am not marrying him. Matter of fact, I am leaving before I end up doing something, I will regret later. I will not speak to you ever again. Mother, You have no say in how I live my life. I am a Herald! I have a duty to Valdemar to give my life to protect the Kingdom, if I have too. You gave up custody of me when I scrambled up on Dasher's back years ago, I am an adult. I am also lifebound and legally married to a Herald-Mage, who I have neglected because I assumed my beloved grandfather was on his deathbed, and not some idiotic plot from that woman, who dares to call herself a mother"
Corina turned to face her father. "I believe you have nothing with that woman's meddling in my affairs, if time permits, I will see you again, Father and my siblings if they wish to visit me, they can at the Palace/Collegium complex and I will make time while I am in residence." she turned on her booted heel and walked out of the room. She ignored her growling stomach. She went to her room and grabbed her saddlebags. Luckily, the servants didn't unpack.
Dasher whickered in greeting, and Corina put the saddle blanket, saddle, saddlebags, and looped the bitless hackamore over dasher's head. She reached up, and scratched Dasher's ears. "I thought I would be able let you rest, after our trip here, which was a waste of time. I could have been helping Jeri with the younglings."
:Spending time with each other, is never a waste of time, Chosen.: Dasher responded as he lipped Corina's side, tickling her.
Corina started laughing as the Companion tickled her. "You're silly, Fairy Foot."
:At least, I have you in better spirits.: Dasher commented as He moved so Corina could mount.
"Are there any Heralds in this area?" Corina asked as Dasher moved out, she felt a black glare at her back. She turned her head and her mother was glaring at her. Corina turned back and Dasher turned and started to gallop, he jumped the gate. Just cause he felt it.
:There is, but he's up in the top most corner in a waystation.: Dasher answers
"There's a village about two Candlemarks that's large enough for a Guard Post, If the Inn is full, we can rest there." Corina responds as Dasher turned away from the estate and not towards Haven.
By the time, they reached the Village gates. The night guard seen them and allowed them passage.
Corina couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. She dismounted at the Healing temple as a little girl came running up, followed by the Healer, who was visibly tired. He stopped when he seen the Herald.
"Herald?" the Healer states
"I just arrived after visiting my parents, and I need a place to stay the night." Corina explains as she looked at the girl, who was now latched onto Corina's legs. "What is wrong with this little one?"
"We have just saved this little one from her abusive guardian." the Healer responded "But she doesn't want to take a bath or even eat."
Corina knelt down, she looked at the girl. "Were you hurt by Ma or Pa?"
"Ma and pa are gone, Uncle hurt me." the girl whispered as she sniffed
Corina held out her arms. "I'll try to tend to her, I believe she has a fear of men." the little girl hugged the Herald.