Chapter 6: Blau

Sylvester, (his) Final year at the Royal Academy

I slumped heavily against the table as soon as all of my attendants other than Rihyarda had left. Finally, I had finished the last of my tests. But by the Gods, I was so tired. Though the letters from mother and father congratulating me had been nice. I especially liked the sweets mother had sent. But I was still dissatisfied. What I really had wanted was to see the pride on my little brother's face when I told him the news. Instead, he had smiled a noble smile and said, "As expected." Was I really that much of a disappointment? I mean I know I'm not as studious as Ferdinand, but I want to be a big brother that he could be proud of.

"Sylvester my boy, if you continue to slouch like that you wrinkle your clothes."

I sighed, "Am I good older brother, Rihyarda?"

My question seemed to have taken her by surprise. "Of course, my boy. Why would you think otherwise?"

"Ferdinand didn't seem all that pleased."

Rihyarda had a sad smile on her face. "My Lord; if I may, you and Lord Ferdinand have different expectations. But I don't think he would have offered you the assistance he did earlier in the year if he wasn't invested in your success."

"Doesn't mean he's proud of me as a brother." I muttered. I was sulking and we both knew it, just as I knew it was beneath me. Brother had a lot of troubles as it was, and here I was adding to them. I sighed and forced myself to sit up straight. "What is this meeting about anyway? I feel like you never told me."

Rihyarda smiled in a very grandmotherly way. "Perhaps you should pay better attention to what your people tell you."

I winced. She was right of course, but I was certain this time she had not actually told me, but there was no telling her that. Before I could think of a way to change the subject, she started putting out tea and a plate of sweets. There were two sets so I could figure I was only entertaining one person, but I still couldn't think of who I would be having a meeting with.

There was a soft knock on the door. Rihyarda bustled over and opened the door to admit Ferdinand, his female scholar; Heidi or something like that, as well as Justus. I sat up even straighter and glanced at Rihyarda who had a smile playing across her wrinkled face.

"Brother."

"Lord Sylvester."

I scowled at him. "We are brothers." I reminded him.

He grimaced in a way that I knew he wasn't displeased, but actually quite happy. He did indeed call me big brother after that. It was then I noticed his scholar was holding a medium sized box with a white cloth laid over it. Every time I caught myself glancing at it, Ferdinand seemed to be smiling in his evil way. Damn him, I wanted to know what it was and he was going make me sit through all the boring stuff before I could look at it.

We exchanged the proper noble greetings and I tested the tea and sweets for poison. Justus did a couple extra checks of the cup, tea, and food before Ferdinand ate or drank. We talked small talk for the first few minutes. I could feel myself getting more and more restless as we chatted. Finally, brother looked at me and sighed.

"Good grief, if you aren't even going to sit still then I might as well give you your gift now so we can have a proper conversation."

The female scholar placed the box on the table and lifted the cloth. Inside was a small fluffy creature with night blue fur and little gold moons for eyes. A Shumil. The little creature looked as if it had been given a proper bath and brushing before someone had tied a purple bow around its neck. I didn't miss that the bow's color was the same as my hair.

'Pooey' the Shumil chirped.

I could have hugged my brother I was so excited. Instead, I scooped the little fur ball out of its cage and hugged it tightly against my chest. It squirmed feebly against my chest making me wonder if it was unnaturally weak.

"This is amazing brother, thank you!"

He scoffed. "Think nothing of it. In fact, it would probably be best if you told people, you found it in the woods."

I felt a twinge of guilt at that. Ferdinand wouldn't even ask for credit for a gift he gave me, just to avoid my mother's cruelty. "But I want to do something for you. This is such a magnificent gift, and I was doubting you." I felt extra bad about that.

Ferdinand seemed thoughtful for a moment. "If you really want to do something for me, request father let me stay here year-round. I'll still return for important events." He was quick to reassure me, meaning my expression had slipped too much.

His request was like a small knife twisting in my gut. I would miss having him around, but I couldn't deny mother had been getting worse and worse. "I'll do it. I'll make sure father lets you stay. Anything you need."

He winced and Rihyarda hastily intervened. "My Lord, you shouldn't make such open-ended promises."

I glared at them both. "No, I meant what I said."

This time brother let a small smile show, a rare thing. "Well, at least one of us some sense."

I nodded. "I need you around brother, so make sure you study hard so we can protect Ehrenfest together."

He grimaced and quickly changed the subject. "What are you going to name it?"

I looked at the little Shumil and thought for a moment. "How about Blau?"

"Blau it is then."