Even as an adult, there was sothing about stationery and organizational items that excited her. In her original world, she was the only one of her crafting friends who actually had their supplies and tools organized. She chalked it up to habit, as being organized and able to track where things were was a skill needed for her job.
That carried over into this world, and so the morning after she got her crystal carrying case, she went to Anahata Island after brunch to show her masters. She understood she was like a child showing off a new toy, but she didnt care. She was sure Master Ramos and Instructor Ignatius would understand.
And they did.
I shouldve thought of this when I was commuting to and from Lyce, Instructor Ignatius said. I can put several of these on my back or in the saddle bags when riding and keep everything organized.
I liked it so much, Im going to order a few more and see if there is a way to resize the compartnts to fit different sized crystals, Tori said as she sat across from her now forr Lyce instructor. Making them stackable and perhaps able to latch together in sets for more convenient transport is also sothing I want to try.
Have you considered doing a lining of thin selenite at the base of each compartnt to charge them when not in use?
I thought about that, but I was worried that the shaking of the crystals against it during transport could damage the selenite, since its a softer crystal, Tori replied.
The two lapsed into silence to think about other improvents that could be made. Master Ramos approached them with a wooden box piled with random crystal pieces.
Lady Tori, these are all charged pieces from which you can pick. They will fit well into your carrying case, Master Ramos said. He placed the box on the table and reached into the front pocket of his leather apron to take out a velvet bag. And these are the crystals that can fit into your bracelet.
Toris eyes lit up and she moved her case to the side so she could look at the crystals offered. What do you recomnd for my journey?
For comfort, as the weather is growing warr, I suggest these air crystals, so ice calcite, and of course clear quartz to amplify the others, Master Ramos said, picking a few crystals out of the wooden box. Your bracelet should have crystals that will be useful in dire situations. You are a Marquis daughter; you should always be prepared.
Tori nodded and inspected each crystal he showed her. A few paces away, Piers was seated on a tree stump. On an actual chair next to him, Benedict the cat was sleeping on a cushion. When he tried to move the cat, both Master Ramos and Tori asked what he was doing; Benedict was already sleeping there.
He frowned and took a seat next to the cat, on the stump. Master Ramos, are you not going to the Tetri Duchy, as well? he asked.
The old man continued to help Tori and Instructor Ignatius sort through crystals. No, I still have work to do here. And Benedict is still small. Who will feed him?
Tori glanced up and saw the corner of Instructor Ignatius eye twitch. She held back a chuckle and organized the crystals laid out in front of her. Master, what about these seven?
Master Ramos looked over. He narrowed his eyes and pushed a few forward. Heliotrope is extrely useful in case there is an accident. It is also a rare crystal and difficult to find in most shops. Do you want to keep carnelian when its no longer cold?
Tori thought for a mont. I do. She was bringing so aquamarine with her, black tourmaline, and a few rectangular pieces of obsidian she was carving Old Sulfae into to give to her brothers for safety. She moved her hands over her bracelet to replace so of the crystals and was stopped when she prepared to slip out the black crystal.
No, you should keep that. That has the sa effect as soot ink on charms, Master Ramos said. You may be able to use it.
Tori looked down at the black crystal with the slight silvery sheen and gold flecks. She had a compact set of brushes and soot ink for charms and didnt think shed need the black crystal, but agreed. What is it?
Velar, from the Old Sulfae velare, Master Ramos said. Bring white howlite in your box. Lapis lazuli is also good.
Tori examined the black crystal. Velare was the root for write. Could she write with this? It didnt seem like ink...unless she crushed it into a powder?
It took about an hour for her to finalize her array of crystals, and she realized that if she werent careful, the case would get quite heavy. It had a strap to go across her body, but it could easily beco bulky.
Seeing the frown on her face, Piers tilted his head. Problem?
The wooden cases are probably best for stationary use, but they can get too heavy if I put too many things in them, Tori said. Piers reached out and lifted the carrying case at her side.
I can carry it.
No, its not heavy right now. Im just thinking about future use, Tori said, more to herself.
The rest of the day went quickly, and Tori tried to get as much work for Viclya done as possible before packing her things for the trip. She mainly packed pants and shirts, as she knew she would be going out into the fields and touring a mine while there. It was more practical.
She threw in two simple dresses suitable for the slightly cooler temperate weather of the Tetri Duchy, and corresponding shoes. She had made it clear to Duchess Tetri that there would be no formal balls, though casual dinner gatherings were acceptable. Tori didnt want to have to haul a garnt bag with a gown and all the accessories needed to go with it.
Do you have everything you need? Sebastian was seeing them off in the pre-dawn hours. Three carriages were prepared to take them to River View, along with both imperial knights and the two Guevera knights her mother sent.
Yes, Instructor Ignatius has the papers regarding the crystals, Lady Idunn has information on our irrigation needs, and I have so standard contracts we can use should we decide to purchase aquamarines from the Tetri Duchy, Tori said, patting the satchel on her. I also have my crystals and snacks.
Sebastian looked satisfied. All right. Im going to go with Ewan back to Horizon and then see him off for his exam. Then I will leave Horizon directly to catch up.
Dont rush, Tori told him with a firm look. Well be there for a few days. Her brother nodded.
Seb, we need to leave, Lady Idunn said from her carriage. Its still early, you can go back to sleep.
Tori nodded in agreent. The sun hadnt risen yet. Tori had said her good-byes to her friends the night before and spent the night in her tent in the encampnt, which was closer to the road.
She watched her brothers face soften as he turned and walked towards the middle of the three carriages lined up. Honey, dont overwork yourself....
Tori rolled her eyes and ignored him. She walked past them to get to the last carriage. The footman opened the door for her, and Tori looked inside. A light crystal had been dimd, but still provided enough light to illuminate the interior cabin. A pair of hands reached out to take her bags and Tori quickly handed them over before grabbing the handle on the side of the carriage and climbing in.
She sat down on the large, cushioned seat bench layered with quilts and soft, velvety pillows. Tori slipped off her shoes to get comfortable and just as she was curling up to lay on her side, her brother appeared at the door and instantly frowned.
Why is he here? Sebastian asked.
Tori puffed up a pillow and didnt look at the man reclined across from her. Piers was sitting across from her on his side of the carriage, with his legs up and his back propped up by pillows. He quietly adjusted a thin quilt over his legs and his eye mask was pulled up, against his forehead.
Piers has been assigned to inspect a village on the Tetri-Nordur border, so hes dropping off since River View is on the way, Tori said. She rolled onto her side and tried to get comfortable.
Tori, I got you an eye mask, Piers said. It will help you sleep. He pointed to a light blue piece of fabric on the small fold out table between them. Tori reached over and picked it up. It was soft and smooth, with a shine to it. Silver thread was used to embroider her initials.
Thanks, Piers! Tori bead. She ran her fingertips along the material. Is this silk?
Yes, imported.
Youre the best-
Why cant you stay in Idunns carriage? Sebastian nearly choked from the doorway.
Lady Idunn is tall and stretches her legs across to be comfortable, Tori said as she adjusted the eye mask ties. That carriage was smaller. If Lady Idunn stretched out, it would be difficult for her to do so, as well.
And youre short. You dont take up that much room, her brother frowned. Tori sent him a small glare.
This carriage is more comfortable!
The latest suspension has been applied and the seats were given new upholstery last month. The under-seat compartnt now has a chilling and heating box for food storage, Piers said, matter of fact. I have been keeping small cream cakes for Tori here.
You got cakes? Toris eyes widened. She hadnt had breakfast yet and sat up imdiately to begin searching the compartnts beneath her seat. She quickly found her mini-cake and looked excited. You really are the best, Piers.
Her brother did not stop frowning. Tori-
Sebby, we have to go, Tori said, reaching for one of the utensils in the table drawer. I will call you tonight to check in, when we arrive at the inn.
Her brothers face reddened. You said you wouldnt! he said, pointing to Piers. Piers furrowed his brows, looking a bit confused.
Tori chewed and swallowed a forkful of strawberry cake. Sebby, the situation hasnt changed.
Her brother looked at her suspiciously. Youre certain?
Yes! Tori frowned. I know what Im about.
Sebastian studied her face carefully, but eventually released the doorfra of the carriage. He narrowed his eyes and looked at Piers. Dont think I dont see what youre doing.
Master, Ive done nothing wrong.
Sebastian let out a low grumble and Tori quickly put her small container of cake and fork on the table before scrambling to reach out and hug her brother, if only to placate him. Bye, Sebby, I love you! She kissed his cheek and bead before gently pushing him away and quickly giving the footman a nod to close the door.
Sebastian looked at her with dismay as she waved at him from the window. The carriage jerked forward, and Tori continued waving until her brother could no longer be seen without sticking her head against the glass.
What situation is Master talking about? Piers asked, looking at her. Tori shrugged and reached for her cake.
Nothing, dont worry about it. She looked up from her food. Go ahead and go back to sleep. Ill dim the light crystal when Im done with my cake.
Piers gave her a small nod and pulled his eye mask down before slumping back in his seat. When Tori finished her cake, she put the used dish and utensil away, turned off the light crystal, put on her new eye mask and curled into a ball to sleep as long as she could.
Their first stop was a few hours outside of Horizon, along one of the major trade roads. Tori had planned to stay at Axtons inns on their way to River View. She had sent ssengers out before final exams to secure rooms for her party, as inns along the trade roads quickly booked the day of and she didnt want to stay in another inn.
Part of the reason was that she got special treatnt with her crystal, and another was she was able to borrow the inns kitchen to make small als for herself and Piers. They had food testers with them, but she felt she had a bit of responsibility.
Piers hadnt really been outside of Horizon in part to his unwillingness to be around people. In her two years since waking up in Soleil, shed been around the empire more than he had in his adult life and took it upon herself to watch over him. He was still the first prince of Soleil and she wanted to protect him where she could.
At each inn, Tori was allotted the owners suite, which always had more than one bedroom. Piers always got the other and Tori shared her room with Lady Idunn willingly. In this way, her brother would not call and be upset, as there was a chaperone, and she could get to know her future sister-in-law better.
By the ti they reached River View, Tori had a better understanding of Lady Idunn and Sebastians plans. After the experintal crops had settled, Lady Idunn would move to Presidio permanently.
Will you get married before then? Tori asked as she sat on the edge of the bed. Lady Idunn gently brushed her hair.
Likely, your brother has discussed marriage before the end of the year, but as the heir to a march, the wedding would be much more involved and complicated than most, Lady Idunn told her. Like Sebastian, Lady Idunn was also the eldest child in her branch family, but she had three younger brothers. All three were doctors; two were stationed with the Osten Marchs army and the last was a naval doctor on one of Soleils island territories. Not only the ceremony, but the planning. We need to invite the other marches, of course. It would be rude of us to invite them suddenly. They must arrange their schedules and travel to Presidio.
That was understandable. How long will it take to plan?
At least six months, if my cousins wedding three years ago is taken as an example, Lady Idunn said. In his case, he needed to plan around the weather, as well. Long distance travel through Nordur in the winter is too dangerous.
Tori pursed her lips. Is there anything I can do to help? In her original world, Tori had been part of many weddings. Of course, her friends and family there didnt have an entire staff of people working for them.
She saw Lady Idunns face smile gently from her reflection in the mirror across from them. Seb and I are both blessed by Surgrid, god of Wisdom. Would you dance the ceremonial dance for him during the ceremony for blessings?
Surgrids ceremonial dance wasnt as long as Phirus, the god of creativity and passion, but it was intricate with complicated steps. Victoria could do it blindfolded, and her body rembered. Of course! It would be an honor.
Lady Idunns smile widened. She finished brushing Toris hair and leaned down, resting her head against Toris affectionately. I am very happy to get a little sister like you.
Tori flushed and tilted her head back. Thank you for taming my brother.
Lady Idunn laughed and gave her a squeeze. All right. Lets go to sleep. Duchess Tetri is expecting us at noon tomorrow.
Yes, Lady Idunn.
I will be your sister soon. You can call Idunn.
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