You are studying very well, but you dont have to push yourself. Youre only eight. There is plenty of ti for you to beco more than proficient with charms and energy. If you have any questions, ask. There is no sha in struggling or not understanding the first ti, Kasen said as they stood beneath the shade of the tree, beside the Sword Associations outdoor kitchen.
Robert was picking up charms almost alarmingly quick. Kasen had also discovered he was sensitive to energies and wanted to encourage, but at the sa ti not overwhelm or put too much pressure on his son. Tori knew Robert studied a lot on his own and while the nuns had been impressed, Tori couldnt help but be worried that he was pushing himself because of the family he had been adopted into and the weight the Guevera na carried.
If Robert was so sort of charms fanatic, it was different than having an obsession to beco a master because he felt it was expected of him. Kasen was particularly worried. Robert and Fiona had been adopted a few months earlier and he wanted his new children to be at ease.
Several paces away, Fiona was dressed in the smallest gambeson and helt they had and was getting pointers for Sebastian in preparation for her first ti trying the pinecone challenge. Lyce was starting to close and all around them, students were cleaning up, but everyone was happy to let Fiona try the pinecone challenge before they left for the day.
Of course, it was modified a bit and the students tossing were kneeling or seated on the dirt so the pinecones would be within her hit zone.
I like studying charms, Dad. Its interesting, Robert said. Tori glanced over from where she was cleaning up the kitchen. She could see so longing in Roberts eyes as he looked at his little sister, and she could only guess that he thought that if he could walk, he could also use a sword.
Kasen seed to understand this as well. You dont need to use a sword as part of a marquis family, Robi. Our martial arts are important, but ones mind is even more important. And even as my son, youre not required to dedicate yourself to the family. Not all our relatives do work for the march.
Robert's little brows furrowed. I want to. Im a Guevera now. You picked .
Kasens lips tugged into a slight smile. You picked . It is my honor to be your father.
We are lucky.... Robert said in a quiet voice.
Kasen touched Roberts head once more. I am luckier. Robert leaned his head into Kasens hand. Tori could see that he was so proud to be Kasens son.
Robi, for us born into marches, listening to our intuition is a matter of survival, Idunn said from where she was seated on the ground next to Roberts wheelchair. When sothing inside us tells us to listen, we listen. When your father called Presidio about adopting, this is the feeling he cited. This ans that Kasen knew you were to be his son and daughter.
Regardless of the circumstances, you were probably ant to be a Guevera, Tori said as she lifted a wooden crate of clean utensils and plates and slid them beneath the makeshift counter. And when youre a bit more stable and are able to use a prosthetic, you can still learn so weapons, though dont ignore how useful charms and crystals can be.
Robert looked at his legs. One shin was missing, and his pant leg was neatly sewed beneath the knee. When can I get a prosthetic?
It is a delicate process and I want to make sure your leg is healed enough to support one. It wont be long. Ive already scheduled dical craftsn in Presidio to look at your leg, Kasen told him.
Roberts face lit up. Really? When I go to Presidio?
Kasen gave him a nod. It will be fitted and as you grow, it will be replaced with a better fitting one. When you are comfortable with it, we can teach you so basic weaponry and arts. I think you may be more suitable for a dagger, like your Auntie Tori.
Its easier to defend from a seated position than a sword, too. Its very flexible. Its so much easier to stab if soone is close enough, Tori replied. It is also much more convenient to hide against you and keep under your pillow or near your bed.
She saw Gideon giving her a strange look.
Kasen, shes ready! Sebastian said as he jogged up. Idunn rose to her feet as Kasen pushed Robert towards the ring. In the center, an incredibly determined little girl was holding a large dagger in place of an actual sword.
Daddy, are you watching? Fiona shouted.
Daddys watching, Fifi!
All right! Ready! Captain Kowalski started. Go!
To the students and adults, the pinecones were thrown much more gently than normal, but to Fiona, who was swinging and growling like she were personally fighting each one to the death, they likely seed faster.
Shes so cute, Ilyana said beside Tori.
A childs shrill scream filled the area. Die, pinecones!
Ilyana covered her face. How is she so cute!?
Piers nodded as he watched the little girl go feral. She is a Guevera.
Tori squinted. ...Im not sure how to take that.
In the end, Fiona hit about a dozen, which wasnt bad at all for a child her size doing this for the first ti. Both Sebastian and Piers praised her, and she puffed out her little chest.
Daddy, did you see?
I saw, Kasen said as he picked her up. You did amazing.
Do you want to take classes in Presidio? Sebastian asked. Fiona wrinkled her nose and then shook her head.
I want to learn to dance! She looked at Tori and bead as she threw her little arms in the air and waved them around. Like Auntie Tori. Auntie Tori is like a fairy when she dances.
Sebastian and Kasen both nodded their heads proudly in agreent.
She does. Piers agreed as well, and two heated glares were fixed on him at once. He lowered his eyes.
Tori saw off her tired relatives, confirming that they would et her at the delta on the weekend to partake in the festivities there.
Mother and Father also expressed their wishes to go to Viclya, Piers said as he stood by the entrance of his carriage. Tori froze as she saw him off. I have denied them, citing security concerns.
She let out a low breath of relief. Thats good.
Axton and I will co, and will bring our brothers and Fabian.
Accommodations are already prepared, but food must be paid for, Tori told him. Piers gave her a nod. She expected him to climb in, but instead he opened his arms. She sighed and stepped in to give him a good-bye hug. Ill see you this weekend.
He touched the mop of haphazardly bunned hair on her head as he stepped back. Tell JP and Miss Sonia good luck for the Spring Three-Day. I am sure they will continue to show the skill of Lyce du Soleils Equestrian Association.
He climbed into the carriage. Tori looked around. Axton was supposed to go with him, and she found him a few paces away talking to Montan.
I will speak to him to talk to you about using charms and you will listen to him. Senior Kasen is one of the foremost charms user in the empire. Look at his son. Hes only had his son for a few months, and he can already read energy signatures. Axton seed to be rambling and Tori knew it had sothing to do with how both Kasen and Robert had eyed Montan earlier that day.
Axton wasnt sure why, so he had asked Kasen. The curious look on Axtons face had darkened at once. Whatever Axton was telling his half-brother, it was in relation to how Montan was using charms.
Im sorry...I didnt think-
This is a serious matter. If you created a charm that harms others, even inadvertently, you are liable. Do you understand?
Tori watched Montans hands clench at his sides as his pale face reddened with sha. I understand. I only wanted to help her.
There is nothing wrong with helping your friends, but it is harming innocent people. I am disappointed in you.
Tori grimaced and held back a low hiss. It wouldve been kinder if Axton stabbed Montan. A pained and ashad look filled Montans face, and his head dropped. His entire body seed to deflate. He nodded and Tori could see his lip shaking. Part of her wanted to interject, but couldnt find the words.
Montans quiet, trembling reply made her suck in a sharp breath. I wont do it again. I wont make any more charms.
Toris brows shot up. That was it? That was all it took to stop him? Axtons expressed disappointnt? What was more interesting was that Montan didnt sound as if he were swearing he wouldnt, but pleading to Axton not to abandon him. While the thought that Axton could stop Montan from creating charms was wonderful, knowing why Montan would stop: so, Axton wouldnt throw him away, was a bit heartbreaking.
Axton let out a heavy sigh as he ran his hand through his hair. Thats not...just talk to Senior Kasen. Axton lifted his hand and seed to want to put it on top of Montans head, as Toris brothers did with her and the children. However, Axtons hand hovered and lowered before he could touch Montan. Im not angry. I know you dont want to hurt people. I just dont want you to do so accidentally or be tricked into doing it. I want you to be careful. To be safe.
Montan nodded his head. He didnt reply again, and Axton let out a low breath.
Axton, were leaving, Piers called from the carriage.
Axton lifted his hand and nodded. He looked back at Montan. Rember to pack what I told you. Piers and I will pick you up at the end of the week, right after the schools festival closes. You dont need to worry about things like soap and food, everything is provided at the resort. Tori will give you a snack card for food.
Tori narrowed her eyes. What...when did I say I would give him a snack card...? First, those were mainly for children and Ewan so they wouldnt lose their money while running around. Second, she never agreed to such a thing.
Ill pay for it, Piers said behind her. And one for Gideon, as well.
Im going to overcharge you.
I have money.
Tori rolled her eyes and Axton got into the carriage. Tori saw them off and turned around to go back through the gates as they were closing. Montan quietly followed behind her.
How much is a snack card?
Dont worry about it, Tori said with a wave of her hand. She looked over her shoulder. It would be insulting to your brother if I made you pay. Montan opened his mouth and she cut him off. Listen, of the two of us, Im the one with two older brothers, and if I tried to pay for them when they were taking sowhere, they would be upset. If I took Fifi and the others to the delta, Id be upset if they tried to pay because I invited them and feel I am responsible.
But Ive disappointed him, Montan said in a low voice. I shouldve known. He hates my mother-
You are not your mother, Tori told him in a firm voice. You are Montan Alvere and if you must have an identity in relation to a family mber, then you are Montan Alvere, the younger brother of Duke Axton Alvere whom he wants to protect. I dont know how many tis I have to tell you, but Axton doesnt hate you.
I dont want him to be disappointed. Montan clenched his hands once more.
Tori sighed. She knew Montan was so sensitive to his brother that Axtons words were more soul crushing than they shouldve been. Then when you get to the delta, talk to my brother.
Montan gave her a hesitant, suspicious look. Will your brother talk to ?
Im sure he will.
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