Senior, Axton is capable. Piers words made Tori smile just a bit. No matter how much he dragged Axton, when the matter was serious, Piers was Axtons number one supporter.
Do you believe that his mission will be successful? Kasen gave Piers a curious look.
I would not allow him to go to his death.
Tori was dragged off by her niece, thinking about when she wrote the charm on Axtons back. Piers obviously encouraged it though not with those exact words. In retrospect, Piers didnt have to tell her anything about Axtons mission.
He told her that hed be underground, in a cave network, and even described the steps he was to take once he was inside any smugglers tunnels. Usually, Tori had to ask him directly for such information, but he told her enough for her to know what kind of charm and crystal would be most useful.
The corner of her lip curled up. He was one of the few people who knew about the m crystal and its capabilities. Hed seen her write on her brothers hands and experint with the other crystal masters. She had told him about what she learned from Master Balan. Piers knew.
And he set her up to bless Axton.
She let out a small laugh. It wasnt as if she wouldnt if they had asked. In fact, shed already been considering it when she found out he was going to go to Osten on a sudden mission.
Auntie, are you listening? Fiona tugged on her arm and Tori refocused her attention on her niece.
What is it, Fifi?
Fionas cheeks blushed and she looked away shyly. Her eyes glanced towards the dresses laid across her bed. The familiar blue robes with the gold bells for wrists and ankles were placed side by side, a pair. One was small and one was large.
I said we match, Fiona said in a quiet voice. She looked up at Tori. Do you like it?
Tori restrained herself from hugging her niece and smothering her against her. I love it! Did you already try it on?
Fiona nodded. Yes, Grandma and Nanny said I had to so we are sure it fits.
All right, Im excited! Were going to be matchies! Tori clapped her hands together and Fiona bead. She rushed to her bed and gathered the smaller costu.
Nanny, please help dress! She called out to the elderly woman who had followed them. Nanny Rey chuckled and went to help her while Tori changed on her own.
She doesnt/t have a headdress yet? Tori asked as she fixed the larger headpiece on her head.
She has a circlet for now, my lady, Nanny Rey told her as Fiona stood like a statue with her arms out and her legs firmly planted, as if pretending to be a mannequin. The full headpiece is too large and will throw off her balance.
Ah...I rember that, Tori said with a nod. Original Victoria had been frustrated that she could not properly dance with a headpiece until she was older, but even then, shed started wearing headpieces for dances several years earlier than most other dance students.
The bells on Fionas wrists and ankles jingled and she jumped around, giggling at the sound. Tori adjusted the robes around her and Fiona stared at her.
Auntie, I rember when I saw you dance last year. My friends said you looked like a fairy, Fiona told her with excitent.
Well, now we both look like fairies, Tori said with a warm smile. I wish I could show you to the orphanage.
I will do a blessing dance for my friends there, too! Fiona told her with a face full of determination. Her shoulders fell a bit. When I can wear the headdress. The headdress would probably just make her look more official.
Tori chuckled. She took Fionas hand, and they walked out to the dining hall where the small reception was happening over a large al. The soft jingling of their bells attracted attention with every step they took. Fiona marched forward, chin up and chest out, like a proud rooster.
Today, they would perform a shorter version of the dance. It was the first one Fiona learned and she had been practicing with an almost obsessive focus. Her stamina for the dance could only go so far, so it would be shorter than the one Tori perford inside the orphanage.
Still, everyone they passed would look at them, particularly at Fiona, with warm, sotis amused, smiles. A few servants and knights wished her luck on her first performance and Fiona gave him a nod, thanking them and assuring them shed try her best.
It was comforting to know that Fiona was adjusting well to the Fortress and she was well-loved by everyone.
When they reached the entrance, they waited outside for a mont
Are you ready? Tori asked as she knelt down and straightened Fionas circlet.
Im going to bless Val so hard!
Thats the spirit. Tori stood up and led Fiona inside. They hadnt done anything yet, but the family mbers and friends inside all started clapping as soon as they entered. Fiona didnt expect it and jumped. Her face turned red and she rushed to hide on Toris other side.
With everyones eyes on them, Tori released Fionas hand and took a position behind her, as they had practiced. Music was not mandatory for this particular blessing, but it was always good to have soone keep the beat.
Nanny Rey counted them off and clapped her hands. One, two, three!
Tori moved her foot forward and began the blessing dance, keeping one eye on Fiona. Her little niece followed, doing her best to keep up with Tori. Knowing that she wasnt as fast, Tori slowed down.
Where her movents were much more refined and smoother, Fionas were full of energy. Her arms were flung and her stomps were heavy. What Tori loved best was that Fionas cute little face was twisted with a look of angry concentration. Eyes narrowed, cheeks puffed, lips pursed tight.
All of Fionas thoughts and energy where on the dance. Sweat began to collect on her brow as they reached the midpoint of the dance and by the end, Fionas forehead was glistening. They both ended with kneels bent, arms out, and head bowed in in the direction of Valeria, who was in Sebastians arms.
The room exploded with applause. Tori clapped as well before putting a hand on Fionas back and smiling. You did a great job!
The little girls chest was going up and down as she panted a bit. Her entire face was rosy as she rushed to Sebastian and craned her neck to look at the baby.
You are blessed now, Val, she said. You are invin...invis...invisible?
You an invincible and thats not what the dance does, Robert said with a slight roll of his eyes.
The group chuckled and Kasen knelt down to use his handkerchief to wipe the sweat off Fionas face. In a soft voice, he praised her efforts and hard work, and told her he was proud of her. Fiona seed to be overtaken by her shyness and buried her face in her fathers chest.
Shes doing very well with her dancing, Tori said as she took a seat between to Fionas highchair and Piers. What did the instructor say?
They praised her for her hard work and dedication, Antonia said. But we have been making sure she does not tire herself out.
You used to practice until your feet were hurt, her father said in a firm voice that lightly reprimanded her. And you would try to hide it.
If I told you, youd make stop. Tori shifted her eyes to the side, guilty. But Fifi is a good girl. She will practice in moderation.
Yes. A little being crawled on her lap and pulled herself up so she was seated. I will practice in modern...modify...slowly.
Tori stroked her hair. Kasen sighed. Fiona, youre getting big now. You should sit on your chair.
I dont see Auntie Tori often. I want to sit here.
Youve been using that excuse since she arrived, Robert said. How is she going to eat if youre sitting on her lap?
She can eat around , Fiona replied, as if the answer were clear.
What if I spill sothing on your hair? Or your dance costu? Tori asked in a careful voice.
Fiona froze for a mont. Without a word, she wiggled off of Toris lap and then raised her arms to her father. Chair, please.
Kasen smirked and picked her up, putting her on her chair so they could eat.
Tori happily took in spending ti with her family. Grammy had co from Nazaria for the trifecta ceremony and was staying for a few months as a break from her research.
In the evenings, she liked to sit down with Robert to review his Old Sulfae and even introduce him to another writing system used in southern Nazaria around the sa ti. She took ti to watch Fiona practice dance and booked an hour each day to hold Val. Tori couldnt help but feel that Grammy had forgotten about her grandchildren now that there were great-grandchildren.
The day after the trifecta ceremony, Tori saw off Ewan on his week-long training exercise. The last ti shed seen him so nervous, hed been preparing for the La Garda exams.
Sebby approved of you going on this exercise, Tori told him as he fidgeted at the eting point where young knights were gathering into a wagon to be taken to the exercise location. If he didnt think you could handle it, he would not have approved for you to go.
La Garda does not prohibit exercises with a regulated imperial force, either, Sebastian said as he stood beside her. Kasen and I were sixteen when we first went on training exercises with the Guevera knights.
Master, you and Lord Kasen both count as master swordsn.... Ewan said with a reproachful look.
Exactly. Thats why you should trust my assessnt of your current level, Sebastian said with an air of confidence.
The exercise focuses on teamwork and strategy for infiltration. Its more involved than the war gas before Sebastians wedding, Kasen told Ewan. But there will be more instruction as the training commanders heading the mission are experienced. This is more to test your adaptability in a situation than it is your battle ability.
That is not to say that you should let your guard down. Sebastian gave him a serious look. You must treat this exercise as a serious mission.
Ewans head was bobbing up and down, trying to absorb all the information he was being given last minute. Tori craned her neck and saw a familiar face amongst the young knights. She took a deep breath and shouted.
Sir Navarro!
The young knight had already seen her and was walking over. Good morning, my lady! My lords! Ewan! I heard you were here! Sir Navarro seed to have grown taller and wider than when she last saw him. His skin had also taken on a healthy tan from all his outdoor training. He slapped Ewans shoulder. This is a good experience and youre lucky to be able to take part. Dont overthink it.
Ewan nodded his head once more, but the look of worry didnt fade.
Ewan, if you get a good assessnt after this exercise, Ill cook you whatever you want, Tori told him with a firm look. And if I cant cook it, I will find soone who can.
Even that whole roasted pig you were planning for Masters surprise birthday? Ewan asked with a hopeful expression.
Tori narrowed her eyes. I will make you those soup dumplings I told you about, too.
Ewan slamd his fist against his chest. I wont let you down!
He saluted Sebastian and Kasen before turning around and headed towards the wagons. Sir Navarro bowed his head to Tori. Ill do my best to guide him, as well, my lady.
I appreciate it, Sir Navarro, but dont put yourself at unnecessary risk and do not coddle him. He has to learn and make use of this experience, however it ends. And next ti youre in Viclya, you know how to reach . Ill arrange a retreat in the crystal level of your choice-
Diamond level. Sir Navarros eyes shone with intensity. Please.
Tori raised a brow and then gave him an acknowledging nod. Diamond level is a week long.
The next ti I am able to rest there for a week.
Approved.
Sir Navarro bowed once more and rushed off to catch up with Ewan.
Whats a diamond level retreat? Sebastian asked.
There are five gemstones that represent a level of a retreat in Viclya. Four of them can be booked in three-day sets and each focus on a certain aspect of vacation in Viclya. For instance, erald level is gastronomy where all the food is hand selected and served wherever you are. Ruby focuses on activities and so forth. Diamond is a complete package for a week.
How does Sir Navarro know about this? Sebastian gave his sister a curious look.
Oh, the imperial knights know about all the happenings with Lions Gate and the delta. Were extrely popular and in an arrangent with the imperial household, imperial knights have certain reservation privileges and discounts. When we announce sothing, word of mouth passes it through. Tori watched Ewan climb into his assigned wagon. He waved excitedly at her before he got in and she waved back. You dont plan on trying to convince Ewan to beco a Guevera knight, do you?
No, I respect his decision to beco an imperial knight, Sebastian said. But I want him to be as skilled and competent as possible. Tori nodded. She also wanted Ewan to be at his peak. Her brother put a hand on her shoulder. No matter how I think about it, I am certain that one day, imperial knight or not, Ewan will guard you.
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