| Adera Sadrien Adera Sadrien stared without expression at the large gates, remembering her reason for being here... "Adera Sadrien that s a very feminie name boy" the instructor?s face took on a look of surprise as Adera stood, her small voluptuous body rising above the seated forms of the 23 other figures, all boys. "It is a rather feminine name, it?s a good thing I?m a girl then, don?t you agree Master Kidon?" Ade inquired. The instructor recovered his voice and demanded in a low tone. "What is the meaning of this?! Girls cannot learn the sword!" "Why not?" she challenged. At 17 she was finally allowed to learn, it had taken years of persuading to get her parents to consent. "Because?because?your too small!" he stuttered. "Ade is as good as any of us! She?s learnt all the motions of the sword I have. She is good" a deep voice bellowed from behind as an extremely tall young man stood and walked to Ade, standing behind her in a protective stance, of sorts. Ade crossed her arms over her chest and glared defiantly. "Fine, but?you will have to practice with her, young Drakand." The large youth looked down happily, and a rather pleased look danced in his eyes. He wasn?t looking at Ade?s face. "Do you have your own sword?" Master Kidon asked of Ade, who in return slid a small, specially made, rapier from its sheath that was hanging on her hip. A smile at his question curved her lips in a self-satisfied way. "Go" he instructed and a flippant wave of his hand indicated the general direction in which they were meant to ?go?. Drakand worked her hard that day, but she loved it, returning home exhausted, her hair flying wildly around her head and her pale green eyes alight with the same exhaustion, but a happiness shinned brightly in them. *** They had finished early from learning the sword today and both Drakand and Adera were shopping, many strange looks were passed Adera?s way, mostly men admiring her in her tight breeches and shirt that tended to cling in all the wrong places, as far as Adera was concerned. Ade glared at each, tossing her black hair in annoyance. "Ah?Adera, and Drakand. This is my best student and? the girl I told you about." Master Kidon?s voice was heard behind them. Drakand had begun to smile at the comment paid to him as he turned, but after hearing what was said of Ade his expression hardened and he glared icily at the teacher. Annoyance sparked in Ade?s eyes as she too glared, at the new comer, who was eyeing her rudely. "What are you looking at?" she asked angrily as Drakand slipped an arm around her shoulders "What about a little practice in the court yard, son?" Master Kidon asked. "Take me, take Ade." Drakand growled. "Fine." They followed Master Kidon and his unknown friend to the courtyard. Stepping forward Ade drew her sword, holding it steadily in front of her, "Fight me first." "Adera?" Drakand started, obviously worried, because of the use of her full name. "Drak, I?ll be fine." "Fine!" Master Kidon did not like her. *** Ade was having difficulty keeping up with the larger, more experienced man, but her small sword met his in a deafening clash each time he swung, but she was forced to defend rather than attack. "Having trouble Ade." Master Kidon snarled, twisting her name horribly. "No?" Ade said, drawing a deep breath. "Lies, lies, Ade. Not good." He taunted. Upset, agitated and annoyed Ade swung her rapier violently and to her surprise it blazed red-hot and twin fireballs of bright orange sprang from it, narrowly missing Master Kidon. A look of pure shock glanced over each of the mens faces, Ade saw as she fell to the ground, landing with a dull thud and hitting her head sharply. "Ade!" the anguished cry sounded torn from Drakand, and it was the last thing she heard. *** "Lady Adera, wake up." The call was accompanied with a insistent shake and Master Kidons friend looked down at her, she shifted under his hands, searching for Drakand, finding him with a very worried look on his face "I am an Asha?man, Asha?man Digo. I have healed you and you can channel " Master Kidon?s friend, Asha?man Digo, stated simply. "Mmm-hmmpf." She muttered, forcing herself into a sitting position. "Ade?" Drakand began before scooping her in his arms. "Drakand, put me down!" Ade demanded. "No." He stated simply as he carried her in the direction of the Sadrien Manor. And that was how she had ended up here?Sent from her home in Cairhein, her parents disliking those who could channel. Forced from her only friend, Drakand, who accepted her for who she was. "I wish I couldn?t channel" she whispered vehemently. |