Chapter Six, Six Months Later

Dara

Six months passed since the Solstice fest, and the warmer the days grew, the less I noticed the passing of time. It had been all well and good to wonder why Vorthos was nervous before his trials, when his success was considered a sure thing. I certainly found it understandable enough now when it was I facing the examination room. I hardly remembered the months I'd spent last year longing for outings and levity, for now that they were offered, I was scarcely interested.

Neither, for that matter, was Kailyn. Whether or not she ended up making a career of being a scribe or she merely discharged her contractual obligations and married, she knew that she'd need to pass her trials to get there. The tied ranking presumed between us since the Duel Magical also still rankled her, I knew it did. Kailyn was born competitive, and considering she might not be there when it came to be tested as Master, she was seizing on her chance to better me now.

Francis and Dorcas should have had the leisure of it while Kailyn and I worked long hours to ready ourselves for the test, but because they were behind in skill, they did not. It was expected that they would sit for trials next year, and they needed the time to make certain they both measured up.

But for our training Masters and the reputation of the Guild, the last six months had been a joyful time. Having an apprentice so successful at the art that he was chosen for Mage's studies not only restored what Marcus' deception had damaged, but it proved highly attractive to new applicants.

Guildmaster Runion inducted two new apprentices that May, grim, frightened twelve year old boys from scribe families who reminded me all too well what I must have looked like on the day I first passed through those doors, four years ago.

These two were followed in late July with two more, the first being a beautiful young cabinet maker's daughter who, being both lovely and born to a wealthy Weaving-caste family, took immediately to Kailyn and began following her around like Kailyn was Master until a rather irritated Master Thalia finally told her to stop. The second was Shaper-born, a dyer's son with a quick gift for writing, whose father, like Marcus' father, was looking to better his son's lot. Charles Dyer was scrutinized especially carefully because of it, but he bore the ill fortune of coming on the heels of the infamous Marcus Fletcher with good cheer, and demonstrated easily that he not only filled the entry requirements but that the Guild should be pleased to have him.

The lot of them all seemed impossibly young, and other than exchanging pleasantries at dinner, we had little to do with each other. Seeing them only reinforced how much had happened since I had been in their shoes, and how much farther I still had to go before I could be counted a mere Guildswoman, let alone a Master in my own right.

I also saw far less of Cantalen than I had since we met, not only due to the rigor of my studies, but due to her own rapidly advancing trials. Instead of a formal examination, Cantalen was assigned to a map contract for a geographically fairly well-known former northern province of Alba Longina that demanded little in the way of a surveyor's skills, but much in the realm of artisanship, for the patron was Noble and exacting in his tastes. I still met her on Market Day, and we talked of our respective work, but we had both long since ceased being responsible for the junior apprentice's chores that allowed us to meet in the garden. I wondered how much I'd see of her after my contract was done, unless we both chose to live in the Guildhall as Journeymen and consign some of our hiring fees to the Guild to pay for our lodgings. I doubted Cantalen would, as she longed to go on a surveying team the first chance she got.

At least one of us would have a taste of high adventure, I thought.

Finally, on a crisp morning in October, Kailyn and I were both judged to be ready. Our examination would be joint, and would commence one week from that day. Both of our families were informed, and our practicing began in earnest. Two days before examination day, Master Vandry finally forced us to stop, on account of our robes being horribly ink-stained and our hands so cramped we could barely hold the quill.

"For love of the gods, do stop!" he'd said, finally a bit irritated with the both of us. "You don't do yourselves any good if you're too tired to perform and you both fail, now do you? Take the next two days off, and if I see either of you with a quill in your hands between now and the day of the test, I'll fail you myself."

But those two days passed much quicker than I would have imagined, and I found myself grateful for the enforced idleness as I flexed my fingers on the morning of the examination.

"All right there, Dara Trader?" Kailyn called with false cheer as we got up from the breakfast table.

"Not for long, with that name!" I replied with a baiting grin.

"For me neither," she said stiffly. "Good luck, Trader."

I returned her hardened look. "And to you, Jewelsmith."

With that, we pushed open the doors to the Masters' dining hall together. Master Thalia waited inside, standing between two desks with inkwells, quills, and blotter pads.

"Good morning, girls. Be seated, take out your nibs, and prepare your quills."

We complied and looked up expectantly at her. I was pleased that the order was the reverse of that which Vorthos' exam had been, with Master Thalia and the accuracy test in the morning. I needed an alert edge for that, so this was perfect.

"We will begin with a timed dictation drill in three sections. As you will have many different types of clients in your careers, your test will simulate that eventuality. Master Piers Mapwright from the Cartographers' Guild has kindly consented to serve as your first "patron" of the morning."

I picked up my quill and tried not to look shocked. No one had ever told us that the dictation would not come from Master Thalia, but I had to admit it made sense, as we'd spent four years writing her words, and were eminently familiar with their tone and quality. However, seeing Cantalen's smooth and attractive Master was somewhat off-putting, and I tried not to let it distract me. I bit back a laugh as I saw Kailyn was struggling quite a bit more than I was, having never seen Master Piers before.

Master Piers gave a long, but measured and thankfully clear address on the geography of western Duros, which we dutifully copied. He bowed as he took his leave, and Master Thalia caught up our papers and checked them carefully, finally pronouncing both excellent.

"Our next guest is Johann Trader, who has been so good as to bring his first quarter's report of sales to serve as our second example."

This trader dealt in lumber, so the terminology wasn't as completely familiar to me as a cloth merchant's might have been, but I thought at first that I would have a distinct advantage, being a Trader's daughter myself. I thought wrong. Unlike my own parents' clipped, even tones, this merchant was used to dealing with longshoremen, carpenters, and other rougher-edged sorts. While his diction was that of a middle-class male's, his delivery was frighteningly fast and peppered with trade jargon. Both of us struggled mightily to keep up, with Master Thalia noting several errors in the end.

"Passing, but needing a bit of practice," she said finally, after the merchant left. "Let us see what you make of our final guest."

If it was unsettling that the merchant spent so much time dealing with longshoremen and other working-class types, it was even worse when the final guest walked in and turned out to be a longshoreman! Neither Kailyn nor myself had any real practice in dealing with someone of this class, since Marcus had schooled his voice by the time we met him, and while farmers were considered a lower class, Dorcas' country drawl was considerably different than this man's staccato assault of dockside accent and slang. The only advantage was that it took him a bit to get warmed up, as he clearly didn't believe that the sharp-looking master really was paying him to speak as he might on an ordinary day.

By the end of it, my hand was cramped, and Kailyn's ears were red as a beet from the man's language. Master Thalia picked up our papers and shook her head. "Passing, but only barely. It is possible that you might, at some point in your lives, need to write letters for those less fortunate than yourselves. A scribe serves all the people, young misses, and it would behoove you to learn their language."

We both nodded, and she announced a ten-minute break for stretching, which would be followed by the writing of a formal contract in a manner which she would describe. Kailyn and I nodded at this and we both sighed with relief at the idea that there probably wouldn't be any further surprises.

Thankfully, there weren't, and we both got through Master Thalia's final section with commendations on both our precision and our style. After that, we were served a sparse luncheon that we ate in silence, neither of us being willing to jinx our good fortune thus far with any comments to the other– either snappish or kind.

Lunch was followed by Master Vandry's entrance. "As you know, I am interested in style, and Master Thalia in substance," he said, only half jokingly. "That being said, you have both demonstrated proficiency at the rapidly vanishing art of illumination. I've said before, and I will say once again that this is a fine art, a noble art. As the printers seek to replace it and practitioners of it become fewer and farther between, I believe your skill will be much sought after by those who still value its beauty. You will produce three letters, of your choice, and illustrated in the manner you wish."

I not only enjoyed the motivational talk, but felt freed by the assignment itself. My favorite part of the craft of writing, with all the particulars chosen by me. I sketched in the designs fairly quickly, taking time in the mixing of paint colors to achieve just the effect I wanted. My only regret was that no gilding was available, being far too costly to be used in teaching for more than a single lesson.

I finished before Kailyn, and was sent into the empty food preparation room to wait in silence. About a half-hour later, Kailyn joined me, and we spent another especially uneasy half-hour staring at blank walls in an effort not to look at or talk to one another. Perhaps even six months ago I would have said something to break the spell, but I was too nervous now to do much more than fidget.

Finally, the door opened and Master Vandry beckoned us back in to our seats.

"I know you've both been waiting anxiously, and I do apologize for that. This is, after all, the first joint examination I've conducted in some time. Both of you pass, of course, with high commendations."

We both let out the breaths we were holding, and looked at each other with the relieved smile of people who may not like each other in daily life, but who had just passed a rather trying ordeal together.

"Yes," Master Vandry said, "I know you are competitive with one another, and I am somewhat loath to get in the way of that. I must say I would prefer to declare you equals. However, in good conscience I must commend you, Dara. This work is not only good, it is quite exceptional. You not only have my commendation as a Master, but my highest personal recommendation as an illumination artist."

I nodded mutely, wide-eyed and red-cheeked. "Thank you, Master Vandry! It has been a pleasure, being your apprentice."

He bowed. "Congratulations, to both of you. Our new Journeymen!"

As we walked out, Kailyn muttered back my words with a distinctly mocking tone. "A pleasure to be your apprentice, honestly, Dara. If you bowed and scraped any more, you'd be permanently on the ground!"

"I meant it," I said hotly. "Besides, you're just..."

I broke off, looking at her embarrassed. I'd just passed my trials, for Aes' sake! It was too late to be fighting with her like a twelve-year-old.

"You will find a wonderful husband, and have a beautiful home, and I will envy you," I said simply.

"And you will be made a Master, and have roomfuls of clients, and I will envy you," she said, and I wondered if she actually meant it.

"Well done, Kailyn," I said softly.

"Well done, Dara Scrivner." she replied, brushing by me in a hurry to get through the door.

I blinked after her. All that time, she had been the golden girl of our class. Could it be possible that she could envy me? She, with her glittering future of balls and parties ahead of her? If she did, I would never know it. But the idea was humbling, and I thought of Kuri, realizing her future lay somewhere completely different than she had ever imagined. Did that happen to Kailyn? Would it happen to me?

~~*~~

The time between the end of our examinations and our ceremony of Investiture was blessedly short and filled with the congratulations of both Masters and Francis, Dorcas, and the four new apprentices. I was a bit surprised at that, since we'd had to wait to congratulate Vorthos, but that turned out to be due to the special circumstances of having to wait for Varadu Shaper's final decision on Vorthos' new apprenticeship. For us, there was only the joy of completion, and the heartfelt praises of the people with whom we'd spent the last four years. Francis brought forth a bottle of wine that he'd bought at Market the weekend before, and we all shared a glass before the ceremony began.

Within about an hour Kailyn and I were conducted into the presence of Guildmaster Runion and our families, with both of us red-faced and warm from the wine. I saw Kailyn's family first, I couldn't help but notice them, her parents and an elder brother all as attractive and golden blonde as Kailyn herself. Her father was dressed in a rich velvet coat with jeweled buttons at the sleeves, and her mother had a beautiful aquamarine choker around her throat which I had no doubt at all was either her own work or her husband's. Kailyn's brother was, in a word, beautiful, with all the fashionable connotations of the word. He was resplendent in deep green velvet, with a lace cravat at his throat set off by a filigreed emerald brooch.

Kailyn, would you mind adding me to your family? I thought, giddy from the wine and the high spirits of the day.

And then I saw my own family. Or rather, my mother and father. Only my mother and father. I passed the Guildmaster in a daze and walked straight up to my mother.

"Dara! Congratulations, my dear! We are so happy for you!"

"Mother, where are my brothers?"

The smile faded from her face as she took in my frozen expression. "Guilliam and Zella are busy with the baby, Dara."

Of course they are, I thought woodenly. I almost didn't want to ask the question that pressed itself at the forefront of my mind.

"Where... where is Mydry?" I finally stammered out, so quietly it was a wonder she could even hear me.

"Dara, be sensible," she said, sounding almost exasperated. "Her Majesty finally brokered a peace with Kurovna, and it has opened up dozens of new trade routes. Mydry had to take advantage of them! You can't expect that he'd give up a small fortune just to be here, when he can congratulate you just as well when his ship returns."

Yes, I thought, I can expect exactly that. I did expect exactly that. Congratulate me any time? But this ceremony would only happen once. Be reasonable, she said, be an adult. But what about Guilliam and Zella?

I was hurt by my favorite brother not being here, but the Trader I'd been trained to be– even as they knew they would lose me to the Guild– argued the justness of my mother's words.

Aethilia had been at war with the militant nation of Kurovna for as long as I could remember, with the fine fabrics they produced being imported at tremendous cost from neighboring Duros. If Mydry could be one of the ones to open a shipping route, she was right, it would be worth a fortune for the family. But Guilliam, who had been distant since the day I was inducted into the Guild, was in town. He stayed home because he didn't want to come. Not because he couldn't. Because I'd been born "wrong."

Suddenly the wine began to taste bitter at the back of my throat, and I felt like I'd drunken a mouthful of ash. Kailyn's family turned out for her in their finest, and half of mine hadn't bothered to show up. My face burned with shame, and my stomach felt leaden. What happened to all the talk of making the family proud that my mother had sent me off with? Could I be a Shaper and make them proud? Or would I always be found lacking, simply because I couldn't tend the shop with them and trade in cloth?

My father coughed uncomfortably. "Dara, the Guildmaster is waiting for you."

I blinked away the tears and looked at him coldly. "Right, he is. Thank you."

I turned back to find Guildmaster Runion waiting somewhat impatiently for me, and Kailyn and Dorcas staring at me in confusion. Francis shot me a sympathetic smile, which made the tears burn at my eyes again. He knows, I thought. How can he know?

Master Vandry stepped forward with two scrolls, which he placed on the table in front of Guildmaster Runion.

"Dara Trader, Kailyn Jewelsmith, it is with great pleasure that I declare your apprenticeships to be at a successful conclusion, and your obligations to this Guild met in full. By the will of Formate and the grace of Her Majesty, Queen Rociel, I welcome you to this Guild as Journeymen, free to accept or decline patronage as you will. The contracts in front of me comprise your privileges and obligations as Guildswomen. Are you ready to renew your Oath to the Guild and accept this responsibility?"

Kailyn and I stepped forward, and as one, intoned "I am."

"Kailyn, by order of induction date, you may go first." Guildmaster Runion said, and Kailyn picked up the quill and signed her new contract with a flourish.

"Dara, whenever you're ready," he said.

I stepped forward and signed the contract, feeling as if a weight lifted from my shoulders as I set the pen down. I owed a percentage of whatever business I accepted both to the Guild and to my family, but from here forward, it was my choice. I still had a long way to go before I reached the level of Master, but I was no longer bound. My family could approve or disapprove, but I was doing what I was literally born to do. My fate was now fully my own.

As if to solidify what I was already feeling, Guildmaster Runion impressed the seal of the Guild on both contracts and said the words I'd waited so long to hear. "It is my honor to declare these contracts signed and witnessed. Kailyn, be you now known to the world as Kailyn Scrivner; and Dara, be you now known to the world as Dara Scrivner. May the blessings of Formate be upon both of you, and upon your craft."

To my surprise, he walked up to each of us in turn and kissed us both on the cheek. Even Master Thalia smiled broadly as she congratulated us. "You've made me proud, both of you," she said fiercely.

"I completely concur with my distinguished colleague," said Master Vandry with a rare smile at Master Thalia, as he hugged Kailyn and I.

With that, we were left to be feted by our families and Francis and Dorcas. My parents, for all the loss of Guilliam and Mydry, did seem genuinely happy for me. Perhaps that's what it was to be an adult, to still feel a part of them, but utterly apart from them. Which is why it felt natural when they offered to let me come back to the house while I sought contracts, and I refused, telling them my place was here, at the Guildhall. I'd never given much thought to whether I'd stay in residence, but in the end it was the only real decision. I wasn't sure whether to be hurt or happy when my parents looked a bit relieved at my decision.

But it was time to make my way around the room, and be gracious, no matter what sense of freedom or turmoil I felt inside. Kailyn introduced me to her parents and was gracious in meeting mine, and I have to say that a bit of my giddiness returned when I was introduced to her handsome brother Blaise.

I smiled to myself a bit later on, as I overheard Kailyn's mother telling her that she had already secured invitations for her to the biggest ball of the season, where she hoped that her daughter would have a chance to dance with a couple of young Lords, in particular. Kailyn looked thrilled at the news, and I found myself wondering if I'd only imagined her reaction earlier.

I also noticed something I found a bit odd. When I found a moment to stand in a corner and sip wine with Dorcas, reliving some of the things we'd been through together, I saw Francis out of the corner of my eye talking rather animatedly with Blaise Jewelsmith. I wondered what that could possibly be about!

When the time came for the festivities to end, Kailyn gathered her cloak, and walked up to me, a look of definite surprise on her face. "Master Vandry tells me you've elected to stay on," she said.

I nodded and tried to effect a light shrug. "I belong here."

Kailyn looked toward my parents and back at me. "I wish you the best, Dara. I really do."

I just smiled. "And I you, Kailyn. Have a good time at that ball, will you? It would be quite the thing if one of our class ended up a Mage, and another marrying a Noble!"

"I promise to come back and visit when I'm a Countess, then!" she said lightly and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek before she was escorted into a carriage already loaded on top with two chests of her clothes.

Dorcas came up next to me and gave me a wry grin. "Well, you'll have your own room now, and with Kailyn and all her things gone, I'll finally have the wardrobe to myself! Whatever am I going to do with all that space?"

I grinned back. "You'd better hurry! That new apprentice, Sandrine, seems to be bringing in as many gowns as Kailyn used to have. If I were you, I'd claim seniority and rent it to her."

She snorted and squeezed my hand. "You know, I'm glad you're staying. Francis and I will be lost with all those kids, it's good to know I've still got you and Cantalen to talk to."

"You always will, I promise you that!" I said happily

~~*~~

It was a strange next morning, wearing my new robe and eating breakfast in the larger dining hall with the Masters and Journeymen– or rather, the other Journeymen. I had a new room, as well, sharing space with an older Journeyman named Helena, until I had enough seniority to demand a room of my own. So much was the same, and so much was different. Most of all, the fact that I had nowhere I specifically needed to go after the meal, no apprentice's chores that demanded to be done, no lessons to go to.

I spent the day walking around the city, something I'd never done before. There were so many places I'd never been, and so many things I'd never seen. I knew I needed to make plans to get my name into the public as a scribe ready for hire, but just for this moment, I needed time to digest the odd "betweenness" of my new status. I wasn't yet living my future, but I was out of the past. I didn't quite know what to do with it.

When I returned to the Guildhall, there was a young page in black and gold livery, with a seal of Formate over a star stitched to his chest. I swear that my heart started beating faster in my chest when I saw him! A page from the Order of Shapers? What could he want here?

"My lady, are you Miss Dara Scrivner?" the page called, in a high, reedy voice.

I blinked. "Yes, that is my name..."

He walked toward me. "I have a letter for you, from Vorthos Shaper."

I was simultaneously disappointed and excited all over again. Disappointed because for a brief, ridiculous moment, I had begun to wonder if I would be selected as a Mage. But that very idea was silly. Still, I was thrilled that Vorthos would take time to write to me, as no doubt he was very busy with his new apprenticeship.

I put the letter in my sleeve and ran up to my new room to read it in privacy. I wasn't sure why I didn't want anyone to see it, but I didn't. Especially Francis or Dorcas.

The letter was sealed with red wax, denoting apprenticeship in the same way that the red cords on the Starborns in the duel did, and bound with black and gold ribbons. I opened it carefully, and read the parchment within, written in Vorthos' distinctive angular style.

Dear Dara,

Many congratulations on your new contract, and your new name! Perhaps it is presumptuous of me to say that I am proud of your success, however, I most certainly am. I'm even going to predict you'll be taking your Master's test in two years, three at most. You were meant to do this, if you realize that too, you'll take the Guild by storm.

I regret that I couldn't be there for your ceremony. I tried to be, but my studies prohibited it. I was, though, thinking of you throughout the day. I hope it was every bit as wonderful as you hoped it would be. I have heard you're in residence at the Guild now, and I have to say I'm not surprised at that choice. Shaping is in your blood, Dara. The more you believe that, the better you'll be at it.

The Schola is keeping me very busy, and what I'm learning is truly beyond my wildest dreams! I do hope, however, that I can find time to visit someday soon. I am still writing, and practicing my skills so that I can take my Master's test, which the Schola requires. I always knew that Mages had a craft first, but I never realized how large a role that craft plays in a Mage's life. It is only through learning to shape one thing that a Mage learns to Shape.

I am hoping to see you soon, in the meantime, enjoy your new status, and your new name. You've earned it!

Yours,

Vorthos

I smiled and folded the letter back up and put it at the bottom of my chest. It was not only a kind letter, but perhaps the kindest things that Vorthos had ever said. I wondered if this was within him all along, behind all the sarcasm and the biting commentary, or if the Schola had already managed to temper him this much. In either case, it still felt incredibly special that Vorthos would take the effort to write to me. Especially since he didn't mention the others– I wondered if this was because he simply didn't care, or because he wanted to keep the letter private as well?

Whichever the case, I didn't mention it to Francis and Dorcas, or to Cantalen. I told myself it was because I really didn't want to be teased, but I wasn't sure I believed that. Actually, it was a surprise that I saw them at all, for I was just setting down to eat dinner with the other Journeymen at the long end of the Masters' table when one of them tapped me on the shoulder and said that Master Vandry requested my presence at the Apprentices' table.

Confused, I went into the kitchen, and found both Master Thalia and Master Vandry eating with Francis, Dorcas, and the four new apprentices. Francis' normally placid face was flaming red, and he looked around nervously as I walked in. Dorcas, on the other hand, just looked monumentally confused.

Master Vandry rose. "Dara Scrivner! Thank you for joining us, welcome back!"

Master Thalia looked as confused as I was, and Vandry just shook his head at her as she looked about to say something.

"Master Vandry, thank you. Francis, Dorcas, good to see you! But... what's going on?" I asked cautiously.

It was Francis' turn to rise. "Thank you Master Vandry, Master Thalia, Dara. I wanted to have my whole Guild family here tonight, or as many as I could. Please, have a seat," he said, gesturing to the table.

"Master Thalia, I must apologize. I know you were about to go to Guildmaster Runion tomorrow and have me sanctioned for missing today's lessons, but I assure you, I have a really good excuse!" Master Thalia's eyebrows rose. "You certainly better had, young man!"

Mine rose as well, and I just looked at Francis. He missed lessons? Francis had never missed a lesson in his life! He'd never even been late for one, for Aes' sake! What in the deuce was going on?

"I had to pick up something from someone I met yesterday, and then I had to ride out to the country," he said mysteriously, seeming to enjoy dragging it out.

"You see," he said, walking around the table, "it was necessary, for I couldn't very well ask the girl that I love to marry me without paying the proper addresses to her father, or without a ring."

He pulled a beautiful emerald ring from his pocket, and I immediately recognized the style as looking incredibly similar to the brooch worn by Kailyn's brother, Blaise Jewelsmith. So that's why he was talking to Blaise!

With that, he went down on one knee before an absolutely astonished Dorcas. "Dorcas Farmer, I give you myself and my labors, and everything I can provide under the name of Aes. Will you be my wife?"

For a moment, Dorcas just blinked in astonishment, and the whole room held its breath. Then she started crying. "Yes! Yes, Francis Judge, I would love to marry you!" she cried, her voice trembling through a veil of tears.

At her words, we all started cheering and clapping. The three young male apprentices hooted and pounded the table with their mugs, and I handed Dorcas my handkerchief and gave her a huge hug.

"I am so happy for you two!"

A stunned Master Thalia finally recovered enough to absolve Francis of missing his lesson. "You did what I asked, boy, you certainly had a good excuse, didn't you! Congratulations, to both of you!"

He looked apologetically at the Masters. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you what I was planning, I just didn't want anyone to let the cat out of the bag until it was time! And I promise that I won't be leading Dorcas away before we've passed our trials. I wouldn't dream of it even if our contract did allow it, her father would kill me!"

We all laughed, and Master Vandry clapped Francis on the back. "Very good, I'm thrilled for the both of you! What a week for happy events!"

The young apprentice Sandrine's voice cut through the clamor. "Dorcas, for Aes' sake, try on the ring!"

She laughed through her tears and grinned at me, and I knew what she was thinking without her even having to say it. Yes, it was amazing how like Kailyn the girl was. And it was amazing how much that made us both smile.

Dorcas looked at the huge stone lying in her palm, and did just that. She slipped it on her finger and looked at the soft, glittering green, winking in the candlelight. And then she just fainted dead away.

There were shrieks of surprise as Francis leaped forward and handily caught his intended, carrying her out into the main hall and laying her our on one of the benches. I waved a burnt feather under her nose until she came round, coughing and sputtering.

"There there, Dorcas, you had a heck of a shock! Ease up gently, now." I said softly to her, and helped her up to a sitting position.

"Well now, I knew that ring was special, but I hardly thought it was as shocking as all that," Francis deadpanned.

I grinned, having seen more wit and bravery out of Francis tonight than ever before. He'd always been the quiet one, the careful and studious one. Just as Vorthos had always been sarcastic in a mean, though horribly amusing way. We were changing and growing, all of us.

"Now Francis," Dorcas was saying, in her thick country drawl, "that was one big rock!"

We all laughed, and Master Vandry brought out a bottle of wine borrowed from the Masters' cellar. "I believe this calls for a toast," he said, pouring it for us.

"To Francis and Dorcas, may they be forever blessed!"

We all drank, to shouts of "hear, hear!"

"And to Kuri, Vorthos, Dara, Kailyn, and the lucky couple, for courage and skill and for being the best group of apprentices a Master could ever want!"

Now it was Dorcas' turn to hand the handkerchief back, for I was blubbering as badly as she now, and even Master Vandry had tears in his eyes.

The party went late into the night, and a couple of Journeymen who were skilled with the lute were induced to come on in and play. By the end, all of the resident Journeymen were dancing with the apprentices, and even a couple of Masters had ventured in to pay their respects to the engaged pair.

By morning, my head was swimming and my eyes were bloodshot and dry from drink. I made a restorative draught and washed up, clutching at the washstand for support. As I dressed, I chided myself for drinking so much. Partying all night was hardly a conducive way to begin my new career, even if it was for a wonderfully good reason. How could I expect to attract a client in this state?

But my worries were groundless, for as it turned out in the end, the client came to me.

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