Day 8

Fiona Viper had gone with Ranger to meet his people. She ended up staying with them for the night and not returning to the castle. Ranger’s people were welcoming and friendly. They helped her forget her troubles and provided a comforting distraction. However, Fiona found herself liking Ranger once again. Not because he was a strong protector or because he saved her. But he was… likable. He was simple. Not stupid, just simple. He was also a doer not a talker with big plans for one day but someone who did things now. Even if it was just clearing the table after eating, or adding a screw to a wonky chair leg.

Ranger had felt her pain. She was young and everything was bigger to her than it needed to be. But she was loyal and strong. She had faced trying times and not given up. Giving up wasn’t even a thought for her.

He had also grown fond of her so he asked that they would soothe her pain and they did. Slowly, little by little so she wouldn’t notice, they eased the pain she felt. Lightened the burdens, soothed the trauma of almost dying and added a splash hope.

As a people they had trying times ahead of them. They had no land to return to. Even though they were few, bonding just for the sake of offspring didn’t suit them.

So even though bonding outside of their tribe was distasteful they found themselves being more lenient. When word arrived that the queen was holding a peace meeting and asking for an ambassador from each tribe, they were excited. Free and they get to bring requests before the queen. But who would go to represent their tribe?

They lived among other tribes, healing the soul and body. Advising some of the leaders, but in general they wondered around doing good wherever they went. They would meet once every five years or so to discuss things and introduce their children to potential prospects. The whole thing was very informal.

But life had changed, things were now different.

Fiona Viper watched the heavens as the last stars went to bed and the first light of the day enlightened the sky. Stargazing was something she really enjoyed. Now knowing that earth might be one of those stars, it made it even more attractive to her.

Ranger sat next to her on the cold ground. She found it fascinating how she knew it was him even when she hadn’t looked.

Camaden one of Ranger’s kin came over.

“I have been appointed to represent our people at the assembly in five days. I was hoping you would accompany me as you have already met the queen.”

Ranger thought about it. Going back to the castle didn’t seem so bad.

He had found out that queen wasn’t the real queen. He had kept this from his people. He wasn’t sure what he was afraid of, if he did tell them. But he just didn’t feel comfortable telling them.

“Yes, I will go with you.”

“I don’t want your foreign woman coming with us. It might misrepresent us.”

Ranger felt defensive.

“This woman helped save you. All of us really. How would she misrepresent us?”

“She is a girl; she doesn’t know our ways. I meant no offense. Just want what’s best for our people.”

“I will go with you but if Fiona chooses to be at the castle at the same time. I will not send her away.”

Camaden was displeased. But he said nothing further.

In truth he had not been chosen to represent his people. Ranger had been. They felt the man with enough courage to ask the queen for their freedom, that’s the kind of man they wanted to represent them. However, Camaden was jealous so when he was sent to ask Ranger, he changed the story.

Fiona sensed tension, she wanted to ask but that meant linking with Ranger and she was trying to put distance between them. She had been hurt and she felt foolish. So, cutting her losses was the plan. But Ranger made it hard. Always being there, being nice.

She watched the skies; the sunrise was beautiful.

Camaden came out to her with new clothes.

Woman’s clothes. Which meant an ugly brown, dusty dress that looked like a tent on her. She tried to be grateful but it was hard.

She really wanted a hot shower. She was catching an unpleasant whiff of herself every now and then. Her golden blond hair was light brown with no shine at all. Her nails were dirty even though she really tried to keep them clean. Her feet were dirty, her mouth felt furry and she was uncomfortable with her state of being.

Wow. I miss earth, she thought.

She tried to tie something in her waist to make it more flattering. However, the tent dress was determined to be ugly.

She came out to Ranger.

“I am going back to the castle. I don’t like these ugly clothes.”

Ranger had no idea what she was saying but she was off.

He watched her walk towards the castle in an ugly dress.

“Camaden was that the only dress you had?” Ranger asked.

“No but I didn’t want to waste the good stuff. After all she has left and isn’t returning the dress.”

Ranger was vexed.

“Maybe she would have stayed if she had something nice to wear.” He kept it civil.

“Why would we want her to stay?” Camaden asked innocently.

Ranger decided to speak to everyone. He was at the point of regretting being there. He was glad his people were safe but he was quickly disliking some of them.

“If anyone has a problem with Fiona the woman who approached the queen with me for your freedom, then speak up now.”

The room was quiet. So quiet that the mouse the scurried out the door sounded like a drum.

“Ranger, we respect the woman Fiona. She is brave and has heart. Why do you address us with such vexation?”

“Fiona was chased off because of the way she had been treated. I am hoping that this treatment was the actions of one and not a unanimous decision.” He was still hostile.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

“Chased away by whom?”

“Camaden.”

“This is disappointing news” they said.

“I do not want to accompany Camaden at the peace talks.”

“We understand. Who do you want to accompany you?”

Ranger was getting the feeling that he didn’t know something. He was expecting them to assign someone else to go with Camaden but instead they were sending him with someone else of his choice.

“Who wants to come?” Ranger asked.

Irania volunteered.

“I will go.”

“Then in five days meet me at the castle.”

“Are you not staying? She asked disappointed.

“No, I have something to correct first.”

Then Ranger went to find Fiona.

Fiona walked up to the castle showed her seal and was granted entrance. She went to eat, she was hungry. She sat in the dining hall and slaves served her toast with honey that was the color of blueberries.

James came in.

“Good morning. Have you seen Lakisha?”

“Good morning to you too. No, I haven’t seen her. But do you know where I can get a bath or shower, with hot water?”

James was distracted.

“Yes, ask the maids, they will sort you out. Hot bath is all they have. Showers haven’t been invented, or installed.” He was trying to be funny.

But Fiona was distracted and honestly so was James.

Kerri–liana came in.

“Good morning stranger. You missed quiet the meeting last night. Tẽra has filled the queen roll and wants us all to pull our weight. Oh, there is poll dancing classes that everyone has to attend.” She said in a tone of annoyance.

“But I have been sent off to be an interpreter, to deal with a bug problem.”

“You’re in a mood. Want some cheese with that wine?” Fiona asked she wasn’t in the mood either.

Kerri glared at her

“Ha ha. You have to find your place of service.”

“Maybe you should eat.” She said to Kerri

“She’s not a morning person” Fiona informed James.

“Lakisha wasn’t in her room this morning the letter is where I felt it. I am worried.”

Cat fighting was put on hold. James was really concerned and his distraction and expression clearly revealed it.

“When last did you see her?” Fiona asked.

“Two days ago. When we arrived. I didn’t see her at all yesterday. It’s not like her.”

“I will look for her. What shall I tell her once I find her?” Fiona asked.

James’ face lit up.

“Thank you! Tell her to join me at the bug infected fields. Tẽra will send a guide with her. Thank you!”

“No big deal.” Fiona said, little did she know.

Natrica walked in ready for the day. She was going to give dancing lessons. She knew no one wanted to come but she could dance, and she loved dancing so even if she was working with sour grapes, she was determined to have fun. She hummed as she sat down.

“Morning everyone.” She greeted.

“Morning”

Everyone replied.

“Today is a beautiful day. What time would suit you for dance classes?” she asked all peppy.

“We have to go deal with bugs.” Kerri moaned.

“How sad. Good work though. Enjoy it.” Natrica said.

She turned to Fiona

“What time would suit you?”

She got ahead of herself

“Because I have these cute outfits and I couldn’t wait to see everyone in them. I was up most of the night having them made.”

“Outfits?” Fiona asked interested.

Natrica looked at her clothes.

“The castle has a dress maker, if you can draw it, she can make it.”

Fiona’s face lit up

“Then let’s make dancing a first thing after breakfast.”

Natrica beamed, someone was interested even if it was only for the clothes.

James ate much happier knowing someone was going to find his niece. He even began to feel good about going to help with the bug problem. He needed something to do. Something he could do to earn money, make a life while still hoping to go home. He looked at the pretty strawberry blond girl who was accompanying him. He was now able to enjoy the morning.

He really did like Kerri-liana whose lack of charm somehow charmed him.

She was focused and determined to find a way home for everyone. Even if it wasn’t her fault they were there, she wanted to make things right.

Rachael Ceronio joined them. She was hungry. Torture was tiring. Hurting Chris had made her feel a little better. Not as much as she hoped but better.

“So, what are you doing this fine day” she said in general to everyone there.

“I’m off to solve a bug problem with the most wonderful woman.” James said boldly.

Kerri looked uncomfortable.

Before she could she say anything. Joe came in followed by her usual shadow Rosaleighm.

“Training starts today.” Joe announced

“I feel sorry for you” she added sitting down.

“Why?” Rachael asked.

“Because I am going to work you, and you’ll be so sore tomorrow.”

Joe looked almost happy about it.

Spice came in. She asked Kerri

“Where is that man we traveled with? I heard he was beaten while in the dungeon.”

“Rachael where is Chris?” Kerri asked.

“He’s resting, why?”

“Spice is going to tend his wounds”

“That’s not necessary.” Rachael insisted

“He’s stronger than he looks.”

“Spice needs to see him. I think Tẽra asked her to be the new doc on call.”

Rachael’s face fell. Her opportunity at revenge seemed to be ending.

“I can call for Spice if needed.”

Kerri began to get suspicious.

“Please take Spice to see Chris once you have finished eating.”

Rachael worried she was going to be caught.

“Sure, after dancing lessons I will take her.”

Rachael tried to sound casual about it. She changed the topic

“Where were you yesterday?” she asked Fiona.

“With Ranger” she replied flatly.

The breakfast table was becoming uncomfortable.

Nikki walked in.

“I am so excited I am going to conquer the mountain.”

“That’s great.” James said.

“Who’s going with you?” Fiona asked.

“Shrew and some other’s I haven’t learnt their names.”

A message arrived. Kerri read it.

“Ranger a Mystic Healer is here to see Fiona.”

Fiona sighed

“Let him in”

“You don’t sound happy to see him? I thought you two were like a couple.” Nikki said.

“Sometimes men let you down.” She replied.

“Talk to him”

James said helpfully as if that would fix everything.

Spice spoke up

“Where is Chris?”

Kerri kept forgetting she had to speak to everyone more than once, once in English and again in the royal vernacular.

“Rachael will take you after the dance lesson.”

Ranger came in

“May it be well with you today.” He greeted Spice.

“And with you” Spice greeted.

He sat next to Fiona.

“May we speak?” he asked in English.

“What?!?” Fiona blurted

“You understand English? Since when?”

She wanted to ask a million questions but a public breakfast didn’t seem like the place.

“Yes” she calmly replied pulling herself together

“Language barriers” James said knowingly

“They can make things hard.”

Being happy can sometime make one oddly optimistic.

Fiona left the table with Ranger. Part of her was happy to see him. Part of her screamed at her Don’t give him a change. Just walk away. Be strong girl, be strong!

But she heard him out.

“I have been trying to learn English from you.” He said slowly and with a lot of concentration.

She connected with him.

“I’m going to be blunt. I like you and you always being around makes it hard for me. I need space from you.”

“How much space?” he asked.

“Maybe forever.”

She had to put her foot down. He was making it hard. He knew how she felt and he still hovered after rejecting her.

“I want you to.” He told her.

Now she was annoyed. His timing was terrible.

“I’m going on a trip. I am not willing to convince you that your good enough anymore. I want more. I am sorry.” She answered.

“I was down and you believed in me. I don’t need convincing.” Ranger replied.

She rolled her eyes. She was now very defensive.

“Ranger I can’t live on your time. You can’t expect me to wait for you and then be ready when you are. You’re not being fair to me.”

Ranger sensed she wanted space from him. Yet she wanted him to prove himself at the same time. Earth women were confusing.

“As you have requested.” Ranger said “I will respect you and give you space.”

Fiona felt disappointed that he gave up so quickly.

Ranger left and Fiona returned to the table.

“Nikki, I want to go with you on this mountain climbing trip.”

“Umm”

Nikki wasn’t sure if she was allowed. But she didn’t have a problem with it.

“Sure come. I had extra equipment made in case something broke but it shouldn’t.”

“When do we leave?” Fiona asked.

“ASAP” Nikki replied.

Having someone who she could talk with seemed nice.

Tẽra came in. Everyone fell quiet. They looked wondering if they were in trouble.

“Toast and honey”

Tẽra said happily

“Why so morbid?” she asked.

“It’s been quite an eventful breakfast” Fiona said.

“How come?” Tẽra asked.

“Well, I am going with Nikki to the mountains. Kerri and James are going to deal with bugs.”

Fiona then remembered she was meant to find Lakisha for James.

“Lakisha is missing” she added

“I have no idea where my sister is. Ranger is with his people. He wanted to say thank you and I need a bath or shower, new clothes and maybe to go home.” Fiona concluded.

“Lakisha is missing? I will have men look for her.” Tẽra said

“You should take horses with you when you travel. I have asked for you to be escorted to the mountains. I would like for you to return safely.”

“Thank you” Nikki said.

“Thank you” James said

“Maybe I should look for her myself?” James added.

“Food is important the bugs have destroyed fields. But I can delay your trip till after Lakisha is found or I can have her brought to you while you do important work. This time it is up to you.” Tẽra said.

James wanted to say I’ll go after Lakisha is found. But he knew that crops meant lives. People have to eat.

“Thank you. If you have her brought to me that would be great.”

He added “Don’t let being queen change you. Stay the girl that believes in the best, that wants a world that’s fair. Do good, be kind.”

“Is this because I gave you all a ‘do your part speech?’” Tẽra asked.

“Maybe” James answered.

Tẽra smiled. It was almost nice to be scary.

“Joe, will you come meet the trainees with me?” Tẽra asked.

“Sure. Natrica is having her dancing lessons after breakfast.” Joe said.

Tẽra began to wish she hadn’t agreed.

After breakfast everyone Tẽra included went to Natrica’s dance class.

“To start with we will do a basic step…”

There Natrica gave her first dance lesson. Not a poll dancing lesson but just a dance lesson.

Afterwards, Joe went to meet the new trusted trainees with Tẽra.

There were ten men, only ten.

Tẽra looked at the men.

“Is this all the men you trust?” she asked.

“Yes” Nathan replied wondering if he really trusted all of them.

“So, few”

“Trust is in short supply in these times.”

Joe was happy with the small group she could really work with them. She had Natrica, Spice and Rosaleighm join the group.

Tẽra decided to go for a ride while everyone was doing their thing. She needed fresh air.

Tẽra had a special bond with Sherralee her horse and she always felt better after spending time with her, or riding.