by Robin Roseau
"Oh," said Larien. Then I felt her eyes open, and she caressed my cheek. I opened my own eyes and look at her. "But-"
"I need something from each of you."
"Of course," Terél said. "What?"
"I want something very personal from each of you. Pick something you own, or find something here. Send home for something. I don't know what. You'll have to decide. Maybe a toy from when you were young, or an image of your mother. Maybe it is poem written out, one you have written, or perhaps one you like. It can be anything, as long as it has meaning to you. And then pick a shelf and place it there."
"Oh," said Larien.
"Share it with me," I said. "Share it with each other. Share it with the Goddess. Pick something you can share."
"Oh, Yalla," Terél said.
"You may leave a note that explains your treasure," I said. "Or if that is too much, then you can tell me directly."
They both looked at the shelves.
"You may share a shelf if you want, or pick different shelves. But I do not want this to be a static display. Move your treasure, or replace it from time to time. Do you see? This is a living space."
"Change," Terél said.
"Yes. We will make this a home for us and a home for a Goddess, but it will grow, like life itself."
They sat quietly for a while, then they closed their eyes and cuddled against me again, one hand of each in mine. No one spoke for a long time, but finally I explained further. "I wish this to be our place," I said. "It is not yet safe to take the two of you from the palace, but once it is, we will travel more often. For now, this is our space, and I find it joyous. I hope you can as well."
And they didn't say anything, but I could feel them, and I knew they were beginning to understand.
And so we sat quietly a while longer before I said, "The two of you were coming to pester me, weren't you?"
"We do not pester," Larien said. "We offer to teach you."
"Offer. Is that the word you use?" I said with a laugh.
"We only do the bidding of the Goddess," Terél said, but she squeezed my hand and squirmed against me lightly. "But it's time for your lessons."
"I suppose it is." I paused. "But do we have to go over the winter solstice rites? I'd rather learn magic."
"We'll make a deal," Terél said. "If you can do the entire celebration without prompting, we'll make it worth your while."
"You will, hmm? And just how will you do that?"
"We're under time pressure," Larien said. "Will you trust us?"
I thought about it and then nodded. "All right," I said. "But I feel good right here. Do we have to move?"
"We can stay here," Terél said. "I feel good here, too. Tell us about the winter solstice."
"Change," I said. And then, speaking in the language of the Goddess, I began to describe the rites.
* * * *
It was four days later that they both smiled at me. "She's ready," Larien said.
"She is," Terél agreed. "And we made a promise to her."
"We did," Larien agreed.
"But we have a confession," Terél said.
"Oh, no," I said. "There are no confessions."
"We do not normally teach magic," Larien said.
"I suppose it's normally Ulla with her stick."
They laughed. "Actually, it used to be your mother."
"She isn't here. You two are."
"Yes, but we haven't learned from a high priestess," Larien said. "We aren't the worst available to teach you, but we're close."
"The Goddess selected the two of you for a reason."
"Yes, but we don't know what that reason is," Terél explained. "We don't know how to teach you. We can barely do magic ourselves."
"We've talked," Larien said. "And we think all we can do is begin to show you."
I stilled. "Show me. But you once told me you couldn't do magic on anyone but me."
"We can do it to each other," Terél said. "But not very well."
"We think we can work through you," Larien said, "now that you are the conduit. But we've never done that."
"You're telling me that I really do need Ulla and her stick?"
"We don't know. But you don't have anyone else right now. Will you let us do this our way?"
"We'll experiment," Terél added.
"I don't think that's a good idea."
"Trust us," Larien said. "We think if you let us work on you and through you, then you'll grow accustomed to the magic and the way it flows."
"We can't really teach you very much of the theory, but I bet you'd rather have us doing this than anyone else."
"Well, that part is true," I agreed. "What do I do?"
"For now? Close your eyes, relax, and trust us."
I nodded. Then I got comfortable, closed my eyes, and tried to relax.
We'd been touching. I'd found that they liked to touch -- I thought perhaps all the priestesses did. But now they moved closer, pressing against me from either side, and they began to caress me. But they were innocent touches, calming, and it felt good. I relaxed more, and more still.
And then...
Time passed. I had no idea how much. I felt like I'd been drifting in a tub of warm water, drifting for hours, completely lost to all thoughts.
But then I heard, "Yalla." That came from my left ear.
"Yalla." That was from my right.
"What did you two do?" I whispered. "Oh, that felt nice."
They were pressed tight to my sides, and I realized they were holding hands behind me with their free hand pressed to the front of my shoulders, the caresses having ended some time ago.
"We got lost," Larien said. She laid her head down on my shoulder. "Please tell me you enjoyed it."
"I did," I said.
"That was amazing," Terél said. "It was like you were a sponge and a mirror at the same time."
"I could feel you," Larien said. "Does that make sense? You sort of drifted, and then I was pulled along."
"Yes," Terél said. "Could you feel me, Larien?"
"I don't know," she said. "I'm not sure where Yalla ended and you began."
"I could feel you," Terél said. "Yalla is horses and grass and so many emotions. You're cooler, and I could feel the air under your kestrel's wings."
"You still haven't said what you did," I pointed out.
"It was a simple spell of serenity," Larien said.
"Oh," I said. "Well, it worked." They both laughed. "And you can do that to me any time you want to."
* * * *
And so, my training continued.
Return Journey
Harsprite was a fast courier ship of the Framaran navy, quite similar to the Altearan vessel that had first taken me from Framara. The irony wasn't lost on me. It was quite the crowd traveling aboard Harsprite. I was there along with the people Juleena had begun calling "Yalla's household" -- Larien and Terél, Naddí and Féla. Juleena refused to let me go alone, which wasn't terribly surprising, so of course she was along. And that meant an honor guard was required. Ralalta was also sending Lady Margaletta of the diplomatic corps, and so she also had her own entourage, as it were.
King Tradódid and Queen Mesenorié had, indeed, formally requested a return to full relations between Alteara and Framara. Neither country had yet reestablished an embassy, and trade had not resumed. Beyond that, I knew that Ralalta, Juleena, and Margaletta had been ensconced behind closed doors, but I had not been invited to the proceedings.
I didn't mind. I thought I had a full plate.
But Ralalta did talk to me about it the night before we were to sail. It was a simple conversation. "If your opinion is solicited, you may state a desire for friendship between the two countries. But please do not undermine Juleena's position."
"Of course not, Your Majesty." I paused. "I'm in the middle now, but you know I am loyal to Framara."
At that, she nodded. "I know. But I suspect you would ask both sides to compromise more than we should." She paused,
and I thought she was about to say more, but then she shook her head. "I'm going to miss you both while you're gone."
"I'm sorry," I said.
"It's not your fault," she said. "And this trip is important."
That was certainly true.
So, as I was saying, Harsprite was crowded. Oh, she had plenty of room, but she wasn't a luxury passenger liner. There were limited private cabins, and from the moment I arrived on deck, I knew we were on the edge of a diplomatic mess. Oh, not with Alteara, but between the four factions aboard the ship: the ship's crew, Juleena, my household, and Margaletta's household.
I arrived to find Margaletta arguing with the ship's captain. Juleena had arrived ahead of my household, and she was leaning against the railing, her arms folded as she watched the argument. I stepped over to her, my household picking their own section of railing to give me privacy with the princess.
"What's going on?"
She shook her head. "Margaletta." There was something in her tone that suggested just the woman's name should have explained the issue.
"Do tell," I said.
Juleena looked around, perhaps judging whether we were being overheard, then lowered her voice. "She's trying to commandeer the captain's cabin."
"What?" I asked. "Why?"
"It's a matter of space. There are only two cabins well-suited for passengers of my social standing, but there are three of us."
"You're the only princess I see."
She laughed. "And you're the only high priestess I see. And she's the only diplomatic envoy."
"We've shared quarters before."
She laughed again. "Larien and Terél would kill me, Yalla, and you know it. Mother wouldn't be pleased, either."
I sighed. "How long does this courting thing go on?"
"A lot longer than we've been at it," she said.
"This seems like a big ship," I said. "There must be more than two cabins."
"Oh, there are ample cabins," Juleena said. "But Margaletta considers you and her as social equals, and so you should each take one of the more illustrious cabins. And I should take the captain's cabin."
"That's ridiculous. I bet he has charts and his clothes and what not there."
"Undoubtedly." She offered another wry smile. “And she’s not your social equal.”
"You know I don’t care about any of that.” I thought for a moment. “I can stay with Terél and Larien, and if we're really cozy, the maids, too."
She turned fully towards me, now leaning a hip against the railing instead of her back. "No."
"It's no trouble."
"Let me rephrase what you just said. You want to share a cabin with your most recent lovers. Is that it?"
"Oh," I said. "Um."
"Yes. Um. And I'm not sure I'm any happier if you share a cabin with the maids."
I laughed. "So I have to sleep alone?"
"Damned right you do."
I put on a face. "What if I get lonely?"
"Commune with your Goddess," Juleena replied. It might have sounded testy, but I knew she was teasing.
"If cabins are short, shouldn't I offer to share?" I asked with a lilt in my voice.
"No."
I'd been watching Margaletta arguing with someone. I presumed it was the ship's captain. They didn't appear to get anywhere.
"Shouldn't we do something about this?" I asked with a gesture.
"I don't know. I'm enjoying myself." We glanced at each other, and she smiled, although it was brief. I knew she wasn't pleased for this trip. She didn't share my excitement, and I didn't blame her.
"If you aren't allowing me to share with my priestesses, then I don't need much, Juleena. You and Margaletta can have the nice cabins. I'll take whatever is available."
I saw her glance at Larien and Terél, and then she pointedly took my hand, lifted the knuckles to her lips, and kissed them. Then she tugged me forward, away from the railing, maintaining possession of my hand. We got halfway to the spirited conversation when I felt my priestesses step up beside me. Juleena squeezed my hand twice, and I realized she was taunting them.
"What's the problem?" Larien asked in Altearan.
"Housing shortage," I said. "The princess and I are going to have to bunk together."
Juleena squeezed my hand again, and I was sure she would love to play this game with Larien and Terél.
They, however, weren't subtle. As a team, they stepped around behind me even as we came to a stop before Margaletta and the ship's officer. Then the priestesses physically forced themselves between Juleena and me, Larien doing something to break Juleena's hold on my hand.
"Hey!" I complained.
"If there is a cabin shortage," Terél said firmly, "you will be with us. Are we clear?"
"I don't know what she said," Juleena said, "but you're not sharing a cabin with them."
Margaletta and the officer had stopped speaking and were facing us. "Princess Juleena," said Margaletta. "This gentleman is Commander Raleet, the first officer of Harsprite." Ah, I'd been wrong; it wasn't the captain. "He refuses to give you proper due."
Before anyone else could respond, I said, "Commander, is there a cabin suitable for one small girl of the Horse People?" The man looked at me, his expression suggesting he didn't really understand what I was asking. "I don't need much space," I added. "My maids require a similar cabin for two and my priestesses also a similar cabin for two. If that isn't possible, perhaps you have a cabin for four."
"Lady Yallameenara-" Margaletta began to say.
"It is ridiculous to replace the captain over this," I said. "I am just a girl of The Hippa, and I do not want a fuss." I turned to Juleena. "Maybe you wanted the captain's cabin."
"Any cabin is fine," Juleena said. "But I require proper berths for my honor guard."
"That isn't a problem," said the commander to Juleena before turning towards me. "But I do not believe you understand how small a small cabin can be."
"Would the motion of the ship be less comfortable?" I asked. I looked around the ship. "To be honest, I'm a little nervous. I can't swim."
"We'll take good care of you, Lady Yallameenara," he said. "Thank you for understanding the situation. No. We can find a comfortable cabin, and we should have good breezes but no storms for at least the first half of our voyage. It is too early to tell for the second half."
"Then I am satisfied, Commander," I said. "We do not stand on these ceremonies." I smiled. "We have our ceremonies, of course. Will it offend the sailors if I were to bless this voyage?"
"No, Lady Yallameenara," he said. "No one would be offended at your blessing the voyage."
"Excellent," I said. "Perhaps someone can show my maids where my things should go." Then I pointed. "Is that section off limits? I believe it offers the best view when we set sail? How soon are we leaving?"
"We would normally only have passengers aboard the aft quarterdeck on permission. Perhaps you would be my guest," he said, offering a small bow. "We depart as soon as everything is stowed. Preparations are already in progress."
"Excellent," I said. "Thank you, Commander." I took two steps to his side and took his arm. He proceeded to give a series of orders I didn't understand, and then we turned and headed for the ladder, leaving everyone else behind.
We reached the ladder and he asked, "Do you require assistance ascending?"
"Not in harbor," I said. "May I?"
He offered a gesture, and I began climbing. As my head poked above the quarterdeck, I saw there were several more sailors waiting, and most of them turned to face me. I didn't think their expressions were welcoming, but the first mate was beside me far sooner than I would have expected, and as soon as he appeared, expressions changed.
He offered his arm again, and we stepped forward. There was a large wheel used to steer the ship, and immediately in front of it, a massive compass. Waiting near the wheel, standing at attention perhaps a pace or two away, were two sailors. I thought they might be basic sailors, as their uniform was
somewhat plain. There were two others about, one scrubbing a railing, and the other doing something with ropes I didn't understand. And then there were two people I thought were likely officers, one a tall woman with sharp, hawkish features, the other far more compact, but something about her stance told me she was dangerous.
Commander Raleet brought me to a stop before the other officers.
"Lady Yallameenara," he said, gesturing to the tall, hawkish woman. "This is Captain Jalice."
I disengaged from the commander and offered a hand. "Thank you for carrying us to Alteara, Captain," I said.
She didn't smile as she pointedly looked me over. I felt like I didn't measure up. And she gave the commander a look as well.
"Lady Yallameenara solved our housing problem," the commander added. "But she has expressed a certain trepidation towards sailing voyages. I thought witnessing our departure from here would allow her to see how you run the ship, Captain."
"Of course," said the captain. She still didn't smile. "Welcome aboard, Lady Yallameenara."
"Thank you," I said. I smiled and then turned my nose towards the other woman.
The captain provided the introduction. "This is Lieutenant Commander Nurain. She is the commanding officer for our marine complement."
The Lieutenant Commander's gaze was far more appraising than even the captain's, and I thought I was being sized up for an assignation, although that wouldn't happen. But I smiled and clasped hands with her for a moment. "Thank you for helping to keep us safe, Lieutenant Commander."
"Just doing our jobs, Ma'am," she said.
Then there was an uncomfortable silence. I finally looked down. "I'm not really welcome here, am I? I can go. I was only looking for a dramatic exit. I can watch from the railing, or if that would also put me in the way, my cabin."
I don't know if there was some sort of communication between the officers, but the captain finally said, "Nonsense. Nurain, perhaps you could answer any questions Lady Yallameenara might have."
"Of course," said the woman in question. I looked up at her, and her gaze was full of hunger. She stepped between the commander and captain to take my arm. I let her draw me to the right side railing -- starboard. I remembered that was starboard. And we looked over the water at the town, the palace rising above everything else, a half mile south of the harbor.
