Changes

[Kay Gates]

I received the message during the Growth festival. A sunny day that should have been full of hope and excitement was overshadowed by news that nearly shattered my world.

I lost my job.

For many, it may not seem like a big deal. It’s just a job after all. But for me, it was my life’s work. From the time I was 8 years old, I have been training for my role with the Royce family. It has been more than just work to do, the Royce’s are my extended family. They have always treated me as one of their own.

Chamberlain Bolin has been the best mentor I could have ever asked for. He taught me what I needed to know and found experts for what he didn’t know. I was able to join the family as they toured the country when Elena was first presented at court. I dined with the Baahir at their stone fortress and danced into the night in celebration with the Ancuram.

I remember wandering in the woods with Elena when we were youngsters, most of the time coming back to the manor covered in dirt and grass from our adventures. Elena has grown into a powerful baroness, but I still just think of her as my best friend. It was my job to keep a clear head and look out for her, but it was her job to get me to loosen up and have a little fun. We caused trouble at the dances when we were younger, changing dance steps and teasing the boys (especially Norman).

Renard has treated me like a daughter from the day I arrived at the manor. He let me be part of the same lessons that Elena and Norman learned. I stood beside both of them as we practiced sword fighting with Ulfr Freyeson. Sometimes, even young Simon Veras would join us as he prepared for his military career.

And the day that Nora left this world was the saddest for all of us. She was warm and inviting. And funny! She was always playing games with the children and teaching us songs, sometimes with silly dances. Renard changed a bit after that day. He became more focused on helping the Royce children move up in the world.

What do I do now? I know that there is another position available for me. But can I do it? I know that teaching the people of the outpost and Nora’s Respite would be very helpful for the area.

I can’t help but be sad, though. I keep crying, sometimes out of nowhere. And sometimes I’m angry. Not at the Royce family or Chamberlain Bolin, but at the situation. After Simon, Kalen, and Bruzog left, I even found myself in the tavern bawling. I was grateful to kind Raine who helped me figure a few things out, and offered me a drink or two.

I am also so happy to have others in Nora’s Respite and the outpost that are friendly to me, even if they do not like The Order. Kelora keeps inviting me to break pottery. I’m not sure exactly what that means, but she assures me it will make me feel better. It looks like I have some help with the school from Willow, and the Consortium and agreed to share the school with The Order. And we are working on getting Kalen back, so we can build up the reputation of The Order with the locals.

But I think I need some more help before I get the school started. I will first visit with Renard at the Summit and get some more clarity on the new position. I may also be able to talk to people there and see what they want to learn.

Then, I will go back to Hexhaven Academy to visit an old friend. I have heard that Elleas is now headmaster of the school. She may have some guidance for me.

After that, I believe it is time to take a trip back home. I miss my parents. I miss my hometown. I want to walk on the beach and feel the sand under my feet. I want to have a drink at the Lazy Seagull Inn and smell the salty sea air. And I want to have a few moments with nothing to do but relax.

When I get back, it will be time to get started. I’m scared. I hope I’m ready. But I do know that others believe I can do it, so I will give it my all.

Arianna

[Ben]

“My lovely dudess, you vessel of light.. ahem..

Why do I find myself replyin ta folks thoughts, man?

I dunno, dudess, but anyways..

I hear ya, and while we may take up the path from different directions, well.. we both enjoy the journey, am I right?

So.. here’s some thoughts, ta hear if ya will.. (and if ya won’t.. that’s cool too dudess, I can dig it.. all in good time an all..)

Even tho we come at things from different angles (I ain’t no fan of “order” man.. but order has it’s place.. ain’t a fan a chaos neither.. more like I’m inta tha balance, ya dig?)

Well, tho I ain’t a “fan” a order, I think we both come at it from tryin ta be a “guide” more than a “teacher”..
An ya done guiding one good..

So take faith in that..
An let yer feet lead ya to new paths..

That’s what I’M doin, man..

And so far, dudess, ..the journey’s fine..

Keep walking it! It’ll take ya places.. Enjoy the journey…

[Ben]

“My lovely dudess, you vessel of light.. ahem..

Why do I find myself replyin ta folks thoughts, man?

I dunno, dudess, but anyways..

I hear ya, and while we may take up the path from different directions, well.. we both enjoy the journey, am I right?

So.. here’s some thoughts, ta hear if ya will.. (and if ya won’t.. that’s cool too dudess, I can dig it.. all in good time an all..)

Even tho we come at things from different angles (I ain’t no fan of “order” man.. but order has it’s place.. ain’t a fan a chaos neither.. more like I’m inta tha balance, ya dig?)

Well, tho I ain’t a “fan” a order, I think we both come at it from tryin ta be a “guide” more than a “teacher”..
An ya done guiding one good..

So take faith in that..
An let yer feet lead ya to new paths..

That’s what I’M doin, man..

And so far, dudess, ..the journey’s fine..

Keep walking it! It’ll take ya places.. Enjoy the journey…

[Author]

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