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Tears of the Phoenix	By : serialcabbit78 Category: S through Z > Valdemar Series Views: 1397 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do NOT own ANY of the rights to the Valdemar Series, those all belong to Mercedes Lackey, who has given me the inspiration. I make no profit from this or any writing.

Chapter List
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Luna woke again, warm and safe, nestled against Stefen. She lay there for several moments, just listening to him breathe, feeling his heartbeat under her cheek. His hand moved, gently stroking her cheek causing her to smile.

“I had an odd dream while I was asleep. Vanyel told me that he’ll miss me while I’m training, but he’s very happy that I’m safe now. He said that Isabeth is to be trusted with anything, and she saw to it that Shavri didn’t leak secrets that could have caused problems. He also said that he did cause the storm, but it should be ok to travel tomorrow. He said that I needed Eric, even if it was just to cry myself out on.” Luna said softly. “Thank you, Stefen.”

“Isa and I had a talk while her father tended to you. She told me that she guards it and she’ll never let it slip. She also said her father is a very gentle soul who would do anything for a child.” Stefen didn’t have to say exactly what Isa had, as Luna had felt that for herself. “I take it you feel better?”

“I do, I just got so angry and sad all at once. It’s like they pulled the scabs off the sore memories and let them bleed out what made them so sore.” She looked slightly confused. “I guess that’s how healing goes with things like that. You have to let the infection out or it will get worse.”

“That, little one, is exactly what they did. Both Isa and the healer here saw it. Think of your tears as rain; that washed out the wounds so they can heal better.” Stefen sat up, and smiled down at the girl. “Let’s go see if there’s something to eat, I bet you are hungry enough to eat your shoes.”

“I am now, but then again, I did kind of loose my breakfast.” She blushed lightly. “Eric said not to worry about it, sometimes crying like that can do that. I got sick when I was talking with Starwind, and he didn’t seem to care either. They both just held me until I was done, then cleaned me up.” She sat up and pushed the blankets back. She started to crawl out of the bed and noticed she was in her gown. “I hope I didn’t ruin my outfit, it was quite pretty.”

“I’m sure they’ve taken it to be cleaned. This is a functioning post after all, it wouldn’t be very good if there wasn’t someone to wash the clothes and bedding.” He helped her off the bed, noticing she was just a little bit shaky. He picked a robe off the foot of the bed and held it for her. “I don’t think anyone will care if you go around like this. Most saw how you were earlier, so they’ll understand.”

Stefen took Luna’s hand and led her back to the common room. Those in the room all came over to them, offering gentle hugs to Luna, then the older woman pushed her gently to the table where a steaming bowl of soup set, with a steaming bit of bread and some tea.

“Here little one, let’s see if your tummy can handle this.” She scooped Luna up and set her in the chair, handing her a spoon. “Tuck in, you’re gonna fade to nothing if you don’t eat.”

Luna slowly ate the soup, then began to nibble at the bread. Soon the food was gone, and she sipped at the tea. Most of those in the room went about their duties, but smiled at the child. Stefen slipped away long enough to get his gittern then came back and sat at the table himself, tuning the instrument then began to play softly. He noticed that Luna began to smile and he had an idea. He handed her the instrument, showing her some simple fingering exercises, she caught on quickly and replicated them with little fumbling.
Soon, he took the instrument back and taught her a simple little melody and she played it a few times before she didn’t make any mistakes. When she’d managed to play though the tune without a mistake, Stefen began to sing the lyrics to the song. As the last notes fell into the now silent room, she looked up to applause.

“There’s no doubt, little one, you have the Gift.” Stefen smiled broadly. “I hope there are not fights among the teachers for you, they are going to want to train that gift as well as your others. You pick up music almost as easily as breathing. I doubt it will be long before you can play any instrument they put in your hands, and that one is not a beginner’s instrument. Medren is going to have kittens when he meets you.”

“You keep saying that name, who is he?” Luna asked, looking up from the gittern. “This is a master’s instrument, isn’t it. She has an easy play to her, as if she’s well loved.”

“Medren was my first friend at the Bardic. He is Vanyel’s nephew, and the one who introduced us, in a way.” Stefen smiled fondly as he thought of his friend. “He’ll have kittens because I’m the one who discovered you, not him. Maybe we’ll find a good shop when we get into Haven and get you a few instruments of your own. When some of the makers hear you play, they’ll fall over their own feet to fit you, and will be quite glad to, as you are Chosen as well as Bardic Gifted.”

“That is true, little sister. Seems when you are Chosen, people don’t mind parting with something to help you along your way.” Isabeth dropped into a chair by Luna and poured herself some tea. “Father gave me a gift when I was your age, it’s nothing special. He made this for me and I charmed quite a few restless horses with it, but I think in your hands, this will sing like the sweetest of angels.”

Isa pulled a flute out of a bag she carried, handing it to Luna. It was beautifully carved and had little birds and animals etched into the surface. Luna looked at it, then shook her head, tears shining in her eyes.

“Isa, I can’t accept this, your father made this for you. He put love and effort into it.” Luna tried to hand the flute back. “It’s beautiful and I thank you, but I can’t…”
“You can, I insist. My father made that for me when I was a lonely young girl, just like yourself.   He brought me up here because my mother was in the care of the healers having trouble with my little brother. My baby brother made it, but mom didn’t. By the time I’d been Chosen, my aunt was taking care of him until dad came home for a time.” Isa smiled as Luna cradled the flute to her chest. “Just make sure that little demon there teaches you to play her the way she deserves.”

Stefen held out his hand and Luna handed him the flute. He played thought the scales a few times, testing it out and finding it was quite worthy.   He showed Luna how to play it then let her test it out herself.   Within moments, it was obvious the instrument was suited to the child and she began to play a variation of the melody Stefen had taught her on the gittern.

“Luna, I’m impressed. Not many skilled Bards can take melodies from one instrument to another, especially drastically different ones like this.” Stefen gave her well earned praise. He looked like a child being given free run in a sweet shop. “I think, with some training, you will be able to play nearly anything.”
“You mean with your abilities as a mentor you shameless little demon!” Isa chuckled. “There’s no shame in bragging, Stef. You are a good teacher, and a student is only as good as their teacher. Between you and the Bardic Collegium, she’ll be a fantastic Bard, probably never a master, as she is to be a Herald, but she’ll be good enough to keep people entertained when she’s on circuit.”

“Why can’t I be both? I mean I know my duties as a Herald will be first and foremost, but with Bardic training, won’t that be a boost to my duties?” Luna asked, causing both Stef and Isa to gape at her. “Being a Bard can get me into places that maybe a Herald won’t be. I can’t hide what Surya is, I don’t think, but I can hide my identity.”

:You are absolutely brilliant, Luna. You are thinking like a Herald already!: Surya sounded pleased. :You simply stunned them for thinking maturely, they’ll be fine. Vanyel had a touch of the Bardic gift, not as much as you have, but it was enough to give him some very good diplomatic skills. He is truly missed, by everyone in the Circle. Especially those who knew him best, and they’ll see his influence on you.:

“Luna, you are absolutely correct. I just didn’t expect you to think of that this soon. Yes, having Bardic training will be an asset to being a Herald, and you are right that it can get you into other places. As for Surya, if she needs to disguise herself, she can and will.” Isa seemed to have recovered her voice first. “I can see that you have some good foundations to your gift, and there’s only one person who could have trained you, even as a spirit. His touch will be unmistakable once you are fully trained.”

:See, Isabeth sees it already, Stefen is slowly coming to the same point, but I think he’ll be more subtle in how he tells you. He sees things in you that he can see in himself as well as things he saw in Vanyel. All three of you have had an extremely hard road in life.: Surya gave her a mental hug. :I’m glad to see you are back to feeling better. Eric is a very sweet person, and he adores children of all sorts.:

:I can’t believe how much my life as changed in just half a moon. I went from being a scruffy and dirty child to being treated with the same difference as a full Herald. I’m just a girl from the forest, I don’t have the regal bearing like Stefen and Isa have.: She tried to sort her thoughts out. :But I guess their polish is as more learned than it is being born genteel.:

:That is true, you will learn it all in time.: Surya said, then gave a little chuckle. :Ask for some real food, you little brat. I know you are feeling up to it.:

Luna chuckled loudly at Surya’s sending and started to ask for something when someone brought her a heartier meal than the soup. She began to eat, taking care to not eat like a starved waif. Stefen gave her a warm smile and Isa poured her more tea.

“That is much better, Luna. I take it Surya has been talking to you. You two are well on the way to having a good bond. I’m sure Stefen would be happy to write your recommendation into Bardic, but because you are Chosen, you won’t have to pay for the training the way most do.” Isa smiled.

“Vanyel left funds to me, and his father has told me if I need anything to let him or Vanyel’s brother, Mekeal know. I don’t often dip into that, but if we have to, I will.” Stefen patted Luna’s hand and snagged a slice of bread. “I do get paid a better stipend now too, so we’ll make sure you don’t lack for what you need.”

“She’ll be getting one of her own soon too, but as a Heraldic trainee, she may not have to pay the same dues. You were sponsored in as was Medren.” Isa pointed out. “Lynnell was quite proud of your accomplishments.”

“Yes, even if at first I thought I was to be a child whore. She blushed as red as her tunic. I think she’ll like this little one though. I think she’d love to teach a Herald with such a strong Bardic Gift. They are rarer than the mages were.” Stefen’s eyes misted over. He’d only known of one Herald that had the gift, one that was now guarding Valdemar in the Sorrows.

“Well, I doubt I’ll ever be one that legends are told of, but I’ll do what I can for the people and the King.” Luna said softly then began to play her flute again. Stefen could feel the stirrings of something in the melody she’d begun. It just happened to be a lullaby that was as ageless as time itself, but in her hands, it brought to mind gentle love.

Stefen closed his eyes, listening to the melody; then began to play along with her. On the next go through, he began singing the lyrics. Together, they painted a picture of a new mother holding her newborn, rocking them gently. The feeling of hope and dreams for the future of the child became vivid. Stefen realized as they played that Luna was the new mother, and the baby was the new life she’d been granted. She was putting her life in the Sorrows to sleep and that was something that evoked strong joy within her heart.   When they’d finished, the room was quiet, and those who had been listening had to wipe away tears before applauding.

“Wow, I know you are not trained, little sister, but that was a powerful performance.” Isa smiled warmly. “You may not have noticed, but you had everyone here feeling what you played and when Stefen joined in, there are no words.”
Luna flushed brightly and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Around her, those in the room were going back to their duties and soon, she was alone at the table with Isa and Stefen. Luna handed the flute to Stefen and got up.

“I’m going to go see Surya. I feel bad about earlier and I think I need to go soothe her.” Luna headed for the door and one of the guards offered to show her the way to the stables.

Stefen watched her go outside, glad she’d thought to put her boots on. It didn’t matter she was in her gown and robe, he felt anyone who overlooked that the way everyone here was, he could too. Isa watched the door close than turned to Stefen.

“There’s something on your mind, isn’t there. I’m not prying into your thoughts, but I sense you are confused about something.” She said. “I’m guessing you are wondering if because I knew Surya was out, I wasn’t the one to go find Luna.”

“That’s only a tiny part of it. I’m not a Herald, I’m a Bard.” Stefen shrugged. “I mean there is some I can understand, but I guess I’m at a complete loss.”

“Well, according to a friend of mine, Kawe, there were reasons it had to be you, not one of us. You know Aroon, the FarRanger of the Hot Springs Clan, plus several of their numbers. You know the two Hawkbrothers who trained Vanyel and were close friends of his and his Aunt Savil.” Isa grabbed another mug and poured them both something to drink. “If one of our Circle had gone in, she still would have been found and Chosen, but what would we have done with the baby?”

“Baby, you knew about him?” Stefen asked, shocked. “There was a very small child that wandered into our camp the first night I met Luna, not too long after she was Chosen.”

“I told you that Mindspeech isn’t all that good, with human’s it’s not. However, I do have a very strong animal Mindspeech ability. Though, with Companions, they can boost me. Though Rhoda knew of Surya’s intentions, she didn’t tell me until after she’d chosen Luna. I’ve been in the Kyree areas several times in the past few years, more so to keep them up to date on situations like the one that took Vanyel from us.   They are trying to work with the Hawkbrothers Clans to allow us to share news, but I do think now that we have Luna, that may change. They like to keep their secrets within their own clans, and I can’t blame them.”

“So, what has Kawe told you? I’m beginning to think that there is something I am missing in all this.” Stefen took a sip of tea and set his mug down. “He stayed with us until we broke camp, we all left at the same time, and I think that was harder on Luna and little Cody than it was me, to be honest.”

“From what I was told, had the incident the night before you arrived had not happened, that little boy may never have had his powers awakened. Luna would still have been Chosen and one of us would have been the one to meet up with her, AFTER she’d been Chosen. Apparently, according to Kawe, their seers and Vanyel saw things that were to happen, weeks beforehand. That’s why you were having the dreams; then Jisa had them. Had you not had those dreams, I would have gone to King Treven myself and asked for you to be sent up here.” Isa gave him a completely sober look. “Look, lad, I know it was hard for you to be there and for you to see him. He knows your heart and he knows how you feel about kids being in situations like Luna’s. You were the best person for the job. I know Surya gave both you and Luna hell, but she wanted to see how the girl reacted to some situations and to see if you would have treated her like those daft featherheads that seem to thrive at court. You didn’t, though; you treated her as any Heraldic trainee would.”

“Honestly, after I helped her with a bath, before Surya came, I really didn’t see her as a little girl, I just saw her as a friend. I just treated her like I would Medren or even you.” Stefen looked around the room for a moment, noticing that it was close to dusk. “I can say it was good to feel him again though.   I guess they thought the situation was going to get critical.”

“Kawe said that if the things in the village kept on the same path, Luna could have been killed. It was only that baby’s mage powers bursting to life that saved her. She had the sense, even concussed to run.” Isa reached over and held Stefen’s hand. “Look, I know how some feel about pre-destined paths, and there are those who have been forced down them whether they like it or not. He knew she has the makings of a Herald since she was that baby’s age, and he did everything he could to alter her path so she could live. She should have died many times over and it was not luck that kept her alive, it was our Guardian and the Kyree. Herald-Trainee Thad came from her village and he kept wanting to go back to rescue her. His own Companion told him in no uncertain terms that could not happen. His going back there would have only gotten him killed, no matter how much Vanyel tried to stop it. He doesn’t interfere with the villages unless something goes completely and totally into the chaos, as it did in hers. They idiots who took over the village just had to show their mage powers; well they’ve been dealt with.”

“That’s exactly what their Wise woman said; they had to make themselves a nice juicy target. Cody appeared to us the night before that bad storm hit up there, the rage I felt from Vanyel and Yfandis, I have only felt his rage that hot twice, once when Savil was murdered then when Master Dark’s servants on this side of the boarder abused him.” Stefen shuddered involuntarily. “There must be a special place in the deepest pit of all nine hells for scum like that.”

“Oh, you can bet there is, but even there would be too nice for the likes of them. Maybe being eternally eviscerated by packs of Wyrsa would suffice.” Isa growled.   “That goes for anyone who would dare force themselves on a child as well.”

Stefen gasped at the venom in her voice. He had no idea what sort of things the woman had seen in her duties, but he knew the things he had seen in the streets. He knew that children were often bought and sold solely as pleasure slaves. The younger and more naive the better that was something he knew well. He couldn’t blame Isa for her rage at the situation.

“I guess I can be thankful for Lynnell, she saved me from getting too deeply into situations like that. It was my biggest fear that the woman who raised me would sell me to someone who would break me.” Stef looked at the table, unable to look Isa in the eye. “It was something she tended to threaten me with, and there were times that I had to.”

“That’s not your fault lad. You were an innocent child, and all you knew was that you were hungry and had nothing. I wish we could clean up the poorest sections of town, but you know the moment we left, it would start right back up again and any monarch who tried to would be viewed with hate and contempt.” Isa reached across the table and lifted his chin with her hand. “I think that’s another reason he wanted you. You and Luna both lived hard lives, scrounging for food. In some ways, each of you had worse times than the other, but neither of you has lost your gentle natures. I think had she been rescued by a Herald, especially some of our males, it could have traumatized her. You knew to treat her as someone who’s known you your whole life. You probably did things around each other without thinking about it, and yes, I know some stunned poor Surya. She can get over it; she’s lived in the world of polite society too long.”

“In a way, I just treated her like she would be around other Trainees, especially when they have to rough it. There’s no privacy to speak of, and one way or another you just have to get used to it.” Stefen took Isa’s hand and smiled at her. “I like kids, and when they have a love of learning, it makes my job easier.”

“That’s no secret, but I think this particular child has stolen something from you.” Isa chuckled. “She’s taken your heart, and I don’t think even the King himself would be willing to take her away from you.”

“If I have to be her mentor at the Collegium, it’s no problem. I’ll need someone to be a back up for when I’m out on the road, but I think I may take Thad from whoever is mentoring him.” Stefen smiled.

“Oh I think that would be a great idea. He knows her and well he’s Saych. I think given Luna’s reaction to his being Chosen, she feared he was dead. Given what I know about some groups of people, that’s something that people need to learn to accept.” Isa stood and went to the door. “I’m gonna go get Luna so I can go over some things with her before you two head out in the morning”

Stefen went back to their room, first to put Luna’s and his instruments away. He found their cleaned laundry on the bed, folded and ready to pack away. Her new outfit was cleaned, and didn’t seem the worse for the wear. He packed it and laid out her riding clothes. He laid out his own riding gear for the morning and went to see about supper.

Isa found Luna in the stable, brushing out Surya’s coat and talking softly to her Companion. Rhoda would nudge her from time to time and she’d take the curry comb to her as well. She’d made sure both Companions had a little treat and fresh water, though the stable hands always took good care of all the mounts there.

“Well, I can understand why you felt that way, Surya. I knew there was something about him when I first met him, that he was trustworthy.” She tilted her head to the side, as if listening patiently to what her Companion told her.    “You really think so? Well can you somehow pass it on to him that I’ll be there soon? I would really love to see Thad again. If I don’t care that Stefen is Shay’a’chern why should I care that Thad is. I was more worried he had that other gift, the one Cody has.”

:No, Thad had no sign of that gift, and even if he had potential, it isn’t likely he’d pass it, unless he develops a taste for girls.: Surya said with a sassy toss of her mane. :I think he’ll be pleased, plus trainees have mentors who are older students, so he’d be good to be yours. Stefen will be your main mentor though. I don’t think anyone would disagree with that.   Well, I think some of the girls might be jealous that you have the two prettiest guys there, but that’s their problem.:

“Oh that would be too funny, and you know they’ll think that I have something they don’t to make both of them like me. I don’t doubt they’ll be trying to see if I’m a boy in disguise either.” Luna laughed. “Too bad for them, if they can’t accept someone for who they are, that’s their problem, not mine.”

“True indeed, little sister. You may be wiser than most of our Heralds. Plenty of them were accepting of Vanyel, but I think sometimes he felt they gave him a wide berth because of his preference. He was the most powerful Herald-Mage, and many were nervous around him because of that. Some remembered when he was chosen, the poor thing was driven mad with grief and reaction. He caused a lot of problems until they could get him drugged and shielded enough. Then Savil took him to her friends, and well, the rest is history.” Isa smiled, scratching Rhoda’s chin. “I didn’t know him the way some of the Heralds did, but I know he was terribly lonely for a very long time. I hope that I never have a Lifebond with someone, not at the price Vanyel paid with his first love, nor how Stefen is now.”

“I think Stefen is doing alright. He knows that in order to join his love, he has to live his life out in full. He has to make sure that Heralds like you and I are the heroes that Vanyel was. That was his biggest wish, you know. He wanted the ordinary Heralds to be the ones called in first, and the mages to come when things were too big for us to handle with our gifts.” Luna smiled at Isa. “Magic should never be the first solution to a problem, sometimes wisdom and thinking things through are far better.”

“You sound like him, you know. Then again, with what I know of your history though a fuzzy friend of yours, he did some training with you on your gifts. He had to though, or you could have been killed by those bastards in your village.” Isa patted Rhoda then moved over to pet Surya. “When you are riding a Companion, you can ride astride at times or with your legs crossed like you are sitting on the floor. When you are riding a Companion, it is very different than a horse, she won’t let you fall off. You can even sleep while riding, but Surya will tell you all this. I know she’s tried to tell you different ways to hold your legs, but you were too sore to try them. Now that you are more used to a saddle, you should listen to her.”

“I did try, but I was quite sore. It got so bad the day we got here, I had to stop and…” She broke off and blushed. “Stef told me to sit on a rock, like it was a privy seat, to relieve myself.   He put some salve on my legs, to help ease the pain.”

“He’s a good lad, little sister. He was right to have you do that, I know it seemed embarrassing to have him in a position to see things he shouldn’t, he’s enough of a gentleman to keep from unduly exposing you.” Isa hugged her gently. “I think you know all this though.”

“Nudity doesn’t bother me that much, I spent most of my time wearing rags that were more hole than whole cloth. Nana, Lora and Sven tried to keep me in better clothes, but that wasn’t very often.” Luna shrugged. “Nana made sure I had some clothes and boots to bring with me. I’m very happy she did. I think Stefen would have put me in his clothes, if he had to.”

“You’re right, he sure would. And it’s not because you are a girl, it is because it’s what is right. How about you and I go see if these ruffians left us any dinner?” Isa held out her hand and led Luna to a pump to wash up, then they went inside.

Luna went up to their room, finding Stefen there detuning his gittern.   He looked up at her and smiled as she closed the door. She waited until he had the instrument safely packed back into its case then she went over to him and gave him a hug. He held her gently and when she pulled away, he took her hand.

“Is there something on your mind, little one?” He asked softly. “I’m not complaining about your hug, I’m just wondering what you are thinking.”
“Just wanted to say thank you for all you have done so far.   I know you don’t think it’s much, but for me it means the world.” She said softly.

“Sweetheart, I know that. I grew up rough myself, so I know how it feels to have someone kind hearted to help you. I’m glad that my beloved Vanyel brought us together. I can see you becoming a good friend, and I’m sure that’s why he wanted me to be here for you.” Stefen pulled her into a tight hug. “Let’s go get us some dinner, then we’ll see if we can get another hot bath. We’ll be leaving early in the morning.”
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Tears of the Phoenix