A dream that felt important was already fading as Gregory woke slowly. He tried to pull it back, but it drifted away from his mind like morning haze before the sun. Someone kissing his chest got his attention, and he looked down at Jenn, who was looking up at him. “Good morning, dear one,” Gregory murmured, then bent his head to kiss her.
“Hmm? I want one, too,” Yukiko said.
Gregory and Jenn were happy to oblige her. Their kisses lingered for a little bit before the third bell chimed. With sighs, they all got out of bed, going to dress.
“Are you sure, Greg?” Yukiko asked as she was getting her obi on.
“I’m a bit worried,” Gregory replied. “They say they’re fine with it, but when the time comes…?”
“We’ll deal with it if there’s a problem,” Jenn said softly. “This is something they’ve all hinted at wanting. Besides, it’s just one part of our day.”
“Gin’s first, to see the kids,” Gregory smiled, pushing aside his worry.
“Training the Peaceful Fist with them and having brunch,” Yukiko said. “This way, they can celebrate with us.”
“Does Clover know we’re also celebrating her belated birthday?” Gregory asked as he got his boots on.
“No,” Yukiko giggled. “It’ll be a surprise for her. The others were told so they could make arrangements if they wanted.”
“It should be a good day,” Jenn smiled.
“I was surprised you invited Roshana to Gin’s,” Gregory said.
“Something about it felt right,” Yukiko said. “Darkness mentioned her to you before, too.”
“She did,” Gregory said. “I’m not upset. I agree that she feels natural to the group, as natural as Ling and Clover did when they joined our friends. I’m surprised she hasn’t asked to join the clan yet.”
“I think she’s waiting because of tactics,” Yukiko said.
“Egil split each class up, so no class was completely a single clan,” Jenn added.
“Oh, I didn’t think about that. Even with Farin joining his clan, that only gave them five,” Gregory said.
“Exactly. She wants to go with us to the tournament and doesn’t want to chance Egil needing to split the class again.”
“I think she’ll ask before we leave for the tournament,” Yukiko added.
“She’s just coming to Gin’s, right?” Gregory asked, suddenly very nervous.
Yukiko’s smile grew wide. “Maybe.”
“Yuki, please?” Gregory asked.
“Just Gin’s,” Jenn said, giving Yukiko a headshake. “That was bad, Yuki.”
“Sorry, but he’s cute when he worries,” Yukiko grinned. She shifted to stand in front of Gregory, looking up through her lashes at him. “Forgive me?”
Taking her in his arms, he kissed her lightly. “Always. But please temper that impulse a little?”
“For you, my heart, I will try.”
“Let’s get going,” Jenn said. “Our friends are probably waiting already.”
“I’m sure they are,” Yukiko giggled as she led the way to the door, “and they don’t even know about the surprise yet.”
~*~*~
Clover and Ling were waiting for them when they came downstairs. “Good morning, Jenn. Happy birthday,” Clover said, giving the smaller woman a large hug.
Jenn hugged her back. “Thank you. It’s technically tomorrow, but since this is our day off, it felt better to celebrate it today.”
“I know you said that we’ll be going to Gin’s and having brunch there, but was that all?” Ling asked.
Yukiko’s lips twitched, but she managed to keep a neutral expression. “There might be more.”
Ling bowed her head. “It felt like there might be. I won’t pry, as it’s obviously a surprise.”
“Odds that Daciana is already waiting for us?” Gregory whispered.
“Pass,” Ling replied with a smile.
As they went down to the next floor, the lack of bet was proven to be the right choice. Daciana, Nessa, and Victoria stood, waiting for them. They wished Jenn a happy birthday and each hugged her.
They’d just started down the stairs again when Gregory felt something and looked behind them. Dia was trailing them, a smile on her face. She bowed her head to him, but didn’t speak.
When they made it to the dining room, Bishop greeted them and also wished Jenn a happy birthday. That was echoed by Dia, which caused all of the women to whip around, not having known Dia was there.
“I was surprised at how quickly Roshana adapted to Egil’s training,” Bishop said.
“She said she had limited training from her family,” Gregory told her. “She also mentioned that the adept who was teaching her group as a novice was lackluster.”
“If Egil had trained her at all before the second tournament, she might have been a real challenge for some,” Bishop said.
“Roshana believes in Aether,” Yukiko said. “Her family moved to the empire because they firmly believed that Aether would return, and that he would be here when he did.”
“She hasn’t approached me yet,” Dia said. “Hmm…”
“You might have two approach you in the coming month or two,” Bishop said. “I spoke to another who I think will be joining.”
“And the clan grows,” Dia smiled softly. “I am happy.”
“We have a good meal planned for tonight,” Steva said as he brought breakfast to the table. “We’re all eager to share another birthday with the clan.”
~*~*~
“Good morning, Simon,” Gregory greeted the archivist.
“Good morning to you, as well,” Simon replied to the group. “Unless you need new books, your current ones will be waiting for you.”
“I need a new journal from Lionel Lighthand,” Gregory said. “I finished the last one.”
“The next of his journals will be brought to you,” Simon replied. “Not many ask to read them.”
“The first few have been enlightening,” Gregory said slowly. “Some of his views were at odds with the emperor.”
“The only reason we still have them is that no book within these walls can be harmed,” Simon said softly. “It was part of the surrender.”
“Surrender?” Yukiko asked. “I want to read about that.”
“So do I,” Jenn added.
The others were quick to say they wanted to, as well.
Simon held up his hands. “We have only a single book. I’ll make sure you each get it to read, starting with Yukiko, since she asked first.”
“Thank you,” Yukiko smiled.
“If you have any other books that we’d find as surprising, we’d be interested in those,” Ling said, with Clover nodding her agreement.
“I… will see what I can do,” Simon said slowly.
“And I’ll start on Lighthand’s journals,” Jenn said.
“Very well,” Simon bowed his head.
They thanked him before heading to their normal table.
~*~*~
As they left the archive, Gregory thought about what he’d been reading.
“Yuki, what did the book say?” Daciana asked.
“It’s about the fall of the city to the empire,” Yukiko said. “It’s written from the viewpoint of the head of the archive. I haven’t gotten to the surrender, yet.”
“I can’t wait to read it,” Clover sighed.
“It reads more like a journal than a book,” Yukiko said. “There’s a lot of personal comments to be parsed through, including how the siege started to take its toll. I’ll finish it in a couple of days.”
“What about Lighthand’s journals?” Victoria asked Jenn.
“Lighthand wasn’t with the emperor when the Kingdom of Welton fell,” Jenn said. “He joined in when the emperor started to gather people to attack the eurtik back.” She paused for a moment before going on, “There are things Lighthand didn’t agree with at all. I think they should be discussed inside the walls of the clan hall…”
Seeing her look around, the others did, then nodded in understanding.
“She has a good point,” Gregory added. “More when you consider the later journals.”
“Something to think on,” Yukiko said. “Now we’re on our way to see the children.”
“Who’s leading meditation today?” Ling asked.
“You are,” Jenn smiled. “That’ll mean everyone has been the lead at least once.”
“I accept,” Ling smiled.
~*~*~
They met Rufous, the clan coachman, in the stable yard of the academy grounds. The part-ox eurtik grinned when Gregory called out his name. “All of you again?” Rufous asked.
“To the Watashi residence, please,” Yukiko said. “We’ll be having one more—”
“I’m here!” Roshana said as she hurried toward them.
Gregory was struck at how similarly she moved to Inda and Indara when she was in a hurry. He was sure that Roshana didn’t have the eurtik legs, but she seemed to get more bounce and speed when she was on her toes.
“You don’t have to rush,” Yukiko told her. “Roshana, let me introduce you to the novices of Aether’s Guard and our close friends: Daciana, Nessa, and Victoria.”
“Champion, runner-up, and final eight contestant,” Roshana said, bowing to the trio. “An honor.”
All three women smiled and bowed back, greeting her in return.
“We didn’t know we were having a new friend join us,” Daciana said, her eyes darting to Roshana’s ears. “Will you be joining the clan?”
Roshana hesitated, licking her lips once before she replied, “I’m considering doing so.”
“Considering?” Nessa asked.
“We can talk as we go,” Yukiko said. “Rufous, thank you for conveying us again.”
“It is my job and pleasure,” Rufous said.
Gregory opened the carriage door. “Ladies, this way, please. I guess two people will be on laps today.”
Roshana looked at Gregory, her cheeks heating lightly. Jenn caught the look and snickered. “He rides with Rufous on the bench. I normally sit on Yuki’s lap.”
“I’ll sit on Nessa’s,” Victoria said.
“That’ll be fine,” Nessa said, her eyes on Roshana. “Or… Roshana, right? You can, if you’d like.”
Roshana blinked at being asked. It was borderline improper, and yet felt like something a close friend would offer. “I… am honored. But maybe you should let—”
“I withdraw my suggestion,” Victoria said, quickly cutting Roshana off.
All eyes were on Roshana, who took a slow, deep breath. She turned to Yukiko. “Yuki? Your council, please?”
Yukiko’s head dipped a fraction. “Nessa is offering, as she wants to make a strong impression. She’s interested in knowing more about someone we have spoken well of. Also, the fact you might join the clan makes her want to speak with you even more. On her lap, she’ll have your attention.”
Nessa blinked, surprised that Yukiko was being flatly honest with her appraisal. “She isn’t wrong.”
“Very well. I accept,” Roshana said, her cheeks darkening as she said the words.
“I’ll get in first, then,” Nessa said. “Thanks, Greg.”
Gregory was just as surprised as Roshana, but helped Nessa into the carriage on reflex. When Roshana came to a stop before him, he gave her an awkward smile.
“It’ll be fine,” he said.
“I feel I will always be safe with your friends,” Roshana said as she let him help her into the carriage.
Gregory thought about what she’d said as he helped the others in, one by one.
Jenn was the last, and she gave him a brilliant smile as she sat on Yukiko’s lap. “Thank you, dear one.”
“Anything for you, my heart,” Gregory replied, giving her a smile before shutting the door and climbing up onto the bench.
Rufous gave him a sideways glance, then shook his head. “Did you want to give it a go today?” He offered the reins as he asked the question.
“Oh, yes please,” Gregory said.
~*~*~
“Thanks again, Rufous,” Gregory said, getting down from the driver’s bench.
“A pleasure as always, Greg,” Rufous smiled. “You did well.”
“Learning is enjoyable, and it might be a skill I need later,” Gregory replied. “We’ll see you tonight for pickup.”
“Of course.”
Gregory opened the door to the carriage and started to help the women out. Jenn was the first one out today, and she went right for the front door. One by one, Gregory helped them out, with Nessa being the last. He caught her when she fell toward him.
“You okay?”
“Yes,” Nessa said, not looking up at him. “I put my foot down wrong. Sorry.”
“No problem, as long as you’re fine.”
“I am, because you caught me,” Nessa said as she straightened up, giving him a shy smile. “Thanks.”
The others were watching Nessa. Roshana kept glancing at Yukiko during the exchange, but Yukiko only smiled, so Roshana looked back to Gregory with a thoughtful expression. Nessa walked quickly toward the group.
The door opened and everyone turned to face it. “Welcome back, magi,” Elsa greeted them. “Please, come in.”
Gregory gave Rufous a wave, heading over to join the others. Rufous shook his head as he watched the young man follow the women.
Elsa shut the door behind Gregory, then turned to Roshana. “Greetings and welcome to the Watashi residence.”
“Good morning,” Roshana said, bowing slightly to Elsa. “I am Roshana Arnab, apprentice, classmate, and friend to Yuki, Jenn, Clover, Ling, and Greg. Thank you for welcoming me into the home.”
“Friends are always welcome,” Elsa said, dipping a small curtsy. “Will you be joining them for the Peaceful Fist?”
“She will, Elsa,” Yukiko said as everyone changed their shoes. “Ling will be the one leading us today. Can you gather the children, please?”
“Enzo already is, mistress,” Elsa replied. “I will see if we have an extra gi for our new guest.”
Gregory slipped past them all, he had bent as if exchanging his shoes, but just had his enchanted boots change their appearance to look like slippers. “I’ll see you all there.”
“We shouldn’t take too long,” Yukiko called after him. “Thank you, Elsa. We’ll be in the changing room.”
“Yes,” Elsa said as she hurried away.
~*~*~
Gregory was the first to the atrium. The children bowed to him and he bowed back. “It’s good to see you all again. Ling will be the one leading meditation today, and we brought a new friend. Please treat her kindly.”
“Yes, Sensei,” they said.
Enzo shifted closer to Gregory. “Greg, we arranged the desserts. Baylyss wanted me to let you know.”
“Thank you, and thank Elsa and Baylyss, too.”
Enzo ducked his head. “I’m just the messenger. I have no aptitude for cooking or baking.”
“Having limitations is fine. We all do,” Gregory said. “No one else here can draw like you do. Embrace what you’re good at.”
Enzo bowed his head. “I will.”
“They’ll be here shortly,” Gregory told the others. “Her name is Roshana. When she introduces herself, welcome her as warmly as you do us.”
The women arrived a few minutes later, and the kids bowed to them. Yukiko smiled as she led the others into the atrium. “We have a new friend with us today. Roshana?”
Roshana bowed to the children, wearing a soft, sad smile on her lips. “I’m Roshana Arnab. Thank you for letting me visit and train with you.”
“Welcome to our home, Roshana,” the children said in echo as they bowed back.
Jenn took a minute to introduce the children one by one to Roshana. When the introductions were finished, Ling went to the center of the area. Everyone spread out at that, with Gregory helping guide Roshana.
He tried not to give her a second look, but the borrowed gi was very snug across Roshana’s chest. “Just follow along,” he told her. “We meditate while doing this and, after a few times, it’ll likely become second nature to you.”
“I will do my best,” Roshana said, lightly touching one of her ears.
“We know you will,” Gregory told her.
“First position,” Ling said as she took the position. She turned to face Roshana. “I won’t meditate, so I can help you if needed.”
“Thank you,” Roshana said as she copied everyone.
“And we flow to the back foot,” Ling said as she put action to words.
