Feolan
“Knight Master Callistan.”
The knight master started, surprised to suddenly find another beside him. A massive man strode alongside him, thickly knotted muscles moving with a fluid, predatory grace. He had not even realized that Feolan had joined him. The boy moved so silently, especially for a big lad like him, that he was often startling others with his presence. The knight master supposed he ought to be used to it by now though. Bah, it was early. Awareness was for a more decent hour of the morning.
“Yes, Feolan?”
“Our first assignment is coming up soon, and-“
“Feolan, you know I am not allowed to reveal anything about the assignment to you. You will have to just wait and see what mission has been chosen like all the other students."
"I know that. I meant to ask if..." Feolan dropped his voice, not wanting to be overheard by any other passing apprentices. "Are the other knights in my unit to know?"
Master Callistan stopped, regarding Feolan seriously. He glanced either way, assuring that the corridor was indeed empty.
"No. Not if it can be avoided. The decision of the Knight Masters still stands. Only the heads of our order know of your origins, and it is to remain that way."
"And if they should question my skills? Swordplay and archery may be staples of Skyguard Rock, but there are other skills that might be needed. Skills not held in high regard by noble knights."
Callistan stared hard at Feolan, jaw muscles clenching and unclenching as he weighed up the question. Feolan could see the distaste which with the knight treated the idea.
"Fine," the knight master sighed, smoothing down the front of his tunic. "Other skills may be needed. And if they are, I'm sure you will find some way to explain them. You are a creative young man. Eventually you will be able to tell your unit of your childhood, but you are all still too fresh. A careless slip of the tongue, and rumors may spread about a 'shinobi Dragon Knight'. The Togakureryu school would not be pleased to hear that you had lived and deserted them for another order."
"Then they have continued their expansion out of Gal Nim?"
"We believe so, yes. But regardless, rumors spread like wildfire. Merchants would carry this tale with them. The ruling class of Gal Nim would protest a shinobi in our order, and your old masters would see you as a liability.
"I am no shinobi. I left them as a child."
"Yes, but rumors would exaggerate the tale. Before we could do anything, half the realm would think a dread assassin was amongst our order. That cannot be allowed. You will not reveal your past. So long as it is in your power, this will be a secret. Is that understood?"
"Yes Knight Master."
"Good. Now go, I have a breakfast to attend to. There will be enough missives to stress me out today without worrying about child assassins."
Feolan watched the knight master stride away. He was a gruff old war-dog, but Feolan held nothing but respect and affection for the man. Ever since Feolan first arrived, he'd kept a special watch out for him, ensuring that he adapted well enough to the life of a knight. He worried about the assassins having ruined the boys concept of 'honour', but he could see his potential. He was the first one to treat Feolan with any kind of special consideration. He was eternally grateful for that.
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Arabella
The early morning sun was just beginning to let its warmth down upon the landing platforms as Arabella waltzed past. There were several early birds out for training before the assessments began, but still, the citadel was quieter than usual. The patrols must still be out. A shame. The head cook did not appreciate his food going cold.
She continued on towards the arena, the wind flicking her long raven hair out behind her. Amethyst eyes narrowed at the sight of the arena. Good. She was in the mood for smashing things. She waited for Feolan though, as she said she would, loitering in one of the citadels countless little alcoves. She sensed him approach long before she heard him. Which was just as well, because she did not, in fact, hear him at all.
"So? Was he as charming as usual?" What did he say? Have the others been told?
"Oh yes, almost as charming as yourself," he retorted. Nothing has changed. No one else knows.
"I aim to please. Speaking of which, I think it's high time we hit the arena already. The practice dummies haven't gotten their morning beatings yet. Poor things probably miss me." So we don't tell them?
"Ha, not as much as you miss them. I swear your aim hasn't gotten any better in all the time you've been here." No. Not if we can help it.
"Oh shuddup." If we can help it? That's definitely a loophole. I can't even help myself when I'm trying not to eat dessert. Hell, I take second servings of dessert. I definitely can't be helped. We can totally tell them.
The conversation continued like this as they made their way towards the arena, trading witty repartee's with tongue and private thoughts with mind. Maintaining the two lines of conversation simultaneously was nearly impossible at first, but by now they were masters of the art.
Once in the arena Feolan made a beeline towards for the archery targets, drawing from his back a new bow. His new pride and love, it was the most recent creation of his enchanting lessons. He had refused to let her see it, constantly putting it off as 'incomplete'. Now though was his first time really testing it out as a finished piece. She was interested in seeing what it could do. It was certainly big enough to be a powerful bloody bow.
She spotted someone slumped over on a bench. With a little laugh, she waltzed over, plopping down next to her.
"Feeling a little tired Faelwen?"