Snippet #2420206

Fortunately Altan didn't run anyone over, but he did trip on his feet once during the undignified rush through the halls. Talyera caught up to him then and sighed. She probably shouldn't have stirred him up with the comment on being late. Of course they weren't late, because they answered the call immediately. "I'm sorry," she whispered and offered a hand to help him up. He didn't really need it, though. Almost as soon as he went down, he got back to his feet and kept going without a word.

Only once he reached the gate did the awkward Lorthian stop and look back to his partner. Her face was a little pink only from the effort of keeping up with his longer stride and the fact he'd been running straight out the whole time it took to get here. Altan flushed a little himself realizing it. What if...? No! He couldn't think of that. She did always warn him to be careful and he didn't always listen. He didn't listen this time, but she also took the risk of wearing herself down by chasing him at speed. It might make the trial harder, but they could do it. They HAD to. This is the reason he was born and she chose to accompany him in that destiny.

Talyera put her hand on his arm. Both took deep breaths and straightened up as the gates creaked open. Beyond the gate, her green eyes bounced all around the room and she let go of Altan, who also seemed to be trying to take everything in. Her fingers twitched, but she used that restlessness to smooth out non-existent wrinkles or wipe invisible specks of dust off her clothing. She couldn't allow herself to be distracted right now. Altan also did preening of his own as they walked to the inner doors.

They stopped and stood at attention in front of the guards as the elder knights around them grew silent and converged on the students. That was uncomfortable and Talyera certainly couldn't blame Seriss for being a little agitated, even if it wasn't the best face to show the Masters. The Masters! They were finally going to see the Masters!

Despite her nerves, Lyra did chuckle a little at Kael's remark, though she remained at attention. Even if she didn't spend a lot of time with Seriss and Kaeleb, she could imagine what he referred to, since Altan fell in the same category. Was it a Lorthian thing or a Sentinel thing?

Altan ignored Kaeleb's comment completely. He was paying attention to the guard's question and gave him a respectful salute and nod. This is truly what he was born for, and he was definitely ready.