Training the People

~she closed the journal and moved over to Tib and stood behind him and wrapped her arms around him from behind and laid her head against his back.~

"You hate him that much?"

Artimus saw the sadness on her face, but couldn't think about not trying this.

I know. I don't know how I'll manage either. But I've got to do this.

They left the tavern and started walking towards the keep.

I think I'm the only one who can talk to him, to convince him to join the fight.

They turned through the streets, and he sent a mindlink to his daughter.

~ML: Jade, I know you're mad at me right now, but we need to talk. Please. I'm on my way to the keep.~

Can you help me convince Jade to borrow Azure? I need a horse I can rely on, who I can trust totally.

~she follows him to the keep~

"I still think she thinks of azure as yours and she is borrowing him. But I will help if I can."

~she still was wrapped around Tib when she tensed up at the ML. Knowing Tib heard that too. She let Tib go and stepped back. She sighed.~

~she softly spoke~ "What the hell does he want now.." ~she walked across the room pacing a little.~ "This is the last time am going to speak to him until he he says he is sorry."

~she took the keys.~

"I am going to meet him down in the courtyard.. are you going to go check in? or you want to come?"


~ml~ "Meet me in the courtyard."

~He shook his head.~

"You go talk to him. I only seem to annoy him."

~she took a breath gave one more glance to tib and then walked out of the room and down the stairs and out into the courtyard. She stood there with her arms crossed pacing back and forth.~

Artimus and Indis rounded the corner and arrived at the gates of the keep. He could see Jade inside, but he spoke to the guard first, softly, then walked in, looking at Jade.

Jade, I know I messed up again, and I'm sorry. But I have three favours to ask you.

~she raised an eyebrow~

"What are the three favors." ~she was an edge to her voice but would hear him out.~

Something has come up, and I need to go away for a short while. I'd like you to carry on my work here, training the people. Your mom has said she's going to stay here and help you. That's the first favour. Carry on my work until I can return.

He looked around quickly.

The second favour is bigger. I need to borrow your horse. It's important, I need a horse I can trust. The final favour will probably be the easiest for you. I want you to promise that you won't come straight after me.

Now came the real bit. He looked over at Indis as well.

This goes for you too. If this works like I hope - and you'll know if it does - I want you to promise me neither of you will come and find me.

~she uncrossed her arms. and shifted around.~

"Do you really think am the one that should be training people..."


~she thought for a moment~

"Azure is always been yours I was just holding him for you."


~she looked right at him.~

"You will call mom if you need her right?"

~she looked between them~

"Like I have a choice am either with one of the necklaces or the library. I can only come if you call me. I still don't like this."

He put his hand on her shoulder and smiled at her.

Of course you can teach them. I have faith in you.

He smiled at her again, showing he was being totally sincere. As for the discussion of Azure, now wasn't the time to tell her he lost Azure fair and square. He was just grateful for the use of him once again.

I'll make sure he gets back to you safe and sound as soon as possible. And yes, I will call your mother if I need help.

He was looking at her. His daughter; holding her shoulders.

Jade, no matter what happens, know that I love you.

He let go and turned to talk to someone to prepare Azure for a long journey.

He looked back to Indis as she spoke.

Where I'm going, it could be dangerous to you. Otherwise I'd want you with me all the way.

He was sounding genuine about her safety.

~she turned and hugged him tightly like it might be the last time. and she started to cry a little.~

"I love you too dad. Even if am mad and say things. I can't change that you are my dad. Just get yourself back here am sure Tib will miss you too. I will do my best with the people here."

~she crossed her arms~

"Still don't like it." ~she flickered some~

He embraced his daughter, glad she was at least tolerating him, although eh looked over at Indis.

I know. I don't either, but...

He broke the embrace when a stablehand came over to say the horse was ready. Artimus thanked him, then looked back to Jade.

One last thing. I need you to look after something.

He removed his sword belt, then took his rapiers scabbard from it. He put the belt back on, now a lot lighter without the familiar weight behind it, and handed the rapier to Jade.

Look after this for me. I'll want it back when I return.

He knew she knew how much it meant to him. It was his fathers, and was now the only thing he had left of his. It also meant that where he was going, he would be unarmed.

~she watched in disbelief as he handed over his rapier.~

"No weapon? are you crazy?" ~Her sad look was changed to one of worry. where the hell was he going.~

~she took a breath in as she watched him her eyes with surprise yet an honor was there too. As he handed the rapier over she felt her knees start to buckle then she pushed down the feeling not wanting to let him know what she really was feeling. She took the rapier by the tilt.~

"It will be waiting for you all sharpen and ready to go." ~she cleared her throat and pushed feelings down more. She was telling herself stay strong. Tho her mother was saying what she wanted to.~

He gave his daughter once last embrace, then stepped back and looked at both of them.

Where I'm going the weapon would be useless anyway. Any weapon will be taken from me before I got chance to use it, and going unarmed shows I am not looking for a fight.

He hated being unarmed as much as they did, but this way made perfect sense. At least to him it did.

Now, about that promise not to come after me. Do you both swear it. If this works, then you MUST swear you won't come after me, or send anyone else looking for me. No matter what happens.

~she looked at him and nodded~

"I swear."

~she looked at him.~

"Only if you swear to call me if you need me. it might be dangerous for me where ever you are going but still want you to call me if I can help. My captain if you can swear that then I swear to you." ~she then moved closer to art wrapped her arms around him. Then kissed him. Then didn't want to let go. but took a deep breath and pulled herself away.~

"This better be worth it." ~she softly spoke~

I swear to you, my wife, that if I can call you, if I can bring you to me, that I will do without hesitation.

He hugged her as well.

I hope it's worth it as well.

~she was struggling with her feelings fighting to keep them in check. she looked down at the rapier and was admiring it. Then watched as her parents talking see how they were to together. She knew this was killing her mother.~


"Safe travels my father and come back soon." ~she hold on for a bit more keep it together.~

~she stepped back starting to flicker a little more as her emotions where getting the best of her.~

"Jade call me with necklace you have when you need me.. the same goes for you my husband."

~she looked to them both.~

"Send me to the library. I need to collect myself and am sure tib and jade don't need me around for a little as they are trying to get settled."

~She flickered more.~

"I love you both forever. Send me please." ~she looked at art.~

With a heavy heart he touched the middle of the pendant, doing as she asked. He watched as she vanished from view.

Jade, I know she'll be worried. Please keep her safe. I can't risk her going where I'm going. You might hear things about me, things people will say later. Just know I love you, and her. And I always will.

He was fighting back the tears, so he stepped back and mounted the horse.

I'll send Azure back as soon as I reach...

He couldn't say the name of the place.