day22 43???

Kell looked up and stretched. “I will meat you guys back at the room. One of your bring this book for me and don’t forget that you need new ones to.” She stood up and Rick tipped his head up to look at her, She bent and kissed him. “I have something to take care of. We are going to have a day in town tomorrow and I prefer to have cash on me, otherwise I feel more like a thief.” She turned and kissed Anth. “Don’t linger to long here, I expect that supper will be waiting when I get to the room” She then left.

There was an older lady leaving at the same time, she turned to Kell as the walked though the door. “You are better than you used to be with servants. But you need to work on not explaining yourself. If one of the court had heard you go on about what you had to do there wigs would be up to high and catch the fans.”

Kell laughed. “Given that I am not going to set aside my weapons for the costumes they like the wigs will be up there. But I will try to be better among them. I am used to thinking of them as partners as much as servants.”

“More so I bet.” She shook her head. “You never did take to being waited on Highness. I am surprised that you have servants with you, I must say they are producing a lot of chatter”

Kell smiled. “And I fear living as merck these last four years has made it worse. But for the length of my stay, I am trying. The darker one is Athions, he is from the far south, Rick is from the plains, the son of a farmer and didn’t fit with that life.”

The lady nodded. “At lest my girls will now be able to put a name to them as they are mooning over them.”

Kell said. “They need to learn the way around, but I don’t have time, perhaps if they get to bad you could drop a hint. I will point out, again, that it would be a good idea for them to get to know the way around so there will be a chance that the offers be accepted.”

“That will help, indeed it will. Might just kill some of the chatter. Thank you.”

Kell nodded and took her leave heading in the direction of the gym. She could just here the guys complain about the maids, but it really was the best way for them to get the layout. Especially as they insisted on the role of servants, after all a servants view was by necessity different. She had reached the hall and turned into the weapons room, walked past the racks and to a door in the back that said Masters only. Taking a breath she opened it and went in for the second time. Inside there were a lot of bins and some bags. Kell took down a large bag, hesitated then took a second smaller bag. She moved to the bin with her brother’s mark and filled the larger bag. Then went further down the row to her own and reached for it. “Are you sure about that?”

Kell nodded. “I want people I can trust, it will be a full meeting and try as I might I can not get past my fears.”

“You are sure you can trust them that much? Remember those give unlimited run to the warier.”

Kell said. “They will be going to the people I have trusted with my life for the last four years, Master Paul. So yes I feel safe in trusting them with the run of the place.”

“Very good Master Krellyis. And I will be glad of the swords. Am I wrong in thinking that you know some of the new guards?”

Kell shook her head. “In fact the one you placed as an under chief will be getting one of these. He shouldn’t need it, but I have seen the others giving him trouble. If it gets out of hand this will stop it. But what am I missing?”

“We had word yesterday that Reland is sending a party, they will be here a day after the opening ceremonies. Kellver a week before that, your family is about two weeks out, allowing for shopping times. Rightside will be here in a week. Some of the smaller ones will be in the end of this week. And it is anther month tell opening ceremonies. I don’t think there is a neighbor not coming. Had a messenger from the plains even, asking if they could send a representative this year. Of course we said yes. So you see.”

Kell nodded. “I knew there was some worry there, but I thought it was eased a bit. I wonder what has happened since we passed. Looks like I had best plain on being at opening night. Thanks for the information, He said everyone, but I didn’t think it was more than the bigger guns and the usual.”

Paul said. “At the time it wasn’t.”

Kell turned to go then stopped. “I didn’t think of it, but now, given this. Is there a different pin that Athions and Rick should be wearing. I fear that was a part I never gave much heed to. I am going to try and get them to explore more without me. I will feel better about it if they are not so trapped, not that they care.”

Paul reached in to anther bin and tossed two pins at her. “These will do. By rights, being yours they don’t need them, but this will make it clear who they are. It is a good idea for them to know they layout. What do you have in mind?”

“Being new there is a lot of curiosity about them, so I told Evalayn that she could point out that they had yet to learn the way around. They aren’t going to be to happy, but I can not give them the servants view. Once the family gets in I will arrange for one of the family servants to finish the lessons. I am going to show them a bit of town tomorrow and try to get them to take some nights out with other servants.”

“Sounds good kid. If they bulk to much, tell Relgan. He will be happy to explain the security reasons to them. He tells me they are shaping up.”

Kell smiled. “Good, that means he likes them, even if they weren’t what he wanted. Well I am going to go get some coin then my supper. I know, but I just can’t let everything be billed, perhaps because I know most wont bill, not for me.”

“Let them get by with some things. It makes them feel good.”

Kell nodded and left, heading to her family’s hall she went to a store room and snagged a couple pouches of coins, one that was mostly small coin, and the other of higher value. She then returned to her room to find supper waiting on her. “Judging from the steaming plates my timing was good.” She set the bags down on the table and sank into a chair. “I had forgotten just how big this place is.”

Athions said. “The food arrived just a bit ago.” He handed a plate.

“Oh for! Sit down and eat, both of you.” They sat and took up her plates she shook her head. And then hand them each one of the pins. “These need to be on your shoulders. You theoretically do not need them, but it will prevent questions. All so you need to learn your way around, and will be getting offers of help. You can grumble all you want, but I cannot be with you all the time, and will feel better knowing you can navigate the maze when you need to. If it helps think of it from a security viewpoint. How are you going to keep me safe if you don’t know where trouble could hide? Yes the tours could involve empty rooms and other invites. Take or decline as you wish, but do not blame me.”

Athions shuddered. “You are evil, just evil.” He then kissed her.

Rick laughed. “We did bring it on our selves, but. Well it is time we got to know the other servants.”

Kell nodded. “I have learned that I will need to be at the opening ceremonies. It will be best if you two are seen there.” She got up and pulled the cord then went into the bedroom and came back with some clothes. “We need to see if this will fit you. There are scabbards to match, so yes you will be armed.” She set down the stack and picked the first up and shook out the bright blue and black garments with dragons and roses embroidered on them. “Rick, I think. Yes I know, but family colors.” The second set was like the first. “Anth here are yours. And just so you know.” The last seat was like the others in color, but the design was more elaborate, and the cloth finer. “This is what I will be in. Father will grumble, but it will do. Later on though you will see me in a dress, though one designed to be worn with a blade. At no point am I going to be unarmed.” There was a knock on the door Rick opened it. Kell looked up and said. “I see you guessed what I was ringing for. Thank you for coming up.”

The lady huffed. “Past time you got them in decent clothes.”

Kell said. “I have no issue with there clothes, but they will need a set for the times that I require their presence at court.” The lady shook her head but took measurements and left. Once she was gone Kell turned to the others. “There, and don’t worry you will never have to wear what she comes back with. I just had to make a nod at her, but we have never seen eye to eye and never will. Now lets see how these fit, so I can get them altered.” They changed into them Kell held in a laugh. “Rick I am sorry, we will have to get those made over go ahead and get out of them. Anth how does yours feel? They look like the fit.”

Athions moved around the room and said. “They are fine, the sleeves are a bit longer then I like but I can work with them.”

Kell nodded. “Go ahead and get out of them and we won’t worry about getting yours redone, Rick put those in that bag so we can get them to the seamstress. Sorry I have to do this to you. Now then do you guys know the locale money?”

Athions said. “Wag gave us all lessons in it. He didn’t want us getting taken.”

Kell nodded. “I thought he would, but needed to make sure.” She took out to small bags and then filled them with the small coins putting in a couple of large ones. “These go around your waist. You won’t need them when with me, but will if you go out with the others so might as well get used to warring them. And before you say it, it is traditional. Every servant will have a full pouch at this season. Yes I know you have your pay, but this will look better. And yes I do expect you to go out now and then. Just make a point of asking me for the night off before agreeing to go. Now then were is that book?” Rick handed it her and took out his.

The next morning after the work out and clothing change they headed in to town. Kell took her time and point out things, doing some shopping as she walked. Then they came to a shop who’s window was full of fabric. A bell chimed as they entered and a voice called out. “I will be right there.”

Kell called back. “No rush Ell.”

Which brought the man out right away. “Kell as I live and breath! Just what brought you back here? What do you need?”

Kell laughed. “Good to see you to Ell. I was hopping you could find some time to alter some clothes. You know those servant formals you made. Well one fits, but his need taken in.”

Ell looked at the two with her. “Impressive that the one fit. You want to put yours on so I can see what will be easer. And whale he is doing that let me get your measure and get you some that will look good on you for time you don’t need be in formal way, but want to fit in more.” He had started getting Athions’ measurements as he was taking.

Kell laughed. “Rick there is a changing room just though there.”

When Rick came out Ell did laugh. He then recovered and went over and stared checking and muttering. “I can get this taken in, but when do you need them? Opening?” Kell nodded. “Then it will be better to just make them over. Ok change back, just leave those in there.” As Rick was change he took Kell’s measurements down, then got Rick’s. “I will have the clothes and bill sent to you at the palace.”

“Thank you Ell. On the non-formal ware for Athions the sleeves need to be a bit shorter, if you don’t mind. All so if other come in looking for clothes and bearing Roberts or my pin, pleas send me the bill. That is if you have the time.”

Ell shook his head. “Kell I always have the time for you and yours. Do you need a gown?”

Kell said. “I have a closet full, but If you want, I will need to ware one at midway ball. Will you be coming to court?”

Ell nodded. “I will have to be there some, but not as much as you.”

Kell nodded. “Lucky and thank you again. I don’t know what I would do with out you.”

They left the shop and counted on down the road, stopping a few stalls and passing others. Kell picked up a basket of food at one and ignored it when more was added by others as the passed the stalls. Soon they were at the park. “I think we will lunch here.” Once in the park it didn’t take long to find the others. “Rick sit the basket on the table, by now there should be more than enough in it to feed everyone. Hope you guys haven’t had lunch yet. And I hope you weren’t waiting to long. I though it better to shop as I walked.” She took the larger pouch of pins and handed it to Robert. Then took a breath and  waited tell everyone had some food then plunged on. “Everyone on the list was given full scholar passes, so you will want to go to the third table though the gate. It will be down that your passes are new so the will walk you though and see that you are show around. The rest of you will need to ware a pin and enter though the warrior gate, but you will be allowed to keep weapons and wonder the public areas. Just know that any request of a match is not a request but demand no matter how it is said.” She took out her own bag. “I could only get so many of these. They will give the ware complete access, with weapons, to every room. But they guaranty that the wearer will have to prove he knows how to use the weapons. Matt ware your pin only if you are sure it is needed. In your post it should be, but I saw how they were acting.” She then gave each officer a pin from her bag. “I hope you won’t think the lack is a sign I don’t trust you.”

One of the others laughed. “We know far better than that. The number of times you have shown us you do.”

Robert was handing out his. “I am glad you got them, don’t get me worng, but um.”

Kell said. “Everyone seems to be comeing out of the woods. Kellver will be in a week or so before the opening and Reland the day after. Paul said the swords will be welcome. And I want people I can trust. I know it is silly but I still don’t trust Kellver. Father is two weeks out, allowing for shopping time.”

Matt blinked. Bree said. “You are sure. Can we get into the formal events. Where do we get clothes that will stand out less. Guys I don’t know how many of you know those countries she said but they are not good company. Don’t worry we will be haunting the halls.”

Matt said in a low voice. “I think you are understating it a bit Bree. And I am going to find out just why I had to leave to learn who was coming. Kell will you pleas let Van stay with you? I know you are a good fighter and all. But if your Father is coming in two weeks, then you are on the hit list. I will feel better knowing there is an assassin with you, as I know each of them maintain a number of them. Robert will you take Gary?”

Robert nodded. “They won’t be gunning for me as much, but the have all ready made a few attempts at Kell. No doubt there will be others watching. But. Oh I guess. Father would be King Dragonthorn, the reagent emperor. He holds power until the Dragon throne is filled. Not the way I was planning on you finding out.”

Bree nodded. “Kell I don’t know just were we stand, but I agree with Matt.”

Kell nodded. “I will have others watching, but I can’t let them stay with me.  Van I could you, but I don’t want to put you in the spot.”

Van said. “What is the best way for me to enter and where do I get the clothes. If you think I am going to trust anyone else with you. I let you get by with Athions and Rick as I thought it would just be the run of the mill. But I know what Reland is. And no offence guys, but you are not up to it.”

Athions said. “None taken, I trust your judgment.”

Kell shook her head, but handed Van the pin she had been toying with. Then looked down. “There is a shop on main called the golden needle. Go there for your clothes. Once you have what you need use this at the warrior gate. They will test you and then bring you to me. The rest of you can order clothes at the needle to, but start going in as soon as you can. The king said that if the residents are used to seeing the visitors will be less likely to ask why there are so many swords around. When you go to the needle make sure to show the pin. He won’t turn you away then, other wise he might. Shops get busy around meeting times. Don’t worry about the costs. No matter what you order it will barely but a mark in my allowance.” She looked up and at those who had been with her. “I am sorry. I didn’t know. Some vacation.” The tears where plan to hear in her voice. Less easy was the fear. But most of these folks had with her for years.