Unexpected adult turning and silly closthing.

Over the next two days the lines at the stations were getting longer, it seemed as if everyone was hitting the rails. Some of that was do to the school holyday’s but there were also new laws going into effect soon that would make it more difficult to take a train. So folks were moving up trips. Vine waded though the line and got the tickets then went back to the others and said. “Time to take a walk, we have a couple of hours to kill until our next train leaves. Likely a bit more, given how things are going. There is a storm up the line.”

Paul said. “They have a board here full of posters of persons suspected of heading east.”

Vine said. “Made it an official crime now have they?” She looked and smiled. “Well they figured out we aren’t in Exter. We will have to find a café and check our e-mails.”

Jul said. “With the delay there might be a lot of board people studding this. The hair dye might not be enough.”

Vine nodded. “I don’t want to start hiking from here so we will have to change a bit. I have a few ideas, but let’s take a walk first.”

They found a café and bought time, ended up have to use the same computer. Jul had a few letters but they just told her to be safe. She sent off a general reply that she was well, and having fun seeing the country. “This should give them pause, as I bet the letters are being turned over.” She added a line saying that The spry at Walamate falls was amazing, and she had gotten soaked just standing by it. “Now you see why I read that article first. Might as well give them a bone pointing west, far as I can tell they are not sure where we are. The trackers on the emails are worthless. I mean it reads us as being in Capital. Might as well make use of it.”

Keven nodded. “Sounds good to me, I will add a bit to mine about not getting to see Mischag tower do to the storm.” His family hadn’t written, but he sent them one anyway. “I hope that means they got out of town. All yours Paul.”

Paul logged in and read the letters from his Mom, she just said he needed to come home. He had his rebelling now it was time to do the right thing. His father needed him. He wrote back that he was fine, and having fun taking in the sites. That they were planning on hit Red cannon next. He was about to log off when Olver came on.

‘Where the devil is you brain boy? What are you doing throwing your schooling away? I should have known you would try this. Where is that taking you?’

Paul said. ‘I am well dad thank you for asking. We are just waiting for a train, going to take a tour of Red cannon if the storm doesn’t shut it down to. You would believe the number of place it has closed. You and mom doing all right, is the storm affects reaching you yet?’

Olver said. ‘Don’t you lie to me boy! Get your butt home and maybe we can selvage something.’

Paul said. ‘I would love to hear more, but my arain tea is waiting. Stay well, I hope you are happy.’ He logged out. “Well he doesn’t have any idea where we are. But would love to get his hands on me. All right Vine your turn.”

She logged on and found David waiting. ‘What the hell are you thinking taking them east? You have no right. Your agreement says you will live by the rules. Don’t feed me that red cannon bull!’

Vine said. “Well we know they are together, and are making wild guess. Bet there are solders with them. Oh, not threatening them, David will be freely working with them. Just like he always has.” She taped the keys. “Why not?” ‘Someone took a shot at Mare from the Mischag tower. That is the storm. To bad they missed. Totally unprofessional. If only I had of been a few minuets early. No we are not there now. Way to many solders around. Likely the ‘Storm’ will be so bad we will have to see the cannon anther time. I hear there are some good hiking trails down south. May be I will get lucky even.’ “No I am not going on a killing spree, but they will find that more believable than sight seeing.”

Paul said. “I was wondering just what the storm was.

Vine nodded. “I was able to check a rebel sight. Mare walked away, but they heard she was hospitalized, so they think it might have made an impact. But as she was vested it didn’t do to much.”

Daved said. ‘Do you know how much touble you are in? Do they know what will happen to them?’

Vine said. ‘Read it again. I was not the shooter. Though they would blame me no matter if I am found this close. I went over the risks. They said they were going with or without me. Having them with me I can see they stay alive at least. I thought that was smarter than letting them wonder the roads unguided.’

Daved said. ‘If you didn’t then who did? One of the others?”

Vine said. ‘nice try Bob. So you made it in. was wondering who she would send to babysit him this time. Read it. I was late getting there it was all over when we reached the area. And we were just going to see the tower, I had no idea she was there tell I looked into the storm damage. Now If I had of she wouldn’t be walking. You know that. Ah there’s my coffee. Not as good as mixta, but it will do for now. Tell Jeag he might want to put a helmet on. Lots of folks are going to be looking for opportunities to take you guys out as you failed to listen.’

‘Making threats is just going to make things worse. You can’t kill her and you no it. You won’t even be able to say no. come back now and she will let you live.’

Vine said. ‘What threat. It was a warning. How do you know I am not following orders. Did you check?’ She paused then said. ‘Didn’t think so. Don’t want her to know I am alive do you? Perhaps I will let one of her guys get a good look at me.’ She logged out. “Well if that load of bull didn’t convince them we are west nothing will.”

Keven said. “Now we just have to keep them thinking it.”

Anther man said. “Glad I’m not out west what with the storm putting all the solders on the streets. My cousin says it is a odd storm. Now wind or rain, just damage.”

Vine said. “It is the kind of storm that happens when someone tries to kill a high racked government official is my understanding.”

A lady said. “Now that makes a lot more since. Any idea who?”

Vine said. “Reblecenter says it was Mare Jug, and they landed her in a hospitable. But I don’t know, they make all sorts of claims on that sight.”

“Ya like the camps getting responded. Wait that happened. Maybe they aren’t nuts.” He winked. “Did you see the video? You can tell she was hit. If only the bullets had of been armor piercing. It is safe here, every one is ours, but your friends. So how you been?”

Vine smiled. “I was hopping you all still ran this place. I wasn’t sure give the look I got when I ordered. Why was he not using the right bullets? No, I didn’t get the vid, just the report.” The others were looking at her oddly. Vine said. “This is the reason we had to go for a walk. This is one of the groups that is keeping the east informed, and getting the news out. Do you all still have a few sets of Armin robes and folks who know how they should be worn?”

The man said. “The shooter was just expected Isic and he never wares amour. Mare was unexpected, but to good to pass even knowing the kill was not likely. He did bring Isic down. And we learned, we not be unready next time. Should never have given them the chance. A kid we can get you all set up. Heck I will send your pics east and get you seen out there. You got a safe place out east or need some names?”

Vine said. “I am good, and have a few more place you can use. Don’t include me in the pics. Mare still believes me dead. Give me a week then make any big runs for the southern end of the boarder. I will draw the guards North. Right now she believes I am dead. She is going throw everything at me once she learns otherwise.”

He said. “Not that I am not great full, and appreciate it, but are you sure? That is a big risk.”

Vine said. “A week will have me in place. It won’t be that big of risk. It will be on my terms, in land that gives me the advantage.” He looked at the other three. “If we are caught they will say that I forced them. They are safer with me than on there own. Safer for me and for them. With them along I won’t be to foolish. So guys do you have any objections to dressing like Armin?”

Jul said. “Believe it or not my grand parents are Armin, been a few years since I lived it, but I think I remember enough not to offend anyone. But.”

“We keep there robes because they don’t care about nonbelievers warring them. Unlike the Zanaitantens who can get testy, Arminins do not take offence.”

Keven said. “In that case let’s get dressed.”

Paul said. “I take it there is a good sized community here? I noticed the increase but wasn’t sure if it was resent.”

Vine said. “This area has always had a lot, one of things that makes it harder to enforce the laws around here. Only Paul and Jul can carry a blade safely. Sorry Keven.”

Keven said. “I have no business with a blade. What is the word your Grandma used for me Jul? Currddelrn?” Jul nodded.

The man choked. “I don’t think that.”

Vine said. “It is right. That is his role in there life, and he would have it no other way. Open your long closed eyes if you would question.”

He shook his head. “If you say so, we do have it. but won’t that be to hard on him?”

Vine shrugged. “Keven up to you? Do you want to sit at there feet for the next few hours, or not?”

Jul said. “He did just fine at grandmother’s. She insisted on it. thought he should know fully what he was meant to be. But Kev you don’t you know.”

Keven Said. “I am the one that brought it up. It will look better. You two would not be traveling together with out a servant. And in truth it will be a lot easier on me.”

The man shook his head. “Well come on then. But lad I do wonder if you fully understand.”

Keven said. “I am giving them complete power over me. The can pimp me out as they wish I have no right to object. I never have, and yes they have.”

Vine said. “Good grief. He is old enough. You didn’t get so upset when I was with your son.”

“These three are kids yet. You never were, and he wasn’t by then. Come on kids, back here. V you can change in there.”

Vine went into the room he had pointed out and set the long box on the table. Opening it she took out a set of black garments. The changed into the pants and shirt, put on a pair of black boots made to match then belted her sword on. Considered the bow, but it would be silly if legal. So left it in the box and shook out the cape. It was black but embroidered with eight pointed stars and leafed staffs, all done in gold thread. It settled on her shoulders and stopped just a few inches above the floor. Next she took her braid out and brushed her long hair, took out a green vale that went on her head and wrapped around her hair, holding tightly behind her. Then a second vale was draped over it. It was filmy and made in such a way that it could be brought across the face in secured. Only Zailanten assassin-Priestess ever wore such clothing. Taking a breath and enjoying the feeling of being dressed right Vine opened the door and walked out.

“Good V. Now you look like you should. If you had of been dressed right there would have been that wait you know.”

Vine said. “We needed to use the computers, and for all it can be amusing to see them run it would hardly have been the low key entrance I wanted. I will saw it is nice to be in proper dress again though.”

He laughed. “The others will be out soon. Greg is assisting them, and making sure the servant will be able to. Are you sure about that? Not the relationship, but that he is ready for it. That they are, it is not going to be so easy to go back for all they think it is just play.”

Vine said. “It would happen regardless, this way they have a bit of say in it. You will see that he is thanked? I know how it irritates him.”

“Yes I will convey your wishes, though as it is for you he is not as upset.”

The door at the back opened, Paul and Jul came out. They were both dressed in a long tunic and loss pants the belt went over the tunic around the waist and had a long knife hanging from it, their hair was hidden by the head covering, which changed the shape of there faces a bit. Jul’s was a bit tighter, and was a dull red. Paul’s was a bright blue. Jul said. “I should take get someone to take a pitchers and send it to my Grandma latter. She would be tickled to see me dressed like this. Sorry it took so long, but you man not only insisted that I let him dress me, he made K do so as well. I am not used to being dressed. If he would have just helped Paul we would have been done sooner.”

Vine said. “He never can leave things half done, and it is best that be done right. You may need the them again and be around folks who would notice if K acted out of place.”

Paul said. “Um just what?”

Vine said. “I am a Zailanten priestess, it would not be fitting for me to ware those robes when there is no need. My own clothes will do just fine to hide me. No one will get close enough for a good look at me.”

Keven came out, his tunic was open in front leaving his chest bare, the pants were tight and had fringes at the ankles and knees that were long enough to tie together or to something when unwrapped. There were straps at the wrists as well and his belt was a piece of rope. His head was bare but his face was covered. There was another piece of rope running down the back of the vest in a loop. The length of it that hung free could be adjusted with ease. His feet were glad in a pair of sandals. Vine said. “Are you still sure you can do this?” He nodded. “Well then get the bags, and guys should he be free to roam?”

Blushing a bit Keven picked up the other two packs as well as his. Jul looked at Paul then undid the rope on the vest so it was at its full length and looped though her belt. Vine said. “Paul are you all right with the implications there?”

He said. “It is the way things are, so why fight it.”

Vine said. “Well then G would you mind helping K and repack so one of those is fitting for Paul to carry. Two is fine, but one person carrying three bags is silly. Jul let him be whail they are packing but you will need to tie it before we leave, and it wouldn’t hurt if you shorten it once we are in the station.”

Greg said, as he knelt down on the floor and pulled Keven down. “Also Priestess if you want it clear they are with you, tie your case to his hand. It is league for him to bare a weapon if it is secured. It means nothing then that you all have agreed to travel together, and he has camp duties for all of you. Something he would be more comfortable doing then letting you anyway. I included three changes. That should see you far enough. It will be plain to anyone that he is untrained, but his instincts are right and at there station training would be more suspicious. That you have agreed to travel with one so young might be odd, but it is the time of year when folks move to new schools and you would be seen as a fitting escort. Hence the reason I made plain there youth. Is that acceptable?” He never looked at her as he spoke and was working on the repacking. “We will have this done by the time you finish you coffee if so mistress.”

Vine closed her eyes. “I thought we had it understood you do not call me Mistress. Yes, the clothing is fine. Thank you for assisting in the repacking.”

Greg said. “What are you going to do about it mistress? Punish me?”

Vine said. “You are hopeless. I know where J got it from all right. Guys we might as well have another cup he won’t finish the packing until we do, train or no train.” But she didn’t head the counter after a cup, but to a table. Jul followed her, Paul started to then turned and went after the coffee.

“Not bad, he remembered soon enough. It would be expected to have some lapses. But you are going to have to enforce it should he forget completely. Do you understand Missy?”

Jul looked uncertain. “I um well, if he had just stood there, or taken a few steps I have to snap at him to get the coffee.”

“Using what words?”

Jul said. “I am not sure. Is it Inscber or Nutber?”

Vine said. “Unless you give the full command in Arminian use fool, but in public it is Inscber. It is acceptable for him to use your name, but unless you are call for him in a crowded room you do not use his. Lover or Pet, or something, but you do not give him the dignity of a name. Now if he had of came to the table with us?”

Jul looked uncomfortable. “I would slap him then send him after two coffees, as he was no longer allowed one. Unless K was fetching them, though Pet still should not sit until I give permission. K doesn’t sit, but knells at my feet, and eats or drinks only if I give it directly to him or set it on the floor and tell him he can. If I give permission he may sit on the floor.”

Vine nodded. “P may send him after things as long as you do not have him doing something. He may not give the order to sit, and only with you approval may he take him any place, the tie in his hand, not on his belt unless you put it there. If K looks at you or fails to jump when given an order, speaks without being asked?”

 Jul said. “I slap him, harder than I would P and promise more when we are alone. If there are no outside children around it is also acceptable to kick him. Is this really necessary? I mean do I really?”

Paul arrived with the coffee and was standing uncertain. Vine said. “It is not enough to just dress the part. Not doing so will make you stand out. I was not planning this when I asked you to dress this way. I thought we could continue being a group of young adults enjoying some time of school. It is not unknown for Albains and Zailaentens to travel together. But by choosing those dresses, you chose this role. You need to know what is involved before we go out there.” She took a cup from Paul and waited.

Jul took a cup and then nodded at the stool next to her. “Sit and drink yours Love.” She shook her head a bit. “I thought I left this behind. This isn’t just for the train is it? What if I don’t want to stop?”

Vine said. “We will need to keep the disguises for a week at least. We will not be alone most time, and as some others from the train will be taking trail, it is the man reason people go to Rightler, to hike to and up Fuagn. We won’t make it to the peak, but will be going half way then around. That is why the fur lined tents. It will take us a week to get there. I plan on being seen by the guards at the trail head, so we can go back to regular clothes after that. The actions between you three you must work out on your own.”

“You sure they can do that child? That is not an easy trek, and you will have to be live of the land. This time of year. I know you have done it but.”

Vine said. “I know it is silly, but well I have to check. If he is this will be the time. They can do it, though they will be rethinking agreeing on coming with me. It will be good for them. If Might is to bad we will have to go to the peek to get though. It will be to late by then for groga. We will make it. What about you? Don’t fool around to long, will you?”

“The blot hole is fully finished. I was going to offer it for them, but you seem to want them with you. I don’t think there are enough drugs in the world to get you though the tunnel. We took a lesson from gerbralet and reinforced it.”

Vine shuddered. “I am glad those rooms were there during the bombing, and glad to know you took that into account, but I will not be going underground. Thank you for the offer though, but watch it. Things are going to turn bad fast.”

He said. “I am living here, and they are all within two blocks. The most any of us go is the grocery store. We are playing it safe, but are going to keep getting the news out and smuggling as many as we can up to the last moment. Same reason you are taking the long road.”

Vine nodded. “It was what I could do. I want more, but have to many bugs yet to be one in the tower. So I will get the eyes looking one way and make a hole. You just make they are ready to use it. You guys got those bags done? We don’t want to miss the train.”

One of the others said. “Still have at least another thirty tell the tracks are cleared. Government transport and a real avalanche is the cause of the hold up.”

Gerg said. “There done Miss, and it looks far better. Here is the lads’ bag. There was an extra porters bag in the stores for the boy there. Lad you know how this goes? Let me see you get into it is you world Sir.”

Paul bilked and stood up, reaching for the bag. It was smaller, but had more straps. It took him a bit, but he got the shoulder straps on and then the waist strap. Vine nodded. “Thank you, that will look better. Paul the extra ties are there so if needed your wrist can be attached, thus insuring you don’t wonder off. It is not a leash, but it works in a similar fashion. Should J feel you are not attending to her she can lash those until you learn better. J you see how K’s leash works with his bag?” Kevens pack started just below his shoulders and wrapped around the sides. The rope of his shirt was unhooked and draped down the bag and connected to a send one coiled there.

Jul said. “That tab there controls how much of the coil if free. I can leave it open for the full rope or shut it and the rope will be set at that length. It rewinds itself then?” Vine nodded. “The rope ties the bag to him. He cannot get it on or off fully on his own. I am not sure.”

Vine said. “P helps him into it, but you secure it and undo it. Which I want you to do now so you are both sure of how to.”

Jul looked at the bag. It would be wrong to reach for it so. “Knell.” Her voice was a bit uncertain, but not to bad. Keven went to his knees in front oh her. It took her a couple of tries to get the rope undone. She then realized the sides had to be unfastened as well and so. Still Keven remained still. Jul looked at Vine unsure what to do. Vine just sipped her coffee. Jul bit her lip. “Remove the bag?”

Vine said. “That sounded like a question. Why would you be asking him?”

Jul said, more forcefully. “Remove the bag.” Keven took the bag off.

Vine nodded. “All right how does he get it on?”

Paul said. “Well the rope is down his back now, but goes over the back so I have to move it right?”

“You put it over his should, he is not to touch it.”

Paul moved the rope Keven stayed still. Pual looked puzzled, then said. “Um Put the pack on.” Keven did so. Paul was clearly unsure what to do next.

Vine said. “Try and be a bit more forceful, but that was all right. Now then the ties need to be done so?”

Paul said. “I don’t. Wait J does that so um.” Her turned to Jule. “He is ready for your” He paused. “attention?”

Vine said. “That is good though inspection would be better. All right J get the ties taken care of.” She got the rope tied and started to bend to get the sides but stopped.

Jul said. “Rise and face me.” Keven stood and turned to her. “I should have undone the sides before he knelt shouldn’t have I?”

Vine nodded. “You will next time. Now then as you see the side can be used to keep his arms pined should you want.”

Jul said. “That is not necessary now. So hold your arms away from your sides.” Vine nodded, and Jul surcrred the ties.

Greg said. “It will do. They both sound a bit uncomfortable.”

Vine said. “They are friends, went to school together. None of them saw this until it was there. They are still adjusting to it. A little hesitation is normal at this stage. One of the reasons we are taking the trail. So I can get them pasted it before turning them over to the school. Only thing is am I to young for that to work?”

“You were raised in the Mourtem Monstary, they went to Froster. You would have the training to be an escort even though you ages are close. Their parents sent them with you because you four know each other. Such pairings are not unknown. The danger lies in being asked about the teachers there.”

Vine said. “I stayed in contact with folks at Mourtem, and had some lessons with them, so I think I can manage. But instead of Froster, there parents put them in the outreach at the monastery as they kept finding trouble. No outreach student ever talks about it. What you say guys, willing to be a bunch of wild kids from Joken?”

Jul said. “Sounds good, and we know the town. All of us spent summers there for years.”

Paul said. “Dad did think about sending me to the outreach. If I had of gotten kicked out of another school I think he would of.”

“Then you are all set. Stay safe kids, V I will check in with you on the other side. If that fool lad does show up give him an extra kick and hug for me.”

Vine nodded. “Jul tie it and let’s go see about the train.” Felling a bit self consciences

Jul tied the rope to her belt and said. “Time to go, come on.” and gave it a tug. Vine nodded and led the way out the door, Jul looked at Keven then followed Vine out, Paul fell in next to her, Keven trailed along behind.

The way people reacted to Vine’s clothes wasn’t to obvious on the street, but in the crowed station it was. She had no problems with the crowed now a path would open in front of her as she moved. Vine led them to the platform they were to leave from. “You three wait her. Jul shorten that robe before he gets ideas. I will go see where the train is. It clearly isn’t here.” She walked over to the board, ignoring the people who scrambled out of her path. “Thirty minuets more? You have got to be kidding me! It is all ready three hours late. A this rate we will be lucky to make the trail by noon.” Turning to the steward who had ignored them last time she snapped. “You there what is the hold up?”

He paled. “Storm up the tracks Ma’ma the trains are backed up.”

Vine said. “Just how long will it be? And don’t give me them same line of bull! Where exactly is the train?”

He said. “I will go find out right now Holiness.” He fled.

Vine smiled. “He will send someone back with an answer, though he won’t be back. Sorry for being so over the top.”

“If you can get something other then thirty more minuets I will be delighted. That was all he seemed to know how to say. Heading to the mountain are you?”

Vine nodded. “Taking the since road to school, with those three. They haven’t traveled a lot so I wanted to make a trip out of it. I thought this station was busy the last time I was in it, but this amount of people is insane. Those posters weren’t up our last stop, something new?”

Another person said. “They went up this morning. Runaways who’s parents think went east. Though some look a bit old I think. This is more traffic then we see in a normal winter, but this one isn’t normal. Have you been on the mountain in winter before Or am I going to have to rescue you? Getting way to many who don’t know snow.”

Vine said. “Yes, I have, I went to Mourtem, so am well used to the storms. It is my companies first visit, but I passed the guide test so can get them through the storms. We are just going to take Comb, so it won’t be that rough on them.”

“If you get there that is. Starting to think I should just start the hike from here instead of going to the trail.”

An man in a suit came out of the officale use door and over to Vine. He bowed. “I am Conduter Roslet, commander of this station. I am sorry for this delay. Let me ofer you and you companies acomdation in the first class lounge.”

Vine said. “I just want to know where the train is. How is a strom in the North delaying its arvile from the south? I can see it delaying our disparter but the trains arvale? That is asking a bit much isn’t it?”

He looked flushterd. “Well um as the south bound traind are delayed and the north bound ones couldn’t leave we had them turn around so the south bound passgerst could.” Vine was shaking her head he stoped taking.

Vine said. “So you deside to make a big mess is what you are telling me. When will we have a train and be able to leave?”

He was red. “I just spoke to the conductor. The train will be here in ten minuets it will take about twenty to get folks and bags off at the arrival gate. You should be able to board in no more than forty minutes. Should that change I will see you get a explanation of why. All passengers will get free meal service for the disruption. You should be in Rightler by mid morning. Breakfast will be served on the train, free of charge as I said.”

Vine said. “Thank you, that is all I was asking. Pleas don’t just say thirty minuets should there be another delay. I must goo and inform my charges, and try to keep them in line.”