It was with a sudden stop that Saber woke up. Sitting up from where she had dozed against the cushioned corner of the carriage, she looked around. The light filtering in from the curtained windows was significantly more golden. The breeze warmer. It must be afternoon already. Had they stopped for a late lunch? Saber strained to hear sounds, any sounds, that would remind her of Gryphon Heights. Nothing of the sort met her small ears except the driver talking to the horses and the footman's bootsteps on the ground approaching.
Quickly touching up her hair and smoothing her skirts, Saber quickly composed herself into that of a lady. Not eager for gossip nor interested in politics, she had found plenty of time to groom herself into the appearance of a proper child. But inside her heart was racing. Saber wondered briefly if her palms were getting sweaty. Pushing the thoughts away she turned to the door as the sound of the step was lowered into place. With a soft click, the footman opened her door and stepped back.
Curious of their location despite her nervousness, Saber stood. An easy feet for a child of 7 in any carriage. Moving to the doorway, she hid her surprise. They had already arrived at her new school. She schooled her features into an expressionless mask and quickly started taking in details. Gentle hills such as those around Gryphon Heights protected a white smooth stone building that was build in a circular fashion. There was paths from the entrance veering off into the grasslands beyond. And standing before the gate of this structure was a lady wearing beautiful clothing similar to hers. Was she nobility too?
Carefully stepping down, she gracefully walked towards her. First impressions were so important. While she didn't want to come across as friendly or girlish, Saber definitely didn't want to be labeled a cranky person either. The lady, sunlight curls streaming down over her shoulders, watched her approach with a polite smile on her face. "Welcome to my school Miss Saber. My name is Trena and I will be instructing you. I trust you had a pleasant journey?"
No child, no matter how well schooled, can hide the distain of being stuck in a carriage for long. Saber curled her small fists reflexedly before gaining back her semblance of calm. "The ride was smooth and uneventful." In truth she was lucky, she had slept.
Miss Trena's face relaxed slightly as she took in her new pupil's reaction. This child was a good child and someone she most likely could work with. Stepping sideways, she motioned Saber to follow, "Come and let me show you the place. It is small but stable." Leading her into the main room, she explained, "this is where we gather every morning for morning exercise." Motioning off one side, she added, "that way is the dining area and kitchens." Motioning off the opposite side, she added, "and that hall wraps around with dorm rooms for pupils." She kept walking forward, "and this room is the learning room where I teach."
Saber looked around curiously. There was a skylight letting sunshine filter in from the top, a rounded roof signalling this to be the center of the building. There was various arrangements around the room. Seating area of cushions in one area, a table with chairs of stone in another, and more. On the far was was two doors. One was open and she could see supplies and books inside. The other was closed.
"That is my study and rooms," supplied Miss Trena as she watched Saber. She felt amused as Saber instantly replaced her curious expression with the polite look once again. This child was going to be enjoyable to get to know. "You must be tired. I'll show you to your room and have food sent." Turning she headed back the way they had come.
Saber felt relief as they turned down the hall of dorm rooms. Reaching one, Miss Trena knocked politely and opened it. No one was inside. Saber stepped in and noticed that her luggage was already placed at the foot of one of the two beds. The other bed clearly already taken by another pupil at the school. She turned as Miss Trena stepped back, "Thank you."
"You will be comfortable here. Not perhaps as you are used to, but it will be enough." Miss Trena motioned someone out of sight. A small creature about Saber's 7 year old size stepped into view. A Leurna with a somewhat pleasant expression. "This is one of our servants. She will show you the washing rooms at the end of the hall as well as assist you with whatever you need." Saber nodded in surprise.
Miss Trena smiled gently and then turned leaving the two of them. The Leurna glanced at the retreating figure and then turned to bow, "Miss Saber, I'm Angel."
Quickly dipping into a small curtsy, Saber replied, "Nice to meet you Angel."
Angel grinned, "Come on, let's get you washed and fed." She took Saber's hand in a motherly fashion and wisely didn't ask about Saber's life in Gryphon Heights. Instead she showed her the washing rooms. A wonderful set up with a pool of hot water flowing through that you could scrub the worst grime away with, with another pool beside it with nice warm water that you could soak in, and finally a third pool of cool water to rinse off in. All constantly flowing. "We styled our washrooms after those used by the dormitories the Heralds stay in." Saber could only stare open-mouthed. It was going to be bliss here.
No comments:
Post a Comment