Dest'rei

Ali and Aris run into Dest'rei, Ali's new teacher and an old friend of Aris'.

When I woke, the sun was just peeking over through the leaves of the trees; we were still deep in the Cariza Forest.  I almost wanted to go back to sleep, but I knew that I shouldn’t be lazy.  Letting out a sigh, I gently shook Aris, then looked around for Lynya, but I couldn’t see her.  Wondering, if I should be worried, I began to get out the waybread. 

            Groaning, Aris rose.  “I hate mornings,” he said, taking a piece of bread from me.  I shrugged.  I didn’t really mind mornings.  In fact, I didn’t seem to need as much sleep as most people did.  Five hours a night was quite enough.

            I straightened from my pack, whistling to Alonwyn.  Whickering softly, he trotted over to be saddled.  “You’ll need a horse,” I told Aris. 

            He agreed, “I know.  But I don’t really know of any towns around here.” 

            A new voice said, “Well, it’s good that I do.”  I turned swiftly, hand going to where my hilt usually was.  Standing at the edge of our camp was the green-eyed elf who was going to be my teacher.  In his arms was a purring white cat. 

            Lynya! Explain yourself.  I glared at her. 

            She replied, I’ve known Dest’rei for much longer than you might think, and I’d appreciate it if you trust me!  You need a teacher, and he was following us anyway.  I just thought I’d let him know he was welcome. 

            I shook my head, then bowed slightly to Dest’rei, since I wasn’t wearing a skirt.  Behind me, Aris called out, “Rei!  I thought I’d never see you again!”  He went to embrace the elf. 

            I huffed, annoyed.  “Does everyone know you but me?” I demanded of Dest’rei.

            He didn’t answer me, but he gazed at me steadily.  I stared back for a moment before I was forced to look away.  “Don’t you know I’m a princess?” I said crossly.           Lynya hissed at me, Don’t make me scratch you!  Show your teacher some respect! 

            I ignored her.  “I can order you to answer me!” I pointed out.  Still Dest’rei kept quiet, his startling green eyes studying me.  I turned on my heel and stomped away angrily.

            As I stormed around the camp, packing up, I heard the elf say softly to Aris, “Is she like that often?”  In spite of myself, I listened harder. 

            “No,” I heard Aris say, “This is the first time she’s acted remotely princess-like.  She’ll be okay once she gets to know and trust you, Rei.  She’s just surprised and doesn’t know what to make of you, and that is making her irritable.” 

            Lynya added, Remember it’s not been a month since she left the comforts of her home.  She just needs time to get used to you.  She’s never met an elf before, much less an elf like you. 

            Whatever that meant, Dest’rei laughed and stroked her white fur.  “Don’t worry, Lynya, Aris.  I won’t scare her too much.  Let’s go help our little princess pack up.” 

            I fumed silently.  Elves are beyond infuriating.  Little princess, indeed!

            I barely looked up when Aris came to help me.  “Ali,” he said softly, “Ali, Rei’s my Division Leader.” 

            I raised my eyebrows.  “Oh,” I replied. 

            Aris’ grey eyes grew serious as he told me, “I absolutely trust Rei with my life.  I would do anything for him.  He is a great Lord among his people and he is one of your father’s closest counselors, if you didn’t know.” 

            I hadn’t known that.  I sighed, “I acted like a spoiled brat.” 

            He didn’t deny it. 

            “I should probably go apologize,” I admitted. 

            He nodded.

            I approached Dest’rei, stepping lightly over leaves and twigs.  He stood when he saw me coming and still said nothing.  Taking a breath, I murmured, “Lord Dest’rei, my behavior towards you was unacceptable.  I apologize deeply for my misconduct and will handle myself better in the future.” 

            I thought I saw a smile flicker across his face, and I’m sure I didn’t imagine the twinkle in his green eyes. 

            He said, amusement plain, “A simple ‘Sorry’ would have done just as well by me.  Your extremely formal apology is accepted.  As soon as we pack up, we’ll need to head north.  And, Princess?  You may call me Dest’rei, or Rei.  I don’t particularly hold with formalities like most of my kind.” 

            I agreed, “All right, Dest’rei.  I guess you can call me Ali.”  And so I made my peace with my teacher and traveling companion.  Lynya rubbed up against me in approval and jumped into my arms.

 

Author's Note

Constructive criticism and compliments gladly accepted