Any who might be watching would struggle somewhat thanks to the Fancloak that flowed with the fighter’s every move. From Swallow Glides to the Branch, with sword held diagonally, point leading as the Gaidin moved forward, to The Swallow Takes Flight, where the sword moved along its diagonal path into a thrust aimed at an invisible opponent’s neck. The Gaidin’s feet moved with purpose as the sword was brought around in a wide arc, as if to keep multiple opponents at bay (The Cyclone on the Plane).
“Gaidin!”
The voice went unheeded as the Heron-marked sword sliced through the air, and one form gave way to another.
“Riahana Ferria Gaidin!” the voice called out, this time louder, with the messenger much closer.
The blade came to stop a centimeter from the man’s neck, and he let out an audible gasp. “Gareth Asha’man sent me for you, Gaidin. He told me to give you this,” the man all but stammered as he held out a sealed envelope.
Steel blue eyes locked on the man as Ria seemed to consider what he’d said. To the poor messenger, he felt as if he was being judged by the woman on the other end of the sword. He couldn’t help it when he swallowed hard and gave a sigh of relief when she lowered and then sheathed her blade. “Thank you, Ji’val,” was all Riahana said as she took the envelope from him. She did not appreciate being interrupted when she was going through her forms, but let her annoyance roll off of her thanks to the Void. Do not kill the messenger. . .and if your husband has sent you a summons. . .do not be so blasted stubborn, woman.
Stepping down as Mistress of Arms seemed a good thing at the time, but truth be told, the woman wasn’t entirely sure what to do with herself now. She thought she wouldn’t miss the weight of responsibility she had to bare as part of the Triumvirate, and thought Ravak more than ready. She thought she was ready to go back to just being Riahana Ferria Gaidin, Warder and wife to Gareth Asha’man, and mother to Tia and Einion.
She felt empty.
Ria looked to the envelope, and broke Gareth’s wax seal. She realized the Ji’val hadn’t left, and looked up, “Are you waiting for something?”
“What? Oh. . .no. I. . .I was just going,” the poor man stammered and almost tripped over his own feet as he turned to make his escape.
Once she was alone, Ria opened the envelope and read. A small smile found its way to her lips and she felt that warm, familiar bundle in the depths of her mind. The note simply said, “Come home.” Wiping sweat from her brow with the back of her hand, Ria let warmth and love trickle over the bond she shared with Gareth and looked across the Warder Yards as twilight descended upon the grounds.
The Gaidin and former Mistress of Arms wasted no more time to return to her family quarters in the halls of the Yellow Ajah. With each step, she could sense herself drawing closer to her bondmate, knowing he was waiting for her. It did not take her long to reach the door to their rooms, and she stepped in without a moment’s pause. She wasn’t surprised to find Gareth sitting on the couch, and held up his note, “You summoned me?” She couldn’t help her amused smile.