The early morning sun filtered into the room through its only window. Gilded by the sun's drenching rays, the room's meager furnishings reflected the light bathing the room in an eerie glow. A small battered desk cluttered with scrolls, inkwells in various states of fullness, quills, and a small figurine stood in the corner. An equally distraught chair stood beside it, threatening to collapse under the stack of books atop it. A three legged stool, sat under the desk awaiting use. The floor had a single tattered rug covering it, its designs long faded from years of use and little cleaning. A small trunk at the foot of the bed, peeked out from beneath a plain wool dress with matching stockings. The large form on the bed stirred and groaned as the light touched its head. The bed let out a matching groan as its occupant moved.
The door to the room gave a complaining squeal as it was slowly pushed open. "If the temple is still standing, you had better hope you have your affairs in order," came a muffled voice from beneath he covers.
"I am sorry Shendar Airtreille, but Shendar Frosmein sent me," Sonya said calmly as she poked her head around the door, "He requests you come to his chambers. He said it is an urgent matter."
"I'd recognize that voice anywhere," the voice stated gruffly as the bed covers flung aside. The woman that sat up could only be described as wide. She had a round face matching the rest of her. "Shendar Frosmein will wait until I am ready to join him. I don't care if the archives are afire. Wait for me in the hall, Sonya, I'll be out shortly."
"Yes, Shendar Airtreille," Sonya bobbed a quick curtsy, "Please hurry though, Shendar Frosmein did say he wished you to break fast with him. He also said I should mention the accord or some such, though the why I do not know."
At the mention of the accord, Shendar Ainoin Airtreille sat bolt upright, "Wait in the hall child, I shall be right out." With a grunt she was on her feet and reaching for her dress. As Sonya backed out of the room, Ainoin crossed to the corner of the room where a small washstand held a basin and pitcher of water. After washing her face, Ainoin dressed and opened the door to find Sonya waiting patiently.
"Sonya, I should have simply dismissed you, I do know where Shendar Frosmein's rooms lay," Ainoin stated calmly, "since you are here, you may as well fetch me water for my washstand and take my dirty linens to the washer for me."
"Apologies Shendar Airtreille, but Shendar Frosmein specifically directed me to return with you," Sonya met Shendar Airtreille's gaze with a touch of defiance. Ainoin allowed a small frown to cross her face as she tapped her toe. Sonya meekly lowered her head, "I will see to it when Shendar Frosmein releases me."
"We shall see. This may take some time," Ainoin gestured for Sonya to lead the way, "should we meet a servant, we will direct them to it, else you may do it. I do believe you are to be the subject of the conversation with Stendoran, I mean Shendar Frosmein."
Startled, Sonya stopped nearly causing Ainoin to run her over, "I am to be the subject?! But...why?" Sonya demanded, recovering herself she stepped out quickly, "if I may ask, that is?"
"Be at ease, my dear. It is no error on your part of which we will talk. You've done nothing wrong have you?" Ainoin replied with a chuckle.
"Not today, Shendar Airtreille," Sonya replied meekly.
"Not today, is it?" Ainoin stated suspiciously, "Sonya, you are not this meek unless there is more to it and today is not yet 3 hours old. What happened between the evening meal when I saw you last and this morning? Out with it."
"I was in a fight," Sonya mumbled.
"With whom and would they call it a fight?"
"It was with Temeille Tesmoln. She called me a name and I knocked her down," Sonya stated flatly. Lifting her head she continued, "I stand ready to be punished as appropriate for my crime."
Ainoin shook her head and laughed softly, "crime, my dear? While it is not the wisest decision to resort to violence, I doubt that a mere name would lead you to knock down a fellow student, besides, I have no doubt you have already apologized to Temeille ten times over," Ainoin patted Sonya's shoulder, "if you wish we will inquire into this altercation when we are done with Shendar Frosmein. Remember your Corteneall, 'The wise do neither seek nor avoid punishment, just or unjust.' It makes me wonder," Ainoin paused and turned Sonya to face her, "Sonya, it appears as though you try to err and seek punishment. Why?"
Sonya bowed her head, refusing to meet Ainoin's gaze, "I feel as though I am treated specially. As though, because I have lived here my entire life, I am dealt with less...as though I am perfect. I'm not and I don't deserve to be treated any better," Sonya raised her head, tears began to run from her eyes as she glared with righteous anger, "I am not special. I am no better than any other student. Temeille deserves the respect she gets. She works hard and is talented. She deserves all she gets. So why do I get what she deserves? I just want to be one of them. Why can't I be? What makes me different?"
Ainoin hugged Sonya and stroked her hair, "we do not mean to treat you differently. You are as a daughter us all. That is our failing. You are right, you should be treated no different and you aren't. You are special, but that discussion is for another time, right now, we need to get to Shendar Frosmein's quarters. Dry your eyes and let us carry on."
Sonya wiped the tears from her cheeks with her sleeve, "Yes, Shendar Airtreille."
As they passed through the halls they met several students and servants about their morning chores. Ainoin grabbed a young student and directed her to her apartments to take care of the basin and clothes. They soon entered the halls for the Shendar who had chosen to marry and came to Shendar Frosmein's door. Her knock drew a deep, "enter," from within. Sonya opened the door and held it for Ainoin as they entered.
"Shendar Airtreille, answering the summons of Shendar Frosmein as delivered by student Arranna Sonya Clenfell," Sonya announced formally.
"I can see who it is, Sonya, you need not shout it to the world," Shendar Frosmein stated calmly from his chair before the fire.
The room was warm despite the winters chill. The fire in the hearth ensured that. Two cushioned chairs sat before the fire place with a small stand between them. On it lay a copy of "Kirshon's Philosophies" beside tray holding a steaming teapot and two cups. Behind the chair, a rug of intricate design and high quality weaving covered the floor. A simple cushioned bench stood against the wall beside the bookcases containing a books stacked in all directions. Opposite the door through which they had entered an archway led into a hallway and the kitchen from which the aroma of baking bread wafted.
Shendar Frosmein stood and crossed the room to Ainoin, "Thank you, Arranna, You may go to the kitchen, I am sure my wife will have something for you to eat," he directed sternly, "Shendar Airtreille and I have important matters to discuss which I believe you would find are of little interest and do not concern you."
"Thank you, Shendar Frosmein, but I have chores and my studies, if it please you," Sonya replied respectfully.
"That was no request, Arranna. Shendar Airtreille and I have need to speak with you when we are done. Now go and eat. Despite any rumor you may have heard, my wife is a wonderful cook. We will call you when we are ready." Stendoran's tone left no room for argument.
"Yes, Shendar Frosmein, as you wish." Sonya bowed and left the room toward the kitchen, the aromas reaching her and causing her stomach to growl audibly in anticipation of the meal to come.
