 | "So how was class today?" Sarah asked as Sara and Kelly entered our abode. "It was fun," Sara replied. "We went out to the garden and you should have heard them, 'Mistress Kelly, can you help me with this?' or 'What plant is this Mistress Kelly?'" Kelly blushed as Sara grinned. "They were all hitting on her!" "They hit on you to," Kelly added quietly. "Well, if you call asking me legitimate questions, getting hit on then I didn't do to bad." "Those questions were legitimate!" Kelly said turning an even darker shade of scarlet. "Kelly, Kelly, Kelly," Sara said shaking her head. "Seaver called you over to identify a plant..." she paused. "So,?" Kelly inquired probably wondering where Sara was going. "It was CLOVER!" At that everyone was laughing, including Kelly. After a few minutes, and a few more jokes we were all calmed down. The only thing to show for it was Kelly's slightly pink cheeks. "How long do we have before dinner?" Kelly asked. "Oh, about a half an hour, " I replied. "Good. Do any of you want to come with me to get some mandrake from Lindhall?" Kelly inquired. "I need it for a spell I'm trying." She added when she saw Sara's raised eyebrows. "I can't," Sarah said regretfully. "I have to finish reading this. Numair's making me. It's not half bad though." She finished holding up a book of enchantments and charms. "How 'bout you Sara?" "I still have papers to grade." Sara said indicating the large stack by her chair. "While you were busy with your clover," Sara winked, " he gave me some more to grade." "I'll help you later." Kelly called as we were walking out of the door. "So what do you need mandrake for?" I was curious. Mandrake was a very powerful root with many purposes. "Oh, it's just for a little pet-project Lindhall's helping me with." Kelly replied nonchalantly We talked some more about the 'clover' and had just enough time to get the mandrake and get to dinner on time. When we got there we saw the two Sara(h)'s and Daine were the only ones not there. We said 'hi' to Lisa, Vi, and Luianne and sat down. "Do you know where the Sara(h)'s are?" Vi asked. That phrase was getting used around the palace a lot lately. Since the two Sara(h)'s were always together it was not unusual to say 'hi Sara' and get two answers. People just started calling them the two Sara(h)'s like people had done at school. It was just easier. "I think they're probably in the room still talking or-" "Or are standing right behind you," Sara broke in on Kelly. "Where's Daine?" Sarah asked. "Eating with the riders, I think," replied Lisa. "Anthony said he was coming with Marlon, but I don't see them yet either," Luianne added. Marlon and Anthony were friends of Vi and Lisa and Luianne. They were trying 'to get us to know the men of the court' Lisa put it once. They were mostly members of the King's Own because Vi's and Lisa's older brothers were both in it. After dinner, Sara and Kelly went back to the room to grade papers, and Sarah went back to read her book. Since I had nothing to do I agreed to go on a walk with Vi, Lisa, Luianne, Marlon, and Anthony. "Did you hear?" Marlon said to us all. "What?" Lisa asked. "Joey is coming home."
"Hold your horses Lisa. You'll see your brother tomorrow."
Hmm, I wonder what he looks like. Why not ask, "What's he like?"
"You've never met Joey?" Luianne was stunned.
"She came a few months after he left. Remember? As soon as he got his shield he started planning to leave and I think he left around the same time Sarah arrived." Lisa answered.
We talked more about Joey and other things and soon it was time for me to turn in. I was yawning as I said good-bye. While walking back, I heard voices by the lake. Curious as I am I went behind the bushes. I don't think much could have prepared me for what I saw. Lindhall and Sara were sitting down talking by the lake.
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