FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Author's Note

So, here they are! CH10 and CH11!!!! Well, not in one, but I don't feel like writing two author's notes. To put things in perspective, as far as the story goes, from chapter 4 to present has still only been 1 DAY! Yes, a lot can happen in one day.

CH10 is fairly standard, simply introduces yet ANOTHER perspective character and it's entourage. Ch11, however, is using a fairly risky format, but one I really wanted to experiment with. Would like to see your feedback on it as that's the only way to know if I should continue with it or not. Keep in mind the whole chapter is SUPPOSED to be very vague and kind of confusing (It's a dream sequence...).

So I think that's about it... As always, enjoy, leave comments, favorites, and watch if you want to be updated immidiatley when the next entry goes up.

---

Dreams of Blue

Delicate hands pushed the door of the washroom open, opening the way into a large bedroom with a fanciful bed and other ornate furnishings. Stepping through the threshold and into her room, Anna Starling took in the fresh smell of incense. Anna could recall her mother whimsically explaining that the smells of the rosewood could enhance the simplest of pleasures and turn the most tense and stoic knights into relaxed and carefree nobles. The tall girl breathed deeply, the light yet profound scent wafting into her nostrils. Rosewood incense... I'm sure the Aster's have much of it in their Marble Keep. Anna's musings were cut short when a pudgy servant called Agatha strode in. The maid was dressed in a dull, black dress that almost clung to her thick legs as she walked, the sign of pauper's make, and ratty black shoes. However, Agatha's attire was not the object of her interest. The flowing blue dress that was slung over her arms as she made her way toward her was the fixation of her amazement.

"Is this really...?" Anna trailed off, not trusting herself to be able to finish the question. Agatha smiled her gap-toothed grin and laid the gown across the lady's wanting arms.

"Yes, m'lady, this be the present from Lord Warde Aster." Agatha bowed as her thick Spire accent pervaded her speech causing her "be" to sound more like "bay". Anna brought the brilliant dress to her chest and held it lovingly, as if it were her first-born baby in her arms. Lord Warde Aster... My betrothed... At the thought Anna's smile grew even more. No, my husband.

"It is amazing! I thank you Agatha." Anna spun around, her wash robe swaying with the dress.

"It's not I you should be thankin', m'lady. The little lord should be the one recievin' your thanks." Anna made her way to the large mirror situated next to a large window, in a corner.

"Agatha, he is no longer a 'little' lord. He's sixteen summers now. He is a lord." Anna insisted over her shoulder, frowning. Why do I feel like I am trying to convince myself? He may be younger than me, but now he is a Lord. A Lord of Pinnacle, the Marble Keep, and of House Aster. He is not a child. The girl took the dress and let it fall over her front like a cascading waterfall. In the mirror it looked as if she had slipped the dress on. The image of her wearing the dress, however fake it may have been, made Anna giggle like a little girl.

"As you say, m'lady." The maid chuckled stepping up to Anna's side.

"If I may be so bold, m'lady?"

"You may."

"Why not wear it to dinner tonight?"

"You tease me, Agatha. I would love to, but mother would tell me that it looked as if I was smitten with him." Anna continued to look at herself in the tall mirror.

"M'lady, you are though."

"That's not the point. Mother says it's all about appearances and if I go to dinner with his gift the moment I received it I would look like I was desperate for the betrothal. 'You are a Starling now. You have a status to maintain.'" Agatha's lopsided grin faltered for a moment.

"M'lady, I have served you for a long while now. Almost seven seasons. I know Lady Magdilane re-married to Count Starling and adopted you into his house, but... My question is what your true family name is, m'lady?"

"Why does it matter? I am a Starling now." Anna snapped hastily, spinning toward the shorter woman. Agatha flinched at the volatile reaction.

"Forgive me, m'lady. I should not pry." Anna's previously angry face dissolved into guilt. Silence filled the room before Anna spoke.

"I should be the one apologizing. That was uncouth and unkind of me. Forgive me Agatha, your question was innocent." Anna looked down at the floor, her eyes barely registering the blue dress that still hung over her front.

"You do not need to answer if it causes you such distress, m'lady." Anna's smile returned once again, although this time it felt false and forced.

"Gosbeck. That was my house name before." Agatha pondered the name.

"Gosbeck... I can't say I know anythin' about that house, m'lady."

"You wouldn't. Shouldn't. Nothing of renown has come out of it," Except runaways and mercenaries, she wanted to say, but knew better and kept her mouth shut, "Now then, would you be so kind as to help me pick out my outfit for dinner tonight?" For the first time in many seasons Anna found her thought's drifting toward her brother.

---

Daren Starling's charismatic laughter echoed throughout the dining room, his brown locks of hair swaying as his handsome face turned toward his full-blood sister, Isabell Starling. "Bell, you are too cruel. You knew Ross was fearful of dogs."

"Of course I did. It was all the more funny for it." The Starling twins laughed together creating a cacophony of delightful sound. Anna easily found it contagious as she laughed alongside her half-siblings.

Anna always found it funny how closely she resembled the other Starling children. Anna, Daren, and Isabell all had been blessed with flowing light-brown hair that signified their Fairwood descent. This in addition to the high cheekbones and full lips caused many to believe that they were triplets even though the twins were about three summers older than her.

"Don't think for a second you will ever be part of our house!" The words rang like a sentry bell in Anna's head. Reaching towards her nose, Anna rubbed at it consciously. The "real" Starling nose was over all larger than hers, some Fairwood commoners called it the only unwanted trait in the Starling line. Most said that Anna's was much more attractive and fitting to the angular, slender Starling face, but the compliments brought Anna no comfort. It matters not how fitting it is. It is not a Starling nose. Anna quickly brought her hand down from in front of her nose when a soft hand touched her left shoulder.

Turning toward the touch, Anna came to face her mother, Magdalin Starling. The old woman's wrinkled, yet commanding and graceful face smiled at her.

"Dear, your father was speaking to you." Anna realized she had stopped paying attention to the rest of the people in the room. Anna bowed her head apologetically to the strong man that sat directly across from her. Count Robert Starling's stoic face regarded her with something akin to boredom.

"Forgive me father, I was not paying attention." The hard looking face moved up and down in a stiff nod. His gray, clean cut hair hardly moved with the movement.

"I had asked you whether or not you were worried about traveling the Rose Road tomorrow." Beginning in Boray, the seat of power in the county of Fairwood, the Rose Road followed the coastline east along the West Spire Bay and converged with the Pinnacle Road at Port Cyra. Starting tomorrow, it was going to be the only road she would see for three weeks. The next day her, Daren, and Isabell, along with four guards and three servants, would be traversing across the south until they reached Pinnacle. More specifically, the Marble Keep. There they would stay until the day that Anna and Warde Aster would officially become husband and wife. Anna's wedding day. Anna thought on how to answer the question.

Finding a good response Anna started, "I have no worries, sir. It is widely known that the Rose Road is one of the safest roads in all of the south." Anna could feel her mother smirking beside her. Mother was always proud of Anna's ability to find the right way to compliment someone. If there's one thing that can penetrate any man's armor it is a compliment from a beautiful lady. Mother's lessons did not go away so easily.

"In all of Tarsis, I hope. It is true. I place great pride and prominence in the security of the main roads." Robert Starling twirled his silver spoon in his soup bowl, the vegetable broth dispersing at its touch. Daren flipped brown locks out of from in front of his face before speaking.

"Even if we get ambushed I would keep us safe Anna." Daren assured. The young man's smile warmed Anna's heart. Even though Daren and Anna were now siblings did not mean she couldn't comment on his attractive physique. At least, that's what Anna told herself. An image of Daren defeating the Knight of Knight's Bridge in the Summer's Duel echoed in her head. His triumphant smile seemed to shine against the rose colored armor. To think I'm related to him... Anna stopped her reminiscing and returned a sweet smile to her older brother.

"Of course, I would expect nothing less from the Rosewood Knight. I have much faith in your combat abilities, Sir Daren." Daren bowed slightly.

"Your kind words make my pride soar, Anna."

"Are you sure that's the only thing 'soaring', Darry?" Isabella asked coyly, her face full of mock innocence. Magdalin laughed at the crude humor whilst Daren mouth fell agape and Anna's cheeks reddened in embarrassment. Daren was the first to recover.

"Your implications, sister, are uncouth and unbefitting a Starling. How dare you mock me with incest?" Isabell looked absolutely pleased with herself. Anna knew it was due to causing her discomfort.

"Oh please Daren, I thought it was quite humorous." Magdalin giggled.

"You'll be glad that I have pride in my combat abilities once we get set upon by bandits and saboteurs while we're on the road, Bell." Daren warned, ignoring his step-mother. Isabell's smile fell from her face and morphed into a frown. This Anna took joy in seeing.

"Gods be good, such talk on the eve of such a journey cannot be fortunate. I'm already sending all of my children across the country. This talk is only souring something that should be joyous." Magdalin chastised. The older woman wove her wrinkled fingers around a silver goblet filled with wine.

"I have to agree, mother. I do believe this conversation will only lead to folly while we travel." Isabell narrowed her eyes at her brother who, in defense, threw his hands up and sighed. Count Robert Starling cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the dinner table to him.

"The journey is long, but your safety is guaranteed, girls. You have four of my finest house knights and Daren accompanying you on the road. However, that is not what I wish to speak about," The Count shifted slightly in his seat, " My subject of interest happens to be your thoughts on your future husband, Anna. Warde Aster." The stoic man's green eyes questioned her with minimal interest. My... thoughts? The question caught her off guard. Never had the Count ever asked Anna what her opinion on the betrothal was and never did she expect him to ask. It was not his responsibility to care. His only task was to ensure that the Starling house forged a lasting alliance with the Aster's. Anna understood that. My thoughts... What are my thoughts? All of the things said and thought from the moment she learned she was betrothed to the Warde Aster, second in line to the Aster family. Anna Starling's response was almost instantaneous.

"He's handsome. Noble. He sends me gifts with letter of love attached. He says in them that I am to become his Lady of the Lake and him my Knight of Lonal, " Anna sighed dreamily, resting her head on her crossed hands, " I... I think I love him." At the mention of "love" Anna could only imagine Isabell's teeth grinding and fists clenching. Let her be jealous. Maybe now she will respect me as part of her house... or maybe she'll hate me more because of this. Anna blushed and sunk in her seat.

"Dear, do mind your posture." Magdalin chided, pushing the small of Anna's back so her back was vertical. Oh. Mother... Magdalin's words from before echoed in her mind. " We don't want you looking smitten with him, do we?" I'm so stupid. Such a stupid little girl. Anna looked toward her step-father. Surprisingly, he held a rare smile on his face.

"That is good. That attitude will make the assimilation into the Aster household much easier." Robert Starling's smile disappeared under the unmovable rock that was his face.

From the Count's left, Daren spoke.

"Anna, you do realize you have not even met the boy yet? What if he has a cleft lip and a glass eye? Will your love still be genuine?" Daren asked with a disappointedly. Anna softly shuddered at the image of her husband with Daren's described traits.

"Impossible. The Aster's bloodline is perfect. Never would they allow such traits in their line," Anna paused, "And he is not a 'boy'. He is a Lord." A short, harsh laugh emitted from Isabell.

"Of course he is, little sister," Isabell turned to Daren, "I can hardly wait until the wedding. I wonder if he will need a stool to reach her lips." They're marring the image of my wedding. Anna's blush deepened as she stared at her lap. Isabell's just jealous of me, Anna told herself. Daren Starling ignored his blood-sister and continued staring at Anna.

"I do not mean to embarrass, my lady. I simply mean to say that you can never truly know someone until you meet them." Robert Starling set his silver goblet down loudly, a harsh clanging noise echoing throughout the dining hall.

"Daren, end this trivial questioning. It only serves to frighten the girl." Daren's handsome face lost its concerned expression when his father began to speak.

"Yes father. Please forgive me, I just wished Anna to look at the situation in a more realistic manner." No, you just wished to spoil my joy, Anna thought, fiddling with her soup and listening intently to her step-father.

"Is being an optimist such a bad thing? Should we all have such an untrustworthy view on life?" Daren looked taken back by the question.

"Father, you of all people should know the answer to that-"

"Should your sister be as tainted as we are?" Daren turned toward Anna, a sadness showing in his green eyes.

"...No." Count Starling nodded sharply in approval.

After a short, awkward, moment of silence, the Count clapped his hands together twice.

"I believe it's time for the second course." He ordered loudly. The servants situated around them sprang to attention and started to clear the large, deep wood table. This dinner was supposed to be a joyous sendoff, Anna grumbled to herself, but now I feel more trepidation than ever. Anna straightened her back and adorned a false smile, eagerly awaiting an end to the meal.

---

Anna found herself, once again, standing outside the door to her mothers' music room, hesitant to enter. I forgot myself at dinner. I should have remained composed for at least this last night in Boray...

The rest of the meal had gone as usual meals do. Small talk and buttered Spire Lobster had been shared between the extended family. Isabell and mother talked of Pinnacle nobles and their styles of dress while Daren and Robert conversed on the journey and the upcoming tournament being held in Port Cyra. All the while Anna sat silently, only adding to the discussions when specifically asked. Somewhere between dessert and the end of the meal, Magdalin had leaned over and whispered to Anna that she was to meet her for some lute rehearsal. Anna knew exactly what that meant.

Every Freida, the second to last day of the week named after the Goddess of Beauty, Magdalin "invited" Anna to practice her lute with her. Originally Anna had thoroughly enjoyed the sessions, thinking that her mother was actually trying to better her musical abilities. However, Anna soon learned that the loud music in the room was only to be used as a mask. A shroud of overbearing sound to talk about things privately. "A safeguard from ears that would be better off from hearing their conversations," as Anna's mother put it.

Anna Starling clenched her small hands, preparing herself for her probable lecture, as she moved to enter the music room.

Magdalin Starling sat on a comfortable, red velvet stool in her elegant, light red, evening wear, having changed out of her rose colored gown from dinner, quietly tuning her daughter's lute. When she was Anna enter the room and shut the door she smiled sweetly.

"Oh, Anna! I was just tuning your lute so we wouldn't waste any time. Come, have a seat." Magdalin offered, gesturing to the stool next to hers. Not an offer, but an order, Anna corrected. Even though Magdalin was well into her fiftieth summer she was still as beautiful as ever. If anything she was all the more graceful due to her age. Although, the wrinkles on her face were hard to ignore. The young woman strode towards the lute and her mother stiffly.

"To think. This will be our last music session together for a long while. However, I do expect you to continue working on it by yourself." Magdalin said, raising one eyebrow which happened to make her face even more wrinkled.

"I will mourn the day that we cannot practice together, mother." Anna picked up the lute from Magdalin's hands and sat upon the stool. Magdalin grabbed her own lute from beside her.

"Now, shall we begin?" Anna nodded as she got in position to play the instrument with her mother.

As usual the duo started the session with a rendition of Sam the Singer's "Aidan the Scoundrel". The song told the tale of a mercenary called Aidan who betrayed his employers when he fell in love with the target he was supposed to kidnap, the High King's daughter. The story was one of Anna's favorite. However, it seemed to have the opposite effect on Magdalin. The tune put the old widow in a foul mood.

"When that dress showed up, what were the words I said to you?" Magdalin began, joining in with her own lute. Her face was peaceful and light, but her voice conveyed a heavy, accusatory tone. Directed at me. The music was loud enough to just make the question audible to Anna.

"'Do not wear it for you shall look smitten with the boy'." Anna mumbled, trying her best to wear her façade of joy and pleasantness.

"Then please do tell me what... 'that' was at supper."

"I...I lost my composure. Forgive me."

"That much is painfully obvious. Luckily, for you, Robert found the silver lining in your feelings for Warde Aster." The chords of "Aidan the Scoundrel" started to melt together as Anna found herself focusing on her mother's voice.

"Regardless, you shouldn't have been so... naïve. You're a grown woman."

"What's so wrong with loving him?" Out of the corner of her eye Ana saw her mother's mouth twitch.

"You know quite well what's wrong with it. If you present yourself infatuated with him it will only show how desperate we are for the partnership. Robert may not see it, but he also doesn't see anything beyond table politics and tourneys. I do. If we look weak in front of the Aster's we will either present ourselves as a wasteful ally or as a family they can take advantage of. As long as I am alive we will look like neither." Magdalin Starling was not the first person you would assume would be a cunning and devious political mind. Her outward personality displayed her as the sweet, frail wife of Count Robert Starling. However, during their private discussions the quick, strategic associate was ever present. This was one of the features that Count Robert Starling found most attractive. From Anna's perspective it was hard to tell who was really the head of House Starling, Robert or Magdalin? Anna sighed lightly at her mother's explanation, tired of hearing the same one time and time again.

"Yes, mother."

"You can dream about him, love him, and fuck him as much as you want, but keep it to yourself. If you learn anything from me, learn that a maiden's greatest strength is in two things. The words out of other's mouths and what's underneath your blouse." Anna blushed at the blunt advice.

"Y-Yes... mother."

To Anna's relief the session went by like a "normal" session should. After getting through "Aidan the Scoundrel", the duo moved onto "The Mordas Eulogy", a long, sad ballad, and ended with "The Tailor and the Knight". All the while Anna pondered on her mother's lecture.

"...as a family they can take advantage of."

"...learn that a maiden's greatest strength is in two things. The words out of other's mouths and what's underneath your blouse."

Was the world really that bleak? Were the Aster's really that bleak? Anna pictured her perceived image of her betrothed and the countless letters he sent her. No. She's wrong. There was no way her soon to be husband would take advantage of her.

As the last note sounded from their lutes, Anna sighed in response to the long session. Magdalin stretched her hands and back, getting up on her slipper covered feet.

"Well that was simply wonderful, dearest! I would be bold enough to propose that you may be getting as good as I am." The two shared a small giggle, Magdalin's sounding far more realistic than Anna's forced one.

"It is getting late and tomorrow there will need to be a lot done in preparation for the trip. I will see you in the morning, Anna." Finally, Anna sighed as the door to the music room swiftly closed. Anna placed her lute down softly on her empty stool. Tomorrow I'm leaving to go to my betrothed castle. Anna stared blankly at the yellow tinted lute. Her brow furrowed as she focused on the thought once more. Tomorrow I'm leaving to live with my Knight of Lonal so I can become his Lady of the Lake, Anna urged to herself. "What if he has a cleft lip and a glass eye? Will your love still be genuine?" Daren's words caused her to gasp as the image of Warde came up all wrong. His cleft lip and glass eye tarnished him.

"You know that's not true, Anna. He's what you have been waiting for. For the last four years he's all you've been thinking about." Anna whispered to herself, closing her eyes. Don't let his idiotic words ruin it. Anna breathed in deeply and regained her composure. With that the young woman walked out of the music room. However, instead of dreams of Aster blue, her head was filled with question and apprehension...