The Tempest of Eerikki - Book One - THE PANACEA QUEST

Chapter 9

They filled the grand hall to overflowing. It was a carnival atmosphere they would feast drink and dance. Bailey, Dale and Boé were conversing with the Sword Master at the Warriors' long table and were shortly joined by the rest of the Elite warriors.

Batair was standing stag behind to the right side of his King scanning the room so it was he who was first to see the amazing vision.

"Oh, Goddess!" Batair's voice was but a low growl pulling his King's attention to the hall's side entrance.

Tempie stood for but a moment in the shadows of the doorway, trying to adjust the bodice of the tightly fitted dress.

It was not jerkin or trouser it was.... It was beautiful she decided in an uncomfortable way. The dress sat on the edge of each shoulder emphasising her blooming cleavage, tight to her waist it skimmed her hips and fell straight to the floor and it was of the court of Eerikki's colour of the darkest blue velvet and trimmed with a simple gold edge. Averta had also insisted on doing her hair in a long, elegant braid down her back using ribbons of Eerikki. For being on the training fields her skin was still creamy white, the colour of the gown enhancing the emerald green of her eyes. At her neck was a small dark blue sapphire, Tempie had no idea where Averta had obtained such a beautiful gem but was grateful for its use as it completed the outfit to perfection.

She stepped into the doorway, paused but for a moment to orientate herself before walking towards the Neophytes long table at the far side of the room.

If at first, they did not know who the amazing vision was they did when she spoke. "Well met Rheinhold. Well met Lachlan." Both boys were stunned.

Lachlan had been trying to take a sip of ale when he almost choked, realising it was Tempie.

"By the Goddess Tempie," he was still coughing and spluttering when she took her seat.

"Rheinhold," she looked at him concerned as he had gone the brightest shade of red and was not saying a word.

Lachlan elbowed Rheinhold. "He's alright Tempie he just thinks you look like the Divine One herself."

Their friend's gentle teasing brought Rheinhold back to earth with a thud. All were now laughing as they normally did. 

Mistress Averta had slipped in between the Sword Master and Bailey.

"Mistress," William nodded his greeting.

"Sword Master," Averta responded.

"Is this your doing Mistress?" Averta's shoulders stiffened at the Sword Master's tone of accusation.

"Why yes, Sword Master, it is," she took a stein of ale from a passing servant and sipped. "I thought it was about time she at least looked as she is. Beautiful."

Each of the nine had all stared in wondrous amazement as their Tempie had crossed the main hall to the neophytes' table.

Loud enough for the nine to hear and through gritted teeth, "you know my fine Mistress you have just made warding our little warrior a much harder job."

"Really, My Sword Master," Averta retorted. Valiant not missing the intimate touch to the Sword Master's arm by the Mistress.

Lady Corina sat to the left hand of King Rhain, both had noticed Batair's reaction to the entrance of the divine little creature. Leaning into her King Corina whispered. "Is that Tempie?"

"Yes, it is," Corina noticed Rhain's eyes were just as wide as her sons.

"What a beautiful daughter of Minerva she is," Corina showed true admiration for the girl.