We Two Are One

~8~ Sticks And Stones May Break My Bones But My Words Can End You

Finally! We are back. Who knew I'd be so happy to see this dreadful red mansion again? The return carriage ride was insufferable.

   "Ameya, take the rest of today's classes. Elsie, I will have a study set up for you but until then, let's prepare the documents in my study room together."

   "Yes, Dureim, dear. However, must Daughter attend any classes today? She seems rather tired. I worry this is too much for such a tiny thing."

Who calls their daughter 'daughter'? While I may be tiny, I am no thing. I will let this pass since our goals align.

I look at Father and nod, which widens the lady's dolly smile.

   "Oh, is that so? You may rest instead, Ameya."

Yes, free time! I almost want to thank the lady. Artie and I should train!

   "Thank you, Father."

I run to my room, rushing past the guards and escorts. I attempt to change quickly. Argh, this heavy excuse of a dress! Unfortunately, it is taking time. The maids enter and help me out of the mess I have created. I never liked such dresses. I must ask for lighter, elegant dresses rather than these gaudy gowns. Tops and pants too; they'll come in handy soon. I'm sure Lady Elsie, who thinks practical clothes to be improper, will support me.

   "Why wear this, Little Lady? You look so cute in a dress."

The maid in charge of me today eyes my pants with scorn.

   "I wore it before and Father liked it."

   "Gosh, he must have found it interesting since it was new, Little Lady."

I suppress a glare. Were my maids always like this?

   "Mother hasn't seen it yet. I think she will like it."

She will encourage this, of course. That should be enough to quieten the maids.

   "Very well," the maid sighs.

   "Then, I'll be off to play!"

Behind me, I hear the maids fading voices.

   "Is it fine to let her go like that?"

   "Yeah, what could happen to her in this mansion?"

I am planning to sneak out of the mansion, actually. But they needn't know that.

I run as fast as my little legs can carry me till I reach the back wall that was our designated meeting spot. Once I am there, I stop to catch my breath. I look around, is Artie not here? I thought I was a little late. Do I have to search for him again? I take a deep breath. I can hear the scuffling of kids. Don't tell me... Is Artie there?

I follow the voices and sure enough, there he is. Out in the field, where the Wanders once pitched tents. Those must have been the children that left him so bruised. There is hostility but there is yet to be any violence. I must de-escalate this. Or... must I? I tighten my grip around the folding fan artifact I made and inject some magic into it.

   "What are you doing?" I ask with my chin up, stepping between Artie and the bullies.

   "Who is this girl?"

It works! They did not notice my ginger hair. Either that, or they're slow in the head.

   "Why should I answer that? I asked a question first," I retort.

   "Ah, uh, that-" Artie begins, panicking.

I grab Artie's hand, silently telling him not to speak. He is baffled but obliges.