Journey to Tyrrendor

Chapter 5

"... and that's how I got here" I finish, relieved to be able to stop talking after 2 hours of answering questions and explaining everything. Well, everything I wanted them to know. The fact that I came from a small village in the Kravla Province all by myself, I'm an orphan, I got here by guessing where to go, and I met Celestia on my way up through the valley.

They looked at me suspiciously when I told them the part about just guessing where they all were, but let it slide.

"I really just don't know what to do with you. I suppose you could stay here and assist the cadets whilst beginning your training early" Xaden said, and I nod. It seems like the best option, and I didn't want to sit on this uncomfortable wooden chair that was obviously made for decorative purposes. "Can I go to bed now? I'm fucking tired" I say."Don't you want to see a healer about your skin? It looks red raw" says Ridoc. I look at my arms and all the pain I've been holding back comes flooding back in, causing me to grimace. "Couldn't hurt more than it already does" I say"Right, you go with Ridoc and Imogen, and us 3 will find you a room" says Violet, earning nods from the others.

I stand, following the 2 riders out of the massive door and back into the long hallway, lined with arched windows. I feel queasy as everything that has happened today starts to press in on me and I realise how my life has changed within a matter of hours. I can't quite believe that only 7 hours ago I was still in school. I remember I'm still in my uniform and that I was listening to music when I came here, which means... my phone! I still have it!

I doubt I'll be able to contact anyone, but at least I'll be able to listen to my music, assuming it still works in this other world."So, do you guys have much music in this area?" I ask as casually as I can, earning a deprecating glance from Imogen and a snort from Ridoc."Of course we have music. Where doesn't? It's just not so popular as all our free time is spent doing work, being with our dragons or our friends." "What type of music do you have around here?""What do you mean 'what type of music'? There's only one - ceòl seòmar.""Right. I just meant where is it played, like in a concert, or a club." I try to cover my mistake, whilst saying to Celestia "What is 'ceòl seòmar'?" "In the common tongue, it is known as 'chamber music'. Unlike in your world, music is not a central part of this one, only being used in important events such as ceremonies or celebrations." "That's so terrible. I can't imagine a world without music everywhere." "Well, like it or not, you're in one."My concentration snaps back to my companions as I hear Ridoc ask "What do you mean a 'concert or a club'?" "Never mind, it doesn't matter."He looks at me suspiciously, but drops the matter. His face softens as he says "How did you manage to bond with Celestia if you're only 17?""I don't fucking know do I! I didn't come here to get bonded to a dragon - I came here to assist behind the lines, not be in the midst of the battle!""You don't need to swear that much, you know." Ridoc says condescendingly."It's common practice where I'm from. You can't usually go more than 3 steps down the street without hearing someone swearing or catcalling. I'm the definition of polite in comparison.""Well, that was there, and here it's just considered rude to swear without reason.""Fuck fuck fuckity fuck." I say, leaning in and swishing my head in emphasis."Very mature" He says, whilst Imogen just smirks.We approach a woman dressed in pale blue, blonde hair woven around her head in a milkmaid braid."Hi Sylvia, this one needs some ointment for her arms.""Oh my gosh, what happened to them? You look like you've been dragged through a bush of thorns!" Said Sylvia, concern appearing in her eyes."I'm ok thanks, but they do hurt a bit" "Of course, I'll go and get the ointment now.""So, Alys right?" Ridoc asks as Sylvia scurries away like a small mouse running from a cat."Yeah. My stupid parents decided to spell it differently from normal so instead of saying my name like 'Alice', everyone says it like 'Aylis' or 'Alise'. You can just call me Lyssa.""Well, Lyssa, it's nice to meet you. Right, Imogen?""I don't know. Is it?"Ridoc rolls his eyes.I laugh and stick out my hand "Right back at you"She smirks, before taking my hand and shaking it.

Sylvia comes back and begins to speak. 

"If you could just roll up your sleeves a little more, I can begin the process." 

I hesitate, knowing that if I do that then my scars will be on show. But fuck does it hurt.

I roll them up slowly, taking care to avoid the blistering, raw skin."It'll burn for a few seconds, then it'll fade to just a warm feeling.""Fine" I reply, just wanting it to be over.I wait for her to finish applying the ointment, and whilst I'm waiting I look over at Imogen and say "I love your hair. Do you know where you can get any black hair dye around here?"Imogen turns and gives me a look that I can't quite decipher. "Thanks" she says slowly. "Yours isn't so bad either. I think Quinn might have some, I'll ask later.""Props" I say, then cringe slightly, realising they don't have slang here."What on earth is 'props'?" Says Imogen, whilst Ridoc looks at me bemusedly."It's just slang for cool or great. Just another word for it.""All done!" Sylvia says."Thank you!" I reply, then turn to look pointedly at my 2 companions only to find them staring at my arm with a mixture of sadness and anger."What are these scars on your arm?" Ridoc asks."Oh, um, they're just little scratches and cuts from my woodwork class." I say, although it's entirely false - I dropped woodwork as soon as I could, and those scars sure as hell aren't from class."Let's go find Violet, Xaden and Rhiannon.""Ha!" Imogen snorts. "You don't get to tell us what to do, girl, we outrank you in every way, not to mention we are your elders. Don't talk back to people older than you" Imogen says, with an annoying air of superiority."I'm tired of people using 'girl as an insult'". Ridoc raises his eyebrows and looks away, obviously trying not to laugh, whilst Imogen slowly turns her head in surprise.

I remember her previous words, "older than you". 

Older than you know...