Irien refused to explain the letter further. Instead she dragged Anya to the city market the next morning and bought her a new dress. It was a simple cream robe with a stitched belt. The sleeves were long, covering half her hands and decorated with a stitched patterns that splayed further down the back, the neckline dipped far too low for Anya's comfort. The outfit was finished with dark brown slippers. 

Anya had not complained, she enjoyed being made a fuss of, however, not dressed up like one of her mother's festival cakes. She smiled and thanked Irien politely for the new clothes, not imagining she would wear them. Many girls wore similar garments in Largon and they all looked so glamorous and elegant which reiterated Anya's simple upbringing.

"Why won't you tell me who is coming?"

"I want it to be a surprise."

"I'm not too fond of surprises. So how about you tell me who it is and I will still act surprised when they arrive."

"I'm not saying a word you sly little fox." Anya could see Irien was holding back her amusement.

"Allow me to guess then."

"This should be interesting." Irien settled down on one of the stone benches outside their inn.

"They must be important, only the guardians and the palace use doves."

"Good observation."

"So it is probably someone of royalty or nobility, which would explain the new look you would wish me to display. However, my next thought was more personal—for you that is. Either your lover—to whom you want to show off your trendy novice. But that makes me wonder why it is you are choosing to fuss over my appearance and not your own. So that leaves me with family. Either way you would wish me to look my best."

Irien was trying to disguise the blush that had spread over her cheeks and neck. The further they traveled away from Tjorin, the easier it was to read what Irien was feeling. She still closed up like a locked book at times, however, there were moments when she was easier to read than a child's storybook.

"How did I do?" she lessened her grin to a slight curl so as not to irritate Irien.

"I am still not uttering a word." 

Anya narrowed her eyes. If all guardians are like this I am going to scream!

The next day the mysterious guest or guests were due to arrive. Irien made Anya wash her hair and style it into a neat bun similar to the one she wore. She insisted Anya wear her new gown the whole day, since she was not sure when their guests were due. Anya had felt dreadfully out of place in her formal dress and so kept to herself. 

In the late afternoon, Anya smelt the doings of the day as well as hay and the musty, comforting smell of horses. She gazed over the paddocks, not sitting nor touching anything less she mess up her gown. Some horses were out grazing in the morning sun, Thorn and Hana among them. Anya had not realized she was walking towards them until she was by the railing.

Thorn lifted her head and whinnied. The young mare slowly plodded towards her, grass stalks sticking out of the black muzzle.

"I am sorry girl, I forgot to bring you food." Thorn stretched out her golden neck, reaching for Anya's dress. "Oh no you don't, Irien would kill me if I met her guests with holes in my robe." She pushed Thorn's head away. The horse snorted, nudging Anya in her chest.

"That is not very nice, stop it!" Thorn withdrew and resumed her grazing. Anya leaned on the rail with her hands, watching the serenity of her surroundings. The day was beautiful and captivated her, transporting her from the inn back to her father's stables. She was so absorbed in her reverie that she did not hear the footsteps approaching until it was too late

"Do you often talk to animals?"

Anya swirled at the unfamiliar voice. A young man watched her, his stance one of confidence. She took a moment to examine him in his fine attire and handsome face. He was tall with fair hair, brown eyes and a sharp chin.

"Wha-?"

"I meant no offense, I was just wondering." He leaned into his hip. "You do know they do not understand you?"

Anya recognised a mockery when she heard one.

The smile broadened. "If you want company, people provide better conversation."

"I see." She said. "Thank you for your suggestion, but if you don't mind, I'd prefer it if you' annoyed another."

A short laugh escaped his lips, "And who are you to talk to me like that?"

"I think the proper question is who are you for me not to?"

A look of utter confusion crossed the young man's face. He stiffened his back and dropped his crossed arms to his sides. "How rude of me, allow me to introduce myself: I am Alecsios Sumberland. But most call me Alec."

He is almost as stiff as Irien!

Anya raised a single brow.

"And you are?"

"Anya."

"Pleasure to meet you Anya. I regret to be the one to inform you, but that horse has dirtied your dress, or were you aware of this before?"

Anya looked down, a brown smudge spread across her torso. Anya cursed under her breath. "Of course I was aware of it, how could I not be?"

"I'm sorry to have offended you then. Maybe you could help me, I was sent to look for someone. I seek a guardian's novice, however, I am not aware of her name. Have you seen her?"

Anya's jaw dropped. Do I not look like a guardian at all? "Are you a guardian?" she asked, her voice less assured than before.

"A novice, my teacher sent me on behalf of the young lady's teacher."

Oh by the Gods, he is the company Irien was talking about. Irien is going to kill me!

"Lady Irien..."

"Yes, that is her teacher's name. Have you seen her?"

"I am she."

Now it was Alec's turn for surprise. "I am... I thought...Lady Irien is looking for you."

The entrance hall was filled with guardians and novices alike. Anya turned to Alec and found a hint of sympathy in his smile.

"There are more of you."

"Excuse me?" Alec asked by her side.

"I mean, I was not expecting so many..." At least ten guardians, each with a novice of their own stood in various stages of arrival.

"It was the plan for us to arrive in Arazia together. Apparently it's easier to travel in a large group and much safer too." He explained.

"What nonsense." Anya exclaimed, but lowered her voice as some of the surrounding novices and guardians looked her way. She suddenly became very self-conscious about the stain on her dress. She wrapped her arms around her waist, attempting to hide the mark as much as possible. She could not even reach for the old ring for comfort, since she had not worn it. Taking into consideration Jalee's warning, she had thought it safest in her saddlebag.

"I better go change." Anya slipped away. She was in such a rush that she walked straight into someone as she turned a corner.

"Sorry."

"Anya!" Looking up, Anya saw a surprised Irien looking at her.

"Irien, I will be right there I promise."

"But they have – look at your dress! What happened?"

"I am about to change. I will be out in a few minutes."

"No, there is no time for that now. Come with me." Irien grabbed Anya's hand and led her to her own room. She swiftly unlocked the door and slipped in. She returned with a light brown shawl; with precise fingers she wrapped it around Anya's middle and looked back to study the result. "It will do, now come."

Anya allowed herself to be dragged back. Irien greeted all ther guardians one by one with a phrase that Anya did not understand. It must have been from the Old Tongue. Irien had taught her that many greetings were said in the Old Tongue even though meanings had been lost of the years. After the formal greetings were made she introduced Anya and in turn the other guardian would do the same for their novice. Anya smiled politely, listening to the frostily warm greetings but said nothing. Names were exchanged and forgotten immediately to make room for more. Anya counted eight guardians so far and was relieved at the thought that it was almost over. 

"Is that everyone?"

Irien looked down at her and shook her head. "There should be a couple more," she said through clenched teeth.

Anya frowned.

"Lady Irien?" Irien stiffened suddenly at the mention of her name. Anya from became quizzical. Irien was acting very strange.

"Irien, it is you!" the voice exclaimed.

"Lord Derrick, so good to see you." Irien turned on her heels, her smile forced and her body rigid. Anya suppressed a laugh.

"It has been too long," Derrick was slightly taller than Irien; black hair, dark eyes and olive skin, his pearly white teeth sparkled as he spoke.  "I would ask more but there is so much to ask. I hope you well?"

Irien stiffened even more but the smile remained. "All has been well. How do you fare?"

"Never better." 

Anya studied him further. He was strong and his presence dominating. He seemed to lean towards Irien, forcing her to lean backwards in order to maintain distance. There were clear hard edges to him and a poised manner that spoke of training. And I thought Irien was bad.

"Allow me to introduce my novice, Gina." He said, ushering a young girl in front of him. She, however, needed no push and stepped forward eagerly. Anya guessed she close to her own age. Gina much shorter and very pretty, with short blond hair and the most mesmerizing dark green eyes, smiled at Irien like she was looking at a gift.

"Indrasiom Aniri." Gina's voice was soft and sweet—full of respect. Anya felt like gagging.

"And to you, young Gina, this is my novice, Anya." Anya snapped out of her own thoughts and smiled at the two of them.

"It's an honour to meet the both of you." Anya made an extra effort to be polite and graceful. This seemed important to Irien. There was tension between the two grown guardians that spoke of a history.

Maybe they were lovers. 

Quickly erasing the thought from her mind, she focused on what was in front of her. A strong hand stretched out to her, 

"And the same to you." Anya shook Derrick's hand gently. She looked up into his smiling face and felt something inside her shift. He was a charming man, not particularly handsome but definitely alluring. 

"Derrick, I found him, no need to search anymore." A voice called from the crowd. A tall lady appeared. There was something familiar about her that Anya could not figure out. Features of such familiarity, yet mannerisms that were slightly off. The way she pushed her way through the crowd reminded Anya of something or someone.

"Oh Irien, I see you have found Derrick and your novice."

The lady moved towards Derrick and grabbed his hand possessively.

"Yes, I have. Anya meet Lady Dhanna... my sister."

Anya realised her mouth was open and shut it. Lady Dhanna had the same golden hair as Irien, hers stopped below the shoulders instead of half way down her back. The main difference were their eyes. Similar in shape, yet the bright blue that followed Anya's every move were unique to Irien. Dhanna's smaller eyes were hazel and judgmental. Both ladies had the same oval face, wide mouths and thin lips. 

Anya bowed to the guardian and in return received a small smile. Anya spotted Alec listening to the conversation. Lady Dhanna noticed her gaze and pulled him to her side.

"This is my novice, Alecsio. Alecsio, meet Lady Irien and her novice Anya."

Alec bowed to Irien first and then to Anya, smiling. The six of them stood for a while in awkward silence. Alec kept smiling and she couldn't help but smile back. Gina seemed slightly piqued by this and stepped closer to Alec trying to grab his attention by tapping him on the shoulder.

Finally Irien spoke. "Well then, I will leave you to settle in. Come Anya."

Anya broke her gaze from Alec's and followed Irien out of the room.

"That was fun." Anya smirked. "I could almost melt from the icicles between the lot of you."

Irien did not reply, she sat down on one of the empty tables and placed her head in her hands.

"I never knew you had a sister."

"I can hardly call her that."

"Why, what happened?"

Irien sighed.

"Has it got something to do with Lord Derrick?"

Irien looked at Anya through her fingers. Anya could just make out a tear. Irien quickly blinked it away.

"You don't miss a thing, do you?" Irien forced a smile.

"I try not to."

The skin by Irien's eyes creases. "You are going to be a brilliant guardian one day. I can feel it."

Anya began to fidget. She twiddled her fingers and dropped her gaze, "How can you be so sure? I am not like any of them in there. They are all so glamorous and elegant. I am nothing like that, Irien, and you know it."

"It is all an act, Anya," Irien reached for Anya's hand. "Take no notice of their formalities and appearances. Those novices are just as wild and undisciplined as you, maybe even worse. They were told by their teachers to be on their best behavior. Unlike you, who was too late to receive your orders from me." Irien's smile was crooked. 

"I'm sorry. I was... well... I had no idea they had arrived."

Irien waved her hand, "What's done is done. No point in dwelling in the past, it only brings trouble. Trust me."

Anya smiled, but the answering one she received was cracked and lifeless. "Did you love him?"

"Ah, here comes a serving girl. Would you like a drink?" Anya snorted at the diversion.  She waited for Irien answer. When she didn't, she repeated the question,

"It's a story I am not ready to retell." The guardian answered.

Anya stared at her teacher. He had caused her a lasting pain, visible if only you knew what to look for. Surprised at her ability to sense such a fact, Anya felt her heart tug.

 "I'm sorry."

"You did nothing wrong."

Well, I certainly didn't help the matter. "No, I have. I have fought you all the way and disrespected you and for that I am deeply sorry." Anya talked to her hand, unable to look at Irien's hurt face. "From now on I will try do better. I will try be a better novice than all the others out there."

Irien sighed. "I was no different when I was a novice. I know it's hard to believe, but I also did not see myself as a guardian. But Anya, you need to believe in yourself—most importantly—you must stay true to yourself. A guardian must be careful not to lose her identity. Who you are now will define who you will be, and that is a very important lesson we all need to remember. No once have I wished for another novice; an easier or more disciplined young lady who listens to me and respects me because I know that if such a novice did exist, he or she is not destined to become a great individual in this world." 

Anya took a moment to absorb all Irien had to say. No matter how controlled and guarded Irien was, when her shield slipped, Anya found a woman with a history still defining her present with a future full of struggle. For the first time, she saw a relatable person – someone who was creating a deep pool of respect. A respect Anya had doubted would form for more than a year. 

"You know, if you had taken the time to talk to me about other things besides the elders and guardians, I would have made it a little bit easier on you." She smirked eventually.

Irien laughed, "Now what fun would that be?"