Ghost of Whisper Creek

Arthion entered a little later, his two dogs were close on his heels as he tried to shoo one of them off that kept jumping up on him as he walked “Go on, Go on! I can’t feed you if you trip me!” he was grumbling to his companion as he made for the food line.

Ian snickered following behind, “Always so good with the girls,” he said continuing to laugh and grin, “Or is that the boy? I think you’re better off continuing to try and tame the northern girl. She doesn’t mind believe me.”

Arthion looked at his brother with narrowed eyes “What are you talking about?”

“Are you telling me you don’t know that Krita’s got the hots for you brother?” Ian stopped laughing now. The fact that Arthion hadn’t joined in the fun he thought might mean something. “Or do you not know which direction is North? That’s where she comes from you know.”

“Shut up. I know which way is North and...” Arthion frowned at the bait “Listen here little brother, you have no right to go digging around in my affairs.”

“Hey it’s not my fault if she can’t keep from telling people how she feels about you,” Ian said with a smile, “I’m sure this isn’t the first time it’s happened, I bet you and Walven have joked about others, what’s the big deal about her? It’s the mess, we can joke around you don’t have to be so uptight.”

“Oh said anything about being Uptight?” Arthion protested as he glanced around to make sure no one was listening in “What do you mean ’She can’t keep from telling people?’” he asked his cheeks flushing despite his attempts to control it.

Krita noticed the brothers enter, but was unable to hear what they were talking about. It looked like they were arguing so she kept her attention on her food occasionally looking over to see if the brothers parted ways.

“Oh, don’t worry, I actually think that I tricked her,” Ian said with a proud smile, “I’m sure that her serving girl knows too though.”

“Tricked?” Arthion sighed and looked over his shoulder at his brother as he grabbed a tray “Up to your usual jokes again? What about you? Shall I find out who your secret admirers are?”

Ian’s eyes bulged, but not in anger in surprise, “You really think there is an admirer for the family cripple?”

“I think there is several for each brother. And you are not a cripple” Arthion shook his head as he started to pile on food and gestured for the cooks to bring out bones for the dogs who licked their muzzles in anticipation “You fight very well.”

“I was a cripple, I’m far behind Kin and Akemi. That will never leave me,” Ian scrunched his nose and then glared at Arthion, “Don’t change the subject though. Why are you so careful about the Rodsvard? You like her too or something?”

“Sure I like her.” Arthion shrugged “She’s nice. A good student. Listens well to instructions. And I’m not anymore careful around her than I am any other girl.”

“No I don’t mean you like her the way you like Callie or Eloise or Caitlyn. Do you like her?” Ian made a funny face to accentuate like.

Arthion paused at the end of the line and turned to face his brother. His gaze swept across the room to find Krita and his cheeks reddened again “I...don’t know what youre talking about.” He muttered as he hurried to a table, whistling for his dogs to follow who each now had a big bone with meat still clinging on.

“Are you serious? You do?” Ian said with a big smile his voice lowered in volume. He had just been poking fun at his brother. He’d never seen Arthion blush over a girl or try to talk around his feelings. Ian looked over to Krita and smiled wider. “I’ll leave you to your food and your dogs, maybe the Northern Wolf will find her way over here. If so you should probably try to control that redness in your cheeks.”

Arthion sighed and sat down “Fine but, before you go. Will you turn around?”

Ian gave his brother a confused look, but then did what he was asked. Before Ian could figure out what his brother was up to Arthion was on his feet and with one hand pulled the back of his trainers tunic open and poured half of his cold water down his back before sitting back down laughing at the inevitable reaction.

Krita had been watching the back and forth when she could do so inconspicuously. When she saw Ian turn around she knew something was going on. She looked towards the mess line, but her eyes shifted to watch the brothers. She held in a laugh when Arthion took the water, but let it out very loudly when Ian yelped with the cold wetness. Ian rushed away cursing Arthion under his breath, and Krita quickly rose seeing the joke as a nice way to start a conversation with Arthion. “What’d he do to deserve that? Or just rights of an older sibling?” she asked with a smile.

“Rights as an older sibling Id say” Arthion grinned over his cup, drinking the other half of his water. “Care to join me? Krita?”

“No training anymore today,” she said with a smile. She looked around and smiled again, “No classmates in the mess to accuse me of sucking up to the teacher, so sure why not.” She gave a painful hiss as she bent her knee to sit, “We don’t even have to call this one a date. Just dinner. What did you think of the matches.”

“It went no better or worse for a first time.” Arthion smiled “Polearm looks a bit awkward on you though. How’s your knee?”

Krita nodded, “Knee’s gonna swell, and the polearm will take some work, didn’t want to use what was familiar though, afraid that I haven’t been in training long enough to forget bad habits. Polearm can’t be used the way I used to fight. Smaller swords just don’t work for me.”

“Anything can work for anyone. You just have to apply yourself into it.” Arthion smiled “I train hard and live my life hefting heavy things and aiding people which often has me lifting them as well. So a bigger and heavier weapon fits my strength best. However, if I stopped lifting and focused more on speed and agility...my body would adapt to it. Your used to bigger swords because that is what you started with. Not a bad thing but is it what you want? To stand at the front lines taking the brunt and heavy hits from guys like me for however long a battle lasts?”

Krita smiled and gave him a wink, “I meant didn’t fit my personality, sorry, I might be the pretty woman commander who’s willing to show off a little to get her troops’ attention, but I’m not the dainty little girl who needs to use a toothpick because I can’t handle a real weapon. Call it pride if you want, but the biggest weapon I can handle with grace is what I’m gonna carry.”

“And good for you” Arthion chuckled “If that is what you want. What you really want. Then you go for it with everything you have, and then give twice as much.”

Krita smiled, “Is that the advice your father would give? Do to what I want and give it more than what I have, or is that a little personal advice?” She scooted closer and nudged his side with her elbow. “I think your father would tell me to pick the most efficient weapon and make my life easier.”

“Father and I think the same way.” Arthion smiled at the nudge and didn’t seem bothered by her coming closer “It’s just taught to his children more than his students. He sees hundreds of trainees come in and out every year....he gives you the basics and pushes you to your potential. What you do with it from there is up to you.” Ripping off some of his bread he continued “Most students take their certificate and leave. Some join the Dragons, others go overseas or further inland but most don’t truly apply themselves until after they see their first war. Its better to start now while you’re developing your skills. That last part is a personal advice” he winked.

Krita paused for a moment thinking on what was said, “That makes sense that Lord Matsu, and yourself would think differently for personal strategies and what you teach the average trainee,” she gave a soft smile that wasn’t really a happy one, “I’m more advanced than most of these boys and girls, I’ve already seen war, and whatever you would call my family taking Kronnborg from it’s previous occupants.”

“Which is why you are here and not performing the usual duties of your class.” Arthion winked “Your younger classmates on the other hand are all running around delivering messages, learning etiquette and basic weapon keeping. Instead you do double and somedays triple your technique and forms.”

Krita smiled, “Well if it would take me down a few rungs so that I don’t make my fellow students look bad, I might be willing to partake in some one-on-one tutoring.”

“Looking bad to a higher classman is just another part of the training.” Arthion chuckled “But there are no rules saying you can’t help your underclassmen if they ask for it. Are you ready for your next task?”

Krita shrugged a little and scrunched her nose, “I’d rather some time off if you think I’m that far ahead, but that gets boring. I could use some company. If not I will take whatever tasks you or your father have for me. I’m here to learn, the more the better.”

Arthion laughed “Well your next task doesn’t start for a few more months. You will be proving your mettle upon the open sea as a first mate.”

Krita looked at him sourly, “I hate ships. The only use they have is to put me where I need to be to attack. Who will I be answering to onboard, please don’t say one of those La Seine cousins.”

That got Arthion laughing fully, his dogs looking up from their bones as he leaned back and grinned widely “Ah! Ash would love to hear about that. No, no. One of our own Captains. He needs to ship out to a few ports and pick up the winter supplies for the Arena. Should be simple enough. You will be gone for half the year. Be glad it’s First Mate, most start as Cabin Boys and Lasses.”

“Better a Cabin Lass on a Tsukimatsu ship than First Mate of a Rodsvard, if I weren’t King...not Lord Ammon’s daughter that is. Still got no respect, I suspect this will be different,” she found herself wishing that she’d come to Ra’vain earlier in life, like her Uncle had. She wondered if she would have been better off. “Half a year is a long time. What will you do with me being gone? You’ll have to suffer more of your brother’s company during meals.”

“Be glad that its only Half a year?” Arthion suggested with a chuckle “Generally a student goes a full year. Half as a Cabin Mate and the other as a First Mate. I managed to convince father to let you only do the First Mate half... Means more work when you get back but...”

Krita gave Arthion a questioning look, “Why would you convince your father to give me less time on a ship? I am sure you both are aware of my experiences, but a ship is not something that I would consider myself advanced in. What work will take the place of my first half year?”

Arthion shifted in his seat “Well I just figured...Since you came in on ships and have quite an impressive navy that you would already know what’s needed. Basic First Mate stuff is all you’re really doing...Seamens Training isn’t as important as the rest, but we do live on the coast so...its necessary to at least know the basics. Did you want to do the full year?”

“Well...no I don’t want to be on the sea for that long. My cousin would jump at the opportunity, and his knowledge of ships means, that I know what needs to be done, so you were right in that assumption. Six months is more than I want to spend away from training,” Krita stopped a moment and considered her next statement, finally she decided the question needed to be asked but it came in a low whisper, “Why do you give me special treatment? Is it because I’m older? I still have to put in five years. If I pass through the standard training your father might find something special for me.”

“Well...I...” Arthion quickly started chewing on a strip of meat as he tried to come up with a reason that wasn’t...well... “I’m a full believer in encouraging the advancement of a student. While it is good to revisit basics...you’re not really basic. I mean...You’re...Mm..” again he distracted himself with another bite trying to control the red in his cheeks and being uncomfortable about the topic.

Krita shook her head, “There are others of what were my troops when we arrived who should be just as far advanced as me,” her tone was soft, not accusing anything. She scooted closer again, “Spit it out, Arthion, tell me the truth. You can trust me.”

Arthion glared down at her “Trusting you has nothing to do with it.” he grunted.

Krita frowned, “So you are worried what others will think?”

“No...” he answered as he stared down at his plate.

Krita’s hand drifted beneath the table and gave his thigh a gentle squeeze, where no one would see the contact. “What is it?” she asked in a concerned tone that surprised even her.

“Dammit woman are you going to just keep asking until I give an answer?” He growled in uncomfortable irritation “Fine. It might be because I....I...” He frowned and looked at his plate “Might...maybe...like...you.” He held his thumb and forefingers apart “..a little.”

Krita couldn’t help but giggle a little, “For such a strong man you have a bit of a problem with your emotions,” she said with a still light tone and a smile. “Most men who like me don’t find me so hard to approach about it. That’s alright though, it’s part of what makes you you and, well I like you too. I think more than a little.” Her gentle but certainly more confident manner seemed to unravel, “What does this mean going forward? I...I don’t want people thinking I don’t earn what I get here because you like me...and I like you.”

“It means nothing.” Arthion grumbled “Or at least. For four more years...You should focus on training.” He gave a small smile towards her.

“Are you saying I can’t focus on training and have a more meaningful relationship with you?” Krita asked curiously, “Surely it happens, possibly not student and teacher, but student and student, student and some serving girl. It has to happen, and the student still makes it though.”

“Well. Of course it happens.” Arthion shrugged “But...you came here with a goal and I don’t want to be the cause of that goal. Plus...it’s never a good thing for a teacher and student.

Krita gave a slow sad nod, “I wanted other things when I got here too. Four years is a long time for me to wait. You don’t think we can try? Keep it out of the face of others. It would just be for us. You are the best man I’ve met in a long while, one that I want in my life.”

Arthion looked to her and sighed, he wasn’t very good with girls. Still, he allowed himself to drop his hand down to her’s on his leg. “Lets just see how things go.”

Krita gave a smile, “All I ask. Though now that we’ve both put ourselves out there I have to admit that my mind is bouncing about frantically. Before I leave for Seaman’s training. One night? Please? Like at the Festival.”

“Alright.” Arthion agreed after some thought. “I’ll see what I can set up.”

Krita smiled, she turned her hand under his so that palm pressed against palm. She wrapped her fingers around his hand for a gentle squeeze and then let go. “I should probably give you some time to do that then. And I have a run to get in if tonight is not the night.”

“Not tonight. No...” Arthion frowned with regret in his eyes “Duties to attend to....”

Krita gave a glum smile, “Of course. It will be a test of devotion to see this through, but when I put my mind to something I make it happen. I look forward to seeing you in or out of class tomorrow. And I look forward to that night whenever it will come. Good night my Lord.” Arthion stood when Krita did, offering a formal bow as she left before sitting back to his meal.

Krita joined up with Megwan and their routine went as close to normal as usual, though Krita was not nearly as intense on the run. When she awoke in the morning Krita found it was more difficult to get moving. She wanted to see Arthion so badly, but she didn’t really want to train today. Megwan managed to push a few buttons and put Krita back on track for her training. This was almost a daily occurrence. By the time Krita got out to the training grounds she was able to put all of her spirit into whatever drill or lesson was in front of her, but every night she spent thinking about Arthion and when she was to have her time alone with him, and preparing for the half year journey that she would not be able to talk or see him.

Over the next several weeks there were times that Krita just couldn’t stop from daydreaming while being instructed by Arthion. To most of the other classmates it probably looked like she was focused on the lesson, but when the inevitable slip up came, because she missed something in the explanation, Arthion was right there to jump on her case. Krita knew she deserved it and actually held the actions in high regard, but she couldn’t help the hurt that would come when she thought about the instances later. Arthion was better at separating his feelings from what they were there to do. Krita wasn’t quite sure that was a good thing, but she needed to find a more constructive way of using her emotions. Waiting and daydreaming wouldn’t do anyone any good.

After weeks of cold reception during training and little conversation out of training Krita decided she would not head directly to the Mess as was her routine. She managed to tell her plan to Megwan before the younger girl was off to her own classes. Krita waited where she told Meg she would. After a while of waiting the girl appeared. “He’s there m’Lady,” she reported with a smile.

Krita nodded, “Thank you Meg, I will see you after for our run...maybe.” The young woman nodded and went about on her way. Krita rushed to the mess where it had been reported that Arthion was eating. She smiled when she saw him and using the stealth that she begrudgingly learned she snuck behind and pressed up against Arthion’s back, “How long are you going to make a girl wait my Lord?”

“I thought waiting was half the fun” Arthion chuckled.

Krita shook her head, but smiled, “I hope I never understand you Tsukimatsu, the mystery is the fun. Waiting was only fun for you.”

Arthion smiled up at her and scooted over for her to join him “Meet me at the steps of the fourth tower after lights out.”

Krita took the seat that was made for her and smiled, “Not some trick to get me in trouble so that you can get out of this is it?” she asked with a wink.

“Maybe” he smirked “Guess you will have to take that chance. Hm?”

Krita gave a smirk, “A chance I am willing to take, because if your father punishes me, or throws me out you will see it come right back at you in spades.”

Arthion laughed loudly as he tossed some scraps of meat to his two dogs “Aye I suppose that is to be expected.”

Krita laughed, “I see you did to some homework on my family. We don’t take betrayal lightly. This might not require me bringing an army to your gates, but I will get back at you if you’re setting me up. Of course you’d be missing out anyways, that might be revenge enough in the end.”

“Perhaps” He joked with a nudge of his leather armored shoulder “Perhaps.”

Krita laughed at the nudge and shook her head, “There is no perhaps. It might not be tonight, but if we can find a way to make things work out...you’ll be missing out. You’ve seen how ferocious and passionate I can be on the field, I take that other places as well.”

Arthion laughed “Oh is that so?” He shifted so that he could look at her instead of the side glances “Care to prove it?”

Krita stared right into his eyes with a growing smile, “I said ferocious and passionate, not easy. You need to earn it. And though I think you are pretty cute, just looks doesn’t cut it. We’ll see what happens tonight. Impress me enough and you just might have an answer to that challenge.”

“Oh...Well in that case...” He shifted again and went back to his food absently “I give up!” he joked again, as evident by the coy smile.

Krita laughed and barely stopped herself from leaning into him. “In that case I win,” she answered with a wink. “I suppose I should go prepare for our meeting. Preferred or necessary attire? Or is my training tunic and pants good enough?”

“Come as you will, My Lady” Arthion chuckled.

“Dangerous suggestion,” she said with a grin, “I shall have to give it some thought then.” She stood from the bench and flashed one last smile, “Until later my Lord,” she said with a smile.

Arthion stood with her and bowed slightly, smiling as he nodded “Aye, enjoy your evening My Lady.”

Krita gave a curtsy as she lowered her head. She then was quickly out of the mess hall and headed back towards the women’s barracks. She thought about polling the other women present about what she should do and wear, but she only trusted Megwan to know what was happening. The girl was no help in fashion. In the end Krita could find nothing she would be more comfortable for her date in. She thought about opening her foot locker and donning her wolf armor, but shook her head. Arthion would have to wait to see that Krita again. For now he would get Tsukimatsu trainee Krita. Which wasn’t completely absent of Northern Wolf Krita, but was subdued and more disciplined. When the time came she made her way silently to the fourth tower as she was told.

When Arthion saw Krita approach he smiled to her but instead of waiting for her to catch up to him he instead gestured towards the steps and started up them for her to follow. The steps wound around and around the tower, up to the top. One might even assume this was the tallest tower of Tsukimatsu’s castle. When they reached the top the doorway was a large arch with no doors to open. It was cold and open to the elements and stretching out from the tower was what appeared to be a bridge a lone wolf obsidian wolf like those found on the paths sat at the start of the bridge, stair down it’s length with perked up ears as if it could hear a distant sound and was poised to chase after it.

“I hope your ready for a long walk.” Arthion chuckled “There is a catch however...” he turned with a silk, black scarf in his hands “You have to wear this over your eyes until I say to take it off”

Krita smiled as she stepped close to Arthion, “A surprise? I like surprises, not as crazy about being blind, but it’s worth the risk.”

“Well...You’re not exactly supposed to see what I’m about to show you.” He chuckled “The destination isn’t as important as the journey, which will require the blindfold. I know short cuts...still...so?” he held the cloth up to her.

Krita grabbed the scarf and put it over her eyes she tied it tight at the back of her head near the rope used to hold her hair back. “Trying to make sure I don’t know how to get to your secret places. That’s fair. Hope these short cuts make the journey quick.” She raised her hand palm up, “Though being blind you’ll have to lead. The touch will be welcome replacement for sight.”

Arthion chuckled as he pressed himself up close to her front, his large hands cupping both of hers between them “My shortcuts will make a week long journey into a night trip.” he rumbled before taking a step back to start guiding her forward “No peeking, My Lady.”

Krita nodded, “Must be a dangerous road...the normal way. In a week I could almost be in Kronnborg if I take the main roads. I am very anxious to see this place. I promise though. No peeking.”

Slowly Arthion lead Krita across the bridge that reached out into the dragons back. At some point he carefully pressed her up against a horse and moved her hands to touch its fur and neck so that she knew they would be mounting and riding the rest of the way. Once he was sure she was secure with the change he lifted her up into the saddle and joined her, spurring the horse forward at a quick trot. Leaning down he whispered into her ear just beneath the sounds of the wind whipping past them. He told her a story about a Dire Wolf that wandered the Dark Forests, cost lines, Dragons back and to the river beyond. He told how she always seemed to be looking for something but no one truly knew what it was. A Mate perhaps, a pup or companion, no one really knew. During the harvest moon she would return to her Den and vanish for the winter, sitting vigil until spring brought forth knew leaf and she was able to wander once again. It was said that would be knights would go to her and seek her blessing, sitting vigil until the new morning and at times she would show up to aide them when they needed it most.

It had been many long hours before the hooves of the horse clipped on solid stone instead of beaten earth. The gentle snort and neigh echoed as Arthion dismounted and aided her down from the saddle. With gentle hands and careful steps he guided her further until at last he brought his hands around from behind and pulled free the blindfold.

They were in a stone building, all black like the Dragons Back. In front of her stood a large stone wolf sitting vigil like in his story, made of the same material as the smaller wolves that guided the pathways to Tsukimatsu. Up above was a hole that gave a good view of the starry sky. “So?” He rumbled in question.

Krita had her eyes closed from the time he helped her off the horse. She felt the blindfold fall from her face and slowly opened her eyes. She took in surroundings smiling at the stone wolf, “And I thought maybe I was the Wolf you spoke of,” she said with a wink before her eyes were taken upwards to the skylight above. “The stars...it’s beautiful Arthion. They...they seem brighter, closer.”

“Watch.” He smiled as he pointed up to the stars. They waited for a time in silence, one arm wrapping around her shoulders to hold her close while they looked up. After what felt like forever a full moon slowly started to appear. “In a few hours the moon can be seen fully in that opening.” He informed “Come I brought furs and mead. We can watch together if you like.”

Krita nuzzled against his shoulder as she watched. She heard the words, recognized them and knew she was supposed to answer, but she was paralyzed in the moment. “Of...of course,” she said softly her eyes pulled away from the sky to look into his eyes. She gave an awkward smile and instead of backing away to enable him to get the things he spoke of she leaned into him. “I almost never turn down mead, as to the furs, I’m not that cold now, I’m rather comfortable as long as we’re close. I’m from the North however, so if you want furs I won’t complain.”

Arthion chuckled “The furs are to make the stone floor more comfortable so that we may lay down and watch the moon rise.” leaning forward he kissed her brow and went to gather the bundle from his saddle. It was quick work, Laying the furs out before guiding her down to rest atop of them “At some point in your training...You will return here.” he explained “Which is why you were blindfolded. Most students don’t see this place until ready.”

Krita hadn’t thought about comfort. Comfort wasn’t a concern of the Northern people. They just dealt with what was given to them. She was glad that Arthion knew the accommodations and made them more comfortable. She closed her eyes for a moment as he kissed her brow, imagining what those lips would feel like against hers. She opened them and watched as he got the furs and laid them out. She allowed him to guide her onto the furs without a fight, not being able the last time she’d been so cooperative. “I’m glad that you didn’t give anything away, this is the most beautiful place. The blindfold was very much worth it.” She gave him a longing look and smiled, “You said something about mead?”

Reaching back Arthion pulled over three flasks “Not enough for anything too crazy but Aye. Mead.” he held one of the flasks out to her.

Krita smiled, “I don’t need mead to be crazy, if that was the aim...that is not nearly enough,” she gave a wink and leaned into Arthion as she took the offered flask. “With you though, I don’t want outrageous. That is crazy and no mead required. Just you, me, the sky and a long night.”

Chuckling Arthion laid back, folding arms behind him as he smiled “As you wish, My Lady.”

Krita leaned back as well a smile playing on her face, “At no point and time did I say hands to yourself my Lord.” She gave a small giggle as she turned onto her side and ran a finger along the middle his chest. They laid together watching the sky, drinking mead and enjoying the company. When they both knew sunrise was only a couple hours away they reluctantly rose and Krita leaned forward to allow Arthion to place the blindfold over her eyes. They rode back to the castle and prepared to start the next day without sleep. It was all worth it though.

The awkwardness between the two seemed to lessen after the ‘date’. They settled into a routine that saw them behave properly for teacher and student during training, dine together often in the mess joking and flirting as they had before revealing their feelings to each other. Occasionally, they snuck away for private moments. Krita didn’t know how the Tsukimatus would respond to their relationship, and her classmates probably wouldn’t understand that they could keep feelings out of training, so the degree of their relationship remained mostly secret.