The Quest for Normania #1: The Door of Andrios

11. Kissing and Practising

The other woman smiled. "Me neither. But my parents would really love you. I know they would. They don't mind people like us. In fact, they knew about me and even tried to set up dates with other girls in the village!" She giggled. But then, her thoughts went to what happened next and her eyes welled over.

Cassandra couldn't bear to see her friend this way. She leaned over and put her arms around Teresa's neck. "It's going to be all right," she murmured softly in the latter's ear. "I'll be your family. I know I cannot replace them all—your parents and sister and brother—but I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

And this time, it was Teresa, with tears in her eyes, who leaned forward to kiss Cassandra. The latter melted into it and wished it could go on forever...

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Mithra had come out for some fighting practice right after breakfast.

She hoped Norin would come along, as well, but he wanted to study some more books to see how he could conjure a Blue Moon. It was useful work, so she didn't protest, though she badly needed a partner to practice with.

'But now, I wish I had,' she groaned inwardly. 'Should I go and ask Eurin Cassandra? I'm sure she'd been trained to fight... though I don't think that other woman, Teresa, was. Oh well, I'll find out later – I don't want to go back in again.'

"Want something?"

She started inwardly, but was trained enough not to show it. She spun around, hand ready at the hilt of her sword to her side.

A man stood a few feet from her. He raised his hands in a show of peace when he saw where her hand went. "Pardon me, I didn't mean to startle you. But I do have to say—you're a pretty good soldier!"

She raised an eyebrow in question.

"I mean, the way you're so ready at a moment's notice. Just a second ago, you seemed like your head was in the skies."

Mithra shrugged. "I like to be on my feet every time."

"Well, I wonder if you've come out to practice and are seeking a partner? Because I know I am."

Mithra smiled. "Yes, you guessed correct. Is there a field where soldiers practice?"

"Well, there is, actually. Come on, let me show you."

She didn't reply immediately; she was sceptical. She thought his words for a while, wondering all the time how she did not see him before, for all the time she'd roamed the palace halls. Well, not all of them... Still, he bothered her.

It was after a bit of pondering that she realised something: 'Neither did he ask for my name, nor did he tell me his! Also, he doesn't seem suspicious or anything, ask me what I'm doing in a royal palace!'

At last, she shook her head. "No, thank you. I mean, it would be nice to practice some time, but I really, really need my partner. You know, moves that only he can teach me and all." She smiled as brightly as she could manage. "He's not free at the moment, so I'll bring him out as soon as he's done!"

Without letting the man answer, she turned around and sped back into the palace.

On her way to the library, she spied that the staircase she used was going to the next level. She went to the bottom of it and pondered. 'Should I explore or go back and wait on Zura? No, no way am I going back to that stuffy library again!' She shuddered. 'Yes, exploring seems better. Eura Ansari did mention this was the final level, so I assume that stairway leads to the terrace. What a splendid view I'll have!'

So, off she skipped up the steps, light on her toes.

And what a view she got!

There, directly opposite the already-opened door to the terrace, two women sat kissing – practically eating each other's faces!

Perhaps sensing her eyes on them, the couple jumped apart and turned to her, their faces going bright red. Their eyes fixed her for a moment, before turning away.

"Oh my," gasped Mithra. 'It's Eurin Cassandra and Teresa! I knew I felt something unusual about them!' She cleared her throat and smiled pleasantly. "In case you're feeling embarrassed, please don't. I'll just pretend I didn't see it, that's all!"

The two women heaved a sigh of relief, glanced at each other, and burst into giggles.

Cassandra turned to her as she settled down beside them. "Thank you. I know most of the world is fine with people like us, but my father never was exactly sympathetic. Thank you for understanding."

"No, please, that's all right," reassured Mithra. "In fact, I might actually be one you. Seeking a girl partner, I mean."

Cassandra at once pulled her friend to her side. "Well, you won't be taking my Teresa from me, that's for sure!" She grinned.

The mage let out a light laugh, "Well, I must admit I was rather taken in by her when I first saw her. But now that I know she's already taken, I can back off. You'll have no problem from me."

Teresa sighed in relief. "Thank you. Yela Mithra, is it?"

"No, just Mithra. Mithra Surita is my name."

"Well, thank you, Mithra."

"No problem. See, I was just bored, waiting for the boring librarian." She snorted in pretend disgust.

Cassandra laughed, "Oh, you mean, Zura sama? Yes, he's quite the reader, isn't he?"

"I grew up with him and I can tell with absolute certainty that that's true."

"So, what's the plan?"

"Nothing; just that idea of his about fooling the Door of Andrios. I say, we should all help him. Work will get over faster."

Teresa nodded. "You're right. We just came out for some fresh air and... to discuss some stuff. And, well, to do out 'business', so to speak! Anyway, let's go back. I feel terribly guilty about leaving that poor boy all alone."