CHAPTER 19 – Just Friends

Although Saphienne knew the layout of the village well, she had seldom spent time in public spaces other than the library. Her mother disliked going out unless she had to, and children under the age of fourteen were not able to request provisions, not without a responsible adult to deliver the request on their behalf. Library books were different, owing to the fact that they were borrowed and returned, and Filaurel was especially welcoming to young elves who wanted to read, which had meant Saphienne was forever spending time there — once she was old enough to come and go from her family home.

Faylar had encouraged her to explore what the village had to offer, during their visit to the bakery, and had demonstrated the proper way to make requests. He had also mentioned that sharing tea with others was a good excuse for conversation, which is why Saphienne later suggested it to her fellow apprentices after their first lesson concluded.

Nevertheless, she was somewhat nervous as the trio made their way through the groves and toward one of the small clearings in the middle of the village. Celaena and Iolas were both older than her, and their guardians likely spent more time with them around the village. She had only just turned fourteen; they would be more at ease with taking tea than her, and she didn't want to come across any more oddly than she already had.

Iolas grinned. "Want to stop by the bakery?"

Saphienne opened her mouth to answer, then shut it when she realised he was talking to Celaena–

Who was hurriedly looking away from the bakery's window, and who suddenly felt tense beside Saphienne as they walked arm in arm. "No, thank you." Celaena was blushing as she answered, and glared at him.

Perhaps she liked pastries? "We could stop by if you want," Saphienne said. "I went there with Faylar a couple of days ago."

Iolas was laughing now, and Celaena was blushing even more brightly.

"She's not sweet on the baked goods," Iolas joked. "She likes one of the bakers–"

Celaena squeezed Saphienne's arm as she spoke over him. "We're just friends."

"Really? She doesn't look at you like you're just her friend."

"Shut up, Iolas. Saphienne doesn't need to hear about this."

Saphienne found his smile infectious, understanding now, remembering what she had read in the restricted section of the library. "I don't mind. You're allowed a… love life?"

Celaena let go of Saphienne's arm and sprang away, bright red and speechless, while Iolas nearly folded in half with laughter. The older girl clutched her hands to her chest, scandalised.

Iolas patted Celaena on the shoulder as he found his breath. "She's not– ha! She's not wrong!"

She shrugged him off. "We're not even with each other!" Celaena's voice was full of reproach to them both, but her defensiveness made it hollow. "We're certainly not… we haven't done that."

Saphienne blinked. "I didn't say you were… um, going to bed with her?"

"That's the implication of–" Celaena glowered at Iolas as he started laughing again, and her tempered frayed. "Oh, shut up Iolas! At least I'm talking to someone! No one's so much as given you the hour of the day."

He was wiping his eye. "No, I'm not with anyone," he agreed. "I don't have a– ha! I don't have a love life. But I wouldn't be so sensitive about it if I did."

"That's because you're an insensitive–"

Celaena caught herself, and stared at him as she took a deep breath.

He folded his arms and smiled back.

"…Oh, leave me alone." She hung her head, and turned away to grab Saphienne's hand and continue on. "Ass."

Saphienne didn't know what to make of it all, but Iolas was catching up with them when she glanced back. Celaena still blushed, though made an effort to raise her head and square her shoulders.

"Sorry," Saphienne whispered.

Celaena gave her a small smile. "I didn't expect that from you. And we're fine, just ignore Iolas. He likes to make fun of things that don't concern him."

"Celaena," Iolas said as he fell in beside them both, "likes to tease people, but she gets hot around the ears when she's teased back."

She shook her head. "And Iolas isn't as polite as he would let you think. An elf of good manners would know, matters of the heart are not–"

Iolas laughed. "See? She admits it!"

"…I hate you."

"And that's another lie."

Saphienne studied them both. "You're friends, right?"

They glanced at each other in confusion.

"Most of the time," Celaena answered testily, "when he's not being an ass." Then she read Saphienne's expression, and her irritation softened. "Yes, we're friends. I'm not actually angry at him. Not too angry, anyway."

Iolas agreed. "We became friends a few months ago. We hadn't spoken much, before that first night at Almon's. Celaena and Faylar knew each other better."

"Don't you and Faylar make fun of each other?" Celaena tilted her head toward Saphienne, curious. "He's even more of a jester than Iolas."

"He jokes." Saphienne shrugged. "I joke back. But not as… we don't go so far."

"Well." Celaena squeezed her hand. "I suppose he makes allowances."

Coughing, Iolas gave Celaena a meaningful glance. "Sounds like he has tact. Knowing what you should say and how far you can take things, well, you need to know your audience for that. I only tease Celaena because she teases me. And because she's unusually uptight about her friend."

"You're one to talk! He's incredibly proper about things, Saphienne."

"Being 'proper' and being uptight aren't the same thing."

Celaena rolled her eyes. "Whatever."

Saphienne couldn't help but giggle. "I didn't imagine you like this."

The other girl smirked. "Really? How did you imagine us?"

"I thought you'd be more… serious. More like the adults?" She forced herself to open up a little more. "You're both so much older than me. You're… a little intimidating."

Celaena and Iolas looked at each other, and this time they both burst into laughter, and Celaena released Saphienne's hand and pulled her into a sideways hug, shaking her head as she spoke. "Trees keep you, Saphienne! You really are an odd bird."

Saphienne blushed, knowing she was being laughed at, not quite sure why, and not minding their laughter, since it came with their acceptance.

Still, her prickliness stirred as they walked on, and she couldn't help but mutter under her breath. "…I'm not that odd…"

* * *

The clearing they were walking toward was not entirely without trees, having two that had been grown together and then built around to form an airy teahouse. Saphienne had never gone in before, but she had wandered the wild garden that grew throughout the clearing, and she often saw elves sipping tea amid the tall grass and rose bushes.

"Inside or outside?" Iolas asked as they reached the clearing.

Celaena examined the sky. "I don't see rainclouds. Not too windy, either."

Saphienne could spy two other elves through the open door of the teahouse, adults, sitting on one of the couches. "I'd prefer outside."

Iolas nodded. "Outside, then. Shall I make the request?"

She was about to insist she could ask for herself, when Celaena accepted. "Just plain green tea for me," the elder girl said, and turned to Saphienne. "What do you want?"

What was available? Saphienne didn't know. "I'll just have the same."

Iolas sensed her hesitation. "How about you find us a good spot to sit, Celaena, and we'll fetch the tea?"

That suited Celaena, and she gave them both a small wave as she strolled off into the depths of the garden. Saphienne followed after Iolas into the teahouse, where the scent of roasted nuts and burning wood was carried on warm, steamy air.

"You've never been in here before, have you?" Iolas asked her.

Saphienne glanced up at him. "Am I so obvious?"

"Not really." He stopped before a board on which the teas and soups of the week had been listed in bright paint. "I just had a feeling. See anything you like?"

The teahouse offered far more options than she expected. "I usually just drink black tea," she said, "with oat water. I don't see it on here."

"That's because Alinar always has it available." Iolas pointed. "See there? He lists the green teas with flowers, but doesn't list plain green tea. All the common drinks are usually offered, along with lentil soup."

She studied the more elaborate options. "How do you know what's always available?"

"You can ask him." Iolas had a small smile. "That's what I did. Would you like to make the request?"

Saphienne glanced over at the counter. A man was stood behind it, drying cups, chatting idly to a younger elf, perhaps the same age as Iolas, who was sat on the end of the countertop, sketching against her knee.

Iolas encouraged her. "He doesn't bite."

"Don't treat me like I'm little," Saphienne shot back, irked.

Her prickliness made Iolas' lips twist in a wry smile. For a moment, he looked like he was going to argue, but then he lightly laughed at himself. "Saphienne, I'm not trying to talk down to you. I apologise."

Meeting his eyes, she gave him a calmer nod. "Thank you."

"But," he continued, "I'd appreciate it if you'd meet me halfway? You're younger than me and Celaena, and you yourself said you need practice with people. From my side, you're better at calligraphy than me, and… well, today was something else again. I don't want to compete with you, not any more." He offered her his hand. "Accept that you're not the only one finding this awkward? I'm trying to figure you out."

Saphienne studied his face, recognising kindness and nervousness, then looked to his hand. Unused to the act, she held her own out — and copied Iolas when he reached forward and clasped her wrist and shook.

He smiled warmly as he let go. "I'll make the request, if you like."

Saphienne shook her head. "I can do it. And I should do it." She once again felt like Faylar was nudging her. "But if you want to want to tell me things I might not know… I'd appreciate your…"

"…Help?"

She sighed. "I was going to say, 'candour.' But yes."

Iolas nodded, taking her seriously. "You're quite candid, when you talk. Would you prefer I be, too?"

"You mean, I'm blunt." His question made Saphienne hesitate. "…Yes, when explaining things. I know there's another layer to the way people, well, get along with each other. Which I'm not experienced with. But I should be, and I won't learn if everyone keeps treating me…"

Comprehension suddenly appeared in Iolas' eyes. "I get it. I get you. At least, I think I understand you."

"What do you mean?" She doubted him. "Tell me."

Iolas tensed, having not expected her question, and struggled to think of how to explain without offending her. "You're not used to being around people — being included," he suggested, "so you don't know how to relate to people when they're in groups, and… I guess that makes it difficult for you to approach people. Or be approached." He sighed. "I don't know, it's a feeling. You're obviously not stupid, but you feel like you're not taken seriously? Like you need to be heard? Is any of this making sense?"

Everything he said made too much sense. She swallowed. "You're very perceptive."

"I'm just older than you." He shrugged, uncomfortable. "I don't know; I can be an idiot. Shall we get the tea?"

* * *

Alinar ended up being quite friendly, and after Saphienne introduced herself and placed the request for drinks he chatted easily with her and Iolas before he set to work. The girl sitting on the counter waved to Iolas, but otherwise said nothing, focused on her sketching to the exclusion of conversation.

As they waited in companiable silence, Saphienne thought about Iolas. She could read individual people quite well – she had read Almon very successfully – and only really felt confused when she had to understand people in groups. Iolas struck her as being quietly earnest; he had a sincerity about him that felt deeply reassuring, like he was a tree with roots that were burrowed in deep against the wind. She hadn't expected him to concede their calligraphy contest so readily, just as she hadn't expected him to be so frivolous with Celaena, but she felt as though these expressions of his character weren't just for show. Whatever made him the way he was, she felt he was trustworthy.

And considerate. "I'll take Celaena's cup," he volunteered, after they had thanked Alinar for their drinks.

Entering the garden, they wandered past the bushes and flowers until Iolas spotted Celaena, and they joined her sitting on the grass. She was watching a ladybug scurry across the back of her hand when Iolas gave her the green tea, and she flicked the beetle away before she took a sip.

Saphienne was surprised at how good her own tea tasted.

"I thought you wanted green tea?" Celaena had noticed the milky cloud in her cup.

Shrugging, Saphienne leant back on her other palm. "I didn't know Alinar made this kind of tea. I was trying to keep things easy."

"Oh! What are you drinking?"

"Black tea, with oat water." She looked at Iolas. "He told me what they served."

Iolas nodded, accepting her quiet acknowledgement. "Her first visit." He sipped his own drink, then crossed his legs. "So, Saphienne: what was the favour you wanted from us?"

Thinking about Almon made her grimace and sit forward. "I have a problem," she admitted, "and I don't think I'd be wise to handle it on my own."

Celaena was wary. "What kind of problem?"

"The problem is… our master." She shook her head. "He doesn't like me. I don't like him. He's teaching me in spite of the fact he doesn't want to. Our master wants me to fail my apprenticeship."

Iolas smirked, and Celaena giggled.

"You don't understand." She carefully set the cup down on the grass, and leant toward them both. "He's holding me to a higher standard than normal. He said that if I fall behind both of you – even if I'm making progress – then my apprenticeship is over."

"Saphienne," Iolas said, his voice gentle, "after today, I really don't think–"

"Including if I'm the last one to arrive for lessons."

Celaena snorted into her drink. "Sorry?"

"He said if you two arrive before me, I'm done."

Iolas' eyes blazed, as brightly as on the night they had competed. His tone was more measured. "You're sure he was being serious?"

Saphienne nodded. "Really. I got a fright when I saw Celaena outside his door."

Celaena laughed, nervously. "That's ridiculous, though. You're certain?" Her smile subsided. "And you sat through his whole speech about not– what was it? Not dancing to his drum? That a wizard should choose when they show up?" She tutted as she remembered. "What a hypocrite."

Beside them, Iolas looked puzzled despite his anger. "I must have missed that — you'll have to fill me in. Regardless," he said, "never being last is entirely unfair. We should all be given the same opportunities, and held to the same standard."

"What does Al– our master have against you, anyway?" Celaena gestured to Saphienne with her cup. "Something to do with the librarian? What was her name… Filaurel? She taught you for a while, didn't she?"

Surprised that Celaena had remembered, Saphienne nodded. "He doesn't like her. That's really all there is to it. And I shouldn't say any more, other than to say that his reasons appear quite petty."

Iolas put down his cup. "So all his behaviour toward you stems from a grudge against your old teacher?"

"At first. I think I've given him cause of my own, now."

"Oh, damn that." Iolas turned away, jaw tight. "He's a grown man taking out his frustrations on a child."

Celaena studied Saphienne. "…Perhaps. Are you sure it's not part of his teaching? The way he explained it to us this morning? It might be contrivance."

Saphienne shook her head. "I really don't think so. And he kept trying to make you both resent me during the lesson — making me explain things to you on his behalf, and telling you to learn from me."

Celaena's eyes widened, and then she grinned in disbelief. "Fuck. That's what was going on. Clever. I'm surprised you realised."

Iolas' bitterness at it all came through as he spoke. "Saphienne's a little awkward, but she's sharper than us. Damn him." He shifted back around, breathing deeply. "Is there anyone who can reign him in?"

"Are you joking?" Celaena laughed. "He's a wizard! He's the wizard of our village. Surely you've seen how everyone behaves, when he speaks up at meetings? All the sudden agreement? Everyone might as well bow at his feet when he walks past." She scoffed at the thought. "Only someone from the Luminary Vale could censure him, and so long as he's not breaching the consensus of the woodlands — they don't care."

Saphienne frowned. "What's the Luminary Vale?"

Celaena sat up a little taller, became a little more serious, and drained her cup before setting it down. "The Luminary Vale," she answered, "is a hidden vale, somewhere deep within the woodlands. Some say it's invisible to anyone who isn't a wizard or sorcerer. The greatest, most important elves gather there, studying magic, and teaching lesser wizards and sorcerers who prove themselves worthy. One must be fully acknowledged as a wizard to even visit the vale, and any elf who wishes to teach magic must first be examined there."

Iolas showed interest, but his voice was still scathing. "So they let him teach? Knowing the way he is?"

"They must approve of him."

He sighed heavily. "Well, that's great." He stretched his arms out, tensing them to release his tension, and then looked between the other apprentices. "We'll have to handle this ourselves. Why don't we each take turns to walk Saphienne to our classroom? I can meet you at your home tomorrow, Saphienne, and then Celaena can meet you the next day? An hour after dawn?"

Celaena thought about it. "We can. And I suppose, if Saphienne has other trouble, we'll take turns pretending we're having difficulties?"

Iolas smiled faintly. "I don't think that will be a problem. Yes."

Watching how quickly they agreed to help her, Saphienne felt feelings she'd never known before, or perhaps had long forgotten, and she closed her eyes for a moment to quell them. "What about you?" she finally asked Celaena. "You wanted a favour from me?"

Pausing, Celaena tried to remember. "Oh!" She laughed. "I was wondering — could I copy your notes? Or we can share our notes, if you think mine are worth your time?"

Saphienne blinked. "I… assumed we'd share notes." She looked at them both, and their friendliness made her open up further. "We could study together, if you like? I mean– I would like to. If you would."

"I would." Celaena nodded. "We could study at my house, most afternoons."

Iolas lifted his cup, nodding for Saphienne to do the same. "We're agreed." He proposed a toast. "We'll get through this — together."

Although her cup was empty, Celaena grinned and lifted it. "As you say. Together."

"Together," said Saphienne, and her heart was raised with the cups.

End of Chapter 19