..."If any of you have anything you wish to discuss with me, now's the time," Wren smiled towards everyone sitting around the table. For a few moments, no one said a word, all that could be heard was the sounds of eating. "We are just glad you are back Lady Wren. The temple isn't the same without your presence," Cole said finally breaking the silence.
"Thank you Cole. When you have a free moment, please visit the library." Cole was startled for a moment then he nodded. "Yes Madame Priestess." Unbeknownst to everyone else around the table, it was a a coded message. Cole returned to eating his food in silence while everyone else carried on idle conversation. After a short while everyone had finished their breakfast and one by one, left the small dining area, leaving only Michael, Jayce, and Wren. When Jayce stood to take his plate to the kitchen, Wren looked over to Michael then quickly put her pointer and middle finger on the inside of his wrist, seemingly checking his pulse. Michael took a sharp breath in, 'My Lady, please don't-' 'I need to speak with Jayce alone. Find me in the Western garden in 1 hour,' Without waiting for his response, Wren removed her fingers and collected her silverware onto her plate. Michael's face scrunched in a combination of annoyed and confused expression. 'What are you up too My Lady?'
Wren handed her plate over to Michael, "Do be a dear and take my plate into the kitchen pretty please?" Wren had an exaggerated happy expression on her face and Michael could do nothing but chuckle and do as she requested. As he was walking into the kitchen, Jayce was coming out. "Jayce, do you have any duties you need to attend to within the next few hours?" Jayce raised an eyebrow, "Um, no My Lady. I already completed my physical training, and we are getting a break from the education part. Why do you ask?" Wren stood up from her seat and walked closer to Jayce. "May I see your hand," Wren stretched her hand towards Jayce and he was still confused but did as she asked. She turned his hand to where his palm was facing upward and then looked back up to him. "Take a deep breath in and try and relax."
Jayce did as Wren asked, and took a deep breath in; at the same moment he felt a sharp pain in the middle of his hand. 'I need you to come with me into the garden. This is a temporary binding spell that will enable us to communicate within your mind instead of talking out loud. I am sure this is startling for you, but if you trust me, all will be well.' Wren then let go of Jayce's hand, and continued walking forward. Jayce who was stunned. hadn't moved one step. 'Jayce, now.' Wren "said" in a commanding tone, which seemed to snap Jayce out if his daze. "Um, wh-where?" Wren sighed deeply and looked over her shoulder at Jayce, then pointed to her head. "Oh, right-right. But how do I-" 'Oh my goodness Jayce! Pretend you're talking to yourself in your head,' Wren chuckled and ended up spending the next few minutes trying to explain to Jayce how they were able to have the conversation.
Once they reached the Western garden, Wren walked over towards a bench that faced the different trees that were beginning to change color for the season. "Madame Priestess, had I been aware of your presence I could have provided you and this...I could have brought refreshments." The man who was in his 40's hesitated slightly when referring to Jayce. It was not often that new faces were seen about the temple. "There is no need. Please take your leave, there is nothing my friend and I require," Wren said in a casual yet stern tone. The man bowed slightly and walked away from the garden. "I apologize for their behavior, it is not often that anyone new is around, especially with all that has happened. I know this all seems somewhat strange to you, but I asked you out here today, so I could tie up any loose ends there may be."
Wren sat down on the bench and motioned for Jayce to sit on the opposite side. "I trust everything is going well with your physical and educational training?" Jayce nodded, "Yes My Lady, I really appreciate the opportunity. I hadn't been doing all that well since coming to the island. Hell, I wasn't doing-" Jayce tensed up, 'Oh shit! Michael said no cussing! Crap, crap, what do I do? Geez...' Wren snickered, "I don't mind cussing when it is a casual setting and you don't over use words. Just make sure not to do it when Michael's around. And yes, to answer your question, the "spell" is still in effect so I heard what you thought." Jayce put his hands over his face, "I'm sorry. I just don't know how to act around royalty and what not. I was born into a low income family and just dropped lower from there since being on my own. I don't mean to offend you and I'm not trying to be rude. I, I just...ugh." Jayce continued mumbling under his breath, then Wren reached over and softly grabbed Jayce's hands to get them off his face.
"Look, I'm not royalty okay? Well I'm in a respectable position but not royalty. It doesn't matter about your background, all that matters is your loyalty to the people of this island and more specifically, those within the inner temple. I don't mind or take offense to how you speak or your mannerisms." Wren sighed and paused for a moment, "My background isn't anything to brag about either. My family lived a questionable life that ultimately got them killed when I was just a baby. After my real parents were killed, I was adopted out and lived with another family until the start of the war, and shortly after they died or disappeared. So by the time I was 7 years old, I lost my birth parents, my adoptive parents and brother, and had an extremely close call with death. My point in telling you this, is to let you know that just because a few people turn their smug noses up to you, it doesn't make a difference. Like I said before, your skill and loyalty are what we value. Not how well you were raised or how affluent your background. Oh and by the way, don't tell Naya about this. She doesn't even know all of my past and I would hate-"
Wren stopped talking when she saw how red Jayce was getting. "Heh, sorry, I heard you two had gotten close. I don't mind the arrangement, if you do in fact pursue her" Jayce scratched the back of his head, "Well, we haven't officially-we we just...we are getting to know each other. Also, I've only ever talked with you maybe twice, isn't she like your best friend? Are you really sure you're okay with the idea?" "Of course Jayce, I'm okay with it because I trust you. I know you will do what you can to protect those you care about. That's why you were recruited to become a member of The Guard. You have natural ability and a strong sense of justice. According to your reports, you are doing quite well for someone not born of the island. If you can pass the next test, I am going to have someone from the Clan Level missions, come and assist with your training. If you are interested, I would like you to test for Clan level missions as well. The pay is better but being in The Guard is more consistent work. If you have questions about it, be sure and consult Jirobo. He may act like an airhead sometimes, but he has been loyal to the temple for years, fought in the war, was Lord Valen's "right hand", and even continues some Clan Level missions now a days."
Wren looked up to the sky and noticed there were dark clouds rolling in, "I need to be leaving soon. I do appreciate our talk; remember we are your allies and friends, if you need to talk, find us. Also, if you would like I can give you a sort of "pass" that will allow you into other training territories. With this weather, the Lightening's trainings will be something fascinating and helpful for you to watch. Would you be interested?" Jayce quickly nodded his head, "Yes My Lady, I think that would be so awesome. What exactly is this pass thing and how long will it last? Also, thank you for the encouragement." Jayce smiled sweetly and Wren smiled back. "It will last until I suspend it. You might find this unsettling, but I have to...more or less, put a small medallion somewhere on your person. Do you have anything you wear daily? Jewelry perhaps, like those in your ear." Jayce reached up and took out one of his earrings, "Okay what's next?" Jayce answered eagerly. "Remain silent for a moment." Jayce nodded and Wren closed her eyes. She spoke a simple spell in her mind and swiftly grabbed the small knife she keeps near, and pricked the tip of her finger, causing a drop of blood to fall on the round black earring.
Once it was near the earring, the blood seemed to almost glow slightly and hover over top never dropping onto the surface, it then took on the pattern of the Kalina clan symbol, and after no more than 2 seconds, the blood vanished and Wren handed the earring back to Jayce. Jayce sat in awe and carefully put his earring back on, "Okay, now your are free to enter the training areas. Speak with any official there and they will sense that mark and allow you inside. Run along now. We will meet again soon." Jayce did as he was asked and scampered off towards the training areas with a smile. "What a funny guy," Wren said aloud to herself, the she sat back and closed her eyes, listening to the mild sounds leaves rustling in the wind.