Decision Time [D'rorah]

[D'rorah Philosophy]

D'rorah looked up as the door opened, smiling a bit at Shane as he appeared. She nodded at the news that Tommy and Nick were getting ready. [blue]"We have time,"[/blue] she replied. [blue]"Dinner is in thirty minutes, so they should have adequate time to prepare themselves."[/blue]

She stood for a moment, unsure of what one might converse over with one so young standing there watching her. [blue]"Did you sleep well?"[/blue] she asked finally, figuring that was a safe topic of conversation. [blue]"I recall hearing some muffled conversation after Master Xiu and I left,"[/blue] she added. [blue]"I trust you are happy to be able to spend time with your oldest brother once again?"[/blue]

She looked up as she heard a group of monks approaching, conversing quietly but animatedly amongst themselves. Averting her eyes to the floor, she bowed respectfully to them, waiting until they had passed to rise again. That was something she would have to make sure to tell the other Shadow Warriors before they came. She expected Keaira had already noted it on her previous visit. While Elemental Masters were afforded great respect within the Order, Shadow Warriors were not the same. Considered tainted by their own internal Darkness, they were considered to be among the lowest ranked individuals at the Monastery. D'rorah expected she would be spending her own dinner in a table in the far back, along with the youngest trainees and the members of the service staff.

[Tommy Bryce]

((Shane: hardcorehamster.deviantart.com/art/boy-131483166 ))

Shane nodded in relief as D'rorah informed him that they had time, trying to brush his hair down a bit flatter with one hand for the sake of the very formal woman in front of him, desperately trying to make a good impression. He leaned back against the door, then after a few seconds relocated to the wall when he realised his brothers could open it from the inside at any point, staring up at her still.

[yellow]"Oh, yeah, I slept great!"[/yellow] he assures her at first. [yellow]"The bed was all clean and didn't smell and warm and lovely,"[/yellow] he enthused happily, a small grin on his face as he remembered the best night's sleep he'd had in months. [yellow]"And there were no interruptions, no one came into our room!"[/yellow]

His face fell, however, when she mentioned hearing talking after leaving and he ducked his head in shame. [yellow]"S-sorry... but we haven't seen Tommy in so long, and this is all new... well, we saw him earlier today, I know that,"[/yellow] he tells her hurriedly, not wanting to get told off for lying. [yellow]"But we didn't have much time to talk before, daddy told him he needed to go back to Hogwarts,"[/yellow] he explained as briefly as possibly, covering for what his father had done earlier automatically with only the slightest pause. He was so used to doing so in fear of further punishment that it didn't even occur to him that D'rorah already knew what their father had been doing to them.

[yellow]"It is good to be with Tommy again,"[/yellow] he told her happily, hoping that they wouldn't be separated again. [yellow]"But how long are we staying here? When do we go back? Can we spend another night here at least, those beds were so nice."[/yellow] It also had not occurred to him that they might be staying here permanently, despite the earlier words spoken on the matter. It just seemed ludicrous to him that they might be able to stay here after years of his father's threats about how they were stuck with him and how no one would ever take them in because they were bad.

He watched with interest as D'rorah bowed to a passing group of people who were all dressed very strangely, wondering who they were and shrinking back slightly. Figures of authority were never good. [yellow]"Who are they?"[/yellow] he whispered timidly as he watched them leave. [yellow]"Are they in charge?"[/yellow]

[D'rorah Philosophy]

D'rorah smirked as Shane tried to flatten down his hair. He seemed eager to please now that they were somewhere safe... she expected that was at least partially because he had little confidence in the permanence of that safety. She nodded at his reply that he had slept well. It was amazing how joyous he was about something most people--herself included--tended to take for granted.

As his face fell, she was quick to reassure him. [blue]"You are not in trouble, Shane. I expected, as did Master Xiu, that you and your brothers would have much to discuss. After all, very much has changed for you all very quickly. I am glad you were all able to catch up a bit."[/blue] She smiled slightly. [blue]"Family is important... especially brothers who clearly love you very much."[/blue]

When he asked how long they were staying, she paused. [blue]"Another night?"[/blue] she asked. [blue]"I intend that you will all remain here to live and to be educated until you reach the age of majority,"[/blue] she explained. [blue]"You may look forward to many more nights in those nice beds."[/blue] She smiled. [blue]"There are other children here of your ages who come to be schooled, and I expect you will join them in their classes at the beginning of the week. Of course, we will see that all necessary books and materials are provided for you."[/blue]

As she rose from her deep bow, she noted how Shane had shrunk back into the doorway. [blue]"They are monks of the Order,"[/blue] she explained. [blue]"You have have one or more of them as your instructors here. Technically they are not in charge, Master Xiu is the head of the monastery... but they are of a higher rank than I."[/blue] She looked after them for a moment. [blue]"I respect them all in their own ways. You need not worry about anyone here. The inhabitants of the monastery are very kind,"[/blue] she explained. Though... they are not always so understanding of those of us with a closer connection to Darkness, she thought silently.

She smiled and bowed as Master Xiu approached. [blue]"Master,"[/blue] she greeted quietly.

Master Xiu smiled at her and nodded a greeting in return, his eyes turning to Shane. "Ah, I see our youngest new student is already up and ready for dinner," he greeted. "Are you hungry?" he asked with a knowing smile.

[Tommy Bryce]

Shane's eyes rose slightly to meet hers as she assured him he was not in trouble, not quite convinced until he saw the sincerity in her eyes, then nodding slowly. It seemed strange to him that he would be allowed to stay up talking and not been told off for disturbing other people or not doing as they were told. Instead, she seemed to understand that he hadn't seen him for a long time, and even said that family was important... strange.

Shane's eyes widened as she told him that he would be able to actually live here, brightening considerably at the news. [yellow]"Yay, thank you!"[/yellow] he enthused happily, taking a step forward to hug her tightly then hesitating, unsure how she would react to it and stepping back again to lean against the wall, his head tilted down to stare at the floor again. [yellow]"When's age of majority? When I go to Hogwarts?"[/yellow] he asked. It was certainly much longer than he had been expecting... he was seven now... and you went to Hogwarts aged eleven... He quickly counted out on his fingers. Four years! Although that would mean he would be here on his own once Nick had joined Tommy at Hogwarts, and he wasn't sure he liked that... maybe he could just go back a bit early. [yellow]"What about when we're bad? Do we go back then?"[/yellow]

Shane was slightly appeased by D'rorah's explanation of the monks, but it only made him more wary of Master Xiu... and if they were above her, then where would he be in the rankings? Surely right at the very bottom. [yellow]"Sh-should I be bowing to everyone? Should I be bowing to you?"[/yellow] he asked quietly, hoping he hadn't done something wrong.

His eyes flicked towards Master Xiu as he approached and he quickly ducked his head, much more intimidated of the old man now he knew he was in charge and he didn't have his brothers around. He nodded hurriedly at the question. [yellow]"I'll just go see if Tommy and Nick are ready yet,"[/yellow] he muttered quietly, turning and quickly opening the door, slipping in before closing it tightly behind him. He stared across at his two brothers and was incensed to see they were both still in bed, apparently having fallen back to sleep.

He ran over and jumped onto Nick's bed, shaking him hurriedly. [yellow]"Nick, get up! We're gonna be late, you're gonna get in trouble!"[/yellow] he told his older brother in a squeal. Nick groaned and pushed him away. [green]"What are they gonna do, hit us? If they are then it's no better here than at dad's. Let me sleep,"[/green] Nick mumbled back, sitting up blearily and pushing him again, causing Shane to fall off the bed with a loud thump and a squeak of surprise.

[D'rorah Philosophy]

As Shane threw his arms around D'rorah, she paused, uncertain of how to react. Her arms had almost started to wrap around him in return, certain that was the expected response, when he stepped back again to lean against the wall. D'rorah's arms fell back to her sides.

"When's age of majority? When I go to Hogwarts?"

D'rorah smiled slightly. [blue]"No, age of majority is seventeen,"[/blue] she replied. [blue]"I expect you will receive your magical education here instead of Hogwarts, as will your brothers."[/blue] She wanted to make it as clear as she could that she intended for all of them to stay together. After all, seeing how protective Nick and Tommy were, especially of Shane, she knew better than to think there might ever be any possibility of successfully separating them.

"What about when we're bad? Do we go back then?"

D'rorah tilted her head slightly, her grey eyes watching the young man before her. [blue]"I do not think you will have to particularly worry about being thought of as bad, Mister Bryce. You seem rather well-mannered to me. And if you misbehave, someone will help you to understand what you have done wrong. We do not believe in physical punishment here. You may perhaps be restricted to your room or have certain privileges restricted, but you need not worry about mistreatment or neglect."[/blue]

She suspected, like Nick, that Shane would have to see that philosophy in action in order to believe it. It seemed he'd been in a bad situation for so long that he'd come to believe his father's words that they were bad children. And he seemed to expect that at any moment the hammer would come swinging down upon them for some tiny transgression. As the monks passed by and she bowed, she answered his questions, watching them for a moment.

"Sh-should I be bowing to everyone? Should I be bowing to you?"

[blue]"You need not worry about bowing to me,"[/blue] she replied. [blue]"No one here bows to me. As far as the others, you will become accustomed to the protocol as you spend time here. No one expects you will know everything right away. However, as a general rule, students are typically only expected to bow to in greeting or in general deference to instructors and the like. My situation here is a bit different than yours... it is not typical for... one of my position to be allowed to remain within the monastery walls long."[/blue] She felt a wave of relief as Master Xiu showed up, effectively cutting off that particular line of questioning as he addressed Shane. She watched him quickly slipping into the room to check on his brothers.

[blue]"They seem terrified of doing anything wrong,"[/blue] she mused, glancing over at Master Xiu.

"Yes, it will take some time before they learn that things are different here... but they have all the time they need to come to that realization," he added. They could hear Shane urging his brothers out of bed. It sounded as though they hadn't gotten up at all.

As a thump and a squeak of surprise sounded through the door, D'rorah's and Master Xiu's eyebrows arched in surprise. D'rorah knocked briefly before opening the door. [blue]"Is everything all right in here?"[/blue] she asked, looking around, seeing that Nick and Tommy were still in bed. Her eyes came to Shane on the floor and she reached out a hand to help him up. [blue]"If your brothers prefer to sleep, they may do so... however, after the kitchen has done for the day, they will find it very difficult to find anything to eat until breakfast is served in the morning,"[/blue] she added, glancing over at the beds to see if that argument held any sway.

[Tommy Bryce]

Shane's eyes widened in further shock when D'rorah explained that the age of majority was actually seventeen. He had never imagined that he would actually be able to stay here for so long. And with his brothers as well, both of them! [yellow]"Will we be in the same classes?"[/yellow] he asks eagerly, then adding in an even more excited tone, [yellow]"Do we get wands?!"[/yellow] That was one thing he had been especially jealous of when Tommy had finally gone to Hogwarts last January. For some reason still unbeknownst to him, their father had actually given him money to go to Diagon Alley and get the items he needed to go to Hogwarts. Nick had suggested that maybe it was so attention wasn't drawn to Tommy for not having what he needed – their father had always been very clear that no one could ever find out what was going on at home.

He tilted his head slightly in return as she watched him, frowning slightly as she said he didn't have to worry about that. He didn't quite understand it... he had always been told he was bad before, and never that he was 'well-mannered'. The most he had ever gotten – that he could remember at least – was a ruffle of his hair and being told he was 'cute' by the lady who owned the corner shop at the end of the road that they were sometimes sent to if they needed food.

He shrank back slightly again as D'rorah described what would happen if he did something wrong... 'restricted to your room' and 'privileges restricted' translated into being locked away and not being allowed food to him... but by the sound of it, no hitting, which was certainly an improvement. He nodded a little, gulping. [yellow]"I promise to try and be good,"[/yellow] he told her earnestly, very glad now that he had taken the scones from breakfast earlier that day. If they did end up without food he could at least create a little stash to keep himself topped up... it had been difficult at home, because their father had always noticed, but here it seemed as though it would be a little easier.

Shane reached up a hand to quickly wipe away a tear as D'rorah looked in through the door, turning hastily towards her. [yellow]"Th-they're getting up soon, really!"[/yellow] he told her hurriedly, not wanting them to get into trouble because of not getting up on time.

Tommy at least heard the urgency and panic in his voice and sighed, rolling out of bed and sleepily reaching for his Hogwarts robe and shoes that he had removed earlier in the day before going to sleep. [red]"Nick , geddup,"[/red] he called across the room in a tired voice, his words slurring together slightly due to still feeling half-asleep. Nick rolled over again, having checked already that Shane was okay after his tumble. However, D'rorah's next words certainly did reach his ears.

[blue]"...however, after the kitchen has done for the day, they will find it very difficult to find anything to eat until breakfast is served in the morning,"[/blue]

Nick groaned aloud and turned over, glaring at D'rorah as if it was her fault that the kitchens would close soon then also climbing carefully out of bed. He reached quickly for his t-shirt and pulled it over his head, but not fast enough to hide the large, purple bruise on his side that was still growing from a few days ago now. Tommy certainly saw it and scowled, but made no comment. Nick slipped on his trainers without bothering to unlace them first then turned to D'rorah, his hands on his hips. [green]"I'm up, see? No need to get all stressy."[/green]

[D'rorah Philosophy]

"Will we be in the same classes? Do we get wands?!"

D'rorah smiled... truly a rare sight. Shane's excitement was contagious. [blue]"You will need a wand once you begin your classes; however, Thomas will be in more advanced classed than you, as he is older. You might have several classes in common with Nicholas, however."[/blue]

She watched Shane's confusion as she described him as well-mannered. Obviously, praise had been practically non-existent in this family... though, she couldn't say that surprised her one bit with what she had seen so far.

His panic as she entered the room was so thick she could almost feel it in the air. However, her admonition about the kitchen closing seemed to finally cut through Nick's resistance to wake. She pursed her lips at the bruise, making a note to herself to have that looked at by a healer to make certain there wasn't other damage as well. In fact, she'd do her best to have all three of them checked out.

"I'm up, see? No need to get all stressy."

D'rorah arched an eyebrow. [blue]"Do I appear stressed?"[/blue] she asked, watching him. [blue]"I merely thought you would all appreciate the opportunity to eat dinner before things begin closing down for the night. You can sleep again after eating."[/blue] She turned and headed out of the room without waiting for a response, joining Master Xiu who smiled a knowing smile at her. She wondered, in this case, exactly what it was he was so knowing about.

Once everyone was assembled, D'rorah and Master Xiu led the way to the dining hall. It was already full, the quiet clamor of voices filling the room. As Master Xiu entered and made his way to the head table, a hush fell over the room. At his side sat the other Masters of the Order... though he was undeniably the highest ranked among them. D'rorah showed the boys to a table where they could sit with students of similar age, making sure to pick a table where at least a few English speaking students were seated. That done, she made her way to the back of the room with her head bowed, ignoring the whispers and stares which seemed to follow her through the room.

She knew she had teetered on the edge of darkness enough times to be marked by it. And the eyes of the monks, scribes, and warriors in the room noted it keenly as well. She could almost feel the sentiment that she shouldn't be here, that she would taint the Light that resided within the Monastery walls with her darkness. She had barely made it to her seat when Master Xiu was served his meal. The service would work its way through the room. It typically only took a few minutes... but she knew she would wait the longest, as she would be served last. She didn't resent the fact... it was simply the way things were here.

[Tommy Bryce]

Shane giggled infectiously as D'rorah used his brothers' full names – not even a full name in the case of Tommy, who really was called that, not Thomas. [yellow]"You don't want to call them that in front of them. They won't like it. And Tommy isn't Thomas anyway,"[/yellow] he informs her. He was a little disappointed that he wouldn't get to be taught with Tommy and Nick, but it didn't really surprise him. They were older than him after all, and just a few classes with Nick was better than nothing.

Nick glared up at D'rorah, especially after seeing her eyes on his bruise and her expression change. It was none of her business anyway, she shouldn't be interfering. They had managed just fine without her before. [green]"Whatever,"[/green] he muttered at her reply, shaking his head and heading out of the room, pulling Shane along with him. As they entered the dining hall, Shane reached out for Tommy as well, drawing closer to both of them as a result of the clamour of voices.

His eyes turned urgently to follow D'rorah after she set them down at a table with several others around his age. It had been a long time since he had had anyone other than his brothers to play with or even talk to for any extended amount of time. His old friends in Hogsmeade hadn't stayed friends for very long after her said they couldn't come round any more, on his dad's orders. As the other children around began to ask questions, Tommy answered mostly while Shane stayed buried against him. Nick, on the other hand, glared at anyone who asked a question he thought was too intrusive or who addressed Shane.

((Remember to wait till I've posted with Kang as well))

[Kang Xiu]

Kang secured the bandage around the monk's arm and stepped back to admire his handiwork, his eyes also wandering over the young man's bare chest with an admiring gaze before his eyes flicked back up to his face.

[teal]"Ai,"[/teal] he said with a smile. [teal]"Come back on Thursday and I'll check it again, redress it if that's needed."[/teal]

The monk nodded a little uncertainly, obviously a little wary of Kang's wandering eyes and quickly buttoning up his shirt again, wincing as he jarred his arm in the process. [teal]"Chao! Liú yì,"[/teal] Kang warned, [teal]"I don't want to have to redress it again today because you're being clumsy."[/teal] He wasn't entirely sure whether the wariness was due to the man's celibacy or due to his own reputation in the monastery. Either way, it didn't bother him. He had no intentions of going after Chao; celibacy was rather difficult to get around. Monks were off-limits, however disappointing that might be at times. It didn't mean he couldn't look though – that was a perk of the job.

As the monk scurried away, Kang quickly packed up his things then stepped out of his workroom to head to lunch. He didn't bother to lock his door; none of the potions in there were labelled, making it very difficult for anyone who had intentions of stealing. The hall was quite busy when he arrived, and he took a seat fairly near the head table, as was appropriate for his position, and waited patiently for the food to be served. Master Xiu was still not at the head table, so dinner could not begin yet.

His eyes flicked up as he noticed a small group of people entering the hall, and widened slightly in surprise. Master Xiu was entering, alongside D'rorah and three rather small English boys... at least, he assumed they were English. They could be from elsewhere in Europe or North America, but since she had been attending Hogwarts it made sense. His eyes were mostly fixed on D'rorah, though. He had not seen her in two years, and she had certainly grown up a lot since then. Her hair was tinged with black and grey and her skin was much paler... she looked as though she had had one too many brushes with corruption. He knew he had changed as well; he had gained several more tattoos and he was certainly thinner than before. Hopefully she would not notice his eating habits, if she even allowed his presence next to her. The last time he had seen her, she had broken his wrist because of his unwanted advances.

As she made her way to the back of the room, Kang quickly rose from his seat to make his way over to her. He knew that technically he wasn't supposed to, but he had never held authority very high in his estimation of things that were important, and he was even more derisive of the general attitude in the monastery regarding Shadow Warriors. He smiled across at D'rorah as he headed over to her table, setting himself down next to her as the food travelled through the room. [teal]"Good evening, Dee,"[/teal] he greeted her cheerfully. [teal]"What are you doing here?"[/teal]

---

Chinese:
Ai = voila
Liú yì = be careful

[D'rorah Philosophy]

D'rorah was lost in thought as she sat in the back of the room. Though she didn't actually have her notebooks here with here, her mind was never far from her research. After all, there was so much material to cover. And one never knew which tiny bit of hidden information might prove to be the final tipping point that won the war for them. As she heard someone cheefully greet her, she looked up and saw Kang.

She arched a brow at him... he wasn't supposed to be at this table. [blue]"What I am doing here is sitting in my properly appointed place,"[/blue] she replied, a bit of a chill in her voice. She took note of Kang as she glanced at him. Certainly, his frame seemed rather more slight than it had since she had last seen him. And the tattoos were a curious new development. She wondered what he had been doing for the past few years. At one time, she had known his mind rather well. They had trained and prepared together with the intention that he would become her Elemental Master at some point.

Unfortunately, that hadn't happened. And, though they had continued to fight together and go on missions together, D'rorah had felt this new obstacle between them quite keenly. It had bothered her at the time... she had nearly come to think of Kang as the brother she never had. After her parents had been killed, she had even thought of him and Master Xiu as the last sort of "family" she had. Then, the night of a festival in the nearby city... they had been out having a grand time until Kang had led her off away from the others. D'rorah had been bewildered, but had followed along. Unfortunately, Kang had tried to kiss her... had even gotten grabby with her. Panicked, especially after the way she had been attacked the night her parents had died--a memory particularly clear in her mind so soon after the event--she fought back against him, breaking his wrist and running back to the Monastery to gather her things and head out on assignment.

All of these things were in her mind this moment as she looked over at him. But then, she supposed she didn't look as appealing now... not with all that had happened. [blue]"I am delivering three brothers into a safe environment and then will be returning to Hogwarts. And what, might I ask, are you doing here?"[/blue]

[Kang Xiu]

Kang was well aware that he wasn't supposed to be at this table with D'rorah, but it didn't stop him – or even make him pause. He had never really paid much attention to figures of authority, but that also extended to ignoring the status of those below him. D'rorah was supposed to taint this place because of her position as a Shadow Warrior. But he had never gone in for such talk. It wasn't simply because he had trained with her either, he just didn't think that someone who gave up so much, both voluntarily and involuntarily, for the cause of the Order of the Light, should be made to feel so inadequate and low in the monastery. Not to mention that he was sure D'rorah was far too strong-willed and stubborn to give herself up to corruption.

As such, he had always before ignored the rules that said D'rorah was supposed to eat on her own separate table and meditate in a separate place. After all, he was supposed to be her partner. He couldn't be her partner if he thought himself above her. Not that that had ever come to fruition, but by then he was in the habit of it anyway. She was well aware of this, but she still thought to point out that he was not where he should be. She had always had a strange respect for the rules; something he just couldn't understand, especially in these circumstances. [teal]"Come on D'rorah, you know I never sit anywhere else when you're here,"[/teal] he points out with a smile.

He could feel the tension in the air between them but chose to ignore it, instead smiling across at her as he waited for the food to arrive. Personally, he had thought that breaking his wrist had been a bit of an extreme way of making him back off. Although she had tried telling him to stop, but he had been too drunk and lustful to actually take her seriously. Even so, it had taken quite some time before he could use that hand again without a twinge. But then, he hadn't known – and still didn't – exactly how she had been attacked after her parents' deaths. He had simply thought that showing his interest like that would help cheer her up; obviously, he had been mistaken, although he still wasn't entirely sure why.

[teal]"I'm back living at the monastery now. I'm a healer,"[/teal] he explained briefly, missing out the mention of Dark Phoenix's torture as being the reason he had returned. Although, she could probably see the remnants of the scars on him. He had managed to work on a spell to fade them, but they were still visible. [teal]"When are you returning? Do you think you'll be here long?"[/teal] Kang asked, eager to catch up with her.

[D'rorah Philosophy]

"Come on D'rorah, you know I never sit anywhere else when you're here."

D'rorah pursed her lips. She had no idea what he was doing, being so friendly. Didn't he remember that night? Had it been so long ago and so insignificant to him that he didn't even recall what had happened. Her eyes narrowed and she fell silent, deciding there was little point in objecting. After all, he would only more stubbornly insist on sitting with her if she did.

As he continued talking, she shook her head. [blue]"I hope to be returning to Hogwarts soon,"[/blue] she replied. [blue]"I only intend to remain here long enough to ensure the Bryces settle in properly... so I should be leaving within the next day or so."[/blue]

As much as she loathed being curious, she was. She had no intention of chatting with him, but she wondered how he'd come to return to the Monastery. It seemed like it hadn't been very long ago that he'd said he would never return to the rules and strictures of the formalized environment. [blue]"A healer?"[/blue] she replied with an arched eyebrow. [blue]"Lovely, now you may grope women at their request without repurcussion. I suppose that is as good a reason to return as any,"[/blue] she added, her tone a bit derisive. [blue]"What is it you want, Kang? After your dismal behavior the last time we saw one another, I must admit a certain reticence to spend any great length of time in your presence. Or, was your return to the Monastery so ill-favored that they have relegated you to the lowliest table in the dining room after all?"[/blue]

[Kang Xiu]

Despite his friendly demeanour and non-changing expression, Kang could immediately tell that D'rorah was not impressed with him in the slightest. He really hoped it wasn't still about that night... it was years ago now, and he'd been drunk, and it was supposed to make her feel better, feel wanted... that plan had sure backfired on him. Nevertheless, her eyes were narrowed and her lips pursed; dangerous signs in the normally emotionless expression of D'rorah Philosophy. At least she didn't seem to have any plans to send him away immediately – not that he'd go if she did try. He hadn't seen her properly in years, and he planned to make up for that as much as he could.

[teal]"Aw, that's a shame... I wanted to catch up with you. I guess there'll still be a bit of time for that,"[/teal] he mused when she said she'd be returning soon. Knowing D'rorah, she would only return once she was sure those boys were properly settled, which was advantageous for him. He nodded cheerfully as she repeated his words that he was a healer, then blinked in surprise at what followed. Although that was very true – and not just regarding women any more – it was not anywhere close to the reason he had returned, or why he was a healer.

[teal]"I said, I wanted to talk with you,"[/teal] he repeats when she questioned why he was sitting with her. [teal]"Is that really so bad? To want to talk to you?"[/teal] he asks with a frown. [teal]"Look, what happened before was nothing. It was supposed to cheer you up, I didn't think you'd go running off screaming. And there was no reason to break my wrist,"[/teal] he adds, remembering the cracking pain as she'd pushed him away. [teal]"I'm a healer because I like the job, and I'm good at it,"[/teal] he added, wanting to clear that up.

[D'rorah Philosophy]

"Aw, that's a shame... I wanted to catch up with you. I guess there'll still be a bit of time for that."

[blue]"I believe I will be quite busy,"[/blue] she replied. [blue]"I have training to do with Master Xiu and the remainder of my time will be dedicated to ensuring the Bryces have settled in properly."[/blue] She didn't wish to spend any more time in Kang's presence than she had to. If she had to sit with him at dinner, she supposed she would endure that as best she could while she was here.

As he spoke about the occasion of their last meeting, she scowled and her eyes darkened slightly. Memories of that night were closely entwined with memories of the night her parents had been murdered. [blue]"Nothing, you insensitive cad?"[/blue] she asked quietly. [blue]"I broke your wrist because you would not stop. Or should I have allowed you to simply do as you wished with me as well?"[/blue] Her voice had taken on an edge and she turned her attention to her dinner plate, feeling sick at just the thought of looking at him by now. She moved to rise, not interested in dinner at all right now, but stopped suddenly as Master Xiu rose at the front of the room.

As he moved from his seat, a hush fell over the entire hall like a wave crashing upon a beach. D'rorah looked up, temporarily silenced into remaining in her seat as well. She blanched and her eyes lightened as she was called upon to rise from her seat. She wondered just what Master Xiu was up to? Calling attention to her in the middle of the dining hall? She could feel the eyes of everyone in the room suddenly shift to her as she maintained a steady gaze looking only a Master Xiu.

"It brings me great pleasure to make this announcement," he begins. "We stand here at the beginning of a new path for our Order... and as we begin to journey down that path it is important to ensure continuation of not only adequate, but exemplary leadership for our Order, which has endured for millenia." The remaining color drained from D'rorah's pale face. Was she about to be publicly chastised for her failure to effectively lead the Lightfighters back at Hogwarts? Would she be removed from her position there? Reassigned? Her face remained emotionless, but inside she was suddenly a ball of worry as she waited to hear her verdict. "For many years, I have sought to bring our Order into a new era as we move forward with the world in our quest to protect Light and maintain the Balance. I feel we have been fighting against a grave and enduring injustice amongst those who serve our Order because of old prejudices about Darkness and Shadow Corruption." He smiled as he looked out over the assembly. "In the interests of not only addressing this injustice, but also of offering advancement to those who have proven their ability and dedication within our Order, I am pleased to announce that for the first time, a Shadow warrior will be permitted to take the Master's test." A collective ruckus of whispers rose quickly within the room. Master Xiu raised his arms and waited for the din to silence again before continuing. "D'rorah Philosophy, you have passed the necessary tests and trials... and it is my belief you are able and prepared to take the Master's test. I extend this invitation to you this evening so that you may begin preparing to take the test in the coming summer when you return to train your fellow Lightfighters." Master Xiu smiled at D'rorah and then looked out over the room. "It is my hope that you will all join me in welcoming and congratulating D'rorah as she embarks on this new path in her training... a path offered to very few and only ever those who are truly deserving. Please, enjoy your dinner."

D'rorah stood for another moment before regaining enough sensibility to bow to Master Xiu to communicate her respect and appreciation. Still numb, she sunk into her seat slowly, looking nothing less than utterly shocked.

[Kang Xiu]

Kang sighed at her insistence that she would be busy, wishing she would stop being so distant. [teal]"Come on Dee, please. I've seen you once in four years... surely you can make time to catch up for a little bit," [/teal] he asked pleadingly, hoping she really wasn't that annoyed at him for before. Unfortunately, it seemed she was more than just annoyed... she actually scowled, and he noticed her eyes darken. He had been trained to watch for things like that and help stem off the corruption. And it was obviously more significant than he had thought if mentioning it produced that sort of reaction.

He blinked in alarm at her first words, not at all used to being spoken to like that by her. Other people, sure, but that didn't really matter to him. He'd never really cared before what people thought of him – but D'rorah was different. He respected her, for one, not to mention that she was his friend. [teal]"You didn't need to break my wrist to make me stop," [/teal] he repeated. [teal]"You could've just pulled away. I'm sorry, okay? I drank too much, and I really didn't think you'd object,"[/teal] he came up with, hoping that would be enough to calm her. Judging by her reaction to his previous words, though, he wasn't convinced. Her final words finally seeped through to him and he blinked in confusion. [teal]"'As well'?"[/teal] he quoted with a frown. [teal]"I haven't forced anybody!"[/teal] he objected in annoyance, hating to think that she'd think so badly of him.

[teal]"Wait, Dee, please!"[/teal] he called as she began to rise from her seat, reaching out with one hand. Fortunately, her respect for the rules saved him and as Master Xiu stood, she retook her seat. He glanced across at her with a frown but turned his attention to his great-uncle as he began to speak.

As he listened, his expression brightened visibly as he slowly came to realise what Master Xiu was doing. He had long defended D'rorah from the rumours and whispers that travelled the monastery when she was resident, but had only ever convinced a few people. But now... they could not ignore the leader of the Order. And they would not be able to relegate D'rorah to the lowest table if she was a Master. He had no doubt that she would pass the test, and he turned his head to look at her with a broad grin when she finally sat again. [teal]"D'rorah, this is brilliant! Congratulations!"[/teal] he grinned at her, his smile widening as he saw how shocked she was.