Wordcount: 677 words
Rating/Warnings: PG-13
Summary: In which the reality of what’s happening next starts to settle in, whether May wants it to or not.
NOTE: This is the first draft of a story, so it will most likely contain plot holes, retcons, and other inconsistencies. I’ll come back and fix things once the story (or arc) is complete!
~*~*~*~*~
The Aftermath
Things got a little crazy after that.
Even though the older foxhawks seemed to have taken the bonding badly, the reasons for which only May knew and she was counseled by Baron not to share them. But after the initial hesitation, the process of turning May into a foxknight was started.
“You can’t really expect me to leave with you.” May looked at Sir Mirrim who was the more polite of the two. Sir Delvia had muttered something about having more important things to do and stalked off.
“I can and I do. Look, I know this was not what you were expecting, it certainly was not what any of the rest of us were expecting either, but was is, is, and you’re a rider now. Soon to be foxknight, unless you prove incompetent.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
“Well, you don’t look like you have got much chance, sorry but it’s true. I could not have picked someone less likely to be a rider if I tried.”
“Well that is true.” May sighed. “But I have nothing with me, I need to go home and get my things.”
“Your parents can send them on to you in the post wagons. All we need you to have is a heartbeat and a foxhawk.”
“I’d rather have my clothing.”
“You will get issued clothing, and supplies, really you don’t need anything.”
“Are you sure there was not a mistake?” Her father asked, “It seems, well, very rushed, it was not anything like a normal bonding. Are you sure he picked the right person?”
“No.”
Her father blinked, “wait, seriously?”
“Well, it’s not like they tell us what’s going on, but yeah, there are quite a few people that think he picked the wrong person.”
“By mistake? Or is he crazy? I don’t want her working with a crazy animal!”
“Not crazy, just hrm, impulsive? They are only kids themselves, sometimes they do stupid things.”
“I just wish I knew why the golden was so angry at him, that just does not bode well. It’s already a bad omen to have one, having one angry at my daughter– my daughter’s foxhawk does not seem a good omen.”
“I suppose it just thinks it was a bad choice as well. Who’s to know.” Mirrim shrugged.
But we’ve got a wagon going back to Oak Grove tonight, so she’ll be coming with us. You have got some time to say goodbye, but we’d like her over there for our dinner, just so she gets a chance to meet everyone. I think all of the foxhawk has bonded at this point so it will be a good starting place.”
“Expect I am not supposed to be there, and I can figure They will be thinking of that every time they look at me.” May objected. “Why can’t I go home, get my things, and then meet you in Oak Grove later?”
“Because you can’t leave a newly bonded foxhawk alone and he certainly can’t go with you unaccompanied home.”
“Oh.” Well that took away her only chance at postponing things. “I’ll go pack what I have then, say my goodbyes and I’ll be over in a candle mark or so. Is it okay if he comes with me for now?”
“Fine, just don’t leave the faire and try not to get into any more fights.”
“Trust me, we will not!”
They headed back to their family selling stall and wagon. She packed what little she had brought with her and her mother gave her one of the soft fluffy towels that they had meant to sell but had not sold. She said a tearful goodbye to her parents, a semi tearful goodbye to her brother who was still furious she had gotten a foxhawk and he had not, and truly heartfelt goodbye to her best friend who was of the opinion that Baron had ruined her life.
She sort of thought he had ruined her live as well, but considering her options she was determined to make the best of it.
~*~*~*~*~