Fire in the Mist by Holly Lisle Page B

Layadar?"
    "Of course. But then, I'm not Enlee. Enlee was so close to graduation. She was the best adept in her Circle—she could have had almost any open position in the University. And she had all that talent—I can't imagine giving up a lifetime career in the University for a mere man."
    The second speaker mumbled something that was drowned out by the sound of water filling a tub.
    "Sure, it was strange she left her stuff behind. But maybe she hadn't planned on running off with him. If he was really, you know, exciting, maybe she forgot all about her stuff. I mean, if she'd give up a position in the Magerie, what would a few possessions be? Nothing but things you have to drag around behind you from place to place, that's what." Layadar sounded confident about that.
    The second voice held a knowing smirk. "You'd leave your precious stuff behind, hmmm?"
    Layadar giggled. "Well, I don't know... but maybe for the right man—"
    "Sure. If he comes along, let me know. I want your beakers and your athame. Mine are getting really shabby."
    Faia heard the two dissolving into peals of laughter. She winced.
    I could just sink under the water a bit. Then I would not be eavesdropping.
    The first voice took on a conspiratorial tone, and Faia's attention was captured in spite of her intentions.
    "By the way, our instructors found the cause of that massive energy drain. Did you hear?"
    "No. What made it?"
    "Some big, hulking peasant shepherd girl— Lavia saw Frelle Medwind bringing her from the wingmount stables."
    "You jest."
    "Sworn truth. Covered in mud and wearing men's clothing. I heard she's going to train here."
    "Rutting gods!—a hedge-wizard, huh? Who would have guessed?" Layadar began to giggle. "Anchee, you know where they're going to have to room her, don't you?"
    Anchee thought about that for a moment and apparently came up empty. "No. Where?"
    "With her Immaculate and Bitchy Highness, Yaji. She's the only one not sharing quarters right now. Yaji will just die. Can you imagine?"
    Anchee apparently could. Faia heard her response—"The Glorious Spoiled Yaji and a stinking peasant!"—and the cruel laughter echoing around her little stone cubicle until finally she lay down under the water and the sound muffled and lost its sting.
    Well enough, she thought. If they want a peasant, by the Lady and Lord, they shall have a peasant —and no compromises. I'll shove peasant down their throats until they never laugh at one of us again. Bitches!
    After the grief, anger felt good.
    * * *
    Medwind tapped at the cubicle door, and arranged her face to look cheerful. She didn't want Faia to know that she knew about the suicide attempt. That seemed to be the best course of action.
    "Faia," she called, "it took me a while to find some student's gear that would fit you, but I have it now. Sorry about the wait." She handed a nice belted jade green robe and some matching undergarments and a pair of calfskin slippers in through the door.
    Faia shoved them back out. The hostility in the girl's voice carried clearly. "I will wear my clothes. No others."
    Ouch! What has set her off like that? I wouldn't have expected her to be angry at me at this point.
    "Your clothes will make you stand out among the other students, Faia. You are already very different. If you at least look as they look, they may have an easier time accepting you—and you won't find yourself so lonely."
    "My clothes, lady, or none. Either suits me."
    Medwind thought about that. There was a certain determination in the girl's voice that made her think Faia might actually choose to tromp around the campus stark naked if she didn't get her own d'leffik clothes back. Wouldn't that look good to the Mottemage, who would hold none other than Medwind Song responsible for the breach of etiquette?
    It's your life, dear, the instructor thought grimly. You can make it as lonely and unhappy as you like.
    "I'll get your clothes, then, but we are going to be very late for midden."
    "I will