Two weeks passed and the initial excitent gave way to a more realistic pace for changing worlds. That didn't an there was nothing to do.
Far from it!
The list was practically endless. As soon as Noble checked off sothing, a new task would reveal itself. At this rate, they would never leave.
One thing that the professor hadn't anticipated was that she and her children would receive diplomatic lessons. It made so sense–they were representing the governnt as a family. Fort was getting training of his own but in a different setting.
The children's lessons were short and sweet, lasting only a couple of days after school and mostly consisted of "here is what to expect" and "don't insult anything you see because it might offend soone."
Noble knew her children would adapt quickly. Blaze had read every book available to him on the Song Domain—and on Ravenheart in particular. His expertise was absolute, if only in his own mind.
Noble had told him many tis, "You don't know what you don't know yet." But Blaze would just have to learn the hard way.
Although only periodic, Noble's lessons would take many more weeks, depending on the availability of the people who would impart their knowledge.
Today the instructor was nad Adam, and he had been kind enough to et her at the Awakened Academy between classes. They sat at a table in the instructor's cafeteria: Noble listening and her tutor patiently imparting his knowledge.
Adam was a historian of the Dream Realm. He had information that would never be found in any of Blaze's texts.
'Not that my son would believe I know more than the books on this.' Noble smiled faintly.
Just now, Adam had finished explaining how the geography of the Song Domain had affected its growth, progress, and the relationships between citadels.
Her tutor had done it well, even keeping her attention well despite the sowhat dry topic. Adam was a credit to his profession.
"When you get settled in, you may consider hiking. It is an excellent pasti. The icy plains around Ravenheart are reported to be so of the most breathtaking views in two worlds."
"I'll keep that in mind."
Noble wasn't sure how usable the tip would be. With her floating nature, especially her tendency to float away when she was asleep, the Master was unlikely to do much overland travel.
At least she hoped not to do much. If Ravenheart was where her family was going to be, then she would do her best to spend the bulk of her ti in the human settlent.
"Now, as an ambassador for the governnt, it is very likely that your husband will have significant interactions with Clan Song…"
Noble knew this, of course. Fort was going to facilitate the developnt of infrastructure for mundane humans, but he was also there to maintain positive relations with Clan Song. If the governnt were to continue to remain neutral, it would need to remain on good terms with the Sovereigns and their clans. Fort was a vital part of that process.
"When Ambassador Fort is invited to et the representatives of the Jade Palace for the first ti, it is very likely that your presence will also be requested." Adam waited for Noble to process his words.
"Wait, why would I be needed? I am not really part of the coalition." Noble furrowed her brow.
"With Ki Song as Queen and her adopted daughters as the highest ranking people in all of Ravenheart, the culture of Song is matriarchal. They may decide to judge your husband based on you." Adam nodded.
"No pressure…" Noble muttered. "Tell , what is the best thing to do if I et them? Act strong? ek? Respectful?"
"Do not try to be anything you are not. Be honest. One thing the Queen does not appreciate is dishonesty." Adam advised.
"That is one thing we have in common." Noble felt a little bit of relief that she wouldn't have to put up so facade. She would still be respectful, of course, but the thought of being like Queen Bee, aloof and unreachable, all the ti sounded exhausting.
"I will be genuine in my appreciation of their hospitality, whatever that may look like," Noble assured her tutor.
"That's all the governnt can ask." Adam seed satisfied with her response.
He passed her a packet of synthetic paper. "I printed this. We don't want information about the daughters of Song sent digitally, and I would appreciate it if you would properly dispose of that when you are finished."
"Understood." Noble thumbed through the pages quickly.
Nothing she saw was bad or deaning, just informative.
However, a lot of it was simply not common knowledge. From what Noble could tell, the Song sisters were rather secretive. Except for possibly Beastmaster and Seishan, they wouldn't appreciate information about themselves being widely broadcast.
Noble looked over the nas.
'Dark Dancer? Lightslayer? Saint Revel… all talking about the sa person. So, why don't any of those nas sound familiar?'
Noble felt a little ashad that she couldn't na all of the Song Sisters that had attained Sainthood off of the top of her head.
It wasn't that they were forgettable. Each was a morable contribution to humanity. Even Seishan, who was only a Master, was a powerhouse and survivor of the Forgotten Shore.
It's just that up until now, none of these ladies had a huge impact on Noble's life, and she therefore didn't think about them often, if at all.
'That's about to change.'
Everything was.
While she didn't know what challenges would await them, Noble would do her best to prepare.
"Thank you. This is very helpful."
Adam smiled, "Good. You know what they say about history."
"Those who don't learn from it are dood to repeat it. Hopefully, I won't repeat other's mistakes." The floating woman felt her companion's mood shift.
Leaning across the table, his face beca serious.
"Based on all my research, I have two pieces of advice you won't find anywhere else."
Adam glanced around to see if anyone was listening. As it was midmorning, the cafeteria was largely empty.
Noble unconsciously leaned forward also. "I'm listening."
"First, try to never end up alone with any of the Song sisters. While nothing has been confird, so rumors are not easily ignored." Adam did not seem like a gossip, which made his words hold extra weight.
"What kind of rumors?" Noble couldn't curb her curiosity.
"People have a bad habit of disappearing around them, especially those who go too close to the palace, though the latter could be due to the environnt."
Noble had so many questions, but Adam cleared his throat and warded them off. "Apologies for not being more helpful. I hope you will never discover if my assessnt is accurate or not. But if you should find yourself at death's door, my second piece of advice is sothing to keep in mind."
Noble hid her frown.
What good was the advice if it wouldn't keep her alive?
"Whatever you do, don't die in Ravenheart. Get back to the Waking World before you et your end. Otherwise, your soul may pass on to death but your body will belong to the Queen." Adam's words chilled Noble to the bone.
"What do you an?"
"Simple. Her Majesty has powers beyond what most of us can fathom, and those who live in her domain are well cared-for. But those who die? They beco Pilgrims. That is why in Ravenheart, no one disturbs the dead."
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