The Tiger Within

The crowd was good naturedly quiet as Raina"s song came to an end . The Zither sounded beautiful under her finger tips . The fairies danced around her, their soft glow brilliantly casting shimmers across Raina"s hair . It was nearly time for the lights to be lit, the sun was nearly set . The soothing song she was playing seemed to warm hearts and speak of calmness and safety . As it ended, everyone clapped, though perhaps quieter than before .

Raina stood and bowed carrying her Zither off the stage, her attention to it akin to mother and child . It was clear she cherished this instrument . Kyera had joined Clovis in time to hear the last of the song, her face carefully powdered not to show her tear trails .

Advertis.e.m.e.nt"Did I do okay, Mommy? I made a mistake…" Raina admitted honestly expecting some rebuke . Kyera smiled softly .

"Raina, darling, mistakes make the musician . You kept playing . That is the important part we knew that song was slightly out of your comfort zone . " Kyera pointed out, sounding much more like a teacher than a mother . She had heard the mistake, but she had also heard the flawless way Raina had recovered, and continued on . The child smiled at her teacher"s reminder .

"You did perfectly . " Clovis picked her up and spun her around . She couldn"t help but laugh as her father held her .

"Well I suppose Princess Raina should go change clothes . Afterall, being a spectator in the next part is incredibly important . " The mocking tone was clear in Kira"s voice . Kyera stepped forward and met the woman head on . "Of course my Grandson and the twins will be doing all the exciting work . Sparing with the weapons master"s best students . Of course they are second best to my grandson but they will have to do . The country can"t have two geniuses of his caliber . " She continued to boast and Clovis looked slightly concerned at Raina who seemed undisturbed .

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"I am pleased to hear Cousin Keen is so good with a sword . I look forward to seeing him show us . " Raina replied smoothly and Kyera smiled at her daughter"s unruffled response .

"You are proud of your grandson, and that"s admirable Kira . Granted… it would be more so if he was more than a p.a.w.n in a game of t.i.tles . " Kyera purred softly as she moved past the stunned former queen . She went to get Raina ready .

"I can put it on myself . " Raina offered but Kyera shook her head as they slid the lace up leather dress onto her slightly muscled form . It started as a simple collar at the throat and molded over the top half of her body, cut off at the shoulder pads on her arms . At the hips it tapered to a single five inch wide strip of leather in the front and  in the back the leather covered from hip to hip . This design gave her all the movement she needed as well as protection during a sparing match . Under the armor was a deep blue skirt that was thin and moved with her without being c.u.mbersome, and the top she wore under it had puffy sleeves at the shoulder but thin tight sleeves that looped over her middle finger to keep them in place while she fought .

Kyera was focused on all the little ties that needed to be adjusted to fit her form just right . Every detail was inspected and adjusted as she worked her way around the dress . Once she was happy with how the black leather fit, she began pulling Raina"s hair back into a high ponytail .

"Yes you could, you could do all of this on your own but then, what could your mother do?" Kyera asked her as she tied the bow into place at the top of the pony tail . Raina turned suddenly and hugged Kyera"s legs . Kyera pet her hair and accepted the hug .

"Thank you for becoming my Mommy . " Raina whispered and Kyera smiled .