The Tiger Within 101 Someone Who Believes In You

A couple hours pa.s.sed with the sweetest sounds of music from the Zither. The little hands gently stroked and plucked the strings as her face was full of concentration. Kyera's attention was a bit divided, though she wanted to focus on the child playing, they were in the woods near a fairy pond. If there was enough magic for faires, any number of other beasts may call the river home.

The sun began its slow descent and Kyera frowned softly. It was time to head back. "Princess, we need to get you home before anyone worries." she reminds the child with a smile. Raina looked up at the sky and seemed a bit surprised as to where the time had gone. Kyera couldn't help but chuckle when she looked sadly back at the Zither. "It looks like the princess has found a pa.s.sion she didn't know she had." Kyera teased.

"I did not sound anything like yours. Its not possible for me." she replied softly and Kyera frowned. Had anyone else said this, Kyera would have thought they were flattering her or being humble. However the sadness in the child's eyes was like that of someone who had been told she could not for so long she believed it.

"Who says, Princess?" Kyera replied standing up and taking the Zither off her lap. With a few words it shrunk in her hands to the size or a hair ornament. She placed it in her hair and slipped a hair pin through the loop to securing it in her hair. It looked adorable.

"Kimi says only maidens with pure souls can play beautiful music. My Mother died giving birth so… I'm tainted." Little raina replied and Kyera's frown deepened. She felt the tiny wave of pain that escaped the child. Now Kyera knew why the princess seems to capture her her attention. That wounded aura she gave off was so similar to the one little Kyera had been surrounded by.

She reached out her hand and guided the Princess to look into her face. Sad eyes met her own and Kyera's serious expression never wavered. "Kimi is wrong. You are not tainted. You are a very pure soul, take it from a follower of the Shadow King." Kyera replied firmly, leaving no room for disagreement. Whoever this Kimi was she would not continue to do harm to this child's self esteem. She refused to allow it. The soft twinkle of hope twirled in her eyes.

"Really?" Raina asked and Kyera nodded firmly, her expression pleased. She realized then the power of being an idol.

"Yes. Now if you wish to learn the Zither then I will teach you. First get your father's permission but keep it a secret till your ready to perform." Kyera instructed her, gently patting her clear cheek, the bruise having faded to nearly white on the other cheek.

"You will teach me?" Raina asked her excitement lighting her face and Kyera noded. She rose to her feet and offered Raina a hand to her own. Once they were both standing Kyera nodded.

"Who better to teach you than someone who believes in you?" Kyera asked raising an eyebrow at the child. Raina spent several seconds on a slow blink, as if trying to reset her mind. She couldn't be sure she had heard her right. However, the determination filled her adorable little face and Kyera grinned. "Let's get you home." she took Raina's hand again and led her back to the palace garden door.

Raina had to lead from there since Kyera had never been to her home. Raina smiled as they reached the gates to the Palace of the Dancing Winds. The cool breeze playing over their senses as they entered the courtyard. The smells of dinner filled the air.

"Goodnight Raina, we will meet again soon. Make sure to ask your father." Kyera reminded before turning to leave.