The weeks following the coming-out party had tea parties and social events. Lady Estel hand-picked which events Elowyn went to, only choosing those she knew she could go with her to, those Elowyn could behave at. 

Tea parties were easy. Elowyn just had to sit politely, drink tea without slurping, ignore the fact she hated the taste of tea, and respond to questions with short answers. Any unwanted questions were deflected by Lady Estel, just like at the party.

Dinner parties were harder, Eloywn was still adjusting to Thanan food and she had a hard time eating food she didn't like. But it was impolite to refuse. Many dinner parties ended in stomachaches from overly rich foods.

People were always most talkative at garden parties. Something about the fresh air and sunshine Lady Estel said, made people more talkative. It was harder to dodge unwanted questions here as Elowyn and Estel were sometimes separated.

"I've heard the Demons have taken the north, are you planning to defeat them now, or wait for them to reach the capital?"

The Lady who asked the question laughed. Those around her laughed uncertainly. Elowyn had begun to realize that not everyone believed in the prophecy, and some that did still didn't believe Elowyn was the One True Ayer. 

"I don't know, look at her, she looks ready to me. I'd be fearful to see her coming at me with a sword." Another Lady jabbed. Elowyn smiled at the joke, but inside she knew they were right.

Elowyn was nowhere near being able to fight a single demon, much less... all of them. Elowyn excused herself and found Lady Estel.

"I'd like to go home now," she whispered.

Lady Estel's smile wavered. 

"I'm sorry Elowyn, it would be impolite..."

"I don't care. They're right. I can't do anything against the demons now, but how long do we have? I know you think that these parties are important, but what does it matter if the demons come tomorrow? These social events are pointless when I should be learning to fight."

Estel frowned all the way this time. She stared Elowyn down for a minute.

"You're completely right. Your position as the One True Ayer is of greater importance. I'm sorry to have put so much unneeded pressure on you. We're going now."

Elowyn was stunned as Estel led the way out of the party. She didn't even bother saying goodbye to anyone. This would definitely be seen as rude, but Lady Estel was second only to the Queen in stature for the Ladies of the Court, so no one could do anything about it.

Elowyn held in her smile, relieved that Lady Estel actually agreed with her. The question was, would the King and Queen agree? They were the ones who had pushed Elowyn into society, determined for her to fit in. 

Elowyn asked this in the carriage on the way back to the castle.

"You let me handle the King and Queen. Given how poorly things have gone in the North, it should be easy to sway them. I believe you'll be training daily from now on with little interruption from silly social gatherings."

Lady Estel smiled. Elowyn heaved a sigh of relief. This meant she could focus more on fighting - and spend more time with Chord. She glanced out the window at him. He rode alongside the carriage on a large horse. 

She loved spending time with him. The best part of her day was when the two of them could be alone together, she felt he was the only one who really knew her, could talk to her. She hoped that he would continue to be the one to train her.

The day after Estel had decided to let Elowyn pursue her training more rigorously, Chord gave her a real training outfit. Before, Eloywn had been wearing Erik's training clothes, but her recent growth spurt meant she couldn't fit into his shorter pants. Now she had pants that actually reached her feet as well as boots and a thick shirt.

Elowyn changed quickly and ran to the Barracks.