The Tayend Diaries

This is a series I wrote about 2 years ago - I always wanted to read a story set from Tayend's point of view during Dannyl's scenes in The Novice, so of course I ended up writing it myself! The diary style is supposed to be mostly comical and light-hearted (I felt this best reflected Tayend's lively personality), but we still get to see his developing feelings for Dannyl. I tried using a different type of humour too – it's not outright parody, but still a little over-the-top at times. This was also a chance for me to try out writing from the first person.

It may be a bit different from my recent surge of parodies, but I hope you still enjoy it!

Lastly, many thanks to Naomi (or Deidara the Arrancar Alchemist as she's known on this site), for reading & providing feedback on this many months ago :D

Chapter 1:

First Meeting

Dear Diary,

Today I finally got to meet the infamous Lord Dannyl! I was so excitable all morning that Irand banished me to a study room, telling me not to come out again until I had "composed myself enough to keep my mind on my work." Needless to say, I spent all morning in there, and was rather pleased with myself when I discovered a bottle of wine hidden in the cabinet (probably Irand's, unless Velend has been leaving presents around for me again. Honestly, that man needs to start obsessing over somebody who actually enjoys being ruthlessly stalked).

Anyway, I was dressed very carefully for the occasion. This consisted of: nicely fitted dark brown trousers with brown ankle boots, a white ruffled shirt and a snug dark red velvet waistcoat. After all, I wanted to make a good impression on this dastardly Dannyl, who caused such a scandal at the Guild as a novice. Who knows – the rumours could be true!

I was somewhat put out at the fact I had lost my red ribbon, so I was forced to tie my hair back with a black one instead. Note to self: Buy at least two ribbons in each colour from now on, to avoid fashion catastrophes.

I was bouncing up and down with excitement in the carriage on my way to the dockside (I believe this was the wine taking its effect). More than once the driver asked me if I was alright back there, and I embarrassedly tried to sit still, but failed dismally.

At last we arrived at the docks. I got out, and was taken aback that the Ambassador was already waiting there. My word, that man is tall! He was wearing those strange magicians' robes, neatly tied with a sash at the waist. I don't think I've seen a magician wearing purple robes before – but it looked quite becoming on this tall fellow!

Upon my first sight of him, I felt a sudden anxiety to have to approach this powerful magician; his height coupled with his stern expression made me want to simply hop back into the carriage and return to the safety of my library! But then his face relaxed and he smiled. There was a hint of amusement in his gaze as he appraised my fancy garments. No doubt Kyralians only wear boring sober colours, so he was unused to seeing men so excessively garbed. However, he did not make me feel at all uneasy about our differences, and his manner and tone were completely friendly.

As we travelled toward to Guildhouse, he seemed curious to find out more about me; something I was very flattered by. It wasn't as if he was only doing this to be polite, he seemed truly sincere in his interest. I found myself quickly warming to this charming man, and was delighted when he promised to visit the Great Library as soon as he possibly could.

Well, what a day! I was in a daze at the library for the rest of it. Irand cheerfully told me to go home early, seeing as I was far too busy talking to him about Lord Dannyl to do any work. (I should feel terribly guilty now if that bottle of wine turns out to be his.)

I cannot wait to meet the Ambassador again, and to show him around the library! (I do hope Velend won't be lurking behind the bookshelves while Dannyl is here; that would be a little awkward to have to explain to the magician.)

Yours gleefully,

Tayend