"What have you all decided to specialise in?" Daniel asked curiously in general. He then said. "I thought of learning blacksmithing and wood carving work. Both will be useful. I can make my own weapon in emergency and can make my own seat if no one gives me one to sit." He winked at everyone.
Bella had other ideas. " I am already somewhat proficient in painting, singing and with musical instruments. I want to try my hands on pottery, tapestry weaving and calligraphy."
Daisy said, " I have basic knowledge about blacksmithing, as I used to help my grandfather during my childhood days and still do whenever I have time. I am also good at painting, string instrument and singing. I am also planning to pursue pottery, tapestry weaving and calligraphy. Me and Bella are best friends and are doing things together from our childhood. We even studied and grew up together. Now planning to continue with the same subjects together." Bella noded in agreement with a warm smile at Daisy's words.
"Well, we are in the healing department so there are no other options for us. We are hopefull that we will get something new to learn." Lilly pointed at herself and Irene shrugging.
She continued explaining her last sentence when she saw confused expression on the three new comers faces. " I might sound like a person with a know it all attidue but, when you learn the healing arts from the best teachers in the kingdom then its difficult to expect to come accross many new things." The three of them nodded in agreement as they got to know that they had studied under Healer Helen and many other master Healers.
After that everyone turned their head at the six young men.
"Four of us, I think will go with blacksmithing, wood carving and string instrument. We don't know about Al and Will." Dave shrugged.
Alan looked at Williams, "I am confused Al, I think blacksmithing and wood carving both seems useful skills but I will choose only one for now. Other than that....." Williams thought for a few seconds. "I think, I will choose painting and tapestry weaving." Williams said confidentially.
"I think, I will try everything which I haven't guys." Alan finally announced after looking at the sheet thoroughly for a few seconds.
Daisy, Daniel and Elena looked skeptical. But, when they looked at the other seven they felt their thought were somewhat contradicting to everyone else there.
"Alan, are you sure of taking all the subjects? Would the masters agree for that? Wouldn't that be over taxing yourself?" Daisy bombarded with a bunch of questions.
"I am not considering to partake, music, painting, calligraphy, pottery, blacksmithing, poetery, Interior decoration, metalworking, gem cutting and polishing, tapestry weaving and stained glassmaking. I am somewhat knowledgeable about the basics of these subjects."
The mouth of the three new members hung open in awe. After a few seconds, Bella asked, "When you say, you know the basics...?" She was unable to complete her sentence.
" That means my big brother is an expert in all these things." Lilly got up, hugged Alan from behind while explaining about his abilities proudly.
All three of them who were initially surprised, slowly thought about it and gradually accepted Alan's words.
"Alan, don't think that I am doubting your words, It's just that, I am extremely curious to know what level of mastery do you have in each subjects that you just mentioned." Daniel asked with extreme care making sure not to offend someone who might become his good friend and whom he knew was extremely talented and highly valued even by the two of the most respected Grandmasters.
"He had crafted a sword worthy of my grandfather's praise. My grandfather counted his sword as one amongst the top 100 swords he had ever made or seen in his life. And also asked him personally to come and work in his smithy whenever Alan is free." Daisy said.
She now started to understand what her grandfather said about these guys. She was quite confident that they all are hiding their true identities and capabilities.
"Ha....!!!?" Both Daniel and Bella were shocked by this news.
"He is the best musician I have ever heard. I mean his talent in playing the instruments. Have you ever heard the Hyena cackling?" When the three of them noded, Dave grinned widely and continued. "If you hear him singing though, you will feel like you are listening to the cackling of Hyena's." Dave said, making them burst into laughter.
"My mother who herself, a master in painting and calligraphy had replaced many of her painting masterpieces which were praised by many artists with Al's works in our estate." Williams said proudly.
"Daniel, here you go." Alan handedover a sheet of paper. As soon as Daniel saw it, he was lost for words. "When..... When did you...?"
" He did it as we were speaking now,." Lilly said with a proud smile.
When Daisy and Bella looked at the paper, their jaw almost dropped to the ground.
Alan had drawn a portrait sketch of Bella. It was so life like that, not even a strand of her hair was out of its position. Daisy looked down at the portrait and then at Bella for several times, then sighed. "Bella, you have to treasure it. It's the best portrait of yourself that I had seen until today. He had even drawn the position of your loose hair strands accurately."
Bella was actually overwhelmed, she knew she was beautiful, but the picture made her look like a godess.
She stood up and bowed deeply to Alan,." This will be framed and kept as long as I live. Thank you so much for such a priceless sketch."
"There is nothing to thank me for. I just drew it casually. Lets have our lunch." Alan waved his hand dismissively and tried to change the subject and divert their attention from him.