Disclaimer: Joss is creator of all.

A/N: A fic written as a Christmas gift to 2x2. It’s starting look like she’s the one who can get me off my butt and write something. So a big thanks to 2x2!

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Inara breathed deeply, letting the mountain air fill her lungs. It tasted different, if that was possible. The atmosphere on a ship was stale, recycled, but up in the mountains where the Training House was situated the air was crisp and clear.

A fountain bubbled merrily behind her as she looked out at the valley below the House. The view from the front veranda provided the best vantage point and it was often where Inara found some of the girls before class. It was a beautiful sight, one she was growing accustomed to. After more than a year travelling through the stars in Serenity she had gotten used to seeing nothing but black.

“I thought I would find you here.”

Inara turned and was greeted by Sheydra, the Head Mistress of the House. The older Companion was holding a tray laden with a teapot and two tea cups.

“Have you gained some deep insight about me?” Inara asked with a smile.

“New teachers can’t tear themselves from the view for the first month or so. Tea?” Sheydra headed over to a small metal table placed in the shade.

“It is quite a view.” Inara walked over to join her friend.

“I like to think of it as incentive. Not many Companions have volunteered to come out here to teach. Most of them expect some backwater slum out in the desert.”

“They’re not all bad. There are a few decent cities outside of the Core.”

“And you would know, wouldn’t you?” Sheydra lifted the teapot and skilfully filled each cup without spilling a drop.

Inara watched Sheydra go through the movements so familiar to every Companion. She herself had learned them such a long time ago. Now she was expected to pass those skills on to the next generation. “Renting a shuttle from Captain Reynolds certainly took me to places I never expected to visit.”

“It seem