Fantasy The Coming of Two Kingdoms

[Silverwings]

It was mid day, the sun warming the princess's skin as she sat at the top of one of the library towers. The top of these towers were more like gazebos that overlooked the entire kingdom of Asteria. Sevora preferred to sit up here to read, seeing at on one side was the entire city for her to view, and on the other, one of the beautiful crystals that were scattered around the city and palace. From here, she could read all day and all night if she so wished.

The palace itself was built around three of these crystals. The crystals were all above one another, with the palace ground built connected to the lowest crystal. Even with half of that crystal buried and supporting the palace, the remaining part of the towered over any of the citizens that walked past it. Above it was a significantly smaller teardrop shaped crystal. Compared to the other two crystals, it looks as if it was simply that. A teardrop, however, if anyone would be able to stand next to it, it became apparent that the fragment was actually almost five feet in height. The highest floating crystal was about the same size and shape as the platform crystal, which towered still over the castle.

The castle, unlike most others, was a circular shape which surrounded the crystals, open only between the two towers that connected by a bridge. A road leading in from the city would pass under this bridge and circle the platform crystal before returning to itself. There were four levels to the castle. The first floor, which lead to several rooms, the kitchen, and the dinning hall, as well as a small door that would give a discreet entry to the ballroom, and two staircases. One was a small staircase mean to give easier access to the grand ballroom staircase in order to give a grand entrance to any who chose to use it. The other staircase from the first floor was the main grand staircase, which lead to the rest of the second floor, including the grand entrance to the ballroom. On this floor were many other bedrooms and bathrooms as well as the throne room and three more sets of stairs. One of these lead to the King and Queen's bedroom, the other two leading to the third floor, which started in the diplomatic reception room. This room lead to the balcony of the third floor. There were no walls on this floor unless for the rooms which sat on this floor. The railing for this walkway was made of marble designed as lace which held several tall arches used as decoration and nothing more. There were few rooms on this floor, instead there were two walled stairwells leading to one room each. These rooms were meant for people of importance. One was the Princess's the other for important guests or as a makeshift prison for important criminals.

The princess looked over the tower railing, watching for an expected guest. For a few years, her mother and father had told her of the plan to marry her to the Ruvian prince. She new little about this family. Only what she read in books about Ruvio. That Ruvians were had mostly dark features, like hair and eyes and tanned skin, but those books could have been outdated. She only wondered what they may be like.

 

[Eonivar]

The Ruvian procession rode through the gleaming city escorted by an honor guard of Asterian horses. The Ruvians rode the large reindeer of their home in the Obsidian Mountains, arrayed in the dark browns, reds, and blacks in contrast to the bright and pastel-colored city and its inhabitants around them. The Ruvian flag was held in the middle of the procession, a black flag with the red mountain symbol of the God Ruvan, with a white streak winding around the mountain to represent their river homeland.

The Ruvians were all cloaked and covered in brown, red, or black cloaks depending on their station, the single priest wore red, the royal guard wore brown, and the King, Queen, and Prince wore black. They were all covered and wearing scarves about their faces. It was Ruvian custom to not show any skin or features to outsiders. Only only when the light shone just right one could see their dark-colored eyes glancing about.

In Ruvio such an occasion would warrant the bells on the reindeer to ring as they came, announcing their presence. They would be singing and drumming the hymn of peace, greeting, and welcoming to announce their intentions and show that they mean no harm. Generally, such processions are joyous and hopeful occasions. But the Ruvians knew well that also their bells, drums, and songs in the past had brought terror and fear to the people they were visiting and trying to broker a lasting peace with. So the bells had been stowed and stilled and their voices silent for the sake of their hosts.

Black cloaked violet eyes inspected the looks of the Asterian people as they rode by, the fair people, arrayed in bright colors, and even in such fair and joyful coloring, there were still dark stares of pain and loss and hatred. The Prince wished that they could sing, singing would help relieve his nervousness. The silence was deafening to him.

He looked over at the Red Robed and Cloaked Ancient Elven Priest of Ruvan, named Palas, riding alongside. The eldest elven man of nearly 600 years glanced over at him sensing his Prince's need to speak. They spoke in the dulcet tones of the Ruvian tongue.

"Their city is beautiful. Although I feel their eyes upon us, and most of them are not kind."

The red garbed priest tilted his head toward his student and Prince. "Yes, my Prince, that is to be expected, they would receive no different welcome if they were to visit us, would they?"

"Yes, you are correct my Teacher."

"My Prince, once they get to know you, they will embrace you, as our people will embrace your bride to be. You are a beacon in this dark world. You are a beacon for our people and you will be a beacon for these people. It will take time, but both of you are young and have a lot of time."

"Yes, Teacher."

The Prince's hands turned over a trinket under his cloth to calm himself. He was a bundle of nervous despite his attempts at meditation and prayer to calm himself. He seemed to feel those looks of pain and hatred on the folk around him as they traveled up towards the massive palace.

He spoke to himself more than his Teacher, looking away, wondering what these people were really like. "I hope so."

The violet eyes shifted forward as they entered the gates of the courtyard.

 

[Silverwings]

As she watched out of the tower, the front of the procession made its way through the palace gate. To Sevora, this was her signal to go ready herself to meet her betrothed. She stood, making her way down the spiraling stairs, placing her book on a table as she left the tower. For the time being, her snow white hair was up in a knot on the top of her head. It was still a little damp from her bath earlier that morning.

She went into her room, followed by a few servants, who would dress her. She was suited with a long, beautiful royal blue dress with a silver trim and light blue lining. Her servants worked on her hair, using an iron heated by the still burning coals in her fireplace to warm and dry her hair. A portion of her hair would be put into a neat plait, while the rest would remain loose. In a few moments, she was ready to meet her prince.

Sevora made her way to the throne room, where her parents were already waiting. She gave a polite curtsy to her parents before taking her seat to the left of the queen. Her head remained lowered, hands stilled in her lap and posture perfected from years of being corrected by her mother. In childhood, the princess would often slouch, however now, Sevora held herself with elegance and grace. Nothing short of perfect. She, however, was not.

 

[Eonivar]

They dismounted in the courtyard with several stable hands coming to retrieve and stable their mounts. The King dismounted and glanced around, the Asterian guards held steady, knowing the martial power and skill of the mighty King of Ruvio. The King's massive two-handed sword sheathed on his back. The Queen lingered on her mount a moment, debating if she really wanted to do this, her eyes looking far away, her face betraying a moment of loss.

"Mother?"

She blinked seeing her now only son, his violet eyes gazing up thoughtfully at her. She had missed him these last five years too. The Prince reached up and help her down. She graciously took his hand as she dismounted her reindeer. She paused now looking up at him, they were both garbed similarly but their eyes. Her brown eyes gazed into his fey violet ones. She reached up and placed a hand on his face. He had grown so fast. It seemed just the other day he was no taller than her waist and running about with his twin sister, a nigh-unstoppable force the two of them together.

The Prince was silent as his mother touched his covered face. He reached forward and took her into his arms in a hug. He did not care if others were watching. He whispered into her ear. "We will do this together, as a family mother, it will be fine." She hung on to him. She felt like she was letting him go and he would never come back. It caused a memory of the last time she saw the Prince's older brother before he went off to get killed.

"Mother it will be fine. We will weather this storm. We will drive them from our lands."

A tear fell down her cheek. They hugged a bit longer, until the King, Pallas, and the rest of the retinue were waiting. All understood the Queen's grief and worry over her now only son. The Prince stepped back, reluctantly releasing his mother, and took her arm in his leading her following their father and Pallas as the royal guard walked with them.

They entered into the room with the many stairways walking up the main one to the second floor to the door of the throne room. The Ruvians minus the Prince and Pallas, all paused in a moment of confusion. There was nowhere to put their boots at the side of the door.

Pallas cleared his throat. "That tradition is not needed here. Per the book of Ruvan 'Beyond our enclaves we are exempt of the edicts of homekeeping' " That seemed to put everyone at ease. They carefully removed their hoods and scarves and prepared themselves for presentation, removing their weapons as a sign of peace and sitting them along the wall by the door.

Pallas walked up to the waiting Asterian majordomo, in the ancient elven language which is the shared noble tongue of both nations, he spoke "We are ready to greet the King, Queen, and Princess of Asteria. I will introduce their Highnesses of Ruvio" The Majordomo nodded and turned to enter the Throne Room.

The Major Domo tapped once with his staff. "Your Majesties, your Royal Highness, I have the pleasure to introduce, The Herald and Honored Speaker of Ruvio, Priest of Ruvan, The Elder Pallas Inkenderon."

Pallas walked forward from the double doors. He was a very thin man, which made him look taller than he was. His red robes and cloak seemed to hang off of him. His face was very stretched, long and thin. His skin was very tan and weathered over his many centuries of life, with many splotches and freckles of age. He eyes were dark, almost black eyes, creased with age which made them almost seem pupilless, but there was a powerful wisdom behind those two dark beacons. But he walked with surety and grace to bow deeply before the Throne.

Pallas was known well to the Asterian King and Queen as well as many of the Generals and Nobles. He had a good reputation as a fair and learned man and one that did not seem to know anger. He was a worldly man, and known also for his knowledge of the outside world.

His voice was deep and warm with a slight reedy quality that filled the room. His mastery of the ancient noble tongue was as if he invented it. He did not stammer, he spoke each name and syllable clearly and distinctly. He smiled as he addressed them which in an odd way seemed to lift the room some.

"Your Majesty's, Queen Ashana Aserys, King Elvyan Aserys, Your Royal Highness Sevora Elloris Aserys, honored nobles and servants of Asteria. It is an honor for me on this momentous and joyous occasion to be here with you and to introduce the Royal Family of Ruvio."

The majordomo tapped three times on his staff for everyone in the room to rise.

Pallas stepped to one side and extended his hand. "I have the pleasure to introduce his Majesty, King Einri Joash Aodhan, King of Ruvio, Protector of the Obsidian Mountains, First Sword of the Mighty God Ruvan of the Earth and Fire."

King Einri was a tall elf, at about 6'6", he wore chain armor and bore a black and red tunic showing the Crest of Ruvio, the Red Mountain with a white river on a black field. On his head was a crown of Black and Red gems. His hair was long and braided, and he had a powerful piercing stare as he looked at everyone on the throne. He was a fearsome opponent in battle. He had blue eyes that betrayed the weariness he carried, he stepped forward and nodded in acknowledgment to the King, Queen and Princess of Asteria.

His bass voice rumbled. "Your Majesty's, your Royal Highness"

"Her Majesty, the Queen of Ruvio, Queen Vaia Insiah Aodhan"

The Queen walked forward, long dark hair tied back with slanted brown eyes. Where the king showed power, she showed nothing. There was a cold but accepting look on her face as she stepped up beside her King and curtsied lightly to show respect to one of equal rank. A tear glinted on her face as she did so, a deep sorrow. Her voice seemed flat and emotionless "Your Majesty's, Your Royal Highness"

"And the guest of honor, the groom to be, Rhonin Joash Aodhan, Sanguine Prince of the Ruby Throne of Ruvio, Chosen of Ruvan."

Rhonin walked forward. He wore what appeared to be black leather armor under a tabard with the Ruvio Crest, he seemed very toned and strong, filling the armor and clothes he wore. He moved with extraordinary grace and dexterity. He was shorter than his father and taller than his mother, maybe about 6'2". He had tanned angular features with slanted eyes similar to his mother, and a long thick, seemingly wild and yet brushed and wavy mane of dark brown hair that fell down his back, there were a few small braids there. His handsome lean face had freckles and even more obvious swirling red-brown tattoos that ran all over his face, there was a power to these tattoos that could be felt by those with power of their own. They went from his face under his hair and down his neck and presumably over his whole body. Coupled with his fey like violet eyes made him almost otherworldly. Everyone in the room seemed entranced by him.

He bowed respectfully and made eye contact with the Queen first, with a wondrous and musical tenor voice. "Your Majesty", then the King "Your Majesty" and finally pausing and bringing his violet gaze upon Sevora, he smiled a beautiful smile, "Your Royal Highness" Their eyes met and there was a moment of wonder in Rhonin's mind. He seemed to lose track of time and his words. "I...umm, it is a pleasure to meet you at last. "

If anything Prince Rhonin of Ruvio seemed honest and authentic. There was something wondrous about him and his presence that filled the room. Many of the other nobles, lady's in waiting already seemed taken with him, forgetting he was from Ruvio.

 

[Silverwings]

Sevora, upon seeing the prince, her groom to be, was stunned. She had read many booked about those chosen by Ruvan, as well as the eyes of fey. She gave a polite smile, her emerald eyes showing her interest and wonder about the man before her. She stood, making her way before the prince, moving as if she were a body of water. Her gait was filled with purpose, flawless and unwavering. She stood before him, pausing a moment to gain her thoughts before curtsying, "It is a wonderful pleasure to meet you, Your Highness."

Her voice was elevated and smooth, almost as if coming from the heavens itself. Her tone was polite and airy, never shrill or unkind. One may think it resemble kinoci, a treat common across the land made of honey and nectar. A moment of silence came before the king spoke, "We hope you will find your rooms comfortable. We will be having tea shortly. In the meantime, our advisors thought it best if the prince and princess got acquainted. We would hope there were to be no tensions before the ball tomorrow night."

The queen smiled and stood, unlike her daughter's, her voice was lower more experienced giving sharp tones of corrections, "Please, feel free to keep a guard with them if you must. We know you may be uneasy with us after past wars. We will do the same. in the mean time, We would love to show you around the palace. It is quite beautiful, and you may even enjoy our gardens."

 

[Eonivar]

King Einri nodded and spoke. "Yes, they should have time to get to know each other. We would like to retire to rest and refresh ourselves, it is a long journey from Ruvio as you well know. We have much to discuss in regards to the Wedding, their living arrangements and responsibilities, as well as future cooperation between our two nations."

Pallas who had been smiling at the Prince and Princess turned and looked at his King and back to the Queen of Asteria. "All in due time my King. We are going to be here at least a week if not longer. We have plenty of time to discuss these things and many more, although the Wedding should be the first real discussion we have. Why don't we retire to our rooms, clean ourselves up, and meet for tea as suggested. I think it is important that we all get to know each other, as you all will be a bonded family." For a moment Queen Vaia frowned at the mention of bonded family, but corrected herself, and looked down and away. King Einri glanced at his wife, seemed to show a bit of a scowl, but did not do anything. Pallas continued, a dark eyebrow raised slightly at the activity of the Queen and King of Ruvio. "My Prince you may stay with her Royal Highness if you wish unless you wish to change clothes."

Rhonin had been focusing on Sevora but had glanced over at the discussion, paying attention, his eyes going to his mother and father, clearly worried. Sevora noticed one of Rhonin's hands, he had particularly long fingers that appeared to be double-jointed, the winding and vinelike tattoos also covered his hands and fingers. He had subtly pulled something from a pocket with his right hand, it looked like a coin, and he was twirling and passing the coin from finger to finger. It looked like a nervous habit.

Rhonin sensed that there would be another argument between his parents coming but he was conflicted as he did not want to leave Sevora. He really wanted to get to know her more. He was marrying her after all. Pallas who at this point knew Rhonin better than anyone sensed the Prince's concern and the two of them made eye contact. There appeared to be quite a bond between them. Pallas gave Rhonin a reassuring look that he would take care of them. The coin stopped and disappeared into a pocket, as if out of thin air. Rhonin seemed to nod.

He looked back at Sevora and gave her a shy smile. "I will then partake with her Royal Highness as advised."

Pallas nodded "Very good, my King how about we assign Nevri to watch over him?" King Einri nodded sagely. "Yes Master Pallas, a good idea." He glanced at a young female Ruvian royal guard with short dark red curly hair. She saluted, extending her right arm across her body to her heart, her hand in a fist, and bowing her head, and went over to stand behind Rhonin. Pallas stopped Nevri before getting to her position. He leaned over and whispered to her (in Ruvian) "Give the Prince and Princess a lot of space, let them be able to share and not be embarrassed in doing so. I think we will be fine here but continue to do your duty." Nevri smiled some and nodded silently to Pallas before taking her place behind Rhonin.

Rhonin grinned some at the exchange, he could read lips. Before looked back at Sevora. He reached and offered her his hand and arm to lead her out. His heart raced and fingers tingled with anticipation of her touch. "By your leave Your Royal Highness."

 

[Silverwings]

Sevora took notice of the habit before turning her attention to the prince's eyes once more. When he finally offered an arm to her, she took it. With all the pressure of a small feather, her chilled hands came to rest upon Rhonin's forearm, her arm hooked onto his. She took the chance to lead him away, all too excited to learn about her betrothed. She waited until they were out of range of the throne room before speaking, "Where would you like to go? I have a place in the towers with a lovely view. We can talk there if you would like. Or perhaps in the garden?"

She was nervous, though it did not show in her voice. The only tell of her anxiousness was a slight twitching of her elongated ears. She would otherwise, never allow others to see her true feelings. Not even her parents. This was a result of the princess keeping to herself.

She stopped their walking at a set of stairs. In front of them was a rounded corridor, behind them, a furnished foyer, to their right, the stairs to the third floor, and to their left the grand staircase that lead back to the ground floor. Sevora looked up at Rhonin, waiting patiently and sweetly for an answer.

Meanwhile, in the throne room, the king gave signal for the servants to show their guests to their rooms. With curtsies, servants guided the Ruvian King and Queen to their room. One of comfortable size, decorated with many artworks of the Goddess Astera. Their room had a bed with plenty of room to accommodate the royals, as well as a desk, vanity table, blinds, and a walk in closet. The bed was suited with a pale blue set of satin sheets, and a sheer curtain hanging around it to keep out any pests that might somehow find their way into the castle. Along a single wall, there was more than enough books to keep even the most scholarly individual busy. This room, however, was not one of the rooms that would typically be given to royal guests.

 

[Eonivar]

Rhonin's arms felt warm even through the clothing he was wearing. He seemed to focus on walking with her so as he would not accidentally fall and look foolish in his nervousness.

Once they arrived there, Rhonin seemed lost in thought a moment as he looked around the large chamber of stairways.

Where would you like to go? I have a place in the towers with a lovely view. We can talk there if you would like. Or perhaps in the garden?

Sevora's voice echoed through Rhonin's mind. He reasoned that while the Gardens were mentioned by her parents initially but this place in the towers was mentioned by Sevora first then she spoke of the aforementioned garden. Rhonin figured that she seemed to favor the Towers. Also, the towers would be safer than a garden in terms of making it easier for Nevri to watch over them. Nevri was in a new place as well with people who were at one point enemies. While he knew she could handle herself, he felt he could make it easier to reduce the chance of some confrontation by choosing a place where the chance of others being around would be lessened.

Rhonin glanced over at Sevora again, she was unreal to him, like a dream. He remembered seeing the Artesian army from a distance off the side of the mountain, when he, his sister, and his mother were evacuated from the Capital fearing the army would breakthrough. They were just tiny figures then. Pallas described them and the royal family to him recently but it was different until you see someone up close, and he never got to see any up close until this very day. Since he was eighteen he knew he was going to marry Sevora, he had prepared himself, saved himself for her, for their people, and now here she was. He had so many questions he was going to ask her while he was traveling to this place but now he could not remember any. He missed his sister, as she would have knocked some sense back into him with a clever comment or an elbow to the ribs.

His eyes trailed the shape of her face and ears, noted the color of her hair. He started to memorize her features so he could draw her later. He thought to himself. So fair, her hair is white as the clouds in the sky, she seems very delicate, but I think she is a lot stronger than she makes out to be.

A slight pink sheen crept over his face, revealing his freckles even more amongst the lines of his tattoos on his tanned skin.

"My apologies your Highness...I...um...since we are out of the Throne Room do I still need to address you as such or can I call you by name here? Everywhere has different traditions. In Ruvio, we only use titles in the Long Hall, or our equivalent of the Throne room, and only when the sacred fire is burning, which is pretty much all the time except for Remembrance Day. The Dwarves use noble titles everywhere they go and only speak their given names in private. Of course, the commoners use their given name all the time. The Halflings have one person with a title, a sheriff, and the rest of them prefer to argue out everything. The Gnomes have really, really long complex names and titles, and when they do something noteworthy, they add that accomplishment to their titles." He caught himself for a moment turning really pink. "Sorry, I get carried away, I have a tendency to chatter a lot when I get nervous, I have been away from elven lands for five years, I only got to spend a month at home after returning before we had to come here so I could meet you. So I did not even get to tell my twin sister about what I saw." He paused catching himself again, smiling at her, watching her as he made a fool of himself. "I think the place in the Towers would be wonderful."

 

[Silverwings]

Sevora smiled, listening to the prince rattle on about his experiences. It was when he has caught himself and apologized that the princess began to giggle, her smile contagious and her laughter nothing short of room silencing. She calmed just as quickly as her laughter had started, "My apologies, I don't mean to laugh. You may call me by my name here. Though, your parents or anyone else may not. Our names are reserved for family and future family. No one else may use them."

When the prince agree to the tower, Sevora's eyes seemed to light up. Happily, she led Rhonin down the grand stairs. This way was faster in their current location. Walking down the halls, the princess spoke once more, "I would love to hear about your experiences. You must have seen so many amazing things in your travels."

She loved the idea of listening to him rattle on more about the things he's seen and places he's been. She was always curious about the other kingdoms in the land. She had read many books, but nothing compared to the experiences one might have in person.

 

[Eonivar]

When she began to giggle, he began to giggle too. Her giggle was infectious. Rhonin was entranced. He let her lead him along down the stairway.

"So Sevora." He was getting used to saying her name. "I am not sure where to start.." he grinned, his violet eyes dancing around taking note of where they were going and of landmarks, while periodically glancing at her. "Why don't we make it somewhat of a game? To keep it simple, and that we do not have to lecture each other long speeches about our pasts and families and peoples? We will take turns bringing up a simple yet specific topic. Then the other one will tell them about the topic. So for example I will start and state the topic of 'Direct Family and Siblings' so you can tell me about your parents and siblings. After you have told me of yours I will tell you of mine and then you can choose the next inquiry. There are always follow-up questions in this game too so we can ask and answer follow-up questions before going to the next topic. "

His smile went away but he continued speaking with a positive tone as they continued walking. "Now I feel it is important that we be honest about our feelings and honest with each other. I will warn you that my answer to my first topic will not be...happy but still important to give you our perspective as much as it is important I understand your perspective. My family has seen a lot of dark times in the last fifty years but the past is past, and we have to understand that. So do you have any questions about the game? Otherwise the first topic is family, tell me about your family."

 

[Silverwings]

Sevora though for a moment, eyes moving toward the ceiling. She gave a soft hum before speaking, "No. I believe I understand the game. So then, As for family. I am the only child my parents have ever had. They've tried for others but.. Life seems to have had other plans for them. My father is a cunning man, and sly as a fox. I've seen him practicing in case of another war. He's always keeping sharp senses about him. He moves so quickly that it is hard to keep track of him, however, in the palace that man moves like spilled honey. He takes his time. My mother is quiet until you find the correct topic. When you do find the topic, it is rare she will stop until she has spoken to her heart's content."

She giggles a bit as she took Rhonin into a circular library with a winding stairway. Ascending, they were met with a second and third floor of the tower. Each floor had increased in height, the third floor's walls reaching about twenty feet tall. Soon, Sevora lead the prince out across the tower bridge that connected the two. Already, the city below and the castle behind them made for a wonderful view on either side. In the direction of the castle, one would see the crystals, almost close enough to touch them, "Tell me about your family then."

 

[Eonivar]

Rhonin glanced around in wonder of the library as they moved through it, winding up the stairs to the bridge.

His face darkened some as they crossed the bridge. "Your father's reputation proceeds him. My father has the utmost respect for him, but my people have branded him as the Demon of Artesia for what he did in invading our lands and burning the Obsidianwood and the damage he did to the Captial City." He paused uncomfortably but continued as they reached the middle of the bridge he turned to look up at the crystals, then looking down below. A distant pain crossed his face. "And the killing of my older brother Rowan."

He turned back towards Sevora taking her hands in his. He felt since he really did not know her well, that her touch and their physical connection would help him understand her better. "The wound is still healing. Many are still very unhappy. When I was selected to marry you and Rovan chose me, I was sent away for five years to see the world. To get a different perspective. To learn to see things from more than one point of view. In doing so, I like to think that I have a much more...fair point of view now than most of my people, other than Master Pallas." He was silent a moment, hoping that Sevora would accept his honesty.

"Your father seems a good soul, he like my father is doing the best for his people. I hope he will accept me as a son, despite my heritage and religion. It is one thing to see what one has done, and another to meet him, and to join his family."

He was quiet again, seemingly letting the darkness pass by him. He reached up and brushed a strand of white hair out of Sevora's eyes, he grinned gently teasing.

"Your mother seems wonderous, I look forward to getting to know her better. Maybe it will give me a clue about her daughter."

He seemed to look away in though. "As for my family. My father is older, he is about three hundred and fifty-two years old. He is surprisingly quiet and prefers to observe before acting. He is strong, resourceful, fair, and well-respected leader amongst the Ruvian. He is a beloved leader and seen as one of our greatest Kings. He has been in many wars between our people. He probably is currently our greatest and strongest warrior, but he is tired now. Tired of the bloodshed. My brother's death and the invasion of our lands was the catalyst for him agreeing to our marriage. He is strong but I worry about him. His experiences have weighed on him heavily. He is worried there will be no heir to our family line, but I think he is happy for our bond and hopes that you will be a worthy daughter. He and my mother used to be a close couple but that changed with the death of Rowan. Now they are in the throes of the parting. But since they are King and Queen, the parting is a bit more difficult."

The parting was the elven term for when couples naturally drift apart, part of the price of their long lifespans. Sometimes they parted for good, sometimes they remain friends, sometimes they come back together later in life, and sometimes they just stay together.


"My father and mother were an arranged marriage to keep the Ruvian clans unified. The Joash clan has always ruled Ruvio. My mother's clan the Inish, has always been the strongest clan. My mother is no different. While my father would observe and wait to take action, my mother was more aggressive and decisive. For a long time, they were quite the couple. My mother was also blessed with fertility. She was able to bear two children and a set of twins, my sister and me, which is always seen as a positive boon. But the recent wars saw two of her children, my eldest sister, Valeria, whom I had never known, and my older brother, Rowan slain. Their deaths broke her I think. She is very bitter and angry right now. She objected to our union but only relented when my father explained to her that it would stop the bloodshed. I am afraid that she has no love for the Artesia after what they did to her children and family. She is scared to death that another war would take my sister and me away from her. They rarely speak to each other now, my parents. She will only listen to my sister and me. Normally, the laws of the Parting would take part and she would separate with my father, and go and live amongst her clan. But, she is very favored amongst the clans, many still feel as she does. If my father would take another Queen due to the parting there would be dissent and unrest."
He was silent a bit. "Sevora, I do not think my mother will be violent towards you or will hate you. I think with time she will accept you, but you have to understand that she is...hurt and lost. So do not take her coldness personally."

He looked away for a moment gazing at the crystal. "It is Ruvian tradition for both the father and mother to give away their son or daughter to be married. Otherwise, she probably would have sent my sister in her stead. Reena is my twin. I was born first, than she. You would like her I think. She is funny, energetic, curious, and ornery. She loves plants. She is walking the druidic path. Her garden is beautiful, and she has been instrumental in growing back the destroyed section of the Obsidian Wood. She really wanted to come, but since my father, mother, and I had to come, she was told to stay in case something horrific would befall us. She is not happy she had to stay. We used to be together all time when we were kids. We were inseparable until I was betrothed to you and chosen by Rovan. And then Master Pallas took me on my five-year journey. I returned but we only had a month together before I had to come here. She was not happy at all. Not necessarily mad at me or even you mind you, just the situation. I think there is a bit more of my mother in her than me. She still is bitter at the Artesia for our brother Rowan's death too."

"Rowan, was the nicest, most charismatic, and beloved man we knew. He always knew what to say, and when to say it. His words could lift a stones heart. He was also the greatest warrior we had ever known. He always wanted to be with my sister and I. Many expected my father to stand down and make Rowan king. But then the battle of the Obsidian Wood happened and Rowan was taken from us."

"Valeria our oldest sister, was killed well before we were born. I heard it was an accident. I have seen pictures of her, she was very beautiful. But neither my mother nor father would speak of her. Rowan had told us that she was the light in the fire that was taken from us all too soon."

Rhonin was quiet after that, in deep thought. He turned to Sevora, "Sorry, I warned you that there would be emotions here, but it feels good to be able to tell you of this now. They will be your family too Sevora. It is now your turn to pick a topic."

 

[Silverwings]

Sevora listened to Rhonin speak. She could easily see in his face that this was an important yet sore topic for him. When he had taken her hands, she held her head high, looking into his eyes with understanding and kindness, "I do believe our families will come to, at the least, tolerate each other."

When he touched her hair, Sevora seemed to be shocked, but no rejection came from her lips. She knew he was unlikely to know of their customs. He would learn. However, the act still surprised her. In the Asterian culture, hair was thought to be the most sacred part of the body, being closer to the skies, and closer to their goddess.

It is now your turn to pick a topic.

She thought for a moment. Two moments. Three. As she spoke, she lead Rhonin to the other tower and up the stairs to the open platform, "Tell me about your pastimes. I'm sure you have some. Mine are.. Boring to most."

It was true. To her at least. Most who heard of her hobby would roll their eyes. What good comes of that? A princess who reads, rather than paint or play instruments? She could play the piano and the harpsicord, not that she cared to. She was also a master archer, this did not interest her either. She was even capable of painting, but it was the lores and the documentations of the lands around her kingdom that truly thrilled the princess. She even decided to learn the old Geltian language that the religious texts where written in.

 

[Eonivar]

Rhonin noticed the brief look of shock and wondered if it was something he said or did. He was experienced in dealing with different cultures and recognized that he may have said or done something off. The best thing he needed to do was ask. He looked around as she lead him to the other tower. After her question he faced her again, holding her hand still. His eyes gazing into hers, his face sincere.

"Umm, Sevora, before I talk about my pastimes, I would like to request that if I do something offensive or not called for in your culture to point it out so I understand and know better. I do not want to cause an incident because of something I did which would cause great offense that I was not aware of. Remember I had traveled the world and dealt with many new cultures, so I know to ask, my people not so much, except for Master Pallas who has a knack for perfect manners. The Ruvian do not have any books on Artesian culture and I suspect the Artesian has very few things on the Ruvian. I am in effect by joining with you becoming part Artesian, just like you are becoming part Ruvian. I will do my best to tell you of our culture and prepare you for any possible things that may be seen as different. But we need to work together on this and I expect you to help me in the same way."

 

[Silverwings]

Sevora gave a sincere smile, "Well..."

She was silent a moment before speaking again, "You have not offended me, because I know you are unfamiliar with our culture. However, this seems like an appropriate time to talk on the matter. In Asteria, one's hair is considered sacred. It is frowned upon to touch someone's hair without permission. In fact even seeing one's hair completely down is considered inappropriate and thought to have the same intimacy as seeing them in their undergarments. Touching one's hair, here, is like sharing a bed with them. Of course with the exceptions of mothers with their children, and maids or servants."

She seemed to pause for a moment, thinking of more to say on the matter at hand, "I might ask you didn't touch my hair yet, though I am certain I will be comfortable in allowing it in the future. I suppose I am simply accustomed to people knowing the tradition. It slipped my mind to make you aware of it. I apologize for that."

 

[Eonivar]

Rhonin remembered how so very soft Sevora's hair was when he touched it, softer than anything he had ever touched.

He thought about what Sevora said, still holding her hand in his and giving it a gentle squeeze. "No need to apologize. Thank you for telling me. Unsurprisingly Ruvian culture is different in terms of hair. As you can tell we wear our hair down and naturally, we cut it when it gets longer than the middle of our backs as it can get caught when moving through the forest. It protects us from the cold winds of our land. We tie it up when we do work where it may be in the way, usually with a leather tie." He paused and seemed to speak to himself and her. "I suspect also since they are outsiders and guests my parents and the rest of my retinue would be exempt from these expectations. Diplomatic immunity so to speak. While I expect that I should conform to these expectations since I am joining your family."

He released her hand and moved to sit in a chair near her, looking over at her.

" If you could assist me in aiding me in arranging my hair in a more Asterian manner, I would appreciate it. Since we are in private here and you are my bride to be, and I am new to this culture, I imagine you touching my hair would be permissible in this case? My Royal Guard Nevri is above us outside on the bridge and can let us know if anyone is coming. While you help me with my hair I can tell you of my pastimes. Does that sound reasonable Sevora?"

 

[Silverwings]

"This sounds most pleasing," She replied with a smile. Moving to a table, she seem to touch on of the designs on the side, a small panel popping and allowing for a drawer to then be pulled out. she reached into the drawer and pulled out a silvered hairbrush, "I suppose, first, I should tell you why our hair is sacred and why we do our hair in certain styles."

She moved closer, gently brushing through the prince's hair, she made quick time of her actions as she took up the top portion of the prince's hair, "We believe that the hair is sacred, because it is the closest to the sky, and so it is closest to Astera. We do not cut it if we can help it. We believe the length to symbolize the rays of the sun reaching down to greet the earth. We keep our hair away from our face as a way to allow us to keep our peripheral vision clear, without obstacles. This has been an ancient tradition that has been kept close to the hearts of all who live here."

She took the hair she had gathered now and braided it, "Having the top portion in a braid is a sign of respect, letting the rest down is known to show that you mean no harm. As if to say, 'I trust you not to harm me.' A braided knot, which is what I will wear to the ball, is simply a sign of beauty. The larger the knot, the more hair you have and the higher you will be regarded in our society. Many men and women will take the breakage from their brushes to stuff into their bun in order to make their hair look fuller and longer."

Sevora finished with the braid and began making small braids in the remaining free hair, allowing the prince to speak now.

 

[Eonivar]

Rhonin's dark waterfall of Ruvian hair seemed thicker and heavier than Asterian hair. It was like soft, thick wool. As she lifted and brushed his hair, she could see his ritual tattoos along his scalp. She wondered if he had to shave his head to have the tattoos applied. His hair smelled of wildflowers.

Rhonin nearly purred in the comfort of the pulling and tugging of his hair. "Mmmmmm you can do that all day if you wish Sevora, pull harder if you want. I know it is not culturally right here but it feels soooo good."

Despite the comfort her hands brought in his hair, he listened carefully to her explanation. Whispering and quietly repeating what she said so he would remember.

"My pastimes...my first passion is storytelling. Which is a tradition amongst the Ruvian. You see before the god Ruvan guided us to the Heart's Forge, we were a nomadic people who lived in the tundra and mountains to the north following the herds of reindeer and game from season to season. Given we had to pick up and move every few months, we did not have a lot of books, so we passed all of our knowledge via oral tradition. Every evening the clan would gather around the hearth fires and pray to Rovan and then tell our stories there. Some stories are designated as unchangeable, those are our history, passed down word for word and committed to memory, and still done so today. Others are designated as changeable, where we could take the same themes and change and add to it, and make our own stories. We tell them solo, or as a group with each member taking a part, either scripted or group ad-libbed drama depending on the story. Over the years we have added music and dance. We have stories passed down word for word and portrayed in the same way it was given that are over five thousand years old from before the time of Rovan. There is nothing better I enjoy than sitting around the Hearthfire with my friends and family, with food and drink, and telling and taking part in the telling of stories old and new until everyone is ready for bed. On some holidays we will stay and tell stories until the sun rises the next morning. When we go to Ruvio, we will have such a night as it is a tradition for the friends and family of newlyweds to regale them with the stories of love and family for a full night. Those stories paid off too, when I was traveling the world, I would be paid currency to tell other people of other races the stories and I would learn about them. That is how we often got by during my journey. Related to the stories I also like to dance and sing."

"I like to draw. I have been told I am very good at it. When I get back to my quarters, and to my saddlebags, I have five notebooks of drawings i did for you to show you my journey. I did not know you, but I knew we were to marry before I left. So I drew my journey to show you as a way we could bond. I also brought some of my older notebooks so you can see some of me when I was younger. Self portraits and portraits that others did of me and my sister back in the day. I drew a picture of her before I left to take with me so she would be here in spirit when we got married. "

"Yeah I learned to draw because I get...nervous and fidgety if my hands are unoccupied. I also learned sleight of hand when I was traveling because of it. Watch this.' He pulls out a large coin about the size of his palm and holds it before her. "This is a Dwarven Platinum piece I earned regaling the DelfLord, which is the leader of a large dwarven settlement, with many stories." He closes his hand and reopens it and it disappeared, only for him to make it reappear. "There is no magic with this, it is just a way of distracting others and moving it with dexterity." He flipped the coin from finger to finger and then flipped it high into the air, catching it, and then spinning it on the tip of his finger. "It took me five years to learn to do this right."

He paused and watched Sevora, smiling at her if she reacted with joy. He felt so happy. He felt like he was walking on air. "I suppose I enjoy learning new things, languages, people, cultures. I enjoy hard work. My father had me working in our capital to make sure we understood who our people are. So since I was eight years old, I was helping with the harvest or cutting down trees, gardening, cooking or helping the healers, or just talking to our elders. Later on, I learned administration and logistics. Everything a good ruler needs to know and understand. "

He grinned looking up at Serova. "I know one thing, I have a new pastime that I have found. We have only known each other but a few hours now and I enjoy being in your company. So you said your pastimes are boring?" He smiled wide. "Well, in this case, I do not believe you...tell me of your own pastimes dear Serova, future wife of mine? I will be the judge if your pastimes are indeed boring. I have found in my travels boring is just a state of mind after all. No matter where you go, you will find a person who likes something that you may not or you may find boring. So regale me, my beautiful fiance. Oh yeah and I do have our next topic."

 

[Silverwings]

Sevora smiled as she listened to the man talk about his pastimes and the customs of his people. She enjoyed listening to him talk about his pastimes. Her eyes lit up as he spoke about his passion for drawing. She so wanted to see them and hear about each story that accompanied them. She tied off his hair just as he began showing her his coin. She clapped excitedly as he did the 'magic' trick.

"Oh how wonderful. I believe I too have found a new pastime in talking with you. I love to hear stories and I can't wait to hear more." She said with a smile.

tell me of your own pastimes dear Serova, future wife of mine?

"I really only have one pastime," She said softly, moving to sit with Rhonin. Taking his hand into her own, she spoke, looking into his eyes, "I love to read. My favorite thing to read about is lore and history. I love to learn about the places surrounding my kingdom. We do not have many books on your home, except a few that I believe were stolen a few thousand years ago."

She paused for a moment before speaking again, showing a larger smile than before, a shine of excitement in her eyes. The idea of seeing his drawings and hearing his stories thrilled her and she wanted nothing more, "I would love to know more of your travels. And to see your drawings. I'm sure they are wonderful."

 

[Eonivar]

Rhonin looked down at the intertwined hands and marveled how well they have gotten along just in a few hours of meeting. He had had five years to think about this moment and his mind had gone through several scenarios, some of which were not pleasant. But this turned out better than he expected. She was nothing like what he expected. Master Pallas mentioned that all he knew of her as mentioned by her parents was that she was very scholarly. Rhonin found himself really interested in her, even falling for her, which was not a bad thing, in just a few hours of meeting and talking.

"I am happy to do so Sevora. You should spend some time with Master Pallas. If there is one that reads and writes all the time, it is him. He is probably the greatest elven scholar we all will ever know. Maybe later on, once the Kingdoms are truly at peace, we could take a trip out to the Great Library of Ixelon. It is run by gnomes. I will show you pictures of it, although I suspect if I were to take you there, you would never leave. After spending five years traveling and learning with Master Pallas, I do not think your pastime is boring at all, Master Pallas told me that expanding one's mind with knowledge is important to expand your view on the world, especially if you cannot go out and see the world."

Rhonin's heart continued to flutter. "Umm, can we have something to drink here? I love to talk but my throat does get dry and I have been traveling for most of the day. My canteen is with my things. I do have things here in my belt pouch for tea, I just do not have water or cups. I can warm them myself if need be."

He grinned slyly as he looked at her. "So my turn for a topic...and that is regarding courting and weddings. Tell me of how courting is done in Asteria? As well as Weddings...maybe also how Intimacy is seen as well. "

 

[Silverwings]

Sevora nodded, ringing a bell for a servant to bring in some tea and sweets. She knew that there was always one of the servants waiting in the libraries for her if she had needed anything and in a silent agreement, decided tea would be best for their conversation, "Someone will bring it to us soon."

She sat once more, taking Rhonin's hands once more. A slight pink shade had found its way to Sevora's cheeks at the mention of courting and intimacy. She had never really had to speak on the matter before, "Well. Unlike most places in the kingdom, in our city we believe a couple to be courting should be left alone. That talking in private is the key to a successful life together. However, most intimate acts are meant for after you are wed. A chaste kiss or touching the hair may be allowed, but most other things would be unthought of."

She took a moment to pause, her fingers tracing lightly over the tattoos on the prince's hand, "As for weddings, any royal wedding is to be for the royal families only. No outsiders. This is because otherwise it may become crowded and less romantic. I am not sure how weddings outside our traditions may be different, since there are few books that even touch of the subject. What would a Ruvian wedding be like?"

 

[Eonivar]

Rhonin's hands were large, double jointed, warm and comfortable. They were clean and strong, clearly had seen hard work, soft enough, but they were no where as soft as an Asterian's hands. He wore no rings on his fingers.

Sevora seemed cold to Rhonin, by her cooler hands and her fair skin and hair, and he instinctually wanted to move closer and hold her to make her warm while they spoke, but he suspected that was not the Asterian way, thus why he asked intimacy and courtship, and so he resisted the impulse to do so.

He watched her trace his tattoos with her finger as she spoke, finished and asked her question. He tilted his head and nodded to their intertwined hands.

"In Ruvio touch is important as is the community. The sharing of warmth is important to us, sharing the fire in our blood within us through the touch of our flesh together. Warmth is essential for life. Like everything in our culture, it goes back to our nomadic days, wandering in the cold tundra and mountains. At night, the clan would all huddle together and hold each other for warmth. If you were alone, you would likely die, either by the cold or by the predators. Once we settled down, those subtlties of touch never left our culture. We are a very physical people Sevora and we are a very close social people."

Rhonin was silent a moment composing his thoughts, before speaking more. "You are correct in terms of the difficulty having to describe our customs on intimacy, courtship, and Weddings, as such things are often not recorded in any culture, unless you are dwarf or a gnome." He laughed at a memory, he had a wonderful sweet laugh that she could feel through his hand. He, without a thought, scooted his chair closer to her. "I will tell you about them later, needless to say, for them, everything to the exact detail is written down. Not so much for most others."

"Another thing you should know about us, if you have not figured it out already, is that we are a very emotional people. The fire in our blood makes us very passionate. Coupled with our culture of touch, this does lead to intimacy, Also as you well know, Elves are not very fertile. I suspect that it is similar to your people, but if it is different I am sure you can tell me otherwise. Usually, an elven woman will be lucky to have one child in her lifetime on average of four hundred years, and usually it is done with the coaxing of her body through various rituals and herbs when she is ready to bear children. In more fertile cultures, such as the humans, every woman's intimate contact runs the chance that children will be born, which in our culture would be a blessing until we are over populated like the humans are. So there is a balance as all things are in nature and with the earth, we live long lifetimes compared to other races, but we do not bear as many children as they do. So for a Ruvian, intimate contact is commonplace, sometimes with more than one partner. Intimacy is often a way amongst the younger Ruvian for one to get to know another in seeking to find a potential mate or partner, whether it is same gender or opposite gender, there is no bias in Ruvio on genders, there are even some of us that have aspects of both genders." He watched the pink grow on Sevora's face. "Now before you get any notions, intimacy is not done in public, such things are always done in private usually by a fire. Despite what is said I am sure, we do not have massive groups or rituals of intimacy. But intimacy is not so formal for my people as it is for yours, people discover each other and follow their instincts to discover another through physical bonding, touch, and sharing of fire or passion, and they go and find a private place to do so. It is not a hush hush or embarrassing subject for us. We talk about it out in the open. We are honest about it. And generally we have found that it is these unions, the ones that really work, where the two would be worthy partners, that actually bear children. And generally the ones that do not work, do not bear children. Balance."

He paused again, holding up a finger. "Now before you get any further ideas about me, you should understand that my mother was blessed with hyperfertility. It carries on in the both the male and female heirs but sometimes skips a generation. Since we are of the Royal Line of Ruvio, to prevent, issues with succession, I have been forbidden to engage in intimacy with anyone else. My sister is forbidden to engage in intimacy with another male. She was courting a female partner before I left. Leah. A very sweet soul. Hopefully you will get to meet her too. I could in theory have partnered with a male, but I have never felt that kind of attraction and it is my duty to marry a woman, you, and together we are to hopefully, bear a child to continue the royal lines. I have always been attracted to women but have never followed through on such feelings, although .." Rhonin paused looking into Sevora's eyes. "I am finding myself drawn to you, which maybe is as it should be."

He continued "So, hopefully it will comfort you to know that i have never been intimate with anyone, I have never bonded physically with anyone. I have been kissed...but not of my choosing...and not by another elf..." Rhonin turned a bit pink a moment. "We'll just say that halflings are passionate folk. If you think Ruvian culture is chaotic, you have yet to meet halflings. But there was no meaning in it when it happened. I feel I must be honest with you, and that we have no secrets between us."

"Such discipline was a real challenge for me in learning to control my passion and channel it into other things. Maybe that is why I get nervous when I do not have something in my hands. With that out of the way, let's talk about Ruvian Weddings."

"Ruvian weddings are a community event, usually lasting three days. During those days there is no work, other than preparing for the wedding, having the wedding and celebrating and resting the next day. Everyone in the community takes part. There is a lot of food, storytelling, song, and dance, and many find it those times to discover other partners and friends. Royal weddings effect the whole nation and there is a week long celebration in the capital, with much of the same, but with tournaments and a fair. All peoples are given the three days off throughout our lands to celebrate and be with family and friends. It is very much a social event weddings, often the clan leaders during these event meet an reaffirm their affiliations and cooperation, and work out their differences in debate and in sport. Weddings bring our nation closer together in celebration of two people becoming something better than themselves individually, just like the community is stronger together than apart. I am under the impression that after our wedding here, we will be going to Ruvio to have a wedding there too."

 

[Silverwings]

Sevora listened, she face heating as he spoke on intimacy. It was not a commonplace thing to speak on in Asteria, especially to one of the royal family members. She looked at him and smiled, happy to hear that they would have a wedding for his people as well. She thought for a moment, "If it is warmth you wish to share, I won't object. We Asterians tend to enjoy warmth. We don't have fire in our blood like your people. We are made of sky and wind. Every house, to my knowledge, has a fireplace close to the beds. Our blankets are made of thick silk and fleece. The wealthier people tend to have silk. Even the bed you'll be sleeping in will be covered in silk. You may sit closer if it pleases you."

She hummed for a moment in thought, trying to decide the next topic, "What about holidays? Do you celebrate any sort of holidays that are maybe only popular in your home?"

She knew that in Asteria, celebrations were a big event. While being calm and quiet most of the time, their holiday celebrations were quite the party. Large Fires and feasts. Music and games. Their celebrations showed a whole secretive side of the Asterian culture.

 

[Eonivar]

Rhonin at Sevora's prompting scooted his seat closer to sit next to her but at a slight angle inward. Their shoulders now brushed, as did their legs and feet. Rhonin spied down on the desk a quill pen, ink, and blank parchment. He reached down and picked up the quill, and held it up, "Can I use this? It will help me settle some." He then began to look at her and speak, has hands began to draw. "Well, we have special events during the key stages of life. Births, Coming of Age, Marriage, and Death. Coming of age rites happen on the summer solstice of every year. We are on a lunar calendar. We have celebrations during the Summer and Winter Solstices. Planting and Harvest are important days. Usually around the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes."

"Our three most important holidays are Unification, Storm's Beginning, and Storm's End. Unification Day is when Joash unified the seven nomadic clans. It occurs on the fourth full moon after the summer solstice. This day is used to renew vows and reaffirm the clan's allegiance to the Throne and the Nation of Ruvio, this is the day where knights, soldiers, and government leaders make their oaths to Ruvio, new soldiers start their tours, and any retirements occur. We also celebrate the accomplishments of the nation of Ruvio on this day."

The scrape of the quill could be heard while he spoke, he maintained eye contact with Sevora. " Storm's Beginning was the first day of a year long worst winter storm that the then unified nomadic clans ever experienced. It usually occurs on the new moon after Winter Solstice. The storm lasted a complete Lunar Year. This was the day when we thought our nation was lost that Rovan appeared before us and lead us through the Storm to the Rovan's Mountain of Heart's Forge in the Center of the Obsidian Mountains. It was an arduous journey that lasted forty days. A whole clan was lost during that time. The clan lost faith in Rovan's lead and got lost in the storm. That forty-day period is a time of self-reflection, fasting, and prayer. Every day a specific story is told of that time, these are the unchanged stories, told word for word as they have been told since that time. It is an honor to be chosen to be one of the forty to tell one of those stories on those nights, usually, it is the best storytellers of the community that tell those stories, they are chosen a year ahead and given a mentor to teach them the story word for word, they then work on the story for the year to be able to tell it on the designated night. The Eldest of the community always tells the story of the first night, a youth of ten years old is chosen to tell the story on the last night. Each night speaks of a different virtue of Rovan. The twenty-first night is the darkest of all the stories when the seventh clan whose name was erased from all records and history lost faith and abandoned Ruvio and Revan's Guidance. Usually, the best storyteller tells the story of this night. It is a very difficult story to tell. I have been chosen when I was ten to tell the last story. I have told some of the other stories, but I have never been chosen to tell the twenty-first. It is something I dream to do."

"Storm's End is the last day of the forty day's journey when the Unified Clans of Ruvio arrived and took shelter in Ruvan's Mountain, Heart's Forge, and when we determined that we no longer would be nomadic and settle the land around the Mountain. It is a day of new beginnings and celebrations. In the morning, there is a service held by the Priests of Ruvan, many times over the years Ruvan himself has appeared to renew his blessings to the Ruvian people. In the afternoon, families spend time together and exchange gifts. In the evening there is a night fair, tournament, feast, and revelry."

He looked down at his picture and grinned to himself and then gave Sevora a warm smile, continuing his work. He looked up at Sevora, "So what Holidays do the Asterian celebrate?"

 

[Silverwings]

Sevora watched at Rhonin draw with her quill. She found something about the scratch of the quill against the paper to be soothing. She enjoyed his stories, "I believe you will tell that story one day. And I will be there when you do."

She thought for a moment, taking in the information he had given her. What did Asterian's celebrate. "We have a few celebrations. We, of course, celebrate the gift of Astera's light. This is held at the statues of her, the largest part of the celebration is held at the statue of her holding her light crystal in her wings. There is music and large feasts. We also celebrate the end of the drought at the end of Sumbertain. We follow a calendar year. Sumbertain is the tenth month. Otherwise, we celebrate the spring equinox, and the autumn equinox. All of our celebrations are held the same, but in different locations. Drought's end is held at the fields, where we hold large celebrations around a massive fire. And the spring and autumn equinoxes are held in the upper-city square. The spring equinox is a time to celebrate fertility and rebirth. The autumn equinox is a time to celebrate a successful harvest."

After a moment of allowing the information to settle, Sevora seemed to stir a bit. She smiled and glanced toward the city below them, "Would you care to take a tour of the city? You might enjoy it."

She paused momentarily, glancing at their clothes. Hers were far too fancy for a stroll through the city, "Perhaps we should take a moment to change into something a little more appropriate for the occasion. In Asteria, we monarchs tend to wear certain clothes for certain occasions or locations. Wear something you aren't opposed to getting a little dirty. There is a farming district in the city."