Fantasy The Coming of Two Kingdoms

[Eonivar]

The large ballroom was awash with the nobility of Asteria, with the wedding this is a rare occasion that all the nobility of Asteria is assembled here. There were lots of whispers and rumors regarding the wedding and the Princess and Prince. There was a prevailing rumor that the Prince and Princess were having an intimate moment in public, holding hands and kissing even. The rumors were met by a variety of reactions: some were shocked at their sudden attraction and did not like such a display, others did not like the obvious effect of the very charming Ruvian Prince on the seemingly vulnerable Princess, others still, the younger ones found it very romantic and a welcome change to the staid traditions of the Asteria, and others envious of such a new found love. Many were uneasy about this situation but with the Ruvians clearly outnumbered here felt that there would not be any issues or problems.

All stared and pointed at the large unlit brazier set in the middle of the ballroom. It had been placed there at the request of the Ruvians. There was a lot of talk and whispering when the majordomo's three taps echoed through the hall, causing all to rise.

"Your Majesties, your Royal Highness, gathered Lords and Ladies, I have the pleasure to introduce the Herald and Honored Speaker of Ruvio, Priest of Ruvan, The Elder Pallas Inkenderon, and 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. And the rest of the entourage of Ruvio"

The King of Ruvio and Elder Pallas approached the King, Queen, and Sevora on a raised table. l Behind them where the rest of the Ruvians assembled at the door with their long hooded black cloaks on, with the hood up. Two of the hooded ones stood at the front of the assembled group, all looked down and no one could tell who was who. The King nodded per his station, Pallas bowed and then spoke.

"Your Majesties, your Royal Highness. For this evening's festivities, we would present something rather special that has not been seen by non-Ruvian eyes before. Since we are bonding with our families and our people, we feel it is important to show you who the Elves of Ruvio are. This is going to be an abridged presentation of the Exodus, the time when the then wandering Clans of Ruvio were unified and then Lead by the God Ruvan lead through the Great Storm to the Obsidian Mountains.”

Pallas voice echoes clearly through the massive hall. The King moves and stands on the raised part with the Asterian King, Queen, and Princess.

“In Ruvio sacred gatherings are overseen by a representative of Ruvan and the eldest presiding. His Majesty, King Einri is here as the eldest, myself as the representative. Normally, we would have our Chosen of Rovan, Prince Rhonin, here as the representative, but he has a very important and special part in this presentation, so I am the next best choice, I will also narrate the dance. We are going to lower the lights here in the ballroom. Do not be alarmed. Remember that everything had come from darkness."

The room's lights faded into a dim light.

"All had come from darkness, then the gods came and brought light into the universe. The light is shared, between the God Rovan, whose light is of fire, of passion and emotion, and of the earth, and the Goddess Asteria whose light is the sun, the stars, and the skies above, who brings illumination and revelation. Far to the north beyond the mountains in the lands of snow and tundra most of the year is dark and does not see the light of the sun. It was here where Ruvio came to be."

In the dim light, it almost felt cold. There was movement around the still unlit brazier as the black-garbed ones took various positions. And then there was a light in the room as the brazier was lit on fire and standing before it, his hood down, his tattoos glowing a bright orange in the dim room was Rhonin holding his hands up and out.

"The ancient clans that became Ruvio were fey who had left the feywilde through a portal in the snows of the far, far north, had settled in the mountains at the top of the world. They were lost, confused about this new world, and cold. Ruvan took them in and guided them with his gifts of fire, nature, and earth.."

The brazier glowed brighter as Rhonin seemed to welcome them, the black hooded garbed Ruvians all circled about Rhonin. A drumbeat started as they paced in a circle around him.

"They settled in the regions of the tundra, learning and adapting , they became nomadic, following the herds of raindeer across the seasons."

The group circling spread into a square with about three feet between each of the black-garbed dancers, they all then proceeded to individually walk in a line, each dancer in a different direction, painting the picture of a changing mosiac around the brazier and Rhonin, who stood with his hands across his chest observing them all.

"For a time those tribes persisted in their ways, until the wrath of the Great Storm gripped them all."

The Drum Beat stopped, as did all the dancers, and the sounds of the winter winds could be heard as the dancers swirled about, and disappeared back into the shadows, the brazier dimmed but did not go out. Rhonin stood and looked around alarmed.

"Rovan, worried for the people he had taken care of and helped in this work sought out the clan that would be able to with his help, unify the elves so they may survive the mighty storm. He sought out the Jorash clan. The Clan of the Wolf."

One of the black garbed Ruvians appeared and lowered his hood to reveal a glowing wolf mask. Rhonin and this male dancer, circled each other as to converse and then Rhonin would turn and spin and dance a move, and the wolf dancer would emulate him, they did this for a few moves until they were dancing in unison. The Wolf Clan dancer then howled and there was a howl in response from the rest of the dancers.

"Ruvan then went through the storm to find a clan who was strong and enduring in the ways of battle, and who could bring strength to the Ruvian people as a whole. He found the Inish Clan, the Clan of the Bear.

The Wolf Dancer walked and took his place in front of Pallas as Rhonin walked in a circle around the Brazier, which brightened to reveal a scene, a bunch of black-garbed dancers circled a single masked dancer, all moving in a martial action, the masked dancer had the mask of the Bear, Sevora recognized the tall regal form of the Queen of Ruvio herself as the Bear, as she danced in a slow graceful manner, "felling" her foes to stand before Rhonin, of where they circled each other as if almost to fight for them to come together and dance a beautiful dance. There was a lot of sweetness to it, as Rhonin and his mother could not contain the joy they had in dancing together. The Bear stood beside the Wolf. Rhonin continued with the beat around the brazier.

"While having leadership and strength in battle was important, in order to survive they needed the best hunters and cleverest minds, and also a good laugh, so Ruvan sought out the Duna clan, the Clan of the Fox."

As Rhonin walked around the brazier, a slim dark form with a fox mask would emerge silently out of the shadows and sneak up behind Rhonin and tickle him, and then fade back into the Shadows. The first time Rhonin as Ruvan stopped and turned around, amused, and proceeded to walk some more. The Fox then reappeared and began to humorously emulate Rhonin and the way he walked, the crowd laughed, the Fox turned and put her finger up to the mask. Sevora realized the Fox was none other than Nevri. The Fox then held up two hands behind Rhonin's head and made "fox's ears", when Rhonin stopped, and the Fox stopped behind him, and Rhonin turned and the Fox turned to stay behind him without Rhonin seeing her. The crowd laughed more. And Rhonin turned again and the Fox faded into the shadows. But Rhonin gave a knowing grin, and turned to continue to walk around the brazier to the beat. And when the Fox appeared behind him, Rhonin turned and caught her and held her high in a ballet carry, spinning her around. He lowered her to the ground and both turned on pointed toe in a graceful circle to where they faced each other and the Fox curtseyed before Rovan, while he bowed. The Fox joined the Wolf and the Bear.


"But leaders, hunters, and warriors are just one piece of the puzzle to survival, they needed a practical touch, common sense, and work ethic. Rovan sought out the clan of the Reindeer, the Bren clan.

Rhonin paced around the brazier to catch up with a tall plodding elf in a reindeer mask. Rhonin slapped the Reindeered masked elf in a friendly manner. The Reindeer produced an apple and offered it to Rhonin. Rhonin grin and took it and went to pocket the apple and the Reindeer put his hand on Rhonin's arm for him to eat it and gave him an almost motherly waving of the finger. There were some giggles, including Rhonin's own mother. Rhonin took a step away from the Raindeer and caused the brazier's flames to flare up, his tattoos to glow brightly in the room, he turned and flipped and threw three rocks up in the area and caused them to fly and for them to land in front of them. The Reindeer watched in awe of the display and bowed in respect. Rhonin smiled and bowed in return and then gently waved the Reindeer towards the others and the Reindeer nodded and then reached forward and grabbed Rhonin's arm pulled the apple out of his pocket and pointed at Rhonin to eat it to the laughter of all before joining the others. Rhonin took a thoughtful bite of the apple and nodded.

"Rovan continued in his search for the clans, knowing that they would need a little more than work ethic, leadership, and bravery in battle, they needed a bit of luck, competitiveness, and quickness. The Shani clan found him, the clan of the Hare challenged Rovan himself ."

Rhonin was walking in the beat and all of the sudden blurred form of an Ruvian man in the Mask of a Hare ran by Rhonin doing a complex tumbling run, causing the crowd to ooh and ahhh. The Rabbit landed and laughed at him and gestured as to have Rhonin top that. Rhonin grinned. His tattoos glowed bright orange in the enshadowed room. He began to run around the fire, the brazer glowed bright and did an impressive tumbling run on his own, but with a streak of fire behind him, creating a ring of orange for just an instant. He ended up at the Hare's side. The Hare clapped excitedly and then began to do this incredible acrobatic dance in tandem. They danced and caused more oohs and awws from the crowd. They finished, the Hare bowed and then tumbled to the rest of the clans.

"Having obtained the favor of the Shani, Rovan continued and traveled on until he met the Inkenderon, the Clan of the Ram. The observers and those that provide a record of their journies and history."

A Ram Masked Ruvian walked up to Rhonin and in his hand offered a crystal. Rhonin caused the brazier to flare up and a variety of rainbow colors shown from the crystal. The Ram joined the others.

"Finally Rovan approached the final clan. This clan was known for questioning everything. Rovan thought well of this trait, it was good to question everything, to be sure, to really find the truth. But sadly this clan declined Rovan's request to join them, who out of respect for their wishes, requested that they go unnamed. We always honor and respect their request and their manner. We pray for them to return to our fold."

Rhonin walked up to a white garbed Ruvian. He extended his hands out. And the white garbed bowed and then turned away disappearing into the shadows. Rhonin fell to his knees. The brazier faded and went out.

"Rovan was saddened by the rejection. The Storm had reached its peak and even threatened to break the spirit of the God of Fire, Earth, and Nature. And yet the now unified clans of Rovia all came to him and reminded him of what he had done for them and that they did not wish to leave him behind either."

The other masked Clans all came to Rhonin and lifted him up, and carried him high, spinning him in joy and adoration. Their masks glowed with light which reignited the brazier and its flame raised high into the air. They lowered him to the ground and the ballroom brightened again. Rhonin and the six all approached Asteria's Queen, King, and Princess and bowed.

Pallas and the King turned to Asteria's Royal Family.

"That was when Rovan arose and lead them on to their home through the Storm to the Obsidian Mountains. But that is another story for another time. What you have witnessed here with Rovan's Guidance, how the clans of the Wolf, the Bear, the Fox, the Hare, and the Ram became Rovia."

 

[Silverwings]

Sevora was enthralled by the performance, watching in awe at every scene. The dances, the leaps and tricks. All were more than awe inspiring to the young princess. When the performance ended, the princess clapped for the Ruvians, inspiring the nobility of Asteria to follow suit.

"That was a marvelous show, Master Pallas," The king said with a smile. The man stood, turning to the rest of the ball attendants, "We have had requested that we share our own festive dance with our Ruvian guests."

With this, a trill of drums began, the lights dimming once more. A chorus of voice began to call out with no spoken word, but instead hooting and hollering back and forth across the ballroom, acting as an echo. Simultaneously, all drums struck once, the voices acting in harmony as several women raced to the center of the floor, a small yet warm light emanating from where the brazier was yet without fire. The voices now sang in an untranslatable language.

The women were dancing around, long flags spinning around them seemingly untouched by the women. Each women bore her own color. One wore red and had a red silk flag, another purple, pink, blue, green and so on. After a few moments, smaller girls joined the dance, each wearing white and dancing with white flags. The girls in white would dance a few feet out in front of the colorful dancers, dancing in the open spaces between the colorful ones.

The dance continued for a while, the colors dancing around the light, letting off a spectrum of colors on the walls on the ballroom. The dance ended with all the flags being thrown up into the air and dancers rushing away from the center, showing off an explosion like array of light. With this, the room brightened once more, followed by the attendants clapping and cheering in awe.

Sevora smiled at the display, clapping with the rest, silently scanning for her fiancé. She wanted to see how he reacted to the show.

 

[Eonivar]

Before Master Pallas could get a word in with the King asking if they could change clothes, the Asterian King started the Asterian performance. Pallas and the King shrugged and looked back at the Ruvians who nodded silently. Pallas and the King took their designated seats at the Head Table with the Asterian King, Queen, and Princess, there were seats for Queen and for Rhonin who was supposed to be in the middle of the table next to Sevora.

Rhonin was out of breath after the Ruvian presentation. He had not done that much physically and with his powers in some time. He generally trained, stretched and practiced every day, and he would be fine after a few minutes. It was hoped with the Asterian focus on looks that they would be able to go change after their performance, but that did not seem to be the case. Yet the remaining Ruvians did not feel comfortable to take their appointed seats yet in their current state of dress, so they moved off to the side of the performance space, in a group and sat on the floor to watch the performance. To the Ruvians this was perfectly natural. It was very odd to the gathered Asterians though, why would the Queen and Prince of a country deem to sit on the floor?

During the performance, there was quiet discussion amongst the gathered Ruvians on how the Asterians had not allowed the brazier to remain lit, but Rhonin calmed his people saying that the brazier was not a part of Asterian tradition and they were guests and to be respectful of their host's traditions. The Queen after her dance was for the first time in a long time, happy and very proud of her son and her people, and wished dearly that her daughter was here too, but she smiled and watched the Asterian entertainment with wonder.

Rhonin and the other Ruvians all listened and watched the presentation, marveling in the choir of voices and admiring the style of music. The flag work and dance was wonderous to them, particularly to Rhonin. He wondered if there was significance to the colors and the design of the presentation. After the presentation was over they stood up and whistled, which was the Ruvian way of showing approval (Ruvians clicked with their tongue when getting attention or showing disapproval). After the presentation was over, Pallas stood back up and stood before the King and Queen and Sevora.

"Your performance was wonderful, I think we could learn a lot from each other. Your Majesty's, Your Royal Highness, If it is not too much of a problem, we request that the Ruvian Performers may exit for a few moments to change their clothes into something more suitable for this occasion and then return."

 

[Silverwings]

"Of course, take a moment to do at you please," The king said with a smile, gesturing for the Ruvians to take their requested leave, "I am sure my guests will be understanding."

Sevora giggled a bit, understanding the request. As the Ruvians all made their way out, she looked to her father, "Father, couldn't you have waited so they could enjoy the dance?"

"What?" He responded almost innocently, "It was your request. Didn't you want to show them our dances?"

"I did, but I think it could have waited for their return," She said in amusement. She couldn't be upset, as she was able to share with the Ruvians and her betrothed the culture of her own people, though poorly timed in her opinion, "I hope they enjoyed the show."

"Of course they did. Why wouldn't they?" the queen said dismissively. This irritated the princess. The dismissiveness of her mother to her opinions and thoughts. A soft scowl came across the princess's face. Bitter old woman, Sevora thought.

Sevora took a deep breath, calming herself and keeping her composure. It would be a long night if she lost her temper now, though, already, the thought of slipping away to her tower dancing in her mind. Normally, it was her reading a book of watching the stars that fancied her imagination. This time was different. The image of Rhonin with her in the tower, telling stories or just talking. That was what she wanted. She was never one for the parties, balls, and galas. Sevora preferred her own company.

 

[Eonivar]

The Ruvians returned after about twenty minutes. There were three taps of the staff to get everyone's attention. All arose.

"Her Majesty, Vaia Inish Aodhan, Queen of Ruvio attended by the Guest of honor, Rhonin Joash Aodhan, Sanguine Prince of the Ruby Throne of Ruvio, Chosen of Ruvan, Honored Groom, and Prince to be of Asteria."

Vaia the Queen of Ruvio with Rhonin on her arm entered in, both wore the colors Black and Red of the Ruvio, the Queen also wore on her dress the Grey of the Joash Clan and the powder blue of the Inish clan. Rhonin wore a black military style type uniform with a collar, the uniform had red and grey highlights. Both he and his mother had their hair up in respect to Asterian style. Nevri and a taller guard (who was the reindeer in the presentation) stood behind them as they entered, wearing similar dress uniforms. The rest of the Ruvian group filed in after. They approached the Royal table, bowed and curtsied to those assembled there. Rhonin made eye contact with the King and Queen, and then at Sevora of which he lingered. They then moved up to the table and sat in the designated seats, Rhonin next to Sevora in the middle of the table.

Rhonin smiled at Sevora as he sat.

"Your people's performance was quite wonderful. It takes strong and true voices to get a large choir to sound so in tune with the Heavens, and such skill and coordination to be able to dance as your people did, I am almost wanting to arrange a piece about Ruvan and Asteria for our people to portray together. I learned quite a bit of lore about the two of them from my travels."

He took a drink of water and set it down, and then looked at her, his violet eyes gazing at her face and features, trying to learn and read her, he knew that over time he would be able to sense her moods and emotions with just a glance. His hand reached for hers underneath the table.

"Are you holding up well my dear Princess? I get the impression you are not one for these sort of large gatherings, too loud and noisy probably for your taste?"

 

[Silverwings]

Sevora gave a small smile as the prince spoke. She was delighted to hear he had enjoyed the performance, and relieved when he commented on her lack of enthusiasm for the event, "I would love to have an arrangement of both our people's dances. I think it would be beautiful."

She hesitated a moment before speaking again happily taking his hand under the table, "I admit, I wish to elsewhere. Away from so many people, but I know it is my duty to entertain. At least for a while. I dont care for the noise."

She paused, looking at him with a smile, squeezing gently on his hand, "I think I might be able to tolerate it with you here, my prince. With someone to talk to it doesn't seem so bad. You and your mother were wonderful in your performance. Nevri too. It was delightful to watch you tell your story in such a way."

 

[Eonivar]

Rhonin wanted to scoot closer to Sevora and wrap an arm around her, but he knew that there were many eyes on them. Many adored how they looked at each other and chatted, it was like they were already married. They both seemed entranced by the other, the way they both leaned closer to each other and spoke. Rhonin looked far away a moment, there was a very slight flash of his tattoos.

“I have performed that in different parts throughout my life, but never as Ruvan. That was my first time portraying Him. Before I had portrayed the Wolf and the Bear as those are my direct blood clans. Being Ruvan was...unlike anything I had ever experienced before. As a Chosen, I am tied directly to him, in effect a direct extension of him, and while I was performing I began to experience his emotions and memories, I had never felt such sorrow before with the seventh clan, and such joy and love when the six clans came and lifted me up. I saw images of the original clan leaders in my head. Many of them have changed, although the Inish did have my mother's eyes, Nevri is almost exactly like her Danu ancestor, and the Bren, like Durant over there." Rhonin points to the particularly tall royal guard standing near the Queen. "...still has a fondness for apples and making sure people or gods are well fed and taken care of. That reminds me."

He pulls the apple he was given during the performance out of his pocket, it had the bite in it that he had taken during the performance. "There is no flavor in the world like a Bren Red Snow Apple. I clearly cannot eat it during the performance, tumbling and dancing with a mouth full of apple is not the best idea. But it would be heresy to let such a good thing go to waste. They are meant to be shared after all, and there is a Bren superstition about young couples who share a Bren Red Snow Apple go on to be forever partners." He let go of Sevora's hand for a moment to pull out his knife under the table and began to slice the apple into parts. He put his knife away and then held a slice up to feed to Sevora by hand.

"I had to persuade Mother to do the part. I am glad I did. It brought her so much joy that she had not felt in some time." He glanced over at his mother farther down the table, she was enjoying herself in talking with the Asterian Queen, he caught his mother glancing at the two of them. He smiled in response as his mother's eyebrow rose somewhat amusement at him offering the apple to Sevora. She grinned at him and placed her hand on her heart and extended it towards him as a sign of affection. Of course, the Asterian Queen saw her Rovian counter part doing this and turned to see what her daughter and future son were doing as well.

Rhonin continued.

"This was Nevri's first time, and she did very well. She was very nervous, but when she put that mask on, she was truly one of her clan. She needs to dance more, she was very elegant." He glanced over at his Royal Guard who was standing behind them and watching them and listening. He grinned reading Nevri's face. "Nevri, you did wonderfully, you should really dance more, you are a near duplicate of Alana Danu herself you know. I think you should dance with Durant sometime, I think you two would complement each other well." Nevri blushed a deep red. "My Prince, tend to your fiance, you do not need to make me blush in public. I am supposed to be protecting you and the Princess." She looked over at Sevora, with a knowing grin. "Your Royal Highness, I apologize for your future groom's conduct, he is ornery, I think he has some Shani in him and is always trying to be a matchmaker, he knew his match was made years ago and to make up for it tries to match everyone else."

Rhonin grinned.."There you go Nevri, You and Durant..ooh look he was just looking at you.."

Nevri stood straight up and glanced over at Durant who averted his eyes at the last minute to make it look like he was not looking at her. Nevri scrunched her nose, still bright pink. "My Prince that is because I am about ready to clock you over the head and he was doing his duty making sure that it would not happen. " Nevri looked at Sevora. "Oh and Your Royal Highness taking an offered piece of Bren Red Snow Apple is seen as a sign of desire and love. Durant knew exactly what he was doing when he forced Rhonin to take a bite out of that apple. It increases one's desire for a mate. It is typically given to the groom before his wedding to share with his bride. Although honestly, I do not think my Prince needs the apple for you your Royal Highness, he is very taken with you and I have known him since he was a baby."

Rhonin blushed himself, his freckles showing. Nevri grinned. "Why that is a wonderful shade of red my Prince, I have not seen those freckles of yours in years. You forget how clever the Danu can be."

Rhonin looked back at Sevora with a seductive and loving grin. "See, a direct descent of Alana Danu herself still possesses the spirit of the Fox in her. And I will not deny what I feel for you your Royal Highness, the apple just makes me feel it more." He held the apple before her in his hand.

 

[Silverwings]

Sevora could not help but giggle at the playful jabbing between the prince and his guard. She found it both sweet and amusing. She happily took the apple slice offered to her and ate it, "The apple is delicious. Truly like nothing I've ever tasted before. It is delightful. We Asterians have many beliefs and traditions around weddings, but most are during the ceremony or after the wedding day."

She looked to Nevri, "I enjoy his playfulness. I find it sweet and amusing." Sevora looked at Rhonin once more, "He is charming. Ornery, and charming."

The princess thought for a moment, "You did look very natural performing as Ruvan. And the way your tattoos glow is marvelous. Can you do that on command?"

As she spoke, the princess traced the markings on the prince's hand under the table. She loved the look of the markings and the warmth of her groom's hand. She enjoyed the strength they showed even when relaxed. They were strong but gentle and kind, "I find them fascinating."

 

[Eonivar]

Rhonin smiled. "Every clan has their own little traditions on Weddings, since I am royalty, I get them all. Also, Durant is a childhood friend of mine."

Rhonin tilted his head some asking regarding his tattoos, his face a bit more serious when it came to the markings on his body. "Yes, I can, although I do not like to invoke the power if I do not have to. I feel that such a gift should not be used for frivolity. It is one thing to use it during the sacred performances and ceremonies of our people, showing Rovan's actions, but I am not very comfortable just doing it for show. Power and magic attract attention both good and bad. It is not something that should be flaunted. Most fear the unknown and fear such power, fear can lead to darker emotions and drive others to evil. " He was quiet a moment looking down at their intertwined hands and then looked up back at her. "They do flash when I call upon their power, and when I experience emotions sometimes." His eyes seemed far away and his face shown an old pain experienced years ago. "Their application and my transformation was an experience I would never forget, it was harrowing, and I experienced pain I never could ever put into words," The pain went away, and he seemed to show a bit of awe and wonder. "...but it opened my eyes to a world I had never realized was there. I had to change my exercise and meditation routine and diet after I became Chosen, it changed everything about me, my physical body down to my very soul. I am still trying to learn to control the power given to me. I have barely touched upon the surface of what I can do supposedly. Master Pallas assures me that it takes many years to master and that I am progressing well. He was living when the last Chosen was around."

 

[Silverwings]

Sevora listened to the prince, watching his face as he recalled the memories, "I will not ask you to. I was simply curious is all."

All of the sudden, a voice could be heard about the low rumble of the crowd and the music that played, "He should be ashamed!"

This earned the princesses attention as she scanned the room. She stood, silencing the room with her piercing gaze. The crowd parted, giving up the man who had spoken out. She hummed, "Lord Farold. You seem to give your voice more importance than it is worth. Why?"

The man was tall with angular features that sat unattractively on him. He had long golden hair that was worn down almost entirely but a few strands. He frowned, "You deserve better."

Sevora was quiet for a moment, knowing the entire ballroom gave their attention to her, "And what gives you the right to speak on such a matter?"

"There is talk that he was affectionate with you in public!" The man said with a scowl. Her ears twitched in irritation, her emotions could be felt by those around her, "Do you form all your thoughts and opinions around petty rumors, Lord Farold?"

This caused the court to laugh at the man, finding him foolish for his uneducated outburst, "Well.. no, of course not, your highness."

"Do you speak out against the crown?" Sevora asked, head held high. The man's eyes widened, "No, your highness."

"Then I suggest you put a dam in the flowing river that forms your mouth." Sevora quipped, "You will not speak out against me. You will not speak out against my groom. And you will not speak out against his family or his people, so long as you are within these palace walls, Lord Farold. Is that understood?"

The man lowered his head, ashamed of being scolded by the young princess, "Yes your highness."

With that being said, the man took his leave. The princess looked at the rest of the room, raising her drink, "Now, let us enjoy the rest of our night."

The court happily obliged, returning to their cheerful state. The princess, however, was less than pleased as she sat back down, "I apologize. On behalf of that foolish old man."

 

[Eonivar]

Rhonin's features seemed to open up. "No, you should ask, we are going to be together. But I feel we can discuss my powers and connection to Ruvan more in private. I..."

And then Lord Farold's interruption occurred. A worried and concerned look shone on Rhonin's features as he watched the exchange, an eyebrow raised as his eyes went back and forth noting both Lord Farold's and Sevora's reactions, and finally lingering on Sevora as the conversation ended.

"Is he foolish though? Our showing of affection did happen after all, it was not just a mere rumor. And, for that, I am sorry your Royal Higness, I should have minded your traditions better, emotion, particularly love, is infectious and drives our desires for physical intimacy with those we love. We Ruvian are free with our emotions but can get a bit overemotional. I may have influenced you a bit too much in public yesterday. Our cultures are so very different. Our elders should be respected though. Maybe I should go and speak to Lord Farold? I was planning to mingle after dinner, which is also Ruvian tradition, and introduce myself and get to know your people, particularly your nobility at this moment. I know it is not in your comfort zone to do so, but I feel that being amongst the people is important. Do your people really know you Princess Sevora? "

 

[Silverwings]

"He is a foolish old man, my prince. Certainly, it was not just a rumor, but to form an opinion on hearsay is still foolish." She said softly, "I enjoyed our moment under the cherry blossoms. Even if it was you that influenced it, I still have a mind of my own. I could have refused the request."

She took a breath, "Moments spent away from prying eyes are still moments that may be affecionate. I actually very much enjoy your traditions of being affectionate."

She quieted for a moment, "Go and mingle if you would like, I promise you won't find me wandering off. If I do, you already know where I will be."

 

[Eonivar]

Rhonin reached and took her hand again to comfort her. "I too enjoyed our moment under the Cherry Blossoms, and I hope to have many more moments like that with you. Maybe after this, we can steal away for a bit in the library, I do not think we have much tomorrow other than preparations for the wedding, we could stay up late in your library. I am glad you like my people's traditions but I think we should also be mindful of your own traditions. As for mingling, I would like for you to accompany me, and make introductions, so I am not coming in without any context. If you are uncomfortable, maybe I could ask the King, your father, or the Queen, your mother to accompany me if that is ok?"

 

[Silverwings]

"I will accompany you if it will please you," Sevora said with a smile. She much preferred the idea of being up late in the tower with him, "Come, lets mingle. I know of a few people that may be interested in meeting you. Cousins of mine."

She took, offering the prince her hand. When he stood, she hooked her arm on his and led him around the ballroom to a a small group of men and women of varying ages. The eldest was a man of Nevri's age, who's features were almost deer like. Sevora greeted the man and his small group of company, "Galen, it is nice to see you again."

"Your highnesses. It is a pleasure to see you, Princess," The man spoke. His voice was crisp and clear, without fault or stutter. He bowed politely before the two, "And a pleasure to meet you, your highness."

 

[Eonivar]

"It is an honor to meet you Galen..." The rest of the gala went on with Rhonin being introduced to many. He seemed to become more energetic as they went along, he became fast friends with Galen and many of her cousins, he learned to dance an Asterian court dance very quickly. Sevora had to try and pry some of her female friends away from him as they had become entranced by him and his charm, particularly after he learned the dance so well, there were several of them asking him to dance with them.

He spoke to many of the older Lords and Lady's as well, he was very respectful of them. He was good at reading people with a look and a quick word. Sevora noticed that the Lords and Ladys that were trying to manipulate or did not have good intentions Rhonin tended to keep those conversations short, were as some of the kinder and good folk he would linger on with and tell sort stories, and dance with.

He even spoke to Lord Farold. Lord Farold still did not seem to approve of him and yet seemed pleased that the Prince went out of his way to talk to him and speak to him on the level. Sevora suspected that Lord Farold would no longer be so disdainful of Rhonin going forward. It was a step in the right direction.

Sevora's growing weariness of the gala did not go unnoticed by Rhonin. He wondered how long she would be able to do this, as he felt it was important he get to know these people. He finished a dance with one of her cousins and then took Sevora by the arm and lead her quietly out of the ballroom and proceeded over to the tower, on the walkway across he paused in the doorway turning to her.

"Sevora, thank you for indulging my need to meet your people, I know it is tiring on you but I feel it is important to establish good relationships for later when we will probably be the ambassadors for our peoples in a way and way later on, as rulers. First impressions are very important for two people who have been at war for generations and do not really know each other at all."

He paused for a moment, turning his head to be partially in the shadow of the doorway, and then back to where the moonlight shown on his darker features, the tattoos on his face seemed to reflect the moonlight in a way. An uneasy look crossed his face.

"Sevora, I apologize for asking you earlier if you really knew your people. That was rude of me. It bothered me all night, and I ask for your forgiveness. Everyone is different and handles their people differently. I had no right to make such an implication. I do not want us to start off on a bad footing, I want to make sure we can talk to each other no matter what."

 

[Silverwings]

Sevora smiled, "I know my people. I know many of the noble men and women and some of the common folk. It may seem as though I never leave my tower, but I actually socialize with them frequently. It is my duty as a princess after all."

She giggled a bit, "I am glad you could meet so many of them tonight. I am simply not one for this sort of occasion. I prefer to socialize on a smaller scale and a more personal level. I apologize if I seemed a little distant tonight. These events tend to tire me quickly."

She hummed, letting it sink in for a moment, "Shall we spend the rest of the night in each other's company? Watching the stars and talking? I love talking with you."

 

[Eonivar]

Rhonin wondered if her statements and her apology were an acceptance of his apology or not. He had been hoping to pick her up and carry her down into the tower, and maybe sneak in a kiss, as he had been thinking about the warm-cool combination of their touch and lips all day, but he felt unsure even with her giggle and her interest to spend time together, and that maybe he was going a bit too quickly. Usually, he was a very good read of people but he was having difficulty reading Sevora, probably because of his feelings for her.

"I suspected these sort of events wearied you, that is why I decided to come here when we did. The gala will probably still be going on for the next few hours. I forgive you for being distant, not everyone likes large gatherings like that, and I know that you like your quiet. You and Nevri are similar in that regard. When we go to Ruvio I will make sure Nevri is assigned for your protection. I would love to spend time with you, if you will have me."

He looked down at the ground, still feeling awful. "Sevora, I still feel bad for implying that you did not know your people, Of course, you do, I have only known you two days and had already started making wrong assumptions. I feel as if I had done you wrong."

 

[Silverwings]

Sevora gently touched his cheek, "I forgive you, my prince. Let us go to the tower now. I would be much happier there with you."

As she spoke, Sevora pressed her forehead to his, "I know you didn't mean to upset me. And you didn't. I may have been upset but not by you or your words or actions. "

She smiled. He reminded her of a poor little puppy that had been scolded too harshly. The way his ears sat back and his head was lowered. She was amused by this, though her heart ached at the sight, "Please dont scold yourself for this. It pains me to see you saddened."

 

[Eonivar]

Sevora's voice and her touch seemed to cause his guilt to fade away. He needed to hear he was forgiven and she did so. Her cool skin against his own felt so wonderful.

Forehead to forehead his violet eyes looked into hers.

"I am new at this, I have never been in such a relationship, I am new at us...Sevora, I do not want to cause something that would tear us apart, we are not married yet, but I already feel a strong connection with you and it would wound me so if we were to come apart, so I worry about every little thing. I do not want to lose you. I have been waiting for you for years." He paused and reached up and traced the line of her jaw.

He gently pulled her into the tower, just past the door on the upper landing of the winding stairs, and then shut the door, the upper stairs were in dim light. He then leaned her against the door and kissed her.

 

[Silverwings]

Sevora smiled, happy to kiss her fiance. She allowed for her hand to cup his cheek sweetly. She had never been taught Ruvian ways or how to be affectionate, and yet it came so naturally. Touching his face, his hands, his arms. Even the kissing came naturally to her. She could agree that there was some powerful bond between them, ans the idea thst something might separate them was a nightmare to her.

After a few moments, the princess broke their kiss, only to step closer and rest her head on his shoulder. She loved his warmth. Standing like this, she could hear the calming sound of his heartbeat and breathing, "It has been a long night. I must admit this entire time I had only been wanting to escape here to the tower with you."

 

[Eonivar]

After their kiss, Rhonin wrapped his arms around her and held her close. It was a wonderful feeling. His heart was beating rapidly. "I was not sure what to expect coming here, but it felt like the best thing to do." He leaned down and kissed her on top of her head. "I just wanted to go somewhere, where we did not have to worry about traditions, titles, or expectations or anything. Where we could just be Rhonin and Sevora for a time."

He held on to her, he did not want to let her go. "After traveling with only a few others for five years and coming back to the burden of being a Prince, seeing all your friends and family changed, even after five years, it was a shock to be certain. When you are around others all the time, you do not notice the change in them as the years go on. But everyone was different and treated me very differently than they used to. Even my very own twin sister. I questioned myself, I wondered what I had become. I felt alienated from my own people and family. But as soon as we met, as soon as we touched and talked. I found myself again, and I seemed to be more comfortable in even dealing with my own people than I had before. I found myself again in you Sevora. And I wanted this moment and hopefully many, many more moments for us to be together, so I can keep finding out what we are going to be."

 

[Silverwings]

Sevora looked up at him, "I have never been one to enjoy another's touch or attention. But with you it comes so naturally. And I find it so comforting. Perhaps the reason you found yourself once more with me is because we connected so easily."

She paused for a moment before giggling. She joked easily with him now, "Have you charmed me, my prince? I am certain I would have easily fallen for you without a love spell. You are more than charming enough. "

The princess looked over the prince's face, taking in his features. He was handsome. In Asterian culture tattoos were unheard of. Not because it was frowned upon, but because they were viewed as a working class thing to have. People like blacksmiths and butcher's would mark themselves with their line of work in order to communicate past language barriers. Despite this, Sevora found the prince's marking to be very attractive. It was not a thing she had grown up on, but the princess found them wonderful.

She reached up, gently touching the markings on Rhonin's cheek, tracing them lightly. The glow from the crystals and the moonlight being the only thing that illuminated the couple, Sevora found the moment to be romantic. He voice was soft, as if to avoid breaking something precious, "You are so handsome. I might wonder if you are just a dream. It would be cruel to wake from this."

She glanced now at his lips. The memory of the warm-cold kiss dancing in her mind once more. How could something so foreign feel so right? She wouldn't question it long before planting a gentle kiss to his lips.

 

[Eonivar]

Rhonin lingered long into that kiss. He reached down and picked her up, cradling her in his arms, and carried her down the curving stairway along the wall of the tower into the library proper. The library was dimly and warmly lit with the floating lights that the Asteria used. It was a comfortable summer night, although clouds were rolling in which meant rain for the next day. Still, Rhonin was warm in the stuffy uniform, even though he had the nice cool Sevora against him, he wanted to feel it more. He set her down on the couch and unbuttoned his uniform jacket. "Do you mind if I take this off, it is a bit warm, even with you near me?"

 

[Silverwings]

"Of course," Sevora answered, "I know the uniform can be a little much after a few hours, even for Asterians. You must be dying in it, as warm as you are."

She paused momentarily, thinking for a moment, "I dont believe you have had the chance to really tell me of your travels. Will you tell me your stories? I would love you hear them. You must have so many. Seen so many things. I can only imagine."

 

[Eonivar]

Rhonin was relieved and finished unbuttoning the jacket and removed it, setting it on one of the chairs. Underneath he wore a sleeveless, tight-fitting dark v-neck tunic. She saw more of his arms and tattoos, more of his physique. He grinned at her question. He sat down on the couch next to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "My travels? Where should I start? There was a lot to see in five years. Sailing on the ocean? The human cities across the sea? The Dwarves? The Halflings? The Gnomes? What would you like to know about first? I do not have my journal here either, so I do not have my drawings to show you."