Chapter 3
Raistlin sat regarding Mora sullenly.
The two had been meeting at Crystalmir Lake for some time now, usually on the days Raistlin didn't have classes and the days that Mora didn't work. Raistlin found that he enjoyed her company and looked forward to their meetings; Mora was one of the only people who liked having him around, and not for the sake of being nearer to Caramon. She was also the only one who could bring a true smile to Raistlin's lips, admittedly a small one, but more importantly, she listened to him speak of magic and she put in her own knowledge and understood what he was talking about. No one so far had been able to do that. Today however, they spoke of a different topic, one which Raistlin particularly didn't like. Now that spring was over and summer had finally arrived, the annual Summer Dance was to be held this night in Solace. All of the town's venders, and some from other nearby towns, were setting up their booths.
Raistlin viewed such events as a waste of time and energy, in general hating the things, while Mora was looking forward to it.
"You have to admit, Raistlin," Mora said persuasively, "It sounds like a lot of fun. Everyone gets dressed up, girls in their nicest dresses, guys in their nicest shirts, or robes," she said nudging him gently. "I even bought a new dress from Mr. Adius's shop. You would probably have a good time." Raistlin rolled his eyes. "Besides," she said, ignoring that last gesture, "I won't have a good time if you don't show."
"Then stay home. There, I've solved your problem." he replied. "Dancing in lines, circles, and squares sounds like so much fun, though, so I can see your dilemma."
"Give me a break, Raistlin. You don't have to dance if you don't want to, or if it's just those kinds of dances you don't like, you can dance to the slow songs."
"And whom would I dance with?" he asked sharply. "Who would dance with me, when Caramon and other much more skilled dancers are panting at the sidelines?" Mora laughed, having long ago found out that Raistlin wasn't one of the town's "popular men", or so to speak. She also knew that this caused him a lot of anger and pain, although he never outright said it. Raistlin fixed the gaze on her that "shivered" Flint's skin. Mora wasn't dissuaded from her goal of getting him to go in the least.
"I would," she said. She stood up and brushed off her clothes. "So, are you coming?" she asked one last time.
Raistlin's mouth twisted into a grin as he regarded Mora, who was standing with her arms crossed. "... Yes, I'll be there."
"See you tonight." she said as she went down the path that led her home, quicker than if she walked with Raistlin.
Raistlin picked up a smooth rock and went to the water's edge, peering down at his reflection. "I swore that I would never again try to find someone for myself, after Miranda," he said softly to himself. "Yet, here I am now, falling into the same trap that caught me once before. But this time it's different. I would have stopped my studying of magic for Miranda, if she had asked. Mora pushes me toward my goal of becoming a true magus, wants me to reach it. I had hoped that Miranda would bring out the good in me, and banish my ugly traits; hatred, bitterness, scorn, jealousy, ambition, pride. Mora understands them, she accepts them and me, for what I am, making me feel as though I need not change, if I am content with myself. What I felt for Miranda was a quick infatuation, one that left me hurt not because she didn't like me, but because she had chosen good, amicable, and loving Caramon over me.
"I had thought that I was to be alone, that no girl would ever consider me when they had stronger, kinder men to choose from. But Mora..." Raistlin threw the rock into the water, dispelling his image. He folded his hands into the sleeves of his robes and began the trek home, surprised at the realization that he actually looked forward to this night, and the dance. He speeded up his pace when he gazed upward and saw the position of the sun in the sky. In less then an hour, the sun would go down, and the nights festivities would begin. Raistlin intended to be there on time.
"Caramon, what are you doing in my room?" asked Raistlin calmly. Caramon had been riffling through Raistlin's drawer, somewhere that he had been forbidden to ever search through.
"Oh, hi Raist. Your home early from your walk (this was the excuse he had been giving Caramon for where he was when he was with Mora, the same one she used on her aunt; it saved all of the questions). Don't be mad, but I was looking through your drawers for your brush. I can' find mine, and the dance starts soon and-"
"Here, Caramon," said Raistlin, pushing the brush into his hands. He went to his bureau and began looking for his newest robe, purchased in the very beginning of spring.
"Th-thanks, Raist," Caramon said, unsure of what had brought on this unexpected understanding from his brother. "I can't wait for tonight. All the dancing, food, and Miranda," he said, sighing sadly. "I need to talk to her tonight. I heard that she's engaged to the miller's son, Joshua. I hope it's just a rumor..." he paused a moment, to honor his heart that would "break" if the rumor was true. "Well, I'm not going to let it ruin tonight. I'm going to have a good time; Mora promised me a dance."
Raistlin stopped what he was doing and, with his face drawn tight, he faced Caramon. "What?"
"Mora's going, didn't you know? Anyway, I was with some of the other guys and we got to talking and she promised us each a dance."
Raistlin withdrew from the bureau and sat at his desk, not looking at Caramon. "Leave."
"Are you alright? You look pale. Are you getting sick?"
"I'm fine. Now leave," he snapped. Caramon walked out, wondering what he had said to change his brother's mood so rapidly.
Raistlin slammed his fist onto the desk once Caramon had left. 'How could I have been so foolish? Again, I let my emotions cloud the truth. She pities me, that's why she asked me to go. Poor Raistlin, all alone at home, like an old maid. She didn't ask me to go because she wanted me there for herself.' he thought, hurt. 'But I'll not go, why would I now? Caramon wins again.' Raistlin blinked back the tears that had suddenly filled his eyes and cursed the emotions he had no control over.
Mora finished applying the blue powder, which her aunt had made from plants she had never seen, to her eyelids. She checked to make sure the clips in her hair would hold the whole night. She stood up and walked to her room where her aunt sat, staring at the dress Mora would be wearing. Mistress Meggin had a far away look in her eyes as she touched the soft material. It was a pale blue, sleeveless gown with an almost scandalously low neckline. With a tight bodice and a skirt lined with layers, in it she would look as elegant as a lady of Palthanas. She joined her aunt and gave her a hug.
"You should put your dress on, love," said Mistress Meggin. "I can hear outside; the dance has just started."
"Are you sure you don't want to come?"
"Mora, I have never attended such events and I don't wish to start now." she said as she patted Mora on the head.
"Just because you've never gone before doesn't mean that you wouldn't enjoy going now. I even got Raistlin to say-" she cut herself off in mid sentence, and picked up the dress. "You know, it is getting late. Here, help me get this on."
"So, that's who he is," she said as Mora fidgeted under her gaze. Mistress Meggin laughed. "Child, you don't get as old as me and believe your young, beautiful niece takes walks every chance she gets. I knew you where spending time with a young man from town, but I just wasn't sure which one."
Mora looked at her aunt and she pursed her lips. "It's not what you think."
"If you say so, Mora. I think you should hurry and put your dress on so that you don't keep him waiting too long," she said as she helped Mora unhook the clasps of the dress she had on.
Almost all of the people of Solace had showed up. Couples were talking and twirling in the dance area. The minstrels that had been hired for the occasion had done a good job thus far, and the evening passed pleasantly. Flint had set up shop, in hopes of selling some jewelry to young men, courting the young women. Of course Tas was with him, inadvertently taking things from the people, just to have Flint return them with an apology.
After Flint had almost smacked Tas, he decided to sit with Mora, who graced him with a dance and talked with him. But even she couldn't hold his attention long, and he went off soon left to bother the minstrels. Mora had danced with many of the young men, all of whom had asked for another round and all of whom received declines. But true to her words, Mora hadn't danced to a single slow song, saying she needed a rest when she was asked. Now she sat glumly at a table, waiting for Raistlin to arrive. She tapped the side of her untasted glass of wine, courtesy of a young
man who sat at a nearby table, and her spirits brightened when she saw Caramon coming her way.
"Hi Mora. Wanna dance?" Before she could say anything, Caramon led her to the dancing space as an upbeat song started.
Mora fell into step with Caramon and said, "I thought Raistlin was coming. Where is he?"
"Raistlin never comes to these dances. He said he was going to sleep when I left the house." Caramon spun Mora around and into a low dip.
"Sleep? No, he's coming, maybe you didn't hear him right," Mora said, shaking her head.
"I don't think so. He was pretty clear about it." The song came to an end. Mora turned and started up a staircase leading to the treetop buildings of Solace. "Where are you going? The dance has barely begun," called Caramon.
"I forgot to do something before I left my house." she called back as she climbed the stairs.
Caramon shrugged and decided to go looking for Miranda.
Mora held the hem of her skirt in her hand as she walked along. There wasn't anyone on the boardwalk, except for one couple, who were trying to be inconspicuous in the shadows. Mora shook her head and continued on her way. She finally reached the home she sought, not her own but Raistlin's. She strode up to the door and knocked loudly. Raistlin yanked the door open. "How is it Caramon, that you can't even remember to grab your key before--Mora," he said, surprised. "What are you doing here? You should be at the dance." he said, trying not to notice the way she looked in the blue gown she wore.
"I might ask you the same thing. How dare you stand me up."
Raistlin rocked back on his heels, not sure of what to make of the anger and coldness that was apparent in her voice. "I felt there was no need for me to come. You were obviously going to have a good time with all the men you'd be dancing with," he returned just as coldly.
"So this is what it's all about. You being jealous over my dancing with other people. By the gods, Raistlin, that is the tradition of the Summer Dance; all single women asked to dance must accept at least once, unless they decide to dance with the same person. So while you were up here, I was down there dancing with every guy who asked and making excuses as to why I wouldn't dance to the slower songs, which I was saving for you."
Raistlin closed the door and stepped onto the boardwalk.
The minstrels started playing a slow ballad. "I came to get my dance."
Raistlin nod was barely visible as he came close to her. He awkwardly lifted his hands, not knowing where to put them. Mora gently took his hands in her own and placed them on her hips and she reached up and crossed her arms over the back of his neck. Slowly, she began to sway and then step to the song, letting Raistlin get a feel for the music. At first, he moved stiffly, but he loosened up as the song progressed. Mora gazed into Raistlin's eyes, not saying anything. She placed her head on his shoulder, and his breathing, as well as her's, came shallow at their nearness. Minutes later, the song ended but Mora remained in Raistlin's embrace.
"Raistlin, I," she whispered in his ear. She didn't get to finish what she was going to say, however, for Tas had climbed onto their stage and had knocked one of the minstrels from his perch, causing a loud clang of falling instruments, and the two to jump apart. They both looked over the guardrail to see the minstrel threatening to kill Tas. The town guard was found and he escorted Tas away and Flint, complaining the whole time, handed over money to the musician. Mora straightened and turned to Raistlin, who was staring at her. She licked her lips and gave him a wavering smile. "Thanks for the dance. I guess I forgive you from not showing." she said, drawing a smile from Raistlin. "I'll see you later, Raistlin," she said, starting to leave.
"Mora," Raistlin called. She turned around, an excited look on her face. Raistlin had been going to ask her to stay a while, but he lost his nerve. "Goodnight," he managed to say. She waved and took off down the dark boardwalk, leaving Raistlin with the fading memory of her in his arms.
Raistlin sat regarding Mora sullenly.
The two had been meeting at Crystalmir Lake for some time now, usually on the days Raistlin didn't have classes and the days that Mora didn't work. Raistlin found that he enjoyed her company and looked forward to their meetings; Mora was one of the only people who liked having him around, and not for the sake of being nearer to Caramon. She was also the only one who could bring a true smile to Raistlin's lips, admittedly a small one, but more importantly, she listened to him speak of magic and she put in her own knowledge and understood what he was talking about. No one so far had been able to do that. Today however, they spoke of a different topic, one which Raistlin particularly didn't like. Now that spring was over and summer had finally arrived, the annual Summer Dance was to be held this night in Solace. All of the town's venders, and some from other nearby towns, were setting up their booths.
Raistlin viewed such events as a waste of time and energy, in general hating the things, while Mora was looking forward to it.
"You have to admit, Raistlin," Mora said persuasively, "It sounds like a lot of fun. Everyone gets dressed up, girls in their nicest dresses, guys in their nicest shirts, or robes," she said nudging him gently. "I even bought a new dress from Mr. Adius's shop. You would probably have a good time." Raistlin rolled his eyes. "Besides," she said, ignoring that last gesture, "I won't have a good time if you don't show."
"Then stay home. There, I've solved your problem." he replied. "Dancing in lines, circles, and squares sounds like so much fun, though, so I can see your dilemma."
"Give me a break, Raistlin. You don't have to dance if you don't want to, or if it's just those kinds of dances you don't like, you can dance to the slow songs."
"And whom would I dance with?" he asked sharply. "Who would dance with me, when Caramon and other much more skilled dancers are panting at the sidelines?" Mora laughed, having long ago found out that Raistlin wasn't one of the town's "popular men", or so to speak. She also knew that this caused him a lot of anger and pain, although he never outright said it. Raistlin fixed the gaze on her that "shivered" Flint's skin. Mora wasn't dissuaded from her goal of getting him to go in the least.
"I would," she said. She stood up and brushed off her clothes. "So, are you coming?" she asked one last time.
Raistlin's mouth twisted into a grin as he regarded Mora, who was standing with her arms crossed. "... Yes, I'll be there."
"See you tonight." she said as she went down the path that led her home, quicker than if she walked with Raistlin.
Raistlin picked up a smooth rock and went to the water's edge, peering down at his reflection. "I swore that I would never again try to find someone for myself, after Miranda," he said softly to himself. "Yet, here I am now, falling into the same trap that caught me once before. But this time it's different. I would have stopped my studying of magic for Miranda, if she had asked. Mora pushes me toward my goal of becoming a true magus, wants me to reach it. I had hoped that Miranda would bring out the good in me, and banish my ugly traits; hatred, bitterness, scorn, jealousy, ambition, pride. Mora understands them, she accepts them and me, for what I am, making me feel as though I need not change, if I am content with myself. What I felt for Miranda was a quick infatuation, one that left me hurt not because she didn't like me, but because she had chosen good, amicable, and loving Caramon over me.
"I had thought that I was to be alone, that no girl would ever consider me when they had stronger, kinder men to choose from. But Mora..." Raistlin threw the rock into the water, dispelling his image. He folded his hands into the sleeves of his robes and began the trek home, surprised at the realization that he actually looked forward to this night, and the dance. He speeded up his pace when he gazed upward and saw the position of the sun in the sky. In less then an hour, the sun would go down, and the nights festivities would begin. Raistlin intended to be there on time.
"Caramon, what are you doing in my room?" asked Raistlin calmly. Caramon had been riffling through Raistlin's drawer, somewhere that he had been forbidden to ever search through.
"Oh, hi Raist. Your home early from your walk (this was the excuse he had been giving Caramon for where he was when he was with Mora, the same one she used on her aunt; it saved all of the questions). Don't be mad, but I was looking through your drawers for your brush. I can' find mine, and the dance starts soon and-"
"Here, Caramon," said Raistlin, pushing the brush into his hands. He went to his bureau and began looking for his newest robe, purchased in the very beginning of spring.
"Th-thanks, Raist," Caramon said, unsure of what had brought on this unexpected understanding from his brother. "I can't wait for tonight. All the dancing, food, and Miranda," he said, sighing sadly. "I need to talk to her tonight. I heard that she's engaged to the miller's son, Joshua. I hope it's just a rumor..." he paused a moment, to honor his heart that would "break" if the rumor was true. "Well, I'm not going to let it ruin tonight. I'm going to have a good time; Mora promised me a dance."
Raistlin stopped what he was doing and, with his face drawn tight, he faced Caramon. "What?"
"Mora's going, didn't you know? Anyway, I was with some of the other guys and we got to talking and she promised us each a dance."
Raistlin withdrew from the bureau and sat at his desk, not looking at Caramon. "Leave."
"Are you alright? You look pale. Are you getting sick?"
"I'm fine. Now leave," he snapped. Caramon walked out, wondering what he had said to change his brother's mood so rapidly.
Raistlin slammed his fist onto the desk once Caramon had left. 'How could I have been so foolish? Again, I let my emotions cloud the truth. She pities me, that's why she asked me to go. Poor Raistlin, all alone at home, like an old maid. She didn't ask me to go because she wanted me there for herself.' he thought, hurt. 'But I'll not go, why would I now? Caramon wins again.' Raistlin blinked back the tears that had suddenly filled his eyes and cursed the emotions he had no control over.
Mora finished applying the blue powder, which her aunt had made from plants she had never seen, to her eyelids. She checked to make sure the clips in her hair would hold the whole night. She stood up and walked to her room where her aunt sat, staring at the dress Mora would be wearing. Mistress Meggin had a far away look in her eyes as she touched the soft material. It was a pale blue, sleeveless gown with an almost scandalously low neckline. With a tight bodice and a skirt lined with layers, in it she would look as elegant as a lady of Palthanas. She joined her aunt and gave her a hug.
"You should put your dress on, love," said Mistress Meggin. "I can hear outside; the dance has just started."
"Are you sure you don't want to come?"
"Mora, I have never attended such events and I don't wish to start now." she said as she patted Mora on the head.
"Just because you've never gone before doesn't mean that you wouldn't enjoy going now. I even got Raistlin to say-" she cut herself off in mid sentence, and picked up the dress. "You know, it is getting late. Here, help me get this on."
"So, that's who he is," she said as Mora fidgeted under her gaze. Mistress Meggin laughed. "Child, you don't get as old as me and believe your young, beautiful niece takes walks every chance she gets. I knew you where spending time with a young man from town, but I just wasn't sure which one."
Mora looked at her aunt and she pursed her lips. "It's not what you think."
"If you say so, Mora. I think you should hurry and put your dress on so that you don't keep him waiting too long," she said as she helped Mora unhook the clasps of the dress she had on.
Almost all of the people of Solace had showed up. Couples were talking and twirling in the dance area. The minstrels that had been hired for the occasion had done a good job thus far, and the evening passed pleasantly. Flint had set up shop, in hopes of selling some jewelry to young men, courting the young women. Of course Tas was with him, inadvertently taking things from the people, just to have Flint return them with an apology.
After Flint had almost smacked Tas, he decided to sit with Mora, who graced him with a dance and talked with him. But even she couldn't hold his attention long, and he went off soon left to bother the minstrels. Mora had danced with many of the young men, all of whom had asked for another round and all of whom received declines. But true to her words, Mora hadn't danced to a single slow song, saying she needed a rest when she was asked. Now she sat glumly at a table, waiting for Raistlin to arrive. She tapped the side of her untasted glass of wine, courtesy of a young
man who sat at a nearby table, and her spirits brightened when she saw Caramon coming her way.
"Hi Mora. Wanna dance?" Before she could say anything, Caramon led her to the dancing space as an upbeat song started.
Mora fell into step with Caramon and said, "I thought Raistlin was coming. Where is he?"
"Raistlin never comes to these dances. He said he was going to sleep when I left the house." Caramon spun Mora around and into a low dip.
"Sleep? No, he's coming, maybe you didn't hear him right," Mora said, shaking her head.
"I don't think so. He was pretty clear about it." The song came to an end. Mora turned and started up a staircase leading to the treetop buildings of Solace. "Where are you going? The dance has barely begun," called Caramon.
"I forgot to do something before I left my house." she called back as she climbed the stairs.
Caramon shrugged and decided to go looking for Miranda.
Mora held the hem of her skirt in her hand as she walked along. There wasn't anyone on the boardwalk, except for one couple, who were trying to be inconspicuous in the shadows. Mora shook her head and continued on her way. She finally reached the home she sought, not her own but Raistlin's. She strode up to the door and knocked loudly. Raistlin yanked the door open. "How is it Caramon, that you can't even remember to grab your key before--Mora," he said, surprised. "What are you doing here? You should be at the dance." he said, trying not to notice the way she looked in the blue gown she wore.
"I might ask you the same thing. How dare you stand me up."
Raistlin rocked back on his heels, not sure of what to make of the anger and coldness that was apparent in her voice. "I felt there was no need for me to come. You were obviously going to have a good time with all the men you'd be dancing with," he returned just as coldly.
"So this is what it's all about. You being jealous over my dancing with other people. By the gods, Raistlin, that is the tradition of the Summer Dance; all single women asked to dance must accept at least once, unless they decide to dance with the same person. So while you were up here, I was down there dancing with every guy who asked and making excuses as to why I wouldn't dance to the slower songs, which I was saving for you."
Raistlin closed the door and stepped onto the boardwalk.
The minstrels started playing a slow ballad. "I came to get my dance."
Raistlin nod was barely visible as he came close to her. He awkwardly lifted his hands, not knowing where to put them. Mora gently took his hands in her own and placed them on her hips and she reached up and crossed her arms over the back of his neck. Slowly, she began to sway and then step to the song, letting Raistlin get a feel for the music. At first, he moved stiffly, but he loosened up as the song progressed. Mora gazed into Raistlin's eyes, not saying anything. She placed her head on his shoulder, and his breathing, as well as her's, came shallow at their nearness. Minutes later, the song ended but Mora remained in Raistlin's embrace.
"Raistlin, I," she whispered in his ear. She didn't get to finish what she was going to say, however, for Tas had climbed onto their stage and had knocked one of the minstrels from his perch, causing a loud clang of falling instruments, and the two to jump apart. They both looked over the guardrail to see the minstrel threatening to kill Tas. The town guard was found and he escorted Tas away and Flint, complaining the whole time, handed over money to the musician. Mora straightened and turned to Raistlin, who was staring at her. She licked her lips and gave him a wavering smile. "Thanks for the dance. I guess I forgive you from not showing." she said, drawing a smile from Raistlin. "I'll see you later, Raistlin," she said, starting to leave.
"Mora," Raistlin called. She turned around, an excited look on her face. Raistlin had been going to ask her to stay a while, but he lost his nerve. "Goodnight," he managed to say. She waved and took off down the dark boardwalk, leaving Raistlin with the fading memory of her in his arms.
