Light was streaming from nearly every window of the manor house, lighting up the courtyard as Quistis approached. The sounds of people talking, laughing, and music playing reached her ears, and she looked at the servant who was escorting them with a raised eyebrow.
"Oh, it's tonight?!" Nadiana exclaimed suddenly behind her.
"What's tonight?" she asked, puzzled.
"The Harvest Ball," Geral responded, winking at his brother. "Every year at harvest, the Vanderstylls throw at least one big party, usually two or three. They invite everyone in Starvale, everybody dances and drinks and generally has a good time."
"Oh," she said quietly. She hadn't expected this, and certainly hadn't packed any clothes for it. Inwardly she shrugged. She probably wouldn't enjoy it, anyway. She didn't really know anyone here in Starvale, and she certainly didn't have anyone to dance with…
They reached the front door, and found Gefrey waiting for them. "Good evening!" he greeted them. "How did everything go?" he asked as he escorted them into the foyer. Dried floral arrangements in harvest colors, pumpkins, blooming chrysanthemums, and fat orange and yellow pillar candles were everywhere. From the light and noise, the party was in full swing beyond the huge oak doors that led into the manor's ballroom.
Quistis paused. "I would like to speak to you about it later, more privately."
He raised a hopeful eyebrow. "Good news, I hope. Well, later it shall be. You must attend the ball!"
She took a step towards the left sweeping staircase that led upstairs and to her room. "I'm sorry, I didn't bring anything appropriate to wear."
"Ah, I see." Gefrey sighed. "That's too bad, Ms. Trepe, because it is a truly splendid party. Well, I'll send someone up with some supper, or you can take the back stairs down to the kitchen. I shall see you in the morning."
Quistis nodded graciously and ascended the wide, carpeted stairs. She ran her hand along the smooth wood of the banister as she walked up, before reaching the balcony and turning down the hallway. The thick carpet muffled her steps as she walked down the quiet, dimly lit hallway. She reached her room and opened the door, reaching around the corner to flick the light on before entering. She noticed immediately that someone—one of the servants, likely—had lit a small fire in the fireplace, warming the room and giving it a cheery, rosy glow. She dropped her bags on the floor and head towards the bathroom, determined to wash the trail dirt away, but stopped as her gaze fell on the bed.
There was a large white box, wrapped in a blue ribbon, sitting on the foot of the bed. Her eyes narrowed, her mercenary instincts warning her against opening it.
But then, I'm sure Gefrey must have known about it, since it came into his house, she reasoned. Despite the warnings in the back of her mind, she reached for it, pulling off the soft, velvety ribbon and removing the lid. She reached in, pulled back the white tissue paper, and gasped.
It was made of dark blue velvet that felt as smooth as silk to her fingertips as she carefully lifted it from the box. The fabric shimmered in the light as the dress unfurled to the floor, somehow reminding Quistis of starlight. It was sleevless, with a high neck in the front, the back cut open in a oval. In the box beneath the dress was a pair of strappy, silver shoes.
There were no tags on either, but Quistis could tell they were her size. She held the velvety fabric against her cheek, wondering. Who could've sent this?
I think you should go, a little voice said inside her head.
Why? she argued with herself. It's just a silly party.
Oh, come on, Trepe. She believed her mind voice actually sounded exasperated with herself. Let loose and enjoy yourself for a little while. Don't worry about who sent it. Maybe it was Gefrey, knowing you wouldn't have packed anything like this. You're not being graded here, this is no high profile, high pressure, better-get-it-done-right-away mission. Relax!
She sighed. Telling herself the whole way that she shouldn't be doing this, she headed for the bathroom.
The ballroom was alive, teeming with every color known, swirling around on the dance floor in ladies gowns and brightly dotting the long banquet tables laden with dozens of succulent dishes. Hundreds of tiny lights had been strung from the banister of the second floor balcony that ran all around the ballroom, drawing the viewer's eyes up and to the great chandelier, a wrought black iron construction that held hundreds of little, artificial candles. The musicians sat on a slightly elevated stage in the corner, currently playing a traditional country reel, which many residents of Starvale were dancing joyously to in familiar, practiced steps. Lord Gefrey and Lady Elana sat at the head table, directly across from the massive oak doors, looking over the revelry and enjoying their meal, stopping occasionally to share a brief smile and comment with one of their guests.
Gabriel leaned back in his chair, sipping slowly at his glass of wine as he surveyed the crowd. He had already turned away a few young ladies who had come boldy to ask him to dance, and was content for the moment to sit and watch the young people whirling and laughing on the dance floor. He sat there, soaking up the warmth and the laughter, so different from the cold, lonely road he had just left behind him, knowing he would be called to it again someday soon. He closed his eyes briefly, letting the smells and sounds fill his other senses. When he again opened his brooding, amethyst eyes, she was there.
He spotted her from across the room, looking a little bit of uncomfortable and a great deal of lonely. The cascading mane of soft, silky hair shone like spun gold in the bright light of the ballroom, the dark blue dress softly hugging her toned, womanly curves down to her hips before falling gracefully to the floor. The hue of the dress seemed to bring out the brilliant blue of her eyes, and he almost shivered when those sapphire orbs seemed to meet his for a brief instant.
Quistis took a steadying breath before stepping out from under the balcony's sheltering shadow and making her way across the ballroom floor. She flowed between the myriad of people easily, glancing around for Lord Gefrey. She spotted him sitting at the head table, and walked in his direction.
I'll just say hello to Lord Gefrey, get something to eat, and then retire, she assured herself. After all, I don't know anyone, so there'll be no dancing, and no one knows me, really, so I won't be missed when I go.
She had expected something like the SeeD graduation ball, and at first, it did seem similar. As she moved out among the people, however, she realized there was a difference. There was no awkwardness here, except perhaps among some of the young people whose hormones had put them in that stage. At SeeD graduation balls, the students gathered to meet and get to know each other, often for the first time. These guests had known each other for years, some for generations. There was a friendliness and openness here that she had never felt before. Surely, SeeD had often felt like a family, but not like this. She felt a wave of loneliness sweep over her, as she lamented all the emotions she had never known that these people held cupped in their farmer's hands.
As she walked, she let her gaze wander around the edge of the room. She caught of glimpse of a flash of purple that seemed somehow familiar, but a pair of dancers spun into her line of sight.
He watched her glide her way towards Lord Gefrey's table, moving through the shifting crowd of people with ease. He took a final, determined drink of his wine and stood up. He smoothed down his jacket, straightened the rose that was pinned to his lapel, and began walking.
"Ms. Trepe!" Gefrey smiled warmly at the blonde SeeD. "I'm so glad you changed your mind!"
Quistis smile back tentatively. "Yes, well, the dress was just so beautiful, I thought it would be a shame not to wear it…" There…maybe that'll get him to admit to sending it.
Lady Elana looked it over with an approving eye. "Yes, it is quite lovely, dear. Wherever did you get it?"
"Yes," Gefrey agreed, "I thought you said you had nothing appropriate to wear."
Quistis frowned. "Well, I'm not sure…It was on my bed…"
"Ah, the package that came for you this afternoon," Gefrey nodded, remembering. "Benton said he had looked into it, and it seemed harmless enough, so he had it sent to your room."
"Did anyone say who it came from?"
"Well, no, actually…"
"If I may interrupt," a smooth, melodic tenor that sent unexpected shivers down Quistis's spine interjected, "but I would like to ask the lady for a dance."
She turned to face the speaker, and even though she recognized him, she could not quite contain the tiny gasp that escaped her lips at the stunning sight. His ebony hair was tied back away from his face, allowing a full view of his breathtakingly handsome features. He wore a collarless steel gray shirt with flat black buttons, pressed charcoal pants and a matching jacket. A red rose stood out in all its crimson glory against his breast, its soft, silky petals echoing the fluidity of his movements.
"So," he said softly, "will you dance, Lady Wanderer?"
For a minute, he didn't think she was going to answer him. Her brilliant sapphire eyes bored into him, searching. She seemed to be silently arguing with herself, contemplating his invitation. For a moment, he felt the tiniest of butterflies flutter briefly in his stomach.
What is wrong with you, Andovar, he chided himself roughly. Everything is right on target. This will work. You've done it a hundred times before. This is no different.
She had to remind herself to breathe in before answering. No, her mind said, but her lips betrayed her.
"Yes," she replied. Thank Hyne, her voice did not fail her, as she heard it echo in her ears, strong and confident. "But first, I should like to eat something. So, later?"
Gabriel wasn't sure if that was quite the response he had been looking for or not, but he decided to make the best of it. "Well, if that is the case, ma'am, then allow me to escort you to the tables." He offered his arm, throwing a wink at Lord Gefrey. "Hyne knows these farmer boys can be downright animals when it's feeding time."
Gefrey chuckled, taking the gentle teasing for what it
was. "Do go, Ms. Trepe. Enjoy yourself."
"Do you know Lord Gefrey?" she
asked as they walked towards the banquet tables.
Gabriel shrugged. "As well as any other in Starvale. Lord Gefrey has never made anyone feel he was anything more than his neighboring farmer. When barns are raised, he's there. When it's time for sheep shearing, he's there. He's a part of every wedding and funeral, and not just because he's the town leader, but because he's everyone's friend. That's just the kind of person he is."
Quistis raised an eyebrow at him. "I thought you were a fellow wanderer, Mr…"
"Andovar," he supplied, chuckling softly. "Aye, I wander. I've been off to see the world and make what living I may. But believe me, there aren't many who find their way into Starvale by accident. A few years back, I had a traveling companion who grew up here. We've long since parted ways, but this town…well, it kind of grows on you. It's isolated….untouched by all the craziness in the rest of the world."
"Oh," she said, quieting as they reached the buffet. They remained silent as she put a few things on her plate before making their way to the table Gabriel had been sitting at, located just at the edge of the room, almost beneath the balcony.
"So," Gabriel said at length, after Quistis had eaten much of her meal, "Why are you in Starvale?"
"I…" Quistis stopped for a moment, considering how much she should reveal. "I'm here working for Lord Gefrey for a few months."
"Doing what?"
"Ah…" her brain worked furiously, trying to decide whether to tell the truth or come up with something else. "Doing research for him, about his grandfather."
"I see. That must be exciting," he observed dryly.
She couldn't help but chuckle. "Oh, just thrilling." Her thoughts drifted to the amazing city she had been standing in just a few hours ago, and she turned her attention back to her meal. Gabriel grabbed a couple of glasses of wine from a passing waiter, and sipped at his while she finished her meal. They sat for several long moments, silently observing the people around them and pointedly not looking at each other. Finally, Gabriel stood.
"Well, my lady," he said, "I believe it is now time for that dance."
Just my luck, Quistis thought as they approached the dance floor. The musicians shifted their song, slowing the tempo into a soft, mellow waltz. Then she stole a glance at the man walking beside her. Then again…maybe…
Ah, Trepe, she scolded herself. Get a grip. He can't be too interested…no one ever is. You're reading way too much into this.
Gabriel took her hand in his, resting his other hand gently on her hip. Her skin seemed to tingle where he touched her, and she keenly felt his warmth even through the fabric of her dress. Slowly, they began to move, easing gracefully into the flowing steps of the waltz.
She had an uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach, but it slowly disappeared as they danced and she began to relax. Soon, the people around them began to fade as she focused more and more on this purple eyed warrior who was holding her just a little bit closer.
They were in a ballroom, strung everywhere with bouquets of roses and baby's breath. Green plants lined the walls, and the doorways were decorated with stone archways, giving the whole place the look of a garden. The floor was a highly polished marble, strewn with rose petals.
The music was clearer now, wrapping around them, filling her ears and her heart as she looked up at him. Everything was right, everything was perfect. Tonight was their night, and nothing, no one, was going to spoil it.
Quistis looked up at Gabriel, her eyes puzzled. As his eyes met hers fully, the strangest feeling of familiarity swept over her.
I know you.
"Who are you?" she whispered.
"Excuse me?" Gabriel asked gently. "I'm afraid I didn't hear you."
"Nothing…"
He chuckled. "You are a strange one, Ms. Trepe."
The ballroom faded away, the sounds of the other guests' voices disappearing into the music. Gently he kissed her hair as they danced. Her eyes closed, she smiled softly. Around them the roses fluttered down like rain, creating a hush in the garden, like the silence of a snowfall. Their music became a sweet melody that drifted to them on the wind as they danced alone.
For the first time in her life, Quistis decided not to question, decided to relax and enjoy this brief moment. Tomorrow she'd be back down the mine shafts, and would likely spend many more weeks getting dirty and shivering in the depths, hunting for the Finder's Way. Gabriel would be moving on, and she'd probably never see him again. Reassuring herself of this, she allowed him to pull her a little closer, until all her vision was filled with him, and those entrancing, amethyst eyes…
Suddenly the wind grew cold, whipping her hair into her face and obscuring her vision. He let go, and she stumbled backward, barely catching herself before falling. The garden was illuminated with a few harsh flashes of lightning. How had the storm crept up on them so quickly? She watched him turn to walk away.
"Wait!" she cried. "Where are you going?"
"Our dance is over, sweet rose," he told her bitterly. "But our song will never end. Someday we'll meet again."
Hot tears slipped down her cheeks. "Promise?"
He paused, and she could see his back tense. "I…hope so….Goodbye…"
Sudden, unexpected tears stung Quistis's eyes, and she tore her gaze away from him. Hyne must have been looking out for her, for at that moment, the song ended. She quickly broke away from Gabriel's hold.
"Thank you," she said hurriedly, "but it is late, and I must go. Good night."
Gabriel watched blankly as the blonde woman walked away, towards the doors that would take her out of the ballroom. "Good…night?"
Quistis shut the door and leaned up against it, breathing a deep sigh of relief. She looked around the room quickly before heading for the bathroom, stripping off the dress as she went. A cold shower would make her feel better, would clear her head. Then she would get some sleep. Everything would be normal again in the morning.
She suddenly realized she was holding something. She looked down at her hand.
It was the rose that had been pinned to Gabriel's jacket.
Gabriel stepped into his room, giving it a quick sweeping glance before shutting and locking the door behind him. He took off his jacket, laying it across the back of his chair, and kicked off his shoes. He sat down on the edge of the bed, reaching back and freeing his ebony hair. He ran his fingers through it a few times before looking at the phone sitting on the nightstand.
Suddenly he found himself thinking about her. If he closed his eyes, he could almost smell her, dancing so close to him…
Snap out of it. He told himself sternly. It was just the anticipation of a new pursuit that was sending shivers up his spine. You've done this a hundred times before, she is no different. This will be a little harder…she's a trained warrior, just like you. She's been burned before, so she'll be a little reluctant…
Just like you…
Gabriel shook his head. That was the wine talking. He knew he shouldn't have had that second glass. Gods, Andovar, you're getting clumsy. A cold shower would clear his head. Yes, a shower, and then sleep. Right after he made that phone call….