Chapter 25
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Alberich looked incredulously at her. He let out an explosive sigh and gave a tired look at Kero and Eldan. Phoenix came hand in hand with Silverfox and Firesong pursed his lips at the sight while Alberich displayed more calm and looked at them curiously.
"Stop that Firesong. I wouldn't for a moment turn back time just because everyone can't believe that I love that man," Phoenix raised her arm dramatically and pointed at Alberich. "I am thinking, ahey'la, that we ought to make a damn impressive show of ourselves tonight. I'm getting tired of having people coming up to you and say that they don't believe you loved someone or that someone can fall in love with you." She glared at Kerowyn and Eldan then took a deep breath to control her anger. The rest looked at her in shock as she stared at them, still seething with irritation.
"I agree." Alberich nodded, looking at her, amazed that she had spoken sharply at the company. Phoenix wanted to keep her face bland, but with Alberich looking at her, she gave up her struggle and smiled. She went to him and Alberich took her hand and casually led her to sit on his lap. Phoenix sighed contentedly as she drew Alberich's arms about her. Skif choked on his punch at the display that might be a deliberate attempt from Phoenix just how tired she was of the comments.
Nyara frantically pounded on his back, while Alberich and Phoenix looked at Skif with open mirth. Dear Gods! I can't believe he had let her do that!
: You're wrong Chosen. Alberich let her sit there because he wanted her to. It's much more comfortable than sitting on the floor anyway. For Phoenix that is. : Cymry said, looking at the Weaponmaster and the silver-haired girl fondly.
: They are lifebonded then. : Skif stated to himself, still looking incredulously at the scarred-seamed solemn face of the Karsite Herald.
Phoenix was still looking at Skif with a bemused expression, and closed her eyes. After a moment she spoke. "Alberich, you're spoiling me. Now you've gotten me so comfortable that I'm very reluctant to get up and bathe and go out." Phoenix sighed then made a move to get up.
"I'll join you." Alberich said, getting up to his feet as she went into her bedroom to get their towels.
"We're coming along too," Silverfox piped up and turned to fetch both his and Firesong's towel. The quartet stayed in the pool enough until they were relaxed and felt clean. When they got back up to the ekele, Gesten had already cleaned up and the rest were just sitting around the living room, impatient to be off for the celebration. Nyara was talking amiably with Kerowyn with news from her Shin'a'in cousin, with Eldan and Skif and presumably their Companions were engaging themselves with a game of chess.
"You guys can always go ahead first, you know." Phoenix said as she went into her bedroom to dress up while Alberich prudently closed the curtains. Phoenix opened the cupboard and the couple stood in front of it, thinking of something appropriate to wear for the evening. Alberich made up his mind and took out a dark gray shirt made of silk. This he had seldom wore; it was a gift from Karal. He got out his leather pants and underwear and briskly wore his clothes, leaving Phoenix to decide what she wants to wear. He took her brush and began to comb his hair while he watched Phoenix agonize over what she's going to wear.
What the hell, I haven't worn them since He gave it to me when I first stepped into the common room. She first wore her underwear and took out a strange blue dress except for the upper part of it, since it's of black leather. Alberich looked at it carefully and remembered that it was a gift by a strange Herald that had been given sometime when Phoenix was recuperating about six years ago. Alberich was pleasantly surprised when she slid the dress on and she had requested if he would be so kind to lace the back up for her. When he was done, she turned and let him examine the dress. His fingers traced smoothly down her arm, and found that the material had a texture similar to silk but not quite silk with her bodice of extremely black leather. She turned and moved and the dress flowed about her.
"Excellent choice ahey'la." Alberich complimented her, sidling up to her and looked into her eyes seductively. Phoenix gave a nervous titter but stayed where she was. Her brush still in his hand, he began brushing her hair. He then left her briefly, to open her drawer to inspect her hair accessories. He took four silver hair slide pins with several matching chains decorated with silver crystals attached with a hairclasp. Phoenix looked at him curiously but handed back the brush. He brushed her hair several more times and separated a portion of her hair at near each temple and pinned them together with two pins crossed with each other to hold her hair in place. He then attached the chains in such a way that they crossed with each other, forming a web at the back of her head. He gave it a moment of inspection and turned her towards the mirror so she could inspect what he had done to her hair.
Phoenix gasped with surprise as she looked at Alberich's handwork.
: Wow! Never knew he could do that! : Storm exclaimed in her mind.
Phoenix created a mirror and it hung in mid-air as she turned her back to the real mirror and looked at the back of her head. She dissolved the mage-mirror and flung herself into Alberich's arms.
: Ahey'la, thank you very much! : That was all Phoenix could say, then kissed Alberich several times, and Alberich was careful not to muss her so much.
: I'm glad this made you happy. As a matter of fact, I'm happy that you allowed me to play with your hair, ahey'la. Love you. : He whispered, holding her tightly. Then he released her, to resume brushing his mussed hair and set the brush on the table. He took the near-forgotten bottle of wine in its tub and the couple kissed again before Alberich presented her to the impatiently awaiting crowd outside. As a matter of fact, the other couple of the ekele got out at the same time the Heralds did.
Phoenix gave them the once-over and shook her head dazedly as Firesong had dressed himself up in a silver-blue Kaleda'in robe designed lovingly by the hands of his mate. Once they got a good look at Phoenix however, they stood, looking at her in astonishment. She fidgeted nervously as Alberich cleared his throat.
"I believe we ought to make a move. It's getting late," he said, pointing out towards the entrance of the ekele. He was right; the sky was turning darker as the Sun began to set. Gesten led the crowd out, carrying a wooden picnic basket as Phoenix extinguished the mage-lights and set her lock-spells; that was keyed only to her and Firesong; about the ekele.
"What happened to your hair?" Firesong whispered roguishly in her left ear. "Never seen you style your hair that way before."
"Don't look at me, Firesong. Ask the guy holding onto my right hand." She looked fondly at Alberich. Firesong gaped at Alberich with awe and Silverfox prodded him to move right along. Alberich and Phoenix took the rear, as she wanted to check up on Hanren. In an instant, she was up above the inn where the miscreant had been staying and had not moved since last night. She gave a quick probe and when she judged the area safe, she transported herself into the room. She gave a disgusted snort when she found him and the same girl getting drunk over a strong wine and engaging themselves in amorous behaviour. She strengthened her veil, looking for any loopholes before snapping herself out from her trance.
: Have you put him to sleep, ahey'la? :
: No. I don't wish to do that. It seems wrong to me somehow. I don't think he could be up to any mischief right now. Well at least, not until mid-morning tomorrow. He's drunk. :
: Very drunk. : Storm added his observation.
Alberich nodded, and felt his heart lightening up. When they had discussed that she could actually immobilize the troublemaker so that they can have the party did not sit well with him. He was just as happy that Phoenix had felt as uneasy as he did at the notion. She gave him a warm smile and projected out her love for him using both the lifebond and Empathy. Sounds of laughter and conversation reached their ears as they came closer to the glade and saw that Kantor and Storm were waiting for them at the edge of the gathering. Alberich walked beside her dazedly, his mind and heart still on the love and warmth that she had Sent.
Several voices called out at once as Phoenix became more visible to the crowd. Phoenix jerked her head at the sound and saw several of her friends, Jedren and Myste making their way towards the group. Storm had come up against her side and greeted her warmly, then moved to study her hair arrangement closely.
"Hi guys," Phoenix greeted her friends and smiled warmly at Jedren and Myste. Her eyes widened a bit when she saw that Jedren was holding Myste very close to his side. Alberich looked at Phoenix and then at Myste, who winked at him. So Phoenix didn't know about Jedren's relationship with Myste.
"Good evening Silv, Alberich! Myste, this is Phoenix; she's in charge of the Science classes. Silv, this is Myste, our Herald-Chronicler."
Phoenix gave a wary look at the bespectacled Herald and then mercurially gave the Herald a warm smile that Myste returned.
"Someone told us that you two are going to dance for the people," Myste said, addressing Phoenix directly.
Phoenix gave a little sigh, "I had sort of hope that the people had forgotten that. But since they remembered, yes, I think we are going to perform a little," then Phoenix added impudently, "but of course, it has to be of our own timing. No use blundering about in a music we wouldn't know how to move." Alberich smiled at Phoenix, and she grinned widely back.
It seemed that Myste was satisfied with what she saw in Phoenix and whispered to Jedren. "It seems like she's the perfect partner for Alberich."
Jedren whispered back at her, "They're lifebonded aren't they? They have to be partners to make the relationship work."
"Can't let these people get away with their own ideas," Phoenix commented in Karsite as she looked at Alberich obliquely. "It's good that I had gave them a little bit of restrictions or else they'll just pile up things on us."
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Chapter 26
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Myste turned sharply, not believing that Phoenix had spoken Karsite. Her Companion then said to her that Phoenix had studied the language during her trainee days. Also she had studied Hardornen and Tayledras and the Imperial language, the hard way of course. Sejanes had taken pity on her when he saw her struggling over the various languages in the library and offered to teach her the spell he had used to absorb the languages. However, Phoenix had rejected it and said that it was more worthwhile if she took the time to know the language with her own effort.
Phoenix was looking at Myste with a smile on her lips, "Most of my friends think that Karsite's a very harsh language, but personally, it's the language I like most. It almost taste musical in my mouth."
"Phoenix, do you think this is a good spot?" Firesong called out, looking pointedly at her and Phoenix surveyed the spot. They could watch the people entertaining the others very clearly and the space was big enough so that their Companions could be there with them too.
"Seems like a good one to me," she replied finally, and followed Silverfox. The group began to take seats around the spot, with the Companions arranged beside each of their Heralds. Phoenix carefully arranged her skirt before she sat down on. Alberich as usual, sat on her right with Kantor carefully folded himself down beside Alberich, with Storm on Phoenix's left and then Kero next to Storm. For the moment, both Dirk and Talia were at the middle of the gathering, tuning in their harps as their children cheered for them. Talia laughed lightly and at Dirk's signal they began a duet.
They listened to the singing as Kero passed on a bottle of juice for Phoenix, as Alberich passed on the wine to Eldan. Eldan took a cautious sip and licked his lips heavenly and passed it to Kero. The wine was handed back to Phoenix and Alberich raised an eyebrow when she sniffed at it.
"Do you want to try the wine, ahey'la?" Alberich unconsciously whispered in Karsite.
"No thanks, lover. I'll stick to my juice," Phoenix replied absently back in Karsite, and caught Firesong looking at her mischievously. Phoenix looked at the Healing Adept questioningly and he winked at her. She gave the bottle back to Alberich whom sipped at the wine and passed it to the others of the group. She searched the group for Gesten and found that he was sitting behind Silverfox on an ingenuous invention of the Blues, a portable-folding chair for the hertasi. Phoenix and her group of friends had told the Blues of the contraption of the Old World, also supplied with a drawing and the students had sort of made it into a competition to gain the final product.
Just then, a woman in Whites with curly hair, and who seemed to be in the final stages of pregnancy, approached them, with a handsome Hawkbrother trailing beside her, looking at the woman with concern. Now, I sure don't know who those people are, although her face looks very familiar to me.
: Of, course she seems familiar to you, her stepsister almost looks a lot like her but without the curly hair of course. : Storm whispered fondly in her mind.
Okay then, that's a clue. She sure looks like the Queen but more actually more of Prince Daren. Gods! Don't tell me that is Elspeth! Stormlaughed in her mind, his Mindvoice trembling with amusement and he touched his nose fondly at her neck. Phoenix flinched instinctively and poked her Companion at his side.
: Hey, not fair. I'm terribly vulnerable you know! And yes, that is Lady Elspeth and her mate, the k'Sheyna Hawkbrother named Darkwind. :
Phoenix gazed at Alberich, and found that he was looking at the woman with amusement and at the same time, worried. Then his hand snaked to her waist and squeezed her affectionately. Phoenix gave a muffled gasp at the sudden contact and his eyes twinkled slyly. She just shook her head at him and gave him a warm smile. And this reaction of mine is certainly damn unnatural. I can't really remember acting so sweetly except for the years I was with Gabriel.
: Well, the situation can't be blamed, as this is your very first relationship in this realm. : Storm said lovingly, turning his head so that Phoenix was looking at his eyes.
: Quite true, I guess I have to be prepared getting more smile-lines on my face. : She replied lightly, running her fingers through his mane, and scratched an itching spot for him. Storm sighed contentedly and Phoenix withdrew her hand, and held Alberich by his waist too. It's so nice holding him close to me, she thought, smiling at herself. The image of a very naked Alberich suddenly popped into her mind and she blushed in spite of her trying hard to fight it down.
: Ahey'la, what's wrong? : He asked, his eyes still watching Lady Elspeth wounding her way towards the group as he Felt Phoenix's flush of embarrassment through the lifebond.
: Nothing. : Phoenix said hurriedly, but unfortunately Alberich managed to get a glimpse of what she was thinking of, and he bit down his lip as he suddenly became excited with desire. She looked at him, with a sheepish smile. : Sorry about that. : Alberich slowly let out a sigh, closing his eyes as he took several deep breaths. Kantor gave Alberich a sly look but was otherwise ignored by his Herald.
: It's all right. Promise me you would tell me why you were thinking of me that way, when we get back. : At the same moment Alberich replied, Kero had gotten up and gave Elspeth a warm hug, placing her hand briefly on Elspeth's distended womb. To Kero's immense surprise, the baby chose that particular moment to move under the Herald-Captain's hand. Elspeth chuckled at her surprised expression as Gesten got up to gave his seat to the very pregnant Herald.
"Thank you friend." Darkwind said gratefully to the hertasi.
Gesten just gave a grin at the Hawkbrother. "No problem-o." Gesten got out another folding chair and seated himself back. The Hawkbrother gave a startled glance at the hertasi when Firesong piped up and jerked his thumb towards Phoenix.
"The girl over there beside Alberich was the one who had rubbed off the slang. She had been living in the ekele with Gesten for over six years after she managed to get herself torn up and stayed to recuperate in isolation."
Darkwind smiled at the Healing Adept and kestra'chern as he seated himself near Elspeth's feet, and leaned against her knees while she stroked his hair lovingly. Then she set a penetrating gaze at Alberich and at Phoenix. Then she asked Alberich, "Well?"
"Well, what?" The Weaponmaster asked, with a group of Bards relieving the Heralds from the stage. Alberich stood up, and helped Phoenix up on her feet and they walked towards the Valdemaran envoys to Hardorn. "Elspeth, Darkwind," Alberich started, his hand resting familiarly at Phoenix's waist, "this is Herald Phoenix, also the Lady Phoenix Maxwell. Ahey'la, this is the Queen's first daughter, Lady Elspeth and her husband, Darkwind."
"Hi," Phoenix looked shyly at them, and gave a tentative smile. Elspeth gave a chuckle and it turned to laughter when she looked up to Alberich. Phoenix gave an exasperated sigh and looked around her, meeting several pairs of eyes looking bashfully back at her. : This is getting irritating, ahey'la. :
: We'll just have to wait until some of these Bards play something suitable for us to perform. : Alberich said comfortingly in the back of her mind as they went back to resume their seats. Phoenix then rested her head against Alberich's shoulder, ignoring the bemused looks of the people who were watching them. She looked and searched the crowd to see her group of friends mingling around the gathering. The gryphons were reclining at the opposite end of the clearing and Keenath gave a wave with a wingtip and she waved back. She spotted both Hazel and Terrence easily because of their height and saw Rayden and Dian sitting on a secluded spot. Ruby managed to catch her eye and Phoenix winked at her and got a wide smile in return. Phoenix closed her eyes to listen to the classic the Bards were playing 'Windrider Unchained' with Alberich absently kissing her hair as he engaged in a conversation with Kero.
A soft night breeze began to weave its way through the gathering, and she took a deep breath, appreciating the fresh air, and the sweet scent of the trees around them. Talia came running towards Firesong's group, her children following right behind her. Elspeth looked at her friend, smiling warmly and glowed as Talia gave her a hug. Dirk trailed behind them calmly, with their harps tucked back in their cases. The gathering had suddenly became silent, as Isabel, Moonhawk and Shadowlark made their way to the center.
Isabel cleared her throat nervously as every pair of eyes turned to look at the Bards. "We're going to play something very different and new tonight. The three of us have been working on this piece for quite a long time and hope this will be a good one to be remembered." The three Bards then set about tuning their instruments with Hazel and Terrence helping Shadowlark with her set of drums while Moonhawk tuned her fiddle. Isabel was looking nervously at the crowd and played with her flute and Phoenix sent her a thought.
: Hey, Bel! Good luck! Didn't know that you guys were working together. :
: Thanks, Silv. We didn't really planned on being a trio but one day we had gotten bored in doing solos so we've teamed up together. We've borrowed some tunes from the Old World and mixed it with something the Bards here haven't tried before. :
: I bet. Have these Bards ever tried on Shadowlark's drums? :
: No they have not. They seemed to think it creates too much noise and no music. :
: Didn't take their time in trying to merge with the drums I see. Well, how about a bet? Once, your piece over, I bet these people will scramble up to learn how Shadowlark controls her drums. :
: Huh. No sweat. I'll bet you a love song if you lose. : Isabel said mischievously.
: Bloody hell! You are not going to create a silly ballad about Alberich and me! :
: Well, then just make sure you don't lose the bet then. :
: All right. I'll bet you a two miles run, if you lose. And keep Shadowlark and Moonhawk out of it. :
: Silv, you're horrible! :
Alberich saw Phoenix's eyes twinkled in a prankish manner and her lips curved into a wicked smile.
: What are you up to now, ahey'la? :
: What do you mean? I had just planned my first mischief. :
: First, you took my body measurements without any warning, and then Kantor told me that you'll be designing our wedding costumes and then you let that particular thought of yours slip. : Alberich said, gazing down at her fondly. She blinked her lashes flirtatiously at him and earned herself a kiss, catching the attention of Elspeth, Darkwind, Jedren and Myste.
: Somebody cast a spell on my eyes! : Kantor groaned to the company around them. Storm snorted softly with laughter, glancing from Kantor to the kissing couple.
Jedren watched them fondly, as he had seen their display of affection before, but Myste seemed to be really tongue-tied at the scene. Elspeth gaped at the two and struggled to bring herself out of her induced shock.
: Dear Gods! Gwena, I couldn't believe that I had seen our solemn, grim-faced Karsite Herald just did that! In public! :
: Seriously, Elspeth! Don't act so shocked! : Gwena tittered in Elspeth's mind and Darkwind's. : It's the very first time that our Weaponmaster is engaging himself in a very permanent relationship. : The Grove-Born Companion pointed out as Elspeth continued to watch Alberich's display of passion towards the silver-haired woman who laughed with appreciation.
: I don't see why you people should be so stunned at this possibility! : Sayvel snorted scornfully in their minds. : Kero got away with it! :
: But Sayvel, this is different. Kero was Chosen when she's already in love with Eldan and her people knew she loved the man. But this! Gods! Alberich had smacked me well enough during my teenage years; keeping all those would-be Heralds in shape and being so implacable. This seems to be totally out of the picture, if you get my drift. : Elspeth argued while Darkwind gave a few of bemused looks at his mate and Kero's Companion.
: Get off it, ashke. Be a little charitable, wouldn't you? Just because he has found a lover doesn't mean he'll go mushy when he's back in the salle. Your stepfather had told me the your mother had issued two weeks of absence to them both. And he said something about them getting married next year. : Darkwind said, looking expectantly at Gwena.
: Oh yes! Rolan has told me that they're planning to get married somewhere on Midsummer. And don't worry about Alberich getting mushy, : Gwena said as she came into view together with Rolan and Ahrodie. : Storm tells me that Alberich and Phoenix are practicing their sword skills with each other. :
: Really? :
Kantor gave Elspeth a look. : Yes, they are. :
: Is she good? :
: Better actually. So far, she's the only person who had successfully kept with Alberich's paces. : Kantor informed her, his Mindvoice filled with pride as he turned his head to watch his Chosen and his beloved. Meanwhile as Elspeth were exchanging news with the Companions, Phoenix had told Alberich by means of Mindspeech that she wants to get about doing the wedding costumes rather than showing the design to Alberich.
: Why are you being fussy ahey'la? Can't you just show me? :
: This is very important and special to me Alberich. Even if it won't be perfect, I want to see you in it when it's ready. :
: Including on how he behaves himself on the wedding day. : Kantor added.
: Shut up. : Both Alberich and Phoenix said together in unison. Kantor was about to make a rejoinder when a clear drumbeat rang out in the clearing.
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Chapter 27
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Everyone was already seated and all kinds of conversation had ceased from the gathering. Their attention was on the trio at the middle of the glade; their attention had been captured by the solo drumbeat. Everyone held their breaths as Shadowlark began a beat that vibrated through the clearing. Alberich's alerts perked up as he gazed about cautiously.
: Something's going to happen. : He whispered to Kantor who nodded his head a little in agreement. Alberich looked down at Phoenix who was watching the Bards, and saw for a moment blue fire that ignited the depths of her eyes. Phoenix closed her eyes and let the steady vibration of the drums wash over her, her fingers tapping familiarly with the beat. She took a deep breath and looked at Alberich. His Fire ignited in his eyes at the same instance hers did.
: I believe this is our cue, ahey'la. : Phoenix whispered in Alberich's mind while their Companions looked at them curiously.
: I seriously do not know what moves to make. :
: I think for this one, we have let our instincts take over. :
Alberich stood up and held out his hand as Phoenix took it and helped her to her feet. Heads swerved at the sudden movement as Shadowlark shook herself out of the near-trance and halted Isabel just when she was about to blow a note. Shadowlark started the rhythm again as the trio watched the couple walking slowly towards the clearing. The people sitting near the rim backed away to give the couple a wider space for their performance. There was no cheering as they watched the couple breathlessly, as they stood at attention, a few feet facing each other.
Shadowlark began to increase her beats as the two circled closer and closer to each other and at Isabel's first flute note emerged, they clasped their hands together and began their dance. Their feet moved to the rhythm of the drums, their eyes not leaving each other. Phoenix stared up at Alberich as she moved flawlessly within him, letting the music control her movements, feeling his hand holding on to her hip; the other holding her hand firmly. Suddenly, he released her as both of them posed; the music had halted. Moonhawk played her fiddle, as the few notes grew stronger and stronger and Alberich moved as he struck a challenge to Phoenix.
The gryphons that had come to the gathering were struck speechless as they watched Alberich mimic a challenging pose that were much like the gryphons when they were about to duel. The Karsite Herald moved gracefully, looking very much like a bird of prey at the moment. The gryphons turned their attention to Phoenix who had stood motionless watching Alberich's movements but now moving to Shadowlark's drumbeats. She had swiftly counteracted Alberich's move for dominance. Nor did she strive to dominate him.
"That's beautiful, that's just beautiful," Leitha breathed, her pupils flaring widely as she watched the silver-eyed woman danced only for Karsite Herald; entreating him to take her hand and accept her as an equal. The gryphons had found it hard to stay put; their tails and wingtips were itching to join in the dance. The three instruments had begun to interweave and Alberich, his face glowing with happiness and pride, took her hand and led her to a Karsite folk dance. The people were watching them with mingled happiness, awe and reverence. Suddenly, the gryphons, the Shin'a'in Swordsworn and those who were Mage-Gifted took a sharp breath as the dancing couple began to glow. A blue and white Fire that intensified within seconds, with the blue at their center and the gold spreading outwards had surrounded Alberich and Phoenix.
Some of them shivered involuntarily when they had managed to see the couple's eyes, for their eyes held nothing more than Fire. The glow grew dimmer and dimmer as the music faded and their dance was completed. Silence. Nobody moved, for the audience; at least half of them were still stunned at what they had seen while the rest were still awed at the couple's performance. Rayden's mind whirled with confusing thoughts. Is Alberich like her? Is he a Phoenix too?
: It's nothing to worry about Chosen. Consider this as a lucky omen; it's the first time that They're acting as a couple you know. :
: This could be a double entendre you know. :
: So what if it is? : Rain asked him rather archly. Rayden looked helplessly at her and watched Dian's face of conflicting emotions.
"Don't start trouble for them now Di." Rayden warned her firmly. Dian looked at him, her eyes wide.
"Are you reading my thoughts?" she hissed. Rayden snorted disdainfully at his lover.
"I don't have to read your mind to know what you're thinking. I borrowed a lead from Phoenix's behaviour didn't you know? I had been observing your behaviour past these six years. Actually, I was sort of looking out for your personalities ever since we went steady." Dian remained silent, her eyes locked on Phoenix. Rayden looked at his girlfriend carefully before turning to look at Alberich and Phoenix.
Hazel was the first one to break the general silence that had filled the clearing. He had stood up and clapping his hands, he whistled and shouted, "Bravo! Thumbs-up for you!" He whistled again. That set off a huge clamor in the gathering.
Phoenix looked to Alberich for a signal and at his nod; they bowed gracefully to the audience. : I hope no one dares to say encore. : She said, a little apprehensively.
: I doubt so, ahey'la. I believe we had given them the performance they'd deserved. : He replied as they took a second bow and proceeded back to their seats.
"Hey, I think you deserve a request." Isabel said as Phoenix neared the Bards.
"What do you have in mind?" Phoenix said, her right eyebrow lifted in inquiry.
"Well, maybe you'd like to hear some songs from the Old World?" Shadowlark suggested.
"Are you sure if you could play just with the limited instruments?"
"Wouldn't know if it turns out to be a disaster if we don't try." Moonhawk shrugged.
"Let's see. Did you guys listened to any songs by Enya?" She pursed her lips when they shook their heads. "You guys just missed a load of Bard quality stuff. Well, let's go for something easy then. I'm sure you guys can just go vocal. How about 'Truly madly deeply' and some Mike Oldfield stuff after that?"
"No sweat. We'll do it once we get our winds back." The three Bards smirked at her easy requests. Phoenix gave a small chuckle as she continued her way down to Storm's side.
: How was the dance? :
: You two were magnificent. Did you notice what happened towards the end of the dance? :
: Uh... yeah, we did. I wonder if this thing was preordained or something. It's just too coincidental isn't it? I mean, I recognized Alberich for what he was when I first set my eyes on him, but why did he or whoever, waited until tonight to really acknowledge the Presence? :
: No idea. Maybe it's preordained. So Alberich feels much more comfortable with Fire now, right? That's good news. :
: How are you feeling? : Alberich asked her, passing a new bottle of fruit juice to her.
: Okay. Did I answer you correctly ahey'la? I don't really know much about Karsite folk dances. :
: You did fine. : He answered her, giving her waist a light squeeze as he popped a biscuit into his mouth.
Alberich and Phoenix did not really had the time to talk as everyone, right down to the gryphons, bombarded them with heaps of questions. They tried to answer the questions truthfully but it was quite difficult when they asked two people with the same question.
"Are you sure, with you two being here, that your presence don't signify something?" Firesong asked curiously.
: Do you want to answer or should I? :
: You should, ahey'la. :
"It may be, but it may be not." Phoenix replied sincerely.
"Phoenix, don't be cryptic." Firesong complained.
"I am not!" Phoenix protested mildly but Alberich interrupted Firesong before he could begin his argument.
"We do not know if me, joining Phoenix stands for anything. Actually," Alberich slowed down and looked at Phoenix pensively. "I don't really know why I'm here as the Other One."
Phoenix pursed her lips thoughtfully. "I'm sure you will remember it, you just sort of got here after all." Firesong sighed ruefully; feeling a little dissatisfied with the Heralds' answers.
"Let it lie, ashke. Don't go looking for trouble now."
: Hey Silv, : Storm interrupted their thoughts. : Looks like your Bard friend has to stretch her limbs a little sometime soon. :
: What's this about ahey'la? : Alberich asked her suspiciously.
: Well, just a little bet we made before we danced. I had wagered that after the dance people would demand Shadowlark about her drums. :
: And? : Alberich asked her, waiting for her to continue.
: So, I had wagered that if my bet turned out true, she has to run around the salle about twelve times. :
Alberich mentally calculated the distance in his mind and looked at her, his face etched with astonishment. : Two miles! Ahey'la, I didn't imagine you to be so ruthless. : Phoenix shrugged tranquilly as she smiled very wickedly at Isabel, who had happened to glance in their direction. Isabel gave her a mournful and slumped at the idea of the extreme workout.
: But what did she bet, if you happened to lose? :
: She wagered that she would compose a ballad about the two of us. :
Alberich saw the disadvantage of the wager immediately. His mouth quirked a little as he looked fondly at her.
: But you know that there is a possibility that she will just ignore you and go ahead and compose the ballad. :
Phoenix smiled enigmatically at him. : That's why I conditioned my wager so that she alone has to run the two miles. It's more worth it that way. I know my friend; and given that she is a Bard, I don't really have much chance confining her imagination right? :
Alberich dissolved into laughter and hugged her tightly.
: Well, thank goodness your partner used her brain effectively. : Kantor said with approval coloring his voice. Phoenix gave him a lofty nod and Storm chose that moment to place his cold nose on her exposed neck.
"Storm!" She yelped, instinctively hunching down her shoulders. Alberich continued chuckling, pushing Storm's head gently away from Phoenix.
: So she's ticklish. : Alberich said, after giving Storm a conspiratorial smile. Storm nodded his head enthusiastically. I think I'm in the mood for a little exploration, Alberich thought mischievously. Phoenix gave Alberich a suspicious look and turned to her Companion.
: What are you guys up to? : She demanded, and felt that the tables had turned upon her.
: Nothing! : Storm replied innocently.
