Kel entered the Great Hall in a foul mood, Tobe, Lalasa and Neal had bullied her into wearing a dress. It was a beautiful dress, pale green satin with a silver tulle overlay and white wrap, but that didn't compensate for the fact that it was indeed a dress, as a Page she had frequently worn dresses to remind the boys that she was a girl but years on the road with the Kings Own had weaned her off them. Neal and Yuki's compliments and encouragement had done little to improve her mood.
"You look lovely," said a familiar voice behind her, she turned sharply and glared at Dom,
"Not another word" she said fiercely to a shocked Dom "I have already had superficial flattery from those that prised me into this article of clothing I don't need more."
"Put your claws back in Kel I'm telling the truth you do look lovely."
"Thank you...my don't you scrub up nice" she replied her gaze flickering up and down his figure, he was dressed in the Masbolle colours of emerald green and black and looked very well in it.
"Yep, who would have known that under that trusty layer of dirt lay a gentleman?" he laughed and held out his arm.
"I'm not sure about a gentleman but your passable." She grinned, pretending to look offended Dom propelled Kel to the edge of the red carpet that ran from the stairs where important visitors entered to the four thrones where the King, Queen, Roald and Shinko greeted them.
"Might as well get as close to the action as we can." He said with a grin "I heard that the 'crazy mage' kicked up a grand fuss when poor Master Oakbridge said one of her titles wrong."
"One of her titles...how many does she have?" asked Kel in a whisper
"Too many if you ask me" said a voice from behind them, Kel turned and saw Numair with Daine on his arm.
"Numair its rude to eavesdrop." Said his lover reproachfully.
"Why does she have so many titles?" asked Kel
"I assume that after our parents died she inherited those titles as I wasn't around for them and she's managed to hold on to them, which probably has something to do with Kaddar- he always had a soft spot for her, which is probably why she wasn't executed before. I don't know where the others are from."
"Shhhh" whispered Daine as the fanfare sounded. The monarchs entered and, after a short welcome from the King they sat, the King and Queen in the middle, Roald and Shinko on the outside. The long suffering Master of Ceremonies stood at the top of the thirteen steps leading down from a small chamber in which the important guests were caged until announced.
In this room two mages stood either side of Lady Varice as she nervously eyed Leah who paid her no attention in return instead playing with the hem of her new dress. As the names were called their owners left the room and concentrated on not falling down the stairs. To Varice's relief she was one of the first to leave. Leah was last, Master Oakbridge took a deep breath...
"Her Excellency, Countess Leahatri of Lyethcaya, Sayanan and Cariack, Black Robe Mage of Cathark and Shang Hawk of the Rosostros Tribe."
"What a mouthful" whispered Kel looking sympathetically at Master Oakbridge who looked visibly relieved that no explosion had come from behind him signifying a mispronunciation of her name.
Leah descended the thirteen steps with the grace and prowess of someone born to do it, which Kel supposed she was in a way, she looked stunning. Dressed in a gown that looked as though it had been stitched from the first leaves of spring worn under a black velvet robe with a high neck and billowing sleeves- her mages robe. In her hand she carried a staff made of ebony, it was straight and highly polished, at the top it rose and split into three sharp, menacing claws encasing a milky white stone as big as Kel's fist. White light crackled and danced around the claws.
When she reached the dais she waved a hand and left her staff suspended in the air. She faced King Jonathan and bowed in the traditional Northern style, one hand behind her back one outstretched, the long elegant fingers clawed at the end was the only sign of malicious intent. After she rose she turned to her own Emperor and bowed Catharki style, hands in front of her eyes, palms to the front. The King watched her with interest as Kaddar inclined his head to her acknowledging her honour, he looked surprised when she turned to Shinkokami and bowed Yamani style, palms flat on the thighs. Shinko too inclined her head gracefully.
The evening was a success though this didn't prevent Kel from escaping early; she called for drinks in her room and was soon joined by the usual outcasts. Neal was sadly absent as he paraded his fiancée around the hall. Kel felt his absence more than the others, they were not used to him always being there.