Travels Beyond Tortall
Chapter 5 – Corus
By Silent Serenade
I have a very nice feeling about this piece being finish very soon... During the study periods and extra time of my yearly exams for last year, I planned the plot of the whole ficcy, so everything shall be done! This ain't mindless and an spur of the moment thing anymore!
Acknowledgements shall go to the wonderful music from my Discman during the beautiful nights. Thank you, Tchaikovsky!
The regal, handsome man with ebony hair, King Jonathan III rose from his royal throne with Queen Thayet and cleared his throat slightly, despite the silence.
"This Midsummer, during the 14th year of our ruling, the former Emperor Ozorne of Carthak launched an attack on Tortall and her allies, Maren, Galla, Tyra, Yamani Island and Carthak under Emperor Kaddar's ruling, with creatures known as 'Immortals'. With the aid of every citizen, we counteracted their advances and defeated their hostile intentions."
The grand hall filled with applause, before the King held up a finger, instantly hushing the noise.
"However, many have sacrificed themselves for this cause. I will now announce a moment of silence as a tribute to their memory."
Near the front of the room, Daine clad in a simple yet elegant bronze gown glanced at her companion, smartly clad in a flowing robe, knowing what would come next.
"All of these accomplishments would have been impossible if not for the defeat of our enemies powerful mage, Inar Hadensra, by our Master Numair Salmalín. Most importantly, for the aid of 2 mature dragons, a flock of Stormwings and other Immortals, and the alliance of Darkings, the Wildmage Veralidaine Sarrasri!"
Causing momentary whispers, Daine and Number together ascended the throne and knelt before the rulers of Tortall. The King pinned on a brooch of a sparkling coloured jewel to Daine's dress, as the Queen did the same to Numair's robe. They stood up and bowed deeply before the royalties, before returning to their original places.
"Now, I welcome you all to a celebration of peace!"
An eruption of thunder echoed in the hall, as the announcement of victory was finally declared after the agonisingly long years of fighting.
As everyone settled for the banquet prepared for the occasion, Daine sighed inaudibly at a strange sense of discomfort.
"Onua, we need to talk." The stocky K'miri glanced suspiciously at the young woman who dragged her to the gardens during the ball. Daine sat on the edge of a sparkling fountain illuminated by the brilliant moon, as her companion remained standing.
"You're one of my closest friends, Onua. I know whatever we discuss would remain between the two of us."
She hesitantly nodded, shrouded in an air of wariness.
"The Stormwings will remain here," Daine spoke calmly, as if she never had nightmares about these strange creatures which were once so cruel to her. Noticing Onua's expression of confusion, she continued.
"The Divine Realms were to keep them out of our mortal residence because of all the trouble 'they' caused. The Gods wanted to forever banish them, punishing them for their very nature."
Taking a deep breath, she attempted to remain indifferent.
"I stood up for them. The Stormwings will remain here."
Onua knew her friend wouldn't elaborate any further, and accept what she announced by speaking at last.
"What's with you and Numair?"
Daine choked on something invisible and nearly fell into the water behind her before glaring questionably at her amused comrade.
"What? It's absolutely obvious, you two holding hands, gazing loving and laughing silently at each other, waiting for the moment to pounce—"
A poke in the ribs stopped Onua's declaration of truth, but only to be replaced with a shrug.
"Besides, you're blushing profoundly."
Daine squeaked and attempted to hide behind her hands, almost refusing to speak.
Onua waited patiently, twiddling her thumbs and playing with the pathway's marble.
"He proposed."
The nonchalant act evaporated into thin air, revealing the true, violent nature of the K'miri.
"He WHAT!"
Wincing at the painful decibel reached, she opened her mouth and drew a sharp intake of air.
"Greetings, ladies. What a pleasure it is to spend this glorious night in your company."
Staggering, speech slurring and smiling seductively swayed a splendidly shirtless Salmalín.
"Ah, you my lovely... How would you say we become... Better acquainted?"
He took Daine's hand and kissed it non-too-gently, winking blatantly.
Without warning, Numair pulled on her arm, secured a burning palm on her back and thrust his tongue down Daine's throat.
Seeing her instant reactions to his embrace, Onua chuckled almost evilly at the result of their 'serious' conversation.
Muahaha. Did you notice there was an alliterative line in there?
Expect the next chapter quite soon, seeing I had it half written last night.