Author's Notes: Has it really been that long my loves? I believe it has. But the sad thing about that being true is that it means that Reyning Down is done. Still, I must continue. This will be a shorter fic, as it only spans a few month period, then a skip of several years, and then the tragic ending that we all know is coming anyway. Hope you like it! Oh, and for you Reyning Down fans… Beware of the familiar face…
Firefly-Dreams: Always you are here for me love. I would emote you to death with hugs and such, but my computer and don't get along, so I am capable of so few symbols and line breaks, which kinda explains the seemingly scatterbrained set up of my fictions. Crysil is not MEANT to be a comical character… She was just having a very bad day. Not sure if I'm going to do the listener thing often, it was just suited to that situation, and a good way to work the summary in.
Without Further Ado:
Chapter 2: Decision
"What is that smile on your face? Flirting again m'lord Prince?" my loyal retainer asked as I exited the forge.
"Why should you ask Sir Corin?" I demanded as he held my horse's reins so I could mount the beast easily.
"It isn't proper to flirt with the commoners before the trail, or at any time really," he said, mounting his own chestnut charger.
"And you know what is proper?" I accused the older teen.
Unlike most retainers of my family, Corin was not born into this lifestyle. The tall, thin and rather intense red-head had proved himself to be one of the best fighters and guardians in the kingdom. Much like myself and my silver stallion Omega, he was inseparable from his steed, one he had named Phoenix, though why I am not sure. He, not my father, was the one who had suggested the Mercale family for weaponry. His own armor had been the 'crowning glory' for the young Crysil. The strong steel had been hammered into a lighter alloy and etched with patterns of fire and one of the four great angels of Hyne.
"Hey, just because I have an interest in males AND females doesn't mean I don't know what is proper," he said, allowing his horse to shy away from the crowds of the streets and toward the general direction of the castle.
"You hit on me, and that was improper," I said with a chuckle.
"Your majesty should leave the past in the past," he said, kicking Phoenix into a trot towards the castle. With one last glance back at the home of the lovely young smith, I kicked my horse into a trot as well, heading for the only life I knew.
-
"Crysil, I am home my darling daughter!" a voice called from the front room.
Shortly after the Prince had left, Nitasha had rushed off on her mare Shiva so she could make the castle in time to perform her duties as a chef. Since then I have spent all day in my room, finishing the royal ring. Once I was free of distractions I had found that the work was simple and calming. My thoughts though were on the Prince's words of a bonus. He wanted me to go to the ball, something people like me never did. Still, when my father's words reached my ears I set aside the finished ring I had been admiring.
Tiran entered my room and pulled me to my feet. He wrapped his arms around me in a fatherly fashion, happy to see me. Kire was no where to be seen, which did not upset me in the least. "I saw Nitasha on the way back from town… She told me that the Prince came."
"Is that all she told you?" I asked softly.
"No, she also told me that you look great in violet and that you should get sapphire jewelry to compliment it all," he answered, a playful smile on his lips.
I let out an annoyed sigh and sat back down. My fingers trailed over the repaired ring while I thought. Tiran allowed me silence for now. The problem was more than money, it was upbringing. The last time I even saw the outside of the ball was when I was very young and sent to fetch the healer for my father. I knew nothing of those customs or that life style, and going would be an embarrassment.
"The money could be better used," I finally said as I met his eyes. My words obviously hurt him. Tiran had always wanted me to live a better life than he had.
"Crysil, you should obey the prince. He requested you…"
"And I am not what he expects. I am no whore of the court. I am not raised in the same manner, and I have NEVER worn a dress in my life! Don't expect it now father."
"You are going Crysil. Mistress Rae at the dressmakers is waiting for you. Please Crysil, do this not because it is easy, but because it is not."
Again I sighed. When father taught me to work metals to my will he used the same phrase when teaching me about steel and iron. As I knew from the beginning of this conversation and all conversations, my father always got his way. Once again I stood, this time of my own will, and offering him a piece of paper. Upon this was a careful charcoal sketch of a necklace. It would end up small and delicate, and I was yet to develop the skill for making it. None but my father could make such a piece of art… And he would make it for only me now.