Loving the reviews—and I would do responses, though since has apparently banned them, I don't want to risk this being taken down and my account locked for a week. It happened to my cousin once, so I know to be wary of it. On a lighter note, here is chapter five, with some more appearances by the Serpiente and a cat fight between two guys over the age-old reason of all fights: a woman. Anyway, quick update this time (only two days :-) So, onward and please review!
Chapter Five
My entrance did not go unnoticed. Respectfully, many of those in the Market that saw me touch down bowed and stepped aside, moving to clear a path for me to where I was sure Aderyn, Kienn and Mason were.
When I spotted my guard, positioned in between the two quarreling boys I called out. "I thank you for your assistance, Aderyn, in this petty matter." As soon as Kienn and Mason turned to see me they fell silent. And not ten feet away I saw Mayra, eyes immediately narrowing with disappointment, bright red-gold hair glimmering in the afternoon sun.
Aderyn inclined her head and shoved Kienn and Mason forward with a smirk hidden beneath her stoic features. Aderyn took pride in the fact that her charge was a queen who could scold Kienn and Mason to the point of embarrassment. Though I had no intention of doing so, I simply wanted to quell another one of their fights. And from where I stood, both boys seemed to have gotten in a good blow, because already purple bruises were forming on Kienn's left eye and Mason's chin.
Kienn's face held no shame, only clear annoyance for my intervening. "I only see one gain from your worthless engagements," I said, my tone strong and loud now that the Market had quieted. "Either one of you ends up paying a visit to our Healers, or you both do." Muffled chuckles sounded from the crowd.
Kienn spoke first. "Tuuli Thea, our quarrels are amoung us, we involve no one else. I fail to see the issue," he said, defiance flickering in his dark brown gaze. I looked to Mason, who did not seem to support his opponent on the matter.
I raised an eyebrow. "You fail to see the issue?" I asked, careful to keep my tone neutral. "Two grown Avian men picking a fight over a lady?" I prompted and then added; "Four times now." Kienn, who stood almost two feet taller than me, opened his mouth to say something but thought against it, and bit his lip.
Mason shook his head. "It was a stupid fight which I started, and I apologize for my part in it," he said, meeting my gaze bravely. Mason never did challenge my authority.
I nodded, realizing his silent request to flee. "Dismissed," I said. Mason gave a short bow, turned and left the Market Square.
Kienn remained where he stood, his eyes still challenging me to say more. Ignoring him I turned to Mayra. "Open Market is not a place to settle these kind of disagreements, I trust you to respect that," I said patiently. I had known Mayra since childhood, and had known of her fond liking of the attention suitors paid to her since her parents refused to indicate a betrothed when she had come of age three years ago.
I had hoped she would accept my chastisement, but growing up with Mayra I also knew her personality. Mason may have recognized my authority, but I knew she wouldn't. And that was only confirmed when she meet my gaze, just as defiant as Kienn's.
They would make an interesting pair bond once they stopped bickering, I thought with resign as Mayra opened her mouth to speak.
I put up my hand to silence her before she could voice her argument and returned her gaze. "Complaints can be dealt with in private, Mayra," I said. "And as one of the performers for tonight's Festival perhaps further preparations might put your time to better use?" I was also sharply aware that I was to take part in some of the dances as well.
Mayra's jaw tightened as she held back a comment. With a stiff "Yes, Tuuli Thea," she turned left, in the same direction, I noted, as Mason had.
Shaking my head, I sighed and returned my attention to Kienn, who now seemed to take the situation in full. "Is there any other problem?" I asked him, knowing the answer already.
"No, Tuuli Thea," Kienn replied, crestfallen.
———
With Kienn and Mason settled for the fourth time, I was able to make my way to the second level of the Hawk's Keep without any other distractions.
The Spring Festival was held every year, as was its twin, the Winter Festival. Both events were held in celebration of the shifts in seasons. There would be market stands overflowing with crafts, food and clothing off all sorts. The main events were presented on the dais that would be set up in the Market Square. Dancers, storytellers, mimes and singers would all perform for the crowd. At midnight I would make a speech telling of the past year, our harvest, and of the coming year.
I'd only ever made the speech once before, but even after a year to prepare, I was still nervous about speaking in front of so many people. And now, Serpiente would be amoung that crowd.
Cairbre shadowed behind me as I knocked on the door leading to the main chamber that acted as a common room for the Serpiente. Though I'd not asked him to accompany me, it was a reassuring feeling to know he would be there in the room with me.
Keen sapphire eyes met my gaze as the door opened. "Queen Alasdair," the Serpiente woman named Brassal Prythion greeted me. I nodded in return. She eyed Cairbre for a moment before stepping aside to let both of us pass. Her movements were structured as she walked into the room after us, her expression a mix of weariness and curiosity. Was it because I had brought a guard with me? I didn't know, but I turned my attention away from the thought and regarded my surroundings.
Entering the chamber, which was a common room that led to the several private quarters it housed, I realized two things: the Serpiente seemed fond of floor cushions, and, of not dressing fully.
I recognized Nalini immediately, sprawled comfortable on one of the floor cushions, wearing only his black slacks and boots. I came very quickly to the conclusion that Serpiente men were fit. The others occupying the room—Landon, Brassal—were still in riding clothes, though seemed to pay no mind to their half dressed companion. The other four Serpiente were not in attendance
Three. Some of the tension I'd been holding in did ease knowing that. But only some.
Aside from my concern about how many Serpiente I would be in company of, I felt my blush rise to my cheeks anyway and almost as soon I heard Brassal's voice beside me. "Nalini, throw on a tunic," she said in a chastising tone. Nalini, who had been content to just lie down and rest, sat up with a jerk at the command, a grin on his face. And they did not shield their emotions. At all. After a moment, I found that a comforting aspect—at least I would not be talking to twelve stones at the Festival tonight.
In a moment he was clothed, and aware of Landon sitting beside him, emerald gaze trying to hold mine, I turned to face the Serpiente woman.
"I know that you've traveled quite a distance already, but if you are interested, the Hawk's Keep is going to be holding their Spring Festival tonight in the Market Square," I said. "It's mainly to celebrate the shifting of the seasons, and there will be a feast and entertainment for the remainder of the night."
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Landon smirk and Nalini attempt to hide another one of his grins. They both failed, which only replenished my blush, I'm sure.
"We thank you for the invitation, Queen Alasdair," Brassal replied levelly. After a moment she added, "Though we've already been informed."
I had an idea of who had known about the Festival even before I asked the question. "By whom?" I asked.
"Our little Landon has been dropping eaves," Nalini didn't hide his amusement, grinning. I noticed his fangs and immediately felt my body tense without consent.
But immaturity overruled my worry. Again, I felt the heat rise in my cheeks: Landon had overheard my conversation with Mel. How much had he heard? My heartbeat sped at the thought—had he taken offense to what Mel had said? Of course. Had he told Kiesha and the rest of the Serpiente? Forcing myself to calm, I cleared my mind of the rushing doubts.
"I do not view the act as eavesdropping when you happen to walk by and overhear a conversation," Landon replied coolly. Fancy words, but it all boiled down to one thing: he had stayed back to listen to what my sister thought of him and the rest of his Serpiente companions. And to hear what I thought as well?
I turned to meet his emerald gaze, that same feeling forming itself inside of me. I'd only felt tense, maybe hesitant, with the other Serpiente, but with Landon—
"Happen, Landon?" Nalini tempted.
"We'll finish the discussion of Landon's extra curricular activities at a later time," Brassal's voice cut in with a slight note of annoyance. Nalini and Landon must have shared similar debates before I had arrived.
Remembering the Festival, I said, "The first events are held at dusk, ending just after midnight," knowing that Landon hadn't heard that information from my conversation with Mel earlier.
"We will be there," Brassal confirmed.