Chapter 32
The Grand Crystal Ball
"Ronin," she whispered as the dragon approached, growling at her, "I will see you in Sovngarde."
(The song is Forsaken by Within Temptation)
"Now the day has come.
We are forsaken this time."
The black dragon, her greatest foe, the destroyer of her world loomed over her, growling victoriously. He opened his blood-dripping jaws and prepared to shout when another voice cried behind her, "FUS RO DAH!" throwing the black winged beast across the plains.
Felldir ran to her side, though she would not move.
"You would forsake us now Jillian!? You would allow The World Eater to win!? To destroy us all!?"
"Ronin is dead," she whispered.
"THEN AVENGE HIM! Come Dragonborn! I have the scroll! We must lead our foe to the Throat of the World!"
She looked up at the old man. It was true, he carried the Elder Scroll in hand. She felt a twinge of hope burning inside her. Ronin would never have given up so easily. He didn't, even in the face of death itself. She would avenge him.
She rose to her feet and roared, "YOL TOOR SHUL!" firing flames in the face of the dragon as he rounded on them once more. He burst through the flames snapping his jaws at her, but she was ready, greatsword in hand and swiped at him, cutting a painful swath across his tongue. He reeled back, growling furiously as he shook his head.
Felldir cried, "FUS RO DAH!" once more against the dragon giving them an opportunity to run. They hurried across the plains and as Jillian recovered her voice she cried to the skies, "STRUN BA QO!"
Billowing storm clouds appeared out of nothingness and lightning struck the ground around them. The bolts lashed at the trees and the dragons flying high over the mountain. The World Eater was on them again but a bolt cut into him, booming loudly in their wake. They made their way to the Seven Thousand Steps and began their ascent to the Throat of the World where they might finally banish the beast of their nightmares forever.
Jillian whispered to the fallen as they stepped over their bodies, she whispered with wrath for the man she'd loved, "I will avenge you. I will kill them all. I will kill Alduin."
Bishop's eyes snapped open at the sound of a dragon's distant cry. He held his breath, listening closely as it passed, far off in the distance somewhere. He looked over the woman sleeping heavily beside him. Her eyes moving under her eyelids, brows contorted slightly as she lay trapped in another nightmare. She had them often and though he'd tried to wake her from them it was useless. There were always dragons nearby when she slept so fretfully. He did all he could while he waited for her to rouse, put out the smoldering fire, yanked the blanket over them and drew her into his arms.
Another roar. It was closer now, though they were shielded by the lush forest and the city was very near he was still wary. It was almost as though they could sense her. Always finding her no matter how they ran or hid.
He looked on at her frightened expression, wishing there was something he could do to make it stop. He knew what it was like to be trapped in a chilling nightmare. Before they met, he had them often. Now it was as though she'd taken all his nightmares and kept them for herself.
Soon she would wake and she wouldn't speak of it. Keeping it all to herself. Hiding her struggles, carrying the world's burdens on her shoulders and he had no idea how to help her. All he could do was remain by her side and protect her to the best of his abilities.
Dragon cries again, it sounded like more than one. Were they searching for her? Or maybe they were fighting for territory. Hopefully they would do it on some distant mountain peak or a in desolate forest this time.
Rona took a breath and her lashes fluttered, finally free from the horror in her head. She looked over at him and smiled, he returned it, and pretended as though he'd heard nothing, "Good morning Sweetness, how'd you sleep?"
"Hmm, well aside from laying on this bumpy ground all night I'd say pretty good, you?"
"Slept like a baby," he sighed and leaned back beside her.
The sun was nearly up and they were both feeling refreshed and ready to greet the day. The two of them had a lot to prepare for, so they pulled on their clothes and packed up their camp, walking back to the city together. Rona of course had no idea of Bishop's plans so when she asked him, "What do you plan to do today?"
He replied, "Probably just going to enjoy a quiet night in the tavern."
But as soon as they entered the gates they both realized there would be no quiet night to have. Hundreds of people had arrived for the Ball. Nobles, royals, merchants, travelers, commoners and servants alike bustled about the marketplace.
"Well, so much for having a nice evening to myself," Bishop grumbled.
She smirked and shook her head, then her friends caught her eye. They were standing outside, watching all the people milling about the city and most likely waiting for her. Rona turned to Bishop and kissed him on the cheek, "I'm going to start getting ready."
He looked down at her, a charming smile crossed his lips, "Be sure to come see me before you run off to the Ball."
"I will!"
She left him running over to the girls. Charissa turned her face away while Lorrie and Roxlin greeted her happily.
Roxlin whined, "Oh come on Charissa! We already talked about this."
"Yeah, you promised," Lorrie mumbled.
Charissa sighed heavily then looked at Rona. She twisted her mouth, frowning at first and then said, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you last night. I was just... I'm worried about you."
Rona gave a half smile and said, "I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have yelled at you."
Charissa scratched her head, through her scalp short hair, "I got pretty heated too."
Rona went over and hugged her. Glad to finally have made up and hoping she wouldn't bring up the issue again. She perked up and asked, "Where are the boys?"
"They're getting ready and washing up in the bath downstairs," Lorrie answered.
"We'll go in after," Roxlin said, then tugged on Rona's sleeve and whispered, "So, is Mr. Handsome taking you to the Ball?"
Rona chuckled then said slowly, "Actually no... Bishop isn't much for formal parties. He hates them. He told me to go with Casavir."
All three of them looked absolutely floored.
"He did not," Charissa said with disbelief.
"That was nice of him," Lorrie said.
Rona took a breath, "Yeah... too nice, now that I think about it." She glanced back at him. He was standing by, in his usual position against a wall, scowling at all the noblemen and women strutting about in their frumpy clothes.
The girls went inside and Rona caught up with her father, who informed her he wasn't feeling well and wouldn't be attending the Ball either, much to her disappointment. The boys all came upstairs after a short while, bathed and groomed to perfection. Marco had trimmed up his already short beard and had his hair slicked back like usual. Linel looked positively elvish with his own long, light brown locks draped behind his head and two thin pieces trailing over his pointed ears. Magrob was looking quite attractive for an orc, having trimmed his own hair shorter and even polished the large bottom incisors that came out of his mouth.
Casavir however was looking the most clean-cut of all of them. Rona's heart leapt slightly at the sight of him. Fond memories burning in her mind from a time long lost. He was clean shaven, his hair swept smoothly to the side, with a light curl and his eyes sparkled brightly in the light. The bruise from his eye gone completely as well.
Roxlin ran over to Magrob and fell into his arms purring, "Mmm, looking sexy sweetie."
He growled low, "I could say the same about you babe, can't wait to dance with you, all night long."
She pressed her nose to his and he kissed her gently. Rona's brows went up slightly as she'd never seen an orc kiss a human before, but they managed it somehow. She couldn't be happier for them, they truly were the sweetest couple.
"I take it the bath is full of hair now," Charissa joked, "You know, considering how smooth you all look."
Linel laughed, "Don't worry, we made sure to clean it up for you ladies. It's all yours!"
"You finally going to shave the rest of your hair off too, Charissa?" Marco goaded her, "Don't think that curly mop could get any shorter, but I'm sure you'll try."
"Hey," Charissa chided him, "Having short hair is safer than having long hair. You should know considering how many times a zombie's grabbed you by yours."
"Pft," he rolled his eyes and looked sour because he had indeed been grabbed by the hair many times by zombies, though it was more because he couldn't stop fussing with it in the middle of battle.
The girls left to go down into the bath and the men left to mill about town before getting dressed in their formal dancewear. Casavir approached Rona and smiled charmingly at her, "You're looking well today."
She blushed suddenly remembering all the sex she'd had the night before with Bishop. They'd done it at least three times before finally passing out in each other's arms.
He chuckled, thankfully he was blissfully unaware of that fact... she hoped.
"Why all the blushing?" he asked her.
She put a hand to her arm and forced the words out, "Yooouuu look handsome. Dashing even."
"Thank you," he said smiling, "I'm looking forward to seeing you this evening as well... speaking of, have you thought any more about my request?"
"I have," she breathed, "I'll go with you."
His smiled widened, "You delight me. I was worried that you might still be angry with me. But I am overjoyed that you have accepted my request."
She smirked slightly, he always was the formal one. Polite in every way. It took someone like Bishop to draw out his true colors.
"Tonight then," she said, walking away from him, a wry smile perking at her lips. Bishop might not be going, but she'd at least enjoy making Casavir wish he'd never taken those vows.
She met with the girls downstairs where a low lit and somewhat dingy bathroom was. It was in a lone room, hidden behind some shelves stocked with mead and ale. A simple curtain drew over the archway leading into the room. Inside was a single large tub, sunk into the stone floor, there were soaps, tonics, perfumes and towels lining the shelves on the walls. The other three had already disrobed and were washing up and chatting lightly. Rona joined them and sunk right into the warm water washing the sweat and other unmentionable things from herself from the night before.
She smelled almost every bottle of tonic until she found the perfect fragrance of romantic rose and jasmine flowers, quite exotic considering they were in Skyrim. She started scrubbing her hair with it when Roxlin asked Charissa, "Are you going to the Ball with Marco or Linel tonight?"
Charissa scoffed, "Linel obviously. There's no way I'm letting Marco get his hands on me, damned womanizer."
"But I wanted to go with Linel," Lorrie pouted.
Charissa furrowed her brows at her, "He's your brother Lorrie."
"Yeah, but it's still better than having Marco hanging all over me," she cringed her face.
Roxlin and Rona both laughed at them then Roxlin clutched her shoulders and swayed in the water, "I can't wait to dance with Magrob! It's going to be so romantic!"
Charissa smirked, "Knowing you two you'll dance for a whole minute then disappear into some bush somewhere."
"He's gonna disappear right into her bush," Lorrie giggled.
Charissa splashed her, "Gross Lorrie!"
"Ah! It's true though just look at it!" Lorrie stuck her tongue out.
Roxlin barked, "Hey! I keep it groomed just fine, besides," she blushed furiously, "Magrob likes it more...natural."
Rona started blushing for her and laughing, "Gods, you three are atrocious!"
Roxlin smirked at her, "Look who's talking, the girl smelling of sex over here. What'd you get up to last night?"
Rona sunk into the water, trying to hide her burning face. They all laughed at her and finished their bath. They went upstairs to their room and fussed with their hair, except Charissa who did indeed trim it even shorter to her head while in the bath. Roxlin's pixie cut was easy to fix up and Rona curled a pretty pink carnation behind her ear for her, it would match the beautiful pink gown she'd chosen.
She helped Lorrie straighten her curly brown locks back and took two strands, just like Linel's, pulling them from the sides of her head and tying them off with white twine, shaping the twine back and forth into neat 'X' shapes. She looked more his twin than ever with a matching hair style, though the back of it curled up a bit, giving it a wavy look.
"You're so pretty Lorrie," Rona said as she finished tying the twine to her locks.
"Aw!" Lorrie hugged her, "You were always the prettiest Rona."
She blushed and said, "Don't be silly," her face fell slightly and she muttered so that the other two couldn't hear, "If I were the prettiest Casavir wouldn't have left me."
Lorrie looked sad and grasped her hands whispering back, "Casavir's a fool Rona. And I don't care what anyone says about Bishop. I know he loves you. The way he looks at you... you're really lucky."
Rona smiled at her, a tear budding in her eye. She gave Lorrie a big hug and then Lorrie pushed her back and said, "Your turn! We're going to make you drop dead gorgeous woman!"
Lorrie did indeed do just that. She used her magic to extend Rona's hair to twice its length and worked her fingers through it, drawing the sides together into a thick braid which wrapped around the back of her head. She then whisked her magic hands through it, curling the strands into thick coils and lengthening it more as needed until it fell down to her the middle of her waist. Then Lorrie took some small white flowers and beads and wrapped them into the braid completing her look.
They moved onto makeup next, something Rona hadn't worn in years. Roxlin seemed to have a knack for it despite probably never wearing it herself. Even Charissa indulged in applying some and prettying up her face.
Rona insisted they give her a more natural look, the last thing she wanted was to look like someone else altogether. Roxlin was kind enough to apply a light pink to her lips and simple browns and greens to her eyes, though she did get a bit wild with the black liner and made sure to thicken her lashes a bit.
When they finally finished dressing up they spent most of the day inside, not wanting to spoil the surprise for their dates by wandering around town. When the sun slowly started to set the girls left the inn to collect their gowns from The Jewel. Roxlin looked stunning in her soft pink and white gown. Lorrie had settled on a dark green which paired well with the shade of her skin and Charissa had chosen on an elegant gold gown that accentuated her curves.
Rona was a bit nervous about what hers would look like since the shopkeeper had promised to make hers entirely new. But when she brought out the elegant light, aquamarine gown she was thrilled. She put it on and admired how lovely it was, not to mention it was a perfect fit. The bodice had a tight fitted corset woven into it, which shaped her bust nicely and trimmed her waist close. The bottom fanned out a soft chiffon, draping to the floor. There were two forearm sleeves that had the same chiffon material attached that also draped all the way down with the dress. The shopkeeper even provided some white dancing boots which couldn't be seen under the gown.
The woman stood by admiring her own work, "You look stunning, marvelous, absolutely breathtaking! I knew that color would look amazing on you. You will have all the men falling at your feet!"
Her friend's mouths dropped when they saw her.
"Gorgeous!" Roxlin squealed.
Lorrie put a hand to her mouth and whispered, "Beautiful."
"Wow Rona. I don't know if Casavir will be able to hold to his vows after seeing you," Charissa said, stunned.
Rona spun in a light circle, making the gown rise slightly and she smiled brightly and then said with a sigh, "I wish Ata was coming."
"We'll see him at the inn before we leave!" Roxlin declared, "Now let's go give our men a rise," she giggled and ran off ahead of them, holding her dress.
They followed her outside. The marketplace was all but empty now, with a few stragglers hurrying along to the Blue Palace. The girls ran inside the inn, but Rona stopped when she heard a sharp whistle and turned to see Bishop standing by, leaning against the side wall of the tavern.
His gaze roamed all over her, a look of stunned awe crossed his face as he approached her and said, "Wow. You look amazing!"
She noticed that he had also washed and groomed himself, with his hair being slightly shorter and his facial stubble cleaned up a bit, not to mention he had a delightfully masculine scent on him, something that definitely came from a soap or a perfume.
She cocked her head at him, "Did you... bathe?"
He smirked back at her, "What? A man can't take a bath and clean himself up a little? I figured since everyone else was getting all dolled up I might as well take advantage too."
"Well, you look good," she said.
"Not as good as you," he bit his lower lip, resting his gaze quite obviously on the tops of her breasts.
"Do you think Casavir will like it?" She asked coyly. Maybe if she made him a little jealous he'd change his mind about going.
He chuckled lightly, "Oh he'll like it and he'll hate it, because looking at you will make his blood boil and that's not something he's comfortable with."
"Do I make your blood boil, Bishop?"
"You'd make any real man's blood boil," he said with a smirk.
"But you wouldn't be flustered holding me close on the dance floor?" She planted the idea in his mind.
He was dead serious when he looked into her eyes and said, "Flustered? No. Thrilled? Yes. Excited? Yes, without a doubt. Would I lose control? Not a chance. Does that satisfy your curiosity, Princess?"
His words made her heart race and warmed her cheeks, "Yes... is that too forward?"
He took a step towards her and caressed her cheek, "Oh my dear, you can be forward with me anytime," he paused pulling his hand back, "but your knight in shining armor awaits," he glanced over at the group of them standing outside the inn watching them both, "I'll see you later." He gave her a wink and traipsed off towards the inn, rounding around them all and disappearing inside.
As she came up to the group of them Serlas stepped forward, meeting her with the widest grin on his face, "Velvynen, you look beautiful." Her cheeks burned at his compliment.
He glanced over the group and said, "Well then! I hope you all enjoy your evening. Meanwhile I shall have a quiet drink with our good ranger, Bishop. Don't indulge in too much fraternizing now!"
They all said goodnight and good evening as Serlas went back inside and then they paired off. Magrob gently taking Roxlin's arm as she nuzzled his shoulder smiling sweetly and they left looking as romantic a pair as ever. Lorrie ran over and grabbed Linel's arm dragging him along and laughing as he cried, "Sister! But - ah - sorry Charissa!" He called back over his shoulder.
Charissa threw her arms out, shouting, "Damn it Lorrie!"
Marco wrapped his hand around her waist, flashed her a pearly white smile and said, "Looks like it's just you and me babe."
Her eye twitched at him and she threw his hand off of her, "Touch me again and you'll lose that hand." She slipped a dagger from one of her long gloved hands.
He scowled, "You're seriously bringing a knife!?"
She cocked her head at him, "Can never be too careful." And she strode across the path, leaving him behind. He ran his hand over his slicked back hair and followed, then he looked back, winking and clicking his tongue at Rona, "Save a dance for me Dragonborn."
She laughed at him shaking her head and then Casavir touched her arm, turning her towards him. He gave her a longing look as he whispered, "You look stunning this evening. I fear to gaze at you, that I may lose myself."
She smirked at him, pleased that she reminded him of everything he'd given up then held her arm out and said, "Shall we?"
He blushed and looped his arm in hers and they ventured off to the palace together.
There were quite a few people milling around outside, talking and picking at the small hors d'ourvres floating around on the platters several servants carried about.
Many eyes were immediately drawn to her and the whispers started in, some people not even bothering to lower their voices.
"Great the Dragonborn is here. Drama follows her like an unwanted smell."
"You're the Dragonborn aren't you? How about we hear one of those shouts of yours? Hmm?"
"Mingle and mingle well, Dragonborn. What you see tonight is not simply a dance."
"Just be warned, don't drink anything. You probably have about fifty enemies in that palace."
"I'm still waiting for that shout!"
A redguard woman stopped her and whispered, "You must excuse all of the gossips out here tonight. You're causing quite the stir! You're probably the most exciting thing that's happened to them," she held out a hand, "Pleasure to meet you, Rona Roundtree."
Rona chuckled, shaking her hand, "An honor to meet another who shares my name, I'm Rona Lightfoot."
The woman waved a hand and rambled on quickly, "Oh tell me about it! Ever since you became famous they've been naming girls Rona left and right, not to mention I always get asked if I'm the Dragonborn," she laughed awkwardly and said, "How silly is that? Me the Dragonborn?"
Rona chuckled uncomfortably and Casavir, thankfully sensing her unease, ushered her onward through the crowd of murmuring men and women towards the doors.
(Waltz Music suggestions: Waltz for the Moon or Dance with the Balamb-Fish Extended Versions on Youtube by Nobuo Uematsu)
The inside was incredible and enormous. The floors and pillars were made of marble and all trimmed with elegant gold accents. The top floor spanned outward on the sides with large, bright shimmering windows lit up by the lights from the crystalline chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. On opposite sides were two large balconies leading outside to a view of the stars and the sea, several lovers were meeting out on the balconies, dancing, flirting and kissing.
No expense had been spared with the decor or the furniture either, as all were a bright white marble with matching gold trim to the rest of the interior.
In the center floor, down below was the dance floor where many couples had paired up to waltz together. Magrob and Roxlin were already down there dancing wildly together, with eyes only for each other. Charissa was by a window, watching the nobles prance about and firmly scowling at any man who dared approach her, turning them right back around.
The twins were having quite a bit of luck in finding their own romance that evening.
Linel was chatting with a handsome nord servant, flirting by the looks of it and it was going well as they were both blushing lightly, then he put a hand to the young man's waist and drew him away from the crowd.
Lorrie was surrounded by three impressive noblemen who were all asking her to dance and she was clearly loving it, biting her lower lip, playing shy, but no doubt eyeing the one she wanted to bed that evening.
Marco on the other hand was telling a very bored noblewoman about his family's wealth and failing miserably to woo her.
Casavir looked to Rona and asked, "May I have this first dance?"
She held her hand out and gave him a kind smile, "You may."
He took her hand and gently lead her to the dance floor. He was polite as ever as he pressed a hand to her back and raised her right hand into his left. She grasped his shoulder with her free hand and they danced. She looked into his kind eyes and reminisced of the days long past. She'd always just assumed he was a complete gentleman and that was why he'd never once made a move on her. Two years she spent chasing this man, flirting, expressing her affections with only light flirtations in return from him. Two years she'd never get back and when she finally worked up the courage to tell him she loved him...
"You look so beautiful," he seemed to mourn his loss of her, "For once in my life, I find myself regretting ever taking my vows."
This had been her intention, to make him regret everything, but she didn't feel very good about it either. She met his gaze and said, "You don't mean that Casavir."
"Hmm," he looked over her, thoughtfully, "If I hadn't taken them," he chuckled, "then maybe I could sweep you off your feet like that brute of a companion you have."
She laughed, "That's sweet, Casavir, but I know that you don't regret becoming a Paladin."
"My life has its burdens, my lady, but becoming a Paladin was one I knew was the right path... though I do find myself longing for another life, at times. But the evening is still young and does not need to be dampened by my regrets," he pulled away, putting a hand behind his back, grasping her hand and kissing the top of it as he bowed.
She looked up at one of the open balconies and said, "You're right. I don't want to regret anymore."
He looked at her curiously. "What do you mean?"
She glanced around, too many eyes on her, too many whispers. She grasped his hand and lead him up to the open balcony, drawing one of the curtains down to give them a little more privacy. She stood by the balustrade and looked out at the sparkling ocean, the moon reflected brightly on its surface as a chill wind brushed through the air.
"It's lovely, but why have you brought me here?" he asked with a trace of desire in his eyes.
"When you left Casavir, five years ago," she sighed looking up at him, "When you left me, I wrote you a song. I always expected to sing it to you... I always thought that, maybe you'd miss me and come back," she knit her brows together, looking sad, "You never even wrote."
He swallowed hard and turned his face from hers, "I... I tried to forget you. I thought it would be more difficult to let you go if I kept contact and... I didn't want you to think I would come back. I made my choice, you were right about that. I only regret it whenever I think of you."
Rona felt her voice catch in her throat and tears building. Why did this still hurt? Hadn't she let go already? No, she had to give him his song and send him on his way. She cleared her throat and whispered, "This is what I wrote for you."
(The song is Suteki Da Ne by Erutan)
"Angel white of labyrinth blue
Do you see me as I see you?
Soft darkened eyes haunted by dreamless sleep
Is it your ghost I see in the mirror?
Reach out to touch me dearest dream of mine
Open your eyes, say you're alright
The glass shatters at the softest touch
Is there a soul beyond the shards?
Warm tears sting my eyes
As all of these sweet memories flood back to me
Reminiscing now
The sun will set beyond the cruel mountain range
I'll still be here (it's dark now without your light)
Begging your heart to beat (sweet defiled angel, open your eyes)
My existence is not the same (believe in me)
Without you here... (believe that I love you)
You shut your eyes and gave in to that light
A beauty frozen in eternal night just when
I realized the error of my ways
You slipped between my fingertips
I was a fool, I was stuck in such bliss
Wish I could grant, you your first kiss
Sorrow only grows if I try to forget
You're an eternal part of me
A sweet lullaby
Clasping my fragile heart and whispering your name
Soft embrace in my sleep
Is this a dream or is it
Yet another nightmare of thee
Don't let this end (it's cold now without your touch)
Wait on the other side (my beautiful angel, rest in peace)
And I will slumber deep (just please don't let this die)
I'll see you soon..."
Warm tears did indeed sting her eyes as she remembered one of the most painful days in her life. Casavir was speechless and he grasped her shoulders and drew in to kiss her, she turned her head so that his lips only caressed her cheek.
He pulled back, blushing furiously, "I... I apologize my lady. Forgive me. I have overstepped myself, I must profusely apologize. Please forgive me."
She blinked the tears away and said, "I forgive you," he looked relieved, but she continued, "I forgive you for hiding the truth from me for two years, I forgive you for leaving me and not coming back. But I cannot grant you your first kiss, not anymore. There's someone else I love."
He sighed, smirking slightly, "He's a lucky man to hold your heart so close."
"Casavir," she pressed him, "Please tell me you're not the reason Bishop's brother is dead."
His face fell and he turned, grasping the balustrade and looked out at the sea. He was quiet for some time before he admitted, "It is my fault. I... I honestly believed that I was helping him, that I could have saved him and his family from that life. But it was also my intention to put an end to the band of brigands that were terrorizing the Rift. I put him in a position that forced him to choose between his family and his brother. If I hadn't, then he might still be alive today," he met her gaze, a pained look on his face, "That is my sin, Rona. The burden I carry with me every day of my life. That is my greatest regret. I regret it more than I regret leaving you."
She breathed, furrowing her brows and turned away from him. She knew that Bishop would never murder his brother in cold blood. Casavir had lied. He'd lied because of his own deep shame, unable to admit his faults, hiding behind his mask.
He grasped her hand, turning her towards him and said, "I truly am sorry, for everything Rona. For how I made you feel, for what I did... or rather didn't do. I should have told you."
"Thank you for taking me to the Ball Casavir," she smiled at him. This was goodbye. No more sadness, no more regrets. She'd finally let him go.
He kissed her hand delicately, "Farewell, until our next meeting, my lady. Thank you for the wonderful evening. I hope we may do it again someday."
He left her there and she turned to look out over the sparkling sea, missing Bishop and wishing he were there, but then she heard a voice.
Casavir stepped back into the ballroom and made to leave when he noticed Bishop standing by, leaning against a wall, arms crossed and surprisingly dressed in finery. He stopped as Bishop said, "Guess that's the closest I'll ever get to a sincere apology from you," he looked over at Casavir, meeting his gaze, "Glad to see you're finally being a man and owning up to it."
Casavir chuckled, turning his head before looking back to Bishop again, "I meant every word."
Bishop pressed his lips together and nodded.
"You were right about her," Casavir said, "She protected her honor just fine on her own. She's a strong woman. You're lucky to have her. Always hold her close."
Then Casavir left him, an unspoken respect formed between them. Bishop pushed off the wall and fixed his clothes before turning onto the balcony where the woman of his dreams waited for him.
She stood by, a gentle hand caressing the balustrade while the breeze pulled at wisps of her hair and the moonlight made her eyes sparkle. She was grinning ear to ear at him as he crossed the landing and announced, "I'm here, darling! Don't mind if I cut in do you?"
He grasped her by the waist, pulling her right hand to his left and she laughed, "You came!"
He smirked at her, "Of course I did. You didn't really think I was going to let Casavir sweep you off your feet did you?"
She looked him up and down and laughed again, "What are you wearing?"
"Serlas' idea. He insisted. Said they wouldn't let me in without 'em. Ugh... these clothes feel like they're strangling me," he grumbled.
"It's sweet that you went through all this trouble for me."
"It's not fair if you get to have all the fun!"
A song began to play and a woman's voice carried up from the ballroom and onto the balcony.
Bishop drew her in closer, letting his hand slip to her rear. She yanked it up and he chuckled and asked, "May I have this dance?"
"I'd gladly dance with you all night."
(The song is Eyes On Me by Faye Wong)
"I never sang my songs
On the stage, on my own
I never said my words
Wishing they would be heard
I saw you smiling at me
Was it real, or just my fantasy?
You'd always be there in the corner
Of this tiny little bar
My last night here for you
Same old songs, just once more
My last night here with you?
Maybe yes, maybe no
I kind of liked it your way
How you shyly placed your eyes on me
Did you ever know
That I had mine on you?
Darling, so there you are
With that look on your face
As if you're never hurt
As if you're never down
Shall I be the one for you
Who pinches you softly but sure?
If frown is shown then
I will know that you are no dreamer
So let me come to you
Close as I wanna be
Close enough for me
To feel your heart beating fast
And stay there as I whisper
How I loved your peaceful eyes on me
Did you ever know
That I had mine on you?
Darling, so share with me
Your love if you have enough
Your tears if you're holding back
Or pain if that's what it is
How can I let you know
I'm more than the dress and the voice?
Just reach me out, then
You will know that you are not dreaming
Darling, so there you are
With that look on your face
As if you're never hurt
As if you're never down
Shall I be the one for you
Who pinches you softly but sure?
If frown is shown then
I will know that you are no dreamer"
This song was for them. It had to be. And she hadn't even summoned it. He spun with her, dancing gracefully, spinning her out and then drawing her back into a deep embrace. His eyes wouldn't look away from her, nor hers from him. They were two lovers, become one on this private dance floor. She didn't have to be a hero, she didn't have to have any responsibilities. No fate, no destiny. She could just be his woman and he her man.
They slowed their dance down then and she pressed her face to his warm chest, listening to his heart beat for her. Listening to the words that could have been sung from her own heart. He tipped her face up to his as they swayed on the balcony, alone together, under the moonlight, just like she'd always dreamed.
And then he leaned in, caressing his lips to hers before entwining his to hers, drawing her in and giving her the most passionate kiss of her life. Her heart ached painfully with love for him. It was perfect, nothing could ruin this moment and only one thing could make it even better.
He pulled from her, as the song came to a close and he breathed, his heart racing so fast, "Rona... I lo-"
But then his face contorted and his eyes grew wide in fear and he was no longer looking at her but at the winged fury hovering behind her, eyeing them maliciously as it opened its crooked jaws to shout, "YOL TOOR SHUL!"