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Hand in Hand

Chapter Four: The Promise

"It's been ages since we've been in King Kashue's company. And even longer since we've attended one of his banquets." Deedlit's eyes gleamed as she took in the sight of all the men and women dressed in their finest silks and furs, their jewels dazzling in the flickering firelight that lit the entire hall. She hadn't stopped smiling since they made it to the top of the steps leading down into the ballroom. Deedlit and Parn had made a habit of attending Kashue's banquets in their usual tunics and armor, though it had been long years since they had need of rushing off into battle mid-dance. Though Parn had continued to roam Lodoss as the Free Knight with Deedlit at his side, things had been relatively calm compared to the distant threat that was Marmo and Kardis. The fifteen years following the battle on the dark island had seen few trials for the duo. Seeing as such, Deedlit took advantage of the opportunity as soon as she and Parn opened the lettered invitation Kashue sent to them weeks ago.

Deedlit stepped into the large marble hall, her arm linked through Parn's as she held up the deep green silk of her dress just enough to step lightly down the stone steps. The open neck of her gown spread across her shoulders and the material of the dress folded close to her waist, blossoming out past her hips to graze the floor below. She kept her hair a mix of braids and loose strands, some pinned up and some flowing loosely down her back, pearls woven throughout.

Parn stood beside her in a black and burgundy tunic, cinched at the waist with a thick belt. His face still held some of that charming youthfulness Deedlit always loved, though his tan skin held more wrinkles and his dark hair was somewhat coarser. She had trouble convincing him to remove his greaves and forearm armor so, huffing reluctantly, she resigned herself to seeing him in them for the banquet. In some small way, however, she was comforted by the familiar sight of them and the reminder of his enduring stubbornness.

Parn escorted her down the steps as they greeted others in the ballroom. They chatted for a small time with Slayn and accepted glasses of wine from the servants wandering through the hall. Soon there was music and dancing and Deedlit found herself smirking at Parn, eyeing him out of the corner of her eye.

Parn caught it and ended the conversation he was carrying with one of the King's advisors. Turning to her fully he smiled at her. "What?"

Deedlit sipped her wine coyly, then brought the cup down and answered, "You know, we never finished that first dance we had. Here. At Kashue's banquet with Ghim."

Parn's smile faltered slightly at the mention of his old friend. But that was a time past and this was a new age. He raised a hand to brush against her cheek lightly. "No, we didn't."

Deedlit only smiled at him, setting her cup down on the table next to her.

Parn laughed, then set his cup down as well and extended his arm. "My lady?"

She took his arm and followed him to the center of the floor where he took her waist with one arm and with his other rested her hand against his chest. They moved together with the strings of the musicians, the boyish inexperience of Parn's first time dancing gone and fled. In its place was the assurance and strength of a leader. Deedlit, for her part, had given up the flighty and pushy teaching of the steps that she had first employed when she yanked him onto the dance floor those many years again. She no longer needed to herd his attention toward her, it found her of its own accord. Deedlit was content to simply rest her head against his chest and move in step with him, a dance they had been doing for years.

"Parn."

Deedlit was snapped to alertness at the sound of Parn's name in a deep, gruff tone and she looked up, the two of them slowing to a stop, as she caught sight of Kashue, his hand atop Parn's shoulder.

"King Kashue," they both greeted in unison.

"I am glad you came," the king said to Parn, the wrinkles around his mouth spreading as he smiled genuinely, hidden somewhat by the graying hairs of his thick mustache and beard. He then turned to Deedlit and raised his eyes in quiet approval of her attire. "And Deedlit, you remain the most beautiful face to grace my halls. I have missed you both."

Parn turned and clasped his own hand on Kashue's shoulder. "And we have missed you , my old friend."

Kashue motioned for Parn to follow him. "Come. I tire of these formal settings. I have not sparred with you in a few seasons. Join me."

Deedlit's eyes fluttered toward the floor, a polite and serene smile gracing her features. She was already moving away from Parn. "Then excuse me, my lords. I will find you later this evening." It seemed her efforts for the night were needless. She knew Parn's heart lay with the battle and the fight. It was not the first time she stepped down silently, though tonight was harder than most for some reason. But suddenly, she felt Parn's hold on her waist tighten and he brought her back against him. She looked up at his gaze questioningly.

His words were for Kashue, but his eyes never left Deedlit's. "Actually sire," he grinned, "I promised a lady a dance. And I intend to fulfill that promise."

Deedlit's cheeks warmed at his steady gaze, her ears dipping low. She felt his other hand slip into hers and intertwine their fingers. She could have sworn she felt his heartbeat through their clasped hands.

Kashue smiled knowingly, nodding his head. "Of course. Enjoy yourselves tonight. I have you in my kingdom for several days to come. There will be other time for sparring." With that he bowed to them and turned, his heavy robes swaying behind him, as he walked back toward the throne.

Deedlit eyed Parn with a playful glint to her eye. "A promise, huh?"

Parn nodded, pulling her closer and lowering his lips to hers. "Uh huh. Now where were we?"