by Redsparrow » Wed Feb 11, 2015 1:14 pm
"Fey Dear" the voice broke into Fey's thoughts. It had been a little over six months since Fey had retrieved that man she later began to know as Luke. Those events still haunted her thoughts from time to time, she wondered just how close she had truly come to death that night. Shaking her head she pushed the idea away, true to her word she kept the events between the two of them and for the first time in her life lied to Kern during the de-briefing of the mission.
Fey suspected that Kern saw through her lies but he did not press. Nor did her parents when she returned home with wrapped wrists. The burns did leave pink scars in the shape of a hand on each wrist, it was hard to not notice them so Fey did her best to keep them wrapped. She kept them under silk bands to hind them from even her view after they healed. There was something creepy about them, almost like in that moment she had been branded and a sick feeling shook her when she realized she would bear his hand prints for the rest of her life.
"Fey Dear, is everything alright?" Her maiden looked worriedly at Fey.
"Oh stop fretting Nan, I am just tired that's all." Nan had been her nursemaid since she was five and the women was like another mother to her.
"I swear if Kern is working you to hard I will have a word with him for it!" She tugging a little rougher at the dress they were working around Fey's body.
"No it’s not that Nan, just didn't sleep well last night is all." The royal family was holding a large ball tonight and every noblemen was invited. They had all been told that an announcement was to be made, but Fey just wasn't as excited as everyone else seemed to be. These formal balls were always so draining to her, she hardly looked forward to it. Instead she wanted to be out training with Kern or really any of the eagles instead. "Say Nan, did you know that Barn Owls can hunt in pitch darkens?"
"Can they? That’s quite odd, how do you expect they do that?" Nan added while adding the final touches to the dress and Fey's hair.
"Hearing mostly, there hearing is so good they can even hear the heart beating." Fey looked at herself in the mirror, the long green fabric with silver needle work and lace brought out the green in her eyes. Her pale skin was ornately decorated with her long black hair that was tied back and flow down say for a few strands that had been curled and hung at the side of her face. Sliver high heels and fancy gloves to hide the scars finished off the look.
"How interesting, were did you learn that?" Nan asked stepping back and looking at her hand work.
"Huh? Oh just something I heard once." Nan who looked satisfied with her work nodded.
"Good good, well best be off now! Can't keep the prince waiting!" Fey looked at Nan curiously as they walked form the room the carriage that was to take them to the ball. "Prince Ross? Why would he be waiting on me?"
Nan looked confused. "What now? Oh look the carriage is waiting with your parents. Bust hurry off." Before Fey could push Nan she was ushered into the carriage. She was confused, true she had been spending time with Ross but why would he be waiting for her? She thought back to the yearly ball and remembered that the ball always started its dances with Royalty leading. Perhaps Ross was intending to start the night off with a dance with her.
Regardless, she was excited to see Kern. He was sure to look lovely tonight. Just last week the had stolen a kiss while the two were out patrolling the lands, Fey had enjoyed it so much she sought any time to be alone with him. This included sneaking out a night and calling in sick to training. Things had started to escalate to the point that neither of them were able to fully do their jobs. Fey was hoping Kern was planning to propose soon, but worried that his low family rank would cause him to not. Eagles rarely were allowed to marry Falcons, but Fey was sure she could convince her father to make an exception.
"Are you excited dear?" Fey's mother asked cheerfully.
"Yeah I suppose." Fey responded with a board tone in her voice.
"Today is a big day Fey, we are very pound of you." Her father added. Fey shot him a strange glance, what was he talking about? The carriage pulled up and before she knew it she was swept into the grand ball room.
The two floor ball room was made of marble and laced with gold, crystal chandlers hung far above the dance floor. The upper floor was covered with tables sporting the finest of eatery. The guests were divided into two groups, the lefts side was were all the men stood while the women all gossiped on the right. Singles huddled together and chattered about cute girls or boys across the room.
Silence fell over the group as Fey entered, Ross who had been standing by the stairs to the upper floor approached her for the first dance. The band began to play as his hands closed over her. She couldn't help but smile at him, they had been friends for their whole lives and there was few she was as close to as Ross. He looked surprisingly nervous. "These silly balls, what can I say?" Ross said quietly so only Fey’s ears could catch his words.
"Indeed, at least it’s better with you here." Ross took the edge off even the most serious of events. He was naturally a shy man standing at about 5ft 8inches with short well-kept black hair and golden brown eyes. Fey had grown use to the official royal clothing but she had to admit that Ross wore them better than any of his family. At the age of 32 and with half the kingdom having a crush on him, Fey was sure he would be married soon. Falcons tended to get married later in life since they were so busy with study during younger years.
"I am glad you feel that way, your smile is all it takes to make these loathsome events stand-able." Other couples cut in and Fey had to focus on the more completed steps of the dance. After most of all the ball room had started to join in when Fey was passed from partner to partner as tradition in the dance before ending with Ross. The music paused giving those a chance to leave the ball room floor, before the next dance started.
The next dance was more upbeat and fast pace. Fey found herself next to Kern who lit up at the sight of her. "Hey Fey." His voice was pleasant. "Master Ross. Do you mind if I steal your partner?
"Not at all Kern, just make sure she comes back in one piece." Ross joked picking up another eager dance partner immediately.
Fey smiled all the while, the dance couldn't last long enough. Again and again she took Kern as a dance partner before the two both needed a break from dancing. As Kern led them to the tables for a water and food Fey thought she caught the slightest glimpse of a man with red hair. On double take all she could see was red dress...
"Everything alright Fey?" Kern asked seeing the worried expression.
"Huh? Oh yes, just thought I saw... nothing, its nothing." Fey replied
"I will get you something to drink, you looked hungry to." He winked leaving Fey seated alone at a table. She continued to look around and watch the various couples. Two young lovers giggling and kissing in the corner, the King and Queen chatting with diplomats from another tribe. So far everything about this night was perfect, she began to relax and enjoy herself.
"Hey sugar cube." The voice made Fey jump and she whirled around wildly looking for its owner. Her eyes fell upon the man who had just taken a set behind and to the left of her.
"Ashmore?" Fey hissed in a surprise tone, she hardly recognized the man. Clean shaven with short hair he looked completely different. She had to admit he cleaned up well, in fact one hansom was a slight understatement for the man. She blushed slightly at the memory of having had him on top of her. He was dressed in fine dark red fabric with golden hints throughout.
"Please after all we have been through, call me Luke, all my friends do." He took a healthy drink of his wine before adding. "Let me give you some advice, if you want to keep your little fling secret you had better make your feelings less obvious."
"What fling? And we are hardly friends." Fey snapped at him.
"Oh so you don't know yet." Luke said with a slight smile. "Well best not spoil the surprise."
"What surprise?" Fey hissed.
"Indeed what surprise are we talking about here?" Kern's voice interrupted
"Kern how nice to see you. I must say you are quite the dancing couple." Luke's eyes sparkled at the pair. "It takes some real knowledge of your partner's body to move in such a coordinated manner."
"Can't say the pleasure is shared Ashmore, in fact if it were not for formalities you wouldn't even be here." Kern replied curtly.
"Please call me Luke, all these formalities are so unneeded." Luke smiled.
"Fey let’s move closer to the music shall we?" Kern suggested. Fey nodded then followed Kern glancing back at Luke who proceeds to blow a kiss and a wink at the two as they walked off. "Kern what does he mean by surprise?"
Kern placed the plate of food and the glass of wine down before pulling the chair out for Fey to sit on. "I have no idea." Kern responded.
Fey could see he was lying. "Kern you can tell me." She said sitting down and staring pick at the food.
"Fey, just eat. We will talk later." Kern said with a smile.
Fey's mind explored all possibilities, could it be. OH! Fey was suddenly excited, Kern was going to propose. He must have told her parents and the Royal family was in on it two. The special announcement was sure to be his proposal. As was tradition there was a dance all Avian members learned and were to perform as the proposal. It was sure to take place around 9pm tonight. Fey could hardly wait the few short hours that lay in front of them.
Ross soon joined them at the table offering Fey another glass of wine. "How is the evening going?" He asked Fey and Kern.
"Swell Master Ross, if you two would excuse me for a moment." Kern replied before heading to the restroom.
"So well." Fey chirped. "I can't imagine any night more perfect!" Fey exclaimed watching Kern leave affectionately.
"Nothing makes me happier then to hear that." Ross smiled.
"In fact I have never been so excited for nine." Fey added.
"Nine?" Ross looked puzzled. "Why nine?"
"Oh Ross, you don't have to play dumb with me. I know exactly what is going to happen."
"You know?" Ross looked kind of upset. "It was supposed to be a surprise."
"Come on Ross it’s obvious." Fey chimed in.
"Well if you don't mind me asking, will you say yes?" Ross asked shyly
"Of course I will, I have never been so in love. In fact it’s about freaking time, I thought this day would never come. I mean I have been sending all the signals I could think of and was worried they were all going unnoticed."
"You have no idea how relived I am to hear that." Ross said with a huge grin. "I was so worried that we would go to all this effort and you would say no."
"Oh Ross, I would never ever say no." Fey's eyes sparkled.
"Well then, see you at nine." Ross smiled as he was flagged down by a diplomat.
"See you at nine!" Fey called. Moreover I will see Kern at nine.
Song after song passed and Fey danced her feet off with pure joy, waiting for nine to approach. She as having so much fun she completely forgot about running into Luke. That was until she found her hands locked with his.
"If I may congratulate you early." Luke said as a greeting under his breath.
"I will allow that, yes. Thank you." Fey cued.
"It’s not every day that someone of your title marries up." Luke added pulling her in close and spinning her around his body as was part of the dance.
"What do you mean? Kern is an Eagle, so it would be he who is marring out of rank." Fey looked at Luke confused.
"Kern?" Luke returned the confused look. "What are we talking about?"
"What are you talking about?" Fey hissed.
"I am talking about your soon to be fiancé." Luke replied.
"So am I!" Fey was getting sick of Luke's games. What exactly was he trying to pull on this night of all nights. She was happy when the dance required moves that gave her a new partner. But as these dances go she knew it wasn't long before she'd be paired with Luke again.
When he came back around he looked concerned and whispered "Hang on a second, who exactly do you think your about to get married to?"
"What is your problem, honestly Kern you idiot." Fey snapped at him.
Luke almost missed a step in the dance which caused Fey to stumble. "Who?"
"Kern" Fey said catching up to his blunder.
"Kern?" Luke looked shocked, his eyes glanced at the clock. Seconds until nine. Breaking the dance Luke took hold of Fey's arm and dragged her to the side of the dance floor. "You’re not getting married to Kern.. You’re getting married to."
The music suddenly changed and the whole room parted as the clock struck nine. There in the middle of the dance floor stood Ross. Confusion crossed Fey's face. Where was Kern and why was Ross looking at here like that? Why was everyone looking at her like that? Turning back to Luke she could feel all the color drain from her face, his face looked concerned with the word Ross hanging on his lips. Suddenly everything made sense, the sadness in Kern's eyes, Luke telling them to hide their fling, Ross's behavior, Her father’s saying he was proud, Nan saying they didn't want to keep Ross waiting.
Luke looked up at Ross and around the room, he gave Fey a little nudge. He could tell that she was in shock, so he took her by hand and lead her to Ross. Her grip on his hand tightened to the point that he wanted to pull it away and yell at her.
"Ross, it’s Ross." Fey's voice was weak as Luke led her to the Prince.
"Yes and if you don't start acting happy about it everything is going to go to hell." Luke hissed under his breath with a smile on his face.Shaking his hand a little to loosen her grip enough to hand her off to the Prince. Luke stepped back and bowed to the price before walking off.
Ross took Fey's hand as the music and dance that had been drilled in her head since hatch began. "What’s wrong?" Ross asked noticing Fey's expression.
"Nothing, just nervous I guess." Fey said looking around at all the smiling faces. She noticed her father and mother in the crowd. Tears ran down her mother's face and her father, he looked so proud of her. She couldn't deny them this joy, the faces of all the happy people. She couldn't turn back now. Smiling she let her gaze fall back to Ross.
"No need to be nervous, I am here with you." He said, she could see pure affection in his eyes. With a heavy heart she attempted return the affection. It wasn't long before Fey was enjoying the dance. She found herself out of breath, having forgotten how physically demanding this display was she worked hard to keep up with the beat. Almost missing the cute for the part where they were to do a flying display.
Once in the air she reached out a talon to catch the Prairie falcon's, spinning they fell to the ground breaking just in time to land in the final position. She could feel his heart pounding in his chest as they stood striking the pose while the crowd cheered them on. Taking the chance to catch his breath Ross added "Well done."
"Well done yourself." Fey chimed back.
Once everyone settled down Fey stood as Ross lowered to one knee ring in hand. "Cacique Fey Brawdwing will you do me the honor of being my wife?"
"Yes, Yes!" Fey called allowing Ross to slide the ring onto her hand before embracing her with the second most passionate kiss she had ever had.
As tradition dictated they then started the next dance, a much slower dance allowing them to both catch their breath. She smiled at Ross, it wasn't all bad. She did enjoy the man, but it would be weird to start thinking of him as a husband. Still her sorrow for not being with Kern was enough to make her drop of the dance early. Waving off the concern by saying she was feeling tired. Ross allowed her the space she desired with little question, busy with the celebration of his brother and friends.
Fey slowly made her way through the crowds of people who all wanted to congratulate or hug her. Her parents caught up soon after, both beaming with pride. She received a tear filled embrace with her mother. Though only she knew the true meaning behind her tears.
Fey found herself out on the balcony, its view peered deep into the forest and was high above any other structure. Lights had be hung thought out all the neighboring tress and beaches. Looking up she could see hundreds of feet of branches, blow even more feet of trunk. Slowly she let a breath out trying to stop the tear from running down her face. It was after all such a wonderful night.
Footsteps behind her cued her to brush of the tears quickly. It was Kern. "Congratulations." He chimed with a broad smile the way he always greeted her.
"No." Fey cried. "Not from you, I can take it from everyone but not from you." She began to break down unable to hold back the sob of tears.
"What do you mean?" Kern said approaching her and placing a hand on her shoulder. "Fey what's wrong?"
Unable to hide the rush of emotions Fey threw herself into Kern's arms. "You, it was supposed to be you!" Fey said between sobs.
"What do you mean me?" Kern said to her, holding her tightly. "Fey whatever I have done I will try to make it alright. I am so sorry I upset you tonight."
"I love you, I want to marry you." Fey choked out looking up into his face.
"Fey, no Fey.." Kern said pulling away from her. "Fey, I care for you but.. We, this, it can never be Fey. I am an eagle and you’re, you’re a falcon."
"No!" Fey said "It’s not fair, I want to be with you." She said trying to wrap her arms around him again.
Kern stepped back quickly, not allowing her to touch him. "No Fey, Just no.... I am sorry, I am so sorry." Tears seemed to shine in his eyes as he stepped away. "Good bye Fey." His voice was cold and quite as he walked from her life.
Falling to the marble floor Fey covered her face with her hands not caring if she drew attention. She could hear people gathering around and whispering. "Shove off will you, can't you see she needs space. Becoming a princess isn't stress free you know." The voice.. Fey looked up to see Luke offer her a hand. "Come on lets go somewhere a little more private."
"We are going to die...... That makes us the lucky ones."