“I know but I’ve never performed this ceremony before, I’ve never had a blood guard before either.” She said as she looked down at the sandy blanket that had been spread across the floor of the tent. “It just makes me nervous.”
“You haven’t?” Rose said with a growing smile perched on her lips. “What of me then?”
“Well that was private and it’s different!” Nina protested and folded her arms across her chest and attempted not to pout. “I’m just uncomfortable with large crowds and all that.”
“Well if you’re to be the queen someday then you will have to learn to deal with it, am I correct?” Rose turned her gaze back outward to the gathered crowd of elves and to Merik and Liostro who were both standing at the center of the clearing near the rest of them. They had laid out a makeshift stage using spare bedrolls and blankets and even now Merik was preparing something that looked absolutely vile in a bubbling pot hanging over a fire. She watched in curiosity as Merik took a large handful of the seemingly hot liquid and spread it across Liostro’s face. He scrawled several lines and marks that she was unfamiliar with.
After a few minutes of that, the kneeling knight looked over at Rose and smiled then turned his attention back on Merik who was performing the ceremony. She rolled her eyes at the impossible human and sighed a little. “It’s almost time Nina.”
“Don’t remind me.”
Rose stepped into the tent and forced Nina to stand still for a moment. While she had the jittery girl rooted in place Rose put her flowing blonde hair up in a long tail and made sure to get any loose strands hanging over her face. “Don’t want to get any in your hair.”
“Thanks Rose.” Nina said in a soft voice. She enveloped the taller woman in a tight hug for a moment. “Thank you for everything.”
“There’s no need to thank me love.” Rose replied as she laid a soft kiss on the girl’s forehead. “Like I said, I promised to take care of you. You’re my charge, besides, you’re cute too.”
Rose slapped her on the rump as she scampered toward the door and giggled at the sour look she got in return. It was like having a little sister and it felt good to have someone who needed her. With a smile pasted across her features she peered out of the side of the tent and looked over at Merik.
“I call for silence among the gathered. Before you stands this human, once an enemy to us but now a friend to our cause. He volunteered to take an oath of Kyth’sira, to serve our people and personally protect Princess Ninanthia Sunmane.” Merik paused and looked over at Rose. “I call now to you Princess Ninantha, come forth and acknowledge this human. Tell all gathered if you accept this man as your champion.”
“That’s your cue, go!” Rose had to physically push her out of the tent in order to get her to walk toward them. She followed closely behind as she had been instructed. She was, in fact, Nina’s primary protector even if the ritual had not been performed in such a grand manner. Nina was obviously nervous and having so many sets of eyes on her wasn’t helping one bit. Once they had reached the center of the gathering Nina stopped in front of Merik and put her eyes on Liostro.
“I have seen the things this man is capable of, but I have also seen another side of him by way of those around me. Leonidus himself has said that this man has a strong spark of the light within his soul. Even my most trusted friend and guardian Alethia Rose sees something in him. I trust the judgment of those in my confidence and as such I shall give him a chance to redeem himself and cleanse the darkness in his soul.” Though they had rehearsed the speech many times over it sounded much better this time around even though public speaking was not her forte.
“Then the ceremony shall commence with the authority of the queen herself and the eye of the watchful god upon us. Let it be known that Liostro, once a knight in the service of the scale of darkness is now a servitor of the Sunmane Empire.” Merik took a handful of the red liquid and deftly scrawled the same symbols he had on Liostro across Nina’s face. After that he motioned for Rose to come forward. “Alethia Rose, you are a guardian and trusted agent of the crown’s successor, do you agree to allow this man to share your duty as protector and guardian of the Sunmane legacy?”
“With no hesitation I agree to share my station and duties with the human Liostro.” Rose replied simply, opting for the less wordy of the two choices Merik had given her much to his chagrin. She allowed him to spread the sweet-smelling concoction over her face and the exposed parts of her body.
“Upon my blood and oath I swear to protect the Sunmane legacy for as long as I am able.” Both Liostro and Rose said simultaneously.
“Then I name you, Alethia Rose as the prime guardian of Princess Ninanthia Sunmane, and you Liostro, as her secondary guardian.” Merik had also opted to keep the whole process quick and simple for the benefit of the soldiers gathered. He sliced a small wound on the backs of each of their hands and one by one they each partook of each other’s blood. “By the blood of the kindred I name you as brothers and sisters to our cause.”
Rose was startled by the cheer that erupted from the gathered ranks. It was good to see them in high spirits so soon after a battle but even more strange was the fact that they were cheering not only for her but for the man who had attacked them not long ago. It seemed elves were a forgiving lot.
“The only price Liostro has named to us is a kiss from the lips of Alethia Rose.” Merik turned to Rose and smiled a little at the corner of his lips. He had agreed to allow them to settle the cost in private but had changed his mind at the last minute. “Rose, if you please.”
She leveled a withering look at Merik and then turned to regard Liostro. All of the elves were silent and that was making her more than a little nervous. It seemed the tables had turned somewhere between Nina and herself. He was a lot closer than she had remembered and for some reason that made her feel uncomfortable. It was too late to back out now so she strode toward him. Once she was nearer she could smell the sweet blood-like liquid that had been spread across his face, she could also smell the scent of a man just washed and cleaned. It was pleasant, she had to admit that. Without any further delay she put her hands on the sides of his head and moved forward. Her lips met his and she felt him put his arms around her waist. Her tongue parted his lips gently and she danced it into his mouth, twining them together like lovers in some painting hanging on a gallery wall. She could feel his breathing increase in frequency and her body pressed against his, Liostro’s heart beat quickened as did hers. For a long moment she held his lips and pressed the kiss turning her head and matching the desperation she felt in him.
She slowed the kiss and toned down the passion before she became too worked up and finally separated their lips, opening her golden eyes to regard him with more curiosity than anything else. She had definitely enjoyed the kiss a lot more than she could let herself admit. Her hands were on the back of his head still as she nipped at his lip gently and stepped backward. She realized the crowd was silent and looked next to her to find many of them in awe.
“The gods approve of your payment if Liostro does.” Merik said finally, drawing everyone’s attention by breaking the awkward silence.
“I would say it was more than enough if I had not enjoyed it so.” Liostro wore a grin that could split his head in two.
The resounding cheer from the gathered crowd solidified the ritual. Nina and Rose stepped into the crowd accepting the congratulations and kind words of the elves gathered. Apparently it was a big deal for them to see such a private ceremony. They were gracious but obviously ready to retire back to their tents but they stayed among the elves anyway.
Rose knew the custom was to feast, dance, and sing because Merik had told her as such. It seemed that even this far away from their homes the elves had time to celebrate. She supposed it was a good thing for their morale even though through her observations they did not need it. She was surprised at how carefree and high-spirited the elves around her were even during times of great peril.
She hoped that o
ne day she would share that type of energy and enthusiasm; in the harsh unforgiving world it was comforting to know that you could not break the spirits of everyone. Once the obligatory congratulations were through they all gathered not far away from the encampment near the oasis. A few sentries were left to guard camp and rotated frequently. Rose, Nina and Liostro seemed to be the center of the attention. For a long time she was content to observe.
The celebration wore on through the day and into the evening. As dusk began to settle its way into the desert she heard her name called by a familiar voice.
“Rose, you know how to dance right?” Merik called from the other side of the clearing as he hoisted a cup of either wine or water, she could not tell. “Favor us with your preferred.”
“I would but I have neither the music nor the clothing for it.” She said in a shy manner, trying to deflect the request. She had not performed in a while though her favorite was a dance called the Bah’makkar. It was a dance that her matron, Maudette, had taught her personally and she had performed it on many occasions at the behest of her former master.
“Tell us what you need then, what dance shall you show us?” Merik called, followed by cheers of agreement all around.
“My personal favorite is the Bah’makkar.” She replied to them, several of the elves grinned or cheered in response including Merik. “Well then I shall have to compensate.”
Rose followed Merik into a tent near his own. As soon as they entered she crossed her arms over her chest and set him with a look, her best angry stare. She couldn’t be truly mad at him though, he was a sweet man with no malice in his heart but he had a prominent mischievous streak. “You seem to be putting me on the spot quite a bit today.”
“How better for you to fit in my dearest Rose?” Merik replied as quickly as she had finished, almost as if he knew what she was going to say. “You are a joy to all who meet you that much is true but if you are to fit in to our society you must concede to our ways. Have a bit of fun, it can’t hurt.”
“Do you know how hard it is to stay mad at you?” She shook her head and laughed dryly.
“I have heard those same words on many occasions my dear. How will this do?” Merik said as he pulled out a small bundle and handed it over to her.
“Where did you get this?” She said in awe as she inspected the outfit with a discerning eye.
“That, my dear Rose, is a story for another time. Please take it; I have no use for it.” He said as he put his hands on the arm that was cradling the bundle and pushed it toward her gently. “Call it a gift for me putting you in such a spot.”
“But this is too exquisite!” She protested, feeling as if she should give him something in return for the gift.
“Nonsense, perform for us in it. That is all I ask.”
~~~~
Standing in a tent near the gathering she looked over herself once more to make sure that she had put on the clothing right. The light silky fabric was black and gold, matching her skin and fur perfectly. The trim of the outfit was a strange lacy material she had never seen before. Her legs were almost covered in full leaving a loose see through fabric below her knees. Linked to a comfortable shirt of the same material it hung around her shoulders and body loosely with straps of golden cloth going over her shoulders. The slack fabric was suspended from a halter-like piece of clothing that covered all the necessary areas more than perfectly, which was more than what she was used to. The outfit was almost exactly her size. Her arms were exposed so as to give them more moving room without fear of getting tangled. She had clipped most of the jewels she owned onto the chain that went from her ear to her nose and she wore her golden rings on her toes and fingers. As an addition one of the elves had given her a set of bangle-style bracelets with chains that also hooked around her rings in a similar manner to her earring and nose ring. From her rings hung two thin strands of fabric called veils that were used in the dance.
The comfortable outfit suited the dance well. Her long hair was left wild and free behind her back, a traditional style for the dancers of the Bah’makkar. She took a few short breaths and steadied herself. Once she was ready she called out for the elves in the makeshift band to begin playing.
A few soft, flitting notes hit her ears and she closed her eyes for a moment trying to feel the rhythm of the music. The elves playing had it almost perfect considering they lacked a few of the key instruments. She could work with it though. Following the beat of the music she strode up to the flap of the tent as it began to rise, lifted by two nearby volunteers. They had followed her instructions perfectly. She watched as the flap finally crested her head and put her feet close together. Once she was fully in view she stepped out of the tent and began swaying her hips and body to the music.
All eyes were upon her and save for one pair that belonged to the queen they all seemed enthusiastic. Each small step she took forward was accentuated with a sway of her hips and a small spray of sand. Each time her hips moved she moved arms in time as well. They began at her sides and ended up above her head rising and falling in time with the beat. The veils covered her face hanging down from her hands. When she reached the half-circle gathering she walked along the perimeter turning and twirling slowly as her body movements accentuated each stride. Her arms fell and behind them trailed the golden veils, casting an eerie sort of glow upon her. She became lost in the beat and found herself smiling; it felt good to dance just for fun.
Deciding to take the dance slow she halted in several places and ran the silk veils across the faces of several elves that were in the front. Her arms wrapped around her torso and she turned around once before stepping forward toward her goal. Sand sprayed here and there as she sauntered across the gathering, she slowed further as she reached the place where Liostro and Merik were sitting and put out her arms. Rose put a hand on each of their cheeks and caressed them with the tips of her fingers and her long finger nails.
Each of them smiled at the attention but she quickly gave them both a light slap on the cheek drawing a cheer and a bit of laughter from not only the crowd but from the two victims as well. While she was near them she swung her hips lightly and turned her body around a few times while holding her arms above her head and then moved on down the line in her rhythmic slow sway, dragging the veils behind her waving hips. Once she reached the end of the line she danced her way out into the center and dipped low down resting on the balls of her feet. Her legs and hips moved quickly from one side to the other and aided in standing her back up again.
Using the veils to cover her movements she looked almost ethereal, incorporeal, the light of the nearby fire combined with what little light was available from the moon created the perfect environment for her. It was intended to be performed under the stars near a fire or a similar light but she had never been able to perform it properly. Whether adrenaline or something else she felt a jolt of energy flow through her body and she embraced it eagerly.
To everyone gathered her limbs began to trail slightly and her eyes were glowing just a bit. As she turned around in another circle and flung her arms out wide everyone looked on in awe. Her body had begun to glow a soft golden color just about the same color as her eyes. Rose finished by wrapping her arms around her torso and falling to her knees, looking up at the sky she lifted her arms up. The music stopped and for a moment nothing happened. Curiously she looked out into the stunned crowd. They burst into cheers and calls of praise so suddenly it startled her and caused her to blush. She sat there for a moment with her chest heaving, unaware that she had expended so much energy. “Thank you!”
“Quite stunning Rose.” Leonidus, who had been standing beside the queen the whole time, said with a wry grin as he approached her and helped her up from her knees. “Let’s get you changed back into something comfortable. I must say that was a nice illusion at the end there as well.”
“What illusion?” She inquired softly as she looked down her body and then back at him curiously. “I did not cast anything.”
“It was fun dancing for a crowd that genuinely wanted to see me dance, not to just leer.” She said in a jovial manner as she entered the tent she and Nina were sharing and closed it behind her, leaving him outside. Rose was silent for a moment as she stripped the clothes off and put on the clothing Merik had given her after she had burned the other set. A spark of curiosity hit her suddenly as she stood there. “Master?”
“You know I do not like that title Rose.” Leonidus replied with a bit of snip to his voice.
“Sorry, I am still stuck on thinking that would be the best title for an apprentice to address their teacher.” Rose stepped out of the tent in her original clothing with the jewels stripped from her chain and her rings and bracelets now among her belongings. “Forgive me.”
“No need for that, just call me Leo.” He put a hand on her shoulder and squeezed it lightly. “Now what was your question?”
“If I am casting unconsciously what is keeping me from laying waste to everything around us like I did in the ruins?” Rose put an arm around his waist as they walked, sure that it would make more than a few of the elves jealous when they returned. “Are you not afraid that I will lose control again?”
“Good question. The fundamentals of magic are ingrained into your mind from the day you are born if you have the talent for it. As you learn and use it more your body and mind begin to fall into a rhythm. For you though it is different. I have never met anyone who can work mental, spiritual and arcane magic all together. You are unique Rose. Most people can manipulate one form of magic well or two forms in a decent manner. I myself can handle arcane very well and spiritual somewhat well.” As they walked slowly toward the gathering he looked over at her and put an arm around her shoulder, giving her a light squeeze again. “You have so much potential; you could be the one to reshape the face of this barren land.”
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