Crossing of Clans

Chapter 2: Love at First Hate

We're here.
     The moon shone off the palace's golden gate. The Earth Clan Village surrounded the palace in a wide perimeter. Lanterns from various shops and homes twinkled in the darkness.
      On her steed, Zeph approached the gate, her guards close behind. She swiftly dismounted and walked to where she would easily be seen. She set her jaw and looked up.
"Who goes there? State your purpose!"
Called a stern voice from above.
"I am Zeph, Empress of the Air Clan. I am here to see your emperor!"
Zeph hollered back in response. She waited, and waited, and waited. She could no longer restrain her impatience.
"If you take one moment longer, so help me Gods I will open this gate myself!"
Her eyes flared with annoyance. She gripped her sword hilt.
"Three...two...."
"Open the gate!"
Shouted a guard from behind the wall. Slowly the gate creaked open. Leading her horse, Zeph and her guards entered a courtyard, and were quickly surrounded by the Earth Clans men.
Even though she could only see fragments of it through the surrounding guards Zeph could tell that the courtyard was absolutely stunning.
There was a simple stone path that lead to the entrance of the main palace. Surrounding the path was a series of rock gardens and lush magnolia trees. They perfectly accented the palaces ornate woodwork. Zeph had to force herself to focus back on the situation at hand.
"Who is your captain?"
She demanded.
A man clad head to toe in golden armor stepped forward. He was taller by at least a head and looked to have been through many a battle, judging by his scarred face. He gripped his spear.
"I am."
He said in a husky voice.
Zeph stepped forward, hand slowly shifting to her dagger. She said in a level tone,
"As I said previously, I am the Empress of The Air Clan and I'm here to see your Emperor. Haven't you been notified of our engagement?"He chuckled loudly.
"Indeed I have, but how do I know you are who you say you are?"
Her guards unsheathed their swords. One of them shouted,
"How dare you insult our Empress! You have no authority!"
The Earth Clans guards shifted to a uniform ready stance, their spears aimed directly at Zeph. She raised her hand and waved off her men.
"At ease! If it's a demonstration they want I'll gladly oblige."
She smirked, her startling blue eyes seemed to glow in the moon light. Her white hair swayed in the breeze. She slowly brought her hand to her lips, as if she was about to blow a gentle kiss. She inhaled deeply and then began to exhale. Wham. Suddenly, with the force of a hurricane a gust of air pummeled the Earth Clans guards and sent them flying. They landed in a heap at the entrance of the palace.
She sighed, "I really hoped that they'd be able to keep their footing for more than a mere second. But alas, no such luck."
Clap. Clap. Clap.
The Empress turned her head. Walking along a side stone path was a man. He had a rich bronzed skin tone, his dark hair was tied back with a strip of red cloth with the exception of a few loose choppy bangs. He wore a long green sleeveless tunic that was lined with gold colored fabric. He had trousers to match. She glanced down at his feet.
No shoes. How strange.
She looked back up at his face. He had a strong jawline and prominent facial features.
As he walked closer she could finally see his eyes. Heavens. His eyes are gorgeous!
Pure honey with flecks of gold. They seemed to demand her attention. She dared not look away.
Who is this man? Why does he seem to radiate power?
She thought.
Finally, he made his way to the center of the courtyard. He stopped about a horses length in front of her.
He was taller by quite a bit, every inch of his body appeared to be lean muscle. He placed his hands on his hips and flashed a smile.
He's handsome to say the least, but he will not sway me.
"Who are you?"
She said snappishly. He responded in a deep level voice,
"That was a pretty impressive performance your Majesty. Haven't seen moves like that in a while."
He clapped again. She scoffed,
"You ignored my question. I said who are you?"
He looked her up and down. His eyes seemed to pause at indecent heights, but not long enough to where she would have to take his head for it. He looked her strait in the eye.
"If you are able to blow me back the same way you did to those men, I'll tell you."
He flashed her a wide smile.
"Are you asking for a death? Or are you just plain stupid?"
The annoyance in her voice was very noticeable.
"A bit of both I think."
He said with a glint of humor in is eye. Zeph laughed out loud. It was a genuine laugh, the first one she had had in a long while.
"Since I find you amusing I'll grant you your request. But do not blame me if you come out of this with broken limbs."
"I wouldn't dare."
He raised one foot and brought it down hard on the ground. The stone beneath cracked and sunk about an inch into the earth below. He did the same with his other foot.
"Well, bring it shorty."
He stuck his tongue out at her. She gritted her teeth. The arrogance of this man, rivals that of the Fire Clan. She raised her arm above her head.
"Begone. Pest."
     Her arm dropped. Thwap. The air in front of the Empress blasted forth with a sharpness she only saved for battle. No one could endure it for long. The winds died and she looked at where the man had been, only the imprints in the earth remained.
"I didn't mean to kill him, but oh well. Too bad, he was actually my type."
She laughed to herself.
"Good to know."
A deep voice said from behind her. She whipped around and slammed into a mans chest. What the..
"How did you!?"
She began to fall back.
No one has ever been able to dodge my attack like that!
A strong arm wrapped around her waist just as she was about to hit the ground. He pulled her close and looked her in the eyes intently.
"Even though you weren't able to push me back, I've decided that you're worthy of knowing my name."
"Is that so."
She gripped her dagger tightly.
"My name is Gai, you may know me as the Emperor of the Earth Clan."
Her hand released the dagger and dropped to her side. Her eyes widened and then flared with anger.
"Why didn't you say anything earlier!?"
She shouted. He leaned in close, his lips right next to her ear.
"Well I wanted to see what my future wife is made of."
She blushed. What type of mess have I gotten myself into.


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