Forged in Fire - (Part 5 of the Ignaius-Saga)

A Penchant for the Dramatic

Variel almost didn't even notice when it was time to leave, as he was so absorbed in what he was reading from the diary. Still, he forced himself to stop and stow the book away safely, then did a last once-over of his appearance before it was time to accompany the king, his family, and the rest of his people out to the camp. He was very aware that some were staring at him, and he assumed they were amongst those that had been informed of what was to be announced. He could already feel himself becoming extremely tense and uncomfortable, but he decided to just start thinking back to what he'd been reading to distract himself again.

By the time they arrived at the camp, everything had been prepared. Tents and supplies had been moved and covers had been laid over the upturned earth to make the area look a bit better. Long tables and benches had been set up beneath colorfull pavilions and lined with plates and cups. Most of these were already filled, though the head table sat empty for the king's family and House Alturus. A fanfare introduced the nobility and royalty, and soon they were all seated.

The king welcomed his guests. He was actually quite impressed himself how well this had turned out, given the short preparation, but then a big advantage of the local festivity culture was that you basically needed alcohol (and lots of it), food (and lots of it) and music (the louder the better). Under good circumstances, even a marching army could provide this. Actually many of the soldiers lined the place, watching their commanders and nobles enjoying themselves, a distraction and a spectacle of its own to them.

Variel was sure to eat this time around, because he was also drinking much more quickly than he normally did. Doing so without food could backfire horribly. He didn't really talk to anyone, and no one was really talking to him, probably because everyone was still too uncomfortable. They mostly preferred to just stare or forget he was there. The latter was just fine with him.

At some point during the night, Alexton stood up and tapped his glass with a knife to get everyone's attention. "I would like to thank His Majesty for his hospitality and the excellent food!"

"As if he cooked it himself!" Core chimed in, getting a round of hearty laughter in response.

Alexton waited for the brief joke to pass before continuing. "I think we can all agree that last night's affair ended in disaster, but its purpose was served." He made a motion with his hand, and a small group of uniformed guards approached the king's table. They laid an ornate box upon it, fashioned of rich, dark wood with ornate carvings. One of the men opened the box to reveal a beautiful and extravagant urn, inlaid with gold, silver, and ringed with rubies. The name "Sejan" had been inlaid in platinum.

"We hope you find this fit housing for a Prince." Alexton finished.

"By the gods! This is beautiful!" Tanier complimented his guest, and it really was. Maybe it was a little more rich than beautiful, but if the rich decoration was at least to some degree an indication that Alexton felt bad for the events of last night, there was at least a little hope that this evening would not end in complete disaster.

"I thank you, Alexton, this is more than worthy of a prince. Nothing can bring back the dead, but we can keep them alive by honoring their memory."

He reached for his cup to bring out a toast to honour the deceased: "To the loved ones we have lost!"

He drowned his cup, and so did Alexton. It was the perfect moment. Tanier ordered the box to be brought into his tent. He did not want to continue with the remains of his son on the table, but he still had everyones attention when he signalled for silence, once people understood his intention, the noise died down and Tanier raised his voice.

"I have an announcement to make."

Knowing what was about to happen, Variel abandoned all class and thrown back the rest of his wine. Tanier now turned to Alexton.

„Alexton, I want to thank you for this gift. Let it be a symbol for the unity between House Alturus and the royal throne: Out of disaster and pain a precious gift was forged that will be a testament to the unity of our houses, a unity that was challenged by fate, but came out hardened, not broken.

Tonight I want to add another symbol of our unity. I failed you, Alexton, when I allowed your son's reputation to be tarnished by slander. I decided to correct this and give him the honor that he and your house deserves."

At this point he reached out with his hand to make Variel stand at his side. The young man was a bit lightheaded when he stood up to move to the king's side, but he managed not to sway or look unsteady. The king raised his voice up just a little more, now clearly speaking to everyone in attendance. Taking Variel's hand in a ceremonial gesture, he announced:

"I have decided to make Variel of Alturus my consort, so that our houses will be joined in marriage as a symbol of strength and unity. I invite everyone to celebrate the engagement with me tonight. Refill your glass and drink to the joyous occasion!"

He raised his cup that had indeed been refilled, while the first cheers could be heard from some of the tables as well as some of the soldiers. Servants and soldiers who were specifically instructed for tonight hurried to make sure that nobodies cup was empty and also the soldiers, who were watching, were getting their share.

While many cheered - most probably too drunk to think about how strange this was - others were just extremely confused. They looked from the king and the boy at his side to one another, many asking their neighbor if they had heard correctly. It was actually a similar reaction to what Tanier had gotten during the meeting.

Alexton, meanwhile, was just standing there dumbfounded. He had no idea what to say or to think.

Sitting beside him, Leena's shock had caused her to knock her own cup right off the table, spilling its contents on the lap of Core's wife, who squealed in surprise and horror. Leena began appologising, and Core decided to take the initiative on his family's part. He was the only one who was not surprised, and the only one who had already decided he was okay with this. He walked over toward the table where the royal family sat and right up to Variel. Without warning or ceremony, he picked the boy up off his feet and spun him around as if he were still a child and no heavier. "Congratulations, little sister!" It was obvious Core was nearing drunk, but his behaviour did help to relieve some of the tension.

Variel gasped when he was lifted, and the blush on his cheeks couldn't entirely be blamed on the wine. "C-core! P-put me down!" he protested.

Laughing, Core did so, but then hugged him a little too hard. "I'll be sure to have Nessa knit you the prettiest dress you've ever seen!" He paused, looking back over at his wife's ordeal. "Well, as soon as she's finished replacing her own."

Tanier grinned. Variel was still standing. This was good. He turned to Alexton, refilled his cup and pushed it into his hand.

"Drink, father!" he admonished him. "You don't want to insult me by not drinking on my engagement, do you?"

As if on cue the music started. Some people started to dance. Some still argued, but the arguments were drowned out by the music. If Alexton had any intention to start a riot, he had missed his chance.

Tanier looked around and laughed out loud as he saw Airen staring at him, as Tanis was speaking to her, her hands talking even faster than her mouth.

Alexton took the cup, and a few moments later, drank half of it in two swallows. When he lowered it again, he exhaled.

"...I don't even know what to say, other than: you sure have a penchant for the dramatic..."

Variel was so relieved that his father hadn't exploded in anger that he actually didn't put up too much of a fight as Core dragged him away to spin him around the dance floor a little. By the end of it, he was sure he'd be sick, but his older brother mercifully helped return him to the table. "Your lady, Your Majesty," he said as he presented a thoroughly embarrassed Variel to his future husband.

At some point during the affair, Leena and Nessa excused themselves. Nessa, because she had a very large, very embarrassing stain from the wine on her dress that simply could not be hidden, and Leena because she claimed she was feeling unwell and would be better suited to helping her daughter-in-law.