The Call

Memories Pt.2

At the feast, Serene sat at the right hand of her father, the place she would remain for years to come.

Still, despite her gladness, her careful eye couldn't help from noticing the absence of her brother. Maybe he decided to come after all and just got caught in the crowds, she tried to convince herself. Besides, he always loved it when Father held banquets before. However, deep within her, she knew the truth. Why does he still refuse to accept that it wasn't my fault? she agonized.

When the feasting was over and several speeches had been made in honor of Serene's knighting, the peasants were dismissed to return to their homes, while the remainder of the nobility remained for the dances that were to continue into midnight.

As the dance was being announced, Imrah leaned to whisper into Lady Wynn's ear. After a moment, Imrah rose from his seat, turned to Serene, and offered her his hand. "May I have the distinct honor of your first dance tonight, my daughter?" he asked, bowing eloquently to kiss her hand.

Serene blushed at such an honor and, standing from her seat, curtsied low in return. "I would be greatly honored, my lord."

Imrah rose from his bow and took her hand gently to escort her to the dancing halls. "It is I that will be honored, my lady," he replied, a tender twinkle in his eyes.

When they reached the hall, the musicians had already begun to play a soft, sweet melody.

Imrah turned to face Serene. "Shall we?"

Serene nodded with a smile and slipped her gloved hand into her father's.

Upon reaching the floor, they began the familiar traditional dance before the watching nobles. The stringed instruments sang softly as their bearers played, bringing a sense of beauty to the moment.

Finally, the song came to a close and the musicians transitioned into a brisk tune. Imrah smiled at his daughter, inviting her to another dance. She smiled back, and they stepped into the dance. At Imrah's gesture, the nobles and their ladies joined in the dance, and before long, the entire hall was filled with joyful music and festivities.

After the second dance, Imrah kindly excused himself from Serene to attend to her mother. Her father had been gone for no more than a few moments before a young man approached Serene and asked her to dance. Serene recognized him as a comrade from her training two years before and accepted eagerly.

After two hours of dancing, Serene was finally able to wrench herself free from the flow of people grasping for her attention. She strolled into the luxurious gardens of her father's palace, allowing the cool night air to refresh her. She walked quietly admiring the stars and running her fingers through the leaves of the young trees dreamily. As she neared a bench, a slender figure seated there caught her eye as she approached.

"Lillian!" she greeted her friend.

Lillian stood and came toward Serene. "I didn't think you'd make it out of there alive!" she said, a hint of teasing in her voice and face. "I tried to catch you earlier, but you were dancing."

"I tried to get away so many times, but every time there'd always be someone else."

"Well, at least they have good taste," Lillian teased.

Serene raised her eyebrows in mock reproof.

Lillian smiled, visibly trying to keep from laughing. "You'll have to face it at some point in your life. It's rather surprising that you aren't already married considering your position," She flashed Serene a sly smile as she added, "and unmatchable beauty."

Serene rolled her eyes. "Maybe I should have stayed in the ballroom."

Lillian linked her arm into Serene's and pulled her to walk with her. "Come along, you wouldn't spend the most wonderful day of your life without me! I've been looking forward to your knighting longer than you have."