The Chase : Volume One

Tae'Sora (First Flight) Part One

The Palace City had several cathedrals, coliseums and gardens that were used as event spaces. Most castles were originally created to house their two-legged and much smaller sentient guests that came to visit each territory. Now revamped into grand palaces and hewn over the millenia to attend for the Zheragon of Ozheni and Yzhen status with the sizes of their forms. However, in the heart of the Palace City to the south of the Center Palace lies Apexia and the Amedia, the largest garden and grand hall in Zhagozie. Amedia, the grand hall, was majestic and vast in design and structure. A marvel of architectural splendor was an expanse of eighty-two meters across and two hundred meters long. The hall stood an opulent testament to the foreboding strength and resplendence of all Zhagozie.

Towering, rising to a magnificent height, its walls were crowned by four large arches that crossed over each other. The inside walls were made of moonzybaster, a rare black stone material found only in this territory that when polished as they were, appeared as cascading black pearl. Adorned with intricate carvings of zheragon history; they seemed to touch the heavens themselves. Elaborate chandeliers hung from above, casting a soft, golden hew that danced across the polished floors below. The main floor was polished a white stone. There were layered stands with tables and seating going up to about the first twenty meters, the vaulted arches being fifty meters from the ground. Today the decor was sparkling with colors as sections and certain were set aside for visitors from all territories. Confirming rumors this Zai (celebration) was arranged to double as an announcement come its closing.

At one end, a grand stage is set, where bards were arranged to play a vivid ambiance to accompany the ceremonies and the following festivities. The stage is flanked by towering pillars, each one intricately embellished with precious gemstones that shimmer in the dancing light. As the pillars become columns the further down you go along the sides, between each was a large space where gold skin curtains were held tied up only to be let down during the ten chill winter months which occur every three years. Sumptuous alcoves and lounges offer respite to weary guests, their plush furnishings inviting relaxation and conversation. Gilded balconies overlook the space below, providing a perfect vantage point for observing the entertainment.

The Center, Eteocles and his nearest kin was already seated in the heart along the main wall. High up on the dais they looked down upon the bulk of the entering guests except the ones that were in the highest balconies. Parties were announced with farthest traveled first so that out of respect they may be seated. As customary for the first flight the zheragon in question would be announced last so that everyone could respect their appearance. For agons their mother's would lead them, for gons their father. At the night's closing the dragon would stand upon the dais, be kissed on the forehead by the highest ranking dragon in attendance, take Djartte and fly. At which time most dragons would join them and the Zai would take on a completely different face - and often one that left some battered or even bloody. All in fun, no less.

Semmy arrived in the hall led by Suada, shaking nervously. As they arrived behind the procession, Erida stood staring back at her smiling. Suada approached the group as the door opened and more entered, name after impossibly long name being announced. "Do we go before after your blessed one?" Suada asked Yvetta who would hardly turn to face her.

"After." she spoke in a plain voice without turning her head.g

The family was well dressed for the occasion. Yvetta's dress was made from luxurious crimson silk, a deep red , the bodice embroidered with floral mosaics using silver threading. Her neckline cradled with a delicate silver lace overlay that mirrored her silver skirt. Around the waist, a wide, embroidered sash cinched the dress. The sash was decorated with various gems set in a gold filigree that sparkled against the skirt. The skirt cascaded in layers.The first layer a sheer, diaphanous fabric, embroidered with red and gold threads forming intricate, swirling designs that caught the light. The second layer was a heavier silk that had a subtle sheen.