Song of Feathers and Claws

Part 1

A large group of Court members, Lords, Dukes, Duchess, and other honorable people of status. The Knights from the Kingdom of Gosea had returned after a two year exposition, and war against one of the neighboring countries. There were several small excursions, but finally at the Birodock Cavern Pass, it all came to a head.

Many great knights fought and lost their lives. Though they honored one of the living. The one who single handedly was the turning point of the war.

"I am pleased to present the daughter of this Kingdom and hero of the Battle of Birodock, Aune Irvine." King Soalo Irvine praised his only child and heir to the throne, a lone female knight who fought bravely for her country. He stood with a sway in his step, as his old age was slowly eating away at his strength. The wrinkled man hobbled forward with two of his personal Knights at each of his sides. They walked him slowly, creeping along.

Aune knelt down on her knee to bow to her own father, her golden red hair braided back into ceremonial styled braids to her nation. She wore her ceremonial armour, that was polished white metal with edged in details, and inlays of crystals forming the Irvine family crest. As he reached his hand out to place on her shoulder, she dipped her head to look at the floor.

He used her to hold himself, but to make it look as if he was only placing his hand on her back for the honorary blessing.

"With the divinely given blessings devoted to me, at my birth and coming of King, I bless this Knight, as a known HERO of the lands. Her name shall forever be written in our history books, for generations to follow to know." his hand tapped the side of her shoulder, to signal her to rise.

Aune slowly stood, turning around to face the crowd and her fellow soldiers. The crowd held their voice until the King raised his hand. Signaling them to applaud, once he did the area filled with noise, coes, and cheers. All singing the praise of the Hero'd Knight.

Aune fixed her posture to stand tall and proud as she overlooked the people of her father's kingdom. Those who will one day be her people.

She leaned her head over to whisper in her father's ear. "Thank you."

Later in the evening as the party to celebrate the winning of the War against the Briccna reigned on. Aune found herself in a dress that more fitted her title of Prince than the title of knight.

The soft blue and purple hues were very covidend in this region of the world, so just like everything else she did in her life, this dress too, was a symbol of status.

Aune, moseying around the room, grabbing bits of hors d'oeuvres off of the serving platters from the Castle servants. Who ran around in puffed half sleeves, and pleated and cuffed shorts. Of course, like an proper lady she wasn't alone, though through her requests they did their best to stay back out of sight, and out of her mind.

"You highness," one of the Knights from a different company than her own walked up to her, he still fashioned his armour, but it had been cleaned and polished for the occasion. "It is a pleasure to see you tonight." he reached his hand out.

"No, the pleasure is mine Sir?" she asked, as she gently placed her hand into his.

"Fenwick, Gustav Fenwick, Your Highness." he said, picking her hand up, while leaning over slightly to kiss her fingers.

Aune, tipped her head in respect. As she did she noticed the sigil painted across his armour. Her head lifted with a grin. "Your a soldier from the Bierth army?"

"Duke, is my more proper title" He smirked devilishly. "I was hoping To keep our greeting less formal. Though I should have known with your prestige that you'd be a perceptive one."

Aune batted her eyes, "It would be a cold day in the halls before I would miss something so obviously as a nation's symbol on a man's armour."

"Of course," Gustav said walking around her. Aune could see in the corner of her eye, her guard moving forward. To her side she discretely held her finger out to stop him. As she was curious where this was going.

This Duke Fenwick was eying her like a price peice. There must be a reason. "Shall I address you as Duke Fenwick? Or do you wish something less formal such as just Fenwick?"

"Please, feel comfortable enough to be completely informal, and call me simply Gustav." Gustav grabbed a drink off a servants tray as they pasted by and handed it to her.

Aune graciously accepted. "I must thank you."

"For the Drink that was so simple."

Aune shook her head. "No, not the drink. I have to thank you for your nations aid in our war."

"Well, no aid comes without payment." He said leaning in. "But again, how would alliances work if we didn't aid each other in their struggles?"

Aune felt her guard step up to her back, she turned her head to look over her shoulder. He was facing away from her. Aune turned back to look at Duke Fenwick.

"I agree, we need to help where we can. But like you said, helping without gaining doesn't grow a nation." Aune took a sip. Looking into the chalice "what did my father and his advisors trade? Or are you not purve to that information?"

A horn sounded off to announce the King wished to make a speech.

"Well, your Highness. I believe his majesty is about to announce it. Shall we make our way up. It would be improper for you to not be present for his announcement." Gustav offered his arm out to her.

Aune took it graciously as they guided their way up to be front and center for the speech.