Reindellin

Chapter 3

In the center of the great room was a thick table blanketed with stacked papers, writing utensils, and unrolled maps held open with books and emptied or turned chalices. Surrounding the table sat three visitors who'd looked to be enjoying goblets of Elderonar's finest mead. King Nathion’s interruption soured the temperature in the room for these men who were no longer conversating.
Jaesin was the first to reach the table where he chose to remain standing in stoic expression instead of pulling a chair to join the group. All the men placed their drinks on the table before them as they uncomfortably stood to greet the king. King Nathion hadn't even so much looked at the guests as he entered the room. Instead, he left them awkwardly standing as he went straight to a wooden basin carved in the wall.
His back to the crowd Nathion hung his riding gloves on the edge of the deep bowl. Hands free he reached to his right were a leaver protruded through the wall. Pulling the leaver down caused crystal water to flow from a spicket placed over the bowl. When he felt he had enough water he pushed the lever back to its original position which also ceased the flow of water. Nathion dipped his hands together under the cool water and rubbed them together slightly. Bending over the bowl he cupped his hands together and dowsed his face and parts of his hair with the cool water. The coldness sucked away all movement in his face that was now held by his hands.
He remained in this position for a breath before rubbing more clean water onto his skin a second time. Gently shaking his hair that had inadvertently been soaked with his hands he allowed the drips to run from his nose back into the bowl. Deciding most of the drops had fallen Nathion stood upright and reached for a soft cloth on the hook next to the leaver. Again, hiding his face in the cloth, he slowly exhaled as he roughly patted his cheeks and massaged his eyes.
Nathion knew who the men were, and he wasn't pleased with their presence in his study- or in Eldoria at all if he had to be honest. Even more, he wasn't particularly careful at their discovering his disapproval either. When finished drying he tossed the damp towel in a basket on the floor as he turned in the table's direction. Nathion proceeded to relaxedly tromp closer to the group who had looks of confused apprehension shared between them.
"One of you is the Hydronysian ambassador I presume." the King stated as he walked.
The foreigners were all plump in size, but the biggest of them who was also bald equipped himself with an arrogant smile and raised his arm as if to shake the king’s hand. King Nathion never enjoyed participating in the show that followed politics. Avoiding entertaining the ambassador he ignored the man's advances by taking his seat in the largest chair at the table. As the king pulled in his chair closer to the table the fattened man choaked on his words as he lowered his arm.
"Yes, sire...I am Tobias Fletcher. Ambassador of Hydronys." he managed. In efforts to save his pompousness Tobias fell back on his grin waiting as the king situated himself. In the meantime, he introduced the men to his sides.
"This is Henry Quillumn, vice ambassador. He handles diplomatic affairs when I am otherwise indisposed." Tobias motioned a hand to the husky gentlemen to his left. Unlike Tobias, Henry seemed to have muscular substance the other two lacked. Henry also had shorter blonde hair neatly combed and slicked to the side. His dark toned clothing was similar in expensive build, combined thick leather panels and woolen fabrics, but more conditioned than Tobias. This lead Nathion to believe the vice ambassador’s ‘diplomatic affairs’ had nefarious undertones.
"Stephan Derschust," Tobias switched hands from Henry to the man to his right, "our scribe. He will be overseeing the logistics of the proceedings on our end." Stephan was the shortest man at the table and out of the three Hydronisians he was by far the thinnest despite moderate additional weight. Protecting his eyes were gold rimmed spectacles and his crooked nose acted as a roof over a thick brown mustache.
Nathion watched as the ambassador bowed clutching his belly. Seeing the king had no interest in his charade but was rather more inclined to the piece of paper laying in front of him, he turned with a pointed glare at his companions. As if signaled they each sat down in chairs on either side of him before he himself reclaimed his own seat.
"We have brought with us a selection of oils derived from the fat of our nation's choiciest of whales." Tobias continued. Nathion, as any king would, slumped deeper into his chair listening passively as the man spoke.
'As if my kin are worth mere fat off a damn blasted sea creature,' Nathion thought to himself bitterly.
Through a small door off to the side a young servant girl came through carrying a vase of wine and a glass wedged under her arm. At first Nathion hadn't realized she had approached the table next to him and had already begun pouring wine into the glass. Looking in the direction of the sound of the sloshing, he saw the servant, and caught up his mind to what she was doing. The last thing he wanted was to have his favored Petite Syrah spoiled by the headache seated across from him. He looked back to the table as he waved her away. Politely the girl stopped pouring the wine and began to leave.
"Lassie, yoh tink dat wine beh best served 'en deh gutter dew yeh?" Jaesin flagged the servant down before she left the room. Quietly she turned back toward the table and handed Jaesin the half-filled glass of wine. "Yeh can leaf' teh flagon 'ere tew while yer at 'et!" Jaesin chuckled.
The young girl placed the vase on the table and bowed quickly before scurrying back through the service door. Feeling the amount of drink was unfit Jaesin grabbed the vase and filled the cup to the brim where he then took a full gulp to keep the wine from overflowing. A few drips of the deep red wine spilled past the mouth of the glass and stained the light strands of his beard. Using his sleeve to wipe the liquid away he eyed the group before him.
Knowing who the men were as well, Jaesin decided he wanted to try his hand at intimidating the group before he sat down. Seeing the king was in perfect safety, displeased albeit, he loudly scooted a chair from the wall behind him across the polished wooden floor to finally sit at the end of the table opposite the king. Sandwiched between Jaesin and the king the three men looked furthermore anxious. This reaction pleased the two Eldorians, but they were masters at hiding their own thoughts when they decided to.
"I trust everything is in order then?" King Nathion directed his question to the scribe.
"Indeed, we received a message from one of your pigeon carriers at our camp this morning containing remarks of approval. The letter bore our Lords seal." Stephan's voice cracked revealing his nervousness.
"A pigeon?" Nathion replied, his words hinted absurdity. "Why is he not with you?" he further questioned.
"The letter also sent regrets for his tardiness, your majesty." Tobias interjected with slight annoyance at Stephan's recollection. Nathion stared at him flatly.
Realizing he wanted more information Tobias continued, "Our lord was held up by important matters, but he ensures his presence will be noted later this evening." The Hydronysian Earl betrothed to Kenessa was due to arrive along with the ambassador’s company but had been found to turn up absent. Nathion was becoming more impatient with Tobias.
"I expect it of him. And so shall everyone else. Our people; Hydronysian or Eldorian shall require it." King Nathion was having trouble biting his temper. Before saying anything more the king sat upright in his chair rigidly his eyes now fixed on Tobias.
The three men shifted in their seats with beads of sweat forming on their brows. The heat of Elderonar had been proven too much for the Hydronysians as they were more accustomed to their climate of half frozen oceans and miles of swamplands.
"Agreed." spoke Henry who had been silent before. He continued, "Our subject's expectations shall be fulfilled...later this evening- as promised." Nathion targeted Henry with his unwavering glare. To break the tension Jaesin firmly placed his now emptied glass on the table which rung against the hard wood.
Tobias pulled a handkerchief from his vest's inside pocket and patted the dots of sweat forming across his mouth before offering up, "Well, I am sure we each have much to arrange before tomorrow. We should take our leave." Tobias stood to leave and as he did his fellow Hydronysians followed in toe.
"Your majesty," said Stephan in a slight nod as he rose. Nathion also nodded calmly in return to show his acceptance of their departure. Stephan struck the Eldorians as painfully ordinary, yet they appreciated the lessoned chore of toleration of him. Nathion and Jaesin remained seated as the trio left the study. Jaesin watched as the guards closed the heavy doors before turning back to Nathion.
"Thick lot dat group wus." Jaesin huffed as he began to refill his glass.
"Aye...and to think they're not the last we'll be troubled with." Nathion rolled his eyes and motioned to Jaesin to hand him the glass of wine he'd just finished pouring. Jaesin looked at his glass as if to bid farewell.
"Yeh look lyke yeh need 'et mo' dan me laddie." said Jaesin in a sigh as he poured more wine into the cup and handed it to Nathion.
Leaning forward in his chair Nathion grasped the glass in one hand. Sinking back into the chair he sighed long with a low groan. Longingly staring at the dark wine in his cup he could see his own reflection on its glossy surface. Jaesin was right, he did look like he needed the wine. Nathion drank the contents of the cup as he threw back his head. For the next several minutes the two shared the wine while complaining about their recent visitors.
"Dis flagon aint big 'nuf fer deh two 'o us!" Jaesin admitted raising the almost empty vase. In truth it was Jaesin who had drank the majority of its contents.
"Yeh can haf deh rest, warriors partake 'en ale! Nit dis faerie nectar!" Jaesin rumbled a deep laugh as he emptied the rest of the wine into Nathion's glass.
Nathion had grown accustomed to Jaesin's insistent bantering through the years. He knew Jaesin was a true warrior with the capacity of camaraderie to fit. Once the last drop of wine had been poured Jaesin turned away from the table and marched out of the study along with the empty vase.
All alone, Nathion sat in silence with his glass of wine in both hands. His stillness allowed just the opportunity for intruding thoughts of tomorrow's proceedings to invade him. Forcing it out Nathion took his glass and tipped the drink into his mouth. He held it there in his mouth taking in the flavor before finally swallowing.
The chill had left the wine which gave it more apparent warmth in the back of the king’s throat. Once the warmth faded, he came up for air with his eyes closed. His head was braced on the back of his chair and his arms were planted lazily on the armrests.
In his hands he could feel the gouges made in the wood that formed the shape of feathers. Following the feathers his fingertips were met with notches that had been dug deeper into the wood to make room for the details of eyes. Even further the wood became slick and curved under into the point of a beak. He sat long enough he might have been able to fall fast asleep were it not for the anticipated evening ahead. Inside the darkness of his closed eyes, he was imagining the Eldrogian hawk in full life when he heard a series of quiet knocks. King Nathion set the hawk free from his thoughts as he opened his eyes and turned in his chair toward the door.
"Enter." the king allowed the knocker.
One of the double doors cracked open with small fingers curling around the edge. From around the corner of the door came Kenessa clothed in a beautiful emerald dress. Proudly taken aback at the sight of her Nathion smiled largely as he stood, pushing the chair slightly to the side. Every troubling thought of the fat Tobias, twitchy Stephan, or the audacious Henry had fled from him. Kenessa's presence filled the room with warmth and hope.
"I was afraid the mud wouldn't wash clean!" she giggled as she took hold of a fold in her skirt to fan it out for her father to see. Each panel in her train was a unique shade of varying greens. Gold ribbons framed the ribbing of her corset blouse. Gold rose clasps clipped a formal cape to her back that swooped down to the floor.
"Even with mud you're more beautiful than any could compare!" He responded now standing just before her. Taking her free hand in his and wrapping his other arm around to her back he began to playfully dance her across the room.
Just like her mother, Kenessa was light on her feet no matter if she was running through the forest barefoot or dancing in a fine gown as she was then. Nathion and Kenessa were entirely close, they were all each other had since Kreseliana perished. The bond they shared and the hope they exuded when they were together broke through every trial they faced. After spinning wildly, the two became dizzy and fell away from their dance. In regained composure, they stood together with renewed confidence.
"It's already here, isn't it?" Kenessa asked as her smile faded into concern.
"I'm afraid it is, my happy Kenessa." Nathion agreed walking toward his balcony. Turned away from Kenessa he grabbed hold of the wood railing before him and breathed out into the open air. Kenessa stood behind him on the balcony overlooking high above Sedoal below.
Knowing she was behind him Nathion looked to her standing in the magenta glow of the sunset. The tinge of pink across her pale skin reminded him of the thin markings that were once on her mother’s face so many years ago. Though somber he forced a mediocre grin reaching for her to come closer. Once close, he put his arm around her shoulders and kissed the top of her head.
Her dark hair had been curled for the evening's festivities and she had on a tierra made of intertwined wooden vines. Here and there dotted on the headdress were carved wooden roses with opal stones at their hearts. The half embrace and the kiss had caused the tierra to shift to the side of her head, almost falling off. Nathion caught it before the fall and returned it where it belonged.
"There, where it should be. Always." He smiled at the gems as he adjusted the ornament thinking, 'even these gems pale in comparison to what she deserves.'
"Forever!" Kenessa looked back at him full of optimism in her eyes. She had been running all day from her future, but there seeing her father's support, she was ready to do what needed to be done for her people.
'Forever,' Nathion thought, 'it has always been forever...' Silently watching his daughter respond in such a courageous light the guilt returned to him.
Embracing her shoulders softly he said, "I am forever sorry...this weight has fallen to you." He let her go and turned back to the forest canopy before him as if ashamed.
"A true leader does what must be done for their people. No matter the cost. I am grateful that I can do something that might make a difference." Kenessa had been reciting those words to herself repeatedly for the past weeks leading up to that night.
However, she had not truly had faith in those words until just then, standing with her father on his balcony overlooking the kingdom they loved and were sworn to protect. Again, amazed by the inspiration his daughter was capable of igniting in him he turned to take another look at her.
"The people will see tonight they have a proper future queen over them." He said looking her in the eye with fatherly pride. He looked down to his own clothing worn from the day's ride,
"They will demand I step down and hand you the crown the moment they match me against your beauty!" now smiling from the joke he continued, "Stay here, I won't be but a moment! I promise!"
Kenessa sarcastically rolled her eyes and scoffed at her father who turned to leave her on his balcony. She took up the spot where Nathion had been standing to get a better view of the expanse. As far as she could see were treetops that rose and fell between the hills they crowned. Elderonar stood high above every other tree in Eldoria. Off to the south she could see where the forest line began to thin into a clearing that surrounded lake Reindellin. Reindellin, she knew, meant 'bringer of rain' which could not be a more appropriate given her roll in Eldoria.

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Flamenthion, the kingdom just south of Reindellin, had closed their boarders for many years following a war they waged against Hydronys. The volcanic wall of mountains stretching around their boarders was too treacherous for most to cross without the main roads being accessible. Traveling and trade going to and from Flamenthion had been barred off. Any news of the region's condition also ceased to surface. Due to their impregnability no one quite knew why Flamenthion withdrew from the fight and further from the rest of the world. There were rumors of a revolution amongst citizens and division in their government ranks that caused the withdraw. Regardless the reason it was apparent their feuding within their walls persisted.
Powerful magic underlies Flamenthion, much like the kind that once thrived in Eldoria. Eldoria's magic caused the land to be fertile and fruitful, hence the enormous trees. Flamenthion magic was dark and volatile.
Since Flamenthion’s withdrawal the heat generated from their lands increasing chaos had become consuming. Many volcanos scattered throughout Flamenthion were in constant eruption. From Sedoal on clear nights, you could see the shadows of the mountains in front of orange and red glowing skies from the explosions beyond.
Eldoria’s protective magic was gone; they had no natural sources of water to protect them from the growing heat. Flamenthion had begun to alter Eldoria’s climate, making the forest die. The heat in some areas had grown so much it set parts of Eldoria into a blaze.
Beginning several miles south of Reindellin, a vast strip of farming land, 67 miles wide, lining the border had already withered from fires forcing dwellers from their homes and livelihoods. Dagon, Mirth, and Das Mora were Eldorian townships in this zone…all burned to ruble and soot. They started to call this disfigured wasteland; The Mar. Following The Mar, agriculture had taken a mighty blow within Eldoria causing them to suffer famine.
The Hydronysian Earl and his advisors to the northeast became aware Eldoria had fallen under turmoil. They sent word they would be willing to negotiate terms in exchange for aid. Eldoria had reached a point of direness that forced King Nathion to entertain their offer. They promised if he gave his daughters hand in marriage, they would work tirelessly to develop an irrigation system fed by their great ocean. If Eldoria had access to water that meant the forest could survive the intense heat radiating from Flamenthion.
The choice given to him had been detestable to King Nathion. Before him lay his suffering people. How could he align himself with the breed of Hydronysians to save his kingdom? Kenessa being the one to pay the weightiest cost. The Skove dwarves to the southeast hiding in their mountain caves had nothing they could utilize of any real helpful impact, and Flamenthion had been silent to his requests for audience.
For months Nathion secretly held on to the earl's offer unable to decide whether to accept their costly aid. The fires continued to spread throughout southern Eldoria claiming land and lives along the way. The weight of such a decision caved in on Nathion, he couldn't bare the idea of pawning off his beloved daughter. He desperately tried holding onto, 'forever'. However, despite his best efforts to preserve his kingdom the heat matched and overthrew his determination. Eventually the choice was forcefully taken from him.
Kenessa, being so attached to her father, saw how much their land's suffering affected him. As she often did, late one night, she crept to his study hoping to find him by the fire reading a book or enjoying a glass of wine as she knew he liked to do. When she entered there was nothing but darkness. The fire had gone out and the balcony doors had been shut. She must have missed him being away on yet another trip to one of the many crisis aid camps that had popped up throughout Eldoria. She adored her father's efforts to comfort their people in such a time. Not willing to leave his empty study prematurely she decided to sit in his chair at the table in the middle of the room.
There she sat in the stillness of the night waiting for her father's uncertain return. The wait had relaxed her enough that she began bobbing in and out of sleep. Unable to fight the temptation of slumber, she finally leaned over the arm of the chair and fell into a deep sleep. Hours went by as she slept peacefully in her father's chair. Through the curtains of the balcony doors the light of dawn started to pierce into the dark room. A small finch found its way to the railing of the balcony where it sang the first songs of the day. Though muffled in her sleep Kenessa heard the bird's chirps and jolted herself upright. Rubbing her eyes, she was shocked she fell asleep so soundly in such a crumpled position. After a deep yawn she leaned forward to push off the chair to stand.
While she was leaned over the table, she caught sight of a map that looked to be Eldoria. Intrigued by the picture she moved in closer to the desk. Yes, this map resembled Eldoria's landscape, but this place had a series of rivers leading into a large lake to the south. Eldoria had no water formations to Kenessa's knowledge.
'Perhaps this is a map of a far-off land in need of exploring!' she thought to herself.
Part of the map was obscured by a few other papers that she easily shuffled to the side. To her astonishment there in the northern end of the map was Elderonar! Just below it Sedoal was drawn in as well. Confusion rocked her thoughts, "What are all these rivers? And a lake? Rein-"
"-dellin. It means 'bringer of rain' in Hydronysian." Nathion frightened Kenessa. She had been so taken by the map she failed to hear him enter the study.
"Oh! Father! I didn't- I mean...I uh-," she stumbled over her words as she jumped away from the table. In the excitement she had mistakenly bumped a book that slid off the table causing an avalanche of papers to also chase it to the floor. She feverishly bent down and started grappling at parchments, fumbling them in disarray. Nathion calmly joined her on the floor where she had all the papers stuffed in her arms. He picked up the book and they both unloaded their bounties back onto the table.
"Forgive me. I shouldn't have meddled, father." Kenessa apologized staring at her bare toes.
"No, you shouldn't have...but I guess you are not the only one meddling in this study." Nathion lightly berated Kenessa. He lost all his weight as he plopped into his large armchair, it creaked under the sudden load. Kenessa still stood near looking ashamed as ever.
"Well, what do you think?" He asked her, pointing at the map. She hesitated as she formulated her words. He sat there still expecting a response.
"Is this Eldoria? It looks like it, but those bits of water...is this an ancient map?" She asked.
"It is indeed Eldoria. This maybe Eldoria's future, Kenessa." Nathion said dryly as he reached for a goblet, he'd left with wine the day before. Solemnly he drank from the cup.
"Water? How? There's no water that I've seen..." Kenessa trailed off in thought.
"Hydronys sent word to me several months ago their plans of aiding us against the fires." he shared this all with Kenessa as if he had recounted it a million times.
"They're going to...build...rivers? And a lake?" she started to gain excitement at the thought. The idea of man-made rivers baffled her. Finally, something was going to be done about their people's suffering. Nonetheless something that had a chance of success. Her elation at the idea of Hydronysian aid fed into curiosity.
"Why would they want to help us?" the questions started flooding her. Nathion shifted his weight forward, resting his elbows on his knees while holding his cup in both hands.
"The Hydronysian earl wishes me to marry you off in exchange for the irrigation." he explained in complete monotone eyeing his empty cup. Kenessa stood stunned from what her father just told her. 'Married' she thought to herself.
Finally able to speak she asked, "Married? How can that be? I haven't even reached-"
"Your 18th year. I know. The arrangements dictate construction begins upon my acceptance of terms." he sighed glancing at a perplexed Kenessa. "Your betrothal is set to occur directly following your 18th year." Nathion finished as he placed the cup on the table.
Kenessa soaked in the new information as he stood up, walked to the balcony doors which he opened, and stepped out to watch the rest of the sunrise. He had been sitting on the choice for as long as he could. If he waited much longer to accept there was a chance the construction would be incomplete by Kenessa's 18th year. What would he do if Kenessa were forced to marry and Hydronys chose to fail completion on the irrigation lines? Kenessa would be married off far from his protection and their people would yet suffer. If he was going to accept their foreign aid, he had to send word immediately.
Kenessa stitched these missing pieces of the issue together on her own. She was exceedingly bright with these matters. Drawing to the same conclusion her father had regarding the urgency of his choice she moved to join him on the balcony.
"Almost one year," Kenessa continued to reason, "before my 18th. In almost one year, I will be married. And our people will again thrive." Every ounce of courage she needed for those words to cross her lips covered up an equal amount of trepidation.
Nathion was in pure awe of his daughters will to protect their people. It was in that moment, as young as she was, that he knew she would one day be a great leader over Eldoria. Therefore, it had been decided for him that she would be given up in marriage and be the true Reindellin.

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Off in the distance the clearing surrounding Reindellin had become more difficult for Kenessa to see from the balcony. The sun was slowly fading on the horizon creating a blue haze that shrunk her view distance. She had also noticed how much cooler the air was growing without the sun's consistent heat. Fog seemed to roll over the canopy below.
Just as promised the Hydronysian canals had proven beneficial to their climate. The fires had died down and the soil's hydration was replenished. Heat scorched sections of the forest had fresh foliage beginning to creep back throughout southern Eldoria. The newly finished water systems provided the push they needed to survive until the impending fall. The Mar had yet to regain strength, the damage done there was deep seeded. The magical nature of the flames that ripped through that land might not ever fully recover. Despite The Mar’s continued loss the overall restoration elsewhere was hope enough for the people of Eldoria.
Looking out at the forest before her she could sense the level of progress their people had been able to make. Crops began to thrive which alleviated the brunt of the famine. Diseases from widespread lack of nutrition subsided, and the working class began recovering their trades. Kenessa found joy in the lusciousness the forest had finally started to rekindle, and the recovery her people were making.
Leaning over the edge of the railing she saw lights flickering in the courtyard far below her. Lanterns had been lit leading up from the main gates to the staircase in front of Elderonar. Passing through the lights she watched several servants bounce back and forth making last minute adjustments to decorations. As the servants finished their last preparations, they climbed the stairwell at Elderonar's base. One by one the tree swallowed them up through its massive doors.
Through the branches of smaller trees, she could see the road just before the main gates to the palace. Eventually carriages, horses with their riders, and even a few foot travelers began to pour through the gate. As they came to a stop inside the courtyard the guests were greeted by hosts that escorted them up the stairs. Palace stable masters borrowed the reins of visiting horses and directed carriage drivers to the area roped off for them near the stable.
Kenessa was too high up in the tree to distinguish any facial features of the people below. Squinting she made failed attempts at naming guests that looked familiar to her. Whenever a man resembling a bachelor entered the gates her heart sank, thinking it might be the earl.
"We shall be the last ones to arrive I should think." Nathion returned to the balcony in new fashion. He had on a finely structured purple tailcoat cloaking a grey shirt with cuffs around his wrists. His black slacks tucked inside brown suede boots that were fastened at his knees. Tangled into the waves of his dark hair nestled a crown much like the one Kenessa had, only his was bulkier and more masculine as to fit a king.
"Father, how wonderful!" Kenessa exclaimed turning away from the happenings below them. Nathion strode to the railing where Kenessa had been observing the crowds.
"Have there been many arrivals?" he asked peering down at the commotion.
"A baker's dozen of carriages! Maybe more riders. Though I lost count of those who walked in." Kenessa shared the information she gathered.
"Shall we join them then?" he asked her, stepping back into the study.
Kenessa joined him there before adding, "We shall! I don't think it would be wise to miss my own feast!"
Nathion agreed with a sourness in the back of his mind. The king had yet to receive notification of the earl's arrival to Elderonar for Kenessa's 18th year festivities. He found the delay disrespectful to their alliance, and to Kenessa above all else who had yet to meet the man. In deep breath he reached his arm out to Kenessa to grab hold. Locking arms, the two bravely exited the study.
The entire walk to the lift was emotionally strenuous for Kenessa. The beginning of her life's adventure was being set off the next morning. She felt every step she took down the carved halls were steps toward oblivion. This evening was the last she'd spend known as solely the Princess of Eldoria.
Tomorrow she would be made known by more than a princess, but also as the earl's wife of Hydronys. She knew what had to be done and she recognized just how much her people had succeeded already since the alliance had been formed. She had memorized her roll in this play but that did not prepare her for living it out in fruition. Her natural tenacity had always guided her well but walking down the long hallways she found herself fearful of the future.
Turning a corner, they reached the lift that already had a compartment waiting for them to board. Her father entered the platform easily, but Kenessa froze in place as her arm slipped from Nathion's. The king turned around and thoughtfully reached for her hand. Kenessa pulled back as to avoid his gesture.
Surprised at her reluctancy Nathion asked, "Are you sure this is what you want?"
Kenessa's mouth opened as if to reply but no words were released. She began to grasp at words that wouldn't form causing her to breath in heavy panic. She felt as if the air had been thickened around her to the point it stopped from entering her lungs. The lack of air had darkened her vision. Drawing her hands to her face she tried stepping farther away from the tram, but her feet failed to find the floor. Headed into a full tumble her father quickly jumped from the platform catching her in his chest before she was unreachable.
The nearby guards had also rushed to their aid, steadying the king with his daughter tight in his arms. In an audible gasp the air flooded Kenessa allowing her to set free a series of sobs. Her eyes began to sting as hot tears gathered in her eyes. Streams of salt burst through levies and rolled down her blushed cheeks where they moistened her lips and soaked up by her father’s vest. Legs entirely weak she relied on her father's strength to keep her standing.
"It's alright...," Nathion attempted to console her, "hush now...my Kenessa." He felt utterly useless at combatting her woes; if anything, he felt they were his fault.
'This is far from alright' he thought with venom. All he could do was hold her as she wept into his arms.
Kenessa forced her breathing to slow between a few minor coughs and hiccups. The reality of her next steps had been settling in throughout the last few weeks of Reindellin’s completion. She had never let how much it all bothered her show- to herself nor to anyone else. The tension finally met full crescendo there in her father's arms on the way to her 18th celebration. Finally calmed she felt fit to stand without assistance and untangled herself from her father’s embrace.
"There...my happy Kenessa." he said as he wiped tear residue from her cheek.
"Thank you, father. We will outlast this." Eyelashes still wet, she nodded in confidence.