Reindellin

Chapter 4

Filled to capacity, the main hall at the bottom of Elderonar quaked with applause for Kenessa’s entrance. From the moment their alliance with Hydronys had materialized King Nathion made a point that it be known his daughter was the reason for their survival from the fires and famine. Over the past months as Eldoria recovered strength their citizen's morale elevated alongside. The adoration her people showed there in the crowded hall was the definition of devotion. She stood on the podium beside her father in pride.

Refreshed from her bout of tears in the eastern branch the cheers were a humbling reminder of what she had been able to achieve for her kingdom. Standing on the platform in front of her seat in strong confidence, no one in the room was able to suspect the fear that had welled up in her just moments ago. Nathion stood beside her applauding as passionately as he could muster. She needed his support and was all the more confident because of it. If permitted the guests would have continued their elation late into the night.

"My fellow Eldorians!" King Nathion called out with a raised hand. The sea of men and women went on. "Come now, lest our voices flea us! We have much to celebrate this night!"

Nathion continued with both hands raised in efforts to quiet the room. Begrudgingly the crowd softened until they all caught silence, though they remained standing at their seats. As the guests quieted Kenessa was able to point out a handful of Hydronysian folk in the corner who had been cheering, but not nearly as fervently as their Eldorian neighbors.

Apparent of their presence in the room she surveyed the masses in better detail. She found small Hydronysian gaggles spaced throughout the room. Some of these foreigners were hardly clapping and she spotted one or two between that had even remained seated throughout the ordeal. Kenessa wondered to herself if it were customary to their kind to maintain their stern bearing, or if this was a show of nationalism. That occurrence was the first she realized how little she knew of the Hydronysians.

"Our dear Kenessa has reached her 18th year!" Nathion yelled over the crowd which sparked an aftershock of cries in support.

Accepting the response, he waited before adding, "Already your princess has led you with great wisdom!" The hall continued to rage on.

Nathion increased his volume to compete, "As well as much sacrifice!" He had won the command of the crowd as they toned back their joyfulness and replaced it with thankful reverence.

"I should hope," Nathion continued, "that everyone here and throughout Eldoria recognize the import of this occasion."

The room drew completely still as they hung on the King's charges. In the quiet he paused and looked to Kenessa. Taking a step to his right he turned to face his daughter. She too turned to face her father as he took up the vase of wine that was sitting in between them on the table. Using his other hand, he plucked Kenessa's empty glass from her place setting and filled it with wine before handing it to her. After filling a glass for himself, he placed the vase back on the table. He stood there looking at her, pride flowing from his gaze. Taking a deep breath, he raised his cup above his crown signifying the makings of Kenessa’s very first toast.

"Kenessa of Eldrogia, beloved Princess of Eldoria," Nathion's voice boomed, his eyes still on hers, "It is the eve of your 18th year, yet you have honored your people beyond measure."

A boisterous number of the crowd offered up their agreement before falling silent after being shushed by those around them, craning to hear the toast.

"Tonight, allow your countrymen...." he stopped himself with a glance to his boots. After a single breath Nathion looked back to Kenessa. He looked moved nearly to a single tear if Kenessa hadn't known better.