Phoenix: The First Element

Untitled Part 3

7 years ago...

I looked at myself in the mirror. Schooling my expression hadn't been hard since the incident. This was just like any ordinary party, I'd go and get it over with. At least I looked pretty; gold's a good colour on me. Hmm.. I wonder why?

"Evie, its time to leave. Are you ready?" The creases on my brother's forehead soaked up my focus as I stared on as he pulled at his cravat.

He stopped what he was doing. " I look like Alfred don't I?" He smiled.

"You're way too beautiful for that. Don't tell him I said that!"

"You're nervous."

He's right. I was, surprisingly. Hissssssss.

The lights had dimmed and in the dark shadows had grown, coming with them were an assortment of images- a girl dancing. A girl dancing in fire.

"Chen." Thank you.

My brother and I have been using this calming method since before we could master our powers. We were born with fire and it could be useful. When we were scared late at night Davy and I would play with our talents, from ballerinas to frogs, they all lit up, aflame with a certain finesse.

We had made it to the entrance. My reflection stared back at me from the plated gold on the doorknob. A funny disfigured version. The guards bowed low, their acknowledgement of our status.

"David! I'd like to introduce you and your sister to someone very important if I may. He's been wanting to meet you informally for a very long time. You must know that he only recently came back from studying in Rul. Daani wants him to take up his position whilst he's here."

Janee Wil stared back at us. A friendly face in our society. Not one to gossip- a good choice as a messenger when taking into her account her family background of butlers.

David raised his brows:" That important. Very well. Come, Evie." We were lead down a familiar corridor to a familiar set of doors.

"The head wishes to see us?"

"Oh no! Well, technically yes, well no, but yes. It's his son! You know the one."

"Come in." It came from inside. Assertive yet neutral. It was a relief from all the sing song tones I had to put up with on a daily basis.

The doors opened smoothly and we stepped in. Sat down was probably the most important person I'd ever meet or have to meet- as long as our allegiance remained in the north. 

Evander. That was his name, I remember now. There was no need to address someone by their last name. If you did, then they clearly weren't important enough. Known for his hair to display his emotions, it was a shade of yellow at the moment- natural hair colour I'm assuming so. His eyes were a number of colours, predominantly shades upon shades of purple. Everything else was like all of the beings in Gala, perfect. 

I gave an exaggerated curtsy with my head, the jewels glistening as I did so. " It's a pleasure."

My brother mirrored my actions: " Yes, indeed. How are you Evander? Was your journey back okay?"My brother beamed. It brought a smile to my face. Both men seemed to be engaged in conversation and I made my way to take a seat. Evander brought up a hand to help me do so and I felt drained by the time I let go.

Weird.

He didn't seem to have the same problem, in fact he went as far as to shyly smile as he turned back to David. He's hiding something.

I watched both men avidly before I began to grow bored, not that I couldn't speak but it was just easier to let my brother take the lead- he would be King after all. I got up attracting their attention.

"Maya calls for me. You know what she's like. Oh, and please send my regards to your parents Evander, I promised your mother some visconnes the next time I saw her. Tell her I haven't forgotten." I gave a polite smile and curtsied before leaving the room.

The night carried on as normal until it came the time to dance. I normally didn't, not because I couldn't but because it was just pointless. Conversation is what gained you contacts, power, not prancing about hopelessly.

Instead, I watched my sister, Maya, with her glorious head of blond curls whizz around the ballroom, giggling as she did so.

A gentle tap was what I felt on my shoulder: "My lady, my Lord wishes to have this dance." He gestured gracefully towards a pair of violet eyes. It was smart of him to send his butler knowing my reputation at events such as these and the annoyance I would have felt at NOT being able to decline his offer. Nice. 

I knew he'd be able to hear me. "Unfortunately, I'm feeling rather unwell. Tell your Lord my deepest apologies."

 Would you refuse flowers?

He shouldn't be able to do that without my permission. I furrowed my brows before smoothing them almost immediately- no weaknesses allowed. He seemed to delight in this revelation. I turned back to the butler at hand: "Tell your master I much prefer crackers."

A very confused butler returned to a bemused master. 

*

It was only a week later that I received dozens of baskets of cheese and crackers to my apartment by a very special blond haired man.

This was the start of our relationship. I later learned that it was inevitable. 

I thought nothing could override love. I would learn how very wrong I was.

Present

I walked with Evander as we made our way back to the estate. I stopped, also halting him.

"I missed you." I didn't tell him about the dreams.

He smiled softly:" It has been a while. In fact, it almost feels like I've been living with a relationship with your brother these past few months." He sighed. "So much to do."

He looked tired. I can book us our spot at Lintos if you want.

A laugh was what I got. And an arm bringing me to his side.

Lintonian food sounds good right about now...

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Hello everyone. Long time no see. New chapter- more of a flashback.

Sensor