The Ballet of the Swans

Act Thirteen

Garhyn stood under the moonlight at the entrance to a large cave. He got down in one knee, bowing his head.

"Mother, I have returned" he said. Inside the cave, something moved towards its entrance, Garhyn knew those steps belonged to the only person who loved him, even after he had left.

"My son. My real, beautiful son." Said the woman who came out, Garhyn looked up at her.

The Prince of Nightingales didn't resemble his mother at all, the only thing they both shared were the Queen's beautiful golden-blue eyes, besides that, Garhyn took after his father. The Queen of Nightingales appeared to be in her late twenties with long, curly, strawberry-blond hair and sun kissed skin, Queen Phylira was the image of natural beauty at its best. Clad in her long, silver gown, she would have made Selene, Goddess of the Moon, seem like nothing but a long lost memory. Garhyn rose to his mother's embrace, in which he felt safest than anywhere.

"I thought I would never see you again. Welcome home, my son." Said the Queen. Garhyn stood there, taking in his mother's warm smell as she patted his hair.

"Forgive me, Mother, for not coming earlier." He apologized "It has become difficult to regain control over my body, if just for such a short amount of time."

"Seeing you for just a second is enough for me. What wanders through your mind, my boy?" Asked Phylira pulling herself away to look at her son's eyes.

"Both bad and good news. For instance, the Holy White Swan has returned to our story." He said looking down, the Queen's eyes widened in surprise "but I believe my other self and the Icy Dancer are up to something for our class' upcoming ballet."

Phylira nodded understanding. "The night of the Twin Moons is still far. Yet, I will do all I can to help. So, my dear, tell me everything you know." She begged.

"Everyone! I have a few people with me who will help with the ballet." Neko-sensei announced to the class as his students gathered around him and his company.

Ahiru stood between Rue and Fakir, her sapphire eyes moved over the group of people their teacher had brought, seven in total, as she could count.

"They will help us pick those who will get a part. Amongst them, our artist director, and author to the ballet, Monsieur Belmont." Explained the cat.

An elderly looking man stepped forward, leaning in a wooden cane. Monsieur Belmont wore an old, grey suit, and his short, grayish-blond hair was brushed neatly to the side, in contrast with his brushy eyebrows. He looked at the students, one by one, and as he moved his sight onto Ahiru and her friends, he saw nothing else, but the sapphire eyed girl, and Fakir.

"You two" called Monsieur Belmont pointing at them; they looked at each other before deciding on walking forward. "What are your names?"

"I am Fakir, Sir." Answered the emerald eyed, bowing.

"My name is Ahiru; it is a great pleasure, Monsieur Belmont." The girl said.

Neko-sensei looked at the three of them, trying to understand what was happening.

"I would be pleased if you acted a scene from the ballet for me after class is over." Monsieur Belmont offered.

Everybody felt surprised, even Ahiru and Fakir looked at each other before smiling at the old author.

"It would be an honor, Sir." They answered at once.

They walked back to their friends as the class began to whisper to each other.

"Now, everyone!" Interrupted Neko-sensei "please, go back to practice. Pick a character, and try bringing them to life!"

The class then, divided into groups; most of the girls gathered around Garhyn and Julia to practice, while the rest decided to be with their friends. Ahiru invited Pique and Lilly to join them, and the small group chose a spot next to the windows.