The General and the Princess

Chapter 19 || Kiva

 There was a brief silence as everyone mulled over the cheer that had never before been uttered; they regarded Inver as more than just their leader, as their hero. The words had been saved for Eliborn alone, but they seemed to fit Inver as well as they did the Resistance's founder himself. As Kiva looked at him, she knew that he was everything a man should be. He was strong in heart, mind, and physique. He was a kind, sagacious leader. His winning smile and honest demeanor could melt the hardest composure. Inver was their leader, and yet not Kiva's.

When the cheering died down, Inver spoke again, "Thank you. I'm honored to lead you; I only hope to deserve this great privilege that you have given me. Now, I beg you to give your respect to the newest recruits who will be joining our ranks. I give you Lavri's two newest generals from the heart of Sari: Riyel and Tal."

Kiva smiled at Riyel as he stood. Between his red hair and flaming green eyes, everything about him resembled a fire. She then turned her attention to the other man. Tal was smaller, but wiry and muscular. His skin was dark and his black hair and eyes seemed made of the midnight sky. He did not smile, but nodded quickly and sat back down.

Once Riyel and Tal sat, Trysti welcomed a posse of men carrying three deer, already roasted on a spit and ready for consumption. The smell of the tender meat wafted through the crowd. Since all meat was salted and dried to ensure that it did not go bad, they rarely had the pleasure of fresh meat. Waste was a crime, and this was nothing short of a luxury. Immediately, meat was handed out, and Kiva was handed a front leg bone with a large chunk of juicy meat.

With full mugs of mead, the people of Lavri enjoyed their venison. Kiva remained silent, content to observe the happiness that was so tangible in these few brief peaceful moments. She was an observer, remaining on the outskirts and merely watching. At the end of the meal, the music and revelry began again. Couples joined hands and danced to the beat, jumping joyfully in bare feet across the grass. There was something so beautiful in the simplicity of Lavri life—the happiness found in a good meal and sweet music, companionship and the peace of nature.

Kiva watched as Justyn pulled Wyn into the dance. Justyn towered over her tiny form, but his eyes were tenderly gazing into hers as if nothing and no one existed outside of the two of them. They stayed close, foreheads touching and arms entwined. At the end of the dance, they walked over to where she sat against a tree observing from the sidelines.

"Kiva!" Justyn smiled at his sister.

"Justyn, Wyn, you two seem to be enjoying the festivities," Kiva remarked, summoning a small smile.

They shared a glance and laughed, as Justyn answered, "We are. But I wanted to go say a few words to Inver. Wyn, you can wait for me here with Kiva."
Kiva reluctantly made room for Wyn as Justyn walked away. Wyn sat next to Kiva, her eyes on the fidgeting hands placed in her lap.

"So, Wyn, what brings you to the Lavri Resistance?"

Wyn looked up at Kiva, her eyes gigantic green spheres. "Oh, but I thought I told you? I wish to kill Vinrys. With my own two hands. I want to murder him. I want to stab a sword through his heart and laugh as he dies."

The look of utter sincerity in her eyes did not fade as Kiva stared at her incredulously. "Well, I can see why Lavri is a haven for you, then. How did you meet my brother?"
"I asked him to help me learn to fight. I was told he is good with weapons and killing. And he is so kind, and gentle, and handsome," Wyn looked wistfully after Justyn, the hate vanishing entirely.

Kiva said nothing more but stared at the girl. Her mannerisms were alarming; the way her hands fidgeted violently in her lap, her mood switched so drastically, her violent speech. She seemed incredibly young with her childlike face and fragile frame, but she talked as if she had seen much of the world.