Oriehn

Chapter 12- Taliesin

Chapter 12- Taliesin

"The people are anxious to meet her," Laius spoke, confirming my own observations. "They won't do much other than stand there and wait. What is taking so long?"

"It would be wrong of me to assume that I know what any woman is doing, let alone the two last born put together," I quipped, "but I am sure that they are preparing for the ceremony—more specifically the dance."

"And?" The commander pressed for further details.

"I don't know much more than that... I'm sure they will be ready within a quarter of an hour, father."

"I will assure the Oracle that they will be ready within the next sixth." He sniffed.

I nodded in acceptance of the proffered ten minutes, and the hologram blipped out of sight with a lens flare as the call came to a close. Hurriedly, I straightened the collar of my own formal wear, which was much looser than it had been before I had left, and knocked on the door leading to Alice's cabin. I heard their chatter cease within, and the clicking of high-heeled shoes as they came closer to the door. Drai stuck her head out of the door frame and smiled, looking me over quickly.

"A little loose, but I am sure that the Oracle would approve," She teased before asking, "What are you doing here?"

"We have ten minutes before we are dragged on our heels out of this capsule." I shook my head ruefully. "Commander Graile demanded it."

"Of course he did." Drai rolled her eyes and stuck her head back inside the room to relay the message quickly. She smiled, and held her expression, as if expecting a response. "Luckily, we've finished our dance—and our dresses."

I looked about the small hallway, until it dawned on me. "Congratulations?" I asked incredulously, unsure if that was what she had expected.

"Sin!" Drai shouted, exasperated, and stepped out fully in front of the door. Her tall frame was swathed in a citrusy color, embroidered in silver threaded designs. "I was hoping you'd be impressed, but once again, we women can't leave anything up to our counterparts."

"For what it's worth, you did have three hours," I teased, "but I am impressed. You look wonderful."

"Just you wait," Drai smiled over to me, raising an eyebrow and biting her lip, a playful glint in her eyes. "Alice? It's time to go!"

"Coming!" Her voice came from within the cabin, and I heard her approach slow as she got closer to the door, before it swung open to reveal her figure. Her slender neck was exposed, her typically wavy hair pinned up and hanging down in artfully arranged ringlets. Her eyes were like molten silver and wide, their color enhanced by the golden shade she wore in a shimmering gown.

I bowed reflexively, my fist pounding over my chest, and then my fingers reaching up to graze my lips. "Beautiful," I breathed out as I looked up to see Alice's blush and Drai's smug expression. I quickly straightened. "Both of you, I mean. Both of you will impress the crowd today."

"Let's hope so." Alice looked as if she was about to bunch her fists into the cloth of her dress, but Drai caught and cradled her hand in the crook of her arm, shaking her head. "It's not out of the norm to be nervous, right?"

"Not at all," I chuckled, "just keep in mind that they are just as nervous as you are. Would you prefer that I escort you down to the arena, or to stay behind?"

"With us," Drai answered, "we need as much support as possible, right, Alice?"

"Right," she breathed out slowly. "Lead the way."

I pushed open the doors to the capsule, and the roar of the crowd was deafening. They scattered wreaths of Portokali around us, waving, and chanting an Oriehn welcome over and over.