Annocia

Back In Time Part 1

The music sounded through out the great hall of the palace, creating elegant waves upon the elaborate walls, much like that of the sea. We walked with poise and dignity, as every Nobel should, through the enormous brass doors that led to the ball room. This particular room had ivory stairs that led to the floor of a grand marbled space for the wealthy guests to dance. The golden hints of the floor played with the lights from the chandeliers that swung above on their matching chains.
"Would you look at this my Son, the Emperors Palace in all of its Glory." My father, a Grand member of the peace council, gazed upon the other wealthy men and women, the light reflecting back in his eyes. "Yes father, this is a worthy party" I say in reply. If I look past the mingling Nobles, Im able to see large tables full of fruits, wines, meats of varying types and styles, flavored vegetables and desserts. Pies, cakes, tarts, custards, various cookies and fudges all line the white linen table, making my mouth water at the sight. But what I mostly notice are the Nocias. It is true, for any young man to have some grasp at the concept of the wealthy and the poor as well as the definition of classes and ranks and by fourteen, I knew how wealthy we were compared to the Nocias. It was not hard to tell, really. The Morns dressed in standard cotton and rather drab colors of blues and greens and grey hues, with plain prints and patterns. The Nocias however, seemed to be full of color and light, with fine silks and satins of ravishing pinks, bright purples, and other exotic pastel colors. Not to mention the new, outlandish clothing patterns and prints. The Nocias were also famous for their natural beauty of pale skin and soft features, complimented by light blonde, sleek black, and even fiery red hair, that seemed to be as straight and as shiny as silk. The Morns however, could have straight, curly or frizzy hair in pale reds and dirty blondes and faded black. Morn features could range from dainty to garish depending on the person. The Nocias always had dainty but intimidating features for both men and women, their beauty was that of stories and legends. It's rather obvious that tension of jealousy between the Nocias and the Morns have risen in the past one hundred years and even now, as I stand amongst them I feel that same envy. I must put that aside now, this celebration is meant for peace between the Emperor and the Morns. From over hearing my father, there are to be two other representatives here with their entourage to receive a tour of the Grand Palace, I try to search for them amongst the others. Over by the spread of desserts I find Mr. Bartomacks Cliess, a rather large man, with a large family, and a good friend of my fathers. He is eying the truffles while his wife attempts to keep the two twin boys from crawling underneath the table linens. Before I can spot the the third representative, my father moves on ahead to greet some men down the stairway as I follow. I make my way down the heavily embellished, ivory steps, it is then that I see her. Her dark hair is up in an ornate bun with a braid and she wears a dark purple gown that hugs her womanly figure and hangs off of her pale, light shoulders. She truly has grown into a most beautiful young woman, Jerisa, the oldest daughter at sixteen, of Mrs. Larussa Aberbon, the third representative. Her dark blue eyes are occupying an older man with a black beard, that has struck up a conversation with her. I make my way downstairs in a hurry to greet them but my father asks me to stay with him to meet some old friends of his.
"Hello Edmend" my father greets a tall, lanky fellow with a warm smile, he then gestures to me.
"You remember my eldest son, Cirion. If I'm not mistaken, the last time you laid eyes on him was when he was a young lad, just barely five years of age, I do believe." Said my father, wrapping his arm proudly around my shoulder as I stood up straighter.
"Aye, I do believe that is true. I can recall a rather young boy running about the halls, brandishing a wooden sword at anyone who dared to ruin his fun." Edmund laughed heartedly at the memory, holding out his hand for a respectable shake. I gladly returned the gesture with a greeting and an easy smile. I could hear Jerisa's laughter behind me as she cavorted about with that older gentlemen. My Father and her Father would often have meetings when we were children, and we often accompanied each other to outings such as this, that is until her fathers untimely death. When Mr. Aberbon passed, her mother was stricken with grief and immediately sold their estate and moved to a new province. Jerisa's younger sister, Eliana, was just a babe at the time, of barely one year old. I observed Eliana stand by her mother in a dark green dress, she was still young, only ten years of age and she did not possess the same beauty that her sister has. She takes more after her father, with a nose much to large to be delicate and hair the color of old hay, hangs in a long braid down her back.
"Father! Eliza won't let me have any cakes!" I turn around to face my younger sister, Demitra. She comes prancing over to grab our Father's coat sleeve, in a begging manner. Being the youngest she has always gotten away with this, with her rosy cherub cheeks and soft, blonde curls that only enhanced her chances of getting anything that she wants at only four years old. My second sister, Eliza follows close behind ready to defend. "Mother said no treats and I'm in charge of you for now, isn't that right Father? Please tell her that she is being unreasonable." Eliza stands with her arms cross, the only way a nine year old girl would stand when arguing.
"Please go sit down, Father is visiting old friends and it is rather rude of both of you to be interrupting." I say making a point to remove my youngest sisters hand from my Father's sleeve. "Now please bicker somewhere else, go find-" I am interrupted by a hand on my shoulder.
"It is alright Cirion, to be a great leader one must listen to quarrels rather than just ignore them, wouldn't you say?"
"Yes of course." I say, feeling rather embarrassed.
My father offers me an encouraging smile, "Now Demitra, you know better than to be begging for sweets right now? Listen to Eliza and I will make sure that you will get as many sweets as you want later alright?" At this Demitra smiles and hugs Father around the neck before she runs off up the stairs in her pale pink dress. Eliza quickly gave a curtsy and then walks quickly off in the direction of Demitra, her dark curly hair bouncing with every step, along with her silver hair ribbon that matches her dress.
"My, aren't they a handful?" My father says as he turns back to his guests.
"Aye but beautiful little roses, they are." My mother appears at my fathers side.
"No doubt taking after you darling" my father smiles at the sudden appearance.
Eliza and I take after our mother with light skin and dark, curly hair. Demetra follows our fathers features with blonde hair as light as the sun.
"Excuse me gentlemen, Cirion please go greet the Aberbon family, on my behalf."
He turns to my Mother "Katina, would you allow me one dance with the most beautiful woman in the land?"
My mother smiles as she links arms with my father "Where is she?"
My mother says and she laughs, a light bubble of a sound.
"That, would be wonderful".
I watch as they weave through the crowd of people, making there way into the center part of the floor. I watch them sway for a bit like petals in the breeze before turning my attention to Jerisa who is now standing with her mother and sister, side by side. I stride over to them, feeling a knot in the bottom of my stomach. I haven't seen Jerisa in so long I wonder if she will remember me, she has grown so much in the past decade.
"Ah is that Cirion I see? Oh, my dear boy- or should I say man now, you have turned into a quite handsome gentleman. Wouldn't you say Eliana?"
"Yes Mother" she murmurs as she turns away and I think I see a crimson blush flood her cheeks and forehead like a tidal wave of emotion, but just as soon as it was there, it disappears.
"My the last time I spoke to you was when we were just children" a familiar voice like velvet chimes in. Jerisa. I turn to face her and I am awe struck. Oh she is stunning. Her hair is up, exposing her slender neck, she has the smallest birth mark on the left side, and those eyes. The color of the night sky with a thousand stars illuminating the space.
I quickly gather my senses, hopefully saving myself from looking like a bumbling fool "Hello, it is nice to see you again, Jerisa." I smile at her but look away quickly. I cannot look her in the eyes without having my speech give way.
"Why be so formal Cirion?" To my complete disbelief, Jerisa holds out her hand for me to take.
"Would you care to escort me to dance, old friend?" She says with a laugh.
I take her hand in mine and then suddenly I feel ill, my stomach is in knots and my forehead feels inflamed.
Her skin is soft to the touch and cool like water. I guide her onto the floor and immediately begin to dance. I place one hand gently on her side and the other grasps her hand and holds it up slightly. With me leading, we move in set steps of 1,2,3 counts and then turn.
I allow myself one moment away from thinking about the correct steps, to actually focusing on what I'm doing now. Dancing with the clearly most beautiful woman at the Palace on such an important day for the World. I think of this as I lead in time to the music while we both smile and laugh as if we went back in time, to those years ago when it was just the two of us.

HEY READERS: UPDATE COMING SOON IT IS A SLOW PROCESS BECAUSE FINALS ARE ALMOST HERE AND BETWEEN BALLET AND STUDYING THIS STORY IS GETTING PUSHED FARTHER DOWN MY PRIORITY LIST BUT IT HAS A GOOD PLOT AND I CAN KEEP IT ROLLING SO STAY TUNED!