by J E Mueller
“Flying is not a problem at all. I’ve found I am not too fond of the landings though,” I admitted.
Nyria clicked her tongue. “At least Aylum lands well. Luniria crashed pretty hard two weeks ago. Completely messed up her footing.”
“It wasn’t my fault.” Luniria sighed loudly as she joined us at the table. “A deer came out of nowhere and I didn’t want to hit it.”
Breakfast was brought out as they continued to talk. “The deer in your imagination? There wasn’t a thing in sight.” Nyria snorted.
“I know what I saw and it was most certainly a deer. A three point buck at that. Would have been a right shame to kill it on accident like that.” Luniria shook her head.
“I must say I am surprised,” Aylum stated over the two of them.
“At what?” Nyria asked curiously.
“It’s too early to be surprised at anything,” Luniria agreed. “Unless you found a frog in your bed but I haven't seen any to place there yet.”
The two girls giggled madly and for a moment I was more than grateful not to have any siblings.
“You haven’t noticed a very important thing. I’m surprised. I thought for sure you’d pick up on it straight away.” Aylum smirked.
“What is it?” Nyria asked, staring at him intently while Luniria looked around.
“I can’t find a single thing different this morning,” Luniria agreed.
I pretended I needed to move a hair out of my face, showing my hand off as I did.
“What?” Nyria screeched seeing it a full second before Luniria did.
Both rushed over to inspect further.
“When did this happen?” Nyria asked excitedly.
“You didn’t let on one bit! Why didn’t you tell us?” Luniria squeaked.
“I’m so excited! Congratulations!” Nyria hugged Aylum tightly.
“Do we get to be in the wedding?” Luniria asked, nearly jumping up and down with excitement.
“If you sit down we might have a moment to answer a question or two.” I laughed.
“Likely no more though.” Aylum shook his head. “Unless you give us a chance to answer.”
Nyria retook her seat. “You can’t blame us for being excited.”
Luniria continued to bounce between our seats. “How can I sit when nothing this exciting has ever happened in my entire life!”
“The sooner you eat breakfast the sooner you can bounce around more. Now sit down,” Verna mildly scolded her. Luniria hardly seemed affected but finally took her seat.
The meal went fast since both girls tried to eat quickly and hold in everything they wanted to say. Tried to. The second we moved into another room, the onslaught of questions started. There wasn’t much to answer. We had no details figured out and I truthfully didn’t want to figure out most immediately. Father needed to be informed, school needed finishing, and I felt as if I was forgetting something else that might be important. Instead of worrying about the little details, I was more than pleased to just enjoy the facts and live in the now.
Which meant getting to see my first Dustarn festival.
Getting dressed was easy enough. The hairstyles here were less tight curls and more free-flowing waves. I chose a half up-do, leaving much of my hair down, but still full of loose curls. It was fun letting Nyria and Luniria help with my makeup. The former being of much more help than the latter.
As we walked outside to the open area behind the garden I realized an important fact. Maybe not hugely important, but concerning for a new event with people I was only starting to get to know.
“So, for us non-dragons flying… how does one keep their hair from turning into a hurricane?”
Nyria paused walking for the briefest moment. “Maybe a wind holding spell.”
“I don’t know that one.” Luniria shrugged.
“Ventus et abierunt,” Verna and Aylum recited in unison.
“It is a tricky sort of spell though,” Mercinder explained. “You want to use more than a thread of magic, but not by much.”
I nodded my understanding as we all came to a stop. “So, almost a thread and a half?”
“I would say that would do,” Verna agreed. “I can take care of it for you.”
“I think I’ve got it.” I smiled.
“It’s more basic than the gust of leaves spell but far more particular,” Aylum explained.
I was already pulling the magic, loving how it felt. At least with the little bit I was doing again my headaches were non-existent. The duel was a great use of magic, and this spell came at the perfect time to keep the pain at bay. I held the thread a moment, letting my mind get used to the rather simple phrase before casting it, focusing the magic on my hair.
It wasn’t difficult to cast, but something did feel off. The magic wanted to linger and was harder to cut off after the spell was complete. It only took an extra moment to right, but still felt odd.
“Are you okay?” Aylum asked. “You don’t usually have problems completing spells.”
“It might still be from that…” I gestured vaguely. I didn't really want his sisters to know the entire problem from several days ago. “I just don't think it’s completely recovered yet from all the nonsense, but it was hardly a problem.” I smiled pleasantly.
Aylum nodded, a knowing look in his eyes. “Well, it worked perfectly. We should be off then.”
“Yes!” Luniria practically screamed as she instantly went invisible and took off, the air rushing around me.
Mercinder sighed and quickly followed after her.
Verna nodded at Nyria. “Go on now, we should keep up.”
“Aw, I wanted to fly with Aylum,” she complained before vanishing and leaving as well.
Verna turned toward me. “Your magic is not right. We’ll need to discuss that later. I want to make sure there are no problems.”
“Of course.” I nodded. Checking wasn’t a problem, as long as I didn’t need to go into great detail.
With that, she was off as well.
Aylum smiled at me. “Are you ready then?”
“Ready as I can be, I suppose. Flying isn’t so bad. I’m sure it’ll be easy to shake off the landing once we’re there. Festivals make that sort of thing easy right?”
“Agreed.” His magic wrapped around us as he made us both invisible while he transformed. Before I could react, he snatched me up and set me on his back.
“I’m never going to get used to that.” I sighed.
“I’m sure you will.” He chuckled as he took off. “No one else can hear us. Are you truly okay?”
“Well enough. I’m not sure what that was about. Maybe some lingering side effects of that potion? If it blocked my magic, I doubt my healing could shake it off.” I paused before I realized something. “Come to think of it, how did Soleia shake it off so well?”
“It was meant to stifle normal magic. I’m assuming it was geared toward such anyway, so once Soleia tried and succeeded in transforming, the dragon magic was enough to get rid of it. Though it subtly impacted her for a few days in her human form.”
“Interesting. Then yes, I am going with that as the cause. Maybe your mother checking will get rid of what’s lingering. Dragon healing magic might be just different enough.”
“Maybe. We’ll find out soon.”
As we landed I closed my eyes, opting to try and block out the feeling. It helped a little, and soon I was happily settled on the ground.
“I’m guessing these festivals are not dragon-only things, but are there any dragon only things where you don’t need to be invisible?” I inquired as Aylum finished retaking his human form.
“Plenty.” Aylum smiled widely. “They are interwoven into the festivals, but much later. We are considered the Kingdom of the Skies after all.”
His parents both gave a small laugh before starting to head off.
I raised an eyebrow at him. “So there’s something in today’s?”
“There is.” His smile did not change at all and
I was surprised to see both his sisters smiling equally as wide but not saying a word.
“Well, what is it?” I cocked my head to the side, insisting on knowing.
“You’ll see!” Luniria turned and started to head toward what I assumed was our destination.
“It’ll be so much fun,” Nyria agreed following her sister.
“The one thing they don’t need to keep a secret, they are both quiet about,” I huffed. “I’m extra curious now.”
“It’s an easier one for them to keep secret since you’re the only one who doesn’t know it.” Aylum chuckled, offering his arm. “Ready to see the start of the festival?”
I laughed. “Yes, let’s see how these famous Dustarn festivals go.”
We walked along the dirt path, well away from the stands and tents lined up in the distance. The family met with another group of individuals in the center behind a large tent and for the first time I noticed several intimidating people around, standing not too far away from everyone.
It would make sense that there would be guards around. The royal family might not need it so much where humans were concerned, but other dragons were likely very tough. Hopefully I wouldn’t have to worry about warding off dragons again, the memories from the herbal spellcraft trip coming to mind for a moment.
I wondered when the guards joined us. Did they fly with us and I just didn’t know? That would be easy enough since I was only included in Aylum’s magic. I wondered how well they saw each other when invisible, but now didn’t seem like the time to ask. Who knew if the people we were approaching were human or dragon?
Mercinder was talking with a rather gruff and serious gentleman when they both noticed our approach.
“My King, who is this lovely young lady?” the man asked.
“Ocumu Emelor, meet Kareia, daughter of the Tite of Arix. My future daughter-in-law,” Mercinder said with such ease it was impossible to tell it was new news.
The Ocumu looked startled by the fact. “I had no idea your son was engaged. My apologies.”
Mercinder shook his head at the man. “I believe I mentioned Aylum was all but such last we spoke about him. I’m surprised you forgot so soon.”
“Oh, you know kids. Sometimes these things change.” He gave an uneasy laugh. Something about his entire being made me not want to trust him.
Aylum frowned but before he could speak Mercinder raised an eyebrow at the man. “I think you were mentally elsewhere in that conversation then. You can be assured by the facts in front of you that the situation is agreeable and serious. We’re very happy for them both.”
Verna offered a warm smile. “And how are things in your family Emelor? Are your wife and daughter still well?”
“Ah, yes, that they are. Darrolia is making sure the vendors don’t need anything else before the start of things and I believe my little Saelnesia is rehearsing her routine for the hundredth time today.” The Ocumu smiled, more than happy for the subject change.
“Little Saelnesia isn’t so little anymore. What is she now?” Verna asked, keeping the conversation pointedly pleasant but not actually looking interested anymore.
“Seventeen yet still your highness. Her birthday is in another two weeks,” he replied.
Verna nodded. “How wonderful. I’m sure that’ll be a delightful celebration. I’ll make sure to wish her well when I see her later.”
“Thank you.” The Ocumu gave a half bow. “I shall finish setting up then. We’ll be ready to begin the announcements here momentarily.”
We watched him leave, the group of us oddly tense.
“You knew that was coming, dear.” Verna shook her head at her husband. “He’s been pushing harder and harder for his ideas, not caring two straws what anyone actually says.”
“Hopefully that is the last of it. I want to hear nothing again about his notorious proposals,” Mercinder scoffed before reining his expression in.
I nudged Aylum lightly. “What’s going on?” I tried to ask quietly but it appeared everyone heard.
Aylum sighed. “Emelor and his wife Darrolia are third in line for the throne. Obviously it is very unlikely it will ever reach their family with how well mine has secured it, and my father’s brother’s family has an equally long line as well. So, since the birth of their daughter Saelnesia they have been trying to arrange a marriage. Never mind that I don’t like her in that way. They have never stopped being persistent.”
“Ah, that is a very annoying feeling,” I agreed, relating a little too well. At least he wasn’t forced into such an arrangement.
“It wouldn’t be so bad if Nesia wasn’t as persistent as her father.” Aylum shook his head. “No matter. That’s all coming to an end.”
“For the better. I like Kareia much more.” Nyria smiled.
“Far better,” Luniria agreed. “Nesia is too full of herself. Such a snob.”
Nyria snickered at that. “She thinks she’s always right no matter how off she is.”
“Now, now,” Verna lightly scolded them. “Let’s have fun tonight. Remember to stay together.”
“Yes, mother,” both girls echoed.
“Now, on to the more important question.” Verna smiled at me. “Would you prefer to be introduced as a special friend of the family or let the engagement be announced?”
Oh.
I hadn’t thought about how being seen together in this setting could be perceived. At least I knew already father was more than approving. “I think stalling the notice wouldn’t do much good. Many will likely figure it out anyway.”
Aylum chuckled. “Agreed. Announcing it now saves a bit of trouble.”
“I should at least write to my father tomorrow.” I wish I had thought of it earlier today, or even using an orb would have helped. I was rightfully distracted and there was no time now. I hung back, listening to the conversation continue. I was excited to see my first Dustarn event.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
The festival kicked off with words of joy and thanks for a great harvest season. Names were mentioned of the top contenders from last year as well as judges for the various activities. Then Mercinder announced mine and Aylum’s engagement.
The crowd's excitement was enormous. I hadn’t been expecting so many shouts and cheers and couldn’t help but smile and blush the entire time. Thankfully, no words were expected from me and I could just stand by, taking in everything.
Finally, the events were starting and the people dispersed, going this way and that to get where they thought would be the most ideal starting point.
“Where to first?” I asked Aylum, ready to see what all the fuss was about.
He offered his arm. “Right this way.”
I noticed two of the more imposing people fall in line a short distance behind us. “Are we to be followed all night?”
“A sad must.” He dropped his voice, “The dragons aren’t often a problem. We’re normally very protective of one another, but the humans? They tend to be a bit more obnoxious and if they see guards, they are easily dissuaded from being dumb. Not completely, but then I don’t have to deal with them so it’s a win-win overall.”
“Fair enough.” I normally didn’t have anyone following me about in such a way. It was a weird thought realizing I would have to get used to it. I briefly wondered if they were on our shopping trip too. There were so many new things going on it was entirely possible I missed them.
A small price to be with the man of my dreams.
The first sight to take in was just as we emerged with the crowd. Several people on stilts dressed in long extravagant outfits were performing random acts. Juggling with different objects, some with fire, some not, while others danced. I couldn’t help but pause and watch in amazement.
Eventually, Aylum tugged my attention away, motioning toward the tents where a large crowd was starting to gather.
“My favorite thing to start with is the novice fire dancers. The professional ones are on much later, but it's great to see where they all
start.” Aylum commented as we walked.
“That sounds fun. I’ve heard of such talents but never seen them.”
Acrobatics and dances of all types were not something my mother cared to watch, so we never went as a family to anything like that. I knew father occasionally saw such things while events were going on near the palace, but he never tried to talk mother into going.
“It’s a lot of fun. I would have liked to learn more but mother preferred my focus to be on a wider spectrum of fire magic instead of concentrated,” Aylum explained.
“Learn more? You did fire dancing?” I couldn’t help my surprise.
“Yes.” Aylum laughed. “There is a lot of gymnastics and tumbling involved. We were encouraged to try lots of things, and there is nothing more fun than learning acrobatics while trying not to set yourself on fire.”
“I bet.” I chuckled at the thought. My childhood was feeling very dull now. “I only ever learned formal dancing and some ballet.”
“What would you like to do more of?” Aylum asked as we stopped by the currently empty stage.
Everything. “Nothing specifically comes to mind. There are so many options, I don’t know where to begin.”
Aylum was about to respond when the orbs lighting the tent dimmed and the dancers came out. The twists, turns, and flipping with fire was captivating to watch. I was certain if I tried to dance even something simple with an object on fire I would set myself aflame.
Still, I marveled at how they moved and flowed, their motions like water. These were only the beginners? I found that hard to believe and was quickly excited to see the rest.
After their act we started going from one tent to the next, checking out parts of shows or all of them depending on how much we liked it.
“There you are!” Soleia called from a distance.
I turned just in time to be hugged tightly by her. “Long time no see.” I squeezed her back.
“Too long! It’s been just over twenty-four hours and you’re already looking like a new woman in your fancy gowns. And you’re engaged? Did not see that coming,” Soleia teased.
I gave her a playful shove before showing off my ring.
