by Jacob White
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
The Ball
We reluctantly packed up and left Gibi’s grove. On the ride back, I was even able to feel the wind and somewhat control it. Laila didn’t appreciate being my test subject as I continued to blow her hair into her face. I didn’t have complete control and almost sent her off her horse many times. She sped off at a run with Fraza attempting to leave me behind. She turned to me in the distance and stuck her tongue out at me. Blessing and I had different ideas about her plans to mock us.
When I felt as though I could reach out a hand and touch her from behind. She only sped off again. Rider did well enough against the warhorse, but in the end his stamina just wasn’t as strong. We got back to the stables and led our horses in.
“It was a nice effort Weaver. I’m just superior.”
“You will find no arguments here Princess.” She stopped her horse.
“Excuse me?”
“Laila, I mean Laila. Don’t cut my head off”
“Don’t be silly.” She continued to walk without facing me. “We would just castrate you.” My stomach quivered at the thought. “You can go on ahead, I'm going to stay a bit and brush down my horse. You should bathe and soak your muscles. I know the first couple of rides can be rough on your legs.”
I said my thanks and headed up to my chambers. Surprisingly my legs and back didn’t hurt anywhere near the amount of pain I felt when we first got to the grove. I chalked it up to Gibi’s water and walked into my chamber. It was cleaned while I was gone, so I went to my clothing hall and undressed. I knocked on Les’s door, but there wasn’t an answer. I assumed she was just away, so I went to soak my muscles for an hour or so. I dried off and dressed in some comfortable clothing, preparing for a dinner with my friends. I had once again knocked on her door. No answer. I headed to the dining hall.
“Hello, everyone. I learned how to ride today!” I exclaimed.
“Well, I learned that awhile back, but it usually happened the other way around with the ladies.” Dirk said with a cocky grin. I could see everyone else trying to force a laugh.
“Is something wrong?” Nobody said anything, I turned to Anna. “Anna, what happened?”
“It wasn’t your fault, Weaver. Sometimes these things happen.”
“What things?” My palms began to perspire.
“We heard about your nightmare and Les.” My heart dropped. “Les left the castle Weaver.”
“Why… I don’t…” Anna looked at me.
“She said she was worried about making things worse, that maybe her behavior had a toll on your emotions creating havoc with your magic.”
“Her behavior!” I shouted.
“Weaver, calm—” Dirk said, but I instantly cut him off.
“You all heard what happened. How the hell could she have thought it was because of her? Where did she go?” Nobody spoke. “I will not ask again.” I felt the magic rising inside of me.”
“Weaver, stop.” Anna held my stare. “She didn’t tell us. We thought you had already knew. That’s why nobody came to find you today. We didn’t realize you were learning to ride. It isn't anybody fault.”
“You’re right.” I felt the magic go back down. “It's mine. I was a fool to think I could protect everyone. I'm surprised she didn’t leave sooner.” I stood and walked to the door with Anna following behind.
“Weaver, wait, please.” I stopped in the hallway outside of the dining hall, “This isn't your fault, it's just a side effect of your magic not being in control. I can help you once you're ready.” I told her okay as I went up to my room.
* * *
The next couple of days were all a blur melted together. Taking advantage of the idea Dirk had in my nightmare. Dirk’s joined us in the training room and added what expertise he could as I trained with magic and steel. I asked several times about Master Nimm, but Anna had no more information that I did about his absence. We even attempted to add the wind to Dirk’s throws, so they would travel faster but I just ended up breaking his knives as they hit the wall. Sometimes leaving a hole leading into another training room. After the eighth try, he gave up and went back to knife basics extending what little knowledge I had.
What was most annoying was during these sessions. I had to keep my senses open as Anna would try funnel water at my body. I took up a defensive stance in front of Dirk. He began to walk in different directions to see if I would adjust my body correctly. He feinted an attack and I stepped right into it leaving my mid-section open. He tackled me to the group and lightly tapped the sides of my face.
“Don’t be so eager to engage Weaver. I didn’t feel the water slamming into us until it was too late. It sent us both rolling across the floor.
“Also, don’t forget your surroundings. You might have more than one enemy.” Anna’s hands were on her hips and face filled with a smile. The first few attempts she was successful and sometimes even to Dirk’s annoyance as he was drenched with water as well. As the lessons went on, my senses became stronger and came more natural to me.
The morning of the ball, Anna had turned her funnels of water into ice shards. She would send more than one at me at a time. I managed to grab one with my will and threw it back at her. She hadn't expected it and it crashed into her chest. I was confused by her laughter. But while I focused on Anna, another knife went just above my knee and sent me tumbling forward.
“Weaver, you are getting much better. We just had to adjust the way we approached your training. We will come back to control but for now your battle magic is improving.” I gave a faint smile of thanks and walked out with slumped shoulders. Les still hadn’t returned.
I walked into my room as I usually do and threw my belongings onto the ground as I went to the bathing chamber. After I was finished, I must have missed what was sitting on my bed. A black rose sat there with a note under it. I looked around the room, saw nothing out of place.
- Listen well -
I read the note out loud, and then it became sand just as I held it up to look at it.
“Gibi, did you sense anything?”
“My brother, but I cannot feel him now. Tread carefully. I imagine he has his own plans for tonight.”
“Would you mind telling Laila, they might want to increase the guard at the Ball.”
“I will, and a word of advice, Weaver. Your party will be leaving soon. This night may very well be the last night you have with them where you can be relaxed. Well as much as possible previous encounter considered. Enjoy it. I know Les has been heavy on your mind. Try to push it back some, if not just for tonight.”
“Thank you, Gibi, I will try. Because I fear you may be right.” I continued getting ready minus the embarrassing floral get-up I wore at the last formal event I was at. This time I was dressed in a thick black jacket. It was held together at the center with three consecutive buttons on each side as gold chains loosely hanging from one end to the other. Underneath, I wore a white tunic that buttoned just below my shoulder. From each button was a gold length of fabric going diagonally down to the opposite end of my tunic. Once the jacket was on, only the middle of these lines were to be seen. The boots I wore were hard and shined to perfection stopping just below my knee. I even tried sticking a knife in one, but the ones I had were too big at the hilt. Before long, a servant came to retrieve me after adjusting my jacket and plucking some loose threads. I was to be in the royal greeting line to show I had the king’s confidence. Also, as well as to acknowledge the duty I did for the country.
The servant left me in front of the ballroom that I had never ventured out to see. The sun had already set bringing the moon to light the evening sky. The buzz from the room could be heard from its doors. My palms became damp upon hearing the sounds. Then everything went away. The royal family was walking towards me, but all I could see was Laila. She blushed at my stare, but I couldn’t look away. Her dress was nothing short of amazing, but I knew it was Laila who made that so. She wore a corset that covered her bust leaving her
neck line free. Another smaller shawl of thin fabric flowed on her shoulders, to the back of her neck and ending on the opposite shoulder. Her lower dress was a shiny brown that reached above her feet. Aden had to clear his throat to get my attention. I snapped out of it and bowed to the King.
“Please forgive me, my King. I couldn’t help but stand in awe of the beauty of your family.” He told me to rise. Aden stared at me with a smile.
“You think I'm beautiful?” he asked me, putting me in an awkward position. I went ahead and responded forward with confidence.
“Yes, my prince. Your softness knows no equal.” The King bellowed out a hard laugh along with the others.
“Nicely done. Shall we?” Still laughing, the king went into the ballroom. It was grander than I imagined. There were two floors the top circling to provide a view of the dance floor, and several doors leading out to balconies. The bottom had a shined wooden floor. The attendees parted as we walked to the thrones in the back of the room. I couldn’t help but notice another door behind the thrones that acted as another escape for the royal family. The king and queen sat, then the others followed. I stood next to Prince Aden as people came over to greet the King.
“Laila, I should have told you this sooner, but you look stunning.”
“Thank you, Weaver, for you are equally as handsome this evening.”
“Meaning I was ugly during others.” She laughed in my head.
“Less distracting… Just as you were caught staring. I too wanted nothing more than to make this room empty, so it would only be us as if we were in the Gibi’s grove again.” I coughed out loud sending another laugh into my head.
I met so many people that night I started to forget the names of them all. I even started going through the motions as I kept sending a burst of air at Aden's ear he would swipe at to no end. I felt bad towards the end as I nearly sent him down the stairs from my lack of control of air. I eventually told him, but he was a good sport about it and vowed to return the favor. Once the greetings ended, the King rose, silencing the music and the noise in the hall.
“My fellow citizens. Tonight, it gives me great honor to hold this event in the name of another. A name none of you were probably familiar with before this evening. Let it be known that Weaver Rizer of Ellipsis is a friend to the crown and savior of my daughter.” The room erupted with cheers and yells of praise. I felt my face get hot, but I held my ground.
“Now that’s over, bring the drinks, the food, and music. Let us rejoice in the name of those we love, and love the ones we have. Let us officially begin the ball!” On that cue, the ball started as if it never stopped. Laughter and music filled the room as long tables were rolled in with food, drinks, and sweets on them. My mouth watered at the sight.
“My friend, how about we mingle about the room to see if any young ladies would be willing to warm our beds tonight?” Laila let out a cough after she overheard him. He only laughed and dragged me along with him.
“Don't you dare.” I heard Laila’s voice inside of my head
“Why not? I am a grown man, and Les has appeared to abandon me.”
“Well before any other can claim you, I declare that I will warm your bed tonight.” I laughed, and everyone looked at me as if I was crazy.
“Are you going to officially announce that? Or perhaps to your promised, letting him know a commoner has stolen your heart.”
“I might…”
“Thought so.” I said in challenge. Sending another laugh at her. She was silent for a bit then the worst happened. The king started another announcement, and everything stopped.
“My dear people! My daughter has claimed the first dance of the night with no other than Weaver himself.” Son of a whore. I said to myself
“You were saying?” Laila asked.
“Remind me to never challenge you again my dear princess.”
“As you wish, I will not let you forget.” We met in the middle of the floor, and the music started up again. I began to whisper inside of her ear.
“I have no idea how to dance.” Her face turned paled. “Shit…”
“It will be fine… I hope.” I then started asking Gibi for help, but I could only hear his laughter in my head. The music began to play, and I took hold of Laila as I had seen before with others. What happened was the most outrageous thing our world will ever experience. I tried to match my steps to the beat of the slow music. I stepped on her feet at least a hundred times. She continued to encourage me with pain on her face. Her feet had no rest from danger and the song wasn’t even half-way finished. I almost made her fall in front of everyone. To my thanks, the king came to the rescue.
“It seems Weaver's strengths do not lie in dance; shall we save him?” The room erupted in a sounding yes and laughs continued to echo the chamber. Prince Aden came up next to me, replacing me as Laila’s partner.
“Okay, I think we will call it even after that. You look tortured enough.” He continued laughing as he looked skyward. I don’t think I have seen him smile so large before. Laila gave me an apologetic look, but I only smiled back at her.
“Thank you, truly, it is a memory I will cherish... and more than likely, never forget.” I told her.
“Oh, Weaver, I will make it up to you, I'm so sorry. I thought it would be cute, but I didn’t know you couldn’t dance....at all…”
“No need to remind me. Go have fun. We will speak again.”
I grabbed myself a drink as many came over to congratulate me on not running off the floor when the request came. I must have created quite the buzz as I caught several different ladies looking at me.
Then came a soft tap on my shoulder. Turning around my eyes fell on Les. Her dress was midnight black with a small cloth flower atop her strapless dress. Her hair was pinned up in curls. Her face held a thin layer of make-up. Her hands wrapped around her arms.
“Weaver, it’s—” I grabbed and kissed her so deep that I had even heard many grumbling around us. It didn’t matter. All I could see, and feel was Les. “I'm sorry… for everything.” I continued to kiss her over and over.
“Weaver, I'm sorry I left. I should have—”
“Shh… the more times things try to pull us apart, the harder I will hold on.” I led her up the stairs and out onto an empty balcony. Only to kiss her again once we were finally alone.
“Weaver, I'm sorry I pulled away that night. I was just taken back by what had happened. After I had told you to go, I felt sick to my stomach and ran to the door but didn’t hear you outside. I was horrible to you, after all you have been through.” She cried as she held my hand.
“I have been horrible as well, I mean I did almost kill you. The thought of you leaving put me into a state of the walking dead, I was just going through the motions. Worst of all…” I looked at her. “I'm so sorry, Les., Please understand me.” She nodded and placed a hand on my face.
“The princess took me to learn how to ride. We then entered a secret grove that only Gibi’s blessed could enter. We went swimming…” Her hand fell back to her lap.
“Did you… claim her…”
“Dear gods no.” She sighed, looking relieved. “But… Gibi had done something to us. He said he wanted his grove to know love or something of the sort at least once. He somehow urged us together, and we ended up kissing.” Leaving out the bare skin seemed an appropriate course of action.
“That piece of shit.”
“You do know he is in my head, right?”
“Tell him to come out, and I'll actually tell him.”
“There's more.” She continued to glare. “A small part of me wanted it, Les… I don’t know why maybe it was because of what happened. I wanted to be punished maybe, I don’t know.”
“Weaver, I’d be worried if you didn’t. I am not blind; she is quite beautiful.”
“So are you, even more so. Do not leave me, Les. Have faith in me once again.”
“You silly man. I told you before. I'd follow you anywhere and stand on any lin
e. I know how hard it must have been to tell me that and I'm glad you did. True, I hurt, but there were other forces at play. But…”
“But?”
“But… I love you. It is the first, and last time this will happen. I know things wouldn’t be perfect and I will work harder as well.”
“Together then.”
“Always.” She kissed me on the lips. Pulling back, she laughed at me. “I'd ask you to dance, but we all know you might end up killing me again.”
“Oh, how I've missed your humor,” I said with a straight face. She only giggled again, embracing me. We then went back down and saw the others talking and laughing in a small group. They all cheered Les’s name as we came into view with everyone including Anna giving her a hug. It was an awkward sight but a happy one at that. Ralph and Flo were once again only talking to each other. He looked down to her, smiling. I could see everyone was already slightly drunk.
“You all decided to start without me.” I said as Dirk cleared his throat and crossed his arms. His face twitched in agony as he held in a smile.
“I thought you would be passed out drunk by now. Considering you nearly broke the princess’s feet.” They all erupted in laughter, and I couldn’t help myself either. I grabbed a drink and started challenging the group to who could drink faster. Sometime later in the middle of a drinking game, the prince and princess came to our little group. I almost spit out my ale seeing them, and I wasn’t sure why. The group was quiet as the prince held two cups of ale. He handed one to his sister.
“Five gold to the winner?”
“I accept.” We all just stared in disbelief. “On three, two, one.” They drank the ale as if was water. The challenge was close, but Laila came out the victor. We all erupted in cheers, and more hugs went around. I couldn’t help but stand to the side, admiring my new family. A family full of awkward love circles, a man who would hit on a dead cow and even royalty. I knew at that moment that nothing would be able to stop us.
“I'm happy that Les came back this evening.”
