by Jordan Cramm
“Why frightens?” Wolflen asked.
“Because I hope you don’t make her a widow.”
“Daddy, we are both going to be fine. Besides, he has the best instructor our people could offer…”
As she trailed off, she raised her glass in the air while looking at Jakarta who mimicked the mid-air toast as he bowed his head slightly.
“And besides that,” she went on, “we saw Kesper face to face and he offered us some aid.”
“Yes Lord Darkmoon you mentioned that,” Jakarta said, now adding to the conversation, “but I am afraid you were a bit vague. You saw him face to face? What did he look like?”
“I don’t want to tell you,” Wolflen said with a laugh.
Katrina too started laughing so much that she almost spit the wine out of her mouth when she heard his comment.
“What?” Jakarta asked with a shrug, “Why not?”
“He was Izenian…” Wolflen said as he burst out into more laughter.
With a smile on his face, Wolflen just shrugged as he saw Jakarta staring back at him expressionless as though he had just been given dire news. King Janureen grinned and shook his head sideways, still working on finishing his meal.
“It can’t be true…” Jakarta replied, still stunned by it.
“Relax Jakarta,” King Janureen interjected, “I too have seen him on occasion. He can appear however he wants to appear—he is a God remember?”
“Oh,” Jakarta said, calming down a bit, “sure, that makes sense.”
Katrina and Wolflen both laughed again as they clashed their goblets together. It was a night of celebration after all, and everyone was taking part. Once the meal was finished, King Janureen asked one of his servants to step forward and aid him with their magic. Upon hearing the request, Wolflen and Ayvock were slightly surprised to learn that he had Mages waiting on him. More so later when Katrina said they were Free Mages.
Wolflen listened as the King made his request. It seemed simple and yet he wondered what balance debt might be owed by the Free Mage later as a result. King Janureen requested that his goblet cup be used as a tool to amplify his voice so that the whole of the gathering would be able to hear it. The Free Mage bowed his head reverently before placing his hands upon the King’s goblet and then reporting that it was done. The King thanked his servant heartily afterwards before standing and raising the cup just below his chin. Then he began to speak, addressing the crowd.
“Everyone,” King Janureen started in, “may I have your attention a moment please? As many of you are aware, I am King Janureen Trueshot of the Elven people. We sailed here to aid the first ever Izenian War Mage, but upon arrival, I learned that there was so much more waiting for me here than what I had imagined. Wars are brutal. Wars such as the one Fengysha is plunged into are rare, but they do happen. Some of us, maybe even some at this table gathered with me now might not see its end. That is a very stark and sobering thought. But having said that, I want to tell you that our war, our mission here can wait one more day. My daughter, Princess Katrina, has accepted a marriage proposal from your first Izenian War Mage…”
Crowd members from both camps began to hoot and applaud when they heard this news.
“Of course there are two customs at play here. For the Elves, a marriage proposal that gets accepted is much the same as a marriage ceremony for the Izenians. For us Elves, the acceptance of the proposal forms the marriage from that point forward. But that our two cultures have different customs should not sway us from seeking the best mutual outcome for both of our races. That is why we gather here tonight. I have given my blessing for my daughter Katrina and this man, Lord Wolflen Darkmoon, Steward of Akartha. For the Elves gathered, you will be the first to hear that he is now also one of your Princes, and I expect you show him the honor deserved of that title. Now I know to some this might seem strange,” he continued with a smile and gleam in his eye, “as it was strange for me when I first heard that Fengysha had a War Mage, and that he was Izenian not Elven. To me that was quite strange. Then to get reports that this War Mage and my daughter had fallen into company and that a romance began, that was strange to me as well. To arrive here in Molith and learn that he had proposed and she had accepted…this was not so strange, yet it was surprising. Still, with all the strange things happening in our world today, and all of the surprises, I hope that this bond will not be awkward for our people or for Lord Darkmoon’s but that it will bring our people closer together and that we may together help keep all lands safe. Our people have worked together in the past. On the continent of Polithica we have cites that are jointly run by my son who is sadly absent this night, and by the Stewards of those cities that are Izenian. It is amazing what we can accomplish when we come together as one, just as these two have. I’ve had occasion to meet Lord Darkmoon’s father more than once. I can tell you that Wolflen comes from honorable and noble blood. As for Lord Darkmoon, he has already on more than one occasion kept safe one of the most precious jewels from my kingdom. May they both find comfort, joy and safety in each other’s care as long as they both live.”
As he spoke those last words, he turned and looked at his daughter and his new son-in law, and then bowed his head slightly in reverence. They both returned the slight bow in kind, and the audience began to clap and cheer once more.
“Now,” King Janureen went on addressing the people, “I believe there are a few people who also wished to bless this union, and I make way for them now. May Kesper bless you all, and may Vilmore, Ikara, and whatever other Gods you pray to keep you safe in what lies ahead!”
It took a moment for the audience to calm down after the thundering applause and cheers that followed King Janureen’s speech. And when he sat back down, a line began to form of people wishing to approach the head table they were at. Some brought trinkets, others brought weapons, armor, fineries, baked goods, clothing, gemstones and jewels, all given to Wolflen and Katrina to bless their union. They gratefully accepted each new face that came forward. To Wolflen’s surprise (and Katrina’s too), they saw Jakarta approaching in line. As he approached, he set a book on the table in front of them and they read the cover.
“The Art Of Living By The Code,” Katrina said, reading the Elvish words she knew Wolflen wouldn’t likely understand.
“This book has been in my family’s possession for many generations. I could likely quote it to you. In my rise to position as First Knight of Orenty, this book was my guiding truth. I pass it to you now in the hopes that you may find it equally valuable in your own lives, and in reading it you may better learn our language.”
Katrina looked at the book and at Jakarta again, offering a look that said he was giving too much. Wolflen had much the same expression on his own face. To everyone’s surprise, he even said “Thank you Jakarta, you honor us” in the Elven language. The fact that he had at some point learned how to say that much stunned his Elven audience still at the table and standing nearby. They could tell of course that he struggled with the words, but just the same they were impressed by the effort.
“You are certainly full of surprises,” Jakarta replied, “though I would expect no less from the man who won her heart.”
Wolflen smiled and both he and Katrina bowed their heads to Jakarta, who returned the gesture before returning to his seat at their table. The others there offered gifts as well. Trevel a jewel-encrusted box that was lined on the inside with silk. Inside, there was a razor and shave kit, and two soft hairbrushes with ivory handles. They thanked him as well. When the Free Mages came to offer their gift, they said it was a collective work. Mage Carra, Starn, and Dawson told them both to look up to the sky. Moments later, a splendid display of lights began to flash in explosions overhead. Lights of all colors flashed, over and over, as if they exploded outward from a central point. Then, in homage to the symbol for lightning as it related to the War Mage manifest, lightning streaks covered the sky and froze in place before fading away. It was beautiful to see, and it made Wolflen think
about the first dream he had before finding his own War Mage manifest under his head back in his home city. As he kept watching however, he saw something he had never seen in his dream; it looked to be very large writing made of fire that began writing cursive in the sky until the words “Wolflen and Katrina Darkmoon” appeared brightly for everyone to see. Those words hung in the air a moment while the audience applauded, and then, the display faded once more. Wolflen and Katrina both clapped and smiled as the show ended.
Next was Ravenshade. She rounded the table and said that she had something for each of them. Then she placed a set of daggers on the table in front of them; a matching set. She explained they were a pair, as Wolflen and Katrina herself were. She also slipped them a folded parchment, which she said would be better read in private later. Wolflen and Katrina thanked her for the beautiful mithril daggers, and she returned to her seat. Lastly, Ayvock stood and looked at both of them with a smile. Then he stepped away from the table a moment completely, disappearing momentarily somewhere behind them. When he returned, he brought with him a flag banner. He told them it was something he had worked on himself, and that he figured that they should have their own as a couple, and that seeing so many other banners in Elven company had given him the idea. Wolflen and Katrina both looked down at the symbol…
“Wolflen if you don’t like it you don’t have to use it. But, I know you have a strange link with Sespa, a Dire Wolf…fitting since your name too is Wolflen. And with this symbol it sort of is mysterious and abstract, much like the War Magic itself.” Ayvock said, laying the banner on the table.
“It is…beautiful,” Katrina said, noticing Wolflen was still staring at it, “but when did you have time to make this?” she asked.
“I began work on this in Peludeen actually. Forgive me Princess, but at the time I was making it to only be his symbol. I didn’t know then that I might be offering it as a wedding gift once it was done, or I would have tried to incorporate something more fitting to you as well.”
“No,” Katrina said suddenly, “it’s perfect.”
It was clear Ayvock still waited to hear from Wolflen, who seemed as though he were in a trance staring at it. Finally however, he spoke.
“I have no words Ayvock…truly…you are my most loyal friend, and the one who knows me best. I love it, and I am honored.”
“Well,” Ayvock retorted, “thank you. Of course you can change the colors or whatever if you choose to use it.”
“I will use it. I will have it painted upon my armor and have a couple more just like this one made. Thank you…”
Wolflen stood and hugged his friend and they shared a bear hug a moment while the audience cheered again.
“The only other thing I can offer is a dance…and this dance is actually for both of you to see. I should say that the inspiration for this dance came from Jakarta and Trevel over there, during our time in Peludeen…Ravenshade, are you ready?”
Now everyone was curious to see what was happening as Ravenshade stood. Together, she and Ayvock rounded the table and asked that the audience back up and give them some room. Wolflen, Katrina, the King and other guests looked on with curiosity. Jakarta however began to catch on quickly as Ravenshade drew her twin mithril swords from her back, and Ayvock drew a sword and tomahawk from the sheaths on his own belt.
“I guess you are the blue one in this play,” Trevel snickered to Jakarta, “because as I recall, you carry twin blades, and I, a sword and tomahawk.”
Jakarta smiled and nodded, watching as the ‘dance’ as they called it began.
Swords clashed, and their bodies moved, swinging weapons and dodging them. Minutes began passing that way. Every so often there was what looked to be a close call, a time where it seemed one might have a killing blow, but somehow the other person would maneuver away or counterstrike quickly. Then one would spin, and another would jump. Ravenshade even did a flip to avoid a sword swipe aimed at her knees. Jakarta could tell that some of it was clearly choreographed, but even he wondered about the rest of it. Much seemed like it had been planned, but much still seemed like it was new material from both of them. And indeed, the way they continued did make it look like a dance. It didn’t last quite as long as the one that Wolflen and Ayvock watched Jakarta and Trevel do in Peludeen, but nonetheless, it was an impressive sparring match. And when it came to a close, both Ravenshade and Ayvock stopped their weapons just short of striking the other. In that moment, Ravenshade and Ayvock froze.
It had been a moment Ayvock had practiced for in his time with her. She however had not known it to be so until now. Never before had their matches together ended in a draw, but now, she stood almost overwhelmed and shaking slightly by his display. It was clear to everyone watching that Ayvock had learned much since he first began training with Trevel. At the conclusion of the match, they stepped away from each other and gave each other a ceremonial bow of respect. The crowd erupted once more with applause, but this time the head table was doing the same. Jakarta and Trevel were both on their feet, as were the others at the head table, and each were clapping.
“You taught him well,” Jakarta said to Trevel as they clapped.
“I don’t think that was all me,” Trevel answered, “he has spent more time with the Night Elf than I thought.”
“Wonderful showing, both of you,” King Janureen said with a smile, “and with such a wonderful dance as you say, I believe that brings us to another portion of this evening’s festivities. If my musicians would be so kind as to resume their duties, Wolflen…Katrina…I believe the first dance is yours.”
The music softened and the crowd hushed as Wolflen and Katrina slowly embraced. He held her firmly, with his right hand and arm around the small of her back, and his left hand holding her hand. As the violins played on, he got lost in her eyes, smiling softly at her and noting her own joy to be with him. Her hair was soft and adorned still with small white flower petals and a matching wreath atop her head. As they gently swayed, they stared into each other's eyes, drowning in the moments of peace they now shared.
Inwardly he knew it would not always be so. They both knew the reasons for coming to the continent of Molith in the first place, along with his overall calling to be a War Mage. Yet in those moments those things faded away, even if only briefly.
“I love you, and always will,” he whispered to her.
“And I you,” she replied, “forever.”
They stopped dancing a moment to kiss and the gathered crowd offered soft cheers before Wolflen and Katrina began dancing again. Now though, she draped both arms around his shoulders, and he held both arms around her back as they continued. She had to admit to herself she was impressed that he seemingly knew how to dance, and it was something she figured she might have to ask him about at a later time. For now though, she leaned in with her head sideways against his chest and shoulders as the music played on.
After a short time however, King Janureen himself asked if he could cut in.
“I believe Lord Darkmoon,” he began, “that it is customary for the father to share a dance with his daughter on such an occasion.”
Wolflen nodded with a grin as Katrina pulled away from him so as to dance with her father. As Wolflen stepped backwards, Ravenshade soon found him standing alone and asked if he would share a dance with her. He obliged her with a smile but was a bit more formal with her than he had been with Katrina. He held her hand as he had with Katrina, but now did not wrap his arm around her back, but simply set it lightly against her side. As they danced, he found it strange to be dancing with someone having a lavender skin and blue hair, but he didn't let it stop him. After all, some would call it strange for an Izenian to marry an Elven woman.
“She really does love you,” Ravenshade said softly, “I envy that—what the two of you share.”
“You have never loved so strongly yourself?” Wolflen asked as they danced.
“Me?” she asked in response, “I don't know. Call me jealous, though if you repeat that, then
you and I will revisit our first battle.”
Wolflen chuckled slightly as they turned, and he looked over at his wife who still looked radiant.
“Yeah, for me there is no other but her,” he stated plainly.
“I know,” Ravenshade replied, “and I am happy—for the both of you.”
“And what about you and Ayvock?” Wolflen asked.
“Ayvock and I are...well I don't know what we are really. I am fond of him though. I just...I don't know if I am ready for love right now. Does that sound crazy?”
“Crazy...no. I think everyone finds it in their own time and in their own way. Just know that he too is special to me, so try not to break his heart. Because if we did have to revisit our previous battle, you might find me a tougher opponent now.”
Ravenshade smiled.
“I have no doubt. Thank you by the way,” she went on, “for not having me executed back then. The Free Magic chose well in making you a War Mage I think.”
“I hope time proves that sentiment true,” Wolflen replied, “though I guess we are all learning as we go.”
“Well,” she remarked, “I should really grab Ayvock and dance with him, and see just how much learning he has had with regard to dancing.”
“He might surprise you,” Wolflen replied, “he is the one who taught me.”
After that, others in the area began to pair up and dance together as well; at least those who could find someone to dance with of their liking. As for Jakarta, he had chosen to ask Free Mage Carra, and Wolflen returned to dancing with his wife Katrina.
Back together again, Wolflen and Katrina embraced once more as the music continued. Overall it was a festive and magical night for everyone.
