| |
Glasses clinked softly and the well polished china shimmered in the light cast by the high chandeliers. Voices mingled softly with the cool night as they discussed politics and work schedules. Shadows danced in the vast dining hall as the guests mingled. Slight exclamations were heard as friends found one another.
A tall form leaned against the wall, nearest to the tall glass doors leading out to the veranda. As the curtains blew, the wind ruffled his shaggy black and red hair. The moon cast shadows on his cream colored tunic, sparkling slightly on the gold hemming on the pants, and beadwork that adorned the chest and his belt. Arms resting lightly on his well muscled chest, his dark eyes searched the sprawling room like a cat stalking its prey. Suddenly he stiffened and gasped.
Across the room a woman had entered the hall. Her gold hair was entwined with pearls, and fell in waves around her bare shoulders, framing her exquisite features. A filmy gold gown clung to her body enticingly, and flowed smoothly against her thighs as she walked. She seemed to possess a surreal grace and refined beauty. The woman flowed towards the freedom of the veranda and the man straightened a pleased smile on his face. And it begins, he thought as he bowed to her. “Welcome my lady, and who may I have the pleasure of addressing?” he asked looking up into a pair of stunning green eyes.
Extending a white-gloved hand she responded, “I am Lady Alexandra, and who might you be sir?” she asked raising a delicate eyebrow. The man smiled kissing the proffered hand and stood. Keianna found she had to tilt her head to look into his eyes.
“I am Lord Azriel,” he said, sweeping into an elaborate bow.
Keianna smiled and made a low curtsy. “It is an honor my lord,” she responded, and lowered her eyes demurely. The tall man smiled back at her.
“No my lady, the honor is all mine,” he answered. She lifted her gaze back to him, fluttering long lashes.
“Really?” she asked. His deep indigo eyes locked onto hers, smiling in amusement.
“Why indeed! I’m in the company of the most beautiful woman on this planet!” he exclaimed, eyes sparkling with merriment. To her surprise she blushed and lowered her gaze. In looking downward she noticed Azriel still held her hand in his. Blushing still, she again raised her eyes to his.
“May I have my hand back good sir?” At her query Azriel sighed in mock dismay.
“Oh must you? I was quite enjoying holding it,” he sulked and let her withdraw her small hand from his large one.
“Thank you,” she replied, “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to get some air,” Keianna continued gesturing to the veranda. Azriel nodded and extended his arm.
“May I join you?” She smiled in amusement and took his arm. It was firm, and muscular under her hand.
“Of course, but shouldn’t you be hosting your party?” she queried, motioning to the guests. Looking back at the room he responded:
“Bah! They’ll be fine!” and he led her out onto the moonlit balcony.
The soft breeze stirred her hair as they walked out onto the veranda. The salty smell of the ocean intermixed with the sweet scent of the creeper vines brought a smile to her mouth. Looking upward she could see the faint impression of dragon wings in the sky as she watched the night guards making their rounds. Releasing Azriel’s arm, Keianna glided over to the smooth railing. Leaning against it she followed the dragon with her eyes.
It seemed to blend almost seamlessly with the ever darkening sky. The beast’s movements betrayed no weakness in either rider or mount. As it passed the moon she could see that it was a large male, probably the stud of the flock. As she continued to watch, seemingly entranced by the beast, she felt Azriel’s gaze upon her. After a moment she looked over at the lord.
He was staring at her intently, a look of interest on his handsome face. His raven hair danced in the light wind. The moon shimmered on the ivory fabric of his tunic and pants, exposing his lithe figure. His eyes seemed to envelope her in their clear gaze. He was a being of the night. She stared for a moment longer, then turned to the trees that blocked the horizon. She could clearly see the guards positioned in them and chuckled softly. Startled, Azriel raised an eyebrow. “What is it?” he queried.
Keianna turned to him, “Your guards are poorly trained my lord.” Azriel started and stood up suddenly.
“Poorly trained!?” he sputtered. Still smiling, Keianna gestured to the trees.
“Well yes, I can clearly see all the perimeter guards and the few attempting to mingle inside without looking to conspicuous. You should really have a talk with your captain.” Azriel just gaped at her as she stood there, leaning against the rail, grinning to herself at his bafflement. He laughed in disbelief and looked towards the horizon.
“Well I’ll be damned, you can see them!” he exclaimed leaning over the rail and yelling, “Roland! Get yer arse higher up in that tree! Everyone can bloody see you!” Keianna laughed as the guard jumped and clambered higher up in the tree. She felt Azriels' eyes again upon her, and she met them with her own. He smiled down at her. “How did you see them?” he asked, moving closer to her. Looking up at him she explained:
“My father, he used to train the soldiers here in combat and stealth. Some say he was an assassin, but nonetheless he taught me a fair few skills.”
“Oh really?” Azriel raised his eyebrows and motioned her to continue while wrapping one arm about her waist. Ignoring this she continued.
“Of course. I’m a fully trained combat soldier. I’ve passed the same tests they have and had the same training. My father was much harder on me because I was a girl,” she trailed off softly, one hand plucking at the fabric of her gown. Azriel took the hand in his and raised it to his lips.
“My lady I would be honored if you would stay here and train my soldiers,” he said, and kissed her hand softly. Again, to her annoyance, she blushed.
“Gladly my lord.” She smiled. Above her the dragon let out a wild cry that rent the night air. Azriel looked up worriedly, then relaxed. He grinned at her confused gaze.
He gestured inside to the band that was playing a soft, echoing melody.
“Draco has just informed that I should ask you to dance,” he smiled, and held out a hand to her. “So, would you do me the honor of this dance fair mistress?” Taking his hand she curtseyed and stepped closer to him.
“Did you even have to ask?” she murmured as he wrapped his arms about her. They rocked slowly with the music that seemed to ebb and swell with the crashing waves on the sand. It called out over the massive stretch of ocean with a haunting, echoing sound. It spoke of a long awaited passion that would lead inevitably to a tragedy totally unavoidable. The notes ebbed and swelled with the wind and seemed to be the breath of the very planet itself. The melody encircled them both and made them forget who, and where they were. They were only aware of each other’s heartbeat and the sweet smell of the creeper vines as their bright flowers bloomed.
The song’s last notes echoed about the dining hall and there was a scattering of applause as the band took up their next song. Azriel and Keianna stayed locked in an embrace for a few moments longer, then, remembering her mission she slowly pulled away. Azriel’s arms still encircled her waist, and his eyes were bright with sorrow as he looked at her. Instinctively she reached up and stroked his cheek lightly, trying to offer some comfort. He sighed and closed his eyes, leaning slightly against her hand. Her fingers trailed through the soft tendrils that had fallen across his face and she pushed them back into place.
In the sky above her there was another cry as a smaller dragon joined Draco. She was startled to hear Azriel’s voice, entranced as she was by the ariel pair. “That’s Riana, Draco’s mate, calling him in for the night,” he murmured. Keianna blinked.
“I should probably be going too,” she replied, gazing up at the tall lord. He nodded.
“Since you will be training my soldiers I’d like it if you would stay here,” he looked at her. Tipping her head to the side she pretended to consider it then smiled.
“Show me to my room!” she exclaimed.
The angel stirred from his vantage point where he had watched the meeting. He sighed and ran a hand through his long blond hair. This will not end well, he thought, spreading his massive wings. And yet…I am bound to let it happen. Again he sighed, tears coursing down his handsome features. Why you my love? Why must it be you? He asked the stars as he flew off to the council.
|
|
All
rights are reserved for the work 'Moments In Time Continued' by Brittany Cali under
Elfwoods all rights reserved copyright policy
License
Main Category: 
[read: take as long as you want, just make it good!]
