Briae
New Member
NaNoWriMo Wordcount Champion week 2!
Posts: 15
|
Post by Briae on Apr 13, 2009 20:53:55 GMT -5
The town that Aelyn and Kaldr were entering was small, in comparison, but large enough to host a crowd of hostile faces. The people of Aroughs lined the streets, as Aelyn had expected, but unlike in the previous stops - Belatona, Melian and Feinster - they seemed surly and closed. Aelyn had been expecting cheering, a hearty welcome, and a generally festive mood. Kaldr? What is going on? These people obviously don't seem so excited for our arrival... Are they sympathetic to the Surdan and Varden cause? Kaldr looked around quickly, his dark blue eyes searching the faces. I haven't seen a single person here who looks genuinely happy to see us. Apparently the King's reach isn't as far as he would like to think. Aelyn frowned. She felt uncomfortable now, riding high above the crowd on Kaldr. He was larger than a horse now, and they had recently started to fly together. Torska, her escort, had taken her horse with him through the city before her.
Aelyn fidgeted in the intricate leather saddle, dropping her gaze. Suddenly the tour of the Empire was not just time-absorbing, it was insufferable. Ugh. Whatever these people think, they certainly don't want us here. Lets leave as soon as possible. Kaldr looked back at her, thinking We told Torska we would stay the night. And he told the city council or whoever are in charge of this city, so you had better stay. Aelyn groaned, but nodded. I suppose we did, didn't we? How will we be treated, anyway? If you remember, I'll be spending the night out of the city. You'll be on your own, unless I can convince Torska to keep you company. Aelyn saw the trace of a smirk on Kaldr's face as he turned back away from her. Aelyn wasn't entirely sure why Kaldr was so adamant that they stay. The council would most likely love it is she left, since they didn't seem to appreciate her presence much. Either way, she was ahead of schedule by a few days, and she would rather spend an extra evening in an inn than on the road. Aelyn sighed, looking up. They had reached the center of the city, and Kaldr stopped.
"Welcome, Dragon rider." a portly man said, bowing extravagantly. His face was more welcoming than the others, but Aelyn could tell that his courtesy was staged. "Kaldr and I thank you for your most gracious hospitality, kind sir. Your city seems most prosperous." Aelyn said in a stiff, formal monotone. She said these words in almost every city or town she entered, save the few which she most dearly enjoyed, such as Tierm and Uru'baen itself, to which she gave more heartfelt praise. "If it pleases you, we shall host a feast in your honor. Your steed and that of the man who accompanies you have been housed in our finest stable, and your escort is awaiting you in the dining hall." The man smiled stiffly, gesturing for Aelyn to follow him. Dismounting fluidly, Aelyn set out after man. Kaldr followed her toward a huge tent. A large makeshift table was set up in the center of the tent, with adequate room at the head of the table for Kaldr to fit. Aelyn was ushered to the head of the table, with Kaldr at her shoulder. The food was already set on the table, and Torska stood behind the chair at her left. He bowed respectfully, then sat down after she had taken her place.
Slowly, the rest of the people filed into the tent, taking their places. They were too quiet, too formal. Aelyn sighed. It would take a long time to get used to people acting this way toward her. Sure, there were many who celebrated her ascention to riderhood, but others, such as the occupants or Aroughs, either didn't care, or apparently wished she hadn't come. She was used to being ignored. She used to be a simple girl, an operative in the military, and a lady of the court, alternately. Now that Kaldr had hatched for her, she suddenly was expected to be A dignitary, tactician, magician, swordswoman, lady and a hundred other things. It was so strange. Thankfully, she had Kaldr to rely on. Whenever her emotions took over, his calm and collected demeanor relaxed her, and imparted a certain amount of sense and peace. Flattery. Kaldr snorted, startling the portly man who sat at Aelyn's right hand. Smiling thinly, Aelyn merely shook her head. It was true... in some ways.
The food was served, and truely, it was sumptuous enough. Roast meats, pies, pastries, fresh bread, vegetables and other hearty fare covered the long table. A pile of the choicest raw meat was presented hesitantly to Kaldr, who began to eat it in a businesslike fashion, snapping up each piece of meat cleanly, though not acting overly delicate and well mannered. Do you find the food to your liking? Aelyn absentmindedly asked Kaldr. Kaldr thought for a moment, then nodded, snapping up another piece with a jerky motion. The man who had welcomed Aelyn and Kaldr to the city politely asked if Aelyn and Kaldr were enjoying the evening, and, lying like a polite dragon rider, Aelyn assured him that everything was wonderful. Kaldr snorted and looked up with a wry expression. That's rich. Ah well. Anything in the name of diplomacy, eh? Aelyn smiled, glancing over at Torska. He had been very quiet since the beginning of the feast, but he most likely wasn't as used to as many people as she was. Aelyn glanced discontentedly at her lap. The day had, so far, been strange and frustrating. She only hoped that the following ones would be better.
ooc: Let's make this a shorter thread, shall we?
|
|