Analin stepped forward before the doors fully opened and paused with a bright smile lighting his face. His seemingly polished outfit reflected the bright light of the glowing ceiling. A sun appeared out of the white shifting clouds that made up the lights of the west ballrooms ceiling. It smiled down on the prince and the prince smiled back, mischief tugging at what on any other man would of been an expression of pure serenity. Analin kneaded the doors a little shove, causing a muffled boom to echo throughout the reception.
Analin kept his eyes closed and basked in the warmth he felt from the faux sun. He felt the eyes of those gathered turn to him and couldn’t help but grin a little harder in response. Using the sixth sense he was born with he walked over to where the royal announcer was stood surprised, and yet also not shocked, before she could belt out his name and titles(he did not have very many) to the crowd. He whispered in the stern womans ear as he entered but used a stage voice as he did so.
‘Don’t bother Anabella, I think they all know I’m here’ He kneaded his voice as he did so, making it sound smoother then a whisper should be. It carried across the entire room of influential leaders effortlessly, exploiting the silence of the paused party as well as the opal broach Analin always kept hidden in his pocket.
He chuckled as he slinked away from the spluttering authoritarian and made his way to the first wryly smiling face he could reach. ‘Lord Albert’ Analin boomed, his dazzling smile Just reaching his eyes. ‘My friend how are you?’
’Good my boy, fishing exports are in demand I’ve rarely ever seen! We’ve been catching so many fish to support these Norns I’m half convinced they’ll be no oceans left to fish in!’ He laughed good-naturedly before continuing on, detailing how they were fishing the entire coast of the barons not unsubstantial land and how they had discovered a way to begin breeding the pike some of the more well-off members of the kingdom seemed to live off, chatter resuming as he did so. That part was of some Interest to the well built prince as freshwater pike were supposed to be notoriously difficult to fish, handle or even find. If the baron was truly making process Securing an easy production of the empire’s (his father insisted it was just a very, very large kingdom) most popular fish then maybe he was living up to the hopes Analin had for him.
The baron was one of three family heads who had dedicated their holdings to nothing but fishing. The other two (Duke Fash and Duchess Claress) both ran bigger and older operations. One (Duke Fash) had a large island a day away from the kingdoms mainland that was constantly sending ships full of fish cargo and receiving empty transports to keep supplying the emi-kingdom. It was rumoured the fish around this island were three times the size of what was the biological norm. The other one (Duchess Claress) fished the largest lake in the kingdom three days away from the capitol and they caught so many fish that there was a constant train of wagons moving in both directions to multiple major trading hubs along roads that had to be built for just for their use. The jolly baron was the first in his family to even venture into the fishing business, a market thought to be monopolised by the opposing Duke and Duchess of the underwater world.
However, Baron-or Lord-Albert should of stood no chance of becoming a force in such a field-especially with his reputation for being a bit simple. But there was something that lit up inside Chris Albert whenever he spoke about fishing. He had converted and expanded the famed merchant ports of his family into massive fishing docks. He competed with the well established competition by letting four times as many voyagers use his waters. He took a higher ten percent tax of all cargo and used this large number of fish to establish a trade agreement with the Norns-a recently conquered addition to the empire. He also bought the crews of the best producing ships and put them on his superior fishing galleys-no doubt this was how he slowly found those who could breed and fish the pikes. Lord Albert may not of been the most socially and politically aware, but he was far from stupid. It was for this incredibly efficient planning and capacity for growth that he was on Analin’s list, and if he continued to impress, he would stay there.
After a quick conversation on the Barons fish production Analin moved on. Albert called out as he left ‘Say thanks to the father for me, conquering those Norns, was good for business’. Analin grabbed a glass from a servant dressed in deep blue and raised the expensive liquid in response, before downing it.
This was going to be a long night, Analin decided he might as well get a little bit buzzed now to handle it.
The next person approached him as he was flagging down another servant for a drink. Today was the wedding of one of Analin’s many cousins to the heir of a distant throne. The kingdom they were marrying into was actually already under Shanlax’s control, technically anyways. It turns out there had been a joint government of the Asces kingdom they had conquered and this was the prince of the lesser of the two. It had apparently come as quite the surprise when the fierce warriors of Asces had surrendered with the death of their king, only for another king to stroll into the throne room with a number of royal guards and a small malita. A peaceful arrangement was able to be reached however, and Shanlax become the primary ruling authority in New Asces. They were marrying into the smaller government to consolidate their power and prevent an eventual coop.
The handsome Asces prince had apparently been in great demand amongst Analin’s cousins and Becky, the prettiest relative Analin possessed-albeit with the stupidest name-was eventually decided as the ripped forest dwellers bride. Analin needed to meet and asses this new addition to the family at some point tonight, but for now he decided to let the foreign groom adjust a little to the political landscape of Shanlax’s capital-that landscape being much like a battlefield. Analin approved of the marriage, and despite what his non-traditional dress said, was happy it was taking place. His outfit change wasn’t him expressing dislike, but was just him being Analin, the prince who mocked authority, showing support in a different way.
The duo stopped and Duke Silas cleared his throat loudly before speaking. ‘Analin, you look…interesting’
Duke Silas was responsible for the silk making up his tuxedo right at this moment. He created silks that molded partially with the wearers body, making them more comfortable and also un-creasable. The silks custom properties were highly sought after and Analin’s current jacket was designed to stay rigid to resemble metal and yet be able to flow during movement. The silks ability to be made to stay in certain shapes made it the most versatile and therefore sought after material in the empire. However, Duke ‘Silk’ Silas was not just rich off high quality silks alone.
Duke Silas had a number of beautiful daughters that had ended up married to a number of duke Silas’ strongest competitors. Duke Silas’ daughters had married the heirs and owners of particularly successful business and within months the large thriving companies had decided to merge with Silas silks. It was now that Silas approached him with one of these very same daughters.
‘Duke Silas, wonderful to see you again’ Analin replied cordially before panning his gaze towards the woman standing beside him. Leaning down slightly he softly grabbed Melindas arm and turned it so that her palm was facing towards him. He kissed her upturned palm before stepping away keeping his gaze locked on Melinda’s amused own.
Melinda Silas was renowned as one of the most beautiful women in the Shanlax empire. Her light blue eyes were complemented by a slight bridge of freckles across her nose and her light brown hair was tied up with golden ropes of silks that were also scattered throughout her hair. A slight blush permeated her cheeks and her smile dazzled even Analin form time to time. She was definitely beautiful, even Analin’s own age, but she was also definitely-unfortunately-not for Analin.
While Melinda was know as one of the most beautiful in the kingdom, she was also know as one of the sharpest ones. She held herself to a high standard of intelligence and held others to the same, meaning she routinely insulted those who she found lacking. She had a dizzing number of suitors approach her and yet all had turned away insulted. She had a way of constantly insulting those she was taking to and making nobility insult themselves without them really noticing. In Analin’s mind her wide sarcastic, and even rude, streak did nothing but make her more attractive-others (understandably) did not feel the same. She was an intelligent woman, and she was on the list. Silas had no sons, and she was definitely his most capable heir, Analin was looking forward to the day she was in charge of the famous Silas silks holdings.
‘Melinda it’s a pleasure as always. How many guests are you planning on making cry this evening’
’Not funny Analin’ Melinda replied, very much grinning. ‘I would never insult somebody to such an extent’
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’No’ Analin replied ‘you would just lead them to do it themselves’
’That’s enough. We didn’t come here for this Melinda’ The Duke chastened ineffectually. ‘ Melinda would like to invite you to her mid year celebration’. A mid year celebration was a private party richer members of the nobility had halfway to their birthdays. It was actually a new addition taken from the Norns and to be invited to an un-betrothed woman’s mid year when single was nothing less then a betrothal.
In response to the Dukes quite honestly desperate request-Analin was far above in station and much more unpredictable then almost any man in the kingdom, not to mention what he did with the last lady he attended a mid-year with before leaving. Analin looked into the Dukes stern eyes still grinning.
Once a child had reached above the age of 18 they legally could make their own decisions. Therefore for the Duke to invite Analin to a mid-year party on Melindas behalf he would have to actually be her(there was a treaty passed at the founding of Shanlax that parties are legal events). Albeit the rule was seen as a very loose guideline for nobility but for him to completely ignore it in front of Melinda’s face showed how exhausted he was by the constant turned away suitors. It was funny to see how far Melinda’s antics had driven him.
’I am so glad Melinda is inviting me to such a special event’ Analin’s eyes did not leave the Dukes. ‘The fact she would make the point to ask me in person with such enthusiasm. I’ll take a look at my calendar’. The Duke handed over a slim envelope before storming away in disgruntlement. It was not the best decision to ridicule one of the richest men in the kingdom who was known for his damaging temper, but Analin had a reputation to uphold. He simply smiled at Melinda in response to the encounter and turned to drift to the next interesting group, empathising with her situation. She might someday be the illustrious head of the Silas family, but for now she was nothing more then the wayward daughter.
As he stepped away however she called back to him. ‘Go easy on my farther Analin, he does just want the best for me.’ Analin paused and looked back over his shoulder, eyes and smile ablaze with mischief. ‘But my dear Melinda, if he wanted the best for you, he wouldn’t of tried to mix you up with me’ Analin left Melinda behind, her scrunched up face a amusing yet still beautiful sight. Melinda did have that one flaw, she loved her family in excess-Analin liked to feel only in moderation.
He was quickly flagged by an older woman, Widow to Baron Gregor. She simply wanted to say hello and ask him about him and his family. Her two sons ran the business these days and produced quality sets of armour and arms for the ever busy Shanlax military. They were one of those houses that was Integral to the empires existence, and therefore one seen as less prestigious and valuable. She in truth was a very nice woman and was beautiful even in her slightly older age, it was only through her loyalty to her husband she remained a widow to this day. Analin often suspected however she only started conversation with him so that he would kiss her hand.
As Analin was waiting alone for another servant to come replace his glass-having escaped the conversation intact- a loud announcement was made.
‘Prince Farkek of Aces, the undaunted, Bearclawed, bark titan etc.’(There were 6 more Analin decided not to listen to) ‘and his betrothed the beautiful Lady Becky’ The woman he snubbed earlier bellowed over the assembly.
Analin visibly cringed at the name and righted his expression swiftly after he did so. Thankfully the sea of gold outfits had all turned to see the lovely couple enter their reception-and a lovely couple they were-and so didn’t see the lapse. The foreign prince could almost tower over Analin in height with a thin frame filled out with slightly more muscles then fit the description of lean. He wore a dark forest green suit with patterns of golden bears chasing crowns through a silvery canopy. The tailored suit did well to display the princes physical features and his bright smile didn’t look at all forced. You could see it in his relaxed posture that he was a happy man. His green bow tie was tight around his muscled neck. His thin eyebrows and sharp chin gave him an ay-typical beauty, but looking at the flushed faces of those around him Analin figured it was appreciated all the same.
Becky was dressed in a cerulean dress that frilled out in the bottom in gold. The dress suddenly died itself the same deep green of her husbands suit as they stood there in the wake of the thunderous applause. There was a perfect fade to cerulean midway through symbolising the bond created between the two kingdoms-lest you forget this was a political wedding. Golden swirls ran all throughout the dress, changing to silver towards the cerulean around the same place the colours shifted. The heavier gold pattern on the bottom and hem of the dress was a subtle hint to who Lady Becky was still more loyal to-for those who were looking for that vain reassurance.
Beneath the princes feet, grass sprouted and as he stepped away tiny trees shot up to create a faux Amazon. Little mist crept out and minutare bears could be seen running all along the structures edges. Grass sprouted from under the much smaller feet of Becky as she stepped in time with her groom. Flowers slowly grew up from these smaller patches before blooming into beautiful white tulips and daisies. The tiny trees circled the grove of flowers as it grew. The couple continued arm in arm, giggling(well Frakek was bellowing quieter then you would expect) until they were about 1/4 through the crowd. They then stepped to the side and the guests hurried back as the grass grew quickly over the floor. Analin chuckled as the nobles almost flew over one another as they scampered back from the unfolding show. He ran his eyes over the ceiling until he found one section of sky slightly lower then the rest. He sifted his eyes quickly to look through and see the group of gold robed artisans creating the complex patterns in the air. The muddied brown grey of their magics interlinked in the sky. Three of the group were laughing boisterously as they flooded the intricate kneading, causing the shapes of conduct to bulge. The other mages stood stony faced or glaring as they widened the kneading to keep up with the influx.
Analin noted the faces of the troublesome artisans down his mind, although one he was already very familiar with. Still jovial,Analin looked back at the forest that now filled the floor. The minutare landscape was rendered and the nobles stood by expectant waiting for the show to finish. The couple started once again waking and the terrain flattened to accommodate them. The flowery clearing moved ahead of the two as they walked. It sped ahead a little before coming to rest in the wide beachhead of the impressive kneading. It widened to a shape more fitting for a meadow and it stayed there until the two came to a stop before it. There was a moment of peace, and a few birds could be heard chirping along the streak of sudden green land-which Analin thought was a nice touch. Then the tall trees began to shudder as two large shapes trodded from under the lovebirds legs.
Mist thickened in the meadow as two of what looked like bears walked out into the open space. Golden glinting seen from beneath the fog. The plodding animals stopped in the middle of the blossoming meadow and the mist receded swiftly from their sitting forms. Two bears gleamed in the middle of the meadow. White and gold flowers surrounding them in rings. There Golden forms were resplendent with emerald eyes, claws and crowns-the bears even matching the height difference of the married couple. Analin felt a hand land on his shoulder before his parents walked through the gasping crowd to face the gasping couple.’Our gift to you’ Analin’s father intoned.
If there was one thing (apart from his divine right to rule) Analin envied about his father, it was his perfect voice. It was smooth and yet deep like black velvet, it carried authority and weight without being oppressive and gentleness while seeming very far from meek. If you closed your eyes when you heard it you would imagine nothing less then a king. Analin’s mother smiled a smile Analin usually only saw when she was pleased with him or Mathus and gestured towards the cuddling statues. ‘Take them’ Farkek disentangled himself, went over and bent down to grab the statues.
As soon as his fingers touched the two bears they jolted to life. The bigger one yawned wide exposing dull emerald teeth, the smaller one quickly joined. The bigger grizzly grabbed on to the princes hand and bit in to his finger.It’s teeth couldn’t fully dig in and Farkek chuckled in amusement before hanging the bear over his shoulder and shaking the finger it was patched on. It fell onto the soft surface and walked up to the princes head-tearing the suits fabric as it went. It sat down and rubbed against the prince’s beaming face before sitting upright with an arm against his cheek. There was a brief grey flash as the bear seemed to fuse in position before it started looking around at the bright room with curiosity.
The other half of the grizzly couple was frozen at the end of its yawn, eyes closed. Becky tried to crouch in her dress but paused each time unsure as if to ruin it. Her husband simply smiled and grabbed it also, dropping the new wriggling figure in his brides long tied hair. The bear nestled there and began snoring quietly. Becky whispered something swiftly before hitting her husbands large arm, likely scolding him for messing with her hair.
Just as a people were wanting to go speak to the couple the forest collapsed and flowed backwards like a tide in recession. The rain forest and tropical meadow flattened and rolled into one long dark carpet under the royals feet. The carpet flashed grey briefly and when it stopped there were gold floral patterns all around it-keeping the good scheme befitting of a royal wedding. Analin joined the group of people queuing to have an audience with the couple as they stood on their island of carpet somewhat awkwardly and replied. This was the oldest tradition of Shanlax, the creeping carpet. For most families it involved two friends to slowly unfold a carpet across the room the reception was in, but for a royal wedding? The process was a little different. Analin watched as the carpet slowly crept from the middle of the massive ballroom to the end, fresh grass growing up before flattening and forming the next inches.
Eventually the carpet would reach the end, and when it did the dancing would begin. Untill then, the beautiful newlyweds would have to answer any and all questions asked by the wedding guests-no matter the nature. Analin looked forward to his three questions, as much as he complained, Analin couldn’t help but find himself enjoying these royal weddings.