38
The Ball.
Slyfer sighs. “Finally done with the mediating, people can fight over the dumbest things.” Vinx does not answer and only lies in the crook of his neck a little despondent. Sensing the foul mood, he can’t help but ask. “Are you still angry with me?”
Vinx rolls on her back and replies downhearted. She drawls, “No,” in a long sigh. “I just feel a bit sad. That’s all.” Vinx feeling sad? This is the first for Slyfer. In his mind he believed it was impossible. Who has ever heard of a fairy feeling sad?
“Vinx are you sick? You know the ball is tonight, aren’t you looking forward to the dancing and merry making?”
She rolls to her stomach letting out a long sigh, her usual vibrant green glow almost a low blue. “That is exactly what is bothering me. All the woman in the camp are dressing up and preparing for it but fairies don’t dress up. We can't put on makeup and even though,” Vinx motions towards her chest, while puffing up, “my breasts are huge, but because I am a fairy they are nothing but the size of crumbs to you people.”
Slyfer nearly burst out laughing, but the female dragon had taught him an important rule about females, “Don’t ever compliment woman’s more private parts, but even more importantly do not insult them or wrath that cannot be beaten by a thousand dragons will be visited upon you! You will be condemned to hell, skin flayed from your body in miniscule strips. You will wish for death, but it won't be granted.” After hearing this, Slyfer had swallowed hard, locking the information deep within his heart. He then inquired shyly what parts of a female dragon were considered taboo in this regard.
She had then replied with venom in her tone and ice on her…. figurative lips. “It is our flanks and tails.” Slyfer nearly fell over right there and then as male dragons started ranting and raving. “A female with nice thin flanks!” one said. “No, they must be big, robust, strong and brimming with power!” A large argument had then ensued about what flanks were the best until the female dragon had finally shouted for them all to shut up!
Thinking back on it Slyfer could only shake his head… “Dragons, mighty and powerful, old and prideful, yet they argue about flanks?”
Finally reaching his tent, Slyfer flops down. Reaching with his mind he gently coaxes the golden haired girl out of the deep dream he had put her in. The first night she had slept in the tent, she was restless, her mind filled with horrors of what had been done to her. Pitying the girl, Slyfer invaded her mind like a cool breeze and washed away the demons inside her. He replaced it with memories of him as a child, how he had learned, grown into a somewhat more respectable being.
He did it in the hope to calm as well as teach her.
The next morning the difference was obvious, however, she still had a lot to learn. Her silver eyes open to look into his blue ones. She smiles dazzlingly and jumps on him, giving Vinx a fright in the process. Vinx now in the air glares at her. Slyfer still busy trying to untangle himself starts to laugh and the girl joins him.
The huge change in the girl invokes a feeling of peace in Slyfer’s heart. A few days ago she thought a smile was a threat and would attack anyone that was smiling around her.
Vinx floats closer. “You really need to control her better!”
Slyfer stops laughing and looks at Vinx, worry etching his brow. If it was the normal her, she would have joined and laughed with them. The gold haired girl’s gaze flits between the two, she does not understand words completely, but her instinct tells her something is wrong.
“Something is clearly bothering her, but what?” Slyfer sends an image of a sad face and then Vinx into the girl’s mind. The girl in understanding looks at Vinx. Surprising them both, the girl reaches out, taking Vinx gently into her hand she… Licks her! Slyfer can’t help but start laughing as Vinx screams in dismay, but she soon also starts to laugh.
The girl stops and looks at both of them, cocking her head in confusion and attempts her own bout of laughter, like a child mimicking its parents. Slyfer and Vinx both pat her head, causing the girl to beam with happiness.
Two hours pass in which Vinx had washed herself with magic. The girl who had seen her do it then also wanted to bathe. Cheeks red and flushed, Slyfer then started to wash her. Thinking back Slyfer starts to wonder. “What part of her would be her flanks?” His eyes roll over her hips. Vinx suddenly flies into view which makes him nearly jump up.
“Huhu, why do you look so guilty?” Slyfer scratches his nose avoiding Vinx’s gaze. “Your eyes were starting to go purple there for a second.”
Her mocking voice makes Slyfer even more embarrassed. The dragons teasing him from the inside, don’t help either! Keeping his eyes on the tent roof he continues to work and quickly finishes. Something suddenly hits him as the sunset outside comes into view, when he goes to throw the water out. “The ball! What am I going to do with her during it?”
He turns, staring at the tent stupidly. “If she goes, she needs a dress! Will she behave, what if she attacks someone?” Slyfer starts walking up and down as he ponders the problem. He stops, having decided and nods his head, and like a mad man starts to talk to himself. “In order to grow, she needs to experience things. If she starts trouble, I will just stop her…. but what about a dress, I need a dress.”
A poor warrior on his way to get dressed for the ball catches Slyfer’s attention. “Hey you, come here.”
The warrior stops in his tracks and turns around, running to get to Slyfer before standing at attention. Slyfer nods, as he looks him over. “I will give you a hundred gold pieces if you can find me a dress that will fit a girl with silver eyes and golden hair.” The warrior freezes caught off guard. Ask him to stab something, no problem. But a dress? As he complains in his mind, the last part of the order suddenly hits him like a bolt of lightning!
A hundred pieces of gold. To a warrior that’s a fortune! He would even steal the dress from his date’s ass if he needed to. Not wasting time, he aims to sprint to complete this mission, even if he has to face all the women in the camp! Slyfer’s voice stops him again. After some deliberating about the girl’s character, he had more demands. “The dress must fit loosely and not restrict movement. Like a summer dress or something.” “Shit, what do I know about women’s clothing?”
Before Slyfer has any more demands the warrior disappears into the camp. Turning around and looking at the tent with determination. Slyfer gets ready to cram as much etiquette into the girl’s head as he possibly can in three hours.
Meanwhile somewhere else in the camp Fira is pulling out all the stops to look good tonight. She wants Slyfer’s eyes on no-one else but her. Nor does she want to be outdone by any high elf. Jade is with her and at the moment their hair is being done. Two dresses, which are expensive as can be are draped over two stands to the side. Jade laying back with her eyes closed, can’t help but feel excited about tonight. “Princess, do you think there will be many young bachelors tonight? I mean I am already in my forties yet I have never been with a man.”
At the mention of being with a man Fira’s cheeks go scarlet. “I…I don’t know and what makes you think I would know? I….I have never been with one either.” Jade looks at her surprised. Nearly causing the hairdresser to cut hair he is not supposed to, this would lead to the end of his miserable life! Letting out a long sigh he continues the risky work, as soon as Jade settles down again.
Fira looks at her hands, the red still has not left her cheeks. “You look surprised at that?”
Jade nods unconsciously and she hears the guy behind her take in a sharp breath. “My lady, please remain still!” His almost frantic tone makes her frown, but she ignores it.
“To be honest I am a bit surprised. I thought you and Slyfer….” Before Jade can finish, Fira nearly jumps out of her chair, causing her hairdresser to break the comb in her hand, in frustration. Jade’s hairdresser gives his wife a sympathetic look. They both shake their heads, as the two “girls” continue their conversation.
“Where did you get that idea? We have kissed but never…. Done anything like that.” Jade sits up greedy for more details. A small tear runs down her hairdresser’s cheek while he thinks. “That was too close!”
Seeing the look in Jade’s eyes, Fira continues. “We share a connection that is hard to explain, however at the moment things aren’t good. He feels that it would be unfair to have a relationship, since his life will be filled with war after war in the future. *Sigh* He asked me if I would be able to live with that, but my promise to my father made me unable to answer. I am torn, torn between my people and Slyfer. What do you think I should do?”
Jade seeing the earnest look in her friend’s eyes can’t help but feel sad for her while she thinks. “If it were me I would choose love, but I am older and have had more freedom in my life. After all I am no Princess.” Jade swallows, she knows that her answer will only hurt her friend in the long run. “You made the right choice in not answering. Our duty to the people comes first before everything, not to mention the promise you made.” Saying it gives Jade a bitter taste in her mouth. She feels the King was also a bastard for imposing such a promise on his daughter.
Fira lets out a long breath. Having someone tell her she made the right choice, strengthens her resolve. It also lets the situation with Slyfer feel a bit helpless. If her father decides not to join in the war, she will probably never see him again when he goes off to war. “Is this what the women at home felt like, when they watched us leave? I wonder how many are sitting and wondering if their husbands or wives are still alive?”
The whole situation gives Fira a new perspective of her people and what they had given up to be here. Sure some had brought their families with, but these were only the richer part of her people. Others like blacksmiths and tailors are given extra pay for just this reason.
The rest of the time is spent in silence. The two hairdressers grab this opportunity and start snipping away in order to finish before the two start talking and moving again.
Two hours pass in almost an instant. Or that’s how Slyfer feels. He looks at the blond girl sitting dazed while trying to process everything he had just tried to teach her. Slyfer looks at Vinx and sighs. “We did the best we could thank you for helping me.” Vinx flies in a circle showing her happiness at being praised before SLyfer continues. “Since you helped me with this and have always been by my side. I thought it prudent to get something for you.
Just as he finished talking, the other fairies fly into the tent and it’s filled with their song and lights instantly. The fairies dance around Vinx and she soon joins them. The song intensifies and the fairies start to move faster until their bodies’ are nothing but a swirling, pulsing light. Slyfer squints, but refuses to close his eyes while he stares at it. The girl next to him also stares in wonder at the site.
Outside the light in his tent also draws attention. Whatever seems to be happening is nearing its peak! The light is now blinding and turns the night into day. Slyfer has no choice to close his eyes. While he does he inspects the magic being used by the fairies, but it boggles his mind. Nothing the white dragon had said can explain it. “There is still so much I don’t know.”
The light starts to fade and the fairies scatter in all directions. In the centre only Vinx is left floating and brilliant. Slyfer smiles at her happy face as she looks at her new dress. When Slyfer requested they make one for her, he had never thought it would turn out this way, but this is even better. A dress made of pure magic sparkles as Vinx turns. It’s a mixture between yellow and green and gives her light a special quality.
Slyfer can’t help but feel uplifted and happy as he looks at it. This is what had boggled him, the magic they used was as if they were creating something out of feelings. The feeling used was happiness. Like a charm it grants anyone that looks at it the same feeling.
Slyfer steps forward and Vinx lands on his hand. On close inspection the dress is not overly fancy. Its design is rather plain, but it sparkles with magic. Vinx makes a full turn before leaning forward and grinning from ear to ear. “So, what do you think?”
Slyfer grins back. “You look beautiful!” The girl stares at Vinx enraptured before suddenly shouting. “Beautiful!” All three laugh. A call outside, draws Slyfer’s attention. The three exit to find the warrior he had sent out as well as Old Sun. Old Sun and Slyfer exchange greetings, the old man’s eyes never leave Vinx as they do. For reasons unknown he finds that he can’t stop smiling.
Slyfer’s voice forces the dark elf to look at him. “Old Sun what brings you here?” Old Sun’s smiles disappears as soon as his gaze leaves Vinx and asks. “What will you be wearing tonight. Slyfer looks at him a bit surprised.
“I will be wearing my officers clothes, I don’t really have anything else.”
Old Sun nods in understanding before gesturing at the elf Slyfer had sent out. “I found him wrestling with some women on my way here, when asked he said you asked him to acquire some clothes for you?”
Slyfer nods, nearly face palming at the news. “It was not my intention to cause trouble, he was to find me a dress that my…. Charge could wear.” As he says it Slyfer steps aside to reveal the silver eyed girl. Old Sun looks at the girl. She is wearing a plain shift which a lot of dark elf ladies use to sleep in. Before Old Sun can ask Slyfer explains the situation and by the time he is done the old man’s face is ugly with anger.
“What other atrocities will these humans commit? I understand and won’t blame you for sending out the warrior, he should have known better then to rob a woman of her clothes for a ball! However I think he has learned his lesson.” Slyfer gives the warrior a closer look. He has a blue eye and scratches over his nose and neck. Despite that, the fool is grinning!
Slyfer wants to ask what the cause is, but before he can the warrior holds out a dress. Slyfer nods at the guy in respect and inwardly decides to give him an extra reward for his bravery, as soon as the old man is gone. Slyfer looks at Old Sun and realizes this is not the only reason he is here. “Is there something else?”
Old Sun nods and gestures to his guard, the man takes out a wooden box and hands it over. “You did not think that I would let my adopted son attend a ball in officer’s dress, did you?” Surprised, Slyfer opens the box to find finely made clothes inside. “I had the tailors make something that is not dark elf or high elf, but a mixture of the two. Since you have said that you are not for one race, but all of them, it seemed fitting.”
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
“Thank you Old Sun, I will not forget this kindness.”
Old Sun waves his hand unconcerned. “Think nothing of it; I owe you much more than this.”
Slyfer nods, not denying the fact. If it helps Old Sun regain some of his pride, why not accept it? They stand there for a moment awkwardly before Slyfer breaks the silence. “Then I will see you at the ball?”
“Indeed, I will leave you to your preparations.” With that Old Sun turns and walks toward his mount who is one of the Grey’s. Slyfer returns to his tent intending to get dressed, but before that he gives the warrior his gold, adding twenty extra pieces for his bravery! But before he can get dressed something far more challenging is in his way.
People have gotten hurt while attempting it. Last time he was given a nosebleed which healed a second later, however, the scar it left mentally still has not faded. This challenge is not for the faint of heart or those weak in resolve! This challenge…. Is to get the silver eyed demon in the damn dress!
While Slyfer suffers. People have started to arrive at the humongous tent, that has been set up in the plains not far from the two armies. It does not have one center pole, instead seven large trees were cut down and arranged in a circle to be the main support. Between these large trees is where the kitchen has been set up. Along the length of the tent which is more than four hundred meters the same method has been used intermittently. The trees are only smaller and in sets of three.
Ropes are fastened to the tops of the support which connects to smaller supports on the outskirts of the tent. From these ropes hang round bronze plates the size of round shields, which are supported by chains. In them are bonfires to light up the place. The effect it creates is dazzling. The tent can be seen from miles around a star in this unoccupied land that is normally deathly quiet, accept for the cries of beasts and birds that prowl the night.
Around the large tent are smaller ones, which mostly contain the food and beverages that were gathered for this day. The floor under and around the tent has been flattened and hardened using earth magic. Tables are set in neat rows on this ground. The most dazzling and spacious was set up in the center. On it is space for around a hundred people. Two chairs stand out from the rest. One looks as if it was weaved by using vines. It looks elegant and sophisticated. The other can easily be recognized by anyone from the dark elf camp. It belongs to their King after all. It’s draped in soft furs from great beasts that he had hunted in his life.
Near the great table is an open space. That has been layered with grass and then covered with a tarp made of the same material as the tent. One side is black the other white.
High and Dark elves do not enter at the same entrance to avoid any scuffles that may arise. There are also guards standing at attention. The guards will be relieved halfway through the feast in order to give them a chance to also enjoy the festivities.
Long rows of people were standing in line waiting to be seated. Courtesans appointed by each race show them to their seats. The royals and nobles are saved from this because a special entrance has been prepared for them. Fires burn on each side casting light over a red carpet.#1
It is on this carpet that Slyfer now finds himself, along with his group. If an outsider were to look at them, they would see the mix match of people that simply don’t fit in with the rest. Slyfer while rubbing the fur on Grey King can’t help but look at the tent in awe. His attention is suddenly drawn towards a gold haired girl. “Luna, stop playing with the fire!”
Luna knows she was bad and looks at her hands while falling back in line. Slyfer had decided that he could not call her “Girl” forever so along with the fairies they chose a name for her. Ban walking in front in full armor, looks behind him and whispers. “Look how everyone is staring at us, it is fitting since our leaders fit the part.”
Slyfer rolls his eyes and looks at Aldowin who like always is wearing white. It looks similar to his old clothes, but has an added dark elf flare. Aldowin starts to tease as soon as he picks up on Slyfer’s discomfort. “Does the fairy prince feel pleased by all the gazes?”
Slyfer frowns at the name Aldowin has been calling him and pulls Grey Kings hair since he can feel the Wolf laughing at him. They finally reach the tent. Two high elves lean their heads together and start whispering to each other. One steps forward and plasters on a smile. “Welcome lords and ladies. May I ask your names?”
They all give it and the two guide them to their seats. Grey King along with two of his subordinates are guided to the dark side of the tarp. Slyfer is among the last people to arrive owing the fact to Luna who he basically had to wrestle in order to get in the dress. All eyes focus on them as they are guided to the large table. The first person to catch Slyfer’s eye is Fira with her blue hair.
He pulls in a breath involuntarily and her hair slowly starts to turn purple. Her attention is on her father who is standing next to her near their chairs, but the change makes her look up and around until she spots him. Her lips part and her cheeks go red. Slyfer’s eyes play over her figure. Her outfit consist of three things. A corset that hugs her tightly made out of blue which gives of a sheen, which almost looks like it has been weaved together, this leaves gaps in between. These gaps are filled with a purple material. The corset hugs her chest tightly pushing up her prominent breasts. Her graceful neck and shoulders are left on display and Slyfer can almost imagine himself kissing it.
His eyes wonder to her flanks#2 which is the final nail in his coffin! Her hair turns completely purple. Underneath her hips starts the dress. Its not as large and puffy as the previous ones, but rather more elegant and sleek. It has a snit in it which to Slyfer reveals a beautifully shaped leg. Unknown to him, this is not for the reaction he is having, but rather for free mobility when it comes to the dancing.
Luna looks past his shoulder to where his gaze has settled not understanding why he has stopped. Her eyes settle on Fira instantly. A strange feeling fills her heart. It confuses her, its not the same as feeling threatened, but has the same core. Irritated she pushes Slyfer forward a bit. He returns to his senses and starts walking again.
Fira snorts, she had seen the look the girl had given her, before shoving Slyfer forward. She looks away, but despite herself her gaze returns to him. Her heart wants to climb out of her chest. His usual loose hair has been tied in a ponytail, but that’s not all. The hair on the sides of his head has been braided in intervals#3. That along with his hawk like facial features leaves no doubt, that he is indeed a warrior.
His torso is covered by a decorative plate, with a grey tribal wolf engraved into the chest area. He also has shin and wrist guards that shine with silver. All this is normal dark elf attire, but the cape he has on, made of pure silk that has been colored to deep purple, is clearly derived from the high elf customs. However the cape has soft fur lined around his neck and is longer than the usual high elf one, nearly reaching the center of his calves.
While she was staring and taking in the site, the high elf who had waited patiently, had taken the lead again. To Slyfer’s surprise they come to a halt exactly in front of the two chairs where the King and Queen will be sitting. Another thing he notices is that his chair is a bit smaller than the rest. Frowning he looks at the high elf who seems to have a smirk on his face. A fairy interrupts him before he can speak. “The queen has started with mind games already. The smaller chair is to force you to look up at her.” Slyfer’s frown deepens, but before he can say anything. The fairies around him start to sing. The song drowns out all other sound in the tent.
To everyone’s surprise a plant starts to grow. At first Slyfer does not understand, but it soon takes shape and forms a huge chair! Purple flowers with red on the inside sprout around it and a bewitching scent fills the air. The fairies do not stop there and they arrange ten small protrusions along the sides. These protrusions will serve as their seats. Last but not least a vine with red thorns sprouts and sidles along the back, but nowhere near where Slyfer will be sitting.
The previous small chair had been swallowed up by the growing plant. Slyfer smiles and looks at the sweating high elf. “This chair will do just fine, thank you.” He also thanks all the fairies who spin with glee above him. Aldowin takes the seat to his left while Old Sun is already in his seat to the right. Slyfer gestures for Luna to have a seat next to him, which causes a lot of whispers.
Luna’s dress is rather plain, but her natural look and figure makes her stand out in it. The plain white dress comes down to below her knees. The dress however sits low over her ample bust and has a cut like a diamond in between them. Slyfer had frowned at this, but the dress was made for a woman that is not as well-endowed as Luna, so there was nothing he could do about it.
A jersey, which is more like sleeves are pulled over each arm individually and then connected at the back with a clasp. It only covers the arms and shoulders. Slyfer had thought it an ingenious invention, since it keeps away a bit of the cold while still putting on display what needs to be displayed. Her hair is mostly lose, but the left side has also been braided and entwined with a vine the fairies had grown with small white flowers on it.#4 Her golden hair and Slyfer’s strange attire makes them stand out!
Luna sits down and starts to play with a flower on her side, not caring for the looks and whispers directed at them. Aldowin leans closer. “You see, I told you you’re a real fairy Prince!” Slyfer feels like punching him in the face, but he has to admit. The title is starting to fit more and more. Especially with the ten bright fairies, now arranged around him!
Sighing he sinks into the chair. An elf runs over to a small stage set up where Slyfer assumes the dance floor is going to be. The dark elf is quiet for a moment, before he speaks. In this time Slyfer can’t help, but notice magic is gathering around him. “Air magic, I wonder what it’s for?” The answer to Slyfer’s question is quickly answered the elf starts to speak.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, please rise and welcome the Queen of Morningstar, beloved leader of the high elves. Everyone stands up, but in the corner of Slyfer’s eye he can see that the King has not risen. Slyfer wants to stand, but the fairies and dragons both shout for him to remain seated.
“If she wishes to play mind games, let’s play.” Says, a fairy’s voice amused. To Slyfer’s surprise it is not a voice from any of the ten around him, but rather the Queen he had met in the forest. The dragons’ reason is far simpler. “A dragon does not rise for anyone, especially not to a Queen who fought against what Slyfer wanted, for four thousand years!”
Luna only looks at the people curiously. Old Sun, as well as the King frowns at Slyfer, but do not say anything. A gust of wind is followed by a woman. Who has a stern yet elegant face. Her hair is almost pure white with a slight tinge of blue. Her dress is also white decorated with diamonds in the shape of a tree. Behind her is a blood-red cape, which reaches her lower back. Next to come in, is her daughter and walking next to her…
Slyfer turns away from the entrance, not sure what to feel. He knew he was going to run into her here, but his heart is racing. “Am I nervous? Angry? What in the hell gates is wrong with me?"
The Queen smiles and waves, as she makes her way towards her seat. She suddenly stops and the smile fades, it was only for a second and only the most perceptible of people would have noticed it. “That chair, and this aura. The same fool who was near the camp a few days ago.” She almost frowns as her senses pick up something that looks grotesque and miss-formed in her inner eye.
Luna shudders next to Slyfer as the Queen’s senses drift over her. Slyfer knows they are being observed. Luna sits a bit closer, shaking and scared. Her instincts are beyond a normal person’s and right now, they are telling her to be very afraid. The Queen makes her way to the table and sits down. Everyone follows suite after her and the hubbub of voices start up again.
The King wants to greet the Queen, but he stops. Her gaze is locked in front of her, it’s locked on Slyfer! He turns his head to look at the boy almost looking forward to see a bit of fear on Slyfer’s face.
Instead, Slyfer is sitting relaxed and without a care in the world. One eyebrow is lifted, as if inquiring.
“What are you looking at?”
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#1 who says fantasy people cant have a red carpet event.
#2 googled it and its the part between your hip and last rib.
#3 anyone that watches Vikings will know it looks pretty badass
#4 If you guys know the proper name for that jersey thingy i would love to hear it.
I apologize to anyone that started reading before my first edit, for some reason all the Italics disappeared.
I know I said I would be posting on Thursday, but the great response I got after asking you guys to rate made me decide to post early. Thanks a lot for that and an even greater thanx for the guys who took the time to give me a review. I know my grammar is pretty bad and my use of commas is simply atrocious, but I am working on it and I hope it shows. My editors are also not available at the moment so, there may be more mistakes I apologize.
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