Katrina fidgeted, uncomfortable wearing the long evening gloves that extended to her elbows. Pleasant music played from the strange live band that performed at the dinner party she was now attending. She had grieved for days after hearing the news of Robert, but after many sleepless nights of regret and guilt, she had finally come to terms with his loss. She still cried at night, thinking of all the times they had spent together, but things were different. Life had changed, and she would survive. She glanced at Daniel, who sat several tables away from her. The man was not much of a pillar of emotional support, but he was all that remained of her old life on Earth. That wasn’t saying much as she only met him when they arrived in Pelemont, but still, it was good to talk to another human being every now and then. She was still angry at him and Oros for leaving her behind on their mission to save Robert. But after some thought, she could sympathize somewhat. She noticed that he had turned and had been looking at her, staring at him for some time now. She just smiled awkwardly and looked back down at her gloves.
“Isn’t this just spectacular?” Illya said, sitting to her left. “I love this music; it’s always so calming to listen to.”
Katrina nodded her head. The music was a strange mix of jazz and classical, played with instruments of wood and bone. One did look like a flute, but the musician who played it used his Dunamis to propel the wind through the instrument. Others were contraptions that she couldn’t even compare to anything on Earth. She couldn’t argue with the sound, though. It was pretty catchy.
“Do they have things like this on your world?” Illya asked, sipping from her bowl of wine.
“Of course they do, and I think this might actually be a popular genre of music too. The people where I’m from would eat this up.” Katrina took a long drink from her wine.
“So, how are you feeling now? It has been ages since we’ve been able to just relax.” Illya shifted playfully in her seat, adjusting her very fine velvet-like gown. The Dae Krya was a truly stunning woman and made no attempt to hide her body. Though the attire was not necessarily revealing, it was pressed close to her and complimented the curves of her body very well.
Katrina sighed and drank the rest of her bowl. “I have been terrible, Illya; what do you want me to tell you? There is a lot on my mind lately, as you know. Robert and I did not end on good terms, we had a huge argument, and he left. I was waiting for him to come back so I could apologize for how I treated him, but…”
“Say no more.” Illya put her hand on Katrina’s shoulder. “These things happen. Well… not exactly the same way, I mean, you are from a different world and all, but you know what I’m talking about. Dae men like to get themselves killed all the time… well, the women do too, but… wait… where was I going with this again? Never mind, the point is not to fret and to look forward. When my mother died, I was devastated. She was my inspiration, and not a day goes by that I don’t think of her.” Illya looked down at her empty bowl of wine, lost in some distant memory.
“I’m sorry,” Katrina said.
“Oh, don’t worry about it. I’ve healed. She died some twenty years ago.” Illya signaled for one of the Doulos slaves to bring more wine.
“That’s right… I keep forgetting how old your people can get.” Kat turned to her friend with a smile and nodded in the direction of Daniel. “So, are you going to talk to him tonight?”
“By the spirits, Kat, you are relentless… I love it! A woman after my own heart. Well, you see, it isn’t that simple. I can’t just go over there and speak to him anymore. He doesn’t seem very… uh… interested.”
“What do you mean?” Katrina said.
“Well, I mean. I wore my best dress tonight! And the oaf hasn’t even taken so much as a glance! It is quite infuriating. Besides, if not to make matters even more complicated, he is always with Delmos of House Regios, and everyone in the court knows that he is absolutely in love with me.”
“Daniel!” Katrina called, bringing some inquisitive glares in her direction from the surrounding partygoers.
“Katrina! What are you doing? Shush, stop it!” Illya whispered.
Daniel turned to her with a surprised look on his face. She motioned him to come sit next to her. The man didn’t move; he just looked on with great confusion plastered on his face. After several embarrassing moments, she began to worry. Is he seriously going to ignore me? Katrina thought, irritated. He finally stood and began to walk to her table. Like clockwork, however, his new friend Delmos stood and followed him with his usual passive smug look.
“Why?” Illya pleaded desperately.
“Kat,” Daniel said, nodding his head. “Illya.” The man wore his new officers’ cloak, a deep crimson color with black leathers beneath. After the mission to rescue Robert, he was granted the red of the Lokkadonian elite, and promoted to junior officer of the Lokkadonian military. Delmos and Vissa were both given accolades as well, for their bravery. Only Oros seemed to have been punished by Agron. Being forced to finally bond with Avria, the two of them accepted their responsibility, and had since been trying to spend time together to smooth out their obvious distain for each other.
“My Lady!” Delmos proclaimed, bowing deeply to Illya.
“Oh, by the spirits,” Illya said, putting her hands on her face.
“Why don’t you sit here with us, Dan? We haven’t spoken much lately. I think it would be good for us.” Katrina gestured to the open seat to her right.
“That is impossible,” Delmos said. “There is only one seat! I refuse to let lady Illya sit on my lap; it is inappropriate!”
Illya groaned from underneath her hands.
“Delmos, can you do me a favor?” Katrina asked. “Can you please let me speak with Daniel for a few minutes? I hear you are quite the jester, and normally that wouldn’t bother me, but we have some important things to discuss.”
Daniel looked at him and shrugged his shoulders. “Give me a minute.”
Delmos rolled his eyes and turned to walk toward a large group of young nobles.
Daniel sat down next to Katrina and adjusted his red cloak. “So, what’s going on?”
“Well, I thought it might be good to chat; Illya has been trying to speak with you for some time.” Katrina looked to the Dae Krya.
She fixed her pearl hair and gave her best smile. “Thank you, Kat, I appreciate it, but I know that Daniel has been very busy lately. Fighting Rexunii warriors and all and winning your first battle, congratulations, by the way.”
Daniel was silent at first, but his face began to darken. “Yeah, if only the mission hadn’t failed. Robert ended up…”
“Dan…” Katrina said, returning his look, wordlessly trying to convey her appreciation.
“Yes, it’s a tragedy.” Illya said, somberly. “We know you all did your best. And regardless of what my Father says, it was a very noble thing you and my brother did.”
Daniel again fell silent, looking at the assembled plates and food on their table.
“That aside, Dan,” Katrina continued after several moments, “Illya has been trying to see you. But you’re a hard man to approach.”
“Kat!” Illya said, her face turning a shade of blue. “It’s nothing like that, I just wanted to extend a hand of friendship, and ensure he is doing well. After such a traumatic ordeal for both of you. It is my duty to—”
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
“Come on, Illya,” Katrina said, cutting her off. “Companionship is important for people to stay positive and in a good frame of mind. Illya seems to be very fond of you, and I think it might be interesting for you two to maybe, I don’t know… have dinner or something? Alone? Just to get to know each other.”
Daniel sighed and shook his head. “Illya, I don’t mean to offend you in any way, it’s just a bit much now. Aside from the obvious situation; you’re a Dae and I’m a human. We don’t know if something like that could even… work.”
“Well, I don’t have a penis! So, you don’t have to worry about that,” Illya said, nervousness and embarrassment taking over her. “I’m sorry… I didn’t…” Her face turned an even deeper shade of blue.
Katrina began to laugh, nearly spilling her wine on the table. Daniel just looked at the two, confused and uncomfortable.
“Excuse me?” he asked, seeming completely unsure how to respond.
“Don’t laugh at me, Kat! I am trying my best here,” Illya said, nudging her friend’s shoulder. “You may not know this or understand it, but Dae find you humans to be very attractive creatures. There is something about you all that seems so alien but familiar at the same time. I don’t know.”
“Come on, Daniel, it may do you some good to release the stress.” Katrina wiped the tears from her eyes as she spoke. “Clean the pipes out.”
“You are ridiculous,” Daniel said, trying not to laugh too loudly.
~
Avria adjusted her gown as she entered the hall. There was music, and festivities that, of course, made her feel quite uncomfortable. She cursed under her breath as she tried again to adjust her gown. They never seemed to fit her comfortably. She wore a deep blue velvet-like gown that was the latest fashion in Torre’. Nearly all the attending women wore these. The fabric clung tightly to her curves, and despite all her efforts to the contrary, she drew the attention of many male patrons in attendance.
“You look absolutely divine, my Lady,” a sly and somewhat nasal voice said from beside her. Avria looked to see Lord Bodilla, the father of Eslan and Vikko, bow his head to greet her. “It has been some time since we have all been blessed with the presence of so many of Vul De Rah’s high nobility. Even the Spirit-Sent are here tonight; quite exciting, wouldn’t you say?”
Avria bowed her head in greeting but held back a snide remark about how this party was in honor of the Hego’s bold plan to turn the Torre’ against the Rexunii and not an excuse to bloat Lord Bodilla’s ego in court. “I am very happy to be here, my Lord,” she said, nodding as she used her usual technique of escaping uncomfortable situations by acting as though she were on her way to meet with very important people.
As she made her escape, she scanned the faces of the hundreds of nobles who were in attendance. Looking at where the largest groups were, she could tell where most people of import were. Which was where she would need to avoid going anywhere near. She grimaced as she felt the tight gown irritate her ribs under her bosom. “Damn this spirit-forsaken—” In the midst of her frustration, she looked up and made eye contact with a pair of familiar yellow eyes. She recognized them and the confident grin that accompanied them. Oros made his way to Avria, greeting nobles as he did, but did not stop to chat with anyone. She brushed her gown and straightened it as he approached and gave him a courteous bow. “My Kryo Ignos?”
“Avria.” His smile deepened. “I must say that you look… absolutely stunning tonight.”
Avria blushed uncomfortably as the Kryo complimented her. She was not used to the attention she had been receiving lately from the man. What was once always a coarse and difficult cooperation had become something of a contradiction with what she now knew were open displays of affection toward her. After his return from the south, and Agron forced them to begin the courting process, Oros had expressed a growing genuine interest in her. She had rejected the thoughts at first, but as the frequency of these advances increased, she could not help but share some feelings of her own for him. He was, after all, a handsome Kryo.
“You are too kind, my Kryo,” she said, looking at him with an exaggerated sneer. “I can’t let you get too emboldened now, can I? People will start to think I’ve gone soft.”
Oros let out a laugh and extended his arm, a gesture meant to escort her through the party. She hesitated at first but took his arm.
“It would seem that our efforts in Torre’ were a resounding success. The Baa’Yega have proven to be fair and just allies in this conflict supporting us through a difficult time. Nasha has served us well. She managed to convince the High King to rescind their agreement with the Rexunii and support us instead.” Oros said, trying his best to keep the conversation flowing.
“Yes, I suppose the harlot has some ability after all. Perhaps she spread her legs for the high council, though I hear it isn’t much of a view.”
“Avria!” Oros said, shocked at the vulgarity. “Where is this hostility coming from? I have never seen the two of you argue or fight. I’m surprised.”
Avria huffed. “You know she has never liked me. She always attempted to outshine me at every turn.” She grinned. “But I always win. In power, favor, and now of course…” She gestured toward him.
“Me?” he asked, feigning ignorance.
“Yes, you. I never thought I would see the day, Oros, that I actually developed feelings for such a foolish man, but here I am, disappointed in myself again.”
Oros coughed. “You were never one to mince words. So here we are then, just saying it out in the open. And here I thought I would have to spend months courting you.”
Avria opened her mouth to speak when she heard a loud bang on one of the tables nearby. She turned to see Boros, his fist on the table, and a drunken smile on his face. “By the spirits!” he said, a slight slur behind his words. “My brother and the fabled Lady of House Regios! I didn’t know you had it in you, Oros. She looks like she could eat you alive! Best to wear your plate on the wedding night.”
Boros’ words brought loud laughter from surrounding nobles. This caused Avria’s face to flush and her temper to rise.
“You little…” She hissed, releasing Oros’ arm and striding toward the drunk Kryo.
“By the Spirits!” he yelled, turning and running into the crowd in an exaggerated manner. This brought even more laughter from the spectators, and even Oros was laughing.
~
Katrina sat between Illya and Daniel, pleased with herself as she prodded him with questions. I knew I was a great matchmaker.
“I mean, how is it even possible? I heard you blew up half the glade! You must be very powerful, indeed. Is Katrina that powerful as well?” Illya looked at Katrina closely, raising her eyebrows. She knew the drill; after all, she did invite Daniel to sit with them. Now she was happy to have been reduced to a wingman.
“Oh no, I don’t think so,” Katrina said, taking another gulp from her wine bowl. A warm fuzzy feeling that had been slowly building throughout the night finally started to affect her.
“Please…” Daniel finally said. “This is just… getting ridiculous. No, I did not blow up half the glade. I used a power that I did not understand or have the ability to control.” Katrina heard annoyance start to enter his tone. “I should probably get back to the party. I have some people I invited who should be arriving any minute.” Daniel stood, bowing his head to the Krya. He looked at Katrina. “I need to talk to you, though, so when you get a chance, come find me.” With that, he walked back into the party and out of view.
Katrina could feel the rage from the Dae girl next to her. It was almost palpable. She looked over slowly, afraid of what she would see.
“Utter… rejection…” Illya said slowly, her eyes flashing with anger. “I will not accept this!”
Katrina put her hand on Illya’s shoulder. “It’s… uh, alright. There are plenty of men out there.” This had clearly not gone how she had planned. This guy is complicated, she thought. Illya was gorgeous; Katrina couldn’t believe that he wouldn’t be attracted to her, Dae or not. Maybe he’s into me?
“No... now I just long for him more.” Illya put her head down on the table. “Why am I so foolish?”
~
Daniel waded through the crowd of assembled Dae, trying to shake off the uncomfortable conversation with Illya. It wasn’t any surprise to him that she was interested, she had hardly made any attempt to hide it, but it was still something he found difficult to get past. These creatures were not human. They looked a great deal like them, with the exception of some obvious differences, the most blatant being their strangely colored skin, eyes, and of course, the long canine teeth. All that being taken into account, Daniel felt on a daily basis the lack of companionship in this world. He had spent many months on his own while on deployment in the Marines, but this was different. There, he was surrounded by his fellow warriors, all suffering the situation together; misery loves company.
Daniel heard the raised and arrogant voice of Delmos speaking to someone. He looked to see his friend greeting several Dae who were at the entrance to the party.
“I am honored that you have come to see me, Vissa! I knew you fell in love with me the moment I strode into your camp. I could feel it happening,” Delmos said.
She ignored him for the most part, patting him on the shoulder as she walked past him. Behind her was another familiar face, the young Lokkadonian warrior Kholek, Vissa’s second in command. The Dae looked extremely uncomfortable at the party and had probably been dragged there by Vissa. So far from what Daniel could understand of Dae culture, specifically that of Lokkadonia, they followed a strict caste system, and commoners like Kholek were looked down upon. The man had proven himself invaluable during the battles in the south, holding a not insignificant portion of the raider’s war groups on his own. Daniel felt strongly that valor of such a degree should be recognized and rewarded, one of the reasons Delmos invited him.
“Daniel!” Vissa said, striding over to give Daniel a tight hug. “It is good to see you well.”
Daniel greeted her and looked at Kholek. “I’m glad you came.”
“Not of his own accord,” Delmos chimed in. “To deny an invitation by the Spirit -Sent would have been unwise.” He looked at Kholek, a fair amount of true disdain on his face. “You will do well to remember your place.”
“My apologies, my Lord,” Kholek said, bowing his head.
“Well, the only way he would be allowed to such an event would be under the guise of my personal guard. You owe me, Spirit-Sent.” Vissa smiled mischievously. “I will keep that in mind.”
Daniel shook his head and snorted. “Whatever, you let me know what you want. And I’ll see if Delmos can do it for you.”
“Hey!” Delmos protested.