Briskly walking down a long corridor that due to the lack of windows held no natural light, Kara headed towards the elder's hall that was situated deep within the Moon Clan’s fortress.
Since the Sun Clan had arrived she had been deeply troubled by their strange attitude and offhand remarks.
When the important members of the Moon Clan were present they were all smiles and pleasantries talking about how this was the start of a new era of prosperity and joy for their clans. However, as soon as there was no one of importance around the facade quickly slipped and contempt and ridicule oozed out.
Her recent interaction with Jeff and his personal servant had finally unnerved her enough to share her concerns with her father. -”If my father wasn't so against underhand means I am sure he would have picked up on this already but I guess being surrounded by the entirety of our clan they wouldn't be so foolish as to do anything.”
Apart from scouting, the Moon Clan rarely did any reconnaissance or information gathering in the shadows as it was seen as against their noble nature. Surprisingly due to their pack mentality, making it virtually impossible for outsiders to sneak in or obtain any relevant information and their amazing combat abilities they were not at much of a disadvantage because of this.
A redheaded woman who appeared to be in her late twenties, dressed in a traditional maid's outfit strode down the corridor with purpose, snapping Kara from her thoughts.
“Anne why are you away from the residential area?” asked Kara in a friendly manner.
“Young Mistress, you need to get ready. The celebrations will be starting in less than two hours,” spoke Anne as she politely curtseyed.
“Don't worry, you know it never takes me long to dress.” laughed Kara as she made a move to pass the maid. “I need to speak with father about something important.”
“I am afraid your father has personally asked me to do this young mistress. Please don't put me in a position where I will get in trouble again.” pleaded Anne. “He is also entertaining the Sun Clans primarch and elders.”
-”Drat… Looks like I won't be able to speak to him privately. I guess it can wait until later, it's not like my bad premonition will stop everything in its tracks.” thought Kara as she slowed.
“Fine, let's go get ready but send a messenger to my father telling him that I need to speak with him urgently.” commanded Kara as she changed direction and headed for her residential area.
A little while later standing in the middle of a grand room that contained an enormous queen sized bed and had all kinds of weapons and shields hanging from the wall, Kara was wearing a luxurious silver dress that complimented her petite frame. Her hair was braided and held up by two ribbons, one red and another blue symbolising the Sun and Moon Clan's house colours.
“It's impossible to breathe in this damn thing and how the hell am I going to move freely if I am attacked.” muttered Kara causing the Anne who was dressing her to chuckle.
“Young Mistress, a wedding isn't a battlefield, you don't need to worry about such things.” snorted Anne in amusement.
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“You need to breathe even when not on a battlefield." huffed Kara as she began to purposefully fidget so that the light sparkling off her dress would be directed at the eyes of the maid before revealing a mischievous grin.
After what seemed like an age to Kara, she was finally ready and started to make her way to the ceremony hall. Groups of people were steadily heading there as well and politely greeted her as they met.
Although the majority of attendees were wolf or fox beastkin, many important human nobles were also present. They could be seen glancing out the corner of their eyes at the revealing but elegantly dressed female beastkin in a lustful manner causing Kara to become slightly curious. -”I wonder if our ears or tails are more appealing. The women at their sides are hardly ugly?”
Deciding to wait until the festivities were underway so she could locate an appropriately inebriated target to question, Kara entered the large hall and looked around with a pleasant smile.
The hall was large enough to easily accommodate 300 people and was magnificently decorated with colourful tapestries and sparsely falling, pink petals catching the rays of light. When the petals hit a surface they would be magically transported back to the high ceiling and once again begin their majestic decent.
Large Transparent crystals hung in the air barely noticeable. These crystals were transmission stones that would enable the entire Moon Clan to watch and toast the event. They also had the ability to record so that the members of the Sun Clan that were not present could watch it in the future as the range was fairly limited.
Tall windows that were almost equal to the height of the room lined both walls letting golden sunlight fall onto the white-clothed tables that were dotted around the room. At the head of the room lay the only rectangle table with two vacant seats behind it. The cloth on this table was half red while the other half was blue and would be where the bride and groom would sit once the ceremony was over.
Standing in front of this was a human priest in colourful golden robes symbolising his allegiance to the light. A black heavy book lay in his hands with a single red flame imprinted on the front.
To either side sat two large tables already occupied by the elders and clan heads. They had naturally segregated into their own clans and were talking quietly while giving the occasional glance to the other side.
Kara made eye contact with her father and waved, which he returned, however, his smile was obviously forced. -”I guess he still can't make peace with himself over sister's marriage.”
Looking around she finally saw a table card with her family seal and name on and started making her way towards it before halting her steps realising who was already sitting at the table. The fox her father was with earlier and Jeff were sitting on either side of her chair looking at her expectantly.
There were no sign of the earlier spar on Jeffs' face and he even gave her a beaming smile while waving causing her to feel great discomfort.
-”Why do I have to be on a table with them… At least cousin Geo is there. They won't try to say anything too insulting with him around.” mused Kara as she started to walk again.
As she approached the table, both Jeff and the other fox beastkin stood up and gave a polite bow. “Your beauty puts all others to shame.” exclaimed the fox beastkin as he ogled her. “Thank you sir…?”
“Lord Jenkle, the Sun Clans lead strategist and uncle of Jeff that you have taken such good care of.” said Jenkle as his gaze ravished every inch of her body making Kara feel as if she was standing naked in front of a predator.
“May I sit next to my cousin as it's been an extremely long time since we have seen each other and rarely get a chance to catch up?” asked Kara and without waiting for a response she sat next to Geo and started a conversation leaving a few empty chairs between them.
Disappointment flashed from Jenkles eyes but did not say anything and returned to his seat.
Geo continued to make small talk with Kara, knowing full well he was being used as a shield but not minding in the slightest. He had seen how Lord Jenkle had eyed his cousin and if he had done it anywhere else he probably would've taken an eye in compensation.
Gradually the hall filled and once everyone had taken their seats, trumpets rang out causing everyone to stand in silence. A melodic tune resonated around the room as the large wooden doors slowly opened.