Ascension - (Alarian Warriors)

A small stage had been set up, an array of plants bloomed as the Priestess walked past them and up the steps leading to the platform at its center. Aveyon close behind, she knew this festival was due to her plans for tomorrow, so she didn’t mind standing beside Kirra for a speech. If fact she welcomed it, Kirra was a great inspirational speaker, and someone she looked up to dearly.

The music quietened down to a low hum in the background as Kirra swept her beautiful gown around her, spinning around to face the on looking crowd and using her essence to conjure a spectacular display of flowers. They seemed to spawn from under her dress as she moved, filling the air with a magical glow as they floated around the platform. Cheers and applause erupted from the small crowd of warriors.

Aveyon looked to the happy faces, and a wave of sadness filled her. They were only a handful of them, so few to face the dangers of a battle yet to come. But this was all that was left of a dying world. All that were able and willing to fight for a chance at a better future, for any future at all.

Kirra spoke. “Tonight, we gather here, like many times before, for a night of celebration. Though tomorrow may bring many hardships, tonight we celebrate!” She paused, allowing a flood of cheers and whistles. “But this night will also be different from all others.” She turned to look at Aveyon with a smile.

The Princess returned the look with one of confusion.

“Please kneel before me Aveyon.” Kirra instructed as serial gasps could be heard.

Aveyon remained puzzled. She glanced at Vincent, who made the slightest of nods, so minuet that she nearly missed it, but it was there. With the reassurance she needed, she moved forward facing Kirra, then knelt before her. This position was a little confronting to her, submitting herself to another, and having them towering over her was terrifying. However, she did not shake, she did not faultier. She truly trusted Kirra; she would throw away her dignity if it would help inspire the people that were willing to give up their lives to follow her into hell tomorrow.

“On this night, I be serge the.” Kirra’s voice was heavenly as it erupted into the night.

The crowd repeated the chant.

“On this night Aveyon of the Alarian’s is accepted as one of the elven warriors.”

Aveyon’s eyes bulged as she looked up at the Priestess, what in the heaven’s was she doing?

“On this night she becomes one with our clan.”

I what now? She stared at Vincent; she could tell he was hiding a snicker. He knew!

“On this night she becomes part of our very being.” Kirra raises her hands to the sky.

Aveyon remained silent and watched in fascination as the elven Priestess hands begins to glow with the faintest of light. Slowly the light grew with intensity until it rippled and swirled all around her. Her eyes, no longer visible as they too filled with a bright light and a small glistening crescent moon formed on her forehead.

Looking like a creature born of pure energy the priestess looked to Aveyon once more, placing a single finger on the Princess’s forehead.

Aveyon felt a light burning sensation that quickly faded leaving a light sting behind.

As Kirra’s body returned to normal, she helped the Princess to her feet and turned her around for all to see. One her forehead the same crescent moon shining brightly, the crowd erupted in the loudest cheer of the night and her heart soared.

I belong here. Were the only thoughts that crossed her mind as she saw all the faces of the happy on lookers with the same crescent moon glowing on their foreheads, Vincent included.

“Welcome to the clan.” Kirra whispered to her alone before addressing the crowd one last time. “We welcome Aveyon as kin this night. Let us celebrate!”

The music roared back to life as the night sky exploded with magical displays once again.

“Kirra...I...Thank you.” She managed, not knowing what else to say.

“May I hug you?” Kirra asked.

Aveyon nodded, and Kirra threw herself at the Princess.

Aveyon burst out laughing. “How long have you waiting to do that?” She asked.

Kirra gripping her so tight she felt it was getting harder to breathe. “So, so long, you have no idea.” she laughed gripping her tighter still.

“Priestess, please don’t suffocate her, I do still intend to dance with her!” Vincent chimed in as he approached, coming to the rescue.

“I do not know how to dance.” Aveyon pointed out.

“You have danced plenty on Alarious.” Vincent retorted.

“That is on Alarious, the dancing would be different here.” She tried to deflect.

“It’s not hard to learn, I can help.” Kirra added excitedly.

“I know both, so it does not matter regardless.” Vincent tried.

“Perhaps I should watch first?” Aveyon offered.

“Are they trying to get you to dance already?” Erisena joined the small gathering with an offering of a drink for Aveyon.

She took the beverage with thanks. “Indeed, but I have not the know-how.”

“Nonsense, you simply move to the music, it is not hard my girl. Besides you have a stew of people lining up to dance with you.” She laughed, with no veil hiding her face, her fangs were in full view of all to see. But as Aveyon had told her, no one cared.

“A line?” She asked.

“See for yourself.” The elf gestured to the group gathered not far off to her side.

There stood Erosvent, Samuel and Zerophenous. The three were clearly waiting for her, but all she could see in that moment was Erosvent.

A wave of emotions filled her as she saw him after all this time. Memories flooded her mind as she played their past over. The guilt crept, she remembered how cold and horrible she had treated him at the sanctuary.

“Excuse me to one moment.” She handed Vincent her drink to hold.

“Of course, my dear, but I do also want a dance.” Erisena called after her.

Aveyon ran for Erosvent, barely giving him time to react. Her dress flowing around her, like out of a dream as she headed for her family. Her mother’s brother, her uncle.

“Uncle Eros!” She wrapped her arms around his neck, jumping into his arms and embracing him.

He caught her with ease spinning her around. His shock turning to a loving smile as he returned the embrace, holding her tight.

“Little Ava, I see you have returned to somewhat of your old self.” His voice cracked as he spoke, but she could tell he was relieved.

“I am so sorry uncle, so very sorry. I love you, more than you know. Forgive me.” She felt the tears welling up, blinking several times; she willed them not to fall. “The way I acted; I was horrible.”

“Hush my girl. I would never hold it against you. I of all people knew what you had been through.” She felt him quiver in her hold, he was holding back his own tears.

Pulling back and releasing him from her hold, she wiped her tears before they could run down her face. “How is Elaina? And the child?” She asked.

“As well as can be, she misses you very much.” He reached forward and gently wiped a tear that escaped from her cheek. “You look lovely tonight; it has been decades since I have seen you in such a dress.”

She smiled; it was fitting really. He had been the one she would dance with at the royal balls when she was a child. He held out his hand and bowed, an invitation to begin. She placed her hand in his and he walked away from the small group. All the others on the dance floor moved to form a circle around the two, she didn’t mind. The Alarian’s dance was a long-forgotten tradition until now, they must all be curious.

Taking their positions facing each other, Zero, Erisena, Kirra and Vincent were close at hand and ready. As there were parts in this dance that you would swap partners. Lifting one arm the pair mirrored each other, their feet stepping to the beat of the music, flowing in one direction. Swapping their arms, they changed direction and circled each other. She remembered each step like it had only been yesterday when he had taught her. On their next direction swift their hands would touch, locking together. Erosvent spun her around under his raised arm and her dress flared out. Kirra smirked her eyes trained on the two while dancing with Vincent. With a flick of her finger, she made blue butterflies burst from under the folds of fabric of her dress, a beautiful display.

After a short while of waltzing together, they separated and raised their arms mirroring each other again. On the next changed of direction Aveyon spun away from Erosvent to be met with Zerophenous. She noticed that Erisena had taken her place with Erosvent copying what she had done with ease. The new pair repeated the dance until it was again time to change partner, more elves joined the dance, and a large ring of dancing patrons filled the square in no time.

The dance went on for many rotations, and just when she was about to reach Vincent as her next Partner the music changed, and Kirra cut in. She could feel Vincent’s frustration and knew the Priestess was doing it on purpose. She couldn’t help by smile and laugh at the little antics.

“It’s time for you to learn our traditional dance.” She took Vincent’s hand and led him to the center.

This time all the elves started with a partner at the same time as Kirra and Vincent. Vincent sighed but complied as Aveyon looked on in wonder. The music was faster, more energetic, and so were the movements. The ball room dance from before, though elegant, and easier to mimic, was nothing compared to this.

Kirra faced away from Vincent raising her arms high above her head, clapping twice to the beat she began to move. Her hands cupped the fabric of her skirts as she swished them to the beat and moved her feet. It was a flamboyant display and one she could see Vincent was not enjoying. She laughed as Kirra exaggerated her movements, throwing her head back and kicking her legs higher than the other woman. This dance relied heavily on the men, in parts they would sweep the women off their feet, spinning them around. A mirage of flowing dresses filled the square and Aveyon couldn’t help but smile and happily clap along.

Aveyon began to mimic the movements as the dance repeated, Kirra caught this and called Samuel over. She placed Aveyon in front of Vincent and took her place in front of Samuel. Raising her arms above her head, Aveyon followed. With the clap of her hands, she lowered her arms and griped her skirts and became to move her feet.

Vincent’s hand gripped her waist gently lifting her into the air for a kick, she began to find it hard to concentrate on what Kirra was doing. Vincent’s hand slid from her waist to find her hand for the next movement, her heart began beating so loud in her chest, it was all she could hear.

The rest of the world fell away as he spun her around and griped her in his arms, gently leaning her back. She suddenly realized this was quite an intimate dance with your partner. In the positions where her back was turned to him, she was pressed square up against him, their bodies moving in complete unison. When she was facing him, she could feel his breathing on her skin, the heavily labored gasps filling her ears as the music fell away.

The next move took her breath away, he lifted her, both hands on her waist, her feet completely leaving the ground. Her hands rested on his shoulders as he slowly lowered her down, sliding her body against him as he began to bring her back down to the earth. She was still hovering in the air when their eyes met, their faces only inches from each other.

She lent in, and their lips meet. Her eyes closing as she kissed him; he returned the tinder kiss. Wrapping his arms tightening around her and spinning her in a circle. She broke away bursting out in laughter as the world spun around her.

Placing her on her feet once more, she placed her head against his chest. “Vincent?” She began, gaining courage she never knew she had. She could feel his heart beating as hard and fast as her own. “Will you spend the night with me?” She asked.

“I don’t intend to sleep anywhere else.” He responded clearly not understanding.

“That is not what I meant.”

“And what did you mean?” he asked, whispering in her ear.

She was spun away from him and back so that her chest was lightly pressed against his, every movement he made she could feel beneath the thin layers of fabric. “As a man and woman.” She concluded.

She felt his demeanor stiffen beneath her, as his body grew tease. He stopped dancing, looking down at her slightly shocked. “You don’t mean...” He trailed off not knowing how to say it.

“I-I wish to know what it truly feels like to be with a man that I care about.” Her words stuttered as she tried to confidently speak.

“With me?” He seemed confused.

She laughed. “Yes, with you Vincent. If you would like that too...” She trailed off, she hadn’t thought this through, and it had just come out, completely forgetting that she was broken-

His arms were still wrapped around her as he gently swayed to the music again. He moved one hand to cup her chin raising her head to meet his eyes. She saw a fire burning in those brown eyes that shocked her. “Tell me what you feel from me when I let my feelings for you lose.” He offered.

“Let them loose?” She questioned.

He bent his head down capturing her lips with his own. This kiss, a more passionate one than the first surprise peck. Her breath caught; she hadn’t expected this. She felt the moment he dropped the guard on his emotions, she hadn’t even known it was there. She gasped against his lips as a feeling of desire flooded through her. Her body unexpectedly ached into his. She felt her body melt into him as he deepened the kiss further.

“Does that answer your question?” Breaking off the kiss his voice was harsh and rugged.

“Yes...” She answered in a whisper while burying her burning face in his chest. He felt her embarrassment and helped her hide it by gently swaying her to the music.

The night was spent dancing, drinking ale and plum wine and enjoying various foods she’d never tried. And yet it all seemed to come to an end all too quickly. Had she moved too quickly? Would he want her, was this really okay?

He chuckled beside her. “You’re doubting herself and me again.”

“Sorry.” she sheepishly said.

He gripped her hand with his own and gently pulled her away from the festivities. The crowds were already beginning to thin out as the evening was coming to a close. It seems while they had been dancing with each other for so long most others had paired off and taken their leave.

Erisena nodded a goodnight to her and Kirra was nowhere to be seen. “Is it okay to just... Leave?” She asked.

“I’m pretty sure most people are already under the sheets together.”

“Vincent!” She was sure she could no longer hide the blushing from him.

He cackled as they walked the dimly light streets back to the inn, she quickly averted her gaze as a couple down an alley way were eagerly enjoying each other’s company. Heavens, he was right.

They remained silent as she followed him back to the solitude of the inn, the entrance was unmanned, which was to be expected. And it didn’t take long to get up the stairs and reach the door to their small room. He didn’t rush her, he didn’t push her, in fact this whole time he had walked slightly behind her.

She paused at the door, about to open it. “Vincent, the second part of the bond...”

Opening the door for her, he gently pulled her inside. Turning to face her after shutting the door, no one else needed to hear this conversation. “Yes?”

“Would you be okay with completing it?” She asked.

“We don’t need to; you can already talk to with your spirit abilities.” He paused for a moment. “Unless...” He frowned. “Unless we are not in the same realm.”

Her bottom lip quivered as she held back tears. “You catch on quick.” It was time she told him, he desired at least that much.

“You can’t stop me from going with you tomorrow.” He began to protest.

She wrapped her arms around him and lent her head against his chest. “It is not that, I would never ask that of you.”

He seemed confused by her words, lowering them both to the comfort of his futon, he gently stroked her hair. “What is it, why do you think we will be separated?”

“What I must do on Alarious, what I want to do. It will cause me to be bound to it, but it is the only way.”

“Then I will stay with you.” He offered.

She shook her head against his chest. “No, I need you here, in Earth realm.”

“You have a plan then?”

“Yes, but it is not a simple one. I will not be bound to Alarious forever, but I also do not know for how long. It is selfish... I still wish to be connected to you, if you feel the same.”

“I do, it is only a theory, but you suspect that a bond like that will transcend realms?” There was no hesitation.

“If anything, it would make the separation a little better, easier to bear.” She pushed back looking up at him. “At least I hope it will. It was bad enough for that sort while...”

“Aveyon, I would do anything for you. I will wait for an eternity if I had too.” He placed a kiss on the back of her hand. “I love you.”

“Thank you, Vincent.” She reached up and undid her hair.

He blinked at her confused.

“I will not back down now, you will show me, won’t you?” Standing she slipped the silk blue gown from her shoulders and stepped out of the garment. She stood before him only in her sheer top and undergarments, she was nervous yes, that she couldn’t deny, but she wanted to know, she wanted him.

“Are you really sure about this?” His concern warmed her heart.

“Leave me with new memories to look back on when I look at my body. When I see myself, let me remember you.” She wrapped her arms around herself turning her head away.

Vincent was quick to act. He pulled her down onto his lap so she was straddling him. She had no choice but to cling to him. “You tell me to stop at any point, we’ll take this slow okay, at your pace.”

She nodded. “Okay.”