[B2] Chapter 95 — Honoring the Spring Moon Festival

Even awash in pride Ria was feeling a bubbling nervousness at the extent of the gathering below.

Nevermind the dean of the Grand Academy! Ambassadors! The City Administrator of Safety and Sanitation and The City Administrator of Public Services! More high officials than she could count! Merchant heiresses, and more!

Four high priests had gathered for her debut, two she invited and two she didn’t. She couldn’t assume that the other high priests were there for her, but…

At least, the High Council wasn’t there… as far as she could tell!

And to make matters worse, In the back of her mind, Ria could feel the slight pull of fate against her again. It wasn’t as strong as before, but there was no way she could go off somewhere to meditate, either.

Fortunately her shadow aura seemed to naturally resist it. She channeled more of her divinity’s sense of unconstrained and indomitable will into her aura and felt the chain of fate recede further.

Her efforts drew a concerned glance from Phaelys, but she gave him an easy-enough smile and his arm a light squeeze to signal she was fine.

Even with what should have been overwhelming nervousness continually making itself known beneath the surface, she was surprised at how calm her mantle of pride allowed her to be considering where she was—a former peasant girl waiting her turn to descend into a ball room filled with the political elite of the continent’s largest country alongside a boy of royal descent to join them, to become one of the elite of this powerful nation.

If it had been like the thousands of eyes and deafening cheers of the arena, her blood would be burning and her heart filling her with the need to move. Rather, she greedily took in every detail to savor this childish dream become reality, to claim this reality for herself.

The peasant part of her that wanted to flee, escape, and hide was there screaming in panic, but another part of her, a part of her she now knew had been there all along, demanded that it was right she take her proper place at the lead of these elites, these mortals.

She reigned that last thought back before it could seep into her aura too much, but she still leaned into the burgeoning sense of belonging. Projecting confidence, both her mother and Lady Janacythe had stressed it. No, this was a step beyond confidence. A surety of place. Dominance.

She was ready.

Ooohs, gasps, and excited whispers were meeting Faris and Iselyn’s descent to the hall, she and Phaelys would be next.

“Honorary Lieutenant Ria of Shadewood, Apprentice of the First Circle, Hero of the Siege of Vorshan’s Hills, Champion of Vesali City’s Divinesday Newcomer’s Tournament, and her escort, Sir Mage Phaelys of House Vesali, Initiate of the Flowing Crystal, Four-time Champion of Vesali City’s Divinesday Newcomers Tournament!”

“Chaperoning our youths today, we have the illustrious Lady Janacythe of House Vesali, Elder of the Flowing Crystal, wife of Master Mage Ignus of House Harwen, Mistress of Harwen Estate! And Sir Mage Orlisi of House Yurren, Disciple of The Nurturing Tempest, Initiate of the First Circle, Four-time Champion of Vesali City’s Divinesday Newcomer’s Tournament!”

Ria regally glided down the stairs, her steps synchronized with Phaelys’ and her gaze placidly scanning over those gathered slightly over their heads, not lingering or acknowledging. Ria caught sight of a few friends and people she had invited as she and Phaelys unhurriedly walked the empty space between the assembled guests and the event’s hosts. Ranger kept pace alongside, his posture proud.

Faris and Iselyn were just approaching Lord Jevaran and Lady Asara ahead of them, and Phaelys skillfully led her to turn and face the guests as they waited. Ria let a subtle smile grace her at her partner’s insight into the moment.

Orlisi and Lady Janacythe joined, stopping to stand supportively behind, and Ria let the crowds’ murmurs drift over her.

“A goldseeking commoner?”

“A dog-type familiar…?”

“… makes sense if she’s following the military path…”

“…support of elven House Yurren…?”

“Has she always been this strong and just hiding her power?”

“It’s to the extent you feel hints of truths leaking out…”

“Such a pure affinity…”

“How is it possible? She looks like she belongs beside Young Lord Phaelys…”

“I heard there was a foreign princess among the first years this year. Could she be a royal in exile?”

“A shadow-affinity royal… could she be from House Vor`Xern?”

Ria’s ears perked up at the mention of an unfamiliar House—presumably foreign. She would have to ask Phaelys about it later and maybe do some research of her own.

A glint of moonlight reflecting off a floating cube suddenly caught her attention—a holocube! She discreetly cycled her energy to calm her thumping heart. For an event this important, with so many officials present, it made sense that those who couldn’t attend would still desire to watch or, at least, know of the new debutants.

Ria knew debuting would be a life-changing event, but seeing the holocube really drove home the reality. She would no longer be able to hide after tonight. If that cube was anything like the one Leriah had purchased, anyone with access to the recording would be able to feel the ‘royal’ shadow-aura she was wrapped in tonight—an aura not suppressed by Hemse’s medallion.

Her gaze took in the four High Priests—er, three High Priests and High Priestess Elora—all looking her way with curiosity and talking quietly among themselves and their attendants. The High Priest wearing Xander’s symbols seemed openly amused about something. Were they here to publicly acknowledge her as Hemse’s saintess?

Before she could spiral too far down that rabbit hole, Phaelys lightly patted her hand that was holding his arm and resumed the approach to greet the hosts.

Having gone first, Ophesia and Nielle were already there, looking haughty and defiant lined up to the side of Lord Jevaran just outside the bubble of privacy magic. Faris and Iselyn watched them from Lady Asara’s side.

“Oh? This is interesting,” Lord Jevaran mused, inspecting Ria as her party approached. “Not just a lovely shadow-attuned dress, but projecting limited aspects of your aura to hide its true nature! That is a delightfully advanced technique for one so young. I had sensed it from a distance, but this is an unbelievable change from the exploratory steps taken at our prior meeting. I cannot help suspecting Asara’s involvement—ah, where are my manners!”

“Welcome to my home again, Ria, Sir Mage Orlisi.” The Novidus lord in charge of the city’s eastern defense smiled engagingly and spread his hands. “And Sir Mage Phaelys and Lady Janacythe. Having our two Houses celebrate together—for Sir Mage Phaelys’ young lady cousins to debut at my wife’s event even—it is quite the unexpected honor and, gods’ willing, but a taste of a more cooperative future.”

Phaelys inclined his head slightly. “Thank you for the heartfelt welcome again, Lord Jevaran. I would say it is a simple matter of honor, but the celebration itself will be sure to entertain and be worthy of Cousins Ophesia and Nielle’s debuts. With the Divine Ancestors’ grace, social engagement between our Houses will become more accepted by the elders.”

Lady Janacythe swished her fan open, displaying Vesali-themed artwork. “Though House Novidus’ involvement in ending the monarchy will always be a sore point between our Houses, it is undeniable that Crysellia has prospered under the leadership of the Novidus-led High Council. There is little to be gained by seeking power that is no longer ours simply for power’s sake. That said, a seat on the council would be nice.”

The last part Lady Janacythe said with almost a snort, clearly disdainful that it would ever come to pass.

“It may well be time for House Novidus to support a Vesali seat,” Lord Jevaran offered with a wry smirk—to clear surprise from Phaelys and Lady Janacythe.

“Is that the position of the head?” Lady Janacythe almost gasped with both eyebrows raised.

Lord Jevaran exchanged a confirming glance with Lady Asara. “It is a matter I am willing to support and has been considered by the head in recent discussions.”

“The Vesali elders will respond favorably, I’m certain,” Lady Janacythe said, her expression serious and thoughtful. “If this progresses to more than talk…”

Lady Asara leaned forward. “Regardless of the reasons House Vesali has set aside past enmity today, know that I personally appreciate the presence of such prominent Vesali youths actively participating here. I will not forget the favor bestowed upon this event. Additionally, there may be those that target Ria in various ways tonight. I could not ask for a better sword and shield to be at her side to guide her debut, and for that, House Vesali also has my thanks.”

“It is a duty willingly enjoined,” Phaelys demurred, standing a bit taller at the honor to his House.

“Indeed,” Lady Janacythe agreed. “Other considerations aside, thus far, I have been quite pleased with young Ria’s effort and potential, and if there really is more to come of this cooperation to such an extent… then action by others might become increasingly more of a concern.”

“It is surely as the lady says,” Lady Asara concurred and turned her attention to Ria. “Ria, you have impressively improved both your aura technique and etiquette and should be proud of your achievement. Excellent job on Ranger’s preparation as well.”

Ranger stood proud, and Ria dipped an acknowledging curtsy. “Thank you for the compliment, Lady Asara. My Order’s resources proved indispensable at a key moment in my training. Everything else, for myself and Ranger, is thanks to Lady Janacythe’s assistance and advice.”

“Woof,” her familiar solemnly agreed.

Lady Asara had to hide a moment of mirth behind her hand but soon recovered. “While the current aura density is fine—even laudable considering the emotions of the evening—the energy expenditure looks a bit heavy to my eyes. Remember, keep your aura tight but delicate—just enough to subtly influence the people interacting with you. Do not overdo it. You need your energy and focus to last the full evening.”

Ria wanted to grimace but resisted the poor etiquette that might be seen by the holocube or guests and simply smiled and nodded. “Unfortunately, this much is needed to resist the fate magic that is currently being worked against me.”

That ominous revelation drew sharply concerned looks from five sets of eyes. Lady Asara turned her gaze meaningfully at Phaelys, and the older boy gave a more serious nod.

The lady’s gaze turned to Orlisi, and the elf girl saluted fist to hand. “House Yurren will protect Ria and her honor.”

“Everything is in its place and the task is before us,” Lady Asara encouraged with a nod, pulling her shoulders back to stand straighter, then her eyes looked out at the guests and crinkled with private amusement. “In light of the High Priest of Xander here, I shall assume the situation appropriate to wish all of us Xander’s Luck.”

With continued pomp and a bit of wry levity from Lady Asara’s blessing on the night’s endeavor, Ria let Phaelys guide her to their place beside Faris and Iselyn. Lady Janacythe and Orlisi continued on to join the watching guests.

Aldri and Keira were already approaching to greet Lord Jevaran and Lady Asara by the time Ria turned her attention back toward her friends.

Did the Priest of Xander signal something to Lady Asara? Did she know something?

No, that wasn’t what was important. Ria’s thoughts couldn’t help returning to the conversation with their hosts and the issue of House Vesali not having a seat on the High Council. From the Crysellian history she had studied, the Vesali had been denied a seat on the High Council and city governance to prevent them from re-establishing power over the levers of government after the dissolution of the monarchy. To change that would bring the wealthy and powerful Vesali roaring back in political importance. For the Novidus and Vesali to join forces in political matters and for the Vesali to return to government—even in a more limited role—would be a political earthquake.

How to feel about being involved in politics of that scale? Ria certainly wasn’t happy about her involvement making her a further target, not after having already faced assassins. For her long-term goals though, seeing the Vesali strengthened was important, particularly if her future was to join their House.

Ria nodded to her friend and her Ordermate when they passed to take up position beside her. Keira looked nervous but excited. Aldri’s eyes kept drifting to the priests.

Contemplating the aristocracy’s games of power, Ria watched more pairs of debutants continuing to be announced and take up positions on the side with Ophesia and Nielle after greeting Lord Jevaran and Lady Asara. Just like with her and Phaelys, the chaperones joined the guests after paying the hosts their respects.

“Presenting Amilee of House Clearwell, initiate of the Order of Inquisitors for the High Council. Apprentice to Inquisitor Duelleres of House Novidus. Escorted by Ian of Densford, initiate of the Order of Inquisitors for the High Council. Apprentice to Inquisitor Duelleres of House Novidus.”

Amilee did her best to ignore Ria entirely as she approached the host couple. Keth’yan amused himself by using the eyes at the end of his tentacles to grin shiver-inducing grins like in the last time he saw her. The shapeshifter did seem to be enjoying his new status.

A few snide comments were made about the patchwork dress, but only the most foolish seemed to risk speaking poorly of Inquisitors, as the comments seemed to be quickly hushed or met with quiet nervous laughter. Maybe spreading that fear was part of Duelleres’ plan? That expensive fabrics were used might even have been done to flaunt the disregard to normal aesthetics.

“A powerful familiar, that shapeshifter,” Phaelys commented in Ria’s ear.

“Woof?” Ranger asked Phaelys quietly.

“I am sure you will continue to grow strong, Ranger,” the Vesali boy discreetly told her familiar, and Ria blinked at him in surprise. “You are investing heavily in your familiar’s growth. His improvement is almost as dramatic as your own.”

“You’re not wrong…” Ria admitted and glanced down at her deepways hound.

Satisfied in his future superiority over the tentacle cat, Ranger put extra effort into looking regal in his new collar and perfectly groomed glimmering fur.

Not long after Amilee, Arthur and Aeri were announced. The quiet musical tinkling of Arthur’s jester bells did draw interest in the pair. Both looked nervous but determined as they took up their place beside Keira and Aldri. Thanks to Lady Vienne’s and Orlisi’s work, Aeri didn’t look out-of-place in front of such prestigious guests. Though the pair did look much more approachable than the rest of their party—which was probably important for them with their need to make connections.

A few other commoner children from wealthy families were announced, and when the last took up their positions, Lady Asara stepped forward to address her guests.

“I thank all of my friends who have gathered today to join us in celebrating the gift of Selune’s gentle light, that she may again provide her blessing of magic to this spring’s crops. Priestess Nelanyne, if you would lead the prayer.”

A long-eared elf wrapped in gracefully flowing layers of ethereal fabric stepped forward from the front row of guests and fluttered her way to stand facing the gathering before beginning to speak with a celestial cadence.

“The light of Anasera is pure, burns away darkness, and reveals truth where it shines, but when reflected it takes on the property and truth of that which stands in the face of His searing light. As the goddess of magic, Selune does this for us, withstanding Anasari’s light so that her magic might be spread to the world she watches over.

“The frost elves of the frozen north have a saying: In winter’s long night, it is Selune’s gentle light that provides comfort by bringing beauty and magic to the unrelenting cold. That winter magic blesses the seeds which would become the plantings of spring, the growth of summer, and the harvest of autumn.

“And as the winter now fades into spring, we call down Selune’s blessing upon the crops to be planted, such that they be imbued with Her magic.”

As the blessing of moonlight strengthened and true moonlight shone down through the arched glass of the ceiling, a few quiet gasps of “Moon Elf!” caused Ria to glance around and realize several of the guests were pointing her way… no, not her way. Iselyn’s eyes, hair, and bare skin were glittering and surrounded by a soft glowing light.

Ria was sure her friend hadn’t wanted the attention, but the Moon Elf girl was blushing and looking shy for a different reason. Faris, at her side, had just breathlessly whispered out the word “Beautiful…” and was staring, stunned by the change.

But, it was not just Iselyn that was glittering with celestial light, Faris, Keira and Aldri, Arthur and Aeri, and she and Phaelys were as well, but even so, Iselyn was the one Lady Asara was observing with a secret smile, and Ria realized what Lady Asara had done.

A quick scan with magesight confirmed that it was the enchanted crystal powder left behind by the special lotion and hair oils that was giving off a soft glow. Lady Asara had made it look like an effect of Lady Vienne’s design, building a web of doubt to hide the true nature of Iselyn’s bloodline—making it a point of showmanship and gossip, event lore from one of the more prestigious events of the year to be debated by the guests and the Daily Shadow rather than a matter of fact.

As Ria watched Iselyn, Faris looked down and lightly ran his fingers along the subtly glittering and mind-mage-branded hand Iselyn had tucked into the crook of his arm—as if to test the physicality of an illusion. The way the couple became awkwardly embarrassed at the contact could have been a scene out of a romance novel.

Ria couldn’t help a glance at her own escort and noticed Phaelys was watching the scene play out between the pair with a faint but distant smile on his lips.

Had the display interested him or amused him?

Ria leaned close to whisper. “What is it?”

“The Novidus make a show of mysterious-seeming, glittering, reflected light in much the same way the Vesali do with the interplay of refracted light. Different, but both used to dazzle and impress.”

“Thank you for the wonderful blessing, Priestess Nelanyne,” Lady Asara spoke up with a nod in the priestess’ direction before, again addressing the gathering and motioning to the youths gathered before her. “Next, we will have the debutants open the celebration with a round of dance followed by more dancing and the traditional display of talent!”

As the musicians began the preparatory refrains of music, the guests moved toward the walls to clear space for the dance, a hum of excited whispers filled the hall.

Ria allowed herself a breath.

It was time to perform.

Ranger would be staying behind with their chaperones to watch, but he energetically cheered her on through the bond, bringing a hint of smile to her lips.

Thoughts of politics and danger set aside by the celebration that had finally arrived, Ria was determined to have Phaelys enjoy the dance, and during her dance practice with Hulle, she had come up with just the idea to win over her battle-glory-obsessed partner.

As Phaelys led her to a central spot on the dance floor beside Faris and Iselyn, she launched her opening gambit, “I’ve been surprised at how much you dislike dancing when it is, in reality, another type of combat—a duel of sorts.”

“Is that how you see it? Why you get so excited?” Phaelys asked, mildly amused as he held up his hand in the starting pose for her to meet it with hers.

“Of course. It is an excellent practical for my flexibility training and elven martial arts—controlling my strength and skill to best my opponents with style, visual power, and grace, whether those opponents are the other dancing couples…” Ria put on one of her best challenging smirks, hand firmly placed against his. “…or my dance partner.”

The gem-haired noble boy blinked twice before a laugh broke free from him. “It’s a good attempt, Ria, but I am doubtful a change in mindset is enough to overcome endless years of joyless tutoring.”

Ria frowned and the boy quickly added, “But it is an interesting idea, and I wouldn’t think of turning down your challenge.”

Her mood soared, and she almost missed the set of notes signaling the start of the dance. As they boldly spun and stepped in sync with the other debutant couples, gliding with ease across the gleaming stone beneath them, she reminded herself not to show eagerness but grace and control.

When the first time through the dance’s steps was completed flawlessly, or close enough, Ria began to challenge Phaelys with subtle variations in footwork and timing, making use of her flexibility in ways that required more and more for him to compensate for her center of gravity during the parts where they held hands, showing trust that he would rise to the occasion and not let her fall.

Slow to almost a pause, then explode into twirl!

The feeling was exhilarating.

Made even more so, when she earned a faint smile from Phaelys, the boy who hated dancing.

Thankfully, the pride of her bloodline kept her growing smile challenging and sinister, or she would have ruined all her efforts. Innocent exuberance was not an expression a royal should show—as Lady Janacythe had correctly pointed out. She channeled the excess energy surging from her emotions into increasing the density of her aura, and shadows began to trail from her hair as she moved, hanging in the air like floating motes of darkness.

Her challenge didn’t go unnoticed, and a couple subtly adjusted their path to lead to a collision. Ria vaguely recognized the boy and girl as both sharing her Abjuration class. She could only suspect the deference shown to Ophesia and Nielle earlier had emboldened the fools.

Before inviting Phaelys into a series of moves that would direct them around the interfering couple, Ria filled her eyes with sinister intent and made sure to make eye-contact with their adversaries, causing the couple to stumble to a stop, turning pale.

A flare of predatory instinct arose in her while passing the pair, and Ria briefly added it to her aura as she returned her challenging eyes to Phaelys.

“Combat indeed,” Phaelys chuckled.

Ria flashed her teeth at her partner and joined his laugh. When next the couple came into view, the boy was helping the trembling girl off the dance floor, not looking much better off himself.

The effort had used more of her energy than she would have liked relative to the need to last the full evening, but the result was worth it.

“An excellent opening performance by our youth!” Lady Asara enthused as the dance concluded. “Let us take a moment to greet the new aspirants to the social scene, and then the dance floor will welcome all celebrants to join in the festivities!”