Aeotha Easaahae (the_holy_path) wrote in adusta, @ 2008-08-03 16:52:00 |
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Entry tags: | aeotha easaahae, leironuoth, origins |
A Champions Ball [Leir]
It felt like years since Aeotha had stepped into the castle seeking an audience with the king. Then the mood had been sad on the King's part, Angry on Aeotha's part, the death of Eibhear was a tragedy to all elven kind. Some had taken it much better than others. Eiron, for example, assumed a mantle of new power. Etain moved on to a quiet life, Aeotha had not seen her friend since the funeral. But Aeotha had been standing on the sidelines for quite some time, just watching. She'd already left Ellthorien and had been seeking guidance from a friend in Iasa. A priest who believed in her, and the dreams she'd had. When he was called to attend a ball within the palace. Aeotha got a message as well, both were summoned to be in attendance. It took a night of thinking before Aeotha decided she still owed allegiance to the king. She left the next day on horseback.
Returning to the Capital was not something Aeotha had intended to do for quite some time. Maybe ever. Old memories burned through every new building, every new face. Too much history here. Too many years. She'd wanted to stay away forever, hadn't she? The city was a buzz with news of their army defeating the Orc in another war. Aeotha wasn't sure you could call it defeating, since they always seemed to return with a new army to fight. But there they were, celebrating it. Calling out names of Heroes and every last priest or priestess, nobleman and the like, we invited to a ball held within the palace itself.
She wouldn't attend in the standard frock of a Priestess of Lorien. Not tonight. Instead Aeotha favored a light green gown. She'd be less likely to be cornered by the Priestesses she knew if she was wearing something that was not the frock of white. She left her staff behind at the inn and took the personal invitation and a emerald cloak. Passing through the capital at night could be breathtaking. Each fountain was lit by moonlight and the sound of water cascading down each marble statue seemed to go on for miles even as you left the capital. Aeotha found no peace in it. She found no serenity or enlightenment. Just a gaping hole of what was. Summoned to return to a life she didn't believe belonged to her anymore.
The castle was lit up, thousand of torches, candles, statues of marble and fountains lined the walk. Carriage after carriage, and soldiers on horseback were everywhere. Aeotha passed all silently. She'd come in, greet the King and Queen, have a drink and call it a night. It would be wrong of her to turn away from such an event. She had to pull a smile on as she passed the vast doors of the castle and into the heat of the party. As each person entered they had to hand over their personal invitation, state their name, then be announced to the King and Queen. Then they were to greet them, bows and the like, then move on. Aeotha really would have preferred not to be announced, in fact she almost stopped the Elf from saying her name, but there it was. A few heads turned since Aeotha hadn't been around for a year now. Aeotha moved to stand in front of the King and Queen who were both seated.. Dressed in the most lavish of clothes and decked out in jewels and gold. Aeotha put a hand to her heart, held up one side of her gown and elegantly curtsied before the ruling members of her home country.
The talk was small, the King and Queen were both smiling, Aeotha forced herself to as well. They asked her what she had been doing and why she was no longer inside the main temple. Aeotha simply stated that she was on a journey of discovery. Both seemed amused by her answer and soon Aeotha was free of them. She stepped out into the mass of people and made her way to the drinks table. Around her there was a buss of activity. A group of giggling Priestesses had assembled and were tittering something about the Champion of the Lion being there. Aeotha turned her head, seeking out what they were speaking of. There he was. Face void of anything really. Mute for the most part. Many people were asking him things, it looked like. Some soldiers retelling a war story or two and indicating Leironuoth himself as the valiant hero.
Should anyone have expected less from the Son of Eibhear? Aeotha glanced towards a doorway she knew led to a balcony, hopefully it would be free of people. She took her drink and went that way. She was in luck, alone she was. The stars were all out and the chatter dimmed the further she walked. She pressed herself against the rail and took a drink from the fine crystal flute. She shouldn't have come. What was she expecting? Mourners? Maybe someone who would run up and tell her she'd been dreaming a year ago and that Eibhear was alive and well? That her father would come out of the woodwork and embrace her?
She was such a fool.