The Banquet: Part 1

CH 2 - The Banquet

"Why are you not in your gown Alora? We leave soon, it is best to not keep your father waiting at the castle." Mrs. Tavelin chastised, Sir Savren Tavelin was not a patient man, especially now that he has been promoted and asked to attend this banquet.

Alora looks at the dress she picked out a few weeks ago with her mother and sister. It is a sharp contrast of color compared to that of her sister. Ayla, all dressed and ready to go is twirling her dress back and forth in front of Aylas mirror. "I love my dress momma, I look like a princess." Ayla smiles at her sister and mother.

Alora looks at her mothers and sisters' dresses, her mothers is cream colored, toning well with her light brown locks and round cheeks. Aylas dress is a sunflower yellow with a bright white bow in the back.

"Alora, did you hear me? I am unsure why you choose such a dress in the first place. This is a celebration not a funeral." Mrs. Tavelin sighed to her elder daughter.

"Yes mother, I will do that now." Alora frowned at her mother. Her mother nods her head and leaves the room. Alora has been dreading this moment since she found out about this banquet. This past week she has been going out to the forest as much as possible to expend her magic. If she doesn't use her arcana it builds up and threatens to overspill like an overfilled bucket. That would not be good when there are so many eyes.

Since her mother is no longer in the room, Alora turns to her little sister who is still admiring her dress and hair in the mirror. Alora sends a small amount of energy in Aylas direction. It causes her dress to ruffly and glow. Ayla turns to her sister and beams at her. Alora smiles back but places a finger over her mouth as a reminder to not tell mother. Due to her parents' consistent concerns and fears, Alora has made sure to never show her magic in front of them ever since that day.

Alora walks over to the midnight black dress with navy blue lace accents. The dress is beautiful and not as puffy as the gowns worn by her mother and sister. Alora fiddles with the choker around her neck and eyes the dress again before putting it on. Half of her jet black hair is pulled into a bun while the lower half falls into loose curls to her mid back. She wore no makeup because her bright blue eyes held enough pop of color for her. The dress hugs her waists and hips, something her mother would not approve of normally. A lady wears a layered petticoat, her mother would say. Two small strips of navy blue lace goes down her sides meeting in the back to form a loose ribbon. The dress has a high neck and quarter sleeves which is unlike most women's dresses that show the tops of their breasts. She looked less of a noble woman, that she knew. But her mother knew the only way she'd get her daughter to go was for her to wear a dress of her choosing.

Alora steps out of the room with her younger sister in hand.

"It is not what I had in mind, but you look beautiful my dear." Mrs. Tavelin praised her daughter. "And of course you too my little sweet." They proceed to load into the carriage and head to the castle.

"Do you think we will see the Revenant family, Momma?" Ayla inquired.

"Lydus and his father will be there my dear, I am unsure about Lady Revenant. She may still be ill." Mrs. Tavelin replied. "With how much time Lydus and Alora spend together, I wonder if he will request a dance with her."

Alora's cheeks turned pink and she turned her head to the direction of the window. She has often wondered what Lydus thought of her. He knows almost every side of her. He accepts her magic and treats her like a close friend. Yet, he has never pursued any relations. Even when she came of age years ago, much to her dismay. And now he is escorting Lady Ethel to the banquet. He has often accompanied some women, as he is a very desirable man to the expectant mothers, but she thought since she was going to be there, he would be alone or ask her.

The carriage came to a slow stop and the coachman worded that we had arrived. The door of the carriage gently opened exposing the grand castle and a hoard of families making their way to it. Alora was marveled by the castle. Because it was night, it looked daunting, there were beautiful gardens that lined the walkway through the gate, but the walls were covered in sharp pointy spears, ready to take any unexpecting victim. She shivered with delight and fear. She felt more comfortable as they follow the crowd to the entrance of the castle, she knew she could easily escape the crowds if she needed to.

"I see your father just ahead, girls." Mrs. Tavelin grinned.

Mr. Tavelin was the only other family member who had stark black hair like Alora. He was tall with broad shoulders. They were perfectly squared as he stood confidently. Mrs. Tavelin picks up her pace to greet her husband.

"Hello dear, you look dashing this evening." Mrs. Tavelin purred to her husband.

Mr. Tavelin turned to his wife with a hidden smile. He was happy to see her and wanted to embrace her but this was not the place. He takes her arm on his and gives her hand a few pats which bring a bigger smile to Mrs. Tavelins face. Sevran turns to his girls, "How are my girls doing?" He looks at Ayla then Alora. There is love in his eyes but there is fear too, Alora can sense it. He fears his daughters powers, fears she will undo all of his hard work. One slip and their family can be reduced to nothing, they would be no better than beggars.

Ayla runs to her father and hugs his waist, he smooths his hair. "We are doing good father, Ayla has begun her studies in language and I am still working with the tutor," Alora spoke to her father, telling him what he wants to hear.

"Soon you girls will be here with me, have we begun the packing? I have requested a new tutor be sent to the new house. You will all love it there, it is very spacious." Savren insisted as he led them to the inside of the castle.

The castle had huge, high vaulted ceilings, the walls adorned with the finest arts and statues, the floors had carpets mixed with silks, they looked so elegant Alora feared to walk on them. Once they entered the foyer, her father continued to lead them to the right, just past the drawing room to the main hall. The main hall was the tallest room she had ever seen, it was already packed with many people dancing and laughing. There were balconies peering into the main hall that reminded Alora of the opera she had been to once with her father. There were large, grand doors that led to the outside where tables were placed for the food. Alora felt something ignite within her, the magic she has kept asleep for so long began to stir. She did her best to use her arcane magic to push the curse back down. But she continued to feel this pulling sensation, like it was trying to take her somewhere.

Sevran turned to his family, "Ayla, you stay close to your mother. I will need to speak to the hand of the king, he sent word for me right before your arrival. Alora, do not wander too far from the main halls," he warned. Ayla and Alora both offered a small bow as acknowledgement as Sevran left.

"Ayla and I will go find our tables. Alora I expect you to mingle and dance. I will be looking out to the dance floor." Mrs. Tavelin vowed.

Alora looked around the room, she was aware she was receiving some looks from other guests because of her attire.. She did not mind. At least she was comfortable, she thought. She continued to look around for Lydus who was nowhere in sight. She continued to walk deeper into the sea of people, she felt her mothers gaze heavy on her back. The energy coming off of these people overwhelmed Alora a bit. She worked hard to ignore them and calm herself down. But she knew she must find someone to dance with and soon.