Chapter Thirty One
"May I have this dance," Lord Oldin bowed offering his hand to a flustered Alia. They were standing in a the crowded ballroom. Its polished tiles shining twice as bright under the golden chandeliers. The room was decorated from ceiling to floor with streamers and roses of white and gold that perfumed the hall. In one corner was the largest tables, piled high with mouth watering delectables one could ever imagine, courtesy of Netly. And on a raised platform, a band of musicians were playing so skillfully at the violin and harps. And the atmosphere was light and cheery. It was like prom all over again. Only looking at her diamond strewn gold and white ball gown and her knight who wore a golden embellished white coat and was offering a fashionably gloved hand, she thought 'only better'. This was a fairy tale prom.
She took his hand and allowed him to lead her onto the dance floor.
After a dance or two, Candy Orpha and Dira draged her off to try the ising berries and the donuts, the crem tarts and the corn wine.
The festivities lasted a whole day, after the manner of Delorian Parties.
And as the eve drew to a close, Alia found herself among the company of her sisters and their doubles. They had all had the standard helping of berries and were in good spirits.
"Ugh! I can't believe I allowed myself to get captured". Candy had been beating herself up since last night. She could not bare to think her coward of a sister, Alia had been in battle, while she had been the damsel in distress.
"Don't worry" Orpha offered "Me and Rwen her turned the tides for you guys. But next time we'll leave you a piece of the action!"
"Yeah". Rwen smiled "But it's really Elrod that's the true hero! He was my knight in shining armor! When I got lost trying to track you down Candy, this great creature came out of nowhere and I thought I was a goner. Until he showed up and sliced its tentacle clean."
"Wow!" Orpha exclaimed peering at Elrod in disbelief, "you dared to face Gauberii?!"
Elrod was a deeper shade of pink. As he tried to make himself smaller behind Rwen.
"Yes. I too wish to know how you tamed the infamous beast". Queen Jensari had finally joined them.
Everyone was silent, waiting for him to share the story. Glancing at Rwen for help, he shuffled forward.
"Well your highness..."
"The beast tracked us from town to town, sniffing us out like prey. We were trying to get back to castle, when one night, he found us!" Both the people of Gauberhodgy and Delorel loved a good story, their favorite was short and engaging with lots of pauses to build suspense. Lucky for them, this was just the sort of story Rwen loved. "He roared loudly " she stepped in front of Elrod so as all eyes were on her. "Crawling closer, his dreadful eyes fixed on me with so much hatred. Then he lunged" They gasped as she lurched forward. "I screamed and fainted and when I awoke, I saw Elrod, battling the great beast with the strength of ten men and the courage of a lion". They turned there eyes to try and find the great warrior, Elrod. "But then Gauberii dashed his sword away and it seemed like the end! We were doomed." She faked a faint, back into his arms. And Alia was suddenly wishing she would hurry along but the rest seemed to be enjoying it all the more. She popped an eye open, before straightening. "And as he beared down, Elrod spoke up with a loud voice. In a strange tongue. And the beast was pacified."
"Wow you really should take up poetry". Alia gloated as they cheered for Rwen.
But they had not forgotten the true hero.
"Really you spoke in the Gauberii tongue!"
"Only the Queen herself is capable of mastering such a tongue!"
"Yes indeed". By now, Oldin had also made himself present. And he looked very impressed with Elrod's heroic feat.
The night ended on such note.
But the morrow brought new problems.
It was time for them to leave. Only Candy and Orpha were just realizing how much they liked having two of them and Rwen had forgotten all about Elrod being a monster and was seldom found without him since their return. But both Alia and Queen Jensari knew their time together had come to an end.
"Today we bid farewell and good fortune to our heroines" Queen Jensari announced from the vast castle balcony. Under which, the whole castle had assembled. To which they echoed 'Farewell' and 'fair fortune'. Sir Silverus Saddlepaw came forward and kissed each hand lingering at Alia to whisper "My Queen". Next Netly who wrapped each in a bone crushing hug and when he released Rwen he was whipping a tear from his eye. Then Lord Oldin who took each hand in his soft perfect one and planted a light kiss to each.
"You can still change your mind little Alia". He muttered. Before gliding away.
The Queen then gave each a kiss on the cheek before the princesses flung themselves at Alia and her sisters and hugged as if they would never let go. Finally Elrod had the courage to slink over shaking each hand and muttering very quickly and flustered.
"Fair fortune, fair fortune, fair fortune".
He had come to Rwen and as he offered his hand, she flung her arms around his waist.
Alia and Candy had to take her by the arms.
"Farewell Elrod".
"I'll come back soon!" Rwen promised.
"Do come back" Orpha pleaded, only she was speaking to Candy.
The waking willow came, she was ready to activate the portal. As their eyes met Alia smiled offering a curtsey.
"Yes, do come again ". The Willow sang.
They stepped up into the summoning chamber and a light enveloped them.