Welcome to Gaia! ::

As the pair reached the end of the tunnel, the earth seemed to open up before them, a bright light rushing to meet them as if they had caught up with the sun. Landing solidly upon his feet, and bending his knees to absorb the blow, the Elite Silver Knight took the entirety of the duo's impact, holding the young lady in his arms so that she would not touch ground until he let her go.

The room they were now within was vast, and well crafted as well. There were paintings of the city's history all about the wall, illuminated in fascinating ways wherever metallic pain was displayed, for the strange light in the room gave it an unparalleled glimmer like no other. As one would look around, they may notice that there were more tunnels than just that of the one which the two had ejected from. The difference however was that rather than close up as the first had, these would remain open, and the mystical light flooded through them as it was reflected form mirror to mirror. The most fantastic portion of this place however was beheld upon turning away from the tunnels which reached upwards to the city. Behind the pair was a vast room, far larger than that which they stood within. The ceiling was a dome of mirrors, each catching the light and spreading it to the tunnels which lifted it up into the shining city. In it's center, upon the bare unchanged ground, a massive pillar of light, the size of a village on it's own erupted from the earth to shoot towards the sky....This...was Garnoff's holy ground.

"Is this the first holy ground you've witnessed my lady?" The Elite asked of her, recalling his own awe at the sight of the pure dengen. His deep tone could not hide the feeling that most felt when taking even just a glimpse at the spectacle. It was a feeling of being rather small and powerless. Even as an Elite Silver Knight of Garnoff they could not compare to the energy before them. The pure white light shot forth as if to reach to the deities beyond the sky. It was amazing how a single man managed to hold it's essence back with a wall of mirrors, and utilize it's strength for the good of the city.

"I'm afraid you give King Lucheston too much credit my lady, for this holy ground was contained far before his time or mine." The Elite explained to her swinging his arm about in a wide circular arch to gesture towards the entirety of the room. "As the history of Garnoff is displayed here upon these walls," the knight spoke of the paintings so diligently created upon each brick. "It was King Garnu himself, the founder of this city many centuries ago who created this place. He realized the potential for it's power to be utilized endlessly not for one but for thousands at a time." Turning his gaze to once more meet with that of the princess's and seeming to realize once more that they were expected elsewhere the knight gestured with his hand for the young woman to follow him as he spoke.

"King Lucheston will find another place upon the vast mural which reaches about this room, for he may not have brought this city the power of the holy ground but he has made no less contribution." The knight explained as he guided her to a pathway walking about the circular room surrounding the holy ground. It was a sort of thin balcony leading across the entire structure's side, and though it was wide enough to fit five men walking shoulder to shoulder down it's path, it remained minuscule in the light of the entire structure. They walked onward even through another doorway which led to a vast hall. From there one could see another balcony...but this one was occupied.

The Balcony overlooked the sea, for it was built into a rather large cave within the cliffs of Garnoff's east. The waters came in with the tide to crash against the stone and one could look out to the vast Gallows sea as far as any could from the beaches. The path behind them was secret, and the path before them none could travel, thus the place was seen only by royalty and their guards. Standing waiting for them were an assortment of Elite Silver Knights, Prince Skyron Sorrian, King Lucheston Sorrian, priest Elotras Caspiir....and Prince Oban Sorrian standing before the altar awaiting Menna.

((Sorry about the more recent writers block..I had no clue what to do to continue))

As the priest's words flowed over the gathering, joyously announcing the union between the heirs of two of the strongest cities in all of the land, Oban could do nothing but smile and speak the words "I do" as his time came. Waves rushed into the cave who's high ceiling appeared to form the city streets above them, their waters crashing against the cliff side and reaching high towards the balcony, though it could never quite reach. It was as if the waves themselves wished to catch witness of the two wise young royals as their unity was made clear as the ceremony continued, Oban removing a ring from the inside of a pouch about his waist. Whispering to his beloved Menna he told her of it's origins.

"This ring was crafted inside that holy ground behind us, made for you by my own hands." Oban smiled, and the ring itself seemed to glimmer as if the light of the holy ground was but a bright diamond which he'd cut for this well crafted ring. Each etching was created with care, the carvings about it so small yet so detailed that it appeared as if he had shrunk the metal from a much grander proportion. Giving her the ring he couldn't help but smile as broadly as the misfortunate prince ever had.

As Menna stepped away from the rather shocked prince, his eyes were overflowing with joy, something which she may have caught for he stared into her own eyes as he began to speak.

"That is more than I could have hoped for as a gift." He smiled wide. The gathered Elites which had up until this moment kept posture and an air of discipline rose in a roaring approval. The standing ovation was accompanied by loud cheers and the tossing of assorted items into the air. The cheer became ever higher however as the prince himself stepped in close. Holding her in his arms he returned the favor to his newly wed bride, something that most would find shocking considering Oban's usual awkwardness towards the general populace.

***

"Congratulations my little Menna" Gashrious whispered from afar, his toes dangling off the thin ledge before him. "I'm so proud of you." The priest stood at the mouth of the cave, upon a seemingly unreachable perch which raised several questions about the man indeed. The former Dread Knight had been watching as the ceremony took place, so over filled with joy for his little princess. As they would be expecting him upon the returning caravan to Dokoro however, thus he was forced to leave. Onlookers would find a considerably peculiar sight before them, for the priest was covered in each of the colors known to man before vanishing entirely....

***

"Let us go to celebrate this glorious day within the castle. There is a feast to be had for all of Garnoff." King Lucheston yelled cheerily over the crowd, for it was true, the hunters and chefs of the castle had opened the doors to the entire city where a feast was to be held in celebration. None would be turned away, but one would rather pass on the celebration...Skyron.

Prince Skyron stood alone within the mass of applauding men, a scowl clear upon his features. He felt robbed, abused, and forced into servitude to his brother. While all of Garnoff cheered...Skyron Sorrian scoffed.

As the crowds began to settle into their groups, speaking among one another upon numerous subjects, and some even decided it was time to leave the festivities and head home, the King of Garnoff made his way over to the newly weds.

"Princess Issemenna Sorrian and Prince Oban Sorrian, may I have a word with the two of you this fine evening." His voice was clear and carried quite far, seeming as if the royal lord had nothing at all to hide from the people of Garnoff. From the view of onlookers it would appear as if the king was simply giving congratulations in his own peculiar manner, perhaps privately was more personally for one so highly thought of among his people. As Prince Skyron fell into step behind Lucheston however though carrying a deepened scowl upon his face, a number of the knights of the city could assume correctly that they were speaking of matters in the future. The shining glamour of a new union could now be pushed aside for the time being, allowing for the King of the shining city to ensure the tranquility of his people...as well as his family. Creating a path with each simple step through the crowd, the clashing of his boots against the stone was enough to push his citizens aside with respect. "Come" He requested once more, his hand waving in a motion to follow.

As the group passed through a stone archway, through a smooth wooden door, and made their way to ascend a single flight of stairs, the king turned to face the trio he'd asked to accompany him his brown cloak fluttering behind him. Within the dim lighting and appearing alone for the first time since the return from Dokoro, Lucheston began to speak in his deep soft yet commanding voice.

"As you should know, with the passing of the first portion of our ruse we must now act to ensure the future peace of the city. Our citizens expect to view Skyron upon the shining throne rather than Oban, but I have chosen my son Oban as heir." Both princes nodded their recognition of this truth, however Skyron was a bit less enthusiastic throughout the motion. "Skyron...you have the features which one expects a king to hold, and you have given speech to the people countless times because of this...Oban... you may not have given your words to the people to show them your true heart, but that is no fault of your own. With the wisdom I see within you I believe that this kingdom needs such a king." Lucheston then gave a long sigh, as if he were about to set in a law which he knew may taste bitter to all. "My sons...Oban will make the laws and manage all that royalty must. He shall be the man who gives the orders regardless of what the people see before them. Skyron, you whom the people accept will not speak of your own desires. Oban will show you what must be said in order to govern the people properly and your words shall carry this into action. You must sit upon the throne... but know now that it is not yours." Lucheston then turned to Menna, his eyes filled with uneasyness at his prior declaration. "Princess...you will have quite the difficult job in order to carry on this ploy for peace... You must hold Oban in your heart as you have...yet hold Skyron as if he were yours. Can you accept this?" He asked of her, showing that she was indeed their equal in requesting her thoughts.

"Very well, I know this may seem difficult at first. You must always maintain this appearance, or we all face war with the Tyrant King." King Lucheston spoke his final words. Patting both his sons on their shoulders. "I am proud of each of you, for protecting your people, for protecting your family. I am going to be leaving for some time, I must take care of business with the masters of dengen to the north. During this time you must practice what will one day become your lives. Meanwhile...enjoy the rest of the festivities." the man made king by Garnoff's people alone then turned from them, stepping towards a near by door to reach yet another flight of stairs within the vast castle. He left the three of them to ponder what would be to come....

Skyron however did not wish to speak with them further, and left their company.


***

"It should be my throne, my wife, my kingdom..." Skyron muttered to himself through gritted teeth. By now he had reached the opposite end of the castle, far from even the guards of the glowing city else wise many would here of his angered words. "I was to be heir I know it! What made father change his mind, what made him so blind as to name Oban king. I was to be upon the throne, not as a puppet but as a king, a great king!" The tall prince held his breath for a moment, suddenly realizing the height of his voice. None would hear him however for in truth the young lord was alone in the vastness of the castle. "Father knows not what he does, father should agree with mother for mother knows what is right for the city. I have to put an end to this ruse..." Skyron reached down to his sword, a tool which was held by each male of royalty. As he gripped the handle however, his fingers loosened. Skyron was quite angry, but not a fool, he realized well that Oban was far greater a fighter than he, and neither of the brothers were skilled in dengen. Brute force simply wouldn't do.

Menna watch Skyron storm away, feeling uneasy. Would he mind his father's wishes while the king was away? She frowned, thinking. Her one sole strength was her dengen, since neither prince was skilled in it. But hers was not the type to use against anyone, and she wasn't the type to attack. For now she would have to trust that Skyron would honor the ploy and keep appearances.

Menna walked to the room she'd be staying in, perhaps the last time she'd be there. It was far from time to retire, but Elle was waiting there with her nightgown. Menna gave a small smile, but it faded quickly. She sat down on the edge of her old bed. Elle walked over to her and immediately began brushing her hair. "The king is away to give us a chance to try out our ruse." She said quietly. She looked up to her lady-in-waiting. "You have a part to play as well." The girl looked absolutely terrified at the idea of that, but she nodded. Menna went on to tell Elle the details of the ruse. And as she finished, another idea occurred to her. "You must know about my dengen ability." Elle looked sheepish, being caught listening to gossip, but she nodded." "You can help me. I can imitate someone I know well. So you and I shall have to become fast friends and fast." She may have been the new queen's lady-in-waiting, but she was still a mouse and easily overlooked. Being able to look like someone no one paid attention to was a useful thing to have.

The day waned on and turned into night. Elle told Menna about the little secrets around the castle, her routine, things she usually did or didn't do. Menna practiced imitating Elle for most of the evening, something that seriously perturbed the girl. Again, she struggled to do it perfectly. Her hands, her eyes, her feet, something always stayed behind. Eventually she gave up. And there were other things to think about regardless. As she made her way down the hall, she passed many knowing looks. She did her best to ignore them as she made her way to the bedroom she'd be sharing with the "king". She didn't know if Skyron would be sleeping in this chamber, but she slipped through a side door Elle had told her about, down a narrow hallway, and to her actual room. She changed into her nightgown then and sat down on the edge of the bed. She found herself brushing her hair, more for something to do than necessity.