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 Posted: Mon May 25, 2020 7:33 pm
Tryston hadn’t left Zena in almost two years. It felt strange to not be surrounded by snowy mountains and cold winds. It was not entirely unpleasant to feel the sun warming his back and the soft sandy ground of Tale beneath his feet but it would take time to adjust. The warmer weather had caused him to cast aside his typical armor and furs in exchange for light leather armor and a soft suede cloak of the deepest blue. The warmer weather also made it far more tempting to take the time to splash some cool water across his face. Thankfully Tryston had found a small pool to crouch before. As the water settled he studied his features in the rippling reflection thoughtfully.The years had changed him, he had grown stronger and his body reflected what one would expect more of a seasoned warrior than a young boy. Tryston couldn’t help comparing himself to his former self who had last been in Tale five years ago. Still, his clear eyes and unique crystals had not changed. The only real differences that he noted were the extra muscles he had developed over the years, still a bit more lithe than other knights, and the longer strands of hair that escaped his leather hair tie to swing around his face. Ah, perhaps there were a few more scars across his body but nothing that was easily visible save for the one cutting across his right palm. Would she recognize him? Surely.
Sighing, Tryston sat back on his heels and took a moment to brace himself. He had already cut quickly through Sauti and now he found himself approaching the village. Decorative lanterns were hanging in the trees and torches decorated pathways along with colorful ribbons. Apparently some sort of celebration was going on, more earthlings than usual were out and about in the later afternoon and Tryston found himself walking towards a merchant and tossing him a coin for a mask. It seemed interesting enough and would definitely make it easier for him to check on Constynce without revealing himself. What if she didn’t want to see him after all? It was almost too perfect. A sad smile almost crossed his lips as he carefully placed the mask around his face, the dark design of the witu covering up his more notable features. He had planned on finding a camp outside of the town to spend the night but the buzz of the festivities had already caught his attention. Surely it wouldn’t harm him to explore the town like this. Who would pay attention to him in a sea of festival participants many of which wore different masks? Or was it a celebration for something else? Tryston frowned thoughtfully before slowly slipping into the crowds to see what was going on.
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Posted: Mon May 25, 2020 8:32 pm
Constynce was working in her garden. To her delight, many of the plants she had brought on her first trip to the village had survived the years, and remained for her to return to tending for. It was a new chapter in her life though, and she was making sure to plant some new life into place as well. It felt so good to have her fingers back in the earth, dirt climbing up to her elbows as she dug holes and buried bulbs and sprouts. Hearing steps approaching, her heart involuntarily began to race with fear. She could still remember that day Quintli and his goons had approached her in this very garden, and had taken her away with the intent to kill her. Tryston had saved her... She looked up quickly, and managed a half-hearted smile for her fiancé.
Fezig paused a couple steps away and gave her a small smile in return. “We’ll miss the festival if you stay here all day.” Fezig was a handsome man with a strong face, broad features, and a confident smile. He was smart with a mind for politics as well as business, and was leading the villages in the right direction of recovery. Dark brown hair was tied back in a short braid that rested on his shoulder, and emerald green eyes were alight with life and humor. Anyone would be lucky to marry him!
So why did it still make her belly ache to think about their coming wedding? She had to let go of the past. It had been so long…
“Oh. I didn’t realize the time. Forgive me,” she replied, brushing her hands onto her skirt as she stood. The village gardens had needed the attention more, and she had been busy helping to make sure everyone got the fertilizers and seeds that were needed for the next harvest, and even assisting the gardens of homes where hands had been cut short by the war and the fighting. She would rather just spend her celebration by tending to the garden, but she once again had obligations.
Not too long after, she had cleaned up and following Fezig through the busy paths. Many of those in attendance were those from her home village, while others were from surrounding villages or happened to be passing through! It was a celebration of life returning to the joined communities. Her grandparents were somewhere even around there somewhere. There were dancers, bards, delicious foods, traders with items from the newly discovered lands in the ocean as well as local goods, and more. The people were laughing and sharing their joy. It was a wonderful sight.. and it still felt empty. Fezig held her arm lightly, trying to encourage her to interact and enjoy herself. She could only manage the light smile that she had learned to plaster on to stop people from asking her what was wrong. If she kept smiling, it would eventually turn real, right?
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Posted: Sat May 30, 2020 12:52 pm
While the village bustled with life, the decorated fields and freshly painted stalls thriving with the crowd of visitors and fellow villagers, Tryston found himself sticking more so to the shadows. He was more like the witu whose face he had borrowed for the night. It was easy enough to just slip around the crowd and blend in with the areas not lit up brightly by the paper lanterns and various long torches that were stuck into the ground. A group of younglings darted through the crowd, their voices raised in excitement as they raced towards a vendor who was offering prizes for games. The sight was enough to bring the slightest of smiles to Tryston's face. It was great to see that the village was doing so well and that everyone seemed so happy tonight. Perhaps things were colored a bit more brightly due to the festivities but he felt assured that things were surely doing well enough for such an event to even take place.
The village back in Zena would surely be holding a similar event soon enough. Even though it was cold up north, spring was not forgotten. There would surely be clear skies and some form of life for a little while before the snows came again. If only he could show such a sight to her as well. Tryston's gaze lowered sadly as he studied the ground at his feet. Tale held such soft sandy ground throughout its landscape yet it still could thrive with life, more life than most of Zena. Of course she was thriving here. Surely she was happy and had already forgotten about the struggles of the past. That was why he hadn't received letters, right? Why was he here again? Just to see how happy she was so that he could close their chapter and move on with his own life? Was that even possible? He would have to find her in the crowds first...if she was even here. Perhaps I should just leave.
A sudden gust of wind brushed through the area. Loose flower petals scattered through the air, a few ribbons breaking free here and there and something tumbled along the ground towards Tryston's boots. Reaching down he plucked up an array of flowers, twisted together in a small bracelet, and staying crouched he studied the arrangement, "Oh!" A small leafling girl slowly approached him, her chestnut colored hair tousled around her face, "I'm...sorry. The wind took it from me." She smiled as Tryston handed the delicate bracelet back, "Thank you!"
Tryston nodded before standing back up. He was almost ready to turn away when the little girl's voice rang out from slightly further down the path, "Miss Constynce!" His silver gaze widening at the sound of the familiar name, Tryston turned just in time to witness the youngling handing the flower bracelet towards the leaf woman, "For you! It's pretty like you! She smiled shyly before preparing to dart back away into a group of friends now that she had given her prize away. Standing a few feet away, covered in the shadows, Tryston watched and felt his chest tighten as he recognized Constynce almost immediately. He started to take a step forward before seeing that she was attached to another man, the observation of which made his movements still before he slowly took a step backwards again.
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Posted: Sat May 30, 2020 5:45 pm
Everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time... Constynce wanted so badly to do the same, but any swell of enjoyment was quickly smothered by the sadness within. She should have been used to this by now, right? Why was moving on so difficult? She closed her eyes while Fezig chatted with one of the stall workers and inhaled as deeply as possible. A warm and delightfully scented breeze soothed her, but only a little. She should be loving this. What wasn't to like? As her grandmother said, one man should not be affecting her so much... but...
Blinking her eyes open as a sweet little voice called her name, Constynce managed to pull herself out enough to give a still small but more genuine smile. Pulling away from Fezig, she knelt down to accept the gift. "Thank you. It's lovely." Watching the little girl run off, another pang went through her chest. A youngling would be expected... She was beyond grateful that her last marriage had not resulting in offspring, but what about now? Fezig was honorable and trustworthy, and currently getting a snack from a nearby vendor. There was no need for her to leave, or to worry about how she would be treated. This was the perfect life.
With a small sigh, she pushed herself back up and slipped the bracelet around her wrist. It really was sweet. She looked up to see where the girl had gone, but was greeted with too many bodies and faces to see through. Many were wearing masks. Perhaps she should get one for herself to make things easier? For a brief moment, she entertained the thought that a certain someone might be in that sea of faces. With no responses to her letters though.. no. He wouldn't be here. As easy as it was to imagine some of the masked men secretly being him...
There she went again! Huffing out an irritated breath, she was immediately met with a nearby woman asking if she was okay. She almost told the truth. She almost vented her heart out right in the middle of the festival. Instead, out came the practiced smile and a note of reassurance.
"It's not right, you know?"
Constynce's smile faltered. "What do you mean?"
The old woman snorted and pointed over Constynce's shoulder. "He's betrothed to you, yet allows Viatka to keep swooning. Honestly, it's like he thinks he's still single!"
She looked over to follow the other's gaze, and felt herself slump even further. That was right. She wasn't the only one marrying for the sake of the villages. Viatka was a lovely leaf woman with curls and a bright smile. Viatka was in love with Fezig. She was certain Fezig felt the same for the woman, but politics had trumped personal desires that had not yet been fulfilled. "They have been friends since long before the arrangement was made. Please do not be concerned."
The woman's eyes narrowed. "Arrangement, you say," she murmured, shaking her head. "You kids don't appreciate anything these days. After the mess of your last marriage, you should be grateful for him." She turned and headed off, mumbling to herself about the loose laced youth of the times.
Constynce stood still, watching the old woman shuffle away. Appreciate what she had? How much could she appreciate what she didn't want? Shaking her head to clear it, she turned her attention to the bracelet again. What Zenan flowers would make a pretty bracelet?
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Posted: Sat Jun 06, 2020 6:02 pm
He should leave. The thought haunted Tryston's mind as he found himself frozen to the spot in the shadows, his silver gaze burning as he studied Constynce from beneath his mask. She was loved here and even had someone to protect her. The thought made his chest tighten, the mixture of rising emotions almost too much for the normally reserved warrior. Tryston clenched his jaw and forced himself to turn away before movement caught his attention. Another person was approaching Constynce instead of her male companion? His gaze followed the older woman's motion and he found himself watching Constynce's companion with another woman. Confusion knotted his brow and Tryston couldn't resist moving closer rather than farther away.
He understood that he may regret his decision later but curiosity and longing had gotten the best of him. Why was the older woman so upset? Tryston was no fool. He had seen how Constynce's smile had faltered in that moment and concern pressed him to move forward. Last marriage? Tryston recalled the vile man who had claimed Constynce in the past before meeting his own demise during the conflicts in Zena. But did this mean that once again Constynce was arranged to be with another? So soon? Or perhaps not so soon it had been almost three years after all. Still, he had written letters so why had Constynce ignored them? Was he the fool thinking that they could be reunited when the time came? Maybe she had already moved on and didn't feel the need to write back.
Tryston knew that he should just let her go. He had told himself that a million times while in Zena. She was happier in Tale because this was her home. She thrived in the warmer place that was full of plants and life. Zena was so cold in comparison...surely she would be miserable there. So why did his body keep moving closer to her? He was so close, all he had to do was reach out and touch her shoulder to let her know that he was there and that everything was okay. Tryston hesitated in that moment and a surge of people crowded around them, bodies darting between him and Constynce separating them as music started floating around the village.
"The dancing is about to begin! They've lit all the lanterns and the musicians are ready!"
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Posted: Sat Jun 06, 2020 9:54 pm
Constynce looked up at the announcement. When was the last time she had enjoyed a dance? Her gaze flicked over to Fezig, but the young man was already being pulled toward the music by Viatka. Constynce couldn't help feeling a twinge of regret in her belly. What sort of life would this be..?
"May I have this dance?"
Constynce looked up and felt a more genuine smile rise. "You as though I might deny you," she teased lightly, reaching out to take her grandfather's leathery hand. Years of working and leading had toughened those hands, and now the knuckles had a little swelling to them. Ellond was showing his age, but his mind remained as strong and sharp as ever. She admired him greatly. "Are you certain you don't wish for grandmother's first dance of the evening?"
Her grandfather's smile seemed to twitch the slightest bit. "Oh, I believe she has found someone else to occupy her time for the moment." He let it rise into a more full grin. "I saw her going after some young stud a moment ago. I believe she's going to trade me in for a newer model."
Constynce couldn't help laughing. "As if any of the men here could compare to you," she scolded lightly. Her smile faltered again though. "I suppose we can have each other while they find others to entertain.." Her eyes dropped, missing the shift of her grandfather's eyes over her shoulder.
Ellond tugged on her hand to guide her from where they were standing, unable to miss the implication in his granddaughter's words. While he was displeased with Fezig's chosen dancing partner, he felt he could distract Constynce better from their surroundings anyway. "We can forget them for a moment. Fezig clearly still has some growing to do, but this is still for the best. Come, let us dance away!"
In the shuffle going on behind Constynce, a different older woman reached out to gently grip Tryston's arm. "You should not be here," Constynce's grandmother hissed softly, peering hard up at the masked man. Galadria's weathered face was stern and oddly fitting for the petite figure she carried. "Don't bother asking; of course we were watching for you. I was hoping you would have been smart and not come, but my husband was concerned. Rightly so, it seems. As it is, you should leave. Now." She released the arm she had taken, clearly expecting Tryston to simply follow her orders.
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Posted: Sun Jun 07, 2020 1:19 pm
Again Constynce was abandoned by the man who had escorted her into the festival. Tryston frowned, his curiosity growing as he tried to figure out exactly why the man he had assumed was her intended was once again showering another woman with attention instead. Was he mistaken? Surely the older woman had spoken as if Constynce was in a relationship with the other leaf man so why did they appear so distant? Ugh, this was frustrating. He should have just reached out earlier instead of hesitating and allowing the crowds to separate them again. He was allowing fear and doubt to control his actions instead of approaching Constynce directly. Tryston took a deep breath and followed the crowd into what he assumed was the village square.
Lanterns were hanging from the trees, their pale flickering lights casting colored orbs across the area, and ribbons with flowers trailed along through the trees. It was admittedly lovely to behold. Even more lovely was the figure of Constynce as she was whisked away by an older leaf man who she seemed very close with. Tryston vaguely recalled the figure from his first time in Tale all those years ago. Her grandfather? Surely that was him. The fact was mostly confirmed when another woman reached out to touch Tryston. The fact that someone had approached him surprised the ice warrior and when she ordered him to leave Tryston frowned. What was this? Had he done something wrong by entering the village? No, it didn't make sense. It especially didn't make sense that they would be watching out for him.
"Watching for me?" Tryston repeated quietly, his mask hiding the mixture of emotions flickering across his expression. Confusion mostly until some form of understanding began to take place. Constynce had a fiance again and last time she had been pushed into an arrangement like this by her grandparents....who would surely want their granddaughter to be with someone of leaf blood that was in a place of power in Tale, unlike some warrior from Zena. Was this why she had ignored his letters? Despite the older leaf woman's orders Tryston stayed rooted in place. While he was perhaps no one of importance in Tale, especially in this village, the warrior had a position and power in Zena. He was not some ignorant boy as he had been all those years ago. He was a commander who had led his men and survived many battles. In his home village many would have gladly welcomed him into their homes....but here? He was being treated like some unwanted pest. The thought filled him strangely with fury and sorrow at the same time. Had Constynce felt this way about him after returning home? Was he really that unimportant to her? Perhaps a few weeks ago before finding Lyrie again Tryston would have accepted the older leaf woman's orders and left the village to never return again. But Lyrie had returned and his mentor's words still rang within Tryston. If he loved her then he should approach her and find out the truth directly from Constynce's lips. What did she want after all this time?
"You tell me that I should leave but shouldn't I be allowed to enjoy the same festivities as anyone else here?" Replied the warrior quietly, his gaze resolute as he studied the other leaf woman, "If anyone is to tell me that I should leave then it should come directly from the person that I wished to visit." As Tryston spoke his hand rested lightly on the sword hanging from his side, its slender blade made for easier traveling compared to the broadsword he had left behind in Zena. It was still as sharp and he was prepared for anything. He was not leaving until he saw Constynce first. Tryston took a step forward, "I mean no disrespect but I am my own person who has not broken any laws of your village. It should harm no one to allow me to speak with an old friend."
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Posted: Sun Jun 07, 2020 4:14 pm
As they got closer to the music, Constynce found herself pausing and giving her grandfather's hand a tug to stop their progress forward. Her smile fell, and she shook her head. "Bali approached me earlier. Right before you did. She made it clear that they can all see that Fezig cares for Viatka, and they seem to expect me to win him over or something." Pressing her lips, she glanced over at the dancing pair before meeting Ellond's eyes. "Does it really have to be this way?"
Ellond had peeked over his shoulder again to check his wife's progress, which gave him a full view of Constynce's turmoil. It took all of his years as a leader to not flinch under that distressed gaze. "We've discussed this; it is for everyone's good, including his and yours," he assured. "You will learn to love each other. You'll see." He gave her hand a tug again. "Come. Take your mind off of things for a while with me."
Galadria's eyes narrowed the longer Tryston stood there. "Anyone else, it'd be fine. This is a season of joy for us. I won't have it ruined by letting Constynce run off with a hired mercenary." Setting her jaw, she shifted to keep herself in front of him, eyes flicking to give the sword a pointed look with a cocked brow. "Honestly, boy! Can't you imagine the harm it will do if you stay? Haven't you messed with her enough as it is?" She looked back to check that Constynce was far enough away, frowning to see the pair had stopped moving on. "You will not say a word to my granddaughter."
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Posted: Sun Jun 07, 2020 5:14 pm
And they said that the mountains of Zena were cold. Tryston's jaw clenched as he struggled through his options in the moment. Had he seen Constynce happy and being held by a new lover then perhaps he would have accepted things and walked away. However, that was not the case as he witnessed her staring after the other couple who were dancing happily to the music. Was he really the one who was messing with Constynce here? If anything he could let his pride be injured when he was labeled as if he were some mere mercenary but seeing Constynce like this went beyond his pride. His heart ached in his chest, the emotion obvious in his silver gaze as he turned back to the older leaf woman.
"Have you looked closely at your granddaughter? I may have not been in your village long but I have already noticed that it doesn't seem as joyful as you say." He replied quietly, "The last time I recalled I saved her life in Zena and in Tale from her last arrangement." Tryston's voice was even, calm and steady despite the anger that rose in his chest at the thought of the deceased man who had caused Constynce such pain, "Please don't forget that this man whom you call mercenary is a knight of Zena who has saved many lives including your granddaughter." It was bold of him but he was no longer the young knight who had come to Tale all those years ago. The past few years as commander had taught him to speak his words firmly and to take action whenever necessary.
And now was such a time to take action, "If you'll excuse me. There are festivities to participate in and I can dance without saying a word." Hoping that his recent words would cause the older leaf woman to hesitate, Tryston slipped from her side and entered the dancing area. His witu mask blended in with others, his dark colors similar to a few travelers and soon enough he was close to Constynce. This time he did not hesitate as he reached out to tap her shoulder and silently ask with a gesture for a dance. Dusk was upon them, the only faint lights coming from the torches lighting the paths and the lanterns hanging overhead. Darkness had come to cover the lands and Tryston welcomed it especially now as he tried to keep his expression covered with the dark witu mask, his silver eyes the only thing nearly visible in the darkness.
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Posted: Sun Jun 07, 2020 5:59 pm
Galadria's whole body tensed up when the iceling began to fire back. "I should have the guard escort you by your ears," she growled. "Mistakes were made, but this is a better path. She will be happy once she just stops-" She clamped her jaw shut suddenly and shook her head. She couldn't give an inch! A wrinkled finger rose to point, but her voice had trouble returning. It had taken some time to convince herself that she was right, but here she was being reminded how unhappy her granddaughter had been for so long. Well, that, and just the outright dismissal of her demands had her breath practically stolen away.
One of the villagers approached with caution. "My lady, are you alright?"
Galadria blinked rapidly, torn between not making a scene and the desire to absolutely make a scene to keep Tryston away from Constynce. "If I wasn't fine, I would say so!" she snapped, spinning to hurry after her target.
Constynce felt her chest filling with an uncomfortable pressure, only slowly getting her feet to lift and move again. "You always used to talk about falling in love with grandmother," she murmured, closing her eyes against the moisture rising in them. "Why can't I have that, too?" She had attempted to love Quintli, and she was attempting to care for Fezig. There had been no 'trying' with Tryston, but he had vanished yet again. Was there nothing real out there for her?
The question finally had Ellond's exterior falling. In the middle of the festival was no place for this! Yet, his heart ached for the true smiles his little girl had once worn... "Life.. isn't fair," he started, trying to regain his mental footing. Then he saw Tryston coming for them, eyes widening with surprise at the frustrated Galadria close behind.
Constynce looked up at the tap to her shoulder, surprised by the silent offer. What surprised her further was the way her grandfather's grip on her hand tightened protectively.
Ellond stood silently for a long moment, his gaze darting between the sad green eyes watching him, angry green eyes glaring him down, and mysterious silver eyes focused on Constynce. He waited long enough that Constynce even asked if he was okay. Jaw twitching, he slowly held Constynce's hand toward Tryston. "Looks like our dance can wait," he murmured in resignation, pressing a kiss to Constynce's forehead before heading for his wife.
Galadria stood with her jaw gawking open. "Ellond! What are you thinking?" she gasped out a little too loudly.
Ellond sighed and pulled Galadria into his arms. "This old man just wants time with the woman he loves," he replied, guiding her to the dancing square despite her irate scolding.
Constynce watched all of this with confusion. Why was her grandmother so upset? Why was her grandfather being so odd? Clearing her eyes, she looked up at the masked figure before her before they flicked away to the side. The mask made it so easy to imagine a particular man was hidden within it. "If you wish," she said softly, holding out her hand to let herself be guided again. After baring herself to Ellond, she just wanted to go hide in her garden...
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Posted: Sun Jun 07, 2020 6:19 pm
The better path? How many years had he allowed others to tell him what the better path was? Tryston had waited so long because of following such advice in his younger years. He had nearly lost everything and had fought to save what was dear to him. If he had simply followed orders then he did not know where he would be today save for perhaps still buried in the snows of that mountain pass. He had decided that it was time to stop letting others tell him what was best and to make such decisions himself. He could protect those that he cared about and he would do so even now. He had heard enough from the older leaf woman and already he was leaving her side to twist through the crowd of dancers to find Constynce...
Tryston waited silently as Constynce's grandfather pondered his decision. His silver gaze was thankful when the older leaf man finally handed Constynce over to him. The ice warrior gave a nod of appreciation towards Ellond before taking Constynce's hand in his gloved ones. The music began to swell around them, fresh notes starting with a new melody, and Tryston pulled Constynce towards him as they danced. It was a slower melody, one that seemed even slower than it actually was due to the fact that time seemed to still as he studied Constynce. What would he even say? Still he was a man of honor and he had promised that he was here to dance and not talk. A faint smile crossed his features beneath the mask as he followed the beat of the melody and led Constynce through the motions of the dance. It was surprisingly beneficial to have had lessons from Lyrie while growing up. Who ever knew when a knight would have to participate in a dance after all? He would try to not doubt his mentor's random interests again.
Still, dancing was not what mattered now. Tryston just hoped that somehow Constynce could see past the mask and the silence. Despite his calm exterior his heart was racing in his ears, fearful of what would happen now that he was finally seeing the woman who he loved again after all these years.
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Posted: Sun Jun 07, 2020 7:47 pm
Her eyes flicked around briefly, checking out her grandparents whispering urgently to each other and Fezig still happily dancing with Viatka. There were numerous pairs dancing together, friends and lovers alike just enjoying the evening's entertainment and the peace it celebrated. She had once been one of those able to just enjoy such moments. She had found joy in the thought of helping the villages prosper again. Now that it was happening, she found it wasn't joy in her heart. Perhaps she could let go a little now that she was with someone without expectations from her? Constynce looked up at her current dance partner, intending to ask for an introduction, but then looked right back away again.
Then she looked back up again, and quickly looked back down once more. If only she could pull down that mask and see the face she wanted so badly to see; the face that also had silver eyes.. but what would she even do if that happened? Tryston's lack of interest was clear with the passing years of silence. It was as mysterious as the silence of her dance partner.
She was content enough to leave the silence alone. She didn't want to have to force conversation, and the smooth guidance in the dance was starting to have a rather soothing affect on her. By the time the song ended, she realized she had pressed herself closer to her partner. Cheeks heating up, she stepped back and cleared her throat. Her imagination was certainly getting the better of her. For a minute there, she could clearly feel herself dancing with Tryston... "Thank you for the dance." She looked over to see her grandmother still watching them like a hawk while her grandfather wore an expression that she had never seen before and could not fully describe. "How do you know my grandparents?" she asked. Just a few minutes to keep from being rude, and then she could maybe escape.
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Posted: Sun Jun 07, 2020 8:27 pm
Tryston found himself lost in the music for a time. Each twist and turn of their movements led Constynce closer to him and he felt as if his heart was certain to betray him. It was almost unreal, more like a dream than anything else, and Tryston was still afraid that at any moment he would wake up and she would be gone. Now that he was here the ice warrior wasn't certain exactly what to do. He had stood up to Constynce's grandmother but because of that interaction he found himself hesitant to reveal himself. What if she didn't want him here either? Tryston wanted to cherish every moment with Constynce and so he didn't say anything as they continued dancing. Every movement felt right and his heart tightened in his chest as Constynce got closer during the dance. She was right here in his arms and yet she still felt so far away at the same time. It was so tempting to speak, to call her name but Tryston kept silent throughout the whole dance.
And then all too soon the song was over.
Tryston gave a slight nod in acceptance of her thanks before hesitating at her question. If only she knew exactly how he knew her grandparents. The thought almost brought a small yet sad smile to his lips. The same grandparents that would much rather have him escorted quickly from this very village. Still, Tryston was surprised that the older man had allowed him to take Constynce away earlier. It would be a waste of his opportunity if he simply allowed Constynce to walk away now. Tryston followed Constynce's gaze towards where Galadria watched over them, the tension in his shoulders obvious before he glanced back to Constynce with a slight shake of his head. He had to stay quiet for now and avoid causing a scene if possible. If only he could whisk Constynce away from the crowds but he was certain that her grandmother would chase them down if it was too obvious. It didn't seem that Constynce recognized him either and would surely be wary of following a masked stranger away from the festivities. The thought stung but Tryston couldn't seem to pinpoint exactly what Constynce was feeling in the moment. While they were dancing it seemed as if they were close to connecting but then she had quickly pulled away again. If she had recognized him then why? If she was ignoring who he was then that hurt just as much as not being recognized. Honestly Tryston wasn't certain which he preferred. All he knew was that he had taken charge of the situation to at least get to see Constynce once more but now that he was actually before the leaf woman he found it hard to express himself. He was back at the beginning all over again...
So he focused on what he wanted to know in the moment. Squeezing his dancing partner's hand, Tryston glanced pointedly towards where her fiance was dancing with another woman. With a tilt of his head, his witu mask almost casting the appearance of a curious creature, Tryston waited to see if she could answer his unspoken questions about the other man.
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Posted: Sun Jun 07, 2020 9:10 pm
Constynce waited, confused when the silence just continued. Was the man a mute then? She could practically see the daggers flying to the man from her grandmother's eyes, yet her grandfather seemed to be trying to gently lead his wife away. The man's tension made her brow knit slightly. It really didn't seem like they were happy to know each other. If Ellond was okay with them dancing though, could the man be so bad?
A new song was starting up, and she was a hair away from tugging her hand free before a new dance could start. She couldn't put her dreams on this stranger. Yet, she looked over at the direction provided by the hand squeeze. Her jaw tensed a little along with a slow sigh. She couldn't just reveal everything, but if the man wasn't going to tell anyone... "Fezig is the chief of this village. I suppose you know he and I are engaged." Sighing again, she resigned herself to letting her mouth run a little. "Well, I suppose it's no secret that it's a political joining rather than anything personal. He loves someone else. As do I." Her eyes welled up slightly, and she quickly used her free hand to wipe them clear. "I suppose I'm lucky though. Fezig regularly sees the woman he would prefer. I haven't seen him in years. Easier for me, right?" she said with a laugh as sour as the taste in her throat. The whole subject just left her ill.
Sniffling once, she looked up to the mask with an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry. I suppose you get everyone telling you too much when you're so quiet. Surely you have someone better to spend your time with than me? Someone who knows what you look like under that mask." She reached up to tweak the witu nose for emphasis. It felt like she had been here before; wanting a stranger to be someone he wasn't. Of course, that first time had turned out to be exactly whom she had wanted it to be. If only it could happen again.
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Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2020 7:44 am
Fezig. So Tryston finally knew the other man's name. His gaze narrowed thoughtfully as Constynce continued speaking. Hadn't the first arrangement been enough? Why did her family continue pressing her to be with men who didn't truly love her? Tryston's jaw clenched before surprise made him freeze at Constynce's confession that she loved another. Hope rose in his heart as he believed that surely she had to be speaking about him. All of his doubts and hesitations earlier made him feel ashamed but then confusion had him pausing once more. If she loved him why hadn't she answered his letters? If any of the brothers had been receiving letters in his stead then surely they would have let him know. Constynce had spent the majority of her time in Zena with Tryston and she wasn't the type to hide another romance from him. He couldn't even dare to imagine if she was in love with someone else that she had met during the past few years. Her grandmother had been against his presence in the first place so surely even Constynce's grandparents knew who their granddaughter had fallen for. Someone who could ruin their plans of another happy arrangement. The thought made him almost let out a 'pfft' of contempt, a bitter taste rising in his mouth as he instead swallowed the noise and retained his silent composure.
Tryston's gaze softened as Constynce apologized to him. The warrior couldn't help but to shake his head in denial of her comments because surely he was already with the person who he wanted to spend his time with. A light flush did dare to decorate his cheeks as she reached out to tweak the witu nose. It was in that moment that hesitation was cast aside as he reached out his hand to grab her hand before she fully pulled it away. His gloved hand rubbed fingers lightly along her wrist almost comfortingly before he gently guided her hand to his chest where she could feel his heart beating, "There is no one else that I would rather spend my time with." He wanted to whisper but he stayed silent. He had already spent the one dance in silence and he felt his resolve fading the more time they spent together. He was just afraid that if he spoke now he would cause a scene.
But in that moment the music started up again. A more lively dance this time that had the crowd shifting around them and as Tryston let go of Constynce's wrist, he motioned to see if she would like to dance more with him. Perhaps they could waltz their way out of the crowd while the lively dancing helped to cover their tracks. Tryston was thankful that Ellond was keeping Galadria at bay but he didn't know how much longer he would have before she came after him again and this time with guards.
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