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Posted: Aug 19th, 2007 at 09:15 pm
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Midnight
Chapter Two
The ballroom was brilliantly decorated in emerald and gold, Tebryn's personal colors. Tebryn himself truly felt like the favorite son of House Gellaer as he mingled with the crowd. He had already turned quite a few heads by requesting dances from the matron mothers and eldest daughters of all the houses present, regardless of rank. When Matron Mother Zolond, of the First House, asked him why he was doing such, he told her the truth, which he knew she wouldn't expect.
"My Lady," he had said, "I simply wish to make all of our guests feel welcome." It had impressed her, and many others, which was the reaction Tebryn was after. Of course there were also questions as to why Tilena wasn't there, as she was supposed to be debutant with him. But Tebryn simply deflected the questions, as he was instructed to by his mother. After all, it was his birthday and not hers. As such, the gifts were piled high and Tebryn felt it necessary to oblige his guests by opening them all while everyone was still there. Of course he made a fuss over each gift he received, and really the only one that he feigned liking was a rather hideous coat that one of his aunts had given him. The woman had horrible taste, particularly in color, but it was a rather comfortable and practical garment. What he hadn't expected was that his mother wasn't quite done with Tilena's punishment. The hour was beginning to grow late when she called everyone to focus their attention at the center of the ballroom floor.
"Lords and Ladies, beloved guests of our house, I know that you have been wondering where I've hidden my youngest daughter," Seril began her speech, addressing the whole assembly with that playful smile that Tebryn knew quite well held a malicious intent. "It has been made clear to me that I have apparently raised a spoiled brat that is unappreciative of all I've done for her rather than a fine young lady that I would be proud to introduce to you this evening. Tilena decided to make my day more trying than it had been by beating her younger brother for some little thing he didn't do, and we all know how much she speaks out against the abuse that noblewomen-turned-slaves often receive." This drew gasps and light chuckles from the assembly. "Tebryn, come here." He joined his mother, a little afraid, but entirely too curious.
"Yes, Mother?" He smiled politely, as all good sons should do in the Underdark.
"Nym, you may bring your sister down now." Seril called up to the eldest of Tebryn's brothers, who was waiting patiently at the top of the stairs. He was a handsome man and looked a great deal like their father. Nym nodded and proceeded down the great staircase, leading a young woman by a silken cord. All at once Tebryn realized that it was Tilena on the other end of the leash, about the same time as the rest of those assembled. The youngest daughter of House Gellaer was clad in blood red gossamer, which suited her well, but was very sheer. Once she was halfway down the stairs, it was clear that she was trying to hide her face in her loose hair, as she wasn't wearing anything underneath the gossamer robes but the soft silken slippers on her feet. There was no mask to hide her face or her shame. Nym brought her over to the center of the room and handed the lead to his mother. Seril in turn handed it to Tebryn.
"Mother?" Tebryn was a little shocked that this woman was capable of such cruelty.
"Tebryn, this child of mine has offended both you and me for the last time. She is no daughter of my house, therefore I give her to you as a slave. Do with her what you will." Seril looked at her son, waiting for his move. He could feel everyone in the room looking at him, even Tilena risked a glance and he could feel the fear in her. He looked first at his mother, then at his sister. The kind of man he would be would be defined in this one moment.
"Tilena," he addressed her by name, "at least let me comfort you. Slave or free, you are my sister." He unfastened the lead from the delicate collar around her neck and put it in the pocket of his vest. Then he gently took her hands in his. He smiled at her, lifting her chin so he could look into her eyes. "You have nothing to fear from me." Tilena was at once confused and relieved, and the murmurs of the crowd conveyed the general confusion of the room. Tebryn ignored them. He took his sister into his arms and then looked at the band.
"L'akkar dan l'uloth." The maestro nodded, Tebryn smiled at his sister, and the band began to play her favorite waltz. Tears began to well up in Tilena's eyes, but Tebryn just smiled and kissed her forehead.
"Tebryn..." She whispered his name, but he put a finger to her lips.
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"There is much in this world and very little of it is within the range of mortal ken. Therefore, do not be afraid of the blank rune, simply accept it and see what happens." -- Karazephryn speaking to an initiate
"Beauty is delicate and withers easily. But beware the steel and thorns that lie beneath it." -- warning from Sky're
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Posted: Aug 19th, 2007 at 09:15 pm
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"Today is my birthday," he spoke softly, only those close by could hear, "and to dance with you now is the greatest gift I could ever receive." He smiled, she relaxed in his arms, and they danced more beautifully and gracefully than Tebryn had with any of the other partners he'd had that evening. To show kindness to this woman who was punished was a powerful message, which he was counting on, and he knew that it would earn him a good deal of respect, and a few enemies with it.
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"There is much in this world and very little of it is within the range of mortal ken. Therefore, do not be afraid of the blank rune, simply accept it and see what happens." -- Karazephryn speaking to an initiate
"Beauty is delicate and withers easily. But beware the steel and thorns that lie beneath it." -- warning from Sky're
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Midnight - Chapter Two - (Read 179 Times)
