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Every hall and corridor buzzed with the excitement of both royalty and commoner alike. The dawn of the first interracial union in the land was upon them. Fresh flowers adorned the spaces, petals and sumptuous carpets covered the floors. The walls were scrubbed and scented heavily with aromatic oils, while fires burned brightly in their braziers.
This majestic display of cleanliness and opulence led to the gardens, where the grand spectacle would unfold. The sun shone brightly, with not a cloud in the sky to mar its beauty or diminish its warmth. Beneath its radiant gaze, chairs lined the posh garden, carved from the finest polished wood and draped in the most luxurious silks.
Here, Queen Xolani and her husband Vulferam sat in anticipation, awaiting the reveal of their eldest daughter and the arrival of their honored guests. Xolani leaned slightly toward the king speaking in a tender passion.
"I must extend my deepest gratitude to you and the council, my dearest husband."
Vulferam turned to meet her gaze, his hand tightening around hers from across the throne's aisle.
“For what my love?”
“The decision to have Reahlain and Prince Ephesious joined in tembolo rather than tembela was a prudent one. This will afford them the opportunity to understand each other better and ensure the match is indeed a suitable one.”
Vulferam took a moment to silently thank the gods. It was not every day that he and his wife saw eye to eye, particularly on matters concerning their children and the intricate political game they often had to navigate.
“Of course, I would not so readily hand my daughter over into the jaws of a beast I have yet to train. However, I have faith that this tembolo ceremony will eventually lead to a proper tembela.”
Xolani settled back into her throne, wrapping her free hand around the crystal orb at the arm’s end. She gazed skyward, arching an eyebrow.
“What do they call it in their land?” Xolani inquired.
“I believe they refer to tembela as marriage in their culture.”
“Hmm, they are in for quite a surprise when they discover what it truly means to marry a Dos’Soma. I remain perturbed by their request for such a large landing area, forcing us to hold this tembolo in the gardens. Even with their dragons, how much space could they possibly need to land?”
As people piled into the garden and took their seats, Vulferam chuckled. “We are in for quite the spectacle, I am told. I did not wish to ruin the surprise for you, my beloved, but I fear I must divulge the information, lest you wage war where it is not needed.”
Xolani swiftly turned in her seat, her eyes sharply cutting in her husband's direction. “Wage war? What kind of fool do you take me for? As if I would mar our eldest daughter’s day with needless bloodshed!”
Vulferam tightened his grip on her hand and shook his head, a grin spreading from ear to ear. “You know I love igniting your fire like this, my dear. It still excites me after all these years, seeing your face sour and your veins bulge. It’s as if I catch a glimpse of the warlord you once were.”
“I may unleash that warlord once again if you don’t explain yourself this instant.”
“Calm down, my dear. There is nothing to worry about, just a show of strength and pride from their land. Do not think I failed to notice the guards you have discreetly positioned, ready to strike. Honestly, I would be shocked and worried for your health if they were not so strategically placed among us. You always were one to bring your sword to every event.”
“I bring my sword,” Xolani interjected, raising her gown gently from the ground to reveal a long, curved dagger strapped to her ankle. “And dagger, my love. Never forget the dagger. I remain ever prepared, so there is no need for flight.”
“My wife, ever the warrior even at rest. I often wonder if you will ever fully retire. After all, we may soon be blessed with grandchildren.”
"Do not get ahead of yourself, Vulferam. They have yet to even arrive, and you are already envisioning our daughter as a mother."
“Well, it must be expected. This is why the council chose Reahlain to be betrothed. She is not growing any younger. The sooner she produces heirs, the better. It will solidify her claims to their land and, in turn, Varo’s when the time comes.”
"I suppose you are right about that, but tell me more about what these... guests have in store. You know I am not one for surprises; I despise not knowing what to expect."
Vulferam pointed to the left of the throne stage, where a vast pit of sand and stone had been constructed. It spread several thousand feet in every direction, built atop the thick grass beneath it. Circular in shape, it rose several feet above the ground, a testament to the grand spectacle that awaited.
"That is where I am told they will land their mounts. But before then, King Revalatious promises a show of fire both grand and unforgettable."
“Fire? They intend to ruin my gardens with dragon fire, and you approved of this? Everyone knows that where dragon fire has touched, nothing may grow again.”
“Let us see what they have in store before…”
The king's reply was cut short by a thunderous roar. From afar, Clan Paraxious appeared in all its glory, soaring into view. Four wyverns flew in an arrowhead formation, heading directly for the gardens. In moments, their roars harmonized, and their immense wings cast a sweeping shadow over the land.
The gargantuan beasts flew overhead, circling the gardens twice before one broke away from the rest—a lone creature known only as Beion’bog the White. His nacre scales shimmered iridescently against the sun, transforming his flight into a dance of colors. The crowd's attention was captivated by this majestic beast as he descended toward the pit, his radiant hues creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
Atop his back, commanding his every movement, were King Revalatious Paraxious and his wife, Queen Ephelia. With powerful wingbeats, Beion’bog hovered a few hundred feet above the ground. As the crowd held their breath, he unleashed a stream of flame so brilliant that it seemed to blind the very sun. The flames scorched the sand, carving a majestic glass sigil of Clan Paraxious beneath him, a symbol of dominance and grandeur that left the onlookers in awe.
The mighty wyvern landed with a thunderous impact, shaking the very ground beneath him. King Revalatious Paraxious rose from his saddle, assisting Queen Ephelia to do the same. A ladder unfurled from their seating, reaching down to the sand below. With regal grace and practiced precision, the pair dismounted and strode purposefully toward the pathway leading to the thrones, their presence commanding the attention and curiosity of all who watched.
Before them stood six thrones, one for each monarch and two for the betrothed pair. Above, circling the gardens, were Sir Pailor Oraquis, Prince Eighranon Paraxious, and the man of the hour, Prince Ephesious Paraxious.
Vulferam and Xolani rose from their seats. Xolani, more reserved, kept her hands discreetly tucked away in her sleeves. Her husband, however, advanced with a welcoming grace, embodying the spirit of hospitality.
“Welcome to the Kingdom of Varo,” he began, his voice resonant with warmth. “I trust your travels were without incident.”
The foreign king bowed before Vulferam and Xolani. His wife though smug in facial feature, curtsied before them as well.
"We are deeply honored to join you on this momentous day," Paraxious proclaimed, his voice both proud and humble. "Today, together, we make history!"
King Paraxious towered above the crowd, standing a formidable six foot seven, his muscular build a testament to years of dragon taming and discipline. Age had etched lines into his gaunt face, yet these marks only added to his rugged handsomeness, giving him a distinguished and commanding presence that few could rival.
"Today will be sung in the songs of history for many generations to come, that is certain," Vulferam declared with pride. "Please," he continued, extending his arm with a regal gesture, "have a seat and let us share in refreshments and joyous conversation."
All four monarchs took their seats, with Xolani and Ephelia momentarily exchanging venomous glances. With a wave of his hand, Vulferam summoned a servant to bring forth wine and delicate morsels. Each of the four were served and Xolani leaned forward to address Ephelia.
"Where is the man of the hour? Surely your son Prince Ephesious traveled with you. I doubt all those wyverns are merely for display and sport."
Ephelia leaned forward to respond, but before she could speak, King Paraxious placed his hand gently over hers, a warm smile gracing his face as he interjected.
"He is soaring above with his brother and our councilor, Sir Pailor Oraquis. In accordance with your customs, we would not presume to have him introduce himself before the woman of the hour, Princess Reahlain. We have learned that the men of your tribe must present themselves to the women and await either acceptance or rejection."
Xolani arched a brow at the guest of honor, a small smirk curling her full lips toward her left ear. "I see, as I have observed, that the women of your culture still have no voice."
Revalatious chuckled, his voice resonating with authority. "That is not true," he replied. "It is merely that my wife has a tendency to ramble, and in doing so, may unintentionally say something offensive. To avoid any potential missteps, I prefer to speak on her behalf."
Xolani and Vulferam exchanged a knowing glance before returning their focus to the matter at hand. Xolani's eyes met Ephelia's, who had been downcast just moments before, now lifting to lock gazes with her counterpart.
"Then perhaps it is best she holds her tongue if it can be so easily stilled," Xolani replied, her tone both witty and sharp. "However, King Paraxious, I must warn you that the women of Varo do not share such restraint. Our words flow freely, regardless of the offense they may cause."
Vulferam cleared his throat, a smile spreading across his face as he raised his ornate chalice high. "To the young lovers," he declared, his voice rich with warmth, "and to our swiftly approaching union as one family."
The monarchs all raised their chalices in agreement, the glint of gold and crystal catching the sunlight. In the silence that followed, Ephelia's gaze flicked sharply toward Xolani, a challenge simmering in her eyes. Xolani met her stare with equal intensity, the unspoken tension crackling between them like a storm on the horizon.
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