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The festivities were grand and opulent, captivating all in attendance. Joy and excitement filled the air as the ceremony progressed. The okanira revealed the handfasting cords, their vibrant colors symbolizing unity and strength. With ceremonial precision, she wrapped the cords around both Reahlain’s and Ephesious’s wrists. A single drop of blood from each sealed the pact, accompanied by a sacred incantation that echoed through the gardens, binding them together in a new and budding bond. The okanira stepped before the couple to address the crowd and all watching.
“Following the completion of a tembolo ceremony, it is customary for the bride to receive a gift from her husband,” the priestess announced, turning to Ephesious, who stood beside his bride. “What gift have you brought for your life mate?”
Ephesious faced Reahlain, his voice filled with earnestness. “Though I know this marriage is temporary for now, I have chosen to gift you one of the most prized possessions in all of Morgeidaine.”
“Oh? I wonder what that could be.”
The prince leaned in his breath tickling her ear. “You will soon find out my love.”
Reahlain glanced around, expecting a servant to present a box of jewels or a similar offering. To her surprise, Ephesious turned to his father, who handed him a beautifully crafted horn. The prince returned to his bride, holding the horn with a sense of reverence.
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“Blow into this,” he instructed, his voice carrying a note of excitement, “and witness your gift materialize before you as if by magic.”
Reahlain took the horn, feeling its weight and the cool metal against her palms. She marveled at its intricate engravings for a moment. Just then, Nyjalee finally joined the festivities, her presence commanding attention as she effortlessly made her way through the crowd to take a seat in the front row. She smiled warmly at Reahlain, who returned the gesture with a nod.
Drawing a deep breath, the princess raised the horn to her lips and blew a long, resonant note. The sound echoed through the air, and she waited with bated breath for what would come next.
For several long moments, nothing happened, and a hushed silence fell over the ceremony. Xolani and Vulferam leaned forward in their thrones, anticipation etched on their faces as they waited to see what gift would be unveiled. Just as they began to settle back, a roar pierced the air—this one far different and far more guttural than any heard earlier in the day.
From the south, a magnificent dragon soared into view, its scales gleaming in shades of green and gold. It was double the size of the wyverns that had delivered the Paraxious Clan, its immense presence casting a long shadow over the gathering. A crown of horns encircled its head, with two larger, more robust horns dominating either side. The leathery expanse of its wings shimmered like a tapestry of golden coins, while its wing bones and talons gleamed a vibrant emerald green.
The dragon circled above, its vast wings turning to and fro as if proudly displaying its majestic form. After several impressive loops, it descended, landing with a thunderous impact in the center of the gardens before the awestruck crowd. Standing seventy feet tall and stretching over two hundred feet from snout to tail, its immense size commanded immediate reverence. The dragon's colossal frame barely fit within the space, curling gracefully before its new mistress. Reahlain stood proudly, her heart racing in her chest, a mixture of exhilaration and awe coursing through her veins.
“You have gifted me a dragon?” Reahlain said.
Ephesious took her hand in his, leading her forward toward the magnificent dragon before them. "The third largest in our possession, now yours to command," he proclaimed, his voice rich with pride. "In being blessed to marry a woman of your caliber, I felt my gift must be one remembered by your people for generations to come. No longer will only those in Morgeidaine have the ability to fly. Now, you and your people will soar as well."
Reahlain smiled as she absorbed his words. Ephesious gently guided her hand to the dragon's snout, where the majestic beast leaned into her touch. The dragon's scales felt both hard and rough beneath her soft skin, yet smooth like the surface of a snake. Its flesh radiated intense heat, akin to the sun's fiery embrace, compelling her to pull back after a brief moment.
“What is his name?” Reahlain inquired softly.
“He is nameless,” Ephesious replied. “A captive of my father until this very day, he is yours to name and command. His name shall be whatever you desire it to be.”
The princess took a moment to walk around the dragon, her eyes wide with awe as she admired the intricate sparkle of his scales. They shimmered like a woven tapestry of greens and golds, each scale interlocking with the next in a flawless pattern. The dragon’s resplendence reminded her of the veils and skirts worn by their tribal dancers, their fabrics glittering under the sun. As she moved, the dragon’s eyes followed her, reflecting a bond that was just beginning to form.
“Ak’Kargamon the Valiant shall be his name.”
Ak’Kargamon thrummed with a sense of joy, his massive head sliding closer to his new rider. Reahlain paused, unable to resist the urge to touch him once more. The crowd erupted in cheers, rushing forward to marvel at the grand display of the magnificent dragon. Among them was the young Nyjalee, her eyes wide with wonder and admiration.
“So, my brother-in-marriage has gifted my eldest and only sister with a dragon. How original,” Nyjalee remarked, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
Reahlain turned to face her sister, an eyebrow arching at her tone. "Now, sister, that is no way to speak to your soon-to-be elder brother. Mind your tone, lest our guests think mother's tongue wags in your mouth."
The two shared a laugh and Ephesious bowed before the second princess. He extended his hand to envelope Nyjalee’s and placed a soft kiss atop it.
"I am pleased to meet you, Princess Nyjalee. I have read much about you in my studies of your family heritage, though it seems I must have overlooked the part that detailed your wit and sense of humor. Allow me to clarify respectfully that the gifting of a dragon is not a customary practice in Morgeidaine. However, had I known you would be so envious of your sister, I would have at least brought you an egg to soften the blow to your ego. I assure you my gift is not yet complete."
Nyjalee’s face fell eerily still. Her eyes cut and the inside of her lower lip found itself trapped between the pressure of her teeth.
“I assure you that my ego stands unblemished Prince Ephesious. Though, I thought you would have brought my sister something a bit more unique. I am sure everyone expected a wyvern or dragon as a gift. We are no stranger to dragons or their cousins I would have you know. We ride drakes daily.”
Ephesious smirked. “I have no doubt. Your family knows of many things, such are the blessings of the gods to their most favored children.”
Nyjalee couldn't help but notice the charming dimple that appeared in his cheek as he spoke. She discreetly pressed her thighs together beneath her skirts, captivated by his milk-white skin, deep blue eyes, and raven-black hair. He was, in every sense of the word, extraordinary. Perhaps it was his rarity in their land, or maybe it was his commanding presence and sharp wit—she couldn't be sure, but she found herself irresistibly drawn to him.
Reahlain pulling herself away from the trance of her dragon joined the conversation.
"So, what am I to do with Ak’Kargamon? Surely, he will grow hungry and bored of us terrama here at the ceremony," Reahlain inquired with a graceful tilt of her head.
“You shall ride him to secure your bond as mistress and servant.” Ephesious spoke sternly.
"He is not a servant to me. I have heard that in Morgeidaine, dragons and dragonkin are treated as slaves. Ak’Kargamon here will never bow to me. He is far more than a pet or a weapon of war; he shall be my equal and, in a way, my child."
“As you so desire my beloved. But be fair warned that a dragon needs a stern hand in order to gain and keep it’s loyalty. If not fear what else would make them obey creatures as weak as we the terrama of the world?”
“Enough talk about such things. What other gifts have you brought for my sister?” Nyjalee interjected.
Ephesious leaned forward extending his hand to Reahlain. “If you would be so kind as to lend me the horn once again?”
“Oh! Of course!” Reahlain said.
Ephesious took the horn in hand, blowing a resonant note that echoed across the gardens, summoning the remainder of his gift. Two wyverns leapt into the sky, their powerful wings propelling them swiftly into the distance. Moments later, they returned, each carrying massive sacs dangling from their talons. As they descended, the wyverns released their burdens, the sacs thudding heavily onto the ground. When opened, they revealed an immense fortune in gold, glittering in the sunlight and equal in weight to Reahlain's dragon, Ak’Kargamon.
The crowd erupted into applause, their cheers reverberating through the air. Monarchs and guests alike clapped at the magnificent display. Ephesious stepped forward, ascending the stage to address the assembly, his voice strong and clear.
“This gold, equal in weight to the majestic Ak’Kargamon, is my further gift to you, Princess Reahlain. May it symbolize the prosperity and strength that our union will bring to our lands and our people. With it I seek that it be evenly divided onto your people. To any and all under the rule of the Kingdom of Varo.”
Reahlain turned to the crowd, her voice resonating with regal authority. “Today, we not only celebrate the bond between two individuals but the union of two great houses. Let this be the dawn of a new era, where our peoples thrive together in harmony and prosperity.”
The crowd erupted once more, their cheers filling the air. Above them, Ak’Kargamon roared, his powerful voice echoing the sentiment of the moment. The wyverns joined in, their calls mingling with the dragon’s, creating a symphony of approval.
In that instant, under the gaze of their ancestors and the blessings of the gods, Reahlain and Ephesious sealed their promise. The sun began its descent, casting a golden glow over the scene, as if nature itself acknowledged the significance of the union.
Xolani and Vulferam exchanged a glance, their eyes reflecting both pride and relief. Nyjalee, though her earlier sarcasm lingered, couldn’t help but be captivated by the grandeur of the event. The assembled guests, nobles, and commoners alike, felt the weight of history being made.
As the evening shadows lengthened, the celebrations continued, but in the hearts of all present, the knowledge that they had witnessed the beginning of something extraordinary remained. The kingdom of Varo and the land of Morgeidaine were now linked by more than just a marriage; they were bound by destiny.
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