P A R A G O N
“Oh yes, you most definitely are. Your absolute best, whatever behavior you choose.” Rien gave Mino a wink. Flexing his wings, Rien brushed a hand over one of his wings, raking his fingers through the eagle feathers. He frowned only slightly as he stared at the Imperials. Whatever his thoughts, they were kept to himself for the moment. He looked to Hikami.
“Let’s hope you won’t need to embrace that instinct.” Rien’s eyes followed several people in the gathering before he returned his attention to Laveriel. He caught her as she stumbled slightly using both his hand and one of his wings to steady her.
“Yes. My brother invited them himself. Believe me, there was an uproar in the Assembly Chamber when he made the proposal. But…” Rien’s eyes went to the boy with silver wings and silver hair. “...he told us why.”
The Second Son of House Novalys said nothing but upon looking at the boy beside the Imperial Princess, there would be no mistaking the striking family resemblance. Especially where Talon himself was concerned. The similarities in facial features combined with the white hair and the wings themselves were a dead giveaway.
“That aside, the presence of the Imperium here means several things.” Rien grabbed a glass of champagne from a nearby server. He offered one to Laveriel and then took one for himself.
“Firstly, an Imperial delegation has accepted an invitation to an official function of Kalzasi. Which means they have sent a diplomatic envoy in recognition of a foreign government.” Rien’s jaw worked tightly as he was still processing the implications of that himself. There was not a soul in attendance at the coronation that believed that Kalzasi was a match for the Imperium’s might when it came to both military might and technology, but the presence of a delegation at the coronation was the equivalent of a diplomatic head nod. The first and only from the Imperium that had been given since Kalzasi’s founding.
“Second, keep your friends close…” Rien didn’t finish the rest of the very common saying. He brought the champagne glass to his lips and downed the contents, his expertise as a tavern owner perhaps showing a bit too much. He handed the glass to a server then bowed to those gathered.
“You should find your seats. The ceremony is about to begin.” Rien turned on his heel and made a beeline straight for the seating area reserved for his family. As soon as he neared, he could be seen scooping up a young girl and taking a smaller winged-boy by the hand before joining the rest of House Novalys.
---
“Vice-Minister.” Haruhiro Dahshida came to stand next to Kala, the distinguished Daizoku was dressed in his ceremonial attire showcasing the colors of his House. He offered Kala a nod of his head.
“I often find myself wondering in these days of late, what does our Mother have in store for us?” The old Avialae looked contemplative. His eyes followed the Commonwealth delegation. He then looked to the Imperial delegation. His gaze tracked the woman who led the group. After a moment he looked back to Kala.
“There is much uncertainty in the days ahead. A new reign for a new king in a new world where gods walk among us.” His eyes drifted to the silver-haired boy accompanying the Imperial delegation. “Many fear the shadow of the Imperium, I do not.”
He looked to where House Novalys was seated.
“I fear love.” Haruhiro smiled softly. “For when Skar bows to his sister, there are none who can survive her wrath.”
The old fables of Skar, Dragon God of War and his sister, Suion, Dragon Goddess of Love, were many. The children of Vicis, they were often at odds but when both were brought together in common cause, it was said that none could withstand the combined wrath of Love and War.
The old Daizoku smiled again.
“But perhaps our Mother will yet send us a guiding star, that we might stand together in unity, hm?” He bowed to her and then began making his way toward where the other Highlords were gathering in order to begin the ceremony.
---
“I dare say that might evoke some needed distractions.” Sahfri Novalys, now the former regent of Kalzasi and queen-dowager, stood waiting for the Solunarian delegation at the platform designated to serve as entry port for all traversers to the ceremony. Her Siltori handmaidens were all dressed in the silver, black and blue colors of their mistress’ legacy House. Sahfri herself was garbed in the silver and black that was customary for House Novalys. Black diamond jewelry hung on her form conservatively but artfully. She offered an inclination of her head to both Arvaelyn and Finn.
“Your Hallowed Highness. Lord Finn.” She briefly took in Arvaelyn’s features and the very clear and real physical changes that Finn himself had undergone since going to Solunarium.
“Gaudeo quod Atraxiae benedictiones tam effulgenti liberis emicuerunt. Sicut amici filii mei et domini, invitatus es ut sedeas cum domo nostra.” The Iron Queen stepped aside slightly and made a motion of invitation to the both of them.
---
The chimes that signaled everyone to take their seats resounded clearly. The main procession aisle, which was wide enough to fit a dozen fully grown Avialae wing tip to wing tip, was cleared. Horns and drums began resounding in a grand orchestral announcement. The march of the Daizoku had begun.
It began with House Dahshida. Haruhiro Dahshida arrived upon the back of a magnificent Icewing phoenix, one of the eldest of its kind. The plumage of the great bird was a glittering blue-white reminiscent of the icy powers that were its to command. The great phoenix landed gracefully and swept its wings outward with a caw that sounded like the echoing of bells in the mountains. A cold wind accompanied it before it bowed low and the elder Daizoku nimbly dismounted. He was dressed in midnight black trimmed with the icy blue of the very Icewing phoenixes that House Dahshida was known for. As he stepped forward he was immediately flanked by an honor guard formed from House Dahshida’s Shadow Guard. Each honor guard had a young Icewing phoenix perched upon their shoulder showcasing their mastery of cultivating the birds so revered by Kalzasi. Haurhiro walked confidently and with a reserved but calm expression. As they reached the end of the procession, his honor guard broke away and Haruhiro ascended the platform by himself, going to stand before an ornately carved chair over which hung the banner of his House. The great Icewing he had arrived on made another caw before taking flight to perch elsewhere that it could observe the proceedings from on high.
A choir joined the swell of music and with it, there came a gentle breeze that smelled of Spring and wildflowers. Along the aisle of the procession, flowers bloomed in artistic patterns of green, white and gold. Marda Ahtivin, the widowed Daizokura of House Ahtivin, arrived on foot. She was dressed in a gown of jade and white with a matching headscarf. A cane made of what appeared to be the branch of a tree with white bark, topped with a decorative jade knob was in her hand as she walked forward at a steady pace. She was joined by an honor guard of various robed men and women, all donning the colors of jade and gold. As each of them stepped forward, there was a glittering display of jade green sparks that swirled around her and then became an additional procession of spirits that joined them. With each step that Marda took toward the raised platform, more ghostly figures began appearing. The High Priestess of Kalzasi, its spiritual guide and guardian of its Healers and the Dead, was joined by a legion of spirits and ghosts as well as the flesh and blood living of her House. Throughout it all, Marda remained serene. As she reached the end of the procession, her honor guard dispersed and the ghostly figures began gently fading away. She ascended by herself and came to stand before an ornate chair over which hung the banner of her House.
As the music became more grand, a group of Avialae swooped overhead releasing purple and gold magical sparks overhead. A troupe of acrobats jumped forward into a display with gold and purple sashes followed by animal tamers holding the leashes of regal cats with golden fur and shining violet eyes. Tizan Veyl arrived on the back of one of these cats with a triumphant laugh. He did not dismount but remained astride his great cat, waving in an easy manner to the many cheers and applause of onlookers. Artful displays of magical fireworks boomed and cracked in the skies, showering onlookers in purple and golden lights. Some even took the shape of a golden hand upon a purple backdrop, the symbol of House Veyl. The Speaker of the Elder Council was given all the extravagance and fanfare accorded to one of the wealthiest noble families in all of Karnor. Among the common folks watching the events, servants in the colors of House Veyl began entering the crowd and passing out wine, food, and other delights. When Tizan reached the end of the procession, he dismounted his great cat, turned and waved to the onlookers then ascended the platform where he came to stand before his ornate chair. The banner of his House glowed softly before settling as he gave another wave to the crowds.
In the skies over the Skygarden, there came a great roar followed by the flap of great wings. A magnificent bronze dragon descended from the skies, its scales glittering in the sunlight in varying shades of bronze, copper, and even gold. Turquoise eyes beheld the assembled with great intelligence and a spark of mischief. From upon its back, descended Vako Zatrian, the honored Daizoku of House Zatrian. As soon as he set foot on the ground, a procession of dancers bearing vestments that resembled that of monks and carrying sashes that looked like scroll papers began dancing down the aisle. Servants carrying baskets filled with chrysanthemum flowers began tossing them into the air and ahead of the Daizoku. He wore white and bronze colors with a decorative chrysanthemum pin bearing emerald jewels upon his breast. He smiled kindly to onlookers as he moved forward, followed closely by the bronze dragon that had arrived with him. When he reached the end of the procession, he turned. The bronze dragon lowered its head and Vako Zatrian briefly touched his forehead to the dragon’s snout before the majestic beast spread its wings and took flight into the air once more. Vako then turned and ascended the platform going to his ornate chair over which hung the banner of his House.
There was a pause in the music and it seemed that between one breath and the next, a group of individuals merely appeared. Each of them was dressed in grey robes that were trimmed with either white, red, or black, they were headed by a figure dressed in blue robes. His face was obscured by a hood but there was no mistaking who he was. The Archmage of Kalzasi, a title hard won and for those who knew of its significance, gave them pause for thought. Daizoku Briathor IV, the Lord of the Circle of Spells and the Master of the Tower of Lore. He walked in silence, flanked by the Circle members. Overhead, mages dressed in their Circle robes flew on broomsticks, some releasing artful displays of magical sparks that formed the symbols of House Briathos. As he reached the end of the procession, the Circle mages broke away and he ascended the steps to go stand before his chair, above which hung the banner of his House.
“Let’s hope you won’t need to embrace that instinct.” Rien’s eyes followed several people in the gathering before he returned his attention to Laveriel. He caught her as she stumbled slightly using both his hand and one of his wings to steady her.
“Yes. My brother invited them himself. Believe me, there was an uproar in the Assembly Chamber when he made the proposal. But…” Rien’s eyes went to the boy with silver wings and silver hair. “...he told us why.”
The Second Son of House Novalys said nothing but upon looking at the boy beside the Imperial Princess, there would be no mistaking the striking family resemblance. Especially where Talon himself was concerned. The similarities in facial features combined with the white hair and the wings themselves were a dead giveaway.
“That aside, the presence of the Imperium here means several things.” Rien grabbed a glass of champagne from a nearby server. He offered one to Laveriel and then took one for himself.
“Firstly, an Imperial delegation has accepted an invitation to an official function of Kalzasi. Which means they have sent a diplomatic envoy in recognition of a foreign government.” Rien’s jaw worked tightly as he was still processing the implications of that himself. There was not a soul in attendance at the coronation that believed that Kalzasi was a match for the Imperium’s might when it came to both military might and technology, but the presence of a delegation at the coronation was the equivalent of a diplomatic head nod. The first and only from the Imperium that had been given since Kalzasi’s founding.
“Second, keep your friends close…” Rien didn’t finish the rest of the very common saying. He brought the champagne glass to his lips and downed the contents, his expertise as a tavern owner perhaps showing a bit too much. He handed the glass to a server then bowed to those gathered.
“You should find your seats. The ceremony is about to begin.” Rien turned on his heel and made a beeline straight for the seating area reserved for his family. As soon as he neared, he could be seen scooping up a young girl and taking a smaller winged-boy by the hand before joining the rest of House Novalys.
---
“Vice-Minister.” Haruhiro Dahshida came to stand next to Kala, the distinguished Daizoku was dressed in his ceremonial attire showcasing the colors of his House. He offered Kala a nod of his head.
“I often find myself wondering in these days of late, what does our Mother have in store for us?” The old Avialae looked contemplative. His eyes followed the Commonwealth delegation. He then looked to the Imperial delegation. His gaze tracked the woman who led the group. After a moment he looked back to Kala.
“There is much uncertainty in the days ahead. A new reign for a new king in a new world where gods walk among us.” His eyes drifted to the silver-haired boy accompanying the Imperial delegation. “Many fear the shadow of the Imperium, I do not.”
He looked to where House Novalys was seated.
“I fear love.” Haruhiro smiled softly. “For when Skar bows to his sister, there are none who can survive her wrath.”
The old fables of Skar, Dragon God of War and his sister, Suion, Dragon Goddess of Love, were many. The children of Vicis, they were often at odds but when both were brought together in common cause, it was said that none could withstand the combined wrath of Love and War.
The old Daizoku smiled again.
“But perhaps our Mother will yet send us a guiding star, that we might stand together in unity, hm?” He bowed to her and then began making his way toward where the other Highlords were gathering in order to begin the ceremony.
---
“I dare say that might evoke some needed distractions.” Sahfri Novalys, now the former regent of Kalzasi and queen-dowager, stood waiting for the Solunarian delegation at the platform designated to serve as entry port for all traversers to the ceremony. Her Siltori handmaidens were all dressed in the silver, black and blue colors of their mistress’ legacy House. Sahfri herself was garbed in the silver and black that was customary for House Novalys. Black diamond jewelry hung on her form conservatively but artfully. She offered an inclination of her head to both Arvaelyn and Finn.
“Your Hallowed Highness. Lord Finn.” She briefly took in Arvaelyn’s features and the very clear and real physical changes that Finn himself had undergone since going to Solunarium.
“Gaudeo quod Atraxiae benedictiones tam effulgenti liberis emicuerunt. Sicut amici filii mei et domini, invitatus es ut sedeas cum domo nostra.” The Iron Queen stepped aside slightly and made a motion of invitation to the both of them.
---
The chimes that signaled everyone to take their seats resounded clearly. The main procession aisle, which was wide enough to fit a dozen fully grown Avialae wing tip to wing tip, was cleared. Horns and drums began resounding in a grand orchestral announcement. The march of the Daizoku had begun.
It began with House Dahshida. Haruhiro Dahshida arrived upon the back of a magnificent Icewing phoenix, one of the eldest of its kind. The plumage of the great bird was a glittering blue-white reminiscent of the icy powers that were its to command. The great phoenix landed gracefully and swept its wings outward with a caw that sounded like the echoing of bells in the mountains. A cold wind accompanied it before it bowed low and the elder Daizoku nimbly dismounted. He was dressed in midnight black trimmed with the icy blue of the very Icewing phoenixes that House Dahshida was known for. As he stepped forward he was immediately flanked by an honor guard formed from House Dahshida’s Shadow Guard. Each honor guard had a young Icewing phoenix perched upon their shoulder showcasing their mastery of cultivating the birds so revered by Kalzasi. Haurhiro walked confidently and with a reserved but calm expression. As they reached the end of the procession, his honor guard broke away and Haruhiro ascended the platform by himself, going to stand before an ornately carved chair over which hung the banner of his House. The great Icewing he had arrived on made another caw before taking flight to perch elsewhere that it could observe the proceedings from on high.
A choir joined the swell of music and with it, there came a gentle breeze that smelled of Spring and wildflowers. Along the aisle of the procession, flowers bloomed in artistic patterns of green, white and gold. Marda Ahtivin, the widowed Daizokura of House Ahtivin, arrived on foot. She was dressed in a gown of jade and white with a matching headscarf. A cane made of what appeared to be the branch of a tree with white bark, topped with a decorative jade knob was in her hand as she walked forward at a steady pace. She was joined by an honor guard of various robed men and women, all donning the colors of jade and gold. As each of them stepped forward, there was a glittering display of jade green sparks that swirled around her and then became an additional procession of spirits that joined them. With each step that Marda took toward the raised platform, more ghostly figures began appearing. The High Priestess of Kalzasi, its spiritual guide and guardian of its Healers and the Dead, was joined by a legion of spirits and ghosts as well as the flesh and blood living of her House. Throughout it all, Marda remained serene. As she reached the end of the procession, her honor guard dispersed and the ghostly figures began gently fading away. She ascended by herself and came to stand before an ornate chair over which hung the banner of her House.
As the music became more grand, a group of Avialae swooped overhead releasing purple and gold magical sparks overhead. A troupe of acrobats jumped forward into a display with gold and purple sashes followed by animal tamers holding the leashes of regal cats with golden fur and shining violet eyes. Tizan Veyl arrived on the back of one of these cats with a triumphant laugh. He did not dismount but remained astride his great cat, waving in an easy manner to the many cheers and applause of onlookers. Artful displays of magical fireworks boomed and cracked in the skies, showering onlookers in purple and golden lights. Some even took the shape of a golden hand upon a purple backdrop, the symbol of House Veyl. The Speaker of the Elder Council was given all the extravagance and fanfare accorded to one of the wealthiest noble families in all of Karnor. Among the common folks watching the events, servants in the colors of House Veyl began entering the crowd and passing out wine, food, and other delights. When Tizan reached the end of the procession, he dismounted his great cat, turned and waved to the onlookers then ascended the platform where he came to stand before his ornate chair. The banner of his House glowed softly before settling as he gave another wave to the crowds.
In the skies over the Skygarden, there came a great roar followed by the flap of great wings. A magnificent bronze dragon descended from the skies, its scales glittering in the sunlight in varying shades of bronze, copper, and even gold. Turquoise eyes beheld the assembled with great intelligence and a spark of mischief. From upon its back, descended Vako Zatrian, the honored Daizoku of House Zatrian. As soon as he set foot on the ground, a procession of dancers bearing vestments that resembled that of monks and carrying sashes that looked like scroll papers began dancing down the aisle. Servants carrying baskets filled with chrysanthemum flowers began tossing them into the air and ahead of the Daizoku. He wore white and bronze colors with a decorative chrysanthemum pin bearing emerald jewels upon his breast. He smiled kindly to onlookers as he moved forward, followed closely by the bronze dragon that had arrived with him. When he reached the end of the procession, he turned. The bronze dragon lowered its head and Vako Zatrian briefly touched his forehead to the dragon’s snout before the majestic beast spread its wings and took flight into the air once more. Vako then turned and ascended the platform going to his ornate chair over which hung the banner of his House.
There was a pause in the music and it seemed that between one breath and the next, a group of individuals merely appeared. Each of them was dressed in grey robes that were trimmed with either white, red, or black, they were headed by a figure dressed in blue robes. His face was obscured by a hood but there was no mistaking who he was. The Archmage of Kalzasi, a title hard won and for those who knew of its significance, gave them pause for thought. Daizoku Briathor IV, the Lord of the Circle of Spells and the Master of the Tower of Lore. He walked in silence, flanked by the Circle members. Overhead, mages dressed in their Circle robes flew on broomsticks, some releasing artful displays of magical sparks that formed the symbols of House Briathos. As he reached the end of the procession, the Circle mages broke away and he ascended the steps to go stand before his chair, above which hung the banner of his House.
