“What’s got you so nervous?” Talon jumped and quickly stuffed what had been in his hands into a pocket when Aoren walked into the room.
“Nothing!” Talon blurted a little too quickly. Aoren squinted at him suspiciously.
“Hm. So you say, love.” Talon blushed a little as it was immediately clear that he was not being entirely truthful. He opened up both his heart and mind to his partner, allowing Aoren to feel his excited nervousness. The expression on his partner’s face softened. He felt his beloved push at the sharpest edges of his emotional turmoil, smoothing them with the steadiness of his warmth. Aoren strode up to him and Talon took in the sight of him.
He was dressed handsomely. A tailored black coat that came down to his knees, beneath which was a black corset-vest with silver and blue accents with polished silver buttons. Tailored black pants tucked into knee high polished boots, all of it came together to compliment the dark feathers of Aoren’s raven wings and the fiery quality to his elemental touched eyes. He was a vision of an ebony warrior, a stark contrast to Talon’s own attire. An elegant white silk coat with a high collar covered Talon’s torso, dropping down just past his knees. The white and gold sleeveless robe that hung loosely about his frame fell like a waterfall. The tailored grey pants and grey-silver boots that he wore were all of the finest quality, with all pieces carefully made to accent his Siltori pale skin and the silver of his wings.
“You have been up to something, you and Rickter. My birthday isn’t for a few weeks, you know.” Talon just smiled at his partner. He had indeed been up to something and it was only with Rickter’s help that he had been able to keep it a secret. The whole palace had been tight lipped and with his mother and brother’s help, he’d been able to keep a tight lid on the events unfolding. With a little bit of innocent Mesmeric magic, they had been able to keep the surprise waiting for Aoren. Tonight was going to be one the biggest night’s of his life. This was to be the more formal of two major events planned but this would be the one where the announcement was made and Talon’s intentions declared before everyone in the territory that mattered.
The more private affair would come later. But first, this night. Talon wanted everything to go as perfect as possible. He reached up and cupped his bondmate’s face prompting Aoren to grasp his wrists lightly.
“I promise to tell you soon, love.” Talon leaned in, pressing his brow to Aoren’s. The two of them shared a quiet moment before the soft clearing of a throat drew their attention. One of the palace staff bowed low to them both. It was time for them to join the party. Talon moved to walk but was halted as Aoren grabbed his face and kissed him fiercely. In that moment, he felt the nervous tension between his shoulders ease. He wrapped his arms around his lover, hugging him close before the kiss came to a natural end.
“I swear if this is another one of Rien’s social party’s, I’m going to burn off his eyebrows.” Talon laughed, shaking his head.
“I promise it is not.” Again, Aoren glared suspiciously at him before the two of them turned to stand in front of the doors. With a nod, Talon signaled for the staffer to open the doors and after a moment, the both of them were announced. As he stepped forward into the room, Talon let the veil of his mortality fall away. The silver-white light of his nimbus began to softly illuminate the air immediately around him and Aoren. The decorations of the room captured the light, adding to the serene glow throughout the chamber. Across the space, Talon took hold of the Light that was in the room and by his divine right, willed the light to be welcoming and inviting to those who beheld it. Talon suffused his nimbus with feelings of confidence and calm to further add to the enjoyable atmosphere of the party.
“Welcome, friends.” He let his voice carry over the party. “Tonight, I wish for all of you to drink, laugh, and enjoy yourselves as you are embraced by the hospitality of House Novalys. Enjoy the evening’s festivities and be merry. Please join me in welcoming the first of the night’s entertainment, all the way from our neighbors in Zaichaer, the Myshalarai Performers!”
As soon as Talon finished speaking, several acrobatic performers somersaulted into place from the edges of the crowd as they began their routine of circus-like entertainment. Applause broke out from the attendants and with that, Talon’s gaze passed over the assembled. His attention came to rest on a familiar face.
“You brought in the Zaichaeri circus?” Aoren’s voice held an edge of excitement to it. It was one of the few things in Zaichaer that he had enjoyed during their visit. Talon chuckled, reaching out to squeeze his partner’s hand.
“Come, we should go say hello to a few friends.” Talon guided them both down from the steps until they came to stand before Finn and a golden haired man beside him.
“Finn!” Talon smiled. “I am glad that you were able to make it. You have met my bondmate, Aoren.”
Aoren offered a nod of his head with a smile. Talon looked to the blonde haired man beside him.
“Is this your beloved Arvalyn that you spoke of?”