The Scarlet Dynasty (closed for now)

[Armphid]

"623 years ago, the world of Ravenna was a different place." "The Great Plague had swept over the land, and 9 of every 10 people lay dead of it's hideous power." The droning voice of the tutor came to Ixion Dyne's ears as he walked across one of the courtyards of the family complex. He paused for a moment to listen...must be the time of year that he reminded the slaves of the history of the Empire. "The Shogunate could not withstand the attacks of the enemies from beyond Creation." "The fearsome forces of demons and magic-twisted monsters were guided by the Fair Ones every inward, threatening to overrrun all of Ravenna and destroy it, returning it to the void of wild magic and pure substance that all things were before time began." "But it was not to be." "A young officer of the Shogunate, one of the Imbued, eternal guardians of our world, made her way to the great Palace of the Old Empire." "No one knows what she braved, the terrible traps and guardians of that place had kept all out." "Yet against all odds, this nameless officer came to the great defenses of the Empire, and used them to throw back the maruading forces, devestating them with rains of fire, walls of iron and thorns, flood and storm, until they had been washed away."

Dyne sighed. If only that were true. The Fair Folk were a constant danger...not here, so close to the center of Ravenna, but in the outlying areas, where the world was not as...fixed...they still gathered and preyed upon the fixed world. The demons and monsters were there too. Protecting mortals from them was the reason the Imbued existed...well, according to the way he thought of it. Not according to the Perfect Way though.

"The grateful opoulace turned to this young officer who had saved them." "With her great power and intellect, she gathered all those together who were worthy, and the Emipre of old was gloriously reborn under her rule." "From her many husbands and consorts, came the beginnings of the Great Houses, each named for the child of the Empress that founded it, each taking one of the five elements to represent thier philosophy and ideals." "Each devoted to defending the Empire in its own way."

Dyne actually snorted at that. Yes, the Great Houses were started by the Empress's children. He understood why the tutor made them out to be so...noble, but he knew the reality. The Houses were selfish, decadent, and generally more interested in thier own power than in thier duty to Ravenna...especially now...

"The power of the Great Houses is especially important now, young ones." "Four years ago, on a moonless night, on the Lawless Day, the Empress, savior of all Ravenna...disappeared." "There has been no sign of her, no trace or word...and she is feared lost." "The Houses now much use all thier efforts to decide who will next rule, and to keep the Empire intact and the Outside Nations in their proper place."

"You are all slaves of House Ixion, one of the younger Houses, ture, but great and powerful nonetheless." "Of all the Great Houses..."

Dyne shook his head, and walked out of earshot. He didn't have the stomach to hear what propaganda about the House his mother had told the tutor to say. House Ixion...renowned for thier cunning and guile, as well as thier decadent depravity. It was a point of honor that the founder of the House, Ixion himself, had fathered children not only with his wife, but with his daughters and grand daughters as well. Still...the House had produced outstanding warriors and tacticians, even many great sorcerers. And he, Ixion Dyne, was part of that lineage. Though for the moment, he was little more than a disgrace.

__________________

Ixion Cetrice sighed as she put down the report from the headmaster of her childrens' boarding school. It was a shame...they did so well. Full marks in calligraphy, in tactics, in histroy and lore studies, both children spoke three langauges fluently, and excelled in martial fields of study as well. They did better in most that thier Imbued classmates. So why had the power not come to them? The power of the elements flowed in the bloodlines of the Great Houses, usually showing itself in a child's teens if at all. Those who became Imbued with the power of one of the five elements, air, earth, fire, water, wood, went on to become the true rulers of all Ravenna. They brought honor and glory to their House, the ones that did not were shuffled aside, given one of the endless bureaucratic positions that kept the Empire working, given a modest wage, and carefully bred so that maybe thier children would be Imbued.

It was looking as though her twins, Dyne and Aria, would go that way. Though had shown themselves to be excpetional, as all Imbued were...the power had not yet manifested. They were 18 now, and done with the boading school that all Dynast children, Imbued or no, went through. If the power did not show soon...they would be off to the Spiral Academy and her only offspring would be something her friends and enemies chuckled about behind their fans.

She stood off of the cushioned divan, gathering the trail of her richly embroidered silk robes as she did so. She hated these clothes...so bukly, and so complex! It took forver to get them on and just as long to get them off. But, it was the fashion. And she would never be unfashionable. She moved across the large apartment, to gaze down from a large balcony. Below, she could see Dyne making his way to the practice grounds. He was so earnest...still studying even now. As she watched him strip to the waist, select a practice weapon and begin his forms, she smiled, feeling a familiar hunger. Such a pretty boy...

_____________________

As Dyne practiced, a pair of serving women, one newly acquired walked past. "This is the training ground." "The soldiers and the nobles come here to practice thier fighting." She was an older servant, perhaps in her late 30's, still pleasant to look upon, as were all of House Ixion's slaves.

The younger girl, clad only in a thin strap of material around her chest and a brief loin cloth, stopped to eye the figure that was moving with blinding speed through a series of complex katas. "Oh my...is that one of the soldiers?"

The older woman, clad in a clean and more concealing (but still quite brief) tunic, looked and chuckled. "Mmmm...we only wish, girlie." "That's the Young Master." "His name is Dyne, but call him Young Master, unless HE tells you differently." The two women watched him for several minutes as he practiced.

Dyne was a tall youth, as most Dynasts were. He was a few inches over six feet, though his slender build made him look a bit taller. He had inherited that from his mother, slender and supple in body, though his body was all whipcord tight muscle that was visible twisting and bending under smooth pale skin. His crimson hair had flown out of its careful style under the stress of his practice, spiky locks cascading aroudn his face and onto his forehead. It was a vibrant color, though just slightly lighter than the dark red of fresh shed blood. His eyes were a startling green, the color of a clear and brightly polished emerald. His face was handsome to the point of being pretty, fine boned and vaguely feminine. Blue silk trousers whisked through the aira s he danced and spun through the furious moves of the Fire Style, the matching shirt set carefully aside on the dummy. He always wore blue, if he had a choice in the matter.

 

[NyghtRayne]

Aria

She couldn’t concentrate on her lessons today, and her instructors had no patience when it came to distracted students. “Aria!!” Snapped her instructor. “Pay attention!”

She snapped her mind to the subject of the class. She would be thankful when they finally decided to let her go. She was late as it was, Dyne had finally offered to spar with her. That was the major cause of her distraction, and the instructors were making her pay for that, they had already delayed her for more than thirty minutes.

Her distraction only continued to infuriate her instructors, after what felt like an eternity, they finally released her with threats of her getting into disfavor with her parents. She knew she was going to be there yet again, these days.. well most days that’s where she seemed to be.

She raced towards the practice fields to find Dyne already there and going through his routines. She stopped, a little disappointed. A light smirk came to her lips as she stood watching him, she quickly pulled her long fiery tresses back into a braid as she watched her twin move.

Aria was not dressed for their practice, wearing her schooling robes, but she was already late and didn’t want to keep her brother waiting too long while she ran off to change. She bent down and deftly picked up a lightweight stone. She knew that even in practice it would be dangerous to step into close quarters with Dyne, if he didn’t know she was there.

She was about to toss it in his general direction when he spun her direction as if he had already known she was standing there. She hated when he did this as much as he hated her doing it as well. They had always shared a very tight bond ever since their birthing on the same dark spring night just over 18 years ago. There parents had been elated at the birth of their first son, then had expected a second once it had been announced that there was a twin to be born. They had been slightly disappointed at the news of their daughter’s birth. Not all families had shown a particular favor for boys over girls, the power came to you no matter your sex. Both children had grown to show no powers as of yet, disappointing the parents tremendously.

She smiled briefly to her brother in apology of her being late. She stepped closer to him, she was almost similar in stature, fine of build, almost half a foot shorter. They shared the same deep fiery locks and bright green eyes. Their had been stories upon their births of the power the Fire Twins as they had been dubbed would bring to their family, but as of yet those stories had just been that….. stories.

(Pics for reference)
http://www.boomspeed.com/nyghtrayne/Aria.jpg http://www.boomspeed.com/nyghtrayne/Dyne1.jpg

 

[Armphid]

Dyne felt that odd completeness he always did when Aira was near, and smiled. He saw a flicker of annoyance in her eyes as he turned to face her. Dragons, she hated it when he did that.

For a moment he was struck with how similar they were in some ways...same hair and eyes, their faces, the only difference that his was slightly masculine...unless you got into the matter of her breasts and such. He flushed for a moment, as he thought about that. Not really something he should be thinking of.

He lay the practice blade on one shoulder. "You are late." The flicker of anger in her emerald eyes made him take a pace back. "Going over the protocol for the party tomorrow night?" "Don't know why...you know what to do, so do I." He moved the wooden blade out again, twirling it through his fingers. "The only thing the house etiquette masters could tell us that the ones at school can't is the proper conduct for an orgy...and I doubt they'll let us participate in those this year either."

"Well, let's not waste time then." "I've been looking forward to this all day." He was pulling out a practice blade for her, she used a style of blade that was slimmer and a bit more curved than the one he used. Then he hesitated, looking at the mock-polearms. "Or do you want to practice with the naginata today?"

He looked back again, "hmmm...well, I hate to mess up your school robes...but as the Weapons Master says, an assasin won't wait until you're in sparring gear."

 

[NyghtRayne]

Aria
“Well if the teachers weren’t so much a pain today. I wanted to get out of there and they just kept me as usual.” She watched as he took a step back at her look, “No I think they are satisfied that we know what we should or shouldn’t be doing.”

She laughed a little at his comment about the other party activities, others were allowed to participate at younger ages, but as they were the only children in the family, they were not to participate, even though many a time they had both snuck down from their rooms and watched the antics of the guests. Knowing as well that if she let her powers be known to have manifested that she would be immediately betrothed to another house to ally them with her own family. She would not be allowed to participate until after her 21st birthday, and only if her powers did not manifest.

She watched as he pulled the blade she liked to use for her, and then as he turned and looked to the pole arms her eyes followed his gaze and she smiled slightly. “Maybe something new should be in order today. I am not worried about my schooling robes, for if they had not kept me so late I would have had time to change.”

She readied herself for their sparring session. She herself had looked forward to this time with him as well, he taught her in secrecy, something else she as female should know only enough to protect herself or her family by. She in turn taught him the art of animal handling, something she came upon naturally. She easily matched her brother move for move initially, and then as time passed he would out match her as he had every time before.

 

[Armphid]

Dyne

The fight was beautiful...nearly as beautiful as she was. It was the only time he felt truly whole, in the ehat of battle. Even in sparring. If he could be with her more, as they used to be before they got old enough to start maturing, then he might be able to feel whole outside of the fight....maybe.

After the initial passes, he began to push her, occasional teasing slaps with the practice blade sneaking through. "Come on, Aria." "Don't look at the sword, look at me, at the shoulders." "That's where the strikes come from." He slapped a stab aside, then darted under a sweep to slap her butt with the flat of the practice blade. "You've got a longer weapon, so you have an advantage, keep me at a distance." "If I close, I've got you."

She wasn't using her power. He knew why, and was flattered...but it also frustrated him. If she used it, she would be able to beat him easily...one of the things that came with the power of fire was an innate understanding of weapon combat, yet she was blocking it. He struck to the left twice, and feinted a third time, but twisted the balde right to lightly touch her forearm. "See?" "See what I did there?"

She made a usual flip responce, to which he frowned. "No, I went left, left, then you thought I would go left again, but I went right." "That's key, you show one thing, you do something else."

She wrenched back for a mighty swing, did so but released the weapon. Startled, he knocked it aside, his own practice blade, knocked high. Then she tackled him, bearing them both to the ground, his wooden sword clattering away.

 

[NyghtRayne]

She laughed as they both hit the ground and he flipped her up and over his head. She landed spralled out on her stomach, her schooling robes had in the movement pulled up to reveal the full length of her slender and shapely legs. As she moved to regain her feet and charge him her robes slipped a little higher revealing the skimpy panties she had managed to get without her parents knowledge.

She got to her feet and moved fast, lunging to the right, then at the last second going left. Making their sparring match more of a brawl, she did so because she wouldn't admit it to anyone, but it let her get a feel of him and his muscular body.

She knew it was wrong to feel anything like this towards him, but being close in everything until they had turned into teens, she did not feel uncomfortable with thoughts of other possibilities. She managed to pin him once, but not hold him down as he wrapped his muscular legs about her hips and rolled flipping to where he had her pinned under him.

She looked up to him smiling, and out of breath. She was about to try to get free when her moves were stopped by the clearing of a throat......

 

[Armphid]

Dyne

Dragons, she was learning! He tossed her back, rolling ot his feet. He apused as he saw her shapely legs, the hem fo the robes flapping up to reveal her panties. He almost fropped his guard completely. Shades...she had such a body! And this gave him an excuse to get his hands on her.

Such thoughts were not wise, and likely immoral...but he couldn't help it. They came to him often when he looked at her. He so wanted to be as close as they once were, and closer still if he admitted it even to himself. Still as their bodies came into contact, and he felt her hands on his bare skin, electric thrills ran through him.

He finally pinned her, his legs about her hips and his hands grasping her wrists, arms over her head. Dyne grinned down at her, regaining his breath. As he did, he tried not to notice how he could feel the mounds of her breasts against his chest through her robes.

Then he heard the clearing of a throat. As one, the twins looked slowly to the right, eyes both expectant and nervous. A thin mam in rich robes was glaring down at them disapprovingly. Malak, the estate's reeve. "Young Master, Young Mistress." His beady eyes were alight, the rat faced man happy to have caught them breaking rules. "I think that you should come with me, doubtless your mother will with to know of this."

Dyne and Aria got to thier feet, Dyne giving Aria's ahnds a reassuring squeeze before releasing them. "Are you sure that's necessary, Malak?" "I mean, it's just a little...um, I mean..."

Malak raised carefully plucked eyebrows. "A little what, Young Master?" "A littel tussle, surely you shouldn't be fighting...and if it's a little sparring, the Young Mistress should not be involved." "Come on now, unless you want her to ahve to send for you..."

 

[NyghtRayne]

Aria

She looked to Dyne having had him so close almost had her breathless. She was aggravated at Malak’s interruption, but knew her mother would be even more aggravated if she was interrupted from her party planning.

“Malak, mother shouldn’t be bothered by this. She is preparing for tonight’s party and would be unhappy with you as well for interrupting her. Dyne and I weren’t doing anything but horsing around.” She wasn’t sure her words were even heard by Malak, he was too intent on getting the twins into disfavor with their parents. She was sure he got off on them getting into trouble, and she hated him for that.

She followed in silence knowing that it did not help to speak with him for favor, he would either not listen or he would turn and snap nastily at the twins. She dreaded interrupting her mother’s party planning, but she knew it would be worse for her if Malak took them to their father. She did not want to spend most of the night in her rooms, missing the party. Even though she knew they would only be allowed to attend the first half and then the dinner, they would be sent to their rooms anyway once the guests moved on to the second part of the night's festivites.

 

[Armphid]

Dyne

Dyne shot a warning look at Aria, what was she thinking? Arguing with Malak would only make him report even more dire things to thier mother. The reeve was an excellent liar, and had always delighted in getting the children in trouble. She gave him a look in return, a "Why don't you stand up for us too" kind of look. Dyne grimaced, inclining his head slightly, as if to say "Because you fight battles you can win," without the words.

"Here we are," Malak's greasy voice broke the twins silent communication. "Now, Young Master, Young Mistress...kindly wait here." There was that syrupy kiss-up tone in the man's voice that Dyne hated. Dragons...if the power ever did come to him, he'd be sorely tempted to smite the obnoxious man down.

The doors to their mother's study were rich Death Ash from the shadowlands of the east, bright golden inlay spiraling to form the twining vine symbol of House Ixion. Despite their enormous size, Malak easily opened them with a touch of his hand. Dyne mused idly that it would be a miracle to most...but it was ordinary here. The homes of the Imbued were places of magic, many of them older than the Empire itself, built back before the Great Plague, many of their secrets lost. So it was with the family's estate. MAgic made water flow from underground springs to baths and tubs, heating ro cooling it if needed. There were always lights, and no water would come through even an open window, unless it was given permission.

After a minute or two, Malak emerged, his face split by a nasty, oily smirk. "The Mistress will see you now." "She is...most displeased."

Dyne nodded, trying to keep his face passive. Thier mother's rages were the stuff of legends, and more than once a servant had been injured or killed as she lashed out in her fury.

The study as larger than the homes of most peasants families, and richly appointed. The marbled floor gave way to a rich carpeting after a few feet, and silk scrolls on various scenes, many of them more than a little...erotic lined the walls. "So." Dyne flinched at his mother's voice as it cracked out like a whip. She had a beautiful voice, and knew how to command it. "Malak has told me that while running party documents, he happened to see two of the slaves rough-housing in the practice yard."

Ixion Cetrice was a tall woman, standing at six feet herself. Her sharp features were the beauty of a great tree, her eyes the color of tiger lilies, and her hair a brilliant train of leaf green, elaborately braided and caught in ornaments of jade. She had passed her first century three years ago, yet looked as though she was barely into her thirties. Her body was lush and inviting, like a sun-lit forest in the spring. The dress of silken brocade accentauted the lushness of her form, cut artfully to cling here and be loose there, flashes of her slightly green tinged skin enticing the eye.

"Except," the word dribbled from her lips like poison wine, "that upon closer inspection...he found the scions of our Great House rolling around in the dust!" She drew herself up to her full height, eyes flashing. Dyne groaned, bracing himself for what would come next. He started to open his mouth to say that he'd made Aria practice with him, when her expression made him stop.

The look of fury was twitching oddly. As though it hadn't been attached properly to her face. Then it crumbled completely, and she threw her head back and began to laugh. Dyne and Aria exchanged a stunned look.

Cetrice mastered herself quickly, somcing down from the elevated area she had been standing on. she put a hand under each of her children's chins, gently lifting them to look her in the face. "My dear foolish lovelies...I saw it all from my balcony." "You should have seen your faces when Malak stopped you." She shook her head, "I am disappointed though...if you are going to break rules you need to be smarter about doing it."

 

[NyghtRayne]

Aria

Was in total shock at her mother's response, she had fully expected to be punished for their rule breaking. She relaxed visibly as her mother laughed once more.

She was stunned that her mother had seen their horse play in the yard and was telling them they had to be more secretive if they were to break the rules. She smirked a little as the thought of what she had been thinking passed into her mind. She tried quickly to push those thoughts away before her mother caught her look.

She was sure her mother may have noticed the sexual undertones to their wrestling in the grass, with all the free sex that happened in and on the grounds of the Ixion house. She hoped that had failed to be noticed by her mother.

"The two of you are a mess. Go now and prepare for the party. Get cleaned up and dressed proper, tonight is a night to impress." Indeed to their mother it was a very important night, for the twins had been born on this eve 18 years ago. This would be their formal introductions and Aria would meet her intended this night. There were to be two sons from major houses here this eve. She would meet both, but the choice would be here mother and father's as to which would be allowed to court their daughter.

Aria knew of the meeting, but was afraid as everyone knew her pwers had not manifested, no one but her brother knew the truth.

They hurried from the room before their mother could change her mind and become angered with them, she called to them as they left. "Let others help you for this evening's party is of great importance to the House Ixion."

Aria waited until they were almost to their rooms before stopping and grabbing Dyne's arm. "I was sure mother would be angry.. that was a little of a surprise." She looked worried, "Dyne what am I going to do? You know if I do not show my powers I'll be rejected by the suitors and if I do we'll be separated."

 

[Armphid]

Dyne

"It is surprising...but Mother hasn't seen much of us since we went to school...so she probably was glad to see we had the...risk taking spirit?" He liked the feel of her hands on his arm, and slowed their pace. Besides he had to say something she would not like, and he wanted her hands where he could see them.

Dyne pulled her into an alcove, Aria coming closer to him. "Aria...I don't like the idea of your meeting these suitors...they won't be worthy of you." "But...Aria, you deserve the life of a true Imbued." "The power, the luxury, all of it, you should have." "By virtue as well as by birth and by right of power." "I...I don't want you to end up a bureacratic embarrassment like me," there was no hiding the bitterness in his tone. He should have been meeting possible brides as well...but he was such a disgrace no family had yet shown any interest in him. "Even if it means we are apart, I'd...I'd be happy if you were having the best life you could."

 

[NyghtRayne]

Aria

She looked to him, she knew it took alot for him to say he wanted her to be happy and live the life the Imbued were supposed to live. She stopped and turned to face him, "Dyne...I.. I dno't want all of that if I have to be alone. I don't want it without you."

She realised her words could be taken so many different ways and she didn't really care. He was her life, her spirit. If it weren't for him she would be nothing.

 

[Armphid]

Dyne

He pulled her into an embrace, not caring if anyone saw them. His strong arms wrapped around her, holding her tight against his base chest. "Aria...Dragons, it makes me so happy to hear you say that." "I can't stand the thought of being apart from you, twin." "But...you deserve that life."

He looked down into her face, fighting back the urge to kiss her. "Don't hold back because of me...I know the power's there, I just know it." "It hasn't shown itself, but it will." "Then...then I can make my own destiny." "Our destiny."

"Aria...I'll respect your wish for now...but if you don't tell our mother soon...I will." He knew she'd be furious. "I'm your big brother, and that means...I watch out for you." "Even if it costs me to do it."

 

[NyghtRayne]

Aria

"But I don't want it.. not now, not ever if it will tear us apart." She lay her head upon his shoulder as he held her, "Please don't tell mother or father about my powers.. not yet."

She knew he would if it would put her in their parents favor and bring honor to the house Ixion, but he knew she would rather no one know until his powers manifested then they could both share in the glory of their station in life.

"Well, I guess we should get ready. You know mom probably has lots of plans for me and what I need to do to get ready. I almost wish we didn't have to go tonight." She went to step away, stopping only to kiss him on the cheek.

She turned away, then turned back, "Maybe we can find a way to not go?" She looked to him hopeful that he would have an idea.

 

[Armphid]

Dyne

Dyne sighed and shook his head. "Nothing would do any good." "It might get us out of this, but Mother would skin us alive...especially after she let us go just now." "Though...I think we can get out early if we play things right..." He tapped a finger on his fine chin. "Yes...it'll require work on your part, Aria...you'll have to try and charm the...suitors...real strong for a while, then when they push back just as strong, your "good breeding" kicks in and you swoon." "I'll be nearby, and carry you off to recuperate."

He grinned. " I hate to say it, but I'm kind of looking forward to seeing what preperations you do have to make." "You're the most beautiful girl in the Empire, and I know they're going to make you really something for tonight."

 

[NyghtRayne]

Aria

She blushed slightly at his comment, she knew she was pretty but felt like so many others were more beautiful than she was. It made her feel a little faint hearing her brother say such to her.

“That will be a good idea. Anything to be able to leave early.” She smiled again and turned to her door. “I am quite sure you’ll be surprised at the dress mother has chosen for this evening.”

She stepped into her rooms and closed the door, as she turned around she was greeted by a flurry of action as her maidens, moved in to begin helping her get ready. “A bath first please. It would be welcomed after a day of classes.”

“And playing with Dyne in the grass.” Was a chuckled comment from one of the girls. Another laughed, “I wish it had been me out there. He is getting so handsome.”

Aria just tried to ignore the comments from the girls and headed right into the bathroom. She should have known someone else would have seen the two of them on the practice field, but she thought they would keep it to themselves.

She wanted to tell them all to shut up and get about their business, but refrained from upsetting any of them. The older maid that had been showing the new girl around earlier entered the room and the other girls hushed immediately. She hurried them into a flurry of activity, after a few hours and just in time for the party they had dressed and primped Aria so that she was ready to arrive and turn every head in the room.

She was not met by Dyne as she left her room; but was ushered to the main hall by the older maid. “Your mother and father await your entrance.” The woman pushed lightly on the heavy doors; she was announced as she entered the room. She saw her mother, father and brother already seated at their places at the main table. All eyes turned to her as she entered.

She had been dressed in a very tight long oriental style gown of a velvety black, with a deep emerald trim, that brought out the color of her bright green eyes. Her hair had been pulled up with tendrils of it flowing loosely out of the clips that held it in place and a few loose pieces trailed down the sides of her face.

She walked peacefully towards her parents. Smiling slightly as she took her place near her mother’s side. She looked over to Dyne and smiled; he always looked good and tonight was no exception. She would have rather been anywhere else with him this night but here.

 

[Armphid]

Dyne

He watched her go, his smile first fond, then sad. Whatever happened, she was moving away from him. Who knows...one of the suitors might catch her eye, and she might willing wed. That would be easier...but if would break his heart. It shouldn't, but it would.

Dyne made his way back to the way back to his apartments. The servants bowed at his entrance. "Good day, Young Master." "Do you wish to have an aperitif or just get ready?"

Dyne shook his head as he undid his belt and stepped out of the loose silk trouses that billowed in the air as they dropped. "No, Planchett." "Just get my clothes ready, and have a bath drawn." "Practice got a bit rough today."

Planchett knew better than to look him in the face or smile, but there was a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth. "So I have heard, Young Master." "I am glad you are instructing the Young Mistress, we are all very fond of her and wish her to be well protected."

Dyne wasn't surprised the old man knew. Once something got out, it spread through the servants like wildfire. Which was one reason Dyne was polite and kind to them. They heard a great deal. "Glad to hear it, Planchett." "We may need a new practice area though..."

"I'll see if one of the store rooms can be emptied, Young Master." He scooped up the clothes and held the door to Dyne's bath open. "I anticipared your need, the bath is ready."

____________________

Dyne fidgeted at his seat as hhe waited for Aria's appearance. His wild hair had been tamed, well combed and swept to the back of his head. A high collared shirt of white silk, trimmed with gold and with billowing sleeves covered his body, partially covering the fine blue silk trousers, his shoes of soft brown leather.

As Aria entered, he took in a breath. Dragons...she was gorgeous! She made her way past the guests, head high, a slight smile on her face, moving with perfect imperial manner and demure grace. Dyne's eyes followed her, as did those of everyone in the great room. He returned her smile, wishing he could be next to her instead of across the table.

His father rose from his chair. Ixion Argos was a large man, almost seven feet tall and broad. He was wearing his white jade armor, the magical suit pished and gleaming, the depictions of the boar that was his symbol breath taking to behold. A great cape of scarlet came from cloak clasps, and his face looked as though it was that of a fine statue. Handsome, but in a cold way. "Welcome all, to the presentation of our children. Ixion Dyne and Ixion Aria, this day completed their studies and having returned home bearing great honors in all subjects." "You have brougth us honor, my children, and I am pleased with you." He gestured impreially and servants began to come forward, bearing food and drink, as well as a variety of drugs. "Now, let the feast begin!" "Celebrate all the good fortunes of the Empire and House Ixion!"

 

[NyghtRayne]

Aria

The dinner went smoothly, she would watch the other patrons there, she had an idea who her suitors were as they were with their families and no dates. She tried her best not to pay too much attention to either of them during dinner.

As soon as plates were cleared though she couldn't be so aloof. As everyone adjourned to the bigger ballroom to mingle and talk, she and Dyne followed their mother and father closely as they were supposed to.

She looked to Dyne, not at all comfortable here tonight, then back to the two men, well one man and one seeming boy, as they all headed in the direction of her suitors.

She waited quietly, moving closer to Dyne as the parents talked. He was her security in any unknown situation. She barely resisted the urge to reach out and grasp his hand, she knew that would not be a good idea here, now.

She was not too thrilled with either of her parents choices. The one looked as if he was her age of 18 and fairly handsome, of the same height as she and dakr hair and eyes. When he spoke his voice seemed to grate on her nerves, as it had a slightly whiny quality. The second of her suitors was slightly older, his family came from a known family that kept their women subservient, their abilities were strong and she knew her parents thought even if her powers never came through that their childredn would probably be the ties to bind the families.

She smiled and acted polite as she was supposed to, but she wanted nothing more than to be sent from the room, She shifted uneasily on her feet several times, an action noticed easily by Dyne, but not as much so by any of the others.

 

[Armphid]

Dyne

Dyne found his fingers itching to grasp the hilt of the curved blade that was so elaborately peace knotted at his side. Both of these men woul benefit greatly from a good running through.

The younger was Tirpet Sion, and him Dyne knew from school. He was currently next to Aria, his nasal voice setting Dyne's teeth on edge. "I was so pleasently surprised to hear that our families are considering alliance, lovely Aria." His dark eyes were fawning and his dress foppish, but Dyne knew that was mostly just a pose. Sion was far more cunning than most thought him to be, not strong, or smart, but cunning. "I had already heard of your beauty at school, though I was unfortunate not to see you myself, and now I find myself having been blessed by the Dragons to be brought into your presence."

To Dyne's right, the older man was talking to Dyne's father, steadfastly ignoring both Aria and Cetrice. "Well, Argos, she's a pretty enough little thing." "Strong hips too...good for child bearing." He shifted a bit, the badge of a Legion sergeant plainly visible on his dress uniform. The highest rank a non-Imbued could reach in the Legions. "And you've a repuation for keeping your women in thier place, as you know House Menhir sees such a thing as very important."

Dyne's hand did fall to his sword hilt at that. How dare he! He felt a gentle touch on his hand, and looked up into his mother's vibrant orange eyes. Her head moved ever so slightly to either side, a warning and a silent agreement with his sentiment in her gaze. Dyne frowned a bit, but released his hold on the hilt, and just as minutely, nodded.

Cetrice squeezed his hand, then glided over to Aria and Sion. "You speak so well for one so young, Sion." "It does my heart good to know that the courtly ways live on in our youth." She laughed gently as she laid a hand on Aria's, palming a small pill to her. "I certainly like to hear such fine compliments for my daughter, she has done much to be worthy of them."

"Oh, no, My dear lady, she is worthy of more gracious things than I can say by merely drawing breath." Sion's gaze went noticably to the front of Aria's dress.

Cetrice merely smiled, "We were sure that you had noticed hos well she breathes."

Dyne saw his father gesture for him to come over. He reluctantly did so, casting his eyes back to the trio of his mother, sister, and the faux-fop of House Tirpet. "Honored Father, how may I be of service?"

The older sergeant laughed approvingly. "Well, you've got the boy properly trained at any rate."

"My son," Argos said, casting an angry glance at the sergeant. "I wish to introduce you to Master Sergeant Menhir Zoah." "He is most interested in hearing of your sister's habits and learning at school." His father's tone was firm and commanding as usual, but there was a darker, don't-mess-this-up-boy in his tone.

Dyne inclined his head to first his father, then Zoah. "As you wish, Father." "Aria is a good student, Master Sergeant." "She has shown highest marks in most of her classes, and high marks in thsoe she does not." "She is very industrious, and works without complaint."

"Good, good...knows to keep quiet, does she?" Zoah nodded, "That's what I like to hear." "She's been taught the place of her gender, has she?"

Dyne paused. Shades, he was going to get in trouble for this. "Master Sergeant, she does so because it is her duty." "Our honored Mother holds as much authority in our family's interests as my Father does, and Aria has been raised to perform her share of the work, and to rule as is her due." "House Ixion is wise enough to know that without women, none of what we have built would be, and that thier power and wisdom is different from, but just as great as than of men."

"Your own House chooses not to see that...and it has fallen to decline and ruin." He couldn't help himself now. The words tumbled out, heartfelt and biting, but surely leading him to great trouble. "In a century, there will be no House Menhir, and that is why you seek this alliance." "But if it were my decision, I would send my sister to be a nun of the Dragons before marrying her into a dead house with no glory ahead of them but a footnote in the history books and the deserted halls where you once lived out your foolishly deluded lives."

Zoah blanched, then paled. "You!" "You...arrogant little peacock!" "I'll carve out your liver for this!"

 

[NyghtRayne]

Aria listened as Tirpet Sion spoke, his words were worse than the sweetest syrup and it made her want all the more to leave. She stood there listening to him and smiling politely. She glanced over towards Dyne and wished she could escape this room and all of this mess.

It was times like these where she wished she had been born a boy and would not have to be here listening to this drivel right now.

She looked to her mother as she approached, she smiled as her mother discreetly gave her the tiny pill. Now only to find the perfect time to take it. The servants were milling around the room with trays of drinks, her mother motioned for one to approach, taking a glass she handed it to Aria.

Aria took a sip of the strong wine, before slipping the pill into the liquid and finishing the drink. She was not sure of what her mother had given her but felt she knew best in matters like this.

She turned just as Dyne had begun to talk to her other suitor. She listened in shock as were the others present. She couldn't believe Dyne was being so forward... she saw the look on her father's face and knew Dyne was in trouble.

She blinked but it was not in surprize of what he had said, she had heard him tell it before. She dropped her glass, and took a step to rebalance herself. "Dyne... um..." It was then she collapsed, not having expected whatever her mother had given her to work so fast.

 

[Armphid]

"I demand satisfaction, Argos!" "I have come to your home and been extended hospitality, and THIS is how I am treated!" Menhir Zoah was all but shouting, and much of the dancing and talking had stopped to watch the scene unfold.

Argos was frowning. "You will keep your tone civil in addressing me, Zoah." "Do not forget what I am and what you are." The legionaire blanched, realizing he had been yelling at one of the Princes of Earth. Then Argos turned his gaze on his son. "You've demanded satisfaction and you will have it." "My son will be punished for this rudeness...most severely." The words from another may have sounded light, almsot dismissive, but Argos's delliberate and stern delivery had the sound of chains in it.

"Argos...that is not enough." Zoah shook his head. "He has insulted my house, and that cannot be purged but by blood." "I offer the challenge and-"

Dyne did not wait for his father to speak again, "It is accepted!" "We will meet on the field of honor and settle your complaint." He was secretly pleased. He'd strike this toad's head off for thinking of Aria in such a way.

Just then he heard Aria croak out his name, and she collapsed. Dyne dashed down, sliding to his knees to catch her just before she hit the floor. "Aria!" Anger was replaced with alarm. She wasn't acting. "Aria, are you all right?" He turned furious eyes on Sion, the callow youth stepping back from the heat of that gaze. "Sion...did you put something in her drink?" "If you have..."

"Dyne, dear one, calm down." Cetrice swooped over the twins, oe hand resting on Dyne's shoulder, the other on Aria's forehead. "Your sister was worried and fainted...because of the foolishness you created, young man!" She gave him a stern look, although she winked at him before lifting her head to look at her husband. "Husband, Aria should be takne to her room...it may be some time before she wakes."

Argos simply watched, not saying anything. He had a faint suspicion that his wife, whom he freely acknowledged as being smarter than him, had just pulled a fast one.

Cetrice continued. "Dyne should tend her...you know the bond they have, if anyone can wake her to rejoin the ball, it it he."

"No!" Zoah slashed a hand through the air in a gesture of negation. "I will not have him escape my blade because of this waif's poor constitution!"

Argos glared at him again, becoming a bit irritated at this...insect being so bold with members of his House. "It must wait, Zoah." "I would not deny my daughter treatment, nor would I deny you the delights the ball has to offer." "You should enjoy what will come after the dance, as you and Sion shall have first pick of the pleasure slaves." "Dyne will take Aria and care for her." "At dawn, you and he will meet at the gates to settle your arguement." Argos looked at Dyne, his severs eyes promising that his father would take his own retribution for disrupting things so. "Dyne, take her and go." "Now."

'Yes, honored Father." Dyne scooped her up in his arms, and made his way toward a door. Planchett hurried out from an alcove to open the door. "Planchett, send word to have a bath drawn in Aria's room." "I'll be taking her there." "Once the bath is drawn, I wish us to be alone." "Anyone who stays will forfeit something very precious."

The old servant bowed, "Yes, Young Master."

Minutes later, Dyne set her down on the couch in her chambers, kneeling by her side. "Aria...wake up, Aria." "Please, come back to me."

 

[NyghtRayne]

Aria

Minutes later, Dyne set her down on the couch in her chambers, kneeling by her side. "Aria...wake up, Aria. Please, come back to me."

Downstairs sounds of the party could be heard, all knew Aria to be in good hands. It seemed her had been able to calm Menhir Zoah down enough for the night's festivities to continue.

It seemed like forever before Aria's eyes fluttered open. She looked to Dyne his features creased by worry, her face pale from the drug she had been given. She lightly placed her hand upon his as she spoke softly.

"What happened? I feel so.. so queasy and tired." She looked confused to find herself in her chambers. Worry filled her eyes as she recalled what she had heard before she collapsed.

"Dyne, why did you have to say those awful things? I am sure that father will have a few choice things to say to you." She had not heard of the challenge to fix Zoah's wounded pride or she woul dhave been even more worried for Dyne's safety.

 

[Armphid]

Dyne

Dyne let out a breath when her eyes fluttered open, relieved beyond measure. He squeezed her hand, smiling with relief before he answered her questions.

"You fainted, Aria...I barely caught you before you hit the ground." "I was worried...even though I knew you were going to do something like this...you were so pale..." He shook his head, "But you're all right." "Thank the Dragons and all the Small Gods."

He sat down on the couch, wanting to be close to her. What he really wanted was to sweep her up in his arms, and hold her tight, but he shouldn't. "Don't worry about Father, Aria." "That's my problem." "So is Zoah." He reached out, brushing a stray lock of scarlet hair from her face. "I said that because...because I couldn't stand how that slug was looking at you, talking about you." "Like you weren't even a person, let alone a noble...like you were a cow at market!" Heat was coming back into his voice. "Talking like this was a farm auction and he was in the market for a brood sow." "His words, his filthy looks, his damn presence was a stain on our family's honor, and yours, and I won't tolerate it!" "You're better than he and anyone from his decaying relic of a House will ever be!"

He took a few deep breaths, trying to calm down. "I'm sorry, Aria...I just...I just couldn't stand the way he was looking at you, and the words tumbling out of his mouth." "I lost my temper...but I still think that everything I said was true, and I stand behind it."

He stood abruptly, walking over to where a crystal decanter of wine sat in a magically chilled bucket. He poured a few fingers into a glass, swirled it about, and broguht it over to her. "Here, have a drink, it'll help." He gestured back toward her baths. "I had the servants draw you a bath, should you feel you need it." He hadn't told her about the duel...but he didn't want to give her too may shocks at once. Plus, he didn't need the scolding she'd give him for it either....

 

[NyghtRayne]

Aria could tell Dyne was upset and meant every word he said. He had always been protective of her and her honor as well, some would probably think he was a little too protective.

She looked after him as he went to retrieve a glass of wine for her. She spoke quietly as she reached for the offered glass. "Maybe you should pour one for yourself as well Dyne. Then sit here with me and relax a little."

"I know.. and you know I appreciate your concern and I am sure father will see it that way as well. I do not like either of those two and hopefully father will see that they would only use me to form an alliance with Ixion house, and not allow that to be the case."

She patted the cushions next to her, "Come, sit.." She knew as well of the challenge, she had heard that much before she fainted. She would worry about Dyne in a stronger way than even her mother would allow. She knew there was no way out of the duel for him, unless her father stepped in and took matters into his own hands. It would cost him dearly to keep his only son from the duel.

"Thank you Dyne for standing up to that jerk on my behalf. If only you were not my brother.. I would marry you." She smiled and kissed him on the cheek.

 

[Armphid]

Dyne swirled his own glass of wine as she spoke. He was about to say just what he thought of thier father for bringing those two here when she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.

It was the words that went with the kiss that sent a shiver up his spine, and a warm tingling through his body. He flashed briefly to fantasy of what it would be like to be married to her, to be with her always...to be able to love her the way he wanted to in his fondest, most private dreams.

Dyne chuckled softly, looping an arm about her slender waist and pulling her into a partial embrace. "I will always stand up for you, against anyone and anything." "Against the Dragons themselves." He rested his head against hers. "In a way....I wish you weren't my sister, I'd love to be your husband." "I know that we'd both be happy...and unbeatable together...I'd be a good husband too." He blushed slightly as he winked at her, playfully, though he did not want to admit how serious he felt about his next words. "If I was married to you, you wouldn't have to worry about my screwing around with the servants, that's for sure...unless you wanted to."