Trial Two~Bonds
Illya quirked an eyebrow. "It wasn't like I threw a punch at her. I tore her apart from the inside. I'm pretty sure she's dead, " stated sarcastically as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
Raehar tapped a finger to his chin contemplatively. "Well I had a vision...and it says otherwise."
"You're a clairvoyant too?" Asked Tekina.
Raehar raised a finger and brought it to his lips. He tilted his head and smiled." Mhmm. Anyway...it seems someone with a connection to Henaer is trying to sow discord in the family to drive everybody insane."
Illya thought for a moment. "Is it her lover? Tobi said he had broken free from the statue he was sealed in."
"Mhmm. Most likely. Though I think he realizes that he still isn't strong enough to face you head on so he's trying to go about it indirectly."
Illya sighed, massaging her temples. Callisto placed a hand on her shoulder, his firm grip snapping her out of her own thoughts. "Alright. We'll keep an eye out for any abnormalities. Since you're here already, would you like to stay for a drink?"
"I would love to. Oh! You'll be getting a visitor later on aswell. You should have a feast ready. I'll be back later with the family." Raehar saluted them as he dissolved into little sparks of lightning, vanishing with a bright flash and loud road of thunder.
Everyone looked at each other in confusion. As Illya began to walk down the stairs her eyes flashed in its distinctive mystic glow, causing her to stumble down, clinging to Callisto's arm to avoid falling. It lasted for only a split second before returning to normal. Her lips formed an "oh" just as Seibel approached them.
"Your Majesty, we have received word that the elder brother of Priestess Tah Min, Lord Cheng is paying us a visit later today. Would you like me to inform the chef to prepare a feast for him?"
Everyone else mimicked Illya's expression when they realized what Ray was talking about.
"Please do, " said Illya with a smile.
•~•~•~•~•~•~•
Everyone had gathered in the Eastern Passages, alight with excitement. The hall was decorated beautifully, and the tables were lined with delicious food when Raehar made his second appearance, this time with his wife and daughter. They walked down the center Isle and briefly bowed to Illya before taking their seat with Illya and the others. 356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjy1hBqzDLb
Raehar's wife was a slave that Illya and Raehar had free when they were younger and was a close friend ever since. She was a fierce woman of short stature. She hailed from Arunian beasts and so Illya always saw her as a sister. Despite her delicate features, she was a powerful force to be reckoned with, what with her super strength and beast-like agility.
Their daughter, Dysis was was also quite beautiful. Her good looks were obviously inherited from her mother. When she was young Illya and Raehar often joked about her marrying one of Illya's sons. As she grew older she would eventually fall prey to Sin's good looks and suave words. Unfortunately for her, he saw her as nothing more than a little sister and greeted her as such when she came to sit with them. 356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdFSWid1J9
The hall was filled with whispers of their special guest. The rumour mill was on full throttle as the women swooned over his rumoured good looks and charisma and the men admired his skill in combat. The Hatake's were sat at a table in front of the Royal family, down with the other guest, doing what they did best-gathering information. Illya took note of how well they seemed to be adjusting to their new surroundings. It had been a while since they first arrived, almost a month ago after all. Tah Min was also present at the feast. She sat with Dez, trying to get acquainted with one another as they were both frequenting the palace as of late, which of course was due to two certain Princes. Dez, though still a little out of her element, chose to humour the Priestess and indulge in their so far one-sided conversation.
Ea spotted them and motioned for them to come and join him and the others. Tah Min gently ushered a reluctant Dez towards them. Dez was quickly swooped up into Sin's pace as the minute she set foot in his peripheral, all of his attention was solely devoted to her, much to Dysis' displeasure. 356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPtFjCLW4E
Astrid was especially giddy as her curiosity peaked and left her fidgeting and shifting in her seat. "I wonder what Lord Cheng is like. Everyone says he's strong and handsome," she mused.
"Why don't you ask Tah Min if you're so curious about him?" Ri-is suggested.
Astrid made a funny face and pouted. "I would but brother Ea is hogging her all to himself."
Ea and Tah Min nearly choked on their food, glancing at each other with increasingly rose kissed cheeks. Ea cleared his throat and opened his mouth to say something but was cut off by Seibel's call for attention.
"Honored guest Lord Cheng, eldest son of the Phoenix clan of the Summer Isle, divine warrior of fire and elder brother of the Holy Fire Priestess Tah Min, has arrived." Seibel gestured for an attendant to escort him inside.
Everyone held their breath with anticipation as the doors opened to reveal a tall, handsome young man. Astrid's playful demure was replaced with awe in the blink of an eye. The heavily anticipated guest walked into the hall with confidence in his stride and a smile on his face. Everything about him demanded a person's utmost attention. There was much about him that resembled Sin. From his presence to the playful smile on his face. At first glance, you would think there was some arrogance to his confidence but when he reached the end of the center aisle, he bowed graciously.
"I, Cheng of the Holy Phoenix Clan, am honoured to be your guest. Please allow me to express my gratitude for your care in providing for my beloved sister."
His low voice drifted into Astrid's head and took hold of her senses. She leaned over and grabbed Tah Min's hand to get her attention. "Min Min! Does Lord Cheng have a girlfriend?" She asked bluntly.
Tobi, who heard her hushed whispers had to restrain himself from spitting out his drink. Tah Min was also taken aback by Astrid's bluntness. She dismissed the new nickname and laughed awkwardly.
"My...this family really doesn't do subtle do you haha!"
Astrid cocked her head to the side. "Hmm? Mama always said it's better to be upfront about this kind of stuff, to avoid misunderstandings and what not...is that bad?"
Tah Min couldn't help but smile at Astrid's sincerity. "No no. It's a good thing. Many are too scared to be so honest. Brother Cheng greatly appreciates attitudes like yours. I'm sure you'll get a chance to speak with him later," she said reassuringly.
Astrid smiled widely. "Perfect!"
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