Novel, Day 29

I did it! I finished the novel, with a total of 51,388 words! I don't want to put the last thousand up here, since that will spoil the ending, so I'm inserting a thousand, including word number 50k, hilighted for your reading pleasure. =)
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Elliot was at least impressed with how the arena had been transformed into a ballroom. Every square inch and been cleaned, and the original stone floor had been polished to a mirror shine. Candelabras circled the outside of the floor, as did tables covered in embroidered cloths. The announcer’s podium over the main door had been hung with ornate banners representing the different kingdoms participating, and more pendants were hung on the walls of the floor, down from the bleachers. The bleachers had even been given cushions, and one section of them had been corded off, for the musicians. Elliot and Marshall shifted nervously as they waited to be announced. Their father, of course, was completely relaxed. This was his element, after all. Elliot had been right, his father had packed a formal, highly embroidered and gem studded doublet, silk shirt, silk breeches, and knee high polished boots. When he had entered the room, Marshall was just finishing getting dressed himself, and they both had to sit through the torture of having their hands scrubbed, nails buffed, and hair done. Their father hadn’t given any more information about what to expect tonight, except that Luther would probably not be joining them. Which was good. Elliot was still barely holding himself together. He could handle the idea of Marshall being with Ivy better than Luther, but not by much.

Elliot fiddled with the gold stud in his ear. He hated wearing metal in his skin, but it was an ancient tradition that his father insisted on following. This was probably because it was another way to flaunt his wealth, just like the thin circlet of gold upon both his and his brother’s head, and the ornate gem covered crown on their father. It was finally their turn to be announced, and the brothers officially entered the ballroom in step behind their king. He took them around the room for a while, introducing them to this person or that. As soon as it was fesable, Elliot excused himself to find a glass of wine. As he stood against the wall, he watched his brother fidget, pulling at his collar. At least he was also nervous.

He was half way through the glass when the crier called out the name he had been dreading. “King Alexander de Trow of the kingdom of Kildarka, with daughters Ivy and Willow, and guests.”

Elliot looked up to see Alexander enter with his daughters, Meredith and Adina. Elliot had to look twice. Alexander looked the king now, dressed in complex embroidered blues and greens. His crown was silver, with a nautical look to it, emphasized by the pearls and opals set strategically in the piece. The crown, as well as the King, was classy and elegant. Elliot felt like a gaudy peacock in comparison. Willow was wearing a dress, and noticeably unhappy about it. And Ivy…

Her arm was still in a sling, and Adina was holding her good arm, giving her some support. She was dressed in a slim ball gown of satin, layered over with sheets of sheer fabric in pale light blues and greens. It flowed around her like water, like a breeze, and was breathtakingly beautiful.

Elliot finished his wine in one gulp, and disappeared into the crowd before she had the chance to see him. There were enough people on the floor that groups were moving into the halls or into the bleachers for conversation space. Elliot knew it was hiding, but he kept an eye on the group from as far away as possible. Thankfully they seemed to come in and give quick greetings along the way as they made a straight line to the stairs to the back areas, probably to prepare for the crowning ceremony. They were near the end of the alphabet, as far as the guest list was concerned, and shortly there after the announcements were done, and the music began. Groups that were involved in the different ceremonies drifted off to their own preparation areas, leaving enough room for a few people to dance to the music. Elliot saw Samuel sitting at a table, eating some fruit, so he crossed the dance floor to join him. He sat, but they sat there in silence, people watching.

After their second glass of wine, Samuel spoke up. “So… found out I get to keep my job. The guy who won the purple is an Earl, and too busy with his breeding ranch to be hired out as a trainer.”

Elliot nodded. “Good to know. Congratulations.”

Samuel reached under the table, patting Elliot on the knee. “Thanks.”

N’Yami glided by, saw the boys, and stopped to say hi. She was dressed in the long tunic and breeches that was traditional for her people, but she had fancied it up with accessories, mostly consisting of gold bracelets, rings, and necklaces, all layered on each other. Her hair was done in rows of tight, tiny braids with charms tied into the ends. They clinked together when she moved.

“Samuel! Elliot! How are you both doing?”

Samuel stifled a yawn. “Bored. How are you?”

She smiled her infectious smile. “I am good. Did Elliot tell you I am to be mated?”

Samuel gave Elliot a sideways look, but Elliot was too busy hiding behind his wine glass. “No, he hadn’t. Do you know anything about him?”

She laughed. “Not really, no. My uncle is overseeing this, since my mother is not here, and he says the man has a reputation for being surly.”

Elliot looked up, concerned. “Surly?!”

She laughed. “Do not worry. I am not worried. In my culture, women run things. I am used to keeping the men in line.” She smiled, Elliot thinking her teeth suddenly looking sharp and dangerous. “I can handle myself.”

Samuel laughed, patting her on the arm. Before he could reply, trumpets sounded.

“Ooh! Time for the show to begin. I will be seeing you both later!”