#inerus Evervale

[inerus]

Daily Writing Challenge - Day 12 - "Ball/Gravestone"

Music:

The preparations for the ball were well underway at the Evervale Estate. Per the lineage of the wealthy, balls had been planned regularly throughout the year. This time had been no exception as the Farstrider grimaced at the large and opulent room. He had mixed feelings about his plan and had yet to confer with his would-be partner for the dance. In fact, he wasn't even sure if she knew how to dance. Though it was an assumed trait that dragons could do about anything, so why should it worry him so?

"Inerus, darling... You came!" Farianna strode up to him as he bent his knee in respect.

"It's been some time, Lady Rosestrider. How is it that you fare this evening?" He could tell from her appearance alone, that she had grown up to be a fine and beautiful woman. If he had any regret for leaving his family for an adventuring hiatus, it certainly didn't show.

"Oh, please. Formalities aside. You are in the company of a childhood friend. Don't you recall the antics we used to get into? Perhaps we might be able to stir a little trouble in tonight's event, hm?"

Inerus offered a sly smile and shook his head. "I've outgrown what we did as children. You might be surprised, but I have matured believe it or not. The only reason I am here is on the urgent summons of Mother. I doubt my Father had wanted to write to me given my imprompt dismissal of the family name."

At this, Lady Rosestrider frowned. "You haven't heard, have you?" She made a point to step forward and place a hand on his shoulder. Judging by her concerned expression, he was promptly guarded.

"What do you mean, my Lady? What has happened in my absence?"

The woman turned to cast her gaze askance as she deliberated over her answer to him. "This... may not be my place. But your father has since passed. Over a month has gone by and I found it odd you were not present during his burial."

Inerus felt his jaw tighten as his father had left the world without a final goodbye. "Do you know of where his grave is? It would not bode well for me to be here without seeing him."

"It is among the rest of the Evervale family graves within the clearing of the woods. Would you like me to accompany you?"

Inerus shook his head and raised a hand. "I need a moment alone. Please excuse me."

--------------------------------------------------------------------

When he arrived at the grave, Inerus found himself kneeling down to inspect the writing on the face of his father's stone. For whatever reason, regret surged through him and he felt his fists clench at his side. Should he have returned sooner? Stayed with the family until his parents had passed naturally? Did his father die hating him?

Many of these questions clouded his thoughts until he felt a slight tingle in his hand. Upon turning over and opening his hand, he could see that the mark of his dragon illuminating. Closing his eyes, he'd channel arcane into his palm before speaking.

"Raescera... do you wish to speak with me?"

At his question, one of the trees had suddenly seemed... animate. In the split up along its trunk, it gave a wide birth to reveal a Kal'dorei Elf as she stepped through. Unlike portals that were made of magic, the Emerald Dream had facilitated travel in a more unusual and natural sort of way. The tree's bark seamlessly collected behind her as she moved over to him. Her arms gathering him up against her as she looked intently at him.

"I felt... your pain and came to offer you comfort." Her hand settled along his cheek as she drew on her empathic gift to draw his negativity into herself. Though he promptly pulled his hand away and gripped at her forearm.

"You need not take this from me, Lady Raescera. I am simply in shock and experiencing grief. Though your consideration of my needs has not gone unnoticed."

The Kal'dorei gently placed her arm back at her side and nodded. "It was strange, but you have felt anxious to... remorseful. We're these feelings tied to this stone?" A hand gestures to the grave of his father and he shakes his head.

"The anxiousness was another matter... though... it seems pertinent I mention it now. Lady Raescera... I am required to make an appearance tonight for my family. And... in doing so I would like to have you accompany me if you would allow it per your availability and liberation of duty?"

Raescera gave pause to his question and knelt down as plantlife grew about the stone to offer it more age than necessary. But Inerus was against mentioning that fact and knew that the arrangement of fauna would likely be beautiful to those who would come to visit his father.

"Very well. As your dragon, I will see to it as you have seen to the Dream any time I have asked. What is required of me when I meet your family?"

At this, Inerus would flush slightly and scratch at the back of his head. "A dance with music and conversation. Though... I have been meaning to ask if you are familiar with dancing?"

Raescera inclines her head to the side as she rises to look at him. "I have not, though it is a natural trait. I can manage when asked to do so."

He'd simply nod his head and glance back over his shoulder towards the estate then back at her. "Are you also... willing to look like a Sin'dorei? There are still strict expectations of those I associate with... And I do not imagine they would favor a Kal'dorei."

The green dragon nodded her head as a gathering of leaves and wind surged around her. Her shape subtly changed before his very eyes. And just as she had before, she wore transparent clothing that revealed more than what would be expected at the ball.

"Erm... perfect. Now, all we will need is to get you a dress. One that is proper for the occasion."

"What is wrong with what I am wearing?" She inquires as she moves closer to him.

"It suggests a behavior punishable by tanning one's hide. Please... allow me to assist you with this endeavor?"

Raescera gave a slow nod as he pulled her away from his father's grave. The notion of regret slipping as he sought to shoulder the burden better in the evening.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Near the start time of the dance, he led Raescera into the room. He wore something similar in color to her dress and held her by the arm with his own. Her attire mirrored her passion for the Dream as she was a stunning creature to behold in the ballroom. There was no question that eyes were drawn to her and Inerus as they made their way forward. However, she managed the part of a Sin'dorei with entitlement well as she regarded the room around her. Leaning close, she spoke softly into his ear.

"There are many here... I do not know how we will be able to dance and talk with them all in the hour we intend to stay."

"That is a normal worry, but I assure you... The Sin'dorei manage to find ways to make time and exceed the allotment of time for conversation. I suspect we may be here longer if we get caught by the wrong parties during the dance."

At this, the music started to carry through the large hall. Already pairs of Sin'dorei made their way onto the floor to dance. Inerus turned to Raescera as he offered an overturned hand to her. "May I have this dance, Lady Raescera?"

"You may, Dragonsworn Inerus." She gingerly set her hand within his as his fingers folded around hers. His other arm sought to wrap about her side as he spoke. "When you are ready... step with me. I will lead you and if you feel lost... rely on me."

She gave a nod and took a step. He moved with her, though he made to do so slowly. His gaze focused entirely on her as the arm bracing her side gave more support than the joined hands that were outstretched from their bodies. A smile made its way onto his features as he seemingly kept pace with those that danced around them. A majority of the dancers hugged their partners with the same motion of dance.

Although Raescera had been new to it, she only slipped a few times. Though it was hardly noticed given Inerus's practiced form. And each time she faltered, he would ease to a slower rhythm. Her own features grew bright as she noted the gold opulent chandeliers overhead.

"Perhaps one day, you can add a chandelier to your own lair," he quipped noting her look to the ceiling. "I'm sure I could get you one if you want..."

"I would welcome that. And I would look forward to doing these... dances more often. I am enjoying myself."

He felt touched by her words as a tender look crossed his features. He leaned close to speak near her ear. "I wouldn't have it any other way, Lady Raescera."

@daily-writing-challenge