Chapter 7: A parting notice.
It was a ball room. Lavishly decorated with shining chandeliers, ornaments, paintings and statues, the floor was well catered with tables of fine dining the likes which many people would never see. Those who stood inside wore clothing to match. Cloth of the finest threads and sewn to perfection, each piece custom to the wearer. The range and variety was not small as the many cultures of the ball's participants showed their own unique charms. Long dresses that flared and swished with gentle grace, resplendent suits that extenuated ones physique, tight fitting pieces that showed off the body and accessories that highlighted the unique features of its wearers whether it was horns, ears or fur.
At the head of the hall a small stage had been erected and on it, the hosts of the evening. A regal man wearing a suitable crown raised his arms calling for attention over the crowd.
"Welcome all of you. I thank you for your attendance in today's celebration. Today we have gathered to once again thank and celebrate the efforts of the Ever-Garden's Mercenaries who have defeated the Archdevil Similois. As King of Ardentgrad whose country would no longer exist without them, allow me to lead a toast in their honour." The King raised his glass, "To the Mercenaries of the Ever-Garden."
"To the Mercenaries of the Ever-Garden," the crowd below responded the same, though there were some among them who simply smiled and nodded.
"I now pass onto Ms Karen who will be representing the Ever-Garden this night," the King stepped away and bowed respectfully as the red haired women took his place.
Karen stood with a pleasant smile. Her dress was as fiery as her hair and many in the crowd couldn't help stare at her commanding beauty. Although her appearance was much more than just easy on the eyes, no one in the room could ever feel more than respect and thanks towards her. That was the feeling she exuded.
She curtsied politely before speaking, "Before I begin allow me to sincerely thank you all. King Ardent for hosting this event and the countless others who have supported it, without you there would be no meaning in the peace we strived to obtain. While a few of us from the Ever-Garden could not make it, many of us are here. Please do not be shy or intimidated by our presence. In the end we are human, though the stories of us wouldn't make you think that," she winked and a few in the crowd below chuckled. "I'd like to also take this time to thank all the soldiers, volunteers and adventurers who assisted us against the Archdevil Similois. Though we were the ones who took the devil's head we could not have done so without relying on the individuals who gave their all to protect the people during our assault. I ask all the representatives of the countries and organisations that have gathered to note this and give credit where it's due." Karen smiled and curtsied once again, "That is all I have to say. Let us all enjoy tonight and remember the importance of the peace we keep. A toast to us all." She raised her glass as the crowd cheered. With that she moved from the stage and the crowd once again began to mingle.
"Thank god for Karen right?" Kyle nudged Estile beside him. "Couldn't imagine doing a speech in front of all these people."
"That's why we get her to do it every time," Estile nodded in complete agreement. "Remember when Trent had to a few years back. At least we didn't look intimidating."
"Aww don't be mean," Kyle laughed as he gazed towards the blue haired man across the room. He was surrounded by a myriad of young women all who showed no intent to hide their flattery. "Though it looks like he's a girl magnet as usual."
"Jealous?"
"Of course not," Kyle huffed flicking his brown locks. "If I wanted I could get anyone in this room."
Estile breathed out and smirked, "See it's that personality that makes you so unapproachable. Trent just projects innocence, girls like that. See how... oh wow there are a lot of them this time. Maybe you should go help him out before he runs away again."
"Yeah I'm on it," Kyle drained the rest of his glass. "No matter how many centuries past he's still the same." He stepped quickly towards the group of women who seeing him approach dispersed.
Estile shook her head and smiled, "I could say the same for you." She stared at Kyle who compared to Trent looked many years younger. Though his clothing was as fine as any of the others in the room, instead of making him seem older it made him look childish.
"Lady Estile," the polite tone of voice came from beside her. A tall, lean man with long ears and large eyes, he was clearly not human. "How are you enjoying the evening?"
"Quite nicely Lord Devrin," Estile nodded towards him. "The food is certainly tasty, have you tried any yet?"
"I have. The human chefs have done a mighty job with what they have but alas if the party had been held in the Elf Lands we could have shown you the splendour of true culinary expertise."
"Yes, as you know I have visited Elf Lands many times. Your lands a certainly beautiful and abundant. Praise to your Queen for her job well done."
"I will be sure to relay your words to her majesty," Lord Devrin smiled. "Perhaps if you would like, as you show much love for our lands, I could formally offer you a title and home among us."
"Now hold right there Lord Devrin," a large hand covered in fine fur broke between them. "If you're offering a stable home to one of the Ever-Garden you should get in line." The man laughed boisterously, the dog like ears on top his head twitching.
"Argus," the elf almost sneered.
The beastkin continued heartily, "No need to be like that Devrin. I know you lot can live for centuries but keep up that expression and you'll still get a few wrinkles."
Estile released a timely giggle, "Both of you know full well that the Ever-Garden will always be a neutral party. If you need us you call us. Other than that we live our own lives."
"Bit of a shame though," Argus grinned revealing his fangs. "My father would open his arms to you in a heartbeat."
"As would my Queen," Lord Devrin spoke as if not to lose.
"And so would almost everyone in this room," Estile said pointedly. "We can't be playing favourites."
"Indeed," the new voice entered the fray causing the Elf and Beastkin both to frown. The man wore an elegant and lavishly embroidered robe that dragged upon the floor. Comparable to his clothing the man's appearance was on the pudgier side, a clear second chin forming beneath the first. He raised his arm, glass in hand as his sleeves swept by due to their length. "Praise be to the Ever-Garden who choose to save us all."
Argus glowered revealing the tips of his fangs, "It seems King Ardent was quite liberal with the invitation list."
"For once I agree with you," Lord Devrin too showed his distaste.
The man simply smiled, "This party is to celebrate the Ever-Garden for their deeds. Though our Church's strength spreads far and wide, we too have much to thank for. You do speak the truth however, King Ardent could have culled the guest list quite a bit."
It was clear that the tension between the three was rising and from across the room their individual guards stepped closer.
Estile cut in, "Play nice boys. This is a celebration, not a place to bare out grudges."
The large man was the first to fold and bowed deeply, "My apologies Lady Estile. Allow me to properly introduce myself. I am Cardinal Josephy worshiper of the Human God. Had you not defeated the Archdevil many of our believers would have perished."
"We simply did our job," Estile showed a pleasant smile but hid her true feelings behind a practised mask. "Now if you'll excuse me I'd like to get some fresh air. If you'd really like to continue, Riftin over there is on his third glass of champagne and he gets quite talkative when he drinks." A handsome black haired man stood beside one of the tables already talking to several guests. He had an empty glass in one hand and in the other a new full one.
"Of course my lady," the three bowed and allowed her to step away. With her gone they immediately split, no longer content to be in the presence of the others.
Estile made her way straight to the balcony, opening and closing the glass door behind her. Once outside she took in a deep breath fully enjoying the light breeze around her. Though it was night the weather seemed quite pleasant and the light of the moon was enough to reveal the scenery before her. The ball room sat at the edges of the castle overlooking a seaside landscape. A city spread by the water and onto the surrounding hills and cliffs. Lights flickered throughout the buildings showing the life within, while some still wandered the streets. What Estile focused on however were the calming waves that crashed against the beach. The sound of the water crept into her ears easing the tension in her body.
The noise of the party behind suddenly came back as the door opened and closed. A young man wearing a neat suit approached her. He was a peculiar sight with long ears, animal like eyes and even had a feline like tail spreading from his back.
"Lady Estile," he bowed to her before joining her against the railing.
"We're alone so you can drop the formality and call me like usual," Estile smiled warmly. "It's been a while Ren, how's work?"
"Work... work is good," the young man smiled. "The Church of the Sleeping God is filled with good people. We're really helping others, especially those like me. Though sometimes I really want to escape it all." He sighed tiredly.
"You could always come back to the Garden."
Ren smirked, "It's been a few decades since I left. As much as I would love to. Like you told me to, I found a place in the world."
Estile looked at him proudly, "You could still visit more often."
"Next time I get a break," he leaned back and looked inside towards the party. "I saw that you were talking to Lord Devrin and Prince Argus. They're still trying to win you over?"
"Always," Estile sighed. "Never changes no matter how many years."
"Well elves have a long time and Argus is enthusiastic even for a beastkin. As someone who has a bit of both I can respect that." His tail swung purposefully behind him as his ears twitched. "But who was that third man?"
"A Cardinal of the Human God."
The words immediately caused Ren to frown as he stared back inside spitefully, "What are they doing here?"
"Taking the opportunity to thank us."
"But they're-," he shook himself. "Sorry I should be civil."
"Don't worry I don't like him either. He looks about as obnoxious as they come."
Ren laughed, "True, but I guess you can't say that to his face."
"Not without starting a war," she laughed herself as they faded into silence.
For a while the two said nothing and enjoyed each other's company. The young man smiled fully relaxed in the presence of Estile as if to him it was natural to be beside her.
Her voice broke the silence, "Mori had a nightmare."
The words caused Ren to flinch. His eyes opened and focused on the women in question who was still inside the hall. The yellow haired girl was standing by a table happily sampling the foods as if in her own world.
"Should I take that as a warning?" he straightened himself.
"Probably," Estile answered calmly. "As long as I've known her, she's had many dreams but never a nightmare. Something is coming. We don't know when but it's not going to be easy."
"I see...," Ren's expression deepened into a frown. A sudden soft slap to the top of his head caused him to snap back to normal.
"Don't make that face," Estile smiled to him. "It's our job to make sure everything ends well. I just want you children to live a happy life."
"I'm not really a child anymore," he returned the smile.
"To me you always will be." Estile stepped away from the railing and stretched. "We're spreading the news slowly to prepare for something big. If you hear anything tell us."
"Of course," the young man nodded.
Estile looked towards the beach one more time, "Maybe I should bring the children to the beach again. It's been a while since they've played in the ocean. They could also learn to swim."
Ren laughed, "Talking about the dangers to come one moment and then thinking about the children the next. You really are weird."
"You don't get to call me that," she puffed indignantly.
"It's what makes you the best mum. Don't tell the others I said that."
Estile laughed, "I won't. Now how about you give your mum a hug before she has to head back inside and talk to people again." The two leaned in and shared an embrace. "You know you were much easier to hug when you were shorter than me."
"It's called growing up. You gave me the chance to so you can't complain."
"I guess I can't," she faced the party where her companions were waiting. "Remember to call us if you need anything Ren and tell that to your brothers and sisters as well. Also visit us more often. The children love it when the older ones come back."
"Right, right," Ren expression warmed. "Now if anyone asks I was talking to you about official business. My boss is still inside."
"Of course," Estile nodded and proceeded to enter first. No matter what they would protect the world, because that was their duty.