Chapter 15 : Festival of Lights (Asar -o Lux)

The festivities in the common-room lasted till midnight. The Annui celebrated boisterously, dancing to the music box that Simon had produced. It was a plain, black box that emitted a squeak and played whatever song had been requested. Someone had thought to enlarge the Annui emblem and hang it from the ceiling, enchanting the white stag to canter constantly on the waving banner. After hours of partying, most of the pleasantly tired people wandered off in twos and threes to their rooms. Diana sank into one of the soft chairs near the window smiling sleepily at the others still dancing in the centre of the room. Silvanus broke through the throng of people and walked up to her.

He stretched out his hand in a very human gesture. "Good game, Jockey."

Diana smiled and shook his hand. "No, great game."

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The next day, Diana walked down to the Dining Hall and saw that decorations had been put up overnight. Colourful streamers crisscrossed the ceiling, small lanterns hovered above, glowing red, orange and gold, the tables had been pushed outward and a vibrant floral mural covered the floor in the centre of the hall. Little sparkles were falling like confetti from the ceiling extinguishing themselves before reaching the ground. Everyone, even the teachers, had dressed up for the holiday in finery, although in case of Hiril Taira, finery meant a bright purple gown with neon green stars scattered across the fabric and Hiril Cirilla's definition of finery merely extended to a large ugly ornament on her frizzy hair. Everyone seemed intent on enjoying the holiday as thoroughly as possible.

While Diana and Aletheia were walking through the aisle, Silvanus passed by trailing choruses of "'Appui Aur -o nost!". He smiled at the elves muttering "'han cin."

"What was that?" said Diana, who was now focusing on day-to-day conversations to improve her Elvish.

"Oh they're wishing him."

"You didn't tell me there's a greeting for the festival. 'Appui Aur - nost' to you too."

"It is not for the Lux festival, silly," chuckled Aletheia. "They're wishing him a happy birthday."

"Oh it's his birthday today? You should've told me before, Theia."

"And what good would that do? You barely even look at him........ even when he's trying to catch your eye all the damn time." Irritation leaked into her voice as she gave her friend a calculating side-long glance.

Diana opened her mouth to say something in her defense but then closed it unable to make any words come out.

"Look," continued Aletheia, "I'm not a fool. I know there's something you're hiding - both of you - something related to him. And no matter how many times I've badgered him to tell me, he's maintained a stony silence. Moreover, he begged me not to ask you anything and I've respected his wishes. But my patience is wearing thin, Diana. The other students are deferential towards him and speak formally to him because of what he is. But you. You're not from here. You've no reason to be formal with him. Forget formal, I think you literally avoid him. Why?"

"I-uh-I...... uh- What do you mean by 'what he is?' " Diana tried to side-step the minefield.

"Well, he's the Avedis." She said in the manner of someone stating that the sky is blue.

"WHAT!" Several heads turned towards them at Diana's exclamation. Diana smoothed her flustered expression and smiled benignly at the turned faces. They went back to their breakfasts.

"What!" she whisper-yelled.

"He is the Protector of-"

"I know what an Avedis is." Diana muttered fiercely.

Aletheia was staring at her suspiciously. "You really didn't know?"

"No!"

"It's the reason people goggle at him with misty eyes." Aletheia rolled her own eyes. "They think he's going to usher prosperity into Vorantia. Bring world peace and all that. Although, how he's supposed to do that when my dear step-mother doesn't even let him set foot out of the palace is beyond me."

"Why doesn't she let him out of the palace?"

"Scared out of her wits, obviously. She thinks he'll be assassinated if he even pokes his head out of an armoured heled. To tell you the truth, she's not been very rational since Father's death." Theia sighed.

"But who would want to assassinate Silvanus? The davizae are beyond the forest maze. And you told me there's no crime in this kingdom."

"There isn't. But that doesn't stop her from being paranoid. I can't blame her much. Half the reason the davizae invaded Vorantia is to kill him." Aletheia's voice dropped to a whisper. "The King of Rohaaj, the ruler of the davizae, murdered anyone who presented a threat to him. Imagine his shock when the eclipse of Rowan and Snow happened in his lifetime and Silvanus was born. It's a sign. A sign of change. Then, within months, the second eclipse happened signaling the birth of the Zareh. He got afraid that his rule would come to an end, so he sent his army to kill Silvanus. He wanted to defeat and enslave us before the Zareh could be found. An Avedis without his Zareh is not that powerful - easy to take out of the picture. You see, the Cosantora are powerful only as long as they're united."

Diana's mind was spinning with a thousand questions but they'd reached their table where Arion, Genevieve and the twins sat talking in cheery tones. Diana felt a great surge of sympathy and guilt. Sympathy for the green-eyed elf who had such a great burden dumped on his shoulders just because he happened to be born under an astronomical phenomenon. How could they expect him to accomplish so much on his own? Guilt rose as powerful as the sympathy as she thought about how she'd avoided him so determinedly. He could see why he wanted to talk to her. She was the only one who didn't see the saviour of elf-kind when she looked at his face. He must want a break from all the pressure.

The least I can do is give him a birthday present.

So after a delicious breakfast of eggs and bacon, Diana side-stepped Aletheia's disapproving eyes and escaped to her room. Present... present...hmm.... what can I give him....? She leaned against the railing of her balcony thinking hard. Outside, the Anor - (It was the star at the centre of this solar system) - was out, pouring buttery yellow sunshine on the lawns. A herd of pegasi grazed in the paddock, lazily flicking their tails; Herdir Faun brushed them down standing on a tiny stool. It would be impossible to go to Criss-crossroads at this time. As she cast around for a birthday present idea, her eyes wandered back to the paddock. And suddenly she knew what to do.

She cupped her hand and dug a fistful of damp earth from the begonia flowerpot. She levitated the mudball in the air and magically shaped it till it resembled a smooth, sleek-bodied pegasus. Then she prodded it with a finger and said 'Enervate Automata.' The tiny pegasus neighed, unfurling its wings and flew down to her palm. Diana found a small piece of streamer and tied it around its neck to give it a festive look. The minute pegasus looked very much like Ember with its earthen body and shiny brown coat. Happy with her present, she set out to find Silvanus. She checked in his room first, where Zula welcomed her by flying to her shoulder and nibbling her ear affectionately.

"Where's Silvanus, Zula?"

"Ed! Ed!" answered Zula which was not very helpful as it just meant 'out'.

Diana searched for Silvanus all day in vain while making sure that the others were within earshot whenever she met Alethiea. In the evening, they sat at the dining table for the Lux feast marveling at the mounds of chicken, tureens of gravy, bacon, roasted potatoes and assorted items popping in and out of existence in the display plates. The first course was cleared after a while and the dessert appeared; multi-coloured jellies, chocolate balls, strawberry cakes and honey pies filled the dining hall with their tantalizing aroma. Aletheia slipped out before the course was finished muttering something unintelligible.

After dinner, Cironir stood up at the teachers' table and the pleasantly excited buzz died away.

"As per our long-standing tradition, we shall now be joining Her Majesty and the courtiers for celebrating the Lux in the palace ballroom. I trust that you will maintain the highest standards of behaviour while in their presence. Enjoy your evening, students! All my wishes for the sacred Lux be with you!"

The were led by their teachers in a single file to the ballroom on the other side of the castle where a party was in full swing. Half the palace was reserved for the palace offices occupied by the royal government, or the West End, as the area was commonly called. It consisted of a Throne room, a ballroom and all the floors on the western side of the palace. Queen Zinnia and her courtiers ran the administration of Vorantia out of the West End which was out of bounds for the students on usual days. The ballroom was as big as their Dining Hall and decorated in a similar way. Fairy lights twinkled around the twin staircases that descended from the upper floor balcony that circled the long room giving a spectacular arial view of the soiree below. A band with an assortment of guitars, harp, flute and lyre played a pleasant tune on a raised dias in the front. Diana suddenly felt very underdressed looking down at the simple blue frock she'd worn to this party fit for royalty. The children observed the adults interestedly, milling about with goblets in their hands sampling tartlets from the trays of passing waiters.

"That's the Head of the Department of Magical Sports, the lady in red is the Chief Justice for the Elven High Court and the dwarf over there is Bank Manager of Anhydrin Caer," Arion pointed out a stout dwarf standing on a chair deep in conversation with a dark haired elf.

"How do you know all these people?"

"Didn't I tell you before? My-"

"Arion! There you are. Come here. Let me introduce you to-" The burgundy haired lady stopped speaking and stared at Diana till comprehension dawned on her face. "Suilad mother, this is my friend Diana," introduced Arion, "Diana, this is my mother".

"But you are the fairy! Ooooo so happy to meet you dear. I'm Andromeda," said Arion's mom enthusiastically. She introduced her to several of the members of the Queen's court, elves in elegant finery, who all seemed very surprised that................ she didn't bear any marks of torture on her body.

"You poor dear! How unfortunate to have been imprisoned with the humans."

"Absolutely savage. Did you know they actually think that their females are weaker than the males?"

"It's in their nature itself to plunder and pillage."

"Of course, it is. Look at the way they've destroyed Earth."

"Oh to think that a fairy was raised in their midst."

No amount of spluttering protests from Diana convinced them that the humans they spoke of were people from the middle ages and that human society, though still not problem-free, had evolved in the last few centuries.

Arion, trying to spare Diana, reminded his mother that there was someone she wanted to introduce him to. But before she could respond, a soldier in gray uniform appeared on top of the stairs. "Hear ye! Hear ye! Presenting Her Majesty, Queen of Vorantia, Lady Zinnia!" The Queen appeared on top of the stairs wearing a pistachio green gown with gold detailing, waving to the crowd in a stately manner. "Avedis of Allohara, Crown Prince of Vorantia, His Highness, Prince Silvanus!" An irritated sqwak was heard. "And - um - uh royal pet, Azul." The soldier fumbled. Silvanus looked very regal following his mother down the stairs in what appeared to be a gray soldier's uniform with gold threading. Zula, wearing a glittering collar, stood at attention on his shoulder looking every bit as royal as the prince. "Her Highness of Vorantia, Princess Aletheia." Diana realized why Aletheia had disappeared before dinner was over, as she trailed behind her step-mother in a lilac gown and a resigned expression on her face. "Prime Minister of Vorantia, Lord Jafral." The Prime Minister walked down the stairs in velvet clothes looking as surly as ever.

Queen Zinnia walked - actually glided, her movements were so sinuous - up the raised dias and the band stopped playing. "Welcome! A thousand wishes of the Lux to all of Vorantia." Everyone applauded or raised their glasses to the Queen. "And wishing my son, Avedis of Allohara, health, wealth and happiness in this new year as he turns eleven." Another round of applause. "As always, this year's Royal Auction would be taking place conducted by Lord Deveraux." A stately elf in a top hat and red velvet ruffled clothes stood up and gave a small bow. "And all proceeds from the auction would be used for the welfare of our brothers and sisters from the Eastern Rivers of Ravel." Everyone clapped though Diana could see smiles falter in the crowd for some reason.

Lights flashed on the Queen and Diana turned around to see a small group of elves with long spyglasses that were emitting flashes of light. Notebooks jostled mid-air in front of them with pens scrawling away while the elves hung onto every word that the Queen said. Badges stuck to their coats with names like 'Vorantian Vogue', 'The Elven Times' and 'Mirroring News Network'.

Hmm elvish paparazzi............. There's a phrase I'd never thought I'd hear myself think.

The Queen walked off the dias to sit at a raised platform in front of the band where her courtiers immediately swarmed around her. Silvanus and Aletheia sat on either side of her, Aletheia looking thoroughly bored while Silvanus smiled politely, balling his fist to his heart at the thousandth person bowing to him.

The elf in the top hat walked up the stage and snapped his fingers in front of his throat muttering "Volumen". "Welcome! Welcome! Let us begin the four hundred and twentieth Royal Auction of the Lux!" The band struck up a lively tune. "Our first item, from the deserts of Eru, a magnificent gold sphinx." A portion of the floor of the dias slid aside and a stand rose holding a three-feet long golden sphinx with opals glittering in its eyes. "Do we hear ten thousand aurums?" An lady elf with poofy lips raised her hand. "Do we hear eleven thousand? Yes? Eleven thousand?"

The auction continued in this manner; a number of rare and beautiful objects were displayed on the stand and were bid on by the wealthy elves. Some of the objects were bid on and bought by the Queen herself.

"And as our finale, I present......... the one, the only, the fabulous mirror of Queen Snow!"

A large ornate mirror, oval in shape with gold leaves, flowers and apples carved around its edges ascended from the ground. All the elves oooooooooohed in unison. "That's really Queen Snow's mirror?" Diana whispered doubtfully to Arion. "Must be." He answered, still staring in awe at the attractive mirror. "Lord Deveraux has a full team that checks for counterfeit and spurious goods. No item that he's ever sold has come back with complaints."

A positive war ensued between the elves as soon as Lord Deveraux opened his mouth.

"Five hundred thousand aurums!"

"Five hundred and fifty thousand!"

"Six hundred thousand!"

"One million!" Everyone turned to see a portly man in expensive black clothes stand up. "I will match anything that anyone else bids," he proclaimed. The room fell silent.

"Sold for one million aurums to the Lord of Haradren Paen, Duke Darius!"

"Whoaa he must be supremely rich."

"Yes," said Gemino as they clapped. "He's mad about all things related to antiques and his main interest is in things owned or enchanted by fairies. Don't let him see you, girl. He would love to bid on you." He smiled mischievously. Diana punched him playfully on his shoulder.

The auction ended with another round of applause and Lord Deveraux announced the dance floor open. Even as Diana was wondering what dance floor he was talking about - the entire hall was packed with chairs including the raised platform where the courtiers sat - the courtiers vacated their seats, and the chairs on the platform melted away leaving a sweeping dance floor in its wake. Everyone bowed as the Queen led by the Prime Minister opened the dance waltzing in the slow style of a different era. Silvanus and Aletheia followed them, Aletheia wincing every time Silvanus stepped on her feet. Feeling bad for her, Diana grabbed a revolted Arion and joined them on the dance floor.

"Having fun?" Diana whispered to Aletheia, smiling as they revolved by.

"Yes, yes, I'm having the time of my life," she said sarcastically as Silvanus trod on her foot again muttering, "Díhen- nin! Díhen- nin! Sorry!"

"Silvanus, look at me. Follow me, okay? Step forward...... right........ backward ......... left........ forward....... right...... yeah that's it!" She danced with Arion showing the simple box step and Silvanus tried to copy her. She smiled at him as he managed to do the move without stepping on Aletheia's toes. He looked up to smile triumphantly at Diana and immediately stumbled on the hem of Aletheia's gown. Diana giggled. "You need practice, good sir."

After dancing for a few songs, they wandered about enjoying the goblets of orange juice and examining the different garbs worn by the elves milling around though Diana would not be drawn into conversing with any of them again. Aletheia and Silvanus joined them then; Aletheia plopped down on a chair, kicked off her slippers and started massaging her toes. Silvanus held her shoulder looking morose and apologetic. "Rosa, do you think she should go to Matron Teresa?"

"My name is Diana." She reminded him for the umpteenth time but almost at once she was distracted by a beautiful lady passing by. "Who is that?" Diana gestured to the vision, tossing her white blonde hair while speaking to a group of elves who seemed to be hanging on her every word. She was wearing a blood red gown with feather detailing on the bottom. As Diana watched, another elf joined the group staring open-mouthed at her.

"That's Lady Valha," said Genevieve.

"The designer?"

"Yes, the owner of Valhalla. Half the nobility here are wearing her designs."

Diana looked back at her with new found respect. "She has an amazing taste in fashion."

"Speaking of amazing taste, is this a new vogue? Wearing only one earring?" sniggered Gemina.

"What?" Diana felt her right earlobe and found it bare. "Oh no! Daddy gave me those. C'mon guys. Help me look for it." Gemino and Arion rolled their eyes but got up anyway to help the girls search for the lost earring. Diana retraced her steps across the ballroom berating herself for not paying attention. She was searching the ground and didn't realize when she walked straight into a tapestry at the corner of the ballroom getting entangled in the long tassels, but to her surprise, she didn't hit the wall. Instead, she fell through a door behind it into, what she was sure, was the most beautiful room in the palace.

The Throne room was a large rectangular room under the centre of the glass dome that formed the ceiling. White royal seats lined the aisle ending in two black divans on either side of the throne. The throne itself was made of carved silver and glittered like diamonds even in the semi-darkness. Glass pillars almost three feet wide lined the sides of the aisle, extending to the top where the glass curved and ended at a large chandelier encrusted with crystals that was almost as long as the room itself. Beyond the white seats, raised benches circumvented the entire room like the stands in a stadium. Behind the throne, a thick glass wall had an engraved tree that showed the pointed, regal faces of what Diana assumed to be every king and queen of Vorantia.

"Hark what you're speaking, Cironir?!" A hand slapped angrily on the glass wall. A very lady-like hand with gleaming rings.

"We need to tell her. She will find out sooner or later and it's better that she finds out from us." Cironir's voice was calm but there was a hint of a plea in it. They were half hidden behind the huge throne but they only had to move a foot to the right to be able to see Diana.

Revolted at the prospect of being found eavesdropping on the Queen and Herdante, Diana struggled harder with the tassels entangled around her neck.

"What good would that do?" The Queen's voice sounded highly irritated.

"This is their lives we're talking about. Even Silvanus doesn't know the whole story. We cannot set them on this path without knowledge."

"She will leave, Cironir. Don't you know that? The second she knows her destiny in Vorantia, she will leave. She does not understand like Silvanus does. She is not devoted to our kingdom. She is not our own."

"My lady, regardless of that, she has a right to know. Aletheia tells me she keeps avoiding Silvanus. What you wish for will not happen anyway if this goes on. She will not take the mantle for Vorantia.......... or for him."

"That won't happen. Silvanus is the embodiment of good itself. No one can resist my son. She will learn to care for him."

"And then what? Do you expect that years from now she will take the oath and be united with him?"

Queen Zinnia winced. "No no! Of course not! Have you lost your mind, Cironir? A union like that is forbidden by our ancestors. She will take the oath and fulfill her duties as Zareh."

Diana's hands had fallen slack by now.

"My son must be protected, Herdante! I will not have him taken away like my husband. And she will do it!"

"We've been entrusted with raising the saviors of the universe. We owe it, not just to Vorantia, but the entire planet of Allohara, to do this the right way. Terr'ane would never forgive if the daughter of Celestia is wronged." Cironir's voice was quivering with power.

"She is the Zareh of my son!" spat Queen Zinnia.

"She is a student of the Academy! And I promise that while I am Herdante, Diana would not walk to her destiny blindfolded."