[center][h3][color=B0C4DE][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/180415/8766bcbe72dc86096741efaec737debc.png[/img][/color][/h3][/center] [center] [sub] Bride of Keregar [@Legion02]; and sister bride of Nadia [@Vesuvius00][/sub][/center] The journey from the hot springs back to the castle seemed like a mere moment compared to the journey to. Perhaps it was because they were now running towards the end of their journey. Most of the items that Xaeila brought were simple in nature. Her most beautiful dresses and silks left behind with friends and cousins. It seemed a shame to drag such beautiful things into such an ugly world. The drakken, however, surprised her by leaving her a light blue, flowy dress, very similar to something she might have owned back home. The neckline plunged into the belt, but it was modest enough with a few adjustments. The few touches of her own were the bands on her arm. Gifts from her teachers and a nod to her profession. Or the profession she would have had. Xae left her hair unbound and free to air dry, knowing that waves would eventually take hold of her hair. The make up she selected was minimal, and done mostly to fill the time she was given to ‘get ready’. The only struggle came to her feet. Although the burns were healing, the skin was still sensitive and it was painful to wear most shoes for any amount of time. She had been taking to wrapping her feet in soft clean cloth everyday to lessen the impact walking had on them. Today was no exception, choosing to favor the cloth rather than actual shoes. [center] ~[/center] The journey to the capital was far longer than the trip to Shadow Worth. The scenery changing drastical from hour to hour, starting with an alpine tundra and ending in a desert. By the time they had arrived, night had fallen and storm had blown itself in. For the most part the girls were kept dry, ushered from the carriages to the arena. After a quick speech, the high prince had lead her and another girl, one she hadn’t spoken much with, towards one of the more elderly look drakken. If elderly meant ‘could still rip you in half,’ Her companion spoke first. Easy, uneventful talk. It was clear by the girl’s voice that the meekness was more than just an act. Her husband followed after. Asking simple questions and giving information in return. Keregar. That name sent Xae’s mind spinning. It was a name she had heard before. Keregar, one of the few remaining drakkan that had been around when drakken used to come and select their brides directly from the supply. Although it was his father, Korag, who had been many more times before. A story. One that once broke the hearts of many, although now seemed like a dime a dozen tale. [color=B0C4DE]“ I know who you are[/color],” said Xaelia, raising her head to look the drakken in the eye. “[color=B0C4DE]Keregar[/color],” The name came out slowly as Xae took the time to speak every sound in his name. [color=B0C4DE]“You’ve been to my village before, as all drakken who enter Geminia do, although it has been many, many years since you last crossed. I also suspect you and I will cross through it again the same number of times[/color],” The story of Keregar was known by a few who followed the history of the Gem/Drakken conflicted. Although the story of his father was the one more often told. “[color=B0C4DE]You shadowed your father across the great spine to seek your prize, all the way to the capital… The rest of the story is sad, although I suspect you find it glorious and full of honor[/color],” Not every gem had a story worth remembering, although there were some people in her village who strived to recall every girl, Xaelia only focused on the ones worth talking about. [color=B0C4DE]“My name is Xaelia,”[/color] [hider=summary] Xae gets ready. Meets Keregar, and talks about his own story. Also arm bands [img]https://img0.etsystatic.com/183/2/12667567/il_340x270.1214347044_e7zp.jpg[/img] [/hider]