A low mummer of conversation could be heard over the courtyard, a session was still in and the King was having another talk with the light council and the Noble Elders for the third time this week. The frequent calling of the Elders had been a reason for the the influential families of the kingdom to congregate and socialize on a more frequent basis than normal. On one side of the court yard the noble and magical family men congregated and conversed of the current situation of the kingdom and what was possibly in the very near future. Many were dressed in the formal court wear of what appeared to be a half sized gown with pleated sleeves and a very low collar that was appropriate during the hot summer times by the coast. A loosely fitted material was also to be found covering the lower half of the body a silk like material that was cooled when the breeze from the sea came through. The more common colors among a mans garb was white or tan and a black pant or darker green. Many of the men had longer side burns that ran down close to the chin, few with beards, and almost none clean shaven. The women on the other hand were bound by their responsibility to attract the eye of the other sex. White was the most common color, even when at the coast. A dress that lifted a woman's assets up and enhanced her womanly figure is what was expected at court. A long flowing hairstyle that let a few bangs flow down around the face, shaping it into a work of art looking almost like a perfect oval picture of beauty. Red lips were also expected as well as a full train behind the woman; being in court was not always comfortable but many enjoyed the envies looks received by the men across the yard. Now and then one gentleman would cross over the grass, pass the low hedges and by the trickling fountain to great a particular lady that caught his fancy but mostly the game was played from afar. As the men talked of the situation in Tana and of the rumors of more goblins wars off in Tanimbar and the new trade alliance the women talked of dress, of rumored couples, affairs, and scandals. Today though the gossip to be found among the hens was centered on the High Nobles daughter, Jolinan and her husband to be. "Have you heard of that boy and his ways?" "Such a pretty thing with a Tanan, what is happening to this world?" I heard that the rumors are all false and that they are in love. I also heard that he is a sweet boy." "Many conversations at once cause a stir and much confusion." Many of the women were now growing quite and turned to look at Sariah whom had made a quite entrance and then surprised them with her statement. "Yes my daughter has found love." (the word found was greatly emphasized) My husband and I support her in her decision and will meet with the young man tonight. In fact they are on there way here right now and should be here shortly. Before they get here I would like to answer a few of the things which I have heard recently: no she is not with child, yes he is the son of the QueenShe of Tana, and no it was not some devious plan to overthrow the king. Remember the king picks his replacement and then presents him to the Elder Nobles and the Light Council, no one makes themselves king in this land. Also the king is still at a good age and health, we have no such thing in mind. And finally no there is no magic involved to force any one to do anything, these two feel in love behind our backs, fell in love I say and that is what it is, love. A true and beautiful love untouched by our silly games that take place here in court. A smile came over Sariahs face as she pointed to a couple sitting by the fountain, a few of the older ladies giggled as a low growl of disapproval came from a mother nearby. As the mummer of gossip began to pick up after the words which had been spoken an instant hush fell over the crowd. All eyes turned to see an unfamiliar man walk into the entrance way, he was tall and had a very tan skin, not all unusual for the region but his attire placed him as an outsider immediately. With a dark orange ruffled shirt that exposed the upper middle part of his chest and a tighter black pair of tights that were covered mid calf down by a leather boot with thick but smooth soles. He wore a dagger of gold and silver to court, a tradition that had not been done in some time. A dagger was a representation of a last minute resort, a weapon a desperate man must take, although in battle and everyday wear a dagger was fine, it was degrading to wear one in court. Some men began to open there mouths to criticize but were stuck dumb as the stranger leaned back around the corner and pulled quite a sight up behind him. It was Jolinan like never before. A low cut tight shirt of a bright red with a see through sash of yellow tide about the middle to cover most of the mid drift that the shirt did not. The skirt was an elegant white with ruffles all the way down to mid calf where the garment stopped and on the feet were sandals that laced up just a bit past the skirt. Her hair was pulled up in an elegant style not worn in court since before the Sedonian rule. Something else that caught attention of the eyes were here ears were pierced and a small golden circle hung formed the sore tiny hole. This was considered a barbaric tradition for sure, yet the men found it quite tantalizing, the hole thing. All she wore, the way her clothes looked and the style and color it brought. The women found Talhanen quite attractive with his partly exposed chest and tights. It is needles to say that both sides of the court were stricken with this new appearance. Soon it was apparent that these appealing looks were working there charm on both sides of the yard and talking began to rise from all directions. Sariah and Jolinan embraced, tears, smiles and kisses flowing freely. "Mother, this is Talhanen forgive us for our attire, I just wish for this so much, that I did not take the time to find us appropriate clothes." Tana and Rhudyn did not usually have many reasons to meet, especially the more civilized part of the cultures therefore this was a shock in many ways. "My daughter, you look beautiful, I must get one of these skirts." And you are the most handsome young man, it is a pleasure to meet you." As Sariah bowed Talhanen took her hand and bowed with her as custom in Tana, "the pleasure is mine, I now see where Jolinan gets her heavenly looks, your husband is a blessed man, may the gods bless me so too." As the conversation carried on many approached and were introduced to Talhanen, and quite an impression he made. Many felt he wasn't quite as barbaric as expected others said he was a bit crude but all took note of the love that was seen between the two young people. Soon after sketches of the clothing were being made and tailors were beginning to copy the style that was seen at the court. With many of the older noble children paying high price for Tanan style clothes many tailors would travel shortly to Tana to learn a few trick and styles, They would also pick up materials that weren't as popular before in Rhudyn. A cultural change had begun to take place, jewelry, clothing materials, and soon even art, music dances, Tanan culture began to spread among the younger people like a fire. "A new phase in Rhudyn is now begging." "Yes sire, you are right. The cultural influence from Tana was quite unexpected" "Yes it was, but it is much better than what could have happened. As a king a am greatly relieved to see these two lands begin to join in some ways. I thank the Gods that children can find love where older people sometimes can't. It might well be that the Love of a girl and a boy saved the lives of millions by showing us all that we are not to different." ---------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, send mail to celandra-off@phoenyx.net.
