Tales of Regventus : Adalwen
Chapter 19

Griffa looked at herself in a mirror in her bedroom. She moved from side to side looking at her dress. It was a dark blue, and Maybell said it matched her eyes. She was happy with the fit. The dress had a modest neckline and half sleeves. It hit her waist in a becoming way without being uncomfortable. It had a full skirt that covered her slippers, and little threads of silver were woven throughout the dress making it look like it sparkled.

Before sending her away to check on Max, Griffa had Maybell help her tame her hair. Maybell had pulled Griffa’s hair to the side so her curls ran down her shoulder and in front of her left upper arm. Griffa fastened a thin chain around her neck that held jeweled falcon charm. She adjusted her skit one last time in the mirror and walked out of her room.

She saw Ansel at the top of the stairs as she walked from her room. He was looking down. She couldn’t help but smile at the site of him. He looked very handsome in a black tunic with the standard of the line of Raya stitched in silver on the chest. It was a large tree with many branches. He didn’t wear a hat tonight, and his dark hair was pulled back at the neck.

He looked up as Griffa approached. heSstopped a few feet from him. A small half smile appeared on Ansel’s face as he looked at Griffa. Griffa felt warm under his gaze as it trailed up and down. She knew she was probably blushing. She started nervously playing with her skit, unsure of what to say.

Ansel walked over to her and took her hand. He bowed over it and gave it a quick kiss.

“You look beautiful,” he said quietly.

She smiled at him as Max walked out into the hall.

“Max,” said Griffa as Ansel let go of her hand and turned to Max. “You look very handsome.”

Max was wearing a deep blue tunic with a silver sun stitched on it. His black pants and boots looked like they fit very well. Griffa could see he was wearing the necklace with a small pendant on it that she had given to him. It was a talisman against enchantment, and she hoped to keep him away from the wiles of Desmona and others.

Max smiled at Griffa. She walked over and took his arm. “We need to get going or we are going to be late.”

They walked downstairs to find Talon in the entry hall waiting for them. He smiled at Griffa as they approached.

“You are lovely, my dear,” said Talon. He took her hand and brought it to his lips before tucking her arm into his own. “Are we all ready to go?”

They walked through town, and to the back of the meeting hall. Griffa could see many young ladies turning to look at Max, Ansel, and Talon as they entered the festival space. Griffa looked at Max to see how he was reacting to everything.

The lawn was aglow with magical lights all around. Tables and chairs had been set up around a space to dance. The meeting halls back wall had been taken away so the big room in the back was open to the outside. Tables of food and drink were all along the walls. People sat at tables and stood in groups. A few musicians stood on a platform at the end of the dancing space with their back to a small, wooded area.

“What do you think, Max?” asked Griffa watching him take everything in.

“I’ve never seen anything like it. It all feels so magical, like I am surrounded in magic,” answered Max.

“We are celebrating the harvest. We are thanking the gods for their provisions that will last us through the winter. It is a sacred time,” said Ansel looking around.

“It’s also supposed to be fun,” said Griffa laughing lightly. “I’m glad you like it, Max.”

“Excuse me for a second,” said Talon. “I should go around and say hello to some people.”

“Try to stay out of trouble,” Griffa joked as Talon retreated away.

He turned and winked at her.

Griffa made some polite chit chat with a woman who came over to greet her, and Ansel surveyed the area. He nodded to a few men who wore dark tunics and pants that matched.

“Who are they?” Max asked Ansel.

“They are part of the protector’s forces. They watch over the village, and one day they will be your royal guard. I oversee their training and direct them. They are charged with watching over the celebrations tonight.”

“Do you expect any trouble?” asked Max.

“No, but it’s always good to be careful. This is the first celebration our king will attend. Remember, Max you are a big deal here. We have to take every precaution.”

Max nodded as the musicians picked up their instruments and began to play. Ansel looked at Griffa, and she nodded.

“We won’t be long, Max,” said Ansel, taking Griffa’s hand. He led her to the dance floor with other couples joining them.

Griffa smiled as Ansel placed his hand around her waist and took her other hand in his. It felt so natural and right to be in his arms. She had danced with him a dozen times at many different festivals, but she never tired of it.

“What are your plans tonight?” asked Griffa “Are you going to hide away like you usually do?”

“I will be trying to avoid dancing if I can as I don’t much care for it. I will have to stay more engaged with the party than I usually do so I can watch over Max.”

“If you don’t care for dancing, why do you always insist on opening these festivals dancing with me?”

“I have two reasons. One, it shows that I can dance, and I did make an effort in the evening. No one can say I never participated in the revelry.”

“I’m glad I could help you save face, Ansel,” said Griffa dryly.

“My second reason is you are the exception to my dislike for dancing,” said Ansel. He leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Believe it or not, your presence at these events soothes me.”

He leaned back, and Griffa looked up at Ansel. “I enjoy festivals. They put me in too good of a mood to argue. That would explain why you like being around me at them.”

“I don’t mind being around you at any time. I even enjoy our arguments now and then,” said Ansel.

“I like them, too,” admitted Griffa. “I think sometimes I might look for reasons to argue with you.”

Ansel shook his head at her and chuckled slightly. They eventually finished their dance and went back to Max. Ansel walked over to talk to some of his protector’s guards, and Griffa stayed close to Max. She heard some girls giggling next them. Griffa gave Max a small shove, and she motioned her head towards the girls.

“Go on, do it,” said one of the girls pushing another girl forward.

The girl looked young, about Max’s age. Griffa could see she was pretty with brown hair and dark eyes. She walked over to Max and smiled

“You are the king, aren’t you?” she asked shyly.

“Uh, kind of. I’m Max,” he said.

“I’m Ellie,” she said, still not meeting his eyes.

“Hi, Ellie. I’m glad to meet you. Have you lived here your whole life?” asked Max.

Griffa looked at Max and tried not to laugh at his comment.

“Yes, I was born here. I’ve never been anywhere else.”

“Oh,” said Max.

“Would you, I mean you don’t have to, but would you like to dance?” Ellie asked, still looking at the ground as her friends giggled.

Max looked at Griffa, and she nodded encouragingly.

“Sure,” he said. “Come on.”

Griffa watched Max dance with Ellie. He wasn’t lying when he said he wasn’t a very good dancer. He was a little stiff and awkward, but Ellie didn’t seem to mind. The dance seemed to embolden the girl’s friends. Soon Griffa watched as Max was busy almost every dance. She was glad he seemed to be enjoying himself.

“You are going to dance with me, aren’t you?” asked Talon as he came to stand near Griffa.

“It seems like you’ve been plenty busy this evening. I wasn’t sure you would have time for me.”

“There are some lovely creatures here in Abscon. I must visit more often, but I always have time for you, Griffa. Come, dance with me.”

Griffa nodded.

“Why didn’t you come last spring to see me?” asked Talon as they danced. “You said you would.”

“Ansel joined me unexpectedly for my birthday. He told me he wanted to stay through spring.”

“You would have had more fun if you had come to see me. You could have come after,” said Talon. He leaned in close to her and kissed her quickly on her neck, whispering in her ear, “I have missed you.”

Griffa raised her eyebrows at him as he leaned up. “Have you? You could always come see me as well.”

“I am here now. I have a lot of responsibilities with my village and the council. When will you take you proper position with the Ring?”

Griffa sighed. “I’m not sure if I ever will. I’m not well liked by much of the Ring. I’m not sure how they would take my leadership.”

“It’s not up to them,” said Talon after nodding at someone passing. “It is your right. You would be a good leader, Griffa. Don’t let others dictate what you know is right. You were meant to lead the Ring.”

“We shall see. I’ve skipped on many of the responsibilities of my family name. It might be time for a change.”

“Maybe just a small one,” said Talon as he drew her close again, rubbing her side gently. “I rather like you the way you are.”

Griffa danced a few more times with men she knew from the village. She enjoyed dancing and didn’t mind. The conversation was friendly, and she found herself enjoying the night. She only saw Ansel occasionally observing the festival. She would, see him looking at her periodically. Occasionally he would give her a small smile that would make her automatically smile back.

Griffa was standing on the edge of the dance floor when Max finally got a break. He came over to her with a couple glasses of wine and handed one to Griffa.

“Thank you, Max,” she said smiling at him. He was a thoughtful young man. She took small sips of her wine. “You seem to be quite popular tonight. Are you having a good time?”

Max nodded as he drank from his own glass. “I am, but it does make me miss home a bit.”

“You are thinking of your friend Issa, aren’t you?” asked Griffa with a smile. “You will see her soon, Max. Let yourself have a little fun tonight. Take a quick break from dancing, but save a dance for me,” said Griffa.

Max smiled at her. They stood in companionable silence for half a song when Marcus came up to them. He looked very smart in a dark green tunic and black pants.

“Griffa, I’ve been looking for you. You aren’t avoiding me, are you?” he asked.

“Of course not, Marcus. I wasn’t sure you were actually here. I hadn’t seen you.”

As they were talking Ansel, who had been talking with the protector’s guards, came over and stood next to Griffa.

“Ansel, are you having a pleasant evening?” asked Marcus with a small bow.

Ansel nodded, “Of course. It’s a party, isn’t it.”

Marcus smiled in response. “Griffa, you promised me a dance. Will you dance next with me?”

“Yes,” Griffa answered just as the music was ending. Ansel took her glass as Marcus led Griffa out to the dance floor.

As Griffa took her place with Marcus, she saw Marcus’s father Philo Quick walk over to Ansel.

“I wonder what your father is talking to Ansel about,” commented Griffa as she started dancing with Marcus.

“I imagine he is talking about us,” replied Marcus smiling down at Griffa.

“Us?” asked Griffa, confused. “Why would your father be talking about us?”

“Can’t you guess, Griffa?” asked Marcus quietly.

Griffa looked up at Marcus with trepidation. She looked over to see Philo talking to Ansel. Whatever Philo was saying did not seem to please Ansel. Ansel had a dark look on his face, and his eyes followed Marcus and Griffa.

“You know I have always enjoyed your company, and I have missed you this past year. I thought you would have come to the Valley for the Spring festival this year. Talon said you had planned on it,” said Marcus as they danced.

“I had, but my plans changed,” said Griffa. She was watching Ansel as Philo walked off. Ansel was still watching Griffa. He looked very angry. She wondered if she had displeased him somehow. He turned abruptly and left Max all alone.

“Griffa, did you hear me?” asked Marcus

Griffa shook her head and looked up at Marcus. “No, I’m sorry, my mind was wondering.”

“I was asking if I might come visit you in the next few days. I was wondering if you would be at home.”

Griffa didn’t know what to say to this. She looked around trying to decide how to respond when she spotted Ansel dancing with Desmona. She sighed and turned her head back to look at Marcus.

“Yes, Marcus, I would like it if you came by,” said Griffa happily. “We need to catch up.”

“Good, I will make sure to make a visit soon.”

Their dance ended, and Marcus escorted her to the side close to the refreshments. He took her hand and bowed over it, kissing it slowly.

“Do you need anything, Griffa?” asked Marcus standing back up.

“No, I’m fine. I’m sure you have other obligations tonight. I will see you soon,” said Griffa dismissing him.

He looked like he didn’t want to leave her side, but he nodded and walked off. Griffa smiled as she saw Talon charming a couple of young women from the village. He must have sensed her gaze because he turned and smiled at her. Griffa smiled back before she looked for Ansel, but she couldn’t find him. She huffed and made her way back to Max. As she walked over, she saw him talking with Helmer. She thought Helmer looked a bit like a toad in the strangely fitting brown robes he wore.

As Griffa approached she could hear their conversations, and she wondered what they were talking about.

“I would like to know more about it, but I don’t want to jump into it. Do you think you could send me some writings that are more current than I have found in the library on the subject?” asked Max.

Helmer smiled. “Of course, your majesty. Very smart to want to see for yourself. I’ll have some sent to you quickly.”

“Max, are you alright?” asked Griffa as walked up to Max.

Griffa took deep breaths not wanting to appear angry. She did not like Helmer, but she couldn’t fault Max for being friendly to a Ring member.

“He is fine. We were having a good chat, weren’t we?” asked Helmer as he slapped Max on the back.

Griffa gave Helmer a cold look and then said, “Max, you promised me this dance. Did you forget?”

Max looked at Griffa, and she took his hand and squeezed tightly. “I’m sorry, Griffa I didn’t know if it was this one or the next.”

“It’s fine, but the music is about to start. Good evening, Helmer,” said Griffa.

Griffa practically dragged Max out onto the dance floor.

“What were you speaking of with him?” she asked as they danced.

“Nothing, really,” muttered Max not meeting her eye line. “He just wanted to see how training was going.”

Griffa looked at Max intently. “You can tell me anything, Max. You know, that right? If you are ever in trouble or confused or worried, you can talk to me.”

“I know, Griffa, but it was nothing, really.”

“Ok,” she said, relaxing a little. She could see he wasn’t going to tell her what they were really talking about. “I’m sorry to drag you out here, forcing you to dance.”

“I don’t mind dancing with you,” said Max smiling at her. She smiled back as they danced and chatted through the song.

The party went on for most of the night, but Griffa would have been happy to leave much earlier. She took a walk by herself at one point, going to the statue of the gods and sitting down next to them.

“Griffa, are you alright?” asked Ansel walking over to her

“Ansel,” said Griffa a little startled. “Why are you out here?”

“I saw you leave the festival and I wanted to check on you,” said Ansel. He walked over and sat next to her. “Nothing happened to upset you, did it?”

“No,” said Griffa. “I’m just tired, and I needed a break. I would go home, but I think Max is enjoying himself. I don’t want to leave him.”

“Talon didn’t want to escort you home?” asked Ansel looking at her from the side of his eyes.

Griffa’s head snapped around to look at him. “I don’t know what you are implying, but I think Talon is busy enough with the ladies of the village.”

They sat in silence for a moment. Griffa was about to leave when Ansel asked her a question.

“Did you enjoy your dance with Marcus?” He was looking at the ground, moving one of his feet against the ground.

“I suppose I did. He is an old friend, and I haven’t seen him in a while,” said Griffa. “I saw you dancing with Desmona.”

“Yes, you promised her a dance for me, remember?” Ansel looked up at Griffa with a small smile. “I tried to avoid it, but I gave in just so she would stop pestering me.”

“If the worst thing that happens to you tonight is you have to dance with a beautiful woman, I think you will be just fine, Ansel,” teased Griffa.

“I’m worried that might not be the worst thing to happen me tonight, Griffa.”

Griffa looked at him curiously. “What do you mean?

Ansel stood up. “Never mind. Come dance with me again. We can avoid other people together.”

He held out his hand to Griffa, and she smiled and took it. He led her back to the festival.

After dancing with Ansel, she was happy to find somewhere to sit with Max. Marcus came and sat next to her, staying near her. He would not leave no matter how many hints she gave him. She was about to say something rude, but Max seem to sense her aggravation and took Griffa to the dance floor.

“Max, do you know what Philo Quick was saying to Ansel while I was dancing with Marcus?” asked Griffa as she danced with Max.

“Yes,” replied Max, his face going red.

“What did he say?”

Max looked down at the ground. “He wanted Ansel’s support for a marriage between you and Marcus.”

Griffa made a noise of disgust. “How did Ansel respond?”

“He said he wouldn’t push you to marry anyone. He said you would make your own choices.”

“Good,” said Griffa. “I’ll be glad when this night is over. I don’t want to be rude, but Marcus is testing my limits.”

As dawn was only a few hours away, it was finally time to go home. Ansel was speaking with his guards before they left. Marcus came up to Griffa and Max.

“It was nice to spend time with you, Griffa,” said Marcus smiling. I hope to be in town for a while and see more of you.” He took Griffa’s hand and placed a small kiss on the back of it.

“Are you ready to go?” asked Ansel as he walked up to them. Marcus gave Griffa’s hand a squeeze and wished them all a good night.

“I wonder where Talon got off to,” said Griffa looking around. “Maybe he found something entertaining for the night.”

“He knows his way back to the manor if he wants to come,” said Ansel. “It’s late, lets head home.”

Max, Griffa, and Ansel all started to walk home. Griffa was very tired, and she could see Max was practically sleep walking.

“Did you enjoy yourself, Ansel?” asked Griffa as they walked.

“It was fine. The music was good, and some of the company was acceptable. You seemed to have a grand time. I see Marcus came to bid you goodnight. You seem to enjoy his company.”

“He is alright. As I told you earlier, we did grow up together. and I hadn’t seen him in a while.”

“Be careful, Griff. His father had a talk with me tonight. He’s interested in you as a bride for his son.”

“He’ll be disappointed then. Marcus is fine, but he is not what I want in a husband,” said Griffa as she shook her head.

“Have you thought about marriage? You are of age now, and there are plenty of young men who would be willing for the Keene name.”

Griffa felt her face heat up. Ansel wanted her to marry it seemed.

“Is that all I have to offer? My name? Maybe my grand house and fortune will help as well. It would have to be something wonderful to make up for who I am. Is that correct, Ansel?” snapped Griffa, walking faster and getting a head of them.

Griffa felt hurt and insulted. Ansel and Max both sped up to catch up with her.

“Griffa, you know that’s not what I meant. I was just saying, you can’t discount who you are. You will need heirs someday. I know the Keene legacy means something to you, whether you say it or not.”

Griffa slowed down and took a deep breath. She was tried, and she did not need to say the things she was thinking.

“Ansel, I am too tired for this discussion, and I don’t want to argue right now. I don’t want to talk about this in front of Max, either. I just want to lie down and go to bed.”

“Fine, but you will have to think about these things at some point,” said Ansel.

They walked the rest of the way in silence. When they got to the manor, they entered the front door pausing in front of the stairs.

“I hope you had an enjoyable evening, Max,” said Griffa. “Good night.” She stepped up and kissed Max on his cheek. “Good night to you too, Ansel.”

She turned to walk up the stairs, but Ansel caught her hand. “I don’t want to go to bed with you angry at me.”

“I’m not angry, Ansel. I’m only tired.” She smiled at him, and he smiled back. Ansel brought her hand up to his lips and gave the back of it a small kiss.

“Sweet dreams, Griffa.” With that he strode up the stairs. Max followed leaving Griffa standing in the entry looking after them.

Griffa decided to get a drink from the parlor before heading up. She entered the parlor to find Talon sitting on the sofa looking at the fire.

“I didn’t expect to see you here,” said Griffa walking over to the sofa.

“Come have a drink with me, Griffa,” said Talon. He had a pitcher of wine and a couple of glasses on the table close to him.

Griffa walked over and sat down next to Talon as he poured her a drink. He handed it to her, and she took a sip.

“I thought maybe you had found someone to keep you company at the festival,” said Griffa settling back into the sofa.

“There were some lovely ladies there tonight, but none who could hold my interest,” said Talon. He leaned back and looked at Griffa.

“Is that so?” asked Griffa quietly. She took a long drink of her wine and then leaned over and laid her glass on the table.

She settled back into the sofa with her face very close to Talon’s. She looked at him. He was very handsome, and he was looking at her with desire. It felt good to actually be wanted. She closed her eyes as Talon caressed her cheek.

“You must know that no one could every compare to you, Griffa. I meant it when I said I missed you. I have to come see you.”

He gently turned her head and started kissing her neck.

Griffa laughed,” You’ve always been very smooth, Talon. I wonder how many women that line has worked on?”

Talon stopped for a moment and looked at Griffa.

“Griffa, I need you to know that I’ve changed. I really have. I came here this week only to see you. The council wanted me to meet the king, but I came only for you. When will you ever trust my feelings for you?”

Talon kissed her lightly on her lips. She looked at him, not sure if she should believe what he was saying. He had told her a few times he had feelings for her, but she could never quite believe him. She knew she had feelings for Talon, but she had never let them go beyond friendship.

She had seen too much, and she knew him too well. Yes, Griffa had enjoyed his company in the past, but she knew there were several other women who visited him as well. He had tried to tell her for some time now that he loved her, but it was impossible for her to believe. He went back to kissing her neck.

“Griffa,” he said quietly between kisses, “do you know how beautiful you are?”

Griffa sighed as Talon kissed her neck. She wanted so much to submit to the desire that was building up inside her. This was familiar to her. It was safe. There was no second-guessing what Talon wanted from her. He was always to the point. She didn’t have to wonder things like with Ansel. She didn’t have to think what was wrong with her that Ansel didn’t want her.

“Talon,” Griffa breathed.

“Yes, dearest,” whispered Talon. He raised his head and looked at her with a sweet smile that almost made Griffa change her mind.

“I don’t think we should do this,” said Griffa as she sat up.

“What? Why?” asked Talon with a frown. “It’s not because of Marcus is it?”

“No, it certainly isn’t,” said Griffa vehemently.

“It’s somebody, though,” said Talon studying Griffa.

Griffa looked down. “Even if there is, that’s not the only reason. I told you I needed to take more responsibility. I need to start acting like a Keene.”

“What does that have to do with us?” asked Talon.

“I’ll have to see to the legacy of my family. I’ll need to start thinking of marrying soon.”

Talon reached up and touched her cheek again. He leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers. “Is there someone you have in mind to marry?”

Griffa took his hand and brought it down from her cheek. She sat back a bit, and lowered her head, shaking it.

“Well, you could marry me. You should marry me,” declared Talon.

“You don’t want to marry me, Talon,” said Griffa looking up at him.

“Why do you say that? I can think of no one else in the kingdom I would rather marry. It would be an excellent match. I can think of many advantages of us being married,” said Talon taking her hand.

“Yes, to unite to the Keenes and Wendells is probably long overdue,” muttered Griffa angrily releasing Talon’s hand.

She knew a match between them would almost be too perfect in name. It would unite Abscon and the Valley. It would be seen in magical society as logical. Griffa never did care what magical society saw as logical.

“I suppose it would be, but I was talking of other advantages. Griffa, I know you know how wonderful you are, and you know how much I enjoy our time together. You must know I feel strongly for you. I have for a while.”

“But we aren’t in love, Talon. I think I would like to marry someone who is in love with me. I want you to marry someone who loves you. I want you to be happy.”

“I do love you, Griffa. You may not believe it, but I know I love you. I’ve known it for a while. I haven’t always done right by you, but I can prove to you I have changed. I want to earn your love. I think even at this point, we have more affection than most married couples I know. We would be wonderful together, but I won’t argue with you. I know better than that. I won’t give up, though. I’ll just say my offer stands until I can convince you I’m sincere or your heart is engaged by someone else.”

Griffa looked down and then back up at Talon.

“Oh, there is someone, then, sighed Talon. “Who is it, Griffa?”

Griffa felt herself blushing. She got up and walked to the fireplace. “It does not matter. He doesn’t seem to want me.”

Talon got up and filled the glasses of wine again. He brought one to Griffa. “Who would be that stupid to not want you?”

Griffa took her glass. She took a long drink and shrugged. “He says he has his reasons.”

“Oh, Griffa, no, it can’t be,” said Talon seeming to have a realization. “It’s Ansel isn’t it?”

Griffa hung her head down.

Talon took her glass from her. He placed both glasses on the mantle in front of them and took Griffa’s hands in his own. “How long have you felt this way about him?”

“I’m not sure. I have always cared for him, but these feelings of love have come up so gradually. I suppose I realized it certain this past spring.”

“Does he know how you feel?” asked Talon quietly.

“Yes,” said Griffa.

“And he told you he didn’t want you?” asked Talon incredulously.

“No, he said he doesn’t know how he feels about me. He said he may never know. Tonight, he told me I should think of marrying someone,” said Griffa as tears formed in her eyes.

Talon sighed and took her into his arms. She laid her head on his shoulder and cried softy.

“He’s an idiot, Griffa,” said Talon. “You should forget him. He is not even good enough for you. You should come back to the Valley with me and stay for a while. I can convince you to forget him. I can convince you to stay with me.”

Griffa shook her head against Talon. “I’m afraid I can’t. I have tried to change my feelings, but they are set. I love him, Talon. He may never love me, but I will still love him.”

Talon turned and kissed Griffa on her head. He held her close as she cried.

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