The Nightfall Saga: Moving Pieces (Part 2)

One of the many things that Alara didn’t miss was –this- part of her past life. She watched as the parade of fine tailoring and haughty countenances clacked their way over polished floors to their seats in the dining hall. Burning eyes and smoldering glances were tossed her way. The prodigal child of a former Head, the sister of the newly appointed head; jealously still flowed freely from those visages. Alara was still envied. And no measure was taken to ensure this jealousy was hidden from her. However, with a gracious nod and an even more gracious smile, Alara greeted every single person who looked her in the face. Just as she had been taught to do all those years ago. No matter what was going on, she was still to act in a way befitting a lady of her status. Her mind wasn’t on her covetous family members anyway.


She looked for one person, her daughter. It had not taken long for Cixi’s name to be on the lips of everyone there. Her powder white hair set her aside from all the crimson colored tresses of the Ebonlynx House. She had no magical prowess, had not studied any magic in any fashion, had no knowledge of the Ebonlynx family or their maneuverings. Her attempts at friendly conversation had been met with snide comments and mockery. The poor girl had been thrown into a pit of snakes.

Alara watched as she daughter had simply given up on introducing herself. She simply sat next to Alara quietly, watching everything else that was going on. Cixi refrained from asking questions, seeing how most of her inquiries were met with degrading snickers and, at times, boisterous guffaws. The first few times, Cixi had worn her feelings on her sleeves, feeding the fires of those who enjoyed seeing the outsider falter. Now, there was no reaction, just a short curtsy and a muttered greeting. Alara could not wait until this whole affair was over and she could take her daughter home.

Cixi was one of the last to finally make her way into the dining hall. The handmaidens had tried their best to lightened her sunbronzed skin and curl that cornsilk mane of hair that had only known ponytails and the occasional braid. Alara caught her daughter’s eye as she walked in. Cixi looked nervous.

“Ah, Cixithara, you do look quite stunning this evening.”

Alara felt her stomach starting to twist in knots as her brother approached Cixi. He placed his hands on both of her shoulders and kissed the top of her head. Alara’s jaw tensed, teeth pressing down onto each other.
 
“Thank you, Lord Jaias,” Cixi replied in a low voice. Cixi was not sure how to address him. On one hand, he was her uncle. But on the other, he was a very important person in this House. A house that she was not entirely sure if she fit into or not.

“I hope that one day you will be comfortable enough to address me with a much less formal title. However, until then, please, come and sit.”

Cixi followed behind her uncle, feeling the crowd of turning heads that were all aimed in her direction. Lord Jaias pulled a chair out for his niece. She tried not to take notice of the multitude of eyes that were burning holes through her as she took her place at the table. She could feel herself getting warm and no doubt, the edges of her ears were turning pink. There was nothing but silence. Silence and staring. However, with a single, Lord Jaias sat down and waved his hand. Like magic, time had started again and the silence disappeared.

Part 3