Moonlight and Announcement

Miashgon and Xavier entered the banquet hall quietly.

The dinner seemed to be at hand, and many people along the table were talking, mostly in whispers, and did not notice them as they sidled down the table. As they walked down the length of the table to their seats, they caught pieces of the conversations.

"Yeah! The Ashgor are here, see look up there-"

"Well, I heard that the King is tired of-"

"The nerve of that servant, I told him-"

"Well, the decorations are nearly as fine as in Ashgor-"

The boys ignored the conversations, and were busy discussing their families. "My sister," said Xavier, "has six suitors in Ashgor, and she's only fifteen."

"Official suitors?" Miashgon asked, almost disappointedly.

"Yep. Five of them just turned eighteen, but one is twenty-five."

Miashgon stopped, nearly at the end of the table, "Twenty-five? That's a decade older than her!"

A new voice piped up, "Yeah, I don't think Dad'll let me marry that one. Though I am almost sixteen."

Miashgon turned towards the voice on his left. The girl was right there, with a silly grin on her face. It was enchanting. "Oh! I didn't-"

"So... my brother has been talkiung about me again, eh?"

Xavier grinned back at her, "Well, I just wanted to warn him, I mean, you are one frightening gal."

"Oh! I'm the frightening one, am I? At least I can look into a mirror without shattering it."

Xavier looked quite embarassed, "I only did that once, and it was a stupid windspell."

Zerona rolled her eyes, "Right. Windspell."

Miashgon laughed at Xavier's face, "I believe you Xavier."

Zerona winked at him, "I don't think you should believe anything he says. If you do, you'll start to think he is heir to the most powerful family that ever existed." She finished her statement with a light, ensnaring laugh.

Xavier looked a bit impatient, "C'mon Miashgon, our fathers will get angry if we take much longer."

Miashgon finally looked away from Zerona, "Oh! Right. I guess we must."

Zerona nodded, smiled once more at him, and sat down. Miashgon started back down the table while Xavier continued talking.

"Now my father, he's one of the most loved kings Ashgor has..."

Miashgon was not paying attention. He was struggling not to look back at that girl. Zerona... She was amazing. Maybe after the dinner.

The dinner was long, and full of many delectable courses. The Ashgor began to loosen up during it, and Miashgon found that had personalities, just as interesting as those from Rijero. Xavier and Miashgon discussed some of the mischief they had gotten into apart, and formulated plans of havoc for the future.

After the dinner was finished, the King of Rijero stood. "Thank you all for coming this night to celebrate Trivor's day of birth. Our thanks goes especially with you that have traveled a great distance." He then paused to take a drink, and continued, "I invite those of you with long distances to travel to stay tonight."

The King of Ashgor stood, a smile playing on his lips, "Your offer is very gratuitous, but we still have time to travel tonight, and we can stay wherever we need to stop."

Miashgon's father smiled back at the King. "Well, I have no control over what you do; however, I admonish you to stay until at least tomorrow afternoon. I have an announcement to the public, that may have a minor impact on the people of Ashgor."

The King of Ashgor looked interested. He had a few men come and confer with him, then turned back to face the table and the King. "I suppose we can spare one day."

Miashgon's father smiled, "Great! I will have all your rooms prepared within the hour. In the meantime, you have free roam throughout the castle," as an afterthought, he added, "That goes for all here tonight."

This was a pleasant surprise for many of the people at the banquet. There were many large rooms in the castle that none but the royal family were allowed into. Many headed in directions they had been curious to go. Miashgon and Xavier walked with the group from Ashgor, towards a large meeting hall near the dining room.

Whispers floated around the room, speculating on what the announcement mght be. Miashgon quickly found Zerona, and headed towards the group of women near which she was standing She, as if sensing him, immediately turned to look him in the eyes as he got near. Whe he was within the range of her voice, she said, "Why hello there."

Miashgon grinned, "Hello to you. Are you doing anything important?"

She kept his eyes locked to hers, "No. Why?"

"Well," he had had a phenomenal idea during the dinner, "I wanted to show you something."

"Oh really? Pray tell, what would that be?"

Miashgon's grin continued, "If you'll come, I'll show you."

At that moment, Xavier came up. "There you are Miashgon, you disappeared." He saw his sister, "Ah, I see why. I warned you she had that effect."

Miashgon grimaced at these words, still looking at Zerona, "So..?"

Zerona flashed a grin, "Alright, lead the way."

Xavier followed the two, looking rather puzzled.

Miashgon led the two siblings through the castle halls, and then into a secret doorway behind a tapestry. "Cliché, I know, but it's effective," he said, hearing chuckles from Xavier behind him. After passing through a short hall, he pushed open another door to reveal a small, hidden courtyard; there were boulders in the corners, and a pond near the middle.

Zerona looked around, "Wow... its beautiful."

Miashgon's smile broadened, "I'd hoped you'd like it. You should see it when the moon comes out."

Xavier looked around, "Nice place. What's it for?"

Miashgon shrugged, "Fuldon said that my grandfather had it put in while he was a teenager, I like it for thought and practice."

Zerona looked at the boulders, "What're those here for? I mean, they're natural-looking, but they take up a lot of space."

"Well, they served a dual purpose. They make good chairs," he said as he climbed up on one. Plus, they're good for practicing magic."

Xavier raised an eyebrow, "They don't have any marks or scars on them..."

"Exactly." He said as he helped Zerona up on the boulder, "Watch." He raised a palm to the boulder across the courtyard from him, "Tuerchem!"

Fire lanced across the yard and smashed into the boulder, but not a mark was left. "They're impervious to magic."

Xavier looked surprised, and went over to scrutinize the attacked boulder. "Wow. Very interesting..."

While Xavier walked over to examine the boulder, Miashgon turned to Zerona, but couldn't think of a single word to say.

Zerona turned and smiled at him, but didn't say anything to him either.

Finally Miashgon managed to say something, "Well, this is my secret courtyard."

"Yes." She said, then after a pause, "Why did you want to bring me here?"

Miashgon shrugged, "I don't know, I've never shown anyone this place. But I thought you might like it. Besides, if you ever want to find me, I'm usually here."

Zerona gave him a strange look, "Is being this transparent some sort of attack pattern you use to get girls?"

"Well, no. I've never been transparent to anyone else..."

She simply laughed and then leaned back against the courtyard wall. They sat in silence for nearly an hour and a half, just watching the brilliant full moon rise.

Zerona slid off the boulder eventually, "I should probably get going. I need to find my room."

Xavier woke up from the ground next to the boulder he had been examining. "Ah, are you two finally done? He checked the sky, and moon, "Wow, its a bit late."

Miashgon jumped off the boulder and opened the door, "Come on, I know where your rooms are, follow me."

After another brief walk through the halls, they left Zerona at a chamber door, and Miashgon and Xavier headed up the stairs, talking.

"So, you like my sister, do you?"

"Yes, why wouldn't I? She's beautiful, amazing, just absolutely-"

"Yeah well, you've got some serious competition in Ashgor, so watch it."

Miashgon stopped, but the grin didn't leave his face, "So, you'll be leaving tomorrow."

"Yeah, but Ashgor is bound to have a retaliation celebration to invite your father there, especially due to this 'stay the night' business. So, I'll see you within the month, probably."

"Yeah, probably. Well, this is your chamber. I'll get those books to you tomorrow, see you then." Miashgon walked away, his mind on the Lxotus.

---

The next morning, he was up early, an soon found Xavier meandering around, "What're you up to?"

Xavier smiled, looking a little tired, "I'm hungry."

Miashgon took Xavier to the kitchens, where they scrounged up a breakfast from the cooks.

Then Miashgon began to show Xavier all the castle secrets, starting with the shortcuts and passageways. Evenutally, they ended up in the courtyard.

Xavier looked around, then reached to his side, "How good are you with sword?"

Miashgon pulled the steel longsword from his side, "Well, I' m no master..."

Xavier pulled out a similar longsword, and got into a battle position, with an evil smirk.

Miashgon attacked first, swinging quickly at Xavier's midsection. Xavier stepped backwards, and brought his longsword up to block Miashgon's next swing. Miashgon remained offensive, swinging quickly and strategically. Every swing was elegantly blocked by the blonde prince. Suddenly, Xavier parried a blow, and then muttered a quiet, "Ope!"

A burst of wind blew Miashgon onto his back. He quickly rolled to the side in order to avoid the sword that Xavier swung at him. "Michatra!" The grass around Xavier's feet grew long, and began to wrap around his ankles.

Xavier swung his sword down, but the grass managed to avoid it. Then he pointed an index finger at it, and whispered "Tuerchem!" The grass caught fire, and withered around his ankles.

By the time he could wrench himself free of it, Miashgon had stood back up, and had the point of his sword at Xavier's chest.

"Checkmate."

Xavier gave an exaggerated bow, smirking. "I guess you beat me, this time. I'll have to practice a bit."

Miashgon laughed, "Yeah, you will. Wind eh? That your favorite attack?"

Xavier looked blank, "Nah, I don't have a favorite. I haven't shown my true element yet. You?"

Miashgon shook his head, "No. My dad thinks I'll be a hydramage, but then, thats what he is."

At that moment, the secret door opened. A slim, elegant figure slipped in, wearing an elegant dress. The face was even more radiant and enchanting than the night before.

"Arya!" The boys both said at once, though one sounded a bit more excited than the other.

"I thought I might find you two here," She said with a smile, "Dad wants you in the assembly hall early, so you have to go change out of training clothes."

Xavier nodded, and then walked out of the room. As the door began to shut he turned around, a wicked smirk on his face, "Perhaps I shouldn't leave you two alone in here." A laughing shine glowed in his eyes.

Zerona shook her head at him, then took Miashgon's arm, "Miashgon had ought to change as well, I'm already ready, so I'll just walk him to his room."

Xavier raised an eyebrow, and then walked away briskly.

The two walked up to Miashgon's chamber, chatting lightly about her dress, and the announcement that was coming up. Too quickly, they were at his door.

"Well," he said, "I guess I'll see you at the announcement."

Zerona winked, "I'm sure you will. Look for me."

Miashgon went into his room. He looked through his nice clothes, and finally picked a dark green velvet shirt, with matching pants. He combed his hair, and put on a pair of boots. He quickly walked down the now empty hallway, and soon joined his father in the room behind the small stage.

"Dad," Miashgon asked, "what is this all about?"

His father put a finger to his lips, "You will find out very soon. I like your choice in outfit by the way. It compliments mine very well."

Miashgon rolled his eyes, and then folowed his father onto the stage, and stood behind his right shoulder respectfully.

The King raised his hand to bring silence upon the crowd. "Good afternoon. I am glad you could be here to hear this very important announcement. I promise that you have not wasted your time in coming here. You will be able to spread the gossip afterward firsthand." A twinkle flashed in his eye, and a chuckle resonated among the crowd.

"Now... I have been King of Rijero nigh unto thirty years. In fact, for those of you keeping track, it has been about twenty-eight years, and five months." Under his breath, he added, "Twelve days, six hours..." Another laugh came from the crowd. This was his father's way of managing the populus. If you could make them laugh, they would be pleased. That was his creed.

"Now, all joking aside. This is a serious matter. I have brought you all here today to announce that I am nigh unto abdicating my throne." The crowd looked confused. "Yes, In one year and seven months, the day after Miashgon's eighteenth birthday, I will bestow my crown upon him."

Whispering broke out among the crowd. Many of those from Ashgor gave a glance to their own King and Prince. Xavier had a blank expression, and Zerona smiled brightly at Miashgon.

Miashgon himself felt as if his stomach had fallen out. He had always know that he would someday take the throne, but he was expecting at least five years. His father had just thrown this on the country, and if the crowd was any tell, the country was very confused.

The king raised his hand again. "Now, I know this is quite a surprise, but I assure you, Miashgon is very capable, and has been trained well. To show you, I will now have him talk to you."

Miashgon looked extremely shocked, but soon forced a peaceful expression onto his face. He stepped forward, his father retreating behind his left shoulder. "Thank you Father." He said, bowing. "People of Rijero, and Ashgor, I let you know that..." he broke off, unable to think of anything to say.

He glanced quickly across the crowd, grabbing for something in his mind. His eyes fell upon Xavier and Zerona. "I let you know that I accept my father's announcement, though it comes as much a surprise to me as to all of you. "

He continued on, "I hope that when my father says that I am well-trained, he means that I will be by the time he abdicates." A weak laugh wavered in the crowd, "I do however say that I feel that I am up to this challenge, and I love this country as much as my father does..."

His speech continued for a few more minutes, and by the time he was done, the whispers had started again, but they were not as harsh as they had been before. He stepped back, and his father finished by thanking those who had come, and asking the King of Ashgor to stay for a few more minutes in order for a short conversation. The King agreed, and they walked into a small room for conversation.

Miashgon walked toward Xavier and Zerona. He felt odd inside, with this date of power upon him. They both looked at him as he walked down the steps.

"Congratulations," Xavier said, "Soon, I'll have to call you 'Sire' or 'Your Highness.' Just when I was getting used to Miashgon too." The air of joking was all around him, and Miashgon couldn't help but grin.

"So the Prince is given a deadline to finish being a prince," Zerona added, "Well, I must say, this isn't quite what I expected the day after I met you."

Miashgon frowned, "I'm no different than I was five minutes ago, nor two days ago. I still act and feel the same way I did before that announcement."

Xavier countered, "Yes, but for how much longer? You're going to have to show maturity now that you're going to be King."

Miashgon's frown turned into a scowl, "I will not have to change the way I act."

At that moment, the Kings reemerged from the room. Xavier's father said loudly, "Ashgor, it is time to leave. Be prepared to start in five minutes."

The Kings shook eachother's hands, and then went in different directions. Miashgon, Xavier, and Zerona looked at eachother.

"I guess this is goodbye for a while..." Xavier muttered.

"Yeah, take care of those books for me." Miashgon said, and they shook hands. Xavier went off to help pack the last of the things.

Zerona and Miashgon looked at eachother for a few moments, then she said quietly, "I'm glad to have met you, and seen your secret courtyard. I hope it won't be too long before we meet again."

Miashgon nodded, "I hope that as well. Farewell to you. Make sure your brother doesn't get into too much trouble, and remind him for me that he's to be the next King of Ashgor, so he better watch his actions too." They both smiled, and embraced. Zerona kissed Miashgon on the cheek, and then ran away to change into traveling clothes.

Miashgon watched her leave, then turned toward the castle. He had training with Fuldon to prepare for.

---