The color of Divinity I - The delusion of reality

The color of Divinity
By Ellnyon


Notes and warnings
Thanks to all the readers, especially the ones who take the time to review and rate. Enjoy your reading.

Previously in TCD: It’s very uncommon for an Ethen to marry outside of his country. Still, Meanea Guinare, a noble Ethen came to N’Alaera to do so with its king: Fenaleos. Iadden, Meanea’s younger Eth brother, favours this marriage for their family’s sake. He’s at odds with N’Alaera’s prince, Edyane, who’s infatuated with Meanea and is against the wedding. Also Iadden’s tutor, Mieri, is plotting a way to stop the marriage so he can claim the Guinare’s heritage. No one knows that he’s in fact their bastard uncle and was already responsible for their parents’ deaths. If this wasn’t enough, Meya’s second prince has been meeting in secret with the Death Whisperers’ race who are about to ignite a war against the North Alliance that same week. He has promised them the life or the support of the recently found Dark-haired Ethen of the Legends, in exchange for Meya’s crown. Unaware of all this and unbelieving in an incoming war, N’Alaera and Meya’s people continue the joyful celebrations of the wedding in a Tournament held in Meanea’s honour…


Part I
Chapter 9

“This way, your majesty, Milessin, please…” Meanea did as he was told and followed the guard and his future husband to their seats.

The Arena was bursting with people. The stands were full and the noise was deafening. Unbelievably, the acclamations and cheering had only managed to intensify the second they entered the stands and the crowd recognized their rulers. The king smiled, while waving at his people at the same time he climbed the many steps to the top North stand. It kind of seemed like Fenaleos wasn’t somehow used to all this attention, for he appeared to behave a bit shyly even if it was clear that he was enjoying it. It was perhaps Meanea’s presence that motivated the citizens’ reactions: N’Alaera’s city was not used to see Eths, least of all, Ethen.

Or perhaps the cause of such enthusiasm was the incoming marriage and festivities. Common people always liked those types of events. They made them forget about their daily problems. Made them believe in fairytale endings. Even when everyone knew those weren’t exactly true. And Meanea knew that better than anyone else.

The blond Ethen did the same as his fiancé and marvelled at the wonderful adulation he was getting. It was nothing new for Meanea, being noticed. He had always been acknowledged since a very young age. Just not for the reasons he was here. Nor the reasons other beautiful Ethen were, in Meya, even if the young Guinare had all their virtues and more. No, the Guinare Ethen heir had a much more interesting story. He was an orphan: his family had died in a disastrous accident when he was twelve. He had to take care of a much younger brother: a troublesome child who would, once of age, be responsible for Meanea’s belongings and future if the Ethen wasn’t married by then. The beautiful Ethen had even lost his Promised one to a strange disease two years before becoming of fertile age.

Bad luck pursued him at each turn. He was a poor child, a piteous Ethen. In Meya no one celebrated him with admiration. No, they neared him with pity displayed across their faces. Meanea had gotten to loathe those people. He was young, beautiful, rich and loved by his family. He had Lord Siekih, an uncle-in-law who had been a father to him and loved and trusted him enough to let him take care of his most precious possession: Midaen’niel. He had his cousins, lovely Midaen’niel and Nareill who looked up to him in learning how to become a perfect Ethen. He had his tutor Sanari and his guard Athios, loyal and caring in their own ways. He had his friends. A few close Eth and Ethen, who he knew, sincerely wished and hoped for his happiness. And he had his brother…Iadden was far from being the curse many affirmed him to be. Very little knew that Iadden had actually been their sanity and salvation after the devastation caused by their heavy losses. And that was why few really understood the immense affection and pride Meya’s royal family had for the boy and why its king favoured that child so much. Iadden was the fourth in line to the throne, but everyone knew that if the king could choose, he would be the second, right after strong and cunning Delaen’niel.

Anyway, Meanea didn’t feel that cursed then, and after this incoming marriage with a king like Fenaleos, he would actually say he was fortunate. How many Ethen, of royal blood or not, were able to marry a king? How many would become the second ruler of a grand country? N’Alaera was the greatest human country, compared in length and greatness to Meya itself. It was a kingdom blessed by Maguenta, God of Gods. A land of legends and History and heroes. A realm of warm people and fantastic traditions. Meanea believed he had become a very envied person. And it was not a bad feeling, in the least.

But that had not been the motive it made the Ethen accept this immensely desired wedding. There were the obvious benefits for his Ethen social status coming from a marriage (especially when he had almost lost all hopes of getting married) and all the good things a change to N’Alaera would bring in his life. There were also the political implications and the improving relations between the two countries to consider, if the prospects of the war the priests announced would turn out accurate.

Iadden’s education had been on the plate as well. The Council believed and Meanea agreed that for such a curious and smart child, a new environment would definitely be propitious to new adventures and inner discoveries. The truth was that Iadden had very few left to learn in Meya and too many years of childhood still ahead of him. Other than some society rules he appeared not to be able to apply into his behaviour, all the other teachings had been almost completed already. He was a top magician and a fearsome fighter with nine years old. Some knights only achieved his level in their late years of adulthood. The majority of them never got even close. There were no doubts in anyone’s minds: he was a prodigy. Meanea believed the Council was afraid Iadden would become a man too fast and even if he could relate to their worries, he could never rule his enthusiasm at having such a skilled brother. Especially when he remembered everyone claiming that a baby so weak could never become anyone worth of his blood, nine years ago.

Still, apart from all that, what really had consolidated his decision to go ahead with this marriage had been Fenaleos himself. The king was so different from the insensible, arrogant Eths, Meanea knew. He was experienced, humble, pacific and considerate. He tried so hard to understand everything and be helpful. Most of all, he was a confidant, a friend, someone in love who thought he had no right to or didn’t deserve that person. It made Meanea feel important and treasured. And he liked that.

Of course Fenaleos was not a young, intense, vigorous man capable of sweeping him off his feet. Someone like Delaen’niel, Ryaen’ne, Lnorien. Or even someone like his own son, the handsome prince Edyane. That boy had a smile it made Meanea’s heart ache and flutter in a way not even his Promised one, Hel’denie, had managed to. But any of these boys were too young for the golden Ethen. And, with Fenaleos, Meanea knew he was loved, that it was not just a fickle forceful passion which wouldn’t last. He could trust the king to worship him forever and he believed he would come to feel as strongly for the lonely king as the man already did for him. It was only a matter of time. And he expected to have a lot of that to share with the man he had chosen.

Meanea removed his cape and sat on his designed chair, next to king Fenaleos. He took the opportunity to look around while his fiancé spoke with his advisors. Iadden came bouncing off the stairs happily chatting with Midaen’niel, each with their bouquet of flowers still in their hands. Athios stayed behind all of them, but his trained eyes remained on the boys as always. They both sat in the row in from of him, Midaen’niel’s excited giggles filing the air. The gold haired Ethen looked at the two children for a moment. That was his most secret dream. Have sons exactly like those two. A brilliant Eth and a lovely Ethen: an Iadden with his dark hair and cleverness and a Midaen’niel with golden curls and shiny smile. He smiled fondly at the children.

Nareill and Lessin Sanari arrived next, interrupting his thoughts. Nareill with his pale blond hair and grey eyes was also a lovely Ethen but he didn’t have Midaen’niel’s innate beauty. And with thirteen years old, he was beginning to notice it. Worse, he was becoming jealous of his younger cousin by the day. Nareill’s Ethenim, one of Meanea’s direct uncles had died by giving birth to the child. He hadn’t been married and the boy’s father was never known. So, even though Nareill was taken in by his grandfather, of course due to his illegitimate situation, his intended was chosen from a lower noble class: Midaen’niel’s was the heir of the Erephines, the most important noble family next to royalty. Meanea only hoped that Nareill were to learn in time that he can’t possibly compete with his younger cousin or he’ll foresee the relations between the two quickly declining. And the one to lose with it would definitely be the grey-eyed blond.

Nareill sat next to the other blond and Midaen’niel smiled and offered him a flower from his bunch. The grey-eyed boy snorted and instead grabbed the bouquet on the golden haired boy’s hands in a temper fit. Then he got up and threw it in a low arch to the pitch bellow. Sanari scolded Nareill immediately, but the boy merely crossed his arms and focused his eyes on the long drop. Everyone else got up as well and looked in a daze at the red flowers falling. Only to see the cerise bunch stop in mid-air and head left to the hands of one of four Eths dressed in shiny and impeccable golden armours.

The one who had caught the flowers, sniffed at them and then turned his head up, a smile upon his face. Midaen’niel gasped in surprise for a second, his voice erupting in an excited exclamation, immediately after.

‘Big brother!’ Nareill looked disbelievingly at the newcomers, pouted, snorted again and sat heavily, crossing his arms in disgust. His cousin had already risen from his seat and run to the stairs, descending the steps as fast as he could, regardless of Meanea’s recommendations of slowing down. He didn’t have to tumble down much, though, his older brother climbing the stairway as eagerly, his royal blue cape flowing behind him. Midaen’niel finally reached his brother and jumped into his arms. The tall Eth with short blond hair, dark blue eyes and a huge smile held his smaller brother in an uncommon display of affection for an Eth.

‘Oh, my beautiful humming bird! I missed you so much…’ he whispered while kissing the scented blond curls. The small Ethen laughed happily and kissed his brother’s cheeks. ‘How are you? Let me look at you…by Maguenta, when are you going to stop growing more beautiful, humming bird?’ he asked, with a devoted face. Midaen’niel smiled, his big blues shining in joy.

Meanea shook his head but excused himself from his place and followed Iadden who was halfway through the stairs as well, already. He knew that his cousin hadn’t come alone. The other three Eths caught up to Ryaen’ne Siekih, Midaen’niel’s only brother and heir to the Siekih noble family.

‘Say, Delaen’niel, I know it’s hard, but isn’t my humming bird even more beautiful than the last time we saw him?’ The Eth with the golden helm removed it, revealing strawberry long blond hair and a pair of intense green eyes. His smile was calculated and suitable and he carried himself in a natural regal manner that distinguished him from everyone else. When he spoke, his tone was even, low and calm and his words were carefully chosen.

‘Yes. Milessin Midaen’niel is one of the most beautiful Ethen in the world.’ The blue eyed blond Eth frowned to his companion and glared.

‘What are you saying?’ he asked mockingly incredulous. ‘My brother is «the most» beautiful Ethen in the world.’ Delaen’niel smiled fondly but didn’t comment. Ryaen’ne turned and continued, uncaring.

‘Speaking of the most beautiful Ethen, where’s the most beautiful Eth?’ he asked searching the North stands. Midaen’niel’s smile widened and Delaen’niel smirked slightly at Ryaen’ne’s words but they both remained silent. Finally spotting the small black haired Eth descending towards them, the blue-eyed man pointed. ‘Oh there you are, bluebird…’ Iadden neared them, dismissing the nickname in his happiness, and bowed to the Eths in a sign of immense respect. Meanea arrived little after, bowing as well.

‘Cousin Ryaen’ne. Your Highness. Sires.’ He greeted respectively. They all bowed in return.

‘Congratulations on your engagement, Milessin.’ The prince said in his pleasant low baritone.

‘Best wishes Cousin. It will be a huge loss for our country...’ The older Eth affirmed both with a feigned sign and a smile as carefree as Midaen’niel’s. Meanea smiled likewise, pleased.

‘Thank you both. Did anything happen? We were only expecting you later in the week…’ He asked pleasantly to both his cousins. Iadden eyed them, waiting, as well. The two knights behind the prince looked at each other with worried faces and Delaen’niel and Ryaen’ne exchanged a quick glance. Then the later grinned happily and slightly bounced his baby brother on his lap.

‘We were in a training camp near the border.’ He explained. ‘So we decided to make a surprise…’ he finished succinctly. The prince added then, hastily.

‘We hope we’re not troubling…’ Meanea smiled and replied in a soft tone.

‘Of course not, your highness. You’re family, you’re always welcome.’ Iadden merely nodded. ‘Now, come, I’ll introduce you to everyone…’ He concluded while turning and leading the way.

‘We’ll have to find you some seats. The tournament is almost starting.’ Iadden added. Ryaen’ne grinned and ruffled his black hair with his free hand in a good-humoured gesture. Iadden swapped at his hand, annoyed and Delaen’niel arched an eyebrow, amused.

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When they arrived at the royal tribune, king Fenaleos and the rest of N’Alaera’s present nobles were waiting for the Eth strangers in curious expectancy. While the humans stared awed at the magnificent warriors, all of Meanea’s entourage kneeled on the floor in profound reverence, many servants not even daring to face the newcomers. Fenaleos gazed at the four unknown young men, puzzled, and then at Meanea, waiting for some enlightening. The king hadn’t been warned of Eths arriving so soon, especially important ones, apparently. How had they managed to pass the guards outside and enter into the nobles’ grandstand was another surprise, too. The Eths looked impassively around, visibly unimpressed, seeming to be waiting for the golden Ethen to speak as well. Meanea smiled charmingly at his king and with a smooth wave of his hand, indicated the tall long-haired man whose young face of no more than twenty years old revealed very sharp and intelligent eyes.

“This is his Highness Delaen’niel, First Prince of Meya.” The prince stepped forward and inclined his head in greetings. The Ethen’s tone, purposely loud and clear, achieved its goal short moments later. All the nobles, who had been staring at the handsome fair haired Eth, gasped in shock and quickly kneeled in a clumsy commotion. Fenaleos’ eyes widened and he too bowed deeply, a little flabbergasted. He was supposed to be alerted to such an important visit. Meya’s royal family was scheduled to arrive only in a few days…

“Oh. I was not informed of your arrival today, Prince Delaen’niel. Please forgive me and my court for we did not recognize you.” The green eyed Eth shook his head in dismissal but remained inexpressive and the king continued with a short awed laugh. “You were but a toddler the last time I saw you. Now, you’re taller than me…” The other Eths arched their eyebrows. Meanea, Midaen’niel and Iadden chuckled while Delaen’niel smiled slightly, a little embarrassed.

“I’m afraid I do not remember that encounter, your majesty…” He affirmed in his calm voice. Fenaleos laughed wholeheartedly.

“Of course not. My son was merely a newborn that time and you are what? Two years older?” he asked cheerfully.

“Yes, I’m eighteen.” The prince agreed and the king nodded.

“Still so young…” he replied in a contemplative tone. Delaen’niel arched his right eyebrow at the words, not knowing how to exactly interpret them and so decided to remain silent. Instead, it was the Eth standing at his right who commented. Putting his small Ethen brother on the floor next to Iadden and handing him the ‘Fealiha’ bouquet, his baritone voice sounded strong and even.

“Why, Delaen’niel is only two years younger than your fiancé, your majesty...what do you mean: he’s so young?” Meanea, Midaen’niel and Iadden looked disbelievingly at the blond Eth when he finished the phrase. He couldn’t possibly be hinting what they thought he was. The prince actually rolled his eyes and the king gulped, a little sheepish. Apparently that man was Midaen’niel’s brother which meant he was Meanea’s direct cousin. Perhaps not everyone in his fiancé’s family was that happy with this marriage as he had hoped. The young man’s face was obscured due to his bent position and that didn’t help assessing the displeasure his words implied.

When the Eth looked up at the king, though, Fenaleos was relieved to see that his fears were unfounded. The dark blue eyes were full of mirth and a smirk was slowly forming on the thin lips. He smiled relieved at the man’s soft laugher.

“I like your fiancé, cousin. He’s definitely a good man. I’m happy for you.” He said, turning to Meanea. It seemed his temperament had been tested…The golden Ethen glared at the taller Eth and actually hit him in the shoulder. The prince turned to the Eth and hit his arm as well, for emphasis. It was the former who made the introductions.

“This inconvenient man is my cousin, Lord Ryaen’ne Siekih. He’s twenty like me, but sometimes he behaves like he’s five…” He said, still looking sideways at his cousin. The king smiled fondly at the banter between relatives and Ryaen’ne straightened, looming over everyone standing. He was very tall and robust. But he had an affable smile and a very jovial laugh. Both were not Eth characteristics even if the young Siekih was definitely one. He laughed at Meanea’s words and to everyone’s surprise, extended his right hand for the king to shake, with a smile.

“Yes, well, it’s one of my dear cousin’s worst fears that Iadden turns out like me…” he said, smiling. Delaen’niel and Meanea both huffed at the same time. The king shook the Lord’s hand with a sincere smile. He definitely liked that man.

“I’ve met your father when I went to Meya, some months ago. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Lord Ryaen’ne.” The Eth nodded and smiled.

“Thank you. It’s mutual. I believe my cousin is in very good hands.” He said. The king bowed his head in recognition and the young Siekih continued. “We are sorry we could not meet you during your visit to our country your majesty, but we’ve been in training camp with our knights.” The king nodded, not surprised.

“So I’ve heard. Talking about knights. You arrived just in time for the Tournament. I believe you will appreciate it. I’m going to arrange you some seats. We can continue our conversation while sitting, can we not?” It was a rhetorical question and so Fenaleos didn’t wait for an answer. The king clapped his hands and a servant got up to fetch velvet cushions for the Eths’ seats. Everyone else stood and sat on their previous places. Meya’s first prince and the Siekih lord shared a meaningful glance and Delaen’niel neared the king. Ryaen’ne stayed behind and Meanea smiled in joy at his cousin. Ryaen’ne returned the smile with one of his candid ones.

“It’s good to see you so happy, Meanea. I haven’t seen you like this in a long time…” he commented in a soft tone for Meanea’s ears only. His cousin nodded.

“I’m getting married, Ryaen’ne…I love my fiancé and I love it here. I couldn’t be more content.” He whispered back in a happy sigh. Ryaen’ne smiled sweetly.

“I’m glad. Maguenta knows you deserve it.” Was his cousin’s soft reply. Then he turned to Iadden who was about to sit in front of him and spoke in a lighter and playful tone. “What about you, bluebird, do you like it here?” Iadden stopped, glowered up at Ryaen’ne and crossed his hands in front of his chest.

“Don’t call me that!” he complained. Meanea glared at Ryaen’ne too, agreeing with his brother. The blond Eth smirked, ruffling Iadden’s hair.

“Bluebird?” Iadden’s answer was a swift slap at Ryaen’ne’s left wrist. The genuine small moan of pain was totally unexpected and Iadden, Meanea and Midaen’niel looked at the young Eth in alarm. Without any type of warning Iadden grabbed his older Eth cousin’s hand and removed the white glove. It was Midaen’niel who spoke.

“Big brother, you’re injured.” Ryaen’ne huffed, annoyed. “You’ve been careless again…” the younger golden-haired Ethen said angered while inspecting the bandage.

“No, he was not. Not this time.” It was one of the Eth knights who answered, with an amused smirk. Ryaen’ne’s personal knight to be exact.

The Eths accompanying the two lords were personal guards of lower noble classes like Sir Athios, only of younger ages. During a battle, they were there to protect their commanders. In the daily life they acted more like valets and friends. That particular knight had been with the young Siekih lord since the beginning of their training, fourteen years ago, and was a regular at the Siekih’s home. It was not unusual for him to speak up to Ryaen’ne or Midaen’niel. They weren’t strict nobles and he was given a few liberties that guards in other households were denied. He was considered more like a friend than anything else and he was proud and grateful at the amount of trust both of them placed in him.

“Your brother decided to challenge your Promised one to a duel.” He explained matter-of-factly at the young Ethen lord. Midaen’niel’s eyes widened. He looked at his older brother, preoccupied.

“What happened?” Ryaen’ne smiled fondly at his brother’s worried face.

“Nothing regarding your situation...” He answered with a smirk and a rise of his eyebrows. “Everyone was saying he was Meya’s best knight and I just thought I would test it…” he concluded with a easy shrug. The knight grinned and looked sideways to Ryaen’ne.

“Yes, and Lord Lnorien won and he lost.” The young Eth lord glared at his personal knight.

“He’s my brother’s Promised One. I was easy on him…” The knight smirked.

“No, YOU’re his Promised One’s brother and HE was easy on you…if I may be so bold.” The Siekih lord glowered.

“Well, you may not.” The knight bowed his head and stepped back in apology, silent. His brown eyes however showed amusement. Satisfied with the bandage, Midaen’niel shook his head and let go of his brother’s hand, glancing up at him at the same time.

“Is he with you? Is he here?” he asked excitedly, talking about the young Erephine lord. Ryaen’ne received his glove from Iadden and put it on, carefully.

“No, he had to go back to Meya.” He said evenly, still a little pissed off. His younger brother’s encouraged face fell.

“Oh…but he’ll come to the wedding, right?” he asked, his eyes still shining with hope. Ryaen’ne glanced at his brother and sighed.

“I don’t think so, humming bird.” He said simply.

“Why not?” Midaen’niel asked sharply, halfway between outraged and disappointed.

“Because he doesn’t like you, that’s why.” Nareill offered from his seat further ahead. Iadden turned to the young Ethen and crossed his arms, furious. Sanari admonished him for the second time that day, but the boy merely shrugged. The young Siekih Eth lord dismissed Nareill’s words and lowered on one knee, next to his brother. Midaen’niel continued to pout at him, near tears.

“It’s not like that.” He affirmed, patiently.

“Like what?” Was his Ethen brother’s angry reply. “He never shows up. The last time I saw him I was four…I don’t even remember his face!” The blond Eth sighed.

“He’s a busy and important knight. And this time he has a good reason.”

“He always has one reason or another…” Midaen’niel said, huffing in frustration.

“But this time it’s really a very good reason, humming bird...” Ryaen’ne finished in a serious tone, kissing his younger brother’s soft locks.

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Meanwhile, the prince had been speaking to Fenaleos.

“Your majesty, if the Tournament is not commencing right away, could we speak somewhere, in private? Unfortunately, I’m afraid our coming earlier was not to make our cousin a pleasant surprise…”

TBC…


Ending Notes: ::sigh:: I expected to be a little further ahead by this chapter… Anyway, sorry for the wait. Blame Ryaen’ne, he was being difficult…
‘blabla’ - spoken in Eth’s language