OOC: I'm so excited for this thread.. YOU HAVE NO IDEA
nyhahahaha
<3
Now if I can successfully describe the history that flows up to this point concisely enough- we're golden!
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How long had it been since she'd been to a ball? If you counted the years she had been imprisoned in crystal, quite many, actually, and this being her first one in ages, Katahnia felt jittery, her hands growing warm and sweaty as she remained with her cousin within her room as the pair prepared themselves with powder on their faces and securing jewelery against their skin to dazzle for the ball.
Ever since she had her baby, her family had done a lot for her; and though she was grateful, she felt... horrendous, guilty, even a little hurt. Having to give the child away to someone else's care was... a horrible act and she wasn't entirely sure she condoned it. Infact, she had cried the entire way back to the duchy. But the woman was nice, and had helped her while she was staying up north to have it, so she knew the woman would love and take care of her daughter well, and to keep the secret safe.
But how long had that even been? The father, well, he was no longer in the picture, no thanks to her own anger getting in the way; but she couldn't help it. To have found him in bed with another woman, even when they were arguing it... it broke her heart nad even to today, she felt her stomach tie in knots over it and her eyes burn with tears. And to think, this woman even shared the same views as her on equal freedoms for mages.
But she had to swallow that down and put on a happy face, or whatever happy face she could. She had spent so much time and energy finding her family, that she was elated her Uncle was still alive, (and his children, too). It was a surprise to see them all grow up, since before her family's duchy had been decimated, they were barely the age of three.
Now, since her arrival, it had been thought to have her marry her cousin Blaith to get her back into the family name, and to also keep the secrets of his power (and that of Kella's too) under wraps. It was one reason neither twin had married. This would also secure the secrecy of her own identity as well.
To find out what the twin's power were.. well, their powers were terrible, at that. They could not touch anything or anyone, lest they fall prey to their wicked magics and die. Though not much could be done about it, her Uncle still held the ideals of her own parents, stil voicing, albeit a lot quieter, his desires for more equality towards mages. Though most of his words always fell to def ears, and most other nobles simply rolled their eye at him.
Today, however, marked an important turn in her life- a turn where she would return to a life that had been taken from her so long ago, and now here she was, staring at herself back in the mirror, feeling guilty over the path she had take..
Cauwyn..
She had loved him, and to leave him so... it broke her heart, but she was mending, though it was still tender. What would he do if he ever were to find out she had been with child? Or that she had that child already? She had.. tried to send word to him, but that had been so many months ago, and who knew if the courier had ever delivered the letter. But when a second letter was sent, also providing unfruitful, she fell into a pit of despair and depression, a depression that only the birth of her child had cured.
Life.. to see a child so innocent in the world.. it brought her a renewed energy towards what she had been fighting for, what her FAMILY had been fighting for so many years ago. So when she returned, she informed her Uncle she did want back into the duchy, back into politics, but under her own accord. SHe said she'd decide later if she would accept the engagement to Blaith, and simply left it at that. The world could see them as 'courting'. Both her cousins understood, so while readying for the ball, Katahnia was still fretting over so much, Kella approached her and placed a gloved hand upon her shoulder.
"Do not worry, at least you don't have to fear your touch killing others," Kella said, hoping to lighting the mood.
With a sigh, Katahnia smiled and patted her cousin's hand. "Oh, Kella, you were always one for words." And the two girls' laughed and exchanged hugs, careful ones, but tight, nurturing hugs all the same.
"So.. you ready to go to the ball? I heard Duke Calent will be there and he is quite the eligible bachelor. Though one must question why he is so old without a wife already."
Katahnia rolled her eyes.
"I'm not looking for marriage, and if anything, I'll probably end up marrying Blaith."
Kella nodded. "It would be nice, indeed. That way we can stay close."
Katahnia smiled.
"I'm just glad you're coming with me."
Kella gave a hesitant smile, but Katahnia noticed it.
"Don't worry, Kella, you'll be fine. Just.. be careful no one gets too close to you if you know what I mean." Kella blushed while Katahnia stood and offered out her hand. "Now, come , let us go. There's a party to attend."
And as the two exited the room, Blaith was waiting at the door, looking as suave as ever.
"Hello, ladies."
"Hello, Blaith."
He cocked his head to one side, admiring his sister. "That dress looks good on you, and her dress looks good on your as well, Kat." He gave his cousin a wink. "Come on, the carriage is waiting." And the two girls exchanged glances, smiling at one another before the group disappeared into the carriage and made their way to Uthlyn. It would be a long ride, but well worth it, and as Kat glanced out the window, she took in the city scape with wonder.
"How long has it been, do you recall?"Kella asked.
Katahnia turned to Kella. "Too many years to count. But the city looks as beautiful as ever."