Chapter Text
Rellana lightly pulled the silver comb through her sister’s hair, untangling any knots that may have sprung up throughout the night. Her fingers parted the long strands of black, sectioning off large portions so she could begin braiding. As Rellana worked, Rennala did her makeup, lightly applying kohl to her lower eyelids to accentuate the icy blue of her eyes.
As Rellana worked, she glanced up to look in the mirror. Meeting both hers and her sister's eyes. They did look alike, despite their nearly 10-year age difference. Rennala showed her age more than her younger sister, her expression was stony and serious, entirely focused on the task at hand. It felt like the two of them were going back into battle. And in a way, they were. Rennala was getting married. Something that took her younger sister completely by surprise. The Full Moon Queen had never shown interest in marriage. But her heart had been taken by the Golden Order’s champion. A year passed, and the two were now to be wed.
Rellana swallowed hard. Trying to keep her hands from shaking as she braided silver chains and loops into her sister’s hair. The knight was usually steady of hand, known for her high dexterity and unwavering resolve. But now she turned to jelly, anxiety was chewing her up from the inside. She was happy for her sister, she was excited for the future of the Carian Household, but she was also deeply unnerved. Her sister had been her rock for the entirety of her life. The only person she felt comfortable standing beside in battle and politics. But today she was supposed to pass her sister off to someone she felt didn’t deserve her.
There was nothing truly
wrong
with Radagon, he was a tall handsome warrior who fought viciously for the Golden Order. The sisters had met him on the battlefield back during the Liunurian War. They did not take kindly to being labeled as heretics and forced to bend at the knee for the Golden Order, but after Radagon defeated Rennala in battle, the two came to an understanding and an eventual romance. He could have killed the Queen back then and forced the entire Carian house to their knees. But he spared Rennala, and offered the chance of the Order and the Moon to unite under a single banner.
“Ana.” Rennala finally spoke, her smooth voice almost causing Rellana to jump out of her skin.
“Yes?” She replied, hoping her voice was as calm as her sisters. It clearly wasn’t, as Rennala stifled a small laugh.
“You are pulling too tightly at my scalp. Loosen your grip.” Her voice was jovial, the ghost of a laugh on her lips. Rellana’s face heated up, and she stilled her hands, still holding the unbraided strands in her hands. “Apologies Ren. My nerves are quite high if you were unable to tell.”
Another laugh, twinkling like stars. “I can tell. It’s surprising, you are so calm when you go off to battle. But now you’re shaking like a leaf. If I did not know, I would think you were the one getting wed!”
Rellana swallowed, clasping one of the silver cuffs around the braid. “I don’t know how you can be so calm about this. This is the end of an era. The Full Moon Queen marrying a former enemy of the kingdom…” She sighed. Finishing up the braid that went well past her sister’s knees.
Standing up and turning around, Rennala gave her sister a knowing look before vanishing behind the dressing screen. “Radagon is very kind. I would not have given him the time of day if I believed him to be unfit to rule.” Rennala told her, taking off her day dress and beginning to put on her wedding attire. Several servants went behind the screen to help, leaving Rellana standing awkwardly in the middle of the changing room.
“I know. He’s kind. He’s handsome. He understands Carian tradition and laws.”
“He’s also a gentle lover.”
Rellana scrunched her nose up. “I didn’t need to know that.”
The twinkling laugh burst from behind the screen. Making Rellana’s face heat up. The younger sister wasn’t as romantically inclined as Rennala, with her wanting to focus more on her knightly duties and swordsmanship. Her shoulders slumped as a ball of hard feelings settled in her stomach. As happy as she was for her sister, a part of Rellana yearned for this sort of ceremony. She knew that if she wanted it, she could have it, being a princess had its perks. But instead, she settled with her more rough-and-tumble ways, choosing to remain a knight until she died.
Stepping out from behind the screen, Rennala met her sister’s eyes, going to take the shorter woman’s hands in her own. Rellana looked her over, feeling a sob lodge itself in her throat. Rennala looked beautiful dressed in her bridal regalia. She wore a long silvery blue dress that flared out on the floor, and she was adorned with drops of sliver and glintstone. “You look so beautiful,” Rellana told her, taking a step back to admire her sister’s outfit.
“Of course I do. Now I believe it is time for you to go. You’re meeting the Queen’s son and his entourage. Best to not leave them waiting.” Rennala patted Rellana’s arm and had the servants usher her out the door. The servants shut Rellana out before she could say anything, making Rellana stare blankly at the carved oak before sighing and heading out towards the entrance to the Academy.
~~~~
The trip to Liunuria had been uneventful despite the rocky beginning with Messmer having to awkwardly fit himself beside Melina without squishing her against the opposite wall of the carriage. Godwyn sat opposite to them, laughing as Messmer pulled his spindly limbs into the gilded carriage. Melina said nothing, but her face showed her discomfort when he accidentally pressed too hard into the side of her hips.
The entire ride took a little more than a day, with Messmer looking out the window at the changing scenery and colors. Liunuria was bathed in deep blues and greens. The lakes were shallow this time of year, but he heard stories about them flooding in the rainy season. Commoners stopped to watch the Queen’s entourage, and Messmer found himself pressing up against the wall, fearful of anyone seeing him. However, it was made difficult when Godwyn decided to press his face up against the window and wave to anyone who may have been watching.
Melina, like her brother, was quiet for most of the way, lightly sketching in a notebook and drumming her fingers against the burnished wood of their carriage. Godwyn had called them sticks in the mud, but the siblings just shrugged him off. Unlike him, they were raised in a very different environment, and the luxuries that their mother had amassed over the years felt foreign and strange. Marika wasn’t their mother anymore, and Messmer and Melina felt like strangers within the walls of the capital. Cursed children, born before the Erdtree’s blessings.
Finally, they came to a stop, and the door was opened by one of their chaperones. “We have arrived at Rya Lucaria. Allow us to usher you to your spots for the wedding.” The masked man told them, offering his hand to Melina once the men had gotten out. Melina refused to take it, hopping down by herself and tidying her robes.
The three of them wore similar outfits. Ceremonial robes adorned with golden embroidery. Symbols of the Erdtree and the Queen’s runes danced up their sleeves. Godwyn’s clothing were a deep blue, and he only had a single sleeve. Messmer was much more conservative. His black robes covered much of his body, masking the secrets that writhed beneath the expensive fabrics.
Melina had a shorter robe on, a rope tied at her waist, and golden jewelry decorating her neck and arms. She looked uncomfortable with the entire ordeal, never being one for the pomp and ceremony that their Queen Mother demanded. Messmer offered her his hand, and she took it. Allowing him to lead her along with the chaperones and Godwyn.
The entirety of Rya Lucaria was celebrating the wedding of their Full Moon Queen, flower petals nearly covered the entirety of the cobblestone roads, and witchfire floated idly through the air above them. Music poured from every home and alley, with the entire population caught up in the celebration. Messmer couldn’t escape the curious eyes of the inhabitants. Children pointed and men gawked, causing Messmer to try and curl in on himself. He knew it was useless, but if he could just make himself smaller then people would probably stop looking at him.
They know you’re cursed.
“Quite the sight.” Godwyn said, the smile never leaving his lips. “It’s so much different than home. I really do like it here.” He turned back to glance at his siblings, with Melina nodding in agreement.
“It’s different for sure. I wish we were staying longer, I would love to explore.” She smiled back at Godwyn, removing her hand from Messmer’s grip and holding it in front of her chest. Godwyn peeked up at his brother, almost expecting Messmer to join in on the conversation. But he remained silent.
The two of them shared a look, silently planning their adventures. Messmer could only watch, idly biting his bottom lip and pulling up pieces of dry skin, breaking them between his teeth. Unlike his siblings, he had no care to explore. He wanted to find a dark alley and run away.
But instead, he walked. Listening to the idle chatter around him, losing himself in his own world. Rya Lucaria melted away around them, and it was only Messmer, gently pushing through the petals littering the ground. A hand to his gut snapped him out of it, and he lurched forward, almost tripping over his sister. They had stopped at the stairs leading up to the main Academy, with a tall woman standing before them. She was wearing the traditional garb of the Carian Royal family, a silver tunic with a blue shawl draped over the left side of her body. Despite her royal regalia, the woman was built like a knight, even her dark hair was cut short. The woman’s eyes scanned the crowd, lingering on Messmer’s own for a moment and she cracked a small crooked smile.
Messmer felt his chest tighten and the serpents attempt to peek out from under his robes. He quickly grabbed his arm, closing off his sleeve and stopping the snake from getting a good look at the woman before them.
If she finds out now she may run in fear. Hiding me does nothing you fool. You’re already a freak.
“Welcome everyone. I am Rellana of the Twin Moons… and the bride’s sister. I was told to welcome our esteemed guests as the bride and groom address the Queen and her consort.” Rellana’s voice was steady and loud, her eyes now trained on Godwyn, who was soaking up the woman’s attention.
Rellana seemed to notice the teenager’s reveling, and smiled at him, clearly stifling a laugh. “Lord Godwyn is it not? Who is here with you?”
Godwyn puffed up his chest and gestured towards Melina and Messmer. “This is Melina and Messmer, they are vital assents to the throne and my dear friends.” He introduced them the way he was told. Not as his siblings, but as his friends. Melina curtsied to the Carian princess, and Messmer gave her a half-hearted bow.
“Wonderful! Well, if you would come with me I can take you all to the main event.”
~~~~
Rellana felt like her heart was going to leap from her breast and land with a splat before the children of the Order’s God Queen. The moment she turned her back to lead them up the Academy stairs her legs nearly gave out from beneath her. She was a knight, who had fought tirelessly to defend her homeland from the people now standing behind her. But whenever she was out of her armor she felt vulnerable, like a freshly molted crayfish. Occasionally she glanced back towards the guests, then over the railing of the grand academy staircase, wondering if a fall from this height would kill her if she jumped.
Cowardice, it was cowardice. She put on her best smile and ushered the guests towards the now-open academy doors. “Your seats are in the front by the God Queen and Lord Godfrey, I must be going now but I hope I will be able to make your acquaintance at the reception.”
Rellana was surprised at the voice she heard. It was very obviously her own, but it reflected none of the nervousness she was feeling. The knight thanked the moon for her ability to stay calm. And she smiled out at the small crowd, though she wasn’t able to meet any of their eyes.
The blond one, Godwyn passed first. Bowing his head and giving her a wink. Melina followed the small woman silently passing Rellana with a soft smile on her face. Then the tallest, Messmer. His hands were balled into tight fists, and there was an obvious sheen of perspiration on his forehead. Rellana couldn’t help but glance at him, a single golden eye meeting hers, she smiled at him, hoping to quell some of his nerves and silently signal that he wasn’t alone in his feelings. But the pallid man only averted his eye, awkwardly slotting in next to Melina without giving as much as a smile. Now that Marika’s flock was sitting, Rellana felt comfortable enough to break off from them. Careening off to the side where she effortlessly slunk through the endless crowd of Carian and Leyndell nobles. Her main task was to act as her sister’s maid of honor, and it was a role she was more than willing to fulfill, even if it meant spilling blood.
Once behind the main viewing area, Rellana slotted in by the altar. A member of the Golden Order was to wed them, even though her sister and Radagon were already bound under Carian law. Miriel, a tortoise priest had oversaw Radagon’s forgiveness and married the two under the cover of night. Rennala was happy with that, but Radagon insisted they have a more ‘traditional’ wedding.
It wouldn’t be long before the bride and groom would walk down the aisle. Where Rellana would pass her sister off to her new husband, a role traditionally preserved for the head of the family. But the sisters only had one another, and Radagon himself came from nothing. Born to paupers in the northern regions of The Lands Between, he served the Golden Order because it was better than starving in the frozen wastes.
Finally, after what felt like years of waiting, two trumpeters announced the beginning of the ceremony, causing Rellana to quickly stand to attention and wait for the couple’s arrival. Rellana’s mouth grew dry and she felt her arms tense up. This was it.
Radagon and Rennala emerged arm in arm, Rennala herself standing just a bit taller than her new husband. They had turned the entrance of the Academy into a makeshift church, and all the candlelights had been extinguished to allow natural and magical light to fill the space.
Rellana nearly teared up. Her sister was beautiful. She was regal and collected, without a hair or thread out of place. Radagon himself was also striking, wearing the crest of the Erdtree on the breast of his black robes. His red hair and gold jewelry contrasted against the dark colors he wore. Both of them looked as if they came straight out of a painting, and Rellana even noticed the God Queen smiling at the couple as they passed. Once the couple found themselves at the altar, Rennala looked at her sister and smiled wide. Causing Rellana to nearly choke out a sob. She couldn’t believe this was happening. She didn’t want it to happen.
The sisters hugged, with Rellana squeezing Rennala’s shoulders tightly before kissing her sister on the cheek. “This is it,” Rellana told her, which coaxed a small chuckle out of Rennala.
“Of course it is. I’m not doing this for nothing.” Rennala replied as she released her sister, passing the other woman off so she could shake Radagon’s hand and bow her head, which he mimicked. “Rellana, thank you for giving me your sister’s hand. I will treat her with the utmost respect.” His voice was smooth as he spoke, which made Rellana feel a bit guilty about feeling distrustful of him. Rellana stepped aside and let the main couple take the stage, comfortable to fade into the background for the rest of the ceremony.
The Priest droned on and on about the Erdtree’s blessings, pointing out that the God Queen was in attendance and thanking her for blessing them with her presence. Rellana sighed softly, knowing that with Rennala’s marriage to Radagon, the Carian royal family would be under the thumb of the Order. Their independence was only ceremonial, but if Rennala truly loved Radagon enough, then maybe it was worth it.
~~~~~
Messmer was truly impressed by the Carian Queen. He had seen her on the battlefield, wearing silver armor and wielding fierce glintstone magic, Rennala was an imposing figure then, but now she was almost etherial. Radagon looked as regal as ever, and Messmer truly believed that the two were made for one another. A small part of him yearned for something like this, a ceremony alongside a beautiful bride. But in his visions, the bride never had a face, it was just the ceremony, the feeling of being the subject of everyone’s attention and admiration. He knew it was an impossible thing to ask. He wasn’t worthy of anyone’s affection. Especially a bride’s.
Like that would ever happen.
As if she could feel his thoughts spiraling, Melina reached out to link her arm in Messmer’s, glancing at him with her open eye and giving her older brother a soft smile. Messmer met her eye and forced a smile back. This was a wedding. He could mope later.
When he tore his gaze from Melina, his eye wandered back toward the woman he met earlier. Rellana, the maid of honor and Rennala’s younger sister. She stood at attention, more like a knight than a blushing bridesmaid. Her eyes were unfocused, and it was obvious that she was disassociating, he didn’t blame her. If he were in her position he would do the same.
After what felt like ages, the priest permitted the bride and groom to kiss and exchange vows. Causing the room to erupt in cheers. Messmer was caught up in the jovial mood, clapping and letting out a weak cheer. Causing Melina to laugh and shove him gently. “You are too meek!” She told him, which made Messmer smile in turn. He knew he was meek, so he had no reason to take offense.
The cheering stopped and the audience sat back down, waiting for the closing remarks before the party was allowed back outside for the reception. The double doors were thrown open and guests were asked to enjoy the festivities, as they would go on late into the night.
Messmer left with Melina but lost her once she heard there was food available. She bowed her head and offered to bring him some drink, normally Messmer would refuse but tonight he nodded, waving his hand and watching his sister disappear into the growing crowd. He looked around, attempting to find an empty spot where he could sit.
The reception area was right outside the main entrance to the Academy set up with tables overflowing with food and drink, with lush pillows and low tables for the guests to sit at. It was encouraged that different parties sit together so that those from the Order could intermingle with the Carians.
Messmer was not a fan of this setup. As most of the sitting areas were full. If he wanted to sit, he’d have to sit with his family or strangers. The only family he wanted to sit with was Melina, who was currently missing in action. So Messmer found a dark spot under an overhang and slotted himself within the shadows. From his vantage point he could see the bride and groom make their way over to their spot next to his mother. The maid of honor was missing, and he strained his good eye to look for her. The faces in the crowd bled together, their voices becoming nothing more than a single drowning roar, Messmer bit down on his bottom lip and picked at the skin, feeling his serpents coil tightly around his arm and leg. The first one peeked its head out from under his sleeve, gingerly sniffing the air before finding its home in his palm. Messmer gently stroked the serpent’s head with his palm, and he could feel it relax and snuggle closer.
Melina finally emerged from the crowd, holding a tray of food. It was loaded up to the point of nearly spilling over, and once she approached him, the serpent slithered back under his sleeve. “That is enough food to make Godfrey feel ill. Do you plan on sharing?” Messmer felt his mouth twitch in a rare smile, making Melina scoff. She handed him a silver goblet filled with a deep blue wine.
“I wasn’t going to, but you can have some if you want.” Melina told him, pulling her brother down so they could sit on the grass. She placed the tray of food between them, cracking open the shell of a boiled prawn. Messmer crossed his legs and sipped the wine, immediately feeling the alcohol’s warmth trail down his throat and settle in his stomach. He took a pastry off of the tray and nibbled on it, then held it in his hand for the serpent to swallow. Melina watched him, humming to herself as she continued to eat.
“Better keep those hidden.” She said, clearly talking about his serpents. Messmer sighed. “I will. Don’t worry, nobody is going to come over here and talk with us.”
Melina only shrugged, cracking open another prawn. “You’re so negative.” She muttered between bites, and Messmer took a sip in return. She was right.
Feed me that prawn you gangly piece of shit.
He took a prawn for himself.
~~~~~
After everyone split apart to attend the reception, Rellana slipped into one of the back rooms in order to change. She was to perform a swords dance in honor of her sister, so she changed into a loose-fitting dress that had two slits open for her legs. Her arms were exposed so she could put on silver bangles and bands. Catching a glimpse of herself in the mirror almost made Rellana turn her heel and shut herself in the room.
The dress should have draped over her body in an almost seductive manner. But it hung on her frame like a blanket over a chair. Rellana was too boxy. Her breasts were big, but she didn’t have the curves to extenuate them. Her hips dipped and made her look concave. She looked ridiculous. Knights were not meant to wear pretty flowing dresses.
But Rennala insisted on the outfit, it was traditional after all. The garb was based on the lake spirits of old, known for appearing over the misty waters under the light of the moon. It was the mood her sister wanted to emulate when people saw Rellana, and she nearly squealed in delight at seeing her sister don the dress for the first time. So she had to wear it. For her sister’s sake.
The one thing that made her feel grounded was her belt with her swords. Each one bumped up against her hips as she stepped out into the open air of the courtyard. Rellana immediately felt the weight of a thousand eyes, and she broke out into a cold sweat. Instinctively she tried to find her sister, but noticed the other woman in a deep conversation with the God Queen herself, both women not even looking up as Radagon gently kissed along Rennala’s knuckles.
Sighing softly, she went to sit by her new brother’s side, who smiled gently at her as she sat. Her dance would not be until the moon rose and it was still dusk. So she had time to waste. Someone served her a drink, and she allowed herself to float away as she listened to her sister and the guests of honor speak.
A touch on her shoulder made her snap back to reality, and Rellana met the golden eyes of Radagon, who withdrew his hand with a nervous smile. “Are you alright?” He asked genuine concern in his voice.
Rellana smiled back, nodding. “Yes, I am brother. Just enjoying the atmosphere. Don’t worry about me, this is your celebration.” She wasn’t entirely telling the truth but she didn’t want Radagon to worry.
Radagon was worrying. Despite his reputation as a fearless warrior, Radagon was subject to bouts of anxiety. Rellana patted his shoulder back, trying to calm the redheaded man down. He frowned, marring his handsome features. But before he could speak, Godfrey and his beast poked out from besides his wife. “I heard about your dance! It will be like a fight will it not?”
The warrior king was positively beaming, his booming voice catching the attention of everyone around them, including his wife and Rennala. Queen Marika turned her attention to Rellana as well, expectantly waiting for her response.
Swallowing a gulp of juice, Rellana shook her head. “The dance is supposed to represent the lake spirits of old. The spirits were rumored to be armed with silver swords, and a noble sorcerer or knight could win the spirit’s favor to obtain a gift.” She explained the reasoning to Godfrey, who blinked a few times before nodding. Clearly not believing the story. Rellana opened her mouth to speak again, but the God Queen cut her off.
“I am excited to see you perform Rellana. I’ve heard about your performance on the battlefield. And if your dance is anything like that I am more than excited to see it.” Marika’s voice was calm and deep, and her golden eyes settled squarely on the knight.
Rellana felt her skin go cold. The anxiety creeps up from the bottom of her gut into her limbs and face. Queen Marika was excited to see the knight perform, which meant that Rellana had to give the best performance of her life.
“O-of course. It will be the best swords dance you’ll ever see.”
~~~~
When the moon peeked up over the horizon the attendants began clearing the middle of the reception area. It was Rellana’s signal to stand up and prepare herself. Rennala and Radagon gave her reassuring smiles as she bowed and made her way to the middle of the party.
From the corner of her vision, Rellana watched her sister stand up once the preparations were complete, gaining the attention of the wedding party by making an attendant slam his staff on the ground. “Before the nightly festivities begin, my beloved sister Rellana will perform a traditional Carian swords dance.”
Rennala stepped aside and ushered her sister out, giving her a smile and a wink. She knew that Rellana had practiced this dance for weeks beforehand and she had no doubts that her sister would give the best performance she possibly could.
Stepping into the soft blue light, Rellana bowed and unsheathed her swords, both of them inlaid with glintstone. Unlike her sister, Rellana was a swordswoman and used her swords as the catalysts for her sorceries. It was unusual for a sorceress to use anything besides a staff, but for Rellana it was like wielding extensions of her arms. The crowd stilled as they watched her stride into the center of the party, granting her a wide birth so as to not interfere with her performance.
Taking a deep breath, she looked up at the sky and moved. Rellana broke out into an offensive stance, taking long strides as if she were circling an opponent. Her dress was cut in a way that it would not catch under her feet and it felt as if she was wearing her armor. After the initial strides, she dragged both blades across one another to imbue them with magic, the bright glow causing the audience members to gasp in awe.
Once the blades were imbued, she danced. Taking large strides and spinning around herself, Rellana made sure that her dress was flowing behind her like she was stirring up the mist. She made sure not to thrust, instead allowing her blades to carry her momentum into large graceful turns that took her around the circle she was given. The dance was like a waltz, with Rellana keeping count in her head.
On each four count, she swept her blades again, until her spiral took her into the middle of the circle. Her feet stilled so she could cross her blades over her head before bringing them down as if she were decapitating an invisible foe. Rellana spun abruptly towards the opposite end of the crowd, stomping her feet and bringing her swords down once more. Finally, with both edges of her swords pointed down, she spun with her left foot and cast her last spell.
Kicking off with her right foot, she was lifted into the air, the residual magic from the arena and her blades cocooning her as Rellana summoned her moons. Both of them enveloped her within, and she could hear the crowd gasp before she slammed the first moon onto the ground causing it to shatter like glass. She then threw the second one down as well, continuing to float in the air before bringing both of her swords together and bringing them down into the center of the circle. The moment the blades hit the stone, the magic exploded, sending bright blue sparks all around her in a burst of light and sound.
With the finishing move, she kneeled with both blades still on the ground, her head down and her hair now sticking to her damp neck and forehead. For an agonizing moment, the entire wedding party was still until they erupted into raucous applause and cheers. Rellana stood at her full height and sheathed her swords, looking out over the crowd and smiling. Pride swelled in her chest as she noticed the God Queen cheering alongside her sister, and Rellana bowed. She spun around to bow to each side of the circle, going up and down so fast she nearly felt lightheaded.
After her final bought of bows, she stood up once more, meeting the eye of the redheaded man she had met earlier in the day. Instinctively, she smiled wide at him, allowing herself to enjoy the presence of a handsome man before she dipped out and away.
His eye widened, and she swore he blushed before she turned heel and pushed herself into the crowd. Rellana made a mental note to speak with him as she nearly ran into her sister, who was flushed with excitement.
“Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful!” Rennala told her, placing her hands on Rellana’s shoulders and shaking the shorter woman. “Now, don’t come sit with me. Go mingle! Find yourself a husband!” Before Rellana could speak, Rennala spun her sister around and pushed her out into the crowd. Causing the Twin Moons to freeze up and glance around.
The night was only beginning.