Chapter 139: Thrust to the Fore

“Greetings!” Junia said in a magically enhanced voice. “I welcome all of you to tonight’s festivities. First of all, thanks must be given to our hosts, the Laytons, for offering their exquisite hall tonight.”

Polite applause filled the room, then died as quickly. Krisnaal gave a curtsy to Junia with a beaming smile.

“Times have been fortunate for our kingdom as of late. I am sure most of you are aware, wealth continues to rise for all in our nation. The mines prosper as we delve into the mountains of the north. Farming and hunting in Thalten have seen a bountiful year. Let us not forget our scholars and engineers in Indelholm, who seek to advance our kingdom’s might, both magical and technological.”

Junia paused as the audience applauded once more, a well-practiced smile on her face. Ann, watching from the floor, could tell it wasn’t completely genuine. Junia looked like she knew she should be proud and was making her face do the proper thing for it.

“Always been good at speeches,” Kat mumbled.

“She’s not even gotten started,” Ann said. She’d read accounts of how this kind of thing usually went. Junia had a bit of a reputation for long introductions.

“It is also my pleasure to be here tonight,” Junia continued. “For all present, or their families, are major influences among our people. We live under a monarchy, but I hold no illusion that the power we hold is given to us by the people. It is with utmost humility that I thank you all for your support.”

More applause.

“She sounds so regal,” Rosalyn said under the clapping.

“Makes sense she’s first in line,” Ann nodded.

“Flowery,” Lucia grumbled.

“Thank you,” Junia smiled. “Now. We have much to speak on tonight. For once, I will spare you my long-winded speeches, for which I know many of you will be thankful.”

Laughter rippled through the crowd.

“We do have one matter that simply must be addressed before the festivities commence. My darling sister, please join me.” Junia beckoned the party.

“Here we go,” Kat murmured.

Together with Kat in the lead, Ann and Rosalyn made their way to the platform, which held the high table.

Ann forced herself to relax as all eyes focused on them. It was even more intense than when they’d been announced upon entry. This time there were no guests mingling and ignoring who was showing up. Everyone was looking at them. Rosalyn’s hand was like steel, her fingers digging into Ann’s hand painfully. She bore the pain. She knew the woman’s anxiety was at its peak in this moment. If her hand being crushed was what it took to keep Rosalyn from panicking, she’d gladly sacrifice it.

Junia welcomed them up on the stage with another practiced smile and a slight nod of her head. It wouldn’t be proper for her to do more than that, as a bow would be seen as deferring to any of them. Taking Kat’s hand, she returned to the crowd.

“Introductions for my sister are unneeded, I imagine,” Junia said with a grin.

“If ye don’t know me by now, I haven’t been tryin’ hard enough,” Kat said with a chuckle, which was met by equal amounts of groans as laughter.

“Quite,” Junia sighed. “We have some fresh faces to introduce tonight. Katlyn’s girlfriends, Annita Kronforst and Rosalyn Losenska. Ladies?”

“Just a curtsy,” Ann whispered to Rosalyn.

The pair stepped forward. Ann had been practicing this maneuver and dipped into a low curtsy. To her right, Rosalyn did so as well, though far more awkwardly. Ann saw her tripping well ahead of time and was able to catch her arm before she fell. Thankfully, the billowing dress hid most of the mishap as she steadied Rosalyn.

“Both are allied with Katlyn in her pursuits and have committed to a relationship. None of this is a secret, nor surprising to any of you,” Junia continued. “But formalities must be observed. As tradition goes, they have the first dance of the night.”

“We do?” Rosalyn squeaked.

“Damnit, I was hoping she wouldn’t,” Ann groaned.

“That’s me sister fer ye,” Kat sighed. “At least we can talk tae people after.”

“Now, I would like to give thanks to a few people in particular. First, Aldo Gedney, for his invaluable assistance in the recent negotiations with Thalten’s guilds. Without him, these talks would have extended well into spring.”

“My pleasure,” a wiry bald human called back, raising his glass

Junia gave him a dazzling smile and a nod.

“Second, to Lacy Hern for always being such a darling, assisting me with record keeping. I know I make your life difficult most days, but your work is much appreciated.”

A tall, stern-looking bovine woman towards the back gave a stiff bow.

“To cut myself short, I will also thank Annita for putting up with my troublemaking sister, and while she may not improve the circumstances, Katlyn clearly adores her. I wish them the best.”

Ann felt her heart skip a beat, then she forced herself to bow through her fluster and mixed cheers and grumbles from the audience.

“Now, Kris, if you wish?” Junia said, sweeping aside and offering the floor to Krisnaal.

“Thank you, Your Highness,” Krisnaal crooned as she strode to the centre.

She was a well built Bultrong. She didn’t possess the ethereal beauty of Junia, nor the more rounded features of Rosalyn. Krisnaal was stout and thick-chested, thick-armed, and thick-legged. She wasn’t fat by any means, she was just what Ann would call sturdy. Her head sported long red hair that fanned out in a blanket of curls. Her purple eyes flicked over the crowd as they calmed with a sense of control.

“It is an honour for House Layton to host tonight’s ongoings. I bid our newcomers welcome, and safety within our halls. As hosts, we take the old tradition of breaking bread seriously with new guests. Annita, Rosalyn, if you would?” Krisnaal beckoned the pair forward.

“Just a piece of bread. Tear it and eat it. Nothing else,” Ann whispered the hurried explanation to Rosalyn.

In truth, it mirrored an old tradition Ann was aware of. Whenever a guest was welcomed into someone’s home, they’d break bread and share a drink to indicate the well wishes of both parties. The practice had died out almost entirely in Ann’s modern life, so it had fascinated her that the world had come full circle on this detail.

Stepping up to Krisnaal, she looked down, and took hold of the offered piece of bread. It wasn’t much more than a roll, but the symbolism was the important part here. She tore half away easily and took a delicate bite. Taking too big a bite would prevent those participating from speaking quickly after, and not taking a bite was considered a rejection of the hospitality.

Rosalyn was offered a fresh roll, and repeated the process. Not knowing better, she took a big bite and hummed happily as she chewed. It wasn’t a big deal, but Ann’s sensitive ears still caught a couple chuckles.

“Thank you, Krisnaal, for offering this hospitality,” Ann said with a bow. Then nudged Rosalyn.

Rosalyn quickly chewed then swallowed. “Thank you, Krisnaal, for this hospitality,” she repeated quickly.

Krisnaal smiled and bowed herself. “House Layton welcomes you both. Enjoy your time within our hall.”

Ann pulled Rosalyn up, and they both retreated back to Kat.

“Good job,” Kat whispered as Krisnaal began to give her speech. “Was a bit worried fer ye, lamb.”

“It was scary, but it was mostly between us and Krisnaal so I could kinda block out the rest of everyone staring at us like way too many predators in the same room I hate all this publicity,” Rosalyn blurted, before eating the rest of her roll to control her tongue.

“Simple enough ritual, too,” Ann nodded. “She gonna do the same with Lucia?”

“She will, but after. Bren’s plenty important, but not at royal levels. Ye got the public version because ye’re with me.”

“Lucky us,” Rosalyn grumbled around a mouthful.

“Shush. We’ve still gotta dance,” Kat reminded her, drawing a protracted groan from the Druid. “It’ll be fine. Since there’re three of us, it’ll be me an’ Ann, then me an’ ye. Once that’s o’er we can relax a li’l afore minglin’.”

“If the others give us a chance to rest,” Ann noted. While talking, she kept track of Krisnaal’s speech. She was giving thanks for her family’s glass trade and the prosperity recent months had brought them. Individuals in attendance were singled out, while those not in attendance were thanked by family name.

Ann stood there, trying to look official as Krisnaal finished her speech. One thing she’d noticed, and was starting to realise was true of all attendees, no one bothered to remove hats indoors. Ann was so used to the custom from her dad taking off his favourite ball cap that she’d been shocked that no one was commenting on the garment. Looking over the people as she now was, it made a bit more sense. This was, among other things, a fashion show. Men and women wore hats that matched their dresses and suits. Even coats seemed to be welcome if not worn for function.

“And with that I come to the end of my greeting,” Krisnaal said, then spread her hands. “Now, let us welcome our first dancers of the night. Katlyn, Annita?”

“Shall we?” Ann said, offering her hand, palm up, to Kat and dipping into a slight bow.

“This feels backwards,” Kat laughed, taking her hand far more delicately than Ann was used to.

“You’re the one in the fancier dress,” Ann whispered as they made their way off the platform. Ann spotted Junia coming up to rescue Rosalyn and made a note to thank the princess later. Bren and Lucia would join them shortly, but they had matters with Krisnaal to deal with first.

“Ye’re distracted,” Kat teased.

“Just making sure the lambchop is safe. Now, I’m all yours. What dance shall we perform?” Ann asked with her worst Quebecois accent.

“Daft woman,” Kat laughed. “It’s gotta be somethin’ slow. Things start like that, an’ ye’ll switch out wit’ Rosalyn halfway.”

Ann rolled her eyes. “Boring, but fine. We can get fancier later.” Ann drew close to Kat, the brim of her hat barely out of the way. “Gods, it’s fun having you be as tall as I am.”

“Ye’re tellin’ me,” Kat grinned, grabbing Ann’s waist and right hand confidently.

Ann returned the gesture, holding on to the small of Kat’s back and getting into place.

A few plucked strings, musicians preparing, and a lonely violin started the music. Like Kat said, it started slow. Not so slow that it was boring to move to, but Ann felt like she could dance much faster. Later, she reminded herself.

Their steps were slightly clunky at first, but both warriors quickly found their rhythm. Months of combat and weeks of training with Remmi had hammered into Ann the need for proper footwork. Kat had been at this for years, if not decades, and adjusted to Ann’s movements gracefully.

For now, Ann enjoyed the moment. She was dancing with Kat. Not the frenzied, grinding club dancing from their time with Rosalyn, but the romantic ballroom dancing. Kat’s eyes were locked with hers as they twirled and dipped in a lazy circle around the floor.

Other instruments joined the violin. First a piano, then a cello. A horn of some sort, then a drum. Slowly the song built to a moderate pace.

Ann lost herself in the music and Kat’s arms around her. Every time Kat looked at her, she felt her heart race and a giddy grin spread over her lips. She loved this muscle-bound warrior so damn much. Even when her girlfriend was so incredibly out of her element.

That being said, Ann was also new to this whole situation, and started when Kat leaned in and whispered, “Oi, time fer Rosalyn. Next round, give me a kiss, an’ I’mma spin ye away.”

“Got it,” Ann sighed. She enjoyed the rest of her time, letting the song fill her as she hugged Kat close. She pointedly ignored all the eyes focused on them, choosing to be entirely present.

At last the moment came, and she did as was needed. Kat’s lips brushed hers, and Ann fought the urge to take her woman in a fiercer kiss. Backing off, she bowed deeply, then pranced over to Rosalyn.

The Druid looked up at her with a mix of terror and excitement, but nodded and curtsied as Ann bowed to her. Once again, Ann offered her hand, and Rosalyn took it happily.

It was a short dance, they shared, but still wonderful. Rosalyn didn’t have the capacity to ignore the attention they received, and her feet got tangled as they made their way across the floor towards Kat.

“You’re doing great,” Ann whispered to her girlfriend. “Kat’ll take the lead. Just follow.”

“I know,” Rosalyn whispered back with a quaver in her voice.

Alas, they arrived at Kat all too soon. Ann leant down, kissing Rosalyn briefly, before turning and bowing to Kat. As she did, she took Rosalyn’s hand and offered it to Kat for the next part of the dance.

With a way too pleased grin on her face, Kat took Rosalyn’s hand gently, and pulled her in. The music swelled, and off they twirled, leaving Ann to walk back to Junia, Bren, and Lucia, who’d gathered on the sidelines. As she did, she heard whispered directions from Kat, trying to make sure Rosalyn was on the same page.

Ann grinned to herself. They were all a great unit. When one of them was uncomfortable or unsure, they could trust that either both or one of the others knew what to do. Ann leant heavily on Kat for combat decisions, Rosalyn leant on both of them for social circumstances, and Kat leant on them during antagonistic times that would test her patience.

“Well done,” Bren nodded with a big grin on his face. “If I did not know better, I would have thought you an experienced dancer.”

“The Dexterity’s coming in clutch here,” Ann shrugged, turning to watch Kat and Rosalyn. “You two good? Deal with the whole bread thing?”

“Broke,” Lucia nodded. “Nice Bultrong. Tougher than looks.”

“High praise,” Bren scoffed.

“Is,” Lucia nodded, at which Bren rolled his eyes.

“Your affectation is always interesting to experience,” Junia said. “Regardless, yes, you did well, Annita. Katlyn guided you?

“Actually, we kinda just went with the flow? It didn’t feel like anyone was leading.”

“Could have fooled me,” Junia laughed. “Though this dance is very clearly being led.”

Ann looked out onto the dance floor and caught Rosalyn stumbling slightly. It seemed like a minor flub, but for people who did this all the time, that would be easily noticeable. Ann sighed and shook her head. “She’s not the most coordinated person, no. Kat’s got her.”

“That she does,” Junia agreed.

“Honestly, I’m a little surprised she’s that good at dancing. Figured with how much she hates all of this, she’d refuse to learn.”

“That would be Polaris’ responsibility,” Bren said. “Trust me, it was a difficult time. Kat needed to integrate with some level of nobility, which meant she needed to learn to dance. As you assumed, she categorically refused. Polaris, in her experienced way, took a different approach. She told Kat that dancing was a form of combat. A contest where you need to work with your partner to achieve the desired result. Polaris also framed duels as dances quite frequently, so Kat was primed to learn this lesson. Once she made the connection, and that it could help her fight, she took to her lessons with zeal.”

“So she’s a musclehead even about dancing?” Ann laughed.

“That she is,” Bren nodded back. “One learns to shift perspectives to suit her tastes quickly, or be ignored completely.”

“I’m still happy I got her into that dress,” Ann said, watching her girlfriends dance, feeling joy well up within her. She had to resist trotting back out there to join them, it was such a tempting sight. “It really shows her body off perfectly.”

“Does,” Lucia nodded.

“One of the better things my sister has worn, for certain,” Junia giggled.

“Oh, thanks for hanging out with Rosalyn,” Ann said. “Didn’t have time to get her ready to be left alone like that.”

“It was my pleasure. I simply got her talking about the two of you, and she centred herself on that train of thought. She is absolutely smitten, by the way.”

“Don’t we know it,” Ann laughed back.

“I’m sure you do. So how about you two?” Junia asked, turning her attention to Bren and Lucia. “Is your relationship going well?”

It was an innocent question, but Bren went crimson instantly, and Lucia shuffled her feet.

“It’s… going fine,” Lucia mumbled.

“Swell,” Bren agreed.

“Oh, come now, you two are going to need to do better than that if you’re to survive the night,” Junia sighed. “Anyone who sees those marks is going to assume you two are together. The Thrundol Life Debt is a serious oath. I have heard from some trade partners that southern tribes even use it as a marriage binding.”

Lucia’s eyes flew wide, darted to Bren, then back at Junia. “I… no. Did not mean!”

“Absolutely not the intention!” Bren agreed in a panic.

“You two are adorable,” Ann cackled. “Holy shit, it’s too easy to tease you. If Junia can pull it off? Oh, you’re in some deep trouble tonight.”

“Ah, it is time. Go join them, Ann. I’ll keep these two company while you dance with your loves,” Junia said, giving Ann a surprisingly firm push on her back.

Ann stumbled, spun and grinned at Bren and Lucia, waved, then raced over to Kat and Rosalyn, taking their hands to make the duet a trio.