Xinatta
Xinatta awoke to her older brother, Lee, shaking her slightly. "There's a guy outside looking for your presence." He informed worriedly.
Right. It must be Wichi - aden. Today will be the day she goes and marry into the immortal clan. For peace. For the troop formation. She got up her feet and strolled outside.
"Xinatta - jie, I have come to pick you up." Wichi - aden stated reassuringly with a faint smile like he did the other day.
She nodded and bid her family goodbye, "I'll be going now, it might be a long time before I comeback." Her younger brother, Royko, stood and shouted "That's good. Better if you don-." Lee shut him up before he could even finish but Xinatta knew what he meant to say. For some reason, she and her younger brother just couldn't get along. Royko hates her guts. She doesn't mind though. He ignores her and she ignores him. That's their way to keep peace inside the house.
Lee walked towards Xinatta then handed her a cloth-packed meal. It felt warm in her calluses-filled hand. "I'll tell mother about your departure later. We'll expect you to comeback safely. Goodluck, Xin." He said teary-eyed as he showed her a big gentle smile. This warmed her heart. "Thank you, brother. I will."
Zekerie
Zekerie observed the scenery outside his room window. The sun had just risen. Birds were flocking, its noisy but not as loud as the roosters. "I wonder where Xinatta's mission will take her. Why do they hide it from me?"
No answers, even from himself. He sighed. "Well, atleast the immortal clan agreed to a peace treaty... I better prepare for the upcoming ceremony."
He got up his bed and called for a servant. The servant helped him get dressed. From his inner shirt to tucking his red fancy robe. The robe serves as a loose-fitting outer garment.
Zekerie then went outside, where the opening ceremony is going to be held. He's seated on the upper back together with his father only. The two of them could see everything that's happening. Even the chattering of the crowd. Simply because its reserved and made for the two of them. For them to get a good look of his sister's marriage.
"They said she will not be returning. Does that mean I'll be the sole heir to the throne?" He thought then quickly set it aside. His sister hated him, yes. But she's still his sister by blood and now isn't the time to rejoice.
He observe the surroundings. The space in between the compact houses is decorated by banners, ranging from both small and large. Dancers and musicians scattered everywhere. There were also folks busy selling their goods to immortal clan's people hoping they would take it as souvenir.
Zekerie sank on his seat and relaxed. All that thinking he made earlier almost consumed the whole of his energy.
It wasn't long before his father glared at him and he went back to seating formally.
Xinatta
"Wichi - aden, why in this place?" Xinatta asked. She was confused why he brought her to an underground prison when they were supposed to prepare for the treaty.
The prison stinks and the only source of light is a single torch attached to the unpainted outside wall of the first cell which is far from where they were. They were inside the last cell. Only a fragment of light from the torch allowed her to see its uncleaned stronghold dominated by dust and moss. Not to mention the constant squeking of mice.
"This is Vibonia's toughest prison, we bring here the most wanted of all criminals."
The mention of it made her think "You're not going to tell me I'm one of them and that you're locking me up in here forever, are you?" Although she also knew that's impossible. She did nothing wrong.
"Only the commanders of V'bon like me have the authority to enter. That's why I decided to perform the blood-oath in this rotten place."
She wasn't surprise when the senior brought up the blood-oath. Arym taught her that. Blood-oath is a promise or a pack. Obviously sealed by the use of blood. It should be performed by five experienced fengs.
So that explains why another four spell-casters went along with them. Still, they should have told her their purpose before coming here. That way, she wouldn't have to overthink and make her imaginations run wild. Xinatta's pessimistic mind didn't help at all.
One of the other four fengs casted a spell familiar to her. The feng sang and a barrier spell appeared, to prevent eavesdropping.
The singer is a girl, younger than Xinatta. Her prominent jawline matched the seriousness of her fresh face. Then she spoke, strictly, "Participant, are you willing to proceed?"
"Yes" Xinatta responded unfazed.
The other feng beside the young woman then sang the words "Here we witness the participant offer her blood to the goddess above. May her oath be taken." His voice sounded like a lullaby, very pleasant.
Hastily without warning, Wichi - aden grabbed her wrist and slit it, blood now dripping onto the bowl below. It hurt, but nothing compare to Arym's constantly increasing hard training.
The other three responded, also in the form of a song "May her oath be taken. We ask thee, goddess above." After all the singing, Wichi - aden stated the conditions, rewards and basically everything needed to complete the oath.
"This participant has to oblige to her promises. She promises to pretend as Crystal, young madam of phoenix sect and marry the immortal sect's crown prince in a compliance to the negotiated peace treaty between the two clans. She promises to steal their troop formation, illustrated in a piece of silvery paper inside the protected treasury room. She promises to never reveal information regarding our plan, this oath, and anything of importance relating to the Phoenix clan, both in written or verbal form. Do you agree?"
"This participant agrees." Xinatta replied, expressionless.
After hearing her acceptance, the four other fengs proceeded to sing the words, "Completion of the participant's promises shall grant her three boons from master Sebastian himself and her and her mother's slavery contracts. The boons can be anything except anything that can or will affect the master's throne. Likewise, violation of this blood-oath shall result to the participant's death."
Wichi - aden finished it with "Do you agree?"
Xinatta, repeating her words from earlier replied, "This participant agrees." Then a light flared, enough to make her eyes close. Or rather, their eyes.
When they're able to see again, she realized that the flare came from her earlier blood-dripping wrist. Though right now there's none, it has stopped. Only a reddish scar remained, with a phoenix mark in the center. Xinatta thinks its because the five casters were from the phoenix clan.
The five fengs all together sang, "And with that, the oath is taken."
After finishing, Wichi - aden faced her and smiled "let us go, you have a marriage to prepare for."
Xinatta
"Relax. This is nothing compared to your training." Xinatta muttered, reassuring herself. She's inside a carriage, her legs were bent while sitting on the mat so that even it is covered by the long flowing red veil. The carriage is quite large and spacious. No windows or walls, only curtains on all four sides. Its thick but it gets blown by the wind sometimes, giving her enough time to glance at the outside. The mortals were gathered to watch. Some even peeks at her and her dress. Its white, embroidered with several red phoenix.
When the carriage came to a stop, a man -- the one who drove it, opened the front curtain. A signal. It is time to go out. So she did and when her second foot touched the ground, a hand held out. It's from Sebastian, her pretend father.
Xinatta wanted to slap it away, but in the name of duty, she reached for it. Sebastian then walked her into the isle where the crown prince waited. The isle is guarded by fences decorated with flowers and torches that lit the place even more than the sun did. It also serves as a boulder, so the mortals watching won't be able to pass or disturb the particular event.
After the two of them reached the end, Sebastian handed her to the crown prince. The crown prince wore a silk-made white robe and he took her hands but his face isn't pleased. His face is cold. "I guess he too doesn't like marrying a stranger, no one sane would like that." Xinatta thought to herself.
A little bit of awkward walking and they were right in front of a Ghejo. A sacred creature assigned to marry the crown prince and Xinatta or much more accurate -- Crystal.
The Ghejo is half her size, like a child. Even its face is like a child. A Ghejo's physical appearance never ages, until death.
"Ehem" The Ghejo spoke and coughed a little to get everyone's attention. The voice was very loud but also very soft and sweet, similar to a little girl's. "I am present today to join Phoenix Clan's Young Madam Crystal and Immortal Clan's Crown Prince Finn in sacred marriage."
The observing crowd clapped, a little too loud for everyone's ears. The Ghejo then continued "Are you two willing to stay with each other whether in poverty or wealth, in sickness or health, in beauty or plain?"
"Yes." Xinatta and Finn both responded together. Though none of the two were excited.
In Xinatta's peripheral vision, she could see Zekerie, up at one of the back seats. She wasn't sure if he recognized her disguise. He's just there watching silently. Not applauding or cheering like everyone else. She just hopes he won't be mad at her for not informing him when he finds out. "No use hoping. You lied, ofcourse Zekerie will be mad." Xinatta thought, stopping herself.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife." The Ghejo stated while smiling at her and Finn. Then the crowd errupted to even more claps, as if earlier weren't enough.
Finn
The marriage ceremony had just ended. Finn and Crystal entered a carriage prepared by his own clan. Its larger, fancier and tougher than the one Crystal used earlier. Which is understandable because the carriage they're using now is going to be traveling places -- a very long distance.
They're going to Immortal Sect's Royal Palace, where they will reside as married couple. That means they have to cross a forest where the Phoenix Sect is hidden, a river named Trille in West Shanggu, a lively neighbourhood in Ospina, and finally the bridge to Immortal Clan's territory.
Finn sat on the mat formally, with Crystal just inches beside. The girl has never muttered a single word to him since their first interaction. He likes it that way because he doesn't plan to interact with her either.
The two didn't bother paying attention to one another. Finn was busy thinking and Crystal stared at the mat, probably drowned in her own thoughts too.
After an hour, the carriage stopped, abruptly. "What's wrong?" Finn asked as he stood up, opened a curtain and checked outside.
"Your Highness, we've arrived in Trille. Duvon -- my partner is presenting the money needed to board the ship." The guy gestured to another guy in uniform talking with someone that seems to be the owner of the said ship.
Finn nodded and strictly said "Make it quick." Then he went back inside to sit. He glanced at the girl beside him. Her expression is hidden underneath the veil she's wearing. An irritation.
The carriage moved again and after another hour, the silence was overtaken by musical instruments, chattering and horns. They have reached Ospina, the lively neighbourhood. Another irritation.
"Move faster." Finn commanded. The two horse mounter obeyed immediately and quickened the pace.
When the carriage started to travel unevenly, Finn knew that they are close. They're currently at the bridge. Because of its rocky structure, the carriages that pass here gets shaken. No matter the quality.
Xinatta
The gate-keeper saw Xinatta and Finn's very large carriage approach, he used a big horn and played it once later announcing "The Crown Prince has arrived!" It rung through everybody's ears.
The huge white gate opened and for a moment it shined. It disappeared later on when they passed by.
The carriage finally did not move any longer and when Xinatta noticed that Finn didn't have any plans to go out, she went first. She opened the curtain to exit and was greeted by a bunch of girls dressed in fancy clothing waiting below, just in front of the stairs. So that's why he stayed inside. She barely made it out in there. Most of them were pushing each other, giving her a hard time leaving, some even gave her menacing stares but she stayed cool and kept her composure.
Three servants came and fixed her dress and veil. One spoke to her in a humble tone, "Sorry your highness, we have to wait for the crown prince before we can escort you to your room."
The mention of it reminded her that she's outside a royal palace. Yet she hasn't lay an eye on it. But its not too late to do so.
She checked it out, the paints were murals she can't comprehend. Its three times as big as the Phoenix Clan's main house. There's also a garden and a river surrounding the palace. Its surreal.
When Finn finally went out, the girls swooned and squeaked. No one dared to say a word though. They only admired him and even parted when he walks. "Let's go." He said quietly into Xinatta's ear and brushed past her arms. The act wasn't necessary. Finn just wanted to shift the girls' attention to her and finally leave him alone. He did well. Now the girls hate her. Xinatta wanted to curse but held it in.
The servants lead them into a room around a corner, its the largest among all the rooms in the hall.
"You stay here, I'll use the next room." Finn said to her after the servants left.
Xinatta disagreed, "No, you'll cause a scene."
He turned to her, seriousness all over his face "What? You want to sleep here together in this bed tonight? Unfortunately, I'm not into you." Xinatta didn't like the prince's attitude. Clearly, he grew up spoiled.
She explained calmly, "Tonight is supposed to be the marriage's consummation, if your clan's officials found out we slept in different rooms, they're going to nag you about your soon throne's heir. Your competition may even use that against you. Surely your highness doesn't like that, do you? So stop making a fuss. I'll sleep on the couch anyway."
Finn listened and realized she has a point. Even the small things are a big deal to his brothers, his competitors. The officials are bothering too. An irritation, he thought.
"Fine. Just this once. Tomorrow I won't be here."
That's good, Xinatta felt relief wash over her unnoticeable tense body. She took the veil off and set it aside a wooden table. Then untangled her nicely braided hair from earlier. Xinatta noticed Finn's gaze haven't left. "What is it?" She asked using the same voice and tone she has always use. Flat and emotionless.
"Nothing." Finn responded and took off his outer clothing. He then laid with his back on the soft bed, dozing out. His mid-length hair disheveled.
After Xinatta finished fixing her hair, she climbed onto the couch. It has been a long day, she wanted to rest. She slept but her senses were awake, incase of assassination.
After how many hours, Finn hit the edge of his bed accidentally while sleeping. The faint sound it made knocked her awake. She scanned for possible danger, there's none. "How tiring would it be to live like this? Paranoia and anxiety. That I don't like." She muttered under her breath and went back to sleep again.
The next morning Finn was gone like he said yesterday.
Xinatta wasn't sure where to start looking. She needs to find the treasury room. According to the information Wichi - aden gave her, the troop formation is in there.
Well, atleast she didn't have to disguise herself anymore. No one here know or saw the real Crystal, not even once.
Xinatta decided to search the library first. She loves reading books and who knows, there might be some useful stuffs in there.
She wore a simple black robe outlined with yellowish lines then headed for the library. The halls were huge, about five times larger than her house. The high-end ceiling made it look more regal and expensive. Finally giving up, she asked a servant for direction which was immediately given to her.
Xinatta gave the servant a tip, using the money she brought with her. The servant almost burst out crying and even hugged her tight. Not knowing how to respond, she just froze and let her do so.
The servant later apologized for her insolent behaviour and left hurriedly. So Xinatta continued her tracks. Upon entering the library, she sniffed a type of fragrance she never smelled before.
"Naisessin flower, that's the origin of this pleasant smell." A guy with a sword dangling beside his hips came to her while grinning.
"It does smell nice." She responded briefly and was about to leave, not wanting to engage in a conversation.
He ran and stood in front of Xinatta, stopping her from leaving. "What is it?" She asked calmly. The guy didn't answer and instead, he placed something on her ears. "A beautiful flower for a beautiful girl."
Annoying. She thought, but didn't say it out loud. "If you'll excuse me."
She tried to get away but he blocked her again.
Goddess if I accidentally reveal my martial arts because of this flirt, forgive me. Xinatta prayed silently.
"What are you spacing out for now that a handsome guy is right in front of you?" He asked while gripping her hand and placing it on his chest. That's it, her nerves were raging. She gathered energy on her other hand and prepared to strike it right at his face but a voice appeared causing her to release it.
"Cliss what are you doing? Put her hand down." Finn marched at their direction and when he was beside Xinatta, he spoke again, "She's my wife. Go find some other woman."