Snippet #1978808

Riona gazed around the great hall. Even after the tremendous damages, its beauty still remained unparalleled to any other room she set foot in. She would have spent the whole time looking if she hadn't seen Lady Elsah. Her throat tightened and tears welled in her eyes. Her feet shifted as she willed herself to quell the urge to squeal and embrace her. Two men commenced to speak and to celebrate her friend's survival now felt improper. She admired the cloak handed to the doctor and applauded with the others on his heroism. She wished that she possessed the same quality.

Then she was called fourth and she started feeling nervous. In her head, she was already stammering excuses to the Lady. Was she conscious at the time Riona saw her? Did she see her turn tail and flee with just a baby in her arms? She wanted to explain. The storm was coming quick and she couldn't haul an adult body with one arm. She wasn't strong enough to save her friend and that thought stabbed at her heart.

She stood before the lady now and the tears flowed freely. She threw her arms around the old elf. "I'm so happy you're alright" Her emotional state seemed to have made her slightly deaf as well. Did she just hear her say proud? She took a baby to shelter. Granted, all life is sacred, and saving a life is commendable, but she didn't understand how it stacked up to the brave soldiers that made sure there was enough room along the east wall for the citizens before they took shelter. Some brave souls even faced the storm itself to rescue people. She felt like she should have done more.

But Elsah was safe and there was no need to regurgitate these thoughts right now. Not feeling up to par was a default emotion the the Lady scolded any time Riona said so out loud. She started to feel little awkward. Elsah had been quiet a little too long and she could feel the gaze of everyone in the room focus their attention on her.

As if the Lady could sense what she felt, she reassured her before speaking the ancient tongue. She felt the cool, metal box fall into her hands. It was gold with rather ornate decor on the sides. Turning it in her hands, she found no key or other means by which to wind it up. She looked at the lid. No beauty graced it like the sides. There was only some strange symbol carved at the top. Riona felt something in her heart stir. Gold flickered in her eyes briefly like candlelight. She didn't know why, but she knew this symbol was very sacred. She could remember seeing it someplace else. Maybe on an altar? But where? She tried opening it, but the hinge wouldn't give. She heard a soft click and could feel the gears begin to turn and whirr. However, not a sound came from the box. She didn't know why she was being given this gift, but she bowed, trusting the wise Lady. "Thank you, marm."

She took her place back in the crowd. Reality took no time in settling back in. The applause faded and the smiling faces turned away as she looked at everyone. She had expected it, but just for a moment, people actually admired her. The only ones still cheering were the women with the baby she saved. She smiled and waved to them.

Next to stand before Lady Elsah was Keras. Once again she had to fend off her excitement as she saw another member of her party be granted with a gift. What a marvelous gift indeed and she couldn't think of a better recipient. The man bordered obsessiveness when it came to his armor and sword. Even in the worst weather, it shined. He seemed to be just as obsessive of maintaining his skill and was often seen practicing with his companions. She couldn't recall a time when she ever spoke with him about anything less trivial than the weather (even with the gypsies she didn't talk to too many people) but she was proud all the same. Gypsies and those associated with them tend to have a bad reputation amongst the general public. It felt nice to see that reputation take a turn for her party.

She wanted to leave with the crowd when they got dismissed, but she remained wondering what was the significance of all of these gifts. She watched the exchange between the doctor, Lord Mi'zrial, and Lisha. She felt the gears in her box begin to turn again.