Snippet #1325797

“For generations,” Garion began, “War has ruled over each Nation, its' become something akin to every day life. It's unavoidable and unnecessary. I believe that peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it and move on, to adapt. I believe that these marriages are as ridiculous as they sound, but they ARE necessary. I believe that it is something we cannot escape. And it does not matter what I believe!” His voice grew louder and he fought to keep it steady, the King's fist curling into a fist. “Peace is a necessity. Protecting our Nation and our people, this is what we are born and destined to do,” He expressed, finding himself leaning forward in his chair. “Our opinions mean little to what has been cemented into tradition, into history. The more you fight against it, the more our Nation suffers.”

Vincent sat quietly and listened. While he wasn’t the type to hold his tongue, he did know the importance of choosing ones battles and this was not a battle he could win. So, instead of cursing and condemning the tradition, he remained silent and stared at his parents with an unwavering dark gaze.

"You cannot be selfish. You are no longer children to be pampered mindlessly by maids, no longer will someone wipe your nose for you"

Vincent smiled to himself for a brief moment, holding back the desire to tell his mother just how well his maid had “pampered” him not just a few hours ago… but decided it may not be the best idea to taunt his mother.

"Think this... in only a few hours you will be attending the gathering traditionally held every 20 years. In a few hours you will be meeting the other royalty of nations and we will be attending with you. Not only will you be meeting your future husbands and wives but their mothers and fathers and some of them our brothers and sisters. We expect you to behave like royalty. At the gathering you are still the royal youth of the Dark nation so you will be representing us as you still will be when you Gethen and Stella go to live with the water nation. Me and your father expect the upmost behaviour from all four of you otherwise..." her eyes glinted in the fire light where she'd perched herself on the arm of Garion's chair. "There will be consequences"

Vincent nodded his head once, stretching in his seat, “Sounds like a plan, mother dear.” He said shortly, running a hand through his thick messy waves, “You have my word that I will act like a perfect gentleman.” He added, mockingly placing a hand over his heart while raising the other as though he was taking an oath.

Gethen looked between her father and mother her expression helplessly pleading as her eyes focused maining on her father, her eyesbrows furrowed with sadness, her lips shaped with unhappiness. "Please father. I dont want to leave the nation. I dont want to marry a water nation prince. I'd rather marry Hanza!" She looked about the others for some aid. "Say we go to this gathering and the princes are ghastly- can we stay here- cant you call it off? Force the Princes to move to the Dark nation even so we can be here with you still" Gethen even turned her eyes to her mother. "Please Mother i dont want to go to another Nation- not permanently. Not the water nation. I cannot even swim"

“Gethen, dear, plead all you want. They aren’t going to change their minds. Best come to terms with it, sister.” Vincent said dryly from a few seats down. He had nothing against Gethen, but did think she should have a little more respect for herself and not grovel infront of their parents in the way that she currently was.

“And how are the future rulers of the Water Nation to rule from underground, Gethen?” she asked softly, still staring into the fire. “And I suppose swimming lessons would be a good place for both of us to start. May even be considered blasphemous to the princes and they ship us back underground.” Trying to put a smile on her own face, she could tell it was just as empty as the one in her room that morning. With a final reassuring squeeze to Layla’s hand, Stella turned to their father with the question she honestly did not want answered. “When do we leave?”

Vincent nodded as Stella spoke, agreeing with her, and then looked back to the King and Queen when she asked when they were to leave. He had the distinct feeling that it would be in the very near future (perhaps even that day). His parents knew their children would rebel and telling them last second would force them to go… sneaky sneaky.