Elemental Witch: Child of the Earth (Part I)

Epilogue

Shelby watched Cavin pace the room, full of nervous, boyish energy, looking like he hadn't slept a single wink that night. The day hadn't yet begun to dawn but he had known his friend would be awake early on the morning of his wedding and so had arrived, slipped into the room, where Oliver dozed half dressed on a gilded chaise and both of them were only able to stop Cavin's pacing long enough to hand him the next bit of clothing to put on.

"It'll turn out beautifully." Shelby offered to Cavin, helping him tie his cravat, holding the other man still for a moment, meeting his eyes, "You made it all this way, its just a short walk, a couple hours and then a whole night of feasting."

"I'm pretty sure she'll even show up." Oliver said sleepily, sitting up at last and moving to start pulling the rest of his clothing on, ignoring the pained noise from Cavin and the glare from Shelby.

"She'll show up, Cav. " Shelby said reassuringly to his friend, giving him a pat on the shoulder and releasing him to continue pacing.

"Yeah, with all the guards, dignitaries and spectators in the city, it would be impossible for her to leave undetected. If she were gone, we'd be hearing about it by now." Oliver, smirked to his friend, though a worried expression came over his features as there was a knock at the door, announcing the unexpected presence of Sir Benchan.

"Let him in." Cavin said tightly, moving to sit down on a chair, though he was up again as soon as the door closed behind Shelby's Knight, pacing away from Benchan, barely noticing the man's bow, or the ornately carved boxes in his hands.

Shelby raised a brow, nodding to his master at arms, watching the man eyeing up the king with gentle amusement. The old dog had seen many a Lordling and friend through their wedding days, and this was apparently not a new reaction.

"Your majesty, a gift arrived for you." Benchan paused, glancing down at the box, then back up at him, "Well, I was out for a ride this morning and I was given them, for you and your betrothed. By Shaktay."

Cavin turned at that, his eyes widening, striding across the room but pausing before taking the box, looking over the workmanship of the lid with appreciation, though he frowned softly after a moment, "Amiya will be so disappointed, that Verana was not here to bring it herself."

"Apologies were conveyed. Shaktay did not think he would manage inside of the city but he travelled a couple days nonetheless to bring these to you. He said if it quiets down, he may chance it. But... forgive me, let me remember this properly." Benchan frowned, looking up at the ceiling for a moment, before stumbling through the beginning of what he said next, "Nama Veranandein Neeria, sends her regrets and wanted to you have your gifts and to remind you that you stink of love for one another, so it would be silly to be nervous on such a wonderful day as this."

Cavin watched him for a long moment, before smiling and taking the top box, moving to place it on the table, gingerly opening it, letting out a soft whistle at the gold bracelet and mantle that was carved out of disks that contained the crests of every noble house in Clairval, with the major thirteen larger ones that flanked the Royal crest in the centre. The back was scribed with a language Shelby assumed was Feysha, and hidden off to the side were a set of gold buttons and cufflinks, sparkling with precious stones so small it took him a few moments to realize where the colour was coming from.

"I will take Lady Amiya her gift now, if that is all, My Liege." Benchan said softly, as if afraid of interrupting the moment, then he paused and, pulled two cloth bags from one of his pockets, putting them down on the table, "One for each of your men. Shaktay said traditionally the Feysha's brothers would wear them, they match your bracelet, show your bond. Those are from him and Sencha."