When her child sized version of that story was told she curtsied, or at least she tried to. Her knees were a bit weak, and her balance wasn't perfect but it resulted in a moment of pure adorable sweetness. Alexi came out and scooped his daughter up with a gentle smile. The father and daughter pair left the stage to the applause of the crowd.
There was a slight interlude as the stage was cleared and people could get drinks or talk a bit before the next performance. What no one outside knew was there was an issue behind the stage extending the pause.
"What do you mean the musicians are not coming? My sons worked hard on this dance but without the music how can they keep tempo?." Melania demanded of the servant who just frowned in response. It was clear there wasn't anything he could say to calm her temper.
Nathaniel stood beside his mother, dressed for the fight, his brother beside him also ready to go. "Mom wait… I got an idea." Nathaniel walked away and then others watched after him.
"Lady Kyera?" Nathaniel asked and his new aunt turned to him.
"Princess Kyera." Clovis reminded his absent minded nephew. The boy clearly had too much on his mind.
"Yes?" Kyera asked shooting a silencing look at her husband who nodded.
"I was wondering… if you could help me. You see I prepared a dance for the show but my musicians were sabotaged. You know the people here better than I do… is there any way you could help me?" He asked bowing his head slightly. This was a competition after all and she didn't have to. He didn't notice the eyes watching from close by ready to step in on his behalf.
"What musicians do you need?" Kyera asked "and what song? I might be able to help." Kyera agreed.
"A drummer, Zither player, and a flute technically, but as long as we have the zither Player we can perform." Nathaniel replied a bit surprised. "Its the Song of Sun Stealing".
"That's difficult. Do you know the tempo they used?" Kyera asked knowing there were at least 4 versions of the song.
"No, I don't know a lot about music…" he admitted sheepishly and Kyera sighed.
"I can try." Kyera replied a bit hesitantly. Raina however set her zither into her arm and began to play. Nathaniel's eyes widened.
"Just like that… Raina where did you.." he began and Raina smiled.
"You invited me to watch your practice, remember?" She tilted her head to the side and he smiled.
"Yes, but that was only once…" he replied and she smiled, a little fairy flew to her shoulder and sat down.
"It only takes once for my muse to learn a new trick." Raina replied proudly and the fairy swept a bow. "I can play your Zither"
"But your performance…" he pointed out remembering she went right after him.
"I am dancing. I can wear my outfit while I play, and then take the stage after. Playing sooths me anyway." Raina replied with a soft smile. Kyera smiled at her daughter. She expected nothing less of the child.
"Then it is settled. You worked hard for this, don't let a set back stop you." Clovis agreed, proud of his daughter.
Nathaniel returned to his mother and father. "I go it taken care of. Shall we?" He asked smiling at his brother. Melania looked puzzled and his father raised a brow.
"Who did you get to play and how much do w me owe them? I will send the guard for the amount immediately." Damar asked, honestly glad his sons could still perform. He wanted to see this act in its fulfillment.
"Nothing, it's a family thing. Raina offered to play for me, and she has a drummer as well. Clovis agreed." Nathaniel replied and smiled proudly.
"She is young, but not too young to scheme. Be weary, Nathaniel." Bastil popped off from near them. He couldn't help but over hear.
"I trust her, afterall, a child is a reflection of who they hold most dear. Kyera and Clovid are both trustworthy, unlike some." Melania replied shooting a look at Feya before ushering her son to the stage.
"I am the second son of Prince Damar and Princess Melania. I will perform a Sword Dance, known as the Battle for the Sunlight." He spoke clearly before drawing his sword. Unlike Keen, he was dressed not in armor but in light weight cloth. The white belt secured the blue tunic over his white pants. Embroidery that looked like small birds along the edges of the cloth. His sword was silver, brightly shining but showed age and wear of many battles.
The deep drum beat filled the room, accompanied by the Zither and a flute used to add depth and emotion to the moment. A spot of light was aimed at the stage, life size beside him. A dark figure appeared in the light as his adversary. Soon he was fighting a choreographed dance with this foe. The shadow 'tripped' him and Nathaniel fell to his back convincingly and leaped back to his feet; launching so he knocked his enemy to the ground. His sword appears to have pierced the Shadow which disappeared into dust.