The wind blows from the northwest in dry, brisk gusts and rages across the plains of the forest. He claws violently at the lashed flag lines and makes the white tent bulge. While loose branches patter on the mossy surface, the storm whispers in the linen tapestries. A blood-red moon hides behind heavy clouds, enveloping the forest in the chilly darkness. While the animals hide in their warm nests, cheerful music and loud roars resound from the set-up tent. Smiling men and women in luxury fancy ballgowns and tailored suits slide dancing through the illuminated tent. The young bride is dressed in a wine-red satin ball gown with long dropped sleeves. Black graceful stitching makes its way along her slim waist. Her round, full bust is emphasized by ruby pearls that give the tight corset of the ball gown its enchanting finish. A smile rests on her rosy lips as she watches her guests clearly enjoy themselves. Her long blonde hair is neatly braided together. And yet one curly lock adorns her slender face. A thin strand of hair that had escaped from the lavish bridal hairstyle was decorated with a silver diamond crown. Her multiple amulets made way for one black lace shocker necklace, fitting with her gloves and earrings.
For a moment she feared the storm would ruin her day. But nothing could be further from the truth. It is warm in the tent and guests are served wine, beer, and a variety of delicious dishes. She bows politely when her father, King Noori, a great magician and sage of mischievous magic, greets her. "Selina" he smiles and kisses her narrow cheek. Selina smiles happily and embraces her father. "I am proud of you baby" he whispers, after which he slides back to the dance floor. Selina takes a deep breath and closes her bright eyes for a second. Satisfied with the progress of her wedding day, she looks at the white gold ring around her slender finger. When Selina hears a deep voice behind her, she turns with a smile of recognition.
"Reki" she cheers with relief. The young crusader, in turn, greets her. He kisses her pale hand as he leans forward gracefully. For a moment, the muscular knight's sky-blue eyes were drilled on the girl behind Selina. Reki smiles cheerfully when Selina flies into the young knight's arms. He grins in amusement and returns the hug. "You are always so polite" Selina scoffs as she rests her head against his strong chest. The lace necklace around her slender neck rubs against his cotton weapon coat. "I've missed you," he whispers. "I've missed you too," she whispers back and closes her eyes for a second. "I'm so glad you could come" she smiles and lifts her head to look at his hairless young face. "Did you expect otherwise?" Asks Reki with a playful smile. Selina smiles and shakes her head. Carefully, Reki brushes the blonde lock behind her pointed ear. Selina blushes and looks into the warrior's bright eyes. "What have you done with your hair? It's short" she laughs and caresses Reki's short dark hair. Reki smiles. "Long story" he scoffs. "Reki, I." Reki gently soothes her. "Don't worry, Selina. Today is your day, let's let the past rest, right?" Selina nods with satisfaction. "Come on, let me introduce you to my husband Henricus." Henricus looks at the hefty warrior. As a coat of arms, he has four French lilies. The crimson symbols on his immaculate white garment seemed freshly woven. His dark pants, on the other hand, seemed to have been through a bit more. The inky black is discolored to dark gray. The difference can be clearly seen above his dark leather boots. Are those from a pirate? "Henricus" starts Selina and looks at Reki before continuing; "This is Reki, I owe my life to him." The heavy shiny chain mail rings when Reki bends over. "It is an honor that you are here my lord, Henricus begins and continues: We all owe a lot to you. Reki shakes his head. That calls for a toast" Henricus said cheerfully. He smiles, clears his throat, and calls out in a loud voice so that everyone's attention is on him. "It is to this man that we owe this joyous, wonderful day. May he be blessed for all eternity, for this is a man in a thousand! Without him, I would never have met this beautiful bride. His courage and strength. His gentle heart-, all of that has allowed me to call her mine today! Glory to Reki! To his friends, he is a knight descended from heaven like an angel. To his enemies, he is a devilish warrior from the deepest depths of hell! " Reki laughs about it and everyone laughs along. Henricus brings out a toast and roars it out: "To Reki!" Everyone in the tent follows his example. Reki stares at his black leather pirate boots as everyone applauds. "You make me shy", he grins while winking at Selina. Selina smiles amused. "The mighty Reki cannot be shy" she scoffs and winks back at Reki. "All honor is justified, My Lord" says Henricus. "You can omit the formalities, Henricus," says Reki, shaking his hand. However, Reki's gaze and thoughts are once again focused elsewhere.
The young lady who is a little further still has an enormous attraction to him. He does not estimate the slender girl to be much older than himself, despite the fact that she looks much younger. Her honey-blonde hair looks like spun gold under the light of the lantern. The dark purple dress is tight around her delicate body. This pale girl also has coral-red pearls that adorn her round breast, like Selina. A bridesmaid? But wait? He knows this girl, right? Isn't it... The girl with the knife in her arm! Fool, he curses himself. There is something mysterious about her, something that fascinates him and draws his attention. "To finally meet the legend" he hears Henricus say, suddenly drawn into the conversation. "I can't believe you've heard good things alone," Reki frowns and looks again at the young bridesmaid. Selina notices and strokes Reki's short black hair. "You remember that girl you've been staring at all the time? Don't you remember her name; Katara," she says. "My sister". Katara turns on hearing her name and looks him straight in the eye. Hers shone like bright blue sapphires and made his heart beat faster. She gives him an uncomfortable smile as she brushes a strand of hair from her tight face with her index finger. What attracts her so much to this knight? She'd only seen him once and that was years ago. But immediately she feels a connection with him. The day he cared about her; she already had this feeling. Is this what it feels like to be in love? Katara blames herself while biting her lip. Stop thinking those things, you silly girl. But then again, there was something. Something about him she can't get out of her mind. She walks on, shaking her head, looking for a place away from all the hustle and bustle.
The hours fly by and soon the party is filled with drunk and tired guests. Selina sits down on a stool and takes a long breath. "Tired dear" asks Henricus teasingly. Selina nods and focuses on Reki. The noble warrior to whom she owes her life. Today was exactly three years since she had met him. On that strange night. He was so mysterious, caring, and polite. And powered by a fiery passion. No one can ever know what she and Reki did that night. Certainly not Henricus. For a moment Selina feared an uncomfortable situation. She had even hesitated for a moment about the knight's invitation. But in the end, she could always count on Reki. She can't miss him tonight. A smile curls over her lips when she sees him dance with Katara. It seems years ago that she saw a genuine smile on her sister. With a big grin, she trips and bumps against him. She laughs out loud when he catches her. Reki laughs amused, and helps her get on her feet again.
Time slowly ticks further, but the party will last for hours still when Katara prepares to leave.
"Come on, Katara, stay a little longer!", A voice sounds nearby. She immediately recognizes the voice. Her sister, who else. Katara shakes her head in silence. "Please Katara, you can't leave now!" "On the contrary, sister." "Come on Katara, dance with Reki again! You rarely come across such a brave knight with a golden heart!" Katara looks back and sees Reki, smiling in conversation with Henricus. "No, Selina, I see something else ... something I can't place ..." "Come on girl! Such a noble gentleman, he could take perfect care of you. He suits your stubbornness," Selina says. "The woman who can win his heart can count herself lucky", Katara smiles as she gently pushes her sister's hand away. Selina plants a kiss on Katara's forehead. "All I want is for you to be safe." "I can protect my own, dear sister. I'll see you tomorrow." She waved for a moment before disappearing into the shadows. Meanwhile, the storm has given way to a thousand stars in the dark blue sky. Katara takes a deep breath and stares at the twinkling stars before heading into the dark forest.