She awoke to the smell of incense and chimes dancing in the wind. Their soft dings were relaxing coupled with the crackling fire. Daylight was waning casting everything in an orange glow. The woman who had taken charge of her had introduced herself as Dhara, apprentice to the Augur - a mage. She was several years younger than Evelyn and had a youthful luster to her features. Her face seemed to have a perpetual smile on it as her large brown eyes studied everything with unabashed curiosity. She looked at Evelyn with wonder, as she handed her a cup of herbal tea, this time focused on the moles scattered all over her arms. Her eyes seemed to note each one, making her feel self-conscious as she sat wrapped in furs wearing nothing but her smalls.
"What kind of tea is this? It's very good." She took a sip of the earthy tea savoring its earthy-caramel flavor. The heat from the cup warmed her hands.
"Embrium, elfroot, dandelion, mushroom and some spices. It'll restore yer vitality. You'll need it for the feast tonight. I trust ye feel well rested Phoenix?"
"I do, but I'm not sure what's going on? How do you know I'm called The Phoenix?"
"It's not for me to say, the Spirits ask that we do not interfere with yer destiny." Evelyn tried to make sense of what she was talking about. Spirits? Destiny? "We are glad yer path led ye to us and Kitsa. Truly the Lady must've had a hand in leadin' ye here! There was not one hunter in all of the Holds who wasn't out looking for ye, ye ken."
"But why? What do you people want from me?"
"Again, it's not for me to say, Phoenix."
"Evelyn. My Maker-given name is Evelyn Althea Trevelyan."
"Whichever god named ye such, to us ye are The Phoenix and we will give thanks tonight. Come, I have a bath over here for ye. Ye have to look your best tonight before the entire Hold!" She guided her from the bed over to the wooden bath. Touching the water's surface she heated the water using magic. Steam rose from the bath filling the hut with the scent of flowers. She poured some oil in the bath, then helped Evelyn out of her smallclothes. When she hesitated to allow her to help her, Dhara just laughed and shook her head, "Lowlanders and your modesty even with the same sex. I'll never understand it." Making her feel silly, she submitted to her ministrations.
"You're not planning on sacrificing me or anything like that, right?" she said as she scrubbed at her limbs and fingernails. Dhara laughed cheerfully shaking her head as she poured water carefully over her hair.
"No, no, not ye at least. There is much to be thankful for, the first being the return of our Hold Beast."
"Hold Beast?"
"Aye, Kitsa! Ye've no idea how worried we've been about her." She must've seen the confused look on Evelyn's face, "I'll have to remember ye have no notion about our ways, my apologies, Phoenix. A Hold Beast is the animal liaison between the Hold and the gods. If our beast is sick, so will our people become sick, ye ken? Kitsa had been missin' for a long time and we feared she had forsaken us."
"If she had, what would that have meant for your people?" For the first time since they'd met, Dhara's smile was gone. She stopped her pampering to look her in the eyes. Her look of fear and solemn sadness took Evelyn by surprise.
"It would've meant the fall of the Hold in one form or another: plague, war, famine. The gods would've abandoned us to our fate." Like the rising of the sun, her smile came back in full, "But then ye arrived with Kitsa! Ye've saved us!"
"Well, actually Kitsa found me and led me here."
"Truly?! The Augur must hear this, but it can wait for now, we must finish gettin' ye ready." The significance of her omission was lost on her, but her head was already spinning with everything that was happening. After drying off by the fire wrapped in a heavy cotton robe, she went to dress in her clothes, but was stopped by Dhara. "You're not in the Lowlands anymore Phoenix, ye will dress as one of us tonight." Evelyn cringed at the thought until Dhara began rummaging through a large chest full of normal-looking dresses. She had been afraid the girl was going to dress her in a fur loincloth. The chest was dusty and seemed out of place among Dhara's belongings.
"Are these all yours?" she asked leaning over her shoulder to look.
"No, they belonged to… well, I keep them in case they can be of use." She continued to look through it as if looking for something in particular. "Hmm," she pulled out a vivid burnt orange cotton dress and held it up to her. "You're taller than its former owner and less endowed in the breasts, but it'll have to do." Evelyn had an athletic build with curvy hips and small perky breasts. When she was younger she wished she had been blessed a bit more up top, but later found she liked herself the way she was. Her lower half was more sensual with her long toned legs and curvy hips. Even with wide hips, her profile was slim and trim from years of training and battle. The scarring she had sustained through the years was becoming on her, most notably on her left lower cheek and a small nick across the bridge of her nose.
Dhara found a shift which Evelyn slipped on immediately, disliking sitting around naked in a stranger's home. She threw the long-sleeved dress over her head and looked her over wondering what else she could add to the look. It was a plain dress with two embroidered lines running down the dress accentuating her curves. The neckline was modest only dipping down to the top of her breasts. Evelyn wasn't used to wearing dresses without a bodice or a corset, but then again she was not in civilized territory. Dhara pulled from her chest of curiosities an ornamental leather chest covering paired with a fox-fur mantle. She was a autumn vision in rich oranges and browns.
Surprisingly, Dhara let her style her own hair. She went with a formal multi-coiled braid that was pulled back into a bun. She was a rather proficient braider since she wore her hair in braids daily, so it took her not time at all to do it. Paint for her face was then offered to her which she declined, not seeing why she'd wear it after they just worked so hard to clean her up. Dhara just shrugged and began applying it to her own face. While Evelyn finished styling her hair, Dhara was layering herself in the animal kingdom. None of the many pelts she wore were of the same animal, even going so far as wearing a snakeskin. Her wild copper hair poked out from under the lion pelt she wore on her head as the Augur had on earlier when they met. Yet, it suited her.
"I don't think anyone could pull that off but you Dhara."
"I'd like to see them try!" She said giggling with a large grin pleased that her revered Phoenix approved. Evelyn couldn't help but laugh at her spunky new friend. "We should head over to the Great Hall and take our places. The people will want to see ye as they gather." Evelyn sighed heavily not really knowing what to expect, but also not liking the idea of being put on display. She thought perhaps for one night she could indulge them before she left for home; whether that was the Circle or her actual home she couldn't say quite yet.
Darkness had settled amongst the Hold making it difficult to make out its layout, but the Great Hall was easily the largest building. Fires and tables of food had been set up inside to accommodate the entirety of the Hold. Dhara explained she didn't have to do anything but drink and eat with the Thane while they gave offerings to the gods. Seemed simple enough, especially since her stomach began to rumble.
People had already begun to gather when they entered. There was a hushed silence among those who stopped to stare at the Lowlander. With all grace she could summon forth from her years of tutelage from Lady Bann Trevelyan, Evelyn glided to her assigned seat at the head of the room. The Thane's table was smaller than the other large banquet tables, but still looked like it could seat at least ten or more. It was raised up a few steps from ground-level. Two high-backed chairs blanketed in furs for comfort sat in the center of the table.
"That will be your seat there, to the left of the Thane." She wasn't at all unfamiliar with social situations such as this, though she didn't know anything about Avvar customs. Her plan was to watch them as much as they did her to try and pick up on a few of their colloquialisms.
"Where will you be? I'm afraid to admit I'm nervous to part from my only friend here." She touched her heart with a heartfelt smile and guided Evelyn to her seat.
"I will be assisting the Augur, but you'll have plenty of company with the Thane's family soon enough!" With that, she left her at the mercy of the curious onlookers. She sat up straight and wore a mask of serene fortitude against the eyes that stared at her. Her focus was entirely on maintaining her calm appearance that she didn't notice she had company. The Thane's family had arrived. There were six of them in total: two sisters, one brother, one brother-in-law, two nieces and a nephew. The girls all inherited curls and waves of silky blonde hair, while the boys were a touch darker. Their eye color ranged from light brown to a striking amber hue.
"Hello," said a melodic voice from behind, "you are The Phoenix, yes?" She nodded looking to the younger sister who was breathtakingly beautiful. "I'm Rosalie, welcome to Redhold!" Her smile lit up her face causing Evelyn to mimic her absently. She couldn't help but not to. Her name was familiar though, where had she heard it before? Ah, the wolf-man had made a comment about her. Taking her hands in hers, Rosalie sat beside her and began introductions to the rest of the family. Branson was charming and engaging while Mia, the eldest, and her family kindly greeted her but were busy on their own side of the table to the right of the Thane's seat. No one sat directly in front of her or the Thane, but there were still two unclaimed chairs to her left.
As they chatted, the hall was full to bursting and quite lively. The fires cast a warm glow on the wooden bones of the simple structure. Furs and trophies decorated the walls as did wooden carvings and statues of various sizes. In the center of the room was a long rectangular fire pit built up a few feet by large stones. There was a spit that span the length of it roasting various beasts as women tended to them. The smell of the meat being basted in ale did nothing to silence her rumbling stomach. She surmised they'd be cooking all night to feed this crowd. Simple plates and tankards were placed before them in anticipation of the feast to come. Her cup was filled with mead but she waited until she saw Branson drink before allowing herself to partake, worried she'd commit some kind of breach of etiquette.
"Thane Rutherford!" A voice rang out through the hall. At the arrival of their leader the whole crowd cheered and roared. He stood in front of his chair beside her and raised a hand for silence before sitting. He gave her a nod in greeting then cast a hand out towards Augur Dusan to begin.
The Augur spoke in their native tongue, but scattered throughout his sermon was her name, Phoenix. He spoke largely with his hands for emphasis and even if she couldn't understand, she was completely taken up in his performance. Dhara was beside him holding what she could only assume was the offering of food. When his grand gesturing stopped and he took on a more reserved look and tone, the offerings were made - loudly. He was quite literally shouting to the gods as if they were somewhere listening. She mused for a moment what a Chantry Mother would look like attempting to call out to the Maker during a sermon and had to hold back a smile. At the end, the Thane rose up yelling a toast rising his mug and everyone again cheered and roared, though he remained standing his time. His voice was loud and commanding as he addressed the hall.
He seemed to be a man of few words, but the words he spoke carried meaning. When he turned to her and offered a hand to stand, she took the queue and did as he bid. Her gaze went from him to the crowd alternating trying to see if either would give a clue to what it was he was saying, then he paused and everyone looked at her. Her eyes widened at the realization that they were clearly waiting for her to do or say something.
"They would like to see your wings, Phoenix." She cleared her throat before uttering an almost inaudible 'no.' His facial muscles scrunched down to a slight frown.
"I, um, don't have control of them," she whispered, "it's a mutation of my mana," he now just stared at her blankly, she quickly tried to think of a simpler way of putting it, "it only happens before a fight." That he understood and turned to his people saying something with a smirk on his face. They laughed with nodding heads, so she gave a half-hearted smile seemingly going along with whatever his explanation had been. With a final word, the feast began in full.
Food was immediately placed on their plates, music drifted through the lively chatter and to her surprise, a fistfight broke out eliciting cheers. She probably would've cared more if there wasn't a selection of various meats and bread in front of her bombarding her senses with delightful scents. A bowl of hearty stew was placed beside her. The steam from it tickled her face and pulled her in with its aroma. She absently reached for a spoon or utensil of any kind and found none. She looked about the table realizing no one had utensils. A bit out of her element, she watched her hosts as they began to eat. It wasn't uncommon to use bread as an utensil, but they used it for everything from the meat to the stew. It was rather noisy listening to them slurp and sop up the juices. Even Rosalie beside her had tied her long locks back to eat as Evelyn watched a drip of something drop from her lush lips. Evelyn opted to start by sipping the soup, bringing the bowl to her mouth. She was still ravenous and drank deeply, when Branson spoke up.
"I see you like the stew." She nodded smiling politely continuing her sipping. "I didn't think Lowlanders cared for Bronto cock stew." She choked and sputtered her current sip down.
"Bran," both Rosalie and the Thane simultaneously scolded him while he laughed at her reaction. Rosalie passed a linen to her so she could wipe her mouth while adding, "he does that every time we have a guest. Though I'm a bit surprised he used it on you of all people. It's really getting old Bran." Bran just continued to smirk and eat laughing quietly.
"It's alright, I'm the youngest of five so I'm used to being picked on."
"I'm the youngest as well," she shot a look to Bran, "though you'd never know it by the way he acts." She leaned in to whisper in her ear, "we like to joke that that's why his wife left him." She backed away slightly a bit taken back.
"That's a… joking matter here? Where I come from it would be scandalous."
"As all things in nature are temporary, like the seasons, so too is marriage. Love is as fleeting as the spring rains and youth at times." She had never thought about love that way before, but it saddened her.
As they went back to eating, the black-haired woman and man with the tattooed chin sat with them. They were introduced simply as Cassandra and Rylen. Cassandra was in charge of the warriors, which she assumed ranked as something like a Captain, while Rylen was Master of the Hunt. From what he explained, not only did he lead hunts but he assisted in the preparation of offerings. For the two of them to have joined them at the Thane's table she assumed they were important to him beyond their roles.
"I trust Dhara has been seeing to your needs?" The sound of his voice had her spinning around. He leaned on his elbow over the arm of the chair. His comfortable style of dress surprised her for this being her formal introduction. He still wore his maroon mantle with the bear fur, as she could see it better now, and a deep cut cotton shirt beneath it. The leather of his pants creaked as he shifted to cross his legs. She couldn't help but marvel at the difference between this Thane sat beside her and the warrior-man she encountered at the stream.
"Yes, thank you. She's quite… energetic." He hummed in approval and gave her a quick look up and down.
"You can relax, your duty tonight is just to be seen." It took a moment to catch his meaning until she realized he was speaking of her posture. Her back was straight and did not touch the back of the chair, as her mother had drilled into her. While it was harder to keep a proper posture without a structured bodice of any kind, it was a habit her muscles were used to.
"And what of my duty after tonight?" He stopped mid-swig of his drink and put it down slowly as if buying himself time to answer. Her eyes narrowed on him and she cocked an eyebrow as if to say 'I'm waiting.'
"It's not for me to say. Our Spirits will guide us when the time comes." She clenched her jaw and felt the raising heat of anger within her. Sitting around waiting for their 'spirits' to decide her fate was not happening. She also refused to believe they were as clueless as they were trying to come off as.
"It is imperative I report in to my superiors." She tried to put it in terms he'd understand without having to explain too much, "I'm a Knight-Enchanter, like a warrior, and I need to tell the Templars what happened. If I don't they'll come looking for me, and they will find me. That will be trouble for everyone."
"The Templars would be foolish to enter our territory. We've defeated them and their God many times before." A smug smirk twitched at his scared lip. She sighed heavily getting more annoyed at his bullheaded comments.
"You don't understand, this could ruin my life! I may never be able to go back home if I can't report back," she pleaded turning to face him in her seat.
"So let it. Your home is here now. We will protect you." That did it. Her rage boiled under a carefully controlled façade. His brows drew together as he watched the liquid fire pulse up the veins in her neck. The fire in the center of the room and the torches around them flared up, causing a few gasps from those who noticed. Her stare was like wildfire, yet he suddenly seemed pleased about it. He sat back in his chair, "Phoenix, the gods have brought you here for a reason, of that I can assure you. But I cannot let you go, for Templars are not the only ones who will hunt you. The other Holds will, and you may find yourself with less freedoms and choices than I offer you."
"You're telling me I'm your prisoner! You've offered me no choice in the matter." He leaned forward suddenly and kept his voice low, but the intensity of his words was not lost.
"You are an honored guest sent by the gods and under our protection. You are free to move about the Hold, but you may not leave. By now the other Holds know you are here and are no doubt trying to find a way to capture you from us."
"Why? Perhaps if I knew why I could understand!"
"No," he shot back, "I will not interfere with the Gods' plan for you."
"Then I tell you this now," the two glowered at each other, "I will not cooperate, I will try to escape and I won't give up until I'm free."
"So be it. The Spirits had warned us that you would." He leaned over her, "Cassandra, the Phoenix will require a guard at all times for her safety. See to it."
"Yes, my Thane." Evelyn snarled and shook her head. She felt the left side of the table looking at her wondering what was said to have stoked that reaction from her. She didn't speak the rest of the evening but thought about her escape. She wasn't going anywhere tonight, but there was always tomorrow and every day after that. She was a woman of her word, and she would be free one way or another.