Ghost of Whisper Creek
Chapter 16: Return to South Port for Sun Festival

Krita was glad to be on Oblekt after so long. She didn’t visit him in the stables, hoped that the Lord would keep him well and it turned out he did even if Oblekt was kept in a room smaller than he’d ever been in. There was a comfort level between Krita and Oblekt that Lord Matsu and his other trainers were sure to want to break, but when she was able to get out on her own for time away from training she wanted to be riding on her horse. As she looked down at South Port she smiled and turned her head to her right, Megwan was sitting upon a horse beside her. When they broke training Meg resumed her practices of Krita’s handmaiden. “Let’s see if we can’t get into the city unnoticed. Find some proper festival clothing and maybe Idril.” Megwan nodded and took up her reins, “And you’re to have fun. Not just follow me around the whole time.”

This brought a smile to Megwan’s face and she nodded again forcing the ‘Yes m’Lady,’ she intended to say to evaporate before leaving her mouth. The two started their horses down the sloping hill to the city, had little trouble gaining admittance, and soon found themselves in a dress shop in the main marketplace, looking at the fashions with bunched noses. Each of them thinking they would rather be in training tunics.

“Krita?” came a questioning voice from nearby. Krita turned in surprise she knew the voice was not Idril’s, there was too much shock in it. Knowing Idril there would have been some sort of horseplay if she thought she had Krita unexpected.

The Northern woman saw a familiar face however when she focused in the direction of the voice and her face lit up. “Meg go replace a merchant ask to see whatever they have that fits you in dark red. Try it on and show me.” Meg nodded and ran off. “Kammy? What are you doing here?”

Krita’s redheaded cousin smiled and shook her head, “I would ask you the same thing, but I saw the message you send out. You’re looking to get hitched. And not in the Northern way. Hope Lord Ammon didn’t get word of it.”

“Messages were sent to everyone, I’m sure he’ll send someone,” Krita said with a sigh, “We have an agreement though. I replace my husband not him, he stays out of it.”

“So now you’re here to replace something flattering to meet the future husband huh?” Kammy asked with a giggle. “Gonna have to be something really good to bring in the future Lord of Kronnborg.”

Krita’s eyes lit up, “You’ve heard something? Papa has made a decision?”

“Nothing as of yet, but I’ve heard rumors of Freda being joined with the Vallarn ward. Fourth born, but a powerful family, who already has Lord Ammon’s attention,” Kammy answered in a serious tone before smiling. “You’ll have to do well to best Lord Einar, though I think you have the lead in daughter that Lord Ammon would like overseeing Kronnborg when he is gone.”

Before Krita could respond Megwan returned wearing a dark red dress that made her look more like a girl than Krita could ever remember. She thought of what could be done if Meg would allow Kammy to help with her hair and maybe some of that powder Kammy played with. “You look good Meg, you’ll replace a boy before me.”

Meg laughed uncomfortably, “Don’t be ridiculous, I’m a poor peasant from Faydell the dress doesn’t make me into anything more, I bet all the boys will know exactly what I am. I’m not made for dresses and pretty things, I’m made for swords and battle.”

Kammy approached the girl and snagged the string which held Meg’s hair up. It fell to below her shoulders and Kammy gave her a look over, “The two are completely separate things, you can be pretty and dressy, while still fighting ferociously when the time comes. You think Lady Krita is unpretty? Or is she out of place on a battlefield?”

Meg hid her eyes ashamed, “M’Lady is neither,” she mumbled. “So I will be wearing this for the festival, but I’m not looking for any boys. What are you going to be wearing? Not those riding leathers I am sure.”

Kammy nearly fell she laughed so hard, “No the young Lady will not be wearing riding leathers, though I’ve known quite a few men that replace the look very attractive. You’ll need a dress cousin, let’s look,” her eyes drifted over the choices as she thought, “Megwan, will you be a good little girl and see if you can’t replace out what the schedule is for the Festival? Someone near the Citadel should know.” Meg nodded and rushed off awkwardly in her dress. The other two women started the look for the right dress for Krita.

“Ha! You’re just a simpering coward, Kin.” A familiar voice boomed out from the streets. Arthion was dressed in his usual armor with his deep purple robe flowing behind him.

Next to him with hands in his pocket of a simple dress outfit Chance shrugged casually “No. I’m just not stupid like you. Jousting is not my thing. Couple of idiots with a horse and a stick.”

“Oh right, right.” Arthion smirked as he gave his brother a push “You’re all about shadows and stealth and disguise.”

“No.” Chance grinned as he straightened his vest “I’m all about fun. And then stealth and disguise and whatever, point is I’ll leave you big and burly brothers to all that wrestling around and acting tough while I watch from the bleachers with a few of the lovely girls I see running around”

Krita turned to the familiar voices. She shied away at first, her relationship with Kin had not be disclosed, and she didn’t expect to see him until after her contract was completed, at least not with trainers present. “Hello my Lord, I didn’t expect to see you here,” she said eyes focused on Arthion who somehow seemed more alive away from Tsukimatu’s castle. Her eyes moved to Chance and she smiled, “Hi Kin.”

“Ah!” Chance grinned at the sight of Krita “There now see? My point exactly.” he chuckled and gave his brother a harsh elbow in the ribs before he swept a bow “My Lady. You are looking quite lovely today! It has been a while. I hope my brother has been treating you well?”

“Hey now!” Arthion grumbled, though there seemed to be a slight smile there “What is that supposed to mean?”

Krita smiled at Chance and turned her eyes to Arthion, “I think Kin is trying to say that you take the training thing very seriously and are quite stiff a lot of the time.” Eyes turned back to Chance, “Lovely in these leathers? Maybe,” she said with a smile and shrug, “but, I’m looking for something a little more Festival appropriate for someone looking to replace a companion. As for how your brother treats me, it’s fair and exactly what I expected so far.”

“A companion eh?” Chance grinned and once again nudged his brother “He’s looking to, Hey! I have an idea. Why don’t the two of you spend the evening together?” Chance held up a hand to hide his words from his brother “He’s not really stiff just acts it for father’s sake”

“Hey! That isn’t-” Arthion started to protest either about the acting or about spending time with Krita...it was unsure as Chance cut him off and swooped to the side to pull a dress off the stand and held it up to himself as if he were trying it on

“And this I think would look perfect on you. My Lady. It surely is the gem of the bunch.” He grinned and held it out to her.

“Can I have a word with you?” Arthion growled as he grabbed his brothers arm and yanked Chance off to the side who merely grinned and winked at Krita before Arthions armored arm engulfed Chances shoulder to pull him into a whispering huddle. As Chance was wisked away Kammy looked over the dress in the boys hands and turned to Krita with a smile and a nod.

After a moment Chanced pulled away and shrugged “Fine Fine. But I’d hate for Father to replace out you were being less than a gentleman during the Sun Festival. He is here to watch the events after all.” Shoving the dress into Arthions hands he put his own into his pockets and grinned over at Krita “Well, I best be going.” Sweeping an elegant bow to the North woman he started whistling as he sauntered off into the crowded streets, sweeping a few more bows to other ladies he passed by.

Arthion’s cheeks were red as he turned to Krita, his fingers caressing the soft fabric he held as he cleared his throat and straightened his posture “He is right. It would look best on you. Forgive my brother, he can get a little carried away.”

Krita’s cheeks were equally red as she shyly reached out towards the dress. “Kin can’t do much to surprise me, we’ve met a couple times. But pushing us together does surprise me. What did he mean about being less than a gentleman?”

Clearing his throat once again and regaining some of his usual composure he shrugged slightly “Father requires his sons to follow a set code of standards. Kin just likes to get me flustered. I’m not very good with things outside the arena.” he smiled “Err..Here. Let me pay for that.” he pointed to the dress “Its only fair. I believe they have changing areas over there.” he pointed to where curtains were raised for customers to change into their purchased attire.

Krita gave a nervous smile, “And the code of conduct requires taking dates arranged by your brother?” she gave a sigh and a shrug. “I guess some things of the Matsu tradition I’m just never going to understand.” She took the dress and went off to change.

Kammy smiled at Arthion, “What’s the deal really? I know Chance too well. And if he’s setting you up with my cousin as some sort of joke I’m gonna pound him. He does have good taste in clothes though.”

Arthion shrugged and dug into his pouch for a few coins to pay the shopkeeper “Its no joke. He’s always trying to set me up with a girl. Thinks I should’ve married years ago and has made it his sworn duty to butt in since he feels I obviously can’t do it myself.” Smiling at the shopkeeper he nodded and made the purchase before turning to Kammy and taking her wrist, shoving a few coins into her hand “Don’t mind Chance. He’s just being a little brother. Buy yourself and your cousin some candied treats and enjoy your evening. I have a Dragon Prince to put in place at the sword arena” smiling he stepped back, bowed and started away.

“Stop,” Kammy said after realizing that he was storming away. “Doesn’t have to be tonight, but I think Krita would do well to see you during the Festival. If you don’t think it will mess up her training. She’s always been with the wrong guys, never ones that offer stability. And the good ones end up replaceing someone else. Just give it some thought, she’s not that bad you know.”

“No...” Arthion smiled over his shoulder “She’s not.” offering a parting nod Arthion continued to the sword field where the sword contests were taking place.

Krita returned in the dress that Chance had selected for her. She had to admit it wasn’t nearly as bad as she had thought it would be. She looked over to Kammy who nodded enthusiastically. Then Krita looked...”Where did Arthion go? Didn’t even want to wait around to see how I looked?”

Kammy smiled, “Sorry to see him go?”

“What? No. He’s...he’s my instructor at times, and I’m sure you know that Kin and I have...he’s Kin’s brother, sooner or later he would replace out and what then?” Krita rambled nervously. Truth was that there were times when she watched Arthion demonstrate the drills that she wondered.

Kammy laughed, “I guess we’ll never know. Now that you’re all dressed properly we should probably take in some of the Festival’s events shouldn’t we?”

Krita gave a nod, “I sent Megwan to get an idea what was going on. She should be back soon.”

Kammy shook her head, “No, I came with Ri’ana and Nils, I know what is going on.” She grabbed hold of Krita’s arm and pulled off in the same direction that Arthion went, “The girl that was with my cousin here, when she returns tell her we’ve gone to watch the sword contest.” After receiving a nod from the shopkeeper Kammy pulled a protesting Krita towards said competition.

Not far from the shop Krita stopped her fighting against Kammy’s pull. “You’ve never wanted to watch these competitions before, even the archery that Bedin enters. Why now?”

Kammy smiled, “This isn’t for me. What better place to judge prospective suitors than in a ring with a sword. I know you don’t value the joust. So we’re going to see who’s willing to put themselves on display and who is available.”

Krita grumbled but didn’t argue. Before long they were in the arena waiting for the games to start. Krita was beginning to feel uncomfortable, but it was less the fit of the dress or being out of combat ready clothing and more the fact that combat was going to take place very soon and she would not be part of it. Kammy was right however she wanted to settle down, but she couldn’t do that with someone who couldn’t handle a blade. She took in a deep breath and waited for it all to begin.

The sword contest was an all day event and the two top competitors were Lord Ash La Seine and Arthion Tsukimatsu. Both aimed for the other in the contest and worked their way up the list of challengers for that days event. But what was most noticeable was the fun the two seemed to have. Each threw out their share of insults, laughs and jabs at each other and put their entire skill and strength into the competition while at the same time realizing it was just an event at the festival and didn’t try to shoot anyone down. Arthion often interacted with people on the side lines and was grinning wide, a big difference from his time in the Matsu castle.

The Match against the two Princes was a close call and everyone was at the edge of their seats waiting for one to outmatch the other and get that last point. In the end it was Ash to win and only by a lucky chance of his feet slipping up and him fumbling his fall into a last minute attack to save face. While the Dragon Prince may of won the contest, he did so at the price of mud covering his entire right side and a sprained ankle from the slipping fall.

Arthion was at his side pulling him onto his feet and laughing at it all, calling him the most clumsy dragon the coast had ever seen before raising Ashes hand in victory. Cheers erupted around them before the scorekeeper called a free spar for the rest of the evening. Children were the first to rush out, swarming both Arthion and Ash as the two were forced to go back to back and defend themselves against the little attacks.

Krita watched Arthion compete with an appraising eye. The heir of Tsukimatsu was much more jovial than she could remember seeing him. She looked around to see if Lord Tsukimatsu was watching, but couldn’t make him out among the crowd. Arthion had heightened Krita’s interest to the point that she actually sighed in disappointment when he was defeated. When the free-for-all was called Krita got caught up in the rush towards the fighting arena, but was barely able to stop herself at the rail. “You look like you could use some help my Lord,” she said with a smile, “those kids seem to be giving you more trouble than the rest of the competition did.”

Arthion laughed, caught up in the moment as Ash fought his way over to the opposite rail where a young lady seemed to be waiting for him while the Matsu son quickly jumped over the railing where Krita stood and the kids started pounding on each other instead “Something tells me the scorekeeper had that planned!” he chuckled as he sheathed his sword

Krita laughed, “Why would he do such a thing? You’ve shown me that you can be quite focused, I don’t think that humility is necessary, and you must be tired after all the fights you’ve faced, and won today.”

“Ha! Hardly tired” he smiled “But I could use a good lunch. Care to join me? Surely the festival has something tasty to eat.”

Krita smiled and unconsciously reached out to brush a bit of dirt from Arthion’s cheek. “I’m sure there is something around here to eat. My only visit here was spent dining on the Green Dragon’s pot pies, but I suspect with the Festival in town it will be quite busy.”

Arthion laughed allowed and offered his arm to her “Pot Pies are hardly fit for a festival. Come...Let us see what the Plaza has this year.”

Krita took in a short breath and allowed herself to smile, “Oh you want that date that Kin was talking about...” she said with a giggle, “Yeah Pot Pie won’t do for that.”

Red flashed on Arthions cheeks as he chuckled “Can’t fellow wolves dine together on such an eventful evening? But if you wish to call it a...date. Then let it be so.”

Krita laughed, “Don’t go pulling back into that shell of yours, we can call it whatever you want to I was just giving you a hard time. Seemed to be able to take it from Lord Ash, some reason why I have to be treated in complete seriousness?”

“Heh. I’ve known that prince and that little mouse of his for over twelve years.” Arthion grinned down at her “Forgive me. I’m not very good at socializing.”

Krita flushed a little as she found his glare on her, “Well that makes two of us, suppose the joke could have been mistaken. Not like a date with you would be the worst thing in the world, and well, it’s why I took time away from training afterall...” the flush became worse. “Dating in general is why I came, not to date you,” she rambled in explanation.

“Oh so I’m not good enough to date?” Arthion countered with amusement, enjoying her flustered rambling.

“I...I thought I said the opposite was true already,” Krita continued to stammer, “Just a little weird since after the Festival is over we’ll have to return to student and teacher. Now that we’re out of the academy however we don’t have to deal with Mess food, what sort of thing do you like? I bet there has to be someplace that serves good fish this close to the shore.”

Arthion laughed aloud and paused at a decorated cart where he ordered something before turning to her and bowing to offer the item to her, it looked like an apple on a stick with some type of carmel atop of it. “Do you like candied apples, my lady?” he asked completely changing the subject to something that was meant to be sweet and simple.

Krita eyed the treat with a smile, “Candied apples? I assume they do something with sugar and cover the apple? I’ve never tried one. I am quite fond of apples, and adore sugar.” She took the apple carefully and took a small bite. She hummed her appreciation for the taste and smiled. “You gonna get one of your own? I think it’s enough to share.”

Arthion brought his other hand around with one of his own apples and chuckled “These are my favorite, I can eat them all day. Come, lets see what other treats we can replace.” Arthion lead Krita down the road and for the rest of the evening they would stop and try all kinds of treats from different types of jerkies and fish sticks to the more sweet cakes and covered foods. By the time they were done Arthion lead her through a flowered archway that lead down into a little cove with a white beach and gentle waters stretching out to watch sunsets, toss rocks or simply talk in the solitude of nature.

Krita looked out on the scene that Arthion had taken her to. She had enjoyed the Festival fair, the treats were like little else she had partaken in before, small bites of so many different things. She was used to three big meals of questionable quality to keep her strong and an occasional enjoyable dessert when the family’s sugar stocks were full enough. Now she looked out on the beautiful view, one she supposed could be duplicated in Kronnborg, the raw materials were there, but she didn’t know if the people could make it happen. “Beautiful,” she muttered to Arthion, “Bring lots of girls here? Good thing we said this wasn’t a date, you’d have scored some big points with this location. And I’m supposed to be testing out my options.” She gave a nervous giggle.

Arthion laughed as he bent down and picked up a round, flat stone “Nah. I come here by myself mostly during festivals. It’s a nice change after all the excitement and sweets. A chance to soak in the days events.” Tossing the rock up he caught it and flicked his arm up to skip the rock over the waters surface “Only girls I’ve brought here are my dogs. Which I don’t think count.” he looked over at her with a joking wink.

Krita chuckled and nudged her shoulder into his, “As long as you’re not lumping me in with the dogs I don’t care who you count as a special person to show this place with.” She gave a refreshed sigh and smiled, “I can see how this place would be a good getaway. I wonder however how it has not become popular and over run, as I said, it would score a boy some good points on a date.”

“Eh, it has it’s ups and downs. Most the people who live here in South Port have been to this cove often enough. It’s protected by La Seine” he pointed out to the Island where the Noble family lived “So a pair of guards will come by routinely to make sure no one is defiling the place. Right now everyone is enjoying the festival still. In another hour this place will be crowded and we will be out there.” He pointed to a random spot on the waters before looking to her “That is, if you wish to accompany me.”

Krita smiled, “Well I suppose the likelihood of replaceing a date now is pretty unlikely,” she answered with a giggle, “Couldn’t hurt to know what the Lord of my training is like in real life, might have something to hold over you when we get back to Matsu. You a good swimmer?” she asked as she looked out into the waters that he pointed towards, “Or got a boat? I can go for either...might ruin the dress though to swim.”

Laughing Arthion took her hand “Well you can swim if you like. I’ll take that.” He pointed to where the cove met black reef rocks and tucked up on the beach was a small row boat

Krita laughed, “Hey I gave you both choices, guess you seeing the boat is why you’re the trainer and I’m the trainee, though I’m betting you knew it was there. Might be interesting to see your reaction to a wet ruined dress, but I think I’ll take a ride on the boat, as long as you’ll have me.”

“I suppose you’ll do.” Arthion grinned “Not as good as my dogs but...” he waited for the inevitable punch or response to come.

Krita knew he was joking, but was barely able to open her hand to turn that instinctive punch into a slightly less forceful slap on his shoulder. “You’d be the first man I’ve spent any time with to choose dogs over my company. I guess I’m losing my touch, or my looks.”

Still laughing he rubbed his shoulder pretending it had any effect through his thick leather armor as he lead her to the boat and cleared away leaves and branches “The La Seine keep it here for those romantic points you speak of. But they all use the big boats during festival time so I get full use of it. Come on then.” Pushing it against the sand he dipped the boat into the lapping waves and held a hand out to help her get in.

Krita almost ignored the extended hand, used to boats being a way to get from one battlefield to another not for pleasure, and the Northmen not usually being as polite. She caught herself just before stepping into the boat independently and accepted his hand. Once inside she took a seat where she could watch him row, though she would grab an oar if he asked, or even offered. “So this spot you’re taking me to, what do you do with your dogs when you go? Just more reflexion on the day?”

“You will see.” Arthion grunted as he pushed the boat out into the open water and jumped in. After setting a bag down that he had gathered during their time in the market he took up the oars and notched them on the side of the boat to row “Honestly I am surprised you don’t know. There have been several festivals here since you joined Ra’vain all open to neighbors. Still, just means I get to enjoy the look on your face when you see.” Around them the sunset darkened and the sky turned into a starry night. Arthion rowed them out a good distance from the beach but already they could see shadows of people filing into the cove or sitting in the field up above it. Other small boats and medium sized boats also started to pull out into the waters surrounding the Island and yet, through it all...it was deathly silent save for the soft dip of the oars to water before he pulled them in and locked them in place.

“My father has been less than anxious to join the local festivals. He went to the Red Zenith because he wanted to take the chance to see the new King under peaceful times and be sure that his agreement with the last King still stood,” Krita answered softly though her eyes were darting about coming back to focus on Arthion every thirty seconds or so and then moving again waiting for the promised event that would give her a changed look. “That festival saw my brother marry one of these La Seine. Father tried to keep amicable relations with South Port until Nils and Ri’ana fled. Now he’s cold and distant. I’m surprised he agreed that I could come to seek Idril’s advice on training.”

“Maybe he hoped you would replace fault in it.” He shrugged, being military minded he did not much care for their neighbors, Krita seemed alright though. Pulling out a strip of Jerky from his bag he leaned back against the bow of the ship to get comfortable as it gently bobbed in the open water.

“Maybe,” she muttered softly. She carefully moved to a position that she could match the viewpoint that Arthion was taking in. He didn’t look like the type who was easily impressed so her expectations were rising, but the joking easy going manner he had shown at the festival had her wondering if this was just some trick to get her to lean too far out over the edge of the small boat. Or if the event about to take place was not nearly as grand and he was just waiting to laugh at her disappointment. Now unsure of what she waited for, she waited, pushing a little closer to Arthion, ensuring she kept her eyes the same place as his were, but also not minding the proximity.

The silence between them continued, nothing but the soft lapping of water against the hull and when eyes started to drift and lull as if sleep would win them over a small light rose up into the dark starry sky. Soon after another followed, and another, and two more. Little by little the island itself lit up with little specks of light that rose up above them. The boats surrounding the island also lit up with lights and soon after the beach and port beyond. Millions of twinkling star lights rising and floating around them. Upon closer inspection to the lights that floated down close to them one could see they were painted lanterns, bobbing lazily above them in a dazzling display.

Krita watched the display with a hushed awe. It wasn’t the lights that made her feel that way, though they were much more than the functional lanterns and torches that Rodsvards would use. It was the seeming connected effort that went into placing the lanterns. “Do they do this often,” she whispered with hurried breath, “Or just for Festivals?”

“Mainly just festivals. Four times a year as a welcome to the seasons. Spring, Summer, fall and winter.” Arthion rumbled softly “The nobles will be feasting soon. As will most of the commoners in their own family rituals. We are of course invited, should you wish to go.”

Krita nodded, “What do you usually do? I don’t see you as the sit in a big room and boast about your actions type. But as fantastic as the food we had at the festival was, I could use a good meal.”

“As firstborn I have to make an appearance. At least for a short bit.” Arthion shrugged “Father will be there, as will all others noble born and those invited. Plenty of good food though. I usually just go, stand boredly about then return to my room at the Green Dragon, get what sleep I can. Tomorrow is Jousting, I’ll need my rest.”

Krita gave a sigh, “Then it appears that we are going to the feast.” She scooted a bit closer to him, “But I think we should call this what it is my Lord...a date,” she smiled and kissed him on the cheek, “Fear not though, I plan on allowing you to have all the rest you need. And if you’re father will be upset with this situation we can pretend it is something else.” Arthion continued to stare up at the lanterns, though if it were daylight she may of seen the blush that was hidden by the night. The small smile may of been noticeable though. Shifting he freed his arm and wrapped it around her, keeping the silence until the lanterns faded and slowly blinked out.

Krita found herself being shoved at different potential suitors the rest of the Festival by her cousin Kammy and her friend Idril. She wanted to be upset about it, but the only real reason for that attitude was because she had such a good time with Arthion and wanted to watch him in all the events, which she managed to talk all her dates into seeing. She managed to sneak another night with Arthion and then the Festival came to an end.

They returned to Tsukimatsu and Krita resumed her training. Every time she walked into the mess she hoped she would see Arthion there. When she did they talked and had a good time joking around. When they were in training however they both stayed distant and disciplined. Krita couldn’t believe that she went back to South Port to the Festival to replace a suitor and the best one was already under her nose and she had signed on to spend five years in his presence.