News and a natal

[Keegan nó Orchis]

I’d appealed directly to Donantien and he’d granted Nyx leave to spend an evening with me to celebrate her natal. I had other news to tell her as well, but it was a surprise. I’d saved up enough coin to take her to a nice restaurant for dinner. There was no way I could outdo what she’d given me for my natal, so I had to try something wholly different.

I arrived in one of Orchis’s carriages, dressed well as befitted the occasion; dark green doeskin breeches, a cream colored silk shirt, and a matching green vest. I’d sent word to Nyx about what time I’d be arriving and to dress nice.

I waited in the entrance hall as one of the fosterlings ran to get her.

[Nyx nó Cereus]

It was the night before my natale. The last evening of my sixteenth year. And Keegan was waiting for me in the entrance hall.

I checked my hair one last time in the mirror, braided in a circlet around my head. My gown was new, the navy fabric clinging in all the right places. The trumpet skirt swished around my ankles as I headed out to meet my love.

I saw him, looking very handsome in green and cream. I smiled, wide and happy as I approached. "Hello love," I said once I was near enough to speak for his ears alone.

(Gown: www.promdress.co.uk/manufacturers/jimhjelm/photos/jh18.jpg )

[Keegan nó Orchis]

I saw her coming and I froze. The sheer beauty of her stole my breath and took my heartbeat with it.

She got close enough to speak softly and it broke the spell enough for me to respond.

“Hello love,” I near whispered. “You look…incredibly beautiful.”

[Nyx nó Cereus]

His words caused my smile to shift to become both pleased and tender at the same time. I went up on my tiptoes and kissed him softly. "Thank you," I murmured as I returned to earth. "You look very dashing yourself."

[Keegan nó Orchis]

“Thank you,” I said with a smile. “Though I feel woefully underdressed.”

Chuckling, I offered her my arm. “Shall we?”

[Nyx nó Cereus]

"It's my task to make you feel underdressed, every time we go out," I said with a teasing grin, taking his arm and leaning lightly against him.

[Keegan nó Orchis]

“You succeed, every time,” I said, smiling and beginning to lead her out. “Though this time might be the most successful. You really do look stunning.”

[Nyx nó Cereus]

Colour rose to lightly tinge my cheeks at his compliment. "Thank you love. So where are we going?"

[Keegan nó Orchis]

“It’s a surprise,” I said, smiling mysteriously. “I have some news to tell you too.”

[Nyx nó Cereus]

"News?" I repeated with a smile, curiosity beginning to eat me at his words. "I can't wait to hear it."

[Keegan nó Orchis]

“Oh yes, very big news,” I said, teasing her by drawing it out as we stepped outside.

[Nyx nó Cereus]

"How very big?" I asked, wondering if I could worm out any clues from him.

[Keegan nó Orchis]

“Life changing,” I answered with a smile. I held the door to the carriage for her and offered her my other hand to help her up.

[Nyx nó Cereus]

"Life changing?" I repeated, a little alarmed. "Is this good news or bad news?" I stood before the carriage, my hand in his, not stepping up until he answered.

[Keegan nó Orchis]

“It’s good,” I said, giving her a reassuring smile. “I promise. I wouldn’t be teasing you like this if it was bad news.”

[Nyx nó Cereus]

I smiled with relief, and chuckled a little. "Of course you wouldn't," I agreed, stepping up into the carriage. I had been silly.

[Keegan nó Orchis]

The driver already knew where we were going so I stepped inside the carriage with her and closed the door.

I settled beside her, smiling. “Would you like me to tell you now so you can celebrate all you want without an audience?” I asked.

[Nyx nó Cereus]

"Yes," I said with a bright smile, turning towards him as the carriage began to move.

[Keegan nó Orchis]

Part of me wanted to draw it out, make her beg me to tell her, but I couldn’t. I just had to share this with her.

“I’ve been named Second,” I told her, grinning wide.

[Nyx nó Cereus]

My mouth dropped open open, and all I could do was gaze at him for a moment. Then it really hit me, and a grin split my face as wide as it could. "Really? Oh Keegan, that's amazing!"

[Keegan nó Orchis]

At first I thought she might not be happy for me. But then she smiled and I felt a wave of relief.

“Thank you,” I said, smiling.

[Nyx nó Cereus]

“Oh love, I’m so happy for you,” I said, smiling still as I took his face between my hands. “Congratulations,” I added before kissing him.

[Keegan nó Orchis]

I wrapped my arms around her and kissed her deeply, letting my joy pour from me. I was so happy and proud, and I loved that she could share it with me.

[Nyx nó Cereus]

I couldn't believe this. Keegan as Second. Dowayne someday. It meant that he was staying in the Night Court, that he was staying with me. It was... beyond fantastic.

He kissed me until I was breathless,and I had to pull back with a joyous laugh. "You'll make such a good Second," I told him with a happy smile.

[Keegan nó Orchis]

“I hope so,” I said, smiling. “I didn’t know I wanted this, but as soon as it was offered to me I realized just how desperately I did want it. I love you Nyx, thank you for sharing this with me.”

[Nyx nó Cereus]

"I love you too. And I'm so happy for you. So many of us dream of being named Second. But you," I said with a grin, poking his stomach playfully. "Were wonderful enough to be chosen."

[Keegan nó Orchis]

I grinned, even as I blushed. “I really never expected this. Ah, but gods Nyx, now that I have it, I am desperate to do a good job, to prove my Dowayne right.”

[Nyx nó Cereus]

"You will. I know you will," I said with a smile that showed my full faith in him.

[Keegan nó Orchis]

“Thank you, my love,” I said, smiling and then kissing her again.

[Nyx nó Cereus]

I kissed him back, caressing the side of his face. When our lips parted again, I smiled. "You know, I never met her, but I bet your mother would be so proud of you too."