The Waltz

The Waltz

(I wrote two summaries, one somewhat sad the other less so. I hope you don't mind)

(The less sad one)

Step after step, mark after mark of their dance Janai knew Amaya was the one she would choose as her queen.

(The sad one)

The band's music would always play in Janai's ears as she danced with Amaya. As sweet memories faded in and out of her mind, she didn't care who saw that she was really dancing alone. Amaya having left her side long ago joining her sister in the stars.

You are working the gate in the afterlife and for the first time ever, something the humans built has shown up to be processed. You’re not sure what to do, this… entity shouldn’t have a soul, but here it is in front of you, freshly dead and awaiting the next life.

🤲

[Sarai is speaking with Janai at the Katolis Royal Castle]

“Well, I guess it’s just you and me. Come on, there’s something I want to give you.” She and her elven sister backtracked to the royal bedchamber, where Sarai picked up a little red-orange wooden three-eyed nightfox. “Has Amaya ever talked about our mother?”

“Not very much. She said your mother died when she was a newborn.”

“Yes. She was a great woman, at least what I remember of her. I was very young when we lost her.” She nearly lost herself in thought as turned the toy over in her hands, looking at all the little imperfections and scratches from rough play. “She carved one of these for each of the kids she was going to have.” 

“I can’t accept this.” She couldn’t take such a sentimental heirloom. 

“I’m not giving you my toy.” She set it back down, bypassed a white-wood puffer-bat, and picked up a painted violet pandorum.  “Our parents planned to have three kids, but obviously that never happened. I know it doesn’t exactly fit with your arcanum, but I want you to have this one.”

"Forgive me, my love."

Janaya

Janai walked through the streets of the rebuild sunfire capital, unnoticed by others. The former queen not easy to recognize out of her golds and reds. She preferred it that way. It made her very personal task easier and kept her children safe from gossip.

She reached her destination: A small,quiet park on a small hill near the center of the city. Plants and trees not native to Xadia were flourishing there years after they were first planted. They surrounded a pedestal on which sat a statue of an all too familiar women.

Silent tears wear running down Janais cheeks once she was standing right infront of the statue. She looked up in the womens face and whispered "Forgive me, my love." and placed a single crimson orchid at her feet.

"They shouldn't treat you like that."

Janai made her way through the catacombs of the arena, using the fastest way to the holding cells. With her was her most trusted Tribune, Avidor. The closer they got the louder the sounds of the guards became.

They were beating down on someone. And only one prisoner was kept in these cells. One that Janai was all to familiar with.

They reached the cell and held position just outside the archway. Janai peeked arround the corner. Two guards, one currently beating the helpless human and the other watching him. His back was turned towards the intruders.

She also got a look at Amaya even though she wished she hadnt. She looked bad. Battered and bruised by days of fighting in the arena. The pounding she received right this moment would surely be the end of her. They had to intervine. Quickly.

Janai felt her heat being rise up as anger filled her heart. A hand on her arm snapped her out of it.

"Hey. Calm."

Janai relaxed a little. Hey eyes now filled with determination as she turned back to the guards.

"You take the closest one. I`ll handle the one in the cell."

Both of them sneacked arround the corner. Avidor quickly knocked out his guard and lowered him to the ground without making a sound. Quickly grabbing the keys to the cell from her belt and handing them to Janai.

She opened the cell, which attracted the guard. She moved before he could speak, knocking him out with a single punch.

She moved her attention quickly to Amaya, who was cowering in the corner of the cell. Her arms held in a defensive position infont of her head. Ready to take the next blow.

Brave beyond measure Janai thought. She kneeled infront of Amaya and slowly grabbed her wrists. Lowering them so the human could see her. Amayas eyes widened once she recognized her and she relaxed. Dropping her guard.

With her hands no longer holding Amayas wrist, Janai began to sign one of the sentences she memorized.

"Here to save you"

"WHY" replied Amaya with a confused look on her bruised face.

Janai grabbed her hands and looked her dead in the eye.

"Because I owe you a favor. Because they shouldnt treat you like this. Because you this isnt the end that one with a pure heart deserves."

Amaya pondered for a moment. Janai caught her attention again by squeezing her fingers.

"Do you wanna see your home, your family again?"

Amaya nodded.

Janai got up and offered Amaya her hand.

"Then you need to trust me"

Amaya hesitated for a moment before taking Janais hand. She pulled the human up but Amaya legs almost gave out. The elf quickly caught her before she fell down and scooped her up.

They both exchanged a confused glance before blushing and quickly looking at anything else but each others eyes. Avidor coughed to get ther attention.

"If you don`t mind, we should leave. Now."

color wheel challenge but everyone is fire🔥