The Kiss of Victory [Asirikai/Vanisha]

[kevna]

Vanisha - Candidate

There was a different energy in him. She could feel it in him. Her hand had rested in the crook of his elbow as he had guided her to the crowds. He had released her once settling in around his supporters, but not before she had noticed the eyes on the two of them. Her stomach fluttered-she wished it were due to concern for her friend winning and not all those eyes that had noticed Asirikai’s attention with her. There were a lot of them. It made sense, Asirikai was a leading contender for Lord Holder of Mavros. The eyes of her parents, both in the crowd, had felt the heaviest. Vanisha could imagine what they were thinking. What everyone was thinking. It didn’t matter that she was here for him because he had asked her to be. They were friends. It made sense that they were friends, seeing as his sister was her sister-in-law. His attention made sense… Yet all that mattered was what people thought.

She took a breath, trying to distract herself. Standing beside Asirikai, she could still feel the energy coming off him in waves. She took the time to discreetly study him. He didn’t look nervous. He looked confident, his shoulders were thrust back and high. He was on the balls of his feet, there was a… readiness about him. Surely, he was nervous? How could he not be, with all of the men vying for the position? He didn’t look nervous. He just looked like Asirikai. He was handsome, wearing violate and sea blue, she had never seen him in something so light, but it looked good on him. Her attention turned outward, toward the crowd. There was an anticipation there too. Everything was about to change for everyone here, no wonder she could feel the energy there. Well, everyone but her. And her parents.

-

Asirikai - Lord Holder 

Asirikai enjoyed having Vanisha on his arm. He was sure they looked good together. She looked resplendent in the violet gown. The black beading along her bodice was a little dark for her complexion, but he understood the reasons behind it-she was wearing her new colors. He couldn’t help but wonder what sea blue would look like on her-amazing, he realized, seeing as her eyes were an icy blue of their own. Hadn’t she been wearing blue at that one graduation? He couldn’t remember precisely, though he could remember every conversation he had had. It was too bad, since he did remember that she had looked divine. As she always did.

He was surer now then he had been before for his action plan for Vanisha. He eyed out her parents and gave them a small nod to acknowledge them. He would be speaking to them later. He was sure they had noticed the significance behind him escorting their daughter and keeping her beside him. He wasn’t a fool. Asirikai knew what it would look like to some, that Vanisha wasn’t as ‘appropriate’ a choice, her being a candidate. But in the end, her father would be a powerful ally, and Vanisha… she was perfect.

Once he let go of her, her hand fell away, and she fell to the back of his mind. Now he only had the task of waiting at hand; his whole attention could be only for that. It was a simple announcement that stood between him and his title, he was sure of it. All his plans. All his ambitions. A simple announcement and simultaneously he would find his ambitions and all his planning successful, and yet nowhere near complete nor finished. His life dependent on him; his leadership skills, his confidence, his very own abilities. Not on his birth order. Not on his father. Himself.

He felt a pat on his shoulder, and he looked over to see Nedric nodding to him. He looked excited, maybe a little nervous. Asirikai returned the nod. He had already asked Nedric to be his head guard once he won the whole matter of Lord Holder. Nedric had turned out to be a loyal and good friend. He had given Nedric the letters for Tolf, his father’s retired steward, and Torli, his daughter, asking for them to fill the positions of Steward and Headwoman for him. Nedric was to send them later-he needed people he could trust in his household, and the three of them would be a good start. Vanisha becoming his wife later would be an even better addition. One that would provide him heirs and stability in his place as Lord Holder among the host of other Lord Holder’s out there. Being reminded of the red head, he turned his head to see Vanisha, whose eyes were studying the crowd. She was far more perceptive, and possibly intelligent, then she let on, which was admirable. Made a woman a good Lady, and wife. She would be able to fulfill all his needs, including putting Mavros Hold into rights with him.

Blue eyes caught him watching her, and he saw that pretty red color fill her cheeks. She gave a soft smile before looking away-he never could hold onto those icy eyes for long. He turned his attention back to the podium, where he noted Master Clintock staking the stage. Finally. Hadn’t it been long enough? The thin gangly took to the stage, and Asirikai couldn’t help the small grimace he gave off. He just really hoped this wouldn’t turn into a twenty-minute speech about music in some way. The man seemed senile, for all his chatter about the subject, and near single mindedness of it. Well, today was a good day, he could have a little hope.

His hope was to be fulfilled it seemed-the whole day was going his way. One moment Master Clintock was opening his mouth, and the next Asirikai was surrounded with the cheering of his supporters, pats on the back, laughter, and shouting. He barely saw Vanisha’s wide eyes, or the way she was suddenly tightly encompassed about by the celebraters. Before he knew it he was pushed to the stadium, it was probably Nedric-he wasn’t sure why it felt all a blur-he had expected this outcome. Now it was his.

He waved to the crowd, a large smile on his lips. He held up both hands, motioning for order, for quiet. “Thank you! Mavros has spoken!” He almost had to shout, as the crowd started to settle. It pleased him, the way they looked at him, the excitement in the air. These were his people. Officially now. “Mavros has spoken!” He said in a somewhat quieter voice, though he used his diaphragm to let the sound travel.

“I stand before you all, encouraged, because I know how much you want to see Mavros flourish, as do I! You’ve done your part, voting me in, and I vow to do mine now. I will see Mavros become a legitimate Weyrhold. I will not rest until my word is fulfilled. Increased trading, better housing, a council-so all have a voice, these are just the beginning. I’ll need all your help-Mavros was first made up of you, and now it will take all of us, to see all of our dreams come true. Let us make Mavros rich, with culture, with success-let us show everyone on Pern just what we are capable of!” The last, he let his voice raise, his own excitement plain.

He raised his arms, and the cheering started back up again. He went down the stairs, and was again surrounded by the celebraters, clapping on the back, and the raised excited voices of congratulations. He wasn’t fooled. Not all of Mavros had voted him in. He had stood on that raised platform, he had seen that not all had looked content with the way things had gone. It didn’t matter. What mattered was that they had gone the way they had. He would win the rest over, he would prove those who didn’t vote him in wrong-that he had been the best choice for Mavros. He was. He knew it.

The boisterous laughter continued, the animated chatter about plans and changes-it seemed to take a long time before the crowd had really started to dissipate to join in the rest of the gather. He was able to pull Lord Divano aside briefly to ask for a more official meeting, about business, and received his congratulations from the older man with graciousness. He wanted to start immediately, all his plans he could now officially begin to implement. But the celebrators wanted to go drinking, and… as much as he wanted to get to work, this would be a type of work. “Okay, okay!” He raised his hands towards the group of men insisting he come along, “One minute, I’ll catch up to you.” He spied out Vanisha, and walked over to her, his shoulders up. He felt good. Even more unstoppable.

“Vanisha, I am so grateful you came to support me. You must be my good luck charm.” He said with a broad smile, which inspired another one of her soft smiles. “No luck was needed, I'm sure. It was an honor, Lord Asirikai. Congratulations. You will be an amazing Lord Holder.” She said softly, her smile both soft and bright all at once, inspiring a warm feeling in his chest.

“I hope so, what are your plans now Vanisha?” He wanted to know where she would be-maybe he could ask someone to keep an eye on her. The celebrations, both for his placement and the new turn would get raucous he was sure, and he wanted to ensure her safety.

“If you have no more need of me, I am meeting a friend to go and look in among the craft stalls. I was hoping to try my hand at painting, possibly.” She said, looking down at her intertwined hands. Her family had departed, he noted-she had stayed behind to congratulate him. He couldn't help but be pleased by the thought of her painting. It was such a lady-like action, it just further showed her place was as a Lady. 

“It seems I am getting called away as well. Would you allow me to escort you part way?” He asked, and she nodded, holding out her hand for his arm, while turning toward the exit. She was so fluid, so graceful. He took hold of her hand and placed it in the crook of his elbow again, thinking how right it felt there. They walked behind the crowd of boisterous men, out into the cavernous halls.

“I’ve been enjoying our lunches greatly; I would appreciate it if you would lunch continue to lunch with me. I would like very much to know you better.” He cast his gaze over her briefly, meeting her ice blue eyes.

“I assumed you would be busier now, with your change in status. If you have the time, I would enjoy to continue our lunches.” She said serenely, and he nodded.

“I would make the time for you. I have plans for you, Lady Vanisha.” He caught her confused, curious gaze, and slowed them down further, pulling her into a small crevice for more privacy.

“Plans? My Lord, I am a dragon candidate, no longer a lady I am afraid… I am unsure how useful I would be for you.” Her confusion was plain, shells, she was just so naïve and sweet.

“I… understand you have a unique desire to see this candidacy through, and be near your brother, I can respect that. But you should know, I will be speaking to your father about obtaining your hand in marriage. After your first hatching, I would like to make the announcement, and have you officially renounce your placement as a candidate. I have the greatest esteem for you, and you are more suited to the life of a Lady then a simple caretaker for a dragon. You can still be near your brother, you would be able to visit your family, and you, with me, would be able to establish a Hold of our very own. I don’t see any downsides. Vanisha, this is the life you were made for.”

Her face was white with shock, her eyes round and her mouth ever so slightly open. His eyes couldn’t help but study those lips, the shape, the color.

“My Lord, I am-I am beyond honored, but I am hardly a suitable choice for you. As a candidate-you deserve an appropriate bride, and my character is viewed as tarnished.” She was trying to protect him, that was cute and… touching. But he wanted her-he knew she would make the kind of Lady he both wanted and needed to put Mavros in order. Her chin dropped demurely, and he couldn’t help but grip that chin and pull her face back up to look at him. How many times had he wanted to do this?

“I’m not concerned about what other’s will think of your suitability. Once they meet you, all would know you would never do anything to tarnish your family’s name.” He said softly, realizing just how close he was to her. “I want you.” He couldn’t help but close the distance, pressing his lips against hers firmly. The soft intake of surprise almost sent him into overdrive, but by sheer force of will he kept the kiss gentle and soft. A simple tremble of her frame was almost his downfall, how he craved to deepen the kiss, to claim her as his own by bruising them-but another tremble brought him back to his sanity and he released her, stepping back. He took a steadying breath as he studied her-he shook his head. She was dazed-of course she was, she was a lady! He had taken advantage of her. Shards-he’d thrown propriety into between.

“Forgive me, I forget myself.” He said, running a hand through his hair. There was so much he could blame. The high he felt from winning, her demureness, their proximity to eachother. It didn’t matter, it shouldn’t have happened. It didn’t matter that it had been a more chaste kiss, he hadn’t even spoken with her father yet! Shards.

“Of-of course, My Lord. I-I should go.” She gave a curtsy, looking down, reprieving him from the dazed, shock he had caused in her.

“Of course-“ And with that she took it as dismissal, and was it just him, or did she look like she was hurrying away? She looked less composed then normal, but he… he had kissed her. She probably had never been kissed before. He shook his head at himself again, and exited the crevice, walking in the direction the majority of celebrators had gone. He would do better. He knew he could. His mind turned to business, and it wasn’t long before all thoughts of Vanisha departed his mind and business took the forefront of his attention.