During the week following Saorise's plea to the other women of the East, she was far from relaxed. It was a constant battle with the grumbling lords to keep them calm and restrained. When neither were possibilities, General Lowan had been an immense help. Saorise could have taken care of it herself, but she had been feeling somewhat tired and under the weather since she'd arrived. She'd been able to cope at first, thinking it was just the stress of the negotiations, but since that dream the other night about the Wendolan King as a boy in a cave, she'd been slowly growing worse.

She couldn't fathom the reason. The fate of that boy in the cave was of little consequence to her. Besides, it was a dream. No matter how real it felt or how connected her soul had been to the event, it was just a dream. Yet telling herself that somehow felt like a denial. As the days dragged on, she found herself wanting to ask Peter if it had really happened. But to seek solace in a foreign King she barely knew who was on the verge of destroying the East's independence? It sounded stupid even in her head, she dared not speak it aloud.

During the second week, Saorise decided that the best way to cut through the tension was to enjoy the Festival that everyone was supposed to enjoy this time of year. On the battlefront it was hard to have festivities, and the Eastern Armies hadn't celebrated in three years. It was high time they did so.

Saorise proposed to the Noble Council that they celebrate the Festival of Dancing Leaves on the day the volunteers from the East were due to arrive. Not only would this mean that these brave women would get a taste of the East before they were condemned to Wendolan ways, it would also, should he be invited, give the Wendolan King a chance to gain some understanding of the East's traditions. The nobles, though reluctant to invite a foreigner to such a sacred festival, agreed. This was mainly because three of the four Great Festivals in the East did not allow weapons of any kind. The only festival that did was the Great Hunting Festival which took place in the summer. The Festival of Dancing Leaves was the Autumn Festival. It was the celebration of change and individuality. An expression of one's self and how that self contributed to the great whole of life.

Of course, no one was willing to volunteer to deliver the invitation across the river.

General Lowan and Saorise climbed onto the ferry boat, Saorise having instructed her brother to remain behind. She placed a small green flag at the front of the boat and General Lowan proceeded to row them across the wide river.

They were noticed by the Wendolan forces quite quickly. Barely anyone went to the river, so a boat crossing it was quite the event.

Saorise climbed out on the opposing side, showing clearly that she held no weapons to the Wendolan soldiers who refused to let her and General Lowan take another step.

After a few moments, Peter's adviser arrived.

"May I know the reason for your visit, Lady Caramort?" asked Lucas.

Saorise held out the sealed invitation to Lucas, "At the end of the week the East is due to hold it's annual Festival of Dancing Leaves. We hope that by this time any candidates for his Majesty's prospective concubines will have arrived and plan to hold the Festival as a way to give them strength. We also decided to invite his Majesty and any chosen attendants or advisers to come and join us and witness our Eastern Culture".

Lucas accepted the invitation, "I see, I'm sure his Majesty will be thankful for the invitation".

"Just a few words of advice for those who do choose to attend," Saorise continued, "Weapons of any kind are prohibited, that goes for all Easterners as well as his Majesty, so you should have nothing to worry about in terms of his safety. Also...unless they are underclothes, do not where black to this event".

Lucas raised an eyebrow, but nodded that he'd received the advice.

"Then I shall return," said Saorise, "Good day to you".

Saorise and General Lowan then climbed back onto the boat and rowed back across the river.

"Do you think they will heed the warning?" asked General Lowan once they were out of earshot.

"He is too arrogant," Saorise replied, "His pride will prevent him from even asking why".

General Lowan descended into a solemn silence for the Wendolan King and his party.

***

"What do you think she meant by 'don't wear black'?" asked Peter as he lazed back on the chair in the sunshine.

"I assume it was meant to be taken literally, your Majesty," Lucas replied.

"Colour has never been essential in Wendolan," Peter replied, "It creates so many unnecessary rules. There are only three occasions where colour plays a part. Red for funerals, blue for weddings, and the Royal attire. Unfortunately to all the Easterners, that Royal attire is Black".

"I understand your Majesty, but perhaps we should listen for this event," said Lucas.

Peter turned to look at Lucas, "You haven't been this worried about the East before".

Lucas sighed, "That was before I met the Easterners, particularly the Caramorts. Their auras are...unsettling".

Peter scoffed, "I am to be their King, I practically already am. I won't let them dictate to me what I can and cannot wear, especially my own colour. Throw a few hidden daggers into the outfit while you're at it. As if I'd trust that no one would attempt to kill me when I have barely twelve guards among a foreign army".

"Should we not at least discover the reason-"

"Part of the negotiations was that I would respect their traditions and culture, but they must also respect mine," said Peter, "I am their King".

Lucas sighed, "At least ask Lord Caramort what-"

"That's enough, Lucas," said Peter, "I've told you what is going to happen and what I am going to wear. If you try to talk me out of it again, I'll send you back to the Capital".

Lucas sighed. Peter had been in a right foul mood ever since they'd left the negotiations. At first, Lucas thought it was because of the teasing about Saorise. But his King's mood had grown worse since, and his nights seemed...well, not sleepless, but he certainly wasn't getting enough rest. If he continued like this it would only be a matter of time before Saorise was teasing him about the dark circles under his eyes.