Evening was rolling in, painting the sky with flowery pink and orange hues the flowers of the fields would be jealous of. As we closed in on the Elders’ tent, six volunteers were pulling up one side, attaching it up high to catch the beginnings of the evening breeze and making it easier for the people to hear what would happen. Already, the five Elders had seated themselves on a dais inside of the tent, deep in conversation with one another. Their black and purple robes were elegant under the reddish tent light that surrounded them.
My procession halted in front of the dais, drawing the attention of the only ones who weren’t already staring—the Elders. I lowered my eyes to them in respect as well.
“Look at us, child,” the Elder in the middle commanded.
Hesitating, wondering if I’d done something wrong, I trained my eyes on the speaker. I recognized him as Ramos, the town Judge. He was a kindly sort, understanding but firm to the laws. The fact that he was in the middle meant that the other four had placed him there as the authority figure for the Challenges. That was not surprising, considering his wisdom and how he regularly demonstrated it on behalf of the town.
Gazing into my eyes, Ramos nodded his approval.
“Child, do not think we do not notice or appreciate the choice of color that you have made on our behalf. For your benefit, I do hope the days ahead will prove to ever be in your favor, as far as the winner goes. During these Trials, you will remain in our custody and observe everything by our leave. Unfortunately, we cannot allow visitors outside of the servants and planned visitations by the Council, just in case there is foul play.” He waited for me to nod my understanding and then continued. “Please, come and sit, my dear. It is almost time for the Agreement.”
I bowed my head formally to the Elders and was escorted by the maid Yaniya and two guards, Shoa and Coran, to the left of the dais. A table, a little shorter than the one beside me for the Elders, was placed there with a red cloth draped ceremoniously across the top. Turning and sitting there, my eyes widened to see the crowds that had gathered while the Elders spoke to me. Two smaller tables were being set under the tent, and those who had gathered outside of the tent to witness the events were spreading cloths, pillows, and baskets in tight clusters with friends and family. Even some of the new couples had come to watch, with the young men smiling down proudly at their new brides. It warmed my heart to see that most of the women smiled back with love openly worn on their faces. As I caught sight of my own mother and father, I forced a smile and waved at them.
The guards sat beside me on my right, leaving me the seat beside the dais. From around the corner of the tent, a murmuring started gathering. My heart clenched as first Garak and then Julius stepped into the tent entrance, both garbed in their finery.
Garak was decked in scarlet with black trim. It was hard to look at him and not think of his controlling personality. His walk to the dais was prideful, calm, and calculated. He ran a hand through his dark hair when he reached it, his dark eyes flashing.
Julius’ tunic was a rich purple, highlighted with gold trim. His sleeves came down to his wrists in gold embroidery, while a golden-tasseled belt accented his waist. His trousers were beige and plain, though his boots were soft purple suede. Overall, his choice of garb was very attractive and accented his warm features.
My eyes locked with Julius’ impossibly blue eyes. In the time that had passed and the stress of the past few days, I had forgotten how much they reminded me of sunlight shining through a clear morning sky; of hope and life. He stared back at me, an expression on his face that was impossible to read.
Breaking his gaze with me, Julius took up his place beside Garak in front of the dais, bowing his respect to them. Judge Ramos rose to address the two standing before him and those within hearing. His robes whispered across themselves elegantly, like the sound of a breeze through the trees in the silence choking the tent.
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