Bird of a Flock (Bow 2) - Chapter 6: Chapter 6

"Winglord," Eyeri murmured as they approached the palace and the crowds of waiting k'nairi came into view.
"Eyeri, what did I tell you about calling me that?" Tai'ray scolded lightly but not seriously. The members of the home guard at the palace were holding their spears, and dressed in full battle armour making them all formidable. Them alone would make anyone nervous but with the nobles and servants gathered too, it was not too surprising the human would be nervous.
"But..." Eyeri's grip around Tai'ray's shoulders tightened slightly, the human no longer pointing at things but instead curling in slightly and clinging to Tai'ray.
"I have you," Tai'ray promised. "Most of this will be ceremonial. Just stay close to me and obey my orders. They won't be expecting anything from you, yet."
"That's ominous," Eyeri muttered softly, making Tai'ray laugh.
"You're part of a royal circle now, little one. What about that isn't?" he asked as he made the descent. Eyeri tightened his grip and said nothing in reply. Tai'ray could practically feel Eyeri's heart thumping against his back. Eyeri was more than a little nervous at the moment.
Tai'ray landed first on the welcoming grounds, landing on a red carpet to the sound of horns sounding. People cheered as he stretched his wings and smiled at them. Gently he used one of his wings to push Eyeri to his side instead of hiding behind him. He wrapped an arm around Eyeri's waist and guided him forward as he strode confidently, towards his regent and main advisors as the people cheered happily for his safe arrival back in the home city. He had been gone far too long.
Nel'os and Dyn'ad landed behind him. Tai'ray could feel the link sing as they fell into flanking positions behind him on the left and the right. The rulers of their races were true warriors and every single one of them knew it. Dyn'ad put Ryraso down and held his hand. Ryraso tangling their fingers together uncertainly as he walked with them. Aw'endo stood next to Nel'os as they followed Tai'ray down the path to the regent.
O'chetur and Herymi had been excused from the formalities and O'chetur had gone to his own nesting hut in Navat with Herymi. There was no need for them to have to suffer through the welcoming ceremony for the Royals. Something each of the Royals and Ryraso were slightly jealous off.
"Blessed to the winds, Winglord Tai'ray, you have returned," Unt'at called out in ceremony as Tai'ray approached. Unt'at was the current regent of Navat. A loyal k'nairi who was twice Tai'ray's age but willing to go to great lengths to serve him. As he spoke the crowd cheered louder for a moment. "Welcome home," he smiled as they calmed, his eyes flashing to Eyeri for a moment.
"It is good to be back Regent Unt'at," Tai'ray replied warmly. "I trust my city is well?"
"She is in great spirits now you have returned," Unt'at commented, the cheers of the crowd almost deafening after that statement.
"I am humbled to be the cause of such events," Tai'ray said, following the ceremonial script. He could almost feel Ryraso and Dyn'ad rolling their eyes at such a statement. "You will have to inform of what has happened since I have been gone soon," he smiled, rubbing Eyeri's shoulder gently. Eyeri having no idea what was being said at that moment.
"Of course, my lord," Unt'at bowed, his wings sweeping low. He stood tall once again and turned to face Nel'os and Dyn'ad.
"Welcome home to you also Consort Dyn'ad and Consort Nel'os," he bowed slightly but not as deep. "We have missed you both also. You bring honour on our people. Prince Aw'endo, welcome home. Please refrain from running off again," he said dryly making Aw'endo blush. Tai'ray smirked at the statement, amused laughter spreading throughout the people who had heard the comment. Aw'endo was slightly embarrassed but wasn't humiliated by the statement like some adult might have been, thankfully. Unt'at paused and then looked directly at Ryraso. "Welcome home, Healer Ryraso. We are glad you are in one piece and where you belong."
Ryraso bowed slightly in response, saying nothing. Now was not the time to but an acknowledgement had to be made. He was not Royal, not yet. By all accounts, he did not deserve a mention but Unt'at was a good man and loyal. Ryraso would have to make friends with him and he had clearly offered an open hand to him.
Tai'ray smiled as Ryraso's reaction was met with approval in the link. Ryraso would be accepted by his people as a royal. Tai'ray could feel it in his bones.
"Let us proceed to the throne room. The nobles are eager to see you now you have returned, Winglord," Unt'at said, his smile warm. Tai'ray could feel his pleasure at Ryraso's calm and polite reaction. Unt'at was reassured by it that Ryraso wasn't going to make things hard for the Winglord and was going to play by the rules. Tai'ray inwardly chuckled. Unt'at liked things to go smoothly.
"Lead on, Regent," Tai'ray nodded.
They walked up the stairs and proceeded down the corridor to the throne room. Trumpets sounding and the court buzzing with life as they moved through the building. Eyeri pressed close to him as they walked, his eyes wary and taking in every detail of the palace that he could. Eyeri tried to look back but Tai'ray pushed him forward, his arm still wrapped around Eyeri's waist.
"Winglord..." Eyeri murmured.
"Hush," Tai'ray said in human, reaching up to ruffle the boy's hair. "Just a little longer," he promised. It was in many ways a show. Making it clear to the people around them that Eyeri was the one Tai'ray was worried about escaping. Eyeri was the one he was worried something might happen to. Eyeri had not been introduced yet but the important people like Unt'at already knew about him. Still, it never hurt to make sure people knew.
The nobles clapped politely as he entered the throne room. A more unison and orderly sound to the roaring outside. The nobles preferred a more subdued way of showing their approval. Partly because unlike the lower classes, not all of the nobles liked or agreed with Tai'ray. The young middle class worker who had come into their world and turned it upside down. It was no wonder really but Tai'ray refused to back down. Things were changing slowly and other things he had adapted to but there was no doubt some people would have very much preferred him not to exist.
Tai'ray reached his throne of marble and turned to face the room. Smiling when he saw a servant dart over with a stool. It was placed next to his throne. "Sit," he ordered Eyeri softly, nudging his shoulder gently. Sitting himself, Eyeri sat down at his feet. Half curled up. Tai'ray let a hand rest on Eyeri's hair, waiting for everyone to settle.
His mates and Aw'endo took their own seats to the side. Their chairs stately and clearly marking them as royalty, Dyn'ad calmly pushed Ryraso into a chair which had been placed for him before Ryraso could falter. A hand cupping Ryraso's chin and kissing his cheek tenderly before moving to his own chair.
Those in court were silent, all watching the interaction and waiting for the Winglord to speak. The more devious of eyes fixed on Eyeri as opposed to the interaction between Dyn'ad and Ryraso. The more trustworthy were pleased by Ryraso's behaviour so far. Polite, obedient and refined. Ryraso was clearly nervous to everyone in the room but that was seen as honest and smart. He had just returned to the place he had technically betrayed. It would have made him a fool to not be nervous at all. Ryraso had never been a fool and the room knew it and respected him for it.
"I have returned," Tai'ray declared, his voice booming around the room. "With my intended and also a new son," he stroked Eyeri's hair gently with those words. "Tonight we feast. Tomorrow my mates and I plan the reclaiming ceremonies for the caw who have been gathered. After that, we plot the return of our lost brethren. Warlord Loror has granted me six months leave to retrieve our missing brothers and sisters. It is time we brought everyone home".
The courtroom cheered in agreement. Smiling Tai'ray sat down as Unt'at began to speak again. They had a little while of this before they could escape but the nobles had to be satisfied first. For now everything was going to plan.