Any input would be appreciated this is one of the prologues I'm considering.
Prologue – De Tyr Castle
Ciarrai silently starts to stroke the dark velvet drapes with slim elegant fingers that are covered with bejeweled rings. Up and down, back and forth, methodically, and without any seeming thought beyond the texture of the material, her fingers glide slowly over the fabric feeling every stitch of embroidery that covers the soft cloth. A square cut emerald set in band of twisted gold suddenly starts to glow softly, emitting a barely audible hum. With a glance behind her, she touches the gem briefly to the window. A face appears slightly distorted by the glass saying “Greetings sister” “Brother why do you call me now? You know the task I must perform tonight. It is dangerous for you to be contacting me now. A tempest is brewing!”
The lips turn town distinctly in reply “Sister you know me better, I would not contact you if the situation was not dire. The storm rages here too, and Antarra was found dead this morning” “Dire tidings indeed brother, thank you for conveying it, this could change everything. I will contact thee later, this taxes me too much for what must be done later.” Says Ciarrai and with a gesture of dismissal the window fades, once again showing the bleak courtyard outside. She looked out but was no longer really seeing, her thoughts turned inward.
Even had Ciarrai been carefully observing the courtyard, though, it is unlikely she would have seen the dark creature crouched against the burned trunk of the oak, watching her. Hatred burned in its eyes as it glared up at the window where Ciarrai stood. Flexing long dark claws it dreamed of sinking them deep and slashing. The Master had ordered it to observe though and it feared disobeying more then its desire for blood.
Feeling that cold hatred but not knowing its source Ciarrai wraps her arms around herself to ward off the chill. Behind her a figure rounded and heavy with child paces and says with fond exasperation “Ciarrai come sit near the fire where it is warm. I’ve been talking for three minutes straight and I don’t think you’ve heard a word I’ve said”
Distracted from the seriousness of her thoughts Ciarrai turns and smiling warmly, says with a chuckle “I get to watch you wear holes in your good Selvokan rugs then Tarali?” Walking slowly across the room with elegant grace Ciarrai perches on the edge of a tapestry chair. Feeling a bit of warmth again, she watches Tarali as she restlessly crosses the room again. Tarali looks down at her and shaking a finger in mild reproach “Leave it to you to think of my flooring at a time like this!
Pushing back the cowl of her robe and twining a long auburn curl slowly around her finger, Ciarrai is lost in thought, appearing to listen patiently as Tarali continues her diatribe. She comes back abruptly to hear Tarali say: “and frankly I couldn’t stand their predictions of doom and gloom, so I sent them all away. I think to settle the atmosphere tonight, we could have that gorgeous Bard form Lveness grace us with a song or two at dinner.” Suddenly pleased with herself Tarali pulls a silken cord with golden tassels. Shuddering with distaste at the thought of having the overly lewd Bard attempt what he called singing again, Ciarrai is about to reply when a pale blonde girl enters the room and drops immediately into a deep curtsy. Darting an apprehensive glance at Ciarrai she stammers “You did call Milady?” A fleeting frown crosses Tarali’s face as she hears the stammer and sees the clear fear of Ciarrai written in the girls face. Anyone not knowing Tarali well would not have seen it, but Ciarrai is clearly aware that her friend is mildly upset. “Mina we will have some Ven’lassen red for our guest and spiced cider for myself and please have the minstrel informed his services will be required at dinner.” orders Tarali who now is clearly frowning at Mina who still hasn’t risen and is shaking visibly.
“Child please go see about our drinks” says Tarali in a quiet tone that makes Mina jump suddenly from her curtsey and run to the door. Tarali watching the hurried exit stifles a sigh of both discomfort and exasperation as she rubs her back unselfconsciously.
Ciarrai settles back into the chair and says “I think when your fluttery maid comes back you’ll need to inform her that you won’t be attending dinner. If you’re hungry I suggest you have a tray brought up.” Placing her hands on her hips with a smirk Tarali quips “Oh I know the Bard is lamentable with his penchant for tragic ballads but that doesn’t mean I should keep to myself like some solitary mages I know. I trust you do have a good reason why I should forego the pleasantries of dinner tonight?” Ciarrai regards Tarali steadily, her thoughts for a moment drifting back to the news of Antarra. She should have asked how it happened; she had been too concerned about the draining of energies though so it would have to wait. Regarding Tarali seriously she states “The child will be born tonight.” Her hands suddenly going to her mouth in dismay Tarali mutters “You are mistaken the midwives have all said it wouldn’t be for another moonday. I’m not ready to have the babe tonight, surely it is an ill omen given the events of the day.” Listening quietly as Tarali rants she ponders that after waiting for so long to finally conceive that her friend is not ready yet to give birth.
