The story so far:

----Xan learns from Aija what really happened to him; he feels hurt. He wants to warn his family about the experiments to save his siblings. Goldstar finds out Vincent is Ytean-human. And that he was responsible for his reputation. He is upset. He chooses to leave behind 'Goldstar' and be Rei. It is Ze's wedding day. Ruyanir's and Ze's wedding takes place. Ze challenges Na'thwir for the position of Zayr chief. Thieron goes to Zya'ara with everyone. Meets his family after years. The Company is on their way to attack again. Aija and Thieron fight with the Zya'araeans against the Wy'sith. Aija gets dragged away from Thieron. Nala and Luka struggle to shield Eiva and Afe. Nala is losing control over her shield. Zuri arrives to help. Thieron panics when he loses Aija. The ji'var attack him, but Aija finds him. Together they manage to kill the metal-controller, but when the Utzrn withdraw, Thieron realises it's to drown them. Aija calls Tai'un for help, and tells him she'll do anything in return for help. Tai'un uses the Avo to help them. Xan meets Vaughn, they spend time in Sier Ghat. Aa'di Irih'va has lunch with his grandfather, who tells him about his parents.

----Zuri waits for Aija to wake. When she goes to check on Luka, she hears Nala talking to Z'our. Thieron tells Aija he's in love with her. Aija tells him she hates him. Thieron is stunned by Aija's non-acceptance of him. Thieron accepts Irih'va's offer to work for the Crown. Rei gets back with Vincent. Wiet publicly executes Gale members, Rei is upset that he isn't able to do more for his people. Luka speaks with his former mentor and tells him he's quitting the Ithi'hra. Aija and Irhi'va speak in the Throne Room. When Irih'va kisses her she kisses him back but realises she cares more for Thieron. Irih'va is devastated when Aija leaves. Ruyanir is scared for Ze. She hopes he wins. Ze wins against Na'thwir.

---- Zuri and Nala attend the Red-Moon festival. 

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****29.2 AIJA****

Scandalous.

That was the first word that popped into her mind.

Xlo'qua Ne'vei had left Aija a dress in her suite. Not a gw'xun, but an actual floor-length gown.

Aija knew the Healer had meant for Aija to wear it for the Red-Moon Festival. But she'd forgone the dress for a simple brown gw'xun. She also knew that Ne'vei had meant for Aija to wear it to go to the Festival with Aa'di Irih'va, which was also why she'd not worn it.

But she'd stared at the dress still lying on her bed as the suns set and felt it was a waste if she didn't wear it. So, Aija slipped on the gown, for Ne'vei's efforts, for herself.

And, she'd instantly blushed.

If anything, the Iernei were bold in their clothing, gw'xun or gowns.

The velvety, amaranth-red fabric, soft, hugged her body in a close-fit. A deep sweetheart-neckline revealed more than Aija was used to. Gold embellished the neckline, crisscrossing over the curves of her chest. Triangular cut-outs at the sides showed off the curves of her waist, and the gown continued down to her feet. Gold and other gems studded the shoulders where the cape-sleeves began. The sheer cape-sleeves were things of beauty, as long as the gown. The sleeves also formed a cape at the back; it fluttered when Aija twirled.

Scandalous, Aija thought again, surveying the neckline and the bare skin of her waist.

She wore the indoor shoes and stilled; she had nowhere to go. Then, she remembered all she'd learnt of the Red-Moon Festival. It made her curious to see if the moon turned red. So, she decided the dress had a purpose, after all.

Aija made her way to the back of the Palace, where she knew the glass-dome would be up. She'd seen Thieron there a few times with his sword but hoped he wouldn't be there now. If he was, she could go to the Throne Room. Aija paused; a Royal Guard passing by glanced at her, inquisitive. No, Aija couldn't go to the Throne Room ever again, never alone.

The Palace was emptier than before. She passed by only the occasional guard and arrived at the backdoor. The four guards were there like always and opened the door for her. Each time, the way the guards opened the door mesmerized her. Everything about Ierne was magical.

In the time it took Aija to reach there, the suns had adjourned for the day. Thankfully, the dome was still up, and no one seemed to be around. Aija wandered about the cliff, pausing to watch the Capital. As the sky grew darker, lights fluttered alive in the City, the faraway mountains, dark shadows. She stood at the edge, ahead of the glass-wall, waiting for the moon to rise. Ayr'i had told Aija the day's significance, and the part she loved most was the star-fall. She determined to stay out until the event; Aija had never seen star-fall before.

"You must see it with someone you love," Ayr'i had suggested.

"Will you join me then?"

"Me?" Ayr'i had scowled.

Aija had smiled, knowing precisely what Ayr'i had been trying to do. It was more fun to waylay her than answer.

"No," Ayr'i had shaken her head aggressively. "Not me; I meant my,"

"What's that?"

"What?"

And like that, Aija had distracted the girl from mentioning her brother.

Tired of standing, Aija went to the boulders lining the length of the pond and found a seating-nook carved into it. She climbed the rock to a seating-nook on a higher level and settled into it. She leaned back, resting her head on the stone, and set her gaze skywards, unwrapping a hard candy she'd bought at the festival. She'd gone with Ayr'i, who seemed upset she'd not gone with her brother, instead. Aija had found the moon bracelets interesting, but she'd made Ayr'i buy her candy instead, lots of those candy Thieron had once given her. She'd eaten them in two days.

Aija popped the candy into her mouth, keeping it there, relishing the spicy undertone lacing the sweetness.

A while later, she spotted the moon, glowing red against the night. It really was red, lending an ethereal glow, turning the snow pale-pink.

At the edges of her vision, Aija caught a figure approaching her.

Thieron. 

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