Recasting Arrows

Terra's Point of View

The moon luminously had its stunning arrays reflected on the river as fireflies flee before my sight. I witnessed how the pure spring drifts the fallen leaves from among the tall leafy trees and I smiled at the thought, "It feels refreshing to be here once again," I mumbled and led my feet onto the streaming waters as I sensed the soft and cold flows of its mist.

"How I love the moon as it brightly shines above the sky, I wonder what it looks like once the moon collides with the sun?" I whispered once more and gently splashed off the stream, I tucked my sandy hair which is waist-length.

I lightly take a grip of the hem of my apparel and sigh, "When will our kingdom taste such peace like this?" I muttered as I lifted my eyes and gaze in the castle.

I constantly know our kingdom to be the adequate place of all lands and kingdoms in the mainland of Moresis. I'm afraid to say that numerous clans envied our territory, they desired gold and riches, their envious hearts weren't calm as how it is. They tend to seek destruction, but no one shall ever prevail in our colony.

"Terra!" I heard a voice calling my name several times, that voice, why is she here? I got off from the river, and my feet strode toward a huge rock where I positioned my satchel and my bow. Prepared to get my stuff and walk towards her whereabouts, I froze upon hearing an odd noise behind the huge tree before me.

I equipped myself, held my bow, and positioned the arrow-ready to shoot. The atmosphere became silent and I heard my heavy breathing, "Terra, where have you been?!" A gasp escaped from my mouth as I felt a hand travel up my shoulder which gives chills down my spine. I accidentally let go of the arrow and it voluntarily released toward the thicket.

I could feel how my heart throbs to its finest. "What are you doing here, Sage?" I simply ask as I glance at her countenance, she let go of a sheepish grin and rubs her nape, and shifts her gaze.

"... Well, I'm sorry for coming after you. Our Captain, Theodore, told me to search for you, probably he needs to talk to you." She uttered and so I glared at her hazel irises.

I don't trust you, lady.

"I see, how did you know that I was here?" I questioned, and I saw how she step aback and averted her eyes from me.

"Uh, I just heard you..." her voice stuttered and so I smirked at her, I raised aloft my bow and took another arrow from the quiver, and stood up against her.

"Really? I can't recall that I spoke or made a noise," I responded and I could sense the tension she began to feel when she glimpsed the arrowhead before her sight. She gulped and stepped behind.

"Hey, take it easy, Terra! I'm not here for a fight, and I'm telling the truth. I head my way toward the butts but you are none to be found, and I remember that you like this forest a lot... so I decided to rush my feet here," She asserted.

"How I hate your complexion, Sage." I retorted and threw a glare at her, I lowered the weapon and came near her. I observed how her countenance shifted and she frowned.

"Why do you behave harshly whenever I am around?" She issued and crossed her arms, I snorted and strode ahead of her.

"Why do you keep on complaining? I dislike your presence, lady... that's obviously a warning for you so you won't be hanging around with me anymore," I blurted out and she felt so offended.

"You shouldn't be here at the first place, you know that vampires and werewolves stays in this forest, right?" I heard her but I only shook my head and shrugged off.

"I have not seen one, so why would I believe you?"

"The entire folks witness how cruel they can be, do you really wish to meet your death?" She responded yet I only rolled my eyes. I positioned my quiver on my shoulder and took a grip of my bow.

As we led our feet back to the castle, both of us remained silent. Upon arriving at the main gate, the gatekeepers welcomed me with an inspection, "Seems that even the troops don't trust you," Sage commented as we pass through the entrance.

I didn't bother to glance at her, I remained the same dull expression, and the moment I reached the rookie's camp, a tall man with his serious complexion greeted my sight. He drew in his sword and faced me, Sage remained on my side. "Terra, I've heard that you carelessly strike your companion with your arrows," he spoke and I gulped as he threw a glare at me.

I twitched my lips, and let out a sigh. Now this is unexpected, I never knew he would know about the incident.

"Father, it was just an accident, I didn't mean it," I responded, yet he didn't bother to consider it, he turned his back at me, I let out a sigh and I felt a sudden ache inside my chest.

Does he really have to act this way?

"We're not in our home, Terra. You must show a little respect of your captain, it is the right term to use when we're outside and a warrior must use his mind wisely, in your case... you can't be like us if you are behaving carelessly, a lass like you must focus more on reading books and preparing yourself to preserve your purity before the prince." He spoke and I felt disappointed upon hearing his phrase. I saw him glancing at my location, "You desired for it, Terra... but I am warning you, it's not as easy as you think it is."

I do agree that it is quite risky to be like them, fighting to protect the kingdom. But is it always for a lass like me to desire for it?

He fixed his attention to the lady beside me, "Sage, have you prepared something to eat?"

"Yes, captain... " I saw how she bowed down before him and behaved as an obedient woman, which she is not.

I hate her...

I secretly rolled my eyes and walked away. I heard him calling for my name but I didn't bother to look behind. Now it's very clear to me, he doesn't believe in me, he doesn't believe in his own daughter. The thing that I mostly loathed in our place? It's the inequality, men tend to look down on women and see them as weak beings, unable to stand alone on their feet.

"Why do I need to marry the prince? I don't even love him, he is someone that I will never like." Tears gradually fell from my eyes and I wept. I tightly gripped my weapon and whispered, "I'll prove you wrong, Dad."

He always reason out that it is what's best for me yet I only feel the pressure and anxiety. The more he reminded me of my future being at the Palace, it only suffocates me to death.

As I walked down the village, I saw how the townsmen gaze at me with their disgusted looks. Chaos filled the entire place and I stood in the center, feeling the compassion within my heart. "Until when will these people realize their wrongs and make things right?" I mumbled.

Thornsfrost was always known to be a kingdom that implements strict rules, yes the townsmen obeyed yet the regulations eventually blinded them, even my father.

We are allowed to kill anybody, we can steal anything we want and accuse somebody we dislike. We can ruin ourselves, defiling it. Our minds and hearts are filled with wickedness and I see it as something that needs to be fixed.

The authorities were the one who allowed it, and so the folks got used to it for the governors, magistrates, and the entire officials tolerated such behavior. The law which I often find wrong is, even if we realize mistakes, we are prohibited to disobey.

I sigh once again and witness how cruel our kingdom could be, if the Ethereal Heights will see this... their hearts would weep bitterly.

"Terra, do you think your father won't scold you if you come with me?" I halted from walking and glanced at my companion who had become anxious as she gazed at me. I let out a chuckle and lightly tapped her shoulder.

"What do you think?" I asked and her face flush red, she stepped back and averted her gaze from me.

"You will not be coming with me, you should go to the village and do what your father has commanded you to do, probably he is waiting at the field..." she muttered and proceeded to walk away, leaving me in my location. "This wilderness is dangerous, you must go now."

I frowned at her and crosses my arms as I observe her figure from a distant. "Anyhow, why are you going to the East Mount? I notice that you often come there in the six hours until dawn," I blurted and I saw how she shifted her gaze. She must be probably guilty.

"... Aren't you afraid of vampires and wolves? Terra, I know you do not believe it such tales yet I am telling you that it is more than just a story." Her voice became pressing which cause me to focus on her words, "I can see them everywhere, that is why I know that they are indeed real."

"If that so, how do they look like? I can say that their appearance must be way different than how the folks draws them on books," I muttered but she only stares at me as if her mind in deep thinking.

Before I could continue to speak, she recklessly ran off and I could not chase her and so I was left dumbfounded in the middle of the wilderness. "Nice,"

"Now what?!" I barely calm myself as I began to feel the sudden heat of the sun.

I let out a sigh before even going back to the town, "I can sense that she's up to something, the moment I will know that she is a traitor, I will surely pierce down the arrow on her throat."

As I headed back my way to the gatehouse-the only area which was facing the bridge and is the weakest point of the castle. I recognized that the portcullis was lowered and so I greeted the gatekeepers and inquired of what had recently occurred. "Pardon me, sir... what's with the abrupt security?"

"Where did you come from, mate? You should be careful around our territory, last night the king ordered his knights to be watchful due to a sudden attack at the west coast,"

"May I know what's the cause of the incident?" I questioned yet the six of them glance at one another before they could fix their glares at me.

"The other soldiers reported that there were blood at the area, mayhaps it is from the wolves nearby."

"Where is Captain Theodore?"

"He's at the keep, probably training some of the rookies or assigning soldiers to guard over the dungeon. He can't entertain anybody, for now, you should come by the next day." I frowned upon what I heard, I nodded my head and bowed.

"Thank you for your response, have a good day," I hurried on my way to the village and checked into the well-known town's library and as usual, I read books-not typical ones, they're useful in my training in archery.

"Good morning, mademoiselle! How are you? Your father visits here and asks me about the books you recently read," an old man greeted my sight as I arrived at the doorway, his genuine smile beams on his edges and he stepped toward me and handed me a familiar book which I often read since last week.

"The same thing goes around, sir. I've been tailing Lorelei and I have figured out that she has been up to something. I cannot clearly comprehend what it is though," I sat on a wooden stool and picked the book that he handed over to me.

"I see, what will you do the moment you shall find out that she really is hiding something from you?" He asked which made me stiff on my location. I glanced at his countenance but his hands were busy flipping the pages of some volumes on the furniture before him.

"If she will soon betray the kingdom, then there is no way I'll be letting another new morning for her to behold." Upon hearing my words, he bitterly smiled at me. I shrugged off my shoulders and skimmed the book on my grip.

I sensed him having a glimpse of me, "Archery has been your favorite hobby but you are secretly doing it, don't you?" He once again spoke, I bit my lower lip and glanced at him.

"My father knows about it, and he dislikes the idea of me joining his crew. I do not know what's wrong with women who choose to follow the desires of their hearts to serve the king," I responded.

"Women must focus on the household chores, taking care of children and pleasing their husbands." I clenched my fist upon hearing his phrase, yet I remained calm as to how I must be supposed to behave.

"With due respect sir, yet I disagree with what you have spoken."

He shrugged his shoulders and I remained quiet on my seat, as I gradually flipped the pages of the book I am holding, I noticed that he was staring at me. I never minded his actions. I spent an hour at the library and finished reading five chapters for today.

Meanwhile as I laid the book on the wooden furniture, I saw a woman coming in with her hood on. I could sense that she felt uneasy therefore I decided to observe her ways. She approach the old man and had a conversation with him, I eavesdrop of their discussion and I heard about a prophecy.

When the woman left, I gaze at the old man and I figured out he has been staring at me with his wide grin. "Have you heard of the hidden book?" he asked which gave chills down my spine.

"What hidden book?"

"There is a prophecy that will soon surprise everybody. One of the princes from the underworld shall be set free from the cage and he shall visit the human realm and destroy mankind." My eyes widened due to how he let his voice sounds so odd, it makes the story even frightening.

"That must be one of the myths in our territory?" I stated and averted my sight from him.

"Your life is at risk, Terra..." his final words cause me to overthink, as I got out of the shop and headed my way to my home, I felt uneasy. Life has been quite tiresome, I often think of it as how history repeats itself. Nothing is much new for today, the old tales seems to be something that do not need to take seriously, it feels as if what I did yesterday is what I will be doing for the rest of my life.

"Terra, wait!"

I turned back upon hearing a voice calling for my name, I saw Sage with her smile. I glared at her as I began to walk ahead, "What do you want?" I asked without glancing back at her once more.

"Here we go again, Terra. Why can't you just face me and listen to what I am about to speak?" Her voice feels hopeless as if it's pleading over my gorgeous body.

"What is it? Another love letter from the knights? I told you they will not be having any chance from me, burn those." I saw how she rolled her eyes at me of what I mentioned, my feet halted from walking and I confronted her with my usual complexion whenever she was around.

"Of course they won't be having a chance for a bride like you, you are fated to feel the embrace of the eldest prince." I throw a glare at her, she's pathetic! How could she even mention that issue right in front of my face?

"Lock your lips, or I will be stitching it for yourself."

"Oh come on!" She hissed and fixed her ebony hair which dances along with the lovely wind.

"What do you wish to say, Sage? Spill the tea."

"It is the captain," she continued, and so I peered at her countenance and I saw how she looked so exhausted.

"Which one?" I asked.

"Your father, Terra..."

"What about him? Did something happen?" Her words push me to sense anxiety, what is she about to say? She's making me feel anxious.

"He wants you to dress up for tonight, the king ordered him to behold your presence," My eyes widened out of surprise at what she uttered, I could feel how my heart commenced beating hastily.

"I cannot," I whispered between my breathing. There's no way I'll be facing the king's throne.

"It is an order, miss. You will be opposing the rules if you disagree," I heard her sigh, I massage my temples and walk ahead of her.

"Wait, where are you going?"

"I need a quiet place to think about it. If anyone is looking for me, tell them that I am feeling sick and that I need to rest." I rush my feet towards the forest and find myself standing before the streams of water.

I breathe heavily and scream from the top of my lungs, "This life is unbearable!"

The pressure I am sensing keeps arising from within, I cannot do this! I will never marry the eldest prince, I never wish to rest in his palace and I never seek for gold and silver!

"All I hope is to be part of the trainees and become a warrior to protect the kingdom," I whispered and dashed myself into the river, I soaked my entire body as I sensed the coldness of its waters. I let myself feel the refreshing flow and my tears proceeded to fall from my eyes.

"... You don't need to carry all the burdens within you, Terra. You can always do what your heart desires for it is the will of the King," I stiffed on my location upon hearing a silvery voice, I recklessly got up from the waters and turned my back to see who was behind me.

I saw a man, standing on the rock with his body leaning on it. His Caribbean irises were the first thing that greeted my sight and I saw his grin being formed on his edges.

"Who are you?"

"... I won't tell my name, milady." I gaze at his entire being from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head, and I step aback upon sensing his unfamiliar presence.

Who is he? He can't be here, is he an intruder?

"Back off!" I hissed yet his grin grew even wider.

"I am not here to hurt you, Terra." my eyes rounded the moment I heard him calling me with my name. This can't be!

"What clan are you? You cannot fool me," I felt how my knees began to tremble, I gulped upon seeing him walking closer in my direction.

"Answer me, bastard!"

"You cannot say something to me like that, a little respect would do..." I clenched my fist as I gritted my teeth in annoyance, this man is disturbing me!

"Go away and never come back," I blurted and I heard him chuckle.

"... Why are you here, and what do you want?" I tried to calm myself but I gasped for air when I felt him right before me, his face is so near and I barely breathe.

"I'm here for this, thank you, Terra." I was stiff upon realizing that he cut a portion of my hair, I screamed in horror as I touched the tip of it, knowing that the part he cut was now leveled to my chest.

"What have you done?!" My complexion shifted as I fumed in annoyance, I hasten my way to punch his face but he is too sudden to vanish into thin air.

I was left dumbfounded. I felt crying upon knowing that the left side of my hair was cut.

"You will pay for this, bastard!"

I stared at the mirror and witnessed my reflection. I sigh once more to recognize how foolish I am to agree with what my father desired, that is to be the eldest prince's bride. I could not do something to convince him, only if I have the power to disobey... in the kingdom where I truly belong, it is strictly prohibited to behave disobediently, either you shall be killed or thrown into the pit and embrace the endless torment you have to withstand.

"You look so lovely, Terra..." I rolled my eyes before turning my back to see the man who uttered those words.

"I know,"

"You should often smile, you look more beautiful whenever you do it." He spoke once again and walked near me, he let out a grin upon beholding my beauty. I hastily tie my hair into a bun before he could even notice that some portion of it was chopped.

"It is sorrowful to believe that you are foreordained to marry prince Gohan," he muttered which made me gaze at him with confusion.

"Of course it is, but why do you appear to be someone who visits a grave?" I questioned as I examine his countenance.

"It brings grief within my heart considering the thought of not owning you for the rest of my life," I halted upon hearing his words. It seems that I cannot process them into my brain, I gaze at his expression and I see sincerity.

"Ezekiel... what are you saying?"

I could no longer utter any phrase, I felt distracted upon his sudden confession. He bitterly smiled at me and tapped my shoulder, "Forget what I said, your father must have been right... Anyhow, get ready for yourself and have a good night, Terra."

My eyes followed him as he gradually stepped back and had to leave. I was left dumbfounded. I momentarily locked my sight and sigh, why is this life even tormenting me? Why do I have to suffer in this kind of situation? Being forced to marry someone I never love is different.

I untie my creamy platinum hair and comb it down to my waistline, it feels so soft and smells so fragrant yet the front portion of it is leveled on my chest, I cannot attain to have such an ugly cut. In our territory, women must grow their hair down to their waist-it is implemented as one of our regulations that need to be obeyed. They say that it adds to the beauty of a lady, yet if the authorities found out that one's hair is cut, they shall send somebody to kill that woman.

In my case, I would tie my hair so nobody could behold it. "Terra? Are you done preparing?" My chest pounded out of its normal beating the moment I heard the voice of my father.

"... Father," and I stuttered. I always feel uneasy around him, I could not comprehend why he needs to act so authoritatively in my sight, he appears to be different, it feels like he is not the man whom I used to know when I was a kid but still, I always miss his presence, I only see him whenever I tend to fail his orders.

"Why do you seem to be anxious?" He asked.

I lowered my head and slightly shrugged off my shoulders, avoiding his stares. I plainly tucked my bangs on my ears and faced him, "... Do I really have to do this, father?"

"We already discussed this, Terra. You must accept the offer of the king, you will marry the prince and become his princess... I don't have any daughter other than you, do this for me." I heavily breathed before tardily nodded, he pulled me into his chest and gave me a tight hug. "I am doing this for you, Terra... this is the only way for us to be safe," he mumbled which put me into curiosity.

"My apology, father..." I wonder what he has been planning.

"Come and let us have our way toward the palace," I nodded and obeyed his words. We led our feet outside our home and as we rode the royal chariot, I gasped upon beholding the countenance of Sage Williams. She comfortably sat in her seat and as she shifted her gaze to see me, she smirked.

"You look so elegant with that dress, Terra." I did not respond nor heed her words, I recklessly sat beside her and purposely thrust her toward the window.

"Ouch! Take it easy," she hissed yet I rolled my eyes before her.

My father sat in front of us, and he spoke, "How are you, Sage? Have you prepared the lists of the prisoners?" I eavesdropped on their conversation and I figured out that she is his assistant.

"I am done rewriting the entire names, captain. Also, I discovered that one of them escaped." Right after hearing her words, his eyes grew widened and he cussed. I lowered my head avoiding his stares, now what does it have to do with me?

"I will let the rest of the leaders know about this,"

As we arrived at the palace, I witnessed how the beauty of silver crystal dazzled in the entrance. As we stepped into the stairs, my heart suddenly hastened to beat. "Are you feeling better, miss?" Sage asked after recognizing the sweats on my forehead, and I nodded.

We reached the hallway and I saw the king and queen with their two sons, Prince Timothy the youngest, and Gohan, the eldest prince. I felt my knees trembling in anxiety. I never expected to behold their faces, their presence makes me fear them. There's no way this is happening!

"Good evening, majesty," my father, Theodore bowed down before them and so I did the same. "Behold, this is my daughter, Terra Elliot..." he mentioned, and I could not enunciate any word for I am puzzled and overwhelmed by the luxurious atmosphere.

"What a delicate beauty, Theodore, indeed your daughter is lovely." I heard the king's compliment, and so I had a glimpse of him. His grin was plastered into his countenance and I gulped the moment he threw his gaze on me.

"Why don't we let the two of them have their moment? Let us head back to the dining hall," the Queen affirmed and they turned their back at me and headed their way on the said hall. I sigh once more before beholding once again the complexion of the Prince.

"Good evening, milady," Gohan spoke and held my hand and kissed it, he appears to be gentle yet I know that he is not. "How are you? Did you enjoy your day?" He once again asked.

I nodded my head although the occurrence which took place was the exact opposite, "I did, what about you? What do you most like to do inside the palace?" I questioned him.

"I often proceed with my paintings, along with my brother Timothy who does with the music instruments, he makes me calm down whenever he plays his violin." I nodded upon his response, and as we walked in the hallway, I noticed how he felt so confident.

"We shall be spending the entire night with one another, what can you say?" He spoke, which made me halt and gaze at him. I saw how his amber irises dazzled.

"May we have our dinner first?" I muttered, I distanced myself from him and proceeded to walk ahead.

I dislike his aura.

We continued strolling until we reached the dining hall, I saw the royalties discussing a matter with my father, and my eyes caught Sage having her grubs and quietly drinking her wine. "Poor, Sage..." I mumbled and I heard Prince Gohan chuckle.

"Probably she is not comfortable to be around with my brother," he replied and so I look at him with a confused countenance.

"Do they know one another?"

"Timothy often visits the town because he likes archery, he secretly sneaks with the players and aims to be in the top five, perhaps he saw her and recognized her face." My eyes widened considering that his brother is having his game with us at the butts.

"I never saw him at the field," I muttered and I saw how his brows met.

"What do you mean?"

"I am one of the archers," I stated and his countenance shifted, he remained silent and as we arrived at the table, I sat beside my father.

"It pleases me to see my son's soon to be bride, what a lovely view to behold, right Theodore?" The king praised, and they drank their wines. I kept quiet as I began to have the beef broth, I could sense that the princes were gazing at me.

"So, what do you usually do, Terra? Your father has been a great captain of thousands in our kingdom, and I assume that you possess such bravery, too." I heard the queen speak and so I paused from chewing and gazing in her direction.

"That is right, your highness. I often read books about archery, in view of the fact that it is what I relish to do." Upon my response, I saw how she glimpsed at my father and raised her brow. I suddenly felt disturbed.

"I like her," she added and beautifully smiled at me, which made my eyes widen in surprise. I heard the king pretending to cough before he took a sip from his wine.

"Mother, shall I invite Terra tomorrow evening to the town's hall? I would like her to witness the lantern's show off." I gripped tight on my spoon right after I heard Prince Gohan's words, I saw how a grin formed on his lips and I lightly glared at him.

"Oh my, I couldn't agree more, my son." The queen spoke and so I halted from breathing, I felt a hand squeeze mine and I gaze in my father's direction and I saw him nodding his head at me, and he whispered.

"It will be fine, Terra."

I forced a smile at them before I could even utter a word, "... That would be nice, I would like to," I almost stuttered the moment I saw how the king stared at me, did I do something very awkward in front of them?

"I am glad that both of you look so good together, anyhow, it put me into curiosity of how Timothy would response as soon as he meet the woman whom shall he bound with," the king spoke, and laughter echoes in the hall's roof. I could sense something in his voice, an opposing vibe.

"That would be unbelievable to imagine," they commented. Prince Gohan Ambers faced me and whispered something. "See you there, milady..." he chuckled and continued with his food, the rest of them discussed their personal matters and I sat still observing everybody. Is this even right?

Right after a nice dinner with the royal family, I head my way to the balcony of the palace and watch the lights from the village. I sigh as I gaze at the gloomy sky, where I could not see any bright but only darkness alone.

"I saw how you fake your response, Terra." I momentarily closed my eyes before turning my back to the man who spoke.

"What is it to you?"

"I am being a gentleman to you, miss. I understand that you never wish to be betrothed at such a young age," he added and walked near me, as he paused in front of me, he stroked the tips of my hair, and I stepped back preventing him to untie the portion where it was chopped by a random guy at the forest.

"I respect you, Prince Gohan, my apology for behaving in such a way."

"So are you truly certain to be my date tomorrow?" He once more asked and I parted my lips as my brain recklessly thought of something to reply.

"You can't disregard your father's wish, Terra..." he added, and I got stuck between my mind and my heart's outcome.

"I hope to make him delighted, yet not in a way where I have to lose myself... too much sacrifice will never do good,"

"It is just that night, my mother and father are expecting something great from you, don't fail them." I don't know, I felt pressured. I stared at his irises and all I could do is to let go of a deep sigh.

"I never assume to be in your arms, yet for my father's sake, I would surely accept your request," I replied and I saw him smirking before he could even lean his back on the wall.

I heard him chuckle, "I'm so offended that you didn't even wish to be my date, you know that most of the lass in our country were drooling over my daring body?" He crossed his arms and slightly shook his head whilst staring at me. "You are unbelievable, Terra. How can I even make you fall in love with me?"

I momentarily shut my mouth and gaze at his features. He is indeed attractive and alluring, but I can't fall in love with a man like him. I will never let myself fall into such an expensive ornament, I am nothing but dust in this world yet I strive for value.

"Don't yearn for it, your highness. A diamond cannot dwell with such a simple rock like me, you are fated to be with a dazzling gem..." I uttered and smiled at him.