Whispers Of Elven Redemption

A young woman walked through the small village of Reign, which sat on the outskirts from a palace. Her black hood covered her unique features as she passed by the market where merchants were trying to sell their goods, the smell of baked bread wafted in the air making her stomach growl. She left early in the morning without breakfast so that she could make it to and back from the forest in time before her mother would awaken.

As she carried the herbs she picked up from the forest in a wicker basket, she wandered through the crowded streets, the noises of the hustle and bustle of village life making her smile. She made her way back towards the palace, which was well protected with high walls, a gatehouse, towers that were heavily guarded and behind them a long, beautiful bridge that went across the river Stye. Just before approaching the guards, an old, tattered piece of paper nailed to a tree stood out to the side, catching the lady's attention, it read: By orders of the King, the following acts are FORBIDDEN: - Holding any form of magical instruments and/or books - Speaking Muranthian (the elvish tongue) - Holding any books or paintings made by the elves. - Holding any possessions made by the elves! It is against the law and anyone found doing any of the above will be punished accordingly. Next to the notice was another paper with drawings for anyone that could not read. Sighing to herself, she wondered how they were meant to get along with the elves when the people of the kingdom were already petrified of them, petrified of the beings that they were ignorant about. She moved past the tree and towards the guards who stood before the gatehouse, they straightened their backs and moved their spears in front of the entryway, blocking her passage. "The castle is off limits to peasants" The chubbier of the two guards spoke. Without saying a word, she removed the hood from her face, revealing her stunning features, with her bright emerald green eyes layered with thick black eyelashes and her long midnight black hair pinned back in a braided half up hairstyle, held together at the back with a clip sparkling with sapphires. The guard sucked in his breath and immediately pulled back the spear, which was followed by the other guard. Both of them bowed. "Princess Ariana, I apologize! If we had known it was you we would not have stopped you. Haha" The chubby guard nervously chuckled at the end, still keeping his head and back bowed. Ariana took a step forwards before stopping in her tracks as the guard spoke again, "If I may be so bold.. Princess. You shouldn't be leaving the palace without any guards. It is not safe, especially for a Lady such as yourself" He raised his head slightly to see one of her perfectly shaped eyebrows arched up by his assumption, he averted his own eyes quickly after seeing the displeasure on her flawless face. "Thank you for your concern, but I can take care of myself" She replied and continued on through the gatehouse. The sun shone brightly, warming up the skin on her face from the chill of the wind that swept across her as she walked over the bridge. After entering the huge wooden doors of the palace, she walked past some maids who were sweeping the floors and started ascending the white marble staircase. Her quick footsteps echoed around the halls. Following another set of doors, she found herself looking down at the courtyard where the balcony she walked across viewed the servants gardening below. The white walls were carved beautifully to make arched windows so that people could view the glorious gardens and fountains. Walking around a corner she nearly bumped into Sir Hugh, the King's second in command. With his weathered appearance and graying hair, he soon looked like he should retire, however she knew the man well, he was still capable of protecting the King and would most likely not retire until he would be forced to. He was also the last person she wanted to see right now, he was not a horrible man, in fact he had helped her a lot over the years. But his duty was to the King first and if he found out she left the palace again without any escorts, she would be in trouble. Trouble that she did not have time for. "Princess Ariana" He bowed, as he rose back up his kind eyes glanced at the basket of herbs before looking at her guilty face. "Sir Hugh" She bowed her head. "Were you by any chance out in the forest again?" He asked her. Shaking her head, she replied, "No... oh these?" pointing at the herbs in the basket "I found these in the gardens. I thought a morning stroll would be pleasant". Hugh peered at her face, his own face skeptical at her reply, he sighed, "You know I have to tell your father about this". She pouted at his response, lying was never easy around the knight. He bowed his head again and turned around making his way towards the King's quarters. She sighed herself and continued walking towards her mother's quarters, side stepping some noble women who were grouped together hushing at her approach. Ariana tilted her chin higher, ignoring their curtsies as she felt their stares on her back. It was always the same, were they never bored of gossiping, or looking at her face? She rolled her eyes internally. Rounding a corner, she finally made her way through an arch and arrived at her mother's door. Without knocking she opened the door gently, looking into the dark room with the curtains closed and her mother's figure still in bed, her black hair falling over the pillows. She crept in silently, closing the door behind her. Walking towards the bed, she placed the basket down on the table and took a seat on the chair next to her. Ariana looked at her closed eyes, if it weren't for the rise and fall of her chest, she would have assumed she was dead. Her once stunning mother was looking thin and frail, her normal youthful face looked almost parched and a lot older. None of the physicians that came to see her could tell what was wrong with her and that she should prepare for the worst. They had given her six months, at this rate though, that number was optimistic. Ariana could feel the heaviness in her chest, she strained her head to think of what she could do for her. "* Dear child, don't look so glum, *" Her mother uttered breathlessly. Taken out from her reverie, she looked into her mother's stunningly dark, hazel eyes that held so much wisdom beyond her years. "* I hope I did not wake you, you need your rest, *" Ariana replied, her eyes becoming tearful. Her mother shook her head. "* Read me one of those tales you loved so much as a child, maybe that will settle your nerves and send me back to sleep, *" Her mother asked. Ariana stood up and collected a book from the bookshelf she adored as a child, sitting back down in her chair, she started to read out the tale of 'Cerin the brave and the magic gem'. Nearing the end of the book, she read out loud how Cerin used the gem on his wounds that had been inflicted on him by the dragon, they closed up, immediately healing him. She looked over at her mother slowly, an idea forming in her head. Her mother always used to tell her that the elvish tales that were told, were not just legend but always held some form of truth. As a child, this book was her favorite because there was a dragon and she always thought the idea of dragons roaming the lands was fascinating. But realization dawned on her as the story may hold some truth about a magical gem that could heal; she glanced down at her mother's knowing smile. "* I would never ask you to do that for me Ariana, the woodland elves, the Flori, they are far too cold and uncaring. People get ill and die all the time, it is natural. I am not their own and even then, that would be a stretch for them to give it to us,*" Her mother's sad response made her heart clench. "* No Ariana, do not waste your time on this. You are still young and free. Now let that be the last of it.*" And on cue, her mother closed her eyes for rest. Ariana sighed quietly and stood up to put the book back, before placing it on the shelf she stared at it without truly taking note of it, her mind going into overdrive, clouding with her thoughts. If the gem were real, and if Flori still had it.. she could use it on her mother who would become well again. Although her mother had dismissed the idea, Ariana was not about to abandon the small hope that started to settle over her. A small amount of hope was better than no hope at all. Placing the book back onto the bookshelf, her brows furrowed. Her mother kept a secret chest that not even she was meant to know about, but of course being a curious child she had found it when she was younger. But back then she did not find anything in there fascinating, the parchments and scrolls were of no use to a child. Her curiosity was piqued now, she had not checked the chest since she was young. Knowing her mother held many secrets, she knew that there may be something in that chest that could be of some help to her. Despite there being notices everywhere in the villages and the King's word was final, this did not stop her or her mother from keeping objects that were made by the elves. They were kept hidden in plain sight or tucked away in the chest that lay underneath the couch in the adjoined living room. She walked across the bedroom and through the arch that led to the open spaced living room. Reaching underneath the couch that was placed in front of a small table and fireplace, she felt her hand grasp the wooden chest. Pulling it out quietly, she brought it over to the small table, before looking behind her to make sure her mother was still asleep. Loraven lay on her bed with her eyes closed, pretending to be asleep. Her ears twitched at the small sound of something being scraped on the floor. Her eyes flew open as she looked across the room at her daughter, who had sneakily picked up her secret chest. Worry lines formed on her face as she already knew what her daughter would find. Apprehension built in her chest as she sunk back down into bed to close her eyes when Ariana had looked back at her. She already made peace with the idea of death, the only heartache she felt was for her daughter. She wanted to see her grow up into the woman she was becoming, to see her future grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as making sure that she was safe and secure. The stares and the whispers she found the nobles giving felt nothing to her as she did not care for such petty things but to see the same stares and whispers held against her daughter, saddened her. Loraven was not angry with her daughter for trying to find a cure, she would of course be happy if she did live for all of the above to befall on her future. But in getting that gemstone she feared the worst would happen. She would outlive her daughter.

Taking a deep breath Ariana opened the clasp on the chest. Once opened, dust particles floated in the air out from the wooden box. Ariana found countless letters addressed to her mother, she started to reach for them before stopping herself. This was not the time to pique her curiosity, she needed more information on the gem.

She read through countless parchments and looked through all sorts of maps of lands she had never heard of before. Her eyes roamed further before stopping on a leather tube that was hidden at the bottom of the chest. Reaching for it she opened it to find an ancient looking scroll curled together, the material felt like it would crumble if too much pressure was applied to it.

On reading it, Ariana gasped. These were the instructions needed for the gem, that informed a person on how to use it to heal someone who is injured or ill!

She knew her mother had a thing for antique collections and objects that people would admit it was hard to find. Yet, here in her mother's chest was the very thing that she needed to help her. What were the odds of that? But, why, after months had she not revealed this to her? She may have even recovered by now if they had the gem in their possession.

Ariana looked back inside the tube to find another parchment at the bottom of it, turning it upside down it fell on top of the other parchments in the chest. She grabbed it and sat down on the couch, opening it just as carefully. It showed a small painting of the gem.

Before she could even fathom what to do next- a loud bang rang in the room. She looked behind her to see that a blonde haired, blue eyed figure came waltzing into the room with servants following behind her. Her sister, Isabel. Her face immediately scowled at the intrusion and at her awful sister, who she tried to keep a distance from at all costs. She was not scared of her or would not openly evade her but the drama she brings always caused Ariana terrible migraines.

"I want the room to be brighter, of course these awful rugs will be replaced with some brand new ones I will pick out.." Isabel ordered the servants, who kept their heads down.

Her mother slowly sat up in bed watching her in fascination and amusement!

"WHAT do you think you are doing?" Ariana asked, placing the scroll back down in the chest and shutting it behind her. She came back into the bedroom and looked at Isabel who had opened one of the curtains on the far-left wall.

"I am sorting my new room out for when SHE passes away" Isabel smirked as she watched her sister's face get angry.

Ariana's blood boiled, how dare she!? The audacity! Did she hate them so much that she waited readily for her mother's death?

Before continuing with her itinerary to the servants, Isabel walked towards the now raging Ariana, her steps purposely slow, just as she was a step away from her sister she stopped. Smiling at her, her voice lowered as she said, "You know, once her body is rotting in the ground, that will be one less person to protect you"

Ariana knew that she was baiting her so she 'played her at her own game', scoffing she replied,

"Protect me from who, you, sister?", she took the last step forwards, challengingly, her face becoming menacing the longer she looked down into her older sister's eyes.

Isabel's smile faltered, unlike her sister, she did not learn how to fight or sword fight. She had been brought up as a proper princess, her hobbies were of a normal feminine nature, preparing her for when she would get married. She had often laughed when they were younger, watching Ariana dressed up in men's attire and going to training.

This, however, did not mean that she was not slightly frightened of her, her sister could beat her up if she wished. But Isabel liked to play games, she often started rumors about Ariana that spread throughout the court. Sometimes, however, she just wanted to rub more salt into a wound. Her mother's decline in health was the perfect opportunity, her hate for her sister was that deep.

Isabel ignored what Ariana said and turned back around to continue with her game. Walking back to the curtains on the far left, she honestly could not understand why they were being used.

"I think these curtains will definitely need changing, royal blue? Eww, so last year.." Isabel continued, as she reached up to investigate the material in her hands with a look of disdain on her face.

Within a second, a whizzing sound and a whip of wind passed her face as a dagger ripped through the princess's sleeve on her outstretched hand, pulling her back into the wall placed behind the curtain. The dagger wobbled as it attached Isabel's sleeve from her dress to the curtain. Her eyes widened as she looked back towards Ariana and stared at her in disbelief.

"If I were you, sister, I would leave. Next time I will not miss it." Ariana snapped, staring angrily at her. She had enough of her vile presence in the room.

"You ruined a perfectly good gown; you wait until father hears of this!... You are barbaric!!" She screeched back at her while trying to remove the dagger from her sleeve.

Ariana stormed over to her sister's side and pulled the dagger out from the wall, with the dagger still raised at Isabel's eye level, she shouted,

Isabel jumped at her voice and scurried out of the room; the servants followed behind her as they looked down at the floor sheepishly. Ariana knelt down and placed the dagger back inside her boot before looking over at her mother, who held back a giggle and smiled joyously from the scene. She shook her head at her mother, who always found laughter when there should be none. That would be something she would miss...She shook her head again. She will not think that way.

"* I brought you some herbs mother, let me make you some tea, *" Ariana's voice grew hoarse, her mother nodded, her face concerned. She turned her back and walked towards the table across from the bed where the herbs were still placed inside the basket.

Ariana went back to the living room to quietly move the chest back under the couch while her mother sat upright in bed holding the tea that she made, looking towards the window. Her hazel eyes were in thought, and her face slightly red, warmed by the tea.

"* You have not trained in a while,*" Her mother softly spoke across the room. Ariana walked back to the chair she previously sat on, placing her hands in her lap.

"* There have been more urgent matters to attend to, *" She looked down at her hands. Her mother reached forwards and placed her hand above her own. Ariana looked back up into her mother's warm eyes.

"*Please, do not do anything reckless.*"

At this, Ariana tilted her head to the side and joked "Me? Reckless? Never."

"* I mean it Ariana, I can already see you are planning something," Her brows furrowed. "You are so spirited, I just do not want anything to diminish the light from those eyes of yours.*"

"*Not doing anything will cause that mother.*"

Ariana did not even want to think about her demise. She was already starting to feel fatigued from the strain of bearing the weight of her mother's health on her shoulders. There was nobody else who seemed to care for what her mother was going through, the king of course did but he was always busy with his royal duties. In the spare time he did have, it was mostly spent with the rest of the family, who she did not frequently see. So, she kept her feelings to herself, watching daily as her mother's form lost its vibrancy.

It felt like it was just the two of them against the realm, even though they lived in a grand palace with servants and many others, it was always just them two. The nobles disliked the pair of them but showed them enough respect so as not to lose their heads, and the only other real friend she had has been away for two years.

Glancing back at her mother, she saw her watching her, just as her lips parted to reply to her daughter, a light knock tapped on the door and a maid came forward.

"Lady Loraven, Princess Ariana." The maid curtsied. Turning to Ariana she said, "The king has summoned you".

Leaving her mother's quarters, she followed behind the maid while telling her to get some soup made for her mother, the maid nodded her head obediently. As she came back towards the view of the courtyard, she saw a man stop in the hall. A man she hadn't seen in 2 years. He looked more rugged than before, taller maybe? His dark brown hair had definitely grown as it lay down nearly touching his shoulders. His face was covered in some dirt and stubble ran along his chiseled jaw, no longer holding any baby fat along his cheeks or jaw. But his dark blue eyes remained the same, if not, they looked a bit wiser.

His features lit upon recognising her. He couldn't believe that the princess before him was the same from before. Well, he could, but he found her to be breathtaking. Even with her hair half pinned up, it was nearly at her waist. Her green eyes looked even brighter with the matching green dress she wore that complimented her slender figure whereby her chest had filled out.

"Ger!" She screamed excitedly as she ran the short distance towards him and flung herself on him, her arms over his shoulders, hugging him tightly. His cheeks reddened slightly as he leaned down and wrapped his arms around her back. He made a vague coughing sound as he stepped back and made an extravagant bow.

"Princess Ariana," his husky voice replied, holding in a chuckle as he looked back at her.

"Oh drop the act Ger, I missed you!" Ariana's eyes were lit with excitement as she smiled up at him.

Ger could not help but smile back at the princess, she was still the wild, untamed girl he had known most his life. The clothes and jewelry she wore could not hide the vibrant look in her eyes, nor the high-spirited persona she had. The fact that she disobeyed most of the rules that are set for the royal family, never went unnoticed in the nobles' eye's; he was always impressed with how she did not pay heed to the states and gossips surrounding her. Or how the king never punished her too badly.

Silence filled the halls which made Ariana realize that everyone was watching their exchange, she glanced over to the side that caused the nobles to go back to whispering as they eyed the pair. She internally rolled her eyes at how pompous they all acted, and how they would soon gossip about how the princess did not act like a princess at all. Throwing herself into a man's arms, now that was of course disgraceful. Gritting her teeth, she composed her expression as she took on her role as a princess, she would not want word to get back to her father about her open behavior with Ger.

Bowing her head, she said, "The king has summoned me, I would love it if we could catch up later?"

He bowed again. "I would be delighted, Ariana."

And with that, she continued walking until she made her way to the great hall. The double doors opened for her to enter, as she walked through, the light from the tall windows at the far end of the hall shone across the marbled floor, lighting up the grand features of the high ceilings. As her steps echoed in the room, she passed the pillars and high arches by her sides. She kept her head held high and her face composed as she felt the gazes of the nobles on each side of the room, the queen in particular glared at her as she stood with her ladies at the side.

Her eyes fell on her father who sat on the throne, she stopped a few feet away from the steps that led to the royal chairs. Behind the king, standing against the wall was Sir Hugh, who kept his gaze impassive as he looked blankly ahead. Her eyes quickly glanced back to the king. On seeing her father's face, she already knew what this was about.

"Why is it, Ariana," he spoke loudly, "that you cannot obey simple rules?"

She looked back up at him, pursing her lips.

"I'm sorry father, it was a quick trip."

"Anything could have happened to you. Not only did you go into the village but also the forest! No matter the length of the trip, you will bring guards with you," his voice deepened.

Ariana did not want to argue with him, but she simply did not want to use the guards. She was not arrogant, far from it, but she could look after herself if someone tried to attack her. Her father knew this, but he wanted her to have that extra protection. The thought of having guards following her around, it made her shudder. There was no freedom with that, and the lower class would act differently around her. She found peace walking around the villages and forest without any stares, curtsies or whispers.

"I know father, I will next time," She replied.

"That. Is what you said last time!" The king threw his hands up exasperated then stood up and walked to stand in front of his daughter. She was too much like her mother, stubborn and spirited.

He looked down at her sternly,

"Do I need to start having guards follow you around in the castle?"

Her eyes widened "No, No! I will not leave without them again. I Promise," Her voice rose higher, with her hands already behind her back she crossed her fingers.

The king looked convinced as he strolled back to his throne and sat down lazily. He moved his hand indicating that she could go. Ariana released the breath she was holding, sagging slightly in relief. Bowing her head, she started to turn.

"And WHAT about this morning!?" A shrill voice pierced through the hall.

Stopping her steps, she rolled her eyes before turning around to look at the queen. The king sighed, suddenly looking very tired. He placed his hand under his chin, leaning his elbow on the frame of the throne. His graying shoulder length hair falling forward on his face. He blinked his blue eyes before asking in an uninterested voice,

The queen glared angrily at the king before walking forwards so she stood perfectly in Ariana's line of sight.

"The princess here ripped Isabel's dress on PURPOSE," The queen replied, looking at Ariana with disdain.

Taking a deep breath, Ariana spoke up, "It was not on purpose, your highness."

"Are you saying that I am lying? Your Queen?" She raised her voice, taking a step forward.

"Eleanor..." The king chided.

"No, your majesty, I am not calling you a liar. Maybe you have not been provided with the correct information" Ariana tilted her head to the side. The nobles by the pillars, started to murmur to each other at the princess's remark, their eyes wide and with anticipation at the show before them.

"So, Isabel has lied to the queen, to the crown? Is that what you are implying?"

"Eleanor!" The king barked impatiently.

Queen Eleanor held up her hand to him "No Osian, I have had enough with your favoritism you show this bastard of yours! It needs to-"

"ELEANOR! Enough!" The king barked as he stood from his throne. He glared at his wife who shrunk back in fear. Silence fell in the room.

"You may leave Ariana," He said while continually glaring at the queen. Ariana curtsied and quickly walked out of the throne room, the building tension left her shoulders, as the queen stayed quiet. The only indication that this chat was not finished between them, was by her stare that tried to pierce through her back.