by S K Smith
‘Why?!’ She howled through her sobs.
‘You're Elves. You would have met the same fate if they had caught you. Which is why you need to leave.’ The man said gently. Both the boy and the man rose, and quietly left the room, leaving Ayda to grieve alone. She never knew how long she spent crying that night, or when her grief turned to blind anger, but she never noticed when Niall entered alone, placing a soft blanket around her shivering frame.
2 - NIALL
Niall was curious. She was the opposite of everything he had grown up believing. Ayda was passionate and loyal, and more importantly - she hadn't looked at him in disgust. She didn't trust him, that much was clear, but he couldn't say he blamed her after what had happened to the boy elf. He had watched in awe of her bravery as she insisted she would save her friend, he saw the fire that burned in her eyes and saw it extinguished as grief smothered the flame. He felt as though he had witnessed a person's soul fleeing the pain, dealt by the loss of a loved one. How he wished he could have helped, just to bring a smile to her face. Hours had passed, and it was a clear morning. Today he would say goodbye to the mysterious girl elf. Scrubbing his face in murky water he cleared his thoughts, preparing questions he wanted to ask before she left. He was just as curious about her world, as she was in his. His Pa was outside preparing the cart with goods, the plan was to smuggle the girl out as far as the bridge, he knew the guards would be searching the town and the forest by now. No Elf was tolerated in their lands, and they would make sure all were destroyed for threatening the humans with their presence. The thought made Niall shudder, he would not let any harm come to this girl, she had her own Pa to go home to. Striding down to the kitchen, looking forward to the conversation he had planned, he stopped suddenly when he saw the girl at the rickety kitchen table. Ayda didn't look up as he slid into a seat opposite her, she was staring blankly at the stone-cold porridge in front of her, dark circles set in beneath her puffy eyes. Had she not slept? He thought to himself. Her eyes had none of the energy he witnessed last night, they were dark and deep and lost. He sighed, all thoughts of questioning her faded, he felt pity for her, a feeling he didn't realise he could feel for an Elf.
‘Didn’t you sleep at all?’ He asked quietly. She didn't respond, her eyes were still fixed. ‘You should get some sleep in the cart, it will be a long ride home.’
‘I don't care. I don't want to go home.’ She said so quietly he almost missed it.
‘But your Ma and Pa will want you home.’ He said encouragingly, smiling at her.
‘Not when they know what I have done.’ She shook her head miserably, tears filling her eyes again. This confused him, what had she done? Then he thought, if he had taken a trip to Myrliar his Pa would flay him. He had thought of it a few times, hearing that Myrliar was a beautiful untouched wilderness, the Elves cherished and respected nature, unlike humans who destroyed it and used it to their own ends.
‘It's natural to want to explore,’ Niall said kindly, ‘I would love to see your lands.’ Ayda looked up at him, as if wanting to say something. She shook her head thinking better of it. Something deep and painful was living inside her, smothering her flame and drowning out her voice, he decided. Grief could do that to a person, but was this something more? It clicked.
‘You feel guilty.’ He said simply, realising. ‘It’s not your fault.’ Ayda didn’t respond. Watching her intently, Niall studied the features on her face. Her long dirty blonde hair was messy, her bright blue eyes were red and blotchy, her skin was a sickly white and her lips were pink. She was beautiful, he thought. He felt something twist inside him. He wanted to look after her, wanted to see that fire again. The door opened, and his Pa walked in.
‘You ready?’ He asked gruffly. When Niall nodded, he gestured for them to follow. He led them to an old cart drawn by a horse that was nearing its retirement. The man patted the elderly horse gently and whispered something soothing in its ear.
‘Ole' Mack here will get you to the bridge safely.’ He assured her.
‘Pa's been riding Mack since he was young, he hasn't ever let us down.’ Niall smiled, taking Ayda by the hand and leading her to the horse. Tentatively she raised her hand to touch its mane, it was rough and knotted, he needed a good clean. He leant into her, enjoying the attention. Lowering the back of the cart, the man helped Ayda into it and buried her beneath several empty sacks behind empty crates and barrels. She was so small, she was invisible.
‘Niall is going to the orchard on the other side of the forest, you will pass the bridge on the way,’ The Old Man explained. Ayda nodded and buried herself deeper under the sacks. Niall bid a quiet farewell to his Pa before the cart rolled suddenly into a slow pace. The dirt road was bumpy and hard, several times they hit a small rock hard enough for them to bounce and land with a jolt. Niall was soon covered in bruises as they made their way slowly and noisily to the forest. After several minutes of riding through dirt and stone, new surroundings pressed in. Trees enveloped them, and twigs and branches snapped as they caught up in the wheels and crispy leaves crunched underneath. Niall closed his eyes and listened to the rolling wheels against the ground, the birds singing with the breeze as he rocked gently to and fro with the cart. He thought he heard a quiet whimper behind him and guessed that the ride was even more uncomfortable for Ayda. Looking ahead he could see Guards in the distance watching them draw near. As he reached them he slowed to a stop.
‘Good morning!’ Niall said cheerfully.
‘Where’re you going this early?’ The guard asked suspiciously, narrowing his eyes at the boy.
‘My Pa sent me to the orchard, for apples for pastry, Sir.’ Niall said indifferently.
‘Uh huh. Check the back." The guard barked the command. The other guards paced around the cart, they checked underneath and looked in the barrels. They paid no attention to the empty sacks. Good job she's small, Niall thought to himself. Even though he knew she was there, he could hardly make out any shape beneath the sacks.
‘Move on boy.’ The guard nodded, allowing Mack to continue. Niall moved Mack into a walk, pushing forwards through the forest. The forest grew dense, Niall started to carefully manoeuvre between trees and around rocks. Careful with his cargo and his cart, their pace slowed. After an hour, they finally reached the outskirts of the forest, the sturdy wooden bridge was ahead, in plain sight. Niall sighed. He didn't want to say goodbye here, he wanted to see her home safe. The bridge formed over the Myr River. The Myr River separated their worlds, the Humans and the Elves, once she crossed it, it would be too dangerous for him to follow. The Elves would kill him. Checking their surroundings, he pulled Mack to a stop. The fields either side of him were clear, and no-one appeared to be following from the forest behind.
‘We're here Ayda,’ He said, letting go of the reigns, and jumping down from the cart. Ayda appeared from underneath the sacks, she stepped down from the cart and pulled her brown cloak close around her. She looks so vulnerable he thought. He felt a pang of sorrow as he realised he would never see this girl again. She would probably never remember him.
‘Ayda-’ He started. Thundering behind spun him around as Ayda's eyes widened, watching something over his shoulder. Hundreds of horses were galloping to the bridge on the other side of the river, each rider covered head to toe in glistening golden armour. Niall's mouth dropped as he recognised the Royal emblem embossed onto each chest plate.
‘Are they -?’ He stammered,
‘The Royal Protectors.’ Ayda sighed, her cheeks flushing, ‘Father has sent them to find me.’
‘Your Pa must be important to send an Army to get you huh?’ Niall said, impressed. The Golden Army stopped at the entrance to the bridge. Niall noticed the rider at the front of the Army wore a different helmet to the others, grander and more richly dressed. The rider dismounted and stomped over the bridge towards them.
‘Princess! You are safe!? Come quickly!’ He demanded in a strong, concerned voice.
Princess? Niall stared at Ayda, who w
as staring at the golden army with dread etched across her face. She could not go back to Jonas, but she could not go home either. She was broken, destroyed by guilt. Niall sympathised with her as he thought of her explaining what had happened to the boy's parents. He took her hand in his.
‘It was nice meeting you Princess. Remember, it was not your fault.’ Niall said quietly as he squeezed her small hand. He watched her walk away silently, determined to remember every part of her beautiful face. He had known her for a mere night and felt as though his life had changed forever. He didn't feel like a boy anymore. Climbing back up to Mack, he watched her walk towards the rider, whisper something to the man and then follow him to the Army. He waved at her, hoping she would wave back. She didn't. The Army turned and moved away, away so he could not follow. Look back, he thought desperately, please look back. She didn't. He felt his heart break slowly as he realised she would never remember him the way he would remember her.
10 YEARS LATER
3 - ELLE
The tree looked down on her, watching the world from its great heights. Hidden beneath its bark were thousands of memories. Faces and voices from people over the years, who had shared secrets whilst enjoying its shade or admiring the beautiful blossoms on its limbs. How she adored this tree - it was older than the Castle itself! She patted down her skirts and sat cross legged beneath it. Smiling up at the sun she opened her book. Stories of Knights and Kings filled her heart, one day she would find her own hero, and they would be forever happy, just like the Princess in her story. Sir Rakel was a Knight - in her Father's Guard no less! He was as loyal and as good as one can be. He had once brought her sister home to safety many years ago and for that she would always love him as an Uncle. He and her Father had played games together as boys - they could well be brothers she mused. Her hair flowed in the breeze, long and blonde, she often ran it through her fingers, trying her best to curl it, but she could never do it as well as Amie, her maid.
‘Elle! Elle!’ Children of the court called as they ran past her, chasing butterflies, she laughed as the boys fell over themselves in their haste to impress her. She smiled peacefully and returned to the pages before her. Elle would read for hours, given the time. She lived for the hours spent in a dream, a dream world where anything was possible. Today however, she had little time to spare.
Later she would be taken back to her chambers to change, there was to be a Grand Ball today, and as Princess she was expected to attend. The Rituals were starting again soon, Elves from all over Myrliar were making their way to the Stone City to partake. The Ball was just the beginning. Elle was very excited, her Mother had said that this year, she was to participate in the Rituals. Even Ayda had never done this!
‘Elle, are you coming?’ A young girl Elf walked up to Elle with her hand out.
‘Where are you going?’ Elle asked, lifting her head up from her fantasy.
‘To try on our dresses!’ The girl exclaimed excitedly. Elle jumped up, she so wanted to see the other girls' dresses! They ran through the beautiful expansive gardens and up the white stone staircase into the Castle. The Castle was pure white, carved, smooth stone from nearby mountain ranges had been brought down and transformed into the grandest Castle in Myrliar. Centuries old yet the stone was not weathered or crumbling, it stood strong and tall, impenetrable but for the ivy climbing up the towers reaching for the sun. Climbing higher and higher the little elves ran, giggling, until they reached the Princess' large and grand chambers. In the centre of the room was a large four-poster bed, delicately detailed with white and gold ornate patterns. A large balcony was situated across the room which allowed sunlight to flood the white walls as the gentle breeze caressed the white lace voiles. Ivy had crawled through the balcony over the years and now veined the walls, climbing towards the ceiling. Luxurious tapestries, furniture and ornaments lines the room, and stunning, colourful flowers decorated the chambers. It was a room big enough for dancing, and grand enough for a much-loved Princess.
‘Princess, is there anything I can get for you?’ Amie asked, dropping into a low courtesy.
‘I want to see my dress please! Can you send for the other girl's dresses too?’ Elle asked politely, flinging herself onto her large, grand, golden plated bed. The other girls followed, bouncing happily on her soft mattress. Amie disappeared and then reappeared moments later carrying a pale pink lace dress, with pearl flowers sewn into the skirts and ruffles at the arms. Amie held it up smiling. Elle felt so happy she swelled with pride. She had been waiting for today ever since she had received her summons.
‘Oh Princess, it's so beautiful, you are so lucky!’ The girls exclaimed, giddy with excitement.
Elle reached out and gently caressed the soft lace skirt, she was going to look so grown up in her gorgeous gown. The other girls' maids brought other dresses one by one, each different in their own way, but none as detailed as the first gown. Elle didn't notice, she thought that tonight every girl would be a Princess.
Later that evening, the Ball in the Grand Hall was in full swing. Elves were dancing together, smiling and laughing, celebrating the coming days in honour of the Elders and the cherished Royal Family. It had been months since everyone was last together, this meeting was mandatory, those invited had an obligation to their King to attend. If they did not, they were rounded up and brought to the Castle. It was the most important Ritual in their culture. The King and Queen were standing in the marble Royal Chamber, splendid and tall in their floor length white silk gowns, trimmed with gold and rubies, their young daughter standing proud between them, grinning down at her dress, her golden curls cascading down her back. They glanced to the guarded main doors, patiently waiting. The door flung open. A young elf strode confidently into the centre of the room her hard eyes fixed on her parents. Her blonde hair was cut short, not reaching her shoulders, her piercing blue eyes were hard, and her jaw was set into a determined line. She wore no gown, instead sporting a black tunic wrapped around her tightly and trousers with thick leather buckled boots.
‘Your Majesties.’ She curtsied low.
‘Oh, Ayda, where is your gown? This is a Grand Ball hosted by the Crown for the Elders.’ The Queen waved a hand and brought her eldest daughter closer examining her. Elle grabbed her sister around her middle and pulled her into a tight squeeze. Glancing down Ayda struggled to keep the smile from her lips as she regarded her young sister, a glowing beauty in her ballgown.
‘Training takes all of my time and the Elders once again have not summoned me anyway.’ Ayda shrugged. The King and Queen regarded their eldest sadly. Ayda had been set on joining the Army since she was young, not long after Sir Rakel had recovered her. She planned to reject all claims to the Throne, leaving the burden to her little sister. Ayda had never explained to them why.
‘You are still of Royal blood Ayda, it is expected of you.’ The King said gently.
‘I hear that Elle has been summoned to the Ritual.’ Ayda cut in, ignoring her father's words.
‘Yes, the Elders have deemed her worthy,’ The Queen nodded proudly, ‘She will accompany us tomorrow.’ Elle grinned up at her sister proudly, she was pleased to have been selected by the Elders for the Ritual, she had hoped for many years that she would be summoned. Many Elves across Myrliar were selected and summoned to the Ritual, but not all. Elle had been lucky, Ayda had not once been chosen, even though she was still widely considered the Royal heir. Ayda did not seem bothered by her lack of invitation, she was very rarely seen at Court, and was most often at the Barracks with the other soldiers, drilling.
‘It is time to make our appearance.’ The King said, moving towards the chamber doors, arm in arm with his Queen. On the other side of the door, the music was coming to an end and voices could be heard, the Royal Chamber doors opened, and the Royal Family stepped through as one. At once, the crowd bowed low in respect. Gliding across the room, the King and Queen moved through the crowds, politely acknowledging those gathered and gracefully seating themselves upon the gold a
nd ruby emblazoned Thrones at the head of the Grand Hall, tiered higher to watch over the people of their realm. One Elvish Lord raised a golden goblet into the air in toast to the Monarchs, and all others followed suit. Music sprang to life once more amidst laughter and many gathered again to dance. Elle stared in awe at her mother and father, seated so elegantly on their thrones. To her they were everything, they were fair rulers, and loved by all. Many Elves made their way politely to speak with the rulers and each were offered warm conversation and smiles from her parents, to them their position was one of duty, not of glory. Everyone marvelled at the Queens beauty, her waist length golden hair laced with simple flowers and the King's strength, how he held and expressed himself to all was to be admired. Together they were formidable, charming and intelligent. Their rule had been one of peace. Elle moved through the crowds smiling and chatting as her mother had instructed. Several ladies of the court commented on her beauty and her childish innocence, she could feel her mother watching her every step, not in warning, but as a mother would watch a child. Ayda had already slipped into a corner in heavy discussion with a couple of off-duty Knights. Most were paying her little attention, just how she liked it. Elle found a few of the girls she played with regularly and found herself called on to dance. Everyone moved aside, and her parents applauded politely with the crowd ready for her performance. As the music started, Elle and her friends slowly placed their steps in unison along the stone floor, elegantly floating through the air, Elle felt light as a feather as she tiptoed delicately with her friends. Gracefully, they spiralled around each other, taking delight from their skirts lightly floating with their steps. Faster and faster Elle spun in time to the music, laughing and grinning happily, wishing that the music would never end. She prayed for a tune that would whisk her to the stars, so she could peacefully dance in the sky forever. Finally, after an age of dancing and gossiping the King rose from his throne to address the Ball.
