Ellyn

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I gently draped the flowing midnight blue satin over myself finally managing to accomplish getting dressed for the dinner tonight. A glance in the floor-length mirror reassured me of my appearance, my hair cascaded down my back in loose curls while a delicate tiara held the side strands of my hair in long looping creations, skillfully forming an air of regality and power.

I don't want to do this

My heart still bled at the sight of that little boy so young and innocent being dragged away to undoubtedly face another horrific experience. It wasn't fair. Why, no, how could people be so cruel? Are we not all the same? Do we not all have the wish of love and security? Do we not all have hearts that should hold compassion?

Unconsciously I find my hand resting on my midsection, my baby. Only 2 moons to go now and I'll have him, or her, in my arms. The thought is both frightening and exhilarating. I do not want them to enter into a world where I cannot even protect the child that faces such injustice before my eyes.

I startled at my sudden vow. I would not forsake this promise, with new purpose and renewed vigour I spin on my heels carefully, not to tip back too much, to prevent a fall of course.

I had done that once and fallen flat on my back. It was from then on the cause of much banter and embarrassment, I can feel the blush rising to my cheeks at the unwelcome memory.

Three coordinated raps had the distinctive honour of rousing me from my straying mind. Filled to the brim with flowing ideas, filled to overflowing with expectancies, filled with a shattered mess of knowledge of what was to come, I called out.

"Enter !"

I called from my position looking towards the door to face whoever lay in wait at the other side. It would truly be a blessing to see a familiar face. Travelling with a company of men was annoying, to say the least, and taxing to put it lightly. It was imposing to deal with. One would assume that these men, all battle-hardened and wise with age - yet still in their prime, strong and capable warriors - would not act like such bairns. Bairns that fought over sweets while their parents dealt with the more serious matters and to be specific I was the 'parents' in this unfortunate scenario.

The pale brown door swung open in an audible shriek making the approaching figure cringe. Burns and slashes could be seen from a mile away, it was a well-loved addition to the room and old in its experience.
I smiled at my thoughts and beamed at the man who walked through.

'Edgar! Why this is a wonderful surprise. If it wasn't for this moment in history I would have thought you went out of your way to never cross the path I trod" my voice was laced with humour prompting a jovial reply and endorsing a smile that I had endeavoured to deliver on this man's face. Edgar was an introvert, he would hardly smile and stuck to the shadows as far as anyone could tell.

Edgar cleared his throat in a vain attempt for his voice to regain its fluidity and loose some of its gruffness from disuse.

"No my lady, what ever made you think that! I have been requested to inform you that our party is ready to leave and we wait only for you now to accompany us to the keep. The horses have also arrived with the royal carriage that you and the king will enter in. Is there anything else that needs to be done?"

This was all said in an even-toned manner suggesting a lack of interference and care if it weren't for his eyes that held sincerity and his posture that radiated respect.

"Of course, it will not do to keep you all waiting. I will be down in a bit, I just need to strap on my weapons and conceal them as best as possible" I smiled with humble acceptance as Edgar left closing the door softly behind him after giving me a deep nod of understanding.

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The carriage wheels rattled distinctly in the pregnant silence as we all sat in silence each of us absorbed in our own thoughts. Stewing in our own self doubt and wishing on our own personal stars for the luck and guidance that would be more than welcome. I had no doubt of our capability - we would not fail.

Golden eyes stared at me thought the dim and overcast pathways conjured by my mind still stuck in the events before.

I will help him, I will not forsake my promise.

"Ellyn darling, are you alright ?" The concerned voice of my love woke me from my slumber and cacophony of thought secluded in my mind too small to contain my anguish.

"Oh ! Yes, perfectly fine. I - I was just thinking... " I let my voice fade in sudden nervousness and fear. Emerald green eyes intently stared at me, noticing my discomforts, seeking to ease my pain even if it was not possible.

Warm hands grasped mine in a reassuring gesture, and kind eyes seared my soul into amicable calm.

the rolling hills gave way to grey buildings some bright with flowers and colour others drab and forgotten in their miserable state of unrepair. Cobwebs and chipped paint swung in the wind dancing to some silent rythim, twirling to some unheard tune. Soon the small cottages started to fade leading to a looming keep posing at the top of a hill, ominous and dreadful in its obscurity. Green, lush vines climbed two opposite towers that strove to reach the sky, their hand grasping unseable hope and a path barred to them.

Windows cast long shadows underneath the outer panels as the flames in the hearth danced to a baudy composition that flooded the halls and soaked in the very walls.

I sighed in horror and annoyance - this was going to be one of those dinners, again.
Sometimes it was incredibly irritating when pompous lords decided to show off their wealth in the name of welcoming their prestigious guests. It was painful to watch over, the colours although warm held no welcome and the fires although large held no warmth resulting in cold stones that the lush thick carpets and tapestries did nothing to decrease and make more pleasant. The stones had been newly washed and looked as polished as the day they were constructed yet if anyone dared to look deeper
They would notice the blotches of red where the servants had scrubbed their hands raw without the proper protective hand wear.

It brought wretched tears to my eyes, and I hated it. Curses to Lord Fersugil and his troll sized ego. He didn't deserve these loving people who deserved more love and loyalty. He didn't deserve the children who feared him and were of awe of him, he their nightmares and he their hero, their perfect role model.

A quick flick of my wrist allowed My hands to wipe away the offending tears, crying would do me no use now. Nothing is solved with crying and I will not be an emotional fool. Rationality and courage, truth and resistance that's what mattered and I could do my part tonight no matter what happened.

I gave my darling one more loving smile barring my heart and soul before closing down. The mask was firmly in place - I had no care in the world.
This is my world.

My eyes cast in shadow were securely shielded from all my whirling emotions and their colour a calm collected sapphire hue. Their vibrance reflected back through the blackened windows of the carriage, I had hated them once, this was my most despised quality in youth. The other children had perfect brown or hazel eyes yet I was a freak. I hated it. That was in the past, this was my beautiful, unique quality and I was proud. No longer ashamed .

I would get through this, time may pass and the stars change yet I will protect and cherish, defend and honour my people. This one of many the first true steps.

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Laughter flittered through thin lips as short bursts of giggles departed Ruby red glossed lips as they both pulled back in enchanting smiles. These held no true goodness the dangerous glint in their eyes saw to this.

Our entrance was made known with the deathening crash of the colossal door, silencing the racket that shook the halls. The two finely clothed nobles sprang to their feet: like springs bouncing from some obscured force, like traitors jumping from blazing coals under-foot. Stifling heat blast from the infernos of suffocating embers, embers that feared to flee, embers that feared to sing their potential in crippling distress at their painful vanquishment.

"WELLCOME! My table is yours to dine on and my splendors yours to use as fit ! " boomed the tall, willowy man that loomed ever closer announcing the traditional greeting for guests.

"Yes greetings, you're majesties! " The women beside him answered.
Confused I looked around, where was Lady Fersugil?

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