Queen Nalani takes a breath as she closes the door to Westwood Manor behind her, trying her best to remain quiet and undetected. It has been a long journey on foot from Rolanth's port, she was offered a carriage but she wanted the time to spend with Rowan and she enjoyed every moment with him. Too much time has been wasted. She can not afford to lose much more.

He is staying with his cadre anyways, in a house not far from Westwood Manor. Pele is paying for their accommodation and it wasn't difficult to acquire seeing as Rowan is a Westwood. He told Nalani to wish his aunt and cousin the best.

Just as she lowers her hood and breathes a sigh of relief, she is engulfed by the familiar arms of her best friend Hestia Westwood.

"Lani!" Hestia shouts in relief, her grip not lessening as she kept clinging to Nalani, her dark curls tickling Nalani's face slightly. Nalani chuckles. Hestia has always been a light sleeper and a compulsive worrier even though she had already received news that Nalani is okay.

"Hestia, lower your voice," Nalani says smiling, "you don't want to summon the entire household downstairs."

Hestia smiles apologetically and Nalani observes her best friend and takes her in. Vivianne's only daughter is as beautiful as ever.

She is tall and has a petite hourglass figure with beautiful thick dark brown curls that reach down past her shoulders. Nalani adores the texture of Hestia's hair, so soft and unique due to her mixed race heritage.

She has a heart shaped face, beige skin, soft cheekbones and full lips with a small gap in between her front two teeth.

Hestia Westwood always has a happy and friendly disposition/aura with a bright smile and she has forest green eyes. She is a light compared to Nalani's black hair and eyes that suggests darkness. 

Soon Kali arrives, her flaming red her swishing as she runs around the corner, obviously anxious for Queen Nalani as well. Even though she is maid Nalani considers her a great friend.

"Lani!" She shouts with equal loudness to Hestia as the maid embraces the queen, "are you alright? Are you hungry? Are you tired? Of course you're hungry and tired. I'll go fetch something from the kitchens right now." 

And with all those flurry of questions and answers without waiting for a reply Kali runs down to the kitchen to prepare something for Nalani. 

Nalani does pat her stomach and hears a quiet gurgle. When did she eat last?  She doesn't get a chance to answer her own question as Hestia drags Nalani to a nearby couch and sits her down, 

"Everyone was so afraid at first, even with the water elementals helping you go towards that ship," Hestia says so fast that Nalani can barely decipher it, "it wasn't your fault of course you tripped, don't worry mother is making sure the tales of you falling are lessened, most of the island is only hearing about the power of your display."

Of course. Vivianne is handling the political situation as usual, protecting Nalani's reputation so that she can get sufficient support. She loves Vivianne for it but she also feels a hint of resentment. She must always put on a good show, she can't afford mistakes, she can't afford to be normal. She is a queen of Fennbirn, for better or for worse.

"Good old Vivianne," Nalani muses, attempting a smile, "she is always protecting me."

"Of course she is, we all are, you're our hope, our future," Hestia says giving Nalani a warm hug, "not to mention you're my best friend, I will always care about your fate."

Nalani smiles genuinely at that, leaning on Hestia's shoulders, "You're one of the only ones I can believe on that front. And I love you for caring."

Hestia smiles again, a dazzling one that makes Nalani want to smile again as she clasps her best friend's hand.

"Wait what happened on the boat," Hestia asks suddenly as the thought pops into her head.

"Well I was asleep for quite a while and they tended to my minor wounds," Nalani explains, suddenly remembering that she even injured herself as she hadn't noticed the pain particularly, "and my rescuers were a delegation of war gifted, naturalists and one elemental, we're both familiar with the latter."

Hestia gasps, her hand flying to her mouth in shock as another smile forms on her face,
"Lain are you talking about who I think you are?" She says, barely containing her excitement.

Hestia's joy is infectious and it only reminds Nalani of what she felt when she saw Rowan so she becomes happier all over again.

"Yes Tia," Nalani says, "Rowan has returned."

"Ah," Hestia squeals and Nalani cringes slightly from the loudness, "my dear cousin Rowan, our best friend Lani."

Hestia's face then goes from excitement to worry as she sees how weary eyed Nalani has become.

"Are you not happy Lani?" She asks in bewilderment.

"Of course I'm happy," Nalani says, her tone accidentally a little too snappy, "I'm just on edge and exhausted."

Hestia smiles with understanding, "of course that's understandable ..."

Before she has a chance to finish however the door opens and Vivianne, matriarch of the Westwood family, waltzes in towards both girls. 

Nalani watches as she walks quickly, with a strong air of dignity about her. She has long curly fawn hair that is loose as it often is and proud sea green eyes which her brother and nephew share. She always looks effortlessly beautiful, even at this time of the night.

Vivianne stops and looks down at her daughter and Nalani, kissing both their cheeks before giving them both a small smile.

"Lani I am glad that you have returned and you are safe," Vivianne says, "even though we received word everyone was worried about their elemental queen."

Yes. Nalani thinks somewhat bitterly. Everyone was worried they'd lost their chance for the throne, for power. But Nalani can't fully blame them. It's been too five generations since an elemental queen sat on the throne. The last was Queen Felecite who Ascension ended in the tower.

Nalani knows her people are restless as elementals grow stronger under an elemental queen's reign and so on with all of the other gifts. 

The most famous elemental queen was Queen Shannon, who summoned thunderous powerful storms in an instant and killed her two sisters through a show of power. She even had a place named after her, Shannon's Blackway, which was a cliff too near the edge of Rolanth; Nalani sometimes likes to visit as it is one of her peaceful places. But Queen Elo, the fire breather; is her favourite elemental queen as both of them were born of fire and blood. 

"Don't worry Vivianne I am fine," Nalani says, faking a smile as she doesn't particularly want to delve into her near death experience, "the Goddess would never have let me die."

Vivianne nods, with a tight smile, "a good answer to give, the temple would approve," Vivianne says, her pious ways showing. She herself used to be a priestess initiate.

"My Goddess can we not mention the temple at this hour, I'm not awake enough to discuss those fools," Nalani says, yawning slightly as Hestia laughs quietly next to her.

Islanders, particularly the elementals, have lost faith in the temple over the years. Ever since they failed both Mirabella Mistbane and Katharine the Undead during the  war of Fennbirn. A strange time that must've been. Fennbirn's first civil war and the mist that turned on the island was vanquished by Mirabella Mistbane. It's odd for Nalani to think that there were two queen crowned in that generation. But the Goddess got her blood eventually and only Queen Arsinoe was left after Jules the Usurper was killed. And the natural cycle of queens continued and in turn the Goddess let the island keep their gifts. For now.

"Nalani don't be disrespectful," Vivianne says, though her mouth threatens to break into a smile but then her expression goes more serious, "Hestia, why don't you go see how Kali is doing down in the kitchen, I want a word with Nalani."

Hestia immediately turns to Nalani, looking hesitant but the queen inclines her head and Hestia listens, leaving the room in silence.

Both Vivianne and Nalani watch as she leaves and their gazes settle back on each other once Hestia is gone.

"Nalani in all honesty I am worried," Vivianne starts but Nalani soon cuts in.

"About what?" She asks which makes Vivianne's expression slightly irritated from the interruption. Vivianne cannot stand bad manners and sometimes Nalani's attitude is vexing.

"About Rowan's return, I know how close you two were before my nephew left for Bastian City and I'm just worried about how his sudden return will affect you and your judgement," Vivianne says to which Nalani raises an eyebrow, she can feel the anger building up already.

"I appreciate the concern but I can't see how it's any of your business Vivianne," Nalani snaps, annoyed now at her guardian.

"It's my business because I am your guardian, it is up to me to help you get the throne in any way that I can," Vivianne replies, not raising her voice once, "Beltane and the Quickening is approaching; people will be watching your every move. You simply cannot be seen to have feelings for Rowan or any other man. You can be sure that if the Arrons or the Radurons see any weakness they will try and exploit it. It's imperative you make a good impression with the suitors as well which won't happen smoothly if my nephew is always trailing behind you."

Nalani knows deep down that Vivianne's words do make sense but the Westwood matriarch doesn't understand. She only just got Rowan back, she can't give him up now. She won't.

"I'll see Rowan when I want," Nalani snarls, barely able to contain her anger although the candles in the room start flaring, "I don't need your permission Vivianne, I am the queen."

"Yes," Vivianne says exasperatedly, "you are a queen. So you have certain responsibilities. You are not a normal girl Nalani. You aren't like me or Hestia. But you are not the queen crowned yet. And I'm concerned that if you and Rowan start reconnecting it might jeopardise everything."

Nalani's hands tighten into firm fists and the candle flames keep creeping higher and higher.

"It won't jeopardise anything," Nalani says and then adds dryly, "I'm not a fool, I can handle the politics."

It makes Vivianne's temper rise. Always the same swagger and airs that the fiery elemental has never grown out of. It has made her uncontrollable but she is a fire queen so Vivianne has never tried to contain her spark.

"This is not a game Nalani," Vivianne snaps, using her full name again which she rarely does with the elemental queen.

"I know it isn't, I know what this could cost me," Nalani says, her voice starting to rise as the flames from the candles almost scorch the ceiling, "I'm not a fool. I know the stakes and the risks for this task I have been raised for. And I know that I want to live, more than anything but even more than that. I want to rule. It is my Goddess given right."

"It's also Carina and Arwen's Goddess given right," Vivianne snaps, "in fact the temple would argue it's more Arwen's than anything. You simply cannot lose your head in the upcoming months and I fear Rowan and whatever feelings might bloom will ruin you."

This makes Nalani stand up to face Vivianne, a cold expression on her features now.

"A lesser man could never ruin a queen and if a queen ever lets him then she deserves her fate," Nalani states icily, "don't think just because Rowan is back I'm going to forget what I need to do. How could I ever forget?"

Vivianne is silent for a moment before she goes to reply, "Nalani I-"

"I want to go into town tomorrow with Hestia," Nalani interrupts both randomly abruptly and Vivianne is taken aback slightly. It is her way to change the topic.

"Are you sure that's a good idea? I think I should send for a healer to check you over just in case and you need some rest," Vivianne says, starting to ramble.

"Don't treat me like a porcelain doll Vivianne," Nalani says harshly, "I am fine. I don't need a healer. And I was asking to be polite but it's not really negotiable."

Vivianne nods, looking oddly proud of Nalani as she hugs her,

"Now you're starting to sound like a queen," Vivianne says in approval, pulling away from Nalani, "alright you can go, but myself and Kali will accompany both of you. And I'll send word to some of the Rolanth priestesses for a protection detail."

Nalani nods, reluctantly agreeing. She doesn't like the priestesses but the Rolanth ones are quite loyal to Nalani seeing as most used to be elementals. They are supposed to stay neural but it's been to long since Queen Felecite, the last elemental. The gift needs to be revived.

The door opens again and both women see Hestia and Kali returning, a hot steaming bowl of beef stew in the maid's hands. It makes Nalani smile. Kali always remembers her favourite dish.

"Off you go Nalani you need rest and food before tomorrow's outing,"Vivianne says, nodding at Hestia who goes to Nalani's side.

Nalani nods wearily before Kali drags the queen away to her rooms so that she may sit and eat. Then sleep. 

Vivianne then turns to her daughter after she has watched Nalani and Kali disappear up the stairs. 

"Hestia, we are all going on an outing to Moorgate Park tomorrow. While we are there we need to buy certain essentials including Nalani's dresses or Beltane," Vivianne says and Hestia nods, taking it in, "it's all about image. Fashion may seem trivial but for a queen important. Appearances matter. It is imperative that she makes an impression on these young men not just with her powers but with her beauty. She will listen to you, make sure you help her."

Nalani is so headstrong sometimes Vivianne fears that she won't always listen and in turn be reckless. But then again. Nalani is like an inferno, you can't control or contain it.

"Of course mother I understand," Hestia says, "Nalani will be unforgettable, I'll make sure of it."

—— 

As soon as the next day dawns, Nalani is awoken and pulled from her bed by an excited Hestia who is already dressed and ready.  Groggily, she rubs her eyes and looks at the clock. It is too early to be awake for her.

Especially since she had to stay upon a few extra hours and wait for the healer who came and checked her and put fresh bandages on her wounds and made sure she had no illness. Luckily, apart from the new cuts and bruises, Nalani's health is fine. It seems that Vivianne decided that she wasn't going to listen to Nalani in regards to the healer.

Hestia tries to move her but Nalani's muscles ache and groan in protest. Nalani supposes she deserves it, that's what she gets for battling an equally hot headed warrior and pushing her gift so far.

Now she feels drained and Hestia, sensing his, passes the queen a glass of water. 

"Take this Nalani," She says, pressing the glass into Nalani's awaiting hands, "it'll make you feel better and bring you back to your senses." 

Not bothering to reply, Nalani swallows all the water in one gulp and instantly feels more refreshed. Her throat was so dry before.

"Thank you," she mutters, rubbing her eyes again so she may feel more awake. 

"I also brought you breakfast," Hestia says, with a beaming smile on her face as she passes Nalani the tray that has a rash of bacon, scrambled eggs and a piece of toast. There is also a hot cup of tea which she will delight in drinking once it cools down. 

Nalani's mouth waters at the sight of it, she mutters another thank you before she starts devouring the meal. 

The feeding frenzy is over in matter of minutes and satisfied, Nalani pats her stomach which now finally feels full again. She then washes the meal down with a slightly colder but still warm, cup of Kali's special tea blend and instantly feels better and warmer. She has the pleasant sensation of the warm liquid trickling down her throat, warming her whole body instantaneously. 

"Oh Hestia, you are so good to me," she says, in a much better mood now she's eaten and drunk something. She moves the tray from her lap and hugs Hestia who's perching on the edge of the bed. 

"It's my job as your best friend," Hestia says hugging her back fiercely in response. 

They break apart when a knock sounds at the door before it is slowly opened and Kali's apprehensive face appears at the door. 

"Mistress Westwood instructed me to come and get you ready before we all go to Moorgate Park," she says, taking a hesitant step in but comes in properly as Nalani gestures her to come in. 

"Kali come here there's no reason for such formalities, not amongst friends such as us," she says, clasping her other friend's hand, "both of my closest friends together with me again." 

The three girls smile as they're hands all clasp together. For a small moment they're just girls, with no hopes and worries in the world. But Hestia and Kali are just girls. Nalani is not no matter how much she might wish she was. She cannot change what she is, what she was born to do. She is tied to the Goddess and nobody apart from her sisters can properly understand what it feels like to be a queen. 

Finally Nalani sighs as she reluctantly lets Kali and Hestia drag her out of bed.  "It's too early," she protests as Kali brings out a plain black dress for her to wear. It is actually quite nice, loose and casual, perfect for an informal comfortable day. 

Hestia and Kali exchange a look and roll their eyes at Nalani's typical behaviour. 

"It's nearly noon you lazy thing," Hestia teases and Kali nods in agreement. 

"The sun in shining its a beautiful day and it's time to get up Lani," Kali says drawing the curtains back and smothering a laugh at the queen's face as Nalani shields her eyes from the oncoming beams of light. 

She makes a sound of distaste but eventually starts squinting as her eyes adjust. 

"The sky's awake but that doesn't mean I have to be," Nalani complains grumpily, but slowly starts to remove her night dress nonetheless. Luckily she had a bath last night before she practically crawled to bed. She doesn't have to deal with the extra time and stress. 

Soon with Hestia and Kali's assistance Nalani is soon dressed with an uncomfortable corset on but a comfortable dress so it balances things out. Vivianne detests trousers so on public outings Nalani rarely is allowed to wear them. It is one of the only things Nalani listens to Vivianne about.

Kali then sits her down at her her dressing room table and mirrors and then proceeds to attack Nalani's tangled knots of black with a hairbrush and Hestia does the same, not wanting to leave Kali with all the work.

"Ow," Nalani protests as both girls brush through her knots mercilessly, "you too are like a mother with the way you behave."

Both girls grin at that.  "We have to be," Kali replies, nearly finished with brushing at the knots. Her hair is starting to look more sleek and tame now. 

"Who else would keep you from mischief?" Hestia says, mirth sparkling in her eyes as she brushes through Nalani's hair once more before stepping back, "it's done, time to go." 

"Can't wait," Nalani mutters with a grim expression on her face as they all make their way out of her room and downstairs to where the coach and Vivianne await. 

"At least try to look happy," Hestia whispers as they approach Vivianne. She doesn't want her mother becoming more irritated than she already is at the three of them being late. 

"Pretending to be happy's your job," Nalani whispers back, "I'm a queen no one cares if I look miserable or if I turned up to Beltane wearing nothing but my stockings." 

"I think the suitors would enjoy the free show," Hestia says with a smirk as they finally reach the door which Vivianne opens. 

"Unfortunately for them my legs are closed at the moment," Nalani says.

"Except for Rowan," Hestia retorts and Kali giggles.

However unfortunately for both girls Vivianne catches the end of Nalani's sentence and all of Hestia's and shakes her head in dismay at both the girls.

Hestia and Nalani then exchange a look and both start giggling causing Vivianne to let out a slight scowl at them both. 

"Hestia do not set such an immature example and Nalani do not use such inappropriate language," Vivianne scolds but a hint of laughter twinkles in her eyes as she starts to walk away. 

Vivianne is just on edge as everyone is because of the oncoming Beltane and then the Ascension but Nalani thinks that she is the only one who has a right to worry. After all, she's the one who's going to die if it all goes horribly wrong. 

Hestia mutters something under her breath in response to her mother before gesturing with her free hand at Kali who eagerly trails behind the two girls as they all race ahead of her mother and climb into the black carriage followed by Vivianne. 

As the horses start pulling it, Nalani looks up at a high window, shuddering as she sees a ghastly ghost-like face glaring back at her. Nalani looks down rubbing her eyes and then looks up again but finds that the pallid gaunt face has disappeared. She shakes her head at her warped imagination but the corpse face doesn't disappear from her mind, instead burrowing deep into her mind. Like a spider in the middle of a web, lying in wait, ready to catch its unfortunate prey.