Endless Sorrow

A/N: I was drawing Andalites (it's actually more fun then you'd think) and I suddenly got a plot idea. This is a little Andalite myth/legend/story-type-thing that I made up. Dunno if it's good or not, so you'll have to tell me!!

Once, in the Andalite world, there was a royal family that surpassed all others. Andalite Princess Aimale-Paraja-Sulthrol, daughter of Andalite King Monaro-Sajaku-Sulthrol, was said to be the greatest Andalite beauty ever. She had a unique color that none other had, and a mysterious birthmark that seemed to make her somewhat dark and mysterious herself. It looked somewhat between an x and a t, but one line was thicker than the other and both were curved in an odd sort of way. Her bright green eyes seemed to astound whoever she looked at and put them in a sort of trance only broken when she looked away.

Her brother, Amron-Katoni-Sulthrol, was the best War Prince ever. Never did he come home defeated, and all armies led by him were always victorious. He had broad shoulders and a muscular body, with four dark, penetrating eyes. His eyebrows were pressed close to his eyes, to make them seem narrower as if he was constantly glaring. His tail blade was always cocked and ready to fight at his command.

One day Aimale suddenly longed for a normal life. She decided almost instantly that she would go away from the palace for a little while. Oh, she would return of course, but maybe not for a few days. Just enough to get away from all of the things she hated: her pestering father, perfect brother, persistent servants. It was all very tiring in her mind, and utterly ridiculous. She needed to get away.

Aimale exited the palace and ran for a bit. She ran into the green pastures filled with the most scrumptious grass she'd ever tasted. But she was going to fast to feed on it. She had no time for food, and wasn't even the least bit hungry in the first place. All she wanted to do was to run and feel the wind in her fur… and to feel free. From everything. Very soon, she was.

Stopping suddenly, Aimale realized she was further away from home than she'd ever been. She began to fear that she was lost, and the poor princess turned her stalk eyes every which way trying to figure out where she was. She smelled the air. She listened. Unfortunately, nothing was familiar.

No! she said. I did not mean… oh, what will I ever do? I am lost. Surely I shall never return home now.

Then, out of the bushes, walked another Andalite. He was a bit scrawny for a male, and had patches of fur missing here and there. The moment he saw Aimale he bowed low to the ground. Princess, he said. What-

The princess had no time to answer questions. She was angry and scared, and wasn't about to answer to this peasant. Who are you? she asked.

My name is Gamor-Jepow-Samar.

And where are we, Gamor?

We are on the outskirts of the small town of Permi. My home.

Do you know how to get to the royal palace?

I do.

Bring me there at once.

Gamor looked to her curiously. But princess, I-

Do you wish to keep your tail blade? Bring me to the palace.

Yes, your highness. Gamor was careful to bow his head once again and keep it low as he passed her and began leading her away. He could not believe it! Here was the princess… the most beautiful Andalite ever… talking to him. Him! He never imagined that he would be lucky enough to gaze upon her fair face, much less speak to her. What's more, run with her! Lead her home! This honor was not fit for him, he knew at once. But still he did what his ruler commanded him.

Then Aimale remembered that she was supposed to be a runaway. Maybe she didn't have to get there now. Possibly she could stay with Gamor for a little while. She hesitated at that thought. He was a peasant. He was from the middle of nowhere. Obviously, he was not high-ranking.

Well, she said. Wait one moment.

Gamor stopped. Yes? Is there something wrong?

How far away is your home?

A day's walk. Why?

Lovely. Let's go.

Excuse me? Gamor demanded. What was this? The princess wanted to go to his house?

Let's go. To your home. I will stay there for a day or so and then you will take me to the palace.

Gamor blinked. Princess, why would you wish to-

Do as I tell you.

Yes.

He turned and began to lead the princess back to his small home in Pemi. The whole time, wondering what was going on.

As the day faded away, Aimale found herself growing fond of Gamor. She didn't know why. He was no warrior, not even very good-looking. What was this new feeling? And why was she feeling it for this stranger?

As for Gamor himself? What did he feel for Aimale?

He'd always loved her. The moment he saw her, he knew he loved her. But she was a princess, and he was… well, not a prince. He had no chance with her. Did he?