DISC: I DO NOT own any of the characters from Elena of Avalor. They belong to Craig Gerber! I do however own the idea for this story. I also own the lyrics to the song, "Quest of Love." Please ask me if you want to use them.
Enjoy!
A/N: Welcome to my sequel to "More Important Than a Meeting! I hope everyone enjoys reading this as much as I'm enjoying writing it!
"Quest for the Apricot Rose"
Chapter 1
Isabel sat in the carriage, lost in her own thoughts. She was glad Mateo had volunteered to navigate. As for Naomi, the harbor master's daughter was driving. They had enlisted Luna and Skylar to help just in case they ran into any problemas.
Turning her head, Isabel wiped at her eyes as they lingered on the direction they had come from. Facing forward again, she tried to concentrate on the task at hand. It wasn't easy though. Elena was more than her older sister. She was her best friend. She had been like a mother to her ever since their parents had been killed by Shuriki. In truth, Elena had been a mother figure to her before that horrible day. The feeling of the carriage stopping caused the nine-year-old to glance up.
"I thought we could all use a break," Mateo explained. "As long as we get the tea into Elena by sunrise tomorrow, she'll be fine."
Isabel wanted to protest, insist they keep going. But her stomach growled, making the final decision for her. She nodded.
"Here you go, kiddo," Naomi handed her a sandwich.
"Gracias, " Isabel softly replied. Unwrapping it, she stared down at her lap.
Naomi sighed.
"You should eat something. Elena would want you to take care of yourself," she gently reminded her.
Isabel nodded. Without warning, tears sprang to her eyes. Blinking hard, she wasn't successful in stopping the river from cascading down her tan cheeks.
"Oh Isabel! I'm sorry…" Naomi set her own snack down. Reaching out, she embraced the little girl. Running a hand through her hair, she soothed her as best she could. "Elena's gonna be fine."
"You don't know that!" Isabel wailed.
"You're right. But I can feel it in here, " Naomi pointed to her heart. "Besides, we'll make sure of it. That's why we're doing this."
"I know. I'm just scared! If we can't get the rose, Elena's gonna…I can't lose her!" losing her breath for a minute, the nine-year-old buried her face in Naomi's shoulder, heart wrenching sobs breaking the teen's heart in two.
Naomi exchanged a concerned look with Mateo. As she sat there, comforting the distraught girl, she started having second thoughts about bringing her with them.
"Listen, you know what helps me when I'm in really tough spots?" Naomi turned her attention back to Isabel.
Isabel shook her head, wiping at what seemed like endless tears.
"I focus on how good it'll feel when I succeed."
"Ba-but we might not-" Isabel started, but was stopped by Naomi gently putting her finger to her lips.
The blonde shook her head.
"Don't focus on that slim possibility. Instead, focus on us most likely finding the rose."
Still, Isabel looked worried.
Naomi sighed. It was then that something her best friend had told her gave her a burst of inspiration.
It looks like it's time for me to put my grand council skills to work. If you can't believe what I'm telling you, maybe this will convince you. Listen…" with that, she started to sing.
Naomi:
If you find yourself in a maze of trouble
Don't know which way to turn
Scared the next move might ceil your fate
If you take my advice to heart
A path will open
To a new start
Just take a deep breath
Stand tall and strong
Focus on reaching the top
You'll get there before long
Don't let doubt cloud your mind
Or fear keep you from success
Think how good you'll feel
When the cure is in sight
And you complete this quest
You can do this
But only if
Isabel:
I stand strong and tall
Let my heart lead the way
Focus on how good I'll feel
When Elena's okay
Take a leap of faith
So I can save the day
My path ahead is clear
If I trust my heart
Say good bye to doubt and fear
Do all I can
And try my best
If I stay the course
I'll find the hero within
And complete this quest
As the last notes of music faded away, Isabel smiled at Naomi. Throwing her arms around her neck, she hugged the teen.
"Gracias. I needed that."
"Denada. As long as you keep those thoughts in mind, you'll do fine," she assured her.
Isabel nodded. She was still worried for her sister, but she now felt more confident in her task. She could do this. She would do it. Not only for Elena, but for herself as well.
*****
Meanwhile, back at the palace, Elena awoke to the sound of soft guitar music. As her eyes opened, she glanced to her left to find her grandfather, Francisco, sitting in the chair near her bed. She managed a tiny smile for him.
"Mija, you're awake," he sighed with relief. "I didn't mean to disturb you."
Elena shook her head.
"Esta bien, abuelo. Yo megusta tu musica," she assured him. "It's soothing," she added in English.
Francisco nodded.
"I'm glad. How do you feel?"
"The same," Elena admitted. "Did Isa and the others get back yet?" she coughed suddenly as she spoke. As the fit increased, she felt her grandfather gently pat her back. Sipping from a cup of water he pressed to her lips, Elena finally found relief. "Gracias, abuelo."
"Denada, mija. But you don't have to thank me. To answer your question, not yet."
Elena nodded just as Ember flew over and landed on her right shoulder. She gently stroked the bujito's back. "Hola, sweetie. Were you good for Gabe?"
Francisco laughed softly.
Elena raised her eyebrows as her gaze travelled back to her grandfather.
"I think Gabe was a little uncomfortable with her. He flinched whenever Ember tried to sit on his shoulder or moved too close to him."
Elena shook her head.
"I have to thank him for watching her for me," she mused while getting comfortable.
"She likes my guitar," her grandfather informed her. "When I was playing before you woke up, Ember sat very close to me and got this contented look on her face."
Elena nodded. Yawning, she tried to get some more rest. She just prayed Isa, Naomi and Mateo were okay.
"Get some more sleep, Elena," Francisco lovingly advised. Leaning down, he kissed her forehead.
"Uh-huh," Elena mumbled as her eyes closed a minute later. Little did she know what kind of night she was in for once she awoke again.