Once Upon Another Dream
Mysterious Wood sprite:
Nuada picked up his silver spear and strapped it onto his back.
It was a bright day in Bethmora and the Prince was not about to pass up the opportunity to escape the boredom of the palace. He loved his home very much, but when you're a Prince who has to learn about politics, combat, battle strategies and many other various things that not only makes you're head hurt but also you're body, you have to savour those moments of blissful peace. Besides, he could normally sneak in and out of the palace without anyone noticing, well anyone except…
"So, off out again are we?"
He groaned, turning to face his sister who was leaning nonchalantly against the door.
"Nuala, how do you do that? How is it you always where I am and where I am going?"
"Siblings know everything." She said, tapping the side of her nose. Nuada raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, I am going out. I need to get outside for a bit." He bent down to do his long black leather boots.
"Father wants you in today," Nuada looked up, surprised. "You have potential brides coming to visit, remember?"
"Ohhh…" Nuada sighed heavily. Then looked up, a grin on his face. "Nuala," He said craftily. "Do you still want me to teach you that Cresh move?"
Her eyes lit up first in confusion, then understanding.
"I never saw you?"
Nuada smiled, giving his sister a peck on the cheek as he passed her.
"You never saw me."
He wandered through the forest, feeling the gentle breeze on his cheeks. Nuada was happy now. He would go to his favourite training spot, practise for about an hour then start heading home. He could have a whole hour of peace, no schooling, no politics, and no annoying girls trying to get his affection. Just complete and utter…
"I wonder… I wonder…"
Nuada froze.
What a beautiful voice! He had never heard singing like that before. But who could it be?
"…I wonder why each little bird has a someone…"
He started towards the voice. Where was it coming from? He had to know.
"…To sing to…"
The voice was getting fainter, NO! He couldn't lose it now!
"...Sweet things to…"
He was running… running… dead end!
"…A gay little's lark's melody…"
The voice was too far away now. He couldn't get to it.
Nuada shook his head. It must have been some mysterious wood sprite or something.
Here he was, his special training spot. It was a small glen with a stream and several trees.
He took off his shirt, stood in the stream and extended the spear to its full length. He went through all the basic movements and some more complicated tactics, the cool water splashing onto his naked skin. He felt free and content.
He froze in a crouch, his spear extended behind him. Nuada had the strange feeling he was being watched. Had Nuala followed him here?
He stood up… and he saw who was watching him!
Higher up the hill, was a girl?
A very pretty girl, with hair as gold as sunshine, lips as red as a rose, she watched him intently, a gentle smile playing on her lips. Her arms were leaning on top of a basket and several birds and other animals were on the branch of the tree she was resting on.
Their eyes met and Nuada never wanted to leave her gaze. Then she broke eye contact and turned. She was soon out of sight.
And Nuada was running again! There was no way he was going to let the best moment of his life just walk away!
He was stubborn like that.