Author's Note: Although loosely based on Marion Zimmer Bradley's The Mists
of Avalon, this story deviates from MZB's original plotlines and character
development. As the legend of King Arthur is indeed a legend, I have the
right to take liberties with the characters, as I have done with Elaine.
The countryside was peaceful that morning; the sun rose unceremoniously over the verdant hills, its infant rays dancing across the mirror-like surface of the lake, staining the waters with vibrant shades of crimson and gold. The early summer air was fragrant with the scent of the dewy grass, combined with a spike of aroma from the abundant lilies that spread across the area like a virgin's bridal veil.
Faint footfalls echoed delicately through the air as a tiny child darted down the lane leading from the formidable-looking castle, flaxen tresses blowing about haphazardly in the gentle breeze wafting from the lake's crystalline waters. Upon reaching the small valley, she plunged energetically into the tall grasses, her laughter musical as she rolled about merrily, pausing before reaching the wide expanse of lilies. Rising to her feet, she stooped slightly, fragile hands gathering a bouquet of the creamy blossoms. Completing her task, the child buried her elfin face in the flowers, inhaling their scent with a delighted sigh.
Although but a babe six years of age, Elaine had learned to appreciate the solitude of her early morning retreats. Within the stronghold, many an obstacle existed to rob Elaine of her privacy. Aislinn, her fussy nurse, was a constant nuisance to her, always insisting that Elaine behave herself with the utmost of propriety, even at her early age. Her brother, Lamorak, was still smaller than herself, and he clung to her like a burr, following her about the castle in a shadow-like manner, tottering along clumsily on his chubby legs as he exhibited his newly- learned walking skill. And her father, although kind and affectionate, had a tendency to hover over his young daughter, guarding and protecting her as fiercely as could be. However, this valley was her own, and none could infringe upon the airy world of imagination in which she existed when occupying that particular patch of land.
Floral arrangement in hand, Elaine returned to the narrow dirt path, following the red-brown ribbon until she reached a simple garden, painstakingly kept in order, although its owner had long since passed away. This garden had been her mother's, and her father had sentimentally insisted that it be cared for, for he couldn't bear the thought of his wife's precious sanctuary becoming overgrown and disheveled. Elaine stepped onto the cobblestone pathway that coursed through the garden, striding through the idyllic plot and pausing at the end of the path, kneeling in the soil before her mother's temple. Pellinore's lady was a follower of the Old Faith, and after she married and settled into her new home, she had created her garden as a place to pay her respects to the Goddess. The true meaning of the curious stones and herbal arrangements was lost on Elaine, who had very little comprehension of religion in general, her father being a less-than-zealous Christian and her mother having died too early to instill in her daughter a proper reverence for the Higher Authority. Nonetheless, the child thought her mother's garden to be very beautiful, and although her understanding of the Goddess was very vague, she could feel a strange albeit sublime presence around the makeshift temple. This unusual aura inspired a deep sense of peace within the girl, and her childish mind cared to think that it was her mother sending a message to her from Beyond. Closing her cerulean eyes, Elaine trailed her fingers across the circle of moonstones laid in the dense soil, her voice serene beyond her years as she whispered, "Lady, watch over me."
Author's Note: Please review, so I know if this story is worth continuing. Thanks to all who've read it so far!
-LB
The countryside was peaceful that morning; the sun rose unceremoniously over the verdant hills, its infant rays dancing across the mirror-like surface of the lake, staining the waters with vibrant shades of crimson and gold. The early summer air was fragrant with the scent of the dewy grass, combined with a spike of aroma from the abundant lilies that spread across the area like a virgin's bridal veil.
Faint footfalls echoed delicately through the air as a tiny child darted down the lane leading from the formidable-looking castle, flaxen tresses blowing about haphazardly in the gentle breeze wafting from the lake's crystalline waters. Upon reaching the small valley, she plunged energetically into the tall grasses, her laughter musical as she rolled about merrily, pausing before reaching the wide expanse of lilies. Rising to her feet, she stooped slightly, fragile hands gathering a bouquet of the creamy blossoms. Completing her task, the child buried her elfin face in the flowers, inhaling their scent with a delighted sigh.
Although but a babe six years of age, Elaine had learned to appreciate the solitude of her early morning retreats. Within the stronghold, many an obstacle existed to rob Elaine of her privacy. Aislinn, her fussy nurse, was a constant nuisance to her, always insisting that Elaine behave herself with the utmost of propriety, even at her early age. Her brother, Lamorak, was still smaller than herself, and he clung to her like a burr, following her about the castle in a shadow-like manner, tottering along clumsily on his chubby legs as he exhibited his newly- learned walking skill. And her father, although kind and affectionate, had a tendency to hover over his young daughter, guarding and protecting her as fiercely as could be. However, this valley was her own, and none could infringe upon the airy world of imagination in which she existed when occupying that particular patch of land.
Floral arrangement in hand, Elaine returned to the narrow dirt path, following the red-brown ribbon until she reached a simple garden, painstakingly kept in order, although its owner had long since passed away. This garden had been her mother's, and her father had sentimentally insisted that it be cared for, for he couldn't bear the thought of his wife's precious sanctuary becoming overgrown and disheveled. Elaine stepped onto the cobblestone pathway that coursed through the garden, striding through the idyllic plot and pausing at the end of the path, kneeling in the soil before her mother's temple. Pellinore's lady was a follower of the Old Faith, and after she married and settled into her new home, she had created her garden as a place to pay her respects to the Goddess. The true meaning of the curious stones and herbal arrangements was lost on Elaine, who had very little comprehension of religion in general, her father being a less-than-zealous Christian and her mother having died too early to instill in her daughter a proper reverence for the Higher Authority. Nonetheless, the child thought her mother's garden to be very beautiful, and although her understanding of the Goddess was very vague, she could feel a strange albeit sublime presence around the makeshift temple. This unusual aura inspired a deep sense of peace within the girl, and her childish mind cared to think that it was her mother sending a message to her from Beyond. Closing her cerulean eyes, Elaine trailed her fingers across the circle of moonstones laid in the dense soil, her voice serene beyond her years as she whispered, "Lady, watch over me."
Author's Note: Please review, so I know if this story is worth continuing. Thanks to all who've read it so far!
-LB