Hi guys! This is my first ever fanfic, so please no nasty comments! Reviews would be greatly appreciated also. Thank you ;)
I own nothing apart from my characters and story.
A soft whisper of breeze blew around me, soothing my flustered cheeks as I strode onto the small balcony. I collapsed into a plush armchair in exhaustion, surrounded by sweet-smelling flowers. I kicked off my muddy boots, and then flung my feet onto the table (very unladylike, I know). "Next time I take Max out for a gallop, I'll try not to get bucked off countless amounts of times." I sighed, but knowing my very 'fresh' stallion, Max, that was a hard promise to keep
I slowly closed my heavy eyes and dozed off, exhausted from my eventful morning ride. I let my head fall back against the chair with a 'thump', my long, honey blonde hair cascading down the back.
"Amelda! Did you take Maximus out for his exercise?" I heard my Uncle bark. I groaned, "Yes Uncle. Although with the amount of times he bucked me off, I would say he took me out for exercise!" He gave a hearty laugh back in response, and from what I heard, trudged back down the hallway.
I loved my Uncle; he was always in high spirits and shared my passion for horses. When I was born, both of my parents disappeared. No one knows where he or she is even Uncle hasn't a clue. But since then, he raised me as one of his own.
Uncle is he Royal Horse Master, so I grew up around horses for most of my life; oh and did I mention I love them? And I started riding before I could walk!
It was around mid-morning when I woke up from my nap, and the full bustle of the village could be heard below. Even though Uncle could've afforded a house near the palace, he insisted on living on the outskirts where the grass was cleaner and richer for the horses. As a consequence of that, I grew up amongst the poor. Although they had little money, they were the most generous and kindest of people of all, even more so than the filthy rich Lords and Ladies from the palace.
I stood from my seat and stretched out my sore muscles. Suddenly, my maid, Nora came rushing onto the balcony.
"Miss! May I speak with you?" she asked, panting for air.
I straightened my back and yawned sheepishly. "Whatever could be so i important at this time of the morning?" I smiled and rested my hand on her shoulder.
"Well…" she gulped, nervously twiddling her fingers by her side.
"Go on." I say, smiling at her reassuringly.
"Well the Master told me to inform you, that the Allfather has asked for your presence at the palace today." She said. My heart sank, that meant dresses, of which I loathed greatly, which Nora knew also.
"Thank you Nora. Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but this is your day off, is it not?" I asked sternly. Nora stared at her feet, not willing to show me her burning cheeks.
"Yes Miss, but I needed the extra money to feed the family this week. You see, my Mother-in-law is coming to stay, and oh, she's so awfully strict, she never likes anything I cook for her, and…"
"Now, now Nora! If you needed more pay, why didn't you say so? It's no trouble at all!" I exclaimed, cutting her off mid-sentence. I pulled out a small leather pouch from my belt, lightly jingling with coins.
"Here you are! Now you may have the day off tomorrow instead of today, I fear I will need a little more help than just getting the dress on!" I laughed, plopping the pouch into her worn hands. Nora's eyes widened as I gave her the pouch,
"Oh how can I ever thank you Miss!" she cried, almost wiping back tears.
"Nonsense! It was nothing. Now, could you please get my bath ready?" I replied. It was going to be a long day.
I looked at myself in the mirror, my hair had been put into a braided bun, which was decorated with small peach and white coloured flowers, and I wore a long, flowy white dress. Simple, yes, but apparently very elegant according to Nora.
I trudged miserably down the staircase, where Uncle stood at the bottom with a cheeky grin on his face.
"What are you laughing about?" I asked crankily, trying to walk in the stiff sandals. Uncle put on his finest cape, and helped me down the last few steps.
"Well you look lovely in the dress my dear, but I think you may have forgotten that you must ride in it too." He chuckled, his grey beard twitching as he laughed.
"Ugh! Why must I wear a dress? You can't do anything in it, let alone ride!" I groaned. Uncle laughed, and helped me on Max (even though it was probably the must unladylike way of doing it), and we made our way to the castle.