Wow! Okay, it looks like some people might be interested in another chapter! I'll try to make these longer as I go along.
Ch 2: Amelia's Return Pt.2
Amelia simply couldn't stop praising Avner's management skills. In less than a day he had gotten their house's furniture arranged and boxes set to the floor plan he had discussed with her back in Enchancia. Yet she could never get the time to thank him, because he was already moving in to his next task of preparing for the opening of their new store.
"No, no, no!" She could hear his voice from the second story. "Amelia Aurelius is a high standards woman! She needs every inch possible to best perform her work and make it presentable to her customers. A discount is not the issue! I'm asking if this is the option with the most square footage!"
"Oh!" Amelia sighed, sitting down onto her already made bed. "That boy... Making me the prima donna before I even begin." Not to mention he was acting like she was the one in charge. Time and again, Avner had proved he could manage the company himself. The only reason she did not fully sign it over to him was because she wanted to keep working. "I will have to make this new line even better to prove his words!" From a nearby box, Amelia carefully pulled out a book in a soft patch-work lining. This was her sketchbook. Well, one of several she had made over the years. Within were ready-made models, blank slates for future clothes that would make dreams come true and jaws drop!
"Avalor in Bloom..." Amelia ran the title over her tongue. "It's a working title, a good one, but..." Just looking out her window, Amelia could see the castle still standing proud up on the cliff with the bridge over the waterfall standing as serenely and strongly as ever. Amelia hugged the book to her chest. "This is my last adventure before retiring. It needs to be able to stand beside on the others." In order to get her best ideas, Amelia needed to be out there experiencing Avalor!
After all, Avner would still be busy for a few hours! She just wrote a quick note and slipped out the door.
Meanwhile...
In one of the corridors, Princess Elena was listening to her cousin, Chancellor Esteban, read her the official announcement for the Dia des Rosas Festival.
"'To all the citizens of Avalor, Princess Elena is hereby reinstating La Dia des Rosas Festival. Activities will include a fair, a rose judging competition, and a ball in the evening.'" When he had finished, Esteban spoke to Elena. "Armondo has done well... but I don't think a little rewording wouldn't make it less elegant."
Elena smiled back. "Just keep it simple, Esteban. This festival has been one of my favorites since I was a little girl."
"Oh, but Dia des Rosas should not be mistaken for a common fair-day, Elena!" Esteban stated. "Like the most perfect rose it must capture the eyes, nose and touch with its beauty! The eyes must not be able to look away from it. It must encompass one's senses! It-"
"It's when Esteban gets the most attention from the senoritas." Elena whispered to her sister. Isabel covered her giggle with her hands.
"I still heard you, Elena." Esteban stated, to his cousin's embarrassment. "Just the same, I will be happy to oversee that the festivities are upheld to the traditional standards. Not a thing will be out of place."
For once, Elena didn't mind giving the job to someone else. She teased Esteban, but she knew this festival meant a lot to him too. Yes, when they were both teenagers he would receive the most tokens of affection from all the young girls but... there was always one girl he saved a dance for at the ball each year.
"I want to make something for Dia des Rosas!" Isabel proclaimed. "Maybe I can make a wind machine that will keep all the petals in the air even longer!"
Esteban interjected before Elena could speak. "There is no need to make anything, Isabel. Just get a new dress for the ball and enjoy yourself like all the other young girls."
Isabel grumbled while Elena rolled her eyes and Esteban returned to the announcement in front of him. "You should come to the festival too, Esteban!" Elena suggested. "Every year, you and your friends would get to the town early and start of the celebrations. I remember one year, the Pig Stampede Incident! You, Victor Delvago and Amelia- "
Esteban stopped. Both Elena and Isabel froze under the warning glare he gave. Esteban was known to lecture them, sometimes sneer, but never had he shown his anger to either of them. When he saw the slightly scared and confused looks they had, Esteban sighed and regained his composure. "I appreciate the invitation, but, no. You forget those times were forty years ago Elena, you and Isabel are free to have some fun. I have greater responsibilities now, and I must attend to them first." After seeing that they accepted his answer, Esteban added, "I will be at the ball, if there are no further complications. That is all I can promise."
Esteban walked down the hall by himself, leaving Elena and Isabel standing. "He got mad, Elena." Isabel could not think of anything to say.
"And I think I know why." Elena said. "Esteban used to go to the Rosas Festival with his two friends, Victor and..."
"Amelia Huerta..." Isabel raised her eyes in realization. "She never came back to Avalor?"
"I guess not. She must have heard it was taken over or... just decided she didn't want to come back." Elena began to smile at the memory of the friend she had shared with Esteban. "I remember she would offer to make me a new dress each year. She knew I liked to run and dance, so she always made the dress to suit me, rather than just what was traditionally worn. At the same time, she used the most beautiful and unique materials."
"And me!" Isabel recalled. "She would fix up my clothes too! And my toys when they got broken! Amelia's the one who..." she added in a whisper. "She taught us how to sneak out at the back of the palace."
Elena nodded. She spared one last look down the hallway at her cousin's shrinking form. Elena also remembered that Amelia had been Esteban's friend even more than hers. Amelia wasn't of any nobility, neither was she born in Avalor. In a way, Naomi Turner had taken Amelia's place as Elena's confidante, but it was clear that Esteban had never replaced her. And it looked like the place she held in his life was one he was determined to keep empty. Otherwise, he might have been just a little more excited.
"Let's not mention Amelia in front of Esteban for a while." Elena said. Perking up her voice she remembered. "Oh! That reminds me! Isabel, a famous designer from across the Great Sea should have arrived in Avalor today. A Mr. Aurelius, I think, he's coming to our kingdom to get inspiration for a whole new line of clothes!"
Isabel gasped in excitement! Dresses and clothes might not be her greatest concern, but she was all for something of the new age coming right to their door step. "Seriously?!" she exclaimed. "Can we go look today? Maybe he'll have a dress for the Dia des Rosas Ball!"
Elena took her sister's hands and laughed at her display of enthusiasm. "He might not be ready for dresses yet, Isabel. But if he's an important person from another kingdom, we should introduce ourselves. Maaaayyyyybbbe catching a peek of the clothes while we're at it?"
As the two princess ran for the direction of the castle gates, Esteban looked over his shoulder at them. He was sorry for getting upset with them. "Aye, you did it again, Esteban." He groaned to himself. "Forty-one years! Let it go. Let the girl go. Girl..." He sighed. "Probably grew into a woman... married a rich man, had a dozen children, then a dozen more grandchildren before passing away in her own bed. If she even lived..."
While under the dark days of Shirki's rule, Esteban often wondered what became of that feisty red-head he used to know. He imagined all kinds of possibilities! The one he had just vocalized being one of the more happy ones. He sometimes wondered if she might have died at sea right when she left Avalor, or if she was still alive in some far off kingdom, living happily were she could reminisce on the days of her youth. Until finally, he realized he might never know, so he stopped thinking about Amelia. She still came to his mind on the worst of his days. Cheering him up, just as she made it her mission to in life. It wasn't until Elena had even mentioned the festival that he had heard anyone other than him remember her.
Esteban wanted to remember Amelia. The foreign-born beauty, with her skin as warm and tan as the beaches, her long flowing hair that made all the roses pale in comparison, and those bewitching eyes that held the color and fierceness of the sea! "No!" Esteban shook the image of her from his thoughts. "I am not that boy anymore!" Esteban consoled himself with yet one more imagining of Amelia. One where she had lost her slender form and her hair had turned grey! Yet, even then, her eyes remained the same in his mind. He just couldn't imagine her without them.
...
Amelia didn't dare go near the castle. Too many memories, and it wasn't like any of the old guards who would recognize her would be there. "Just to get a head-start on the designing." She repeated the words she had left in her note for Avner. A part of her did feel guilty for leaving her son with so much work, until she reminded herself that if she was out here, then she was doing more work than Avner would let her be doing. She giggled to herself. "My Valiant Little Knight, he's always there for me."
As Amelia walked down the street, many people would stop and stare or point at her. She was more than comfortable with this. Her hair used to be more red, but her age and the sun would not let it stay that way forever. Many of her peers from her old school in Enchancia would often remark, with admitted jealousy, that age had been kind to Amelia. Only the wizards and fairies could tell that she never once used an anti-aging spell. 'I think Father Time must have skipped over me.' Amelia would say. 'I'm moving so fast when I work, he must have decided to wait until I stop!'
Amelia walked casually, despite the attention she was getting. She heard no whispered remarks about anyone recognizing her or connecting her to her fame: Good, is what she decided. She could move about more easily this way. It had been too long for Amelia to recall exactly how the city looked as a young girl, so she doubted really anything would look exactly as she remembered it.
Taking a seat on a nearby bench, Amelia set her book in her lap and began to take in the sights. From the center of town, one would think the entire color scheme was all shades of yellow and red. But there was so much more! Yes, from the sea a lot of the tops of houses were red, but others were vivid, blues and greens, and in between each one were waterfalls of brightly colored flowers! Amelia then started looking at the people. Walking around the streets, there was plenty going on, but everyone seemed to be happily conversing and smiling. A few people, made eye-contact with Amelia. Not one did either side turn their head or shy away from, some even waved.
As Amelia started quickly writing down all the wonderful ideas coming to her, she whispered excitedly, "This IS going to be my best line ever!"
Over four decades away and this land still has my heart.
Amelia had no idea yet how true her thoughts would become.
Speeding down the main street to the center of town, Princesses Elena and Isabel were on their way to see the famous dress maker they had heard about. They were taking the royal coach, despite Isabel asking to take the Jaquins. Neither Hunter, nor any of the other beasts could be found, which left them the coach. "What kind of dress are you thinking of getting for Dia des Rosas, Elena?" Isabel asked her sister.
Elena thought for a second and said, "I want something really different this time. It will have to have a rose as part of it. Not too flashy, but perfect for a big party!"
"Me too!" Isabel was quite excited to be going into the city with her sister. "I usually get a blue or pink gown, so I think I want something of a different color too!"
As the two royals laughed and talked in anticipation, there carriage happened to pass by a particular bench. Specifically the bench where Amelia was nose deep in her book. The laughter of the two princesses could be heard as they were passing by. However, Amelia only looked up after the carriage was gone. She looked to her right to see the back going down the street. "Huh," she smiled. "Even the nobles are as happy as clams! That's a good change."
Amelia didn't even think about all the rumors she had heard while on the ship: That the true royal family had reappeared and had destroyed the evil sorceress, and Princess Elena had reclaimed her rightful throne. Amelia just couldn't bring herself to believe them. For forty-one years she had lived her life knowing the kingdom she spent so much of her childhood in had been robbed of its soul by that wicked woman. Elena and her parents were dead, and all the rest of the royal family had disappeared.
Still, four decades of sadness and loss had been long enough to morn. To be able to come back and recapture some of the nostalgia was too good to resist. Someone, perhaps a descendant of Princess Isabel, must have come and overthrown Shiriki, Amelia figured. Magic, the stronger it is, can make situations tricky. The things she had heard, it ignited a spark of hope and a flame of curiosity in her. But... Amelia knew too well that some things just cannot be brought back. No matter how many tears are shed...
Before such sad feelings could sink in, Amelia turned her eyes to the sketch on her page, already finding something else to add to it. "To think I used to run on these rooftops."
In yet another corner of Avalor, Avner Aureluis had already opened the doors to the new 'dress emporium'. "More like the dressing room." He remarked in disgust. Back in Enchancia, his mother's gowns would take up floors of room for people to shop and try them on! There would be giant windows to properly let in the light, and protection spells set at every possible entry. Here, they received a one-floor building, with only a front and back door, three small windows, and one dressing room. "I don't believe this..."
His mother had moved past this small amount of space when he was five years old! Kings, Queens, Emperors and Sultans knew her by name! And then Avalor? A great trading port, said to be coming back alive? They throw her into a shack! Did someone here hate his mother? Were they trying to throw the Aureluis' out? Well, if they did, once his mother saw through them, he would take her back to Enchancia to live out her golden years! She may even want to return to Port Veneros, the place she left Avalor for to begin with. The place where she met Avner's father.
Avner continued taking stock. Even in these conditions, his mother taught him a working man's pride. He would do his best as to not bring any embarrassment to his mother. "Excuse me?" came a voice from the front door. Avner turned around to see two young girls walking through his door. One looked to be at least sixteen, the other perhaps was half as old. Both girls appeared to be well-dressed, better material than he had seen what few people walking around in. The oldest carried an air of happiness and dignity. Perhaps she is one of the upper class. Avner had learned that 'upper class' meant 'potential customer.'
He decided to address them politely. "Good day, laides." Avner smiled in his most charming way. "I am sorry to say, but we are not quite ready to open as of yet."
"That's okay." Said the little one. "We just wanted to meet the owner. I'm Princess Isabel, and this is my sister, Princess Elena." Isabel wasn't used to doing the introductions, so she looked to Elena to see if she had done it right. Her response was a proud smile.
Avner's eyes would have jumped completely out of his head if he did not work to reign in his excitement. The Princess? Two of them! Oh-ho, Avalor! You may come through for us yet! Avner elegantly bowed from the waist and said, "It is a pleasure to have both the princesses of Avalor in my humble store."
Elena and Isabel both curtsied back. "And it's a pleasure to have you here in Avalor, Mr. Aureluis." Elena said. Thinking back on their conversation, Elena knew Isabel would be disappointed if they did not ask. "Um, if you don't mind... we have heard so much about the clothes that you make. Some people even say they are magical! Could we possibly...?"
"Oh, uh..." Avner looked behind him. He still wasn't sure if all their materials and machines had made it over on the right boat. Not to mention the dummies needed to display the dresses properly. This might be his and his mother's one chance to hit it big and get some better living conditions. If her business failed here and now, because of him, her name would be disgraced! "I...I regret to say that we have just started setting up. But tomorrow! Tomorrow I can have examples of some of our finest gowns be presented at your castle, princesses!"
"Really?" Elena beamed. Not only was Mr. Aurelius generous, he was more than happy to accommodate their request so soon! "Oh, we would be so grateful, Mr. Aurluis! We have a big festival coming up, and it's in a little more than a month. Do have any designs that have roses?"
Avner knew he was going to be in a lot of trouble by making all of these promises. But their way of living seemed to depend on this princess being happy. "Most certainly! When does your schedule open for visit?"
"1'oclock!" Isabel chimed in. "Thank you so much, Mr. Aurelius!" Isabel came up and shook his hand. "I'm already excited!"
"We truly do appreciate this." To Isabel, Elena said. "I think we should let Mr. Aureluis get back to work, Isa."
After he walked the princess back to their carriage and waved good-bye, Avner's ran his hands down the side of his face. "WhathaveIdone? WhathaveIdone?!"
That evening, Amelia practically skipped on her way home. "Oh, I want to get to my store and start sewing right away! First, I should find Avner. Such a start off on our first day!"
She threw open the door and spread her arms out wide. "Avner~!" she called into the house. "I have to show you my design book! Avalor is so full of life, color and magic! Just like it was when I was a little girl. Oh, Avner?"
Amelia looked around the house. She knew her son would be here. The house was all unpacked and she could see two plates of food down in the kitchen. "Mijo?" she called. "Are you here?"
"Mami?" A voice came from the upstairs room. Sensing something was wrong, Amelia climbed the stairs and walked right into her son's room. There was Avner, sitting on the edge of his bed with lists on inventory, stocking and order forms all over his bed. Indeed, something was wrong. "Mami...I think I may have dug us a bigger hole."
Amelia's expression became stern. "Avner." She said evenly. "What did you promise?" Because, as his mother, she had a general idea.
The night was full of consoling, planning and preparing. With all the work needed to be done at the dress shop, Avner simply could not go to the palace himself. Amelia stated that she would go, bringing with her the final designs of dresses that could be adjusted to the princess' wishes. Amelia knew her son was thinking about her when he made those promises, so she wasn't angry. This move had been his choice, but it was still a big adjustment for him. She also knew he was trying to prove himself, yet a he could not escape without reprimand for it.
Now she was standing at the foot of the bridge. Even if it would make her late, Amelia took a minute to take in the castle. A strange kind of awe was visible on her face. For the first time, in what felt like the longest time, Amelia was scared. Whoever was living in there now, a descendant or survivor of the Royal line, they were going to see her as a stranger. A foreigner. Amelia had to admit, she still felt more like a tourist.
She realized she was intimidating herself. She had to shake it off. "Alright." I am here on business. I cannot let my son down! She straightened her back, and checked one last time for all the items she needed in the bag she would be carrying inside. Her sample design drawings, her sketching pencil, and even a few material samples. She even brought her new design book. She had only made a few rough sketches yesterday, but there still might be something in there that the princesses would like. "Show time." She strolled up to the front gate.
...
Meanwhile, Elena and Isabel were just walking into throne room. It was almost one, meaning they were expecting Mr. Aurelius to arrive here. But of course, since Elena was doing something on her own, all of her family found reasons to come with her. Esteban stated that since Elena was reviving an old tradition, his input would be crucial. Francisco claimed that it was his duty as a grandfather to be there when the dresses were being chosen. Lucia wanted to be there to see the new styles in case she decided on a dress too!
"I don't get why Mateo, Naomi and I need to be here for dresses." Gabe complained.
Naomi jabbed him once with her elbow. "Because Isa invited us." Though she slyly smiled, staring at the back of the Chancellor. The two of them often clashed on ideas of the old and new ways. Helping Elena choose an outfit for the next big event was just one more round. Somehow, Naomi had a feeling today was going to be an easy win against him.
Isa smiled back at the three teenagers. "Besides, you guys have heard more about the Amazing Aurelius than we have. Elena and I need to know what to expect."
"He's just another uptight big shot, Isa." Gabe said. "Apparently, he does all kinds of fancy suits for every known royal out there."
Mateo interjected. "Not necessarily, it's well known that the Aurelius base of operations, and his hometown, is a port city called Venemos. It used to sort of like a refugee homestead, for people who were fleeing their home countries."
"So you're saying he comes from humble origins?" Francisco asked the Royal Wizard.
"Possibly. The town is located in Enchancia, which does have access to special materials. It could be that Mr. Aurelius built up his company and fortune with that."
Elena then asked. "So his clothes really are magic?"
"Maybe." Mateo shrugged.
It was then that Esteban added in his piece of information. "I have heard of Aurelius during my visits out of Avalor, Elena." He said. "Apparently, he studies cultures quite extensively and then makes a new line inspired by them. Having him in Avalor could have a diplomatic impact as well."
A part of Esteban wanted his cousin to be a little shaken. She needed to know that her behavior would be judged by someone with a great amount of influence. However, Elena became even more energetic! "Then we'll have to show him the very best of Avalor!"
The rest of the party made cheers and sounds of approval. Esteban just sighed. To him, it looked like once again he would have to be the dignified one.
Despite protests that they did not need to be so formal, Esteban convinced all of them to accept Mr. Aurelius in the throne room. Elena sat on her throne with Isabel and Esteban on one side of her and her grandparents on the other. Gabe took his place on the side of the walkway to the throne with Mateo opposite him, and Naomi... She leaned up on the side of the pillars for the long wait.
"Oooh, I'm starting to get a little excited now!" Luisa clasped her hands together. "We haven't had a foreign designer come to our home before. I wonder what kind of man he is."
Francisco voiced his thoughts to his wife. "From his description, he sounds like a man of great experience. I would imagine a fellow well into his years."
Elena corrected her grandparents. "Actually, Isabel and I got to see him! He's pretty young, he looks like he's at least in his twenties."
"Not possible." Esteban stated. "If that were true than Mr. Aurelius would have been only one when he designed his first gown, since the amazing Aurelius has been well known for at least twenty years!"
Confused looks were shared throughout the room.
"Then, who did Elena and I see yesterday?" Isabel asked.
It was then that Armondo stepped out from the two giant doors to the throne room. "Your Royal Majesties... Oh! And Royal Counsel too! Amelia Aurelius has arrived for her appointment."
Elena was confused, and a little worried. "Oh? Um... thank you, Armondo. Please, show her in."
Armondo bowed and went back to the doors. Now everyone was even more interested to see this famous designer. When Armondo opened the door, all their eyes fell upon a tanned, red-haired woman. She was wearing dress with breeze-catching sleeves, but what was most remarkable was its coloring. Around her neckline it started as an emerald green, fading into a light blue around her waist, with that eventually fading down into a pure light by her feet. It looked as if she was wearing a wave right off the ocean!
This stranger walked with confidence and an easy grace, like she had done this a thousand times before and each time it had ended to her satisfactory. However, the moment she got close enough to clearly see Elena and her family... Her eyes went wide, and she dropped the bag she was carrying.
A/n: I usually try and leave a note at the end of each chapter. For those of you who might like to see the next chapter: I really like Reviews! Any and all thoughts and/or criticisms are welcome.