Chapter 6…Palace Life
Previously…
"We, better start getting back. We might have missed lunch with Caleb and Herion. Plus the storm is coming in, Eruanna would want us inside."
We stood up, Orin was gone for an instant but then right back at my side with my robe I had shed earlier. I hadn't realized how long we had been outside. I also didn't realize how cold it had gotten. The wind bit at my cheeks and nose. I laced my hands around Orin's.
We walked with a quickened pace back to the castle. The sky grew darker as we reached the palace steps. Frigid rain drops begun to fall as the doors opened and we rushed in laughing.
Orin wrapped my robe around me as the wind danced through the wide hall. Not two seconds after the palace doors had closed we saw Herion racing toward us, Caleb trotting after him.
"Where were you guys!" He huffed, "You've been gone all day! You missed lunch!"
I scooped him up and hugged him close. He laughed and looked up at me. "Relax Herion! Silly, we were just walking and talking. We just lost track of time, plus it started to rain. Now breath baby, we are ok!" I patted his head and set him down.
Caleb came up and eyed me, "Yeh, what were you two doing?" He joked, I felt the red creep up my neck, but Herion saved my explanation as we began to walk.
Herion took a deep breath, "OK! So guess where we went? Guess!" Herion said as we walked up the grand staircase, he bounded before all of us.
"Where?" I asked as he grabbed the hem of my dress.
"The war room! And the general's office! And, and, and the training fields. I learned to fight!" He said pushing out his chest.
"Wow, our little boy is getting so grown-up!" I said fanning my face, "I think, I think I may cry" I pretended.
"Don't cry Kayley! I'm not that good!" Herion comforted me.
"Ok," I sniffed. Orin and Caleb chuckled.
We came to the room where we had eaten that morning. Eruanna explained it was our sitting room. Herion jumped onto the couch and I sat next to him. Orin sat on the window sill and watched the rain, coming in thick sheets. Caleb leaned by the fire.
Herion continued his story of his fun filled day, "…Then Caleb fell, but he was ok, just sore and the general…Eruanna!" Herion stopped mid-story and ran to her. She picked him up gracefully and cradled him, tickling his stomach.
"Hello everyone! I thought some tea would chase the chill from everyone's bones," She said walking over, a plump servant women in a blue apron followed with a pot full of tea. Eruanna sat next to me, setting Herion in-between us.
The tea warmed my body as I sipped it quietly. It smelled of oranges with an underlining scent of ginger. I inhaled deeply. Herion had a small plate of cookies in his lap and munched them happily.
After a few moments of silence Eruanna spoke, leaning back, relaxed into the plush couch, "So how was everyone's first day about the palace?"
"GREAT! Me and Caleb did man stuff!" Herion said behind a mouthful of cookies.
Eruanna smiled, "Wonderful sweetie! I heard you had quite an impression on the general, he loved having you and Caleb spend the day with him. Kayley, Orin? How was your day dear?" Her eyes sparkled, I smiled slightly hiding the blush in my cheeks, but I knew she could see past my façade.
"Oh, it was brilliant. Your grounds are absolutely stunning. The forest seemed so alive!" I said, and Orin nodded in agreement from the window.
"Yes, the trees tend to have eyes here," She winked at me and I sheepishly looked down, "The forest holds a deep magic here. It is old magic. Before the laws of the elf-hood were created, the forest was there. It is a sacred place, a safe place. It is said that when an elf enters the forest with a pure of heart, the forest loans them their power. If an enemy of dark was to enter the forest, the elements would destroy them," She smiled.
Eruanna had a servant bring a game out for Herion. Orin and Caleb sat on the floor by the fire with the little guy and began the puzzling game. Eruanna and I sat on the couch, I pulled my feet underneath me and I clutched a pillow to my chest and gazed into the fire, feeling utterly happy. I looked at Eruanna, she had her hands delicately placed in her lap; she looked so regal. I moved closer to her and she draped her arm around me in a motherly fashion. I looked at her smooth age-less face, "Eruanna, what do you know?" I asked quietly.
"Nothing you don't want me too," She whispered quietly.
"What do you think? Of him, of us? Is it right?" I muttered laying my head on her shoulder watching Orin laugh with Herion and Caleb at the challenging puzzle game.
"When he looks at you, I see so much care and burning passion for you. He loves you. A love I have not seen in a long time. In fact, I believe that I've only truly seen that look only once before. I seen no doubt, I see no fear, no anger, nothing but a fiery love for you. I see only happiness in his eyes. When he sees you his whole body, every fiber of his being, takes you in. However, he has a new air to him. When he first came here, that look was shaded, it was hidden behind something. But now its unbridled, the feeling for you radiates of his very being. He seems to be a changed man."
I sat up and turned my face from him. The way she described him, I felt like I could not match him. I loved him like no other being ever, but the way she described him, did I even deserve him?
Eruanna touched my arm, "And you my dear, your eyes sparkled brighter than the winter's night. You absolutely glow with happiness. You look at him and I feel your magery swirl around you. To say that you two didn't belong together, would be a crime. You two are meant for each other," I beamed and looked at Orin wrestling with Caleb as Herion umpired the fight, "But," Eruanna drew me back and smiled sweetly, "that doesn't me you will not encounter troubles. Love concurs all, we are not perfect and we have to choose the right path, and stay its course. Though I am a bit troubled with…" she trailed off and looked over at Caleb, "He loves you to, though he has yet to understand of what he really feels for you, telling him may bode difficulties for you my love. Take it slow; let him know when you deem it right."
I sat back and pondered what she had said. I walked over to the window seat. I laid my head on the cool glass and looked out into the black night. It was not late only an hour or so after dinner time, but as the winter season neared the days grew shorter. The rain still poured. I thought about what Eruanna had said. Of course I loved Caleb, I loved him first, I grew up with him. I would do what Eruanna had told me, I would wait till I saw the perfect moment to tell Caleb. I turned around and looked at Orin and Caleb lying on the floor playing a game of chess and Herion leaned sleepily against Orin's chest. His little head bobbed. Eruanna sat brushing her long hair. The fire warmed the room, making me sleepy as well. I slid down to the window seat and leaned against the window watching everyone.
Eruanna cleared her throat after a while. I blinked and shook the sleep from my weary body. "So, to let you all know. I have talked with the other members of counsel and we all agree your arrival should be celebrated. Therefore, as I promised, a ball will be held in your honor!"
Herion stirred in his sleep but only muttered and moved closer to Orion.
"A ball! Wow!" Caleb said sitting up.
I walked over, "When?"
"Tomorrow evening! You will be able to meet my kingdom," Eruanna announced.
I leaned against the wall again, "Wow, so soon," I looked up, "Oh, but great! That's wonderful! Thank you!"
Eruanna and I chatted about how we would get ready and who would be there for a while. We looked down at the floor and all three boys were asleep. I giggled. Orin cradled Herion in the crook of his arm. Eruanna stood and bid me goodnight.
"I'll leave it to you to get your men into bed," She winked as she closed the door behind her. At first I could bare to disturb this adorable scene, but it was late and if we were to attend a ball tomorrow and be up all night, we would need our sleep.
I flipped my dress skirts behind me as a knelt to the floor next to Orin. I tucked a piece of his hair behind his ear and stroked his cheek. I bent down close to his ear, "Orin, wake up," I kissed his ear, then his jaw. His eyes fluttered opened and he smiled. I kissed his cheek again, "We better get everyone to bed. We have a long day tomorrow."
He nodded silently. We kissed silently again. I moved to Caleb. I laid my hand on his cheeks, "Caleb, hey wake up sweetie!" We gotta get you to bed."
Caleb muttered and I helped him up. Orin stood and cradled Herion. I wrapped my arm around Caleb's waist and we all walked out of the warm room. The hallway temperature was like a splash of cold water. I shivered and held tight to Caleb, Orin walked beside us. We came to our doors. Orin went to lay Herion down in my room and I led Caleb to his and Orin's door room. He kissed me on the cheek good night and shuffled into his dark room.
I walked into my room just as Orin was tucking Herion into the feathery bed sheets. He turned around as I stood in the door way. He walked over to me and slipped his arms around my waist, pulling me into him. I looked up at him, smiling.
"Are you ready for the ball tomorrow?" I asked. He subconsciously swayed back and forth in small movements, like a mother rocking a child.
"I don't know, I've never been to one, I am rather nervous actually," he said looking down at me.
"Don't worry, you have me. Though I'm not sure how much help I'll be I've never actually been to one either, just fancy dinner parties at the college." I said laughing.
He leaned down, "You're all I need," He kissed me deeply, "Good night Kayley, I love you."
I gave him another quick kiss, "I love you too, good night, sweet dreams."
I walked into my dark room; a candle flickered by my bed.
As I took my dress off, letting it slide to the floor I pulled a robe from the oak dresser and slipped it on. I sat in front of the mirror and one by one, took the pins that held my hair in a half-up do. The curly locks fell down my back. I swept my hair to the side and over my shoulder. I looked at myself in the dark mirror. Today was a day girls live for. Romance, love, magic. It was great. I found my soul mate. I thought what Eruanna had said, about though we had found each other, things would not be easy. I sighed and sat my chin in my hands and looked at the mirror. I mean he was gorgeous and powerful. He had a special magery. He would be a great man for anyone. I think that's what I am most nervous about. When all these beautiful elf women see him at the ball, they'll fawn him. All of them more gorgeous than the next, how will I ever compare? I sighed; I wish my mother was here. I wish I knew her. I bet she would have known the answer. I've always seen her in my dreams. Just figure, no face, it's always blurry, but I know it's her. I know she's there, watching me, protecting me. I just wish I could talk to her. She could be here to comfort me. She could meet Orin, approve of him and tell me not to worry because he loves me.
I sighed again and got up and blew out the candle. I slipped under the covers. They were warm. I pulled Herion close to me as the night before. I stroked his hair.
I had come to love him so. I wondered if he still remembered his mother. I frowned, at least he knew his father. I closed my eyes and yawned. Tomorrow. Tomorrow I would go to the ball, taking things one step at a time.
I dreamt of my mother. Her face was not shown; I needed to see her face. I also kept dreaming of books. Tons and tons of books, it had to be the library at the palace. What if my mother was in one of those books? She had to be. If this dream was meant to point me toward her, I would go to the library in the morning.
I woke early the next morning. Herion still snored quietly. I tucked him tightly in the blankets; he seemed to disappear in the feathery down of the bed. I kissed his cheek.
I dressed quietly, changing into a simple pink dress. It trailed longer in the back and had slivery embroidery around the edges of the long flowing sleeves. I loved all the clothing in the elven world. Everything looked more graceful, elegant here. I combed through my hair and used a flower pin to hold up a messy bun at the base of my neck. Curly tendrils fell around my face.
I stood and tip-toed to the door. Happy with my success of not waking Herion up, I opened the door, it cracked open and I cringed.
"Kayley? Where are you going?" Herion said sleepily from the bed, sitting up; though I could still barley see him.
"To the library sweetie, I'm going to try and find my mother." I said holding the door.
"Can I come? Please Kay! Please don't leave me alone," Herion said crawling to the edge of the bed.
I giggled and walked over to him, "Of course! I would love to take you! Come one Herion," I picked him up and took him over the dresser. I pulled out a small pair of trousers and a white cotton shirt and simple vest.
He yawned and allowed me to dress him. His eyes drooped, sit sleepy. I picked him up; surprised he had not mentioned anything about food.
"But, on our way, can we pick up some toast?" he asked quietly, snuggling into my chest.
"Of course pumpkin," I laughed, spoke to soon.
We walked out, bumping into Mistress Loth.
"Oh! Beg your pardon Miss Kayley. I see you are up early," Loth said bowing.
"Yes, we are going to the library, I'm going to try and find anything about my mother. Would you happen to know where the library might be?" I asked politely.
"Oh yes, of course! You go past the dining room, then go left down the first hallway you come to. After that take a right at the King's Statute and at the end of that hallway will be the library doors. They are heavy and the doormen are not up this early," She winked, "just push and they'll open with some effort."
"Thank you Loth! See you later today!" I said bowing.
"My pleasure my lady, good day to you," She bowed again and I began to walk toward the dining room, "Oh and sweetie, around 4 I will come and find you and Herion to help you get ready for the ball." She smiled and we walked on.
Oh yeah. The ball, I forgot.
I peeked into the dining room. Servants sat eating at the table. We must have been up really early for them to still be eating. A servant male looked up and stopped laughing. He stood and opened the door for me.
"Miss Kayley! Terribly sorry, we had no idea you'd be up so early! Master Herion" the man said bowing deeply; Herion smiled sleepily and closed his eyes.
"Oh no, I'm sorry. I am heading off into the library; I'm going to try to find something about my mother. Herion here was hungry," the rest of the servants listening giggled, "And he to come along so I was wondering if perhaps you had some spare toast and juice for him?"
Before I finished my sentence I had a bundle of warm biscuits and fresh fruit wrapped in a bundle. They also handed me two closed mugs; one with juice and a one with warm tea.
"Oh, well thank you very much," I said in a surprised tone, "I didn't mean to bother you, but thank you very much! I greatly appreciated it," I bowed, the servant man smiled warmly at me as did the others behind him.
"It is a pleasure serving you Miss Kayley," he said bowing, "Good luck with your search!"
I thanked them again and left balancing sleeping Herion the bundle of food and the covered mugs of our drinks.
I followed Loth's instructions, barely pausing to look at the splendid statue of the great elven king, I was too excited.
Loth was right, the doors were heavy but nothing was going to stop me from getting into that library. I walked in and Herion sat up in my arms.
"Wow" he breathed.
The library had three levels. The latters seemed to stretch up to the ceiling, there were rows upon rows of books, and they lined the wall and shelves in the middle of the huge room. I set Herion and the food down on the table. I skipped to the windows and pulled the thick rope to draw them back. The sun had just peaked over the horizon. It was magnificent. I could see for miles. Nothing but forest and rolling hills, it was a sight to see.
I walked back to Herion, "Where to begin?" I said walking to a book shelf.
I scanned a book shelf. Nothing seemed to be of use to me here. I continued on this book search for two hours. By them the sun had rose halfway in the sky. The pinks and oranges were now being replaced by a dull blue. Everything was damp from last night's rain, the trees and grass sparkled, it was beautiful, but I could not let the majesty of the landscape stop me from my search.
Herion sat on the table he drank his juice. I pulled up a picture book for him. He laid the book in front of him and nibbled on a biscuit and flipped through the pages. Another hour and I began to lose some of my enthusiasm. I sighed and moved to another book shelf unsuccessful.
Herion sat quietly munching and looking at the fairy tale that unfolded before him.
I scanned my finger along the old leather bindings. I came upon a rather large book. I stopped for a second. I blew away the dust and squinted at the faded binding. It read:
Elven Records
*69-1*
The dates were faded and hard to read. My curiosity was sparked. This was the first records book I had seen so far. Perhaps my mother would be in here. I thumped the heavy book on the table and sat down. Herion came and sat on my shoulder. I opened the dusty book up.
A list of names spilled down the page in old script. I studied each and every name on the page, and then turned the page. I continued like this for an hour. Herion never left my shoulder; he never took his eyes of me. He sat perfectly still.
Suddenly I stopped and looked up, Herion jumped down off my shoulder and sat on the book in front of me. He looked up with a worried expression, "Kayley?"
"What am I doing?" I rasped and laid my head on the thick book, Herion laid a small hand on my head, and patted it gently, "I don't even know her name," Tears slipped silently down my checks.
"Eilywen Baul."
I lifted my head up and turned around, Eruanna stood at the front of the library, her hands folded in front of her.
"Wh-what?" I asked wiping the tears from my face.
"Her name was Eilywen Baul, your mother," She walked over to a section of books I had yet to cover. She slid a smaller book from the shelf. It was a light blue leathered book. Its pages were held together by a white ribbon.
"Eilywen Baul, your mother was a healer and this—" She held the book out to me, "was her journal, where she recorded all her patients' problems and solutions," She opened the book and there in between the cover and the first page, was her picture.
I took it with my shaky hands and looked down at it. My eyes widened.
"She's beautiful," I gasped, her eyes were slim and dark, like mine, her hair fell in long beautiful waves on her shoulders. Her face was slender, chin pointed, her nose small and rounded slightly; her lips were thin and dainty.
I looked up at Eruanna. She smiled.
"I knew you would question about her sooner or later, I was just waiting for the right time for you to know about her. She is beautiful, looks just like you,"
"Me? Really?" I asked.
She nodded, "Of course where you think you got your dark hair from? No one in this elven community has dark hair, not even Orin, it is not natural here," Eruanna said.
"And you said she was a healer?" I asked stroking the picture.
"One of the best, she was powerful, tis probably were you inherited your extraordinary healing powers," Eruanna said patting my back gently, "This book," She closed my hands over it, "Is yours, keep it."
"Oh thank you Eruanna! Thank you! This means the world to me, thank you!" I sprung forward and gave her a crushing hug.
She laughed, "You are so very welcome child. I will leave you to explore your mother's book, I still have some plans for the ball to attend to," she hugged me and waved and left me with the book.
I turned to Herion excitedly, "Look! Herion look here! You see this? It was my mother's! And look! This is her picture!" I was so excited.
"Wow, Kayley, she is so pretty! She looks just like you! Except your chin, you have a softer chin, but still just as pretty as her!" Herion said, his eyes sparkling.
"Thank you, I am very happy to have this," I beamed and I leaned against a wall, he jumped back to his book and biscuit.
I opened the cover and began to read, absorbing everything, every pen stroke that she made, my mother.
"Patient One: My first patient, Mar, is very ill. He suffers from chills and hives. He has been bed ridden for 2 weeks. I tried…"
I read about patient after patient and with everyone, the door to my mother's life slowly opened little by little. I walked slowly around in circles then I stopped. I was so involved with my book that I didn't hear the library door open and close.
He put his arm around my waist and fingered my hair.
I gasped and spun around, he was smiling shyly. "Orin! Look! It was my mother's! I found her! Her name was Eilywen Baul, I'm Kayley Baul, that's my name!" I held the book up for him to see.
"Wow Kayley, that's great!" I showed him the picture as well, "She looks just like you, beautiful."
I smiled and clutched the book to my chest. I laughed and in the midst of my excitement I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him down in a crushing kiss.
A little gasp rang in the silence and we broke apart. I turned around to see Herion sitting on the table staring dumbfounded at us, with crumbs of toast on his mouth.
We stepped back from each other, not knowing what to say. I felt the red crawling to my cheeks. Then he did something unexpected. He laughed. He stood and wiggled and jumped up and laughed like a little tinkling bell. The sight was so funny and adorable that I began to laugh, my cheeks fading from the crimson color. Orin chuckled and rubbed his neck.
He held his arms out to me and I swooped and picked him up cradling him as he giggled a little more and sighed, nestling into my arms. Orin walked over and peered down at him, wrapping his arms around my waist.
"Herion, you have to promise me you won't tell Caleb, he doesn't know and I want to break it to him gently. Will you be ok with that?" I asked, hoping he would.
"Oh yes! I won't tell anyone! I always knew that you and Orin kinda liked each other. I'm happy. It's like we can pretend you are my mom and Orin is my dad. I can have a family again!" Herion glowed and looked up at us.
I blushed again, "Oh, well Herion…"
"We'd love to, son." Orin said reaching down and tickling Herion's stomach.
I turned my head to look at Orin, surprised. He smiled at me and kissed me on the cheek. I smiled. This was a side of Orin that I'd loved. His sensitive, father-like side, though he said that he hadn't a father to learn about how to love, it was a part of him. It was there, innate in his personality.
We sat at the table and Herion returned to his book Orin pulled a chair next to me and we read more from my mother's book. I studied every word, every drawing in my mother's writing. I clutched her picture in my hand. Orin rubbed my back as we read. He would point out certain things my mother wrote as side notes. We turned the page and continued to read. Orin pointed something out, it was in the corner of the page, it was boxed in with a flowered design. It read: "She develops normally, 2 months till her birth"
I looked at Orin, "Do you think?"
He nodded, "I think that's about you."
I beamed and turned my attention back to the book I flipped through the pages and looked for more side notes.
"1 month, till she arrives", "A strong child she will be, Mátor died today, giving her a strong blessing at his death bed", "Kayley, her name will be Kayley", "I leave today, only one week till she will be born"
I looked up no more side notes. Orin looked down at me, "Who do you think Mátor was? And why did she have to leave?"
Orin shrugged and the library door opened. We all turned around.
Loth stood at the door, "Pardon my Lady and Lords, are you ready to prepare for the ball?"
I closed the book and picked Herion up and balanced him on my hip, "Of course! Ready Orin?"
He stood and took Herion from me and followed us out of the library. She inquired about our adventures in the library. I told her about my mother's book and she listened with appt interest. I asked her if she knew who Mátor was. She stopped and looked at me, then down at the ground, "I knew him, yes," She said quietly, "May the light rest with him, he was…your father. He died in battle; your mother was overcome with grief. She decided that you would not be a part of the war-ridden elven realm. She wanted to take you to be safe into the arms of humans.
I was surprisingly not saddened by the news. I understood that I was not to be told about my mother, through her instructions, until I was ready and asked the questions. I was excited by my history rolling out before me. Mátor and Eilywen Baul, my parents, I couldn't be happier. We came to our door. Loth turned to Orin and took Herion from him. "There is another servant already in your room getting Caleb ready,"
I blew a kiss to Orin and followed Loth into my room. I shut the door and Loth put Herion on the bed. I tucked my book safely under my pillow and turned to Loth and clasped my hands together, "Ready?"
She laughed and walked to the dark oak table and held up one of the most elegant dress I'd ever seen. She was beaming, "Do you like it?"
"Oh my—it's…it's so beautiful!" I gasped.
"Now you go and put that on and I will dress Herion here," Loth said. I skipped excitedly behind the dressing screen.
The dress was silky soft with lace and seven layers of material. I walked out and examined myself in the mirror. The dress moved like water, rippling at my every motion.
Herion sat on the bed and smiled and clapped his little hands. His hair was wet and straight from his bath. He wore a green suit. His hat had a clear jewel at the brim, his long sleeve shirt fit perfectly, and to finish the regal look he had a small green cape and shoes.
I rushed to him and gabbed his feet, "Oh my goodness! You are wearing shoes!" I was baffled, they were so tiny, plus I'd never seen him wear shoes, it was a complete change! I loved it.
He kicked his feet, "Oh, that's what these things are…they are weird; I don't think I like em'."
I giggled and handed him one of his picture books as Loth pulled me toward the mirror, "Now, your hair!" She smiled and thought for a moment, then her face light up.
She worked quickly with gentle fingers. After a long while of pinning and twirling of my hair, and a few re-dos, Loth mumbling that it had to be perfect, my hair was finally done. She stood back and helped me up. I nervously turned around.
I gasped slightly. I turned from side to side to insure to myself that the image was real. My hair was shining, it was pinned in various places and beautiful curls spilled down my back. I turned to Loth, my mouth slightly opened. I hugged her! "Oh thank you! Thank you so much! This looks so amazing! I love it!" I expressed.
"You look beautiful!" Loth spun me around, "Ready?"
I nodded my stomach suddenly flipping. Herion jumped off the bed and ran to me and grabbed the hem of my dress. We followed Loth to the door. She opened it and we walked down the hallway. She then stopped and turned to us. I bent down and picked up Herion. He played with the lace that fell of my shoulder.
"Now, all you must do is follow this hallway to the end and then go down the stairs and Eruanna will meet you there. From there, the ball, best of luck! Do not be nervous dear, they will all love you!" She hugged me once more and disappeared down the opposite hallway.
I held onto Herion tighter, I could feel his tense mood, he was nervous too, "Ready kid?" I asked. He tightened his grip on my dress.
"Yes! Let's go!" he said determinedly.
I walked slowly down the hallway. Herion played with one of my curls, "Kayley, are you scared? What are we going to see? What are we going to when we get there? Where are Orin and Caleb? I wish they were here, don't you?"
I stopped and held him tightly, my stomach in knots, "I don't know where they are," I held him out so I could see him, "I am scared, a bit. I don't know what we are going to do or see when we get there. I'm sure everything will be fine; this is a celebration not a war council. Everyone will be nice there, I promise, I will not let anyone hurt or scare you. Sound like I deal?" He wiped a tear from his eye, smiled, and nodded. I set him down and he held the hem of my dress and we came upon the stairs Loth had told us about.
At the bottom we saw Eruanna in a brilliant white dress. She looked like a shining star. Orin and Caleb stood next to her, their backs were to us. Herion and I began to descend the marble stairway and all three turned around. Eruanna beamed, Caleb's mouth fell open and Orin just stared. I kept my eyes locked with his and the butterflies in my stomach stopped.
I stopped on the last step and the three walked forward. Herion held his arms up and Eruanna picked him up.
Orin held his hand out for me and spun me around. "Kayley, you look like an angel!" He said and Caleb agreed.
I blushed and looked at the floor.
Caleb lifted my chin up, "You do, you look amazing, and you look like a princess tonight."
Trumpets sounded and Eruanna smiled, "That's out cue. Ok, for the order, Kayley you hold Herion," She handed him to me and he wrapped a small hand around one of my curls, "Orin, you will stand behind Kayley, Caleb you'll walk behind myself. Is everyone ready?"
We quickly did as we were told. I stole a glance at Orin as we aligned ourselves. He flashed one of his dazzling smiles at me and my heart raced. I stored a mental note to tell him how dashing he looked tonight.
We walked forward and two men opened the doors to the brightly lit ballroom. We walked in and the music stopped. Everyone turned and stared at us in dead silence. I froze. There were so many people. Everyone dressed in their finest, I felt like a little town girl, unable to measure up to this high class elven society. I felt like could not move me feet until I felt a warm hand against my back. I melted and walked forward with Eruanna.
We walked to the front of the ballroom, which was still silent. As we pasted people gracefully bowed and whispered their 'hellos'. Eruanna smiled and nodded her head with ease at everyone we passed. We reached the middle of the ballroom, hundreds of people surrounded us. I felt the eyes. Then with a flick of her hand, Eruanna started the band again and talking resumed. I relaxed my muscles a little. People began dancing on the opened area dance floor. Eruanna talked as people approached her. We stood awkwardly as the high elves intently looked us over as they conversed with their Queen. Orin stood behind me and Caleb to my right. Herion curled into my chest, trying to hide. I looked up as a group came toward us.
There was a short slender woman, her nose was high and her lips set in a pleasant smile. Next to her was a tall round man with rosy cheeks and following him were two beautiful girls, twins from the look of it, locked arm in arm with displeased looks and their perfect mouths turned down in a frown.
I studied the girls, they seemed different from their parents, but even more confusing; they had a strange air about them. They had the look of china dolls that I so desired as a little girl and used to see in the town shop window at home. They looked perfect, completely posed and regal.
I brought my attention to man at the front of the group as he bowed deeply in front of Eruanna and came up smiling.
"My Queen," he kissed her hand.
"Lord Lel and Lady Awan," She bowed her head and looked to the porcelain girls, "Miss Fuin (foo-in), Miss Lhach (lah-kh)
The girls curtsied with grace and smiled a dazzling white smile. But their eyes were not on Eruanna, but on Orin and Caleb behind us. A wave of jealously rolled over me and moved to block their glances and their eyes snapped back to the Queen.
"Bereth (bare-ehth – Queen) Eruanna," They said in perfect unison, flashing a smile.
As soon as they china doll's spoke out of their perfect red lips, the Necklace sent a fierce, blinding, pain through my body, burning my neck and my whole body. I gasped and stepped back, losing my balance and fell back. Strong arms caught me and Herion from falling to the hard marble floor.
I looked up at Orin, he was talking to me, but I could not hear him or anything else. Herion, still in my arms, looked up at me. Everything seemed to be in slow motion. Then a small whisper came from nowhere, and I listened.
"Amarth (ah-marth – doom). Goth (enemy). Gûl (gool – sorcery). Gerth (death)." It whispered. It repeated the words, the unseen force whispering the words into my ear, sending a stroke of pain each time the foul words were whispered.
Suddenly I was thrown back into reality, voices and the music came flooding back to me.
"Kayley!"
"Kayley"
"Kayley!"
I blinked and looked up. Everyone, excluding the twins, sighed with relief. Orin helped me back to my feet, but refused to let go of my waist.
"I'm ok, just…" I looked at the two girls, their blank expressions, "…tripped." I said smiling weakly.
"High 'ells are 'angerous, my dear," Lady Awan said smiling patting my hand.
" 'angerous'—oh! Dangerous! Oh yes, very," I said blushing nervously.
"Yes, I know my accent es 'ery 'ad. I come frum de northern elven 'owns," She smiled apologetically.
"Oh, no, no, it's fine. I guess I was still a bit woozy from the fall," I said, "Your accent is lovely!"
The women grinned, "Ank you…"
"Kayley. This is Kayley Baul," Eruanna said jumping in.
I was a surprised to hear my last name, but I didn't let my face show the expression on my face.
"Miss 'Ayley," Lady Awan said bowed and I bowed as best I could with Orin glued to my hip.
"Lord Lel and his family will be staying here for awhile after the ball, along with some other families. It will give you a chance to get to know the kingdom," Eruanna explained.
I nodded to the family, "I hope you enjoy your stay, I am honored you came all this way."
"Yes, yes, but who," Lhach said as her and Fuin walked over to Orin and Caleb. Fuin took Orin by the arm and pulled him gently away from me.
"Are these adorably handsome men," Fuin finished.
They laced their slender arms in Orin and Caleb's. I felt the warmth of Orin's body leaving my side. I turned to see Fuin's arm intertwined with Orin's.
She smiled, a sickly sweet smile, her glassy blue eyes taunting me.
"May I introduce Master Orin and Master Caleb," Eruanna said calmly, but her eyes flickered to me and she moved to draw the boys away from the twins.
"Master Orin, my, such a noble name, and such a handsome man," Fuin said running her hands through Orin's hair.
"Now 'irls, let's not bey so for'ard, 'ome along now," Lord Lel said pulling Fuin from Orin, obviously annoyed with his daughters behavior, that makes two of us.
"Yes Ada," the girls said, locking arms again stood behind their parents, Fuin kept her eyes locked on Orin.
Orin again moved to my side and took my waist and I could feel the magery settle.
"Tousand par'ons, my Queen," Lady Awan said bowing and leading her daughters away.
Eruanna sighed, "Rather odd girls."
"Yes, very," I agreed with a hint of rage.
"Well, this is just the beginning of the ball! Have fun my dears, there will be an announcement later about your coming, until mingles my loves!" She waved a slender hand good-bye and disappeared into the crowd.
Herion tugged on my hair and I leaned close to him, "I don't like those girls, they gave me a bad feeling," he said shaking his head.
"Me either," I agreed hugging him.
"Well, they were nice, weren't they? Very friendly girls," Caleb said, and Orin nodded.
"What?" I asked turning around to Caleb, Orin's grasp on me breaking, my eyes narrowed.
"I…I…just—said…" he stammered.
"Come Kayley, why don't we go dance, do you mind Herion?" Orin said grabbing my hand.
He shook his head, "No, I don't mind, just come back for me please," he said and I set him down on a plush chair and handed him a rather large cookie from a snack table.
Orin and I moved out to the dance floor just as the music changed to a slow waltz. He held me close as we swayed to the music. We were quiet. I mulled over the meeting of Fuin and Lhach.
"You really didn't like those girls, did you?" He said spinning me around.
"No, I didn't," I growled.
"You are so cute when you sulk," He chuckled.
"I'm not sulking," I said stubbornly, a tear welling in my eye.
"Kayley," Orin sighed stroking my cheek as we stopped in the middle of the dance, people swirled around us, not paying much attention to us.
I sighed, "Nothing, nothing, I'm fine," I decided to keep my experience a secret until I could figure out what those sinister words were.
"Everything will be ok Kay—"
"Mind if I cut in?" A smooth voice coded from behind me.
I turned around to see Fuin, her eyes taunting again. I turned back around to look at Orin, I searched his face, I pleaded "no", but it would have been very rude, but then again he could have said no. I stepped back and she swept Orin away within seconds.
I restrained myself to not hit her with a water whip but I held my anger back. I walked back to the place where I had left Herion and he was gone. I looked around and saw him playing with some other elf children. I smiled, he looked happy, at least he was happy. I looked around for Caleb and groaned when I saw him out on the dance floor with Lhach. I sighed and fell back onto a couch behind me.
"Oh!"
I shot up and turned to see a stunned boy about my age.
He had crisp golden hair and bright blue eyes, a stern handsome face and a strong jaw line.
I covered my mouth, the oh-so familiar red rushing to my cheeks. "Oh, I'm so, so very sorry, I didn't—I was—sorry," I stuttered.
He laughed a smooth, sweet, laugh, "It's not the first time," he said moving over for me to sit beside him.
"You mean you've been sat on before?" I asked giggling.
"Yes, it's because I'm not much a dancer unlike my twin sister," he pointed out a girl swaying on the dance floor in the arms of a handsome gentleman.
"Oh I see," She was very pretty, they were a pretty set of twins.
"Let's see, I think the worst time was when 'Fat Bottom Melen' sat on me at a dinner party. I tell you I thought I was dead for sure!"
I laughed and he smiled at me, "I like your laugh."
I blushed, "Oh you are just saying that it's awful!"
"No, its very…" he paused searching for a word.
"Loud?" I suggested, "Obnoxious, foolish?"
"Sweet, and innocent," he said, "Nothing like my sisters, who you can hear 1,000 miles away when you get her started!"
"Well thank you! I believe you, but thank you anyway!" I held my hand out, "I'm Kayley."
He shook my hand.
"Wait, not THE Kayley?" He said is eyes widening.
"Well, yes I guess I am," I said.
The boy took my hand in his and shook it gently, "Let me say what an honor it is for me to meet your personally! We've heard so much about you! My name is Cezar, my lady."
"Cezar, I like it, and your sister name?"
"Hayden. Cezar and Hayden Geth, twins of the Nobleman Ceretic," He said proudly.
"Wow! What a title to have! I'm just Kayley Baul," I laughed.
He chuckled, "Well, honestly, it's only because we are twins. There are very few elf twins born. We were the first in 400 years.
"Wow, your poor mother," I said shaking my head, twin childbirth was a dangerous risk.
"Yeh," Cezar looked at the ground, "She died in childbirth, so it was a miracle we lived."
"Oh Cezar," I laid a hand on his lap; "I'm sorry, I never knew my mother or father so I understand your feelings."
"Well thank you, not many people understand. Thank you for your sympathy." He said laying his hand over mine.
We were quiet for awhile, watching everyone dance. I glared with envy at Orin and Fuin still dancing, now to a quick paced song.
"I see you are staring at Miss Fuin and her partner with some anger, something wrong?" Cezar asked.
"Do you know her?" I asked curiously.
"Well not so much, and please say this to no one, but I have a bad feeling about them. I can't help but to label them as evil. Mistresses of Darkness, her and her sister, I don't trust them," Cezar said looking ashamed.
I put my other hand on his, "Cezar, I do believe we are going to be very, very good friends!"
I stood pulling him up with me, "Now, if Orin won't show me off in this dress, it looks like you will have too!"
Cezar smiled deviously and twirled me onto the dance floor, "Well, practice makes perfect!"
We began the waltz, a modern tempo style, with a few jumps and spins. In all honesty, Cezar surprised me with his skills. He was quiet good! Guests turned to us, with our attention-grabbing dancing and created a circle around us to watch us dance. I had a lot of fun; we added a few variations of our own when we forgot a part. We laughed a lot at our fanciful dancing. At the end of the song people turned to us and clapped. We bowed and walked over to get a drink laughing. I felt a tug on my hair and I spun around into Orin's arms.
"Oh! Hey! Orin, this is Cezar. Cezar, Orin." I introduced.
They shook hands.
"Cezar, you most defiantly have some skill on the dance floor, very nice. You and Kayley made quite an impression. You showed her off well," Orin said hugging me tight from behind.
"Well I don't believe you, but thank you," Cezar said looking at me and smiling a dashing smile.
Orin tightened his grasped on me, "Orin," I gasped, "You are crushing my lungs dear," He let me go and Cezar and I laughed. I could feel Orin's mood deepen.
Suddenly, the music stopped and everyone turned to look at the front of the ballroom where tables were set up. Eruanna stood and the room went quiet.
"Attention all please," Eruanna's voice chimed, "I would like to announce the arrival of Kayley Baul," whispers filled the hall, "Orin, Caleb, and Herion. Please come forth."
I took Orin's hand and walked toward Eruanna, I felt a tug on my dress and Herion trailed along with us. The hall was quiet as they parted for us. Caleb joined us and we reached Eruanna. We turned to face everyone.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the Four."
Applause erupted from the hall and someone near the back whistled. I smiled, knowing all too well who it was. Then more whistles followed.
"She and her companions have kept the Necklace safe from the hands of evil!" Eruanna exclaimed.
More applause. Eruanna started the band up again and people began to drift.
People began to form a line to meet us. Many of the people longed to see the Necklace and to congratulate us. The night passed on and we met more and more people. Nobles and their families, people from villages, all eager and happy to see us. The night went on and it was nearing dawn. Herion had long before fallen asleep in Orin's arms. The line of people dwindled till the last people approached us.
It was Cezar and his curly haired twin, Hayden.
Hayden ran up to me and took both my hands and shook them enthusiastically. "Lady Kayley! It is an honor to meet you!" She looked around me at Caleb and Orin, "All of you! It is an amazing honor to meet the Four!"
She turned to her brother, "Well! Don't just stand there! Introduce yourself!"
Cezar stepped forward and looked me straight in the eye, I tried not to laugh. He kept a stern straight face and he dropped down into a dramatic sweeping bow. "Your Ladyship! You. Look. Absolutely. Stunning tonight! Might I request to stare into your eyes for hours upon hours?" He said with the upmost dramatic tone and with all seriousness, which I would never be able to hold. Then he began to laugh.
"Cezar! How dare you! You insult Lady Kayley!" She hit him on the head and then turned to me, "I am truly sorry for my brother's behaviors, my Lady!"
I laid a hand on her arm, "Be at ease Lady Hayden. I have befriended your brother, dear soul, we are friends," I linked arms with him and peeked at Orin, his body and face tense. I smiled slyly.
Hayden blushed, "Oh, I am embarrassed."
I patted her arm, "Don't be. I have had my share of embarrassment tonight too," I winked at Cezar and we both laughed.
"You are amble Miss Kayley. Much more human than I expected, if I might say," Hayden smiled.
"Well thank you very much, I like you too," I laughed.
Caleb looked around us, "I'm guessing the party is over."
We all looked around and everyone was leaving and saying their goodbyes. I looked out a giant window in the hall, morning sunlight spilled onto the floor.
"Maybe we should get some sleep. It has been a long night…for all of us," Orin said staring at me.
I looked at him—hand on one hip, "Yeh, one heck of a night," I took Herion from Orin and cradled him.
He began to say something to me but everyone was looking at us but he held it back, I raised an eyebrow at him, taunting him.
"Well, it was really nice meeting you! It's not every day you meet such admirable people!" I hugged Cezar and Hayden, "I so wish I could spend more time with you!"
Hayden smiled, "Well Eruanna has asked my brother, my father, and me to stay here."
"So perhaps later today, after some sleep, we could spend sometime in the fields, the weather shall be nice today. Does that sound ok?" Cezar looked at me.
"I'd—We'd like that," I blushed at my mistake and now Orin was a little more than hot under the collar.
"Great!" Hayden cut through the tense, "In the fields when we wake!"
Orin took Herion from me and cradled the sleeping child and turned away quickly and walked away. We bade good night again and chased after Orin.
Caleb grabbed my arm, "What are you doing? You really have Orin mad, why?"
I scowled, "I'm teaching him a lesson," grinding my teeth, thinking out Fuin laughing and swirling in his arms.
Caleb nodded and backed off, he understood all about my lessons. We reached our rooms and I bade good night to Caleb and walked into my room. Herion was already tucked asleep in bed, but Orin was not seen. I sighed. We hadn't the best night and I felt bad. I had made him jealous when there was no need. I let my dress slide to the ground.
I'm so sorry Orin. I wanted to rush into his room and throw my arms around him, kiss him and tell him that I was wrong and that I loved him and I was sorry. I how could I have been so jealous! Why am I always so wrong?
I climbed into bed—my hair still tightly pinned, but I was tired and angry with myself, and I fell asleep.
I woke to the warm sun high in the afternoon sky. Someone had opened the window and the nippy winter air. It was refreshing. I quickly bathed and let my hair air dry. I put on a blue cotton dress and began to think of ways to apologize for my awful behavior at the ball. I was left some breakfast but I was not hungry and I grabbed my mother's book and headed out the door. Herion was gone so I assumed he was already outside with the others. I hurried out the door.
The air was light and the sun was warm so the nippy air was not so much a bother. I looked for my group, anxious to see Orin. I would have to restrain myself from tackling him and kissing him.
"Kayley! Kayley, over here!" Herion called.
I waved and walked toward the group. I approached the group. Hayden smiled up at me as her Caleb was talking together. Herion ran up to me and I picked him up and hugged him tightly and put him down and he ran back to Cezar who was playing swords with him. Cezar smiled and waved. I looked around breathlessly as I sat next to Hayden. "Where is Orin?"
Caleb hesitated to answer. He sat up, I looked at him, "He said that him and Fuin…" he trailed off, afraid to go any further.
I stood, "Excuse me." I stormed away, breaking into a run as soon as I was out of sight. I picked the hem of my dress up and I busted through the door. I ran up the steps and ran into Loth.
"Loth, OH, Loth!" I said breathless, she held on to my shoulders concerned, "Orin. Have you seen Orin?"
"Yes I have Miss, just down the hallway with Miss Fuin," She looked confused.
"Thank you!" I said, picking up my dress again and spirited down the hall. I ran faster and faster, I heard giggling, I felt a massive surge of dark magic and I ran out of my slippers and whipped around the corner and falling to a stop, just as Fuin and Orin's lip locked in a kiss.
"Orin," I whispered as a blinding pain shot through my body, I felt like my heart was being ripped out. I clutched the Necklace as it burned hard into my skin. I scrambled up frozen and in pain. Orin looked up dumbfounded, as if he had just woken up.
"Kayley!"
"No! Orin, I trusted you. I was going to apologize. You betrayed me, I loved you!" Tears streamed down my face as I yelled at him, the pain still ripping through my chest.
Orin ripped away from the satisfied Fuin and I felt the dark magic disappear instantly. Orin's eyes were clear as he came toward me.
"N-n-oo! You just s-s-ta-a away from me," I whispered viciously as I backed away. I began to bend the water in the air and created an ice dagger, ready to throw, I noticed Fuin had fled. I looked Orin in the eyes, in those brilliant eyes. He stood straight, not blocking himself or protesting. I shivered, thunder rolled outside and I could hear the sound of rain crashing down on the palace roof tops. People in the hallways froze, watching me, seeing what I would do next. I trembled again, the ice shook and I smashed it on it the ground. It shattered on the ground and the pieces automatically melted. I still loved him.
Thunder crashed again and I heard Cezar and the others running through the door. Herion called for me he was crying. I turned away from Orin and walked quickly down the hallway, heading for the door. I kept my eyes straight. I kept my mouth shut, wanting to scream and cry.
I walked faster and faster, and I started to run. Herion came into my view; Hayden was cradling Herion as he whimpered. They looked up and saw me running. Tears streamed down my face. I couldn't stop I wanted to hold Herion and tell him everything would be ok, but I was so confused myself. I sprinted past the soaked group and busted through the doors.
People were calling my name, but I couldn't stop. I heard Herion cry louder. My heart was tearing and I couldn't stop my legs. I was running for the forest. I reached the thick trees and stumbled. I hit a tree and slid down. I sat in the cold rain, crying. I held subconsciously to the Necklace, it ebbed a warming feel into my hand, it comforted me a little.
I sniffed and looked up to the black skies. Rain pelted my face. I was in a state of utter confusion. I almost hurt Orin. I put him through misery. His eyes said it all. But WHY? He kissed her, he kissed her, he kissed her! My mind kept playing the scene over and over in my head. Rage over took my body and I groaned in pain, confusion, and anger.
I heard my name again; people were coming to find me. I shakily stood, and began to run again. I couldn't see anything and blindly ran, branches scratching my face, and my arms, tearing my dress. I felt like I wanted to run forever, but I stopped suddenly. I remembered Herion. I remember his cry for me. I had left him, ran away. I fell to the ground and curled my knees to my chest. I felt pain, I felt like my inside was being squeezed. Like a black magic was creeping through my veins.
I sat in the middle of the forest and cried, fighting the pain. Hours later I stood. The skies completely black now and the rain coming down in steady sheets. Thunder crashed and the lightening lit the forest. I stood. Pain racked my body, the cold only helped to numb my sore, pain threshed body. I didn't understand the pain, but I slumped back to the palace.
I pushed my limp body against the doors and they cracked open. I slid in and pushed them back. I noticed my ankles were bleeding. I couldn't heal them, I had nothing. The hallways were deathly silent. I limped past the spot where the fateful incident happened. I turned down the hallway of my room and stopped. An icy wind blew through the hallway. I looked around and saw nothing. I shivered and then felt a icy black shadow swirl around me, I tried to fight it off, but it kept surrounding me I tried to scream, but I was too weak. Suddenly a bright light shimmered and surrounded me. I couldn't stand the power. I felt the light fighting the shadow. I reached out, but no hand came to hold me up. I blacked out and fainted in the hallway.
I felt my head swimming and pounding, my legs hurt, and I felt like my ribs squeezing my heart. I didn't open my eyes, I felt like I didn't have the strength to so I laid there. I heard soft whispers and I felt a hand lying gingerly on my ankle. I was covered in a thick blanket, soft as silk and as warm as spring afternoon sunshine. I forced my eyes to open slowly. My eye lids felt like a 100lbs each as I blinked, the dim sunshine filtering through the closed curtains.
The room was blurry as I tried to adjust my vision.
"You're awake," some whispered and I turned my eyes across the room. Eruanna sat calm and composed, she had her hands folded delicately across her lap as she looked gently at me. Hayden leaned sleepily against Cezar's arm by the window. Cezar was asleep with his head resting against the wall they sat against. A tall, brown haired man stood next to them, his arms were folded his deep eyes were resting on me.
I could see Caleb sitting on my bed with a book in his lap as he dosed off. I looked down to see Orin staring at the opposite wall, his right arm cradling a sleeping Herion, his right resting on my ankle.
I blinked the weariness from my eyes and tried to sit up. My arms shook and my head spun. Hayden looked up and got to her feet. Cezar jumped awake, he stood as well and rubbed his face. Everyone's eyes were dark and they all looked exhausted.
Hayley dropped to my side. I finally realized I was in my room, on the couch rather than the bed. Caleb snapped from his dozing and jumped from the bed and knelt next to Hayden.
"Kayley?" he whispered and stroked my cheek with his finger as I stared, feeling too weak to say anything. Orin still stared at the wall, his hand not moving. Herion awoke with a start and sleepily crawled from Orin to me; he sat in my lap and looked up at me. His eyes were puffy, I frowned, knowing I could have stopped his crying and unhappiness, but instead I ran away.
I slowly lifted my hand and he wrapped a little hand around my finger and held it close to his face. I smiled weakly and he crawled up close to my stomach and curled close into my warmth.
"How are you?" Hayden asked softly.
I wrapped a proactive arm around Herion and looked at her. Her eyes searched mine. Everyone waited for me to speak. I still hadn't found the strength to say anything. I took a deep breath and opened my mouth; they deserved at least something, waiting all this time for me to wake.
"I'm," I whispered quietly and everyone held their breath, "weak, but ok."
The room released their breath and the tension eased in the air. Hayden and Cezar's father came forward. He took huge strides across the room to stand beside Eruanna and bowed.
He was a giant, towering over everyone, and he spoke, his voice deep and smooth, "My Lady, glad to see you have awoken. Might I get you anything? Tea?"
I nodded, "Thank you, tea would be nice," he nodded bowed again and Eruanna and he stood and left the room.
"You scared us Kayley. When Orin found you passed out on the floor, we all thought you were dead," Hayden frowned, "We looked for you in the forest, but with the storm, it was impossible to find you. We couldn't even feel your magery. It was like you didn't want to be found and the forest hid you well," She stroked my hair.
Cezar patted my head lightly, "All that matters is you are ok and you are surrounded by those who love you."
I tensed, remembering how I got there in the first place. I looked as Orin, and he stared pleadingly at me.
Caleb cleared his throat, "I think that we'll let you two talk for a little, no? Here, I'll take Herion, I'll put him in our room to let him sleep, you can go get him when you are done," He said standing up and gently cradling Herion. Herion whimpered and Caleb cooed to him. Hayden and Cezar followed him out the door and closed it quietly.
