The sun has rises above the leafy green mountains, a new day has come.
Elves were enjoying the beautiful colours of the sunrise before they went to work.
the Castle's maids walked quietly passed Cecelia's door to make sure not to wake her but she woke up by hearing their footsteps.
She opened her eyes slowly for a moment she thought she was back at her Stephmothers house but when her eyes sight adjusted to the sun light
She realised she was in Nuada's guest Chamber. that made her feel happy maybe here in Bethmoora will treat her right no more name calling rudeness or being excluded when there is a nice event like parties.
She wished that her father was there to take care of her and live with her in Bethmoora but it can't he's gone and she knows that she needs to learn to survive on her own and not expect others to take care of her only then she'll truly be free.
But that's easier said than done because she never had the chance to grow up.
Cecelia stretched out trying to focus her mind on the positive and who knows maybe things will turn out better than she thought hopefully she can have her own house but that might take a while she has to gather money to pay some Elves to work for her.
Hopefully she can stay as Nuada's guest until the house is finished. she opened the window to the balcony and was greeted with a breeze of fresh air and saw the sun shine over the mountains. she realized how big Nuada's garden is a whole village could fit in.
Cecelia heard a gentle knock she looked at the bedroom door and heard another knock She made her way to the door hopefully nothing is wrong she thought.
she opened the door and friendly maids placed a tray with breakfast on the table one handed Cecelia a light package they gave a bow and cleared out the Chamber.
Cecelia opened it and pulled out a beautiful forest green dress the fabric is made of silk with golden edges and golden ribbons to fasten the corset there was also a waist band with the golden tree emblem similar the one on Nuada's belt.
she tried it on and admired herself in it it feels so nice wearing something new instead of her worn out dresses.
In the afternoon Cecelia left the Chamber and had a look around in the castle when she walked near the main door she heard servants chat and laugh at their friends jokes she slowly opened the door to have a peek.
she felt frustrated she wished they would clear out so that she can go outside she really wasn't in the mood for rude behavior or nasty looks her sight was blocked by something and the door got pulled open and she was met with Nuada's friendly face.
"Greetings my lady come and i'll introduce you to my comrades before they go home". THe Prince said."
"But..."Cecelia stuttered.
before she could say anything Nuada pulled her outside the castle the servants looked up and greeted her as they walked by not one of them was rude and she wished she didn't judge them so negative.
Cecelia wished she could stay in the garden she felt safe being in or near the castle but followed Nuada without a word.
Nuada guided her to a barn and gave her a pearly white horse, and told her it's her horse as long as she stays in Bethmoora.
Cecelia patted the horse on the snout and galloped after Nuada into the woods more magical beings were roaming around instead of hiding the day was almost over but it was still warm it's like a dream world nothing remainds the same there is always something new to see the horse slowed down and they arrived at a village Cecelia got off and walked after nuada and remained behind him.
Nuada introduced her to his child hood friends they were all polite and bowed in respect Cecelia met Centa Nuada's oldest friend who stood by his side during great battles his children came to his side and were told to greet their new guest.
Centa's oldest son stepped forward im Creidhne my lady he said and made a small bow and his youngest son Goibniu did the same but couldn't talk very well.
his Daughter came forward and held out a blue flower i picked this flower for you my lady the young elf said Cecelia sat down and accepted it
"that's very kind child what is your name"?
"Im Arimed my lady"
"and im Celia my dear" she stood up im very pleased to meet you all she told Nuada's friends
it's a real honor
"and it's an honor to have you here" Nuada said "I'll show you the docks" he held her hand and his friends followed him
at the dock of Bethmoora are many big ships of many sizes.
Arimed and her siblings hopped abourd and explored the ships and hopped off running towards the battle ships Goibnui tried to hold up a huge axe but lost balance the ax fell almost hitting his head with the sharp end Arimed cried in shock but calmed down when Goibnui got up unharmed.
Cecelia got on one of the ships the one with a Celtic symbol on it and sat on the edge of the ship if only she could sail with it over the blue sea and explore more places of the world maybe there are more Elves and was sure that there are more beautiful places than Bethmoora.
she got off and wandered around still remained in sight of Nuada's friends she still felt unsafe fearing that maybe a human would attack her if she's all by herself.
Arimed sat next to Cecelia on the grass watching Centa and his crew packing up to get back to the Elven realm
"will you stay with us"? we all love you dearly Arimed said
"I will stay aslong as Nuada wants me to" Cecelia responded.
"you are not answering my question, do you want to stay here"? do you see Bethmoora as your home"? The child said.
"yes i want to stay here i want to be with my kind as long as i live".
Arimed brightened up.
"then it's settled. and if Nuada doesn't want you as his guest anymore then he's not a good friend anyway"
" and when i grow up and have my own house you can live with me in the Elven realm, it's not as beautiful as here but it has some beautiful places and we can always visit here by boat anytime".
"I'd probably be old by then" Cecelia said.
"what do you mean? Arimed asked
"i mean im 23 and when you're an adult I'll be an old woman"
"of course not have you seen my father? he was 500 years old when he got us and he's not old and the king of whole elf land was 60 thousand years old when he slowly started to grow in age"
didn't you know Elves have a large life span? Arimed said a bit with disbelief.
"No because i didn't grew up with them this is the first time I've met my people". Cecelia admitted.
"but with who did you lived then?
"I lived...by myself i've always been alone until now.
Cecelia felt sad for lying she wasn't alone miach was with her for years but she wasn't in the mood to talk about her past life and the humans.
"well you never have to be alone" arimed chirped "we are your family now".
"Come on my lady" Arimed said let's play with my siblings before we go back".
Nuada was talking to his long time friend Centa told him how fatherhood has been for him and his recent adventures.
Nuada was happy to hear his friend is doing well and wished he could stay longer to spend more time.
it's safer for them not to be Bethmoora for now.
They both looked up in fright when they heared Arimed scream but both sighed in relief when they saw Cecelia chasing Centa's children during a game.
"So how did you met her? Centa spoke
Nuada looked back at his friend "Oh sorry what were you saying?
"our Lady Cecelia how did you meet her" ? Centa asked.
"5 days ago...she was attacked and i saved her from..a i can't i can't even say it". Nuada said
"a Human"? Centa said in disgust
Nuada nodded "i came back from visiting my friends i was on my way home but changed course when i heard a cry for help,"
"Without thinking i followed the sound,
"the human noticed me when I arrived at the scene and attacked but i was faster".
" promised myself i would never come near those filthy beings but i had to come to her aid".
"and you did the right thing my friend,"
" you are a hero" Centa said.
" but I've almost decided to stay with my friends if i had stayed for the night then no one would be there to help her". Nuada said.
"That filthy human was trying to rape an injured innocent Woman" Nuada said angry.
"These humans are pests" " she's safe now thanks to you". Centa said.
"And even if you decide to stay she would be saved by someone else, the Gods will look after us always".
Nuada shared a smile with his friend and felt less guilty about considering spending the night with his court.
"I hope her stay in Bethmoora will give her healing and peace" Centa said
"Me too my friend me too one day i'll offer her to stay with us for good hopefully she wont say No".
Ïm positive she will say yes she seems happy here and no Fay wouldn't want to live without their people" Centa said.
Centa focused his eyes on the horizon feeling tensed and turned back to his friend
"Nuada i need to head home now sorry in a few hours it will be sunset".
"I know and i understand i'll help you pack your things and we'll give a proper goodbye to each other".
the elves prepared the elves for the journey back to the Elven realm Nuada helped his friends also.
after everything was ready Centa walked towards his children and told them it's time leave usually the children would ask if they could stay longer but right now it's not possible.
When Nuada's Comrades went aboard Cecelia said her goodbye to Centa's children.
"take care of yourself my friend please let me know when you arrive safe and please come back soon".
"I will" me and my family think of you always" Centa said and gave him a tight hug.
"Are you sure you don't want to stay for 2 more days"? Nuada said a bit worried
"No i don't want to leave my wife alone I would be very restless" Centa said.
Nuada understood his friends consern and Centa hopped aboard and the ship started to sail away.
Centa looked back he felt emotional when bethmoora became smaller as the boat sailed further but waved Nuada and his grand parents goodbye, his children waved at Cecelia yelling that they had fun playing.
Nuada felt sad too he hates seeing friends go and waved until they were no longer in sight.
i"'ll miss them" Cecelia said wiping her face and blinked her tears away
i"'ll miss them too i'll miss them dearly" Nuada rubbed her shoulder gently for comfort.
"you seem worried my lord what's on your mind"? Cecelia said.
"Iam worried bad things happen during this time of the season but i don't want you to lose sleep over it i'll tell you tomorrow.
"and please come see me before you leave the castle ok"?
"you need to know this".
Cecelia nodded and heard her stomach roar
Nuada's face relaxed slightly and gave her a half-smile
"hungry my lady?
"yes my lord im also tired".
let's go back so that you can rest it has been a long day"
they returned to the horses and made their way back creatures who were still up hid when they made their way to the castle they reached the barn and got off Nuada stayed outside for a bit he would like to spend some time alone. a maid guided Cecelia to the dining chamber where everyones food .
there were golden plates and silver cups it was the prettiest camber she has seen so far Cecelia remained modest and placed a little amount of food on her plate but a maid came and filled her whole plate and said that she could eat and drink as much as she wants.
Cecelia ate until she didn't want no more and had a chat with Nuada's friends who stayed for a few days she got up and said goodnight to everyone present at the table.
she did felt a bit restless when she walking through the dark hall on her way to her guest room and moved faster Cecelia closed and went under the covers she wondered what Nuada was worried about but whatever it was it doesn't seem good at all.
she turned her face to the window there were still Elves and guards in the garden sitting on the stairs that made her feel better and no longer alone she heard the Elves chat and tried to get some rest because tomorrow will be a new day.
Nuada came back and told everyone to not to leave the castle's garden for their own safety and was very happy that everyone did what he said.
he went to the pens of the hawks and tied a small letter on each paw and let them fly to every local village to send a message he watched the hawks fly and felt slightly better informing the other villages.
he went back to the garden and sat with his friends some were playing on the harp and danced around some were sitting near the fountain it was a calm night the moon shined brightly everything seemed peaceful but that didn't put Nuada's mind at ease he hopes everyone will be safe when tomorrow night passes.
