Disclaimer: I have no hold on any of the original characters of Ella Enchanted, but do hold some claim on my own creations.
So, I clearly did not look far into the future when beginnig this. It looks like it'll be a lot harder to finish than I had hoped. Doesn't it seem like the first chapter always is the easiest to write? It will flow out and form itself and expect us to move on from there. Oi vey. Well thanks to everyone who reviewed ( ). That really means a lot to me to hear such positive feedback. Any questions or concerns can be addressed in a nice review that won't make me cry or go into a jealous rage. And so our story continues...
An Enigma
It took us the better part of three days to reach the Ayorthian Court. Two days after our arrival, my father set out again for home. I found myself almost completely alone and nearly desolate. I had the good fortune of having a previous friend made in Ayorthia; my mother had attended school with an Ayorthian maid named Areida who married a courtier and together they produced an heir a few months younger than I. Despite the companionship I received from him, I still found the stiff and prudent nature of the Ayorthian court to be stifling. During the first month or so, I found it difficult to remain faithful to Daphne's promise. It was the presence of Lukas, Areida's son, and another girl, younger than myself, that I was able to do as well as I did.
~ * ~
Lukas and I were different on many levels; whereas I often neglected my studies to engage in more strenuous activity, Lukas was always eager to learn. But his quest for knowledge differed greatly from my brother's; while James ignored almost everyone and thing to read and concentrate on his own, Lukas preferred to share his awareness and to discuss what he'd learned. Our appearances were rather dissimilar, also; he had fair hair, a somewhat ashen complexion, and sported sculpted features. While he and I spent a generous amount of time together, he would often be with Daphne. Their personalities complemented each other, I suppose, his serious nature allowing her more playful one to dominate. Daphne always considered him an equal; she would often sit and think for awhile after their encounters. Most of our meetings were light and airy; I had the distinct feeling she forgot them the minute I left her side. True, a seventeen year old prince I may be, but I still felt jealousy when she would pay more attention to someone else.
~ * ~
Into the third month of my stay, after just finishing an unbelievably boring session of Council, I spotted Lukas walking along the small stream near the castle, I called and ran to catch up with him.
"Congratulate me," I said. "I have managed to escape yet another meeting of Council without dying from boredom."
"Your stamina amazes me," he said smiling.
"So, where are we going?" I asked as I saw the surroundings start to become unfamiliar.
"The fields," he stated. This was not the first time he had alluded to some place I had no knowledge of.
"I see. And what will we be passing on the way to these fields?" Perhaps I could ascertain our destination with a few hints.
"Nothing much. Just the manor of the Duke Lance and Duchess Damaris." Now this did me no good.
"I see. The names are not familiar. Do they attend court?"
"Well, the duke and duchess are rather...advanced in age, so they only venture to the most important of events." That made sense. Many elderly couples refrained from the bustle of court.
"What's the family like?" I did not know why my interest should be so piqued.
"Well, I believe they have one daughter who is a tad younger than ourselves." While it may have been uncommon, it was not altogether unheard of for a seasoned couple to have young offspring.
With resigned sigh, I spoke again, "I give up, I have no idea where these fields are and have no hope to figure it out anytime soon." Lukas laughed indiscreetly and turned to face me.
"I was beginning to doubt that you ever would!" We continued along our path and enjoyed amiable conversation. He explained o me that the fields were used as a place to find peace and people would go there in times of turmoil.
"So what turmoil are you experiencing?" I asked, smirking. "I hope it has nothing to do with a member of the opposite gender."
"You really need to stop assuming things, you know."
"But really, why are we venturing to such a place if no 'turmoil' is being experienced?"
"We are going to sit and contemplate."
"Sit and contemplate what?" I asked with a raise of my eyebrows.
"Why you have no common sense."
"Oh I can answer that one," I said, playing along. "Daphne got all of it. She got that, looks, and intelligence. There wasn't enough for both of us, so we had to divide them up in the womb."
"And what did you get?"
"Nothing, well, no, I got the manly strength," I said while flexing.
"Too bad there wasn't much of that either." I smiled with him. After all, there was no reason to get upset.
~ * ~
When we reached the fields I was astounded at what lay before me. As far as the eye could see wild flowers and grass covered the earth. Kyrria had no such thing and I once again was reminded of the more rustic charms of the Ayorthian country. Amongst the wildlife I saw a lone girl sitting in solitary contemplation.
"Lukas, who is that?" I said while pointing.
"Truth be told, I'm not quite sure." While he seemed to take no great interest in the mysterious girl, I could not quite dismiss her so easily.
"Excuse me, Lukas, if you don't mind."
"By your leave." I smiled. They all seemed to do that habitually here. Gathering up my courage, I walked over to the maid as best I could. I did not know why I should be so afraid of her.
"Pardon me, miss. I just wondered why someone as lovely as yourself should be sitting alone." I inwardly cringed at how hackneyed that must have sounded. With a slow turn of the head I was faced with a piercing, cerulean gaze. Coal black hair fell down to the small of her back, magnifying the simple, but charming complexion; a crooked mouth set under a small nose in a round, somewhat childish face was presented to me.
"May I help you?" an equally small voice sounded.
"I merely wish to know who we share the field with." I couldn't think of anything worthwhile to say!
"'We?'" she asked, looking around.
"Yes, my companion and I." I glanced in Lukas' direction, who was reading quietly on a bench not too far away, to alert her to him. She looked at him for a few moments before facing me again.
"May have your name, maiden?" I asked after several moments of silence.
"I don't see why; after all, you have not given me yours." This caused me to smile. It sounded like something my older sister would say.
"Please forgive, I meant no offence. I am Tyler. You have almost assuredly deduced I am from Kyrria from my atrocious accent." I smiled to show her I was kidding, praying she would go along with it. Instead her eyes seemed to grow as she took in everything I said. "And as I have no given you my own name, I merely ask for your own in return and I shall leave immediately."
"Forgive me your highness. I did not know it was you." She rose and performed a small curtsey. "I am Lady Darcey, daughter of the Duke and Duchess who reside not far from here." She kept her eyes on the ground and I suddenly realized the gravity of her inexperience with court matters. I could easily sense her growing discomfort of being in my company. Before I could say a word, she excused herself. "If you do not mind, your highness, I'm sure I was supposed to be home ages ago and ahve, no doubt, caused a small uproar in my absence. I really should return home."
With a sigh I replied, "Of course. I would hate to be the cause of your tardiness. Would you like an escort home?" I had only asked this out of proper manners; I knew she would refuse but I did not wish to appear haughty to a stranger. Especially one I wished to see more of.
She quietly thanked me and hurried away. I made my way back to Lukas.
"Scared her, did you?" he asked without looking up.
"I suppose I did. What is there to do around her?" I quickly asked to hide the dull feeling of hurt I felt.
"Come along. I'll show all the wonders of Ayorthia." We shared a smile and went on our way. I couldn't get the young Darcey out of my head for hours. But, eventually, as all things do, her face faded from my consciousness, only to return the moment I saw her again three weeks later.
A little shorter than I had hoped it to be, but I wanted to get it out. All positive minded reviews are welcomed and warmly received, so please send them. Well, a bîentot. I shall see you all some other time.