It was late at night when Anniya crept out of the palace. The ball was still going on, but she had to escape for a little while or she'd go mad. Her magic kept her from being seen, and she made slipped out of the palace with ease.
The place she was headed actually about half a mile away from the castle grounds. On normal occasions, Anniya would of wanted a horse. But tonight she felt like walking.
She had been unconscious for several days after her encounter with the Count. She had kept her eyes open long enough to see Gleex...well, eat the man. The moment she had woken up, her first( delirious) thought was to scold the dragon properly for it. True, it did save her life so naturally Anniya didn't want to be too harsh( she adored Gleex with all her heart). But Anniya hadn't raised him to be carnivorous, and she could see how man eating dragons might cause a problem in Kyrria. But she hadn't seen the dragon since that day it had killed the Count. According to Esperanza, it had taken off into the air immediately after----the Count's legs still hanging out.
The small clearing in the dark forest was peaceful, not scary. Although Anniya frankly didn't like the idea blood thirsty animals lurking in the shadows of the trees, she enjoyed the emptiness of the place. Above her, the night sky glimmered with millions of stars. She knew no one would be coming anywhere near her. Once she was sure, Anniya closed her eyes and called Gleex silently, with all the magic that was in her. A fierce, green wind whipped past her, ruffling her hair. It lasted for a long time; it was at least twenty minutes before Anniya felt a magical presence settle behind her.
Anniya turned around. Hovering above her was not Gleex, but the ebony dragon, the largest of the three dragons that had saved her life.
Anniya had never seen it in it's full glory, and knew now how truly mystical dragons were. The sleek scales glistened in the moonlight, and it spread it's leathery wings as it's razor sharp talons settled onto the earth. She could almost see the age that had been sketched into the creatures face, and knew that it was an adult. It's cat gold eyes glittered with intelligence, civilizations of knowledge taunting her.
She hesitated for a moment. Dragons were the most powerful creatures on earth, the only living being besides fairies that could draw magic from within. Gleex had been a hatchling when she befriended. It was different being in front of this fantastic, this ethereal creature that radiated life and death at the same time.
*~ Ah. Anniya Fredericka of Estalen, descendant of Queen Ayinna of the elves. Heir to the most powerful magic bestowed upon the mortal races, and guardian of the emerald dragon, my son.~*,
the dragon's powerful voice said, ringing inside Anniya's mind.
It was mind speaking to her, a power that Gleex was too young to learn. Even though the fantastic voice echoed inside of her head, Anniya felt a serene feeling. She felt the magic inside of her connect with the dragon.
*~ I am afraid that I am not acquainted with either of your names~*, Anniya told the magical beast, wanting to give it proper respect.
The dragon laughed, making a great noise that sounded like two swords striking together.
*~Your mortal language would not likely be able to pronounce it. My name is Aklashen and my son is Gshkaydof. You may call me Dragon ~*, the dragon rumbled in reply.
Anniya nodded, and immediately voiced what she had to say.
*~ I want to thank you. You came to my aid, and saved Kyrria. I did not expect that you would aid me, and for that, I am in your debt, ~* Anniya told the dragon.
The dragon let out yet another soft, metallic laugh. *~ You are of descent of Ayinna of the elves. The Dragons are sworn protectors of her people. There is no debt, for it was our duty. ~*
Anniya nodded. ~* Where is Gleex? I mean, your son?,*~ she asked. It was hard to think of Gleex having another name.
~* He is with in our lands now, the great mountains. He could not stay here, but I am greatly in your debt for raising him as best as a mortal could.*~
Anniya felt sorrow, but knew it was for the best. Gleex, as much as he loved Anniya, would not of wanted to live a life in a cage. He deserved to be free, with his own kind. His family.
~* He will miss you, and he knows you are thankful and miss him as well. He senses it. But do not look sorrowful. You will see him again. I feel it,*~ the dragon told her, and Anniya believed it. In those glittering gold eyes were deep pools of wisdom from the well of time.
~* How do you know for certain?,*~ Anniya couldn't resist asking. She couldn't imagine never seeing Gleex again.
The dragon laughed again. ~* The Dragons are the guardians of time. Even fairies cannot see what we see. Your story is far from over, descendent of Ayinna. You have yet to fulfill the prophecy. But I warn you, I have looked ahead in the stars. I have seen many things. Adventures, a darker enemy. Great Battles. A love of the people. A love for a Queen so great, she will be remembered in the coming times long after she is gone. The Queen of the prophecy, they will call her.*~
Anniya looked at him, sure that all her questions were on her face. A Queen? Could he possibly be talking about her, was he?
~* I don't understand....*~
The dragon's glittering eyes focused on her, boring into her mind. ~* There is much within you that you do not understand yet, Child of Eirene of Estalen. In time you will.~*
Anniya couldn't think of anything to say, for once in her life. She was speechless.
~* Anniya Fredericka of Estalen, your adventures are merely beginning. For you are a tool of whatever force governs us, a great being that has touched your destiny. Now I am old, and the matters of mortal creatures affect me naught. Your lives are a moment in our time.
But you are young and of the elves and humans, and the dragon blood in your veins runs strong. I can feel greatness inside of you. Yes, you will do great things,*~ the dragon rumbled, and flapped his wings.
And then, to Anniya's astonishment, the great dragon lowered it's head to the ground, as if it were bowing. Anniya stared for a moment, then curtsied.
~* Until we meet again*~, it echoed in her head, and took off into the air. A strong wind nearly knocked Anniya off her feet, and the dark shadow blended into the night sky.
Anniya stared into the stars for a long time before smiling.
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Anniya and West were married in April of that year. They were married in a private ceremony in a rose garden with only Char, Cecilia, Ella, Esperanza, and Robert in attendance. Anniya's quirky view of life and sarcasm held onto West's love, as his charm and humor held on to her's. Needless to say, they loved each other for all of their days.
Anniya and Ella became close friends, consulting each other and sharing secrets long into their old age.
West and Anniya had three children. The first two were boys, named John and Robert. The last child was a girl whose snowy hair and green eyes made her known as ' the little queen'. She was called Eirene Esperanza.
Esperanza and Robert courted for several years before they were married. Esperanza and Robert reigned for a period of six years, known in Kellia as the 'glory years'. Anniya and Esperanza remained best friends up until Esperanza's death in child birth. The entire kingdom grieved for what historians now say was 60 days and 60 nights.
Robert reigned a steady rule for many years. After his queen's death, he abdicated in favor of his half brother, and West and Anniya took the throne just in time for the ogre war's renewal. Their reign was known as ' the time of the light'. They are up to today the most honored and well known monarchs of Kellia.
~*~ THE END ~*~
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A/N: It's finally over!!!! I can't believe it! Please review, and post any questions you may have. I love you all! This story is dedicated to all of my readers!