Angel-kiss7 ~ Thnx! And yeah, the italics work *breathes sigh of relief* I was afraid I'd never get it to work. Thnx 4 reviewing!
Kassi of Pirate's Swoop ~ you know, I always look forward to ur reviews. They're always so uplifting and really sweet. Thank you so much for all the fantastic reviews . . . really, they make me want to either cry or laugh, I don't know which, because they're so nice and I don't think I'm that good yet. So thnx so much for the compliments & everything. U rock! Umm, the characters . . . I don't think I gave them an age yet. That's a good point. I had an age in mind; I just don't think I ever added it into the story. Lela & Cordelia & James are 15 (James is older though), and Ted's 16. Sry about that.
Laur1532 ~ Sure, I'll update. U guys all rock, and after reading all of your wonderful reviews, I just have to continue on with this story.
CrimsonEnchantress ~ Just wondering, is being obvious a good thing or bad thing? I'm not sure whether I should or shouldn't make their feelings obvious. So if you could email or whatever with your suggestions, that'd be great. Thnx for reviewing! (Glad u like James as a mage . . . I do too =D)
Stormcloud ~ Thnx! Well, having a mage would be pretty cool, I think, cuz Lela's a princess, Ted's a noble, Cordelia's like, a healer mage person, and so James deserves to be someone special too. Thnx for reviewing! (Geez those words get so cliché)
TexasKH ~ Thank you, and here's your chapter! Hehe, Lela and Ted are a little oblivious to the fact that they're supposed to be together. But it'll come soon, I promise!
Babyjayy ~ Ooh, thnx. And thnx for clearing that up. But still, I was a meanie to leave that big cliffy. Hehe. Thnx for reviewing!
Dragonfirechick ~ okay, okay! I'll answer the question in my Author's note (below). And thank you, I'm glad the chapter was worth the wait. And I'm honored to be added to your Author Alerts/Fav. Author's list! Thank you so much!
ElvenChick07 ~ Oh, really? Really, really? You think??? *Beams* I don't think I'm that good… Mm, yeah, chocolate is good!!! And thnx for reviewing!
Queen of Sheba ~ Hmm, u liked the romance? I kinda like/kinda don't like sappy stuff. Glad u liked the twist… Hehe. Hmm, it took me about… a few seconds to find out how to say "open the stone" in Latin, cuz I take Latin in school. *makes face* I hate it… The Latin teacher is so boring!
Black eagle ~ Sry bout that. I'm not a horse-person. I've got no knowledge whatsoever about horses and stuff, so sry if I got the harness thingy messed up. Thnx for the correction, though!
Lalaith ~ Hehe, thnx! Luved the long review! Yeah, I take Latin. It's not as fun as you think. It is boring. Really. I mean, Latin to us students is basically a free-period, where you can sleep while the teacher rambles on about some completely irrelevant topic. Sad, huh? I go to school in NJ. They have it. Oh, and I won't make the chapters any sappier. I hate sappy stories, really. I can't really write romance that well anyways. So don't worry, my chapters won't be overly sappy, k? Hope that makes you happy. Thnx 4 the extra long review (I think I already said that). (BTW ~ I like Tolkien's elf-language too!)
Turwen ~ Glad someone likes how Cordelia acted. LoL. Thnx for dropping a review!
SarcasmSage ~ thank you! Wow, I'm happy. People like my writing! *dances around* Thank you so much for the nice review!
Movielvr ~ Thnx! I'm really glad that u like my story! It's always nice to know ur loved. ^.^
Fire of Wolves ~ about time! Hehe. Thnx for the reviews! BTW ~ how did it go with u & the others after I left?
Luv*a*lot ~ Well, hope u avenged your fallen . . . *cough* pudding. Pudding? Pudding's always good . . . chocolate, of course. Talking about chocolate how's the secret stash? Really, I should try stashing chocolate sometime. LoL. It might help when I'm extremely bored . . . I can get sugar-high!
Awaiting Impatient Person ~ Okay, I'm updating! Yeah, I have fans . . . *beams* I'm so happy. *crickets chirping* Okay fine, no applause. *sniff* At least I like writing! ^.^ thanks for dropping a review!
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A/n: Several reviewers have asked how old the characters are. I'm sorry; I forgot to mention it in my previous chapters. Lela, Cordelia, and James are 15 (Except James is older) and Ted is 16. So there. I knew I forgot something. If there's anything else that needs to be cleared up, please tell me! Thnx to all!
A/n 2: I need ideas. Well, actually, I've got ideas (plenty) but I need to know whether or not you guys want this story to be really long or short. Cuz if you wanted it short (and not so fluffy), I could just make this story a few more chapters or so, and that'd be it. It'd probably be lots easier that way anyway. But I want to know what you all think! Thnx so much!
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I hadn't seen Ted in awhile. Neither had I seen James or Cordelia.
We were back at the palace. I, of course, was in trouble. Big trouble. My parents were angry that I had left without consulting them. And the word 'angry' is an understatement.
Who would have thought my easy-going father would actually yell at me?
But then again, I wasn't exactly the best daughter, was I?
My mother, Ella, was so happy to see me that she hugged me until I couldn't breathe. Then, after that, I had to go through the entire process of explaining where I was, what I'd done, who I'd been with, and what had happened.
Needless to say, my parents were aghast at all I'd been through. And that's why I'm not allowed to step foot out of the palace.
At least they were impressed with my sword handling skills.
I sighed as I flopped down on my bed and opened the fairy book. For days, I'd looked for some sign of what was going on with Cordelia, James, and Ted. Neither of the boys kept a diary or anything, and Cordelia didn't write anything in hers.
I wasn't very hopeful when I opened the book this time. I didn't really expect to find much. So imagine my surprise when I found a letter written in Ted's hand!
I skimmed it eagerly.
Lela,
James told me that you have a fairy book that you can see what I write. I hope you can read this. I haven't seen you in weeks! I know you're wondering where all of us are. After you were sent to your room, James, Cordelia, and I had an audience with the king, your father. He congratulated us on our victory over Maydria. Cordelia requested a group of knights to go and follow her father, who she thought was going to go back to his mansion. Of course, James wanted to go with her, and I went with them, since it seemed that I wouldn't be able to see you for a while.
We caught Lord Donovan. But that's not the best part. Our entire escapade was bittersweet. You'll never believe what happened. I can't tell you everything in this letter, though. Remember where we first met? Can you maybe sneak out of your room at night and meet me there, by the woods? James and Cordelia will be there also. Both of them want to talk to you. See you there ~
~ Ted
I turned the pages, looking for a drawing – anything – that would show me what Ted was talking about. The book was blank.
I gave a frustrated sigh and threw the book at my pillow. For the first time in weeks, I'd been able to hear something from my friends. So of course it would have to be short and mysterious.
Making up my mind, I got off my bed. I had to prepare for our meeting.
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It was dusk. The sun was already sinking below the horizon, and stars were beginning to show up. I pulled on a black cloak and slipped out of my open window, making sure that nobody heard me leaving.
I dropped from my window, landing lightly on the grass below. Taking a quick glance around to make sure that no one was watching, I set off at a fast walk towards the woods.
A few minutes later, I was there. I didn't see anyone. "Ted? James? Cordelia? Anyone?" I called softly.
"Here!" hissed a voice.
I went in the direction of the voice, to see all three of them waiting for me in a small clearing in the woods.
Cordelia jumped up and hugged me. "Hi!"
I laughed. "Hello to you too."
I looked over her shoulder at James and Ted. Both of them looked glad to see me, but they seemed . . . sober, somehow.
Taking a closer look, I saw that none of them seemed all that cheerful. Ted looked as if he hadn't slept for days, and James' hair was all messed up from the number of times he kept running his hand through it. Cordelia looked a lot gloomier than I had ever seen her.
"What's wrong?" I asked, alarmed.
Ted sighed. "You should sit down. We have a long story to tell."
I sat down immediately. "Tell," I commanded.
James and Ted glanced at each other, while Cordelia looked on nervously. Finally, Ted sighed and said, "I found my parents – the nobles that Lord Donovan was talking about."
"What?!" I shrieked, forgetting that I wasn't supposed to be outside – and not supposed to be loud. "You did? That's great! Why are you so sad then?"
Ted gave a wry smile. "But that's the good part. I said that it was bittersweet."
I calmed down (a little). "So what's the bad part?" I wasn't so sure I wanted to hear it.
"They're not my real parents."
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"Wait . . . okay, I don't get this," I said weakly. The others were watching me, watching my reaction.
"Yeah, I thought the exact same thing," Ted said dryly.
"So . . . who are your real parents, then?" I asked, confused.
"I don't know now," Ted said, frustrated. "People said that my parents were thieves or bandits. But they're not my true parents. Then, when we just went to Lord Donovan's, we find my supposedly "true" parents in the dungeon. And when we freed them, they said that although they raised me until I was five, I wasn't their biological son."
"So . . . now what?" I asked.
"I don't know," he said sadly. My heart went out to him. He looked really lost and lonely.
I went over to him and hugged him. "I'll ask my father. I'm sure he'll help to find your parents."
He cracked a small smile. "Thanks, Lela, but I don't know. I don't think I'll ever find out who I really am."
"Oh, yes we will," I said, determined. "Did you ask your parents? I mean – the nobles?"
"Yes, but they said that they didn't know. They didn't actually see my real parents, only the person who gave me to them. But I can't ask that person, because whoever it was, is now dead," Ted said.
By now, I was very confused. "Okay . . . do your . . . do . . . um, the nobles who raised you know anything else?"
"No. Not that I know of," he answered.
"Isn't it so sad, Lela?" Cordelia said to me.
Just remembering that she was there, I changed the subject to one that I could understand.
"What happened to Lord Donovan? Tell me everything."
The three of them looked at each other and began their story.
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By the time they were done, I had gotten an entire account of their adventure. The three of them, along with a troop of my father's best knights, had ridden out to Lord Donovan's mansion on the outskirts of Frell.
They had surrounded the entire place, and ordered everyone outside. It turned out that not only was Lord Donovan there, but so were Erik and all of the bandits who had worked with Erik. They had all been arrested, and, although Cordelia was upset, she was even more upset by the fact that they had found out.
It seemed that Queen Maydria had used her fairy powers to completely brainwash all of the people working for her. All of them – Donovan included – had been under her spell. As soon as Cordelia had killed Maydria with the potion, everyone had been released from the spell.
The knights had gone into the mansion, to make sure that everyone was out, and that no one was hiding. In the dungeons, they had found a bunch of people – supposedly enemies of Queen Maydria. Upon examination, the prisoners had told their identities.
Two of them – a man and a woman – were named Lord Edward de Mildred and Lady Julia Rosanna Lenore of Bast. They claimed that they had walked into a trap set by Lord Donovan without knowing it.
Upon further questioning, it was discovered that they were the ones that Lord Donovan had said were Ted's parents. And although Donovan had implied that they were dead, they really weren't. They had been his prisoners. Both of them recognized Ted instantly. However, they admitted that, although they had raised him, they weren't his true parents.
After Ted, Cordelia, and James had finished recounting the story, I was completely moved by the sadness of it all. Ted had found his parents . . . only to find out that they weren't the ones he was looking for. Cordelia had just discovered that her father had been under the influence of a powerful spell for most of her life.
I sniffled. "What are you guys going to do now, then?"
James shrugged. "We don't know."
"Tomorrow, the king wants me to help train some of the knights," Ted said. "Teach them swordplay."
"I'm helping Ted . . . except I'm teaching archery," Cordelia said.
"But I thought that James was the best at archery," I said, frowning. I turned to look at him.
"Cordelia is good at it also," he said. "But the main reason I can't is because I'm busy."
I raised an eyebrow. "With what?"
He mumbled something incoherent.
"What?" I asked, befuddled.
"I said . . . I. Am. Supposed. To. Be. Tutored. In. Magic." James said slowly.
I gave a squeal. "Wow! That is so cool, James!"
He grinned. "I still can't believe I'm a mage."
"Well, you better believe it, because you are," I said.
"What do you have to do tomorrow, Lela?" Ted asked me.
I made a face. "I'm meeting some nobles . . . and I think I'm supposed to meet Darren's parents – the king and queen of Ayortha. I think I'll die."
The atmosphere lightened as everyone laughed.
"Poor, poor Lela," teased Ted.
"Maybe you could get a maid to pass off as you?" James suggested.
"Yeah, and my parents will definitely buy it," I said sarcastically.
"Oh, right," James said sheepishly.
"What happened to Darren?" Cordelia asked suddenly. "Wasn't he under Maydria's spell also?"
I brightened. "Maybe he'd be nice!"
"Yeah, maybe," James agreed.
"That'd be a good change," Cordelia continued. "And maybe you two will get married!"
I tried to smack her, and missed. Laughing, she danced out of reach. "I've got to go. See you all!" she blew a kiss at James and left.
I stared wide-eyed at James. "Did you . . . are you . . . wow," was all I could think of to say.
James had turned bright red. "Yeah," he said, ducking his head, embarrassed.
"Aww! That's so sweet! James is in love. And so is Cordelia! Aww!" I squealed. Then, being me, I added, "Love is in the air!" and "When is the marriage?"
James glared daggers at me. "I've got to go," he said hastily, and ran off, leaving just me and Ted.
Ted was looking at me strangely.
"What?" I asked self-consciously.
"Nothing," he said quickly. "So . . . um, do you like Darren?"
"WHAT?!" I shrieked. "Ted! Not you too! I don't like Darren!"
"Even if he is nice?" Ted persisted.
I hesitated. I couldn't really picture Darren without the evil air he seemed to give off.
"I get it," Ted said softly.
"I'm already in love with someone," I said, to get the focus of the conversation off of the prince of Ayortha.
"Oh," Ted said. He was quiet for a second. Then, getting up, he said, "I've really got to get back. I'll see you later, Lela."
I watched him leave, feeling as if I had lost something infinitely precious.
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That night, I tossed and turned on my bed.
What had inspired me to say that I was in love?
And who was I in love with?
Looking deep inside my heart, I realized the truth. And the truth really, really scared me.
I was in love with Ted.
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A/n: Mwahaha! Cliffy! Ha! Okay, I'll shut up. But as usual, plz review! Lotsa luv ~ AryaWinds ~