I sat on my bed, my knees close to my chest, looking sullenly out the window. I happened to glance at the mirror and saw a faint image of Epona moving on its clear surface. I hurried over to see what was happening.
"Redynvre." Epona spoke my name loud and clear. I nodded and she smiled. "It is not as bad as you think. Eirwen has not died. In fact you did her a favor."
Confused I asked, "Not dead? What do you mean a favor?" Epona smiled again before replying.
"Eirwen has fallen into a deep sleep. She is now known as Snow White, as rumors of her existence in the forest begin to spread. By indisposing of her, you have erased the existence of seven demons which were keeping her company in the cottage. These seven demons were stationed there by Maeve, who is now locked in hell."
Despite Epona's explanation, I was still confused. "Is there anyway for Eirwen to wake again?" I asked tentatively.
Epona nodded. "A man of pure intent must kiss her awake." Pure intent. I smiled grimly, knowing how near impossible that would be.
"You shall be visited soon by a woman from your past. She is the true daughter of the King Fionn. I expect for you to act accordingly." With those final words Epona's image vanished from the mirror.
A woman from my past. My first thoughts were Maeve or Eirwen. Yet I knew that it couldn't be either of those. Who could it be?
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Lasarina looked anxiously out at the distant castle, which was coming slowly closer. A silver mist encircled the top parapets, creating a fairy tale vibe. She sighed, to rid herself of some of the tension that was building up in her.
Gathering together her bags, she prepared herself for when the coach came to a gentle halt. The footman jumped out and opened the door for her, offering a hand with her luggage. She smiled graciously and accepted the assistance. Standing at the foot of the drawbridge she prepared her self for what was going to happen next.
Then to her surprise, she saw the tall slender frame of Redynvre come striding across the drawbridge towards her.
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Everything seemed to click as I strode over the drawbridge towards the dark haired figure. Of all the women in my near past the one I had trusted the most and cared for the most was the one who returned. Lasarina was the true heir to the throne.
A look of relief flashed across Lasarina's face as I enveloped her in a hug. "I'm sorry." I whispered in her hear. Unbidden tears coursed slowly down my cheeks and I pulled away to see a beautiful grin spreading across Lasarina's face.
"Honey, I could never hate you" I returned her grin and helped her across the drawbridge and into the castle.
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"It is here," I announced, my voice booming across the great hall. Hundreds of people watched with eager faces as I began the formal transfer of the throne. "And now that I present this kingdom to the true heir of King Fionn." My voice echoed in the silence and I smiled. I lifted the golden crown from its purple cushion and raised it above my head. "I now present this crown, a symbol of dedication and loyalty to this kingdom to the one who deserves it. Queen Lasarina!" I placed the crown on Lasarina's sleek black hair and the hall erupted into cheers. Smiling Lasarina rose and we hugged.
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And so it was. I retired to the position of handmaiden to the Queen, despite Lasarin'a protests that I be made a lady in waiting. It was in this lower, but more fulfilling position that I found true love. Evyn, the stable boy found it in his heart to forgive me of my wrong doings as queen and a year from my step down as Queen we were married.
The first thing I did after starting my new life was take down the mirror Epona had given me, and as she Epona watched I smashed the mirror. No longer would I let vanity rule me. Epona simply smiled.
I didn't forget about Eirwen either. So three years later, when I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, I knew he would play a role in fulfilling the story I had begun.
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