I don't own any of the ideas. They belong to the Red Queen Series by Victoria Aveyard.
It's my first time writing a fanfiction, so feedback is most welcome!
I close my halfway finished history book, and lay across my bed, in deep thought. The history passage I had finished reading was a dense paragraph about Nortan history. It seems my house was longer than I ever anticipated with ties made with Piedmont as well as the Lakelands. "A strange pairing" I say to myself "especially when the Lakelands are our enemies, even as we push them back into their own country lands".
As I lie across my bed, brainstorming ideas on how to relax for the night. And almost robotically, I get up and walk to my bookshelf, my eyes searching for something entertaining. They're were filled with different volumes of different ages, most a testament to the Old Era, the time before the creation of Norta. Most of them are bound in leather, words copied from the old archives onto thick sheets of white paper. Some of the books were are my many favorites, but today, I was not in want of a romantic tales, or fictional stories or wizards and witches driving away evil. I could always play some violin or the pianoforte, but that would take energy to focus on. Reading was much more relaxing.
If reading was not an option for me, I could write. Writing was an equally important skill, vital for all long distance communications, internationally, as well as close by. My cousins, Clara Farley-Barrow, Gabrielle Barrow and Lydia Barrow, are far away from Whitefire in a comfortable cottage near Ocean Hill palace. And my closest friend, Coriane Jacos, who lives with them is far beyond my reach. The only way we can communicate are by letters, on yellow or white pieces of papers, which mostly bring good news, and sometimes small gifts. But no letters have arrived so far, and I pray that they are safe and sound.
Nothing good can amuse me tonight so I just sit in bed. Sleep is another option albeit rather boring. Its not a bad one though. I would prefer that than reading another complicated paragraph from one of my history textbooks. They take about a minute for each sentence, each one heavier than a physical weight.
Suddenly, the door opens to reveal a young girl of eleven years, dressed in a servants uniform. Her hands twitch nervously, holding a letter in her hands. It's plain but has my name on it, written in beautiful, elegant cursive. Coriane's handwriting.
The maid steps in trying to formulate a rehearsed speech or something. She opens her mouth to speak.
"my lady, this note is from Coriane Jacos of Bluebell cottage, located in a small town near Ocean Hill. It has passed the security inspection and is allowed to enter royal quarters." the maids voice trembles a little bit. She might be a new recruit, unfamiliar with who I am. "Would you like anything else my lady?"
"No thank you. Your help sending this is already enough." I answer, "If you could please leave it on my desk, that would be lovely. Thank you very much."
The maid lifts her head and smiles revealing her face and puts the letter on my desk. She is new.
"One more thing"
"Yes my lady?"
I scan her face trying to remember everything. The maid twitches, her hands moving behind her. I'm not reading her mind but it may seem like it. Everyone knows my reputation as a fearsome newblood Whisper child, more powerful than a Silver, who can enter your private thoughts without you noticing. Not that I ever would. It's an evil thing to do.
"What is you name?" I ask, trying to be as warm as possible. The maid says nothing. After what seems like forever, she opens her mouth to speak.
"My name is Tiffany Ellison my lady." She dips her head.
"Thank you Ellison. You may leave now." I say, "Have a wonderful rest of the night."
Ellison bows and leaves the room, shutting the door behind her. Once the footsteps die away, I snatch Coriane's letter and open it. It reads:
Dear Elara,
My first sentence to a person of higher rank should always contain a sentence asking if you are well. So, I hope you are in good spirits and in good health. Considering that you have turned sixteen now, I can only imagine the stress on your shoulders to have a Princetrial or something else. Nevertheless I wish the best for your health and happiness in whomever you choose.
It has been ages since I have written a letter to you. So much has happened here at the cottage that my thoughts are running faster than my hand. I don't know where to begin. I also dimly hope I don't write half my words and blot the rest when it finally reaches you. You know better than anyone that I despise poor penmanship, especially when I take pride in better lettering than you.
I laugh. Coriane's has maddeningly perfect handwriting. Every word is beautiful in it's own way.
As you know, Lydia and Gabrielle have had their birthday already. Both of them are as tall enough to reach the "high" window and see the wonderful view. Gabrielle rejoices in being a child of double digit age. She's ten now as you might have heard. We had a small celebration, with a small gathering of our families. Lydia is eager to turn older now but I hope both of them understand the responsibilities that come with age. For now though, I will let them play around. They are too young to understand the hardships of older people.
Your brother's Queenstrial is coming up as he's reached the age of sixteen. I wonder if I will compete this year. I hope I will. I will not be useless and sit around the cottage like nothing. Julian however, advises me not to go. You and I have always known that he has strong, bone deep animosity towards your Father. I don't know why, but I'm sure it has to do with my aunt and your grandmother. But I will certainly try to convince him. Especially since my singer abilities have improved greatly. Hopefully I can come to Summerton Palace, where it will be held, to show you in person, but I doubt my abilities will ever be as strong and powerful as yours. Whispers are known to be able to withstand a singer's control, as was shown by my aunt and your grandmother. I wonder if you can resist too. Especially because you are the first newblood whisper, who's limits are yet to be discovered.
As for Clara, she has begun teleporting in and out of sight all the time. Farley complains sometimes saying that she doesn't have to do it for every waking hour. Nevertheless, at least she has control over her powers now. Do you still remember the first incident of her teleporting? She vomited for days and had to stay in bed for nearly a week. It took a long time before she was able to walk without having any discomfort.
I hope this letter is a comfort to you. If you can, tell our friends Eliza and Irina that I am well and always wishing them the best.
Your dearest friend,
Coriane Jacos
A smile reaches my lips. Even though were are far apart, Coriane still manages to close the distance. It is almost as if she is here again, in Whitefire palace, talking to me. The open possibility of her coming to Summerton to compete in the Queenstrial, is a relief to say the least. I have not seen her in over four years. Though I know her father is right about objecting, I can't help but imagine having a the quad back together. I hope to hear from her soon again.
Note: OE/Old Era is basically the what were living in now so some of the book names I might mention may be familiar. When she talks about the wizards and stuff, she means Harry Potter. It's a wonderful series and those who haven't read it, it's a wonderful series! Some of her other "classic" favorites include Anna Karenina, Pride and Prejudice, Oliver Twist, Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and Jane Eyre. I've read all of them, and they are all really good too!
Kilorn got married to Gisa. They have two children, both girls, Gabrielle and Lydia Warren. Julian and Sara live with them and have a daughter named Coriane Jacos, another one of Elara's friends.
Irina Iral - House Iral and House Nornus - Sonya Iral and Nathaniel Nornus - Silk
Eliza Samos - House Haven and House Samos - Ptolemos Samos and Elane Haven - Magentron
Coriane Jacos - House Jacos and House Skonos - Julian Jacos and Sara Skonos - Singer
I made up some of the couplings because I don't know who ends up with who in the actual books.