Inspiration: Epoque, the opera, and adolescent angst.

Word Count: 6,640

Chapter 4

Hyrule Castle Town: Daphnes

My poor parents. My mother and father were so serious all the time. It made it impossible to have any fun. I was aware of my duties and I was ready to take on my role as Hyrule's king when the moment came for it, but my parents were insufferable at times. My mother constantly lectured me about duty and service, while my father also constantly lectured me about duty and service. I understood that I had a big responsibility in the future, but there was more to life than duty and service, like hunting. It was my favorite past time and I loved it. I started learning the bow and arrow when I was three. My father taught me personally. I remember him being very patient in every lesson. He taught me form and the importance of eye contact on a target. He would show me his own technique, which was impeccable, then give me needed critique with mine. My father was the greatest archer in Hyrule. He was also the greatest swordsman, and for that he had my respect. If there was anyone for me to learn from it was him.

My father was an interesting man. I enjoyed being around him because he was so different from any noble I knew. He cared about the people and he taught me to never forget those less fortunate than myself. I remember as a very young child him spending an immense amount of time with me in his study. When I had questions, he answered them, but he did so in a way that helped me to think. He talked about real world scenarios and asked me how I would work my way out of them. I used to think some of what he did was silly, but then I understood when we actually went and visited the people. I got to use one of those scenarios in real time. My father was a gifted teacher.

One of the highlights of my day was visiting the town's people with father. I learned firsthand he was a brilliant politician, not because he was a master negotiator, but because he listened to the people. The people also appreciated my father for hearing their side of things. Many of them said he was the only king to ever do so. Thus, he was known as the king for the people. To stratify the point, I enjoyed my time with my father, even when he lectured me on things I already knew.

My mother was calm, but she was a worrier. She, in my opinion, was the perfect woman: beautiful, wise, and efficient. Everything about her I respected. Her wisdom was unparalleled. It wasn't simply things she knew in books, but it was how she governed. She looked at all facets of a problem before she made a decision. She told me constantly it was important for me to do what was best for the whole of the country, not just myself alone. I remember having this very conversation with mother and father one day in the recent past. My father did not always agree with my mother's sentiment, stating that not everything should be about duty, which I found odd, because he always spoke of duty. I remember it got a little heated between them with some unspoken candor, but neither of them raised their voices. Father finally got up and left the room when all was said and done. I never knew what set him off. My mother remained calm, but there was a sadness in her eyes she tried to conceal. I often wondered what that conversation was truly about.

It seemed my perfect parents weren't so perfect after all, but I didn't hold it against them. No one was perfect. I actually liked the fact that they in some ways were like ordinary people. My father especially because he was a peasant before he became king. He garnered a unique perspective in light of his power. On the other hand, my mother attempted to shield me and my brothers and sister from the world, but father disagreed with that notion, stating we should all know what Hyrule was truly about. I agreed with father. How would my brothers and Linkle ever know the difference between what was right and what was wrong if we were shielded from it? I thought father had a much better understanding of that point of view than mother, and that was probably because of their varying backgrounds. Admittedly, I did favor my father over my mother, though, I loved them both dearly. Father was just the type of man I wanted to be when I grew up. He was brave, wise, and kind. I hoped to be all those things one day.

Currently, I was on the hunt for a bow, and not just any bow, the diamond ore bow. I was aware mother wanted me to have an escort, but this would take no time at all. No one would recognize me if I was quick, but they would know it was me if I came with a huge entourage. The bazaar was right here in north Castle Town Square. It was literally right outside the castle entrance gates. The only issue was the crowds right now. I did not want to make a scene, so I had every intention of standing in line like everyone else. It would have been more advantageous for me if I had brought a cloak. Next time that was exactly what I would do. I should have thought this through before just dashing through the castle doors.

In any such case, I was looking forward to King Draco and Prince Xavier's visit. King Draco was an unorthodox ruler, but it was what made him so sensational to his people. He believed in the forward movement of his kingdom. He wanted every citizen in Dragon Roost to have a dragon. He wanted every citizen to have their own patch of land. He wanted every citizen to have an education. He was considered radical to some, but he seemed very sensible to me. Even so, there were those in Dragon Roost who preferred the simple life to the grand vision that Draco had in place for them. However, all his people admired his prowess and for the most part, the majority agreed with his vision and sought to have it. Prince Xavier expressed this well when we talked.

Prince Xavier was my best friend. There wasn't a thing I wouldn't do for him. We had known each other since we were two. We were more like brothers than anything. He was a dragon rider, and helped me learn how to ride a dragon too. My parents had unique abilities when it came to dragons, but they didn't impede me from learning since I didn't have the same abilities. Even so, King Draco cautioned me to be careful and that dragon riding was the most dangerous sport in all of Hyrule. I couldn't have agreed with him more, but it was exhilarating. I was careful and I took all the precautions necessary. My first dragon ride was on Xavier's illumisaurian. The white dragon was not fond of me, until it got the 'okay' from Xavier himself. I was eight and I remember that day like it was yesterday. I never experienced such euphoria. I even wanted to enroll in the Dragon Master's Academy after that, but I wasn't of age yet. Now that I am of age I was going to express to my parents I wanted to enroll. I knew they would be hesitant, my mother more so than my father, but I was determined to make my request during the visit next week. I could have been the first Prince of Hyrule to become a dragon master. How many kings could have that on their mantle in Hyrule? Not many.

Nevertheless, I made my way through the crowd and found the shop I was looking for: Igor's Bazaar. The line was out the door, and I knew this would be a long wait, so I prepared myself. Igor was known as one of the best artillery makers in Castle Town. I took in a deep sigh and started twiddling with the quill in my pocket when the line didn't move. It wasn't an ink quill, just a simple one I had where I could twirl the feather through my fingers to pass time. Twenty minutes went by passed and the line barely budged. This was not promising. This wait was going to be egregious. However, a moment later, there was some movement in the crowd in the middle of the square. All of a sudden, two girls with the most unusual colored hair I ever seen, set up a small post, where the younger of the two sat down in a chair with a violin and the other taller older one stood erect. They looked like they were about to perform. I turned slightly to give them my attention. I never saw girls with green hair before. My assumption was correct. The older one cleared her voice and then tried to get the attention of the crowd. I had to admit she was an extraordinarily beautiful girl. Beautiful beyond imagination. She and her sister both.

"Ladies and gentlemen," she announced, "we know it is difficult being stationed out in the sun and looking for the goods that you need. So, it is with great honor and pleasure that my sister and I provide you with a little bit of entertainment while you wait for you sundries."

I grinned at that last part.

While you wait for your sundries? I wondered.

The crowd seemed barely interested in what she was saying. They continued about their business without acknowledging her. Still, she and her sister didn't give up. The older one looked at the younger one and gave her a nod for a cue. Afterwards, the younger one started playing her violin. It was a song I recognized right away because my nanny would hum it to me. When the music filled the air, I was struck by how emotive she made the notes sound. She was pretty good. Her technique was sound and the notes didn't come off as amateurish. She must have been playing most of her life. However, the true epiphany came when the older girl started singing. I almost did a double take when I heard that voice come out of that body. It was larger than life and absolutely transcendent.

The immediate crowd around her stopped, turned, and looked at her astonished. Her confidence never wavered when she had the audience, in fact, it seemed to grow. The girl kept singing and the square hushed for a moment as she sang an operatic rendition of "The Minuet of the Forest". The clarity and power in her voice was extraordinary. I never heard anything so beautiful in my life. She finished her song with a lovely breathy head note that took a great deal of skill to perform, and afterward she garnered some much deserved applause. I couldn't lie, I clapped myself. I was struck by the sheer brilliance of that girl's voice. I wondered if she and her sister were part of the Opera School of Hyrule. If not, they needed to be.

"Wow," I whispered as I clapped.

The two girls bowed and were briefly surrounded by a group of admirers telling them how talented they were, and asked if they were professionals. They professed to not being professionals and the crowd couldn't believe it. They were also complimented on their beauty, and they were definitely that too. As I stated before, I never saw girls with green hair, but it wasn't just the hair. They had perfect facial features with lovely smiles too. Almost like living breathing goddesses, that's how stunning they were. After the brief fanfare, the two girls packed up and hurried to south Castle Town. It was too bad they had to go off so soon. It would have been nice to hear another song. I watched them leave and nodded for no particular reason. That was a real treat to witness.

"That was wonderful," I said, "I do hope they consider that as an occupation in the future."

However, when I cut my eyes back to the crowd, I caught a group of young ladies looking at me. They were whispering and pointing. I made eye contact with them for a second, but then turned away. My presence was quickly being made known. However, on the other side of the line, I caught another group of girls looking at me and pointing. They appeared to be about my age and a little younger. As the girls continued with their voyeurism, there was a sudden cascading effect. The crowd starting looking my way and murmuring about me indiscriminately.

"Wait a minute," they were whispering, "is that Prince Daphnes?"

More standing by nodded.

"I think that is Prince Daphnes," another group chimed in.

The murmuring got louder and steadily a zone of demarcation started to form around me. The man in front of me stepped forward, while the man behind me stepped back. It was clear soon that I was easily identifiable.

Wonderful, I thought.

"That is the prince!" someone shouted definitively.

I attempted to ignore the banter, but soon the man in front of me turned slightly to look over his shoulder. His eyes got wide when he saw me. I avoided his eyes, but then he got down on one knee and bowed. Talk about subtlety.

"Your highness!" he said stunned. "I did not know it was you sir. Are you out here all alone?"

I groaned at the display. This was not what I wanted.

"Please stand up good sir," I said, "you have me mistaken."

The man got back up and raised a brow.

"I think not," he said, "you're wearing the signet ring of the royal family. I know that ring anywhere."

I looked at the man surprised by his knowledge of my jewelry. Reflexively I went to cover my hand, but the cat was out of the proverbial bag as the saying goes. Everyone in the square was now looking my way. I wish to Hylia he hadn't done that.

"It is not necessary to make a scene," I said, then turned my attention to the crowd and addressed them. "Good people, please go about your business. I am merely in town trying to buy goods, just as any of you. There is no need for a ruckus."

At my words the square got quiet, but only for a moment. Afterward, for some odd reason everyone cheered.

"Let's hear it for his highness Prince Daphnes!" one man shouted. "Who, just as his father and mother, shares the same love for the people with equal fortitude!"

My eyes widened slightly at the praise. I wasn't expecting this.

"Hear hear!" the crowd said in unison.

I knew that would get the guards patrolling the square's attention. Even so, when I turned back the line was no more. The people waiting in front of me all decided to go to the side and ushered for me to go ahead. I had no intention if doing so and shook my head no at first, but everyone insisted.

"Your highness you honor us," the people were saying, "it is your humility that spurs us to want to wait."

I didn't know what to say.

At a quick loss for words, I nodded, then made my way into the shop. At the counter was the big burly man named Igor, the shop owner. I had been in here many times before ordering and buying bows. He was the best bowyer in all of Hyrule. I knew there was the royal bowyer, but even my father trusted Igor over the royal bowyer. I trusted my father's judgment, and after having tested many of Igor's items, I trusted him too. As soon as he saw me, he stood and bowed.

"Your highness," he said with a smile, "so good of you to come and visit again."

I nodded and returned his smile.

"How have you been Master Igor?" I asked.

"Quite good my lad, quite good," he said, "now, what brings you from the castle to my humble shop?"

I looked past him immediately and stared at the diamond ore bow. It was a thing of beauty. Even though I was at the counter, the crowd outside was coming inside to see what I was going to purchase. I was sure a column would be written about my little venture in the gossip section of the Historia tomorrow. My mother would have a field day reading that. Still, it would be worth it if I could get my hands on that bow.

"I heard you recently constructed a new bow," I said, "I wanted to try it out."

Igor raised a fist and grinned at me.

"Ahh, so you're interested in the gull master," he said, "for it was assembled primarily to take out birds in midflight."

My eyes widened when I heard that.

"Really?" I asked.

He nodded.

"Yes, really," he said, then went and took the bow from off his wall, "this is a compound bow, with the ore acting as a cementing structure for accuracy. It is different from the recurve bows or even the long bows in your collection. This one is a gem, a true diamond in the rough. Get it?"

I grinned at his dry joke.

"A compound bow huh?" I asked.

He nodded.

"The rigidity helps to keep the accuracy in place," he went on, "only a compound structure is capable of such things."

The more he spoke on it, the more I longed for it.

"How much?" was my next question.

A few behind me laughed at my eagerness.

Igor simply grinned.

"Five hundred rupees," he said simply.

I looked at him stunned. I wasn't expecting it to be that much and it would take all of my allowance money for the month. Even so, I made a minute decision. I opened my bag and placed two gold rupees and a silver rupee on the counter. Igor had no qualms about scooping up the money. He placed my newly purchased bow in a case made of ivory and handed in to me. I took it like I found a lost treasure. I was more than excited.

"Can you imagine what I'll be able to catch with this?" I couldn't help but ask.

Igor laughed.

"Something extraordinary I'm sure," he replied.

I smiled and then hurried out the shop.

"Thank you!" I called to him. "I'll be back after my first kill with it!"

A few more laughed at how I uttered that, and they cheered me on as I left the store. However, I wasn't more than ten feet out the door when I saw an armored contingent of five soldiers waiting for me. I knew then either the crowd or my mother sent this entourage my way.

"So much for trust," I muttered to myself.

Wanting to keep the peace, I walked up to the contingent and they spoke to me directly.

"Afternoon your highness," the fore guard said, "we are here to take you back to the castle."

I took in a deep sigh. The confines of the castle could be so grating at times. I was only gone for less than an hour. Why were my parents so paranoid? It did not matter. I knew the question would never be answered. I walked up to the men and didn't fight the inevitable. I was ready.

"Shall we be off gentlemen?" I asked with a hint of sarcasm.

The head soldier just smirked at me. We then turned and headed back to the castle. I was aware I was going to be in for a long lecture by my parents. But, now that I had my bow, it would be worth it. I couldn't wait to hunt with it.

Bring on the chastisement, I thought, bring it on.

~SSS~

Hyrule Castle Town: Elincia

"His eyelashes were just like a cow's, did you see them?" Lyn shouted gleefully. "He was gorgeous."

I just glanced over at my dear sister and shook my head. I was feeling too enraptured right now to properly reprimand her. We successfully pulled off an impromptu show in Castle Town Square, where everyone seemed to love it. I didn't want to temper this moment with again having to lecture my sister on controlling her raging hormones. She was shameless.

"Mama and papa will kill you if they find out how boy crazy you are," I warned, "now stay focused. You're supposed to be helping me find the music shop."

Lyn looked bored instantly.

"You have a one track mind Elincia," she accused, "when are you going to tell papa you spend most of your free time singing and writing music when you should be studying for the Royal Academy of Medicine?"

I groaned and gave Lyn an obvious look.

"As soon as he understands that not everyone wants to be a doctor," I replied. "You know father doesn't want me to become a singer, so I can't tell him. I just pretend it's a past time, but if I could I would become a professional. Could you imagine it Lyn? Me singing in the opera houses of Dragon Roost or Balaam?"

Lyn giggled.

"You conveniently left out Hyrule," she said, "I wonder why."

I shrugged.

"That isn't the point," I said, then added. "Use your mind's eye: a stage, a house full of people –they're watching, waiting to hear me sing. Then it happens. Then there's applause. It would be glorious."

Lyn was quick to bring me back down to earth.

"It's nice to know your ideals aren't too high minded," she teased, "one wouldn't want your ego getting too big."

I did have to laugh at that, because my sister did have a point.

"You know what I mean," I said, "but enough silly talk, we have to hurry before papa returns home."

Lyn gave me an obvious look and fanned off my concern.

"If you'd calm down you'd know the shop is over there," she said and pointed behind me.

I turned at her direction and saw the old fashioned looking cobblestone and mortar building: Zahara's Music Shop. There was a music note painted on the marquee. It couldn't have looked more quaint.

"Come on," I said and hurried to the shop.

We went inside and were greeted by the owner of the shop herself, Zahara. She was a beautiful older woman in her fifties with golden blonde hair that was greying at the edges and bright purple eyes. She was the most extraordinary looking person I had ever seen. I never knew people could have purple eyes. I met Ms. Zahara over a year ago. She heard me singing in one of the taverns for some extra money and she told me she was impressed with my voice. She even gave me pointers about how to control my mezzo and how to expand my range. My mother was the only music teacher I ever really had, and though she was good, I felt I could benefit from teachers with more worldly experience. I needed to learn from the masters. Ms. Zahara was a master.

Zahara was a former opera singer and teacher. She used to own and manage a music hall before she closed up shop due to the untimely death of her husband. I actually researched who she was after my first meeting with her and found that she was a very accomplished singer. She sung for all the royal families in Balaam, Dragon Roost, and even Hyrule some years back. She studied under Madam Lana, the same as my mother. Madam Lana was a living legend, and if Zahara had a different set of circumstances, she probably would have been just as legendary. Their accomplishments were equivocal, but Madam Lana had the longevity of a career. Zahara never came off as bitter, which I appreciated. She even seemed happy with her simple life. She had her shop, she had her home, and she had her music. She had everything she needed.

I came once a week and borrowed music sheets to study. She would write new songs, but insisted I master the classics first before taking any new material. The latest sheet of music I borrowed, "The Minuet of the Forest", worked perfectly. It was truly a crowd pleaser. I needed to return the music today and get some more material. I hoped she had something equally as beautiful. Besides singing it, I really enjoyed the quality of that song.

Zahara came from around her counter to greet me and my sister. Her embrace was warm and she looked ecstatic to see us. She was dressed in a purple gown, but then again she was always dressed in purple in some variation. It really made her eyes stand out, but I didn't see how she wouldn't get bored of the color.

"Elincia, Lyn, wonderful to see you darlings," she said, with her distinct eastern Hylian accent. "Did you like the song?"

I went up to her and hugged her immediately.

"Lady Zahara it was magnificent," I replied, "you would have been so proud. The crowd was enchanted. They could have listened to us for an hour."

Lyn nodded.

"Yes," she added, "many in the crowd stopped just to see us playing."

Zahara looked pleased.

"I am not surprised because I know how talented you both are," she said. "Even so, it is wonderful news and a testament to your hard work. If you keep at it, you may get the attention of an opera house assistant. They send agents out regularly, especially in Hyrule."

I was so excited to hear that.

"It would be incredible to get recognized by a talent agent!" I said, clasping my hands together. "I wouldn't know what to do with myself."

Lyn just laughed.

"Then you would have to explain your new found fame to papa," she teased.

Zahara grunted.

"He would be most proud if he appreciated music the way Elincia did," she countered, "she is incredible. It would be a shame to waste such appeal."

Lyn raised a brow.

"True, but medical school is calling," she said, "you can't doubt the need for the profession."

Zahara scoffed again and went back around her counter.

"Your father is a wise man, but he lacks ambition," she said, "not every road must be a tried and true one, some are good to be tested."

I liked the sound of that.

"I agree," I said, "I don't have to choose medicine if it isn't my calling."

Lyn wasn't so sure about my conjecture.

"I hear you, but practicality is practicality," she countered, "singing is wonderful, but there is no doubt you'll have an easier time finding a job as a doctor than a singer."

My sister's pragmatism did bring me down to earth, but it wasn't what I wanted to hear. I just wanted her encouragement. I didn't need to always hear what could not be done. However, Zahara would not let that slide.

"Elincia is not just a singer," she said, "she is brilliant and the type of talent you find once in a lifetime. You don't have to believe me, but it is true. The way you sing touches people's souls."

I looked at Zahara surprised.

"Do you really think I'm that good?" I asked. "Do you really think my voice has that kind of potential?"

She nodded then reached out and caressed my cheek.

"Potential is only part of the story, I think your voice could be legendary," she said, "I think you have a way of conveying emotion like no one I've heard in a long time. I think you could be one of the greats."

My stomach fluttered when I heard that.

"One of the greats?" I repeated in a whisper.

Zahara nodded, but then reached under her desk and handed me another sheet of music.

"This one will showcase your talent in a way the others could not," she said, and slid the music to me. "It is called 'The Nocturn of Shadow'. It is a darker melody, but I think you would be able to understand the depth of the song. It is not sung in a high key, but the melody perfectly elaborates what despair is like to a pure heart."

I looked at her puzzled.

"What despair is like to a pure heart?" I whispered.

Zahara nodded and I felt a flood of confidence I couldn't begin to contain.

"Think about that before you sing it," she said.

I nodded.

"I will," I replied, afterwards, I reached over and gave the music owner a hug. "Oh thank you," I whispered with a slightly cracked voice, "thank you for believing in me."

Zahara hugged me back.

"Of course," she whispered, "but you must believe it yourself, even when others close to us do not."

It was a sobering thought. I knew she was speaking of father. When I pulled back, I was all smiles. I attempted to give her her other music she allowed me to borrow, but she stopped me.

"Keep it," she said, "that is my gift to you. It may come in handy some day."

I thought that was a bit strange, but I didn't argue her down. I loved the music so much and if she was willing to let me keep it, I would love to keep it. It was definitely one of my favorites thus far, and it felt the most like me. The forest, the trees, the wind in the air –freedom, that was what this song meant to me, freedom. Afterwards, I thanked Zahara.

"This is more than I could ever ask for," I whispered, "thank you so much."

Zahara smiled.

"Trust me my child," she said, "you have so much more to give. You just don't know it yet."

I took those words and almost surrounded myself in them. Lyn was staring at me with a raised brow. She had to tap me on the shoulder to bring me back from my transcendent state.

"Lincy I hate to be the bearer of grounded news, but we have to go," she said, "papa is going to be home in half an hour."

I looked over at my sister and frowned. She was right. She balanced me when I got too caught up in my dreams, and I balance her when she got caught up in her infatuations. In any such case, I was glad she was here.

"Alright, alright," I said, "we'll leave, but we'll be back next week."

Zahara just smiled at me.

"I look forward to it my child," she said, "take care, and remember your gift."

Her words left me hopeful.

"I will," I said, "I'm never going to stop singing."

~SSS~

Several hours later

"Elincia, Lyn, Cyan –supper is ready!" my mother called from downstairs.

Currently, I was upstairs with my sisters sewing. I actually really enjoyed doing this with Cyan because she was so good at it. Her embroidery was second to none and she always left me little present before I went to school; an 'I love you sis,' or 'Have a good day,' or 'Study hard, you can do anything'. She was such a thoughtful sister. I was very protective of my siblings because we loved each other so much. My sisters and my brother were everything to me. I would literally die to protect them. That may have seemed like an extreme statement, but it was the truth. My parents created this haven of safety and security with my family. I did not want to lose it.

My parents…

What could I say about them?

My mother was wonderful, but she was the biggest worry wart in the world. I couldn't step one foot outside the house without her questioning me about where I was going. I used to think it was paranoia, but now I realize that's just how she was. I loved her, I really did, but I wish she would trust me more. I was going to be sixteen this year, and for many girls this was the age of consent. The age to marry, the age to leave home, the age to start their own life, but I knew I couldn't just do that. I wanted to be respectful to my family, understand their feelings and desires for me, but I wanted them to understand mine too. I was at a loss to convey these ideas to them, but I knew I would have to eventually.

Another consideration was my siblings. Lyn was attached to me at the hip. She and I were the closest of anyone. Everywhere I went she went with me, and I appreciated her for it. She was sweet and endearing and I knew if I made some serious decisions without considering her, she would be heartbroken. I wasn't her mother, I was her sister, but I knew how close Lyn was to me. I had to make sure I made the right decisions for her sake as well. I also needed to consider Cyan and Ciela. Cyan and Ciela were like Lyn and me and if I abandoned my sister for my own selfish dreams perhaps the two of them would think that was appropriate as well. They were such sweet girls, even though Ciela was way too spoiled for her own good, but I loved them dearly. Lastly, there was my little brother, Ralph Jr., who was the only boy of the bunch. He adored all of us too, and I never wanted him to think I wanted to live my life without him. I would have to say out of all of us, he was the kindest one, and that was because he was so much like my father. My little brother was a special child with a beautiful personality. He was so brave.

Then, of course, there was my father. My father was the greatest man I knew. He was a brilliant physician who cared about his patients. I knew he wanted me to become a doctor as was the tradition of the family, but I wasn't sure that path was right for me. My aunt Gertrude was the same way. She was very disciplined, she was a physician and constantly told me she knew a few of the professors, so getting me into the academy would be no issue. Aunt Gertrude was also a mother of two and married. My cousins were very driven focused people, and they were here often. The pressure was on for me to meet my father's expectations, but I wasn't sure I was up for it. When I attempted to confide in my aunt, she was quick to shoot me down. She even let it slip that it was 'my mother talking'. I was aware my aunt did not care for mother too much, but I never understood why. If she disliked my mother, by extension she disliked me too, because my father told me I was just like her. Aunt Gertrude meant well, but she was more close to my father and not my mother. She seemed to have no qualms about it either. I wondered where the bad blood came from, but neither of them wanted to discuss the matter.

Admittedly though, there was a great deal I did not know about my mother. That may have seemed like a strange thing to utter, but it was the truth. I knew all about my father's side of the family, but I knew nothing of my mother's side. My mother never talked about her parents or how she inherited her incredible green hair. She never liked talking about the past, though my father said mother was an extraordinary woman. He said who she truly was would make us marvel. I was stunned when I heard that for the first time. I remember I was ten, and I never forgot it, though mother wanted me to. I wanted to know who this 'extraordinary' woman was, and when I asked, she dismissed it. I was told to 'shush' or 'not worry about it'. However, I did worry about it. I wanted to know who she truly was. Why was that so terrible? I always held my suspicions to myself, but I thought it was odd that mother didn't look a day over twenty-five even with the silver streak of grey at the front of her scalp. Most people thought she was my sister rather than my mother. She was beautiful without question, but my own mother was so mysterious to me. I didn't know how to reconcile that fact.

Even so, up me and my sisters went to answer the call for supper. I made sure everyone didn't fall when they went downstairs, and mother was grateful to me that I kept my siblings in line. We all sat down, prayed together, and then ate together. During supper I looked between my parents hoping one day I would have the courage to tell them I was wanted to be a singer. I knew father would be disappointed, but I had to do it soon. The exams for the Royal Academy of Medicine would be next month and I was going to either commit to it or not. I was stabbing the duck my mother made while I thought about this.

You have to get a little courage before then Elincia, I told myself. You need a little courage.

My mother noticed I wasn't eating and addressed me about it.

"Are you not hungry sweetie?" she asked.

I looked down at my plate when I realized what I was doing.

"Oh," I said, "sorry. No, that isn't the issue, I'm famished actually."

Mother raised a brow and smiled at me.

"I made the duck just the way you like," she said, "there's even roasted cherries with it."

I grinned at my mother, then picked up my knife to dig in.

"You know I'm a sucker for roasted cherries and duck mama," I said cutting a piece and placing it in my mouth. "Thank you, it's delicious."

Mother looked at me more satisfied when I gave her that answer. Afterwards, she went to tending to Ralph Jr. He looked like he was about to drop his knife. I smiled at my brother, then slowly felt it fade. I looked around at my beautiful family; everyone was so happy.

It looks like I'm not going to have any courage today, I thought.

Ralph Jr. was smiling at mother helping him with his duck, and I felt my heart melt. I sighed more to myself.

Nope, it doesn't look like it's going to happen today, I thought again.

The next chapter will be up soon.