This world belongs to Kendare Blake, but the characters are original.

20 days before the Quickening

Black Cottage - Leia

Leia paced the room, waiting for Reyena. She was currently trading with Irah, the man who brought them supplies frequently. Since no one could know of her, she couldn't be seen by him.

Almost ten years had passed since her sisters went away. The sisters that didn't know about her. That couldn't know about her.

Nakhti, her familiar, was standing quietly in the corner. Since Leia was blessed with all the gifts, Nakhti was, too. Her mane was made of fire, her tail water. Her body was made of swirling storms and winds, her hooves made of earth. When those hooves stomped, either animals fled and plants died, or flowers bloomed and animals drew close. Nakhti was immune to any poisoning, and her breath was poisonous, though it was weak. The strong poison was shot through her mane and tail. Her mane of fire flared when death had recently been in the area, and her tail could become a scrying pool, showing her oracle abilities. Lastly, she was able to tolerate high pain and was extremely strong. Nakhti could push energy into Leia, and, if the two of them were together, they could become telekinetic.

Leia, herself, was unheard of, being powerful in all five gifts of the island. She could control all the elements at the slightest thought, make and intake almost any poison, skilled at sleight at hand, and can make anything bloom as well as any animal be drawn to her. She was strong and, with Nakhti, telekinetic. Leia could tolerate high pain with her war gift and see almost anything with her oracle gift.

Together, they would be unstoppable.

But Reyena had kept the Blue Queen history and facts away from her. She didn't know anything about herself or her title. So, she always was unhappy and felt as though something was missing. Something important.

Reyena eventually came inside, arms laden with all the goods Ihran brought. Without a single word, Leia helped put them away, dressed in blue as she always was.

"Reyena," she started cautiously. The other woman looked up.

"Yes, Leia?"

"My birthday is in twenty days, and I was wondering..." Leia falters.

"What is it?" Reyena asked sharply.

Leia took in a deep breath. "I would like to be allowed into the library."

"You already-"

"The Queen's library."

Reyena looked at her with pitying eyes. For so long, it was kept from the girl, and now, she wanted to learn. With that expression, Leia predicts she'll say no, but instead, Reyena sighed and looked down, dark red hair covering her features. When she looked back up, her blue eyes were filled with tears. Slowly, she unhooked a necklace from around her neck, gold key glinting at the bottom.

"Just know I did it for you. And your sisters. I couldn't bear to see them die."

Leia didn't ask any questions. She didn't want to push it farther that she already had. Besides, she'd probably find the answers in the books she would read.

Slowly, she took the key.

After unloading all the goods, she went to the queens library and unlocked it.

Dusty books surround her in the small space.

Slowly, carefully, she opened them and started reading.