Gifts and 'Horses'
"Constant as the stars above, darling, you will always be loved..."
Ella stirred from slumber.
"And my love shining in you will help your dreams come true..."
Her brows furrowed as her mouth curled downward into a frown, but her eyes never opened.
"I'll cradle you in my arms tonight as sun embraces the moonlight..." A small, sad chuckle rang in her head before the familiar soprano voice that sounded like the soft blow of an ocarina continued to sing.
"The clouds will carry us off tonight... Our dreams will run deep like the sea..."
She shifted her body in her sleep so she was facing the opposite wall of the tent.
"Constant as the stars above, always know that you are loved..."
Her arms wound themselves around her large pillow, hugging it close as a tear slipped from her eye.
"And my love shining in you... will help you make your dreams come true..." There was a short pause before the voice continued a bit groggily as though the person who was singing had begun to cry.
"Will help your dreams come true..."
Her eyes fluttered open, brows furrowed in confusion. Who was that?
Ella groggily looked around. It was dark, and the only source of light was a single ray of moonlight piercing through the thick drapes closing the entrance of the spacious tent she'd been given. On a small wooden table beside her cot, she found a bowl of food and a water gallon. One of the Narnians must've put it there when they noticed she hadn't eaten at dinner nor supper as she had spent her time training. Smiling slightly to herself, the strange dream long gone from her mind, she pushed herself up into a sitting position and reached a hand out to the bowl of food, though stopped herself when a faint jingle of bells reached her ears. She froze as it became silent, and she began to wonder if she hadn't just imagined it, but then tensed up when it rang through her ears again. She then frowned in slight confusion when she noticed something seemed different about it.
If it were the White Witch, she didn't want to have some of her fellow Narnians go up against her as only goal to prove themselves good warriors and lose their life. The witch wasn't worth all that trouble.
Mind set, she slipped on her riding boots, a red cloak following suite before she grabbed her weapons and slipped out of the tent.
As she wandered through the woods, following the faint jingle of bells, she couldn't help but curse, repeatedly, under her breath the many times she had almost fallen. She knew the elves had missed dressing her up but was it really necessary to give her a sleeping gown with so many layers?
"A young princess like you shouldn't be saying such vulgar words, Your Majesty."
Within less than three seconds, Ella had spun around and had an arrow pointing up at a person sitting on a sled that had reindeer with bells on their harness. But they were far bigger than the Witch's reindeer, and they were not white but brown. And on the sled, the person was an old man whom everyone knew the moment they set eyes on him. He was a huge man in a cherry-red robe with a hood that had fur inside it and a great white beard, that fell like a foamy waterfall over his chest.
"Father Christmas!" Ella cried out, letting out a small relieved and slightly disbelieving laugh as she put her arrow and bow away.
"Well, you seemed relieved," the old man chuckled.
"I thought you were the Witch," she admitted.
Father Christmas looked down at his sleigh and chuckled. "Yes, sorry about that. But, in my defense, I have been driving one of these longer than the Witch."
Ella couldn't help but smile. "It's good to see you again." But her smile then turned into a confused frown. "But, wait, how come you're here? I mean... don't take it the wrong way— I'm glad you're here, but I was told that for the past hundred years it'd been winter without Christmas."
"The Witch has, indeed, kept me out for a long time, but I have got in at last. Since Aslan is on the move, the Witch's magic is weakening."
And Ella felt herself running through her that deep shiver of gladness which you only get if you are being solemn and still.
"And now," said Father Christmas, "for your presents."
"M-my presents?" Ella asked, taken aback.
And there was that warm smile every kid stayed up waiting for every Christmas eve's night. "Indeed, young princess."
"Now," he started, stepping out of his sled with that big magical bag of his. "I know there isn't need for a lecture as you know perfectly well these are tools and not toys. Bear them well." With these words, he first handed to Ella a shield and a sword. The shield was the color of silver and gold, and across it there ramped three gold lions, each above being bigger than thus below. The hilt of the sword was of gold and black with a tinge of silver, and the sword itself had its own sheath and belt and everything it needed, and it was just the right size and weight for Ella to use.
Ella was silent and solemn as she received these gifts, for she felt they were a very serious kind of present.
As Father Christmas dug deeper into his magic cherry red bag, Ella, unable to hold back any longer, slipped the sword out of its sheath and took a closer look at its blade. It was a real beauty, that was undeniable, but the name engraved upon it was what made up her mind.
Richard the Lionheart
"Father Christmas, I can't possibly take this."
"Why, of course, you can. That's what presents are for."
"It's not that. It's just that... this sword... I-it belongs t—"
"To your father."
"Wel— whomever, either way, it already belongs to someone."
The joyous old man chuckled. "It belonged to your father, and, even if he were still here with us, Your Majesty, he would've wanted you to have it."
Ella frowned, gazing down at the name with soft eyes. "But why?" she asked in a small voice. "Yes, I am his daughter, but this... this is the sword of a true warrior." She looked at him, feeling like a little girl asking her grandfather why the trees changed in the fall. "I'm nothing but an amateur who's been spending the past year either trying to get into the army or stealing medieval weapons put on display at a Bronze Age street fair!"
The wistful man chuckled once again, looking down at the young royal with fond eyes. "Answers come with time, Your Majesty; one must only be patient." Then he pulled out another set of weapons and handed it to her. It was a bow and a quiver full of arrows and a little ivory horn.
"I am certain you already know to use the bow only in great need," he said, "so there is no need for a lecture on that either, just know that it does not easily miss. And when you put this horn to your lips; and blow it, then, wherever you are, I think help of some kind will come to you."
She was still hesitant about the sword but took his word for it either way as she grabbed the handful of weapons. She looked at the bow and quiver full of arrows with awe, delicately placing the horn inside the pocket within her cloak.
Looking up at the man, with a small yet bright smile on her face, she placed the weapons aside, on the sled, so her hands were free, and wound her arms around the aged man in a warm hug.
"Thank you, Father Christmas," she mumbled against his thick cherry-red suit.
Smiling down at her, he returned the embrace just as warmly. "It is my pleasure, young princess, but," he pulled away, "I must now be on my way."
Almost as though she had just remembered who he was, she pulled away completely, grabbing her gifts from where she had placed them on the sleigh, and backed away, a sheepish smile on her face.
"Oh! Right, of course. Carry on, then," she told him as he mounted his sleigh. "And Merry Christmas, Sir."
"Indeed, it is now, Your Majesty." He chuckled. Then he cried out, "Merry Christmas! Long live the true Queen!" and cracked his whip, and he and the reindeer and the sled and all were out of sight before anyone realized that they had started.
Letting out a small giggle, Ella sighed. "Merry Christmas," she repeated softly, before turning on her heels and making her way back to the camping site.
Ella loved elves. Really, she did. Of course, it had nothing to do with their unusually beautiful face and body, nor their skills and abilities which were beyond what is possible for Men. No, they were simply one of the kindest, fairest and wisest beings in Narnia. And Ella loved them for that, but when it came to spending time with the female elves—as lovable and irresistible as they were— she'd rather not. Other than the love for their companions, they seemed to have an odd liking for using her as a doll and dressing her up, ever since her first time in Narnia.
That's what they were doing the next morning, and they went on and on with it for what seemed like forever to Ella, but really was only about three hours or so. Soon she was left with only one of them.
She groaned when another needle accidentally pocked her skin.
"Goheno nin," (Forgive me) apologized the elf that was fixing up the collar of the dress she had her in.
"Am man?" (Why?) Ella whined.
"Mankoi il?" (Why not?) replied the elf nonchalantly.
Ella groaned again. "You already made me wear a mop last night, why do you insist on torturing me more, Neth?"
Borneth rolled her eyes and the young princess' exaggeration. Borneth Aldaelon was one of the people Ella was closest to; they had met on her first visit to Narnia, and Ella had instantly taken a liking to her. Of course, though Ella would deny it, part of it was because Borneth was an elf and, at the time, Ella was unaware of it and their special ability to make people fall in love with them. If asked, Ella would probably say that it was because, at the time, Borneth, too, was the kind of girl that liked adventure and loved to practice her fighting skills; she, too, had wanted to become a warrior. Eventually, her thirst for that kind of thrill dulled, and her femininity took over when she found her mate. It was quite unusual for a 'teenage' elf to meet their mate so young, but, either way, though Ella missed the enthusiasm the latter would get at the mere thought of unsheathing a sword, she was glad Borneth had found her other half, even if that meant that had made her girly and a tad bit of an elven fashion maniac who loved dolling her up.
"Don't call the nightgown I made you a mop, it took me a long time to make it for you."
Ella rolled her eyes. "It took you barely an hour." She sighed, looking at herself in the mirror. She didn't look so bad.
Her usually plain-looking, pale russet skin had taken on a much softer yet vibrant tone. Her dark brown hair, though flatted and matted down into a bed-headed style, looked much more healthy, albeit having remained the dark shade it had taken on the last time she had left Narnia. Her dark eyes, though they had not regained the shine they once held when she was younger, had brightened and phased back into their beautiful hazelnut, green-specked tint.
Her eyes wandered downward as she studied herself. Borneth had put her in what felt like a fine, cotton and polyester mixed, navy blue gown that hugged her figure, following her curves. The navy blue was gorgeous against her pale russet skin; the Narnian bodice featured an eye-catching square neckline with heart-shaped décolleté made of contrasting colors, and with golden braid. The sleeves widened from the elbows, downward into a trumpet shape and had been made with brick red contrasting inserts, much like the dress' skirt, and saffron-colored braids that looked to be gold. The brick red contrasting inserts were complimented by the strappy pair of flats her feet were slipped into; they toe-tips were pointed, the overall was a deep Cabernet hue, with a pewter-colored buckle. They were airy and perfectly comfortable.
She sighed. She loved the beauty of the gowns and crowns and all, but she didn't feel as though she deserved any of it. She believed that in order to get something, one must earn it, but, so far, she had no idea how she had earned the title of a princess, never mind her biological parents having been the last King and Queen of Narnia.
"Borneth?" The latter hummed in acknowledgment. "... you've been around for a while, right?"
"Yes, why?"
Ella bit her lip, glancing over at the sword and shield Father Christmas had given her. "Have you ever... by any chance, gotten to meet my parents?"
Slightly taken aback by the sudden mention of the previous King and Queen of Narnia, Borneth looked up. "The King and Queen?" Ella nodded. "I have, once or twice, though I was very young. It was a long time ago."
Of course, it was a long time ago. Borneth was an elf, and all elves were immortal, so they aged very slowly. Borneth may currently still look like a teenager, but she was well over one hundred and had come of age in elven years about half a century ago.
Ella sighed again, thinking herself stupid. She wanted to know about her parents, but... was she ready? Truthfully, no, she wasn't.
"So, who's the elf I'm going to have to challenge to see if he's worthy to have your hand?" she asked, changing the subject.
Borneth practically choked on air. "Goheno nin?" (Pardon?)
Ella laughed softly. "The elf that has claimed you his mate," she replied, pointing at the silver chained necklace with a burnished silver cobra-detailed faceted quartz crystal pendant. "You're wearing a 'claimed' stone. That, and that—" She pointed at the green dress the elf was wearing.
Borneth frowned. "Man ilanwa a ma?" (What's wrong with it?) she demanded.
"You used to be a corset maniac— you're not wearing a corset," Ella deadpanned.
A faint blush made its way onto Borneth's cheeks, making Ella smile softly; that woman really acted like a teenage girl sometimes.
"So what's the lucky guy's name?" she asked, gently patting the small subtle bump on Borneth's stomach.
Borneth's lips curled up into a dreamy smile as she continued to sew. "Gwaindir."
"Gwaindir, huh?" Ella's face took on a thoughtful look. She looked down at Borneth. "Are you done?"
"Wait..." Borneth cut the last string the right sleeve of the dress, then patted Ella's arm. "Done!" She stood straighter and smiled up at the young princess who was taller than her, though, her smile quickly faded when she noticed the mischievous glint in the girl's eyes.
"Oh, no," she mumbled.
"What?"
"I know that look, you're going to do something to Gwaindir, aren't you?"
Ella pulled on an innocent face. "What ever would make you think that?"
"Princess..."
Ella rolled her eyes. "Relax, I won't hurt him..." She smirked, stepping off the bench she'd been standing on for her fitting. "Much," she added under her breath. She undid the lace at the back off the dress and shrugged it off, slipping on her white trousers, followed by a corseted dress made especially for training.
"Hiril vuin..." (My Lady...) Borneth frowned slightly. "I thought you hated corsets."
"You made me wear them at a time I needn't to; I'm not exactly fond of them, but they help me keep my back straight while training." Borneth nodded in understanding. "Well, I'm off to train!" Ella said lightly, making a beeline toward her sword and shield, which were not at all the ones Father Christmas had given her the previous night.
Borneth frowned once more. "Pardon my curiosity, Hiril vuin, but aren't you going to use your gifts?"
Ella stopped, throwing a sideways glance at the said items; they were basically hidden from view, covered by a small silk curtain. It those weapons had come within her grasp, she would've used them without a second thought, but, now, even just glancing at them, they only reminded her that her family— the one she'd lived with and the one she'd never gotten to know— was no longer there with her, and the reminder brought her pain.
She looked away from the set, all expression dropping from her face. "Not yet." And with that, she grabbed the other sword and shield and left the tent.
Shield strapped to her back, and sword sheathed, Ella walked around the training grounds, watching the Narnian men train with their blades, while the women trained in the archery range.
She stopped by the benches and stood there, arms crossed, a small smile on her lips; this was her home. She kept glancing about for a moment before her eyes finally settled upon the centaur trotting her way.
"Here to join us, Your Majesty?"
Her smile widened slightly. "Yes, but, first, there's something I need to do." She turned to the group of Narnian men, elves, and centaurs that had begun to gather around her and Oreius. "Which one of you is Gwaindir?" A twinkle of mischief made her way into her eyes as she heard Borneth, who was not far from the training grounds now, groan.
"Im Gwaindir, Hiril vuin," (I am Gwaindir, My Lady) said a deep voice.
Ella turned to look to her right and saw him. With barely just one glance, it was clear he was quite a rebel for an elf. He was good-looking, tall and fairly muscular, his dark hair extremely short in comparison to thus of the other elves... more like men would have theirs in the army back on earth. And though his good looks were pronounced in a somewhat scruffy way, his graceful and fair elven face, which was beyond the measure of men, overpowered that scruffiness.
Ella's brows furrowed slightly as she tilted her head to the side, studying his face a bit more; he looked a bit familiar.
"So you're Gwaindir," said Ella. Her eyes squinted a tad bit as she bit her lower lip. "Caela lye omente n'ala?" (Have we met before?)
He frowned a bit. "... Ú-iston, n'an, be tanya vee' ta lotesse, ta naa quite deanam lye caela," (... I don't know, though, be that as it may, it is quite possible we have) he replied.
Putting that matter aside, a smirk made its way onto her lips. "Well, on another note, I challenge you to a duel."
The crowd that had been surrounding them backed away slightly.
An amused smile made its way onto the elf's lips. "And may I know why?"
"Yes, you may," Ella replied with a nod. "I happen to care deeply for Borneth, and, so, I want to make sure fate has chosen the right missing half for her."
That seemed to be the right button to push.
"Alright." He accepted with a nod of his own. "My Lady?" He motioned toward a more open part of the training grounds; the circular arena, which was purposefully parted for duels. The arena was surrounded by bleachers, which soon filled itself with spectators as the dueling pair walked to the center of the arena.
"You have to disarm me from my sword and shield. You have three tries."
"Three tries?" Gwaindir chuckled, a slightly cocky smirk on his face. "Any rules?"
"Nope." Ella smiled. "Ready?" she asked, assuming an en garde position. Gwaindir's brows raised in a surprise as he appraised the young girl; for a girl, she seemed to know exactly what she was doing.
"Nelde?" (Three?)
She shrugged. "Mankoi il?" (Why not?)
And he attacked. The two of them stood in one place, trading feints, thrusts, and parries.
"You know what you're doing, I'll give you that," said Gwaindir. "Excellent form... but how's your footwork? If I step here—" He took a step around an imaginary circle. Ella stepped the other way, maintaining her relationship to Gwaindir. "Very good! And if I step again, you step again—"Continuing to step around the circle, he said, "And so we circle, circle, like dogs we circle."
They were now exactly opposite to their initial positions. It was when Gwaindir felt less heavy that he realized something.
"Where's my shield?" He paused and looked around the arena, only to find it there, on the ground, a few feet away from them. "When did that get there?"
"That's one try, and you lost your shield," said Ella, chuckling.
And he attacked once more. The two of them moved more about, trading harder feints, thrusts, and parries, with lightning speed, almost impossible to follow. Ella had no trouble matching the elf, though, soon, she found herself missing her shield as well.
She paused, giving him a praising nod. "Second try, and I've lost my shield." She smirked. "You've got one left, Mellon." (Friend.)
With one nod, he began to circle her, as she stood patiently, watching, waiting for his next move. He lunged forward, though, within a matter of seconds she hit the base of his blade and twisted effortlessly before a loud Clang rattled.
She smirked. "Come on, I'm sure you were taught better that," she said as he lunged towards her again, another loud Clang rattling only to follow a loud thump.
Gwaindir's sword was under her foot as he laid down flat on the floor on his back, with a sword resting on his silver breastplate. It was silent for a moment before the crowd began to cheer for the princess, who was smirking down at the elf.
No. It wasn't a smirk, he realized. It was a prideful grin. But why did it hold pride? She beat him.
She sheathed her sword and offered him a hand, which he gladly took.
"Lye caela omente n'ala," (We have met before) she said. "I remember now." She smiled. "Dirri!"
His brows furrowed for a moment before raising, eyes widened, finally coming to realize who she was as he recalled the only person who used to call him that.
"Princess Ella!"
And they both embraced each other like the good friends they were. Gwaindir Felvanthar, much like Borneth, was one of the first elves she had met her first time in Narnia. He, too, had quickly become her friend and had been the one to first teach her a bit about how to wield a sword, before Oreius took it upon himself to train her as Gwaindir himself had been but a beginner at the time.
"It's been so long, Princess."
She laughed, as Oreius had told her the same thing the other night. "Indeed it has been, Dirri," she said, making him laugh. She had given him that nickname when they first met as she thought his own name was quite the tongue tier.
Ella then spent the rest of the day training, then catching up with a few other old friends. It wasn't until evening, when she made her way back to her tent, that she found Borneth waiting for her with another gown. She took a quick bath, washing away the sweat, dirt, and grime from the day's training, before putting on the dark orange bodice. She was relieved it had no corset, though it was slightly larger on her body.
"It's only for now," said Borneth, as she delicately brushed and curled each one of Ella's brown locks. "I have noted down your measurements from this morning to make you some clothing your own size."
"It's simple," said Ella as she began to trace the golden patterns on her sleeves. "Simple and beautiful; I like it."
Borneth smiled. "You look like your mother, you know." Ella's head snapped up, her eyes looking at Borneth, who stood behind her, through the looking glass. "I was very young at the time, but, I still remember bits of what I'd gotten to know of the King and Queen. You are very much like them, Hiril vuin. You have the Queen's kindness, the King's bravery."
Ella shook her head, frowning down at the ground. "What's worth being kind and brave, if I can probably be the worst princess? I mean, I wear dresses, I think they're pretty and all, but I don't like wearing them! Back in London, I have to wear them and wear heels when I leave the house; if I don't, people look at me weirdly for wearing trousers and boots."
Borneth chuckled. "I'm not a princess, but I know that to be one, you don't have to always do your best and be perfect." She turned Ella around so she would face her. "To be a great royal, you must, first and foremost, be noble, selfless, trusting and faithful, humble, kind, respectable and admirable. And, Ella," She placed her hands on the princess' shoulders. "You are all of the above and more. A princess is a princess regardless of her attire." She paused, placing the rhinestone tiara on Ella's head. "Or her circumstances, and, you, Princess Ella, are a princess. A great one."
She turned her once more so they were both face the small opening of the tent, where the castle was in perfect sight.
"And one day," Borneth continued softly. "At Cair Paravel of the five thrones, you will sit as Queen. High Queen, and you will be incredible."
Ella stared at the castle for a moment, fighting back tears from the encouraging speech she'd just been given, before turning to Borneth and giving her a warm smile filled with fondness. She opened her mouth, about to reply, when, suddenly, she was cut off by loud whinnying. Both sharing a frown, they rushed outside to find a growing crowd speaking rather loudly.
"What's going on?" Ella asked one of the Narnians.
A dryad answered her. "There seems to be a fight going on between two stallions, Your Majesty."
"Are they going hard at each other? Why doesn't anyone stop them?"
"A few have tried, but these two seem to be wild."
Ella let out a tired sigh. "Oh, Aute," (God,) she mumbled. She began to push her way through the crowd, and, finally, in front of it, she could see them; a black and a white unicorn going at each other rather savagely.
Eyes widening, she stepped forward, causing the crowd to lower their volume and step back. "Hey!" The battle faltered a bit, for a moment, at the sound of her voice, before galloping further into the trees, still raging at each other. "Hey, stop!" But neither listened to her.
Ella groaned, pulling her crown out of her hair and tossing it over to Borneth.
"Your Majesty, you can't possibly be thinking of—"
"I have to. If I don't, they'll kill each other, and I can't let that happen," said Ella, turning to another Narnian. "Pass me your sword, please."
"Hiril vuin, are you sure—"
"I'm perfectly and utterly certain," she cut him off, tying the sword belt around her waist. "I won't use this, but... just in case, you know?" She glanced around. "Anyone got a rope?" And she was handed one. "Anyone a healer?"
"We are," two voices replied in unison.
Ella turned and found two twin elves who looked oddly familiar. It was when her eyes fell upon their whitish blonde hair that she recognized who they were; it was Raina and Egleriel Aldaelon, Borneth's older sisters.
Ella smiled slightly, happy to see them again after so long. "Be ready for whoever comes back first."
The twins were confused at what she meant by that, but, before they could even ask anything, Ella had turned away from them.
"Philip!"
And a chestnut colored stallion came cantering toward her. Throwing the rolled up rope over her head so that it hung around her neck, she ran forward, then, barely a foot away, she jumped, gracefully landing on his saddle.
Grabbing the horse's reins, she shouted, "Go!" And she soon found herself flying through the woods. "Go as fast as you can, Philip, we need to keep them from leaving the camp's perimeters, or else the Witch will get to them!" she instructed.
"Of course, Your Majesty." And he pushed harder on his hooves, galloping with lightning speed.
After what felt like forever, Philip slowed his pace as they heard the faint clashing of horns. She pulled on his reins to slow him into a silent trot as they rounded a few trees that led into a small clearing.
Slowing into a stop, Ella leaned forward. "I'll try to separate them. I'll probably manage to get through the white one first. When I do, I'll send you a signal and I want you to lead him back to camp," she whispered into the stallion's ear.
"Will you be alright with the other, My Lady?"
She nodded. "I'll be fine," she said, as she dismounted the horse. "Stay here."
She waited for a moment until both steeds were at a good distance from each other before approaching them. Taking a few cautious steps toward the bloody stallions, she felt her breath get caught up in her throat when her foot stepped on a tree branch. The noise emitting from the break wasn't so loud, but it was loud enough to catch her preys' attention.
She bit her lip, holding her breath as they both turned to look at her, eyes still on fire. Her heartbeat picked up a few notches when she heard Philip take a step forward, probably worried for her well being.
Everything was still.
Then, suddenly, a red light began to blink in the back of Ella's head as she noticed the black stallion's eyes go wide as his ears pinned themselves down on his head which had elevated.
"Oh, no." She knew what that meant.
Nose flaring, the stallion spread his front legs out to the sides and leaned forward, glaring straight at her. Philip took another step forward, but Ella quickly raised a hand.
"Philip, don't!"
But it was too late; the white unicorn had run off in one direction as the black one reared and stroke forward. Eyes wide, Ella quickly jumped to the side, out of his way, rolling on the ground, landing in a kneeling crouch. He stopped short before he could hit a tree and end up with his horn stuck in it. He turned and glared at her, nose flaring, exhaling steam through his nostrils from the cold.
Without wasting another second, he turned and ran off as well, in the direction opposing the one the white unicorn ran in.
"Your Majesty," Philip called out as he trotted over to her. "Are you alright?"
Ella nodded, pushing herself onto her feet. "We're going after the white one, I'll get the black one in a moment," she said as she mounted him.
They found the white unicorn bathing itself in a stream. The blood washing away from its fur and its hair, it was truly beautiful, its hair looking like a river of silver under the moonlight. his head snapped up when he heard Philip's hooves stop a few feet away from the shore. Ella dismounted him and looked at the white unicorn straight in the eyes.
"Careful, Your Majesty," said Philip, as they both watched the white creature turn his back to them and lower his head to drink some water from the stream.
"Always," she replied, approaching the white stallion.
His back was facing her, head dropped, and ears hanging to the side; he was relaxed, but only slightly as his muscles were rigid and his movements were stiff. Ella let out a small whistle to catch his attention; she couldn't startle him, especially after what had happened not even five minutes ago.
She looked up at his head and noticed how his ears unpinned themselves from it and turned back in her direction; he was listening... and, apparently contemplating whether to run away or turn around and check out the sound that had emitted from the young girl. She could guess he knew it was her as his tail was swishing; that meant he was tense and wary, and a stallion would only be so if they were distrusting toward you.
"Hey, there," she said softly.
The unicorn's head elevated and turned; he was focused on her and solely on her now; and it was clear he was, once again, trying to figure out whether he should flee, or figure her out, though he did not move from his spot. His muzzle had tightened, as well as the muscles around his eyes. His eyes were darting rapidly, flicking from side to side, his front legs were spread out to the sides as he leaned back a little and his whole body was trembling; he was scared.
Eyes never leaving his, she stepped closer. "Hey, it's okay," she said softly, staring straight into his dark little eyes. "I'm not going to hurt you. I promise."
She stepped forward, and, she wasn't sure why, but she found herself bowing at the creature. It lasted for barely a second before looking back up at it. The unicorn was still staring haughtily at her. It didn't move. Feeling as though it were challenging her, Ella did not move either. But then, to Ella's surprise, the stallion suddenly bent its front knees and sank into what was an unmistakable bow.
Feeling a bit more confident, Ella moved slowly toward the unicorn and reached out toward it. She patted the muzzle several times and the stallion closed its eyes lazily, as though enjoying it. After a moment, she began to pull her hand away, though it quickly elevated its head and reached out to touch her with his muzzle, trying to nip her, as though he was finally searching for a little bit of reassurance within her.
"You're hurt," she said softly. "Will you let me take you back with me and Philip so we can have someone care for you?" The stallion backed away a bit when she said 'someone'. "Don't worry, they won't hurt you, I won't let them; I promise."
Relaxing a bit more, he watched as she pulled the rope from where it hung around her neck.
Eyes never leaving him, Ella let her hands move on their own. First, she tied a loose overhand knot, creating a loop in the rope, to then pass one end of the rope through it, keeping it loose. Then, she passed the tail end of the rope back through the knot. Taking the shorter "tail" end of the rope in her hand, she pulled that end of the rope around and over the loop she had first made, threading the length of rope between the outside of the looped portion of the overhand knot and itself. After that, she carefully tightened the knot without pulling the tail end through. She pulled on the slack end of the rope and the new loop she had just made, and, as she did this, she was careful not to pull the tail end of the rope back through the knot.
When finished, she had created a Honda knot, all in less than two minutes. Finally, she simply passed the long slack end of her rope through the small loop in the Honda knot to create a functional lasso. She was ready and done with it, she stepped forward, raising the lasso toward the stallion's head. He let her tie it on him, closing his eyes slightly, enjoying her soft touch. She gently pulled on the slack end of the rope, tightening the lasso around his neck so it wouldn't slip off. Not letting go, she rounded the unicorn till she stood on his left side.
"Philip and I are going to lead you to Aslan's camp, alright? You're going to be taken good care of."
The way back was a lot more calm. There was still a bit of tension in the air, but the white stallion seemed to be more trusting toward the princess. When they reached the edge of the camp, the Aldaelon twins rushed over to tend them. While they were tending the unicorn, Philip was being fed, and Ella was being tended by another healer as well after being changed into a different gown. The gown was not a form-fitting gown, though, it was more of a baggy chemise style gown that roped in at the waistline with a golden ribbon tie. It was black and much more simple than the orange one she had been previously wearing, but it had its own beauty. Albeit the beauty of it and the relief of having someone take good care of her, Ella's mind was elsewhere.
"You're not going back there, are you?" asked Raina.
Ella's eyes shifted from where they stared off into the forest to the unusually short elf, as she sighed. "I must."
"But it's dangerous outside the border," Egleriel interjected.
"I have to go," Ella repeated with another sigh. "If I let him go off any further, she'll get him." She looked back at the forest and let out another heavy sigh, shaking her head, as she stood. "I can let that happen."
The twins let out a synchronized sigh. "At least take more than just a rope," said Egleriel.
"Just in case, you know?" Raina added, offering the young princess a bag, but Ella shook her head.
"I don't need anything except maybe this rope," she said, leaning down and grabbing the rope she had used earlier on the white unicorn. Neatly rolled up, though, with one edge of it still tied in a lasso, she began to make her way back toward the trees but stopped when she felt tugging on the skirt of her gown. She turned and saw that it was the unicorn she had just brought back with her.
She frowned, uncertainty clear in her face. "What is it?" He tugged on her gown again, then pulled away and nodded his head toward the forest, neighing lowly. "Are you saying you want to come?"
The unicorn neighed in confirmation, nodding his head.
"Are you sure?"
Neigh.
Ella sighed. "I'm not letting you two get into another fight. I'll let you give me a ride, but as soon as we're close enough to him, you're coming back here, alright?"
The unicorn nodded, leaning on his hind legs downward for her to climb onto his back. As soon as she had settled onto his bare back, they went off to find the black stallion. Ella actually regretted not asking for help when she found the black unicorn to be much more difficult to tame. After sending the white unicorn back to camp, she caught the dark stallion's eye an held his gaze. Like in their previous encounter, a red light began to blink in the back of Ella's head as the black stallion's eyes went wide and his ears pinned themselves down on his head which had elevated.
She huffed. "Not again," she muttered to herself.
Nose flaring, the stallion spread his front legs out to the sides and leaned forward, glaring straight at her. Ella quickly raised a hand, trying to get him to stop.
"No, don't!"
But it was too late; eyes wide, Ella quickly jumped to the side, out of his way, rolling on the ground, landing in a kneeling crouch. He stopped short before he could hit a tree and end up with his horn stuck in it. He turned and glared at her, nose flaring, exhaling steam through his nostrils from the cold.
Ella swallowed hard, pushing herself onto her feet. "Please, just wait!"
He stopped at her plead and relaxed, but only slightly as his muscles were rigid and his movements were stiff. She looked up at his head and noticed how his ears unpinned themselves from it and turned back in her direction; she had his undivided attention, though she could tell that he was contemplating whether to run away or attack her. She knew she had to be careful as he was tense and wary; that meant he was distrusting toward her.
"Hey," she said softly.
The unicorn's eyes focused on her and solely on her now and, though they did not stop flickering about, it was clear he was, once again, trying to figure out whether he should flee, attack her, or figure her out. However, he did not move from his spot. His muzzle tightened, as well as the muscles around his eyes. His eyes were darting rapidly, flicking from side to side, his front legs were spread out to the sides as he leaned back a little and his whole body was trembling; he was just as scared as the white unicorn had been.
Eyes never leaving his, she stepped closer. "Hey, it's okay," she said softly, staring straight into his dark little eyes. "I'm not here to hurt you, I just want to help you, I swear."
She stepped forward, and, opting to approach him the way she had done with the white stallion, she bowed. It lasted for barely a second before looking back up at it. The unicorn was still staring fiercely at her. It didn't move. It was a challenge; Ella did not move either. But then, to her surprise, like the white unicorn, the stallion bent its front knees and sank into what was an unmistakable bow.
Feeling a bit more confident, Ella moved slowly toward the unicorn and reached out toward it. She patted the muzzle several times and the stallion closed its eyes tiredly. After a moment, she began to pull her hand away, though it quickly elevated its head and reached out to touch her with his muzzle, trying to nip her, as though he was finally searching for a little bit of reassurance within her.
"You're hurt too," she said softly. "Will you let me take you back with me, so I can have someone care for you?"
Suddenly, the stallion reared at her words.
"Don't worry, they won't hurt you; I promise."
Relaxing a bit more, he watched as she pulled the rope from where it hung around her neck.
Eyes never leaving him, Ella stepped forward, raising the lasso toward the stallion's head. He let her tie it on him, closing his eyes slightly, enjoying her soft touch. She gently pulled on the slack end of the rope, tightening the lasso around his neck so it wouldn't slip off. Not letting go, she rounded the unicorn till she stood on his left side. She placed a hand on his bare back and waited a moment before he began to subconsciously lower himself. When he was low enough for her to leap over him, she climbed on and tensed slightly when she felt the horned horse go rigid for a moment before taking off, barely giving her the time to hold on to the rope around his neck like a rein as he began to buck around wildly.
The rodeo ride surprisingly lasted longer than three minutes as Ella held on for dear life, her legs practically digging into his sides. As though taking an ultimatum decision, the stallion took off further into the forest, going as far as galloping through a path filled with thick thorny bushes, consequentially cutting through his flesh as well Ella's, also practically destroying her gown.
Eventually, when the black stallion reached the peak of a cliff, stopped and back up a little. She felt it and smiled in spite of her tired self, knowing what he was about to do. The unicorn shifted its weight strongly to its hindquarters and, with a balanced rear, let out the strongest whinny she had ever heard a stallion, of any sort, emit. It was strong, loud and powerful, and she knew what that meant; he had accepted her as his rider, commander— leader.
She suddenly burst into a spontaneous fit of joyful laughter, which echoed throughout the trees, mingling with the loud, powerful whinny. The trees shuddered slightly, a few wood nymphs stretching out of their barks to watch the scenery with a smile on each of their faces. Sighing, she leaned forward, bringing the stallion back to the ground before tugging lightly on the lasso as a signal to turn the other way. When they reached the edge of the camp, the black stallion halted, almost seeming shy to step into the clearly welcoming territory. Understanding his hesitation, she leaned forward and patted the top of his head, between his ears, as best as she could in a comforting manner.
"Av-'osto," (Don't be afraid) she said softly. "No one will hurt you, I assure you."
Taking her word, the unicorn slowly cantered forward, stiffening slightly when it passed the white stallion. She knew what he was thinking; she tugged on the lasso, causing the black stallion to glance back at her.
"Vá," (Don't) she said, jerking her head back as she spoke. The black unicorn neighed, seemingly in complaint. She shook her head. "No. Whatever conflict you two had ends now," she spoke loudly, shifting her eyes between each stallion; she knew the white unicorn was listening as his ears were unpinned from his head and turned in her direction.
The white unicorn's head elevated and turned as she slid down from the black stallions back and tugged him his way. He quickly stood, eyeing the princess and his former opponent warily; he trusted the princess, but he couldn't help but be cautious with the black unicorn around.
She gave them both a warning look. "I mean it. I get it you're both territorial and proud; it's in your nature. But, right now, we're all going through a hard time. This," she gestured around the camp, "is the safest place in Narnia at this very moment. After the war, you can go back to fighting each other for whatever reason, but right now I need you two to put that aside and heal. If you want to fight, save it for the battle ahead, but right now I want you to stop, shake... do whatever you do that resembles a handshake, part in peace or whatever and work with me because I am honestly tired." She huffed, crossing her arms over her chest.
She could feel a few fellow Narnians watching her as she tried to settle a peace treaty between the unicorns, but she ignored the stares and kept shifting her glance between the unicorns.
"Do we have an accord?"
The stallions seemed to have engaged into a staring competition. A few moments later, they looked at her and neighed, bringing a smile onto her face.
The two unicorns got along surprisingly well when they weren't fighting for pride or territory, Ella noted later that night. She stood by the silvery river, dressed in a pearl-white gown and black cloak, her hair pinned up and back, her slight fringe pushed backward with her crown, unable to fight back a smile as she watched the two stallions interact calmly, further down the river, communicating through their own language.
She sighed, looking down at her Christmas presents, her hand caressing the smooth cold blade with the texture of its engraving under her finger tips.
"You doubt the prophecy."
Ella glanced back and gave Aslan a small smile. "I don't know the prophecy," she admitted. "No one's told me... but, frankly, I don't even think that would be it either."
"You believe it's not who you are."
"I don't know who I am," she said softly. "I'm stuck between someone I grew up to be, and someone who I'm destined to be." She paused, her lips pursing slightly. "There's someone I know I could be, but what's stopping from what I could... is who I should be. What's stopping from what I could and should, however, is my indecision of who I want to be." She paused again. "I don't know who I want to be anymore because everything I do is strained between possibilities, destinies, and desires. It's driving me mad! What's worse is that every step I take on the old creaking bridge... every move is relented by a hesitation due to a possible mistake that will only be overlooked."
"You question the faith Narnians have in you," Aslan stated.
Ella glanced down at the sword on her lap. "It's just... everyone I meet... they all say the same thing. That there's something special about me, and I have a bright future ahead of me, but why?! I don't understand the psychology of this. It happens, at least, with ninety-four percent of the people I meet. It's like... there's this friend of my grandfather's; he— he doesn't even know me, yet the first time he saw me, he told one of my friends that I seem like a special kid. It's like they don't even look for my flaws like they do to others. If I make one mistake... will they acknowledge it?"
"You doubt yourself."
"I doubt the reasons they have to trust me... why do they all have so much faith in me?"
The lion's eyes were kind and soft as they gazed down at the princess. "Sometimes it is difficult to see the better parts of ourselves because we inevitably are focused on the parts we want to change. Just try every once in a while to see what they see too and stop being so hard on yourself. Life is a choice, it will be whatever we make of it."
Ella's brows furrowed as she looked back at the flowing river, contemplating his every word. The great lion turned to leave the young princess to herself when, suddenly, he was stopped by her calling him out.
"Aslan?"
He turned back to find her standing, looking up at him with the look of a lost little girl. She looked at the ground for a moment before mustering up the courage to ask him what she'd been yearning to know.
"Who are you to me?" she asked in a small voice.
The Great King regarded her with soft dark eyes, letting out a small growl that blew a gentle breeze over her face.
"Wrong will be right when Aslan and his scion come in sight," he recited. "At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more. When his scion bares thou teeth, winter meets its death... And when the great lion shakes his mane, we shall have spring again."
She looked at him for a long moment before looking down at the ground, eyes wide as she took in every word. After a long moment of silence, she glanced back up at him, her eyes watering with a new twinkle in them.
"Grandpapa?" she whispered.
A deep rumble emitted from his chest, and she ran up to him, throwing her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly.