The Return of the Queen
Evalia woke to the sound of hoof beats outside her windows. She slipped out of her bed, (Olin must have put her to sleep the previous night) and hurried across her large room. Everything looked brighter down on the terraces in Ellesmera, and suddenly the city had erupted in great cheers of joy. Heading toward them was Queen Aecidia. Seated upon her white stallion, Mavkre, she looked regal. Even so far away, Evalia could see the sadness etched on her mother's pale face. "Oh, mother, I come to comfort you."
Evalia looked down at her rumpled clothing. Sighing in disgust, she ran quickly through a small corridor in her own room. As she came to the end, she found Toska sitting in her room, reading a small leather bound book. "Toska!" Evalia said, calling the maid to attention. Marking her place, Toska ran to her, bowing with her hands cupped forward. "Yes, Princess?" She asked obediently. Touching Toska's shoulder lightly, Evalia raised her from her stance. "Help me decide what to wear to court today," She said, not in an ordering tone, but one so friendly it made Toska stare. "How...are you feeling, my liege?" Toska asked, bringing a number of silk dresses from a trunk a few feet away. Evalia remained silent for a moment, before raising her deep eyes and stating, "I am numb, Toska. Numb."
A few moments later, Evalia burst from her chambers in a dark violet dress of fine silk. It fit around her hour-glass shape in a flattering way. The sleeves of the dress hung from her arms in a graceful, yet dignified way. They where a light purple, as where her laced sandals on her feet. In her ears she wore diamonds, and her hair was braided tightly. It fell down her shoulders and stopped at the small of her back. Toska trailed behind her in a wool dress of light green. It flattered her light blonde hair and stunning green eyes. Evalia often did tell her that if she would dress in the accustomed silk of royalty and strut about the palace, she would be mistaken as one of the queens court. Behind Toska came Olin, dressed in a white silk tunic and a stunning silver belt. Hanging from the belt was his unnamed sword, also a dagger and some chains for strangling opponents.
As Evalia entered the large courtroom, she marveled at the white marble walls. Pillars lined them, and from the tall posts hung blood red banners with the Menoa Tree sewn in glittering gold thread. Around her, the Court bowed and saluted. She could see the anger in their eyes that the king would never join them again. Insistent not to let her sorrow publicly show, Evalia averted her eyes from them and let them rest on Queen Aecidia. The elven queen stared forward, gray eyes slowly filling with tears. "Hail, Princess Evalia, Daughter of Queen Aecidia and King Normond," A page called out, speaking for the Court as he usually did. Directly after he finished speaking the fallen King's name, the entire procession called out as one, "Hail, King Normond! May he Rest In Peace."
Evalia stopped and bowed on one knee. "Kvetha, Kon'ongra! Mor'ranr lifa unin hjarta onr," cried Evalia. This was the custom greeting when she met her mother in the Court. Queen Aecidia raised her right hand, a small smile playing across her lips. "Un du evarinya ono varda, Evalia-vanyali. Risa." Evalia un-bent her knee, rising only to stride forward and take a seat by her mother on a thick, fluffy cushion. "Grave news," Began the queen, "My husband, King Normond has perished on the battle fields of Leark S'urtu. I, Queen Aecidia, shall take over rule of Ellesmara." Evalia closed her eyes, fists clenching in the folds of her dress. Toska laid a gentle hand on her shoulder, she could see the princess' muscles tense. "Hush now, My lady, your mother knows what she is doing," The young maid whispered through dark coloured lips. In her heart, Evalia had always admired her mother's courage, but now she wished her mother back to her chambers, where they could comfort each other in silent grief. She knew her wish would never be fulfilled.
"Now, daughter, I have gifts for you."
These words brought the young elf to attention. She stood as her mother did, bowing forward with her right hand across her chest. "Gifts are of no need, my Queen," She muttered in genuine surprise. Silently, Aecidia reached behind her, pulling out a long silver sheathe. "Daughter, I give to you, King Normond's sword. He had slain many with this blade, called Aiedeil. He wished you to use it well." She pulled the blade from its sheathe, the dark blue metal glinting in the autumn sunlight. Evalia bent on one knee again, taking the sword in her open palms. She opened her mouth to thank her mother, but the queen silenced her. "Again, I have the greatest gift anyone could give," She said quietly. From behind her she pulled a large, heavy navy coloured stone.
"But mother…that looks like-"
"A dragon egg? Yes, daughter."
Evalia took the egg as it was offered to her. The thing was heavy and cold, but a faint warmth reverberated from the center, sending vibrations up Evalia's arms. Unbeknownst to her, Toska had tied Aiedeil around her waste. The sword felt right at her side, making her comforted. The egg shook. "I thank thee, great Queen Aecidia. These gifts will be put to good use," she muttered, bowing with her arms wrapped firmly around the egg.