A/N- Back again! Now, about my forums again, I will occasionally post little tidbits of info or spoilers there. So, drop by and check it out. On with the chapter!

Chapter 2

"Mother! Father!" Diamond shrieked.

The cloud had stopped and had even fallen back a bit. She broke free of Gump and the guard and ran out to the statues that were once her mother and father. King Jack's horse--who was also stone--had reared up in defense, so his statue was out of reach. However, Diamond could see her father's look of surprise and alarm.

Lili had dismounted before the cloud had reached her. Her horse had been spared the spell and had long since run back toward the city. Now, the Queen stood there, head turned toward the forest, her hands resting on a horse that wasn't there. Diamond approached her mother's statue.

She put a hand on the cold stone's face. Tears were escaping her white eyes. It made her the living image of rain on a sunny day. Gump approached her.

"Come, Princess. We must go back to the city. We will send someone out to retrieve them. Come," he said, gently taking her hand and leading her back.

…………………

It had been hours after the incident. Diamond had not left her room since Gump had led her there. He had left, saying that he was going to consult with the other forest children and elves. A servant had come up some time later, saying that King Jack and Queen Lili had been moved into a safe room in the palace. Diamond had only nodded.

She had spent the time in between and now sobbing quietly on her bed. In her seventeen years of life, Diamond had never really known fear. There had been times when an insect or a spider had caused her slight alarm, but she had never been truly and utterly afraid. Not like she was now.

Her mother and father were stone. No longer were they flesh and blood and breathing. Sadly, being statues qualified them for being dead. And this is what Diamond feared. She loved her parents dearly, just as all children should. She wanted them back.

A knock on her bedroom door caused her to sit up and wipe her tears quickly. Also in her seventeen years of life, she had never cried as much as she had this day. This also left her feeling childish. Like she should be doing something other than spouting tears. Trying to clear the tears from her voice as well, Diamond said, "Enter."

The same servant who had informed her of her parents' whereabouts came in. She bowed slightly and said, "Princess, Master Gump would like to see you in the throne room."

Diamond nodded and stood. She walked toward the door, but as she reached the servant woman, she handed the princess a handkerchief.

"It'll be okay, your highness. I know it will be," she said.

Diamond smiled and accepted the handkerchief gratefully. Then, making sure she looked fit to be of her station, she walked to the throne room.

…………………

In truth, Gump had not consulted with the elves and the forest children. In fact, he had contacted only one soul. Using a large basin full of water, he had called upon the Unicorn. He had begged her advice.

And she had given it. She told Gump that Jack and Lili were not dead. They were merely poisoned. She had also told him that there was a well, deep in the Elderborn Forest, that carried the cure. She had also told Gump that he would not journey into the forest alone. He was to carry one other…

And then Gump had sent for Princess Diamond. He knew that this was Diamond's destiny. She was to be a warrior for the side of light, and this was to be her maiden battle. However, having known the Princess for her entire life, Gump was unsure as to how effective she would be. Of course, he also knew not to question the Unicorn's wisdom.

Diamond entered the room without announcement. Gump tried to give her a bright smile, but he found that he could not muster the strength for it. He was about to ask Diamond to risk her life, to travel into the deepest, darkest part of the forest, where only evil lurked. And he could not give her the full reason.

"You sent for me?" Diamond asked.

Gump nodded. "Yes, Princess. I--I have consulted with the beings of the forest. They know of a way to save your parents."

Diamond's eyes--red rimmed with the tears she had shed--widened.

"How?"

He did not answer immediately. He turned from her, looking out at the city through the open palace doors. Finally, he spoke.

"There is a well that carries the cure to this curse. It will both heal your parents and lift the cloud that still hangs over Elderborn. However…you must accompany me."

At this, her warm eyes narrowed. "Why? I can't. I mean, someone has to watch over the city while Mother and Father are…unable."

Gump faced her. "You must. You are the only one who is able to retrieve the water. You must go!"

"Why me?"

"I cannot explain. Please, Princess, for your family."

This time, Diamond turned away. Then, over her shoulder, she stated, "I will consult our High Priest. He will have the answers."

And at that, Diamond left the room.

End Notes: How was that? I keep having trouble dealing with so many POVs. I think that'll get better as the story goes along. Anyhow, please review!