Just one kiss.

Chapter VI: Elves and Encounters

I wake up again in my former bedroom and see on the clock on the wall (I knew it was going to be useful) it is 10 am. I am still tired and it's already so late! I moan loudly to release myself from the frustration and I get out off my bed. I sigh because I know today I will return to Alfea; I will see her again. With a little luck, I don't even see her today, because I am planning to return at night. That way I can postpone our (probably very cordial) reencounter.

I dress in my regular outfit with an extra sweater and a warm coat. I search for the door that leads to the special room but off course it's already gone. When I stand against the wall where the door's supposed to be, I suddenly remember a song my mom used to sing me and I silently sing it.

Cormamin lindua ele lle. Elen sila lumen omentielvo. Quel kaima

I realize this is a song my biological mom used to sing for me, it's sung in a very mystical, magical and mysterious language. Suddenly I see on the opposite wall (that is 250 ft further) a painting of a nymph. A nymph? No, it's not a nymph. It's an Elf! Off course! It's the languages of the Elves. Okay, this is weird. I've hear of pixies, mermaids, fairies, nymphs… but Elves? My parents had contact with al these people. Elves. That has a high fairy-tale percentage. If my parents could speak their language and had a painting from them, then maybe they know more about my parents! This is… overwhelming. I take a closer look at the painting. There are words written on the frame in beautiful elegant letters.

To Queen Mariam and King Oritel of Sparx from King Ethaldan of the Elves.

I can read this! And this is not my language! Cool, I can read Elves. I decide to clean some more and during my incredibly difficult labour I realize the best place to gather information is the library of Alfea. I moan. One way or another, I always end up there. It's already 3 pm and I haven't even eaten yet. I have to hurry so I eat quickly and I go back to work. I wash, dust and mop until it is 9 o'clock. That was hard work and I still have to pack. Pfff. I cast a spell on my clothes and they fly into my suitcases. I look at the beautiful ring I found in my parents' bedroom. I am disappointed that I don't have such a beautiful make-up table and jewel chests. Actually it does make sense, since I was a baby back then, but still. I open the chest in the closet with my ring and put my crown on my head. Suddenly I hear the song that I just remembered. The verse is repeated over and over again.

It draws me out of my room and the song becomes stronger in the hallway. I listen very carefully and after ten minutes, the song has led me to a gigantic door. This is the treasury! I have already been here with Daphne and the girls when I thought the Dragon Fire was hidden here. I stare at all the gold and all the jewels with open mouth. I open a few chests, I take some pretty jewels out and put them in one small chest. But firstly I put on long silver earrings with four rubies on them. They are gorgeous! I find my way back to my room with a spell because I was totally lost. I take my suitcases and Kiko with me and go outside. When I stand outside freezing I understand I don't have any transport. Huh. Déjà-vu. I am too tired to create a portal so I call Stella. I hope she isn't too tired.

"Hello" a cheery voice says.

"Um Stell" I say, nervously "I have a little problem"

"Bloom, are you okay?" she asks a little panicked

"Yeah, yeah off course; but I don't know how to get to Alfea"

"Oh" she only says "Give me 5 minutes" she says and she hangs up. After 2 minutes she calls back. "Hey Bloom, we're all coming with the ship of the specialists!" Oh God, why do you hate me?

"What?!" I yell "No Stella, really, that's a little too…"

"Relax Bloom, he'll be there, all happy to see you. How's your hair?"

"Frozen"

"Well, okay, as long as it doesn't frizzle everything's gonna be okay. We'll be there as fast as possible, your highness."

"Don't ever call me like that again"

"Okay" she pauses "Princess" she giggles and she hangs up. Yep, we are back in primary school.

I go back inside but after half an hour I sense something. They're already here.

"Bloom" Stella shouts

"Hey Stell!" I shout back as greeting

"Come on; get your ass in here!" I hear Musa say. I am happy to return, although I don't have a boyfriend anymore, I skipped classes, I lost a friend and I have even more questions about my parents but yeah I am really happy to go back to Alfea.

"Okay okay, I am coming!" I carry my suitcases and Kiko all the way to the ship and enter. I look around and notice everyone's here.

"Well, this is a warm welcome" I say, astonished. They all came just to pick me up? I mean, even Riven is here. I don't see Layla however.

"Hey" Stella warmly says and she hugs me. "We're so happy to see you and we're even more happy that you're coming back to Alfea!" she squeals.

"It's 'bout time" Musa says

"Gosh, I am really happy too, but I think I will spend a lot of time in the library" I say, getting a feeling of guilt.

"The library?!" Stella yells and falls back into her chair "That's so boring!"

"But Stell, it'll help me. I discovered that my parents have, or had" I sadly say "connections with Elves"

"Elves" Tecna repeats "They are very interesting people. They can reach a very high level of magic and they are very wise. And some are even immortal." She adds. "There are different kinds of Elves and I am guessing the ones your parents knew were High Elves because…"

"Tecna" Stella interrupts "We get the point and we will help Bloom but not now."

"Well I am sorry princess, but at least I help. If you think you can…"

"Come on girls, relax, I am sure you will all help me… until you get sick of it" I add, grinning. We all laugh but suddenly everyone is silent.

"Bloom" I suddenly hear a well-known voice say. I turn around.

"Layla."