Stone Speech

by Dreamflight4630

Queen Anidori-Kiladra Talianna Isilee of Bayern has recieved a surprising piece of news: there is another country across the Great Sea called Danland, and they have invited some of Bayern's people to come stay and learn about their new neighbors. Since Bayern is in a state of peace, Ani and a chosen group of friends venture into the unknown.

4. Approaching Arrival

Miri

"Miri! It is so good to see you!" Britta cried, embracing her.

"It's good to see you too, Britta," Miri answered. Britta released her, and held her at arm's length.

"You've grown!"

Miri laughed. She was still one of the smallest people in the mountain village, but she had noticed that her shirt and leggings were getting tight and short. It was still an improvement over her old height, but not much; maybe an inch and a half.

"Why don't you release Miri so that she doesn't become strangled?" said a voice from behind Britta; Miri stood on tiptoe to see Prince Stefan coming out of the Castle gate, smiling broadly.

"It is good to see you," Stefan said, taking Miri's hand in his own and holding it there. "I have missed you. And your eagerness to learn."

Miri laughed, then saw a castle servant stop and turn to stare at her. Miri blushed. Obviously, it wasn't normal to speak with the Prince and Princess in such a manner.

"Oh, I wish I could show you the Palace," Britta said. "But today is the day that the Bayern Royalty are coming into the port on the seaside. It will have to wait, but I wanted to ask you, Miri, do you want to come with us to the seaside? We have some political business there, but you could also explore while we settle it."

Miri thought about it. It was a sudden and surprising, but oh! Miri had always wanted to see the ocean. She nodded.

Britta nodded back, and then turned to a gate guard and asked for the carriage to be fetched. Soon, Miri, Stefan, and Britta were riding among the Capital's streets, Britta giving an almost nonstop narration. Once outside the city gates, the conversation became more relaxed. Miri learned of the contact with the People of Bayern, and how they were sending a delegation to come over to Danland. She was fascinated with every word of it. And she, of all people, was going to the seaside where the Bayern ship would dock.

Miri looked out of the window and watched the scenery. She, of all of the Danlanders! And she was just a mountain girl. Others would laugh at the very idea. But it was the truth.

Like a Miri flower conquering the rock.

Ani

Ani tried to ignore the wind bringing her images of the nearing shoreline. She wanted to see Danland for herself, and not with the wind's eyes.

Enna, on the other hand, was listening to the wind eagerly. Her face shone with the joy of new discovery.

Ani looked back to the new land that she was about to discover.

The new world she was about to discover.