Disclaimer: I do not own nor claim to own the characters involved in the Bastard! series, they belong to Kazushi Hagiwara. I only claim ownership of Elira as she is of my own creation as well as any spells that are read here.
Haunting Melodies
Chapter 7 - Festival of the Harvest
Cheerful voices were singing all through the courtyard as everyone was readying for the summer harvest, Elira had been entranced with everyone's joy, and wanted to be part of it so she began to help in the fields. She was sweating down her back, Zephyr was next to her with many bags strapped onto him, and she was plucking the vegetables. She wore a smile on her face, the harvest was fun for her, she was glad to be able to help everyone and when someone injured themselves, she was on site to heal. Elira had finished with a small boy's leg, he stroked Zephyr's nose, and ran off to tell his friends that there was a dragon in their field. She looked at her regal companion and replied, "I'm sorry Zephyr. They just seem to like you so much."
"I do not mind."
"You learned to speak quite quickly."
"I listen a lot."
Elira chuckled, "That you do. You only speak to me but in the presence of others you don't. Why?"
"I prefer to listen to them speak as I can judge them so that I may see if they are worthy of the plethora of wisdom that resides within me."
"Your words are so eloquently put my charming friend." Zephyr grinned as she returned to plucking the vegetables, "Have you seen Prince Lars lately?"
"He is hiding from princesses who come far and wide to meet with him."
"Has he not told his father?"
"The prince has not had a chance since his sister also hounds him and brings her friends over for him to meet. She wishes that he marries one of them."
"I see."
"Do not worry my lady, he has eyes for only one person." When Elira looked at Zephyr, his eyes were twinkling with knowledge that she could only fathom. She smiled at him while returning to harvesting, "Worry does not suit you my lady."
"I'm not worried just a little concerned that's all. Also Zephyr you know that you don't have to call me that."
"But it is what I wish."
"Alright. If it makes you happy then you can call me anything you want."
He inclined his head, "I am glad that you are so free spoken with me."
She looked over her shoulder at him with a warm smile, "Zephyr we are friends and I treat you with as much respect as anyone else that I know. We are equal no matter what you know about me, we are equals, we are friends, and we are family."
He beamed, "It warms my heart that you consider me family my lady."
"It warms mine to know that you know this." The dragon chuckled as she finished, they walked together towards the hut where everything was being gathered, they handed over the baskets, and they were thanked for their help. Elira smiled, "We are glad to offer our help in any way we can. If you need anything else just give us a holler. We'll be here next harvest too!" They were thanked many more times as they left the village, Zephyr nudged her arm, and she smiled. Her hand stayed on top of his head, "If you get any bigger then I'll be able to ride you around!" The Argonite only grinned at her comment while they returned to the castle. "What do you think I should wear?"
"There is a lovely dress in your cupboard that begs to be worn." When the healer glanced at her companion he was smiling. "It is a gift from Lord Kall."
"I will have to thank him when I see him once more."
"Yes, you will see him this evening as there is a big celebration in the castle and village square."
"You know what Zephyr?" His amber eyes looked up at her, "I think we should hang out in the village square. They need to know that we are just like them and appreciate the hard work that they do all year-long for those in the castle."
"Very well spoken my lady. Will you wear his gift?"
"Yes, he gave it to me then I shall wear it. Is it good for summer?"
"Perfect for the summer harvest." Elira nodded and they began to traverse the village square, they were setting up shops, and stalls. The pair stopped at each area to see if they needed any help so that the villagers would have an easier time with their decorations. Zephyr was used on many occasions to lift heavy beams of wood while Elira helped to hang small signs and heal wounds incurred from all the hammering. They continued on and Zephyr smiled up at his friend, "You are very good to them."
"They're my people. I feel at home here and I only want to help as much as I can."
"You are very special my lady." Elira leaned over and kissed him on the top of his head which caused his scales to shimmer in the sunlight. He was radiating joy at the action since it was the most affectionate praise that he could receive from her. "Thank you my lady. You flatter me."
"I flatter no one. You are my friend, my equal, my family as I said before," she replied with a warm smile and Zephyr beamed even more which caused his scales to shimmer ever more brightly in the sun. She kept that warm smile on her face as they entered the castle, it was bustling with noise, and servants were running around; it made her grin and she kept close to her draconic comrade. The pair skimmed by the walls so that they wouldn't be in the way of others, once they reached Geo's quarters, she knocked on the door, and was told to come in. She entered with Zephyr shortly behind her, she closed the door and saw Geo working on scrolls. "Is there anything for me to do Geo?"
He looked up at her and smiled, "No, not today." His brown eyes glanced over her dirt stained knees and hands, "Been helping out I see." She nodded, "That's very kind of you. So what are you going to do this evening?"
"Zephyr and I thought it would be good to attend the celebration in the village square." Geo gave her a questioning look and she replied, "They work so hard all year-long for those of us that live in the castle that I thought they would appreciate it if someone they respected, who also lived in the castle, came to their celebration. A way to show that I don't care about station but that I'm thankful to them."
The great priest grinned, "You are a blessing to this kingdom more than you know. I think it's a great idea and I'll see if I can't round up some of the others to do the same."
"Thank you Geo."
"Alright, you should go get something to eat and cleaned up, the celebration will start soon." Elira nodded and left his quarters with Zephyr in tow, he smiled as she closed the door behind her, and he sighed. "So if she truly is an Undine then she's very powerful. Zephyr being around her will only make him stronger too. He's already learned how to speak in such a short amount of time and he grew that large from her singing in the dungeon." He stroked his beard, "The villagers adore her, the knights love her, and all the staff here appreciate her." Geo stopped his words there, She's perfect for this kingdom if only she would be able to remember who she is then we can be put on the right track for the future of this kingdom. He sighed once more, I do hope her memories are not lost forever. It would be such a shame for her to lose that part of herself.
-::::::-
Twilight fell upon the castle and the village square, all the lanterns had been lit, everyone was in a jovial mood. Elira had finished with her hair, a small half braided bun was at the back of her head, it consisted of tresses that would have normally fallen in her face if she were to dance or move around too quickly. She wore a thin metallic net of pearls over the top portion of her head that wrapped around her bun, it was part of the ensemble that Kall had given her, and the summer dress was comfortable for her. Zephyr approved of her as she looked at herself in the mirror, the dress had thick shoulder straps, and the front came straight across her chest. The shoulder straps cut off around her upper arm while the rest of the dress ended to her knees, it conformed to her upper body, and tapered out for a billowing effect. What Elira loved most of all, and what Zephyr also approved of the most, was the color of the dress, it was a pale aqua; a color she loved since it was associated with the sea. She slipped on the white shoes that were paired with the dress, she was comfortable in them, and happy to be able to dance with ease in the dress.
"What do you think Zephyr?"
"It matches you so well. I do believe that Lord Kall is due for a gift from myself as gratitude for having such an exquisite piece of clothing created for you."
"You don't have to go through all that trouble. I'm sure a humble 'thank you' will suffice for him."
"No, I shall grace him with something of my choosing as gratitude."
"I suppose it has something to do a code of sorts?"
"Correct."
"Then I will not hinder your code."
"Thank you my lady. You are most gracious."
"I am not," she replied with a smile while he tilted his head in curiosity. "I don't wish to upset your code or your way of life. If it's something that you must do then I won't stop you. I want you to do whatever you want Zephyr even if you don't explain it to me. If it's that important to you then by all means give him a gift." He inclined his head to her, she approached him, and placed a kiss on his forehead once again, and his scales shimmered as if they were reflecting light. "You are very regal when that happens." He grinned at her as they left her room, the pearls in her hair clinking lightly, they stealthily moved through the castle, and into the twilight. She could hear the joyous sound of the villagers and she shivered in elation, "Come! We're going to miss all the fun!" Zephyr bounded after her as they moved through the city streets and into the village square. Elira stopped and the dragon also paused, there were many people, they were dancing, drinking, singing, and having a merry time.
"Have fun my lady." She nodded and began to mingle with others with Zephyr by her side, he tried to keep his tail from wagging but was unable to, and the villagers looked at him. "I apologize but I am excited." They cheered for him and he grinned at them, he noticed that they minded his tail, and his size but were still nice to him. Elira stroked his neck while others asked if they could pet him, he nodded to them, and everyone was so happy that the healer and her dragon could come to their small gathering.
"I'm glad to be here! I came to show my appreciation for all of your hard work." The villagers cheered once more, gave her a mug of cider, and gave Zephyr a rabbit. He chopped it gleefully while she sipped her cider. "They're all so happy and I can feel their joy emanating from them. It's as if it's one big contagious pot of happiness." Zephyr nodded as they found a good corner, she took a seat on a large piece of wood, Zephyr curled up next to her on the ground, and they watched everyone. "When it comes time to dance, you'll be able to see me from here." He nodded once more and she stroked his neck while she sipped her cider.
As twilight faded into night, the people became more rowdy with the songs, she laughed at their antics, and decided that it would be a good time to join them. She put her cider in front of Zephyr, looked down, and winked at him. He grinned up at her while he watched her enter the ring of dancers. They had their arms entwined with each other and were moving in a circle, they clapped their hands, and switched partners. Elira was having a blast, she wore an elated smile on her face that refused to abate, however it was Zephyr who noticed that the prince had appeared. He moved his head slightly so that his scales shimmered, he moved his way around the crowd, and took a seat next to the regal Argonite. "You have come to join the local festivities?"
"Yeah. I can't stand the castle party. Too many princesses."
"I understand. My lady is dancing with them." Lars looked around until he focused on Elira moving with the grace of someone dancing on water. "Graceful and fluid she is." The prince nodded and continued to watch her, the other villagers had also moved off to catch their breath, and she was left there by herself. She shrugged looked at Zephyr, he nodded, and she nodded in return. Lars looked down at the dragon, "My lady is going to perform a wonderful dance this evening. Far more graceful than she can do with a partner unless that partner is as smooth and fluid as she." Lars quirked an eyebrow at the cryptic Argonite while he returned his attention to Elira. She curtsied to no one in particular, her left arm touched her right toe, then her right arm touched her left toe. After that no one could say what happened as she bounced around, moving fluidly on her feet from one motion of dance to another, in time with the melody that the players spun.
Everyone was entranced by her movement, it was as if she was hypnotizing them with her body, Elira didn't pay any attention to those around her, she was dancing for herself, for fun. The healer could feel that melody running through her veins, a melody that she knew she had heard before but she pushed the déjà vu feeling away for now. She would speak to Zephyr much later, when the music climaxed she spun around a few times, and paused with her arms flared out from her body, and every cheered. The healer smiled, curtsied to them, and left the dance floor to rejoin Zephyr. Her crimson eyes caught sight of Lars, she curtsied to him, took a seat, and tried to catch her breath.
"You were amazing out there," he whispered.
"Thank you."
He nodded, "Zephyr told me that you can only be matched by someone who is as fluid and graceful as yourself." She winked at him, "I'd like to try that." Once Elira finished her cider, caught her breath, and rested for a little bit; Lars stood up with her. The pair joined in the circle of moving figures and switching partners. The dragon grinned at their antics, he knew that Lars would be able to keep up with her only because he had the blood of dragons running through his veins. As the music stopped, Elira and Lars ended up pushed together, everyone clapped, cheered, and they left the dance area. The pair took their seats once more, both breathing lightly to catch their breath, and she was smiling. "You're having a lot of fun aren't you?"
"Yes. I really enjoy the villagers."
"I do too." She gave him a furtive glance with a smile while he grinned, "They always know how to celebrate far better than those nobles in the castle. Besides, if not for the villagers then we'd have nothing to eat. Is that why you came here too?"
"Yes. I wanted to show my appreciation and they loved it. They even gave Zephyr a rabbit after he spoke to them."
Lars smiled as the Argonite beamed, "You two are wonderful to the kingdom. I wish there was more that I can do for the two of you."
"Think not of what you can do for us but what you can do for you kingdom young prince," stated the dragon.
"The only thing that I can do for my kingdom is to wed someone who will be beneficial to the kingdom but trying to tell my father that I want to wed for love is a whole other matter." Elira chuckled which made Lars smirk, "I have someone in mind but I'm not sure if he'll allow it since she doesn't quite know who she is." Elira's attention diverted onto him, her crimson eyes bore into his own green ones, and Zephyr watched the intensity between them. There were festivities around them but neither seemed to notice as they gauged one another to see if the other would be willing. She turned away first while Lars watched the villagers, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything."
"It's alright." He looked at her and noticed the faint smile on her face, "It was my idea for you to tell your father and I still mean what I said. I wasn't joking about it." Her voice quieted, he moved closer to hear her words, "If I ever remember who I am then I will let you know until then don't worry what consequences your decisions will have on me."
"Are you sure?"
She nodded and wore that warm smile, "As I said before," she got up and curtsied to him, "do as you wish my prince." A small girl approached her, she knelt down, and the girl whispered something to her; Elira nodded. She picked up the child and headed to the dance floor, she spun around, and danced with the young girl.
"My lady is precious to me so do be cautious of your actions young prince." Lars looked down at Zephyr, his orange eyes blazing, "My lady means what she says. She does care for you and this kingdom more than she is letting on. If something happened to this home then she would be devastated and that does not bode well for any one." The prince quirked an eyebrow at the Argonite, "I know what she is, I know who she is, and I will not let anything allow her to forget. She is precious to more than just Metallicana, always remember that young prine."
"How old are you Zephyr?"
"Argonites stay small until we find the one we consider to be our mistress. When we find that person only then do we begin to grow by feeding off of the residual energy that they emanate."
"Your age?"
At this his amber eyes twinkled, "I am far older than you can possibly imagine young prince."
"Give me an esitmation."
"I could not for it would be inaccurate. To be truthful I have lost count of the years."
"What happens when you find your lady and you grow?"
"Argonite bodies grow with the power they absorb from their mistress so a weak mistress will be followed by a small Argonite whereas a strong mistress can command a very large and powerful Argonite."
"How big can you kind get?"
"Our growth will stop at the size of the castle," Lars' eyes widened in shock, "but our power and strength do not." Zephyr laughed at the astonishment on the prince's face, "So you see it is always wise for an Argonite to choose his mistress carefully."
"I understand. Are all Argonites male?"
"In a sense. When we need to reproduce we lay a single egg."
"How often do you reproduce?" He shrugged, "I see. Thank you for the information Zephyr."
He inclined his head, "It is my pleasure to bestow my knowledge unto you young prince for it will help you guide your kingdom."
Lars smiled, "When I'm king you are definitely going to be my advisor." Zephyr laughed heartily and accepted the position to which Lars nodded. "I'll give you dominion over the sea since that's probably the only place you'll be able to stay." Once more Zephyr chortled and inclined his head in gratitude, the villagers began to get more rowdy but that was only because Schneider had shown up. The dragon watched as Elira gave the tired child to her mother and returned to Lars' and Zephyr's sides. "He's here..." The healer laughed while watching as they had their own fun. The prince leaned over, "You look very nice this evening."
"Thank you it was a gift from Kall."
"Ah, I see."
Elira chuckled until she spotted the Ice Lord, she waved him over, and he took a seat on the opposite side of Zephyr. She leaned over and said, "Thank you for the gift Kall. I really enjoy it and I'll be sure to wear it more often especially now during summer."
"I'm glad that you're wearing it." Elira smiled at him as he asked, "Have you remembered anything?"
"Not much. Some nightmares or memories, I'm not sure."
"We can talk later." She nodded while turning her attention to the shouting and drunken antics of Gara and Schneider. Elira laughed at them and thanked a villager who had given her cider, the other two were handed some as well, and a rabbit for Zephyr. The dragon thanked the male but he asked to pet him and Zephyr nodded. The male stroked his forehead, the Argonite purred, and the man thanked him once more while running off like a child to tell the others that dragons purr. Kall looked down at the dragon who was grinning, "You did that on purpose."
"Of course, if only to give them something to talk about."
"You kind to them." He nodded and that was the end of the conversation between the two but it was Elira who was getting a laugh from the drunken antics of the men, Von Jobina had joined in as well, she knew that he was slightly buzzed which made the jostling even more hilarious to her. Elira couldn't contain herself so she put a hand over her mouth as she chuckled, "She's having fun." Zephyr nodded, "She deserves it." Zephyr nodded once more while looking up at the Ice Lord, "I don't like fun." The dragon simply grinned in response while munching on his rabbit while the night progressed.
-::::::-
Day light shone on the castle, there were many groans, Elira had set up a small hut outside of the castle in the village square for those that passed out on the ground. She had a barrel of water next to her and cups that used to have cider in them, she healed their heads, and gave them a cup of water to start the day. Her silvery hair was pulled back into a long braid that sat over her shoulder, more and more people began to show up but Zephyr was always quick to refill the barrel since he could fly.
As the line dwindled, she dismantled her little hut, gave the wood back to the villagers, and meandered her way into the castle once more. Everyone was just now waking up, she was smiling to the servants, greeting them in a quiet voice, and walking with Zephyr. They didn't need to speak a word to one another but that all came to an end when she spotted Sheila coming towards her. Elira curtsied to the princess but the woman only groaned and pressed onward, as Elira was about to continue on her way, the princess turned around, and told her to stop.
"What do you wish of me your highness?"
The healer refused to face the princess, she knew that she would only endanger herself so Zephyr glanced over his shoulder at her, and the princess frowned. "You think you're so special don't you?" At this the amnesic woman turned around to face her, "Everyone here loves you but they don't know a thing about you. You don't even know a thing about you so how do you expect people to trust you? To love you? My brother is in a false love because you're exotic nothing more! If you think you've fooled him, well you haven't because I'm going to make sure that he marries someone who can help this kingdom not some washed up person who can't even remember her own name!"
"I do know my name."
Sheila put up a hand, "That's not the point. If you're looking for the throne then look elsewhere I won't have it!"
"It's not your place to say your highness."
Sheila ground her teeth together while stating vehemently, "You'll never find out you who you really are. You're just going to stay like this forever." The princess abruptly turned around and stomped away, Elira sighed deeply, and Zephyr looked up at her.
"Do not listen to her my lady, she is simply a fool."
"I know that Zephyr but what she said has already been heard, it will take some time for it to go away."
"I know that you will remember who you are. It just takes time." Elira smiled at him and they moved towards another part of the castle, "If it eases you, even if you do not remember who you are, I will always be here. You are my lady and nothing will ever change that."
"Thank you Zephyr, that means a lot to me." Elira watched as the dragon jumped onto his hind legs, wrapped his forelegs around her torso, and brought her into an embrace. The woman was stunned but returned it heartily. "How long can you stay like this?"
"As long as you need me to my lady."
"Thank you Zephyr." She kept her mouth silent and so did the dragon, he listened to her silent tears, and he began to boil with anger inside. He could feel the water churn inside his belly, his amber eyes glanced towards the direction that the princess had exited. His mind was already turning with devious thoughts that would never be known to his lady.