Another chapter for you guys! Hope you enjoy! This one and future chapters are going to be much longer, sorry for the briefness of the chapters thus far.

Chapter 7: Goodbyes

Tiny stars twinkled down from the expansive sky, shining light on the lush land of Rivendale. The moon joined the stars, creating a beacon of the creamy light. I loved the look of the cool light on the streaming waterfall.

I admired the scene. It was much more enjoyable than the uneasy look on my beloved father's face. He paced about the clearing, mumbling occasionally under his breath. He finally heaved a sigh and turned his furrowed brow toward me.

"Amalynn...darling...come and sit with me."

I carefully walked over to where he had sat. I plopped down beside him and placed my hands in my lap.

"Amalynn, you and your mother are the two most important things to me in this life. The day your mother and married and the day you were born are my two most prized memories. When you entered this trouble world and I held you in my arms, you were the most beautiful being I had ever witnessed. You were so small and yet you already held a look of fierce determination and slight contempt," He chuckled at the memory. "And you grew. You grew into this small being with this huge personality. You looked at the world as though you could conquer it at the most simple whim. Yet, I witnessed the gentleness of your mother in you, as you helped anyone in need. You have always been so brave, so strong, so fierce."

He mustered a shaky breath.

"Sending my beautiful, strong flower out into this war is impossible to think of. I am crippled by the thought of you being slain. I always dreamed of watching you marry, watching you have many offspring, that they may be as you are."

He stood, outlined by the golden moonlight.

"Please my Amalynn. Please do not make me watch as you go off into inevitable danger. Please. Let me watch you live. Please."

I felt a small droplet on my cheek. I wiped my tear away, my heart aching for my father.

"Father, many years ago, you told me something that is forever engrained in my mind. You told me, evil is a strong presence, but good will always be stronger. I know that good will prevail in this situation as it is meant to. I have this strong ...feeling in my heart Father. I need to help. I must help. I do not know if I am meant to survive or to be a sacrifice, but I am going to attempt to change this world. I am going to prevail."

My father's expression had changed throughout my speech. His now was some sort of one I'd only seen a few times. He appeared proud..

"Amalynn, if you are this determined..than who am I to stop you. I grant you my blessing. I will continously think of you. I pray that you have protection as you go."

I embraced him, "Oh thank you! I will go and boast the name of the great King Alionwyn. I will make you the proudest father anyone has ever witnessed."

"My darling, you have made me that many times over."

We embraced for a few more moments until my father squeezed my shoulders and stepped away.

"I must go then, I am to go and protect our kingdom. I will miss you every moment. I love you, my daughter."

"I love you, Father."