A/N Do you know what i hate the most? Writers' block. Yep, i had a pretty bad case on this chappie, but i got through it (obviously)! I'm SO sorry for the wait! Thank you kitty-kat-girlyyyxxx, angel2, Pca student, XAngelWingsx, CrazyPops D, redrosegirl3, Setsuna Noyamano, Chipette Star, fancygalx, PlatinumGal, and evil laughter from crazy-girl (for reviewing ch 10, 12, and 13)! Holy Spirits, that's a lot of people! And to kitty-kat-girlyyyxxx: I'll work on that pic that you requested...once i figure out how to draw Artie, lmao. *can't draw people, especally males, worth crap* Oh, and if anyone wants to do any fanart for this story (or any story of mine), go ahead! I absolutely adore fanart! If anyone needs refereance for Eva, there's some pics on my DA account... there's a link on my profile. Thank you all for reading this story... you all deserve pie (there's no cake because the cake is a lie!) ^_^
My internal alarm woke me up at the usual time.
'Fuck off, alarm', I muttered, rolling over to try to get in a more comfortable position.
The alarm just kept buzzing, not letting me get any more rest.
'Damn you', I muttered as I sat up, cringing as my muscles protested.
After a moment, I swung my feet over the edge of the bed and stood up, stretching. Wandering to the private bathroom, I did my morning routine and walked back out. I'm so glad that elves don't sweat as much as humans do, otherwise I would be stinking up a storm.
Sighing, I sat myself at the wooden desk beside the window.
Suddenly struck with an idea, I dug around in the various drawers in the desk until I had two pieces of parchment, a brush set, a quill and an ink pot on the desk. I closed my eyes and brought up the image in my mind. I memorized that image before I opened my eyes and started to paint identical copies of it. The sun was a fingers-width above the horizon when I set the paintings aside to dry.
I sat back in the wooden chair and stretched my arms. Glancing down at my blue dress, I cringed at the dirt and blood that was smeared across the blue fabric. Well, mind as well change into something else and get this washed. I stood up and walked over to the closet, opening the double doors to reveal dresses all colors and designs. Letting my eyes drift over the dresses, one stood out more than the others. I pulled it out and took a look at it. It was ice blue, with lavender and dark blue accents. Shrugging, I threw it over my shoulder and walked into the bathroom, quickly changing dresses and stepping out afterwords.
A knock sounded on my door as I set my dirty dress down on my bed.
Opening the door, I saw it was Artie with a platter of fruit and another smaller platter of meat.
'I thought you might be hungry. Can I come in?', he asked, entering when I stepped aside and closed the door behind him.
'I thought you would still be sleeping, your Highness', I commented playfully, earning a playful smile.
'Don't call me that, please. You're my best friend, and you shouldn't have to call me that', he stated, sitting down on my bed and setting the fruit beside him.
'You look good in that dress, by the way', he added, making me blush slightly.
'Thanks', I stated, sitting beside the fruit and taking a strawberry from it.
We didn't talk much while we ate, we just enjoyed each-others company.
'So, where are you planning on going?', Artie asked.
I shrugged and replied, 'I dunno. Maybe I'll visit the elves' ancient homes, then maybe I'll try to find my parents' graves. After that, I might wander around a bit'
He looked thoughtful for a few minutes.
'Do you know exactly where the forests are?', he finally asked.
I shook my head and said, 'I was hoping I could find a map somewhere'.
A smile crept onto his face when he said, 'I think we might have a few maps in the royal library. Come on'
I only shrugged and followed Artie out of my room and down the halls. Finally, he pushed an oak door open to reveal a huge circular room covered wall-to-wall with books and scrolls. I gasped at the sight of all of the material that was in here.
The Royal Librarian quickly strided to us and bowed, murmuring, 'Your Highness'
Artie blushed slightly at the attention.
'What can I do for you?', she asked when she straightened up.
'We need a map of the land before the Forest Elves' genocide and a current map', Artie said.
The librarian bowed again and scurried off to find the maps. Artie lead me to an empty table and sat beside me.
'You know, it's a bit weird having everyone bowing to me all the time', Artie commented with a shrug.
I giggled a bit and said, 'Well, you'll get used to it'.
The librarian came back a few minutes later with two rolled up maps in her arms.
'I have done what you asked, Sire. Please let me know if you need any assistance', she said, setting the maps on the table and bowing.
When she scurried away to her desk, we opened up the maps and looked at them.
'Well', I started, pointing to the nearest forest marked on the map, 'The Du Amaear* is near, and I read that Queen Maiaera lived there'.
I shifted to look at the modern map, continuing, 'And look, it's still there'
Glancing back and forth between the maps, I noted that there was an old path that lead to the forest from the main road.
'Even though, the path isn't on the current map. I could probably find it, though', I said, pointing out the difference.
Artie nodded from beside me.
'The forest is about 200 miles from here. You could probably get there in about a week on foot, maybe less on horse', Artie commented, examining the maps.
Nodding, I then shifted my focus to the other forests on the map. They were pretty far away, even from the Du Amaear. I think I might stick to the Du Amaear for now, then decide on the others later.
Hearing the door open, I glanced up to see the Queen striding towards us.
'There you are! Come, you need to say goodbye to your cousins', she called, causing Artie to jump.
I giggled and helped him up, following them down the hallway to the courtyard. Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Dragon, the Dragkeys** and Puss were all waiting for us. Smiling sadly, I hugged them all in turn.
'I hope I can visit the swamp one day', I commented as I hugged Fiona.
'Oh, you're more than welcome at our home, Eva', Shrek stated, coming up beside his wife.
Smiling gratefully, I wished them all a safe journey and watched them take off on Dragon from a safe distance. When they were only a small speck in the sky, we went back inside.
'Oh, Eva, Merlin left something for you', the Queen said, gesturing to something leaning against the wall.
Curious, I picked it up and gasped when it was my sword, clean and sharpened. It was in a temporary scabbard, for safety purposes.
Smiling tenderly at the weapon, I followed Artie back to the library and sat back down at our table. The librarian walked up to us and asked if we needed anything.
'Is it possible for me to keep the current map?', I asked, gesturing to one of the maps.
She nodded and went back to her desk when we didn't have anymore questions. After about an hour in the library, Artie got called down to the Queen's office for some lessons in ruling the kingdom.
'Good luck', I said as I watched him get up from our table.
After about 15 more minutes in the library, I rolled the maps up and took them with me to my room. After I stopped and asked a servant for directions, I opened the oak door and entered, closing it after me. The maid already cleaned up the room. With a sigh, I dropped the maps onto my bed and sat down at the wooden desk, reflecting on all of the events that led us here.
Damn, I never realized that we went through so much just to get here. I mean, I had more adventure in the past few days than in my entire time at Worcestershire!
Sighing, I propped my head on my hand and gazed out the window.
Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever find happiness. Well, I'm happiest around Artie, but I wonder if someone someplace will ever have the same effect on me.
I doubt it.
Outside in the courtyard, a few people were carrying a board with something on it, covered with a white sheet. I have a firm suspicion of what is on that board.
I felt my entire body stiffen at the though of that...monster. I often wonder who would do that to a small child. What was going through his mind? I do feel guilty for the four men that I killed, but not him. I feel no guilt or remorse for Charming; I'm actually glad that I rid the world of him. Now he can't take advantage of any other little girl.
I still remember the feelings that assaulted me after the event. I remember feeling guilty, confused, lost, scared, angry, and most of all, dirty and unpure. No matter how many times I bathed and scrubbed my skin until it hurt, I felt that I wasn't clean. I can remember feeling unworthy of someone else's touch; they didn't deserve touching someone who was so unpure!
But, in a twisted kind of way, I should be thankful. Because of what he did, he made me into the person I am now. He was the inspiration for my weapon training in the orphanage. He was the reason I worked so hard at my studies; so that I could get out of there and avenge my innocence. That, and because of Artie. Well, I got my revenge, and now I'm going to explore my past...soon.
Honestly, I don't wanna leave. One part of me, my heart, wants me to stay with Artie; but the other, my mind, is telling me to go and see what's out there. My mind won out in that internal struggle, but my heart is still putting up a good fight.
To be perfectly freaking honest...I'm scared to leave.
I know, pathetic.
But, fact is fact, I'm scared of going out on my own. I'm scared of what I might find. What if Artie finds himself a beautiful princess and forgets all about me? That's another thing I'm scared of.
Something small and wet touched my hand, startling me out of my thoughts. I was alarmed to see a tear roll down my skin and drop down onto the desk.
Roughly wiping my eyes with my sleeve, I stood up and retrieved the maps, spreading them both out in front of me. Grabbing a small brush, I dipped it into the ink and carefully drew the old path onto the current map. After letting it dry, I labeled the path with my quill and rolled up the map after that was dry. Glancing at the wall clock, I was it was almost noon.
Well, mind as well get some lunch.