Wonderstruck
Book II: What Makes a Desert Beautiful? It Hides an Oasis
Chapter 29
Author's Notes: Fun fact about this chapter, I was messing around with things for business and I found a place with a road entitled Jadewood. It stuck out so much in my brain that I just had to use it as a place for this world. So I did; anyone that knows me knows I'm absolutely OBSESSED with mythology of all kinds. I thought about using a Yuki Onna but since they're normally associated with snow, I went with another creature that's mentioned very briefly within. I'm steadily working my way through the next chapter and we're getting closer to going across the sapphire sea as I do so. I hope you enjoy and as always please please please let me know what you think and where I can make improvements etc. ~ Scarlette
"It bodes well for you my Princess that the people are all ready taking a shine to you." Venar folded his gnarled hands in his lap smiling softly at the girl across from him. "The people of the North aren't trusting so for you to win them over so easily…"
"I know. Emma told me that she was pleased to see how easily I was accepted amongst the Northerners."
They'd spent the evening in their cramped inn room, squished together on the thin mattress, hands intertwined talking and kissing…more kissing than talking in truth. Emma wouldn't lie to herself in saying she enjoyed kissing and other intimacy with her wife. They were still hesitant to consummate the marriage through no fault of either. They were both eager for certain but there always seemed to be a lingering…cloud that held them back from doing so be it in the palace or on the road.
"Best to stay sharp," Emma had offered, pink lips swollen and eyes shining brightly. "Don't want to get caught with my pants down."
"Or my skirt pulled up around my ears." Regina added and grinned brightly at the loud bark of laughter that came from her spouse. She was glad for the easy rhythm their relationship had fallen into. They were a strange combination of friends and spouses and she enjoyed that very much and knew Regina felt the same.
Emma cocked her head listening to the conversation between the old servant and her wife. It hadn't escaped her notice that the old man spent an inordinate amount of time with her wife. He was always watching her and though she doubted it was desire she saw flashing in his bright eyes, it still made her uneasy.
"I wish I wasn't such a burden to Emma."
"You aren't my Princess. You are an asset."
"I cannot fight, I cannot do much of anything."
"You're well read and you can use your sharp mind to read people far more quickly than your wife can. I'd say that's an asset." Venar pointed out as the carriage continued to roll.
It was tough to listen in despite the windows being open and the slow pace the party moved at, the winds still wanted to howl from time to time allowing only a jumble of words to be heard here and there. The closer they got to Moonshollow's border, the harder the wind seemed to blow. With the Neverending Forest as its Northern barrier and beyond that the Sapphire Sea because truthfully when their ancestors named the Neverending Forest it had seemed never ending. The trees seemed to grow thicker despite the fact that they were headed south along the border. Moonshollow had many such trees unlike Wintersend that was rocky and barren in a lot of places with a small forest that surrounded the castle and it's village below.
The borders along Moonshollow were wrought with trees and vines giving it a natural border to Wintersend that it didn't have with Sunfaire. They traded lumber with the sea faring nation for ships giving them a close tie to the other Kingdom that was said to grow stronger with the engagement of Princess Melody to Prince Stefan. Stefan would surely be given a run for his money though with Melody. His quick wit and her hit before asking questions personality would do well together.
Much like my wife and I, Emma thought fondly, pulling her horse, a strong Ixiondae with dark mane and tail back on the thin trail. It was hardly visible through the thick trees despite the snow becoming less in this area. Emma ducked a low branch, puling her horse to the side to allow the carriage to pass.
"Are you spying on your wife?" Lancelot asked, amused by the Princess' quick movements to resettle in the saddle. She was never truly steady in it though she was getting better than her remedial skills that he knew to be fact.
"No, I was merely making certain she was warm enough."
"It's growing warmer, the further south we head." The Knight pointed out.
"Yes, but there's still a chill in the air that she isn't used to. I like to make certain she's provided for."
The former Leviathan dipped his head, dark eyes shining with amusement at the Princess.
"What?" She asked, cutting jade eyes at him.
"Nothing Princess. You just seem distracted. I've not heard you complain about saddle sores for at least a candle mark."
"Give me time." Emma muttered. "What do you make of this Venar? He seems…awfully close with my wife."
"Do you think an old man like that would take the Princess' attention from you?" Lancelot asked, amused by the dour look the younger woman wore.
"No, of course not…I merely wonder about him whispering in her ear."
"Better him than anyone else." He shot her a withering look, which she nodded in agreement with. Yes, better this Venar than the dark one.
"Halt! Who are you and where do you hail from?"
The fortress known as Dusk Rampart that rose up out of the trees looked to be apart of it. Tall thick walls made from the logs of sawn trees and a thick door embedded with the white Pegasus riding into the black full moon stood out in stark relief. The guards stood up on a scaffolding high above and looked over the doors with bows notched and ready to send arrows down should the visitors try to break through the barrier or try to attack in some way.
"I am Lancelot of Wintersend. Her Majesty Queen Snow of House White, the ruling family of Wintersend sends her greetings and salutations to Moonshollow and requests her company be allowed to pass through."
"Does your Queen rest inside the carriage?"
"No, she does not. Her daughter-in-law is located within."
"And why should we allow you to pass through our gates?"
"We are headed to Sunfaire on an urgent mission from the Queen. Moonshollow provides the easiest route with which to reach Il Mira where we have a meeting with King Eric and Queen Ariel."
Emma slipped closer to the carriage, directing the horse gently so that it stood in front of the doors. It wouldn't be much of a defense but at least she could safe her wife should a battle ensue.
"Lancelot, is that you?"
"Sir Morgan," Lancelot smiled, a flash of white behind dark lips. The older man stood up on the ramparts, smiling down at the party.
"I thought I recognized that pompous voice." The broad blonde haired man offered. "Well? What are you waiting for? Drop the damned bows and open the gates!"
"Friend of yours?" Grumpy muttered looking over at Lancelot.
"Something like that;" Lancelot offered back.
"Highness." Sir Morgan dipped into a low bow as the carriage opened and Regina stepped out.
Emma smirked at her and the dark haired beauty lifted a silent brow.
"You must be Princess Regina for you do not look like a daughter of the North. I had heard about your nuptials and I believe congratulations is in order."
"Thank you Sir." Regina dipped into a slight curtsy, ever mindful of proper decorum. Emma smirked as she swung down from the saddle.
The Knight's sharp eyes, glanced her way. "You look more like a daughter of the North. Are you Princess Emma?"
"I am Sir Morgan."
"It's an honor your highnesses." He dipped into a low bow before the royal pair.
"The honor is ours Sir Morgan. Thank you for allowing us safe passage."
"I will send a small escort with you so that you don't run into another mishap such as this Princess Regina."
"Thank you."
Emma smiled softly as her wife stepped forward, gently taking the older knight's large arm in her delicate hand. He immediately seemed to puff up even more if that were possible and began to lead the beautiful girl through the fortress.
"Time permitting, we would be honored to host you for a warm meal before you continue your journey. It's still about a half days ride to the town of Loranta."
"You do us great favor Sir Morgan. I cannot speak for everyone of course but I would be happy to spend time over a proper meal with you and the rest of the honorable soldiers here."
"Might I ask a question Sir Morgan?" Emma asked, following at a sedate pace next to Grumpy with Lancelot flanking their back. The other three guards and their carriage driver were a few steps behind them.
"Of course your grace."
"Why would they put a fortress here of all places? It's close to the border for sure but the thick, dense trees should provide enough cover to discourage people from attempting to breach the Kingdom with an army."
Sir Morgan pulled open a large thick wood door, allowing them entrance into the inner sanctum of the structure.
"There is an iron mine that is shared with Autumnamor close by. We don't have to mine as heavily as they do, for their economy depends heavily on it but we still like to keep our investments safe. Without the iron they supply us, our Kingdom could not build weaponry. Our interests ally in this regard so we keep their mine safe and they in turn allow us to mine a bit here and there while also providing us with the iron from the rich deposits throughout their Kingdom."
"It seems like a mutually beneficial arrangement for all involved." Regina offered as the man dipped his head in agreement.
"It has benefited us for a number of years."
"How is your daughter Sir Morgan?" Lancelot asked, when they were finally settled in a dining hall of such. It smelled of wood and crackling smoke from the large fireplace. Emma quickly pulled over her overcoat and moved to help her wife do the same despite Venar's movements to assist.
"I can take care of her." She offered to the older servant, who cocked his creaking head and nodded.
"Of course your highness."
"Thank you." Regina offered, twisting in her wife's hands and smiling softly at her.
"She is well Lancelot. She's enjoying her studies at Guaxine."
"That's the institute my Father studied at." Emma twisted. "I was unaware they accepted women amongst their ranks."
"Violet was one of the first they've ever allowed." Sir Morgan was intensely proud of his daughter, made obvious by the way his eyes lit up and his chest puffed out as he spoke about her accomplishments.
"I think it's wonderful that your daughter's brilliance has allowed her access to such an esteemed University." Regina offered.
"Thank you your grace. She is my pride and joy."
"It shows, Sir Morgan. I'm sure she is very pleased to make you so happy. All children are."
"Thank you your Highness." He looked upon the dark haired princess with fond eyes.
"Highness, may I take your cloak? Your coat as well your grace?" Venar offered his wrinkled hands to the take the fine fabrics of the royal couple.
"Thank you Venar."
"You know the name of your servants Highness?"
"I do my best to know them yes." Regina asked, cocking her head at the question. Was it really that strange to know the names of the ones that served her?
"That is a trait not many royals choose to possess your grace."
"My wife has many good traits…more than me certainly." Emma rested her hands on her wife's silver lace draped arms, feeling the woman's soft hand come up to rest on her right hand. A tender squeeze passed between them before they released one another.
"You are quite lucky than Princess Emma."
"I am indeed."
"Thank you Sir Morgan for a most excellent meal. We appreciate all of your kindness." Emma offered the large man her arm, which he took, grasping her forearm in the typical gesture between warriors. She moved towards her horse, intent to pull herself into the saddle now that Regina was settled once more in her carriage with Venar.
"Lancelot, a word?" Morgan called as the dark skinned warrior stopped near him.
"What is it?"
"Those girls are special. Take care of them. This journey is long and arduous. I cannot imagine it ending on the highest note."
"Il Mira isn't that far now. I hope all is well once we reach our destination."
"You'll be passing through the Jade Wood. Tough to navigate; made even tougher by that damned Empusa that's said to lurk in the deeper recesses. You take care of the Princesses and stay on the path, do not for any reason leave it. Their safety cannot be guaranteed any other way."
"I'm surprised King Eric and Queen Ariel haven't killed the beast long before now."
"It's difficult to find truthfully. And you wouldn't think so after Balous cut off the beast's leg all those years ago when he ruled the Spring Kingdom in the time of Raithewell."
"The beast is truly that old?"
"It's believed to be yes."
"Ever since Camelot fell, I confess I haven't much kept up with the beasts of the world."
"You would do well to look outside your own borders my friend. I keep abreast of everything that I can and you should do the same. I will do my best to keep you informed of what I can from now on."
"Thank you."
"Don't thank me, think of it as a repayment for saving my life and Violet's when Camelot fell."
The man dipped his head before slipping away to climb into the saddle.
"Are you ready?" Emma asked, planning to interrogate Lancelot as soon as they were out of earshot of the Dusk Rampart.
"Yes, we should ride quickly. We need to reach our destination before nightfall."