10 Chapter X

Lord Grykail,

My dear friend, these are grave times. It seems the poison has already begun to spread amongst the humans. Before we suffer from greater losses I am requesting that you send your mages to help heal the humans. I am aware that the treaty is not yet discussed, but there are little options left. We must do all we can to quell this sickness before it spreads, I will not let innocent men, elves or human alike, die at the mercy of this darkness. I urge you to move with haste, dear friend, I am not aware of how long these humans have been afflicted with these shadows.

With great haste,

Your dear friend King Blaric

The King shouted for his nearest attendant to come to his study, "Send this letter to Lord Grykail with great haste, it is of the utmost importance." The boy nodded and left nearly tripping over his own feet but catching himself before the fall. Kolvar watched the boy leave with a small sigh of relief, once he had taken a moment to collect himself he grabbed another piece of parchment.

To King Alistair,

I have sent word to Lord Grykail of the Southern nation to get you assistance with the shadows that plague your nation. By the time you receive this letter, I am sure he will be near your gates. Lord Grykail has the best mages and is well versed to dispel this darkness that plagues your lands.

On a lighter note, I was not aware that Lord Delafontaine was your father in law. A wedding between nobles is common here as well, though less common among Kings and their heirs. I have no relation to my countrymen other than Queen Alaisanna being my beloved wife's twin sister. We were wed rather young, and her sister and she thankfully does not look as similar as you'd think. My sister in law has a rather devilish personality and is much like a playfully little sister to me and great friend, though often times I think she'd hold my head on a platter for her own amusement.

As for children I'd say we are rather close, my eldest son is to be a father soon and has come for a visit. Much to my wife and other children's enjoyment. He is married to Lord Grykail's only child Sarya, she is such a sweet lass. As for twins, I have none of my own. My wife being a twin is as far as that reaches. Though I am sure one of my children's heirs will prove doubled.

As you have provided me with your culture and history I shall do the same, I have sent a book of the Lynlore lineage and another about our cultures and traditions. I do hope you find interest and time among all this chaos.

To A better future,

King Kolvar Blaric

~

Grykail received the letter in the midst of a meeting with his mages, he read over the letter and gave a heavy breath. He turned and walked backed to his mages.

"Cerci, gather your materials and meet me at the stables. The rest of you are dismissed please be sure to study." Grykail nodded as each of them left, waiting for his class to disperse before leaving his classroom. He moved with urgency as he went back to his study, he looked around making sure no one was near before opening the secret compartment that held the ingredients for the antidote. Holding it tight and placing it in his pocket he moved to grab the old texts that laid beside it and placed that in a satchel. Once he had gathered his things he grabbed his dark red cloak and made his way to the stables. Cerci, a tall midnight blue-haired male, was the best mage and his closest student. He had trained Cerci personally and knew he was more than capable to help him. Once they had each grabbed a suitable horse for their journey they took off with great speed. As Kolvar said, a little after their letter had reached the Lennox estate, Grkail and Cerci were in tow towards the gates.

~

Elora was roaming the street of the town again, she was hoping to find a suitable color for the soon to be a new addition to the family. Her fingertips grazed over beautiful silk with a grass-like green color. Her hands continued until she reached a light blue, it reminded her of the color of Archie's eyes. She flushed and pulled her hand away, what on earth was she thinking? Elora swear she had gone mad, she barely knew this boy and yet she was thinking about him throughout her day. Elora shook her head to shake the thoughts and smiled at the attendant.

"Marin, may I have this green? I hope to make a dress shirt for my brother's child. And this color seems lovely." Marin, a fair-skinned elf with lovely orange curls chuckled and nodded.

"Of course Elora. Anything for you, you are my best customer after all. Though I'm surprised you hadn't picked the blue. From the look you had I say it was reminding you of someone you fancy?" Marin looked up at the princess teasing her a bit as she cut off some of the fabric. The maid that accompanied Elora chuckled and smiled at her princess as well.

"F-fancy? W-why no I wou-wouldn't say that Marin-I barely know him-I mean not that there is anyone." Elora's face flushed once again and she pouted a bit feeling defeated. Marin covered her mouth and laughed.

"The princess has been starting at the picture of the humans crowned prince for quite some time. She says he is most sweet in his writing." The maid beside her glanced at her flushing princess, the teasing was harmless Elora just felt flustered.

"I'm only teasing Elora, you are so innocent and get flustered so easily when it comes to the affairs of the heart. I will add in this blue color as a gift. Make something sweet for your beloved." Marin handed Elora the green fabric wrapped in a smooth paper to protect it and cut the blue fabric as well doing the same. Elora's ears burned but she dare not refuse the gift, she thanked Marin and paid the girl before leaving the shop. As she walked through the town she smiled and waved stopping by various shops in order to gather items for her elder brother on his trip back.

By the time she had made it home, it was early afternoon. She decided she would spend the rest of the day making her gifts. When she and her maid arrived back at the castle she had hoped to receive a letter but when no notice came she only kept in mind that he was a soldier. Elora felt only a bit disappointed, before asking herself why she had the slightest bit of disappointment. They had only exchanged two letters, why was she so eager.

Elora settled herself on her bed, after tying up her long snow-colored hair, she took out the fabric. She pulled out the two fabrics and glanced at the blue before deciding to grab the green. It took her until late afternoon to make two small cute shirts for the baby to come. She had stitched some golden leaves along the collar of the shirt and was happy with the outcome. She carefully folded it placing it to the side. It was then she had grabbed the blue fabric staring at it. Biting her lip she smiled to herself, she should make him a shirt as well. She didn't know his exact measurement's but she was a good guess when it came to these things.

She lifted herself off her bed walking to the small mahogany desk that sat in the corner of her room and pulled the picture of Archie and Rolant from her drawer bringing it to the bed. It was then she started making a shirt for him, by nightfall she had finished just as a butler came and delivered his message to her. She smiled at the rose folded paper and sniffed the flower with great care. She laid the shirt to the side as she placed the flower in a vase, she would ask her mother to frost it over tomorrow. As she read the letter and smile graced her lips, he was pleasant and his letters brought joy in her life. She lifted the blue silk shirt that matched his eyes, unlike the green she had lined this one with intricate silver designs along the collar and cuffs, it truly looks fit for a prince. Elora carefully folded it and walked over to her desk grabbing a piece of paper and dipping her quill in ink before writing.

Dear Humorous Jester,

Prince to Lennox,

Brave Knight of Humans,

Eldest Son of the Lennox families,

Prince Archie Lennox,

I'd be careful dear prince, I've heard pride can be a dangerous thing. My elder brother Katyr says too much pride stunts your growth. And as for my heart drumming, I dare not say. Though my maids and even sister would be delighted to tell you should you ever meet. You know, us elven maidens are known to be mysterious. Don't you think?

I think it is noble of you to care for your people like that. Though I do hope the same for my own, I have seen many families, children even affected by what these wars have taken. Their husbands, brothers...So I am just as pleased to tell them that peace is near.

On the note of my brother Aiduin, if you should have the misfortune of meeting him you will understand my frustrations. We are close in age and therefore he teases me quite often. But, I love him still. He is a wonderful brother, though don't tell him that he would never let me hear the end of it. I am sure you both would get along great.

You are truly humble to think of yourself as equal, though I suppose I do the same. The townsfolk call me by name, I dislike the troublesome titles. So I try to not let it interfere with our conversations. I only wish I could get a bit closer to them, hopefully, make more friends. What do you say? Shall I join the military and jest like you? I only tease, my father would never allow it even if I wanted.

Look inside my head? What are you hoping to find, dear prince?

In regards to your friend Rolant, I find his face pleasant? He seems as much as a jester as you, if not a womanizer like Aiduin. But, I can tell he is a great companion of yours. You two seem very close, though he seems rather silly in his picture.

As time passes, being the youngest comes with fewer problems. My eldest brother Katyr is wed and moved away from home some time ago. My eldest sister is betrothed and often in Uenora with her beloved. Were it not for Aiduin I think my days would be very lonely and tiresome. I worry when I leave he will be bored without someone to tease.

I would very much love to learn the secrets of origami, though I will admit I am not very good at it. But I can sow very well and play the piano. I was at the market today shopping for my brother's child and found these beautiful fabrics. I made a nice Green silk shirt for the baby to wear once it arrives...And well, I found a beautiful color that reminded me of your eyes. Marin (the marketplace tailor) gave me the color for free...And I have made you a shirt as well. Though I am sure you prefer less dress like clothes meant for soldiers I do hope you like it. Please tell me if it fits nicely.

I dare not enter a tavern, my mother might wring me by my neck or have my head if I did. My parents tend to shelter me from the vulgarities of this world as they call it. Though I hope one day I might be able to sneak away and enjoy the late-night festivities.

Even if you knew dancing well, I am certain I would still best you.

Having more brother's sounds like pleasure, I would no longer be the youngest. Can you relay that I would be delighted to meet them? I can understand your sister's reluctance, Katyr was like that as well. Though he only hopes you will treat me well. He wishes the best for all his siblings.

I find it amazing your sister is a scholar, she must be brilliant. I hope to meet her, though I only hope she will enjoy my company as well.

I do not mind the late letters, though please tell Rolant that I hope he does not steal you away every day. I hope to write to you many letters. I look forward to them throughout my day. Does your training become tiresome?

I adore tea, my kingdom has tea with sweet berry flavors. We use herbs or magic for illness or ailments. Did you ask because you hope to share afternoon tea with me?

An eagle? How amazing, my father has graced me with a dove to deliver letters. The messengers imbued it with magic so she does not tire on her journey. I have named her Honey. What have you named your eagle?

I will admit, I am rather nervous to meet. But I am rather excited as well. I stand at 5"4', I am 22 summers if I haven't already said. You are two summer's older than me, how interesting. Will you teach me your wise ways? I jest, I hope to tour your parent's gardens with you.

And prince, I must say. You are rather bold asking to touch an Elven maiden's ears. Though we cannot cut cheese, we are very good listeners. It helps when exploring nature, you can enjoy all it has to offer...But, our ears are very sensitive. How do I put it? Touching a maiden's ears is a rather intimate interaction...Though I daresay, if you wish to touch mine I will allow it.

To Longing Peace,

Your Mysterious Maiden,

Wife-to-be,

& Youngest child of Lynlore,

Princess Elora Blaric

[Attached it the note tied to the shirt, the shirt laced with Elora's faint scent of lavender and berries]