16 Chapter XVI

Alaisanna rode to her sister's home with great speed as the news of Katyr's nephew spread and the wall had been finished. She had her entourage in tow, dressed in their armor. She had informed them they could dress at ease, but there was little she could do. Her men respected her, and she would never command them to do anything they didn't permit. When she reached the gates, the soldiers stationed their opened them and guided her to the castle. She jumped off her horse and looked around, her eyes were clear as the dawn. The misfortune of being born blind. Of course, her family magic had overcome such misfortune granting her sight, but her eyes would remain this color forever. She wore it proudly, the best-known warrior in all the lands. Dismissing her soldiers to patrol the town and only having Kedori by her side.

Zestarri had gotten word from her sister about the arrival and waited for her twin patiently at the steps before the entrance. When she spotted the familiar wild silver hair that matched her own she bunched the folds of her dress and ran towards her. "Alaisanna!" Alaisanna smiled as she saw her sister and chuckled opening her arms and hugging her tightly. "Zestarri I've missed you sister!" Alaisanna pushed her sister back holding her shoulders to examine her. "My you've grown. I remember when you were married off, we were only seventeen summers." Alaisanna smiled gently at her sister, feeling tears pool in her eyes. She had missed her sister for quite some time, Kedori smiled at the pair chuckling lightly.

"I see you've all but forgotten my presence, Aye?" Zestarri turned to Kedori and broke out in a smile once more as Alaisanna laughed at the girl's jest.

"I see you're still stuck with my sister Kedori. I've missed you as well!" Zestarri engulfed Kedori in a hug and held her close before grabbing Alaisanna to join them. The three embraced for quite a while before letting go. They each wiped the tears from the corners of their eyes.

"I must say, at the word of Katyr's son being born I feel rather old now. Was it not just yesterday he was running about the castle bare-bottomed?" The girls laughed as they made their way into the castle chatting about the times they've missed being apart.

~

Katyr looked at his beautiful wife and their newborn son with adoration. He could welcome his son into a reign of peace and prosperity. He was happy his son would never know the pain war caused. He walked over and kissed his wife's sleeping head, the process of birth tired her greatly. He walked over to the small white bassinet his son was in and peered down at the small creature. From the first moment, he saw the child he loved him more than anything in Gaia and the heavens above. He smiled down at the baby before missing his fingertips and placing it gently to his son's head so as not to wake him. Afterward, he made his way out of the room quietly to let the pair rest. He thought he might talk to his sister before the evening faded.

He funds Elora sitting in the flower fields reading what he could only assume was the Prince's letter. His sister seemed frustrated and had fallen back to lay in the flowers as though it was snow. Katyr walked over and sat in the field beside his sister, she lifted her head startled and smiled before sighing and laying back down.

"Lyklor is handsome brother, he will surely capture all the young maidens hearts when he is older." She rolled and leaned so her arm rested on her hand and smiled at her brother. Katyr leaned back on his arms and looked at his sister returning her smile, "Will he be anything like your Prince Elora?" Katyr smirked as Elora blushed and muttered a swear under her breath.

"Maybe...But, Katyr I worry that these letters- well that I may have swooned for this prince while knowing naught of his history." She glanced at the letter she held in her hand. "He seems very charming but equally mysterious. And he is handsome, but what if these letters are all a jest to him...I am not as...experienced as he is. And I fear that I may have fallen out of myself being naive." Elora hugged her knees and Katyr hesitated before patting her head. He looked at his sister gently.

"Well Elora, that is something you'll have to find out isn't it? I would doubt he'd respond to your letter's after the first if this was all a jest. Even though you are not experienced does not mean he will not like your purity. You are the kindest soul I have ever met Elora." Katyr smiled at her and laughed, "And if he doesn't cherish you. Well, Aiduin and I shall have his head on a pike."

The serious warning in her brother's eyes had her simply nod and hug him tightly. Elora kissed her brother's cheek and pushed herself off the groin shaking the dirt from her dress as she did. Walking to her room she sat at her desk and fiddled her quill before writing to her dear prince.

Royal Soldier,

King of Big Egos,

With the Strong-Willed humans,

I believe your headache is punishment enough, but I will send you some herbs that will help with the pain. I will admit I was not meant to keep you from the taverns, being with family is a great pleasure so I will not fault you for it. Though I am grateful for your honesty.

I believe it may, As soon as my father gives word we will make our way to leave. I am pleased that you hope to rid me of loneliness, while my family is overcome with tasks these days I have found myself bored.

I only hope that I would be enough to fill the heart, though I assume some of it may be from your narcissism. I shall ease the aching pain with some ointment, and a hug perhaps?

Truth be told, my aunt Alaisanna was born blind. She told me it was a scary thing, their father helped build the magic which brought her sights back, though she was a lot younger than your sister. On another note, I am fond of pastries!

Thank you for the congratulations, though I can only imagine what your brother Lysander must be feeling in this moment. Only Katyr has known of war, sometimes I feel he puts on a brave face to hide the reality of the things he has done...Though after marrying Sarya and now that his son is born, I can see the familiar expressions he used to make. It is such a great thing.

You speak of children already, you sound like my grandfather at Katyr's wedding. He boomed asking during the reception is they were already with child. My grandmother had to rush over before he continued speaking. And what about daughters?

But, would they not look as charming as me? Have I not made it that far in your heart? I must work hard during the summit until your thoughts are only of me and nothing else.

I know not of this jealousy you speak. But, I am glad you won't cross me. my father says I have my mother's rage, she is quite the villain when angry.

I don't mind your embrace, I am sure you are warm and smell nice. Though challenge me with a bow and you will lose dear prince. Though if I place a mirror in front of you, you might fail.

I will not mock your jealousy, it is cute. I will gladly meet him, and I will not mention him reading my letters, though I welcome the compliment.

I say, did you swoon at all, they were meant for pleasantries. Though making you swoon isn't such a terrible idea.

My favorite poses you ask? Well the Arabesque, and doing several Pirouette's are my favorite. I say my form is perfect, I have practiced since I could walk. My mother had me try many different things to help find this passion.

Though you swarm my thoughts, if I m being honest I am fearful of our meeting. I have never courted before, so I am unsure of how to proceed in terms of romance. I feel as though I am much too inexperienced for your tastes. Though your words aren't as badly written as you think, I quite like them. May I hear more of these thoughts?

My hands may be dainty, but they will know no harm. I would adore being able to make your fine clothes, it would be the most vigorous task.

As for love, I look for one like the love anyone in my family has. My mother forsakes her throne for my father giving it to my aunt. And my brother would meet Sarya in secret before gaining Lord Grykail's favor. Strolvac and Naexi were childhood sweethearts. They all suffocate me with their romance, but I have always been curious as to what it is like. Naexi says it is slow and burning, like a flame. And Katyr says it is sweet and hits like a truck. I only wonder what our love would be like as well.

My father's parents would likely be the same, they hold no favor but are pleased with the peace. I think my brothers would have your head. I jest. they are kind, and I will ask my father if he may ask yours for it to be allowed. I am sure they will agree.

My brother will gladly duel, you are very alike from what it seems. He knows of the sword though he may not be as skilled as you.

I wonder if your mother would allow me to help, I was gifted with many gifts. My sister says I am more of nature than an elf at this point. I fear my own garden may falter when I leave.

You jest, I shall look for the man who appears mad. And so long as you are gentle I shall permit it.

I shall leave now then, and finish writing to start my search. I shall be most disappointed should you not be there.

Your Seamstress,

Lovely elven Maiden,

Student of a lover's kiss,

Betrothed,

Elora

Elora placed her quill down and whistled calling Honey to deliver her letter with speed, Elora thought she might bathe before, it would tea some time before her letter reached him. Enough for her to bather and change. Once she had changed into her nightdress she peeked her head out of her room before sneaking down the halls and started her search for her beloved prince.