A Woman's Advice to A Girl

As the news of my father's condition reached me, my heart plummeted into the depths of despair. My thoughts swirled chaotically, leaving me feeling adrift in a sea of uncertainty. Yet, amidst the turmoil, a glimmer of hope flickered within me. If anyone could save my father, it would be him.

My frantic footsteps echoed through the forest as I dashed from one corner to another, my mind consumed by panic and fear. Every shadow seemed to taunt me, every rustle of leaves sending shivers down my spine. Finally, I spotted him, sitting under a solitary tree, and relief flooded through me.

His name escaped my lips in a frantic plea, and his eyes snapped towards me. I poured out the urgency of my father's condition, and without a moment's hesitation, he urged me to lead him to my father's side.

As we reached the chamber, the shaman's announcement shattered my heart into a million pieces. Lost and adrift in a sea of grief, I couldn't comprehend the whirlwind of emotions. Yet, amidst the chaos, he remained steadfast, immediately focusing on assessing my father's condition. To my amazement, he spoke of a glimmer of hope, a chance for my father's survival.

Unbeknownst to me, he revealed that my father's condition was the result of the shaman's dark plot. She, whom I had always regarded as my father's most loyal confidante, turned out to be the enemy lurking in the shadows.

Caught red-handed, the shaman tried to escape, but he stopped me, emphasizing that my father's condition was of utmost importance at that moment.

In the end, he tried all sorts of methods, some of which were entirely new to me. However, I trusted him implicitly and followed his instructions without question. I knew that if there was one person I could rely on completely in that moment, it was him.

I prayed with all my might, pleading with the divine to hear the prayers of this humble elf. I sat beside my father, with him on one side and my mother on the other, our hearts heavy with worry and hope.

Unconsciously, I found myself clasping his hand tightly, as if drawn to it by some unseen force. It felt natural, comforting, and oddly reassuring, as if his touch alone could chase away the fear and uncertainty that gripped my heart.

Hours passed like fleeting moments, and in the quiet of the chamber, I stole occasional glances at him. He looked exhausted, his eyes heavy with weariness, yet he forced himself to remain awake. I urged him to rest, to take a moment for himself, but he insisted that it was critical for him to remain vigilant and monitor my father throughout the night.

His movements becoming unsteady and disoriented. And then, in an immediate moment, he collapsed, his body crumpling to the side, Reacting on instinct, I swiftly reached out and caught his arm.

"Sir Gideon! are you okay?!"

I shook him gently, he didn't respond.

"He must be exhausted, Mia. Let him rest for a bit," my mother suggested, concern etched on her face.

I nodded, gently supporting him and letting his head rest on my shoulder.

The silence enveloped the room, thick and heavy. Eventually, it was my mother who broke the oppressive stillness with a gentle sigh.

"So, Mia," my mother's voice broke the silence, gentle and inquisitive, "do you like him?"

My cheeks flushed at my mother's unexpected question. "What? No, Mother, it's not like that," I stammered, trying to mask my embarrassment.

"Oh please, it's so obvious. You're not fooling anybody," my mother teased.

"Mother, please," I pleaded, feeling the heat rising in my cheeks. "I'm betrothed to Han anyway."

"I know, I know," she chuckled softly. "But sometimes, the heart doesn't listen to such arrangements. I never agreed anyway; it's all your father's idea."

"I've heard about what you two have been doing for the village in the last week; many have praised your efforts," she continued, her tone softening.

"It's not just us, Mother," I replied, feeling a sense of pride swell within me. "It's the collective effort of everyone in the village. We're just doing our part." 

"You've been a great princess for our people Mia, even beyond my expectation. I'm proud of you." 

Tears welled up in my eyes at my mother's words. "Thank you, Mother," I whispered, overwhelmed with emotion.

"Although, I suppose I need to give you one more advice."

"Of course, Mother. What is it?"

"As a young elf, your father and I often clashed. I never imagined that one day I would marry him. Yet, there he was, kneeling before me, proposing. At first, I was inclined to reject him outright, but on that fateful day, something shifted within me, and I found myself saying yes. What started as a temporary arrangement turned into an 800-year marriage. My advice to you, Mia, is this: when faced with a choice between two paths, ask yourself which decision you would regret more - choosing one and losing the other, or not choosing it at all and wondering what could have been."

Her words resonated deeply with me, stirring a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts within. "Thank you, Mother, for sharing that with me. I'll keep your advice close to my heart," I replied, feeling a newfound sense of clarity.

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I slowly opened my eyes, feeling disoriented and groggy. My head throbbed with a dull ache, a reminder of the exhaustion I had pushed myself through. As my vision adjusted to the dim light filtering through the windows.

I groaned as consciousness slowly returned, my head throbbing with pain. "shit," I muttered, blinking rapidly to clear my vision.

I glanced to my side and noticed Mia's head resting on my shoulder, her breathing steady as she slept soundly.

Gently, I shifted my position, careful not to disturb Mia's slumber. She looked peaceful, her features softened by sleep.

My heart nearly leapt out of my chest as I turned my gaze to the bed in front of me. To my astonishment, the king's eyes were open, and he was awake.

"Your Maj-" The King shushed me with a forefinger to the lips, his eyes signaled towards Mia and the queen that were asleep.

I let out a small, faint laugh before nodding in understanding.

A.N: Nothing but chickens here...but anyway mother has given her approval, hell yeah.