The travel

It was a sunny day, no grey cloud, not alot of white cloud too, just the canvas of the blue sky. While the men were marching like one on the long road in the middle of the plain and forest, their chief, the nobles of the Varapren family were marching far from them.

Each of them was wearing the same kind of coat. Long white and grey coat with golden flowers drawn around the part of the neck. Under it, each of them had their own clothe suiting their personality but also their rank. Behind them an army of thousands of men were marching in their step, or more precisely the step of their horses. In front of them all was Régidal, close to him was Luzalé and Belda who were sharing the same horse, then the others were also closely behind. While marching on the plain, Aesta, the noble woman, asked Régidal a question.

-So, my dear Régidal, what is the plan for when we will arrive at the manor of the duke Horaldir ?

-We will talk with him about his betraying and depending on the answer we will either keep him and his family alive or we will execute him, his wife and marry his daughters to some noble men to strenghten our control of the dukedom and the region.

-That's quite pretty for them. Isn't it a bit too drastic ?

-I take treason very seriously, a person that have decided to betray must have a very good and honorable reason to do so. Otherwise it is only an act of a snake. One person that betray a cause or his side can cause calamity.

-I see. Added Aesta in return, a bit concerned about those words.

-Luzalé, why did the duke betray us ? Questioned Belda.

-He did so because in his eyes, he surely had a better deal with the enemy than with us. By doing so, he directly became our enemy and since Varanita is on our side, he also became the enemy of the mighty goddess, the kingdom and the peace we fight for. He is a guilty of a sin. She said calmly.

-Isn't talking about sins and all of that stuff a bit too much for her ? Worried Osmadrey.

-She need to learn little by little about the world she live in. This is everything she need to understand for now. Replied Luzalé.

Osmadrey seemed to understand even without replying himself.

-I'm hungry. Suddenly said the little princess.

-Oh ! I have your favorite fruits with me, grapes ! Happily retorted Aesta. You want to join your Auntie ?

-Yes, Luzalé can i go on her horse ?

-Of course my little angel. Hold my hand.

Belda was super happy. She held the hand of the lady.

-Now you can stand up. Added Luzalé.

The little girl stood up but with her feet floating in the air like there was a invisible floor, she then walked toward Aesta and then held her hand before sitting down on the horse of her aunt. No one was surprise, it was something they had already done multiple times.

-Are you comfortable ? Asked her new companion.

-Yes.

-Well, here it is.

Aesta took the grapes out of her bag and handed them to her little pride and joy. She wasted no time to ate them all.

-In ten minutes we will stop our march, the sun is setting and we have to make camp before the night. Informed Régidal.

With those words everyone seemed to be relieved, it has been a long day since they left their domain.

At night time, the camp was set and everyone was enjoying a good meal near a small pond of water. All the Varaprens were sitting around the fire all by themselve. Osmadrey and Sarika, were making the toys of Belda levitating in the air. They were telling a mesmerazing story for her and those who care to listen. Everyone was laughing.

-Then the little pony returned home where she live happily for the rest of her life with her parents and all her friends.

The little princess applauded like the others except for Régidal focused on some documents. Luzalé remarked it and while the other Stars were talking to each other she talked to him.

-Why are you reading those documents instead of enjoying the moment ?

-Until i manage to understand the situation we are in, i won't be distracted or enjoying anything.

Luzalé seemed saddened by his statement but she knew she couldn't do anything about it at this moment.

-Osmadrey, do i have parents ?

With that simple and innocent question, Belda silenced all the Stars of Aurora making even Luzalé and Régidal looked at her.

Osmadrey searched the eyes of his chief to know what he had to do.

-Of course you have parents, honey. Replied Luzalé.

-Really ? Assured the girl with a newly found joy. Where are they ?

Luzalé went silent for one second and then said.

-They are in another kingdom, pure and kind blessed by an eternal light.

-Why did they left me ? She asked with a saddened look.

-Because you have your own story to write, a destiny that must be fullfiled with a kind little girl like you. She said as she was putting her on her lap. We are all very happy that you are with us, without you our life wouldn't be the same. Régidal feel the same way even if doesn't show it. She added with a bit of teasing.

-My dear Belda, as long as we are with you, you won't have to worry about anything or anyone. I already made you that promise. Retorted the chief.

-I trust you.

Everyone seemed more at ease now.

Belda yawned.

-Léol, accompany Belda to her tent. She need to sleep.

-No ! I am not sleepy ! She protested.

-Belda. Calmly retorted the chief.

-Yes Régidal.

Léol was waiting for her, she hugged Luzalé first.

-Goodnight sweetie.

-Goodnight Luzalé.

She then went to Régidal and did the same.

-Goodnight Régidal.

-Goodnight.

She hugged him and in response he caressed her head.

She did the same with everyone and went with Léol.

-I will tell you a story before you sleep. Okay ?

-Yes ! Thank you Léol.

Once they were out of sight, Diésir spoke.

-She is starting to ask more and more questions. She is growing up and with that her intelligence and awareness. We have to be more careful.

-We will, it is true that she grew up quite fast, we didn't even realized it. Added Crécio with a bit of proudness.

-Our baby is becoming a bit more insightful than we thought she would be. Expressed Aesta.

-We will have to think about that. For now you should all go to rest, tommorrow is going to be a long day. Retorted Régidal.

-You are right.

With that, little by little everyone went to sleep, or that's what it was supposed to be. Late at night Luzalé was still awake and no mark of fatigue was on her face. While walking on the grass she was humming a tune with a melodious rythm. Under the starry sky her silent lullaby was charming. She went to see Belda in her tent but saw that Régidal was already here. He was just going out of the tent when she arrived.

-Is everything okay ?

-Yes, she is sleeping well as you can see. He answered.

-She is such an angel.

-She is. Each day i see more of you in her than queen Auora.

-You still don't know how to make compliment, but i will take it. Why are you not sleeping, it's quite late even for you ?

-I was finishing to read some letters and documents.

-You know that you are working too hard ?

-For her i am not doing enough i fear. The war should have been over since two years ago. Yet it is still going on and is expected to start again.

He walked away from the tent followed by his second in comand.

-You cannot control everything Régidal. And surely you won't be able to do it by overworking yourself.

-She need to live in a peaceful World, otherwise what we fear could happen.

-I think she needs someone that love her more than a perfect world. She needs to be listened, to be loved, to be protected and to know that she can trust us. Peace is not eternal in this world but love is. She doesn't know her parents, death took them away from her by the actions of the rebels but she got you, me and all of us. So please Régidal, be there for her when it is important and when it is silly. Because if you focus to much on the future, you will forget about the present.

-I wish to do it Luzalé but i cannot enjoy those moments when i know that my actions are the causes of all this and that they will impact her future.

She placed her hands on his cheeks and looked directly in his eyes.

-You are scared.

-How could i not ? I fear for her, i don't want her to know pain. I don't want her to feel even the slighliest amount of our suffering.

He was not cold while expressing this, he was openly honest. His eyes were covered by fear and the aura of pain.

-She will. It is as natural as breathing. Joy, saddness, hapiness, pain, love. She will and must know all of that to be complete. The only thing you can do is to be by her side through everything. She already see you as her father, so be one for her.

She removed her hands and smiled at him.

-You got us, you have me. The night we met we promise each other to follow the same path, together for her, you remember ?

-Yes.

-Don't live in fear, live with freedom but also with cautious.

-I will try for her and for you but i will need your help.

-I'm always by you side.

They look at each as if they were magnetized. He then look at Belda who was still deeply asleep.

-Stay with me. Tonight there will be a rain of shooting stars.

-Very well.

Under the magnificent sky and the fresh wind, they were the witness of a beautiful show. In the head of Régidal, his convictions were strenghten. He had to protect everything he loved.