《Villainess From the Stars》


 Episode 1: Prologue: The Plains Before the P艒rteac, Terra Timeline 90124

    Golden wisps blew back in the roaring winds as the pair rode across the plains to their destination at the Edge.


    ¡°We are almost there, my lady.¡±


    Sky-blue eyes searched the horizon behind for some sign that they were being pursued. None met them.


    Behind them, there was no sound of a wisp of smoke or the pounding of hoofbeats rattling the ground.


    Only the pounding of their horse¡¯s hooves and the wind¡¯s howl.


    The golden-haired beauty¡¯s chest ached. She leaned forward to tighten her arms around the rider¡¯s middle.


    Crimson dotted the corners of her eyes. She tucked her head into the shoulder before her. The rips across her bodice quivered when she shook as she remembered the blade that made them.


    ¡°We are here, my lady.¡±


    The lady¡¯s arms relaxed. She peered over the top of the horse¡¯s head to find the towering columns that supported P¨­rteacaleum.


    The equine stopped at the base of its stairs. The shimmering pools of light from within the portal parted.


    A hunched-over figure, dressed in rags and supported by staff, came from the P¨­rteacaleum¡¯s shimmering doorway.


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    As the young woman disembarked, the figure with a pale nose tipped its head upward.


    A reedy voice came from beneath the cowl, ¡°A fine mess.¡±


    ¡°I wish to undo it.¡± The young woman stepped forward, her hands clutching her skirts. ¡°I was told your kind could help me.¡±


    A laugh that caused shivers to run down the lady¡¯s spine poured from beneath the shadowy recesses of the cloak.


    ¡°What have you heard, stupid girl?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have time!¡±


    A golden curl that was already growing dull fell over her shoulder.


    ¡°This can¡¯t be how it ends.¡±


    Her hands tightened upon her ripped skirts, her teeth glinting as she clenched them.


    The cowled head tilted and a thin wisp of white, almost silver hair fell.


    ¡°Turning back time comes with a price. It is not something to be done upon a whim.¡±


    ¡°Whatever it is, I¡¯ll pay for it.¡± From the pocket of her cloak, the young woman brought forward a jingled bag filled to the brim with gold coins.


    Long, thin fingers shot forward and grabbed her wrist, making her drop the pouch on the ground. The coin spilled across the terra and she let out a gasp.


    The figure drew close, their eyes peeking from beneath the darkness of their hood. One eye was a piercing amber and the other a glowing turquoise.


    ¡°Lady Adeena Nesrin, you can never move against me. The moment you do¡­¡± A deep cruel chuckle escaped him and his form shrugged.


    ¡°There is always a penalty for meddling with time.¡±


    <hr>


    At the heart of Terra, in the caverns at its core, sat a tower of crystalline P¨­rteacaleum.


    It had sat undisturbed for hundreds of years. It came alive as thousands of moments rewound themselves within its facets.


    The caverns shook and the face of the stone began to crack from the brunt of twenty years of lives lived and lost.


    Faces and figures flickering across; their mouths open, shouting mute words as their actions become undone. The last scenes showcase life and death.


    A falling star flew across each facet before the P¨­rteacaleum gave its last shudder and burst into thousands of glittering shards.


    The only thing that remained was starlight flickering in the darkness.

 Episode 2: Lady Vienna Thorne

    ~SEASON ONE: NEW BEGINNINGS~


    Silver.


    Slashing pain.


    Small hands reaching.


    A woman reaching for a man in the last moments before death.


    Small arms were left outstretched, and the aching pain as everything dissolved.


    Darkness, nothing but endless darkness.


    A tear fell down a small, round cheek. Little lashes fluttered open, a breath hitched, and for a moment a mind had to settle once more. Tree bark eyes searched the dark room, and a body shook. Small hands grasped at the covers beneath her.


    ¡°Little flower?¡± A familiar voice with a warm undertone eased tense muscles, and the little girl let out a sigh of relief.


    She was on Terra.


    A ceiling with supporting wooden beams and Terran plaster greeted her view while her gaze focused above.


    ¡°Vienna?¡± A large hand with strong fingers brushed wavy curls that had stuck to her forehead. She shuddered before wincing as the large fingers hesitated on her brow. ¡°Nightmare again?¡±


    Her eyes followed the hand¡¯s frame to the broad shoulders but otherwise lean figure of her father.


    He stood from her bed and crossed over to the washstand.


    Vienna¡¯s small arms trembled when she tried to lift herself up, her hands sunk into the bedding instead.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you move, little one.¡±


    A long breath of air escaped her lungs when she fell back against her soft linen pillow. She raised her small hands to view them.


    She had yet to get used to her small body, even though she¡¯d been Vienna since infancy. She missed the freedom she used to have in her other life.


    ¡°Pop, I¡¯m ok. We can go to breakfast now.¡±


    Her brown eyes watched her father¡¯s dark eyebrows furrow as he came back to her side. His fathomless eyes studied her. He wiped her brow with the dampened washcloth, his lips pursed.


    Sometimes it felt like he could see into her very being.


    Once the morning sun had risen, the two Thornes turned their faces up to its warmth when they came out into the yard.


    Underneath their favorite tree overlooking their pond, they placed their breakfast upon a worn woven blanket.


    Pop sat Vienna upon his lap. His chest rumbled with laughter when he saw her lower lip stick out in a pout.


    ¡°Pop, I can sit by the tree on my own!¡±


    ¡°You are too small, little flower. It¡¯s best if you sit with me and I feed you.¡±


    Vienna huffed. She felt like she was always sighing around this father of hers.


    She gazed up at his gruff chin and rested her head against his chest. She was the only fragment left of his wife and his only family. Her eyes drifted across the pond, stretching out before them. It could be understandable why he had always been a bit clingy.


    Her gaze changed direction, and she looked down at her tiny hands. She furrowed her brow in consternation. She was growing rather slowly. She still looked like a toddler, even at the age of four.


    ¡°Why am I so small, Pop?¡±


    A spoonful of porridge froze on its journey to her mouth. Vienna tilted her head back. Her father had dazed off, gazing out into the distance.


    It was the same expression when he was looking out a window during work. Or when she¡¯d find him with his head resting upon a tree, his thoughts miles away. Sometimes he would freeze mid-stroke as he was painting as if lost in another time and place.


    She¡¯d learned not to try to wake him from the state. Once she tried and he jumped, almost trampling her. Causing him to go into a deep, brooding depressive episode for almost hurting his baby.


    So Vienna waited this time, looking up at the tree above her. A peaceful silence descended, she watched the light filter through the leaves. Pretty patterns of light and shadow fell across the trunk above them.


    She had been in this world for four years. Time seemed to have passed by quick, too quickly. Her lips pulled down, and she swallowed, tightening her hands upon the lapels of her father¡¯s tunic robe.


    ¡°My deepest apologies, little one.¡±


    Her father gave the top of her head a light kiss, and she felt the tension in her body melt away. Her gaze refocused on the new spoonful her Pop got her.


    Vienna listened to willowcants¡¯ songs. She relaxed in her father¡¯s arms. Her mind completely forgot that Pop didn¡¯t answer her question.


    <hr>


    ¡°Pop, why do the King and Queen wish to meet me?¡±


    As they left their little hamlet, their tenants waved when they passed the farmland. Vienna waved back. She felt her stomach flutter as she watched the only home she¡¯d known in this world fade into the distance.


    Her father pulled her tighter to him on the horse.


    ¡°Your mother and I fought beside them during the Great War. When it was over, the people decided they wanted for certain...¡± He paused, his hands tightened on the reins. Vienna could feel when his chest filled with air behind her as he summoned a breath.


    ¡°Has your tutor taught you why our region is called Wofford?¡±


    Vienna thought back to her lessons. The tutor didn¡¯t cover the Great War much, as they were worried about how someone so young would be influenced.


    Her mind wandered then to the only other source of information she had. The ¡®game¡¯ hadn¡¯t actually ever mentioned the country¡¯s name. It had always been called the setting ¡®the Continent¡¯ and the city where the main story took place ¡®The Capital¡¯.


    She shook her head. Her father let out a minor, disgruntled sound behind her.


    ¡°Wofford was the last known giant to live upon Terra.¡±


    Vienna let out a little gasp before turning her wide umber eyes towards her father.


    ¡°There were giants?¡±


    He nodded.


    ¡°Wofford gave his life to the people of this region during one of the last stands of the war. The escaped people in the area had all made their way to this very valley...¡±


    Vienna¡¯s eyes examined the valley, imagining the scene.


    The rocky hillsides that stood on either side of them were very tall but not quite high enough to be mountains. There were no caverns or caves that she could see. The people would have been in the open.


    She knew only a small bit of the history of the Great War. The closest parallel she had was the Civil War that happened in the once-Americas of her old world. The Great War lasted over a hundred years.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    In the small span of her years on the planet of Terra, she had learned that the world was very diverse. The Continent was the same, which was the main area where its population thrived.


    From her studies in the Before, she knew if someone gets too much of a good thing, they can become greedy. Beings in power across the Continent had turned on their own races, leading to the Dark Age before the war.


    Vienna¡¯s eyes blurred with tears, and she shook her head.


    ¡°What happened, Pop?¡±


    He placed a kiss on top of her fluffy hair, smoothing it down when it tried to stick to his light scruff.


    ¡°An ambush took place.¡± Wofford covered them all with his body for protection against the catapult projectiles. He took all the damage he had held until we came to the rescue. Wofford held true the whole time until he knew they¡¯d all be safe.¡±


    Vienna¡¯s tears fell down her cheeks as she imagined the giant protecting a mass of people in the valley. Then, when all were safe, he breathed a sigh of relief... his last breath. A little sob came from her.


    ¡°They didn¡¯t want to forget him, so they named our region after him?¡±


    Her father hummed in return.


    It was odd when they finished riding through the valley. Vienna could almost feel it. A moment lost in time, full of anticipation, the fear, and yet through it all there was an overwhelming sense of hope.


    <hr>


    The Capital was an odd mix of older noble buildings and newer buildings built by the trades and the artificers. Then, high above it all, overlooking and watching over all, stood the Stronghold.


    ¡°They live there.¡±


    Vienna¡¯s head tilted back. She gazed in awe and consternation. Her mouth gaping, her father closed it.


    ¡°It¡¯s enormous.¡±


    She looked back at her father, whose tan features were expressionless, yet in his eyes was a tale only he could tell.


    ¡°We almost did not capture it.¡±


    Vienna looked down the hill at the lively city. Her father¡¯s horse stood upon the road leading straight to the castle¡¯s moat.


    The relief that must have been on the people¡¯s faces, when they had been free to live their lives at last.


    The small girl looked down at the horse¡¯s mane. Her little fingers ran through the dense hair as she let out a breath. If only things were that simple.


    Round brown eyes looked back up at her father.


    ¡°How did you?¡±


    ¡°That, my dear one, is a secret.¡±


    She looked away, her mind drifted to her own secret. Her hands tightened on the mane in her hands. Her heart ached. If Pop knew, he wouldn¡¯t love her, for she wouldn¡¯t be ¡®his Vienna¡¯ anymore.


    King Wolfau and Queen Sevelle Basilius were not what Vienna expected.


    They did not dress in lavish finery. They wore the simple linens that their people in the city wore. Only the golden thread that decorated the edges of their tunics and the noble crowns upon their heads distinguished them as royalty.


    The ¡®game¡¯ from her old world had been wrong.


    The Fortress had several knights who patrolled the borders.


    The royal personal knights escorted Pop and her to the throne room.


    One of the knights stepped forward to announce their arrival. ¡°Duke Winden Thorne and Lady Vienna Thorne.¡±


    Her father nodded his head in respect toward both the rulers. It was nothing like the stately bows she¡¯d seen in the media of her old Earth.


    Vienna glanced back at the royals, who returned her Pop¡¯s nod before looking at her.


    The king was quite an imposing figure upon his throne. His graphite features resembled the large floating isles of the Wilds. His rough exterior showcased how his russet eyes shone in the light.


    She had the sudden desire to hide in her father¡¯s embrace.


    Vienna trembled before saying, ¡°Hello Your Majesties.¡±


    Her little head bobbed, and a small wave of brown, wavy curls fell forward. She felt her father¡¯s chest shake when he chuckled behind her. When she looked, he shook his head with a small smile.


    Vienna sought out the royals with her eyes to find the strangest sight indeed.


    The king¡¯s scar that ran across his face, that stopped at the tip of his lip, crinkled as his entire mouth twitched.


    Vienna gazed at the queen. The queen resembled the warriors of the desert, her dark brow broad and shimmering like the moons hovering above Terra. Her nobility shone through across the distance that separated the Thornes from her.


    The queen tilted her head. Her midnight and gold entwined locks fell to the side as she scrutinized Vienna¡¯s features.


    ¡°Where did you learn such addresses, Lady Thorne?¡±


    Vienna flushed at the official title.


    ¡°I read them somewhere.¡±


    S¨¹k?mi sand eyes narrowed and lightened, a small smile coming upon the queen¡¯s lips.


    ¡°You may need to address others by their titles, little one. Your father is our dearest friend, you needn¡¯t do so.¡±


    Then, as if the queen read Vienna¡¯s mind, ¡°You may call us Aunt Sev and Uncle Wolf. Your mother made us promise to watch over you. Your father, yet, has not let us meet you until this day.¡±


    The queen¡¯s voice turned hard as the rock that could be found in the rumored secret caverns of the desert lands.


    Vienna looked up at her father¡¯s features, which were expressionless even when the queen glared at him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take the little one if you like, Duke Winden.¡±


    Vienna jumped when she saw what she had thought was a wall move by the side of the royal thrones.


    Instead, as it drew closer, she found it was a male being. He was tall, but not as tall as her father. His frame was bulky, with muscles on each arm that were the size of her head. Her eyes widened, and her small hands tightened on her father¡¯s tunic.


    The being seemed almost made of stone and had shoulders that were rigid in his frame, supporting his bulbous-looking head. It was quite larger in proportion to the rest of him, but after blinking a couple of times, Vienna decided it suited him fine. He had long scars running down his face, several others decorated the top of his head like a crown of scars.


    Vienna pursed her lips while her eyes glanced at the king and then back to the being. It was the first time she had seen such evidence of the Great War. She took a deep breath as her roving eyes reached the male¡¯s beautiful azure-toned eyes that peered at her.


    The queen spoke up from behind.


    ¡°Tarin has already heard what needs to be said. You should know, Winden, no harm will come to her while she¡¯s in his care.¡±


    Her father was reluctant to let her go.


    After some cajoling from his ¡®old friends¡¯, which included the being named Tarin Roark, he, at last, let her go.


    He had conditions.


    Of course, Roark would carry her to their next destination and then she was to always be in Roark¡¯s eye line.


    Once they left the throne rooms, Roark¡¯s eye creases crinkled as he looked into Vienna¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°My name is Tarin Roark. I have known your father for some time.¡±


    Vienna nodded. ¡°What do you do here?¡±


    He tilted his head as if to ponder her question, or why she asked it. Vienna herself stared at his large head, wondering how he kept his balance. She shook her head mentally at the thought.


    ¡°I am the Prime Minister of Wofford.¡±


    ¡°Wow!¡±


    Nothing, it seemed, was like the ¡®game¡¯.


    Her curious eyes gazed at the prime minister.


    He quirked his lips as he humored her.


    ¡°Where would you like to go, little Lady Vienna? Would you like a tour of the Stronghold? Or see the only remaining courtyard garden?¡±


    She shook her head, her hair swished on either side of her.


    ¡°No, thank you. I would like to see the library, please.¡±


    This time it was Roark, whose eyes widened in surprise.


    ¡°You are quite young to be able to read already.¡±


    Vienna was looking up at the wide stone corridors. They were sparsely decorated. Tan columns supported the hallways with stone archways that they walked through.


    ¡°Not really. I¡¯m already four.¡±


    They passed through several more stone archways before Roark shifted Vienna onto one arm to open a door.


    ¡°What are you looking for, Lady Vienna?¡±


    ¡°I would like to read anything about the Great War, the history of the Continent and of Terra please.¡±


    She could feel his steady gaze on her, but she smoothed down her tunic. It wasn¡¯t the first time she¡¯d surprised someone with her desire to learn about the world around her. Vienna doubted it would be the last.


    ¡°Few children would seek to gain knowledge at your age. They would prefer playing outside.¡±


    Vienna narrowed her eyes and tilted her chin up. ¡°I don¡¯t want to be ignorant.¡±


    Vienna knew that some in her place might have played it safe and acted like a child her age. But, she didn¡¯t believe she had that luxury.


    It would always be a risk for how ¡®smart¡¯ she would seem for her youth, but she would take it. To survive, she had to learn.


    Roark led her into the library.


    The library held no comparison to her old world¡¯s European palace libraries or even the ones in old fairy tale cartoons. It was a modest size, having about a dozen bookshelves lining the walls that created a couple of aisles by the library¡¯s door. To the far right of the entry, there was a table with chairs circled around it.


    A flash of a 3d animated memory from the ¡®game¡¯, of a dark-haired prince studying in a much grander library version, came to mind.


    She had shivered from the memory, causing Roark to look at her in concern.


    ¡°Are you cold?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m alright.¡±


    The prime minister nodded while he pulled out a chair for her with one arm. She could feel him peering over her features while he set her on the table.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move. Your father would have my head if you fell. We have some dusty, thick volumes on the botany of a rare kind of weed. Not even our court artificer uses them.¡±


    Another memory from the strange parallel ¡®game¡¯ she¡¯d played of a man with ice-blue hair and a cold gaze.


    Roark was back with two thick two tomes that were both a quarter her size each, one in each hand. He situated them up on a chair with armrests so that she wouldn¡¯t fall off.


    Being small was such a hindrance.


    ¡°Thank you, Sir Roark.¡±


    His thin lips twitched as if he were fighting off a smile. He reaffirmed she was tucked in before he went through the aisles searching for the texts she requested.


    Vienna rested her elbows on the edge of the table and her chin in her hands. The day had not been what she expected at all. Things had not been what they seemed.


    They had been right. This world was the original and the ¡®game¡¯ was inspired by it.


    In comparison to the vibrant world she was finding out about, the ¡®game¡¯ had given only the bare details. The world-building was basic and the main characters¡¯ backgrounds were only skin-deep.


    Which led Vienna to worry about how much of the ¡®game¡¯ story was actually accurate.


    Was she even in danger?


    After all, the infant she became was Lady Vienna Thorne, the future villainess of an otome game known on Earth.


    <hr>


    [Special POV of Tarin Roark]


    Tarin Roark had lived eight hundred years.


    In all his years, he had never been so curious as he was the day little Vienna Thorne read through the driest of the history books in the Stronghold.


    Her little dark eyebrows furrowed while she whispered through certain sections. Her eyes gazed off into the distance when she seemed to process the information she had read.


    One of these moments he asked, ¡°When did you learn to read Vienna?¡±


    ¡°Pop allowed me to start at two and a half.¡±


    His eyebrows rose at her answer, for it hadn¡¯t actually answered the question.


    Then he pondered, ¡°Could you read before?¡±


    She was quiet, reading the text in front of her.


    The Prime Minister of Wofford tried again, this time waiting until she was dazing off into the distance, ¡°Could you read before?¡±


    ¡°Of course, why wouldn¡¯t I?¡±


    Yes, Tarin Roark was most curious indeed.


    [End of special POV]

 Episode 3: A Fateful Encounter

    At a certain point, Roark acquired a pen and paper for Vienna so that she could make notes on what she read.


    Vienna didn''t register the interesting artifact between her fingertips and that it wasn''t the normal quill she had to use back at home. Her subconsciousness remembered how to use a self-inking pen without having to be told.


    There was so much to soak in.


    It did not show the wide diversity in the world of Terra in the media she had before consumed in her other life. Terra was flush with the life of all kinds of new cultures and races. Terrans were equal to humans. How they differed was their adaptability. Their different sizes and pigments often suited the environments where they lived on the Continent.


    In the books she learned of the Sea Folk lived in the seas of Terra but often stuck to the P¨­rteac Seas, preferring to stay near the Elem?irdis. Elem?irdis usually had wings and were the beings she once thought to be faeries. She read about the gentle Giants that once roamed the Continent taking care of the mountain ranges and planting trees. The giants shared the desert with some Terran warriors who sought to protect the innocent nature of their tall neighbors.


    Vienna felt her heart race in excitement when she came across a certain tale of beings... She scooted closer to her left, where Roark had come to sit.


    Her cheeks reddened slightly before she asked, "Who are the ?kren? My tutor hasn''t mentioned that race."


    "They are a bipedal race, like the Terrans. They feel close to Terra and its materials, its very components."


    "Like metal?"


    Roark nodded before glancing outwards. "There is a sparse population. They were one of the most oppressed, due to their weaknesses but also their strengths."


    Vienna looked back at the book that was stacked on top of the others she had already finished reading. Its dark linen cover was not worn down like the others. It was thinner and had only the very basic information of the race.


    "Is that why there is so little information? So it won''t happen again?"


    Vienna''s eyes traced Roark''s face. His pale gray features seemed to almost lend to a rocky terrain across his features. She remembered how he had seemed to blend into the very stones of the Stronghold.


    She wouldn''t ask. She knew that everyone has their secrets and even if everyone knew but her...


    Vienna stopped mid-thought when she saw him turn back to her with a bittersweet smile on his face.


    "I will endeavor to prevent it from happening to my people again."


    Vienna had the strangest desire to hug the odd male, but she knew him. She tightened her lips, her eyes coming to rest upon his clasped hands on top of the polished table. Pop took hugs as a sign of support and love, but others that didn''t know her well enough might think it was an act of pity.


    He seemed to understand without her having to say a thing. He reached across and grabbed the page of questions she had prepared for him.


    A maid in a long blue kirtle had poked her head through the library door.


    "Sir Roark, one moment of your time, please."


    Vienna closed another book she had already read.


    "I''ll be fine."


    "I''ll be around the corner, Lady Vienna. Call if you need anything."


    Once the prime minister left the room, Vienna climbed down from her tall chair and approached the aisle closest to the library door. She lifted the edges of her tunic and sat on the floor inlaid with smooth stone bricks. She was thankful for the slacks beneath her embroidered tunic that cushioned her knees against the hard ground.


    She brushed off some dust that settled around her before leaning towards the bookshelf in front of her.


    Vienna''s small fingertips grazed the old tomes, searching the old ink labels for the book on the ''New'' Laws that Roark had told her would be there.


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    So tiny she was at the bottom of the tall bookcase. She was very inconspicuous. She would have stayed in her little world had she not broken out of it.


    A sudden pain in her leg jolted her from her position. She leaned forwards only to feel the stranger who had tripped over her tumble over the rest of her slight form.


    A loud thump came on the other side of her while she winced, rubbing her leg. Her ribs were sore, and she winced as she felt a sore spot on the side of her head.


    "How dare you!"


    The voice was not familiar per se, but it was young and male. It left only one option of who it could be, especially someone with such an attitude problem.


    Every nerve in her body froze when she realized who it was ''Capture Target #1: Crown Prince Ravven Basilius''. One of the leads in the routes in the ''game'' had the villainess executed by request of the heroine.


    Vienna felt her whole body begin to tremble. A small whimper escaped her as she felt sharp pinpricks of pain all up and down her right side.


    An arm yanked her from the ground by her wrist, only to adjust and grab her upper arm when she stood.


    A voice stuttered, "It''s...you!"


    "Hey, look at me!" He grabbed her on either side and shook her. Vienna''s head bobbed, and she winced. She could feel her tears falling down her cheeks.


    Even at the prince''s age of eight and hers at four, he was already much taller than her. Her feet left the ground as he grabbed a hold of her and yanked her up. She couldn''t control her sobs while she lifted her eyes to meet his fathomless black.


    He dropped her as soon as their eyes connected. She let out a little yelp, even while he let out a gasp. The prince gaped at her, his dark eyes wide.


    Vienna wouldn''t stay to find out why, she didn''t care. She had already been in his presence for too long, and her whole body ached in retribution. A choked sob escaped her, and she winced while she wiped away the tears. She activated her gift while she ran away.


    She needed to get somewhere safe. There was nowhere safer than in her Pop''s arms.


    For now, she would blend into the castle walls. Anyone else glancing her way, it would seem as if no one else was even there.


    <hr>


    Vienna ran until she found herself in the throne room. Footsteps echoed in the hall behind her, causing her to hide behind the throne. She hid in time when two beings entered.


    "We haven''t finished, Knight."


    Vienna peeked from behind the throne, making sure that she would remain invisible.


    A tall lady in dark leather armor and a scabbard at her side had strode across the room with quickened steps. Her ash blond hair swayed. The other, a male that reached only to the lady''s shoulder, had hair that was long and golden tied with a silver ribbon.


    Vienna''s eyes narrowed when she saw how he had grabbed the lady''s arm roughly.


    "The prince needs association with others his age."


    The woman spun on her heels, her arm leaving his grip. "Lord Nesrin, I will not allow just any child to be near my charge. You may be noble, but that doesn''t make your child appropriate for the prince."


    Heavy footsteps that echoed caused both to turn their heads toward the hallway parallel to the throne room.


    Roark''s voice followed the sound. "Lady Vienna! Where are you hiding, little one?"


    The tall lady''s head bobbed in respect as the prime minister entered.


    The noble didn''t even bother to keep the sour look on his face hidden.


    "Prime Minister Roark."


    "What are you doing at the Stronghold, Nesrin? We had no meetings with the Capital''s nobles today."


    The blonde man''s face twitched before he gave a quick bow.


    "I am leaving."


    Vienna had ducked back behind the throne.


    The throne muffled the conversation that followed between Roark and the lady.


    "...Named Knight, I''ll never understand."


    "I''m sure Her Majesty had a plan." Roark''s voice was louder. Vienna thought he must be closer to her hiding spot.


    Silence followed until the Prime Minister''s voice spoke up once more.


    "Are you going to continue hiding, Lady Vienna?"


    Vienna dropped her camouflage ''gift'' and poked her head out from behind the king''s throne.


    Roark smiled before he walked to her and knelt, his bulking frame before her.


    "What happened? I heard the prince yell. When I arrived, you were already gone. Are you hurt?"


    Vienna looked away. Her side did still hurt when the crown prince tripped over her, but it wasn''t on purpose. He was also a bit rough when he was pulling on her arm.


    She shook her head. She knew children could be like that when they misjudge their strength, especially when they are not used to being around others. She didn''t want to get the young prince to get in trouble.


    Vienna shuffled her booted feet.


    "I just got scared. It was loud."


    Sir Roark opened his mouth to reply, but a strange sound interrupted him.


    It sounded like how their Old One''s branches would fight against a fierce storm wind. She looked over the Prime Minister''s shoulder to find her father with his eyes glinting.


    He prowled closer.


    A shiver ran through Vienna, but she knew Pop would never hurt her.


    "Who scared you?"


    There was a denseness to the air, almost like it was vibrating in anticipation.


    Vienna glanced at Sir Roark and whispered to him, "I''ll calm him down."


    Vienna ran around Sir Roark and straight to her father as fast as her little feet could take her. She spread her little arms wide.


    Her Pop let out a long sigh of relief when she was in his arms again. She smiled and her little face in his neck. Her arms tightened around it.


    She mumbled, looking sideways at him, "When are we going to leave?"


    He tucked a stray brown curl behind her ear.


    "Didn''t you like the library, little flower?"


    She allowed herself a little shrug.


    "Boys are scary. I like Pop best." Vienna gave him a big kiss on his cheek, before resting her head against the warm nook of his neck. Soon the hum of voices and her father''s strong warm embrace eased her tense muscles.


    It wasn''t until they had left the Stronghold on their way home that Vienna was finally able to relax. The journey took her to softer dreams that were warm and where no fathomless dark eyes resided.

 Episode 4: Crown Prince Ravven Basilius [POV Chapter]

    Crown Prince Ravven Basilius had wanted to read in the corner of the library. Away from everyone. Away from his responsibilities. Away from tutors who taught him everything but what he wished to learn.


    The moment his hand grabbed that small girl''s wrist, his world went black.


    Suddenly, hundreds of memories flooded his mind.


    It was as if it thrust him into someone else''s life until he realized it was his own.


    He shook his head.


    He recovered his mind, all the glimpses of memories tucked into his subconscious.


    Ravven staggered back.


    ''Focus on the vitals''; his father''s reminder whispered in his mind.


    Ravven took in a deep breath as he sorted through the primary fresh memories.


    He had seen himself grown; arrogant and untouchable.


    The memories had shown him growing up beside the girl he had bumped into, but their first meeting differed from what had happened. Then there was a girl with golden locks who seemed to turn his head. She filled the other self''s head with ideas, but they were all so stupid.


    Ravven''s eyelids trembled.


    He focused. What was odd was he only gained the Other Self''s memories that had the other version of the girl before him in them. She was a voice of reason throughout them; quiet, strong, and suggesting another path when he went astray.


    <hr>


    His dark eyes had opened, gazing down at the girl that was shivering below him. He needed her to look him in the eyes. Maybe she had seen the memories, too.


    Her large, luminous eyes filled with tears. He didn''t have time to feel guilt as he fell into another memory.


    His eyes glazed over as the room faded away around him and he found himself in an unfamiliar room.


    It was unlike anything he''d seen before, all silver like starlight.


    Wide see-through panels lined the walls. Through the panels, he could see a city made of the same shimmering material on the walls. Strange beings he''d never seen before walked the streets. Their skin shimmered when the light fell upon them, shifting into a multitude of colors. Their many limbs almost glowed as they moved.


    The memoryscape shifted.


    "Has there been a world chosen?"


    Ravven turned as he heard the voice.


    His eyes were drawn to the center of the room.


    A girl shimmered in a transparent form upon a platform. Her body''s image seemed to shift back and forth between a young girl his age and a young adolescent.


    "You will become Vienna Thorne on Terra Number 90124.5."


    The being who answered was like those who ''walked'' through the city he''d seen through the strange windows.


    Ravven jumped as he heard the girl cry out.


    "I can''t become her! She dies!"


    The being let out a trill, "I''m afraid no other dimensions or timelines are open currently."


    Ravven''s focus narrowed back on the girl''s face.


    It had grown unclear like he was seeing it through a thin piece of gauze, and yet the emotion in her eyes was evident.


    "I can''t go back there. I can''t go back into the dark."


    It felt like it dropped a large stone into his belly, and Ravven found it hard to swallow.


    Darkness invaded his vision and, as he thought it''d consume him, he found himself back in the library.


    He blinked and looked around him, only to find that the little girl was gone.


    His whole body shook.


    Ravven''s head pounded as if it would burst, and when he touched his cheeks, his fingers came away wet.


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    His breath caught in his throat as he fell to the ground, his head resting against the nearby bookshelf.


    Dark eyes filled with water once more and he gripped the wood shelf as he let out choked sobs. His fingertips dug into the shelf, scraping them. Ravven was able to gain his breath.


    It wasn''t until his heartbeat steadied and he began to breathe in through his nose and out through his mouth, did a thought came to his mind.


    Ravven stood from his position, his knees wobbled. He searched throughout the library, but the girl was nowhere in sight.


    He ran out into the hall but found it silent. The small courtyard across from the library was empty of life. He could feel his heartbeat start to hammer in his ears again and his breath caught in his throat.


    He''d managed to scare away the ''Starlight Soul'' who had taken Vienna Thorne''s place.


    <hr>


    The first time he had heard of a ''Starlight Soul'' was when he was two and suffering from terrible night terrors.


    The helping maids in the nursery had tried everything, to no avail. Each night at midnight since his second birthday, he would wake with a wordless scream. His blankets twisted up in his limbs.


    The Queen came as soon as the news reached her of the dilemma. At two, he was still a ''secret prince'' until the rest of the ''bad men who''d hurt his real parents were caught and taken care of''.


    She sat on his bed, but he''d flinched back before she could touch him. He would always remember the pain that flickered across her features. She brought her hand back.


    "I suppose you would prefer I don''t sleep beside you in your bed, then?"


    His nods shook his rail-thin body.


    The Queen, always so regal, nodded her head before she left his bed.


    He remembered wanting to pull her back, but he was prideful even then. He bit his tongue from taking back his stalwart stand.


    He didn''t like to be touched for a reason. It was important. He gazed across at the queen''s linear features, the gentle smile at the tip of her lips, but the seriousness in her gaze. She always treated him with respect, not like he was just a little boy.


    He watched, with his pillow clutched to his chest, as she pulled a cot so it was a pace away from his bed. Just close enough that he''d feel safe with her presence nearby, but not too close. He nodded when she glanced his way.


    "I once had night terrors, too."


    The pale blue light of the harvest moons filtered from the courtyard window and caught the flecks of bronze in her ringlets. Her eyes sparkled like the dew that was sometimes found in the early mornings collecting on the low grasses of the S¨¹k?mi warrior''s lands.


    "You did?"


    She looked out the arched windows. "We all did, those of us who fought in the war and those of us who suffered from it." Her golden eyes gazed back at him, a fierce look in them. "It is a mark of a true survivor."


    He had pointed at himself.


    She tilted her head with a smile. "Yes, Ravven. You are like us. The war might have ended, but the fight continued for many. Wolfau and I chose new names for a new beginning." Her gaze met his as she continued, "Then when we found you, we at last found the last puzzle piece we didn''t think we''d ever have. We gave you a new name as well."


    Later, when he woke in a silent scream, she was there.


    The following nights, she stayed at his side. She would tell him stories of Terrans triumphing over past hardships and learning to move on to new beginnings.


    This continued on for what felt like forever for his young self, but it was no more than a week.


    One midnight, something changed.


    He woke up to find the Queen sitting on the window''s ledge seat. Her hand was caressing the coat of arms of Wofford, that was chiseled into the stone of the windowsill.


    "It''s time you hear the story of our coat of arms."


    It was an outrageous story of a Queen of Elem?irdis who gave her life at a time when all had lost hope during the Great War. Her sacrifice led to the end of it.


    "Before The P¨­rteacs were shut down across the Continent, there were Elem?irdis who traveled away from their home. Their descendants, who grew up on the Continent, did not care or did not know of the rules of their parents'' homeland. In their possession, they had the sacred ore handed down by their parents. Instead of treasuring the ore, they traded and sold it. The P¨­rteacaleum got into the hands of the greedy and those sought to take advantage of their kind. They took the knowledge of the Elem?irdis and made new artifacts from the P¨­rteacaleum, which began the Dark Age. Idril didn''t become Queen until the war was already underway."


    "What happened?" Ravven crawled forward as if it would get him further into the story somehow.


    "She concocted a way to as she worded it ''disconnect'' all the artifacts'' P¨­rteacaleum on the Continent from the power source. The ones who met her said she called it ''an elemental EMP blast''. Most of the words she said didn''t make sense to those who remember them, but that''s expected since she was a Starlight Soul."


    Little Ravven Basilius was by then bouncing on the edge of his bed in excitement. His dark eyes seemed to twinkle in the light.


    "What''s that?"


    "A Starlight Soul is a unique existence. They come from far away and choose a world to live in. How it was explained to me once..." The queen paused, her arched brows arched downwards, as her lips pursed.


    "I''ll understand. I promise I''m smart!"


    "I know you are, my little prince."


    He pouted at the ''little'' comment. She usually didn''t call him pet names. He supposed he didn''t mind how her golden eyes turned into crescent moons to look at him with affection.


    "Each Terra has a different time. For instance, tomorrow I have to pick between two Lords to be on my council. So if I were to pick Lord Nesrin..." Her bronze nose wrinkled in distaste and he giggled into his pillow. "Then one Terra would have Lord Nesrin on the council, but then here on our Terra, I''m going to pick Lord Cassian."


    Little Ravven tilted his head to the side, his dark brows furrowed as he stared at the ceiling. "So there would be two of me too?"


    "Something like that, yes."


    <hr>


    Crown Prince Ravven was brought back to the present when a voice called out to him.


    "You should be glad, Your Highness, that Duke Thorne went straight home."


    Ravven looked over at the Prime Minister. Glad he''d straightened up his appearance before the other had arrived.


    "Was she alright?"


    Sir Roark''s blue eyes narrowed. His voice held no emotion within it, not even disappointment, which was a statement alone.


    "Lady Vienna wouldn''t say. Despite being frightened, she didn''t wish you to get in trouble, Your Highness."


    Sir Tarin Roark went to leave but paused in the doorway when he heard Ravven call out to him.


    "I won''t scare her again."


    Ravven closed his eyes as he remembered the little girl shaking before him. His hands clenched at his sides and the sudden urge to strike the column nearest to the exit rose within.


    Roark''s clear voice cut through his thoughts. "See that you don''t."

 Episode 5: Pop

    To say her father was protective the day after their visit to the Capital would have been a massive understatement.


    Before dawn the next day Vienna had awoken from another nightmare.


    So she had slid from the bed herself and taken a stool up to the basin stand to wash her face.


    As she lifted the clay pitcher, she misjudged the strength of her small kid arms. The pottery was much thicker than her Before memories. Wofford pottery was thicker, and the mud was a good adhesive, leading it to be a trade item in the Continent. The pitcher had crashed to the floor but didn''t break. A crack ran down its side and its lip chipped.


    She had winced from the loud sound and clambered off the stool. She grabbed the pitcher off the ground only to touch the sharp, chipped lip.


    Vienna let out a cry, her eyes watering from the stinging pain. It was as painful as a splinter, annoying but not life-threatening.


    She clenched her teeth as she winced from her wound. It was more than a surface bleed than she thought. Her brown eyes darted, trying to find something she could wrap around her hand. Between her bed sheets and her small night shift, she decided to rip the shift. As she ripped it with her teeth, her father burst through the door. His face flushed, no doubt from the early morning run he took every dawn.


    "Vienna! Ezzie said she heard a cra..." His voice stopped, and he dropped to his knees before her. Immediately, even as his hands trembled, he wrapped her hand. Then checked the rest of her body. She couldn''t stop as she squirmed away when he went to check her for injuries. The pain still radiated down her side from where the prince had kicked her.


    His eyes narrowed. He lifted her night shift sleeves. She could not hide the purplish bruises on both her left and right arms almost identical in shape.


    Vienna looked away.


    Her father demanded, "Who did this to you?"


    Vienna looked up through her eyelashes. She shook her nightgown''s sleeves down before she pointed to the pitcher.


    "What do you mean, Pop? No one did. I broke it."


    He sat back on his haunches before tilting his head to the side.


    Ezzie, their only housekeeper, came in behind him. Her eyes shifted between Vienna''s father''s stiff shoulders and the pitcher. Her eyes widened as she caught sight of the crimson that stained Vienna''s shift.


    "Oh my, look at this mess. Why don''t we get you cleaned up, little miss?"


    "Ok, Ezzie!"


    Her father wouldn''t stop staring on their way to breakfast. His face was stiff except for his mouth, which moved as if to form words, but none came out.


    Vienna gripped her father''s neck, speaking up to distract him, "Are there any books you haven''t read in the library?"


    Out of the corner of her eye, Vienna could see her father jut out his bottom lip in a semi-pout. She pursed her lips to stop a giggle from bursting forth.


    "It has been some time since I last read our books on the rare herbs found in the Wilds." He shrugged his mighty tense shoulders. His feet lead them toward their small dining hall.


    Vienna glanced outside. From the hallway window, she could see how the winter-cherry shrub limbs beat against the bottom of the pane. She shivered as the wind howled its lonesome song.


    "I''d like to sit in my own seat today, Pop."


    By the time they reached the dining area, Ezzie had set out their food and utensils.


    Ezzie''s eyes sparkled with a mischievous light and lips twitched, "I''ll go get those books, little miss."


    "Thank you, Ezzie!"


    It was difficult having to sit upon books to see over the ledge of tables, but sometimes she wanted to sit on her own. As she began eating her food, she found it hard to enjoy it with the almost glare her father was giving her.


    "Pop, I''m sorry about the pitcher."


    Vienna let out a long sigh, blowing her hair out her face, before pushing it back with a wince her injured hand stung.


    She glanced up at him through her lashes before immediately looking back down at her plate. "I asked Ezzie about it when I was getting ready and she said she''d bring me to the town potter. I''ll learn how to make a pitcher, so then I can replace it myself."


    Vienna gave her the brightest smile, the kind that she knew usually lifted her father''s spirits. Only to find his lips hadn''t even twitched. Her breath caught in her throat and her hands dropped to her lap, where they twisted her small apron in them. Her fingertips drifted across the edges of her smocked dress, where the linen met the wool.


    Her father set his utensils down and drank from his goblet before his voice rose from over the rim of his cup.


    "When we came back from the Capital, I forgot to ask you, how did Sir Roark treat you? Did you find everything you wanted?"


    "Oh yes! I wish I could have taken the books and scrolls home."


    Her father''s dark mahogany head tipped to the side, his hand lowering to the tabletop. His fingertips still gripped the stem of the wooden goblet. "How was that old Prime Minister?"You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    She wrinkled her nose. "He didn''t seem that old, Pop."


    Vienna shook her head. "I like him. Do you know I wrote questions down and he answered them all? Thank goodness I wore my tunic, so I could put it in my secret pocket before I ran away."


    Vienna jumped as her father''s goblet stem snapped in his hand. The rich purple of the honeyberry juice sloshed over the rim as the base fell to the table with a clatter.


    Immediately, she knew she made a mistake. "Um... I mean, when I left."


    Her father''s gaze was like a weighted thing. "It is not a good thing to tell a lie. You never know what price you might pay for it."


    She shook her head. "I didn''t lie. I did leave the library."


    Her father stood from his chair every inch Duke Winden Thorne. Vienna could see the noble he presented to the court.


    Her father strode to the other side of the room.


    Vienna could hear how the trees creaking resonated from the rising storm in the still room.


    Even as he had moved further away from her, his next words still carried. "Who made you leave the library? Roark?"


    "No! He was very kind."


    Her father stood ramrod straight, his features drawn as he tipped his head to the side.


    Vienna gazed over. Her father''s hands were balled tight at his sides, shaking. She looked down to find her hands mimicking his in her lap.


    She closed her eyes and breathed deeply. Her breath caught in her throat and her eyes shot open. She watched her father, who now stood facing away from her, his hands hidden as if he knew he''d frightened her.


    Vienna felt cut off from him. The dissonance bothered her more than her fear of his anger.


    "Who was it, dearest daughter? Who gave you the hand-shaped bruises on your arms? Who gave you the bruising all up your right side?"


    "It was an accident."


    "Really?" Her father turned and his gaze appraised her from afar. "There is no need to tell me. The handprints were far too small to be an adult''s." He let out a long drawn-out breath as he approached her, his eyes looking over each of her features as if memorizing them. His dark brown eyebrows were drawn, "I wish you would tell me."


    He took calming breaths as if he couldn''t quite contain his rage.


    Vienna kept her gaze on her plate in front of her. She heard her father sigh before he knelt by her chair.


    "Did the boy threaten you? Is that why you wouldn''t tell anyone he hurt you?"


    Vienna shook her head. "It was an accident. He barely said anything to me. I think I just surprised him."


    Her Pop hung his head with a sigh.


    Her fingers reached out and touched the top of his head. She always liked how his hair was a tad softer than hers; it was like touching silk feathers.


    The strange feeling from before faded away.


    Instead, she felt the full expanse of her Pop''s love for her flooding her senses.


    Vienna''s eyes filled with relieved tears.


    The rest of the day, her father didn''t let her out of his sight.


    Her Pop was determined to have her heal as soon as possible. He made sure she drank plenty of water. He even took her out into the estate''s woods, showing her which plants could make a helpful bruise salve. It was the first day of many new days with her father among the trees, where he taught her how to survive.


    <hr>


    Vienna thought her schedule would get back to normal the following day.


    She was wrong. Her father kept her by his side the rest of the week.


    Sometimes when she bent behind a chair to pick something up, she''d feel a surge of fear coming from him as he lost sight of her. He would pick her up then and put her on his lap where he would touch her head occasionally, as if reassuring himself she was still there.


    One afternoon her father''s biweekly aide delivered his letters from the Capital.


    At the top of the letters, she saw an envelope with sharp, slanted cursive writing that spelled out her name.


    When her father opened it, Vienna could only read "Lady Thorne" at the top before her father crumpled it in his hand.


    He picked her up, and then placed her in his chair. He walked over to his fireplace to the right of his desk, a wry smile on his lips as he lit a match and set the letter on fire. When he threw it in the fireplace, he watched as it burned, his hands clenched at his sides.


    "Who was it from?"


    He didn''t even turn away from the flames. The late afternoon light caused odd little patterns to appear across his tunic. "No one worth mentioning."


    Her father sported a satisfied smirk as he went through the rest of the letters. Vienna couldn''t help the smallest sense of foreboding.


    Pop glanced at her from the corner of his eye, to find her frowning at him.


    A weathered but still gentle finger booped her in the nose, causing her to wrinkle it and shake her head. A light laugh came from her Pop. Vienna couldn''t help but smile in return, thankful he''d foregone the ominous chuckling he''d done before the fire.


    "Can you teach me about the tenants?"


    Her father''s eyes brightened as he immediately pulled forward one of the opened letters.


    Vienna looked over the letter from a nearby town that was asking for her father''s help to resolve a dispute.


    "Do you get many of those?"


    He shrugged. "Not all towns have a noble nearby to help. Occasionally they need help to set up elections or settling a tie in them for mayors or lawmen." He pulled more letters forward and opened them so she could see the contents. "Most requests I receive are from the tenants of the hamlet, though. Some need help from someone of ?kren descent to nurture the ground for a better harvest. Others need repairs on farming tools. I help to cover the costs of getting an artisan if it is not something I can fix myself."


    "Wow..." Vienna whispered and gaped over all the work that Pop did. She glanced up at him as he held her in his lap. She swallowed. Her heart ached as she thought of how every day he still took time out to spend with her.


    A face flashed in her memory, a father from another life. Her eyes filled with tears, and she turned and buried her head into her father''s neck. A small ''thank you'' escaped her as she gripped him.


    She hadn''t even realized she had dozed off until he spoke again. "Roark speaks fondly of you, that''s rather unusual for him. Wolf and Sev wish you to visit again, but only when you are comfortable."


    Vienna nodded. Everyone, well...almost everyone, had been kind.


    <hr>


    [Special POV: Duke Winden Thorne]


    "Pop, I lo..." His little one''s eyes teared up as she choked on her words. Winden''s heart ached from the pain in her eyes.


    Winden bent down to tuck his daughter in.


    She was still so little even after taking after her mother in looks. His long tan fingers tucked a small brown wavy curl behind his little one''s ear.


    He bent forward and pressed a kiss on her forehead before resting his own against hers. Winden closed his eyes as he heard the slight hitch of her breath. His mind flashed to earlier in the day when she had done the same before clinging to him as if she was afraid he''d abandon her.


    His very being ached.


    His eyes closed as he made the same wish he had done every night as his daughter drifted off to sleep. One day he hoped he could take away all the pain Vienna had since the day she''d been born.


    She had been such a sad babe. Winden would stay up each night beside her cradle, watching her sleep. He rarely got any rest those first few months. He had been so terrified he''d lose her after his Asena.


    This was why each smile of his little flower, Vienna, was something cherished. Every little bubble of happiness that burst from her in a fit of giggles felt like the greatest gift.


    Winden opened his eyes to find his daughter full of starlight and tears. He kissed her again on the forehead. "My dearest daughter, I love you. I always will, forevermore."


    He felt her little arms tremble as they wrapped around his neck, her soul echoing the same pain. His Vienna pulled herself up to place a kiss on his cheek. Her tears wetted both of theirs.


    She might not have been able to say it out loud, but Duke Winden Thorne knew his little flower loved him dearly.


    [End of Special POV]

 Episode 6: Parade of the Obtuse

    The following months passed by in a flurry.


    Pop had been dissatisfied with Vienna''s past tutors'' education. An era began with what Vienna thought as the ''conveyor belt'' of the tutors.


    ''Uncle Wolf'' and ''Aunt Sev'' helped by reaching out across the Continent for the educated, which led to a flock of the lesser nobility arriving at the estate.


    These nobles came from those who aided the people during the Great War indirectly. Such nobility helped by offering monetary, supply, and/or information-gathering-related backing. Each new royal in the newly made kingdoms kept a wary eye on them. If those nobles had once betrayed friends and family, what would stop them from doing it again when opportunity struck?


    The aristocrats who had joined the rebellion themselves, like Vienna''s mother, had gained higher nobility titles. With the new government set up, it was known throughout the nobility that their job was to serve the public, not to rule them.


    The tutors that answered the call fell into two categories.


    First, there were the very young seeking to gain experience. Vienna found that her knowledge would surpass theirs.


    The reactions to her advanced knowledge were mixed.


    Vienna found herself sighing each time she heard:


    "Did your father practice that answer with you?" or "Oh my, those words are bigger than you are!"


    A wry grin would be their only answer.


    The second category was, however, far too rude.


    Vienna herself would soldier on, trying to learn from them even as they talked down towards her. When caught by, Pop wasn''t as patient.


    When Vienna was five, a tutor came from the Yundilla mountains in the Venaragia kingdom.


    The region had fascinated her when she''d first heard of it from the traders that would pass through the hamlet. The crystal-like snow that fell upon the red rocky mountains of Yundilla never stopped sounding fantastical.


    When the Terran first arrived, he looked upon their simple grounds with narrowed eyes. His nose wrinkled as he came upon their steps and found he had to wipe his shiny boots on their wickerwork mat at the front door.


    He was very slim, skin nearly pink. He looked as if a wild wind could snap his body.


    As Vienna showed him to his quarters, her eyes shone. "What is the Snow Folk commerce like in Yundilla?"


    Her eyes were wide as she looked up at her new tutor.


    His beige lips wrinkled in a withheld sneer, "I don''t associate with those ruffians."


    One eyebrow rose as she looked over at him again. His paleness was indicative of a more sedentary lifestyle, of life not stepping out from his comfortable noble rooms.


    "Surely you are aware of your own culture."


    She couldn''t miss the sneer this time.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    His slightly furry lip quivered. The failure of a mustache looked like a dead caterpillar on his lip.


    As they met the next morning in the Thorne library, the tutor grumbled as he looked around the dim room. Light from the only window fell across the wooden plank flooring.


    Even while he frowned, Vienna couldn''t help the bright grin that spread across her lips. She strode forward, her booted feet clipping against the smooth stone floors. The library was the pride of their home.


    "This is the biggest room in the house. Well, except perhaps the hearth competes with it a bit." She gestures at the built-in bookshelves. "Father always taught me knowledge is far more important than large closets or otherwise wasted space."


    Vienna hoped that the tutor had a bad first impression. She hoped his next would be better. She smiled back at him as her fingertips drifted across the bookshelves made from metal rather than wood.


    She pointed to the small wooden shelves. Her head tilted so she could see the small initials carved at the bottom of them.


    "Father and I built some of these shelves ourselves."


    Her gaze drifted off.


    Pop and she would seek out fallen tree limbs after a rough storm, and her father would teach her how to preserve the wood until it could be used later. When the time came to make something of them, his calloused fingertips would drift over the knots of the wood. A sad little smile on his lips as he showed how to not waste one piece.


    The tutor''s nasal voice broke Vienna from her thoughts.


    "You will read the assigned materials."


    As she looked behind herself, a flash of his almost see-through teeth caused her stomach to turn. He must not be well. All beings in Terra needed to soak in the energy and warmth of the twin suns, but he looked as if he had never did.


    She tilted her head and looked at the Terran, whose thin fingers were thrumming at the end of the table.


    "I''m sure Ezzie would be happy to get you some biscuits and tea."


    His lips pulled tight as he stared her down before he strode away without a word.


    Vienna shook her head. "What are they teaching youth these days?"


    A giggle left her as she looked at the top of her materials to see the list of handwritten assignments.


    "Nothing new," her round cheeks puffed out.


    She looked at the book he''d placed to her right. Her nose wrinkled before she brought out her workbook from beneath her other books. Within it, she found the last essay she wrote on the same subject. She placed it by the assigned book for good measure.


    A smile moved her cheeks to dimple as she slid off the high-back cushioned chair at the library table.


    When she reached the library''s arched doorway, she poked her head out. Her head looked both left and right, not seeing ''Whiskers'' anywhere. She doubted he''d be back to the library before she was back herself.


    Nearing her father''s study door, she smiled at the little steps her father had built at the side of the door.


    She had opened her father''s office door a crack when her arm was yanked back, causing her to stumble, unbalanced, down the small set of stairs.


    Vienna let out a surprised squeak.


    Her father''s study door swung open, his eyes lit with an inner flame.


    The hallway seemed to tremble from his ire.


    ''Whiskers'' seemed oblivious to what was coming and continued to drag Vienna down the hallway.


    Vienna''s lips pursed as she tried to not let out a sound of pain. A small whimper still escaped as she found a sharp stinging pain in her left ankle.


    "Let go of her."


    The sound that followed was like the limbs of a massive tree breaking during a storm.


    The tutor turned to find a bulking shadow over him. "Duke Thorne. Your daughter left our lesson before it was done."


    Vienna looked up. Her eyes shifted from her father''s piercing gaze to the Terran who started to shake.


    "Let go of her arm or you''ll find your own no longer attached to your body."


    Vienna felt yanked backward as ''Whiskers'' made the foolish decision to use her as a shield.


    Her father''s brown eyes darkened to look like two black holes about to swallow up a couple of solar systems.


    His hand shot forward, grabbing onto the muted carnelian wrist, a loud crack was heard as the bones were crushed in one quick moment.


    The noble screamed in agony.


    Vienna''s arm dropped as the Terran fell to the floor in pain.


    A shiver ran down Vienna''s spine as her gaze fell to the poorly mustached being that rolled on the ground weeping.


    She glanced up at her father, whose rage had not subsided.


    Her father pulled the tutor up from the ground and dragged him down the hallway.


    Once they entered the main hall, he threw him toward the front door.


    "Get out of my house, now."


    Vienna would later wonder if she preferred being demeaned by absurd, inconsiderate tutors. Or did she prefer ones with badly hidden agendas?

 Episode 7: Frey

    When Vienna turned six, a gem from the ''parade of the obtuse'' appeared.


    Frey Rhodon.


    He was the sweetest cinnamon roll Vienna had ever met.


    The sweet side of his personality she saw during the time he tutored her.


    He was humble but not self-deprecating, and he was eager to learn. He encouraged her to talk about things she''d learned before. He would watch with a smile as she shared everything she''d learned. They would have discussions of the things she read about in the library in the Stronghold.


    It was a little less than two months after Frey had arrived, Vienna found Frey closing their books with a long sigh.


    He turned to her with a wilting grin, like a flower that turned itself up towards the sun but ended up with its petals inward.


    "It seems there is no more I can teach you."


    "Sure there is..." Vienna searched his features. Her stomach tightened, and she clenched her small hands in her lap. "We could have educational discussions. Education isn''t just about reading books and writing assignments."


    Frey shook his head, a small breath of air escaping him as he let out a small huff of laughter. His peach-colored hair sparkled as a small fragment of sunlight came from the library window.


    "Well then, Miss Vienna, what would you like to talk about?"


    They went on a walk beside the fields of the hamlet when Vienna asked for something that had been on her mind for some time.


    "When I visited the Stronghold, I met Prime Minister Roark."


    Vienna walked along the pathway that many farmers had trodden, walking back and forth between their fields.


    "I sensed he had lived a long life, but he seemed..." She let out a breath as she remembered the bright azure eyes of Tarin Roark, so wise and sad.


    Frey paused beneath one of the trees that dotted the borders of the farmland. His gaze upon the cool terra.


    "It is no surprise that such a great ?kren like Roark is so private with his feelings. He must be very lonely away from his tribe, from the stories I''ve heard. It no longer exists."


    Vienna gazed up into Frey''s eyes, which seemed to be far off. He glanced down, meeting her gaze, his face that was usually so bright and cheery solemn for the moment. He knelt on the terra and held a clump of it in his hand, letting the dark grains sift through his fingers.


    "The ?kren have always been a social race. We do not like being on our own. Our communities, and our families, are tight-knit. Each with their own traditions that they pass down on through the generations."


    Vienna knelt upon the damp earth, her hands sinking into it. She glanced to the side at Frey and wondered what he felt. She closed her eyes and smiled. There was something so peaceful about sitting still amongst nature. She''d feel the most beautiful sense of serenity when she would sit with her father beneath their trees.


    As if all her worries were for naught.


    Frey''s voice spoke up once more, no more than a whisper, "We feel close to the components of Terra. Some of us, like myself, can feel a kinship even to the core of this place."


    "What''s it like?" Vienna opened her brown eyes and gazed across the fields.


    "The ?kren have said it feels different for each individual. I''ve always felt..."If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Vienna could feel her tutor glancing her way, and she could see his gentle smile even before she turned her head.


    "It''s always felt like home to me. No matter where I go, I can always feel at home if there is terra beneath my feet."


    Those walks were some of Vienna''s happiest moments as Frey told her of his travels.


    <hr>


    On one such day, when the noon warmth soaked into their bones, Frey and Vienna had a picnic outside. Vienna made a couple of small discoveries.


    Ezzie had set the table with biscuits and tea, her hand moving her long braid over her shoulder.


    Frey''s eyes were wide and dazed as if enraptured by every movement Ezzie made as she set out the mid-day snacks.


    "Thank you, Mi''l.." He stuttered as Ezzie hummed in return before turning her back to walk back to the house.


    Vienna watched over the rim of her teacup as Frey''s eyes didn''t stray from Ezzie''s back even as she walked back up the pathway to the manor.


    As the front door shut, the sound seemed to wake Frey from his stupor and he cleared his throat.


    "Where were we?" Frey''s tan cheeks darkened at the apples of them as he heard the giggle of Vienna muffled by her teacup, "Ah, I know the debut."


    "Isn''t it a coming-of-age ball for any heirs in the provinces?" Vienna looked into her teacup.


    Her lips tilted downwards as she gazed into the tea''s reflection of herself. Her mind drifted to the inciting incident in the ''game''. The debut ball was where the story began, where Adeena Nesrin first caught sight of her targets.


    A soft slurping sound came from Frey.


    Vienna placed her handmade teacup back in its saucer with a gentle clack.


    Frey spoke up, "The debut happens every year. It includes a week of activities for the people who have traveled from around the province. It''s the chance the people have to showcase their ideas for the current ruling pair. It is their chance to inform the public of their ideas that could benefit all."


    Vienna looked up at her friend. Her dainty brows furrowed as she looked into his peach blossom eyes that were the same color as his hair that day.


    "It''s not a debut for the youth, then?"


    Pop''s voice came from behind them. His quiet steps sounded as he walked up to the small natural platform that held their eating area.


    "When the prince reaches twenty-two, the debut ball will have another meaning. Sev has decided to give him time to go to the Academy and learn a trade. He will then decide to whether he wishes to be a candidate for king and begin his search for his future queen."


    Vienna glanced over at Frey to find his lips twitching. He never seemed to get used to the nicknames her father, and she had for the king and queen.


    Her father sat down in one of the spare chairs around the round wood table. His gaze drifted up. The bows of the four trees that encircled the space created a natural canopy above their heads.


    His russet fingers caressed a nearby leaf that stuck out stubbornly from the rest on its tiny branch. "I imagine many will gather from all over the province when the time comes."


    "I have heard that other provinces have had their debut balls as well. The Cheria province has already elected a new queen due to their event this last year."


    Frey took a sip of his tea, the corner of his lips tilted up. He hummed into his cup. He looked over at the house, his features grew dazed. His mind was upon the tall lady with a serious gaze and long, dark locks.


    Pop and Vienna shared a knowing look.


    Vienna picked up a small biscuit from her plate and then spread a thin veil of honeyberry jam.


    The ''game'', she had known from her other life, was an otome dating sim. It had all three capture targets introduced at the kingdom''s grand debut ball. The player, who always played a customizable Adeena, had to draw the attention of one of the varied personalities. The prince, the assassin, and the artificer; each route had its own good ending and bad ending.


    As Vienna took a bite of her biscuit, she closed her eyes. The biscuit just melted in her mouth and was perfectly paired with the sweet tanginess of the jam. Her eyes opened, and she found herself gazing into her teacup once more. Her lips trembled as she thought of Vienna Thorne''s ending in each route of the ''game''.


    She shook her head and forced herself to think about the topic at hand. Unlike the ''game'', the debut was far more important in the world she was living in. It could foretell the outcome of a whole province''s new ruling party.


    "... with your daughter''s intelligence and kindness. I have no doubt she would make a brilliant queen for our province."


    The commentary brought Vienna out of her haze. She glanced toward Frey.


    She whipped her head toward her father when he spoke in a sudden, gruff voice.


    "No Thorne will ever sit on a throne."


    A wave of fear like nothing she''d ever felt before ran through her being. Vienna looked up to find her father rigid, his eyes wild and clouded. With a well-known look in his eyes, he was far away from his past.


    Frey reached across her to touch her father''s shoulder, but she pushed it aside and shook her head.


    Light rose eyes peered back at her, matching eyebrows furrowed against his tan forehead.


    Vienna leaned toward Frey, her voice soft, "He''ll come back soon."


    Her father would be back once the fear and the memories that haunted him faded away again.

 Episode 8: A Love Story

    After his term as tutor expired, unrenewed, Frey Rhodon didn''t leave the Thorne Estate.


    It was then that the bombardment of tutors started to trickle.


    It felt to Vienna like the lady tutors who came only had one mission, to capture the heart of the elusive Duke Thorne.


    Frey became preoccupied. Vienna would often find him visiting the tenant farmers that were at the rear of the estate.


    He and Vienna would still meet for tea and Ezzie''s biscuits.


    He would go on about ''Haizea'' this, and ''Haizea'' that.


    It seemed he was smitten.


    Vienna had found it odd that he''d begun to court this ''Haizea''. She''d seen his longing glances toward Ezzie.


    One day it became all clear.


    Vienna was sneaking around the house trying to escape the notice of one particularly annoying new tutor. It was a lady from the capital, from one of the ''old'' families, a legacy with an inheritance of an arrogant stride and a false smile.


    The day before, Vienna was forced to sit as the Terran aristocrat put upon a little ''play'' for Pop. The woman tilted her head at the sound of footsteps coming down the hall to the library. Holding back a sigh, Vienna watched the lady pat her head as Pop stepped into the library.


    The Terran lady straightened, patting down her shiny larimar-tinted hair. Light blue piano fingers tucking luminescent curls behind her ear. A coy smile upon her lips as she looked down upon Vienna, "Oh my if only I could have you as my daughter."


    Vienna wrinkled her nose but still looked toward her father, who had his fake smile on his lips.


    The lady had turned toward him with bright eyes. She seemed oblivious to the way his eyes narrowed as she continued to gush about Vienna''s qualities. But Vienna could see his hands starting to clench and unclench.


    Vienna decided then and there that she would show the lady what it would be like ''to be her daughter''.


    Vienna made her move when the lady had gone to the nearby town ''to see what this little countryside could offer''.


    As Vienna was making her way out of the storeroom by the kitchen, she heard some unfamiliar giggling coming from the direction of the hall.


    Her hands grasped the small bottle of dye in her hands as she peeked around the corner.


    The bottle dropped to the ground rolling behind her as she covered her mouth in surprise. Quickly she leaned back out of sight.


    Eyes wide, she peeked once more to find Ezzie against the main entrance hall wall. She had the brightest smile Vienna had ever seen upon her lips.


    Ezzie''s smile only brightened further when she tilted her head up to meet the eager lips of none other than Frey Rhodon.


    Frey''s voice was tender as he whispered ''Haizea'' over and over as he bent down to kiss all over the face that he held in his hands.


    A dark blush rose in Vienna''s cheeks when she flattened herself again against the hallway''s wall. As Ezzie''s laughter continued, a slow smile fell across Vienna''s young features.


    She couldn''t wait to tease the housekeeper about it later.


    The night following, Vienna smiled mischievously at Ezzie as she tucked her in. The woman seemed absentminded, not noticing the knowing gaze in her charge''s eyes.


    Vienna looked up from beneath her eyelashes, as sly as a fox, at the woman who''d raised her.


    "I didn''t know Ezzie was your nickname."


    The woman''s hands froze. Her hands hovered over the coverlet. Her dark silver-blue eyes flickered up to meet Vienna''s.


    A wide grin that showed Vienna''s little pearly teeth lifted her features.


    "Don''t worry, I walked away before I saw too much."


    A giggle escaped Vienna as she watched a dark rosy tint show up at the tip of the woman''s nose and at the tips of her pointed ears.


    <hr>


    During one of her many attempts to escape her tutors, Vienna discovered a secret cubby. It was hidden between the kitchen and the front hall''s storage closet. The paneling at the back wall let in just enough light. It was the perfect daytime hiding spot. A perfect place to read unbothered.


    One morning, she found it could be used for something else.


    She had gotten away from the current ''tutor'' - if the term even applied. The tutor barely sought to teach Vienna anything. Instead, Vienna would receive an onslaught of questions about her father more often than an assignment.


    So that morning Vienna hid in her spot, only to find she could hear voices. She placed her ear to the wall to make them clearer.


    A clear, inquisitive voice that Vienna recognized as Ezzie''s sister spoke, "So what will your answer be?"


    There was silence before a small sputtering came forth.


    "We have courted for several months. He''s always been forthright. He told me he wished to know me from the moment he arrived here."


    Vienna could imagine Ezzie shifting her eyes to the side as she tried to avoid her sister''s question. Some shuffling was heard and the thrum of a chair''s feet moving against the cobbled floors as it was pushed in. A small whiff of Ezzie''s biscuits came through the wooden slats in the back of the closet. Vienna''s stomach grumbled, and she covered it, hoping that the two on the other side hadn''t heard it.


    Frey must have asked Ezzie to marry him.


    Vienna thought back to the last couple of weeks.


    A smile pulled at her lips as she''d discovered something rather sweet; Frey Rhodon was a romantic.


    After that day in the hall when she spied them kissing, Vienna on would see Frey through her window coming and going. He would travel between the estate and the tenant farms.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    He would always put in a day''s worth of work at Ezzie''s family field, then he''d go in search of Ezzie''s favorite flora that grew around the estate.


    Sometimes it only took him hours to find the seeds, other times he''d search for a couple of days. His broad-shouldered frame bent over the shrubbery, his hands searching for the seed pods. When he''d find them, he would nurture them in individual pots with his elemental leanings.


    Frey would often let Vienna join him for the plantings.


    Vienna''s smile widened as she remembered one of those days, a gloriously messy day.


    There had been recent rain.


    Vienna''s eyes were wide with wonder as she watched him coax the terra beneath his fingertips. A small violet blossom grew from the thin stalk of the herb, Frey''s hair had turned a lovely shade of lavender to match.


    It had taken several hours, but Vienna had looked on in awe at the delicate plant that he had helped to sprout and grow. By the end of the day, the two of them were covered head to toe in mud.


    In the present, Vienna''s head rested against the cupboard''s wall. She remembered Pop''s giant smile when he saw her sneak through the back door. A laugh had burst from him as that month''s tutor in that moment gave up and stormed out with a giant huff.


    He had spun her around in the air, spreading mud across the back landing. Ezzie gave the three of them a pail and rag to clean up their mess. They all did it with grins on their faces, a ''Yes, Ezzie'' on their lips.


    When they came back in, Ezzie had fresh biscuits and tea waiting for them.


    Vienna recalled Ezzie''s secret smile as she leaned down to smell the new potted plant''s blossom. She had placed it on a shelf to the left of the kitchen window. Side beside each other were many blossoms that could be found upon every surface of the kitchen.


    Sometimes Vienna would see a mixture of yearning and resignation in Ezzie''s eyes when she looked upon her beau.


    "... I''m so much older than him. I''m not sure what he sees in me..."


    The conversation from behind the cabinet wall brought Vienna back to the present. Her brows furrowed.


    Ezzie didn''t seem that much older than Frey.


    Ezzie was at a medium height with long gorgeous midnight hair that fell down her back in one long braid reminiscent of some fairytale princess. Her features didn''t show any sign of advanced age. She didn''t seem like she was anything past 30 Earth years, but Vienna had to remind herself Terra worked differently.


    From her prior knowledge Vienna knew of a certain court artificer who looked to be in his mid-twenties and yet Vienna knew he was at least a hundred.


    "It is barely twenty years." Ezzie''s sister scoffed.


    The little eavesdropper''s jaw dropped open.


    Ezzie had been a constant presence in Vienna''s life. She always imparted her wisdom in a way that never overstepped. She was professional, but kind. When Frey came into her life, her eyes finally glimmered with some hope.


    Vienna, in turn, hoped that Ezzie would find happiness.


    "I don''t know..." Ezzie''s voice drifted and Vienna could hear more soft clinks from the other side.


    A tsking sound followed. "Both your heritages allow you to age well together. Haizea, you''ll be able to have a fine partnership with Frey."


    <hr>


    Frey and Ezzie planned a spring wedding. It would be when the estate would be most beautiful. Wildflowers scattered across the grounds and the trees showed off their most vibrant dressings.


    Pop made the Thorne Estate completely available to them.


    On the wedding day, the bridal couple stood beneath a natural tree canopy pavilion by the Thorne pond.


    Frey''s light blush-colored hair matched the tips of his ears as he kissed his wife.


    All in attendance applauded.


    Some guests stood in the shade of the trees framing the property. Older ones, along with families with young ones, sat upon benches Pop himself had carved for the occasion. Others dotted the edges of the pond as the late afternoon sun reflected off their shiny silver buckles and glass buttons.


    Brilliant blues, reds, and purples dotted the entire property. Every single tenant was in attendance and the townspeople had come in their best festive clothes.


    Ezzie''s smile was the brightest Vienna had ever seen. The conflicting emotions within her eyes before had dissolved into pure love, happiness, and joy.


    When everyone was congratulating the couple, Vienna turned her head toward her father who sat beside her beneath their ''old one''.


    "Pop, can you carry me over?"


    His neat beard brushed against her cheek as he leaned over to kiss her temple, "Of course, little flower."


    They waited in the receiving line along with the others.


    As Vienna looked over the heads of all in attendance, her breath caught in her throat. The new couple looked so happy, smiling beside each other, their hands clasped together.


    Her eyes stung and her throat felt clogged, her hands tightening on her father''s tunic as he held her.


    Haizea''s eyes glanced over as if sensing her charge''s emotions, her eyes dipped into a smile. She patted Frey''s arm before parting to walk towards them.


    Haizea soon stood before them. She took Vienna into her arms and kissed the small girl on the forehead. "I''m not going anywhere."


    "I know." Vienna nibbled the inside of her lip, before throwing her arms around Ezzie''s neck, holding her tightly, "I''m glad you found what you yearned for."


    The bride''s long braid swayed and the beautiful violet ribbons woven through it fluttered as she pulled back. Her silver-blue eyes glinted as her gaze searched Vienna''s, "Thank you, little miss."


    Vienna turned toward Pop, who had patted a slightly pale Frey on the back.


    She gave the groom an encouraging smile before holding out her arms. "Switch?"


    The light pink-haired groom gathered her into his arms.


    "You have her forever now." Vienna leaned in and looked straight into his light violet eyes that matched his wife''s ribbons. "You better take good care of her..." She leaned over to his ear before whispering, "Or else."


    Frey let out a hearty chuckle. "You and your father are very much alike."


    Vienna sat back, "Well we... l...care about her very much."


    Frey''s lips corners lifted higher. His hair had shifted into light, almost white hair that ruffled as he nodded. He glanced across at his wife, the fondness radiating. "I will cherish her."


    "You better." Vienna reminded him with a hard look, and by placing her little hands on her hips. The sternness of her action was lost since Frey was holding her up. The rest faded away as Pop came over and pulled her away, with his hands right beneath her armpits, causing her to giggle.


    Pop smiled at Vienna before projecting his voice over the crowd. "Mister and Missus Rhodon should have their first dance as husband and wife." In a softer voice, he spoke to only Vienna and the new couple, "The sun has set and the lightning bugs are out."


    All in attendance went over to the prepared section of unused ground behind the manor, where the terra had been stamped down until it was firm.


    Small candles were lit around the clearing and the town''s musicians were all playing a light-stringed tune. The warm air was sweet with the treats laden upon tables before the landing of the estate.


    Vienna pointed at the sweets. "I helped make the biscuits for the wedding."


    Her father nearly skipped in excitement as he raced to the table.


    He set her down beside it before he began to pile a plate full of the biscuits.


    "Don''t eat them all, Pop!" Vienna tugged at his soft embroidered tunic. "They are for everyone!"


    He knelt, his forehead resting against hers, before nuzzling his nose against hers.


    "How could I not eat them when my precious daughter made them with her own hands?"


    "I only helped, Pop." Vienna looked down, heat rising in her cheeks as she shifted her feet.


    A jolly song began to permeate the air, something that reminded her of a jig.


    Some of the ladies gathered began dancing around, hands clasped around the couple, their voices rising into a merry song. Soon the gentlemen joined at the rise of the beat. They bowed before each maiden and once the lady took their hands, spun them up by their waists.


    Drum beats resonated through the air. Something akin to a fiddle but with fewer strings accompanied, along with some pan whistles. Vienna began clapping along with the crowd, her toes bouncing to the rhythm of the music.


    "Little flower, do you want to dance?"


    Vienna nodded. Her wavy hair wisping around her face from the light breeze that swelled around them all as she tilted her head up.


    Her laughter intermingled with the villagers and the music.


    The joy filled the air as she stood upon her father''s boots as he led her into a merry dance.


    <hr>


    Vienna discovered a week later after the wedding that Haizea''s Frey was spicy, like a cinnamon roll too.


    She had wanted to sneak an early morning biscuit, but Ezzie was already there with her sister.


    "So... how was he?"


    Ezzie let out an actual giggle. "Frey''s quite enthusiastic. He made sure I was thoroughly satisfied before he sought his own." A breathy sigh, "He''s so sweet most of the time. Who knew he could also be a beast in our chambers? I could barely walk after this sen-night."


    Vienna immediately backed away from the crack in the door. She still wasn''t quick enough to avoid catching a couple more saucy details.


    She bumped into Frey''s back in the main hall. Her face was hot. She could feel herself turn bright red as he turned to steady her. She nodded toward him in thanks, only to run away without a word.


    For several weeks afterward, Vienna would still find herself blushing every time she met Frey. The tenants who saw this couldn''t help gossiping about her first little crush.


    Why couldn''t Ezzie have talked to her sister in her own home?


    Perhaps then Vienna would stop hearing things she shouldn''t.

 Episode 9: Training Among the Trees

    Vienna and her father were fine on their own for a while.


    It was lovely to have their little corner of the world, away from everyone. Sometimes she would even forget why she had been so intent on studying each day.


    Vienna found she loved the days they would explore the estate lands together.


    The best days were those spent in the trees. Her father would lift her onto his shoulders. He''d point out the natural notches in the wood, his calloused fingers almost caressing the bark tenderly.


    "If you are unable to see up ahead, let your hands be your eyes. Always keep at least three places of contact upon the tree at all times."


    Pop would stand at the base of the tree as Vienna made her first effort to climb.


    Her fingers scraped against the rough bark at first. Her bare feet dug into the natural footholds as she lifted herself up. She''d reach a hand out, searching for the next notch, only to slip down the base of the tree. Her father would catch her before she could hurt herself too much.


    Her father would look over her scrapes and once he''d wrapped a bigger scrape on her knees.


    "Soon you won''t easily get hurt." He would always kiss the wound and then her forehead. "Soon you won''t even need me to catch you."


    Her dark brown eyes that matched the forest would dip at the corners, unspoken words caught in her throat.


    Pop would then place his forehead against hers. "I''ll always be near if you need me."


    He was right. It didn''t take her long to start to be able to almost on instinct find the different grooves on a tree. Her upper body strength was still lacking. Pop would have her hang on a low-hanging branch and lift herself.


    Her young arms turned from weak noodles to more toned limbs as the days and weeks passed.


    Her toes looked like strong little branches as they grew stronger. They learned how to grip the bark of the trees as she ascended up the trunks.


    One day when she was eight, Vienna stood on one of the higher limbs with her father.


    Pop looked at her with a smile. "Now that you''ve grown stronger, it''s time to show you how to travel using the forest as your guide."Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    Her jaw dropped as she watched her father jump from the limb they stood on to a limb across the path on another tree.


    His smile was the widest she''d ever seen. A deep bellowing laughter echoed from his chest as he saw her gobsmacked expression.


    "You''ll be able to do the same, Vienna."


    She shook her head, looking at the distance between the two trees, at least six feet away from each other.


    Her gaze lifted to see her father still with his teeth glinting in the sunlight. "First I will teach you the bo staff. It will help you, little flower, to cross the distance until your legs can make the jump unaided."


    Vienna would look forward to each dawn''s light, as it reflected off the estate''s land. Her father and her would slide forward barefoot on the grass. Arms in the air as they went through a series of exercises and stretches that reminded her of her old world''s tai chi.


    As no more tutors came to the estate, Vienna also learned from her father how to maintain the estate during the day.


    He taught her how he was assisting the tenants to cultivate their lands. The royals had set a goal for their highest-ranking nobles - those who had fought or helped their fellow people directly during the war. The nobles were tasked to get the kingdom to get back on its feet. They needed to help commerce and trade between the other kingdoms of the Continent to become more prolific. Only then would the whole Continent be able to grow and be rebuilt.


    "One day, I hope to leave this estate''s main house to the people. Perhaps it could become a primary school for the youngest ones like you once suggested. So that they could head off to the Capital and pursue a trade at the schools there. If I can help them become self-sufficient, someday this could become its little town."


    <hr>


    Later, Vienna lay beneath the Old One. Her mind drifted back to what her father had said and her hand rubbed her chest, trying to ease the sudden sharp pang.


    She didn''t like the idea of leaving the place she had come to think of as her home.


    Her eyes closed as she breathed deeply the fresh air. One of her hands fell upon the large roots that peeked out from the ground. Her other hand grasped onto the terra beneath her.


    The grass almost seemed to tremble beneath her, as if responding to her anxiety.


    She felt calm as a subtle hum echoed through her body, easing her tense muscles. Vienna''s dark lashes fluttered. She peered up at the light filtering through the large tree''s emerald adornments. Its limbs seemed to stretch up to the skies painted in corn silk blues and vibrant violets.


    The idea of someday leaving behind her father and her Old One caused a whisper to escape her. "I don''t want to leave you."


    The Old One had sheltered their picnics. It had allowed them to climb its massive limbs when Vienna trained with her Pop.


    The thrum had grown stronger and Vienna smiled up at the tree. "It''s almost like you are trying to reassure me."


    She shook her head with a small huff of laughter.


    That night before bed, as she sat on her window seat, the soothing hum surrounded her once more. She glanced away from the hand that she''d been practicing her gift on. It returned to its normal fairness as the dark brown wood grain seemed to almost vanish. She leaned on the windowsill and looked over at the Old One with a smile on her lips as she hummed a tune back.

 Episode 10: Smiles in the Stone

    The days had passed by quickly as Pop walked with her by his side.


    He would often lift her in his arms so she could see into a willowcant''s nest. A bird, only native to their area, with rainbow-colored eggs that shimmered in the light of a new day.


    He taught her how to forage the food that would be found on their table each day, supplemented with food from their small garden at the back of the estate.


    When the day came that she asked why they never ate meat, he took her out into the forest with a bow and arrow.


    They sat until an animal came into the woods. It looked much like the stags that she remembered from before, but it was much leaner with longer legs that made it stand majestically in the forest. She found herself frozen, unable even to lift the bow.


    Instinctively Vienna knew she''d never be able to kill to eat, and it wasn''t just that it was something with how the beast looked her in the eye. Once she had dropped the weapon to the ground and walked toward the creature, it bowed its head down toward her so she could place her hand on its nose.


    "Hello."


    Her fingertips trembled, and her heart felt full, like how it did when she lay beneath the old one soaking in the sun through its leaves. As her finger stroked the soft nose before her, she looked into the stag''s eyes, and the forest reflected within them. She held her breath as if afraid its movement would frighten the majestic being before her.


    The stag backed away before sprinting off without a backward glance.


    Vienna had often wondered if she felt things stronger because of what she was - a Starlight Soul. She briefly wondered this again but then shook her head. Vienna knew what ''gift'' she had asked when she was inserted into this world - and it wasn''t to be an empath. Something else was going on.


    Even lost in her thoughts, Vienna could feel the warm, reassuring presence of her father as he joined her.


    "Pop?"


    "Yes, my little flower?"


    She smiled as he still called her his ''little'' flower.


    She tilted her head up to meet his gaze.


    Her eyes wandered over his features, and she wondered if perhaps she had some heritage other than Terran.


    Her father was a good height but sometimes she got a distinct feeling that either he was slouching or somehow hiding how tall he was but she wasn''t sure exactly how and also no matter what he seemed almost like a giant in comparison to her little frame.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    "Am I... I mean... are we...?"


    "Excuse me, Duke and Miss Vienna."


    Vienna turned and gave a sour look toward Frey, who had just interrupted her.


    Frey had a talent for arriving at the most irritating times.


    Even if she still was his friend, it was annoying.


    His features had turned more tan while he worked more with his element, living with the land. His frame was bulkier than before as he had taken on the heavy lifting jobs for Ezzie, as they were expecting a little one soon.


    He was so frustratingly adorable with his stupid grin as he wiped the sweat from his brow, his hair turning light green to match the foliage.


    "What is it, Frey?"


    Frey nodded toward her father in respect, "Sir Roark has arrived and is waiting in your study. He mentioned wishing to see lil'' V as well." He boldly flashed a grin down at her and winked a striking jade-colored eye at her.


    She tsked at him and shook her head. Vienna could feel her braids flopping on either side of her head as she rolled her eyes at Frey.


    Once they arrived at the study, they found Roark with his hands behind his back, standing with the office door and the one window in his peripherals.


    "Hello, Sir Roark!"


    Vienna smiled brighter when she saw the barest sign of a twitch at the corner of his lips.


    "What brings you here, Tarin?"


    "Can I not come and visit an old friend?" His lips were crooked, and Vienna thought perhaps he was just out of practice with smiling.


    A new goal popped into her mind.


    His lapis lazuli eyes met hers at that moment as if anticipating trouble and so she shot him a disarmingly bright smile immediately. She could have sworn Roark''s eyes almost sparkled.


    "I had some spare time and thought I would come for a visit." He bent on his knee before Vienna. "How''s your education been coming along?"


    Vienna rocked back on her heels. "Pop has been teaching me!"


    Sir Roark''s eyes glanced at her father before giving her his attention. "What about your tutors?"


    "Oh, they stopped trying ages ago..." She shrugged. "They weren''t good, and almost all the ladies wanted to marry Pop."


    His ridge-like brows furrowed. "How long ago did they give up? I thought you still had a tutor here by the name of Frey Rhodon."


    "He was the nicest, but he only stayed around to marry Ezzie. We still have fun discussions sometimes. All the others just gave me books to read or asked me questions about Pop." She sighed. She pretended to count down with her fingers to figure out how much time had passed since the last tutor left. "I was seven and a half, I think? Yep, that''s when I scared off the last lady. She was quite a piece of work."


    "You didn''t tell me anything, little flower." Her father spoke worriedly from behind her.


    "Pop, you broke the wrist of that one rude one who was yanking me just a little too roughly. I thought I should take care of the mean lady."


    Roark leaned forward with an almost conspirative whisper. "Does this have anything to do with Lady Marguerite''s new fashionable haircut?"


    Vienna giggled. "Is that how she played it?" Leaning in just as conspiratively, "I wonder what she will tell a future husband when it doesn''t ever go back."


    "Vienna!"


    She didn''t have to turn around to know her Pop was trying to stop himself from laughing out loud.


    "Pop, I didn''t do anything too bad. All I did was put a little pigment dye I found into all of Lady Marguerite''s special hair products."


    Then the most glorious thing happened in the whole wide world: a loud rumble shook the stones of the house as laughter burst from Sir Roark. An enormous smile stretched his mouth wide, causing his incisors to glint brightly in the light. He leaned against the fireplace as if the usually stern ?kren had to gather up the chuckles that had spilled out before he could speak again.


    "You have a rather wonderful smile, Sir Roark."

 Episode 11: The Tale of the Forgotten

    It was a lovely day for a picnic beneath the Old One.


    Vienna smiled at Ezzie, whose features had blossomed to showcase such joy as she held one of her little ones. Frey came over, bent at the waist to kiss his wife on her temple, and shifted the other twin onto his hip as he sat down.


    "Excellent juggling, my dear." Ezzie smiled at her husband.


    Vienna reached out to grab a biscuit from the tray Frey had set down.


    After munching on the delicious jam-filled biscuit, she took a sip of her from her tea mug. Her eyes smiled over the rim as she watched the small family.


    One of the twins suddenly hovered in her peripherals as Frey bent down to offer the little boy to her.


    "Are you sure?" Vienna''s eyes glanced at the child and then back at Ezzie.


    Ezzie laughed. "There is no danger to hold him, Miss Vienna."


    "Just ''Vienna,'' please, Ezzie." Vienna withheld a sigh. Her friend merely shook her head with a smile and gestured to Frey. Vienna turned to receive the little one in her arms.


    Fluffy peach-blossom hair ombr¨¦ into a soft sage green that matched Vienna''s overdress. Vienna held the baby carefully in the crook of her arm and watched transfixed as the big eyes peering up beneath light green eyelashes turned brown to match hers.


    "Garren there has taken after me the most. He''s begun using his Elem?irdis inheritance to explore the world around him."


    Frey laughed as Vienna''s mouth opened in question.


    The bout of laughter startled his little daughter, who had just fallen asleep upon her mother''s bosom.


    "My mother''s family were all of ?kren descendants. My father had both ?kren on his paternal side and Elem?irdis on his maternal side. Growing up in the hills with my attributes was not uncommon."


    Vienna gazed down at the little boy in her arms while his searching eyes explored all her features as if memorizing them. The twins were barely a couple of months old, and yet already he gestured up at the sky with a look full of wonder. Vienna suddenly giggled, and little Garren followed. One of his hands mirthfully grabbed onto the front of her dress tightly. Vienna reached out with her fingertips, marveling at how soft his small hand was. He let go of her dress, only to grab onto her fingers and refuse to let go.


    Ezzie''s soft voice spoke up. "Most have a similar ancestry around here. My mother has the same."


    Vienna looked up, dazzled by the rapt attention of the little bundle in her arms, her eyes catching another pair staring at her from Ezzie''s arms. Bright emerald green like the leaves overhead.


    <hr>


    Vienna skipped through the manor''s halls with a large grin on her face, a whisper of satisfaction escaping her. "It''s been a good day."


    As she passed by the hallway that led to her father''s study and the library, she heard a familiar timber of voices and changed directions from the stairs.


    Her father''s study door was open slightly, the light from within spilling into the hallway. Vienna placed her hand upon the door handle, a relieved sigh escaping her thanks to the fact she didn''t need stairs to reach it anymore, even if her head barely came above it. As she pushed open the door, she peeked around it to find Roark standing by the fireplace, one of their mugs in his hands while he gestured with the other.


    "You have protected... it''s time to... for the... kingdom.." His voice was so low she could only capture snippets of it.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Vienna started to close the door again when her father looked up from his work, a bright smile alighting his features.


    "Little flower, come in."


    Vienna opened the door again and glanced at Roark, who gave her his customary small smile before she reached her father, who lifted her immediately onto his lap. Even at eight her legs dangled above the ground. A small sigh escaped her before she looked up at her father who was looking down at her.


    "He wishes to teach you."


    Her mouth parted, eyes widening as she looked over at the prime minister.


    "Aren''t you too busy, Sir Roark?"


    Roark tilted his head as he peered down at her. "I already come by frequently. Winden tells me you''ve done well with self-study. I could drop off your assignments when I''m here once a month along with the Capital''s resources."


    Vienna leaned forward, her hands on her father''s desk, "From the library at the fortress?"


    "Among other locations."


    Vienna immediately turned her head up. "Pop, can I?"


    Her father''s eyebrows furrowed for a moment as he glanced at Roark, an understanding passing between them before he looked back down at her, his face''s wrinkles smoothing over.


    "How could I say no when faced with such elation?"


    <hr>


    It wasn''t long before she turned nine.


    Vienna would peruse the scrolls and books Roark lent her from the Capital, fingertips trailing along old passages of the ''days before''.


    Worry sometimes would overwhelm her. What if Roark abandoned her when he realized she was nothing special? In another life, her parents had thought her a prodigy, but when reaching adolescence, everything she did was mediocre in comparison to her peers.


    In the meantime, she enjoyed it when he dropped off his lesson plans every two weeks, as long as none of his Prime Minister duties kept him from coming by. He would then check over her work and they would have lovely discussions about the different kingdoms within and outside the Continent.


    It was on one such visit that she asked about something that had been bothering her for some time.


    "Why are the beings of the Disappearing Isles known as the Forgotten?"


    Roark had looked up from grading her assignments. He quietly gazed at her for a couple of moments.


    Vienna watched his expressions intently. She had long since learned how to watch for his micro-expressions that others might miss. His face had a rocky ridged brow and boulder-like cheekbones. The smallest movements could showcase a myriad of emotions.


    Sir Roark lowered one eyelid and his opposite eyebrow, which indicated he was trying to be strategic with his next words.


    When she was younger, it began with the widening and occasional of his eyes, until she grew older and they narrowed more frequently, gaining a calculative glint.


    "Unlike in the books, where the ?kren and Elem?irdis are described as private beings, but there are still some details missing. With the Forgotten race, there is nothing. All anyone knows is they kept to themselves and then they were all gone. How did they go extinct? They couldn''t have just vanished! A race that was intelligent and intuitive couldn''t just go poof!"


    Sir Roark turned toward her, the calculative glint replaced by one of curiosity.


    His eyes narrowed though, "How do you know they were intelligent and intuitive? If there is nothing written about them?"


    "Just a feeling."


    It''s not like she could tell him that it was one of the few background details the ''game'' did mention. Especially since there were so many things the ''game'' had gotten only halfway right, she''d learned time and time again that this world was the original. The ''game'' had begun to become a distant memory.


    His lapis lazuli gaze stayed intent even as he responded to her previous questions, "They disappeared long before the Dark Age truly even began."


    Sir Roark''s head shook. There was a sense of heaviness in his features that made Vienna''s heartache. "It is said that they were a peaceful people; if someone came upon the isles, they would treat them hospitably. Perhaps this was their downfall. As time went on, they would give and others would take, but not give in return." Roark sat back and turned his attention to the small library window where one of the estate''s trees tapped on the pane with its limbs fingertips. "The visitors then took it further..."


    Vienna swallowed and took a large breath through her nose. Her fists tightened in her lap, her nails dug into her palms.


    "Why didn''t they fight back?"


    Roark''s posture tensed. "It''s nearly a thousand years old now. It all ended before I was born."


    Eight hundred years of life and Roark had lived through so much suffering and injustices during the end of the Dark Age. He fought in the Great War alongside her father, the King and Queen. He had seen so much of Terra''s history in the making.


    He continued, "Long ago, I found an account that told of that time."


    She nearly leaped forward in eagerness. "What did it say?"


    Roark looked back at Vienna. His arms crossed over his broad chest, and his long eyelashes fluttered as he looked down.


    "The Forgotten kind do not age as the rest of the beings on Terra do. In fact, of all the races of Terra, they perhaps were the most vulnerable to that factor. Once their elders were harmed and died, then all that was left were children who had yet to reach their full inheritance." He swallowed, "The ?kren have always felt kinship to the long Forgotten kind, for their similar connection to the land and nature. We understand the need to stay connected to it more than the rest; before the War, we too had been a peaceful people."

 Episode 12: A Late Apology is Better Than None

    Vienna lay out beneath Old One, her eyes closed, enjoying the sunlight that filtered through the branches above her. She reached out a hand and rested it against the base of the trunk. A long sigh escaped her as she relaxed further. The tenseness from the previous night''s nightmare melted away as she lay cradled in the embrace of her favorite tree.


    Her peace was broken as she heard the clearing of a throat.


    "What is it, Frey?" She raised her arms in the air, waiting for one of the now familiar weights of the Rhodons'' twins in her arms.


    Simple silence met her.


    She let out a breath and resisted the urge to open one eye. The warmth of the afternoon was far too inviting, "Well...don''t you need me to hold one of the twins?"


    Still, no answer came, which was unusual for Frey. She''d at least expect an awkward chuckle.


    This time she couldn''t stop herself from peeking one of her eyes open. No grinning ?kren with Elem?irdis hair and Terran laughing grass green eyes, nor one of his rambunctious pair of twins jumped upon Vienna.


    Vienna sprung up and hid behind the Old One.


    The figure that met her eyes was one she hadn''t seen in five years. His visage was familiar to a 3d animation that still tickled her at the back of her mind.


    "What are you doing here, Your Highness?"


    The figure shifted on his feet, and if Vienna didn''t know better, she would have thought his face looked unsure.


    "I sent letters to apologize."


    "What letters?" Her brown eyes narrowed as they peered at the teen prince.


    The tall boy with midnight hair and dark gaze came forward with his hands twisting worn riding gloves in his hands. One of his hands came up as if he were approaching a cornered, frightened animal.


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.Vienna couldn''t understand why he was there in front of her. She had been only four back at their first meeting. She was nine and a half now. This marked the end of five years without contact between her and the prince. The two other times she''d visited the fortress since that day, he stumbled through her in the library. Her father or Roark was always beside her. By some chance, she met only Uncle Wolf and Aunt Sev, never their son.


    "I submitted several formal requests to your father - expressing my wish to apologize to you - I don''t suppose you... no, you do remember... but the Duke always rejected them."


    Vienna watched in surprise as the crown prince sat on the ground. He watched her every reaction as if ready to do whatever must be done not to frighten her. His head was bowed as he sat cross-legged at the foot of the Old One.


    The prince was different, not like how all ''characters'' thus far seemed to be, but he''d changed from how he''d appeared before. He had been so rough with her when he''d been eight, but now his gaze was almost humble. His dark eyes turned down and away from her.


    "Why are you here now, your highness?" Vienna stood to the side of the tree, her hand placed on it for reassurance.


    The crown prince was thirteen now. His chin looked like it fit his face more than he had grown into his sharper features well. Vienna tilted her head as she considered his raw attractive appeal and the danger that seemed to still cling to the edges of him.


    She shook her head to clear her thoughts and remain in the present.


    The prince rose. He brushed off his tunic before he folded his hands behind his back and bowed towards where Vienna stood behind the tree.


    "Please accept my deepest apologies, Lady Vienna Thorne. I treated you with utter disrespect when I first met you. I hurt and scared you. Any other person would have been tried for assaulting another. Due to my privilege, I got away with it."


    "You are wrong."


    The prince looked up, and a stray black curl fell in front of his wide, blinking black eyes.


    "The reason I didn''t get you in trouble wasn''t due to your identity, Prince Basilius, it was because you were a child." Vienna forced a shrug, "All children make mistakes. That is how we learn."


    Vienna wasn''t sure why the prince had bothered to come to see her for something that had happened so long ago.


    "I have long since forgiven you, your highness." A wave of reassurance flooded her soul. Vienna gazed up at the wide limbs of the Old One in gratitude.


    She took a breath before continuing. "Thank you for traveling here. Would you like some tea and biscuits before returning?"


    He nodded.


    He walked alongside her, shortening his long strides so she could keep up with them as they made their way up the pathway to the manor.


    Vienna kept him in the corner of her eye, looking away when he looked towards her. Her heart beat still a bit too fast than normal but she knew she couldn''t allow her fear to make her impolite. She was her father''s daughter. She would show the royal what it meant to be given hospitality by the Thornes.

 Episode 13: Warmth & a Request (POV Ravven Basilius)

    When Ravven followed Lady Vienna into the kitchen, he didn''t even look back at the room they had passed. He was far too used to empty dining rooms and waiting.


    The young girl had seemed surprised that he was willing to be seen in the humble kitchen. She was quick to kneel before the cold hearth and start a small fire.


    As the warmth began to permeate the room, he felt her gaze upon his pale hands, still grasping his gloves tightly.


    She gestured to the bench in front of the blaze. "This is the warmest seat, Your Highness."


    He nodded his thanks. He pulled the bench out to sit, his long legs having enough room beneath the large wooden table.


    "You may address me by my name, Lady Vienna."


    She seemed to freeze on the other side of the table as she laid out utensils beside him.


    "Your..." She started moving again after she breathed, "Ravven, you may drop the formalities with me as well."


    A breath he didn''t know he was holding passed in a rush from his lips. Ravven reminded himself to smile.


    She wasn''t looking though, her focus on setting the table before him.


    Ravven''s gaze wandered around the room. Herbs hung drying, shelves carried flowering pots with bright blossoms of violet, delicate pinks, and even some yellows framed the room lifting the darkness. It felt as if the air was alive and breathing.


    The fire behind him crackled softly. The comforting smell of wood smoke reminded him of going on small expeditions with his father to oversee the kingdom and the campfires as his father leaned forward, telling him stories of the past.


    His back felt warm. His fingertips tingle as the feeling comes back into them.


    A movement to his side showed Lady Vienna setting a kettle above the fire to boil.


    "Don''t you have someone to do that for you?" His lips twitched as he saw her give a slight eye roll while warming some biscuits.


    As she finished, her hands dropped to her apron. He watched them tighten and his lips became a thin line as he saw how they shook.


    Ravven''s heart tightened and swallowed before turning to face the table, his hands clenched in his lap.


    Her voice was soft and lilting. "We only have Ezzie. She recently had two little ones, so she doesn''t come as often. She taught me how to care for myself and the basics of home care. Pop and I do fine."


    Ravven watched from the corner of his eye as Vienna made her way to the window. She leaned forward to open it and peered outside.


    "Is your shadow knight available for tea and biscuits?"


    Ravven stood and walked to her side. "I would call her in, but I doubt she''d agree."


    At the sound of his voice, a small, mus-like squeak was heard by his side as the girl startled before scampering away.


    The teapot whistled and her features relaxed in relief as she scurried to grab it.


    He watched, guilt running through his veins, "You were scared of me then too. I suppose it hasn''t changed." His voice had become a whisper. He waited for her to leave the hearth and set the food down.


    His black boots clicked against the cobblestone of the kitchen floor before he set his hands and leaned forward. His head dipped low to catch the look in her eyes, "Why are you still afraid of me? I promise I will never hurt you again."


    The girl kept his gaze for a short time before looking back down. She shifted in her seat across from him as she shook her head. A small, self-deprecating laugh came from beneath her breath.


    "It doesn''t take much to change a person."


    Ravven knew this to be true. In only a few brief moments, everything had changed for him when I first met this Vienna Thorne.


    <hr>


    The next time Ravven was at the Thorne estate he found himself walking the grounds, searching for Vienna.


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.As he reached the forest surrounding the estate, the object of his quest dropped in front of him, causing him to jump back.


    Ravven found himself blinking at her sudden appearance. His hand lifted on instinct to stop Knight from drawing her sword.


    Vienna stood strong, her head tilted high, with her long brown hair swinging behind her. Her hands held a staff that took the full impact from her jump to the terra.


    Vienna''s round eyes stared at him for a moment as if she had to remember who he was.


    "Oh, it''s you."


    Her eyes drifted to Knight by his side and she moved carefully to place her staff against a nearby tree.


    "You are back."


    Ravven nodded before asking Knight to let Duke Thorne know he was there.


    "Do not travel far, Your Highness."


    When he looked back at Vienna, he caught her curious gaze. A wry look passed through his features.


    He gestured towards the worn path back to the estate.


    "As I''ve told you before, I wrote you letters of apology for many months after the event that occurred when I was eight." He looked down at the path''s dust coating his boots. "After no success, I approached your father when he came to court..."


    His gaze went fuzzy as his thoughts became full. He had been so scared and confused back then. One moment he''d been a young prince of barely eight and then suddenly he had a whole life of memories filling his mind.


    The fear was overwhelming as he began to second guess everything and everyone around him, hiding within his rooms. Curled beneath his blankets, hands clutching his ears and his eyes closed tight as if he could block out the thoughts that assailed him.


    His parents had come at the week''s end, checking in on him. Worry is shown by wrinkles across foreheads and pursed lips. His mother had carefully unwrapped him from his blankets and both sat beside him; neither asking what was the matter, merely staying by his side. His mother stroked his hair and his father patted his back.


    It was so different from what the memories plagued him with, of a king and queen who seemed accommodating but distant. The Other had not been grateful for everything that was given him but instead had grown up spoiled and entitled. He took for granted the unconditional care of his parents and the kindness shown by his friend, Vienna Thorne.


    "Your Highness?"


    Ravven blinked, his mind clearing sluggishly.


    "Ravven, are you alright?"


    His gaze came up and met the face of the Vienna Thorne that stood before him in the present. So unlike the Other''s Vienna, and yet there was a kindness in her eyes that was similar.


    He hummed under his breath before walking to the forest tree line. He stopped and looked over the land in front of him. His eyes wandered from the pond at the front of the estate to the gazebo created by a circle of trees upon a terran platform.


    "I realized I had much to change. I approached the Prime Minister after I failed in my quest to apologize." Ravven looked into confused fawn eyes, "The event taught me that I had much to improve on if I ever wish to follow my parents'' example."


    Her undivided attention made him want to squirm. He resisted the urge. He felt his cheeks heat up.


    "When Sir Roark believed me ready, he brought me before your father."


    For all Duke Thorne''s gentleness when he was before his daughter, he was an intimidating presence. The Duke was taller, and in his eyes was a piercing agelessness that only the wisest of Terra possessed.


    Even with all the preparation and tutelage from Sir Roark, Ravven still felt a shiver of dread run down his spine whenever he approached the duke.


    In the present, a wry smile came across Ravven''s lips. "Duke Thorne would allow me to meet with you as long as I followed his guidelines."


    Ravven looked at the girl, who had remained silent through all his contemplation. "It''s all worth it if I can see you again."


    Vienna broke her silence. "Why?"


    He frowned. "There is someone I do not wish to become..."


    Ravven took a breath. He knew it was a risk. He''d learned this quickly, though nothing worthwhile wasn''t without its challenges.


    "I wish to become your friend, Lady Vienna Thorne."


    This time, the fear was unmistakable in her gaze. The young girl stepped back. Her hands clenched the hem of her tunic as she stared down at the ground.


    Ravven wanted to reach out to her, while at the same time, he wished to run away and never come back.


    His throat felt dry. He cleared it before speaking up, "I only wish to start again with you Lady Vienna, and become acquainted."


    He let out a breath. Although he regretted frightening such a pure bright soul, he couldn''t regret meeting her. If he hadn''t met her, he wouldn''t know what he had to change. He would be eternally grateful just for that alone.


    "I..." Her voice drifted off and her gaze seemed to hover above his head, looking up at the blue sky above. "I don''t know if I..." she sighed before looking straight into his eyes. "I don''t know if I''ll be able to be your friend, Your Highness."


    The formality caused his heart to sink.


    It made sense; he told himself. From the memory he gained of this Vienna Thorne in the Before, he knew she was aware of some of the happenings that occurred in the other timeline. She had valid reasons to be wary of someone who betrayed a childhood friend.


    His smile was subdued in return.


    "Sir Roark boasts of your mind. I would be honored if you could allow me to have discussions with you."


    She acquiesced on the basis that the meetings would end whenever she wished.


    He held back a sigh of relief before smiling and thanking her.


    It was better than nothing.


    This Vienna was the only one who could ever understand the sense of otherness that seemed to permeate his being. Ravven hoped that with time, she''d be able to trust him. If so, then maybe he wouldn''t feel so alone.

 Episode 14: Seeking Understanding

    One day, Ezzie found Vienna trembling by the kitchen window, her frame shaking as she held onto the sill with both hands to stop from falling over.


    Her father was chasing the prince off the property again.


    "What happened?"


    "V!" "V!" Two cute baby cinnamon roll voices chimed from behind Vienna. She turned around to find the twins running her way. She swept them into her arms.


    She watched as both wrinkled their noses and closed their eyes, their hair fluttering between pastel pinks and blues until it darkened into a rich tree-bark brown.


    "I see you two have been practicing." Vienna ran her hands through their locks, a smile upon her lips, before giving them both a kiss on the forehead. She knelt before them and smiled at how they rose above her position on the ground. They had another growth spurt. "You two are going to outgrow me soon."


    Vienna heard Ezzie clearing her throat.


    "So tell me, what has the prince done now?"


    "It seems Papa caught him visiting without Knight." Vienna shook her head. Her father only allowed the prince to visit if he had a chaperone with him; usually his silent shadow knight, Knight.


    The prince had been relentless in his visits since he won the right to visit four years ago.


    Her father may have allowed the prince to visit, but this did not stop him from chasing him off the property if he overstayed his welcome.


    To Pop, ''overstaying'' meant anytime he was visiting, especially when Pop was available to spend time with Vienna.


    Her father had a mysterious ability to always sense what she needed before she ever voiced it aloud. Vienna might have forgiven the crown prince, but her wariness meant her father would always be on guard as well.


    "I want to see!"


    "Please, Auntie V!"


    Vienna''s heart warmed as she heard the twins calling her their favorite nickname. She helped them up on the stool by the door so they could watch as Pop rode his steed and chased the prince down the road.


    Vienna looked away and shook her head. She never understood why the prince was so insistent on being her friend.


    Vienna''s tea had cooled at her side. She picked it up from the counter and walked over to the kitchen table. The little ones left behind looked through the window from their stool.


    Ezzie had already set out some more tea and Vienna went to open the biscuit clay box. She took out four biscuits, setting them on one of the handmade terranwares she had made once upon a time with Ezzie when she''d broken the wash basin.


    The smallest of the twins and the youngest, Taryn, turned from the window at the sweet smell. She clapped her hands. "Biscuits!"This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    Garren stayed at the windowsill. His little fingers gripped the surface as his wide eyes observed everything that was happening outside.


    Ezzie walked up to join her son by the window. Vienna felt as she glanced her way.


    "The prince isn''t as he once was..." The mother''s hands ran through her son''s hair, which had flickered to midnight to match his mother''s.


    Ezzie continued, "I remember seeing him at his first victory day parade. So small, his back ramrod straight. He didn''t like being touched by anyone and flinched whenever someone got close. He''s more expressive now. I think you might have helped him, miss."


    Vienna set a small plate with a biscuit laden with Taryn''s favorite jam in front of the small girl before sitting across from her.


    "I don''t know about that." She pursed her lips. After she accepted his apology that first day, he would occasionally come over the last couple of years. He seemed to always time it when her father was in the Capital.


    Vienna wasn''t sure why he hadn''t just stopped coming.


    She''d offer him tea, and then they''d sit in awkward silence. Prince Ravven would then try to ask her about what she was learning lately from Sir Roark, and she''d mention something she found interesting. He''d make a light comment and then return to the awful silences.


    Vienna had no idea why he kept coming back.


    He had to have other friends, right?


    <hr>


    The next time the crown prince visited Vienna, she suggested a walk around the grounds.


    When he agreed, they walked down the path that wove through the estate''s forest. The shadow of Knight followed stealthily behind them.


    Vienna trailed her hands along the trees that bordered the estate lands. Several tenants passed them and they exchanged waves.


    She turned toward the sixteen-year-old. She was tired of the same patterns they had fallen under.


    "Your Highness, may I ask you a couple of questions?"


    She caught his sigh. She never could get used to calling him by his first name. They paused. The light filtering through the leaves played with the shadows across his sharp features.


    He gave a quick nod. "Ask away, Lady Thorne."


    Vienna felt like one of those moths pinned to a corkboard the way his eyes were fixed upon her.


    A slight breeze caused one of his ebony curls to fall, interrupting his intense gaze and allowing her to blink and refocus her thoughts.


    "I''ve wondered why you have always come back here. I''m sure there have to be many others that would be more interesting. Perhaps someone closer to your age in the capital..." Vienna''s words drifted as she saw the sombreness in his eyes. She always felt the oddest sensation of guilt when he''d get that look. Like with each of her words, she was driving a stake through his heart.


    Vienna looked away for a moment. Each question she wished to ask seemed rude or too self-righteous. "You must be very busy as the only prince in the kingdom. Why do you take the time to come out here and spend time with me?"


    His lips parted as if lost for words.


    He stepped closer to her, his shadow eclipsing hers.


    "You are the only one who can understand."


    Vienna furrowed her brow. "I''m sure if you speak to your father; he''d listen."


    She tilted her head and wrinkled her nose, thinking about the things she didn''t want to know that a teenage boy could be thinking about. "I''m not sure how much help I could be."


    If it was a ''phase,'' his riding a couple of hours out to the countryside to see her still didn''t make sense.


    "Your Highness, I suppose what I''m worried about is that you don''t have any friends your age that you are associating with..." Vienna metered off when she saw the stormy expression on his features.


    "No." He tilted his head down. He looked into her eyes before stepping back and striding out into the field a few paces away from her, his hands held clenched behind his back. He let out a long, blustery sigh. His head was thrown back and tilted toward the sky, a whisper escaping him. "I wonder what it truly means to be free."


    Vienna sighed from behind him, a small "I don''t know" slipping from her lips before she could stop it.


    The prince turned to catch her eye, and she wondered if perhaps they were alike somehow, but Vienna''s world was so small already and she wasn''t sure she could open it up to another person, especially to someone so dangerous.

 Episode 15: Lady Adeena Nesrin

    Vienna had gone to the Capital with her father. Pop suggested she check out the trade school that she would go to after she turned sixteen, while he attended his council meeting. Vienna was escorted through the cobblestone streets of the capital by Ezzie''s flame-haired sister. The central area consisted mostly of what looked like old noble structures and palaces that had been converted into community buildings in wonder.


    The trade school was very interesting. In the years since its establishment after the war, slowly but surely more and more trades were added and now there were more intriguing areas of study for Vienna than farming and blacksmithing. Now there was a program for artificer apprenticeship, ?kren stewardship of the land, steelwork, merchants guild calculation courses, apprentice scouts, and even the occasional architectural student. The Capital Academy showed signs of steady growth, year over year, in the way new buildings were slowly spiraling out from the older central institution. Vienna knew that other kingdoms had their academies - with their specialties - and it seemed the Capital Academy had plans to create a collegiate atmosphere with regular visiting professors. It was a worthy goal. Vienna couldn''t stop smiling at the work that the Capital was doing to make the day-to-day quality of life the best it could be. Of course, they were also hopeful to put a strong guardrail down so that there wouldn''t be a repeat of the Dark Age anytime soon.


    It was when Vienna was in one of the newly opened shops by the wharf that she first caught a flash of something golden out of the corner of her eye. A few years ago she might not have shrugged it off; she was no longer as paranoid as she once was. It wasn''t until she was looking at a hand-embroidered linen that she noticed the girl who had walked up to her right side. Her fingertips were following the vine-like patterns on an embroidered linen and she had just raised her head to ask the shopkeeper about it. The fabric was heavy enough that it could be made into multiple pieces of clothing as well as some household items. She had been entrusted with a healthy budget that day which she could spend in one of these newer stores. Vienna looked forward to supporting a small business - she remembered her father smiling out over the bustling Capital Square, clearly pleased with the activity.


    As she looked up, Vienna''s brown eyes suddenly met a set of piercing sky blue framed in golden eyelashes. The girl in front of her also had placed a possessive hand on the linen and scowled intensely as soon as she met Vienna''s gaze.


    Vienna dropped the cloth and stumbled back, her breath caught in her throat and turned into a gasp when she bumped into someone behind her.


    "You stepped on my dress, you silly girl!"


    Her tree bark eyes turned and raised tentatively in apology, "Pardon me, Merchant Florinteus."


    Vienna''s mind was still reeling about the girl she''d seen while the woman who was on the merchant council stared down over her nose at Vienna.


    "You are Duke Thorne''s child, aren''t you?"


    Vienna could feel the back of her head itch as she sensed an intense stare she was receiving from behind. She hid her clenched hands in her pockets to stop herself from reaching back and scratching the back of her head.


    "Yes." Vienna nodded furtively, "I apologize for bumping into you. If you like I could have your dress cleaned?"


    The woman gestured away the notion. "I noticed you admiring the new linen. Fine work isn''t it? I was the sponsor for this shop, it''s quite promising." The woman looked around the area at several dress forms here and there, her hand caressing an almost silken textured cloth. "I would have allowed your first pick, however, I promised my companion already."


    "Oh." Vienna mouthed, giving a verbal shrug, "Then I must take my leave, good day." Vienna took steps to get away and leave the store. Quickly. She needed to circle away from this place without attracting any more attention.


    "Adeena, was there anything that caught your eye?"This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    The voice that followed was what one would expect from a story''s protagonist; musical, softer tones with an elegance that prevailed over each syllable.


    "This cloth, though rather simple, has an interesting design."


    Vienna by this time had made a full circle around the edges of the store. She made her way quickly towards the exit without drawing too much attention to herself. However, just as she made it to the door, the ''heroine''s'' gaze met hers and brought her to a sudden halt.


    "I''m sure I could elevate it."


    Merchant Florinteus spoke from behind them, "How much would you like, Lady Nesrin?" Fluttering her golden lashes over almond-shaped eyes, a small smirk formed on the opposing twelve-year-old''s lips, "I''ll take all of it."


    The merchant let out a small gasp and laughter, "Oh to be young again! Surely you could leave at least something behind for Lady Thorne."


    Vienna shook her head, "Please take it all!"


    She ran outside searching for the crimson hair of Ezzie''s sister. She was supposed to be shopping nearby along the wharf, but she was nowhere in sight.


    Vienna could feel as her heart began to flutter erratically in her chest.


    "This can''t be happening." Her voice was coming out strangled from her throat and she felt as if she could not breathe. Suddenly all she could think about was getting away but before she could a hand clamped down upon her own tightly.


    "Merchant Florinteus, I think I am going to have a light tea with Lady Thorne while my wares are prepared."


    The hand upon Vienna''s own tightened as Vienna tried to get away and an almost sickly sweet voice whispered in her ear, "It''s best not to make a scene. Won''t you join me for some tea?"


    The ''heroine'' pulled her down the lane to a small eatery that was next to one of the custom seamstress shops.


    Despite the panic flooding her system Vienna knew she needed to stay calm, at least until she had another chance to run away. Taking a deep breath she straightened as the girl named Adeena Nesrin took her by the hand to a small spot in the eatery to the prime table by the window.


    Vienna reminded herself; she had learned that things weren''t as they seemed in this world. The ''game'' had been merely a game inspired by a real dimension that she had lived in for twelve years. It was lush with beauty and history; Vienna had come to love it dearly.


    Now she sat before another person who once had been just a character to her and Vienna wasn''t sure what to make of her.


    Adeena Nesrin was a beauty even at the tender age of twelve, not quite a teen or even at the cusp of womanhood. Yet her cheeks were alight with a subtle peach tint, her hair looked like spun strands of gold curled neatly on framing her cheeks, and her clear blue eyes reflected the light in an almost eerie sort of way. Her already full lips were pulled in what others might have thought to be a smile but the more Vienna looked she could see the tenseness in the corner of her eyes and the slight twitch of her pinky finger as she lifted her teacup up to her lips, before she wrinkled her nose from the taste.


    Vienna broke their locked gaze to look outside, brown eyes still searching for a sign of Ezzie''s sister or perhaps even her father. "I''m not who you think I am."


    Adeena''s head tilted to the side as she peered across the distance at Vienna. Her dainty fingers took a small wooden spoon with pursed lips of dissatisfaction before stirring in some crystalized sugar into her tea. A small satisfied sound escaped her as she took a sip of the sweeter tea, her teacup hovered partially in the air as a bitter tilt appeared upon her lips, "I don''t care."


    Vienna gazed almost straight at the girl, her voice quiet but desperate, "I won''t get in your way. I just want to live happily with my father. I''ll stay away from everyone else."


    The ''heroine''s'' spoon clinked against her saucer, "You are already in my way." Her eyes narrowed across the way and her small delicate piece of pottery teacup cracked in her hands.


    "I don''t like things in my way."


    Vienna could feel her heart hammer in her throat, she swallowed thickly and this time she ran away and she didn''t look back. Her heart felt like it was breaking and she found her thoughts were all jumbling together, as old fears started to eclipse her world once more.


    <hr>


    [Special POV of Adeena Nesrin]


    The world was duller than she remembered it once upon a time.


    It had seemed so much brighter and new when she was younger and more innocent.


    Let out of her gilded cage the world outside of it meant new experiences, faces, and new things to possess.


    The girl was smaller than she remembered, so tiny and unassuming. Hardly a threat at all, but as soon as her eyes met those deep brown something clawed itself up her throat and a growl nearly ripped from her throat. How she wished she could have reached across the aisle just then and finished it then and there. It would have been so simple. She was so tiny. A simple fall most likely could do it.


    It didn''t matter that she wasn''t the same Vienna Thorne from before, she had seen other memories when she''d met her eyes for the first time this time.


    A strange silver room. A disturbing being with a multitude of arms. A little girl crying about how she didn''t want to cross paths with the ''heroine''.


    A grim smile came upon Adeena''s lips.


    Vienna would always be a thorn in Adeena''s side.


    Close to the royal family through her father, Duke Winden Thorne, she was always in the way. Adeena barely refrained from clenching her teeth as she looked out the window of the eatery before glancing back at the empty chair in front of her.


    Perhaps if she played her cards just right the girl would disappear entirely.


    [End of Special POV]

 Episode 16: Victory Day Festival

    "Little flower, I can hold you if you like?"


    Vienna shook her head but reached up to hold his hand. His warm calloused fingers tightened around hers bringing her some comfort.


    The Capital was alive for the Victory Day celebrations but Vienna couldn''t allow herself to relax. Every glimpse of blonde hair made her more jumpy.


    "Little flower?"


    Vienna squeezed her Pop''s hand tight.


    They walked down the cobblestone streets heading toward the center of the city where the conservatory greenhouse sat. It hosted all of the Capital''s farmland during the wintertime.


    The beautiful glass structure rose above their heads as they neared the town center. In front of it was a wooden stage.


    "Will Aunt Sev and Uncle Wolf give speeches?"


    Her father shook his head, "Today is a day for the people. It''s a celebration of their freedom, a return to the old ways, and a day for rebuilding."


    The grand event opened up with Prime Minister Roark announcing the year''s new innovators. The innovators stepped forward to show off their new designs and ideas. Students from the academy showed demonstrations. The ?kren shared their harvests. The artificers shared their licensed P¨­rteacaleum made products and answered requests.


    "Sev and Wolf will walk among the people today."


    Vienna understood it was a way to show their people they were just like them.


    After the presentations, her father walked her along the streets looking at the beautiful celebration decorations adorning the stonework of the Capital. The fluttering flags of emerald and gold and the happy chatter of the crowds helped Vienna be distracted for a short while even if her mind''s eye was always looking out for a certain golden-haired maiden.


    "Duke Thorne!"


    Pop turned to find a man striding their way, his family behind him had arms filled with the fresh harvest.


    "Roland!"


    Her father and the terran with light brown hair grinned at each other embracing before her father greeted the family as well.


    "This must be Asena''s daughter." Roland turned toward Vienna who gave a smile in return.


    "Good day, I''m Vienna."Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Roland''s family nodded toward Pop and Vienna before they all adjourned to Roland''s home. Pop had offered to help plant the seedlings they had received from the festivities.


    Roland''s three young children pulled at Vienna''s skirts as they led her through the home to their back garden.


    Excitedly they pointed out their garden pots, while Vienna nodded along.


    Through an open window, the voices of the parents and Pop drifted through.


    "Perhaps the rumors were true about Asena''s family after all."


    "Your Vienna is quite small for her age. If she had Okren descent it would be understandable."


    Pop''s voice was too low to hear so Vienna bent back over the pots. Kneeling beside them she got lost in her thoughts as her hands followed old patterns Frey taught her. Her hands sank deep into the terra as they dug a hole before placing the seedling in and then patting the soil around it. Breathing in the smell of watered soil made her muscles relax.


    The tree branches that lined the small walled courtyard swayed in the breeze letting her breathe a sigh of relief. It felt almost like the branches were arms reaching out towards her seeking her out to provide her comfort during her time of uncertainty.


    Her tears had wet the ground of Terra for many days after that first meeting with Adeena Nesrin. The flower faces turned up to the sunlight as she patted the ground around them. She secured the blossom stems in place before checking on the vegetable patches. Her fingers trailed across the leaves and the dirt beds to make sure that the roots were deep and steady like Frey had taught her.


    There was an expectant feeling in the air at home as if the very world around her was holding its breath waiting for something to occur.


    The wind whipped around her, cooling her cheeks and refreshing her after her hard work.


    Vienna came out from behind the walled garden wiping her hands on the rag provided by the household. Her gaze raised up and met the dark gaze of the crown prince across the way.


    So intent as always, she could never know what he was thinking.


    She tensed and the moment seemed to freeze in time. She could only watch as a golden-haired girl slipped her hand into the prince''s and rose on her tiptoes to kiss him on his cheek.


    The girl was all too familiar.


    Vienna covered her mouth to stop the scream that threatened to escape her as she watched as the prince grabbed onto Adeena with both hands.


    It was happening.


    Everything she hoped would not.


    <hr>


    [Special POV Ravven Basilius]


    Ravven had seen Vienna and her father walking through the streets. He had felt an odd dissonance as if something were out of place, like the wrong puzzle piece placed in the holding space. He felt the nervous energy of the day affecting him even as he smiled and walked alongside his parents that day.


    Then it all changed.


    A girl came up to him, far too familiar, a girl he''d seen in his nightmares of the Other. She came up to him with a simpering smile and a soft voice. He was going to walk past her. He hoped only to ignore the girl who''d ruined another life. She didn''t let him as she walked right up to him, slipped her hand in his, and kissed his cheek.


    "Hello, my prince."


    Every inch of him froze. He felt coldness run through his veins as he gained the memories of the Other this time filling in the blanks that he''d had from the set he gained from little Vienna all those years ago.


    He saw the first meeting with the girl at a ball. He saw their romance unfolding like foul play in front of his mind''s eye. He saw how he turned on his own family because of the girl. He had grasped onto her like he was some unloved child desperate for attention and it only brought doom. He shook his head. He would sort through the rest later, meanwhile, he grabbed her arms and pushed her away.


    "I''m not yours. Nor will I ever be again."


    From the corner of his eyes, he saw a small figure running away. He felt his gut clench as he feared what she might have seen.


    [End of Special POV Ravven Basilius]

 Episode 17: Runaway

    Vienna ran. She ran back to the house, her breath hitched in her throat. Tears pooled in her eyes; it was happening. The prince was going to side with Adeena.


    Vienna''s eyes searched out her Pop. As soon as her eyes fell upon him, his arms were open wide for her. She ran into Pop''s embrace tears streaming down her cheek.


    "Can I go home, please?"


    "What''s wrong, little flower?"


    "I..." She looked up into his dark eyes and found herself at a loss for words, the fears of old shutting her up. "I...need to go home. Can Ezzie or Frey take me home?"


    Her Pop hesitated looking back at the Rolands'' before looking down at her.


    "Stay Pop. I''ll go. It''s important to keep promises." Vienna''s heart felt like it was breaking as she left Pop''s embrace.


    Later as she rode in the wagon home, she would hear her name called out. Her mind was in a dense fog though one which would not lift for some time.


    <hr>


    It would be not enough to be the little Vienna in the tiny hamlet. Her father would argue that he could protect her from anything that came her way. Vienna sat on her bed at night and stared at the ceiling she pondered that perhaps he could. She couldn''t break his heart by leaving, could she? She was his only family. A broken sob escaped her.


    She raised a hand toward the ceiling watching as the moonlight hit in the right light she could play with the camouflage. Her hand turned nearly translucent.


    She had been practicing for so long. Melting into her surroundings as if she were part of them, it was the easiest when she was amongst the trees at the back of the estate. By Old One she would blend into its old trunk as if she were part of its long history of loss, hope, and rejuvenation.


    The next day passed, her father was home from the festivities and Vienna sat beneath the Old One writing her ''good-bye'' letter. She couldn''t have him in danger, she loved him too much; and even if it hurt him she''d rather him live than be hurt by another because she existed.


    "I don''t know what to do ''old friend''." Vienna would often speak to the ''Old One'' as if it were a long-lost relative or friend. Her head rested against the tree she could almost imagine a wave of reassurance that swept through her as if to say that her father wouldn''t be alone. "I suppose he won''t be."


    She climbed up the wide base of the tree and scaled it as she was taught since she was able to walk from her father. Her breath eased and her eyes even shuttering close as her hands reached out for handholds instinctively never missing one. Nestled at the highest top she felt at home, safest that she had ever felt except for when she was wrapped in her father''s arms. She had been so terrified and yet she felt as if everything would be alright if she followed her instincts. Her hands caressed the worn divots of the tree''s bark as she bit the inside of her lip, her mind crafting the letter to her father in her mind. In the end, she knew she could tell him nothing but the truth; she owed him at least that.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    <hr>


    She''d fallen asleep, but it was a light, disturbed sleep. The light tapping of the Old One''s branches'' fingertips was enough to rouse her.


    She opened her window and looked at where the Old One''s branches reached out toward her window, it would be so easy to jump over and run now. No, she had to give her father her letter.


    She couldn''t leave until she did.


    She snuck back through the house. She was tiptoeing until she made it to her Pop''s door which was cracked open as if open waiting for her.


    Her father lay in his bed asleep and Vienna''s heart clenched.


    Her whole body wasn''t visible even the letter in her hands that crinkled in the otherwise silent late-night air could not be seen by any other individual except herself. She swallowed as she stepped closer, afraid but almost hoping he''d wake from his deep sleep to see her somehow as he had an almost uncanny ability to do so sometimes in every other way and stop her from what she was about to do. Lock her away even, she might hate it, think she hated him for it but deep down she''d love him even more for it; but she knew he wouldn''t, he never would even in his deepest states of protection seek to clip her wings.


    She furrowed her brows as she wondered if he had some sort of foresight that something like this would happen one day, after all, he had taught her everything she would need to survive on her own out in the wild if she ever found herself there.


    How to protect herself even with a staff; how to defend herself and where to aim to slow down her opponent just long enough that she might get away. How to build a shelter to weather the elements.


    Tears began to fall down her cheeks but she wiped them away and held her breath even though she was still at the door of his bedroom Vienna worried her father would somehow be able to sense her emotions, even in his dreams, as he always did.


    After composing herself she stepped forward, eyes watchful as Pop breathed steady sleeping breaths in and out. Soon she stood at his side and she looked down at the envelope in her hands, she froze as he rolled on his back. His breathing changed for a moment before he went back to his usual slumbering breaths.


    Vienna didn''t want him to miss the letter and think she was kidnapped; he needed to know she was safe. She pursed her lips before her tree bark eyes raised in determination he needed to know everything he deserved the truth. Carefully she tucked the letter in his clasped hands on the top of his chest.


    She sprinted back out of the room not allowing herself to look back as she made it to her bedroom. Swinging her staff onto her back via its harness, along with a ready pack with essentials Vienna jumped onto the waiting limb outside her window.


    Sliding down the trunk she felt one of the branches catch on the back of her, a tear escaped her eye.


    "I know. I don''t want to leave him but I must." Her head rested on the trunk before she felt the branch release her from its grasp and she landed at the bottom.


    She ran through the woods that night. A small map in her bag of the land, enough provisions to last her for at least several days, and clothes to last her several years she wondered what her subsequent life in this world would be like.


    The further she ran into the woods, her hands trailed the tree trunks. She found herself surrounded by one feeling that could only be summarized in one thought, ''We are here with you.''


    ~END OF SEASON ONE~

 Episode 18: Through the Wilds

    -SEASON TWO: The ?irdkryp-Gardin¨­s-


    The Thorne estate was a small dot from the view of the mountain range that divided Wofford from the Wilds. Vienna swallowed the lonely feeling that welled up in her throat. She shook her head, she would not allow herself to cry. If she started she would not be able to stop.


    "This is for them. Pop, Frey, Ezzie, everyone I love."


    Turning towards the other side of the cliff side the floating isles of the Wilds rose high into the sky. The rugged landscape stretched out far beyond the horizon until one side reached the seaside on either end of the Continent. No one would look for her in there and that''s what made it safe.


    As Vienna traveled she found that the forests that met the rugged terrain of the Wilds felt familiar, more so than she thought they would. It was almost as if she were practicing traveling through the trees back on the estate rather than all on her own in the Wilds. She often traveled leaping from one tree branch to another to keep from making a trail to track on the ground. She remembered her life growing up and realized that it wasn''t that surprising after all. Trees always were part of the fundamentals of Vienna''s growing-up experience.


    One of her first nights in the Wilds, as she came down the mountainside, she stayed in a cave. She woke during the night with a cry, the fire had burned out plunging her into the darkness. She thought she was back in the Void. She wasn''t supposed to be conscious back then, the consciousness placed in the Void were meant to be asleep in their minds in a dream-like state. She was different, she would wake to find herself in a darker-than-night world where she could not scream out for help, she could not move and the darkness feel as if it were swallowing her up. Tears ran down her cheeks, choked sobs escaping her and as she buried her head into her knees she screamed out her fear and pain. It wasn''t until she dropped exhausted upon her bedroll; her hand falling against her staff, her fingertips grazed something unusual on her staff. Like a vine wrapping itself around her staff, she found the sprout the Old One had given her. She felt a surge of reassurance. As if something was trying to tell her she was not alone.


    After that, she stayed away from the area in the Wilds where the floating boulders met the wide lakes and ice barrens. She turned her attention to the tangled woods.


    Nights when even the sounds of animals were quiet, and the air felt still and stifling homesickness would invade. Those nights she would climb into the largest tree she could find and curl up into its embrace, hugging Pop''s favorite picnic quilt tight to her chest. Her tears would soak into the wood as she slept. She could almost feel her father reaching out to her; feel his longing, his love, and heartache.


    Most days though she was busy with forging her own path through the wilds of Wofford.


    The Wilds were rich with all sorts of edible flora and fauna. In the dense marshes, there were water plants. In the rocky hillsides there were hardy thistles and in the more tree-laden parts mushrooms were plentiful. Vienna found she never went hungry.


    At times rain and sleet would come in through the makeshift shelters and she would be cold. By the next day, the weather would grow warm and her clothes would dry and she''d move on.


    <hr>


    Vienna found herself wandering the Wilds with no real direction. Sometimes she thought she might build a dwelling but she''d throw away that idea for she would never be able to think of it as a home without Pop there.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Several months into her journey into the Wilds, Vienna started noticing an uneasiness about the forest creatures around her. The few Terrans she had passed from above were unobservant to their surroundings, staying upon the main road or the beaten paths of gatherers. Some had built small communities among the Wilds, self-sufficient due to their fields that were sprinkled through the non-marsh lands. Their eyes would sparkle in excitement when rain fell from the skies to water their fields.


    Vienna had been able to see the Elem?irdis that lived upon the hillsides in small holes, most had wings that glittered in the fading light of a sunset.


    One day they all disappeared; they hid as if immediately sensing something was amiss.


    Not knowing what caused the ill ease, Vienna was even more careful keeping to the highest part of the canopy of trees where she felt the safest. She kept her eyes open and stayed camouflaged blending in among the multi-colored leaves.


    A day passed and her patience was rewarded.


    A troupe of hunters with an odd assortment of varying sizes of cages on the back of their horses trudged through the foliage with no care as to how they disturbed it.


    Vienna''s brows furrowed as she got closer. She was wary not wishing to get close enough that one of them may be able to hear her. As she watched she counted four lumbering oafs and her frown became more pronounced, none of them were hauling the proper hunting gear. Her father had spoken to her about the kingdom''s laws about hunting only beasts in season, which was something that she knew to be smart to not affect too drastically an ecosystem. Those below were all wrong.


    Her mouth formed a word as their words confirmed it down below, ''Poachers''.


    "Are you sure the intel was correct? You haven''t sent us on another wild grouse chase, Mapmaker?"


    Dark eyes narrowed into thin slits and thin strong fingers gripped the branch beneath her. Her father had told her of the poachers that the king and queen were recently trying to find. Much like the pirates that once raided the Continent''s seas feeding off the sorrows of those from the Great War and before, poachers would often know the forests like the back of their hands. However, the ones below Vienna were not like those her father mentioned. Not once had they checked for tracks.


    The three largest of the troupe seemed to blend into each other, brothers, they all looked too much alike to be anything else. All the same height, same structured chin with dark green scruff. Their bulky lumbering statures looked like the Neanderthal automatons Vienna remembered from her other life''s childhood visits to an outdated history museum.


    Her father had it torn down from that time after finding out she skinned her knee tripping on the long stone steps exiting the building. She remembered crying the night she heard about the old owner having a heart attack, the news feed''s sentimental reporter wrote "Some would say he died of a broken heart." Her father sued the news feed center. "Why?" She had looked at him over her breakfast that morning, her young mind turning over everything that happened. She had only skinned her knee. He reached over towards her, his manicured fingers tapping her chin, a smile in its ever-fixed business smirk, "I can''t afford anyone harming my girl, now can I?"


    Vienna shook her head and ignored the tear that fell down her cheek.


    A surge of reassurance flooded her senses, she closed her eyes breathing in as her hands ran across the knots of the wood. While she was lost in her long past memories she had failed to hear the rest of the poachers'' conversation. Glancing back down below Vienna let out a gasp when she caught sight of their ''cargo''.


    Three nearly identical males turned in sync.


    "Did you hear that?" "Most definitely." "Could it be an Elem?irdis?"


    The mapmaker this time spoke up, "The woods around here make sounds all the time."


    What had captured Vienna''s attention before rattled the cages catching the attention of the three malachite beings. Her eyes widened as she saw tiny Elem?irdis up close. Small tiny figures with pale nearly translucent wings on their backs. They glowed like fireflies flickering between the poles of the woven cages.


    Setting her pack down in an alcove she swung her staff from its harness on her back. She would need to remove her extra layers if she planned on following after them covertly. She would be quicker the lighter she was as she journeyed through the pathways of the trees.


    Vienna followed the troupe and as she did she watched the four from above, eyes watchful of each of their mannerisms.


    She would need to be careful not to alert them of her presence.

 Episode 19: The Hunters

    Over the next couple of days that Vienna tracked them, she found herself eyeing the one shivering with the map in his hands. He almost blended into the forest with his dark linen clothes if it weren''t for the spectacles that fell upon the tip of his tanned nose. There was something about him that felt off.


    He would fumble around as the others pushed him around as if he was the lowest on the totem pole in the troupe. Yet she would catch an intelligent glint in his eye when the others turned their backs on him.


    She had begun to wonder if she should have never left her pack behind. She had to sleep in the cover of the trees in her thin tunic, leggings, and boots. She picked berries and mushrooms as she followed when at last she saw them arrive at their ''destination''.


    "This is it."


    The three buff males looked at the mapmaker, who stood in shadow with anger flitting across their faces. The wall before them was covered in thick vines and from a first glance, didn''t seem to be anything special.


    "This is a dead end. Are you an imbecile?"


    "No brother, he thinks we are imbeciles."


    "We are not blind."


    An ominous glint upon the Mapmaker''s glasses showed dark eyes beneath.


    "The way can only be opened up by an Elem?irdis."


    As the mapmaker made a move toward the only occupied cage, one of the emerald-haired brothers caught him by the arm, "What do you think you are doing?"


    Vienna eyed the scene and wished she hadn''t left her pack behind, where she had a small sling and some small round rocks of perfect long-range protection. She shook her head. There was nothing to do with it now; instead, she focused on the first target.


    The closest malachite brother had considerable brawn. His closest vulnerable spot would be his lower stomach. She would need to maintain her camouflage even after taking him but then get out of the way in time in case the hit did not fall him. The second brother could be taken down the same, except she wouldn''t have the same lunge capability on him.


    Vienna watched until the closest brother neared the branch she was under. He had to be the right distance so that the impact wouldn''t injure him more than she intended. She stepped back, keeping her staff against that foot before he was in range, then kicked the staff up and lunged off the branch, hitting him square in the abdomen. He let out a grunt as he keeled over to the side and she spun the staff away with her dominant hand before looking for the second brother.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    He was right behind when she lunged with the staff. He grabbed for the thing that he could not see that was poking him in the stomach. Vienna grit her teeth as she saw his biceps flex, but she did not give up. Instead, she stepped back, shifting her hands, and positioning on the staff.


    She spun back. She yanked him back along with her, smiling to herself as she achieved a move her Pop taught her, but she secretly named the ''taffy puller''.


    Vienna glances back to find she''s right where she wanted to be, by the cage with the small winged Elem?irdis.


    As quick as she could she unfettered the cage, her invisible brows crinkled in confusion at the way the little ones weren''t able to escape themselves. The cage seemed to only be locked with a leather clasp, which she undid.


    The cage door swung open and Vienna winced at the scraping sound as it did. She bit her lips realizing the little ones weren''t going to get out in time.


    "How...?"


    She didn''t have enough time either when she was grabbed behind and she let out a squeal. Her image flickered back and forth. Her camouflage struggled to hold in her fear.


    "What do we have here?"


    As Vienna struggled to get out of the arms that held her up so that she was almost level with the back of the horse where the cage still sat, barely open, but the little Elem?irdis seemed too frightened to escape. Her eyes happened to roam in front of her, meeting the glinting pair of the Mapmaker''s, who glanced down at the cage at the same time as she did. He gave her the slightest nod that would have been unnoticeable by most if she hadn''t been looking for it.


    "I''m sorry!" Vienna winced before she kicked the cage so it fell from the horse''s back. The door fell completely off. "Go!"


    She let out a sigh of relief as the little ones took off.


    "You little wench!" They shook her until her camouflage wore off and tears fell down her cheeks.


    The grim face of her captor shifted from anger into greed as his eyes narrowed. "Well, at least we got ourselves a prize."


    The one who had grabbed her was the bulkiest of the three brothers. She had been foolish not to have kept him in her sights when she was incapacitating the other two. Vienna looked around to where the others stood. Vienna refused to give up. She felt his large muscles contract. He was about to throw her over the side of the nearby horse. She kicked behind with all her might at the universal place all beings his gender were sensitive.


    As he let out a grunt and bent over, she knew she''d be able to reach the pressure point her father taught her could knock out a full-grown Terran. Digging her thumb into that point in the back of his neck, he let out a grunt before he slid down to knees, and finally, she was let go.


    Then Vienna did what she knew best. She blended into the scenery. She ran away into the forest, not even looking behind her to see if the others were chasing her.

 Episode 20: Two New Companions

    It was after Vienna had retrieved her pack that she realized she had a couple of little followers who were tagging along her journey through the Wilds.


    She was eating her dinner one night when the pair came peering through the leaves of the tree, their glowing wings creating little halos of light around blossoms. Her lips tilted up in a small smile. That night had been one for the bittersweet feeling of homesickness.


    She curled up in a perfect little alcove near the tree''s base. There was foliage found already within it and several of the tree''s branches reached in from down below. Her tears had been falling down her cheeks in long rivers as she tried to stop the sobs from choking her.


    The reassurance she felt embraced by the wood of a tree''s embrace wasn''t enough that night. Her heart yearned to be back home with her father, who was safe. The world was so much larger than she had imagined it to be, and it was terrifying to be on her own. At first, it had almost been fun, like being on some grand adventure, but then reality sunk in.


    She was distracted from her homesickness when the two little ones arrived. They fluttered around the top of the tree, peering down at her, one a ball of golden light and the other an icy blue.


    "Hello."


    They ducked back out of sight on the other side of the trunk. She waited, but they didn''t come back, so she curled up and went back to sleep.


    The following day found her walking through the forest. There was an odd shine in the trees and the little balls of light that had followed her rushing past her. Shouts followed after them. Vienna blended into her surroundings. The three from before passed by with an odd sort of lamp that seemed to reveal the Elem?irdis'' camouflage abilities, but not her own.


    This time Vienna knew what to do, and she knew what she had done wrong last time. She rushed ahead of them, using the pathways from above, jumping from one branch to the next until she jumped down in front of the Elem?irdis.


    "Come here, I''ll hide you. Stay still in my arms. As long as you stay hidden there, I''ll be able to protect you." The pair looked at each other before flying into her embrace and she tucked them into her front tunic''s wide pockets, "I promise I won''t hurt you."


    As soon as Vienna heard the malachite Terrans crash through the forest''s brush ahead of them she camouflaged herself along with the little ones in her pockets. She sifted out a couple of shiny metal coins from her pockets. Then she waited until the right moment and as the hunters passed before, she used her shepherd''s sling to shoot the coins in opposite directions. She watched as the shine caught the light and spun through the foliage, catching the hunters'' attention.


    "There!"


    "No, there is one!"


    "We''ll split up!"


    Meanwhile, Vienna went up into the trees, climbing to the top of the tree line where it was safe, and watched as the hunters lost track of the Elem?irdis. Once the hunters were quite a distance away and wouldn''t overhear, she looked down at the little ones.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    "Are there any others on the run that need help?"


    It surprised her to find the two little ones weren''t twins as she had suspected. She didn''t think they were even related. The female had sharper features, with light almost white hair and midnight blue eyes. The male looked as if he were sunshine incarnate with golden hair, and tan skin that sparkled as if it were inlaid with gold dust. He had gentle golden eyes and the smallest of mischievous smirks on the tips of his lips. The female shook her head at the blonde.


    "Is there somewhere safe I can bring you two?"


    This time the snowdrop-looking Elem?irdis nodded and flew from Vienna''s pocket. Her pale hands pulled at a strand of brown hair none too gently while her partner tsked her and gave Vienna a ''follow me'' gesture.


    Vienna followed them. Occasionally they''d hide within her embrace, as she''d cloak them when a hunter would show up on the path. They did this for several sunsets and moon-rises until she found herself at a familiar-looking dead end in the Wilds.


    This time, though, she looked at it with more detail.


    The path seemed to lead past the wide space of rock. Yet something about it didn''t seem to be like the other stone faces Vienna had seen guarding or dotting the wilds. The rock face seemed to almost blend too well into the forest, the moss growing up its sides swirling in patterns up its sides to mimic the trees'' boughs.


    Brown eyes narrowed before she glanced at the little ''snowdrop'' and ''sunshine'' Elem that resided in her front pocket.


    "Was it all a trap in the end?"


    The little ones flew from her pocket before the male pointed toward Vienna. She tilted her head at him and glanced between the two as she saw only curious gazes. She got the sense he was asking for her name.


    "You may call me Blossom or Flower if you like."


    The world had always seemed to operate more on elemental rules rather than magic but Vienna believed she could never be too careful when giving her name to the little winged beings. She held back a wince when she remembered her apology; when she kicked the whole basket full of Elem?irdis when she sought to rescue them.


    The little one full of brilliant golden light nodded his head and seemed to glitter before pointing to the both of them.


    Vienna tilted her head to the side as she looked down at them. "Do you wish me to give you both nicknames as well?"


    She glanced towards the snowdrop for assurance whose icy features melted with the smallest of nods and a head tilt that mirrored Vienna.


    Vienna hummed under her breath. As she looked at the male, she spoke, "You look as if you could summon the sun in your brilliance." His little head raised and his hair flared even more golden. "Would Aelius suit you?" He shimmered as he nodded.


    Vienna turned toward the ivory-haired winged lady. "You look like you can be as gentle as a snowdrop but as fierce a snowstorm. Would Eirlys suit you?"


    The little ''snowdrop'' glowed in appreciation.


    Vienna watched in amazement as she flew from Vienna''s safe embrace to the ''dead-end'' rock face along with her partner.


    Their light, one a bright golden and the other luminous, both lengthening and growing as soon as they placed their tiny hands on the rock face. Their smiles were joyous as they peered back at her, and their colors seemed to shimmer even more. Vienna almost felt a cool breeze rush past her and swirl around the two.


    Both grew in size, and Aelius provided a burst of warmth that sent a rolling sense of nostalgia through Vienna. Warm fireplaces and her father nearby working. Hearths with fresh biscuits ready for Ezzie and the twins to devour. Tears filled Vienna''s eyes and her breath caught in her throat.


    Shouts from behind them in the deep forest caused all three of them to go rigid.


    The two beings set their glowing hands upon the moss-covered rock face and Vienna watched transfixed as it shuddered and crumbled beneath their hands.


    A new pathway lay before them towards a city the like of which Vienna had never seen in any of her lives¡ªshimmering towers of ivory light and walkways laden with flowers in full bloom.


    Both beings reached out a hand toward her. "Come Bhelfl''¨­r. It''s our turn to save you."

 Episode 21: The View Through P艒rteacaleum (POV: The Mapmaker)

    The P¨­rteacaleum activated and shimmered from onyx, sterling to pearl until it changed to show the grand cabinet suite of the High King of the P¨­rteac Lands. The wood panes of the window across the way could show the shutters were open to let in a breeze and a few ceras¨­s blossoms had blown in to coat the dark wood of the regal desk. The mixture of pale pink petals with light rose caused a light marbling to appear on top of the wide surface.


    A tall figure stood towards the back stood. His long fingers pulled out a long record before scrolling it, and a few strands of long iridescent silver hair fell. His head tilted to the side, mismatched eyes catching the gaze of ''the mapmaker'' on the other side of the two-way P¨­rteacaleum mirror.


    "Any news?"


    "I''ve found what you have been searching for, old friend."


    This time, the king turned fully, dropping the scroll on his desk when he strode over with purposeful steps.


    "Who is she?"


    The Mapmaker adjusted his useless glasses with a smirk on his tan lips. "How do you know they are a girl? It could be a male."


    The Mapmaker watched as his old friend''s eyes narrowed. He stayed silent. His grin widened as he watched the king''s calm facade begin to crumble and his left eye started to twitch in irritation. The Mapmaker threw his head back in laughter.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    He glanced out of his window towards the entrance to ?irdkryp-Gardin¨­s. His eyes lost some of their mirth.


    "She''s quite young. Far too young for you."


    "How did you find her?" The king demanded, leaning towards his P¨­rteacaleum mirror as if he could reach the Mapmaker through it. The Mapmaker''s lips quirked. His friend was indeed an odd being. So patient with his people and yet with his side projects, well only the Mapmaker knew quite how he could be.


    "She freed some winged Nameless from an Anti-P¨­rteacaleum cage." He watched as the king''s features melted into disappointment.


    "This was after, of course, showing she could glamour herself to suit her surroundings. Further tested by a couple of others and it seems she can do it to herself and others if they are in contact with her."


    The king turned away, this time with a different sort of look in his eyes. His wings unfurled sparkling; as if they were embedded with starlight. The tips of the wings twitched, and the Mapmaker grinned, seeing his stoic friend show such emotion.


    "Where is she now?"


    "Two newly named Elem, Aelius and Eirlys, took her to ?irdkryp-Gardin¨­s. It seems she needed time to heal, and they believed it would be the safest place for her."


    The king leaned down to grab the scroll that he had abandoned previously on his desk. His eyes perused the document before setting it down in view of the mirror. The Mapmaker could make it out to be a census on the desk.


    The king then let out a long sigh and muttered, "At last some Nameless have received names..." he turned back towards ''the Mapmaker'', his eyes glinting in the light of their rising moons. The High King almost seemed to shimmer in the light. "So they''ve bonded to her, then?"


    "I expect they will. They are still young." ''The Mapmaker'' remembered when he''d found out they''d received their name. The initial anger he''d felt had the odd sense of having something taken away that had risen within him. He let out a long sigh. "They were among the several whom she released. They were persistent in taking care of her."


    "They will not be the last to be named by her."


    ''The Mapmaker'' held his breath waiting for what would be said next, but the king didn''t continue.


    "Then will we be able to come home?"


    The king looked back at the ''Mapmaker'', whose heart caught in his throat at the fierce look of determination in the king''s glinting eyes.


    "We will see."

 Episode 22: Settling In

    The Secret Garden was what Vienna came to call the place where she found herself.


    Aelius would inform her later that it was a rough translation of what they called the place, ?irdkryp-Gardin¨­s.


    It was flush with life and the forests were thick with Elem?irdis of all sorts. Most had wings but a few seemed to burrow themselves within the glittering sides of the rock face that surrounded the garden, their whole bodies glittering as well. Occasionally Vienna would see a petite head of a rare river Sea Folk peek from a nearby lake or the occasional river.


    The garden was far larger than Vienna expected when she first stepped inside at first. It was like its own little world with small valleys, rivers, lakes, and high glittering rock cliffs protecting the whole of it stretching further than she could see at its entrance.


    Those first days or perhaps weeks were the hardest. Night and day still existed but they seemed shorter than the days she had gotten used to on Terra. Time passing quicker than on Terra. The friendly pair that guided her informed her that time ran differently in the ?irdkryp-Gardin¨­s.


    The two Elem?irdis were so welcoming and kind showing her where the best foraging spots were as well where a communal fire pit was set up for when some wished for something warm. However, the ache that started when she felt the familiar warmth would not fade away. Vienna would hug her arms and look around at the beautiful surroundings and feel so very small.


    Aelius and Eirlys were close friends who had been together since they were young. They immediately took Vienna under their wings. They made a small home by a brook that led to fresh spring. It was simple and for a little while Vienna was distracted with helping them and watching as the interesting design came to fruition. They had received the plans when visiting the Citadel that guarded the ?irdkryp-Gardin¨­s. There wasn¡¯t anything in her past world that was quite like it. They used the fallen limbs of trees only and foliage very carefully, much of the time was spent finding the supplies as they journeyed across the Secret Garden. It reminded Vienna of how frugal Pop would use nature¡¯s elements when building anything.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    The Elem?irdis were very similar to her father in that way, careful when disturbing nature. It wasn¡¯t until Vienna had TKmultidaytriptogetsupplies journeyed with them for some time that she came to realize that it wasn¡¯t just that though, it wasn¡¯t just respect. Their whole culture was based on keeping the balance.


    This was shown when Vienna met again the strange Mapmaker who seemed to take care of the Citadel.


    Vienna watched Aelius and Eirlys curiously as they performed a formal greeting. Their hands formed a circle in front of their chests where their hearts most likely were, <<N¨­s ret¨­ur kyklos>>.


    The Mapmaker returned their greeting with his bow with the same gesture, <<N¨­s ret¨­ur kyklos>>.


    Vienna¡¯s eyebrows wrinkled and she could hear Aelius chuckling before he leaned over, ¡°It is our traditional greeting here upon the Continent.¡±


    Vienna brought her hands up to her chest with the circle, ¡°What¡¯s the circle supposed to represent if I may ask?¡±


    ¡°Everything has a balance, a cycle. We the Elem?irdis know this perhaps the most.¡± He nods towards his best friend who was still speaking to the Mapmaker, ¡°When we greet one another we recognize this, the greeting means we have come full circle or met in the circle.¡±


    Vienna looked over to Eirlys whose ice blue light seemed to sparkle as Eirlys spoke animatedly to the Mapmaker who nodded occasionally. Vienna watched as he pulled out a small bound book and made a few notes as his fellow Elem?irdis spoke to him. As if he could sense her gaze he glanced up, his dark eyes glinting underneath his spectacles and his lips lifted with a smirk. He nodded both hers and Aelius¡¯s way before all three Elem?irdis ended up speaking a parting phrase.


    <<N¨­s m¡¯¨­ccursum ad ?irdis.>> All Elem?irdis bowed as they spoke their hands flat over their chests before the Mapmaker departed without another word.


    Already the brown-haired girl was looking expectantly at the being of sunlight who immediately opened his mouth to explain.


    ¡°It¡¯s our traditional parting phrase, ¡®we will meet at the¡­¡¯¡±


    He stopped with a jolt as Eirlys playfully swatted him with her wing before standing before Vienna.


    ¡°She¡¯ll never learn if you tell her all.¡± Tucking a stray snowy wisp of hair behind her ear Eiryls spoke up, ¡°It¡¯s time, Bhelfl¡¯¨­r, you learned how to speak our language.¡±


    Later on, Vienna would learn through her lessons with the two Elem?irdis that the parting greeting meant ¡°We will meet at the heart¡±. There was so much about the Elem?irdis that remained a mystery even as she learned their language; there were cultural references that seemed to be kept from her.


    Aelius often translated for her. Eirlys was determined to teach Vienna the Elem?irdis language and refused to translate anything.


    The ache inside Vienna would be subdued whenever they searched for fallen branches in the woods, the surge of assurance she¡¯d feel there stronger than she¡¯d ever felt in the Wilds.

 Episode 23: Names

    Vienna stopped counting the days and soon the roof was finally upon the small abode that they¡¯d been building. Time passed and Vienna watched as Aelius began to court Eirlys. One day when they were in the woods searching for some mushrooms that Eirlys loved, Vienna couldn¡¯t help but notice the excited thrum of activity surrounding them.


    The forest seemed to be bursting with life that day; all the Elem?irdis had come out to play among the leaves or hunt like them for little treasures hiding beside the visible roots. Vienna¡¯s hand grasped a nearby tree branch tightly in hand gazing up at its boughs reaching towards the skies and gasped as her ache slammed itself within her chest causing her to lean upon the trunk. Her eyes closed as she took deep breaths, trying to calm her heart.


    It had been so long since she had been home.


    Her eyes drifted towards where the copse of trees grew denser; a feeling within seemed to almost tug her forward. Breathing deeply she began running through the trees swerving through them so as not to step on unsuspecting Elem?irdis.


    A branch would get in the way and she¡¯d grab it swinging upwards only to find the surge of assurance growing stronger the more she moved forward.


    She followed the tugging sensation at the depths of her soul until she reached a clearing at the heart of the forest.


    Vienna let out a small cry.


    The Old One stood before her in all its beautiful wise glory, its thick branches reaching up towards the skies. Vienna ran toward it and hugged the base, her hands not being able to reach around even the whole front but she let out a laugh as the tears overfilled her eyes. It had grown even bigger than when it had been at the estate, but she could feel it was the same.


    The roots were so large that she could duck underneath, beneath them she found a whole ¡®hiding space¡¯ within the Old One. Perfect for a little getaway just for herself.


    The Elem seemed to be gone from the area, not one glint upon a wing could be found. She was alone to talk to her old friend and hug the roots. Deep down she knew if she sent her emotions through sending through somehow they¡¯d make it to her father. As the days passed the little hollow within the old one grew and soon she had her own home within the ¡®old one¡¯s¡¯ embrace, her private nook.


    Although she cared for her Aelius and Eirlys sometimes it felt like she had eyes watching her wherever she went. In her hollow, she was safe from prying eyes.


    <hr>


    As more of the odd timeless sort of days passed, she would find herself exploring the Secret Garden with Aelius and Eirlys along her side.


    It would be when she was having a picnic of flatbread with jam and fresh persica juice that she¡¯d see a different side to the two of them.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    It was while she explored the fields of wildflowers she met more of the Elem?irdis she had helped set free.


    ¡°Be careful Bhelfl¡¯¨­r stay where we can see you!¡±


    Vienna laughed and waved back at Eirlys. Eiryls had grown very protective since Vienna had disappeared for several days in her little sanctuary, or what she thought were days but for all she knew could have been years in the Secret Garden.


    There were so many different varieties of plants and fauna she had never seen in both her lives in this place. Vienna sat gazing at the curious structure of a flower that was so very delicate and yet incredibly detailed. A spiral of petals that had a gradient descending and ascending in bright pinks in some buds and bright turquoise in others. Her hands stretched out to the terra beneath the flora and gasped at the surge of life she felt from the Terra, her eyes closed and she remembered Frey would teach her of how the ?kren would nurture the terra. Occasionally the ?kren would coax the terra to grow new seed quicker but it was dependent on what the land needed. Her lips lifted even as her heart ached and the land seemed to echo her sentiment, the ache was so strong she yanked her hands back pulling them back to her chest with a gasp.


    A flickering light in her peripherals caused Vienna to sit back on her haunches to find the clearing no longer just belonging to herself and the blossoms. She was surrounded by Elem?irdi. Some flew around her head peering down at her with curious eyes, some hiding behind the trees as if too shy to come near but still wishing to be nearby and others quite bold were sitting upon the ends of her round embroidered skirt.


    The most daring, a small Elem?irdis with pastel blue wings and long locks that matched her wings and eyes, gestured wildly between Vienna and herself.


    ¡°My name?¡±


    The Elem?irdis nodded.


    Vienna glanced back towards her friends who had already started towards her with slightly worried expressions. To be safe she gave the name they called her, ¡°Bhelfl¡¯¨­r.¡±


    The little winged Elem flew happily around Vienna¡¯s head before pointing excitedly at herself.


    ¡°A nickname for you, too?¡±


    A nod happened enthusiastically.


    ¡°Well since you wished so fervently for a nickname how would you like the name Eleuia?¡±


    Little Eleuia grew bright and tall, just as Aelius and Eiryls had once upon a time when she gave them ¡®nicknames¡¯, what seemed almost forever ago. Her wings unfurled in shimmering splendor and charming twinkling laughter came from Eleuia¡¯s throat.


    Eleuia¡¯s sapphire eyes shone brilliantly, ¡°Thank you, Bhelfl¡¯¨­r.¡±


    As soon as the other Elem?irdis saw their fellow shining bright they immediately swarmed Vienna all pointing at themselves in desperation. She swallowed nervously, her eyes tracing each of their small features, some completely void of eagerness and just plain desperate. Vienna¡¯s eyes sought out her friends and found them standing on the outskirts of the group. She wasn¡¯t sure quite what was going on but it felt suddenly unbearably important.


    <<E?-vel?>> Eirlys called out her voice firm enough that it cut through the fluttering frenzy of her fellows.


    Vienna sent her a smile that didn¡¯t stop the Elem?irdis from exuding an icy film across the meadow, all but her beau shivered slightly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll let you know if I get too overwhelmed.¡±


    Eiryls sharp nod was the only sign before the frost receded from the grasses of the clearing. Aelius shared a lopsided grin with Vienna.


    Vienna would exchange her nickname ¡®Bhelfl¡¯¨­r¡¯ and then give a ¡®nickname¡¯ in return to each Elem?irdis who came up to her that day. She would lose count of how many she named however something she noted is that they never failed to grow to the size of full-grown Terran each time they were bestowed a nickname.


    Vienna would lay out on her hand-woven quilt in between Eirlys and Aelius at the end of that day her eyes closed in exhaustion. Occasionally she¡¯d hear them ¡®shoo¡¯ off some more of their kind who came to be named.


    After a while, Vienna would sit up and rest on her elbows gazing between them. Aelius was working on some sort of odd artifact, while Eiryls had laid back alongside Vienna.


    Vienna flipped over, running her hands through the grass, ¡°Why do the Elem?irdis come to me to be named?¡±


    She didn¡¯t have to look up to know that her sunshine and wintery friends were giving each other side glances over her head.


    Eiryls tucked a stray mahogani curl behind Vienna¡¯s ear and an odd sort tilt upon her lips. ¡°It is something very private for our people.¡±


    Shimmering golden tan fingertips brushed Eirlys¡¯s face, while she cupped Vienna¡¯s.


    Aelius continued where Eirlys left off, ¡°It would be best that you ask the Mapmaker. He would know whether or not you have permission to know.¡±

 Episode 24: To Be Named (POV: The Mapmaker)

    The child was something they had never seen before, she was not like their old queen in the sense of her talents.


    The Mapmaker peered through the P¨­rteacaleum mirror, his eyes upon his old friend.


    ¡°The Nameless are growing less and less in the ?irdkryp-Gardin¨­s. The girl can bestow Inheritance. The Nameless have come rushing to our sanctuary, word has spread it seems.¡±


    The king hummed beneath his breath, ¡°It would have never remained a secret. Are hunts still a problem?¡±


    The Mapmaker shifted on his feet before looking through the core slab, ¡°It would seem with the knowledge that an Inheritance can be gained, more gathered and so more are captured. I have been trying to devise a longer-lasting solution.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps she will have a solution.¡±


    The Mapmaker snorted, ¡°She is little more than a child.¡±


    ¡°Not for long. Don¡¯t forget time flows differently in the ?irdkryp-Gardin¨­s. I believe she holds much promise.¡±


    <hr>


    The girl sat upon the meeting stone and a long line of Nameless formed in front of her. He watched from the shadows of the forest. Even as she grew tired she never failed to think before bestowing another. She seemed to instinctively sense the importance, or perhaps she had come to suspect it.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    When Eirlys told the rest to come back another day, the girl turned immediately seeking him out in the shadows.


    ¡°You are the Mapmaker?¡±


    He nodded and watched to see how she¡¯d interact with his coldness.


    ¡°Could you perhaps tell me about the name giving importance?¡±


    ¡°From the beginning of Terra¡¯s time, the Elem have been part of its core.¡± When he saw her open her mouth to ask a question he raised his hand to stop her. ¡°Terra is a living planet, its heart thrums with the sound of all its elements working together. We believe that we are all meant to be in the same rhythm of the core, that when we gain access to the element of our inheritance we will become in tune with Terra. A name is not merely a title in our culture, it describes our beings, it is a direction, a map to who we will become. At birth we are given our Hearth name by our mothers whispered into our ears, as we grow in sync with the core, our hearts, and our wings unfurl. It is an intimate name that helps us feel¡­¡± He paused, his core aching as it always did when he heard of another¡¯s Hearth name.


    ¡°Home?¡±


    The Mapmaker gazed at the girl and saw a likeness within her round brown orbs that seemed to mirror a feeling he had long felt.


    He could see in the girl¡¯s own eyes a wisdom that surpassed her age and knew he didn¡¯t even have to speak the affirmative for she already knew it.


    ¡°In the Porteacs as the Continent calls the Elem lands, due to the proximity to the core those living there are stronger. They grow up faster and reach maturity upon their Inheritance day. It is the time when all gather to see a coming of age as an Elem¡¯s abilities truly manifest and they are connected completely to the inner workings of Terra as their element is decided.¡±


    ¡°So when I have been bequeathing names it''s been their Inheritance?¡±


    This time the Mapmaker nodded.


    ¡°But how could that be possible, I thought you said it was only something that could be done back in your homelands?¡±


    ¡°It is an ability that only the core-element experts can do, which is often one of our royals. However, the last non-Elem who was able to was our late queen.¡±


    The girl pursed her lips, and her eyes got a glazed look as she looked off into the distance her brows began to furrow.


    ¡°It¡¯s a theory of our people that it was due to her special existence that allowed her to do so. She was after all a Starlight Soul just like you.¡±


    Her head whipped towards his direction causing brown waves of curls to fly to her other shoulder.


    ¡°How?¡±


    ¡°Were you not aware there was another before you?¡±


    The Mapmaker grinned as he saw her shocked appearance, it would seem it had come as a surprise after all.

 Episode 25: Dreams & Discoveries

    It was when several days had passed and the ¡®old one¡¯ had already formed quite the small home around her. Within its trunk, she had her own ¡®staircase¡¯ around it, until she reached her own ¡®bed¡¯ within an alcove at the top of its peak sheltered from all by its foliage and limbs.


    She had been dreaming of her old home. Sometimes she almost thought they were real, she felt so connected. It felt as if she were walking beside her father as he did his early morning walks through the estate checking on the tenants. One dream changed everything and made her believe perhaps they weren¡¯t dreams at all.


    They started the same as all of them, her father walking hand drifting across the trunks of the trees on the property. This time though a horse came riding up beside her father and a youth jumped from it and raced up to her father his dark hair pulled back with a leather tie flopping behind him as he sought to catch up with her father¡¯s long strides.


    ¡°Duke Thorne!¡±


    Her father did not stop but continued at the same pace. She could feel his slight irritation and a vein of bittersweet wistfulness, melancholy, and then that same yearning she often felt when she missed him.


    The youth sped up so that he stood in front of Vienna¡¯s father and this time Vienna got a clear look on the boy¡¯s face. A small gasp escaped her as she realized who he was, she shook her head. He looked much older but it hadn¡¯t been that long already, had it?


    The crown prince handed a parchment letter to her father.


    ¡°I found the proof. She was in the Wilds, she even apprehended some illegal hunters. I have had our shadow knights take care of them.¡±


    This time her father stopped, ¡°I¡¯ve told you to leave it be, boy. This is her journey. She¡¯ll come home when it''s time.¡±


    Vienna¡¯s heart clenched within her chest at the faith her father had in her. Her dream followed his path and she did too as he left the prince behind.


    Her mind though couldn¡¯t help but wonder if perhaps she had been wrong about the prince after all.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    <hr>


    [Special POV of Ravven Basilius]


    Ravven would wish every day for nearly a year that he had chased down the wagon with Lady Vienna Thorne in it that Victory Day. He would wish he had explained what happened that day. Maybe Vienna wouldn¡¯t have run away if she¡¯d known the truth. Maybe he wouldn¡¯t have been alone again.


    It was all because of Adeena Nesrin. The girl with the golden hair. The girl that provided him with the other half of his missing Other¡¯s memories. The puzzle pieces slid into place, and oh did they make her look all the more ugly in his eyes.


    Adeena Nesrin was an opportunist. She sought out the brightest people gathering them around herself like brilliant jewels, tossing them away when they lost their brilliance. She had used the Other like she had used the other men in her life all for various desires, for different needs. Never really giving back for what they gave her in return.


    A kingdom fell just for the so-called love he had for the girl. His parents were assassinated. His best friend was executed. The girl he thought loved throwing herself at another, begging them to listen to her, before she too disappeared leaving him behind the ashes of a once beautiful kingdom.


    What disturbed Ravven the most was that he could not remember what happened shortly after he helped her execute the old Vienna Thorne. The Other¡¯s memories were fuzzy and seemed as if they came from a feverish mind.


    <hr>


    After Vienna Thorne ran away, Duke Thorne was even more reserved than he had been before.


    Ravven would ride out with his shadow knights in search of her, but nothing would turn up as the months would pass.


    A year had passed, and he was getting a census of their cities while undercover with his shadow knights. They had heard of some Elem?irdis hunting that had started happening in the territories, it was then he caught wind of someone that he suspected could be Vienna.


    They had a tip-off by an Elem?irdis informant known only by their codename, ¡®The Mapmaker¡¯, that there were some hunters in the city they were visiting that had escaped capture on numerous occasions.


    The three hunkering fellows who no doubt came originally from the Bardt mountain ranges due to their malachite coloring sat nearly completely tap-shackled from a recent binge of a series of kegs of beer.


    The tavern maid came forward and asked one of them if they¡¯d like company. The one least in their cups pulled her onto his lap. She sent a wink towards the shadow guard behind them before whispering something into the emerald brute¡¯s ear.


    ¡°Lost them all!¡±


    ¡°Too bad too!¡± A mumble came from one of them whose head rested over his tankard.


    The lady leaned forward asking a question of the one who mumbled before he shouted louder letting Ravven and the rest hiding in the shadows hear clearly.


    ¡°It¡¯s that little wench! Could hide just like those winged pests¡­¡± A long belch came from him before he let out another loud exclamation, ¡°Strange little thing she was!¡±


    The woman asked another inquiring question quietly, before the one she sat on the lap of answered.


    ¡°Slight thing, young too. No wings though. Don¡¯t think she was Elem?irdis. Maybe some sort of artificer. Once she dropped her¡­¡± He let out a belch that rivaled his brother¡¯s. The barmaid wrinkled her nose in distaste, ¡°she was a pretty little one, could be like those pretty little ladies you see sometimes.¡±


    Ravven signaled his guard to take the Terrans. He would have them questioned further, and perhaps he would find out more about the young girl.


    He wouldn¡¯t find out much. Deep down Ravven just knew they had spoken of Vienna. She was alive.


    [End of Special POV of Ravven Basilius]

 Episode 26: Through the Portal

    The Secret Garden helped distract Vienna from her confusion of emotions after her conversation with the Mapmaker.


    Exploration was something she found to be a part of her. It made her feel alive as she climbed over the rocky terrains that sat at the foot of the protective mountain range that protected the Secret Garden.


    It was as she traversed higher up the mountain range that she found a series of hidden-away cave systems. She always carried charcoal with her to mark her ascent up the rocky mountainside just in case someone came searching for her. She lit a candle, that she kept in her satchel, before marking the side of the first cave wall. She reached an intersection with three different paths. It took her about a day, or what she thought to be a day, per each cave.


    She came into the third pathway on the third day. She walked deeper into it and found she no longer needed her candle as the walls began to shimmer like they held millions of tiny crystals within them.


    Vienna blew out her candle, before continuing down into the cave that continued to grow brighter and brighter with each step.


    Soon she noticed a dampness in the air, a humidity, like how she remembered the air felt like after a long hot shower.


    As she turned a gleaming corner, a gasp escaped her mouth at the sight. Below the ledge where she stood were several hot spring pools and at the far end was a waterfall. Steam rose in the air, like clouds in the sky, escaping out through air ducts at the top of the high ceiling.


    ¡°Wow!¡±


    The pools shimmered with the crystalline-looking rock. Vienna climbed down from the edge, thankful for her time climbing trees as it helped her climb up and down rock faces. At the bottom, she walked in between the pools in awe, stalagmites came down from the ceiling and an almost pathway weaved in the spaces between.


    Vienna peered at the mighty waterfall in awe. She tested the water with her fingertips, it was just right. With excitement, she took off her outer clothes, until she was only left in her thin underthings before she stepped upon the rocky based shore. She barely registered the sprig from Old One leaving her staff to wrap up her arm, so used to having it follow her wherever she went now.


    Her toes wiggled as she felt the warmth seep into her skin. As she waded further into the pool she let out a sigh.


    The warmth felt as if it seeped into her bones. She floated on her back looking up at the beautiful ceiling that almost reminded her of the night sky of her old world. A milky galaxy look-a-like streamed across the cave¡¯s ceiling within it hundreds of glittering stones shone like stars.


    She floated until she felt the mist coming off the waterfall against her face.


    She shook her head before switching to a swimming position, her arms propelling her forward beneath the spray of the twinkling waterfall. Behind the waterfall was a whole new cave that shone even brighter than the others. Vienna swam up to the natural rock platform before lifting herself out, she walked to the back of the cave. It wasn¡¯t very dense, she could still feel the mist of water at her back. The rock on the cave wall reminded her that of the Secret Garden¡¯s entrance except older worn by much time.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    As her hand was placed upon it, it stung and Vienna let out a small gasp as she tried to move her hand away but found she could not. It was stuck.


    ¡°Do not panic.¡± She whispered but just as she did she found she had leaned too close to the rock and her whole body was stuck. The light coming off it was nearly blinding and she found herself closing her eyes. She didn¡¯t open them until she found herself no longer stuck and a small breeze ruffled her hair like an old friend.


    Vienna opened her eyes to find a large forest like none she had ever seen before. Up above the tree¡¯s canopy, the sun shimmered through vibrant viridescent leaves.


    ¡°What is this place?¡± Behind her stood a tall pillar rock, markings ran up and down its sides in a language she had never seen before. She remembered the old tomes she¡¯d read in the Fortress''s library, but no language in them matched what she saw before her.


    Something thrummed in the depths of her, some sort of instinct that whispered to her to go explore. But that day much had already happened and she found herself placing her hand back on the stone behind her, ¡°Please send me back.¡±


    This time when her hand became stuck and the stone brightened she didn¡¯t grow as frightened. When she found herself on the side with the waterfall in front and the glittering cave walls, she swallowed the rush of homesickness that invaded her senses. She shook it away and climbed out of the caves and back out through the system until she reached her camp at the mouth of it.


    <hr>


    Her dreams were oddly quiet but her memories would remind her of her father¡¯s words from before.


    ¡®My dearest daughter, I love you. I always will, forevermore.¡¯


    ¡®I¡¯ll always be near if you need me.¡¯


    They would reassure her in a way she never thought she would have again.


    She could never stray far from the waterfall cave for long. Vienna would explore the Secret Garden¡¯s valleys and meet other Elem occasionally bequeathing Inheritance names here and there but she would always find herself back in the same rocky cave system.


    At first, she was wary but she found herself becoming more attuned with the ¡®voice¡¯ of the cave. She would sleep at her camps and at night she¡¯d hear a hum in her dreams, like the reassuring hums she would receive from the Old One back home, but this hum was stronger and harder to ignore.


    When she found herself back behind the waterfall one day, she placed her hand upon the rock and this time didn¡¯t close her eyes as the world spun around her and she was transported to another world. At least that¡¯s what it felt like, it felt like Terra in the fundamental sort of ways: the breathable air and the terra soft but firm beneath her feet. But it also felt like something completely different for the trees¡­whispered to her.


    At first, the whispers were soft like the wind that caressed her features, but with each trip through the portal, they grew louder. She never ventured further than the ¡®doorway¡¯ at first, the idea of getting trapped somewhere and not being able to return from whence she came terrified her. But as the whispers grew in reassurance with each trip, she found herself at last stepping onto the forest¡¯s path.


    As she weaved through the trees, her hand brushed across the trunks as she used to when she¡¯d walk the outskirts of the Thorne Estate. Soon she was climbing them, the footholds and handholds so much easier to climb as if they were grown to be climbed. It seemed ridiculous but as she heard something in her mind akin to a chuckle that sounded like trees rustling and ground shaking she wondered if perhaps she was right.


    The first day that she found herself deeper in the forest, she sat in one of the trees and pulled out some nuts from a pouch for a snack. From above came the oddest sort of bird call. Half caw and half almost roar, she nearly fell out of the tree and would have hadn¡¯t a branch caught her around the waist and placed her back upon its middle. Her mouth was open in surprise as a creature flew overhead, its shadow falling across the treetops. As large as the flying dinosaurs from Old Earth its wingspan was filled with leaflike feathers dusting its long arms.


    ¡°What is that?¡±


    Its large head swiveled and viewed her, its dark emerald eyes peering at her form before swooping down towards her, the tips of its wings brushing against her tree before it swung back into the skies.


    Afterward, the whole forest would shake as if an earthquake was tossing everything up in the air. Vienna would climb down the trees quickly sending her thanks through her mind as conveniently placed branches helped her down quicker.


    She would race toward the exit and nearly trip as a teal creature with bark-colored hind legs and a large pine-colored head with a beak jumped past her on the path, its fur the color of emeralds fading into kelp. A bark-like sound coming from it. Its large tail wagged as it gestured in the direction of the portal. Vienna would run alongside it and from the corner of her eye see a small rabbit-like creature with downy green wing-like ears jumped alongside them as they raced for the portal. They would disappear just as she reached it and the homesick feeling would rise again just as she placed her hand on the stone and the world would spin.


    Vienna would look to her other pocket and find it curious how each time they came back her Old One¡¯s sprig had grown. Leaves sprouting in deep teals, vibrant viridescent, and stunning emeralds. It no longer would climb up her staff but had to wrap around her middle as if afraid to part from her.

 Episode 27: Song-giver

    Despite the homesickness the place beyond the portal brought, it also brought a feeling of lightness to Vienna¡¯s soul. As if she was no longer so alone, as if she had friends always nearby just a portal away. Friends that made her feel like Pop¡¯s embrace. The call to the portal had quieted as if it knew she would always find herself back to it.


    Vienna had lost the concept of time in Secret Garden and had begun to suspect that time perhaps didn¡¯t exist within the space. It was like how she had seen so many Elem grow from their Inheritance naming day into adulthood. Aelius and Eirlys had been just like that young when she first met them, best friends sticking together who then grew before her eyes into adults who gazed longingly into each other''s eyes.


    Vienna knew their vow day would be soon and so she made her way back to the meadow where they had built the home they¡¯d lived in alongside Vienna.


    When Vienna arrived back to the meadow she found the Elem setting up for a celebration at what they called their ¡°?irdghedh-plat¡± which roughly translated into their Meeting Place.


    Eirlys arrived in a pretty light blue dress sown with fine embroidery along its edges.


    ¡°I¡¯m not too late am I?¡±


    Her friend welcomed her with open arms, ¡°We would not have started without you.¡±


    Vienna laughed, ¡°And how did you know I was coming?¡±


    A long arm swung over her shoulder as the warm voice of Aelius laughed near her ear, ¡°Our fellow Elem that have traveled to the edges have spoken of you traveling back this way. We estimated you would arrive soon.¡±


    ¡°Would you have truly waited?¡± Vienna looked at the two.


    ¡°How could we not have our Namesaker at our vows?¡±


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    Vienna smiled, ¡°What can I help with?¡±


    Aelius swept his hand toward the Elem decorating the trees and the Meeting Place¡¯s platform with vines and ribbons.


    ¡°Our people enjoy celebrations. All you need to do is join us in the Kwel?mynd song, it permits the vows to be said.¡±


    Vienna felt her cheeks blush, ¡°Like a parent giving away their child.¡±


    ¡°We are not sure if that is the equivalent but it is more a binding. The one that sings the song is forever tied to the new family, just as the two are forever bound to each other.¡±


    Vienna could feel her eyes mist over, ¡°You want me to be part of your family?¡±


    Aelius and Eirlys hugged her on either side, ¡°You already are, Bhelfl¡¯¨­r.¡±


    ¡°You can call me by my birth name if you wish. I¡¯m sorry I never told you it, I was¡­¡±


    Eirlys put a finger to Vienna¡¯s lips, ¡°You were young then too. It is alright to hold things dear to you closer and not wish to share them.¡±


    Vienna cleared her throat, ¡°So there¡¯s a song I need to sing?¡±


    <hr>


    ¡°But there are no words?¡± Vienna looked curiously over at the Mapmaker who was the one who usually was the Song-giver in the ceremonies where there wasn¡¯t another.


    The Mapmaker leaned back on his hands in the grass, ¡°It is not meant to be heard so much as felt.¡± He placed a hand upon his chest and closed his eyes, ¡°It is felt from the core of our beings.¡±


    ¡°A heartfelt expression turned into music? So I must hum a melody that reminds me of them or come up with a new one on the spot?¡±


    ¡°It is said the Song-giver was a position borrowed from a race long gone. We are told since we were young that it is a precious position for someone who can feel things more strongly than others.¡±


    ¡°Do you?¡±


    The Mapmaker gave a wry smile, ¡°I¡¯ve never quite felt it just right. Something always seems to feel missing.¡±


    <hr>


    The celebration was beautiful. Eirlys walked down an aisle that rained down soft snowflakes that melted when she came to stand next to her soon-to-be partner for life, Aelius.


    They held the hand of each other while their other hand was laid upon the wide clear stone that framed the Meeting Place.


    ¡°N¨­s es nes-sirt¡±


    ¡°Nes leubh esti roche¡±


    ¡®We are our center or heart¡¯ and ¡®Our love is a rock or unbreakable.¡¯ Vienna translated in her mind as the voices of her friends rose in the clearing.


    They turned their heads toward Viena who stood in front of their hands, she placed a slightly shaking hand upon theirs. A glance up was all she needed to gain confidence as she saw their reassuring smiles. She opened her mouth and out came a low sound, her cheeks blushed as she heard how wobbly it sounded, she closed her eyes and focused on how she felt when she saw the two before her together and she let the melody take her wherever she felt it she could go as she thought such thoughts. As she opened her eyes she placed her other hand at the bottom of their clasped hands. Her voice quieted into a soft sweet hum and she smiled at the two of them as she felt a surge of pure happiness.


    Along with her, the whole company of Elem had joined in the song, their renditions sounded uniquely their own and as the hum came to unite, the two Elem at the front shared their first kiss sealing their forever bond for all time.


    <hr>


    The excitement from the celebration would not leave Vienna¡¯s bones; it had resonated so deeply into her very being. It felt as if she was still feeling echoes of its joy even days after. She would find herself at the Meeting Place humming the melodies that had been drifting through her mind since the first time the Old One had hummed to her as she danced across the stone. For the first time in her life, overcome with emotion and not caring what anyone would think if they came across her.

 Episode 28: A Curiosity (POV: High King of the Elem)

    The Elem bonding ceremony had been one of the most beautiful he had ever attended.


    He found himself yearning to have been there in person and not across an ocean viewing through a ?irdroche mirror.


    The bonding ceremony had ended and he had gone to bed. The next morning as he entered his study he noticed his ?irdroche mirror showed the clearing still but instead of being empty like any other day at this time, a petite figure could be seen. A bo staff in hand she practiced upon the stage, her movements smooth and practiced. He found himself standing before the mirror watching as she laughed and fell to the ground as she made a mistake before jumping back up. She nearly seemed to dance upon the plateau, finding joy in small moments as she exercised in the glade.


    It wouldn¡¯t be the last time that the maiden would accidentally trigger the one-way optical ?irdroche mirror.


    Sometimes she sang in the meadow after her exercises, but one evening as he came in to work late due to sleep evading him he found her sobbing on the other end. She must have stepped on the toggle for sound only. His heart clenched as he recognized her voice and her heart-wrenching sobs.


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    Then suddenly he could see her in the mirror curled up in the center of the raised platform. Fireflies circled overhead, her choked sobs filling the night.


    It was the first time he wished he could speak to her, she had merely amused him in the times before. A welcome distraction when the days grew tedious like on occasion they do.


    Then one day his entertainment was taken away from him.


    His Elem were giving him their reports when the maiden came upon them.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t mean to interrupt.¡±


    ¡°It is alright Bhelfl¡¯¨­r, we were just finishing up.¡± The Elem turned toward the large slab of ?irdroche to speak directly to the king. ¡°Your Majesty, there has been a recent decrease in hunters in the Wilds, when investigating we found that the Capital has been coming to the Council to eradicate them more often. The Mapmaker believes that this is not a coincidence¡­¡± Their voices metered out as they glanced at the maiden inconspicuously, ¡°due to recent developments.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± The king watched with a small smirk as the maiden named Bhelfl¡¯¨­r jumped as she heard his voice echo in the clearing. Her eyes were wide as she turned toward where the rest were facing. He could just see as realization dawned upon her features. ¡°Have the Mapmaker give me his full report later. You may go, I must speak with the maiden.¡±


    The king did not miss as his subjects looked at each other with knowing looks before they exited the clearing.


    ¡°Why can¡¯t I see you?¡±


    ¡°It is a one-way ?irdroche or P¨­rteacaleum. I apologize I didn¡¯t speak up sooner, however, there is a different switch to activate my ability to speak through the connection. Whenever you came it would seem you only seemed to activate one or the other, it was not as noticeable when it was sound.¡±


    ¡°I apologize for disturbing you.¡±


    ¡°You did not bother me. I am not always in my study, I¡¯m sure I missed most of your¡­frolicking.¡± The king wasn¡¯t sure why but he enjoyed it as her face turned pink in embarrassment, he concluded he needed to get out of his workroom more often if this was his sole source of entertainment.

 Episode 29: Rescue at Port

    Pop told Vienna long ago that one of the most dangerous places on the Continent was the ports of the Wilds. Pirates, poachers, and criminals all congregated at its ruin-strewn waters.


    The cove at the heart of the port was built into the rugged terrain that met the wild seas. The port town¡¯s mortar and stone buildings were worn by the sea¡¯s brisk winds, some leaning on odd angles.


    The Mapmaker¡¯s hood was low over his face, and he made subtle gestures with his fingertips signaling his other accomplices across the road as they approached the cove¡¯s edge. His hand raised quickly in attack as a brown-cloaked individual jumped to his side, Vienna smiled impishly below the hood.


    ¡°I told you it would be best not to come.¡±


    Vienna whispered, ¡°The king said it would be better that I come alongside.¡±


    ¡°Yes well, the king doesn¡¯t always know what he¡¯s talking about despite being pompous¡­¡±


    The rest was mumbled, but Vienna heard it and muffled the giggle that threatened to escape her.


    If there was one thing Vienna had learned about the Mapmaker was that sometimes he burned hotter than he meant. But he had a kind heart beneath the layers of sarcasm.


    ¡°So what¡¯s the plan?¡±


    The Mapmaker barely glanced at her before pointing in the direction of the rocky cove.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ¡°We are blocking its exit while the rest are going aboard to free our fellows.¡±


    Several Sea Folk had joined in the endeavor, and as the Mapmaker and Vienna watched, the crew left the ship behind. Some ran shouting it was ¡®cursed¡¯.


    As they entered the cove they saw the ship with its sails unfurled. The wind had picked up and filled the sails but the ship remained dead in the water, unmoving even as the sails fluttered.


    The Mapmaker and Vienna took a small rowboat to its sides before climbing a ladder let down its side by one of their allies.


    A call from the brig of the ship had both of them following. Vienna with her bo staff at the ready tied to her back in case she needed to defend.


    An Anti-P¨­rteacaleum cage surrounded little winged Elem, some crying out in fear, others quiet their small heads resting against their bent knees.


    ¡°Stop!¡± The Mapmaker didn¡¯t stop Vienna in time from touching the catch to release it only to be burned from an artificer-made lock.


    ¡°It seems knowledge of you has been told to others.¡± He perused the cage, ¡°If they grew they could escape it easily, the cage itself is flimsy. I would break it open but I wouldn¡¯t wish to harm them.¡±


    Vienna stepped forward and spoke to the little Elem, ¡°Will that be alright with you all? I¡¯ll give you names and you¡¯ll grow out of this cage. If not, we can find another way.¡±


    Nods went around. Vienna kneeled before it. ¡°The sea folk have saved you this time, how about some names to commemorate their hard work?¡± She pointed to one of the Elem, with large blue-green eyes and wings with a small lithe frame. ¡°You shall be Darya.¡± She turned to each of the others pointing to each as she named them, ¡°You will be Mairsile.¡± Another with wide fawn-like eyes she called ¡®Cherilyn¡¯. Another who bowed respectfully was called ¡®Mila¡¯. Two males who had stood in front of the little females she named ¡®Alkimos¡¯ and ¡®Siridean¡¯.


    The cage trembled as the Elem shook their wings and grew in size, the wooden bars breaking as the inhabitants were freed.


    Vienna smiled before turning her attention to a distorted song on the wind that she followed from out from the bottom of the ship to the top, where a hidden crew member tried to throw a burlap bag over the edge.


    ¡°Wait!¡±


    The bag was dropped and it fell to wobble on the edge as the man ran away, Vienna rushed forward slipping her bow staff from her back and slipping its tip through the knotted top of the bag just in time before it fell over the edge. Carefully she untied the knot inside the bag she found dark gray-green seeds. The bag only had them at the bottom hardly filling it, her fingertips brushed against the shells and felt them vibrate just the slightest bit. Her brow furrowed, and whispered,  ¡°You are sick, I¡¯ll see if I can make you better.¡±


    The Mapmaker¡¯s head came over her shoulder making her jump slightly, ¡°What do you want with those dead seeds?¡±


    ¡°Have you seen them before?¡±


    He sniffed the bag, ¡°They are ancient, at least a thousand years old, you won¡¯t be able to make them grow.¡±


    Vienna hugged the bag to her chest, ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡±

 Episode 30: A New Name

    Back in the Citadel the Mapmaker looked over the manifest of the ship. His eyebrows sunken below his spectacles, no doubt thinking about the report he would need to make to his king.


    Vienna gazed at his back and asked a question that had bothered her for some time, ¡°Why do they call you the Mapmaker?¡±


    His back tensed, ¡°It is my name.¡±


    Vienna rounded his desk, ¡°It can¡¯t be. It¡¯s a title, not a name.¡±


    A long sigh before the Mapmaker adjusted his spectacles, ¡°The late Elem queen gave it to me as my Inheritance.¡±


    ¡°What about¡­¡±


    ¡°I have no Hearth name.¡±


    The Mapmaker¡¯s gaze sharpened as he saw her downturned features.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need your pity.¡±


    Right as she spoke, ¡°Would you like one?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know what you are saying.¡± A wry chuckle came from him.


    ¡°Then tell me how it is different from me naming the others.¡±The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°You give them an Inheritance name. A Hearth name can only be given by immediate family. If you were to proceed, we would become thus.¡±


    Vienna leaned against the table, ¡°Would you feel uncomfortable if you became my family?¡±


    ¡°It would be binding, Terra ?irdis, there would be no takebacks.¡±


    ¡°At the heart of Terra? Would we never be able to part or something like that? Or would you have a say over my life or me yours?¡±


    He shook his head. ¡°It wouldn¡¯t restrict us or dictate our lives in any way. The only thing it would do is make us unable to make future marriage bonds with each other, as we would be incompatible as family members or siblings essentially.¡±


    ¡°Would anyone you were related to be related to me?¡±


    He shook his head again.


    It would take Vienna a night¡¯s rest within the safety of the Old One. Her thoughts transmitted through its empathetic arms, hoping that they would reach her father somehow. If he was fine with it, she would meet with the Mapmaker the next day to bestow him a name.


    The next morning she could almost hear Pop''s voice whisper, ¡°Little flower, do as you must.¡± A surge of trust and assurance warmed her very being.


    She took a day to think well on what name she would give the Mapmaker.


    The Mapmaker¡¯s surprised features as she knocked on his door only made her smile in return.


    ¡°I would like to bestow upon you a Hearth name if you will take it.¡±


    The Mapmaker seemed to be in shock, she suspected that he thought she had been scared off the previous day due to the permanence of such a task.


    ¡°What must I do?¡±


    ¡°A mother would whisper the hearth name in their infant''s ear after giving birth.¡±


    ¡°Are you ready?¡±


    The Mapmaker seemed in shock but he nodded.


    Vienna had thought long and hard and knew she needed a name that suited his personality but another that he could further grow into and wouldn¡¯t take away from the identity he¡¯d grown into with his title.


    She stood on a stool and had him bend down so she could whisper in his ear, ¡°Renard.¡±


    She smiled at him and spoke, ¡°A true Inheritance name as well, I believe you deserve one. Atlas.¡±


    His whole being shimmered and he gasped in some pain as wings burned a hole from his shirt''s back as they unfurled to wings tinged in light like a fireside. His hair turned bright at its edges like a paper being first lit on fire and his eyes sharpened until he took off his glasses to reveal fiery golden eyes that showed from a sparkling dark exterior.


    ¡°Wow!¡±


    Vienna watched as The Mapmaker¡­now Atlas Renard, turned toward a nearby mirror, his eyes wide.


    ¡°I¡¯m a perj¨­s.¡±


    Vienna¡¯s own eyes widened even as her lips were in a wide grin, ¡°Aelius has spoken of perj¨­s. It is rare for one to be seen above the surface. You are absolutely fantastic Atlas!¡±

 Episode 31: An Inheritance

    Vienna soon found herself drawn back to the hot spring caves, where the waterfall covered over the rock portal. It was like a song was being sung at the back of her mind but it was missing a melody until she crossed over the portal¡¯s entrance.


    The melody grew louder until it rang clearly in her head.


    The forest had changed, no longer was there a path, instead it was overgrown and the leaves had begun to grow dull. Only shimmering with some life when she ran her fingertips over them.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you all?¡±


    The dull green reminded her of the seeds she carried in her back pouch, she pulled it forward to find that the seeds inside had regained some vitality. She reached into the pouch and ran her fingertips over them, an almost satisfied sort of hum coming from the small bead-like seeds.


    She carefully planted the seeds into the healthiest ground by the portal and watched in surprise as immediately little green sprouts popped up from the earth as if ecstatic to meet her.


    ¡°Hello, little ones.¡± She felt the tops of their leaves and whispered, ¡°I¡¯ll be back.¡±


    She looked back at the changed forest before walking through the brush, interspersed throughout it all were slab towers with an ancient language inscribed upon them. Somehow as she followed the outlines of the engravings they felt familiar but Vienna was sure she had never seen it before except upon the rock portal itself.


    It wasn¡¯t until she reached a small clearing that reminded her of the Meeting Place in the Secret Garden. A raised platform of stone and the slabs full of the script surrounding it. Vienna felt drawn to them as if a string was tied around her heart pulling her forward.


    As she stepped onto the stone platform an almost static seemed to make her toes fidget within their boots. She took a deep breath before stepping forward and placing her hand on a particular indention that reminded her of a handprint in cement. Her other hand traced beneath the words and she found herself sounding out the letters as if she knew their rules. Bright light shined in her eyes causing her to blink continuously until she could adjust to it.


    The back of her head itched like the feeling she got when she was being looked at, she turned her head and found the Old One¡¯s sprig had grown even more now covering the whole staff, its small little limbs now reaching out to her across the stone.


    The stone markers were glowing a white that then gave into more pigment until it was a pastel green then a gem-like emerald. It formed a column of light around her, Vienna tried to not grow afraid as she realized she could not move from her spot but as she saw the light sprout branch arms and then leaves she felt herself relax. Trees had never caused her harm. In fact, in all her time in Terra, she found they were a welcoming presence. She could believe they were alive and perhaps more. She had seen the Old One give a piece of itself to her when she left her home, she saw that sprig grow and protect her from herself at times and she felt the surges of reassurance from the natural life on this planet. She was not afraid. She welcomed it in turn.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    A collective of voices seemed to speak from the stone, ¡®Young one at last you have reached the age. The forest welcomes you. Now you can truly become part of everything.¡¯


    ¡°What does that mean?¡±


    The emerald light intensified to the point she could no longer see her hands in front of her, so she closed her eyes. Aching pains ran through her body and she felt as her muscles strengthened and lengthened, as her hair grew and fell past the small of her back. Her ears ached even but then she felt a warmth spread through her limbs easing all the aches and as she opened her eyes she let out a gasp as she saw the ancient words come up off the stone tablets like holograms passing through her being. As soon as they touched her face, a surge of information was downloaded into her mind. She saw a people that lived in the forest, their culture rich in nature, so much so that it seemed they could become one with it. Their bodies blended into the bark, their hair wild like the leaves blown about in a storm, and always a gentle kindness in their eyes. Hands reached out welcoming and loving.


    Vienna now knew why she had grown up so slowly. Why her father¡¯s eyes would glaze over, his features ever so melancholy. He had survivor¡¯s guilt from a race of people that had mostly been forgotten, the Mynd?lf¨ºt and the Forgotten.


    A soft trill came from above and Vienna gasped as a creature with leaf-covered wings flew to perch upon her shoulder. Its mouth gaped in a lizard-like fashion. The other creature she¡¯d seen before came out as well.


    ¡®Everything¡¯


    She ran a hand through her hair only to have her hand falter over her ear to find it had changed.


    A chattering sound behind her awoke Vienna from where she had fallen into a daze of her own. Her clothes felt tight against her body, and the aches throughout were still echoing. She found herself sitting down on the Inheritance place¡¯s platform. Her mind whirled and as she looked up she found the creatures she¡¯d seen in the other forest before it was overgrown. Before time had gotten away with it. A gust of air from above signaled the final to arrive, her gaze looking in awe at the wide wingspan of the creature made of what seemed to be bramble, wood and leaves.


    ¡°Spectacular.¡± The closest she could compare the creature to was an odd mix of a pterodactyl and a dragon if they were made from the components of the forest.


    Vienna watched as the long limbering vine that had once come from the Old One stretched out to the rabbit-like creature with wide-winglike ears, the large land-locked creature with hunched bark back and moss sewn into its seams, the large bird-like creature and the ptero-dragon. The Old One¡¯s piece reached out a limb to each and Vienna watched in awe as they all seemed to fold into one long branch becoming one with her old friend before forming into a new bo staff for her much longer and ornate than the last that seemed to have given up its wood to the collective.


    The ground shook beneath her feet, ¡°They can¡¯t be all gone though, can they?¡±


    She felt her eyes water and she kneeled on the ground even as it shook. Her tear fell into the soft earth, soaking it down deep.


    Vienna touched the bo staff and smiled, ¡°I¡¯m glad you all are coming back with me.¡±


    The bo staff could morph even more so than the part of the Old One could before and when it noticed her sorrow for her ancestry it wrapped around her like a shawl holding her tightly in a hug.


    She ran back to the portal with her new companions. The sprouts that had grown leaped to join the others on the staff.


    When the portal closed behind her that day, Vienna knew deep down it would not open again. It had already accomplished its task.


    <hr>


    That evening as she lay resting in the Old One¡¯s embrace, she used her new knowledge to reach out to her father.


    ¡°Pop, I¡¯m coming home soon.¡±


    A sigh of relief came from Vienna as she heard her father reply, ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting.¡±


    ~END OF SEASON 2~

 Episode 32: She is Returning (POV: Duke Winden Thorne)

    ~SEASON THREE: THE ACADEMY~


    No poet or song could accurately express the joy Duke Winden Thorne felt when one night he went to bed and heard his daughter whisper through their bond that she was coming home at last.


    He did not go to bed that night instead he ran down the steps of his home and sat beneath the Old One.


    ¡°She¡¯s at last coming back. Thank you for taking care of her old friend.¡±


    As his little one grew older he had always known that the only thing that would allow her to truly grow was a quest. If she had not found the time-locked garden then he would have waited for as long as it took, even if it was hundreds to thousands of years until his little flower returned. But he was grateful for the ?irdkryp-Gardin¨­s, for it would allow her to come back in five short years, his time.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    It was a joy that could not be contained even as he found himself the royals the next day. His usual straight-faced facade gave way to a brilliant smile. It was Roark who saw it first, his eyes became alight, but not a word was spoken as if afraid that false news would be given instead. Roark knew about keeping secrets, hiding truths even from friends to protect others.


    The queen, a mother, saw through it all too immediately. As soon as the court finished she strode away from the council room and looped her arm through his.


    ¡°When is she coming back? Wolf and I have missed her terribly.¡±


    King Wolfau walked along Thorne¡¯s other side, ¡°Ravven will be ecstatic to have his friend back. He¡¯s been searching for so long.¡±


    ¡°Vienna will be much changed when she returns.¡±


    Sir Roark at last spoke up, ¡°She found it then.¡± A secret tasting at the tip of his tongue.


    ¡°Indeed.¡± Duke Winden Thorne smiled, ¡°My little flower has grown up.¡±


    As they passed the study, they heard the hurried footsteps exit it as the crown prince ran to catch up with their long strides. His long frame nearly sprinted to appear in front of the Duke.


    ¡°She¡¯s coming back?¡±


    Bark-colored eyes narrowed, ¡°It would seem she¡¯s foiling one of the last hunts in the Wilds.¡±


    ¡°Then we should join her.¡± Sir Roark spoke up.

 Episode 33: Interesting (POV: Killian)

    The Stronghold was more lively than it had been since its re-establishment.


    The knight stood at the top of a turret that overlooked the castle¡¯s courtyard, his lips thin as he watched the royals rush back and forth. The crown prince issued orders to those around him, excitement at every step.


    The return of Duke Thorne¡¯s daughter was the worst-kept secret in the Stronghold.


    The knight had never met the girl that had caused the castle to awaken nor had he ever been curious. She was just another noble who thought themselves better through their self-sacrificing spirit and wiser than their age eyes. It wasn¡¯t anything he hadn¡¯t seen before.


    It wasn¡¯t until he was tasked to join in the pursuit of the hunt that his interest was sparked.


    He had the best intuition and speed among all the shadow knights, and the royals valued him for his quick thinking.


    He was traveling in the trees when he first saw the female from farther away, jumping limberly from tree to tree catching up with the hunters on the ground.


    The shadow knight signaled to the others behind him and they quickly acted. The hunters were arrested before the female could even strategize. His lips pulled into a thin smirk as he jumped behind her causing her to startle, a small mus-like squeak emitting from her. His hunter instincts were activated.


    His claw-like hands grasped her sides, stopping his prey from falling from the tree in surprise. At the touch of her person, a flood of memories from another him eclipsed his mind¡¯s eye.


    An uppity noble lady visiting the Stronghold often. Friends with the crown prince. The eyes of the lady always looked upon Killian with wary disdain. A warning issued from her lips to his target. His execution of the enemy of the crown prince¡¯s soon-to-be bride.


    ¡°It¡¯s you.¡± His soft dangerous timbre caused a shiver to run down the lady¡¯s spine in real time. She shrugged off his hold, only able to do so because he let her, and she shrunk away her back hitting the tree¡¯s trunk.


    He watched as shivers ran through her, her eyes locked on him but not yet meeting his eyes.


    Her voice wavering ever so slightly as she spoke, ¡°Don¡¯t kill me.¡±If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°Who¡¯s going to kill you?¡±


    Large brown eyes fluttered until they met his ice blue. He was thrown into another memory, this time it was not his own from this time or another.


    A girl that appeared pale white in a beam of light in a silver-walled room.


    A strange creature with multiple limbs and a familiar sly look in its eyes.


    ¡°How is it that the timeline is different? 90124.5?¡± The girl in the light spoke with a curious voice.


    An odd purr-like chuckle came from the multi-armed beast, ¡°It would seem the heroine turned back time.¡±


    A gasp came from the girl in the light, ¡°Why? Didn¡¯t she get everything she ever wanted when she had Vienna killed?¡±


    Only silence met the question.


    ¡°Does that mean she will remember? She¡¯ll come for me!¡±


    The creature gestured towards the girl, ¡°You will be a different Vienna Thorne, will you not?¡±


    ¡°I suppose, but it won¡¯t matter if I¡¯m killed by that assassin Adeena had tied around her little finger. He¡¯ll chop me into little bits and feed me to those shark-like creatures before I can explain anything and that¡¯s if I¡¯m lucky.¡±


    ¡°A quick death.¡±


    The girl threw back her head letting out a wry laugh that sounded hoarse even though she had no solid mass.


    Her eyes were manic as she replied, ¡°Oh yes¡­as long as he doesn¡¯t enjoy playing with his prey before exterminating it. Of course, knowing myself if he ever appears before me, I¡¯m sure I couldn¡¯t help but spew crazy nonsense. Then he would prolong my suffering because he¡¯d find me ¡®interesting¡¯.¡± The laugh grew until she was bent over, before she rose her eyes narrowed and a sneer upon her lips, ¡°You might think he¡¯d let me go then, but no I¡¯d still die because his precious Adeena wanted me dead.¡±


    Killian¡¯s gaze cleared and narrowed upon the maiden before him. His lips lifted slightly at the corners and he watched as his new expression only made her more afraid.


    ¡°My father is looking for me. It would be best that I remain alive. He doesn¡¯t take well to those hurting those he cares for.¡±


    The shadow knight crawled towards her before locking her in place each hand on either side of her head.


    ¡°Who¡¯s to say I will harm you?¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s to say you won¡¯t?¡±


    A chuckle emanated from him, ¡°I suppose that¡¯s true. I could find you ¡®interesting¡¯.¡±


    She went pale and her lips trembled, ¡°I assure you I¡¯m not that.¡± She swallowed before sitting up and looking him straight in the eye, ¡°I would rather not end up like one of your experiments strung up by the entrails as they are used as a swing.¡±


    ¡°Ooh¡­I¡¯ve never thought of such before. I will have to use that next time.¡±


    She nearly looked like the girl in that silvery room by how pale she had gotten.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t.¡± She nimbly climbed around him on the limb of the tree swinging from one limb to another. ¡°Either way I¡¯ll most likely end up being killed¡­¡±


    A gravelly voice called out from across the way. The trees seemed to shake in anger, ¡°Who¡¯s going to kill my little flower?¡±


    The shadow knight rolled his eyes, ¡°It seems I unintentionally frightened your beloved daughter, Duke Thorne. No harm has come to her.¡±


    ¡°I would hope not, Killian.¡±


    The shadow knight known as Killian watched with dangerously curious eyes as the duke took away the young lady. A smirk upon his lips, his heart cold.

 Episode 34: A Good Talk

    Home held a different meaning now to Vienna.


    It was a cluster of different places and people.


    It was the sound the trees made when they rustled in the wind.


    It was an ancient place lost in time.


    But the home she had missed most was the warm place in her father¡¯s arms, she might have brought the visages of the other homes with her but it was in her father¡¯s arms where she at last felt true peace.


    ¡°Let me look at you, my little flower.¡± Pop looked her over and smiled as he reached up and touched the tips of her ears that were hidden beneath her camouflage. A smile appeared on his lips. ¡°You found your way.¡±


    Vienna looked at him, ¡°I¡¯ve wondered how come I can¡¯t see yours.¡±


    He smiled and glanced around before pulling a ring off his finger, a ring she remembered had always sat on his finger even as he slept. As soon as it came off his finger, he seemed to grow even taller, as he stood straight, his hair had a tinge of forest green through the dark brown waves and his ears were pointed at the arches just like hers had been after her inheritance. He slipped his ring back on and they sat down beneath the Old One like old times.


    ¡°I was just a young-ling, on my quest, when disaster struck my home. I had barely come into my inheritance before I was forced to run away from everything I had ever known.¡±


    ¡°How did you cope?¡± Vienna remembered the days crying alone in caverns on her journey, the terrible night terrors that came until she reached a safe place filled with light. Her father rested his head back against the tree trunk of the Old One a long sigh escaping him as if it had been saved up for decades.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t at first.¡± Winden Thorne stretched his legs and looked at the branches, marveling how the light sparkled through the leaves. ¡°I found moments of peace in nature, but I was away from our beloved trees for quite some time before I made it to the Continent. Just vast seas for as far as the eye could see. If I didn¡¯t have the reassurance of the seeds I took from the sunken lands I would have gone mad.¡±


    Vienna moved her satchel to her front, before pulling out a small bag full of the remaining seeds she hadn¡¯t planted in the Secret Garden. ¡°Like these?¡±You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    Her father¡¯s eyes grew wide as he peered into the bag, ¡°I didn¡¯t think there were any more left. All this from that locked place in the ?irdkryp-Gardin¨­s?¡±


    Vienna nodded. She brought forth her staff, her thoughts turning to the tendrils that followed her from the ancient place locked away in the ?irdkryp-Gardin¨­s, a place only for someone such as herself. A lost youngling Mynd?lf¨ºt.


    The tendrils had woven themselves through her clothes wishing to stay as close to her as physically possible but this time she whispered to them, ¡°Time to join with this Old One.¡±


    The tendrils reached out from over her shoulder, her whole staff shuddering as the pieces came apart and the leafy beasts from the ancient land flowed into the Old One becoming one with the old tree.


    ¡°You brought back more than seeds.¡± Her father¡¯s eyes were wider as he viewed the scene before him, as the beasties showed themselves their heads poking out from the Old One¡¯s leafage. ¡°I never thought I¡¯d see them again. I thought them extinct along with our people.¡±


    ¡°What if they weren¡¯t all gone? What if there are others like us?¡±


    Her father shook his head, ¡°I would have felt them.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps but I¡¯ve learned there are more impossible things that can happen.¡± Vienna gazed down at her hands clasped in her lap. ¡°Did you read my letter?¡± She asked even though she knew he would never have left it unopened when she had left.


    ¡°It changes nothing. You are still my Vienna. Another might have lived differently in another timeline, but you are mine in this one and that¡¯s all that matters.¡±


    Vienna smiled at her father, he always saw things so simply; so straightforward.


    ¡°If anything it just means I need to keep you protected all the more.¡± He looked at her with such a loving gaze she wondered how she could have ever doubted it. ¡°What were the rules you spoke of? You were so frightened your hands shook as you wrote the letter.¡±


    ¡°As a Starlight Soul, we are given two rules by the Caretakers. Never allow anyone to take advantage and beware of a violent death. If any of these are not followed then the timeline will be destroyed.¡±


    ¡°You spoke of a danger to you but didn¡¯t state who or what it was.¡±


    ¡°I was afraid because¡­¡± Vienna wasn¡¯t sure how to word the next bit. ¡°There was a story from the world I came from before that was inspired by events that occurred in the other timeline. The other Vienna died by getting in the way of the main character. I was frightened because this person turned back time but still retained all their memories from the other timeline.¡±


    ¡°And this person is?¡±


    ¡°Adeena Nesrin.¡±


    ¡°The Nesrins were never the right kind of nobles. One of those who sided with the people during the war at the end when they saw which side was going to win. A vain family through and through. Their daughter, Adeena, has been the talk of society, especially among the council member¡¯s wives, but she hasn¡¯t been heard of much by the rest of Wofford. She seems to have a single-minded focus on those she deems higher than others.¡± Pop looked down at Vienna, ¡°There is nothing you should fear from her, however, it is always good to keep aware of your surroundings.¡±


    ¡°Just in case.¡±


    ¡°Just in case.¡±

 Episode 35: Guests & Old Songs

    Soon Vienna was reunited with her old friends. Ezzie and Frey''s expressions were complicated as they saw her return. The children having grown in the four years she had been gone squinted at her as if trying to remember.


    ¡°V?¡±


    Taryn and Garren looked at Vienna with wide eyes before running towards her their frames nearly reaching her height even though she had grown taller.


    ¡°My have you two grown, just like sprouts.¡±


    Vienna looked up at Ezzie whose straight face didn¡¯t even hold disappointment or resentment, it was without emotion or perhaps so full of emotions it couldn¡¯t quite be expressed.


    Frey stepped forward with a wobbly smile, ¡°It¡¯s good to have you back, Miss Thorne.¡±


    It hurt that he didn¡¯t call her by her first name and yet she couldn¡¯t blame the awkwardness on them. She knew she was the one who had run away without a word to any of them, only a small note in her letter to her father to let them know she said goodbye. It wasn¡¯t enough she was aware of that. She had let them down, and she would have to regain their trust through deeds, not just words.


    Still, words weren¡¯t without their merit.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I should have at least left you all a letter but I didn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you should have. I thought¡­¡± Ezzie¡¯s straight features crumbled before she cleared her throat turning her head away. Frey wrapped his arm around his wife¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°We all missed you very much, Miss Vienna.¡±


    Still with the Miss but it was better somehow to hear her name on her old friend¡¯s lips.


    ¡°Miss, you have guests.¡± One of the tenant farmers came up, gesturing towards the end of the dirt road.


    Vienna wrinkled her brow, ¡°But I just got home.¡±


    Down the road came two familiar figures. ¡°Eiryls, Aelius?¡±


    They flew down the road and landed on either side of her wrapping her up in big hugs.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t think you could leave us behind, did you?¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± Vienna blushed when she realized she was short-sighted again. ¡°I thought you would want to stay where your home was. I told you I was going back home.¡±


    Eiryls looked at her sternly just as Aelius nuzzled the top of her head like Vienna was his teddy bear.


    Eirlys raised a thin snow-white eyebrow, ¡°You are our home. You were our Song-giver after all.¡±


    ¡°Vienna, is there something you failed to mention?¡± Pop looked at her with his own raised eyebrow.


    Vienna couldn¡¯t help the small awkward chuckle that escaped her, ¡°Oh Pop so much happened, I¡¯m not sure where to start.¡±


    Ezzie patted her apron and wiped a tear from the corner of her eye that Vienna had missed, ¡°I¡¯ll go bring some biscuits and tea. Come along.¡± She hurried her family away without a look back as Pop sat back down beneath the tree and Vienna sat beside him, waving Eirlys and Aelius to come sit down.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°It seems the Caretakers did not tell me everything about what a Starlight Soul means in this world.¡±


    Vienna then proceeded to tell Pop of the Naming, of the Mapmaker who was now an equivalent to a brother, to the Elem king and their talks. Of the stories of the first Starlight Soul on Terra, Queen Idril gave her life for the planet thus finding a loophole in the Caretakers instructions.


    ¡°What of this Elem king? Is he safe?¡±


    This time Aelius spoke, ¡°It is told in stories that being a descendant of Starlight Soul the king must protect any others that come after. Our king would never seek to harm Vienna especially when she¡¯s helped so many once Nameless.¡±


    ¡°So an ally then?¡± Vienna¡¯s father hummed beneath his breath. ¡°Vienna you will need to forge new allies when you go to the Academy. No matter how powerful your current allies may be that won¡¯t help you with the day-to-day when you are in school. Nesrin has dominated the social scene but you can become friends with all. Her blindspot is those she chooses to ignore, this shouldn¡¯t be a problem for you.¡±


    ¡°We may be able to help with that. There are several Elem that were once Nameless that with a recommendation could be enrolled in the Academy. This could help Vienna have some allies at her back from the start.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s coming?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ve already arrived in the Capital. They¡¯ve been there since after you Named them, many figured out who you were rather quickly despite your nickname.¡±


    Her father looked at her in question.


    ¡°I asked them to call me Bhelfl''¨­r.¡±


    ¡°My little flower.¡± His smile was warm.


    Vienna nodded.


    <hr>


    The next morning found Vienna rising with the sun as she had done in the Secret Garden. She went with her father on his early morning jog around the estate lands. They raced through the fields, breathless laughs escaping them as they reached the back stoop of the house.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad to see you have been staying healthy.¡±


    Vienna nodded and caught her breath.


    ¡°What will you be doing today, little flower?¡±


    Vienna tilted her head, hands on her hips as she looked out to the spot by the Old One that was bare.


    ¡°I thought I would plant some of the seeds today.¡±


    The sun caused a golden glow across the landscape reminding Vienna of how the Elems wings would sparkle in the dawn light in the ?irdkryp-Gardin¨­s.


    ¡°Was mother Okren?¡± Vienna looked at her father to see his features surprised before they eased into his sad reminiscing face.


    ¡°Asena was Okren and Terran, her Terran side was rumored to have some Elem too.¡±


    Vienna nodded her head, ¡°So that¡¯s why my gift is so similar to the Elem¡¯s glamour abilities.¡±


    ¡°Your gift?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s something all Starlight Souls are embued with, a talent that the Caretakers themselves possess. Knowing I might be hunted down by Nesrin, I asked for the ability to be invisible or camouflaged.¡± Vienna tilted her head to the side, ¡°Mother¡¯s possible Elem ancestry was possibly why Atlas was so surprised when I first used it around him.¡±


    ¡°Atlas¡­ah the Mapmaker.¡±


    ¡°Yes, he could tell it was something different but it felt similar to what the Elem could do. But now I suppose it''s only if aided by their rings?¡±


    Her father nodded, ¡°It is not an ability they can have on their own.¡±


    After going into the house and grabbing the seeds. Her father and she walked to the patch of land beside the Old One, a small meadow surrounded by the estate¡¯s trees as if guarding the parcel.


    Vienna knelt her hands testing the firmness of the land. Trying to find a patch with soil easily turned to allow for better planting. Her father set tools beside her before taking the one in his hand and helping her turn up some of the dirt so it was ready for seeding.


    From the worn pouch at her side, she stuck her hand in her eyes closing unconsciously as she felt around for the perfect seed. It wasn¡¯t like the branches or sprigs that could almost whisper to her, but it was a feeling in her gut like the feeling you get when you hear a familiar song that brings feelings of home and safety. She felt her fingertips grasp the seed and pulled it out almost expecting to see a green fresh seed but still, it was black and deadlike like the ones she had first planted in the Secret Garden. She bequeathed it a kiss before digging a small hole in the tilled ground and covering it with the loose soil. Her hands cupped the mound, her eyes closed as she felt the life in the seed stir. She felt the solid warm presence of her father beside her and she opened her eyes to see he was offering her a small ladle of water that she took and sprinkled over the covered pocket of soil. Once again she covered the little mound with her hand, and she remembered the songs that she¡¯d been taught in that ancient place. The songs of growth and life. A hum existed at the back of her throat and she felt something tickle the inside of her palm, she lifted her hand to see a small sprout coming out. Bright green leaves sprang from the stem as if rising to greet the world.


    She looked over at her father to see tears pouring down his face.


    ¡°I have not heard such songs for so long.¡±


    Vienna jumped into her father¡¯s arms as if she were four again and felt him hold her tight. His tears dampened the top of her head, as choked sobs came from his chest. She patted his back knowing that he¡¯d been alone for so long, with only the Old One and the trees for company not hearing any echoes of his once home. Just silence and the cool reassurance of the life of the forest.


    She helped him up and grabbed his hand pulling him toward the Old One setting his hand upon it before she placed her own and closed her eyes. She streamed all her thoughts, all she had learned in the ancient wood into the tree unknowing that the little sprout grew into a sapling as she shared her experiences with her father. The old songs echoed in their minds as they sunk to the base of the tree, neither of their cheeks dry. There was a grief that could not be spoken aloud but only felt but there was a long-forgotten joy intermixed in it all.

 Episode 36: The Coat of Arms

    The Named who did not stay in the ?irdkryp-Gardin¨­s, or go to the Capital right after gaining their inheritance, came to the Thorne Estate.


    Soon the Thorne Estate was busy building new homes for the new tenants.


    ¡°There are far too many.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Vienna looked over the number of homes being built and winced worried about the trouble she might have caused.


    ¡°No, little flower; I just think this might need to be something we need to inform Wolfau and Sevelle about.¡±


    ¡°They don¡¯t know I¡¯m a Starlight Soul though, Pop.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think it''s time you tell them? I have a feeling Prince Ravven is already aware.¡±


    ¡°He is?¡±


    ¡°Roark told me how the prince changed after he met you. It was as if he was a new person.¡±


    Vienna thought back to her interactions with the prince. Now that she thought about it she did find it curious how ¡°it¡¯s you¡± seemed to be a staple that the once-deemed capture targets said upon meeting her. First the prince and then Killian. It was a little bit odd.


    Was there something else that the Caretakers left out regarding the timeline switch? Some sign of what she was that she wasn¡¯t aware of?


    She¡¯d previously thought the prince guilty of harming the daughter of Duke Thorne.


    Was it more? Had he known all along?


    It wasn¡¯t as if the Caretakers hadn¡¯t already failed to tell her essential things before, like the existence of another Starlight Soul before her.


    Vienna sighed and raised her head to meet her father¡¯s eyes, ¡°Perhaps it''s time that I see them again. I didn¡¯t say much to them when you found me.¡±


    ¡°I swept you away, but now it''s time to face them. They¡¯ve all missed you.¡±


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    The ride to the palace that afternoon felt reminiscent of days of old, except this time she rode her horse rather than sharing with her father. Going through the valley of Wofford now held more meaning to her, and she knew why she had thought she could sense the pain, desperation, and culmination of emotions of the past. She was feeling Terra¡¯s response to the past. The Mynd?lf¨ºt were so connected to their planet that they could feel the echoes that it had felt through time.


    Arriving back in the Capital felt nostalgic, no longer did she feel the fear overwhelm her in the past just a slight nervousness of what would greet her at the palace.


    It bustled with industry, markets springing up here and there down the cobblestoned streets.


    The fortress still rose above all else, imposing but not as frightening as it once was filled with uncertainty.


    When they arrived at the fortress, the royals were in a meeting. Prince Ravven Basilius had just left the meeting rooms when he saw them arrive.


    ¡°Lady Vienna!¡± He strode forward his dark eyes alight. ¡°I¡¯m so glad you could come.¡±


    ¡°How long til the end of the meeting, Your Highness?¡± Pop asked.


    The prince gave a small bow toward the duke before stating, ¡°It will be another hour, Roark however is here in his study.¡±


    Pop glanced at Vienna before looking back at the prince, ¡°We will need to speak with the king and queen soon but til then would you perhaps have some tea with Vienna while I speak to Roark?¡±


    The prince looked shocked at the request but quickly stood straighter and gave another short bow, ¡°It would be an honor.¡± He offered his arm toward Vienna, ¡°My lady?¡±


    His eyes widened as he saw her take him up on his offer.


    ¡°You are different.¡± They walked down the hallway toward the gardens in the center courtyard. ¡°Not that is bad, you just seem¡­¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Prince Ravven. I feel more free than I once did.¡± Vienna smiled as he led her to a small courtyard where a nice table sat with four chairs surrounding it as if always ready for guests. ¡°How have you been these last four years?¡±


    She could tell that her inquiry had shocked him and she felt sad how she had not reached out to him when he was so desperate for a friend in her past. He had such an earnest look in his eyes, and she wondered how she could have missed it back then¡­but no she had been so caught up in her fears she hadn¡¯t been able to see he was different from the story she had known.


    ¡°I joined knight training at the Academy.¡± As if encouraged by her smile he continued, ¡°I wish to protect this country even if I¡¯m not able to rule it in the future.¡±


    He was humble it would seem. He didn¡¯t take things for granted. Vienna smiled.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure the state will see your earnestness.¡±


    ¡°And you, Lady Vienna, did you find what you were looking for?¡±


    Vienna looked down her eyes trailing across the lines of the coat of arms carved into the table her mind elsewhere.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t start in search of something. I was running away. I was so afraid and so very foolish. I couldn¡¯t see the friends I already had in front of me.¡± She raised her eyes to meet his, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I know you searched for me, you never gave up looking. I didn¡¯t treat you as kindly as I could have.¡±


    He sat down, his hand hesitating as it sought to reach across to her. ¡°You had every right to be frightened, after all you knew. I would have been scared.¡±


    Vienna¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°Do you know?¡±


    He smiled, ¡°From the moment our eyes met.¡±


    A maid came in serving some tea and Vienna looked down at the crest she had been running her fingers over.


    ¡°I never noticed. Your coat of arms has a panda on it.¡± She pointed at the beast rearing back on its hind legs, it could have been confused for a regular bear if it weren¡¯t for its patterning.


    ¡°A panda is that what it''s called?¡± A melodious voice came from the arched entrance to the courtyard.


    Vienna turned to see the king and queen had entered. She got up to bow, but the queen shooed away the gesture.


    ¡°Winden said he had something to tell us, but now I suspect I know what it is.¡± She came to stand before Vienna holding her hands out for hers, Vienna slipped hers into the offered hold. ¡°Are you a Starlight Soul, my dear?¡±


    Vienna nodded before giggling, ¡°Who knew a panda would give me away.¡± She turned her head toward Prince Ravven to see his lips quirking up in a smile and a look of relief passing through his features.

 Episode 37: The Debut Ball

    The time for the current year¡¯s debut ball had arrived.


    Many of the soon-to-attend students of the Academy would attend, along with many innovators across Wofford and some from other places in the Continent.


    Vienna had just had a little over a month to work alongside Ezzie making her dress for the event.


    The Fortress grand hall was decorated with the natural vines that grew up the sides of the buildings in the Capital.


    Wrapping around archways and saplings were brought to decorate the walls. The royals did not sit on their thrones instead they mingled with their people, no long burgundy trains behind them. The Queen wore a long draping tunic the color of the Sukomi desert, her warrior pauldrons on her shoulders, a skirt that was slit up the sides while she wore dark leggings beneath with boots that came over her knee. She was gorgeous and ever so threatening. The king wore a beautiful hand-stitched cape with a cape broach at the tie with the Wofford crest upon it.


    ¡°May I have this dance, Lady Vienna?¡± Vienna turned to find Prince Ravven dressed in a matching black cape like his father and humble handstitched tunic and trousers. Vienna was grateful for the lessons she took from her father over the month in preparation for the event.


    ¡°I just learned how this month, I might step on your toes.¡±


    He shook his head with an honest smile, ¡°I won¡¯t mind.¡±


    Vienna placed her hand in his and laughed as he spun her around in the center of the hall as the strings started up. ¡°Sorry.¡± She winced as her soft booted feet stepped on his toes.


    He twirled her around, her dark green skirt spinning out with her.


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    ¡°You are getting better.¡± Their hands met and they turned around each other, Vienna shook her head.


    ¡°You are being kind.¡± They turned and passed between other couples before joining back up. On their next switch, Vienna¡¯s eyes gazed out into the crowded room and saw a flash of unnaturally golden hair. Blue eyes stared at her, a sneer on pretty lips. It would seem Adeena Nesrin had caught sight of them dancing.


    When Vienna turned her head back it was to Prince Ravven bowing toward her and to her father before Pop stepped in to dance with her.


    Her father was a natural, light upon his feet, turning her around and making her feel as if she were floating and not dancing.


    This time as Vienna spun around the room her eyes briefly made contact with a pair of ice blue. She didn¡¯t recognize them, she must have not met the man before. There was a familiar feeling about him though, something in the way he stood. Perhaps it was his lonely gaze, the not-really-here look in his eyes that was so similar to her father¡¯s when he was in one of his dazes.


    After her father ended the dance, he and Roark began speaking amongst themselves several paces away.


    ¡°Oh if it isn¡¯t the little girl that ran away from home.¡±


    A gaggle of ladylike giggles sounded from behind Vienna.


    She turned to find Adeena ostentatiously dressed in gold that clashed with her hair, surrounded by a gaggle of ladies who peered at Vienna over their fluttering fans.


    Vienna curtseyed her head bobbing in respect, even if her father was a duke she wouldn¡¯t put aside the courtesy of acknowledging the other nobles no matter their rank.


    ¡°Good day, Lady Nesrin.¡± Vienna tilted her head, ¡°It is good to be back home.¡±


    Vienna watched sky-blue eyes narrow over the top of a white feathered fan.


    <hr>


    [Special POV: Zephyr Soren, Court Artificer]


    The seeds had grown.


    With them came knowledge of what he was and what he was missing for so long. The first hint of a home no matter how forgotten it may be.


    With the songs of long ago and the knowledge of his inheritance came a connection.


    He was not truly alone. There were others like him.


    He wondered how he had not figured it out long ago, Duke Winden Thorne. He did not fit in with the other different beings, there was always something different about him.


    Vienna Thorne, though was something even more rare. As soon as his eyes met hers across the ballroom he was thrown into a memory.


    A silver-walled room. A girl upon a pedestal of light, her form flickering between a young child and a young adolescent.


    ¡°I wished for a new life.¡±


    A strange being with many different arms, eyes wise stared at the girl. ¡°Seize the opportunity before you. Live this life. But remember beware of a violent death and don¡¯t allow someone to take advantage. If these warnings aren¡¯t heeded, the timeline will implode and all will be lost.¡±


    ¡°No pressure then.¡±


    The room dimmed and he was back in the ballroom, looking after the Thornes realizing who Vienna was. A Starlight Soul, how rare indeed. She would need to be protected. This was something he knew he could achieve from afar.


    [End of Special POV: Zephyr Soren, Court Artificer]

 Episode 38: Not Enough (POV: Atlas Renard, the Mapmaker)

    Fiery orange hair glimmered as a face leaned out onto his arms out his window overlooking the gates to the ?irdkryp-Gardin¨­s. A letter sat open beside him, Vienna was doing well. She told of the Elem that had arrived at the estate, how the debut ball had gone, and he knew she didn¡¯t tell everything that happened. He had other letters to prove otherwise.


    She had a confrontation with Lady Adeena Nesrin and her entourage.


    ¡°You are late, how unusual.¡±


    ¡°A Naming ceremony went on longer than expected.¡± The king¡¯s voice sounded tired. ¡°How goes the Starlight Soul?¡±


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    ¡°Hello to you too, old friend.¡± Atlas chuckled, no longer were the tales of Naming ceremonies painful to hear of. No longer was he among the Nameless, nor was he without family in this world. Now he had a sister. Atlas shook his head a smile on his lips as he thought about it. ¡°She¡¯s confident about joining the Academy. Okren land studies will be her specialty. She will need allies though. She may be stronger than she once was but she doesn¡¯t have the social allies that others have.¡±


    ¡°Others?¡±


    ¡°A Lady Adeena Nesrin seems intent on giving Vienna trouble.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± And it did seem as though the king understood the situation, his voice grave and hardened. ¡°She will need someone to look after her at the Academy then.¡±


    Atlas glanced at the P¨­rteacaleum mirror, ¡°I would love to be there for her, but you know very well where my responsibilities lie.¡±


    The tapping of the king¡¯s fingers against his desk could be heard.


    Atlas sighed, ¡°I will look into a couple of things on my end.¡±


    The king¡¯s voice was gruff, ¡°It¡¯s not enough. If you can¡¯t enter the Academy then I¡¯ll find someone who can.¡±


    Atlas sensed that it would not be as simple as that, but when his old friend put his mind to something nothing could get in his way.

 Episode 39: Roommates

    The Academy was a fairly new establishment having only been created after the war ended.


    Housed in the palace that once housed the royals during the Dark Age, it had been made new. Excessive guest rooms turned into dorms. The larger bedrooms for the royals were made into classrooms for a variety of secular lessons, like Policies and History. The armory was made into the knight training area. Other secular buildings were turned into the Metal Okren study classrooms and the Elem artificer classrooms. The greenhouse once an over-excessive garden for tea parties and the like was turned into the year-round classrooms of the Land Okren studies.


    Vienna would stay in the dorms during the week and then head home on the weekends. Her father preferred her not to travel in the dark on the way home.


    Her dorm was shared with three other girls, one of them was a familiar face.


    ¡°Zia?¡±


    A beautiful curly head of burgundy curls turned and bright pastel pink eyes shined bright, ¡°Bhelfl''¨­r!¡±


    The other girls looked at each other in question, ¡°Bhelfl''¨­r?¡±


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    Vienna smiled at the girls, ¡°Zia and I met while I was traveling. I¡¯m Vienna Thorne, may I know your names?¡±


    Their eyes widened and they curtseyed, ¡°Lady Thorne.¡±


    ¡°Oh please none of that, here at the Academy we are all equals and I believe we are equals regardless of title anyway.¡±


    The taller of the two stepped forward, ¡°Rhosyn Rhidian.¡± Her lovely bright red curls matched her name quite well. ¡°I¡¯m taking the merchant route for my specialty.¡±


    The shorter grinner wide, ¡°Leora Rylis. Knight in soon to be training.¡±


    Leora stood proud, ¡°Don¡¯t let my height fool you, I¡¯m extraordinarily nimble with a blade.¡±


    Vienna smiled, she already could see her new roommates were going to be fun characters.


    Zia stepped forward, ¡°Zia Laelynn. Seamstress specialty, Elem sub-specialty.¡±


    ¡°The wings gave it away, I¡¯m afraid,¡± Rhosyn said with a straight face, while Leora giggled before stepping forward.


    ¡°I have not met many Elem with wings, it''s nice to meet you, Zia.¡±


    It struck Vienna then how unique it must be in the Continent where almost everyone was a mix of different races for there to be someone who looked straight from the tales of the different lands. Those on the Continent were like a melting pot of different races, the genes they took after stronger were often dependent on their environment.


    Like Frey with his Okren and Elem descent, he took after his Okren side being more surrounded by those working with the terra growing up. Still, his Elem showed through with how his hair and eyes would shift to match his surroundings as if trying to blend in. A talent only a few Elem with an affinity to light could do.


    ¡°And Lady Thorne what is your specialty?¡±


    ¡°Vienna please.¡± Vienna smiled in what she hoped to be an encouraging way, ¡°Okren Land specialty, sub-specialty merchant studies.¡±


    Vienna had decided to do merchant studies when discussing with her Pop. She had spoken about how she had found the seeds on the illegal trading ship. She didn¡¯t have much knowledge about the trade between the Continent¡¯s different regions. She also thought about what she learned about the Elem in the Secret Garden and thought about how she could find out more about the widespread land beyond the portal.

 Episode 40: Determined (POV: Adeena Nesrin)

    The Academy was different from what she remembered. Its halls were less filled with possibilities and more with opportunities.


    Adeena had a dream the first night of settling in the dormitory.


    The kingdom was aflame.


    The king and queen were taken hostage by the nobles allying with her parents.


    The prince¡¯s betrayed eyes met hers.


    Ice blue raging at her.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    An ice pick shredded her clothes as she ran from the mad artificer.


    Everything falling apart around her.


    She woke in a cold sweat.


    Up with the sun, Adeena rose, not letting any of her fellow students see her hair mussed or her cheeks imprinted with the pattern of the pillow sleeve. Pinching her cheeks she brought color into them before going to the chest of drawers and taking out her uniform. Such an ugly thing, so ordinary but she would make do with a pretty silken blouse beneath the tunic-like dress, a leather belt to cinch her waist, and a little bit of beeswax with red tint on her lips. Her artifact sitting beneath the collar of her high-collared blouse. Hose tied at her thigh and dainty boots on her petite feet.


    She hadn¡¯t stayed in the dorms the last time around but neither had the prince.


    Things had changed, but she wouldn¡¯t allow them to change any further.


    She would catch the prince¡¯s eye, and they would have their happily ever after. Just like the tales the old queen of legend would tell. For she was born to be a princess¡­no¡­Adeena shook her head, she was born to be a queen.

 Episode 41: Confrontation

    Lunchtime at the Academy was a thorough affair. The food provided was all grown on the property, cultivated by the Okren professors and their students. Vienna noticed that very few ate meat if meat was in their diet they had to bring it in from one of the merchants outside of the Academy.


    Dinner was served in the hearth room, a big room with long tables near the kitchen creating a homey feeling for those who were housed at the Academy. Whereas lunch found many of the students in the numerous courtyards of the Academy after receiving their food in the hearth room.


    This was where Vienna found herself after her first morning of classes.


    Zia was in all her classes in the morning, alongside the girls from the dorm and a few other ladies Vienna had recognized from the ball. Classes started a couple of hours after dawn. Light breakfast was served in the hearth room. Then Vienna and her roommates were off to lessons in history and policies.


    ¡°I never realized how much policies had to change after the war,¡± Leora spoke as she trotted along her study articles in a satchel at her back.


    ¡°Of course, they would change,¡± Rhosyn replied. ¡°The policies during the Dark Ages only benefited the nobles.¡±


    Zia looked between the two her eyes wide, ¡°I didn¡¯t realize how many new laws there had been to manage the number of artifacts in one region.¡±Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    ¡°The trade of P¨­rteacaleum is strictly observed by the Corsidi counsel. We might have not completely sunk in the mud due to lack of technology after the war but we still are behind the Elem in their home.¡± Rhosyn spoke, ¡°I¡¯ve heard such grand tales of their central city.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t know.¡± Zia looked down her gaze sad.


    ¡°I thought all Elem with wings came straight from Corsidi,¡± Leora spoke up, unknowingly causing Zia to sink further in sadness.


    ¡°Not all Elem make it home,¡± Zia spoke just as Vienna spoke up.


    ¡°Not all Elem were born in Corsidi.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Leora paused before, ¡°Wait but if that¡¯s true how do you get back? The portals are closed.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not easy. They would have to take a Corsidi trading or emissary ship home.¡±


    Vienna looked at Zia¡¯s deflated appearance and decided to change the subject but before she could who should appear but Lady Adeena Nesrin.


    ¡°Oh, it is true what they say birds of a feather truly flock together.¡± Adeena smiled sweetly but it was spoiled by the malicious delight in her eyes. ¡°The forsaken heir of House Rhidian and the benign little knight. Truly Lady Thorne I don¡¯t know where you find such lost souls you truly have a talent.¡±


    A gaggle of ladies giggled behind Adeena.


    ¡°You will show Bhel...Lady Vienna respect.¡± Zia stood up her light pink wings twinkled and shook behind her in barely restrained anger.


    ¡°Oh and what could you do to me, little Corsidi reject.¡±


    Zia¡¯s hands shook at her side balled into fists and Vienna lightly touched them.


    Vienna came forward, ¡°Your issue is with me, Lady Nesrin. Please do not attack my friends.¡±


    Adenna cast her eyes downward, her hand to her bosom. ¡°Me, attack you. Why would I even bother?¡± Adeena stepped closer, ¡°I just find it so disconcerting a noble who hasn¡¯t taken her place in society. I mean running away from your responsibilities how noble is that?¡±


    ¡°You are right, Lady Nesrin, it was wrong of me to run away.¡± Vienna stepped closer, ¡°Especially now that I realize what I feared was so very small in comparison.¡±


    A flicker of something went through Adeena¡¯s eyes before it vanished, ¡°It is good you take responsibility for your actions.¡± She gestured to her girls, ¡°Well we must be going we must find a place to eat this delightful food.¡± The way she said delightful was riff with derision.

 Episode 42: First Meeting (POV: Ralph Silvaine, Elem Studies Professor)

    The Academy was far more impressive than he had imagined. It was nowhere near the magnificent buildings in the Corsidi but it was far more advanced than the rest of the region of Wofford.


    Authorized artifacts lit the main halls and classrooms.


    His classroom was rather charming. He was expecting something rugged and rough, but he supposed it was wrong to assume that, the Academy had once been a palace.


    He received his own classroom rather than sharing, all specialty teachers had their own classrooms. As each would no doubt have different projects per the different talents of their students.


    A desk sat to the right of a large chalkboard, and individual lab stations for the students went up different platforms of the main room.


    He found he liked teaching. His students were bright and eager to learn. So many grasping at the feeling of a home that they had never seen. It reminded him of his true task, to bring them home, to make sure no more would be Nameless. There were also side tasks assigned to him, keeping watch on the returned Adeena Nesrin and watching over the Starlight Soul Vienna Thorne.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    The first time he saw Vienna Thorne in person he was coming out of the classroom, deciding to take a walk in the gardens of the Academy before his next class began. She was running down the halls her brown hair falling in wisps around her face, her eyes catching sight of someone behind him. He turned to see her skid to a halt before his fellow artificer, Zephyr Soren.


    ¡°Sir you wouldn¡¯t happen to know where the merchant specialty class is? I¡¯m afraid I¡¯m rather lost.¡±


    Perhaps she had a better sense of direction with greenery and trees. Perhaps Vienna Thorne found herself lost when surrounded by stone and mortar he thought.


    Soren¡¯s paperwork fell from his hands as she came upon him and she was quick to help him pick things up but he seemed to freeze when their hands brushed. His gaze drifted off into the distance.


    Vienna sat back but she didn¡¯t try to wake him.


    Curious he came up from behind, ¡°How odd, shouldn¡¯t we wake him?¡±


    She startled not realizing someone was behind her, ¡°Sir, you frightened me.¡±


    ¡°I apologize.¡± He bowed his deep violet head and adjusted his spectacles. Light lilac eyes peering through them.


    Vienna cleared her throat and shook her head, ¡°I should have been more aware of my surroundings.¡± She glanced at Professor Soren. ¡°My father gets like this sometimes, I believe it will pass in a little bit.¡±


    ¡°Could I then direct you to your class, Miss Thorne?¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Professor¡­¡± Her brown eyes blinked as she looked up at him.


    He bowed, ¡°Professor Ralph Silvaine, at your service.¡±

 Episode 43: Hope (POV: Zephyr Soren, Artificer)

    Zephyr Soren was used to being a blank slate, not allowing anyone in, not allowing anyone to see the grief that resided deep within.


    The memories of the other timeline haunted Zephyr Soren.


    He¡¯d go to sleep and see his Other Self going mad.


    He¡¯d see both sets of memories from his Other Selves alter memories.


    They weren¡¯t complete but Zephyr dreaded to see the rest.


    He realized one night what had changed. The seeds. If they hadn¡¯t been intercepted by the Starlight Soul very likely he might have gone mad again. And he knew he had to change himself, he couldn¡¯t keep himself isolated any longer. It was easy to think but very well different to put into practice.


    He was used to the routine of classes, royal responsibilities, and his experiments before rest. Always keeping to himself.


    There was one name that stood out to him in the memories of himself interacting with Vienna Thorne in the other timeline. It was her warnings regarding Adeena Nesrin.


    He didn¡¯t have her in any of his classes but he¡¯d heard of her during his dinners with the rest of the staff and students.


    She was a social butterfly, fluttering from one political ally to the next. She was vying for the crown princess position, it was obvious by her lingering looks at Prince Ravven Basilius. While he paid her no mind, she was like air to him something he could pass right through without a glance. In Zephyr''s Other memories he¡¯d seen how she went after not only the prince, but his alt personality and the shadow knight, Killian; gathering around her a dangerous group of men. And it led to the kingdom¡¯s greatest supporter¡¯s daughter¡¯s death. He was sick to his stomach when he realized his alt personality from then had helped gather false information to convict the young woman bringing forth her demise.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    This time he would not allow himself to slip into madness.


    This time he would make sure the kingdom wouldn¡¯t fall into the hands of a selfish little girl.


    This time he wasn¡¯t alone in the world left with mere echoes.


    Through one of his fellow teachers, he found Vienna Thorne¡¯s schedule.


    At the end of her Okren land studies class, he found her still with her hands stuck into the dirt and her eyes closed.


    And he wondered what she felt.


    She had the most interesting heritage, so close to Terra she must feel. So close to the stars.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    Her big brown eyes blinked open and she sat back on her heels, her hands wiping excessive dirt on her apron before standing and giving a small bow of her head.


    ¡°Professor, what can I help you with?¡±


    ¡°I wish to apologize.¡± For so much, he couldn¡¯t even say aloud.


    ¡°Whatever for?¡± She tilted her head to the side.


    He stared for a moment remembering the feelings from the Other¡¯s memories, the emotions from the seeds he and she had planted on the other sides of Wofford.


    ¡°I was the one who sent out the seeds.¡±


    That was not what he meant to say. She seemed confused for a moment before her eyes widened and looked at him with an almost barely concealed look of excitement.


    ¡°Are you¡­Could you?¡± She shook her head as if trying to gather her thoughts.


    ¡°I thought I was all alone but then the seeds sprouted. The melodies I heard...¡± Soren swallowed trying to not allow the wealth of emotion to show on his features.


    ¡°Then you were meant to hear them.¡± She spoke with a smile brighter than the suns''. ¡°May I write a letter to my father?¡±


    ¡°Can you not¡­¡± He gestured towards the plants.


    She shook her head, ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem to work with all plants and trees just certain ones Pop planted throughout Wofford over time, and well the new sprouts thanks to you.¡±


    ¡°I have some in my private office.¡±


    She smiled, ¡°I would prefer to hint the matter to my father via a letter.¡±


    He¡¯d forgotten himself, he wasn¡¯t one of her peers. He was in a position of power, of course, she¡¯d be wary and careful.


    ¡°I apologize I didn¡¯t think.¡±


    ¡°I can only imagine how it must have felt not having that connection. I¡¯ve had Pop even when I was away but¡­¡± She looked at him with sympathy and for the first time, he wasn¡¯t irritated by the look. ¡°Are they in pots could you bring them here on occasion?¡± She pointed at the observatory around her and he nodded that was something he could do.


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll reconvene here perhaps tomorrow?¡± He looked over at the young woman and tried to not look too eager but she was kind and smiled.


    ¡°Of course, I never did get your name, Professor?¡±


    ¡°Professor Zephyr Soren, Lady Thorne.¡±

 Episode 44: Zia & Ravven

    It had been a week and Vienna''s roommates and her were having dinner when Ravven came up to our table.


    Sweaty from training, the girls wrinkled their noses.


    Vienna looked up and offered him a smile, ¡°Long afternoon of training?¡±


    Vienna was late to dinner as well, Rhosyn and Leora were almost done with their meals when she arrived.


    She had been showing Professor Soren how to send messages through the sprouts. He was surprisingly clumsy at it for someone who was used to working with fine details but he got the hang of it by the end.


    Zia was purposely eating extra slowly beside Vienna not wanting to leave her behind while the others got ready to stand and go back to the dormitories when Ravven arrived.


    ¡°Ladies, this is Ravven. A friend.¡±


    She watched as Ravven¡¯s tired eyes lit up, his obsidian sparkling in the low light of the hearth dining space.


    ¡°Your Highness.¡± Rhosyn bowed her head while Leora scrambled to do the same. Zia looked at him with a cocked head her eyes roaming over his features and Vienna couldn¡¯t help but wonder what was going on in that curly head of hers.


    Ravven waved away the courtesy, ¡°Please none of that, we are at the Academy. I am merely a knight in training here, and not a very good one at that.¡±


    ¡°Have you eaten?¡±


    Ravven shook his head and Vienna pointed to a seat across from her, ¡°Go get yourself some food and come sit. You must be famished.¡±


    He winced and ran his fingers through his hair before nodding and trotting over to where the hearth¡¯s banquet-style food still sat waiting to be ladled.


    The warm stew in Vienna¡¯s mouth made her feel cozy.


    She looked over to her side to see Zia¡¯s eyes trailing after Ravven. A smile came to her lips wondering if perhaps Zia liked him.


    ¡°He¡¯s the one that came looking for you, wasn¡¯t he?¡± Zia whispered in her ear.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s what I was told.¡± It was harder to explain she¡¯d seen it in a dream, well a connected message of sorts through the Old One back home.


    ¡°He¡¯s different from what I thought,¡± Zia mumbled.


    Vienna hummed into her tea, ¡°How did you imagine him?¡±


    Zia shrugged, ¡°Taller.¡±


    <hr>


    Soon it was the harvest, an event celebrated city-wide in the Capital.


    Unlike Vienna¡¯s Old Earth customs, the harvest wasn¡¯t rithe with religious connotations. It was merely a large market with everyone sharing their first fruits. A farmers market where everyone showed off their best harvest.


    The Academy opened its doors on this day. Showcasing their students'' achievements, especially in Land Okren studies.


    The cobblestone streets of the Capital were full of laughter, talking, and music.


    The minstrels that came to the city came from far and wide, to play and make people feel joy.


    Dancing in the square brought memories of Ezzie¡¯s wedding, a small bittersweet wave passed through her before Zia grabbed hold of her and spun her around. A laughter bubbled from Vienna¡¯s throat, as the near jig had their feet kicking up their arms around the shoulders of their fellow villager. At one point Zia¡¯s wings unfurled sparkling in the light, they changed hands and Vienna laughed as she saw Zia and Ravven begin dancing. At first, Zia was stiff unsure around him but then as he spun her around, her giggles filled the air. They came to the center clapped their hands and then spun out with their partner.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    ¡°Hello, little sister.¡± A familiar voice had Vienna looking up to see familiar dancing russet eyes.


    ¡°Atlas?¡±


    He let out a joyous laugh, his fiery curls thrown back, ¡°I still love hearing my name.¡±


    The music changed up and Vienna and Atlas were partners as they weaved in between the other couples, their gazes drifting to Zia and Ravven.


    ¡°They look swell dancing together.¡± Atlas¡¯s gaze looked at the two. ¡°How long do you think it will take for them to fall?¡±


    Vienna shook her head as he twirled her under his arm, ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡±


    ¡°No matchmaking, Bhelfl''¨­r?¡±


    ¡°None, intentionally done, but if they end up together well¡­¡± She shrugged.


    ¡°You won¡¯t be angry.¡± He raised an orange eyebrow.


    ¡°Why would I be angry?¡±


    ¡°You and he weren¡¯t...?¡±


    Vienna let out a giggling laughter, ¡°Oh no, not us.¡±


    The beat changed and they changed partners. Zia ended up with a stranger, Ravven with Leora who¡¯d joined and Vienna looked up to find a pair of violet eyes that seemed familiar.


    At her look of confusion, a smile came upon a pair of lips, and the arms of the gentleman pulled her into the twirling dancing.


    ¡°Don¡¯t remember me, Lady Vienna?¡±


    His voice sounded familiar and then when she glimpsed at his purple hair swishing behind tied in a blue ribbon, she remembered.


    ¡°Professor?¡±


    He gave a nod with a secretive smile, ¡°Just Ralph Silvaine today, Lady Vienna.¡±


    They spun around the circle of folk, the silence between them not oppressive especially when Vienna was trying to follow some of the new steps some of her neighboring dancers were trying to incorporate.


    ¡°How is academy life suiting you?¡±


    The dance had just sped up again, they changed hands with the dancing pair at their sides before coming back around to each other again.


    ¡°It fares well.¡± Vienna was starting to feel a little out of breath, she¡¯d been dancing for quite a while now. As if noticing her predicament, her dancing partner took her hand and drew her to a nearby stand giving out free samples of their fine cider. He got a cup for her and one for himself before they stood to the side watching the dancers weave through one another.


    ¡°No problems with any of the students?¡±


    She raised an eyebrow, and the man raised his hand in a gesture of peace.


    ¡°Merely doing my duty, young miss.¡±


    ¡°None that needs telling.¡±


    He nodded, ¡°I see.¡±


    His gaze looked over the crowds and she looked up at his mysterious stature. Vienna did think perhaps he did understand, which slightly unnerved her.


    With a bow of her head toward the professor, ¡°I must return to my companions.¡±


    <hr>


    Later in the evening, the Harvest Day ended with somewhat of a talent show.


    The winner of it got to spend either a night at the Academy or the Fortress along with a basket of goodies from the best of the merchants of the Capital.


    ¡°You are not entering?¡± Ravven spoke from Vienna¡¯s side and she shook her head.


    ¡°What talent do I have that could be showcased? No, I¡¯d much rather watch.¡± Vienna glanced at Ravven and watched his facial features as she spoke next, ¡°But I believe Zia is joining the contest.¡±


    ¡°Zia?¡± His cheeks were still flushed from dancing, so she couldn¡¯t tell if they reddened further.


    ¡°How sad you forgot her name so quickly after dancing the afternoon at her side.¡± This time there was no question that he blushed from her teasing.


    ¡°What¡­¡± he cleared his throat when his voice came out too low, ¡°What kind of talent will she be performing?¡±


    ¡°I guess you¡¯ll just have to stay to the end to see.¡±


    And they did but not until first having to stand through a very long rendition of a victory song by Adeena Nesrin herself. She had a pretty sweet voice not made for the boisterous sound of the song she was singing, but she still got the town to join her in singing the first couple of stanzas until the rest began to tire as the song went on and on. When she at last finished Vienna didn¡¯t think she was wrong in seeing several shoulders relaxing in relief.


    When the announcer announced there was one last singer, the audience could be seen almost all shifting on their feet, trying to decide when they could leave.


    Then Zia began to sing, her voice soft and melodious. She sang an old ballad from before the Dark Age, of before when the Porteacs had been open. An old Elem song about home and Vienna glanced around to see the gazes that once were shifting to escape were now fixed on the girl at the center of the stage. Singing with her heart on a song. Then it ended and no one sighed in relief instead wistful looks appeared on all the faces.


    ¡°Well, I know who I wish to win.¡±


    Ravven came close.


    Vienna noticed he looked nervous when the results were spoken aloud.


    Adeena got an honorable mention but Zia won the contest. Vienna and Ravven exploded in applause as they saw a bashful Zia receive the reward basket of goods and the pass to tour the fortress.


    ¡°You should show Zia the library when she comes for her visit.¡±


    Ravven looked at Vienna with a small smile, ¡°Do you think she¡¯d like it?¡±


    Vienna smiled, ¡°You could ask her, you know.¡±


    Her gaze drifted from Zia¡¯s features to that of Adeena¡¯s who looked livid.


    Vienna had a bad feeling.

 Episode 45: Target on Her Back

    At first, it seemed Vienna had been wrong, but it was the little things that started. The way at first when Adeena¡¯s squad would come to say their customary snide greetings at lunch, or at dinner where Ravven had started joining them when he wasn¡¯t with his fellow knights in the same year as him; that Vienna noticed they would completely ignore Zia as if she didn¡¯t even exist.


    Then it went beyond those little annoying greetings. Vienna noticed even certain teachers ignoring Zia when she¡¯d try to participate, or giving her short clipped responses when she would engage with them.


    It came to a point when a certain teacher in economics gave Zia a failing grade because her assignment wasn¡¯t ¡®refined to his standards.¡¯


    Zia who had been either ignoring or oblivious to the previous actions or inactions done to her, actually teared up after that. Vienna knew how well she¡¯d done on that assignment because she¡¯d seen her work.


    It was when her emotions became very noticeable through the sharing of the sprouts that Professor Zephyr Soren asked her what was wrong.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t been yourself lately. The sprouts seem to have been deflated lately as well.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry it''s just¡­¡± Vienna decided to choose her words carefully after all she didn¡¯t want it to sound as if she were complaining about another teacher. ¡°I have a friend who is being bullied, and it''s extended to even teachers treating her unjustly. I¡¯m not sure what I can do to fix it, without possibly aggravating things further.¡± She¡¯d noticed the pride that certain teachers in the secular subjects held was vast and if she injured it she was worried about the repercussions it would have upon her friend.


    ¡°You can report it to the board of trustees.¡± He offered but immediately saw how her shoulders slumped.


    ¡°I have no solid evidence. The sort of bullying is ignoring her existence. The students that aren¡¯t close to us have all started to do it and certain teachers give her short answers. Or fail her on the littlest things, that seem almost fabricated.¡±


    Vienna¡¯s hand ran over the sprouts and felt a surge of reassurance, and knew her father was near one of the Mynd?lf¨ºt plants.


    ¡°That is difficult. Which student is it?¡±If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Vienna looked at him, ¡°You won¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t say anything to anyone unless I believe they can help.¡±


    Vienna ran her hands over her apron, fidgeting with its edges. ¡°Her name is Zia and the professors who I¡¯ve noticed have been treating her differently are Agler and Etzel.¡± She opened her mouth, closed it, and then decided to say her thoughts aloud, ¡°I believe the origin of all of this is Adeena Nesrin. She saw Zia dancing with the prince at Harvest Day.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Agler  and Etzel are both from previous noble factions, connected to the Nesrin family.¡± Soren looked down at her and spoke softly, ¡°Would you allow me to speak to just a few of the teachers who are more neutral in politics perhaps they could have some ideas on how to approach this matter delicately.¡±


    <hr>


    To cheer up Zia who had been down for the last couple of days. The girls snuck out of the dormitory one night and crept down to the hearth where one of Vienna¡¯s Okren teachers, Jirina Dallen, waited for them to supervise.


    Zia looked from the teacher to her friends, ¡°What this?¡±


    Vienna smiled, ¡°I¡¯ve found on a bad day, homemade biscuits and tea can do wonders.¡±


    Zia, Rhosyn, Leora, and Vienna all lined up at the hearth workspace and began to put together their batch of biscuits, kneading the dough, then forming balls to place on the large platter that was then placed into the oven¡¯s fire.


    Flour dusting their noses and hair they watched as the smell of fresh bread began to waft from the oven as it cooked the bread.


    ¡°Something about that smell is so relaxing,¡± Vienna spoke up.


    Zia let out a long sigh, ¡°Why are they doing this to me?¡±


    Vienna and Rhosyn made eye contact knowing they had to tread carefully.


    ¡°Lady Nesrin is possessive of things that don¡¯t belong to her,¡± Vienna spoke carefully.


    While Rhosyn went straight for it, ¡°She has not made it a secret that she desires the crown princess position.¡±


    Leora looked confused, ¡°But why Zia? The prince is Vienna¡¯s friend.¡±


    Vienna let out a wry chuckle, ¡°Oh she hates me too, but because she saw Zia dancing with the prince on Harvest Day she has been on the warpath against her.¡±


    Leora raised a flour-dusted hand, ¡°But I danced with him too. A lot of girls did.¡±


    Vienna and Rhosyn sighed looking at each other.


    ¡°Yes, but he danced with Zia several times in a row.¡±


    A near snort came from the doorway where Vienna¡¯s teacher stood, ¡°Silly little girl. She doesn¡¯t even have the people''s support and yet she thinks she¡¯ll be queen.¡±


    Zia whispered, ¡°He danced with me more?¡±


    Vienna smiled seeing what Zia focused on during the whole conversation.


    ¡°You both looked happy dancing together.¡± Vienna took Zia¡¯s hands in hers, ¡°And whether you are just friends with Ravven or not, it shouldn¡¯t matter to anyone else except the two of you.¡±


    ¡°So what do I do?¡±


    Vienna pursed her lips, ¡°I¡¯ve already spoken to a teacher I trust regarding the situation. He believes the main culprits are those who have the same political leanings as the Nesrin family. He¡¯s going to speak to a couple of teachers who are neutral to see if there¡¯s a way to do this without ruffling too many feathers and making things more difficult for you.¡±


    The teacher who was keeping watch spoke, ¡°Who, Miss Vienna?¡±


    ¡°Professor Soren.¡±


    Mrs. Dallen looked a little surprised, ¡°He¡¯s always been a bit cold, I¡¯m surprised you were able to go to him for advice.¡±


    Vienna just nodded not sure what to say without betraying a confidence.


    Mrs Dallen spoke up, ¡°I¡¯ll see what my husband and I can do on our end as well.¡±


    ¡°Thank you!¡± Zia smiled brightly and Vienna watched as Mrs Dallen looked stunned for a couple of seconds before nodding and smiling herself.


    The smell of baked bread distracted them all as they realized their late-night treat was ready to be served with jam and tea.

 Episode 46: His Sweetheart (POV: Ravven Basilius)

    Ravven was not oblivious as some nobles might have perceived him to be regarding the matters of the Academy students younger than him.


    At least he didn¡¯t believe himself to be until he heard other knights-in-training gossiping about his ''sweetheart'' who was gaining the ire of the noble girls.


    He honestly didn¡¯t even know who they were talking about until one of them spoke of the ¡®Elem girl¡¯, flashes of a joyous face on skin that reminded him of his mother¡¯s but with such a different array of emotions that he felt drawn to her smile. Wings that sparkled under the suns¡¯ rays and a smile even brighter. She was Vienna¡¯s friend. Zia that was her name.


    He eavesdropped on his colleagues and friends who spoke about the girl being snubbed by teachers and students alike in the noble faction. His fists curled up at his sides.


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    The idea that such a vibrant and bright soul could be ignored, chastised, and¡­


    Ravven let out a small growl.


    He hadn¡¯t seen her many times after the Harvest Day, just on occasion when he¡¯d have dinner with her, Vienna, and her other dorm mates. And yes he did have conversations with her, but he did with all of them, but perhaps he had talked to her more.


    It was at dinner one night when both Vienna and him were late after coming from lessons that Vienna noticed his down spirits.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Ravven? You look very preoccupied.¡±


    He hummed beneath his breath staring down at his food, ¡°How is your friend¡­Zia?¡±


    Vienna¡¯s eyes widened but then she let out a sigh, ¡°It was hard at first but I think she¡¯s stronger for it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll come later at dinner, then.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± Vienna poked him in the shoulder, ¡°Don¡¯t let Nesrin win.¡±


    Ravven looked at his friend to see her giving him a look.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen how happy you are whenever you are interacting with Zia. You reflect her brightness, and you look better for it.¡±


    Ravven felt his cheeks heat up. He cleared his throat, ¡°Does she¡­?¡±


    Vienna smiled, ¡°Zia is the sort of person who won¡¯t allow anything to keep her down for long. If she likes someone, she won¡¯t hide it.¡±


    Ravven felt his heart warm from hearing his friend¡¯s accolades for someone he¡¯d already admired.


    ¡°I have told a couple of professors regarding the situation and they will help so things don¡¯t get out of hand.¡±

 Episode 47: Reflection (POV: Zephyr Soren)

    It wasn¡¯t until Professor Zephyr Soren locked eyes with Lady Adeena Nesrin that he saw how poisonous of a noble she could be.


    Curious about what kind of trouble the young noblewoman could truly get into he had watched her from afar.


    One evening when he joined his colleagues for dinner, their eyes met across the hearth room.


    She gave him a simpering smile but there was a tinge of fear that flickered through her gaze and with it came the other half of missing memories from the other timeline.


    He knew he¡¯d gone mad back then but he didn¡¯t realize how far he had until he¡¯d received the other personality¡¯s memories from the other timeline. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    He¡¯d been split into two in the other timeline, himself and his brother. His brother personality had fallen in love with Lady Adeena Nesrin and he¡¯d been played as a fool. She¡¯d used him as her personal artificer, only coming to him when she needed something. His half-heart split in two when she became engaged to the prince, still he sided with her against the Thornes. Still, he loved her but then the kingdom began to fall around her.


    As her parents had laid siege to the Fortress, as he regained his main personality he had gone after her. He came very close to killing her that day, and perhaps things would have been better if he had. Time would not have been rewound and yet¡­he would never have been given hope at the hands of the new Lady Vienna Thorne.


    He left dinner that night troubled and he tossed and turned during the night as the memories from the other timeline threatened to drive him mad.


    He woke from restless sleep and he went to his small potted plant from Lady Thorne and his experiments. He felt a wave of reassurance sent through its leaves and he felt no longer so alone.


    He would not allow history to repeat itself.


    He would gladly give his life to protect the Thornes rather than see the kingdom descend into the madness from the other timeline.

 Episode 48: Investiture Ball

    Two years passed in a blink of an eye and soon it was time for Ravven¡¯s investiture ball.


    Ravven came with Zia, they had grown closer over the years despite the best efforts of Adeena Nesrin. Even one time tried to get Zia sick with mild poisoning. Nothing could ever be placed on her shoulders always leading to scapegoats.


    Zia was beautiful in one of her creations. A silken blossom blue gown that was gorgeous in its simplicity.


    It was a well-known unspoken rule that at any debut ball one was to dress in something that only that kingdom could provide. It was to make sure that the kingdom was highlighted even in the guests by the handiwork of all involved.


    Vienna wore a hand-dyed gown in an ombre of pastel pink and blue, the bodice was hand-stitched by herself she¡¯d been taking lessons from Ezzie over the years. Little rosettes adorned the sleeves and one of her sprouts interwove itself over her bodice creating an almost cinched corset look while her hair held live blossoms blooming upon it.


    She stood tall beside her father as she watched her two friends twirl around each other in the ball¡¯s opening dance. Vienna went on her tip-toes and whispered in her father¡¯s ear, ¡°They look good together.¡±


    Pop gave her a little smile and nod in return.


    Vienna watched Zia¡¯s skirts flare out like a flower blooming, joy radiating from her features.


    They had all graduated this year from the Academy, along with Ravven.


    When the first dance ended Zia pulled Ravven towards Vienna and Pop.


    ¡°Vienna, aren¡¯t you going to dance?¡±


    Vienna laughed, ¡°I haven¡¯t had the chance to be asked yet.¡±


    Ravven smiled, ¡°I believe that¡¯s my cue.¡± He bowed toward Vienna, ¡°Lady Vienna, may I have this dance?¡±


    Vienna smiled and laid her hand on his outstretched one, she couldn¡¯t help but think how much had changed for them.


    He pulled her into the merry group dance, they laughed as they saw their fellow friends skip past them with their partners. Leora in a flurry of skirts dragged her partner around the grand hall.


    As Ravven spun Vienna out, her gaze made contact with a man whose features stood out among all else. But it was his facial features that made her brow furrow. They were familiar as if she was seeing someone she knew with new hair color and eyes. It was strange.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    ¡°Ravven, do you know who he is?¡± Vienna nodded her chin toward the mysterious figure.


    Ravven chuckled, ¡°An odd story behind that one, it''s a bit of a secret among the royals. I just found out today.¡±


    Vienna didn¡¯t get to know the secret as Ravven bowed at the end of the dance.


    When Vienna looked back to where the man had been he had vanished, she looked around but could not find him anywhere.


    Pop found her curious features, ¡°What is it my little flower?¡±


    Vienna glanced down at her father¡¯s ring, her voice in an undertone, ¡°Can someone change their eye and hair color with one of those rings?¡±


    ¡°Usually no¡­it merely disguises what is already there but¡­¡± His voice metered off, ¡°It could be possible if the talent had an affinity for core stones.¡±


    Core stones, Vienna thought, from what Atlas had told her about the Elem she knew that only a select few Elem could manipulate core stones. Using them was different, but changing or modifying them was solely something found among the royalty of the Elem.


    Now that she thought about it Atlas¡¯s last letter was rather mysterious. He spoke of a surprise coming her way by the time of the investiture ball.


    Vienna was walking on the edges of the grand hall when she noticed Adeena and her squad heading towards her, she quickly ducked inside one of the many alcoves holding her breath as the group passed by. Another uncomfortable interaction was avoided, safely.


    ¡°I¡¯ve found you.¡±


    A deep voice that reminded her of a Professor from the Academy had her peeking out from the alcove only to find the mysterious man from earlier leaning on the side of the column peering down at her with a smirk.


    He was absolutely beautiful. One of those visages that could be simultaneously pure male and still have the elegance and beauty of a well-trained prima donna. Long silver hair that glistened in the light and mix-matched eyes of turquoise and gold. Sharp features and what Vienna could only blush as she thought were the most kissable lips she¡¯d ever seen.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I don¡¯t know who you are.¡± Vienna nearly winced at how breathless her voice came out.


    His smirk intensified before he gave a bow, ¡°I was merely a voice to you once.¡±


    Vienna tilted her head to the side in confusion.


    ¡°You are quite the musical maiden when no one is there to see it.¡±


    Her blush intensified as an idea popped into her mind. Of back in the ?irdkryp-Gardin¨­s, of the voice that came through the P¨­rteacaleum at the meeting place.


    ¡°I see you¡¯ve remembered.¡±


    Vienna dropped in a curtsy, ¡°It is an honor to meet you in person, Your Majesty.¡±


    ¡°Oh, none of that you may call me by my name, after all, you have been calling me it already for the past two years.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Vienna¡¯s eyes widened, her eyes falling to his fingers searching for a ring that would be similar to her father¡¯s but of course, she realized it wasn¡¯t there. He wasn¡¯t in disguise now.


    He bent down. His silver hair which was tied behind him in a teal ribbon fell over his shoulder. He whispered in her ear, ¡°My name is Ralph Silvaine.¡±


    Vienna¡¯s eyes widened as she recognized the last name as one of the Elem professors at the academy. One she had only met on occasion, whose striking violet hair and violet eyes were the talk of fluttering school girls everywhere. Then she focused on the first name he¡¯d given her, ¡°Ralph.¡± She whispered, she pursed her lips as she looked to the side a nervous giggle almost coming from her.


    ¡°What¡¯s so funny, Lady Vienna?¡±


    She cleared her throat, ¡°Please excuse me, I was just not expecting that as your first name.¡±


    ¡°It was a family name on my mother¡¯s side.¡±


    And then it made sense, the king before her was the son of the first Starlight Soul that had come to this dimension. It made sense that such a seemingly normal name could appear now on Terra.


    ¡°I see.¡±


    He straightened, ¡°I suspect you do. I was however surprised at the variety of names you gave my Elem.¡±


    ¡°I always adored researching the meaning of names in the¡­¡± Vienna paused and then looked up into that mix-matched gaze and continued, ¡°In the Before. It was a bit of a small hobby of mine.¡±


    ¡°How coincidental.¡± The king¡¯s lips tugged at their corners, ¡°I don¡¯t believe in fate, but you certainly have made me question that belief, my dear.¡±

 Episode 49: His Mission (POV: Ralph Silvaine)

    It was never his intention to search for a queen when he had initially traveled to the Continent.


    All he thought about was protecting the precious existence that was the Starlight Soul.


    Then he saw her the night of the investiture ball and his heart beat thunderously in his chest. He wasn¡¯t sure why he had never noticed it before but she was beautiful. Her happiness radiated from her like a glowing ore stone.


    He wondered if this was what his father felt the first time he had seen his mother in her element. If she had shone as brightly as Vienna Thorne did her gown reminded him of the serkosos blossoms from his homeland. Homesickness stirred at the pit of his stomach while his gaze followed her, her eyes rising to meet his. Her eyes widened and he was quick to disappear. He needed to collect himself.


    Then he saw her disappear from the main hall. His gaze traveled across the ball searching for Lady Nesrin not seeing her, he was quick to search out Lady Vienna.


    The whispering chattering of ladies surrounded him as he passed by them in search of his quarry.


    ¡°He¡¯s the king of the Elem.¡±


    ¡°Him? He¡¯s handsome.¡±


    He watched from the corner of his eye as Lady Adeena Nesrin curtseyed with a simpering smile on her lips.


    ¡°Your Majesty¡­¡± Lady Adeena¡¯s eyes traveled up the long glistening robes of the king but it was when her eyes met his mixmatched that she froze in place, her whole body becoming rigid.Stolen story; please report.


    ¡°You¡­¡± She sputtered. Her voice cut off and her hands shook at her sides.


    Her friends whispered behind her back and stepped back as if anticipating the rage of a king at such rudeness.


    A cruel smirk appeared unhindered upon his lips, ¡°How rude, Lady Nesrin. It¡¯s as if you don¡¯t know how your basic etiquette. How unfortunate.¡± His gaze narrowed, ¡°I told you I¡¯d see you again.¡±


    Her mouth gaped but she couldn¡¯t utter one word.


    ¡°I told you there would be a price.¡± He pointed at the artifact at her throat, his fingers brushing over the P¨­rteacaleum cameo.


    This time her hands rose to the artifact at her throat, no doubt feeling it burn her skin as soon as he brushed his fingers over it.


    ¡°Remember this Lady Nesrin, you¡¯ll never be able to move against me.¡±


    Then he swept away leaving her staring at him with a gaping mouth and eyes full of fear.


    As he walked down the corridors his gaze fell upon a shadow and on instinct searched it out only to find where Lady Vienna had hidden herself.


    It was the most he had interacted with her, even when undercover as a professor at the Academy. He couldn¡¯t help but enjoy how her cheeks flushed in embarrassment. He wasn¡¯t offended as she might have thought by her dissolving into giggles at his name, instead, he felt as if he had been privy to seeing a rare side to the woman; something she didn¡¯t normally show to others. He felt almost privileged. It was then that the thought of her as his queen graced his mind.


    He felt drawn to her and he wondered if it was the draw of starlight in their veins, as if they were magnets pulling each other toward one another.


    As he asked her for a dance, her slender hand slipped into his and he pulled her close as the veins of a couple¡¯s dance came into the air. His thoughts swirled with the possibilities.


    ¡°I would like to see you again, Lady Vienna. May I visit you at your home?¡±


    ¡°I would be honored to have you as a friend, your Majesty.¡±


    It would seem she was blind to his interest.


    ¡°I would like to pursue you Lady Vienna. I¡¯d be the one honored if you accepted my offer to court you.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Her cheeks rose in color. She swallowed before looking to the side as if collecting her thoughts.


    ¡°I understand you weren¡¯t expecting such an offer. However, I wouldn¡¯t wish to leave the Continent before making it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll be leaving soon?¡± She almost looked regretful.


    ¡°Will you allow me a reason to stay a little longer?¡±


    She looked him in the eyes and his gaze stayed fixed upon her.


    ¡°May I have some time to think about it?¡±


    ¡°I will give you a week, Lady Vienna.¡± He bowed over her her hand, kissing the air above it not wishing to frighten her away so soon.

 Episode 50: Falling to Pieces (POV: Adeena Nesrin)

    It was too late by the time her eyes met that mix-matched gaze.


    Her world seemed to crumble and she was back, back to that moment where she¡¯d just seen her kingdom fall at the hands of her parents and the other nobles.


    Back when everything was in pieces.


    She was frozen before the king and once he was gone she had to run for the doors, out onto the cliffs overlooking the bay. The wind whipped around her, tugging at her dress as if wishing to tug her down, down, down.


    Her eyes closed as she tried to close out the sight of those mix-matched eyes and that foreboding warning, but all she saw was the past.


    The past where the prince loved her, where the mage¡¯s brother cared for her, and where she was to be crown princess.


    Before the Thornes¡¯ house came crumbling down, before Vienna died what was seen as a noble death by the people; before the Duke pulled his support of the royals.


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    Before when things were simpler, she grit her teeth, how naive that young woman was. So very foolish, nothing had truly been in her grasp. Everything slipped through her fingers like sand.


    She tucked her hair behind her ear and raised her head.


    She was stronger and smarter than she once was, and this time she had the nobles on her side. She¡¯d stolen them from her parents using her charms. She had them in the palm of her hand, it didn¡¯t matter if the prince thought he was in love with another. The nobles would support Adeena, the royals would see what the wisest decision was.


    Throwing her shoulders back, she wiped the tears that had fallen down her face. She pinched her cheeks before nodding. She was above this, she walked back into the hall with her head held high only to stop in her tracks as her gaze fell upon the dancing couple at the center of the hall.


    No, it couldn¡¯t be and yet there she was; Vienna Thorne dancing with the king of the Elem. The man who had once held Adeena¡¯s fate in his hands.


    How could everything go so wrong so quickly?


    Adeena¡¯s nails bit into her palms as she clenched her fists, no, this couldn¡¯t be happening.


    She watched the fond look pass through those terrifyingly handsome features.


    No, no, no...


    Something cracked inside her.


    She would just have to get rid of Vienna Thorne once and for all time.

 Episode 51: Consideration

    It was after Vienna and her father¡¯s usual dawn run, as they came to rest by the Old One that she approached the subject of the Elem king¡¯s offer.


    Vienna rested her head against the bark of the tree.


    Her father spoke up first, ¡°What is it, little flower?¡±


    She took a moment, wondering how her father would react before speaking, ¡°The Elem king wishes to court me.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I suspected that might be so. His gaze would not leave you during the investiture ball.¡±


    ¡°You knew?¡± Vienna looked up at her father who stood leaning against the tree to her right.


    ¡°He could keep you protected. I have the understanding that it was one of the reasons he was undercover to make sure you would be kept safe.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not enough of a reason to court him though.¡± Vienna sighed.


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    ¡°Do you like him?¡±


    Vienna looked away, running her fingers over the grass blades allowing how they tickled her hands to distract her for the moment.


    ¡°I find him attractive¡­but Pop I never saw myself courting anyone. At least not for a while there¡¯s so many things I¡¯d like to do.¡±


    ¡°Like what?¡±


    Vienna looked back to her father, ¡°I want to see if I can find them, Pop. I want to travel this planet and search for other Mynd?lf¨ºt. I can¡¯t very well do that if I¡¯m queen.¡±


    Pop straightened and pointed down the road, ¡°Perhaps you should tell him that, little flower.¡±


    Vienna turned and looked to see the king upon a noble ebony steed. His hair tied high upon his head the turquoise ribbon flying in the breeze.


    He and his steed came right before them by the meadow before he dismounted and came forward with a small nod toward the Duke before he smiled at Vienna.


    ¡°I was not sure I¡¯d find you available so early.¡±


    Vienna stood brushing the dirt off her slacks and watched her father as he eyed the king not quite warily but with thoroughness.


    ¡°I came to let you know I¡¯ll be returning to Corsidi, there are affairs of state that need attending to.¡±


    Vienna was surprised, she thought the king would be staying in the Capital for a week. A sense of loss came upon her and she wondered at it, how could she feel loss for someone she didn¡¯t even have as her own? It was silly.


    ¡°I must leave. However, if you wish to send me correspondence, my lady, you may send it through the Mapmaker¡­excuse me¡­Atlas Renard. He¡¯ll make sure I receive it.¡± His hand came out and Vienna placed her hand in his, he bowed over it kissing the air above like the customs of the Continent. Atlas had informed her that such things were quite unheard of in Corsidi where they were much more reserved. ¡°I look forward to your next correspondence, my lady.¡± He raised his head and gave a curt nod to the Duke before he left upon his noble steed.


    Vienna¡¯s gaze traveled after him, ¡°I suppose that¡¯s it then.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be so sure, my little flower.¡±

 Episode 52: Dream or Memory (Multiple POVs)

    [POV: Ralph Silvaine]


    The soft features of Vienna Thorne wouldn¡¯t let the king go. He sat in his study, his mind worlds away even as he perused the recent census.


    Time was quickly approaching when in the previous time-line, he¡¯d turned back time.


    Lady Adeena Nesrin was so sure it was because she asked for it never knowing he¡¯d been studying for more than a year on how to do the same. Ralph Silvaine looked out his window overlooking his city and hummed beneath his breath, it was coming time to check how the core was doing. His aide had given him the recent readings their artifacts gave, but still no movement, just like the time before.


    Leaving behind his study, he shrugged on one of his warmer formal robes it could get colder down in the caverns.


    He walked through the stone-columned hallways and through the windows that were above the waterfall bridge down below.


    Everything was for his people.


    He wandered down the spiral staircase at the back of his palace and when he reached the bottom the guards checked his hands for any camouflage rings before letting him through the two-story double doors plain in comparison to what they kept hidden on the other side.


    As he stepped through the doors he paused waiting for them to close and lock shut behind him before continuing down the aisles of glimmering stones. The walls inlaid with crystalline and rare P¨­rteacaleum in its most raw form.


    The dim light from the rows of glowing stones reflected off the crystalline stone hanging like stalagmites from the ceiling.


    The deeper that he went in the more the glow faded until he stood at the base of the stairway, at the top was a multi-faceted core stone. Its faces were like windows looking into an opaque night where the stars seemed to have vanished from the skies. A shiver ran down his spine, but he shook his head looking back down at the readings over the last couple of years. No movement, no static, nothing.


    He looked up to see what looked like a spec of dust on one of the faces, he brushed it aside but as soon as his fingers brushed against it the core stone shuddered. Ralph Silvaine fell back a couple of steps as he felt an odd resonance spread through his bones and then up and up until it felt as if a loud bell was ringing in his mind. He rubbed his temples.


    Later that night as he lay down to sleep, his dreams showed a familiar cobblestone street he¡¯d seen when he visited the capital of Wofford. A cloaked figure in an alleyway ran in a hurry through an alcove only for a figure in black to jump in her way¡­


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    [POV: Ravven Basilius]


    He had just fallen asleep, he watched through his gaze as he followed after a petite figure who ran away from him. He sped up after her, worry in his chest and something like anger. Only for it to dissolve into fear as he saw the person he pursued let out a shrill scream as a figure jumped in front of her brandishing a knife. A pained cry came from the maiden as the figure lunged barely missing her neck and his blade ripping a sleeve. Crimson dotted the torn sleeve.


    He ran forward, brandishing his sword quickly to get the figure away from the one he protected.


    From the corner of his eyes spun golden hair fell around a tear-filled gaze...


    [Zephyr Soren]


    The dream was odd.


    He sensed it was from his Other Self¡¯s memories from the other timeline.


    He had just seen a maiden he recognized as Lady Adeena Nesrin nearly get harmed by a man with a knife. The prince brandished a sword to protect Adeena and the black-clothed man tried to flee. Zephyr was quick to use his affinity, ice covered the ground making the man slip. As it receded with each of Zephyr¡¯s steps he grabbed hold of the man¡¯s arms, who began to mumble non-stop.


    ¡°She¡¯ll get you next time. You won¡¯t escape, Adeena Nesrin.¡±


    ¡°Who sent you?¡±


    The man let out a laugh, ¡°A flower with thorns is a dangerous thing.¡±


    [Killian]


    Killian¡¯s first clue that it was a dream was when he saw himself kneeling, head bowed before the crown prince.


    ¡°What have you found?¡±


    From his side he brought forth a knife laying flat upon his hands, ¡°The blade was forged on the Thorne estate. I even have a witness who gave testimony of Lady Vienna Thorne issuing the order for the weapon to be made.¡±


    ¡°Why would she do such a thing to me?¡± A voice came from the hallway and the crown prince rose from his throne.


    ¡°I told you to rest, you haven¡¯t healed from the ordeal yet.¡±


    Killian watched sourly with an ironic smile upon his lips as he watched the crown prince lean down and kiss the lips of Adeena Nesrin. Lips he had once kissed.


    ¡°I will make sure she can¡¯t lay a finger upon you ever again.¡±


    [Vienna]


    Vienna tossed and turned as she lay in her bed. Fingers grasping at her blankets, she whispered ¡®no¡¯.


    In her dream she was being taken away by the prince¡¯s loyal shadow knights, Killian himself placed restraints on her tightening them far too tight.


    She was brought before the royal court, but the king and queen were nowhere in sight instead the prince sat on one of their thrones. Adeena Nesrin sitting regally at his side.


    ¡°You are charged with treason and the attempted assassination of the soon-to-be crown princess, Lady Adeena Nesrin.¡±


    She wasn¡¯t allowed to speak, her voice coming out choked and dry.


    ¡°You are hereby sentenced to death. Let this be a lesson for the rest of the kingdom so that no one dares to harm my future queen.¡±


    ¡°Please, no, Your Highness I would never try to harm her. You have to believe me.¡±


    ¡°I have believed you for too long and look how you¡¯ve repaid me. Take her out.¡±


    A crowd had gathered, faces of shock watched as Lady Vienna Thorne was carted up to a stand.


    Vienna¡¯s eyes shot open just as the blade was about to come down on Lady Thorne¡¯s neck.


    Her body was wracked with shivers. ¡°No, no, that won¡¯t happen. That was only a story, only a story.¡± She pulled her knees up and buried her head in her arms. ¡°Just a story. It won¡¯t happen, I¡¯m going to be ok.¡± The shivers would not die down until dawn arrived and her cheeks were wet with tears.


    [End of POV: Ralph Silvaine, Zephyr Soren, Killian & Vienna Thorne]


    [POV: Adeena Nesrin]


    A strange giggle came from the desk beneath the grand bedroom¡¯s window. Hands furiously wrote disregarding the ink that began to stain their fingertips. Low mumbles came from the woman, ¡°Yes, yes, of course.¡± A deranged giggle came from wide grinning lips, ¡°If it happened once I can get it to happen again.¡±


    [End of POV: Adeena Nesrin]

 Episode 53: Testimony

    It was as if her nightmare was becoming reality when Vienna was summoned to the Fortress to testify before the council the following week.


    Her father stood proud by her side, ¡°We will get to the bottom of this Vienna.¡±


    He was serious, so often her nickname came from his mouth that she realized he was set on proving her innocence. He had no doubts. Her emotions had been high since her nightmare and when she told him of it sure it was some warning he didn¡¯t count her as foolish.


    The ride to the Fortress was fraught with worry, and it did not fade as they found themselves escorted to the council chambers when arriving at the Fortress.


    ¡°That girl should be in chains for what she¡¯s done to my daughter!¡± A screech was heard at the other side of the room, and Vienna winced at the sound.


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    Her dark brown eyes sought out her antagonist but found her nowhere in sight. Instead, the man she knew as Lord Nesrin and a pretty woman Vienna recognized as Adeena¡¯s mother stood pointing in her direction.


    ¡°Order!¡± The king spoke loudly and Lady Nesrin sat back down still glaring in Vienna¡¯s direction. ¡°Now that all have arrived we will proceed with the matter at hand. We have a testimony of one commoner that he was instructed by Lady Vienna Thorne to attack and kill Lady Adeena Nesrin.¡± The king turned his noble head toward Vienna, no hints of her Uncle Wolf anywhere only a king trying to find justice, ¡°What have you say Lady Thorne?¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t aware of such an event until this moment.¡± Vienna raised her head high, ¡°And I certainly did not incite anyone to hurt Lady Adeena Nesrin, I have no reason to.¡±


    ¡°She lies, your Majesty. Adeena has told me how this girl has sought to speak ill and bully her.¡±


    Vienna pursed her lips, how ironic. Adeena was the one who thought Vienna was a thorn in her side. Vienna would rather forget that Adeena even existed.


    ¡°How can one girl¡¯s spiteful comments be missable in court?¡± Duke Winden Thorne stood, ¡°What evidence do you have other than your daughter and the criminal trying to evade punishment?¡±


    ¡°We will adjourn for now. The council rules that no sentence will be carried out on Lady Vienna Thorne until the case is thoroughly investigated. For now, we ask Lady Vienna to stay at the Fortress in custody until you are proven guilty or not guilty.¡±


    ¡°I will not permit my daughter to be separated from me.¡±


    The king nodded, ¡°We will make accommodations for both Lady and Duke Thorne until the matter is settled.¡±

 Episode 54: Plans Gone Wrong (POV: Adeena Nesrin)

    It had all gone wrong.


    Adeena Nesrin bit the nail of her thumb nervously as she heard the loud conversations coming from down the hall of her parents'' home.


    She had thought the plan simple, easy to follow but the man she had hired had gone rogue.


    She was never meant to get harmed, not really. Her broken arm twinged in pain as she remembered the frightening play that commenced at her command.


    She had miscalculated though, in the past the prince was there to rescue her. With no one there to stop the man she was tossed to the side far too roughly and it was only her screams of help that stopped the ruffian from further harming her. She had sent an angry letter back to the noble she¡¯d charmed to hire the ruffian, but she received no reply.


    Instead, the noble young man came to visit ignoring her yell that she told him not to visit until the end of Vienna Thorne¡¯s trial.


    And his words ¡°I received a letter from you to come.¡± But she¡¯d never sent such a letter.


    ¡°Milady¡­¡± A knock came to her door and Adeena remained silent, only to narrow her eyes as the door opened and her maid slipped through. ¡°An urgent letter came for you.¡±


    Quickly her fingers shaking opened the letter, only one sentence could be read on the placard.


    ¡®Did you think you could do it again?¡¯


    Adeena ripped the letter to shreds throwing them across the bed only for them to float down to the edges of her bed.


    Her mother came through the door, her blue eyes only briefly alighting upon the torn letter before looking at her daughter with a strict gaze. ¡°The investigation was completed. Young lord Agler confessed foolish boy thought he was helping you. He¡¯ll disgrace his family. We can¡¯t let this taint our reputation.¡±


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    When her mother left, a tear fell down Adeena¡¯s cheek before she roughly brushed it aside. What was one pawn gone as long as it didn¡¯t come back to her?


    Nothing was ruined.


    Her father was the next to come, ¡°Get dressed, you¡¯ve been called to appear before the court.¡±


    <hr>


    Adeena entered the noble court with her head high ignoring how some looked disapproving.


    ¡°At last the Nesrins have arrived.¡±


    The king stood, ¡°We have found evidence that the attack on Lady Adeena Nesrin was staged.¡±


    ¡°How could you say that? My daughter was injured!¡±


    Lady Nesrin was shushed by her husband who held her hand tightly shaking his head.


    Adeena looked from her father¡¯s eyes to the king¡¯s, ¡°Who would do such a thing?¡±


    ¡°Indeed. Who and why would someone do such a thing?¡± The king stared down at Adeena as she fought to keep her head raised, her uninjured hand shook in her lap. ¡°So be it, I gave you a chance, Lady Adeena Nesrin. After investigation, we have found that young lord Agler was instigated to stage an attack on you, by yourself. We have the paper trail of letters between you and Agler has confessed.¡± His brows furrowed, ¡°For lying to the court and trying to entrap one of our fellow nobles you will be placed under house arrest and issued a shadow knight to watch your every correspondence. You may leave, wait in the courtyard for your parents to return Adeena Nesrin.¡±


    Her nails bit into her palm, and she ran to the courtyard tears falling down her cheeks.


    Then a voice she wished didn¡¯t exist spoke behind her, ¡°Lady Nesrin?¡±


    Vienna Thorne. The bane of her existence.


    ¡°Why won¡¯t you just disappear?¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have to be enemies, Lady Nesrin. I¡¯ve never done anything to hinder you, I¡¯ve kept my distance. You have everything you could want¡­.¡± Vienna¡¯s voice faded as she saw the glare Adeena sent her before she whispered. ¡°If I didn¡¯t exist would anything have truly changed?¡±


    ¡°He would be mine! They all would.¡± Adeena advanced and felt a sliver of pleasure as she saw Vienna flinch at her yell.


    ¡°They are not yours in the first place. Each person belongs only to themselves.¡± Vienna sighed, ¡°Please let us not fight. Why ruin a second chance with fighting?¡±


    Adeena¡¯s tears fell and a choked sob escaped her as she stared at the hand Vienna held out to her. For a moment, her hand hovered above Vienna¡¯s but then another voice called out.


    ¡°Vienna, where are you?¡±


    Adeena slapped away the hand, the hand of the one who took everything from her. Who turned the crown prince against her.


    The crown prince¡¯s eyes narrowed as soon as they saw Adeena, when once so long ago they once gazed softly upon her.


    ¡°Did you hurt her?¡±


    ¡°Ravven, it¡¯s alright. She didn¡¯t do anything to me.¡±


    ¡°She framed you and yet you defend her.¡± He glared at Adeena who looked at him imploringly hoping he¡¯d look just once at her as fondly as he did toward Vienna or his love, that silly Elem.


    Adeena watched as Vienna tugged Ravven away and then Adeena was alone again.


    ¡°Am I¡­¡± She whispered, ¡°Am I the monster this time?¡±


    A chuckle came from behind her and Adeena whipped around to see a gaze she hadn¡¯t seen in a lifetime.


    ¡°Killian,¡± she whispered.


    He stepped into the light.


    He strode to her side and bent down to her ear, ¡°Want to be monsters together?¡±

 Episode 55: Captured

    Things had seemed to settle down after the trial was concluded and Vienna was allowed to return home.


    She should have suspected something like this would happen instead.


    Vienna had been on a walk trying to rekindle the friendship between her and Frey and his children.


    They had started doing their walks every time she¡¯d come home from the Academy and it felt like things were almost better again.


    The trees suddenly whispered of incoming dangers.


    ¡°Frey, the children¡­¡± He had just blocked them when a dagger sunk into his shoulder.


    Vienna let out a yell trying to rush forward only to be grabbed from behind.


    A strong herb-smelling cloth was placed over her mouth and as she tried to struggle from the hold around her she felt as if her energy was sapped away and she went limp.


    When she woke it was dark, it took her a moment or two to realize her eyes were covered. Then suddenly the cloth was torn away from her eyes. Blinking in the direct light from a torch nearby, Vienna tried to take stock of her surroundings.


    Big blue eyes were the first thing that registered, a sneer upon pouting lips and golden hair fell forward as Adeena Nesrin looked down at Vienna Thorne. Her eyes shone with an eerie light. A knife glinted as Adeena ran it over Vienna¡¯s cheek, a gleeful smile on her lips but her eyes still were just not right. It was as if all sense had left her only leaving behind a madness.


    Vienna began to fear, not just for her life but for others. She could not forget the warnings of the Caretakers.


    To die a violent death would not just mean the end of a Starlight Soul but the timeline they resided. The only one to break the rules was the Starlight Soul that came before her in this timeline. She had martyred herself so that others might live.


    Despite the situation before her Vienna couldn¡¯t quite resolve in her heart to make such a sacrifice yet, not before she tried to reason with her captors. She had to warn them, not just for herself but for everyone.


    She made sounds behind the gag in her mouth and Adeena frowned.


    ¡°I just want you to be silent for once.¡±


    Perhaps it was the panic in her eyes, or the look of pleading but Adeena hesitated knife at Vienna¡¯s throat.


    ¡°Why are you hesitating?¡± A voice came from the mouth of the cave.


    Vienna¡¯s eyes narrowed as she saw none other than shadow knight, Killian, step into the light. There wasn¡¯t much she knew about him, except perhaps that he was self-serving. He wouldn¡¯t wish to die. Adeena might be harder to convince but if Vienna could convince Killian perhaps¡­just perhaps things could work out for the better.


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    ¡°I think I¡¯d like to hear her beg.¡± Adeena grinned before taking the gag from Vienna¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°Suit yourself.¡± Killian leaned against the rock wall and watched with an almost bored look, something Vienna knew was dangerous.


    Killian could become lethal when bored.


    Vienna disregarded the knife at her throat and spoke directly to Killian, ¡°You can¡¯t let her do this. Not if you wish to live.¡±


    His grin was sharp but he laid his head against the wall behind him, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be pleading the girl with the blade at your throat?¡±


    ¡°Have you ever heard of a Starlight Soul?¡±


    Killian didn¡¯t answer but his eyes narrowed ever so slightly.


    ¡°A thing of mere legend,¡± Adeena mumbled.


    ¡°We bleed starlight. When we die violent deaths, the timeline we live in dissolves around us.¡±


    Vienna watched Killian lean forward his voice in an undertone, ¡°We?¡±


    ¡°There was another like me, she died long ago but not at the hands of others.¡±


    Adeena scoffed and the blade dug into Vienna¡¯s neck, ¡°Beg me to live.¡±


    Vienna turned her gaze toward Adeena, ¡°I told you once I wasn¡¯t the Vienna that you remember. I¡¯m a Starlight Soul and if you kill me now there will be no third chances. This timeline will cease to exist, and you along with it.¡±


    Adeena was pulled away, along with the blade, a trickle of sparkling red the only thing left behind as evidence on Vienna¡¯s neck.


    Vienna would live, she was alive for now.


    Later as she saw Adeena drift off to sleep, Vienna¡¯s eyes lifted to see Killian step over her before leaning down and yanking Vienna up from her bonds behind her.


    A voice in an undertone spoke, ¡°Any other rules I should know about?¡±


    ¡°We mustn¡¯t be taken advantage of, in any way. Or¡­¡±


    ¡°The timeline will implode?¡±


    Vienna nodded.


    ¡°That severely limits my options, now doesn¡¯t it.¡± His gaze narrowed before lifting her into his arms and stepping over the oddly slumbering Adeena. As if he caught her curious gaze, ¡°Just a sprinkle of a herb and she¡¯s fast asleep, not much of a villain.¡±


    ¡°And you Killian, are you a villain?¡±


    He chuckled low, ¡°It depends on the day.¡±


    ¡°What will you tell her?¡±


    He gazed at her with an arrogant eye, ¡°What do I have to explain she was just a toy to play with¡­she no longer suits my tastes.¡±


    A bad feeling rose in Vienna¡¯s gut.


    They hadn¡¯t gone very far through the forest when Vienna sensed her Pop was near.


    She would need to keep Killian distracted.


    It was also then a scream of rage echoed through the forest.


    ¡°It seems she¡¯s awake.¡± Killian grinned.


    They hadn¡¯t been quick enough through the forest, almost as if Killian had been biding his time. Almost as if he planned for one last showdown, to entertain him.


    Her father came into the clearing, his gaze stormy as he gazed at Killian who held Vienna tightly in his arms. The trees surrounding began to tremble with emotion as Pop spoke, ¡°Give me my daughter, Killian.¡±


    ¡°I think not.¡±


    Vienna didn¡¯t have to look at him to know he was grinning.


    Adeena ran into the clearing, her knife at her side. She ran forward with it raised in the air and Killian watched with a grin, obviously a plan in his mind.


    The next moments seemed to happen far too quickly, her Pop shoved Killian out of the way but he had no time to get out of the way of the blade.


    ¡°No! Pop!¡±


    Still, he stood, not wavering until out of nowhere an arrow shot him in the back.


    Killian dropped Vienna by her father¡¯s side as the trees began to tremble something fierce. Vienna¡¯s tears fell down her cheeks as she saw her father fall to his knees.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be alright, little flower.¡±


    Vienna couldn¡¯t bear to see him in pain, even as she felt his waves of reassurance as he shifted painfully and undid her binds. Out of the corner of her eyes, she watched as none other than Adeena¡¯s father stepped into the clearing the ill-fated bow in his hands.


    ¡°Must I clean up all your messes, daughter?¡±


    As he notched another arrow he failed to see how the forest had become alive around him.


    Vienna closed her eyes and she wished. She spoke the language of trees in her mind, calling for her companions from a time ago. ¡®Please I need you. We need you.¡¯


    The ground shook beneath them and out from the forest shot out creatures seemingly made of foilage and bark, but with wings, teeth, and sharp claws that grasped onto the would-be archer taking him up in the air away from their kin.


    Adeena¡¯s voice barely came through the foilage rustling and the wind, ¡°What are you?¡±


    Vienna looked up with a face wet with tears, her teeth clenching and a sad smile upon her lips, ¡°You only ask this now? How foolish.¡±


    Vienna gazed upon her father¡¯s wounds and looked him in the eye, ¡°We¡¯ll get through this, Pop.¡±


    His gaze was gentle, even as it drifted shut.


    ¡°Always, little flower.¡±