Excerpt: Arianna: a tale of the Silvernesse Forest (title might change later)

Arianna sighed from her seat inside the carriage she’d been riding in for the past four hours. She thought about the wonderful news she had to tell her cousins as soon as she got to their estate. When would they arrive Ari thought.
She looked at her reflection in the window. Long brown curly hair pinned up with a silver circlet placed delicately on the crown of her head, skin tanned by countless glorious hours outside, deep sea colored eyes, full lips, an atrociously decorated gown….Ari groaned, hating her status as a “lady in line for Ianto’s throne” just because of the fact that she had to required to wear those hideous gowns. When I’m old enough …Ari started thinking, before being interrupted by the carriage stopping and the coachman saying, “we have arrived”
It took everything Ari had to remain her composure and wait for him to come around and open her door. Deep breath Ari told herself can’t let them think I’m not worthy of my rank. I mean… UGH, why is that coachman so slow! She thought angrily.
Finally, the coachman came over and opened the door for her. The bright light outside momentarily blinded Ari, compared to the dark, curtained carriage she had been in for the past couple of hours, and it took a moment for her eyes to adjust.
“Welcome back Lady Arianna del Ianto, I suppose you had a good journey.” A woman stated, rather than asked. Ari inwardly groaned as she saw the small, big boned, red haired woman, Lady Alyssa had hired as the twins governess. Sometimes, Ari just had to question her Aunts choices in who she hired.
“Yes Deletta, it was simply delightful” Ari said, trying to sound pleasant and avoid a fight.
“Ari…”Deletta warned. Oops, didn’t work Ari thought
“Where are my cousins?” Ari asked, thinking quickly. Ari thought she saw Deletta bite her tongue about something she might have said otherwise.
“they are in the garden working on their embroidery.” Deletta said, a grin appearing on her face. It quickly turned into a scowl as she added “something you should be doing as well. In fact, aren’t you behind in many of your lessons?”
“Not at all, I studied in Aquarion” Ari said, slowly making her way up the large marble staircase leading to the palace. Deletta saw what Ari was attempting and followed.
“Lady Arianna del Ianto, I am really quite concerned. You should be much further ahead. I doubt your studies in Aquarion match up to what the twins have been going over…” Deletta started. Not a rampage Ari mentally groaned I can’t handle this now, especially after the quarrel I had with Luke before I left.
“Look Deletta,” Ari said, a little too forcefully, as she faced the governess, “The twins and I are very different and will have very different futures in very different countries. The studies I have done will help me later on, as I am sure the twins will be helped by what they have been learning” Ari couldn’t help but grin as Deletta’s face turned the same shade of red as her hair. “I just had a long journey and all I wish to do is see my cousins. Is there anything wrong with that? I mean, I’m not breaking any rules of etiquette by doing so, am I?”
“I will let you off the hook for now I suppose.” Deletta said composing herself as they reached the top of the stairs. “You did just come back from a long journey.”
“thank you!” Ari said, glad to have managed controlling her temper…moderately.
“supper is at seven” Deletta said as Ari started through the front doors of the palace “Lady Alyssa is not feeling well still and I expect you to look nice and be on your best behavior. We will most likely have the pleasurable company of Lord Elilden and Lady Helena of Harigund and their sons Diarmund, Fergal, and Emmett and their daughter Eleanor.” Ari Froze at the mention of the names.
“great” Ari groaned, not caring what Deletta thought about the matter or how she should react. She absolutely despised those boys.
“Arianna!” Deletta almost shrieked
“I’m going to go find the twins” Ari muttered before racing down the hallway. Why me she groaned, hoping she wouldn’t make a scene that night at supper. Ari calmed herself as she walked down the familiar halls to the garden, her long, heavy skirt heaped with enough material to make three pleasant dresses swished as she rounded the corner. Such a waste Ari thought as she walked out the open door into the cool evening breeze she hadn’t felt when Deletta welcomed her.
Ari took a deep breath and smelled the wonderful aroma of roses and chrysanthemums hanging in the air. The sun hung in the clouds, as if waiting for dinner to start before it disappeared in the nighttime sky. Ari looked towards the twins’ favorite alcove and saw their almost identical blonde heads. They were sewing just as Deletta had said.
She looked closer and stifled a laugh. Ana was lecturing Ivy, probably about the finer arts of etiquette, and Ivyanna face showed that she absolutely loathed it. Ivy looked over and saw Ari who put a finger to her mouth, signaling quiet. Ivy got a gleam in her eyes as Ari crept closer, right behind Anastasia. Right in the middle of Anastasia’s big speech on something about gloves, Ari jumped out and scared her.
“Arianna, you nearly scared the living daylights out of me” Anastasia said shocked as Ivy and Ari laughed their heads off. Ivy got up and hugged Ari.
“I’ve missed you” Ivy said
“I’ve missed you too” Ari said “both of you”
“I’ll have to say, we expected you a few days ago.” Anastasia said, hugging Ari
“Sorry” Ari said, sitting down on the bench next to Ivy “I got caught up in the action there.”
“How was it?” Ivy asked
“Were they kind?” Ana asked almost at the same time
“Aquarion was amazing!” Ari said, blissfully, avoiding Ana’s question.
“Did you find what you’ve been looking for?” Ivy asked
“No” Ari said sadly, face clouding over
“Did you do any embroidery when you were there?” Ana asked
“No, in fact, I wore breeches almost every day” Ari said. Ana face showed ultimate shock.
“Ana calm down,” Ivy said.
“But it’s so…unladylike” Ana said, appalled
“hahaha, so is your obsession with treasure” Ivy teased
“It’s all that witches fault for cursing me” Ana grumbled
“I doubt that” Ari said under her breath.
“Ari!” Ana said angrily.
“Ever since then fairy put a curse on you that made you obsessed with treasure all you do is organize and reorganize the treasury Ana.” Ivy said accusingly
“But they are so glittery and dripping with light…” Ana said dreamily. Ari decided to change the subject
“Well I wish Nick does come so he can distract me from them” Ari said, annoyed.
“Who?” Ivy asked.
“Well it makes me feel better that you didn’t know either.” Ari said
“Who?” Ana asked more demandingly.
“the Lord, Lady, and children of Harigund” Ari said
“I can’t believe Deletta didn’t tell us” Ivy said
“I can” Ari said.
“Well, we’ll just have to handle it like Ladies” Ana said to which Ivy and Ari burst out laughing.
“That…is the funniest thing you have said all day,” Ivy said.
“Hilarious! Especially since I haven’t managed to act like a lady for more than five minutes since I’ve gotten here.”
“Well, we’ll just have to try our best.” Ana said
“”Before I forget,” Ari said, face lighting up “I heard that there will be a tournament in Ianto soon. It’s going to be really really good. I think we should go.” Ari watched and saw both her cousins’ faces cloud over.
“With mother’s illness, it would be impossible, not to mention reckless to go” Ana said
“She’s right” Ivy said “we couldn't possibly even think of going.”
“Please!” Ari begged. “some of the finest healers are rumored to be there and there will be rich merchants with lots of treasure…”
“Well…” Ana started
“Please come with me.” Ari said, voice changing to a tone she rarely used, “I don’t want to go alone this time” There, I admitted it. Ari thought
“what do you mean by this time” Ivy asked. Great! Ari thought with a groan. Suddenly Deletta walked outside, thankfully saving Ari from thinking up an excuse.
“What are you girls doing!” Deletta said frantically, rushing towards them “You should be getting ready for supper, not lollygagging in the garden. You can catch up later. Hurry up. There’s no time to lose.”
“Oh my” Ana said, starting to hyperventilate.
“Jewels are in our room” Ivy said. Before they knew it, Ana raced past them.
“Things never change around here, do they?” Ari asked, linking arms with Ivy and rushing inside.
“Nope” Ivy said. They ran up two staircases and down the hall before arriving at the twins adjoining bedchambers where Ana impatiently waited with a scowl on her face.
“No jewels” She said sadly.
“Got you up here.” Ivy said, walking over to the closet where their dresses were. She picked out a royal blue off the shoulder gown with sky blue accents and lace with delicate patterns embroidered on it while Ana chose a deep pink gown with pale green accents and lace with floral embroidery and short puffed sleeves.
“What are you wearing Ari?” Ivy asked as she helped Ana out of the gown she was currently wearing. Ari found her bag that had miraculously made its way up to the twins’ bedchambers and took out a delicate green satin gown with gold embroidery and accents.
“wow” Ana said, impressed. Ari grinned. It took a lot to impress Ana.
“that’s amazing” Ivy said
“thank you” Ari said.
“wait…did you make that?” Ivy asked
“No, it was a gift” Ari admitted, taking off the atrociously decorated gown she had been forced to wear on the ride home.
“Ladies don’t make their own gowns Ivy…” Ana started before she saw the huge bruise that spread across Ari’s right sholder.
“What happened?” Ivy asked. She’s not going to go without an answer on this one.
“I don’t feel like talking about it right now” Ari said, trying to avoid the story, “I’ll tell you about it later”
“Is that the only one?” Ivy said, going over to her desk and grabbing her container of healing cream she had concocted. Always the healer Ari thought.
“No” Ari admitted as Ivy rubbed the cool, gel like cream onto her arm. “There’s a long one on my left leg, a bruise on my right arm from forearm to elbow, a gash on my right hand, another two on either side of my waist, one across my back, and…” Ari hesitated before saying it “one right here” she pointed to the scar near her right ear under her chin on her neck.
“I am getting the story out of you later” Ivy said, smearing the cool gel on all of Ari’s scrapes and bruises.
“That’s what I’m afraid of” Ari giggled nervously
“If we weren’t so pressed for time…” Ana started, an appalled look on her face.
“I know” Ari said. Ivy stepped back, the stinging on the scar under Ari’s chin stung like crazy. “OUCH, is it supposed to sting?”
“It’s healing and disinfecting” Ivy said, concerned. Ari slid on her dress, glad she had decided to make her sleeves long and flowing. Ivy helped her wrap the sash before letting it fall gracefully with the delicate flared flowing skirt of dark green silk with soft cascading pale green fabric showing underneath. Ari slipped on a pair of kid gloves just as Deletta stormed into the room.
“They are here” she announced frantically “and your friend is not Ari”
“Relax Deletta,” Ari said, suddenly calm. “We will be down in a moment and Nick is probably just running a little late or lost.”
“But what should I say! They are waiting and…” Deletta started
“I say take a deep breath, don’t say anything, and don’t go by them again until we are down there so you can avoid any encounter with them. They are simply early. The bell has not even chimed yet…” Ari said as she heard the bell strike the hour
“now it has” Ana said
“we will simply be fashionable late” Ari said. “Now let’s do our hair and go. Ana come over here, I’ll do yours first. Ivy, can you find some slippers for us to wear?” Ivy looked for the slippers and Ari put up Ana’s hair in a simple yet regal, intricate looking style she had seen many times in Aquarion. Ivy came over with the slippers and Ari did a different style in her hair, also regal and intricate looking. Ivy did Ari’s hair in a style Ari had never seen before but it looked calm and relaxed, very much matching the folds of pale green fabric cascading under her green satin dress. They all slipped on the slippers that surprisingly matched their dresses and made their way down the stairs to meet the Harigunds.
“Welcome, Welcome” Ana said, stepping daintily into the room where the six Harigunds were waiting. “Sorry we were not here earlier to greet you. Our dear cousin just arrived and we lost track of the time. You remember Lady Arianna del Ianto” Wow, what an actress Ari thought admirably as she looked out across the six, black haired, finely dressed people who had gathered in the main hallway.
“Such a pleasure to see you again dear” Lady Helena said, greeting Ari. She probably doesn’t even remember who I am.
“absolutely” Lord Eliden said, “You are the girl who beat our sons in that horse race. I remember you now” Ari plastered a fake smile on her face and tried not to blush as she thought he remembers.
“It’s nice to see you too.” Ari said
“Ana said you just arrived. Where were you before?” Lady Helena asked. Somehow, they had made their way to the living room. Ari took advantage of this and sat down as daintily as she could because her leg had started both shaking and throbbing.
“Just visiting some friends in Aquarion” Ari said, aware of Emmett and Lady Helena watching her.
“That sounds fascinating” Eleanor said. What is she, 11? Ari thought. “What’s it like there?” Eleanor asked, sitting next to Ari. Ari glanced over and saw Ivy deep in conversation with Lord Eliden and Diarmund, probably talking about healing, while Ana and Fergal were talking about who knows what. Emmett was just staring at her.
“The place I went to was a beautiful city.” Ari started talking, trying to push away Emmett’s gaze “It sat right on the waterfront. If you woke up early enough, you could see the sun rise over the ocean which was very beautiful and peaceful. And all the people were so friendly” an understatement to the race Ari thought some were so friendly that they just HAD to try and stab you with a knife if they thought you were a threat…to them “and the shops were so quaint” and filled with haggling witches and drunk men “It was truly remarkable” in a way that if I told you, your mom might be the one trying to stab me with a knife.
“sounds like you had a good time” Lady Helena said, a protective gleam in her eye.
“I did” Ari said, truthfully. She saw movement out of the corner of her eye and looked up to see her Aunt. What’s she doing down here? She’s sick. Ari thought I didn’t expect to see her tonight. “Hello Aunt Alyssa” She said
“Nice to see you Ari” Her Aunt said. She shouldn’t be out of bed Ari thought she looks so weak. Alyssa looked pale and stretched to her limit. Her straight blonde hair looked almost white, but then again, it always had. “I just came down here to say hello and say thank you for coming. I am sorry I do not feel up to joining you for supper.”
“oh that’s fine Alyssa” Lady Helena said
“Mom, you can go back upstairs, we won’t mind” Ivy said, a hint of fear in her tone.
“Ari, please see me before you turn in for the night” Alyssa said. Then she disappeared, gone as if she hadn’t even been there. Now I need this trip through the Silvernesse forest more than ever. Ari thought, glad she hadn’t mentioned the specific piece of information and the sole point of the expedition to her cousins.
“Supper is served” a servant came in and announced. Everyone made their way into the dining hall and found a seat near the end of the long table. Nobody bothered to sit in Alyssa’s seat at the head of the table. Somehow, Ari found herself at the end of the row in the middle of the table sitting next to none other than Emmett. She saw Eleanor seated across from him with Lady Helena on her right. Ivy, Lord Eliden, and Diarmund were sitting next to Emmett and Ari knew they would think of nothing but their topic of healing for the duration of the night. Ana and Fergal managed to sit next to each other to the left of lady Helena.
“you got lucky tonight” Ari muttered, putting her napkin on her lap after Lord Eliden blessed the food. The servants brought out the first course of soup.
“I know” Emmett said, grinning. Ever since that day three years ago, he’s been after me Ari thought always wants to be my suitor she laughed inwardly, a smirk appearing on her face as she thought of her friend Nick. “Why are you smirking” Emmett asked. Ari snapped out of it.
“No reason” Ari said, taking a spoonful of her soup. He gave up on it.
“What were you really doing in Aquarion” Emmett asked. Ari choked on her soup. Shy am I sitting where my right arm can be hit, Ari thought, taking a sip of water.
“Why do you want to know?” Ari asked after finishing some more soup.
“Because, I want you to be safe” Emmett said
“How sweet” Ari said sarcastically adding “not”
“Arianna” Emmett sighed. Why can’t he call me Ari? Ari asked herself
“Why don’t you believe that I went to visit a friend?” Ari asked
“Because I have been there.” Emmett said “And friends usually do not exist in that treacherous town.” This stinks Ari thought I’ll have to be clever and not reveal anything.
“What are you two talking about over there” Lady Helena asked.
“Just her journey to Aquarion” Emmett said
“Didn’t you visit that summer a year back?” Fergal asked, glancing over the table.
“Yes, he just wanted to know if I had visited some of the same places he went to” Ari said
“Alright then” Lady Helena said before lecturing Eleanor on how to properly use a spoon. Ari stifled a giggle because Ana was doing the same thing with Fergal. She avoided answering Emmett’s question as the main course arrived.
“Well?” Emmett asked, a little impatiently.
“I just got back and am not in the mood to talk about it. Could we talk about something else?” Ari said before, taking a bite of the meat.
“Marry me?” Emmett asked.
“You wish” Ari said, tired of him asking her every time they saw each other.
“Why?” Emmett asked. He’s never asked that before Ari thought
“I like someone else” Ari said quietly and admittedly.
“Who?” Emmett asked “Who could you possibly like more than me.”
“Just some guy I’ve known for about nine years that helped me through a rough patch in my life and has always been there for me.” Ari said
“What’s his name?” Emmett asked
“I’m not telling” Ari said
“Why not?” Emmett asked, not even bothering to pretend to eat.
“It’s like a birthday wish. If you tell people about it, it’s not going to come true.” Ari said, taking another bite.
“That’s why I want you to tell me,” Emmett said with a groan.
“Nice try.” Ari said with a laugh. They were silent for a minute, both eating their suppers and listening to other conversations.
“Please?” Emmett asked out of nowhere.
“No” Ari said before taking a sip of water
“Please?”
“No”
“Please?”
“No”
“Please?”
“No”
“Please?”
“No”
“Please?”
Ari had gotten so annoyed that she took her water glass and poured its contents on Emmett’s head. “It that a clear enough no for you?”
“Ari!” Ana exclaimed
“What? He bothered me” Ari retaliated.
“Still, that’s very unladylike” Ana said. Ari saw a look of horror on Lady Helena’s face. Ari knew she had to do something.
“I apologize.” Ari said “I just came back from a rather interesting place and am not used to being sociable when I get home from a trip. Also, I am not used to annoyances…”
“Ari…” Ana warned. Ari sighed
“I’m sorry for the display of unladylike behavior Lady Helena” Ari said, plastering a smile on her face.
“It’s alright dear” Lady Helena said, “I know Emmett can get a bit annoying at times and you did just come home. I doubt you expected you’d be seeing us tonight.” The servants eventually cleared their plates and brought out the dessert. The whole rest of the dinner, Emmett had barely spoken a word.
“Please?” He said in an almost whisper. Ari sighed and got up, taking her plate with her, and walked to the other side of the table to sit next to Eleanor. I don’t care that it’s not proper or that everyone is watching. I just need to get away from him…and protect my arm Ari thought as she sat down and started a pleasantly pointless conversation with Eleanor, aware that everyone, especially Emmett, who’s eyes were intently watching her every move. Before Ari knew it, they had finished dessert and they had moved into the living room again. Probably Ana’s doing Ari thought.
“Ari dear, wherever did you get that gorgeous dress you are wearing?” Lady Helena asked, laying a hand on Ari’s right shoulder. Pain seared through Ari’s arm and it took all she had to not screech out in pain.
“A gift from a friend,” Ari said, hiding her face that probably showed the pain she was in. “could you excuse me a moment?” Ari left the room without waiting for an answer. She raced down the hall to her old hiding spot in the curtained alcove guarded by a suit of armor. She made sure she was hidden before starting to tear up in pain.
“Ari?” Ari heard Ivy say as she pushed open the curtain. Ivy took one look at Ari’s face and said, “what happened?”
“I don’t know, she just put her arm on my shoulder and…” Ari started before bursting into tears. Ivy reached over and slid the sleeve of Ari’s dress down to reveal her shoulder.
“Ouch” Ivy said. “Does this hurt?” She asked, delicately touching Ari’s bruise. Ari nodded, biting back a scream. “This isn’t good.” Ivy said, “come on, I’m going to try some more ointment. I can’t really do more with company here.” Ari pushed her sleeve back up and let Ivy help her up. As they made their way up the stairs, Ari heard everyone laughing at a story being told. They went into the twins’ bedchamber and Ivy immediately grabbed her container of ointment. She pushed the sleeve back down and put some on Ari’s shoulder. It stung badly.
“Can we check the other ones while we are at it?” Ivy asked.
“No time” Ari said “they are going to start to get worried soon” They walked out the room to be met by Emmett.
“Too late” Ivy said.
“What’s going on?” Emmett asked
“Nothing” Ari said
“I know something is up” Emmett said
“But you aren’t going to find out,” Ari said, watching Ivy, from out of the corner of her eye, slide over to her right side just in case.
“Please?” Emmett asked
“No!” Ivy and Ari said at the same time before Ivy linked arms with Ari. A pained look went across Ari’s face.
“Oh my Ari, I’m so sorry” Ivy said stepping back.
“Not you” Ari said, thinking of a cover up. “Just thinking about how annoying Emmett is being.” She linked arms with Ivy, making sure it was her left arm and not her right.
“Very funny Arianna” Emmett said sarcastically.
“There’s another annoying thing about you.” Ari said “You always call me Arianna and not Ari like everyone else. Even Deletta calls me Ari from time to time.” Ari and Ivy walked down the stairs, leaving Emmett to think that through or follow them down. They reentered the living room and resumed their previous conversations.
“Where’s Emmett dear?” Lady Helena asked
“He was just concerned. I don’t know why because all I did was go powder my nose.” Ari said, borrowing the line Ana was always using. “He should be down in a moment.” Sure enough, just then Emmett entered the room.
“There he is” Lady Helena said.
“It’s getting quite late,” Lord Eliden said, his voice booming across the room. “I am sorry to say that we must leave.”
“I’m sorry you have to leave so soon.” Ana said, “We greatly enjoyed your company. Feel free to drop by soon.” They all headed towards the main hallway as Deletta sent some servants to go fetch the Harigunds’ coats.
“I will find out.” Emmett said, with a mischievous grin as he slid on his coat.
“You wish, don’t you,” Ari said with a mischievous grin. The Harigunds headed out the door to their waiting Carriage. Ana, Ivy, and Ari waved goodbye as they drove off, disappearing over the hills.
“Ari, what was that all about?” Ana asked “pouring water on our guest’s head, getting up and switching seats in the middle of a course, leaving the room…”
“Hey, it was either that or I would have taken off his head” Ari said “or screamed my head off. In fact, that was very good behavior from me.”
“If that’s good, I don’t want to know what bad is,” Ana said, closing the door. Ari glared at her cousin who glared right back with her blue eyes
“Come on Ari, let’s not start a fight now.” Ivy said “I want to look at the rest of them now that they are gone.”
“Alright” Ari said, following Ivy up the stairs
“The rest of what?” Ana asked clueless.
“Ari’s bruises.” Ivy said, Ana raced up the stairs behind them and into their bedchamber.
“Ari, I didn’t know…” Ana started
“It’s alright,” Ari said with a laugh, “Just try to find out why I do things before you accuse me of leaving the room for no reason.” Ana was quiet as Ivy closed and bolted the door. Ari closed the curtains.
“Ok Ari, Were there any other problems with your bruises?” Ivy asked as she helped Ari out of her dress.
“My leg was throbbing and shaking.” Ari said, putting her dress on a hanger in the twins’ closet.
“When?” Ivy asked
“When we got down the stairs and were in the living room.” Ari said, “I had to sit down to try and ease the pain.” Ari took off the slippers and Kidd gloves.
“Ok, come sit down over here and let me take a look.” Ivy said, calmly. She could really be a doctor Ari thought as she sat down on Ivy’s bed. Ivy examined every one of Ari’s Bruises in detail; putting the cool, gel like cream on some and a lemony ointment on others.
“Ari, you have to tell me.” Ivy said, “How did you get these bruises?” Ari winced; she had been trying to avoid that for as long as she could. “Now, don’t try to lie to me about it…”
“It was a fight…” Ari said sighing with a shudder as she recalled what had happened. “Aquarion is a very unique place filled with very interesting people. I was looking for something they didn’t want me to have so I got in multiple fights with the townsfolk. The only thing that kept me alive was another friend of mine, Luke. He’s the one that I stayed with. He managed to heal me a little bit and keep my bruises clean. My bruises were… much worse than this. I actually had a fight with him because he thought I wasn’t ready to travel and I had to assure him that I’d be fine.”
“But you aren’t” Ana said “this is definitely not fine.”
“You think this isn’t fine? Imagine what I looked like before. Bruises and scars covered every part of my body like tattoos. It wasn’t pretty.”
“Then why did you bother going there in the first place.”
“I have to find something…” Ari said, “Something that I know now can only be in one place…the place that I should have guessed it would be in first but was too scared to try and not find it there…”
“Where…?” Ivy started before they heard banging in the door.
“Ari, are you in there?” Deletta asked. Ari slipped on her nightgown.
“Yes Deletta” Ari said, pulling out the pins Ivy had placed in her hair and letting her hair cascade down her back.
“Lady Alyssa would like to see you. She is in her bedchambers.” Deletta said as Ana opened up the door.
“I’ll be right there.” Ari said. Deletta looked at her a little funny before walking away. Ari slipped on a pair of velvet slippers. “I’ll be back as soon as I can” Ari whispered before heading out the door. Ari climbed a spiral staircase at the end of t he hall and made her way to her Aunts bedchambers. She knocked on the door.
“Come in” Alyssa said. Ari pushed open the door and slid into the dimly lit room.
“Hello Ari” Alyssa said.
“Hi Aunt Alyssa” Ari said, walking to her Aunts bed and sitting in a chair placed right next to it.
“How was you trip?” Alyssa asked. Ari sighed, she could never lie to her Aunt.
“It was good” Ari said
“did you find what you were looking for?” Alyssa asked, a sudden gleam in her eye. Ari shook her head. “That’s alright” the gleam vanished “Where are you going to look next.”
“I was thinking of taking Ana and Ivy with me this time. It would be good for them.” Ari said.
“I don’t know…” Alyssa said “What about your own issues? Like fighting? Or getting into trouble? Or failing to take care of those in your charge? Or that fiery temper of yours? Or…”
“Are you planning on listing all my flaws tonight?” Ari asked with a sly smile on her face.
“I suppose not” Alyssa said, grinning. “Where are you planning on taking them?”
“well…” Ari started.
“you lied to get them to go with you, didn’t you.” Alyssa stated rather than asked, shaking her head.
“another fault of mine” Ari said “but I doubt they would have come if I’d said ‘Do you guys want to go to the Silvernesse’ forest with me to find a cure for the curse somebody but on your mother?’”
“I suppose you are right…” Alyssa said “but you must tell them your real plan before you enter the forest…before you even take one step on that bridge. Then, if they want to come back, they can…”
“So you’re saying yes?” Ari asked
“Perhaps…” Alyssa said. Ari jumped up and hugged her.
“thank you! You won’t regret this.” Ari said, pulling up as her nightgown sleeve slid down an inch.
“Ari?” the queen said nervously, seeing the bandage Ivy had wrapped just moments before.
“The people in Aquarion aren’t as friendly as they let on” Ari said, faking a smile
“When are you leaving?” Alyssa asked with a sigh.
“Three days” Ari said
“You have to get plenty of rest before this trip.” Alyssa said “rest up and try to let those wounds heal. If you aren’t feeling up to it, you mustn’t go.” Ari nodded, seeing Alyssa’s point. “On another point, how was dinner with the Harigunds?” Ari groaned. “That bad?”
“Well…Emmett was bothering me so I might have poured a glass of water on his head and then got up and switched seats so I wasn’t sitting next to him.” Ari said, guiltily. She cleverly left off the part of her disappearing from the room because her bruise was hurting. I can’t risk not going on the trip to the Silvernesse Forest, not with her current condition. Ari thought
“I am sorry for Emmett,” Alyssa said, understanding Ari’s behavior “in fact, I’m surprised you didn’t clobber him over the head like last time.”
“I tried my best not to” Ari said as Alyssa laughed, weakly. “You should get some rest and save your energy” Ari said, concerned.
“Alright” Alyssa said, “you be careful” Alyssa gripped Ari’s good hand with her own cold one “and see me before you leave.”
“I will.” Ari said, putting out the candle for her Aunt and arranging the blankets so her Aunt would be warmer and more comfortable. “Good night” Ari said, leaving the room. Ari raced down the stairs to her cousins’ room and cautiously knocked on their door.
“Ari?” She heard Ivy ask, quietly.
“Yep” Ari said. Ivy opened the door and let her in.
“What did she want to see you about?” Ana asked, brushing her long, curly blonde hair.
“Just checking up on me, seeing how my trip was, how the Harigunds were, etcetera” Ari said, laying down next to Ana on her bed. “I asked and she said you guys could come with me on the trip.”
“That’s good.” Ivy said.
“I don’t know” Ana said, “I’m still on the fence as to whether we should accompany you. We will loose so much valuable time when we could be working on our embroidery…”
“I’m in” Ivy said hastily. Ari laughed.
“Well, I’m leaving in three days so you have some time to think it over” Ari said.
“I wish mom was better, then she could come with us,” Ivy said. Ari bit back saying something like she’s the reason why we are going on this trip in the first place because then she’d have a lot of explaining to do.
“We all do Ivy” Ana said, yawning. “I am so tired”
“I think we should all get some rest” Ivy said.
“Good idea Ivy, see you both in the morning” Ari said, leaving the room. She walked down the hall to her bedroom and went in. Her room was made up as usual, large bed on the right with clean blankets on it, a writing desk in the far right corner, a fireplace, actually burning this time, and a wardrobe on the left. Ari suddenly didn’t feel tired. She grabbed a blanket from her bed and went back out of her room. Ari turned and climbed a different spiral staircase than before. She reached the top and opened the trap door, leading to her favorite spot in the whole estate.
The tower was well kept. It was a circular landing with nothing protecting the person in it from the chilly, nighttime air. Ari looked and saw stars scattered across the sky, twinkling as if they were inviting her to come find them. She sat down on the cushioned bench she had begged her Aunt to let her have. The moon was like a beacon and as Ari looked towards it, she could barely see the tips of trees that marked the beginning of the Silvernesse forest. Just a few more days Ari thought gladly. She remembered when she had first come there, four years ago, lost, confused, and knowing only that Queen Crystalene had said she needed to. Suddenly, she just didn’t have the energy to do anything more than cry, the tears dropping like raindrops in a storm.
*~*
“there you are!” Ari heard a familiar voice say. She cracked her eyes open. She must have fallen asleep the night before in the tower because there she was, Ivy and Ana standing right in front of her.
“We have been looking all over for you” Ivy said, concerned.
“Ladies do not fall asleep in towers.” Ana said.
“Yea they do. Ever heard of Rapunzel?” Ari said, not in the mood to be polite.
“Ari!” Ana shrieked
“Chill out Ana” Ivy said “Ari, hurry up and get dressed. Breakfast is ready and if you want to heal, you need to keep your body healthy.”
“Alright” Ari said, following them down the stairs. She went into her room and chose a loose, white linen tunic and a dark blue bodice with brown breeches, not caring that her conservative Aunt and cousins’ wouldn’t approve of her unladylike choice. After braiding her hair simply, Ari laced up a pair of light brown leather boots that came up to her knees underneath her breeches. Ari ran out of her room, nearly knocking over Deletta.
“Sorry Deletta” Ari said.
“Ari, sometimes I wonder how you have made it to the age you are right now with the actions you make.” Deletta said, disappointingly. “and what are you wearing? Ladies don’t wear breeches” She made the word sound like a curse.
“They do in Aquarion” Ari said, walking past Deletta and down the hall “and you sound like Ana when you say that.” Ari ran down the staircase to the dining room where Ana and Ivy were waiting.
“Ari, what are you wearing!” Ana demanded as Ari sat down next to her.
“Breeches” Ari said, stating the obvious before taking a bite of the scone on her plate.
“Ari” Ivy said, groaning “I thought you were going to try and be good.”
“I am” Ari said grinning “What are the plans for the day?”
“Well…” Ivy started
“We were planning on working on our embroidery and then perhaps writing some poems” Ana interrupted.
“You mean you were planning on doing that.” Ivy said.
“Well I would personally like to do some riding.” Ari said, finishing her scone. “You can join me if you’d like.”
“I’m joining you” Ivy said. Ana shot a look at her and Ivy shrugged it off. Ivy’s probably tired of Ana controlling what they do every day. One reason why them coming with me is a good idea.
“Well, while you two are being rambunctious like a bunch of unladylike buffoons, I am going to work on my embroidery like a real lady.”
“Ok, have fun” Ari said quickly, getting up and running out the back door to the garden, Ivy close on her heels. By the time they got to the stables, they were both out of breath.
“I’ve missed you” Ivy said, hugging Ari tightly as they entered the stables.
“I’ve missed you too” Ari said, laughing. Sometimes it’s so easy to act normal. Ari thought as she walked through the stables and found her horse, a thoroughbred stallion with a dark brown coat and a blonde mane.
“Let’s saddle up and ride” Ivy said gleefully.
*~*
The day passed by quickly for Ari, almost too quickly. They rode, stopped back for dinner, and rode some more. Ana joined them in the middle of the day. Probably bored Ari thought, happy that her cousin was taking a step away from her embroidery for once.
After a light, plain supper, the girls headed upstairs. Ivy checked Ari’s bruises, which were doing much better, and reapplied more ointment before wrapping them tightly in clean bandages.
“Ari, please sleep in your own bed tonight.” Ivy said, with a grin on her face.
“Ladies don’t sleep unless anywhere but their own beds” Ana said
“Well, you will if you come with me.” Ari said. Ana frowned.
“I’m not sure I want to go” Ana said, running a brush through Ari’s hair absentmindedly.
“Well, think about it. I leave the day after tomorrow, with or without you.” Ari said.
“Have you arranged for a carriage yet?” Ivy asked.
“See, that’s the thing.” Ari said. “A carriage…” Ari tried to word it without giving anything away. “It’s not safe where we are going.”
“Which is?” Ana asked. Ari faked a yawn.
“Is it that time already? I think I’m going to turn in for the night…” Ari started, getting up.
“Ari, what are you not telling us?” Ivy asked, the look on her face being a look of sheer confusion.
“If I tell you now, I know you won’t come” Ari said “I will tell you…before we get too far off for you to turn back. That is, if you decide to come.”
“Ari…?” Ivy started
“I’m going to go to bed.” Ari said, getting up and leaving the room. She walked down the hall towards her room. Just before she went in, she heard a door open.
“Ari?” Ana said, her voice echoing off the tiles.
“Yea?” Ari said, stopping.
“I don’t know why I’m doing this but I’ll come with you, at least until I find out where you are actually going. Is that ok?” Ana asked, tentatively
“Yea Ana, that’s great.” Ari said, a slow smile creeping onto her face.
“Alright, well…goodnight” Ana said. Ari heard a door thud closed.
“Goodnight Ana” Ari said, entering her own room and closing the door. I’m glad she’s coming. Ari thought to herself.
*~*
“ARI! WAKE UP!” Ari shot up out of bed, drenched in a cold sweat. She looked at Ivy. The second day in a row I wake up to see her. Ari thought, looking over her twisted, crumpled sheets and blankets thrown in all different directions.
“You ok?” Ivy asked.
“Yea” Ari said “Just a bad dream”
“You want to talk about it?” Ivy asked.
“Not really” Ari said.
“You know, maybe coming with you is a good thing it you fall asleep on towers and have nightmares this often.” Ivy said, grinning.
“Ladies do not have nightmares” Ana said. Ari looked over at Ana’s tiny pale figure sitting on the edge of her bed, not having seen her before.
“Where do you get all of this from?” Ari asked, groaning.
“Natasha Bettingfields’ ‘Tips for Ladies of all ages’” Ana said simply. “It’s a twelve volume series.”
“Wow” Ari said, “I didn’t know they made…” She stopped when she saw Ivy’s face.
“How do your bruises feel?” Ivy asked, changing the subject.
“great” Ari said, wincing as Ivy poked the one on her shoulder. The ones on her waist had disappeared mostly and the one on her hand was thankfully almost completely gone.
“Let me see” Ivy said. Ari peeled back her drenched sleeve. Ivy carefully unwrapped the bandages to reveal a nasty bruise. “It’s not getting any better.” Ivy looked at Ari and said, “What caused this?”
“A fist that was strong, dirty, and magically charmed by a witch.” Ari said, looking out the window.
“How are we going to leave tomorrow for who knows where if you have a magicked bruise!” Ivy shrieked. Ari was shocked. Ivy was usually the calm one. When she yelled, she was really angry.
“I’m sorry…” Ari said.
“Sorry!” Ivy yelled
“Chill out Ivy.” Ari said. “There’s someone where we are going that will probably be able to help but I can’t get that help without going…”
“It’s the Silvernesse forest isn’t it” Ana said in a quiet voice. Ari stared at Ana, shocked. “I’m not surprised. You did come from there…”
“It’s not what you think.” Ari said, watching as Ivy’s face turned into horror.
“Then what is it!” Ivy demanded.
“I…” Ari started and then, everything went black.
*~*
“Ari” Ari felt someone shaking her.
“Ana?” Ari asked, cracking open her eyes.
“You can explain tomorrow if you are going to faint like that.” Ivy said with a laugh. Well someone’s in a better mood Ari thought. Ari tried to sit up but Ana pushed her back down.
“Here’s the deal.” Ana said “You stay in bed today and rest up and Ivy and I will come with you tomorrow and not bug you about telling us what this is all about until you are ready.” Ari thought about it.
“Any chance you won’t call Aunt Alyssa on me if I say no?” Ari asked. Both Ivy and Ana nodded their heads. “Thought not,” Ari said. She waited a minute. “Fine I’ll rest if that’s what it takes to get you two to come with me.”
“Yay” Ana said, like the happy child at Christmas that just got a present she really wanted. Ana literally skipped out of the room.
“Wow” Ari said.
“Yea, I was shocked too” Ivy said
“Can you make sure we have a few meals worth of food, some blankets, plenty of water, and breeches with changes of clothes?” Ari asked
“You really are serious about this, aren’t you?” Ivy asked
“Yea” Ari said, leaning back against the pillows.
“I’ll see what I can do about it” Ivy said, walking out the door.
“Thanks” Ari yelled after her. Ari grinned and reached over to a book she had left on her bedside table a few months ago. Tales from the Silvernesse Forest of Mayhem, Deception, Destruction, Evil, Chaos, and Confusion Ari read aloud in her head. A book that actually uses the full name given to the forest Ari thought happily. She turned the page to where she had left off at a few weeks ago before she left for Aquarion. Bliss Ari thought.
*~*
A servant came in with breakfast soon after Ivy and Ana left. Ari ate it quickly and got back to her book. Around lunchtime, she got up and went down to the dining room, not feeling like waiting for a servant to bring up lunch.
“Ari, You’re supposed to be resting” Ivy said in an almost groan as Ari sat down with them.
“I am resting.” Ari said in a fake offended tone. “I have been reading all morning and was just hungry…”
“Well, at least that’s remotely ladylike” Ana said, taking a delicate bite of her slice of bread. “What were you reading?”
“Um…” Ari started.
“Unladylike?” Ivy asked.
“Very” Ari said with a laugh.
“Well whatever it is, at least it’s kept you inside.” Ana said
“Barely” Ivy said “she’s already come down the stairs so it’s not long until she makes her way outside to do something that does not include resting”
“You caught me” Ari said before taking a bite of bread
“Well, just try to conserve your energy for the journey” Ivy said
“Don’t worry Ivy, I’ll be fine” Ari said “It’s you two I’m concerned about.”
“Why?” Ana said
“You said you wouldn’t bug me about it” Ari said
“And you said you’d rest” Ivy said
“I have been resting!” Ari said, suddenly a little angry
“Whoa, calm down Ari” Ivy said. The room was quiet for a minute with only the sounds of people eating filling the room.
“I’m not wearing breeches” Ana said out of nowhere, breaking the silence.
“You’ll want to later on.” Ari said, finishing her food.
“So it is the Silvernesse forest?” Ana asked
“I thought we’d already established that.” Ari said, groaning
“Let’s not fight about it.” Ivy said, “Ana, we know where we are going. Tomorrow Ari can tell us why.”
“I’m going to go back upstairs and conserve my energy” Ari said, getting up and leaving the table, not caring that she was being unreasonable and rude. Ari went up the stairs, taking them two at a time.
“Ari” Ivy said from the bottom of the stairs. Ari spun to face her. “If this is what you’re going to be like, I don’t think this trip is such a good idea…”
“It is.” Ari said, her voice calmer. “I can’t put it off. I’m just…anxious.”
“Ok” Ivy said as Ari walked down the hall, closing the door to her room behind her. Why am I having such bad mood swings with them! Ari thought angrily, picking up her book.
*~*
A few hours later, Ari decided it was time to take a break from reading. Aunt Alyssa wanted me to see her before leaving Ari remembered. It’s a perfect time to go, seeing as I don’t have anything else to do. Ari left her room, making her way up to her Aunt’s bedchambers. She knocked on the door twice.
“Who is it?” She heard her Aunt call out.
“Ari” Ari said.
“Come in” Alyssa said. Ari pushed open the door. “You leave tomorrow, don’t you?” Alyssa asked
“Yea” Ari said, walking over to the seat by her Aunts bed.
“Are you excited?” Alyssa asked
“More nervous” Ari said “I don’t know how Ana and Ivy will react. I don’t know how Queen Crystalene will react. I especially don’t know how Nick will react…”
“Calm down Ari” Alyssa said, her laugh sounding weak. “Everything will be fine…”
“It has to be” Ari said. “Ana and Ivy know that we are going to the Silvernesse forest but they don’t know why and I really need their help on this. I don’t know why but I think they are the key to finding the cure…”
“They may be.” Alyssa said, “you’ll never know if you don’t try”
“I know” Ari said.
“You have to…” Alyssa started before someone threw open the doors.
“Mom, Ari’s missing and…” Ivy started before seeing Ari sitting next to Alyssa
“Hi Ivy” Ari said, “Didn’t know you’d be checking up on me.”
“I thought…” Ivy started
“You thought what?” Ari said “That I’d run away?” Her voice was getting more heated with anger. “Ivy…”
“Ari” Alyssa warned.
“Yea yea, control my temper, I know” Ari said, slouching in her chair.
“Ladies don’t slouch” Ana said, appearing behind Ivy.
“AGH!!” Ari said angrily, stomping out of the room just as Ana said ‘what did I do wrong?’ as she stormed off.
“Arianna, come back here” Alyssa said, her voice echoing off the halls in a demanding tone. Ari stormed back inside.
“Yes?” Ari asked.
“There was no reason for you to do that” Alyssa said.
“I’m sorry” Ari said, “Lately I haven’t been able to control my emotions…”
“Lately?” Ana said, laughing. Ari stared at her. “You have never been able to control your emotions. Hardly a ladylike trait…”
“I need to get away from this!” Ari said, anger rising again. “Don’t try to come looking for me. I’ll be back by supper. I am leaving right after breakfast. No Exceptions. You can come if you want to but I am not waiting for you.” Ari stormed out of the room. She ran down the stairs to the main level and rushed out the back door to the garden. Ari made her way to the stables and quickly saddled and mounted her horse before galloping out of the stables towards the waterfall cliffs.
The waterfall cliffs was a arrangement of steep, jutting cliffs with a waterfall cascading into a deep, mystic lagoon of water that branched off into a few small streams and rivers. Ari got there and tied the horse’s reigns on a nearby tree before slipping off her shoes and heading closer.
“How did I end up in a skirt today?” Ari mumbled, angrily before slipping out of it and diving into the water. Ari came up for air and relaxed for the first time in ages. She floated gently in the water, occasionally paddling with her arms but mainly just floating.
Ari heard hoof beats coming closer. Great! Ari thought angrily, diving under the water until she was hiding behind the waterfall. Ari gripped onto one of the rocks, straining to hear who had invaded her serene hideaway.
“Arianna” She heard a familiar voice call. Even better! Ari thought, angry. Emmett with a brain the size of a hummingbirds egg is here. “I know you’re here,” He yelled out. Ari hid, avoiding him at all costs. I can’t deal with this now Ari thought, her relaxed anger getting stronger. “Well, if you’re not coming out, I’m coming in” Emmett said. Ari heard a splash. Why me? Ari asked herself. “Where are you Arianna?” Emmett asked. “I want to know who that person you like is” He just doesn’t give up, does he Ari thought angrily. “Come out come out wherever you are” Emmett called. Will he ever give up? “I see you!” He yelled out. “You’re behind the waterfall aren’t you? I’m coming in.” Ari heard him go under the water. She dove, barely avoiding him as she swam out. She swam back to shore and slipped on her skirt just as Emmett was saying “Where did you go?” Ari untied the reigns and jumped on her horse, galloping away from Emmett at full speed.
*~*
“Ari, why are you all wet?” Ana asked as Ari walked inside.
“Don’t ask” Ari said.
“You didn’t manage to change your mood at all…” Ivy started
“That’s because Mr. Pea-brain decided to invade my private spot at waterfall cliffs” Ari said angrily, sitting down with Ivy and Ana for Supper as a servant ran to fetch a towel for Ari’s hair.
“You mean Emmett?” Ivy asked. Ari nodded.
“Ladies don’t call names…” Ana started
“Guess I’m not a lady then” Ari said, sipping her soup
“Ari!” Ana said, aghast.
“What?” Ari asked, voice clueless and uncaring Suddenly the doorbell rang. Deletta came in.
“Ari, Emmett Harigund is here and wishes to see you.” Deletta said. Ari groaned.
“Now?” She asked, irritated.
“Yes now” Deletta said.
“Fine.” Ari said, getting up “I’ll see him…but don’t expect me to act like a lady or anything.”
“”Ari…” Ana and Deletta started at the same time. Ari laughed and left the room, ignoring them. She walked into the main hallway where Emmett was waiting.
“Hi…” Emmett said.
“What do you want?” Ari asked, dropping all the ladylike qualities she had acquired as if she had never built them up.
“Well someone’s in a bad mood” Emmett said. Ari sighed.
“Really?” Ari asked sarcastically.
“What did I do?” Emmett asked, clueless.
“Look, why don’t you just tell me why you are here.” Ari said, the strong irritation she felt coming out in her voice as she said it.
“My parents forced me to come and apologize for my behavior the other night.” Emmett said.
“Is that all?” Ari asked with pure annoyance.
“Arianna, What is up with you?” Emmett asked. Is that concern in his voice? Ari thought. “You’re acting the same way you did that day years ago when you came here for the first time…”
“Leave!” Ari said, furious.
“What?” Emmett asked, clearly confused.
“You heard me. Leave! You can go tell your parents I accept the sad excuse of an apology.” Ari started to tear up. “But I do not need to be reminded of that day. Especially not now.” Ari left, running up the stairs as fast as she could.
She ran past her room, tears falling heavily, and made her way up to the tower. “Why!” Ari said angrily, tears running down her face. She punched the wall, causing her hand to throb. She grabbed a pillow from the bench; meaning to tear it apart but instead hugged it to her chest. Ari sat down on the cold stone floor and cried her heart out. At some point, the tears stopped coming. Ari didn’t feel like getting up. She felt weak, especially after not having eaten supper. It was her least favorite feeling in the world. Ari didn’t think she even had enough energy to make her way back to her room. Instead, she curled into a ball and watched the sky darken as the sun went down. The stars came out. Ari had no clue had no clue how long she’d been out there when she heard someone come up behind her.
“Ari?” It was Alyssa. Shouldn’t she in bed? Ari thought, knowing she probably looked a mess.
“You should be in bed…” Ari said.
“So should you.” Alyssa said, sitting down next to Ari and pulling her into a warm embrace. Suddenly a new gush of tears started up.
“I can’t lose you too.” Ari said, tears running down her face and dropping onto her Aunt’s dress.
“You won’t” Alyssa said. “I know you will find the cure. Then, everything can go back to normal.”
“I don’t think I can do this.” Ari said, her tears slowing to a gradual stop. “Going back after so many years of avoiding it.”
“They’ll understand” Alyssa said moving a strand of Ari’s hair out of her face. “You yourself said how much of a family they were to you.”
“But what if after all these years, they won’t accept me as family to them?” Ari asked, calming a little bit.
“I know what you mean” Alyssa said “But I also know Queen Crystalene. She of all people won’t let you down Ari. You know that.”
“I guess so.” Ari said, leaning her head on Alyssa’s shoulder. They sat in silence like that as the moon appeared behind a sea of clouds.
“I heard what happened between you and Emmett” Alyssa said.
“That bad?” Ari asked.
“You were practically yelling at the top of your lungs.” Alyssa said, laughing. “It was a good show.”
“It’s not funny” Ari said.
“Everyone feels like that from time to time Ari.” Alyssa said. “You just need to find your balance.”
“I’m not a lady” Ari said
“Not yet” Alyssa said “But you will be” Alyssa smiled. “You are also going to have the most fiery temper of all the ladies of the land”
“That’s something I can believe” Ari said, grinning.
“Why don’t we go downstairs and get something to eat.” Alyssa said.
“Sure, why not.” Ari said, getting up. She helped her frail Aunt up, horrified that Alyssa was that weakened by the curse.
“I will find the cure for you” Ari said.
“I know you will Ari” Alyssa said, supportively with a hint of fear in her voice “you have to.”
*~*
“Wake up sleepyhead” Someone was shaking Ari.
“Go away Ivy” Ari said, rolling over and putting her pillow over her head.
“You know, this trip was all your idea in the first place” Ivy said, pulling the pillow off Ari’s head.
“And?” Ari said, groaning.
“Ladies don’t wear breeches” Ari heard Ana say. Ari cracked open an eye and sure enough, Ana was wearing a skirt.
“You’re going to wish you were later” Ari said, sitting up and swinging her legs over the side of the bed.
“She’s wearing them underneath” Ivy whispered.
“I’m right here you know” Ana said, “you can’t whisper softly”
“Your point?” Ivy asked
“And just because I’m wearing them doesn’t mean I’ll use them” Ana said. Ari laughed, standing up and walking over to her wardrobe.
“Are you going to fight before we even start?” Ari asked as she changed into a pair of dark brown fitted breeches, lightweight durable grey linen under tunic, and a dark green bodice.
“We don’t even know where we are going” Ivy said.
“Sure you do.” Ari said, pulling on one boot and lacing it up.
“Yes, but we do not know why.” Ana said.
“I’ll tell you when we are on the road.” Ari said, pulling on her other boot and lacing it up as well.
“Is this alright clothing for where we are going?” Ivy asked. Ari looked them both over. Ivy was wearing a heavy brown tunic with red breeches and Ana was wearing a white tunic with ruffled sleeves and a skirt.
“It’s only good if you want to be recognized and attacked and end up with very dirty clothes.” Ari said. “Do you not have any neutral, plain clothing? Breeches?”
“Not really” Ana said
“Ari, think about it. We have been brought up as ladies. Neither of us has traveled like this before.” Ivy said.
“Well then this is a good experience for you both” Ari said. “Come with me.” Ari left her room and went down the hall to Ivy and Anas’ adjoining rooms, Ivy and Ana following closely behind. Ari went over to their wardrobe to try and salvage something they could wear in the Silvernesse forest. She found four, simple neutral tones linen undertunics and a few pairs of breeches that were either brown or black.
“Please tell me you at least have boots.” Ari said, hopefully.
“We do ride Ari,” Ana said.
“Ok, that’s good.” Ari said. “Any of the clothes I’ve pulled out will be fine. You can borrow some jerkins from me because you’ll need them.”
“What about cloaks?” Ivy asked
“Anything dark, nothing fancy or thin.” Ari said. “Try to get as close to black as possible.”
“Ok.” Ana said
“Can you at least tell us where we are going?” Ivy asked.
“The Silvernesse forest” Ari said, not bothering to try to deceive them anymore. Ari got up and left the room, walking back to her room. She went in and grabbed her black woolen cloak, fastening it around her neck. She put on a double wrap brown leather sword belt and attached her sword. Ari braided her hair with deft hands and headed down the stairs for some breakfast.
Halfway through her bowl of porridge, Ana and Ivy came in. They looked much better. Both were wearing simple white tunics with brown breeches, dark cloaks, boots, and bodices. At least Ana isn’t wearing a skirt Ari thought, a grin appearing on her face.
“I am bringing a skirt” Ana said, sitting down daintily.
“You’re not going to use it” Ari said. Ivy sat down with them.
“What should we bring?” Ivy asked, an unsure look appearing on her face.
“A weapon if you know how to use it” Ari said, thinking about it. It’s been so long she thought. “I’ll make sure we have enough food for the next few days, not that I think we’ll need that much. We are going to need a lot of water. Um…we should pack as light as possible so a few blankets, bedrolls if we can carry them but I think they are unnecessary, a tent…”
“What about a change of clothes?” Ana asked
“Sure, if you want to change in the forest, be my guest.” Ari said, grinning as Ana’s face changed to one of horror.
“Maybe not…” Ana said, the look on her face was priceless. They were silent for a moment, eating their porridge.
“How are we going to bring all this stuff?” Ivy asked. Always the over thinker Ari thought.
“We’re going to carry it” Ari said “and this is nothing compared to what I usually bring…”
“Why?” Ivy asked
“What?” Ari asked
“Why are we not bringing as much stuff?” Ivy asked. Ari bit her lip, unsure whether to trust them before they even left. “Just tell us already” Ivy said, annoyance in her voice.
“You want the truth?” Ari asked. Both Ivy and Ana nodded. “It’s a long story, one I would rather tell while we walk so we don’t waste any more time.” Ari said, getting up. “I’m going to gather what we need on the trip. The short version of the story is…I’m on a quest to find the cure for the illness Aunt Alyssa has and the Silvernesse Forest is the only place I know right now that might have it. Happy?” Ari left the room to go find a tent, leaving Ivy and Ana looking dumbfounded at the surprising news.
*~*
“First, you should know that if you decide to go back, I won’t blame you” Ari said, slinging her sack of supplies over her shoulder and across her chest. They had finished breakfast and were getting ready to leave.
“I want to know what this is all about.” Ivy said shouldering a similar bag next to a quiver of arrows and longbow.
“You know how unladylike you both look.” Ana stated carrying only the lightest objects and a dagger hanging on a belt on her slim waist.
“Would you rather be killed in the forest?” Ari asked.
“I’d rather leave so you can start explaining this all to us” Ivy said, heading out the door. Ari and Ana followed and Ari soon took the lead. They walked along the left side of the road
“The story starts back pretty far.” Ari said, looking behind her to make sure Ana and Ivy were following. “It would take ages to tell it all in full. What happened is…hm…what is the best was to word this?”
“you could start at the beginning.” Ivy suggested.
“Well, you know how I ‘came from the forest’?” Ari said. They nodded. “Well, the truth is, I just lived there for five years after my dad died and my mom disappeared. It became my home and the elves became my family. Then one day, Aunt Alyssa came to the village.”
“village?” Ivy asked confused. Ari laughed.
“Did you think we lived in tents and trees?” Ari asked. “Anyways, at the time none of us knew she was my aunt. To us, she was just another human visiting Queen Crystalene…”
“That name sounds familiar.” Ivy said as if recalling an old memory.
“It is” Ana said “mother used to tell us stories about her and Crystalene, queen of the elves.”
“Aunt Alyssa told you about her?’ Ari asked, shocked. Why? Ari thought I thought she would have kept the stories to herself.
“Only a few stories to get us to go to bed when we were kids.” Ivy said “I’d forgotten all about it until now.”
“Well, she is as you said, the queen of the elves.” Ari said. “They went off together one day, Alyssa and Crystalene. Nobody knew why or where or how long they’d be gone. You can imagine the state of chaos in the village.” Ari was slightly aware of something coming closer but didn’t pay attention to it, instead continuing the story. “A few hours before sundown, they came back. They were tired and bruised and…”
“Ari look out!” Ana shrieked as a coach headed straight for them. Ari dove out of the way, pulling Ana and Ivy with her just as the coach ran over the spot where she had been standing a few seconds before.
“Hey! Watch where you’re going.” Ari yelled at the coach.
“Sorry” the coachman said, jumping off his seat and rushing over as Ari straightened herself up. “Are you ok?” There was genuine concern in his voice. Ari looked at him and laughed inwardly thinking he looks like a roly-poly.
“You should be more careful” Ari said, annoyed “you could have run us over.”
“I am so sorry sir…” he said.
“Drake” Ari said, shaking his hand and grinning as her cloak hid her hair.
“sir Drake, my deepest apologies. There was a sound that frightened the horses near the Silvernesse forest and they got out of control.” He said.
“It’s fine sir, just try to watch where you’re going” Ari said.
“Is there any way I can repay you?” The roly-poly coachman asked.
“Hey, hurry up. I have to be somewhere.” A familiar voice said from inside the carriage.
“Is that Emmett Harigund?” Ari asked
“Yes, why?” the coachman asked.
“Make sure he gets stranded in the middle of nowhere and that will be payment enough.” Ari said, almost smirking at the thought. “I’d best be off, my companions and I have someplace we need to get before nightfall.”
“Good day sir Drake.” The coachman said, confusion in his voice.
“Good day” Ari said. She grabbed Ana and Ivys’ hands and walked off.
“Ari!” Ana said as soon as they were far enough away that the