Lyrannir

After riding much of the night, they rested in an inn until the next day. Since seeing Lydar again, Hyra avoided speaking to him. It must be said that he didn't make a good first impression on her. She didn't like his arrogance and haughty looks.

Fortunately, the presence of her friend reassured her.

“Imagine Hyra! All the adventures await us. I tremble with impatience!”

Kahelle whirled in glee. She did not hide her joy since their departure. While Hyra still wondered a thousand questions, even though her friend told her what she knew. She was amazed to find out that she was a princess and not just any!

“The moon princess!”

Come to think of it, it all came together now. She had a twin brother! It was him that she had dreamed of the other day. He had called her...

The legend of Rodya, who was not one after all. The presence of the elves and this hasty journey. It was going a little too fast for his liking. His birth parents had died to protect them. She didn't know anything about them. But what she understood entirely was this love so powerful, to the point of sacrificing their lives to preserve hers.

She examined the locket they had left her. Its light was no longer as dazzling as it once was. However, Hyra noticed that the golden moon alone sparkled more beautifully. She wondered why her adoptive mother had not given her this treasure from an early age. She must have had her reasons. Anyway, she didn't blame her at all. Rodya had dedicated herself to her education and well-being without failing once.

It was the most important. She just wanted to know more about her story. Kahelle advised her to tell the King of the Elves about it. But she was against this idea. Just thinking about it... However, she wouldn't have a choice at some point.

She found him weird. And his gaze on her was… Embarrassing? Yes, that was the right word. However, she couldn't explain why she felt so small in his presence. He made her uncomfortable, something she had never felt with anyone before him. She would try to avoid him as much as possible. Here.

That morning, when they finished getting ready, they joined the elves waiting for them in the great hall. They had used magic to hide their appearance. They no longer wore their finery. Even Lydar's crown was gone. They looked like anybody right now, without their pointy ears, which did not reassure her for all that.

Hyra sat down far from them after greeting them appropriately. Still, she felt Lydar staring at her while the innkeeper served them generously. She royally ignored him.

The meal was spent in a good mood, mostly thanks to Kahelle, who led the conversation very well.

They resumed the road then, refuelled and sated. As Hyra galloped at a brisk pace, Lydar kept staring at her. She stood proudly on her mount, and her long hair floated around her like a veil. She was shining! He couldn't help admiring her over and over again. Everything about her attracted him. He had even dreamed of her last night, a rather daring dream...

It had been a while since he had had one, anyway. He was already three centuries in this world, but it was the first time he had remembered this type of dream in great detail.

Inside, Hyra was quite enterprising, and she... Well, you shouldn't get carried away either. He had to keep a cool head for what awaited them. However, this dangerous flame kept growing for this human, and he had no control over it.

“My brother! You seem lost in your thoughts. Is everything alright?”

Ofyr curiously pulled his horse closer to his. Lydar recovered, shaking his head.

- Of course! I just thought ...

- You were thinking about her?

- What?! No! It's not what you think, Lydar lied, almost blushing, embarrassed.

Ofyr smirked. He had noticed that his brother paid particular attention to the young princess. Lydar had never fallen in love, not once before. Hence the nickname of all his mistresses for him: the king of ice cubes. Of course, he had many conquests, like any king worthy of the name. But not a single marriage. His heart had never been taken.

It’s as if he’s been waiting all his life for his beloved. It was finally time. He discovered the true meaning of the word love.

Ofyr, for his part, did not know how to curb his ardour towards Princess Kahelle, who never ceased to intrigue him. She gave off a determined and robust aura that pleased him enormously, which surprised a nerd of his kind. The pleasures of the senses, the loves of ordinary people, had always seemed complicated to him. He still didn't care. It was without counting his meeting with this fiery woman that was Kahellle. There is a beginning for everything…

“Looks like you are thinking of her too?”

His older brother asked, laughing softly, as Ofyr blushed even more.

The two brothers discovered new emotions for the splendid princesses, who had absolutely no suspicion.

At nightfall, they finally arrived in Lyrannir. Lydar, who seemed to know the place, took them to a tavern nicknamed: the Daughters of Joy. Ofyr immediately took offence:

“My brother! I allow myself to be worried. Do you think it would be good to have princesses in a place like this? Now is not the time for celebration. Well, not yet.”

Hyra didn't understand why Ofyr looked so upset. The main thing for her was to find a place to rest. She was so tired... It was only when Kahelle whispered the true nature of this tavern to her that she understood better. Presumably, she was right to avoid this king of the elves. He was evil.

The latter smiles mischievously. He could see that everyone was drawing hasty conclusions, especially Hyra, who was sending him stern glances at the moment. She, who had ignored him all day. Bold, he gave her a wink that surprised her so much that she turned her head in embarrassment. Amused, he replied:

“Ofyr! I wouldn't allow myself, and you know that. However, the hour is so dire that we need strong and experienced arms. And who better to place than the brothers: Astaldo the valiant and Voronyi the reckless?”

At these words, her little brother's face lit up. He worried for nothing in the end. The sons of their army's general, these two were known for their bravery and strength in battle. One was an outstanding archer, while the other had fists of steel. They had left the sacred forest, three years ago already, under the order of the fairy mother, Melyarie. No one had ever known what mission they had been assigned to or where they were. Except for Lydar, who told him that they ran this tavern so as not to arouse suspicion.

They were also awaiting their coming, which is why the door opened wide, even before they knocked, while grooms tended to their horses.

“Come in, come in! Welcome to our humble home.”

Stepping inside, Hyra was amazed at how grand the hall was. Almost everything was pink here, but what made it feel more welcoming were the large vases of red roses that you could find almost everywhere you looked. There was also a pleasant smell in the air, and soft music was playing from nowhere.

There was none other than the two elves, who came forward, bowing to greet their lords, in the Elvish language. As they spoke, Hyra thought he saw a little girl playing in a far corner. Oddly enough, she walked over to talk to her.

Following this apparition, she entered another room more spacious than the previous one. There were couches on both sides, but what made her stand out were the three giant fountains in the middle, which let a slightly pinkish water flow. She looked around, but no trace of this little girl. Perhaps she had dreamed...

As she approached the fountains, the more she looked at her water, the more she felt an irresistible urge to drink it. She was suddenly so thirsty that she gave in to temptation. She took a pitcher from nearby and poured herself a large cup. However, when it was time to savour it, an unknown voice whispered:

“If I were you, I wouldn't do this.”

She jumped so loudly at hearing it that she knocked everything down on the floor. Turning sheepishly, she found a man standing next to her. He looked so beautiful, it almost looked like a woman, but most amazing about how he looked were his neon pink clothes, which matched the decor of this room perfectly. Even her long, bright blue hair, tied back in a ponytail, was gorgeous.

“Oh! Excuse me! I was so thirsty that I forgot my good manners. Please excuse my clumsiness. I gave up…”

Suddenly, as she pointed at the ground, she saw nothing. The floor was magically clean. It was weird. Was she hallucinating?!...

The man chuckled at his lost expression.

“You see, this liquor that we make here is unique. As soon as your lips taste it, you are prisoners. Prisoners of an illusion so sweet and sophisticated that one could drown in it. This is what happens to indiscreet customers who want a good night out.”

Hearing this, Hyra was glad she hadn't drunk it. She wished she had come this far, leaving Kahelle, who she already missed...

- Thank you very much for letting me know. I will immediately join my companions, who must indeed be looking for me.

As she backed away, the man moved closer.

- There is no hurry, let's see! We have plenty of time! Come and sit down for a moment. We're closed for tonight, and it's been a long time since we last had such a pleasant visit.

He suddenly disappeared, only to reappear, seated casually on one of the couches. Hyra was wondering who was this curious character. She didn't want to stay here anymore.

“I won't bother you anymore. I beg your pardon. I need to find my friends.”

The man stared at her for a few moments, unfazed. Then he suddenly opened his hand, from which sprang a few multicoloured sparks.

- I have a question for you, milady. What is your greatest wish? Have you ever had any?

What a funny question! Hyra found him almost sassy, but it had to be admitted that it was a good question. She hadn't thought about it until now. Did she have a wish?...

As far back as she can remember, she had wanted for nothing. She led a peaceful life with her adoptive mother and younger brother Mylan. All she wanted back then was their happiness that would match hers. Upon learning his true identity, his world had been turned upside down. She was not who she thought she was. But above all, she discovered that she was a princess, who besides, had the enormous responsibility of saving an entire unknown forest with a twin brother, whom she knew nothing about at all.

It was too much for his frail shoulders. She was almost scared because she didn't know what to expect.

- I can see that you have a lot to say. You can tell me anything. I would listen to you, repeated the man who patted the seat beside him, inviting her to join him.

At the same moment, when she was finally allowed to be convinced by her warm air, Kahelle appeared.

“Hyra, honey! We looked everywhere for you, and you were right there!”

The taller of the two elves, whom she had seen on arrival, cursed under his breath, walking towards the man still sitting quietly.

- Brakir! Could this still be one of your malicious tricks? Why did you hold back her majesty?

- We were just talking, dear. It’s not a crime that I know of.

- Another of your speeches, more devious than the others.

- I do not see what you're talking about.

As this man was harshly lectured, and even when his friend spoke to him, Hyra remained lost in thought. Lydar noticed it immediately. He didn't know what had happened, but he very much hoped it was okay.

- Come instead, present yourself properly, rude that you are. Princess Moon, I would like to apologize for the attitude of this twisted genius. Sometimes, I wonder what happens in this calabash, which serves as its head.

“You know exactly what she's telling you, the gourd head, sweetie,” the concerned said, whispered, caressingly, as the elf cleared his throat, embarrassed at his response.

- He's been working for us...

- Correction, my angel! I work with you. It’s an association, have you forgotten?

- So like that, you are a genius?

Hyra was amused by the situation, mostly since it was the first time she had encountered such a creature. Ultimately, this trip wouldn't be as bleak as it used to be. They would have good company.

- Of course, milady! I have been called by many names: genius, jinn and so on. What is certain is that I remain Brakir, your humble and devoted servant, ”replied the latter, bowing respectfully. Please forgive my all too familiar ways. Usually, we get buggers here. Your gracious and pleasant presence charmed me so much that I let myself be carried away.

- You don't need to apologize. I am delighted to meet you. Let's resume our conversation at a better time, will you? I hope we will become good friends.

- I would be pleased.

The two elves finally introduced themselves. The one who rebuked Brakir was the valiant Astaldo. At first glance, his rough face, his long scar from nose to neck, his bandaged right eye, and his muscular build already suggested that he was a warrior in every sense of the word.

The second, who was standing further back, was none other than Voronyi, the reckless. He seemed more reserved than his older brother, and he kept bowing as he introduced himself. However, despite her great shyness, her eyes, they began to search her without restraint. He praised her with such compliments that she began to wonder if he liked her any bit. She thought it was cute. He proudly wore an eagle on his left shoulder.

- Does your eagle have a name?

- O…Yes, majesty. It's Coliro. I picked him up after he was injured six years ago.

- Will he let me touch him?

- Go ahead, it's harmless.

As she stroked the bird's coat, Hyra noticed that Lydar looked unhappy. He hadn't said a word since entering, and he was staring hard at the genius who was still bickering with Astaldo. She didn't understand. Maybe they should know each other. She would question Brakir about it. He will enlighten her on this enigmatic king of the elves.

A few moments later, they were all gathered before a good feast in their honour. The conversation was going well, and the beer was flowing. Ofyr, already drunk, no longer hesitated to devour his gaze at Kahelle, who was laughing out loud at the old jokes of Voronyi, whose tongue had been loosened by alcohol.

Brakir took care of a drunk and talkative Astaldo while sticking out whenever he had the chance.

Lydar, always so mysterious, ate in his corner without saying a word, even when one spoke to him. Despite this general frenzy, Hyra could not find it.

The brief conversation with Brakir had filled her with doubts about their expedition. It's all well and good to say we had to save everyone, but how?! She had no idea. By dint of thinking, fatigue set in, and she fell asleep unwittingly, right where she was.

Lydar, noticing her immediately, took advantage of the others inattention to carry her gently up to a room. He remained, however, as amazed by the beauty of the young woman. As he covered her with a sheet, she stirred in her sleep, muttering a few incomprehensible words. But he understood them immediately. Because they were Elvish words, indeed she had forgotten it, but Hyra understood their language when she was younger. Yet the words she spoke were crystal clear. She was crying for help. It must have been a nightmare.

Filled with concern, he took her hand, and an idea occurred to her. Hyra's birth mother often sang him a nursery rhyme, which he had learned from hearing. He sang it to her softly. After a while, it calmed her, and she fell sound asleep.

Before leaving, he kissed her hand tenderly, saying:

“Don't worry, little Hyrie. Whatever happens, I'll be there. You can count on me, pretty flower.”