Hyrio

“You are a beautiful princess! Just turn around that way a little bit. Hmm? Yes, I will add a ribbon!”

Brakir happily bustled around Hyra as he made her outfit with the utmost care. He had insisted that the two princesses present themselves in their finery. Although it hadn't pleased Lydar, who thought it would be a waste of time, given their mission's urgency.

“Emergency, or not? They are princesses; what the devil! They must do justice to their rank. I won't let you take them in their travel gear. It would be indecent! Decency, you know?”

Even though Astaldo had tried to silence him, Brakir was glad he spoke. How could an elf, moreover, a king, not understand? It was the base, though. Especially since this is the first time, Hyra has seen her brother and aunt. Fortunately, he would travel with them. This elf was a real bugger.

He grumbled just to think about it.

“Are you all right, Brakir?”

“Yes, milady. I just have to place this ribbon in the right place.”

Hyra, who was watching him, was ecstatic. He had fairy fingers. Her dress of turquoise silk taffeta, embellished with ribbons, was a pure marvel. She felt herself floating, just carrying it; it was a pleasant feeling that rivalled her most delicate dresses, which remained in Alliopyr.

“You are wonderful, Brakir. It's a masterpiece!”

- I'm glad to see you like it! To think that this king of the elves almost deprived you of this simple pleasure! What a bastard!

- Looks like he blew you away?

- And not just a little. Don't worry, princess! I'll take care of you and Milady Kahelle the best that I can! Whether he likes it or not!

While the genie was still muttering at him, Hyra took the opportunity to ask him:

- Tell me, Brakir! Do you know each other before?

- Certainly not! If he had known me before that, he would never have dared!

Hyra was slightly disappointed with her answer because she wanted to know more about Lydar. But it wasn't so important, after all!

Despite that, she was glad that she wasn't the only one who disapproved of this disturbing character. The presence of the genie was a blessing, all in all.

“Regarding the question you asked me when we first met... I think I have an answer.”

Brakir paused a moment to face her, suddenly curious to hear her:

-You have a wish to make! I am listening to you. What is he?

Hyra clasped her hands, closing her eyes tightly:

“I have no wishes. I just hope all is well! I would especially like you to be by my side until the end of this quest if you don't mind!”

When Brakir heard it, he was surprised. It was the first time in his life that he hadn't been asked for anything.

And yet, he had already received plenty of requests, each one absurd. Some wanted plenty of money, others a long life or even power...

But not Hyra. That's right, she didn't have a wish, but her request came from the bottom of her heart. And it touched him.

How could a princess who would celebrate her sixteenth birthday in a week already be so modest and mature?

He took her clasped hands in his.

“Look at me, princess! I can assure you that everything will be fine, even if you didn't express a wish. You are an exceptional person, and people like you are blessed forever. You don't need to be afraid. Thank you kindly for having me by your side. I promise to walk you through to the end.”

“Thank you! Thank you so much.”

They exchanged a knowing smile. As he resumed his work, Brakir knew that henceforth he would be his humble and devoted servant against all odds.

“There you go, I'm done. Come and admire yourself!”

When she saw herself, Hyra found herself so beautiful. He even braided her hair into a lovely braid adorned with white flowers and a diamond tiara. She also wore long white gloves. As she thanked him effusively, Kahelle entered:

- You are sublime, my darling!

- Thank you! We must especially congratulate Brakir! Create such a beautiful outfit... It's a real genius! I can't wait to see what he makes for you!

- Ah, speaking of that… Brakir, first of all, know that I do not doubt your talents, but I will not wear a dress.

Brakir, disconcerted, came to stand in front of her:

- Why? I saw you already in a beautiful satin dress, me!

- It's just that…

Hyra, who understood her correctly, explained her embarrassment to the genie. From a young age, her friend felt good in men's clothes! The only time she had worn a dress was for her debutante ball. She still had a horrible memory of it.

Many had criticized her for his lack of ethics; his approach was considered too masculine, as well as his outspokenness. Only Rodya and Hyra had been there for her.

“Well, it's not that bad. I am in the best position to understand your situation. You see, I am your opposite. Me, I appreciate a woman's clothes! And that suits me very well!”

At Brakir's response, the three of them looked at each other in amazement before bursting into laughter. Kahelle, relieved to have found another ally for her cause, extended her hand, saying:

- That's why we were made to get along. I would love for you to call me by my first name, Brakir. Between us, no ceremony, what do you say?

- I agree, Kahelle! We could even support each other no matter what!

As they shook hands in satisfaction, Hyra smiled. The latter revealed a fantastic set of white pants decorated with floral motifs, perfectly matching Kahelle's style.

As they were finalizing their outfits, Astaldo came to pick them up. A carriage awaited them at the entrance, and Hyra was surprised to find the elves in costumes she had never seen before. Even the fabrics were unknown to her. It was still gorgeous!

It was mostly Lydar, whom she found surprisingly elegant! Yes, we had to admit it. Her sparkling ash-gray hair was pulled back into a ponytail for the first time. As his only jewel, he wore a large emerald ring the same colour as his eyes, which stared at her without any embarrassment. She looked away, embarrassed. How could she find him handsome ?!

During the journey, however, she began to stress. She was going to meet her brother! What would their reaction be, being face to face? She remembered the legend that said that an eclipse had to take place. But the sun was shining brighter than ever at the moment.

Kahelle, who sensed her apprehension, took her hand to comfort her.

When the coach finally stopped, they got off in front of a vast and splendid castle. Only a butler greeted them to lead them into a large living room adjoining a terrace.

A woman was waiting for them, and when she turned around, Hyra thought she saw her foster mother, Rodya. They looked so alike! Except that Queen Pahela had short blonde hair, while her brown eyes were imbued with the same tenderness.

“I extend a cordial welcome to you. I hope the course has not been too exhausting!”

As everyone bowed respectfully, she exclaimed upon spotting Hyra:

“My dear child! Come closer! How you grew up! You have the beauty of my sister Achyra! What a joy to meet you!”

She moved towards her timidly. They all looked at each other moved, before shaking hands, tears in their eyes.

- Hello, my dear aunt!

- Oh, my little girl!... Today, finally, I see you again after so many years! I am so happy! Come on, Hyrio is waiting for us!

Hyra seemed to hesitate, all of a sudden, but seeing her aunt's pleasant smile, she followed her despite her heart beating too hard!

When they found themselves on the terrace, the dazzling sunlight blinded them for a moment.

Opening her eyes again, Hyra found herself in an embrace filled with sweetness.

“Hyra! My little sister!”

A melodious voice with soft accents. This was what she noticed first. Then her fabulous red hair, just like in her dream. There, right away, she felt good in her brother's arms.

They were reunited. Yes, she was sure! Everything would be fine now. She no longer holds back her tears, and so does he.

Their reunion moved all who watched them. In front of this scene, Queen Pahela, Kahelle and Brakir wept as much. Ofyr, Astaldo and Voronyi had their heads bowed, tender.

Lydar didn't cry, but his heart sank. It was the first time he had seen Hyra cry. He liked it best when she stood up to him. Seeing her like this disturbed him greatly.

Maybe Ofyr was right… He would try to understand her more. A flower is as beautiful as it deserved to be protected!

As the sun slowly darkened, he vowed to do everything, even the impossible, for this human who filled him with powerful love!