Chapter II - Paradise Lost

"Elise..."

"Who's there?"

It was just like an out of body experience. But her mind forced her to familiarize the sensation as the same thing as it would be to look in a mirror. But it was far too dark for that. The only light in this endlessly pitch room radiating from herself. Silver tresses dazzled against the bleak background, a brilliant azure shine filling the void around the girl. Despite her light Elise stood on tremulous legs. Hardly able to keep herself upright as a frigid wind bit at her skin.

"Elise." Something whispered again, although this time the voice was much more firm. As if it were drawing closer. The gust picked up again but now powerful enough to lift Elise's lasting locks and carry them for a moment.

"What do you want?" As the question left her lips Elise's body felt as if it were vibrating. No; the entire void she was trapped in felt so. The space convulsed, as if it intended to crush the only occupant, but rather itself would come to shatter first. But the new place Elise had found herself in was no better. Perhaps worse.

Bursting blazes set all around her. A steely framework imprisoning the girl. Without a way out every moment grew more intense. The burning felt all too real. One flame licked at her skin, darkening Elise's pale complexion nearly to a pitch black. The pain rocked her, a horrified cry calling out into the fire.

"Help me!"

"Elise!" the voice returned, stronger, booming even. As if its owner stood right next to her.

The inferno roared like a beast. A deep, guttural, primal desire. Hunger. The steel that dripped flames was nothing for it. But the grass, the tree that seemed to have impaled whatever this contraption was, even other people. Their choice of dress was odd, some design vaguely familiar but all too different. Evil seemed to be pouring from their threads. Elise could see it as if they were soaked in it.

Again the heat attacked her. Grasped at her even. She could not pull her arm away from it. It was like this fire was living, and like a living beat would it preyed on the weak. She could not stop it, and was forced to remain still. Screaming, terror having its day in her mind. But that voice returned.

That damned voice.

"Elise!" it shouted again.

It had done nothing for her. She sat here, burning, dieing, because the voice was too unwilling to do anything about it.

"Elise!" or so she had thought.

The girl was shaken awake. A Knight steeled from head to toe in armor grasping the little lady's shoulders. The inferno from her dreams had followed her home. It terrified her. The idea of her dream becoming reality. But she did not sit in some metal skeleton here. This was her home. Her life!

"You need to get to safety, Your Grace!" the Knight said, lifting the child and setting her on her feet. His armor was much too hot for her to piggyback. The blaze had seen to that. The man felt as if he sat in a brick oven. The door fastened shut so he may not leave. But he could rescue her, even if it was to be the last thing he accomplished in his path as a Knight.

The door had closed itself after he'd entered the ladies room. Even when the Knight turned the knob their exit would not open.

"Stand back," with the warning the Knight delivered a swift blow. The first bouncing off of the ornate wood. But the next kick would send the door slamming against the opposite wall of the hall. A thick cloud of black smoke tainted the air in her room. It billowed in from the opening the Knight had created. With a quick thought he nabbed one of the girls yet untouched nightdresses. Ripping it into bits the man hastily crafted a haggard looking mask. Kneeling now, he took the liberty of wrapping it for the noble child.

"Listen now, Your Grace," the nameless Knight spoke. Overheating, and choked by smoke. Kneeling as he was now he was no longer strong enough to lift himself from the floor. "You know the way out. Do not stop. Do not go looking for anyone. Get yourself to safety, I am sure the other's will find you outside."

Elise was terrified. She knew just by his voice that he did not plan to join her. He did not plan to tag along, as he always had. The Knight had been by her side for years, yet she did not know his name. Every fiber of her being felt guilty. Guilty of causing this, guilty of disappointing this Guardian. Guilty of herself.

"Listen, Your Grace!" His metal gauntlets tightly gripped Elise's shoulders.

"Do not stop, for anything!"

The Knight released her now. He was hardly able to support his already poor posture. His breathing was heavy, filled with chokes and coughs. His steel body pounded against the floor. Elise still stood there, fear chilling her bones.

"Go!" A final command shouted by the Knight. His coughing ceased. Minuscule breaths taken slowly would end soon after the girl had gone. That shout was enough to spur her forward now. The child's feet carried her through the halls she had grown in thus far. Painting's of herself, her sister, her entire family. All burning. Melting. Paint stained the soot ridden rugs before they would ignite and be reduced to ash.

"Elise!" The voice from her dreams seemed to plague her waking world as well. Elise did not know what to make of it. Nothing was right. The world had turned itself upside down in her sleep. How did the blaze even start? It had spread through the entirety of her home before she was even woken up.

Elise turned down a hall. A stairway came soon after, but the fire looked as if to rise from the steps. It was rising from the steps! In some bestial form the flame was alive. Just as she had dreamed! Fear froze her feet once more. The flaming hound roaring that same hungry and primal sound as had reverberated through her head only minutes ago. It lunged at her, blazing teeth sinking into the child's arm. Burning her, steaming the blood that would have leaked and blackening her arm.

"Help!" Elise screamed. Pain throbbing in her arm. Heat getting the better of her body. The beast dragged her. Whipping its head wildly, causing a new pain, however it was nothing compared to the conflagration tearing her arm apart. This thing tossed her across the hall. Her head cracked against the wall. In a daze she tried to stand but only fell on her back. Again it was upon her. Its scorching mitt burned its outline into her chest just under her right collarbone.

It swiped at her, and instinctively her little arm came up to protect herself. Torrid claws raked into the girl's upper arm. Ripping, and tearing new wounds that burned themselves closed. Another roar, one so close and intense. The horrid sound setting her ears to ring. Elise, however, now without her hearing felt something new. Like a heartbeat. Thumping in her chest. It's pace grew. Battering against her body. The beat finally came to a climax with her Knight slamming into the flaming beast that preyed upon her. His weight crashing against the unnatural predator with a fearsome will.

She did not need him to tell her again to run. To live. More of these beasts rose from the stairwell. Spurred to hunt by the roars of their kin. Elise turned to run back towards her room, but the path quickly became blocked. The weakened ceiling caving under the weight of another blazing monster. When it's eyes settled upon the girl it let out a wail of its own. There was no leaving this corner. Every direction was blocked. Elise turned, realizing there was just one exit now.

The sound of her Knight slamming his steeled fists into his oppressive opponent resounded through her mind. The Knights' own roar's of anguish and vigor echoed down the blazing halls. His voice carried power. Will. His primal desire to protect Elise until his final moment causes the other beasts to hesitate. The Knight's purpose was clear, and his absolute rage at this being cut short was nothing compared to the intent he had on finishing out his duty. Another heavy fist rammed into black skull of the beast that had harmed his charge. He stood again, feet crashing with every step against the floorboards. Once more the Knight charged, grabbing a monster before it had the chance to harm Elise further. Both arms wrapped around the thing, and it burned. It burned, but still he fought on. Twisting, and crashing down with all of his weight on the oddly bent neck of the creature. Surely, it would break. But as it did, so did the floor.

Elise's Knight dragged another beast down a floor with him. What used to be their dining hall had become a den of these blazing animals. A dozen if not a handful more of those massive conflagrated hounds. Another roar set the beasts back. He already had the scent of two of their dead on him. He lugged the ashen corpse of the one he had dragged down, and launched the bones at the beasts than surrounded him. Heavy breaths fell from him as his body had come to its limit. He could not move much less fight; and the hounds soon sensed this. They were on him. Burning fangs tearing at his steel. Roars of vigor lessened to howls.

Howl's of terror.

Of pain.

Of agony.

Torrid fangs crushed into his right shoulder. Steel plates cutting him to the bone. Another hound yanked the man's helmet off by it's dirtied plume. His shoulder length brown hair igniting under the blazing paw of another beast. Worse yet, that mane tangled through the horrid fiends claws. The thing yanked his head around in an attempt to free itself. The Knight made an attempt to kick out at one of the swines but was met only with a sharp pain spiking up his thigh. From that knee down was missing. His gaze caught the limb in the mouth of one of these things. Crushed, and hardly recognizable without the steel that marked it as his own. That Knight's eyes rolled back into his head. Perhaps it was a mercy to finally fade away. The worst part of his last few moments was having to see Elise looking down at him from the next floor up. He would never know if he had succeeded in keeping the little lady alive.

Elise's stomach turned. She was not forced to watch this, yet she felt frozen again. Her eyes stuck with only the ability to witness this Knights demise. The girl's hearing had returned at some point, but it was not clear until she heard the beasts on the other side of the hole yapping at her. They were hesitant to jump. While the girl had enough room to stand, they would hardly have any. It seems they were scared to fall. It gave Elise enough time to open the window behind her. Pulling herself up to its edge, the height chilled the girl again. Funny, how one could feel so cold even in a situation like this.

Elise stood on the outer edge of the window. With her back against the wall she started shuffling away. But where? There was nowhere she could think of going to. It's not as if she could climb the flat stone wall, or descend it. Before Elise could even think of something, anything, another threat dived at her. A scorching beast similar to the one that had fallen through the ceiling. It's wings are both oppressive and horrifying. The blazing bird swooped down at the girl, lashing at her with claws which blistered her wounds. But that was not even the worst of it. Her footing slipped with the attack, sending the child descending to the earth.

She fell, and quickly a darkness wrapped around her gaze. The sky became distant, too far to ever reach. Mossy bricks dragged against her skin as she fell. A rope slid against her, perhaps a chance at life still existed. Elise tried grasping it with both hands, yet her fall had become too fast. It burned her again. But she just couldn't let go. It was her only chance to keep on living. She had to live, for her Knight! She slowed herself down, but still fell. The water that enveloped her was welcome just for a moment. But she needed air just as much as a cool bath. She was too exhausted to swim, but thankfully she simply floated to the top.

Elise sat there for a moment. Her eyes were trying to close but she couldn't just pass out like this. She'd never wake up. Water would replace fire, and end her down in that well where no one would find her. She reached up, grasping the edge of the large pail and screaming in pain as she did. The rope had exposed the muscles of her hands. The only wounds on her that actually bled. Still, this was the last thing she needed to do. One final push, and she could rest. With all of the strength she had left Elise hoisted herself up to the edge of the bucket. It was big enough for the young girl to simply fall into. Her body exhausted, and mind blanking. Without closing her eyes the lady's sight diminished.

She wanted to sleep now, but fear rocked her thoughts. She could die there, alone. Cold and wet, burned and beaten. That fire still chilled her bones, or was it the frigid water now? Elise sat in that pail at the bottom of the well. Blinking in and out of consciousness. Nightmares dragging her back to the real world.

A dream.

Fire.

Hungry beasts.

Death.

A nightmare.

"Elise."

That was her name.

Elise.

Why was that her name? Who thought someone like her deserved such an elegant word for a name?

"It's time to get up, Elise."

"I am up, Auntie."

"Then let some light in, darling."

A blindingly bright sun illuminated the girl's room. The dazzling light dancing across her loose silver curls, the longest of which reached well below the ladies bum. Those tresses framed a narrow face, with radiant azure orbs which gazed upon her form in a mirror taller than herself. Her form was petite, if one could call it that. She seemed more descript as frail. Elise was dressed for bed still. A simple transparent nightgown hardly covered her most delicate areas. If it were not for the extensive bandages she would be bare for Jane to admire.

"You put them on again?" Jane asked, stepping just behind Elise's right shoulder. Those orbs lifted to look at her Aunt behind her. Deep amber locks contrasted against olive skin. Green eyes looked upon her worriedly. Jane's form was fuller than Elise's, but anyone who ate a regular three hot meals would be.

"I need them," Elise claimed, her slender digits rising to wrap gently around her upper arms. "I don't want to see them."

"You've been doing so well, love!"

"People stare at me, Auntie."

"I know, sweets," the amber haired lady said, hugging Elise from behind. Her chin rested on the Princess' shoulder with a gentle smile tugging up each end of her lips. "They do not understand the strength it takes to keep moving forward after something like that."

"Most nobles do not," Elise claimed, letting a heavy breath fall through her lips. Her cool, timid hand rested over Jane's. Her fingers tapped gingerly, often simple feeling the texture on the back of her Auntie's fingers.

"You will be of age this year, love," Jane reminded Elise. "I know it bothers you, but it is something you must get over or those people will eat you alive."

"I understand that," Elise shrugged her Aunt's embrace away, and stepped over the ornate window that lit up her room.

She was forced to squint as she approached the light. But outside of that glass was a beautiful day. The sun shone on Newhearth. Very few clouds embellished the sky, making their way leisurely like they had nowhere to be. Sprawling gardens and expensive homes adorned the hill surrounding the Castle. Unlit lamp posts and neatly trimmed trees framed the stone brick road. It's length winding throughout the Noble district and all the way down through the commoners row houses. Further down from those, and to the North, was the connected port city of Angelwood Landing. A while ago the capital and Angelwood were separate settlements, but with expansions and the modernization of roads the port was absorbed into the throne city as it's harbor district.

The entire city looked so much better than it had ten years ago, back when the market district had only dusty dirt roads. But modernization was well underway, and soon lamp posts would dot even the lower town. Elise could see those homes this high up on the hill. Weather stained stone bricks and patchy shingle rooftops made for a cozier scene in her mind. Down there seemed warmer. Somewhere one might find a sense of community unlike this bleak hill side. All that mattered here was the cold metal coins running through the streets.

Well, that was not entirely true. It was an unfair judgement of a few families on this noble hillside. The Keepfounds, to name a single one. Lord Baxton and his eldest son's were the first to arrive on the scene she had found herself in seven years ago. The Lord himself personally pulled her out of that damp well, and she would never forget it.

Still, there was a yearning in her soul to be someone normal. Someone without so many eyes watching and judging everything she did. Even her own gaze judged Elise from time to time. But it was less common now than it was years ago.

"Dear," Jane's voice broke Elise free from her thoughts as she made her way to the door. "I'm going to go and grab my make up, I almost totally forgot that it's time to get ready for today's banquet!"

"Oh, alright, Auntie…"

Have I really slept so long?

Elise closed the curtains. A gentle blue settled over the girls room again as the sun beat against the drapes. She sat at her desk, a tablet resting flat on the ignored furniture. She had opened it once upon a time with the intent to write her insecurities away. Ever since that first page has collected dust, a single word not dotting its surface. Even the quill was untouched from where she had laid it on the paper. Black ink that drooled from it's tip has long since dried. The hardened trail of it flowing from the feather and down onto the masterfully crafted wooden furniture.

Elise's eyes drooped further, the ink flowed again. But… how? It dripped from the wood, staining her leg before running further down to the bandages. Oh, she thought, reaching a hand down to clean up the mess. Grasping a white handkerchief from the first drawer, she wiped the liquid from the desk before moving onto herself. The lady patted the ink so as to not smear it against her pearly complexion. So far it worked out, but she would need to replace the bandage to keep herself totally clean. Each hand worked together as they undid the work she had so recently finished. There was nothing to it, though. She had years worth of practice doing just this. But no matter how many times she did it, no matter how old she became, any sight of the old wound set her heart racing.

This is disgusting, she thought. But she needed to be strong, just for another moment to replace the ink stained length of cloth. It would be fine.

"It will be fine," Elise told herself. But she could not find belief in the words. "It will be fine," she repeated. Hands trembling as they continued to unwrap the bandage. It seemed like it never ended. Like it would never fully come off. Her hands worked faster, and faster. Unwinding the thing until it finally slinked off of her thigh. To that end, her breath became heavy and a drop of sweat dripped from her forehead. The bead seemed to splash against her leg.

Heat.

The rest of the bandages felt tight. But she needed them. It's as if the coiled cloth tightened itself with intent to deprive her of air.

I need them.

Her breathing became erratic. Breaths no longer feeling whole and instead are never enough. The gentle azure hue that had settled over the room seemed to fade and be replaced with a threatening deep crimson. Gentle hands tightened close to her chest, the girl hardly restraining herself from clawing at the tightness welling up and weighing her down. A breath hitched, and she sputtered into a coughing fit.

Smoke.

Those eyes opened once more. Colorless. Like a glass surface steamed over, once gleaming cerulean curtains now looking to just be a matte shade of grey. Everything was dim. The dark surrounded her. But as she stared into it, everything became bright.

No, come back.

The loss of the darkness was something to be mourned. For she would rather sit in cold darkness than be surrounded by these bright flames. They licked at her, reigniting the pain of old wounds long since healed. Elise felt thrown from her chair, a beast made of conjured bone and fire pinning the girl to the burning floor.

Her screams echoed as if her head was encased in a kettle. Resounding so close and deafening her. Tear's wet her ears as they streamed down each side of her face.

Elise!

A thumping beset the girl's head. Sudden, and pounding, as if trying to break into her. Three at a time, all with that beautiful word treading on their heels.

Elise!

"No, no!" She cried out, uncontrollable sobs making anything else she wished to say unintelligible. Another three painful thumps crashed against her skull, that word cutting into her again.

Elise!

Her eyes ripped open. Two heavy mitts gripped her shoulders. At first her eye's saw a Knight with soot laden armor. That facade quickly faded, and in place of the Knight she once knew Lord Baxton remained. Behind him stood a boy, his son Aulus. This scene seemed all too familiar. Although back then Aulus didn't look so frightened.

"Ah- I'm alright Uncle, I was just cleaning… some…"

Oh.

She was on the floor. Tilting her head up further revealed to her the ink had not spilled as she remembered. Despite the vivid experience she just went through, not even the stain remained on the paper where it had all started.

Jane shoved her way through her son to get into the room. Oh! She thought, her warm hands taking her niece's freezing digits. She helped Elise stand again, emerald orbs scanning over her body in search of some injury that she would not find. "I shouldn't have left, I'm so sorry Elise."

"It's fine, Auntie. You didn't know that would happen."

Jane hugged the girl and Elise returned it, happy to have her be sane again. After a few moments Jane's gaze flickered to her husband while she was saying, "I will get her ready, and we will be in the hall soon."

"It is no rush, my dearest girls." Baxton said, straightening his posture. That gruff middle aged man somehow kept a smile on his features. Something he would have to teach his son to do. She could feel it. Aulus judging her.

He must think I'm- Elise's thoughts were cut short, though it was probably for the best.

"Lord Mhorbeinn will arrive anytime, and we are in no rush to start lunch," Baxtons fingers combed through his beard. Pulling the wiry strands away from his lips while he spoke. "Lady Loreia sent one of her falcons ahead as well, she was held up by a bandit toll but has since dealt with the issue. She will be fashionably late," the Keepfound added with a laugh.

"Loreia?" Elise questioned. "Loreia Umbrenia, the wife of the rebel leader? Since when was she coming?" Elise couldn't stuff away a cough after she asked the question.

"Not rebel anymore, Elise. The Southern Republic won their independence fair and square, and she is now it's First Lady," Baxton reminded her. "Besides, it is good to make friends in high places is it not?"

"Oh, please," she started with her voice raising. "She is coming to judge whether I'm a worthy candidate or not, don't try to make this something it's not."

"I am sure she holds an agenda of her own but these things are good to have happen, Elise," Baxton tried explaining. Aulus had already left, and as usual he did not speak a word. His ability to keep to himself was unparalleled, and appreciated. At least he could do that.

"I am sick and tired of the looks, Uncle!" Elise tried her best to stomp away from the conversation. But her footfalls weren't heavy enough to be constituted as stomps.

"We're not going to argue about this right now, Elise. Please, get ready for dinner. I will see you in a little while."

With a heavy sigh, Elise relented and said, "Yes, Uncle… I am sorry for yelling."

"I know, dear, I know," with that the Lord of the house closed the door to Elise's room.

Jane let a heavy breath fall from her lips as the tension faded. That plump butt of hers fell against the unmade bed in the room.

"Let's pick out a dress, I guess," she rhymed unintentionally. Though the realization made her giggle to herself just for a moment. "I would recommend a scarlet dye with silver trim as it would impress Lady Loreia, and Lord Mhorbeinn both."

"I prefer blue and silver."

"I know that, Elise, but our guests prefer-"

"Our guests are just that, guests. In our home. I will wear my colors," Elise said, a gentle hand picking out a dress that looked to be as deep as the ocean. A deep, humbling blue. "Would you please pick out my jewelry, Auntie?"

"Yes, I will Elise," she said with a tender sigh. "Perhaps one day I will get you in that gorgeous red piece I bought you."

"I… wished to save it for the coronation next month," Elise said, forcing a red blush to creep onto her cheeks. "I thought it would be something special, you know?"

"Oh… Elise, you shouldn't!"

"I would love to, Auntie."

"You are the sweetest girl in the New Monarchy, you know?" Jane said, a deep blush warming her features. The woman turned to the jewelry box to hide it from the younger Lady.

"It's color fits Drakiens perfectly. A few golden wristlets, and perhaps a piece to drape over my shoulders, and it would fit our country's banner perfectly.

"The council could not argue your effort with that either."

"Any word on how they are coming along?" Elise asked, her worried eye's settling on the dress she had been thinking of.

"As they usually do," Jane said, setting a few silver pieces to either side as she meticulously picked through for anything that would match Elise's aesthetic. "Lord Kellan will be your largest opponent, I believe."

"Really? Not Lord Mhorbeinn?"

"Well, perhaps gaining Mhorbeinns confidence will tip the rest in your favor."

"If he can even consider me a candidate for a moment that would already be a giant step forward with the man."

"Well, you are close with Nemetia, are you not? Use that to your advantage."

"How do you mean?"

"Mhorbeinn could be swayed if Nemetia were to gain a high seat in exchange for his confidence."

"Perhaps," Elise said, snaking her thin arms through the dress before pulling her head through the top. "I did already plan on having Nemay be an aid of sorts, though I do not yet know what I will have her focus on."

"Well, the Nazeris are naturally good at engineering, and the works. Perhaps she could aid in further modernization across the countryside."

"That is true," Elise said, pulling a white turtleneck scarf over her head. "Thank you for the idea, Auntie. It may just come true, too."

"Anytime," Jane replied. She turned now, her emerald eyes settling over Elise's beautiful self. The cocktail dress she'd chosen fit perfectly snug despite her puny frame threatening to slip from most clothes. The white turtleneck neck cover fit around her shoulders and was currently pulling her hair through it. "Let me help with that, Elise." Jane said, dragging a chair over to her girl and sitting her in it. Her hands were busy freeing her long locks.

"How do you think my hair should be done?" Elise asked, her navy eyes measuring each strand that Jane pulled from the piece of cloth around her neck.

"Well, it always needs to be done up. That's for sure," Jane said, chuckling a bit. "I don't know how you grew hair this long, love."

"I suppose not having it cut for a decade may have something to do with it," She said, raising a velvet hand to cover giggling lips.

Two pairs of heels clicked off of the stonework. Jane and Elise made their way down the spiral staircase that had led up to the ladies room. It was as it usually was as well. Jane dragged Elise out of her room and was going to make her talk to people.

As the pair traveled down Elise's eyes glued to something peculiar. A door hanging open just a crack, a flickering light pouring forth from that small space.

Being a mischievous girl at heart, her curiosity would pull her attention from the dull upcoming banquet. This door had never even been unlocked before, let alone left hanging open.

Without a word to Jane who continued down the stairs Elise peeked into the room. No one was in the place, and the far wall was too dark to spy. The candle light hardly illuminating the door frame.

Elise checked over her shoulder, and was relieved to see Jane had not yet caught on to her stalling. She gently pushed open the door, the old hinges creaking. This entire room was odd. The rest of the manor had been modernized, mana lights having been installed over a year ago. This room had no such thing. It was like walking into the past.

The girl snuck into that room, leaving the door as she had found it. Elise picked the lamp off of its post. Gentle eyes meandering around the space. A desk rested at the far end, with a noticeable trail of kicked up dust leading to it. A small circular table stood high, with tall chairs to match.

This room's walls showed just as much wear as a commoner's home. All along them were shelves. Old books left in disrepair, all collecting dust. Some she could not even read. The language which titled them was Elven, or perhaps Dwarvish? Still, Elise only knew the human's common language.

Alyssa Beilling: A Biography.

That book caught Elise's eye. First and foremost it was written in common. But beyond that she felt a pull of curiosity unlike the flickers of interest she'd had before.

Why does Uncle have all of this? The question confused her to no end.

Stepping closer to the far end Elise's feet carried her to the edge of the desk. It was pushed against the far wall. Dust covered some old art that was etched into the flat stone. Her hand raised to it instinctively, her inquisitive personality overtaking mere curiosity.

"Young Lady."

Elise practically jumped out of her skin. Her cheeks flushed at the fact of being caught by someone she could hardly stand to begin with.

"Lord Mhorbeinn," her voice quivered as she turned to face the nobleman. "What a… coincidence that we meet in here."

"Quite," Mhorbeinn stated. The old man stood tall, his garb unique and imposing. "I did not know you had an interest in such things, little Lady."

Ugh. Elise hated that nickname. It was humiliating, and he knew it. He had too!

"Uh, y-yeah," Elise didn't even know what he was talking about. But she had to have some sort of excuse for being in here.

Mhorbeinn stepped up next to her. His tall figure felt like a tower of dread standing over her, and his shameless aura of magic made her stomach turn. The man leaned over the desk and lifted a hand to the wall she was about to touch.

He wiped away the thick layer of dust saying, "I've studied the tales of King Drakien myself. Though, as old as I am, I was not yet alive to witness such greatness." The wall held a mural. A man with the wings of a red dragon floating above a city. This city.

"Well none of us were, to be fair," Elise said, bringing her free hand together with her chest. She was thankful the topic of the room was something she had actually learned of. "Only written recordings exist now. Even Drakiens bloodline was wiped out, if I remember Lady Canias classes well enough."

"That is unfortunately true," Mhorbeinn said with a hint of sorrow in his voice. "Humanity needs an Emperor like Drakien once again. I fear it will be too late even if one were to appear."

Elise looked upon the nobleman with a curious gaze. What did he mean it would be too late? Soon Mhorbeinns own sight came down to her, and a gentle chuckle escaped the old man.

"Have you heard the prophecy of the Dragon King, Elise?" Mhorbeinn asked, his own blue eyes not leaving the mural.

"I don't believe so, Lord Mhorbeinn," Elise answered. The nobleman gave a single quiet laugh. He gestured the girl over to the table at the side of the room. Softly her bum came to rest on the high seat, Mhorbeinn perused through the shelves.

"The Dragon King's prophecy," Mhorbeinn started, his fingers finding the book he had been searching for and tugging it out of it's space. He brought the dusty tome over to the table and set it between himself and Elise while he sat. "Drakien was a wise man, despite his age."

"He died at twenty-three, no?"

"Indeed. Back when humanity fled from Terafal," Mhorbeinn said, opening the book between them. It was written in the ancient language, but he himself was a scholar. He could surely read the text.

"It has been over four-hundred years since any of our people have set foot there," Elise said, her eyes scanning over each page Mhorbeinn flipped to. It seemed the man was searching for a certain chapter.

"His beloved, Queen Alyssa Beilling, fled across the sea with their only child." It was a fact, despite the sorrow it brought. Mhorbeinn continued, "Unfortunately, the child did not survive the harsh conditions of a ship at sea and perished before they made landfall here."

"That is sad, but what does it have to do with the prophecy?" Elise asked, gaining a soft smile from Mhorbeinn.

"It is said," Mhorbeinns hand flipped the pages of the book one final time. The articles he showed her were illegible. The ancient language was dead, and the only ones who could read it were those who sought to study something as dull as language for a decade or more.

"Emperor Drakien will return. Not in body, but in spirit. See here," Mhorbeinns gloved finger pointed to the art on the right page. It was of a man, hair nearly to his shoulders, with a burning spirit hovering over his body. The spirit was bright and in the shape of a dragon. Surely it was more symbology than it was literal.

"The writing says that the Red Dragon's spirit remains attached to a direct descendant."

"But the only one was killed?"

"Precisely," Mhorbeinn said, closing the book. "Scholars, including myself, believe the child survived. I could not explain how, but I somehow doubt the Queen would have left her only child to a burial at sea."

"It would not fit the personality of a royal, so I would doubt it as well."

"It isn't that," Mhorbeinn stated, standing to place the book back on the shelf. "Lady Beilling was not Queen until the court of nobles at the time selected her to represent them. Still, the coronation came much later."

"So… what was it then?"

"Her Highness had a warm heart. Even commoner's that sailed alongside her were kept below deck to be buried. You can visit their graves to this day as proof."

"Is the young Prince's grave not among them?"

"It is, though I believe it is there as a courtesy. No matter where the child went, he would eventually perish, and her Highness did not expect him to return within her lifetime."

"I don't see how after this long something so old and forgotten could just turn up all of a sudden."

"When you get to be as old as me, little Lady, you come to see a great many things in the world."

"Does that mean you know of a way the child may have survived?" As Elise asked the question, Mhorbeinn grew silent. He hummed in thought, a gaze set upon her with a wandering thought just behind them.

"Well… let us leave some stories for later, Lady Elise. We should get down to the banquet hall before your Uncle declares the two of us missing." Mhorbeinn said, snapping his fingers and dousing the flame of the lamp. The light from the stairwell guided as the older man held the door open for her.

Elise left that room far more curious than she was heading in. From what she had found herself to the things Mhorbeinn had said. She was invested now, a calling in her heart yelled at her to uncover whatever mystery was handed to her in that room. Before she knew it she had strolled into Lord Baxtons dining hall without taking notice. Her eyes widened with a blink as she snapped herself out of her thoughts. Just in time too, it seemed.

"Oh my, dear Elise! You've grown so much since I was here last!" Lady Loreia Umbrenia approached. Her vermilion garment contrasting against Elise's own azure dress.

"Good afternoon, Lady Loreia!" Elise said, a false tone of excitement dressing her lips while a delicate hand came up to rest on her cheek.

"My dear…" Loreia raised each of her hands to Elise's shoulders, eliciting a gentle gasp from the Lady. "Don't worry so much," the raven haired lady said with a smile playing on her lips.

Elise took a deep breath in through her nose. The scent of pomegranate pleased her and helped to ease her high-strung mind. She released that breath through unpainted pink lips, her heart steadying itself as she spoke, "Of course, Lady Loreia. I apologize."

The crimson lady detached from the girl, "I know you think I'm here to judge you… and I won't deny you the truth behind it."

Elise couldn't help the sigh which fell from her lips, "At least you're honest, Lady Loreia. Some others would expect less of me."

"And they are the lesser for it. You are to be Queen, dove. Take it in stride, and ignore their expectations. How do you think Titus seceded so easily?"

"Well, I studied it as it happened, you know. Him and Lord Calin declared independence. Luckily tensions never snapped, but I don't think anyone wanted a human-vs-human war to occur. Especially Lord Titus."

"Mhm, but you didn't quite understand my question did you, Elise?" Loreia took a drag of smoke in through the pipe she held. She was considerate enough not to release the tainted air in Elise's general direction. "How did Titus secede from the Monarchy as easily as he did?"

"Well…" Elise thought for a moment. It wasn't a question she had ever pondered. "Because… his people backed him? Practically everyone in the Republic supported your husband's action."

"No, dear. While that is true, Titus could secede so easily because he didn't care what the other nobles thought. If he did, we would still be a part of the Monarchy. He took action without consulting them, and gaining favor, like one usually would for any other idea."

"I see what you mean, but my situation is quite different. Even if I do that, I still have to deal with them after any decision."

"True enough, they will be vocal with you even after becoming Queen. Quite the hurdle to jump, dear."

"It is," Elise said, a sigh falling from her lips. She looked past Loreia, noting the people in the room. Uncle and Auntie stood with arms locked together, the former speaking with Lord Mhorbeinn.

I'm in so much trouble later.

"Elise!" The girl's attention was pulled away from her parental figures and to a whole new sight of the evening, though it was one much longed for.

"Nemay!" Elise nearly rushed to her friend, but she remembered her manner's before that happened.

"It was a lovely conversation, Lady Loreia, but I am ready to speak with others. However, I will find you later. I wish to speak more with you."

"That is fine, Lady Elise. I will see you later then." Each of the ladies performed a cute curtsy for the other, and Loreia went her own way. The silver haired girl practically fell into the arms of Nemay with a heavy breath.

"I hate these dinners," she said. Standing straight now, Elise's gaze glittered as she took in the sight of her friend's new dress. "That is a stunning violet, Nemay!"

"Thank you, that dress is just as beautiful as ever as well," the girl said, her own violet eyes peeking back at the growing group of nobles at the table. "I saw you arrive with my father, did he bother you?"

"Not quite," Elise said, creating a comfortable distance away from Nemetia. "We talked about history when he caught me in an old study I hadn't seen before."

"I see," Nemay said with a laugh. "He bored you about the Old Kingdom, then?"

"I quite like old tales, you know."

"Hm, they're not to my taste," Nemay looked to check her nails. The color of which matched her violet gaze. "That is probably due to him boring me with them for years, though," she said with a gentle chuckle.

"Likely so," Elise said with a gentle smile. "So, how long are you going to be in Newhearth?"

"With your birthday so close, we will be staying until a few days after. You know, to help with everything."

"I appreciate that," Elise said, her features taking on a more serious look. "I hope to gain more trust from your father before then. Some still do not have faith in me."

"I know," Nemay said, letting an annoyed breath fall from black painted lips. "It's as if they blame you for what happened six years ago."

"Let's not talk about that, Nemay," Elise said, the topic having quickly brought a frown to her face. "Still, no matter what they think, I do want to be a good Queen. I just… fear the crown will be too heavy."

"Fear is what will weaken your ability to lift it, you know."

"I do know."

"Then we should work on a fix, even if it's temporary," Nemay said, her violet orbs settling over Elise's features. The Queen-to-be knew exactly what the younger Lady meant by a temporary fix.

"Again, Nemay, I am not going to be using arkaine to calm my nerves."

"It helps me, you know."

"Yes, yes I do know, Nemetia," Elise said, letting a sigh fall away. "I am going to mingle with others. I will see you later, Nemay."

"As you wish, Elise. But you shouldn't knock it 'till you try it," Nemetia said with a wink.

"No, Nemay," Elise giggled a bit through her denial. She walked towards the table finally joining Lord Baxton and Lady Jane for their banquet.