The Dream

Lylla watched Aria as she roamed happily in the flowers like a child. She thought that Aria had never been given the freedom to roam around. This was just a piece of cake compared to where Lylla had traveled and what she had seen. She couldn't help but chuckle at the childish nature of the princess.

Leon came at the same time holding a piece of paper. He was about to talk but saw how the princess was enjoying herself and let it be for now. He would tell her whatever he wanted once she was done playing with the flowers.

Aria was still enjoying her new environment when she took notice of Leon standing at the far end of the house holding a piece of paper. She stopped in her tracks and raised a brow at him. Leon breathed heavily seeming to have waited for a long time.

"You should check this out, princess." Leon handed the piece of paper to Lylla who in turn gave it to Aria with a worried face. Aria took the piece of paper while still looking at Lylla probably wondering why the sudden change in her facial expression.

Slowly Aria read the content of the paper and her eyes widened in surprise. Her photo was placed on the paper and a bounty of 500 crown coins placed on her to anyone who found her, dead or alive. And for once in her life, Aria knew that her life was in danger and she had to fight for it at whatever cost. She knew that her father could not take part in such an affair. This was all Blackwood's doing.

"What are we going to do now?" she asked, her voice shaking.

Leon and Lylla exchanged a worried look before Leon spoke up. "We have to move, and we have to move quickly. We can't stay here anymore, it's not safe for you princess."

Lylla nodded in agreement. "I think you have to go to the other kingdom. Eldrida is a good option as they practice magic there. They might also support you since the rumors about your magical powers have already spread."

"Well. In that case, it seems we have to pass through the dreaded forest of Ravenswood." Leon said pointing to a map that no one knew where he got from.

"We pack and leave tomorrow morning. You will stay behind, "Leon said looking at Lylla.

"No. I want to come with you and help the princess."Lylla said looking at Leon with pleading eyes.

"If we both go, who will take care of our mother? Remember she is sick and weak. That,s why you have to be left behind."Lylla gave up and consented to Leon's request. It then dawned on Aria that she had not fulfilled her promise to Leon. She failed to find the money she had promised to him.

"Leon," she called, and both Leon and Lylla stopped their small fight and looked at the sad princess, "I am sorry I was not able to get the money I promised. I am a bad leader who doesn't fulfill promises." She said and slouched by a rocking chair near the house.

"You are not a bad leader Aria. You are the best person I have ever met in my life. You are the most precious thing in my life and I will do whatever it takes to protect you."Leon said holding her shoulder.

"You will be a great leader and your name will be sung forever by the Avonese. You will be a great queen Aria," Lylla added giving hope to the princess.

"Aria, I know it feels like things are tough right now, but don't give up. You have more strength within you than you know. Remember, you have fought and survived through so much already. Keep that fire burning within you and never let it die out. Together, we will face whatever challenges come our way. I believe in you, and I'll always be here by your side."

Leon's words of encouragement lifted her spirits and gave her the strength to keep going. She felt a renewed sense of hope and determination and was motivated to continue fighting for what she believed in. Aria thought for a while about what it was that she believed in. She was trying to clear her name and prove to the council that magic can be a force for good, despite the negative stigma associated with it. She also wanted to uncover the truth about her mother's death and find a way to live a life free from the constraints of the council. Yes. That is what she wanted for now.

With renewed determination, Aria stood up and pointed at the east, "tomorrow we make for Eldrida. That's where we head to."

Nightfall came and after finishing what would be termed to as her last supper in Avon, Aria went to her makeshift bed and lay there looking at the roof. She had so many things twirling in her mind now but she needed to rest. Taking a deep breath, she threw the blankets over herself and within minutes she fell asleep. Suddenly, she was transported to another world that seemed familiar. It was the garden in the palace.

She heard the screeching of the swing and immediately knew that someone was there. Taking short but measured steps, Aria approached the garden and could see a silhouette of a woman seated on the swing from afar.

"Mother! Is that you?" she called curiosity taking the better of her. Aria's heart began to race as she realized that this was no ordinary dream. It looked as if it was real. Was the woman seated there real too?

"Who are you?" Aria asked, her voice shaking. The figure remained silent, but stepped forward, its silhouette becoming clearer. Aria felt a shiver run down her spine as she realized that this was her mother, the woman she had thought was dead.

Her mother stepped into the moonlight but kept her face hidden in the shadows. "Aria, my daughter," she said, her voice filled with sorrow. "You must listen to me. You are in grave danger. The council is after you and they will stop at nothing to capture you. You must flee to Eldrida and find a way to defeat them."

Aria's heart raced as she listened to her mother's words. "But how? I don't have the strength or the knowledge to defeat them."

Her mother stepped closer, her voice becoming more urgent. "You are stronger than you know, Aria. You have powerful magic within you, but you must learn to control it and use it wisely. The council is afraid of what you are capable of, but you must not let their fear control you. You must fight for what is right and for what you believe in."

Aria felt a sense of determination rising within her. "I will fight for what is right. I will not let the council destroy me or take away my magic."

Her mother stepped back into the shadows, her voice becoming softer. "Remember, Aria, that the council's power comes from fear. You must use your magic to overcome their fear and defeat them. And always remember that I am with you, guiding you, every step of the way.If you want to find me, come to Eldrida."

"Wait!"Aria woke up with a start, her heart racing. The dream had felt so real, and she couldn't shake the feeling that her mother was watching over her. Was she alive or it was her mind playing tricks with her. She knew that she had a long journey ahead of her, but she was filled with a sense of purpose and determination. She would find a way to control her magic, and above all find her mother if she was out there.