The Fantasy Story as it now stands!!!! Beware, I'm making it up as I go. (Secretey trivia here.)

Prologue: Yea, in days long past, when the old ways had crumbled and old kings had fallen, the land was much troubled. Squabbles arose over control of teh provinces. There were no men who could bring peace to the once grand kingdom of Darrese. But just when all hope seemed to have died, two figures appeared on the horizon. And noone noticed.
Brothers they were, the men that none welcomed. One was Conway, a lordly man, fair of face and fair of speech. The other was Seth, the more cunning of the two, with a sharp and ready tongue. Yet was he no less just. With lack of fanfare and still less gladness, they rode on, until they were met by the sorry sight of a field, more rubble than earth. Wretches that could scarce be called men toiled there, and the brothers were saddened by this. Here they had dwelt as children, and so much was changed. Then did one worn-faced farmer raise his head. "My good Lords," he spat. "We bid thee welcome. Come, gaze upon our squalor, if thou wilt." His words cut noble Conway's heart. There was no quarrel that t'would pass his lips. Seth was in no such genteel mood.
"

Chapter One

"Edward! Hey, Ed! Where are you?!" William, son of Corrick, had a problem. He and his best friend Ed were supposed to be on their way to Aeñycia for their last year at the academy. But Edward, his compatriot, Crown Prince of the fair kingdom of Darrese, had wandered off without him. Again. The market, in close proximity to the port, was filled with a throng consisting of nearly every class in the city. While both Will and the prince were of decent height, so were the sea-hardened sailors. He did not much fancy the thought of asking any of them to move, either. Suddenly, he heard a soft sniffling noise nearby. It was a little girl. "What's wrong?" he asked. Her startling violet eyes brimming with tears, she pointed. There was a doll floating on the water, decidedly out of her small reach. Will was able to grab it easily enough, though, and returned it to the child, who stretched out her arms eagerly. Seeing her hug it close, he was satisfied and made to walk on in search of Edward.
"He is coming, you know."
Will looked down in mild surprise. "What? Who's coming?"
The girl continued as though he had not spoken. "And when he comes, no force on Earth will be able to stop him."
There was something odd about this child. Her words were ominous and seemed out of place issuing from her small mouth. Will came down to her eye level. "Please, little girl, what do you mean? Tell me who's coming."
A smile came to her tiny lips, and a twinkle to those violet eyes. "Would you stop him? For I see some hope should you be so resolved. You will know more soon. Good luck." And she vanished into the crowd.
"Strange," the young man muttered to himself.
"Hullo, Will!"
"Ah!!!" William, son of Corrick, leapt a mile into the air. "Don't DO that, Ed!"
"Sorry," said the prince, sincere but in good humor. "What on earth had you in such deep thought?"
"Well, there was this girl...shut up. A LITTLE girl. She said the oddest..." he trailed off. Did he really want to tell Ed the whole story? He hardly believed it himself, come to think of it.
"Fine, don't tell me. I don't need a best friend like you anyway," Ed joked. He sat down on a low wall and took a swig from his water skin. The other boy followed suit. From here they could smell the salt air on the wind, and see everyone going about their business. Merchants engaged in animated haggling with the experienced housekeepers trying for a bargain. The tall proud ships loaded up their cargoes, their supplies, familiar able-bodied seamen and new ship's boys no more than 12 years old. A group of returning soldiers marched past toward the castle, clanking in rhythm and gleaming in the sunlight. It felt as though they could sit there watching the crowds all day. After a bit, Ed spoke up again. "You're really not going to tell me? We've got nothing better to do."
Will smirked. "Come on, my Liege, we've only got a week before school, you know."
"Don't call me that, Will."
"What?" William quirked a brow. "You ARE going to be king, may as well get used to it."
The prince frowned. "I know that. Could we not talk about this?"
"Alright. It's not anytime soon, anyway." He gave his friend a pat on the back. "So I won't bother you about it. But it WILL happen someday. You can't pretend it won't."
"I wish I could." Ed exhaled, a sure sign there was more to come. "It's not as though I haven't been trained for taking the throne all my life. You would THINK I'd gain some kind of confidence from all the preparation."
"Speaking of the inevitable," Will ventured cautiously, "any news on the ‘future queen' front?" He quickly ducked and shielded his head from the retribution he correctly anticipated. "Don't kill me!" The onslaught ceased.
But, feeling the need to drive home the point, Ed gave Will a final punch on the arm."You deserved that. You know you deserved it."
Will lowered his hands and gave his best friend a mischievous look through his now hopeless mess of sandy curls. "Naturally. But it's my calling in life." This won a chuckle.
"Honestly," Ed stated, "there's nothing new. And I'm not about to complain."
A sudden thought caused William to crack a grin from ear to ear. "Remember that time my aunts were talking about it right in front of us -"
"And they even suggested my cousin Maria! That was so disturbing . . . " Ed paused thoughtfully. "I wonder if anyone thinks I'm capable of choosing my own wife."
"I do," his companion piped helpfully. "Say, what ever happened to Lady Ame-"
His Highness leapt up and glared most pointedly. "Don't say it, William. Do NOT say it!"
"Ed-"
"I'm not listening!" he declared, fingers stuck firmly in his ears.
"I won't say it! I promise."
The prince was convinced. "Thanks. If I hear one more person bring up Lady Amelia, I'm gonna...I'm gonna...ugh!" He leaned over in a mimed retch.
They gathered up their packs and continued towards the edge of the city. After a minute of silent progress, however, William could not help himself. "She wasn't that bad." Ed shot him a look, but said nothing. Will ignored the hint. "I'm serious. I thought you liked her."
"Go on, Will. Keep it up." There was a decided warning in his voice, so Will suppressed the desire to press the matter. "Will?"
"Yeah?"
"Have I ever said how much I envy you?"
At this Will snorted. "Envy me? D'you have any idea how much work it is, being your best friend?"
"Very funny, Will."
They had passed through the city gate and come to the wide road that would take them to the forest. "For another thing," Will continued, "I have to deal with my aunts more than you do. And unlike YOUR marriage, mine is actually somewhat their business. Hm. Ed, if it's completely over with you and Amelia-"
"Be my guest."
"You're so generous. I hear that's a good quality in a monarch."
"Shut up, Will."
"What? The whole way to Aeñycia?
"Yes."
"I take it back. When you're crowned, I'm starting a coup."

Our heroes entered the cool quiet of the woods within an hour. They were not alone. From a well-chosen perch in a nearby tree, a pair of fierce green eyes followed the duo. The eyes narrowed as a hand reached into a well-worn boot and closed around the familiar handle of a trusty dagger. ‘A little further, boys.' They were almost within range.
Will had not shut up. Quite the contrary. "Ooo, look, I'm Edward! I can't handle responsibility, so I just whine all the time. Maybe if I seem tortured and brooding, girls will fancy me."
"Oh yeah? Well, I'm William. I need everyone to like me, so I play the funny man all the time. But there's really nothing going on under my great mess of hair that I think looks so cool."
"You go too far, Sir!" Will growled, giving Ed a shove.
"You, SIR, crossed the line ten minutes ago, but I tried to keep CIVIL!" Ed shoved back.
The argument was interrupted by a whistling sound, followed by the thud of a dagger which was stuck in the earth at their feet. Will gave a cry and jumped back. Meanwhile, Ed strained to see who had thrown the weapon. "Hey! You there! Show yourself, if you be a man!" When the person in question swung down to the lowest branch and pushed the end of her braid behind her shoulder, Edward felt very foolish.
"I'll overlook that, since I know what you meant."
Ed and Will could only gape. Clearly this was an Älzeren warrior, one of those trained since birth in all forms of combat. The tales of Älzeren women were exaggerated; her dress was hardly scandalous. She wore loose fitting pants with knee-high brown leather boots. A short reddish skirt of home-spun material added a semblance of femininity. Her shirt was a short, sleeveless tunic under a tied green vest. On her arms were fingerless leather gauntlets, a gold armband, and a curious tattoo. All this was taken in at a glance. What held their attention now was her face. Far from murderous, she looked... amused. "Let me guess," she said sardonically. "The young Royal and his sidekick out on an adventure?"
Ed was taken aback, to say the least. "Why do you say R-"
"If you must know," she cut him off, and dropped to the ground in front of him, "your posture is impeccable, that's obviously a royal medallion under your shirt," she gestured at his chest, "and that nose has been stamped in gold for five generations," she finished, matter-of-fact-ly.
Will stifled a laugh when Ed self-consciously touched his nose. It wasn't a bad nose, rather classical really. But that didn't make it any less humorous. "What did I tell you, Ed? I said ‘pack the chain, and slouch'. Why couldn't you slouch, huh? Was I right or was I- did she call me a sidekick?"
Ed patted his friend's head patronizingly. "There there, Will."
"Never mind that!" Will swatted the hand away in annoyance. "Admit I was right. Go on."
"I will do no such thing," the prince declared, drawing up to his full height. He was still shorter than Will.
"I'm not letting this go. Say it. Say ‘Will, you were right.'"
"Will, ... you're an idiot."
"I don't have to take that! Have at you!"
"Oh, I'm up for it if you are!"
"You better be!"
The Älzeren girl rolled her eyes. "Tuma egeshr..."
Ed looked up with a jerk. "I heard that!"
"What?" Will was puzzled.
The girl seemed impressed, in spite of herself. "You speak Älzed, teneí?"
"Of course," he replied without expression.
"What?" Will persisted. "What's that mean? What did she call you? ‘Tene'? What does-"
"...princeling," Ed managed to say through clenched teeth.
The significance dawned on Will after a second. "Oh, I'll kill her!" Fists clenched and temper rising, he would have made a valiant attempt had Edward not grabbed the back of his collar.
"A fine knight you'll make," he said, shaking his head. Still, he gave a slight smile; how soon their argument was forgotten and loyalty took over again.
To their surprise, the warrior began... laughing. "Master...William, was it?" Stray giggles continued to escape her lips. "You are rather foolhardy. But I should count myself fortunate to have a friend as fiercely loyal as you."
"R-really?" The stunned young man blinked at her.
"Mm-hmm." She smiled. Ed's jaw nearly hit the ground. She was being genuine! He had severely underestimated Will's girl-magnet powers. This whole situation was puzzling.
"Hang on," he said, regal indignation returning. "What d'you mean throwing daggers at us and then being all chummy?"
She glanced in his direction. "That? It wouldn't have hit you. I thought you could use a wake-up call, though. These woods aren't safe for a pair of travelers off their guard."
"There ARE other ways to warn people. Ways that don't involve sharp objects!"
The girl gave Ed an appraising look. "Whatever you say, teneí." She could have sworn the prince emitted a low growl. "It seems to me, if you boys want to get to Aeñycia in one piece, I'm going to have to come with you." With that she set off down the road and motioned for them to follow. Edward merely stood there and watched in disbelief as William ran to catch up and scampered at the Älzeren's side like an excited pup.
"This is so cool! It's just like those adventure stories, and I'll bet we end up with a whole group of companions and we'll be famous..."
Ed chuckled. This was going to be a long trip.
"Ed?" William called back. "Are you coming or what?"
"Yeah, I'm coming." What were they getting themselves into?

The girl found that the blond one did run out of things to say eventually. That came as a relief, though she found him entertaining enough. It would give her a chance to think. She took a look at her new companions. The blond one, ‘No,' she reminded herself, ‘William',was tall and decently built. He had soft brown eyes and a broad smile that came easily and often. Somewhere along the way she had gathered that he was going on 19 years, being three months younger than the prince. His father was among the king's most trusted knights. His mother, Amalthea, had died when he was 10, leaving Will with a little sister and the unchecked influence of two nagging, busybody aunts. His favorite relative was his father's sister, Lady Audrey. From William's description, she was nothing like his maternal aunts. She was unmarried, one of the now rare King's Swordwomen, and despite her birth preferred to work her land alongside her farmers. The girl liked the sound of this family very much indeed.
The prince had remained fairly silent. She suspected he was insulted, or perhaps trying to work out just how the party had grown to three members without his consent. He was handsome enough, she decided; not as strikingly as fairytales would have one imagining a prince to be, but realistically so. His features, undeniably, were a variation on his father the king's, though he had his mother's dark Aeñycian hair. His eyes? With a quick glance, not even turning her head lest he think she was staring, she ascertained their color: steel blue, no doubt the sort that changed slightly with his temperament. Her thoughts were interrupted by the young Royal's curiosity.
"What's your name, anyway? If I may ask."
"A fair question. Melaurië Arafëa, at your service, Sir."
"Y luarei ajapel," he commented in Älzed. ‘That's a lovely name.'
"Your accent needs work."
He grimaced. "I know."
Royal though he was, she suddenly regretted criticizing him so harshly. He had, after all, been paying a compliment, in her own tongue no less. "I've heard much worse, though," she said quickly.
"He does it better than our old language master," Will piped up.
"As if you ever paid attention in that class," Ed kidded.
The sun was low in the sky and the air had become cooler. It was another half a day's walk to the next town at the rate they were going. So, they found a clear spot just off the road, lit a small fire, and took turns at watch, just in case. Will took the first watch. As the darkness closed in, he hunched himself more and more into his blanket. He wasn't afraid of the dark. It was the things that might be there without his seeing them that scared him. He became restless quickly. Desperate for a distraction, he tried to whistle, and produced a rather weak unsteady sound. He gave up. Perhaps if he sang. "... And Garrett the gleeful, Garrett the guilty, galloped on his way, leaving a mess for the masses of milliners, pasting up posters of pompous Lord Provost-"
"And giving the harvesters hell for their harping, did Garrett the great buffoon," an unfamiliar voice chimed in.
William leapt to his feet and whirled about to face the musically inclined stranger. It was a stranger, yes, dressed in the garb of a traveling bard, but he also seemed familiar somehow.
"Good evening, friend," said the man. "Do you not recognize me? Perhaps this will help." He leaned toward the fire, so that Will could clearly see his decidedly violet eyes.
The boy gasped."Do you mean-? You can't be! How? Why..?"
The man gestured for him to sit down. "Did I not say you would know more soon? I take it that your friends know nothing of what I told you? I understand. But, never mind, for there is much that must be said."
"Do you... should I wake them?" Will inquired , still rather puzzled by the situation.
"Not for the time being. Next time, perhaps, I will make myself known to them. Tonight, I will explain what I can." Making sure he had the boy's attention, the man continued. "There have been whispers for some time that a great evil was coming. I had hoped it would be mere rumor, but I have been proven wrong. This man...I call him a man, though he is more than one in power and less than one in honor... this self-styled sorcerer would seek to bend the world to his will. He has but to call to himself a number of well-placed minions and he would be dangerously close to his goal."
Will felt the need to politely interrupt at this point. "I'm sorry. This...this is the one that I'm supposed to..to... are you serious? I am scraping by at school, I don't know anything about sorcery, I can't-"
"You can. You and no one else. Friend, everything you hold dear is at stake." The man paused. "I do not mean to say you will be entirely alone in this. I will be there, as will your friends. But there are certain things that you yourself must do. You have it in you, William. And you will see that before the end. Are you willing to take this on?"
Will hesitated for a moment, and then with a deep breath grasped the hand that was offered him.
"Good. Keep an eye out in Loerste. You may meet someone of interest." The man stood and walked off into the forest. Though he soon lost sight of him, Will was almost certain he could hear the hummed tune of "Garrett the G", growing softer as it moved farther away.

Loerste was a town on the border of Darrese. The main road passed through the center of the town, and so there were a number of inns and taverns and other establishments that catered to the constant stream of travelers between Darrese and Aeñycia. Perhaps the best tavern to be found along that street was The Golden Goose. No one ever called it The Golden Goose. The older, particularly crusty patrons referred to it by the more cynical "Gilded Gander". For a little while a group of young noblemen thought themselves clever calling it "The Brassy Hen", but it never caught on. Mostly, the regulars simply called it "The Tavern", or "Catarina's Place". Catarina was the proprietor, and anyone who had ever passed through Loerste would know that. Those who went there often knew everything about her. She must have been just under 30 years, some said. Her exact age was difficult to guess, for she had a motherly way and a face that seemed sometimes young and rosy and other times worn with cares. Her auburn locks were usually swept up and out of her way, more carefully if important noblemen or the royal family were expected. She had hazel eyes, though one tended more toward green and the other toward brown. Catarina had an easy, carrying laugh, and a ready store of jokes for any taste. She spoke in the casual local vernacular, with a penchant for using pet names. Because of her as much as the food and drink, the place was usually crowded to capacity. On this particular day, at this particular time, however, the tavern was empty save for the lady herself, and a solitary customer who sat hunched over a pint off in the corner.
"Finish up, there, ducks. It's past my bedtime," Catarina called to the man.
The fellow gave her a cross look, though she was busy wiping the bar and didn't see it. He downed the rest of his drink in one gulp, and hoisting himself out of the chair he clapped a copper on the table and left. Catarina yawned. She was going to need her sleep. There would be a crowd of young nobles to deal with tomorrow. Turning toward the stairs, she remembered the coin. ‘Never mind,' she thought. ‘It will still be there come morning.' For now, her only concern was her nice warm bed.

William groaned and rolled over. Suddenly, everything was too bright. And someone was shaking him. He curled up into a ball in protest.
"Hey, Will, get up."
He opened his eyes tentatively. It was Ed. He shut them again. "Go away."
"Stay here then. I'm going to town for a good meal at the inn."
Food. Will's stomach growled as if on cue. "Fine,"he said, heaving himself up and dusting off. He looked around. "Where's Melaurië?"
"Er...I'm not sure. I think she went to find a stream and wash up a bit."
With nothing better to do until her return, they packed up their blankets and cleaned up the remnants of their fire. Will saved a piece of charred wood and pulled a sheet of parchment out of his bag. He found a flat rock to lean on and started sketching. Gradually a face took shape. Ed wandered over to have a look. It amazed him the way his friend could start with a bunch of vague lines and somehow recreate a person. Today's subject was female, judging by the soft curves and delicate lines. Her eyes became clearer. Strangely, Ed got the distinct impression that the woman in the drawing didn't like him.
"That's Melaurië, isn't it?"
"Yep." William grinned and bobbed up and down in silent laughter. Now he knew he'd captured the expression he wanted.
"I like it," said a voice behind them. "But you forgot my earrings."
The third companion had returned, it seemed. Will turned around to look. Sure enough, she wore a pair of simple studs in her earlobes and two rings high on her right ear. He carefully added them in. "Ta da!"
Thus satisfied, he tucked it away and they set off once again, toward Aeñycia, toward school, and toward dangers unknown.

(skipping!)
He saw the Älzeren on the ground and hurriedly skidded down the slope. "Melaurië,are you ok?"
"I'm fine, William," she said, clutching her shoulder. When she took her hand away, it was red.
"No you're not!" Ed knelt to examine the wound. "Will, gimme your water." His friend complied and tore up a cloth as well.
"I'm alive, aren't I?" she replied defiantly."I was only reasurring the kid." She winced as the prince wrapped her shoulder.
"Sorry," he said, glancing at her face. She nodded. When he had finished, she tried to stand. "Oh, no. You are not walking," Ed said firmly. Over her protests he scooped her up in his arms. "Come on, Will."
"I can walk fine. Put me down, Edward!" the warrior girl made a feeble attempt to kick him in the side.
"Not happening."
They trudged on without speaking for awhile, the girl still fuming. Ed could feel her legs swinging and her even, if slightly pained, breathing. The path was a little rocky, but he tried not to jostle her. Will was humming, as he usually did when there was nothing to say. The prince looked at the sky. It was going to rain. He hoped they made it to the inn before then.
"This is humiliating, teneí," Melaurië growled. "I won't be seen in public like this."
He grunted. "Ieleme ferra."
"Javien tenem!"
"Tuma!"
"Úbte!"
Realizing there was no winning that way, they lapsed into silence.
Cue William. "Yeah... that was fun, especially the part where I had no idea what you were saying, ... but what is the big deal here?"
They stopped walking. "He's treating me like some weak female, William," the girl stated.
"You're bleeding," Edward retorted. "You're not strong enough to walk. Don't warriors know anything about injuries?"
"Yes. We put a wounded comrade on a horse."
The prince gave an equine snort. Will laughed, stopping mid-chortle when Melaurië glared at him. She was not yet out of arguments. "You wouldn't be carrying Will like this," she said with annoyance.
"I would so. In fact," he added in triumph, "I have."
"Oh yeah," Will remarked. "Back when we were kids and I fell out of that tree." He directed his next statement to the Älzeren girl "Ed carried me the WHOLE way home. I never looked at him the same after that," he threw in jokingly.
"Not helping, William," Ed muttered. Aloud he demanded "Just what would you prefer, my lady?" No answer came. "Melaurië?" She'd fallen unconcious. He cursed.
"I'll take her," Will offered. "I'm not tired, we'll make better time." He gently took the girl from Ed and they set off at a brisker pace.

The inn door slammed open. Gustav the waiter looked up to see two wet, bedraggled figures. No, three. One was being carried. "Gustav!" one of them called. "She needs a doctor!"
He rushed over. "Now what's all this- your Highness!" he exclaimed in recognition. "Who's this?" he gestured to the woman in Will's arms.
"A friend. She's wounded, Gustav. We'll need a couple rooms for tonight."
"You're lucky. Doctor Quidon is here. Mol," he shouted over the din, "Get the doc, he's needed upstairs!" To the boys he added "Follow me." They edged past the tables and made their way up the wooden staircase. Gustav led them to a modestly furnished room. Will set Melaurië down on the bed and put a hand to her brow anxiously. "Doc will put her right, lads. Best get some rest."

Melaurië opened her eyes and for a moment couldn't remember how she'd gotten where she was. Then she shifted her shoulder and it all came back to her. Ignoring the pain, she flung off her blankets and got up. She went to the basin and splashed her face angrily. He'd carried her in like that. An inn full of people had seen her looking like a damsel who'd swooned into his arms. Well, she would give him a piece of her mind, alright. Storming to the door, she yanked it open- and stopped short. There were Edward and William, sitting on the floor, fast asleep. She fought the smile that played at her lips. Unsure whether this touching scene merited a full pardon, she closed the door softly and went to get dressed.

Will stretched sleepily, and fell over. "Ow." He sat up. Ed wasn't awake yet. Scratching his head with one hand, he nudged his friend with the other.
"Ieleme ferra," Ed muttered, eyes still closed.
"Wow," Will commented."You really CAN speak Älzed in your sleep."
The prince blinked himself awake. "What time is it?"
"Breakfast time," Will called over his shoulder, already halfway down the stairs. Ed followed more slowly. A few patrons were already up, he saw. Including a young woman with long brown hair awkwardly tucking in to a bowl of porridge, her right arm in a sling. Will had joined her and was swiping her bacon. He staggered over to them, yawning. The chair made too much noise when he pulled it out. He hated that sound.
"Who invited you?" Melaurië said with her mouth full.
He couldn't help being a little insulted. No matter what he did, she was always curt with him. It must have shown on his face.
"Don't be such an egeshi, teneí."
"How about you quit calling me that?"
She kept eating. "How about you give me reason to."
"Yeah, Ed. Cleaning her wound, carrying her all the way here, staying by her room all night, you're so immature. Start acting like a crown prince already!" William scolded.
The girl had no argument. She hated being endebted to a Royal, though. To thank him would be to admit he wasn't an arrogant, spoiled snob. Edward glanced over at his friend. For the sake of his point, he'd given Ed full carrying credit. It hadn't done much, but it was a nice gesture. Meanwhile, William was busy watching the dust caught in the sunlight. It reminded him of a painting he'd seen once, especially the way the light gave some people a halo of sorts. He meant to try his hand at painting eventually. If they survived all this world-saving nonsense. Melaurië getting hurt had made him nervous.
Just then, the boys' breakfast arrived. "Morning, lads. How ye feeling, Miss?" inquired their attentive waiter.
"Much better," Melaurië replied, taking a break from eating. "Thank you, Gustav."
"My pleasure, Miss," Gustav said with a bow.
"Fanks, Gustav," added William, already attacking his own food.
The prince picked up his spoon and prodded his porridge. He couldn't eat. Something had to be done. Giving an audible yawn, he made sure Will was looking and scratched his earlobe.
"Weeell," Will said, "I'm gonna... uh... go... outside. Now. Bye." Wincing at his own excuse, he zipped out the door. Ed buried his face in his hands.
Melaurië sighed. "He tries."
"He does. I can never be mad at him, because he really does TRY!" He looked at her. "Melaurië, I w-"
"Come now, Teneí, we both know I was being foolish and stubborn. I passed out, for glory's sake."
The boy was dumbfounded. He hadn't expected this, not from her. "Well, I...wasn't very polite about it myself," he said by way of forgiveness and appology.
The girl cast her eyes down. "Even so, you have my gratitude." She smiled. "But don't think this makes us friends, Teneí."
"Oh. Of course not," he played along. "Us? Friends? Never."
"Can I come back yet?!"
Ed chuckled. "Yes, Will!" His friend jumped back into his chair and ate like he'd been starved for days. "Glad you pach fings rp," he stated. "Whn'r wh rdingout?"
"That depends. Melaurië, are you up to it?"
"Yes. That Quidon man knows what he's doing. I should be fine."

Random scene:Catarina
"There's my boys! It's been three whole months since I've seen you, what kept you?" Catarina demanded playfully.
The tall blond squire gave her a lopsided grin. "You know how it is Catarina."
"We've been busy," chimed the prince, a twinkle in his blue eyes.
"Slaying dragons..."
"Saving damsels..."
Catarina waved their excuses away. "The day you do either, I expect to be the first to hear it. Now, you owe me a full report, so what are you drinkin'?"
The pair hopped onto their favorite stools at the bar. "Just the usual, Cat," said Edward.
She gave an exasperated sigh. "The usual!" She turned on the busboy to complain. "The things I've got in my cellar and they want 'the usual'!"
"We slay dragons, Cat," William explained. "But we're not THAT brave." He ducked a swipe from her dish rag.
"Alright, alright. These young nobles, no respect and that's what," she muttered. She passed them their drinks. "Oh, Edward. Only the other day what should walk into this place but some Com-TESS from .... oh, I'll think of it. Pretty as a picture, such fine clothes she had and long dark hair. And not yet betrothed even, imagine it!"
"Cat..." Ed said meaningfully.
She gave him an innocent smile. "Now, did I say anything?" She paused, and added, more thoughtfully, "Saw someone else come by, but you wouldn't be interested in hearin' about that." Her eyes added a question mark.
Will's curiousity piqued, he set down his tankard.
"No, I wouldn't." The finality in his voice left William disappointed.

Random scene #1: Enter Celia
He felt something. It was so slight, but he knew the weight of his pack all too well. It had just lightened. Without a single extraneous motion to alert the thief, his hand zipped over his shoulder and grabbed the nearest limb behind him. With a yank he was able to confront the struggling would-be pickpocket.
He grasped the wrist of a girl, perhaps 16 years of age. In her other hand, which she quickly hid behind her back, was his money purse. She was a slim, mousey colored thing, standing about 5'3". Her garb consisted of a fitted bodice that once must have been pink, a white shirt, and a fraying blue cotton skirt that stopped just before the ankles to reveal a worn pair of mismatched stockings. She was not very happy about being caught.
"Get off!"
"You stole my money!"
"Didn't!"
"Yes you did, give it back!" Will was saved from further redundant argument by Edward, who snatched the purse while the girl was distracted.
"Here you go, Will," he said, tossing it. The boy caught it neatly, with his wrong hand no less. "Who's this, then?"
Will shrugged. "Beats me. Who are you?"
The girl spat at him.
"Now that wasn't very polite." She turned to see an imposing looking Älzeren warrior glaring down at her. "I believe they asked your name."
She pouted her lip and stared at the ground in annoyance. Still she could feel the warrior's eyes on her. "Celia," she said at last.
"And who do you belong to?" asked the Älzeren.
"Nobody."
Melaurie looked at the boys. "Goody. What shall we do with her then? Turn her in?"
This seemed to cause the girl great alarm. "Hey! You've got your money back! Leave me alone!"
"Are you an orphan?"
"No business of yours!" she said, indirectly providing an answer.
A thought occurred to William. "We've got to take her with us."
"What?"
"What?"
"What?!"
Any explanation he could have offered sounded foolish. So he gave none, only repeating "We're taking her with us."
"Well, kid," said the prince. "Welcome to our band of misfits."

Random scene #2:
A farm boy sat on the fence with his legs through the rails. He looked to be about 17. He wore no shirt and had rolled up the bottoms of his trousers. Untidy brown hair hung in his face. "Hallo," he called. "Traveling far, eh?"
Celia, disheveled and aching, would have told him off quite colorfully, but then she got a better look at him. A blush then came unbidden to her face and her ears felt oddly hot. While she stared, Edward made an effort to be more diplomatic. It's a king thing; if you've never been heir to a throne you really wouldn't understand.
"Far enough. You live here?"
Meanwhile, Will was being more useful still. He had bothered to take note of the boy's eyes. "Knock it off, Ed. It's just Nuncio."
The farm boy grinned at them. "Very good, Will. You may even learn to sense it without looking, at this rate." He swung his feet, pleased with himself. "I see you picked up a new companion! Excellent. Hoped you would."
William furrowed his brow and glanced back and forth for a bit, deep in thought, then nodded as if to say "Ah, that makes sense."
The others, however, were out of the loop in this case. "Who are you, exactly?" Melaurië asked carefully.
"A friend."
"He's...uh, well, he's Nuncio," Ed explained lamely.
"Well, William," said Nuncio, "I was just checking in. You seem to be getting along fine. Highness, ladies." He bowed and disappeared into the field.
"He's CUTE!" Celia breathed, startling everyone by breaking her silence.
"Eh..."Will glanced at Ed, who shrugged."Nuncio doesn't always look like that."
"Whatever he is," the prince added, "we're pretty sure its not a teenage boy."
"He's got magic," William told Melaurië, confidentially. She nodded in a humoring way.
"No, he does! He can be whatever he likes...."

Random scene #3: That Beggar Fellow.
He saw a blind beggar sitting on a stoop. Feeling inspired to generosity by all this hero business, he tossed a gold piece into the man's dented tin cup.
"You, boy!" The beggar shot out a grimy hand and seized William's arm. Pulling the lad to his level he muttered confidentially, "You are de one, den?"
The man had a surprisingly strong grip. But Will was more surprised at his address. "Why do you know me? How did you even SEE me? Aren't you-"
"Blind? Yes. But even a blind man can see dat mark you carry."
"Mark?"
"On your hand, boy."
William looked. "I don't see anything."
"Of course not. If you could see it, den anyone could. He's smarter dan dat. He told me you'd be coming dis way."
Will's eyes widened. He began to understand.
"Dat's right," the blind man whispered. "Your violet eyed friend." He snickered to himself. "Nuncio. He just might keep dat one for a while, he's so tickled by it. Hehe, Nuncio."
"It was Ed's idea," the boy confessed.
"Ah, but it's not his highness dat de messenger came to, is it boy?" He reached into the cup and felt the coin. It caused him to smile. "I'd say he picked de right mon for de job. You know what you're up against?"
"Well, sort of. But I really can't think what I'm supposed to DO."
"Oh, he tell you. In his own time, of carse."
The blind man's words were vaguely comforting. At least, William tried to convince himself of that. He looked down the street and saw that the others were not too far ahead. Did they even notice his absence? The answer would have to wait- there was something more pressing that he had to know.
"You keep saying "he"," the boy said. "But the first time I saw Nuncio, it was a little girl. Is it really a man, in its true form? Whatever that is."
The man shook his head. "Its true form? Boy, don't nobody know what de messenger really is. Don't nobody know what de messenger looks like or who it answers to. But you gotta call it something. His highness picked out a man's name, so "he" is as good as anything."
"I suppose so. Was there something... he wanted you to tell me?"
Chuckling, the beggar pulled something out of his sleeve. He held out the small package for William to take. Its shape was nondescript enough. Wrapped in a worn piece of cloth, it could have contained anything. It was heavier than he'd expected. "Thanks...thank you," he managed to say distractedly. He hurried to catch up with the others, and did not look back. Perhaps he should have. He might have caught a glimpse of someone; someone who had just witnessed a transaction that would interest his master greatly.

(Skipping Ahead!)
Elena and Gregoro were nearing their 18th birthday, in honor of which there was to be a holiday in the city, gifts to the poor, and a very extravagant ball at court. Scarcely a moment's rest was to be had for the servants. In their wanderings around the palace, Will could almost swear he spotted a tailor, a kitchen maid, and even a cart horse with very purple eyes. He, Edward, and the other noble boys had little to worry about, save finding gifts for the royal siblings. The girls, however, were in a strange frenzy over the affair.
In her sitting room, Elena was being measured for a new gown as Celia and Melaurië looked on. "You've gotten taller, my lady," the seamstress commented.
"Am I taller than my brother yet?"the princess asked with a grin.
"Perhaps, mistress,"was the good natured reply.
Celia fidgeted excitedly. It was her turn next, and she had never had a fine gown before.
Melaurië did not share her enthusiasm. "And what will I do at this...ball? I have endured the company of enough nobles as it is. If I must converse with those arrogant sons of lords and those dainty nitwits who call themselves women, I will not be responsible for my actions."
Elena could not keep from snorting, un-princess-like though it was. "If I can deal with them, so can you."
"I am not going."
"Yes you are. I command it. And, every jaw will hit the floor when you enter, and you will show them what an Älzeren is made of." The princess clearly would not back down.
"You are a worthy opponent, highness. You know my weakness. But I am a fighter, not a lady. I've watched those...girls. They are very strange."
"I couldn't agree more. You needn't be like them, all you need to know are very basic rules of etiquette."
Celia, who had remained oddly quiet, pointed out the obvious. "And how to dance."
"I think, Celia, that I already know how to walk and turn around."
Even so, the other girls decided that lessons were in order. The warrior soon discovered that there was more to it than walking in circles. Things were not going smoothly at all. Still, Elena's worst fear proved unfounded. Melaurië had no trouble walking in heels.
"These are nothing," she told them. "I've had sword fights in tree tops and never lost my balance."
"Wow," said Celia, wide eyed.

In between the informal dance classes, there were numerous dress fittings. Melaurië protested to this as well. "Why should I wear a dress?"
"Because it's a ball!"Celia explained patiently.
She was not convinced. "Will Edward and William be wearing dresses?" she asked rhetorically.
Elena sighed.
Despite her cynicism, Melaurië allowed the seamstress to drape her in impractical fabrics and make ridiculous drawings, if only to indulge the younger girls. They were quite giddy at the prospect of dressing her like some living doll. The seamstress, used to Elena's temperament, smiled as she went about her work and listened to their excited suggestions and comments. "You are very patient, Lady," she told the Älzeren girl.
"It isn't easy,"came the low reply.
The woman glanced up and saw the girl give a half smile.

"What are you getting them?"
"I told you, Will, I don't know yet."
"I don't know either. Want to go halves?"
"I can't. They're my cousins."
Will furrowed his brow, searching for a good comeback. "Well, ..er...well, at least help me find something."
"I'm GOING to... say, there's Thad! ‘Morning, Thad," the prince called to his redheaded classmate as he crossed the corridor.
The young man stopped and turned. "Edward, just the man I've been looking for. You have to tell me, who is she? Why haven't we heard about her?"
"Who?"
"The girl you brought here!"
"Oh. What, little thing? Celia? She's just this kid we met in Loerste, strange story actually-"
"No," Thad interrupted. "The other one!"
"Why do you want to know about Melaurië?"
His friend gave him a look of disbelief. "Are you funning me? You show up here with that pretty thing and don't tell the rest of us what's up?"
Will cracked up. "Thad, you lot don't think.... Ed and Melaurië?! Right! She hates him. Calls him a princeling all the time."
"What? With your charm, Ed?"Thad kidded. "Where'd you pick her up, then? And if she hates you, why is she here?"
"I...don't know, really. She seemed to think me and Will couldn't manage to get here alive on our own. Honestly, she may have been right. You wouldn't believe the things that happened to us this week."
"It defies description," Will added. "Like there's this...well, there's Nuncio. He- er, she- um, Nuncio's kinda creepy sometimes. But not always. Saved our hides a few times already, and he's funny too."
Thad quirked his eyebrow. "Who's Nuncio? And why can't you decide if it's a man or a woman?"
"It's...complicated," William said, pulling a face.
"Ed?"
"Really complicated."
"Alright,"quoth Thad in resignation. "I guess I'll be running along then, lads. I'll see you tomorrow night, though."

The next day went both too slowly and too quickly. When evening came, the very air hummed with excitement. The grand ballroom was hung with rich banners of gold and scarlet. The tables in the banquet hall were covered in new linen cloths, ready to take on the weight of the numerous fantastic dishes the chef had prepared. In the corridors could be heard the sound of shoes slapping stone as dozens of pages hurried to be ready and servants ran last minute errands.
Will tried in vain to make his hair neat. He glanced over at Ed, who was tugging at his doublet. "It's straight, alright?"
"Are you sure?" The prince went to rake his fingers through his hair and stopped short when he realized what he was doing. "Why am I nervous? I can't think of any reason why I should be, but I am."
"Well, I'd say it, but you would hit me."
"Shut up," Ed shot back in annoyance. "It has nothing to do with Amelia...who am I kidding?" He dropped into a chair. "It's everything to do with Amelia. What am I going to do?"
"Whatever else you do,"said Will as he tied the front of his own doublet, "be civil, will you?"
When they had finished dressing, they left their room and headed for the ballroom. Though their stomachs growled, they would have to wait until after the official announcing of all the visiting nobility. It was the students' least favorite part of these events. For the princes and princess, it was even more tedious. They would have to greet every last one. Some they did not mind so much; they were very happy to hear the herald call out "Lady Audrey of Regnere", and "Sir Corrick of Weisham". Still, all the while Edward dreaded one name in particular. After what seemed an eternity to the young royals, they were hit with, well, a surprise to say the least.
"Lady Melaurië Arafëa," said the herald, his voice ringing throughout the room.
Edward and Gregoro looked up with a jerk, not noticing Elena trying to hide a grin.
At the top of the stair stood a girl that Ed would never have recognized had he not just heard the name. She wore a pale blue gown in the Darrese fashion, which had a high waist that opened in the front to reveal a paler underskirt. The bodice and tops of the sleeves were a darker blue. Her long chestnut locks was set off by diamond hairclasps, and a teardrop pearl hung on her brow. She seemed to glow somehow. Before them was not a warrior, but a princess. She saw him gaping at her and gave him a nervous smile, which caused him to remember his manners. When she had descended, he took her hand and raised it to his lips.
"Go on, laugh, teneí," Melaurië said, embarrassed.
"Why? You look amazing,"he said seriously.
She looked at him."You really mean that. I feel so strange. Do you have any idea how many undergarments these noblewomen wear?"
"Er, why don't we discuss that later?"Ed replied hastily.
"Eduardo, quit hogging her,"Gregoro reprimanded his cousin. "As always, a pleasure to see you, my lady," he continued to Melaurië in his most charming manner, kissing her hand as well. Surprised, she let her mouth drop into a sideways smile.
Stealing her away again, Edward pointed out Will to her. "Go keep William company. With any luck, supper will be soon." He watcher her go, and then turned back to the entrance to receive the next guests.
"Elena," Gregoro hissed, "Where did THAT come from?"
"She's not a lady, ‘Lena,"Ed added.
The princess gave them a haughty look. "Not that it matters, since I would have done it anyway, but she is. Don't you two know any history? Eowyn and Frederico's son Garrath married an Älzeren. She comes directly from that line. Technically, there is a piece of land in Donna's duchy with her name on it."
"Huh. I didn't think of that," her cousin mused.
"But," she said, interrupting his thoughts, "That is NOT why she was up there. I'd have made it up if I had to. I thought she should have a little special treatment at her first ball. And the looks on your faces were more than worth it."
The boys would have had something to say about that if not for the arrival of the next guests.

Melaurië reached the tall squire's side and greeted him enthusiastically. "Why, William! Look at you, you're so handsome." She beamed at him not unlike a proud mother.
The boy stared at the girl speaking to him. Then recognition dawned. "Wow! Uh, thanks. You don't look so bad yourself." Then he groaned."This is taking FOREVER!"
"Where's Celia?" she inquired, glancing about.
"I think she found a bunch of girls to talk to. She's fitting in oddly well."
"Perhaps we should mingle as well," Melaurië suggested. "It will take our minds off our stomachs."
Will concurred. "I'll introduce you to the guys."
"But not the girls?"
"You don't want to meet the girls." He winked."Trust me."
She did not doubt him. At any rate, the boys were more than happy to meet her. Though some of them gaped at first, she managed to put them at ease and was adopted as one of the fellows. She found Norman and Edmund happy to discuss fighting techniques. Juan, Bradley, and Orlando eagerly swapped stories of all kinds. Charles mostly listened, occasionally piping up with an observation or two. Esteban seemed to be the one who knew all the new jokes from the town. When at last the last dignitaries had arrived and dinner was served, she sat with them at one of the squires' tables. Edward joined them, glad to see the Älzeren was getting along with the academy boys. The food was more wonderful than she had imagined. She and William and Orlando even engaged in an eating contest, for which there was ultimately no winner. They had too much fun to be troubled with scoring. When the festivities moved back into the ballroom, the group stuck together, save Edward, who intended to fulfill his princely dancing obligations with his first cousins, thus avoiding all the eligible maidens. The rest of the senior academy lads, plus Melaurië, ignored the dances and carried on talking. They had just gotten into an amusingly broken conversation in Älzed, when the harpies struck.
"Why, good evening gentlemen," said a sickeningly sweet voice. "William, aren't you going to introduce us to your lady friend?"
The group beheld a bevy of fawning females, obviously led by the speaker. She was a stunning blond with dainty features and wide blue eyes that surely belied a manipulative nature. Diamond combs shone in her tresses and yet more stones glinted upon her throat. Her bosom... made it's presence known.
"Oh, hullo, Anabell,"William replied, not really bothering to hide his displeasure."Melaurië, these are the girls I told you about." She knew what he meant. "This is Anabell, Daniella, Roseanna, Jacqueline, and Celeste."
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Anabell told the Älzeren. "You really must come talk with us, we can all get acquainted. Honestly, William, expecting the poor thing to listen to you boys talk about yourselves all evening."
Without really knowing what to say, the warrior found herself dragged off by these decidedly strange girls.
"Just like a Weisham, really,"Celeste sympathized. "Don't they ever know when you're bored to tears?"
"Actually, I-"
"Now, tell us about yourself," Anabell interrupted. "Arafëa? That's in Feharn, isn't it? I notice you speak Älzed rather well. I never bothered; it's a lovely language, but when are you going to USE it? I don't plan on making the acquaintance of too many Älzeren, and they're all bilingual anyway these days."
"Rather impressive from that uncivilized lot," Daniella added.
Melaurië thought seriously about punching the girl in a very civilized manner. The topic switched quickly, so she let it be.
"So, is it serious?" Roseanna asked eagerly.
"Is WHAT serious?"
"You and William."
The warrior essentially guffawed, for lack of better description. "You think I- Oh, for love of glory. Of course not! He's a great kid, that's all."
"Naturally, girls," Anabell cooed with too much confidence. "No one is looking to land a squire tonight, not with the prince here."
"You mean Gregoro?" Mel queried.
The blond beauty wore a look of all-knowing experience. "Oh, Gregoro's fine, if you're willing to settle for being a countess. Personally... I mean to be a queen." It was obvious she meant it, for all the wrong reasons, and with no qualms about how to make it come true. "It's a good job that DeGerrell brat didn't show up. She'd only be another distraction to deal with."
DeGerrell. Melaurië had heard that name before.
"If she hadn't gotten in the way I'd have had a betrothal already."
"Funny," Melaurië said mischievously. "I've never heard the prince mention you."
Anabell looked annoyed. "And what would you know about who he mentions?"
"I just spent an entire week with the fellow. It's a marvel I stuck it out and didn't ditch them the first day. Princes can be terribly irritating, you know what I mean? There is only so much chivalry you can take. And William? Sweet boy, but he's always babbling about SOMETHING. Enough to drive a warrior mad. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've had my fill of pretending to be 'civilized' for one night." Feeling satisfied, she spun on her heel and made all speed back to whence she'd come.

"She's not here," Ed confided in William. "Why wouldn't she be here?"
"Count your blessings," came the reply.
"You're right. As usual."
"Me? Right? Usual? You ARE out of it," Will joked.
"William!" Elena came hurrying up to them. The princess looked quite lovely in a deep red Aeñycian dress with lace flounces on her sleeves and her petticoat, and her raven hair hanging in curls. She grasped the boy's hand and tugged him toward the dancing. "They're going to play it, come on!"
Never able to refuse a lady, he followed. It was a secret plan of theirs, actually. They had been practicing for the past few days(yes, Melaurië was not the only one taking lessons) in order to personally introduce the court to a new dance. Elena often took it upon herself to be a trendsetter, as well as a bridge builder between the rich and poor of her kingdom. Tonight they killed two birds with the proverbial one stone. Tonight they would show these stuffed shirts how the common people danced.
A guitar was strummed. In that way that crowds do, the dancers knew to clear the center of the floor as the crown princess and the tall squire strode to their positions. The guitarist played again, going up and down the scale with deft fingers. "Ready?" William said. Elena winked saucily.

Her eyes on the princess and William, Melaurië forgot to watch where she was going. "Oof!"
"Oh, beg pardon!"
"Excuse me, I didn't-"
"No, I should have...here. Alright? No harm done?"
Melaurië untangled her shoe from her hem and got a better look at the noble she had run into. He was a squire, with red hair tied in a ponytail and the beginnings of a beard framing his smile. She had seen this one before. "I am sorry. Have we met...?"
"You do look familiar," he replied, his eyes searching for a reminder. She was beautiful, whoever she was."Thaddeus of Damarkay, most certainly at your service." He reached for her hand.
"Melaurië Arafëa," she responded, misinterpreting the gesture and grasping his forearm. He laughed, surprised, and went with it, shaking hers in return.
"Say, that's it! You're Ed's Älzeren friend. I saw you in the market!"
"Oh yes," she said, suddenly the stoic warrior with a disdain for the peerage once more. "You were the one staring at me. I have killed men for lesser offenses."
Thad was taken aback. He hoped she was kidding. "I,uh, I apologize. It was only that I-"
"Did you take me for a harlot? Or perhaps merely so much of an oddity?"
"No! I would never- now see here. We got off to such a good start. Look what's happened." He gave her a hopeful look. "I'm sorry I stared. Forgive me?" She did not respond. "Please?"
"You put it prettily enough. I suppose I can accept such an apology," she conceded.
"I swear it's an earnest one. Would m'lady favor me with a dance?"
"I have forgiven you, and you ask more. You're a bold sort of noble." She said this without revealing much emotion, nor truly answering the question.
"I am. But I can offer my gratitude, and perhaps some pleasant conversation in exchange." He grinned. "What have you got to lose?"
She reddened, and gave an inaudible response.
"Sorry?"
"I cannot dance. I've tried, I simply-"
"I'll be the judge of that," he said, trying to be encouraging. "Come on, I bet you're a natural."
He soon found that he was wrong. It went horribly. By the end of the dance, his feet were in pain and his dance partner was terribly embarrassed. "I did warn you," she pointed out.
Thad was not one to give up. "Now, now. We can do this. Stay with me." He thought a moment. "Here, just follow me. It's like....like a practice bout. You just need to find the rhythm of it. Ok?"
She nodded. "Ok." She didn't know why, but she was willing to trust him on this.
"You can do it."
"I can do it."

Edward was thoroughly enjoying himself. The confrontation he'd feared hadn't happened, and he was dancing with his cousins. Life was good. Elena and William had been sensational. He couldn't help but be proud of 'Lena, already so confident and regal and popular with her people. Laughing, he picked up little Mercedes and spun around with her. She shrieked with delight and beamed when he'd set her down again. She skipped off to her next partner, Ed smiling as he watched her go. As soon as he looked at the girl who now stood across from him, the smile faded. Amelia wore an Aeñycian gown, quite like Elena's but a blue-green color. Her hair was elegantly pinned up. She was not too happy about seeing him, either.
Ed shrugged. It would seem improper to switch partners, they might as well deal with it. "My lady," he said with a bow.
"Highness," she replied with distaste and a small curtsy. Gingerly she took the hand he offered,and made sure his other was high on her waist.
There was no time to say any more. The dance started out fast, a tango, and they were swept up by the momentum on the floor. But when it had slowed, the silence became awkward.
Ed looked at her. She was gazing off into the crowd of twirling couples. It really was time they reconciled, he thought. But what could he say? The prince cleared his throat. "How, uh, how have you b-"
"No," she cut him off in annoyance. "Don't even speak to me."
"Amelia..."
She shook her head. "I have nothing to say to you."
Well, he'd tried."Oh, I imagine you have a number of choice words for me," he scoffed. At the music's cue they switched up their hands and circled around that spot, as though looking for an opening to attack.
"You're right," she shot back. "But a lady doesn't use such language."
Ed rolled his eyes."Of course not. And you are nothing if not a lady."
"Don't you talk down to me!"
"I wouldn't dream of it, Lady. You'd only cut me down with your rapier wit." He spun her out and pulled her back with a forceful snap. Her eyes burned with fury. Two minutes; a new record. Surely fisticuffs were not far off. "You act as though I started this, madam. But as I recall-"
"You humiliated me," she fumed.
Edward brought his face close to hers. "I'd do it again in a heartbeat." Amelia would have stomped on his foot, but he anticipated it, twisted away, and turned it into a dip. His grin of triumph only served to make her more angry. When upright once again, she whispered in his ear "You started it, and that was sloppy." He growled.
With their rising tempers, their movements became viciously precise. Each wore a defiant expression that said this quarrel was far from over.
"Who is she?" The boy gave her a confused look. She clarified. "The new girl you've brought. They say she's a rare beauty."
Comprehension dawned. Not this again. "If you're referring to Melaurië, don't worry-"
"Then it's true. Perhaps I should warn her about you."
"No need," he informed her. "She despised me from the moment we met. The two of you would get along famously." He turned them around. "She's there, dancing with Thad. Care for an introduction?"
"I'd rather not have anything from you, Highness," was her retort.
"Don't you think we're past formalities, Lady DeGerrel?" He paused. "Speaking of, what did you do with the locket?" he asked.
"That cheap thing? I threw it to the pigs."
"Funny," he commented. "Usually they'll take nothing less than pearls."
She laughed derisively. "Why on earth did you ever buy me that?"
"I was young and foolish," he replied.
"You don't say."
Ed wasn't done. "I thought I was in love with you; they don't come any more foolish."
"You're such a charming prince," the lady responded sarcastically.
"I must have been once," said he.
She reddened. "Maybe I was young and foolish as well."
With strong chords from the strings in the orchestra, the song ended, the pair making a last tight turn and striking a pose. And as they did, Ed saw a glint of silver at Amelia's neck. It couldn't be. But it was! He stopped abruptly and snatched at the necklace. The girl gasped. "What's this?" he demanded. "Pigs throw it back?"
She couldn't meet his gaze. "Alright, I kept it. Happy? You caught me, why don't you gloat already?" A light waltz was starting up, but they did not move.
"Why?" The question was gentle, but insistent.
Amelia raised her eyes cautiously. "Isn't it obvious enough?"
"After all this? Not really," he answered.
"Do you want it back?" she asked quietly, her lip unsteady.
He shook his head slowly, and released the locket. "I gave it to you, didn't I? Once in a while, when I remember it, I am a gentleman." He turned away from her and strode toward the balcony for some air. He was feeling rather disgusted with his behavior, and besides that he had much to think about. She'd kept it. What did it mean? Was it possible that-
"Why, Edward, where are you off to?" A petite figure suddenly blocked his path.
The prince groaned. "Not now, Anabell."
She did not take the hint. "Whatever is the matter, Highness? You can tell me, surely?" The girl fluttered her eyes.
How he would like to blacken one of them."Anabell," he said, trying to restrain himself. "I am not in the mood. If you don't get out of my way, I will move you."

And what, you might ask, was Celia up to all this time? For a 16 year old girl, never mind an ex-pick pocket, to be surrounded by such glittering finery and dazzling people was heaven. The charming young squires didn't hurt either. Naturally they all wanted to dance with her. They'd never seen her before, what a mystery she was. Besides, they were teenage boys.

(jumping alot alot alot, to the war. yeah, alot)

"It's a risky mission, so I am asking for volunteers. And I'll say this once, I am not accepting any ladies. Call me backward and sexist all you like, I will not relent on this point. Not even for her Majesty," he said knowingly in Elena's direction. He next turned to the Alzeren girl who was sending every ounce of defiance his way. "Don't look at me that way, Melaurië. You are like a daughter to me, and I won't have you in this kind of danger." The man reached out and held up her chin in his two fingers. "And as you're a woman of honor, swear to me now you won't try and follow."
"Yes, sir," she responded, swallowing her pride.
Before going on, Lord Arthur gave Celia a glance that said 'don't even think of it.'"Now," his lordship cleared his throat. "Who's with me?"
"I'll go, Father," Thad said cooly. As if fearing reproach, he added "Please, sir. I can handle it." His father nodded.
Two older knights volunteered, as did three regular soldiers, steadfast Bertram among them. Sir Corrick looked down at his crutch and heaved a sigh. "One more, I think," Arthur prompted. And it was young Sir William who answered.
"Me, sir."
The lord of Damarkay glanced at the lad's father. "What say you, Corrick?"
"Father, I'm a knight! You can't make me stay."
Corrick looked his son in the eye gravely. "You are a knight. And my boy. I expect you to give 'em hell."
"Thank you, sir!" The boy beamed and stood his full 74 inches. "I'll make you proud."
"No worries, m'lord. He's with us, he'll do just spiffing. Wot, old boy?" Bertram said encouragingly.
The group was dismissed to make preparations.