The Princess of MioFabia

The Adventure Begins

By the time they returned home, the village of Terraportare was covered in leaves and a light frost. Despite the cold, everyone gathered to show respect for their brave, fallen leader and the one who would take his place. Aurora knew this was her destiny; it was in her blood to take on this responsibility. Yet, a part of her still hoped it was all just a nightmare.

At the end of the village path, a boat was filled with beautiful flowers, grown by villagers with the gifts of Mother Nature. They laid her father's body in the boat. Aurora went first, then the rest of the archers to the cliff closest to the water. Aurora's mother walked up to the boat to see her husband one last time. She kissed his lips and placed a handwritten letter on his chest, sealed with their family crest. When the vessel was close enough to the cliff, Aurora fired the first flaming arrow, and the other archers followed. The boat was consumed by flames that danced on the water as it drifted into the sunset.

That night, Aurora couldn't sleep. The image of her father's face as he was impaled was seared into her memory. The king's sinister smile made her stomach churn. Her father was so much more than a dad, and it pained her that he had died in such a horrible way. A soft knock came from her door, and her mother walked in, sitting on the edge of the bed. She took Aurora's hand and gently rubbed her back. "Oh, my poor light, you have even more responsibility on your shoulders now."

In that moment, Aurora remembered through her grief that she was now destined to be the first female chieftain of Terraportare. She looked at Spada, the sword that had been passed down to every male chieftain before her, and felt a wave of nervousness. The sword gleamed in the moonlight. "Mom, what if Father was wrong about me? What if I'm not ready to lead this village to greatness?" she whispered.

Her mother laughed softly. "My dear child, how can you think that? You have proven yourself time and time again, not just to your father and me, but to this whole village. What more do you have to prove?"

Daisy, who had been snooping in the doorway, chimed in. "I don't know, Mother. Maybe Aurora should just stick with being a woman and let the guys take over. My Jake would be a perfect chieftain." She gave an evil grin.

Aurora jumped up and got face-to-face with her sister. "Listen here, little sis, if Jake even tries to challenge me, he'll be in ten feet of solid ground." She stormed off, leaving her mother to give Daisy a disapproving look before quietly leaving the room.

The next day, Aurora was up before dawn. She was determined to go hunting, despite the cold weather. She rode Iceberg in his horse form, and was joined by all the villagers who were able to hunt. Everyone needed enough food to last the winter until the Weatherthorn twins could convince the neighboring village to share some of their grain.

Hunting had always calmed Aurora's mind. She could sit in silence and become one with the forest. As she sat in her usual spot—a tree by a river and waterfall—she imagined making a home in the branches. At that thought, the tree began to move. Confused, she held on tight as its branches twisted and shaped into a small shelter. She didn't know how it was possible, but she was eager to explore her new power.

When the hunters returned, Aurora had brought back enough meat to last the entire winter. For the first time in a long time, she felt like herself again.

A few months later, spring arrived, and with it, the ceremony for a new beginning. Aurora's chieftain ceremony was about to begin. Wearing her armor over a long, bluish-green dress, she felt ready for a fight, just in case. The dress had long, flowing sleeves and a decorative belt that held Spada's sheath. Her long, black hair was partially down, styled in skinny braids that circled her head. She smiled, walking down the path toward the arch at the village entrance. Everyone watched her in awe, except for Daisy, who still believed the village needed a different leader.

Aurora kneeled before the village elder. "Aurora, daughter of Aelfraed, are you ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead of you, just as your chieftains before you have?" the elder asked.

Aurora nodded. The elder then drew on her forehead with ash. "This tear between your eyes is the symbolism of all the tears you will shed for your people. These lines are the crown placed upon you to be worn for your long life." He then placed a ring with the symbol of the blood rose on her finger, the same ring worn by all chieftains before her. "May you wear this ring as your father did before you. May your ancestors guide you through your reign as chieftain and help you with every decision on your path."

He helped her to her feet, and Aurora turned to the people with her head held high. "From this day forward, this lady shall be called Chieftain Aurora. May you obey and follow her wisdom like her father before her."

Everyone cheered as music filled the air.

As the celebrations continued, Daisy and Jake were nowhere to be seen. Everyone just assumed they were enjoying some alone time. Aurora was enjoying herself, dancing with Kevin and eating the feast. Her mother was alone, holding a beautiful painting of her husband. "Oh, my dear Aelfraed, how I wish you were here tonight. You would have been so proud of our warrior light. However, she still doesn't know that secret only you and I know. I'll be heading to our home to take care of the royal duties in preparation for our light to take over. I fear for our little flower, though. Daisy has changed in a way that concerns me. Please watch over our little Daisy." She said to the painting before falling asleep.

The next morning, Aurora was in her full armor. Iceberg, in horse form, stood with another horse loaded with bags. The Weatherthorn twins and Kevin were also getting ready. Her mother rushed to her. "Aurora, where are you going? You just became chieftain."

Aurora sighed. "Mother, while I'm gone, Ethan Lionheart is in charge. The King of Cativo needs to pay for the murder of my father and the last chieftain."

Her mother was about to protest but just let her daughter go. Aurora and her group stopped to take one last look at their home before heading into the forest on their way to the next village.