Of Ashes and Wind

Idyllic Days

Her hair began to grow past her shoulders and the weather became a bit cooler. Eiriell enjoyed braiding flowers within her dark hair and always commented how soft it was against her fingers.

Phoenix learned more about the elven culture with each passing day and Folmer became that much more friendly, the two venturing out together with their gryphons in the evening once. The seasoned gryphon rider taking the child along to views she hadn't thought to seek out, like the perch that was the top of the tallest tree within Eostrun.

The King allowed her to take lessons with Folmer and a few of the palace guards, the elven rider teaching Phoenix how to move as one with a sword while astride on Lionheart. Then Folmer, of all people, would spend his spare time teaching Phoenix how to spar properly with a blunt sword that was perfect for her size. Eiriell would often watch out in the yard while her tutors would instruct her on several manners pertaining to royalty. For the more interesting lessons like history and how to use magic, Phoenix would patiently sit next to the Princess while indoors. The tutors took to the human child for the abundant questions and natural curiosity she had.

Plus, the tutors were pleasantly surprised when Phoenix showed she knew a ballroom step. It made it that much easier to teach the Crown Princess who would usually protest the dance lessons the most.

It was archery that fanned the competitive spirit between Eiriell and Phoenix. The elves were famed for their storied archers who could hit a gold coin while it was being tossed into the air. Elnaril and Ailduin would sometimes watch the two children try to best one another on who could hit the target fastest, further, and the most center on.

Queen Zilyana would watch with near tears in her eyes each time – she couldn't recall the last time Eiriell had smiled and laughed and simply lived so much. Other than their occasional excursion on Lionheart, Eiriell rarely ran off as much as she did before Phoenix.

With a proper escort, Phoenix and Eiriell would wander the town square and elven market. The Princess would point out food and fruits and other niceties that were her favorites. There was one day out of the week that grew to be Phoenix's favorite, and that was when the elves would celebrate the end of the week with a festive gathering that included songs and dancing that would go late into the night.

King Ailduin and Queen Zilyana would make appearances at these things, Elnaril mentioned that it was the little things that kept the elven people happy and grounded.

For Phoenix, she approached her stay within Eostrun with a new determination and patience. She believed Eiriell and the King when they said they would get her home in due time, instead she would enjoy the days as they went by and would learn as much as she could.

Phoenix made it her goal to make up for the time away by telling as much stories about her time here and the things she learned while she was away. She wondered some nights about how much she should tell her parents about her perilous journey.

It was another morning in the palace and Phoenix found herself once more in Eiriell's sheets. Some nights, the two would sleep separately and the night terrors and memories no longer bothered them. But there was something comforting with sharing the bed together that the two still kept it up. The child took care not to awaken the sleeping Princess and slipped on her sandals in order to follow the route to the roost.

Sometimes Eiriell would join her on the morning flight together with Lionheart, other times she would sleep in. Phoenix learned that if Eiriell was still sleeping then to just let her sleep or else face her grumpy wrath. They stayed out late with Elnaril at the town square and enjoyed the end of week festivities once again. Phoenix indulged herself on the sweet, buttery, and flakey bread from a stall while Eiriell tried to get the human child to eat a bite of a notoriously hot, but sweet, fruit.

Phoenix took an apple from the kitchens and bounded up the stone and wooden path to the roost.

But the apple would bruise from being dropped on the ground.

Her heart seized and her hands went to her chest.

Something was gravely wrong with her dearest friend. Phoenix watched helplessly while the great beast silently writhed in pain within his stall.