The Crown's Reflection

Chapter Three: Raveene

"Behind the mask of ice people wear, there beats a heart of fire."

-Paulo Coelho

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Elsea still had about six more days until she reached Raveene. It had already been four days of riding, (minus the day she foraged for dewberries) and with each step, her muscles in her thighs and back ached in protest. 

Shoveling a handful of dewberries into her mouth, Elsea surprisingly found herself missing the castle. She didn't love it, but there was a reassuring feeling of safety. The castle was all she knew her entire life, and she'd left it on a half thought. Maybe her parents did miss her, and were frantically combing the kingdom for her. Maybe Saphira wanted her sister back. Elsea would never again run a hand across the spines of the books in the library, never wake up to the smell of caramel waffles that the cook knew she liked. She didn't even second guess herself-she'd left with no hesitation. Was she making the biggest mistake in the life? Burying her face into her hands like she could hide from the guilt that wracked her, Elsea suddenly needed a distraction from her own thoughts. 

Sometimes she got trapped in her own mind, spiraling and drowning in her consuming thoughts. Her mind was a very dark place if she let it out of control. She was so alone, that they were perhaps the only things that kept her company. Thoughts were delicate yet uncontrollable creatures, whispers only heard by one. Hidden and wild just like her. They comforted and destroyed her, often coming and going so fast she could barely process them all. It sneered and screamed, laughed and cried. Thoughts followed her everywhere. 

Elsea snacked on some leaves and nuts she'd foraged, aware that she was stress eating (which probably wasn't the best distraction, considering she was low on food again). Erebus's ears perked up, a discreet way of telling her that he wanted some. Elsea gave him some leaves to munch on, and wrapped her arms around his neck, feeling his muscles expand and contract beneath his velvet coat as he walked. Six more days, she told herself. 

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Six days later

Elsea could hear people. Loud chatter ran over the normal sounds of the forest, busy conversations mixed with unknown sounds. It was easily the most commotion she'd ever heard, the sounds blending together to make cluttered, yet joyous chaos. Her heart pounded, her breaths quickening as Erebus raced towards the end of the forest. She'd finally made it, after following the river for ten days. Erebus burst out of the forest, and Elsea was suddenly in Raveene. 

It was so much to take in, that even her thoughts stuttered to a halt.

Unlike the fine silks and wealthy jewelry she was used to,  people were swathed in thick shawls, scarves, and hoods. The color palette consisted of deep black and brown, with pops of emerald  and dark blue. Laughter brightened people's eyes, and it seemed that they all knew each other, waving and conversing as they drifted around her. They had such a casual familiarity with Raveene, that Elsea immediately felt out of place, glancing self consciously at her expensive horse and strikingly different appearance. 

Elsea couldn't help gawking when she noticed stands and shops, displaying colorful, mouth watering food, and the wafting aromas that promised deliciousness. Elsea never knew there were so many unfamiliar foods until now, and she wanted to try them all. Had she really been living under a rock for her whole life? Regret slid away, replaced with pure anticipation and nerves. 

A warm finger tapped her arm, making her jump slightly out of her trance. 

"Excuse me," A middle-aged man with warm eyes and a kind voice looked up at her. "Would you be willing to sell me your horse for eight silver coins?" 

"No thank-" Elsea said on impulse, before rethinking. She'd already attracted plenty of unwanted attention, and there was no way she could parade about with a horse as extravagant as Erebus. But the thought of selling Erebus to a stranger made Elsea clutch his mane tighter. Her hesitation must've shown on her face, because he patted his mane affectionately and said, 

"Don't worry, he'll be in good hands." As if to demonstrate, the man produced a fresh carrot that had Erebus chowing down immediately. After he finished his carrot, the man gave him a scratch behind Erebus's ear, earning him a nuzzle. He seemed like an honest man, with a soft spot for animals, judging by his attitude. His price was quite expensive too, even to Elsea. Elsea's trust issues screamed at her to reject his offer, but she ignored it.

"Alright then," Elsea said at last, struggling to keep her voice even. Erebus had been such a wonderful companion over the last week, but Elsea knew she couldn't keep him forever. Accepting the silver coins and dismounting from Erebus, Elsea knew she would miss him terribly. She was relived to see that Erebus was too, and he licked her cheek as she handed the man his reins. 

"One last thing," he said, as he fed Erebus some sugar cubes. "What's his name?"

Relief washed over Elsea over the fact that he cared enough to know. "Erebus." she replied, smiling sadly. 

"Erebus." he repeated, before turning and guiding him away. She'd named him after the Greek god Erebus, the brother of Nyx, and it suited him. Erebus meant darkness and mist, which reminded her of his majestic black coat and white mane. 

After Erebus's figure disappeared into the crowd, Elsea made a beeline towards a stand selling tasty looking pastries. They looked amazing, decorated delicately with berries and dusted with powdered sugar. 

She didn't even notice the boy until she crashed into his chest. 

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Thank you so much for reading! (Also sorry this chapter is really short lol) Please make sure to support this story by voting, commenting, and adding The Crown's Reflection to your reading list. I will try to update every one or two weeks.