Journey of the Half-Elf - Book 1

Chapter III - Gifts For The Heir

"Ready?" Aeledwyn asked her daughter, as they stood at the top of the stairs. Both women — of course, since Guinevere could now no longer be regarded as that rebellious, impetuous teenager who once sent lightning down on her mother's coronation dress — were now fully dressed for the occasion. While Guinevere sported gold hoop earrings with amethysts, a sumptuous orange dress and white heels, Aeledwyn wore small ruby studs on each ear, along with a ravishing red dress, elegantly complemented by her favourite pair of 4-inch black high heels. Their only similarities were their braided red hair and beauteous makeup.

"I'm ready, Mother." Guinevere replied with a smile.

"Then let's go, my gorgeous daughter." She gently held her hand as they walked down the stairs together, looking back to the people below them and nodding their heads.

It was clear as the evening summer sky outside; as they walked down each step, both women looked absolutely excellent, and all the men and women around them knew it. Even after decades, Aeledwyn remained the subject of many long stares, but today, despite not being well-liked due to her mixed blood, her daughter Guinevere managed to invite the gazes of many, including the ones as old as her.

"I remember when she was so small, she could barely walk without stumbling. Ah, how much she has grown." Aegwyna reminisced to her long-time friend Aeledwyn. "Despite not having her father here, you have raised her into a fine young woman, Ela. Though I do wonder, when the time comes, either before or after she does the Erd'athal, will she be marrying? Guingraedd turned 16 just last week. You know how important it is for our young ones to marry as soon as possible."

"Hm, he would make a good husband, would he not? He has the strength of his father, and the tenacity of his mother." Aeledwyn complimented her.
"Well, while I do think she should consider it, I do not want her to worry about suitors now.
Perhaps in a year or two, but right now I just need her focused on getting stronger and faster. This year's Erd'athal candidates are quite powerful, and currently, Gwinna isn't nearly as strong as she needs to be. I am honestly worried for her, Aegwyna."

Her battle sister set her wine goblet down to console her.

"Aeledwyn... have faith in her. Remember when we were younger, and you taught me how to use a Bow? I failed more times than I can count. But you understood I had to stick to it no matter what. You had faith in me, you believed I would get it eventually. And I did, didn't I?"

"Yes," Aeledwyn responded.

"Guinevere alone can do many things, but Guinevere with your faith and belief in her... she can pass any trial life throws her way, let alone the Erd'athal.
My own mother never believed in me, she cared more about hurting my father. She was never there when I needed her most.
Be there for her, Aeledwyn. That is all I will say.
Anyway, I have business to attend. I'll see you at the banquet. I can't wait for Gwynhildda's roast chicken. Goodbye, Ela." She finished her wine and hugged her friend, before walking away.

While Aeledwyn continued talking for hours with her fellow Royals during the pre-banquet party in the early evening, Guinevere... could not help herself but find the nearest empty chair and continue reading, pulling her original version of Korilla's Justice out through a small portal into her bedroom.

"You really love that book, don't you?" Gwelion walked over to the Princess, while she sat at the edge of her seat, snapping back to reality upon hearing his voice.

"Aren't you supposed to be... training soldiers?" She looked up at him, subtly trying to make him leave so she could read in peace.

"Guinevere-" As he began to say her name, she interrupted him. "That's Your Royal Highness to you. Hmph," She began to smile before letting out a laugh.
"What is it, Gwelion?" She seriously asked this time, lodging her long finger in her book as she closed it.