As I sped through the vibrant field Ren roared and took to the skies. I felt my dragon's steady heartbeat beneath my armor and slowly caressed his neck. It felt so great soaring through the clouds. Ren purred deep within his giant body. I smiled at the sound. I don't remember a time that I didn't know Ren, he's my closest friend and we've never even spoken to each other. The kingdom of Margaden slowly showed itself as me and my dragon Ren approached.
Margaden was not a very large kingdom but it was gorgeous, it was one of a kind and could never be replicated.The palace of Margaden is the most beautiful of all. Long ago when all of the world was full of hatred and rage there was a great war between all of the creatures, even the humans. Most of the old landmarks were destroyed and now there are only old paintings of them but the palace survived and is now ruled by the elven king. Arturo Verlice the II was our ruler.
Ren had to dig his nails into the ground to stop at the tavern. "You're late!" shouted Verian from across the tavern. "I know, should I be scared about.." The door to the kitchen flung open "Well where 'ave you been young lady!?" My mum screeched with frizzy red hair poking out in every direction. "Umm out with Ren looking for any fairies trying to come to our side of . I'm fine mum."
"Aggie go help your sister get ready for work."
"Okay mum"
As Agatha and I were walking up stairs to our house she said
"Are you trying to get thrown out by another set of parents?!"
Margret and her husband Natime run this tavern and they've taken in about six of us orphaned girls and one boy. I was found stranded on the street as a baby. I still don't know who my parents are and I don't want to. I've found my home, this is where I belong. I think it's harder for some of the others like Aggie who knew their parents and knew that they were unwanted as I grew up here Verian and I.
"Not funny Agatha." I said as I glared. She was silent the rest of the way to my room. I grabbed my apron and changed into brown leggings with brown knee high leather boots. On my top I wore a white blouse with long puffy sleeves and a ruffled front, overtop I wore a small brown leather corset. My brown hair left to fall freely was taller than me and I'm 6 foot. I pulled my soft hair into a loose braid and tucked it behind my little pointy ears.
As Aggie and I sped down the stairs we were already being yelled at by Margret. "Took ye long enough din it!"
"Sorry mum!" we yelled in unison
I'm a waitress and a popular one. I know everyone and everyone knows me. I could get a message to the whole kingdom within hours because of the simple popularity. Drama is not my thing but because of where I worked I always knew what was going on. Even though everyone knew me I only had a few close friends.
"Order up" shouted Natime from the kitchen. I picked up my wooden serving plate and headed to the kitchen. The second I came into Natimes' sight he said with his big booming voice "Hey kiddo!" His silvery red hair brushes the ceiling as he walks across the kitchen. "How much trouble you in?"
"Eh, I don't think too much if I work for the rest of the day." I said with a smirk "I'm going to get a wicked lecture when I get off work."
"Well here you are," he said and handed me a plate full of roast chicken and placed two beers on my platter.
"Minnow!" I heard Artemis call. Artemis is my best friend. She's 6 '7 and has soft blonde hair that barely hits her shoulders, familiar freckles covering her perfectly straight nose.
"One second Arty! I've got to serve these people then I'll come over."
"Be quick, I've been waiting forever to try to get to work on time so I can see you more before your mom kicks me out."
"Stop messing around and find some more friends. I'm a very busy woman," I said with a smirk.
I headed over to the people who ordered the food. "Welcome to the abandoned apple! Here are your food and drinks. Would you like anything else?
The table was all men in green cloaks. They were part of the kingdoms protection guard. I must have been green with envy. I wanted to be part of the guard so badly but only male elves were allowed; they are the only ones the king trusts.
"Are you on break from your duties?" I asked curiously.
"Yes ma'am we were on cloud watch and we were taken out an hour ago for the rest of the day off." said the tallest one who was obviously the spokesperson.
"Why aren't girls allowed to serve the guard?" I asked
One of the shorter beefy ones scoffed at me and replied "Girls aren't strong or brave enough to serve, you buffoon!"
"EXCUSE ME SIR I'M PLENTY STRONG AND VERY COURAGEOUS. I BELIEVE YOU SHOULD THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU JUST SAID!" The same soldier slammed his hand on the table and yelled in a booming voice "LITTLE GIRL YOU HAVE NO PLACE TALKING TO A MAN LIKE THIS!!!" Margret came waddling over with a rolling pin in hand "GET OUT OF MY PUB!! !...NOW!!! He stomped out glaring at me between squinted eyes. "My baby, are you okay???"
"Ya mom I'm fine."
"What about the rest of ya, do you have any more to add?" Margret said in a sour voice.
"No ma'am" they all said in unison
As mom walked away I asked again "Is there anything else I can get you?"
"I think we'll be fine, thank you for your troubles." Then the lankiest of the soldiers dropped a small sack of coins on the table for me.
I got Margret to calm down and head back to the kitchen with Natime. She was still almost blowing steam out of her ears. She was so upset.
As I was collecting my money Artemis had snuck up behind me with a book in hand. As I turned I made a squeaking sound as she was only an inch away.
"What was that about?" she said following me as I began to clean up the table.
"I'll tell you later. Have you finished that book? What was it called..."
"The Scarlet Earth? I'm about halfway through but I know how it ends. I couldn't help myself from reading the last few pages." she said with a smirk.
"You'll have to tell me about it later."
"How About tonight?"
"Sorry I'm going hunting, I just got my new bow. I need to try it out."
"Okay but soon, promise?" She put her pinky finger in front of me. I smiled and wrapped my finger around hers and said "Promise."
I could hear Mum from the kitchen giggling then she yelled out
"Back to work Minnow! And either buy something or go home Arty!"
We laughed together for a minute then she left. I finished my shift and was off!
