Magic and Mortality (DISCONTINUED)

Chap. 1 - Fun and Games

KEY = Subtitle/POV change | Author's note |"Speech" | 'Quote/Thoughts' | Text | Emphasis

Belinda ran about the town streets, her father struggling to keep up as he was weighed down by all of the things they'd bought at the local market. Townspeople smiled at the small whirlwind they all knew while visitors gasped in shock. It was seemingly unusual to see a young lady such as Belinda sprinting through town. 

Belinda ignored the stares, flying through the street in a daze. It didn't even register that the stares had become concerned shouts as a carriage made its way down the street, pulled by elven magic. She cried out in shock as she collided with the stiff wood. Her vision went black.

When Belinda woke up on the dusty street floor, she immediately noticed that three shapes lent over her; the familiar form of her pa, the less familiar form of the village doctor and another form, so similar to the people she saw every day, but so different as well. It was an elf.

Her father's worrisome look melted into a smile before he gave his daughter a frown. "Belinda, why weren't you watching where you were going?"

Belinda shrugged, paralyzed at the rare disappointment in her father's eyes. She looked away, ashamed. A sudden shift in her position made her gasp as her father hugged her, now smiling. "I'm just glad you're alright."

Someone cleared their throat behind Belinda. She turned to see the elf. "Hello, I apologise for almost running you over..." the elf trailed off. Belinda smiled.

"It's alright. I should be the one to apologise for running into your carriage in the first place," she curtsied, as is the custom when speaking with the elves. Of course, Belinda's rare clumsiness decided to jump in at this moment. She wobbled dangerously, almost falling over if it weren't for the elf grabbing her arm swiftly before she could fall. 

"Careful there," the elf said with a small smile. "Oh, anyways I am Aelfric."

"Belinda," she nodded her head with a smile. "Isn't that one of the prince's names?" Belinda queried.

Aelfric smiled. "Yes. Prince Aelfric at your service, Belinda." He bowed, almost missing Belinda's surprised blush. "Well, since I am in your beautiful town, I might just stay. Is there anywhere that I could stay? It doesn't need to be too fancy." He directed his question to Belinda's father, who frowned.

"We don't have any hotels in town, however, most people have an extra bedroom in case of visitors," Belinda's father explained.

Aelfric thought for a moment. "Would it be possible for me to board at your house, sir? You and Belinda are the only people I really know in this town."

Belinda looked at her father as he nodded. "Of course you can, Prince Aelfric."

"Please, just call me Aelfric. Is there anywhere I can put my carriage?" He gestured towards the carriage still blocking the road. 

"Oh of course. We have an empty stable behind our house where your carriage can stay, Pri- Aelfric," Belinda's father corrected himself. 

"Alright then. Lead the way."