Enchanted Tale

Seven: Parental Guidance

"Home sweet home!" Peter exclaimed as he sprawled out on the small bed.

I chuckled as I folded my cloak. "Goodnight Peter." I said pushing the blanket back.

"Elle." He said softly.

"Hm?" I asked sitting down on the bed removing my shoes.

"We never got the chance to eat anything." He explained.

I hadn't realised my stomach had been growling the entire walk home. "Tomorrow morning we'll go straight to Arler's, okay?"

He nodded and laid his head on his pillow, I did the same. Ignoring my hunger, all I could think about was my past. I was freed from the burden of ignorance. I remember running through the trees hiding from my father who loved to play hide and seek. I remember my mother holding me in her arms in the rocking chair and singing me to sleep. I remember on some nights, I became scared and would cuddle my parents in this very bed I'm falling asleep on.

The only source of light was the moon shining through the window. I laid there staring at it with a small smile planted on my face. I noticed my bear next to me. I picked it up and held it over my face.

"...just hug your bear and he will remind you of the love your Papa and I have for you." I remember my mum saying before she left my life completely.

Tears fell down the side of my face. I brought the bear down and wrapped my arms around it. More memories of my parents filled my head. Laying under the moonlight, teaching me to set fire with my hands, dancing together. I felt my father's strong warm arms around me, and my mother's soft touch on my cheek. But it was just the bear. The bear was the only thing that was the best reminder of my parents. I could never let it part with me.

I fell asleep with the bear wrapped tightly in my arms.

---

"Elle. Elle wake up."

I slowly fluttered my eyes open. With my vision blurred, a figure stood over me. I rubbed my eyes to see who has waken me and for what.

My mother came into view and I shuffled to sit up, I was frightened.

"W-Wha- Mum?" I tried.

"Shhh come with me." She said softly. She then walked to the door and stepped out.

I blinked constantly trying to make sense of what just happened. I grabbed my cloak and ran out to catch up to her. It was reaching sunrise. She was nowhere in sight.

"Mum!" I called looking round every direction. "Mum is that you!?"

Strong winds started to pick up. I guarded my face because my cloak was being blown and didn't grant any protection. Leaves and dirt were flying. Suddenly everything stopped when I noticed a paper against my leg.

"THE PRINCE IS COMING TO LATHANCE!"

It read in bold letters. I scoffed and crumbled the paper then threw it to the ground looking for my mother. I wasn't imagining things, it was her that woke me up.

"Mother!?" I called again. "Show yourself!" I demanded growing emotional. "Just come back."

"Elle." I heard in front of me. I brought my head up to see my mother. My eyes were filled with water at the sight of her.

"Mum!" I cried running to her. But when I reached her she had disappeared. I turned around hearing sticks being stepped on. She stood there. I was confused.

"Go to the village Elle. Rebel against the king. Get people to see what a monster he is. Don't let your father and I die in vain." She said. I could barely see her due to the tears in my eyes.