Memories of the Prodigy (OC)

Episode 1: Arrival at the Imperial Palace

Present

The wind howled and whipped past the tall oblong windows of the east bedchamber. It beat against the ivory panes with immense force. The rain joined the horrifying symphony as it drowned the earth in its tears. Darkness fell upon the land with a blanket of mystery and sadness.

The relentless torrent was empathizing with the ferocious battles occurring within Mera's heart. For the first time in her life, she felt connected to the darkness of the night. The raging wind and pounding showers were akin to the emotions battling for control inside her. Mother Nature was expressing the feelings she could not reveal.

She tugged at her ivory and crimson silk robe as she leaned against the back of her ornate loveseat, peering out at the blurred vision of the gardens. Her throat ached from choking back cries of despair. Her eyes burned from withholding her tears. All emotion seemed useless.

What would crying do? It wouldn't bring him back, so she saw no use in allowing them to fall. No matter what she did, it would never change the fact that the man, who gave hope and light to her life, was gone forever.

A soft rapping on the door of the bedchamber broke Mera from her neutral state. Her visitor did not wait for a response before entering the room. Too emotionally and physically drained, the sudden intrusion did not annoy Mera. When she turned around to see who her urgent visitor was, she had no heart to feel any ill will towards her. Because it was her friend, Tenten.

Tenten stood cautiously by the door, piercing the shadows of the vast room for the princess. It didn't take long for her to come upon her dark silhouette huddled by the window on the opposite side of the chamber. She slowly traversed across the vast expanse of the room to a closer area by Mera.

"Lady Mera, I know how close you and Neji were. I also understand how hard the news must be on you. If there's anything I could do, feel free to ask."

Mera recognized the empathy and sympathy in Tenten's eyes. She also noticed her genuine concern for Mera and her state of mind; but for some strange reason, she refused to burden her friend with her tumultuous feelings.

"Thank you, Tenten. I appreciate the offer, but I should be fine."

"Are you sure? If you need a shoulder to cry on, I'm here." Tenten pressed softly.

"No, need." Mera shook her head, gracefully declining Tenten's offer. "Thank you for your concern. I assure you I'll be fine."

Mera's heart ached as her grief swelled inside it. Her suppressed emotions fought for freedom, causing Mera to grasp her knees in pain while she tried to regain control of her faculties. Tenten noticed the princess's struggle and stepped forward to help her; but Mera immediately stopped her.

"Please. Don't. Leave me. I want to be alone."

"But princess..." Tenten protested.

A soft tug on her arm prevented from continuing to press her. Surprised, Tenten turned around to face the mysterious person, grabbing her arm. She came face to face with the soft gaze of the princess's cousin, Akaru.

It was clear by his reluctant expression that he was just as worried for his cousin as she was, but he thought it best to respect her wishes. He motioned quietly towards the exit, subconsciously urging her to leave with him. Tenten volleyed her gaze from Mera to Akaru for a moment before following him to the hallway.

Alone once more, Mera let her suppressed emotions take control and succumbed to her grief. Hot tears poured down her face. Her lungs burned as she gasped for air through her soft cries. Her heart pounded uncontrollably as the cruel twist of fate sank in as her new dark reality.