0 - Dawn Of Silver

4 - An Unlikely Friendship

33rd day of the moon season 2440

If it had not been for the support of her mother, Azena would have spent the day locked up in her room. Obviously, running away in the middle of the evening at her age and with her social status was unforgivable and she deserved her punishment. On the other hand, she was beginning to learn how to manipulate adults by observing Serus who did it with their father. Nobody suspected that she, a girl of seven, would have such intentions. After all, it was not surprising because a young child learns by imitating. In this case, who was the Serus' model?

That morning, Azena was going to visit the market with her mother, her big sister Argent and a bodyguard. There were merchants who had traveled from Detmor, the neighboring kingdom. They were not discriminatory and therefore, they refused the invitation to the castle to give a chance to all to put their hands on their goods. Lady Rivatha was particularly interested in their spices that were impossible to obtain otherwise. Bayrne had been firm with her, insisting that she send a maid to retrieve what she wanted. Despite her usually mild temper, his wife had stood up to him, claiming that she needed to go out to get some fresh air and observe their people. She possessed a rare quality in a sovereign: a real interest in the well-being of her subjects.

Azena did not understand much, but she was just happy not to have to run away again to meet her new friend. The latter had invented her to join her downtown in the morning before their paths separated the night before. Evidently the little rebel had said nothing to her family; she knew better. Fayne was part of the peasantry and it was inconceivable that a noble formed a friendship with this kind of individual. She had heard it over and over again and she did not understand the reasoning behind it. Sometimes she wondered about her mental development. She was so different from those around her. She could not imagine revealing all her thoughts to her parents who were so conservative. The traditions had remained intact and the ancestors had to be respected according to them. But what happened when a tradition made no sense with society? What happened if the values of an ancestor did not resonate with you?

"Hurry up, Azena."

The silver-haired girl looked up and realized she was mechanically following Argent. She stopped a little too late and collided against her. For now, they were alone. Their mother wanted them to offer their prayers to Elysia, the goddess of light, joy and life. There was a statue of her in the most popular part of the castle. It was extremely well maintained and the decorations were extravagant. After all, deities were more important than any mortal. Moreover, Argent and Azena went there to try to win Elysia's blessing to ensure their safety during their trip to the market. Azena believed her mother now when she told them that people were unpredictable and sometimes wild.

But the experience of last night had also sowed doubts in Azena's conscious. She had deserved nothing of this violence and yet Elysia had abandoned her in need for help. Instead, she had been assaulted. Fortunately, Fayne was passing by to go home. Besides, it was she who had explained the meaning of witch to her. Apparently, the shades of her hair were feared. The rumors were that witches, no matter how old they were, bore this characteristic. Why did she inherit it? She did not practice magic. In truth, she did not even know it existed. This revelation explained many strange events, inexplicable ones. It was not uncommon for people to look at her oddly or not want to be in her presence. She understood now; she was perceived as a vile creature.

She was distracted by a flash of light. Her eyes fell on one of her locks. It was so beautiful: brilliant, devoid of ripples and healthy. No one had such hair. If it had been of another color, everyone would have fought to understand its secrets. Azena did not have one; it was natural. She barely needed to brush them. It was amazing and yet she felt her heart tighten with hatred. She who had always adored her hair.