The Easel Chronicles; The Burning Hands

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Thirteen

Aravoen was awake long before the dawn sun was out. The sleep he had achieved was dreamless compared to his last moments in the land of dreams. He stared out across the street, the sleeping street of the city.

Most Ebrithians were in their beds at this early hour. Apart from the occasional sentry patrolling the street, Aravoen did not see any movements. Why was he being concerned about this city? Why was he awake before all and sundry in Mendil?

Slowly, his mind travelled far across Elliyon and the fields of Valoin, deep into the city of the fair folk. He secretly searched out her mind, trying to regain some ends of the control and calmness he had lost as he watched Edril and Siras batter each other verbally and publically.

It was like viewing the world from an out of body experience. His mind was slowly threading its way through the mighty doors of her chambers. Why was he looking for her, when he knew she would be of no help to him in Mendil? He knew the answer to that, but did not want to admit it fully. Like a bolt from the blue, he found her.

She was concentrated over a large number of books and scrolls. She sat on the table with the moonlight streaming through the window, providing light. Stars, she is beautiful. Aravoen could not help and marvel at her beauty. She would never seize to be beautiful to him. He did not wish to bother her as she stressed through what looked like something very important. She was the princess if Elvhelm after all. Heir to the throne of the elves but also, the love of his life and he was the love of her life. How tragic?

Aravoen smiled as he saw her flick her hair out of her eyes as the soft green gems spirited through page after page after page. Her long lustrous midnight black hair was loose and wild about her shoulders. She must have spent the night there by the window, deeply engrossed in her books. The stars only know what you are looking for princess.

Enjoying the view Aravoen? She startled him with a mental question. She had given him no hint that she had sensed him on her mind. Do not worry; you have the same effect as I have on you. Why do you think I let you just watch?

And to think I was trying to watch?

You were, she replied. You know you were, I liked every bit of it and yes I have been here the whole night Aravoen.

What are you looking for?

Answers to a lot of things. Things that I have to find and quickly too. Leonora paused. Yes I agree with you on one thing. That Siras character would have loathed my reaction to how he insulted you and Leo.

Wait, Aravoen was confused. You have been watching me the whole time?

Not... the whole... time, Leonora was embarrassed at being caught. It is... just that I miss you and can't help... checking to see that you are safe and unharmed.

That is... nice to know Leonora.

Maybe we should do this more often since it helps us both.

Yes, Aravoen was intrigued. Whenever time permits it, I will look for you...but what exactly are you looking for?

Something Aravoen, it is really a long story. One I would rather say in person Leonora said off handedly. Besides, I have nothing interesting except for old stories and gibberish.

What are they about?

Old kings and queens of Elvhelm. I am looking deeply into my family Aravoen. Leonora was being evasive. There things that are not written down properly. Maybe not even in the history books.