𝑨𝒓𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒉 | ✔️

3 | The Intruder

Summer, 5th June 864AD - Noon

I followed Aidan through a rocky trail towards the woods.

My sapphire-blue gaze ran up the colossal pine trees, which rose for miles towards the heavens. They were never-ending; providing a barrier between the village and the woodlands. Flora grew around the lush pasture, creating a sweet fragrance of lavenders and wild flowers into the warm atmosphere. Dried autumn leaves in pallets of apricot, amber and chestnut crunched under my feet.

Breathing in the air, I bask myself with the tranquillity of the woods. One of my favourite past times was strolling through the woods, often by myself, and getting absorbed by the whimsical surroundings. I came here to ponder, but it was mostly to escape from the bustling village life.

I am certain I was cursed to live a miserable life as a seamstress apprentice. Believe me, you would not want to spend the rest of your days spinning wool or cringe at Einilda's grating voice as she forced us to quicken our speed. After my shift finished, I received a couple blisters on my fingers.

I must persuade Einilda to let me find another occupation. Something that is not so burdensome and tiring. Perhaps being a physician's assistant or just doing father's books would be good enough for me.

Aidan led us up a steep trail, winding up to a clifftop.

Opposite the cliff, clouded by a thin layer of fog were cliffs and sea stacks, which any lone traveler could mistake for islands.

We stood on the clifftop where moss covered the floor, thick cypress trees sprang up to the heavens and undergrowth tangled our feet.

Down below, the river stream joined the endless ocean stretching out for miles. Up here, the atmosphere felt cooler; the crisp cool breeze spiraling through our hair and the scattered leaves around our feet.

"They say forest spirits and elves roam these woods," Aidan declared. "My ancestors believed them. Back when they used to follow their pagan ways."

I squinted from the blinding sun. I glanced around, hoping to spot the said creatures. Seeing they were not present, I raised a skeptical brow.

"Well, we were foolish to believe nonsense things before our people converted." I chuckled. "Though, these legends about elves and forest spirits are intriguing, I must admit."

Aidan nodded.

"Indeed. Yet, a small part of me does believe in their existence." He then lowered his voice to a whisper. "They might be here, hidden in tree trunks or shrubs, watching and listening. Be wise with your words, Ardith. If you deny their existence, then an elf will die."

I gave the prince an amused look. My mouth twitched to a smile, and then I laughed.

"Oh, I'll be very cautious, Your Majesty." I gave a small curtsy. "I wouldn't want to hurt your little fairy friends."

"Don't believe me?" Aidan gestured non-specifically at a pine tree. "That tree is actually a forest spirit in disguise. She was cursed by an enchantress. At least according to one of the folklore."

Rolling my eyes, I pushed past the delusional prince.

"We can waste our time with your silly fairy tales or," I unsheathed my sword, and a wide grin set on my face, "we can train. Draw out your sword."

Chuckling, Aidan pulled out his bow and an arrow from his quiver.

"Actually, I was hoping we do archery first. Are you any good?"

I hesitated. "Um, I'm not the most experienced. I've never really held one before."

Aidan gaped at me, shaking his head.