Baby and Kitten

Arya and Faolin strolled through Du Weldenvarden,
each lost in their own thoughts, yet
acutely aware of each other.
When they reached the outer edge of Ellesmera,
they parted reluctantly.
Arya walked slowly toward her mother’s chambers,
her hand trailing, fingertips brushing lightly against every plant
she passed.

Chapter Five
Arya’s Twentieth

Arya rolled out of bed, pulling her tunic over her head.
She curled up on the window-seat choosing a book from the bookshelf.

“And o’re the gloaming sea,
a band of pirates came,
to slaughter all misfortunates,
who in their bloody path lay.”

Arya yawned, slamming the book closed,
selecting a different book from the shelf.

Chapter Three
Conflict

Arya walked nonchalantly into the outskirts of Ellesmera,
mentally willing no one to notice her.
No such luck.
“Princess Arya!”
Arya sighed deeply and turned around.
A tall elven guard was hurrying toward her, a worried expression on his face.
Arya inwardly groaned, but forced herself to put on a
Pleasant face.
“Yes?”
She queried.
“What is it?”

Feeling him shift slightly, Arya pushed herself upright.
“What happened?” he asked; tenderly feeling his head.
“Feels like an Urgal split my skull open with a battle ax!”
“Well,” said she, “you’re not far off. You fell into the lake
And split your head open on a submerged rock.”
“But, I don’t feel any wounds.”
Arya smiled, waiting for him to figure out the obvious.