Fauna Quest for the Evergreen Tree chapter 7

Fauna, Quest for the Evergreen Tree Chapter 7

Willow sat in the corner of Fauna's window. Glistening tears streamed down her pale face, Reth entered the room and looked at the elven princess from a land far from their own. Even as the Weeping Willow cried her face was the most beautiful sight he had seen that day.  He slowly padded his way to the young woman that was gazing teary eyed out the window. She looked toward him but had no reaction, Reth looked slowly to the ground as he remembered why she was weeping. His sister, his brave, sweet and stubborn sister had been slain by the dragon that had ripped through the peaceful valley. A high pitched scream pulled him away from his thoughts. Willow hadn't screamed she was staring wide-eyed out the window her face in clear distress. "Reth! Help the child please!" Reth darted to the window and stared at a young elf girl being held in the arms of the guard, she was obviously young, probably around 6 years old. Reth leaped out the window using his tunic to slow his fall. He landed 2 feet away from the guard. "What is the matter? Is this young one causing trouble?" Reth took a closer look at the girl, she had shorter hair than the usual elven girl, auburn in color. Her indigo eyes looked at Reth imploringly. "Please, are you the prince? I'm looking for my brother, he has been with the princess lately. I must find him." Reth's eyebrow raised, his sister had been seeing an elf? He looked down at the young girl with sympathy. "What is your name child?" the girl tilted her chin upward. "I am no child, my name is Elspeth." Reth smiled and looked up at the guard, "Release the child! She is now royalty, do not touch a hair on her head without my permission." Elspeth looked at him, stunned. Reth smiled, "Tell me, Elspeth, where are your parents?" tears filled Elspeth's eyes. "My father left and the dragon killed my mother, Rowen is all I have left!" Reth winced. "I'm sorry Elspeth, the dragon took your brother as well." Elspeth stared at Reth blankly, her eyes clouded over and she sways dangerously. Reth caught Elspeth before she fell to the ground, he looked to the guard. "You there, prepare a room for this girl and call for the tailor. Also, have the cook make a meal for the child she's as light as a feather." The Guard quickly went to supply the Prince's request. Reth looked up toward Fauna's window. Willow had a smile on her face and Reth's heart melted as he carried Elspeth into the castle and away from peasant life.
Fauna stared awestruck at the land beneath her as she and Rowen soared on Erithna's back, her silver wings glistened blue in the light of the sun. Rowen sat tight on the dragon scowling as he held onto one of the horns protruding from Erithna's head. Erithna turned and Fauna fell onto Rowen, arms wrapping around his chest to keep her balance. A smirk replaced the scowl as color rose onto Fauna's cheeks. Beneath her fields of colorful flowers made a perfume that was irristable, the flew over rivers and forests, leaves wet with dew, they flew over a desert of silver sand and finally came to a stop at a silver gate. "Here I must leave you, child." Fauna looked stunned at the dragon that she had ridden on for weeks on end, only stopping to eat the delicious fruit that filled the Everland. The place was perfect, and yet a darkness lingered over it. She did not realize how soon she would discover what the darkness was. "Will I see you again?" asked Fauna wrapping her arms around the gentle dragon's neck like a small child. Erithna seemed to smile. "We will meet again someday, now go, my children, complete your journey. Defeat my father." Rowen motioned Fauna to follow him through the gates, she followed him, into an unknown world.