Fauna Quest for the Evergreen Tree chapter 2

Fauna The Quest for the Evergreen Tree
Chapter 2

Rowen ran through the forest chased by the king's guards, all he wanted was one gold piece to buy some bread for his sister, Rowen hooted with glee as he scampered up a tree with a gold piece clenched in his teeth. His tattered robe ripped against a branch but he kept climbing. The guards were on his tail and he had nowhere to hide. Up in the treetops, Fauna watched as her Father's guards chased a young elf around her age. “What's this?” she asked smiling to herself. As the King's daughter, she never got to do anything exciting. Except for scouting but the Giant that she had shot earlier was her first thrill in weeks. Fauna grabbed a light blue piece of silk and wrapped it around her nose and mouth. Then taking one good look at the tree in front of her, she jumped. Taking her bow she aimed for one of the guard's robes. And let loose. The arrow flew and struck the guard as he was climbing. The guard pulled the arrow out of his robe and looked around for the attacker. “Father would be so angry if he knew what I was doing right now,” said Fauna smiling to herself. She made her way to the end of a long branch, the boy was just feet away from her now. “Grab hold!” she called out to him, stretching her white smooth hand to meet his. He jumped and grabbed hold of her hand and she swung him up to her.

“Let's run rebel.” she laughed darting ahead of the elven boy who was looking at her shocked. But not wanting to get caught by the guards he chased after the strange elf who was sprinting in front of him. Eventually, the guards gave up and headed back to the village. Rowen turned, panting, to see the girl take off her mask. He gasped and dropped to one knee. “Princess Fauna, I'm sorry to have caused you trouble.” He said looking at the ground. Fauna sighed and lifted the young elf's chin.

“No bowing, please, I have to deal with enough of that at the palace.” Rowen looked up and met the Princess's eyes. They were warm and full of laughter. But her face showed no expression. Fauna looked at the young elf curiously. He had dirty blonde hair the fell below his shoulders, and two strands of hair were tied behind to meet each other. He had a chiseled face that crinkled when he smiled. And eyes that were almost purple in color.

“What is your name young one?” Fauna asked, face hard and noble once more.

“Rowen, Rowen of the northern quadrant.”

Fauna sighed and looked down at her feet, the northern quadrant was the poorest place in the village, no wonder this elf's clothes were torn and dirty.

“Come, and give me that wretched piece of gold.”

Rowen's face turned an ashen white and he tried his best to lie.

“Gold? I know of no gold.”

Fauna laughed.

“Do not try to lie to me Rowen of the northern quadrant, I saw that piece of gold between your teeth when you took my hand, don't tell me you swallowed it, for a piece of gold is great wealth in the northern quadrant.”

Rowen felt the smooth coin in his pocket before giving it to the elven princess.

“What do you know of the northern quadrant?” Rowen mumbled beneath his breath. Fauna stiffened.

“I was born there.”