Becoming Royal: Torn Hearts

Freya I lived in this village for several years now. My family had been nomads for several generations. My family had always been one with the Earth and we always pay respects to the Earth mother. The reason our ancestors had to become nomads was because of this. As many stopped protecting and worshipping the Earth mother. They began to look at our rituals and traditions as witchcraft. It was not. My mother was a healer but she used herbs and nature to help her achieve this. The Earth is very giving and has so much to offer if you just take care of her. Any answer you might need can be found within the Earth. Perhaps on the very ground, you stand on or the trees you pay no mind to. I was taught to believe this. When I turned thirteen, my mother was accused of being a witch again after she healed the son of a noble family. We were driven out of our home. We were chased with pitchforks and fire torches. I was separated from my mother and father. I got lost in the forest and wandered for days. As I slept on the ground and prayed to the Earth mother for help I felt protection. I was never scared on my own. I had a vivid and wild dream one night. Earth fairies came to braid my hair. They told me for being so brave they would each give me a gift. One gave me the gift of beauty, it told me I was going to be beautiful for all eternity. The other gave me the gift of memory. I could alter anyone's memory. Whether it was to add, replace, or erase anyone's memory I chose. They told me this would help me and keep me safe. I wouldn't have to run anymore. The third gave me the gift of Fauna and Flora. I would be able to speak to the living things of this world and they would be able to speak to me. I remember telling them I didn't want the gifts. I just wanted to see my parents. They told me they had died and also prayed to the Earth mother to keep me safe. I remember crying all night that night. The fairies helped me build a nice home deep in the forest. It was close to a village but still far enough that no one would come by. Many people were afraid of the forest. I never knew why. I wanted to stay far away from people. I didn't want to be near non-believers and I didn't want to fear for my life. They would never understand me. After what happened to my parents, I didn't care. I didn't want to be near anyone. Years went by and I lived at peace in the forest of Gaia. No one ever bothered me here. I would talk to the trees in the early morning and speak to animals in the evening. Many of the deer stayed close to me since they believe I could protect them. The birds always looked for something to eat so I would prepare fruit and seeds for them every morning. I had an unusual companion named Obi. He was a black cat with a white tip on his tail. He had glowing green eyes. "Good morning handsome," I said to Obi. I think he liked it when I said that. He would always purr and circle around my feet. I had so much to do today. I wanted to plant some new flowers and trees. Then I wanted to perform the ritual of life. It was performed once a year during a new moon to give thanks to the Earth mother. Out of all the rituals, I performed this was the most important and special to me. I planted the flowers and trees where I knew some were withering away and ready to be reborn. After, I went to the center of the forest and began the ritual. I sat with my legs crossed and prayed. I gave thanks for all of my blessings and gave my vow to always protect and serve our Earth mother. Finally, I had to wash away my past, my burdens, and my sins. I went to the lake deep in the forest. I got naked and swam to the center. I laid back and closed my eyes. I thought of my parents and how much they smiled. We had so many good times. I always wished I could have had more. I tried to let go of my pain but it was always hard. I heard a rustling sound behind me. I shot up from the water and was stunned to see a man staring at me. His eyes were sharp and piercing. They were light gray. The looked like the light of the moon. His features were sharp. He had an oval face shape and a hard-set jawline. His lips were thin and pale pink. "Wh-wh-at? What are you doing here?" I stammered to say. His gaze dropped down to my chest and then shot back up. He was looking at the sky as he began to speak. "I was picking berries and I got lost," he said. "What is your name?" "Revan," he answered. "Well, Revan, if you are from the village in the East, you just need to turn to the left and head straight," I told him. "Oh, okay," he suddenly smiled. His smile was wide and friendly. He brushed his hand through his black hair. "I really got lost didn't I?" "Yes, now please go," I told him. "I was in the middle of-," I didn't dare speak more. I had not completed the ritual and I was afraid if I told him he would tell others. They might come for me if they think I am a danger to them. "I am sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt your bath," he said. "It's okay, now go," I said again. He looked around. He began to walk the wrong way. "Revan, it's the other way," he smiled again and turned to walk the right way. "Hold on, tell me your name, please?" he asked. I was reluctant to but he did tell me his. "Freya," I said. "My name is Freya."