Derina: The Frozen City

A Party Awaits

Lora’s eyes snapped open, she was relieved to see she was still in the garden, with Nerel sitting next to her. He stared at her with a worried look on his face. She raised her hand to her own face, and was surprised to find her cheeks wet with tears. She looked back at Nerel, squeezing his hand that was still gripping her own. 

“I'm so sorry Nerel. That must have been terrible.” she said, her voice breaking. 

Nerel smiled at her, but it didn't reach his eyes. “You don't need to be sorry, Lora. My father made his choice, and I'm glad I found out when I did, otherwise, who knows what I would be like now.”

Lora felt tears begin to well up again. She looked away from Nerel, not wanting him to see her cry. She couldn't help but feel like part of his father's neglect was because of her. 

“Lora,” he said quietly. “I wish I didn't have to show you that, no one knows about my childhood, but you needed to know what kind of person my father is.” he leaned forward, trying to see her face in the dim light. She looked at him, unable to hide the tears streaming down her cheeks. He gave her a soft comforting smile, before tugging on her hand and pulling her into a hug. “I told you before that I would stay and help you, I just wanted you to know why.” he said in a whisper into her ear. 

Lora nodded, “I'm glad you showed me Nerel.” 

Nerel pulled away and stood up, offering her his hand. “Now, I think it's time you try and get some sleep, Aris will be cross if you fall asleep during his lessons.” 

Lora smiled and took his hand, he pulled her up onto her feet, and she took a moment to brush off any dirt stuck to her nightgown. She put her slippers back on and followed him back through the garden. They walked slowly in a comfortable silence. Lora took the time to think about what she had seen. Safield had already made a contract with the daemon before Nerel was born, there was no way those small daemons he saw were the same as the ones that changed him. So what were they, an experiment? She had no clue, and she wasn't sure if it really mattered. There was one thing she was certain of though, and that was that Nerel was trustworthy. He saw what his father was capable of, she felt his horror first hand. There was no way he would side with his father. This thought gave Lora comfort, she needed someone she knew she could trust, someone she wasn't related to, or grew up with, and who knew the enemy. After a few minutes they reached the steps leading up to her room. 

“Lora, I was wondering,” Nerel started, “do you think you could keep the memory that I showed you between us?” he seemed nervous, and Lora felt her chest tighten. “Of course Nerel, I wouldn't even dream of telling anyone. As I said, your memories are your own, it's not my place to tell anyone anything about your past.”

He sighed in relief and smiled at her, “you do know I don't hate you, right? I know that in my memory, I hated you, and for a long time, I truly did. But I don't now, I couldn't." he almost sounded scared. Instinctively Lora grabbed his hand again. “I know Nerel, I never thought you did, if I was in your position I probably would have felt the same.” Nerel gave a small laugh, his icy blue eyes shining in the darkness. “I'm glad I met you today Lora,” he looked up to the glittering sky above.  ''I have a feeling you're going to save this world, and I hope I will see it happen.” Lora looked up as well, the sky was filled with bright stars that seemed to wink at her. She sincerely hoped he was right, she wanted to help these people more than anything. Nerel looked back to her one last time, and this time she met his eyes. “Good night Lora, sleep well.” he let go of her hand and took a step back. “You to Nerel, I'll see you tomorrow.” she gave him a smile as he turned and walked to his room. When Lora finally laid down in her bed, she thought it would be hours before she got any rest, but almost instantly she fell into a dream filled sleep.

***

The next few days passed in a blur, when she wasn't studying Derina’s history with Paxton, she was practicing etiquette with Aris. he taught her everything from how to walk, to what cutlery to use for what meal. She learned how to greet certain people, and even what colors were appropriate for each occasion, though he made it clear that she was to always wear something purple. After her lessons, Lora spent most of her time with Nerel, She wouldn't admit it, but she always looked forward to seeing him, though she sorely missed her two best friends. After their first night there, James went back to the castle where he could help his brother prepare for the party, and Amanda went with him, certain that she could teach the royal guards a thing or two.

Lora finally realized that it didn't matter if her friends were there or not, things had changed. They all had real problems they had to face, they were no longer high school kids on earth, and their friendship could no longer be what it once was. Aris and Nerel took it upon themselves to try and keep her in high spirits, the two of them turned out to be a great team, always finding new things to show her. Sometimes, the three of them would sit in a grassy section of the garden, Nerel laying on his back, telling stories he had heard as a child about Derina during its happier times. Aris would sit and braid flowers into Lora’s hair while occasionally adding details into Nerel's stories. Aris would also tell them stories about his best friend, Alrek, who was his second in command. He told them that Alrek was away, trying to bring back a group from one of the villages far to the north, but that he promised he would be at the party, eager to meet Lora. When Aris talked about him, Lora thought she could hear a wistfulness to his voice, and Nerel would tease him about how Alrek would not be happy about how much time he was spending with him. Lora couldn't help but laugh at the two of them, always bickering and joking, it was a welcome light in the dark world.

The day of the party was insane, people filled the towers, rushing back and forth, preparing, Paxton had a special dress made for Lora. A beautiful dark purple with a silver belt shaped like a vine wrapped around her waist. Little silver flowers seemed to  bloom from the belt, a tiny glittering amethyst in the middle of each small blossom. The bodice was heart shaped with half sleeves made from a shimmering sheer fabric hanging off her shoulders. She wore her father's necklace, matching her dress perfectly. Aris had done her hair, pulled up into an elegant pile of curls on the top of her head, many of the curls escaping and falling around her face. He had woven glittering silver strands into her hair, along with delicate crystal flowers. She looked so unlike herself that she didn't know what to do. The last 10 days, Aris had taught her well enough that she was confident that she could get through the night without too many mistakes. 

“Nerel should be over in a few minutes, he said he would escort you if you would like.” Aris said when he finished Lora's hair. 

“Yes, of course, I would rather not walk in alone anyway.” Lora said, unable to hide her nervousness. 

Aris set a hand on her shoulder. “Do not worry, you will be fine, you'll have a lot of fun, and me and Nerel will be nearby the entire time.” 

Lora smiled and nodded, not trusting herself to speak. 

“Alright, well I need to go, Alrek will be here at any moment to pick me up. I'll see you at the castle okay?”

“Ok, and thank you Aris, for everything.” she said, then she turned and gave him a hug.

“No need to thank me, I'm happy to help.” he said, returning her hug, then he turned and walked out.

Lora grabbed a heavy hooded silver cloak and clapped it over her shoulders. A few moments later there was a knock at the door, when Lora opened the door she was greeted by Nerel wearing a dark blue tunic with constellations woven into the fabric, just barely visible, making him seem to almost glow. As soon as he saw her he smiled warmly, “you look absolutely stunning, are you ready to go? It's just a short walk from here, the roads were cleared so it shouldn't take long at all.”

Lora smiled and nodded. “Lets go enjoy this party.” Nerel held out his arm and she took it gratefully. They walked through the twisting halls, Lora's' stomach knotted in anxiety. Her biggest fear was that she would not be what everyone expects her to be. As they step through the front door, a cold winter wind froze their faces. After spending so much time in the warm towers and garden, Lora almost forgot how harsh and cold the outside world was. They made their way through the winding streets towards the beautiful towering castle. The setting sun reflected off the layer of ice coating the pale white stone, creating fractured rainbows that coat everything In warm shimmering light. Many people fill the streets, making their way to the party, dressed in beautiful colors and finery. as they passed bustling groups, Lora could hear people talking excitedly. It's been so long since anyone had much reason to celebrate, she couldn't imagine how exciting it must be for everyone else. 

As they approached the castle, they passed through the gates into a breathtaking courtyard, a thin layer of ice covering everything just like the rest of the city. Branches on multiple trees gently swaying in the wind, ringing out softly when they collide with each other. The orange red light from the sunset shining through the ice, causing it to fracture. For a moment Lora's breath caught, it was so magical, just like everything in this strange beautiful world. Unlike the forest though, where  everything was bare of color and life, endless stretches of brown, white and grey, but the courtyard appeared to have been suspended in ice as it was. Vibrant flowers seemed to glow from under the ice, hedges lining the white stone walkways, still bright green and alive. At the doors of the castle stood James and a younger elf who looks a lot like him, with long almost platinum hair, and piercing forest green eyes. The two of them smiled brightly and greeted the guests as they arrived. Lora and Nerel stepped forward, and when James saw her his eyes seemed to widen, and his smile brightened. “Lora, you're here!” he quickly glanced at Nerel who stood next to her and nodded, “Nerel, welcome to the castle.” Then he looked back to Lora. “I wanted you to meet my younger brother, Alendor.” he said brightly, gesturing to the young man next to him. Alendor stepped forward and gave her a warm gentle smile, his eyes glittering in the ever growing darkness. “Welcome Lora, I am glad to finally meet you.” he bowed his head slightly, and Lora returned the gesture. “Thank you, I am happy to be here.”

Alendor turned to Nerel and greeted him in a friendly handshake, both of them gripping the others forearm. “Nerel, it's been a while, you really should keep in touch better, and now that my brother is here, We really must have another hunting trip soon.” James scowled behind him, and Lora had never seen him so distraught.

Nerel smiled, “yes of course, next time I'm free I'll be sure to inform you.'' Alendor smiled and nodded before turning back to Lora, but speaking to both of them. "I would like you both to stay out here with us until all the guests arrive, that way I can introduce you both to the crowd, along with James, paxton, and Aris.”

For the next  few minutes the  four of them stood at the door, talking and greeting people as they entered, until no one was left in the streets. many people seemed to stare at Lora as they approached, many times continuing to glace back even after entering the castle. 

Once everyone was inside, Alendor gestured for them to enter. “Alright, let's get this party started.” he said with a wink, making Lora laugh. Then he walked into the entrance hall, a beautiful room with white marble floors with veins of gold weaving through the stone. the walls were the same white stone as the outside of the castle that, on closer inspection, reminded Lora of white quarts, the way it seemed to glitter in the flickering light. a large gold chandelier hung from the roof many feet above them, filling the room with a bright warm glow. across from the doors, a staircase led down into the ballroom where Lora could hear voices and laughter swell up to them. Alendor asked them to stand at the top of the stairs as he introduced them one by one, starting with Aris and Paxton, who were already waiting by the stairs. "I would like you all to give a warm welcome to our first guests of the evening. our beloved mage of knowledge, Paxton, and his son, our very own leader of the rebellion, and next mage of knowledge, Aris." Alendor voice rang out over the crowed and everyone watched eagerly As they walked down the steps. Lora could hear cheers and laughter ring out, it was clear that they were well loved by everyone. Next Alendor introduced James, this time, his voice seemed to take on an edge of pride and excitement. “please welcome my older brother, prince Jandar, who has finally returned to us. After years of missing him, it brings me the greatest joy to reinstate him as the true crown prince.” Alendor smile was infectious and the cheers that followed were overwhelming. James smiled as he descended the steps, shaking hands with anyone he met as he reached the bottom. He turned around and smiled gratefully to his brother. Alendor nodded to him before turning to Nerel, “you're up, tough guy.” he said, gesturing him forward as he turned back to the crowd. “Next, I would like you to welcome my dear friend and our next mage of nature, Nerel, who brought us our truest mage back safely from the forest of time. Without his help, this war would surely be lost.” Nerel stepped forward as more applause broke out, Lora had been under the impression that Nerel's true identity had been kept secret, but it appeared that, not only did everyone know, but they still loved him and accepted him. The thought filled Lora with happiness, and suddenly she was less scared of not being accepted. As Lora watched, the only person she saw not clapping was James, and her heart fell a little. It hurt to see him hate Nerel so much, the james she knew never would have treated someone so harshly for something they could not control. Alendor saw her slight frown and looked at James as well. His face twisted into a grimace for a moment before he said quietly, “do not worry Lora, he will come around. He does not know Nerel, and he was raised not to trust people he does not know.” Lora nodded and he set a gentle hand on her shoulder, guiding her forward into the light of the ballroom. As people's eyes fell upon her, it seemed like all the air was sucked out of the room. The applause stopped and everyone stared up at her. Lora wasn't sure, but it seemed like everyone was holding their breath, either too scared, or too in awe to move. Suddenly Alendor voice rang out over the defining silence. “I am honored to introduce to you, Lanora, daughter of Marthel, the next true mage, who has returned to us after seventeen years. We have long awaited her return, and I hope you will accept her joyously.” for a moment, no one said anything, no one did anything, and Lora was filled with dread, afraid that they already hated her. But then as if a spell was lifted, everyone began to cheer and clap, smiles spread across everyone's faces, and Lora knew then that she had nothing to fear.