Derina: The Frozen City

Into The Past

Everyone continued to talk as they finished the meal, Lora sat quietly listening, not wanting to interrupt a reunion of family. As soon as everyone took their last bite, the fey appeared once again, whisking away their empty dishes and replacing them with beautiful crystal bowls filled with what looked like a brownie with ice-cream on top. 

“I thought we could try to make you feel more at home by making a more human dessert, Lora. I hope you like it, I wasn't sure what you preferred, but Amanda assured me that this was something you enjoyed on earth. Of course it's not going to be perfect, since we have different ingredients here.” Paxton explained.

Lora smiled, it was such a small simple thing, but it filled her with warmth. “Thank you, I really appreciate it.” 

Paxton just nods and begins to eat. Lora took a tentative bite, but she was not surprised when it was absolutely amazing. It was better than anything she has had back on earth. The brownie was thick and gooey and almost melted in her mouth, so rich and delicious. The ice-cream was smooth and ice cold, and so creamy. It tasted much like vanilla but with a nuttiness that she couldn't place, it paired perfectly with the rich chocolate of the brownie.

“It's absolutely amazing, better than the brownies and ice cream on earth.” she says, wanting to make it clear that she really did appreciate the gesture.

Paxton smiled, “I'm glad you like it, the fey will be delighted, they loved making it. They get so excited when I let them try new things, so if there's anything you really miss, let them know and they will do their best to make it.”

“I'll be sure to remember that.” she replied.

Just then Nerel spoke up, “you know, I always thought humans were boring and unimaginative, but this is amazing.” he gave Lora a wink and she couldn't help but let out a laugh. 

“Oh I know what you mean Nerel, why have we never thought of this before? It's life changing!” Aris chimed in dramatically. 

“But guys, you have drinks that change color! Nothing humans have, in terms of food and drink are anything like this!” Lora said, holding up the glittering drink and taking a sip. Then, it was Amanda's and James turn to join in on the laughter. Before long everyone was laughing and joking as Paxton watched with a bright smile. By the time dessert was done, everyone was in high spirits. even Paxton couldn't help but let out a chuckle occasionally when someone made a particularly funny joke, or told a dramatic story. Lora wondered what was in that glittering drink she had, she felt warm and happy, everything seemed bright and vivid, everyone's laughter was like music bouncing off the walls. She didn't feel drunk, she was still well aware of everything, it was more like she was finally relaxed. Before long though, laughter was cut off by yawns, and Lora realized how late it must be. 

“Alright everyone, I think it's time we all went to bed, tomorrow we will start preparing for the feast. Good night.” Paxton said, dismissing them all with a warm smile and a wave of his hand, then he stood up and walked off to his own room. Lora and Nerel stood up, preparing to head to bed, when Aris appeared at her side. “Would you mind if I walked you back to your room? I would like to talk to you, as I am to train you soon, I would like to get to know you a little better.” 

Lora looked to Nerel and he gave her an encouraging smile, then he turned and walked off. “Yes of course.” she replied, and the two of them began to slowly walk toward her room.

It wasn't long before Aris began to talk, “I'm sorry, it can't be easy for you to be here, in this strange world you do not know, surrounded by strangers. I'm glad Nerel was there to help you, he's a good person, unlike his father.”

Lora nodded, “yes he is very kind, james almost killed him though, when they met. It was quite intense.”

“I can imagine, james had no way of knowing that Nerel despises his father. If I had known Nerel and james were to meet so soon, I would have been here to make sure nothing bad happened.” 

“Your father and I handled it fairly well I think, but I do have a question.” Lora said.

“What would that be?” he said, looking at her questioningly. 

“Well, I was just a little confused today. James is the prince, and on earth, royalty is usually treated with the highest respect.” she began, “but here, it seems that james isn't treated the same way. Like when he attacked Nerel, Paxton told him that since he was in his house he must abide by his rules. And then again at dinner, you and I sat next to your father, instead of you and James, or even you and Amanda. I always thought sitting next to the head of the table was a sign of respect. So why am I treated with higher respect than a prince?” 

Aris nodded, “I understand why you're confused, and I'll try to explain the best I can. yes, james is royalty, and normally would be treated with the highest respect, except for when in the presence of a mage. Mages, because of their power, are held at a higher social standard than even royalty. Tonight, every person at that table was a mage except for james. Since we were at my father's home, he sat at the head. If my father had married, his significant other would have sat on his left, and his first born at his right. That is the same of every elven household. If a mage is dining with you, they always sit to the left of the head, usually after the spouse of the host. But since my father has never married, the mages sit to his immediate left, starting with the strongest. On the right is where the children sit, oldest to youngest, my seat was left free out of respect, Dalaeon’s was not because no one has seen him in years. If we were not at my father's home, me, my father and my sister would have sat on the left with you. Now, unless the host has a spouse, you always sit to the immediate left, unless it's your own home, or a dinner you're hosting.”

Lora pondered this for a moment, it made a fair amount of sense to her, even if it was a little strange. “Thank you for explaining that, one less thing I have to worry about at the feast.”

“It's no problem, I want you to know you can come to me if you ever have any questions. The next few days I'll be teaching you a lot of important elven etiquette to prepare you for the feast, so you will have plenty of chances to ask questions.” he explains. 

“When I was told I was to save the world and I had to train, I assumed it would be all combat and magic stuff. I never thought I would be taught etiquette of all things.” she says with a laugh. Aris cracked a smile, “yes well, unfortunately it's a necessary evil.” at that moment they stopped in front of Lora's room. “Anyway, I hope you sleep well. When you wake up in the morning, the fey should bring you breakfast, you can eat in your room, the garden or the dining hall. After that I need you to meet me in the library for lessons.” Aris explains, “good night  Lora.”

“Good night Aris.” she replies before stepping into her room.

A few hours later, Lora lay in her bed wide awake. She was so exhausted that she thought she would have fallen asleep instantly, but she didn't. Instead she just laid there, going over all the events of the day. It felt like it had been forever since she woke up that morning, with no knowledge of this world at all. She desperately missed Marlene, her mother, and yet, in just one day, she felt more like herself than ever. She sighed and rolled out of bed, walking to the balcony overlooking the garden. The warm breeze ruffled her hair. She looked around and for the first time she noticed a set of steps descending into the garden from her balcony on her right. Knowing she wouldn't be falling asleep any time soon, Lora took to the stairs, feeling slightly annoyed that an entrance to her room was so close to the front of the towers. Once on the ground, Lora began to realize why no one had brought her this way, the garden was huge, way too easy to lose yourself in. every balcony overlooking the garden had steps as well, if she tried to find her room from there, she was bound to get lost. Lora walked along a small cobblestone path away from her room, marveling at all the beautiful plants and trees. After a few minutes of walking she found herself next to the small waterfall she had seen from her room. She kicked off her slippers and held on to the edge of her nightgown and robe, making sure they don't get wet as she stepped into the water. She sighed, it was relaxing and cool. She heard a light chuckle behind her and she whirled around, holding her breath. Nerel sat a few feet behind her, leaning against a tree with blue leaves falling gracefully around him. She let out a sigh of relief, “oh, it's just you, why did you have to scare me like that?” she asked, stepping out of the water and approaching him. His face became a mask of innocence, “me? I didn't do anything, you scared me, appearing out of nowhere like that.” he gave her a smile and slid over a bit, giving her room to sit next to him. “What are you doing up so late, little mage?” he asked, concern clear on his face. 

“I could ask you the same thing, stranger.” she says, giving him a smile. She leaned her head back against the tree and  closed her eyes. “I cant sleep.” she admitted “so much has happened today, and I think it's all starting to sink in. The worst part is, I have to fight your father, who I know nothing about.”

Nerel nodded, clearly understanding. “I wish I could tell you everything will be ok, but for all we know, it wont. You've been given an impossible task, thrown into a world you do not know, expected to defeat an evil you've never faced. The most I can do is prepare you the best I can, and promise that at the end of the day, I will stand next to you, and I will fight my father alongside you.” 

Lora stayed silent for a moment. When she finally spoke, her voice was quiet, just above a whisper. “Nerel, your father is evil, I know that, but what is he like? I have to fight him, but I barely know anything about him.” she looked over at him and he met her eyes. In the still dim light of the night, Lora thought she could see pain in his eyes. “I can show you, if you would like. I can let you see my memories, or at least the one of when I learned the truth of my father.” 

“Would you do that?” Lora asked, “your memories are your own, I don't want to impede on your past.”

Nerel shook his head. “I don't mind, Lora, I trust you, and it's important that you know, if you are to ever fully trust me.” Lora went to argue, but he grabbed her hand, intertwining his fingers with her own. “It's ok, just close your eyes and clear your mind.” Then he leaned back with his eyes closed, and Lora did the same. Suddenly her mind was filled with pictures, and once again she felt the same as she did the first time she had a vision of Nerel.

 I never understood why my father hated me, I never did anything, as far as I can remember, to make this so. no matter what I did, he hated me. My father, Safield, is the greatest mage alive, or at least the most powerful. Growing up I tried my very hardest to harness my magic and be as powerful as he wanted me to be, but I was just never enough. I wished I could make him love me, and oh how I tried. My father never showed me an ounce of compassion or love, he was only concerned with creating a powerful heir to rule in his place once his reign was over. I heard him speak many times of another child, the same age as I, who was supposed to be so powerful she could even defeat Safield if trained properly, and naturally, he wanted her. As I trained every day, hoping to gain my father's approval, he would instead constantly fight to find this other child, and over time I began to hate her. Who was this girl who gained my father's favor while never even doing anything? Why would I never be enough while the girl was everything to him? Who was she, and why was she so special? As I got older I began to realize how horrible my father truly was. When I was a kid I remember many servants who would wander our Manor, taking care of everything, but over the years I noticed them slowly disappearing. At first I just thought they left to work somewhere else, but I soon realized my father would never allow that. And the remaining servants became quiet and skittish, refusing eye contact and rarely speaking. But even then, they still would disappear. One day when I was about 13, I decided to venture into our dungeons. My father strictly forbade me from ever entering them, he claimed it was his private work area that had no concern for a “powerless wench” such as myself.  But on that day, I disregarded his warning and proceeded to make one of the most important decisions of my life.

My father had gone away for the day, he claimed to have business in the capital, but he would be back before the evening's end. I only had a few hours, but I knew that was plenty of time. The dungeons were very dark and the air felt thick, so thick that I almost felt choked. When I first entered, I thought everything would be fine, it seemed almost normal. But as my senses adjusted, I realized there was something very wrong. something putrid filled the air, like something rotten, and I could hear low moans and gurgling noises coming from deeper in. I grabbed a torch off the wall and snapped my fingers. A flame burst into life, causing flickering shadows to fall across the stone walls around me. I walked down a narrow hallway that opened up into a large circular room. A desk sat in the middle, with parchment and bottles scattered across its surface. But the desk is not what grabbed my attention, instead, I was drawn to the walls of the room. Upon closer inspection, I realized that in the walls of this room there were about a dozen barred cells, creating a circle around the table. What I saw inside those cells changed my life completely. Each room contained about five to ten people, some elves, some nymphs, some fae. I realized then that the smell and noise were coming from these poor souls, and to my horror I realized they were the servants who went missing. They lay on the stone floor, barely able to move as tiny black mutilated daemons sunk their teeth into their flesh and fed on the poor people. Many of the servants looked near death, their veins black and visible under translucent skin, their eyes hollow and lifeless. They were being used to feed these wretched creatures. The horror of what I was seeing hit me so hard I doubled over, ready to vomit. I had to force myself up off the ground and I ran out of there as fast as I could. I wanted to help those poor people, but I knew there was nothing I could do. 

The fact that my father was using daemons to become more powerful horrified me. In Truth it was an extremely effective way to exceed your previous magical potential, but it was also extremely dangerous, and once done, you can never go back. Making a pact with daemons, even minor ones like the ones I saw, means giving up your soul completely. My only fear now was that these small daemons would not be enough for my father, and he would instead turn to stronger daemons who are harder to control. I thought of all the people in Derina who would suffer for his actions. The longer I pondered the fact of what was done, the more I began to understand why my father was the way he is. Selling your soul to demons leaves you void of emotion, leaving you with only the darkest of your feelings, and for my father, those feelings were already much too prominent. This also explained the harsh endless winter that fell upon Derina before I was born. The servants often told stories of Derina when it was lush and beautiful, a truly magical land, but no one ever explained why the world had been frozen. But no one needs to explain it now. It was clear that only a mage as powerful and evil as Safield could ever do something like this. Now for the first time in my life I began questioning everything about my father. He wasn't just ambitious and strict, he was evil, cunning, and heartless. What about my mother? I was always told she died in childbirth, and I assumed that was why my father hated me. But now, thinking back, the servants of the manor would always look away from me when they told me this. Is it possible that my mother did not die the way I was told? Could it be that my father may have done something to her? And if so, why? My head was spinning but I had to pull it together, if my father found out what I knew, he may just be willing to use me as his next victim for his pets.