Aetholaidel

Chapter I

|Young Ariaella's Point of View| 

I laid in my bed waiting on Papa to come and tell me my bedtime story. Papa always told me about Aetholaidel. A beautiful place that only the truest of hearts can get there. Papa said he was the once soon-to-be crown prince of Aetholaidel before the Shawdins forced him to take shelter in the overworld, where he fell in love with my mama and had me. I waited patiently for papa to come and when he finally did he had a big smile on his face. Papa always worked late and never came home until right before my bedtime. Mama stayed at home to watch me and Dink my pet guinea pig. 

I moved over to make room for Papa to sit. He sat down and wrapped his big arm over me pulling me tight to his side. I snuggled in next to Papa and held Pummy my bunbun tight to my chest. Papa soon began his story of Aetholaidel. 

|The voice of Ariaella's Father| 

Through the Willow Tree and Into the land of Aetholaidel. Only the truest of hearts can pass through the Willow Tree to enter Aetholaidel's domain. Aetholaidel was home to many mythical creatures from all sorts of literature. The merpeople ruled the ocean's floor, while the dragons ruled the skies. Faries, Leprechauns, Unicorns, and more lavished the land. The Treefolk were the guardians of Aetholaidel's forests, while the Bunyips guarded the Fields. In the very middle of Aetholaidel sat the Great City Apriya. The castle is white with gold trimming throughout, the halls had rich marble floors and high painted ceilings. 

Majestic and rare paintings covered the halls, a long red and gold carpet laid out a path into the grand throne room. The throne room was where the Great King sat ruling over his kingdom. The Great King was loved by all those he governed over. He was fair and gracious to all, his queen ruled by his side. The Queen was beloved by all for not only her actions but her kindness. The Great King had one son named Remington Percival Orson Winthrope. Prince Remington was said to become the next crown prince of Aetholaidel. 

Aetholaidel was in an era of peace and prosperity, but that would all soon pass when the Great King would pass away from unknown causes. Aetholaidel would grieve the passing of their beloved king and soon tragedy was strike Aetholaidel. The Shawdins would begin to their terror on the kingdom. Aetholaidel would fall into decades of darkness and it is said that someone of the royal bloodline can save Aetholaidel and restore peace to the ruined kingdom." 

|Young Ariaella| 

I had falling asleep about halfway through papa telling me the story. That was until someone came in and picked me up. I opened my eyes and a tall male with blonde hair was holding me. He wore strange-looking clothing that shimmered like armor. On his chest sat the crest of the Winthrope family. My eyes felt too heavy to stay open and my eyes fell shut. 

When I woke up I wasn't in my bedroom, I looked around the room and called out for my Papa but I got no answer. I sat up and noticed that this room was much smaller and colder than I have been use to. Where am I and where is my Papa and Mama? I got off the bed and walked over to the door opening it slightly. I wasn't in my house anymore. I walked down the hallway following the voices that echoed. In a room stood three adults with the same fancy clothing that the man who was carrying me was wearing.  I looked at the three speak a weird language. I was scarred and just wanted my mama and papa. I help Pummy close to my chest as I said "Where is my Mama and Papa?" 

The older man with white hair turned and looked at me. He had a sad smile on his face as he crouched down in front of me. His big hand rested on my shoulder as he looked into my eyes. Tears were forming in his eyes and I turned my head in question as I looked at him before I said " why are you so sad?" The old man looked at me even sader as his voice cracked before he said "Young Princess, your father and mother were killed." Tears began to form in my own eyes as I looked at the old man. My mama and papa were killed, they were gone... 

Tears fell down my cheeks as I hugged the old man. I didn't have my mama and papa to comfort me anymore. I wasn't ever going to see them again, I was alone. If only Aetholaidel was there to save me.