The Witches Brew

The Guest

The hunting party arrived at the outer town just as the sun began to rise. Bathing the sky in a yellow orange glow chasing away the dark of night. Rays of light reached out like fingers touching everything. Her body shivered as the cold air bit at her wet clothes. Leon felt her and while he was cold himself, he didn't care. The feel of that tiny body shaking against him had him slowing his horse, so the wind didn't hit her as harshly. "We are almost there, and we will get you something warm and some dry clothes."

Andraya nodded shifting some with her arms behind her back. This ride had been quite uncomfortable, the bumping and hours with her arms behind her back. Looking at the forest disappear she wanted to cry at her misfortune. After all she would probably become a slave to this man, that's what her grandmother always told her, elves were slaves to the humans. Tears fell before she even knew it, and a thumb brushed it away causing her to look up at him. Emeralds stared at her crystal blue eyes, they just continued to look at each other ignoring just about everything else. Her cheeks turned a light shade of pink causing her to look away from him. Leon tilted her chin to look at him confusion evident in his gaze, but his touch was gentle. "How old are you?"

"16, I turn seventeen next week." Junior was shocked at how young she was and so was Leon. Andraya knew she was still a child, but that didn't mean she was any less. Leon opened his mouth trying to find words, but he couldn't find them. Looking ahead they had finally arrived at the castle, he got off his horse as a servant came up to guide the horse to the stables. Grabbing her waist, he helped her down, she was standing very close. Leon's hand went to touch her hair before he stopped himself and turned her around to remove her restraints. He was leading her inside when she turned and began running towards the entrance. "No! Wait!"

'I am coming. Are you ok?'  Elijah howled as he tried to get to her quicker than he's ever ran before. The white wolf watched as the archers aimed their bows at him, he growled as he continued to run straight for the gate. He saw Andraya being held back by that boy that had been watching her. At least here Nia couldn't get her, maybe now he could take her back home.

"No! Please don't hurt him." Tears fell as she fell to her knees crying. Junior and Leon exchanged a silent conversation before Leon touched her back and causing her to look up at him. "We won't he can join you." Andraya jumped up into his arms thanking him repeatedly. Leon was completely shocked by her reaction, a small smile tugged at those full lips. A knowing look from Junior had him clearing his throat.

The archers had lowered their weapons when Junior's voice boomed out orders. Elijah ran right towards her growling at the Prince who still hadn't let her go. Leon let her go and she hugged the wolf that was almost the same size as her. Andraya smiled and seemed extremely happy about the wolf being with her. Now everyone was present they began the trek to her room; Leon getting clothes delivered to it so she could change.

White walls decorated with tapestries and paintings. Flowers sat on tables and there were some places to just sit and talk. Two chandeliers that provided light when the candles were lit. She wondered how someone could possibly light and put out so many candles so quickly, let alone how they even reached them. Elijah smiled, which scared a maid that saw the toothy grin, he enjoyed her sense of wonder and remembered when she first went to town. The sights, sounds, and smell were all new to her. At one point she had stopped to watch a baker with amazement. Elijah had been lost in his thoughts when the hall became deathly quiet. That’s when he noticed the sparkling dust that swirled around Andraya  Chuckling Junior tapped her shoulder softly. “Let the servants work. It makes them nervous to hover.”

Following by her side he was aware of the guards that stiffened by the presences of the prince. They came to a wooden door and Leon opened it showing stairs circling up off the right. Elijah stood in front of her and waited for Leon to go first. He didn't trust either but the boy behind them seemed to understand more than the one in front. After Leon went Elijah followed and they climbed up the tower. He opened the door and allowed them into a room with a wardrobe, a vanity, and a bed. The bed had four carved bed post, that shined in the sun. It was gold with green sheets and runes covered the whole room and even the bed. Her head tilted to the side as she reached out to touch the runes. It glowed blue and her eyes got wide. "Now for introductions I am Crowned Prince Leon Dragonheart. This is Borris Bosworth Junior. May I please have your name?"

"My name is Andraya. It's a pleasure to meet you." She said bowing slightly to show respect. Looking around at the room she noticed it was so bare and kind of cold. A soft smile as she thought maybe a flower or two would really brighten the place up.

"You are allowed to wonder the grounds, but do not leave the castle. I promised to treat you like a guest and I will, but do not leave." Leon said leaving he had to go find his father and explain the witch. He was proud that he had managed to find her.

Junior shook his head as he followed after Leon. "You know we were supposed to find Nia. This girl is not Nia, our dads are going to be pissed." He said to Leon as they reached the end of the stairs. Shrugging Leon knew that this girl was the key to finding Nia even if he couldn't explain it.

Andraya looked at Elijah and smiled softly. "Let's go explore." She said and left the large tower to go explore. Maybe she could find a garden or the horses. A smile plastered her soft features, anyone who looked at her couldn’t help but smile. She was walking down the hall, looking around out of one of the large arch windows she saw a garden. Worrying her bottom lip, she wondered how to get there. Asking someone she saw walking past they happily showed her the way. Andraya took helped with the large pile of clothes. They talked along the way which only made Andraya happy. Elijah followed and felt relaxed from the magic seeping out of the young princess.

The beautiful green grass so perfectly manicured and the flowers restricted to their bushes or areas. A single tree that created shade in the corner, and she just walked looking at the beauty of it all. Resting against Elijah as she sat under the tree, he allowed his body to curve around her to better protect her. Sleep took over as the birds song and gentle breeze lulled her exhaustion. The runes gave off a dull glow as her magic seeped out of her in the relaxed state. Rumors were quickly spreading through the palace and many servants, even guards were trying to figure out who this beauty was.