The First Elven Queen

The room was dark, the curtains closed solemnly, and the only sound that could be heard was the ticking clock on the wall. The candles flickered, casting shadows onto the walls to show exotic tapestries of nature and a grand mirror. The floor was wood and of a dark color with area rugs with elaborately designed golden leaves around the border.  In the middle of the room was a massive tester bed of dark mahogany and dark red curtains. Within the bed, surrounded by massive white goose feather pillows, was a small human woman who almost looked to be swallowed by the bed. Her hair was a light, sandy brown color and curly, but most of it stuck to her forehead with sweat. Her eyes were squeezed shut and her mouth parted slightly as her chest heaved, struggling for breath. The wheezing coming from her throat was high pitched and wet sounding. Next to the bed was a young male sitting on a short stool, both of his hands holding on one of hers, holding her softly as if she would break. His violet eyes were glossy and his pale face was tight with concern. His straight hair was black, being held back in a low braid, showing pointed elven ears on each side of his head. He had on a loose cream tunic with eyelets along the collar that were tucked into tan trousers.  Knocking on the door, the sound hollow within the room, made the male’s hands flex, “Enter.” A thick ornate wooden door with a tree carved into it opened and a male and female walked in, the female holding a bundle in her arms. “My Lord.” The male spoke for both of them, “I think it is time…” The male was older and was short in stature. His skin was a honey gold color and with thin white hair that almost looked light enough to float. His eyes were almost the same gold color as his skin, the skin around his eyes wrinkled to further show his age. He shuffled in wearing a long dark tan robe and slipper shoes. “There is nothing more we can do, Ralnor?” The Lord asked, his voice thick. Ralnor and the female exchange a look, before the male answers, “No.” He took a couple of more steps, but stopped when his Lord tensed up, “Prolonging this is only making her suffer more.” The tension in the room soared and right as the Lord stood, the bundle in the woman’s arms wiggled, and let out a sharp wail. The woman seemed almost frightened by this and started rocking the babe frantically, stepping towards the door to take it out into the hall. “Bring her to me, Ynaselle.” The Lord leaned back from the woman on the bed, letting her hand fall limply to the bed. Ynaselle was a little taller than Ralnor, but only slightly, and was very thin. Her skin was fair and tight on her face, making her light blue eyes seem sharp against her features. Her dark blond hair was braided and wrapped into a small bun at the base of her head. She wore a layered dress of a dusky pink with silver hemming. Ynaselle almost seemed hesitant, but she quickly scuffled over to place the infant in his arms, “She is normally such a quiet babe, my Lord.” Standing with the cloth wrapped baby in his arm, he walked over to a covered window, and pulled back one side of the curtain to let the sunlight shine inside enough to get a proper look at the infant. This seemed to startle the new born, her cries turning into soft whimpers. The babe’s skin was pale, with a small peachy hue, and on top of her head was a small patch of black hair. Her face had scrunched up when the light entered her eyes, but as she blinked, she showed him the same violet eyes he shared with her. He reached up, to cup her face, his fingers rubbing the edge of her pointed ears, “Has my father heard of my wife’s illness yet?” “I do not believe so, my Lord.” Ynaselle answered quickly, her eyes lowered to the floor, “I’ve been keeping an ear out, but I haven’t even heard gossip yet.” He gave a small nod in her direction, “Then we must make haste before he does.” He looked towards Ralnor, “I expect you to find the most humane way to help my wife ease herself to become one with the Roots to join the Moon Goddess in her realm.” “Yes, my Lord.” He bowed low to him, “I have a few things to help make it as peaceful as possible.” “I will put my trust in you for this then.” The Lord’s command was soft, watching as the male scrambled from the room before he looked back to the Ynaselle, “I will give you the task of what we discussed before…” “Oh, of course, my Lord.” She looked down at the baby in her Lord’s hands, “They will ask if we have a name for her… Do you wish to name her before I leave or would you like them to name her?” His eyes flashed back down to the baby, who wiggled in his grasp. He cupped the back of her head and held her bottom to hold her out in front of him meticulously. His eyes flickered over her entire form, as if searching for her name on her very body, but when his eyes looked at the baby’s again, the violet irises of his eyes glowed. “Ayla.” He leaned forward, his lips like feathers against her skin, and kissed her small forehead, “Wait for me, Ayla.” He took a moment longer before nearly shoving the child into the Ynaselle’s arms, “You must use haste and once you reach the human kingdom, watch the establishment for a week or two to make sure they do not abuse her.” “Of course, my Lord.” She paused when he reached into the pocket of his trousers and pulled out a large bag that clinked with coins, “There should be enough.” His eyes flickered to see the door open again and Ralnor walked back in with a doctor’s bag, “Go, now.” “I will find her a good home, my Lord.” She took several steps back before bowing the best she could to him, sweeping from the room. Scrambling through the halls and down staircases, she made her way to the kitchens where she proceeded to gather provisions for the trip. Before long, she had a sack slung across her back and the baby back in her arms. Stepping outside, she looked up at the structure behind her, eyeing the daunting castle that stood with white stone and red-brown roofing. There were five thin round towers dominating the skyline, four of them connected to the outside walls while the fifth one was directly in the middle of the castle grounds. Tall windows, some stained glass, were placed generously along the towers and walls asymmetrically. Orienting herself, she made her way towards the sound of neighing horses and clopping hooves.  It didn’t take her long to find the stable boy, “I need a strong and fast steed,” She reached into her pouch to flick a couple of silver pieces his way, “Quickly.” “Yes, ma’am.” His answer was excited, his fingers pocketing the coins, “I have the perfect stallion.” He started towards a stable, “I just need to saddle him.” She only nodded, watching as he pulled out a blond steed and proceeded to tie him so he could grab his equipment. When it was ready, she handed the baby off to him, who looked startled at the precious package, but was quick to hand it back to the woman who secured the baby to her chest, tying the makeshift sling around her. “You are not to speak of what you just saw.” She warned, “When I return and I am satisfied, I just might have more coin for you.” She pressed her heels into the sides of the horse before the boy could answer, taking off out of the stable.