Kingdom of Gold {chapter 3}

Chapter 3:

Lady Illora was one of Noramound’s few residents whose entryway had an actual piece of wood fastened to its hinges. Like the other entries, the doorway was arched to a point and was tall in the building; viridian green moss networks rising on the walls and webbing some of the floor. If someone in the city were to request directions to Lady Illora’s quarters, one would simply say to look for the most foliaged building in the easterly branch, the entry with the shiny, brass doorknocker and a line of morning glories blue as the deep beneath the window sill.

Other than the fact that the Elves’ preferred free, open areas and structures that intertwined with nature, not many others had a high enough status to earn such a token of privacy.

“Lady Illora,” Ellyon tapped on the brass doorknocker a few times, wicker basket suspending from her forearm, “I have completed those errands.”

The door swung open, its rusted bolts creaking; a plead for oil. Ellyon stepped inside and shut the door behind her. After removing her cloak by untying it at the neck, she hung it carefully on one of the hooks by the entrance and set the groceries on the long, wooden table in the kitchen. Taking a seat on one of the benches, she shoved aside some of the tin kettles and copper bowls filled with grounded herbs and healing liquids.

By the looks of it, Lady Illora has been busy lately. I should clean this up for her. Ellyon stood back up and started transferring the potions and remedies into the glass jars sitting on the other side of the table.

Skillfully, with high proficiency, she mixed, crushed, and added ingredients to the brews called for on the list. Flipping through the pages of the Book of Elven Remedies to double-check her combinations, Ellyon tightened lids in the jars and sorted them according to category.

Once these tasks were completed, she took a seat back down on the bench and inspected every inch of the priestess’ quarters. Stone walls that shimmered like starlight rose high into a definite curve while sterling silver light fixtures dangled from the ceiling. Built into the wall of the far, right corner was fireplace burning with a bright, blistering flame. The flame lit up the eyes of the iron face smiling behind it and had a similar glow to the white one that shone from the broad, open window beside it.

Metal pots and tin pans sat on the ledge of the fireplace and about the walls on strands of wire. Buckets carved from logs, clay pitchers, and wicker baskets stood beside and on top of the tables flooded with vegetables and herbs; an assortment of jars filled with a concocted remedies sat on the shelves; and various old manuscripts and pieces of papyrus lay beside them.

Ellyon returned her gaze to the table, more specifically, on the vase of wilting flowers before her. Tilting her head, she studied the sagging buds. She flexed her left wrist, a silvery glow radiating from her hand, and waved it over the plant. As her hand passed it, the drooping flowers slowly emerged, regaining their color and craning their heads toward the nearest window.

“Able to use your abilities devoid of strain? You’ll make a fine, young heroine.”

A tall, slender woman strode into the kitchen, fully clad in a white robe with flowing sleeves. She had fairer skin that seemed to shine with an inner sun. Her long, ash blonde tresses cascaded over her shoulder like a waterfall, and upon it a circlet of silver which all the greats wore. Her face was ageless, both youth and wisdom carved into her peaceful expression, pointed nose, and curved lips. Bearing eyes clear as skies, she was a kindred soul of the earth, a high priestess.

Ellyon removed her elbow that was propped up against the table and instantly straightened her posture. “I apologize, Lady Illora. I did not know you were keeping your sanctum in a certain order.” She bowed her head, peering up at the priestess from under her black bangs.

“It is much more convenient now. You do what you are asked, and more,” she glided across the floor and towards one of the bookshelves, “Your skills are also beyond those of the other students.”

“Most likely because I have a master as my mentor.” Ellyon lifted her head back up and brushed her fingers along the pages of the Elven remedy book.

Illora paused in her tracks and settled her hand on one of the window panes. She absorbed its light as she drew a breath, her eyelids fallen. “Or because of your diligence and ambition. Mastery is not possible without strong will.”

Ellyon picked up one of the flowers and twiddled its stem between her thumb and her forefinger. “I can dedicate as many of my days sticking my nose in a books and rigorous training, but it will never make them accept me.” she scowled at the manuscript, remembering how foolish it was of her to try when all odds were against her.

“Perhaps their favor isn’t worth winning. The only favors worth gaining are from those who either respect or care for you,” Illora placed a hand on Ellyon’s face and lifted her chin. With a simple touch, Illora transferred some of the sun’s energy into her,“ But you cannot say there is not even a single light in the shadows of isolation. There may be more by your side than you think.”

Ellyon blew up at her bangs and smiled.

“Now for the reason I requested your presence,” Illora pulled a brown, paper package off one of the shelves and placed it on the table. Ellyon glanced down at it in uncertainty and then back at her mentor.

“Go on, now,” Lady Illora nodded, “Evening will be here sooner than you think.”

Swallowing whatever she was about to say, Ellyon pulled the cord that held the package together and tore at the paper.

“Wha-What is this?” Ellyon’s eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets as she a stared, awestruck, by the silk gown dangling between her fingertips.

“We won’t find out until you try it on.”

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“Why don’t you take a look at yourself, now?” The priestess beamed at Ellyon from the seat of her couch, “You can only waste so much time avoiding the future.”

Ellyon tugged on one of the off-shoulder sleeves, gulped, and headed toward the mirror on the opposite wall. She practiced walking carefully, slowly making her way there. Just seconds before she saw her reflection, Ellyon closed her eyes, fearful of what would stare back at her.

“There’s no reason to be afraid,” Lady Illora assured her, rising from her seat before rapping an arm around Ellyon, “Open your eyes.”

And Ellyon did, mesmerized by what she saw.

The gown clung to Ellyon’s body, its perfectly structured corset complimenting her slim silhouette. Her dark curls fell just below her waist where the velvet belt met the pale blue of her skirt. The front of her corset beared the beauties of nature, adorned with crystal flowers and silver butterflies.

Ellyon had never worn a garment that extravagant. She’d grown accustomed to jerkins and hunting boots for adventure, and always settled for the plain dresses when gowns were ever available to her.

“Lady Illora,” she bit her lip, winded, “I don’t know what to say.”

(and that's as far as I got xD, so don't get upset that there's no plot or conflict just yet )