Chapter 2: The Bear and the Prince

Chapter 2:

The Bear and the Prince

            “Let’s talk about this after the night is over.” Bijan whispered, I nodded and looked to the crowed of elves, most of them I knew, and were staring at Bijan intently. There was one in particular who seemed to be moving around a lot though, he was pushing his way t the front. As I got a better view of him, I saw that it was Bjarne; I hadn’t told him the whole truth earlier today. “Now lets celebrate with each other the birthday of our Sunshine with dancing and fellowship!” Bijan announced. The crowed of elves cheered and I hugged Star and Bijan, I walked to the floor where all my friends were.

            Sweet Aaron was there, “Aaron you came!” I smiled, “Of course! I couldn’t miss my favorite princesses birthday! Would you like to dance?” he asked. I nodded and he took my hand, “How are the nerves?” he asked. I shrugged, “They’re okay, I’m just worried about the upcoming mass of suitors. I just know Bijan and Star have been planning something.” In fact, I was worried about what guys they had picked out for me to get to know. Aaron smiled, “Well, any man would be more than blessed to be with such a beautiful and kind woman.”  I smiled, “Thank you Aaron.” Then a finger tapped on Aaron’s shoulder.

            “May I have this dance?” the voice was familiar, Aaron bowed, “Of course! Have a good evening princess.” Aaron kissed my hand and walked away, the new man turned out to be Bjarne. “Well, I wasn’t expecting this.” He snorted, “Expecting what?” I asked. “You just being the princess!” Bjarne spit, I could sens the sarcasm growing in his voice. “Yes, I am but I’m not related though, my aunt is a future-gazer, so we live with the royal family.” I explained. He stared at me with his intense eyes; I started to feel a little dizzy. “You don’t seem like someone who lives in a royal family. You know… those who rebel usually want to get away.” He grinned.

            “I like them, they treat me and my aunt well. I like the workers and everyone in the kingdom as well. I just like exploring, I don’t want to work in the palace if that’s what you mean.” I retorted. “You never hinted you lived in the castle. You must be that princess that everyone seems to love in the towns.” He sneered. I looked at him, “I’m sorry, are you upset?  We just met today, so I don’t understand why you’re so interested in this?” I shot back.  “No reason, except for the fact that you’re not a normal elf.” He said. I rolled my eyes; Bijan came up thankfully with another man in tow, “Excuse me Little One, I have someone for you to meet… who is this?” he asked.

            “Bijan, this is Bjarne, I met him today… on my way back from the market.” I lied, I felt bad lying to Bijan but he couldn’t find out I left the royal city. “Hello, where are you from?” Bijan asked, “I come from Pike, I’m an animal speaker.” Bjarne gritted his teeth. “An animal speaker! Well, you must come and tell us what is going on with our lemur, he hasn’t eaten in weeks, please come by tomorrow afternoon.” Bijan said. Bjarne bowed and walked away, how rude, he didn’t even say goodbye. “Now Little One, this is Azure, he is from the northern kingdom, he is staying here for a few days to get to know our kingdom.” Bijan said. “Hello Azure, I hope you’re enjoying the weather, it must be warm compared to what you’re used too.” I curtsied.

            Azure smiled, he had beautiful green eyes and blonde hair that reached down his back. “I think he wants us to dance.” He whispered leaning to kiss my hand, I smiled, “I think so too.” Bijan went away smiling; he looked pleased with himself, “How are you this evening?” Azure asked. “Its been nice, but I’m not one for crowds.” I smiled, “I see, more excited to relax afterwards away from commotion.” He said. I nodded, Azure was handsome but, he didn’t banter the way I do so I was becoming bored. I looked around to see if I could see Bjarne, I couldn’t stop thinking about why he was so upset.

            That thought reminded me about my gift, it wasn’t anything spectacular but I knew that Star would be happy about it. “How did you get your name?” I asked, “I learned how to play all kinds of instruments when I was young and found my gift was in playing music to calm others.” He explained. That’s interesting I heard of those sorts of things before, “Usually that’s used to drive away the bad spirits as well?” I asked. Azure nodded, “Most of the time, but sometimes, when someone is upset, I can calm them and they begin to think clearly again.”

            He was someone Bijan would love, but I wasn’t interested, despite his appealing looks he was too boring conversation wise. He didn’t even seem to enjoy jokes or deep conversations. “Thank you for the dance, its been lovely but I must go, I have someone waiting to speak to me.” I curtsied. “Yes, have a good evening princess.” Azure bowed, looking a little defeated and walked away. I saw Bjarne by the stairs to the palace; he was dancing with two little girls who were laughing at everything he said and did, he seemed so skilled with them. I walked up hoping he would respond kindly, “Bjarne, would you mind accompanying me on a walk?” I asked, he said goodbye to the little girls and stood up.

            He nodded and I put my arm around his so Bijan would think it is all friendly business. “The garden is my favorite place to go to when I can’t seem to get away from everyone.” I mused, “We both know that the garden is not what you wanted to talk about.” Bjarne growled. The more of his personality I got to see, the more I understood his name. “You’re right, I wanted to know why you were so upset?” I asked, Bjarne sighed, “I suppose my agitation was directed toward you because of an experience I had once with a different royal family.” He explained. “I was afraid you were like the other princesses I have met… selfish, and deceiving. However, from watching you a little more tonight, I was mistaken.” He admitted.

            Bjarne then began to tell me about his past with an elven princess from the desert, this princess had befriended him and he fell in love with her, but she used him for his gift and wasn’t in love with him. When he looked at me, my hands began to sweat, my gift started up, I could suddenly hear his thoughts and feel his emotions. He wanted to say that he found me attractive but decided against it because we had just met, and he didn’t think I would feel the same. I smiled, “I promise, I’m not like her, I’m quite honest with everyone, except for when I leave the castle… please don’t tell Bijan or Star about that.” Bjarne laughed, “I’m sorry for the way I spoke to you earlier tonight.” “Its okay, did I tell you I discovered my gift?” I asked.

            “No you didn’t, but we should get back, I suspect everyone is looking for you.” Bjarne said, we stood up and walked back to the castle. “This is where I leave you, I must go but I will come tomorrow.” Bjarne bowed and kissed my hand. Walking up the stairs I couldn’t help but smiling when I remembered the way he felt, I felt like I was floating. “Little One, where have you been?” Star asked. “Sorry Star, I was in the garden, I needed some breathing space.” I smiled. That was the second lie I said today, “Bijan is looking for you, he has another man he would like to introduce you to. I can tell him you’re tired and have gone to get tea if you’d like.” She smiled.

            I hugged her, “Yes, please, I love you.” Star and I went back up the stairs to the castle door and wandered into my room. Moline was already waiting to help me out of the dress. “How do you always know?” I asked. “Its my gift.” She bowed, we got the dress off and I put on a warm fur tunic on and sat with my tea by the fireplace thinking about the day. Rusty came in and sat by me, “How are you princess? You’ve had a long day.” I nodded, “I’m okay, just tired. I have had a big adventure, and fond my gift.” Rusty smiled, “I bet it’s beautiful.”

            Rusty is a sweetheart, he had only just started working in the castle, and worked with the books. He is smart and well versed, he could tell you almost anything about the world. “I’m so proud of you!” Star beamed walking into the room, “For what?” I asked. “For finding your gift, Bijan is coming soon.” Rusty bowed and left and Star sat by me. “How do you feel?” she asked, honestly, I wanted everyone to leave me alone, I wanted to be alone and have Moline play music.  I needed to sort out my thoughts and figure out what I wanted to do.

            “Fine, I’m tired, thank you for tonight, and for the dress!” I said, Star smiled and moved a piece of hair behind my ear. “Ai’ er you’re beautiful, and I am so proud of you. You will do great things.” She said. Sometimes when Star said things, they scared me because I didn’t know if she had seen something in the future. Bijan came in, “My Little One, lets discuss your vision tonight.” He smiled. “Oh Bijan, it was exciting and scary all at once. When you were talking I zoned out, I saw a shooting star, and then everything changed. I could suddenly feel what everyone was feeling; and I could pick out certain thoughts from each person. You were thinking about how happy you were about me seeing my gift, and you were nervous about introducing me to Azure.” I giggled.

            Star grabbed Bijan’s arm and started crying, “I’m confused, is that bad?” I asked, “Darling, no, its wonderful!” Star smiled, “She’s right, this is a special gift, and you must get ready for your journey to Kiki the seer.” Bijan said.  Kiki is the name giver, she is a seer so she knows everyone’s new name. “When do I have to go?” I asked, “You must go as soon as possible, tomorrow. I will send Rusty with you, Kiki lives in Coral Lay.” Bijan explained. I nodded, “I’m tired, is it alright if I go to bed now?” I asked, “Of course, but first here is a present from Star and I, it was Scarlet’s, Star found it with you. Inside Scarlet had written when she wanted it given to you.” Bijan said giving me a small rectangle. I pulled off the cloth and it revealed a wooden journal with a carving of a woman and her child on the front. I opened the cover, it said: To my dear Sunny, I love you. From: Scarlet.

            “Th…. Thank you, its very beautiful. Who is Scarlet?” I asked, Bijan and Star hugged me, “We’ll talk about that when you get back sweetheart.” “Okay, could you send Moline to play music for me?” I asked. Star nodded and everyone left, as soon as they left I got into bed and stared at the journal, Moline came in and set her instrument down. “Sunshine whats wrong?” she asked, I pointed to the journal. She opened it and read it, “Sunshine, promise you won’t go looing for her? Bijan and Star will tell you when they think its good for you to know.” Moline explained.

            I started crying, I knew she was right in saying that, but I wish I knew who Scarlet was. Moline set the journal down and touched my head; she gave me water and started playing. The last thing I remember is seeing Moline shut my door on her way out.

            “Quickly, she mustn’t be seen.” “I don’t understand Sevine, why are we taking her?” “Shut up Burial, she will wake up and the whole town if you don’t quiet down. She is the one who will save everyone if she is not taken care of.” “I see, here Ill take her…” “No you won’t!”

            I woke up sweating, the second dream happened, that means the third would happen tomorrow. The difference this time is I could tell what the men were thinking in the dream. I got up and got ready for my journey; I went to the dining table to eat with Bijan and Star before I left. When I got there, Bjarne was sitting with them laughing. “Hello its good to see you again.” I said, Bjarne got up and bowed, “And you as well.” I smiled and sat by Star who took my hair and braided it to the side, she was always trying to tame my curls and waves.

            “Bjarne found that Jaek was sick, and gave us medicine for him!” Bijan said, “Really? I’m glad he will be better again, poor thing was looking so sad for weeks!” I said. “So Little One, you have everything you need for your trip? Star has some extra things packed in Rusty’s pack for you just in case.” Bijan explained. Bjarne looked puzzled, “You’re going away? Where are you heading?” “Oh.. nowher….” Before I could finish Star cut in. “She is going to see Kiki.” “You mean the seer, I’ve been to her before, when I got my name! I could go with her if you’d like, to guide her.” Bjarne asked.

            I shook my head, “Yes! Rusty our servant will join you as well, please do guide her, we would be delighted!” Bijan said. I read Bijan’s thoughts, he wanted me to be protected, and was nervous for me to be away so long. Star, was being sneaky; she was hoping I would come home with him around my arm, but something made her a little nervous about that. “That’s not necessary, I’m sure Rusty will be perfectly fine.” I snapped. Bjarne grinned, “Are you sure? I know the best places to get supllies if needed.” Bijan of course was thrilled.

            “Yes, Little One, he is going with you.” I frowned, “Can I talk to you in the next room Bijan?” I asked standing up. Bijan looked confused but walked with me to the sitting room, “What are you thinking? You just met this man! What if he is dangerous, what if he is a liar?” I whispered. “You would have known already.” He said. I stepped back surprised, “What do you mean?” I asked, “I mean, your gift would have told you. Are you worried about him? Or are you scare of your feelings? You know you can’t marry him, so I don’t expect that to be a problem.” Bijan said nonchalantly.

            “Wait… What? I can’t marry him? But I’m not royal blood.” I spit, “Little One calm down. Scarlet ran off with you when you were a baby to protect you.” Bijan said.