"Cerise!" I saw my quiet older sister sitting alone in the library. As per usual when she was in her natural habitat, she had her slippers off, and her feet tucked under her. Her long brown hair had been pulled back in a careless way, some tendrils falling out that she would tuck behind her ear.

When I spotted her, she had a smile on her face as if the book she was reading had just said something funny. I wish I found the same joy in my reading that Cerise did then my lessons wouldn't be such a pain.

As soon as I made my presence known, she dropped the smile and lowered the book. Her cheeks were tinted a pretty pink.

"Enna?"

"I have a problem." I plopped down on the cushion seat beside her.

"Oh?" She gracefully marked her page and sat down her book to give me her full attention. Placing her folded hands in her lap, she waited patiently for me to continue.

"I did something that made my friend--well, not friend... In fact, I do not think he likes me at all. But I want him to. I want to be his friend, but I've done something that made him have no reason to trust me. How do I get him to trust me?"

"Trust is not something that can easily be given. Once you've betrayed a person's confidence, it isn't right for you to demand or ask for their trust back. You're not entitled to it."

I threw up my hands. "I did what I did to save him though! He should be thanking me..."

"I'm sure he has his reasons to be upset. And in due course, perhaps he will be grateful... Just give him time to process his feelings. A friend would allot such."

"I am not patient, and you know this."

"Perhaps this is a grand opportunity for you to grow as a person?" Cerise inquired in that soft voice of hers. She is like a lullaby.

"Grow? Okay. I guess I have not thought about it like that. So, I cannot ask him to trust me but what can I do to make it up to him?"

"The hardest thing there is. You must first admit where you were wrong then swallow your pride and ask for forgiveness. And you must be okay if he is not ready to forgive. That is a part of friendship, accepting and forgiving. But also waiting and giving and expecting nothing in return. Did this help?"

"It really did actually. How did you get to be so wise? Was it from your books?"

"Actually... someone told me those words once upon a time." Her expression suddenly changed. I can't quite say how exactly. It is as if she was visiting a memory. It was a look of wistfulness and longing though. Whoever she was thinking of, that person was blessed someone looked like that at the whisper of a thought of them.

"What?" She asked when she saw me staring, and I realized I was smiling like a creep.

"Oh. Nothing. Is Prince Jareth attending my ball?"

Cerise's face flushed, and she suddenly was very concerned about the wrinkles in her skirt. "I have not heard..."

"I should write to him. I am sure he will come if I make sure to insist!" I got up to do just that when Cerise's words gave me pause.

"Oh, it's too late. Your letter wouldn't reach him in time."

"Not if I use Nazam's Phoenix."

"Sienna.... Nazam is not going to let you use Phoe for such a personal matter. Messages by Phoenixes are reserved for confidential, urgent information. You know that."

"This is urgent!"

Cerise digressed. "You should write to Rose though. Or at least read the letter she wrote to you."

~~♡~~

I knocked on Tallis's door and hopped on one foot to another impatiently. I caught myself from just walking in, hoping to make a better impression this time around. If my arms were not full, I probably still would have. I admitted this to myself and thought myself reflective.

After a series of knocking, I was beginning to think he must have stepped out. But then the door swung open and there he was, scowling like a disgruntled marble statue.

"What the-- Sienna! What are you doing here?"

"May I come in?"

"It is way too early for this," he grumbled to himself running his hand through his disheveled hair. I thought he was about to shut the door but instead he opened it wide, stepping to the side. He extended his arm out. "Well, come on in, I guess."

I gave a bright smile that seemed to just darken his expression. Even though he was obviously in a bad mood or just not a morning person, there was a comical feel in the air. It was hard not to giggle. "I come bearing gifts."

"I hope it is coffee," he mumbled in response as he was about to shut the door behind me then seemed to change his mind in afterthought.

"Oh. No... you should not have guessed. And perhaps gift is the wrong word; for I can only give you what is already yours by right." I bit my lip and put the bundle that was nestled in my arms down on his table. An idea had come to me when I woke up. Tallis was so concerned about the "box" that belonged to his mother. When the guards had taken him back to prison that day, he was unable to take the parts of the box with him. I had saved and stored them amongst my own personal possessions. This morning, I threw them in a blanket to give to him.

So... you are bribing him to forgive you? My mind tutted in disapproval. No! I would've returned it to him regardless!

He didn't say anything at first. Picking each piece up with a gentle touch, he examined them with measuring eyes. I wanted to say something just to fill the silence but restrained myself. If he orders me out, I will go. I took this time to take in his appearance. His clothes were decent and plain but rumpled having just gotten out of bed. Curiously, he already had his boots on. His hair, which appeared black when I first met him, turned out to be a light brown. In fact, on closer inspection, I think his hair may be a very, very dark blonde.

"Thank you," he finally said. "I should be able to fix it with the new tools I will be getting today." He held one ridiculously small piece so close to his eye I thought he was about to stab himself. "I'll actually need a replacement for this piece. I need to talk to the smith."

"I will go with you," I said eager to be of assistance. "He should already be up stoking his furnace."

"You don't have to."

"But I want to."

He gave a sigh of defeat. "I guess there is no stopping you then, is there?"

I shook my head smiling. "Nope! And this will be a great opportunity to give you a tour of Highveine."

"Alright. They sent my order to the smith, but I am not sure where his shop is."

"Perfect! You need this. I will introduce you. Perhaps you two can become friends," I said as we started walking out of the tower and towards the inner gate. The guards manning the gates let us through, and two guards fell in behind us keeping a respectable distance.

"Establishing a good rapport as co-workers will suffice. I will need to evaluate his skill. My work is a bit dependent on if he can create what I need."

"Need for what?"

"I am permitted to work on projects as I see fit to better the kingdom. But your father has requested that I plan something big, something that will really push forward the more modern ideologies. But for any of that to take place, I need better tools than the ones given."

"I see... so what's the big plan?"

"I don't know," he said then he looked down at the ground, "but it will not be a weapon."

"That is not what Father is asking you to do," I said immediately defensive.

"I didn't say that either..." he said not meeting my eyes. "Anyways, I have drawn up on ideas, but nothing seems big enough."

"I'm sure you'll think of it." I smiled at him reassuringly. He set his sights forward, sweeping eyes up and down the empty streets of the quiet town. There were occasional sounds of people starting their day and soon enough the streets would be crowded with merchants and the like. But for now, all was peaceful like a calm lull before a storm. We stopped in front of a pewter gray stoned building with a slanted rooftop. Hanging by a chain was a wooden sign with an image of an anvil and hammer carved into it. "Here we are! Aggs is a great guy. You'll love him!"

"Ag? --" Tallis was interrupted by the hissing sound of hot steel meeting cold water and the boisterous voice of the enormous man who emerged midst the steam.

"Ayo, strang'r! Mornin', Princess! What ken I do for ye?"

"Aggs! I would like to introduce you to Tallis Grey, the new Royal Inventor! Tallis, this is our renowned Smith. He is responsible for nearly all the metalwork in the kingdom."

"Nice ta meet ye, boy. Wasna expectin' one so yung. Name tis Agselsius. But ev'ryne jus' calls me Aggs." He extended an arm that was larger than my waist to shake Tallis' hand. "Aye, gud strong grip. I like 'im!"

"Thank you. I'd hate to give you more trouble, but I wanted to add an item to my order," Tallis said. He threw a glance around the room. "Do you work alone?"

"Gots me a 'pprentice, yea. He's out fetchin' mor' water. Lemme see 'tis item." He wiped his black hands on his stained apron and took the piece, squinting his eyes. "Tis wee tiny...."

"Yes, but I need it. And it is not supposed to have this crack in it right here."

"I see... twill be a challenge, canna lie, but I'm up for 't."

"Thank you. I appreciate it."

"I take it ye gonna be challengin' me a lot... may need ta gets me 'noder 'prentice. Oy! Ye tools 're ready. But der wassome od'r orders ye sent ov'r I needa talk ta ya's 'bout."

While they talked, I walked around the shop careful around all the hanging swords and armor. It never occurred to me before how well Tallis speaks. I was happy he was able to converse with Aggs with no trouble. Some of my sisters avoid talking to those who do not speak properly, not out of lesser emotions, of course. They just feel bad when they cannot understand the muddled speech.

Once Tallis bid the smith farewell, I curtseyed and followed him up the road. I began pointing out all the other charming, half-timbered shops and residentials along the cobblestone streets.

"So, what do you think?"

"It's quite pleasant despite the odd name. Nothing like Maru."

"Really?"

"Oh, yeah. You'd be stunned if you saw Maru."

"What's it like?"

"I couldn't describe it even if I was gifted in poetry or language. It's something you'd have to see with your own eyes."

"Maybe one day," I sighed, not really knowing how much freedom I'd have when I did marry.

We got back to his tower and he began working on his mother's box with his new set of tools. I watched until I got bored, but I didn't want to leave. No doubt Amelia was trying to find me to begin our lessons.

I sat down on his wardrobe chest since it and his bed were the only available places to sit. Pulling out Rose's letter from my boot, where I had stashed it this morning, I unfolded the flimsy paper and began reading:

Dearest Enna,

I hope this letter finds you happy and in good health. I will keep this brief since I know how you hate sitting still and reading for what you would deem as "too long".

I have missed you terribly. You are not still angry? I hope not. After all, I have been told by our sisters you have been keeping busy. Ruby has said you were instrumental in ensuring the Maruvian's justice. I can't wait to hear all about that by your hand!

I regret to tell you we will not be able to make it to your ball.

I paused in my reading, emotions churning in my stomach. I had half a mind to throw the letter in anger. A bitter sadness stilled my hands though. I took a calming breath and continued reading.

The winters have hit Eldair especially hard. As I write, there is a blizzard whistling through every crack and crevice of this castle. I see nothing but white outside. But no worries. We are safe and warm. Demetrius says the castle was built over a natural hot spring. Nevertheless, their sorcerer has deemed it unsafe to travel. And to top it all off, the king seems to have taken ill. Their sorcerer has assured us it is merely a head cold.

I cannot tell you how much grief it has caused all of us to be away during your birthday. You can imagine Saffron's anguish to miss a good party! We would not have made the trip if we knew this to be the outcome. I promise you that.

With this, I bid you adieu. I eagerly await your letter.

Until I see you again,
Rose

"There! Once Aggs finishes that TW gear, it should be good as new... I hope." Tallis's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. He was leaning back in his seat admiring his restoration. I stood and peeked over his shoulder. It was a sleek black metal box with gold trimming. Its size only slightly bigger than my hand.

"Is that gold?" I asked.

"No. It's a metal alloy stained to look like gold."

I opened the lid but found just a metal plate covering the inside. "It is not deep enough to hold anything..."

"It's not meant to hold anything. It's meant to play music," he explained, lifting the plate up to reveal many more oddly shaped metal pieces of various sizes and shapes, all crammed together in the box. There was something both chaotic and orderly about it. The dual nature of the device was intriguing, but its functionality was still a mystery.

I still don't see how it can play music. It seems even more impossible than when it was in several pieces!

My face must have conveyed my thoughts because he added, "Once I get the final piece, I will show you how it works."

"Does this mean you forgive me?"

He sighed, sliding the box to the far corner of his worktable. "You did what you thought was right. It was short-sighted and impulsive... but I know you only meant well. Yes, I forgive you. Besides what is the point in staying mad at you. What's that?" He pointed to the letter still clutched in my hands.

"Oh, it's a letter from my sister, Rose. Her and three of my other sisters are in Eldair."

"How many sisters do you have?"

"Eleven."

"Your poor father."

I laughed. "Do you have siblings?"

"No blood relations... I grew up with some other wards. We were separated when we were eight years old, however. We were divided amongst the guilds based on a series of tests to determine how we could best serve."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I don't remember the other orphans. I doubt they remember me."

"Did you make friends in your guild?"

"I got along well enough with people, I guess." He shrugged.

"You can't name just one friend?"

"You don't understand. The Maruvian culture doesn't really encourage friendships. It promotes competition. You must stand out. You get rewarded when you outshine your peers. You're left at the bottom of the barrel if you don't."

He didn't want sympathy or pity, so I didn't offer it.

"How did you become a ward? And what exactly is a ward?" I asked.

"Wards are property of Maru. Food, clothing, board, education... everything is provided. You become a ward in one of a few ways. If your parents die or if they cannot provide for you, they'll sign over rights, get paid a bit of compensation, and you become a ward. Or if you are dirt poor and/or old, you can sign the rest of your life away in service to a particular guild."

"Is your mother..." I stopped unable to finish the question.

"Dead? Maybe. Nanny Ogym, a Nurturer at the Ward Hall, told me about her before I left Maru. She said my mother would not give her name nor would she accept any compensation. She just left me there without a word..."

"How old were you?"

"Three. I hardly remember her. Little details come to mind. She was quiet. She would make sure I had enough to eat even if it meant she didn't eat at all and she played this music box to help me sleep at night." He picked up the box turning it in his hands as if it was made of real gold.

I nodded. "I understand. I was only two years old when my mother died. I wish I remembered even that much."

He didn't respond for a good minute. Then when he did, he flipped the box over exposing the words engraved into the bottom, 'HEAVEN DAYRISE'.

"What does it mean?" I asked, tracing the words with a finger.

"Not sure," he said. "Day rise is in the west where the sun rises. I have looked up the word 'heaven' in the Great Library of Maru. It's a word used in an old text for a place beyond and of life, a beautiful paradise. So, I headed west to Alderias. I thought perhaps it was a clue. I could somehow find out who made the box, and it would lead me to her. But after talking with Aggs, it doesn't sound like they have this type of craftmanship here."

"I'm sorry you didn't find the answers you were looking for," I said noting the significance of him telling me about his mother. "I hope you don't plan on giving up. It has to mean something."

He smiled at my encouraging words. "Yes, I think so too."

"Alderias is beautiful and Old Aislei texts say all the ancient powers of life manifested here," I gushed pacing the small space as excitement bounced my steps recalling my favorite bedtime story about the founding of my kingdom. "The very first King of Alderias was blessed by these powers and his blood became one with the life force of the land. It was the only way our people were able to settle on this land after years of trying to conquer it. From then on, Alderias can only be ruled by the blood of its First King."

Tallis just grunted at this.

"It is true! They say The First King was so in tuned with Aislei that he was able to tame the heart of a dragon and ride through the air on his back!"

"Now that's definitely propaganda."

"No, it's not! He did!"

"Were you there?"

"Of course not, but the text says--"

"The text can say his hair was blue. Would you believe it?"

"Now you're just being silly." I laughed as he smiled and rolled his eyes.

The picture in this chapter is a picture of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. It is a German town that has beautiful fairytale like architecture that has inspired the city of Groth.

What do you want from me- Adam Lambert

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