Estelle burst out of her bedroom her face red with anger. “Never!”, she screamed, “I’d rather sell myself to the slave traders!” She ran down the stairs ignoring Leonora’s comments on her stubbornness almost knocking down Anna who was carrying a stack of clean bedsheets up to the guest bedrooms. “Out of my way Reginald! Or I will run you through!” Estelle shouted at the poor butler while making her way to the front door. Reginald had no clue as to what happened but knew better then to meddle with a woman’s scorn. He jumped aside while trying to bow to Estelle, which he somehow managed to pull off.
Estelle brusquely opened the front door and ran off to the commons. The guards at the district gate wanted to inquire what was going on, but when they saw Estelle’s faced quickly stepped back. Estelle ran straight to Ireg while cursing and swearing out loud, causing the commoners to bounce out of her way as if a mad bull was upon them. She stepped inside and raced past Balog, who almost hit his thumb at the sight of this fire breathing monster. He wondered what was hotter, his forge or her head.Ireg was in the living room reading a book, when Estelle walked in and let out a long frustrated cry. She threw her book backwards over her head while jumping up from the couch. “You nearly gave me a heart attack.” Estelle didn’t register the comment. “I can‘t believe it, they have gone totally crazy. I will never bow to their will.” Ireg implored her to calm down. It didn’t work, so Ireg stepped towards her and slapped her in the face. “Sit down and shut up!”, she shouted pushing her into the couch. Estelle fell silent at this unexpected maneuver. “Good”, Ireg said, “I love you but…” “I know”, Estelle replied, “Thank you, you know me too well.” Ireg laughed, “Now calm down and talk to me, what did your parents do this time?”
“Do you remember the tea party I told you about last week? The annual meeting of the noblest houses of Paradise.” “Oh yes I do”, Ireg chuckled, “with that man, what was his name again? It was Norfin, wasn‘t it?” Estelle confirmed in a disgusted voice, “Yes, that one. I told you how Anna really seemed to like him, and how he was flirting with her. I even caught them kissing outside behind the kitchen. Problem is, my half-witted parents thought he was interested in me. They arranged for me to marry him.” Ireg scratched her head, “That’s not good.” Then her face brightened. “Can‘t you just say no?” Estelle had a defeated look on her face. “Unfortunately I can’t, not this time. They had it decreed by the King himself. My life is forfeit.”
“Oh come on”, Ireg said as she paced up and down the living room, “there has to be something we can do.” Estelle threw herself on her side in the coach. “Forfeit”, she repeated looking aimlessly at the ceiling, “My life is ruined, Anna’s life will be ruined, my father will have his way and I will have children and all my dreams are forever gone. This is it Ireg, the end of Stella the Ranger.” Ireg growled. “This is not the Stella I know. The Stella I know would never surrender, just like two years ago when you fought your way out of a kidnapping.” Estelle’s face changed from desperate to dangerous as Ireg’s words rekindled her rebellious nature. Ireg knew this look and sat down close to Estelle. “What do you have cooking inside that pretty head?” Estelle whispered her plan into Ireg’s ear who trembled with joy and excitement.
Balog barged into the room holding a steel shield he had finished this morning in front of him waving his smith’s hammer in the air. “Where is the fire breathing monster, I’m pretty sure it raced in here.” He peeked at the ladies over the top of his shield, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “I must protect my daughter from its evil clutches”, he shouted while fiercely looking around the room. “I’m pretty sure it went out the backdoor”, Estelle replied. “Good, I must have scared it away…” The three of them couldn’t hold back any longer and rolled across the floor in laughter. The ladies gave each other a meaningful look. “I will see you early next morning”, Estelle said as she walked out the room. “Our special place”, Ireg replied. Balog looked at them in total disarray, shrugged, and went back to work.On the way back home Estelle passed the gate guards again. “My lady, please be advised. A terrible event took place. The king has send out a decree asking for aid against a most foul crime. Be on your guard for thieves.” Estelle looked at the guard, “And what exactly has happened?” The guard assumed his formal posture. “I’m not at liberty to say my lady. All that I am allowed to say is on the decree.” He pointed at a piece of parchment nailed to the guardhouse. Estelle quickly read the parchment.
~
By royal decree King Khalid el Abdhul has called for aid in a matter of the utmost importance concerning the welfare of the kingdom. Those willing to serve under the king’s name are charged to report to the Swift Foot inn at the commoners district of the Jewel of the North. Further instructions will be given upon reporting to the Kings guard in aforementioned establishment. Travel expenses for those that answer will be compensated.
In name of his Royal Highness, King Khalid el Abdhul
Shin, head of household.
~
She turned her attention back to the guard. “And when are those willing to serve under the king expected to appear at the Swift Foot Inn?” The guard laughed, “Surely a lady such as yourself isn‘t going to…” She gave the guard an annoyed look. The man understood the signal and saluted to Estelle, “At the last two weeks from now.” Estelle curtsied and walked away. “And there is my escape, only a day after the wedding, perfect”, she chuckled as she entered the kitchen through the backdoor. The next morning, the sun was still behind the horizon, Estelle tiptoed from her bedroom to the servant’s rooms. Without making a sound she made her way to Anna’s bed. “Anna, wake up.” “My lady, what can I do for you?” Estelle shushed her, “Get dressed and come with me, I have something important to discuss.” Anna nodded. Estelle kept an eye out while Anna slipped into her clothes. The two of them sneaked out via the service stairs out the kitchen door. They turned towards the palace district and passed the enormous palace gates, its walls stretching to the left and right all the way into the flanks of The Twins. They turned right along the thick dark grey wall. Ireg was waiting for them there. The three of them followed the wall all the way to where it touched the mountain. They followed the edge of the mountain. Anna knew exactly where they were going. They turned right onto a narrow, barely recognizable path leading slightly upward than banking sharply left. It was a dead end with a small round enclosure in the end. The three of them sat down and listened to make sure they weren‘t followed.
“What is wrong Stella”, Anna broke the silence. “Why did you bring me here, it must be something serious, is it about what happened yesterday?” Estelle looked at Ireg, who nodded, then turned to Anna. “It is Anna. It is about you and me and Norfin.” Anna was shocked, “speak Stella, my nerves are killing me.” Estelle cleared her throat. “You love Norfin right? And he you right?” Anna nodded as her eyes sparkled. “Well, hold my hand, and Ireg ‘s too.” Anna obeyed with confusion on her face. Estelle continued, “I don‘t really know how to put it, so I will just tell you outright. My parents arranged for me to marry him.” Anna’s face turned pale and her stomach churned. Her lips trembled as she tried to answer. “I… am… happy for you.” Estelle realized the clumsiness of her words, “No you silly, I don ‘t want to marry him, my parents want me to marry him.” Anna sighed with relief. Ireg added, “They arranged it by a king’s decree, but we have a plan.”
Estelle and Ireg informed Anna of their scheme. At first Anna discarded the plan stating it was simply dishonest. Estelle and Ireg managed to convince her, but then she deemed the plan an impossibility. In the end the promise of revenge for Stella was what caused her to sway. It was already passed noon when the three of them got back to their home and duties. They had twelve days to prepare, until next week’s Friday, the day of the wedding. Each morning at dawn they would meet in their secret place to forge their plans and adjust them along the way if needed.
Algernon and Leonora were sitting in their grand lounge enjoying their afternoon tea. The ten feet high glass stained windows let an abundance of sunlight into the room, showing off the rich and classy furnishings. An enormous polished granite fireplace rose from the white marble floor, topped by a huge shield depicting the family crest. The beams of sunlight were broken and scattered by the families collection of crystal glasses, casting little rainbow patterns on the back wall.
Algernon looked at Leonora and noticed she was in a good mood. “You look enlightened today, what has happened to change your mood. I know the last few days have been a strain on you. Especially the day before yesterday, when you told Estelle about the marriage.” Leonora sighed as she briefly remembered that, but her face brightened. “I don’t know what happened, or if you did anything, but this morning Estelle surprised me in a way she had never done before.” Leonora paused and made sure she had Algernon‘s undivided attention. “She came to me this morning asking when I would join her to have a wedding dress made. And she seemed quite happy about it.” Algernon tapped his lower lip with his finger while supporting his chin with his thumb. “Are you suspecting she is up to something?”, he inquired. Leonora shook her head. “Well that is just what is so weird about it. She seems genuinely enthusiastic. It’s just strange.”
Algernon gestured the servant standing next to one of the large windows to pour him another cup of tea. “Strange indeed, maybe she for once accepted her fate and chose to live up to it. I noticed her and Anna going out at the break of dawn the last couple of mornings. When I asked Estelle where they were going she said she and Anna had things to discuss concerning the wedding, and liked to do so walking.” Leonora looked suspiciously at Algernon, her face revealing a bit of worry about her daughter and Anna plotting some mischief. Algernon continued noticing his wife’s concern. “Well, I didn’t really believe it myself. But Estelle didn’t show any signs of lying to me. And when I asked Anna she confirmed. And I know Anna would never lie to me.” Leonora and Algernon looked at each other both with a flicker of hope in their eye that Estelle might finally fully commit to her duties as a noble‘s daughter. Leonora finished her tea. “I’m going to her now, we really should go to the king’s clothier. If she has really changed, we should cherish that, and take action. Besides, the wedding is only ten days away.” “Maybe you are right”, Algernon replied, “which means I should also start preparations. Please get Oscar here for me?”, he asked the servant.
While Algernon and Oscar were going over the guest list and the supplies needed to arrange the feast and ceremony, Leonora went up to Estelle‘s room to take her to the clothier for measuring and inspiration. Leonora knocked on Estelle’s bedroom door. “Estelle, may I enter?” Estelle jumped up from her chair, she was writing in her diary. “Just a minute mom”, she replied while storing her diary and quickly pushing a wooden crate behind her bed. She straightened her dress as her face transformed from Stella to Estelle. “Come in mother.” The door opened and Estelle curtsied to her mother. “How can I help? “, she inquired smiling in the friendliest way she could pull off. “How about we pay a visit to the king‘s clothier to get you started on your wedding dress.” Estelle clapped her hands in joy pretending to be very excited about the prospect. “Mother, would you be so kind and send up Anna, one does not visit the king’s clothier with without first making sure one looks immaculate.” Leonora smiled and felt a sense of pride inside, “Immediately dear”, she replied and turned around closing the door.
Anna ran up to Estelle’s room. “What’s wrong. Did they discover, they know don‘t they?” Estelle laughed at the sight of Anna stricken by panic. “Calm down, everything is fine. I’m going to have my dress fitted. Could you do my hair and paint my face.” Anna started right away. They crossed eyes a few times through the mirror exchanging meaningful looks. “Any news from Ireg”, Estelle inquired. Anna nodded, “Once the bride and groom have exchanged rings and the priest has pronounced them husband and wife, the bond is settled, and cannot be undone.” Estelle chuckled. “Hold still my lady”, Anna demanded as she was applying the eyeshadow.
Estelle and Leonora strolled into the palace district. To their left the king’s horses were lazily chewing grass from their enormous meadow. The beautiful light brown horses with black manes were the best in the kingdom, and treated likewise. Their coats shimmered in the sunlight, and their light tread almost tricked you into believing they were floating. Estelle loved these animals a lot, though never as much as Brave. She still regularly remembered the day of her first adventure, but over the years it had become more of a story rather than something that actually happened to her.
Still a good three hundred feet from the palace’s outer wall, they reached the clothier. The quite large two story building had large high windows, just like their own mansion. Several dresses were on display in the storefront, beautifully draped over hand sculpted mannequins. A black sign shaped like an unrolled parchment dangled above the entrance. The spike it hung from had a golden ribbon attached, to indicate the store being a supplier to the court. The forge was the only store in the commons to be granted that honor. ‘Suited for Royalty’. The name of the store was painted on the sign in gold with five stars underneath. The porter, who was better dressed than her Algernon on official business, bowed. “Lady Leonora, Lady Estelle. Welcome to our humble establishment.” He opened the door for the ladies and followed them inside. “Please be seated, and make yourself at home. If there is anything you desire, please let me know. Master Linsey will be with you shortly.” The porter bowed again and walked into a backroom.
The two ladies were seated in very comfortable and elegant leather armchairs. On the small table in front of them a crystal vase with fresh roses from the palace garden. Leonora looked at Estelle who was observing the roses with a romantic look on her face. She felt quite certain Estelle had fallen for the noble Lord Norfin of Ezecha, slowly becoming oblivious to the veil Estelle was slowly pulling over her and Algernon‘s eyes.
Master Linsey entered the room. Carrying with him a jasmine fragrance that could outright knock you off your feet. He clapped his hands next to his face. “Ladies, welcome.” Master Linsey was a very eccentric young man. He walked over to Estelle and Leonora almost dancing on his toes. He stopped between them and curtsied, which looked very awkward in his pink tights and bright green tunic. He flicked back his long blond wavy hair. “How may I help you two adorable ladies today.” Estelle was quite convinced Linsey was into men, and envied his free spirit.
“I am marrying a handsome nobleman, and need a dress made that is fit for a princess?”, Estelle said. Linsey threw back his head holding the palm of his hand in front of it pretending to faint. “Oh marriage, the murder of young fragile love.” Estelle strained herself not to chuckle. “ I ask thee, oh young one, who is the man so lucky to be gifted your eternal love and devotion.” Leonora rose from her chair, “Lord Norfin of Ezecha.” “Oh the drama, the…”, Linsey suddenly regained his composure. “Follow me ladies, I will make you a dress fit for a princess.”
They entered Linsey’s workshop. “Have a seat ladies”, he gestured at the porter to arrange for refreshments. “A virgin wedding I presume“, he said. Leonora looked at Estelle waiting for an answer. Estelle felt really awkward and mumbled, “yes, a virgin wedding. White please.” The three of them spend a good part of the afternoon judging and selecting fabrics. Discussing the model of the dress, its neckline, ruffles, lace, ribbons, embroidery and so on. Estelle knew exactly what she needed and Linsey drew up a sketch of the wedding dress. Estelle was quite pleased with it, and so was Leonora judging by the smile on her face. “I do want to add a veil”, Stella said. Leonora was surprised to see that her daughter had even thought about that. Linsey was ecstatic. “Oh my lady, a veil, how could I forget. The intrigue, the secrecy, the mystery. Beautiful.”
The two ladies were home late for supper and Algernon was already sitting at the dining table waiting for the two of them. When they entered Algernon jumped up from his chair ready to scold them, but the smile on Leonora’s face abruptly stopped him from doing that. Instead he sat back down in his chair gesturing the ladies to join him. “How did it go”, he asked Leonora. Leonora looked at him with dreamy eyes. “She is going to be perfect.” Algernon smiled, “I implore you, do not let the cost of the dress hold you back. I want Estelle’s every wish come true.” He smiled at Estelle. Estelle smiled back, “He has no idea what my dreams are. And half of them he has already turned into nightmares. It doesn‘t matter, my revenge will be sweet and served ice-cold.” They sat down for dinner Algernon updating the ladies on the guestlist and the scenario for the wedding day. Estelle explicitly asked some time with Algernon to go over it so she could add a touch of herself to it. Algernon found this hard to deal with, but a meaningful nod from Leonora convinced him. “I am rather busy tomorrow, but what about the day after, at lunch?” Estelle smiled as she saw the pieces of the puzzle slowly falling into place. “Thank you dad, may I be excused?” He nodded, “Of course dear.” Estelle curtsied to him then left the dining hall. “I will be at Ireg’s tonight.
”Only eight days were left before the wedding, and only nine for applying to the King’s quest. Yesterday seemed to last an eternity. Estelle sat down at the table with her father for lunch. He looked at Estelle, and for the first time in her life she thought she recognized a hint of respect in his eyes. “I’ve sent out invitations already. Is there anyone in specific you wish to invite?” Estelle’s eyes raced through the guest list. She tried to give Algernon her friendliest look. “I would really like to invite Ireg and her father Balog.” Algernon’s face turned sour, “but they are commoners, dwarves.” Estelle felt anger inside, but kept her composure. “I know father, and I know it is not custom for nobility to invite the lower classes to a wedding, but they are special to me.” She looked at Algernon with big begging eyes. “Please dad, can you make an exception, it would make me so happy. Besides, they are suppliers to the court. They won‘t be a bother and are familiar with the rules of conduct at a noble’s wedding ceremony.” Algernon shook his head but at the same time said he agreed. Estelle gave him a hug, “Thanks dad.” Inside she felt relieved, Algernon could be manipulated.
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They continued discussing the ins and outs of the ceremony. Algernon agreed to Father Peter performing the ceremony, but only if Estelle agreed on using daffodils as decorations. Estelle couldn‘t care less. They discussed which guest would stay in which room, and which less important guests would be staying at the Glimmering Jewel Inn, all expenses payed of course. Finally they got to the selection of music. “The Royal Orchestra will perform at the ceremony”, Algernon presented as a fact. Estelle replied, “But dad, that is absolutely not what I want, and it is my wedding after all.”
Throughout the lunch Algernon had experienced their discussions as pleasing and appreciated the way in which they struck bargains. It had caused his mind to be open for the selection of music. Estelle continued, “You know I want you to be happy with the wedding, but the music really means a lot to me. And surely you don ‘t want me to be unhappy, do you?” Algernon couldn’t resist this emotional sabotage. “What would you like then?”, he asked. Estelle sat silently for a few seconds, then replied, “I would like a genuine bard to sing and perform at the wedding.” Algernon looked shocked, but didn’t outright dismiss the idea. “Why is that dear, it is very…” He was seeking a nice way to say it, “Inappropriate.” Estelle replied, “You know how always dreamt of adventures, well I’m getting married, so that will never happen. The songs of bards have always been an inspiration for me. Grant me that one last time on my final day as a free woman. Besides, he could maybe write a song about the wedding afterwards. Wouldn‘t that be a nice going away present for the guests?” A smile appeared on Algernon’s face. Estelle knew at that moment she had succeeded. “Very well, but you will have to arrange for the bard yourself. And he better be properly dressed.” They finished their lunch together. Estelle felt very satisfied, proud and relieved. The hardest piece of the puzzle had been placed. And it fit perfectly.
That night Estelle peeked into her parents’ bedroom. She sneaked in and whispered in Leonora’s ear, “Mom, I really need to talk to you please.” Leonora opened her eyes, “What is it child?” Estelle beckoned her, “not here, private please.” Leonora figured she had questions and anxieties about bedding with Norfin. They stood on the balcony looking out over the reception area. Leonora started talking, “You needn’t worry dear, I’m sure Lord Norfin will treat you with respect and kindness after the ceremonies. It is quite natural for a man and woman to copulate…” Estelle interrupted, “Mom, that’s not what I want to talk about.” Leonora looked surprised. “I want to talk about Anna. I would like for her to take a three days leave of absence, allowing her not to attend the wedding.” The look of surprise on Leonora’s face turned to confusion. “But why not, she has always been a friend to you.” “Exactly”, Estelle replied, “she has secretly had a crush on Lord Norfin, and forcing her to serve him and me at the wedding would feel to me like stepping on her heart.” Leonora smiled at Estelle. “You make me so proud dear, that is truly a noble thought. Do not worry, I will make sure she gets her leave of absence.” Estelle thanked her mom and returned to her bedroom. She curled up under her blankets, deeply satisfied with what she had accomplished, and slept like a baby.
It was the evening before the wedding day. The week had been busy and Ireg, Estelle and Anna sat together in the Forge’s living room. Balog had left to fetch his outfit for the ceremony that was to take place at noon tomorrow in Estelle ‘s garden. Guests had been arriving throughout the week and Lord Norfin was staying at the Shimmering Jewel Inn. He and his parents were traditionally not allowed to see the bride until the ceremony. In much the same way the bride was not allowed to leave her quarters on the day of the ceremony, nor were her parents allowed access to her during that time. Estelle was thankful for these old and ridiculous rules only applied by nobility, because it played right into her hand.
The three conspirators had rehearsed the events for tomorrow step by step. “Well”, Estelle started, “no matter what happens tomorrow, whether our plans succeed or fail, it will be a day to remember.” The three young women looked at each other and felt their bond had grown beyond strong. Soon they would be linked together for the rest of time, either infamous or heroic. “It will be the best leave of absence I ever had”, Anna added. Ireg took Estelle’s hand an trembled. “As your friend I have to ask you one last time. Are you absolutely certain?” Estelle squeezed Ireg ‘s hand. “One hundred percent”, she replied. They all stood up in a circle and held each other’s hands putting their heads together in the middle. “Songs will be written about this”, Estelle said, “it’s time friends.” They hugged and took all the things Ireg had collected for the wedding day with them. They waited until far beyond midnight and sneaked into the Opalos Estate and straight to Estelle’s bedroom. Estelle locked the door and left the key in the keyhole. The three of them lay down on Estelle’s bed. The light of the moon shone on the wedding dress that was placed on a mannequin in Estelle’s bedroom. The many opals that were implemented in the intricate lacing were shining mysteriously in the faint light. “It is so gorgeous”, Anna said. “I guess it is Anna, Linsey did a fine job.” They fell into a shallow uneasy sleep in anticipation of what was to come.
That night a shady figure crept around the corridors of the Estate. Entirely dressed in black and a heavy cape and hood making it blend into the shadows like a chameleon. The figure, silent as night, walked down the grand stairs and into the kitchen. All was quiet as it slowly sneaked into the cellar. “Revelatos”, the figure whispered. A gem imbedded in its glove dimly lit the cellar. It moved to the barrels of wine. A hand reached under the cloak and held a vial of liquid. Carefully the shadow pored some of the liquid in each barrel. “Obscuris”, the light faded. The figure made its way out of the kitchen and into the black of night, leaping from shadow to shadow to avoid detection, until finally disappearing into the blackness of the commons.
The next morning, knocking on the bedroom door. “Need any help in there?” It was Rugda. “We are fine” Ireg replied while adjusting the wig Estelle had bought especially for the occasion. They had a good hour before the exchanging of rings. The dress fit perfectly and looked absolutely stunning. Downstairs the servants were racing to satisfy the guests and the music and songs from the minstrel echoed from the garden through the estate. The garden was beautifully decorated, a crisp white carpet had been rolled out over the grass, leading to a grand arch of daffodils spanning an elevation where Father Peter would perform the ceremony. To the left and right of the carpet the guests were seated sipping wine and enjoying the various treats handed out by the servants. A special stage had been built behind the elevation for the bard to perform his music. The warmth of the sun accompanied by a gentle breeze made the picture absolutely perfect.
Ireg finished the make-up and added the veil. “Perfect”, she said very content with her work. Lord Norfin had just been escorted to the altar by his mother, and the guests were buzzing with excitement to see the bride appear. Again a knock on the door. “It is time Lady Estelle, your bridesmaid is here.” She walked to the door. And down the stairs. The bridesmaid, Norfin ‘s little sister, held her dress’ train as gracefully as she could. The bard asked the guests to be quiet and started the traditional marital music. His audience watched him as his voice slowly took a hold over their hearts and minds. No one noticed the rather odd movements of his hand, or the double tongue in which he sang the song.
Then the moment they all had been waiting for, the beautiful bride appeared. Algernon took his daughters arm and walked her down the aisle. ‘Oohs’ and ahs’ rose from the audience as they admired the immensely beautiful and expensive dress. Lord Norfin stood on the altar and bowed to his bride, but did not look happy at all, even though he tried. They stood facing each other, while Father Peter waited for all attendants to be seated. Norfin nodded to Father Peter in order to let him know the ceremony should begin, a hint of desperation revealing his true feelings about Estelle. Father Peter started talking. “On this glorious day we have gathered to witness the bonding of these two young souls. To my left Lady Estelle, daughter of Sir Algernon and Lady Leonora, first in the line of succession to the noble house Opalos. To my left, Lord Norfin, son to Sir Ribald and lady Vivienne, second in the line of succession to the noble house Ezecha. On this day you chose to bond in holy matrimony, in front of these noble people, to vow to each other eternal love and respect, come good or bad days, come sickness or health, for all eternity. Bring forth the rings.”
“Do you, Lord Norfin of Ezecha, take Lady Estelle of Opalos, to be your lawfully wedded wife? What is your answer?” Norfin almost dropped the ring from his trembling hands, then reluctantly put it on the finger of his unwanted bride. “I do”, he replied with trembling voice. “And do you, Lady Estelle of Opalos, take Lord Norfin of Ezecha, to be your lawfully wedded husband? What is your answer?” “I do Father”, she put the ring on Norfin ‘s finger. Norfin’s face was in total confusion hearing his bride say the final words. Father Peter lifted his arms. “Then by the power invested in me by the Gods I so humbly serve, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your wife now sir.”
The guests cheered as Norfin slowly lifted the veil covering his wife’s face. Norfin could not believe what he saw. Before he could react Anna put her arms around him and kissed him passionately. Norfin kissed her back, tears of joy rolling down his cheeks. They bowed to Father Peter whose face had turned as pale as a corpse when he realized what had just happened, then turned to face the guests. In that moment Algernon and Leonora became painfully aware that they had been tricked, as did Ribald and Vivienne. They and father Peter were the only ones not to have drunk any wine yet. The other guests just kept cheering and clapping, oblivious to the drama that was unfolding before them.Lady Vivienne passed out cold, Sir Ribald catching her as she fell off her chair. He looked at his son while he felt his blood starting to boil. Norfin’s face was radiating with joy and happiness, while holding Anna close to him. “I don’t know how you pulled this off, but I’m glad you did”, he said to Anna. They bowed again to the guests who had stood up applauding them. Sir Ribald noticed the sheer happiness of his son, which burrowed its way into his heart. The realization that what had happened could not be undone swayed his emotions from anger to respect. He let go of Vivienne, stood up and slowly started clapping. Norfin and Anna saw this and bowed to him. “If you are happy, my dear son, than so am I”, he thought, “love apparently cannot be forced, nor can it be stopped by the mere rules of nobility. What a fool I have been.” He started cheering together with the crowd. Vivienne regained consciousness, then as she saw Ribald cheering the new couple, passed out again right away. Norfin knew by looking at his father that he and Anna were heading towards a long and happy life together. He lifted Anna and pirouetted while holding her in his arms.
Up to that point Algernon and Leonora had not moved. Algernon was frantically looking around, as he tried to wrap his head around what has happened the last two weeks. Leonora just sat in her chair like a sack of potatoes, numb with confusion. Her arms dangled at her side as her mind slowly unraveled to the point where she just stared blankly into the distance unaware of her surroundings. Slowly Algernon pieced together the puzzle until he finally became fully aware of Estelle’s elaborate scheme. He wanted to jump up and scream and shout. He wanted to send away all the guests. He wanted to tear down the daffodil arch, but did not do any of those things. Because even while his head was ready to explode, he was still aware of the guests cheering, and from the corner of his eye saw that Sir Ribald was too. He felt a deep and profound frustration as he realized Estelle’s plan had been watertight. He felt hopeless, angry, disrespected and powerless all at the same time. He looked at Leonora considering if he could pass the blame on to her, but came to the conclusion they were both to blame. “I knew I should never have trusted that wretched daughter of mine. Where is she? ” The festivities will have to continue to prevent further shame on my house”, he thought, “which is probably exactly what Estelle had planned for.” He felt imprisoned in the will of someone else, unable to change anything, forced to live it through. He left the scene and went straight up to Estelle’s bedroom. He threw open the door, “You piece of…”, He stopped. There was no one there. He ran inside, looked in the closet, under the bed, nothing. He turned and sat down on the edge of the bed his face a mixture of anger and despair. Then his eyes caught something on Estelle’s dresser, a scroll. His name was written on it. He grabbed the parchment, unrolled it and started reading.
~
Dear Father,
If you are reading this it means my plan has succeeded and you are probably filled with rage right now. I can understand that, but it doesn‘t bother me even in the slightest. What you are feeling now, is what I have felt my whole life living in your shadow. So what you are feeling serves you just right. Knowing you, you will probably blame everyone you can except yourself for what has happened today. If that is so, then apparently even todays events can’t persuade you to look into your own soul, into your own past. But I sincerely hope you will, because then you may finally come to the understanding that the only one to blame, is no other than yourself.
Anna is not to be blamed, she followed her heart. Isn‘t loving someone with all your being the greatest act of nobility? I doubt you will understand that, seeing how in my eyes you lack a heart entirely.
Ireg is not to be blamed, because she did something so noble, she could be an example to you. She helped me, her friend, knowing it would cause our separation. She put my happiness above her own. Shouldn’t a father do the same for his daughter?
I guess that leaves you with two options, blame me or blame yourself. I know the answer to that, because throughout my life you have shown me that answer. All I can do now is pray that you find the strength and nobleness to search your soul for your answers, rather than the world outside you. I wish you luck on this journey, may it lead you to the greatness you aspire to but never achieved.
If we someday meet again, I hope to meet my father, not my parent.
Love, Stella
~
Algernon sat in silence, his trembling hands holding the parchment in his lap. The noise from the wedding guests drifted away from him as he felt time itself slowing grinding to a halt. His surroundings, the furniture, the bed, the door, they all slowly lost their meaning, becoming just objects without purpose or relevance. His clothes, the Opalos sigil on his ring, they faded from existence until there was nothing more than his own naked being in an infinite void of emptiness. He cried, not for Estelle, not for his wife or his noble friends. He cried for himself, for what he had allowed himself to become. He begged the Gods for forgiveness, but could not see anything else than this broken shadow of a man, who had lost everything he never realized he had. In that moment his past caught up with his present, and he finally understood Estelle‘s words, her struggle, his folly. He fell to his knees, pleading for Estelle‘s forgiveness while cursing his own existence. He screamed into nothingness, “I am to blame, only me. I deserve this pain, her hate. Take the life from me so that she finally may be freed of this wicked soul. I love you Estelle, I’m sorry!”
A hand reached out from the nothingness, A voice, distant but strangely familiar. “Algernon, take my hand. It is not your time yet. Your journey is only just beginning, as is the journey of Estelle.” Algernon reached out and felt like he was being pulled from a dark well. His senses started working again and he found himself still sitting alone on Estelle’s bed. He looked at the parchment and started to cry. “I will be your father, and you will always be welcome here. I hear you now where I have always been deaf. I see you now where my eyes have always been closed. I wish only the best for you my dear daughter.” He kissed the parchment and very carefully took it to his study. “I will have this framed, so that I am confronted each day with my greatest failure, and may work every day to become who I should have been, Estelle’s father.”
He went downstairs and back into the garden. He saw Anna dancing with Norfin to the minstrel’s magnificent and uplifting interpretation of the song called “Reflections in a moonlit lake.” He saw the joy and happiness in Anna’s eyes and noticed his guests were thoroughly enjoying the festivities. Even Sir Ribald and Lady Vivienne were dancing like a couple of young lovers. His eyes searched for Leonora, when suddenly someone took his hand. “Let’s dance”, the voice behind him said. It was Ireg. Algernon fell to his knees in front of her, tears welling up on his eyes. “I know” Ireg said while looking at him with a grave expression. Then her face brightened, a broad smile appeared. “Sir Algernon, please stand up” she said firmly. “We pray to the Gods on our knees, but we dance for love on our feet.” Algernon stood up and escorted Ireg to the front of the stage. “It will be my pleasure and honor Lady Ireg.”
Anna saw Ireg dance with Algernon. A strange sight, but Algernon looked proud, and happier then she had ever seen him before. She knew then that their plan had worked out perfectly, making her feel light as a feather in the hands of her beloved Norfin. After a straight hour of dancing Algernon crashed down in a chair. He was still panting, when Leonora appeared before him. She had observed his dancing and was utterly confused. She sat down next to him. “Are you not angry?”, she asked while taking Algernon‘s hand. He looked her in the eye with a passion she hadn’t seen for a long time. He laughed at her, “You bet I’m mad, I’m mad at myself and madly in love with you.” He jumped up, grabbed Leonora by the hips and pulled her body against his. He passionately kissed her while grabbing her bottom and squeezing it. “Now let’s dance woman, let’s dance for love and for Estelle, the best daughter a man can wish for.
”The noise from the wedding music could even be heard in the commons, Ireg noticed as she sped towards home. It wouldn’t be long until sunrise, and she had some unfinished business to attend to. Business she didn’t want to be part of, but had to be taken care of. She went into the small backyard. In the shadow of a tree a shady figure was standing with its back to Ireg watching at the moon out from under its hood. Ireg lit a torch hanging from the forge’s outside wall. The figure turned around its hood casting a shadow over its face. “Did it work? is Anna ok?” Ireg nodded, “all is well.” “And the tincture in the wine, did it enhance the bard’s trickery?” Ireg chuckled, “Safe to say it worked like a charm, literally.” “Excellent”, the figure replied, “it couldn‘t have played out any better. Payment is inside on the table. It should cover for all expenses. I will take my leave and hide for now. It’s best if no one sees me. Tomorrow we will meet one last time.” The figure disappeared into the shadows and Ireg went back inside her house. On the living room table was a large bag of coins. Ireg let herself fall onto the couch and let a sigh of relief escape her lungs. “Stella you brilliant crazy woman”, she thought to herself. “I never thought we could pull this off and get away unharmed, but we did it!” She poured herself a large mug of ale, and lifted it above her head. “Here’s to you Stella. To love and friendship and to finally living your dreams.”