[IC] The Making of a New Queen

[pyroman]

"I will make the announcement after the feast,none of them know the slightest thing about you as of yet." Elana nodded and looked around, glancing at the three most convenient people at the moment, her daughter, Samsul, and Gerald. Samsul, Stoic as always, he simply standing there in the same attire that he had when he was participating in the retrieval mission. Each of the Lost Elves had their own unique armor, hand crafted and each one different from any other. This also played well to the fact that they were the royal guard, and the unique armor had more than one meaning.

She paused before answering her daughter's question about dancing, wondering about that fact herself. Elana didn't care for dancing all that much and if she would have her way, the kingdom would be so much different. The Queen shook her head and looked to Anastasia. "No, you will not have to dance. This is merely a feast, and the most that you will have to do is simple chatting and eating." If anybody else were to have been in charge of deciding the type of celebration, that would have made it to an all out party and celebration. She chose this so that her daughter wouldn't have to do nearly as much during her first night around such high profile people of all races and types.

[tsubasa]

Anastasia let out a sigh of relief, there would be no dancing. At least not for today, which was fine. She looked around the room from her seat next to her mother. Spotting Samsul, she smiled softly before continuing to look around. Melor whined and Ana looked down at him. She reached down and pet him and came to the conclusion that he was hungry. She looked around, surely there was an entrance to the kitchen... Maybe she could get him from food there. A servant ran over and looked at her, "May I help you?"

Anastasia looked up at him and nodded, "Please... Melor is getting hungry... Where can I take him to get some food?"

The servant was slightly surprised that she had not just asked him to take the dog, "The kitchens would be wise... Although, you might dirty your dress... Please allow me."

Ana nodded and the man picked up Melor before disappearing through a door that she assumed did lead to the kitchen. Soon more servants walked out, each carrying multiple plates for the guests. Anastasia sat to face forward again as the dinner portion of the feast began.

[pyroman]

If his main job was to now guard the princess, he might as well put everything in to it or not do the job at all. He sighed with mixed emotions as he stood, there, watching all of the high profile men an woman around him. He did see all of them in almost the same way that Elana did, but the difference was that he served them, not living among them like she did. His eyes shifted over to the servant who came to the aid of Anastasia and saw him as briefly conversed with her. His eyes moved down to the dog that she refused to leave her previous home without and saw as the servant picked up the dog. Although he knew and respected many of the people that made up the staff, he couldn't but help think of a few things that would have ended badly, and out of little worry he sent another of the Royal Guards, one of his family members, to watch over the dog from a distance just to make sure that nothing happened.

The Guard nodded and followed them from a distance, only being as close as necessary and doing his best to seem as if he was just lazily staying at a new post. She was under his protection as of now, and the dog was also protected by him because of possession. Not only was this the lost daughter of his Queen, but such a task preformed right would ensure that he would be the next head of the Guards, and his family as well, very soon.

[tsubasa]

Anastasia looked at the food that was placed in front of her with wide eyes. The food was nearly overflowing and was crammed together on her place. She looked from the food to her mother and back again. It was incredible how much food she was looking at. At home, they struggled for food but they luckily owned chicken that they could use if times got tough, however, they liked to keep them as long as possible as their eggs always brought in good money. With the Queen watching over them to ensure she was well, she could only imagine the state of the rest of the country. She looked around the room at those dining and felt sick to her stomach. How could they all be here gorging themselves when there were people starving in the kingdom. She placed the back of her hand against her mouth, feeling as if she were truly going to be sick from the thought.

She managed to calm herself and sipped her water. She decided that she would eat, otherwise the food would go to waste and that was almost worse than the plates being overfilled. As she ate, she watched as people began to finish their meals. Half full plates were being brought back to the kitchen and the ill feeling washed over her again. She took her cup once more and cradled it in her hands, sipping it. A servant came over and looked at her empty plate, "Finished, Princess."

The girl gave them a weak nod and whispered a thank you. When most the plates had been cleared, including her mother's, she looked at the Queen, "I'm feeling rather ill... Do you think we could the announcement now? So that I can slip away?"

[pyroman]

He watched silently and thoughtfully as he saw the events unfolding in front of him. If he was going to be honest with himself, he would have been even more hungry than he was a few moments ago because all of the food was being served. The Royal Guard actually usually ate alongside the Royals, but since his was on duty at this time, he had to restrain himself and simply decided that he'd eat later.

He gave a somewhat curious look at the princess as he saw her actions, obviously thinking about something as she stared at the food intently. He then took a small cautious stet forward as he saw her hand move up to her face and against her mouth, not making any more movements unless he was sure she was ill. Looking at the servant as she took the plates from the tables like the rest of servants did and evacuated immediately.

Elana didn't have to say anything at all, and she was simply happy with her daughter being right there at her side. A look a worry came over and replaced her smile fully. She nodded at her daughter's request and motioned for Samsul to step forward to the princess' side. "Samsul, please get her to her room. I'll make sure that Melor gets there as well. I'll have to change things up a little but all will be fine." The two of them nodded in sync and Samsul offered a hand to the princess. "A room has been prepared for your arrival, milady."

[tsubasa]

Anastasia looked at her mother and bowed her head, "Thank you, mother..."

She took the hand that Samsul offered her and stood. Stepping out from in front of the chair, she released it. She placed her hands on her stomach gingerly and allowed the guard to guide her to her new rooms."

She walked along with him, keeping her head steady and high, attempting to look as not ill as possible. When they reach her room, her eyes widened. Room was an understatement, add a few beds and a small family could live in it. There was couch and bathroom, as well as a large walk in closet. Two maids stood in the middle and curtsied, "Princess, we will be your maids in waiting... can we help you with anything?"

Anastasia thought about it and suddenly found it hard to breath. She looked at the both of him, "Um... something I can breath in.... and maybe a bucket..."

She started to see spots as one of the women whisked her into the closet, closing it to prevent her from being indecent in front of Samsul, while the other left the room to retrieve a bucket. Ana came out a little while later pale in an extravagant nightgown, with puffy sleeves and a frilly front. She made it to the couch before collapsing. She sat there, feeling as though she were on fire and still found breathing difficult. The maid who had left ran in with a bucket and handed it to the Princess, "Here you are M'Lady."

Anastasia took it into her arms and hugged it, "No M'lady... I'm not a lady... In fact, I'm just a common girl who can't even pretend to be a princess without getting ill..."

[pyroman]

Samsul assisted in pulling the princess up from her seat, but, still being gentle about the whole situation since she was royalty after all.

The Lost Elf led her to her room without a word and glanced over at the two maids who stood in the middle of the room. As the two of the entered the large room, Samsul stepped off to the side, watching calmly as one of the maids ran off to find a bucket. He was actually glad to see that he wouldn't be the only one following the Princess direct orders from now on, and their existence meant that Samsul did not have to carry out every simple and petty whim when she had two young maids at her service to do all of that.

As an act of respect, Samsul turned around to face away from the large closet, he was a decent man after all and only turned around as he could hear the doors of the closet opening up, revealing Anastasia to him in a night gown. Although it was a nice gown, the first thing to take his notice was her lighter tone of skin, telling her that she was obviously sick and not just trying to get out of the feast. He stood there for a brief moment before rushing to her side as soon as she collapsed on the couch, standing next to the maids.

After the bucket was handed to her he was somewhat glad to know that she still saw herself as just a commoner. He wasn't saying in any way that she was lower than him, but he has seen before that wealth and royalty corrupts even the greatest minds. He didn't want for the woman before him to turn in to one of the people out in the dining hall that Queen Elena despises with a passion. His eyes moved to a maid and looked at her calmly. "Please get her a glass of water, maybe two." He ordered calmly and watched as she quickly left the room like she did last time.

[tsubasa]

Anastasia hung her head over the bucket, very aware the two people standing over her as the third was off again to get her water. She pulled her legs up onto the couch and looked at the two of them, "You can go if you'd like... I, personally, hate watching sick people... I'd hate to make you do the same."

The young maid smiled at her as she crouched down before her, wiping away some of the sweat on her brow, "Now, princess, this is what we are here for... You shouldn't have to face being sick alone."

Anastasia shook her head before stopping quickly after as her eyesight spotted again, "Anastasia..."

"Pardon, your highness?"

"Anastasia... That's my name... I just think... If you are going to be around me all the time... you might as well call me by my name... not titles...." She smiled at the crouching maid, who looked at her a little surprised. The other maid returned again, holding two glasses of water. She handed one to the woman in front of Anastasia and held the other. The maid held out the water for the princess, "Well then... Anastasia... Drink up."

Ana took the water and sipped it, "What's your name?"

The maid was shocked again, "Um... Millie... and this," she pointed to the girl holding the second glass, "Is Arabella...."

Anastasia nodded her head and kept drinking the water, "It is a pleasure to meet you...."

Millie glanced up at Samsul, clearly quite surprised by the new princess. She smiled at him and nodded, "I think we should put Anastasia in her bed... would you mind?"

[pyroman]

For a small second while witnessing his Princess and soon to be Queen going as far as to get to know the names of her servants, Samsul actually saw hope for your young woman. She seemed so much like her mother not just in appearances, but also personality wise as well. He was almost tempted to think about smiling just a little in respect for her, but he has yet to see what she is capable with the power to control a kingdom. He hoped she would take on like Queen Elana would and do her best for everybody in GreenSpring, not just worry about herself and the other upper class members of the kingdom.

Being pulled out of his train of thought, Samsul looked at the maid named Millie and listened to what she had to say. He nodded respectfully and moved over to the door. His orders were to watch over her, but he needed his rest like anybody else. "I will be outside the room to guard it, as were Queen Elana's requests." He spoke as he walked to the door and turned around to face the three of them. "I hope the three of you sleep well, and if you need anything.. Anastasia, you need but to ask any of us." He spoke once more as he closed the door behind him, now standing at attention and guarding the door.

[tsubasa]

Anastasia looked at Samsul as he exited, "I'll keep that in mind..."

Millie took the glass away from Ana and placed on the table. Both Millie and Arabella helped her to her feet and walked her over to the bed. Millie pulled back blanket for her before they lay the ill girl down. Millie took the full glass from Arabella and placed it beside bed. She tucked the girl in and smiled, "Anything at all, Anastasia," Arabella slipped over to the glass left of the table and took it, wetting her handkerchief with the last of the water. She folded it and placed it onto the sick girl's sweating brow. Millie nodded, "Samsul should just be outside most of the night... Just holler if you need anything."

They curtsied and walked toward the door but paused when Ana spoke, "Tell him to get some sleep...."

They nodded and left the room. Millie looked at Samsul and smiled, "She's in bed... Should be drifting off... I'll come by later and check that everything is still okay... If she need anything, you know where to find us."

She started to walk away then threw over her shoulder, "The Princess says to get some rest."

[pyroman]

While in the middle of his thoughts, Samsul looked over to the maid who had just left the room. His mind was back in his body and he listened to what she had to say. He was glad to hear that she was resting now. Although he was told to stay and watch, he knew that if the princess was anything like her mother, she'd have his head for disobeying orders, even if it was for something like sleeping or eating. He nodded to her and relaxed just slightly.

"I'll be taking my leave then. Good night to the both of you." He spoke as he walked away, his feet barely making sound as they walked through the halls. He knew that there would be a long path ahead of him, and he knew that the title of 'Head of the Lost Elves' would only mean so much if he didn't do anything to earn it. He was going to have to give one-hundred percent on this duty of his to make himself feel like he truly achieved the title.

[tsubasa]

Anstasia woke the next morning, still feeling sick. She curled up in the blankets and noticed how comfy she was. She sat up quickly and quickly regretted. She placed a hand on her head and groaned slightly. She looked around the large room that she only vaguely remembered from the night before. She glanced at her nightgown and was slightly in awe of it all. She really was a princess. She had thought she had dreamt it all, that is was some flu hallucination. She moved to get out of bed and realized how bad an idea that was and laid back down. The two women from before came in. Ana looked at them both, "Millie... And Arabella... Or did I dream that?"

Millie laughed a little, "You didn't dream it, Princess," she removed a cloth that was stuck to her head before feeling it, "Oh dear, you are still burning up..."

She took a fresh towel from Arabella and placed it against her forehead. She smiled at her, "Would you like some more water, Princess?"

"Did I dream that I already asked to be called Anastasia?" The sick girl asked with a smile. Millie covered her mouth, "You did ask that, Anastasia... It seems that it slipped my mind."

Ana smiled, "Do you think... After I rest for a while... I can go for a walk through the Gardens?"

Millie thought about it then shrugged, "If you are feeling up to it... Although, I think you will need to ask Sir Samsul if you can... He will be the one to take you with him being your personal guard."

[pyroman]

As soon as he was released from his duties the previous night, Samsul walked through the halls of the palace and down to the wing where the Lost Elves resided. Being a unique and limited race had some advantages, like having a spot as the Queen's adviser, making up nearly all of the Royal guard, and many other privileges. He strode down to his own room and went to bed right after leaving his traveling gear, falling on his bed and passing out from everything that happened.

As he was accustomed to, Samsul woke up very early and got in to his usual attire, a unique piece of armoring that had work and detail that was claimed as a trademark of a Lost Elf. He quickly strode down the halls of his race's wind and back down to where Anastasia's room was to resume his duties. Be the way that the sun shone in from the windows, Samsul knew that he had woken up a little later than usual, and he knew it to be true since he didn't see either of the maid while he stood at the door. He only assumed for them to be in the room he was guarding, waiting for the young princess to wake.

[tsubasa]

Anastasia nodded when she was told that she would have to talk with Samsul. Melor flopped onto the bed beside her and she smiled. She pet his head before looking at the two maids, "Um... would you mind grabbing him?... I would hate to just yell... and I'd like to ask him."

Arabella nodded, "He should be just outside the door," she walked over and opened the door up behind Samsul. She smiled at him, "Sir, the Princess would like to speak to you."

She stepped away and allowed him to enter the room. When he was at her bed, Anastasia turned her attention from Melor to him. She looked up at him and gave him a small smile, "If I'm feeling better... I was wondering if I could walk through the Gardens... I saw them when we walked in and was wanting to ask.... Millie and Arabella said that if I were to, you'd be the one to take me... Would you mind?"

[pyroman]

As Arabella looked to Samsul and smiled at him, he smiled very slightly back and nodded when she told him that Anastasia had asked to see him. He then followed her in and stood at the side of her bed and smiled again to return she smile she had given him. She didn't need to ask him for permission to leave to the gardens, but he couldn't put anything against her since she was still very new to all of the things around her. He shook his head and bowed deeply.

"It would be my honor to walk you through the gardens, Anastasia." He spoke as he rose from his bow, looking at her as he stood tall once more. It was her choice if she wanted to get dressed or not before going to the gardens, but she could simply walk through the entire palace in just the gown if she so wished. On very few occasions Queen Elana did just that when she woke up earlier than usual, greeting all of the people who were up at the hour and having an early breakfast. He offered her his hand and looked at her calmly.

[tsubasa]

Anastasia smiled, thankful that he said he would take her. She sat up again, removing the cloth from her head. Melor rolled over as she dislodged him from his resting spot. He looked up at her, clearly displeased that she was getting up. Millie helped her to her feet, "Better, Anastasia?"

She took a moment to get used to standing then nodded, "Much... I think walking a bit will do me well...."

Melor's ears perked up when she said walking. He stood her bed and whined, she grinned, "Yes, you can come, Melor."

The dog jumped off the bed and started prancing around. The two maids brought over a pair of shoes, "You'll be fine to walk around in that, Anastasia... If you'd like of course. The dresses may be too tight to wear well not feeling well."

Anastasia nodded and put her feet into the shoes and patted her hands against her legs as she looked up at Samsul, "Well then... I'm ready when you are."

[pyroman]

Samsul agreed with the two maids, in her ill condition, a dress would not be the best thing to wear, and was simply far easier for all of them if she simply strolled through the gardens in the gown. He nodded when she spoke up again and made his way to the door, opening it and waiting for Anastasia to walk through with him, as well as Melor. Samsul thought it would be interesting to see how the other members of the staff would react to the princess' dog, and wondered if they would react positively or negatively to him.

Samsul then closed the door behind Anastasia, Melor, and himself as they all left the room and he guided them to the gardens. During the walk, Samsul turned his head to the princess. "Anastasia." He spoke up. "May I ask you about the sickness. It didn't seem to have taken effect on you while we rode back here from your town, might it have been something in the food?" He hadn't expected for her to know if it was in the food or not, but that's when the illness started to take effect and also when he had noticed said illness.

[tsubasa]

Anastasia looked up at him as he walked her toward the gardens asked about when she started to feel sick. She looked forward again and shrugged, "I didn't feel sick at all on our ride here...." she shrugged, "I started to feel sick just before eating... At first I thought I just got myself worked up but after I started to feel as if I were going to be sick," she held her hands in front of herself, "I was worrying... I felt bad that I, and those at the feast, were eating so much while I know of people and towns that are starving... We never missed too many meals, which now that I think of it may have been due to the Queen, but I know what it is like to go hungry... It just made me sick thinking about it... Then I ate so much because I didn't want to waste any of it... And I think that may have been a factor... But I don't know why..."

They reached the gardens and Anastasia smiled, looking around at the maze like lay out of the bushes and flowers. Melor was going haywire, running about and barking at butterflies. She giggled at her silly dog. Looking back up at Samsul, she smiled, "So... You are a Lost Elf?"

[pyroman]

Samsul nodded in thought while he assessed her sickness. How he saw it, she felt bad that the upperclassmen and woman ate like this almost every night, sometimes even more just for the sake of it. She didn't want to waste the food like she's been tought, so she stuffed her face like everyone else in the room, excluding Queen Elana. He put his thoughts about the matter aside when she asked about his race. He took note of the dog running around like a madman, and smiled just a little before nodding.

He turned his face to her again and looked at her. "Yes, I am a Lost Elf. From what I have heard, my kind was once spread entirely throughout GreenSpring, and even on the borders of the other countries. Something happened and many of us were forced to take refuge in the palace." He didn't want to give her the whole story of her race, she was sick as it is and he didn't want to tell her the bloody tale of the massacre that happened to his race.

[tsubasa]

Anastasia nodded as he gave a very short summary of the tale of his people. She assumed there was more that he was not telling, as an entire race's history is cannot be summed up in a few words. She decided not to pry as she figured he had reasoning not to tell her. As they walked, Melor ran back to them a stick in her mouth. Her eyes widened, "Melor... Where did you find that?"

He barked as she crouched down and grabbed it. She shook her head, "You better not have ruin anything Melor," she tossed it, not to far due to the fact that she didn't want to ruin any of the flowers. Melor raced after it and she smiled. She kept walking when her head started to spin again. She stumbled slightly as the spots gathered in her vision. She stopped in her tracks not wanting to trip. Then her body shut down on her, her eyes closed and she hit the ground.

It wasn't too long after that she woke up. She rubbed her head and groaned, "My head hurts..."