The Princess and the Hunter

Chapter 24

The Making of History

The night was still and the air was cold; crickets chirping loudly. High above the moon was big and bright often passed by dark, wispy clouds. Behind them the stars twinkled faintly.

Li lay on his stomach peeking through the bushes waiting silently, the light from the moon and the shadows from the night camouflaging him. Beside him was Talar, crouched and looking around silently. Taya appeared out of no where and Li jumped startled.

" Remind me to never get on the Mar's bad side. " Li whispered. " You guys pop up everywhere! It's a conspiracy. "

Taya smiled and then her head jerked to the right and she motioned them to be silent as a guard walked cautiously by them.

There was silence and then a thump and then silence again. Talar looked at Li. " Ardal will dress as the guard and kill the soldiers guarding the entrance. Be ready to move. " Li nodded in the moonlight and then jumped up and followed the two.

Li ran across the ground on silent feet and ducked into the shadows just as a man in armor patrolled above him. Eyes scanning, never missing a detail, he backed up against the dark stone wall and waited.

Crouched to the left and below Li behind scattered boulders Eriol waited until the soldier disappeared. When it was all clear and seeing Li's small nod confirming it, Eriol leapt up and over the stones and ducked into the shadows beside him and breathed deeply.

A third figure suddenly bumped into Eriol and out of instinct both turned around and clamped the others mouth to stop each other from crying out. Eriol stared into familiar violet eyes and he swore fluently under his breath. " Madison what are you doing here?!!? " he hissed as quietly as he could in his anger.

Li stuck his head past Eriol's shoulders and arched his eye brow.

" There was no way you were leaving me behind Eriol Hiiragizawa! Besides I can do anything that you and the Mar can. " she glared at him and dared him to contradict her.

" Madison go back! " Eriol hissed.

Madison tossed her head and ignored him. Instead she looked passed Eriol's furious figure hidden in shadow and arched her brow." Li what's the plan? "

Eriol glared at Li. " I swear if you so much as tell her one - "

" The plan is to sneak in undetected, scout the area looking for any clue where Rulf has Sakura hostage. Other than that we watch our backs. " Li cut in his tone serious.

Madison bestowed him with a beautiful smile though it was somewhat dimmed in the shadows. " Got it. "

" Li! " Eriol snarled his fists clenched. " You are not supposed to encourage her!! "

Madison rolled her eyes and pushed past Eriol startling him. She snuck past Li and ignored his arched brow and peeked around the stone wall. She saw several shadows move and watched several soldiers fall to the ground without a sound. She turned around and winked. " Coast's clear. " and she disappeared.

Li met Eriol's glare and shrugged. " If you can't tell your wife what to do how do you expect me to? " before he too slipped around the corner and followed in Madison's footsteps.

Eriol continued to mutter softly as he followed after them.

Meanwhile…..

Sakura and Kartiako continued to stare at the dark figure who stood in the doorway.

" I wouldn't even so much as think about it I were you. " the commanding voice said from the shadows and Kartiako shuddered.

Sakura's mouth was agape and she just continued to stare stunned. The commanding figure strode into the room and Kartiako backed up seething . " Who are you? " she demanded.

" That is none of your concern. " the figure snapped back coldly, ebony eyes glinting.

" Does Rulf know you are here? " Kartiako demanded.

The cold eyes narrowed and bored into Kartiako's. " Rulf will soon find out that he has many visitors. I doubt that we will be his first priority. Now I suggest you take your claws out of her highness's ankle - you are not an animal. "

Kartiako hissed and held up the dagger threatening her feral eyes flicking back to Sakura lying helplessly beneath her grasp.

Sakura snapped out of her stupor. " You are not going to kill my baby! " she snarled. She thrashed about and kicked out with a lucky aim and kicked Kartiako right under the chin, sending her neck jerking back. Sakura watched as the dagger fell out of Kartiako's grasp as she toppled backwards onto the floor.

" Come here child. " the figure called. Sakura jerked her surprised gaze from Kartiako's stunned body on the floor and edged off the bed before running to the comforting figure.

Kartiako sat up and grasped the bed linen. She hissed and then screeched. " No matter where you go either I or Rulf will find you! "

Sakura burst into tears as her words hit them. Everything seemed to be lost. What was the point of running if you were going to be found and dragged back again? Already once she has escaped and look where she had ended up. With Kartiako hovering over her waking form ready to annihilate the innocent life growing inside of her.

' These emotions you are feeling are absolutely useless. ' Vala chided incredulously inside her mind. ' Why do you feel invincible one moment and vulnerable the next? I do not understand it. '

' It is the bane of carrying a human child inside our womb. ' Sakura replied looking around her frantically for any more soldiers. ' We can be happy one moment and then crying tears the next. My mother always told me that it was the way a mother prepares her child for the world they are about to enter. We have so much to feel and see; what else can we do but pass these feelings onto our children? ' She vaguely heard Vala muttering in the back of her mind before her attention was drawn to the figure who had rescued her.

" As long as you are in our hands Sakura you will be safe. This I promise you. " he vowed and then grabbed her hand and started to run down the hallway.

" I don't know how to thank you. " Sakura replied slightly puffing. Her rescuer came to a stop and looked around them. Sakura stepped back and then screamed as a arrow flew straight in front of her and embedded into the floor.

" The castle is under attack! " The shout came from in front of them. " Defend it at all costs!! " the clatter of men in armor echoed around them just as their shadows appeared.

Sakura blinked and then placed her hands on her hips eyeing her rescuer archly. " Well I just hope they don't expect me to pay for the repairs. Because I- eek!" she was abruptly hauled down the hallway.

Li ducked another arrow and swore. " Talar will you tell your people to stop aiming at us!! " he hissed.

Talar darted up the stairs gracefully. " Why don't you just stop getting in their way? " she shot back.

Li glared and then jumped back as another arrow soared past him.

" Move it. " Drysi commanded and bolted up the stairs.

Li sighed and then looked around. Where were Eriol and Madison?

Rulf snarled and hid in the shadows breathing heavily. He hadn't expected this. " I thought I had gotten rid of the Elvin bitch! " he whispered furiously to himself.

He cringed as the window beside him shattered and arrow after arrow soared into the hallway around him. He had to admit it (and it galled him to do so) but the Star Queen had outwitted him. He should have killed her the moment he had found her.

He waited until the rain of arrows had finished before he ran down the stone corridor. His men were doing the best they could but the tides weren't turning. Somehow the little bitch had got the upper hand.

He rounded a corner and collided with someone…..

Sakura ran down the stairs following after her rescuers and then cried out when a burning sensation ripped apart her right leg. She stumbled, but luckily her rescuers held her as she stared down at the arrow protruding from her thigh.

" That can't be good right? " she groaned.

" We must keep going. "

Sakura looked up and smiled a little as she snapped the arrow off as far as she dared.

" After all this running, I better be the fittest pregnant woman that's ever been. "

Her rescuer smiled and the helped her limp/jog towards the exit.

Li kicked open another door and glanced around it. His shoulders sagged. Where the hell was she?

" Another empty room. " Talar called from down the hall.

Li punched the wall and was suddenly struck down from behind. He fell to the floor and managed to roll over and came face to face with Rulf. Both stared at each other in stunned horror. " Son of a b- " Li grunted as Rulf punched him in the stomach.

Talar whipped around snarling and ran towards the two her sword drawn and dripping with blood.

" Talar find Sakura! " Li yelled and managed to punch Rulf in the face.

Talar lowered her sword uncertain as the two men wrestled on the ground but then sound of fighting up ahead got the better of her and she knew that they must find their beloved queen's human. She turned to go help and came to an abrupt halt and stared at Kartiako who smirked.

" Oh you won't find her here. " she purred.

Li punched Rulf in the nose and had satisfaction in hearing it crunch beneath his fist. Rulf howled and jerked back blood pouring down his face. Li pushed Rulf off him and rolled easily to his feet. " What do you mean we won't find Sakura here? "

Rulf stood up holding his broken nose and looked at Kartiako. " Did you get the job done? Did you kill the child? "

Li froze. " What? What did you just say?!! " he snarled his eyes darkening to fury.

Kartiako smirked and then lost her smile. " Nearly, but she was rescued. "

" What?!! " both Li and Rulf yelled.

Kartiako shrugged and checked her nails. " It was before the attack started. Some woman with ebony hair barged into the room just as my dagger was about to strike and she had the gall to command me! " Kartiako spat.

Rulf snarled and looked at Li. " You've interfered for the last time. "

" I've interfered with nothing. I've wanted to get my hands on you for a long time to make you pay for what you have done. You are nothing without your men or without a hole to hide. Take away the air of polish and sophistication and you are nothing but a coward. " Li looked up and saw Julian slipping silently out of the shadows behind Rulf., Meilin in tow. Julian put his finger to his lips and hid back in the shadows.

Rulf snarled and then turned and fled. Li let him go and watched a small smirk curving the corner of his mouth.. Kartiako watched him run away and huffed in disgust. But then her eyes narrowed and flicked to Li and then her eyes narrowed. She knew something was up.

Rulf suddenly cried out as Julian launched himself out of the shadows and bodily slammed into him. The two went sailing down the stairs. Julian kicked up and out and sent Rulf flying over him before he reached out and gripped onto the railing as Rulf cried out and fell bodily to the floor far below.

Rulf groaned and looked up and found Meilin resting her chin on the top of her sword looking down at him. Her ruby eyes were dark an unforgiving. " I think my cousin was being generous. I don't think he hit you hard enough. "

Rulf glared up at her despite his body feeling bloody and broken. " He wouldn't be able to even if he tried. Weak as a wet and stained rag. No matter how many times it dries it will always be useless and flawed. "

" True strength lies not in the strength of one's fist but in the honor and pride he carries inside his heart. " she snarled with cold fury. She rose to her feet and stood over him with her sword pointed at his throat. " He who understands that will strive to earn the respect and love of those around him. "

Though the sounds of battle still carried to them deep inside the castle of Berth Seron Banon it was quiet around them as Meilin's words faded away. Rulf, bloody and bruised glared back at her in hate.

Out of the chaos came two men. They wore the emblems of the old king and saluted Li, Julian, Talar and Meilin as they entered the room. The two guards - Kale and Elian nodded at Meilin as they bent and hefted Rulf up.

" Rulf, The Destroyer and Invader, you have been put under king's arrest and are required to met before his majesty for trial. And believe me you won't miss this one. "

Meilin watched as Rulf was carted off her eyes burning with simmering rage. Talar stepped up beside her and met her gaze. " Such hate is not worth losing yourself over. Use that anger and shape it into the strength you need to now secure this castle and find the Star Queen. "

Julian came down the stairs nursing his arm. Li came down the stairs after him and rested his hand on Julian's shoulder silently asking him if he was ok. Julian smiled reassuringly and Li nodded grateful.

" What do we do now? I wasn't expecting it to go that easily. " Meilin replied darkly.

Li frowned as he turned to look at Meilin and then a voice echoed around them in the darkness. " Oh this isn't the end. " Kartiako laughed as she came down the stairs, eyes gleaming. " There's still Rokama and I to deal with. " she said smirking.

" Who's Rokama? "

" A friend of mine. And believe me she won't go down easily. " The trio stared at her.

" Now if you'll excuse me, I have a judgment - trial if you will - to attend. " she walked past them her hips swaying seductively as she walked out of the castle.

" She's going to go after the king and Tori. " Eriol said coming up to them.

" And where have you been? " Li snapped.

" Watching and waiting. Now come on we have to get out there and fast. " he said and ran off.

Sunrise….

Sakura crept forward and peered out of the bushes. The sky was alight with the signs of the sunrise to come and it revealed the scars of the night filled with chaos and blood. The castle was damaged and would need serious repair. Windows were smashed and smoke billowed out from the turrets and the open doorways. Bodies lay sprawled on the barracks and walkways and those who still lived and surrendered were standing in a small group surrounded by her father's loyal soldiers before the castle gates.

Sakura shifted the leaves and peered harder into the distance. She had fled into the forest and unable to run any more had collapsed in a heap. Gritting her teeth she half lay, half sat panting in the semi darkness unable to decide if the pain was unbearable or the fatigue.

Yelan knelt down beside her and studied the arrow shaft broken off and embedded in her leg. Sakura watched her silently as she studied the older woman who had saved her from a fate worse then death by the hands of the witch Kartiako.

' Exactly how many people did you call for this fight Vala? '

' This woman came of her own free will. She is very powerful. She heard my call and answered it. ' Vala replied tiredly. Even Elvin queens have limits to their power.

" It has to be removed. " Yelan stated looking up and meeting her gaze. " I am sorry your majesty, this will hurt. "

" It is ok. " Sakura replied wearily. " I know it has to be done. "

Yelan kept her gaze for a moment and then lowered her gaze to Sakura's leg. She laid her hands on either side of the wound and murmured words of power. With deft hands, Yelan gaze a deft tug and the arrow slid free. Sakura gave a strangled cry and Yelan quickly tied a bandaged around it to stop the bleeding.

" Why did you do it? " Sakura panted looking up at the few remaining stars in the sky.

" Why did you risk your life for mine? "

" Because my son loves you. " Yelan replied and met Sakura's shocked gaze. " And because you are carrying my grandchild. But more than that this land needs you and the power and strength you will bring to the people. You will create a legacy that will thrive and carry on for generations setting the path for a new future.

" But you cannot achieve that goal unless my son walks by your side. Love like yours transcends time and space and with it you will find the right answers in your times of need. " Yelan smiled and cupped Sakura's pale cheek. " I think that is worth protecting don't you? "

It was while the echo of blood pounding in her head ebbed and flowed that's that when she had heard the silence. The fighting it would seem was over.

Now curious and fearful she waited in the shadows in the protective arms of the trees and bushes to see who had claimed victory.

She watched as her father's men walked out with a bloody and limp form of Rulf between them. She watched the first rays of light strike their armor and turn it gold. Another trio of men stepped forward and picked up the ends of several ropes. Sakura watched as they pulled and tugged until a make-shift gallows stood erect and in place.

" How did they get Rulf submissive so fast? " she whispered wondering. Then she saw Kartiako stalk out hide behind soldiers lined up against the wall and she knew why Rulf wasn't struggling. " That witch is going to help him. " she hissed. Sakura jerked to her feet and limped off to get closer.

" Stop Sakura! " Yelan called softly then sighed and took off after her.

Aiden stared down at Rulf. His men [bless them] had arranged a small podium in which he could stand so all his men could bear witness to their king's last sentence. Aiden had decided that the time for him to resign and hand the crown over to his son was nigh. He wanted the last years of his life to be peaceful ones. His time of warring and fighting was at an end.

Beside him Tori and his soldiers glared at Rulf. They still had their hands ready on their swords and Aiden prayed reverently to his deceased wife that Rulf would accept his sentence and be done with it.

" Rulf I'm sorry it has to come to this. " Aiden said. " But you have gone against all regulations and your actions speak more than words. Rulf for your treacherous actions, I the alleged king of the three kingdoms condemn you to your death by hanging. "

The Mar cheered raising their weapons made of the forests in celebration as the rope was placed around Rulf's neck.

" Not so fast! " Kartiako shouted darting out of her hiding place and produced her dagger. " I have you in my sights your majesty. One flick of my wrist and you'll be the one dying. Now release Rulf. "

" Don't you dare Kartiako! " came a familiar voice and they all turned to watch a wounded and bedraggled Sakura limp out from the bushes, her arm wrapped around a tall young woman with long black hair. She raised her head and narrowed her blue/green eyes at Kartiako.

Kartiako suddenly screeched and gripped her head as a hot searing pain shot through her head. She fell to the ground and withered shrieking.

Sakura's eyes widened and her head jerked to look at her father. " Watch out! " she cried out as another dagger went flying through the air and embedded itself in the wood, severing the rope around Rulf's neck.

Everyone jerked in surprise and turned around as a blonde woman helped Rulf remove the rope from around his neck. She looked over at them and smirked.

" He's getting away! " Yelan shouted and Li's eyes widened and he tensed before turning around. " Mother? " he stared stunned.

" Xiao Lang. " Yelan acknowledge and struggled to keep Sakura supported. She watched amused as Li's mouth moved back and forward not uttering a sound.

Two figures jumped out of no where in front of Rulf's escape path and held him at bow and arrow point.

" Going somewhere Rulf? " Eriol asked. Beside him Madison smiled coldly.

Rulf turned to flee and then cried out when two huge creatures landed in front of him, one breathing fire, the other, the orb around its neck glowing red.

" Idiot, you look like a floundering carp. Close your mouth. " Kero shot at Li who was still staring at his mother.

Li turned around and glared at Kero. A groan from Sakura made then all look back at the bleeding princess. She fell to the ground exhausted and Yelan was forced to kneel beside her. Knowing her part was not yet finished Yelan looked up and met Rulf's malicious gaze.

" Rulf. " she called and she smiled. " May I introduce you Berth Seren Banon's new King? " she said indicating her son Li.

Li balked looking between his mother and his enemy. " Wha - "

' Go along with it hunter. ' came Vala's voice in his head.

Rulf jerked like a puppet on a string and looked at Li. " You? Your the new king? " he threw his head back and laughed hysterically. " If your the new king than I'm a blind man! " he roared with laughter.

" Oh princess. " Rulf said chuckling. " You'd think you'd come up with a better candidate. He doesn't even possess your precious pendant! "

" I wouldn't be so sure of that. " Li said acting on Vala's whispered instructions.

Sakura stiffened and Rulf stopped laughing unsure.

Li pulled something off from around his neck and held it up. It sparkled in the sunlight and it was unmistakable what it was. Sakura's eyes flew wide open in surprise and then quickly concealed her shock when Rulf turned back to her. She made herself raise her eye brow haughtily.

" You shouldn't really be so distrustful Rulf. " she stated as Li walked over to her (following Vala's command) and placed it around her neck. Sakura fingered the warm metal and knew her heart had returned to her. She raised her head and met Li's gaze. Without a word he knelt down and cupped the back of her neck and drew her towards him and kissed her soundly.

Aiden nodded and several guards rounded up the treacherous trio and within the hour, all three were successfully hanged just as the sun appeared completely over the horizon.

Few hours later ….

" ……..I swear I'd have to be the first pregnant woman in the three kingdoms to survive a hostile take over, solitary confinement, manhandled by absolute scum, torture treatment, a battle, rescuing and running around with swollen ankles, getting shot by an arrow, and conquering my kingdom all over again. " Sakura ended on a dramatic sigh and laid her hands on her stomach. " Did I mention running all over the place? "

Yelan smiled and brushed Sakura's bangs away from her face. " You did wonderfully your highness. And to think you have seven months to go. I hate to think of all the trouble you're going to get into. " she plumped the pillows behind Sakura's back and tucked the blanket around her more firmly.

" She won't be getting into anything as long as I'm around. " Li stated firmly and Sakura cringed. She knew that tone.

" You saw the mural didn't you? "

Li nodded seriously. " Why didn't you say something? "

Sakura smiled gingerly." Do you honestly think you'd let me go off and try to play queen if you knew? If any of you had known? "

" Exactly! " Li stated firmly. " You put both your lives at risk. "

She merely smiled at him and tapped him on the nose. " Well I saved your life Li. There's no use complaining about it. The debt is repaid. "

Li frowned. " What debt? "

]

She continued to smile. " Do you remember all those years ago when you were bent on the theory that princesses were nothing but stuck up, pompous little upstarts that wouldn't know how to cut it in the real world and I got so angry and told you that some weren't like that? I told you that you shouldn't be so quick to judge because one day a princess might be the one to save your life? "

Li nodded.

" I don't know how many times you've saved my life Li. I'm just glad that I saved it just this once. Any other time after this mister and your on your own. Well at least until after this child is born. "

" From now on the world can fall apart for all I care. This pregnant woman isn't going anywhere or saving anyone. Do you know how much it takes out of you carrying the beginnings of a watermelon in your stomach? "

Li blushed.

Tori stepped into the room and bent to kiss Sakura on the head. Her father was close and smiled at her now. Julian, Meilin, Madison and Eriol stood along the wall of the room that she had been brought into and smiled back at her. Kero and Suppi lay sprawled at her feet snoring softly.

Suddenly the room was crowded by all the important Mar people. Talar was at the front and as one they all knelt on one knee, bowing their heads.

" Greetings Star princess, Queen Vala. " they said in union.

Aiden and all the others blinked several times confused. Meilin leant in towards Eriol.

" Did I miss something? " Why are they addressing Sakura and Vala together. Vala's not even here. "

Eriol frowned and shrugged. " I think we're all missing something. " he replied quietly.

Sakura blushed and rubbed the back of her head nervously. " I forgot about that. " she mumbled.

' Ready Vala? ' she said in her mind.

' This is going to be fun. ' Vala replied and Sakura felt all tingly inside.

If the others didn't think anything more could surprise them they were mistaken. They watched in stunned silence as Sakura suddenly started to glow an ice blue. She closed her eyes and they all watched the blue entity fly away from Sakura. Sakura sagged and Tori wrapped his arm around her to protect her and they all watched as Vala appeared beside the bed.

Vala smiled down at the princess. " That would have to be the first time in Elvish history that an elf and a mortal have merged together for such a long period of time. "

Sakura smiled tiredly from her brothers arms." I couldn't have done it without you Vala. You're a true friend. "

Vala bowed her head and then walked to the back of the room to be with the Mar.

Madison walked over to Sakura and stared down at her and sighed. " Thank the gods your eyes have turned back to their normal shade of green. I hated watching you merge with her in the first place and you staring at me with those bizarre eyes that you had. It scared me. "

Sakura gave a weak chuckle. " I'm just glad we can finally go back home. " she sighed and looked back at Li.

Madison smiled. " I can't wait! I can hear the wedding bells already! " she sighed going starry eyed.

" Oh Madison. " Sakura sighed.

Meilin waltzed over and smiled down at Sakura. " I'm glad to see you safe and to have you back your highness. "

" Meilin. " Sakura sighed tiredly but gaze the young woman a small smile. " Call me Sakura. I think we're beyond the acquaintance stage. "

Meilin's eyes shone and she smiled." As you wish… Sakura. "

The Story Continues . . .

The mountains were green and sparkling with dew from the storm the night before. The sun was just starting to rise between them and in the distance; banners flew from the pinnacles on the top of the stone towers of Berth Seren Banon.

Flying across the green fields, the crystal lakes, fields full of horses neighing and galloping there is a cave. The entrance is overgrown and covered in moss and shrubbery grows around it everywhere, but inside it is unchanged from time.

A tall slender figure dressed in a tight-fitting white gown that trails behind her stands with her silvery/blonde hair hanging low down her back. Beside her is a small child dressed in a white gown that reaches her ankles, showing her little white velvet slippers beneath.

The tall slender woman reaches up and traces her hand delicately down the pictures of the ancient mural.

" . . . after Rulf the Invader and Destroyer was hung along with his followers, the old king sent word to the neighboring kingdoms and told them of their triumph. The people soon returned back to the three kingdoms and peace and tranquility was restored. Li and Sakura soon wed when and later gave birth to a baby girl.

" Despite his earlier worries, Li made a fair and kind ruler and a feared warlord in battle. The Marise elves returned to the island of Mar and live their lives in peace and happiness and continue to this day the alliance with the three kingdoms.

" The crown prince took to the roads on a pilgrimage and didn't return until years later, wiser and glad to be home. He was crowned king a few years later when the old king sadly died. He married Layla and they had many children, though years later, some of his sons went on quests and did not return.

" Madison returned back to Rhawn Rhian with Eriol and her children, and they spent the rest of their lives raising their children and being as happy. Kero Beros and Spinel Sun shared homes at both Rhawn Rhian and Berth Seren Banon. And rumor has it that they're still alive, waiting until the day when they will be needed once again. . . "

The little girl frowned and looked up at her mother with clear blue eyes the colour of the sky.

" Mother what about Lady Yelan? How did they survive if the Li clan was attacked by Rulf the Invader? "

The beautiful woman looked down at her daughter with bright emerald green eyes.

" Yelan and some of her clan managed to escape the attack. They fled into the forest and managed to remain unseen. After that, Yelan and her followers, kept out of sight until they heard about the captured princess. "

The little girl nodded and lowered her gaze to the floor in thought. She raised her hand and it glowed a light green. " But how did we - their descendants - end up with magic, if both Li and Sakura didn't have any? "

The tall woman gracefully placed her hand lightly on her child's head lovingly.

" Elspeth, the reason I brought you here to tell you this story was so that you will know your heritage and know from where your blood line flows. We are the proud descendants of the great Star Queen of Berth Seren Banon.

" The reason we have magic is because of that fateful few months when Vala the Queen of the Mar and Sakura the Princess of Berth Seren Banon merged together and fought as one. Sakura was already pregnant with her child, and while they were merged, some of Vala's powers merged into the unborn child. That my darling is how we inherited our magic. Do you understand now? " she asked gently.

The child nodded slowly, her young mind sorting through the answer her mother had given her.

" That's also the reason why you appear to be younger than your cousins Elspeth, but in truth you are the oldest. It is because like me and some of our ancestors before us, we have a mixture of Elvin blood in us, that makes us age slower. But unlike true Elvin kin, we do not last for thousands of years like they did and do. "

Elspeth looked up at the ancient old mural and studied it harder, making sure to burn the image in her mind forever. " As it is my duty, it will one day be yours. " the woman beside her stated softly.

" It is our duty to protect this history for future generations Elspeth. Each new generation places a new preserving spell on these murals and protects them. When my time here in this world ends, it will be time for you to contribute to the family line. When you are older and have children of you own, you must bring them here and tell them everything as I have done today. "

" But mama why must we remember so? Why is it so important? " the child pleaded.

The slender woman knelt down and grasped her child's face lovingly in her hands and met her gaze." Because it reminds us how one person can make all the difference when it seems all is lost. It is a story of truth, deceit, love, courage and belief in the power of your own strengths and abilities. It teaches us all to stand up for what we love, care for and what we believe in. " she leant forward and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

She stood up and looked down at her daughter. " Come we must leave. It is getting late and your father will probably be wondering what is taking us so long. "

The child nodded and followed after her mother's graceful steps.

" Mother? "

" Yes? "

" Where are the great Star Queen and the great King buried? They are not in the family burial chamber. I looked. "

The queen frowned at her daughter's confession of being in a place she had hoped she wouldn't find until she was much older.

" Come with me. " she said softly and started walking down a small passage, holding the torch high above her silvery blonde hair, making it sparkle and shine.

The small child gasped her eyes growing wide when she looked up at the huge cherry blossom tree that was in full bloom in the middle of the small chamber. Her blue eyes looked up at her mother curiously.

" Sakura had it planted here when they were here in the siege. No one thought it would grow, but it did and it still lives today. But look below at the trunk Elspeth. "

The child peered into the dark gloom of the room and her eyes widened. For at the base of the huge trunk of the tree, were two stone headstones. She walked forward and stared at them not believing that this was where her ancestors resided. She traced the stone softly.

" There are Elvish words on here. " Elspeth said looking at her mother.

The queen nodded." They are Elvish words of protection, safety and happiness in the afterlife. "

Elspeth paused and then her mind made up, she clasped her hands together in prayer and lowered her head saying the blessing she had learnt from her younger years.

The queen watched her daughter and a small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. She was right in her assumption that her youngest daughter would be the one to carry the tradition on into the future. Elspeth would become a strong and fair queen, perhaps the best since the star queen herself. They both shared the same burning spirit of innocence.

Elspeth raised her head and nodded and turned around, walking back to the graceful queen in front of her, but something caught her attention and she looked up and watched as a cherry blossom flower fell and landed in front of her on the ground.

She bent down and picked it up and breathed in its beautiful scent. She looked back at the two solitary stones and then back at her mother's beautiful face.

" It would seem that Sakura has thanked you. " the queen said smiling.

Elspeth nodded stunned. " Thank you. " she whispered and walked back up the passageway behind her mother.

They stepped out into the morning light that was now high above the Twin Mountains and Elspeth blinked several times to focus her eyes. Her light blonde hair that was like her mothers - pure silk - flew out behind her in the breeze that blew past them.

They heard a welcoming whinny and looked up as the king rode up to them from the green field below on a white horse. His chestnut hair blew in the wind as he rode up to them, his sword glinting in the sunlight as it hung from his belt, his dark eyes smiling at them.

" What do we have here? " he asked smiling. " A beautiful goddess and a little monster. "

" Hey! " Elpseth chided shooting him a dark look. " I am not a monster! "

The king chuckled low in his throat and smiled brightly at them and then bent down and picked his daughter up and placed her in front of him on the horse, in the safety of his strong arms.

" No you're not . . . at least not at this moment. " he teased and leant forward and kissed her on the cheek. " Now what was so important that the two of you had to get up at the crack of dawn and not tell me what you were doing when I asked? " he asked smiling.

The queen stepped forward and played with the horses mane, weaving her fingers through its silken hair. She rose her emerald eyes up and met his and smiled at him.

" Mama told the story of our the great Star Queen of Berth Seren Banon. " Elspeth piped up. " And how we got our magic. And she showed me the graves where they reside and I prayed homage to them and they gave me a pretty flower! " she wiggle in her father's lap and showed him the cherry blossom flower.

The king looked at the flower and then at the woman beside them and rose his eyebrow.

" You showed her the graves? " he asked surprised.

The queen's chin rose a fraction proudly." She has already been in the burial chamber. " she shot back.

The king's eyes widened and he looked down at his daughter who pretended to study the scenery around them. " You've seen the burial chamber? "

" Yeah. " Elspeth replied reluctantly. " But I didn't go in far! " she put in quickly.

The king shook his head. " You always seem to amaze me daughter of my heart. "

Elspeth's eyes sparkled when she realized she wasn't going to get into trouble.

" We'll have to get Anako to watch you closer I think. " the king said hugging her tightly.

Elspeth shot him a glare beyond her seven winters.

" You know I don't mean it. " the king laughed at the glare he received.

" Hmph. " Elspeth ignored him.

" I do believe you've upset our daughter beyond forgiveness. " the queen smiled watching her husband.

The king looked at the back of his daughter's head and then back at his wife." I believe I have. " he nudged the horse a little and bent his head down to gaze in her deep emerald eyes. " But she does have your willful spirit after all. " he whispered.

The queen eyes sparkled with love. " And what is that supposed to mean Tariq? " she asked softly playing along.

" It means Kioko, my love, that she won't forgive me until I bend to her willful spirit and allow her to run around free, much like her mother. Otherwise I have a feeling that my life will be hell until I relent. Did you see the glare? I think it confirms what I'm saying. "

The queen giggled and her eyes shone. " Ah but you forget love that if you allow her freedom, she will love you even more for it. You already know that from me and all our years together. "

Tariq looked sideways and caught his daughter watching him out of the corner of her eyes." Well it looks like I'll have to relent and hopefully my beautiful daughter will bestow me with one of her beautiful smiles that makes me love her even more. "

Elspeth turned in the saddle and gave him a brilliant smile.

" Now that's better. " he said and hugged her tightly.

He swung down from the horse and kissed his beautiful wife and placed her up on the horse behind Elspeth, both looking like goddesses from the heavens. He knew his wife had captured his heart when he had first laid eyes on her, but he knew that is daughter would capture hearts and break them as well as she grew older.

He didn't know what lay in store for them, but he did know that he thanked the ancient Star queen for her kindness and courage, because if it hadn't have been for her, from which everything descended, he would never have had the life he had now and they wouldn't live in the peace and happiness that they did.

He had to admit, as he walked the horse with his family on it back towards Berth Seren Banon, that it was one heck of a story. Twelve generations after the actual events and there wasn't a soul that didn't know the story. But Sakura was a person that should never be forgotten, not ever. As her memory continued to live on so did her spirit. . .

They walked down the hill and across the green fields and soon disappeared beyond sight - a tiny speak in the distance. . .

Meanwhile in a dark room where sunlight streamed through the hole in the ceiling and rained down on the petals of the cherry blossom tree, below two silent stones rested. The sun crossed one of the stones and below the ancient scribbling of happiness and safety from the elves, were these words :

I was born to find you,

and after I found you,

I was meant to love you.

You captured my heart,

and with it,

you bound me to you for eternity.

And there my love,

I'll gladly stay. . .

The End