Read with BonusRead with Bonus

Becoming an Ambassador

Seven Years Later

*Dear Niccola,

We are pleased to announce you have been selected as a Human Ambassador as we begin to open the borders of Dellum to human kind. As stated on the application, Ambassadors will be moving into Dellum’s Castle for the next 6 months as we finish signing transportation and visitation treaties. We expect that during your time in the Castle you will help educate the High Counsel of Elves on human culture; as well as, you will be responsible for attending classes on Elvish culture and language.

We are excited to start this huge step to the future and thank you in advance for your time and dedication spent creating a world where Humans and Elves can live together. Please arrive at the Grand Oak Bridge at 3pm on Thursday with necessary supplies for your 6 month stay.

Sincerely,

Haldire Mikain

Outreach and Realm Peace Coordinator

High Counsel of Elves*

Excitement fills my chest and I let out a loud giggle. This is it! The past ten years I have spent all my time studying Elves. I got a degree in Ancient Elvish Culture and Historical Studies just to lead me to this moment. Filling out the application was the most terrifying thing I have ever done and I wasn’t sure if I was even qualified, but to be selected! I run from the mailbox into my house to find my mother preparing dinner in the kitchen. “MOM!” I run over to her and grab her shoulders. “I’m an Ambassador, I get to live in Dellum.” My mother shrieks in excitement and drops the knife she was using.

“My daughter! An Ambassador!” She pulls me into a hug, “I couldn’t be more proud. We will definitely be the talk of Myrkaand” She looks at me and down at my clothes. “I have to go to the boutique, you need nicer dresses to wear in a castle.” She lets me go and starts to shuffle to the door.

“What about dinner, Mom?” I question, but too late she is out the door and on to the market. I sigh and begin cleaning up the mess of a kitchen that was left behind. Once clean I grab the letter off of the kitchen counter and head to the forest. It’s a little past 6 and Aired is sure to be in the grove. I try to control myself but as I get closer and closer to our hidden haven excitement takes over me and I begin running to meet Aired. I get to the hole in the tree trucks and slide down into them catching myself at the bottom.

“Aired?” I shout with eagerness dripping from my voice. “Are you here?” I look around to no avail when I see two boots appear from his entrance.

“Nic, what perfect timing! I was just wondering if you would be around today.”

“Aired!” I run up and hug him, too excited to speak. He chuckles and pats my head.

“To what exhilaration are we hugging?” He asks, and I catch myself blushing and letting go. “Not that I mind.” He pulls me back into the hug.

“I was accepted. I am going to be an ambassador for the Human/Elf Border Trial.” I pull the letter from my pocket and he releases me from his grasp.

“ I am finally going to see Dellum and live in the castle!” I jump around the grove dancing with joy. I look at Aired and he is smiling but he doesn’t seem too excited. He moves to his usual spot on the oak tree and takes a seat. He nods assuringly at me and I just shrug it off and continue, “It is going to be just like you said. The food, the people, and in my down time I will be able to visit you. Without hiding, no more secrets about our friendship.”

“That would be nice. Maybe I will look like less of a loner.” He brushes his hair from his shoulder.

“Well you could try making other friends.” I tease him.

“It’s not as easy as it seems and none seem as adequate as my current friend” He pauses and looks down at his hands. “Niccola, there is something I have to …”

“And you can take me to see the Everow Gardens and the Great Tree of Light. I have been dying to see those.” I interrupt him, ranting about all of the places I have dreamed of since our last seven years of friendship. I keep on talking for an hour and slowly Aired’s expression changes from neutral to dread or worry. “ Is everything okay?” I question him.

“Yes, well… I’m fine, it’s just… well I really need to tell you something before…”

“Oh my gosh” I interrupt him again and stand up. “I have to go, mother will be home soon and I am gone she will worry.” I grab my letter which was resting on the oak tree and stuff it into my pocket.

“But Nic, I really need to tell you something important.” Aries urges.

“Tell me on Thursday. I can find you after they show us to our chambers.” I smile at him and wave as I climb out of the grove and back into the forest. I walk quickly back to the house in hope of beating Mother home. She will ask questions if she gets home and I am not there. Keeping my secret friendship from her for seven years has been quite difficult. Finally, I can tell her of Aired and just make it seem like I met him as an Ambassador.

I make it to the house and walk through the side door. “Where have you been, Nic?” Mother asks as I walk in.

“Oh, just out for a walk. I couldn’t control my excitement and wanted some fresh air.”

“Well nevermind that, I put the dresses in your room. Let’s go try them on!” She grabs my arm and drags me up the stairs into the first room on the left.

It’s a small room with a twin bed and my old wardrobe. Lying across my bed were at least ten dresses made of silks and lace with beautiful embroideries. “Mom, how much were they?” I stare in shock, most of my clothes were used from my older cousins or my mother herself.

“Don’t worry about the price, dear. Just try them on.” She smiles at me and picks up the dress on the top. It is green with a purple lining on the inside and golden leaves embroidered around the hem of the dress. A small collar peaks off of shoulders and the arms hang down to about the hip so that the purple lining on the inside is shown. A tear swells up as I stare at the dress in my mother’s arms. I have never owned anything so beautiful. I take the dress from her and take a deep breath in. Although I have worked hard as an activist for Elvish interactions, this is where the real work will start.

Previous Chapter
Next Chapter