Secret Identity

Thursday comes quicker than ever and I find myself trunk in hand heading to the Grand Oak Bridge. With the bridge in view I can see three others standing at the edge of the border. Two men and another woman. I wave to them and make my way over. The woman with deep red hair and bright green eyes greets me. “Hello, I am Amelia Longlee. Are you here as an Ambassador as well?”

I nod, “Yes, I am Niccola Adgolor, but you are welcome to call me Nic.” I smile at them.

“Nice to make your acquaintance, Nic. I am Benjamin and this is Luke.” The larger brunette man says and points to the smaller brunette man with glasses.

“We are all here a bit early aren’t we.” I say making small talk. “I assume you all are as curious as I am to see Dellum.”

“Oh yes. I have been studying Elvish cultures for as long as I can remember.” Luke says, nodding in excitement.

“I’m sure since you have all been selected it is safe to say you hold some type of degree in Ancient Elvish Studies.” Amelia declares, “I’m just excited to experience some of the new culture. And get a sneak peek at Prince Elauthin. I hear he is still unmarried. Something of which is quite the scandal since he is the only Heir.” I snicker at her as two Elvish men walk over to us. Both wearing long white robes with gold embroidery. They must be from the high counsel. Only those who are of the highest societal ranks are allowed to wear the robes of the Elvish court. These would include the Royal Family and the members of the high counsel. We turn to greet the two Elves.

“Hello, I am Haldire Mikain. It is a pleasure to welcome all of you. I have had the privilege of getting to know you through your applications and I look forward to becoming better acquainted in person.” The taller Elf says and reaches his hand out to each of you. “This is Pelleas Torcine” He points to the other Elf, this one unlike most had brunette hair. “He will be your tour guide and direct point of contact. If you need anything during your stay here please ask Pelleas.” Pelleas smiles at us but says nothing. “Now, shall we head to Dellum?” He says and begins leading us across the bridge. My mind is screaming. This is a historical moment! The first time humans have been welcomed into the Elvish Territory. As we walk into the Elvish forest things begin to change. Only slightly at first, a sweet scent of honeydew fills the air getting stronger and stronger, and then suddenly as if entering a whole new world the trees change to a lighter color. In them hang glowing moss, no doubt enchanted, but adding to the light of the sun it is almost blinding. “You each will have your own chamber in the Castle and we expect you to start classes tomorrow.” He tells us.

“Brilliant.” I hear Luke mumble.

“Your King and Queen will be joining us on Saturday Evening for a welcome ball.”

“And what about the Elvish Royal Family?” Benjamin asks.

“Yes, they will be there as well, and you will be meeting them in about 10 minutes.”

“What?” Amelia says in a panic.

“It is customary for the Royal Family to greet guests of the castle.” He chuckles, “No worries, they are very kind. I am sure you will see them plenty while staying with us.” We walk awhile in silence and I take in every little detail. As the woods begin to clear I can feel my heart swell. We come to the opening of the woods and the dirt road continues to the most beautiful city I have ever seen. It looked as though everything was made of purest white stone. The buildings were tall but the largest one lay in the middle with several spiked towers. The Verneral Castle, my new home for the next six months.

As we walk through the city Elves line the streets staring at their new human visitors for it has been many years since most of them have seen a human. As we get closer flowers are thrown to us as a welcome. I catch a pretty blue hydrangea and smile at the Elf child who threw it. She waved and giggled in return. We reach a large set of marble stairs that lead to the entrance of the castle. At the top I can see several guards and three figures dressed in all white with what looks like shining silver crowns atop their heads. I straighten my dress and take a deep breath. My heart is beating rapidly and as I ascend it seems to get quicker and quicker.

At last I reach the top and instantly it feels as though my heart stops. Two unfamiliar faces greet me but the third is ever so familiar. Aired stands in all white with a small silver crown circling his head. I look at him shocked.

“Allow me to introduce His and Her Royal Highness Eloquen and Iverna. And his royal prince Elauthin Naequinal.” Haldire says pointing towards Aired. My mouth drops, and I feel my cheeks flush.

“Welcome to our home. We would love for you all to join us for dinner. Pelleas will show you to your room and guide you to dinner around 7:00. Please get comfortable and feel free to explore. Your presence here is expected and encouraged by our people.” King Eloquen greets us and begin leading us into the castle, but my eyes stay transfixed on Aired as his on me. A kind of worry fills his eyes as he senses my confusion. We enter the castle. The entryway was huge. Very empty on the inside, only a few vases decorate the corridor.

“This is where we leave you. Pelleas, please take them to their chambers, and we will see you all for dinner.” The King announces and heads with his family down a corridor. I watch as Aired leaves with his parents. In his all white robe, I have never seen him in white. He always wore hunting looking clothing. He told me he lived in a small house at the edge of the city and that his parents owned a cheese shop. Aired glances back at me with a sorry kind of look, then continues on his way.

“Shall we head to the living chambers?”Pelleas speaks for the first time and begins walking down the corridor to the left. After several hallways and two sets of stairs we make it to the guest chambers.

“This place is a maze.” Amelia looks to Pelleas.

“No worries, I will escort you to dinner and classes. Just try not to get lost if you go out exploring.” He opened a large double door and inside was an airy courtyard. With a planter full of greenery in the middle making a circle, and two doors on the left and two on the right. “ Ladies, Please use the rooms on the right. Benjamin and Luke you can use the rooms on the left.” He smiles at us and we make our way to our rooms.