The Queen of Elysium

Chapter 48 - Winter calling

Elissa is woken by warm slobber and an unpleasant meaty odour. "Ugh, Cavall!" she complains, rolling away and wiping her cheek with the back of her hand.  Cavall puts his chin on his paw and gazes up at her with adoring eyes whilst wagging his stumpy tail.

It seems too early to wake up, yet only moments later the door swings open and Darish strolls in with a cup of tea.

After dressing in exercise clothes, she goes next door into his & Dusk's apartment. They have moved into the queen's chambers; something she found rather amusing, but the humour did get rather lost in translation.

The ridiculously huge reception room has been remodelled to provide a sitting room, which is still large enough to house a dining table that can comfortably seat ten, an office with mezzanine library for Darish and a practice room come area of quiet contemplation.

It is in the last of these rooms where she joins Darish. In a blur of silk, she accomplishes the elven exercises which were once so difficult.

"Perhaps you should be teaching me!" Darish raises an eyebrow. His face is impassive other than the tiniest upwards crinkle about the corners of his mouth.

"Just because I'm faster than you doesn't mean that I can't learn from you, old wise one." She puts her hands together and bows to him.

He laughs before turning more serious. "Elissa, someone more able than I, could hone your skills."

"Darish, I enjoy our morning ritual. I am quite capable of defending myself."

Rising up, she hovers several feet above the floor, conjures a fire ball in one hand and at the flick of her wrist the weapons lining one wall disengage from their hooks and orbit about her like satellites.  Aware of the door opening behind her, she sends them back to their places and turns to face the newcomer.

"Father!"

Aldebaran bows his head. "Good morn, daughter of mine. I apologise for disturbing you. Your control is impressive."

She beams. "Since Gaia, it all seems much easier."

"Regrettably I have to inform you that I must soon take leave of your court. I am bid by Celestia to return to Alfheimr for the mid-winter festivities."

.....

Rather than going to the great hall for lunch, the younger members of her inner circle tend to gather either in her or Darish's apartment. Today they are in her's.

She glances around the table; on her left is Tabbi, her best friend since they met in Arcadia and her fiancé, Drake. Not for the first time, she wonders how such a lovely guy can have such a vile twin sister as Belinda.

Next is Talia, the sweet air Elemental and Bram, the Animage representative on her council; she finds their blossoming romance so endearing.

Then there is Ianthe and Zane. When she first met Zane, he was a complete womaniser, but now he only has eyes for his Atlantean princess.

Finally, on her right, which is appropriate as he is her right-hand man, is Darish, along with Dusk and Dawn.

Other than Dawn, who seems more a free spirit, they are all in loving relationships. She wouldn't have it any other way, but can't help feel an aching hollow.

A messenger enters the room and bows. "My queen. The White Palace wishes to contact you."

Placing down her napkin, she rises and takes the spiral stone staircase to her study. Almost as soon as she is seated, the surface of the mirror ripples before settling on the image of a figure with silken black hair, perfect cheek bones and glittering silver eyes.