The Princess'choice II

Mysterious

Emmett

I couldn't deny the sparks I felt whenever she was close. After Elidi's brief introduction, the whole town started to prepare a feast. She helped like anyone else despite being their leader and I found her being extremely refreshing. I rolled up my sleeves and grabbed Conrad's collar from behind.

- Let's take out our part of the preparations! - We are the guests! - Conrad whined but I just chuckled and we joined a group on men who gathered firewood. Within a couple of hours a huge bonfire was burning in the town center, people prepared all kind of delicious foods and a few tuned their instruments. I searched for Elidi with my eyes and spot her carrying a big cauldron. I got up and rushed to help her.

- May I my lady? - I asked and she nodded. As she handed the cauldron I had to hold back a whimper. It was f*****g heavy! Elidi winked at me and walked away swaying her hips playfully. "This woman will be my end" I thought and carried the cauldron after her. I sat next to Conrad after that and I whispered.

- Listen... Be very careful.

- Why? - he asked with a hot drink in his hand.

- I almost couldn't lift that cauldron and she carried it without breaking a sweat. I don't want to imagine how it feels if her sword hits someone.

- Her sword never hits anyone. - the old lady, Maya, said and I almost jumped up in surprise.

- What do you mean? - she chuckled and proudly said.

- If she manages to swing a sword at anyone, that person won't feel the hit. She cuts them in half. - I felt my jaw literally dropped. Conrad gently lofted it back to its place.

-She is amazing... - I mumbled and watched how she interacted with everyone. Later we had a huge dinner all together and I got to know the people of the town better. They were all warriors and farmers who were fed up of being treated ungratefully and joined Elidi. Only a handful of brave and capable people, living hidden from the world believed in her. The few who knew how to play instruments started to play a quick melody and Elidi joined the dance circle. I watched her mesmerized. Her hair shined in the light of the fire. Her eyes were like gems and I would swear that the end of her skirt was also on fire while she danced. Her movements weren't calculated, nor careful, she felt the music and enjoyed the moment.

- I have never seen anyone this free before. - I said in a low voice, Conrad just smiled at me and said.

- Just like fire. Beautiful, warm, but dangerous.

- I'm glad you and Lizzy convinced us.

- Me too. - later Elidi sat next to us exhausted from dancing with a pint of beer. She sent it down the half of it and smiled.

- Do you enjoy the feast?- she asked from both of us.

- Yes, it is really good! - Conrad said and I searched for the words. Elidi noticed my silence and said.

- It is not rich or exquisite, but it is real. - she seemed offended and I held her arm when she tried to stand up. I pulled her back down and said.

- I just couldn't find the words. It is really different, but it's so lively, happy, weirdly if feels like home. - her eyes shined at me and I felt my heart skipping a beat.

- This is how my entire Empire will be. It won't be easy to fix decades of horrible decisions, but I'm more than ready. - I loved her fighting spirit already. I could tell from how she interacted with everyone that she will be a fantastic Empress.

- Can't wait to see it. - I said and she smiled wholeheartedly.

- May I ask, isn't the big fire and music too dangerous? What of they find this town? - Conrad asked and I didn't even think about this possibility before. Elidi just smiled.

- There is no way they'll ever find this place.

- How are you so sure? - I asked and she laned closer and said teasingly.

- Magic! - I felt the scent of alcohol and she was probably a bit tipsy but I found her being so real fascinating. All the ladies who tried to get close to me were fragile, fine ladies from wealthy families. Their every movement and reaction seemed staged. I hated being around them and if any of those women touched my arm I felt the urge of ripping my skin off where they touched me. Elidi held my arm and laid her head on my shoulder while we watched the fire and she explained.

- I created a magical barrier high and wide. For everyone who wasn't introduced and brought here by me or Maya this place is invisible. They cannot see nor hear us we are safe.

- What if you leave the town? - Conrad asked and she lifted her head to look at him better. I sent an angry glare at Conrad who mouthed "Sorry" for breaking up the moment with Elidi.

- I made a magic stone that keeps the town hidden even without me here! - she yawned and stood up.

- I think it's time for me to get some sleep. Please enjoying the rest of the feast. Ernest will show you where you can have some rest later. Bye guys! - she said and walked away.

- Damn that woman... - I mumbled and tried to calm my senses down and fight the urge to follow her to her cave house. I noticed after a few moments that Conrad stared in front of him as if he saw a ghost. I gently pushed his shoulder and she shivered.

- What's wrong? - I asked and he looked at me with his eyes wide.

- This was the best decision of your life Emmett. - he said and seeing my confused expression he continued.

- I've read a lot about magic and magical powers. The protection magic is called shield, to maintain one, the wizard/witch needs insane amount of mana, magical power and concentration. The next level is to creat magical artifacts. To create one with the shield power... She might be the strongest witch that we will ever meet in this century. - I nodded, Conrad could sometimes overreact a little. His interest for magic and alternative healing was amazing but he could be carried on with the information he learned and those sources weren't always exactly real. But, Elidi was really one of her kind...