CHAPTER 06 - High Elvish
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When was the last time Clover Castle's kitchen had seen any use?
I turned back, hands on my hips, surveying the sorry state before me. The sunlight streamed in weakly from the window behind me. Dust coated every surface while scattered pots and pans lay abandoned on the floor. A rat darted into the shadows, its tiny claws scratching against the stone.
First thing's first. I needed to know what pitiful provisions the palace had deigned to send here. I sifted through the supply, finding little more than rice, beans, lentils, oats, and dried plums and figs. All in burlap sacks riddled with tiny holes — courtesy of the rats, no doubt.
"Hey, Rainey, can't you keep me strapped to your thigh like last night?" Ryn's voice whined through the room. "It was so nice and cozy..."
I shot a glare down at the dagger fastened to my hip.
"If I knew I had a pervert beneath my skirts at the banquet, I would've left you with the rest of the cutlery."
"Aw, now that's just cruel... You know you can't carry me around so openly," he teased. "What would everyone think? They'd call you some violent woman."
I rolled my eyes, lifting the sacks of grain out of the rats' reach.
"It was a gift from the emperor. Not a soul would dare question it."
"Hmpf. Well, it was nice while it lasted."
"You can forget about it happening again."
"Cruel mortal..."
"Perverted elf."
Once the food was secured, I gathered what little I needed for myself, including a tarnished copper pot, a dented kettle, a single chipped cup, and some ancient tea leaves that looked just usable enough. With the pot perched on my hip, I made my way out of the kitchen.
As I passed the drawing room, faint giggles drifted through the air.
Curious, I stepped inside. It was the only room in the castle that still held any semblance of elegance, though it was a faded, tired kind. A few ladies sat embroidering by the light of the cracked window.
One of the women who I remembered being the ringleader glanced up from her embroidery. Her deep green eyes met mine and a smirk curled over her thin lips.
"Oh, look, the palace finally sent us a maid," Lady Virella said.
The others turned to look and erupted into titters.
"No, Lady Virella," one corrected, her voice dripping with amusement. "That's the princess."
A fresh round of laughter followed, echoing in the room.
"A princess, you say?" Virella twirled a lock of curly dark blonde hair in her finger. "Even the servants are dressed better."
I glanced down at my attire — simple and practical.
A dull grayish-green dress suited for a day's work, with one corner hitched up at my hip, revealing boots beneath.
A rag I found in the kitchen was tucked beside the dagger at my side.
And my messy braids hung loose, a far cry from what Skye used to weave for me.
The laughter grated against my skin, but I couldn't bring myself to snap back at them.
In my first life, I had viewed these women as obstacles on my path to empress.
But now...
Now all I thought of while looking at them was how the vylnir had escaped its prison one night. And how half the women in this room were eaten. Including Lady Virella.
I felt sorry more than anything.
"Do you know where the firewood is kept?" I asked.
Virella's laughter rang out once more.
"You really are a servant, aren't you? The guards leave it in the cellar."
I nodded in appreciation, even though I probably could've asked Ryn.
"Thank you."
As I turned to leave, their giggles echoed behind me.
In the cellar, I used my copper pot to gather enough logs to last the day and made my way back to my room, quickly lighting a fire in the hearth.
"I find it curious how you never retaliate against those girls," Ryn observed from my hip.
I shrugged, the flickering flames casting shadows around me.
"Their fate is no less grim than mine. Why would I add to their suffering?"
"I love how you never change, Rainey..." he sighed blissfully.
I shook my head at the strange elf and continued my work.
As Dornhold's fortress clung to the mountainside, it meant that even Clover Castle was graced with a nearby waterfall. I grabbed a bucket and made several trips to the water source in the overgrown courtyard, scooping from a crystal pool.
With my copper pot and kettle filled, I set the kettle by the fire to brew some tea. While the water boiled, I soaked a rag in the pot and set to scrubbing the room, determined to banish the grime and dirt that clung to every surface.
Once satisfied, I addressed the cracked window, carefully shattering the remaining panes. I watched the glass tumble down the cliff outside, effectively opening the room. The rush of fresh air flooded in, reminiscent of home. I closed my eyes and relished in the feeling it brought.
With the tea ready, I took a moment to savor its warmth while sitting by the windowsill, watching the sun in the distance slowly dip into afternoon. My smile faltered as I stared at the empty clouds.
Spring was well in swing. The dragons probably rose from their slumber by now to return to the skies. That first flight after a long winter was always the best...
I miss them.
After my brief respite, I gathered my soiled linens and made another trip toward the waterfall courtyard.
"So, how should go about learning Elvish?" I asked while walking. "Should I focus on phrases I can use with the vylnir?"
I set Raincatcher down on a rock and began scrubbing the linens in the cool water. Ryn's reflection strolled through the courtyard, perching on a nearby boulder. He gazed up at the sun as if trying to catch a tan.
"Hmm, let's start with simple words for now. The main issue is pronunciation," he cautioned.
"Alright. Uh, what about... 'Sit'?"
Ryn burst into laughter.
"The vylnir isn't a dog, Rainey."
I frowned.
"Well, what is it, then?"
He shrugged.
"Nothing, really. Its name resembles a High Elvish word for 'nightmare'. It can change forms like a shadow. But whatever shape it takes, I can assure you it always boasts a wicked set of teeth."
He flashed his own toothy grin, and I shuddered.
"Fine, then let's start with 'hello'. Maybe if we show some manners, it'll spare our lives."
"Very well," Ryn chuckled. "That would be ????σ."
I stared at the dagger's reflection, my hands freezing mid-scrub. Slowly, I opened my mouth to attempt the word.
"Heu— No, never mind. just break it down into syllables for me."
Ryn laughed softly.
"Try saying, h?h-l?w."
My brow furrowed as I tried to replicate it.
"Heh..."
"No. It's h?h," he corrected.
"Heuh..."
"H?h."
I groaned and scrubbed furiously at the linens.
"This might be impossible."
By the time I finished washing and set the fabric out to dry, we were still stuck on that first word.
I felt utterly defeated.
"I'm so dumb," I lamented, making my way back to my room.
"True, but not because you're struggling with High Elvish," he teased. "No mortal has been able to master our tongue."
Though he intended to cheer me up, his words only deepened my despair.
"Heuh-lowe," I muttered under my breath, trying to etch the sound into my mind.
Meanwhile, I rifled through my luggage, pulling out supplies I had brought from Drakfjord. Claude was the true hunter and warrior among us, but I had watched her enough to know how to set a simple trap.
"You setting off to catch dinner?" Ryn asked, already knowing the answer.
"Yeah. Since you've probably watched me hunt countless times in my past lives, just lead me to my favorite spots."
"Of course."
After packing some dried fruits from the kitchen, I set off. The guards were sparse, only two stationed at the bridge leading to Clover Castle, allowing me to easily slip past.
The descent into the valley below was treacherous, the path carved steep into the cliffside. Several times, I had to grasp thorny branches or sturdy vines to avoid a deadly plunge. Once I reached the bottom, I glanced back up at the towering silhouette of Clover Castle perched against the cliff.
Climbing back up would be torture...
With Ryn's guidance, I set up several small traps, trudging through the dense trees. The willows overhead twisted together, their knotted branches thick enough to plunge the forest into an eerie twilight.
All the while I tried and failed in my attempts at High Elvish. With the last of the traps set, fatigue soaked into my bones. Finally, I slumped against a stone, letting my aching feet rest.
"How do you pronounce that 'eu' sound?" I asked,
Ryn sighed.
"It's all in the tongue. Here, hold the dagger so I can show you."
I raised Raincatcher and watched the elf appear beside me, his face inches from mine. His gray lips moved slowly, his sharpened teeth gleaming as he spoke in a hushed tone.
"H?h-l?w," he said.
I watched his mouth closely, trying to mimic the way his tongue curled. Taking a deep breath, I gave it a try.
"H?h-l?w."
My eyes widened.
"That sounds right, doesn't it?"
"Almost perfect," Ryn smirked. "But let it flow more fluently. Try amplifying what you just did."
I tried again, focusing on the rhythm.
"H???σ..." A grin split my face. "I did it!"
"You did," Ryn praised. "Only took half the day."
I scowled, placing the dagger on the stone beside me.
"The first word should be the hardest, right?"
"Want to bet?" he teased.
I groaned, unwilling to tackle another word just yet.
"Tomorrow, then. For now, I'll focus on remembering this one."
I tossed a dried plum into my mouth, leaning against the rock as the sun's weak rays filtered through the willows.
"Warm bread and cheese would hit the spot," I sighed. "You think I should sneak some from the fortress gardens? I know the ladies there just lounge around for luncheons all day. Surely, I tried it in one of my previous lives... How did it go?"
"You were mocked," Ryn teased. "They called you the Beggar Princess."
I grimaced at the thought.
"Still, bread sounds worth it..."
A sudden snap of a branch made me sit upright. Eyes wide, I scanned the shadowy forest around me.
My heart raced.
Another snap echoed, and I spun toward the sound. Glowing yellow eyes peered at me from a nearby tree branch.
Relief washed over me as I recognized the creature.
"You scared me," I scolded the talon-toed fox.
His reddish-brown head tilted as he chirped a laugh. With its bird-like feet, the fox skittered from branch to branch effortlessly, its long tail flicking as it moved. Finally, it landed before me, its bright yellow eyes locking on the dried plums in my hand.
"You want one?" I asked.
The fox danced impatiently, and I tossed a plum into the air. It snatched the fruit effortlessly and darted back up into the trees, hanging upside down from a branch while devouring its treat.
I shook my head with a faint smile.
Skye would've loved seeing a talon-toed fox. My little sister had a fascination with every creature that crossed her path. There were times she spent an entire day out with her dragon. Starscale was the wildest of our flock, but when it came to Skye, he was as tame as a dog.
Another creature came to mind, and my smile faded.
The vylnir...
If only it could be tamed as easily.
Perhaps I should bring dried plums when I decide to face it?
With a weighty sigh, I rose to my feet, brushing the dirt from my skirt.
Figuring enough time had passed, I went to check my traps. After a few fruitless searches, I managed to find a brown rabbit ensnared in one. Pinning it down, I drew Raincatcher to its throat.
"Wait!" Ryn's voice echoed from the blade. "Can't you use another dagger? I don't want blood all over me."
I frowned, glancing at his reflection.
"What's the point of you if I can't even use you?"
His mouth hung open, affronted.
"I'm a traditional dancing dagger! Not some butcher's knife! I'm meant to be held in a pretty woman's arms as she dances... I'm in no way forged for blood and gore—"
Before he could finish, I swiftly slit the rabbit's throat, blood splattering across his reflection.
"Ack!" Ryn flinched.
"Calm down, Princess," I muttered, rolling my eyes.
"What did you just call me?"
I stuffed the rabbit into a sack, moving on to the next trap.
"You act more like a princess than I ever did."
Ryn bristled, his eyes shifting to a greenish hue.
"I'll have you know, I was a king before my untimely end. And though I loathe bloodshed, I was quite the warrior."
"Yeah, and that's why you were offed by a little dagger," I replied, unfazed.
"Hey, Raincatcher isn't small!" His voice softened as he added, "And besides... It wasn't from someone I expected..."
The somberness in his voice pulled at my thoughts as I found another rabbit.
"We have that in common," I sighed.
"At least you're getting your revenge," Ryn said.
I let out a dry laugh.
"Am I? Or am I just letting him kill me over and over again?"
Ryn paused.
"Well... I didn't say you were good at it," he mumbled.
Without hesitation, I slit the second rabbit's throat, letting the blood coat Raincatcher's surface thoroughly.
The elf complained the entire climb back to Clover Castle, his grumbling a constant background noise. Once I reached the waterfall courtyard, I washed my hands in the crystal pool, then headed toward the kitchens, making a quick stop at the drawing room.
Inside, the ladies still sat hunched over their embroidery. I leaned against the doorframe.
"I'm making rabbit stew," I announced, drawing everyone attention. "Anyone want some?"
Virella's thin lips curled in disdain.
"We don't need your grub," she sneered. "I have a friend in Lavender who sends us meals."
I raised a brow.
"You're fine with eating other people's leftovers?"
The question seemed to strike a nerve. Virella's face flushed as she turned back to her embroidery.
"Better that than lowering ourselves further."
I scoffed, shaking my head.
"We're already as low as it gets," I said, pushing off the doorframe. "But suit yourselves."
This time, no laughter followed me as I left the room.
Despite their arrogance, I made enough stew for all of us. As the pot simmered, I busied myself with the rest of my tasks. I gathered my dried linens from the courtyard, refilled my copper pot in my room, and finally undressed to wash the dirt from my skin.
Ryn's muffled protests echoed from under my pillow as he realized what I was doing.
"You can't keep me trapped under here!" he whined.
I shot a glare in his direction.
"I'd rather toss you out the window than let you watch me wash up."
That shut him up.
Once I was clean and in a proper gown again, I scrubbed the day's grime from my working dress and brewed myself a strong tea. I enjoyed the cup at my favorite spot on the windowsill and watched the sun dip closer to the horizon.
My thoughts drifted as I whispered to myself, practicing the Elvish word I'd finally managed to learn.
"H???σ... ????σ..."
Finishing the tea, I wandered back to check on the stew. On my way, I counted at least a dozen broken windows lining the walls. The sight grated on me. Clover Castle was in ruins, a death trap for the women who lived here.
"Perhaps I should file a request," I muttered to myself.
Though the idea of visiting Dornhold Castle nearly annoyed me as much as the windows, I couldn't ignore the state of the castle any longer. Determined, I crossed the bridge to the main fortress.
The walk to the Seneschal's office was long, and when I arrived, a line of concubines already waited. By the time I was finally ushered in, the sun hung low in the sky, casting a deep orange glow.
The Seneschal was an aging man with a long gray beard and thin spectacles. He glanced at my green attire and sighed as if anticipating my request.
"My Lady, we cannot promote you without a decree from the emperor," he droned, clearly bored by repetition.
I sat before him.
"I'm here about Clover Castle's windows, not my rank."
His brow lifted.
"Oh? Go on."
After half an hour of discussing the repairs, I submitted my request for the castle's windows to be replaced. The Seneschal nodded, promising to see what he could do before dismissing me.
By the time I stepped out of his office, weariness weighed on me. Lost in thought, I didn't notice the change in the air until I felt the stares. Guards, ministers, and concubines... they all stared at something just behind me before lowering into a deep bow.
Dread settled in my stomach as I slowly turned around.
There, standing taller than most, was the man I had hoped to avoid.
Emperor Sylvos Thorne.
His silver and grey attire glimmered with thorn-like metalwork, his dark cape billowing in the breeze. A throng of attending servants and guards lingered behind him, waiting.
"I was wondering when you'd deign to greet me," his voice drawled with a smirk.
My face soured.
"Lovely," I muttered under my breath.
Just my luck.
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