Maedaeria, Ep. 6

Here is episode 6!! Sorry to everyone who still is not in the story yet! I'm working on it!! in the next couple of episodes you may spy a couple of new characters!! I'll keep you alerted! :)

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As Kateri and the Pegasus slowly descended to the forest ground, no one uttered a word, until at last, awe in her voice, the Pegasus finally spoke.
“Do you mean…?” she cried, as they landed with a thump by a bush of deep red berries.
“Yes.” Kateri said, overcome with amazement. “I think this is the Everlasting Stone..... The Lithos Athanatos.”
“Good heavens. What makes you think a thing like that?” the Pegasus said, her eyes wide.
“Because," Kateri whispered, "I think that that well, the one we fell into, was truly the Lost Well. I think it was the enchanted well out of which this Land of Elves sprung.”
“Could it be?” the Pegasus cried, shocked. “Could it truly be? Heavens, it was a stroke of luck which brought me into that well. But I have to ask -- even in the midst of this amazing discovery -- how in the world did I get into that well? Do you know?”
This reminded Kateri of the frightening affairs that in the first place had led to the discovering of the Lithos Athanatos.
“I don’t truly know,” she said hesitantly. “But I think I might have an idea.” Pulling the white piece of cloth out of the pocket into which she had put it, Kateri, sliding from the back of the Pegasus, held it before her. “Do you recognize this?”

Suddenly, the Pegasus’s dark eyes grew to twice their normal size. She kicked, rearing. Neighing, terrified, she seemed unable to control herself.
“What’s wrong?” Kateri cried, as the Pegasus trembled and ninnied, terror in her eyes. “Please, calm down!” Putting her hand tentatively on the frightened animal’s side, she looked into her eyes. Slowly, the Pegasus’ fast breathing slowed.
“I’m sorry,” she murmured. “That clothe….it is from my dear friend’s gown… I remember now! I don’t know what happened….it all took place so quickly! For weeks someone had been following us…we didn’t know who…Oh, I don’t know what to do!”
“Please, please, try and stay calm. Why don’t you wait until we are in a safe place before you tell me your story?”

The forest was growing dark. Although just that morning Kateri would not have been in the least frightened to travel though the forest in the dark, her trust in the goodness of all its inhabitants had been shattered through the events of the afternoon. Now, she knew she would not have been able to make the journey alone, for though she could in know way be called a coward, and though she was in fact one of the bravest of all the Elvin princesses, she now knew that there were those in the forest who could and would attack her. These beasts were indeed far too powerful for her, for she was still a young Elf and a novice the ways of white magic.

Nonetheless, the Pegasus and Kateri reached the kingdom of the elves in safety. As soon as Kateri passed through the enchanted gate through which only those who wished no evil upon the elves could enter, she was surrounded by friends.
“What happened?” cried Emily. “We’ve all been so worried. It’s taken you ages to return. Some of the men went out to try and find you, but you were no where to be found!”
“Princess Kateri,” a deep voice said, and the girls, looking up, found themselves facing one of the Elders, a group of wise and respected elves who dealt with all matters of importance that occurred in the Elvin Kingdom. “You must follow me. Honored One,” he added, turning to the Pegasus, “We are amazed and privileged to have you here with us. Please, follow me as well. And you, Princess Emily.”
The group of elves around the two girls and the Pegasus parted for Kateri, Emily and the Pegasus.

A little while later, Kateri, the Pegasus, and Emily sat in a small lounge in the Place of Councils. As the Princess of the Elvin Kingdom, Kateri, and her friends as well, now had to appear before the Council to explain what had happened to her while in the forest. The Elders were gathering at the moment. Suddenly, the door opened, and a beautiful, aged elf came in carrying a tray on which glasses of a strange, misty substance stood.
“Here, dear ones, drink this. It will calm your spirits.”
“Oh, thank you, Meginia.” Kateri tried to smile, taking one of the glasses from the tray and sipping from it.
“I’ll leave you to yourselves for now. But let me warn you, you shall be summoned soon. For now, sit here and collect your thoughts. I’ll come get you once you are called for.”