Prologue

The small elfin child smiled shyly at the crowds of people that were in the ballroom, he felt extremely insecure and completely out of his limit.  Which, was quite odd considering that he was the prince to the kingdom of Alagais.  He was at the young, tender age of seven and had recently started his studies under Baron Windfyre's direction.  As part of his studies he had learned etiquette and eloquence which was extremely necessary as he was to be future king.  Baron Windfyre had stressed, to the point of near violence, that breeding was -very- important and that no child of King Bricas Rospo would behave like a common ruffian, just like he was not to interact with the likes of such.  So, he had been sheltered and forced into the social gatherings that were held at the kingdom.  So such distracting thoughts like what a ruffian was, would not even be considered by the young prince.

Wide, light blue eyes moved with the swirling energy that flowed from the chatting and laughing elves.  It seemed as thought the nobility was having an immensely good time.  Everything was perfect.  The orchestra was playing a light upbeat song, where young elfin maidens blushed as they were asked to dance and courted.  The food was steaming and kept neatly organized by the many cooks and staff.  

Today was his birthing day, he had just turned seven and his father wanted to celebrate by inviting the noble court of Alagais.  With a sigh the young elf stepped back into the slight shadows and leaning, quite un-prince like, against the smooth wooden wall.  He hated parties, especially if they concerned him.  He, of course was expected to make appearances, talk to the lord and lady elves.  Make fast friends with the other boys his age, who in his opinion were -far- to snobby for their own good.  He knew that it was all appearances since he was a prince an all, but it was so tiring and he was only seven!  With another mournful sigh he scanned the crowds looking for the familiar faces of his Akida and Koran.  But instead his eyes found his older sister.

He cocked his head slightly and frowned as he watched them all flocking around his lovely older sister Aeorial.  She was twelve and already had reached such beauty and grace that it made him feel like an overgrown troll.  The young prince frowned and sipped the now cold cider as slipped into a deep concentration.  He knew that he didn't have the grace or elegant nature of his dear sister or the fun carefree and loyal nature of his younger brother.  They each had their own things they enjoyed.....they each were happy.  His sister Aeorial was an entity in her own right and compared to her....well-he just didn't seem to fit into what a prince called for.  His brother Akida was so caring and giving....well, when he wasn't out running a muck with Koran.  But he was unlike them both so drastically it was amazing that they came from the same parents.

He had black as night hair which hung into his eyes no matter what he tried to do, and icy light blue eyes.  He was soft-spoken and extremely quiet finding that interacting with other elves was difficult, as seeing he had really never been around them. For when he was they had always talked above him as though he was not there.  It was almost as though he was worthless and the only reason they found it to talk to the prince was that he would most likely rule if Aeorial wasn't married off to a likable suitor.  Aeorial would bring peace between the fighting elfin clans, while he would become king.  He was also extremely nervous, feeling as though people where always looking at him, which they were, and he couldn't help but think that it wasn't entirely in a good way. He was different from the royal blood that had ruled that kingdom, he could feel it deep inside that he was not the same.  He felt that he should be elsewhere......that he was not meant to rule a kingdom, that he was unworthy of the honor.

The young prince looked up as he saw his younger brother Akida run past followed by the royal guards son Koran.  He smiled in a sad wistful way noticing that he was the black sheep of the family.  He knew that he was, he had been told so since he was old enough to understand what that meant.  Baron Windfyre had made very sure of that.  

His mother and father were a darker skin tone with blondish brown hair, as well as his sister and brother. But he on the other hand was a sickly pale and had dark, dark hair making his pale almost translucent skin stand out even more then it already did.  While his little brother could make friends so easily, he found that he was akward and ungraceful in that aspect.  He knew that he wasn't good dealing with people, he felt more at ease in the forest off by himself, thinking. Compared to other seven year olds at the time he thought about things a considerable amount more then other children.  He just couldn't help it, he had to make sure everything he was would someday be perfect.  He was expected to be perfect.  And the recent disturbances that he felt deep within were not perfect, so he pushed them away.  Trying to forget to warnings of danger that was approaching.

"Young Akito, your manners.  Where have they run off to this lovely evening, hm?" Baron Windfyre asked as he gazed down and the young boy through clear and sharp spectacles.  Eyes cold and devoid of compassion.

Looking up Akito swallowed nervously as he replied in a soft yet trembling voice.  "I'm sorry Baron Windfyre....I just....feel uncomfortable.  I'm just not used to the large crowds."

"Well, I must say that as a prince of Alagais you certainly -are- making an
impression....even if it isn't very good.  We both know that you won't have the elegance or grace of your dear sister Aeorial, but certainly you could put forth an effort, hm?  After all this -is your- party if I do recall."  Baron Windfyre huffed as he glared at his small student.

Akito nodded, to afraid to speak as he knew he would only end up making his teacher angry.  He couldn't help but be intimidated by the very tall man in front of him. If his height wasn't bad enough his features and personality put him off even more.  Baron Windfyre had long gray hair that was loose down his back and a sharp thin nose.  His cheekbones gave him an authoritative air and his blackish eyes could bore into yours and seemingly rip apart your calm.  He was like a snake ready to pounce on a weakness or flaw that he discovered.  Which he did, it was his favorite pastime.

"I can not quite make out what you said, perhaps if you speak more clearly then I could hear you, hm?  Certainly you know how to speak?  If Akida can pronunciate and speak better then you, you most surely have a problem, as he is only six.  Now speak up boy, it is most unpolite to 'nod' your head in an answer.  Its best just not to answer at all if you are going to be so distasteful about it."

"I apologize Baron Windfyre, I do not mean to be so disrespectful.  I shall try harder to maintain the high standards that you set me with, to improve myself to your liking."  Akito replied quietly feeling his cheeks blush with shame for being disobedient.  It was not his place to tell whether he liked something or didn't, he was prince and he knew that his life was not his own.

"Very well young Akito.  It seems as though you manage to improve in this short amount of time.  But you are growing up and its time for you to stop acting like a spoiled child.  You will behave accordingly and if you don't then you shall be punished.....I'm sure you know what I mean."  Baron Windier replied with a smirk as he took in the sudden paling of his pupil.  "I'm glad we understand one another, young prince.  Now, go out there and be courteous and polite and do not make a mockery out of myself or your kingdom."

"Yes baron Windfyre I will not disrespect your honor or that of the king and queen."  Akito answered his lip trembling slightly as he felt he was going to cry.  The last thing that he wanted to do was displease his father and mother.

"Good, now, go child before I take the switch to you for your insubordination.  Or I might just do it anyway.  Now leave!"

Akito hastily made his way into the crowd terrified at the mention of the 'switch'.  It always hurt so when he was whipped for misbehaving.  As he mingled throughout the crowd he caught sight of his brother and sighed.

~Sometimes its not fair.  Why do I get punished while Akida goes by?  Not that I want him in trouble.....but.....I just want to have a normal life......I just want to be good.  What am I doing that is so wrong?~

Later that night.....

Later that night Akito was alone outside, having successfully escaped the boring and stuffy party.  He knew that he would be punished for running off but he couldn't stand it anymore.  Having your 'oddities' being thrown back into your face like it was no big deal; as though your thoughts and feeling didn't even exist because you were undoubtedly nothing was wearing him down.  He was sick and tired of being made to feel shameful.

He shouldn't have been complaining or sitting there miserable under the night sky.  He was seven years old, he shouldn't have been there crying because he was lonely and unhappy.  He should have been out having fun with other seven year olds and not worrying about the future of his kingdom and how the two clans should come to a peace agreement.  It all was so discouraging and repetitive.  His young intellectual mind was becoming boggled.  

Akito breathed the cool night air deeply and closed his eyes as he felt the call of nature. With a smile, and his tears momentarily forgotten, he sat cross legged in the garden and felt his magic deep within swirling, waiting to be called upon.  With a deep breath he concentrated and held out his palm sending out his familiar aura and magic into the forest in front of him.  He opened his eyes as he felt soft feathers brushing against he face wiping the tears from his smooth cheeks.

"Hello Lena, I've missed you."  he whispered softly.  Holding out a shaking palm he let the small fairy settle herself into a comfortable position.

"Its about time Prince Akito!  You know that I don't have the least bit of patience that you do.  Where have you been?  What have you been doing?"  The young fairy replied in a fast speaking voice.

Grinning softly Akito sighed having missed seeing his one friend Lena.  He could always trust her, and they had been inseparable until he started his schooling.  "I've just been a bit busy Lena.  I'm sorry."  He whispered as he lightly ran his fingertips over Lena's violet wings.

Lena tossed her long crimson hair over her shoulder as she sat down cross legged on his palm.  She blinked up at him through long thick eye lashes and with large Amber colored eyes.  She smiled brilliantly up at him.  "Its ok Akito, I've been busy as well."  Lena sighed dramatically her wings fluttering behind her.  "You know how fairy court is Akito......terrible just terrible."

Akito laughed a little and shook his head a tiny bit.  "Um.....actually Lena, I don't.....but don't worry I'll take your word for it."

"Your incorrigible Akito simply incorrigible."  She replied smirking.

"Well, I have to be something."  he whispered softly, once again being reminded of how different he was from all of the other elves.

"I can sense that your upset Akito what is wrong?"  Lena whispered in a concerned voice. With grace she fluttered her wings and flew up so she was holding onto his pointy ear.  Gently she kissed it making Aktio turn red.

Akito felt his cheek burn but he quickly answered her question.  "I'm different Lena....I....wish that I wasn't.  Then maybe my father would at least talk to me, and that mother would look at me with a more pleased expression.  I'm so alone... I hardly even see Akida anymore.  I'm always with Baron Windfyre...." he trailed off as tears threatened to fall from his eyes.  He felt a tingle of guilt as he purposely left off the part of where he had been feeling these......distractions.

"You mean that overgrown, pompous windbag?  Please!  He's just spiteful!"  She huffed her wings turning a pink color in her agitation.

Despite his unhappiness Akito found himself laughing at the description of his teacher.  It really felt good to laugh as he realized that he hadn't done so in such a long time.

"Well I guess if that is the description that you prefer."  He chuckled as Lena ran her wings against his ear comforting him.

"Thank you Lena."  he said suddenly after a few moments of comfortable silence.

"Whatever for, my friend?"

"For caring and being my friend."  He whispered.

"I'll always be your friend Akito, no matter what."

Akito smiled and relaxed as Lena nestled into his hair rubbing his ear with her soft and silky wings.  They fell into a comfortable silence listening to the orchestras music floating out to the garden.  For the first time in a long time Akito felt peaceful and content.  He had truly missed his friend Lena and was glad that he had sent for her.  Suddenly a shrill scream sounded and jolted him out of his slight doze.

Jumping up to his feet he ran back into the castle and into the ballroom where there were many screams.  Pushing through he hysterical crowd, with Lena attached to his ear holding on for dear life, he made his way to the middle and what he saw froze him on the spot.

"Mother?"  he whispered as his feet slowly took him to the women who was sprawled upon the floor in a pool of dark crimson blood.  He knew deep down that something like this would happen, he felt a disturbance deep inside of him....a warning.  Something or someone was trying to warn him that this was going to happen.  He hadn't figured it out in time.  

~Its all my FAULT!~

With a howl he fell to his knees not minding the blood that began to soak through his leggings.  He pulled his mother into a hug sobbing into her golden hair that smelled exactly like lilies.  Lilies and blood mingled through his senses making him light headed and sick.  He trembled while Lena quietly tried to soothe him by brushing his ear.  But nothing could comfort him with that fact that he let his mother die.  He had failed.....and everything was all his fault.