Princess Rivalee (Part 8)

Hey all!

Who's happy about Thanksgiving Break?!! That's what I thought... sigh...


Does this not look delicious?

'Cept we don't do this! We get elk or buffalo and roast it over and open fire, we also toast up some pineapple (so good, kinda like kebabs) then we put our potatoes in the warm coals and they cook up nicely and then we cook bread on a stick! Dip it in some butter and jam.... mmmm. I'm telling you. It's the best Thanksgiving tradition ever. We play games, watch movies, talk, play more games. Guitars are constantly playing and me and my sis-tas and singing. Then lots and lots of games.
Ah, I'm so excited, plus I get to help make it all and play with my family for three days straight!!! We have fun. You should all be jealous. Maybe I'll take pictures and show you guys how awesome it is. We even have a little fire in the teepee. Horse rides are another plus, but I don't really trust the horses.

Yup! So excited. I kinda wanna go home tonight but I want to write a little more and it's easier in the library than anywhere else.

Here's the next chapter. It's rather small but full of goodness and it was really stressful to write.

PS. I do make changes occasionally to the text, never real plot changes, (if that does happen I'll let you know) and then post it up on the page 'Princess Rivalee.'

Anyway, do enjoy and PLEASE PLEASE, I NEED the feedback.

Princess Rivalee (Part 8)

Christmas came and went.

Glen got Riva a bow and proceeded to show her how to use it. Kadric had given her a pendant with the ancient rune for ‘Courage’ if fit nicely just below her clavicle.

Riva had gotten him a thick cloak (Kadric did all her shopping for her) that could go over his armor. It was practical and would be well used. Exactly what Glen would like. For Kadric (she’d asked Ergil to get his via written note) she got a blank bound book that had been imported from the south. The south was known for their fine quality of paper. For Mira she gave a comb decorated with delicate lilies. Ergil received a chair with a cushion sown at the seat, it was practical for the kitchen but still comfortable.

“Are you saying something about my age?” Anyone who didn’t know Ergil would think he was furious, but she could she the slight crinkle of crows feet and a twinkle in his eye.

Riva smiled openly, “Would you rather I give it to Cook?”

Ergil’s eyes narrowed and he waved a hand. “I supposed I’ll accept this paltry gift, but don’t expect anything from me!”

Two days later a small wood carving was set outside her door. It was a dove.

*****

Riva was beginning to enjoy the night time adventures with Glen, she was starting to see the “why.” Why she kicked this way, or rolled this way. There was always a reason behind what they did, but something Glen didn’t know the answer. Whenever they went out into the forest she would experiment with light. She didn’t want fire, but light. She ended up using lightning, only in a much smaller and controlled form. Contained in a sphere it would circulate in a steady glow fueled by her power. With the new light they could track and practice with the bow.

Riva liked the bow. It was much easier than having to confront a bigger opponent head on and lose every time. All she had to do was focus, pull back with her entire body and release. So simple.

Glen caught a hare in one of his clever traps and showed her how to skin and gut it. She lost her dinner. He just laughed, “Trust me, when you’re starving you don’t care what you eat.”

Riva just hoped she never got that desperate.

*****

Before she knew it, the snow was melting and the birds were starting to sing. It was time for the army to head out.

“We leave tomorrow.”

Riva bit the inside of her cheek and tried to smile. She’d already had a breakdown yesterday and a few days before. She didn’t want to lose control tonight.

She picked up the flint and bent to light the tinder and kindling she’d set up. It gave her something to do. It gave her time to think.

“Riva?” His voice was right next to her ear.

She jerked back instinctively and threw her elbow into his chest. The wind rushed out of him and she gasped. “Are you alright? I didn’t mean to- I’m so sorry!” She grabbed his elbow but he waved her off and bent over, waiting for his breath to come back.

“Wow,” He grinned at her, “you’ve definitely gotten stronger.” he huffed a little and straightened, making sure he was breathing normally again. “Looks like I won’t have to worry about you.” Cautiously as if handling a particularly jumpy horse, he held his hands up and moved slowly until his arms were around her in a warm embrace.

Riva didn’t know how to react. But she did trust Glen. He had never, ever let her down and had only been the utmost gentlemen when they had spent time together. So, she allowed herself to relax into his arms. That’s right. She remembered the night when he had held her like this. He cares. He cares about everyone. Guiltily she wrapped her own arms around him and smiled happily, letting herself enjoy the moment. She didn’t want to think about the consequences that even an embrace could have.

His crushed her against him. “I’m gonna miss you, so much.” He whispered in a thick voice.

Tears leaked from her eyes silently. “I’m gonna miss you, too” She said through tears.

They didn’t move for a long time, neither wanted to leave.

His tight grip loosened and they pulled away from each other. Riva looked down quickly wiping her eyes and gathering the courage to look up. She could see his boots. He was still only a couple of feet away. Hesitantly she looked up.

Their eyes made contact for a moment and his hands grasped her shoulders, gently. Then slowly he leaned in, eyes imploring.

He’s going to kiss me. Riva’s mind panicked. What do I do? Thoughts of duty, responsibility, Kadric, her father- no... not my father. I am no princess.

She rose to meet him.

He was gentle and steady, his arms wrapped around her again and he pressed her mouth against his just once and then he released her.

He took several steps back, swallowing slightly. When he spoke, his voice cracked. “I have to go.” His pale eyes never left hers. He opened his mouth but closed it again and smiled at her. “Have a good night, Princess Rivalee.”

She couldn’t respond.
In moments he was over the balcony and out of sight.
Riva looked down at her trembling hands and sat by the remains of her unlit fire. “Be safe, Glen.” She whispered.