Princess of the Sky wav

Ashlen is enjoying a luxurious bath in the princess's bathroom, reflecting on her past struggles. She thinks about Marcus and wonders if he'll be okay after everything they've been through. Ashlen notices that her clothes have been sewn up and cleaned, and her boots have been replaced. She meets Princess Esmerelda, who gives her pajamas and offers to teach her how to read. Ashlen is shocked that she can't read and agrees to learn from the princess. THE PRINCESS OF THE SKY ASHLEN It occurred to Ashlen when she and Mark had parted for their bathing just how early it really was. It was nearly ten in the morning, and she now laid in a large porcelain tub, full of the warmest water she ever bathed in, as well as being surrounded by mountains of bubbles. She had never seen a tub this large, let alone full of such warm water that seemed to soak all the chills from her body. All of her life she struggled to find clean water just to drink, even when her family was around, before her father joined the guard promising a better life. Even now, as she soaked in the suds and looking around the large tiled bathroom, she thought of what her little sister would have given to see a place like this. She laid her head back against the little headrest. This was supposedly the princess's bathroom, and she was to use it until her own room was finished being prepared. Marcus's was prepared already, and he was already being cared for while Ashlen sat alone in the princess's tub, whom she had not yet met. The girl had a nice place. The tiled floor and walls were a hexagonal pattern of white and gold. The large marble countertop with a basin and mirror was nearly as large as herself, and another guardian owl was perched on top of the mirror. The princess truly was lucky to have been born into royalty. Ashlen wondered where the princess was anyway. She wasn't at dinner. It was funny, Ashlen thought, feeling relaxed and easy, not having to worry who's here or who's watching. Just yesterday she woke up from her sleep in the sick room where Marcus was still asleep from his terrible injuries. She had stayed by his side the entire time, with Black occasionally in the room. At first she was weary of the hunter, but eventually, when he talked to her, she felt more at ease around him. The fact that he told her that he had brought them to Levitica made it a little easier to trust him as well. Despite all they had gone through, it especially made it tougher when Marcus finally awakened, and he had to be reminded as to what had happened. But they really were here now. She was in a warm bath, in a magnificent castle, in the legendary City of Angels. Here, Ashlen felt safe, and knowing that Marcus was doing what she was doing in another bathroom, not far from her, put her more at ease. They had both made it. They were safe, almost all of them. What was going through a friend's mind? Was Marcus really going to be okay, knowing the feeling of loss herself? Ashlen knew that it would be a long time for Marcus to even get close to the term, used to it. You never truly got over the death of someone you loved. You just dealt with it. What a terrible thing to think about. Ashlen slid down and let her whole head submerge beneath the waters as she ran her fingers through her hair. The roaring of her blood and the beating of her heart passed through the waters, drowning the depressing thoughts in her head. Was he okay? What would she say next time she saw him? She replayed different scenarios in her head, making sure if Marcus was to ask and say anything remotely close to what she thought, she could answer or comfort him, if need be without too much hesitation. She had to be there for him, just as she had once needed someone to be there for her. She had no one to talk to when she lost her family to her father. To Vigar. Then there was Marcus, who lost everything, just as they made it to the Forbidden City. But she wanted to be there for him nonetheless. He saved her life many times already. The very least she could do was be there for him. I want to be there for him. When she broke the surface, she ran the water out of her hair before stepping out of the tub. The cold tiles felt nice against her feet. It was strange and unreal, but it felt nice. She reached for a towel that hung on the wall rack and began to dry herself off. It was then when she noticed her clothes on the counter, or what looked like her clothes. She walked over with the towel wrapped around her and studied the pile before her. They were her clothes, but something was different about them. All the holes and tears in her faded jeans had been sewed up with elegant stitching. Her shirt was cleaned and stainless despite years of constant use. Her shoes were gone and replaced with a new pair of fresh black boots. All that was missing was her coat, which was nowhere to be found. She looked at the pile questionably. Did someone come in here? How long was I under the water? She looked towards the bathroom door. The thought that someone had slipped in without her knowing disturbed her. She eventually shrugged and proceeded to dry herself off. As she did so, she saw just how skinny she was, just how pitiful she looked beneath the many clothes she wore just to keep her warm back in Nineveh. Looking at her stomach, her legs, and her breasts, she wondered just what exactly was holding herself together. I look so thin, and I ate so much at dinner. Shrugging off her thoughts, Ashlyn tied her hair into a ponytail and slipped on her clean clothes. The boots fit snugly, and she was content after walking around in them for a bit. The only thing she would complain about, if she could, was that her pockets were empty. The contents she had inside had been removed, probably because it was forbidden, or whatever reason. Ashlyn knew she wasn't going to get her things back. She was slightly disappointed, especially with all that has happened, but there was nothing she could do now. She'd just have to live without it for the time being. She then exited the bathroom, towel in hand, only to stop in the realization that someone was waiting for her outside. Her visitor was a young girl about her age. She wore a skirt of white and blue, and her hair tied into a braid, which ran down her back to her waist. Her feet were bare and were just as pale as her face and arms. She looked like a small doll, with a small nose and almond eyes etched with very little makeup. Her smile was warm and welcoming, but at the same time nervous, as if she was shy. In her hands she held a small brown burlap. She sat waiting on a chair against the wall. Hello, she said pleasantly, softly. Hi, Ashlyn replied nervously. The girl nodded, standing up in place. I'm sorry, I'm being rude. I'm Esmerelda, daughter of Elizabetha. With widening eyes, Ashlyn realized who this girl was, and quickly made a stiff attempt to bow, practically falling over in the process. Your majesty, she said. Esmerelda laughed again. Her voice was as soft as a songbird. Oh please, your majesty is my mother. You can just call me Esmerelda. She stopped laughing, but the smile of amusement remained. I don't really like being called princess or anything like that either, to be honest with you. Oh, Ashlyn said after standing back up again. Okay, I hope my boots fit you okay. These are yours? The princess nodded. They didn't fit me, so I wanted to give them to you. I also stitched up your clothes. She turned red. Sorry, I didn't knock. I didn't even know you came in. Ashlyn chuckled while at the same time feeling nervous that the princess had snuck in. She sure doesn't act like one. Esmerelda shrugged. I'm told I'm quiet. She held out the small bag she held in her hands towards Ashlyn, who looked at it with a cocked eyebrow. These are your pajamas and a robe, the princess explained. I also snuck some candy treats inside, she added in a whisper. Oh, Ashlyn said taking the bag. Thank you for letting me use your tub as well. You're welcome. Esmerelda seemed to relax as her small smile grew a little bit bigger. We didn't have time to prepare the second room, so I offered. I figured it was the least I could do since I missed you at dinner. I was busy with something. If you want, I'll show you to your room if you would like. It's all ready, and I've sent your guard to just wait by your door. What should I do with this? Ashlyn asked, gesturing her soaking towel. Leave it on the floor. Back in there. She pointed back toward the bathroom. I'll take care of it when I bathe. Ashlyn blinked. You sure? Yes, Esmerelda reassured. Okay, Ashlyn said uneasily, throwing the towel over her shoulder. The princess began to walk out of the room, so Ashlyn followed close behind. Probably not like they are described in the stories. You have a wonderful place here, she said. Thank you, the princess smiled. I like it here, but I prefer to be in my room, where my studies are. I like to read and paint. You read? Ashlyn asked as they entered the empty hallway, the torches of green fire lighting up their faces in a ghoulish glow. I love reading, Esmerelda said, brightening up a little more. It's amazing how much history and stories have disappeared beneath the rubble after the Great War. It took people years to find even a small fraction of it. Some of the stories go back nearly as early as the planet's first thousand years. Fairy tales, unlike anything told today, they're incredible. It's funny the combination of words to make such beautiful sentences and create worlds beyond our imagination. An author is just a painter who uses words instead of paint to give us a picture. That's what I always say. Ashlyn couldn't help but stare in awe at the innocent excitement beaming from this girl. That's incredible, she said, thinking of just how different their worlds really were. Do you like to read? Esmerelda said, looking at her. For a few seconds, the only sounds came from Esmerelda's bare feet and Ashlyn's boots striking the stone floor with each step. Eventually, Ashlyn muttered, I can't read. What? Esmerelda said, clearly shocked. No way. Well, I can pick up a few words, but I can't read. In fact, I never read a book before. The princess's jaw dropped, so low that Ashlyn thought it might fall right off. Oh wow, Esmerelda said, falling back into silence. That is unacceptable. It's something we need to remedy. Well then, I can teach you, she said with a big grin on her face. Really? Yeah, she said, nodding with an enthusiastic smile. It'll be fun. Great, Ashlyn smiled. The thought of learning to read felt exhilarating. Thank you. I just... I can't believe your mother never taught you, Esmerelda said, stopping at a large store where Ashlyn's guard now stood. My mother never really had the chance back in Nineveh, Ashlyn said. Is she still there? No. Ashlyn shook her head. Esmerelda pursed her lips in understanding, before speaking again. I'm sorry. Not your fault. Still, can you tell me what happened? It's kind of a long story. We got time, Esmerelda reasoned. If you don't want to, you don't have to. Ashlyn nodded after thinking for a moment. All right. Come on, Esmerelda said, pushing open the door. Let me show you your room, and then you can tell me all about it before I go to see Marcus. She let Ashlyn inside, still talking. My mother would be furious if I didn't visit all the guests. Can't forget Marcus, Ashlyn chuckled, pulling the door closed behind her. It was strange, she thought, that the princess knew who Marcus was as well. Though not surprising, since everyone seems to know who he is. She then turned, and then gasped aloud as she took in what was now her bedroom. For a good chunk of her life, Ashlyn had been living on the streets, lucky enough to find an empty dumpster to sleep in. Every once in a while she'd stumble upon a bar or restaurant, whatever would allow her to stay for a single night, or she'd find a stable and sleep in the straw with the horses. After she left Nineveh with Marcus and Ruth, she slept in a thermal bag, out in the cold. In truth, she had never slept in a real bed before, and the one before her nearly brought her to tears of joy. The bed sat against the back wall, nearly ten feet wide and twice as long. It looked to be meant for a king rather than some street rat. The sheets were white as snow, with a thick blanket of fur tucked at the end. Pillars of red were piled high against a headboard of oak, the ends carved into owlheads. A nightstand stood on either side of the massive bed, white wood shelving with a little drawer near the top, and an elegant lamp set on each. The floors were of glazed wood, the same material as the walls, which were windowless. Bookcases lined the walls, filled to the very top with so much literature it would probably make a librarian jealous. A wooden desk sat between two shelves to Ashlyn's right, the chair in front made of gold and red upholstery. In the mirror above the desk, where a small terminal sat upon it, Ashlyn was able to see her reflection once again. It occurred to Ashlyn that she really hadn't looked at herself. Back in the bathroom, all she saw was how thin and frail her body appeared. The Ashlyn she was able to see now appeared more than just that. This Ashlyn was clean and terribly thin. The ragged mess of hair was gone, replaced with shiny clean strands. Her skin was no longer dark from dirt and soot, but now laid pale, white as snow. Her eyes were the same, however sharp, alert, ready for danger. The Ashlyn in the mirror was pretty. Not beautiful like the noblewomen or the ladies in the Baron's Castle, but cute. She looked like a normal teenager, depicted in old stories and posters of the world before the fallout. She looked... she could not describe the word. Different? No, that was not enough. Different was not the right description. She sighed and turned to Esmeralda, who sat on the foot of the bed. I look like a young lady, almost like a kid, she said. Well, you are, Esmeralda said with a smile. And a pretty one to boot. Never really cared for that, Ashlyn explained, blushing suddenly. Never had much reason to. It's... surreal, really. Esmeralda smiled. Well, the girls in the city would definitely be jealous of you. Esmeralda looked at the princess. Jealous? Of course! That made her laugh. No way, Ashlyn said, walking towards the bed. I'm anything but a lady. Well, there are some things I need to teach you, and maybe you to teach me, Esmeralda said, grinning again as she took a seat on the bed. What do you mean? Ashlyn took a seat beside the princess, who kicked her feet against the bed, just like a kid. I want to know what you know as well. I want to know how to shoot and fight. Take care of myself. She shook her head and chuckled. My mom expects me to lead this city after the war is over. How can I if I don't know how to protect myself the way that people do? I guess that makes sense, Ashlyn agreed. Wouldn't they teach you to shoot better? Can you teach me? Esmeralda looked at Ashlyn. Will the queen be okay with that? What she doesn't know won't hurt her, Esmeralda winked. Don't worry about that. Ashlyn grinned uneasily. Okay. Great. Esmeralda turned her body so she faced Ashlyn. So tell me your life story, and then we'll go see Marcus. Well, what's your story? Ashlyn's sad feeling she might already know what it is. Not nearly as exciting as your story, obviously, Esmeralda chuckled. Besides, I asked you first. Marcus. While he was in the bath during the time the guards were preparing his bedroom, Marcus had a lot of time to think and mull over on what he had heard earlier. Everything that has happened concerning the queen, the prophecy Black had mentioned, it all seemed too strange to think that so much of it relied on him. All of it sounded way too good to be true, too risky to believe just on their word alone. Still, if they really were in Levitica, then in the very least, they would be safe there, and all of his paranoia was for naught. But then again, he had been right before. When he was done washing and was able to get dry, he dressed into his old clothes that had been washed and prepped. As he did so, he went over everything that had happened all over into something along the lines of conclusions. of the gate. He studied his dagger that sat on the bathroom countertop, where the voice of Abner had infiltrated Marcus's mind, as well as his reflection in the gem. As he reached for it upon grabbing it, turned it over. Are you there still? He asked, but the voice had fallen silent. Please, if you have any wisdom at all, I need it now. You were there in the wastelands. You have to be there now. Am I... are we safe here? Nothing. Not even a hint. Angry, Marcus smacked the dagger back on the countertop and began to vigorously dry himself. Fine. Whatever. He carried his boots and used a towel as he walked alongside his guard. Mel, who said nothing as he led him to a set of doors at the end of the castle hallway, it was similar to the door across from it, and Mel nodded as he stood at attention beside it. If you need anything, I will be out here, he said in a bored tone. Thanks? Marcus muttered as he pushed the doors open and stepped inside, closing away Mel and leaving him alone inside, to take in the bedroom they had prepared for him. It was an elegant and beautiful room, with a massive bed and walls that seemed to be made entirely of bookcases, filled with mountains of books and scrolls. He sat his boots down near the door and hung his towel on a little hook by the small desk to his left. He walked over to the bed and stared at it before he turned around and plopped down on the edge, before letting himself collapse onto his back. He practically sunk into the fur blankets. It felt like he had landed upon a soft cloud. He stared at the ceiling a good long while while his head continued to swim deep in thought. How was he going to do this? A knock on his door broke Marcus from his thoughts. Grateful for some sort of distraction and hoping that it was Ashlyn, he sat up and groaned as his resting back protested in doing so. Come in! The door opened and Marcus was shocked to see not Ashlyn, but a beautiful young girl stepping inside. Her raven hair was tied in a braid, her skirt of white and blue flashed in a dim lamplight, and her feet were bare, as pale as her makeupless face. Her almond-shaped eyes were what gave her away, for the deep green of them reminded Marcus of someone else. He immediately stood up and did a lousy attempt to bow. Your Majesty... The girl laughed. I already told Ashlyn, and so I'll tell you, she said in a sweet songbird tone of a voice. You don't have to call me that. The Majesty is my mother. Marcus stood straight up, embarrassed. I'm sorry. Don't be. It happens. The princess walked over to Marcus and bowed her head. I'm Esmerelda, Queen Elizabetha's daughter. But you obviously already guessed that. Marcus nodded. I could. I could see the resemblances. I sure hope not. Esmerelda smiled, letting him know she was joking. But thank you. Yeah, you're welcome. So, she peered at Marcus, as if he was the most interesting specimen she has yet come across. She eyed him, up and down, her eyes taking everything in and leaving him feeling exposed and uncomfortable. You are Marcus, the son of Jonathan? Uh, yes, Marcus finally said, mentally kicking himself for how stupid the answer sounded. You knew my father? I've heard of him, she answered. I've never met him before, but I know a lot about him. I've also heard about you, and of your travels to get here, everything all that you and your group have been through. That was all very brave of you, to go out into the wastelands. She shifted one foot over the other. I heard about your sister, Ruth. In fact, I was the one who left the flowers by her coffin. I'm really sorry. Marcus felt his heart grow heavy again, and he swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat as he replied. Thank you. The flowers were kind. She nodded back. I know what it's like to lose a sibling. My brother was lost at childbirth. Oh, I'm sorry. Me too. She looked over at the desk and thought, sometimes I think it was better than growing up in a world like this, but at the same time, what I would give to have a little brother, you know? Marcus did know. In fact, he understood completely now. He always wondered if Ruth was enjoying herself, far away from this world up in the heavens. He had even thought if it would have been easier on her, having she never been born in the first place. But such a thought was depressing, and made him terribly guilty. He really didn't know what he truly had, until she was gone. He finally answered, I know. The princess returned her attention back to his eyes. She looked like she was thinking hard about what to say next. Not wanting it to become awkward, Marcus decided to pick back up the conversation. So, uh, what can I do for you? He hoped it did not sound rude when he asked. Actually, it was what I could do for you, Esmeralda said looking away suddenly. I'm sorry for just staring. I just heard so much about you, almost my entire life. You did? Marcus thought it was a little strange, and his suspicions began to rise again. Oh yes, since I knew you were coming. And sorry, that makes you uncomfortable, does it? No, no, not at all, he lied. Okay, Esmeralda said, this as if she could see right through him, but didn't want to put him on the spot. Anyways, I wanted to welcome you here to the city, and if you need anything that you don't want the guards to help with, I'm not far from where you and Ashlyn are. Thank you, Marcus nodded gratefully. So, I am giving you and Ashlyn a tour of the city, yes? You've met Ashlyn already? Oh yeah, she's a very nice girl. Yeah, she is. Marcus agreed. I'm excited to show you around, and I hope that we can become best of friends, aren't Princesses supposed to be only friends with, you know, royalty? Esmeralda laughed at that. The rich and soft laughter made Marcus' heart skip a beat a bit, and was relieved, and yet also disappointed when the laughter stopped. I can be friends with whoever I want. Besides, I think you and Ashlyn are very cool people, and I want to learn more about you. I'm sure everything here is so overwhelming, and I hope to somehow relieve some of that. Esmeralda smiled, genuinely appreciated of what this strange princess was offering. Thank you very much. She smiled, a simple, shy, but cute smile. Anytime. She began to play with her skirt before she spoke again. I should probably go. Ashlyn wants to talk to you before we go. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small radio with a dial that fit snugly into her crafted palm. These radios are linked to the entire castle. You and Ashlyn are on channel two. The queen on one. She handed it to Marcus while she continued. Four is the guards, five is the emergency siren, and six is me. If you ever need anything, you don't want anyone else to know. She gave him a wink at that. Thank you, Marcus said, meaning it. I'll make good use of this. He wondered what three was for, but he figured she would have told him if he was supposed to know. Good. She nodded. Well, she did a small curtsy bow to him. It was an honor to meet you, at last, Marcus. At last? You too, Esmerelda. Esmerelda smiled. Like I said, if you need anything, I'm just a call away. He nodded. Thank you, again. She smiled as she turned to leave. She said something to someone outside the door before exiting, and in her place came an Ashlyn, who Marcus did not recognize at first. You're clean, he finally said. She stuck her tongue out at him. I feel like a new girl, Ashlyn said with a grin. Her hair was straightened, and gone were the dirt stains on her neck and hands. Me too. Oh, uh, I mean, well, that was dumb of me. But a new man. Ashlyn laughed as she took a seat beside him. She studied the room with a curious eye. Looks like my room, except for the window. No kidding? Yeah, she nodded. She then looked at him, those dark eyes watching him closely. What? he asked. What do you think? About what? Ashlyn waved her hand. Everything. This place so far, the people, the queen, and princess. Black. You know, everything. She shrugged. That's a big list, he muttered. We got a little time. Despite the princess waiting for us outside, Marcus thought, while saying, it seems alright, I guess. Really? Ashlyn asked this with a raised eyebrow. Marcus scratched his head in the careful thought of how to explain. Well, I feel like we are safe here, for now. Are you worried about the queen, and how close Black seems to be to her? All that, and I don't know what to think just yet. I'm hoping some fresh air will clear my head, and that we can get some answers later tonight. What do you mean? The way the queen was studying me, and that princess, I mean, she seemed okay, reasonable, but like everyone else thus far, I don't trust them. Ashlyn nodded. I see. Well, we'll just have to be careful. I kind of agree with you, to be honest. I feel safe here, like I don't have to look over my shoulder anymore, and the actual bed. Ashlyn smiled. That too, but seriously, I mean what I said when I said I'd follow you anywhere, and believed in you, no matter how bizarre it all sounds. Considering your suspicion that we are just being used, we don't want to tread too deep in unknown waters. Marcus shrugged. Well, we already seem kinda neck deep. As it is, we're already here. I guess we better learn to start swimming. He smiled. Alright. Ashlyn nodded, twiddling her thumbs as she glanced toward the small clock sitting on the desktop. We should probably go. Come on. She grabbed his hand and pulled him up off the bed. I got your back. Marcus didn't even need to ask if she meant it or not. And I got yours. She nodded. Let's do it.