Her Majesty Queen Sorcha will see you now

They rode into the city and dismounted their horses. Rowan was once again left in awe. Intricately designed stone buildings lined clean paved roads, and magic seemed to float through the air in shimmering waves and sparkles around them. A waterway ran through the sides of the roads, which seemed clean enough for people to drink. A grandiose castle stood in front of the largest tree Rowan had ever seen at the far end of the city.

“It’s like walking into a fairytale book.” He commented.

Aislinn lightly giggled. “I believe the Danans would take that as a compliment.”

The atmosphere had a sense of levity to it. Rowan saw a group of Danans construct a stage in the city square. “Are they holding a party or something?” He wondered.

“No. Danans celebrate the turn of the season. Nature changes and brings new tidings, and they see it as Mairwen’s gift to the world.” Aislinn explained.

“I think we celebrate seasonal changes where I come from, but it’s nothing like this.” Rowan tried to remember the last party he went to.

A happy smile formed on her lips. “I’m pleased to hear that at least one of our customs has survived.”

“Survived? Your customs are ongoing all around us.” Isolde waved her hand at the hidden city of Annfayn.

“I’ll explain it later,” Rowan assured her. He turned to Aislinn, concern clear on his face. “How do you feel about meeting your grandparents? I can go with Isolde while you watch the horses if you’d like.”

Aislinn replied with a determined look. “I’ll be fine. I must face my family to ensure everyone’s survival.” She turned on her heel and led the way. “Come, we march for Lughaidh Castle.”

Isolde fell into step with Rowan and whispered to him. “The Danan Princess is estranged from her family?”

Rowan whispered his reply. “It’s a long story, but none of it is her fault. The Dana are as wise as they are stupid for this whole thing.”

Isolde snorted in surprise and amusement. “I can’t wait to hear the full story then.” Like Isolde, Aislinn had very sharp hearing, so she could only sigh in exasperation.

They walked along a wide path set with stone that almost shone in the light. The castle was more imposing and fairy-tale-like in person. Banners displaying a divine maiden shining a light on a great tree were hung over the sides, no doubt Mairwen bringing light and life to the planet. Rowan saw small dragon-like creatures flying to and from the castle.

“Hey, what are those things?” Rowan asked Aislinn as he pointed to one of the creatures.

“Those are Liafals. They’re companions to high-ranking Danans,” she answered. “My parents had one, but it flew back to its home when they fell in battle.” A sorrowful expression overtook her face.

Rowan kicked himself for stepping onto another mine. He saw one Liafal toss a ball to another with its talons and chuckled. “Okay, I want one. Who do I talk to about getting my own Liafal?”

Aislinn lightly giggled. “Mairwen, I guess. I’m told she’s difficult to reach even under the most dire of circumstances.”

He conspiratorially rubbed his hands together. “Find the goddess, get a dragon friend, got it.”

Aislinn smiled and shook her head. “Off to the front gates with you.” She and Isolde pushed Rowan from behind. “We’ll speak of 'dragon friends' later.”

Once they reached the gates — and the two heavily armed and wary guards — Aislinn stood in front of Rowan and Isolde. “I am Aislinn. I wish to speak with King Fionnbharr and Queen Sorcha.”

“You are expected,” one guard said in a flat monotone voice. “Be on your best behavior.”

Rowan gritted his teeth, but his comeback was halted by a gentle elbow from Aislinn.

“Worry not, we will behave ourselves as though we walk in Mairwen’s presence,” Isolde assured them in a mocking tone while giving them a deep and dramatic bow. Rowan grinned and gave a similar bow.

The guards sharply narrowed their eyes at the two, but they carried out their orders.

“Surrender your weapons at once,” the guard commanded. Aislinn turned over her bow without argument. Isolde could only begrudgingly surrender her axe.

The guards then tapped their spears to the ground. Magical waves emanated from the point of contact, causing the massive doors to glow and slowly open.

Their steps echoed in the grand halls as the group entered the castle. It was deathly quiet despite the few people who walked to and fro as they carried out their duties. The walls were made of brilliant white stone with green arcane patterns Rowan couldn’t identify. Pale yellow stones illuminated the halls and corridors. Portraits and statues seemed to honor their forebearers.

A maid appeared before them, whether through sheer speed or teleportation, Rowan couldn’t tell. She bowed respectfully to the group. “Please follow me. Her Majesty Queen Sorcha will see you now.” She stood up and began walking down the corridor to the throne room.

The grand doors seemed to open on their own as the maid approached. Rowan took Aislinn’s hand in his own and gave her a reassuring smile. She smiled and gently squeezed his hand for a moment. The two parted as the doors fully opened. Aislinn was still nervous, but she felt confident enough to continue her mission with Rowan at her side.

Rowan was hit with a pleasant, fragrant scent. A grand tree stood at the back of the throne room, the roots of which formed two thrones. Gardens with lush grass and beautiful flowers framed the stone walkway that connected the doorway to the thrones. A much larger glowing stone hung from the tall ceiling, a private sun for the royal family.

Aislinn walked down the path and stood at the end where the path met the royal dais. Queen Sorcha sat upon her throne, donned in a flowing green and white dress. A pale gold crown formed to look like branches and leaves sat upon her head and complemented her flowing silver hair.

Rowan could immediately see the family resemblance between Aislinn and her grandmother, though he noted that Sorcha seemed much colder and more distant than Aislinn. She cast a steel-like gaze upon her guests. The queen looked at the maid and waved her hand. The maid bowed and quietly took her leave. Sorcha’s expression changed the moment the doors closed, giving them privacy.

Aislinn gave a proper bow before her grandmother. “Great Queen Sorcha, we thank you for speaking with us. We have come with a dire warning.” Rowan and Isolde awkwardly matched Aislinn’s bow.

Sorcha descended from her throne, a warm and caring smile on her painted lips. “My dear Aislinn, I’m so very happy to see you again.”