EVABELLE

"I wish I could heal you." Evabelle confessed as she watched the pale orange haired, oriental elf woman spread a gross yellowish paste over the nasty cut on her friend's leg.

"Don't sweat it." Aza waved her hand dismissively and pulled a face as the cold slime seeped into the wound.

"There was once a time that Anahalians could heal humans too, in the same way they heal each other." The elf, who had introduced herself as Taiga, spoke with an accent just like all the other elves Evabelle had met, including Kai. It was kind of British sounding, but with an almost melodic airier tone. She stood and began to apply the adhesive to Aza's forehead without glancing at the girls.

"Really?" Evabelle asked, stepping forward. "What happened? Why can't they now?"

Taiga turned her back on the two of them and grabbed a towel from her kit to wipe off her hands. "The Anahalians were formidable, powerful creatures, but once they decided to run away, showing their true colors, some of that power was taken away from them. I suppose God decided they weren't worthy. If they weren't going to stay with the humans then why have that power." Then the woman drew the strings of her bag and left the room without another word.

Evabelle sighed and Aza's eyes widened as she watched the woman leave. "Well, well, haters really hate, don't they," she shook her head, bounded to her feet, and winced. "Okay, so their magic ain't instantaneous."

"It probably works similar to the Anahalians healing magic." Evabelle sank down on the bed that Aza had just risen from and stared down at her feet. "It doesn't heal things right away. It just sort of speeds up the natural process."

"Hey, are you alright?" Aza sat down again, next to her friend. "Do you want me to go kick her butt? Because I totally will."

Evabelle gave a small smile. "Oh, I know you would, but no, I don't want you to do that."

Aza crossed her arms and stared at the empty doorway. "Well, she has it coming. What right does she have to say all that crap?"

"The Anahalians left. The elves and the other angel borns feel abandoned." Evabelle replied.

Aza scoffed. "They left like over a thousand years ago, or something. They really need to get over it. And besides they weren't the ones that were left. It was a totally different generation."

Evabelle lifted her head and stared at her friend, her father's words finally clicking into place, or rather the lack of them. "Anahalians were once very loved. They were the heroes to everyone. They didn't just protect humans, but elves, fairies, pixies, all of them from the demons and their descendants. They were the fighters."

"...Why are you referring to Anahalians as 'they'? You're an Anahalian too."

Zion hadn't answered then. He wanted her to put it together. "They're angry at the Anahalians from all that time ago." Evabelle murmured. The last thing her father had been saying filled in the rest as well. "Are? Evabelle, the people who decided to create this world are not the same people living in it today. You can't-" You can't assume that we are the same as those who lived so long ago. Or at least that's what Evabelle figured what he was going to say.

For a moment, Evabelle felt a little better, but then there was still one thing. "Maybe that's true. The Anahalians aren't the same ones who left, but they're still the ones in Jovis. They haven't come back."

Aza shook her head. "Well, that's not entirely true. Lucis, Del, Faux, Tru. They're all Anahalians, who left that place to come here and help."

The corner of Evabelle's mouth tugged up a little bit. She turned her head and gave a small nod to Aza. "That's true."

Aza winked. "Chin up, Bellz. We're off to support our vampire friend becoming crowned prince of the elves. We've got to be thinking positive now." She leapt to her feet and held out a hand.

Evabelle gave a little snort. "Ain't that the truth." But she took the hand and rose.

The two girls left the healing ward of the castle and made their way down to the kitchens, which they had been shown to earlier. Unlike the first time they had been shown the large preparation area, it was a crawling with hundreds of elves bustling through the fantastic room.

"Oh, something smells good." Aza licked her lips, her eyes roaming over the many pots with steaming substances and the trays with an assortment of appetizers, none of which either had ever seen before.

Evabelle was still blinking in awe at all of the pointy eared beings chopping, stewing, and baking in the space. She nodded. "I think that that might be everything."

"They're preparing for the coronation." Said a voice from behind the girls.

They both spun around, Evabelle gasping in surprise. The gangly, untidy-haired Anahalian grinned at them. He held out a hand that had several gray, mushy, berry looking things in it. "Try one. They're delicious."

Compared to all the delectable looking food, these berries seemed rather bland and, in many ways, unappetizing. "If we don't believe you, should we ask the dishes?" Aza muttered. Evabelle glanced at her. The brunette could see the spark in the blonde's eye that said she was about to bolt for some of those buttered biscuit looking things on the table behind them, and made an executive decision and quickly took one of the ugly berries and popped it into her mouth. To her surprise and delight a taste similar to that of chocolate burst onto her tongue.

"Mmm," Evabelle nodded, appreciatively. "They really are delicious!"

Aza, now seeing Evabelle's reaction, decided to try one and gasped. "It's like chocolate juice, but actually good!"

Faux raised his eyebrows. "What's that mean?"

Aza snatched most of the remaining berries from Faux's palm and began popping them in her mouth as Evabelle stole a few from the greedy blonde before they all disappeared. After swallowing several berries at once, Aza finally replied. "Well, I went through a phase, after I discovered what chocolate syrup did to milk, where I would put it in essentially everything. I know a lot of people thought it was totally gross," Evabelle pointed at herself, helpfully. "But I personally loved it, until I decided to try it in my orange juice one day."

Faux scrunched his nose. "Yuck."

Both Aza and Evabelle nodded. "You can say that again." Aza shivered. "I had never tasted anything so disgusting in my life. And I've sort of sworn off chocolate syrup since then."

Faux laughed. "That makes sense."

Several elves rushed by the three of them, knocking both girls into the Anahalian's arms. "Now this is what I call true service." Faux chuckled, grinning down at them.

Evabelle squirmed a little, and Faux, thankfully, released them. "Maybe we should move somewhere not so in the way." The slightly flushed brunette muttered.

As if one of them heard her, which was quite possible with those amazing ears, a fluffy, blue haired male elf bustled over to them. "I could lead you to a table if you would like. We are quite busy here, I'm sorry. We don't want to make you feel unwelcome. And I can have more rekaberries brought to you."

"Make it a vat and we totally forgive you." Aza replied to him, earning her a gentle swat on the arm from Evabelle.

"That would be very nice. And you don't need to apologize. We're the ones who are sorry for getting in the way." Evabelle told him.

The elf nodded with an unreadable expression on his face, and turned without even gesturing them to follow. He swiftly weaved his way through the crowd, as the others struggled to keep up, to a small sitting area, that was probably normally for the staff that worked in the kitchens. "You may eat here, and then may return to your rooms to rest for tomorrow." The elf gave a quick nod before ducking away again.

The three sat, Aza staring after him. "Does everyone seem a little cold around here, or is it just me? It's like that can't stand talking to us for too long."

Faux sighed dramatically, sinking into his chair, leaning his head over the back. "Oh no it's just you they don't like. Your shortness reminds them of how you humans actually think elves are supposed to be: tiny people who work for a big fat man."

Aza stuck her out tongue at him.

Faux ginned at her and pushed himself up. "No, you're not just imagining it. The elves are not particularly happy with any of us."

"Evabelle mentioned that the angel borns don't like Anahalians because they feel abandoned by them," Aza urged on. "But come on, that can't be the only reason."

The russet feathered Anahalian shrugged. "It could, but in this case the main thing that's got them edge is our pale friend with the pointy teeth."

Aza gave a huff. "They won't even give him a chance."

"You've got to understand, about ninety-eight percent of vampires are real monsters. They've hurt more than you could even understand. They're coldhearted, malicious, psychopaths most of the time. The Turned ones like Kai aren't always bad, but they can't stop their desire to drink blood, occasionally getting urges to take life beyond just their need. I admit that I didn't trust Kai when we first met." Faux replied.

Evabelle nodded. "I remember that, actually. You told me to be careful around him, and then you two had a bit of an intense staring contest."

"That's right," Faux's mouth twitched up. "But I know now that Kai is good, there is no doubt for me. However for elves, vampires are so much worse than they are for us. The whole opposite thing is pretty strong between them. Now these guys are essentially being told that they're going to be ruled by their worst enemy. It's a little trying on them."

Aza's eyes narrowed. "So you're on their side?"

Faux shook his head. "No, I'm just saying I understand why they're upset. I don't know if you've grown up being told some bad things about certain people and have inherently learned to avoid them, but I can tell you it's not something you just brush off."

Just then the blue, cotton candy haired elf returned with a large bowl of the rekaberries, as he had called them.

Aza didn't look at him and took a handful of berries, shoving them into her mouth without a word to him.

"Thank you," Evabelle told him and Faux gave a nod.

The elf blinked in response then turned away.

Evabelle turned to Faux. "Kai said that the elves didn't actually know he was the prince, and they weren't supposed to know until he was crowned heir."

Faux gave her a look. "Well, let's think. The King thought that his children were dead, so we can assume that there was some sort of announcement that all potential heirs were gone, but then a pair of Anahalians show up with a fallen elf, that the King has a private meeting with, leading to the sudden announcement that there will be an heir crowning ceremony after all." He crossed his arms. "Plus several elves here did know who Kai was the entire time anyway. They probably told their friends and so the wildfire spread. I wouldn't be surprised if all the Isles knew that a vampire was going to be crowned as their heir."

Aza shook her head. "Okay, I'm feeling lost now. Where'd you get all your info?"

"I've been talking with the brothers. They've filled me in on what they knew, and I pieced together the rest."

Aza rounded on Evabelle. "Why didn't you tell me any of this?"

Evabelle put her hands up. "Hey, all Kai said was that very few people were supposed to know he was a prince until his coronation."

"That's just weird." Aza shook her head and took another berry. "Okay, enough politics. It's giving me a headache," A large yawn followed this statement. "And fluffy top was right, we do need rest for tomorrow. I'd like to be up ready to party, even if these guys won't." She gestured to the elves around them.

Evabelle followed her friend's hand, looking at the pointy-eared chefs. Granted all these elves were working to make this coronation feast something spectacular, but the looks on their faces told them how unexcited they really were. Occasionally, she caught a few elves whispering darkly to one another. She couldn't hear what they were saying, but it wasn't hard to guess what it was about.

The rekaberry's sweet taste turned sour on her tongue, as her heart sank into her stomach.

Aza stood and stretched. "Well, I think I'm going to head to bed. You coming?" She glanced at Evabelle, who slowly turned back.

"Hmm? Oh, yeah I'll be up in a bit."

Slowly Faux pushed back from his chair and rose as well. "Well, I think I'll be off too. Big day tomorrow and all."

Aza merely shrugged her shoulders at this and made her way through the crowd, closely followed by the gangly angel. Evabelle, however was surprised. Faux willingly going to bed? His movements and even his tone tonight had suggested that he was tired, but knowing how little the man normally slept and how abnormally perky he always was told Evabelle that something must have happened to him too.

The Anahalian princess gave a small frustrated moan, and turned away from them, instead staring at the bowl that contained only two rekaberries. She picked one up and rolled it around between her fingers, wishing she could talk to someone about this, about all her doubts and fears. Normally that person would be Aza, but whatever had happened back at Calandra's told Evabelle that her friend needed a little space at the moment.

Lucis popped into her mind suddenly. An inexplicable smile blossomed across her mouth as she remembered the childlike expression on the large curly blonde angel's face as he bit into his s'more. That same expression when he had called her away to sneak into Calandra's garden to dance with fairies. It was happy and practically glowing at the simple, quiet pleasure of being away from the world. It was Lucis.

A brief flash to an arched window and a small blonde boy standing on the roof just outside, his snowy wings so bright against the dark sky. Slowly he turned, his round blue eyes shining. His soft smile grew as his gaze landed on her. "So, you've caught me, Princess,"

The image faded, his mouth still moving, but she could no longer hear the words. Evabelle blinked back into the palace kitchen, a bit frustrated she hadn't seen more. Maybe she could dream of it tonight. There was just one problem. She had just woken up maybe two hours ago. Her inner clock was completely out of whack. But as if one of the elves had just read her mind, the elven girl approached her. She was between Evabelle's and Aza's height with a long simple braid just a little lighter than Evabelle's own hair. A million freckles littered her face and a two deep dimples appeared in her cheeks as she smiled wide.

"You just woke up not long ago, didn't you, Miss?"

Evabelle nodded. "Yeah I'm not tired now, but I don't want to be for Kai's coronation."

"Yes, yes, that's why I thought you might like this." The young elf held up a lightly, steaming mug filled with a creamy beige substance with what looked like a swirl of cinnamon on top. "It's sasta, my own special recipe. It will give you good sleep and happy dreams of course. She gave a little giggle. "And you'll wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day."

Evabelle took the mug and gave it a sniff. There was definitely some cinnamon, and a lot of other things she couldn't quite place. Either way, it did smell heavenly. Evabelle smiled back at the elf girl. "Thank you so much. This sounds and smells perfect."

If possible the elf's smile widened, deepening those adorable dimples. "Oh, it was no problem Miss Evabelle. I love to bake and brew. In fact, I made some for the other Anahalians too."

Evabelle felt an instant warmth toward this girl . She had helped the Anahalians out of the kindness of her heart. Even the way she said Anahalian told Evabelle that she held no grudge against them. "I never caught your name." Evabelle said.

The elf girl blinked. "Oh, I am so sorry. How rude of me. My name is Haysha, but everyone calls me Honey because I love the bees and golden dessert they are experts at making. I put it in everything!" She gave a little skip at the thought.

Evabelle laughed. "So, I can assume-" She held up her mug.

Oh, absolutely! It's nature's true candy. Who wouldn't want it in everything?" Honey was getting more exited just talking about it.

Evabelle chuckled again and took a sip. Sweet, creamy warmth slid down her throat that quickly spread throughout her entire body. Her tense muscles relaxed and a headache she hadn't realized was there, dissipated. All the worry about how the other elves taking Kai eased up a bit. "Wow," Evabelle breathed. "This is incredible."

Honey's cheeks turned a pale shake of pink. "You are too kind. Then she put up a hand before Evabelle could take another swig. "I suggest waiting until you are in your room to finish. It's fast-acting."

Evabelle believed her. Her eyelids were feeling a little heavy, flowery bed was starting to call her name. Evabelle nodded and turned to go, but stopped. "Honey?"

The elf girl, who was turning back towards the kitchen. Stopped as well. "Yes, Miss Evabelle."

"I'm sure you've noticed how the others see us, so I have to ask why you've decided to be so kind."

Honey gave a sad sigh. "I do know how your kind is viewed, but a people and a person are two different things. It's important to get to know the individual before deciding anything, and even then you should never be cruel."

Evabelle smiled. "Yes," she agreed. "And I have one more thing. What do you think of Kai and of him becoming the Heir?"

Honey turned away for a moment and twisted her hands. "Well, as elves, we are taught that vampires are dark and terrible. They are the nightmares that haunt all young elves." Evabelle's briefly lifted spirits started to sink again. "But I don't believe that is necessarily true." The elf looked back at Evabelle. "I can honestly say that I do not know. I have not met Kairi, so I cannot say."

Evabelle nodded, feeling better once more. and gave Honey one last smile. "Thank you." She said.

Honey shook her head, getting all chipper again. "No, no, like I said, I love making food and drink. It was a pleasure to help."

Evabelle sighed as she watched the girl scamper away. That little elf had no idea what weight she had lifted from her shoulders. Honey had shown her that not everyone hated them, that there was still some people who believed in them, that there was hope.

* * *

As promised, Evabelle's dreams were happy, or rather the memory was. It wasn't the one with Lucis standing outside the castle window. In this memory, Evabelle stood on top of a cliff, staring out at a land of gold, sapphire, and emerald. Powerful gusts of wind encircled her, nearly knocking her back, but she stood firm with a bit of help from the large, gentle hand resting on her shoulder. "Are you ready?"

Evabelle, age four, took a deep breath, closing her eyes, and breathed out, her eyes flashing open again with a grin lighting her face. "I've always been ready for this."

Her father chuckled. "Don't I know it. You haven't stopped asking since you learned the words, 'I want to fly'."

Another hand, a paler, more slender one, slid onto Evabelle's other shoulder. "Remember, to keep your wings level, Belle. Don't just go losing your head. Keep the rhythm I taught you. Flap to it. Don't just depend on the wind to do all the work."

Evabelle nodded, impatiently. "I know, Mom. I know."

Slowly, both hands slid off her shoulders, and Evabelle clenched her small fists, leaned forward and pushed off the balls of her bare feet, rushing into a sprint across the soft grass. She did not skid to stop, or even remotely slow as she neared the edge. When she finally reached it, there was no rethinking her decision, there was no hesitation in her step, as she leapt into the open air, her pale gold wings stretching as far as they would go.

There was a brief moment of freefall, but Evabelle didn't cry out, or even have the smallest inclination of fear. She angled her wings slightly up, catching that blast of air that propelled herself upward again. The young Anahalian shoved her wings down to assist the wind in carrying toward the sky. She counted the time between each flap just like her mother had said, and she continued to sail like a bird.

Pure freedom, more than most would ever experience. Her hair streaked behind her, her clothes ruffled around her, and her wings ached at the sudden work load they had yet to experience before this point. This was so much more than her little heart had dreamed of. Evabelle unconsciously spread her arms wide just under her wings and gave a high bursting laugh into the sky. This was the best feeling in the entire world. Nothing could stop her. This little princess could do anything.

There was a natural feel to it all. She really had been born for this. Evabelle angled her wings just so that she arced up and round to face the cliff she had just leapt from to see two specks staring up at her. She gestured to them, beaming. "Come on!" She yelled. "Come fly with me!"

* * *