Chronicles of Aurelia
Chapter Four: Faded Memories

Written by; Fantasyrose

I sit, my eyes wandering the grounds of the castle as lunch comes rolling around. Nymira is at my side once more, silent, but still there. I smile, slowly turning to her. We share a look, a smile, a laugh. Because within hours, I will be queen.

"You should see the throne room." I hear her speak softly. My head turns, a smile playing on my lips. "It is beautiful." Her head gestures to the castle. "Come and see it?"

"Of course." I nod, taking to my feet. As we enter the castle, and walk down the halls, flashes of my memories pass by. I remember when I was yet just a child. Running through these same halls--looking for someone to play with--someone to share things with.

Luckily for me, there was Nymira. Her mother was my mother's head maid. We both grew up here, together. I suppose the same could be said for many of my servants. Even that of Tyden; though I do not see him as such.

His father Tidus, was the leader of the Knights of Mindirra. Held that position for years, even after the birth of his son. My mother use to tell me stories of his bravery and courage. It pains me to say that now Tidus is resting in the Valley of Heroes.

So many memories. Some new, some old. Some bright, and some faded. But each one holds a special place in my heart. Reaching the throne room, my eyes widen at the beauty before me.

The room has never looked more alive. Vivid and bright are it's walls of gold. The throne itself was garnished with a red velvet cloak, as is the walkway to it. Lights, hung like stars from the ceiling. The smile on my face, spoke volumes.

"Safe to say you are pleased?" Nymira laughes easily.

"Beyond pleased." I whisper in reply. Everything is perfect. Yet the burden of Elic's words weighed heavily on my mind. A month. My hands rub at my neck, my head bowed.

"Aurelia.." I groan in response to Nymira. She's worried, I can tell. She hardly ever calls me by name. It's always 'Milady', or 'Your majesty'.

"I'm.." I pause, looking for the right wording. "Exhausted." I laugh out, with a shake of my head. "Hours before my coronation and my mind spins with--"

"I know." She whispers, hand on my back.

I sigh, body relaxing slowly. "I just.. don't want anything to go wrong." I place a hand to my forehead, before turning to face her. "Is Aldren in the castle?"

"No, milady. He went with Ciroc and two other guards in search of.." Her words trail off, her eyes looking to me.

"Okay." I whisper, nodding gently. "I think I will.. Take my chambers. Relax, possibly take a short dreaming session." I smile faintly, before walking past her. "Wake me if anything should happen." I toss back at her, before turning to head up the stairs.

Flashes of Nymira and I playing on them when we were younger went by before my eyes. My body feels heavy, and I can barely keep my eyes open as I walk into my chambers.

I plop down onto the cushioned bed, face first. Arms spread out as I groan; "What a day..". Within minutes, I am asleep.

I hear laughter.

I can feel the sun on my face…

My eyes slowly open to reveal the sands of the shore. I turn, seeing my mother sitting beside me with a grin on her face. "Look." She points out towards the sea. "They swim so gracefully, don't they, the Manas?" She questions.

I feel a smile on my face as I turn to look at the creatures as they swim by. They were known for their razor sharp teeth and lightening speed when swimming. But.. graceful? My brows furrow as I look back at her. "But.. Mama.. they're Manas.. they kill..."

That sweet all-knowing smile adorns her face. She reaches out, caressing my cheek. "Darling, every creature. Great or small, good or evil; are graceful in their own way." She says gently. "Just because they kill, does not mean we can't appreciate them for what they are." She smiles, and I smile "For who they are."

Wise words.

My mother is full of them.

A soft laugh escapes me as I nod. "Yes, mama." Because there is no arguing with her. Besides, I wouldn't want to.

Something shifts, a darkness comes in over head. I turn to my mother, looking for comfort. "Aurelia?" I try to reach out to her, but the entire beach fades into the castle..

"MAMA!" I scream, as I kneel at her feet, taking her hand.

"Aurelia.. My beautiful Aurelia.." She whispers, that all-knowing smile on her face. Tears well in my eyes, as I shake my head. "Do not.. trust.. them.."

My entire body jerks upright, a scream echoing through the room. Funny, It takes me a moment to realize that it's me screaming. I take in deep breath, my eyes closed tightly. My fists are balled at my side, deep within my silk covers.

I can hear footsteps pound the floor outside my door. Like lighting from a storm, Nymira seems to flash in. "What is it? What--" She stops, looking at me.

"I'm sorry." I breathe out. "It was.." I pause, to take in a deep breath. "Just a dream.." She nods, and slowly backs out the door. I'm left alone, yet again. My mind goes over everything in my dream--wondering if my mother is trying to send a message to me.

"Do not.. trust.. them.."

A shudder runs down my spine, and I to close my eyes. "Who..?" I whisper. "Who should I not trust, mama?" I question. My face is soon covered by my hands, rubbing at the tears I had unknowingly shed.

It is a long known fact that when a royal person gives way to the after life; their essence is passed onto the next person in line for the throne. In which case, would be me.

Thinking back on that night, she had done just that. I wonder if that's why I still feel her.. A sigh pushes through my lips, as I try to understand.

I know one thing is certain..

Rutai is filled with magic. From it's creatures, down to every last being. All of us hold something special inside. I look down at my wrist, seeing the tattoo of our emblem; A crescent moon and three stars.

Mother always said, our powers were tied to the moon. Sometimes, I find myself wondering if my gift will ever come to bloom. I push the thoughts aside, as I always do.

In the farthest corner of my mind, I find myself thinking of him; my father.

Small, and few; memories flash by. Happy ones, and sad ones. Deep down I know he loved me. Yet, I still question why he left. Why he gave it all up..

I find myself making a mental note, promising to find out the truth.

Even if it hurts.