Tales from the old

"Let me tell you a story" The lady told Mia as she sat comfortably beside her "this is the story of a girl. Daughter of a proud father who ruled the kingdom in the West. She was more precious to her than his entire kingdom put together. He dotted her. She was the most pampered in the heavens and earth. There was nothing that she wished for that she didn't have. The tiniest and most whimsical of her whims were written down as Royal edicts. Soldiers would scout the three realms just to fulfil her cravings in the middle of the night. Even though the king had many sons, his world started and ended with his darling daughter. She was the Apple of his eyes. For the little girl, life was like a fairytale. There was nothing called sorrow or pain in her books. Little did she know that the rest of her life would have just those words written in every chapter and page of her existence. "

She paused and took a deep breath. Mia couldn't understand whether she was catching her breath or heaving a sigh. Anyway she moved a bit closure and sat comfortably to catch the rest of the story. The lady continued.

"The girl was often taken out by her father on his hunting trips. They would eat together. Train together. Run around wild streams catching fish together. She was always by his side. He even often brought her in court. She would sit there and marvel at the sight of her father passing judgements. To her, he was like a Lord the most supreme. He was the invincible force in her life that made her fear nothing, no one. The entire palace knew that the father and daughter duo was inseparable. Even at nights. He would often abandon his wives in their chambers, just to sit beside her, telling stories of the old and far way kingdoms. She would go to sleep still tugging at his sleeve. He wouldn't even move from his position for the rest of the night, afraid that he might disturb her sleep. People often gossiped at their unusually strong bond. They would worry whether the king would give all his kingdom away to his daughter instead of his sons. The queens worried that too. However her brothers loved her just as much as her father. And all she could worry about was dancing away under the shades of her beautiful garden , singing all day long . Nothing was more enjoyable to her than jumping around her father and nagging at her brothers. " She paused again giving Mia the opportunity to put in a few words.

"But what happened to this lovely miss? You said she knew only pain and sorrow for the rest of her life. What went so wrong? " Mia asked trying to figure out.

"Patience child. We will get to that. Make yourself comfortable. Do you like the story so far? Does the baby like it too? " She asked patting Mia's baby bump.

"How did you know? " Mia asked rather shocked that the woman knew about her pregnancy.

"Don't worry. You will get to know about that too. Fear not. I mean no evil" She assured her as Mia clearly showed her unease. "Shall we continue? " She asked for permission. Mia nodded .

"Years went by . It was almost time for the girl to come of age. It was a very difficult phase in her fathers life. Like most fathers, it was difficult for him to believe that his little baby was going to become an adult soon. The king was suggested by his ministers to send her away to the grand master's house to complete her training. With a heavy heart the king agreed. The two of them had a teary farewell. They knew they would not get to see each other for years. But little did they know their lives were going downhill henceforth. Their entire world was about to come crashing down. "

She stopped for awhile to let Mia ask her question "go on, say it" She said.

"Is this girl from the Fox clan? " She asked directly to the point.The lady nodded in agreement. "Please continue. What happened next? "

"The day she entered the premises of her teacher, her eyes marveled at the mere skills of the students as they practised all around. They were the best of her generation. Each one master of their own skills, carefully chosen from across the worlds. The master himself was no ordinary person. He was known to find the most precious of gems from amongst each nation. She was introduced to the rest of them and assigned a house that she would share with three other. Her life there had started to witness the change. From being a spoilt royalty, she was now a commoner. "

"Days went by. Though she was easy going, people often shunned her. It was due to her fathers notorious image. She knew her father to be the most kind hearted person in her universe, but he was infamous all over for his ill temper. Though most of the students were good to her on the face, they despised her behind her back. She had just one or two to actually call as friends. Anyway, after a few months into training, the annual events day arrived. It was specifically awaited by the students as the winner got the special ride to the stars. From amongst the competitors there was only one that could match her demeanor, the prince from the neighbouring kingdom.Though she and seen him from afar, they had never met or talked before. It was for the first time that they finally exchanged words when they both reached the finale, beating the rest. At that moment it seemed magical. She couldn't understand if he did it

on purpose or if she was lucky, but they both tied for the first spot, even though he was much ahead in the competition than her. The master had no other option but to giveaway two rides that year, among the stars. " She sighed as if lamenting.

"What happened then? How was this ride you are talking about. Tell me more about it" Mia nudged her at the sleeve. She smiled and answered "that my dear , is another story in itself. Should we continue? "

Mia nodded eagerly.