Anise's Animal Spirit, the Barred Owl, named Silvercrest, who watched over the Forest Elves' Glade and the surrounding area. King Ornthalas always chatted with the Spirit each night before going to bed. "How are things in the Glade and Stoneguard, my friend? Is all well?" He'd ask at each meeting.
The owl gave a small nod before speaking. "Please rest easy knowing that all is well. While there are a few lost children here and there, I have informed the proper people to assist them, but pray tell, are you faring?" Silvercrest asked as the ruler leaned back in his chair with a heavy sigh.
"These past few weeks have been trying, especially since it is the anniversary of their deaths." Sadness and heartache wafted from his voice and body language as the man did what he could to prevent himself from crying. "You speak of Queen Fylvief and Princess Narilna?" The king gave a shaky nod as his face became saddened and guilt-ridden.
"Yes. My beloved wife and daughter." King Ornthalas replied quietly as his mind wandered back to that fateful day. It was during the same time the Desert Dwellers came and were seeking Aerilaya, her mother, and Prince Alosrin. What most didn't know about that day was a splinter cell group had stormed the castle and came for Princess Narilna. They felt they would get more money by having both two queens and two princesses in their stock. King Ornthalas sensed this and did his best to protect them, but it was all for naught. The Dwellers had killed them during the fight.
Despite his best efforts to protect, he failed them in his mind and caused him to shut out the world around him, except when he took in Alosrin. Over time he slowly came out of his depressed shell but never fully recovered from their deaths.
"You should speak to your people about what happened. During my runs, I have heard whispers and rumors. The people need to know, my friend." Silvercrest remarked as the King slowly nodded and sighed.
"You're right. I know it'll be a difficult thing for me to do, but needs to be done." The ruler replied as he glanced up towards the twin moons. "I apologize for ending this evening on a depressing note, but I do need to retire for the evening." The owl nodded as she stretched her wings. "I understand, my lord. I shall speak to you again tomorrow night. Rest well." With that, the bird flew off into the unknown. The king gave a half-smile while rising from his spot and went into his room to ready himself for a new day.
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