Peregrination- Chapter 2

Trumpets blared signaling the bridge to come down to allow visitors into the castle.'Well here goes nothing.' Thought Serena. The Lady Anneliese had arrived. Serena was about to approach her about having her accompaning her on the journey. Anneliese was hard to break down, but eventually one could get her to do something if there was something for her to gain. One might ask, why would one want to have her part of this expedition if she was useless? But indeed she was not useless. She was one of the fortunate of those on the monarchy that was tutored by an elf. An Elfen tutor specialized in all languages and landscape. Making Anneliese quite useful when coming upon different areas that have been unexplored for many a long time.


A large black carrige pulled by Kelpies came into the courtyard. Serena who had been hiding in a secret cupboard in her chambers had finally came out to great her guest, and hopefully future expeditioner. Anneliese stepped out of the carrige with the assistance of a footman. Her long black hair was braided and twisted into a knot that was set on the back of her head. She was wearing a dark red dress w/ black trimmings.


"Dauphiness Serena," Anneliese said as she curtsied.


"Lady Anneliese," Serena said as she forced a smile, giving Anneliese a nod to get up.


"I Thank you for inviting me to your lovely castle!" Anneliese started as she and Serena started walking into the formal hall. "But do tell, there are rumors going around that you are leaving soon to search for the Sophia Stones. Fact or crap?"


"I can honestly say this is true." Serena said trying not to trip over the dress she was wearing.


"Interesting.. I'm guessing you had called me here to join you? Because of my knowledge in languages and land scape I'm a guessing?"


"Sheesh, you read my mind!" Serena said casually laughing. "Well.." Serema started up again. "will you consider joining?"


"If you must know," Anneliese started.


"Yes?"


"I have already came packed. Of course I shall join you! BUT"


Serena groaned.. of course there is but, there always is with Anneliese.


"I want credit for finding the Sophia Stones. Oh and I want to be there as an equal, not just a sidekick."


Serena innerly sighed. "Yes! Of course."


Anneliese smiled. "So when do we start?"


~.~


"WHOA!!" Eric cried as he was thrown off Blastride, the horse. Groaning he stood up, dusted himself off and was about to get back on when Bard came riding up behind him laughing.


"Ha ha! You make me laugh trying to attempt to ride that hardly broken in horse! Doesth thee want to die before this expedition?"


"Atleast i was brave enough to choose a challenge, not being safe with an old croon." Eric said smriking back.


"Pssh. Whatever," Bard said loping off towards the other side of the stable, calling it a day.


"Come on Blastride, you know I will be able to ride you properly by the next full moon! I won't let you get to me. Nothing ever has, and nothing ever will." Eric said hoping back onto the horse. "OKay lets try this again. YAH!"


~.~


With all the preparing it took the foursome thought that the day would never come when they are to set off. However when it did. It seemed like it had came in no time. Serena had been waiting for this day, but when they all gathered for them to start off she felt like there was something missing but didn't know what it was.


"Well guys today is the day we leave to retrieve the Sophia Stones!" Serena said with sigh. Some start off speach.. not exactly what she was going for. Not quite so encouraging. "Lets head off!" She tried saying cheerfully not succeeding.


"Which way Anneliese?"


"Through the woods would be best, since it goes straight through to Taroole."


"OH YES, right through the FORBIDDEN WOODS! There is a reason why they are FORBIDDEN ya know!" Bard said smartly.


"Shut up, child. I know what I'm talking about. Even if you are part elf, that doesn't mean you have the brains of one." Anneliese replied smirking.


"Man, you just got BURNED!!" Eric said laughing nearly falling off Blastride which had taken forever for him to get on her.


"We are going through the woods then," Serena stated heading into them. The others falling quickly behind. They had know idea what was about to unfold before them and the dangerous that were in store.