Activity

So I just happened to see this and I think I shall share some of my fantasy retelling of Esther.
@claire-h and @jsclingman y’all sounded interested, sooo.. XD

——————-

Esthelle grabbed a basket and a small pouch of coins intending to go to the market.

She pinned back some of her long dark red hair, and placed her shawl loosely over it, wrapping one corner over her shoulder. She picked up the latest book she had started, a history about Mallea, it was quite interesting. She placed it in her basket and headed for the door.

“Essie?” Her older cousin called from somewhere inside the small home.

“Yes, Mrodi?” Esthelle’s voice was a quiet one as she replied.

Her cousin appeared at the door to the kitchen. She was still in her uniform for the King’s Guard. Mrodi was slim and tall. Her light carrot-colored hair was pinned up out of her way.

She smiled, “Are you going to the market?”

Esthelle nodded.

“May I join you? It’s been ages since we went together.”

Esthelle nodded again. “Of course.”

The two left their home, and walked together along the cobblestone streets.

When Esthelle’s parents had been taken, her cousin, who had been sixteen at the time, and an initiate in the King’s Guard, took Esthelle in and raised her.

Esthelle was so grateful for Mrodi and loved her so much. She didn’t want things to change. The small house with the warm kitchen with its wonderful smells and Esthelle’s library with all of her many books. Mrodi having her posts to be at, Esthelle staying home and tending to the house, and reading in the window seat. She loved it all.

Esthelle saw Mrodi tuck her necklace, a small clear crystal on a string of leather, in her shirt, and she was reminded to do so with hers. The small crystal was cyrrail, which strengthened the powers of a Lepai. Both Esthelle and Mrodi were Lepai.

A Lepai was a humanoid creature, just like a human, but with red hair and blue eyes, and in their true forms a white symbolic swirling pattern on their face and hands. They had many different magical abilities, such as sensing others’ emotions and invisibility.

Lepai were hated in Lattea, most often killed or “taken away” as Esthelle’s parents had been. This was why they hid the cyrrail.

As they neared the village, Mrodi tugged Esthelle to a stop. She gestured to the market.

A squad of the Kings Guard was there, and townspeople were confused and running around the market.

“Essie…” There was caution in Mrodi’s voice, “That’s not just the Kings Guard, that’s the Royal Guards of the palace. They are the highest ranking, and most honored.”

One of them was heading in their direction.

“Mrodi..” Fear tinted Esthelle’s soft voice.

“Shh…” Mrodi replied.

The guard was upon them. He first turned to Mrodi, and noting her uniform, he gave her a salute, which she returned.

“What is all this about?” Mrodi questioned.

The guard didn’t answer, instead questioned her, “What is your age, lieutenant?”

Confusion flooded her face but she answered, “I am in my thirtieth year.”

He nodded and glanced at Esthelle, but still spoke to Mrodi, “I’m afraid you’re too old, but I’ll have to take her, she’ll do.”

Both girls’ faces switched to alarm,

“what?” Mrodi asked.

The guard had already taken Esthelle by the arm, he whirled around and looked at Mrodi, “did I stutter, lieutenant?”

“No, sir.” Mrodi replied. She quickly took Esthelle by her other arm and whispered Lepaian in her ear. “Kow gon adi nonai hone nea era.”

Do not tell them who you are.

A strict command which she cannot disobey. Mrodi kissed her cheek and pulled away, letting go of her arm and allowing the guard to lead Esthelle away.