The Royal Mark-Chapter 63: Special Day
Elsa brought the puppy, which had now fully recovered, to the river in order to clean the bloodstains from its white fur. With a grin, she said, "Look at you, as clean as freshly fallen snow," as the puppy affectionately licked her again.
She continued, "Guess what? Today’s my birthday, so I’ve decided to keep you. My Mom will agree because she won’t say no on my special day," she informed the puppy, who joyfully wagged its tail in apparent comprehension.
She made her way back to their cabin and noticed her mother rapidly approaching her, sprinting toward her.
"Run, Elsa! Run!"
Her mother urgently called out.
Elsa remained frozen in place, struggling to comprehend the situation, until her mother reached her and forcefully tugged her, pushing her to start running. It was the first time Elsa witnessed her mother employing her magical abilities as she swung her arm to fend off an unseen threat.
While she ran, Elsa glanced back and clutched the puppy tightly with one arm. Her eyes widened at the sight of armored men pursuing them, resembling figures from the old war movies she had seen on television. She shifted her gaze to her mother and only then noticed a bloodstain on her side, causing tears to well up in Elsa’s eyes for it only meant one thing–her mom was hurt.
Her mother periodically gestured with her hand, releasing potent gusts of wind that knocked the pursuing armored men off balance. "Don’t cry. Stay focused on running. We’ll hide as soon as we’re out of their sight. Don’t use any magic," her mother ordered.
Elsa nodded, wiping away her tears, and adhered to her mother’s instructions. After several minutes of relentless running and her mother strategically using magic to slow down their pursuers, they successfully managed to escape them.
Exhausted and breathless, they finally came to a stop. Her mother released her hand and walked a few steps away, preparing to cast a spell.
"Aperi portae primae domus... Aperi portae primae domus... Aperi portae primae domus," Hera uttered while doing circular hand movements as if she was drawing something round in the air. A round yellow mist formed in front of her and in the center, Elsa saw something like an inside of a cave but there were some things in it.
"Let’s go," Hera grasped her hand once more and led her through the mist, pulling her along. As soon as they stepped into it, her surroundings instantly changed, and when she glanced back, the mist had vanished.
"This was where I first lived when I arrived here. It’s a cave near our cabin, but I’ve concealed it. However, once I use magic in here, the protective barrier won’t last long, and our location will be exposed," Hera explained as she busily collected various crystals and gemstones from a box.
Hera directed her gaze at Elsa when she noticed her silence. "Are you alright, dear?"
Elsa suddenly burst into tears and slumped on the ground with her shaking knees, "I am sorry Mom! I am so sorry! I used my magic to heal the little puppy. It was injured and dying so... so I healed it! It’s my fault they have found us I’m–"
Hera encircled Elsa with her arms, soothing her while gently rubbing her back. "I understand, my dear. I know. I know you have a kind heart, and I hold no blame against you. I had a feeling something like this might happen, so I made preparations."
Elsa withdrew from Hera’s embrace and inquired, "You did?"
Hera nodded and explained, "Forgive me, my love, but I must temporarily remove your powers, just until you’re old enough to defend yourself."
"Okay, Mommy, but let me heal you first," Elsa offered, raising her hands. However, Hera gently held her hands down.
"No, Elsa. We must refrain from using any magic until I complete the ritual to take away your powers. The demons could sense us. Don’t worry about me; I’m fine. Most of the blood isn’t mine. I only have a few bruises," Hera reassured, before shifting her gaze to the puppy still nestled in Elsa’s arms.
"And who is this little cutie?" Hera took the puppy and brought it to her face inviting it to give her some kisses.
"Can I keep her?"
"You better give her a name then."
Elsa’s emotions swiftly shifted from fear to excitement, and she promptly came up with a name, exclaiming, "Ciel! I’d like to name her Ciel."
"That’s a beautiful choice, my dear," Hera beamed at Elsa and then turned her gaze to Ciel. "From this point on, Ciel, you shall be Elsa’s guardian. You’ll safeguard a part of her, and when the time is right, you’ll return it to her. In return, I shall grant you the privilege of staying with her for all eternity."
"Arf!" Ciel responded while wagging her tail.
Elsa and Hera shared a light-hearted laugh, observing how the puppy appeared to grasp the instructions given to her.
"Come, my sweet one, take Ciel and stand in the center of that drawing," Hera guided Elsa as she returned Ciel to her.
Elsa obediently followed her instructions, positioning herself as directed, while Hera arranged the crystals and gemstones around her. After everything was in place, Hera stepped in front of Elsa and embraced her tightly.
"Remember that I love you and will always do," Hera whispered to her daughter before placing her right hand on Elsa’s forehead and casting a spell. "Praeterita ovlivis centes, de me somniant... Vivent tua numina pariter... Et in tempore singgu latim acci pietis."
Elsa lost consciousness in Hera’s arms. Hera kissed her on the forehead before laying her on the ground, "Sweet dreams, my love. I hope he finds you soon."
Hera took Ciel and placed the pup beside her while she chanted as she started the ritual. White, red, blue, and green mist started to come out of Elsa’s body, collecting in the air and forming a small ball.
Hera glanced at Ciel who was watching Elsa and the mist, "Thank you for your help, Ciel. Even though I was hoping she wouldn’t use her power back there still it would only be a matter of time before those demons found us. They have been trailing us for quite some time now, just waiting for some proof of her magic perhaps. Still, good job... Are you ready?"
"Yes, Your Highness," Ciel replied.
