~ Home Again ~
by Calliopenjo
Conclusion
The following morning, Orie woke up without an alarm clock. She had woken up at the same time for years, and her body knew out of habit when it was time to wake up. She started getting out of bed as Essie woke up, then both showered and changed together. Essie knew that Maril would be awake, so the only person left to wake up was Sapphira. Orie went downstairs to assist Maril with preparing breakfast. The utilities would be turned off tomorrow, so it would give them an opportunity to clean and prepare themselves as necessary.
Orie and Maril had a discussion as to what would be best for everyone for the morning meal, Orie thinking that it might be a while before they would have a chance to eat, so a hearty breakfast would be in order. Maril thought a light breakfast to avoid a stomach upset on such a long journey. Be aware, though, that Maril was to be the only one who would suffer such an ailment. It ended up being a compromise. Maril would fix her own breakfast, and Orie would fix not only her own, but Essie's and Sapphira's as well.
Breakfast was eaten in silence, and Orie chose to do the dishes while Maril cleaned the kitchen. After that was finished, they left the house. They all stood on the front lawn, looking at the house, silently saying goodbye. It would be a long drive to God's Vessel. Everybody settled into the car and got comfortable for the long journey ahead. It would be a six-hour drive, going through one state into another.
Maril chose to ride in the backseat with Essie Sapphira, saying that the car didn't move too much back there. Essie just laughed and shook her head, not knowing what to think. Nothing along the roadways except more roadways, with the occasional weed to be sure one didn't get too bored. Semis were the only other traffic on these roads. The radio had static as it played, so Orie reached down for the CD case.
Finally, after four CDs, they arrived at the site. Everybody got out of the vehicle to walk to the tunnel. Essie, using her powers, sent her car with false identification into a deep ravine making it look like an accident. They walked from that point forward, to a grove of trees. There was a low bush, an odd-looking thing because it just didn't seem to fit if someone stopped to take a look. They had to be careful of the bush because the bush wasn't actually a bush, it was poison oak. Carefully navigating their way around the bush, they entered a cavern, which was dark, cold, and wet. The only light coming in was through the entrance. Orie had one hand on the wall and the other holding Essie's hand. She could hear dripping water in the distance, and walked as carefully as she could hoping not to trip on anything. She thought there would be bats lurking in this tunnel, there always were in movies, not here though. She was both relieved and surprised. She finally saw bright light ahead that started out the size of a pinhead and slowly grew larger the closer to the other end she came.
There it was . . . God's Vessel . . . in its true beauty and splendor. For the first time, Orie saw live animals in their natural habitat, animal noises all around, squawking, crying, growling, hooting, all sorts of animal sounds. The plant life was very tall, very big, and very green. All sorts of trees, plants, flowers, all the smells, all the colors, all the sounds led Orie to an imaginary world that only she could see, a world in which she inhabited all by herself as the queen of the jungle. Essie heard Orie's thoughts, and smiled in relief. She led Orie to a boulder to sit on while she readied the spacecraft. Maril followed Essie, and left Essie Sapphira waiting by Orie. Orie thought she heard something, a blip of some kind. She continued to watch as the spacecraft unveiled itself, showing Orie what it looked like. It was nothing like she expected. She had watched Star Trek on TV, and had used that as a reference, but this was nothing like the vehicles that she had seen while watching that show. This spacecraft was different. It was circular in shape, with what looked like a stem attached, which looked like a leaf to Orie. She saw Essie walk back in her direction. Orie stood up. "Is that it? Is that the space ship? It looks cute, almost like a leaf. Is everything ready to go?"
"That is the spacecraft, yes, and as for the design, Maril told me a long time ago that it was mother's idea. Are you ready to go?"
"I'm ready and waiting for new adventures. This is going to be so exciting." Orie suddenly hugged Essie; she was so happy and excited. Essie gladly returned it.
Essie led everyone to the ship. "Caelestis, recognize two other main passengers as Princess Orie and Princess Essie Sapphira. They have full access, recognize Alpha Zircon Malachite 24 carat."
A woman's voice was heard. "I recognize two humans . . . one, approximate age twenty seven years, female, and the other, approximate age eight years, also female, both in good condition. Full access has been granted. Will they be at the controls?"
"That is negative, Caelestis. It will be Maril and me at the controls."
"Engines are at full capacity and ready to launch. I have navigated a clear path from Earth to Arcadia. It will be three days, nineteen hours, thirty-eight minutes, and fourteen seconds Earth time before arrival. Satellites are clear and will not see me as I pass through. Earth technology is so far behind."
"I hear you, Caelestis. Launch on my command."
"Does that mean I have to leave my friends? The female monkey is expecting her second baby anytime now."
"Yes, Caelestis, and might I point out you will not be the only one that will be leaving friends and family behind."
Orie thought she heard a sigh. She couldn't stop laughing at the conversation she was hearing. The ship seemed almost human.
"Very well, are we ready to launch?" Orie heard the ship do something as Caelestis asked the question. If she were to guess, she would say the engines were turned on.
Essie pushed a few buttons and replied, "Launch when ready in five . . . four . . . three . . . two . . . launch."
A backlash was felt as Caelestis launched from Earth. Orie felt like she was being pushed into her seat. Finally, she could breath, and more important than that, she could relax.
"Caelestis, you have controls." Essie stood from her seat to go back to where Orie was sitting, seeming fascinated by the view screen.
Orie finally had an opportunity to look at the inside of the ship. Aside from the large view screen that seemed to take up the entire front wall of the ship with what she assumed was the computer that controlled the ship directly below it, there was what looked like two stations with an exact duplicate set of controls. She turned to see Essie staring back at her, smiling. "Are you all right, princess?"
"Yes, I'm fine. Although I like it when you call me princess, I don't think anybody would understand. Don't you think?"
"It does not matter if anybody else understands. You will always be my princess." Essie leaned down and kissed Orie, who smiled in return.
"Do you think you could show me what everything is just in case I get lost or you ask me to do something and I'll know where to go and not look like an idiot?"
"Orie, your self esteem needs some improvement, but that will come with time." Essie led a confused Orie to the front of the craft where the helm controls were located.
Although Caelestis was fully capable of flying without anybody at the controls, there may be instances that the helm controls needed a set of hands instead. The two positions were identical. In case one pilot was not physically capable of operating their station, the other may take over. The communication controls were there as well. On one side of the craft, Maril was operating system maintenance, configuration, and analysis. How the craft was running, any problems with the engines, any damages to the hull would show up on that system. It was not the computers that Orie had seen before; these screens seemed to just exist in midair, no keyboards, either. The other side of that controlled the atmospheric conditions within the craft, including anything to do with life support, oxygen, nitrogen, and water, food and beverage controls as well.
It made Orie laugh with excitement at being able to tell the computer she wanted a cheeseburger with a chocolate shake. Essie knew enough about anatomy/physiology that if something were to happen, she would be able to take the position as medic until trained physicians could take over patient care. The "stem" of the ship was the cargo bay, or the empty cargo bay would be more appropriate. There was one level below the bridge of the ship that had three cabins with two bunk beds and four drawers each that would operate with the movement of the hand. There was a fourth cabin, or the communal washroom/toilet room. Beyond the living quarters, in a separate hallway, there was a door that when opened, would lead in and out of the craft. Arcadia was a peaceful planet therefore no weapons on board. The planet was protected by a force field that when bumped by any ship that was not given permission to land, the ship would suddenly disappear. If a ship were given permission, the force field would allow the ship and its crew safe passage through to the planet.
Essie Sapphira stayed with Maril to help keep watch over ship conditions. Orie was getting tired, and her yawning proved that fact. Essie led Orie to one of the rooms and made her as comfortable as she could. Orie would sleep on the top bunk bed while Essie would sleep on the bottom one. Essie could not rest now though; there were still some things that needed to be done. A kiss goodnight and Essie left the room.
As soon as Essie returned to the bridge, she ordered, "Caelestis, status report." She stood in the middle of the bridge watching the main view screen, still seeing miles and miles of miles and miles. "Life support systems functional, with life support systems able to sustain life for the duration. All systems running at minimal levels, with 100% integrity . . . Was there any doubt?"
"No, Caelestis, there was not a doubt. I do need to be sure that everything is well. How much longer until we arrive..?"
"We will arrive on Arcadia in two days, nine hours, twelve minutes, and fifty eight seconds. As soon as they are within range, I will seek clearance to land. Approved?"
"Yes, Caelestis, approved."
Essie walked to the systems console to view the systems analysis reports. Everything was fine, everything was running just fine, and there were miles and miles of miles and miles yet to go. So what was keeping her from joining Orie? When she stopped to think about it, absolutely nothing was stopping her but herself. She told Maril she was going to get some rest, and Caelestis was on autopilot. Then she and Essie Sapphira went down below for a well-deserved rest.
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After the morning meal, Orie asked Essie if there was anything she could do. Not only would it keep Orie occupied, it would also help her to feel useful. Essie was about as bored as Orie was, with nothing to do but wait, so she decided to work on Orie's self-esteem. Orie needed to realize that she was worth much more than just a preschool teacher and nursemaid. With limited space and resources, there was nothing to do. So instead, maybe a sort of therapy session would help.
"Orie, we are alone now. There is no Maril . . . there is no mother here to interrupt us. We are not on any time constraints. Tell me what happened while I was away. Start from the beginning, Orie. Start from the time we left each other after the party. I want to hear it all."
"You want to hear everything, huh? Well, in that case . . . the following day after school let out mom announced she wanted to go to Florida. Daddy didn't want to go, and I had Biscuit to take care of, but that didn't seem to matter. Both daddy and I hate the heat, and with Florida being as humid as it is, neither of us thought it would be any fun. Mother kept insisting, and daddy gave in. I had to find Biscuit a caretaker. I was lucky that my neighbor used to be a professional dog handler and had retired. He was a nice guy, and Biscuit seemed to like him. We agreed on payment for his pet sitting service. Mom got her wish in the end, just like she always did. Daddy and I never went outside. It was always so hot and miserable neither of us could take it. Mom would complain that we didn't want to keep her company because we didn't love her. If you ask her, she'll say we came back early because we forced her to come back early. The fact of the matter was though, is that it was just time to come home. It took two weeks after that for me to get courage enough to see you. You were gone. I didn't have anybody left except daddy and Biscuit.
"School started again, and it was just so big. I felt lost for only a moment though, until Dannie caught my attention. She was the complete opposite of you, but so much like you at the same time. I felt like she was my only friend during high school. I never told mom, but on the day of graduation, I was happy to have proven mom wrong on so many things it was unbelievable. I went to bed that night so proud and so happy. I just couldn't believe it. I never dated in high school. No one seemed to spark my interest any, I don't know. I've always read in stories that there is a bell that goes off in your head. It's in the movies too, but I never really heard any bells except for the school bell, and that doesn't count.
"I started going to community college with an aspiration to become an administrative assistant. I always thought it would be a good job to do, something respectable. I started classes and all, but, you see, we went to Hawaii before I started classes. Mom used to blame Hawaii for making daddy sick. A part of me agreed with her, and a part of me just said it was just rotten timing. As the quarter progressed, I noticed daddy getting sicker. I was hoping it was just a bad, stubborn cold, but that wasn't the case. He went to the doctor's office for a check-up. The doctor noticed something weird about daddy and ran further tests. That was when daddy was diagnosed with cancer. I quit school, lost my daddy, lost my dog . . . lost everything that year. Daddy tried to fight it, but he just couldn't, he just got too tired of fighting. It wasn't too long after that that Biscuit died. I still say it was because mom poisoned her, but I didn't have any proof. It was only a hunch. Mom was just weird after I told her Biscuit died. She seemed happy when I told her, too happy if you ask me. After all of that was taken care of, I didn't know what to do anymore. I just didn't know. I didn't have daddy to talk to about anything. What was I going to do? Well, the answer came in the form of music videos. This particular artist was known for supporting children's causes. It made me think how much daddy really liked kids. He would play with them when mom wasn't watching. I remember that.
"Against mom's wishes, I decided to become a preschool teacher. I studied really hard for that. I remember my first job was a disaster. The director was always telling me I wasn't doing anything right. What am I supposed to do with the kids if nothing is in the classroom? No lesson plans, no activities, nothing. As if that wasn't enough, the director would preach the choir to me to do what I was trained to do. The funniest part about that was that everything I learned in college went against what they were doing. It was a Christmas concert that was the last straw. Toddler babies had to wear these ridiculous costumes decorated with Elmer's glue and loose glitter. The glitter was getting in their faces. I had to put the shirt on them, I didn't have any choice.
"I found another job working at another center. It felt like I was just working in a factory. Yeah, I learned some things, but it didn't make things any better. I heard some of the parents talking about a company that was looking for new employees. They had a children's center for the employees. During my lunch break one day I filled out an application. I was called back for an interview, which I thought was a step in the right direction. I quit my job and started working at the children's center.
"My social life, I didn't have a social life. It was just easier that way. No arguing, no lectures, no torture, nothing that I had to explain to anyone why my mother is the way she is. I dated during college. He was a nice guy and all, and we even planned to get married. He called me one day to tell me he couldn't lie to himself any longer, that he's gay. I felt used when he told me that. He called me one night out of the blue just to say hi he said. It just didn't feel right. Mom saw it as another opportunity to lecture and beat me because I went out with the wrong man. I should have consulted her first. That's it as far as my life goes. You know the rest."
"How did you feel during all that? What was the strongest emotion that you were feeling?"
"I don't understand."
"I think you do. I heard it so many times just now. What was the strongest emotion?"
"I don't know. I don't analyze my feelings anymore. It's just easier."
"Easier than what, Orie..?"
"I told you I don't know!" Orie suddenly stood up and ran for the door, but the door was locked. "Open the door, Caelestis."
"Command unauthorized."
"You did this, you locked me in here. Let me out!"
Essie and Orie were standing face to face in front of the door. "Tell me, Orie, tell me how you felt." Essie stayed very calm during this interaction. She knew it would be necessary to do so.
"You want me to tell you? Fine! I'll tell you! I was hurt that you left; it felt like you betrayed me. Nobody was left to love me. The only reason I called her mom was because she would put hot sauce on my tongue and burn it if I didn't. It's to the point I can't taste anything any more. I don't want to live anymore if my sole purpose in life is to feel pain. I can't take it anymore!" Orie lost the ability to stand, and slumped down to the floor, letting out all of that pain. She cried with so much sorrow.
"Such a heavy burden for someone so small to carry . . . I am here now, princess, and I will not leave you again. Caelestis, release controls on my authorization Alpha Zircon Malachite 24 carat." Beeps and blips were heard in response to the command. Essie carefully lifted Orie off the floor to the bottom bunk, a place to rest. She laid her down on the bed, kissed her gently, and left the room knowing Orie needed the time to start healing her soul.
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The day came that they would arrive on Arcadia. Orie felt free now, and it showed, and for that, Essie was happy. It helped her to focus on that rather than the nervous feeling she had coming home again . . . after all these years, finally being able to return home.
Orie held Essie before Essie was able to open the doors. She wanted to say something now, not knowing if she would have another chance. "Essie Diamnoté, I love you. I will be by your side from this moment forward. I don't know what it feels like to come home again after spending a long time away, so I can't imagine what you're feeling. I love you, Essie Diamonté."
"I love you, my golden princess, and as soon as I know, I'll let you know what it is I'm feeling. Just don't leave me right now." Essie had a look of desperation on her face, though she didn't say the words, the meaning was there.
"Even in death, we will always be together," Orie said as she lightly kissed Essie's hand.
Essie finally opened the door to the docking station, where a transport was waiting to take them back to the palace. Orie and Essie Sapphira were able to look out the window to see the surrounding landscape. Never had they seen anything like it before. Everything seemed so round, so perfect. The golden buildings reflected in the sunlight, and as she looked up to the sky, she saw not just one but two suns, one seemingly smaller than the other. The plants were so pretty, with jewel-like tones, reds, greens, blues, and yellows, all with differing shades. It looked like a forest of jewels.
Orie and Essie Sapphira were too busy looking at the scenery to notice Maril and Essie having a conversation of their own.
Maril started the conversation. We are finally home. As soon as I am able, I will see to the proper placement of both your consort and your daughter. You would not want anyone to have the wrong idea, princess.
The only one that has the wrong idea is you, Maril. Orie is not my consort. She is to be my wife as soon as I am placed on the throne. I will personally see to the proper care of my daughter. Your position will be replaced.
You cannot do that! I have been of service to the throne for over fifty years! I cannot be replaced!
You will be replaced, Maril. I cannot stand you, your ideas, or your morals any longer. The only reason you have lasted these fifty years is that there was very little choice in the matter.
Whom would you replace me with? There is no one of my caliber that would be able to replace me.
Both my queen and I will make that decision, and yes, the both of us have that right, even though my so-called mother never exercised that right. I will no longer leave the care of Princess Essie Sapphira in your hands. It is because of you she could not have any friends, nor understand why she must undergo such intense training, and me feeling it necessary to seek the unconditional love that I'd grown accustomed to from Orie elsewhere. You did not agree with my decision to do so then, and I did not tell you to seek an agreement from you. I told you so you would have knowledge of my actions.
I was only doing what I thought would be necessary. We had to hide our identity. You were never there to take the role of decision maker.
There was a wonderful device on Earth called the telephone. I was never very far from a telephone, Maril.
You expected me call you at every instance, princess? That would be maddening. I was always expected to make those decisions myself while I serviced the queen.
You were not servicing the queen, you were servicing me. And yes, I expected you to inquire about Essie Sapphira's care, Maril. You failed in your duties.
But, princess . . .
ENOUGH! "I am growing tired, Maril. This conversation is finished, and my decision is final."
Orie overheard the last bit. "Are you going to tell me about that later? Or is it something that you would like to keep to yourself?"
"I will tell you later, princess, just a little while longer." Essie laid her head on Orie's shoulder, and Orie snaked her arm around Essie's waist.
The vessel stopped and the doors opened. Sapphira exited the vessel first then Orie, Maril, and Essie. A group of guards were waiting by the vessel, and as soon as they exited, they were escorted to the palace. Orie could not stop looking at everything. Obviously there was dirt under her feet, but the buildings, they just seemed to be a part of the forest that surrounded them. Orie saw that they were being led to a very tall, silver, cylindrical building that she guessed was the palace.
Essie tapped Orie's palm to get her attention. "This is the Platinum Palace, where I spent my days learning how to rule my kingdom until my mother sent me away. According to the communications I received before landing, mother has already passed away, and the ceremony will be tomorrow. If memory serves me right, it will be two quarter moons after the burial ceremony that I will be declared Queen of Arcadia, and it will be at that time that I declare my betrothed."
"If you're a peaceful planet, how come you have to have so many guards?"
Essie didn't know how to answer that question because she quite frankly didn't know the answer. She turned toward one of the guards. "The golden princess has asked a question. If we are a peaceful planet, why do we need so many guards?"
The guard merely replied, "Because we are not without risk."
They were led up the stairs until they stopped at a set of double doors, heavy gold plated double doors. Beyond the doors was the former queen's body. It was etiquette to say goodbye and to let old grievances go, to forget the past. The problem was, though, would Essie be able to forget the past. The doors magically opened and Essie walked through. Orie and Sapphira stayed behind so Essie would be able to say what she needed to, to let go of the hurt and anger that she had been carrying for so many years.
It was a casket made of crystal, the casket of the royal family. Essie walked to see her mother's face, and said, "Hello, Mother, I have returned as ordered. For so many years I have waited for this moment. There came a time that I had given up any hope of returning home. I have come to take your place only because you are dead. Do you want to know what is so strange about that? It is that you have been dead to me for so many years. You placed me in the care of a woman that I despised only because you trusted her. I hate that woman just about as much as I hate you, but that is not the point is it. I am supposed to forgive you for all that you did. The problem is, though, that you are dead. The only thing I can say is rest in peace." Essie left her mother without delay to return to her family. The doors magically closed, letting no one else inside.
By instinct, Essie knew exactly where to go next. Orie and Sapphira had entered a very large room, and as soon as the doors closed, Essie held Orie as tight as she could to let out all of the hurt and anger that chose that moment to show itself. Essie wanted to replace that feeling with the love that she felt for Orie. They stood like that until Essie felt ready to let go. Orie saw the tears in her eyes. The silver was leaking again, and rather than stopping it, Orie let it run, run away to relieve the pain that was felt inside.
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Everyone slept well that night. It was good to sleep on a nice, comfortable bed with luxurious pillows and blankets. Maril had her own room, which was as far away as Essie could get away with. Maril had no choice but to accept the judgment, her only ally was dead. Perhaps it really was time for retirement, seeing as how nobody there needed her anymore.
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The following morning, preparations started for the burial ceremony. Essie had handmaidens assist her with the proper funeral attire she was to wear on this day, which would be black. First, Essie was dressed in a simple, black blouse with black leggings to be worn underneath. The final piece was a gown placed over the blouse and the leggings. A handmaiden explained the sleeves as hanging sleeves, which opened down the side or front, or at the elbow, to allow the arm to pass through. A cummerbund type of belt, also black, was placed around the waist of the gown. The jewels, black onyx set on platinum, to be worn were the Mourning Jewels, so called because they were only worn on such occasions, consisted of a ring that was to be worn on the left ring finger, and a large collar-shaped necklace around the neck. The neck of the gown was crew neck in shape, so the collar necklace fit very nicely around Essie's neck. The hair would be done simply, being held back in place with a black barrette. The last piece to the mourning ensemble, were high-heeled, black boots. The future queen of Arcadia was now ready.
Essie Sapphira wore a simple, black, knee-length dress with billowing sleeves, no jewels for the princess, the hair done simply as well, and knee-high black boots. Orie was similarly dressed as Essie Sapphira. Orie was to stand behind Essie, out of view of the public eye. It was custom, as Orie had not been announced as the queen's wife as yet.
Everyone quieted down as Essie came into view. Essie stood on a balcony high above the crowd as she made a speech in respect to the former queen. Once the crowd had settled, she began.
"This is goodbye to our Queen Bisera.
Arcadia will miss you only in body. It is your strength that the citizens of Arcadia will miss most of all.
May you rest in peace as your spirit soars on the wings of the seraphim."
Mournful music played in the background, and Essie sang to the music in words that Orie didn't understand. It was beautiful though, Orie did know that much. She had missed Essie's beautiful voice. Her voice seemed to carry on the breeze and float through the air as she sang the mournful song. Orie couldn't see the audience below, so she wasn't able to see what the people were wearing or their reaction. She suspected, though, that between Essie and Essie Sapphira, all of the details would be filled in when everything was over with.
Once the song was finished, the queen's body would be carried out of the palace to be buried on an island specially designated to bury the royal family. It would be there that the queen would rest. Only a few of the guards and the people necessary to take care of the undertaking would sail to the island. It would be unseemly for the family to be present while such matters were taking place. Once the goodbyes were said, the dead were left alone so their spirit may leave the confines of life freely, without the emotional burden of family impeding them. It was their custom.
Once the casket was taken out of sight, Essie left the balcony to walk back to her room. She waved off the handmaidens to close the door behind her, leaving only her family in the room. She let out a long sigh as she leaned against the door with her eyes closed. She felt arms coming around her in a gentle hug, her body responding seemingly on its own, and returned the gesture. Orie and Essie stood holding each other until a guard knocked on the door demanding their attention. It seemed to not be enough, as well seeming to be long enough.
Essie opened the door reluctantly, and accepted the message. "It seems as though Maril would like to speak with me. Before I do that, would you help me with taking off these clothes, please? Not only are they bulky, they are very hot as well."
"How are you feeling, Essie? Are you okay?"
"Yes, princess, I am well, just tired I think."
"It was a beautiful ceremony." The long, black gown had come off, and Essie felt immediate relief, feeling a lot cooler than she had been. Orie found a light colored dress in the closet that she thought Essie could wear. It seemed to be her size, lavender in color. She draped the dress over a nearby chair while she assisted Essie with the rest of the garments.
"Thank you for attending. The people could not see you, but I could feel you and hear your thoughts. For that I thank you, my golden princess. I just wish I knew what Maril would want now." The dress and the leggings had come off, and now it was time for the blouse. Though Essie appreciated Orie's attempt to change the mood with the lighter, brighter color that she had chosen, she told Orie that until the required mourning period had finished, drab colors were worn in respect.
Well, that would explain the drab dress clothes here in the closet. Orie replaced the lavender dress with an olive drab dress. It was not a becoming color, but because of circumstances, it was what it was, therefore the only other option. That is, unless Essie wanted the brown dress, which wasn't much better, really. She looked at the both dresses and couldn't decide which one. She held both of them up for Essie to choose, and now realized Orie's dilemma with the both of them looking very similar. However, Essie chose the brown dress instead. It was not as dreary looking. Once that was taken care of, Essie left Orie and Sapphira to change clothes while she saw to Maril's so-called call for help.
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Essie found Maril in the flower garden, sitting on a bench. Maril was at least attempting to look pitiful, but Essie knew different. It was Maril's thoughts . . . it was knowing who Maril was that gave away her true feelings. "Well, you sent for me, now what is that you want, Maril?"
"Me? Well, I just wanted to congratulate you on a job well done that is all. We both know that if it had not been for me that you would not have been able to accomplish the task of presiding over the burial ceremony."
Essie started laughing. What she found amusing was Maril's admission in public. Essie thought she would never see the day that this would happen. "It was a funeral, Maril. It was funeral for a woman that sent me away years ago for reasons that she only knew. I do not wish to rehash old memories or question her judgment. It would be pointless, seeing as how she is dead. Be certain that all of your belongings are packed by the end of two-quarter moons, Maril. At that point, I expect to be rid of you one way or the other. Where you choose to live will be your choice. You may not reside here, Maril, those are the conditions. If I find any trace of you on palace grounds, you will suffer harsh consequences. Am I understood?"
"You would throw me out?" Maril had hoped that she would be able to stay here for the rest of her life. She felt it was her duty to stay and offer advice. She could not do it officially, but duty was duty after all.
"I no longer have a need for you, Maril. That is it, that is all, and yes, I am aware of your ulterior motive, Maril. It does not have to do with being able to read your mind. It has more to do with knowing how you think, Maril. I know that very well. After all, it was you who taught me how to outthink my opponent." Essie called for the guards to escort Maril back to her quarters, not wanting to take any chances with Maril wandering around the palace.
Maril was unstable now that her only friend, and ally, was dead. With nobody there to speak on her behalf, Maril might take drastic measures to assure her position. Maril was not under house arrest; Essie didn't have any grounds for that. Maril, however, could not leave or wander around the palace without an escort.
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Orie had been wandering around the palace, and noticed that the planet's written language was a series of dots, dashes, and slashes, but could not tell what any of the words were supposed to be. As she toured the palace, she noticed the pictures as well. A sort of holographic image would appear as soon as a sensor sensed body heat. It was very fascinating.
Essie found Orie in the guest wing of the palace. "There you are, princess. I have been searching for you everywhere. Are you enjoying the unofficial tour?"
"As a matter of fact, I am. Essie Sapphira seemed to be getting a little antsy, so I asked one of the guards if they would take her out and maybe walk around a little. I hope that was all right."
"That is fine. You always have my approval in the decisions regarding Sapphira's care. You and I need to find another caretaker for Essie Sapphira. I have let go of Maril. She is no longer the official caretaker. I have had too many problems with her in the past. I do not wish for it to continue."
"Well, if you want my opinion, one of guards seems interested. They didn't say anything, no, but it was more of their body language that gave them away. I thought that when we couldn't look after Essie Sapphira then we could ask the guard to look after her. You know all that she needs to know, and I don't know about you, but I always thought that with something like this, isn't it better if it comes from her mom rather than a stranger? I mean, you could tell her stuff that she couldn't learn if it came from somebody else, right?"
"It seems as though you have been doing a lot of thinking, my golden princess, and you are correct. However, it is not how things are done. Once I have settled into that gaudy chair that sits in the middle of the palace, then we can think about changing things. Right now, though, I think it is just too soon. We would be changing our culture, dear heart. That is a large and dangerous undertaking in and of itself."
"It was just a thought." Orie tried to hide how she felt, but Essie always knew. Powers or no, she always knew, and Essie knew that Orie was disappointed in finding out that her idea was a bad one.
"It was a very good thought. It was something that I have come to expect from you. Your opinions are filled with logic, reason, and emotion. That makes them very valuable to me. You also have to remember that this is not earth. This is Arcadia, a planet populated by people that have come to rely on someone else to care for their offspring. We do not care for our offspring until they reach their twenty-first year. The parents will often be consulted on certain issues, but for the most part, the care is taken over by the caretaker."
"So Maril was just doing her job, then?"
"Maril was performing the tasks as she felt they should have been done without consulting my mother and without consideration. That is a failure of duty."
"Oh, so it wasn't that she did anything wrong, per se, it was that she did her job without following the rules, then."
"That is exactly right, and that is the reason why I let Maril go."
"All right, I was just thinking, that's all. Is it my imagination, or does the air seem cleaner here?"
Essie laughed a little before she replied, "That is because there is no such thing as smog here."
Orie's mouth formed an O, but made no sound, causing Essie to further laugh.
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Essie found the guard Orie had observed, and found that this particular guard would be the answer to the question 'who would take over?' The guard was a woman whose own mother was a caretaker. Everything that her mother knew, she had taught her daughter. When asked why she chose to be a guard instead of a caretaker, the guard replied, "Because I thought it was my duty."
Caretaker in place and the rest to follow, it would be a very long two weeks.
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Essie had wondered what had happened to her sisters, and discovered that she hadn't been the only one to be sent away. Her sisters had been sent to neighboring lands not far from home. Essie would need to write a Permission to Trespass document to allow them to come back to the palace. It has been over twenty years since they last saw each other, and all of them were just a little bit nervous.
Upon the death of the previous queen, Essie had already been appointed queen; the ceremony was merely a formality, a show for the masses. The lead advisor would step up the dais, Essie would rise to accept the scepter in her hands then she would hold it up for everyone to see. Once that was done, she would announce her betrothed, and it would be one-quarter moon after the announcement that they would be wed.
"Today is the day you will be announced as ruler of your kingdom. I'm so happy it's finally here. You have worked . . ." A knock was heard at the door and Orie left to answer the door while Essie finished her preparations. Orie opened the door to see two exact replicas of Essie. "Um hi . . . ah . . . can . . . can I . . . um, help you?"
Essie heard the confusion and walked over to see what the matter was. "Coral, Ivory, it is good to see you both. Please come in. I am sorry. It seems that you have perplexed my golden princess. Tell me all of what has been going on in every little detail."
Are you sure it is all right to tell all in the presence of an earthling? Coral communicated to Essie.
"Stop being rude, and yes, it is. Not only is she my betrothed, she is my oldest friend. Her name is Orie, and she is very delightful." Essie was extremely happy to have her sisters with her. Orie thought now would be a good time to leave the sisters alone. Well, it was a thought, because Essie stopped Orie from leaving the room. "They are my sisters, Orie; it is all right for you stay."
"I just thought maybe you wanted some privacy, that's all. You haven't seen them in a really long time."
"It will be all right, I promise you."
The handmaidens finished preparing Essie, dressing her in a silvery, long gown with billowing sleeves. She was adorned with liquid silver jewelry. Essie explained to Orie that it was something that had only been perfected on Arcadia. She would not find jewelry of that quality on any other planet. Orie had been dressed in a knee-length, emerald gown with the same type of sleeves as Essie's. They were waiting for Essie Sapphira to finish dressing.
"I have a daughter now, and her name is Essie Sapphira. She will be the next in line to take the throne."
"Are you sure about this, sister? It is highly irregular to have an offspring of the royal family."
"I was not on Arcadia at the time, and there were certain circumstances that led to her conception. I could not ask for a more perfect daughter."
Essie Sapphira finished getting prepared, and now it was time for the crowning ceremonies to begin.
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Essie Diamonté led the way down the many stairs to the ground floor, where they would then be escorted to a waiting vehicle. It looked very much like Earth's carriage, the main difference being that instead of horses and a driver there was nothing. The carriage carried everyone to their final destination high atop Forger's Mountain, where a canopy had been erected to celebrate this great event.
Essie, Orie, and Sapphira climbed the stairs to stand on the dais. Orie was excited, nervous, happy, and every other emotion mixed in-between when she saw the crowd. Never in her wildest dreams did she ever dream that something like this would be happening to her . . . Orie MacCreadie, preschool teacher who used to live in a middle class neighborhood, and now, she'll be queen in her own right. Who would ever dream that this would be happening? If mother could see her now, she would laugh right in her face. She felt a tap on her hand and saw Essie looking at her with a raised eyebrow. Orie smiled in reaction.
The lead advisor walked up to the dais with their head bowed carrying the scepter in both open hands, palms facing up. The advisor kneeled in front of Essie to show her the scepter. Essie reached down for the scepter, grasped it, and held it high for all to see. The audience cheered in delight with blinking lights in appreciation for their newly crowned queen.
Essie still held the scepter as she announced, "I am Essie Diamonté, Queen of Arcadia, and this will be my wife . . . Orie. Princess Essie Sapphira will be your future queen." The blinking lights started again in recognition for their new family of Arcadia, welcoming their lost princess home once again.
Thank you for reading my story. More stories soon to follow so stay tuned.
Calliopenjo J