Chapter One

A STORY AWAITS

An ornate door slams open.

“No! I can’t go through with this! I don’t know the first thing about ruling a nation,” they thought out loud. “Twenty-seven years as first in line to the throne and you’d think they would’ve taught me anything about diplomacy. Law-making.” A short pause filled the room with static. “Not to mention, a crown would point out how round my face is.” They moaned, staring into the largest mirror they could find.

Pacing around their room, Indridi couldn’t help but clumsily bump into every piece of furniture they owned. “I spent so many years learning about manners and dictation. How to wave, how to walk into a room.” A sigh slipped through the gap between their lips as Indridi threw themselves across the chaise at the end of the bed. Their entire body turned limp. “Yet here I am, mere moments from ruling an entire country! Whose idea even was it to rule? That guy sucks!” Lazily, they lifted themselves upright. “Not to mention, I’ve nearly reached gay death at this point.”

Anger rushed through Dridi’s face as they looked up at the portrait of their father, hung on the wall. “AND YOU!” Indridi throws a small glass jar, crashing into the wall, inches away from the photo. “You just had to go and die on us. Leave us with nothing but an empty seat to fill!” They let out a hoarse sigh. The room increasingly felt tighter by the second. A few tears started to gather in the corner of their eyes. “I’m not ready for this, at all. For the crown, for losing you. No one teaches you what to do when the world comes crashing down around you.”

They looked around the room, noticing the open window on the opposite wall. Like that, a wild idea struck their head like a great maul. “That’s it,” they said, without putting a second thought into the matter. “I’ll just run away! I can’t rule if I can’t be found!” They start picking up items from around the room, throwing them into a bag. It began with a few odds and ends. Their favourite hair brush, a small clay sculpture of their childhood cat, a velvet coin purse, a note from their best friend Taryn. Gradually filling the bag, which appeared to be bottomless by magic, with every single piece of furniture they could get their hands on. Sliding each item in with a heavy grunt. A huff left their lips as they thought to themself;  I’m too hot to be doing this much lifting. But there’s no way I’m leaving this palace without a little comfort.

Looking up at the photo of the late king, they couldn’t muster more than a few words. “I- ….. I know what you wanted for me. But… I can’t. I’m sorry, Dad.” They rummaged through a nearby closet, in search of some rope to climb out of the window. No such luck, but they did find a few linen sheets to tie together. “I think I read something like this in a book once. Guess it will have to do.”

They grabbed their cloak, threw on a pair of knee-high boots, tossed the bag over their shoulder and thought to themselves; You’d think magical bags would weigh more.

Tying the sheets to the lone pillar in the room, they take their leave. They hopped out the window, sliding down the sheets maybe a bit too fast. “OOOHHH SHIIIIIII-” They yelled on the way down. A loud thud echoed in the garden. Sheets flew in several directions, yet somehow, no one seemed to notice. Maybe the tenants of the castle were used to Dridi’s antics.  Or maybe they were all still so numb, having only been a few weeks since the passing of King Elliel. Regardless of the reason, they recovered themself and took their leave. Sliding through the garden as quietly as possible for someone with the grace of a drunken ogre on stilts.

As they made it to the castle walls, they crept behind a shrub. Peering at the gate, they noticed a singular guard sleeping so heavily, you’d assume he was hit over the head. They snuck past the guard to the gate lever, lowering it with a loud clunk. The guard didn’t move an inch. What in the world are we paying this man for, Indridi wondered. Not giving it too much thought though, seeing as it was the only reason they were going to be able to make it out of the castle walls without a fight from the captain or a lecture from their royal counsellor.

On the other side of the castle wall lies a small village, Arria. Named after the family who originally settled their farm on the land. The family later went on to lead the town council, which eventually led them to rulership. This family, of course, was the history in which Indridi found lineage.  Though their family farm was long gone, generations passed, the town was still known for its pastures that raised some of the best cattle and bore known in the countryside. The Arria’s were some of the most well-known Dryads on the continent. They were known for providing the kingdoms with the freshest and tastiest ingredients they could ever need. Milk, eggs, pork, beef, wheat, corn. Anything you could think of to make dinner was grown in Arria and that tradition continued well after the kingdom's first coronation day.

As Indridi got into the farmland surrounding their home, the hood of their cloak came down. None of the villagers knew the faces of royalty, aside from the King himself. Indridi was a stranger to these people, which made them feel a kind of comfort they had never known. They found a small stone bench to rest for a moment, as their stomach began to let out a loud growl. Hmmmm. I guess it is breakfast time. They rummaged through the magic bag for their coin purse. “Aha!” They found it. Inside, the contents were almost unspeakable. More coin than anyone would ever need in a lifetime. They dug through, pulling out a few shiny platinum coins engraved with the symbol of the king. A blush of embarrassment rolls across their cheeks. That’s not going to work if I mean to stay hidden. Reaching back in, they manage to pull out a handful of coins. In the swarm of shiny splendour, they find a few dull copper and silver pieces. Putting them aside, they tuck the platinum back into the bag and head off for the closest enjoyable smell they can find.

A few meters ahead, Indridi spotted a cart, with a sign that read; “Inn ahead! Try our famous Steak and Ale pie!” As drool pushes its way through their lips, a heavy moan creeps up their larynx. Steak and Ale pie was a common favourite in the kingdom. The beef in Arria was unmatched and the wheat from the granary made some of the most delicious Ale you could ever have the privilege to pass over your tongue. The recipe was nearly as old as the land the kingdom stood on. They could barely hold their excitement. Slowly pacing into the Inn, Indridi found themselves elated at how many people could be seen. The more faces in the crowd, the less likely someone would be able to pick them out of it. They sat in the only empty seat left, thankfully away from wandering eyes. A sweet young elven girl approached.

“Afternoon friend! Can I bring ya a stein and a pie?? Three copper!”

They count the coin in hand. Five copper two silver. “Sounds lovely, hon!” They exclaimed over the sound of a full house. You could barely hear a word in here. But that was the perfect atmosphere for hiding out, Indridi thought to themself.

As the elven waitress walked away, Indridi couldn’t help but watch her leave. She had a specific curve to her that sent a chill up their spine. “It’s too bad I’m trying to get out of here,” they mumbled under their breath.

Indridi wasn’t known to be too picky with who they courted. They had a pretty vivid dating history. There was an Orc boy who was a recurring favourite. Vin, his name was. Though, Indridi never found out what Vin was short for. It was the only thing short about him. There was also a long-term fling with Merida, a human. She was trans. Indridi and her dated for about eight years. However, they rarely spent time with each other. I guess you could say their downfall was ultimately that neither of them could keep their hands to themselves. A few other flings and one-night stands here and there. Elf, Dwarf, male, female, or anything in between really. Indridi’s only real fear in life was loneliness.

The waitress returned with the food and a wink. She managed to slip a parchment with the dish. It read; “Meet me at sundown, behind the Inn in the alleyway.” They choked on their ale as they finished the note. Not for lack of desire, just for forwardness. They looked up at her, gave her a smile and dug into their lunch. A single bite and they knew exactly what the heavens were like. The rich, creamy ale gravy brought out the sweetness in the local stake. The peas and carrots still ever-present. The mashed potatoes underneath, decedent, butter and garlic in every bite. If death were around the corner, then so be it. I could die happy, Indridi thought.

As the plate and mug appeared to empty themselves, Indridi left the copper on the table, with a note on the other side of the parchment left by the waitress. “I’ll be back in a few weeks. I’ll swing by on my way back.” They placed two platinum pieces on top of the note as gratuity. As they exited the Inn, a sharp squeal could be heard in the background. Indridi chuckled, not realising that two platinum was enough to set the young girl up for the next ten years.

As the dryad made their way through the village, they decided to stop at a few places to stock up on some necessities. Potions, water, and some dry rations. Being careful not to spend too much in one place. The last thing they needed was an eye of attention as they were about to make their daring escape. They’re a few steps between two shops when suddenly they feel a tap on the shoulder. “Indridi! Buddy, what are you doing in the village?!”

The voice was unmistakable. Indridi’s best friend and lieutenant of the guard, Taryn. A tall, muscular Elf. Raised and trained in the castle by the knights, who were the only people able to come and go from the castle as they pleased. “Oh h-hey Taryn! What’s up? I’m just- ya know- checking out the sites.”

“Isn’t today coronation day? Why aren’t you in the castle getting ready?!” Taryn exclaimed curiously. He had never seen a member of the royal family outside of the walls. He tried not to draw too much attention, knowing this was his closest friend. But it was still shocking to see.

“Oh. Yeah. You know I just realised. As head of state, I should probably know what my village is all about.” Indridi wiped what felt like a foot of sweat off their brow. It was obvious they were nervous. The thought of returning almost made them sick immediately. “I just, uh….. I just wanted to take it all in. Try to get my mind in shape to lead these people. Let them know that I will be a loyal and ready ruler.” Indridi’s voice shook like a wind-up toy.

Taryn stared at Indridi, obviously aware something was off. He chalked it up to nerves. “Alright then….. I guess I’ll see you inside?”

“Yeah. See you inside, Taryn.” Indridi felt hollow. Realising that leaving meant not just disregarding their duties, but abandoning everything and everyone they loved behind. The thought of never seeing their mother again almost convinced them to turn around. Almost. But nothing could push out the fear and anxiety of taking on the responsibility of an entire kingdom. It was too much for Indridi to bear. They ducked around the corner of the building and sat on the ground, gripping their chest. They took a moment to centre themself. Finding the courage it took to accept they were afraid. It somehow lit a fire under their ass. Indridi jumped up at breakneck speed. With a path in sight, they set forward.