Alexander blindly walked through the thick green trees, confused and hungry. He sat down at a small waterfall and took out his supper- a small roll. As he picked at the dry, tasteless bread, he stared at his reflection in the crystal clear waters. Suddenly another figure appeared in his reflection. He spun around and came face to face with a short blonde woman. The beauty seemed to radiate off her. THough he had never believed in love at first sight before, he had to admit these feelings were something special. Her crystal blue eyes shone bright like the warm summer sky. Alexander felt the breath catch in his throat as he stared in her eyes. She stood there, smiling. "Can I help you?" he asked in an amazingly shy voice.
"You must be Alexander?" Jessamyn asked, smiling. Already she like the prince, and she barely knew him.
"Yea, how did you know? Who are you?" Alex asked, starting to feel afraid.
"Do not be afraid, Alexander!" she laughed. "My name is Jessamyn. I have heard all about you from my mother. Perhaps you know her." She smiled.
"Tasida?" Alex asked quietly. Jessamyn nodded. "The great goddess?"
"Yes, she is my divine mother. I have a mortal father, whose name is Howard." Jessa explained, smiling fondly. She didn't know her father that well, though what she did know, she loved.
"KING HOWARD?" Alex asked incredulously. He couldn't believe this woman standing in front of him, this beautiful goddess (of sorts), was the daughter of his father's rival.
"Yes, of course. Why?" Jessa asked. She then realized. "Of course, you father is King Nickolas," she said softly. Alex nodded, sighing.
"Unfortunately. I mean, I love my father," Alex quickly added, "but…I mean…"
"I know, Alex," Jessa laughed.
"Hey Alex," she said suddenly, trying to change the subject. "My mother told me about this quest you are doing, to kill the great eagle. My half-brother just happens to be doing the same, going instead after Miette and Natorileone."
"Which one?" Alex asked curiously.
"Brian, of course," Jessamyn laughed. "He's just like that; always working for the people. The whole thing was his idea; Howard didn't even agree to it at first. Brian managed to persuade him in true Brian fashion." Alex laughed.
"And of course. You need help with your journey, do you not?" she asked hopefully. Alex nodded. "If you don't mind, I would like to come along with you. After all, my mother did teach me many things, including putting the beast in a sleep."
"That would be great," Alex said softly, "I would love your company. It may get lonely out there."
"I'd love to come with you. My mother should help us too," Jessa smiled. "Speaking of which, how come you've never mentioned your mother?"
"My mother, Denise, died when I was four," he whispered, looking out at the sparkling waterfall. He imagined that to be the tears he wished to shed at the memory of his beloved mother. "That's why I'm an only child. My father loved my mother so much he couldn't remarry."
"That is so sweet," Jessa smiled forlornly. "My father's real wife died when she was giving birth to Robert, who is around 7 years younger than kevin, I think. So all he has to remember her by is a handkerchief, which he gave to Brian for good luck."
"That's so sweet," Alex smiled. "I probably would have done the same thing, had I a brother or sister." He sighed.
"But being an only child must have its ups?" Jessa asked.
"Yes, I suppose," Alex said. "I was spoiled rotten as a young boy." Jessamyn laughed. "I have a question."
"I might have an answer," Jessa smiled.
"What happened between your father and Tasida? You are older than Brian, am I right?"
"You are right," she said softly. "My mother fell in love with Howard before he met Anne..."