Amulet Of Asami
Chapter One

As a princess of 17 years, I have been dreaming and preparing for this day since my 14th year of birth. Tomorrow is finally the day I ride to the Triune Festival. The energy coursing through me will hardly let me sleep tonight, as I will leave first thing after breakfast.

It is our family’s tradition to hold a great ball the night before each member goes to the Festival. Everyone with Thief, Mage, and Warrior heritage is chosen to be matched as a powerful triune for each and every kingdom. Some have fallen into royalty, others out of it, but each willing soul is gifted. I have dressed in my favorite gown, a flowing, dark emerald green fabric that brings out the mysterious green my eyes have become. It spills just over my body and fits as though I were a queen and not a princess.

The edges are lined in a dark purple that mimics the night sky. I look in the mirror at my wavy brunette hair, my bangs twisted back on each side of my head. I take a deep breath and go downstairs to join the ball. It is MY ball, the one signifying that it is finally my turn, after my two older brothers, to meet my warrior and thief match and take on new adventures.

Yes, I am a Royal Mage. My great grandfather defeated the dark overlord, and the people decided that he would be the right man to help rule the new world. I am probably not as proper as I should be, especially if you ask my mother. I giggle at the thought of her always telling me to stand straighter, walk lighter, speak slower, be mindful of my dress, and listen to criticism; always in that ‘you’re a princess, not a heathen’ tone of voice. I am only 17 years old, and I do not believe I have to be a perfect adult before having any life experiences.

Yes, tonight is my beginning. I will show the world exactly the kind of princess I am. I made it to the entryway and was introduced to the people of our land.

“Now entering, Princess Elysia!” Fred announces.

I step into the Ballroom to see everyone looking at me in their elegant gowns; the men in their best tunics and robes. The ballroom is decorated with all sorts of luxurious fabrics of color like gold, purple, green, and some reds. I feel an involuntary smile grow on my face as I look around at all the ladies in their best ball gowns. Some are bigger and some are mostly slim fitting with more ease of movement. All the nobles and royalty around the kingdom have been invited.

My brothers, Aidan and Buldor, run up to me and start the dances. I dance the first with Aidan, he is the easier dancer of the two. He has a way about him that make it really easy to dance with. He is wearing the Royal Mage uniform along with Buldor. The uniforms are different according to each personality though. I head the next song starting and I was traded off to Buldor. He is not as smooth on his feet as our brother is. We both bust out laughing with our blunders just the same.

The song came to an end, I thought I would need to break, but I see a very handsome man talking to my father. He has an air about him that I immediately knew he was royalty. Yet something seems different about him. I cannot quite place it though. I turned to walk over to Father, the man gave a deep bow to him then left without another glance back. I reach father with a curious look. I always give him that look when I notice things I do not understand. He smiles at me with a pat on the head, I take his arm he offers me and let him lead me out onto the dance floor.

I feel like that dance was just the beginning, every young bachelor in the kingdom asked me to dance or interrupted ones I have already started. I am too cheerful and out of breath to say much other than the proper civilities. I am also trying to make sure I do not mess up and embarrass us both. I dance and laugh until I do not think I can stand anymore. As the bell tolls midnight, my father tells me to go to bed. Exhausted, I consent.

When I awake the next morning, I cannot believe this day has finally arrived. I am about to experience something I have heard about for practically my entire life; not only that, but I will receive my two companions, who would never desert or forsake me, as we are bound for life once we are matched. The matching ceremonies start tomorrow, but everyone is instructed to show up the day before, or you won’t be matched properly. I have heard so many stories of my two older brothers’ adventures after they were matched in their triune. These tales have made me yearn even more for my turn. Each person of every kind and nation attends this festival. Father and Mother are already in their seats at the end of the table when I replace my seat. I can tell they are both worried and excited for me, since they know I have been dreaming of this day for the last three years.

Out of the Mage, Thief, and Warrior categories, I am a Mage, just like my brothers. Unlike them, I don’t have all the Brute talent. I have worked many hard and long hours to master all that I have learned. It always seemed that they would learn their magic lessons in a matter of minutes or maybe an hour or two at the most. Between them being so much stronger, and me being a girl, I could understand my parent’s concern for my well-being.

I am not a pushover though. They know I stand my ground when I meet opposition. On top of all the worry and excitement, I haven’t met the animal that is supposed to be my life mate. All mages meet life mate animals, just like all warriors have special powers unique to the individual, and all thieves have super unique talents. It’s what tells us apart from those who don’t have the three categories in their bloodlines; but, through hard work, one becomes a Mage, Thief, or Warrior. In order to become a Mage, Thief, or Warrior through hard work it takes the proper teachers, books, and self-discipline. If one wanted to but didn’t have it coursing through their veins they would need to do a lot of studying and practicing to become one. When this happens it is then, only a life study, skill, or talent they were able to come by through their own hard work and dedication. Those born with it only have to be taught how to use their talents and they get special abilities all their own, naturally.

Breakfast seems to take hours, but I know it is only 45 minutes at the most. I run back upstairs to make sure I have everything I should need. I go down my mental checklist: Blankets? Check. Clothes? Check. Accessories? Check. Snacks? Check. Maps of the kingdoms? Check. Money? Check. Finally, it is time for me to go. My adventure is beginning, and I will be on my own. I will be without my family guiding my every step and protecting each breath I take. I will miss them dearly, but I know I need to do this more.

“Elysia, love, do you have your maps of the kingdoms? Are you sure you don’t want an escort to the festival? You could get lost.” Mother asks, still worried about my safety, as always.

“Yes, I have the maps. No, I don’t need an escort, and I will be fine, Mother.” I smile, as we walk out to the front gardens where Ahmik was waiting.

Father is a little more understanding, “I am so proud of the young woman you have become. Don’t forget to write to us or send a message through the tellabirds. We will enjoy all of your stories, I am sure of it!” I smile at the thought of those giant multicolored birds going back and forth between us; wiping a tear from my eye, I give them both a big hug.

“I love you both so incredibly much! I can’t wait to write and tell you all about the matching ceremonies!”

I prefer to write to them by using the tellabirds. They are so big and vibrant with color that they are almost embarrassing. Father has always liked them, even though they are not always reliable if given the wrong kind of treats.

I turn and get on my horse, Ahmik, which means “beaver.” I smile to myself when I think about the meaning of his name. I remember when he was first born, and I spent all my extra time with him and his mother, Dawnguard. One day, we had gone down to the river where a beaver family was making a dam. He had been so interested in them that he followed one when it came on land to get another tree. The beaver turned around to look at the curious foal, and Ahmik bolted behind his mom. I laughed so hard and loved that moment so much that I named him Ahmik. It suited him well, and he hasn't seemed to mind it, even as he got older. It is bittersweet as I give my last farewell waves and tell Ahmik to take me to my destiny.