Who She Was {Namari's Tale}

[Namari Lovelle]

*Prologue*

A city that controlled the whole country of Bataille. The great kingdom of high elves. Fidelite. A place where friends would be cherished and looked after, while enemies would rot and suffer dearly. A haven for some, a prison for others. Any who were not an elf were not welcome. The only exception were half elves, who would usually be servants, and low life. The rulers of this kingdom were the most powerful in all the land.

King Clive Lovelle, a strong man, who ruled since he was ten years old after his parents were assassinated. He killed the assassin before the killer got a change to get him. The king was kind to his people, and ruthless in battle.
Queen Olivia Lovelle, the woman with a kind heart. She was born a princess to the second most powerful castle in Bataille, and as custom she was to be wed to the prince of Fidelite. Often one to change her husbands mind.
The children were a different matter. Two girls, four years apart. They were very close. The youngest, princess Caroline Lovelle, a charming young girl who brought smiles throughout the kingdom. The oldest was the odd one. The one destined to be Queen, the one everyone knew would become a great ruler. Why?

It is myth that the hair colour of a high elf shows their destiny.
High Elves with golden hair are normal, it is a normal occurrence.
High elves with brown hair are low life, normally half elves or those born into a life of servantry.
Green hair, on the other hand, was a sign of future greatness. For a commoner, this might mean bringing honor to your family. Or moving up in the level of money you have. But for royalty, it was a great deal. It meant power. It meant loyalty. It meant that you were destined to be a leader. The elder daughter of the King and Queen was a green haired royal.



A young girl trekked through the small forest, just outside the city. She looked about ten years of age, her hair was long, eyes big and curious, while her stance seemed to be more confident than a young girl should feel. Her ears were thin and long. She calmly walked through the forest, observing the area.

She wore comfortable clothing with an essence of nobility to it. Rich blues, and purples. Real gold lining. Her hair was a clean green, clearly taken care of. Her name was Namari Lovelle, elder princess of Fidelite, future Queen of Bataille.

The young Namari hopped over a fallen log with a grin. Oh how she loved exploring. Outside of the city, where guards wouldn't pester her. Her mother did not make her wear a dress while playing in the forest, her mother did not want her good clothes ruined.

She looked around once more, pondering where to go. Alas, there was no place she truly liked. With a sigh she sat down, grumbling as she crossed her arms. She was not permitted to go across the river, so she had practically explored everywhere she could. It was boring for her.

Namari's thoughts left her to thinking. About the future, mostly. In a castle in Bataille, a prince was living. He was only fifteen, and he was already a war hero. He was a dark elf, she knew, which was surprising that her father would allow it. But the dark castle was hard to control, and King Clive believed the marriage of Namari and this man in the future would help that.

The girl thought it rather upsetting she would not be allowed to pick who she married. But she did not complain. Daddy was only doing what was best for the kingdom. Not just the kingdom, but for her. He would never give his daughter to a man he did not trust.

Suddenly, in the distance, the princess could hear the bells of the clock tower. She listened to each bang of the bells, to find it was six oclock. Her dinner would be ready in half an hour. The last time she had been late, her father sent her to bed without supper.

Namari decided not to be late.

She got up, brushed herself off very quickly, and ran. Ran towards her future kingdom.

[Namari Lovelle]

*Five years later*



"Yue, please stop that, I've a tiny frame already, I really don't need a corset!" the teenager managed to huff out at one of the servants. Namari was sentenced to get ready for the ball, where all of the royals and nobles of Bataille would be to gather and chat. In Namari's mind, it isn't a 'chat' if she had to spend hours getting ready.

"Oh hush now dear, you will look beautiful. Alright, you don't have to suck in your gut anymore," the older woman, Yue, chuckled. Yue was a midwife, and helped her mother give birth to both Namari and her sister. She was considered part of the family. The old woman had tied up the corset, and began walking over to Namari's dress.

At this, the princess gave off a loud sigh to let her breath out. Tiny frame, yet she needed a corset. Really. Yue walked over to the dress, grabbed it, and went back over to Namari.

The princess was a tall woman, so she bent down and put her hands up to slide through the dress. Yue slid it on, and patted it down, making sure it was perfect. One look in the mirror and Namari grimaced.

Yes, she did look beautiful. A golden dress, laced with blue. It fitted perfectly to her, showing off all her perfections and hiding any imperfections. It went just past her knees, and went perfectly with her golden greece-like shoes. She just hated dresses. She would much rather pants and a shirt. But, it was a ball. Her parents would have her head.

Not to mention they wanted her to look good for King Lawrence. The man she was to wed on her nineteenth birthday. Namari had not even met the dark elf yet.

"I hate it," she stated plainly to Yue. Without a second hesitation she was slapped upside the head. Namari scowled and looked at the midwife, while Yue just shook a finger at her. "No complaining. You'll be a Queen yet, and you must get used to this!"

When Yue wasn't looking, Namari rolled her eyes. But a knock at the door, she turned her attention to the quiet sound. "You may enter," Namari stated politely.



Her lovely sister, Princess Caroline, quietly made her way inside. She wore a dress up to her knees, that matched her sisters. It was a lighter gold, with lighter blues. And it had ruffled layers at the bottom.

"Sis! We have to go out soon! Are you ready? I want to see some people arrive before we do!" the eleven year old grinned cheekily. Namari chuckled, nodding. She turned to Yue, "Is that alright?"

The elderly elf nodded with a grin of her own, "You girls have fun. Just stay out of sight, we mustn't have the princesses revealed. You are supposed to enter with your parents."

Namari nodded, taking her sister by the hand, and walking out the door.

The only people in the halls were servants. All of the guests were downstairs, in the ball room. So Caroline and Namari made their way to the balconies.

Managing to stay far back enough no one would look up and notice, they watched as people were announced at the grand stairs, and walked their was down as others clapped. Soon, they were to be walking down those steps. Suddenly, a man stood tall, alone at the stairs. They announced his name.



"King Lawrence, ruler of Mauver city!" the announcer called out. The man she were to marry. Oh, how Namari had dreaded this moment.

Lawrence had long, white hair, and a pale blue skin, as all dark elves had. His clothing was dark, and seemed powerful. Lawrence looked unimpressed as he walked down the stairs without a smile.

"...he's handsome, at least?" Caroline tried to reassure Namari as her face was in a scowl. How could her father make her marry this man?!

"M-My ladies..." they turned to see a young servant boy, maybe a little older than Caroline, standing shakily behind them. "Y-Your parents request a visitation...you are about to descend down he stairs..."

The poor boy was probably working for his family. A brown haired elf, too. Caroline gave Namari a sad look. She nodded at her sister, turning to the boy and smiling. "Thank you very much. You may go back to your duties now."

He nodded, turning around. As quickly as she could Namari pulled a few coins out of her corset that she put in just in case. They were worth about a hundred coins each. She slipped the three coins she had into his baggy pocket. He did nto seem to notice as he walked away. A this, Caroline giggled.

"I wonder what his face will be like when he finds them!" she laughed. Namari grinned, nodding. The two princesses made their way to their parents room, ready to walk down the stairs.

[Namari Lovelle]

They stood just out of sight from the people. Her parents looking as spectacular as ever. King Clive was a handsome man, looking younger than his thirties. He had long blonde hair that shined. He wore a royal suit, with the Fidelite crest on the pocket. Her mother had longer blonde hair, and fair skin. She wore a dress to her ankles, as green as Namari's hair.

"Alright, children, let us go," her father smiled softly at his children. Namari couldn't help but be a bit frustrated at him, for making her marry Lawrence.

They all stood tall, with smiles plastered to their faces. Namari stood next to her mother, who stood next to her father. Caroline stood on the opposite end.

"Presenting King Clive, Queen Olivia, Princess Namari and Princess Caroline!" all eyes were on the family as they made their way slowly down the stairs. Everyone clapped. Of course, as per usual, many eyes were on Namari. The soon to me married, green haired, special princess.

Namari didn't feel all that special.

Her gaze ran over Lawrence, and she watched as one of the other kings grinned cheekily at her, then nudged Lawrence. The dark king grinned widely, staring at Namari. She turned her gaze away immediately.

Once they were down the stairs people began walking up to them, and chatting amongst themselves. People asked if her mother would be bearing any more children, others asked Namari's father how the kingdom was doing. Others asked her sister how her studies were going. And, of course, those who spoke to Namari always said the same thing.

"Are you excited to become marriage age in a few years?" "King Lawrence sure is handsome. No worries, he's all yours!" "I do hope you will become less rambunctious before you become Queen!"

Namari excused herself to get away. She walked to the side, and gave off a large sigh. A firm hand rested on her shoulder, so the princess turned around.

Twenty year old King Lawrence stood before her, his gaze slightly more soft than his either harsh gaze or his annoying smirk. "Might I ask for a dance, my lady?" he removed his hand and bowed to her. At least he was a gentleman. She looked to the side to see her sister giving two big thumbs up, a grin on her face. Namari turned back to Lawrence and nodded, taking his outstretched hand.

He led her to the center of the ball room, where many turned their gazes to watch. She placed a hand on his shoulder, and his hand rested on her waist. They locked fingers and began to dance.

Sure, she could dance. She hated it, but she could dance. Many of the kings and queens, and those to be wed joined them to dance, while others watched in amusement.

A few moments later, Lawrence pulled Namari to the side. "I will just be a moment, my lady. I must use the restroom. Feel free to dance with others until my arrival back," he bowed with a smile, before walking away. She pursed her lips. She did not want to dance in the first place.

Namari turned around, a little too quickly, and accidentally bunped into a man, knocking his tray over.



A servant boy stood before her, with long, tied back brown hair. He wore a servants outfit. His ears revealed that he was half elf, being very short, but still pointy. He seemed a little older than Namari, with a stronger build. A slight bit taller than her as well. He looked shocked for a moment, before seeming to almost burst into tears. Realizing he probably thought he was in trouble, Namari placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Now now, no need for that, it's alright. Nothing to be upset about!" she shrugged with a smile. He stared at her in confusion, before bending down without a word, picking up the tray and picking up the cheeses and crackers that were now sprawled out on the floor.

Namari stared at him for a moment, before bending down herself and beginning to put the food on the tray. The man seemed shocked for a moment, before continuing. After a few moments, Namari began to speak, "My name is Namari-" She didn't have time to finish. "Lovelle, heir to all of Bataille..." he finished quietly. Blinking, she nodded.

"Nothing no one here knows..." he added, looking up with a shrug. "My lady, you should get back to the party. I'll take care of this, it's my fault."

"Nonsense. I was the one who practically flung myself at you," she grinned. He blushed slightly, and seemed to mutter something, but continued to pick up the food. "What's your name?" she asked. It took him a few moments, before he shakily replied, "Peter."

Namari smiled, nodding. "Tell you what. For making you stress out so much, you'll be my dance partner until King dark and scary gets back," realizing she had offended a powerful king her face went beat red. Peter looked up, stared at her for a few moments before laughing.

"I agree...he gave me the most evil look when I offered him some cheese and crackers. None the less I ran off pretty quick," he smiled warmly. Namari noted in her head, when he smiled he looked pretty handsome. For a half elf with brown hair, that is.

"Though I must decline your offer...I do not wish people to think low of you," his smile became a frown. "Alright then, it's a royal demand," she replied with a smirk. Peter went wide eyed, before blushing once more. "...as you wish, my lady."

The food was picked up, and he placed it on the table beside them. Taking the lead, to Namari's surprise, he placed a hand around her waist and gently wrapped his hand in hers. Her heart seemed to skip a beat, she seemed to hold in her breath. Peter's hand was much softer, and warmer than King Lawrence. He seemed more gentle, and more comfortable. The princess rested a hand on his shoulder, and they danced in their small part of the room. Not many people took notice, and those who did looked shocked, but chose to pretend it did not happen. Surely they would gossip about it later.

"Do you live in the city?" she asked as they waltzed. He nodded, "Down town. My father is one of the blacksmith." Namari smiled. Their dancing was smooth, and comfortable. King Lawrence danced more rough, less smooth. And his hands were much too big for Namari.

"And your mother?" Namari asked. Peter's lip twitched, but he replied, "She died giving birth to me. She was human, you see...Fidelite law. Any humans who have a half child will be sentenced to death."

Her soft smile turned into a sad frown. "Oh, I'm so sorry..." she muttered. He shook his head. "No worries. I was just a baby, I don't remember her. But it hit my father pretty hard."

Namari nodded, and decided to change the subject.

They talked for a long time as they danced. Songs changed, people came and left. King Lawrence was nowhere to be seen in the ball room, but that was far from Namari's mind. Peter was attracting her like no other had ever done. Sure, he was handsome, but she finally met someone who treated her like a person. His personality was great, he made her laugh. It was a short span of an hour, and she believed she had gained a crush on the man.

They were in the middle of talking, before they suddenly stopped. Their faces were very close, bodies against each other. Not a way a Princess should be like, other than with a husband alone. Her face went red, as did Peters.

She caught him taking a glance at her lips. Instinctively she licked them. Their faces were so close. Namari leaned in...

"Thank you for dancing with my lady, servant boy. Get back to work," they pulled away, hands still tangled together, to look at King Lawrence. He didn't seem mad, more amused then anything. And then he started to piss Namari off.

"Honestly my lady, a servant? I mean, there are much better pickings than this half-elf bastard," he chuckled to himself. Peter seemed to slump, and look down. Namari squeezed Peter's hand, before smiling at the King.

"And he seems to be the best picking in the room, in all looks, personality and dancing skills," she stated, giving Lawrence a cocky smile. Lawrence's smile faded, and he cleared his throat. "Your parents have instructed me to guide you to your room."

She nodded, unwillingly letting go of Peter's hand. He seemed to be disappointed too. She looked at him, even as Lawrence watched. "Thank you very much Peter. I will see you again, I'll make sure of it."

And at that, Namari curtsied to Peter. Something a soon-to-be Queen should not have done to a servant. Peter bowed to her, their faces close as they both bowed. `Thank you my lady. I hope to see you again soon," he muttered, a willing look on his face. His breath warmed her face, and she wished she did not have to leave. But the night was growing old, and Peter had to get back to work.

King Lawrence held out his arm for Namari to hold. She took it, walking away from the half elf. With one last look behind her, Peter gave a reassuring smile. She smiled, and winked at him. At that Peter went red, and turned back to the tray of food.

Namari looked in front of her again, said goodbye to King Lawrence by the stairs, and walked away. He would not be walking her to her room. She refused him.

[Namari Lovelle]

For years, Namari and Peter met. It was a well known fact that they were friends. She still had a crush on him, even after years upon years. Sure, she had to web Lawrence, who she would see each year at the annual ball, but she would dance with Peter. Always. And Lawrence did not seem to care, as long as he was still marrying her. Namari also took up swordsplay, with the knights. She normally beat the crap out of them, and was called a natural. Nothing of a surprise of a green haired elf royal.

She was half a year more until eighteen, when Peter decided to invite her over. It was a regular day, nothing out of the ordinary. He invited her over in the night, saying they would go for a walk. It had to be night, because he worked during the day. Nothing unusual.

Namari walked into the blacksmiths shop. Inside at the counter stood Peter's father, who very much loved Namari. He was a second father to her. He looked up, and behind his fluffy mustache a big grin appeared. Arms up in the air he called out, "Namari! Good to see you! Peter is waiting upstairs!"

She nodded with a smile, and made her way into their house above the blacksmith shop.

It was small, the only thing they could afford. But the girl did not mind. She pushed away the rag covering the open door of Peter's room. In there he lay in bed, wearing only pants, a shirt in his hand, passed out on his bed. He fell asleep getting dressed. On his neck rested a necklace, gold rimmed with a ruby in the center.

Peter had turned nineteen only a few days before. He had always refused to sell anything Namari gave him, or take her money. So, he kept the necklace she gave him for his birthday. He said he would never take it off. She believed him.

She snuck in beside him, crawling on top of him. She sat on his tummy, before doing something anyone would do while sitting on top of a half-naked person.

She tickled the hell out of him.

He woke up immediately, eyes wide, before yelling out in laughter. He struggled to get her off, flipping her over and getting on top of her. She grinned, "Morning!"

"Its night," Peter corrected Namari. She shrugged, blushing slightly with a smile. Still on top of her, he threw on a plain white shirt. He finally got off her and the bed, one hand fixing his necklace, the other helping Namari up.

"Where are we going?" she asked, fixing the dress her sister forced her into. He shrugged, "It's a surprise. You'll find out when we get there."

She pouted, as he threw on some shoes. Namari was about to complain, but thought better of it as they made their way downstairs. "You kids have fun!" his father yelled.

They quickly made their way through the forest. Namari's parents liked Peter as her friend, and finally allowed her past the river as long as she was with someone, including him. So they went over the small bridge, and continued on.

Soon Namari was not familiar with their surroundings. She looked over at Peter, and he looked nervous. Anxious. She had no clue why, but they continued. After a while Peter stepped behind her, mumbled that it was a surprise, and placed his hands on her eyes. So, blind, she continued walking. They walked for a while, before Peter stopped.

"Alright..." he mumbled, removing his hands. They were on a cliff, the nights sky bright. they were just outside the forest. A small pool of water was in front of them, blue, reflecting onto them. The moon was big, and red. The stars clear as anything. Namari smiled softly.

"This is beautiful, Peter..." she muttered, sitting down. The pool of water sat in front of her. Peter slowly sat down beside the princess.

"Namari I need to tell you something," Peter looked at Namari with urgency. Worry crossed her face. "What is it, Peter?"

"I can't let you marry Lawrence," he stated. With a smile she placed a hand on his knee. He seemed to go red. "Peter I must marry him. Besides, we were meant to be. There's nothing to worry about, I will be safe with him."

"That's not the reason why I can't let you marry him. I've been in love with you for years," Peter's face seemed to go a deeper shade of red. And Namari's did as well, shocked. "I've...I've loved you for years. And I can't let you marry someone who will never love you like I do!" he cupped her face with his hand. Instinctively, Namari leaned into it out of comfort.

"And...and I've been saving up money...for this...so don't tell me to return it..." he rummaged through his pocket. Out came a ring case, and before Namari could even gasp he opened it, leaned towards her and muttered, "Namari Lovelle, marry me."

They sat like this for what seemed like eternity. The ring was pure gold, it must have cost Peter a fortune! It was in the shape of a dragon that would wrap around the person's finger. Dragons being a big part of elven history, Peter clearly had studied. Between the dragon's head and its tail held a large ruby, shaped into a heart.

"...yes..." she muttered. They stared at each other for a moment, before he furrowed his eyebrows. "...yes? Yes? What, you'll not refuse to marry me? Make me beg? Give in after days upon days of me asking?"

"Peter I've loved you for a long time as well-" she was not able to finish her sentence. Peter's lips touched hers, and that was all the two could think about. Their lips molded perfectly together. His lips were soft, and gently. Everything she ever wanted. Her first kiss.

Soon, it was no longer a kiss. One of Peters hands were locked in with Namari's, another tangled in her hair. Her free hand was pulling him closer, as he lay beside her, his head above her as they made out. They had waited a long time for this.

Breaking free, foreheads rested against each other, Peter took out the ring from the box. Engraved in the inside was the word 'forever' in elven. He slid it onto her ring finger, giving Namari a kiss on the forehead.

"I love you," he stated. They gazed into each others eyes, when she finally muttered, "I love you too."

They held each other, and stayed like that for a long time.

[Namari Lovelle]

"You will not, I repeat, WILL NOT marry that boy!" Namari winced as her father yelled at the top of his lungs. Namari put a hand defensively on her hand with the ring.

Peter had insisted on going in with her to tell her parents, but she told him to go home. He had work early anyways, and her parents would be furious to see her home so late. That was not all they were furious about.

"I love him!" she yelled back, hands clenched into fists. Her fathers face was more red than a tomato.

"You are to be wed to King Lawrence and that is final, I forbay you to see that boy ever again!" King Clive hollared. The Queen just stood back and watched in tears. "You will not be wed to a commoner, much less a damn halfer!"

He slammed his fists down on the table. Namari was about to begin yelling again when her father called out once more, "Guards! Take my daughter to her room, and do not let her leave!" Soon, two guards had their hands tightly secured on Namari's arms. With a scowl she yelled, "Get the hell off of me!"

"You will never hear from Peter again, I swear it!" and that was the last thing she heard from her father.

She was held up in her room, angry. Pacing the room, throwing things around, pissed off. Then she decided something. Namari grabbed pants, a sweater and a shirt. She threw them on, along with placing her claymore on her back. Her professors of swordsplay were proud of her, she could wield it with one hand. Namari grabbed all of the coins she had in her room. After she was ready to leave, she took one last look of her room and slipped out her window, onto the roof below.

Managing to land on the ground unharmed, she ran. ran to Peter's house. On her way there, a group of guards with bloody weapons passed her. She thought nothing of it and continued on her way.

The door was wide open.

It was never just wide open. candle light flickered on the floor. She crept her way in, and called out, "Anyone home...?"

And that's when she almost threw up. On the floor, Peter's father lay dead. The nice man who wouldn't hurt a fly, who was much too cute to harm. He had done nothing wrong, and yet there he lay. Murdered on the ground.

Namari ran up the stairs, hoping that it would not be true. And yet it was.

There was the man she loved, with all of her heart. Her best friend. The man she wanted to marry. Dead on the ground. Even in death he looked peaceful, only one puncture wound, through his heart.

She walked up to him, falling to the floor with a thump, no tears falling. And then she wept. She collapsed onto his body, weeping uncontrollably. Namari couldn't take it. It was too much.

She stayed there for an hour. Or two. Maybe more. But she finally noticed the note sticking out of his pocket. She slowly removed it, and read it.

Dearest Namari,
I haven't much time, I saw a group of soldiers coming. No time to escape. Besides, they would hunt me. They would hunt you, too, if you went with me. I just want to tell you something.
There's a town, in Guerre. Avaleur. It has an arena, you can make good money there. You're good at fighting. I know you don't want to even be royal, and that's your best bet. Place doesn't even have government. Just go there and live your life. Forget about me.
I promise it wont hurt.
I love you. Don't let this break you.
Forever,
Peter

Namari read it over and over. Over and over. She held it to her heart. How she wished it was not true.

Without a second thought she left, to the docks. It was late, and a group of pirates were docking.

"Well well well, ain't it princess Namari," one spoke, grinning evilly. The others turned and smirked as well. She cleared her throat, "Please take me to Avaleur. I have a thousand coins with me. Please."

They thought this over, and shrugged. "Sure. Long as this isn't a hoax to get us in trouble."

Of course they believed she was running away. They hated Fidelite, and were happy to carry Namari to Avaleur. She wondered what it would be like.

She woke up in Avaleur the next morning. Face still red from crying, she payed the men and got off the boat. Now all she had were the clothes and claymore on her back.

It was a hassle getting through the city to find the arena. But once there, at the registration office, she was feeling better. They would feed her, and give her a bed. And best of all- nobody knew who she was. She was just an elf girl who just moved to Avaleur. That was is.

"Name?" the registry said. For a moment, she wondered who she would meet, who she would befriend. What the future had for her. And she wondered if she would ever fall in love again. It hurt too much. How could she? She cleared her throat, ready to start her new life in Avaleur.

"Namari. Namari Lovelle."