Dragonscales

Chapter 21|Be Our Guest

Loki's POV

Queen Snowdrop led us through a maze of hallways leading to the Infirmary. Thistle wasn't lying when she said the palace was a giant tree. It was quite impressive, but we didn't have time for a tour. The elven queen opened a set of double doors to reveal the Infirmary. A healer in a light purple dress and white apron was in the corner organizing glass bottles. It seemed like a slow day. The healer turned around, pleasant surprise written on her face. "Oh! Queen Snowdrop! What brings you by?" "Princess Thistle has returned, with Moonfever." The pleasant surprise formed into abject horror as the healer began piling ingredients by a mortar and pestle. 

"Place her on a bed and give her ice wrapped in cloth." The healer instructed. The queen nodded and directed me toward a bed to place Thistle. I set Thistle down and watched as Queen Snowdrop grabbed a piece of cloth from a pile and summoned a small ball of ice. Thor watched in amazement as the two female elves worked together to begin administering treatment to Lady Thistle. The healer shooed us out of the room to be alone with her patient. Queen Snowdrop sighed. "Thistle finally comes around for a visit and she brings Moonfever with her. I really don't want an outbreak to mark my crown." "In all fairness she was banished." I said. Snowdrop fiddled with the flowers braided into her hair. "I know. It was one of the many mistakes my mother made when she had was queen." 

Thor blinked. "Your mother executed Lady Thistle's father and banished her?" "Yes. And now Mother is dead so I have the Throne." Snowdrop fixed the silver circlet that hung crooked. "Anyway, what were your name's again?"

"I am Prince Thor of Asgard, and this is my brother, Loki." Thor introduced us. "And this is Thistle's dragon, Tourmaline." Queen Snowdrop's eyes lit up. "It is an honor to be in your presence, Tourmaline. I've never seen a real dragon before." Tourmaline sank into a low bow. "I'll show you to your quarters." said the elf. 

She led us up a few flights of stairs until we came to a stop at a large wooden door set in an arch. Carved at the top was a symbol that looked like a dragon. Snowdrop pushed open the doors to reveal a large circular room. Dappled light filtered through a patchwork of leaves forming the roof. Upon closer inspection I realized they were intricately carved emeralds. Ginormous cubbyholes dotted the walls. Wooden staircases and walkways were carved between them. The patchwork of emeralds ended, forming a circular hold in the way. There was a runway, engraved with golden dragon claw prints. "Tourmaline, welcome to the dragon stables."

Tourmaline stepped inside and sniffed around. Then proceeded to sneeze after sniffing a pile of dust. Flames curled around her snout, but didn't catch. "Everything is fireproof, either naturally or enchanted." Snowdrop explained. Tourmaline padded up to a cubbyhole and curled up. "I apologize. No one has used the dragon stables since they went extinct. I'll send a team of maids to take clean the place up." The queen said. She wished Tourmaline good rest and then left the stable, carefully shutting the door behind her. "Come then, I'll you show you two your suites."

Queen Snowdrop led Thor and I through the halls. The palace was huge, and must've taken centuries of work. We passed a portrait of Snowdrop. "When was this painted?" I pointed to the canvas. "After my coronation," the queen replied. She continued walking then stopped at a circular hall. Staircases led up to suspended walkways to the suites on higher floors. A patchwork of leaves and flowers provided dappled lighting while a small fountain bubbled on the center of the hall. It sat on a circle of manicured moss. Snowdrop opened the door to the first suite, which was lightly decorated but still tasteful. "Your suite, Prince Loki." She said. I went inside while Thor followed her to his suite. 

I found myself in a sitting room with a small fireplace and cushy furniture. A bookshelf and a desk sat by a large window, silver outlining the pane of glass and forming intricate symbols. A silver crescent inside a larger one. The symbol was apart of many decorations, I even noticed it on a few items of the queen's clothing. I went through the door to find a bedchamber, also with ample natural lighting. A couple of floating ivory spheres dotted the ceiling. I went through another door to find my own private bathroom, with all the amenities including a large basin to bathe in. It did, however, lack a shower. 

I heard a knock on the sitting room door. I walked back and opened it to see an elf with shimmering silver hair holding a pile of cloth. "I was sent to deliver some clothes as per my lady's request. She wants to make your stay as comfortable as possible." I plucked the top of the pile from the servant's arms, noticing the bottom of the pile was reserved for Thor. I graciously thanked her and moved back inside my chambers. 

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Another chapter done. I'm really proud of my drawing of Snowdrop, despite some of the layers not working out. I think I should draw the characters more, what do you guys think?

~Ash