Becoming a Teacher

I walk through the maze-like hallways looking for the high counsel meeting room. I foolishly told the other Ambassadors to go on ahead of me while I was finishing up my hair, and now I wander, lost as ever. I turn a corner and slam right into someone's hard chest, knocking myself to the ground. I look up and Elau is smiling down at me. I instantly blush seeing him, because of my actions last night and look away. He reaches a hand out and I take it reluctantly.

“I was looking for the high counsel’s meeting space.” I utter, “and I think I’m lost.”

“Seeing as you are going in the completely wrong direction, yes I would say you are lost.” He teases me and holds his arm out to me. “Shall I escort you, M’lady?” I take his arm and he guides me back down the hallway I was coming from.

“Thank you, I hope this isn’t out of your way.” I smile at him, standing this close I can smell his sweet scent and I feel bubbles in my chest.

“Not at all, I am heading there myself, since the Royal Family is at all of the meetings.” He chuckles

“Oh right, I should have guessed.” I look away embarrassed, for someone who spent her life studying Elves, I am acting like a fool.

“And we are here.” He drops his arm and I release my grasp on him. We stand in front of two large oak doors with Elvish symbols carved into them.

“Thank you again, Elau.” I give him a small bow to be polite.

“You’re more than welcome…” He pauses, “Oh, and Nic, don’t bow to me again.” He says and grabs the door swinging them open and walking inside. I follow him with a grin on my face. The room is large and the walls are covered in those same Elvish Runes. In the middle is a large table full of Elves in white robes.

“Thank you for joining us, Prince Elau and Ambassador Niccola.” Haldire greets us, “please take a seat.” I head to the end of the table with the other Ambassadors and join them, while Elau goes to the opposite end and sits with his parents. The meeting begins, and we discuss all manner of things related to opening the borders: Proper paperwork, perishable and non perishable items, weapons, animals. The meeting adjourned after several hours of discussion, and all of the Counsel leave. Haldire walks up to us Ambassadors.

“Thank you, Ambassadors, your insight is very helpful.” I shake all of our hands, “I have one more thing to ask of you. We have been selecting our own Elvish Ambassadors to send to live in the Human city, Havestree. We were hoping the five of you could put together a prep class for these Elves to introduce them to some of the culture and people they might see while they are there.”
“It would be an honor.” Luke responds immediately. I’m sure he loves the idea of being a teacher.

“Then it’s settled, please spend time these next two weeks preparing for this introductory class.” Haldire says, grasping his hands together. “Should you need anything additional please ask Pelleas.” He smiles at us and heads to the door.

“Well we better get brainstorming.” I wrap my arm around Amelia’s shoulders. “Shall we go work in the courtyard by our chambers?” I suggest and the others agree. My walk back is a lot swifter than the walk there as Luke has pretty much memorized the entire castle. We find a grass spot to sit and begin brainstorming ideas.

“So, I would like to tell all of you something, because I don’t want it to seem like I’m getting treated any differently.” Maeve speaks up, “I will be going with the Elves Ambassadors, and Prince Elauthin to Havestree. They only asked me because it is my home town, and Prince Elauthin and I will be back in just a week or so afterwards.” I roll my eyes, I don’t know why it irritates me so much, but I don’t like the idea of her going on a trip with Elau and the two of them making the return trip alone together. I push these feelings aside and smile at her.

“Of course it’s not a big deal. You are from Havestree and you can give the new Ambassadors a tour of the castle. It only makes sense.” I clench my teeth with a fake smile.

“Oh good. You guys are the greatest. I know when I am Queen you all will be the first I ask to come work on my court.” She giggles, “Why don’t we start working on a lesson plan?” She suggests, and we spend the afternoon putting together a human’s culture course that can be taught over three lessons.

“Alright, I don’t know about you guys but I could eat.” Benjamin says, practically begging us to come to a stopping point.
“I agree, but I could really go for some human food.” Amelia sighs, and I get an idea.

“You guys wait here, I’ll go get us some dinner.” I tell them and stand up before anyone can protest. I run to my room and grab my satchel, then head through the castle to my secret grove. I peered around to make sure Elau wasn’t hiding anywhere and then left through my regular entrance and into the human forest. It’s a short walk home, and before I even make it to the house my mom comes running out.
“Amelia, what are you doing home?” She squalls at me concerned.

“Mom, It’s fine. The other Ambassadors and I really wanted a human meal so since I live closest I decided to grab something to sneak in.” I explain and the worry leaves her face replaced with a smile. My mother’s favorite thing is cooking large meals for others.

“Well then I better get the stove on.” She walks over and hugs me, “It’s good to see you, my dear.” She releases me and heads into the house. I walk into my house and take a seat in the kitchen. Although it has only been a little over a week it feels good being home and seeing my mom bustling around the kitchen like normal. I can’t wait for the day that I tell her about Elau. I think she would love him. He is kind, polite, and quiet so she can do all of the talking. Plus from the snack I have shared with him over the years, he loves her pastries.

“Mom, do you have any pastries I can bring with me?”

“Of course, Love. I just made a batch of sweet cream turnovers.” She leaves the stove and opens a bag full of her turnovers. “Take them all! I can make more.” This is going to be the perfect surprise.