The Princess and the Labyrinth

Millennia ago, before the first of the fey had the courage to venture to the Material Realm, there was a Sylvan Princess, the only daughter of a great fey king. When the chill of winter came for the Kingdoms of the Feywild, this Princess' skin would glisten like freshly fallen snow, and she was the fairest of her kind. This was not what she was known for; however, as her mind for magic was always the feat that warranted her fame. In spite of this, the King would be protective of his daughter, his love for her clouding his ability to grant her the freedom she desired, confining her within the walls of the palace.
A century past since her birth, and she was a woman when news came of a great artefact, crafted by the Gods themselves. It had been sighted within a labyrinth of trails, which caught the eye of the fey King. It was a gem, one that could adorn his crown, making the rule of his dynasty last until the gods themselves expired. All want a legacy to last, but one that would eternal? None could resist. The King was a noble man, one that inspired a great number of his subjects. He found that knights lined up to serve him, each eager to venture onward and retrieve this gem. It was known; however, that the trials of the labyrinth would be more than a challenge for even his mightiest, so he sent his best.
First, he sent Sir Eltoris, a young prodigy, known for his skill, but eager to prove that he was worth more than just his blade. On the back of a stag, he was rushed to the labyrinth, but his rash nature would be the end of him; the forest taking him before he would even make it to his destination. A week past. No word was received. So he sent another. Sir Farhorn. An older fey, experienced in the art of war, he journeyed on, carefully enough to make it through the surrounding woods to the gates of the labyrinth. A week past, and the knight returned, reporting that he was unable to breach its gates, the magic that sealed it far beyond anything he could penetrate. So he sent another. Sir Jarian. A famed tactician, one with the candor to admit that his own might would not be enough. He studied the arcane arts and despite his value to the kingdom, he rode on the back of giant owl. The forest was no issue for him, and his magic would rend the seal of the labyrinth's gates, allowing him to enter. A week past. Sir Jarian returned; however, he was not the man that had left the kingdom. His mind had been damaged beyond repair, causing all that were once keen to show their worth to fall silent. It would seem that the King would not gain the gem that he so very desired.
Many saw this as a time to remain quiet, to keep their mouths shut if they valued their lives. Not the princess; however. She saw this as a chance to earn her freedom. A chance to prove to her father that she did not need his protection. Officially, she never left the palace, but in her time of great isolation, she would sneak through the catacombs of her ancestors, out past the boundaries of the city walls. She did so yet again, journeying to the labyrinth. Learning from those that went before, she found it best to travel by air, avoiding the forest that claimed Sir Eltoris, using her magic to levitate herself, stopping before the now open gate.
She took the time to study the runes around the gate, realising that it read as a riddle. To enter, you must hold me in your hands. I am perfect, impossible, permanent and guaranteed. This was the first of the trials, the trial which Sir Jarian had failed. The answer was to hold nothing in your hands, but the knight entered armed. The Princess would not. The moment she set foot within the labyrinth's gate, the second trial would begin, to find her way though the winding paths that led before her, the walls of the maze providing no hint as to where she should go. She could take nothing in her hands, but she always had her knowledge, her magic. Every so often, she would touch a brick, causing it to illuminated the area with light, using it to show where she had been previously, preventing her from getting confused within the labyrinth. Eventually, she made it to the maze's heart, where a humanoid statue stood before her, tightly clutching the gem she sought in his grasp.
You have shown perceptiveness and ingenuity, princess, but know that your blood means nothing here. I am impressed, but I will yield yet. Not after one more test. Do you accept the challenge? She said nothing in return, merely nodding confidently. The task is simple. The statue stated. Do not fight. It was then that she saw Sir Eltoris in the maze, sprinting for his life, limping from a wound in his leg. His eyes met the princesses, causing him to freeze for a moment in surprise, only for a ferocious beast to claim him, its near formless being ripping into his flesh. Her eyes widened in fear, yet she did not fight. Sir Farhorn would be next, clashing his blade against the beast, only to be torn apart before her. Her hands shook in terror, yet she did not fight. Sir Jarian arrived mere seconds later, crawling away from the now stalking beast, pleading for the princess to save him, only to be dragged away from her sight, his screams echoing throughout the labyrinth. Sh sank to her knees, her breath accelerating in horror. Yet she did not fight.
Well done. The voice of the statue returned. Now, you have shown restraint. You are worthy, Princess. The gem is yours. She returned home to city, praised as a hero from both her people and her father. She had proven to all that she was far from helpless, earning her freedom from the walls of the palace, ensuring that her dynasty would last forevermore.

Summary

An old, eladrin story, used by many soldiers to explain to recruits to importance of training ones mind as well as their skill with the blade.

Related Locations

• Elendir

Related Organizations

• Ellhesari