✣ As The Stars Dictate ✣ ❦ Open for Critique ❦

[ComeToSilentHill]

Introduction

[fantasy] [romance] [mythological]

Noel was always considered to be a girl who was perfectly normal in a strange way. Her love for astronomy and frogs was considered a bit queer by her peers, but she was otherwise a typical teenager. She, in all her glorious seventeen years of living, had never done anything out of the ordinary, besides attempting to create a frog democracy in her room.

However, there is one place in the infinite and wonderful universe that considers Noel to be of the utmost importance. That "place" happens to be Ryali, a medieval kingdom in a fantasy world nobody knows the name of.

Ryali needs a new queen, and it has been waiting for centuries for a suitable girl to be born. A girl worthy of being the ruler of the stars. A girl worthy of waging war on the demons of Solias, the Kingdom of Fire. It all needs to happen the moment Noel turns eighteen.

Which would be.. In a few moments.

Copyright Details

Please no stealing my story or idea. Although I wouldn't say this is really an original idea.. Meh, whatever. Just no stealing.

Link to the Guide:

http://www.chickensmoothie.com/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=57&t=2305064

[ComeToSilentHill]

Chapter One

"It would seem Noel is waking up."

"Indeed."

What was that noise?.. Who was speaking? Mom?

"Wake up, your Majesty. You have a long day ahead of you."

Your Majesty? No, that didn't sound like my mom.

"I'm sorry, Cyra. I may have overdone the sleeping spell." A high pitched voice apologized.

"Do not fret, dearest Ivy. You have done your job exceptionally well."

Who was Ivy? Did I know a Cyra?

"I suppose you'll have to bring Rori here." The voice of Cyra sighed. "She'll undo the sleep effects."

"I'll fetch her right away!" Ivy squeaked.

"No need." A new voice. "So we've got our future Star Queen here, eh?"

What 'Star Queen'?

"Yes, this is her Majesty here. But unfortunately, she is unable to wake up because of Ivy's spell."

"Don't you worry your pretty head, Cyra. I can fix this."

Wait, fix what?.. I'm perfectly fi-

WOAH. Where am I? That was the first thought that came to mind. After all, I woke up in a strange land surrounded by strange people. Very strange people.

"Her Majesty woke up!" Ivy squealed. I looked up to see a little green fairy flitting about the room energetically.

"Wh-where am I?.." I asked, staring at the beautiful mage-like character before me.

"You're in Ryali, your Majesty," the mage responded. "I am Cyra, the Head Mage and Leader of the Glass Council."

"Glass Council?" That sounded strange. If you could name your Council anything, why would it be of glass? Why not Skittles?

"Indeed, the individuals who took over as we waited for your arrival."

"You took a darn long time, too." I guessed the third girl was Rori, a short character who looked like some sort of witch. She was munching on something that appeared to be a blue cookie.

I couldn't wrap my mind around what was going on. Who were these people? What did they want? What happened to my family?

"Your Majesty, while you may be confused and agitated, we need to get you ready for your coronation immediately." Cyra noted importantly. "The entire kingdom has awaited this day for centuries. We cannot keep them waiting any longer."

Rori instantly agreed. "So hurry up, you've gotta get out of your weird clothing and get all prettied up!" She turned to Ivy. "You know where her special gown is, correct?" The green fairy nodded earnestly.

"The demons of Solias will be upset when they find out that our ruler has come." The blonde mage reminded. "We have to be on our guard. They know the coronation will happen around this time."

Everything was so extreme, I didn't even know what to say. What was there to add in the conversation, anyways? I was to be a ruler. That was that, no matter how crazy it sounded.

"Ivy," Cyra continued. "Take Noel to her room, where she is to be dressed like a queen. She needs to look presentable for the gods, is that understood?"

"Yes, Cyra!" Ivy saluted. "Come on, Noel," she tugged my hand, leading me out of the room.

I followed. It seemed fun, becoming a queen. There was no reason to throw a fit, anyways. Hopefully. It took only but a minute to reach another room, one much more grand than the last. When Ivy and I entered, a shy maid greeted us.

"H-hello, Ivy!" She smiled. "Who's this?"

"You're looking at Ryali's future queen!" Ivy boasted, puffing out her chest. "It's my job to get her ready for her coronation!"

"Oh my goodness!" The maid suddenly bowed deeply. "Your Majesty, I'm so sorry, I had no clue!"

"It's okay.." I tried to be friendly. "Besides, I'm not really a queen yet, so.. Yeah.."

"Nonsense, your Majesty! The gods have chosen you for this position!"

"Um.. Yeah, I don't believe in greek mythology or whatever system you guys are using." I grimaced at my awkwardness. These people wanted me to be their queen, and all I was doing was trailing off in my poorly formed sentences.

"Oh, that will soon change," the maid dismissed. "My name is Camilla, your Majesty," Camilla bowed again. "I will make my leave now, if you'll please excuse me."

She left, meaning Ivy and I were alone in the huge room.

"Let's get you ready, your Majesty!" Ivy cracked her tiny knuckles and fluttered around the room with impressive speed. I sat on the giant four-poster bed, unsure of what to do as my companion buzzed around like a bee. After a while, Ivy brought me a dress that was indescribably beautiful, with dark blue fabric and tiny, tiny diamonds acting as stars. I could make out a couple of constellations in the stars, proving that the gown was astronomically accurate.

"Am I.. To wear that?" I asked tentatively. No way I could make that dress look good. While most girls would look regal, I would appear to be a trashed Barbie doll.

"The gods would have it no other way," Ivy grinned. "Rena sewed this just for you, your Majesty."

"Who's Rena?"

"The goddess of beauty, who else?"

"I thought that was Aphrodite's turf or something like that," I wondered.

"Oh, no!" Ivy shook her head. "You must be mistaken with a different set of gods and goddesses! We in Ryali are strict believers in the Ryalian gods and goddesses!"

"I see. So this Rena.. She made me this dress?"

"Yup! But you can't put in on by yourself-- let me help!" The green fairy closed her eyes and mumbled some strange words. I felt a warm sensation envelope my body. Without looking down, I already knew the gown was materializing on me. My clothes lay strewn on the bed within an instant. Ivy opened her eyes, then squealed. "You look amazing already, your Majesty!" She gushed.

I blushed, feeling rather important in the strapless gown. It cascaded onto the floor in waves and shimmered at the slightest movement. Although I still didn't believe, it truly felt like my dress was made by a goddess.

"Now we do your hair!" Ivy exclaimed. "It's really short, so I'll just make it wavy, add a bit of sparkle, and braid in some silver ribbons. It's a customary hairdo for royals."

"You sure know a lot, Ivy." I remarked, noticing the fairy turn red.

"No, not as much as you'd think," she said modestly, before twirling her fingers around. My hair moved in accordance to her hands, and soon rested neatly, glittering with some strange shimmery substance.

"Um.. Are we done?" I asked, hoping I didn't sound too ungrateful.

"Almost, your Majesty! We just need to do your make up!"

I nearly let out a groan, but held it in. It would be rude to seem unhappy about Ivy's efforts. With that thought, I closed my eyes and let Ivy work her fairy magic. Surprisingly, it was over in an instant.

"Y-your Majesty.. You look amazing!" Ivy breathed. "The gods smile down upon you."

I blinked. "Why, thank you, Ivy," I answered politely. To be honest, I wasn't used to receiving compliments. It was strangely awkward, yet pleasant.

"Oh, I'll conjure up a mirror for you!" The fairy let loose a flurry of light before it turned into a tall mirror. I looked into the mirror, but couldn't even recognize the girl standing before it.

"Ivy?" A voice called from the other side of the door. It was Cyra. "I assume you have finished her Majesty's physical preparations?"

"Yes, I have!" Ivy zoomed over to open the door for Cyra. The blonde mage walked in, pausing when she saw me.

"Your Majesty.. You look fit for the gods," she bowed. "Come with me. We are to make some altercations before the ceremony." Without another word, Cyra exited the room. I trailed after her, the gown surprisingly easy to move in. Well, since it was apparently made by a goddess, of course it would be perfect.

Instead of entering a room, Cyra led me outside of the castle and into a garden. I looked up to see a light blue sky. The greenery of the garden wasn't what was most impressive. It was the creatures. The unicorns, the phoenix, the mermaid in the clear pond. Amazing.

Cyra led my attention back to her. She sat on a marble bench, signaling for me to do the same.

"Noel," she looked me dead in the eye. "The gods have spoken. They have decided to give you a name worthy of a queen."

"A new name?" I looked down. "Isn't my own name good enough?"

"Your name is wonderful for someone other than the Queen of the Stars. Please understand, Noel. The gods themselves have taken the liberty of renaming you. It is one of the most honorable things you can experience."

I nodded, silently angered. I was magically transported into this weird realm, and now they want to change my name? Well, my name wasn't exactly something I treasured much, anyways. But that didn't give them the right to change it on a whim, claiming their great and powerful gods came up with something better.

Cyra placed her hand on my shoulder delicately. "Noel Rivers, from this day forth, you shall be known as Celia, for you are of the heavens. This name shall never be changed or taken away, gods willing."

I took a deep breath. Celia, huh? Not bad. Queen Celia had a ring to it.

"Thank you, Cyra," I said quietly. "Now what?"

The mage grinned widely. "Now, it is time for your coronation!"

"Already?"

"My dear Celia, we have been waiting for an unimaginable period of time for you to arrive! The people of Ryali cannot bear to wait any longer! Now come!"

I was dragged all around the palace, which was undeniably sizable. When Cyra and I finally reached our destination, I was out of breath.

"Um.. Are we there yet?" I panted.

"Yes, we are at the great balcony!" Cyra nodded earnestly.

"The great balcony?" I looked up to see a great mass of hundreds of thousands of mystical folk gathered beneath me. "Oh my goodness, Cyra! Why are all these people here?" I squeaked nervously.

"To see you take on the responsibility of our ruler, your Majesty. Now if you don't mind, I would like to start my speech."

"Oh, go ahead," I allowed Cyra to face the crowd with a look of authority and dignity set on her face.

"People of Ryali!" She boomed, her voice loud enough to be heard for miles. "We are gathered here today because we have found our Queen!" Cheers erupted from the mass of people. Cyra raised her hand, and they quieted down, all eyes on me. "For centuries we have lived in fear of the demons of Solias! But the dark hours have passed! Now we have hope! Now we can fight back! The gods have given us a queen. Now, we are unstoppable!" More cheering.

I held my breath, hoping for a miracle to happen. Hoping that I wouldn't make a fool out of myself, to be more specific.

Cyra turned towards me. "Celia, you are the one that has been chosen by the gods and goddesses of our heavens. You are the only one who can help our kingdom thrive once more. The lives of millions depend on you."

Woah, millions?

Cyra dismissed my alarmed face and continued. "Under the gods and goddesses, wearing a dress sewn by Rena herself, do you accept the leadership of Ryali? Do you wish to fulfill the role as our queen, as the Queen of the Stars?"

With a gulp, I nodded, unsure of what to say. "I do." Oh, great. I totally made this sound like a wedding.

Cyra held up a tiara I hadn't noticed before.

"With the will of the gods in my mind, I now name you Queen Celia of the Stars."

The tiara was placed on my head. I expected something awesome to happen, like fireworks or something like that. Instead, a crowd of hopeful people roared in excitement. Well, that's pretty awesome, but I didn't feel extremely powerful or regal. I felt like me, which was a relief, I guess.

"Now, you give your speech," Cyra whispered. "Inspire them."

Now I have to give a speech?

✣ End Chapter One ✣

[ComeToSilentHill]

Chapter Two

a/n : chapters will now be shorter.

No way. There were way to many people for me to be able to deliver a speech. I looked up at the sky, wind blowing through my hair. "If you really exist, oh gods and goddesses, save me now. Save me from myself." I begged quietly. Cyra smiled at me, probably glad I was actually acknowledging the deities.

Nothing happened for a while. The crowd stared at me expectantly, causing me to shake nervously. I was about to say something, but a voice in my head stopped me. A masculine voice, at that.

Don't you dare speak right now.

Who are you?

I am Aven, god of literature and knowledge.

Aven, huh? Are you going to help me?

Yes. Just repeat after me, Celia.

Right.

Ladies and gentlemen, we are people of the great nation of Ryali. We are a kingdom who rightfully worships the great gods and goddesses of heavens most pure.

Oh, do I say that?

Are you stupid, Queen Celia?

Just making sure! Sheesh. Rude.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are the people of the great nation of Ryali. We are a kingdom who rightfully worships the great gods and goddesses of heavens most pure." I was amazed at how loud my voice sounded. My guess was that the balcony had some super awesome sound-amplification spell on it.

We have something that Solias does not have. We have the gods and goddesses on our side. What do they have? Nothing.

I repeated the words, pleased that I sounded formal and mature, like a good queen should be.

Centuries have passed as we lived in fear, but the heavens are not silent. They have given us a way to finally restore peace.

Cyra looked at me, impressed with my wording. I smiled and continued, feeling pretty darn good about the fact that a god was helping me give my coronation speech.

Know that you are not forgotten, but loved, people of Ryali. Never fear, never doubt, never frown. The gods and goddesses are with you. May you find peace.

I finished up my short speech, delighted at the applause I was receiving. It felt good to be so adored. I was definitely never leaving this place. With a bow and a wave, I followed Cyra off the balcony.

"You were amazing!" Cyra complimented once we were inside the palace hallway.

Thank you.

It's no problem. Of course I'd have to help someone as clueless as you. Farewell for now, Queen Celia.

With that, Aven's presence left me. "Thank you, Cyra," I replied. "I had some help."

Cyra stopped walking. "Help?"

"Yeah, there was this god named Aven. He told me what to say." I explained.

"That's amazing.." Cyra's eyes widened. "Your connection to the gods is stronger than I could've ever suspected. You are truly what Ryali needs, Queen Celia."

"But that's the thing." I said. "Ryali has the gods and goddesses. Why do you need a normal girl like me to be your queen? Why am I your only hope?"

"Try to understand, Queen Celia. The gods and goddesses are powerful, but they are too holy to directly come into contact with us or our world. You are the only way the gods and goddesses can channel their power. Without you, we have nothing."

I was silent. It felt pretty stressful, being the only link between the help of the heavens and Ryali. What made me so special? Well, it didn't matter anyways. I had to protect Ryali from the apparent doom of Solias.

-to be continued-