Interview with Kameo
An Enchanted Kingdom Tribune Exclusive!
[EK 762.6.1.11] What’s it like being one of the daughters of the Elfin Royal Family?
Well, it’s not as easy as people might think – when I’m with people my own age they like to tease me about being spoiled and that I must have everything I could want… but they’re wrong. Mother is very strict and we’ve got to finish our training and study before we get to do anything fun. I feel like there so many people out there ready to judge me for everything I do that if I make one mistake – a bad grade or messing up at an event or function – it’s not only frowned upon, but everyone knows about it. I worry my family will be embarrassed if I mess up. Of course, I don’t mess up very often… I can see their disappointment when Kalus is struggling, though. I feel sorry for her and I hate the thought of them feeling that way about me.
How do you like it at Elf Preparatory Academy—what are your favorite subjects?
Hmm, for me, the best part’s the flying lessons because I get to do what I do best: fly very fast. It’s not often I get to test my skills against others and if I try hard, I always finish first, even ahead of the guys. But, I do like to read too, so my Ancient Elfin Literature is quite interesting because of the books we get to read. I also like my Ancient Elfin Languages course where we learn about how the Elves used to speak way back before the modern era. There are lots of old ruins and temples in the world where knowing things like that would be useful… I hope one day I get a chance to explore them.
What are your favorite activities—what do you like to do for fun?
For fun? Go flying around the kingdom – the Enchanted Kingdom, that is – with my friends… they’re not allowed to visit very often, so I really make the most of it, and we’re not allowed to fly to the tribal areas in case anything bad happens. I don’t really know what could happen and I think I’d be ready if something did, but I guess my family’s just worried. I also like to eat good food, which makes Lenya happy, and listen to music in my room. Sometimes if the sun is hot enough I’ll go for a swim in the lake – some day I’ll catch one of those swans, you just wait!
What’s your favorite food?
My favorite food? Oh, probably fruit or mushrooms, or heavenly cake. I like berries the most though. Sometimes, I like to cook sparkle bread too.
What’s your favorite music?
My favorite without a doubt is the group, Jeris and the Dragons. Uncle Halis always says their music sounds too Troll influenced, but I don’t care. They’re so cool!
You have a unique way of dressing—how did you come about your “style?”
I don’t know, really… I guess I was nosing around in the Royal Library and found some pictures of the wilderness tribes; you know, Elves that go into the deep forest to live with nature and the animals? I don’t know if I’d ever do that, but the clothes they wear and the designs they paint on their faces make them look so sleek and… natural. When I took the designs to the seamstress I kind of expected Mother to forbid me from wearing them – she only ever wears formal clothes, even when she’s alone – but she just sort of smiled and said they suited me. I guess even she was young once… let’s not think about that any more. It’s sort of creepy.
Have you read any good books lately?
Yeah, like I said I’ve been reading a really cool book about ancient times, and how the Elves and our language evolved. I also like reading tales from the Badlands, histories and fables about exploits of the Kings and Queens who went searching for the Elemental Warriors and came back with fantastic stories of distant realms. I wish that… Well, it’d be nice to see some of those places some day.
What has it been like growing up alongside a sister of nearly the same age—how would you describe your relationship with Kalus?
It’s not great… I try to get along with Kalus but… Well, she has her interests and I have mine, I guess. She doesn’t get along too well with my friends, and… Look, I’m not so comfortable talking about this with you. Can we move onto something else?
You lost your father, King Solon, at a very young age—how do you feel that has affected you?
It’s not something that I like to talk about very much, but I do feel it’s made me a stronger Elf. Sometimes I feel bad even mentioning his name, though, because it makes Mother sad. I can see it in her face when he’s mentioned at social occasions and stuff. I didn’t really know him but I’m proud of my father’s legacy here in the kingdom; he was very brave and a wise man, everyone seems to remember him fondly. He was a good king, I think.
As coronation day approaches, what are your thoughts about Kalus receiving the Element of Power and the transformation magic?
Well, Kalus is older than me, the first-born, so it’s her right to receive the Element of Power and transformation magic. It’s the law of the land and it’s been tradition forever, so I don’t really have a problem with it. I’m worried that she might make a mistake and have to take the blame but I hope she’ll realize the responsibility the power brings… and it’s not as if my ancestors are going anywhere; they’ll all be around to help her use her power and learn to do what’s right by everyone. Who knows, maybe it’ll even bring us closer together…
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