From keeper of the Sword

Appendix IV: The Lost Prince Aelle
In the fastness of the forest on a bed of leafy green, a man-child weary slept. His eyes still wet from lonely weeping. His mind was filled with pleasant dreaming.
The castle stood in sunlight gleaming. Knights in shining armor jousted. Fair maidens blushed, chose their favorites. Trumpets sounded clear and joyous. A princling watched in silent, wonder as his father won the glory.
A noble Queen hugged child tightly, whispered in his ears intently. “One day you will be strong and mighty. Win great honor in joust and tourney. You will be a King quite fearless.” She smiled and kissed child gently.
He squirmed a little in displeasure. Then kissed her cheek to show he loved her.
Into his dream sadness entered. His mother died, took quick by illness. His father then from life with drawing, leaving all but his son behind him, gave Kingdom to stewards keeping. He sailed away in early morning, sails in sunlight gleaming as he passed from land and Kingdom.
Above the princling’s bower resting, feathered folk whispered of next spring’s nesting. In the night they watched and guarded. When morning came they would bring food and tend him. Then guide him safe upon his journey.
The princling wandered lost and lonely. Feathered folk had now long left him. Their nestlings needed food and tending. They had left him safely guarded.
The old man had passed in winter’s coldness. The old woman had wept at her loosing. Then she too departed from him. He placed her deep in greenwood sheltered. Then he left to look for folks of feather. The way was strange beyond his knowing.
The prince now lay in bitter hunger. His body dry, there was no water. A passing knight heard tears took pity.
Fed him from what he could gather, gave him water to still his needing. Placed princling on steed before him, walked beside, when steed grew weary.
His wife would be glad that he did bring him. Their hearts were empty because they had no younglings. He would be they son they wanted. He would grow strong from love they gave him. When they were old he would tend them, lay them to their rest with honor.