|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 4:19 pm
 Alice walked beside Aarvard in silence for a few moments as they traversed the the beach. She thought to herself I wonder....I hope he doesnt run. She decided to tell the story of her history. "I was born not too far from here actually. My mother was a were like yourself but my father was human or so i've been told. I think he might have been a shapeshifter. Anyways because of weres' voltile nature, mom left to raise me on her own. She was living amongst the were population until she gave birth. She told me that if I had been born in wolf form i was a true were but I was born in human form. To the weres that meant weakness. So she ran." Alice paused to take a breath, "I grew rather quickly. By the time i was 12 I was full grown. I discovered my true talents when i turned 14. I thought about being a normal wolf with half the viscious tendencies of a full grown were. The next thing I knew I had four paws and a tail. I grew to love it. I still do but now I can choose between a snowy white owl or my wolf." Alice decided to tell him only part of her story for now. She curiously waited for his reaction.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 7:37 pm
 Aavard listened to her voice drifting to him on a breeze as she recounted her story. He was surprised she was being so open with him. It seems she hasn't had it so easy either. But at least she was still treated with dignity and respect by normal people instead of being shunned from every society. At least she was never a slave, he thought. Much to his surprise, he was actually happy for her, not bitter. He realized he'd come to admire her. Not many women could survive on their own as she had. He remained silent for quite some time, being careful not to come into physical contact with her. He wasn't sure of what would happen if he did; all he knew was that he wanted to protect her, go to war for her, even die for her should she wish it. I can't say I'm fond of the hold she seems to have on me, he thought, especially if she is planning to betray me... When she had finished her story. He was at a loss for words. Instead, he plucked a flower from a nearby dune and offered it to her carefully without looking. She took it curiously and he pulled his hand away quickly before their hands could meet. He kept walking, refusing to face her. Eventually, they reached the cliffs. Aavard bounded up a steep, jagged bluff. Almost on instinct he knelt down on one knee and extended his hand to help her up. His eyes widened in shock at what he had done. He froze, unsure of what to do. He felt like such a fool. "Forgive me," he said breathlessly, still unable to withdraw his hand. "I..." He trailed off, still staring at his hand. His heart began to pound uncomfortably. It was only a half of a second, but it felt like an eternity before she responded.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 12:11 pm
"I see you've retained some of your humanity. Thats good not many do." Alice reached for his hand and pulled herself up. She looked at the joined hands before she forced herself to let go. She admired him because dispite having as many difficulties as he did, he wasnt the kind the willingly gave up. He was a survivor just like she. She could feel the nervousness rolling off him in waves. She stopped and looked at him, she felt like she had to speak to him so she said, "Know this Aavard, I will never hurt you nor betray you. I've known what its like to live a difficult life. So i give you my word." She continued walking beside him and reached for his hand. She felt weak for doing so but at the same time she loved the feel of his rough strong hand that held hers gently. Before she knew it they had made it to her home. As grand as it was since Aarvards carpentry skills made it she felt nervous about letting him in. "Would you like to come in?" she asked in a husky voice as she went up the porch and entered her house. She slung her quiver full of arrows across her back and reattached her knife belt. She entered and pulled out the ingredients she would need to make her soup. Aarvard stood at the entrance unsure, full of restless energy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 1:40 pm
Aavard felt numb as she took his hand, and as she made her promise, he could hardly comprehend what she was saying. They continued on their way. Just as he was regaining his senses, she reached for his hand once more. He couldn't resist. He closed his hand around hers. To him, it felt so small and delicate. He drew a deep breath and tried to focus on his surroundings, worried that she might feel his emotions or his pounding heartbeat. Then he saw something that startled him - a flutter of wings overhead. His heart sank. Please be a blue bird. Or at the very least just a crow. Oh, gods, please don't be a raven...All too soon for Aavard, they reached the house he had built for her. She released his hand, but he still felt as if it was there. "Would you like to come in," she asked. He stood in the doorway, still feeling the watchful eyes. Damn you, Barras. Damn you. Quitely so as to escape her notice, he retreated a few yards away just to the edge of the trees off to the right. He worried she would still be able to hear them, yet he did not have the courage to be further from her should things go wrong; he wanted to make sure she was safe. "Aavard," said a smooth voice to his right. He looked to see Daegal leaning against a tree, looking into Alice's house. "What are you thinking," he asked, sounding more curious than anything. "What do you mean," Aavard replied, pretending not to know. Daegal wasn't fooled. "You are a monster. Do you really think anyone could love a monster?" Aavard took a few steps closer. "Well, some can... I'm sure somewhere..." Daegal shook his head sadly. "And what if you hurt her?" Aavard's heart lept as he recalled his dream. He hung his head, lost in thought. What if I do hurt her? What if she is too close to me when I change? Aavard looked up, but Daegal was gone. On a nearby branch was a raven, an envelope clamped in his beak. Aavard took it. "Thanks, Kobar." The raven flew off. He examined the envelope. It was addressed to the both of them. He opened it. Miss Alistriona Mckinnon and Lord Aavard James Devereaux VII
Your presence is requested at the annual Midsummer Ball in two days' time to celebrate the King and Queen's anniversary of the 50th year of their reign, and to celebrate Prince Daegal's upcoming corronation.
Kindest personal reguards, I am, etc.
Prince Daegal Barras Enclosed was a raven's feather. Invite her to a ball? A lump rose in his throat as he made his way back toward her house.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 5:30 pm
Alice fell in sync with her natural rythm of cooking. She added a few pinches of this and that and added some fresh meat from a deer she had caught a few days ago. Pretty soon the soup was done and she went to go find Aarvard who somehow slipped out without her noticing. She sttod in the entrance of her house and looked for him. She saw him off to the right talking to the strange man and the raven who stole her hair. She saw him looking at her and ducked into the house. She went about setting the table somehow making it simple but yet intimate. Alice felt him coming long before she heard him. He entered the house and came to the table. "Please sit down. I hope you like soup" Alice said in her usual voice. She brought two bowls of soup to the table along with her homemade wine. Sitting down across from Aavard she waited until he started eating before she blurted out, "What was that all about?" He stopped mid-chew looked at her looked at his plate then back to her. He seemed at a loss for words. "You know you can tell me right? Its not like i'm gonna go screaming and kicking and running away from you." Alice spooned soup into her mouth while she waited for Aarvard to collect his thoughts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 6:26 pm
Aavard choked a little as Alice blurted out her question. He took a deep breath and pulled the envelope out. He slid it across the table to her, hoping she wouldn't pay much mind to his title. He'd feel embarassed admitting he was third in line for the throne. "It's," his voice came out quiet and rather gloomy; he cleared his throat and tried again, this time forcing himself to sound more cheerful and breezy about the idea. "It's an invitation. To a ball." He could think of nothing more to say, so he filled the silence with meaningless chatter. "I suppose I'll have to go, after how kind they have been to me, allowing me to exist in their kingdom. I still have some of my parents' ball garments - dresses and such. If you feel like going..." He trailed off and waited for her to speak, keeping his head low and his eyes on the table in front of him. The wind howled outside and he heard the roll of distant thunder. Tonight would be a terrible storm. He was relieved that Alice had a sturdy roof over her head tonight. He knew he would have to leave soon to avoid the risk of drowning in the gorge, but he couldn't bring himself to leave her just yet. Besides, he thought to himself, I'm not looking forward to confronting Daegal....
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 10:38 pm
Alice stared at Aarvard in surprise. She grabbed the envelope and read the contents. "A ball you say. I think its wonderful. We can definitely surprise everyone. You have dresses as well?" She started to got up and started to pace. She was excited amd then stopped dead in her tracks. "Your third in line for the title and you want to go with me?" Alice felt slightly awed by the fact that he had chosen her to go with him dispite what it read on the invite. She sat back down and they finished the dinner in relative silence. She wanted to know what was on his mind so she reached her thoughts out and intruded his mental space. She quickly withdrew but she almost wanted to stay. He had such a beautiful mind. She never wanted him to leave her side but she knew that some seperation would do him some good. She stood on the porch watching his back as he walked further away.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2012 1:58 am
He could feel Alice's eyes on her as he walked away. All he could think about was Daegal, and whatever he was trying to pull. He shifted into his wolf form as anger pulsed through his body. He ran, feeling the dirt and grass yeild to his thundering paws. He darted between tree to tree until he was finally in the heart of the forest. And there it stood - a great, intricately carved oak tree, protected by glittering gold enchantments. He passed through with ease. There, just beyond the oak tree, was a great new world - a portal into the kingdom of the Northlands. Dark robed men and women rushed about from tower to tower, stopping in the cobbled streets to buy odds and ends - new book bindings, a bottle or two... There were thousands of people milling about this vast and glittering kingdom. Anyone else might find themselves breathless, but Aavard was there with a somber reason. He headed toward the castle at the outskirts of the vast empire. As he approached the castle at the base of a mountain, he shifted back into his human form. He looked up at the castle gate; Daegal was smiling down at him. He knew that Aavard was coming. "Raise the gates!" Aavard entered. "To what do I owe this pleasure," Daegal asked, descending the stairs to walk beside Aavard. You know damn well.Do I?What's your game, Barras? Why the ball?The invitation seemed clear to me.If you're going to hurt her..."You'll what, Aavard," Daegal asked aloud, turning to face him. "You'll kill me," he laughed. He clapped his hand on Aavard's shoulder. "Lighten up. It's a ball. If you love her, I want you to be happy. Well," he added, continuing walking, "As happy as you can be until she leaves you for a family and a normal life in society." Aavard's heart sank. "Is that what this is? Love?" Daegal smiled broadly. "I'm sure of it," he ascended the front steps and turned to face Aavard, "I'd head home if I were you. Looks like a bad storm." Right on que, thunder sounded. The great doors closed with an ominous echo and he turned to make his way though the deserted streets as rain began to fall, chilling him to the bone. I wonder what Alice is doing right now?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2012 12:15 pm
Alice cleared the dishes away from the table and made sure that her house was once again in pristine condition. She unstrung her bow and oiled it, so that it would be supple and last her a long time. She did this every other night, a sort of habitual way to relax herself after a long day. She hated the fact that Aarvard had to leave and hoped that he would be safe. She sent a quick prayer to the Goddess to look after him. Alice stirred the fireplace and prepared herself for bed. She had a little loft now thanks to Aarvard and was excited to see how well she could react if there was an intruder. Thunder crashed and rain poured but the house remained intact. She soon fell asleep to the lull of the pounding rain and thoughts of the noble were.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2012 1:03 pm
Aavard couldn't help himself. He felt as if something was wrong. I'll just take a quick run by and make sure she is okay. Just a quick run, he told himself. He slowed to a trot as he drew nearer to her house. That's when he saw them. Bandits, he snarled. He let out a howl, tearing into the two closest to him. He snapped the first one's neck quickly; he fell to the ground, unconcious. The second one drew a knife and started hacking away. He ripped the knife along the side of his face. Aavard snarled in anger and bit into the man's knife arm. The man cried out, and Aavard sent him flying. The man shook his friend awake and together they ran. The final bandit snuck up on him from behind and kicked him into a tree. Aavard shifted back into a human just as Alice came running from the house. " Get back inside, NOW," he snarled savagely. She retreated inside, but he could still see her in the window. The man pulled out two long, jagged knives. Aavard pulled the one from his boot. The fact that the bandits had not regrouped and returned told him that they were amatures and would most likely never return. He felt a sense of relief come over him. The man struck toward his chest, where the existing wound was already taking its toll. Aavard pulled to the side and landed a heavy blow to the back of the man's head; he fell. Aavard crouched low and held his blade to the bandit's neck. "I have spared your life." "I am indebted to you, sir," he said, trembling. Aavard narrowed his eyes. "You're going to leave now. And if you ever try to do harm to her again, I will not be so generous." He pulled the blade away. The man stared at him in awe. "We owe you our lives. We will repay you." "Go!" The man scrambled to his feet and retreated hastily into the woods. He shifted back into his wolf form and sat in front of her house, determined to keep watch the rest of the night; he would leave at first light.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2012 11:47 pm
Alice came back outside after the excitment was over. It didnt bode well for her to take orders like she was a child. She glared at Aarvards were form and took off in the air. Shifting forms was as natural as breathing to her. Dispite the storm there were some decent thermals which she soared in. Finally when she could think without being angry she landed in a crouch in front of Aarvard. Straightening, she looked at Aarvard and forced him to shift. She simply switched the the thing in his head that made him shift. "Follow me, it wont do you any good to stay out here." Aarvard looked at her in bewilderment. She strode into the house without checking to see if he followed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2012 1:25 am
Aavard wiped the blood dripping from his cheek as he considered staying out there, watching. She seems upset though. I'll placate her until she goes back to sleep, then I will leave, he decided. It was then he felt it; blood flowing from his old wound. It seems the bandit was more accurate than I thought. He stood and followed Alice into the house, somewhat reluctantly. He staggered halfway up the steps and fell into darkness. He stood, surrounded by a black and empty space. Beneath his feet was a long, intricately woven gold and sapphire carpet leading to an ornate gold throne inlaid with sapphires and diamonds. A deep voice rang out across the vast emptiness. "Lord Aavard James Devereaux VII, you are hereby summoned to take your rightful place as my successor." He recognized the voice as his uncle's - the king's. "What of your sons," he asked turning 'round on the spot, trying to find the source of the voice. "My eldest has died in battle and my young son has given up his throne to marry a human girl," a sense of pride colored his voice as he spoke of his children. "I am to be king," he asked rhetorically. He wasn't sure if he liked the idea.... "We will travel with our court in two days' time to announce to our new allies of the Northland Kingdom." Aavard nearly choked. "Allies?"
His unlce appeared behind him, his hands clasped in front of him, a striking image of royalty, power, and morality. "They took my only nephew under their wing when no one else dared," Aavard whipped around, "So, yes, they are our allies." He couldn't believe what he was hearing; it was all too much to take in at once. "But... I am a werewolf." His uncle chuckled. "We all have our quirks." He began to fade. "Wait! Uncle! Uncle!" It was too late. He had vanished, as his surroundings now were...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2012 5:45 am
Alice heard Aarvards prone form hit the floor and turned around to see what had happened. She noticed a lot of blood and thought Aarvard you fool. When are you going to learn to not over do it. As she carried him into the house and laid him in front of the fire she felt a rather odd presence. "What have you done to him you wretched girl?!" the man said. "Nothing except care for him. Bandits did this. Alice said to the newcomer. She ignored him as she cleansed the wounds and then put a homemade poultice on it to speed the healing process. She started to bandage him and noticed something very odd. Near his shoulder was a symbol with whorls amd knots with intricate lines threading through it. She knew that symbol because it was also on her shoulder. She didnt say anything outloud about but filed the information away for later. Aarvard twiched and moaned in his sleep, something about "uncle" and "kingdom". As soon as she was finished with her task she turned her attention to the man. It was the same one that had the raven who stole her hair. She frowned then thought the better of it. I hope that he knows him. I wish Aarvard would quit pushing himself. I wonder if this person can tell me more about him. Wheres my bow? Shoot.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2012 10:08 pm
Daegal watched the girl silently working over Aavard. He didn't particularly care for the were, but he was - at the very least - interesting. Aavard mumbled something and he noticed the girl's small, unconcious reaction. He probed Aavard's mind. After a while, he had what he was looking for.
"Alice, isn't it? Why are you bandaging this beast? You're going to give him the illusion that you care for him," Daegal laughed quitely, "And then what? You'll ride off into the sunset with your prince?" Alice went still at the word prince and slowly turned to Daegal. He simply smirked. "You don't love him, do you? How could you love something so unnatural?" He backed away chuckling and slowly vanished, the last peals of laughter echoed around the room.
Aavard stirred for a moment, grabbing Alice's wrist gently and smile played across his lips breifly as he whispered her name, before falling back into a fitful sleep.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2012 10:41 pm
Alice stared after the man in disbelief. I really hate it when he does that. Is he right though? Do i love Aarvard? She stared at their joined hands reveling in his strength. She grabbed one of the hide blankets she kept near the fireplace and dragged it over them. She curled up on her side her back against Aarvards side. She kept thinking about...Daegal Aarvards mind told her. He was such an odd creature, he always had that raven about him. After some deliberation she realized that she did love Aarvard in the short time she had known him. They were both survivors and had difficult lives, hers not as much as Aarvards. With that final thought she drifted into blissful unconsciousness.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
