Journey to the Past

[princesssexci]

"Aggghhh! Jessss...iiii....caaaaa...."

Jessica stood there, with a baffled look "E-eric?" She whispered. He seemed to be in pain, he was...sweating all over her.

"Get... AWAY... FROM... MEEEEE!"

It was like a dream she'd had once of a man, who was her lover but didn't want her to see who he truly...what he truly was. "B-but why?" She whispered, walking towards him slowly. "A-are you okay? I could get a nurse if you'd like or one of the servants..."

She placed her hand on his shoulder looking up at him with the most angelic of faces. "Please, Eric..let me help you."

 

[Malvolio]

Eric's head suddenly reared up, a vicious snarl coming from his mouth. His once pearly white teeth looked sharper, his canines prominent like those of a dog. His eyebrows were bushy, forming a unibrow and the scruff on his face looked thicker, a full beard now rather than the 5 o'clock shadow he'd sported at the beginning of the evening.

Most startling were his eyes. His once beautiful hazel eyes were now a pale yellow with tiny black irises and clearly glowed in the dim light.

"I.... ss-saaaaid... geeeet... aaaa-waaaaay... frommm... meeeee!"

He turned, moving away from her again, then tripping and stumbling to the ground. He was breathing heavily, groans and growls coming forth.

His left arm reached out toward her. She wasn't sure if it was the darkness or her mind playing tricks on her, but she could swear the hair on the back of his hand seemed denser and his nails appeared darker and sharp, like the claws of some terrible beast.

"Jeeessss... Jessss...Jess-iii-caaa... I... I... wanntttt... AAAAGGGGHHHH!"

 

[princesssexci]

Jessica gasped as he looked up at her. He didn't look at all like the man she'd just been kissing. She should have run away screaming, she should have run away period but her legs defied her and wouldn't move. "Eric?" she whispered, frightened but more so worried about him than anything.

"I.... ss-saaaaid... geeeet... aaaa-waaaaay... frommm... meeeee!"

He moved away from her and fell. She rushed to his side in an instant. As though it were second nature for her to be near him. As he reached out for her her eyes widened. Were those claws? She felt like she'd suddenly been transported to a horror movie or a totally deformed version of Beauty and the Beast.

Still, she didn't leave. Jessica couldn't leave, didn't want to leave. She was probably the most foolish human being on the planet.


"Jeeessss... Jessss...Jess-iii-caaa... I... I... wanntttt... AAAAGGGGHHHH!"

"Eric?" she repeated, blinking a few times to make sure she wasn't having one of those nightmares again. She wasn't.

 

[Malvolio]

His hand suddenly seized hers, although it didn't resemble a human hand any longer. Sharp, black nails had burst through the tips of his fingers and coarse brown hair covered the back of it and protruded out of his sleeve, which appeared to be a tighter fit around his muscular arms.

An audible rrrrippp... rrrriiiippp... sound reached her ears. She watched in odd fascination as the back of his shirt began to tear and separate across the top of his back and shoulder blades. More dark brown hair... fur really... was poking forth through the tears.

The groans coming from him were now largely deep, rumbling growls and his hand squeezed tightly around hers, his claws pressing against her flesh.

 

[princesssexci]

She should have let at this point. It would've been the most brilliant thing to do but along with Eric turning into this ....this thing, whatever he was, her ring glinted in the moonlight shocking her for a brief moment. It was as though the ring had some kind of significant power or something.

"Eric, my love..." She whispered, her voice not really changing but having more of an accent. "It's alright, I am not scared of you. How could I be?"

 

[Malvolio]

"Eric, my love... It's alright, I am not scared of you. How could I be?"

The Beast that he was becoming looked up at her, its transforming face briefly showing a very human look of surprise and longing. An instant later, the look was gone and the Beast snarled at her, turned and fled in the direction of the forest. While it could still walk on two limbs, it loped on all four limbs as it ran, using it's arms to gain a speed far beyond that of a normal man. Within seconds, the Beast had disappeared into the treeline and a long, mornful HOOOOOOOWL rang out across the estate.

All that was left behind was the cane Jessica had given to Eric and a few scraps that had torn from his shirt.

 

[princesssexci]

As soon as Eric...no the wolf, the wolf who was Eric had left Jessica snapped back to reality, trying to remember everything that had happened. It wasn't that hard to remember actually. She remembered Eric kissing her passionately as though she were a long lost lover that he'd been searching decades for, then he started changing literally.

Again, Jessica reminded herself that she should have been scared, that she should've ran but she hadn't. It wasn't a matter of not being afraid, it was a matter of knowing that he wouldn't hurt her. Jessica stood up and sighed, picking up the cane.

Her finger trailed down it, she glanced in the direction that Eric had gone and then back to her estate.

She couldn't do it, she couldn't leave him alone. Jessica wasn't certain why but she couldn't leave him there, by himself. Within seconds, Jessica was running through the forest searching for Eric.

 

[Malvolio]

As Jessica made her way through the forest, she found more torn pieces of Eric's clothing, like a trail leading her through the woods. His shirt, shoes, pants and boxers were all in various states of disrepair and had been carelessly discarded as he fled.

Finally, out of clothing to follow, she found herself deep in dark forest with only patches of moonlight sparsely breaking through the canopy of limbs and leaves above her to illuminate her path.

Suddenly from behind her she heard a low, menacing growling. She turned and could make out the form of a man... no, a wolfman... squatting atop a fallen tree, it's yellow eyes glowing dimly in the darkness. The Beast was slightly larger than Eric had been and powerful muscles rippled with each movement underneath a coat of thick, coarse brown fur. It's ears were long and pointed, rising slightly on its head and its formerly human face had extended forward, forming a wolflike snout.

The Beast that was once Eric growled louder, it's sharp white maw of fangs visible.

Jessica became aware of a subtle scent in the air, seeming to come from the Beast. It was a strong, musky odor, a mixture of sweat and something she couldn't quite describe.

 

[princesssexci]

She wasn't certain if she should run and hide as she stared up at the...beast. Part of her, felt like he wouldn't hurt her that he was just...upset that she'd found him, like this, in that form. Another part of her, her sane half or at least Jessica thought it was her sane half wanted to run, to bolt.

She didn't though, again the ring flickered in the moonlight shocking her.

"Eric..." she whispered softly, unable to say anything else.

Did he even understand her? She wasn't certain. "Y-you forgot your cane." She said as if explaining the reason she chased after him, because she couldn't quite explain it herself.

Jessica held it up like a peace offering. "I-I'm not scared of you, I promise."

 

[Malvolio]

The Wolf didn't move. It's low growls continued, but then tappered off. It edged forward, off the log, slowly approaching her sniffing. The Wolf was curious about this Female. She seemed... familiar... and it knew she was no threat.

The Wolf reached out, slowly taking the cane in it's clawed, paw-like hand. The cane was familiar too and a strange feeling washed over it. The Female was his... HIS... and needed to be protected, kept safe... from... another? It wasn't sure what this other being was, but it was near. The Wolf could sense it, almost smell it. This other was not like him... it was a Man. The thoughts raised strong emotions in the Wolf and it suddenly growled loudly and aggressively.

Seeing the Female start at its reaction, the Wolf grew silent. It curiously sniffed at her again, struggling to recall how it knew her.

Suddenly, there was a loud SNAP and the Wolf reared its head up, growling. Something was coming. It sniffed, the scent was unfamiliar. A man.

"Miss Elliot? Miss Elliot are you back here? Are you alright?"

The Wolf didn't recognize it, but the voice belonged to Mr Chow the driver. Before Jessica could reply, the Wolf seized her, scooping her up in its arms and began to run with her. It carried her over its shoulder as it gained speed and plunged through the forest and underbrush. The dark world around them blew past in a WHOOSH and the Wolf carried Jessica further and further back into the woods.

They had been running for nearly a half hour, seemingly non-stop. The Wolf had leapt across ravines, over fallen trees and through dense folliage. The direction they went was lost on Jessica amid the darkness. The Wolf however, seemed to gain its bearings and moved with increasing speed.

They finally came to a halt atop a tall ridge deep in the forest. The ridge was above the tree line and offered a spectacular view of the dark forest and hills below. In the distance, Jessica could make out the lights from the Elliot Estate. The Wolf carefully set her down and, standing dominantly over her, it's fur covered body glistening with sweat, threw back its head and unleashed a long, drawn out "HOOOOOOOWL!"

 

[princesssexci]

It happened in seconds or at the very least felt like it happened in seconds. She was on a cliff and just stared at the man who was formerly known as Eric who stood there howling at the moon. It took her a minute to comprehend what was going on. Was he a ....a....werewolf? For a few moments she was fearful since he apparently hadn't realized that he had been anything other than a werewolf.

She didn't even think that werewolves existed. It was all just a fairy tale, wasn't it? She looked at her own estate from the high cliff. She didn't like heights so quickly she grabbed Erics shoulder in fear. She hated heights because her father had died in an airplane crash.

"W-where are we?" It was a small tiny whisper and she wondered if he understood what she was saying.

 

[Malvolio]

The Wolf fell silent as the Female spoke. It understood her words, but didn't fully comprehend their meaning. It was lost in the emotions and instincts it felt pulling at it's newly awakened form. The transformation had been like birth... traumatic, powerful, overwhelming. The Wolf was still gaining its senses, regaining old memories. It knew this place. Although it had never been here before (or had it?), the place was very familiar.

Once again, it drew close to the Female, sniffing. Her scent was aluring. It... desired her. But something inside told it this was not the time. Not now. Not... yet. The Wolf's eyes narrowed conspiratorially. Yes, there would come a time when the Female would be his. All his. His... mate.

The Wolf reached out, gingerly petting her cheek, the backs of its sharp claws gently touching her soft, smooth skin. She was completely at its mercy, had it wanted to do anything to her, but it chose not. Instead it felt the strong impulse to watch over and protect this Female. Yes, even through the Human's eyes, the Wolf would watch. Caged though it might be, it would pace inside the cage of the Human's mind and body, waiting for the calling of the moon or another trigger to free it again.

The Wolf lowered its head, softly rubbing its cheek against her shoulder. A light growl, almost a pur came from its throat and it wrapped its fur covered arms around her, slowly rocking back and forth.

 

[princesssexci]

She noticed how he was looking at her. He...seemed to understand her words, at least... Jessica thought that he understood her, but why was he looking at her like...like he was secretly planning something. No, that was just foolish. "Okay, so I've gathered that you can't really...speak anymore." She started.

She smiled when he caressed her cheek, almost lovingly. She wasn't sure why but it felt...oddly comforting, as though he were trying to comfort her the only way he knew how.


"I've got it! What I want you to do is...nuzzle me, if you understand what I'm saying. Um, a nuzzle will mean yes and a growl or something to that effect will mean no. Understand?"

He nuzzled her, rubbing his head against her cheek, almost seeming to make a purring noise.

"Okay, um...do you remember who you are?"

 

[princesssexci]

Uber long post done through IM

The Wolf nuzzled her in response, the purring continuing. Jessica smiled again, "Okay, so you know who you are. Uh,...." She tried to think of what happened that could have possibly done this and much more importantly had this happened before? "Has this happened before, you turning into a ....." her voice trailed off, not because she couldn't say it, but because she didn't know how to say it. The Wolf stared at her intently. Silent.

"Hm, okay let me think of a better way to phrase this....first of all are you a werewolf or...something else?" She was at least 90% certain that he was a werewolf but didn't want to call him something else. "Nuzzle if you are a werewolf or growl if you aren't?" The Wolf knew the word. Werewolf. It nuzzled against her.

She giggled, "Okay, so have you turned into a werewolf before this night?"
The Wolf stared again. It started to nuzzle, then growled. It seemed confused.

"Hm...you don't know then?" Jessica didn't know what to ask, next. "Why did you bring me here? Or better yet to make it a yes or no question, was there a reason you brought me here? Danger?"

At first the Wolf nuzzled when she remarked that it didn't know. To her second query, it growled lightly.

"No danger then." She stated, "To show me...the sights then? It is pretty, isn't it?" She whispered taking a brief look at the beauty of the woods, of her estate which was easily seen.

The Wolf nuzzled against her again, purring, its clawed fingers playing with her hair.

Her ring glinted in the moonlight again and suddenly not in her own voice but in that same accented tone she'd had earlier Jessica asked, "Did you miss me?"
The Wolf suddenly sat up, peering at her. It nuzzled her eagerly in response. Before Jessica could ask another question she squinted her eyes and spotted a cave nearby. Her eyes were stuck on the cave, "There, that cave...do you want to go check it out?" She shivered slightly from the cold. The Wolf nuzzled again, its rough tongue lightly licking at her neck.

Jessica giggled, "That tickles." She started walking towards the cave, once inside she noticed how it looked like someone...or something had stayed in there. There were mostly bones of dead decayed animals but other than that it was empty. The Wolf entered the cave behind her. It felt familiar. Very familiar. Den was the word that came to mind. It purred, wrapping its arms around her from behind. It growled a different tone in her ear.

"What is it? Is something wrong?" She whispered, knowing that nothing was wrong, but she had told him to growl if he was saying no...did he not like the cave. She was reminded of the kiss they'd shared earilier that night and wondered what would have happened if he hadn't changed.

The Wolf nuzzled her. Nothing was wrong. It licked at her neck again. It was then, as it stood behind her, she felt its member hardening, pressing against her. Suddenly, the Wolf pulled away. It snarled to itself, scolding itself for its weakness. Later, later, it reminded itself.

She moaned softly as he licked her neck again then gasped slightly feeling his member pressed against her. Why did this turn her on so much? Besides she couldn't do it with him, not when he couldn't even speak anymore. He must've been thinking what she was thinking because he pulled away suddenly, growling. No...she reminded herself but she hadn't said anything so he was obviously telling himself no. Still, she gave him a look of concern.

The Wolf stared at her, making the purring sound again as it drew close once again. It reached out, its clawed hand brushing over one of her breasts. Jessica’s breath caught in her throat as she stared at him helplessly, again she was unable to move but it had nothing to do with the unknown power of her ring. She went back to asking questions, "Y-you want to...take me?" she whispered

The Wolf nuzzled her again, eagerly purring and licking at her. But once again it stopped and withdrew, snarling at itself, louder this time. It's bulging erection was now openly testifying to its desire for her, but the Wolf raked its claws across its head.

Jessica was confused, first it was yes then it was no. She wasn't sure which answer to accept. "So then you don't want to...." her sentence was cut off as she watched him rake his hands...er, claws over its head. "E-eric, are you okay? We don't have to rush anything, if you don't want to.."

 

[Malvolio]

The Wolf snarled, suddenly bounding towards her. It seized her waist, drew he close, eagerly licking at her neck, nipping slightly, but not enough to break the skin.

Seconds later, it was running again, carrying her on its back as it had before. Down into the forest they went, rushing in and out of brush, beneath the tree limbs. The dizzying experience left Jessica feeling weary, but she knew she was safe with him. Safer than she'd ever been in her life. Safe... like she'd been once before...

Soon they were back on the estate grounds. He slowed, creeping stealthily up to the side of the house. With one leap, he was on one of the lower roofs and crept across it to her window. Through the open window they climbed and he set her drowsy body down upon her bed. The Wolf tenderly stroked her cheek and then turned and bounded back out the window.

Seconds later, a long, lonely HOOOOOOWL rang out through the night.

 

[princesssexci]

The next morning, everything had seemed like a blur, all she could remember was eating dinner with Eric and Owen, then leaving Owen alone to see more of the land with Eric. She really needed to apologize to Eric for that, she wasn't sure what had come over her.

What else could she remember?

They had kissed, her and Eric. Oh, it had been so magical, so...right. Then something happened, he'd changed, he had told her to go but she wouldn't listen and stayed by his side, Jessica hadn't been sure why she'd stayed and not have run off like he told her to.

Then his form changed, he couldn't understand her and what he turned into reminded her of Wolverine from those X-men comics, except her couldn't speak and didn't have metal claws. Was it all a dream? She wasn't even sure, but Jessica was certain Eric would remember.

 

[Malvolio]

There was a knock on Jessica's bedroom door and then a voice called to her.

"Miss Elliot? 'Tis a wee bit past 9am and Mrs Shaffer was wonderin' whether ye'd like a cup o' tea this morn'. Or some coffee? She can also prepare breakfast in bed or ye can come down ta the dinin' room," Miss O'Donnell asked from behind the closed door.

When Jessica had replied, Miss O'Donnell added "There tis one more thing. Mr Dinkins and Mr Chow were a lil bit worried about ye last night. They said they never saw ye come in from the gardens. It tis yer own business and such, but they also heard some... coyote or dog or wolf howlin' a coupla times last night too and got a right bit worried 'fer ye safety.

"Mr Collins and Mr Tanner are lookin' about the grounds this morn'. They say there ain't been coyotes 'round her fer many years."

 

[princesssexci]

"What? A-a wolf?" Jessica opened up the door so that she could talk to Miss O'donnel. So then it hadn't been a dream then. She really had been with Eric the night before and he really had...changed. " I can assure you I was fine. Eric offered to show me some of the sights, thats all. So they've been here before then."

Miss O'donnell just stared at her, it was obvious that Jessica had been reflecting on her words so she didn't bother to repeat herself. "Miss Elliot?"

Jessica snapped out of her reverie. "Ah, yes. Please go assure Mr.Tanner and Mr. Chow that I am fine, please and thank you."

Miss O'donnell started to head off then paused, "Did you be wantin that tea then?"

"Huh? Oh, yes please. I'll take it in the study."

 

[Malvolio]

When Jessica opened the door, she couldn't help but notice Miss O'Donnell glance about the room for a split second, as if looking to see if someone else was there.

Her eyes immediately snapped back to Jessica and she smiled obdiently.

-----------------

45 minutes later, Jessica had showered and dressed and was sitting in the study. Mr Dinkins entered, carrying a silver tray with tea and a cup of fresh fruit and a danish.

"Good morning, Miss Elliot. I trust you slept well. I apologize for the confusion last night, we did not hear you come back to the estate and what with that howling racket, we were all a little bit concerned. Never know of one of those things is rabid... or just looking for a... eh, companion."

He chuckled lightly at the comment.

"Mr Tanner has asked permission to meet with you. I do believe the young feels a bit embarrassed about yesterday and wishes to extend a sincere apology."

Dinkins smiled politely.

"If I may speak candidly, Miss. I am not blind and I observed some of what went on yesterday. I don't make it my business to pry and I dont endorse the Lady of the Estate fraternizing with the 'hired help' such as ourselves. However, Mr Tanner was looking forward to a private dinner with you and made quite an extensive effort. Mrs Shaffer and the others tried some of the barbeque and agreed it was better than Mrs Shaffer's own! I think Mr Tanner was a bit hurt when Mr Edwards joined your party and may have become... how shall I say, overzealous in his efforts to gain your approval only to have it backfire.

"I suggest you give the poor lad a second chance."

Dinkins' kindly eyes sparkled, his lips pursed and he bowed his head.

"If you wish, I can send him up at a time of your choosing."

 

[princesssexci]

"Mr Tanner has asked permission to meet with you. I do believe the young feels a bit embarrassed about yesterday and wishes to extend a sincere apology."

"Oh." That was right, Owen had been acting like an utter fool the night before. She really didn't understand why he acted that way. It was like he'd gotten extremely, possesive as though she were already his lover or something, though she couldn't help but feel that sense of pride about it as well.

She snapped out of her thoughts when Mr.Dinkins spoke again.

If I may speak candidly, Miss. I am not blind and I observed some of what went on yesterday. I don't make it my business to pry and I dont endorse the Lady of the Estate fraternizing with the 'hired help' such as ourselves. However, Mr Tanner was looking forward to a private dinner with you and made quite an extensive effort. Mrs Shaffer and the others tried some of the barbeque and agreed it was better than Mrs Shaffer's own! I think Mr Tanner was a bit hurt when Mr Edwards joined your party and may have become... how shall I say, overzealous in his efforts to gain your approval only to have it backfire.

"I suggest you give the poor lad a second chance."

It was all very flattering, she nodded in agreement, too stunned for words to really even reply.

"If you wish, I can send him up at a time of your choosing."

"Yes, please." she said, "Oh! And thank you for the tea."

Mr. Dinkins gave her a kind smile then walked out of the study to go find Owen.

 

[Malvolio]

A few minutes later, Owen Tanner entered the study. Jessica sat behind her ancestors desk, sipping her tea and eyeing him as he approached. From the design of the study, with its assorted book shelves and furniture with the desk and chair at its center, the whole scene looked like some great spider web with the petite Jessica at the center, waiting for prey to land in the web. And enter Owen Tanner did.

"Jessica," he began nervously. "I... I apologize for the way I acted last night. I'm... sorry. I was out of place and shouldn't have... shouldn't have acted that way. I just thought... well, I wanted to do something nice for you and wanted to spend more time with you to hear about what you've been up to. But I'm happy to have shared our adventure yesterday and I do love this ring."

He held up his hand, the silver ring gleaming in the natural light cast through the study's great windows.

"It's just that... well, I keep getting this weird feeling that we've... known one another for a very very long time. Like a deja vu that keeps coming and going and everytime it does it seems more familiar and... right.

"Do... do you ever get feelings like that?"

He seemed to be staring at the ring on the chain around her own neck.

 

[princesssexci]

Jessica bit her lip at his explanation, feeling flattered and almost like she'd conquered a conquest or something. It also reminded her of last night, of how right it felt in Eric's arms...even when he had changed. OR at least, she assumed he'd changed. She still wasn't quite certain on what was the truth anymore.

It also reminded her of the kiss Owen had given her the day before, of how near perfect it felt, like kissing an old lover or something.

"Yeah, I have actually." Jessica said softly, as she managed to smile up at Owen. "It's okay though, I forgive you. It was partially my fault anyways, ignoring you the way I did. I'm sorry." She said, "We are still friends though, right?"

 

[Malvolio]

"Yeah, I have actually. It's okay though, I forgive you. It was partially my fault anyways, ignoring you the way I did. I'm sorry. We are still friends though, right?"

Owen smiled back in relief.

"Yeah, yeah we are."

Inside however, his spirits sank. Friends? Uh-oh.

"Jessica, would you like to go on a picnic with me? We could go this afternoon or tomorrow. The weather is supposed to be fantastic. We could take one of the cars and drive out the old road to Hawkins Heights. There's a beautiful cliff top there that overlooks the entire forest. You can see the estate and for miles in every direction."

He smiled hopefully, but a low voice in the back of his head began to mutter at him.

You fool. Quit playing nice little games with her. Show her the man you are.

 

[princesssexci]

"Jessica, would you like to go on a picnic with me? We could go this afternoon or tomorrow. The weather is supposed to be fantastic. We could take one of the cars and drive out the old road to Hawkins Heights. There's a beautiful cliff top there that overlooks the entire forest. You can see the estate and for miles in every direction."

Jessica smiled and her ring glinted again. She didn't even bother to think about it, "Of course Owen, that would be lovely." Though, she had a feeling that she'd been there before but she didn't want to disappoint Owen and tell him she'd seen it, last night..with Eric.

Lie to him, he'll never figure it out. A beautiful voice with a slight english accent said.

"How about tomorrow though? I have some things to take care of." She lied, knowing that the real reason was that she wanted to see Eric again. Why did she feel as though she'd done this centuries ago. It was very odd.

 

[Malvolio]

Owen smiled when she agreed.

"Tomorrow it is then. I'll arrange for a lunch to take with us."

He turned to leave, then stopped for a moment and looked back at her. Almost as an afterthought, he added (in a more formal voice) "Some sun and time away from these dusty halls would do you good. You're positively pale."

Without waiting for her reaction, Owen turned and left.