Princess beneath the Moon

[AmbrosiaCaress]

This is closed for Dreamer and I..
We hope you enjoy the story of the Princess and the Werewolf...​

"It is time" Her Father, the King Marcus, declared. "It is time". Her mother, Queen Sophilia, agree'd. There was no denying it. Their beautiful, young, Princess Daughter, Mia, Princess Mia, was of age. Her 18th birthday having just past, the remnants of the celebration still decorated the Castle, as well as the surrounding town. Mia was 18, the heir to the throne, the only child of King Marcus and Queen Sophilia. The girl was stunningly beautiful, and as she aged, as she approached that 18th milestone, there had been many suitors already questioning the King, arriving from villages within His rule, as well as outside, some seeking an alliance with the strong King and His Kingdom.

All were turned away, so... they waited, until the time came..until the beautiful, virginal, Princess, turned 18 years, seasons, summers, old. Her skin was soft and supple, her eyes held a golden hue, sparkling with fire and passion, slender, lithe, lean, graceful, poised, and sweet. Her life had been sheltered, she not allowed to roam unguarded, her childhood friends were the kids of the slaves that served her family. Mia understood that she was the Heir, the only Royal child, a son had not been born, her Mother unable to carry any more children after her own birth. She was the Heir to the Kingdom, her Father's lands, her Father's wealth, her Father's Royal heritage, it would be her that would bare the son that would eventually take over and bring back the honor that only a son could bring. Mia knew, knew that she would now be approached by many Suitors, all vying for her hand, among other things, in marriage. Wishing their name to be the One to carry on the Royal Bloodline. She would be allowed to chose, as long as the chosen one had the blessing of her Father and Mother.

Mia stood, turning to look out over the courtyard, just as the moon lifted into the sky. She much preferred the moon, over the blazing hot sun. The moon was soothing, cool, ethereal, haunting... She liked the way the shadows played beneath the moon's baleful glance, liked the sounds of the night creatures that found the daylight sun too bright, but the moon's glow much more inviting. That same glow illuminated her skin, dancing over her curves, wrapping around her as she stood there, dressed in a pale silken dress, her long dark mane cascading down her back.

"Word has been sent out my dear" her Father said, as he drew his Princess into a warm hug.."You can take your time, choose wisely" her Mother joined in, "this can be a very exciting time in your life." Mia nodded, partly excited, but mostly scared. She had not so much as kissed a boy, let alone a man, and now, she would be faced will all number of men coming to the Kingdom, wishing to... kiss her... to.. touch her.. to.........

She shook her head, not wishing to spook herself by such thoughts. Tomorrow would begin a whole new life for her... Turning back to the window, her eyes again met the risen moon...

This is Princess Mia

 

[ACursedDreamer]

Tobias, Prince of the Snowy North.

The savage, snow covered North received a messenger during the last night of the full moon. The moon hung high in the sky like a silver disc, shedding poor light around the snowy forest.. the shadows that were cast by the moon seemed to have a life of their own.. moving in accordance with there wishes.

The Kings messenger was not the only one to notice, his horse looked frantically from one side to the other. Ready to run at the slightest hint of trouble. The breath of the horse and man hung heavy and visible in the night sky. A voice called out from know where, "Who are you? What is your business here? Speak fast, my archers are cold.. we wouldn't want any one's hand to slip."

The messenger and his horse wheeled around in circle's trying to figure out which direction the voice had come from.. but unable to discern it's owner and not really wanting an arrow to the chest.. the messenger replied, "I come from King Marcus! I bear word of the Princesses search for a husband.."

Slowly from behind the snow laden tree's to the right a man emerged. He was only a few years older than the Princess it seemed. His brownish-whitish hair was fairly long, near veiling the pair of piercing blue eyes that stared out between strands. His fur trimmed over cloak was pulled tightly around him, a rather intense looking bastard sword clutched in his right hand. "I am Prince Tobias, of the Snowy Wastes.."

The messenger dropped down from his horse into the foot of snow below and slowly approached the young man, holding the letter out to him, "Then surely this invitation could only be meant for you..."

Tobias took the letter in hand and nodded to the messenger. "If you wish to make it home anytime soon, I suggest turning your horse around promptly and riding home. There will be a storm arriving shortly.. a great snow storm.. I think it may even extend down as far as your kingdom. Should you make it before I do.. please inform your King I will be in attendance and offer my thanks." As if upon command a light snow began to steadily fall on the already snow laden grounds...

The Messenger must have taken Prince Tobias very seriously.. because he was on his horse and galloping away as fast as his horse could traverse the hardly friendly conditions. Another voice called forth from the shadows, "You have only me with you, my Prince.. what Archers do you speak of?"

"Come now Lodin, aren't you better than any Archer that could have my back?" He gave a bit of a chuckle and sheathed his sword, he unrolled the parchment and began to read...

"Yes, but you know I shant accompany you on this conquest.. I must remain and guard your ailing father in your absence." Lodin said as his hulking shape stepped forth from the shadows.

"I do realize this Lodin. I can keep myself out of trouble... Hopefully." He gave Lodin a wiry smile and slowly assumed his own hulking shape, he would leave at sun up, after the patrols reported in and after a fresh kill...

Tobias tossed his head back and let out a blood curdling howl...

 

[AmbrosiaCaress]

~ It would only take a couple of days before the hopefuls started arriving. The Castle was abuzz with activity, preparing many rooms for the future grooms to stay in. Some were designated as double and triple rooms, with bedding enough for several people. The Castle certainly was large enough for this endeavor, the King and Queen had been preparing for this for quite a while, given that Mia was their only child.

Mia had her own suite of rooms, consisting of a sitting room, the bedroom, and a bathing chamber. This was located in the western part of the Castle, for Mia liked to watch the sunset, and often wandered to the eastern rooms to watch the moon rise. She was appointed 2 guards, who would watch her around the clock, the King was no fool. He knew his daughter was beautiful, and virginal. He did not trust the visitors who would be courting her to not try and sneak into her rooms. It had happened before, to his own cousin, whose daughter had been raped by a suitor and in turn had no choice but to marry the man. She was miserable, living with a scoundral of a husband. He did not want that for his own daughter. No, none would get to her if he could help it, not until after the choice was made and the wedding.

This could take some time, his wife, the Queen reminded him. He knew that, but that was fine. He wanted his daughter happy, and he wanted his lands, his people, his heritage in the *right* hands.

This particular morning, after the moon, which she so loved, had disappeared and the sun took it's place in the sky, Mia took some time to relax, knowing things would be busy for her in the next coming days and weeks. She met with the royal dressmaker that very day, to select several new dresses that she would wear while being courted. She then went for a horse back ride, one of her favorite things to do, she loved her horses, and thought to herself, "whoever I marry must love horses too" .. she would not give up her desire to ride, no matter what.

She paused, looking toward the mountains, where the clouds gathered, a chill in the wind. It would snow soon, even here, she could only imagine the cold and weather in those mountains. And last night, as she opened her window to breath the evening air, she had thought she heard the distant howl of a wolf... More than likely howling to It's mate, she had thought. As she sat on her horse, looking at the mountain, she wondered what that Wolf was doing now.... ~

 

[AmbrosiaCaress]

~ What she did not know was that .. that "Wolf" was even now, traveling toward her very Castle, along with many other hopeful men, all who wished to bed the beauty, marry her, and claim her name and lands. Many were honorable men, while mingled within were the more, wretched. Older men, many her own age, ugly and handsome. Some sent even tho they were not all that interested in the Princess, having fallen in love on their own with a non-royal, which was frowned upon in many cases.

Over the next few days, many would be arriving at the Castle. The Princess would be kept sequestered for a time, in her rooms. A feast, planned for the end of the coming fortnight, after the majority of the Suitors had arrived and settled in, would introduce the young Princess to the hopefuls.

The courting would begin in earnest.

Mia was not really looking forward to any of this, truth be told. She had heard the stories of other Princesses, her Father's cousin being one. How very rarely did it ever work out for the best. Either the girl was... taken against her will, and then forced to marry the man, or her chosen one did not meet the parents approval. Was this really for her to chose? Or her parents? And the thought of so many wishing her attention. Perhaps some found it... enjoyable. She was just... scared... ~

 

[ACursedDreamer]

Tobias, Man.. or Beast?

Tobias had left his lands that night. He traveled alone, and on four padded feet. He knew his father would sent an entourage to meet him outside the nearest town to the Castle, so that he may arrive like the others. It was all pomp and circumstance. He would like nothing more then to stroll through the main heavy doors of the castle alone, with nothing but snow and a chilling breeze to be his entourage. Tobias traveled during the night and found secluded places to sleep during the day. He knew he was less than a nights travel from the village now.. but he was hungry. He slowly stalked through the wooded area's, a slight snow had fallen and covered many of the tracks.. finding a nice size pray would be a challenge.. something to wet his appetite.

He spent the better part of the night with his nose to the ground. Finding what few scents he still could. He'd followed the scent of a rabbit to no avail.. but it had led him to what he had most desired. Out less than a hundred yards from him was a family of deer. A stag, and three younger ones.. Ah. There she was. The Doe. He would leave the Doe and the three younger deer. They would be no challenge.. but the stag. He would be a difficult kill.. one that Tobias looked forward to. Tobias slowly started to move around the perimeter of the area. He focused his attention on the Stag, not even concerning himself with the other four.

His long tongue flashed over his muzzle as he lowered himself slightly. The Stag lowered it's head and nosed aside from snow.. trying to find the beginnings of change of the season grass... and at that point.. Tobias charged.

He tore off full speed at the bent over Stag.. the doe caught sight of him first and ran directly towards her young.. ushering them off the opposite way of the approaching wolf. A low snarl escaped Tobias and caused the stag to raise it's head and wheel around to face him... The fight was over in the space of a few heartbeats. Tobias had swooped in to the stag's left.. the great beast kicked it's head and horns to that side.. the tip of one digging in right along Tobias' side.. the wolf however.. continued at top speed..

.. he grabbed ahold of the deer's hind leg in it's vice like grip and tore...

.. he tore flesh, tendons, and bone.. the Stag's leg broke in his mouth causing the large beast to yowl out in pain and stumble to the ground.. After that, even with the slight wound to his side Tobias was more than a match for the now three legged beast.. He assumed his colossal bestial form and quickly ended the suffering of the animal. He set it down and lowered his own body to the ground, offering a prayer and thanks to the beast for sacrificing it's life so that He would not go hungry..

In his hulking form, he carried the beast off to the nearest secluded area and feasted...

 

[AmbrosiaCaress]

~ The storm hit, not as blinding as perhaps it had been in the forests and lands to the North, where the Wolf reigned, but none the less, the storm allowed Mia another day of respite before the "guests" arrived. It was a day she decided to savour. The snow was waning, but the sky was still grey and dark. Mia actually liked the heavy color of the clouds, she found it soothing and calming. The snow was so pure and pretty, all the lands looked... clean...

She had told her Father she was going down to the Stables to check on the horses. That was partially true. She did want to check on the animals, especially Wind Touch, her favorite mare. But she had other reasons for wishing a walk to the Stables. Mia wanted one last ride, alone, no guards, no parents, no soon to be suitors. She sent the Stable boy on an errand for fresh fruit for the horses from the Castle kitchens, not an unusual request from the Princess. But as soon as she was alone, Wind Touch was saddled and she was riding. She had taken the ... liberty.. of wearing her Father's riding clothes, totally inappropriate for a woman, a female, but so much more comfortable for riding. Instead of the bother of riding side saddle, she could straddle the horse, wearing pants instead of a skirt.. Thick leather boots, and a warm shirt, instead of her .. usual.. attire, which really was not appropriate for riding... She had hidden her... attire... beneath the warm cloak that she had doned for the walk to the Stables.

Before the Stable boy returned, Mia was well away from the Castle and the stables. Wind Touch enjoying the cool air as much as she. They rode well into the forest surrounding her home. Mia knew the area well, often she rode here, both with her parents and guards, as well as secretly. But this day, perhaps due to the snow, the grey clouds, and her apprehension at the upcoming ... events... Mia ventured further out than she ever had. Into more, unfamiliar territory...

Gently she pulled the mare to a halt, gazing at the small family of deer that had appeared before her. A Doe, with a yearling and 2 fawn. Mia looked around for the Male, the Buck, the Stag, but he was no where to be found.. Odd.. she thought. The deer, clearly still spooked, bolted upon seeing Mia. As Mia continued her ride, knowing she was far from home, needing to find her way back, she stumbled upon the death scene. The remains of the Stag, altho there was not much left. The site left Mia gasping, a cold tear gliding down her cheek. She only hoped that it had not been poachers who had brought down the magnificent animal, she hoped the Buck had died to feed another, at least that was the call of nature.

But that thought indeed made her blood run cold. If there was a predator, or predators in the area able to bring down such a animal, she and her mare would be in danger. She needed to find her way back, soon... ~

 

[ACursedDreamer]

A pair of Amber hued eyes..

A pair of amber hued eyes stared out from low on the ground next to a tree. Slowly the large wolf stood, snow falling off of his body and onto the ground on either side of him. He sniffed the air for a moment his brain working out the different scents.. there was the scent of the horse... then a dirty unwashed human scent.. then a heavily masculine scent and hidden.. layered under the other three.. and faintest of all was the scent of a girl.

The wolf took a step forward, his muzzle, front legs and chest were coated in the dried blood of the buck. The animal seemed to favor his right side, keeping his injured left facing the tree, and he hoped just out of sight of the girl. A low growl curled past those drawn back lips, fangs exposed.

He'd been asleep longer than he'd meant too, and this rider and horse got the drop on him.. he was none too happy with his own performance. He could still feel the stinging in his side but was determined to nurse his wound later and fend off this intruder first..

 

[AmbrosiaCaress]

~ Mia was about to turn her mare, to head back the way she had come, she had to get home, it was cold, and obvious that she had ventured too far from the Castle. Just as she was about to turn, she heard something.. low.. deep... barely audible. But she indeed heard it, it was a growl.

Whatever had taken down the stag, was still in the area. More than likely, since It had feasted on the deer, It was not hungry, but that did not ease Mia's fear, nor that of her horse. She could feel the mare trembling under her. Obviously the animal sensed, or scented, something...

Mia would never hurt an animal, but she certainly did not want the animal, It sounded like a Wolf, coming after her or Wind Touch.. "Come on girl" she whispered to the quivering horse.."Let's find our way home and leave the Wolves to themselves".. with that she urged the already skittish animal to turn and head out of the blood stained clearing..

Back into the woods, heading, she hoped, back home toward the Castle. If she did not get home soon, her Father and Mother would find her missing.. that would NOT be a great way to start this very hectic time of her life.. ~