Aiden panted lightly as he pulled himself through the thick underbrush of the forest. A caribou trail luckily broke up the hard walk and he was at last able to stand straight and walk normally. The forest was a hard place to work but at least it was nice to look at. His father may have been rich, and may not do much hard work himself but he certainly ensure his sons got their taste of hardship in the wilderness. many times Aiden had heard the man say that no boy who couldn't last weeks with a knife and some twine was no son of his. His father, the Lord Kerrigan DeGaltres was a self proclaimed lord after usurping the throne for himself after a bloody showdown with the last ruler. He believed skills in hunting and warfare were key to ruling and as the youngest, smallest brother of the noble faily DeGaltres, Aiden felt enormous pressure to do the man proud. He didn't want to think of what might happen if he didn't.
Just a week away from his eighteenth birthday and Aiden was doing as all his brothers had done before him, hunting alone for a wild boar, providing the meat for his own celebration. r There hadn't been a coming of age yet without a huge boar or buck to feed the entire keep, Aiden wasn't about to make the exception. Boars however were rare in these woods. He had been tracking for days with his bow, had come across countless caribou but no boar.
Finally, he luck seemed to change. A large boar, the largest he'd ever seen seemed to be entrancing in watching something in the woods. Aiden had his bow drawn, aiming when his eyes shifted to see what the boar was so occupied with.
A girl. A beautiful girl, pawing at the forest floor. His jaw dropped as he realized how far they were from any town he knew of at least...His delay had cost him the boar and he swore loudly as it noticed his scent and darted off. Annoyed, he beckoned finally at the girl "These are the kings woods, woman. You're not supposed to be here" he started toward her, trying not to look as irritated as he felt. As he got closer, her looks took an effect they'd have on any 18 yearold.
"Where do you hail from?" His voice was suddenly soft, forgiving "Stand little bird" All he'd gotten a good look at was he face, he was eager to see more.



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