The Werewolf Guardian (Huntress & AgniSpirit)

[AgniSpirit]

Thinking over how the last 24 hours had passed for him, Nero almost couldn't believe it. But staring into the mouth of a crazed, angry bear pretty much solidified his disbelief. He did just lose his home and kingdom over the course of one night. He did see his father fall at the hands of the King of Jedier. And he did abandon his mother and sister while escaping into the enchanted forest. Nero wondered if it would be better if the bear did tear him to pieces right then and there, but that brief moment of depression quickly disappeared when the young prince of Paoind grabbed a nearby stick and swung it at his attacker, scratching the bear's eyes. The bear reeled back and roared, allowing the red-haired 17 year old to scramble back to his feet and make a run for it.

As he dashed out of there, Nero felt a bit of pride swell inside himself. He was able to defend himself without the help of his guards. Being in a fight (if you could call it that) was... invigorating. That refreshing feeling quickly dissipated when he felt his foot get caught under a tree root. Before he knew it, he was falling forward and tumbling down the side of a hill, his clothes getting dirtier as he rolled over dirt, twigs and leaves. Nero kept his mouth shut to make sure nothing got into it and soon slowed to a stop at the edge of a hill. Groaning as he sat up, he wondered just how dirty he looked before checking his foot. It didn't seem twisted, so he would still be able to walk. But before he could get up, a roar rang above him and the prince spun around to see the same bear, now bleeding from the face, stampeding down the hill towards him. This time, however, he had no idea what to do.

[Huntress]

Her head shot in the direction of the pain filled roar. The bear startled her prey as it ran of. Gritting her teeth the dark haired woman put her bow away, placing the arrow between her fingers back in her quiver. Now she would have to stalk a different type of prey and hope to catch it. Coming out of the thick bush, the sunlight glimmered off her skin. Sweat dripped down from her temple to the corner of her jaw before falling to the ground below. The woman was of slightly above average height, her body was thick, strong and defined, perhaps a fighter of some sorts? The clothing she wore was fashioned by many animal pelts, sewn together mostly for warmth, providing little to no protection. Hearing the bear roar once more, her head shot in it’s direction, eyebrow raised; the bear sounded infuriated. Her blue/green eyes were almost glowing in the bright sunlight. Slowly she made her way towards the sound of the bear.

Analyzing any clue she came across the woman had come to the conclusion that there was another being, sniffing the air she was slightly puzzled. “What is a man doing so deep in the forest...?” She asked herself. Sniffing the air once more she was surprised. “...Royalty?” The reason she could tell that the man was of royal blood was because most noble’s and aristocrats smelled of pride and confidence, along with any scent that was unique to each home and building, it was the rare flowers that decorated the scents of the rich. This one was scared, very scared. She still couldn’t understand why he was so far into the forest. Following the scents she found herself at the hill, half way down as the bear stormed towards the red haired...boy? Not a boy per se, but not a man either. He was approaching adulthood.

Her eyes locked onto his for a moment before she took a step back and jumped out of the bushes. Colliding with the bear the female rolled around, eventually pinning the large animal down with what seemed like ease. A knife slit the bear’s throat and the creature faded. Watching the blood flow caused something within the woman to stir; her eyes swirled and began to shimmer, a wolfish amber replacing the blue/green for a few moments before dissipating. She would return to the carcass later, make use of what it had to offer. Walking back to the young man she put a bloody hand out, offering her assistance. “These parts of the woods are dangerous Sire, one such as yourself shouldn’t wander them alone...” She explained looking around. Her ears picked up the sounds of all the creatures running away. Her presence was now known to them.

She was curious as to why the boy was here but she thought it improper to ask. “Where is your guard sir?” She asked instead. She couldn’t pick up the scents or sounds of any other humans, not nearby at least. Helping the man up she made her way back towards the bear. “It will be dark soon, you should make your way home. The woods are even more dangerous when the moon rises.” She warned him as she began skinning the animal.

[AgniSpirit]

There shouldn't have been anything in the world that could tear Nero's hazel eyes away from the rampaging bear, but at that moment he noticed something behind the bear near the top of the hillside he had fallen off a few moments ago. Standing there was a dark-haired woman dressed in raggedy, mismatched animal pelts sewn together haphazardly. However, even in her horrid attire, he still found her beautiful in a way. Maybe what drew himself to her was her wild hair or her strikingly beautiful green eyes. Or were they blue...? It didn't really matter now; he was about to die. And he thanked whomever was watching him above in granting him a wondrous sight before his utter demise.

That thought was immediately snuffed out when the woman suddenly jumped out from her hiding spot and tackled the giant bear into the ground with ease. Nero watched in a mixture of terror and awe as she effortlessly got on top of the bear and slit it's throat in one swift motion of her knife. Blood spurted out from the wound, making the red-haired prince queasy but he stayed put as the woman eventually got up, her arms and chest covered in the bear's life fluid. She began to speak, but Nero didn't catch most of what she was saying, being in shock and all. He still couldn't process that this thin, young woman who couldn't be that much older than him was able to defeat the bear in one blow. He never did the dirty work during a hunt himself, seeing as he never needed to because of all the help he got. But seeing how she did it flawlessly made a seed of jealousy grow inside his otherwise startled self.

It was when the woman offered her bloodied hand towards him that Nero finally shook himself out of his stunned state. At first, he looked at the hand in disgust but decided it would be a better idea to accept her hand. Who knows what she would do if he offended her? Taking her hand, he swallowed the vomit that threatened to come out when he felt the squishy-ness of the blood between his fingers as she pulled him up like he weighed nothing. What was this woman made of?! It was when she mentioned his lack of guard and how he should be heading home did Nero finally display an emotion other than surprise. His face darkened as thoughts of his lost home filled his mind.

"I don't have a guard because there are no more guards." He spat out bitterly, his anger towards his situation defeating his repulsion as he watched the woman begin to skin the bear of it's dark fur, "And there is no more home to go to. My kingdom has fallen." It was then it occurred to him that the woman had known he was royalty. She didn't seem to be from any village close to his kingdom so it wasn't likely he would have even glanced her way whenever he made his monthly excursions. And the clothes he borrowed from one of his servants did not bear any design of a juniper flower, the symbol of the Paoind Kingdom and his family. "How do you know I am of royal blood?" He asked, cautious. Though she had saved him, it didn't mean that she did not have an ulterior motive. However, what could he do to stop her if she did attack him? She was obviously stronger that he was...

[Huntress]

She raised an eyebrow to his words. “Surely there must be somewhere for you to retreat to.” She spoke simply as she finished up with the large animal. Wiping the blade she sheathed it as she looked at the red haired young man. “Well, for starters” She chuckled and smirked revealing glistening fangs. “you managed to not only irritate a bear but also anger it. Any man or woman that knows about the forest and must worry about their lives would know better then to go picking a fight with a bear. Your appearance and demeanor also proves that you expect others to do your bidding as well.” She stepped closer to the man and met his eyes, the two being on the same level. Cocking her head to the side she leaned in and closed her eyes, inhaling deeply she grinned “You reek of royalty...” She whispered in his ear. “Let’s not forget the fear.” She met his eyes and pulled away, the grin turning into a smirk.

Wrapping everything of use from the bear within it’s hide, she tossed it over her shoulder. “I can take you to the edge of the forest before sun down. From there you are on your own.” She glanced at him. “I wouldn’t recommend staying here the night.” The dark haired girl looked up at the moon that was slowly becoming more visible as the sun made it’s way down. “The full moon is probably the worst time for someone like you to be out here.” Her eyes shimmered briefly. “They don’t call it the enchanted forest for nothing.” She started walking down a separate pathway that would take them back up to the top of the hill and to the feint remnants of the path that used to exist within the trees. She couldn’t hear any footsteps following her. Stopping she glanced over her shoulder. “I hope you’re not expecting me to carry you...” she scoffed as she attempted to joke with the still frightened young man. “If you want to get out of here and perhaps start a new life somewhere, doing something...I recommend you follow. If not, feel free to stick around a feed the wildlife.” She turned back on her pathways and slowly started walking up once again.

[AgniSpirit]

Nero felt his cheeks burn with embarrassment, not because of the woman's sudden invasion of his personal space (definitely not that), but because of her stinging observations. Although the statements clearly wounded his pride, he made no move to voice his anger. He wasn't foolish enough to challenge anyone who could easily lift a bear twice their size over their shoulder, even if they were a female. All thoughts about his injured masculinity were pushed aside when the strange woman offered to escort him out of the woods so he could find a safer place to dwell when night fell. It was then that it dawned on him he had nowhere to go. The loss of his kingdom also meant the loss of his way of life. No more guards to protect him or servants to do things for him. This would be the first time in his entire life that he would have to actually take care of himself with no outside help. That thought alone scared him more than the stranger in front of him and the dangers of the enchanted forest combined.

It was then that he realized the woman was not in front of him anymore. She had begun walking up the hill while informing him that he should better get a move on. "Wait!" He called out as he ran after her retreating form, "Don't leave me!" He mentally cursed for sounding so needy and slowed his dashing to as confident a stride as he could make once he caught up to her. "Um, thank you for your help." He stated, lowering his voice to sound more masculine, "Who exactly are you anyway?" The red-haired former prince did not know if this was the right thing to ask. But he couldn't just follow a complete stranger. She would tell him her name... right?

[Huntress]

Hearing him call after her she smirked and looked over her shoulder while waiting up for the younger man. “You are welcome.” She responded simply. “I still can’t seem to understand what you did to anger a bear in that manner.” She glanced at him, truly surprised as she shook her head. The two continued walking, soon reaching the top of the hill. Raising an eyebrow she smiled and looked at him. “Not anyone that you would know, or bother to know.” She explained looking at the red haired man. She technically had answered his question but she knew that wasn’t what the noble was asking. “If it is my name you wish to know.” The dark haired woman spoke. “Then I shall give it to you.”

Stopping she turned around and bowed in the slightest towards the once royal man. “Brianna Whelan sire, daughter of Mary and Allistaire Whelan.” She formally introduced herself. “Names that are simply amongst the thousands.” Her words were slightly bitter. It’s not that she had an issue with the rich she was just...bothered by the way most acted and treated the less fortunate. The two continued to walk, the sun slowly dropping behind them. Looking at the man she spoke, she thought it only fair if she could ask a question as well. “You sir? Who’s life have I saved? If I may ask...your highness.” The sarcasm was evident in her words as she made a small gesture of a bow.

Standing up straight again she waited for a response while pointing in a specific direction. “That is the fastest route out of the forest.” Her feet started to move once again as the two continued on their way. The dark haired woman was starting to worry as the sky began to get darker. She could feel the hairs on her neck stand on edge, a shiver running down her spine as an unnatural heat began to take over her body. Sweat beginning to form on her brow. She of course knew what was to come but Brianna was sure that the young sire would not be ready to witness such a...change. The woman might not like the choices that the rich make but that is most definitely not a reason to kill the man. Although she had some control over herself it was very easy for her to lose that bit. She had a feeling that the red haired boy would manage that with ease.

[AgniSpirit]

"I-I am not used to travelling by myself." Nero replied as his cheeks burned red again, "And when I was walking through the forest, I came across a young bear cub. I thought he was... lost and got close to him, not seeing that his mother was nearby. She must have found me dangerous." Although he had studied for hours on end about the different animals that existed in his kingdom, it was still completely different seeing them up close. He should have known better and doing the opposite of what he was taught shamed him the most. When he heard his guide state that she was basically no one important, he couldn't help but frown. The former prince had always believed every person had a story to tell and should have the right to share it; a belief many members of his family's royal court thought was poppycock. His philosophy often made him the butt of many jokes and insults, but he stood firmly by it, especially when his father had expressed that Nero's empathy would certainly aid him when he became king. Nero's frown deepened when he remembered his father was gone now and he would never hear his words of advice ever again...

The red-head snapped back to the conversation when he heard the girl tell him not only her name, but her lineage before pointing out how plain of a name it was. He would have told her that Brianna was beautiful if she didn't suddenly ask for his with a mocking bow. Though he didn't appreciate the sarcasm, he found obligated to tell his savior who he was. "I am Nero Reinick, prince of the kingdom of Paoind, or whatever's left of it." He answered. As he responded, he followed Brianna's finger as she pointed one way and informed him that was the fastest way out of the forest. He expected to see some kind of marking or path following the direction she pointed to, but all he could see was the normal floor.

"Do you thin you can escort me all the way to the edge of the forest? I have a feeling I might get lost again." Nero asked politely and even went so far as to make a little joke. However, when he turned back to the dark-haired girl, he noticed she was looking a little worse for wear. Climbing up that hill shouldn't have made her that tired. "Are you alright Ms. Whelan?" He asked in concern.

[Huntress]

“Paoind?” Brianna raised an eyebrow. That was the city she had been born within. She clenched her jaw tightly as she bit back some pain. She swallowed hard as she was asked if she could escort him. The dark haired girl did not want to let the young man die...nor did she wish to kill him. Her eyes snapped to his gaze as he asked if she was well. “Y—Yes...I am fine...” She stuttered slightly and picked up her pace. Moving ahead of him, his smell, the thought of his blood was clouding her vision. “I cannot guarantee you safe passage to the edge of the forest but I will try my best sire.” Brianna explained.

The two walked in silence for a few moments. Brianna’s body was damp from the unnatural heat that had taken over her body. Her jaw was tightly clenched that if she bit any harder teeth would begin to crack. She would glance back every few moments just to make sure that Sir Nero was following. Her eyes wouldn’t hover over him for more than a few moments. “The edge approaches sir...” She informed him. Her words sounded painful as she felt her insides beginning to twist and turn. Brianna groaned as she stumbled forward slightly, holding herself up against the trunk of a tree. She glared over her shoulder at the red head. She didn’t intended for her gaze to burn into his eyes. Looking ahead the edge of the forest was nearly visible within the light of her torch.

Her arm shot out, the torch burning brightly in front of the young man’s face. Her glare continued to burn into the red-haired man’s eyes. The light from the fire caused her eyes to glimmer in a rather animalistic fashion. Like a dog catching the light from an odd angle. Her fingernails began to crack, blood pouring from where the small, black points forced their way out. Her right hand dug into the tree trunk she held onto. “Take the torch and go!” The anger wasn’t intended but she couldn’t help it. “The edge is not that far, you can see it.” Her clenched teeth had begun forming into fangs. “Leave before I chase you out!” She growled and glared at Nero once again. At this point Brianna wouldn’t be able to hold back anymore, if the man didn’t listen he’d been in for quite a surprise.