Once upon a time, in a magical land, there lived a land where magical creatures of fantasy co-existed with each other. The creatures of darkness were kept out by a magical barrier that surrounded the lands. The citizens of this fantasy realm were grateful for this, and grateful to the royal family whose power produced this barrier and whose magic and abilities kept them all safe from harm. They all worshiped this family in one way or another, and were very loyal to them.
This royal family would be seen as unusual by outsiders, but in truth, was not very unusual at all, at least not according to tales often told. The king was elven. The mother? She was a sorceress of sorts, looking more human than anything else. They had only their one child, a daughter, who was to succeed her father and take over leadership someday, especially if something happened to their king. She was considered a great beauty, and many a man in their fantasy world had their eye on her, and some even sought to wed her, princess or not. She was not just a great beauty, but she had a kind heart, a strong will, and truly cared for her people.
However, their peace was not to last. One day, a great tragedy would strike. It would be unexpected, coming when no one thought it would. They never thought something like this would happen.
It started out as a day like any other. The crops were ready to be harvested. Flowers were in bloom. It was a nice, calm, sunny day. A gentle breeze passed by at times. The fantasy creatures and citizens roamed about as if there was no danger to be sensed, no danger coming at all. However, that would clearly no longer be the case.
The clouds would suddenly grow dark. A sudden unusual storm was brewing. Fear would fill the air as this was not suppose to happen until the next storm season. Flowers began to wilt. Crops began to shrivel up and die. These sights would cause gasping to be heard, and eyes to grow wide. The air would begin to turn cold. The wind would grow fiercer. The ground even shook a little. Things would grow worse and worse until.
A dark smoke began to head towards them. They assumed the barrier would put up a fight and protect them, until......
It broke through!
Somehow, whatever this was, it had a strong enough power to break past this barrier and gain entry. They were in danger after all this time! As the smoke began to fade and a form could be seen, screams of panic began to fill the air. Footsteps could be heard, nice and loud, as everyone ran, trying to find safety.
The king and his wife would leave the castle to see what darkness could have gotten through, what could actually pose a threat to them all. They did their best to calm everyone as well, but to no avail. They would not listen.
Then, the form had finally finished forming and could be seen. A dark vampire lord stepped forward. A vampire?! Impossible, one would think, as vampires were amongst the creatures normally kept out. But, this vampire lord was no ordinary vampire. He had gained access to dark magics far beyond their understanding, and had gained control over the new powers he obtained through them. Now? Now, he managed to gain the desired entry into their world, with his army, after all that time. He planned to take over, or, at the very least, destroy them all.
However, when he caught sight of the princess, things changed. The vampire lord would suddenly smirk, and he would change his mind, well, on destroying them all at least. He made a condition known in exchange for his mercy. This condition involved....the princess!
He claimed her for his bride, and no one else was to have her. If she did not agree, if they did not give her hand to him, then he would return to his original intentions, including destroying them all. If they did, and she did marry him, then they would have nothing to worry about, or so he would claim.
He would return after a time for her, and they would be bound forever. She had until then for them to decide.
The royal family was prepared for a fight. However, this choice would send the danger away forever, and buy them time to strengthen the defenses and return the land to the way it once was. But...would they truly sacrifice their daughter and princess like that?
What would their choice be? Would they say no and risk bloodshed and destruction? The horrors could only be imagined. Or would they have their daughter and princess marry such a creature of darkness? If only to save them all?
What were they to do?
What was to be her fate?
Time would tell....................................................
