Thread: The Shifter's Claimed Bride-Mate (Ruphhausin & darkangel76)

Slowly the sky was going from blue to deep golds and reds to even dark shades of twilight. With the onset of night came a brisk wind blowing through the castle grounds. The day had been pleasant enough for one in mid-autumn, a bit warmer than most. In fact, it had been a perfect day for riding and Elana spared no moment in seizing the opportunity to do so. Given the state of everything around her, riding her horse, Lavender Mista horse she'd had since he was a pony and she a little girlwas one of the few times she could ever feel truly free from all the chaos about her. As Elana walked Lavender Mist back to the stables, she found her mind drifting a bit. She was saddened that her day was nearing its end, her one and only time for true freedom coming to a close. Though she'd known know other way of lifethe ongoing war keeping her close to the castle at all timesshe often found herself longing to know what life would be like on the other side of the castle's walls, beyond the boundaries of her kingdom. But the war had been going on for generations now. And, far as she could tell, wouldn't be ending any time soon either. Of course, that meant she'd be bound to the castle and the protection it provided for many more years to come, if not her entire lifetime. Elana knew the story well. She'd grown up hearing it told again and again, a reminder of her past, her lineage. Her great grandmother had been presumed to be the key to uniting two kingdoms whose threads holding them in a peaceful truce were thin and fraying. The hope had been that the marriage would solidify the peace and ease the tensions once and for all, bringing both kingdoms together. What hadn't been known, not at first, was that her grandmother feared the shifter man she was to marry. Quite honestly, Elana could find no blame or fault in that. Shifters were indeed a frightening lot, savage in their ways, lovers of chaos and disorder. Just then a chill ran along Elana's spine. She could feel her body jolt slightly, but it hardly bothered Lavender Mist. He just continued to walk, following the girl-turned-lady who led him to the sanctuary of the stables. She could feel her lips tremble at the thought of being forced to marry a shifter, let alone one from a kingdom whose agenda had always been one to make her own so wary and fearful. But yes, her great grandmother had indeed been afraid, or so she'd been told. As such, she sought protection from another man, one whom she loved and long to marry. Having pity on their daughter, her parentsElana's great-great grandparentsbestowed mercy upon her, not requiring her to fill the vow they'd made to their 'enemy'. They knew the risks, but had hoped they'd see reason. They those shifter's did not. Suddenly, Lavender Mist let out a soft whinny. Shh It's all right, boy, Elana spoke, her voice melodic and sweet as it softly fill the air of the stables. She was handing her horse over to the stable boy now, getting ready to say her 'goodbyes'. The horse sensed her unease. It was almost as if he knew what thoughts were plaguing her just then. I must return before I am missed. It'll be full dark soon. Lavender Mist let out a soft grunt and gave Elana a nuzzle. Being her only 'confidante', she knew the beast understood her. After all, they'd been together most of their lives. She gave her horse a tender kiss upon his nose and began to head back inside the main halls of the castle. Her parents, her father especially, would expect her to attend dinner. And judging by the color of the sky, that didn't leave her much time to prepare. She had to hurry. Elana ran through the corridors of the castle, her long pale blue dress billowing out behind her as she made her way to her chambers. No doubt a chambermaid would be waiting to dress her for dinner as they were always a formal affair and in her current state of dress, she'd hardly be considered presentable. Hurrying, her breaths coming in short rasps as her heart began to pound, she could feel those eyes. Eyes of the guards, the common folk who helped and assisted about the castle and its grounds. They were watching her as she raced to her quarters and it made her skin prickle with goose bumps. Feeling uneasy, she quickened her pace. It hardly mattered that her shoes had a slight heel. Finally, Elana made it back to her room. As predicted, a chambermaid awaited her and helped her change. She helped pull her corset tight, accentuating the curves she had already been fortunately blessed to bear. As the servant girl worked her hair, she looked at her reflection in the looking glass. Her own skin was so pale, like fine porcelain. And it was only accentuated by how dark her long tresses were. Blinking her blue eyes, she watched as her chambermaid began to curl and braid her long, wavy locks, working them into a most exquisite hairstyle only befitting a princess such as herself. Licking her lips, she took note of the dress she was now donningsilks and sheers that covered her just right, revealing just enough and making her look the epitome of feminine. Thank you, Elana said, addressing the servant girl as she stood up and readied to leave. Luckily, the girl had helped get Elana ready with more time to spare than she'd anticipated. As such, she could take her time going to dinner and not give away the fact that she'd very nearly been late. In the end, though, she supposed it wouldn't have mattered much. Dinners, though formal and expected, were never much of a social gathering. At least, not for her. Her parents and a few others would converse, but more often than not, she sat there quiet and still until the food was finished and conversation stilled. She had no reason to believe this night would be any different. Again, Elana could feel those eyesthe eyes of the guards and servants. Something about them felt off, made her adrenaline surge and her heart beat hard beneath her breast. Her breath catching a bit, she tried her best to keep her composure, hide her fear. Whether she succeeded or not, she didn't know and as the great hall neared, she didn't have the time to dwell on such things. After all, she had dinner to attend to. Once done with that, she could address such things, though maybe she was just letting her imagination get the better of her She was known to daydream, after all. Elana, my dearest, the king suddenly spoke as Elana entered the great hall. Always beautiful. Such a sight to behold. Elana knew the look she saw in her father's eyes. He was proud of her and his hope was starting to come alive that she'd marry well given her beauty and lineage. Being two and twenty, she was more than eligible now to all the men at court. Though, none truly appealed. She just hoped that a day wouldn't arrive when, like her great grandmother, she'd be forced to marry against her will and to a man she loathed and feared. No. That wouldn't happen. Besides, in the story, her great grandmother had found her happiness, had found her love. Consequences be damned! In Elana's mind, it had indeed been worth it. Love wasn't something one came by easily. Sheltered as she was, she was intelligent enough to know that much without anyone so much as telling her. Thank you, father, Elana responded. She gave the king a tiny kiss upon each cheek. At that, they both, along with several others attending court, sat down to eat. Fortunately, the meal passed quickly and without event and Elana found herself finally making her way back to her quarters where she could get the rest she felt herself suddenly desiring.