Thread: The Dragon and the Princess (Wraith and LovinglyAmira)

The carriage was silent, it was not an abnormal thing for elves but the energy left the air stale and almost stiff. Lyra thought if she inhaled hard enough her lungs might collapse a much better fate than she faced, so she tried. No success. She had stewed the entire journey trying to think of even one thing that might be positive from this endeavour. Peace? She was sure it was short lived. She had little faith in the hearts of mortal men, or even the immortal one of her father. The only thing she could come up with was that the king was human and would die soon, probably in the next twenty years. She had once spent twenty years just reading books. That had been two decades she had gone rather pale and frail but she had survived it. There was a thump in the road which made the carriage shake. Lyra pulled back the wood shade to peer outside, she had known they were close but deep in her thoughts she didnt realize they had arrived. Humans, she had never seen so many, especially not alive. Peculiar creatures, squat and broad, she watched a particularly plump one hung her washing on a line. Her face round, a flush from the sun, everything about them seemed rounder. She leaned her cheek against the window, watching the scenery of her new prison move on by. It wasnt until they came closer to the city center that her interest really was piqued, in a large cage like a display of honor was the most elegant looking beast she had ever seen. She wanted to stop the carriage and examine it but she knew it would only annoy her father, instead she watched it. Her eyes catching just a glimmer of its, unlike that of any other common creature she could see something there. That was no simple beast, it was an intelligent creature trapped by fate much like herself. She felt immediately sympathetic, she wondered how long it had been trapped. As they came closer to the castle and the dragon was no longer in view, Lyra pulled the shade shut. She needed to collect herself before she was introduced to what would be her husband. She shut her eyes. Lyra, come on. A voice yanked her from her mindful meditation, it was her sister. A fair creature with big blue eyes that looked like the might roll out of her head if she moved too quickly. Luckily, Lyra had never witnessed the girl move faster than a graceful saunter. Her family had already exited the carriage leaving her the youngest to step out last, she wanted to loudly protest but it was useless. No amount of complaining would change her fate, instead she would make the best of it. After her sister, Alia exited, Lyra stepped out, moving to the end of the line and giving a curt bow. She was the shortest in her family, her petite frame made her not the remarkable beauty by Elvish standards. There were many things about her that had made her undesirable to any elvish man of stature, for one she was particularly curvy. Her body not at all like the slim and tall Alia. She also had red hair, when blonde and white hair marked the fashion. And of course, she was young, at least by elf standards and often prone to emotional outbursts and sarcasm. She had gotten her bright red hair from her father, King Ayred, an abnormally tall man that often adorned himself with Elk Horns and pelts. She had gotten her striking blue eyes from her mother, Queen Vaeri, that looked like she had been dipped in fresh milk. Her long blonde hair, almost white, when left down could drape the floor like a fine silk cloak. Her brother, Prince Arderth, was classically fit, a fine bowsman and would one day be king, the pride of which shined on his face with every glance. The royal family had been brought to a throne room, that graced two purple plush chairs and large marble pillars and not much else. Lyra felt like she must stand taller than usual but still refused to give this human Gregor the privilege of her gaze. She didnt need to look at him directly to see his features, he was wrinkled and mortal and quite frankly disgusting. He seemed to keep a polite gaze keeping his conversation and focus on the King. A formality that Lyra was thankful for. Days passed, feasts were had, dances were danced, and a wedding was soon on the horizon. Lyra had not even spoken a word to the human king since arrival, it was likely by design of her father. But fates turned, she was moved into a new room, the queens room, just the name filled her stomach with dread. This was real, her king and father had betrayed her and this was the life she was about to live. The dressing maids started to help her into her nightgown, but before they could finish the doors were pushed open and the human king arrived. Mlord. The ladies bowed, and were quickly shushed away leaving the small elvish woman to fend for herself. He had obviously designed this moment to catch her vulnerable. It had worked, she stood there in just soft white cotton gown, not even with the adornments that brought her honor and status. Ive come to have a look at me bride. Dont worry, lass. I aint going to hurt ya. He grinned, she noticed he was missing a few teeth. It just added to her disgust she stepped back into the bedpost, a feeble attempt to avoid him. Skittish, like a fawn waiting for slaughter. His words were soft but menacing. He moved closer, grabbing the bottom hem of her gown and yanking it upward. Just trying to get a look. He grinned, his hand reached out like he might touch her skin but instead he hovered over her breasts and down her stomach before finally gripping her hips. The feeling of his rough hand immediately made a knot in her stomach, she tried to step back but there was nowhere to go. I just got to check to see if you can handle human children you know. He dropped her gown and stepped back. I suppose you will do, much better than the thin one. Lyra looked at him, trying her best to keep her voice calm and steady. Is that all Mlord? The words felt like acid. For now. He responded, and with that he exited her bed chambers. Her ladies returned quickly after but she did not gain reassurance from the human women. She knew in that moment that she had to leave, may it disgrace her and her family but no way could she disgraced the gods by having little halfling children with that thing. What kind of life would they live? Half cursed by the gods, doomed to age and wither away like some common creature. No, she had a plan, she would wait until the middle of the night and leave, and on her way she would free the dragon he kept as trophy. The moment came and Lyra slipped out her bed, carefully she dressed herself and packed a bag with anything she might need including whatever jewels could fit. Knowing it might be useful for trade down the road if she had to, she also had some food. Just fruit kept in the rooms likely to show off wealth something she thought completely pointless. She finished her getaway look with her thick traveling cloak, pulling the hood over her head most people wouldnt recognize her as Lyra let alone a Princess. This had been the easy part, the hard part was yet to come as she didnt know her way around the castle. She wandered, using her acute hearing to dodge guards, by the time she made it out the walls the sun was starting to peek out from under the hills. Daylight was not her friend, and she needed to work quickly she followed the road down to the city, the dragon was easy to find. Kept in the center like a landmark rather than a living breathing thing. She stopped in front of the bars, she didnt know if could understand her but she spoke to it anyway. Using human tongue instead her prefered elvish, it seemed only logical it could have learned that over the years. I, Lyra. She pointed to herself, Please do not She struggled with the word for a minute, letting out a little laugh. Fear me. Im trying to help you. She explained, she examined the bars, obviously if it were just a regular prision a large creature like that could have broken free. No there was magic here, and she sensed it had a source. She pulled her hood tighter around her head, circling the bars until she found something that looked like it might be the magics power source. A lock, with a large red stone in the middle, she wondered if she smashed it if it would free the dragon. She looked around on the ground until she found a rather large rock, using her limited arm strength she smashed the gem in the center. She saw it started to crack, she smashed the rock against it again, more cracks created. Finally she pulled her arm back as far as she could and swung at it, this time the gem shattered, breaking free of the lock. The lock fell open and Lyra yanked it from the cage bars that seemed to melt away like they were just made of ice.