Thread: The Fairest in the Land

Queen Hyperia rolled onto her back, her long black hair a bit mussed from a good night's sleep, and stretched her arms over her head, her lithe form arching like a cat. It is good to be the queen , she thought, smiling as she sat up and reached for a bright scarlet robe and spread it around her shoulders, brushing her hair back to fall well down her back. And she was an effective ruler, after all. Her kingdom had expanded by three times what it was when she took the throne. Bit by bit she'd absorbed neighboring lands a few by force, a few by threat, others by clever diplomacy, and afew by mysterious magic. Her kingdom thrived its economy vibrant and her people mostly satisfied. Their queen was honored and respected, if not necessarily adored. There were always those rumors of her curious personal tastes. As long as Hyperia could enjoy her pleasures, that was enough for her. She rose, pulling the robe closed with a sash at her waist, and approached her mirror for her morning affirmation. Mirror, Mirror, she greeted the enchanted glass, delighting in her own image before it shimmered into an expressionsless face -- eyes and mouth was about all. Who is the most beautiful in all the Kingdom? she asked, certain of the answer. By all accounts, she was the most sultry and desired woman known for hundreds of leagues. The edges of her robe hugged the firm inner slopes of her perfect breasts, the sash cinched her trim waist before the fabric flared to her hourglass hips, and below the hem her smooth, satin legs. In face and figure, not to mention in devilish attitude, there had never been a match. Which made the mirror's reply such a shock. Your beauty is undimmed, my Queen. But today, in the enchanted forest of Mulascelon, comes of age a maiden of such pure and bontiful beauty, she fades any beside her like the sun oushines the stars. The Queen's smile shifted to a sudden, ominous scowl. She had known little in her life of which to be jealous, but now that anger took possession of her. One of such loveliness, she said with a sneer, I must possess. Tell me all about her. The magic mirror was a fount of information. The Queen leanred of the fair girl, raised in the forest many regarded ad dnagerously impenetrable, under the protection of a small band of miners, serving as their housekeeper. Hearing enough, Hyberia whirled away and stalked to her bedchamber door. She flung it open, startling the guard and pages on duty outside. Summon my maid, have my breakfast brought here, and bring me the Huntsman, Erik Longbow! she said briskly, closing the door almost as she finished. An hour later, Hyberia's hair was brushed smooth as a gentle cascade, and she wore a fine blue dress of satin trimmed with white ruffles. She sat by her window in an elegantly carved chair as she received the Huntsman. With a practiced eye, she looked him up and down. His body, at a full six feet, was lean and muscular, especially his bare arms, exposed by the black leather vest he wore. He walked with the light touch that could instantly twist and leap to face or avoid danger. Everything about him, especially the deep blue eyes that seemed to absorb and memorize his surroundings and understand anything and anyone he saw indicated a man used to dealing with challenges on his own terms. He would make a formidalbe opponent , Hyperia judged, and an intriguing partner. Know you the Mulascelon Forest, Huntsman? she started brusquely. And do you fear it? Erik cocked his head and smiled with a trace of bemusement. I have hunted and feasted in Mulascelon, he answered matter-of-factly, not seeming to brag. It teems with elk and wild boar, birds of all sorts, hare, possum... There are also wolves, bears, mountain lions, and other predators that roam and hunt. A wise hunter is aware of the dangers and deals with them. Hyberia was sure he spoke of experience, not boast. At the junction of two creeks that forms the Cistain River is a lodge. Living in the lodge is a group of miners and their housekeeper, a maiden. I wish that maiden captured and brought to me unharmed. Can you accomplish this? Erik did not hesitate. I can. But for what reward? The Queen answered him with a suggestive smile. What reward would you seek, Huntsman? Erik's smile also turned sexy. The reward of serving the Queen's pleasure, he answered, confidently. Hyberia nodded in agreement, her eyes dancing. None has ever been displease in such service. Nor shall you be. Bring me my treasure.