Alright, you know I'll be doing this. I've been anticipated to do this story because... Let's be honest, it tied with BoR in my books. This story is Post Moonlight Romance and Pre Return of the Salt Princess. Here is the first chapter. Enjoy.
Chapter 1: The Dragon Prince and his Bride
As he made his way to the rooftop, he staggers, still under the effects of the sleeping mushrooms. When King Henryk reached the top of the stairways, the sight before him shook his mind awake. In front of him, a few feet away, was Princess Wanda, his betrothed. With her is the Prince of the Daemon Evokers, the one who have sent that declaration of war. This was the first time he saw the Daemon Prince. He was dressed in blue robes and has shoulder length light brown hair. Wrapped around his forehead is an orange headband with yellow stripes.
'So this is the Prince who declared war on my kingdom...'
The King saw Wanda taking his hand as the Prince took her away with that beast of a Daemon of his. Running, but knowing that it was futile, King Henryk tried to stopped them from leaving.
"Wanda! Come back! Don't leave me!" he called out.
Sadly, she made her choice. She choose Nuada, not him. As Wanda was taken away, King Henryk could only stare as the dragon took her and the Prince to the sealed realm of Solwood. He collapsed to his knees in defeat, his head sinks. He had lost. His future bride was gone.
But wait!
Was Wanda really gone? What if she didn't choose the Prince of the Daemon Evokers clan? What if she was being taken against her will? After all, the Prince threatened their marriage! He must have bewitched Wanda into taking those moonlit walks before the message too. What other explanation was there? Looking back up at the full moon, there was a determined look in the young man's eyes.
'I shall come to save you, Wanda.'
A few minutes later, many of his guards have awaken from the sleeping mushrooms. Two of them have run to the rooftop to find their King standing on his feet.
"Your Majesty!" one of the guards exclaimed. "Your Majesty, thank goodness you're okay!"
"Yeah..." King Henryk trailed off. "But Princess Wanda has been taken by the Prince of the Daemon Evokers clan. We have to get her back."
"Sir!" they complied.
"Spread the news! I need my best men! In three days time, we shall go to Solwood and fight the clan after their Prince has sent a declaration of war!"
The two guards agreed and left the rooftop. As lights started to lit to signal the men waking up in the middle of the night, Henryk looked at the border of Solwood. Though the magical realm has been blocked off and difficult to find via the Forest of No Return, soon... With enough men, they will get through and find Princess Wanda.
In three days time, King Henryk have gathered his men to storm into Solwood. Immediately, however, people have gotten lost when picking different passage way. Unlike Wanda, who seemed to be immune to the forest's enchantment, they cannot wander around without returning to the Sacred Grove. It was just impossible! Getting nowhere, the men temporarily retreated along with their King.
Returning to his Throne Room, King Henryk sat on his throne with a heavy sigh. Without a way to get pass the Forest of No Return, getting to Solwood would be nearly impossible. He let out another frustrated sigh. If getting nowhere with the realm's first defense is this difficult, than imagining getting to Solwood only pestered the man in the wrong way.
Suddenly, a knock can be heard as Henryk straighten up his composure, "Come in."
The doors opened to reveal an old woman with a magical staff. She has short grey hair that is concealed in a long purple cap and is adorn in purple robes with hints of gold accents and black over a red slip dress. The King immediately stood on his feet for he knew that this woman was not an inhabitant of his kingdom.
"I am graciously humbled to be in your presence, Your Majesty." the woman greeted in a raspy voice.
"Who are you?! You are not from my kingdom!" he demanded.
"You needn't worry about me, Your Majesty. Rest assured, I am an ally, not your enemy." the woman assured. "My name is Cailleach."
Feeling a bit relaxed, Henryk slowing sat back down on his throne. However, his suspicion did not waver just yet. Something about this woman felt... Odd. She has that same presence as the Dragon Prince, but it felt more intimidating and threatening. That's when he realized. This woman is not human. She is a Daemon Evoker!
Not taking his eyes off the crone, he questioned, "And just how are you an ally? How do I know that you're not my enemy?"
"Because I have a solution to your dilemma. I can grant your men magic so they won't get lost in the Forest of No Return. My magic can allow you to get passed the enchantment and guide you to the very core of Solwood."
"Really?" the King mentally cursed himself for expressing interest clearly. He did not trust this woman, but he does need help. "Why should I trust you?"
"I was shunned from the clan. I could care less for them. Why should they deserved pity when they banished me?"
"They must have a good reason to." the man suggest.
"All I wanted was to improve my magic. I never harmed anyone with all the spells I learned." Cailleach explained.
That was a lie. There was one person she sorta harmed. There was a story long ago, lost in history... When the Daemon Evoker was exiled, she seeks refuge in the forest of Germany. There, she was known as the Wise Woman, who would live in seclusion and gather herbs for medical purposes. A royal couple of the Forest Kingdom once came to her for help. They needed a potion so the Forest Queen can produce an heir to the throne. She complied, only wishing to be the child's Godmother and invited to his Coming of Age Ceremony. Yes, the child turns out to be a boy. However, the royal couple broke their promise and in retaliation, she cursed the young Forest Prince into a frog.
Reminded that no one takes her seriously, the Wise Woman was now deemed as a witch. That was fine. If they wanted a witch, then they'll get a witch. Recalling the time when she was banished by the King of the Daemon Evokers clan, she lashed out on all of them. Humans and Daemon Evokers. None of them respect her talents in her magical gift. She had been kind once, but not anymore. It was then that she swears revenge. So, for many centuries, she started to plan the downfall of the world. The first to fall... Shall be Solwood.
"Very well. What is it do you want in return?" King Henryk asked.
"What I want? There is nothing in the world that you could give to appease me." Cailleach answered. "All I wished is to stay in your kingdom. A gesture of hospitality."
"Alright. Should your magic aid me on my conquest well, you shall become my Royal Advisor. If your magic works, that is."
"I assure you that you won't be greatly disappointed, King Henryk." the woman feigned guidance.
"How long will the spell be ready?"
"Roughly ten months." Cailleach replied. "Magic like this takes time and patient."
"Then in ten months, the Grak Kingdom will be at war with Solwood." the King declared.
On a beautiful moonlit night, Wanda was walking around in the forest, reaching the lake where she first met Nuada. Despite it was chilly outside, not a hint of snow covered the beautiful land of Solwood. It has been a month since Wanda eloped with Nuada. She was content with her life and had no regrets in her decision. Living with the Daemon Evokers, she did felt out of place. Yet, the moment she arrived, the clan cheered for her arrival and welcomed her as part of their family. The wedding happened a few weeks later where Nuada and Wanda were pronounced "Husband and Wife".
She now wore dresses that are surprisingly comfortable. She wasn't forced into tight corsets or fancy fabric. Wearing a green cloak over a simple dark turquoise dress with gold accents, Wanda continued her walk. Away from the life of royalty, she just felt free. Her long, ash blonde hair is out and flowy, not pampered and styled in complicated hairstyle. Her side swept bangs eventually parted in the center. Simplistic, but natural. Adorn in her strands are colorful flowers. However, out of the change of her appearance, there was only one thing that Wanda paid attention to. The simple silver band on her left ring finger. She continued to stare at the band until she felt a pair of hands covering her sight.
"Guess who?" a familiar voice teased.
"Hm, let's see... Is it a dragon?" she playful guessed.
A cheerful chuckle can be heard as the voice answered, "No, try again."
"Is it a Daemon?"
"Close, but no. Try again." the voice replied.
"Is it my husband?" Wanda smiled.
Immediately, the hands left her eyes as the woman glanced around in delight at the sight of her husband. She smiled at the Dragon Prince as she fully turned towards him. He is dressed in the same blue robe with hints of orange and brown. He, too, was wearing a cloak to shield him from the cold air. As he got close, Wanda can feel the air getting more warmer... As if she was being protected by the flames of a dragon.
It was quite a romantic sight honestly. A loving couple at the overview look of the lake... Nuada smiled a tender smile as he caressed his wife's cheeks with his finger. Slowly trailing up, his finger reached to the flowers sown into her hair. At the touch, the flowers rearranged themselves to form a flower crown. Wanda let out a small giggle as she place her hands on her husband's shoulders. Nuada gently hold the back of her head as the two leaned in. Closing their eyes, the two lovers shared a kiss.
They both didn't want it to end, so the kiss was slow, yet passionate.
When the kiss finished, the two slowly parted their lips. Sharply taking in a breath and slowly breathing out a sigh, Wanda's eyes fluttered open to stare at Nuada's silver eyes before letting out a soft laugh. Nuada chuckled as their attention was drawn to the rising sun. The lake glistening under dawn's light.
Taking a stroll with Nuada, the couple walked around until they reached a beautiful grassy field. Rolling down the small hill and reaching the flowers at the bottom, the couple laugh at the joy they're feeling. It was so... Refreshing. Eventually, the two remain amongst the flowers. Enjoying the sweet breeze that softly brushed against their cheeks, Nuada took a glance to see Wanda making a flower chain.
Smiling, Nuada turned his sight onto the clear sky. Very soon, he drifted to sleep. It was peaceful and he wished it remain that way. When he woke up, Nuada got up to see that he was alone. Concerned, he turned around, seeing something missing in the serene scenery.
"Wanda?" he called out.
Suddenly, he felt like he was being tackled by someone. Judging on how he landed with a grunt, the person must have tackled him from above. Groaning, he looked to see Wanda's smiling face. She giggled and before her husband could speak, she quickly took a kiss.
"Am I forgiven?" she whispered playfully, referring to her tackling earlier.
"Yes." Nuada laughed.
They kissed again, except it wasn't cut abruptly like before. Rolling around in the bed of flowers, the lovers are truly happy for the other. They are just in love. At the end of the day, the couple rested on top of the small hill, looking at the sun as it sets its rays. The hues of the sky are just enchanting. Pink and orange near the sun as the purple and indigo hues of dusk started to setting in. Seeing the sight with Wanda made Nuada immensely happy. However, he started to frown at a single thought that has crossed his mind.
Noticing the change in expression, Wanda prompted, "What's wrong, Nuada?"
"I just remembered something... Our marriage, it's similar to a legend I once heard. The story is well known here at Solwood."
"What is this legend about?"
"Wanda, you know that because of my ancestry, I cannot die so easily, right?" Nuada questioned. She gave a nod as he continued, "My ancestry once split into two groups of families, each have a different Daemon. The first was my family. As you know, my spirit animal is a dragon, Solais. Everyone else who are a direct member of the Dragon Family also have their own dragon familiar."
"What about the other family?"
"The other family, the sister group to the Dragon Family, command a lesser form of dragons. They are the Snake Family."
"Snake Family?"
"I was reminded of the story from the Snake Family." Nuada admitted. "Despite we once shared the same ancestor, they have an interesting... Ability. The family aren't as strong like me or the others, so when they die, they are reincarnated with their Daemons."
"Why is the story well known?"
"Because it started a beautiful romance story only to end tragically."
Leaning closer, Wanda asked, "Will you tell me?"
Nuada nodded as he started telling the story he heard many times. Two members of the Snake Family, sisters in fact, wanted to travel the world to experience love. Similar to what they did. Anyway, the older sister command a white snake while the younger sister control the green snake. The older sister met with a mortal man and fell in love with him during her travels to a foreign land. Sadly, their romance was looked down upon by the Heavens. So when they died, the snake sisters reincarnated, taking the form of their Daemons as their punishment by the celestial law. The older sister became known as the White Snake and the younger sister as the Green Snake.
It was said that the White Snake wished to gain immortality and mediated for many years. During her quest to gain what she desired, the human reincarnation of her lover saved her life once. In gratitude, she promised to repay his kindness. The White Snake trained and meditated on Mt. Emei, her home, for hundred of years. Along the way, she saved the life of the Green Snake, the reincarnation of her sister. For a thousand years, the White Snake gained enlightenment and achieved immortality. Having cultivated enough chi, the snake sisters went to the human world to find the latest reincarnation of her lover.
The White Snake met with her lover on a bridge on one rainy day. They would go to the pavilion that outlooks the West Lake. After some time, they fell in love and were married. Sadly, a monk wanted to separate the married couple, believing that love between two species was forbidden. For a while, he would failed because the White Snake was with child. A month after the child was born, the monk succeeded and captured the White Snake, imprisoning her under Leifeng Pagoda. The lovers remain separated. A prophecy was given to the son of the White Snake. He was the destined child meant to reunite his parents. Initially, he believed that if he top the imperial exams and became the scholar, he could free his trapped mother. Sadly, nothing happened.
That same monk once encountered him and told the young scholar of the requirements. Not unless the West Lake dries up, Leifeng Pagoda falls, or the palm tree blossoming flowers, can his mother ever be freed. And so, the White Snake remain trapped in a pagoda and her mortal husband eventually died from time. As for the Green Snake? No one knows what happened to the little sister or her fate. The monk was no where to be found and the son took it upon himself to set off on a journey to find a way to free his mother and reunite his family. That legend was over 500 years ago.
"That's how their story ends." Nuada finished.
"Such a sad ending." Wanda remarked.
"I agreed, but that is why I'm worried. What if... Our lives repeats that tragedy? Being separated from you... Or knowing that you'll one day leave me... It hurts from thinking of that possibility."
"Then don't think about it. I'm here with you, Nuada. I can never leave you." the woman softly spoke with him.
A small smile crawled at the corners of his lips. He leans in a gave her a kiss as nightfall finally arrive. Fireflies flickered their lights and fly around the couple. Breaking apart, the Dragon Prince took in fresh air.
"Lets go home."
His Princess agrees, giving a small nod. Returning to the Dragon Fort, the two royals retire to the Master Bedroom. As they laid down on the master bed, Wanda can see that Nuada is still worried about the future. Although the Princess haven't heard of the clan's own prophecy, she wishes to secure the "hope" for her husband. Even if she were to leave this earth one day, that "hope" shall help Nuada in her place - in times where she can't be there for him.
"Nuada?" she called out.
"Hm? What is it, my Moon Princess?"
Letting actions speak instead of words, Wanda leans close and pressed her lips against his. He returned the kiss as he turned to embrace her in his arms. The pale moonlight shined on the couple as their love intensified. The next day, Nuada was the first to wake. Seeing his wife next to him put a smile on his face as he gently stroke a lock of her hair. Eventually, Wanda woke up and smiled at her husband lovingly.
"Did you have a good sleep last night?"
"I did. Thank you, Wanda." he answered before kissing her.
After a few weeks later, the Princess was looking at books on clothing. However, the clothes depicted in the books were of a smaller scale. Nuada have returned from night duties. Rumors have spread in the forest that King Henryk was preparing for war. It hasn't been confirmed, so many of the best Daemon Evokers were out to guard Solwood, just in case. Of course, the Dragon Prince didn't want to worry his Moon Princess, so he didn't tell her about it. He simply told her that it was a simple guard duty.
"Nuada, how did it go?" Wanda glanced around her shoulders, elated to see him again.
"It went well." Nuada replied. "What are you doing, looking at those books?"
The Princess giggled, "Well, I was hoping to keep it a secret, but... I'm pregnant."
A smile graced his face as he walked over to his wife. Honestly, he was speechless and didn't know what to say.
"Wha, this is wonderful!" he exclaimed.
Honestly, he wasn't thinking of the prophecy. He was simply thinking about raising a family together with Wanda. Embracing his wife, Nuada gave her a kiss as the two were filled with overflowing joy. Tomorrow, they shall share the news with all of the Daemon Evokers in Solwood.
Finally, ten months have passed. The King of the Grak Kingdom, now twenty one, has waited for a very long time. He stood at the rooftop where Wanda was last taken, overlooking the magical realm. Though he had time to practice patience, he was very anxious. If the old woman lied to him, he would lose in a war he started. If she wasn't lying and he got to Solwood, would he be able to find Wanda?
"Hm?"
His attention shifted as the old woman came up the stairs. She was grinning as she took out a purple vial.
"It took a while, but it's finally ready." Cailleach explained with glee.
"I did what you said and have prepared my men. They are waiting down below." King Henryk spoke.
Taking out a bit of the potion, the woman blew the green dust onto the King. Walking over the edge, she sprinkled the potion to the soldiers below. Some were bewildered and confused at what this green dust is and what it does. At that moment, the King explained about the potion's effects and remind them of the quest they're on. Cheering for their ruler, the men agreed to aid him despite knowing of the dangers behind the forest.
As Henryk went downstairs to join his army, the witch went with him. The potion will indeed help the humans get passed the enchantment, but they will need her help in exploiting the clan's weakness. The people of the Grak Kingdom decided to attack at night, where the Daemon Evokers are asleep. It was the most vulnerable state for them to be in. Once the army got through the forest's enchantment, the woman lead the men far enough before turning to the King.
"This is as far as I can go. I assume you can take care of the rest?" Cailleach questioned.
"You have proved your words and have aid me in dire times. Return to the palace. From here and out, you shall be my Royal Advisor." Henryk declared.
"Very well." the now newly declared Royal Advisor replied before disappearing in a cloud of smoke.
Turning his attention to the middle passageway, they rode onward. Reaching the kingdom of Solwood, some of the men were captivated by the magical beauty of the land. However, most of them were on guard, not knowing what will happen. Suddenly, their attention was turned on a screeched. The screech belongs to a Daemon that took the form of a hawk.
"Who goes there?!" a voice exclaimed.
The bird attacked as one of the guards took out his weapon and slashed at the Daemon's wings. The hawk cried as the Daemon Evoker who just questioned the group of humans fallen in pain. He has his arm reaching for his injured left one, the same spot where his Daemon was struck.
Immediately, other Daemon Evokers arrived, having heard of the commotion. There were shocked to discover humans in their territory, but quickly recovered to summon their soul animals. A battle quickly took place, neither sides fought without effort. Some soldiers had to retreat from their injuries while the same amount of Evokers were forced to return to their kingdom.
Amidst the battle, one of the Evokers questioned, "Why are you attacking us?! We did nothing wrong to offend you!"
"Your Prince has kidnapped the King's betrothed!" a guard exclaimed.
"As always, you human still haven't changed. Always lying, deceitful creatures, I see." the Evoker remarked.
The battle began to escalates as each side fought ferociously. All reason and logic were abandon. It was now all pitted on impulses and instincts. Weapons thrown, Daemons attack, men falling, Evokers injured. At one point, a close friend of the Dragon Prince stealthily avoided the battle and quickly made his way to the Dragon Fort. This young Evoker is Taichleach. His Daemon is a lynx. Reaching to the palace, the Evoker burst in, startling the couple.
"Taichleach, what's wrong?" Nuada asked, concerned.
"It's the humans! They're here, in Solwood!" he exclaimed.
"What? That's impossible! How did they get passed our enchantments?" the Dragon Prince wondered.
"We don't know." the Lynx Evoker sadly comment.
The room was quiet for a moment until a voice broke that silence.
"Ah..."
Immediately, Wanda started to feel discomfort. Her breathing quickens and she felt like she was going to fall. Her husband noticed and reached out to steady her.
"Wanda, my love, what's wrong?" he asked worriedly.
She didn't look at him, conflicted at this predicament. However, she can't just disregard it either. Trying to muster the strength to talk, she told him of the news in a pained voice.
"The baby..." she looked up at him. "It's coming..."
Alright, it's time for some facts and little notes that I always have when making stories like this.
1) At the end of Moonlight Romance, King Henryk was kinda walking funny up the stairs. So I clarified that by making him staggering from the sleeping mushrooms.
2) Cailleach is the name of the Irish Goddess of the same name. Just like Brigid is the beautiful Irish Goddess of the Summer, Cailleach is the crone Goddess of Winter. In modern times, the name literally means old woman or witch. Pretty fitting, don't you think? Blue Tea, if you're somehow reading this, please stop making characters having no names. Although it's fun to make a name, I would like to have an official name.
3) I cannot help it. I LOVE Legend of the White Snake and cannot help, but reference it. Besides, the bonus game made lots of references to Asian fairytales in the parables.
4) Seven kisses in one chapter, in one section. That's a record.
5) Taichleach means peacemaking.
What did you guys think? Please leave a review on your thoughts. Give critiques, suggestion, how I can improve in my writing, stuff like that. Please don't just say that you love it because I won't know what specific parts in the chapter you love. Anyway, see you soon.