A.N.: Hello my dearest dolls, School's Out For Summer ! Dolls...I got a lot to say in Communication Underline so...you'll read my last experiences ;-) Anyway ! I'm baaack, so here we go, straight to summer, with new ideas, as this one. I hope you'll enjoy it, and I wish to everyone Happy End Of The School ;-) with love your ZiZi hugs and ZiZi kisses xoxo
- Song = Celtic Woman - The Voice
Once upon a time, in a far away land, there was a kingdom.
Kingdom, with small village at the edge of wide, wide woods. Woods so deep and so dark. Woods that might seem dangerous for oneself. Woods that were spectacular in its nature…and its dwellers.
In the middle of kingdom stood majestic castle, with a King and Queen. Both pleasant and generous to their peasants. But not very much to their children….or at least not in every way.
When their firstborn son met on his ball a young maiden, which looked like a princess, they were thrilled. Until they found out, she was a serving maid from the very village in their kingdom. But prince was resistant, and married the girl.
Their second son, for exchange, fell in love with beautiful maiden, which also looked royal. But once again, he found her in the woods, locked in a tower with no doors. And that wasn't all. She was raised by a witch ! And again, their son wouldn't let her go, and he married her.
Poor parents had their last hope in their innocent, pure daughter, who just fulfilled her eighteen years. Although she had her mind in clouds, they believed, that she will be the rightful wife to an excellent-royal husband, and will become Queen of their kingdom.
They hoped, that after serving maid had left their eldest son, after witches and giants stopped hunting their kingdom, after all misfortunes they had to face, they will have a proper successor of the throne in their daughter, who will marry a proper royalty.
But they had no idea of the worst that might have happened…
As much as young princess Valencia had her head in the clouds, she stood with her feet firmly on the ground of palace balcony, looking far and wide over the kingdom.
She was kept in these walls for eighteen years already, and little her parents-or anyone else from the castle-knew, she left to the woods many times.
Her parents tried to keep her locked from the dangerous woods, which brought them only troubles, as much as to their sons. But princess would never let them lock her for good.
Valencia kept leaving the stony, opulent castle she lived in. Secretly of course. For an adventure. For an experience. To feel the last bits of freedom, until she might be suffused with responsibilities of a Queen.
Of course her parents kept talking about it ever since she was born, and she was getting ready every single day. And by her eighteen, her education was by the end. She was left on her own, to behave as was adequate for a princess.
But oh-was she pissed off from all of that !
She knew she will become a Queen, but it was too much time until she might get married. And from her brothers' stories, she craved to find her true love.
And she was certain, she will find it on her own. Either in woods-or in books.
,,Valencia ? Valencia !'' voice coming from outside the door from library was spreading all over the insides of castle.
Suddenly the doors from library burst open, and woman nearly yelled ,,Valencia ! I was looking for you ! It's already noon, and you're going to spend the day by reading books ? Haven't you got enough of them ?''
Young girl unwillingly slid the book off her face, looking up at tall blonde woman, who had her hands on her hips and her face was nearly dangerous.
,,I'm sure I haven't, mama,'' she smiled politely, burying her face back into her book.
,,Alright, young lady. The fact that you will turn nineteen within few weeks doesn't mean, you will spend all days and nights in library ! Go outside ! Live !''
,,-How ?'' girl protested suddenly, pulling book aside, while she sat up on the sofa, since she was lying all this time. ,,You never let me even say the word "outside" then why should I go now ?''
,,That is not the behavior-''
,,-Worthy of a future Queen, right. I am sorry, mama,'' girl blushed softly, hating herself for even starting arguing with the present Queen.
,,I meant you can go with Charles to the marketplace…or in the garden…for some fresh air ? Just don't be still here darling. You've spent whole eighteen years with head buried in books…don't you want to find something new ?''
Oh if you only knew…I went outside without your permission so many times, it seems ridiculous even to me ! On the other hand…
Now the girl went serious, and looked outside of the window, her eyes wandering to the deepest part of woods. She had never been there, no matter how brave she felt. She didn't looked back at her mother, while she absentmindedly answered ,,I think I'd like to see the garden…I wonder if our apple trees are already blooming…''
,,Alright dear, that is better. Go outside, and enjoy the sun. I shall see you by dinner,'' tall woman winked at Valencia when she finally faced her again, and offered a warm smile to her mother, before she left.
That instant Valencia jumped off the comfort sofa, took the book she was reading with her and swiftly left the library. She hurried to her chambers, to dress into something more comfortable, and something in which she might blend with the woods.
She put on her long, white, very light linen dress, and cloth brown corset. She yet tied a tiny pocket-like bag around her waist, and put her book in it.
Creeping out of her chambers, Valencia quietly walked over maze of corridors within the castle, until she found herself in the kitchen.
,,Princess !'' the main cook noticed Valencia's presence right away, since she was her second closest friend in entire castle, and Valencia loved her almost as much as her own nursemaid.
,,Shh-Margaret…nobody has to see me like this,'' Valencia quickly shushed her friend, smiling, when the cook took her hands in hers.
,,But you look beautiful,'' Margaret nodded with warm pleasant smile. ,,You're going out again, aren't you ?''
,,Yes…but…I was thinking, there is a part of wood I have never been in, and I'd like to go there today, but….it's a little too far. Would you give me something for later, if I'll starve in the middle of woods ?'' princess giggled slyly, and Margaret sighed.
She turned around, and reached into basket for a half loaf of bread, and for a fresh quark wrapped in a piece of parchment. Margaret gave it to princess who immediately hid it in her pocket bag, and tied it.
,,But just because it's you…and be careful on your way. I'm sure you know these woods better than anybody from this castle, but if you're going in some dark part of woods, who knows what-''
,,-Might happen, and who lives there. I know…I think I can handle that,'' princess winked and hugged the chubby cook, who nearly laughed.
,,Alright, see you by dinner, and then you will tell me, what you've seen,'' Margaret yet assured, petting Valencia's arms, before she let her go.
Princess made her way quietly and unseen through the castle to the garden. As she knew their garden by heart, and knew where her secret passage was, she aimed straight to the two tall apple trees by the stony wall of grand royal garden. Valencia looked over her shoulder for the last time, if anybody watched her, but then she sneaked around the apple tree, and started climbing straightly up into branches, until she was just above the wall. Taking a deep breath, she jumped at the wall, and then right down over.
Narrowing she smiled with closed eyes as the pleasant summer breeze ran through her honey long hair, and made it fly.
She was free.
And as she knew her way through the well known parts of woods, she ran straight toward the tall trees.
After few hours of walking she was less and less recognizing her surroundings, and she knew, she just reached the deepest part of those woods she knew for ages.
She stopped for a brief moment, turning around, and looking, trying to find way, from where she came in here, but she could find none.
When she looked up through the tangle of trees, she could see bright clouds, and sun shinning warmly.
Inhaling the heavy scent of wood, soil and water, she walked slowly forward, and behind such great oak-tree, until she faced a small lagoon. One tall tree stood just by the edge of it, and its strong branches were leaning over water, looking comfortable. While on the other side, there was a thick tree trunk, spreading over small part of water surface. It fell down probably due some storm, or something else, but it look wonderful to walk over.
Valencia felt here like home. She just found her own place, even in the deepest parts of woods.
Maybe it takes little time to get here, but it's worth to spend here the rest of this beautiful day, and following day, and the day after…
Princess walked slowly, peacefully to the tree, which was leaning above the lagoon, looking for the way, how to climb up. She had to slip off her shoes, because it didn't matter she hasn't got slippers, even shoes for outside weren't good for climbing a tree. Especially such tall, majestic tree.
Hooking her hand by one strong branch in her way, she slowly but surely, step by step, climbed up on the highest, strongest bough, which was thick enough she could walk over it, or sit by the truck and rest.
Valencia slowly sat on the bough by the truck, leaned against the tree and let her feet hang loosely down, several feet above the ground.
She looked up, and over the lagoon, she had the best of views she could ever wish for. Her eyes wandered to the sky, and as she saw almost nothing but blue, she smiled widely, and closed her eyes. Listening to the quiet of the woods. The magnificent sound of nature.
Her eyes flashed open, when she heard a sudden crack from below, somewhere away from the tree she was sitting on. She looked around, but couldn't see anything, even water was calm. Everything was peaceful.
She grinned, taking a breath, she let out high C, which beautifully spread across the lagoon, and deeper within woods. This was the most wonderful place she had ever found. The echo was magical, and water reflection as well, just as the trees around her. She wasn't home. She was in heaven.
Taking another gracious breath, before she started softly singing ,,I…hear your voice on the wind…"
Looking around her, listening to pleasant echo, which carried her soprano all over the woods.
,,And I…hear you call out my name. "Listen my child" you say to me. "I am the voice of your history, be not afraid, come, follow me. Answer my call and I'll set you…Free !"
Prolonging her last word as much as she could, to let the echo fulfill the trees, and she would sing longer, if another voice didn't interrupt her.
,,Good day young lady…''
Valencia's voice stuck in her throat that instant, as her body gave a lurch, she nearly fell from the bough. Searching for the source of the unknown voice, when she laid her eyes on a quite tall, dark creature, half hiding by another tree.
,,I thought I heard a nightingale, and I wasn't mistaken,'' intruder continued with a slight smirk in his voice, only when he took a step from behind his hiding, princess recognized.
,,Well thank you,'' Valencia smiled politely at Wolf with dark hair, big ears, and a long, grey hairy tail, which was waving from side to side.
He was tall, and walking on his two feet, and he was dressed in clothes, a hat on his head, she could swear he nearly looked like a human, if he didn't have those ears and that tail.
,,What is such a beautiful young lady doing in here, in the middle of local woods ?'' Wolf continued, as he approached the tree, where Valencia was sitting.
,,You said it. A nightingales needs space, and great echo to sing…'' princess giggled softly, watching in awe the tale swinging behind Wolf's back.
,,That is very true. And did you come just to sing ?'' he stopped only few feet in front of the bough, looking far up to the maiden.
,,Not at all…rather to explore…you see, I've never been such deep in local woods before,'' Valencia softly smiled.
,,Then let me make you a guide. I know every inch of here, since I grew up here,'' Wolf winked, showing his hand as a sign of help. ,,Wouldn't you want to see a beautiful glade full of wild blackberries, or you'd like some pretty flowers rather ?''
Princess swallowed at the thought of forest fruit. It was couple of hours since she ate, and she wanted to spare her snack for later.
,,Blackberries you said ?'' Valencia smiled down at Wolf.
,,Blackberries, blueberries, even some strawberries-even when they're tiny, I think they'd be sweet enough for you,'' Wolf nodded, assuring young girl.
Valencia wanted to climb down, but she was too well aware of the books she read, and things she was taught from them. Such as to never trust any forest creature, especially wolves and foxes. But this one looked rather polite, and seemed to be even nice, and not like wolf at all.
Still careful in mind, princess climbed slowly down from the tree, and turned to look him in the face closely.
Wolf looked at her, and he noticed how thoroughly she watched over him.
He smirked ,,What is it my lady ?''
Valencia realized, she was observing him too much and too obviously, she didn't know what to say at first, before she let out shyly ,,I-I just…never seen a wolf before…''
,,Then this is your lucky day,'' Wolf winked with a chuckle, before he showed with his hand over the lagoon to two trees and the gap between them. ,,That way, ladies first…''
,,Sure,'' princess giggled again, slowly turning to Wolf with her back and walking forward.
Suddenly she heard a low growl from him behind her, and she felt how the shiver ran down her spine. She didn't know if it was from fear or excitement she's this close to a real wolf, but she rather gave in the fear, and she turned back to him, finding him too close to her.
,,What's wrong ?'' he asked confused, she could say nearly sad.
,,I think…I changed my mind. I live far away from here, and it'll be late when I get home, so I should go-''
,,-Nonsense !'' Wolf let out, shaking his head, the grand hat on his head shaking cutely as well. Suddenly he smiled widely, she could see his shining canines, which were only slightly bigger than by normal human. He took his hat off and bowed slightly, narrowing as he took a breath and let out in a sing song voice ,,Hello little girl. What's your rush ? You're missing all the flowers.'' He circled his hand around her shoulders, leading her straight through the gap between two trees ,,The sun won't set for hours, take your time…'' Valencia couldn't suppress another giggle, when his voice just caressed her heart.
,,Oh, slow little girl. Hark and hush-'' he went with her slowly further, showing with his other hand above them, to force her look upward too ,,-the birds are singing sweetly, you'll miss the birds completely.'' He took her hands in his, and twirled her softly in front of him ,,You're traveling so fleetly…''
,,Oh do I ?'' Valencia giggled again, crossing her hands on her chest, as she faced him again. ,,I think, I was doing great on that tree on my own,'' she smirked, wanting to turn around and walk back, if he didn't caught her hand gently, and brought her to him, so close, she nearly touched his chest with hers.
,,One moment my dear…'' he smiled, bringing her hand to his face, and pressing tiny kiss on the back of her palm, she was amazed. Holding her hand he led her through the bushes ,,Just slow little girl. Any path. So many worth exploring…just one would be so boring.'' And he led her straight to the large glade, full of beautiful flowers, laced by many shrubs, where really were many of blackberries, which looked rather sweet.
Valencia gasped, covering her mouth, at such beautiful scenery. Then she looked at blackberries, and swallowed from slight hunger.
,,And look what you're ignoring…'' Wolf smiled, letting her walk forward, she paid attention to not step at single flower, as she leaned to the shrubs, and started gathering blackberries in her palm.
She was aware of the Wolf somewhere behind her, but she didn't care so far, and ate. But then she suddenly heard him continue quietly, far behind her.
,,Look at that flesh, pink and plump…Hello little girl... Tender and fresh. Not one lump…Oh, Hello little girl. This one especially lush…mmm-delicious…''
Wide eyed, Valencia stared into blackberries, not gathering anymore, she slowly narrowed, and reached with one hand slowly, inconspicuously into her pocket bag tied around her waist, while she listened to the approaching voice.
,,Think of that scrumptious carnality, this very day…there's no possible way…to describe what you feel…''
Valencia held her breath, as she heard Wolf just behind her, when he uttered for himself, the most dreadful words she could ever hear from a predator.
,,When you're talking to your meal…''
Suddenly she heard a loud growl, and she swiftly turned around to see Wolf's-before chocolate brown-now completely yellow eyes, tightened in lust for her flesh, as he would jump straight at her, if she didn't pulled out her pocket knife, and aimed it straight at his chest, he stumbled.
,,Absolutely not !'' she nearly yelled, pointing the tip of her dagger at him, and at that moment, as sun shinned through the trees, sunbeams fell into her hazel eyes, and Wolf spotted that beautiful sparkle of her good heart. Just in her eyes. He never seen such shine in anybody's eyes.
,,You're not going to eat me ! Not this very day, not ever…I'm not afraid of using this against you,'' she said firmly, showing the small dagger more into his clothed chest, that it nearly pierced the fabric already, as Wolf lifted his hands swiftly up.
,,I'm sure about that…alright…if I promise you, I won't eat you…would you stay ?'' he asked softly, looking in her eyes still.
,,W-what ?'' Valencia let out confused, but never easing her grip on the dagger.
Wolf swallowed, his eyes closing in shame ,,…nobody comes in these parts of woods, and it's just so lonely…I mean, yes-'' he opened his eyes again, nodding ,,-people does show up in here, but they either run away, when they see me, or when they stay I-''
,,-Eat them,'' Valencia finished instead of him.
Wolf showed down his head and his ears, ashamed of himself for that very moment ,,Yes…''
,,Then why should I trust you ? When I trusted you once, and I nearly lost my life as well ?'' princess asked seriously, waiting for him to look at her again.
,,Because I will promise to you, I won't eat you…please,'' he looked deep in her eyes.
Valencia watched him for a moment, looking at his hands, which were still lifted in air in defense, his tail not moving for a moment, and his eyes so sad.
,,Swear it,'' she said determined.
Wolf hurriedly nodded ,,I swear. I swear I won't eat you.''
,,Never !'' princess pressed the dagger more to his chest, he almost felt its tip touching his skin beneath his hair.
,,I swear I will never eat you. And I will never look at you in a bad way…please,'' he begged again after his vow.
Valencia gave a nod, before putting the dagger down, just as Wolf put down his hands. She lifted her hand towards him, and he swiftly lifted his hands in defense again, afraid that she changed her mind. But she only smiled ,,We have an accord.''
He looked at her hand, and nodded, taking it and shaking hands with her, he smiled with ease ,,Yes we do.''
,,Now, if you're hungry…'' Valencia reached into her pocket bag, and as she pulled out the fresh bread, and quark, Wolf suddenly started sniffing all around, and she noticed how his tail swished behind him again.
She cut with the dagger one slice of bread, and spread the soft quark over it, offering to Wolf.
,,Are you sure ? It's your food,'' he swallowed, hypnotizing the bread in her hand.
,,I have enough for us both…with the berries all around. Here-take it,'' she smiled, giving him the slice, and he eagerly took it from her, and took a bite.
,,Mhh-delicious,'' he uttered after swallowing, offering her the truest smile.
,,Glad to hear it,'' princess nodded, and put the bread with quark and dagger back in her pocket bag, and turned around now without any fear, gathering blackberries again.
,,Wait, I will help you,'' Wolf smiled, as he ate the bread he was given within seconds, since he was really hungry for few days already. He took her hands gently in his, made a small bowl of girl's palms, and started picking the darkest blackberries, which he knew were sweetest, until her both palms were full of them.
Valencia mouthful ate the berries, before with a smile licked her fingers softly, and turned.
,,Where are you going ?'' Wolf asked, rushing behind her.
,,Back to lagoon. I'd like to yet enjoy the scenery, before I shall go home,'' she smiled, when Wolf appeared beside her.
,,And…can…can I have another-''
,,-Sure you may. Mainly don't eat me,'' Valencia already laughed at her own joke, making Wolf laugh softly too, until they reached lagoon.
They sat together below the tree by the lagoon, the shadow pleasantly cold in such hot weather. Valencia pulled out the rest of bread with quark, and cut another slice, spreading quark on it and giving it to hungry Wolf.
,,So…do you have any name ?'' Valencia smiled at him, when he eagerly ate the slice, humming at the good meal, because it was still meal.
,,Raff,'' he let out.
,,Excuse me ?'' she giggled, as it sounded so cute, like he almost barked.
,,I said my name is Raff,'' Wolf repeated.
,,Like Raffael ?'' Valencia asked, scooting her knees under her chin.
,,No…just Raff. It means "Shield Wolf"…But I'm too used to be called Wolf, or Mr. Wolf, it sort of became my name too,'' Wolf smiled, and Valencia nodded understanding.
,,How shall I call you then ? Wolf or Raff ?'' princess offered to him pleasant smile, he felt warm deep within.
,,It's upon you…'' he grinned, when she narrowed and cut another slice for him, and this time even for herself.
,,I will call you Wolfie then, if you don't mind,'' she winked as he took the bread with quark and took a bite.
,,That sounds good to me. Nobody ever called me like that-''
,,-Then let me be the first,'' she giggled, eating her own bread.
When Wolf swallowed the last piece down, he licked his lips, watching maiden eat contentedly.
,,And how may I call you ?'' he asked carefully, waiting for girl's response.
Princess smiled, swallowing too, before she uttered ,,Valencia.''
Wolf sighed almost dreamily ,,That's a beautiful name. It sounds noble. Are you a royal ?''
Valencia softly stumbled, but then she realized, he said he grew up here, and that nobody appears here so often, so he probably never went out of wood, so he obviously couldn't know, she was a princess.
She smiled warmly at him, and asked ,,What would you say ?''
He narrowed, and only slightly scooted closer to her, examining her, and sniffing all around.
,,Well, according to your clothes I would say you're a serving maid. But your voice sounds heavenly, your figure is well kept, you smell royal to me and that gleam in your eyes…who are you, Valencia ?'' he watched her dreamily, but the question hung freely in his eyes.
Valencia smiled, and nodded ,,I am a princess…''
,,Princess ? You mean you are sister to those two brats who always rushes their horses over my den, if not destroying it at all ?'' Wolf cracked his brow, his tail swishing almost wildly.
,,So this is what they're doing here all days long…well…I will ask them to rush their horses somewhere else,'' she winked at Wolf, as he smiled at her, his tail calming down again.
,,You would ? For me ?'' he grinned way more, when she nodded. ,,Well, you are much more pleasant than them.''
,,Thank you, I'll tell them-''
,,-No…I mean…I like you Valencia…'' Wolf added softly, looking in girl's eyes.
,,You can call me Val, if you want. And I like you too…Wolfie,'' she giggled in response to his near blush, when she said she likes him too. ,,I'd like to be your friend-''
,,-I'd like to be your friend too,'' he let out quicker than he could think it through.
,,Then,'' princess smiled, standing up, and sweeping off her dress crumbs of bread, as Wolf jumped up as well. She gave him her hand again, and he took it gently, when she smiled ,,On a new friends in the middle of the woods…''
,,Yes,'' Wolf nodded, shaking her hand happily.
Valencia sighed happily as well, and looked over her shoulder, then looking back at Wolf ,,Well, I think it's too late. Until I get into castle, it'll be dark already…''
,,No, not yet, please,'' Wolf begged all so suddenly.
,,I will come again tomorrow, if you wish me to ?'' princess smiled, now cracking her brow inquiringly.
,,Yes, I do. Please,'' he nodded enthusiastically, his tail wiggling behind him.
,,Alright, I will come sooner tomorrow. And I'm glad, I met you, Wolfie,'' princess smiled, the last time, before she slipped her hand off his, and turned to him with her back, walking forward, hearing him yet talk.
,,Goodbye…Valencia...''