Chapter One
Through the Rabbit hole again!
The sun had begun setting in Central Park and the sky was a mix of colours from
blood red to brilliant purple. The park had rarely exhibited sure beauty. Its location in
the city of New York almost guaranteed that it was unkept and dirty. To most people
this time of night was dangerous with muggers prowling the park grounds. This did
not worry Virginia even though she was heavily pregnant, but then again nobody had
a real life Wolf to protect them. Looking at him he looked majestic, leaving Virginia
to wonder why she was so reluctant to open up to him. Here and now she was
beginning to understand more and more about the mysterious Wolf. These past few
months had been a revelation. Wolf had shown himself to be extremely affectionate
and caring. A perfect father to be, as well as a husband.
Wolf looked around the park, scanning for danger. No one was going to hurt
his Virginia no matter what they did. He would make sure of their safety. Even with
the heavy amount of baggage he was carrying he still was on full alert. Looking
around to see if anyone was around, Wolf spotted no one. Indicating to Virginia to go
in to the hedgerow, he took one last sniff to be sure, then followed her in.
Virginia looked around in a place that was becoming far too familiar. Her father had
not returned as he had said and only sent a note as not to worry her. A month back she
received another note telling her when she could return. Upon this thought she pulled
a small piece of paper out of her pocket. It was a letter from her father, Tony, and told
her when to come here. The parchment read:
Dear Virginia and Wolf,
Your arrival is expected for 8 o'clock Tuesday, 3 weeks from now. The mirror will
be activated at that time exactly. The prince has already planned a big ceremony in
celebration of your return. I tried to deter him but he would hear none of it, so don't
blame me. I hope to see you soon and tell Wolf I'm still watching him.
I love honey, see you in the 4th kingdom,
Love Tony.
Virginia smiled, she had missed her father's company these past few months
and was excited to be seeing him again. Apparently he had received a job from Prince
Wendell, some government type job he had said. Vague was his description as always.
She secretly believed he was afraid to come back in case he was arrested. After all he
still was technically a fugitive.
Wolf placed their luggage on the grass that was surrounded by thick bushes
that helped conceal the mirror. Virginia felt her back begin to ache, another virtue of
being pregnant. Wolf noticed her discomfort and in an effort to ease her pain he
approached her and began massaging her back. There was something about Wolf's
presence which was wholly magical.
"Ah my hero!" Virginia said jokingly.
" I am here to serve, my lady." Wolf replied. Wolf still continued to act like a
faithful servant but his banter was beginning to become less flattering and more
friendly, something Virginia preferred. He spoke with a softness that touched
Virginias heart. They remained that way for a few silent moments, not needing to say
any words. They basked in the comfort of their company.
Ever since they had returned Wolf and Virginia had grown closer together. In
the past few months they had shared with each other past memories. They both had
begun to open up about each other. The fact that she was having his child brought
them that much closer. As Wolf had said before wolves mated for life and this
certainly seemed true so far. At night Wolf would recall tales from the nine
kingdoms, after all Virginia had 500 years of fairytales to catch up on. Wolf seldom
spoke of his past just saying that he was an ignorant cub and that it was all behind
him. Virginia never pushed to reveal his past, respecting his privacy. She had known
that his parents were killed by farmers but otherwise he remained tight lipped. Perhaps
one day he would disclose this information. This was not important now though.
They were madly in love and in Wolf she saw her future. Deep down Virginia was
afraid that her perfect image of Wolf, the hero, would be shattered.
Their relationship had grown and Virginia felt feelings towards Wolf which
she had never felt before. Wolf was indeed someone she would like to spend the rest
of her life with. The discovery that she was pregnant had surprised her but also
pleased her. She had felt for some time that her life was slowly slipping away. Before
meeting and becoming involved with Wolf she had not been in a relationship for a
long time. Her foray in to the world of dating was not without its casualties, most of
which were inflicted on her side. She had begun to feel that she would never meet a
decent man and would spend her entire life with her father. This had saddened her,
and she believed that she would never experience motherhood. This more than
anything bother her and on occasion she would wish that she meet her own prince
charming.
Virginia no longer had to feel this way, as she had met her prince charming
and was about to have a child. Her wish had come true. The start of the pregnancy was
confusing and it was not until her and Wolf attended some classes on it and had seen a
doctor that they began to feel better. As the baby grew inside so did their love. The
baby was according to Wolf, very strong and happy. Wolf had demonstrated on many
occasions to be able to sense the child's mood. There was no denying that Wolf had a
connection with their unborn child. Virginia had felt some connection but believed it
to be a result of her motherly instinct but Wolf had a real connection with it. He
would lie on her stomach and talk to it as if they were having a conversation, often
relaying things to her. Things such as the baby says hi or that he was hungry and to
stop eating pickles as he did not like the way they tasted. It was funny to Virginia who
had always believed that the mother had the bond with the child, in this case it was the
father. The connection was much like the mysterious way that Wolf had acted to the
boy in the gypsy camp. He had said that when speaking to the gypsy Queens
grandson that no words were necessary. She wondered now just how true that was.
As if on cue, the baby began kicking and Virginia cursed its energetic
movements when she was herself so tired. Virginia had become accustomed to this
almost daily routine. She placed her hands on he stomach and began rubbing. Almost
immediately her ring began singing. Its soft lullaby soothing and she could feel the
baby relax.
"The baby is kicking" Virginia said as a smile crossed her face.
" I know" Wolf replied "It's excited, as am I". Virginia sensed that wolf
connection again and it was somewhat puzzling.
Wolf's time in New York was not without some degree of difficulty or
surprises. This was after all a new place to him and had many customs he was unable
to comprehend. She knew he felt some what caged in by the high rise buildings. Like
a dog he would jump at the chance to go to the park. There he would sit and stare at
her and they would cuddle. Once Virginia hit upon the idea of bringing him to the
viewing level of the empire state building. He was mesmerised by the city's expanse.
Although he compared the building to a beanstalk and even asked her were their any
giants in this world. But no matter how much Virginia tried to get Wolf accustomed to
life in her world, he still yearned for his own. Virginia had already decided herself
that she would live in the nine kingdoms if Wolf really wanted her to. Their love was
that important to her.
Virginia also felt that she would be unable to have her child here. It was after
all part wolf and how would she be able to explain that to the doctors. It was a sad
realisation that she had in knowing that in both worlds, her child would be persecuted.
Except in the nine kingdoms she had some influence with the king. For now they sat
and waited in each others arms, listening to her rings sweet song.
It was a exactly 8 O'clock that when suddenly the air in front of them began to
shimmer and the image of her father, King Wendell and his aides formed. Virginia
saw her father all dressed up in ceremonial clothes as he waved joyously at them,
destroying any image of importance he held. Wolf picked up their baggage and once
again gestured for her to go first. Virginia began walking towards the mirror and
turning just before she entered to get one last glimpse of New York city. It could be
the last time she saw the city for a long time. She stepped through the mirror and
everything around her turned momentarily black. An instant later, she emerged in the
banquette hall.
She hugged her father and gave him a kiss. Next the Prince surprisingly gave
Virginia a hug. Virginia smiled, bemused. " Welcome back fair Virginia" Wendell
said happily. " We have missed you" They turned waiting for Wolf to follow.
Instead a bag came flying through followed by three others. Prince Wendell's aides
quickly gathered these and brought them to an unseen area. finally Wolf appeared
smiling. " Hello grampa" Wolf boomed with his arms outstretched. Grasping Tony in
a tight embrace. Virginia could almost hear fathers ribs cracking. Tony began to
struggle but Wolf still was not letting go. Virginia muffled a laugh instead she just
smiled. It was Prince Wendell who came to Tony's rescue. " Welcome Wolf" the
prince called "we have missed your company in the court". Wolf finally let go of a
relieved Tony. " Yes it is good to be home" Wolf replied glancing towards Virginia.
" Come there have been many happenings since your departure" Wendell said
directing them to the table. " There are many stories to be told and much preparations
to be made"
Through the Rabbit hole again!
The sun had begun setting in Central Park and the sky was a mix of colours from
blood red to brilliant purple. The park had rarely exhibited sure beauty. Its location in
the city of New York almost guaranteed that it was unkept and dirty. To most people
this time of night was dangerous with muggers prowling the park grounds. This did
not worry Virginia even though she was heavily pregnant, but then again nobody had
a real life Wolf to protect them. Looking at him he looked majestic, leaving Virginia
to wonder why she was so reluctant to open up to him. Here and now she was
beginning to understand more and more about the mysterious Wolf. These past few
months had been a revelation. Wolf had shown himself to be extremely affectionate
and caring. A perfect father to be, as well as a husband.
Wolf looked around the park, scanning for danger. No one was going to hurt
his Virginia no matter what they did. He would make sure of their safety. Even with
the heavy amount of baggage he was carrying he still was on full alert. Looking
around to see if anyone was around, Wolf spotted no one. Indicating to Virginia to go
in to the hedgerow, he took one last sniff to be sure, then followed her in.
Virginia looked around in a place that was becoming far too familiar. Her father had
not returned as he had said and only sent a note as not to worry her. A month back she
received another note telling her when she could return. Upon this thought she pulled
a small piece of paper out of her pocket. It was a letter from her father, Tony, and told
her when to come here. The parchment read:
Dear Virginia and Wolf,
Your arrival is expected for 8 o'clock Tuesday, 3 weeks from now. The mirror will
be activated at that time exactly. The prince has already planned a big ceremony in
celebration of your return. I tried to deter him but he would hear none of it, so don't
blame me. I hope to see you soon and tell Wolf I'm still watching him.
I love honey, see you in the 4th kingdom,
Love Tony.
Virginia smiled, she had missed her father's company these past few months
and was excited to be seeing him again. Apparently he had received a job from Prince
Wendell, some government type job he had said. Vague was his description as always.
She secretly believed he was afraid to come back in case he was arrested. After all he
still was technically a fugitive.
Wolf placed their luggage on the grass that was surrounded by thick bushes
that helped conceal the mirror. Virginia felt her back begin to ache, another virtue of
being pregnant. Wolf noticed her discomfort and in an effort to ease her pain he
approached her and began massaging her back. There was something about Wolf's
presence which was wholly magical.
"Ah my hero!" Virginia said jokingly.
" I am here to serve, my lady." Wolf replied. Wolf still continued to act like a
faithful servant but his banter was beginning to become less flattering and more
friendly, something Virginia preferred. He spoke with a softness that touched
Virginias heart. They remained that way for a few silent moments, not needing to say
any words. They basked in the comfort of their company.
Ever since they had returned Wolf and Virginia had grown closer together. In
the past few months they had shared with each other past memories. They both had
begun to open up about each other. The fact that she was having his child brought
them that much closer. As Wolf had said before wolves mated for life and this
certainly seemed true so far. At night Wolf would recall tales from the nine
kingdoms, after all Virginia had 500 years of fairytales to catch up on. Wolf seldom
spoke of his past just saying that he was an ignorant cub and that it was all behind
him. Virginia never pushed to reveal his past, respecting his privacy. She had known
that his parents were killed by farmers but otherwise he remained tight lipped. Perhaps
one day he would disclose this information. This was not important now though.
They were madly in love and in Wolf she saw her future. Deep down Virginia was
afraid that her perfect image of Wolf, the hero, would be shattered.
Their relationship had grown and Virginia felt feelings towards Wolf which
she had never felt before. Wolf was indeed someone she would like to spend the rest
of her life with. The discovery that she was pregnant had surprised her but also
pleased her. She had felt for some time that her life was slowly slipping away. Before
meeting and becoming involved with Wolf she had not been in a relationship for a
long time. Her foray in to the world of dating was not without its casualties, most of
which were inflicted on her side. She had begun to feel that she would never meet a
decent man and would spend her entire life with her father. This had saddened her,
and she believed that she would never experience motherhood. This more than
anything bother her and on occasion she would wish that she meet her own prince
charming.
Virginia no longer had to feel this way, as she had met her prince charming
and was about to have a child. Her wish had come true. The start of the pregnancy was
confusing and it was not until her and Wolf attended some classes on it and had seen a
doctor that they began to feel better. As the baby grew inside so did their love. The
baby was according to Wolf, very strong and happy. Wolf had demonstrated on many
occasions to be able to sense the child's mood. There was no denying that Wolf had a
connection with their unborn child. Virginia had felt some connection but believed it
to be a result of her motherly instinct but Wolf had a real connection with it. He
would lie on her stomach and talk to it as if they were having a conversation, often
relaying things to her. Things such as the baby says hi or that he was hungry and to
stop eating pickles as he did not like the way they tasted. It was funny to Virginia who
had always believed that the mother had the bond with the child, in this case it was the
father. The connection was much like the mysterious way that Wolf had acted to the
boy in the gypsy camp. He had said that when speaking to the gypsy Queens
grandson that no words were necessary. She wondered now just how true that was.
As if on cue, the baby began kicking and Virginia cursed its energetic
movements when she was herself so tired. Virginia had become accustomed to this
almost daily routine. She placed her hands on he stomach and began rubbing. Almost
immediately her ring began singing. Its soft lullaby soothing and she could feel the
baby relax.
"The baby is kicking" Virginia said as a smile crossed her face.
" I know" Wolf replied "It's excited, as am I". Virginia sensed that wolf
connection again and it was somewhat puzzling.
Wolf's time in New York was not without some degree of difficulty or
surprises. This was after all a new place to him and had many customs he was unable
to comprehend. She knew he felt some what caged in by the high rise buildings. Like
a dog he would jump at the chance to go to the park. There he would sit and stare at
her and they would cuddle. Once Virginia hit upon the idea of bringing him to the
viewing level of the empire state building. He was mesmerised by the city's expanse.
Although he compared the building to a beanstalk and even asked her were their any
giants in this world. But no matter how much Virginia tried to get Wolf accustomed to
life in her world, he still yearned for his own. Virginia had already decided herself
that she would live in the nine kingdoms if Wolf really wanted her to. Their love was
that important to her.
Virginia also felt that she would be unable to have her child here. It was after
all part wolf and how would she be able to explain that to the doctors. It was a sad
realisation that she had in knowing that in both worlds, her child would be persecuted.
Except in the nine kingdoms she had some influence with the king. For now they sat
and waited in each others arms, listening to her rings sweet song.
It was a exactly 8 O'clock that when suddenly the air in front of them began to
shimmer and the image of her father, King Wendell and his aides formed. Virginia
saw her father all dressed up in ceremonial clothes as he waved joyously at them,
destroying any image of importance he held. Wolf picked up their baggage and once
again gestured for her to go first. Virginia began walking towards the mirror and
turning just before she entered to get one last glimpse of New York city. It could be
the last time she saw the city for a long time. She stepped through the mirror and
everything around her turned momentarily black. An instant later, she emerged in the
banquette hall.
She hugged her father and gave him a kiss. Next the Prince surprisingly gave
Virginia a hug. Virginia smiled, bemused. " Welcome back fair Virginia" Wendell
said happily. " We have missed you" They turned waiting for Wolf to follow.
Instead a bag came flying through followed by three others. Prince Wendell's aides
quickly gathered these and brought them to an unseen area. finally Wolf appeared
smiling. " Hello grampa" Wolf boomed with his arms outstretched. Grasping Tony in
a tight embrace. Virginia could almost hear fathers ribs cracking. Tony began to
struggle but Wolf still was not letting go. Virginia muffled a laugh instead she just
smiled. It was Prince Wendell who came to Tony's rescue. " Welcome Wolf" the
prince called "we have missed your company in the court". Wolf finally let go of a
relieved Tony. " Yes it is good to be home" Wolf replied glancing towards Virginia.
" Come there have been many happenings since your departure" Wendell said
directing them to the table. " There are many stories to be told and much preparations
to be made"