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Past the sparkling lakes and the treacherous gorges which slice through the mountains, lies an abundantly fertile plain. This particular plain is wandered by a pack of wolves called Nightclaw, with silver hides that shimmer in the twilight. The Nightclaw guards the eastern side of the kingdom where the palace is. These wolves have been tasked with watching over and protecting the Queen of the mountains, whose royal palace lies hidden behind the three largest mountain peaks.
Inside the palace lies the gilded throne, covered in ornate carvings of hunters and wolves which protect the throne itself through magical enchantments. Within the queen’s chambers, there are elaborately decorated crystal windows that resemble the fragile ice which hangs on the tips of the spruce trees.
The Queen had no village to rule, nor did she have any people to defend. Her realm was one that was rich with mythical beasts, lakes, and rivers. Mankind, Fae, Elves, and other varieties of creatures, even her own kind Dimidion, would come and look for what she possessed from afar, which was a gift from the gods, given to her when she was a child.
A passionate and irrepressible love for all living things grew in her. She rested peacefully in her home, a land that knew no other being than her, the maidens and sirs of the palace, and the ancestors long before her. The beast in the mountain slept soundly under her palace. The queen had taken ever so keenly to Xazern. The creature with scales the color of deep blue and dark moss green patiently waited. Though presence was only needed once in a thousand years, to those who sought out war against her.
Avyan Wrythe, queen of Caelum, kingdom in the heavens, strolled through her garden. There was a beautiful bloom in the air from the giant trees, whose colors ranged from pale pink to purplish blues. Reds and oranges glistened from flowers alongside the pathway. Sparkles shimmered from the petals down the marble walkways. The garden was filled with streams of water flowing into it, providing water for the plants and animals that took refuge there.
The summer solstice was coming within the next few nights. All of the small flying creatures were out making sure that everything was to be in order for the event that was to come. A Moon Whisp flew above the queen, her golden wings shining in the nightlight. Her green skin reflected hints of gold sparkles, with extreme beauty. She landed upon a flower and bowed to her majesty, Ayvan waved to her and the Whisp giggled swiftly taking off. Watching as she flew above her head, the little Whisp whirled around her hands flying in the air to create a cloud of beautiful dust that fell to the ground. She drew her magic from the moon and lay the Stardust over the queen as a joyous gift. Smiling widely the Whisp cheerfully flew away, back to the tasks at hand.
Avyan’s fingertips brushed along a young Lumen Orchid, its petals glowing as power surged through it. Her lips curved into a smile, showing her teeth.
Avyan was graceful by nature and elegant in beauty, her eyes a deep green followed by pale blond hair that was almost white under the moon. High cheekbones by the grace of her father and full lips by her mother. Her hair fell past her waist in a braid that Cearn had pulled it into that morning.
With a howl behind her Ayvan turned, her gown whisking behind her. A wolf approached her fearlessly. His large paws spreading under the weight of him.
“Casterin how lovely it is to see you. What news have you today?” She said gently turning back to look at the display of plants in front of her.
“Good evening your Majesty.” The wolf spoke, bowing his head low to the ground. “The northern outskirts of the land have encountered a wolf roaming through the woods. Blacktails have been keeping an eye on him, his scent is not of anything we have ever smelt. Willan says that they have not seen this kind before, he is large and pure white, under the sun, however, he turns into a silver coat like us Nightclaw.”
“Dear Cas isn’t Caelum home to all creatures? Have we forgotten that beasts of all sorts live here? I have no worry for a newcomer. I have felt his presence, thought unfamiliar, I feel no harm.” Avyan let her arms fall to the side while she turned back to face Casterin. “Walk with me and tell me your worries.”
“My queen, indeed our home is to all creatures but I am not sure you understand this one. He is not like us other wolves, the packs are in worry that something may be unsafe about him.” Casterin fell into step beside the queen his paws making no noise on the glistening pathway. His fur softly blew in the night breeze.
“If you are so insistent, keep scouts along all of the borders. I do not think we are in and danger but for extra precaution, I trust you to do what you feel is best. If you do happen to find the wolf, send him to me. I shall like to speak with him.”
“Your wishes shall be satisfied.”
“Are the others prepared for Summer solstice? Spring has quickly left. However the summer growth this year will be outstandingly beautiful.”
“Yes, you Highness. The packs have gathered themselves and will all be heading over to the Courtyard in a few day’s time. But concerning the lone creature that is wandering the land, I suggest we leave some behind to stay and watch.”
“What do the Shadows think of him?” The queen said reaching the steps that lead into the palace. The doorway arched magnificently, twirling into beautiful shapes, much like the crown that adorned the queen’s forehead. They looked like the gods from the heavens placed stars ever so delicately on the entrance. The whole palace was beautiful and never ceased to amaze anyone who lay their eyes upon it. Casterin stopped at the top of the steps while the queen looked down at him.
“ They have not yet seen him. I do not think he has wandered to the southern side yet. Rutilans have spotted him quite often near Crescent Lake. He does not come near us, a very cautious wolf he is.”
“Are you sure he is a wolf?”
“It seems to be so my queen. Though as I said, he does not smell like one”
The queen nodded, “I see. If you think that there should be someone to guard the outer land then let it be done. Though I do think it only fair for those who are staying behind from the party to get a very good meal, specially made by Renderick to a choice of their liking. ”
The wolf bowed his head once more then pattered off into the garden. Avyan smiled as she watch her trusted companion go. She remembered finding Casterin when he was just a pup. His mother had died from birth and his siblings starved to death. Avyan felt the distress in her bones, as she was connected to the core of her kingdom. She had wandered out to find the call. The closer she got the deeper the feeling went. Shadows accompanied her as she wandered through her lands. The Shadows dark fur stood out in the daylight, the black absorbing the heat. She knew they must be warm so she drew a little bit of her magic to cool them. 297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcg3jmj6Gmc
Kalon the alpha of the pack howled in thanks, the group of wolves behind him following the call. Coming upon the southern side Avyan had expected the wolf pup to be black, just as the south Shadows were. In a thick patch of briars lie a silverish gray pup. Upon his nose was a dark patch that led up to his ears. Avyan reached forward and picked the small bundle of fur up. He was small and thin, hardly alive.
Leaving that night, the Shadows told her that he was part of the Nightclaw pack. His mother was a Nightclaw and his father was unknown. Avyan wondered why he was born on the South Side but she had no time to worry about that as she brought her pup back to the palace and raised him.
When he was three years old he had left to become a part of his pack and soon enough he was the alpha. Ayvan knew she could trust him with anything, and that is why he was the head of the palace guardians.
“Your highness, your tea is ready in the Solar.” A voice said behind the Queen. She turned to see Oma her housemaid, standing near the door. She was beautiful at her age, gray hair fell from her head braided neatly, and hung to her lower back. Her soft blue eyes were full of kindness and knowledge.
“Thank you,” said the queen. She started her way towards the grand staircase that lay before just inside the entrance of the palace.
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