|
Post by Taylor on Jan 31, 2007 20:04:29 GMT -5
She runs through the forest with no memory of who she is or where she's been. All she knows is that she has to get away. With only a short cotton dress and a bag with fruits, she runs. Faster and faster, and faster. She can almost feel it breathing down her neck. She jumps over a tree root and snags her sleeve om a branch. Stuck, she closes her eyes, wating for the worst. But oddly enough, when she opens them, nothing is around. "Nothing." she says in a whisper.
Something touches her shoulder and she whips around. Seeing a boy about her age she jumps back and then stops, eyeing him curiously. He watches her for only a moment then says,"Hi I'm Josh." He sticks out his hand and she shakes it with caution. He says,"So, what brings you to my forest." "Your forest." "Yes, my forest. I own it, well my dad does, but you know." "Well," she says looking around."I was being chased." "By what?" "I don't know." "Kay, so what's your name." "I don't know." "How do you not know your name?" "I just can't remember anything." "Nothing? How far back can you remember." "Umm I woke up in the forest and I heard something and I got scared so I ran and I could hear it following me and..." She started to scream and she went down on her knees. He put his arms around her almost as if he was trying to protect from some invisible force. She was clinging to his arm so tightly by the time she realized where she was there were red marks on his arm. She apoligized and he said it was okay. They walked without talking toward somewhere, she didn't know.
|
|
|
Post by Miss Murder on Feb 3, 2007 16:13:00 GMT -5
Anastasia leapt from tree to tree without noise, the large, black, catlike ears perched precariously on the top of her head tuned with prescision to the silence of the Salisaeren Forest.
King Salisaeren treasures his son far too much to let him roam alone, thought Ana, her hauntingly pale blue eyes following the Prince and the girl as they walked a path that, unbeknownst to them, was created by the very thing that the girl was trying to escape.
Full crimson lips parted, putting into view perfectly white teeth and four glistening fangs (two on top, two on bottom) as Ana breathed in the crisp air. Her long black tail swished through the air, and her milky skin glowed in the moonlight that twisted itself into the tiny braids that made up each strand of the bronze hair on her head.
With inhuman grace, Ana leapt from the branches of one tree to those of the next, keeping a silent vigil on the two figures wandering a beaten-down path that was riddled with the scent of the Monster.
This is Its turf. I should turn back and show a little sense of self-preservation. The Prince is being foolish, his mind clouded with thoughts of the pretty girl. It is his fault that he's leading them to their own demise, Ana berated herself mentally. Her long, elegant fingers curled around her current branch, indescision forcing hesitation.
Her wiry body was still, a statue hiding in the gnarled branches of the tree, the epitome of beauty. Finally, the young Neko woman continued on with her quest, and continued stalking the young two through the forest, taking on the self-appointed role of guardian.
Up ahead there was a cave. Ana felt the ground tremble with the heavy breathing of the sleeping monster. Now or never, she thought, dropping to the forest floor just before the young Humans. They both stared at the beauty before them, and Ana decided then that it would have been easier to have let them go.
She took a deep breath, her voluminous bosom rising, and falling again. Ana's attire was simple; A strapless, corset-like shirt of white leather stopping just below her ribcage, and a short, pleated, white skirt slit high up the sides for running. White boots ending just below her knees and thigh-high stockings of soft white wool covered her long, slender legs.
A plain gold band was around her upper arm, and, worst of all things, a thick black collar hid her long neck completely from view. A loop of silver was embedded in the thick leather. From it hung a few links of a thick iron chain that had been used to tether her to a dungeon wall, before she had escaped slavery.
The girl recovered first, and started becking away from Ana, unused to seeing someone look Human, but having a cat's ears and tail. "Do not be afraid of me. I am here to cause you no harm." Ana's sweet tenor voice was softer than velvet as she held out a flawless hand to the girl. "I am Anastasia, resident of the Salisaeren Forest."
The girl took Ana's outstretched hand, shaking it almost timidly under that chalky blue gaze. The girl's eyes widened as her memory gave her a name. The name that she whispered to Ana was her own.
|
|
|
Post by Taylor on Feb 3, 2007 16:30:18 GMT -5
"My name is Serina." Serina said, then said again testing it out. She nodded and said,"Ya that sounds right." She looked hopefully at the prince and he smiled back at her. A growl broke they're gaze and made her jump. She looked at Ana waiting for her to say anything useful. She knew it was what she had been running from. With blue teeth, long tounge, long legs, long arms, this almost human creature scared her to death. She didn't know why it wanted her, but it did, she could tell.
Selina heard it take a step toward them, she stepped away. She was shaking and biting her lip. Scared, she wanted to run, but something held her frozen.
|
|
|
Post by Miss Murder on Feb 3, 2007 22:27:10 GMT -5
Ana dropped instantly into an agressive crouching position, a loud, gutteral snarl ripping through the silent forest. Her black ears were flattened back against her head as she watched the monster retreat. In turn, she and the Prince and Selina moved backward, her long, slender legs still poised to spring and go at the monster's throat at any time.
The monster whimpered, unsettled by the female Neko's ferocity, and turned and scuttled back into his cave. Ana let her snarl drop to a quiet growl and, still on all fours, she herded the two young people back the way they had come, the monster's rank fragrance losing clarity, until it was completely gone.
Back upon safe ground, Ana stood and straightened her skirt as though nothing peculiar had just taken place. Then, she turned to her newfound friends. "Prince; we must get you back to your father's camp. Selina; the king may know something of your past. We must go now, before he gathers his nerve and comes after us."
"Wha-what was he?" Selina stammered, taking Ana's hand into a death grip. Ana sighed. "He is a spectre. A ghost, able to morph his appearance into anything to lead humans into his trap, then feed off of their soul." Selina paled and gripped Ana's hand tighter, and they began to walk.
|
|
|
Post by Taylor on Feb 4, 2007 12:00:54 GMT -5
Selina walked, very frightened, and confused. A ghost, a spectre. She had heard of those before, from her mother. Her mother, she remembered her mother. Dark hair with curls, very different than Selina's hair which is golden and perfectly straight. She stood perfectly still for a moment seeing her mother in a memory. Her hand was pulled forrward and so was her mind. Reality came sweeping in as they approched a big beautiful castle. "We're almost there." she heard someone say, but couldn't tell because she was staring at the castle. Then a sound. First it was quiet, but then it got louder, she recognized it. It wasn't that ghost, but something worse. She spun to face him. This man was standing by a tree staring at her. She stared back and begun to remember him. Flashes of memories came, a dark room, him standing with her in the dark room, a dark castle, her father dead, her mother alive, but the worst memory was her in the dark room and him walking in and making her drink this liquid. No more memories came to her and when she opened her eyes, he was standing right in front of her. Selina screamed.
|
|
|
Post by Miss Murder on Feb 4, 2007 16:53:54 GMT -5
Ana held a gleaming blade to the man's throat. "Touch her and you die, Dominick." She said calmly. Her voice was a low, dangerous purr, barely audible to human ears.
Dominick sighed, his broad shoulders lowering from an offensive position. Ana glared at the back of his head with heated annoyance, and lowered her sword. "What are you doing here?" Dominick's voice was silken as he turned his coal black eyes on Ana. The corners of his round lips tugged upward into a coquettish smile as he looked her over.
Ana growled, crossing her wiry arms over her chest, and fixed Dominick with a menacing scowl. "I do not wish to disclose that information to you." She stressed the last word, and he smirked, leaning closer to her. "In all my three hundred-some years, I've never even dreamed a Neko to be so beautiful." Dominick wove his long, pale fingers through Ana's bronze braids, then let his strong hand rest on her bare shoulder.
His hand was ice on Ana's skin, but she didn't notice. She frowned, but said nothing as Dominick's other hand came to rest on her cheek, and he gently brushed his fingertips across her high cheekbone, looking over her face curiously. "You do know that the agreement is no longer in place, correct, Anastasia?" Dominick whispered to Ana, his face dangerously close to hers.
"Correct, Dominick. But really; how many times must I insist that you call me Ana?" Her full crimson lips moved into a brilliant smile as she embraced Dominick, taking him by surprise.
"How old are you, now, Ana?" He asked, searching the forest behind her with his ebony eyes. "Eightteen two months ago." Ana said absentmindedly, watching Price Joshua take Selina into the castle. "Good." Was all that Dominick replied. "I am here on strict business with the King. Now, I believe we should go into the castle."
Ana nodded and walked beside Dominick into the castle, keeping both eyes trained on the forest, knowing full well what monsters could emerge.
|
|
|
Post by Taylor on Feb 10, 2007 20:21:38 GMT -5
Selina walked into the castle with Josh, one last time she looked back and saw Ana and that man. She followed Josh down a long hallway with painting of old men. There were three doors at the end of the corridor. A big one in the center and two smaller ones on the sides. They walked into the door on the right, inside was a small kitchen. Three cooks were baking something that smelled like cinnamon apple. Josh stopped and stood behind her. He put his hands over her eyes gently and led her through another door.
When he put his hands down and she opened her eyes a beautiful room, with a huge chandelier above a long table. At the head of the table was a tall muscular man and a petite woman sitting next to him. They both had on a crown. Josh walked up to them and said,"Mom, Dad, this is Selina, I found her running in the forest. She has no memory of who she is or where she came from so..." Selina looked hopefully at the King and Queen. Then said,"I really hope you could help me find my family. I promise I won't be a burden at all." The king nodded and a maid walked in. He said,"You may give Selina the yellow guest room and get her some fresh clothes." "Oh thank you." Selina said, following the maid.
|
|
|
Post by Miss Murder on Feb 11, 2007 17:44:54 GMT -5
Ana watched Dominick, her pale blue eyes sharp for body language. He was tense, and his big hands weren't still. They folded themselves behind and in front of Dominick, making Ana restless herself.
"Dominick?" Ana stopped suddenly, just a few the castle gates. "Yes?" Dominick turned his intensely dark eyes upon Ana again. "Are you returning to Rinovrin?" Ana asked hesitantly, hating the question, but having to ask it.
"No, I'm not." Dominick said, his handsome face exprossionless, and turned to the guard. "Strict business with his highness, Reuben." Dominick told the stocky, barrel-chested man.
"The lady with you?" Reuben asked, turning eyes filled with kindness toward Ana. "Of course." Dominick offered Ana his arm in an unexpected act of chivalry, which she took, giving Reuben a small smile before they slipped into the castle.
"Ana, does King Salisaeren and his Queen know who you are and where you came from?" Dominick was leading Ana toward three small doors down a long, portrait-filled corridor, when he asked her the dreaded questions.
"No." Ana replied softly, looking away from him, hoping he wouldn't sell the strong salt in the tears rolling down her cheeks. But he did; It was, actually, an inevitable question. Dominick hated to ask her this, because he knew what the outcome would be.
"Ana, please, don't cry. You know I hate it when you cry." He whispered, brushing the tears from her face. Ana didn't want to cry. It made her feel pathetic and small, like an insignificant speck of wasted life that no one noticed or cared for.
"I know, Dominick. I know." Ana was sobbing freely now, and Dominick pulled her against his hard, cold body, fighting with himself. Finally, he picked her up, her faced buried in his shoulder, and ran with her. Up two flights of stairs, three right turns, and eleven left doors on the right side of the hall, Dominick opened a large mahogany door.
Inside, the room was painted black, with black carpet and a huge bed with black sheets. Gingerly, Dominick tried to lay Ana down on the bed, but she clung to him, her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist.
"Ana," He whispered defeatedly, sitting on the edge of the bed. "What am I going to do with you?"
"I don't know, Dom." Ana said into his chest, releasing her hold on him and relaxing a bit. "I have to go." He said, trying to fight displeasure from his voice at having to leave her now, so soon after just finding her again. But knew he knew where she was, and could have someone keep an eye on her until he came back from his meeting with his Highness.
Ana's eyes drifted shut, and she fell into a heavy sleep, lying on the black bed in the black room.
|
|
|
Post by Taylor on Feb 11, 2007 21:48:36 GMT -5
Selina walked with the maid for about five minutes until she came to a room. It was beautiful, yellow roses and yellow walls. Even yellow flooring, but the amazing thing was the yellow was all different shades and it blended perfectly. The maid walked out and Selina examined the room. The maid came back in handed her a pink dress, with white fringe along the edges. The maid left, but before she said,"Put that on and join the King for dinner. You have five minutes to freshen up." She left and Selina slipped on the dress. She examined herself in the mirror astonished at how beatiful the dress was. She then walked into the bathroom and stuck a hairpin in her hair. Pinning it up and flipping it over, was a style her mother always had. She stopped walking and thought about her mother. That's all she could remember so far though.
She reached the dining hall and opened the door. Josh turned around to look at her and stood. She giggled, since he was staring at her. She walked over to him and he held a chair for her. She sat next to him, and noticed him watching her. The King and Queen noticed that Joshua was looking at Selina longingly and they smiled at each other. Selina blushed and looked at the table.
|
|
|
Post by Miss Murder on Feb 13, 2007 9:45:55 GMT -5
"Ana, wake up. Please," Ana opened her pale eyes and stared at Dominick, her eyes veiled with lost sleep. "Wha....?" Ana only formed a half-question, letting the rest of the sentence drop.
"The King wants to meet you. I told him about you, along with how you protected the girl. And his son." Dominick said this as he carefully unfolded a dress, clearly meant for Ana.
She gasped in admiration. It was beautiful, yet simple at the same time; the skirt didn't poof out, but flowed gently to the ground. Ana gave Dominick a warning look and, smiling mischeviously, he stepped outside.
The shining fabric rustled as Ana dropped her normal clothes to the wooden floor and pulled on the magnificent dress.
She tied a wide black ribbon around her thin waist, after tightening the lacing in the back so that the strapless dress would not slip.
Ana fingered the big, ugly black collar around her neck. Horrible. "Here, love. Let me help you." Dominick was suddenly behind Ana, and seconds later, the collar fell to the floor silently.
Then, a fountain necklace, dripping with diamonds, was laced around her long, elegant white neck. Ana gasped, staring at the shimmering thing, not noticing when Dominick sat her down gently on the black bed, sliding black velvet slippers onto her small feet.
When he straightened, Dominick took Ana's hand and helped her to stand, admiring the awesome beauty that she held. Her chalky blue eyes shone brilliantly, and the smile on her rose petal lips warmed his heart. Her bronze braids reflected the flickering light from the oil lamps placed sparingly around the big room, and even her large, black, cat's ears and tail were beatiful.
Suddenly, Ana reached up and touched a lock of Dominick's soft black hair, and looked into his eyes. They weren't black, like they had been in the poor light of the forest. They were a deep hunter green, flecked with silver.
"Come now, Ana, we must go to dinner. You're hungry." I t wasn't a question, it was a statement. Dominick could read Ana like a book, when a lot of other people hardly even caught a glimpse of her. Ana's tail flicked the air, and she let him lead her into a great room, with a long table.
At the head was King Salisaeren. To his right was the Queen. To his left was Prince Josh, and diagonal from him, next to the Queen, was Selina.
All eyes lifted to Ana the Neko, and Dominick the half-demon.
Dominick bowed, and, at the same time, Ana curtsied shyly.
"Welcome, Anastasia and Dominick, to our home!" The King boomed grandly, sweeping across the room, shaking ands with Dominick and enveloping Ana in a warm, fatherly hug.
"Please, you Highnesses, call me Ana." Ana said, blushing slightly as the queen, too, hugged Ana in a greatful, joyous way.
"Hello, Ana," Said Prince Josh, shaking Ana's hand and smiling at her.
"Ana!" Selina called, hugging her new friend fiercely. "Hello, Selina," Ana hugged her back, then stepped away to look her over, and saw that Selina did the same, now marveling at the dress.
"You look so beautiful, Ana," Selina breathed as Ana sat next to her at the long table. Ana smiled brightly. "So do you, Selina." Ana said queitly, noting how the Prince looked at Selina, seeming not to notice anyone or anything else.
Then, a cold hand enveloped Ana's, and she looked across the wide table, set with a glorious feast of food, at Dominick. "Selina, this is Dominick. Dominick, this is Selina." Ana introduced them, and they smiled in polite conversation.
Ana looked at the Prince. He was looking a little suspiciously from Dominick to Selina as they spoke, but then saw how just, ever so slyly, Dominick laced his own long, pale fingers with Ana's.
Almost looking ashamed, Prince Josh went back to his food, until Selina began to talk to him again. Dominick looked at Ana, and Ana looked outside. The moon was full, hanging low in the sky, reflected off of a lake outside the caslte.
"Come with me, Ana." Dominick whispered, letting go of Ana's hand and standing, unnoticed by the lovestruck Prince and Selina, and the King and Queen, who were engrossed in a conversation with a maid.
Silently, Ana walked to the end of the table, then moved closer to Dominick, taking his arm as they walked outside.
|
|
|
Post by Taylor on Feb 13, 2007 20:15:55 GMT -5
Selina was talking to Josh about her mother. All she could remember that is when the subject switched over to Ana. Selina looked over at her and noticed she was gone. She turned to Dominick and he was gone too. Selina became confused and looked at Josh. He was looking around curiously too. Then he shrugged and turned to face her. Selina looked back at him and just stared. He stared back then he kissed her. She kissed him back, softly, kind of embarressed because his parents were watching. She pulled away and looked at the floor. He took her hand and stood. She stood too and he led her out of the room.
|
|
|
Post by Miss Murder on Feb 14, 2007 14:44:20 GMT -5
Ana stood by the lake, poised, her eyes closed. She took in the feel of the moonlight on her skin, loving the silence of everything. The only thing that moved was the cascade of Dogwood petals that swirled in a rhythmic dance over the surface of the lake.
"Anastasia, will you grace me with a dance?" Ana's eyes fluttered open, and she looked at Dominick, bowing gracefully before her. "Of course, Dominick." She let him take her hand and pull her close to him, and settled her hands on his broad shoulders. She felt his other hand easily on her waist, and they started to twirl around in a classical Waltz.
Ana kept her gaze fixed on Dominick's face, took in his somewhat startled reaction as she laid her head gently on his cold chest. But he smiled, slowing the dance gradually until they were just turning and swaying slowly, the only noise the gentle swish of the hem of Ana's silk dress on the dry grass.
Ana smiled to herself as Dominick moved his hand to settle in the small of her back. She giggled quietly as he kissed one of her large black ears, then the other with soft, cool lips. Then, she noticed, they had stopped dancing, and stood still, parallel with the lake.
Ana looked up at Dominick, only so scarcely noting that is face was nearing hers, gradually, and that she wasn't moving away. "You smell like....lilacs..." Dominick whispered, hugging Ana closer to him. "Thanks," Ana whispered, batting her eyelashes at him.
Dominick kissed her, and she kissed him back, both their hearts pounding wildly. Ana knotted her fingers in his soft hair, and he moved one hand to the back of her long neck. She moved one hand down Dominick's chest, and started to slip off his tuxedo jacket. Dominick broke their kiss slowly, leaning his forhead against hers, both of them gasping for air.
"Wow, Ana," Dominick breathed. His breath smells like cinnamon, Ana thought, blushing. "Sorry, Dom... I don't know what-" Dominick pressed a finger to her lips, silencing her, and kissed her softly, slowly, savoring the warmth of her body against his.
Ana's eyes opened as the castle door squeaked, and out walked the Prince and Selina. They froze, seeing Ana and Dominick, Selina trying to supress giggles. Josh stopped and walked the other way, just as Dominick looked over his shoulder. He turned back to Ana, a crooked smirk on his face. He lifted her into his arms, bridal style, and walked smoothly to the castle door, as if she weighed less than nothing.
"Dominick?" Ana asked, leaning her head against his strong chest. "Hmmm?"
"Where are we going?"
"You're going to sleep. You're tired."
"Okay." Ana yawned, a heavy sleepiness clouding her mind.
When they got back to the black room, Ana groggily dropped the pretty dress to the floor, so tired that she didn't care that she was in her undergarments in front of Dominick. He handed her a white nightshirt, which she tuged over her head , nearly asleep where she stood.
"Good night, love," Dominick whispered as Ana curled up against him in the big black bed. "Good night, Dom," She whispered, using his nickname from so long ago. "I'll be here when you wake up, love. Promise." Dominick said, more to himself than her, twirling a thin braid of Ana's hair around his long finger, kissing her on the forhead as she sank into deep, dreamless sleep.
|
|
|
Post by Taylor on Feb 18, 2007 15:27:16 GMT -5
Selina was sitting on a bench thinking about her parents. They were still a little fuzzy. A tear escaped and Josh brushed it off. She took his hand and examined it. It was so strong. She burst into tears. She could feel the warmth of his body as he hugged her. She whispered,"I'm scared." He picked her up and she fell asleep in his arms as he carried her to her room.
|
|
|
Post by Miss Murder on Feb 19, 2007 15:03:37 GMT -5
Ana grunted and tried to roll over as bright morning sunlight fell across her face. But Dominick was lying on his side, making it impossible for her to move in that direction. So, improvising, Ana yanked a pillow over her head and tried to get back to sleep. Chuckling, Dominick gently pulled the pillow away.
Ana opened one blue eye, glowering at Dominick. It was hard not to laugh, though. She couldn't stay mad at him. Not now. Sighing, she sat up, leaning back against the head board of the bed. "You should probably eat now, Ana." Dominick said, sliding off the bed . Ana curled up into a ball, smiling, and puled the heavy black blanket over her head.
Seconds later, Dominick pulled the blanket back off of her. "Good morning." He said, smirking. "Ha. Ha. Ha." Ana feigned laughter, crossing her arms over her chest and wrapping her tail around her waist. "Here, love. Put these on." Dominick handed Ana her clothes, which had obviously been washed.
"Not with you in here!" She cried, pushing him out the door. "I won't peek. I promise." Dominick told her, putting his hand over his heart, but crossing his fingers behind his back. Ana rolled her eyes. "If you weren't going to peek, you would stay out with no objection."
With that she closed the door, changing quickly. When she opened the door, Dominick was there, wearing black dress pants and a white button-up shirt, along with shiny black leather shoes. Ana hurried back into the room, pulling her boots back on. She smiled appologetically at Dominick, taking the arm he offered her.
They walked in comfortable silence until they were outside of the big door to the Dining Hall. Dominick stopped Ana, pulling her close to him. They kissed again, as they had last night. Ana pulled away, hearing footsteps. She looked back at Dominick. "Sorry. I heard footsteps." She whispered. Dominick leaned down, kissing Ana softly as a sign of forgiveness. Then, She took his arm and they wlked together into the Dining Hall.
|
|
|
Post by Taylor on Feb 19, 2007 20:34:07 GMT -5
Selina woke to a bright day. She sat up and yawned, then surprised to see a cute brown outfit laying over the arm of the chair. Knee long, with pink embroider around. Then a red rose was layed over the top. A note said,'Selina, Meet me in the tower, we'll have a picnic.' Selina sighed lovingly and slipped on the dress. Brown flats were sitting on the floor and she slipped into it. Brushing her teeth and brushing her long hair, she walked out. Following the long hallway to the tower, she sang softly to herself. Her perfect voice flowed in and out every room. As she came to the door, it opened with a loud creek. Selina walked up the stairs one by one, singing her song. About halfway through the circular a voice starts singing with her. She looked up and Josh was looking down at her singing too. She started going faster, up and up, then a hole in the stairs. She looked at the big hole. There was no way she could jump it. Josh appeared at the other side and gasped at the sight. He told Selina to wait there and he attempted to jump it. She screamed for him not to, but he did and he made it. Selina hugged him and said,"You are so dumb, but I'm glad you made it."
They walked down a little more, then they fell through a hole down into a pond. Selina gasped for air and swam to the surface. She looked for Josh and he was under her. She swam down and pulled him out. Breathing heavily, she pulled him to ground and she slapped him. He woke and she laughed and hugged his wet body. He put his hands on her cheeks and she leaned down toward him. Then suddenly she was lifted off the ground by a masked man. Josh jumped up and was pushed down by his foot. With Selina struggling for his to let go of her, he swung her over his shoulder and walked away. Josh stood and ran toward them. Selina screamed his name and the masked man dropped her onto a bed and punched Josh, knocking him unconcious.
|
|