The wolf and the lady

[Crimson Stormfire]

THE WOLF AND THE LADY


Once there was a great black wolf, fiercely guarding the boundaries and the inner ways of the elder forest. it was late October, the sun streamed through a thousand leaves streaking the fertile green matte with a million colors. the great wolfs' black fur caught the streaming sun and held it close as he thank his brother for sharing his warmth. The sounds of painful and sorrowful screams reached the wolfs ears as he was enjoying his day. He took to the sound as fast as he could, over the ridge ahead above the valley of hearts lake he witnessed the first. the forest had caught fire, but even though a wildfire in heartsoul forest was not uncommon something new was, it glistened in the smoke and bellowed and screamed. the trees as they were pushed asunder, screamed in agony. the great wolf leaped from his post and rushed into the scene fangs bared, charged with protecting the heartsoul forest with his life he fought. and found the beasts made of rubber and steel. he fought valiantly but was inevitably forced back, not that he did not inflict heavy damage on the metal creatures of ruination. he felt the first flakes of new snow land on his slashed snout and he look around the once beautiful autumn twilight forest, and saw it wasnt the first of winter, it was in fact the middle of winter. he saw the trees were twisted and black from fire the new snow did not hide their torment and their wails of sorrow reached his ears, the pain was too much. he ran through the snow knowing what he was to do. Ice began collecting in his fur until when he reached the hearts lake his entire body was weighted with ice, a living ice sculpture. he went to the edge of the water and lightly dipped in his tongue, careful the ice in his fur not touch the water. the water was near freezing he figured. he walked slowly struggling with weight of the ice. he made his way to the top of the ridge onto the overlook where he sang at night. he raised his head, laid his ears back and song his song of despair. his lonesome voice echoed through the twisted and ruined boughs of the once lush forest. When his song of sadness and despair was over the great wolf plunged himself into the water, the ice in his fur flash freezing the lake, around him. his heart slowed and stopped, his mind slowed and stopped and his eyes closed. Eventually the great wolf felt his heart began beating slowly in his chest.

His vision was blurry when he opened his eyes, but he could tell he was being moved. light streamed from somewhere and he was being dragged towards it. he swirled his head about and saw that a red claw was gently in his fur around his chest, he could still see the white from the ice in his fur. he began to struggle to swim as his heart got stronger and his physical strength returned. the claw released itself nearer to the surface, and was gone from his sight. the great black wolf swam to the light. and splashed to the shore breathing in ragged breath. the smells of the forest woke his senses. he looked around to find the trees no longer black and twisted,burned and mutilated, but fresh and new in under a beaming summer sun. the greens of the leaves and grass the deep azure of a summer sky, he rolled on his back and let the warmth of his brother warm him. a soft voice like that of the breeze reached his ears.
"Fear not great wolf you are safe " he leaped up landing on his feet and turning around . his heart ached when he saw the visions before him. dressed in a gown of autumn leaves was a maiden holding a sword and shield, coiled about her and towering over her was a kindly, smiling dragon of a burnt crimson color.
"I have restored your forest young great wolf, but rest easy here. for this is no longer to yours to protect, it is mine" said the warrior maiden. "I leave within its boundaries this dragon of love and faith. you are to come home with me and live peacefully knowing that your home is warm and well protected" the great wolf laid his ears back and raised his head and sang a song of love and triumph. He finished and looked down as he bowed and saw his paw was white. he looked to the maiden who nodded to the lake. he walked to the edge of of the lake and looked into it as a mirror. he saw a white wolf pure white staring back. he went running to the maiden and nuzzled her neck as she stood. he kissed her face and said,"you have saved me my love you are mine and welcome here in my forest to live as your home, i will guard and protect you. my home is wherever you may roam"

[Sunrise Daughter]

Beautiful story, Crimson Stormfire.

[Crimson Stormfire]

thank you