Look But Don't Touch [Wolfy]

Walking through the markets of the Light Elf clan, Tsarra’s eyes darted left and right, watching the guards carefully to see if they noticed who she was. Hurrying through the cramped aisles, ignoring most of the calls of salespeople, she came to a stand she visited at least once a week. Filled with fruits and dried meats, Tsarra grabbed a couple apples, an orange and a couple strips or beef jerky and passed a few coins over to the lady behind the stand. As she put them in a paper bag. Smiling lightly, she grabbed the bag and then rushed down the way she had come. However, a cloak caught her eye. The dark royal blue colour was simply gorgeous and she pulled out a couple coins from her pouch and gave them to the man behind the stand and pulled the cloak from the rack. Putting it on, she smiled at the cloak, loving how comfortable it was. This would also help hide her hair more. Pulling the hood over her head, she continued walking, glancing around for guards before she stepped over the border, into the Dark Forest. She didn’t overly like the thought of having to live here, but she was technically banished from her own clan. If she was found out, she knew the order was to bring her back to the castle – dead or alive.

Sighing, Tsarra wound through the trees and over bushes, smiling at the little animals coming to greet her the closer she got to her small cottage. It soon came into view and Tsarra grinned at the animals which dotted the small clearing around her quaint little home. “Hey guys,” she said and earned a few greetings back. Walking over to her small house, she opened the door and stepped through, looking around to see if any small critters had gotten in and moved anything. Seeing nothing out of place she nodded in appreciation and left her door open for the animals to come inside. Taking off her cloak, she hung it up and placed the paper bag on the table, taking out an apple and having a bite, smiling at the sweet flavour. The lady grew the best fruits. Glancing to the side, she saw a horse sticking his head through the doorway, staring at her in anticipation. “Really, Handor?” she said with a chuckle before she took a few more bites as she walked over to him and then gave the rest to the greedy stallion who gobbled it down. She stepped outside and studied the stallion. He was atleast 16hh and was the deepest ebony black she had ever seen, with only a single white sock on his right hind leg. He was a magnificent stallion who was worth a pretty penny for the hunters and wranglers. Running a hand down his strong neck, Tsarra looked into the trees, her chestnut coloured eyes noticing a dark figure.

Taking a step back, she looked at the animals around her before she slowly, like she hadn’t seen them, turned around and returned inside the house. Grabbing her cloak, she put it on before she glanced at the doorway, where Handor still stood, blocking a decent view inside. Stepping towards the door at the back of the cottage, she opened it and looked around, not seeing anyone. Stepping outside, she closed the door. However, just before it closed, she looked at the horse and said, “go!” she turned around and ran as the stallion turned and bolted. She could hear the sound of pounding hooves and paws from dogs and the shuffling of feet along with the light shifting of armour. They were either guards or assassins, and by the way they hid so well, she guessed they were assassins. But Tsarra knew the area where she lived and when something looked out of place. Hiding would do nothing for them; she had eyes and ears everywhere.

Sprinting into the trees, Tsarra ran as hard and as fast as she could. If they were assassin, they would be fast. And once they recovered from the stampede of animals, they would be after her. Glancing back a minute later, she could see the shadows of people following her. Looking ahead, the elven princess barely managed to dodge a tree. Pushing herself as hard as she could, Tsarra ran for who knows how long, taking corners, trying to lose them, however they were still there and a lot closer. She could ask her animals friends for help, but she knew those people would have no qualms with killing an innocent animal, so she didn’t dare risk it. Glancing back one more time, all she saw was a masked face and the gleam of a blade as it sliced through her cloak and cut into her shoulder. A trail of fire followed and she took in a sharp breath which her lung had been deprived of. His blade was raised for another strike, however, Tsarra slid down a hill, almost losing her footing and tripping over. However she managed to stay upright – somehow. The assassins had halted momentarily at the top.

Not even considering stopping, Tsarra kept on running, knowing she had some time. Her heart was beat a mile a minute and her lungs burned with the need for oxygen, however, she couldn’t stop. If she did, she was dead. Assassins didn’t come to take their target back alive.. Panic almost seized her heart and she stumbled, the hood of her cloak falling back. She was scared. Most times she had managed to lose them before now. These guys were too good for her. She knew she had lost, she was going to die today. However, she wouldn’t just give up and give them her life. She had to keep trying. Eyes wide, Tsarra kept running, making another couple turns. She could feel the bun at the back of her head coming loose, but she couldn’t stop to fix it. They’d chop off her head before she finished. Shaking her head at the thought, she pushed on.

Looking back to see if she could see them, straining to see properly, Tsarra made another turn, her eyes glued to the forest behind her. However, she suddenly ran right into a strong, solid chest and she stumbled backwards, a yelp of sheer terror escaping her trembling lips, her bun coming undone completely, her flaming hair falling down her shoulders and back. She fell back on the ground before she shoved herself to her feet on shaky legs, taking deep breaths. This was it. She was dead. Gone. But what did her killer look like? Her eyes trailed from the ground, up, only to see the man she had run into wasn’t one of the assassins, but the Crowned Prince of the Dark Elves, Raiden. Her eyes widened before she quickly looked back to see if she could see her assassins before she looked back at the prince. Would Raiden kill her himself? She didn’t actually know if Light Elves were allowed in Dark Forest. However, she preferred her chances with him than with her assassins. She stared at the prince, unable to talk, her voice robbed from her throat. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out so she clamped it shut, taking a step back before she heard a sound behind her and she jumped, moving to stand beside the prince, her shaking fingers gripping the sleeve of his shirt. Being utterly terrified could do that to a person.. Make them cling to a person who they would usually try to run away from. Make them seem weaker than they usually were. Even the searing pain from her shoulder had momentarily vanished and she could barely feel the sticky red liquid rolling down her arm.

Tsarra stared into the trees, eyes wide and fingers trembling as she gripped the prince’s sleeve. Her eyes darted upwards to glance at Raiden as he glared into the trees. His blonde hair was certainly impressive – it was like nothing she had seen on a Dark Elf before. When she heard something again, she tensed and her eyes darted to and fro, trying to locate the source, but she couldn’t find anything. Being so focused to searching for her assassins, she couldn’t help but jump when the prince spoke as she looked at her hand when he gently grasped her wrist. Then she processed the words which he spoke… To follow him and that he had a horse. Which meant a way to escape. She glanced up at his face as he stepped back, moving his hand from her wrist, to her shoulder. The sudden need to see Handor again grew in her chest and she wondered if the stallion was safe and unharmed. She certainly hoped he was alright. Shaking away her thoughts, she glanced into the trees for a moment longer before she looked back at Raiden, hesitantly releasing her grip on his shirt as he stepped away. Dropping her hand to her side, Tsarra watched the prince for a short while before looking away. Her heart was still racing and she was still jumpy but she was starting to calm down, beginning to think maybe she had lost the assassins at least for a while. Or maybe they were lurking in the shadows, waiting for her to leave the prince’s side before they attacked her, ending her life for good.

She looked at the prince once again, searching for any signs of maliciousness, however, no matter how much she looked, she found nothing. Just the desire to help her. When he glanced back behind himself, into the trees, Tsarra knew she must go with him, knowing she would be safe with him. She just figured he had no clue who she was. After all, not many people knew about the exiled princess. So why would he? She didn’t realise the royals of the Dark Elves knew about her. How could she? She had been hiding from everyone. “Alright.. Thank you,” she said in a soft voice, her eyes lowering slightly. Tsarra let Raiden lead the way, following him through the trees, the sting in her shoulder making her wince. Her hair was down and the urge to tie it back flared up. After so long of hiding it, she wasn’t used to having it down when in the company of someone else other than her animal friends.

Tsarra almost stumbled when Raiden suddenly quickened the pace as he pressed his hands against her back and pushed her forward, ahead of him. However, the princess managed to stay upright and straight. She cast him a sidelong glance over her shoulder, noticing how he continuously glanced behind them. Not that she blamed her. Though he didn't know what was out there, she knew that he knew she was scared and in danger. Which was why he was helping her.. Right? If it wasn't for the reassuring warmth of his hands on her back that promised to keep her safe, she probably would've been looking around as well. She heard the neigh of a horse and her head snapped forward as she saw the stallion and guessed it was Raiden's. Stopping beside the stallion, she rested a hand on the horse's shoulder, feeling his muscles quiver beneath her touch. Just being around an animal helped calm her considerably. She noticed the prince turning to scan the area and she studied the stallion. He was obviously an Arabian and his silver coat proved that he was worth a lot. Before she could so much as think anything else, a surprised gasp escaped her lips as Raiden's large hands picked her up and placed her on the horse. She blinked down at the prince and looked around the forest as he untied the stallion. She shifted back slightly as Raiden swung up in front of her, allowing him more room so he didn't feel so confined. She glanced upwards as he spoke before she nervously glanced down and slowly wrapped her arms around his waist. When they started moving, Tsarra could only think that he wasn't wrong when he said Xan wasn't the smoothest ride. He had a rather choppy stride, but it wasn't too bad.

The castle gates soon came into view and Tsarra started to wonder if this was a good idea to go with him. She'd be in the castle grounds of the Dark Elf Royals. But she'd be safe, at least.. Atleast from her assassins. They soon passed through the gates and she looked down at the guards who gave her questioning looks. She looked at the castle, taking in a deep breath. It had been so long since she had been anywhere near a castle, it was rather overwhelming now. They soon slowed to a stop and she watched as Raiden slid off the stallion as a stable hand grabbed Xan's reins. When he offered her his hand, she gingerly too it with a faint smile before she dismounted the horse with Raiden's help.

Tsarra watched as Xan was led away to where ever the stables must be. She looked back up at Raiden about to thank him when she heard the light yet distinguished steps of someone running towards them. She tensed, thinking maybe the assassins had followed her here, but as she looked towards the sourcing, she saw a young girl with dark hair. It was Tari, the princess and Raiden's younger half sister. Though she had been exiled, she still heard things from the markets and animals alike.  Looking at the girl as they approached them, staring at her, eyes wide and gleaming with disbelief. Tsarra shifted slightly, unsure of what she should do. However, the sound of Raiden's chuckle seemed to break the girl's gaze and even Tsarra looked up at him when he spoke. Her chestnut eyes flicked to Tari again as she told Raiden he was lucky. And the Prince's words were exactly what she were thinking, but with an entirely different meaning to his. She watched as the prince picked up a strand of his hair before dropping it.

Tari whined and Tsarra knew exactly why when she saw the current Queen moved as quickly as she could without running towards them. The red dress bunched in her fists and her expression harsh and definitely not welcoming. When she stopped and asked who she was, Tsarra took a step back, cringing under the Queen's insulting stare. However, that harsh face and cruel eyes melted when Raiden told her she was an Exile Princess. She watched as the Queen dipped her head in apology and Tsarra almost squirmed under the politeness. But she stayed put when she asked who she was. The princess watched the Queen for a short moment before she sighed. "Tsarra," she said and paused, "Tsarra Sicafei," if she didn't tell them who she really was now, then they'd find out soon or later and she'd regret it then. She glanced at the Prince momentarily to gouge his reaction before she looked back at the Queen, expecting to be thrown out of the castle grounds or worse. Executed.

Tsarra stared at the Queen as she blushed in embarrassment before Raiden chuckled and she silenced him with a single look. Raiden spoke and she glanced up at him before she attention was forced back to the older woman as she spoke to her in a much too bubbly tone. Then she went on to introduce herself, Raiden and the young girl, Tari. She glanced at the young girl she a moment before she looked back at the Queen, seeing she was smiling brightly at her. The young woman gave a small smile back and looked at Raiden as he spoke again. The Queen, however, seemed to ignore him and started talking to her again, stretching her hand towards her. She stared at the hand, not moving before Raiden interrupted her and the Queen, though reluctant, nodded, grabbed Tari and left quickly. Giving a silent sigh of relief, she relaxed slightly. She watched the Queen for a moment as Raiden apologised for her, telling her she could be quite overwhelming. The young woman gave a light nod and followed Raiden as he asked and she shook her head when he asked if she wanted anything. She glanced up at him, seeing him looking at her and she quickly looked away again, unable to hold his gaze. She could hear his boots clicking on the ground as they ascended the stairs and she looked down at her own shoes. They used to be boots, but they had been worn so much the small heels had worn away. Sighing, she looked up as Raiden spoke to her again, his mocking tone making her glance away for a moment. She just didn't want her animal friends to get hurt. She had no weapons to try and protect herself with, so even if she had tried, it wouldn't have worked anyway.

They stepped inside castle and her eyes widened and she gave an inaudible gasp as she looked around. It had been many, many years since she had stepped foot inside a castle, it was rather over whelming. She had gotten used to her quaint, quiet life in the forest with the animals. Glancing at Raiden as he re tired his hair back before leading her up several flights of stairs, Tsarra nipped at her lower lip, unsure of what was going to happen to her now. What would happen if the Dark Elf King ordered her to be executed? She'd prefer to be on the run from assassins than have no way out; to be trapped in the castle grounds, or the dungeon until her date of death. Shuddering at her thoughts, she looked at the many doors and she followed Raiden closely as they moved down the hall. They paused in front of a door and she looked around as he examined the inside before he stepped aside for her. She stepped into the room, smiling at the bluish glow in the room from the curtains. She looked at the large blue and gold bed and her eyes narrowed slightly. She didn't miss these parts of being a royal. So many unneeded items; castle far too big, rooms too large, beds much too big for a single person. However, Raiden spoke to her, asking if she liked it and she looked up at him with slightly wide eyes. "It's perfect," she said gently, "Thank you," she gave a slight smile to the prince and took another step into the room, suddenly feeling very under dressed for such a place.

Her shoulder gave a sudden, stinging throb and her hand reached up to touch it, her fingers pulling away to reveal the sticky red liquid of blood. She was still bleeding, but not as bad any more. Sighing in relief, she glanced back at Raiden, quickly curling her fingers into a light fist, hoping he didn't notice. She didn't want to bother him any more than she already had.

Tsarra gasped in surprise when she felt the prince's warm hand grip her arm and turn her slightly to inspect her wound. She had thought she had managed to hide it from him, but as it turned out, she had been too slow. She stared at him for a moment when he asked why she didn't tell him she was hurt before she looked towards the ground. She was oolish not to tell him. She should have let him know she was injured, but she hadn't wanted to bother him any more than she already had. She didn't want him to get upset at her for making him go out of his way to get medical supplies or something. But now, she realised she should have told him. It had the opposite of the desired effect by not telling him. Shame washed through her and she glanced up at him when he spoke, telling her to stay here, his tone cool, making her flinch slightly. She didn't even have time to speak before he spun around and retreated from the room. He shut the door sharply behind him, causing her to jump. Sighing, she ran a hand over her face with a groan before she watched the door for a few moments, wondering if he was going to come back in and change his mind about helping her any more, considering her too much of a hassle. But he didn't. Sighing in mild relief, the exiled princess turned and walked into the washroom and approached the bath, dipping her hand into the water. It was lukewarm. Still alright for a quick bath.

Peeling off her now ruined dress, she stepped into the bath after she found a hair tie and tied her hair in a bun to keep out of the water. Sinking into the water, she gave a faint smile as she washed the dirt and grime from her skin, wincing slightly as the water stung her wound before she sat up so it was out of the water. She quickly washed her body and face before she stepped out. She swiftly towel dried herself before she looked around. Her dress was filthy. She couldn't wear that again. She picked up the dress and walked over to put it in a bin. It had been one of her favourite dresses, too. Sighing, she looked around and she found a bathrobe. Tilting her head for a moment, considering. She didn't want to go naked, that was for sure, so Tsarra grabbed the robe and wrapped it around herself, tying the sash. Once she was done, she untied her hair and tied it in a neater bun. Nodding in satisfaction, she stepped  back into the room and stepped over to the bed, not even hearing the prince come in and come up basically beside her as she pushed on the matress to test how soft it was. Well, to say it was soft was an understatement. She had gotten used to a matress made of straw and wood. This was definitely a luxury to her.

However, someone burst loudly through the door and Tsarra jumped and spun around to look at the Queen. That was when she saw the prince beside her and she yelped in surprise, eyes wide and heart racing in her chest. She glanced between them before she took a deep, calming breath and she watched as the Queen came and laid three dresses on the bed. They were all gorgeous, but the most natural colour - the emerald green - caught her eye and she ran a hand cautiously over the fabric. She looked at the Queen, saw her expression and Tsarra gave her a gentle smile. "Thank you," she said quietly before Raiden spoke about her failing to mention she was injured. She blushed from embarassment and looked away. The Queen left, only glancing back and telling them she'd have dinner sent up in an hour. Tsarra had a feeling she might just get along with the Queen. She seemed pleasant enough. A second later, she glanced at the supplies he had brought and then up at Raiden before she sighed softly and pried the bathrobe off of her wound, pushing it down her shoulder slightly before she looked away, unsure of where she should be looking.. The wound had pretty much stopped bleeding, which was good.