A Wolf and A Raven

~17~ Ulstead

I sit anxiously watching as Aurora paces around and fiddles with the ring on her finger. I look up in the sky to see Maleficent coming in hot.

'This isn't going to go well.' I think to myself.

"Hold on to your petticoats!" One of the fairies as the wind from Maleficent's wings causes them to fly away. Aurora steadies herself on a branch to keep from falling over. The little fairy, Pinto, goes tumbling backwards and lower my head to stop her from rolling away. She climbs up my face and sits between my ears while we watch Aurora and Maleficent.

"Philip asked me to marry him." Aurora says as she twists the ring on her finger.

"Poor thing. He'll recover." Maleficent remarks. I roll my eyes and shake my head lightly, weary of the small creature on my head.

"My answer was yes." Aurora says.

"No."

"Yes."

"No."

"I wasn't really asking." Aurora says.

"Nor was I."

"What's next? You'll turn him into a goat?"

"Hmm." Maleficent tilts her head as if considering the thought.

"Stop. Why don't you like Philip?" Aurora asks.

"Well for one thing he's human." Maleficent argues.

"I'm a human."

"And I have never held that against you!"

"Until I fell in love."

"Love doesn't always end well, beastie." Maleficent says softly.

The three fairies try to convince Maleficent Philip is a good kid but fail miserably and Maleficent sends them flying away. I snicker slightly, amused by the sight.

"I'm just asking you to trust me. Please give him a chance. Let us prove you wrong." Aurora pleads.

I yip in agreement. Maleficent shoots me a look but Aurora looks thankful. I yip again and Maleficent sighs before turning me human. Pinto still on my head. She drops down to my shoulder. "Mistress maybe you should give Philip a chance. He's been nothing but caring and sweet towards Aurora. I may not know what love is for humans, I do notice that they make each other happy and that's got to count for something right?"

Aurora smiles at me before turning to Maleficent. "Philip is thoughtful... He's very kind..."

"Kind of what?" Maleficent asks.

"The king and queen are celebrating tonight... and they have invited both of us to the castle. Sorry (Y/n) they don't really know about you and Diaval but I'm sure you can join us."

"You want me to meet his parents?" Maleficent asks sceptically.

"It's just a dinner."

"They don't want me in Ulstead. Why on earth would I go?" Maleficent asks.

"Because his mother wishes to meet mine. Please."

Maleficent looks between me and Aurora. She finally agrees and flies off. I look at Pinto and lower her to the ground with my hand. She rushes off to other parts of the moor.

I look down at my dirty clothes. "I best get cleaned up then." I say.

"I'll help you." Aurora suggests.

"Oh okay."

About two hours later and both me and Aurora are dressed and ready for the dinner.

Diaval is with Maleficent helping her work on her greeting and smile. Me and Aurora walk over. Maleficent stares at Aurora with mother's love. Whereas Diaval stares only at me. I look down and fiddle with the bracelet on my wrist.

Aurora hands Maleficent the scarf she brought for her horns. After Maleficent accepts it Aurora giggles excitedly.

"I'm so excited." She giggles.

Maleficent smiles. "It's more than I can bear."

We make our way to the edge of the moors bordering Ulstead. Maleficent creates a bridge and we cross. Aurora on one side of her. Me and Diaval on the other. Diaval takes my hand in his as we cross. I smile at him.

Halfway across the bridge Maleficent stretches her wings to shield all of us. Aurora smiles at her. As we approach Ulstead people scream in fear. Some wield pitchforks, others torches. Children cry and women gasp.

'Such a warm welcoming.' I think to myself.

~*~
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