Fallen to the Shadows

Gathering Shadows

Chapter: Prince

    I could read the look in her eyes she was on duty like I was about to be.  My brother however was beside himself in his snickering.  He had hands clasped over his mouth, eyes shut tight, before he waved a hand at Jaguar with a, "Hi Mom!"

    I scoffed at him with a smirk while my mother put her hands on her hips.  "Good to see the outsiders are being well taken care of.  Prince, Snake, the Commanders from Fire realm and Wind are here, the other two will follow their steps soon."  She had our attention quite quickly.  "I want you two out there and Prince you need time to practice for your performance.  Go greet the Maidens and keep them company." She gestured rather gracefully for us to leave.  I was quick to pick up my violin and other gear while Snake continued to chuckle.

    He looked at me with his usual childlike eyes, "Yes, Prince go see your future wife!"

    I shot a glare at him, "If I were only so blessed to marry a Maiden, but not all of us are so lucky.  My heart is in my duty."  Snake shrugged, he was still young for a Shadow.  My father had me in his 50's but I am already 80 and have yet to become distracted.  No one really relates so close to me other than my family, so I have never been interested.

    "There's always Red Fox."  My brother smiled, he was referring to the woman I've vowed, trained, and grown up with. 

    "Snake, I think by this time you should know the reason why I like Prince is because he doesn't hit on me."  That was a voice from outside that every man would say sounded slightly seductive.  She must be waiting on me to go see the Maidens.

    Mother was waiting, I thumped Snake in the back of the head and he whined an 'ow' at me.  "Alright I'm going, geez!"  Snake stood to get ready while I knelt down beside West's bedside. 

    "Liz, I want you to stay here with your father.  Other Shadows will be outside roaming and they don't know you are here yet.  I just want you to be safe, alright?  Whenever I got time I'll try and come to check on you or Snake will.  ....If you need anything~"

    "I'll be here."  Jaguar spoke, cutting me off, "Your father and I discussed this.  The other Shadows will be at the fire pit, but Liz, I will stay at the camp for now.  If you need anything, I'll be outside."

    I know they do not know my mother yet but to be honest I feel like most of my compassion for friends comes from my father.  Jaguar can be a rock but at least you can tell in her eyes she's not completely stone.  I sighed before looking Liz in the face again, reading her.  I dreaded having to leave her so soon and knowing me she could probably see it, "Take care, kid."  Standing up I rubbed her head and stepped out with Snake behind me and Jaguar following.  Mother stopped at the door to watch but outside I was greeted by a fond friend of mine.

    If anyone had looks in this place it was her.  She looked like the daughter of the Water Commander Dragon, she had a strongly build body standing nearly six foot and she was very filled as a woman.  Not to mention her devil shaped eyes and sharp red hair that hung to her back.  I may be saying all this but it's because this is how Snake usually describes her, to me Red is a worthy ally in the field.

    "Hey, Fox." I greet her while she stands with a hand on her hip.

    "Finally, ready to meet the Maidens?  I think they're waiting for some entertainment." Snake looked slightly unsettled, the bad part was I could not tell if it was because he couldn't contain himself around her... or he was fully aware Fox could beat him to a pulp.  Not that I would let her.

    "Where are they?"  I ask already walking past Fox as she joined my brother and I on the path to the fire pit.

    "Sitting at the gazebo.  Right now it's just Fire and Wind, though-" A sound of shouting warrior cut her off.  "Ah there they are." Walking down the path we heard movement in the leaves.  Overhead our view was captured by the sight of many black shadows speeding past in the coming dusk.  Forest Realm Shadows are here, they were always the best in the trees.  Their Commander Griffon never comes alone as well.  We jogged down until we were at the opening field where the massive bonfire was burning.  In that same moment the Shadows overhead jumped out into open air and rolled when they hit the ground. 

    Griffon emerged from the forest on a brown stallion, with Dragon beside him on his white.  They were both massive men.  Dragon stood nearly six six with a bulk of muscles, Griffon was the same.  Behind them their Maidens rode in a carriage being pulled the Forest Realm's own Clydesdale.  The carriage was surrounded by Water realm Shadows while the Forest Shadows rained from the trees.  I had already spotted the other two Commanders, they were standing by my Father.  White Stallion from Wind Realm was lean and compact but tall as well while Rooster was build but my height. 

    From the gazebo up the small slope the Wind Maiden, they nicknamed Gust, hopped up out of her seat.  She waved her arm happily to the other two Maidens that arrived.  The Fire Maiden just crossed her arms but was interested nonetheless.

    "Those two always know how to make an entrance." I heard Snake say behind me quietly while Griffon and Dragon made way to my Father. 

    "Come on, we're escorts." I say before heading toward the carriage.