The Tale of the Huntress

5. New Life

The pair grew close after Nova's rescue and within the year adopted the titles of husband and wife though no wedding took place. They resigned to living off the land in an area where no one would bother them and civilization was a great distance away. It was a fairly peaceful life that they lived but because of his upbringing as a hunter, Everett made sure to teach Nova all he knew.

Clang! The two swords clashed together in the middle of their deadly dance. Nova spun and dodged her husband as she had become quick on her feet since she began to train with Everett. He kicked his right leg out to dislodge the blade from her grasp but she again dove out of the way in time. A smirk made his way onto his face at the pride he felt for the former servant girl. Her beloved creature laid nearby on the porch of their house watching their practice battle ensue.

"You've improved," he said while exchanging another blow. She grunted at the force behind his swing but was still able to hold off the glinting blade that he so cherished. It was given to him by his father and encrusted in small gems around the handle. "Your footwork is good but you still have a lot to learn about wielding a broadsword," he finished his statement. With a final swoosh, the weapon was thrown from her hands and Nova stumbled back in surprise at her defeat. Her face still held determination to better herself but she conceded to his win for the time being.

"I thank you for being willing to teach me. I know I'm not easy to deal with when I mess up," she admitted. They shared a smile and Nova brought him in for a kiss on the lips. Before they touched, she thrust a hidden blade up to press it against his chest. She had won. He stared at her completely bewildered at where she had been hiding it but nevertheless he chuckled proudly. He planted a firm kiss to her temple once she returned the small dagger to its hidden sheath on her belt and he beckoned her to follow him into the house for a light snack after their practice. "I'm going to go check on our traps dear. I just know I set them correctly this time." He nodded and away she went to the forest surrounding their cozy cabin in the woods with Armageddon close behind.

Nova had been right. Every single trap was sprung and she brought home a variety of rodents and other creatures. Nothing too big yet since she had only just begun learning how to trap and hunt. Nevertheless she held a confident aura as she stepped into their home, hauling her prizes over her shoulder with a rope. He was definitely impressed as was evident by his widened eyes when she began to skin one of the larger rabbits to prepare it as their dinner.

This was how they lived their lives for a few years before Nova became round with pregnancy. The next spring, a healthy baby boy was born and given the name Aurous. He was an ever-smiling child with bright green eyes just as his mother but the same dark hair and lopsided grin of his father. Never before had Nova felt so complete until she became a mother and swore to always protect her child.

"Aurous," she called to him as he was beginning to walk to her. He took a tentative step away from his father and began to wobble on his own. Armageddon rose from his place on their deer hide rug, watching the toddler attempt to walk and flicking his tail back and forth in anticipation. As he thought, Aurous fell but Armageddon quickly snapped his tail out to cradle the child before he smacked against the floor boards. His chubby face looked a bit surprised but then he giggled and curled the fluffy tail against his chest. Although it took the Axius quite a while to fully trust Everett, his heart was easily won over by the innocent child. Armageddon pulled the little one close to his chest and in turn Aurous stuck his tiny arms against the green fur that sprouted from it. The couple shared a knowing smile that Nova's beloved partner would never do him harm.

They left the pair to play in the living room and made their way into the den below ground where all of their food stock and weapons were. Nova started to sharpen one of her knives as Everett took notice of his father's blade that had never seen battle. He grasped it in his hand and held it out to gleam in the dim candlelight.