Eira

Chapter 2

I suddenly feel lonely. Moon lets out a low whine, looking at me with concern. I pet him gently to reassure him that I'm ok. I sigh when I realize I have to go back home. I start my walk into the woods and half way home I run into a search party. "Princess, your family has been looking for you" a random guard exclaims relieved.
Once he said that a loud thunder of galloping started to approach us. My father is in his outfit from the party and is on his brown purebred stallion. The horse came to a stop and my father hopped of the horse and came running over to me. "Eira where have you been, your mother and I have been so worried about you" he says worriedly.
"I'm fine father, some nice women helped me" i say purposely withholding information.
He smiles "Thank the gods they were kind enough to help you"

"Yes father, thank the gods" i giggle.

He then notices the furry lump in my lap. "What is that" he says with a little bit of disgust.

"Its my bond" i smile. "His name is Moon" I continue. Moon lifts up his head and looks straight up at my father analyzing his every move. My father and everyone around us gasped at what they just heard. Bonds are believed to be bestowed by the gods. "See" I said. I then showed my wrist where the black crescent moon was and then the marking on Moon's forehead. "My daughter is truly blessed by the gods" he says in a low voice almost in awe of me. He combs his dark hair with his fingers. He smiles "My daughter" he repeats to himself his grin becoming wider. All of a sudden he picks me up and whirls me around swinging me in the air. He's laughing and smiling, as if the laughs were contagious I start to smile and laugh alongside him. Setting me down he regains his composure. "We must get home and share the news with the kingdom and we must celebrate this splendid occasion" He declares.

"May I suggest something father" I interrupt.

"What" he asks curious.

"A week long festival, dedicated to the goddesses, a day at each temple and the last day we hold a hunt and feast under the moonlight, in honor of the goddess who bestowed me my bond, Artemis" I say while imagining it. "All the goddesses will favor those who worship them" I continue. My father thinks this over a minute. "My daughter, there are men as well in the heavens we must honor them as well, we will make it a two week annual festival honoring the gifts the gods have given us and this country" he announced.

"Yes father" I grumbled. He then grabbed me and hoisted me up on the saddle of his horse, he then got on and situated on the horse and pulled on the reigns. "Yaaa" he yells.

and yanked on the reigns. We rode fast through the trees making our way home. The sun was setting by the time we reached the gate entrance. The trumpets sounded and marked my arrival. I see my mother running out of the front gate on to the brick bridge. She has hiked up her simple purple evening dress to get to us faster. Her heels are slamming down on the floor making big clicking noises. "Eira!!" she yells. Tears are streaming down her face.

My father stops the horse, jumps off then helps me and Moon off the horse. I put Moon on the ground and i start running towards her with my arms wide open wanting my mother's embrace. "oh ,my daughter we were so worried about you, don't ever run off like that again" she says sniffing back tears. We embrace and hold each other what felt like forever. Then Moon comes and nudges at my leg wanting some attention. My father comes up behind me and gives mother a knowing look. "We have something to discuss" he says stoically.

"Does it have something to do with the pup" she asks

"Somewhat" he replies. We then walk inside to be greeted by my eccentric siblings. "Where were you" my eldest brother Charles scolded.

"In the woods" I said nonchalantly. I don't care to mention what happened, I'd rather let my father have the honor. My other brother and sister walk-in through one of the side doors. "Well, well look who shows up" my sister says snarkily.

"Anna don't be so mean" her twin Andrew scolds.

Yes they're twins and they look nothing like each other. Anna is the most beautiful person in the empire, her hair is dark as the night and her eyes a blue almost purple, while Andrew is a dirty blonde with bright green eyes that could capture any women's heart for' they shined like emeralds.

"Now children settle down" he says calmly. "We have been blessed today" he continued.

Everyone's face lit up in excitement, you know, these things don't happen every day. "How father?" My siblings all say in unison.

I'm guessing they are hoping for another sibling.

"Eira has been bestowed a gift from the gods!" He exclaimed loud enough for the maids and guards who are passing by to hear. "What?!" My siblings exclaimed.

"Yes Artemis herself bestowed Eira a bond" he explained. Moon then walked in and sat next to me, his head reaching my knees. He eyes my family wearily. My sister scoffs and crosses her arms "As if, you probably just raided a poor wolfs den, just to get some attention, if anything Artemis would curse you"

Moon starts to growl and snap towards my sister with his back low and ready to pounce. My sister squeals and runs and hides behind my eldest brother. I try to hide my laughter. "Father, i think you should tell them about the festival, and while you do that I'm going to go to my chambers and go to sleep"

Without another word I leave with Moon on my heels.