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Skarth and Vanessëa
Early Summer, Year 759 of the New Age
Silverthorne, The Silver Wood
_____________________________________________________________________
Vanessëa POV

Vanessëa felt a heat burning inside her, a heat that was hotter than Grian's strongest rays on a Summer afternoon. Her mind was reeling from the mornings activities. The day had started early, arriving at the meeting place in the Vale, to hear the King's latest proclamation – an event that had stirred quite a gathering as herdsman and soldiers alike pondered what the new King would have to say. Then, just as Skuldafn was about to begin his speech, he had found her. She could barely contain her excitement when she turned to see that the fawnling who had nudged her was none other than he whose stunning red coat she had been searching for these last few months – it was Skarth. They shared a quick smile as the King began his speech.

She remembered the King's speech - encouraging a reinforcement of the herd's beliefs and traditions by enforcing purity in this upcoming season's rut. His ideals were true, and she was glad that the herd now had a strong King to lead them forward. But even more memorable was the fact that Skarth chose to stand next to her, to lean in and protectively coil his tail around her when the crowd grew anxious, and most amazingly, then to show her a small amount of affection – touching his nose to her neck – and implying they should leave together.

Whatever it was about this magnificent red roan stag, he made Vanessëa feel alive – in a way no other fawn ever had. As they gently touched noses, she felt ever nerve fiber in body come alive with fire. His brown eyes sparkled as he said, "I have something for you."

Vanessëa approached cautiously, wanting for this moment to last forever and praying that her feelings for this handsome stag had not run away with her – and that he returned her affections. Then, deciding there was only one way to see exactly what his feelings and intentions were, she allowed herself to draw next to him, pressing lightly enough to make gentle contact, and follow him into the trees.
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Skarth POV
He did not know how long they wandered through the trees, their bodies pressing together or drifting apart as their path dictated. Twisting oaks and tall ash stood, offering their shade and privacy from the rest of the world. Not that Skarth needed any help putting the rest of the world to the side; right now, everything he had ever dreamed of walked beside him, close enough to touch.

They didn’t speak for a time but Skarth finally came to a stop beneath a trio of giant ash trees surrounded by ferns. He had spent a great deal of time here lately, using the ferns as a sort of makeshift den while spending more and more time in the Vale. “Wait here,” he murmured, pressing his nose into the doe’s silvery mane. Her scent surrounded him, enveloped him, and he closed his eyes for a moment, simply enjoying her company. Skarth pulled himself away and, with a flick of his tail, he turned to the ferns.

Skarth pushed the branches aside with his velveted horns and scoured through the flattened leaves he had used as bedding until he finally found what he had been looking for. Ignoring the anxiety that rose in his breast, the stag grabbed the trinket in his mouth and exited the ferns.

Twigs and fern leaves fell off of his body as he left the undergrowth; several bits were still stuck in his mane, but he hoped that Vanessëa’s attention would not be on his appearance and rather on what hung from his mouth: a trio of rubies, strung together with a golden cord, flashed in the filtered sunlight from above while a single, burnt orange and black feather fluttered with Skarth’s movement. Gently, he placed the trinket on the ground before her. “I… I made this for you. I found the rubies near the Iron Hills - they will give your fire strength,” his eyes rested on the gemstones, too nervous to look her in the eye. “The feather,” he continued quickly, “is from a hummingbird I nursed last spring. The tail feathers come in pairs of two.” He turned, shaking his neck slightly so that his own feather, identical to the one that laid on the ground at their feet, peeked through his mane.

“If you’d like it, you can have it.”

Finally, he dared to look into her eyes. His heart skipped a beat as he lost himself in the intelligence and life that shone forth from her eyes. The king’s speech rang through his mind and Skarth dropped his gaze, unsure of himself. How could he expect her to choose him over some of the other stags? So perfect, so pure… She was more than he could ever hope to find, the perfect partner to spend the rest of his life with… Skarth shivered and he began to nervously fidget with a small twig on the ground, too afraid to look at her again. For three years, three years, he had hidden his feelings from the doe and now here they were - together - standing perilously close to an edge that he desperately hoped from which they would both fall.
_____________________________________________________________________
Vanessëa POV
She followed next to him through twisting oaks and tall ash trees, her feet delicately maneuvering through patches of sunlit undergrowth. Her excitement so intense, she had to glance at the ground to make sure she was not floating. It was easy to walk next to Skarth in silence, not feeling the least bit awkward, as she admired the regal roan color of his coat, his masculine build demonstrating strength and athleticism (without appearing overly obsessed with strength training - as many herd soldiers appeared), and even the way the velvety growth of his seasonal horns displayed his stunning antlers.

Just beneath a trio of ash trees, surrounded by giant ferns, Skarth drew up to a halt and said to her, "Wait here." Before she could even ask what was going on, she felt his nose press into her mane, sending a tingling sensation that quivered down her spine. She dared not move, overcome with feelings and longings, and struggled to maintain her composure. She had long since given up fighting her emotions, where Skarth was concerned, and now just hoped to keep up proper appearances, until she could ascertain what his feelings and intentions were towards her. Then, just like that, he moved away from her, turning his attention to something on the other side of the fern leaves and ash branches.

Vanessëa was not sure she had ever felt such anticipation, when being asked to wait, before. Here she was, waiting on him, and he had taken the time to make or acquire something for her. Her spirit soared, just knowing that he had thought of her at least once in their separation. Surely, there was no gift he could give her that was greater than that.

As Skarth turned back to face her, she saw a unique burnt orange and black feather that dangled gently from a trio of rubies, strung together with a golden cord. She had to stifle a gasp, amazed at the gorgeous gift he carried towards her. It was so beautiful, the way the sun reflected off the brilliant red stones, as if they were blessed by Grian herself – a treasure that any doe would envy. He set it down before her, as he said, “I… I made this for you. I found the rubies near the Iron Hills - they will give your fire strength. The feather is from a hummingbird I nursed last spring. The tail feathers come in pairs of two.” Just when Vanessëa thought she could not love the gift any more than she already did, she saw Skarth turn, shaking his mane gently as a matching feather danced through his mane. He wanted to be matched (at least in trinkets) with her!!!

“If you’d like it, you can have it," he said as he looked up to meet her gaze.

Vanessëa wondered if he could read all of her emotions and feelings, as he looked at her. She was stunned into silence, in complete awe of this exquisite gift – and what it implied (or possibly implied about his feelings). She knew in that moment, there would never be any other that captured her heart or made her feel this way – she had fallen for Skarth completely and utterly.

"It is exquisite; a beautiful and powerful gift – one that I am not sure I deserve." Then she continued quickly, not wanting him to misunderstand her meaning, "and one that I would be honored to wear for all time." She broke from his gaze, looking at the stunning rubies, then asked shyly, "would you… could I ask… will you help tie it into my mane?" She looked back up into his enchanting eyes, with a smile on her face and blush on her cheeks, and turned to the side so that he may come closer to tie the gift into her mane.
_____________________________________________________________________
Skarth POV
The rubies flashed and Grian’s light reflected in the alabaster doe’s eyes, much to Skarth’s delight. She seemed thrilled with the trinket and, with a look strikingly similar to that of a wide-eyed fawn, Skarth gulped. “Oh, erh, yes, certainly.” Woops. He hadn’t thought this far. In the visions and dreams of presenting Vanessea with the trinket, she had of course been dazzled but, after that, the fantasy had faded. Without some sort of guideline, Skarth had to wing it which, in Skarth’s case, never usually worked out well.

But he would try. He dropped his head and picked up the jewels in his mouth and moved toward her.

His chest was just inches from her sleek, lithe shoulder, close enough to feel her body heat emanating through her coat. Or perhaps that was his own temperature rising, warmed by the doe’s close proximity. The stag leaned in, conjuring a small flame that sparked from his nostrils and encompassed the trinket before burying his nose into her mane. Once more her aroma surrounded him. She smelled of fresh blooms and crisp grass, of smoke and fire… The scent of a strong Silverthorne doe. The flame coiled around her mane, caressing her resplendent tendrils until the golden thread and the silken strands were combined. Its work done, the flame crackled out of existence, leaving a faint plume of smoke wafting over her neck.

Skarth fixed her mane, carefully adjusting it so that the rubies glimmered and the feather danced freely against her neck. He stepped back, allowing himself just enough space to view his handiwork. Before him she stood, her legs long and slender while an endlessly long tail coiled around her feet. His gift stood out in striking contrast to her pale coat but it wasn’t that which held his gaze - it was her smile, gleaming and bright. Skarth’s nervous expression softened.

“You look beautiful,” he breathed, finding it difficult to speak.
_____________________________________________________________________

Vanessëa POV
Vanny tried to calm her racing heartbeat, as Skarth came forward and leaned into her mane. She wanted desperately to turn and look at him… to look at him touching her mane. Instead, she restrained herself and waited for him to finish, in an effort to show him that she truly and utterly trusted him. She smelt a faint wisp of smoke, as golden strands and silken threads fused together and became one with her mane.

Just as she turned her head to look at her shiny new trinket, she felt Skarth adjust her mane, fixing the rubies so they would lay just right atop her silken white hair. His touch sent a fiery sensation of its own right down her mane and across her back. She looked at the rubies, in wonder and awe, and realized she may have never felt so special or happy in her life. Her face was aglow with a genuine smile.

"You look beautiful," Skarth said.

A brilliant blush spread across her cheeks, a color so red it almost matched the glistening gems hanging from her mane. Vanessëa was at a loss for words – how could she possibly convey what she was feeling right now? Elation to be in his presence… sheer delight in the knowledge that he had made something just for her… the euphoria she felt at his touch… the magnificence of his gift. She could sense the power within the gem, reaching into her core and melding with her own fire magic – and she wondered if she might just ignite into flame with all she was feeling.

To say thank you was not nearly enough, and yet, it was all she had. So Vanessëa looked into his smoldering eyes and replied, "Thank you." She paused just a moment, to create emphasis, and continued, "Skarth, thank you for everything. For this magnificent gift, and for a wonderful day – I cannot tell you how special this has been for me."
_____________________________________________________________________
Skarth POV
He watched the way her eyes glittered as she looked at the gem and feather, the way they burned and sparked. The roan stag’s chest swelled with pride, happiness, and - dare he acknowledge it? - love. He shivered at the thought, allowing the sensation to run its course down his spine. Skarth arched his neck as she spoke, tapping his nose against his chest in acknowledgement.

“Nor can I begin to say how special you are to me…” He blushed, surprised at the slightly brazen comment. The light in the forest had begun to fade with the setting sun, casting a golden glow around them. His eyes drifted to the dried leaves on the forest floor and, for a moment, he fiddled with the fallen debris. He could not tell her he loved her, not yet. There would be a time and a place for that. But still… He inhaled deeply, gathering what courage he had left.

“Stay with me…?” he whispered, his voice catching on itself and coming out rather scratchy and inelegant. Skarth finally looked up at her, his expression as much of a question as his words.
_____________________________________________________________________

Vanessëa POV
Vanessëa watched the regal roan, his neck arched magnificently as his nose inclined towards his chest.

"Nor can I begin to say how special you are to me," he replied.

Was this real? Could this actually be happening? Vanny felt as though she were living out some childhood tale of romance, with emotions and sensations she never believed she might actually experience. And yet, here she stood next to the one who made her heart feel like it might explode out of her chest while her body was consumed by fire, all while the forest glowed with the setting sun.

"Stay with me?" she heard him say.

Vanny's mind was reeling - did she hear him right? What did it mean – not that she could really mistake the meaning? What was she getting herself into? What would her family think? Would he want her to stay through the seasons, as a life mate? He was a gentleman - pure and true - surely he was not looking for just a rut mate this year. What would a life of commitment mean, even if it was to one as enthralling as Skarth?

With thoughts racing through her mind erratically, it only took one mere second for her to push the questions to the back of her mind, and reply with a simple, "Yes." She looked straight into his eyes, knowing that she would be safe next to him, and smiled as she drew herself near to him.

Description

Skarth and Vanessëa
Early Summer, Year 759 of the New Age
Silverthorne, The Silver Wood
_____________________________________________________________________
Vanessëa POV

Vanessëa felt a heat burning inside her, a heat that was hotter than Grian's strongest rays on a Summer afternoon. Her mind was reeling from the mornings activities. The day had started early, arriving at the meeting place in the Vale, to hear the King's latest proclamation – an event that had stirred quite a gathering as herdsman and soldiers alike pondered what the new King would have to say. Then, just as Skuldafn was about to begin his speech, he had found her. She could barely contain her excitement when she turned to see that the fawnling who had nudged her was none other than he whose stunning red coat she had been searching for these last few months – it was Skarth. They shared a quick smile as the King began his speech.

She remembered the King's speech - encouraging a reinforcement of the herd's beliefs and traditions by enforcing purity in this upcoming season's rut. His ideals were true, and she was glad that the herd now had a strong King to lead them forward. But even more memorable was the fact that Skarth chose to stand next to her, to lean in and protectively coil his tail around her when the crowd grew anxious, and most amazingly, then to show her a small amount of affection – touching his nose to her neck – and implying they should leave together.

Whatever it was about this magnificent red roan stag, he made Vanessëa feel alive – in a way no other fawn ever had. As they gently touched noses, she felt ever nerve fiber in body come alive with fire. His brown eyes sparkled as he said, "I have something for you."

Vanessëa approached cautiously, wanting for this moment to last forever and praying that her feelings for this handsome stag had not run away with her – and that he returned her affections. Then, deciding there was only one way to see exactly what his feelings and intentions were, she allowed herself to draw next to him, pressing lightly enough to make gentle contact, and follow him into the trees.
_____________________________________________________________________
Skarth POV
He did not know how long they wandered through the trees, their bodies pressing together or drifting apart as their path dictated. Twisting oaks and tall ash stood, offering their shade and privacy from the rest of the world. Not that Skarth needed any help putting the rest of the world to the side; right now, everything he had ever dreamed of walked beside him, close enough to touch.

They didn’t speak for a time but Skarth finally came to a stop beneath a trio of giant ash trees surrounded by ferns. He had spent a great deal of time here lately, using the ferns as a sort of makeshift den while spending more and more time in the Vale. “Wait here,” he murmured, pressing his nose into the doe’s silvery mane. Her scent surrounded him, enveloped him, and he closed his eyes for a moment, simply enjoying her company. Skarth pulled himself away and, with a flick of his tail, he turned to the ferns.

Skarth pushed the branches aside with his velveted horns and scoured through the flattened leaves he had used as bedding until he finally found what he had been looking for. Ignoring the anxiety that rose in his breast, the stag grabbed the trinket in his mouth and exited the ferns.

Twigs and fern leaves fell off of his body as he left the undergrowth; several bits were still stuck in his mane, but he hoped that Vanessëa’s attention would not be on his appearance and rather on what hung from his mouth: a trio of rubies, strung together with a golden cord, flashed in the filtered sunlight from above while a single, burnt orange and black feather fluttered with Skarth’s movement. Gently, he placed the trinket on the ground before her. “I… I made this for you. I found the rubies near the Iron Hills - they will give your fire strength,” his eyes rested on the gemstones, too nervous to look her in the eye. “The feather,” he continued quickly, “is from a hummingbird I nursed last spring. The tail feathers come in pairs of two.” He turned, shaking his neck slightly so that his own feather, identical to the one that laid on the ground at their feet, peeked through his mane.

“If you’d like it, you can have it.”

Finally, he dared to look into her eyes. His heart skipped a beat as he lost himself in the intelligence and life that shone forth from her eyes. The king’s speech rang through his mind and Skarth dropped his gaze, unsure of himself. How could he expect her to choose him over some of the other stags? So perfect, so pure… She was more than he could ever hope to find, the perfect partner to spend the rest of his life with… Skarth shivered and he began to nervously fidget with a small twig on the ground, too afraid to look at her again. For three years, three years, he had hidden his feelings from the doe and now here they were - together - standing perilously close to an edge that he desperately hoped from which they would both fall.
_____________________________________________________________________
Vanessëa POV
She followed next to him through twisting oaks and tall ash trees, her feet delicately maneuvering through patches of sunlit undergrowth. Her excitement so intense, she had to glance at the ground to make sure she was not floating. It was easy to walk next to Skarth in silence, not feeling the least bit awkward, as she admired the regal roan color of his coat, his masculine build demonstrating strength and athleticism (without appearing overly obsessed with strength training - as many herd soldiers appeared), and even the way the velvety growth of his seasonal horns displayed his stunning antlers.

Just beneath a trio of ash trees, surrounded by giant ferns, Skarth drew up to a halt and said to her, "Wait here." Before she could even ask what was going on, she felt his nose press into her mane, sending a tingling sensation that quivered down her spine. She dared not move, overcome with feelings and longings, and struggled to maintain her composure. She had long since given up fighting her emotions, where Skarth was concerned, and now just hoped to keep up proper appearances, until she could ascertain what his feelings and intentions were towards her. Then, just like that, he moved away from her, turning his attention to something on the other side of the fern leaves and ash branches.

Vanessëa was not sure she had ever felt such anticipation, when being asked to wait, before. Here she was, waiting on him, and he had taken the time to make or acquire something for her. Her spirit soared, just knowing that he had thought of her at least once in their separation. Surely, there was no gift he could give her that was greater than that.

As Skarth turned back to face her, she saw a unique burnt orange and black feather that dangled gently from a trio of rubies, strung together with a golden cord. She had to stifle a gasp, amazed at the gorgeous gift he carried towards her. It was so beautiful, the way the sun reflected off the brilliant red stones, as if they were blessed by Grian herself – a treasure that any doe would envy. He set it down before her, as he said, “I… I made this for you. I found the rubies near the Iron Hills - they will give your fire strength. The feather is from a hummingbird I nursed last spring. The tail feathers come in pairs of two.” Just when Vanessëa thought she could not love the gift any more than she already did, she saw Skarth turn, shaking his mane gently as a matching feather danced through his mane. He wanted to be matched (at least in trinkets) with her!!!

“If you’d like it, you can have it," he said as he looked up to meet her gaze.

Vanessëa wondered if he could read all of her emotions and feelings, as he looked at her. She was stunned into silence, in complete awe of this exquisite gift – and what it implied (or possibly implied about his feelings). She knew in that moment, there would never be any other that captured her heart or made her feel this way – she had fallen for Skarth completely and utterly.

"It is exquisite; a beautiful and powerful gift – one that I am not sure I deserve." Then she continued quickly, not wanting him to misunderstand her meaning, "and one that I would be honored to wear for all time." She broke from his gaze, looking at the stunning rubies, then asked shyly, "would you… could I ask… will you help tie it into my mane?" She looked back up into his enchanting eyes, with a smile on her face and blush on her cheeks, and turned to the side so that he may come closer to tie the gift into her mane.
_____________________________________________________________________
Skarth POV
The rubies flashed and Grian’s light reflected in the alabaster doe’s eyes, much to Skarth’s delight. She seemed thrilled with the trinket and, with a look strikingly similar to that of a wide-eyed fawn, Skarth gulped. “Oh, erh, yes, certainly.” Woops. He hadn’t thought this far. In the visions and dreams of presenting Vanessea with the trinket, she had of course been dazzled but, after that, the fantasy had faded. Without some sort of guideline, Skarth had to wing it which, in Skarth’s case, never usually worked out well.

But he would try. He dropped his head and picked up the jewels in his mouth and moved toward her.

His chest was just inches from her sleek, lithe shoulder, close enough to feel her body heat emanating through her coat. Or perhaps that was his own temperature rising, warmed by the doe’s close proximity. The stag leaned in, conjuring a small flame that sparked from his nostrils and encompassed the trinket before burying his nose into her mane. Once more her aroma surrounded him. She smelled of fresh blooms and crisp grass, of smoke and fire… The scent of a strong Silverthorne doe. The flame coiled around her mane, caressing her resplendent tendrils until the golden thread and the silken strands were combined. Its work done, the flame crackled out of existence, leaving a faint plume of smoke wafting over her neck.

Skarth fixed her mane, carefully adjusting it so that the rubies glimmered and the feather danced freely against her neck. He stepped back, allowing himself just enough space to view his handiwork. Before him she stood, her legs long and slender while an endlessly long tail coiled around her feet. His gift stood out in striking contrast to her pale coat but it wasn’t that which held his gaze - it was her smile, gleaming and bright. Skarth’s nervous expression softened.

“You look beautiful,” he breathed, finding it difficult to speak.
_____________________________________________________________________

Vanessëa POV
Vanny tried to calm her racing heartbeat, as Skarth came forward and leaned into her mane. She wanted desperately to turn and look at him… to look at him touching her mane. Instead, she restrained herself and waited for him to finish, in an effort to show him that she truly and utterly trusted him. She smelt a faint wisp of smoke, as golden strands and silken threads fused together and became one with her mane.

Just as she turned her head to look at her shiny new trinket, she felt Skarth adjust her mane, fixing the rubies so they would lay just right atop her silken white hair. His touch sent a fiery sensation of its own right down her mane and across her back. She looked at the rubies, in wonder and awe, and realized she may have never felt so special or happy in her life. Her face was aglow with a genuine smile.

"You look beautiful," Skarth said.

A brilliant blush spread across her cheeks, a color so red it almost matched the glistening gems hanging from her mane. Vanessëa was at a loss for words – how could she possibly convey what she was feeling right now? Elation to be in his presence… sheer delight in the knowledge that he had made something just for her… the euphoria she felt at his touch… the magnificence of his gift. She could sense the power within the gem, reaching into her core and melding with her own fire magic – and she wondered if she might just ignite into flame with all she was feeling.

To say thank you was not nearly enough, and yet, it was all she had. So Vanessëa looked into his smoldering eyes and replied, "Thank you." She paused just a moment, to create emphasis, and continued, "Skarth, thank you for everything. For this magnificent gift, and for a wonderful day – I cannot tell you how special this has been for me."
_____________________________________________________________________
Skarth POV
He watched the way her eyes glittered as she looked at the gem and feather, the way they burned and sparked. The roan stag’s chest swelled with pride, happiness, and - dare he acknowledge it? - love. He shivered at the thought, allowing the sensation to run its course down his spine. Skarth arched his neck as she spoke, tapping his nose against his chest in acknowledgement.

“Nor can I begin to say how special you are to me…” He blushed, surprised at the slightly brazen comment. The light in the forest had begun to fade with the setting sun, casting a golden glow around them. His eyes drifted to the dried leaves on the forest floor and, for a moment, he fiddled with the fallen debris. He could not tell her he loved her, not yet. There would be a time and a place for that. But still… He inhaled deeply, gathering what courage he had left.

“Stay with me…?” he whispered, his voice catching on itself and coming out rather scratchy and inelegant. Skarth finally looked up at her, his expression as much of a question as his words.
_____________________________________________________________________

Vanessëa POV
Vanessëa watched the regal roan, his neck arched magnificently as his nose inclined towards his chest.

"Nor can I begin to say how special you are to me," he replied.

Was this real? Could this actually be happening? Vanny felt as though she were living out some childhood tale of romance, with emotions and sensations she never believed she might actually experience. And yet, here she stood next to the one who made her heart feel like it might explode out of her chest while her body was consumed by fire, all while the forest glowed with the setting sun.

"Stay with me?" she heard him say.

Vanny's mind was reeling - did she hear him right? What did it mean – not that she could really mistake the meaning? What was she getting herself into? What would her family think? Would he want her to stay through the seasons, as a life mate? He was a gentleman - pure and true - surely he was not looking for just a rut mate this year. What would a life of commitment mean, even if it was to one as enthralling as Skarth?

With thoughts racing through her mind erratically, it only took one mere second for her to push the questions to the back of her mind, and reply with a simple, "Yes." She looked straight into his eyes, knowing that she would be safe next to him, and smiled as she drew herself near to him.