Shanea Forbidden Forest, 1509
Rhaenys stood at the edge of the Forbidden Forest, her eyes scanning the vast expanse of unfamiliar trees and underbrush. Confusion was etched across her face as she took in the towering trunks that seemed to whisper secrets in the wind. The sunlight filtered through the dense canopy above, creating a patchwork of light and shadow on the forest floor.
Rhaenys adjusted her grip on the reins, feeling the warmth of her horse beneath her. The distant bird calls were accompanied by the soft crunch of twigs beneath her feet as she ventured deeper into the forest.
She couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched, and her heart raced with a mix of curiosity and trepidation. "Where am I?" she muttered to herself, the words barely escaping her lips.
This place was unlike anything she had ever known, filled with an otherworldly charm that both intrigued and frightened her. Taking a deep breath, Rhaenys steeled herself for whatever lay ahead.
"Come on, girl," she called to her horse, Flicka. "Let's go."
Rhaenys and her horse, Flicka, ventured deeper into the forest.
As they ventured deeper into the forest, the strange sounds grew louder, a haunting melody that seemed to weave through the trees. Rhaenys glanced around, her senses heightened.
The trees loomed tall and ancient, their leaves whispering secrets she couldn't understand. Flicka snorted nervously, mirroring her unease.
"Stay close, Flicka," Rhaenys whispered, trying to maintain her composure. The path ahead twisted and turned, shrouded in shadows that danced with the fading light.
She felt a shiver run down her spine, but her curiosity pushed her forward.
Each step brought the sounds into sharper focus—a blend of rustling leaves, distant calls, and something else, something almost melodic that beckoned her deeper. "What is that?" she wondered aloud, her voice barely above a whisper.
Suddenly, a figure darted between the trees. Rhaenys' heart leapt as she tightened her grip on Flicka's reins.
Then, a lion appeared in front of her, its golden mane shimmering in the last rays of sunlight.
The creature stood tall and majestic, its eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that took her breath away. Time seemed to freeze as Rhaenys assessed the situation, torn between fear and awe.
The lion, regal and powerful, exuded an aura of both danger and grace. It was as if the forest had yielded its most magnificent secret, and she was both scared and amazed by the creature.
Suddenly, Flicka, her loyal horse, began to tremble beneath her. The horse sensed the lion's presence and let out a nervous whinny, shifting uneasily on the spot.
Rhaenys felt the tension in Flicka's muscles, and she gently whispered to her horse, trying to calm him. "Easy, Flicka," she murmured, but her heart raced as she recognized the danger they were in. "Uh oh," she said aloud, her voice barely above a whisper.
Then the lion made a threatening sound, causing her horse to throw her off. Rhaenys hit the ground with a thud, the wind knocked out of her.
She scrambled to her feet, her eyes wide with fear as she searched for Flicka, who had bolted a few steps away. The lion's growl echoed in the air, sending chills down her spine.
She knew she had to act quickly. "Flicka! Come back!" she called, her voice shaking. The wild energy of the moment pulsed around her as she prepared to face the creature that now stood between her and her beloved horse.
But then her horse, Flicka, ran off after the lion roared again.
Rhaenys then said, "Damn Flicka!" as she watched her horse bolt away from the area.
The lion growled, a deep rumble that echoed through the clearing, and in that instant, Rhaenys decided to run in a different direction, hoping to lead the creature away from her fleeing horse.
As she sprinted through the underbrush, her heart raced with adrenaline. Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain in her ankle as she stumbled over a hidden root, but she pushed through the agony, determined to protect Flicka at all costs.
Rhaenys could feel the lion's presence closing in on her, its growl reverberating in the air. Gritting her teeth against the pain in her ankle, she realized that running alone would not be enough. She had to harness her magic, a skill she had practiced but never fully tested in such dire circumstances.
As she stumbled to a halt, she focused intently, summoning the energy within her. The air around her crackled with anticipation as she raised her hands, channeling her will into a shimmering barrier of light. The lion paused, its golden eyes narrowing in curiosity and challenge.
With a swift motion, Rhaenys unleashed her magic, sending a wave of shimmering energy toward the beast. The light enveloped the lion, momentarily stunning it and causing its growl to falter.
Just as Rhaenys thought she had the upper hand, the lion pounced towards her, its powerful muscles propelling it through the air. But before it could reach her, an unknown figure jumped in front of her, blocking the lion's path.
The figure stood tall and resolute, their presence radiating strength and determination. Rhaenys's heart raced as she tried to comprehend this sudden turn of events. Who was this mysterious protector, and could they help her fend off the lion?
The lion was ready to make another attempt, muscles coiling with potential energy as it prepared to leap.
But the mystery figure, unwavering and fierce, stepped forward. "You won't get to her," the figure declared, voice steady and unwavering. The lion hesitated, sensing the challenge posed by this unexpected guardian.
In the blink of an eye, the lion lunged, but the figure was quicker. They quickly sidestepped the attack and used the momentum of the lion to their advantage.
The lion stumbled, giving the figure the opportunity to position themselves between the predator and their charge. Fear and awe mingled within the young woman as she watched, realizing she was not alone in this fight.
"Stay behind me," the mysterious figure said.
Rhaenys nodded, determination flickering in her eyes. "Okay, you don't have to tell me twice."
A few minutes later, the wild lion decided to retreat.
The lion went back deep into the forest, its momentum shifting as it stumbled.
Rhaenys took a deep breath, the adrenaline still coursing through her veins.
She looked at the mysterious figure beside her, gratitude swelling in her chest. "Thank you," she said, her voice steady despite the chaos they had just faced. "I couldn't have done this without you." The figure nodded, revealing a hint of a smile beneath their expression.
Rhaenys then asked, "What is your name?" The mysterious figure paused for a moment, their gaze lingering on the ground as if considering how to respond.