The Beast and The Rose

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Solina and Solaris lived a ways from the forest and castle within it, yet even they had heard of the legend. A demon turned as such for punishment, few dared journey though the forest to the capital. Even the king's guardsmen wouldn't dare. But this was hardly a concern of theirs—all they needed was in their village.



Solina was seen as a beauty but she was incredibly strong willed. Her twin, Solaris, was in fact male though the majority of the town thought otherwise due to the face he wore the same clothes as his sister. Indeed, he was the more feminine of the two, soft spoken and kind. They lived with their mother and father, who ran the tavern of the town. Though both parents thought fondly of their daughter their son was something of a disgrace to them, as men should be hunters or providers instead of dressing like a girl and spending time fantasizing and gazing into the sky. No, Solaris was better off put to work in the back while they dotted upon Solina.



For her credit, Solina was not spoiled as many would be in her position. She and her twin had a close bond and would often help him out by giving him the things their parents would not give their 'fool of a son.' She loved her brother, and no matter her parent's views he would remain ear to her.



Then the plague came. It began slowly, only picking off a few and then exploded. It ravaged houses and there was panic. Solina and Solaris knew they could not escape it and indeed, the bruises soon began on Solaris' pale flesh. His parents immediately told him to leave the house, trying to save themselves. He complied, but only for his sister. He would not cause Solina to die. So that night he wrapped a cloak around himself and moved to leave.



"Solaris" a soft voice called out. He turned, seeing his precious sister behind him. Adverting his eyes the male bowed his head.



"Sister . . . I have to go, before I spread this."



"But you'll die--!"



"Better that then lose you sister"



She knew she couldn’t win, so she stood and walked to her brother and wrapped her arms around him. "I'm going with you" she whispered. "If you left I'd surly die, and if you were alone so would you." Feeling he was about to protest she let out a soft, warning sound. He argued and she would knock some sense into him in the painful way.



Reluctantly he nodded, before kissing his sister softly. "Let us go then" he whispered. "They'll be awake soon. If we wait till they wake . . . " If they waited then they would force Solaris to leave without Solina. So the two stole off in the night, headed for the cursed woods which was their only hope of shelter.