The Price of a Rose

The Price of a Rose

Author\'s Note:
Beauty and the Beast has always been my favorite fairy tales, and I loved the rendition done by Jean Cocteau. He captured the essence of my favorite fairy-tale, so I\'d like to start my story off the same way he started his beautifully exquisite movie:

\"Children believe what we tell them, they have complete faith in us. They believe that a rose plucked from a garden can bring drama to a family. They believe that the hands of a human beast will smoke when he slays a victim, and that this beast will be ashamed when confronted by a young girl. they believe a thousand other simple things. I ask of you a little of this childlike simplicity, and to bring us luck, let me speak four truly magic words, childhood\'s Open Sesame... \'Once upon a time....\' \"
--Jean Cocteau

Prologue
Long ago I should have seen,
All the things I could have been.
Careless and unthinking I moved onward

Gabriel stood motionless, his bow taut and ready. He had been stalking his prey for over an hour, but to him it seemed like mere minutes. The young prince was caught up in the thrill of the hunt, his instincts fed by a rush of adrenaline. Gabriel had opted to chase the stag on foot; for fear that the heavy strides of his steed, Storm Runner, would scare his prey off. The stag was sure that it had lost its pursuers, but the prince had stayed close behind the creature, never losing it from sight. Finally the stag let down its guard and stopped by a small stream to take a drink from the cool, clear water. Gabriel took aim and after a moments pause, let loose the arrow. It flew to its target like quicksilver and struck the stag, going in through one eye and out the other. The creature fell dead to the ground.
“Well, done boy!” came a booming voice from behind, shattering the quite of the forest. Gabriel nearly jumped out of his skin, but he hid his surprise well. He whirled around and glared at a tall blond man who was grinning from ear to ear and leaning casually against a tree.
I\'m glad you approve Renner.” Gabriel snarled sarcastically. Once again Renner had managed to sneak up on him, ruining Gabriel\'s illusions that he was the better hunter. The young prince leaned over to pull the arrow from the stag\'s head, as his tutor whistled for the squires, who had been left behind with the rest of the hunting party, to gather Gabriel\'s kill.
The young prince watched Renner out of the corner of his eye with envy. Renner was built like an oak tree, tall and solid, with the ability to move as silently as a shadow through the woods. With his rugged good looks and long blond mane, he was reminiscent of some Pagan Forest God, which was probably why all the women at the castle flocked after Renner’s affections.
Renner organized the squire\'s as they carted off the stag back to the castle. He turned to Gabriel with a grin on his face. “That was a good kill Gabe. It\'ll be perfect for tonight\'s grand feast.”
Gabriel groaned, “Ye Gods! Not another one?!? That’s the sixth one this month!”
Renner chuckled, “It’s all a part of your royal responsibility Gabe. Anyhow, the feasts aren’t all that bad. Good food and lovely ladies are always a plus.” Renner’s appetite for food and women were legendary.
The young prince snorted in disgust. In all of his nine years upon the earth he had determined that the only things worth doing was either riding Storm Runner or hunting. Everything else was an unneeded distraction and inconvenience. Renner looked at Gabriel’s sullen expression and knew that he had better act now to prevent any rebellious attempts his young charge might make.
“Gabe, remember your father wouldn’t approve if you missed this feast. He’s still a bit upset over the incident with the Mud Worms in the duchess’s plate.”
Gabriel grinned at the memory, but quickly changed his expression after glancing at Renner’s serious face.
“Do I have to go now Renner? Can’t I stay out for a few more hours, while the daylights still good?”
Renner pondered this for a moment and finally gave his assent with a sigh.
“Alright, just make sure your home in time to get dressed for the feast. And remember no tricks on the lesser royalty, alright?”
Gabriel rolled his eyes, and replied in an exasperated tone, “Alright I promise.. Can I go now?”
Renner just looked at Gabriel for a moment, the let out a weary sigh and shook his head. “Yes.. Do you want to take Storm Runner with you?”
“Mmm.. No, I can make better time through here by foot.” Gabriel placed his arrow back into the quiver attached to his back and slung his bow over his shoulder. He bounded into the dense brush, off to find new adventure.

* * * * *

Gabriel wandered through the Black Forest, looking for any promising tracks along the way. After a while he began seeing ruins of stonewalls covered in lichen and ivy, scattered among the trees and bushes. After more wandering, he stumbled into a clearing with what appeared to be the remains of a stone gazebo. He wandered closer to investigate, his curiosity piqued. The gazebo itself was near ruins, coved with thorny vines. In the center of the structure was a single, perfect rose. It was a deep intense red, the color of heart’s blood. Gabriel stared at the bloom, awed by it’s beauty. He had to have it. Gabriel walked towards the rose, almost as if in a trance. The rose, his rose was calling to him. He managed to climb over the crumbling pillars avoiding the sharp thorns. Finally he stood before the rose. Underneath it was a plaque, whose writing was covered with moss. Gabriel cleared it off and peered at the now visible script. It read : Can you afford to pay the price..? Gabriel dismissed the plaque with a shrug, and reached out for the rose, intending to cut it from its thorny prison. One of the thorns seemed to jump of it’s own accord, and impale itself upon his finger.
\"Oww!\" he yelped as he drew his hand away. A fat drop of his blood splattered on the plaque.
He cursed softly as he grabbed the rose again, being careful to avoid the thorns this time. He quickly cut the rose with a dagger. He then tore a scrap of material off of his tunic and wrapped the rose with it. Gabriel then climbed off the gazebo; taking no heed of the plant life he killed along the way, and headed back to the castle, making sure to place his prize securely in his tunic.
A few moments after Gabriel had left, a large brown hawk flew lazily into the clearing. It circled around the gazebo for a moment before it landed on the pillar that the rose had once occupied. It looked down at the plaque, where the blood had fallen. The droplet instantly solidified into a single ruby attached to a fine gold chain. The hawk picked it up with its sharp beak and glided down to the earth. As it reached the ground it began to change, taking on the form of a man. His wings spread into a long feathery cloak that unfolded about him. He was dressed in black leather and his long brown hair hung braided down his back. His orangey amber eyes sparkled with demonic glee. He took the necklace from between sharp, white teeth with a gloved hand and held it up so that it sparkled in the light. He smiled a predatory grin as he looked into the ruby made from the prince\'s blood.
\"This is going to be quite amusing,\" he chuckled.

Chapter 1

Ten years later…

Darkness. It was his time now. He could move about the forest without the fear of discovery by others. The night hid him from watchful eyes. Eyes that would fear him, hate him. He waited in the shadows, still and unmoving, waiting for his prey. He was rewarded by the sound of a twig snapping as a timid doe stepped out of the bushes and stopped next to a running stream. His ears twitched at the sound of the deer\'s heartbeat. He stayed as still as stone until the doe had relaxed enough to take a drink from the clear water. He could feel the Hunger building up within it. He had no control over it and it swept him up in an adrenaline rush. It would consume him until it was sated with blood. His claws flexed and he could wait no longer. He pounced in silence, and the doe never knew what hit it. With a swift flick of his talons he slit the doe\'s throat, nearly decapitating it. Blood gushed out and he placed his lips over the stream, letting the hot red liquid run down his throat. He laid the doe down upon the ground and drank until the blood flow stopped. Then he pulled away and extended his claws to their full length and slit the deer open. He fed from his prey, rending flesh and snapping bone. After a while the Hunger was sated and he finally came to his senses. He looked down at the ravished deer, and the blood that covered his hands and tattered clothing. He managed to crawl away from the corpse before he emptied the contents of his stomach on the ground. After a couple of dry heaves, he stumbled over to the stream to rinse the blood and bile from his mouth. As he cleaned himself off, he caught his reflection off the water in the moonlight. Green, human eyes filled with anguish, looked at him from a monstrous beast-like face. He snarled as he struck his hand against the water\'s surface, distorting the reflection. He threw back his head and howled.

* * * * *

Eve had just finished hanging the day\'s wash, when her father, Malachi hurried towards her.
\"Great tidings my child!\" he cried with joy, \"there has been news that one of my ships has been found and has made it to port!\"
Eve smiled and hugged her father, \"That’s wonderful father! You must tell Amelia and Felicity. They will be so excited.\"
Malachi hugged her again and rushed inside their small cottage to tell her sisters his news. She was happy to see that finally some luck had shined upon her poor father. He had been a wreck ever since they had gone bankrupt from his fleet being lost at sea. And her sisters.. They were used to the rich lifestyle that they had lead when father was a profitable merchant. When the money was gone, they complained bitterly about how they should have been married off to a lord or a duke who could of taken proper care of them. They refused to lift a hand to help out, because they said it was beneath them. So everything rested in Eve\'s hands. She took care of the cooking, and cleaning, but not for her sisters\' benefit. She did it for her father, who was struck hard by this bad turn of events. As Eve gathered up the clothes that were dry, she heard someone call her name.
She turned around and groaned inwardly. It was Anton again. He was a hired hand that lived in the nearby village that tried, unsuccessfully, to court her. Although he was a very handsome young man, he was more a brother to her that anything else. So usually she found some excuse or another not to partake of his affections much to Anton’s utter dismay. He pestered Eve to no end, but he was such a great help to her father, Eve didn’t have the heart to send him away.
“Eve!” he called as he ran up to her, “I’m glad I caught you.”
“Oh, um… Hello Anton,” she said as she haphazardly pulled the rest of the wash off the line and stuffed it into her basket.
“ I was wondering if you’d like to come with me to the village today. There’s a traveling band of actors that we could go see?” he looked at her with eyes that viewed her with adoration. Eve panicked.
“Well unfortunately I’m kind of busy right now.” She stammered, “You see father’s ship has come in and there will be lots of things to do to get ready. So I guess I have to go now.. Bye!” She grabbed her basket and headed quickly inside.
As she walked through the door she heard her sisters\' voices squealing with delight.
\"Father,\" Amelia cooed, \"You must get me a new dress, something made of silk and satin.. With lots of lace!\"
\"And I want a pearl necklace,\" Felicity cried, \"No! A diamond one.. Or how about both?\"
\"Girls, girls,\" Malachi laughed, \"One thing at a time!\" He turned to Eve, \"My middle child, what would you like? Gold? Precious stones?\"
Eve smiled, \"Really father, I don\'t need anything.\"
\"Come, come child. What would you like your father to bring you?\"
\"Well…\" Eve tilted her head and thought for a moment, \"I\'d like you to bring me a rose. There are none up here and I miss seeing them.\"
\"A rose?\" Amelia sneered, \"How absolutely stupid! Might as well as for a bouquet of weeds, they’re worth just about the same amount!\"
\"It\'s not stupid,\" their father said, as he took Eve\'s hand in his. \"Eve, I will bring you your rose, Felicity you\'ll get your necklaces and Amelia the dresses are yours!\"

* * * * *

It had been nearly a week since her father had left. She had wanted to go with him but she knew the house would go to shambles if her sisters were left by themselves. She sat on the stone fence that went along terimerimeter of their cottage. She could just make out the silhouette of Oberon’s castle in the distance, when she heard the sound of galloping horses coming up the path.
\"Father\'s here!\" she cried and rushed out to the dirt road to greet him. He rode upon a magnificent black steed that Eve had never seen before, and the horse that he had ridden out on was trailing behind, loaded with heavy saddlebags. Her sisters converged on the horse laden with bags, but Eve went straito hto her father. His shoulders were slumped and his eyes were red and puffy. Malachi looked at her with tired, saddened eyes.
\"Father,\" Eve cried, \"What\'s wrong?\"
He handed her a rose that was as red as heart\'s blood. It was the most beautiful and perfect rose she had ever seen.
\"Cherish that rose, my darling daughter,\" he replied, \"It has cost your father his very life…\" Then he slumped over and lost consciousness.

Chapter 2

Eve managed to get her father inside with Anton’s help. The young man placed the old merchant onto a comfortable chair next to the fireplace as Eve started a fire to warm him up. Malachi slowly regained consciousness and asked for some wine before he would speak. After he drained back a cup and took a deep breath and began his story.

* * * *

Malachi had made the long trip to the market place near Avalon. He went directly to the dock to see his boat, but he had been turned away. His creditors claimed that it had been a mistake; it wasn\'t one of his boats that had come in. In reality they had converged on his ship like a pack of vultures, leaving nothing behind. Malachi went home empty handed not knowing what he was going to tell his daughters. It was growing dark but the merchant was so upset that he didn’t realize until it was to late that he had lost his way in the Black Forest. When he finally came to his senses, he was hopelessly lost. Fear crept down his spine. It was foolish to wander around the forest after dark. Many predators lurked in the night, looking for a helpless meal. As Malachi tried to find his way out of the forest, an iron gate appeared out of the mists. He dismounted his horse and tentatively reached a hand out to the gate, and it slowly creaked open. After a moments hesitation he headed inside.
‘Maybe I could ask the master of the house if I can stay the night,’ the merchant thought to himself, ‘Then I will be able to get to my daughters safely in the morning.’
He walked into an ornate courtyard with a cobbled path. He heard the creaking of a door opening. Malachi turned around and saw a stable, whose gate was hanging ajar. He wandered over to investigate, his steed trailing behind him. The stable was clean and the trough was filled with fresh hay. Malachi shrugged and placed his horse in. The horse happily munched on the hay as Malachi walked out to the cobbled path. He followed the path as it led him to a large gothic castle with huge oaken doors. Malachi knocked on the door, and it slowly creaked open. Malachi waited a moment, gathering his courage, and then entered the portal. As he stepped past the door it slammed behind him, with a thunderous boom. Although he was unnerved, Malachi continued walking down a darkened hallway that seemed to go on forever. Eventually he was led to a large dining room. On the table there was a feast set before him, that was fit for a king. The smell of the food was like heaven and he sat down and ate. After he had eaten his fill he began to feel sleepy and immediately fell asleep in his chair. Malachi had no idea how long he slept for, but when he awoke he felt refreshed and full of energy. He had to find the master of this house and thank him for his hospitality. Malachi wandered around the castle calling out to someone, anyone. But he heard nothing but his own echoing voice. Eventually he made his way into a garden; it was filled with roses of all sizes and colors. ‘At least I can bring a rose to my daughter Eve,’ he thought to himself. In the center of the garden was a bush with the reddest roses he had ever seen. All of them save for one had not yet bloomed. The one that had was bigger that his hand. It would be perfect for Eve. He pulled out a knife and cut the rose off carefully. Suddenly there was a piercingly loud and angry roar.
\"What are you doing?!\" came a deep and rumbling voice. Malachi turned and saw a large figure draped in a black cloak at the entrance of the garden. The figure stood in the shadows but he could see that he was wearing a suit of black velvet with lace at the throat and wrists. His hands were encased in thick velvet gloves. Malachi could not make out the face though. It was hidden from view by a hood.
\"What gives you the right to steal my rose?\" the figure hissed as he stepped out of the shadows. Now Malachi could clearly see the stranger’s face. The merchant fell to his knees; he was looking into the face of something not human. The monster drew nearer and he could see claws poking from the tips of the gloves it wore. \"This is how you repay my Kindness for giving you food and shelter?\" the creature continued in it\'s low rumbling voice, \"You steal the thing I most treasure in the world? The price for your transgression is death....\"
\"Sir I didn\'t know, \" Malachi cried, \"It was a gift for my daughter.\"
\"Do NOT call me Sir,\" the creature hissed, \"I am called the Beast and I am master of this ca.\" .\"
\"But..\"
The Beast roared, \"Quiet! You stole my rose and now you must die.\" Then he paused. \"Or one of your daughters.. How many have you?\"
\"Three, but..\"
\"Or one of them must take your place..\"
\"But I can\'t..\"
\"I said QUIET!\" the Beast snarled \"Do not argue. Make the most of your choice.. I will not harm the one you send… But if one of your daughters does not take your place in three days, you must come back to face your punishment.\"
Malachi was silent for a moment. He would go home, to say goodbye to his family and then come back here. He could not ask his children to take his place. He was an old man. His life was practically over, theirs was just beginning.
\"How will I get home?\" he asked in a stunned daze.
\"In my stable there is a black roan named Storm Runner. Just get on him and say \'Storm Runner Take me to where I want to go\' and he will take you home and bring you.. or your daughter back.\" The Beast sunk back into the shadows, \"You have three days old man.\"

* * * *

\"This is you\'re fault, \" Amelia screeched at Eve, \"This never would have happened if you hadn\'t asked for that stupid rose!\"
“What are we going to do?!” Felicity moaned.
\"Look what I found!\" yelled Anton, who had been putting the horses away as the old merchant, told his story. He dropped a saddlebag onte fle floor and gold coins spilled out. Amelia and Felicity gaped at the amount of gold that now littered the floor. Amelia dove down and began gathering the fallen pieces into her arms. Felicity stood torn between her urge to grab the money as well and her concern for her father. She finally her concern won out as she knelt next to Malachi. Their father looked at the gold, his eyes filled with horror.
\"It\'s blood money,\" he muttered.
\"Father I am so sorry,\" Eve whisp., \., \"I\'ll make this right.. I promise.\" Her father was so pale; With Felicity’s help she got him upstairs and laid him to bed. She placed a kiss upon his brow. \"Sleep well father.\" She whispered. Once both sisters exited the room, Felicity pulled Eve aside.
“What are we going to do, Eve?”
Eve looked at her younger sister’s worried face and came to a decision.
“Don’t worry, I promise I’ll take care of this. In the meantime you better make sure Amelia doesn’t run off with all the gold.”
Felicity nodded and went back. She and Amelia began to argue over the money, as Eve silently slipped out the back door and to where the Beast’s horse waited.
She patted Storm Runner on the nose and led him out. Eve climbed onto his back and whispered into his ear, \"Storm Runner, take me to where I want to go.\" The horse nickered and took off. They were on their way to the Beast\'s Castle.

Chapter 3

Ten years earlier
Gabriel picked at the food on his plate and let out a long sigh. He hated formal dinners; they were so boring. He wished his father wouldn\'t make him attend. But both his father and Renner and insisted that since he was crown prince, he had to make appearances. Renner as always was surrounded by a gaggle of young ladies, who were fawning upon him for his attentions. It was enough to make Gabriel want to be sick. He decided once everyone was drunk enough, he could sneak away unnoticed and check on his rose. It had been a week since he had acquired it and it was still as fresh as it had been on the vine. He was planning his escape plan, when suddenly a flash of light and thunder struck the middle of the room. When the smoke cleared, there stood a tall lithe man, with long brown hair, dressed in black leather. He wore a feathery brown cape that writhed around him as if it were alive.
\"It\'s the Dark Mage,\" someone whispered before the room became silent eatheath. The king stood up.
\"What brings you to my humble kingdom, Mage Ian?\"
Ian walked around the room, his orange-amber eyes flashing.
\"Someone here,\" he said in a cool silky voice, \"Has stolen something from me.\"
\"What?!\" the king cried. \"No one here would ever think of stealing from you.\"
Gabriel\'s blood ran cold. He was positive that the Mage was here for the rose. He couldn\'t let him have it, he had to sneak out of the banquet hall and hide it.
While his father and the mage were arguing, Gabriel managed to lower himself to the ground and slink away. He made it into a side corridor without anyone noticing. Just as he turned to run to his room, he ran right into someone.
\"Watch it you stupid..\" Gabriel looked up and his jaw dropped wide open. It was Ian.
\"Well, well, well,\" the mage chuckled, \"It\'s seems I have found my thief.\" he pulled out the rose from his cape. \"Looking for this?\" Gabriel tried to grab it from him, but the mage was quick and dodged his grasp.
\"Give that back,\" the prince demanded, \"It\'s mine. I found it!\"
\"The rose belongs to me, bratling,\" Ian sneered, \"And now you must pay the price..\" Ian pulled out a fine chain on which hung a blood red ruby in the shape of a teardrop. It glowed softly with an ominous light.
The glowing gem caught Gabriel\'s attention. \"What is that?\" he asked.
\"It\'s the blood you spilt when you took my rose.\" the Dark Mage began to pace around the young prince. He scratched his chin in thought. \"Now what shall I do to you?\" All of a sudden a grin broke out on Ian\'s face, as an idea suddenly dawned upon him. \"You a hunter, aren\'t you?\" he asked Gabriel.
\"The best,\" replied the boy, who was rather proud of his skill.
Ian continued as if he hadn\'t heard the young prince. \"Yes, I do remember watching you hunt. You stalk you prey with such patience and cunning. Very reminiscent of a predatory animal, a beast I might add.. I bet that if you could you\'d rip your victim\'s throats out with your bear hands.\"
Gabriel snorted. \"I\'m a trained huntsman. It takes skill to do what I do. I\'m not some sort of lowly beast.\"
\"Ah, but that all depends on your perspective.\" Ian smiled,. Then he began to mutter something in a language that Gabriel could not understand, tracing arcane symbols in the air. The ruby glowed so brightly that Gabriel could not look at it directly because lighlight hurt his eyes. Then the mage threw the golden chain at the boy. It landed on his necked at wrapped around it. It was burning hot, and Gabriel cried out as he tried to claw it off. It sank into his skin, leaving a red mark where it had been. The prince looked up but the mage was gone. He managed to get up and ran to the banquet hall, calling out to his father and Renner. When he reached the hall, it was totally devoid of life. It looked as if no one had been there for years. Panic filled the young boy, as he began to systematically search all the rooms in the castle. \"Father! Renner! Where are you?\" he cried as he went from room to room, finding no one. He finally headed outside to the garden that belonged to his mother while she was still alive. He noticed that all of the flowers had been replaced with roses of every color and size. And in the center of the Garden, he saw the rose. It was the only bloom on single vine that wrapped around a fountain that was placed there in dedication to his dead mother. The vine looked like it had been there all the time, but he knew that it was the very same rose that he had taken to incur the Mage\'s wrath. Anger washed over him, as he went towards the rose, intending to shred it to pieces, but as he reached for it, he saw something that made him cry out.
His hand was changing. His fingers were getting longer his nails were growing sharper. Fur began to sprout on the back of his hand. He fell over as a sharp pain struck him and coursed throughout his body. There was a prickling feeling all over his skin as thick fur grew all over his body, he felt his bones snapping as they grew and rearranged themselves into new positions. He bit into his lip and drew blood as his canines grew long and sharp. He tried to cry out but what came out of his throat was a growling roar. He felt himself lose consciousness as the pain became too much for him to bear. He willingly surrendered himself into black, peaceful Oblivion

* * * *

Oberon stood outside his castle, pacing around restlessly. Something was not right in his kingdom, but he just couldn\'t put his finger on it. His cousin Ian had been making himself scarce lately, which usually meant he was up to something. Oberon shrugged to himself and was about to head in when he heard the sound of screaming.
\"What the hell..?\" Oberon looked around his immediate area and didn\'t anytanything. The screams intensified in volume then cut off. Then another medley of screams began. Using a simple location spell he transported himself to where the sound was coming from. Strewn on the ground were the bloodied bodies of several Troll guards. The Troll that was currently screaming had a large shape huddled over it, tearing into it. Oberon threw a Ball of light at the creature, trapping it in a prison of glass. It was to late to save the Troll , as it\'s screams died down to choking gurgles as blood filled its lungs.
\"What do we have here?\" muttered Oberon as he peered into the glass prison. The creature that stared back at him showed no fear and just snarled bearing sharp fangs stained with blood. Oberon noticed that the creature was vaguely humanoid and was wearing tatters of clothing. As he looked closer he could see the remains of a royal seal sewn into what was left of its shirt. He immediately recognized the seal as belonging to a small kingdom on the outskirts of Arcadia, called Ivar.
\"Dammit,\" he cursed to himself. He turned away from the creature and looked up into the night sky.
\"Ian!\" he called out, \"Show yourself!\"
\"Yes, cousin dear?\" Ian replied after he materialized next to him.
\"Is this your handiwork?\" Oberon asked pointing to the growling creature. Ian nodded as he beamed proudly.
\" You turn the crown prince of Ivar into some sort of creature and let him run loose?!?\"
Ian shrugged, \"It\'s no concern of mine, what he does.\"
\"Dammit, Ian, I\'m sick of cleaning up after you. What has he done to deserve this punishment?\"
\"He stole one of my roses. I would of let him off without too much of a punishment, but the bratling decided to be rude.\"
Oberon shook his head and sighed, \"You used a compulsion spell, didn’t you? Well we can\'t have him rampaging all over the place.\"
\"Why not?\" Ian grinned, \"I think it would be rather fun to watch him rip apart Arcadia.\"
\"Ian,\" Oberon said in the tone one would use when they are speaking with a very stupid child, \"I rule Arcadia. Do you really think I want to watch this creature tear up my kingdom?\"
Ian shrugged, \"I guess not cousin, but I wash my hands of this. The affairs of mortals do not concern me.\"
Oberon shook his head again, \"Then I guess I\'m going to have to take care of this AGAIN..\"
Ian shrugged, \"Suit yourself Oberon. I still don\'t know why you bother with these mortals.\" With that Ian transformed into his hawk form and flew off.
Oberon muttered under his breath, \"Damn, youth of today. No responsibility whatsoever.\" He looked back at the creature, which was still growling. He raised his hand, drawing forth an orb of flame, intending to destroy the mad beast.
\"Oberon?” came a lilting voice behind him. He turned to see his Queen, Titania. She walked with an ethereal grace towards him, her silk gown and raven black hair flowing behind her. She looked at the imprisoned beast behind him and gasped.
“What.. What is that?” she said quietly, unable to tear her emerald green eyes away.
“It’s one of Ian’s victims, the Prince of Ivar. I was going to put him out of his misery.” Oberon replied as he rolled the orb of flame casually on his hand.
“No…” Titania looked stricken, her eyes filling with tears.
“What is it, my Queen?” Oberon asked waving away the flame orb and then taking his wife into his arms. She was trembling like a leaf. She took a moment to compose herself and looked deep into her husband’s golden eyes.
“Oberon he’s just a child.. Is there some other way?”
Oberon smiled at her, “Ah Titania, you are always so soft-hearted where these mortals are concerned. For you I will do what I can. I may not be able to alter his body, but I may be able to give him back his mind. Will that do?”
Titania nodded and smiled as she brushed her fingers over her husband’s cheek. “Yes, my husband. You can’t imagine how happy that would make me…”
Oberon smiled as he pulled Titania close to him and nuzzled her neck. “Maybe you could show me…” he growled.
Titania pressed herself against his body and purred, “Oh I’d be more than happy to show my gratitude, my love.”

Chapter 4

The Beast stood on the balcony, looking down at the roses below. They were the only things left here that he took pleasure in, even though as aas a rose that had led to his downfall. He looked in the foggy surface of a small hand held mirror. It was the only one that was intact in the castle and the only one that did not reflect his face back at him. The surface glowed and it showed a young woman riding Storm Runner. It was the merchant\'s daughter. She probably felt guilty because her father had taken the rose for her. She would arrive at his castle before nightfall, so preparations had already been made.
\"Expecting someone?\" a voice, asked him from behind. He didn’t bother to turn. He knew who it was.
\"What do you want Mage?\" he asked in a tired voice.
\"You\'re not happy to see me?\" Ian asked in mock surprise. \"I\'m hurt, really I am.\" He looked down at the mirror that the Beast held in his hand. \"Oh I see that you’re expecting company. A girl.\" He shook his head and made a clucking noise of disapprovement. \"You can\'t be thinking of breaking the spell I put upon you? \" He began to laugh, \"You think that she could fall in love with you, maybe give you a kiss and break the spell? She couldn\'t possibly love something like you. You’re a monster. A Beast that no one will ever love.\"
The Beast said nothing, his eyes cast downwards. Ian got close to him, his mouth just inches from his ear. \"And even if she fell in love with you,\" he hissed, \"That still wouldn\'t help. I would never make it that simple. You\'ll never break the curse and you will always be a beast.\" The Beast still gave no response, but Ian could see that his shoulders were slumped and his hands were balled up into fists. A drop splattered on the mirror. Ian chuckled; his work here was done. He disappeared in a flash of light and flapping of wings. The Beast stood silent for a long time, as teardrops splattered on the mirror.
\"Damn you,\" he whispered, \"Damn you to hell. I\'ll show you. I\'m not a monster…\"

******

Eve clung tightly around the horse\'s neck. The creature was moving so fast that the scenery around her was passing by in a blur. She had never ridden a horse before, and after this experience she didn\'t think she\'d be too eager to try again. They approached some iron gates, and Eve pulled on the reins in hope of slowing Storm Runner down. The creature kept moving at its neck breaking speed, with no intention of stopping. Eve closed her eyes and made a silent prayer to every deity she could think of, hoping that this wouldn\'t be too painful, and if she did die from the impact, it wouldn\'t be a lingering death. She felt the horse slow down, then finally stop. She slowly opened her eyes and saw that they were beyond the gates. She turned to see the gate closing by itself. She shakily stepped off the horse, and found she was standing before a large castle. It was overgrown with vines and looked like no one had been there for years. She felt the horse pull its reins out of her hand. When she turned around Storm Runner was nowhere to be seen.
Eve stood frozen, as fear paralyzed her body. Should she go in or run back home? No, this was her fault; she had to go on. She crept towards the large castle doors; her hand out stretched, reaching for the iron handle. Just when her fingers brushed against it, the door swung open by itself. She stifled a scream and peered inside. The hallway was empty and dark. She timidly stepped in, and as soon as she was past the threshold of the door, it slammed shut behind her. Eve yelped and swung around. She tried to open the door, but it wouldn\'t budge. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she bit her lip and willed herself not to cry. She had to be brave, for her father. Eve took a couple of deep breaths and stepped into the hallway. As she walked down the darkened pathway, candelabras that lined the wall lit up of their own accord. Eve fought every urge to tear out of this strange place and bravely continued down the hallway. It seemed as if the hallway was leading her somewhere and she saw at the end of it were large windows and a glass door leading to a balcony. She reached the window and pressed her hands against the glass. It was cool to the touch, and she wiped off the fog that her breath had made. Outside she saw the most beautiful garden she had ever seen. The rose her father had brought her was nothing compared to the blooms that she saw before her. She was tempted to go out into the garden, but she knew that if she went outside she wouldn\'t have enough nerve to come back in. She turned away from the windows and was surprised to see that the hallway was gone. She was now in a large dining room, with a huge oak table, on which was set a fabulous feast. The table was standing before a huge fireplace, with a roaring fire. Not knowing what else to do, she paced around the table and planted herself next to the fireplace, to get warm. The smell of the food was so wonderful and her stomach grumbled and protested with hunger. Finally she gave into temptation and sat down. She nibbled at assorted dishes, not being able to decide which one she wanted. It didn\'t take her long to fill up on the vast spread set before her. Eve sat back, her eyes growing heavy with sleep. Suddenly she heard a low rumbling sound. She turned and saw the glass door leading to the garden was open and a tall figure was silhouetted by the moonlight. She squinted her eyes to get a better look. He was huge, maybe eight or nine feet tall, and he stood draped in a long black cloak, with a large hood that hid his face in shadows. He walked towards her, with an inhuman grace that made it seem as if he were gliding.
\"So you\'ve come to take you\'re father\'s place?\" he asked in a low rumbling voice. Eve nodded, dropping her eyes, and then squeezing them shut, in wait of what would happen next. He was silent for a moment.
\"Why are you doing that?\" he asked.
\"Doing what?\" she replied in a trembling voice.
\"Closing your eyes like that. I won\'t hurt you.\"
She slowly opened her eyes and found that the stranger was sitting at the head of the table in a huge throne-like chair that had not been there a few minutes ago. He had pushed back his cloak to reveal finely tailored clothes made of black velvet, with white lace at the throat and wrists. Thick gloves covered his hands, and his face was still hidden by his hood. She could see green eyes lit up by the firelight. She gathered enough courage to speak.
\"You. You\'re not going to eat me?\" she stammered.
There was dead silence, and then she heard a deep huffing sound coming from the stranger. At first she was afraid, but when she saw him double over, his fist banging into the table. She realized with indignation that he was laughing.
\"I\'m... I\'m sorry,\" he managed, \"I don\'t mean to laugh. As I said before I won\'t hurt you. You are safe here. This is your new home, you are the mistress of this house.\"
She regarded him carefully. \"I though I was to die. You wanted my father dead for taking the rose for me.\"
He was quite for a moment, making Eve wish she hadn’t said anything at all. Finally he spoke.
\"I am guardian here, and anyone who takes a rose must pay a price. I merely spared his life and took another price. You. I apologize and I do understand if you hate me,\" at this, sorrow crept into his deep voice. \"But I am only a base creature who must do what he is commanded.\"
She thought for a moment then said, \"My name is Eve, What shall I call you?\'
\"I am called the Beast, and I am at your service, Eve. What ever you ask I shall do, save for letting you leave.\"
She tilted her head, still looking at his hood. \"May I see your face?\"
He stayed silent for a moment. \"I\'d rather you not.”
“Please,” Eve asked, “It’s rather disconcerting to speak to someone without knowing what they look like..”
The Beast sighed.
“I did say your wish is my command.\" He pulled down his hood to reveal his face. His face was unlike anything she had ever seen. It was full of inconsistencies. It was a mixture of different predatory beasts; cat, wolf and others she could not readily identify. The tip of sharp fangs poked from his lips, and a mane of long black hair hung around his face. And his eyes…. They were frighteningly human. They were an emerald green and filled with so many emotions. Anger, self-loathing and sorrow, all these emotions were warring with each other, in those blazing eyes of his. Eve gasped and had to turn away. Her mind reeled at what she had seen. It was something that was not supposed to be. Something not made by nature. Her hands grasped the arms of her chair so hard her knuckles turned white.
\"Seen enough?\' he asked unable to keep the bitterness out of his voice.
\"Yes, quite,\" she replied. She closed her eyes as he pulled his hood back on. \"I\'m sorry,\" she whispered.
\"Don\'t be,\" the Beast replied gruffly. He went to the door that led to the garden, but stopped for a moment before he stepped out. \"The hallway will lead you to your room. I will see you tomorrow night, if that’s fine with you?\"
\"Yes,\" she said quietly.
\"Well then.. until tomorrow.\" He disappeared into the night, and left Eve alone with her thoughts.

Chapter 5

The Beast had been right. The hallway that seemed so long and winding before, had led a straight path to Eve\'s room. She knew it was her room, because on the golden door was a plaque engraved with her name. She reached out to take the handle, but the door opened by itself. It looked like she was going to have to get used to not having to open doors anymore. Eve held her breath as she peeked into the room. It was absolutely gorgeous. She stepped into the room her mouth open with astonishment. There was a large canopy bed in the center of the room, with sheets made of silk and velvet. To the right of the bed was an ornately carved wooden wardrobe; and across from the bed was an oak vanity, with huge mirrors and a plush stool. To the left of the bed were large bay windows that led to a balcony. She went to the wardrobe first. The door opened to reveal beautiful dresses of all kinds. Eve gasped and took out one of the dresses, relishing the feel of the soft fabric against her fingers. She held the dress against her and turned to the mirror. The dress was made of black satin and red lace, inlaid with red rubies and black opals at the neck. As she looked at her reflection she realized this dress was much to fine for the likes of her. She reluctantly put the dress back. She would have to ask the Beast if he had something more appropriate for her to wear. She wandered over to the windows, opened them up and stepped out into the balcony and looked down below. She had a perfect view of the rose garden, which was lit up by what looked like willow-wisps. She went back inside, yawning. This had been a very eventful evening. She would take one last look at the dresses and would go to sleep. As soon as she opened the wardrobe she was amazed to see that in place of the dresses were a variety of nightgowns. She shook her head, knowing that this shouldn\'t have surprised her. This was a very strange place, but Eve was certain of one thing. She wouldn\'t get easily bored here.

* * * * *

The Beast looked out into the forest from the roof of one of the parapets of the castle. The Hunger gnawed at him, insistent and painful. He didn\'t want to go hunting. Not while she was here. He didn\'t want the cries of his prey to frighten her more than she already was. He hopped down off the roof onto a wall that ran along the side of the castle. He stalked along the wall heading towards his garden. As he neared his destination he noticed that the light was on in Eve\'s room. The Beast slunk close to the shadows as he crept closer to get a better look. She had left the curtains open, so he had a clear view into the room. She had pulled out a nightgown and had laid it upon her bed. She then began to undress herself. He knew he should turn away and leave her to her privacy, but he just couldn\'t tear his eyes away. Her body entranced him. Her pale white skin glowed and her long reddish gold hair draped across her back and hung over her breasts, partially covering them. He felt something new stir up inside him. An alien feeling that was similar to the hunger but that did not cry out for blood, but for something else. Something that frightened him. A small voice in the back of his head began to chant at him.
must climb up window, hold her down, i can smell her, she would taste so sweet… The emotions this monster inside him drew forth and the Hunger overwhelmed him. He had to sedate the latter before he the former overtook him. He dashed off into the forest, giving into his hunger, willingly for once.

Chapter 6

Ten years earlier
The first sensation Gabriel was aware of was the dull throbbing in his head. Then he became aware of a cramped soreness that spread throughout all of his body. He noticed that he was laying on something cold, hard and uncomfortable. Gabriel slowly opened his eyes to find himself lying on the floor of his father\'s throne room. He slowly craned his neck upwards and saw his father\'s throne. As his brain tried to comprehend what his eyes were seeing, he had the sense of something being wrong. His eyes slowly came into focus and he realized someone was lounging in his father\'s throne. He shakily sat up trying to get a better look at this stranger that had enough gall to sit in the throne. He was tall and lithe, with a mane of silvery-white hair that hung past his shoulders and trailed down his back. He wore a white shirt with a black vest and back leather breeches. The stranger was idling tapping his long fingers against his knee when he noticed that Gabriel was conscious.
\"Ahh so you’re finally awake,\" the stranger said, as he swung his legs off the arms of the throne.
\"Who.. Who are you?\" Gabriel asked in a trembling voice. He noticed that his voice sounded strange in his own ears as if rusty from disuse, but he ignored it. His eyes slowly came into focus and he suddenly recognized whom the man in his father\'s throne was. It was Oberon, the King of the Faye. All of a sudden Gabriel remembered everything that had happened to him and he looked down at his hands and saw the paws and talons of a beast. \"No…\" he moaned, \"No please don\'t let this be real. This has to be a dream..\"
\"I\'m afraid it isn\'t,\" replied Oberon, \"And it\'s no use crying about it.\" Oberon stood and began to circle the young prince. He shook his head. \"Such a pity. Your really should of bowed down to Ian, at least then he wouldn\'t of made the spell so.. permanent.\"
\"Permanent?!\" Gabriel asked in a hysterical tone. \"There\'s no way to break this spell?\"
Oberon shook his head, \"Unfortunately no. I\'ve tried to undo as many spell as I could, so at least you don\'t have the mind of a beast.\"
Gabriel began to sob, all of this too much for him.
\"Stop crying,\" Oberon snapped, \"You\'ll be fine.. As long as you stay away from my trolls.\" he added under his breath.
\"But, I\'ll be all alone,\" he cried, \"I don\'t know what to do.\"
\"The castle will take care of you,\" replied Oberon, \"I placed a spell on it so you won\'t ever be in need of anything.\"
Gabriel was silent, and Oberon felt a twinge of pity for the child. He drew forth an orb of pure light.
\"Here,\" he said offering the orb to Gabriel. The boy looked at it for a moment then gingerly took it. It glowed softly in his hands.
\"What is it?\" he asked, his eyes focusing on the iridescent orb.
\"It will give you powers.\" Gabriel tore his eyes from the glowing orb long enough to give him a puzzled look, so Oberon continued. \"These powers will enable you to control the magiks in this castle and the surrounding woods. It\'s mainly for protection on your part.\"
As Oberon spoke the orb\'s glow increased and then it seemed to absorb into Gabriel body. Gabriel looked at his hands for a moment, which glowed faintly for a few seconds.
\"Well young prince,\" Oberon said as he gathered his cloak around him, \"I shall now take my leave of you.\"
\"But..\"
\"No buts,\" Oberon interrupted, \"You new power will show you what to do.\" And with that Oberon disappeared blinding flash of light leaving Gabriel alone in the silence of his father\'s castle.

Chapter 7

She couldn\'t get over how beautiful the garden was. Eve wandered deeper into the garden fascinated with the different types of exotic blooms that grew here. She never dreamed that there were so many kinds of roses. At the center of the garden was a flowing fountain with a rose vine wrapped around it. On the vine there was a single bloom that far surpassed all the others she saw here. She sat on a nearby bench letting the fragrance of the garden sooth her. It helped her almost forget about the odd dream she had the night before. She shivered slightly at the memory. It began with blood and death and there was a prevailing sense of sorrow and self-loathing. It frightened her greatly but she could not awaken. It was as if the dream was paralyzing her. Then, when she felt as if she would scream out with fear, she felt a calming presence surrounding her. The smell of roses filled her senses, and soon she slipped into a peaceful, dreamless sleep.
Eve stood up from the bench and exited the Garden, feeling restless. This place was beautiful, but she was lonely. She only saw the beast on the rare occasions that he would join her for dinner. At first she was nervous when she saw him, but as the weeks went by, she came to look forward to his visits.
Eve came upon a large willow tree that stood by the castle’s stonewall, facing a peaceful lake. Tall grasses surrounded it and there was a niche just next to the tree, making the perfect hidey-hole. She nestled herself in the grass and leaned against its smooth trunk. The sound of the wind blowing through branches and the water lapping against the shore lulled her to a peaceful sleep. She dozed for what could have been minutes or even an hour, when she was awaked by the sound of something crashing through the brush. She opened her eyes and froze in the shadow of the tree. She saw a figure near the edge of the lake. It came out into the sunlight and she immediately saw that it was the Beast.
He no longer wore his cloak or fine clothing, but was nude to the waist. He wore brown leather breeches, stained with splotches of dark liquid, blood possibly? Eve shuddered and shook the thought from her head. She took this opportunity to watch him. Although his long black hair hung in his face, hiding it from view, she could see that except for the fur, his body was that no different from, well Anton, per se. He was leaner, taller, his movements more smoother. His muscles moved under his skin like steel under velvet.
When Eve was very young, she remembered seeing a panther, owned by one of her father’s buisness partners. The large cat was kept in a steel cage, and fed live rabbits. The creature moved with a fluid grace and beauty. Just like the Beast. He moved gracefully through the underbrush towards the lake. He kneeled down towards the water and began to drink. He snorted as his mane of long black hair got in the way, and threw his head back to fling it out of his way. Eve got a good glimpse at his face then. His green eyes glowed with frustration, his lips pulled back in a tight, angry snarl. He bent down to drink again, but his mane of hair fell into his face again. Eve felt pity well up inside her as she saw the Beast pull away with a final snarl of frustration and stumble back into the brush. When she was sure he was gone, she slowly got up and headed back to the castle.

* * * *

He walked the grounds after cleaning himself up. His hood was firmly back in place over his head, his cloak wrapped comfortingly around his shoulders. He wore a loose black poet\'s t wit with leather breeches and his massive hands were covered with velvet gloves embroidered with silver. His blood hunger seemed to increase alarmingly since Eve had arrived.no lno longer hunted during the night exclusively, but was now killing during the day.
\"Hello,\" a soft voice called out to him. He turned to see Eve shyly looking at him, her hands twisting the hem of her dress. He bowed deeply. \"Good evening Milady,\" he said in his deep voice, \"It is a pleasure, as always, to see you again.\"
The girl smiled up at him, but her eyes were filled with uncertainty. \"May I walk with you?\" she asked. He was surprised by her request.
\"Of course,\" he said, \"I am at you command.\" He offered his hand to her, which she took after a moment’s hesitation. They began to walk around the castle grounds in silence at first, but then words came. Slow and halting at first, but after a while the words came freely, he had even made her laugh a few times. They spoke about everything from the weather to their favorite poets and writers. The sound of her laughter made his heart soar, and he almost dropped his guard. Almost. While they chatted he was all too aware of the instant voice slowly gnawing in the back of his head. He pushed it away and tried to ignore it, but it kept pushing back, growing stronger. He was so engrossed that he didn\'t even hear Eve speaking anymore.
\"Beast?\"
He shook his head as if waking from a trance, \"Yes… I\'m sorry.\"
A worried look crossed her face, \"Are you alright?\" she asked.
\"Yes I\'m.. I\'m fine\" he leaned against a parapet and let out a long breath. \"I\'m just… thirsty.\"
A look of pity briefly flashed across her face, and she looked around. A few feet away there was a fountain, whose water was always cold, clear and sweet. She went over to it and sat at the edge and dipped her hands into the sparkling water. She turned her head to him.
\"Come join me,\" she said, and he walked slowly over to her, his head pounding.
\"Here, drink,\" she held out her cupped hands. He looked at her for a moment.
\"Are you sure?\" he asked trying to keep his doubt out of his voice.
She nodded, smiling. He placed his hands around hers and lowered his head slightly. He lapped at the cool water with his rough tongue. It brushed against the palm of her hand. He felt her tremble when contact was made, but she did not object. Her scent was intoxicating and he was loath to pull away. He lapped up every last drop from her hands then reluctantly pulled away.
\"Thank you,\" he rumbled softly.
\"It was my pleasure,\" she replied softly. He could see a faint blush rise on her cheeks as her fingers curled around each other. This innocent gesture made the voice scream inside him. Hold her down, the monster inside him gibbered, rip off her clothes.. so soft, want to bite, want to taste her sweet flesh… All the while, his senses became extra sensitive. He could hear the sound of her heart beating, the blood flowing through her veins. His body stiffened as he felt his groin tighten. It was too much to bear.
\"I must take my leave of you, Milady,\" he said, his voice thick with emotion. He saw her face cloud with confusion. He turned and stalked away. He didn\'t even look back when she called his name.