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run-its-moon · 4 months ago

Text

A Song Once Forgotten - Chapter Two

Pairing: BTS (OT7) X Reader

Word Count: 4038

Genre/Themes: Dragon!AU, Shifter!AU, Pioneer themes, Powers, War, possible/Eventual smut

Warning's: 18+ for gore, minor swearing, possible smut, Character Death (not OT7), Animal death, Religion/history being rewritten, topics that relate to climate change, Eventual War, humanity is kind of Oppressed,

I didn't have anyone proof read or edit this so i apologize for this chapter.

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My hands Stiff and freezing from the cold, I let go of the reins, putting them under my thighs. A poor attempt to warm them, even my gloves struggled to retain the heat. Taking a moment to watch the snow fall from the sky, to pinpoint where the sun is now. The clouds moved faster than they did yesterday, the wind probably felt like needles above the trees. “The seasons are playing with my head, I swear I've never seen anything this bad before Adonis.” But my parents always told me to never trust the weather, especially closer to the mountains.

Slotting the reins between my hands again I push Adonis back into a trot. Picking up more pace while we travel northward towards a pond I visited a few times in my youth. The forest was near deadly quiet while we paced through the snow. Only the crunch of horse hoofs in the snow and the odd bird call from the branches. We’d been at it most of the day now, the sun even with it being difficult to see was starting to go below the mountains.

“One more Attempt couldn't hurt right?” Nodding to myself while I lead Adonis in the correct direction, taking a right beside the boulder I always passed, signalling only a little longer till we reach. The pond was just a little spot my father used to take me during the summer time for a short swimming trip. Mere moments later the trees parted and the pond in all its glory laid. Stretching out not very far, a single willow tree beside the pond.

Riding Adonis close to the pond, leaving a few feet between us and the pond then dismounting. ‘I know he's ground tied.. As long as I leave his reins around his neck he should stay close to here.’ I take the bridle off him, making sure I'm gentle as I remove the bit from his mouth.

Leaving the browband and crown of the bridle on the horn of the saddle. I give him a quick scratch under the chin, while I kick some snow away from the ground where we stood. “That's odd..” I duck down close to the ground. Taking a better look at the grass, it was still a light green, nothing like the brown it should be.

Shrugging my shoulders while I stood up, removing the bow from my shoulder while I made my way towards the tree line. “Stay there for a moment Adonis, I'll be right back.” I shout over my shoulder. I make sure to stray clear of the branches from the bushes. Some of the trees had ice coating the branches. The weather was acting severely off, we weren't even that close to the mountain range yet.

Further into the forest I went looking for a small opening around some bushes, once I found one with a look over a tiny valley to wait for some prey to hop through.

—

It felt like everything but a deer went through the small clearing, from birds, rabbits, even a particularly large rabbit went through the clearing. No sign’s of a deer.

Sighing while I stood to make my way back towards the pond, the snowy ground was a little easier to navigate through compared to the warm stretch. Taking almost no time at all to pad through the snow that was over my ankles. This morning when I left, the snow around the settlement wasn't this deep, only just covering the ground.

Up ahead Adonis was pawing at the ground, kicking up a bit of snow with his left hoof. His head lowered, eating some of the grass from the spot he just uncovered. Stepping out into the clearing, he must've heard me. Adonis looked up at me for a split second then continued to eat.

My cloak burst forward around my body, the wind propelling me forward into a stumble. Cloak caught in the wind, flying around to my right side, choking me in the process. Stumbling more while I attempted to walk towards Adonis. Pulling down on the front of the cloak, ignoring how the hood fell backwards. The branches above creak and shake with the wind. Bursting forward towards Adonis when he rears upwards, I Immediately run to grab hold of the reins around his neck. Cursing to myself subtle while I hold onto the reins the best I can.

Wingbeats so loud they cover the beating of my heart in my ears when I see it. I could feel the pounding of my heart, but the wingbeats above us cause the wind to only become more aggressive while I hold onto Adonis for dear life. Watching a black dragon pass above us, gracefully missing the tips of the tree’s while it cruises through the air. The entire clearing falls dark while it passes over us, blocking out the sun like an eclipse.

If I could compare this dragon to the sun. I could almost say they were the same size.

I hold onto the reins the best I can. The wind whips my cloak around trying to unroot me from my spot, holding onto the reins to ground both me and my horse. I watch as the beast of a dragon flies over us, its black scales finally releasing the sun. Taking the wind with it, my cloak slows down to a stop. Passing the bridle over Adonis' face as quickly as I can, barely sparing time in my panic to get it on properly.

I Mount the Buckskin in a rush, barely pulling myself fully over the saddle before we rush off. Adonis hardly paces himself at a gallop, obviously spooked from what was above us moments before. The cold laps at my face, my hands and my legs. Barely feeling anything at all as we gallop through the forest, narrowly missing tree roots, and rocks as we run.

‘We need to slow down, he's going to tire himself out. It's not safe out here.’ Leaning back in the saddle as I push my feet forward barely pulling on the reins. I shout out a quick woah, before we stop moving forward. I slam forward in the saddle leaning over his neck. ‘Fuck that was close.’ Sitting back properly in the saddle while he moves around under me, unsteady and scared. I lean forward slightly to pet his right shoulder. Keeping the reins firm in my left hand, gently reminding Adonis that we’re okay now.

We stand still for a few moments, allowing Adonis to steady his breath back to normal. I set him back off into a slow walk, the panic slowly ceasing to exist between us.

Barely able to see the sky through the trees yet I can tell the clouds are starting to dissipate. The snow slowed down as we walked, the near blizzard that was earlier, transforming into a light flurry.

‘The mountains can't be much farther from here, we’ve been going north this entire time.’ By the time the sun was starting to set behind one of the mountain’s, I spot a small cave entrance. ‘Perfect.’ Bear’s shouldn't be hibernating just yet because of how sudden the cold stretch came. But there was always a chance.

Stopping well before the entrance, dismounting slowly while I keep quiet in case a bear decided the cave was a good home. The snow reaches just below my knees, leaving me to pull my feet up a little higher than normal. ‘Thank the world I tucked my pant legs into my shoes.’

I make my way to the entrance of the cave, the faint sunlight only doing so much to show me what was inside. Nothing. Only the faint sound of the wind howling, no snoring or breathing came from within. “With the sunlight so dim I have no choice but to sleep here for the night.” It's better to risk the cave instead of the cold. Trudging through the snow back to Adonis to lead him close to the cave entrance. He can decide for himself if he wants to come with.

I hold onto his reins until we were just at the entrance of the cave, dropping the reins while I move around to unbridled him. Allowing him to do as he pleased, taking a deep breath before going into the cave. The clunk of his hooves confirming he follows behind me into the cave. Once my eyes adjust I look around more. The cave was a good size, similar to that of my own room. With no sign of a bear or anything else within the cave. I start pulling the saddle bags down. Setting them aside. Adonis chooses to stand near the entrance blocking the wind and light with his body.

I took the time to unsaddle him completely, setting the saddle on its back so it stood straight up without disrupting the build. The bags were left near the left side of the cave. After a while of shuffling through each of the bags I find a flint and steel petunia must have packed. Along with a blanket and bits of food.

I spend a few minutes looking for larger rocks to make a small circle away from Adonis. Along the way picking up some dried leaves and smaller branches for kindling. Setting the branches in a tent-like shape with the dried leaves in the middle. Taking the flint and steel together to create a few sparks. Chipping off small pieces of the flint as I go. ‘Maybe i'm not really that good at this sort of thing.’ Sighing to myself while I struggle with the fire.

Suddenly a small spark lights up the leaves. A smile graces my lips when I cover the right side of the pit with my cloak as the fire builds in strength. Staring down at the fire as I chew on the inside of my mouth. ‘I cant fucking believe Ty with that shit he pulled yesterday.’ Shooting a quick glance at Adonis then the bags of stuff near him. ‘He has no right to spew such nonsense at me. He's not my father.’ I bow my head back down behind the side of my cloak, I felt like eating up the warmth in front of me.

Maybe it was too cold to be doing this.

Shrugging my thoughts away, I crawl away from the fire to pull out some food and a blanket to sleep with. Sitting down beside the fire again once I gather what I want. I chew on some older deer jerky, peeling off the pieces that looked a little off. Pulling the blanket up to my chin while I ate, sleepy yawns lulled me to sleep along with the sound of the cracking from the fire.

Awaking with a jolt, gripping the ground under me, I sat up right. Alert and watch my surroundings of the cave. The fire was out, cold was sweeping into the cavern. Bursts of the wind steadily move Adonis' tail. I move around slowly to keep quiet, there's no telling what the darkness brings in the forest. Exposed and vulnerable to the elements.

Relaxing once I realize there was no immediate danger, stirring from my spot but then my ears barely pick up a noise. A tune so heavenly, barely audible over the blaring of the wind and snow. The melody felt like a tug at my soul, pressing my hand to the side of the cave as I teetered towards where I felt it was coming from. My hand glides across the rock as I move towards the back. A tunnel that wasn't there earlier loomed, the melody obviously coming from within.

Moving closer to the source like a trance as I stumbled towards the back of the cave, the tune so faint barely audible until I step into the tunnel. The humming became louder as I venture forth, the slight slope of the tunnel causing me to slow my steps to ensure I won't slip. My ears strain to pick up the melody.

The humming was comparable to a lyre I heard my mother play once, a tune that called me back to my childhood. Unable to stop my feet from treading down into the tunnel, unable to pause as I follow the noise.

Following the path downwards in what felt like an endless dark decline. The tune becomes louder the longer I continue.

A subtle light emerged with what I could only assume was the end. The tune was so loud now it was like someone was signing directly into my ears. Pausing for a brief moment, breathing in deeply before stepping around the corner.

A scream let loose from my throat.

In Front of me suspended high into the air strung like a doll across the cavern, wings stretch so far they touch one end of the cavern to the other. A dragon so strikingly beautiful to look at, the colouring was that of sun bleached stone. The humming stopped, a high pitched yelp nearly bursts my ear drums. I fell backwards, looking up at a dragon.

Its body was suspended in the air by chains high above a murky pool of water, hooks piercing through the wings, chains rounded the body, bruises covered it. It moves its neck downwards curving similar to that of a snake while I moved backwards, twisting like a deer ready to bolt. It leaned forward the best it could watching me through its eyes? The dragon had no pupils, the eyes just a dim white colour.

“A human? Why are you here.” Its jaw didn’t move while it spoke, the voice filled my head with the question. Somehow this beast was communicating with me. ‘Curse my elders for never telling me more.’ I felt frozen in my spot, my throat squeezing along with my head. “Little human, who are you?” The voice of the beast spoke with a tinge of aggression, although the overwhelming feeling of nerves made me truly unable to escape.

The fear released me from its hold when the beast moved its head backwards. “I mean no harm! I swear to the world that I'm by myself, no ill intent.” Gasping out, while I move backwards a few feet. “I heard singing, and- I just recognized the tune from somewhere, I don't know where.” Nearly mumbling out the last part.

The dragon let out an airy laugh, wheezing during some parts. It lifted its head upward and chortled. “My singing led you here? Your human ears lie to you, human." The dragon cocked its head to the side. Its pure white eyes felt like they stared into my soul for moments. Neither of us spoke, fear gripped at me again. I took a longer look at it at that moment. Hooks pierced the membrane in its wings. The feathers on its neck had a wilted look to them.

Upon a closer look its claws looked nearly brittle. But its eyes were a near shining white colour that showed a barely illuminated area around its face. Two horns poked up above the feather’s, also white. Down its thin face on the tip of its nose was a small third horn.

This dragon was not like the ones they tell stories about, in a colour I've never known them to be. Infront of me fucking talk to me while laughing about something I don’t understand. But it was a being, in pain from the look of dried blood and old cuts on its under belly.

Unsure of how to truly proceed with the situation thrown at me. “How long have you been here?”

The dragon snorted at me, a small puff of smoke coming up from its nose. “Longer than you have existed.” my limbs felt frozen again. ‘How long do dragons live?’ But there is no time for questions.

“I won’t harm you human,” Pulling myself together, I make eye contact with the dragon. I have no weapons on me, I have no way to defend myself if this beast decides I am to be its prey.

“How can I trust you?” I gesture around the room, to the chains holding it up. “You could change your mind in an instant, decide to eat me.” the dragon chortles, its body shakes making the chains rattle.

“Oh are you ever amusing? I cannot reach you from here. But you do have my word, I will not harm you, ever.” A shutter runs through the room after it finishes talking. Like the room was charged with something anew.

“Why are you here? Why chained up! And those chains are black!” the dragon huffed, loud and filling the room.

“If you help me, I’ll answer your questions. But only after I am freed.” Turning slowly around the expanse of the cave, lever’s were periodically placed around the sides of the cave. Each lever was placed where it aligned with a chain that was holding up the dragon.

“The lever’s? I just pull them down.. and you'll be free?” I take a quick glance at the dragon behind me. ‘Maybe I shouldn't turn my back to it?’

“Yes, from what I remember.”

Nodding at the dragon before I turn on my heels, making my way towards the closest lever. Taking a deep breath while glancing back at the grey dragon hanging there.

Shuffling in my spot while I turned back around. I wipe non existent sweat off my hands before gripping onto the lever and pulling downwards. Nothing. ‘Okay.. that's weird.’ Again, nothing. This time I pulled the lever upwards a little, hearing a small click before pulling it down. Chains moved, spinning around quickly to see the chains around its right front arm release.

“So.. Do you mind telling me why you're here?” My subtle attempt at small talk was met with a huff.

“I was trapped here. I might tell you more after you get me out of these chains.” its voice had become lighter, less broken. Another small glance at it while I moved towards the next lever.

“Okay.. what about your name.” I ask just before pulling the next lever up then down. I watch as one of the hooks locked into its right wing releases his wing from the position it was in.

“I suppose..” The dragon turns its head, making direct eye contact with me. A small puff of smoke comes up from its nostrils, its eyes squint a little while it lowers its head. “My name is Seokjin. That's all you're getting.” so it, was a he.

Just as I was about to pull down the next lever, I paused. “Nice to meet you Seokjin, my name’s y/n.” I said while making direct eye contact with him before pulling the lever downwards. Releasing his body. Two levers left.

After I pulled the last lever Seokjin had immediately dropped to the ground. No longer strong enough to hold himself upwards. He fell into the pond that was underneath him, his body creating a splash so large it soaks my clothes. I wait with a baited breath for him to crawl out. For the dragon to burst through the now calming water and eat me where I stand. Yet there is nothing. Nothing in those few moments while I wait.

I shot forward, reaching the pond in seconds. I look down, barely visible in the water is not a dragon, but the barely visible figure of a man falling deeper into the water. My body works before my mind processes. Taking off a layer of my clothes, I dive into the water head first. Swimming until I reach the man and yank him upwards by his shoulders.

Struggling to lift his heavy body, my lungs feel as though they are being crushed from the depth. I link my elbows under his shoulders, lifting him closer to me as I kick, and struggle. Nearly letting out a gasp, the lights from the top of the water feel so far away.

Suddenly I’m pushing his body onto the side of the pond without thinking. Shaking the man awake as I gasp feeling the burn of air hitting my lungs. My ear’s subtly ring as I stare down at the man. Worry begins to strike me, before I know what's happening Seokjin is sitting up coughing water out of his nose and mouth. Slowly I remove my hands from his form and bring them down to my lap.

“You can shape shift?” a small whisper escapes my lips, a quick glance at the white haired man beside me nearly has me gasping. I scoot away from him, feet still in the water cause a slight ripple. He was drop dead Gorgeous, Plush lips, a knife like jawline. Stark white hair glisten under the low light’s of the cave. ‘I wonder what he looks like under sunlight..’ My thoughts trail off. Not noticing him staring right back at me.

He hisses in pain, Shooting my gaze to where he's hovering a hand near his ribcage. He's bruised, large purple and blue peppling the surface of his skin. He moves to sit upwards. His eyebrows furrow when I touch his back lightly. “Yes some of us can shapeshift but it’s not very common any more.” I furrow my brows at his statement. More questions come to mind but I stay quiet. Moving out and away from the water to see his back.

I gasp, his back has straight cuts going from the top of his shoulders to his lower back. “I need to bandage this.” He nods lightly, I hold onto his shoulder as he leans forward. Hand cupping his left side, bent over in pain. I can't see his face but I could almost feel his pain, from simply looking at him. “I'll bring you with me, It'll be best if we leave soon. You need to be bandaged, and preferably a healer.” Seokjin whips around quickly grabbing my wrist. Our eyes lock onto each other. His pupils shake slightly while we stare at each other.

“No, they'll go away soon. No healer.” He shakes his head again, breaking our eye contact. “I’ll come with you, I still need to answer your questions.” I nearly jump away when Seokjin pulls himself up, hisses of pain come from him until I help him fully stand.

Seokjin Leans some of his weight against me when he stands fully. Luckily he had a pair of slacks on, Glancing quickly towards my cloak. ‘I should give him that.’ Ducking down to grab the cloak Seokjin trailing his hand near my side. I gesture with the cloak to wear it. A simple nod is all I need before I’m wrapping his body with it.

“We need to get going.” His voice seemed to drop an octave, I spared him a look to see a near dark shadow on his face. “What locked me up there will be back. Even sooner when they realize I'm gone.” shifting between my feet while I nod. My throat nursed a lump when I look towards the hanging chains above us. “I cannot defend us yet when they come looking.” my mouth clamped up. ‘What did I just get myself into..’

I move away from Seokjin for a moment to put on the clothes I was wearing prior to diving into the water. He teeters in his spot, balance unstable as he stands. “I was riding a horse, he should be able to carry us both. I don't know if he can go past a trot though.” He nods again before we meet eyes again.

“I shall do my best to ensure we get there sooner then y/n.” He states almost like a promise with a smile on his face.

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run-its-moon · 5 months ago

Text

A Song Once Forgotten - Chapter One

Pairing: BTS (OT7) X Reader

Word Count: 5380

Genre/Themes: Dragon!AU, Shifter!AU, Pioneer themes, Powers, War, possible/Eventual smut

Hi everyone! I'm really ecstatic about posting this on here, there is also some character profiles on my page to check out for a little bit of a sneak peak of whats going to be coming.

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Here in a clearing that a small settlement has taken upon to live in. Near the outskirts of the settlement, a small Spindly path leads up to a cabin in the woods, trees cluttered around the home, much further away from others. The cabin bears home to a Father and Daughter. Though her father is dying and the settlement has plans for her that have been set for generations. Will she leave or stay?

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Mornings are the coldest this time of the year, with frost thickening the ground and leaves falling. Crops were always harvested before the frosty mornings came. Father used to be out chopping wood right as the sun rose, but with his sickness he stays inside near the fireplace. Saying his limbs need the warmth to stay loose. Although those topics hardly cross my mind that morning, while I'm stuffing my boots on. Keeping my layers thick, it may not be the cold stretch officially but it was nearly here.

I tugged my cloak to sit on my shoulders just right while I chewed the inside of my cheek, a habit I couldn’t break. Pushing a little on the wooden floor just to hear the creaking. Just as I reached for my bow I heard the creaking of a door.

“y/n?” I looked over my shoulder to see father standing just outside of the door to his room. The sun hadn’t peaked up through the trees just yet, though there he stood still in his bedwear, with sleep clinging to his old face.

“Father?” I made my way around the lumber pile near the front door, standing nearly infront of him. I went to question why he was out of bed, instead being met with his calloused hand instead as he started to speak.

“Be careful out there today, yesterday your Uncle Ty said there was a bear lurking around close to the cattle.” he gripped my shoulder lovingly with a small squeeze. “I meant to say something yesterday but you know how I am.”

A smile gripped my lips, I more than appreciated that my father cared to warn me so early even though he was obviously tired.

He’s always been genuine. Even with his health getting worse every day. “Thank you father, I'll keep low, and stray from there.” he nodded, closing his eyes, and sighed. Over time his eyes have developed crows feet even more so since the last few years. Losing most of his muscle as well due to his sickness. But the old man held onto life the best he could, still working with wood and bone. Even when his body doesn't cooperate.

“I'm off to bed again, I’ll be up later on in the day.” he turned around while running a hand through his greying hair. “Bring back something for dinner, we're low again...” unable to clearly hear the last part he muttered.

“Pardon Father?” I asked, grabbing my bow off the old rack near the front door.

“Nothing Deer, I was just talking to myself.” I nodded at his retreating figure. Chewing on the side of my cheek while slinging the quiver over my shoulder. Once my quiver was secure I made sure to check my clothes and the bow before I put my arm through it to keep it on my shoulder.

“I’ll be back soon!” I let out a shout as I closed the door behind me. Stilling for a moment in the cold morning air I sighed. Taking note of the darkened ground around me.

I watched the sky for a moment, the rain clouds still grey from last night’s late shower. ‘Hopefully the hunt won't be too difficult with the mud.’ It definitely wasn’t ideal to hunt but even a rabbit would suffice. I licked my lips, “Rabbit stew sounds delicious right now.” Setting forward, I picked a direction away from the farm in the settlement to enter the depths of the forest.

The brush was usually thicker during the warmer parts of the year, but now it was near barren with nothing but some gold-yellow leaves left. Although we live so far from the rest of the settlement it was better this way, living close to the woods. The settlement wasn’t that busy often, especially since there’s not many people that come to and fro to trade with, were truly just a group of humans grouping together for survival.

I love my life, though with my fathers declining health it wasn’t perfect. He had some issue the healer couldn’t pin point, all they know is that it drains him more and more. They say he doesn’t have too much longer, maybe a year or so, but each cold stretch took more of his body away.

Choosing to ignore the thoughts of impending doom I focused fully on the world around me to begin my hunt.

I Watched a rabbit closely with an eagle eye, pinpointed on every movement it made. The rabbit chewed on the lower leaves of a bush that had yet to turn gold. Keeping my feet light on the soil, while avoiding the twigs and large branches on the brush around me. ‘I can't scare it away.’ I think to myself almost as if it was a matra. I pulled one of my arrows out of the quiver, notching the arrow into the bow and aimed towards its back. Keeping my arms completely still, I hadn't noticed when I started holding my breath, but I didn't move a muscle.

I kept still for a moment, holding the bow close to my lowered body as I simply watched the rabbit eat. Just as it lifted its body up to sniff I let the arrow loose.

I watched as the arrow struck the rabbits neck. Releasing the breath I was holding. Slinging my bow back around my body while walking towards the rabbit, still kicking its feet before it stilled.

I Grabbed the rabbit by the back feet, and pulled out the arrow. “May your life be blessed, the trip to your after life be quick, may you rest easy knowing you gave purpose.” then tied the rabbit by the feet with a string of twine after my prayer for the catch. ‘Thankfully I saw it, Father will be quite glad about this.’

Putting the rabbit under my arm for the walk home. The forest felt as though it loomed larger than life, the branches swayed far above. An odd creak would echo through the forest. it was unsettling with all the noises, the wind was definitely stronger. Bringing cold bursts with it and crow calls, making all the sounds feel so much closer.

I'll just stop by the settlement quickly after getting home, I don't particularly want to be out in this cold for much longer anymore. Even with my lined cloak I could still feel the odd burst of cold fly past me. Shivering more than that morning, the sun was still up watching it peak through the near barren branches.

My heart dropped with a sudden rumble of a roar striking the silent forest. I dropped to the ground hiding in the brush. Holding a breath, above me so far above, I watched the clouds caress the flying shape of what could only be a dragon. Shocking me that it was almost the same size as the clouds, I watched it roar again before veering northwards.

“Oh my world..” I'd never seen one with my own eye’s rather I only heard tales of them from others in my village. One of the newer members said one burnt down his old settlement, which is why he came from the forest burned and scraped up carrying nothing but a small bag. Others claimed they were vicious cruel monsters with no thoughts or feelings.

No one truly knows.

I allowed my heart to slow back to a normal pace before I moved forward. Though I couldn't hold myself back from looking up towards the sky wondering if I'll ever see another dragon in my lifetime.

My Walk ended by the sight of the wooden cabin, just being able to see the shaky two story building from my spot near the border of the woods. I trudged through the little bit of the woods I had left before I reached the clearing. Taking my time before I had to go inside. “ I should mention how little prey there is to hunt out, especially with how soon the cold stretch will be here.” muttering to myself as I breached the line between the forest and home.

Once inside I made sure to lock the door with the wooden beam, usually father didn't bother to lock it all too often but it should be more often with his health. “Why didn’t you lock the door again?” I called out towards the back room where I knew he’d be. Huddled up beside the fireplace whittling some wood.

“Because I didn't want to get up to unlock it once you got back deer.” I turned around like deja vu to see him standing leaning against the door frame. Rolling my eyes while I hung my bow and quiver up on the rack he made years ago.

“I see you caught a rabbit, run into any bears?” he laughed a little, before clutching his side, missing his look of pain i just smiled while i took my cloak off. Hanging it up beside the bow. “Why don’t we sit by the fire for a moment?”

Shaking my head while walking into the Disheveled mess of a kitchen. “Can’t I’m going into town and see Aunt Petunia and trade this pelt with Ivern for some carrots.”

“Why don't you turn the hide into some new boot linings?” I stopped myself from giving him a dirty look and just sighed.

‘If he's not mentioning the dragon from earlier maybe he didn't see it..’ I smiled to myself briefly before facing my father again. “I think getting carrots will be better, I’m going to go out for a while tomorrow like last year.” he grimaced then opened his mouth to speak, but i interrupted him. “Yes i already know what you're going to say, but it's better if i go hunt down a deer, the cold stretch will be here sooner then later and it's better if i do this now. Father please you can’t do it anymore and it’s better done sooner than later.”

My father trailed into the kitchen, leaning against a wobbly table as he spoke. “Your boots are old, and yes that's fine just make sure to ask petunia for one of her horses so you're not walking back with a dead carcass.” Then he bent over to pull out a tuff of fur from a boot. “And yet you tell me these are fine for the cold?” I rolled my eyes at him while I reached around to grab a knife.

“The boots are fine father, why did you do that anyways.” He had this smug look on his face while he moved around me to grab the other rabbit pelt.

“Just go get new boots, deer you’re crazy if you think you’ll last out there.” I shrugged and ignored him, continuing to cut up the rabbit I had in front of me.

He grunted and left the kitchen. “I'll just make a hat from the pelt father so don't fret too much.” No response from him left me peacefully cutting up the rabbit and prepping the stew to cook on the fire place for later. I may not have eaten lunch or breakfast but he didn't need to know that.

“Father excuse me old man.” I bumped his shoulder with my hip while I carried the old stone pot full of water and rabbit pieces.

“Oh now you're mentioning my age? Are we going to talk about you being 20 and unmarried yet?” Two years passed the traditional marriage age, with no plans on it either.

“I'm not that old, I haven't even killed a caribou yet.” What I really wanted to say was that I just saw a dragon for the first time in my 20 years of life. Yet I kept my mouth shut and just smiled at him.

Before I realized it the sun was past the middle point, The hide was wrapped with twine and under my arm for a trip to the settlement. Hopefully the walk would end up too long, my bones felt a little weak with how much i had travelled already. “Father? Could you keep an eye on the stew please? I'm going to head down to the settlement and trade this with Ivern.” I headed back towards the door, then shoved my feet into my boots and threw my cloak on a little bit in a hurry. I was already ready by the time I had heard from him.

Rolling my eyes I simply left. Shutting the door behind me, I made sure the door was closed a second time before I left for the settlement. The trail to the settlement was a little worn path in the ground from the years we have travelled to see the other’s.

Although the settlement was usually nicer during the warm stretches, with some flowers around the homes people built, especially around the pond in the middle.

The walk was over with my fast paced walk because of how badly i wanted to get out of the cold. Standing just at the entrance of the clearing they had created before I was even a thought. Around 13 cabins sprawled about, along with a few garden patches at the backs of them. Everyone around is fairly self sufficient, we can't grow crops very well on the rockier terrain where father has his cabin. Usually everyone is willing to trade with us since father creates some of the best wood working in town, he gets commissioned often, but with his health he no longer does larger pieces like he used to, and with no black smith anymore it gets difficult to get decent tools for his work. But I like to believe we're comfortably living, even if it is all we know how to live.

Not far from where I stood, there was a smaller pen with a single cow and donkey, the two of them moved towards the gate when they saw me. The donkey was doing his little call to me while I moved towards the pen. “Hi guys! How are you two doing?.” The donkey, henry and his friend tulip who was an all white milk cow, the two of them were owned by the newer resident of the settlement coming here around 4 years ago. He was a nice fellow only a few years older than me. I got closer to the fence line, where tulip immediately turned around to try and lick my face. “Tulip! I don't want you to slobber on me girl.” laughing while I tried to pet the top of her head while avoiding her tongue.

“I gotta go you too, bye henry bye tulip.” A smile was on my face while I pet the two of them. The house next to it was Iverns. Setting at a quick pace again, the sooner I was home the better. I really hated going to the settlement without my father, but it was becoming more and more common as the year got colder.

Iverns home was a single story cabin with a small deck on the front, only a little bit off the ground but it made a huge difference when it got muddy from the snow. Stepping up onto the wooden planks of the deck, then knocking on the door for a few beats. A small grunt came from inside then he was at the door, holding it open just a crack until he saw me.

“Hi Ivern.” I waved with a small smile before he opened the door full. Eye’s lit up at the sight of me.

“Y/N! What do I owe the pleasure of seeing out today?” He then moved to standing on the porch with me. I knew he was looking for a rabbit pelt for his wife, so I was really hoping to trade him for carrots. I held up the rabbit pelt with a small smile on my face as I watched his face light up.

“It's got a nice density, and I know your wife likes rabbit pelts, bet she’d like this one.” The rabbit was a nice brown colour, and with how I hit it earlier with my arrow little damage was done to the pelt.

“You have me there y/n what do you want for it.” putting the pelt back under my arm while I pretended to think for a moment.

“Carrots.” was all i said for him to turn back inside to go get what i asked for.

Moving to sit on the end of the porch. I watched a duck swim in the pond from across the settlement. Every so often it would go under water then come back up, keeping myself occupied by watching the bird while I waited for Ivern to return.

“y/n?”

‘Shit.’ To the left of me stood Alexander, one of the reasons I avoid going to the settlement without my father. He was an overly annoying boy around my age. A thin, scrawny one with a sunken look to his face. Which was ironic because of who his parents were. I waved at him, not bothering to look away from the duck again.

The floorboards creaked a little and before I knew it he was sitting inches away from me. I quickly moved away from him.

“Hi, is there something you need help with?” now looking directly at him. ‘Why doesn't he ever take the hint? Maybe that dragon should come back and eat me where I sit.’

He was average looking in all aspects, but if he’d put some muscle on himself maybe he would look more appealing but the sunken look on his face would always be unsettling to me.

“No not of that sort, just haven't seen you in awhile. How have you been?”

‘Ivern, save me please.’ I mentally groaned to myself. Trying to not grind my teeth with how uncomfortable I was.

“I'm doing well. Thank you, but I'm waiting for Ivern, then I'm off to my uncles for something quickly before going home.” he nodded, barely able to see him out of the corner of my eye.

“It's also getting darker, I can also walk you back home.” It was still a little while after sun high.

“No thank you, I appreciate it though.”

“Oh, come on y/n how would you be able to defend yourself if that bear showed up?”

‘I guess everyone here didn't see or hear the dragon then. But he's fully aware I can hunt, I've dropped off plenty of meat to trade with his parents.’

“No truly it's okay, i’ve got the self defence covered, don't worry.” now chewing on the side of my mouth. I tried occupying myself by going through my bag but he continued talking.

“Oh surely y/n-”

“y/n! I've got the carrots.”

‘What took so long Ivern, I was about to smack the boy.’ Hurrying to Ivern so quickly I almost tripped on the lip of the porch.

“Thanks Ivern! Really appreciate it! I hope the wife likes the rabbit pelt! By the way, I caught it this morning." taking the carrots, i walked away.

“Oh alexander! I was looking for you.” I glanced back towards the two, then watched as Alexander begrudgingly agree to whatever it was that Ivern wanted from him.

Petunia or as I prefer to call her Aunt Petunia, was married to my fathers best friend Ty, technically we are family somewhat in a way. With a little more pep in my step I made my way across the settlement to their house. They owned most of the horses in the settlement, especially after my mother passed.

Their Cabin was smaller than Ivern’s, only 3 rooms with a little out house in the back. I made my way to their front door, knocking politely while I waited.

I waited for a few moments outside as I listened to Petunia yell at Ty from what I could only assume was their kitchen. A mere moment later a tall man with a greying beard and a knitted hat stepped outside.

“Uncle Ty? I was wondering if aunt petunia was around, I have a question for the both of you.” He nodded then turned around still holding open the front door.

“Pea! y/n’s here!” A few shuffles came from inside, then before I knew it Petunia was warping her arms around me and ruffling my hair.

“Hi honey! How are things!” I pulled back from the hug a few inches to get a good look at her face. Petunia, a red headed woman that's just starting to get her grey hairs, though her face was beautifully freckled. The freckles covered the entirety of her face, and with her slightly pointed nose I always thought she was beautiful, especially her green eyes.

I smiled at the woman again before she released me from her death grip of a hug. “Things have been good Auntie, Father’s watching the stew while I come ask you guys something.”

“Must something pretty important for you to come all this way just to ask a question?” Nervously I started running a hand through my hair.

“Well I also got carrots!” holding up the 3 carrots I got from Ivern. ‘I'm pretty sure he gave us an extra one too.’ Lowering the carrots back down to my side. “I wanted to know if i could borrow one of the horses for a hunting trip, father says its the only way i can go.” mustering up a nervous smile waiting for their reaction.

Ty and Petunia both looked at each other for a moment, Tys eyes squinting for a moment before he nodded. “Yes you can, just make sure they get enough food and water please. Meet me here tomorrow morning as well and I'll saddle up with you.” Petunia was wiping her hands on the front of her dress while she talked. Then she turned back to look at me again. “I'll have it decided tomorrow which one you’ll take with you.”

“Thank you auntie!” I smiled at her before we both enveloped the other into a hug again, she kissed the side of my temple before letting go.

“Please stay safe honey, it's dangerous out there and it's getting colder.” I nodded at the two of them before walking away. I could hear them both go back inside a few moments later.

Suddenly I felt a grip on my upper arm, shocked a little I turned to see Ty holding my arm in a fairly tight grip. “y/n we should talk, me and your father-”

“If it's about me being married I'll pass.” I pulled, more like ripped my arm out of his grasp.

“y/n you need to realize you don’t have much time before-”

“No I will not aheed to the traditions-”

“y/n you are not above traditions and rules. You must realize that before he is dead. All your parents want from you is a good husband.” At this point we were in a staring match. Though I took a moment and looked away.

“No, I may not be above tradition. But I will not wear a dress, I don't want to stop hunting, I don't want to be stuck in this settlement with a man that doesnt love me!” I turned around to break out into a sprint. ‘How fucking dare he, its not his place.’

“y/n come back here were not done this fucking conversation!”

I got home a little later than I would have liked, exhaustion already getting to me from the event’s of today. I reached the front door a little more sluggish than earlier, hunger getting to me finally. With my one hand cramping from holding onto the carrots so tight, and the last bit of adrenaline leaving my system finally.

Even with the sky starting to get dark, as the older folks say it gets darker up here near the mountains compared to the settlements near the beaches.

“Father, how's the pot looking?” I asked the moment I walked into the cabin. The fireplace was still going from what I could hear.

In the back room my father sat on his stool beside the fireplace, hunched over and staring down at the pot. “Almost done y/n. Deer, come sit down and look at the fire with me.”

“In a moment father, I'm going to cut the carrots to add.” In the kitchen I cut up a carrot with a knife, chopping them into thinner slices, leaving the other two carrots in a basket in one of the cupboards. Dumping the handful of carrot slices into the pot near my father, I then moved to sit beside him.

“Father, how was your day?” he gently smiled to himself before meeting my eyes.

“It was well deer, thank you for asking.”

“I'm glad father, Oh and that boy alexander came up to me today again. Saying that he’d walk me home because of the bear.” laughing a little before I continued. “But Ivern saved me from his miserable chatter, and took him inside claiming he was looking for him. That boy's insufferable father.” his eyes crinkled at the sides when he smiled.

“y/n I know you dislike that boy but give him some slack he's got a big family at home." I snorted at his response.

“So? Doesn't make much of a difference when he assumes I can't take care of myself father.”

“I suppose you're right, deer.” I chewed on my cheek at the mention of Alexander's family. I simply nodded in response.

Me and father sat beside each other, my hand on his knee while we waited for the carrots to sink into the soup. I wasn't sure how long we stayed like this, silently enjoying the company of each other. With the fire roaring in the background licking at the bottom of the pot.

Our dinner was the same, eating out of hand carved bowls. Sipping on the stew while watching the fire. He didn't move from his stool, and i didnt move from my spot on the floor beside him. Life felt perfectly normal, and that itch on my side left me alone while I enjoyed the peace.

After dinner we both went to bed, his room was on the main floor, the door way into there was in the living room, while I climbed the stairs to head to bed. “y/n, i love you goodnight.” he called out, smiling to myself before replying.

“Love you too father, goodnight.”

The next morning i was rushing around to pack, though when i looked out one of the windows there was already snowfall, a nervous ghost of a feeling crept up my spine at the sight. Doubling up on pants and two shirts was my solution to it.

Though I still struggled to not feel nervous, biting on the inside of my cheek. While I packed up some food, which included a half carrot and some leftover chicken jerky from earlier that season. I was aware of my limits for food and how to cook food at a fire, i would be self sufficient when it called for it.

Packing up a satchel with the food and two hunting knives for my excursion. I also made sure to bundle up more than yesterday, putting on my thicker fur cloak, and gloves.

“I didn't expect the snow to fall so early this year.” The moment I stepped outside it was my first thought, usually we had a few more days for all the leaves to fall from the sky but oddly enough the cold stretch already began.

Though I ignored the nervous itching on my side. I needed to leave for Petunia and ty’s soon if I wanted to be gone before sunrise. ‘Even if Ty pissed me off, I need to head out.’

It was increasingly colder compared to yesterday, but now I stood in front of the gates to Petunia's pasture. It wasn't very large. Just big enough to hold 6 horses without getting too close to Alexander's family’s cattle pen behind it.

When I opened the gate a few of the horses looked up from their hay. Though i stood there for a moment in the cold, letting the snow whip around my cloak. Watching the small streaks of sunrise above the tree’s. “y/n!” I turned quickly to see petunia leaning against the fence.

“Hi Auntie, did you decide on which horse I'd bring?” she smiled softly, looking back towards the back end of the pasture.

“Well there's that big buckskin named Adonis, The red spotted one blue, she's a good girl but she's a little small, Rocky is a little out there. Hera’s got a foal coming in a few month’s at the start of planting. I'll need your help with her. She's that round palomino. The last two are blue and hera’s from two years, do you remember that.” while petunia talked to me i had watched each of them Blue looked like a good choice, even if she was a broodmare. I also have ridden hera before she was usually a really good mare.

“Of course I remember those two, I named blue’s foal that year comet. I'll take adonis if that's okay? Rocky almost kicked me before while I was bringing them hay." Petunia was standing beside me, arm warped around my shoulder in a half embrace.

“He got too excited that time I'm guessing?” Nodding to her, while we walked over to Adonis, up close he was a little bit bigger than I am, his withers just above my head, but his black mane and tail were a beautiful striking contrast from the snow.

“Hi boy.” she chuckled, smiling brightly at me while I held my hand out to the stallion, he simply nuzzled my hand before going back to his hay. We both smiled at each other, while she pretended to wrap a leed over his neck to have him follow us.

We stopped near a small wooden storage box behind her house. Adonis had followed us the entire way close behind her. “I'll help you saddle him, auntie don't worry.” I waved off her protests and saddled him up myself, leaving the bit for last.

“How long do you think you'll be y/n?” I stilled once she asked. ‘How long was I going to be?’ shrugging at her while I slipped a foot into the stirrups. We adjusted the stirrups once I was seated, giving her a nod once they were corrected.

“I'm unsure as of now, though I won't be returning till I hunt something large enough to last.” A firm nod was all I received from her. We stared at each other for a long moment, silence so loud my ears rang. Suddenly a single caw let loose from behind us. Turning in the saddle only to see a crow, huddled on the branch of a singular tree near us. It shifted, time froze, feeling the little beady eyes upon my soul before it disappeared into the cold morning.

“That was strange.” Petunia said before I could get my bearings together and startled me. I swung around to face her, she was smiling a little. But her brows were creased, barely visible under her bangs. I sighed before looking down at my hands, she was right it was in fact a little odd.

Nevertheless i must still leave’. I gave Petunia the best smile I could muster. “I'll be off now, i don't think i'll be gone long with this guy.” A simple curt nod was all I received before me and Adonis took off, heading northward towards the forest.

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