The White Wolf Chapter 63: Stag Tales

The room was still. Every pair of eyes stared at the forest woman waiting for her to speak. She fidgeted her hands in her lap at the sudden influx of attention. She looked around the room uncomfortably, possibly from the fear of upsetting the queen. Had Alexia not been distracted, she may have put the girl’s worries at ease. “One moment please” Blossom excused herself before crossing the room.

In a few short steps, she arrived at a bookcase, her dress saying with every step. Her fingers traced the various binding till she plucked an old leather-bound book that was covered in dust.

Removing it from its resting place, a cloud of dust followed. Her fingers carefully turned the pages as if they could disintegrate at any moment. With her eyes locked on the pages, she returned to her seat.

The old book perked Alexia’s interest. She had been cooped up in the library for a while and had many books crossed her path. Some old. Some new. This book, this book looked almost ancient. The paper has yellowed but was thick. The cowhide leather binding was evidence of its heritage.

“Before I tell you about the stag, there is some background information I must tell you first.” She looked the queen in the eye seriously. Biting at her lip as she waited for the queen's reply.

The seriousness on Blossom’s face caused Alexia to start rethinking her decision to come to this place. The stag has been occupying her thoughts but was more of an annoying fly she could not shake. It was also a welcomed distraction from the current rogue problem plaguing the kingdom. Now, the stag seemed more complicated than she had expected.

She thought maybe it was rare species to marvel at and maybe she would start taking an interest in the various species of deer. Her version of bird watching. That did not seem to be the case.

Alexia did not know how to respond. She watched Enzo's unflinching gaze upon the girl before she decided to move forward. “Ok.”

Before anyone could speak a loud crash came from the kitchen, followed by the sounds of claws trying to gain traction. Everyone stood and turned to the sound. Enzo had lept in front of the queen ready to face any threat.

Upon inspection on the floor lay a tablecloth where the old cat had seemed to try to jump up on the table. A sigh of relief went through the group as they had all been on edge.

Enzo returned to his post while his eyes scanned the room and Blossom tried her best to regain composure. Alexia smiled as she took her seat again.

“For generations, stories have been passed down through families about our beginnings as well as history. This was done mostly by word of mouth. That was until someone decided to write these stories down.” She said with a gesture to the ancient text in her hands. “Whether or not they are true, I cannot say but I can tell you what is written.”

An unease fell over the queen as she prepared herself to hear something that she perhaps might not enjoy.

Enzo crossed his arms and leaned into a strong stance as he waited for Blossom to speak. It seemed as if he were waiting to intervene or not.

"This book has been kept safe and in the possession of forest healers for centuries to keep it safe. When you mentioned the stag, it reminded me of something in the book but before I get to that I need to start at the beginning." She checked to make sure the entourage was not upset before looking at Enzo. "May I get you anything? Water perhaps?"

"No, thank you we're fine," Enzo replied in a flat tone. Alexia noted the slight blush on Blossom's face and the way she kept looking at Enzo. holding back a laugh of realization, Alexia saw the wanting in Blossom's eyes. She was crushing on Enzo. The sad part was that Enzo had either not noticed or did not care.

Enzo remained mateless. Alexia's thoughts drifted to finding Enzo a mate. Perhaps then she may reclaim some freedom. CAspain would not be a fan. She shook off the thought as Blossom began speaking.

“The moon goddess is mother to us all.” She began looking earnestly at those in the room, sincerity shining bright on her face. “As a mother, she loves us all but some she uses differently...”

With a tilt of her head, Alexia asked “Differently?”

“Yes, differently. Some she uses in a… special way. Those she marks so all will know.” There was hesitation or uncertainty in the way Blossom spoke but Alexia was unsure as to which it was.

The lessons Alexia had received on the moon goddess had been limited. Her knowledge was quite lacking. Embarrassment crept up her face with the realization. Looking at the others in her party, she assured herself that she was not alone in that regard. Everyone else in the room had a face of uncertainty or not understanding except Blossom. Waiting for someone else to ask the question blaring in her face, she let out a sigh when no one else looked to be remotely considering speaking.

“Marks how?” She asked for the others, shooting daggers at her guard who paid her no mind. Couldn’t protect her from embarrassment fall under his duties? She thought.

“With the light of the moon.” The statement said as if the answer were obvious.

Frustration rolled off Alexia. She wanted to get the point.

Harley brimmed in excitement. She gazed at the book in Blossom's fingers with enthusiasm. An exciting first day for her, Alexia did not want to burst her joy with the reality that most days were not this eventful.

The group surveyed Blossom skeptically. None of them spoke. Alexia tired of asking questions, refused to speak and waited.

Undeterred, she continued. “Throughout history, the moon goddess has used various beings to implement her will on earth as well as natural phenomenons such as rainstorms to cleanse the world and start anew.” Emphasizing the words with gestures of her hands. “For the most part, the goddess leaves us but occasionally steps in. There are several accounts as to how she does this. Most believe these accounts to be fairytales or superstitions.

Turning the book towards the queen, she showed her a picture. Alexia went still.

*Author's Note*

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