Freedom.

Finally, she tasted freedom.

Her legs couldn't stop as she climbed the fence at the edge of the garden. It was the closest barrier to the world beyond the castle she was forced to call home. She didn't want it any longer. She never wanted to begin with, in truth. Her heart always ached to be somewhere else, exploring the world, doing anything but being trapped in that place and forced to learn to be a lady. The daughter of the king had certain expectations thrust upon her. Especially when she was the only child. But she was being suffocated by her parents. She had been getting ready to marry a prince her parents picked for her.

But no more.

She felt like she was running for hours by the time her legs finally collapsed beneath her. Deep in some forest she knew was still part of her kingdom. But she needed to rest. Leaning up against a rather large tree, she closed her eyes for a short rest.

---

When her eyes opened next, she could tell immediately that something was wrong. Her whole body felt strange. She was laying down, but it was different. Looking down she was surprised to see a set of paws instead of her hands. Looking across her body — was it her body? — it looked like a wolf. What the hell happened to her? She had only shut her eyes for a few minutes... right?

Trying to rise to her feet, it was strange to find herself on four limbs instead of the usual two. What the hell? What happened? Where was she? The strangeness of this new body and new place overwhelmed her. She tried to walk on unsteady legs but fell rather quickly. She grunted with frustration, wanting to figure out how this body worked before trying to figure out where she was. Then maybe she could enjoy the fact that she was far from home, free from her duties.

But right now? All she felt was mild annoyance.

The cold continued to persist over the land, darkening the sky and keeping the feeling of spring at bay. The winds were picking up a little more, but not enough to bring pain or absolute discomfort. A welcomed reprieve for the golden man, whose tired body was now walking along the highlands. He was in need of another break from his pack lands, eyes weary and filled with worry for those such as Aelia since they were not feeling well.

Perhaps a change of scenery would help to dissuade his mind from such depressing thoughts. Large paws blindly carried him forward, nose suddenly picking up the scent of something sweet with the earthy smell of evergreen. No one he knew carried such a scent, so his interest became heightened. Was someone else here?

Cyrus soon had his question answered, spotting a young woman covered in a pelt of chocolate. Her eyes were that of the pale blue sky. Even more noticeable was the look of concern upon her face. You alright over there? You seem in distress. Cyrus kept himself at a safe distance, in case she was not the most welcoming of outsiders. But would assist as best he could if she so wished it. Such was the way of the desert man.

Blowing out a small breath, the princess focused completely on trying to at least stand on these strange legs. Once she could keep her balance, she could work on walking. The one thing she was grateful for was there were no prying eyes to watch her struggle.

Well, at least she had hoped there weren't.

The sound of another made her lift her head rather abruptly. She stared for a few moments at the figure in front of her. Another wolf. He at least appeared mildly concerned for her, though she wasn't paying attention enough to try and discern his sincerity. The lady let out a small sigh, scrunching up her face for a moment before wearing her signature smile. It wasn't entirely forced, as her eyes betrayed the confusion and annoyance she was still struggling with.

I wish I had an answer for you, she replied, too afraid to look like a fool to try and walk. And I have a feeling anything I say may be unbelievable. I'm still trying to piece together what happened myself. She took a moment to study the man before her. Covered in golds and creams, like the deserts she had read so much about. Eyes as blue as the sky stared at her, and she wondered what he must be thinking of her.

The woman before him looked sour and filled with a slight disdain. Most likely for what ever had just happened to her, though he had maybe a small idea. He kept his distance still out of respect, not wanting to add further issues to the already annoyed girl. But he did quirk an eyebrow at her in response to her comment. Try me, you might be surprised. Cyrus gave her a small smile, a gesture that spoke of a calm and silent kindness he was trying to bestow. An attempt at being the guiding hand that she might need but most likely wouldn't want.

If so, there would be no offense taken. Cyrus was also one amongst many others that still tried hard to hold on to his independence. It was one of the few things he still took pride in, but wondered if that was all he had left. What I can tell you, is that if you are new here, you happened upon this place in a pretty awful time. Winter has been pretty harsh this year, with some kind of awful plague and darkness shrouding the land. Better keep your wits about you. A fair warning to the newcomer in hopes that she would take the news with a heavy consideration going forward.