The fair maiden and her prince

Ysmir made it to full adulthood and as he stood there by the barn he tried not to wallow in his own mediocrity. He had a lot of time to think recently, most of the pack was caught up in the gaggle of new puppies. Which was actually good for him because no one was out there pushing him. Ysmir kept comparing himself to his siblings and he constantly fell short. His abilities were lacking as much as his devotion and the boy felt shame for it. He was supposed to be a man, but he could hardly prove himself.

Most of his days were spent hunting or with the animals, feeling like he was doing something. The restless feeling within him had started the last time he saw Gwynevere. He gave her that tiara and the reaction she gave brought him higher than he ever had been. When he returned home Ysmir realized how unworthy he felt. His mother would tell him to take whatever he wanted, that was the way of his people. He should have marched down to the Hallows and fought to take the girl he had fallen in love with.

He was ashamed of himself for not believing he was capable, but he’d seen Artorias he had been welcomed is as a guest. Not to mention the political implications of taking another alpha’s sister. He couldn’t even ask Tyrian for permission. He felt stuck, so he hadn’t been to see Gwyn. He put his head into his training and tried to pretend he was getting better and stronger. But what did that gain him?

The young viking thought a lot about the girl who had treated him after the tournament, and who he found and rescued from the banks of the river and returned home. The one he’d held in her room after she suffered a nightmare. No one else had ever held him so close, to say he was smitten was an understatement. So when her raven found him Ysmir felt his heart drop right out from his chest. Of course, she had braved miles and miles to come see him he couldn’t ignore her. Even if it was hard to face her.

She had seen him after the tournament though, surely she wouldn’t hold it against him that he hadn’t done anything about.. Well, now that he was walking he wasn’t sure there was anything to be done about something you couldn’t even explain. He tried to rid his thoughts, but as dark paws carried him through the orchard he found his mind emptied on its own when Gwynevere came into sight.

His grin pulled his lips away from long saber teeth and his dark tail wagged at his hips in obvious delight at seeing her again. Silver flecked ears fell to his head as he only just barely refrained from grabbing her. Instead he offered a shy nod of his head and a hesitant kiss to her cheek.