Valinteena

In a world left with scars from a great war, the humans rejoice in their victory, but also weep at the cost. Unaware of the blind hatred that led to the slaughter, an entire race was nearly erased from the face of their lands. They believed they had wiped the shifters from the face of the planet, little did they know very few lived on in the very forests they visited, and in the villages they traded with. Forced into hiding, the shifters built a new clan, and lived by the old rules, hiding from humanity. 

Kyera Shade of the Moon is a Shapeshifter who takes the form of a White tigress with silver stripes. Alone in the world, and carrying the weight of her clan on her shoulders, she attempts to uphold the law she was born to, and protect the remaining of her kind. Her heart decimated by the deaths of her brothers and the absence of her mother, she finds herself caught in a net and unable to break free. In her moment of desperation, a hand reaches out and catches her. A man who threatens to steal her heart away, but can she learn to forgive herself? Can she find love and salvation in another's arms after the betrayals of so many? 

Clovis of the Dancing Rain is the fourth Prince of the Forest Kingdom. He is a clever man, but had no wish to be king. Perfectly happy to raise is Daughter in peace now that his young wife had passed. There was darkness and secrets in his past, but there was no place for revenge in his future. Not until they took it too far. Pushing his bottom line a need to take the crown lit in his heart. However, he needed one thing more than anything else... the right woman by his side. As if the answer to a prayer, a woman appeared. Beautiful and trustworthy who loved his daughter as much as he did, if not more. Yet her heart was broken, her world surrounded by secrets and shadows, perhaps she was best left alone. However, would he be able to live without her?

The Tiger Within

Vella's arm was gently held by her husband as she curtsied and he bowed his head to the Emperor. Her swollen stomach causing a look of surprise on her father's face. He smiled gently. 


"Vella my dear, in your state you need not follow such formalities. It has been far too long." he greeted her and smiled warmly. He found her eyes were filled with disappointment. 


"I came as soon as I heard things were unsettled in the house of my birth. A fake letter was sent to me by some unknown party accusing my brother of treason. I expect you to look into this fully and provide the Shadow Veil Kingdom with answers." Princess Vella replied and her husband nodded his support the look on his face was cold and angry. He took the letter  from his black tunic. He was dressed as he always was, for battle with a sword on his hip.


"I do not wish to have disagreements with my wife's home lands. However it seems someone wishes for me to medal in your affairs. I suggest you watch your ladies closer." Prince Mordrin warned and  the Emperor took the paper from him. A icy chill ran through his heart as he realized the implications.  No matter who he called for help, the Shadow Veil would never be a kingdom he could fend off. 


"I will look into this thoroughly after today's meeting." the Emperor assured them and glanced at his daughter again. She was so much more than she had been last he saw her. Confidence could only account for part of her change, she was becoming every inch a Empress. 


"Good." Mordrin replied and led his wife to her mother's side. Clovis was left alone facing his father. He stood tall, his long blue robes edged with silver but secured more fittingly. The flowing robes of a scholar had been traded for the less cumbersome tunic and breeches of a warrior. A leader. His hair fell long down his back but tied into a bundle mid way down letting the last 4 inches form a tail. 


"Father." he greeted placing his fist to his palm and bowing at the waist. The Emperor nodded in greeting as well. 


"Are you sure about this?" he asked quietly, and Clovis met his eyes. 


"I have no choice.  I will become Emperor." Clovis replied soft enough that his father was unsure he had heard him clearly but the firmness of his tone convinced him.  The Emperor nodded and turned to the tree. There were many extinguished lanterns still gracing the trees strong branches. The five charms still danced in the soft winds, one for Alexi, Damar, and Basil but one for each of the younger, sons who were lost to the sands of time. Their memory living on upon the tree. Their charms made of glass and glowed with the phoenix Flames.  Behind the tree, upon the wall may charms of different styles and from distant generations of the royal family. 


Clovis walked to the wall and bowed to the memory of so many son's passed. He wondered briefly if any of them had faced the same struggle he was now. How many Ladies of the court had suffered alongside their children for the sake of peace in the family? The Silver charm with its simple cords with the gold and brown banded stones and warm green jade adorning the the crest of the Dancing Winds. He gently unattached it from the wall while everyone watched. 


Queen Kira's eyes flashed with realization as Clovis handed the Emperor his charm. It had been such a long difficult road to convince Clovis to remove his name. 'How could this have happened?' She wondered her heart was suddenly angry. Without him Bastil was sure to win the crown but… She wasn't blind. The soldiers hailed Clovis, as did the servants. The nobles were behind Bastil but the masses would be behind Clovis as would the Emperor. Queen Kira stepped forward but was too slow. 


"Your Majesty, May I speak?" She asked curtsying low before the Emperor. Prince Clovis froze hearing her voice, but his father took the crest from his hand.


The Phoenix Tree Part 2