Life and a Meeting

Princess Snow White did her best to stay out of sight, especially when it came to her stepmother, the hateful Queen Galiana Wuthrich, whom she refused to acknowledge as her new mother. As much as Snow tried to avoid her, the Queen seemed to seek her out. It got to where Snow was refused new clothing, even though the new queen was given a new gown each week, and the Queen had to make a show of it every time she was able to catch Snow in her sites.. Many servants did their best to provide Snow new swatches of material, and teach her how to sew in each piece of cloth, so that way Snow was able to be covered. Even though the servants knew that if they were caught, they would have the Queen's wrath brought down on their heads, they thought so highly of Snow, they were willing to take the risk. No matter how small the material was, Snow was grateful. She listened and watched and showed her appreciation by helping them as much as possible. She arose early, and worked late, just to show her appreciation to the others, whom she counted as equals, not servants, they were her friends, who went to great lengths to make sure she had clothing to cover herself.

As Snow continued to grow, in grace and beauty, she still remained humble and thankful to those who helped her without question. She slaved away with the laundry, the cooking, taking care of the farm work. When an older servant was unable to take care of the days task, she took on that task to give that worker a break. She loved the work, she adored being around them, for even though they knew her status, they were proud of the way she worked along side them, without complaint. The servants, as they were called by the Queen, were called friends by Snow. Even though she had a certain status, she was more lowly than what the cows passed in the pasture compared to the stable hand who mucked out the stalls, according to the new, hateful Queen.

Every day, Snow noticed more and more of her mother's belongings disappearing, but she dare not say a word, for she knew that the Queen would vanish even more things. Even the treasured tapestry, wove by hand for several years that had depicted herself, her father and mother, in front of a roaring fire, disappeared over the mantle in the great hall, she said nothing. No matter what the Queen hid, Snow still stayed silent. Which outraged the Queen, for she was jealous of the love the King had shown his previous wife and his living daughter. The Queen sought to be the most beloved by everyone around her, and she just could not understand why she was not beloved by her servants, or her husband. So, in her jealousy, she made Snow's mother's things just disappear. It upset her even more when she couldn't get Snow to say anything. So as Snow got older, the Queen made it a point to bring things, as if out of thin air, that belonged to Snow's mother, and carry them in sacks to sell at the market. Even though the Queen didn't need the extra gold, she had to prove to Snow that she was the one in control now, that Snow's mother was no longer there, that the king was no longer there, that she, The Great Queen Galiana Wuthrich, was in control. Snow did her best to hide the hurt and heartbreak she felt, but she was still able to find solace in her one confidant, Jacob. He was still the huntsmen for the castle, the one who controlled those who brought meat , and even though he did the Queens bidding, he never once breathed a word of what Snow spoke to him. He was one of the few who was able to openly continue his duty to the crown from the previous king, , which was following the princess every step she took outside of the castle. Since the Queen was never able to enter the enchanted forest, she thought of Jacob as a spy, for the lies he spun into truths, and the weeds he brought back as magical herbs that the queen believed to work in her spells, she continued to allow him to follow her passed husbands orders.

Snow loved listening to Jacob's stories, for he told of faraway lands, amazing adventures, unbelievable creatures, she just could not hear enough. As much as she loved her stowaway sanctuary in her precious forest, the stories Jacob told were better than any book she could read. As often as he could, he would take Snow to their little place in the forest, and recant each and every adventure, no matter how big or small, but he could tell how much Snow loved every story.

Unfortunately, Snow could tell when the Queen was in a rather wrathful mood, for she took it out on the servants, and especially Jacob. Jacob would often sugar coat his stories, but as Snow got older, he got more open to the horrors that happened along the way. He would never mention the Queen, but Snow was able to discern an uneventful trip, and one the Queen had interfered with. As much as it broke her heart to hear such things that were going on within the kingdom, she was grateful for Jacob, for each trial he was given, he was able to bring peace.

There was one story that truly captured her attention, it was one of Prince Valter of Danavir. She had heard the tails from Jacob of how this prince had thwarted the Queen, no matter what army she sent, this prince was able to outsmart her. He was able to set free the slaves, the army she sent was carrying, free. Many villages that she previously controlled, they drove out her commanders, every village she tried to starve into submission, he was able to free them by bringing them supplies and shutting her army out, which brought forth her wrath onto Jacobs head, but he was smart and cunning and was able to blame it upon a man whose name was fake.Much to the Queen's dismay and to Snow's joy, each village that Jacob visited, was one that Prince Valter came to alleviated those in bondage, bring seeds and materials to those in need, right under the queens nose, and then Jacob was able blame someone whom was non existent, and since the Queen thought so highly of herself, never doubted Jacob, she bought all the stories, and she was just confounded by who was thwarting her reign.

There were very few days that Snow was able to sneak away to her forest anymore, for she was never allowed to step foot outside, unless Jacob followed her, for her father had decreed as such, and the Queen still believed him to be a faithful servant to her, but was just doing his duty, for it was decreed in witing and so she could not erase,the queen allowed it. During mid day meal Snow still goes into the forest accompanied by Jacob, unless he's off doing task for the Queen. Jacob Wild often scolds Snow until they step foot into the forest, where he knows the Queen cannot hear or see them.

In the forest, he had built Snow a little cottage, just big enough to hold the last things her father had gifted Snow for her birthday that never came. Along with all the books she could learn from, without the hateful Queen's admonishment. Garments, she had long outgrew, were now used to patch together her current dress. Books, now worn from use, still held together from the care she had taken of them. Sweets and fruit were long gone, but there was one that still sat in a special place, her crystal apple. The apple was hand carved, but great care was taken in its construction. The red was so deep, the green so beautiful, that at first glance you would mistake it for a real apple, that was until the light hit it. Apples were her mother's favorite.

Snow would often use her crystal apple as the centerpiece on their picnic blanket, as she and Jacob would eat, as she reveled in the tales of the great Prince Danavir, and seeing Snow smile would bring so much joy to Jacob, for the travels he were sent on were full of sorrow, he was joyful in the fact he could bring some happy news to someone who would truly love it. He would often be the hidden informant to allow Prince Danavir to thwart the Queen, which he knew that would bring her wrath upon him, even if he was able to weave a story that would take the blame off him, he still worried, but he refused to allow Snow see his sorrow and worry.

One day, during one of the few moments they were able to get together anymore, Snow sighed and said

"I wish I could meet the prince one day" as she daydreamed about all of the Prince's bravery and heroic acts

Jacob laughed "you are a princess, you know"

"What's that mean" Snow said, looking questioningly at him

"You will be 14 soon, though young as it is, it's not unheard of to be married or at least betrothed at that age. You are a princess and Danavir is a prince. Do I need to explain more?"

Snow just shook her head, how can any prince see me as a princess? I'm more low than manure. Her mouth just hung open in shock, but at that moment a white dove fluttered down. It had message on its leg to Huntsman from the Prince.

"Hmm, I was afraid of that" murmurs Jacobs.

"Of what, what's it say" Snow inquiries, her eyebrows raised and she snapping her mouth shut after realizing it was wide open.

"The Queens been gathering in her men, pulling them all back, as if in surrender, but the Prince fears it is just a facade for something greater"

" That Queen has been on edge lately, everyone in the castle has been walking on pins and needles, being worked to the bone, and it seems no matter what they do, they still aren't doing enough, according to that troll. I sure hope you have news because everyone that works extremely close to the Queen, seem to disappear, one by one. Her handmaiden, her foot servant, her driver, all of them have disappeared suddenly and replaced just as quick"

Jacob gives Snow a solemn look, for they both know what it means to disappear from the castle. You're sold as a slave, or killed.

"I have a little bit of information and if this note is right he, the Prince, is not too far away." As Jacob and Snow were lost in their own thoughts, the sounds of a horse galloping into the forest made them jump to their feet. Both down in battle ready formation, for Jacob had taught Snow how to defend herself, and they waited.

As if a ghost, appearing out of the mist, the Prince stops short on his white stallion, just mere feet from where Jacob and Snow stood.

The prince, trying to calm his horse, says "I knew that bird was fast, but I never dreamed of it reaching you as quickly left my hand." The Prince smiles, as he dismounts his horse and approaches Jacob, "Huntsman Wild" grasping Jacobs forearm as if old friends.

After seeing the informal greeting, Snow stands down from her fighting stance.

Jacob turns to Snow and bows before speaking to Her shocking Valter, Jacobs fist over his heart while he kneels down, "Let me introduce you to Princess Snow White, daughter of King Willahalm and Queen Allira White, of my true patron. This is Prince Valter Danavir second son of King and Queen Danavir " Jacob rises and backs away showing respect as befitting Snows status.

Snow blushes, as the Prince grasped her hand refusing to take his eyes away from hers. Her skin seemed to glow from within, the color of fresh fallen snow soft as flower petals, her cheeks having a faint blush, as beautiful as a rose. Her lips stunning ruby red, her face framed by long wavey, black hair, so dark it put the night to shame. Her large expressive, honey colored eyes made the crisp golden leaves below her feet appearr dull. Her patch work dress could not hide her regal beauty and womanly curves. Even her small, bare feet, slender hands showing her miss use with cuts and callouses, could not hide how lovely she was.

Jacob, noticing the hidden glances between Snow and the Prince bellows out

"Now to business" which makes both the Prince and Snow jump.

Undeterred from Jacob's outburst, Snow gathers herself and says

"Care to join us for our mid day meal Prince Danavir" as she gestures to the spread before her on a blanket

"Valter, if you don't mind, and Princess I would be honored to join you " Valter replied.

As they all sit, Snow then mentions

"Valter, please, just call me Snow, just as you call my Hunstmen Jacob, please refer to me as Snow." she gives a small smile and tries to hide her blush.

Before Valter could speak, she begins handing plates between the three of them. Most meat that Jacob was able to stow away from the smokehouse, along with the fruits and vegetables the forest had gifted her, along with a small loaf of bread she was able to bake.

Valter starts to speak "So, what business is it you wish to speak and what were you both discussing before I so rudely interrupted"

Snow then speaks up before Jacob was able to open his mouth "Of course we were speaking about the Evil Queen"

Valter can't hide his laugh at hearing Snow being so open with that name, for even though she is called that throughout the kingdom, most never even mutter those words, yet here is the queen's stepdaughter, unabashed and unafraid of saying such things.

Finally, Jacob gets frustrated and speaks up

"Yes, we were just speaking about the Queen, but what brings you to this forest? I had just received you bird, and not moments later, you appear!"

"Myself, and some of my men have entered this forest before, only in dire circumstances, on the far southern edge, for this forest is as far as the eye can see, but as we have been ran down by the Queen's men, we noticed that none of them, even her, cannot enter this forest. I've always been beguiled by such anomalies. Never once has some been able to travel within the woods, of any place, at some cannot. I was hoping to find answers." Valter explains as he takes a bite of the bread Snow placed on his plate.

"Oh! That story is not told lightly, but you have been kind and unwavering in your trust in me, so I shall repay you with the story, short compared to what happened, none but this forest has heard. The Kings first wife, God rest her soul, paid a boon to this forest, that none of evil intentions, or impure of heart, may never enter this forest. The fact that you are standing before us, at this very moment, shows that the Queens boon still holds, and it shall hold until Snow's heart no longer beats," Jacob then seems to draw into himself, not wishing to speak more

Valter wishes to ask more, but Jacob's demeanor shows that he will not divulge more than what he already has spoken. So instead of trying to pry for more information, he leads to conversation back to other matters.

Even though there wasn't much business discussed, the conversation flowed freely between the three of them, but Jacob cannot help but see the glances Snow and Valter share. Jacob often sees Snow's cheeks flush as she catches the prince staring at her, as well with the Prince looking away the moment Snow tries to catch his eye. Even so, as bashful as they were with their glances, they spoke as if they had been friends from birth. They teased and talked, laughed and ate, but in the end, they could not keep their eyes off one another.

Jacob couldn't help but smile, even though he was protective of Snow, he knew, that since Valter was able to enter their sanctuary, there was no cause for worry. In so many years, he had not been able to see the smile Snow now gave, since her father passed, and it pleased him to no end, for he had been extremely worried about Snow and her happiness, that he would never see her smile again as widely and carefree as she did with Valter.

After they were full, Jacob finally speaks up about the current positions the Queen is about to take, even though she had withdrew her forces from most places, there was a hidden agenda. Jacob spoke of all the areas the Queen would be sending her army, but she had yet to reveal what her exact plans were, for she had not spoke to him as of yet on what was going on.

Contemplating what Valter had herd, he then nods and grasps Jacobs forearm again and says "I never meant to put you in this position, but I'm beyond thankful to you. You have helped me save so many lives, the jeopardy you put yourself in is not taken lightly"

The men then start to stand, and before Snow can get to her feet, Valter offers his hand to her "My lady, I wish to see you, I hope to see you every day, here, at this spot." he says as Snow's cheeks blush a brilliant red, but she then composes herself, not letting go of his hand she speaks barely above a whisper

"Your quest are too important, there is no possible way it would mean well for you or your men or those you save, to just come see me. All I request, is that you are here in six days, you could then give me the greatest birthday present by just being here." as her cheeks flush even deeper as she hears her own words escape her mouth.

Even Valter blushes, but it disappears quite quickly, he takes her hand that he is still holding and barely brushes his lips against her fingers

"You are quite right miss Snow, but I shall not miss your birthday, for that is the day this world was blessed with such an amazing soul"

Jacob clears his throat, then says "She'll be 14, Valter"

Valters jaw seems to drop, but then, caught up in the moment he then pulls Snow tight against his chest, not knowing what has come over him, and ignoring royal protocal, he just can't help but want to be close to her, he then pulls her ear close to his mouth, so only she can hear him

"Then that day, six days from now, I wish to make you my betrothed, and wish to take you with me."

All her senses are assaulted, his firm chest against hers, feeling his strong arms wrapped around her, the smell of sandlewood, sweat, and a smell that was all his own, she was intoxicated by him, all she could do was lean into him and whisper back

"Yes, that would be wonderful. I will be yours"

That moment, Snow leans in to kiss Valter, for he had started moving towards her even more.

Spluttering Jacob then exclaims

"None of that now!" putting a hand right between their faces.

Snow turns bright red and Valter laughs, which in turn makes Snow laugh, and that's the moment Valter realizes he has officially lost his heart to her.

Jacob then pulls Valter aside as Snow ambles into the little cottage for more water and tells the Prince " I will have everything packed for her right here. She does not have much dowery, what with the wicked Queen and how she has hidden the things that were worthy of a dowery for a princess in her kingfom but the crystal apple you see here is worth quite the small fortune" Jacob said walking Valter to his horse.

Valter nods and then says "I do not care what dowery she has, she could carry all the jewels of this world, but nothing could compare to her." and as he checks his saddle preparing to riding away, Snow comes running up to him with a sealed jug full of water and a sack full with fruit, shoving them into his arms

"I cannot let you leave this place without provisions. It's not much, but it should be enough until you reach the next hold."

Valter gratefully accepts the gifts and then kisses Snow on the cheek before she can run away. She sees her blush a deep scarlet as he mounts his steed, laughing at the surly expression upon Jacob's face, he turns his great stallion while calling out behind him

"Until next time my fair Snow, take care of my heart, for you now hold it in your hands!" and he gallops away before she can even utter a word.