A World So C O L D.
➳ —– | Mere words could not explain the passions bubbling within his chest, forcing a mixture of joy and anxiety inside of him. Although he could barely see her, he knew that sweet but strict voice – it was invigorating. No shine in the night sky, bright star or heavenly lights from above could take his attention from him seeing her – his empress of the wolves. It was as if nothing else around him existed, only the thought of being reunited with her after the brutal winter he had endured – alone. The only thoughts keeping him strong enough to withstand the food shortage and icy winds was the idea of meeting with her again. She was like the sun, taking away the coldness with its radiance. It was as if the happiness he felt made him numb to everything.
The injury he had gotten to his left knee while he was lumbering carrying the large wooden logs with the rest of the men no longer hindered him. It was as if all he had endured was just a shadow of the past the moment he heard her voice. “Come on boy!” He beckoned his red elk, selfishly pushing it harder than he usually did just so he could meet with her sooner. So that he can rest the doubt festering within his mind that this was a cruel dream he would soon wake up to. As soon as San and her brothers became visible, the hunter hopped off of Yakul and stumbled a few steps before picking up a steady speed to rush forward with. Dozens of ideas flew into his mind. The thought of crashing into her, arms embracing her every so lovingly as he took in her scent while burying his face within her shoulder.
Or perhaps he would have more composure and greet her calmly. There was no telling what instinct would take control of him first. When the image of her became closer and closer as she too was running toward him, the hunter fell into the fear of doubt, thinking that her being there was an illusion. It was just too perfect – meeting up with her like this. Had she known the attempts he made at seeing her or did she miss him terribly as well? However, as he watched her slow down, he mirrored her behavior. A rush of footsteps soon turned into slow strides just before he paused in front of her. A cloud of air was present before him as he panted warm breaths out into the cold atmosphere, his chest rising and falling fiercely.
This was nothing like he had expected it to be – he was far too exhausted to even summon a few words. The strain placed upon his body from merely running showed just how much he had exerted himself during the winter. As the other expressed her concerns in a calm and discreet manner, the hunter continued to catch his breaths. Yet, his facial expressions softened as a smile painted upon his lips. Autumn irises glowed and rested gently upon her form. If words were to fail him now, there was no other option other than being a man of action. Gingerly, he raised his arms and cupped her shoulders with his calloused hands and held onto the tender stare before he nodded.
When it seemed as though his heavy breathing was subsiding, the prince extended his left hand and caressed her cold cheek by rubbing his curled index finger against it. The feeling of touching her alleviated the fears consuming his securities, knowing she truly was before him was almost the greatest feeling – almost. What he would do next would seal it for him.
As she continued to speak with his breaths finally silent, he simply took her in his arms at first softly as if she would shatter if he held her tighter. Ashitaka wrapped his strong wings around her, dancing his fingertips along her back just before he pulled her closer to his body for a much more powerful embrace. He closed his eyes to fully take in the moment – finally he had her in his arms.
Feeling the cold and raspy wind flowing through her hair, stingy the flesh upon her face and cheeks from the help of the near by lake, for once it actually felt different. The stinging sensation and the small feeling of discomfort was oddly comforting the moment, and though would normally be ignored, reminded her that this was no mere dream. For once in her life, pain was pleasant. Pain meant memories. Pain meant life. This was really happening. The beastly princess was meeting with the mighty prince. Perhaps this was going too easy for this not to be a dream after all?
Energy was rather sparse for the wolf clan during and after the duration of the harsh winter months. All three were feeling the affects of having little to enough food for each of them so some had to skip eating. Using practically all their reserve energy to assist with their sister’s consultation with this human boy, San definitely was going to owe her brothers big later on. Even running side by side, San wasn’t as graceful when running along side of her brothers, but her two legs were just as powerful than any normal humans were. Even as powerful and agile as she was, the wolf princess instantly felt the lack of energy after just a few minutes of running toward her welcoming award. The lake never seemed so huge, but Ashitaka made the whole world seem so small and perfect. Just like Ashitaka slowed, as did the wolf girl. They both appeared scrawny and pathetic compared to just a few months prior, but they were alive. They were breathing, moving, and more importantly alive. With what words she had said, the adrenaline poured from her body along with them and she felt as if she was going to black out at any morning. San panted selfishly for what little air her lungs could take, causing her eyes to fall from Ashitaka and to the ground for a moment. Where she stood, her frail little shape shook every so often, even causing her brothers to take a few steps toward her in case she was in need of their aid. They soon retreaded a few steps back when Ashitaka placed his hands upon her shoulders, feeling as if San would have preferred his help for now. The hands were warm, but rough against her frail shoulders, but they felt real. Human skin compared to wolf’s fur, San wasn’t sure what she enjoyed more, but for now, she was just happy with Ashitaka’s touch more than anything. Weakly the wolf girl pressed her hands upon the prince’s chest to support herself in his grasp and also make sure he still wasn’t a dream.
Feeling the embrace from someone, who felt no longer like a stranger, San couldn’t help but press her body against the desired warmth of Ashitaka’s body. Nothing compared to the fur and warmth from her brothers, but they weren’t even apart of this equation. San’s pressed her head against his chest and nuzzled it under his head, while she moved her arms around Ashitaka’s chest to embrace him as well. This was real. This wasn’t a dream.. he really was here. Her warm breath blew slightly against the nape of his neck as San had to keep herself awake. Warmth, comfort, and lack of energy made it ideal of her falling asleep in the prince’s arms… that would be bad.. “You are here. This isn't a dream…” San finally managed to catch her breath much longer than it took Ashitaka, before slowly moving her head back from below his head to actually look at his face and expression, but still didn’t break the hold they had over each other. The worry expression was still apparent upon her face, but for a different reason than before. Ashitaka felt different since their last meeting, but they both took a beating over the winter months. “Ashitaka... what happened?”
