Artemis can barely stay awake as she looks to the bushes seeing Navene, Princess Cassandra and Prince Caspian emerge. A low growl emits from Kaleo seeing Caspian still holding his sword firmly. The prince stops in his track before slowly laying the sword on the ground. The beast stops growling but keeps his eyes trained on them. 

Are these your companions Artemis?

Kaleo asks gently which Artemis nods to answer. She feels her body slacking and continues to resist falling into the abyss. Kaleo brings her closer so she may lay against the heat of his neck that is now healed. Artemis sighs laying her head against him all the while Kaleo continues looking upon the new comers. 

"Artemis, are you well?" Caspian speaks keeping his eyes trained on her even with the beast in front of him. His mind is racing with worrisome thoughts for the goddess he has grown fond of. Artemis doesn't open her eyes but nods her head and hums. 

The wolves walk up and bow to the dragon in respect. Kaleo sees this and bows his head back to the pack recognizing their scent as the same from the young life he is holding. Vatalanie walks up and gently nudges her head against Artemis' legs. Artemis instinctively reaches down to pet her making the wolf purr. 

"Navene, can you speak to the beast?" 

A low warning growl comes across the dragon's lips from the word. Navene is quick to realize Caspian's mistake. 

"Prince, he is not a beast and does not like being called as such. He is a dragon... And no, Artemis is the only one who can speak to all species." 

Caspian nods his head thoughtfully and then takes one step to the dragon before bowing to a knee. The dragon watches for the moment and then leans forward to sniff the young man. He smells nothing like the young life he is currently holding. However, Kaleo can see the concern for the savior. He gently unwraps his tail from Artemis who instantly slacks against the dragon's neck. Kaleo then uses his tail to gently press the young princes' back towards the woman. 

Caspian begins moving to Artemis. Once he is in front of her, he cups her cheek lifting her face from the dragon's side. He sees that her eyes can barely stay open and swiftly picks up her up into his arms. Artemis coils into his chest and wraps her arms around his neck. Caspian hugs her tightly to his frame as he feels the familiar heat licking at the skin on his neck from contact. He steps back from the dragon whose eyes are still trained on the sleeping goddess. 

Princess Cassandra stands behind Navene still petrified of the beast but also an amazement of what all just occurred. She was aware of Artemis' special ability but to see how she handle the creature was nothing short of magical. She watches as the dragon allows her brother to come forth collecting the tired beauty. Her eyes trained on how her brother looks so concerned. In that moment she realizes that he has chosen his queen. Whether or not he knows it yet... She does. 

The dragon turns as Caspian steps to stand beside Navene and Cass. The dragon expands it's wings as much as the clearing would allow making Cass grasp onto Navene's arm. The dragon is quite the beauty but also terrifying. He huffs before lifting himself off the ground. He does a loud cry into the skies which wakes up Artemis momentarily. 

I will return Artemis, Thank you

Stay safe Kaleo

With that the dragon ascends the skies and disappears into the dark. Artemis head falls back as she no longer can stay away from the darkness. She used all she could to help the dragon and now needs to recuperate. 

Navene sees this and knows what this means. He curses out slowly realizing what he is about to do and how it won't settle well with Artemis once she awakens. 

"Artemis... Artemis love." Caspian says trying to stir her not even realizing the endearment he has bestowed upon her. However it doesn't go unnoticed by the wide eyed 11 year olds. Navene being worried whereas Cass looks like she is about to squeal in happiness. "Navene, what has happened?"

"Artemis used her own energy to help Kaleo. She must have used to much though." Navene says thoughtfully as he walks over picking up the discarded cloak before walking back over to the prince and princess. His mind racing on what to do. She needs to be protected while she is unresponsive however the threat of other animals coming to her is high if they remain here. He can't move her though until she awakens. That only leaves asking the prince for protection which will indeed cause many complications but what was he to do?

"Brother, the party must be coming to an end. We need to get back." Cass says looking towards the night sky. Caspian looks down thoughtfully before coming to conclusion that he knows to be best. 

"Indeed Cass, come Navene. You will need to stay with us until she is healed." 

"Sir, the wolves." Navene says gesturing to the 8 wolves surrounding them. Caspian nods before he begins walking to the kingdom's gates. 

"They will be safe. Come, we need to get moving." 

The young princess holds her hand out and Navene curses silently but takes her hand regardless. The wolves stay moving protectively around their guardians. Cassandra now watching as one particular wolf continues to stay right next to her brother. 

"Navene, who is that wolf?" She says pointing to the she-wolf. 

"Her name is Vatalanie, she is mother to Tesara and the leader of the pack. She is also the first animal Artemis ever rescued... She is very protective of Artemis." 

Caspian listening in and glances down at the wolf who looks up knowingly. He smiles at the wolf and then turns his gaze to the sleeping form within his arms. She is so light however is not underweight. He just then realizes that she is not covered and stops abruptly halting everyone. He turns back and instructs Navene to cover her features. Navene does as he is told but narrows his eyes wondering why he is doing this. 

"Artemis would not want to wake up to realize people have seen her without her permission." 

They make it to the gate where the guards see the young prince and open but gasp when they see someone within his arms. They are quick to rush to him but stop abruptly at the growls emitting from around the prince. 

"Do not attack. No harm is to come to them. Do I make myself clear?" 

The guards nod their heads and step back as the wolves walk in with Navene and the princess closely following. They stay clear of the main streets and sneak through the kitchen of their home heading towards the staircase to Caspian's chambers. With much luck, only one servant saw who was quick to help in opening the door to the prince's room before being told not to speak a word of this and scurrying away. 

Caspian lays the young maiden down onto his bed and her cloak falls back allowing him to see her silver hair and soft contours of her face. He runs his hand gently down the side of her cheek. 

"What are you doing to me Artemis?" 

He whispers to no one particular. Vatalanie jumps up on the bed laying her head protectively over the beauty's stomach. The other wolves standing around the bed in a protective circle. Caspian looks around and realizes that she is the head of the pack. He watches as they all bow down in unison to the sleeping form. 

"Sir, she will not awaken for at least a day's time... perhaps more." 

Navene looks around the chamber while speaking. Caspian sighs not knowing what to think about this. Won't she need to eat through out that time? He looks to Navene but then notices only one wolf not laying down however following Navene. He recognizes this wolf as the same one who he first encounter with Navene in the forest. 

"Navene, is this Tesara?" 

The prince questions remembering the conversation from the walk up here. Navene smiles and nods while leaning down to pet her. 

"That she is sir. I have grown with her." 

Cassandra walks over and Tesara is quick to rub her body against the young ladies legs. Cassandra gushes over the wolf. 

KNOCK KNOCK

All eyes snap to the door. Caspian gently steps away from his bed and walks to the door. He opens it enough to slip out the door before closing it behind him. He turns to see who has knocked this late at night and feels his heart relax at the sight. 

"Mother, is everything okay?"

"You tell me son, I sent you out to help and was told you return with a lady as well as some other furry friends." 

Caspian locks his jaw realizing the servant must have went directly to his mother. She stands there expectantly. He nods his head before gently opening the door as to not startle the wolves. Vatalanie perks up seeing the door open again. 

The Queen gasp at the sight but composes herself. She looks upon the chambers to see her beloved daughter petting a wolf next to a young man. Her eyes then land on the many wolves gathered around the bed before her eyes train on a body upon it. She walks slowly forward as Vatalanie narrows her eyes. The queen stops far enough away to not disturb the wolves while being close enough to look at the sleeping form. 

Her eyes widen seeing the amazing beauty this young maiden has. Her high cheek bones, her pink full lips and long eye lashes. She has hair the color of silver that shines brightly with the moonlight. She is wearing a dress to match and contours to her form most perfectly beneath a deep emerald cloak. She is indeed a rare find. 

She looks back at her son who is now walking through the wolves up to his bed before looking down at the maiden. The queen then sees how her son's eyes are. They are full of adoration, worry, and... love. She grins at this and believes that she could be a great match for her son. The connection is clearly already forming but she needs to make sure it is reciprocated. 

"Mom, she is in need of rest for some time along with her companion." 

The queen's eyes look to the young man standing next to her daughter. She walks over and watches as the wolf protectively places it's body in front of him. She smiles before getting down on one knee and holding out her hand to the wolf. The wolf sniffs her hand before licking the tips of her fingers. The queen smiles standing back up to speak to the young man. 

"What do they call you?" 

"Navene your majesty." 

The queen turns back to the bed looking as her son runs his fingers down the maiden's cheek. Her eyes shining brightly with happiness for her son. 

"And what is she to be called?"

"Artemis."