"Artemis, I am not sure we should be doing this..."

Navene continues to look behind him glancing at the castle. After their lunch, King Casden called for a meeting with his son and the head of the guards to speak about the security of the kingdom. Artemis has since then had a feeling settling in her chest. It was an unknown and different sensation. It felt as if someone needed help but something was wrong. She decided to leave hoping she could find the source of her discomfort. Navene choosing to accompany her along with Vatalanie and few other wolves. Tesara and Goliath choosing to remain at the castle with the young princess and queen.

All will be well Navene...

She gets to the castle gates. Her cloak pulled up over her head however the wolves giving away to the guards whom she is. They look questionable to each other before Navene speaks up.

"We have permission to come and go as we are needed."

"But Princess Artemis is in need of guards if she is to leave the grounds. All royals have to be accompanied."

Artemis head snaps up to the guards not aware of the change. Navene looks to Artemis in confusion until realization dawns on him. She is no longer just Lady, she is their princess. The royals they are all sworn to protect. Artemis closes her eyes hoping she is not interrupting her prince.

Love, will you come speak to the guards. I must leave the kingdom.

On my way Artemis

She relaxes and stands their for a minute. It does not take long for Caspian to come strolling out of the castle and finding her with the guards. He comes to stand beside her touching her lower back.

"What seems to be the problem gentlemen?"

"Sire, all royals must be accompanied to permit leave from the grounds. Princess Artemis will need to be protected."

Caspian nods his head listening to the guard explain the situation. His eyes turning to her cloaked figure. He can see her body is more tense than usual while her hand rubs the center of her chest.

Something is wrong Caspian, I need to leave

He listens to her words and turns back to the guards. Giving a nod to them.

"I'm accompany her. Now open the gates."

Once again they look at each other but don't dare to question the prince. Going over the open the gates as they all stroll out.

"Where to love?"

Artemis closes her eyes and expands her mind. The sounds of the forest filling her thoughts. The bristle of wind rattling the leaves of the trees. The foxes running in the bushels crunching falling branches under their paws. The cubs of bears playing near a water stream as the water splashes over them. The sound of birds chirping flying through the trees. Then she finds it, still not getting a clear vision as to what it is. Just the feeling directing her feet. Navene and Caspian keeping their eyes open wide following her.

Artemis you must be cautious, I can sense the change in you

Artemis looks down to Vatalanie who is already looking to her. Her snout nodding towards her stomach. Her hand instinctively goes to it. She does not feel any different however trust Vatalanie's judgement. Caspian doesn't catch the movement but Navene's eyes train on it. His eyes going wide in realization.

Artemis, are you-

Not now Navene

No further words are said as they continue trudging through the forest. No longer near any paths. This part of the forest is dense with green shrubbery. The trees cover the skies allowing in very little light. The evening dusk coming quickly. It is then she feels it grow strong. Her chest almost painful. She rubs at it and hisses while closing her eyes once again. Her mind expanding to hopefully find the source.

She takes cautious steps forward hearing nothing which is odd. It is too calm for the wildlife that lives in these parts.

"Artemis, there"

They all look to where Navene is looking. Their is a small cabin of sorts that looks to have been overrun by wildlife. She takes a step before she feels it again. It is behind the cabin not in it. Caspian staying close along with Navene. Vatalanie and the other wolves posture turning to a defensive mode. They stay in the shadows of the trees to not be visible. Appearing around the trunk of the tree, her heart shatters at the sight. Lying on the forest ground is Aneesa. Her body being held to the ground with many chains. She appears to be barely conscious. Although no visible signs of pain, she is not sleeping on her own. Artemis looks around and can sense the cabin has a few men in it. Their boisterous voices caring through the windows.

Artemis goes to step out but is stop by a hand to her arm. Her eyes turning to see Caspian shaking his head no. Her eyes narrowing at him but he holds up one finger before turning and walking away. The young beauty's gaze following his form while he moves to look into the windows of the cabin. His eyes meeting 5 men sitting and drinking. Bounty hunters. He walks back over to her.

There are five men inside

Artemis listens to his voice and redirects his words to the group. Vatalanie shakes her head before sniffing the air. Letting Artemis know that their are two more here, they are hidden from sight as well.

Vatalanie says there are two hidden

Caspian nods his head looking around along with Navene. Artemis closes her eyes waiting for them to give away their positions. The first man appears to be hidden behind a tree opposite of them. The drawing of a bow makes her snap her eyes open. Her body instinctively going in front of Navene. The bow barely misses them.

"INTRUDERS!"

With this Artemis pulls out her bow drawing it back to the man who shouted. The shot landing in his chest. His body falling with a thud. The hidden archer then shoots another shot. Artemis is not quick enough to get to Caspian. Vatalanie jumps up as the bow comes flying to shove Caspian. The bow lands in her leg making her whimper falling to the ground. Caspian gathers himself turning to see the she wolf has been hit. He reaches out to pull her body behind the tree with him.

Artemis feels her connection to Vatalanie and her pain. Looking to her, she can see the arrow has hit her. She tries to focus to find the shooter. He is hidden in a tree above. Drawing the next arrow, she inhales deeply before stepping out from the tree and taking her shot at the man. He falls with a thud as the other men emerge banging open the back door.

Artemis closes her eyes momentarily reaching out for help before snapping them open. She allows Vatalanie's pain to fuel her as she draws her sword stepping out ready for battle. Navene following quickly to defend knowing Artemis is not in her right mind.

After getting Vatalanie hidden from attack he looks up only to find the trunk that hid his love and Navene to be empty. His eyes snapping to the opening to see her walking directly towards the men.

All the men see the cloaked figure and begin running towards it. Ready to kill for their payday. The young man beside them making them stop before laughing. The laughter seizing the moment one of the men is stabbed directly in his gut. The four sober up going towards both figures with swords out.

Artemis mind is fuzzy between the emotions she is getting from Vatalanie and from the confusion Aneesa is experiencing. She swings but it is off. The blade meets the mans arm slicing it open. His sword falling to the floor as he screams in pain. Caspian coming forward to stop the attack on Artemis' back as she finishes the man. Navene still in battle with the first man does not see the man coming on his rear. However one of the wolves jump on the unknown assailant along with the other two gnawing at his flesh. The man trying to defend against the wolves not standing a chance.

It doesn't take for their only to be one man alive. Navene's blade held to his neck. Artemis then runs back to Vatalanie leaving the men to deal with the last man. She kneels down as Vatalanie growls. Not towards Artemis just by the irritation of the arrow lodge in her leg. Artemis begins humming to ease Vatalanie.

"Who do you work for?"

"No one, do you know the price for a dragon's head?"

The man spits out gritting his teeth while looking at the creature. Navene presses his sword tip deeper to his throat. His own anger beginning to overcome him. Caspian balls his fist before glancing behind him at the dragon then the silhouette of his love.

"What have you've done to the dragon?"

The man really doesn't seem to value his life as he spits once again on the ground before answering.

"What all beast deserve... She will not last much longer."

Navene hearing enough slices his throat. The blood spewing out while the man grabs at his throat. As if covering it would halt it, Navene gives his own disgusted look towards the corpse before turning towards the dragon.

Artemis feels her energy level practically depleted while Vatalanie stands back up testing her leg. Feeling no pain she steps forward brushing her coat against Artemis. The silver goddess reaches up weakly to hold the she wolf. Vatalanie then turns towards the men who are removing the chains from the ill dragon. Artemis shakily stands catching Vatalanie's attention.

Artemis, what is wrong?

Artemis shakes her head at her before walking slowly towards Caspian and Navene. Looking to the sleeping dragon with worry. Her hand reaches out to brush its scales. The body heat slowly fading from the creature.

"She has been poisoned Artemis."

Artemis collapse in front of the dragon to her knees. Her heart feeling heavy for the beast. She is not sure if she will have enough energy to save the dragon. Caspian is quick to her side seeing her in distress. Navene standing on her other side with his hand on her shoulder. Taking a shaky breath, the young beauty reaches out placing her hand to the forehead of the dragon. Aneesa's eyes flutter openly slightly before closing again.

I am here to help Aneesa...

Closing her eyes, Artemis begins humming the familiar tune. Her arm and hair vibrant as she locates the poison throughout the dragon's blood. She focuses trying to eliminate it. Her energy so low she can barely stay conscious herself.

Vatalanie begins nudging at Artemis attempting to stop her. If she keeps going, god only knows what will happen to her. Navene and Caspian look to the she wolf in confusion before attempting to pull her back. Vatalanie letting out a growl surprising them both.

"Vatalanie, what is wrong?"

She runs pushing Artemis hard enough to fall away from the dragon. The connection gone while Artemis does not get up. Her eyes can barely open while Vatalanie begins sniffing her. Caspian runs forward to pick her up and then realizes she is shaking uncontrollably. Forcing her body to stay close to him, he is unsure of what is happening.

"Damn it Artemis!"

Caspian looks up to see Navene glaring at Artemis leaving him utterly confused. He looks back to Navene who is rubbing his face with his hands.

"She used more than her body could handle!"

At this Caspian finally realizes what Vatalanie was doing. He cups her cheeks but she is no longer conscious. He quickly lays his head on her chest to hear her heartbeat. It is slow and low but still present. Thinking quickly he leans down kissing her. Artemis doesn't react to begin but slowly moves her lips against Caspian. He deepens the kiss making Artemis release a low moan for only his ears.

Artemis can feel her body reacting to his touch. Coming alive due to the sensations he brings about. Her energy level getting slightly higher but not enough to continue her treatment on the dragon. She sits up and looks to the dragon. She chuffles and watches as Aneesa's eyes snap open. She sits up looking about before her eyes fall on Artemis.

Aneesa can recall what happened and visions of the silver eyes helping her. Artemis once again chuffles weakly before collapsing against Caspian. Aneesa leans her snout towards the silver savior creating the same sound.

Caspian watches perplexed at the relationship. His heart still beat wildly due to the situation. Navene breathes easier seeing Artemis more awake than she was before. Not entirely wanting to know how the intimate moment replenished her.

A screech before a loud thud catches everyone's attention. The raven dragon with electric blue eyes landing to see them all. His direction changing the moment he received word from Artemis. He flew as quickly as he could. The scene before him leaves him perplexed. There are dead bodies laying about along with silver chains circling the ground near his sister. Aneesa is comforting his silver savior who is laying on the ground with her upper half propped by the young man that has been infatuated by her. Another young man standing beside her. A few wolves sitting with their heads bowed towards the silver beauty.

Aneesa chuffles to him before walking over to him. Her head rubbing at his neck and shoulder. Kaleo leans down rubbing her body in comfort. She did not come home after their argument yesterday. He has been searching for her ever since.

Artemis, what has happened?

Artemis looks to Kaleo with a small smile trying to remain awake.

Aneesa was poisoned by hunters. I hope I removed-

Artemis, you can not continue to do this!

Artemis smiles before her eyes close once again. Kaleo walks forward to nudge his head to her gently. His head easily twice the size of her body makes Caspian steady them from the nudge. He then notices she has fallen asleep. Her heartbeat is strong but she is exhausted. He goes to stand up while Navene helps to sturdy her. Caspian gathers her bridal style before looking around for a wagon. It doesn't take long for Kaleo's tail to once again coil around his waist lifting them both up laying them on his back. He chuffles to his sister who understands.

"We will meet you back at the castle Caspian."

He then is surprised when Aneesa's tail wraps around his waist before bringing the young lad to her back. The wolves looking between the two dragons before bowing and sprinting off. Navene and Caspian nod to each other before both dragon's press of the ground heading into the skies. Caspian leans forward kissing her forehead while the wind whips around them.