478 Changeing of the Guard Part 1

The bathing room was filled with steam as Kyera swam back and forth in the hot water. The spells cast on the stones beneath the surface kept the water warm and inviting as she bathed. The baby was soothed by the warmth and relaxing sounds of its mother's gentle humming of a tender song. The tone was like a lullaby but the words a gentle prayer.

"Lady of the hunt guide my hand, show me how to see. May my aim be true, and suffering few as I seek to feed my clan. For glory of the huntress and beneath the shadow banner I take up bow and arrow, take careful aim and let the arrow fly… let the arrow fly. I thank the gentle spirit, who by my hand will die. The victim of the way of the forest, I thank you for your sacrifice. I vow to do my best to give you a painless end, please Lady of the Hunt guide my hand." Kyera whispered the soft melody that rolled off the tongue in gentle tones. So many nights she had sung this prayer, before going out to hunt for food for herself or the clan. This was the first time she had to speak of bow or arrow, but her mind recalled the phrase.

Verone had loved the land and his arrows, Daxin had taught them both the song of the hunter. One prayer for hunt with claws and wit, the other with bows and stealth. Kyera dove beneath the water and sat on the warm stones for several seconds, drowning those thoughts of the past. As her lungs whispered their need for air, Kyera swam to the surface.

She wipes the water from her face and swam to the edge. The rock wall held her weight as she lifted herself onto its surface. A towel began drying her hair and Kyer looked behind her to see a pair of familiar faces. Cora was there, wich she had expected, but so was the mouse Ella Von.

"My Lady I came to help you dress." Ella offered and Kyera chuckled seeing her enthusiasm. She turned, letting Ella dry her hair from roots to tip.

"I take it you created a dress for me?" Kyera asked and Ella laughed nervously.

"No, I made you a hunt outfit and a ball gown. One for the hunt the other for the ball." Ella replied, taking the brush out of her bag and using it to comb Kyera's hair.

"I suppose I can't show up in a hunters dress to ball or hunt in a ball gown." Kyera agreed with a soft sigh. She had always admired girls who got to dress up in pretty things, but it had never been her place. The wedding gown was perhaps the fanciest dress she had ever owned, and hunting dresses were practical. Everything in her life was practical, well until she met Raina and Clovis. Then things became emotional as well, a whole new layer of flavor.

The breathable, lightweight black cloth that made up two pieces of the garment was starkly contrasted by splashes of purple and teal. The flowy fit, sleeveless top was delicately stitched with 3 paw prints in variegated teal and purple leading up to the gorgeous lace expanse that connected to a collar around her neck. The tribal pattern paw prints seemed to shift in color the closer they got to her neck. It was paired with simple black pants that came up to under her breasts and fit snugly there, but loose over the baby bump and down to the ankles. The only large splash of color was the short asymmetrical dress that is purple at the tie, and pale teal at the other hip. A roaring tiger embroidered onto the vibrant background. She looked the overall outfit over and was shocked to find she looked like herself again. This was the Princess of the Forest, this was who Kyera Shade of the Moon was. Practical as this outfit had everything it needed for the hunt, beautiful as the splashes of color on the black, and daring as the style of the outfit implies.

"I also prepared a grip guard for Heart String." Ella added a bit nervous now since her lady had yet to speak up as to how she felt about the outfit. There were so many emotions rolling through Kyera that her expression was carefully blank. A slow smile crept over her lips.

"Ella you are amazing." Kyera replies with a bright smile. The mouse blushed brightly and coughed lightly into her hand.

"Only because I have an artist's dream for a canvas." She replied trying to distract from her embarrassment.

"Thank you, Ella. I can do this." Kyera looked back at the mirror and took the bow in hand, the new leather grip felt good in her hand. She was quite the striking image in the mirror, the pool behind her, the water reflecting the blurred colors.

"Was there ever any doubt?" A smooth masculine voice asked from behind. Kyera turned to see a familiar face leaning against the door jam. An elegant eyebrow raised as she looked at him.