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Winter was especially harsh that year, as Vex’ahlia crept through the forest, bow poised at the ready. She could see the stag in the distance, searching for a trace of green in the snowy forest floor. Her breath fogged in front of her as she took a deep breath and let her arrow go. It whizzed across the open space, finding purchase in the deer’s skull. Beautiful. Vex’ahlia stepped forward, the snow crunching beneath her boots as she approached the fresh corpse, kneeling and offering a small prayer for the creature, and a thanks, before tucking her bow behind herself and whistling for Trinket so she could drag the deer back to Vax’ildan.
It took longer than normal for Trinket to come. Scratch that—Trinket had yet to come, at all. Vex’ahlia stood and frowned to herself, looking around at the surrounding area for any sign of the bear. Nothing. She whistled again and waited. A minute passed. Then another. And another. Yet the bear did not come. But Vex’ahlia heard the familiar sound of Trinket’s roars, followed by a cry she was less used to. Ignoring the deer’s remains, Vex’ahlia rushed through the trees, feet expertly avoiding slipping on the snow as she dodged roots. She prepared an arrow as she neared the sound, finding Trinket surrounded by a pack of dire wolves.
“TRINKET!” Vex’ahlia shouted, aiming and firing an arrow at one of the wolves closest to Trinket. It landed in its eye socket, causing the wolf to howl in pain before falling at Trinket’s feet. Trinket growled and snapped at the wolves, but it was clear he was outnumbered, even with Vex’ahlia now at his side. She could not get close enough, so she aimed another arrow. It flew just above a wolf’s head as its teeth sunk into Trinket’s hind leg. Trinket roared in pain and swiped. Shit.
Vex’ahlia had no choice. She rushed in, opting for a dagger Vax’ildan had gifted her many moons ago, and she tried her best to slice her way closer to her beloved companion. Side by side, they tried their hardest, but there were just too many wolves. Vex’ahlia could feel the warmth of blood sliding down her arm and leg from scratches and bite marks. Her vision began to blur and darken.
“Trinket. Run. Get help,” was all she croaked out as she collapsed against the bear. She heard his roar, followed by a louder, unfamiliar one. It was not the wolves, but it was not Trinket. Vex’ahlia could only make out the vague, hulking shape of another creature, feel the fur brush past her, and as her eyes closed and her consciousness began to fail, she heard the cries of the wolves as they fell as well. If Vex’ahlia were to die here, at least she would die knowing the wolves had not been victorious.
Heaven is warmer than I thought , Vex’ahlia mused as she began to focus ever so slightly. Unless I’m in Hell. Maybe Father was correct, then. She shifted, and she winced immediately as pain surged through her body. No. Neither. I am… still alive, somehow. Her ears strained, focusing on the creaking of wood, the crackling of fire, and as she moved again, they focused on the rough but feminine voice that spoke.
“Stay still,” the voice said, and she felt the familiar sensation of a bandage being wrapped around her arm, though the hands wrapping it felt… off. Her face scrunched up, and she tried her best to open her eyes again. Everything spun and blurred together, so she closed them again. “That includes your eyes.”
Vex’ahlia snorted before groaning in regret. She could hear the ragged breath of the woman, hear her wince with her own movements. Vex’ahlia frowned. “You care for me, yet you are injured yourself,” she teased, fighting her urges to wince as she forced her eyes open and moved to sit up.
“Hey, I told you to—” The voice froze as Vex’ahlia finished sitting up, and she looked at the person—creature?—helping her. Vex’ahlia could almost not even begin to explain the creature to herself. Woman was still correct, hopefully, but there was something… different. The difference was quite obvious, but Vex’ahlia struggled to break down what she was looking at. Before her sat a half-beast, half-woman creature, though half might not have been the right proportion of each feature.
Notably, the eyes were still very much that of a human woman. She could read the emotion and intelligence behind the vivid green eyes nervously watching her every move. The overall form of the creature was bipedal, but Vex’ahlia noted the sharper claws, the animalistic shape of the legs, and how her face, despite being relatively shaped like those of a humanoid, had a distinctly animal nose and a hint of canine teeth protruding from the mouth. The face was more reddish fur than skin, and horns curled from the top of her head. Vex’ahlia, without much conscious thought, reached forward to touch… anywhere. Gently.
Despite the slow, gentle motion of her movement, the woman still flinched back and shuffled back a few steps. Vex’ahlia’s hands stopped and lowered. “It is alright,” she assured. “I am not afraid of you, nor do I intend to hurt you.” She held out a hand to shake. “My name is Vex’ahlia. I am very grateful for your assistance, both currently and back in the woods. That was you that saved me from the dire wolves, correct?”
The woman stared at her for a moment, and Vex’ahlia almost wanted to roll her eyes at the pause. Then, a larger, furred and clawed hand caressed her own in a greeting, and the woman nodded. “I’m Keyleth,” she spoke, her cadence soft and almost shy. Vex’ahlia flashed a smile that was genuine, to offer comfort, but also align with her usually suave nature.
“Lovely to meet you, Keyleth.”
It took barely a second for the name to register after it left her own lips. Keyleth. She had heard that name before. In Vex’ahlia’s travels with her brother, they had heard from druids they briefly found shelter with a few stories. One of the young prodigy in one of the Groves who had disappeared one day, with little success in finding her in the years that followed. Keyleth. She took in the woman’s current appearance, and the rest of the stories flooded her mind.
The druids had shared what they considered folktales of druids who either were stuck in a full wild shape or had gotten stuck in a between stage of shifting. None of the druids had seemed convinced the tales had any truth about them, often laughing it off and assuring the twins that was nearly impossible. As she looked at Keyleth, Vex’ahlia thought to herself how very possible it seemed now. Her own eyes delicately took in the woman again, noting how her large, should-be-frightening stature was not too dissimilar from the final story the druids, and even other townsfolk who wandered into the woods, had shared with the twins. A creature lurking between the trees, large and powerful, with sharp teeth and claws, and two large horns atop its head. The creature, notably, never attacked or harmed, even going as far to help protect the defenseless from the elements of the woods.
The creature was said to fight off hostile creatures, such as the dire wolves, or, from a distance, guide a lost child back to the path or village without ever fully revealing itself. Vex’ahlia’s smile shifted into one of soft genuinity. A big bad beast with a heart of gold. Interesting.
Keyleth’s hand departed the grasp, and Vex’ahlia almost mourned the loss of warmth before she shook her head and went to stand, only to collapse again. Warm, strong arms were immediately around her, easing her onto the chaise she had been on once again. Keyleth sighed softly, and began fussing over Vex’ahlia’s injures again. “I told you not to move.”
“I’m fine, really,” Vex’ahlia tried to brush off the fussing, only for the woman to give her a stern expression and cause her to stop and let Keyleth finish checking on the injuries. Once satisfied with the bandaging, Keyleth moved away again. Keyleth shifted, and Vex’ahlia noticed the wince as she shifted onto her leg and back off it. “You’re hurt,” Vex’ahlia said with a frown, reaching for the healer’s kit and moving closer to Keyleth.
“I’m fine, really,” Keyleth echoed Vex’ahlia’s words, though not in the mocking way Vax’ildan would have done so. Vex’ahlia glared at Keyleth, who recoiled and relented, letting the smaller woman move closer to investigate. Keyleth’s trousers were torn enough for her to see the aggravated bite wound. Though the blood had stopped flowing, Vex’ahlia knew it would need proper treatment. She gathered some supplies and began cleaning the wound. Keyleth gasped and jumped back, frustrating Vex’ahlia.
“Hold still! I can’t clean it if you keep moving.”
“It burns .”
“Yes, that’s how it’s supposed to feel, Keyleth.”
Keyleth seemed to pout but held still as Vex’ahlia finished cleaning and began to bandage the wound. Keyleth tensed now and then, as if itching to move, but otherwise did not react as dramatically. With a tender touch, Vex’ahlia secured the bandage, hand resting on Keyleth’s thigh for just a moment. She could feel the embarrassment radiating from the woman, and she smiled to herself at how oddly cute it was.
“There. All done,” Vex’ahlia said, pulling away, her tone unusually soft. She glanced towards a window of the… well, she did not know where she was, but she looked at the window and noted the darkness outside. The only light came from the glimpse of the moon and the crackling fire in the fireplace. She took a moment to take in the room. It was a living parlor, in what she could only assume was a larger building. There were multiple entrances to the room, and she could vaguely see the outline of a staircase beyond one of them. “It’s quite late,” she noted. “We should both rest, and then I will leave in the morning.”
“No,” Keyleth said quickly. Vex’ahlia raised an eyebrow. “I mean. It’s just… y-your injuries! They’re quite extensive. You shouldn’t be travelling so soon.” Rolling her eyes, Vex’ahlia waved her hand in dismissal.
“I have travelled in worse conditions.” Not a complete lie, but not the most truthful she had ever been. “I will be fine.”
“You can hardly stand,” Keyleth argued.
“I will be fine after some more rest,” Vex’ahlia insisted.
Keyleth frowned. “Please. Stay, Vex’ahlia,” she said softly, her hand coming to rest atop Vex’ahlia’s. “I have space to spare, and I would not rest well knowing you left in such a condition. So, please, stay here for a few days. Just until you’re healed.” Vex’ahlia took in Keyleth’s expression and the genuineness she found that. Concern, care… and something else she could not quite place.
“Okay,” Vex’ahlia quietly agreed. She noted Keyleth visibly relaxed for the first time all evening. Vex’ahlia fought back the urge to smile again, instead letting out a small yawn and settling into the chaise again. The yawn caught Keyleth’s attention.
“You should sleep. Maybe somewhere more comfortable. I can carry you to one of the bedrooms, if you would like. They’re quite nice, and the beds are really soft. The blankets are thick and comfortable, and—” Vex’ahlia cut her off with a laugh.
“Keyleth, dear. You don’t have to say all of that to convince a girl with my standard to sleep in a bed instead of on a chaise. Please, I would love that.” She smiled brilliantly, and she thought for a moment Keyleth would be blushing if she was not covered in fur. Keyleth nodded and fumbled as she moved to pick Vex’ahlia up, who immediately held onto the woman tightly, trying not to groan at the movement.
“Are you alright?” Keyleth asked as she ascended the stairs outside the parlor, and Vex’ahlia nodded in assurance.
“Yes. I’ll be fine once I am in bed and sleeping. Don’t fuss over me.”
“Sorry,” Keyleth said softly, and they shared a glance and smile with each other.
The room was beautiful, with delicate paintings and decorations about it. The walls were a blue, though the darkness prevented Vex’ahlia from seeing what exact shade. The bed… was exquisite. Vex’ahlia preferred finer lodgings when she and Vax’ildan traveled, but none of them compared to the plush comfort of the bed Keyleth settled her into. Tiredness seeped into her bones immediately as her head touched the pillow and Keyleth pulled the comforter over her.
“Thank you, for your kindness,” Vex’ahlia said softly as Keyleth stood and moved to leave the room. She paused and looked back at Vex’ahlia with a smile.
“Kindness is a powerful thing,” was all she offered. Then, “Goodnight, Vex’ahlia.”
“Goodnight,” Vex’ahlia returned, and Keyleth nodded, exiting the room and closing the door with a soft click .
One night turned into one week, and one week turned into one month, as Vex’ahlia stayed night after night, insisting she was simply waiting to be fully recovered to leave. Trinket had been saved too, having sustained much worse injuries, so even though Vex'ahlia had healed, she insisted she needed to wait for him to recover before they could leave, lest something else attack them on their way home.
Day after day, she spent time with Keyleth, learning about the woman within the beastial appearance. She learned how her smile looked, what her laugh sounded like. She saw the woman’s affinity for plants and animals, even in the dead of winter. Within the mansion were many plants, surviving under Keyleth’s care. Squirrels and birds frequented the yard where Keyleth, and eventually Vex’ahlia, gifted them food. She learned how gentle the woman’s touch was. It was never cruel, not towards Vex’ahlia anyways. Not until Vex’ahlia’s curiosity got the better of her.
She ventured into the West Wing, despite Keyleth’s request that she stay out of it. Keyleth was out in the forest, and Vex’ahlia was bored . She could only sit around with books for so long before she itched for entertainment. And so, she explored. She was good at that. Her fingers ran along the wall, feeling the paper decorating it, as she wandered deeper into the West Wing. Most of the doors were closed, and the light was dim. Squinting, she approached the large doors at the end of the hallway, pushing them open. The room was dark. Drapes covered the windows, and the furniture was covered in plastic and dust. Yet, alone on a table in the middle of the room, was a flower. Vex’ahlia stepped closer. Encased in glass, a lone rose existed, enchanted by some kind of magic. Her fingers trailed across the glass, itching to lift it and touch the magical flower.
It was fully bloomed, and beginning to wilt. A few petals rested around the base of the rose, having fallen from the flower. She frowned, wondering what its purpose was. Why was it enchanted, and more importantly, why was it locked away in the West Wing, where no one else was allowed to go? Her hands settled on the protective glass, seconds away from lifting it, when a beastial growl scared her and caused her to jump, slipping on a rug and falling to the floor. The air left her lungs, and she looked up to find Keyleth standing protectively between Vex’ahlia and the flower.
“I told you to stay away from here,” Keyleth practically growled. Vex’ahlia was startled, not only by her sudden appearance, but also the new demeanor she presented.
“Curiosity got the better of me,” Vex’ahlia offered along with a smile, hoping to ease the situation. Nothing shifted in Keyleth’s face beyond her scowl deepening. Vex’ahlia felt an unusual ounce of fear in her body at this. Keyleth, who was normally so calm and gentle… was now beyond anger. She almost feared her. Almost.
“Leave. Now.”
“What’s with the rose?” Vex’ahlia was tempting fate, she knew, but she wanted to know the truth, and hoped Keyleth trusted her enough to share it.
“Nothing that concerns you. Now leave!”
Vex’ahlia almost protested, but then Keyleth’s hand was gripping her arm in a way she had never experienced. It was rough, insistent. It forced her out of the room, slamming the door shut behind them. But Keyleth did not let go. No, she continued to drag Vex’ahlia through the house.
“Hey, let me—let me go! Keyleth!”
“You have more than overstayed your welcome,” Keyleth said darkly. “You should go. You and Trinket should leave, head back home, and forget about this place, and forget about me .”
Vex’ahlia picked up on the slight shift in Keyleth’s voice, and her heart thudded in her chest at the idea of leaving. “Keyleth, why are you—”
“GO.”
It was practically a roar, and Vex’ahlia flinched away from Keyleth. She was hesitant to leave, especially when Keyleth was clearly upset, but she also knew if Keyleth wanted her gone, she was better off leaving. Swallowing thickly, pushing down her emotions, Vex’ahlia gathered what few things she had and whistled for Trinket, who met her at the door. He seemed confused at their departure, but Vex’ahlia said nothing. Offered nothing to him, nor did she offer anything else to Keyleth, who had retreated into herself and into the dim light of the house as Vex’ahlia opened the door and made her way outside.
She glanced back at Keyleth, seeing nothing in her gaze. In fact, she couldn’t see her gaze at all with how withdrawn the woman was. Her hand sought comfort in Trinket’s fur as the two began the long way back home.
The village was silent as the two walked down the cobblestone path. The occasional murmur broke through the gathered crowd, and as Vex’ahlia reached the square, a figure in dark clothing rushed them, immediately gathering Vex’ahlia in his arms.
“Sister,” Vax’ildan said, voice wrecked with emotions. “You’ve returned.”
Vex’ahlia did her best to return his affection, but her heart was heavy. “I am home,” she offered. Vax’ildan pulled back to look at her, curiosity in his face. “I was injured while hunting. I found a place to stay while I recovered. And now, I am home.”
His expression told her he knew there was more to it, but he did not press, especially not as a slow clap filled the air. The two turned towards the noise, finding Saundor approaching. He smiled, and though it was kind, Vex’ahlia tensed.
“And so she returned,” Saundor said, clasping his hands behind his back. “I am happy to see you again, Vex’ahlia.” He held his hand out for hers, and an awkward moment passed as she did not give her hand to him. He cleared his throat. “We were concerned. Almost sent a party to find you… well, we did do that, actually. Found a slew of dire wolf corpses, and a scrap of your cape. You managed to defeat all of those wolves yourself?”
Vex’ahlia stiffened even more. “Yes,” she said quickly. “Between Trinket and I, we survived. Not without injuries, but we survived.” Saundor narrowed his eyes, but did not press.
“Nonetheless, welcome home.” His smile unnerved her. “Please, take the time to settle back in. I should wish to talk with you come the morrow.” Vex’ahlia refrained from rolling her eyes, more than aware of what the conversation would hold. She ignored him and took Vax’ildan’s hand, quickly guiding them back to where they had been staying in the town.
Vax’ildan prepared food for them, and helped her settle back into life at home. He asked for details, in that subtle way he often did, and Vex’ahlia couldn’t help but admit to everything. She told him of the woman she had met, of the way she… found herself falling for her, even in such a small period of time. But she was not meant to be there. No, Keyleth did not want her. That much was clear.
The twins fell into silence, hearing the crack of a stick and immediately snapping into attention. They glanced at the window, finding a figure running from the house, and the two immediately looked at each other with concern. Whatever that was, whatever they heard… Vex’ahlia could only fear what it would mean.
Her sleep was restless. She tossed and turned in her bed, as Trinket snored on the floor. Her mind could not remove itself from the mysterious, beastial woman she had met. Her kindness, her beauty… and the way she had terrified Vex’ahlia in those final moments. Still, she knew that was not Keyleth. Not the one she had come to know in her time at the mansion. She sat up in her bed, glanced out her window at the moon, and that was when she saw it. The gathering of men, with their torches lit, heading towards where the town met the forest. Her heart dropped. She knew, deep down, what was happening.
Keyleth.
She raced out of bed, gathering her things. Vax’ildan woke, immediately grabbing his own things as he followed, though not without questions.
“Where are you going? Vex’ahlia!”
“They’re going to kill her,” was all she offered, and she nudged Trinket awake as she headed towards the door. Vax’ildan understood immediately, and he and Trinket followed her. They did not follow the mob. Rather, they made their way to the forest—the one they knew better than anyone else in town—and made their own way towards the mansion Vex’ahlia had grown to love.
They arrived quicker than the mob, and Vex’ahlia rushed inside, calling for Keyleth as she searched. She was met with silence, and tears began to form the more frustrated she got. She arrived at the West Wing, and pushed open the doors. The rose, with more petals fallen, was still in the room, but there was no sign of the woman Vex’ahlia had fallen for.
“Keyleth!” She cried, and that was when she found her on the balcony, looking at the lights approaching. Vex’ahlia rushed towards her. “Keyleth. We have to go. They’re coming to—”
“I know.”
Vex’ahlia stared at her. “If you know, then why are you not leaving?” Keyleth turned towards her, sadness in her beautiful green eyes.
“I am cursed, Vex’ahlia. Forced to live as neither beast nor woman, but some unnatural combination of both.” She glanced at the rose. “The last petal will fall, and I will be trapped. Death.. Will be the only way out.” Vex’ahlia shook her head.
“No. You are not dying, Keyleth. Come on.” She went to take her hand, only for Keyleth to pull away, pressed into the railing.
“Vex’ahlia, please. I have no one. Let me have this.”
“No. That’s not true.”
“It is . No one loves a monster, and that is what I am.”
“That’s not true. You are not a monster, and I—” An arrow whizzed past the two of them, and Keyleth howled as it graced her bicep. Vex’ahlia immediately turned around, finding Saundor inside the West Wing, bow aimed at the pair. A smirk graced his face.
Vex’ahlia,” he called. “You stand with this beast. Move aside, and let me kill it.”
“No,” Vex’ahlia said firmly, drawing her own arrow and aiming towards him. “You will turn around and leave, Saundor.”
“Or what?”
“Or you will die.”
He laughed. Cruel laughter echoed through the night, and Vex’ahlia clenched her jaw. She aimed her arrow, letting it fly. Saundor moved just quick enough for it to hit a chair within the room instead. He pointed his bow towards them again.
“It is the beast who will die tonight, Vex’ahlia. Now move. I would hate to kill my future bride.”
“No matter what happens tonight,” Vex’ahlia said, drawing her bow again, “I will never be your wife.” And as she fired, Saundor did as well. Arrow and arrow, flying past each other. Vex’ahlia’s arrow found its target in his chest, and the other…
Keyleth yelped behind Vex’ahlia, who immediately turned to find red, beginning to stain Keyleth’s clothes from where the arrow protruded.
“No,” Vex’ahlia whispered, immediately moving to support Keyleth and struggling under her weight. As Saundor hit the ground, Vex’ahlia guided Keyleth to lay down as well. Tears formed in her eyes, dropping onto the beautiful furred face below her. “Keyleth. You… you can’t. Come on, Keyleth.”
The woman coughed, hands trembling as they moved to hold onto Vex’ahlia. “I’m sorry,” Keyleth said, and Vex’ahlia choked back a sob. “You… you will be okay.”
“No.” Vex’ahlia placed her head against Keyleth’s chest, desperate to hear it fix itself. “No, I won’t.” Tears and blood mingled together. “Please. Keyleth, please, you cannot leave me.”
As her heart beat slowed, and the last petal of the rose began to fall behind them, Vex’ahlia choked out a few more words. “I love you.”
Moonlight fell onto the two of them, enveloping them in its gentle embrace. Vax’ildan rushed into the room, covered in the blood of the mob, and took in the sight before him. Vex’ahlia ignored her brother’s presence in favor of crying softly into Keyleth’s chest.
And then she felt it. Keyleth’s form began to shift. Not as if she was actively moving it, but as if her bones were changing shape altogether. Her form began to shrink ever so slightly. The hair on her body receded until all that remained was a head full of red hair. Freckles adorned her cheeks, and where there were horns and fangs were now nothing of the sort. Claws and ears became shorter, more human. Or, elven. Half-elven, Vex’ahlia recognized, staring at Keyleth in awe.
And then her chest began to move with breath. Though blood covered her clothes, Vex’ahlia could tell the blood had stopped pooling from the wound. In fact, the wound seemed to disappear altogether. As the moonlight receded, Vex’ahlia leaned closer. Keyleth’s eyelids fluttered.
“Keyleth?” She asked softly, hesitantly, and her eyelids opened to reveal those gorgeous green eyes once again.
“Vex’ahlia?” Keyleth said, her voice softer but broken. Vex’ahlia sobbed with a smile, and she leaned in to desperately kiss the other woman, whose eyes went wide. It took a moment, but Keyleth returned the kiss, her hands threading through Vex’ahlia’s hair. They kissed for a moment, until their lungs burned with oxygen.
“Vex, I.. I don’t understand—” Keyleth began to say, only for Vex’ahlia to shush her.
“You’re alright. That’s all that matters, Keyleth.”
Keyleth sat up, eyes locked on Vex’ahlia in awe, before they shifted towards the dead man on the balcony, and the figure in dark attire, whose face strikingly resembled Vex’ahlia’s.
“Oh, right.” Vex’ahlia cleared her throat, and motioned Vax’ildan closer. “Keyleth, this is my twin brother, Vax’ildan. Vax, this is—”
“Keyleth,” Vax’ildan said with a smile. “The woman who saved my sister.”
Keyleth smiled, looking from Vax’ildan back to Vex’ahlia, and drawing the woman’s attention as she spoke.
“In all fairness,” she said, her hand cupping Vex’ahlia’s cheek. “I believe your sister saved me .”
Winter bloomed into Spring, and Vex’ahlia and Keyleth grew even closer as the snow melted and flowers bloomed. Trinket and Vax’ildan came to live with the two in the mansion, with Keyleth insisting there was plenty of room. The squirrels and birds fed happily on their offerings, and Vex’ahlia helped Keyleth start a beautiful garden as the weather warmed.
The West Wing was no longer off limits. The drapes were drawn more often than not. The furniture dusted, and the place lived in. Vex’ahlia brought into the mansion, and into Keyleth’s life, a warmth she had not experienced in many years. And with that warmth came hope, and most importantly, love.