The Golden Eyrie: Part One

by Talos_Torin

Long ago there was a time when Neopia was not as it is. Evil forces plagues the good people of the world, which was broken up into many different, small, kingdoms and territories of the dukes. The creatures of Neopia were feared, on the whole, and very few were considered safe enough to be kept as pets. However, it was a time of magic and wonder--a time when true love still had a good chance of being found.

In this time there lived a kindly king and his queen. They ruled over a peaceful and prosperous kingdom, with their beautiful daughter, the Princess Azurel. She was a rare beauty, of raven black hair, fairest skin, rosy cheeks, and full red lips. One day the princess was riding by the large forest that bordered their small kingdom when the horse suddenly bolted, carrying her deep into the dark forest. By the time she had calmed the horse down Azurel found herself completely lost. After a short spell she came across an enchanting glade that contained some beautiful wildflowers growing by an old fallen tree. The princess started to dismount so that she could pick some of the flowers to take back to the palace with her. The skittish horse reared as Azurel dismounted, knocked her to the ground, and ran off into the forest. The beautiful princess leaned against the fallen tree and burst into tears.

While Azurel was crying, she heard a rustling in the bushes near her, so she wiped her tears and looked up to see a large Eyrie with golden fur slowly approaching her. The Eyrie got so close that the princess could have reached out and touched it. The Eyrie then folded its right paw under its massive chest, extended its left paw, and lowered its head to the ground. Princess Azurel stared at the Eyrie in silent amazement for she had expected it to attack and devour her. As she looked at the Eyrie bowing before her, the princess became less afraid, and more curious.

"Why do you do this," she asked the Eyrie. The Eyrie looked at Azurel, its eyes a brilliant blue like a clear summer sky, and seemed to smile, but its beak was fierce and sharp. The princess filled with fear as she began to think that the Eyrie would attack her. However, to her amazement, the Eyrie spoke, and his voice was deep, melodic, and comforting.

"Because you are without a doubt the most beautiful Neopian that I have ever seen, and are certainly deserving of the respect given to a princess. Please, my lady," he continued as he rose into a sitting position. "Tell me your name, and the reason for your tears."

"I am Princess Azurel of Camau, and I was crying because my horse ran off and left me, lost in this forest with no way of returning to my home." The princess paused for a moment. "Now that you know my name it is only fitting that you should tell me yours."

"Forgive me, your highness. My name is Jonothan." The Eyrie paused before he continued. "Princess, if you will promise me but one thing than I will take you back to your palace and, if you so desire, I will remain with you as a protector and champion." The princess thought about Jonothan's offer for only a short time before she responded, for although she was happy, she was also often lonely.

"What is it that you would have me promise," she asked.

"It is for a later date, although I ask for it now. There will come a time when I will ask you to do something and you must promise me that you will do it, despite your own feelings. Will you give me your word on this, Highness?"

"If you will promise me that your request will bring no harm to either my family, or my kingdom, then yes. You have my word, as Princess of Camau, that your request will be granted." Jonothan smiled at the princess, his blue eyes gentle, despite his ferocious beak.

"I would promise you this and more if you asked it of me, my princess."

He lowered himself before the princess. "Get on, and hold on tightly to the fur, just under the feathers." As the princess did so she noticed how soft and smooth Jonothan's fur was, and she twisted her hands into the thick fur around his neck. When he was sure that Azurel was comfortable and was in no danger of falling off, Jonothan rose and made his way back through the forest, following the trail that Azurel's horse had left. He left the glade so quickly that neither one of them noticed the ominous shadow on the trees at the edge of it. He ran through the forest, dodging bushes and fallen trees, until they came to the road that Azurel had traveled that morning. He slowed down his pace as they came to the edge of the forest, and headed in the direction that the princess indicated. When he saw the palace Jonothan easily followed the road up the hill to the massive gates. Azurel dismounted as they approached the great entrance into the courtyard and rushed into the arms of her waiting parents.

When her mother became aware of Jonothan, she screamed, and the king quickly drew his sword.

"Guards," he yelled. "Protect my wife and daughter with your lives." He then turned his attention to the Eyrie, "And you, beast, prepare to meet your fate."

At the term 'beast' Jonothan winced, as if someone had struck him. As her father raised his sword Azurel rushed forward, and placed herself between Jonothan and her father, her eyes flashed with anger and fear.

"Father, no! Don't hurt him. Please," she paused. Azurel's trembling voice softened as she continued. "This Eyrie saved my life. He rescued me when I became stranded in the forest, and has now delivered me safely home. Now, if only in gratitude for all that he has done, I ask that he be allowed to remain here with us, in the palace." Azurel paused, looking at her parents to see what their reaction to her words would be. Her mother spoke first.

"How can you be sure that he is safe," she asked cautiously. At this comment Jonothan smiled, and bowed to the king and queen.

"Your majesties," he said as he rose, his keen eyes registering the shock that the sound of his voice had upon the royal couple. "I am as safe and dependable as any of your guards."

"What is your name Eyrie, or do you not have one," asked the queen.

"My name is Jonothan, my queen," he replied. The king then turned to the princess, who had remained quietly observant.

"Daughter, Jonothan may remain here, with us, unless someone can give me sufficient reason to deny your request." He turned to the guards and servants who had assembled, and when none of them objected he turned back. "Very well, Azurel. He shall live here with us, under your care. Do you understand?" The princess smiled, as she nodded.

"Yes, Father."

"Good. Now, come inside and eat before you retire for the evening." The king then turned. "My Lady," he said to the queen, who gracefully accepted his outstretched hand, and led her inside. Azurel began to follow them, but as she reached the door she turned and smiled at Jonothan who had not yet moved.

"What are you waiting for, Jono? An invitation," she asked. Jonothan's eyes lit up as he returned her smile.

"Actually Princess," he replied softly. "I was. I was awaiting an invitation from you."

"Than you must wait no longer, Jonothan. Enter, and be welcome." In two bounds he was at her side. The princess then went into the palace, with the golden Eyrie following only a few steps behind her. "Jonothan, how did you come to be in that glade this afternoon?"

"In truth, your highness, I was running from a hunting party and I saw you in the glade with no horse or company, so I wondered what was wrong."

"Why did you not fly away from them?"

"For the same reason I didn't fly you here, Princess," speaking as he lifted his right wing, revealing a light crossbow bolt imbedded in his flesh. With a gasp, Azurel took a step forward, and in moments had removed the offending object. Jonothan rustled his wings, and folded them again. "Thank you."

"Does this mean that if I had not been there, you would have been someone's hunting trophy right now?"

"Probably not, for I had outrun the hunting party a while before I found you."

"Do you hunt, Jono?"

"I had to hunt, to eat, Princess."

"Will you stop addressing me so formally, Jonothan. Just call me Azurel. It is my name you know." Jonothan laughed.

"I know, and I'm sorry... Azurel."

Jonothan remained at the palace for several months, all the while he and Azurel became closer and closer friends. One evening the king and queen decided to hold a ball. Much to Azurel's surprise Jonothan refused to attend.

"Why not, Jonothan," the frustrated princess finally asked.

"I cannot dance," was the Eyrie's simple reply. At this, Azurel laughed.

"You don't have to dance. You're an Eyrie" Jonothan's eyes grew dark, as if she had mentioned some long forgotten pain.

"I know," was all that he said in response.

"So please, will you not come? For me," she added softly. Jonothan looked at her and realised how much this meant to his princess. He sighed and looked out the window at the guests who were already arriving.

"For you, my princess. Only for you." The princess smiled and he left her alone to prepare for the ball.

To be continued...