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The Betrothal (Princess Tori x Lord Fehderer)

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Lord Fehderer

Today was the day.

Fehderer strode from his glade, Greengrove, and into the winter forest with his harem and staff and some close friends following eagerly behind. Everyone was excited (though some mostly just on edge, as Fehderer had more than a few temper flares at most who interacted with him on this crucial morning). Though none of the hard feelings lasted more than a moment, and his irritable barks turned to jolly laughs when he remembered what would happen in just a few hours. I am to be betrothed!

The preparation had been extensive. Every single den in the Greengrove had been renovated, even though his Princess would see only the den of her Lord (which had been the most elaborately decorated in flowers and berries of all colors, and the entrance hung with vines for privacy and was accented by a crown of snow layered on top that sparkled brilliantly in the sun and added elegant contrast to the deep greens and bright colors around it). The edges of Greengrove were covered in snow as well (no Fawnling was allowed to step upon it, lest they ruin the pristine fantasy aura the white crystal blanket lent to the overall look of the glade) but the clearing in the center, the pathways and dens, and the trees that offered shade had all been forcibly greened. Like a summer meadow in the depth of winter! Fehderer had declared, and together himself and the magically gifted in his staff had made it happen.

Beyond the facade, everything within his den was ready for Princess Tori’s first night. An assortment of food was piled beside the shore of the river that bordered one side of the den (for both water access as she ate and for unfavorable food items to be easily disposed of via a quick push into the current). Fragrant flower petals were strewn all about the floor, and the softest heathers and cotton were woven about into multiple nests placed in various positions in the den, any of which his betrothed could chose to sleep within. He would sleep within his den as well, but they would have separate nests unless she preferred otherwise, and she would have all the space she desired (the den was quite large, so he did not expect there to be trouble with space). She was quite young, and perhaps nervous to be living away from her parents for the first time, and thus Lord Fehderer expected she may need time to adjust. That was okay. All Fehder wanted to do was ensure she felt as safe and comfortable as possible.

Finally Fehderer approached the New Oak. Already many Fawnlings were gathered. He expected a large crowd, as he tracked down many of his friends and acquaintances and insisted that they come to the ceremony and then a reception gathering at Greengrove after. Those in his staff who had arrived with him trailed behind and then took their place among the crowd as Fehderer emerged on the other side of the crowd alone. He raised his head all the higher, squaring his broad muscular shoulders and walking with as much grace and power as he could. He was sure he was an impressive sight, with his rack as grand and curling as it had ever been, the tines newly oiled and waxed making them shine deep and dark. His hooves were cleaned and shined as well. His thick mane was lustrous and tumbling over his chest and shoulders and his tail drifted behind him like a jet black shadow, held aloft so not to dirty it on the ground. All his hair was glossy and groomed to perfection. He had exercised extensively (even more than usual) since he had learned of his betrothal so he could be in excellent shape for this moment. There was surely no way his Princess could not fall for him at first sight of his literally perfect Glenmorian coat, rack, and body!

Lord Fehderer reached King Rafe, and he bowed in a most gracious way. “My King,” he greeted him. He lifted his head again and stepped to the side, turning his head to look back toward the crowd. He would meet his Princess at any moment. And then she would stand right there before him, and in mere moments she would be his. His dark eyes were shining with joy and his posture was as noble and proud as a stag could be. His magic then greened the grass beneath his hooves and flowers burst in clusters from the snow, and spread before him to decorate with blooms the ground where his betrothed would soon stand. And then Lord Fehderer awaited the arrival of Princess Tori.






Princess Tori

Maybe it had been her overly large ears pinned down against her head, or the burning scowl that she had plastered on her face, or maybe it had been the foul words that escaped her mouth every chance she got but the members of her glade were staying well away. She had been naive to think that the King would forget about her - hell, how could one possibly forget to betroth a princess, even as ugly as her? But the more time went on the more she lived in hope that she would be left in peace without having to be tied down to a rut brained, entitled, stuck up lord for the rest of her - or if the Gods were kind - his days. The doe could hear whispering outside of her small den, but still nobody dared to enter after the last tantrum she had. This might be the last bit of peace that she’ll have until she is dragged away - and she sure was going to enjoy it while it lasted.

Well, that was the hope anyway until she saw the dark hide of her mother stride in, ignoring the warnings of the smaller does. Pinning her ears back she scowled at her mother who promptly ignored her daughter’s mood as she ushered the two dark hoofmaidens inside. Her family were rather mismatch to say the least, so the sight of the four does would be comical to many. Tori’s mother - like herself - was build heavily although lacked much of the fluff that Tori had, with a dark golden coat and dark thick dappling across her back. The two hoofmaidens where daughters of her father’s friends, one with a black coat dark as night with a rather large scar down her hind leg and no mane, and the other dark red with a roaned out barrel. They were nice, and very used to Tori is usual grumpy ways - and knew exactly when to get out of the way.

Tori sighed as between the three other does darker purple flowers were braided into her mane, he rather thick forelock tied back out of he face and behind her ears. Closing her eyes she tried to ignore her mother rabbiting on about something, before the pale pelt of her father walked in. Turning her face to look at him she sighed as she felt him nuzzle her neck; “it’s time to go.”

Hell.

Biting her lip she brought herself up to her hooves with as much grace as she could, before making her way out of the glade. The walk was a rather long one, since their home was as far from the New Oak as royal glades got, but Tori didn’t mind - it gave her chance to steady her mind and her mother to carry on rabbiting on. She didn’t have a single clue about this Lord, apart from he was older than her and his name. Maybe she should have got her hoofmaiden to find out more, but she didn’t see the point - he most likely would be just like every other lord. Every step she took the more bitter she got, the more the scowl grew on her patchy face.

“Please remember to smile, Tori, I know you’re not very happy but with any hope you’ll only have to do this once,” Ulfrik sighed, “this is the start of the rest of your life, try to let it start on a good note.”
“I’m sorry, dad, I just....” Tori trailed on.
“I know, I know.”

Sooner than she liked, she found herself to the side of the New Oak, her eyes rolling from the crowd that gathered to watch the wedding, the King with his shining antlers, and then the Lord she was to be wed to. Stopping in her tacks just out of sight of the gathering, her eyes not moving from the Lord. He was dark, dark as any lord shed seen - why the hell was she being wed to him? She was expecting the total opposite. Someone pale, frail or something like her. He was nothing like her.

With a nudge from her father she took a deep breath, before making her way forwards towards the King and her now mate. She walked forwards confidently, her steps sure even if her mind was racing, her large miss matched eyes blinking slowly until she reached a few steps away from the dark stag. Dropping her head she bowed, before bringing it back up to look eyes with Fehderer’s own brown eyes.




Lord Fehderer

Vague silhouettes appeared in the forest beyond the crowd. Lord Fehderer’s heart began to race, his ears perked up, his neck craned to catch his first glimpse of his precious betrothed. He saw the pale Lord Ulfrik, and dark golden Princess Skardi. And then he saw… a doe approaching with them. She walked with confidence down the path the crowd had cleared for her. Her long, creamy mane was decorated beautifully with deep purple flowers and arranged to frame her face, indicating to him one thing. That… must be her.

As his Princess approached Fehderer couldn’t not notice various… curiosities. She had large ears, a strong build, tufty fur, tusks, a coat smudged in dark, and perhaps most jarring… she was piebald. He blinked once, and then twice, trying to take in her very unusual and unexpected (and what he would generally consider repulsive) appearance. The stag that Fehderer was years ago, an ambitious and strapping young royal, likely would have raised his voice in outrage at a Lord of his status being given such an unsightly Princess. But that was not quite how he felt...

He recalled his answer to Lady Arai when she had tried to warn him of this very scenario. “She is mine, a precious gift from the King, a daughter of Aillite; let her be dark as night, stout as a boar, two-tailed, nothing else matters.” Nothing else matters. Lord Fehderer waited many many years for a Princess. So long that he didn’t think he’d even get one at all! And, ultimately, he’d be damned if he’d let a couple tusks or some white splashes ruin what was supposed to be the most perfect day of his life.

Soon Tori stood before him, and bowed respectfully. He observed her closely, and felt his heart swell with emotion as she lifted her head, the eyes of his forever mate rising to meet his. Green and blue. They did not match, a trait that should be cringeworthy for the old stag. But today he took it in stride, his mind working frantically to find the best in them. I do love blue eyes on my does, and green eyes as well. With my Princess I simply have both.

Finally a gentle smile broke out on his face. This is my Princess. My one and only Princess. That makes her perfect. He bowed in return, deeply but carefully so his large antlers would not touch her. “My sweet Princess Tori.” he murmured softly as he rose his head, words for only her ears, “I have been waiting my whole life for you,” His eyes were kind as they gazed upon the young doe.

The time had now come for them to exchange the vows. Lord Fehderer lifted his head proudly and cleared his throat. His voice rang through the clearing, strong and loud, relishing this very significant moment of his life. “I, Lord Fehderer, son of both dearly departed Lord Leandro and Lady Lina, do take Princess Tori of the bloodline of Aillite, daughter of Lord Ulfrik and Princess Skardi, to be my Princess. I recognize her as able to bear my legitimate offspring and vow to take her under my protection and care for her from today until the day we rejoin Oganach in everlasting rest.”

He lowered his head slightly after he had finished, cupping his ears forward and shifting his attention to Princess Tori, as it was now her turn to swear herself to him.




Princess Tori

Well, he hadn’t turned around to renounce his title - so this was an improvement to say the least.

Every second that went past between her arriving and Fehderer speaking was painful as she felt her chest tightening up, trying to ignore every part of her body screaming at her to run. No, no she wouldn’t run - this was her destiny now and the stag that stood in front of her was someone she was stuck with until the end of time. After this she wouldn’t return back to the glade she had called home for the last 8 years, but to an unfamiliar glade with a stag she had only just met, most likely surrounded by his other does and fawns. Not the cozy den of home. At least she would have Hilde with her. Maybe she was over thinking it all, maybe he wouldn’t be the kind of stag that she imagined him to be. Her father always said never to assume the worse of people at first sight, but to let their actions lead you to a verdict.

Something that totally fell to the sidelines as he opened his mouth. It took every strength she had left not to snap her ears back and do her usual snarl at him, and settled for nothing more than tightening her lips to a painful smile. He might have been waiting for this day, but she certainly hadn’t. The patchy doe watched as the stag lifted his head and spoke out his vows, internally rolling her eyes. He looked ever so proud, she wondered what he thought inside being presented with such a travesty of a doe. Most likely not exactly what he had been hoping for.

“I, Princess Tori, daughter of Lord Ulfrik and Princess Skardi, do take Lord Fehderer, son of the late Lord Leandro and Lady Lina, as my mate. I promise to be faithful to him and him alone, bear only his legitimate children, and to be by his side from this day to our final day where we join Oganach above.”

It was safe to say she was ready to throw up at the words - she dared him to approach her for fawns this season, he can then discover how sharp her fangs really are. She smiled, although she was sure it never went close to warming her eyes.




Lord Fehderer

Fehderer listened to Tori say the words, watching her with a smile on his face. The voice that I will hear every day for the rest of my life, Fehderer thought. “I promise to be faithful to him and him alone.” Fehderer loved fighting for his does, and defending them from challengers, but to have a doe that could never ever be taken away… especially as he was getting older, such a concept comforted him. She was his and only his. And think of all our Lord sons and Princess daughters… Only then did his smile fade… would their children look like her…?

Princess Tori had finished her vows and was looking at him again. Fehderer pushed the sudden distraction away and was quick to restore a happy display to her. He noticed the reluctance in her smile, but he believed it to be anxiety at this big step in her life. Or perhaps disbelief that she should be given to a stag of such beauty and status as himself! It did not cross Fehderer’s mind that Princess Tori may not be happy with this arrangement, and in fact he would have bet anything that internally she was thrilled, even if perhaps a bit overwhelmed.

As the ceremony concluded Fehderer turned toward the crowd with Tori at his side. The crowd cheered and stomped into the snow and Fehderer lifted his head proudly, reaching into the ground with his magic. The grassy patch around them grew larger and lusher and blossomed with even more flowers, bordering the two of them to the crowd in a display of endless colors.




Princess Tori

Biting her tongue she turned to face the crowds at the same time as the dark lord did, keeping her tail slick around her hind legs as she watched him grow the flowers around her. Oh how cliche, she struggled not to roll her mismatched eyes at him. Was this meant to impress her, or just another show of total arrogance? The more she looked at him the more she forgot the words of her father telling her not to judge by first looks - he just screamed ignorance. Was he always going to be like this? She was tired dealing with it already and she had only just met him - how the hell was she going to live with him?

Keeping her pained smile on her fanged face, she watched as the royals came to pay their congratulations starting with her parents. Her father shared the same painful smile on his own face, most likely had to listen to her mother’s comments throughout the ceremony and praying that Tori behaved. The rest of the Lords, ladies and princesses all were a blur to her, none of them jumping out at her, all saying the same empty words. How unbelievably fake, Tori thought, many of them would be the first to snarl at her whenever she walked through the Royal Glades. Maybe this wouldn’t have been so painful if she stood next to a stag that wasn’t the herd’s ideal, she could carry on being the imperfect princess in an imperfect family. But no, fate was not so kind and she was stuck with this stag instead. Oganach be damned, she was getting punished for something she was sure.

As the crowds started to empty and the last of them saying their congratulations, the racing of her heart didn’t die down as she knew what was to come. Soon she would be making her way with him to his- their home. How dull.

Featuring Lord Fehderer and Princess Tori
Winter, 771 of the New Age
The New Oak, Glenmore

Summary: Lord Fehderer and Princess Tori see each other for the first time at their betrothal ceremony! Both are surprised... to say the least. Fehderer tries to make the best of it, though Tori seems less than thrilled about this start to the rest of her life. 

Previous (from Fehderer's perspective): 

At Last (Lord Fehderer's Princess)The dark shape of the royal Duke and his entourage disappeared into the shadows of the forest as they left Greengrove, and Lord Fehderer turned around to address his house, whose members were gathered about curiously to see what news had come. They had never seen their Lord this happy.
“Gather round, gather round! I have a very important announcement!” Everyone was already gathered. Eager silence fell as they waited for Fehderer to continue.
After a sufficiently dramatic pause, Fehderer spoke with his antlered head high and a grin that took up his entire face, “The King has forgiven my absence during his ascension in the early days of his reign!” At least, that is what Fehderer assumed was the reason he never got a Princess of his own. He was a respectable stag who had supported King Rafe in the tournament of kings, but due to the sickness and death of one of his beloved Ladies he had not shown up to the crowning or after celebrations to sup


My first fawnling betrothal ;v; Can't wait to see what's next for these two!

Princess Tori (c) :iconbrokenfawnhill:
Lord Fehderer (c) :iconwildfire-tama:

:iconfawnlings:


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Jian89's avatar
This is awesome :love: