Beauty & the Beast AU - Firstprince

[internationalrelations]

[The woods beyond the village were cursed. That was simple, clear fact. It had been true for as far back as anyone could remember -- which was strange in and of itself, really, the way that memory seemed to blur and fuzz at the edges when one tried to concentrate too closely on it. But that strangeness did not make the curse any less real, at least as far as the villagers were concerned. Alex had been raised on the stories and the warnings, that venturing too deeply into the woods would surely end in some horrible fate.

Even now, now that he was a grown man, venturing into the forest was entirely forbidden. His mother, who incidentally happened to be the mayor of their charming little village, had emphasized just how forbidden it was. Alex was well aware.

But god he was so fucking curious. What the hell was even out there in those dark shadowy woods? What was beyond that? He needed to get out of this town someday or he'd lose his mind. Maybe that was dramatic. He had his family. His mother and step-father. His actual father. And his sister. Really, June was his entire sanity, along with Nora. But he was still restless, made even more so by a particularly aggressive suitor who Alex was trying to diplomatically dodge.

Oh there were excuses and reasons, but the day that he finally said fuck it and headed into the woods, it was because something was calling to him. He didn't know what or who. He couldn't even really put words to the feeling, only that something out there needed him. Besides, he was only going to explore a little bit. Barely out of sight of the village outskirts.

That had been the plan at least. But plans did not always come to fruition, and in remarkably short space, Alex found himself turned around. No, no that wasn't right. Turned around was not a strong enough word. He was lost. Totally fucking lost. It felt like the paths were shifting beneath his feet, steering him towards a destination that it had in mind rather than him. Then the storm swept in, drenching, pouring, punishing rain soaking through every inch of him. The wind whipped through the trees, sending branches scraping against his skin. Lightning flashed through the sky, illuminating the silhouette of a castle looming ahead, breaking through the dense forest trees.

What the fuck. Was there supposed to be a castle out here? But whatever, Alex needed shelter, and it had presented itself. So he ran the rest of the way, eventually coming to the large doors of the dark and foreboding castle, run down like it was little more than ruins. How could Alex have known that this place was the source of the curse that had spread across the land? How could Alex know that inside was a handsome prince who had paid the price for his family's pride and offense to a sorcerer, transformed and cursed himself.

And like okay, the sorcerer was probably just trying to prove a point about how terrible it was to try to make someone stay in the closet and defy their heart. The sorcerer was definitely a yaoi shipper. So, the key to breaking the curse? Of course it was true love. That was how these things worked, after all.

But Alex, drenched, bedraggled, scratched and bleeding and looking much worse for the wear, stumbled his way into the seemingly abandoned castle.]

Hello? Is anyone here? I just... kind of need a place to ride out the storm? So I don't get fried by lightning?

Comments

[lordfuckleroy]

[ This man was a guest, and royalty should always treat their guests nicely. Or so the little Finch thought, though now it would appear that Bea would have herself an unexpected nickname once the curse wore off. The room would function as it should, and there would be the entirety of the Palace to explore for someone who was naturally curious.

The Finch though thought that the other man was probably tired so she did not think to warn him off of the Palace garden in the central courtyard, the one enclosed from the elements and housing the Pomegranate Tree of which held the relics of the curse in their hands.

However a little magic castle touch, was a plate of cookies and a glass of milk on a little table by the window. A before bedtime snack, the scent of warm butterscotch snickerdoodles in the air, like a siren's call.

There was the flap of wings as the Finch made her goodnight known, and then she flew off, leaving Alex to himself and his betime (and possibly explorations, because let's be real-- it was Alex. ]

[internationalrelations]

[Yeah, sleep would be an eventually thing. Alex was, at the moment, entirely too wound up to sleep. He'd ventured into the cursed woods (and was going to be murdered upon his return by several members of his family in consecutive slayings) and gotten lost in a storm and found a clearly magical castle. So while he wandered around the room -- and set his wet clothes down and out to dry, pulling the robe closer around himself -- he was mostly getting a good look at it.

He snagged a cookie, nibbling as he considered his options.

Yeah it was time to go exploring. What could possibly go wrong?

Cookie set back on the plate, Alex peeked out into the corridor, empty but glowing with a not uninviting light. He stepped out and began his exploration. He took in all the various tapestries and artwork, trying to work out in his head where in the history books this castle should have been represented, even if it clearly had been left out for some reason or another. But for all the exploring aimlessly, there was something that was pulling his steps, guiding his path like he was caught in its current, surely and inescapably, towards the central courtyard.

It was beautiful, if a bit eerie, a strange stillness that lay over it like the held breath before a prayer concluded.

And the tree in the center. How could he not be drawn directly to that? What other option was there? Things had been set in motion by a magical fujoshi and Alex Claremont-Diaz might be the type to rail against fate, but even he couldn't overcome the pull of destiny entirely.]

[lordfuckleroy]

[ Nothing could possibly go wrong with that option, whatsoever. One could wander the majority of the castle and be delighted upon every single step especially since there were rooms that provided amusement, there was a large library (the likes of which made the Beauty and the Beast Library in the Disney Movie look like it was a mobile library), there was a room full of fancy dresses and suits, most of them passed down from a long lineage, in case Alex fancied a bit of dress-up.

There was a room filled with art supplies, paints, charcoals and easels set up, along with several objects that could be used as a reference.

Everything that you could theoretically expect in a castle.

Then there was the courtyard; a strange magical phenomena seemed to wrap around this courtyard. It was enclosed but sunlight seemed to pour through even though logistically it was storming outside. At the center there was a pomegranate tree. The fruit was sparse, with only seven now hanging, but they looked particularly plump and gorgeous, these fruits.

And one hanging particularly low, as if calling out to Alex. ]

[internationalrelations]

[Alex tried not to nerd out too much at everything. After all, he was only hear for as long as it took for the storm to pass and the morning to come so he had the best chance at making it to the village without dark catching him in the forest. But the library was, genuinely, amazing, and he had lingered there a good while before wending his way onward.

But now he was in the courtyard, looking at what might be the most enticingly beautiful tree that he'd ever seen in his life. He had never seen a pomegranate look so perfectly red and ripe. There was an allegory here, surely, between mythologies and symbolism, but Alex wasn't thinking that closely on it.

After all, it never occurred to him that picking and eating fruit could possibly cause any sort of trouble. So he did not hesitate to reach out for that low hanging fruit, so to speak, plucking it from the branch. He brought it to his nose to inhale the sweet scent, obvious even before he'd made any attempt to open the rind.

That came next, a careful but perhaps not entirely graceful separating of the fruit into halves, the seeds blood red and begging to be tasted. So he did.]

[lordfuckleroy]

[ That was fine, great change did not come by just stopping to think about things but rather seizing it with both your hands and plucking it. The fruit gave almost like butter in Alex's hands, the pomegranate polished and smooth as it beckoned to the wayward wanderer who had found his way to a Castle lost within the mists of time.

The fruit scented of candy, an aroma that was almost as beguiling as the one that surrounded Alex with the robe. It fell apart baring it's fleshy bounty for Alex to partake of, glimmering like jewels underneath the light and glow of the courtyard.

The fruit tasted like heaven, far better than any fruit that could have possibly been served to anyone, and the seeds melted upon Alex's tongue. There was a single second where Alex was given the luxury of enjoying it.. until there was almost a defeaning howl in the distance... and the light faded as soon as it had begun. ]

[internationalrelations]

[Alex had thought he'd tasted fruit before, but clearly he never had. The way that sweet seeds seemed to melt against his tongue, juice and sugar and a strange flare of something else, a frizzling at the back of his mind.

And then that howl that shook him to his bones.

Alex went still, a deer frozen in the sights of a predator. Slowly though he turned, eyes casting about to try to pinpoint where it had come from.]

Uh... Feathers? Was that you?

[Finches did not make that sort of noise at all, and he knew that.]

[lordfuckleroy]

[ Nope, definitely not Feathers.

An eerie stillness descended, almost like the calm before a storm. First there was a howl and then there was nothing whatsoever, a strange chill descended upon the enclosed courtyard though nothing as of right now. Little did Alex know, there was someone on their way down the parapets, the steps breaking out in a run as something had burst into his subconscious. Each Pomegranate a year. Once upon a time, the tree had been full to bursting and now there had been only 7 left..

If Alex looked down, he would see a sea of broken pomegranates scattered against the ground. Shells and husks, seeds not remaining.

The seventh lay cradled in Alex's palm, a strange pulse of magic surrounding him. ]

[internationalrelations]

[The silence was worse somehow, and Alex did not know what to make of it at all. He looked at the pomegranate in his hands, to the tree and then around at the other fruits that looked like they had fallen long since.

Was it a wolf? Some other dangerous beast? Was he in danger?

No he was in a castle and not out in the woods. It should be fine, right? Still he couldn't shake the foreboding feeling that he'd done something that he shouldn't. Here he was, quite literally red-handed.]

[lordfuckleroy]

[ There came a snarl from somewhere behind Alex, the padding of footsteps and then a wolf stood there. Except it was not precisely a wolf, but a strange hybrid wolf and man that seemed to be standing up on something sort of bipedal. Golden fur, no animal had fur that gold that seemed to sparkle under sunlight, and then there was the maw and the teeth bared.

Eyes like blue seemed to dash fire out, burning and full of repressed rage.

But he did not get closer... he circled with that same sort of growl. ] You touched my Pomegranate.. you went snooping where you were not supposed to and now I'm robbed of nine months. [ Nine months less time he had to break the curse. Oh yes, this beast was big mad. ]

[internationalrelations]

[Oh. Oh fuck. Oh shit oh fuck. The dangerous beast was inside? That was going to be a problem. Alex was not ready to defend himself against a thing that big with claws and teeth and--

What even was it? Too big for a wolf. Not a bear?

Alex froze, utterly still except for his eyes as he watched the creature begin to stalk around him in a circle.

Then it spoke. Alex startled more at that than the growling.]

You talk! [Well, okay, now he was less frightened and more curious. If this beast could talk, then he wasn't in danger of being dinner, right? Except wait no, he sounded pissed.

Alex looked down at the pomegranate still in his hands abruptly holding it out towards him. Here have it back.]

Sorry! I didn't know they were yours. Or... special? Maybe you should put up a sign...

[lordfuckleroy]

Of course I talk, you wanker.

[ The voice was clear and enunciated but also the sort of voice that could convey much with very little, another snarl at the broken apart pomegranate that was of no use, it symbolized a single year and now it was nothing, there was no magic left. ] I hope those seeds tasted very good to you, especially after I let Bea open our home to you, a stranger who was lost in the storm....

[ He darted out and snatched it back, it was quick and perhaps Alex may need to make a dexterity roll with the element of surprise. ] Do you always just wander around castles and take what you didn't ask for?

[ There was a guttural sound that came from the beasts throat, the very back of it. It sounded rather anguished. ]

Well now it was done. ]

You have taken a year of my life, and now I demand a year of yours.

[ A slow growl as he tossed the pomegranate on the ground. It splatted it's crimson viscus on the ground beside him. ]

[internationalrelations]

...did you just call me a wanker?

[What the hell. He started to ask who Bea was, but he could connect the dots. His little bird friend? Wait though our home? He thought back to the portraits, and something about the beast's eyes brought to mind the face in one of those pictures.

He gasped as the pomegranate was snatched away.]

I've never been in a castle before! And I couldn't just go to sleep. And in my defense, random food has been stuck in front of me since I got here! How was I supposed to know this was... not? Again, a sign would help.

[Except Alex could hear that note of anguish.] Look, I really am sorry. You've saved me from the storm, and I didn't mean to do something to upset you. So I--

[Wait. Hang on. And now the apology stopped, a wariness settling in.]

What does that mean? [A year of his life?]

[lordfuckleroy]

[ This stranger was awfully cheeky with his statements, and he could hear him attempt to talk over him, and unfortunately the Beast was seeing a long layer of red where it was hard to see reason, and he probably would not until he calmed down a bit. ]

You heard me, because you have destroyed one year of hope for me-- you will stay here, in this castle, with me for a single year. It is only fair.

[ At this point 'Feathers' came out and started to fly a whirlwind around the Beast however he merely tolerated it but he did not make down. ] The food was given with intent, it was placed in front of you.. these pomegranates were not.

[ He would argue with this until they grew sick of it, no matter how much Bea chirped at him in a play to calm him down. ]

[internationalrelations]

Like hell I will.

[Like seriously. And then Alex frowned, shaking his head.]

I can't stay here! My mother is going to murder me as it is when I get home. [What would his mother say? And June? And no, not an option.]

And I was supposed to tell the difference how? Look, I said I was sorry!

[Though it was nagging at him, what the beast had said, and he fell quiet for a moment, frowning, his voice softer when he spoke again.]

What do you mean destroyed one year of hope? [He looked back to the tree now and then to the beast in front of him.] I don't understand.

[lordfuckleroy]

Sorry does not work.

[ Sorry could not bring back the time nor did it rewind the sands of the hourglass. He had to live with it, he had to go forward realizing that there was days taken away from him. ]

You are staying here and there is nothing to be said about it, you should've thought about it when you waltzed yourself into my garden conservatory.


[ he was talking, thinking without reason and it was all he could do to appear reasonable when all he wanted to do was rage and start destroying things. ]

[internationalrelations]

...then tell me what you meant by losing a year. What is going on here?

[Alex was a stubborn man. Clearly, or he wouldn't have decided to go explore the woods because he was told not to. He wasn't planning on backing down from this either. He had so many questions.

None of this seemed... real. There was something strange and eerie here, something that Alex could feel in the air even with the rage that was nearly vibrating off the beast in front of him.]

[lordfuckleroy]

[ A curse was a curse was a curse was a curse. And in this case, the Beast was not even sure he should say as much. He let out a rumbled growl, this was clearly a sore spot with him, the subject that Alex was attempting to broach.

And thus he ran, he ran because he did not want to face the question, and suddenly an overwhelming sadness engulfed him. He ran because there was nothing else to do. He could be exceedingly moody and it was perhaps the beast hormones which were a mix of everything, but he stalked off leaving Alex standing their in the courtyard, and then the Finch to perch on Alex's shoulder.

A mournful sound came from the bird, but no communication. ]

[internationalrelations]

I think I really fucked up, Feathers.

[Alex murmured as he watched the Beast go and storm off. What an asshole. But there something about him, some deep and abiding sadness, a wound that he might be trying to hide but that was entirely obvious nevertheless.

He should leave right now, should flee even if the storm had not yet abated.

Something about that felt wrong. Frowning, Alex crouched to pick up the remnants of the pomegranate. He'd already decided he was going to see about planting it. Maybe that would make this strange creature feel better?]

[lordfuckleroy]

[ Alex would be able to feel the softest little brush of wings against cheek, perhaps that was meant as comfort. But also she knew why her brother was upset and understandably so, but there was also hope there, perhaps he had to lose that one year in order to get this guy to fall in love with him? But clearly there would need a bit of work.

That was the key operative word.

She saw how he picked up the pomegranate and she took flight and did a little bit of chirping, in encouragement.

Yes, yes yes! Plant it, that may help! At least it may help her brother see that this man's intentions were alright.

She started to fly toward a little shed where all the gardening tools were kept. ]

[internationalrelations]

[By now following the little bird was becoming second nature. She hadn't let him wrong yet, after all. So Alex, cradling the pomegranate in his hands, walked along where the finch was leading him, though he couldn't help casting a glance over his shoulder in the direction that the Beast had headed.

Why did he have such a heavy, painful feeling in his chest?

A shake of his head and he looked around the shed he'd been led to.]

You read my mind, Feathers. [He looked around for a pot and some soil and carefully set about putting what was left of the pomegranate into it to hopefully take root. A pause then and he looked up.] ...did he say your name was Bea?

[lordfuckleroy]

[ 'Feathers', aka Bea knew that her brother was stubborn and that he would come around. But it probably was not the best sort of precedent; ah what she would not give for opposable thumbs and a pen. Sadly though, she was not given that option and likely she would not even know what to do if transformed back.

She could perhaps lead him to places that may help him solve everything?

But it was true that Bea had thought that the wanderer was very handsome and perhaps her brother may fall in love with him. But ultimately that part didn't matter, what mattered was that Alex fall in love with him. And considering the behavior of her brother, that may not be likely to happen.

A pleasant chirp sounded at the name, it sounded like perhaps an affirmation? Even as she was not sure this would work, perhaps it would be the thought that counted, and it meant he was truly sorry. Surely Henry would see that and not be an bloody idiot about the whole thing?

She decided to help and pecked at some pomegranate seeds fallen and started to deposite them in there, as if being a pal. ]

[internationalrelations]

[He would take that as an affirmative.] Bea the bird. The puns write themselves, you know.

[It was a gentle tease, really as he made sure the pomegranate and seeds were carefully tucked into their nice, cozy little soil bed.]

I'm Alex. I mean... not like you can talk, but hey, still better to be polite I guess. It's good to meet you. At least something in this castle doesn't completely hate me. That's nice.

[Once the potted seeds were settled, he cast about for a source of water -- conveniently finding it for the sake of advancing the action in the story -- and carefully picked up the pot in his hands. This would be staying on the window sill in the bedroom he'd been provided for as long as Alex was here. He certainly didn't plan on staying a year, thanks, because his family would go insane with his unexplained absence, but he did think it might be all right if he stayed long enough to try to suss out what was really going on here.

And maybe smooth things over with the angry dramatic Beast who had stormed off to do whatever it was that angry, dramatic Beasts did when no one was watching.

Pot in hand Alex began his walk back towards the bedroom he'd been shown to earlier.]

[lordfuckleroy]

[ He was doing very angry things thank you very much. Which probably involved brooding, and perhaps kicking rocks around a little bit, however he managed to get rocks into his room. But he would come to his senses once that same anger wore off and perhaps tender an apology based on his ego.

He was a Prince and he did have a smidge of an ego.

The bedroom was exactly where Alex left it, and the bird followed after cheerfully but also perhaps if needed to do a bit of damage control. The bed was still comfortable and there were still milk and cookies on the table though Bea did run circles around it, as if to denote that it was safe for Alex to eat.

The bird was clearly fretting in a way easily conveyed by a bird. What was she going to do with these two men? ]

[internationalrelations]

[Alex meanwhile, was doing his best not to have a very unhelpful sort of panic attack the more he thought about how furious his parents and June were going to be. Murder was the least of his worries. They'd probably kill him at least three or four times, and he'd wish for each and every death. But there was no help for it. He'd ventured out. He'd gotten lost, and now he was here. He may as well figure things out before he just mad rushed to try to undo it and pretend it never happened. Clearly it had. He set the pot of dirt and seeds and hope down on the window sill gently, glancing out at the scenery beyond, the foreboding woods that was still out there, waiting and watching.

He noticed the fretting finch, and that did something to ease his thoughts for just a moment. So okay he wasn't the only one stressed out.]

Thanks, Bea. Gonna be honest, birds freak me out sometimes, but you're pretty cool.

[Small birds were fine. Alex just had a history with the village turkeys and geese, okay? He did not like them and the feeling was apparently super fucking mutual.]

[lordfuckleroy]

[ Thankfully Bea was the sort who was not offended by much of anything, except for house cats of which there were a few prowls straying around outside who eyed her with keen interest. But she chirped gratefully to that, decidedly she could still understand Alex even though she could not precisely communicate with him vocally.

She perched on his shoulder than with another chirping and she eyed the potted pomegranate plant with satisfaction. It was a magic thing and she was not sure if it would work but the thought would count perhaps?

And this guy seemed very lovely and perhaps if her brother got to know him, it would work out alright? She had noted of course how he had seemed particularly drawn to the library which was her brother's favorite spot. ]