#Bardolph Sinclair

[ladynightmare913]

Red Rose, Blood Moon

Welcome to Chapter 8! This is an Original Story inspired by the tale of Red Riding Hood. I would like to say a special thank to my best friend and co-author Olivia ( @asunshinepuff​ ) for joining me on writing this world onto paper. 

CW: There are mentions of bodies. You have been warned!

This story contains only original characters created by Olivia and myself. For those of you who want to be tagged, feel free to send an ask to me or Olivia on her blog. If you have any questions, theories, or curiosities about any of our characters or how the story will progress, send them to the ask box! I know this chapter is shorter than usual but I promise to make up for it in the next chapter! 

Now without Further Adieu!

Chapter 8: A String of Corpses

Rosabella was welcomed into the Azure’s home to get cleaned up and eat a warm meal. Erinna pried Rosabella’s clothes to be washed. She spent the next few hours explaining to Cassandra and Felis what had happened after the wolf had dragged her away. Cassandra’s temper flared whenever Red or Bardolph were mentioned. 

“I want to return to Norwich.” Rosabella admitted.

“What?” Cassandra frowned. “Are you certain?”

Rosabella’s sapphire blue eyes sparkled in conviction. “More than ever.” 

Cassandra watched her friend’s eyes sparkle and with a sigh, she nodded in agreement. “Alright. Guess we’re off.”

They rode out in the dark of night. Gathering the supplies they would need ,Rosabella, Cassandra, and Felis said their quick goodbyes to Mr. and Mrs. Azure. Royce was not pleased, Erinna made them promise to write to her for anything, anything at all. 

They rode for an entire day, the horses now used to their long journeys and needing little rest. On the second day, they arrive near nightfall at the village where Rosabella and Bardolph parted ways. The village of Edinburgh. The horse slowed to a stop at the gate. 

Rosabella’s horse, Gypsy, grew uneasy. She stroked Gypsy’s neck “Shhh, easy girl.”  Looking up, Rosabella scanned the village, it was silent. “It’s quiet.”

Cassandra’s horse, Eumelia, walked beside Rosabella’s. Her sky blue eyes watching the town carefully, she was tense. “To quiet… ” 

“I believe we ought to put on our masks.” Rosabella whispered.  

The blonde nodded in agreement, “I believe that’s a wise idea.” She whispered.

Reaching into their cloaks, each woman pulled out a mask. Cassandra’s mask was lavender with a pale purple ombre in the center, with intricate detailing in lavender, a dark purple satin ribbon as straps to tie the mask. The light colors compared to the bright blue of her eyes was a strong contrast. 

While, Rosabella’s mask was black with thin red embroidery that swirled all around the mask, a rose on the left eye, a black satin ribbon as straps to tie the mask. Red marking around the eyes of the mask made Rosabella’s iris striking.

“Oh I missed those pairs of mystery eyes.” Felis commented fondly. He was the only one who didn’t wear a mask.

Dismounting from their horses, they walk into the village. Relieved to note that the village had not suddenly been abandoned in a matter of a few days, rather gathering in the center, wearing dark mourning clothes. Given the dark cloaks of Felis and Cassandra, Rosabella’s red cloak stood out, the group of villagers all turned their heads to the trio. 

The group of three stopped in their tracks. There at the center was a body laying on the ground. Rosabella made inaudible gasp, quickly walking towards the body. It was the woman from before. The woman who Bardolph had relations with. Her eyes were dull, lifeless and maggots clung to gaping wounds. Rose crouched down, the woman smelled dead for longer than a day. Tilting her head, Rose saw clawed marks on her neck. Rosabella looked to the village chief.

“How long had she been dead?” 

“We found her this afternoon,” the leader spoke, his eyes couldn't look away from the corpse, “the villagers had smelled a horrible stench coming from the barn. She’s been dead for four days.”  

Rosabella gasped. Four days, that was the last day she and Bardolph had been here. She quickly stood, stepping away from the corpse. Cassandra placed a comforting hand to her shoulder, grounding her to reality. “What is it?” 

“Bardolph… was the last to be with her.” A chill ran through Rosabella’s spine.  

Cassandra frowned, looking to Felis, a silent request to inspect the body himself as she looked after Rosabella. Pulling her away from the gathered villagers. Walking back to the horses, Cassandra turned to look at Rose. 

“Do you believe he did this?” 

“I don’t know, the musky scent still lingers on her corpse, but he didn’t smell of wolf…” Rosabella swallowed. Something was wrong. Very wrong. The memory of Bardolph’s gleam through the window shook Rosabella to her core. She now knows what she felt that night. She felt like she was being hunted. And he was the hunter. 

“We have to search for him.” Rosabella eyes shifted from terror to determination. “I won’t allow him to take another life.”   

“He’s certainly suspicious.” Cassandra acknowledges, “If he’s the reason for her death then who knows how many lives might be lost already.”

Felis approached them, shaking his head. “She bore the mark of a beast on her neck. Whatever killed her, wasn’t human.” 

Rosabella frowned. If it wasn’t Bardolph, then the only explanation could be that there was another wolf. Her eyes widened. The brown wolf from the forest! It must’ve followed her in it’s human form! She paled, Cassandra had to keep her steady. She did this. The wolf followed her, how many deaths had she been responsible for? How had she not noticed? She raised a hand to her forehead. This was all her fault. 

“Rose, what is it?” Cassandra looked at her friend with worry and concern clear in her eyes, if the light tightening on her arm was any indication.

“We have to go back, to all the villages, I know who killed her. And I can only pray they didn’t anyone else.” 

They rode out for the next four days, resting at each village, searching for any signs of death. Only one other village in Arcine, had a death. Another woman, and the scent of Bardolph was all over her, but she had the marks of something inhuman. Rosabella couldn’t stand the sight of her. 

On the fifth day, the trio made it to Norwich. Quickly settling in at the furthest inn near the hot springs. Rosabella gave Bardolph’s description to Cassandra and Felis. 

“Searched everywhere. The stable, the taverns, the markets.” 

“Brothels?” Felis asked, Cassandra elbowed him in the ribs. “I was being serious Cassandra.” 

Cassandra gave him a look before shaking her head, “Why would he go to a brothel though? Wouldn’t it be a risk?” 

The group go their separate ways. Cassandra headed for the library first. Who knows if the supposed traveler or murderer enjoyed books? Walking into the building, men quickly stared at her, frowning even. She rolled her eyes as she scoffed. Proudly entering the building, searching the corridors and aisles. She was about to crash into someone before a pair of hands gripped her shoulders and directed her to the side. The man was ridiculously tall, with shoulder length blond hair, and blue eyes. He was dressed in red. 

“Thank you, I hardly saw you.” Cassandra admits honestly.

“It’s no trouble.” The man gave a simple response. Not bothering to look down at her, simply carrying on with searching for whatever it was he was searching for. Cassandra was mildly stunned, he didn’t even seem the least bit perturbed with her in the library in the first place. He eyed her, noticing that she was still there. 

“Is there something that you need?” He asked bluntly?

“No, nothing. Have a good day sir.” 

The man didn’t answer her, if anything he only looked mildly peeved that she was still here. Cassandra decided she didn’t like him. 

Across town, Felis had decided to search the taverns, which ended with Felis somehow in a drinking match. He only smirked, he’s had decades to perfect his technique. He stayed in one single tavern for the majority of the day. Cassandra would have his head if she knew. “Well gents, I’m afraid I’ve won this round, and the last sixteen. Now I must get going, if I don’t, I will be a dead man by morning.” He grinned as he rose to his feet, his chair bumping into someone. 

“My apologies,” Felis quickly offered, “I didn’t see you.”  

 “I know.” The man’s brow only twitched in annoyance.

Felis chuckled lightly, the man was dressed in a rich wine red cloak with black fur, his hair reached his shoulders and had blue eyes. The man simply walked away from Felis. The pirate starred after the man, who was nearly the same height as himself. 

“What a strange fellow.” 

Rosabella had taken to the streets. Asking the townspeople if they had seen a man with Bardolph’s description. She walked for hours, no one had ever seen or heard of a man called Bardolph Sinclair before. With dusk approaching, she decided to make the trek back to the inn to meet with the others. 

Now what? She searched nearly the entire town of Norwich and not a single person knew who he was. Rosabella didn’t know either, only that he had a string of bodies that followed him wherever he went. She frowned as she walked silently, snow began to fall. A sigh escaped her, she could her breath in the cold winter air. Lifting her head, her eyes landed upon the person she had intentionally set out to look for, to ask about her necklace. Her lips parted as she blinked in surprise. 

Red stood there, just a few feet away from her. Staring right at her. He looked annoyed. 

“You have the most annoying friends.” He said bluntly. “They have the unfortunate habit of bumping into people.” 

Rosabella suddenly remembered her first impression of the man. She scoffed. “Is that any way to say hello to a friend?” She raised an expectant brow. “What happened to decorum?” 

“We are not friends. Merely acquaintances.” He retorted. “We met in the woods, nothing more.” 

“You were the only one who had forgone decorum and called me childish.” She snapped. 

 “At least they do not share your habit of shooting people.” He smirked lightly. It was just too easy. 

Rosabella groaned. “I already apologized! You cannot hold that over me forever.” She crossed her arms, her brows raised in defiance. Red only looked amused.  

“You’d be surprised. Still hurts.” 

Rosabella frowned at that. Quickly walking over to him, gripping the arm she had unintentionally injured, pulling the sleeve back. There was no wound. She glared up at him. “Liar.” 

Red pulled his arm free, shaking his head reproachfully. “Simply because you cannot see it, does not mean it has stopped healing.” 

Rosabella sighed. “What are you doing here? I’d thought you have left by now. Given that you travel.” 

“I usually stay for a month.” Red looked across the street. “And you, I didn’t expect you back in Norwich.”  

“I am searching for someone.” She omitted. 

“Another one of your friends?” He asked indifferently. 

Rosabella shook her head. “No, I am searching for a man. I believe him to be responsible for the murders of several women. And I suspect there to be more.” 

Red’s eyes snapped towards her. He looked… alarmed. “I apologize.” He said quietly, “I hope you find him.”  

Rosabella nodded her head, “Thank you, perhaps you have heard of him.” 

Red scoffed, “I doubt I would know any murderers in this century who are still alive.” 

Rosabella ignored him, “He is a tall man, not as tall as you. He has brown curled hair, and hazel eyes that seem to have gold flecks in them when the sun reflects off them.” She paused, “His name is Bardolph Sinclair.” 

The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. Her heart raced, the air around them seemed to thicken with the sheer rage and power radiating off  the man before. His icy blue eyes had darkened immensely, he was glaring right into her sapphire eyes. But for some strange reason, she didn’t feel afraid. Only, curious. 

“He’s alive?” He seethed out from a snarl. 

Rosabella rose a brow. “I would assume so, I met him nearly a week ago.” 

Red seemed to have stopped breathing, but Rosabella could hear his heartbeat, and the shallow breathes he released. 

“Bardolph, are you certain that is his name?” 

“Bardolph Sinclair?” 

“I don’t care for his last name, he always changed it. But Bardolph is always the same.” Red stated quickly. Rosabella frowned. “I don’t understand.”

Red grunted in annoyance, turning away from her, running a hand through his hair. “Nearly 300 years later, you show up in Paris?” He laughed dryly. 

Rosabella followed after him as he walked. “What do you mean 300 hundred years? He’s human!” 

Red gave a sarcastic laugh. “Oh I assure you, he most certainly is not.” 

Rosabella grabbed his arm, stopping him. She glared. “How could you know that?” 

Red didn’t hesitate. “Because I am the reason that he became a monster like me. Cursed to live forever only to shift every full moon into a beast.” 

Rosabella felt her blood freeze. Red was… a werewolf? But how? And if he was 1000 years old, how is he still alive? She should’ve been afraid, the older the werewolf the more powerful they are. But she wasn’t afraid, she wondered if she would ever feel afraid of the man before her. She had been afraid of mere humans, but the man before her was a wolf, and she felt no fear. She only gripped his arm tighter. “Tell me everything. Now.”  

Tag List: Let me know if you wish to be added!

@spookypotato​ @violetatapiamills​ @purple-amaranthe​

#Original Story #Red Riding Hood #asunshinepuff ocs #our ocs #Rosabella Louve #Red #Bardolph Sinclair #Cassandra Azure #Felis Marin #Werewolves #Curses #Pirate #Huntress #Sorceress #CW bodies #ladynightmare ocs

[ladynightmare913]

Red Rose, Blood Moon

Welcome to Chapter 9! This is an Original Story inspired by the tale of Red Riding Hood. I would like to say a special thank to my best friend and co-author Olivia ( @asunshinepuff​ ) for joining me on writing this world onto paper. 

CW: There are mentions of death, blood, and gore. You have your warning!

This story contains only original characters created by Olivia and myself. For those of you who want to be tagged, feel free to send an ask to me or Olivia on her blog. If you have any questions, theories, or curiosities about any of our characters or how the story will progress, send them to the ask box! I know this chapter is shorter than usual but I promise to make up for it in the next chapter! 

I recommend listening this song while reading. I was listening to it while I wrote this.

Now without Further Adieu!

Chapter 9: Bardolph

1000 years ago

Red collapsed to the snow covered ground, hands reached to grab anything as the searing pain surged through him, he choked and gasped for air. At last when the trills of sunlight warmed his freezing body, did the pain finally cease until there was nothing. Exhausted and starving, he laid there. 

Ice blue eyes opened slowly. Heavy eyelids tempted Red to fall back into his deep slumber, but the scent wouldn’t let him. He turned his head to  get a better look at his surroundings. He blinked slowly, he wasn’t in the forest, or laying on the frozen ground. He was on a bed, in a room with wooden walls, lined with shelves full of books. 

Red swallowed thickly, his throat dry. He shifted his arms, but they were heavy like lead.  He lifted his head to see what kept him bound, but there was nothing restraining him. Only thick fur blankets. His chest however, was bandaged. He glared at the wolf on his chest, he sighed as he laid his head back down. He tried to fight out sleep, but he couldn’t find the strength to do so. 

The next time he woke, his hand rested upon his chest, his eyes didn’t struggle to open. His ears picked up the crackling of a fire. The scent of light smoke and warm broth flooded his newly sensitive nose. He found that he could move his arms at last, and slowly sat up from the bed. Catching the attention of his savoir. 

“Hold on there now, you were nearly dead when I found you.” A man’s voice.

Red looked to the stranger. The man was tall, his hair was a soft curly brown, lightly tanned skin, and the most striking pair of hazel eyes that seemed to have speck of gold in the sunlight. 

Red felt the hair on the back of his neck stand on end, the wolf on his chest moved, shifting to a stance with its jaw closed into a growl. But not a sound was heard. Red felt the stranger prop a pillow behind him. He cleared his voice.

“Thank you…” His voice croaked. 

Wordlessly the stranger handed him a cup of water with a smile. “Call me Bardolph.” 

“Thank you Bardolph.” Red craned his neck to look around him. “How long have I been here?” 

“Four days, found you up on that snowy mountain while I was hunting for the Golden Doe.” Bardolph chuckled. 

Red snorted, “That’s just a legend.” 

“Maybe, but I’m a dying man. Can’t help it if I’m desperate.” 

Red paled. “I apologize, I shouldn’t have-”

“Pff, it’s alright. I’ve been hunting it for months now, never caught sight of it.” He clicked his tongue. “What were you doin’ out there anyway, in this bitter cold with nothing but the skin on your back?” 

Red sighed. “It’s… a long story.” 

Bardolph leaned back to his seat, crossing his arms. A smirk on his face. “I’ve got nothing else to do, indulge me.” 

Red merely shook his head in amusement. He relaxed, leaning his back to rest on the headboard. His eyes caught a leather journal resting on the self next to him. Herbs littered the shelves as well. 

“You’re a healer?”

Bardolph gave a small chuckle. “Of sorts.” He grabs the journal, opening it to a page and handing the journal over. 

Red accepted it, gently handling the book with great care. His eyes skimmed over the text, how to treat small cuts on the chest. He frowned at the date. 

“773?” He asked, his throat suddenly dry.

“How hard did you hit your head? Of course it’s 773” Bardolph looked over Red.

Red paled. His hand rising to cover his eyes, tears streamed down his face. “Three years. I’ve been trapped in that state for three years.” he choked out.

Bardolph said nothing as he only watched the young man before him weep at his apparent gap in time. When Red calmed, he offered the bed ridden man broth. 

They fell into a routine, Red was a skilled hunter, so it became his responsibility to hunt for their meals. Bardolph would collect herbs, and leave often to the city. And whenever the moon would become full, Red always left for the woods. Bardolph grew suspicious. 

“Where do you go?” He asked. But Red always evaded his questions. 

Bardolph frowned. “You’re hunting for the Golden Doe aren’t you? What does it only come out on the full moon?”

“No, I am not hunting the doe and I honestly doubt that.” Red lifted his cloak over his shoulders. “I’ll be back in the morning. Do not leave this house until then.” 

“Alright, alright you say the same thing every time.” 

“I mean it every time.” Red deadpanned. 

Without another word he left. Unaware of Bardolph following his tracks from a great distance. Hidden behind a tree, Bardolph watched in fascination as Red screamed in agony, his skin fell apart, his bones cracked and twisted until he became an unrecognizable beast. The beast nearly caught him, in an act of desperation, Bardolph climbed up a tree in great haste. And there he stayed until morning. The beast was nowhere to be seen, so he took his chance and hurried back to his home. There he waited for Red. And just like Red said, he returned in the morning. Haggard and half dead. 

Bardolph nursed him back to health, as he always did. On the third day, he spoke at last.

“I saw you become a beast.” He spoke eveningly. Red froze. “You could cure me.” 

“Bardolph, whatever you’re thinking, it’s wrong. I cannot cure you. I would only condemn you.” He spoke tiredly. 

“So what’s a little pain? You’re fast, and strong. Don’t think I haven’t noticed how easily you catch your quarry.” Bardolph’s eyes brighten. “You’re unstoppable.

Red paused, sighing as he lowered the dagger he was cleaning. 

“I am not, silver burns me,” Red looked to Bardolph, “I lose my sanity every time. I was trapped in that state for three years.”  

Bardolph stepped closer. “Are there more of you?”

Red shook his head. “No, I am the only one.” 

Bardolph frowned. “You have the chance to cure many people and you just keep it to yourself?” 

“I do not even know if I even can transfer the curse onto another. And even if I could, I wouldn’t. I would never wish this curse upon anyone, not even my worst enemy.” His eyes hardened.

“You know I am dying and you won’t cure me?”

“This is not a cure, Bardolph, I was cursed to become a monster every full moon. The first time I transformed, I stayed trapped in that state for three years. I could not control anything the monster did, I am grateful it stayed in the forest.” Red explained. 

“You’ve been transforming a whole lot more now.” 

“At the cost of my sanity.” 

“You look sane to me.” He snapped. 

Red glared. “You do not understand, I am driven by bloodlust. I have no sense of reason, I could only watch in horror as the monster in me tore apart its teeth with no remorse. If I had stayed here when I transformed, I would have killed you!” 

“You don’t know that.”

“I do. I cannot recognize my own family in that state…” Red lowered his gaze. “... I know because I couldn’t recognize you. You were only prey.”

“You didn’t know I was there.”

“Yes I did, but to the monster inside of me, you were nothing to me.” 

Bardolph frowned, he turned back to his knives. Red frowned. “Bardolph, promise me you won’t go after me again. I don’t want to hurt you, it’s not my nature, but it is the wolf’s.” Bardolph only nodded his head. 

The next full moon, Bardolph kept his word. And then the next, and the next, until Bardolph decided not to. He followed after Red. 

The monster charged at the man, but Bardolph did not move, and the wolf bit his entire arm. Bardolph screamed in agony. The monster left him for dead when a group of deer caught it’s attention. Bardolph dragged himself home. Red returned in the morning and smelled the blood. 

“I told you. You promised!” Red growled out. His eyes glowed gold.

“Think of it this way, you didn’t kill me!” 

They didn’t speak for weeks, and when the full moon arrived, Bardolph screamed in agony, transforming into a monster. When morning came, Red dragged Bardolph back to the house. Bardolph was overjoyed that he had returned human, and soon his senses began to grow. 

Red only watched in silent horror as his friend became overcome with bloodlust in his human form. Craving live chickens and pigs for food instead of cooked meat. Liking the blood clean off the plate. He grew more violent, and tempmental. Bardolph had left for the city, the night before a full moon. He assured Red that he would control himself. Red didn’t believe him. 

Bardolph had killed an innocent woman. Red was too late to save her, Bardolph had lost him in the dizzying streets. Red watched in horror as Bardolph begane to feast upon her. 

“Bardolph.” Red pulled the man off of her. “We’re leaving now.” Red ordered, Bardolph whimpered, as if a scolded puppy before he snarled.  Breaking free of his hold, he ran. Red chased after him. 

The full moon rose to its peak, Red clutched his clutch his agony.  The curse mark of the wolf, the wolf was the darkest black, its jaws began to close on his heart. Red refused to turn just yet. “Bardolph please!”

But Bardolph couldn’t stop the transformation, and screamed in pain. Red panted for breath, he couldn’t hold on much longer. Right before his vision faded to black, he saw a large chestnut brown wolf stalk towards him. 

The city was filled with screams in horror as two giant wolves fought each other for dominance, the smaller of the two landed a large wound across the larger wolf’s back, over his right shoulder. Three slash marks from it’s claws. The larger wolf, wounded and in pain, managed to grab the smaller wolf’s jugular, ready to tear it apart. Just as they both began to whimper in pain as the sun began to rise. 

Red left the city, returning to the snowy mountains. Where he recovered from his wounds for a year. He returned to the human world in search of Bardolph, to take responsibility for what happened. How his curse turned a man into a monster in both mind and soul. But he never found him. 

Years went by, how many Red wouldn’t be able to tell you. Only that he would search for Bardolph. But only come across more people cursed to be like him. Red noticed that he didn’t age. He couldn’t die. No matter what he tried swallowing silver, he tried everything. But he would not die. Red grieved for those who didn’t survive the turning, and grieved even more for those who did. And for those who were born with the curse. 

Red started into the large puddle. His face was covered in black fur, his ears were alert, and his eyes glowed gold. For the first time in a century, Red’s consciousness finally broke through the insanity. He finally saw himself in what he had become, he wasn’t angry or bloodthirsty. The eyes that stared back at him were his own, even if they were gold. For the first time in his cursed life, he accepted the wolf as part of him. They were one and the same. Luara’s curse brought the worst in humans, she didn’t turn him into a monster. It was always a part of him, she only brought it out. He growled at his reflection. There was no denying it anymore, He is the wolf. 

Tag List: Let me know if you wish to be added!

@spookypotato @purple-amaranthe @violetatapiamills

#Original Story #Red Riding Hood #asunshinepuff ocs #Our ocs #Red #Bardolph Sinclair #Luara #CW death #cw gore #cw blood #werewolves #curse #ladynightmare ocs

[ladynightmare913]

Red Rose, Blood Moon

Welcome to Chapter 7! This is an original inspired by the tale of  Red Riding Hood. I would like to say a special thank you to my best friend and co-author Olivia ( @asunshinepuff ​ )for joining me on in writing this world onto paper. 

CW: There is a brief mention of implied intercourse. You have been warned!

This story contains only original characters created by Olivia and myself. For those of you who want to be tagged, feel free to send an ask to me or Olivia on her blog. If you have any questions, theories, or curiosities about any of our characters or how the story will progress, send them to the ask box!

Now without further adieu!

Chapter 7: The Necklace

The hunters lead Rosabella and Bardolph to their village. The hunter hurriedly ushered Rosabella into his home, leading her up the stairs and into the room where his wife rested. Rosabella lifted the back of her hand to her nose, the room smelled foul. The scent of rotting herbs overwhelmed her. She looked over to the woman who was bed ridden.

The woman was deathly pale, her skin was clammy, her eyes were sunken and when she tried to speak, her voice croaked. Rosabella looked at the hunter who stared at his wife in silent grief at the state of her. “How long has she been like this?”

“Months, it wasn’t this bad at first. But it got worse over time, she says it feels like someone is stabbing her on her back.” 

Rosabella’s eyes scanned over the room, lowering her hand, she followed the scent of rotten herbs. She suspected the cause of his wife’s sudden illness. “What do you smell?” Rosabella asked the men. 

They looked amongst themselves, some sniffed the air. Shaking their heads. The hunter spoke. “Nothing.” 

Rosabella merely nodded, “I see,” she crouched down to her knees, bending over to look under the bed. She smirked when she found what she was looking for. She stood back up with an object in hand. Turning to the hunters, she opened her gloved palm, showing a dark purple pouch covered in markings. 

“This is the cause of your wife’s illness.” She spoke. 

The hunters all frowned, trying to get a closer look at the small pouch. “What is it?” 

“It’s a witch’s pouch. A witch can hex anyone with it from a great distance. It’s filled with cursed and rotten herbs like Voodoo Lily. Those flowers smell awful, and over time, can cause extreme pain.” Rosabella paused, looking amongst the hunters. “Someone cursed your wife.” 

The hunter frowned, the others began to mutter to themselves. Rosabella pushed past them, walking to the fireplace down stairs. She tossed the pouch into the burning flames. “Your wife should recover soon.”

“Who would do this to her?” The hunter asked.

Rosabella only gave a sympathetic glance. “It could be anyone, someone in the village could hold a grudge against your wife, and went to see a witch to get this pouch. I suggest you track down who might have done this.” 

The hunters nodded in agreement, a weak call from upstarts startled them, the hunter who’s name was called on their wife’s lips raced upstairs. She was already starting to recover.  

The hunters gave the huntress many thanks, Rosabella bashfully accepted their kind words. Bardolph whistled. “My lady, you truly are a maiden of many talents.” He grinned.  

“Why thank you Bardolph, but my talents are the product of years of study and experience. I still have much to learn.”  

“But of course.” He bowed his head. 

Rosabella rolled her eyes, catching sight of a woman walking towards then. She was a short woman with brown eyes, which widened at the sight of Bardolph. “You, don’t I-”

“Bonjour my lady, I am Bardolph Sinclair,” He grabs her hand, a smirk on his lips. “Au chanté mademoiselle.”

The woman flushed, “My word monsieur, you are too bold.”  

“I’ll leave you two alone,” Rosabella chuckled, quickly taking her leave when Bardolph called after her. 

Rosabella ignored him. Looking up at the moon, she deemed that it would be hours before she needed to return to the inn. She decided to go for a stroll in the woods. She’ll come back for Bardolph after. 

The night air was crisp and cool, Rosabella breathed in the fresh air. Twirling slowly as she gazed upon at the moon. A smile graced her face. Looking down, she stopped. An inaudible gasp escaped her. A fawn walked towards her, its nose twitching as it sniffed the air. Rosabella slowly crouched down, offering her hand. A bright smile on her face.

The fawn trotted over to her happily, licking her face, Rosabella laughed in joy. 

“Oh what a sweet thing you are!” She spoke softly, gently stroking it’s head. The fawn began to suckle her hand. 

“Oh little fawn, I have no milk to give you,” Rosabella looked over the fawn, her eyes scanning the forest, “Where is your mother?” 

A twig snapped, Rosabella gasped, turning quickly. Her heart raced, she hadn’t heard anyone following her. She searched for anyone hiding in the shadows, sniffing the air, she frowned. This scent, it was familiar. Where had she smelled it before? 

She wasn’t given a chance to ponder on her questions, the fawn trotted away from her, its tail wagging happily. “Wait I-” The fawn didn’t stop, only jumping into the brush. Rosabella humed in thought. Perhaps the fawn head it’s mother calling for it. Taking a deep breath, Rosabella continued her walk. 

She returned to the village when the moon was making its final light in the sky. Rosabella followed Bardolph’s scent, which was mostly ash and earth. But his scent was everywhere, so Rosabella decided to wait outside of the hunter’s home. 

The scent of ashe and earth reached Rosabella before Bardolph walked towards her briskly. Rosabella’s brows rose as she leaned on the wall of the house, her arms crossed. His lips were swollen, his hair was a mess, a dark purple bruise lined his collarbone, and looked out of breath. He was tucking in his shirt. A musky scent lingered on him, and the scent of the woman from earlier. Her nose crinkled. 

“Have an eventful night Bardolph?” She raised a quizzical brow. He responded with a weak laugh. 

“Why don’t we just head on back to the inn, hmm?” He smiled before he walked ahead. 

Rosabella shook her head as she walked silently behind him. Glaring at his head. He seemed to notice, he looked back at her. 

“Surely you can understand a man has needs Mademoiselle.” He chuckled awkwardly. 

Rosabella didn’t dignify him with a response, only raising an unimpressed brow. Bardolph sigh, about to turn around his eyes, caught the necklace on her neck. He frowned. 

“Where did you get that?” His eyes narrowed. 

“Get what?” Rosabella frowned in return. 

“That necklace.” He pointed to her chest. 

Rosabella eyed him skeptically, her hand gently grasped her necklace. Her fingers tracing over the gold antlers and ruby, “It was found on me as a babe. I do not know where it comes from. I like to believe it was my mother’s.” 

Bardolph stared at the necklace for a long while, “I had not noticed it before,” he muttered. He cleared his throat, seeming to come back to himself. “Forgive me, it’s just. I have only ever seen that necklace once before. It was thought to have been missing.” 

Rosabella looked at her necklace. Why would it have thought to be missing, unless… 

“Do you know this necklace?” Her eyes tracked every move he made. Maybe, just maybe, he would know where it came from, it may even lead her to her family. 

“No, but even if I did, it’s probably a fake.” He shrugged and continued on his way. 

Rosabella frowned. That was, quite rude. Rather insulting actually, to insinuate that her own mother left her a cheap copy of an original necklace. But, Red hadn’t said anything about it. Her head tilted as she walked, deep in thought. If what Red said was true, about him being older than that sixty year old man, which she sincerely doubted, he might know about her necklace. 

Red had said he was a traveler, he might have answers for her. Answers that might lead her to learning about her past. And if Bardolph’s reaction to it was anything to go by, it was indeed something travelers knew about, since he too was a traveler. But again, why hadn’t Red said anything about it?

Rosabella froze, the back of her hair stood on end, she felt as though someone was watching her. She looked around behind her, but there was no one there. Taking a breath she faced forward once more and paused, Bardolph was watching her from the window of the inn. She exhaled slowly. Why did Bardolph alarm her so?

The next day, Bardolph was nowhere to be found, and so Rosabella was alone in the carriage, not that she minded. She was relieved actually. It took another two days before they finally reached Paris. There Rosabella hugged the old man goodbye and went about her way back to her village. 

When she was about to enter the gate, she could hear a loud gasp and was suddenly enveloped with a near bone crushing hug. Rosabella laughed in joy. Cassandra pulled away with a smile and her own laughter, Felis was smiling. 

 “Where have you been? We’ve looked for you for days! I tried to track you with my magic but-”

“Let’s just say Royce has forever banned us from the kitchen.” Felis interjected. 

Cassandra elbowed Felis in his stomach, muttering about how he was a traitor. Rosabella laughed, overjoyed to hear their familiar bickering. A loud yipping raced toward her, looking down she saw Nox running straight at her.

“Nox!” Her arms opened wide as the Russian Sable jumped into her waiting arms. “Oh Nox, you have no idea how much I missed you.” 

Nox licked her cheek, giving her wet kisses as he walked over her arm to take his rightful place on her neck. Rosabella chuckled while Cassandra smiled at her sister, Lumi was perched on her shoulder. Rosabella hugged Cassandra once more, she spoke, “Oh Cassandra, I have so much to tell you.” 

Cassandra nodded. “Tell me everything.” 

Tag list: Let me know if you wish to be added!

@spookypotato

#Original Story #Red Riding Hood #asunshinepuff ocs #our ocs #Rosabella Louve #Red #Bardolph Sinclair #Cassandra Azure #Felis Marin #Nox the Russian Sable #Lumi the Ermine #Werewolves #Curse #cw implied sex #ladynightmare ocs

[ladynightmare913]

Red Rose, Blood Moon

Welcome to Chapter 6! This is an original story inspired by the tale of  Red Riding Hood. I would like to say a special thank you to my best friend and co-author Olivia ( @asunshinepuff​ )for joining me on in writing this world onto paper. 

CW: This chapter contains mentions of drunks, blood and traps. You have been warned.

This story contains only original characters created by Olivia and myself. For those of you who want to be tagged, feel free to send an ask to me or Olivia on her blog. If you have any questions, theories, or curiosities about any of our characters or how the story will progress, send them to the ask box!

I hope you enjoy! Now without further adieu!

Chapter 6: The Golden Doe

Her eyes darted from the drunk man staring up at Red with terror filled eyes, to the blooded coated blade that laid on the wooden floor of the tavern, and finally to Red who wouldn’t look away. 

“What was that racket?” The voice of the old woman called out from behind the counter. 

The woman’s voice was enough to break Rosabella from her spell of shock. Rosabella bent over, quickly picking up the blade, she looked at the frozen drunk and cleaned it on his shirt before placing it into its sheath. She placed herself between the old man and Red, holding her hand out to push him back if it came to that. 

Her sapphire eyes locked hard onto his ice blue ones. And she felt it,She couldn’t move, her heart began to beat erratically, the hair on the back of her neck rose. His gaze was intense, his presence radiated authority and dominance, it demanded respect. She felt the need to run, to lower her gaze in submission, she had never felt this way before. She had felt his presence before, it drew attention to him of course, but it wasn’t at this magnitude, it felt different too. He only continued to stare at her, but not. As if he wasn’t looking at her rather through her, at the old man. 

“Red please, stop it. NOW.” She growled out. 

Finally, her voice reached him, Red’s gaze finally snapped away from hers to kitchen doors. The old woman had just walked out from the kitchen doors. He blinked slowly, trying to gather his bearings. The old woman looked down to the old man, she kicked him harshly. 

“Silly old fool, go home.” She muttered. 

Rosabella quickly grabbed Red’s arm, “Pardon madam, but I am afraid we must be going,” She tugged Red along, he only looked at Rosabella in hesitation, “now,” she stressed. The old woman tried to reason with them to stay since their meals were nearly ready, but Rosabella insisted they leave.

He didn’t fight her this time. She led them to any alley, looking over her shoulder. No one seemed to notice them. Red eyed her skeptically. 

“No one noticed us.” He spoke as if he expected it.

Rosabella took a deep breath before she looked back at him. 

“Are you a warlock?” 

“Firstly, I am not overly fond of witches. Second don’t ever compare me to witches. And Thirdly, no, I am not a warlock .” He all but snarled out at her.

She rose a brow at his clear distaste of the topic. “Well what are you then? And why such distaste for witches, I happen to know one.”

His eyes narrowed in suspicion, he stepped back from her. “I don’t appreciate you berating me with offensive questions.” He turned away. Walking out of the alley onto the open street. 

Rosabella groaned in frustration. Quickly following him. “Where are you going?” 

“Anyplace where you are not.” He muttered. She scoffed in offense. 

“Well that’s it then?! You’re just going to walk away?” 

“I had planned to from the very beginning.” He didn’t look back. 

“We are not finished here.” She marched after him. 

“Oh but we are mademoiselle.” He replied sarcastically. 

Rosabella glared at his head. “You’re really going to leave me without any explanation with what just happened in that tavern?!” 

He simply sighed as he turned a corner. “Good day Rosabella.” 

And he was gone. Rosabella’s eyes scanned over the streets, but she couldn’t spot him anywhere. She gave a dry laugh, shaking her head, she turned back to the Tavern. The carriage had arrived. 

She handed the gold coins into the driver’s hand, he was an old man, with a small beard. 

“Where to mademoiselle?” His voice was soft and gentle, like a grandfather reading a child to sleep.

“Paris if you would be so kind.” She smiled. 

“Aye, but I’d have to make stops, it’s a long way.” 

“It’s no trouble at all. Thank you.”

“Hop on then.”  

And so she did. The carriage ride was silent for the most part. They would stop at inns for the night they didn’t reach Paris. Rosabella offered to pay for the elderly man’s room, to which he politely refused to accept her generosity. Saying she should save her money for better investments. They traveled this way for two days. 

“I’ll have to stop at the next village, a traveler will be joining us.” The old man told her. 

Rosabella only nodded her head in understanding. So when the next village arrived, the carriage door opened to reveal the most handsome of strangers. At least that was what the swooning women were saying, not at all being discreet about their fancy towards him. 

“Ah, I did not know I would have the honor of traveling with such a belle.” The man was tall, his hair was a soft curly brown, lightly tanned skin, and the most striking pair of hazel eyes that seemed to have speck of gold in the sunlight. He had a light beard on his face, it was smooth and freshly shaven. He wore a black leather coat with a white shirt, black pants and boots. 

Rosabella flushed at the bold words from the man. She startled when the man gently reached for her gloved hand, placing a kiss on the back of it. He smiled. 

“I am Bardolph Sinclair. And who might you be?” His eyes looked over her. 

She studied him for a moment, at least while she tried to calm herself from his flattery. He didn’t seem to be bold enough to sit next to her at least. He was rather gentlemanly. Not at all like the way had behaved. 

“Monsieur, you are too hasty to ask for my name upon mere seconds upon our first meeting. Surely you will understand why I must not tell you. I do not know you.”  

“Of course, I apologize if I have offended you.” He bowed his head.  The carriage started to move again.

“It’s no trouble. I am pleased to make your acquaintance Monsieur Sinclair.” 

“Please, call me Bardolph.” He smiled, Rosabelle couldn’t help but feel she should smile back. And she did. 

When night fell upon them, the carriage stopped to rest at an inn. Rosabella and Bardolph both tried to offer their help to the old man, but again he refused. Shooing them away to go eat their supper. As they walked, Rosabella looked up to the sky, it was a waxing gibbous tonight. 

“Beautiful isn’t it?” Bardolph spoke. Watching Rosabella.

Rosabella only eyed him playfully before turning to the inn. Bardolph chuckled as he followed close behind her. When they entered the inn, the first thing they noticed was that it was packed full. 

“Perhaps we will be forced to share a room.” Bardolph grinned at Rosabella. 

She did her best not to roll her eyes as she scoffed. “I’d sooner sleep in the stables.”

“Oh, you wound me my fair lady.” He clutched his chest.  “But I would never allow such a thing, I would sleep in the stables while you sleep peacefully in a warm bed.” 

Rosabella only shook her head as she took a seat in a booth. Bardolph joined her. A waitress came and took their order, when the door burst open, a group of hunters staggering inside, carrying a wounded man. 

“Quickly clear a table! He’s wounded!” A man shouted, pushing aside the food and laying the hunter’s body onto it. Rosabella stood to her feet, briskly walking towards them. 

The wounded man’s foot was caught in a metal trap with metal teeth. Rosabella frowned, the man would have a limp for the rest of his life. 

“What happened??

“We were out hunting for venison, we had set up traps to help us catch one. But we forgot where we placed one and now his foot was nearly cut off. 

“We didn’t forget where the traps were placed! Someone must’ve tampered with it!” Another yelled out.

“Is there a doctor?!” 

Thankfully there was a doctor, who quickly sedated the young man and removed the trap. He was sent to rest in one of the inn’s rooms. The hunters all look haggard and exhausted. Rosabella sat next to the man who had helped drag the wounded man in. He was young, and looked terrified. It must’ve been his first hunt at night.  

“Why did you have to place traps? Surely there are enough deer to have caught?” She inquired softly. The poor boy was pale. 

“We tried just using our arrows and spears, but we would never see any. So we placed traps…”    

Rosabella frowned, she may not have been from this particular village but she could definitely catch the scent of a venison on the wind. 

“Why do you think someone tampered with the traps?” 

“Because we’re catching just any deer, we’re trying to catch the Golden Doe.”  

Her eyes widen a fraction. “The Golden Doe? Isn’t that just a legend?” 

“Aye, but my father swore on his mother’s grave he saw it once. A coat that shines gold in sunlight.” 

“If he saw it, why would you hunt it, surely such a wonderful beast would be left alone for its beauty.” She asked gently. She herself did hunt venison but she would never kill such a creature. “Do you plan to hang it up on your wall as a trophy?” She asked bluntly. 

The hunters frowns. “No, we are hunting it to heal someone from our village. Legend says the Golden Does’s meat can cure any illness.” 

Rosabella’s shoulders fell. So, a noble cause. If it had been for something as trivial as a trophy, she would have stopped them from hunting the poor doe. “I see… ” 

“Forgive me but, no has seen the doe in twenty years yes?” Bardolph spoke, Rosabella had forgotten that he was still awake. “Surely it must’ve died by now. At least that’s what I’ve heard from my travels.” 

“Aye, but the Golden Doe has lived for many centuries.” The hunter answered. The young boy looked up to the hunter.  

“Perhaps someone else has already caught the doe… ”

“No, someone’s protecting it. I’m sure of it. It’s all the same. A monstrous beast was never far from the Golden Doe, always  chasing away hunters.”  

“Perhaps the monstrous beast finally changed its mind and finally ate the doe?” Bardolph offered. He leaned onto the table. 

“It wasn’t a monstrous beast, it’s the Lady of the Woods who protects the doe.” The boy looks to Rosabella. “That’s what my mother told me, she doesn’t like hunters in her forests.”  

“Silly boy, it’s the beast! It tampered with our traps” 

Rosabella finally interjected. “If it was the beast who tampered with the traps, how could it have the intelligence to do so? It is a beast is it not?” 

The hunters all died down, they began to look at each other and whisper amongst themselves. Ah, they didn’t have an answer. Rosabella only chuckled. “Perhaps it is simply a normal person who doesn’t wish to see the doe harmed.” 

“But we need the doe’s meat to heal my wife!” The hunter exclaimed. 

Rosabella’s gaze softened. “Has seen a doctor?” 

“Yes…” His eyes were pained. 

Rosabella nodded her head. “I see,” She lowered her gaze. “Well, what if I came to your village, and tried to heal her myself.” 

“What?” The hunter looked perplexed. Then desperate. “How?”  

Rosabella stood to her feet. A smile on her lips. “I am well versed in healing, and if I can cure your wife, you must swear to never hunt for the Golden Doe.”  

The hunter nodded. Bardolph looked intrigued. 

“I swear it.”

Tag list: Let me know if you want to be added to the tag list!

@spookypotato

#Original Story #Red Riding Hood #asunshinepuff ocs #our ocs #Rosabella Louve #Red #Bardolph Sinclair #Werewolves #Curse #Golden Doe #Lady of the Woods #cw blood #cw traps #legend #cw drunken #ladynightmare ocs