Disclaimer: I own nothing except for my OC Jorinda and any alterations to the original storyline plot her presence creates to various readers amusement everywhere across the globe to various readers amusement during these dark and gloomy days.

Princess Of The Forest Chapter 1

It's almost time for the ceremony to commence.

The very one day every hundred years whenever the Queen can choose an heir to protect the forests has finally arrived.

There's a large amount of excitement and caution during the preparations in order to make sure the ceremony is a success.

The Leafmen are on edge especially General Ronin.

Not only does he have the monarchy and the entire forest to protect, but his family is at tremendous risk. Combined with the Boggans desperation to thwart the ceremony the knowledge that his family will be left out in the open even for a brief time leaves them extremely vulnerable.

Ronin's not going to let that happen. The Boggans can attack all they like. They'll never get through.

Through the chance of danger lingering from the threat remains.

Ronin travels to inform Queen Tara about the most recent attack on their borders. As ever the array of Royal Guards he constantly has around them stand at the ready. They solute him as he travels into the private gardens at the royal palace at Moonhaven.

Here inside the privacy and seclusion on the pond Queen and General can truly be themselves away from prying eyes. The young ferns at the entrance unfurled announcing his arrival. Removing his helmet General Ronin steps into this domain of bright light and beauty.

For a handful of minutes General Ronin scans his eyes through the dense foliage of flowers, stems, and vines searching for at least one of the two women he came here to find.

Spotting one he then kneels before her, head bowed low respectfully, saying "Queen Tara, we need to discuss today's ceremony. The Boggans have crossed our border again."

"You're not getting enough sunshine," observed Queen Tara, fingertips gently stroking over a lone violet morning glory flower curled in on itself underneath much larger flowers that is hidden from direct sunlight. Queen Tara then shifts the surrounding flowers so that the sun can reach this lone blossom. It blooms almost instantly as it stretches in happiness, relishing in the sunlight. Queen Tara smiles, leaning forward to hear what this sweet morning glory has to say, a teasing glint in her eyes as she glances Ronin's way. "Yes, it's Ronin. I agree. I think he looks silly kneeling, too, but I can't convince him to stop doing it."

Slightly miffed that she might not be taking him seriously ignoring his warnings, rising from his kneeling position, Ronin said "I think the Boggans are scouting our defenses. You know they'd do anything to stop you from choosing an heir. But don't worry. I've got a plan."

Continuing her conversation with the morning glory as if Ronin hadn't spoken at all, softly, Queen Tara said "When we were kids he wasn't so serious."

"Would you like to hear my plan," repeated Ronin, now at this point getting a bit irritated that she's refusing to recognize how volatile things are right now.

"And he had the sweetest smile," cooed Queen Tara, whispering secretively at the morning glory. "Unfortunately he doesn't often show anyone else that smile. Only in private where no one else can see him. A shame."

For a few seconds the corners of Ronin's lips twitched into a small smile as he strolls up to his wife and queen, helmet tucked in his arm.

Shaking his head, Ronin sighed "Look, instead of a public ceremony, I go in with a small platoon, pretend we're stopping for a drink. We grab a pod, bring it back to you. It blooms for Jorinda, the life of the forest continues. We're in, we're out."

Queen Tara smiles beautifully at him, eyes sparkling in the sunlight peeking through the flowers.

Petting the morning glory in farewell as she leaves the young flower for him, Queen Tara explained "It doesn't work that way. I can't choose unless I'm there. It's about the feeling. I get it from the pods, I get it from the forest, I get it from all of us." She then begins to walk off deeper into the garden, casting a grin full of playfulness and mischief in his direction. "Do you have feelings, Ronin?"

Oh she already is very well aware that he does. He's proven it to her time and time and again.

Queen Tara then simply vanishes leaving him to search for her again.

"Yes, I feel this is a bad idea," said Ronin, persisting on his concerns that this'll cause more problems by putting them in the line of fire. "The Boggans have never been this aggressive. Not even when Jorinda was born."

So focused was he on keeping track his wife's whereabouts that he's failed to notice the vine sneakily coiling its way around his body. Suddenly it tightens around his broad form, turning him about-face to discover Queen Tara is behind him all along.

Giggling at the surprised and annoyed expression on his face, Queen Tara said "I'm not completely helpless, you know."

Nodding, Ronin said "I am aware. But you're the life of the forest. Looking after you is my duty."

Stepping forward to where they're less than a foot away from each other, Queen Tara said "The life of the forest. And is that all I am to you?"

"You know that's not true. You're a lot more than that to me," admits Ronin, softening slightly towards her.

Seductively, lips a hairbreadths away from his own, Queen Tara said "Perhaps I need to be reminded."

Queen Tara then softly kisses him on the lips. The normally stiff General returning the kiss.

As this is occurring the vine continues circling Ronin until it reaches his ear lightly brushing the skin there in hopes of invoking laughter.

Separating, Ronin said "Your Majesty."

"Yes," said Queen Tara, staring deeply into his eyes.

Smirking, Ronin said "I'm not ticklish."

Laughing in mock disappointment, Queen Tara said "Oh! You used to be." She then releases him, taking on a more formal air about her. "Very well. I understand your concerns. But this is the one day in every hundred years that I can choose an heir. If I don't do this today there won't be a future to protect. Jorinda will never be Queen after me."

Ronin nods in reluctant acceptance on his decision. He doesn't approve of this choice, but for the wellbeing of the forest and all who live here it has to be done.

It hasn't escaped him that Princess Jorinda remains absent from this small gathering.

"Where is Jorinda? I thought she would be with you," said Ronin, brow raised as he scans the area for their daughter.

Chuckling, repositioning a stray hair out of place on his head, Queen Tara said "With her friends."

A soft breeze travels over to them past the flowers that tremble with fascination.

In its depts a voice is carried.

A voice belonging to their daughter.

.

La la la

La la la

.

A grinning Queen Tara takes Ronin's hand as she leads them to where their daughter is singing to her friends, the flowers. The plants part at their approach unveiling Jorinda.

And there she is.

Sitting on a smooth and polished stone glistening in the sunlight with her dress pooled around her Jorinda sings in an mesmerizing melody to the flowers surrounding her. The stems and petals swaying in a dance not from the breeze but instead from their own enjoyment as they listen to her sing. A couple of blossoms that had yet to blossom on their own now do so from desire to be closer to her. Some even rub their petals against her skin causing a laugh that sounds like twinkling bells. A sound that could enchant anyone.

.

The gentle breeze

Stirs the leaves and stirs my soul

My heart deep inside me

Sense my worth

As one with the earth

Of greater whole

All connected as one

So bloom

Bloom and share your sweet perfume

Flowers bloom

.

As if in answer by Jorinda's command the remaining buds open wide, bathing her in the light now covering her from the petals much to her delight.

Jorinda is young, fair and beautiful. She has her father's original hair and eye color, a mixture of her parent's skin complexions, and her mothers bearing. Wildflowers are arranged and tucked into her hair.

Ronin and Queen Tara simultaneously glance at each other sharing a knowing and meaningful smile. Jorinda will make a stupendous Queen one day. A leader the forest can undoubtedly be proud of.

Fortunately there's still a long way to go before that fated day comes.

"Jorinda," called Queen Tara. "Jorinda, it is time for us to take our leave."

"Coming, Mother," said Jorinda, meandering over to her parents on the bare soles of her feet. "Hello, Father."

Jorinda pecks both of them on the cheeks and twirls for them. "How do I look?"

"Radiant. Just like your mother," said Robin.

Lightly nudging him in the side with her elbow, Queen Tara said "Flatterer."

Chuckling, Ronin said "Let us go then. The pod isn't about to be chosen itself."

No, it most certainly will not.

Authors Note:

For anyone who can correctly guess what show this song is from they get one question and only one question answered about the plotline of this story. So think carefully and choose wisely.

Just a heads up I'm accepting suggestions on numerous shows, books, and movies to write about in the future. You see I'm trying to reach my goal of 100 stories on my profile. Currently I have 9 left to go until I get there. So think it over and if I feel a connection with what you suggest I'll do it.

I hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D

I've been meaning to get back to this one for a while and only now I've managed to find time and inspiration for it. I'm very satisfied and happy about it.

Right now during this epidemic with the coronavirus that's impacting every nation in the entire world we really do need find whatever sources we possibly can in order to lighten our spirits. Especially those who are unfortunately stuck sick or those locked in self isolation in order to prevent both contraction and spread of the illness. For those of us who have the abilities to do this we have a duty to keep up morale and that's exactly what I wholeheartedly desire these new stories and updates concocted during this time do for you.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm very satisfied and happy about it.

I recently put up some other works I've put out at titled Sayuri Wren, Glenstorm's Daughter, Dianca Robbins, Morning Star, Secret Of Bristol Cove, Predators Redemption, Rava's Journey, Princess Of The Forest, A Revolutionary Romance, Aunt, Fantine Tezla: Hot Wheels Acceleracers, Green Lantern Odette Dupree: First Flight, Magic And the Brave Little Toaster 1, Lavinia: Princess Of Edelweiss, Rorschach's Legend, Watchmen Meets Avengers: The Newest Defender, The 8thLoser, Naomi Poldark: Mistress Of Nampara, Serenity: End Guardian To The Moors, Dido Cruger: Power Rangers SPD, The True Catwoman Of Gotham, Green Lantern Odette Dupree: First Flight, and Nuala: The White Lioness. I highly recommend them. ;D

By the way, Morning Star, Rorschach's Legend, Sayuri Wren, Bianca Robbins, Aunt, Glenstorm's Daughter, Mandalorian: The 2ndFoundling, Eira Byrnison, and Watchmen Meets Avengers: The Newest Defender, Rava's Journey, Princess Of The Forest, Green Lantern Odette Dupree: First Flight, and The True Catwoman Of Gotham, are some of the best newest additions to my profile. If you're a fan of the Golden Compass and Watchmen which are the new series on HBO then you will love these. Then if you haven't saw them yet then I recommend that you check it out. Since there are still just recently uploaded I really would enjoy hearing other peoples thoughts on the subject matter so far. So feel free to do so if you have the time.

I have other grand news! I was a patron at New York Comic Con 2019! Ah! I'd been dying to go for years and now I had the opportunity. The Jokers from Impractical Jokers have been here along with Tom Hiddleston and so many others. Over those few days I actually got my picture taken with a couple of other actors/actresses and some really great panels. It really is so exciting there. This is an opportunity of a lifetime so there's no way in hell that I was going to waste a single second of it. No one ever should with something like this. Ever! ;D

For future preferences I highly recommend that you all keep an eye out for when tickets for New York Comic Con are available for purchase again for next year. This is a huge event and you should jump on it whenever you have the chance. Unfortunately this year it appears like Comic Con might be skipped not just in New York, but also in all it's regular places during the course of scheduled events. I think we all know the reason for it is plain as day.

The coronavirus.

Can't exactly blame with how dreadful things are getting in escalation and the fact that places like the Javits Center in New York have been temporarily converted into makeshift hospitals in order to deal with the overflow of people contracting infections from this rapidly spreading virus that might as well be called a plague at this point. Let's keep fingers crossed that an aim is to have this pass us before then so things can get back on track. If it is then New York Comic Con might be exactly what people need in order to lighten their spirits after all this darkness. Stay safe everyone and long to eventually see you there.