The Way of the Falcon

Part 3: Distant Horizon Part II- The next Encounter ...Hunting Ground...

Summary : During the Autumn season, it is the hunting season and the royal hunting party gathers in the sprawling woods of Midland, where King Midland and his brother Julius lead the hunt. While most nobility revel in the sport, Princess Charlotte finds herself distastefully removed from the chaos, sitting under a tree with her friend, companion and governess Margot. Uninterested in hunting, Charlotte expresses her discomfort with the violence against innocent creatures. To lighten up the mood, Margot has an idea, she playfully attempts to catch a fox, leading to a twisted and comical chase that results in the fox escaping into the woods. Their lighthearted moment is interrupted by the arrival of Griffith, a newly prominent figure at court, who observes their antics with a mix of amusement and curiosity. Margot feels an unsettling tension as Griffith engages them in conversation, demonstrating his charm and poise. Though Charlotte is enchanted by his looks, Margot warns her in her guts that no matter what appearances can be deceiving , if you don't pay attention soon, things will get...more serious.

(Next in Margot's Flashback Memories)

Scene 1: The Hunting Invitation

It was the peak of the hunting season, and the nobility of Midland had gathered in the forest for their annual event. The grand hunting grounds stretched for miles, filled with foxes, wild boars, and the occasional deer, all ready to be pursued by the skilled hunters of the royal family. King Midland, along with his younger brother, Count Julius, led the party, their horses prancing with eager anticipation.

The hunting party was in high spirits, especially the men who saw this event not just as a sport but as a symbol of their prowess and nobility. Griffith, recently invited to the royal court after his rise to fame, had joined the hunt alongside the king, his presence elegant and calm, though he kept a respectful distance from the royal family. His silver hair shone under the sun, drawing more than a few admiring glances from the ladies in attendance.

In stark contrast, not everyone shared the enthusiasm for the blood sport. Princess Charlotte sat quietly under a tree, far from the chaos, her delicate face twisted with discomfort. By her side stood Margot, ever watchful, her posture both protective and at ease. Margot had known Charlotte long enough to understand the princess's distaste for violence. Like Charlotte, she wasn't fond of hunting either, but Margot had always been the more practical one, willing to engage in a bit of lighthearted humor to distract her ward from the grim proceedings around them.

As the rest of the hunting party charged off into the woods, Charlotte sighed softly. "I don't understand why they enjoy this," she murmured, her voice barely audible over the rustling of leaves. "Chasing helpless creatures... it feels wrong."

Margot, who had been watching the proceedings from a distance, knelt beside Charlotte, trying to lighten the mood. "Well, Princess, not all hunting is terrible. Sometimes, it's more about the chase than the kill."

Charlotte looked at her with a skeptical smile. "But they always kill in the end."

Margot chuckled. "True. But we don't have to think about that. Besides," she added with a mischievous grin, "I think I could make this more fun."

Scene 2: The Fox Incident

Margot scanned the surrounding woods and her eyes landed on a small, sleek fox not far from their resting spot. The creature was unaware of their presence, sniffing around curiously. Margot stood up, a playful smile spreading across her face as she whispered, "Stay here. I'll be right back."

Before Charlotte could ask what she was up to, Margot tiptoed toward the fox. Her years of experience looking after rambunctious children had made her quick on her feet. She crept behind the fox, waiting for the right moment, then in one swift motion, she lunged forward and caught the fox by the tail.

"Got you!" she exclaimed triumphantly, holding the squirming creature up like a prize.

Charlotte gasped, half in surprise and half in admiration. "Margot! What are you doing?"

"I caught us a fox!" Margot grinned, holding the animal up proudly. "This one won't be going to the hunters."

But the fox had other plans. It wriggled furiously in Margot's grip, its tiny claws catching on the folds of her dress. Before Margot could get a proper hold, the fox scrambled out of her hands and, in a panic, darted straight into the folds of her skirt, hiding under the layers of fabric.

Charlotte burst into laughter, doubling over at the sight of the fox's tail poking out from beneath Margot's gown.

"Oh no!" Margot exclaimed, flailing her arms as she tried to stop the fox from wriggling any deeper into her dress. "You little rascal!"

Before Margot could pull herself together, the sound of barking reached their ears. A hunting dog had caught wind of the fox's scent and was now charging toward them, barking furiously. But Margot wasn't about to let the dog spoil her fun. She squared her shoulders, glaring at the dog with a determined expression. With one sharp gesture, she shooed the dog away as if it were nothing more than an annoying insect.