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For the most part, Julian had always remained alone. It made his life much easier, especially when he became a knight. The idea of going into war without leaving anyone behind to mourn him, should he lose his life, had always been considered a good idea. That said, he was no stranger to a woman’s touch and at times he did miss the comfort of a woman. He was the last of his family and often wondered if he would ever find the right chance to settle down, to leave behind a son or daughter that would carry on the family name. Perhaps now was as good enough time as ever. That said, he was still completely skeptical and doubtful that coming upon the rare beauty would afford him a chance at this picturesque future he considered. He thought of how foolish it was for him to be making such a trip. Yet still he trekked along the path detailed and outlined on the paper.<br/>
<br/>
A  day and a half had passed and he was starting to get into the more rugged terrain. The wind was much less forgiving and chillier than he found comfortable. As expected, there were nothing but tall trees that stretched for miles, with mountains surrounding them. There were no signs of human life – though wild animals roamed freely. There was no possible way that someone could survive out here on their own and if so – whoever sent them to such land would have very good reason. That was what Julian found so hard to believe in the case of this sleeping beauty. If she did exist, then what was the reasoning behind sending her somewhere so treacherous? Surely, it was with the intention that she would never be found. Still, knowing the King, Julian could in some way believe that this was maybe a test. The King was a man who hated being questioned. His intelligence surpassed all; he was unconventional but his methods never failed. Julian imagined that should he find the princess in the tower, it would be a test of will and strength which seemed very much in character for the King.<br/>
<br/>
He’d set up camp eventually when the sky began to darken,  not wanting to become some bear’s midnight meal. The cave wasn’t at all comfortable, but one couldn’t complain in such circumstances. After fluffing up his coat and thin mat he had brought along, Julian found at least he would be somewhat comfortable when laying his head down for bed. In the meantime, he sat in front of the fire, eating the leftovers Myrtha was kind enough to send him off with. He thought back to the first time he heard the tale about the woman in the tower.<br/>
<br/>
He’d just finished a tour and was enjoying a nice cold brew. He sat in close quarters with other men, faces still slick with sweat and dirt from a long days of work. The set of men beside him were rambunctious, but Julian didn’t mind. He normally didn’t indulge in salacious talk, but was drawn into the conversation. It was quite a shock to them when they learned that he didn’t know the tale. At first it was the drunk ramblings, direct from the man who left with his life that night. Though when he died, the story still repeated. It was toned down in some cases for the children, though could get a bit lewd and outright indecent considering who told it.<br/>
<br/>
“Ye’ see, Jack and his mate Gregory says they came across the tower by accident, figuring they could find something worth keeping inside. On the outside the place looked as though no one lived there. Though upon entering, they were surprised at the upkeep of the tower. Rich furniture, valuable gold and silver pieces that they loaded into their bags. They rifled around and eventually made their way up, still without being confronted by anyone. They came upon a door, with a small opening and through it you could make out her.”<br/>
<br/>
The loud bar had fallen silent by this point, and many of the men and maidens had encircled the snaggletooth old man who had seemingly enamored all with the story, no matter how often it was told. Julian himself had to admit that he was invested.<br/>
<br/>
“She is one of the finest women in all of Elmhurst, that’s what Jack said. In a beautiful lush bed, she lay as peaceful as ever; surrounded by a pool of the shiniest brown hair. She had smooth porcelain skin, unscathed and untouched by any man – so we are led to believe. It was Gregory who noted that she was enchanted and Jack swears he remembers the seal of the King on her sheets. A bit odd though hm? Though, suppose she really did get sick . . . just not like we thought. Gregory called out to her and yet she didn’t stir. So . . . he tried another method.”<br/>
<br/>
Deep throaty chuckles emanating from the men.<br/>
<br/>
“Jack eagerly awaited his chance, to leave the tower with more than they could imagine. He didn’t know just how right he was. Curiosity got the best of him and he gently nudged the door open, staring through the crack. He saw Gregory atop the woman, grunting and giving it all he had the bastard – before long darkness took over the room and Gregory began to scream. Jack’s eyes bulged in fear as he watched the man being devoured by the woman. The candles had gone out and in the darkness, her skin held an eerie glow. The sound of Gregory’s skin stretching to the point of ripping was loud and his bones were beginning to push through his skin. She was sucking the very life out of him. He ran out of the tower as fast as possible, never to look back. Though his story was intended to be a warning, many men began to seek out this woman for themselves. Think it’s some kind of spell – a curse that even one of them can break.”<br/>
<br/>
Admittedly, Julian didn’t sleep all too peacefully that night and when he woke up, he wondered if he should continue on his original course. The dilemma though was whether he was choosing to do so because he feared there might actually be some truth. Curiosity got the best of him through and he found that with being so close, it would be nice to clear his mind of what ifs. He wanted to see for himself and so he continued on. He thought it quite possible that maybe the directions would lead him just further into the mountains and to his death, but as the sun was setting, his eyes landed on it: the tower. His mouth opened partially as he paused in his riding, craning his head to see the top of the tower.<br/>
<br/>
“I don’t believe this,” he whispered as he rode closer. Eventually he got off the horse, holding the reins in his hand before finding a post to tie it to. He started along the rock stone pathway that led to the front door, which was slightly ajar. Julian swallowed thickly, his right hand on the hilt of his sword while the other gently pushed it forth. “Hello?” He called out, his voice landing on stone walls. He heard n return and crept in, the floorboards creaking under his boots. He licked his lips, his eyes searching through the room. The tower part was true; what else were the men right about? Julian found the stairs, winding in a circle and up. He started for them, flashes of Jack and Gregory’s story running through his mind up until he reached the very door, with the very opening in it.<br/>
<br/>
Julian peeked through, gasping as he saw what appeared to be a figure laying on the bed. It could have very well been a corpse. Perhaps this was a personal burial site for the Princess. The idea he could be sentenced to death for trespassing soon came to mind and he thought it best he leave right away. Yet, Julian knew the chance that anyone would know he was here was unlikely. He could feel the sweat building at the back of his neck and he wouldn’t know he was trembling, had he not seen how his hands shook as he reached for the door handle. Julian slowly made his way into the room, surprised by the grandeur of it. It certainly seemed more of a chamber for Princess rather than somewhere to lay her to rest.<br/>
<br/>
He walked closer to the bed, his hand reaching out to brush back the sheer white curtains that were draped from the roof of the bed. His breathing stopped as he stared down in shock at the female. Her skin still seemed flush with running blood through her veins, her chest rising and falling with her breathing and yet she didn’t stir, not even when he rounded the bed to get closer to her. He was stricken by her beauty, finding himself completely drawn to her. Was it true that a kiss could bring this beautiful princess back to life?<br/>
<br/>
Julian’s hands pressed against the pillows. Holding his weight up as he leaned in and upon closing his eyes, placed his lips against hers.</div></span>