Chapter 20: CHAPTER 20: A STRONG FAMILY PART TWO

The local fox tribe in Eshea is a secret entity that not many people are aware about. The reason being is that they just seem like an ordinary skulk of foxes. However, among the forest creatures, they are known for their ability to produce a magical fox. Only once every few generations is a fox born with the power to transform into a human is born. Reason being is that the fox tribe tends to live where there is an abundance of magical energy.

The magical energy is essential for their vitality since they live deep in the woods where there are a lot of predators and very few foxes. Due to the immense amount of magical energy, when a pregnant vixen absorbs too much that is meant to sustain the life inside her, the baby takes in the overload. If the baby consumes more magical energy than needed, then a magical fox is born. However, since this occurrence does not happen very often, not much is known or researched about it.

Ariel Dugre is one of these magical foxes. The surname 'Dugre' is given to magical foxes since it derives from the word 'to dig' or 'digging' which is what foxes are known for. Ariel has the ability to transform freely from a fox to a human, and this is how she always keeps 'bumping into' Yule.

Sitting on the ledge of the Winter Estate's fence, Ariel, in her fox form, would watch Yule from afar. What is the reason behind this one may ask? It's because her innate curiosity got the best of her. Foxes are sensitive to their surroundings because of the constant alert they keep to watch out for predators. One of their biggest predators is the wolf. Ariel sensed the presence of a wolf when Yule spoke with her behind the Winter warehouse, so she ended up following Yule home to find out why she felt that way.

Foxes always knew that they had to stay away from wolves, but Ariel just couldn't pull herself away from Yule. The constant wonder of what he will do next kept her clung onto the Winter Estate fence. However, she didn't realize that Yule was also aware of her presence. Yule would look out the window between documents and stare at the fence where Ariel sat. He never made it visibly known that he knew, though.

Aside from the agriculture business the Winter Family runs, the Winter Vessel is given the task of being in the know of everything that happens in Eshea and report to the mayor if anything seems out of the ordinary. Yet, the name 'Ariel Dugre' or even the surname 'Dugre' itself is nowhere to be found in the city's directory. This is because the magical foxes never associate with the humans outside the forest for any longer than they have to, only going out to search for food, so they aren't registered in the city's census. The confusion made Yule curious about Ariel since there is no record of her. He is supposed to be the all-knowing leader second to the mayor, yet there is someone he doesn't know.

The mutual curiosity linked the fox and the wolf together.

Some days, Yule would run into the fox version of Ariel when he is out patrolling the gardens where Ariel is sneaking a bite of the premature harvest. Other times, the human version of Ariel would run into Yule when she is wandering around the warehouse looking for fruit and bread for her family. They would acknowledge each other's presence with a simple look and go about their day, but both were dying to ask the other about themselves. Ariel wanted to know how a wolf is intermingling so easily with humans. Yule wanted to know how a woman was keeping her identity a secret for so long.

Like all curious creatures, sometimes it is just too much to hold onto silent questions.

One morning while Yule was out patrolling the gardens, like clockwork, he ran into Ariel; however, this time, she wasn't eating the vegetables. She was staring right into Yule's eyes and ran into the nearby shed, popping her head out to check if Yule was following her. Yule, not too dense to not realize what she wants, casually walks over to the shed and closes the door behind him. Ariel transformed into her human form and took a strong stance in front of Yule.
"How is a wolf able to live like a human without ever changing into its primal state?" Ariel asked, keeping her body firm.

Yule crossed his arms and leaned against the door. "What makes you think I'm a wolf?"

"Your scent. No matter where you are, you smell like a wolf. That means you are one. Right?"

"No, I'm not a wolf. I'm human. However, I was raised with a wolf, so the smell must be from the constant interaction."

Ariel slouched and pouted. "And here I thought I could find out from a wolf on how to interact normally with humans and other non-forest species."

"I answered your question, so you have to answer mine," Yule states walking over to Ariel. "Who are you? Why aren't you in any of the city's censuses?"

"Like I introduced myself months ago, my name is Ariel Dugre. I am the special magical fox that is only born once every few generations. We don't interact with those outside the forest too much, so our existence is not well known to the outside world."

"How are you able to speak so fluently if you only interact with non-forest races on rare occasions?"

"Foxes are inherently curious creatures, you know. I was so enamored by those who interact outside the forest and watch them converse over many things. I would always sit on the border of the forest and observe all of the humans and humanoid races talking when I was younger, so naturally, I picked up the language since I was always surrounded by it every day."

Yule stares down at the woman who is matching his energy. Despite Yule being significantly taller, Ariel's strong demeanor does not weaken. She stands confidently staring right back at Yule.

"Can I stay here?"

"W-what?"

"I asked if I can stay here," repeats the fox whose short stature could possibly get her mauled by the wolf.

"And why would I let you stay here?" Yule questions putting one hand on his hip.

Ariel beckons Yule to bend down so that she can whisper in his ear. Yule resists at first but decides to humor the fox.

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"A fox is a wolf's natural prey. It's only in your nature to not let your prey out of your sight once you find it. Right?" Ariel whispers as she hops back a few feet afterwards. "Plus, I want to learn how to interact with others and experience new things. Living in the forest is fine and all, but I know that there are other places that can satiate my curiosity."

Yule scoffs at the fox in front of him. "I'm not a wolf. So you aren't my prey. You still haven't given me a reason to let you stay here."

Ariel ponders for a moment before a click in her head makes her turn around and face Yule.

"I can produce an heir for you. You're the leader, right? I have been watching you from the fence every day. The leader needs an heir in order to continue a family's tradition. I can do that for you!"

Yule almost laughs at Ariel's ridiculous offer until he notices her eyes. She was very serious and sincere in her offer without a hint of an ulterior motive. "For one, I will never lay with a woman I don't love. Second thing is that producing an heir for my family in particular is probably the hardest challenge for a leader. Only those born with certain attributes can become the heir. You wouldn't understand."

"I wouldn't understand?" mutters Ariel. "How could I not understand? You are just the rumored 'Ice King'. I am the once in a few generation magical fox. You think producing an heir with certain attributes is hard? My mother was just a random fox among the plenty of vixens in our skulk. She wasn't the leader's wife or daughter or even cousin. Just a random fox in the tribe. And you think that I don't understand how hard it is to produce an heir with certain attributes?"

"As much as I acknowledge the rarity that you are, the attributes that the heir needs for my family takes an incredible toll on the pregnant woman's body. Your body isn't built for it."

Yule begins to walk away, but Ariel grabs onto his sleeve.

"Then give me some time," Ariel suggests. "I will build up my strength as I work for you. Sooner or later, you will gradually fall for me. Foxes are also known for their charm. In return for giving me new experiences and interactions, I will produce an heir for you. With the excess magical energy inside me, I am pretty sure that I can produce an heir with the attributes you need."

Yule sits on the offer given to him. He was never one to be unfair despite his cold nature. If someone does something for him, he will return the favor just not in the method one would find pleasing. Yule, taking into account that he is getting older, agrees to Ariel's suggestion. Even if he doesn't end up loving her, he will use the magical energy Ariel has to create an heir before it's too late.

Days pop in and pop out throughout Ariel's time on the Winter Estate. Ariel was given the task to be his scout using her fox form to wander the streets of Eshea and patrol, coming into his office every night to report her findings. Over the course of a year, Ariel and Yule become more familiar with each other due to the constant interaction. The workers on the estate noticed the change in Yule's demeanor the more he was around Ariel.

Ariel was a very carefree woman who would only listen to Yule due to her fondness for him. At first, she only offered to produce an heir so that she could stay on the estate and experience a different life than the one she had in the forest. However, now she can say that she has genuine feelings for Yule.

Yule, on the other hand, was always exhausted having to deal with Ariel's carefree nature whenever she wasn't on patrolling duty. Nonetheless, this exhaustion that he felt became enjoyment overtime. Yule never really took it upon himself to enjoy life ever since the day he was attacked returning home from school. Now, he can say that thanks to the ball of energy he took in, he smiles and laughs a bit more, and everyone sees it.

Before the two knew what happened, Ariel was pregnant with the potential heir to the family. Yule and Ariel decided to get married to solidify their relationship and raise their baby together.
There were a few worries they had concerning the baby. What would happen if the baby wasn't the heir? What would they do if the baby was born with magical fox attributes? What if the baby was born as a human with fox ears and a tail?

Several questions muddled their minds, but a single answer was what they always fell back on.

'No matter what happens, as long as the baby is healthy, we will still be happy.'

What was at first a contractual agreement for an heir evolved into love for whatever offspring they had.

Not too long after that, Viola was born after a snow storm had ended in Eshea. The storm was partly created by Yule because of his growing worry and anticipation when Ariel was nearing her due date and partly because it was the start of the winter season, but the storm quickly subsided once Yule had Viola in his arms.

A baby girl with black hair. The complete opposite of the attributes the heir needed, but that didn't matter to Yule. This was a baby created out of love instead of contractually. He couldn't ask for anything more.

Feeling slightly disappointed in not creating an heir, Ariel promised to build up her body more and get more magical energy from the forest in order to create the heir that's needed. However, Yule told her not to worry about it too much. An heir will be produced when the time comes. Until then, they will enjoy their time with their daughter.

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