Art: © http://www.furaffinity.net/user/dev-chan

Shaundice: ©Scheknul

A failed dancer. Shaundice was chased out of her home town, when attempting to perform a banned ritual dance. She fled, and eventually found herself lost in a forest. Eventually, finding her way, like so many others, to Scheknul's castle. Only those in true need, and fear may find it. Upon approaching, the gates swung wide open. Syn approached her. "You look tired, my dear. Why not join us." She couldn't believe it. An actual ghost? Well, more of a wisp, but still spiritual. The agony of being chased from her home town, and the undead, caused her to faint. Lucien appeared, and came up to her. Licking her cheek. Nothing would wake her. He curled around her body to keep her warm. Winter was approaching. Eventually, Syn brought Scheknul to her side, where he put her upon Lucien, and brought her to a chambers. The next morning, Shaundice awoke with a stir to find Scheknul leaning against a wall. "Do not be alarmed. Only those in true peril may find my castle. Many stray have come here. You are welcome to remain as my guest, or become family. If you become family, we will teach to powerful magic, and much more." She thought for a moment, and went to open her mouth to speak, but reared back softly, and looked down. "You do not have to decide now, if you don't want to." She shook her head, and pointed to her throat. A mark ran along it, as if someone had cut it at one point. She then pointed to her mouth, then shrugged. "You can't speak?" Scheknul frowned, but approached, and sat beside her. From his weight on the bed, she was forced to lean into him. How ever, from how soft he was, she simply nuzzled in, and sighed. Raising his large, right paw, he pet her head softly. "You're welcome to remain with us. Maybe, some day, we will get your voice back to you. You may be silent, but your eyes speak loudly to me. You're frightened, but relieved. Welcome home." Shaundice looked to him, and blushed with a smile. Leaning up to him, she gave Scheknul a big, wet lick on his nose, then laid herself upon his lap. They remained there for a long while, just getting acquainted. Eventually mind melding in order to understand one another better. "You have been hurt, and for that I am truly sorry." He paused for a moment, but scratched behind her ears with one paw." Will you stay with us?" Shaundice clung to him, around his waist, and nuzzled into his belly. "I'll take that as a yes. Come with me, I have someone for you to meet." They stood, and left the room. Shaundice clung to Scheknul's left arm, only peering out, but a little to look at where she was going. Eventually, they came to Jade's chambers. With a knock, Jade opened the door, and smiled. "Another visitor?" Scheknul chuckled. "No, my dear, she's going to stay with us. Her throat was sliced open many moons ago, and she has since lost her ability, and will to speak. I want you to be her guardian, and teach her how to heal, and ice spells." Jade nodded and knelt down. Shaundice only stood about four feet seven inches tall. Where as Scheknul was six feet one inches, and Jade, five feet eight inches. She was tiny by comparison, but fully grown. Shaundice cowered behind Scheknul. "It's alright little one, she won't hurt you. Jade here is a friend of mind, and I trust her with my life. She only means to help you understand that, there is more to life, than suffering." Shaundice rushed forth, and clung to Jade. "There are many more who are eager to meet you, but I'd prefer it if you two got acquainted first." Scheknul turned to leave, but Shaundice gripped the hem of his cape. Turning back to her, she smiled up, and stuck out her tongue. "I know, I know." He turned and pet her on the head, causing her to look down, and blush brightly. "Welcome to the family, young one."