Snow Magic - Mercedes Lackey

Long ago in Mother Russia Where the Human kind were few Many of the woodland creatures Spoke and lived as Humans do Wisest of them knew snow magic Tigers, bears and all the rest But among four footed kindred White wolves knew it best In the forests of the North Lands Where light curtains dance at night Lived a warrior named Alexi - He was young and fair and bright. Many maidens sighed to see him, Yet Alexi dwelled alone. Though they tried their best to please him To their charms he was as stone. Then one day within the forest Young Alexi passing there Met a maiden like no other - Tall and shining, proud and fair. Hair as pale as virgin snowdrifts, Eyes like ice with hidden fire. From the moment that he saw her He was taken with desire. Young Alexi, proud Alexi There is magic in the snow! There is peril in the forest, Hiding more than you can know! To Alexi's awe and gladness His pale maid loved in return. And she would deny him nothing Though her past he would not learn. Nor would she once leave the forest Back to his own village go. Said she feared the touch of strangers, Would not leave the peaceful snow. Now though he would often beg her Let him much past moonrise stay, But with tears and soft intrigues Sent him homewards on his way. Enemies had young Alexi, One of them a cunning foe Noted where he spent his hours, Laid an ambush in the snow. "Oh my love and life, Alexi - Leave while light is in the sky! There is danger in the forest - Go and do not ask me why! Young Alexi, strong Alexi - Laughed away his lover's fears. And he did not leave till darkness And behind him he could hear Sounds of wolves that stalked his footsteps. Then before him he could see Men that sprang out in an ambush And his mortal enemy. He was one against too many, But ere they could raise a sword, Wolves appeared and leapt upon them Like a great howling horde! Wolves lead by a silver bitch-queen As white and soft as snow. And Alexi much astonished Watched his enemies laid low. Oh Alexi, my Alexi - Why were you so bold and proud? Why did you not heed the warning That I dared not speak aloud? And the wolf-bitch faced Alexi As blood stained her white fur red And before he drew one breath His lover stood in wolfling sted. "Long I loved you with my magic. Wrought a spell, but with one ban - In my woods I'd stay a maiden While I never killed a man." "Now the spell I wrought is ended", And she vanished as she spoke And the witch-wolf turned and fled him Howling as her spirit broke. Though the many maids pursue him, Young Alexi dwells alone. And his friends are heard to wonder At how sad his face has grown. Young Alexi, proud no longer - Each day to the forest goes, Seek for something lost to hiding, Raised by magic in the snows.