Beauty and the Beast Reimagined

Once upon a time, nestled in the dark forested mountains where none dared to go, there existed along winding large river that, if you followed it, would lead you to a castle

Our protagonist followed the path.

He had no reason to but for a sense of adventure deep in his soul.

He came upon the castle and knocked, fear of the unknown starting to settle in his gut.

The castle let him in .

As he wandered, he felt watched by the thousands upon statues of winged beast statues all across the castle.

He came upon a giant throne in shadow and stood in awe.

Even as claws wrapped themselves around from behind the throne.

Our protagonist was fearful, but here was a being that was unknown to him, his curiosity won out.

He spoke with the master of the castle, a master that shared more similarities with the monstrous edifices than with any sort of humanoid shape.

They came to a decision together.

A deal.

Our protagonist, because I want to clarify he was no hero, there were no battles to fight, no honor to gain, no dignity to restore, he offered his hand to the great beast.

He offered his blood The master took it and wrapped himself in ancient magic, taking a new form.

The master, using our protagonist as a magical anchor, was able to leave his castle now, able to explore the deep dark woods he had stared wistfully at for centuries before.

They adventured together.

Explored everything they could The master in awe of the world he hadn't seen yet .

Any question the master asked, the protagonist answered.

One day he asked to learn how to dance as humans so, so he learned.

It makes you wonder what else he asked.

Some tales would say their relationship took a romantic turn, but if it did, would it be our place to ask?

They did return to the castle eventually, to home.

The master overlooked the lands around his castle and wondered how he had missed out on such wonder before.

Now he had a friend willing to show him the world beyond his windows, but for now they were content to rest