A Needle in a Haystack [Saphira/Malachi]

[Raksha]

Once Raksha's pregnancy became apparent, it was in her best interests to find a den for her future family. Family. She... She was to have a family! What had been a shaking, terrified figure was now a more hopeful, contented figure. She was not over the demons of her past but she would not let them hold her back from this new era. She was not a wolf of any pack but Valyn, and nobody but Valyn wolves could get to her.

Speaking of Valyn, On-aldirr Crevice seemed like a great place to set up a bed. It seemed the only logical place to use as a den, anyway. After peering into the depths for a while, Raksha padded in, observing her secure surroundings. The place seemed to echo safety and protection for pups, somewhere that an expecting mother would be happy to raise her future children. Children. Future children.

It was amazing to think that, not so long ago, Raksha had been a loner in every sense of the word. But now, no, it was quite the opposite. Now, she was surrounded by wolves who not only would refrain from harming her but would also probably grow to be her friends. Friends. Something that was scarce for Raksha's entire life. Aden had been her only friend really, and he was not only actually a lover but also dead. Gone.

Inexplicably, the small runt of a male, Ciar, surfaced in Raksha's head. Despite her initial reaction to him, it turned out that they got along fairly well; perhaps it was only the larger males who were to be feared. After all, Aden had been smaller than Mukesh and that Kairos brute... Well, large would have been an understatement. If things carried on like this, Rak and Ciar could very well become friends in the future. And then there was Valeria's family that the Seraphim had spoken of who Raksha was yet to meet. Would they be giants too, like Valeria? Perhaps some would have those unique golden markings of the alphess'. Or maybe the Mackenzie Valley female had been referring to Valyn as a family. Valyn. A family. I like that.

.: OOC :.

Words: 378
Tags: Saphira Malachi
Notes: So a few Rak/Saph posts before Nymph brings Mal in? Also, sorry for the rubbish post! I didn't want to hold anything up, though, so here it is <3
Muse: Okay

[Saphira]

Saphira strolled along, a light bounce to her step. Since her last encounter with Malachi not too long ago, she had been happier. Being able to talk through everything with him had helped her clear her mind, organize her thoughts, and be able to see past the change and the fear. Her conversation with Valeria had helped a lot, too. Being able to talk through things and discuss the direction of the pack and her future had done her a lot of good, but it was something her brain had needed more time to digest, and running into Malachi had been just what she had needed.

Saphira was, every day, growing more and more proud to be a member of Valyn. The same loyalty, commitment, and pride she had had for Descai was now being imparted to Valyn. She was still in her homelands, she still had her family members, and, in fact, she had gained more family. And with Valeria’s and Malachi’s support, she was sure she could face this change in her life with the optimistic and positive attitude that was so much of her personality. And she knew more change would come soon, with the death of her father. It was not something she liked to think about, especially considering he was still alive, and it seemed somehow disrespectful to constantly be thinking about those who were alive in terms of their death, but it was an inescapable reality.

She shook it from her mind, for now, however. There was no need to borrow trouble, and she was in too good of a mood to dwell on it anyway. Even the dreary, somewhat sinister looking crevices could not pull her down right now.

And that was when she spotted her – another she-wolf, walking along the crevices in great interest, apparently in search of something. Saphira’s tail began to wag as she broke into a slow lope towards her. It became increasingly apparent that she was expecting pups as Saphira approached. Perhaps she was choosing a suitable den for her litter.

Not wanting to frighten the small she-wolf, Saphira called, “Hello there!” while she was still a little ways off, and slowed back to a walk. She did not recognize her, but perhaps she was a new addition to Valyn. The move and merge seemed to have stirred up some kind of energy in the area, and several wolves had joined recently. Saphira knew of them, but now seemed as good a time as any to actually get to know one of them. “I’m Saphira, a member of Valyn, now. Formerly Descai. Who are you? When are you expecting?” The arctic she-wolf knew it was a bit forward, but hoped to open the smaller wolf up to conversation.



Words: 460
Muse: decent
Tags: Raksha , Malachi

[Raksha]

As Raksha scoured the cavern for cosy spots suitable to bed down, a voice called out from behind and took the expectant mother by surprise. Immediately on her toes to check for danger, a pregnant body whirled around rather clumsily with the extra weight. As a set of yellow orbs scanned the area, they found two more optics looking at her, except they were, curiously, different colours. The inconnu also seemed to have gold on their face, the exact same shade as Valeria's, making Raksha suspect that they were related. Calming the cautious fae down, the other female introduced herself as Saphira, a member of Valyn. There was nothing to worry about. Female, Valyn. Females had never hurt Raksha. Valyn had only been warm and welcoming to Raksha. She also added that she had formerly been from Descai, piquing the mother's interest. But before she could ask, Saphira asked the smaller femme her own question.

Saphira's bubbliness reminded Raksha of a pup if the second-time mother was to be honest. It was not a bad thing, no; pups were adorable and yet, despite how small and insignificant they might have seemed to some, they were absolutely vital as well. Without them, there was no future. This love for pups extended to the pup-like wolfess standing before Rak, warming the pregnant female's heart. Of course she would answer her question. Answering pups' questions was always a delight, even if it was an adult who still seemed like a pup at heart like the canid creature standing before the Principality.

"Well, they were conceived about a moon cycle ago. My last pregnancy took three moon cycles so after the moon has been a waning crescent twice, I would say that I would have just given birth or was about to," she replied sweetly, smiling at Saphira's frisky curiosity.

After Saphira's own curiosity had hopefully been sated, Raksha had her own question to ask. Her mind flicked back to what she had heard about Descai. For most of Raksha's life, she had known of this Descai and only recently had the news been spread that Valyn had 'merged' with them or 'taken over Descai' or 'conquested their lands and Vorilye meekly submitted'. There were various versions of the tale so it would be helpful to hear it from a first-hand witness.

"I'm rather curious," Raksha began, trying to sound as not invasive as possible. It was understandable if Saphira did not want to talk about it since if Descai had been conquested as the more violent rumours said, it was likely not the best moment of the larger female's life. "If you don't mind me asking, how exactly did this Valyn-Descai thing happen? I have heard from some that Descai was conquered by Valyn and from others that they decided to ally and share a land and from some that they didn't even ally, that they simply merged into one. I would like to hear it from a first-hand witness, if it's not too much trouble."

.: OOC :.

Words: 538
Tags: Saphira
Notes: Whee posting spree
Muse: Good

[Saphira]

Saphira could not help but smile at the female’s question. She had responded to her warmly and openly after initially being started, but that had faded quickly. And while Saphira’s curiosity was far from sated, she could make do for now. It was only fair to also answer any questions she was sure the darker she-wolf must have.

“So you’re new here? When exactly did you get here?” But without so much as a pause to wait for an answer, Saphira continued with a short laugh, “We were definitely not ‘conquered’ or any such thing.” While her loyalties now belonged whole-heartedly to Valyn, there was still a remnant of the pride she had had for her “former” pack, and she would not stand for hearing it ill-spoken-of. “Valeria was once a member of Descai. Daughter of the alpha. I was very young when she left, and I don’t know all the reasons, but I know she disagreed with things done in Descai and left to form her own pack. However, after Kairos took over her lands, she returned home, and father.. well.. he was ill. And it just made sense for her to take over.”

The arctic fae glanced down at her feet and let out a soft sigh. She would have to come to terms with her father’s passing eventually. “I really do like her as a leader, though. She is the only one of us that is old enough and experienced enough to lead a pack. And it just works out better for both packs this way, given our small numbers and history with Kairos.”

Saphira looked up again, making eye contact with the smaller wolf and smiled at her. “So what about you? Where did you come from? I’m assuming you’ve already officially joined?” Saphira was quick to give benefit of the doubt and much less quick to assume mal-intent of anyone. But it seemed obvious to Saphira that these lands were claimed, and she very much doubted a small she-wolf loner would be looking to have pups on claimed territory unless she belonged to the pack. Saphira had not seen her before, however, and was curious about her.



Words: 362
Muse: decent
Tags: Raksha
Notes: how were we having Malachi enter again?

[Raksha]

Even though Saphira was larger than Raksha, the female could not help but smile warmly at how her personality was like that of a pup. That was not to say that Saphira was not intelligent or useless or anything of the sorts, but her frisky bubbliness constantly reminded the mother of a young puppy's curiosity.

"Yes, I am quite new here, Saphira. I actually came here about a moon cycle ago, after... After a Kairos brute... Used force on me." Raksha gulped shakily before listening intently to Saphira's retelling of the Valyn-Descai merge.

There was a lot of pack history hitherto unknown to Raksha that was being told to the Eastern Timber wolf such as that Valeria was once of Descai and that she was the daughter of the Alpha, Vorilye, as Raksha had heard. Yes, there had been rumours that Descai had been failing with the handover to another Alpha, Ryker apparently. Then word had spread of a Valyn pack shortly after that so Raksha assumed that it was that which had sent Valeria away from her father. There was also the news that Vorilye's health had been failing which was told to the cream-marked Principality.

"I agree," the yellow-orbed fae replied, nodding slightly. "Valeria was just kind and welcoming to me when I sought a place in Valyn. She's a wonderful leader."

The mother's heart warmed to Saphira more as she asked more questions. The gold-and-white-faced she-wolf was an adult, Raksha knew, but the Arctic wolfess seemed so adorably pup-like in demeanour...

"I came from a different pack, Saphira. I was a Hunter in that pack—my parents were too and I was trained for that path since birth. But some... Some things happened that makes me not want to spend my life as a huntress. I came to Valyn looking for a fresh start and it's going great so far.

"So, Saphira. Tell me about yourself. Do you have any friends, family, something that you'd like to tell me?"

.: OOC :.

Words: 371
Tags: Saphira
Notes: Thought that she could mention Mal answering the last question and then Mal can hop in like "You called?" XD Raksha is getting ready to be a third wheel
Muse: Good

[Saphira]

Saphira could not help but let out a quiet gasp at Raksha’s admission. How terrible that was! Saphira felt her emotions at war within her, not sure whether to express empathy and compassion for Raksha or anger and hatred for Kairos. This was yet another reason Saphira was proud to be a Valyn member. Were they the only pack that was willing to stand up to Kairos? The only pack to not shy away out of fear?

“I am so sorry to hear that.” Her eyes burned as she moved toward the female and nuzzled her in a show of sympathy. “So you came here to have your pups?” Saphira took a step back from the she-wolf again, giving her a bit of her personal space back, and despite still feeling sorry for her also felt excited at the prospect of pups being born to Valyn. Hoping it was not seen as insensitive, Saphira allowed her tail to wag just a little, content to move on if the darker wolf was. Saphira could imagine she did not wish to speak about it.

Raksha did indeed seem quite content to move on and easily struck up a conversation about her life before Valyn. One word in particular caught Saphira’s attention. Trained.


“What kind of training do you have? Valeria is training us as fighters so we can be ready and defend ourselves if Kairos tries anything again. We’ve already lost enough to them.” She thought of her father, their lands, Valyn’s lands… So much had been lost.

But that thought fled quickly when Saphira was asked about her own life. “Well, things have been interesting lately with Kairos taking over Kal’dyne. Valeria returned and took over Descai, kind of merging it into what remained of her pack, Valyn. And I was not really sure what to do about that at first. I had only heard rumors of Valeria and Valyn, but it did not sound like me at all. But after talking with her and being able to get away for a few days and clear my head by talking to Malachi and his advice… I’m kind of excited about the direction this could go and potential I have in the pack.”

Beyond knowing that she was devoted to Descai, Saphira had never felt like she had fit or knew what her place was. It was something Malachi had asked her one of their first meetings – what would be expected of her in a pack as an alpha’s daughter, and she had not known. Now, she felt more in control of the direction her life went and more capable of eventually making a decision that suited her and her gifts. “Malachi was a great help in calming me down and talking me through the rationality and possibility for the merge.”

---

Words: 469
Muse: good!
Tags: Malachi , Raksha
Notes: Time to bring in Malphira!!! <33

[Malachi]

It felt strange to be in pack lands like he was a trespasser or spy. None of which were true, Saphira said he was welcome should he wish to come by so here he was. To see how she had settled in since last they spoke, if his words had any effect on her whatsoever. 

The intermingled scents were like a solid wall the closed in on him from all sides, it felt suffocating at first even possibly triggering a panic attack should he lose his head. Taking deep breaths as he walked he tried to remain calm as he searched for her. It was hard as his felt his chest tighten and his lungs construct as he walked. He had to find her in this maze of scents!

Pausing to try and get a grip on himself, Malachi fought with himself to just forget and leave as soon as he could. He would die if he stayed. The other part cheered for him to keep going he would make it asking as he found his friend and ensured she was safe. 

Somehow in his panicked petrification, his ears picked up his name. Who would know his name here! His foggy mind was confused before logic finally peeked in and reminded him why he was here. Saphira had to be close.

Deep breath filled his lungs to calm down but he wasn't sure it was working.  Yet he trudged on and walked through some dried up foliage like a silver ghost. "You called, miss?" He rumbled out, his thunderous voice sounding a bit tight to his own ears. It took several seconds to realize he was wrong she was not even looking for him but conversing with someone else.

Embarrassed, he tried to redeem himself by bowing to the female to whom Saphira really was speaking to. "Pardon my intrusion, ladies. I shall return at a more appropriate time." He bowed deeply to both and made to turn back. Maybe he could compose himself more for the next he made an appearance instead of being practically in the middle of a panic attack.


Raksha Saphira

[Raksha]

"Don't be sorry, Saphira." Saphira did not know everything. Perhaps, if the Arctic fae knew of how Raksha had let her children die, of how terrible of a mother she had been... Or if she knew of how Rak had just stood there as her mate had died, of how she had essentially led her parents to their deaths... The guilt constricted the cream-marked femme's throat, weighing on her conscience constantly, ever since the events had happened... All because of her... She did not deserve sympathy, yet Saphira was being so kind to her... And, oh, how she wished to talk about her troubles with another, but she could not use someone as a rock to vent on, no, she should keep her own problems to herself...

Realising that Saphira had asked another question, Raksha came out of her reverie to answer. "Well, at the time, I did not know of my pregnancy. I actually came here for... Protection from, you know..." The words sounded so selfish to the Principality when she said them; how dare she use this kind, benevolent Valyn as a mere shield? She did not deserve protection—it was punishment for the atrocities that she had brought upon innocent wolves that she deserved. "I hope that I can stay in Valyn for the rest of my life. I shall help out as I can and hopefully bring new, loyal members that do not take after their sire."

But what if they took after their dam? What if everything that they touched would turn to dust, just like their mother? Perhaps... Perhaps, they could take the strength from their father and the loyalty from their mother... And none of the bad genes... Well, it's not to dwell on. I shall raise them to the best of my ability because no pup is born evil. I shall push out any darkness within them with love and compassion and closeness, things that I lacked in my own childhood. The mother would try her best and that was all that she could do.

When Saphira asked about Raksha's training, the yellow-eyed female smiled. The younger she-wolf was probably thinking of some elaborate training scheme, flawlessly pumping out seasoned hunters and huntresses in a factory-like manner. "Oh, it was nothing special. Hunting runs in my family. My parents were hunters and I wanted to please them so I became one. My brother..." Before the words could escape the wolfess' maw, the image of her beloved pups, convulsing and spasming on the ground, frothing at the mouths... Her brother, standing over them, deadly leaves hanging limply from his jaws... Raksha swayed a little on her paws and continued, the sickening sight gone from her mind, "He... He was the rebel of the family. He took a different path."

Would the past always affect her? Was she broken forever? Valyn might prevent further tragedies from occurring to Raksha, but it could not stop the demons of her past from haunting her, harassing her mind endlessly...

Raksha focused her ebony ears, pushing out the negative thoughts, as the other Valyn fae told her story. So Valyn and Descai merged, as one, two packs with vendettas against the notorious Kairos. Saphira then spoke of Malachi, someone who had supposedly helped the dual-toned female in the confusion of the merge.

Senses heightened from pregnancy, Raksha immediately noticed an unfamiliar scent in the air. The smell of Valyn was completely absent from this stranger's pelt, and it was undeniably wolven, not prey, making the Valyn member tense up, ready to face a potentially hostile intruder. Hopefully they would not put up to much of a fight, but—

"You called, miss?" Swiftly, the Eastern Timber she-wolf whirled around, careful to shield her delicate underbelly which was also heavy with pups. What did he mean, 'you called'? Raksha moved protectively in front of Saphira in case if he was hostile—if it came to a fight, the older wolf would be first in line. What confused the dark female, however, was that the trespasser seemed apologetic. Was it a ploy to have the Valyn wolves' defenses lowered?

"Wait, come back, sir. Who are you? Why are you here?" Perhaps he truly had made a subconscious mistake, in which case Raksha would happily have let the male leave, but at the moment, she was simply confused.

.: OOC :.

Words: 780
Tags: Saphira Malachi
Notes: Uhh Raksha muse came back lmao
Muse: Decent

[Saphira]

Saphira found herself liking the gentle-mannered she-wolf. Not that that was at all abnormal for the arctic fae. She had just not been as active the past couple months in seeking out “friends she had not yet met” as she used to be. Perhaps it was just that the changes in Descai and the imminent death of her father were weighing too much on her mind for her to be her usual bubbly self most of the time.

Well, at the time, I did not know of my pregnancy. I actually came here for... Protection from, you know…

“Oh,” Saphira responded, not knowing what else to say. What did one say to someone who had had something that terrible happen to them? Saphira admired Raksha greatly. “I think you’re really brave.” The white wolf was not sure how she would handle being in Raksha’s position. Probably not with the grace and dignity that Raksha managed.

I hope that I can stay in Valyn for the rest of my life. I shall help out as I can and hopefully bring new, loyal members that do not take after their sire.

Saphira smiled at the thought of having another Valyn member and the idea of pups running around everywhere. Goodness knows they needed the numbers. “Well, I’m glad you’ve decided to stay. I think Valyn is nice. Valeria is a good leader.” And Saphira knew from the bottom of her heart that she meant that. She had complete faith in Valeria to do what was best for all of them, and Saphira looked forward to what changes that would bring.

Hearing Raksha’s mention of her brother, Saphira had the urge to satisfy her curiosity and ask about him, but just before she was forced to decide if that would be a good idea given Raksha’s change in mood, Malachi spared her the potential embarrassment by making a very unexpected appearance.

“Malachi!” Saphira squeaked from behind Raksha. “It’s ok, Raksha. He’s a friend,” she calmly explained before pushing past the older female to run over to Malachi and gently head-butt his side as he turned to leave. “Please don’t leave! This is Raksha. She’s a new Valyn member.” The turning around to Raksha, she continued, “Raksha, this is Malachi. He’s… a friend.” Suddenly in that moment Saphira realized she did not know how to describe him. “Friend” did not seem to adequately convey anything. Saphira called everyone a friend. And yet.. there was not another word for it. Was there?

Words: 438
Muse: it.. exists at least
Tags: Malachi, Raksha
Notes: So sorry for holding this up for so long! I’m trying!

[Malachi]

His breath caught in his chest when the stranger voice demanded his name and purpose, he turned his head back to she had stepped in front of Saphira. Like he would hurt her...Not even names were exchanged and this female knew to be wary of him. The warrior in him looked down upon the fact she would sacrifice her young so openly, but then again he couldn't blame her. He would have the same thing. 

Opening his his mouth to respond but before a sound could be made, the golden touched girl was prancing her way over to him. His skin tingled where she softly touched him but his face remained neutral to an extent. His eyes riveted to Saphiras face and smiled at her while his mouth showed no sign of such an expression, "I shall stay if I'm not interrupting anything, miss." He wanted to stay, he came because he missed her after all but he kept his tongue on that. 

Looking at the stranger, he bowed his head. "Yes, I am Malachi, madam. A mere loner but fortunate to have a good friend within the pack here. Forgive my intrusion." His eyes looked at her belly, curious as to how far along she was. Memories of his siblings flickered by quickly but he pushed them aside. Now was not the time, he had to focus on not losing control of himself. The feeling of jumping out of his skin was still so strong. "I trust all goes well." He commented to either female, whichever would choose to reply. His naturally awkward behavior was of course heightened by both having been in the presence of a stranger and in claimed lands only combined for an edgy Malachi. "Forgive me. I haven't had the pleasure of learning you're name." Stormy eyes looked at the mother to be as he scraped the remains of his training from long ago when Kenai was his teacher. He didn't even notice that Saphira had already uttered it thanks to too much turbulence within his own head.

Raksha Saphira
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