A Herald of Beginnings [Malachi/Open]

[Gailleann]

The wandering lady traveled to the south, to the east, and west, finally she was moving northward. There was never a particular destination in mind, she merely wandered seeking what was lost in hopes that one day it will be found. She had met several wolves along the way, some were kind, others savage. The lessons Malachi had given her when she first arrived on the island continent had served her well. Learning how to defend herself until an opening presented itself for her to escape, had it not been for him she was certain she would have been dead several times over by now.

Leann paused in her step as the clear tranquility of that pale gaze set against fire and cream peered out across the flowing waters of the river. Like the rivers surface she was a picture of calmness with an unbreakable path set before her, and still beneath the surface ran tides and currents that were far more wild and complicated then it's smooth surface implied. But that was an aspect of herself that never broke the surface, never arose in the light of day. As she gazed upon the waters surface her thoughts would drift back to her first days here, to the male who had helped her in spite of himself. Unnoticed was the smile that crossed her lips, as she recalled his awkwardness. The way he looked at her when she refused to back down from anything he threw at her. Whether it was in warrior training, or in her personal quest to find her missing sister. He may not understand that part of her but she had felt, in their short time together, the same feelings she had for her sister. An undying loyalty and love for a sibling. Briefly she wondered what he was up to, the moon had grown full several times since last she saw him. I hope he is alright...and happy...

Flanks expanded then retracted on a heavy sigh as she dropped her muzzle to the mud and stone along the banks of the river, drawing in deep the scents that were to be found. She was an expert tracker, which made her a decent hundreds. The rumble in her belly as her senses were assaulted by the plentiful presence of fish let her know it had been several days since she last paused in her wandering to take a meal. To her knowledge this land was not claimed, so hunting was free game. Still she had wished to be certain, so had taken more then two days in order to confirm what her mind already knew. No it was time to test her skills at fishing.

Even as she stepped into the shallows with most of her attention focused on the chilly waters seeking the life below, her mind drifted backward to a time when she and her paler shaded sister had last fished together, before their mother had vanished and life had changed so drastically. An arrow of sorrow and loneliness rose swiftly to pierce the flame colored wolf's heart, she missed her sister fiercely. I will find you, my dearest sister, if it takes me the rest of my life, I will NEVER give up hope of finding you! With that vow silently repeated once again she turned her attention to more immediate needs. Namely the cramping snarl of a belly protesting its lack of contents.

---

Words: 578
Tags: Malachi / Open
Notes:
Muse: Grand

[Malachi]

He was tired, so tired. But it felt good. The ache in his muscles were testimony that he had loosened up a little and ran with Saphira in an odd form of a game. All games were odd to him but she seemed determined to teach him, a touching gesture in her part to deal with such an awkward male as himself so kindly. 

She came to him seeking advice and he had hoped he did well, she seemed more at ease after they had talked which had to a good sign right? A lot had changed for her and he was honored to be the listening ear as she sorted things out. Then she had gone to return home and he as always walked the other direction. Part of him wondered if he should cross the borders to be sure she really had settled well, but would that be to intrusive? Would she think he doubted her abilities? 

Resolving to leave it alone for now, the stormy male walked alone. He was used to it, solitude was a well known companion. Searching for a place to lay down and rest was steadily rising to the top of his list. When was the last time he actually slept? He couldn't quite remember.

A scent from the past triggered a memory he had buried in the back of his mind. It belonged to someone he knew but had doubts of ever crossing paths with again. Scanning for her, Malachi's grey blue eyes shortly found the russet female. Stepping up to shorten the distance between them, he let the thunderous tone of his voice trickle over to her. "Miss Gailleann. I see you are doing well." Memories of lessons he taught her flashed each in turn in his mind, she was a determined student and fearless when it came to trying new things. 

Something like a smirk but at the same time keeping a serious expression rippled over his face so subtlety only a keen eyes would note the brief change. "How is your search coming along?"


Gailleann
wheeeeeee!

[Gailleann]

She focused on her target, it's gleaming scales were like bright silver shards darting beneath the waters surface. Lightning swift Leann lunged forward, jaws parted revealing the deadly prick of pale victories an instant before they closed upon the fish. A sharp twist and a toss of that skull sent the fish flying to the banks, at the paws of the last wolf she expected to see. Flaming twins perk as a delighted smile tracked its way across her muzzle. "Malachi!!" With a light step she exited the shallows of the waters where she fished, giving a quick shake to rid herself of excess moisture before moving closer to him. She was well aware of his aversion to creatures invading his personal bubble, still she trotted up to him, playfully headbutting his neck in greeting. Teeth close on his ear to give it a tug in her excitement. Circling him she did not immediately answer his own questions instead presenting him with one of her own as she studied him critically. "Mal, you look exhausted, and hungry." Pausing before him that cranium dropped to shove the still wiggling fish towards him. "Eat, I'll catch a few more."

With that she was back in the water staring intently at the surface. To all intents and purposes it appeared that she was completely focused on catching enough fish to satisfy the both of them, she still went over his question in the dark recesses of her mind. How indeed, should I tell him I caught her scent? Am I even certain it was really her, or was it simply my imagination? Two more fish joined the first before she trotted back to stand before him. Lowering her rear to her hunches she sat with a gentle smile upon her muzzle. She would watch him expectantly, twins cast forward, only when he chose a fish did she relax and allow a faint frown to pass across her lips, so swiftly gone it would be all to easy to miss.

He was exhausted, that was easy to see, at least by someone who had spent as much time with him as she had, studying his moves and learning from him. It was because of this she chose to keep her own misgivings and uncertainties to herself. "My search is going very well, thank you for asking. I've traveled to the South, east and west and everything in between. Now I head northward." Nosing at the remaining fish she smirked up towards him. "And what of you? What adventures have you been on since I last saw you?"

---

Words: 433
Tags: Malachi / Open
Notes:
Muse: Epicness!!

[Malachi]

He didn't expect such a bundle of energy although he knew he should have. She was a sunny beacon that contrasted starkly with his solemn demeanor. Saphira would like her. He mused to himself humorously but his expression didn't change it indicate the thought.

His body instinctively tensed when she touched him. No it wasn't a touch to was practically a hug and he wasn't sure what to do about it. Clearing his throat uncomfortably, he tried to loosen his frozen form. Affection was still his weakest point. "Uh..thank you." He mumbled, embarrassed that he didn't know what to do with her now. A good friend would probably embrace in return but he just...couldn't...

A tug of his ear and she was gone, circling him carefully, he felt the critical eyes upon him. Holding his head high, he presented himself as excellently as he could but she knew him to well and quickly deduced his physical state. 

Suddenly fish lay at his feet and she was bouncing in to fetch more. How the tables had turned. When they first met it was him feeding and caring for her and now she seemed to be repaying the favor. "My gratitude, miss." He said honestly and ripped one fish in half in one quick move.

Listening to her tale carefully as he ate, Malachi nodded silently to show she had his attention. When it came to be his turn, he looked her in the eyes. "I have traveled extensively as well. Met a few new faces but nothing really worth boring you with. Recently I have returned here to meet up with my oldest friend to see how she has been faring." He had known Saphira for about a year yet she held the title of being his oldest Friend. What did that say about him?

Gailleann
OOC -dances- 

[Gailleann]

The smirk that crossed her muzzle at his throat clearing, she was well aware of the turmoil he felt at displays of affection. Still it didn't stop her, after all he would eventually resign himself to the fact that she adored him, whether he liked it or not. Still while she circled him her worry over him grew, what had caused him to push himself so hard as to end up in this state? And so she would feed him, tend to him as he had once done for her, after all that's what siblings were for.... That thought made her freeze for a moment while he tore into the fish. Inwardly she smiled once more, yes Malachi needed a family, and she was a perfect candidate for a sister. Without even consulting him she'd made her decision. Malachi was not her brother, simple fact.

Satisfied with that train of thought she spoke to him of the progress she'd made around the island in search of her missing sister, granted she felt some regret withholding information. But as run down as he looked she did not want to add to whatever burden he currently carried, no matter how strong he was. Nosing among the caught fish she chose a modest sized one and settled back onto her belly cradling the silvery creature between her paws carefully. Dipping her muzzle while he spoke she bit delicately into its succulent flesh. Fish wasn't her favorite meat, but it was satisfying enough in its own way.

When he mentioned boring her she let out a light bark of laughter. "Malachi! There is absolutely no way I could possibly be bored listening to your adventures." A cant to that head as he continued, his oldest friend...? "You must mean Saphira?" How is she doing?" A thought that had occurred to her several times before returned, she would like to meet this Saphira. Although he never really gave detail about the wolf, Leann got the impression that the two of them could become fast friends.

---

Words: 340
Tags: Malachi / Open
Notes: Boop
Muse:

[Malachi]

Picking apart his fish the silvered brute began to notice that he felt an odd sort of ease around her. Perhaps it was due to having been her teacher when they first met, perhaps she was just likeable. He shrugged mentally and decided not to get to caught up in his thoughts on the matter. Gailleann was a pure hearted creature, there were few in the world from what he had seen so far and honestly it was a loss. 

He tilted his head when she said he couldn't bore her. A puzzling statement, surely he could manage to bore her some how but the effort to do so on purpose would be a waste of energy of course. "I'm happy to hear you have such confidence in me." Perhaps happy wasn't the right word, especially coupled with his normal stoic expression, it seemed to strong of a statement. 

However she caught him be surprise when she pulled out Saphiras name out of air and spoke it with familiarity. She had listened to his stories of his past, however vague he was about them. Nodding his approval of her recollection as he confirmed her guess. "Yes, Saphira. It was good to see her, she seemed to have a need to talk about a few things which confused her and I was honored to help." Once again he was vague, but then a thought struck him. If he introduced these two, perhaps they could help each other. It may also be a move to push himself out of the picture but if they both found a support, then it would be all for the better, right?

"Forgive me, but would you mind if I took you to Valyn to meet her? I know it's rather sudden but...." Ah maybe he should have kept his mouth shut, who was he to try and create bridges of friendship?

Gailleann

[Gailleann]

She gave him a sunny grin when he told her it made him happy that she had confidence in him. "I have confidence a plenty in you Malachi, more then you'll likely ever realize." With that enigmatic statement the fire and cream of her muzzle dipped back towards her fish, tearing its flesh and devouring it with a dainty precision. Licking at her mew after each bite in order to keep as clean as possible. After all she was a lady through and through.

When she asked after Saphira, the delight in those soft gray eyes set them to sparkle as she savored one of the few times she caught him by surprise. Looking particularly pleased with herself she listen as he once again gave a vague explanation. Nosing aside the bones and head of the fish, she had a particular aversion to eating the heads of things. Not that she wouldn't, but if she could avoid it she most certainly would. Without comment she shoved the remaining fish in his direction, after all he needed it more then she did, at least to her way of thinking. From that point she carefully licked at her paws removing every stray scale and bit of blood that was present.

"It is always good to have an ear that is willing to listen, especially when you have difficulty puzzling through something on your own." A slight frown crossed her features while those soldiers twisted backwards in thought. She and her sister had always talked, about anything and everything. And now? Gailleann was on her own, for a moment that profound loneliness was overwhelming, but just as quickly as it had come she shook it off and her usual cheerful smile danced across her muzzle. When his next statement was spoken in that deep voice of his she blinked several times before tilting her head to the right. "First of all Malachi, there is no need for you to ask forgiveness, you have done nothing that needs forgiveness. Secondly, dearling, I believe it would be a complete pleasure to travel to Valyn and meet your friend."

A quick vigorous shake was given as she pushed to her paws. "But before we even consider traveling anywhere, you need a good night's rest. Shall we find some place to den for the night?" She would inquire curiously.

---

Words: 392
Tags: Malachi
Notes: She doesn't waste time does she hahaha
Muse: Delightful!!

[Malachi]

He stopped at stared at her, she had confidence in him. A simple statement really, but it struck him deeply. If he were an expressive male his jaw would have probably dropped but he wasn't and it stayed locked together in stoic silence. even after she had returned the daintily eating her fish, he took a few moments to do the same. He told himself she only meant to be kind and mentioned it in passing but the tone she used seemed sincere. 


Shaking that one off, he shredded his next slippery morsel and tried to act like all was normal. He had no response suitable so he opted to make none at all. Eluding to her sister, his eyes flickered back to her face, "You'll find her." He said simply. He was certain her search was exhausting and maybe even started to lose hope, he would if he was in her position. Not like that made any real difference. She was more optimistic than he was so he thought giving her a simple boost may encourage her enough to keep looking.

Then she said something that once again floored him. What in the world? His mind froze, Did she just call me Dearling? This time emotion won however slightly and his brow rose by a fraction. What did she mean by that? She managed to twice catch his tongue in a matter of minutes. He opened his mouth to speak but no words came out. Blinking several times, he just resigned to saying nothing at all. 


Maybe a good nights rest would do him some good. He nodded in agreement to her suggestion and stood. His body complained about the motions but he stubbornly continued. "Come, there is a suitable place not far from here. Big enough for both of us."


Gailleann
Hes so awkward haha

304

 

[Gailleann]

With Malachi in agreement for a nights rest Gailleann smirked, weeks ago he would never have taken such a suggestion from her. It only showed her how much his trust in her had grown. On silent paws she followed him to where he indicated, once they were both settled she would watch him for a moment. Thoughts dancing wildly in her mind before settling on one thing. Yes, he would be her family, whether he was willing or not, she would protect him. A funny thought for one who held minimal knowledge of battle, and that only because of the brute before her, to swear she would protect him. But still there were other ways to protect someone, not just physical, but mental and emotional as well.

Tomorrow they would seek out this Saphira, and if she was worthy of her brother then Leann would see to it that the two had the opportunity to explore their feelings. It never crossed her mind that Saphira might not like Mal like that, after all despite his silent standoffish demeanor he was a strong wolf, reliable, intelligent, everything a wolfess could want in a potential mate. Why had she never looked at Malachi with that kind of affection, one might wonder? The answer was simple. She wasn't meant to find a mate, to find love and happiness in such a fashion. The universe held balances, good to bad, right to wrong, light to dark, and so it was with love. For every couple who found love, there was someone who would be denied such an emotion. Gailleann had long ago assumed she was of the later category, which opened her sister up for the former.

With a contented sigh, her plan set in her mind she uttered a softly spoken "Good night Malachi" Lowering that fire and cream skull to her paws, stormy greys drift closed and her consciousness faded into the land of dreams.

---

Malachi