Keep Me Sane [Dianthe/Open]

[Aurik]

Though Aurik had been dreading his conversation with Roka, it did seem that airing out their issues had made things better overall. The male had the opportunity to see a side of Roka that he had not been privy to before; the fact that she trusted him enough to break down in his presence had spoken volumes about their friendship. Though Aurik was not always confident in his place in her life, he did know one thing: he was a good friend. Aurik had left their reunion feeling far more confident in his place in Roka's life. Though he knew they would never be more than friends, Aurik was satisfied to be the strength Roka could lean on when things went poorly. And though there was little other reason for him to remain in Kairos territory, Aurik vowed that he would remain until he felt confident that Roka would be okay without him. And it also helped that Dianthe was here.

Dianthe...

Aurik did not want to admit it, but the young wolf he had watched since she was nothing more than a pup was growing into an incredibly lovely young femme. And though it had taken far too long for him to actually talk to her, Aurik was slowing building up some of his confidence. As the grey male lingered near the beaches of Ina'mos, he stared happily over the water. Though he had not expected to find any happiness here, he was far more content than he first believed. Roka was going to need some time when he did finally move on, but he felt confident that she, too, would grow to be at peace with his decisions. Aurik had put his life on hold to ensure her safety, and though he was not a fan of the male she chose, he could respect her decisions and that she never would leave Kairos. But he had options, and he was not tied here.

And in a way, neither was Dianthe. But the seed that had been planted in his heart was unpredictable. Would she ever reciprocate his affection toward her? Her youthful innocence was part of what drew Aurik to her. She was nothing like her half-siblings that rushed around, high and mighty. Dianthe had an innate sweetness and kindness in her that spoke to Aurik; she was a kindred spirit in a dark world. This was a very constrictive and regimented life. Though the rumors of Goliath's disappearance had reached Aurik, he could not help but think that his son, as his successor, would not be likely to change the pack much. After all, Kairos had risen to its position through sheer brute force. It was unlikely they would forfeit any of that with the appointment of a new Emperor. But Dianthe did not fit into this world. She was far too sweet and loving to ever have a place here.

The question was, would she leave with him when the time came?

Dianthe

[Dianthe]

Everything was changing and she didn't know what to do about it. After getting lost for who knew how long, Dianthe returned to find her father missing and her mother had recently disclosed to her that she would be leaving as well. The only good thing with the news was that Tala would still be on Anikira which was apparently not true of Goliath. It was difficult for mother and daughter alike. Never having thought her mother would ever leave, Dianthe was in shock to hear that soon she would, for all intensive purposes, be an orphan. Many tears were shed on both sides and even now Dia could feel her eyes burn from the sadness. Should she offer to go with her? Went round and around in her head but couldn't settle on an answer.

Right now was a rare moment she was alone and she even felt a little guilty about it. They had been spending so much time together, drinking up what precious time they had left together. Dianthe knew Tala loved her and the reverse was just as true, Dia adored her mother. But there was that voice in her head that wondered how she would fare without those pale green eyes to look up to when she needed guidance, comfort....love.

Bowing her head, the little silver female closed her eyes and tried to picture what life would be like soon, oh so soon. Would she be swallowed up or forgotten? There was little evidence to suggest otherwise. But.....there was someone who said they were her friend. Aurik. What would he do once she truly had no one else? He may think something was wrong with her and ignore that he ever met her. No. He was to kind for that. Thoughts continued to form in her head about what he may do if she became a little reliant on him. Would he mind?

Part of her began to wish she was one of those tough wolves who needed no one to be happy. They weren't tied down to anything and just lived as the wind blew, free of cares and perfectly content.

---

Words: 359
Tags: Aurik
Notes: ^^
Muse:-dances-

[Aurik]

Though Aurik had not been seeking out his young friend, the familiar scent of Dianthe flooded his nostrils, drawing the male forward toward the young femme who had helped make remaining in Kairos territory bearable. Her presence was such a bright spot in these lands that, although he was eager to move on with his life, he would linger under she was ready. But Aurik found himself unconsciously wandering toward the scent trail, trotting along the beach as his paws carried him toward the young femme. Though his conversation with Roka was still fresh in his mind, he could not help the ingrained need to check on Dianthe. The news of Goliath's departure had caught him off guard, and as much as Dianthe seemed to differ from her father, that was still her family. Aurik had not yet asked Dianthe much about her litter mates; was she close to anyone? Her mother, her siblings? Many of the young wolves around Kairos had either left on their own path or were rising in the ranks. Aurik was certain he would not be allowed to linger as a loner around these parts much longer with young Typhon in charge. He had no relationship with the young wolf, and should he find Aurik wandering his territory, the male was uncertain of the outcome.

And so the male found himself once again faced with a conversation with Dianthe, and he was unsure what to say. Aurik trotted up calmly to the smaller wolf, gently nosing her side as he approached. "Hey, stranger," he murmured to her in greeting. As he looked over to his friend. "I haven't seen you around lately. Thought it was about time I checked up with you." He could not help the gentle smile as he gazed at Dianthe's delightful, vibrant eyes. She was so unique, both in her appearance and her overall personality. As much as he resented tying himself to this place for the time he had, he could never resent her. She was his light in the dark.

Dianthe

[Dianthe]

Her reverie broken by a gentle nudge, Dianthe at first thought it was Tala having come looking for her. An apology on her lips but never expressed when those big lavender eyes looked up to see the kind face of her friend Aurik. A much needed smile graced her features, he was a welcome sight indeed.

"I g-got lost." She admitted shamefully but tried to sound brave about it. "I d-don't know how l-long but T-Tarak found m-me and showed m-me how to get b-back. H-he isn't from h-here." She said simply, hoping that he wouldn't be upset that she had wondered so far that she didn't know where she was going at the time.

"s-seems I've missed a lot. F-father is gone and Typh-ph-phone is ruler now." She didn't want to mention Tala was leaving, it still was so sad to think of. She understood the reason but that didn't make the pain go away. But Her face betrayed her, she was never good at keeping secrets. So even though her mouth remained closed her eyes shone with a sadness that dimmed even the bright sparkles within those odd colored orbs. "What have y-you been up to?" She asked, trying to take the attention away from herself.

She forced a smile she turned to face him completely, she liked face to face conversations, it felt more open and comfortable. When someone talked with their body turned away she always felt like they were looking for a chance to run off. But Aurik was her only friend, he wouldn't do that would he?

"D-did you find your f-friend?" She knew he went off to search for her last time they met and she sincerely hoped he was successful. 

Aurik
sorry it's so short I wanted this up before I had to go to work.

[Aurik]

Though his initial greeting to Dianthe was sweet and light, Aurik quickly found himself flooded with concern. She had gotten lost? And who was Tarak? The male's protective instincts flared up in an instant before he managed to calm himself. She had made her way back to the island, so clearly this Tarak was not so horrible of a fellow. The grey male was intensely protective of Dianthe, and as much as he hated to admit that he was not there to watch over her, he was not. He was too busying running around and taking care of his own business that he very well could have allowed harm to come to young Dianthe. As the male internally reprimanded himself, he forced a strained smile in her direction. "At least you made it back safe," he murmured, fighting against the urge to chase down whatever male dared to look at her. This feeling of intense jealousy was so new to the male; how could he explain acting upset around her? He had no claim over her, and acting out in such a way would just make him look like more of a fool than he already was.

"I did catch wind of those rumors. Are you okay?" he asked calmly, watching Dianthe closely. Words were often deceptive, but body language never lied. It was clear that Dianthe was hurting, and he wanted to be the one she leaned on. Not Kairos. Not Tarak. He wanted to be her support; after all, he was here, right? They were not. As Dianthe directed the topic away from her family, Aurik was uncertain whether she was just trying to make conversation or if she did not want to talk about this any further. Either way, Aurik would not press the matter any further unless she wanted to discuss it.

"I did, and it seems we have worked through everything. I am glad I had the opportunity to make things right with her, but I do fear that if your safety was the cost, was it really worth it?" He questioned himself on both sides. On one hand, Dianthe could have been harmed, but sacrificing mending his friendship with Roka would have been a poor decision as well. They both were so important to him, and he was not sure that either realized just how much influence they had on his life. For Roka, she was an inspiration through her strength and ability to move beyond her past. For Dianthe, she was able to maintain a pure heart even when surrounded by those who would taint it. Could he really put a price on the presence of either in his life?

Dianthe

[Dianthe]

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"I d-did. He f-fed me before h-he led m-me back and everything. I d-don't  think many even n-noticed I was g-gone." She was used to it by now but still would have been nice to have been missed a little..But it was nothing mope about in the end. She was safe.

Then he asked if she was ok with the changes, looking up at him she didn't answer for a moment. "I d-don't know." She said at first, her voice quiet and wispy. "Father n-never spent time w-with me. I d-don't really k-know Typhon w-well. B-but w-with m-mother leaving-" She cut off, she hadnt meant to say that. Didn't she just promise to herself that she wouldn't? She bowed her head again in shame, she broke a promise..to herself...Well she couldn't very well act like she hadn't said anything, but she didn't want Aurik to get upset either with Tala or herself. "M-mother is leaving K-Kairos and I d-don't know what t-to do a-about it. S-she isn't happy h-here and h-hopes to f-find a place where a-she can be. B-but w-without h-her I am a-all alone." Dropped ears and sad eyes looked away from him, she was embarrassed to put all of this on him, she knew he had his own issues and it was not her place to add on her burdens.

Trying to forget her sorrow, she listened when he said his search was successful! She was glad to hear it, at least one of the was getting their life in order. She smiled for him, proud of him and her heart of gold swelled for him. If he asked if it was worth it, she didn't really know how to respond. She couldn't be selfish but she didn't want to make herself even more worthless by saying it didn't matter. Instead she chose to make a neutral statement, "You can b-be h-happy both of your f-friends are ok." 

---

Tags: Aurik
Notes: She's so lost right now.

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[Aurik]

Though Dianthe did not seem through her words to be adversely affected by the absence of her father, the news that her mother was also leaving Kairos was a surprise to Aurik. The male had always though this pack to be one where wolves lived and died, not wandered out on their own when the whim struck. But it seemed that with the overturn of the Emperor, not everyone was as loyal to the young Typhon as they had been to Goliath. What struck Aurik most was not the words Dianthe used, but the pain that was evident in her face. It was all Aurik could do not to close what little distance was between them to comfort the young femme. Where Dianthe used to be far smaller than he, she was now nearly the same size and not quite as easy to snuggle and consume with his affection. Until the young femme was done speaking, he forced himself to watch her speech until he was absolutely certain she was finished.

"My dear, you are never alone," he murmured to her, a soft smile reaching so far up his face that it nearly touched the male's eyes. "Even if your family is gone, I will always be here for you, little one." Though his affection for the young wolf had grown exponentially over the past few months, he could not help the almost father-like need to protect her that swelled up whenever he was around her. He needed to be sure she was safe and felt loved, his own feelings cast aside. "I am so glad that you are safe, for I would go to the ends of the continent searching for you if I did not know you were safe." The male's gentle brown eyes met Dianthe's soft purple ones. They were opposites in every way. Where Dianthe radiated beauty and innocence, Aurik was plain and tainted by the troubles of the world. He would do anything to preserve the innocence of the young femme; she was the epitome of what he was was right in this world.

"I will never leave you alone." 


Dianthe

[Dianthe]

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Just when she thought she would lose it and start to cry from the frustration and hurt, his sweet tones danced into her ears. He said she wasn't alone, but she didn't see how he could say that. The answer dawned on her when she looked up at the soft brown eyes and saw the smile radiate towards her. It was now her vision blurred from tears but it wasn't from despair but joy. She had him, her friend, to stand by her. He promised, he wouldn't break a promise.

Moved by his words, she practically dove to bury her face into his chest. The tears finally falling down her cheeks, letting loose all the emotion she tried so hard to fight back, to be a strong little girl that could be self reliant but she knew she needed Aurik now. He was all she really had in her world. 'T-thank you." Was all she really could manage at the time. Hope was finally restored after how long of being left and abandoned, she finally had someone to stay by her. He promised.

Craning her neck around to look up at his face from where she stood nestled next to him, Dianthe's wet eyes shone brightly. "I w-will be h-here for you t-too." She didn't know if her promise would mean that much to him, she was still a youngster and he may think she would forget her vow in a year or so but she meant it. She didn't promise lightly and if he would be there for her, she would do the same. That's what friends did.

"I w-will take c-care of you." A silly promise since she was quite a bit younger than him, but she would do her best. 

---

Tags:
Aurik
Notes:

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[Aurik]

Though Aurik had spoken with Dianthe previously, as the young femme drove her face into his pelt he could feel her mouth move, but the poor deaf male simply could not know what had been said. His brown eyes filled with regret as he realized that he had not let her know before... Perhaps she would not care for him as much once she knew the truth of just how broken he was. "Dianthe..." he started slowly, pausing to try to find the right words. How does one blurt out that they have been broken since youth, and they were unfixable? He would forever be this way, and there was nothing that she could do to change him. In fact, there was a possibility that she would not want to hang around the stupid deaf wolf if she knew. But keeping such a secret from her was only hurting them both, and though it might have been obvious to an older wolf, it had not previously inhibited his interactions with the young femme. He supposed it was time to come clean with her.

"My dear... when you speak to me, you will have to look right at me," he murmured, distress evident in his eyes. "I am afraid I cannot hear you. I have never been able to hear you." The male promptly hung his head in shame. Though it was unlike him to feel disappointed by his disability, he felt he had been deceptive in gaining Dianthe's trust before letting her know. It was a part of him that would never change, and she had a right to know before she had promised to look out for him, too. She should not have to watch his back all the time; he was a liability to most wolves. It was part of why he was sure Goliath had never granted him a traditional rank within the pack. He was soiled and broken; he would not be good for Kairos, and here he was cozying up to one of the male's own daughters. Though Goliath was gone, he could not help but feel the prickling on the back of his neck at the thought that the male was still watching his every move.

"I am sorry I deceived you, Dianthe. I should have been honest with you from the beginning," the male admitted, glancing back up at the small femme. Whether or not she decided he was still worth her attention, Aurik could not shake the feeling of shame. He was pathetic and could not be trusted. Why would such a wonderful wolf ever want to spend time with someone like him? He would never be able to give her a normal life like the other wolves in Kairos. He would forever be the deaf, lone male who was no good. 

Forever broken.

Dianthe

[Dianthe]

She heard her name murmured with sadness and all she could think of was she somehow hurt his feelings by making such promises. How? She didn't know. An apology was just on her lips when he continued on in an explanation that...He was unable to hear er. She was shocked to say the least, never would she have guessed his hearing was gone. 

She didn't move for awhile as she digested the news. She had never met a deaf wolf before, not that it meant anything. He made him more special. Besides they had made promises to each other and she intended on keeping hers, this was merely something she would have to work with. 

Pulling back, she looked up at him fully, taking care her mouth was in plain sight. "I'm s-sorry. I d-didn't know." She said quietly, the fact he couldn't hear her tone meant nothing. She was a little ashamed that she hadn't figured it out. How many times had she made it hard for him because she turned her face away or something that blocked his sight from seeing what she said?

She didn't really look at it as he deceived her. Surely being in Kairos would be dangerous for a wolf in his position . It had be a secret, right? "I-I'll be m-more c-careful." She made sure she spoke as she had always done. After all, she had enough trouble concentrating on talking and he seemed to understand her just fine. Stutter and all. 

Seeing the look of shame on his face pricked her heart. What could she say to make him feel better? A young one like her didn't have a whole lot to offer, but she desperately wanted to help. "W-we c-can be od-odd together, Aurik." She smiled at him brightly, momentarily forgetting her troubles. "W-with my weird eyes and st-stutter, I c-can still be y-your ears w-when you need th-them." This may sound like a silly idea but she meant it kindly. She wanted to help and this is what she came up with. Yes, he seemed to get along just fine without her listening for him , but there could be times she didn't know of when he struggled. 

---

Words: 392

Tags: Aurik

Notes: The sweet mind of a little girl ^^

Muse:Good

[Aurik]

In truth, Aurik had expected disgust. Hatred. Revulsion. Instead, he was met with the kindest and most understanding eyes he had ever seen. Even Roka had not been so accepting of his disability int he beginning, though he knew at first she had been wary of his kindness. But without a word, Dianthe had accepted him for what he was and simply moved on, vowing that she would try to make things easier for him in the future. In his swirling world of self-loathing, he was once again brought back to the surface by a sweet young femme who was clearly too good to be true.

"You are not odd, Dia," he murmured softly to her, his gentle brown eyes resting on his young companion. "Your eyes are beautiful. And until just now, I did not know you spoke with a stutter, my sweet girl. I cannot hear it," he soothed the young miss with a soft smile. "Perhaps we are two parts of one normal wolf in this world,"he mused, offering a big grin and an affectionate nuzzle to his sweet Dianthe. His affection for the young femme grew stronger every day, and though he knew it would likely end poorly for him, he could not guard his heart from everyone. He wore it on his sleeve, and Dianthe was the one who was quickly sweeping it away. How he had managed to exist in this world without someone to care for, he did not know.

"You have no idea just how much your acceptance means to me, Dia," he whispered in her ear. Though he could not hear, that did not mean she could not. Her promise meant more to him than a million stars in the sky. She was his future, and though he might not have been her's, he would go to the ends of the earth for her. All she needed to do was ask.

[Dianthe]

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She was so happy that he took her words to heart and accepted her small offer of assistance when she could. It was even sweeter when he said she was lovely not odd. She hadn't heard those words form anyone other than mother. Plus he would always be patient with her, she just knew it. He wasn't even aware of her impediment which was the cause of so much irritation with most that she met. This was the best friendship ever to her!

Maybe he was right. They made each other whole, filling in where the other lacked. She liked the thought. Maybe he was brought to Kairos to help her. Or maybe that is why she was born. She heard of the Fates or the Gods (Frankly it depended on who one spoke to) and they decided Aurik was sad for long enough, he needed a friend. So they made her. A little bundle of silver and lilac to make him happy. For the first time in her short little life she could be the hero and what better way for it to happen than to be one for the very wolf who was her hero. 

She smiled again when he nuzzled her and whispered his thanks. She responded by nudging his cheek gently with her nose. She was already learning to not speak when he couldn't see her, so she would have to come up with other ways to communicate. 

Settling in closer, she rested her little form next to his. The feeling of someone strong next to her was comforting. No longer alone in this big world that she was sure would just swallow her up in the torrent of other wolves. Now, she mattered to someone. He'd keep her safe and she would make sure she did what she could to make him happy. That's what friends did. 

---

Tags:
Aurik
Notes:

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[Aurik]

Even in the short time Aurik had known Dianthe, he had always seen that he was different from the others. It was only upon truly interacting with her that he was able to see the full extent of her difference from her siblings and pack. She was a naturally loving and affectionate being in a way that Aurik had not seen before, outside of his own nature. In the short time since he had informed her of his disability, she was already catching on to the fact that he still craved the physically affection, yet he could not enjoy the softly spoken words when she was so close. And as they sat side by side, with the young femme leaned up against him, Aurik allowed his eyes to slide shut, giving in to his other senses in a way that he rarely allowed.

The male was particularly suspicious of not being able to see, for in many ways it made up for his inability to hear. He was able to interact with wolves regularly when he could read lips and pick up on body language that others might have missed. But in allowing that brief moment with his lids delicately closed, he was able to truly feel the electricity between them. Dianthe was like the North Star, drawing him closer to home in ways he had never thought possible. She was his guidance in this dark place, and he would allow her to take him anywhere her heart desired, if only to keep her happy. Little did she know just how much she had the male wrapped around her little paws. She was the needle on his compass, and without question he would follow. Somehow, he just knew this was where he needed to be. In that moment, he was declaring that he trusted her unconditionally, for a deaf wolf without site was no more than a sitting duck without the presence of one he trusted without fail.

Guide me forward, my young Dianthe, for I will follow you through the fires of hell if it only means I can spend another moment with you, he thought absently, his brown eyes slowly opening as he turned his head just enough to smile down at his young companion. He was home when he was with her.

Dianthe