Before the Storm [Sazio]

[Sasha]

The early morning air was cool and crisp against the young pup's pelt. She wasn't a big fan of winter, despite this being the first one she had experienced. She had gone through all the seasons, now, and winter was by far the worst possible season there was... Though summer was pretty brutal, too... At least there was always the option of swimming in the summer, though. Cooling off was easier than staying warm. The winter seemed to exhaust Sasha more than she realized it would. With her body constantly fighting to keep warm, it left her sleeping more and more... Or at least curled up somewhere where she could maybe get a little warm. Presently, she was curled up between a large rock and the cavern walls, her nose peeking out the smaller side of the crevice that she had jammed herself in, looking out the cavern entrance. That she knew of, no one else was in the cave with her, and she was content with just looking outside, watching as the steady rain slowly stopped, leaving a damp outside world that would be absolutely no fun for a cold little pup. Of course, she wasn't terribly little. She had grown a ton even just in the past few weeks, though she didn't realize it too much. The only thing she really noticed was the fact that it was harder to run than it had been because her legs were way to long for her body.

Cute... Perhaps that's how you could describe her. Certainly not beautiful with her shaggy coat and awkward body confirmation. She was awkward to say the least... Even calling her cute was stretching it a little. At least... That was how Sasha saw it. But she supposed that she shouldn't be concerning herself with such thoughts so early on in her life. But how could she not? She couldn't even just be a pup without being compared to her mother, and she hated it. With Yang... Sure, she had boasted of her position within the pack, but she hadn't meant it to be hurtful or something that she should be scolded for. And yet, still, she had been compared to her mother in the sense that she would never be able to run the pack like her mother did. She would be the ruin of the pack, according to Yang. Though he was probably right. While Sasha didn't know for certain if she would be named heir, just the thought caused her a bit of anxiety. The responsibilities that came with being Aesir... She would never be able to handle them all. And to find a mate and somehow -because she was still young and didn't quite understand everything- produce an heir of her own... It would never happen. Sasha knew that the other wolves compared her to her mother in looks as well as personality, and Sasha was fairly certain that they couldn't be more opposite. Kiva was calm, Sasha was hot headed. Kiva was beautiful, Sasha was... Awkward. Kiva was kind, Sasha was aggressive. There was absolutely nothing in common between the two of them, and that worried Sasha. She worried that she would drive Othala into becoming like Kairos. Murderers... Violent, angry wolves that couldn't control their urge to kill.




@sazio

[Sazio]

The silence in the caves often calmed the torrent of dark thoughts that continuously ran on an unending wheel within the confines of that blood drenched mind. Very much aware that lingering among the wolves of Othala was causing him to become soft. But it was an awareness he refused to acknowledge, instead he used an idle excuse. This was merely another disguise for a lengthy mission, being taken for as a gentle guardian rather then the frozen hearted killer he truly relished in being. Still being perceived as a kind soul did not mean he should neglect his training. With a stringent schedule he rarely if ever deviated from, one thing could be assured, Sazio's skills were in no danger of becoming dull.

So when the presence of another became apparent as he drifted soundlessly around the cavern he would not be able to resist the temptation. It took him only seconds to locate his target, Kiva's daughter, the gangly uncertain of herself gray brushed pup. A quick study of the situation and he had a plan. A devious grin appeared on that muzzle, while frozen shards of green glass sparkle with a sinister delight.

There would be no sound, no hint, not even a stirring of the air around her. It was simply that he was there, reclining on the large rock she had wedged herself against, the stoic emotionless visage raised with those emeralds watching the entrance with little to no real interest. Instead despite the direction of his gaze, his attention was resting on the pup below him. Jaws part releasing the deep velveteen tones from their resting place. "Spring will be here soon enough koishii, and with it warmer times." That voice was warm, almost friendly, despite the distance he usually held himself at. That muzzle dropped to he could fully observe the gray touched pup, gauging her reaction.



Word Count: 323
Tags: Sasha
Muse: Epic
Notes:

[Sasha]

The scraggly wolf's fur was fluffed up in protection against the cold winter winds that filtered through the cavern. She was glad for the soft puppy fur that she still had, for it kept her quite warm, but she wishing that it was prettier on her body. Not that it mattered yet. She had another years before she had to worry much about looking pretty for the males. There weren't even any males in the pack that were relatively close to her age. They were all really old... Well... Not that old, but they were old enough that it would be a little odd for them to try to court Sasha... At least for the time being. Once she came of age, she supposed she was open for all males to try to court her. That was something that she was nervous for. What scared her most, though, was the possibility of no male wanting her. She was quite... Odd looking at the moment, and she was scared that she would never grow into her body, though she was certain that she would never be as beautiful as her mother. Her mother had males trying to win her heart all the time. Sasha, on the other hand, was afraid that she would never experience even one trying to court her. Of course, she technically had had Ren try to court her, but they were both so young, and he had moved on so easily. Obviously, since he had yet to come back to visit.

As the pup laid there, she wasn't aware of the male that had climbed up upon the rock beside her, looking down upon her. As soon as he spoke, she startled and almost jumped to her feet before realizing the voice was both friendly and familiar. Sazio. He was her mother's personal guard, and someone that the young pup trusted with both her mother's life and her own. He watched over her often, even when she was unaware that he was. Now, for example. She had no idea where he had come from or what he was even doing here. Surely, she would think, that he should be watching over her mother. Then again, perhaps it was a time that she had dismissed him, claiming that she didn't need him around at the moment. “I hope you're right, Sazio... I really don't like the cold. And besides, there's nothing fun to do in winter. I want to swim and have fun. Winter is boring.” She replied, turning her nose up to the older male so that she could meet his emerald green eyes. She assumed that, with all the time he had spent with her mother, he had grown close to her... Much like Eidus. She was unsure of how the relationship was different, but they all seemed to act the same around her... They all wanted her. At least, that was what Sasha assumed.

[Sazio]

Pure amusement danced in the males eyes as he watched Sasha nearly jump out of her skin though that amusement did not bring a smile. A stoic mask was ever present as he spoke. "Situational awareness, little koishii, even lost in thought you must always be aware of your surroundings." He sometimes dropped words of advice to her as they passed in their daily routine, more so recently then before. Almost as if he were training her in a subtle way, he wondered if she realized this. Since she was not officially his gakusei he made no effort to see that she took, applied, or ignored the advice he gave her. Her actions would determine if he continued to offer her assistance in the future or not.

Once those words of advice were delivered he would reply to what she stated. A tilt to the right was given, before a slight shake of that cranium was given. "I am not a big fan either, though boring? Not even close, it is only because there is a lack of those even close to your age here that you are not able to enjoy the fun to be had." Not that he ever indulged in such pastimes. While other youths in his village had the time to occasionally indulge in such activities, Sazio had been in a state of constant training, to replace his master's fallen companion. An active Shinobi, rarely was without a companion long, they often were the eyes, scouting ahead. Extra hands, guards, messengers, killers, nearly anything their masters asked of them could and would be achieved without hesitation.

He would continue speaking after that brief almost unnoticeable pause. "Movement warms the blood and the body." The emerald ice of his eyes drifted over towards the cave entrance. "You should try and drag your mother, Yang, and Yin into a snow fight." A half smirk crossed his muzzle. "That would be plenty of entertainment..For a short while at least."




Word Count: 343
Tags: Sasha
Muse: <3
Notes:

[Sasha]

Sasha hated that there were no other pups in her mother's pack. She was the last one left of her litter, at least around here (she didn't know if Cato was still in Kairos or dead), and no other wolves had had pups very recently. That was why she had been so excited to invite Ren to stay. But he left quickly after, leaving her alone once more. She had no one to play with and nothing to do. She had already explored much of the land that her mother had claimed, and she wanted to venture out further, but she knew that her mother would never allow that. She wished to be old enough that she could do what she wanted without having to get her mother's approval. It was frustrating to the little pup when she would get so bored, yet she wouldn't be able to go out and explore the lands around them. Why was it that Sazio and Eidus and all the other wolves of the pack could go out without even telling her and be welcomed back? But if Sasha ventured out, she was heavily scolded. Life wasn't fair, being the alpha's daughter. Always being compared to your mother and never allowed to do what everyone else in the pack was allowed to do... It just wasn't fair. Sasha flicked an ear towards Sazio as he spoke, throwing another term at her. Of course, he would have to tell her another thirty times before it registered. She was a fast learner when she wanted to be, but at the moment, she was bored and needed entertainment before she would be able to learn anything. Especially something like... Situational awareness...

Sasha sighed softly as she listened to the older wolf speak again. Well that was obvious wasn't it? Having no one her age around meant that there was no one to play with... Ever. Sometimes her mother would play with her, but she had been extremely busy with the pack, so Sasha was left on her own. They were, however, gaining more and more members which was a nice thing. Maybe one would come along that would actually want to play with her. Although... She hadn't really been meeting all of the new members. She just... Knew there were new members. Like Yin and Yang. She had met Yang and had no idea that he was a new member of their pack. She had yet to meet his sister, Yin, but she had heard nice things about her. Maybe she would want to play with her. Sasha didn't see Yang as really the type of wolf to play. Sasha's ears flicked towards the older male for a moment as he spoke again, and she shrugged. "I don't think mother has time for that... And Yang doesn't seem... Playful enough." She said, slowly standing and giving a big stretch. Her muscles were getting cramped, and she was starting to get uncomfortable lying there. Perhaps, if Sazio was right, she should get up and move around to warm up.

[Sazio]

Sazio turned his attention towards the young wolf below him, watching the play of emotions over her face. What struck him the most was the longing. It was true there was absolutely nothing to do within these pack lands for one as young as she, except perhaps training in one's chosen field. But to his knowledge she had yet to pick a specific path. It made him curious, but not enough to get into a conversation about it. A sardonic smirk crossed his muzzle when she made excuses as to why she couldn't drag others into a snowball fight.

It would be amusing to watch those he named and others indulge in some type of pup like behavior. Even he knew one can not be serious at all times, breaks were needed to keep one refreshed and capable while working. Moments later she would stand, and in doing so a thought crossed his mind. Without seeming to move he was down onto the ground with one short word. "Come..." His steps were as silent as an owls wing beat as he moved forward not even pausing to discover whether or not she followed. Drifting effortlessly toward the cave entrance he would turn toward the forests. "There are two primary reasons you lack what you desire aside from your age. First, is something I can not remedy. You are the only daughter that remains at her side. Secondly you lack training. Whether to hunt or defend. You wish to have freedom, I can not grant you such. But I can train you, so that your mother will be forced to give you what you seek, secure in the knowledge that you can and will protect yourself."

His step would pause while that gaze twisted over his shoulder. It was not often he would willingly take on a student, but there was potential in her, and if her mother continued to leave it untapped Sasha was head strong enough that she could very well disappear one day. And that could end in two very different paths. At least he could ensure neither worthless to immediate death for her. Besides, he found he was partial to the spunky young wolf.


Tags: Sasha

[Sasha]

It was true that Sasha had not chosen a specific discipline to further her skills in. She figured as alpha, she would have to master all skills... Fighting, hunting, spying... So she couldn't pick just one. It did seem, though, that her intelligence rested in the area of hunting more than anything else. She was a much better hunter and more intelligent when it came to hunting than she ever had bee at fighting. She didn't have many others to practice with, though, so she was never really able to advance her fighting skills any more than she could when her mother was around to teach her. It was a bit frustrating for the young wolf because she wanted to learn how to fight, and if she was going to be the best alpha she could be, fighting would be one of the main things that she would need to master before she was able to take the position. If she couldn't fight, how would she be able to defend her pack's lands? How would she be able to defend her position as alpha? If she couldn't fight, anyone could challenge her and win... And she would probably end up dead. It was these thoughts that stressed the pup out about becoming alpha. The idea of being alpha was a fun one to play with, but the responsibilities that came with the highest position in the pack... Well they were a bit overwhelming, and the pup was unsure that she would be able to handle them when it came time for her to. Of course, she hoped that it would be a long while before she had to worry about it because her being alpha would mean that her mother was dead or close to dying... Not a pleasant thought for the young wolf.

As the pup stood, she suddenly found Sazio down at her level, walking out the front of the cave with a single word. Confused, Sasha stood still for a moment before following after, running a few steps to catch up. As she got closer, she heard him speak again, and she suddenly found that she was much more alert and interested in the conversation than she had been just moments before. Was it that obvious that she wanted to venture out of these packlands? At the moment, Sasha didn't care because Sazio was claiming that he could get her out of them with some training. He could train her well enough that her mother would have no excuse to not let her go. It wasn't like she planned to go far, either. She would just explore nearby territories... She also wanted to talk to some outside wolves and see if Ren was still doing well. She hoped that he would one day return and maybe even join Othala after he had had enough of the wandering life. "Is it truly that obvious that I want out? I mean... Not that I don't love it here and love my mother, but... I want to explore. Besides that, my friend is out there, and the only way I can check on him is from talking to someone who has been outside of these lands... I need to make sure he's okay..." She explained, tilting her head at Sazio as she followed him closely, curious.

[Sazio]

"Your reasons are your own, koishii, you do not need to justify your desires, to me or anyone else." Twisting back around he would slow his step to match her own as he guided her. Part of his focus was on how her steps sounded and the prints left behind. "Lesson one, keep a light step. The heavier you stomp your paws the more visible a trail you leave, the easier it is for an enemy to find you. Place your paw gently, deliberately rather then allowing it to drop carelessly. This will also gain you a steadier balance and a more graceful walk." The icy distance of his emerald gaze remained distant, yet there was a steady assessment in their depths as he studied her movements pausing to correct her movements along the way.

When he finally paused they were in a clearing far from the common areas the pack tread daily. It was a relatively blemish free clearing with a single tree standing alone amid the snow covered grass. That blanket of white was heavily tracked with wolf prints, and Sazio's scent lay thick, it was obvious he spent quite a bit of time here on a daily bases. "We will train here, before dawn each morning when the others still sleep. I am not a gentle sensei, I am not kind, nice, or pleasant. I will not go easy upon you for any reason. You will be sore, you will bleed, and there will be times when you will simply want to give up, or your anger overcomes you. But you will learn, and you will achieve the goals you have set for yourself. If you understand and accept this, then I will teach you." Those eyes as cold as the terrain surrounding them remained locked on the silvered pup, patiently waiting for her to decide. This was not a decision to be made lightly, and the way she made her choice would tell him a thousand time more then her actual words.

---

Tags: @sasha

[Sasha]

Sasha was excited about the idea of finally getting the venture out of these lands. Sure, she had seen a little of Kairos' territory ad some other little territory when her mother and she had swam to their new home. That had been an exhausting trip, and she didn't understand why her mother still wanted to contain her in these lands like she was some innocent, weak little pup, and she wasn't. She was innocent, sure, but she was not weak. She was anything but weak, and her mother should have been the one to realize that. Barely a year old, she had swam for two days through the ocean. She didn't understand why her mother insisted on keeping her sheltered. She wanted to explore. It wasn't like she was going to run off and never come back. She would eventually come back and start her training towards becoming the heir. She had to know what was out on the island, though. She had to be aware of the lands and packs that surrounded their secluded little home. Surrounded by mountains, it was hard to attack the pack, but it also cut them off from what was going on in the outside world. Sasha just wanted to know what the rest of the packs around them were like. And she also wanted to make sure Ren was okay. She had to know that her friend was okay. She cared for him... More than she ever thought she was capable of, but she found herself thinking of him more and more lately, and she found herself itching to find him... Or it least talk to someone about how he was doing.

As Sazio spoke, Sasha looked down at her paws, placing them a little more deliberately into the snow, watching as her paw-prints got a little less noticeable. Her ears perked curiously at the prints before she looked up at Sazio as they reached a clearing with a tree standing in the middle of it. Tilting her head slightly, Sasha listened to Sazio, her eyes widening slightly at the mention of being there before dawn. She frowned as she listened to him, staring at the clearing as she pondered her answer. She wanted this... She wanted to leave the territory, and if she trained with Sazio, her mother would have no choice than to let her go. Besides that, she would feel more comfortable and confident as she explored if she knew at least a little bit about fighting and the likes. Sazio knew a lot, and she could learn enough that she wouldn't be so completely vulnerable. Looking up at Sazio, she nodded. "Let's do it. But you have to promise that when I get angry, frustrated, or anything else, you will continue to push me." She said, looking over him.

[Sazio]

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That heavy cranium twisted upon its pedestal, icy shards of jade narrowed at her request. "You will curse this day, koishii. From now until you have completed your training, at the very least, you will refer to me as sensei. It means respected teacher in your tongue. I will tolerate no disrespect, excuses, nor whining. Any such behavior will be punishable. You will be pushed to your limits and beyond." With those word the brute turned away from the pup, his gaze steady and silent as he starred out towards that lonely tree. "I expect you here before the light brightens the horizon, if you are not on time, then I will assume you have changed your mind. You will not get a second chance with me, no matter what potential you may or may not have I will not waste my time."

It was then that his gaze turned back over his shoulder towards her greens met blues briefly. "At dawn, be prepared." With that he would turn back to the trees that stood proudly behind them. Even if she kept her eyes locked on him it wouldn't matter, from one heart beat to the next he was gone. There had been no visible movement, no indication he was leaving. He was simply gone, leaving no trace behind.

In truth he stood high above her amid the branch's of the trees staring down at the young female, it was only when he was away that he berated himself for getting involved as he had. It was true she needed training, it was true no one had bothered to step in and take the role. But this pack did not seem to hold many warriors, even Kiva's partner had yet to show himself. He was not a wolf who made rash decisions, he had thought long about taking it upon himself. With a silent sigh he turned away from the she-wolf below, what was done was done. Now his thoughts turned back to the Vanir, a wolf who occupied his mind more and more these days, it was to her side he intended to return.

---

Tags: @sasha

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