Found Once More

[thea]

A mottled scrap of fur at the ocean's cusp stirred sluggishly as if poked by a curious child trying to wake the dead. A thick grey film coated her thoughts. She tried to open her eyes, only to find that her eyelids peeled open like sandpaper, convincing her almost to close them once more. Her pupils shrieked and retreated to slits at the offensive light that her eyes were finally exposed to. The grunt that she meant to make at the discomfort was cut-off by a violent upheaval of sea water. Her swollen throat felt raw from the foreign substance scraping her trachea. She hacked until she had to stop to breathe, wincing when the cool air touched the now tender flesh in her throat.

She tried to shift her weight so she could stand, but collapsed in alarm when she found that the ground moved beneath her. Eyes now snapping open in surprise to find that she was laying on sand. What the vixen didn't know was that she was at the Endyt shore's edge from where it banked off into I'queyer.

Her abused body was reluctant when she raised her sable crown to the West. Craning her neck upward in a slow awed access of the forest before her. Tall sturdy trunks stood as pillars, the dark wood spoke of age and strength. She envied their confidence. So sure that no being possessed the audacity to cut down Nature's favorite children. For fear of her wrath. A mental checklist ran through her clearing head, trying to add up the damage she'd accumulated. She shifted uncomfortably onto her haunches and with a sharp intake of breath, found her tail shooting sparks of agony through the broken appendage. 'Broken.' She thought as hot waves of pain needled its way up her spine. Black spots scattered about her vision. Blotting out the ground in front of her. She laid back down slowly and waited until her head stopped spinning. Now there was no denying it. Thea knew she was sick. She had been ill for some time, it was one common seen among the untreated in the fighting pits. Known as the Needles. The sickly fever had taken it's toll. The femmae could almost feel it cackling inside her like a wicked beast, it felt like a tainting of her spirit. Only five minutes awake and she was practically panting from exertion. How had she'd driven herself this far from the dignity she had striven so hard to withhold in her life? How could she let herself wander so far from civilization? Surely she would die here.

And yet.

No panic formed from the knowledge of her eminent death. For she would die free. Free from the containment that her life as a princess had brought. She felt hallowed and almost gleeful at the thought, if not for the outcome. For if she were to continue living, would it not be to continue experiencing one horrendous endeavor after another. Why would she think otherwise? She had known nothing else. For the world must be as evil as the small bit she had sampled in her short life. Leaving a bitter taste.

But something nagged at her brain relentlessly, like a thought that kept slipping away to only come back and dance teasingly on the verge of remembrance. That was when the shock hit her. And again the tugging of her thoughts. Except this time it didn't flee from her grasp, but instead it wrenched with a sharp pull, a howl for help escaped from her aching jaw and stinging gullet. She ended the note before the full force of loneliness the call had surfaced could drag her down.

Another hot wave of needles caused her to sink stubbornly to her knees, then her feet, until she fully collapsed with a sharp yelp of helplessness into the sand that moved to accommodate her frame.

Nestled into the sand, she thought it strange that it was warm. Or maybe her body was just cold in comparison. No matter. Because.... dying here would not be so bad. Even though it was deep in winter, the sun broke through the dank clouds and warmed her pelt briefly. An eerily blissful smile stretched across her maw as she dropped her head contently into the sand's embrace. Ignoring the few granules that filtered into her ear. The sable fae lay sunning there in an ever fleeting light as she slipped into unconsciousness.

[Deleted]

So many things were whirling around in Róvanfaer’s mind. Without a chosen path, the wolf wandered aimlessly letting his paws carry him wherever they chose. If a fork in the road appeared, they picked the way to go. There was no conscious or subconscious choice to where he went. He simply moved. All the while he tried to get his mind focused and organized. Thus far it wasn’t going well. Once he was out of Acerbus, Rovan felt a pressure lift off of his shoulders. It felt amazing to be back in his homeland, yet it also felt dismal and emotional. So many things happened in that land as he grew up. So many things happened before he grew up. Nothing would ever be the same.

That was what hurt Róvanfaer the most. He would never again see his father. Rovan assumed his half-siblings were alive, but was his mother? There were so many things he was clueless about and it was driving him insane. “I shouldn’t have left. I shouldn’t have run away!” he snarled snapping at the twig in his path. It broke apart with a light snap and fell to the ground. Without a second though, the wolf stepped over it moving on. He swallowed as green eyes cast upward. The clouds were rolling in. Rain could be tasted on the air. Róvanfaer sighed heavily and dropped his head. It was typical weather for this area of the continent, but it was not the kind of weather he wished to travel though.

After a full day of walking without much coherent thought, the wolf hunkered down under a large bush for the night. The rain came through during the night soaking the wolf close to the bone. It didn’t matter though. Honestly, the miserable weather matched his equally miserable mood. When the sun rose above the horizon, Róvanfaer pushed himself up to his feet. His grumpy stomach chose what his next action would be – to hunt. This part of Anikira was unknown to Róvanfaer. Instead of thinking about his past, the wolf chose to observe the present. He was, after all, looking for a good place to stay.

Róvanfaer stopped short after the land panned out before him. It literally took his breath away; before him laid the Chamoru Plains with its endless sea of spring time flowers. “Does it even end?” Rovan questioned blinking in surprise. Or better yet, would he find anything to eat here? Plunging forward the brute went on the hunt. When dusk met Rovan, the evening light would shine upon a well fed wolf who slept on his side well into the night. Again, morning rose waking up the groggy wolf. Morning was well on its way to transforming into the afternoon when Rovan got up. Traveling took its toll upon the young wolf.

Gathering the last hare he had caught, Róvanfaer kept padding away along the land of Anikira determined to see where it ended now. The air was beginning to smell different now. There was a degree of saltiness in it. He was coming up to a beach; however, it wasn’t the same one he left from. Well that makes sense. Anikira is an island. Of course it would be surrounded by water. Suddenly, the wolf stopped ears straining forward. Had he heard correctly? Yes! A wolf’s howl for help echoed in his ears. Róvanfaer uneasily shifted his weight questioning what to do. Should he see if he could help, or keep along his way?

It only took him a moment to decide. Taking off at a jog, it wasn’t long before the grass turned to sand. For the first time in his life, Rovan had stumbled upon Endyt Beach. The warm sand felt great upon his paws. Since the rain it seemed as if his coat would never dry. Dampness still clung to his undercoat keeping him constantly chilled to the point of being uncomfortable. Not even working up a sweat hunting could dry the wetness. The brute traveled in the direction of the howl. It’s faint song left Rovan’s mind wondering who it belonged too. He could not tell much by its sound. Ahead, sticking out like a sore thumb against the stark white of the sand, lie a seemingly motionless figure. Rovanfaer trotted forward not getting too close to the wolf.

When he was close enough, the brute dropped his hare sniffing the air tasting it. “Hello, she-wolf. For what reason did you howl?” he asked taking in her features. She was a beautiful wolf without question. Her coat was unusual to him. “How can I help?” Rising a brow, the brute steadied himself ready to fight or flee if the situation called for it.

[thea]

Her rumbling stomach is what woke her. I must be finally losing it. Thought the she-wolf. For she swore that she smelled the blood of a hare nearby. Determined to prove her insanity she opened her tired hawk gaze to be startled to full wakefulness by the frame of large brute not two feet from where she had collapsed. His voice washed over her in a kind wave. Causing her to shiver at his question. Why had she howled? Why... in what she thought would be the last moments of her life, had she cried for rescue like a lost whelping pup. You're so weak. So pathetic. The cynical part of her grinned with the jab. Knowing it would hit home. She bared her teeth in a grimace as she struggled to stand. With limbs shaking she found her balance and stood with legs splayed in an effort to keep her weight distributed above the sand. Corralling back the urge to pant she mustered what dignity and pride she could and raised her gaze to stare at him silently. Finally taking a few wavering steps forward, then around him. Shouldering past him, she called back to him in her lilting accented voice, cracking from the sea salt, "I don't know what you mean, I heard no howl. You're hearing things." But she had not made it another five feet before her bravado failed at keeping her ebbing strength at bay. She stumbled... regained her footing... walked another foot and stumbled once more. And this time she lay there in an ungraceful heap. Cursing aloud at every god she knew of who would play such a cruel joke on her.

[Deleted]

It was obvious the wolf was weak. More than likely she had either just arrived on Anikira or had gone for too long of a swim. Róvanfaer eyed her with curiosity and caution then contempt. When her lip curled back showing her teeth, the brute took a step back rising his head watching her. She slowly shoved herself to her paws. The female padded forward sluggishly. In her state, she should be resting. The sable female shouldered past him causing Róvanfaer to bare his own teeth in warning. His paws shuffled to step away from her further while turning to keep her in his eye sight. Her stumbles and eventual fall caused the brute’s lip to fall back covering his teeth. Clearly she was just putting on a show so Rovan wouldn’t think her weaker than she honestly was. He could often relate.

Frowning, the wolf eyed his companion wondering what to do. Her reply to his question had not sat well with him, but instead of retorting, he merely stayed silent. He knew her statement was false. A wolf’s ears did not randomly hear howling unless said wolf was crazy. Last time Rovan checked, he wasn’t. The she-wolf lay where she fall. Rovan’s ears flickered back, then forward. Without a sound, he stepped around her giving her a wide birth. Grabbing his fallen prey, the male tossed it to the female and sat back upon his haunches staring off into the ocean. The waves crashed upon the sand filling his mind with their soothing song. This was a nice place. The sand was warm, the sun was comforting, but he couldn’t say much about his company.

“Do you know where you are?” he asked softly taking a moment to glance at her from the corner of his scarred eye. Returning his gaze to the ocean, Rovan watched as a seagull dove beneath the water’s surface plunging into the icy water after its prey. What was he going to do now? Sit here and be insulted and belittled by this female? She seemed to be the kind of wolf to do so. Maybe he should just leave her. His act of kindness had been to assist her if needed and feed her. Check and check. Technically, he was done and free to leave. Yet, something held him in his spot. Rovan was reluctant to leave the weakened female. Other wolves would be less kind than he.

[thea]

The sound of the brute's cushioned pad falls followed after her. And when finally she collapsed in the sand, he had thrown said hare literally into her lap. A surprised growl erupted from her delicate muzzle. Why is he helping me? She thought suspiciously. Although she couldn't help but feel her expression soften at the notion that someone might actually care for her well-being, how ever fleeting. She nosed the hare delicately, this being her first meal in weeks. Thea cast a thankful glance his way before, with a moan she took a cautious first bite. Knowing if she ate too fast, she would only purge the flesh from her fevered body. Half her attention on her meal, the other on the male. Tracking his every move in case he attack her. Although with the notion of defending herself, Thea knew she would be helpless, her famous speed could hardly help her now since she could barely stand let alone commence in battle. So she was literally at his mercy. Strangely enough, the idea didn't ruffle her fur like she thought it would. I mean, why waste the rabbit on her if he was just going to kill her, she mused. The brute's voice washed over her again, cooling the heat of fever temporarily. Gold orbs flickered his direction, for in fact. No, she did not know where she was. In fact, she had given it no thought at all. My edge is slipping... She warned herself, which wasn't surprising given her most recent ordeal. With a wicked grin that was her trademark she replied in a honeyed sarcastic tone, "And I suppose you'll tell me whether I ask or not?" Her expression could only be described as a wolfish version of an eyebrow raise.

[Deleted]

Closing his eyes momentarily, the larger male wolf let the ocean breeze pull back at his fur. The scents carried on the air were different than the ones he knew from his time in the forest. It was refreshing and invigorating. While the she-wolf ate behind him Rovan stood and walked over to the water stepping in until his forelegs were halfway covered. The water was chilling. After his ordeal with damp fur, the icy water wasn’t as welcomed as he had hoped. Rovan grimaced and stepped back onto the sand stretching out letting the rays of sunshine warm his body. With a rough shake, he dislodged any excess water or sand. From the heap of fur came yet another sarcastic and unexpected reply. Rovan tossed his head in Thea’s direction. With a blink, he shrugged and looked away turning back to his own thoughts. The she-wolf had the wrong perception of him. It amused Rovan, really, more than it probably should. He liked proving others wrong.

“Listen, I’m merely trying to help you out. If you don’t want me around, say so and I’ll go about my business leaving you be.” His back was to her now. It was uncharacteristic of him, but from what he could tell this wolf wouldn’t be attacking him any time soon. He was safe. Besides, she was far smaller than he and less muscularly built. Róvanfaer could take her out easily. “My name is Róvanfaer, by the way.” That was added as an afterthought. More than likely this female resorted to her sarcastic comments out of defense. Perhaps becoming more familiar with one another would help lessen the tension she felt. “Now, back to my original question. What can I do to help you? Do you need fresh water, more food, shade, what?” His eyes, finding her golden ones, stared deeply into her’s with a pure, earnest want to help. Had he been the one where she lay, Rovan would have loved to have someone help him. Albeit, his pride would suffer from a large blow. Asking for help was no something he was keen on doing. That was this she-wolf’s problem. She was a proud wolf, much like Rovan.

[thea]

She cocked her head in an avian twitch, a moment of childlike curiosity crossing her face. How curious....that he trust me enough to turn his back. She thought. Never had an enemy turned their back on her... well.. she shouldn't say never. Because any who had, had soon found the dire error of their assumptions when looking at her lithe frame. Yes she was tall, but she lacked the girth and broadness for intimidation and strength. All her power came from speed and cunning. The Viper they used to call her in the pits. for she would strike like a snake, dancing out of the way as her opponents tried to strike at least a blow while their life bled from their ripped jugulars. And she would watch as the light faded from each of their eyes. Disgusted with herself for their deaths. How this brought man entertainment, she did not know. All she knew was that they were lustful creatures of blood and power. Thinking themselves born with the right to rule all beasts. Her lip lifted slightly in distaste, no one would ever rule her again. Neither physical nor metaphorical shackles would ever mar the skin of her heels again. And only for that reason, would she kill for anything.

The ugly thoughts of her past attached themselves to her psyche like parasites, and it was a constant battle as their host to fend them off. Fortunately for now, it seemed the presence of... Rovanfaer was it?... was helping to keep the tidal wave of the void at bay. Thea let his name form in her mouth, and hesitantly she allowed herself to give voice to the word. It felt good on her lips. But at his next question her face scrunched up in confusion, and with a bluntness that was her nature she blurted, "Why are you even helping me? Surely I would be but a burden." But truly it came out as a lonely whisper, one who's owner had too often felt the rough hand of cruelty, which is why she was uncertain in dealing with her first encounter with kindness. With a sigh, she dropped her noble head onto crossed paws, looking up at him with the confused look of someone lost.

[Deleted]

Silence settled between the two. Their conversation was comical considering the fact it was short and pretty to the point. There was little beating around the bush when it came to their replies. The she-wolf seemed to temporarily zone out leaving Rovan to his own thoughts yet again. While he was traveling around Anikira, would he even be able to find Meridian or Kodiak Black? The continent was a large mass of land, and his siblings were simply two lone wolves. There would be a lot of land to cover. Asking around could help his case, though. Maybe that would be his next plan. He would seek out Meridian and his half-brother. Róvanfaer wondered if Rakt told them of their origins as well. Someone, he doubted that. Rakt’s loyalty remained with Exodus, neither Atreyu nor his kin.

Speaking of the little black raven, Róvanfaer wondered if he would be seeing his friend any time soon. Although he was an annoying presence, Rakt would give Rovan immense peace of mind as well as counsel. More than anything, it was advice that Rovan needed now. The female spoke drawing Rovan back to earth. His ears flickered toward her to clearly hear her whispered question. For a while, Róvanfaer did not more nor did he speak. Finally Róvanfaer peered at his companion from over his shoulder. His green eyes catching in the sun’s light causing them to appear more brilliant than they had before. “Do I need a reason, she-wolf?” The question lingered in the air as Róvanfaer turned back out to the sea.

“What kind of life have you known if you cannot accept a stranger’s random act of kindness?” He eventually said turning his muzzle toward her once again so that she could hear his reply over the rush of sea wind. It wasn’t necessarily a question he expected a response too. Although given this wolf’s track record, she was bound to come up with some kind of sarcastic retort. The three scars along her body had not gone missed by Rovan’s observant eyes. Had she been attacked by pack wolves like he? Was that the root of her trust issues? Perhaps that was the reason for his kindness. Maybe Rovan saw a little of himself in her. She, unlike him however, lucked out by washing up in an unclaimed territory.

[thea]

She closed her eyes in the manner of a defiant child. Trying to barricade her mind from the onslaught of images that flitted behind dark lids. With a flutter she opened them, having glazed over in thought. Losing the battle for her balance to keep herself from plunging into said memories. The screams of wildcats, roars of black bears, howls of her fellow brethren, and the final screech of a mountain lion. The last one caused her to shiver. And it echoed in her ears as she forced herself back to the present. An odd look played across her smoky face and at the same time she lifted gracefully onto her paws. Her legs already flowing with renewed strength. Though it would be a while before she regained her former glory. A facade of an innocent smile played on her lips as she danced over to stand next to the brute. Exhaustion temporarily absent in these moments of her dark humor. Slowly she circled him, tail barely skimming the fur of his spine, relishing in the aura of his discomfort at her nearness. Finally standing almost perpendicular to him, so both her scars and coy smile were visible.
"What you ask has left me so suspicious of kindness?' She took a step closer, 'What you inquire, has left me absent of its compassion?'And yet another sly step forwards, 'And what do you wonder, has left me to know why I know the world to be a wretched and unfair place?"She practically spat the word unfair as she took the final step toward Rovan, almost nose to nose with the brute. Close enough where he could here her whisper one word. Both her maker and the bane of her existence, "Man." And with that the sarcastic charade seemed to collapse, leaving Thea to drop her head slightly, knowingly exposing the top of her neck, if the male so chose to rid her of her proximity by ending her with a quick jerk.

[Deleted]

Shortly after his question, Róvanfaer’s ears twitched toward the sound of movement. His gaze flipped around once more to observe the female as she stood, this time with more strength. Róvanfaer, too, stood up eyeing her warily. It didn’t hurt to be cautious. Event of the past had taught him that well. She walked toward him, too close for comfort. The brute’s structure went ridged. Her tail brushed against him. Rovan curled his lip as another warning. She was too close. Skirting her, he stepped away back to a comfortable distance. Green eyes were fixed upon Thea with a hardened stare. While Rovan would not actually attack unless she did first, he was not keen on letting her play with him. That was all he had been since he had arrived. He was a pawn in this female’s chess game being manipulated and moved. “Watch it,” he advised with a deep, rumbling growl.

Thea replied to his question with one of her own stepping forward closer to him. This time, Róvanfaer stood his ground collecting himself to bring his body to his full height. The fur along his spine bristled as his eyes flashed with a warning. Was this she-wolf deranged? Had the sun damaged her mind? The bitterness in her words caught him off guard. It shouldn’t have surprised him. It was clear that this wolf had been though much, her words confirming this. Finally, she asked her last question. Their bodies were close together. Rovan could clearly see her now, every stand of fur, every speck in her eye. He did not retreat. The brute stood his ground peering deeply into her eyes a dark shadow flickering across his face.

She whispered one word. A single word that produced the mightiest of shivers down Róvanfaer’s back. It was a word that he had never heard before. No one had spoken this word to him, and yet it caused a twinge of fear to strike him. Steady, Rovan did not allow his eyes to show such emotion. Especially not since the female was so close. Any hint of fear could provoke an unnecessary attack. Or would it? It was unlikely this female had the strength to attack. His brow creased as he mused over the word. It was unusual for Róvanfaer to feel this way. He felt less empowered, almost as if he were at her mercy. Only she knew the meaning behind this word. This powerful word. She could unlock its secret, or keep him guessing. She held its power.

The brute took in a deep breath eyeing her. He had not concept of what this word meant. Rovan could not even fathom what it could be. Thea collapsed once more but Rovan did not relax. He stared down at her, his hard gaze never wavering. Minutes passed. Finally, the wolf spoke slowly, “What is this... ‘man’?” Another shadow crossed his face. He did not like this word. It was too strange, too unknown. He was captivated by Thea momentarily. She had to tell him or else it would drive him mad not knowing what man was.

[thea]

The word left her in a rush of breath that left her cold. How long has the burden of man dragged at her shoulders? Lapped like a steady tide at her paws, only to rush into the force of a tsunami at the moment she let her guard down. Drowning her with an inescapable filling of her lungs, suddenly leaving her without breath. With this though she began to be unable to breathe and her chest began to spasm. A soft sob racked her frame. But it was neither filled with sadness nor grief. No. It was a dark hysteric. Caused by the sheer hilarity of his question.

But with as much suddenness as it began. It ceased. Leaving Thea to look up slowly at Rovan with a somber and haunted look.

"What...is man, you ask? Oh how I envy your naivety."
The extreme depth of her feeling in what she said, rang through with a soft wrenching of her chest at the last sentence, her eyes momentarily closing in a brief prayer to whatever unfortunate god was left to watch over this loathsome creature.
"They are... creatures of destruction. Parasites. Devouring all resources in their path. All predators are prey in their wake. They are more intelligent and cunning and cruel, than any creature I have yet to have encountered in my short life. And yet... I find I cannot hate them. For it is just their nature. The deer cannot hate me for needing its flesh to live can it? Just like I may not blame it when it kicks it hooves to crack my jaw. All in the name of survival. But Man... Man does it for sport." She whispered her speech in a soft deadly tone. Vacant of any emotion. And for the first time, she commenced to tell someone the history of her dark past. Although neglecting to include the parts involving her family.


When she was done, Thea let go a breath she didn't know she'd been holding through her story. She was surprised to realize that sharing the knowledge of her ordeal had allowed her to relieve some of her burden. And with the last word of her story, she raised her head with a proud and daring air. Daring him to think her weak. Her inherent stub ones refusing to allow her to look as weak as she felt. Yet looking at her now, compared to before she met Rovan, one would notice the now kinder tilt to her smile and the subtle softening of the skin around her eyes. True her eyes still glinted like cold golden fire, a sign that the Rae would never truly be healed. But it was a start.

Time passed as Thea allowed him to digest the info she had just fed. Seconds in which Thea used to study Rovanfaer, truly see him, for the first time. Her eyes trailing down each pale scale scar that ha ripped brought his face. Finishing with three across his right eye. The contrast bringing attention to his emerald gaze. Which she held for an intimate moment, the seconds suspended between them as she pondered their origin. As she was entertaining a rather girlish and amusing scenario, a thought crossed her mind that had her trying to stifle the first genuine laugh she'd had in... Well in gods know how long. The bell-like lilt was swept away by the breeze, lost in the cacophonous orchestra of the ocean. Mirth tugged at the edge of her maw as her laughter faded.

It's occurred to me that my royal upbringing has failed me. For I have neglected to return the favor in dealing with our introductions,'Her ears flicking forward at the same time she gave a regal tilt of her sables crown, 'I compensate now my rudeness by giving you my name. I am Thea, ex-princess from the lands Renatus." Her tail stiffening in caution from the danger such a title might bring her if known by the wrong people. Even if she could not see this wolf sabotaging her, she could not be too careful. Granted though that she did not only know WHERE she was, but even HOW to get home from here. And even if she did, she would not be inclined to share that knowledge with Rovan. No matter how handsome he was.

With an effort she relaxed her tail, hoping her anxiety had passed his notice. To cover her momentary lapse in judgement she turned her head to the forest beyond the brute, stepping around him to trot with cheer towards the treeline. Tossing her voice back in his direction she called, "You must think me a queer wolf to trust in a practical stranger as yourself,' Freezing mid-gait she looked over her shoulder to glare at him ominously, 'But know that before you judge me wrongly, heed my words when I say: Everything I do, I do for a reason. But... in this case... I must confess that no logical reason drove me to tell you what I did." Her last sentence mostly directed at herself as she turned thoughtfully to state into the ancient colossal columns of the trees. Tail swaying in time with the tide.

[Deleted]

As Thea reacted poorly to Rovan’s question, the wolf blinked in surprise with a sudden onset of discomfort taking over his thoughts. As a male with little interactions with females he had next to no knowledge of what to do when a female was having an emotional breakdown. With ears curling backward, the wolf stood there on the beach looking away from her politely. Massive paws shifted in the sand. What was he supposed to do? Comfort her? Ignore it? Why were females such complicated creatures?! Couldn’t they just be simple like males? Yeesh. Thea soon recovered turning her eyes upward until they met with Rovan’s. He settled down peering back with a steady gaze telling her he was ready to listen. As a wolf of few words, Rovan had no qualms listening to her problems. Thus, the explanation began.

Thea painted a picture of man for Róvanfaer aptly describing them from her memories and experiences. With nothing to go on, pictures of known objects formed within his mind. At first man took the form of a larva that was known to bury into the flesh of dead and alive animals alike. From there it would dig deep inside and eat said animal from the inside out. A shiver passed down the wolf’s spine. The sable wolf finished her description. Róvanfaer sat there quietly thinking over what she had said on the subject. “Man sounds like fire. It is destructive, but we cannot hate fire. It is a natural part of this world. I saw fire once. My father told me what it was. One night during a vicious storm, lightning stuck a tree. The next day, we arrived to smoldering ashes and coals. Fire is… destructive.” Róvanfaer sounded as if he were in a far off place. His mind wandered back into his past at the exact moment he had described. Tightening his jaw, the brute growled and turned away from Thea padding several steps toward the blue waters.

His gaze swept over the ocean not looking for anything in particular. The wind still grabbed roughly at his long fur causing tuffs to stick up giving him deerlicks. Closing his eyes Róvanfaer took in a deep breath of salty air. He held it for a moment before letting it slip onto the new air current. From there Thea launched into her story of her past explaining why she acted the way she did. Róvanfaer did not move from his position sitting in the sand staring out into the ocean. On several occasions he confirmed that he was listening and she continued. Sure it might have been rude to look elsewhere when someone was sharing a story, but Róvanfaer had other thoughts on his mind as well. Thankfully he could focus on both story and thought.

It was a terrible story, one Rovan could not fathom experiencing. Man, indeed, hunted and manipulated for sport. His eyes hardened as thoughts of man passed through his mind. In her story Thea had given a description of what they looked like. While Rovan could not quite imagine what they looked like, he figured that if he ever saw one, he would know. Virtually furless except for the face/head. Pink. Tall. It walked on two legs instead of four. Curious. Dangerous and curious. A young, naïve part of Róvanfaer wanted to see this man for himself, but the wiser part of him knew it would not end well if he did. Somethings were better left to the imagination. Thea’s case in point.

The story’s voice faded leaving only images flashing through their minds. Róvanfaer chose this moment to observe Thea, to watch her with curiosity illuminating his forest green eyes. He said nothing, however. The relief from a heavy burden was evident in the way Thea reacted. Telling him, a stranger, what had happened to her in the past had given her some freedom. As he watched her, Thea watched him in return. Another round of silence passed between the two as they studied each other’s muzzles from nose to ear. The scars upon his own face twinged lightly as they would every so often. No doubt she questioned their story. Perhaps one day, if the two kept in contact, Thea would know his own story. A laugh escaped the femme, startling Rovan into a wide eyed glance. Had she finally gone crazy? When she back peddled and finally told her who she was, Róvanfaer relaxed and dipped his head courteously.

Instantly, ex-princess Thea went stiff waiting for Rovan’s reaction. He gave none. He could care less from where she had come. It was unlikely she would ever return. The dark wolf’s past land did not seem to be the place for her. “May you find a better life upon Anikira,” he finally said with a blink. What Thea said last had Róvanfaer give a short laugh. Yes, the stoic brute actually laughed. “My dear, since we have met, it is not I who has judged you.” A twinkle in his eyes appeared as the wolf stepped up to Thea’s side staring off into the distance with her. Since arriving on the beach, Thea has poked, prodded, and provoked numerous reactions from the brown and cream wolf. Many of which he simply ignored.

Taking in another large breath, he let it go saying, “It’s often easier to share with a stranger than it is to share with those you love. A stranger’s opinion does not matter as much.” The brute dipped his head to clean some trapped sand between two pads in his paw. When finished, a pink tongue washed over his muzzle and whiskers. It crossed the young wolf’s mind whether or not he should tell her his story. Shrugging the thought to the side, he decided not to bother with that for the moment. There would probably be time later for such things. Rovanfaer cast Thea a side glance. Oddly enough, though their meeting had been short, he enjoyed her company. So deprived of good company had he become since re-arriving onto Anikira.

[thea]

Thea's reaction to his subtle teasing could only be described as bashful, she was not used to wolves speaking to her in such a manner. Like she was a pup who was being chastised for something she better than to do. Feeling slightly guilty for having assumed his character, she gave him a quick apologetic shrug of her thin shoulders, her sore muscles protesting at the offensive task. But at his wise words her head twitched sideways in the curious avian manner that was hers alone. A faint gentle smile casted her face in a momentary kind and thoughtful expression. But as fast as it had come it was gone. Perhaps not even there in the first place. For her stomach began growling with a vengeance, seeming to growl with contempt at its hostess's audacity to have fed it one meager rabbit. Thea felt her stomach constrict painfully, voicing its demands to be fed. Giving in to her most immediate need she switched her attention the plains that lay to the West, where the smell of prey aroused her keen senses in that direction. With a rare shy glance at Rovanfaer, Thea barked softly for his attention before indicating the plains beyond. "If you'll allow me to recompense for my earlier folly, m-may I offer an oppurtunity to join me in a hunt? I think it would behoove us both considering I have consumed the earlier meal you had obviously intended for yourself." Indicating the rabbit with a flick of her tail. She had disposed of its remains by burying them in the sand, as was the custom in her lands. The hopeful wag of her dark tail reached her eyes in a warming pool of honey gold. Such an expression felt foreign on her face that was used to the contorted snarls of pain, hate, and battle. Already the foriegn muscles felt sore and underused. But it was a feeling she suspected she could get used to with the right motivation and practice.

[Deleted]

When the female’s stomach growled out its disgruntled protest for being left to starve, Róvanfaer smiled softly. A wolf’s stomach always seemed to know the most inappropriate moments to gurgle with hunger. It was funny how they always did that. Green eyes wandered away from Thea and off into the distant dunes. One seagull had brought its food upon the shore. A flock of the scavenger birds swooped down hoping to steal the prey away from its owner. Shaking his head, the wolf turned to Thea with curiosity at her bark for attention. His eyes followed her’s out into the distant plains. Returning to her again, he listened to her request. Rovan tilted his head with interest. “I mean no offense, but your way of speaking is rather odd. Perhaps it is due to your upbringing,” he answered for himself quietly musing.

“No matter on the hare. I had plenty to eat yesterday. However, I won’t turn down a chance at a meal. Between the two of us, we may be able to bring down larger prey.” The male’s green optics observed Thea’s condition carefully. “Are you sure you are up for a hunt?” Concern entered his eyes. What use would it be for her to go hunting if she had such a hard time standing properly earlier? Thea did seem to be recovering slowly, but hunting took taxing effort. “Maybe you should rest. I have no problems hunting myself. Been doing it for a long while now,” he muttered with a sigh.

The life of a nomad didn’t sit well with Róvanfaer. It was true that being a pack member could mean a dull and uneventful lifestyle sometimes, but it was better than this. Rovan was a pack animal, not a loner. He craved attention and companionship despite his quiet, observant existence. He did not need to hold a conversation to enjoy another’s company. Taking in a breath while Thea confirmed her condition was good enough to hunt, Rovan nodded in response letting the breath go. “Alright, let us be off.” The male pushed himself off the ground and shook out the loose clinging sand.

“With any luck, we’ll find a deer of some sort. It would feed the both of us comfortably with plenty left over for a midnight snack.” The handsome brute flashed a small smile in Thea’s direction. With the flick of his tail the brown and cream wolf was trotting off into the grasslands sniffing the air for prey. He had seen many larger beasts roaming the land on his journey to the beach, so he knew they were out there. About a mile away from the beach Rovan caught a whiff of deer. “Ah ha,” he murmured deeply. Slowly, he paced his way toward the promise of a good meal. “Lead the way, princess,” he whispered with a chuckle.