Post by Deleted on Oct 29, 2013 22:37:22 GMT -5
Once more the Alpha stood rigidly before the raging water of the Aughgar river, golden orbs staring vacantly at the shattered glassy surface. The Occasus had become more than just a territory to the brute, rather it was his home - a safe haven away from the darkness beyond. The seasons had cycled through; yet his silhouette stood present upon the terrain's surface. Despite the forces that seemed persistent in holding him down, the russet canine had managed to remain strong in his place. Rasalas held his position as Alpha of Tassos in high regard and, as of yet, had not taken such an honor lightly. The world around him had changed so swiftly in the past four seasons, even he was no longer the same being as before. His own growth was quite impressive, but that did not stop the darkness from cascading over his mind. After all, one could not change everything about themselves - even when trying their hardest.
The state of nostalgia, that was gently consuming the Alpha, brought about visions that seemed nearly real. Memories of his first encounter with another canine here were strong; although, their taste was bitter sweet. The femme without sight had quickly caught his glittering gaze, only to shatter his heart in the process. Could it be that he had actually fallen so swiftly for such a wretched soul? Stifled laughter parted ways from his maw, he had been such a fool. So naive to believe that something with Aries would genuinely develop. She had utilized his giving heart, his longing desire to have someone in his life that cared, only to gain power for herself. After all, without him could she have formed Ryala? If Rasalas had turned down the opportunity to be her Beta, would another creature extend her such support? The Alpha doubted it. Foolish had he been, childish in his prior beliefs. In present times he found himself to be much wiser, careful in his choices. After all, he did have to provide for his pups and their mother as well as the other wolves that found refuge within his borders.
This place seemed foreign and familiar all at once, he could not help but wondering where the days had gone. Had it really been almost a year since Pievunt-An had erupted? Hackles raised ever so slightly at the recollection. The hellfire had rained down upon all of them, bringing many of his family near to their death; yet they had recovered! In fact Tassos had done more than just that, they were thriving! It was at such a downward spiral that he managed to find some strength within himself to step up and truly show himself as a leader of these wolves. Not only had he banished the black mark that was Ryala from being their name, but he had extended their territories; thus, offering safety in the event that the volcano should decide to blow again. As Aries drifted from his mind, the scene of his family gathering before him formed. His bones creaked as they too remembered the splitting pain and adrenaline that was coursing throughout the muscular brute's figure. Golden eyes scanned the foggy, dismal expanse of land - brain wondering where was his family. Who was hurt, who was dead? All were safe and the meeting gave him an opportunity to introduce old members to new. Pride had swelled as the other canines seemed amazed at the amount of members this pack held, somehow he had managed to turn a two wolf pack into a force of power. A twinge of a smile slunk over his features, even now Scout stood by him.
His Beta had witnessed the rise and fall of Ryala and still proved faithful to him when he hardly deserved it. Rasalas was nothing shy of a wreck after Aries' disappearance, but his companion proved himself true. Now Scout had become his Beta, a decision that the russet male doubted he would ever regret. It was shortly before the eruption and the pack's revival that a lovely femme had crossed his path. Darling Aowyn. The Alpha had always thought she was beautiful, charming in her own introverted ways. She seemed incapable of ever hurting a fly; yet, held skills in hunting. Despite his brain's pleading, Rasalas had welcomed her into his heart and home - trusting her far beyond normal. He had shared with her a moment that was special and pure, something that he could never give to another. And she left. Vanished from his life as if she had never been there to begin with. That was when the Alpha's heart became rocky, the demons bringing themselves forth with more strength than ever. He had been fooled twice, played by two females that first appeared genuine.
Unlike Aries, Aowyn had returned to him and admitted her own wrong doing. True, his heart still ached; however, he could not hold such disappointment against the female. He had struggled to understand her fear, was he that cruel? Rasalas liked to believe otherwise. Alas! The female was bringing him a family, something that the Alpha had dreadfully missed since Algethi and Adhara's disappearance nearly two years ago. Sometimes they still crossed his mind, but those times were gaining more distance. Responsibility called and the Alpha refused to neglect his own offspring for mere dreams, even if he hoped that they would reappear one day. His heart trembled within his chest, things had passed by so quickly. Time had flown by, faces had come and gone. Unfortunately, the pack did not totally survive the brutal heat of summer; perhaps later in life he would grow to regret not mourning their deaths and disappearances. Sometimes life simply forced him onward, just because one left did not mean that the others needed him any less. He wanted to be important to his family, a canine that they could look up to and respect. Even now he still felt failure just beneath his skin. Had he let down Aries? Aowyn? Calandra? Anubis and Isis? His own children?
Eyelids fluttered over damp amber eyes, allowing himself a moment of peace and composure. The past could not be changed, but the future was still malleable. He could bring Tassos back to the glory it once was. The only question was where to start. Opening his orbs and turning his crania towards the high noon sun, the Alpha smiled and let out a short howl. It was not one of summoning, he just wanted to know who was willing to sing along with him. Perhaps one of his pups was nearby, hard to believe that they were barely puppies anymore. The thought brought another tug to his grin, widening it more. Things would get better, if only he could relinquish himself from the darkness of the past.
