Ezra's Story

It was a gloomy day. The clouds hanged over head, lingering like a bad illness. It was in this nondescript land, far from the battlefield, where the meeting would take place. Some of the Alva were convinced to leave the Valley and come onto neutral ground. It was here the Tenneth and the Dimitrios would meet them. But so far only The Tenneth arrived. Ezra stood amongst his fellow Fire Wolves. Members of an entourage, meant to escort and protect Ezra. Whereas Ezra is meant to speak on their behalf. To convince the Alva to align themselves with the Tenneth. He was rather uncomfortable that day. A smell lingered in the air that reeked of misfortune.

Yet the keen of mind, wolf disregarded it as being anxious. He has heard of the Alva, a pack of fierce warriors. Having them would greatly benefit anyone in this war. A fact Ezra has his own opinions about. The Tenneth just want more warriors, particularly the Alva to muscle through the Dimitrios Defense. Something that has constantly stopped them. Still he wasn't the only one nervous. His fellows were also mumbling amongst themselves. Speaking of worries about the war. "I hope this goes alright." Spoke one of them. "Yeah, no kidding." Answered another. "Too long we've been talking about an allegiance." "It needs to happen soon." Spoke a wolf. "Yeah, haven't you heard that the Ausi are gonna join the Dimitrios!" One of them entered the conversation with a exclamatory hush. "No they aren't...are they?" The second wolf asked. "Nah, not officially anyway...but they've been talking." Spoke the first one.

"What of?" Asked the second. "Well I heard they're going forward with the pact." Spoke the third. "Yeah, though nothings final." Spoke the first. "I hope so." Spoke the fourth. "Because if they do we really need the Alva to agree with us." He continued to comment. "Well the Alva aren't exactly that easy to talk to." Spoke the third. "Yeah well that's why Ezra's here." "Right Ezra?" Spoke the second. Ezra looked over the chatting Tenneths. He only nodded. There was much on his mind. As they came to the rendezvous they need only wait for the others.

Ezra

That wasn't suppose to happen. He said to himself his limp, and injured body, being dragged against it's will. The Tenneth did his best to walk away from the fight, but that was clearly not an option. His body more or less, limped it's way from the battlefield. Where did they come from? Why did they attack? This was suppose to be a diplomatic mission not an ambush! By the Gods, why did it go so wrong?! Ezra remembered, he and his Tenneth entourage met with Alvan diplomats. They agreed to meet on neutral ground, that way they can discuss allegiances. Instead the Dimitrios came out of nowhere and attacked.

It was like a bad dream. All of sudden rocks hailed them like rain from the clouds. The Tenneth gathered into a defensive formation. "Protect Ezra!" They cried. His brethren, they gave their lives for him. The Alva were clearly displeased as they charged for the Dimitrios attackers. Their venerable blood lust apparent. They came in with a vicious assault, but on a landscape so perfect for Dimitrios...it was not enough. The Alva were powerful warriors, but what good is a warrior if the enemy can change the terrain? We lent support.

While the Alva took the front assault, the Tenneth provided artillery support. They flung fire at the Dimtrios attackers. It worked until the Alva were felled. They managed to kill many but something was off. There were too many Dimitrios for one diplomatic mission. Ezra believed this was planned. Why would the Dimitrios risk losing a potential alliance with the Alva? Such inquiries would have to wait, he was in danger. The Tenneth decided to split up, some would hold back the Dimitrios, the other escape with Ezra. Ezra didn't like it but he knew it was best. He ran and while he fled his brethren were silenced. They were next. The earth cracked before them, yet Ezra did not slow. He ran faster in fact, and leapt across the sudden gorge. Though one of the Tenneth was not so lucky.

The last survivor stood. "Run!" He shouted. Ezra looked at him with his jaw hanging. "I'll hold them off!" "Do it now!" He barked. Ezra reluctantly ran. Then suddenly he fell down a hillside, the cliff suddenly appeared. He fell rolling against a rocky hillside. He landed but with apparent damage. He felt the bone on his back right leg snap. He had to limp. He was cut and bloodied from the attack. Though he managed to escape the Dimitrios, he was seriously injured. Fatigue overwhelmed him as he came to the edge of the Acacia Woods he collapsed. Pain forced his body to shut down...he was vulnerable.

Shimmer Doom

Shimmer noticed her look back. To what she didn't know but that didn't concern her. She then looked with a serious scowl, "I need a skilled laborer, someone with talent, like yourself." "The Boraks are on the rise, that is apparent." "Soon the other packs will know." "But our power must be demonstrated." She then squinted her eyes towards Widget. "I want weapons." Shimmer asked. "Weapons that will show the Tenneth and the Dimitrios who really holds the power." Shimmer spoke. Shimmer then darted her eyes about the room. She raised her ears and sniffed the air. For some reason Doom was distracted, as if she was checking to make sure they were alone. Something about her words didn't seem all to genuine.

BattleDemon had watched as her own kind had fallen into the trap she had warned them about. It was her own pack members that were being squashed by the Dimitrios might, her own trainees that were being killed. Yet, it did not phase her. For all that she had left in her mind was the sudden blood lust urging her to join the fight, to kill Alvas and Dimitrios alike. Battle held back, to watch as a Tenneth removed itself from the fight. With all the other wolves taking hits that were meant to kill the fiery one. Obviously someone of importance. Intrigued by the sight of some Royal wolf on the battle seen, she dropped from her perch and began to follow the fiery wolf from a distance. Even when it left her territory.
At the end of the wolf's plight, it had very clearly been injured. BattleDemon waited for the wolf to drop, as she knew her would, and when he did, she approached. His coloring and markings was... remarkably different from that of an average Tenneth. She used her claws to roll him onto his back and to move his head, looking blankly at the mark on his forehead. Battle could not remember what the symbol meant, but she knew only wolves of importance had these. She growled.

Ezra

How long has it been? What was mere moments seemed like an eternity. The smell of the lush forest just beyond him invaded the senses. It soothed him, though the rest of him unresponsive. The pain of the previous engagement forced his body to shut down. Conserve it's strength for healing. Though time seemed remote it was the sudden growl that brought him to the present. Slowly opening his eyes, as if using the last reserves of his strength to lift some great weight. His eyelids felt heavy and laden as they opened. His sight was blurry at best but what he saw was undeniable. A large black wolf stood above him.

What he assumed to be male, was soon discovered to be female. Upon his eyes focusing themselves to gain greater clarity. The she-wolf caused him to inhale in anticipation. The expansion of his chest pained him as he took a breath. His chest bone must be broken. Upon assessment of his body, he was in pain but no internal injuries were felt. Though he knew he had several broken bones besides his snapped back right leg. He ached and scratches were left with open wounds. He fought to keep his eyes open. They kept closing and opening as Ezra looked upon the menacing wolf.

Resisting the temptation to fade again, Ezra painfully spoke one word. "Please..." then followed a small whine as the pain of speaking welled in his chest. He could not speak another word, for fear of the pain would be too great. Great enough he would pass out again. Leaving him to whatever fate the world has. His eyes closed again apparently to heavy to keep open. Though Ezra worked to maintain consciousness. Keeping his breaths small and short. He would live for the moment. So long as he laid there. Any further moment and his luck of having no internal injuries will be a fantasy. No he would have to lay there an heal, though he would most likely starve to death before that happens. That or his injuries will give way to some awful infection, unless the large she-wolf decides to put him out of his misery.

Ezra could only hope his plea would appeal to the mysterious wolf in some way. For now her growl revealed to him no great truth. Her intentions unknown. Ezra felt only apprehension. Her growl could signal a threat of further aggression. Or perhaps disgust or disdain. For now Ezra was at the mercy of this stranger. One could only pray to the Gods for resolution, whether it be aid or harm.

Ezra

The Tenneth Liaison was unsure of the current situation. He vision faded before too long. His eyes far to heavy to keep peeled with the amount of energy he had left. Though Ezra could swear he was being moved. His instincts were correct. It was after the shelter and the healing herbs were applied he opened his eyes. He could see the make shift structure keeping him protected from nature. He looked about, rather frantically at first. He wasn't quite sure what was going on. He thought he might be safe, but he couldn't be too sure. He could have dreamt it up. That was until the black she-wolf returned.

So he didn't imagine her. She was real and whats more, she brought him food. As Ezra saw the pair of dead rabbits, he was a bit taken back from the gesture of kindness. He had no idea who this wolf was, or what pack she hailed from. He hoped it wasn't Dimitrios. Though for some reason he doubts that conclusion. With wary eyes he watched the she-wolf staring at him. He believes she expects him to eat. With the ooze soothing his injuries, it didn't hurt so much to move. So long as he didn't use his back right leg. He did a sort of side crawl towards the meal. He sniffed it with much suspicion. It was then he took a small bite. He didn't think food could ever taste so good.

He tore into the hare, a bit uncharacteristically of him. Normally he would take time to eat, but considering what he's been through...he was ravenous. He devoured the first hare and most of the second before stopping. He didn't believe he would eat again. He then looked back towards the wolf the saved him. He muttered a, "Thank you." The wandered back underneath the shelter. There he stared at the she-wolf until his eyes grew heavy once more.

Ezra

He dreamt, though it wasn't a happy one. He recalled the recent attack on his life. The Dimitrios suddenly ambushing them, nearly killing him. The howls of his people being silence in stride. It was horrible. Then came the smell of wetness. It came to his attention that it started to rain. Luckily he was in this shelter and wouldn't get wet. Though this did little to stir him from his slumber. That was until the wolf who had helped him arrived. He felt her nudge him to the side. So she could escape the weather abound. Ezra opened his eyes to see the wolf beside him. He wasn't quite sure who she was or what she wants. But Ezra wasn't about to stick his nose into anyone's business. Not after today.

He was about to fade out again until he noticed something amiss. His satchel! He must have dropped it when he felt down that hill. Ezra mustered some strength to turn his head and speak. "I know you've done enough...*takes a weak breath*...and I know the rain is bothersome...but," He paused for the moment, "Could you find my satchel?" "I think...*takes another breath*...it should be near where I fell." "By a hillside." "It shouldn't be far from where you dragged me." Ezra then looked away from the she-wolf. 'If you don't wish to, it's fine." "I just worried my...*weak breath*...papers and pens will be ruined." Ezra spoke. Before he could speak another word he faded out again. Once again returning to sleep.

Ezra

While in slumber, Ezra was unaware of the she-wolf's intentions. No, his dreams took up much of his mind. He dreamt of his home, back in Hephaestus City. He was in their home, in a room with his father. He was talking at Ezra, but he couldn't hear the words he was saying. He seemed concerned, perhaps worried? If only Ezra could hear his words. It was then his mother came in and they began to talk amongst themselves. Again, he could hear no words. They both turned and stared at him, they faces hanged long. They appeared very upset. Then the room swirled and then he was outside. He was with his entourage.

They were leaving the Vulcans. The border guards were saying goodbye to them. This must be when he set off for the rendezvous. Then the world swirled and he was in the middle of a battle. Dimitrios and Tenneth were being slain left and right. The world continued to spin, and he was dizzy. Ezra fell a long fall, then suddenly he awoke. He noticed the air was still wet, but furthermore the she-wolf was gone. He wasn't quite sure why at first. Then he remembered, she must have gone to go retrieve his satchel.

At this moment he would feel very grateful. That if she was around. He'll have to thank her when she returns. The Tenneth wanted to sleep again, but his nightmares made him hesitant. The attacks must have affected his mind, more than he would like. Probably because it was his good friends that were killed. He would miss them for sure. So Ezra laid there, his injuries keeping him from moving too much. At the moment he almost wished he had the she-wolf's company. Any company was better than being alone.

Skye galloped after the black wolf, careful to keep close to Namu. She knew that if she was to strayaay from him, he would only become more anxious about the whole thing. The fact that she loved being close to him didn't hurt, either.
When they arrived at the black wolf's destination, she immediately wanted to go to the injured wolf. She paused, and turned to Namu. She gave him an affectionate lick on his cheek, before hurrying off to, what appeared to be, a Tennith wolf. Then again, she did appear to be a Kita. "I'm Skye. I'm going to be healing you. Yes I can heal. I'm a hybrid." She introduced hersel, glancing away at the last bit. Before he could object, she began licking him gently. It wasn't with the same sort of affection she used with Namu- this was more like a mother cleaning her pup.
When she finished, she pulled back and smiled at him kindly. "Are we feeling a bit better?"

NAMU

Namu continued to follow behind the black wolf, still unsure of what the two were even doing following her in the first place. Sure, there was a wounded wolf, but since they were both out of their own territory, it just made him nervous. Having the she-wolf close to him made his feel a little better, though not entirely either.

Once they had finally arrived where the injured wolf was, he quickly stopped quite a few feet away, not wanting to get any closer than he actually needed to. From where he stood he could certainly see there was an injured wolf laying there and he was really injured as well. The Aven groaned lightly to himself, his head lowering as his eyes looked around at the place. He was scanning it with his eyes to make sure there wasn't anyone else around as well. At the feeling of an affectionate lick upon his cheek, he looked up to see sky, giving her a soft smile before she ran off to help the injured wolf. Till she was done, he just sat there quietly.

Ezra

Ezra noticed the intimidating she-wolf returned. Though what she returned with surprised him. Instead of his satchel, she returned with two strangers. Strangers who appeared to be able to hasten his healing. They must be Aven, they weren't too far from the Acacia Woods. It would be easy for them to simply walk into their borders from here. Either she did that, or she found them beyond their borders. Whatever the case Ezra was grateful. The one who introduced herself as Skye, volunteered to aid him. While the other Aven seemed content to supervising. Speaking off, he was surprised to hear she was a hybrid.

Ezra has heard of interpack mingling. While he hasn't really anything against it, he knows some wolves are disturbed by it. Those purist-pedigree types, always so close minded. After she licked his wounds, he began to feel better. The herbs from earlier, mixed with the natural healing abilities of the Aven, began to seep past his wounds. It burrowed itself into his damaged muscles, bones, and tissue. It would take more rest, but for the main part he'll live. He looked towards Skye, "Yes, thank you." He then turned the black she-wolf, "And thank you as well." He spoke.

"I appreciate all that you have done for me." Ezra spoke addressing the entire group. He laid their as he took another breath. His mind wandering back to the scene of the attack. It was difficult to forget. Just how did it go so wrong?


_____

Meanwhile...

An outpost made from the earth sat in the barren and rocky lands. There a group of Dimitrios plotted with an unknown group of wolves. The very same Dimitrios that attacked Ezra's operation. They sat around a stone table as the, obvious, head of the group spoke, "How much longer til our scouts return?" Asked the Head. "Well sir with the rain, it has washed much of the scent away." "It will be very difficult for them to pick anything up." Spoke a Dimitrios. "Dammit!" "What happened to following him!?" The Head spoke outraged. "Well sir, the Tenneth put up a bigger fight than we thought." "After we caught them and interrogated them, they gave us nothing." Spoke the wolf. The Head growled. "Damn Tenneth!" "They've been on our borders for months now!" Pushing further into our territory!" "We needed headway!" He shouted.

"Calm down Taron, it isn't over." Spoke an uncomfortably smooth voice. "Well Felonious, I will calm once I have Ezra!" He barked. "Hey, hey no need to bark at us." "After all we did tell you about this shindig." Felonious cooed. "Yes and the Dimitrios thank you for stopping their secret meeting, but!" "But, Ezra isn't going to be a problem." Felonious interrupted. "He is lost and alone, probably even injured." Felonious spoke. "He isn't going to get far, you'll find him sooner than you would expect." Felonious spoke reassuringly. "How can you be so sure?" Taron asked. "Well you killed off his friends, attacked him, and left him to deal with that." "I'm sure that will shake up most wolves." "Unless he absolutely doesn't care about his comrades." Felonious spoke. "Also you sent scouts in all directions, I'm sure he will be yours soon enough." Felonious spoke with a devious smirk.