Description
Name: Yshani Le'ra Ashatur
Age: Approx. 163 YRS
Race: Nymph
Picture:
Written Appearance: Upon taking up a more humanistic appearance, the only thing left of Yshani's original appearance is her mane of white curls, rising from her head in a flaming aray of silken white, a single ponytail of sorts rising from the back of her head, held by gold bands, to cascade to her waist, unseen. Her pale complexion fits well with the white curls that frame her elegant, angular face. Upon that face are eyes as bright a purple as the star nebulas in the night sky, her pupils ringed with silver. Her body is nimble, lean muscles decorating every strong bone. Each ear, pointed slightly much like an elf - though the point curves in a downward motion - is pierced. The right ear is pierced three times, the left five - both containing hoops in the lobe, both with two shimmering gem studs, the left containing a chain that connects two three other piercings, each one allowing that chain to lengthen and dangle from the ear. Her body is small and petite, almost, her chest showing the effects of womanhood, if only just. Her nails are long and elegant, and her right wrist is adorned with a slave bracelet. This bracelet is made of five gold chains wrapped around the wrist loosely, held together by five turqoise beads, a single small chain wrapping around her middle finger to finish the mark of slavery. On each foot are anklets built of metal loops connected by chains, a single emerald in the center. Much like the slave bracelet, the anklets wrap around her second toe to allow the full chain to show, once more marking her.
For items on Yshani:
Upon taking up her original form, Yshani's ankles are covered with foliage from whatever grows around her. Her nails grow out into claws. And her eyes are swallowed by a deep onyx color hinted with violet, no white left. In this form, she is considered the Slave and the Beast. Some would consider her dangerous; others might not know what to think of her. But when she takes up this appearance, it only means one thing: the inner power has been tapped. That can easily be noticed by the aura of sizzling air around her body; at least, sizzling is what it sounds like...
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 84 lb
Hair Color: White/Silver
Eye Color: Nebula Purple/Silver
Body Type: Very lithe, leanly muscled shape that, if human, would be considered nothing but skin and bone
Personality
Personality: If one were to classify her alignment to D&D standards, she would be considered chaotic good. Like most nymphs, Yshani is a solitary creature, only acting uncharacteristically in the fact that she is oftentimes territorial due to her hate of feeling captive. She is a like a cat, mischievous and playful, not quite knowing when enough is enough. Human is not really a word she understands, thus she does not know quite how to act it. Yet in all her time alive, she has come to understand what looking human means. And slowly, as she ages through her long years, she will learn how to act human again. However, because she has lived alone most of her life, visted only once every five or so years by her "Master," her solitary, territorial attitude will be very hard, indeed, to expunge. Only time will tell if the slave can become the master...
Quirks: Yshani can oftentimes be found talking in strange tongues around her, as if caught in her own little world. When she does this, animals seem to be drawn to her by some invisible force. Especially cats (of any sort), birds, and wolves...and later, a dragon.
Likes:
- Freedom
- Running/Climbing/Jumping
- Wildlife (including all animals/plantlife)
- Dancing/Music
- Rain/Waterfalls
- Positive Encouragement/Attention
Dislikes:
- War
- Captivity/Being Bound
- Fire/Lighting (that's more like a fear)
- Feeling Lost
- Authority
- People in her territory
History
This story will not be a happy one...but many stories with happy endings do not have happy beginnings...
"Mamisa?" The small whisper of a child echoed in the shadows of the nymph adobe deep within the Southern Yrian Wood (a small forest on the southern tip of the Eden continent). She peeked around the corner where her mother and father lay on the floor face down. Slowly, she stepped in, closer and closer, before arriving where they lay, rolling over first her mother, then her father. By this time, she spotted their eyes, dead and glazed staring into the spaces of Death.
Yshani, no older than ten (around 3 or 4 in Nymph years), stepped back, crystaline tears filling her dark eyes. There were no marks on their bodies. No bruises. No cuts...just death. Written all over their faces.
The Ashatur family lived secluded in this small wood, known only by one small tribe of their kind, yet holding no obligations to anyone. So when the two parents of Yshani died, the little nymph was to be left alone. But no matter...
As she continued to back away into the shadows, staring at her beloved Mamisa and Papona, she had no idea what lurked in the shadows behind her. A man who called the shadows...a man who could kill little Yshani with a single blow. But this man did not do this...oh no...he had much more...profitable things in mind. Taking her her up as she began to scream, this stranger wrapped little Yshani in a blanket of Darkness...where she would stay for the next century, sleeping...waiting...
Out of the cocoon nearly a century later, Yshani was nearly full grown. Her body was flawless, her power...fiery. She was pierced and branded, bonded by the chains of slavery, the only visible bonds those on her wrist and ankles. Yet her burden lurked far in the shadows.
She never spoke, not a word for the next ten years. Instead, she hid and ran, trying all the ways she knew to break free of the curse that had befallen her. To no avail. But her words would come when a human man had stumbled into the Yrian Wood, blooded and bruised from a raging fight for his village. So close to death was he that when Yshani came across him, he begged with weezing breaths for her help.
Stunned, Yshani slowly came to him, acting more like a curious animal than any humanoid. After all, she'd never met a human. But she would soon learn...
"Please......beautiful spirit...let...me...live." His breaths became ragged as blood covered his hands, which held fast to his side. He would die if she didn't do something.
So Yshani ran...ran and ran at amazing speeds...to get some water and healing herbs only found in the area. How she knew this language he spoke, she did not know. Nor did she care. This was her first interaction in a century...and she wanted to make it last. Back to him she was in a flash, lifting his head gently and giving him some water before placing it, asking for a small patch of moss to grow in a whispered tone. It did so, pillowing the strange man's head as she lifted his hands and began to tear the strange armor, which was nothing more than worn down leather and a few missplaced metal studs, and the shirt beneath it, revealing a gash that ran along his side, at least two inches deep.
He wept at that point, praying in his strange (strange to her, that is) tongue not to pass out. She paused, staring at him much like a cat would, curious and aloof. Then, placing a clawed finger on his lips, she made a gentle, "Shhhhh," the first sound she'd made in years. Then, Yshani cared for him, placing herbs and leaves on this cut, watching as it quickly healed to a more manageable point. After that, she tore enough fabric from his stained shirt and tied it around his waist to keep the cut relatively closed.
"Thank you," he said...then he was out.
She sat there for a night and half a day before he woke again. By that time, he was able to stand and walk. She motioned for him to stand as she did. He did so, slowly, groaning and clutching his side. Then, together, they walked to a small oasis within the wood. There, she would finish helping him heal. After that, only time would complete the full process.
This strange man was so afraid to leave that he ended up staying with Yshani. From her movements and motions, he was able to learn how to survive. How to hunt and scavenge. In turn, he taught her how to fight...which only lasted a day before she ran away from him in fear.
War scared her. Fighting scared her. Naturally, she was a skittish creature. And the man, who became known as Connart, searched for her in apology, promising he would never do it again. Finally, she spoke...only a word...but more than she'd done for over a century. "Promise..." The word was foreign to her lips, making her smile slightly. He, in turn, smiled, reaching out to her.
"Promise," he said again, allowing her to reach for his hand and take it.
Slowly, she came from her perch in a tree. Then, she ran again, this time to play. They'd done this many times already, and he immediately followed.
Another month passed by, and Connart finally asked about the bands on her wrist and ankles. She went silent, completely and utterly, thinking hard about it, but not remembering how she had them. But at the same time, she felt that disturbing presence watching her. He didn't ask again...fearing that she wouldn't come out of hiding.
For another ten or so years, Connart would live with Yshani. Together, they would learn. She would teach him how to be one with the world, and he, in turn, taught her how to be human. Her eyes slowly changed to a bright purple laced with silver, with whites and a pupil instead of a single, whole color. She began to speak in his tongue, learning, and loving. Every moment was precious. And soon, they became a mated pair.
Upon that moment, though, the stranger that killed Yshani's parents and taken her captive reappeared in the night. With him came fire. Fire that tore down the entire Yrian wood. She woke, and began to run, fear ripping through her. But as she did so, she grabbed the hand of her beloved human, only to realize that he lay there, his eyes staring at Death just as she's seen in her parents.
The memories tore through her, and Yshani collapsed, crying out, her entire being going back to its original state. Her dark eyes stared up watching as the stranger came from the shadows with a malevolent smile.
"Yshani," he said in a deep voice, triggering something inside her that locked her in place, "You should have known better...mating when you are enslaved. Only I may have you..." His finger traced her cheek, piercing her skin as it went. "Now you will pay...to never forget your place."
The cut instantly healed on her flesh, but the pain forever remained. From then on, she would never forget that she was not her own being. She was owned...captive...lost in slavery. And for the remainder of her years, up until now, she has wandered, running from war and remainging as often as she can in the shadows of the trees, once more becoming that animal she was before. She knows not where she finds herself, nor does she really care. For home is lost...and now she knows that it can never be found again...at least, that's what she believes.
She is now in a wooded area near the village, Ohmah, where she wanders in the shadows, having no idea about the very special encounter waiting for her...about the friends and creatures she is about to meet...as well as that very special something watching from afar...
So begins...
Teadora:
As Teadora slept in her death sleep she was able to dream. For the first time in decades it wasn't nightmares. This dream was about her past with her pure blooded elfin friend ÁLFLJÓTR. Teadora could dare say that she actually kind of fell for him because of his soul and who he was, but to top it off he was gorgeous as well. Which threw her off when he first told her his name was ÁLFLJÓTR, for even she knew it meant ugly. ÁLFLJÓTR was the furthest thing from ugly he was in fact gorgeous for a man. He stood at a proud 6foot 2inches tall, his body lean and muscular yet, not over barring in muscles. His face was masculine yet almost feline as well as he has big piercing glowing crimson red eyes that was inherited sense he was after all a drow. ÁLFLJÓTR'S lips were nicely sized for a man and set slightly in a constant playfully wicked, yet charming smirk. His nose matched his facial features quite well as he has very pale ivory skin. ÁLFLJÓTR also has very long greyish black hair, that falls all the way down to his butt, and he had bangs that were split in half and cut in layers to about his jaw bone.
Yet it only enhanced his looks in a rough and deadly kind of way, he also had perfectly set pearly white teeth. So when ÁLFLJÓTR smiled all the girl would gather around and squeal yet who could blame them, he was very dashing. His movements were graceful yet fierce and strong for a man, as his ears were that perfectly pointyness you commonly see amongst true elves. ÁLFLJÓTR'S arms and legs were masculine, lean, and long yet made him look more graceful and manly at the same time. Now in traditional Drow costumes he would wear, an all black leather warrior uniform, with black cloth pants underneath, and would wear a nice all black hooded cloak. ÁLFLJÓTR also loved to wear his sword he crafted for himself, that was a handsome blade. It was made of the finest of iron and sharpened enough to slice through a 10inch thick piece of leather like it was plan old butter. His blade had the traditional markings upon it of a elfish and beautiful vine leafs along the non-sharp part of it on both sides.
His blade also had the lovely traditional curve of the tip showing it as elfin crafted blade. Now he'd always where this at this left hip sense he was right handed. ÁLFLJÓTR tended to like to wear his hood over his face except his lips so as not to get too many women swooning over him. So Teadora dreamed of seeing his face again. Touching his face and staring into his magnificently passionate crimson glowing eyes for her. From the moment they met she knew that ÁLFLJÓTR was different and they were destined to meet. Her dream was now shifting from seeing his face to going into her flashback of her first meeting of him.
*~......Dreaming Flashback.......~*
"Hello, miss, I say miss... are you alright?... I am ÁLFLJÓTR from the North, and who might thee be madam?..." ÁLFLJÓTR asked his his deeply soft soothing slightly musical manly voice to Teadora. Teadora lay upon the ground hiding her face against the ground growling in anger with herself. For Teadora had just killed her first mortal sense being turned not 2 months earlier. Teadora gasped as she'd heard ÁLFLJÓTR'S voice calling to her, his presence was over whelming with good and evil, yet a hint of a rare softness she never new could exsist in a human. Yet she gasped softly only enough for her ears alone, as his sent waffed into her nose. He smelt so sweet, delicious, and earthy; his scent smelt as though he were a rare crisp sweet apple to her. That threw her off, so ever so slowly so as not to frighten him or herself she rose her head up. Her tears of regret and anguish for herself spilled freely now as she'd slowly skim up a black velvet hooded cloak.
Teadora got very nervous suddenly as she could only see that he had a pair of very nice lips and smooth pale ivory skin, only two shades darker than hers. She'd sniffle and flinch slight while he's slowly let his long lean masculine pale hand reach down to her. His nails were rather long for a man yet it added to her slight curiosity attraction for him. When he saw her flinch slightly he only gave her a heart breaking charming smirk and says in the same voice, "It's alright Miss I shall not hurt thee, I only mean to help thee.. what tis your name ma'am?" Something in his voice just soothed her and made her feel safe, so she gracefully and softly reaches for his hand and grabs it delicately. A sudden spark shot through her entire body and she'd gasp out loud now surprised by it. ÁLFLJÓTR must of felt it as well cause he had a soft manly almost musical gasp as well. Yet he's seem to ignore it as he'd slowly and gracefully with very little effort she noticed, pulls her up to stand as her silent tears had continued to fall. Teadora then blushes and says in her naturally sultry bell like voice softly, "I-I- I'm Teadora Serenitydeath, ÁLFLJÓTR.. thank thee for your kindness but it is wasting upon a retched creature like myself..."
As soon as Teadora knew she was standing up right and sterdy she released his hand quickly. ÁLFLJÓTR just simply gave her the same smirk, while saying, "Oh is that so Lady Teadora?... now why on earth would such a graceful, delicate, and beautiful blossom such as yourself say such an awful depressing thing about thee self?" Teadora could help but have just a very light dusty rose hue to her cheeks from her recent feed, as she'd look away from him and say in the same voice yet in great sorrowed spitefulness for herself, "Because ÁLFLJÓTR can thee not see, what I am?... I am a vampire for crying out loud ÁLFLJÓTR of course I don't deserve your kindness, I am in-human..." ÁLFLJÓTR just has a deeply musical soft chuckle sound as he'd say in his chuckle while, he'd very slowly and smoothly, pull his hood up off his face and off his head to reveal himself, "Well now Teadora we have something in common, I am not human as well, I am a pure blooded elfin drow do you see me as unworthy of kindness as well?.." He'd chuckle again as he'd watch her face go into complete and utter admiring shock, as she'd stare at him stunned. For a moment Teadora couldn't speak for he was even more handsome that Stephine and she thought, that, that was impossible to ever happen.
She'd then sigh and say in the same voice yet now a bit of bitterness to her voice now, "Of course thee does deserve kindness, you're still living, I am the walking undead ÁLFLJÓTR there is a major difference between us in this aspect..." Teadora could hear how that last part sounded very disappointed to say it. Yet she knew in her dead cold heart she was right. ÁLFLJÓTR just chuckled again while saying as he'd roll his glowing elfin crimson red eyes, "That doesn't matter, for I can tell that you didn't choose this life style it chose you Teadora, I'll make thee an offer, come with me and I shall take thee to my home land and I shall train thee in the art of Drow combat, and I shall give you my own personally crafted double blades just for thee and I shall teach thee how to speak elfish, do we have a deal?" Teadora's mouth flew wide open as she'd slowly nod her head while saying and asking slightly stunned and shocked, "Alright ÁLFLJÓTR we have a deal but, why does thou wish to help me in such a grand way, what's in this for thee ÁLFLJÓTR?"
ÁLFLJÓTR just gave her another heartbreaking charmingly wicked smirk, as he'd stare into her eyes saying in his deeply masculine slightly musical elfin voice, "I saw into your future and I knew you were destined for greatness, and I saw a bit into your past, it is twisted and painful yet, you once had a very pure just heart, and it's still there I can see it in your eyes Teadora, and I wish to help thee regain your power and get your revenge...." Teadora stood there staring into his eyes complete and utter shock read in them, as tears of joy and sorrow fell from her eyes. Suddenly ÁLFLJÓTR wrapped her in his arms and held her tightly in a calming soothing, yet strangely romantic fashion as, for a split second her cold, dead, vampiric heart seemed to skip a beat back to life......
*~........End of Flashback Dream.........~*
Teadora would smile and appear to smile to all who'd see her sleeping, as she'd slowly flutter her eyes open once again........
The warm tongue licking away her tears as they fall make her eyes open up to look at the wolf, curious as even her hiccups slowly begin to disappear. Hesitantly, she uncurls an arm, her hand reaching out to touch Werfen's face. Her rambles have stopped, and she is completely silent, but for a small hiccup every now and then. Her nails/claws have shortened some, making it easier to touch the wolf. His fur is soft and warm beneath her fingers.
"Bentai woden..." Beautiful wolf...
Staring into that dark pelt, those shimmering silver eyes that remind her of the moon, calms Yshani, if only a little. He takes her mind from the creature before her...the Master in the shadows. She simply wanders over that dark pelt, feeling, smelling, loving. He is wolf. He is wild. He is free.
His Heart comes back over after speaking to dragon. What dragon did, Yshani does not understand. But her mind blocked all speakings from the vampire beneath the dragon's claw, so she is lost over why the vampire is asleep on the ground. Her eyes are on Heart, missing the vampire as those dark red eyes open again. Yshani curls back up, pulling her hand from Werfen, only for that hand to be taken into Heart's.
"Come with me into the forest. I'll protect you, and Fen will too."
Forest. Protect.
Safe...
Werfen pipes in as well, speaking within her mind, making her look up at him. ...Protect/defend/love... Her eyes start watering again, her lip trembling as she sits up and hugs the great wolf. Then, she turns and hugs his Heart, crying almost happily, her hiccups cured.
"Thank you..." This is said softly as her tongue tingles at the reminder of human speech. Though it will still be a while before she once more opens up, she is remembering.
And she is thankful...perhaps once more she will be free...if only for a little while.
But what will happen when she grows too attached? Will He intervene again?
Teadora:
Teadora could hear voices and talk about a safe haven but her mind was still fogged from her death sleep. Finally Teadora fluttered her eyes open as she'd see she was placed in a more comfortable passion. She'd shake her head slightly and began to stretch with a slight groan. Her mind raced as she'd see that the wolf, nymph and elves were Still there. Suddenly fear took her over as she'd shiver but she'd slowly and gracefully stand up and say in a soft naturally sultry bell like voice, "Please don't hurt me I am innocent I swear I mean no one any harm...". Teadora then looked down and stay silent awaiting for there answer.
Sun sets. Moon rises. The winds of night sing a lullaby that lulls the young nymph into a dreamless sleep next to her new friends, curled against the warmth of fur. That night, she does not shiver. She does not dream. She simply sleeps, a small smile still on her ivory face. Young and peaceful, a creature of beauty and innocence. Never has she felt so safe.
But can safety truly last?
The moon sets, and the sun once more begins to rise. The same winds that lulled her to sleep hours before now sing a song to wake her. Birds are singing happily, and the sky is cloudless. She hears the words of the birds, and it makes her eyes open to look at the ruffled pelt of her wolf friend, who still rests peacefully beside her and his Heart. The events of the day before flash in her mind, and she gasps, unsure of how to take it all. Still so young and naiive, Yshani watches with wonder. But she cannot just sit there forever.
The trees beckon to her heart's desires. The winds call to her, rustling the foliage just within the darkness. Any sign of Him is gone, and she feels safe wandering away. Like a curious child, Yshani stands and begins to step from her spot, wandering back into the forest, her ankles reclaimed by the growing nature that has always possessed her small body. Werfen can find her wherever she goes. Wolves are a pack, and deep down she knows that he won't let her get hurt. But the wind beckons to her, tugging on her childlike curiosity. There is more to be learned in Ohmah. She must visit the village where the dragon went to see about her own new life. She must find a connection that does not already have a love. After only a day, Yshani does truly love Werfen. He is Pack. And so is Heart. But his heart is already consumed by a devotion she can never get from him. She wants that kind of love...one that could call her Heart. She wants love. She wants her own Pack. And she will do anything to find it.
Stumbling through the cool morning air, Yshani makes the trek to Ohmah, where she hopes to still find the dragon that had drawn her out in the first place. The winds continue to whisper to her, pushing her onward. The trees seem to sway in the direction she needs to go, encouraging her as the songbirds sing beautiful music that keeps her on her feet even when she stumbles over a root. She hums along with the birds, the song of a long ago child that had been forgotten. A child that wishes for love.
After only a couple of hours, she manages to make it to the outside of Ohmah. This is where she must go. What makes her hesitate, though, is that she's never truly been near civilization. But the wind gives her a small push, whispering for her to go on. The trees give her laughter and signs of encouragement. The sky dances above her. A bird just on her left sings another small tune. And after a few moments of watching, she finally gathers the courage and trudges forward. It only takes a few moments to find the dragon. After all, all attention is still on that creature. That curious, beautiful creature.
"Canunt ama?" Can you guide me? She asks this with a trembling voice upon reaching the dragon and falling to her knees in a bow. Her white hair rustles in the breeze as another whisper of encouragement is given. Then, all is quiet as she waits, clutching the ground in anticipation, hoping desperately that her long morning hasn't been for nothing. It can't all be for nothing...
"Canunt ama?" came a soft voice in her mind.
That beautiful language called to Aura and begged to be given wings all its own as Aura tried her best to understand it. She looked down at the young creature who called to her, watching as she knelt down and bowed deeply to her. Her little hands grasped the ground as the wind gently caressed her body and brushed her hair in its gentle embrace. Something about this tiny creature was calming to Aura and she knelt down and brought her nose right up to the little thing's head.
Little one, you have no need for such formality with me. If you wish to speak, then simply do so as my ears and heart are open to you at any time. She said gently into the young girl's mind.
Delzah too saw the young woman approach and was rather confused by her actions, but it was clear that she meant Aura the highest respects. Delzah smiled and kept quiet, allowing the two to have a private conversation as he kept watch on the forest ahead and waited for the others to gather with him who were convinced that what he was doing was right.
At that moment, Aura's head perked up slightly and slowly as she looked out into the forest.
Master, I sense another of my kin approaching this area but... It's strange. It is moving too fast for a Dragon in such a dense forest.
Delzah looked up at Aura and then looked back towards the forest, sending out a small wave of his magical energy to try and reflect the energies of the Dragon and reveal its identity, but it was no use. As hard as Delzah tried to find the Dragon, it was useless. However, something else took place which caught his attention. Something was beginning to happen around him. Something he couldn't explain. It was as if a voice whispered to him and drew his attention to the young girl who had bowed so deeply to Aura, and Delzah immediately understood that whatever was going on would have something to do with her.
Delzah approached slowly, kneeling down and smiling to her.
I believe that Aura could use your help. One of her kin, another Dragon, is moving through the forest with great speed. Aura cannot isolate the Dragon and I cannot detect its energy, but I believe that you can. Will you try? He asked her through his mind.
The breath of the dragon makes her jump, her body tensing slightly. But Once that gentle voice enters Yshani's head, she raises her gaze to look at the nose of the dragon curiously. The scales are bright, shimmering like gemstones in the dim sunlight of morning. Her breath is warm and inviting, gentle against Yshani's face. Curious thing, a dragon is. It makes her smile. And as the dragon speaks to her, she clings to the words, trying to understand them, dragging the long ago memories of human speech and common language. Upon understanding what the dragon has to say, Yshani smiles, tears forming beneath those dark eyes. The breeze once more ruffles her white hair, the tail falling over her small shoulder as she rises to sit on her knees and watch the dragon's nose happily. And after a moment, she reaches out to touch that nose in hopes to feel the warmth of a dragon's touch...to better understand the nature of such a creature as she would a wolf.
But as she does so, the dragon's head rises, her gaze fixated on the trees Yshani had left only moments ago. The mind of the great creature is no longer in the thoughts of the young nymph, and she pulls her hand back, looking back down at the ground in a more confused manner. As if she had done something wrong.
Then, the shadows move, and the trees begin to sing once more. Their song, however, is different this time. A song of welcoming. Welcoming a creature that is not her. A creature that she has yet to meet. Songbirds sing a song of joy as the breaths of what would be a wolf huff through the air. She can hear his muscles rippling beneath fur.
Though Yshani is oblivious to the magic of the dragon and the elf boy with her, she knows that something is out there. She stands now, turning to watch as she listens to the wind sing. Her body sways slightly, hearing the beckoning call with a small smile. Something watches. It wishes to sing. And to a certain degree, she can feel that song rising in his throat. A howl that is not a howl. A roar that is not a roar. Something different. Something special.
Then, the elf comes to her. She looks at him curiously, her smile gone as his mind interrupts the songs of nature around her. A dragon is out there. One that the great dragon behind her cannot pinpoint. And yet, they somehow believe a tiny nymph can do so? Her brow furrows, confusion masking her features. But before she can say much of anything, the songs take over once more. That howl that isn't a howl calls. She can feel it calling. Calling like the trees, like the wind, wishing for her company.
Yshani doesn't understand it. But for some reason, she does know that this howl that is not a howl is the creature they speak of. The dragon they cannot detect. But even she cannot get a clear sense of it. All she knows is that the dragon is masked by wolf.
"Bentai woden...manti dyrna..." Beautiful wolf...masked dragon...
She looks at the great dragon behind her, then to the elf at her side, her brow furrowing. That's all she knows. Somehow it is dragon...and wolf. A dragon in a wolf's pelt. Running, singing, calling, loving. Her eyes dance with curiosity and confusion. But at this point, Yshani isn't sure she knows what to do. Should she go out and find the dragon wolf? Or should she stay with the great dragon? She looks to the great one again, her gaze fixated on the beast's nose, her mind tentatively reaching out for the first time, only giving a feeling. A feeling of confusion. Of a question...Should I go?
Aura looked at the forest, a strange feeling in her chest calling out to her. Delzah could sense the change in her and so he looked over at her for a moment as he tried to get this sorted out. He walked over to the young woman and looked at her for a moment as well, trying to get a sense for what she was thinking but it was no use as he continued to stare into the forest. Finally, Aura looked down at him.
Master, I have a feeling that you and I should accompany this young creature to find this Dragon. It almost seems to be calling to her, and to me.
Delzah looked up at Aura and nodded.
"Very well Aura, then we will go find this Dragon and hope that all goes well... If it doesn't, we could have quite the fight on our hands." He said quietly.
Aura looked to the young woman next to Delzah, speaking softly to her in her mind.
Little one, please guide us through this forest to find my kin. This Dragon calls to us now, and if we do not answer it we may never again have this chance to connect. Gather your courage now, little one, and we shall be by your side the whole way. She said gently.
Aura raised her head and stood up all the way, folding her wings so that she might walk through the forest that much easier as she waited to follow the young creature and Delzah. Delzah himself waited as well with Aura for the young woman to lead them to this new Dragon. Another Dragon, with any luck, would make their mission that much easier.
Teadora:
As she walked side by side with Damion her heart was full joy yet curiosity. For she knew Damion never truly trusted strangers so her interest was peeked. While the continued to walk she could feel him trembling as they walked and held hands. Teadora knew this way he trembled all to well, she knew a mighty dragon was near by. She'd gasp as she'd pick up Aura's scent as she'd sent a soft respectful telepathic message to her saying, Forgive mine and my beloved's intrusion Aura but it would appear he trusts you and whom ever you're with, may we come join thee Aura I and my beloved would be greatly honored if thee said yes, and thank you for letting me see my Draconia once more....
Permission. She smiles, gleefully, turning back and raising her nose to the wind, nostrils flaring. She hears the songs of the wind, mind focused purely on the creature in the shadows. That howl that is not a howl. The wolf that is not a wolf. She can hear his breath. Panting. His feet padding the ground as he runs back and forth like a pup.
Her body tenses, and she sprints into the woods. Just in time, too. Had Yshani seen the giant that rose from the bushes, she would have been scared away from the wolf that is not a wolf, and he would be lost forever. Instead, though, her form disappears into the shadows, hair flying, mind racing, voice singing a song of flight. She gives a howl that is not a howl, which is answered by a throaty reply. The howl of a wolf deepened by the inner voice of a dragon. A howl that is not a howl. A roar that is not a roar.
Smiling, she lets her legs carry her on the wind, laughing as he continues to call to her. Like the wind speaks to her in a constant whisper, so does he. The wolf that is not a wolf. He grows closer, then runs away, playing. She sees a flash of beautiful black fur that shimmers in the broken sunlight with a hint of rusty brown. She gives chase, howling her howl again. He quickly answers with the howl that is not a howl. Again, she picks up speed.
It is a game. A game to them both. A game of pack. Chasing one another to test the speed and agility. She is quicker than she would seem, catching up with his great form. He stops, crouching playfully as his tongue lulls from his open mouth, panting. His eyes are not the usual amber of a wolf, but instead a brilliant golden green, the pupils much more like a cat's than a wolf's, slits of black rising all the way up the glowing irises. A wolf that is not a wolf.
She smiles, sniffing and crouching in the same playful way he does. His lips pull back from his teeth in a wolfish smile, his tongue still dangling from his muzzle as he pants. Even when crouched, this wolf is massive, easily reaching a good foot or so above Yshani's head. Were he to stand at his full height, this wolf would be at least three or four feet taller than her at the shoulder. His body is long and graceful, his paws massive and dangerous. Beneath that rusty black coat, muscles ripple gracefully. A line of moonlight silver crosses from his nose up his face, before it slops all the way down his back. The wind ruffles that fur as he stares at her with his wolfish smile. Not a challenge. Just playing.
She grins, something Yshani has yet to do, feeling safe near him as the wind sings around her. To some degree, she feels as though she already knows him - as though she knows his thoughts and emotions. His body sings to her. His spirit howls. A howl that is not a howl, but a roar. A roar that is not a roar, but a howl.
She throws back her head, summoning all of her lung power before giving out a great howl of her own. One that, if anyone hearing it does not listen closely, almost sounds like a wolf's howl. His smile grows, and he follows suit, his voice a deep, echoing bass thrumming with excitement. Then, lowering himself to the ground, he makes his way to her. She smiles and crouches to make herself shorter than him, raising her clawed hand out to him. Slowly, he sniffs her, testing her. Then, as if to test her will, he snaps at her arm, just barely missing her skin with his teeth. She never moves.
Again, he smiles a wolfish smile, licking her shoulder, his huge tongue enveloping her side easily, shoving her over. He yips as she falls over, laughing, before standing and licking his nose, her tiny tongue nothing compared to the nostrils of the great beast. And just like that, they're friends.
Now trusting of the little nymph, the wolf that is not a wolf, allows his mind to enter hers, speaking with the same deep voice of his howl that is not a howl into her thoughts.
~You are what I have been looking for, little one. Ride with me, and we shall go meet those that were searching for me. None know what I am, for I am special. And so are you. Let us go together so that we may be strong together.~
He lowers all the way to the ground, motioning for her to climb up. Yshani does so happily, climbing gracefully onto his back and placing herself just behind his massive head, holding fast to his long, silky fur. He smells wild and free. He smells wolf. But dragon, too. This makes her confused and happy all at the same time. And as he rises to his feet and takes off into a great bound, she can't help but laugh gleefully at her thoughts of wanting both wolf and dragon. She has made another friend this day. A friend that, if she is lucky, will last forever.
It only takes a few moments to get back to Aura and Delzah. The wolf that is not a wolf stops just within the trees watching the events unfold with a wolfish smile. Then, unexpectedly, he steps from the shadows, looking up at Yshani and asking with a laugh in her thoughts for her to sit up so that everyone can see her tiny form on his back. She does so, smiling as the breeze tickles her cheek. She looks like a mouse compared to him as he stands, not quite as big as Aura, as he is not in his dragon form, at nine feet at the shoulder, his body stretching nearly 18 feet from tip to tail. He looks up at the Leviathan dragon with that wolfish smile, tongue lulling from his open mouth, his breath still coming out in playful pants.
His mind reaches out to the great dragon as he bows his head. ~You were searching for me, yes? Allow me to introduce myself properly, great Leviathan. I am Cantavuk, or just Vuk. I am both wolf and dragon, and my speed is why you could not sense me properly. Forgive me for elluding you, but I had to call the nymph...I've been looking for her, if you know what I mean.~
With that, he looks around, glowing golden-green eyes watching everything, taking it all in. Then, he lies down with a huff and rests himself, cooling his muscles as Yshani sits on him, smiling happily as she pets his silky coat.
Aura and Delzah both turned away from the massive Norien when the giant wolf came out of the darkness of the forest. Delzah didn't quite know what to make of this development, but Aura's reaction clearly said that this was the Dragon they were looking for, a fact only cemented when he spoke to Aura.
~You were searching for me, yes? Allow me to introduce myself properly, great Leviathan. I am Cantavuk, or just Vuk. I am both wolf and dragon, and my speed is why you could not sense me properly. Forgive me for eluding you, but I had to call the nymph...I've been looking for her, if you know what I mean.~
It was by the wish of my master that we came to find you, and yes, I know what you mean. I was searched for by my master but I was also searching for him, though I did not figure it out until recent years.
Delzah looked over to Aura who was conversing with the new arrival and he could only wonder what they were talking about.
My master seeks to return our race to the surface world from our home in the mountains and the skies above beyond the grasp of mortals. If you share our wish and our dream of our kin returning to the surface world in peace, consider joining us on our journey. Likely we will face heavy resistance along the way and there will be heavy risks to our safety thanks to the one named Girotos. What say you, brother Dragon? Aura asked.
Larien:
Larien opened her pack and pulled Volos out so he would stop kicking her in the back. "Volos, calm down. You will be able to play again soon enough. Right now we need to be careful." She said to him before looking from the giant to Delzah. "What will we do at this point? We have people waiting for us back in Ohmah....this giant here, and the other dragon as well. We need to think about our next step. We cannot stay in one area for too long."
Volos wanted to play with the giant man. Even for how young he is, Volos could probably still tackle the giant down. Being that Volos was a Whispering Dragon meant that the strength he had right now as a infant would easily be over hundred times more powerful than now. When Larien set him down, he stayed next to Larien so he wouldn't get into trouble for just wandering over to the giant man. It was then that he felt strange. Like there was a lot of energy building up inside of him. He laid down and curled up slightly.
Larien looked down at Volos and noticed something seemed to be the matter. "Delzah! Come over here please." She said, her voice full of worry. To her, it looked like Volos was almost pulsing with energy. Was he sick? Was something going wrong? It was then that Volos looked like he was starting to grow, going from the infant/child stage, to a pre-teen/adolescent stage, becoming larger.
Volos let out a roar that didn't sound so child like anymore, but wasn't entirely that of an adult dragon yet. He slowly started to stand up, being at least five feet at the shoulders, half the height he would be as an adult. It felt weird to him, looking down at Larien and Delzah. Then as he was looking around at this new height, he felt something build up. He turned away from everyone and thing and he coughed out his first pure fire that shoot out like bullet going at high speeds. He was so surprised by it that he just stared in the direction it went.
Creusa:
Creusa slowly stood up while being on the blanket still. She felt an energy rush. She slowly removed the hat, the gloves, and the shoes while still being on the blanket. Her skin was no longer so pale. Instead it was a fair ivory pink color. Her hair which had been raven black, started to change dramatically to a golden hue with the leafy texture that it should have. Her eyes were still red, but no longer a harsh, cold, piercing red; instead a soft, supple rose red. She did an intake of breath before release a breezy, bell-like laughter, her voice no longer the harsh scratchy tone it was before.
With a smile at Althea, she bolted into a fast pace run that made her look like she was floating upon the breeze. Instead of things dying at the touch of her feet upon the ground, the plants and such from where she stepped began to flourish. She moved quickly and gracefully just like the wind itself, weaving around the trees, sometimes even merging with them and going out through the top. She let out another fit of laughter as she returned to Althea. "I feel....great! More so than I have in a long time." The wind played with her hair. Her hair itself sounded like leaves in the breeze. "Thank you Althea! Thank you so much. You have no idea how much you really helped me." She said with a giant smile on her face.
Then an idea struck. "Lets travel together! It will be great! And we could even have your grandmother come with until we find a safer lodging for her. I don't think....you should go back to Girotos. There are many things wrong with this great land and it all comes from him. From the dragons abandoning the mainland, to the destruction of homes, villages, forests, plains all to suit his greedy desires. One with your talents shouldn't be bound to him." She pleaded with Althea.
Nollarr simply sat and watched as the beast grew in front of him. Slowly rose to his feet and walked forward to the giant creature, not a hint of fear in his eyes. Slowly he walked in front of the beast, after his bout of fire-breathing, and turned the dragons head towards him. "Mhh... Beast..." He spoke softly as he stroked its head, seeming to feel the skull of the medium sized dragon.
"I have never understood why my people hunted such beautiful creatures..." Nollarr muttered to himself and the dragon. For a moment he connected his forehead onto the dragons, and took in a few deep breaths before turning to the others.
"My name is Nollarr..." His voice was soft, yet bellowing, strong, yet smooth like ice. "...8th King of the North, son of Svanir. I know you have certain ideas of me, especially because of my peoples war with yours... If you have any questions, ask. For 1, the reason i am here, helping a dragon, is because i have been commanded to do so. Now, i act as a servant to the Elder Dragons. If you have questions... Speak now."
Delzah was happy that the new Dragon seemed to be under control and on friendly terms with Aura, but when Volos suddenly grew from pocket sized to being about as tall as Delzah at the shoulder, he couldn't help but stare. Each passing moment brought something new and unnatural to the table and Volos eventually let out a quick burst of fire and stared at it as if he never even knew he'd ever be able to do that.
Things were getting complicated now, and Delzah was beginning to get overwhelmed with everything that was going on.
He looked to the Norien first.
"I have no questions for you and will take you at your word. Had I a reason to question you it would come from Aura's reactions to your arrival. Instead, if you wish to protect and serve the Dragons then it would be of benefit to us if you would accompany us on this journey we are undertaking. We'll need all the help we can get."
He next turned to Larien and Volos.
"I have never seen a Dragon grow like this in so short a time... I don't know if this is the work of magic or some other mutation with Volos's body but this is unnatural and should be kept under observation. In the meantime, we should return to Ohmah and find Teadora and Damion."
With that, Delzah and Aura began to turn around and head back to Ohmah. With Larien, Volos, Nollarr, Yshani and Vuk now in toe, there were bound to be heads turning towards this strange gathering of people and Dragons upon their return. When they did return, of course, there was very little reaction contrary to Delzah's initial impression. It was a welcome sight, but not one he planned on getting used to.
Delzah called out mentally to Teadora and Damion as well as anyone else in the area who was within reach to join him at the edge of the village to prepare for departure. It would take at minimum one full day to reach their destination, especially since Delzah had decided to change his course to the city of Demal on the edge of Eden to the north. Flying on Aura's back would take a day at least, and with the extra passengers it would likely take longer but it would, with any luck, be an interesting and fun trip but there was no telling just yet.
Delzah looked to Aura, then over to Nollarr and back to Aura.
So do you think that you'll be able to handle taking that big guy on your back? He asked.
Aura looked down at Delzah and her tone was almost indignant.
He may be big, master, but his weight is of no consequence to me. I will be fine. She said confidently.
Delzah nodded and waited for everyone to gather with him.
From his lying position, Vuk nods his head. ~I had never thought to search for a rider...something just...tugged.~ He smiles a wolfish smile, standing back onto his massive paws and turning his head to look at Yshani, who still smiles with glee, petting his rusty black coat.
~Yshani...my new Mistress...you will be known as Ruhs. Is that alright?~
Tears form beneath her dark eyes as she nods. Ruhs...a word of her language. Ruhs is spirit...is love...is heart. She leans down and hugs what she can of him. She knows that she will be a good friend to him. And he knows that in time she will be the one his heart will cling to. In time.
Turning back to face all, he smiles, answering Aura's question with another bow. ~I will, indeed, if Ruhs is alright with it. I will enjoy the company of a brother and sister dragon at my side, for I have not had many of my kin enjoy my presence. It will be a nice change. And besides...it is all for the better of this world and all our kin. Perhaps we can finally come out of hiding. But I would much prefer to go into each town in my wolf form before shifting to my true form. From what I have seen and met, people much prefer a giant wolf to a dragon of my size.~
He looks down at the pulsing young dragon, watching him grow strangely with a furrowed brow. After the giant moves from the little one, Vuk lowers his head, his tongue slipping from his muzzle to lick the tiny creature's head. ~Careful with that flame, young brother. You never know when it can turn against you. Are you alright?~
Yshani looks at Delzah, her eyes shifting to a more humanized appearance, purple irises now shining from the brightness of the outer whites. She speaks slowly, forming the words on her tongue carefully. "Vuk and I...we go with you?" Her voice is suddenly as high as a child's, questioning and curious, as if asking a parent for permission. Vuk can't help but chuckle.
Damion:
Damion would hear Delzah calling to him and Teadora telepathically, he'd look into Teadora's eyes while nodding to her firmly. He'd the give her a soft kiss upon the cheek, as they were sitting upon the ground by Ohmah. Damion would slowly stand up while taking Teadora's hand fingers laced. He'd then say to her seeing the worry and uneasiness in her glowing maroon eyes, "Alright my dear, don't worry I know it's being around more creatures than you're used to but, trust me this is for the best.." Damion would squeeze her hand lovingly as he'd have them start to walk to the meeting place...
Teadora:
She'd sigh and smile softly at him. Teadora would then nod as she'd hold tightly to his hand leaning in closely. Her mind raced with worry while suddenly his words sank in and made her feel safer. Teadora then sent Aura a telepathic message her voice impish and fearful while asking, Aura the big wolf won't try to attack me again will it, I really don't want to get attacked, I know you know I'm peaceful, right Aura? Damion and her would continue to walk side by side holding each other's hand, while Teadora nervously awaited Aura's answer. Yet she'd say softly to Damion, "Thank you my dear for you're encouraging words, I am glad we found each other again..." They'd continue to walk as Teadora's nerves picking up the closer they were getting.....
Teadora:
She'd hear Aura's voice and sigh deeply as she'd begin to pull him with her as she had broke out into a run. Her mind raced with excitement yet sorrow, she couldn't believe she was going to ride a dragon again. Teadora giggled while saying in a her giggle, "Come on my love hurry up we're going to be riding on Aura heh..." As they'd reach Ohmah her mind was racing with Joy.....
Damion:
Damion would chuckle deeply as he'd let Teadora pull him along. He knew he needed to work at gaining Aura's trust but he was going to still be his normal self. Damion listened to his beloved's voice as he'd say sweetly right before he made it to Ohmah, "I know this will be hard on you my love, but know this my dearest, I will be by your side you won't have to be alone in your suffering..." He'd then softly kiss her cheek as they finally made it to Delzah and his gang. As they reached them they both at first released each other's hands. Then they both bowed to them as Damion says in his deep sweet charming voice, "Greetings again my Elfin brother, I thank thee kindly for allowing my beloved and I to join thee, this is my dearest Teadora, and I am Damion a pleasure to meet you all..."
Shaking his head with a great sneeze of apathy, Vuk looks back at Yshani with a wolfish grin, taking Aura's lack of a response as a sure answer of yes. So he will do what he wishes to do, following them in his dragon form and then taking his wolf form upon their arrival. But for this moment, he must make his change from wolf to dragon to reveal the true beauty he possesses in that true form, the form he was born with....errrr...hatched with.
Yshani looks at him curiously as his mind once more touches hers gently. ~My Ruhs, I must change into my other form now, and for that you must be released from my back. But not to fear, for you shall fly with me this day.~ Lying down, the great wolf allows her to slide from his silky coat and back away to give him a much greater space.
Ignoring the commotion of humans, Vuk gives one last great howl that, within a few seconds, becomes a roar.
While this howl echoes throughout the town, not yet a roar, the fur is shed from the entire body of the beast, disappearing into simple ash and dust before it even touches the ground, carried away by the wind. With each lock of fur lost, a scale stretches from the skin as his body grows, wings snapping from his back, tail lengthening. And once all of the scales have appeared to replace his fur, they slam against him, flattening into strong, hard armor, black as night with tinted tendrils of rusty brown. His head snaps outward, ears becoming two pairs of great horns, the primary set stretching back from his thickening head to a point, the secondary set dipping down to frame his face. His eyes grow larger, his lips pulled back to reveal even sharper teeth than before with a crimson tongue. His paws become talons, long, finger-like claws extending with great force as they dig into the ground, his legs bulging with thick, frightening muscles, his forelegs splitting as long, razor sharp spikes slip through flesh. And as his body takes shape, so does his roar. It is deep and vibrant, shaking the trees as Yshani gives a giggle to the wind, who seems to sing in glee.
Stepping out from the small area halfway into the wood, Vuk stretches out his wings to their full extent, a good 38 feet across, his tail flicking back and forth slightly as he stretches out. Yshani runs up to him, her eyes wide and giddy. Vuk can't help but smile, stretching out a giant, muscular leg out to allow the young nymph to climb onto his surprisingly smooth back. Taking the invitation gleefully, Yshani scampers up his leg to seat herself onto his back, wrapping her arms around him as best she can.
~Do not fret, dear Ruhs. You shall not fall from me.~ With his words, the nymph fully settles herself onto him, relaxing as he readies for the flight ahead. Once they are ready, they wait for Aura's signal patiently, ready to take to the air. Yshani, who's never flown before, can't wait to give the experience a shot.
Kissandra woke with a small groan. Her clothes were ripped from her body and lay in a ragged mess around her as she slowly sat upright with a cry. Her heart pounded in her head and the world threatened to disappear as the color drained from her face. Slowly she sucked in the cool air, all thoughts gone as she tried to keep her body in control. She blinked, letting a few tears fall from her eyes as she slowly collected her scattered memories. Dragons, Elves, an Imp and Fen. FEN! She whined, reaching out with her thoughts as she searched for her darling wolf and found him nearby, keeping watch on the imp from behind the trees. She called and she felt his mind acknowledge her as he turned away to return to her. Calmed by this she pushed herself back against the tree as she took several deep breaths. She didn't remember much but looking around her softly, she could only guess that it had been a couple of days since she was last awake.
But Why? Her brows knitted together as she considered what could keep her trapped like this for the past nights and she shuddered as she caught sight of a red berry. It hit her. She had taken ill the night she had met the Imp and after falling into a fitful sleep she had never been able to open her eyes. She remembered hearing things, hearing fights and roars and screams of the dying and the feeling of fire so hot that it melted her skin and pulled flesh from bone as singed hairs lay flat against the decimated scalp. Then those eyes. Bright red, evil, horrible, threatening. She swore she saw them moving out of the trees as she pressed herself against the bark. Yes. There they were, moving forward, watching with a hunger and an evil so horrible it caused her to retch beside her the empty contents of her stomach. The creature was here, leaping out of the trees and Kissandra raised her arm to defend her throat.
Kissandra screamed, her voice calling out for anyone, everyone. Her cry was cut short as a massive wolf came running towards her, his eyes silver not red as he slid to a halt. Fen leapt onto her lap, his tongue rasping over her cheek as she coughed. Her tears were of fear and joy as her arms wrapped around the pelt of the wolf and he let her hold his tight against her chest.
“Oh Fen! Don’t scare me like that again you big goofball,” she murmured into his coat and then slowly, with the wolf’s help was able to support herself against his back. “The imp!”
She cursed herself for not remembering as she looked down into the eyes of the wolf. He nodded as if in understanding and slowly made his way forward, letting Kissandra lean against his pelt as he guided her forward.
Werfen had kept eye on Captured/Chained, leaving Heart to heal under the trees. She had smelled/tasted/looked wrong. Of rot and fear and prey. He shook his massive head, whimpering slightly. He needed help. Heart was dying. Slowly he prowled the outside of the village, waiting/watching as Protected went inside. Then he had run after her into the woods only to feel betrayed at how she had taken to the non-wolf. The fake wolf/dragon. His lip curled. He wanted to leave/walk away, but now his Heart needed him, needed Imp. Lowering his head in a submissive gesture he made his way toward Captured and Dragon-wolf. He barked/howled, wagging slightly as he whined.
The sight of Werfen makes Yshani's heart drop in pure guilt as she realizes the betrayal she has made to him, immediately going to slide off Vuk as he huffs at the wolf, lowering himself the moment he realizes what the young nymph is trying to do. This lowers the impact of her upon the ground, thus only making her stumble before she runs to Werfen and giving him a great hug. Of course she doesn't wish to leave him. Wolves are pack, and though the wolf that is not a wolf is a dragon, he is still pack, no? That is the way it works in her mind, at least. Her arms hold to Werfen as she snuggles his fur, sniffing and feeling the softness as Vuk huffs a breath and cocks his head to one side curiously. Of course, the dragon would not speak out against Werfen as she is obviously very attached to the true wolf. But that doesn't mean he is quite fond of this creature either. He's not sure what he feels.
"Werfen! Werfen minta." Werfen! Werfen pack. She snuggles the wolf, wind rushing through her hair. Then, pulling back, she looks at him, brow furrowed. "Werfen Inama?" Werfen Heart? There is no sign of Kissandra anywhere, making Yshani puzzled, worried that something terrible has happened. Vuk raises his head to the wind, sniffing it. Something isn't right...that's for sure.
Green, everything was so green and it made her head hurt and her stomach twist as she bent herself over onto all fours, retching and coughing as her hand clamped around her stomach. She waited until her body had ceased in its response, the trembles of her skin against the cool air slowly suppressed by the heat of the wolf. She pulled back the blonde hair from her face, tying the long strands back behind her shoulders as her green eyes flickered around her surroundings. She could see a small pond where she lay, the shimmering blue captivating as she felt her body strain towards it. Her creamy flesh erupted in small bumps as her silver hair tried to keep out the chill of the air even though it had been much warmer a moment ago. Her nails clawed into the earth, her lips twisting into a snarl as she reached for her water. Before she could get more than a few inches the wolf was nosing under her, slowly working his massive head under her arms and lifting her onto his back.
“Fen!” she coughed, fingers winding deep into the fur, as she clung to him. She blinked several times and then gasped as the wolf wined. His fur wasn’t Werfen’s, black and sleek. This wolf was slightly bigger than Fen’s, his coat matted and rich brown. She tired to push away but with a snap the wolf turned his massive head around and she gasped. Silver eyes mirrored back hers, the sleek muzzle marked black, the tips of his ears taking on that similar quality, and around the wolf’s stunning eyes he was marked with the kohl, heavy and dark black as he stared into her eyes. Kissandra held her breath, those eyes mesmerizing even more than Fen’s and behind the wildness there was a sense of humanity. A longing so deep that she couldn’t place it.
“What are you?” she whispered, her eyes widening with shock as her fingers gently combed through the fur of the wolf. He shook his head, and Kissandra frowned. With a toss of his black mussel and flash of white teeth she slowly and painfully clambered onto the wolfs back feeling the creature stiffen under her weight. Slowly she stoked his fur, laying on his back as she calmly sung to the wolf. He snorted, his ears twisting to catch her words as he slowly began to lope forward. She held onto the fur as the silver eyes looked to the sky, catching the darkness of dragons overhead before disappearing in the trees.
Fen howled and turned his head back, reaching for his Heart mind but finding nothing as his nose worked the air. Looking at the nymph and dragon/wolf he gently pawed at her. Damn human words! Heart was gone/lost. He protect/watch Nymph while Heart healed. Only then could he find her. Needed/wanted help to find Heart now.He barked, moving to chase his tail before sitting back in front of her, silver eyes pleading. Heart was safe, would be okay. Wolf brothers not harm her. Fen had kept her safe in woods.But Heart ran away/gone/lost. Find! Find Heart!! He leapt into the air, running around both of them before running up to dragon/wolf. Barking twice and whimpering as he looked to the sky and back to the Nymph. With one last look he bolted off, running along the hard earth/path/road/trail.He would look where she/Heart had lain. Then he would start circling. He would try and Find.
