Back to the Beginning [CLOSED]

[Dakota Spirit]

[Just as reference to those that may read this thread, I've got permission from Mist to post in the lands.]


The sky was ablaze, on this day. Fenris, taking leave of his duties had cast an array of colors in his parting. Streaks of orange and red faded into the sunrise, painting the land in beauty and lighting up the clouds. Beneath such a show, the earth was warm and golden. The forest was alive with activity as the animals took advantage of the last moments of sun before retiring to their dens, making room for those that dwelt in the night. Among them, a dark wolf sped across the hard packed landscape. His large body was stretched out low to the ground, gathering speed as he went. Long strides ate at the distance, paws digging deep carving scars in the dirt. Upon the male's face was a look of sheer ecstasy and excitement. He'd not run all out for many suns now and the moment felt as if he had finally be released. His great body shook with the exertion as the breeze whipped at his face, spurring him faster. The trails before the wolf beckoned to him, calling him to a land he had only ventured in once before. To the boundaries of Deor he ran and he was not alone.

The male was being led by another. Grizzled gray in pelt, thoughts of the fae beside him had grown fondly within Dak's mind. It hadn't taken them long to formulate some form of bond, whether by chance or fate they had found each other at just the right moment. He felt lucky now, to count the femme among his friends. Better yet, it became known to him that Mist had gained the position of Drappa in Deor and thus had offered him a second chance. A chance to follow her back and possibly regain his life in the bold pack. It'd been long ago that he'd dwelt among the Deorians and with his dubious departure last time, the fae's encouragement had been the only aspect strong enough to persuade his return.

Stopping short of a small clearing of trees, Dak stood gazing for a moment. The trees bowed in the wind, full of their lush spring life. He smiled slightly, taking to heart the change of seasons and what it might mean for him. Turning to his companion, the male asked, "Is this the boarder? I've a general idea...but I have not been in these parts for some time. Shame to say, I do not even recognize my old home." Dak winked at her, lightening the stern set of his features. It took the wolf some effort to forgo his steadfast attitude, even for a moment and yet still he had to be among the right sort of companionship. It was a testament the cherished level at which he held his bond with the fae, that Dakota could even allow himself to relax with her. Having siblings, the mann often sought similar relationships with others but the fae had an effect on him that he could not quite explain. She alone was able to calm his emotions, chasing the dark clouds from his heart and mind. He remembered his old title for her, Den mother and her explanation relating to the virtues she'd developed as a mother to his cubs. Yet Dakota couldn't help but feel there was something more. That Mist was one of the few that would genuinely care of any needy that crossed her path. That she would have helped him, had he been the most raggedy soul to walk the lands. He smiled again, warming at the thought.

"I feel strange.", he said at last. "Being here again. I swore to myself that I would not return, but I think this is for the best." He paused for a moment as he was prone to do, while a lopsided grin graced his features. "It's funny now. I feel a bit like I'm finally coming home."


[Lol, there's a lot of filler in there...hope it turned out alright]

[Mist]

Fenris goes to his rest in a blaze of fire, turning his lands a warm russet color. He is not content to quietly give up his reign for the day, and seems to want to make sure all the creatures in his domain see his glory. The beauty is not lost on the two travelers as they race toward their goal. After days of travel they are finally close to their destination. They are both coming home, and the coal-red glow in the west is like a welcoming friend. Smiling at the thought Mist glances over at her sable companion. Deor has not been his direct home for a long while, and yet, in some ways it is as if he never left. There is nothing here to discourage his return – on the contrary, the beauty of not only the sunset, but of the forested lands themselves seem to welcome him home.

As the two proud vargs near the border, Dak stops taking in the beauty of the forested packlands. Smiling as he turns to look at her she nods gracefully. “It has been a long road for you, Dak, but yes – this is the border, and even though you do not clearly remember it, I feel that, in a way, it remembers you.” Cocking her head at a slight angle her smile changes slightly as she realizes how strange that might sound. Well, in their days together he has gotten to know her well enough to pass over a strange comment even if that is how he does indeed perceive it.

“I understand at least a bit how it feels. It was strange for me to return home to Deor after my year of wandering. It seems so long ago though…” Nodding she smiles again, pleased to hear his feelings on the matter. “I cannot say how happy I am that you decided to return. I definitely agree with that sentiment – I also believe it is for the best.” Pausing a moment she gazes into this jade-green eyes to see what emotions she might, and nods faintly. What she sees, if anything, is not spoken aloud, and she starts forward once more. “Come, let’s go home.” She says, officially crossing over the border into her beloved packlands.

((Of course! ^_^ And as a note to anyone who reads this: Deor vargs, please do join!))

[Silve]

My, my, look at how the time flies. Over the treetops of Deor, the sun set a rainbow of reds and oranges on the western horizon. Some Varg may call it Fenris, growling reluctantly as Tor's time comes upon the land to shine her gentle silver light in the darkness. Others called it Sol, saying farewell to the world as he died in the West, only to be reborn in the East at the break of dawn. Still others spoke of Zostar, the great fiery god of the southern packs who proudly fans his great tail in the glory of making his daily leap of the earth. On the ground beneath something moved like a ghost over the still landscape, as sleek and silver as Luna herself, or perhaps Va, the first fae who suckled the founders of Rome, who was rumored to be purely silver.

To Silve, the cause of this great majesty was not important. It was only beautiful, and it marked that the abnormally warm sprind day was closing into cool night so that the scout may perform her duties in peace. At first she was moving slow, marvelling at the beauty of nightfall in springtide. Here and there she lowered her nose to the ground, searching for any sign of an intruder in her home. Soon, caught up in the freedom of her swift paws, the fae stretched out her powerful legs and began to move faster and faster until she had reached the speed of an all out sprint. The endurance of this fae was remarkable, for although she was not the fastest Varg she knew, she could run for the longest time. Her gift was distance running, among other things.

Closing in upon one of the borders of the packland the fae slowed, attentive for any sign that some wolf was trying to hunt prey on the land of her family. Her muzzle was raised equally between earth and air, her blue eyes cut sharply through the budding foliage. In warning to any intruder that could hear, the beautiful silver face lifted and howled loudly out into the coming darkness. It said clearly, "This is our land, get off of it." As the last of the gust of wind in her lungs left her she dropped her head low and took in a swift gulp of the lifegiving stuff, and turned to make her way along the border. It was not soon after that she scented an unfamiliar scent, and a low growl grew in her throat as she moved to find its source. An intruder.

Muscles well trained in their job held the slender body of the fae only just above the ground, and she moved forward in a remarkably spiderlike way. Blue eyes lit on the dark mann, though she didn't scent nor see the fae he was with, so it was all a surprise to her when she leapt from her vantage point to run off the intruder, that she saw Mist. The sight of her Drappa stopped Silve in her tracks. Those same eyes flickered apologetically to the mann as she submissively showed her throat. After that dutiful greeting Silve whined greeting whines low in her throat and brushed flanks with the familiar fae. "I am sorry, sister, I did not know that he was with you." She bowed her head to the stranger and introduced herself politely, "Guest of my packsister, I welcome you here. I am Silve, a scout in these lands." In her face she conveyed a message to her Drappa, though she spoke it not aloud. "Welcome home, sister."

[Mist]

The sound of a strong, familiar howl makes Mist smile and turn her ears toward the sound. It is Silve - one of her most beloved friends who she considers a sister, and one of the Deorians that keeps the pack alive. Something tells her she doesn't need to howl back - they will meet soon enough. She does not scent the other fae until she steps out to face what, to her must seem like an intruder. Noticing the scout's proud, defiant stance she steps forward to reveal herself - and by doing so, Dakota's right to enter Deor's border. Her raised head and firm stance are belayed by a smile on her lovely face as she faces her pack sister. "Silve." She says softly, thinking back on the first time she had begun to get to know the moon dusted fae. They had easily learned to trust and love each other, and consequently began to think of each other as sisters.

Relaxing her stance Mist indicates Dakota to the scout before introducing them. Shaking her head she pads forward to nudge Silve into a normal position, silently telling her there is no need for the submission. "Silve, this is Dakota Spirit. He is a former Deorian, and will hopefully be again. But for now he is here for some time... to discern his future. There is no need to apologize. It is good to see you are vigilant." As the silvery face brushes sides with her in friendly greeting she mimics the action.

"Come, we were just about to head in. Though Fenris is almost gone for the night, there is still plenty of time before sleep." Turning to the mann beside her she smiles brilliantly. Though Silve introduced herself, it seems inconsistent to speak for Dakota only. "Dak, as she said, this is Silve. She and I met in the winter, and she showed me a great wonder." Turning her golden gaze on the other fae her eyes dance at the thought of that time and in realization how much Silve means to her.

The two travelers had stopped when Silve was sighted, so the Drappa starts again, striding forward with 'brother' and 'sister' on either side of her. She has returned home, and will do her best to ease Dakota's burden while he is here. Knowing his inevitable journey ahead of him she will do all she can, even if it is just to lend her firm support and companionship when it is needed. This thought in her mind she looks over at the green-eyed mann. "Welcome home, Dak..." She says softly, a gentle smile gracing her lips.

[Dakota Spirit]

Dakota's ears twitched as a commanding voice echoed across the skies. It was a call from within the pack land, unleashing it's authority and making it clear to any outsiders that they were not welcome. Standing beside Mist, the male felt an overwhelming desire to join in. He'd not let loose his voice in some time and his heat ached to do so. Yet, this was not his song to sing, not yet anyway. With a forlorn look upon the heavens, Dak kept his mouth locked shut tight intent on maintaining his calm. The day would come soon enough, when he would call proudly again. His voice would echo through the lands, offering what hope it to those that trusted him. Startled from his thoughts by the leaping scout, Dak turned his emerald gaze upon the new fae. A grin twitched at his maw as she recognized the face of her Drappa and no such danger at the boarders. It was comical to him, for the mann could often see himself in similar situations, particularly in his early youth. Hot headed and bold, Dak had rushed to the protection of many a soul far from need. In fact, embarrassment was one such feeling with the capability of creasing emotion into his stoic face. As such, he felt for the newcomer who had only been looking out for her pack's best interest.

Hearing his formal name spoken, Dak turned his eyes upon Mist before returning the the stranger. He smiled softly at her, again warmed by the fae's words. Now though, it seemed his turn to speak. Bending his muscled body toward the earth, Dakota bowed low to the Deorian scout. "Well met, Silve", his deep voice rumbled. "Your dedication heartens me, for I see my old pack has not faltered...even in the shadow of it's grievous lose. In the future, I look forward to knowing more of your personality." Rising back to his feet, Dak offered a brief grin to the lean fae. The male's own suspicious nature would have keep him watching over a newcomer in his lands, yet he hoped that the companionship of her drappa would dispel any similar thoughts in Silve's mind. He did not wish to intrude upon others, nor cause disturbance in his stay. With few bonds left among his fellow wolves, Dak held secret hopes of setting new friendships. Of perhaps, retying his importance in life. He hoped that the pack proved as their matriarch had, to be forgiving and warm. The perfect place for his heart to dwell.

Following in step with his new companions, Dak melded into the shadows cast off by the tall trees. His dark pelt offered him camouflage in the night's approaching dawn. So much so, that his eyes seem the only feature sharply discernible in the shady pack lands. Glistening brightly from his face, then scanned rapidly about the premieres, taking all in. Responding to the soft tones of Mist's voice, Dak moved closer to her. Glancing only briefly upon her face, he flashed his characteristic lop-sided grin. "Home at last.", he said gently. "Forever in debt to the one kind enough to bring me back." Happiness seemed the only outcome possible for tonight's meeting and for the next to come. He did not doubt that the right choice had been made. That within time he would look upon this brief stay under Deor's canopy and credit it with the saving of his life.

[Silve]

All former hostility was forgotten at the sight of her dear sister. Silve felt oddly humbled at the sight of such a strong black mann, his stature obviously hinted at power and his mannerisms, though very polite and friendly, led Silve to wonder at his past. But it was not for wolves to dwell in the past, that was the human way. Thoughts returned to the present, to Mist's introduction of the Varg, and his greeting. A charming smile came to the lighthearted fae's muzzle. "You need not worry about any danger from me. You are accompanied by my dear sister, and so you are very welcome indeed." The silver toned fae nodded calmly and stepped forward to greet him in a fashion similar to the way she had greeted Mist. A show of trust, as it was in her heart to see the best sides of all.

Silve's eyes showed a tenderness in them when Mist talked of their true meeting. When they had walked out upon the ice and looked upon one of natures greatest wonders, frozen by the fingers of winter. "Aye," spoke the fae, "one of nature's many miracles." Silve knew that although they called each other sister, Mist was more like the mother she had lost many seasons before that moment. "I think I will come with you, deeper into Deor for a time, Mist. But then I must leave you, for the urge to wander has taken me once more, and I must try again to find him." Although she was certain Dakota Spirit would not know of whom she spoke, but she hoped Mist would catch that she needed to see her Night Sky, Neithan, once more.

They moved at a steady pace, unhurried at all. Mist lay between the silver fae and the black mann. In one of the many subtle ways of the wolf, without even knowing it Silve kept herself slightly behind the Drappa, a way of showing order within the pack. The fae heard their words to each other and it inspired a question. "Dakota Spirit," she began, not presuming to address him in the intimate fashion as Mist as they were only newly aquainted. "Mist says you were of Deor before, but left it. I do not wish to pry into your personal stories, but where were you that Mist found you?" It was merely for polite conversation in the trio as they made their way over the land, and Silve dearly hoped that she had not overstepped herself.

[Mist]

Heart warmed as Dak and Silve greet each other with open politeness Mist sets them back on their path, knowing there will be time for rest soon enough when they reach their destination. Dak's evident satisfaction that Deor, even after suffering such a blow as Lucivar's death was, is still alert and bold. The tight knit family has done their best to keep each other strong and to make sure nothing of the sort happens again.

Nodding as the other fae elaborates on their first meeting she smiles, keeping her eyes on Silve's sweet face. As gold eyes meet blue she nods again, this time more slowly, with a feeling of understanding to it. "My thoughts will stay with you on your journey, my darling. I know you will persevere." There is no doubt in her mind what that 'journey' will be, and she just wants Silve to know she will always be welcomed home. Her eyes show her faith in her "sister" and encouragement to stay strong in her own faith.

Turning her attention back to the handsome mann she smiles gently, shaking her head to show that there is no debt that must be repaid. "Oh Dak. The only payment I would ever wish for is your happiness... and, well, perhaps that you, if you truly wish it, come back for good, and permanently consider Deor your home."

Silve's question comes to her ears and she glances over at the fae before looking back at the green-eyed mann. There is no need for secrecy in where they met - considering it was completely a chance meeting. Though these thoughts pass through her mind she stays silent. The question was directed at the mann, and it is for him to answer.

The deepening twilight turns the world to shadow, and obscures both Dak's and her form completely - black and dark grey pelts blending into the night. Silve, however seems to shine as if her fur is made from moonlight itself. Smiling at the lovely sight Mist wonders faintly if it is just the twilight effect, and that the remaining light is reflected in such a way or if the younger fae shines in the darkness. She has never come across such a varg, but she has met some with strange colorings. It is most likely just the lighting.

((Eh, I must apologize for this post... I was rather distracted while writing it.... *sigh*))

[-Raido-]

Darkness and moonlight; a combination that the young male was strangely used to. After all, that was the way Tor and Fenris had made things, was it not? The young male padded relatively soundlessly after the trio that had entered Deor. This may not of been his packlands; not for sure, not yet. However, the young male knew full well that one of the trio was none other then Lady Mist. He was curious though, as to whom these pair of varg might be. From mere appearances, one was a black male, large in size and stature, a strange firmness about his face and form that the younger male had seen very rarely. The fae was a touch smaller then Mist, but her fur was an impressive silvery hue. Neither of them were familiar, though the other female did indeed smell strongly of Deor's pack scent.

Despite all his care, he still struck a twig, shattering it beneath his paw. In his surprise, he stumbled and fell , rolling to a halt at the trios feet. Trying very, very hard to look nonchalant, he smiled up at them.

"Hello."

[Dakota Spirit]

With each step further into the Deor territory, the male could feel his body relax another fraction of an inch. His muscles, usually bulging in their tense state, loosened slowly easing into more comfortable positions. His eyes, though captivated by the beauty in the land, had quite their restless flicking from place to place. Even the mann's face seemed to be relaxing, breaking into a far less customary look of contentment. Pricking his dark ears, Dakota listened as Silve spoke of her own impending departure. Silently, he marveled at the similarities between their tales, for the luminescent femme too spoke of her pursuit of another wolf. He also watched Mist's reaction, taking in the affection of her voice and the way in which she seemed unsurprised at hearing Silve's news. He wondered then, how she had grown so accepting in the departure of others, in those she cared about. He wondered if Mist at times found herself feeling at all sad, as he did when those close went away.

Yet then Dak recalled the strength with which Mist issued her every word. He thought then that perhaps the wise fae had simply learned in wisdom to recognize the yearning in their hearts. That she did not despair for she knew that Silve, at least, would return to her in time and that he himself was building stronger ties as the days went on. In this, Dakota's mind opened to the possibility that he need not be right next to the one he loved in order to feel their presence. That perhaps when the bond is strong enough, it outlasts the terms of one's physical limitations. Grinning inwardly at this new idea, Dak wondered not for the first time, if the gray male could feel his support being lent despite how far off he was. The prospect warmed him from within as he tipped his eyes skyward, praising Deor for it's healing powers on his heart.

Waiting until it seemed again to be his turn in the rotation of speech, Dak cocked his head attentive to Silve's questioning and Mist's praise to follow. Winking at the elder fae, the male lowered his head slightly showing her he understood and again thanking her at the same time. Then, turning to the smaller of the two, he finally began to speak. "Please, lady scout", he said slowly. "Discard your formalities, for I am rarely called by my full name. Dakota will do fine, or Dak if it suits you better." He paused for a moment, deciding as to how much information he now felt like revealing. It seemed Mist had left the decision up to him, and for this he was grateful. She had taken a quick grasp of the situation, realizing how personal the tale he'd shared with her was. In response to Silve, the mann said simply "Your Drappa found me just a day or so off, upon a green hill in which I had recently become acquainted with. We talked at length...and she offered me the return journey, seeing perhaps that I needed a place within which I could rest." In respects to Mist, Dak left out her own sorrows just as she'd done his. She was a strong leader in her heart and in time, would have no doubts as to her position in the pack. Knowing this, he saw no reason to expose the fae's brief moment of confiding in him. "I left previously, of my own accord.", he added. "..but the Lady has been kind enough to look past such mistakes. He turned to Mist again, not knowing how to finish. To his relief, the moment for continuance soon passed when another young male emerged from beneath the leaves. Surprising him to a halt, the cub had come rolling from within the foliage apparently having tripped over a fallen twig. Dakota soon found himself laughing heartily, despite his reserve. Smiling down at the youth, Dak's voice rung warmly from within his throat. "Hello, young one."

[Silve]

Travelling in the company of other wolves did the fae a great healing, for although before she had come upon them, she had been lost in moments of sorrow at wanting for her dear love. In her heart she missed him terribly, for she had not seen him since her running into her brother, Raknar, and the scar he had left her with had pained her terribly in her dark thoughts. But the company of others, most especially Mist, she thought, had taken away all the pain that was in it. She smiled at the Drappa's understanding of her need to wander. "Do not worry for me, sister. I shall before spring melds into summer. I don't think I could bear to be away for much time at once." The silvery fae had not even realized how much her heart belonged to Deor before, but the words seemed to spark her own knowledge. "This place is as dear to me as the Varg I seek."

As they moved onward, Silve felt a completely unexpected emotion. Reluctance. A part of her didn't want to leave, if even for only a few moons. But the scout knew that she had to go, had to find out if Neithan still held within him the love that had surrounded the two that night when he declared it for her. Mist's words were more comforting than she could know, for Silve knew that even if she could not find her dear love or he had cast aside his feelings for her, the constant for her could be Deor. For a moment the fae seemed on the brink of tears, but it passed and she consentrated once more on the conversation.

Now the young wolf filled with laughter and a slight humor. "I will lose my formalities, Dakota, if you would drop yours." She smiled at him in a friendly way. "I am Silve, and nothing more." The hopes were that he would notice this for what it was, a way of making the two more comfortable with each other. The dark mann's description of the events were enough to satisfy the inquistitiveness of the scout and she nodded. "Then may you be welcome in Deor, friend. I wish you rest and peace of heart and mind while you are here and should you choose to stay I look forward to having you as a packbrother." Blue eyes lit upon the pup as well, and she merely nodded her greeting to it.

[Mist]

It seems the very air of Deor and the presence of friendly companionship are all that are needed to start a healing process. Glancing to each side every once in a while she watches the progress of both Dakota and Silve's reactions. On the mann's part, with each step he relaxes more, noticeably feeling more at home and more comfortable. Silve evidently has taken comfort from seeing a familiar face, and Mist smiles as she thinks how strong the younger fae is, in every important aspect. Both of them, Dak and Silve, bring such strength and assurance to the bold pack, adding to its reputation and speaking volumes of the truth of it.

Looking over at Silve she smiles and nods, grateful for the revelation. "No, I shall not worry, for I know of the virtues that lie in your heart, and that you are very capable." Though she does not name them individually, the virtues of the varg are somewhat different than those usually considered such by man. Strength, courage, loyalty. Yes, they are appreciated by man, but in a different way. Inclining her head in faint surprise at the silver fae's words she nods slowly. She understands, at least somewhat, the love in Silve's heart for her "Night Sky", and for her to say that Deor means as much to her... well, it is an attribute for one to love so deeply.

Dakota's tale of how the two met up is the next thing that comes to her ears after his courteous decline of the use of his formal name. Afterall, as a family, the two will get to know each other well. Dipping her head slightly she smiles, acknowledging that, though perhaps Dak's leaving was a mistake, it is possible that he also needed that time to be alone. The life of a kerl is not something she would wish on any, but sometimes it is hard to be in the constant presence of others when the only company wished for is memories and thoughts.

At the sound of a twig snap she turns toward it, knowing that there is little chance of it being anything unpleasant. It is much more likely that it is one of her cubs or perhaps even a small lera. As a red and black cub tumbles down and lands at their feet she smiles, instantly recognizing one of Deor's newest members. "Hello Raido." She says, her eyes sparkling brightly.

[-Raido-]

The little wolf struggled to right himself, squirming and yipping as he finally managed to flip himself right side up again. His moonsilver eyes survayed the group, nodding in response to the non-Mist femme's nod. Mist's awknowledgement was met with a quick trot over and a nuzzle to his aunt's leg, but it was the male's voice that caught him the most. Maybe it was just him, maybe it was just his age, maybe it was a lot of things, but the very presence of a male near him was comforting. This one, the big ebony mann, had a deep voice, and a very warm one at that.

Cautiously, the young male snuffled all around the other male's flanks and legs, and then plopped himself at the older dragga's feet. His tail swished about in the grass and dirt, getting coated as he looked up at him. Compared to the other male he had seen in his life, this one seemed huge. And so, with traditional puppy lack of reserve; indeed, his forced matureity faded with each passing day; he looked up at him and said.

"Hi! Your pretty big, in fact, your a giant. Are you related to Fenris? My name's Raido, what's yours? From the way their talking, you used to live here, did you know Dias?" The pup's tail just wagged faster as he waited for an answer.

[Dakota Spirit]

Flicking his eyes momentarily back to the moon colored fae, Dakota dipped his head again, smiling slightly. "As you desire", he whispered softly in response to her words. "I shall call you Silve." Then turning his attention back to the young new arrival, his ears twitching as a name was revealed. "Ahh.", he said in warm tones. "So Raido is your name? Well then young master, well met to you too for this is your home that I am a guest in." With that, the male bowed low, allowing his body to scrape along the ground as he came to meet the pup's gaze, much lower then his own. The male grinned again, laughing softly at the cub's inquisitive attitude. Upon coming back to his full hight, Dak was surprised to feel Raido move around him, shuffling about his paws and gazing open-eyed upon his stance.

Dakota's vocals rumbled deeply in his throat as he watched the pup. "No young one.", he laughed. "I am not sired by the gods. And my title is Dakota Spirit, but Dak will do fine from you" Admittedly, Dakota found himself somewhat embarrassed at being under Raido's s scrutiny. He was not used to such comments nor being the center of attention. Yet as he stood there, watching the pup's little tail flick back and forth, his face alight and curious, the male felt something deeper then embarrassment. He felt, possibly for the first time, more then the yearning for a mate and the companionship of others. Dak felt himself craving a son of his own. Someone to teach and to show the ways of the world. A little soul to protect as his own...Dak felt his heart swell in paternal adoration for the young cub he barely knew. His eye's swiveled slowly to each of his companions as he wondered if such emotions had shown on his face. Clearing his throat, Dakota shook his broad head slightly and turned away from them. "Raido.", he said. "Surely you've seen your father enough to know I'm not a rarity.", winking one emerald orb at the eager face Dak flashed his teeth in another true smile. The Deor lands undoubtedly seemed to have a positive effect on him, for the male's face had broken it's normal rigid more often in the past few moments then he'd ever thought possible. "No.", he continued. "Regrettably I did not know a Dias...I was only in Deor for a short span of time. In fact, Mist may well be the only one here I still remember, perhaps disregarding Chalos. I did not have many dealings with the Dragga at the time..."

Finding he had not else to say, Dak moved forward restlessly. "Come Raido.", he invited. "Walk beside me for a time and perhaps I can slake any further curiosity you may have." He then waited expectantly, waiting upon Mist to take her place leading them further into the comforting pack lands until they may find a place to rest for the night.


[Eh, sort of ran out of muse for the ending. Sorry about that!]

[-Raido-]

The youngest of the quartet that had so swiftly formed here in the packlands listened to that wonderful, deep voice, his little tail going crazy as Dak awknowledged him. The little rust-black wolf stood up, puffing up at the phrase young master. "Naw, not really my home, but it is Lady Mist's pack. She was my...my protectors sister. " The little male still had trouble awknowledging Dias as his father; the wolf still didn't want to believe that the little Sikla, that whimpering whelp could've fathered him. He yipped a little when the big male lowered his gaze to meet his own, the little wolf looking down at the dirt beneath his paws, shyly.

"Dakota Spirit, huh? Spirit is what Fenris is, right? So are you sure you're not related to him?" The little varg was full of curious thoughts and sayings today; maybe he was a little flustered by being around another male, maybe he was trying just a little too hard.

The young mann was surprisingly perceptive, and for a moment as he stared up at Dakota, he saw a flicker of something, something that made the little male's heart leap. The wolf didn't know what it was he had seen, but he knew it was good, and that was all that mattered right now. His tail wagged faster, churning dust and leaves upwards into the sky, and he stood up as he heard him speak of walking with him. The smallish wolf nodded happily, and tripped over his own paws as he trotted over to the big male's side. Raido paused for a moment, waiting for them to start moving again.

When Dak mentioned his father, the rust-coal cub's black tipped ears flattened, and his whole shape drooped.

"No. I....I never really saw my father." He said quietly. "He was dead before I had a chance to know him." He looks knowingly to Mist, begging her to understand in his mind, that he means no offense to the wolf who she claims sired him, simply that the wolf he was, the Dias she knew, was dead before he met the wolf.

[Silve]

The silver fae nodded in acknowledgement of the black mann's words. It was Silve she had always been known as, and it felt so uncomfortable to be called by any title higher than what she felt she was. Feeling as though she was ignoring Mist, she turned to the Drappa and allowed a kind smile to grace her muzzle as she looked upon her. "It feels nice to be in such company, sister, the company of my packmates and one who may soon be so." In her former life as a Kerl, Silve had hated the loneliness. Now she basked in the presence of those she considered her true family, and to her it was the most wonderful feeling in the world.

Kindly the silver toned fae looked upon the pup, completely silent as she did not want to interupt his obvious fascination with Dakota. The admiration was clear in the eyes, and it was meant to be so, for male cubs almost always seemed to be much more interested in adult males than faes like herself and Mist. Her silver eyes sparkled as she looked upon the way they walked together, and the way Raido seemed to hang on Dakota's every word. Consuming her thoughts was the image of Neithan playing with their cubs, and being a wonderful father. That brought her back to the reason she was going to leave this place, and that thought alone made her feel vulnerable, for out in the wilds on her own there was always the chance that her brother would find her. Unconsciously she licked the livid pink scar on her shoulder, which pained her at the very thought of him.

But the shadow on her mind fell away as she found the cub again making sure that Dakota was not some long lost son of Fenris. Her eyes sparkled, and now she felt the desire to speak. "Dakota was, of course, made by Fenris, little one, as you yourself were. But the sons of Fenris are not many, though some exsisted in times beyond the memory of even my father's father's generation." The fae smiled. "If you will permit me to, all of you, I will tell you a story of one from many many ages ago, in the times when Man still worshiped Tor and Fenris. I am no great storyteller, though, I caution you there." She glanced around herself to see if the other Varg would like to hear it. The fae felt somewhat selfconscious, for this was the first time that she had ever put the offer out to be the teller of tales, and not a part of the audience.