Home at Last (Ge-Rad Only)

[Krystal Zanguzen]

A gentle wind combed a land that basked in the bliss of summer brilliance. Warmth from the light of Fenris’ touch bathed the forests and meadows in life nurturing warmth. Clouds floated aimlessly in the heavens and helped to sooth away any heat that may otherwise be bearing down on all things living and not. Yet all in all this day seemed like any other, in the mind and eyes of lera and varg alike. Life continued on as it should, death came to those who fell to the jaws of the hunters, and families cared for their young. The cycle of life and all things that held meaning functioned like clockwork in this never ending, never yielding circle. Yet today of all days held great importance for some. It marked the day of birth for many, and the day of re-awakening for others. For one bi-hued ebon and ivory fae, this was a day she had been waiting for since the start of her long journey, the day all her hard work and effort would be put to the test.

Ebon paws trekked over warm grass blades and propelled the she-varg onward. Her destination was as clear in the lead scout’s mind’s eye as the waters that flowed down the river’s path. She had trekked and lived as Kerls do, alone and isolated with only pure will and determination as their guiding companions. Yet it was Krystal’s decision to take on such a journey of enlightenment. The need to become stronger, for herself and for the family she loves, had swelled inside the fae like the womb of a pregnant mother, and now those cubs were at last ready to be born in the form of her return. Throughout this venture, the land around the Ge-Radian was always foreign and alien in nature. Each day had brought new surprises and tests that challenged and taught Krystal many lessons. Now seeing a familiar trail before her bi-hued optics, a sense of nostalgia was beginning to consume her, as the former Zanguzen knew that the land she calls home was at last within reach.

Unable to contain the excitement within her, the urge to reach Ge-Rad had grown too strong for Krystal to keep enclosed. As a result, the lead scout took off from what once was an easy and smooth trek and into a full blown sprint for home. Each muscle and fiber propelling the fae onward and filling her form with the energy she needed. The world around Krystal’s orbs almost seemed to blur out of focus, as she concentrated on only the road in front of her paws. Like the wind itself, she sped across the terra on skilled paws, honed in the arts of speed by not only the ways of the Zanguzen, but by her own testaments and trials that the bi-hued fae had to endure. All that training had paid off in the long run; for now she was faster and more agile then she ever had been before. But all the training Krystal endured, and all the trials and hardships that had come the Ge-Radian’s way would be for nothing, if Ge-Rad did not accept her back into their arms. This fear was still present, within the mind of the bi-hued fae.

Within a few moments, she had reached the borders of Ge-Rad. Having traveled eastward, Krystal arrived on the outskirt of Ge-Rad’s plains. The sights and scents of her home had now fully enveloped Krystal’s senses, and a sense of relief began to fill the bi-hued fae. After having faced the wrath of Wolfbane’s winter, the danger of human contact, encounters with enemies, hunger and spirits, and even walked within the realm of the dead, home had never felt so good as it did this very moment. Too Krystal, nothing seemed to have changed as she scanned the terra with her bi-hued optics. Signs of life and joy were present from the very flowers that bloomed on the plains, to the birds that flew overhead and the lera that walked the land to graze on Ge-Rad’s grassy plains. For a fleeting moment, the fear of being rejected by her family reared its foul head within her thoughts. Lifting her maw towards the heaven, the Ge-Radian let loose a song that that traversed the land in its entirety, reaching deep into the heart of Ge-Rad and reverberating off every tree and rock until it at last dissipated completely. Krystal waited, knowing that sooner or later, someone would emerge to investigate. “I’m finally home.” Krystal thought. But will she be still be able to call Ge-Rad home, and will the pack still accept her as family?

(OOC: I'm way out of practice, sorry for the bad post. Will get better as I get back into the swing of things, promise.)

[Uskiya]

The winter had taken her far away, in search of something that was never meant to be hers ever again. But had she known the truth, would she have desired to keep it? That was something that only the gods could guess about, for no one really knew the true nature of the lovely nurse of Ge-rad.

The heat of summer didn't affect the gray fae as much as others, her coat had gotten shorter in the summer months. She had set out in the early months of winter in pursuit of her lost mate Cal. She was trying to bring back together a family that had fallen apart. Her son and eldest daughter had disappeared, along with so many other vargs she used to call family. It was a desperate attempt to try and find him. Hoping that Draeg would give his grace to her desire she had sought him out, but with no luck. Feeling desperate she made her way through the terra and into unknown lands. Uskiya did well in the winter time, she was easily adaptable to changing weather and climate, which favored her journey.

But her search had been in vain. She had found no scent of her mate. A feeling of losing one's love had taken over her life for many months. It was that feeling that kept her away from Ge-rad for so long. But know she knew that she would need to return home. To care for her two daughters, Krystal and Ayasha. Along with helping Draeg, though she may not have been beta anymore, the pack still needed a nurse. It was that thought that had kept her on the move for days now.

As she neared the terra she called home she knew that first and foremost she needed to find Draeg and explain her absence. But something would distract her first, something that Uskiya would be glad to be distracted by. Her paws padded the ground in a brisk trot as she made her way into the mouth of the terra, crossing over onto familar terf felt wonderful. The smell was as she remembered, only fainter. Golden orbs scanned the distance, trying to make out any forms. But Ge-rad was quiet. It was then that the scent hit her, followed quickly by the howl. Though she had been gone for months, the gray fae recognized these to belong to her daughter Krystal. With a renewed burst of energy she shot through the trees. Calling to her daughter, and to all of Ge-rad if they cared to listen.

"Krystal!" She called out as she could see her in the near distance. She sprang through the air and skidded to a halt in front of her daughter. Her maw was spread wide in a grin and for once Uskiya felt truly happy. "Oh my daughter, how it pleases me to see you! I see the gods have cared for you. Where have you been?" She couldn't help the questions that poured from her maw, it had just been so long since she had seen family.

[Draeg]

The light of Fenris shone down upon the naked land through the clear azure sea in the heavens, luscious vegetation absorbing its golden rays and hungrily devouring life giving energy needed to sustain themselves. The tradeoff for such favorable weather, for there always a sacrifice for such temperate conditions, made itself known in the form of unyielding heat that sapped the little moisture held by the verdant tree and plants. There was no comfort to be found in the fluid motions of the north winds nor the coolness of the shade which had been uncomfortably warmed by the pervading heat of the day. Things were better this sun then most, fluffy white clouds drifting through the endless azure sea providing a welcome relief from the day’s torrid heat though only just.

Cracked pads shuffling across the dry earth a lone figure, lupine in nature, made his way through the dried grass towards the clear, still surface of Cwen‘s Pond that lay before him. Maw submersing itself beneath the cool, crystalline surface he drank his fill, welcoming the familiar chill that passed through his body which each gulp. Having spent the last three years of his life amidst the elements of Transylvania the foreign dragga had grown more accustomed to the unrelenting summer heat of his new homeland, over the years learning the best ways to accommodate for the uncomfortable temperature throughout the long harrowing days. Even so his exceptionally thick pelt proved a burden this time of year, smothering him beneath a thick wooly layer of dense fur that was more of a hindrance in the oppressive summer heat than an advantage.

Water sloshing between his feet the brute ambled deeper into the refreshing coolness of the spring, careful not to stray too far out past the shallows. As a pup he had developed a healthy fear of water, moreover of drowning, a fear that had been more than a little encouraged by his elders who had been more than happy to explain the dire situation that would befall his soul if he met such a fate. To die by water was amongst a varg’s greatest fears. Luckily for Draeg he didn’t have to worry about such things, having never needed to stray too far past the shallows other than to submerse himself beneath the cooling waters to refresh himself or drink his fill as he was doing just now.

Thirst quenched the aging varg settled himself comfortably within the shallows, letting the cool waters wash across his body and lap at his battered muzzle. He would remain here soak for a while as he had done many times before when the heat had grown too hot for him to bare, Shako could perform the border patrol today and Sorcha was old enough to look after herself so there was no need for Draeg to do anything but wallow for a few hours. His plans were cut short though as a familiar howl cut through the air, catching his attention and causing him to lift his head from between his paws. “Krystal…” he murmured to himself.

The former Zanguzen warrior had requested time off to take a brief sabbatical from Ge-Rad to explore the lands surrounding her pack and gain better insight to her place within the meadow dwelling, Draeg had consented to the midnight fae’s request knowing that Krystal’s absence would mean more food to share amongst the remaining members of the pack and given her his blessing. That had been a moon or two ago, Draeg couldn’t remember which, and now it seemed as though Krystal had returned from her extended sojourn. Her voice blared out like a trumpet in the clear sky, sending birds fluttering from their respective places in the trees and disrupting their playful singing with a resounding boom. Maw cracking into an amused smile Draeg let out an eerie howl, head falling back between his shoulders as he sent back his replied to the returning scout.

Upon concluding his song Draeg was off, sending up a spray of water droplets scattering through the air like hundreds of tiny crystals as he exited the small pond and began making his way towards the sweeping meadows Ge-Rad was known for. Weaving through trees and leaping over bushes and the occasional fallen log Draeg tore through the dense treeline, nose working furiously as he filtered through the menagerie of odors in search of the former Zanguzen’s scent. He froze as another scent soon caught his attention, causing him to let out an excited yip. Uskiya. So the pack nurse had returned then as well? Tail flickering excitedly behind him the amber Dragga resumed his trek, redoubling his efforts to reach the meadow and greet his two returning packmates.

[Krystal Zanguzen]

//ooc: Sorry for the wait. This isn’t going to be anywhere near as good as both posts before mine, but I’ll do my best to move the story along.//

Summer will always be a time of substantial warmth and peace for many lands and many occupants who harbor those lands, for life flourished and blossomed like the flowers in a meadow. Each flower as majestic and unique as the one that preceded it, a gentle sea of aromas and colors would made abundant by the warmth of Fenris’ light, a gentle breeze would sweep over this meadows and cause the flowers to swish like the waves of the sea as they traversed the grand scale and beauty of the oceans blue. This was the land spoken of by many Varg. A land governed by the mighty and righteous Ge-Rad pack, protectors of the open plains and labyrinth forests. Also home to the only family the former Zanguzen had ever known. Though Krystal was only gone for two moons, it had felt longer to the bi-colored fae, and she was overcome by the feeling of nostalgia as sapphire and emerald pools traversed the beauty of Ge-Rad with their gaze.

All that was left for Krystal to do was pass the time and wait for a response to her howl which had faded into the realm of the past. The former Zanguzen would not have to wait long, as Ge-Rad would come alive with the songs of many. Like a choirs of well rehearsed singers, their voices blended perfectly with one another, and soothed the ears of a she-varg whom longed dearly to reunite with her family. Krystal’s ebon tail would soon wag subconsciously in anticipation. And soon enough, her name was being called out by a voice in the wind. At first the bi-hued fae thought it merely a trick of the wind, for the voice sounded far away and almost a whisper. But soon the eyes would confirm what the ears had all ready concluded. The gray form of a she-varg dear to the lead scout’s heart came into focus, and soon Uskiya would be before her. “It’s good too see you to mother.” Krystal responded, a kind smile and gentle words would flow tranquilly from Krystal’s maw.

“Tor has taken very good care of me.” Krystal continued. “She blessed my journey with many encounters and many lessons.” Krystal took a few paw steps forward, and nuzzled the kind nurse tenderly, allowing all the feelings of longing and ache to slip away and evaporate into mist. “I’ve missed you so much.” Krystal spoke as she nuzzled Uskiya’s fur. “I’ve missed all of Ge-Rad, you were all in my thoughts every day. But now my journey is over, I’m stronger now, and I hope that you will accept me back into the only family who’ve ever cared for me.” As these words were exchanged, the voice of the Dragga too had sung itself into the heavens, but had gone unnoticed by the two toned Ge-Radian as her attention was given fully to her adopted mother. “Do you think…” Krystal spoke again, with a hint of worry now in her tone that reflected those fleeting thoughts. “Do you think Ge-Rad will still accept me?”

[Uskiya]

Uskiya nodded as Krystal spoke, assuring her of her safety while she had been gone. The gray femme gently nuzzled her adoptive daughter and let out a sigh of contentment. It had been so long since she had seen either of her daughters and finally it felt that her family was coming together again. It didn't catch her by surprise when her nares picked up the smell of the Dragga of Ge-rad.

Uskiya turned to Krystal to address her concern. "My daughter, It is not up to Ge-rad whether they will accept you. It is up to the members of this pack. Besides, no one has forgotten you or unaccepted you. We are a family."

Uskiya nuzzled her daughter once more trying to reassure the fae that things were fine and would always be fine, so long as you wanted to look at them that way. It might've taken losing two mates and a journey into the terra for the nurse of Ge-rad to come to that conclusion. But she knew that it was completely true. Gingerly she cleans off the dirt and dust from her coat.

"wouldn't want the Dragga of Ge-rad to see me dirty now would I?"

Uskiya lets out a chuckle and gently nudges Krystal with her cranium. "Lighten up my dear. Ge-rad is and will always be your home. No matter how far you go or how long you are gone. " Uskiya planted her hind quaters on the ground and let out a nice long sigh. She was feeling a lot older than she actually was. Perhaps the best thing to do was stay in the terra of Ge-rad and recoup. There would be a lot of work to get caught up on. Not to mention explaining her absence to Draeg and apologizing for her sudden leave. She shook her coat out and took a quick inspection of her appearance before giving a small chuckle of satisfaction.

The nurse of Ge-rad looked up to the sky and admired how beautiful it was. She had missed the beauty of Ge-rad. With a smiel she remembered that she must find Sorcha. She wanted to see how the little pup had grown since she had been her surrogate mother. There was much to catch up on in her absence, and probably alot of work to do to help Draeg. Being pack nurse kind of also meant being there if Draeg needed help with anything. "So, any new discoveries about yourself while you were gone?" Uskiya asked, giving Krystal a tender lick on the muzzle

[Draeg]

Following the worn path that had been used by generations of varg preceding him Draeg made loped along the narrow trail, doing his best to ignore the staggering heat threatened to overwhelm him. His thick pelt did little more then hinder his progress despite having long shed its heavy lower layer, summer pelt being more suited for the cooler conditions of his homeland in Norway. Even so he pressed on, only pausing to catch his breath before continuing with his trek.

For a moment he wondered if anyone else had made their way to the fringe to greet the Zanguzen warrior and the wayward Uskiya and welcome back the returning females yet, silently pondering over the likelihood of finding Ayasha at the scene now that his stepdaughter had found herself a steady pre-mate in the form of his half blooded grandson. Thinking the matter over a little longer Draeg figured that she had most likely lured Kaemon to the outlands again, no doubt to seeking to spend some much needed quality time with her new boyfriend someplace they wouldn’t be interrupted. ‘I really should talk to that boy.’ Draeg grinned fondly, wistfully recalling the long begotten days when he had tested the heights of his own virility beneath the eyes of Tor.

Voices began to penetrate his auds from beyond the dense vegetation barring his path, growing clearly and more precise with each step closer until at last Draeg found that he could make out who was speaking. He smiled, evidently Uskiya had found Krystal first and was now in the process of assuring the twilight fae of her place within the pack. Announcing his presence with a polite bark he entered the clearing, exiting from beneath the sheltered canopy of the treeline provided and calmly making his way towards the two females. “Well, well, it must be my lucky day! These days it’s not often I find myself in the company of two gorgeous fae.” he chuckled affectionately. Padding over to the duo he greeted each of them in turn, nuzzling Uskiya affectionately and nipping Krystal’s flank playfully before bumping her chest. “I take it you had a good trip?”

((sorry for the wait and the crappy post))

[Krystal Zanguzen]

The time Krystal spent with Uskiya would forever be precious to the lead scout. This land of Ge-Rad that Krystal called home and that family that loved her so; was more precious to the former Zanguzen then any title a wolf could possess, any coveted prize one could receive. Nothing could replace this feeling of warmth and acceptance, and nothing was worth more to protect. “I’ve missed you so much.” Krystal spoke, eyes closed as she tenderly nuzzled her adopted mother in return. Supple whines would escape her maw, telling the nurse of Ge-Rad not to stop nuzzling; to provide all the affection she could give, as Krystal poured her soul into her tender fondness. With her optics closed, and still connected to the nurse of Ge-Rad by her nuzzle, she replied to Uskiya’s question. “I learned much on my travels, mostly things about myself that I never knew previously. I found purpose, strength and meaning. I found many wise Varg’s with wisdom too share, their insight empowers me.”

Krystal’s conversation would be cut short by a sudden bark that traversed the area. The announcement of a new presence, the Dragga had at last arrived. Krystal turned her attention to the amber male; her time away has not changed Draeg in the slightest. His pelt was still as thick as ever, bathed in the colors of autumn, it was as if the season itself grew legs and a tail and walked among the living. He would greet both fae’s in turn, and as he greeted Krystal, she would bow to him in respect. A smile plastered on her ebon maw as she spoke. “It’s good too see you too Draeg. Still as bushy as ever I see. If ever I need to store a kill, your tail will make for a good blanket.” Krystal said in a joking manner. The mood was light, and being around her family brought a sense of peace to the Ge-Radian. Like a soothing mist that passed over the body, and brought comfort and tranquility to ones form, so did the peace of the land and the tranquility of her family.

Lifting her head back up to its rightful position out of the bow, she brought her gaze back onto its rightful level, and took a moment to admire the majesty of Ge-Rad. Truly the land had not changed a bit. The beauty Krystal remembered, and the memories she carried with her on her journey had all been retained within these borders. Home is truly where the heart is, Krystal never wanted to leave it ever again. Now however, she had gained the insight and strength needed to keep these lands safe. But would Draeg allow her to stay, that was still the last test that needed to be taken. “My Dragga, May I call you that?” Krystal asked humbly. “May I continue to stay in your land, and live with your family? I’ve learned so much on my journey, and with your permission, I’d like to use the knowledge and strength I’ve gained to keep the family I love safe, if you allow me of course.” Krystal knew that Uskiya was right, and that the members of the pack had a say in this decision. But it was Draeg’s final word that ultimately decided, and Krystal hope that those final words would be that the former Zanguzen could call his land her home, and his family her owns.

[Uskiya]

Uskiya smiled as Draeg appeared from the forest of Ge-rad. She gave him an affectionate smile and greeted him with a wagging tassel and a soft whine from her muzzle. It was good to be back home, the familiar colors of Ge-rad bringing back memories of the happier days when things seemed less complicated than they were now. Admittedly they weren't that complicated, in truth there were only a few things missing from her life. Her auds swiveled forward to take in Krystal's voice as she began to speak a little of her journey.

Uskiya began to recap her own disappearance that had taken place many many moons ago. She had told herself that she was leaving to find Cal, in hopes to bring him home and repair whatever damage there was to their relationship. She had her suspicions that something terrible had happened. But the gods were either kind to her in withholding the truth from her, or mean. Truth was that Cal had cheated on her with the same varg her first mate had cheated on her with. Truth was Uskiya would probably never know it. Truth was, that was probably for the best. She slowly traveled the thoughts in her mind, picking through the meaningless details and the left over curiosities that on occasion made themselves known to her.

As Krystal finished Uskiya smiled to her adopted daughter and then turned her head to take in Draeg. She had her own explanations to give him for her absence. But she would wait till Krystal had her mind settled. After all, Uskiya had a few more thoughts to go through before she could completely explain what exactly had happened when she had left the terra she had come to love. Loved ones are so easily lost, that much was absolutely clear to Uskiya, she had lost more than she had preferred to. But the losses had slowly slipped away and she was happy to be where she was and be what she was. After all, one litter of pups had taught her more than she had expected to know. Especially with her daughter Ayasha, whom constantly struggled to come to grips with herself and what it was that she was.

Truth was, Uskiya thought. Truth was, or rather truth is...life is good. Well, see that's not everything either. We lose so much in life, or at least we are capable of losing so much in life that often times when we come across something we cling so hard to it that when it drifts away we just stop living. Truth is, you take it day by day. A small smile spread across her maw. Her golden orbs gazed at her Dragga as she awaited what he would say to Krystal. She wished to speak with Draeg, to tell him where she had gone. There were many things on her mind. She needed to find her daughter, whom she had heard was now back in Ge-rad terra.

If all went well, the next few days would find Uskiya putting back together what she had left behind here. There were things she needed to tell her daughter, things Ayasha needed to know as she continued growing up. Uskiya knew that things were no longer going to be black and white for Ayasha. She would begin to see that the world was a gray blur and that lines and rules didn't really exist anymore. That was something Uskiya had to come to grips with.

[Draeg]

Taking his place amongst the returning females Draeg seated himself between both fae, putting himself in a position that he would able to address both she-wolves individually if need be. Smile forming on his maw from Krystal’s joking remark he held his tail up for the former Zanguzen to admire, thick plume flickering methodically in the breeze. “Oh, then perhaps Krystal would like to clean up the mess afterwards? Or maybe she could volunteer herself as my bed for a while since she has such soft fur?” the amber brute replied, brow quirking in amusement. Paw leaving the ground he took a playful swing at her, missing her intentionally by a few meager inches. “No bowing, you know better.”

It did Draeg’s heart good to see Uskiya back in Ge-Rad again, the amber dragga having feared that the pack beloved nurse had left the meadowlands forever. He returned her smile fully, feeling a special connection with the fae that had volunteered to wean his daughter during the weeks following Cwen’s death. This connection was made all the stronger by the fact Uskiya had been one of the first varg to join Ge-Rad after his acention as well as the fact that the two of them had practically raised Ayasha together. Smile widening Draeg nuzzled the elder fae affectionately, warm greeting concluding with a quick lick to her cheek. “Welcome home, we have much to discuss you and I.”

Heading turning back to Krystal he stared at the midnight fae in surprise and admonishment, completely taken aback by her request. “Of course you may stay, why would you think otherwise? Your trip was sanctioned, I knew you were leaving, what reason could I have to bar you from returning home?” Leg leaving the ground he relieved himself of a particularly troublesome itch centered behind his right ear before continuing. “And for the record, the name is still Draeg. Now with that being said, I trust your trip was eventful?”

[Krystal Zanguzen]

It felt as though a great weight had been lifted off the shoulders of the former Zanguzen, and now Krystal was at last free. Peace had once again found the bi-hued fae in the form of the land that tended her wounds and the family that tended her heart. As always, Draeg was a kind and caring Dragga towards the members of his pack. Krystal had always felt safe around the amber male, even from the first time she had met him. There was an aura of strength that followed the Ge-Radian Dragga, and it was this strength that helped lead Ge-Rad to become the pack that it is today, a pack that Krystal was proud to call family. As things stood now, Krystal never wanted to leave her home ever again. Though she knew in her heart the time would come when the lead scout would grow to miss the friends she had made on and off her travels. Perhaps Draeg would still allow the former Zanguzen to go on emissary missions to allied packs sometime in the future. Off the top of her head, Krystal could name a few friends that she would definitely wish to see again sometime in the future, the Drappa of Deor and the Beta of Koran just to name a few.

Once the exhilaration of knowing she could stay left the bi-hued fae, Krystal allowed herself to giggle a bit at Draeg’s earlier remarks. “Flattery will only get you a muzzle full of snow once winter rolls around.” Krystal spoke in a cheerful voice and a swish of her ebon banner, as she momentarily recalled the first winter she had spent in Ge-Rad. Krystal could recall so many fond memories all experienced within the borders of these lands, and also some memories which aren’t as fondly remembered. With that in mind, an image of Shayla passed across the Ge-Radian’s mind’s eye. There was still much for Krystal to do before she could truly be at peace in these lands. Shayla had been right in that befriending a varg of Sarnes blood was a bad idea, and an apology was in order. But whether that would atone for the bi-colored fae’s mistake or not was still a mystery. At the very least Krystal would try and soothe the rivalry between herself and Draeg’s daughter. “So how is everyone else doing Draeg?” Krystal asked with that thought in mind. “Who is still here?” Krystal would make a note to visit everyone in Ge-Rad individually, to get reacquainted with the family she has missed so dearly.

Another thought passed Krystal’s mind as she took a quick look around Ge-Rad with her sapphire and emerald gaze. The land itself, though beautiful and majestic in its own right, felt emptier then how she last remembered it. Though obviously no living creature would come near a putnar such as the wolf for fear of losing its life, there should at the very least be a scent trail along the ground or in the air to hint that such pray had passed through these lands, yet as Krystal took in the scents of the land, no such smell could be found. “I could be wrong but,” Krystal began with concern in her tone. “Isn’t there usually a pack a herla that graze around this area at this time?” She took a quick look around again to be sure that her claim was accurate before continuing. “I haven’t been here long, but I haven’t seen any lera around since my return. I’m used to seeing Ge-Rad’s meadows full of life, what has changed since I’ve been away?” Krystal now turned her gaze over towards Uskiya, looking for reassurance. Perhaps she too has noticed the lack of pray. For what Krystal didn’t know was that Ge-Rad itself was going through its own turmoil’s.