What Dreams May Come (private)

[Draeg]

The sun had set over the realm of Ge-Rad, sheathing the vast expanse of the meadowland pack in a veil of darkness as Fenris vanished over the horizon to shine his warm light elsewhere. High above like a silver coin on display Tor look down upon the world below, stars twinkling softly around her like an endless sea of glittering jewels suspended forever above the world in the inky mantle of night. The fields were a dazzling silver in the pale, luminous glow of the moonlight, appearing as something out of a child’s fairytale. The spring thaw had finally arrived, this time for real, wiping away the last vestiges of winter in what seemed to be no more than a sparkling moment of brilliance and warmth.

Once again winter had come and gone leaving behind nothing other then a few lingering memories of the hardships endured throughout the past season, meaningless trials that would soon be forgotten with the passage of time. Assortments spruce and pine littered the land, rising from the earth like pillars of emerald towers amidst the verdant kingdom. Where once jays and doves had sung had become silent save for the sounds of night, out in the distance crickets chirped merrily as they played their happy tune while fireflies drifted about like specters; filling the forest with their pale glow. The night was warm despite the absence of the sun, a thin curtain of mist enveloping the land like a shroud of silk as what moisture remained from the recent thaw transcended its physical form in the evening heat and was drawn toward the heavens.

Near the heart of Ge-Rad the copse parted to reveal a break in the seeming ever rolling pattern of emerald and malachite, the clearing hardly registering more than a simple speck in the arboreal sea around it. It was a reclusive spot, sheltered from the rugged western winds and outlined by walls of thick shrubs and tangled bracken. Hidden beneath the random assortment of thistle and thorns lay what seemed to have once been a small burrow, now enlarged through the course of time due in part to the efforts of the native pack. Inside the chamber was empty for the most part save for the assortment of fur and dried vegetation which acted as bedding for the two huddled figures within.

Regarding her through melancholic orbs Draeg stare down loving at his daughter, battered visage frozen in an expression of nostalgic sorrow. Even at this age she look almost exactly like he mother, crystal blue eyes being the only dividing factor though Draeg was sure that would change soon enough. Her silver fur glistened even in the dark depths of the den, pearly muzzle tucked neatly against her tiny body as she slept soundly within the gentle curves of his towering frame. She was a handful of that there was no doubt, but then given her parents it was entirely understandable.

He had done his best to give her a sheltered life and provide everything he could for her though his time spent with her was nostalgic at most, she looked so much like his beloved Cwen. And yet while she was nearly the spitting image of the twisted drappa their personalities couldn’t have been any more different, it was almost funny. Such was his daughter Sorcha. She was more inquisitive then just about any pup he had ever known with the exception of Huts, always asking questions, always wanting to learn more about her mother. Sometimes knowing that she would never get the chance to truly know her mother was almost too much for Draeg to bear.

In the moons following Cwen’s death the amber varg had grown bitter towards the gods, turning his back on them in retaliation for allowing one of their own creations to take his beloved Drappa away from him. The course of time had done little to ease the pain Draeg felt over the loss of his mate and he often found himself thinking back to everything they had through together, even venturing out to look at the stars on increasingly rare occasions in hopes of catching a brief glimpse of her spirit watching over him so that he might find some solace in her passing. So far he had only succeeded in losing himself to his memories and fueling his ever growing hatred for the all things celestial. Tongue caressing Sorcha’s head he wrapped himself around his daughter, lids closing upon amber eyes as he allow himself to enter the realm of dreams.

((all nighter))

[Cwen]

The once so proud and fearless Dragga fell into the world of sleep, his mind’s eye growing dark and empty at first, yet was soon filled with light. A strong glow from the depths of his unconscious self began to grow, intensifying with each passing moment. If the mann was to be aware of anything during these moments, it was the increasing mass of space. It seemed to go on forever until the edges of the universe. A void so great that the world in which he knew was simply swallowed without warning.

Abruptly, it stopped. The light vanished and emptiness once more fell into the mind of the brute. As though a simple blink had switched off the light, plunging Draeg once more into darkness. Slowly, something returned. The image of a past place that he knew well filled his mind. Scents and sights from memories returned to him, all stage by stage. First the earth crawled into place, dusty and dry with the littering of millions upon millions of tiny pine needles. A soft cushion that softened each step he took forward. The earthy scent filled his nostrils as ember eyes glanced from left to right as tall, proud pines began to sprout as if from no where. They were fresh and filled the atmosphere with a new scent, one of life and freedom.
The land continued to play out in such a fashion until it settled, leaving the amber Dragga of Ge-Rad standing in an old familiar spot. The reason for this was unapparent to start with, leaving him confused and staring ahead with a baffled expression creasing his forehead.

Then it came; that aroma. A gentle breeze ruffled the branches of a low-lying bush ahead, wafting towards him the perfume of his lost love. The Twisted Drappa that he had sworn his heart to so many moons ago that he could not count them. But it couldn’t be. She had left the land of the living, her soul taken by that contemptuous Demon God Wolfbane and her body left lifeless before him. It was impossible.
But no, there she was.
Cwen, his beloved Cwen. Long ivory legs strode forward slowly; her luscious and full pelt shifted with a beautiful motion as each step created a bounce in her motion, leading the bitch in a dream-like gait towards his waiting self. Silver and black hairs that ran along her body and back shone under the luminescent glow of the sun that surrounded the two. Silvery gaze fell upon an ember gawk, a lighthearted yet memorably cheeky grin played upon her pearly white muzzle.

Cwen halted herself if not a few feet away from her love, observing his form. Though this was a dream and she appeared to be in her healthiest state of prime, Draeg had not altered from his living self. He remained bedraggled and worn down. His pelt unkempt and eyes cheerless. The spark that once resided within them had disappeared, leaving them vacant and dark. A frown creased the brow of Cwen and her proud tail gave a flick of disappointment. She was disappointed to see her love in such a state. Sour that he was no longer the image of his former self. Draeg’s heart had been shattered, and it was her own fault for being so damned stupid. But nothing could change the past.
A softer expression replaced her hard scowl and she smiled lovingly at her love, auds flattened against her skull as her tail lowered slightly. Taking a single step forward, Cwen let out a sigh and closed her eyes, allowing them to open slowly, orbs sparkling as though full of life. “Hello my love.”

(It's awful I'm afraid. Been a loooong time since I last posted. Forgive me!)

[Draeg]

Everything happened so fast that Draeg hardly had any time to respond, one moment the amber dragga was lying peacefully alongside his daughter and the next he was floating in the endless abyss of space. It was as if the very world around him had been stripped away along with everyone in it, leaving him alone to wander the endless void for all of eternity. It never occurred to him that it all might be nothing more than a bad dream, a stray figment of his imagination given form by the far reaches of his subconscious mind. As far as he knew it all could have been another elaborate plan orchestrated by the gods in order torment him further.

The darkness was illuminated by a blinding light which seemed to suddenly appear out of nowhere, forcing Draeg to shield his eyes momentarily as all around him the unworldly light burn into existence. For a brief moment he could see out into the far reaches of infinity before just as abruptly it had begun it stopped, flickering out of existence and once again leaving him floating alone through the endless presence of the void. Things began to change once more as the emptiness that encompass him was gradually filled, familiar sights and scents that had long ago burned themselves into the far corners of his mind.

He felt the familiar tingle of pine needles tickle his feet as his paws touched the ground, the earth seeming to literally rise up beneath him. From there came the trees, massive pines which sprouted from the ground like towering monoliths of emerald and jade. A thousand scents flooded his nose as the dry desiccated odor of oblivion was replaced by the rich, fresh smell of life. And so the transformation continued in this fashion, ultimately ending with a very confused Draeg standing just outside the warm protective walls of the pack den amidst the clearing.

It blew in with the breeze. That scent. That glorious, wonderful scent. It clung to the air like a provocative aroma, calling him, beckoning him forward. “Cwen.” he gasp, heart racing.
But that was impossible, the Twisted Drappa of Ge-Rad had made the journey to the next world moons ago. It was almost too good to be true, and yet here was her scent. Memories of happier times and things long past suddenly invaded his mind, filling him with a warm glow that was quickly replaced by a deep sadness as he was assaulted by images of his beloved mate.

Then she appeared, like a goddess descending upon her people. She seemed to materialize out of thin air, almost burning into existence like the light before her as she strode forward. Coy smile etched into her pearly features as she made her way slowly through the luscious dreamscape, slender pillars of ivory tipped with onyx carrying her toward the gawking dragga. She was just as radiant as she had been in life, maybe even more so. Her glistening pelt which had always been composed of silken strands of silver and black hair had taken on a more unworldly appeal, seeming more vibrant beneath the golden rays of Fenris warming light. She seemed to glide across the clearing with unworldly grace, luxurious pelt shifting with each fluid motion that she make. It was almost like watching ripples in a pond.
Whereas time and grief had chosen to alter Draeg’s appearance Cwen looked exactly as the amber varg remembered her, proud and strong almost as though her death had been nothing more then a bad dream.

Like a goddess appraising her favorite vassal she regarded him coolly through shimmering silver eyes, frowning at his bedraggled state and flicking her tail in disappointment. Stepping forward her expression changed, softening as tapered ears dropped down against her scalp and she pulled her maw back in loving smile. Body trembling Draeg merely stare at her in awe, scarcely able to breathe beneath her sparkling gaze. Legs moving of their own accord he leapt forward, closing the distance between them and whining softly, tongue snaking out and stroking her pearly muzzle furiously. “Is it really you?” he whimpered, bronze muzzle sinking between her shoulders. “Have you really returned to me my drappa?”

((Is fine, though I wish I could've had a little more inspiration on mine))

[Cwen]

It appeared to be real; everything was so clear and vivid. Every scent, every sound and every touch felt as alive as a newly born cub squealing and squirming with the shock of its own birth. However, Cwen was far from real. She was nothing but a truly desired image that was stalking the dreams of Draeg. Yet, there was some truth to her appearance. Although Cwen had left her body behind on that fateful night when Wolfbane emerged into the land of the living, she had never left her beloved’s side. Through thick and thin she was there, and she knew of the happenings that had happened. One such incident being where Draeg told Shayla of her death.
As Draeg lunged towards her, his warm, comforting tongue smothering her muzzle in a loving fashion, Cwen remained where she stood and chuckled lightly, giving him a friendly nip on his broad ear before pulling away. She needed to have her space, for Draeg didn’t seem to fully understand the situation he was in. As much as her spirit longed to be in the body of another once more, she knew that it would never be the same. The only way for Draeg to know she was with him until the day his own spirit could join her and their deceased cubs was to explain reality.

Cwen let out a sigh and diverted her gaze to her paws, a light whine escaping her muzzle. Though this moment where she appeared weak and confused was swiftly converted into the opposite. Her head shot up and her auds perked forward, a stern look in her steely grey hues. “Draeg, you must understand before this continues that this is not real. You mustn’t return to the land of the living with false hopes and wishes, for it will only bring you more grief,” she growled firmly. Though her words seemed harsh and inconsiderate to the grieving Dragga, Cwen did not want him to suffer anymore than he already had. So to make the situation clear to him, her speech was needed. “I have never left your side since the day my body was destroyed and my spirit set free. I am forever here to guide you through life until the day you join our children and me on the other side. You have much left to achieve in life, and I do not want you spending the rest of it in mourning my death,” she continued, finishing her speech and leaving the two in a moment of silence.

Once more a softer expression began to melt the harsh expression that masked Cwen’s appearance, her auds flexing back lightly and a gentle smile curling the edges of her ivory muzzle. She took a few steps towards him once more to close the distance and tenderly licked his muzzle before walking round him, her body pressed against his, and seating herself on his left side. She rested her head lightly against him and sighed passively. “I’m sorry Draeg. I didn’t mean to leave you in such a rut. I guess, I guess my stubborn nature simply got the better of me…”

[Draeg]

Everything about her felt real; so rich and full of life. The smooth, supple texture of her soft pelt, the gentle warmth of her voluptuous body against his, even the taste of her luscious fur beneath his tongue; it all felt the same. As alive and vigorous as a weaned pup let loose in spring for the first time. How Cwen had returned to him Draeg didn’t know and honestly he could care less, all that mattered to him was that his mate had somehow crossed the boundaries of life and death and come back to him. Whether she be a specter or some other unworldly being it didn’t matter to him, the smell of her rich aroma flooding his nose was enough to convince Draeg that she was real.
Battered muzzle sinking into the soft, supple folds of skin around her neck Draeg held her tightly to him, currying his head into the subtle curves between her shoulders, whining as his ears perked to the delicious melody of her laugher and yelping playfully when he felt her jaws wrap around one of the delicate auds. Amber tassel wagging behind him for the first time since her death he sat back on his haunches, allowing Cwen her space. He knew that Cwen wished to speak to him about something, perhaps to inquire as to the health of their latest offspring or check up on the previous batch.

Shuffling his paws beneath him anxiously Draeg waited for Cwen to speak, leaning his head forward expectantly. However her mood changed, becoming sullen and hesitant as she looked down apprehensively at her paws. Letting out a soft whine Draeg moved to comfort her only to be met by her stern stare, freezing him in his tracks. Before he could even open his mouth to speak she spoke, berating him for his recent behavior following her passing and confirming what he had secretly believed all along. It was all a dream, little more then a pathetic illusion created by his own desperate subconscious. Forelimb giving out beneath him Draeg again felt the ground rise up beneath him, staggering to the ground and whimpering brokenly into his paws as the truth of it all finally dawned on him. She wouldn’t be there when he woke up and once again he would find himself lying alone in the vacant chamber, grieving over her loss. “No, no, no, no, no!” he whimpered, sobbing into his paws. “This can’t be happening, I can’t lose you again! It’s not fair! I can’t take it, it’s just too much!” Growing silent Draeg lay there, curled pathetically on the ground. Above him Cwen continued her sermon, her harsh tone shaking him from grieving state long enough to actually hear what she had to say. She was guiding him, watching over him like some unseen guardian forever by his side. Somehow Draeg found comfort in the thought, gradually rising to his haunches as her speech wore on.

Having concluded her lecture again Cwen’s expression began to change, hardened mask softening and tapered auds slanting. Amber muzzle pulling back into a sad smile Draeg lift his head from beneath his shoulders, attempting to transcend his grief for sake of his mate. He whine as she came forward, rolling his tongue along her muzzle affectionately and rubbing himself firmly against her side. Looking down her his gaze harden, a low growl escaping his battered maw. “Sorry for what, dying? You were only trying to defend yourself and our unborn children.” he growled sternly, closing his eyes and letting out a soft whine before continuing. “If anyone should be apologizing it’s me, it was my job to protect you. Maybe if I had been quicker, stronger, maybe…maybe I could have saved you. I never blamed you for what happened, not once.” Resting his head on top of hers Draeg sighed, holding her tightly against him as though she were some priceless treasure. “I named her Sorcha you know, just like you wanted. Her eyes just opened a little while back, I’ve told her all about you. I wish you could see her, she looks just like you.”

[Cwen]

Draeg broke down into a pathetic heap during her speech, and though her dead heart began to tear and shred at the very sight of it, she continued forth, knowing it was what he needed to know. Draeg wouldn’t be able to handle things well if she had not broken the news to him; he would have simply woken up and swallowed himself up in further grief to have been led on in such a fashion. No, it was best for him. Even if it hurt him to the very core.
She lavished his touch as he began to nuzzle her once more, relishing the sensation that she had long ago forgotten since that moment her heart halted and her spirit tore from her limp body. A sigh passed her lips as she peered into his ember hues, his own stern gaze taking hold of her now as he merely explained that what she had done was not her fault. It was simply instinct. And though she knew this well, it was hard to accept. If she hadn’t of been so blind with rage and fear, then she would still by Draeg’s side, sleeping in peaceful dreams without this heartache to cure.

And though Cwen blamed herself what for happened, Draeg did not, he blamed the only other varg he could – himself. Cwen frowned at his own self-accusation and growled lightly in response. “What could you do against a Demon God Draeg? If I couldn’t protect myself then you had little chance. It was my fate; so do not blame yourself for it. Wolfbane was sent down upon me for a reason, and there was no escaping it,” her explanation was simple. And though she knew who had in fact sent Wolfbane to tear her head from her shoulders, at this point in time it was not worth ruining the moment between the two.
Cwen smiled softly at the mention of their daughter. She chuckled lightly and nodded slowly, licking his battered muzzle affectionately. “She is beautiful Draeg. I told you I never left your side, and I won’t leave her side either. Yet I know Shayla’s not going to be too happy about having a sister,” she growled with a humorous remark.

((Sorry, exams! Gotta run again...))

[Draeg]

Cwen’s words struck a chord within the amber varg, and although there was an air of truth to what she said Draeg still couldn’t help feeling bitter over her choice of words. To Draeg fate had always been nothing more than a word used by the gods to contradict the mandate of freewill they had laid out at the beginning of time. Death was inevitable, as mortals there was no escaping it and in all honesty Draeg accepted that, but to say that Cwen was fated to die at the jaws of the Evil One himself was something he couldn’t accept. She hadn’t died of natural causes like Huts or BT; her death had been unnatural in every sense of the word.
Hatred welled up within Draeg, hatred for the gods and the injustice bestowed upon him that horrible day, hatred for Wolfbane and his spectral minions who had prevented him from saving his precious mate, but most of all hatred from the varg that had summoned the demon god for the sole purpose of taking his beloved Cwen away from him, Nocturnia Diiore. Like a festering wound that refused to heal it ate away at him, livid as the sun, burning like acid until it threatened to consume him. He felt his anger fade as he met Cwen’s gaze, hatred receding beneath the gentle loving glow of her clear crystal orbs only to be replaced by a deep feeling of sorrow. How could she not blame him for what had happened, for if he was not to blame for her untimely demise then who?

Had she still been alive they probably would’ve debated the matter the entire night, however given their limited time together Draeg let the matter drop out of respect of his mate’s silent wish, almost as if sensing her desire to preserve the precious moment and enjoy her time with the amber Dragga for as long as possible. Reveling in the smooth, cooling sensation of her touch Draeg held her tightly.
Whimpering softly beneath her gentle kisses he chuckled at Cwen’s prediction, knowing that she was right to believe Shayla’s mood would sour upon discovering that she was no longer an only daughter. “Figure that out all on your own did you?” he chuckled, nuzzling her neck softly before speaking again. “She blames herself you know, for not being there to say goodbye. She misses you…I miss you. I’m sorry I wasn’t a better mate to you, or if I wasn’t everything you expected in dragga. I wish I could have lived up to your expectations and been the man you wanted, needed, me to be. I’ve always loved you and always will, I hope that you can forgive me for not saying it more often.”

Lips parting in a playful growl Draeg nip her ear playfully, amber tassel beating rapidly behind him as he jumped to his feet and lowered himself down into a playful bow. His chest hovering above the ground he let out an enticing bark, holding his rump in the air and scraping his paws against the earth with puppish exuberance.