Prelude to the Rite (Krystal)

[Draeg]

((A slight prelude to The Rites of Kaemon and Ayasha, takes place the same morning but a little earlier))

As the first rays of golden sun shown down upon the land the Ge-Rad a lone figured stepped out from the confined shelter of the pack dens, amber pelt shimmering in the early morning light of the sun as he emerged to greet the day. Amber orbs bright and alert he stare out at the tranquil scene before him, taking in every detail as he survey his kingdom. Out in the horizon the fiery sphere known as the sun god Fenris painted the sky as he his ascent over the world of Man, frescos of pink, gold, and maroon soaring out over the vast forest and rolling meadows of Ge-Rad. His ears twitched as the air was filled with the symphony of countless birds, the tiny feathered lera greeting the day with their melodic song as they had done ritualistically each morning since the dawning of time. Battered snout upturned towards the heavens the brute pause to examine the air, rummaging through the old and familiar scents of Ge-Rad for any foreign scents that might have been carried in with the breeze. Nothing. Everything seemed to be in order for a change, still better to be sure. After all, one could never be too sure what threat lay waiting just beyond the border. And therein lie the assignment for the day, border patrol.

Pelt rustling in the morning breeze Draeg stare out at the tranquil sight a moment longer before setting out, padded mitts carrying him swiftly away from his den of residence. The path ahead of him was narrow but worn from frequent use, the scent of his packmates lingering on the sparse vegetation that made up the trail. Pausing to renew his personal marker he took a moment to study the scents of his packmates, ebon nasal pressed against the ground as he tried to locate one scent in particular. Familiar musk filling his nose the amber varg couldn’t help but smile as he found what he was looking for, his chest stirring with a distantly familiar sensation upon identifying the scent of Ge-Rad’s most recent member; Krystal Zanguzen. He thought about calling her but ultimately decided against it, not wanting to rouse the rest of the pack prematurely. Sleep was hard enough to come by already without him bellowing for assistance, better for Draeg to just retrieve his charge himself.

Scent still fresh in his nose he resume his trek, amber tassel flickering methodically behind him as he broke out into a steady trot. Tracking the twilight fae proved easy enough, moons of periodic use having formed a lingering trail along the path. Draeg noticed that Krystal’s scent would occasionally mingle with that of Ayasha’s, Ge-Rad’s resident spitfire, a slight inkling to the tight bond that had formed between his niece and the twilight femme. Naturally Draeg had heard tidbits of gossip about the pair from Uskiya, Ayasha‘s mother as well as Draeg‘s personal confident, particularly about how the pair had come to regard one another as siblings; even going so far as to share a den together. Given how stubbornly Ayasha had defended her painted counterpart during her trial a few nights ago Draeg was incline to believe Uskiya’s analogy, something which he was more than happy to hear given both fae‘s history with others. Navigating through the tangled undergrowth that threatened to impeded his progress he followed the scent to a series of sheltered burrows which he knew to be the primary pack dens. Whereas Draeg chose to isolate himself from the rest of the pack at times this was where Ge-Rad came to reside when the day was done, offering a sense of shelter and some much needed privacy for when pack life became too much to bear.

Ignoring the random assortment of pocket holes in the earth he made his way to a single opening in the ground, padding into the enclosed den space and disappearing beneath the ground. Paws shuffling silently beneath him he quietly made his way down to the main chamber, optics settling on the painted form lying curled asleep at its center. Muzzle pulling back into a warm smile the amber varg stare down at the twilight fae, features softening as he fondly recall his first meeting with the former Zanguzen warrior a few years prior. That had been back when he was still a kerl, new to ways of parenthood and Transylvania. So much had happened since then it was almost hard to believe how far he had come from being that bumbling little kerl by the lake, part of Draeg almost wish things hadn’t changed and that he had remained that way for a bit longer. Innocent and carefree. Almost anyway. Padding up to the inert fae he prod her gently with his paw, poking her side softly and attempting to rouse her so that they might commence with their morning assignment; murmuring softly to her. “Krystal, it’s time to get up.”

((I'm sorry, I was originally planning on having Draeg drop by Krystal's den and waking her up but ran out of inspiration along the way))

[Krystal Zanguzen]

With the coming of the rising sun brought in toe a magnificent morning, a gift from the fiery god for his children. Not a cloud threatened to diminish his warmth and radiance from reaching the terra. Fenris’ full kingdom could be taken in for its beauty by any creature that could stand to gaze upward at the breathtaking brilliance. With the change of season’s soon approaching, it was unclear how many more wonderful days were left before the signs of winter would inevitably show. Many creatures were up with the rising sun, going about their normal lives. Bears would be stuffing themselves for the upcoming hibernation, while other putnar were out all ready hunting their own selfish ambitions. Such wasn’t the way in the land of Ge-Rad. The Ge-Radians are a family of wolves whose togetherness, family way of existence is the pride of the pack. Ge-Rad is different then any other pack, for their bond is like the mountain, impassable, impenetrable. Can whether the harshest storms, and even its most bitterest of enemies, the erosion of time.

Deep within the safety of Ge-Rad’s dens, its residents sleep soundly, unhindered by the chirps of flying birds and other lera. One particular, a bi-colored ebon and ivory Ge-Radian, rested comfortably within the den she shared with another. Krystal lay curled up, her breaths nearly soundless as her chest rose and fell gently with each passing exhale. Her mind lay drowned within the realms of a dream that played in the former Zanguzen’s head like a lake that tried to swallow you into its blackened depths. Normally the bi-hued fae would be sharing this den with her step-sister, the dark as night femme, Ayasha. But on this occasion, the midnight warrior has awoken extra early, and had quietly made her way out, taking care not to wake Krystal. The two step-sisters held an indissoluble bond with each other, they shared everything together. From the deepest of secrets known only to each other, to the romance that was going on between Ayasha and Draeg’s nephew, Kaemon, they talked about everything. Even shared the very pains that plagued their hearts, to the very den they sleep together in. Krystal loved her sister, and would willingly give her own life, if it meant Ayasha’s safety.

Normally, the bi-colored Ge-Radian would be out on morning patrol, all ready probing the lands she calls home for any sign of trouble. Her keen bi-hued sapphire and emerald gaze ever watchful, her sensitive auds ever alert to dangers that could threaten the family she loved so much. The family she would protect till her last breathe is exhaled, and Tor deems it time for Krystal to join the goddess in her garden. However, Krystal couldn’t will herself to wake from the dream pool that engulfed her. She was surrounded by images of the past only she could see and experience, of a time a year or so back, when the bi-colored fae hadn’t a friend in the world. She was alone, without family or friends. They had all been taken away by the very siblings she grew up with. Her very mother, who Krystal loved so much, was taken by the jaws of her very brothers, on order to do so by the clan she was born into. For whom her body would forever be cursed to carry their mark on her right shoulder and left hind leg. And now that very same scene played itself out again, the Zanguzen.

Soon another vision of the past began to play itself out. This time however, the scene was tranquil. A peaceful life lived by a bi-hued fae, and the companionship of another. Like an audience member at a movie theater, Krystal watched the scene that played before her. She watched as two wolves played in the meadow. They chased, pounced at, and over all romped in the open grassy terra. The sun was bright, Fenris had blessed this day it seemed, and two wolves were enjoying every second of it, one a bi-colored fae, the other an amber male. It was then that Krystal knew what she was seeing. It was her happiest memory, of a time spent carefree with her best and only friend in this world. After she had lost her mother, like a gift sent from Tor, he was there to heal the still fresh wound. To fill the void that had settled itself in her heart, and indeed did this amber male fill that void. More so over, Krystal had grown close to him during the time they shared together. Not only would he be the first real friend she had ever had, he would also be the first, and still only Varg the former Zanguzen had ever fallen in love with.

Suddenly, the dream seemed to fade out of existence. Something had disturbed this most wonderful of memories. Krystal could feel a nudge against her side, and slowly, it caused the bi-colored Ge-Radian to awaken into the world of the living. Black lids opened to reveal her pinto optics as they quickly brought the blurred world around the Ge-Radian into focus. She let a heavy sigh escape her parted midnight maw as the former Zanguzen rose her head up. Draeg’s scent filled the den and penetrated her senses, causing her ebon tail to wag a bit instinctively. She had just had a dream about the amber Dragga, and coincidentally, he now stood before her. Despite the probation placed upon Krystal by Draeg only days before, a smile still formed itself on her maw every time she saw him. She could never help herself from smiling when ever her bi-hued gaze met his amber form. Unbeknownst to Krystal, mating season had settled itself firmly in the land of Ge-Rad, and even at this moment, her scent quickly filled the den with a smell that would register to any male as arousing, for Krystal was in heat. “Morning Draeg.” Krystal said contently, her ebon banner now swishing contently as it subconsciously helped to spread the aroma around.

[Draeg]

Krystal stirring beneath his paw Draeg smiled as he watched the dark hued femme begin to rouse, chuckling softly upon noticing the rhythmic swaying of her tail. Pinto orbs blinking away the last vestiges of sleep she look up at him, warm smile gracing her lips upon meeting his lustrous form. “Good morning. Sleep well?” he replied, still staring down at the inert fae. Allowing her a moment to get her bearing’s Draeg retracted his paw from her side, taking the opportunity to examine Krystal and refamiliarize himself with the twilight femme.

She was younger than him, probably about a year or so, he could never tell and hadn’t really ever bothered to ask. Her silky pelt was a glistening black that seemed to encompass her whole body save her throat and underbelly which were a snowy white. Her right shoulder bore the image of a crescent moon, similarly she carried a similar symbol on her opposing hind leg. What was unusual about the markings was that the fur forming them was neither black nor white like the rest of her pelt but rather a dark green, almost emerald, hue.

Her eyes were similarly unique, each orb sporting a stunningly dark blue iris that seemed to glimmer like a freshly polished sapphire in the noonday sun. But what made her eyes so unique was whereas most sclera were white hers were a shimmering green, matching the odd marking on her pelt. The end result of a genetic condition that would eventually come to be known as heterochromia the emerald studded sapphires had captivated Draeg when he was younger, however though still enchanting in his eyes they served to remind the amber Dragga of Shayla and the similar flaw Krystal shared with his eldest daughter how his eldest daughter.

Noting her exuberant expression Draeg smiled gently, recalling how peaceful Krystal had looked sleeping soundly curled comfortably upon the loam and wondering what she had been dreaming about. He briefly toyed with the idea of asking her but decided against it, not wanting to intrude on her privacy anymore than he already had too. Lowering his head closer to the ground he nudged the twilight fae to her feet, using his weight to support her as he helped her up. “Come on, you know the deal. It’s time to get up, we’ve got to border patrol today so that means it‘s time to get cracking.”

[Krystal Zanguzen]

As Draeg first asked the Ge-Radian if she had slept well through the night, almost as if on cue a yawn broke her parted ebon maw, the last remnant of a mostly well night of rest. “I did.” Krystal responded with a nod of her head, ebon tail now slowing down from a wagging motion to a softer swish like movement. For a moment, Draeg stared at the bi-colored fae. His thoughts a complete mystery to the curious mind of the former Zanguzen, and she could only guess at what said thoughts passed along his mind. But in truth, his actions were mimicked by Krystal, for she also took a moment to gaze up at the proud form of Ge-Rad’s Dragga. His strong body stood firm like the mountain, golden eyes held much wisdom and acted as windows into a complicated yet proud Varg. He hadn’t changed at all, this fact was made apparent now more then ever before. Draeg had remained the same as the day they had been forced to part ways, a handsome regal amber wolf whose kind heart was like an ocean of love that could flood a family in warmth and kind affection, let alone a lucky fae.

Draeg’s next actions brought Krystal back into the world of reality, as he lowered his maw underneath the bi-colored Ge-Radian and helped her to her ebon paws. Now Krystal stood face to face with the amber Dragga, his last words still lodging themselves into the mind of femme. “I’m ready when ever you are.” Krystal responded, a smile once again forming on her ebon maw. Life quickly filled the scout of Ge-Rad, and perhaps it was because of the season that brought upon her next movement. Or maybe it was a direct result of the emotions that Draeg never failed to stir within the heart of the ebon and ivory fae. Krystal passed along Draeg’s side; her own body brushing up against his as her tail playfully batted his chest as the Ge-Radian made her way out of Ayasha’s den. The feel of Draeg’s amber form sent a chill of excitement through her body, too which the bi-hued fae did her best to conceal. Instantly, memories of the past stirred of a time where the two would often spend much time playing these games under the watchful eye of Fenris. Those were indeed happy times.

Krystal now stood outside of her sisters den, greeted by the morning light of Fenris that gently lapped her bi-colored pelt and left sparkled remnants of light in his wake. “Well then, I hope you can keep up Draeg.” Krystal spoke, a hint of playful mischief mixed deliciously into her normal tone. Tail now wagging as she bent low on her front paws and raised her rump up. A smile lit up her midnight maw as she awaited Draeg’s exit. “I usually like to jog to the lake to wake myself up. But since I have company now, I think a race is in order instead. What do you say Draeg, just like old times? You never were able to catch me.” Her last sentence held the tone of a dare, as Krystal challenged her amber friend with her lyrics. In truth, she wanted to play with Draeg, just like they had done in the carefree days of the past. But she knew border patrols was a heavy responsibility and might serve to take away any bit of leisure time to which she could share with the amber male. But nothing seemed wrong with a little race in Krystal’s mind, for she hoped that Draeg would take the bate, the bi-colored Ge-Radian acting as the lure.

[Draeg]

Helping her up Draeg retract his muzzle once Krystal was situated firmly on her feet, stepping back and allowing the twilight fae some room to breath. “Glad to hear it.” he replied warmly. Seeing her yawn Draeg turn his head to the side and wrinkled his nose jokingly, nostrils flaring in mock revulsion. “Whew, that’s some rank breath you got there Krystal. Quick, close your mouth before scavengers come!” At this Draeg couldn’t help pulling his ears back and whine, squinting his eyes tightly shut to add to the effect. He stopped after a moment, amused chuckle escaping his battered maw, tail flickering rhythmically behind him. Despite the importance of their assignment the amber Dragga felt that he could afford to have fun this morning, if only to ward off the bouts of depression that visited him every so often. Besides it wasn’t like a little good natured teasing ever hurt anybody, and it wouldn’t exactly interfere with their assignment once they finally got around to it.

Seeing that Krystal was ready Draeg motioned the former Zanguzen towards the exit with a slight flick of his muzzle. “Alright then, let’s go.” he responded, tail flickering carelessly behind him. No sooner had he spoken than Krystal brush past him, tail swatting his chest playfully as her ebon form brush against his in a manner that made him stiffen slightly. He was quick to shake the feeling off, dismissing Krystal’s actions as simply being playful. The pack emissary always seemed to be more comfortable around him, something which in essence made her a different varg at times. Then again she was in heat, a fact in which the amber varg was trying to ignore in order to maintain some semblance of decency with the twilight fae. Not that Draeg didn’t find the black and white messenger unattractive however given his track record with femme he would rather not risk putting any unnecessary strain on his friendship with the former Zanguzen warrior.

Following her outside Draeg watch as the first golden rays of light touched down on Krystal’s luxurious black pelt, sunning her and causing her pelt to glisten in the morning light. “Hey, I may be old but I’m spry.” he countered, sly smile tugging at his lips. Taking a moment to stretch he arched his back, vertebrae making an audible crack as they shifted and popped back into place. “Of course who knows how long that will last?” Padding up beside her Draeg offered Krystal a slight nudge, motioning that it was time to begin their assignment. He was getting ready to trot off when he noticed Krystal casting him a pleading look, azure green eyes staring up at him hopefully as she attempted to persuade him into partaking in a quick game.

Eying her carefully for a moment he thought about her request, recalling the games the two of them had used to play amongst themselves during their brief time together. It had been so long since Draeg had played with anyone other than Sorcha and he had to admit that he missed being able to indulge in the simple pleasures of playing with someone roughly his own age. But a race? Draeg wasn’t sure. And then there was the border patrol. However upon seeing just how much Krystal really had her heart set on the racing him the amber dragga relented. “Just to the lake? Well, I suppose we could.” he drawled, lifting his head thoughtfully as though giving the idea considerable thought. “If only for old times sake. But for the record, I let you win.” With that Draeg was off, tearing through the thin layer of bracken that barred his way and breaking out into a dead run. He knew that it was cheating but that would only add to the fun, besides Krystal was faster than him and like she’d said Draeg had never quite been able to beat her. Not that he would ever acknowledge that.

[Krystal Zanguzen]

She was nervous, or better yet anxious as Krystal held her soft, pleading look on the amber Dragga. His golden gaze stared back, an inquisitive look painted majestically on his face as the amber male pondered over the idea. Time at that moment screeched to a halt as the bi-colored Ge-Radian waited. Anxiety acting as time’s manipulator as Krystal’s internal clock stretched the seconds into hours. Of course the bi-hued fae knew that nothing was hindering time’s normal course, but to Krystal it felt as Draeg was taking an incredibly long time to masticate on the idea. Even the Lera that filled Ge-Rad’s trees with life remained quiet as the former Zanguzen waited for his reply. Finally, Draeg agreed to the game, only after adding his own little comment about how victories were never earned by the emissary, but instead were an act of charity on his behalf. “Oh really?” Krystal asked, her tone giving off the allure of amusement. “We’ll just have to see about…. Hey!”

Just like that Draeg took off, not bothering to veer his path as the amber Dragga rammed through the what foliage stood in his way of a solid path that led to the Ge-Radian river that acted as the finish line. In his wake he left broken branches of undergrowth, and a bemused but otherwise excited scout. She could feel her heartbeat beginning to accelerate with adrenalin, as it pumped warm blood into her legs. The game was now underway, and with a smile planted firmly in Krystal’s ebon maw, the ebon and ivory fae bolted after the Dragga of Ge-Rad, clearing the near by foliage with one leap before landing dexterously on her ebon paws and sped after the male. Being how early the morning was it was unlikely that any Ge-Radian was awake within their dens. But if one was awake, their orbs would have witnessed an amber blur being pursued by an ebon and ivory shape as the two wolves raced into the heart of Ge-Rad’s labyrinth of red woods.

The two Ge-Radians veered and turned as each thickly planted red oak threatened to collide into the sprinting Vargs. What Lera remained along the trail quickly exited the scene, seeking shelter where they could from the oncoming wolves. But for the moment, they were not the target of either or. Krystal moved on skilled ebon paws through the maze. Her Zanguzen heritage elegantly displayed with the movement and speed that came with the title and training endowed upon the fae by her clan. Like an assassin’s dagger, she cut through the wind with a graceful stride. One of the many secrets guarded and revered by the murderous clan of assassins, Krystal was trained too sprint with light steps and long strides that propelled the fae with deadly silence. Her slender, sleek form was perfectly trained and honed for this kind of running and in no time her bi-hued sapphire and emerald gaze was upon the Dragga’s form. He would disappear in a perfect blend of autumn amber before returning to view again upon every exited turn.

“You’ll have to do better then that!” Krystal said, egging the Dragga on as she passed him on his right. Now the scout had taken the lead, a smile painted beautifully on her ebon maw and midnight banner waving behind, almost taunting Draeg. Krystal was having the time of her life, for the Ge-Radian it was as if she had taken a trip back in time. Too a time where a care free style of living was enjoyed by two Kerl’s at play. No joy could be better then the ecstasy that was this race, rather, that was this time of play. And Krystal would milk the moment for all it was worth, for who knew when the two friends could possibly play again? Unknowing to the bi-hued fae however, she and Draeg were coming to the end of the red wood labyrinth. A grassy hill with a long downward incline lay in wait just outside the Ge-Radian maze, and was right smack in the direction the two wolves were running. Only when the hill came into view, did Krystal finally acknowledge its presence. But when Krystal tried to stop, her paws slid across the still moist grassy terra, for it had rained on the previous night, and the evidence of the downpour was still clearly apparent on the wet grass. The former Zanguzen slid, and managed to stop just at the hills edge, nearly loosing her balance on the tip of the incline. She turned her gaze on the Dragga as he approached, mere seconds from being collided into. “Draeg watc…!” Was all Krystal had time to say.

[Draeg]

Legs pumping furiously beneath him Draeg tore through the seemingly endless garden of brush and foliage, boring through the dense cover that blocked his path as though they were only a figment of his imagination. Behind him the amber brute could hear the amused outcry of his competitor as he took the lead. “What’s the matter Krystal, too fast for you?” he laughed, treading through the brush. Draeg had no doubt that the spunky female would be able to catch up with him, knowing full well that despite the considerable lead he had taken Krystal would have no trouble outrunning him. For all his boasting and speed Krystal had always been faster than him, giving credence to her previous claim. It was true Draeg never had been able to outrun the black emissary despite his best efforts, for all his speed somehow Krystal had always managed to come out ahead and win their little games. If he didn’t have so much fun losing Draeg might have been embarrassed, at least with a head start he stood a slight chance of winning out for once.

Thinking back on it Draeg supposed Krystal’s incisive victories had something to do with her heritage as a former Zanguzen warrior, though her slender legs and lithe frame probably contributed to her mounting success. While the amber varg had never had the pleasure of encountering one of the twilight femme’s kin before he had heard stories about them throughout his travels though mostly they had been rumors and tidbits of gossip, most likely exaggerations of the real truth shared between kerls and wandering wolf packs. While Draeg never bothered to find out just how much of the rumors were true he knew from Krystal that the dark clan had been its lands equivalent to the Balkar, an anarchic group forever bound to series of archaic customs and bloody traditions. However whereas the Night Hunters prided themselves on their keen sense of sight and ability to see in the utmost darkness varg of the Zanguzen line had been reputed for their speed and stamina, something Krystal showed each time she performed her duty as pack emissary.

The pair made quiet a sight in the early morning light, darting through the sheltered basin of the forest. To the untrained eye the pair might have seemed like nothing more than a flash of color streaking through the tree, simply a blur of amber, ivory, and obsidian amidst a sea of bronze and copper. Tongue lolling limply from the side of his slender maw Draeg pressed on, determined to stay ahead of the bi-colored fae for as long as possible. Ahead of him he could make out the familiar forms of unnamed lera fleeing the path as the two wolves drew closer, vanishing into the thinning undergrowth in an attempt to hide from the oncoming putnar. Draeg merely ignored them, muscles rippling beneath his dark brown pelt with each swift rolling motion of his shoulders. Catching a flicker of motion out of the corner of his eye the amber chanced a brief glance to the side, amber orbs immediately centering on the black and white form that had miraculously found its way to his side.

His attention divided between Krystal and the path before him Draeg felt a sharp sting as he skimmed beneath a nearby oak, ear snagging against a low hanging branch and drawing forth a surprised yelp from the amber dragga. Ignoring the painful sting webbing out across the side of his head Draeg watch Krystal pass him, tail flickering behind tauntingly as she broke out from the forest and entered the clearing. Playful taunt still ringing in his ears he followed her, muzzle splitting into an amused smile despite being his near collision a few seconds earlier. “It’s not over yet!” he barked after her, following her out into the open clearing. Draeg had almost caught up to the twilight warrior when he noticed the sudden drop that prompted Krystal to stop, seeing this he tried to stop only to find his paws skidding on the slick surface brought on by the night’s previous rain. Padded mitts scrabbling desperately against the grassy earth he slammed into Krystal with a startled yelp, the force of the impact sending them both rolling down the steep hill in a cluttered heap of amber and ebony fur. They stayed like that for a moment, entwined in a mesh of brown and black fur, before finally coming to a stop at the foot of the hill. Head spinning from the fall Draeg raised his head dizzily from where it had landed on Krystal’s shoulder, muzzle cracking to form an amused grin as he examine Krystal, laughing softly at the memory of their ordeal. “Are you alright?”

[Krystal Zanguzen]

The collision happened so quickly, there was nothing the bi-hued Ge-Radian could do but accept the oncoming impact. The next few moments there after were a mix of distorted colorations and the sensation of tumbling all rolled into one neat yet bewildering package. Intertwined by the force of gravity, and the excretion of motions provided by the amber Dragga, the two wolves tumbled down the steep hill for several moments, until at last coming to a haut at the bottom. Though having at last reached the foot of the hill, Krystal’s dazed mind had been left trailing behind. That was how the former Zanguzen felt anyway. It took a few moments for her bi-hued sapphire and emerald pools to piece together the aloof autumn flavors that made up Ge-Rad. Like a camera lens finding the right focus, each element fell into proper alignment, and the image of the amber Dragga was now clearly visible in her pinto gaze.

Draeg had landed above Krystal’s body, but surprisingly his weight didn’t bare burden on the lithe fae, probably due to the Dragga having made sure not to bear too much of his own weight on her. Rather, his amber pelt and form acted as an autumn blanket that provided and transferred warmth to the emissary and scout of Ge-Rad. Only the image of the noble and proud Dragga of Ge-Rad filled Krystal’s image. To Krystal, it was as if the rest of the world had faded into a blend of distorted mixtures to painful and excruciating to make any sense of. Yet here was Draeg, his image clear to crystal perfection. His smile gentle, yet full of concern much like his lyrics and tone. This same smile prompted the ebon and ivory fae to mirror that tender image, her smile now beaming up towards his, solely out of instinct more then anything else. Krystal could never help but smile at Draeg; this had become habit for the former Zanguzen ever since they had first met.

“I’m fine Draeg.” Krystal responded, her breath easy and slow as her gaze tenderly entranced themselves onto the Dragga’s eyes, never leaving his own gaze, never straying from his magnificent golden orbs. The bi-colored fae’s majestic optics focused on his pools of golden brilliance like they were her lifeline. A beacon of light in the oncoming darkness that threatened to engulf her, and so long as the Dragga was beside her, she would be safe. Throughout the life of the femme, there was constant struggle for survival against impeccable odds. Life had pitted her against the death of family, the betrayal of brothers, and even enslavement by humans. Her life was a constant battle, just to earn the right to live for the next day, where a new event would place the former Zanguzen’s life on trial. Yet here, under the amber warmth and golden brilliance, under the blanket of fur and kindness of Draeg, she felt safe from all harm.

Emotions and feelings stirred deep within the heart of the bi-colored fae like a concoction in a cauldron. They boiled by the heat provided by the amber Dragga, and threatened to make its presence known through words that would express love. Love that had only been felt around this male who had befriended Krystal without question, he who had showed her kindness when forced to walk a lonely and forgotten road. Yet she was scared, a fear that manifested itself in the sensation of doubt and hopelessness. Draeg of course knew that the bi-colored Ge-Radian harbored feelings for him. That fact had been made clear on the day she and Ayasha met Sorcha, Draeg’s daughter for the first time. A fact that also in turn carried rejection from the amber Dragga on its shoulders like an unbearable weight no living creature would ever care to burden themselves with. What in Tor’s name could possibly make this day any different?

It wasn’t entirely Krystal’s fault, her heart acted before logic and realization could react. All doubt and fear for the unknown was shrouded in a mist of emotions that manipulated the Ge-Radian’s actions like the strings on a puppet. And like a pawn on a chess board, her next action was guided by that same love, that same bent up emotion that had been forced into concealment, now let go and released, now in full control. Krystal raised her own head a bit and tenderly licked Draeg’s maw affectionately, each gentle pass of her salmon tongue a representation of those passionate feelings of love that now shown brilliantly on the bi-hued Ge-Radian. Her nose soon found his, and the two remained connected by the tips of their wet snouts. She didn’t know what to say to him, how to express to him how she felt. Sapphire and emerald gaze once again finding the Dragga’s golden orbs. Krystal’s was a soft gaze, but hidden beneath the bi-hued pools, beneath the love that radiated in those orbs, was the fear that still lingered. The fear of what her actions might now bring upon her. Love was a risk, and the Ge-Radian was taking the biggest gamble of her life.

[Draeg]

Head still spinning from the jarring ride Draeg made several feeble attempts to rise to his feet, eventually settling himself on to his haunches after nauseating moment and relieving the bulk of his weight from the bi-hued warrior. Allowing himself a moment to recover he stare down at the smiling fae pinned beneath him, amber orbs blinking in rapid succession as they tried to adjust to the endless spinning and balance out his rapidly waning sense of equilibrium. Seeing that Krystal was uninjured from the fall Draeg smiled, her tender gaze locking with his in a way that was both flattering and unsettling to the amber Dragga. “Glad to hear it.” he growled warmly, still chuckling. “Well we’d better get a move on if we want to finish our patrol before noon, we can finish our game a bit later.”

Krystal’s gaze proved more distracting than anticipated. His gaze centered squarely on the former Zanguzen Draeg found himself taken by surprise as Krystal suddenly licked him, stroking his maw with her soft tongue and pressing her nose to his passionately.

Instantly his mind became a whirl of emotion and memory as he was suddenly joust back in time, subconscious dragging him back nearly two years to the stone den at the precise moment he had shared his first kiss with the tan hybrid that would one day become his mate and sire his second litter. Draeg could still recall with resounding clarity the way her wet nose had felt against his and how she had wobbled to her feet, pink ears shifting to a bright red.

With this in mind Draeg felt himself drift away from Krystal’s loving kiss, noses separating as a heavy paw found its way to her chest and guided her gently down to the ground with a somewhat apologetic look. At one point Krystal’s feeling might have been requited and returned completely however despite her frequent absences Draeg remain desperately in love with his mate and couldn’t bare the thought of betraying her again. Firefly had put up with so much in the past, from compromise to neglect, that it wouldn’t be fair for Draeg to cast her aside for someone else simply for connivance. “Krystal, I-I’m sorry.” he uttered softly, stepping away from the twilight fae. “But I told you before, I can’t.”

[Krystal Zanguzen]

Perhaps it was the heat of the moment that led these events to take place. But that would be an excuse, and there simply was none for the bi-colored fae. Somewhere, in some dark and unlooked corner within the Ge-Radian’s mind, logic was there. Sitting within the cold darkness and waiting to be noticed, to take control of what would obviously be the gravest of mistakes, a fantasy that could never be. But logic and reason was ignored completely, tossed aside like an unwanted piece of parchment not meant for the eyes of any. It was her heart that acted, that craved, that longed for. But could one call this action an act of greed? Is one greedy for listening to their heart, for allowing it too consume your thoughts and actions, and trick you into believing that you’re worthy of another’s affections? A part of it was hope, the hope that some how, the gods could bless this bi-colored fae, could allow her to feel the warmth of loves blanket, the affection of a friend who at one time could have been more then a friend.

Again though, this was just a silly fantasy brought down by logic and reason, and held dearly by the heart. Clearly, the two wolves could not be together for obvious reason. Her one chance to find happiness with the amber male was robbed from her by man. Their interference had taken everything from Krystal, and only fueled the hatred towards the two legged creatures by the former Zanguzen. But was it fair to blame them? Perhaps this moment was fate, a pre determined plan by Tor and Fenris for the Ge-Radian. Maybe it was never meant to be for the two wolves, and the humans’ involvement was nothing more then a way to falter this union ship. A course of action set in motion by the gods, which led to another possibility. What if this was a curse, Krystal’s mother and father were taken away, and her chance to find happiness with a dear friend was taken away. Was it a curse by the gods themselves, did they curse her? Did Krystal walk the path of the unwanted, of the unloved?

All these thoughts, these terrible poisons swarmed into Krystal’s mind, seeping into her body, and inevitably into her very heart. Though Draeg’s paw was gentle, it felt heavy, heavier then the weight of any land animal. A kind of weight more internal then anything else, for it was the weight most feared by the Ge-Radian. And now logic and reason were taking control of the bi-colored fae, and quickly Krystal comprehended the mistake she had made. For her foolishness, her redundant heart that held love, she could very well lose the friendship of the amber male. Foolishness, such fool hardy, Krystal closed her eyes and wished she could take back the moment. Take back what she had done, and silently the fae made a mental note to her-self, not to listen to her heart again. Too close it off from this silly, painful emotion called love. A sensation that Tor and Fenris gifted to only certain, special children, who was Krystal to believe that she was special enough?

What could the ebon and ivory fae tell her amber friend? How could she excuse the actions of her heart? Krystal knew she had to say something, as awkward as the moment was it could not be left in silence. The bi-hued fae rolled onto her stomach, eyes still closed as she tried desperately to find the words that could save this friendship. Words that could mend what could very well be broken forever. But these lyrics escaped the femme, and now Krystal found it impossible to find Draeg’s form with her gaze. Opening her optics, she kept her bi-hued gaze on her ebon paws. Her ebon tail remained lifeless, too heavy to move much like the rest of her form. “I’m sorry…” Krystal at last spoke in a whisper; lyrics fell to the ground weighed down by her somber tone. She wanted to run, to disappear and never be found again. Her stupidity could cost the fae everything she holds dear. Perhaps Shayla was right all along; perhaps Krystal is a poison to this family, burning venom to the amber Dragga. “I’m so sorry… My heart acted before my head…” She could find no more words, no excuses for the idiocy of her actions, the foolishness of her emotions.

[Draeg]

Love was an amazing emotion. It had the power to invoke feelings of invulnerability amongst even the weakest of varg and topple dynasties. Throughout the ages countless wars had been waged in its name, others averted. It was the binding glue that held families together for generations and, on occasion, the solvent that could tear them apart. Overlooked by many as a weakness, a petty emotion to be used and manipulated before ultimately being discarded. Yet to those select few like Draeg, who had experienced the fierce love and tenderness that came with giving his heart to another so completely, knew that it was no mere sensation to be isolated and pawned off. As rare as love was the amber dragga knew that he had been lucky to experience true love in his lifetime, and even though part of him had died alongside Cwen he felt comforted in the knowledge that he still had Firefly to stand beside him. Just knowing that he could go see the tan hybrid at any given time had helped to ease the pain of his mate’s passing, and while they hadn’t really spoken since the raid on Ge-Rad Draeg was fairly certain that without her he would lost his grip on his sanity moons ago.

His amber gaze falling back to Krystal the amber varg couldn’t help but feel a pang of remorse, had circumstances been different perhaps they could have been mates and even started a family of their own. Alas the time for that had long since passed, lost to the sands of time due to the insufferable acts of man and his hatred for all things he feared. While the feelings for Krystal his amber shell might have housed hadn’t diminished the events following her disappearance had led his heart elsewhere from the bi-hued warrior. Krystal still did and always would hold a special place in his heart and while he would cherish it forever, Draeg knew that to accept Krystal would be to abandon Firefly and forsake everything he had ever promised her.

He could still recall the night he’d courted the tan hybrid. It had been the perfect setting, set in the meadows outside of Ge-Rad with countless fireflies buzzing about like tiny floating lanterns, filling the night with their luminous glow. The sky had been clear that night, Draeg remembered fondly, stars glittering brightly like tiny jewels in the heavens. It had been a night made in heaven, with both varg, amber and tan, professing their love for one another beneath the watchful eye of the harvest moon. Thinking back on it Draeg realized just how much he had neglected Firefly and taken the tan femme for granted, she had given him so much in the relatively short time they had been together while he in turn had ignored and forgotten her. It was a miracle in itself that Firefly hadn’t chosen to leave him yet though somehow Draeg doubted her devotion would last if he continued to neglect her, with this in mind he resolved to arrange something special for his mate immediately upon concluding his current errand.

Krystal suddenly seemed very shaken, as though finally realizing what she had just done. Seeing her conflicting expression Draeg knew that she was torn, perhaps even a bit distraught over his rejection. In truth there was very little he could do to ease the pain of her breaking heart save try to comfort her as best he could, still somehow the amber dragga felt that cheap words wouldn’t be enough to repair the damage he’d done. Perhaps his greatest fear at the moment though was how his friendship with the former Zanguzen would continue. Would Krystal become like most spurned lovers and become bitter with him or would her friendship with the amber varg endure? Having come to rely heavily on their friendship in the recent moons Draeg hoped it was the latter, he couldn’t bare the thought of losing anyone else when he had already lost so much. Noting how she no longer attempt to meet his gaze Draeg whined, mitts shuffling forward as he approached the twilight fae. “Shh. It’s okay, it’s not your fault.” he shushed her, nuzzling her softly and gently stroking her brow. “We can’t control the way we feel anymore than we can stop the sun from setting. I don’t blame you for feeling what you feel, I know all too well that love can make us do crazy things.” Paw finding its way beneath her chin he tilted her muzzle slightly so that he met her sadden gaze, amber orbs bright with sympathy. “Krystal I love you, but as a littermate not a mate. I’m sorry if I hurt you but I hate to see you lingering like this, you have to move on.”

[Krystal Zanguzen]

Is there such a thing as fate; is the path of all creatures governed by a greater entity, or does one posse a choice in the way their life turns out? This has been the question argued for centuries by the greatest of minds among the many generations. Yet still the brightest and wisest of creatures fail to come up with any given conclusion. In the end, one would need to come up with their own opinion and live life to the best they can make of it, weather that life takes you on a journey of heroism or sins, a life of joy or a path of sorrow that would remain a mystery. On this day, under the watchful eye of Fenris unfolded one of life many twists and turns. Destiny unfolded and revealed what would be the path of an ebon and ivory Ge-Radian. It revealed a love that could not be between two wolves, for life had taken a different crossroad which held unknown futures for both Vargs. One thing was certain though; Draeg’s choice was set in stone.

There was no point in trying to conceal the ache of a heart. Even if Krystal tried, there would be no denying what both knew too be true. So the former Zanguzen didn’t even try to hide it. But for good reason, it was incredibly difficult for the fae to bring her bi-hued gaze on him. It couldn’t be helped, and Krystal felt a sort of internal weight build within her form that kept the faemme glued to the ground. It wasn’t until Draeg’s lyrics reached her ebon auds did that weight feel lightened. His assurance and support brought comfort, and at the very least reassured the Ge-Radian that a friendship wouldn’t be lost with this endeavor. But what Draeg did next was unexpected, as an amber paw lifted Krystal’s maw, and her gaze met his. In the golden eyes of the Dragga, she knew his words to be true. He would always love and care for the bi-colored Ge-Radian. Love given from family to family, for his heart belonged to another.

A few moments of silence passed between the two Ge-Radians, as Krystal allowed Draeg’s lyrics to further sink into her subconscious. In the end, Krystal inevitably rose to her ebon paws as a fresh breeze combed the land; the winds of change were blowing. “Draeg, I love Ge-Rad, and I love your family.” Krystal spoke, her tone held a bit of sorrow, but more importantly, held the aura of determination. “And I thank you so much, for everything you’ve ever provided for me, and for allowing me to live with, and protect this pack. It’s been my only home, and I’m sorry if I’ve caused any turmoil within your pack. And I’m sorry too, if I’ve damaged our friendship. I care about you so much Draeg; I just hope you know that. No matter what, you’ll always have a special place in my heart.” But would the friendship be salvaged? It was a question left to the decision of the Dragga. A friendship Krystal hoped would transcend time itself.

//OOC: Last post for this thread.//