Coming Back, eyes closed(((Geradians who wish)))

[Shayla]

Shayla forced as much of a warm smile as she possibly could. If Draeg thought she never noticed the sudden joy, then the look of sadness that came into his eyes everytime he saw her, then he thought wrong. Shayla had noticed it, and it troubled her. But she had already figured out the cause, she looked too much like Cwen. She wished there was something she could do to change that, to stop from causing her father to remember what they had both lost everytime he saw his daughter - either of them - but unfortunately, Shayla could do nothing. She nuzzled him after the affectionate lick. "Thank you Daddy, but you're biased." She added with a small smirk.

Draeg's exclamation after her accusation did not surprise her, and she gave him a look of earnest. "Father, I beg you to listen to her tall tales with an air of caution, and see the snake for what it is. Poison."

His shout of it being enough might have made her quail when she was younger, and it did make her quieten a little now. "Father, I won't be quiet when I feel the safety of the pack is at risk." She began, but Krystal beat her to talking first. And out of respect for her father, Shayla let her talk.

Shayla snorted as Krystal began to talk, noticing that the faemme was ignoring her as much as she possibly could, directing her attention towards Draeg only. It infuriated Shayla, she only hoped that Draeg wouldn't possibly start to believe a word Krystal was saying. Her later sentence only made Shayla's anger grow, who was this faemme to think herself so self-righteous? But Shayla schooled her expression, and kept herself from shooting a venomous look towards Ayasha too.

Turning her attention to her father, Shayla shook her head. "That's only one side of the story Father, and it leaves out a few important details..." The grey faemme began. "First off, it is easy to tell a Sarnes varg, they reek of the marsh, unless Krystal has some impaired sense of smell, she could have been able to recognise the Sarnes wretch for what she truly was, then she should realise she was in the presence of a varg whose loyalties lie with our enemies. But no, Krystal then decided that she should offer everyone shelter, including the Sarnes varg." Shayla shook her head. "It might not have been so bad, but she offered them shelter, in a grove in GeRad." Shayla growled, shooting a look at Krystal. "I have seen enough hurt on this pack, on my family, to allow someone to bring even more, to harbour an enemy in our own lands?"

Shayla snorted, turning her attention back to her father. "I also don't know if you recognise the name Channon father, but, after that night I found out that this Channon, is not just any Sarnes varg. No, she looks to Zukozu as a mother figure." Shayla smiled grimly. "And we all know what Zukozu is like."

Shayla whined. "All I want, is for GeRad to be safe from future attacks, and how can I, how can anyone feel safe, when we have our own people collaberating with our enemies? With the very wolves who seek our ruin? Seek to hurt us in any way shape or form? Yet Krystal here, would like to befriend them all, and welcome them into our very territory!" Shayal shook her head, a sad look coming into her grey eyes. "At first I trusted Krystal," She said in a quieter voice, "because she was of GeRad, I trusted her and held her as one of the family, whom I would protect, but she shattered that trust and that love in one instant when she sided with Channon. I could barely believe my ears when she offered Channon sanctuary in GeRad." Shayla whined. "Dad, you know I would anything within my power to protect GeRad. I don't want to see any more hurt to this pack than has already been wrought upon us, but, this faemme?" Shayla shot a look towards Krystal. "I don't trust her. If she befriends one enemy, she'll befriend another - if she hasn't already - until she has the whole of the Balkar, Sarnes, hell, she might even invite Serg himself into our lands for a nice little romp in the meadows!" Shayla growled. "I won't see any more hurt come to this family, to GeRad, I'll die first."

[Draeg]

Sensing the oncoming debate Draeg found himself breaking off from the main group to situate himself in a more isolated perch, settling himself beneath a low overhang and flopping down onto his haunches. His exclamation of surprise had gotten their attention however now it seemed to him as though they all wanted to plead their case at once. Even at a distance Shayla’s protest still managed to find their way into his ears, cautioning him to tread carefully while dealing with Krystal and voicing her objection to his previous command; drawing a sharp look from the amber dragga. Krystal spoke before Shayla could continue, blue-green eyes focusing solely on Draeg much to Shayla’s evident fury. Tattered auds twitching atop his crown Draeg ignored Shayla’s curbed expression, listening intently as Krystal began her story; recounting her encounter with the varg Channon followed by Shayla’s sudden appearance and the conflict that had lead up to the present accusation against her.

Upon finishing her speech Ayasha was quick to pick up where Krystal left off, speaking for the first time since Draeg’s arrival as she attempt to defend her stepsister by playing on the amber varg’s own sense of fairness. Expression unchanging Draeg shot a reproachful glance at his niece, as though warning her not to speak out of line again. He knew that Ayasha had meant no harm, that she was only trying to help justify Krystal’s actions, however he didn’t appreciate the hard edge in her tone. From what Draeg could gather Ayasha hadn’t been present during the event so there was no point in her rebelling against him before he had even come to a decision. Tail flickering behind him he signal for silence. “I’ve heard enough. Channon is not my concern, Ge-Rad is. Sarnes can punish their members anyway they see fit so long as they stay out of Ge-Rad’s affairs.” Knowing that as Dragga he didn’t have the luxury of giving the black and white warrior the benefit of the doubt Draeg took care to stress that his concern for Krystal as not to upset his niece any further then she already was. “And in either case it didn’t sound as though anyone was in any real danger to me so the motion, however well meaning, was moot.”

Turning to Shayla Draeg motioned for her to speak, curious to hear what his daughter had to say now that Krystal had been explained herself. As expected Shayla was more than willing to plead her case, doing her best to slander her opponents credibility while at the same time making sure not to enforce her will onto the amber dragga. Draeg could see how much the whole ordeal hurt her and honestly it surprised him to see just how passionately Shayla spoke about Ge-Rad, especially considering just how much time she had spent in the vast wilds alone as a kerl. The amber dragga had never had any idea just how strongly his felt about their adopted pack, Shayla had always seemed so much like her mother, wild and independent, that the idea of her actually adjusting to pack life had never crossed his mind. He was touched by her loyalty and dedication to protecting him and the rest of Ge-Rad, so much so that Draeg couldn’t help feeling a rush of pride for his beloved offspring. Yet despite this he forced himself to remain impassive to her desperate pleas. Draeg knew that he could not allow his personal feelings either Krystal or Shayla to cloud his judgment, whatever he decided had to be for the safety and well being of Ge-Rad. Regardless of the consequences.

“Before you try to condemn Krystal any further Shayla I remind you to take care to remember that, for all intensive purposes, Sarnes is still a relatively new pack, particularly to Krystal. Unlike you she never had to familiarize herself with their stench until recently. It is entirely possible that at the time you caught her she still hadn’t managed to memorize the reek of their scent, don’t rule out the possibility that she might have accidentally overlooked that little detail. It’s not uncommon for that kind of situation to occur, particularly when amongst friends, you know that. I won’t fault her for not persecuting a friend, I may be many things but a hypocrite is not one of them.” Having said this Draeg shifted his gaze over to Krystal, amber orbs fixing themselves upon the bi-hued fae. “Although, I am curious to know whether you were aware of friends allegiance when you offered her shelter?”

Seeing the hopelessness of the situation, Draeg sighed. Now came the moment of truth. “While I do fine Krystal guilty of association with Sarnes her actions have done nothing to affect the health or well being Ge-Rad, I can not in good conscious fault her for her actions however nor can I let the matter go unpunished. The repercussions of overlooking the accusations against her could be to disastrous to this pack which leaves me with no choice but to deal with the matter before it gets out of hand. However the three of you seem to be in disagreement over how I should manage this I want to hear what each of you would do in my position before I proceed.” Why prolong the inevitable? Whatever decision he made someone would be dissatisfied, at least this way each of them might feel that they opinion actually contributed to the trial’s final outcome. With any luck the three of them could agree on a fair compromise, perhaps even reach a new understanding with each other. At least, that’s what Draeg was hoping for anyway.

[Krystal Zanguzen]

This night had officially made itself, the most difficult, stressful, and fearful night in the existence of the former Zanguzen. Worse then the night her mother had been taken from this world by the jaws of her own kin. Worse then the night Krystal had been taken away by the humans, even more so, being taken away from Draeg by their twisted ambitions, and forced into their captivity. This moment in time took a life of its own, stretching on eternity, encircling, entrapping Krystal much like a snake would capture it’s pray. Yet despite the venomous interpretations of said events that took place spoken by Shayla, Draeg’s daughter, the bi-hued femme remained calm and collective. Though her outer appearance displayed a more or less impassive appearance, deep within her conscious a hurricane of fear swept over Krystal, as if passing over a helpless tribe of humans. Naked and vulnerable too the relentless onslaught that came in toe with this tempest. This storm had a name, hurricane Shayla.

There seemed nothing the bi-hued fae could do to defend herself from Draeg’s daughter’s attack. Though anger formed from the bitter remarks made by Shayla, Krystal in truth could not stay mad at the Ge-Radian for too long. She had every reason to be upset, and more so over, simply wanted to protect her family, as Shayla had put it. But the curtains were closed over Shayla’s dramatic acts, at least for the moment, as Draeg sought answers to a question that plagued his mind. This was her one last chance to defend herself, to let the truth be heard and understood, though Krystal doubted it would do much good in the end result. His voice was impassive, that of a Dragga who sought not to take sides over this delicate of matters. “I met Channon before I had ever known about Sarnes.” Krystal’s tone hinted the desperation that she desperately kept hidden. She forced herself to remain calm, at all costs.

“I only discovered that she was apart of Sarnes, when Shayla mentioned it on that night.” Krystal added. “But regardless Draeg, she is still a friend to me. We’ve been friends before I ever set a paw in Ge-Rad. I’m not saying I don’t care about the safety of your family Draeg, or that the concerns of Ge-Rad aren’t important to me. But…” Her bi-hued orbs now faced Shayla, for Krystal was now speaking to her directly. “I will never bare my fangs at a friend without good reason, or turn my back on a friend in need.” Again Krystal’s confidence, in that one instant resurfaced. Krystal wasn’t going to let Shayla besmirch her teachings. If anything, she would prevent at least that much. “That doesn’t mean that I would befriend all of Sarnes, I’m not naïve. I was there to see all of them at Cwen’s pond, and I fought with everything I could give to protect this land, our family.”

Now it was time for judgment to be made, but before that could happen, the amber Dragga of Ge-Rad asked a very intriguing question. What would they do in his place? How would they handle this decision? She looked at the comforting form of her midnight sister, Ayasha, and the double ganger appearance of Draeg’s daughter. There was only one thought that came to Krystal’s mind, in response to Draeg’s question. She lowered her head to the Dragga, auds and tail drooped as she in tern lowered her body a bit in submission to him. Eyes closed she spoke to him. “I followed what I believe in Draeg, what I’ve been taught in life to do. I can’t go against that; it’s all I have left of what my mother passed down to me. The value of friendship, and love for those you care about. If what I did is wrong… then punish me how ever you see fit... I won’t argue with what ever you choose to do with me.” This was the moment of truth, her future could change forever on this night, and it was all in the paws of her Dragga to decide. Would he understand? Would he show compassion? Or would the words of Shayla be enough to do away with the former Zanguzen, forever.

[Ayasha]

Ayasha was suprised that Draeg reprimanded her, once again she apparently had done something wrong. Once again she had mistepped her place or boundaries. Sitting down on her haunches her gaze fell to the ground as Shayla spoke. The words trickling in one of her ebony auds and out the other. The night was waning on and thus far no decision had been made, nor side been taken. The Dragga of Ge-rad seemed to yet give his postition on the whole mess and only Shayla and Krystal could really speak. HAveing only intended to speak up for her sister Ayasha had managed to get Draeg to silence her. The rest of Shayla's story slipped past the normally observant auds of the ebony warrior. Her orbs still remained focused to the ground, tail flicking every so often. Letting a sigh escape her sleek muzzle she scooted her rump back a little. Waiting for Shayla's story to finish Ayasha found it less stressful. She was more angry than anything really, and so any stress she had before had seemed to dissapear.

As Draeg spoke Ayasha cocked an aud to listen to what he had to say. Thus far his words weren't harsh and seemed promising that Krystal wasn't in too much trouble, though Ayasha didn't seem the harm caused what so ever. She rolled her shoulders, Draeg's words barely registering within her crainium. As far as she was concerned her sister had done nothing wrong and everyone was too worried about what dwelled outside of Ge-rad. The tables seemed to turn though when Draeg mentioned each of them coming up with a punishment that they would do. Krystal was the first to speak, trying once more to justify her intenetions, taking along the wisdom of her mother where ever she wanted. But when Krystal spoke once more, Ayasha couldn't help but feel bad. Her sister was giving Draeg freedom to punish her as he pleased.

Letting out a frustrated growl Ayasha raised her head to look at Draeg. She kept a calm composure, however within herself she was angry. Angry at Draeg, at just about everyone. Was is this bad that you couldn't trust your own pack members. "Draeg." she spoke, a slight bite in her voice. "I see no harm casued by Krystal's actions, so I see no need to punish her in any way!" She flicked her tail once, aud twitching before she continued. "But I am not Dragga, so obviously the decision is up to you!"She leaned back on her haunches, her gaze travelling the night, but once her voice had faded from her words she had no other want to look at anyone. In fact she would prefer to have left the situation all together, but she was there for Krystal, no one else. So she would stay beside her sister, until the final verdict was made, and Shayla would probably think of banishing Krystal from the pack forever and the first chance she got she would probably try and attack her. As far as Ayasha was concerned what she believed or thought was of little care to anyone in this pack. It might actually work out better if she left. Again, and perhaps not return, only to visit Kaemon. But it seemed that no matter what Ayasha tried to do, something always turned out wrong. In this case she didn't want to risk Krystal's postition, but regaurdless, she didn't believe anything should be done about this situation, there was no need to punish Krystal.

[Shayla]

Shayla snorted at her father's words, any varg of Sarnes was a danger! Her eyes flickered dangerously, frustrated and hurt that he couldn't see things her way. In Shayla's mind, he was already siding with Krystal. Shayla's silver lips curled. It was enough that the traitor was in the pack, but now she was stealing one of the few members of family Shayla had left?

Draeg's next words only stung Shayla even more. Her expression hardened and became cold, she barely heard any words that were said after, apart from Draeg's question about what they each thought that Krystal's punishment should be. Shayla growled, things were not going right. Surely Draeg should see that the pack would be stronger without Krystal? Why couldn't he see her for what she was?

Growling, Shayla shot a venomous look at Ayasha, finally losing her self-restraint. "Of course you would say that, she's got you right underneath her paw, right where she wants you." She snapped, then turned her attention back to her father. "Draeg," She said, purposely using his name, instead of 'dad' or 'father', like she had done when she first found out about Firefly. "I would get rid of her, GeRad has gone through enough grief and torment, and the last thing we need is a weak link. One treacherous member less means for a stronger pack, stronger against all our enemies. But..." Shayla paused, her voice taut and her grey eyes flickered to the ground. "But if you want to treat someone else with more trust than you do someone who has your blood running in their veins, then so be it. Clearly you don't trust my judgement, and you never have." Shayla raised her head high, in doing so the pinky scar along her neck was exposed. "But I want you to know, Draeg, that although I was not necessarily birthed into this pack, I was birthed into a family, that grew into a pack, and I would give my life to protect it. For family, in honour of Mum, because I'm sure this would have been what she had wanted. She would not have stood to harbour traitors in our midst." A pang of fresh grief coursed through Shayla as she thought about Cwen, remembering her not as the warm and loving mother that Shayla liekd to remember her as most often, but as the strong and fierce Drappa that she had been.

Shayla turned to Krystal. "You, I don't know what it is about you that makes others so blind, but I can see through you. I trusted you once, because you were of GeRad, but that only lasted a mere second before the image shattered and I saw you for what you really are." Shayla growled, a look of utter disgust taking over her features. "Perhaps you think this is all over now, but I swear to you, I swear by my mother's memory that I will have you brought to justice, and the pack see you for what you really are." Lips curled, Shayla snarled. "I'll be watching you."


(ooc - uh. pants.. mainly cause i rushed it.. and.. im special. =P)

[Draeg]

It seemed as though everyone felt rebuked by Draeg’s decree, much to his chagrin. Even with most of his attention centered on the small band the amber could see the looks of anger and discontent sent his way by his niece and daughter. Seeing their hurt and pained expressions Draeg couldn’t help feeling bad for making them both feel like he hadn’t taken what they had to say into consideration, and for a moment he felt his resolve waver. Yet he steeled himself, forcing himself to remain in the impassive state of mind he had adopted when the trial had begun. No matter his personal feelings towards both fae were as dragga Draeg could not allow his decision to be influenced by a few hurt feelings. He would simply have to make it up to them both later.

Despite the accusations against her and the potential for banishment Krystal seemed to be keeping her composure though Draeg was quick to note the apprehension in her tone, desperation lacing her words even as she allow him to determine the outcome of her fate. Draeg had to admire her admire the level of discipline she showed standing there, he knew that Krystal was probably terrified yet she had done her best to hide her fear behind the stoic mask of acceptance. Ayasha however wasn’t as adept in hiding her frustration, her voice carrying a sharp edge as she voiced her opinion, once again speaking in the black Zanguzen’s defense. She was mad, that much was obvious, perhaps maybe a little hurt by how easily he had seemed to cast aside her opinion the first time around. Had they been alone Draeg might have consoled her, as it was he merely cocked an aud to his niece’s heated defense.

No sooner had Ayasha finished speaking than Shayla started, lashing out at her blacken cousin as she release all the pent up frustration that had been steadily building within her since the trial’s start. Seeing this Draeg frowned, clearly disappointed with his daughter’s behavior toward the younger fae. “That was uncalled for Shayla.” he scold sternly, scowling slightly. As Shayla turned to face him Draeg flinched, feeling his stomach twist into a tight knot upon hearing her speak. Draeg knew that tone all too well, it was the same one Shayla had used the night she’d confronted him about Firefly. Filled with anger and the hurt and anguish of betrayal that made him want to roll over with guilt. Her words cut him, striking chord within him. Was that what Shayla really thought? The feeling quickly past as Shayla came to the conclusion of anguished speech, guilt replaced by anguish at the mention of his beloved mate, cruelly taken from him, then blinding fury. “Shut up!” he barked fiercely, lips pulling back into a pained snarl. Staring down at her from his perch Draeg sneered, eyes stinging with grief as he glare coldly at his daughter. “I don’t want to hear another word out of you unless I say so, are we clear?” he hissed, tone becoming cold like ice. “Just because I don’t always side with you doesn’t mean that I don’t trust your judgment. I have always, always trusted your judgment and taken your opinion to heart. Don’t you dare tell me otherwise!”

Tone hardening Draeg continued, hardly aware that Krystal and Ayasha were still there watching him. Not that it really would have made a difference. “How dare you tell me what Cwen would have wanted, I knew your mother better than anyone, including you! And for everything your mother was she knew better than to judge things based on appearance. She may not have liked have liked what happened with Krystal and Channon but you can be damn sure she wouldn’t have jumped to conclusions! How dare you even assume to tell me otherwise, how would you even know? The last I recall you were never around, always running off for moons at a time pretending to be your mother and worrying us both. You weren’t even here the night she died!” He realized that he might have gone too far bringing up Shayla’s absence during her mother’s death but at the moment Draeg was angry to care, her statement had stirred up painful memories and as such he felt the desire to lash out at the source of his distress. Draeg knew that he would probably regret it later once his anger died down but for now he felt like being bitter and wallowing in his grief. “Go! Get the hell out of my sight! I’ll deal with you later!”

Turning his attention back to the two remaining fae Draeg spoke, speaking with a great deal of restraint though his tone was still hard. “You will be watched. For the next three moons you will always be accompanied by someone in the pack, the pack will take turns watching you each week for the duration of your probation; starting with Ayasha. You will be accompanied at all times and under no circumstance bar my choosing are you to be left alone. Depending on your behavior the length of your sentence will either be shortened or extended. That is my final verdict, this trial is hereby at an end.” Not waiting for a response he hopped down from his perch, brushing pass the trio without a backwards glance. His mood soured by events of the night he headed off towards the sanctity of the old whelping den, the one Cwen had constructed for the sole purpose of their second litter. It was abandon so there wouldn’t be anyone there to disturb him which was exactly what Draeg was aiming for, tonight he just felt like being left alone with his memories.

((my last post))

[Krystal Zanguzen]

As Krystal closed her optics, unsure of the fate that would soon befall the bi-colored fae, it was also the one moment where the Ge-Radian was at most peace on this most stressful of nights. All had been said, all had been done, and now her fate was left in the strong paws of the amber Dragga. What ever judgment that Draeg made would of course be followed by the former Zanguzen. But as her eyes remained closed, her mind was at last at peace as Krystal focused all the hate away to which Shayla spewed forth like an overstuffed sponge just waiting to be squeezed. There was nothing more Krystal could do to show what she had done on said night wasn’t an act against Ge-Rad, but rather an act of kindness toward her friends. No matter how any Varg interpreted the events of the night, no one could change how Krystal felt about the choices she made. Shayla’s voice was blocked out completely, and only the voice of the amber Dragga of Ge-Rad could penetrate the mental wall that had been constructed to block Shayla’s ignorant remarks. And at last, Draeg’s judgment would come to pass. His voice stern and strong as he represented the heart and soul of Ge-Rad with each lyric he spoke. He remained neutral, refusing to side with any fae present at the trial. To this Krystal was greatly thankful for. Despite the overwhelming odds that weighed down the former Zanguzen, Draeg’s true personality was alive in a blaze of amber brilliance, only to listen, never to judge.

On this occasion though, some kind of choice had to be made. And despite the horrible accusations made by Shayla, Krystal’s optics opened, widened in disbelief as the word “Probation” settled itself firmly within her mind. All at once it was over, the sentence having been made and just like that, Draeg was off. Perhaps sick of having to deal with such matters. Krystal stood in utter flabbergast, her whole life played like a flash movie in her mind. Having nearly lost her home to the ridiculous commentary made by Cwen’s double ganger, the bi-colored fae breathed a sigh of relief, for she had nearly lost her home. Krystal now moved too and stood next to her sister, glad that this whole event was now over with. Unable to come up with any words, she played back Draeg’s words, detailing every lyric and action, and thanking Tor that she still had a land to call her home. Her bi-hued optics now locked onto Shayla’s gray form. But surprisingly, they were not eyes of scorn and hate, but rather a neutral gaze found Draeg’s daughter. “I’m not mad at you Shayla, for putting me through all of this.” Krystal said calmly. For in truth, Krystal wasn’t mad at the Ge-Radian fae, even after nearly losing her home. “So you can watch me all you like until your eyes grow weary from sleep. I have nothing to hide from anyone.” Nothing more needed to be said to the femme, and Krystal turned her back on Shayla, perhaps more rudely then intended, but deep down, there was a tiny bit of spite that lodged itself on Krystal’s soul, just not big enough to merit anything more then a simple cold shoulder.

//Last Post//

[Ayasha]

In truth Ayasha was absolutely filled up with any tolerance for Shayla. Draeg's daughter obviously hated Krystal, and for what? Shayla wasn't even trying to defend herself as a varg of this pack, no she played the "i'm dragga's daughter" card. And that to Ayasha was enough. Despite the feeling of anger she held for the she varg she remained silent, letting the others speak. Having said enough to Draeg. But the words that Shayla spoke, hissing out of her mouth like a snake slid over the black femme. Anything Shayla had to say, to her, was of no importance. Ayasha wasn't here to attack Shayla, she was here to defend her sister. If Shalya hated Ayasha then so be it, she could hate her all she wanted, but Ayasha held an emotion of anger for Shayla for one reason.

But Draeg's words of anger at his daughter broke the silence, the black femme didn't even cock an aud towards his conversaiton. The only emotion her father had shown her was anger, this was nothing new to her. She wasn't suprised, wasn't flabbergasted. But neither was she spiteful, no she didn't laugh at Shayla's small punishment. She held no feelign for the episode, she was more concerned with Krystal's punishment, which as it turned out was to be probabtion, and Ayasha was the first to do so. This meant nothing knew really, she shared a den with her sister, and all that was new was she would have to be with her sister throughout the entire day. Clicking her claws against the dirt she waited for Draeg to leave, then she looked at Shayla.

But in truth she felt no real emotion towards the fae, she was more of in a state of ambiguity. The decision left her neither satisfied nor appalled. Frankly, all she wanted to do was patrol Ge-rad. Her sister was safe, and if Shayla wanted to watch her every move then so be it. She remained on her haunches, glancing upwards toward the sky. It was time to patrol Ge-rad, and her sister would have to join her. Finally she stood, shaking her pelt out of habbit more than of need, her orbs moved past Shayla, past the trees and beyond those. She was thinking, feeling, once again becoming concerned with the present rather than remaining an outsider to the situation as before. She looked back to her sister, letting out a sigh. "Looks like you'll be patrolling tonight with me." She flicked her tail.

///last post///

[Shayla]

Shayla snorted. "If I thought it was uncalled for. I wouldn't have said it." She snapped. Her grey eyes glinted, already, her perfect chance to get her father to see Krystal for the traitor that she was had gone. Krystal had already sunk her poisonous claws into his mind, filling it with lies. Filling the whole of GeRad with her deceit and her treachery. Shayla could feel her whole world churning. She had so little left, and it was slipping away from her. But as the sharp bark emitted from Draeg's amber maw, she physically flinched. Grey eyes glistened with hurt. Her father had never told her to shut up before..

Shayla had been wrong before, what precious little she had left of her family was not merely slipping away. It had now gone completely. It was painful enough that he was shouting at her, but humilating even more that it was in front of the traitor - it was proving to her that her tricks and lies were working, that she was causing a nice little rift in the pack, weakening GeRad from the inside. Separating Shayla from those she loved. But right now, those thoughts weren't what Shayla was concentrating on, all she could focus on now was Draeg's words, and they cut her so near to the wound she had so tenderly nursed for herself.

Stricken, Shayla could do nothing but inwardly recoil at Draeg's words, hitting her on the one spot where she was sorest. She had always been a curious little cub, she had always gone off exploring, her need and her thirst for places new and unexplored had made her grey paws wander farther and farther from home. But always in her heart she had held her family close - their memory and the thought of them had kept Shayla alive, and kept her returning home. They had always been her one constant, and now, suddenly, Shayla realised she was all alone.

Her brothers were scattered to the winds, her father siding against her, and Cwen, dead. Shayla had deepened her own mental wounds, hating herself for wandering, hating that she had not been around when Cwen had died. Despising herself for it. It was too much that Draeg hated her for not being there now.

She didn't even hear Krystal's words, caught in her reappearing net of self-loathing, self-punishment. She barely even recognised that they had all left, leaving her all alone. The crushing weight of it all made it hard to breathe for the silverine faemme, and the flicker of emotion had gone from her grey eyes, leaving them now lifeless and cold. Lifting her heavy head to the cold and unforgiving skies above, Shayla opened her maw, letting loose a howl - the howl of a kerl.

ooc - oh so pants. and.. haha. emo Shay. i hope you all realise she's gonna turn even more spiteful now? =P