Interrupting Force [CLOSED]

[Dakota Spirit]

Shaded by the thick canopy of reaching trees, the male sat alone, silhouetted in the few golden beams of light that managed to push through into the shadows. His build was hard, curved with muscle and tendon, carved into the warrior that he was. Pelt was black, as dark as the endless night sky, flawless save for the ringlet of white circling his left foreleg. And his eyes were bright. Alight with a passion and strength that fueled a fire in his gaze, causing the green color of his orbs to seem even more vibrant. Still he was nothing special really, a stranger to most, and a bit more to others...but truthfully there wasn't a lot that made him stand out in a crowd. This was fine with the male though, for he did not revel in extra attention. Rather it put him on edge, turned his emotions cold and solid with formality until at last the interested party departed on their way. No...there were only a few that the dark wolf had grown accustom to in his short stay at Deor. Still, the wolf enjoyed his alone time, a remnant of his long life as a kerl and a chance for him to really mull over the difficulties now holding court in his mind.

Not least of which was the male's growing affection for the pack's matriarch, the silver fae he'd recently spent so much time with. As a matter of fact, that seemed to be all that was on his mind, for it was a complicated situation that did not offer many alternative courses of action. Rather he knew it was something to be pursued, feelings were far too strong to be left dormant, but he also knew it to be a delicate situation. Mist was Drappa of the pack, by all rights his leader, and not someone he wanted to ruin relations with. Plus, he knew she had at least one previous litter to her name. Thoughts of her previous kids made the male's face crease in a mix of doubt and rare unsureness. Her knew who her children were of course, but he'd never met them, never seen them face to face. Thinking on their reactions caused a whole new dynamic to develop in his mind. He'd spent time with youthful wolves before, enjoyed it in fact, fanning their flames of excitement just as he imagined a loving parent would do. Yet this was different. This time it wouldn't be some nameless cub, some orphan he came across, but an established family, one currently living with the death of their natural sire.

Sighing gently, the male shut such thoughts from his mind, no more decided then he had been before. Tipping his dark face up to the setting sun, he wondered where the object of his affection was right now. She'd been injured recently, cut by the knife of battle and was only just now recovering. He'd been beside her soon after those events, lending aid as a good protector did, but giving more then that too. In his own way perhaps, the male had let on to his feelings, told the fae of his love and hoped that she would someday return such thoughts. The corners of his lips lifted slightly at the memory, as he recalled the end of their journey, curling up beside her in the spacious den. The memories swirled within him and he smiled full now, his teeth white against the shadows. Something was happening to him, a happiness was growing, a feeling that had been missing from his life for too long to remember. So his grin was broad as he sat alone, nowhere closer to solving his problems, yet better then he'd been in a long time. For he belonged here, in a place, in Deor, and for now...the male rested sure that nothing could change that.

[Mm, well it's a start. I'm not too good at these. Hopefully you can get something out of it though, Ryu.]

[Ryu]

In the tranquility of an autumn flavored season, Deor had found peace. Most had moved on from the passing of their former Drappa, and have embraced the newly appointed grey beta as their female leader. Her time brought the coming of prosper and peace amongst the Deorians, and for a while it seemed like that would be the continuing norm. Creatures of the land began their preparations for the winter season, but it was still much too early for the wolves of Deor to be concerned with such a thing. Food was plentiful, and not a word of Sarnes, Balkan or List activities made their way onto this peaceful soil. It was good to be a Deorian, and with the coming spring to follow winter, certainly there would be a new litter on the horizon. But for now, the most recent litter will continue to belong to the silver Drappa. One from that litter walked a solitary path. His thoughts lost and trapped in a past of painful memories.

Fenris’ reign was coming to an end, his sunbeams only served to fill the Deorian forest with glimmers of his dying light. In that forest walked a Deorian male. Beige fur covered the length of his form, broken only by his ebon nose and golden pools, eyes inherited by his mother. Though the look they held was that of a lost soul, unable to find his way. His mind was trapped in the happenings of a most recent past. For what seemed to him like mere moments, his life had suddenly changed completely. Ryu walked the path of a defender; his need to protect filled the channels of his veins like the water fills the river. And the current was strong enough to whisk away even the mightiest of boulders. But now that river faced a dam that threatened to destroy the normal flow of things. For Ryu, that dam was clear to him. His weakness, his inability to keep his promise, caused the misfortunes to happen to not only his mother, but his father as well.

Not only could Ryu not protect his mother from that terrible fight, but his own father Chayton, would be found dead nearly moments later, another one dear to his heart whom the beige male could not protect. And now Ryu walked alone in the forests of Deor. His last encounter with another Deorian came from when Jonas, Deor’s healer, had found him. Collapsed in a meadow of purple flowers to which the beige Deorian did not know their name. And although she did her best to heal Ryu of his wounds, the beautiful healer had never dealt with an injury such as his. A gash that could not be seen by the naked eye, layered deep within the heart and soul. He was a walking cauldron of emotions. Sadness and anger made up a boiling concoction that threatened to explode from within. But one thing was certain, Ryu was simply not strong enough to protect those precious to him, and such a fact fed off his soul.

Lost in his own confusion, the year old Ryu almost didn’t notice the presence of another. Golden orbs brought their attention onto the male, as dark as Tor’s twilight, with glowing jade hues that seemed to give off their own radiance. He could have easily been mistaken for a Dragga, as he had the build of one, and at once Ryu became defensive. Gleaming ivory fangs displayed, he had never seen this midnight male before in Deorian lands, and in his distraught state assumed the worse. Maybe he was the one who hurt his mother. Maybe he was the one who killed his father. It took no genius to deduce that Ryu was clearly out matched, but if his suspicions were indeed proven to be accurate, the need to try and take revenge would outweigh all logic. “Who are you?” Ryu demanded through his snarl. Muscles tensing, he was ready to lunge, ready to believe that he had found his mother’s tormentor. That he had found his father’s killer. “What are you doing in Deor?”

[Dakota Spirit]

His head turning slowly in response to the demanding voice, the male was surprised to another wolf had suddenly appeared, lips peeled up in a dangerous sneer. The grin upon his dark face slowly slid away, into a stony mask of inexpression. He did not know this wolf, nor did he know the reasons for such a sudden challenge. It seemed even more ridiculous as he continued to eye the young aggressor, noting readily that he was the larger of the two and would clearly have the upper hand in any out and out brawl. So why was the youth here, why had he come and interrupted the thoughts of Deor's beta, and why did he feel justified in issuing such rude demands to someone he clearly knew nothing about? The male's green eyes sparked in silent consideration before his deep voice finally rumbled in response to the questions asked of him. "Check your emotions, kid.", he said first, grabbing the grey's stare with his own bold gaze. "You are young and obviously smaller then I am. Perhaps next time you should consider such facts before boldly stepping into a fight...it could save you in the end." Looking down at the stranger, the dark wolf almost looked benevolent. For this was obviously a member of Deor's ranks and thus he truly cared his safety. And beyond that, there was a fighter's spirit, much like his own, in the youth and that too was of importance to him. He did not wish to see the budding wolf's life cut short due to impulsive decisions.

"I am Dakota Spirit.", he finally said, getting down to his accuser's questions. "And these lands are as much mine as they are your's, for I am Deor's loyal Beta. Taking a few steps forward, Dak brought himself closer to the stranger as he spoke. The steps were fluid and sweeping in motion, but there was a slight fault in them too. His left leg, with it's jagged white bracelet, limped a little. Just a bit, barely noticeable, but the male was all the more vain because of it. He near slammed his feet into the ground, masking the limp as much as possible and declaring with his prideful stance that such a slight tainting factor was in no way a detriment to his overall livelihood. Though ultimately such actions boiled down to mostly posturing. A display of his stubborn spirit, but also a mere cover of his deeper side. Underneath it all, the black wolf had a gentle soul and a kind spirit. He would help anyone, including the snarling youth if he needed it, and it didn't take many long to realize that fact.

A bit closer to the slim grey wolf, Dakota leaned back to rest on his haunches. Half his mouth curved up in a welcoming grin, silently assuring his companion that there was no need for violence. "Perhaps you'd like to tell me who you are?, he asked in the same rich voice. "I was away for a time...and given your age I'd say you were born during the absence. Perhaps that explains why we have yet to meet." The male's teeth clicked lightly as he spoke, cutting of each word in it's proper place, keeping up the formal speech Dak had worked so long to prefect. He tipped his eyes slightly back up to meet the skyline, wondering as the sun darkened how long their conversation would last.

[Ryu]

There was a moment of silence that passed between the two males. Ryu’s demand initially went unanswered, and for a moment, the beige Deorian wondered if this ebon knight would continue to remain quiet. Would he not say anything, and ignore the defender completely? The longer the silence spell went on, the more Ryu began to convince himself of his initial suspicions. If this male had nothing to hide, then he should speak of his intentions with no curtains of concealment, which was his take on the matter at least. Dakota’s first few sentences were not taken well by the young defender, though they were indeed truthfully spoken and wise lyrics to boot. “I’m not a kid!” Spat Ryu irritably. He truly hated being called a kid, squirt, pup, runt, or anything of the like. “I’m a defender of Deor, and I’ll gladly stand against anyone intent on hurting my family.” Ryu spoke, as he to his full height, which of course was still dwarfed by the size of Dakota. “So you better answer my questions.”

The fire of pride and passion burned in Ryu’s golden pools, as he eyed the dark male. They served to not only distinguish him, but also blanket the recently reality that had fallen on the beige Deorian. For Ryu knew deep down that he was still too weak to protect anyone precious to him, but could not let this stranger figure that out. Beige auds twitched as he listened to Dakota speak his name and title. Hearing such a claim caused the young defender to take a step backwards. But almost quickly, he returned to his former stance. Golden, untrained eyes did not catch the very slight limp in the Beta’s step, another sign of how truly inexperienced the young Deorian is. “Really now, I’ve never been told this.” Ryu spoke in a doubtful manner. “What kind of fool do you take me for? You really think I wouldn’t know the members of my own family?” Ryu was all ready having a bad day, and this encounter was serving to be the straw that broke the camels back.

Then Dakota did something that Ryu thought was very unusual, and caused the young Deorian to tilt his head a bit in perplexity. Dakota took a seat, and now only Ryu was left on edge and at the ready. Why did he feel the need to be at rest with Ryu on guard? He listened again to the words of the noble black knight, and felt that since he had given his name, it was only proper to give his own. The teachings of Deor were embedded deep within the male, and he would not turn them asunder. “Very well,” Ryu spoke. “My name is Ryu, son of Mist and Chayton.” The Deorian spoke proudly. “If you really are who you claim to be, then you would know of them.” A grin now formed on his beige maw, this would prove whether or not Dakota was indeed a part of Deor at least. He still found it hard to believe that the wolf before him was indeed his Beta. Fenris’ eye was quickly setting, it wouldn’t be long before night fell upon the land of Deor, and Ryu knew he needed to verify Dakota’s claim before the rise of Tor’s reign, for the sake of his own safety and Deor’s.

[Dakota Spirit]

With the sound of Ryu's defiance crackling once more in his ears, Dak's gaze immediately snapped back into place, focusing in on the grey's face. His dark lips were resting in a straight line across his maw, eyes bright with a bit of their fire flashing, and his features were stern. The male was still in control of himself, locking emotions behind strong iron gates, but the pup was certainly rattling such cages, threatening to break their strength. "In this case...", Dak said a little stiffly. "You can gladly step down. I am of no threat to these lands...for if I was I surely would not be wasting my time here with you." Though the words were spoken in the same checked manner that he now kept his temper in, Dak had allowed a bit of his true reaction to seep out. For a fellow pack member to question his motives was beyond insult, it challenged the very core of his moral code and called into question everything he believed in. The smaller wolf had created a strike against him almost immediately then...for he had issued one of the few insults, however unwittingly, that Dak had a hard time letting pass. Yet he at least managed to retain the majority of his calm, perhaps more in appearance then true mood and was none less, able to continue their conversation.

Tipping his maw down closer to the misguided youth, Dakota studied him a bit longer before speaking again. He had claimed to be a defender and eying the wolf's build, Dak could see the possibilities for this. Muscles were coming as the male grew, sure to fill him out and offer him the power he desired. Perhaps smaller now, the darker wolf was sure that phase would not last long. In the end it would be the youth's heart that made him a true defender, and not the build of his body. Now however, he still had much to learn. "I do not think you a fool.", Dak said at last, his voice even. "You are young and impulsive. Perhaps in need of a lesson in respect...among other things. You are inexperienced, but no fool. In time the skills and qualities you lack now will come to you. Then, should you choose to misuse them, you will be the fool. But not before." His voice ended, echoing softly around them as the last words traveled out of existence. Dak could not remember being in this situation before, talking as he was with a younger wolf...and yet he felt the words coming naturally to his throat. Truthfully the bold male had been built for pack life right from the start. He had been made to nurture the young and the weak, to help them along their path of success if he could. And though it had taken Dak awhile to realize and accept these facts about himself, he was glad it had finally happened. With his skills finally put to use he was much more content then he'd ever been. So much more at peace.

When at last the grey had revealed his name, Dakota was taken aback. Ryu, he thought quietly. "A son of Mist. Well we've certainly gotten off to a good start." Inwardly, cures flowed through the male's mind as he thought. It seemed just his luck that the meeting he was dreading would turn out this way - with his temper spiked and the cub glaring him in the face. Sighing gently Dak once more pushed the thoughts to the back of his head and pressed onward. The youth was going through much after all, perhaps he deserved some leeway in relation to his rocky nerves."Ryu...", he said. "I have long wished to meet the children of your fair mother. I regret to say I never knew much of Chayton...for I was rather more a rogue in my youth. There are few pack members remaining that were known to me in those days. Your mother however, has grown high in my regard these past weeks. We've spent much time together...and with her she carries parts of my most guarded past." He had meant it as a show of faith, explaining to her son how close how he grown to Mist...but Dak still kept much of it hidden. Regardless of who he was speaking to, there were many things the male would always keep to himself...private feelings included. Son or not the emerald eyed wolf did not feel comfortable explaining such things to someone he had only just met. "Well?", he asked. "Is that not enough proof for you? Or are there other questions you wish to ask?"

[Ryu]

It is often said by wise Varg, that anger can blind the eyes and distort the mind. Like a mist that sweeps over your senses, you are blinded and consumed by it. The mist can cloud the eyes and impair sight and judgment, but it can not hold back the voice of reason. It is this voice, Dakota’s, that pierces through the mist and fog that has ensnared the young defender. Though the Beta was indeed annoyed by the mannerisms of Ryu, his wisdom caught onto the distress that was hidden behind the beige male’s golden gaze. Jade orbs penetrated past the pools of golden youth, and caught sight of that which Ryu had tried desperately to hide. It was this act, and the lyrics spoken by the noble black knight that caught the Drappa’s only son off guard, and caused the Deorian to take a lingering step back. In that instant, the anger, rage and pain that had been displayed on his face previously, had lifted, replaced now with perplexity and confusion.

As Dakota’s words faded into memories, Ryu was left to dangle on them. “How… how does he know…” The young wolf spoke in his mind. “Is it really that obvious… how weak I am…” The fire that had once burned in the youth’s eyes had blown asunder. Rainfall had fallen over the blaze and what was left was a wolf that was too weak. Too weak to protect and defend, and to Ryu it felt as if the wind had been knocked out of him. His spirit cast away so fruitlessly like it was nothing more then paper in the wind. His youthful gaze could no longer hold Dakota’s, and with his spirit broken, golden pools fell to the ground for a few moments before finding their permanent place looking away from the Beta, and instead at a near by oak. Ryu remained quiet, and listened to the remainder of Dakota’s lexis. As the noble knight spoke, images flooded their way into the Deorian’s memory. He could now recall seeing Dakota by his mother’s side on several occasions during her recovery, though he had never inquired as to the identity of this black male. Now Ryu not only felt pathetic, but foolish as well.

“I… I apologize…” Ryu spoke, after letting a few uncomfortable moments of silence pass once Dakota had finished speaking. He kept his gaze on the oak tree, but through his peripheral’s he could see and feel Dakota’s jade hued gaze on him. “I remember you now, by my mother’s side, you visited her den quite often. These past several suns have been very difficult on me, I didn’t mean to bring my frustration upon you like that.” Ryu spoke the truth, for it was his anger and pain that blinded the youth’s judgment. He just wanted someone to blame for all the misfortunes that have plagued him and his family. But in the end that someone would always be himself, and no matter what the Deorian did, he could not escape that blame. For he felt it was his fault, his weakness that caused wounds and scars on his mother’s body, and his weakness that caused the death of his father. He couldn’t save his mother from pain; he couldn’t save his father from death. “What good am I?” Ryu thought.

They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul. And if Dakota chose to look through Ryu’s golden windows now, he would no doubt see the plight that weighed down the wayward defender. In the short time that Dakota and Ryu had their encounter, Fenris’ reign had come to an end. His brilliance could no longer be seen in the heavens, but his remnants of light still painted the skies in an endless sea of purple and orange hues. In the distance, Tor was beginning to assert her dominance, and the forest of Deor grew quiet in the coming of the moon goddess. “So why…” Ryu suddenly asked, turning his gaze away from the oak and onto the Beta of Deor. Though they did not find his face, and settled themselves on Dakota’s ebon chest. “Why have you grown so close to my mother?” He referred to Dakota sharing his most guarded past, as the noble knight put it. That which was so obvious for the moment alluded Ryu, his mind still naïve to many concepts.

[Dakota Spirit]

Watching his words trigger a sudden reaction from the young defender, Dak felt his own features soften slightly. It was a mass of conflicting emotion for him, baring witness to Ryu's cracking spirit. On one hand the older male could understand, could relate to the crushed self assurance. In his younger days he too had felt that way from time to time, eyeing the skies angrily as he did so, blaming the gods for his fate, empty of all emotion. Yet the other side of him, the mann he was today, reasoned that such emotions were a fact of life. He wanted to reach out to the youth, to force him forward, to push him past this bit of weakness and onto greater things. After all, his voice whispered, one could not be so unsure of themselves. In order to protect his family Ryu would first need to find confidence in himself, enough to face any force. He'd need to keep his composure in these situations, to show his true and inner strength. Yet in the end, this seemed neither the time nor the place for such lessons. Regretfully, Dakota realized that the drappa's son may have felt as if he was being further chastised.

So, tactfully ignoring Ryu's momentary lapse of confidence, Dak rested his gaze easily on the grey's face. "It's fine.", he said simply. For all that he was, the male had never been someone of many words. Specifically in scenes of emotion, Dak found himself wishing to end it quickly. To brush off the moments of tenderness in order to avoid the awkwardness he was sure would follow. "We all have our moments of lapsed judgment. The fact that we grow from them is what's important." Tilting his broad head the heavens Dakota noticed just as Ryu did, that day was finally coming to an end. With brilliant vibrancy the moon slowly took reign over the sky, casting everything in a shadowy light. Sighing gently, the dark wolf was grateful for the approaching hour. As much as he looked forward to new days spent with his companions, the heat and sun were not his allies. Rather than saturated the thickness of Dak's pelt, backing him in merciless warmth until night came with blessed relief.

"Your mother...", he said quietly, beginning to answer the youth. "She has many qualities that make her a worthy companion. Dependability and loyalty being only a few of them. Perhaps more important than that though, and more private, is the fact that she's been present in one of my greatest life trials. It is for this reason that I've trusted her with so many of my secrets, so many links to my past. Pausing for a moment, the dark male tipped his head slightly and regarded Ryu with a steady gaze. He was still at ends with himself, not knowing how much he should share with the youth, how much he wanted to share. ”Surely you’ve seen these things for yourself.”, he finally said. ”You’re mother…is…perhaps the only one who has truly managed to set my heart on its proper path.” Dak’s breath whooshed somewhat shakily in and out from his chest, forming small clouds of warm air around his muzzle. The corners of his mouth lifted ever so slightly, revealing a flash of white teeth below. ”She is the only one that’s had that kind of power.”, he said. ”She is special.”

[Ugh, not too good – sorry Krys.]

[Ryu]

The hour of Tor was at hand, has her gaze slowly but surely took to the heavens, illuminating the landscape in a gentle moonlight hue. Quickly Ryu noticed the sudden change in Dakota’s mood, as a result of the changing hour. It made sense for after all, the noble black knight was indeed a master of the night time hour. His ebony pelt blended perfectly into the darkness, only given away by Tor’s supple gaze and the glow of his emerald orbs. On a night in which Tor’s gaze wasn’t so evident, Dakota could easily slip into the darkness like a shadow vanishing in the night. It was this that gave the Deorian Beta such a great advantage when traversing the territory at night. Ryu could see now what made the Beta as strong as he is. Pools of emerald wisdom glistened with the brilliance of fireflies in a Tor-less night. Physically, he carried the battle hardened form of a warrior, muscles that ripped from beneath his charcoal pelt. Ryu would have a long way to go to reach that kind of strength, this much the beige Deorian knew was certain.

Dakota was no ordinary varg, at least none that Ryu had ever seen before. Then again, this was the first time the beige Deorian encountered another wolf with the same goals and ideals as himself. Dakota had all ready walked the path in which Ryu would soon take himself, a journey that involved many trials and hardships along its winding roads and steep descents. And for a brief instant, Ryu saw himself in Dakota’s paws. He could see the strength that he knew was there, just waiting to be unlocked. But before Ryu could ponder any deeper about the possibilities, his attention was again taken by the Beta of Deor. This time the conversation had shifted dramatically, as the topic of Mist came to fruition. Ryu listened carefully to each lyric that escaped the Beta’s midnight maw, beige auds alert and acted as antenna as they tuned and honed in on Dakota. There was a hidden message behind Dakota’s words that the young defender was having a difficult time deciphering. Yet it wasn’t so much Ryu’s fault that he could not catch the meaning behind those lyrics.

Ryu was still young at just over a year, and such concepts as love and adoration were still foreign territory for the male, at least in the sense of how Dakota was feeling and experiencing for the Drappa of Deor. However, there were some key lyrics that stuck out to the young male as though he felt they were out of place. And with that thought in mind, he tilted his head a bit in a curious manner and spoke finally. “Companion? Trust? Heart on its proper path? Special?” Ryu spoke aloud, in an attempt to further digest these words. At last a conclusion finally bloomed, and a smile returned to the defender’s maw as he in turn returned from a bewildered and perplexed state to a more normal posture. “Mother is our Drappa, Dakota.” Ryu spoke calmly. “We are supposed to feel all these things around her, because mother is special. All the wolves of Deor know this, me included. Are you really telling me that you’ve just learned about how special she is now?” Ryu chuckled a bit and continued. “You have a lot to learn about her, how special she really is Dakota.” At best, Ryu was half right about the true meaning behind the Beta’s words. But it couldn’t be helped, for there was still much in life the young Deorian would have to learn, and some lessons are only best learned when experienced for one’s self.

[Dakota Spirit]

Dakota regarded the beige youngster quietly as he spoke, all traces of sadness not seeming to have left his body. This conversation was certainly proving to be an interesting one. Having never been in his type of situation before, the male found himself struggling with a means to explain his position to they youth. Per usual his emotions wared within him, presenting two separate paths for him to take. On one hand Dak could easily explain to Ryu the facts, strip down his words until there was no possibility of misunderstanding .While on the other hand, the dark wolf guarded his personal dealings with a practiced diligence. He was very careful in choose who could and could not be confided in, often taking long periods of time to truly feel at ease in the company of someone who might have once been a stranger. His bright eyes narrowed slightly, considering these options. Finally, with a face betraying no underlying emotion, Dakota responded to Ryu's prodding questions. "I did not grow up here, Ryu.", he said simply. "These lands were never my home, not until recently when the path of a kerl could no longer offer me what I needed. It was then that your mother and I met, finding each other at mutual times of need. Though it is not for me to fully disclose, perhaps you can glean some understanding from the fact that Mist has awakened something new in my life. In this case alone, I think it is you, not I, that cannot understand how special she was on that day. Your mother was all these things before I ever knew her to be drappa."

Dak's breath came in easy waves, slipping in and out of his lungs as he spoke. Now that the words were there, brimming on his tongue it seemed easier to share, easier to spill the details of his life. It for this reason, the ease with which he could get carried away, that he was always beyond careful, being sure that the one with which he spoke could be afforded some level of trust. Something that assured him these shared secrets would not later be used as weapons against his emotional wellbeing. With a soft rumbling tone, Dak began to speak again, now feeling the truth of his words welling up within him. "Let me ask you something.", he said to his companion, focusing in on the grey's golden eyes. "Do you love your mother simply because she is Drappa? Or do you perhaps see something more there? He paused for only a moment, for it was more a rhetorical question then one that required an answer. "I've no doubt..", Dak continued. "That your bond extends beyond that of a simple pack member. You, unlike many, get a chance to see her as she really is. Now, can you not understand how someone else may learn to see that too? Can you not see that perhaps my affection for Mist extends beyond what I am expected to give as a member of her pack? You and I are not so different, for I too have been given the chance to see your mother as she is, title or no title.

Ryu's last comment has surprised the larger male. From anyone else he may have even perceived it as a threat, words meant to downplay his current bond with the fae in question while at the same time suggest that something deeper could never be achieved. Optimistically though, Dakota assumed this was not the case. "Yes.", he finally whispered, nodding his head a bit at the young wolf. I do have much to learn, as your mother proves to show something new everyday, something that makes her all the better. I would not hesitate to say the boundless list of qualities she possess is long enough that I alone may never glimpse them all. She will always be so much more then I realize, that is how these things work." As his words finally echoed to silence Dak wondered if there was anything else that could be said. He still remained unconvinced that the message had been made with Ryu and yet, was not willing to get any clearer. Sharing such intimate details with who was ultimately, little better then a stranger to him, had been a struggle in itself. Coming right to the point with this young wolf was not an option he felt possible in the near future. Continuing to watch Ryu's vibrant gaze, Dak listened to the sounds around him and waited. He waited for the cub to connect the dots on his own.

[Hope this is ok!]

[Ryu]

Speaking with the ebon beta of Deor was proving to be more and more difficult as time wove its slender fabric. Dakota was both well educated and spoken in the language of Varg, both being qualities that should be expected from any that wore the title of Beta around their shoulders. The young beige Deorian isn’t dense by any means, but quickly it was beginning to dawn upon the male how ignorant he was in comparison to the older, wiser male. Dakota’s tongue left the young defender perplexed, his mind needing a few fleeting moments to place all the pieces of the puzzle in proper alignment. This was difficult to do for initially; Ryu believed that the noble black knight loved the Drappa as a mother. But that would be no different than how most of Deor felt for Mist, so that answer didn’t quite settle correctly in Ryu’s mind. More time went on by, and the silence of a pondering wolf and a proven tolerant Beta continued. The evening had brought relief from the heat of Fenris, and the creatures of the land were beginning to emerge to greet the moon goddess. Their disturbance would pay no mind to the thoughts of the young male, as he struggled to decode the hieroglyphics provided by Dakota’s elegant tongue.

Simply put, Ryu had never experienced the emotions one would receive when falling in love. The splendor of that fruit was reserved for his future, and he remained ignorant to such concepts. However, the beige adolescent didn’t want to stay quiet for too long, and so speech at last hung on the tip of his maw, ready to be let loose for Dakota’s own decoding. “I think I understand now.” Ryu spoke, sounding only half sure of his own conclusions. Ryu now had a hunch, which was currently what the male was going by, though secretly he hoped that such thoughts were merely just misguided illusions. Could Dakota really have the fortitude and nerve to make such a claim? Especially now of all times, where his father only recently passed away? Could the Beta of Deor really have fallen for his mother, and does he really think that he could replace the deceased Chayton? The more Ryu thought about it, the more silly the concept became. Surely the young male was just over analyzing Dakota’s words, be them as eloquent as they were. Surely Dakota wouldn’t try something as foolish as giving his heart to his mother.

“Dakota,” Ryu continued. “I feel the need to ask, not only for my sake but for my mother’s as well.” The tone in which resonated from Ryu’s voice was that of deep concern. The beige male was still too young to have a mate, nor really understand the concept of love shared between mates. Yet still, he is a protector, a defender, and as such he would do all he can to protect his mother from any further harm. There was a bit of hesitance at first, this could be seen within the male’s golden orbs, as they in turn dreaded to hear what could very well be the cold truth, the harsh reality. “Do you… are you… in love with my mother? Is this what you’re trying to tell me?” Concern was mixed with astonishment, for if this was the case, when did it happen? And more importantly to Ryu, if it was true, then why had Mist not bothered to tell him about it? “I’m jumping ahead of myself,” Ryu thought. “He couldn’t be in love with her, he just couldn’t. It’s just not possible.” Chayton’s memory was still fresh in his mind, and would no doubt still be fresh in his mother’s as well. Then suddenly, the worst of all thoughts surged into Ryu’s mind as a river would surge over a broken dam. The thought came so quickly and suddenly, that the young Deorian spoke it aloud before he could stop himself. “Are you trying to get mother to betray Chayton’s memory, to you?” He spoke aloud.

[Dakota Spirit]

The beta nodded slightly as Ryu began to speaking, affirming that he was finally catching on to Dak's meaning. It was a relief, for that moment at least, to be through explaining things to the young defender. Dakota wished not only to end this conversation soon, but to move away from the awkward situation. With anyone else, the male would have likely ended this train of discussion long ago. He might had simply ignored the questions or simply walked away, with anyone else it would have never gotten this far. Yet that was not an option with the beige Deorian. He was the son of Mist, of the his Drappa and the object of his affection. Like it or not, the smaller male was due a special sort of treatment. An extra effort to make the relationship between them work out. After all, Dak didn't think it likely that the silver fae would take kindly to feuds between her loved ones. She would want them together, part the the combined support network that any good pack thrived on. So the wolf had shared his secrets with the youth, and now at last could breath easy knowing that that part of their conversation was done.

Still, his ears perked as Ryu continued. Dak leaned forward slightly, his attention focused on the young mann as he spoke, revealing concerns and questions on his mind. "Yes, Ryu., he said in response. "That's what I'm telling you." Dakota was on the verge of moving back away from the youth, tilting back to his original position when Ryu's voice came again, shocking him. His deep eyes narrowed slightly, muscles tensing beneath his skin. Had he heard right? Had the cub really proceeded to question his honor again. Something sirred in the male as he remained in place, a lose of patients he had long been holding in check. "Ryu.", he said sharply, suddenly, surprising even himself. "What is that you are trying to insinuate? Do you really mean to suggest that I would ask that of your mother? That I would have less then her best interests at heart?" The beta leaned closer to Ryu's smaller form, his white teeth clicking together as he cut off each word abruptly.

Dak knew little of Mist's past mate, having never met him in person. It seemed that their paths had spit right around the same time, Chayton leaving the lands as Dak entered, and now again as his life ended. Though he was not completely clueless and had gleaned a few facts from general pack whisperings. The white scout had come and gone often, disappearing from the lands for lengths of time. Dakota remembered thinking this odd upon first learning such facts, he remembered leaning against Mist's torn form and wondering what it had been like for her to finally meet up with Chayton again under such tragic circumstances. In turn, he also remembered questioning the life that had been led by Mist's chosen. He questioned his absence and willingness to leave his family behind. At the time, such thoughts had gone unspoken for it had not been his place to speak of such things. Nor did it matter in the long run, it was not his relationship to worry about. But here now, a corner of Dak's mind longed for the chance to voice such concerns. To turn the tables on Ryu, to throw the spotlight on his family and question the integrity that lay there. Though even in his anger, these actions seemed beyond his grasp. To do such things would be to go against all he believed in, to take his emotions out on a misguided youth. Still, Dak had been pushed past his typical calm and soon found himself creeping forward, glaring sharply Ryu's defiant fact. The male's teeth bared white against his dark features and his voice came out hard and demanding, trembling with anger. "What is it you're trying to do?", he asked again. What do you mean to say about my character, my honor? You presume to know so much about me...so tell, wise cub. Share your opinion..."

[Ryu]

Night had a long last enveloped the land of Deor, for the time of Tor’s awakening was on hand. On this evening, the skies were profoundly darkened by the presence of a Torless night. The forest itself quickly became a sea of darkness that blanketed the eyes of most creatures, left trapped in a pit of perpetual twilight and an evening cool breeze. The forest remained mostly silent, except for an occasional cool draft that glided through the trees as a ghost through a haunted mansion. It seemed that the land itself knew of the conflict that rose within its borders, as two wolves squared off in a test of conflicts and beliefs. One, a Beta of the land often referred to as the noble ebon black knight of Deor. His heart pure and his intensions true, but on this night their stood a blinding fog that threatened to churn such integrity into a fine concoction of annoyance, irritation and borderline rage. The other, had all ready reached that point. The beige colored Deorian with four seasons logged into the journey of his life. The son of a drappa and a guardian in training, Ryu found himself face to face with a bigger, stronger and older male in the form of Dakota, and things were not looking to good.

Dakota approached Ryu slowly, each paw step bringing the male closer to Mist’s son and perhaps closer to an encounter that could quickly turn ugly at any given moment. The tipping point had been reached, and unknowingly Ryu had pushed the right buttons in order to get a normally calm and collected knight into a borderline fury. It was all Dakota could muster to hold himself back, reaching down into the very pit of his code of honor to find the restraint needed to keep this encounter from growing any worse. Ivory fangs were revealed by both parties, as the more intimidating form of the Beta forced Ryu back several paw steps, the yearling making sure to keep some breathing room in between himself and the black knight. For a moment, Ryu could not hold Dakota’s gaze and turned his own golden orbs away. He could feel himself slipping, losing his nerve to confront the ebon Beta. Dakota’s words were simply too profound and held no weakness. They stood proudly as a mountain, immovable, impassable and impenetrable. Half growls now escaped the beige Deorian’s maw, his nerve slowly slipping from the weight of Dakota’s intimidation.

But at that moment, something happened. Dakota had graced the young male with a few more lyrics. The past few seconds of this encounter had seemed like an eternity to the young defender. But all those walls suddenly shattered, when Dakota finished speaking. Fuel had been added once again to a dying fire now set ablaze with new life. A hellish inferno of rage quickly formulated itself, consuming the young Deorian and displaying itself in his golden optics that now found the courage to return the Beta’s emerald glare with his own golden one. The ebon knight had unknowingly reaffirmed the main concern and backbone argument behind this whole encounter, and Ryu used it too his full advantage, having finally been given a weapon to use against the Beta. “That’s just it Dakota!” Ryu yelled; his voice filled with anger, causing birds to scatter from nearby listening posts. The sound of his own rage echoed and reverberated helped to add a level of intensity that was far beyond the one Ryu felt, and served to pause the young defender only for a moment before continuing. “That’s just it right there!” Tension boiled, as golden orbs locked defiantly against emerald hues in a manner that would normally get one banished from a pack society.

“You don’t seem to understand do you? I don’t know anything about you! You are as foreign to me as the land outside of Deor’s gates! I have every right to question you and your intensions, especially your involvement with my mother! For all I know of you, everything you ever said to her and I could be a ploy, did you stop to consider that?” Ivory incisors gleamed in the stillness of the night. A growl escaped Ryu’s maw, fueled by the flames that had gathered from a wolf that felt more or less cornered by a more apposing, dominant male. “Did you not stop to think that just maybe, your decision to court her would affect others, her children? You really think Delilah and I should just kneel down to your whims and accept you as our step father? I don’t even know you! How do you think I feel Dakota, how do you think I should feel about all of this? My father’s face is still fresh in my memories! I traveled with him on his final journey! He was my whole world Dakota! His teachings run through my veins, his heart still beats in mine! I will not let you take those memories from me, or from my mom! I will not let you replace his memory, his legacy!”

Ryu breathed heavily, trying to catch his breath from the outburst. Golden eyes remained focused on the Beta; no longer did Ryu feel intimidated. In the mind of the yearling, his father was with him, guiding him and giving him strength and courage to do what needed to be done and say what needed to be said. But would such an outburst and disruption of hierarchy between yearling and Beta land Ryu in more pearl? Clearly Dakota was bigger, stronger and more experienced, and if such was the will of the ebon knight he could easily and probably effortlessly put Ryu in his place on the social tree of pack life. At this point though, the beige Deorian didn’t factor in that possibility, nor did he care about it in the slightest. More important matters were in danger, such as the loss of Chayton’s memories to the winds of Dakota’s spirit and the safety of his mother from a wolf, to which Ryu held no knowledge to, except a name and a title. A few paw steps separated the two wolves; their futures lay undetermined and left at the mercy of flaring tempers and dire concerns. A noble knight and hot headed defender, emerald hues to stare down golden pools, only the bold make their living in Deor.

[Dakota Spirit]

Deor's proud Beta male stood stock still as the golden eyed wolf returned his look of defiance. His dark face tipped down at the younger male, glowering at him with blazing green eyes of his own. The corners of his mouth twitched sporadically as adrenalin coursed through his body, fueling the fire that was already burning in his heard, unstoppable and out of control. Every muscle in his body seemed to tense, inky black claws digging into the soft soil as if they were searching to regain their grip on the situation. Silently he listened, took in each word as it was thrown at him, issued with such obvious distaste. Such obvious hatred. The male could remember ever feeling like this before, feeling quite this angry. His temper was easy to touch on and easy to spark into action, but it had never been like this. But then, he'd also never had someone show such disrespect...least of all someone from his own pack. Someone he had set out to befriend or at understand at the very least. This was not the way things were meant to go and yet, there seemed no going back now. No way to take back what had already been said.

Dakota's head turned slightly, as if the youth's word's had physically thrashed him. It was not a sign of weakness for his eyes remained locked on the beige wolf, but rather the only hint present that there was something beneath the anger pounding in his head. A deeper emotion, resonating from his heart and not from his pride. Enough!, his voice called quietly within him. Each word was like a knife from Ryu, plunging deep into his very soul. After all, it was undeniable that the kid had a few valid points. Dak could have made more of an effort to seek out the Drappa's children, to make his presence know to them. He could have done many things differently. Besides, it wasn't as if the concept of 'lose' was unknown to him. Dak knew what it was like to lose a father, to lose a whole family...he knew what that was like better then most. Still, Ryu had made faults of his own. Had he made any effort to understand Dakota, to get to know him before the accusations began? No. As a matter of fact, the young defender had been so quick to judge that he hadn't even heard one word from the Beta's mouth before a challenge was in place. Inner turmoil or not, Dakota expected, demanded respect from his peers. He would not stand by and have his character torn apart by anyone, least of all a foolish cub apt to jumping the gun. "That's ENOUGH!" This time it wasn't an inner voice that spoke the words, but the male's own gruff vocals resonating deep from within him. The two voices mingled together for a moment before both echoing out to nonexistence and again Dak found himself staring into Ryu's face, trembling with quite anger.

"I will tell you this once, Ryu...and only once." Dakota had tilted back away from the young mann, almost as if in an attempt to separate himself as best he could. To increase the distance between them, deny himself the option...the choice of striking out at his aggressor with one powerful foreleg. His voice was quite, just above a whisper but it's tone was perhaps worse then an out an out yell would be. For this voice was so flat and unreadable that it no longer made the male's intents clear. "You are allowed to speak to me the way you do because you are the Drappa's son. Because you are important to her and because quite frankly...I care more about my relationship with her then I do about any such relations with you. I will not compromise that closeness by continuing to engage in this petty spat...by giving you what you so richly deserve. The male paused, pulling himself up to his feet and his true hight. "But understand this...", Dak continued in the same ominous calm. "You do not know me because you and you alone made that choice. You came to me with emotions flared, ready for a fight regardless of my own intent. Do not for a second begin to lay that blame on me. Perhaps if you had stopped and considered, if you had used your head...you would have heeded my first warning about those uncaged emotions. You would have gotten the explanation yourdesired and you would have had your worries laid to rest. But it's too late for that now...isn't it?

A great sigh racked Dakota's body as he finally prepared to leave. He had half turned away when his bright eyes were again searching for Ryu's gaze. "You know...", he whispered quietly in parting. "I really do care for your mother. Perhaps when you are older you will understand as a Defender, what an insult you have given me with your speaking of betrayal. You will understand that without one's honor they are empty. You will understand your mistake. Turning fully away from Ryu now, Dakota began to make his exit. As he moved away a change seemed to overcome his proud form as the effects of their confrontation began to show. The male's shoulders slumped visibly as if another weight had been added to he invisible load he bore. His head hung lower, ears laid back in tired shame. No one was the winner here and Dak knew that in time, he would come to regret every word he'd spoken to Deor's eldest prince.

[Ryu]

The breaking point had at last been reached, as emotions flared between two Deorian wolves like a caldron reaching the critical point. However, such emotions were displayed differently, as if ying and yang were ever present between these two members of Deor. On one side, you had a hot headed youth who all though meant well from his claims, would nonetheless leap before looking and allow his emotions to flare and tempers to rage. On the other side stood one with more experience, more of a calmer self image that although was bent on this night, had not broken. Rather, Dakota did all he could from lashing out at the younger male who would no doubt be taken down and dominated with a swift strike of the Beta’s muscled forearm. The two Deorians had now begun to go down a path that could not be back peddled. What was said was said and now the consequences of those lyrics would have to be taken upon by both varg in question. To Ryu, it looked as if his words had hit some kind of proverbial soft spot within this mountain that stood before him. But as he soon quickly learned, such mountains were not without their treacherous rock slides and avalanches.

With two words the ebon Beta had silenced the prince of Deor, causing him to jump from surprise of the sudden display of animosity on the Beta’s part. Was a fight on the horizon now? Certainly most if not all would justify any acts of hostility as being justly deserved and Ryu now stood at the ready. Body tensed and lined in the position to take on the ebon Beta out of fear more than anything else, Ryu was more than half expecting Dakota to strike. The beige male stood poise to defend himself as best he could from what would no doubt be a quick and decisive onslaught. The yearling knew outright that he stood a snowballs chance in hell of doing anything to the noble black knight that could be considered remotely threatening. Dakota was simply bigger, more experienced and more imposing in size and strength. But the forearm never came nor did ivory incisors threaten to rip flesh from bone. Rather, Dakota retaliated with dialect fueled with an inner temper that had been sparked by this defying Deorian. Much as Ryu’s words had dented the armor of the noble black knight, so too did Dak’s words tarnish the robes of the Deorian prince. Whether the two wolves knew it or not, both had been at fault on this night, and would carry with them the results of the evening with a heavy heart and a bruised spirit.

Dakota’s words had ripped apart the pride and argument that Ryu lay his foundation with. As an evident result such a fact was displayed on his golden orbs as he turned his gaze away from the beta and growled. However, Dakota had in turn spoken out of line, and as the ebon male spoke his final thoughts aloud and turned to depart, Ryu moved his gaze back on Dakota and spoke in a voice that may or may not have been audible to the Beta. “How can you claim to care about my mother, and yet also claim not to care about her young? I may not know much about love, but I do know an oxymoron and a hypocrite when I hear one.” Whether Dakota had heard the young defender or not made no difference to the young Deorian, for he had been speaking more to himself then to Dakota. There could be no denying to the yearling the truth behind Dakota’s words, Ryu had indeed been hot tempered and rash all in one motion towards the ebon black knight. But being stubborn and prideful as he was, the beige male couldn’t see past his true intentions which stand to be the foundation of his being. He wanted to protect whatever family hadn’t been taken away from him, and be it Ryu’s fault or not, he knew little to nothing about the mann varg courting his mother. Tor’s moon had rose to begin her reign, so to would this night finish on a bad note between Knight and Prince.

//THREAD CLOSED//