Reliving the Past [Kai]

[Dakota Spirit]

The male's sharp green eyes glittered from within the thick underbrush. His body was tense, thick muscles bunching over each limb, ready to propel his heavy body forward. His white teeth were exposed, dripping thin lines of saliva in anticipation and hunger. Suddenly, he sprung into action. Bursting from the concealing foliage, the mann leaped full force into the clearing. The small herd of deer scattered before him, their eyes rolling in sudden terror. Yet the outcome was inevitable and it wasn't long before the wolf had taken his sought after target and separated it from the herd. The small fawn bleated for it's mouth, but in the confusion of the moment all was lost. Within seconds the male had flung himself forward, slamming into the young herla and sending them both tumbling along the dusty earth. When they had at last stopped spinning, the male looked around him taking in the retreating forms of the deer herd and the small lifeless one that now lay sprawled at his feet.

Standing, the male shook himself off before bending to grasp his catch firmly within his jaws. Taking the fawn by it's neck, the wolf dragged its body slowly back to his place in the shade. Then, pausing only momentarily to be sure of privacy, the wolf belt his head low and began to enjoy the meal. Pealing strips of meat away from the bone, he slowly disposed of the fawn, leaving only scraps behind for the scavengers. When done, the male stretched out upon his side, savoring the rare joy of a full stomach. An equally rare smile curved across his bloody maw as he lulled quietly in the cool shade of the trees and forest brush. It lasted only a moment though, for the male had places to be. He could not afford to sit around simply because it felt good.

Pulling to his feet, the dark wolf ventured away from his rest spot and deeper into the woods. Licking the last traces of blood from his lips, the male lifted his head high into the air. With his thick tail swaying softly behind him, the wolf melded deeper and deeper into the shadows until the only trace of his presence was the small pile of bones waiting for the vultures to come pick clean.

[Kai]

((This thread is to take place after Kai's thread in GeRad- "Unexpected Guest"))

With Fenris already peeking up from the horizon, there was no time to lose. Koran's meadow in full bloom barely concealed the lithe yet muscular form of the ebony wolf, his pointed ears standing tall and alert atop his crown. He had risen at the break of dawn, intent on accomplishing more this particular morning than his usual daily surveillance of the territory. Already the sky was beginning to lighten, for with summer the light came earlier than the heat. It was for this reason that the Beta of Koran had chosen to set out early; he would race against Fenris's wrath until he found refuge in the lands of Deor. It was a short walk to the neighboring pack once one passed over the Koran border, though it didn't take long for lera to go mad with the heat, especially those with dark pelts.

Leaving the meadow behind him, Kai found himself in the mess of trees that act as a barrier to the sides of the packland. Upon passing through the trees he took the time to stop at a few of the various creeks and streams that were randomly dispersed throughout the territory. The cool water soothed his throat; there would be no excuse for a gruff tone upon entering the lands of Deor. Although he had been there but once, to escort a fair lady by the name of Cairo to the borders, he had been young then, and had had no business there. Now though, having just come from the land of GeRad, he acted as an ambassador for his humble valley pack. It was necessary to check up on alliances from time to time, and since he had an inclination towards wandering anyway, he figured it was time to put the habit to good use.

Taking a moment to run potential speeches through his head, he craned his neck to savor another drink from a rushing creek bed. He paused for a moment, eyes widening at a metallic scent on the air. Some unfortunate Lera had met their end not far off, and though the smell of blood traveled quickly, he could tell from the potency that the animal had been taken nearby. The intoxicating scent that sent all wolves into a frenzy reminded him of his forgotten breakfast; he had been to dead-set on reaching the land of Deor in time that the though of a meal had slipped his mind. Leaving the creek behind, he stalked cautiously through the trees, unsure if whoever had recently feasted might be on the prowl again. His stance was not submissive, for his tail was curled in dominance over his lower back. A few paces from the stream the stranger had left their mark; the wasted carcass of a Herla fawn was strewn about, crows were eyeing the remains greedily from up above, ruffling their feathers and waiting for the ebon male to pass. Paying them no mind he padded on. He had ventured close to the borders of Deor, and wondered if the nearby hunter might be a resident of said pack. Quickening his pace, he soon became aware of a flitting shadow at his side. Peering through the trees he saw a mirror of himself walking alongside him a few paces off, his presence most likely concealed from the reflection by the thick trees. His brow furrowed in contemplation as he wondered to best make his presence known. Not wanting to startle the stranger or appear threatening, he called out in a calm tone. "Excuse me, you there, noble warrior," the title he bestowed on the mann was merely a guess, for his frame was muscular as a good defender's would be, "Are you by chance a member of Deor?" It was only after uttering the words that he realized how ridiculous he sounded. "I hail from Koran and am looking to speak to the Alphas there." He had stopped walking at this point, his stance statuesque in its stillness as he waited anxiously a response from the familiar shadow.

[Dakota Spirit]

[Similarly, I'm gonna say this occurs after both the "Time Alone' and 'Let Tomorrow Wait' threads.]

Crisp leaves crunched beneath his feet as the male continued forward. His emerald eyes flicked from side to side in careful surveillance, mindful of the threats that lurked in these unclaimed lands. So it was that he soon became aware of the stranger beside him. Traveling but a few feet away from his path another wolf had appeared, black in color he too had blended well into the tree's shadows. Watching the wolf from the corner of his eyes, Dak noticed that they shared characteristics beyond their matching pelts. Similar in size and structure as well, the mann felt an eerie sense about him. It was almost as if he was watching his own shadow, as if the thing had suddenly come alive to stand beside him. Such paranormal thoughts set the dark wolf's mind on edge and unconsciously he found himself crouching for the attack. His muscles bunched tightly beneath his midnight skin as collected his power and energy with his ears twitching alertly, waiting for a sign from the stranger. Something that suggested he was trying to make the first move. That sign never came though, rather the wolf's voice soon rang out. Calm and collected it held nothing in the way of hostility. Rolling his eyes at his own stupidity, the mann rose from his defensive posture. With memories of his Drappa's recent fight and suspicions that the evil souls were once again roaming these lands, it seemed the male had been pushed even further in his fanatical protectiveness - even to the point of superstition. None the less, the 'danger' of this moment had now passed.

"Well met.", the mann rumbled, finally addressing the stranger. His voice was deep and warm, not at all betraying the thoughts he had held in his head only moments before. "I am a Deorian...the Beta male in fact." Catching the stranger's amber eyes with his own bright orbs, the male offered a small smile. He thought perhaps he could grow to like this wolf, this shadow of himself. After all, the stranger had been nothing but polite, speaking in a manner that he often found lacking in others. As a a matter of fact, the stranger had even been correct in his assumption of title. He even reminded the black beta of a lost friend. Though they had been so young then and surely this wolf and his acquaintance were not one in the same, it was nice to see him. To see something that for once, sparked memories of happiness in his mind.

"My name is Dakota.", he said. "Dakota Spirit, by title...but Dakota will do. I can take you to my Alphas...though I would feel better knowing your purpose in our lands. There are dark things happening as of late, I cannot allow you to proceed unquestioned." Watching the newcomer carefully, Dak slowly reclined back his haunches. Koran and Deor were allied pack's after all. Silently he wagered these questions would prove to be more of a formality then anything else.

[Kai]

The still-cool breeze flitted through the trees, rustling the two males' coats in an identical fashion. They truly were the spitting images of one another, and Kai had to blink a few times, his own voice to the specter still sounding in his ears, to be sure that it wasn't merely an apparition. Had the day already grown so hot that he was forced to hallucinate? While the suns rays were beginning to peek through the tree branches that hung overhead, he had risen early enough that the temperature was still relatively cool and comfortable. It wouldn't be long though, before the scorching heat of Fenris' all-seeing eye beat down upon the land, causing he, and other dark-pelted creatures alike, to retreat into the shadier regions of the forest. For this reason he prayed for a timely response from this humble guard, and an efficient and effective meeting with the Alphas of Deor.

After what seemed like an eternity, the shadow spoke, his vocals were deep and filled with pride, much as Kai's were while he was out on business. Had he been in the midst of a more personal conversation, or making the acquaintance of a stranger unassociated with his pack duties, his voice might hold more uncertainty within its chords. Despite his status of Beta he had not completely abolished his shy nature that had plagued him since he was a pup. He still found himself at a loss for words from time to time, and even became flustered under the right circumstances. Thankfully the male's response had been kind and to the point. His words held no hostility (and why should they? they were allies, after all), and his prompt introduction ceased Kai's wondering as to who this male could be. Ironically, his mirror image shared the very same title of Beta. "Fancy the Beta of Koran stumbling upon Deor's own Beta," he said with a devilish grin as he dipped his head in respect.

What the ebon male spoke next, Kai could have not prepared himself for had he been given the rest of the day. Amber eyes shot wide with bewilderment at his fellow Beta's introduction. No doubt his face was the very portrait of surprise. Taken aback, he allowed himself a moment to give the male a look over, searching for any sign that the words he spoke were true. On the male's left foreleg he wore a jagged, silver scar, as though he had been gripped by unnatural, unyielding fangs. His mind shot back to a distant memory, lost in his recent bout of duty, he had nearly forgotten the company he used to keep. He remembered romping through pup hood with a dear friend. Koty, who had been the spitting image of Kai, had met misfortune int he form of hunter's well-placed trap. Stricken with blissful ignorance he had fallen victim to the iron jaws, and had had to sacrifice the skin from his leg in order to get it out.

Letting his gaze wander from the male's old scar, his amber orbs came to rest on emerald counterparts. The bright green pools were no less vivid than they had been some moons ago. "Koty?" he questioned, his head cocked slightly to the side as though trying to see the male in a different, long-forgotten perspective. His voice came out a choked whisper, disbelief still evident in his raspy vocals despite what his heart told him to be true. "Dakota?" he spoke again, using the male's full name in place of the nickname from pup hood in attempt to restore some sense of formality. "It's me, Kai... Do you remember?" All guards had been dropped as Kai succumbed to a state of wonder, which soon became self doubt. What if this, his old friend, had forgotten? If indeed this was the same Dakota, (and how could it be any other?), it had been countless months since the two friends had seen each other. They had once been close enough to be considered kin, brothers under the sun. Breaking for just a moment from his spell, Kai tried his best to focus on the questions that the male had addressed him with. "My purpose?" he asked, as though he had forgotten his original intent in the midst of encountering a tie to the past. "I, I have come from Koran to... to check up on the alliance our packs share. Dakota, what are you doing here? How did you end up in Deor?" He had found it impossible to maintain his usual air of distant professionalism, and soon found himself sputtering out all sorts of questions to the now-seated mann. Falling back onto his own haunches he puzzled over the situation, and hoped that the male's reply might offer some solace.

[Dakota Spirit]

Savoring what little breeze there was, Dak lifted his chin slightly and allowed the cool air to flow across his throat, pumped hot with blood. Deor seemed to be growing warmer as of late, baking beneath the golden sun. The ground beneath his feet near boiled in complaint, heating from both his core and from the sky above until each rock felt as if it had reached untold temperatures. Flexing his toes on the warm earth and blinking against the haze, Dak tried to concentrate on what the stranger was saying. "Yes.", he said in response to the male's first words. "Fancy that." Chuckling politely, him mind turned back to the relentless heat. Word had spread recently though out the pack that Deor's dragga was away on business. Seeking out water sources and the like, enough that they might sustain the pack's members should their reserves run dry. Should the river beds that ran intricately though the land come to cough up only dust and mud. Truth be told, the dark beta wasn't even sure if Chalos was present now. It was likely this ambassador would only only have the pleasure of meeting the land's drappa rather then the two together.

Yet Dak's mind was soon forced to focus sharply on the shadow before him. It was the stranger's name, ringing like a bell in his alert ears. Kai...", the male thought. "...But it's been so long." His old friend were no doubt one same though, for the Koran Beta wore a mask of surprise to match his own. Clearly his name too, had hit hard in the wolf's ears. Almost on instinct, he tilted his head slightly, studying the black wolf. Bright amber eyes jumped out from his face, contrasting against the darkness of his pelt. His features were older, stronger, perhaps even worn to a further degree. As if in growing up the male had been forced to take on the heavy weight of responsibility and leadership...but then it seemed they had. "Kai...", he finally said. "I can't believe it's you." His voice was soft spoken, such a contrast to his normal vocals as he became caught up in the memories.

The Beta male, his mirror image, they had been fast friends in youth. Perhaps his first friend, Dak had latched onto the companionship that Kai had had to offer. They had explored quite together before separating for a reasons Dak couldn't even remember. He had missed his old friend and having him show up now in the aftermath of so much heartache seemed to be one prayer that received answer. Grinning at his old nickname, Dakota stepped closer to Kai before returning to his reclining position. "It's a long story.", he said regarding Kai's questions. "A long story. Though believe it or not, this is my second time trying out pack life. During the first venture structured life and I just didn't mesh. This time around it seems to be just what I need." It wasn't that Dak didn't trust his friend with tales of the past, but rather it seemed a shame to sully their meeting with such sad stories. At least not now, when everything was so new again. Perhaps when things had progressed some he would tell the neighboring Beta his reasons for taking up refuge in Deor's lands. Perhaps once he'd met Mist...

I can't believe you're here.", he repeated. "Though I guess I shouldn't be so surprised. You were always destined for great things, I think. Even as cubs you were a leader...keeping my antics in line. Though the male had mentioned his reasons for traveling so far, Dak did see fit to discuss them now. Instead he wanted only to catch up with his old friend, to relearn the details of his life. Such formalities as alliances and pack discussions could wait, at least for the time being. "What of you?", Dakota asked. "Now I know why your here, but not how you ended up in Koran. When we parted ways I never suspected that you were heading for pack lands. How is it you came to find home there?" For a moment, the lopsided grin Dak had worn in youth passed over his lips. "It's good to see you again, Kai.", he said. "It's good to see you well."

[Hope this gives you enough to work with, Kai! Let me know..]

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[Kai]

What he had suspected to be merely a trick of the heat had turned out to be the truth. The male before him wore an identical mask of surprise, his brows creased in confusion as he mused over what were most likely the same thoughts and questions rushing through Kai's mind. While he waited for Dakota to say something, anything that reflected that he not only remembered Kai, but remembered him fondly, his mind began to fill with doubt, flooding over his happy memories and hopes for the future. If this male, his old friend, showed no sign of remembrance, what would it prove? Perhaps only that Kai was prone to holding on to things for much longer, and taking them to mean more than he should. Perhaps his pup hood friend had really been more of an acquaintance, a play mate and nothing more. He grew more and more discouraged, though his face still wore that stupid, hopeful grin; it did not let on to his morose suspicions.

As he had hoped but not necessarily expected, his doubts were dashed when he saw the trademark grin inch across his old friend's maw. Hearing his own name spoken aloud by the ebon male renewed his hope, and as Dakota moved a step closer, closing the formal gap between them, he found the old feelings of familiarity and closeness replacing, to his relief, those of cold and distant protocol. Rising to his paws, he took a step forward, and then another, his head lowered like a curious cub stalking a small lera, eyes alight with wonder. Slowly he circled the male, his amber eyes roving and observing the familiar, strong form as though searching for some fault or flaw that would dismiss the whole thing as a dream. Returning to stand before his friend, having found no such defect, his maw stretched into a smile. "It really is you," he spoke happily, his voice lower than a natural tone as though he was musing more to himself than relating the information to Dakota. "You've really grown up, Koty. And Beta, wow. Deor sure is lucky to have you fighting for them." Settling down before his friend, he resumed his seated position.

He couldn't help himself and let out a short chuckle at Dakota's comment. "Oh, I believe it," he said with a wink, flashing a toothy smile. "You always were the rowdy one, in all honesty I'm surprised that you've finally settled down and are content with staying put for once." His eyes shone with a sort of admiration, his friend had really come of age and he was somehow proud of him. He had found the way to happiness, so it seemed, and now had a family. "Very surprised indeed..." he repeated, "But very happy for you none the less."

All business related affairs had dropped off the face of the earth in the midst of this unexpected reunion. Kai found himself too excited to worry, even in the furthest reaches of his mind, about reaching Deor before noon. He felt as though he could sit and reminisce with Dakota forever, catching up on new happenings and retelling old stories. "Well I am here, so get used to it," he said impishly in reply to Dakota's persistent disbelief, his attitude flaring with a bit of its old spark. As he had anticipated, the same questions he had asked were soon posed to him. "Shortly after we parted ways I had the fortune of meeting a wise and benevolent Varg, Zhentee, the original Dragga of GeRad. He kindly took me under his wing and taught me the things that tragedy rendered my parents unable to." His eyes shone with admirable recollection for the late Zhentee. "He took me to Koran, his home at the time, and introduced me to the Drappa, Tarkah. I found a home in Koran, just as he said I would. The rest, as they say, is history."

Content with his recap of the discovery of his pack, he found himself once more curious about the happenings in Dakota's life. "Your high status in Deor is of no surprise to me, either. If anyone was the leader in puphood, it was you. Leading us off on daring adventures, challenging the unknown. Even then you were bold." Dakota had definitely matured into a fine warrior, surely much of the time he had been away had been spent honing his skills. "It's good to see you too, old friend. You have much of your old spark, yet." His tail brushed from side to side on the ground, wagging contentedly. "Luckily, or perhaps unfortunately for you, I have an affinity for long stories," he said, not caring to hide his amusement. "How was it that you found Deor the first time, and what was it that finally made you stay?" Though his tone could be mistaken for needless prying, he hoped Dakota realized he was among friends, an old friend at that, and Kai was only curious as to what experiences had occupied Dakota's time.

[Dakota Spirit]

Twisting his neck to watch as Kai began to circle slowly, Dak felt a smile creep gently across his face. "Am I up to standard?", he asked jokingly. "My body's a bit more beat up now...but I like to think I can still hold my own." His dark eyes were alight with peaceful happiness and reassurance, his normally stern features were relaxed, creased in laughter, and his voice was light, dropping it's normally formal air. "Yes.", he said to his friend. "It really is me...though truly I am the lucky one here. I benefit from this life perhaps more then the pack will ever benefit from me." The male's head nodded slightly, confirming his words as best he could. After all, Dakota had been so far gone when he'd returned that he hadn't haven't been sure he'd survive to live out the recent promises he'd made. Not only that, but he'd long since given up his belief in the god, his interest in them, and his overall desire and joy at hearing of their tales. Such an act had left him in an emotional rut to match that current plaguing his body. With nothing to believe in, nothing in which to give his faith, the male was lost. For the new strength he'd been given, Dak was more then grateful. He knew it was something he'd spend his life trying to repay those responsible for.

Watching his friend as he spoke, Dak took in Kai's story with a patient ear, eager to hear what had become of the wolf after they parted ways. It seemed strange to him, that this lost connection, his near mirror image, had lived the life he had often longed for in the past. Dak remembered the long nights alone, wishing someone older and wiser would come along. Someone who could apprentice him to greatness, someone to take the place of his lost family and offer the security he had never experienced. The dark wolf was still very proud, with his head high and tail across his back...but all this pride had been cultivated on his own, a product of his own mind. He had missed the stage in his life, the process as he grew, of making another proud of him too. For a moment, Dak felt his grin falter slightly as a touch of envy spiked his thoughts. It was small and almost momentary, soon to be replaced by happiness for his friend and the life he had created...but the envy had been there, for however brief a second. Recovering himself, Dak's smile broadened until the tips of his white fangs were visible. "That's great Kai.", he said really meaning it. "I'm glad you were able to find your way...especially in a manner of such success."

Tossing his head back in laughter, the male brushed of his companion's compliments as if they were undeserved. "Nah...", he said. "I may have led the assult...but you're really the one that kept us grounded. Just think of the mess I would have eventually led right into if you hadn't been there to intervene." And though he had been expecting the next question, at least somewhere deep in his heart, Dak had been hopeful that they could gloss over his past. He still thought it such a shame to possibly bring down the mood of their overall encounter, but Kai wanted to know and still remained a trusted friend. Taking a deep breath, Dak lowered his smile into his trademark half grin and began to speak. "It's really a bit of a sordid tale.", he said softly. "See, I met another wolf soon after the two of us split partnership. For all intensive purposes we were close to opposites. He was not as sociable, quieter, a bit hostile at first...but in the end we struck up a bond." He paused for a moment, remember those first few encounters with the grey wolf. "It was like that for awhile.", he continued slowly. "Our friendship grew before we too came to a fork in the road, each taking a different path. I thought we left on good terms....but something happened." Dak's voice had grown distant and low. His eyes were watching Kai, but at the same time seemed far away as he once again detailed the circumstances surrounding his current situation.

"I think it must have been a least a year before we met again, he and I. It was on a field not to far from here and for all intensive purposes, not all that different from our first moments today. He had changed so much though...he was so different. I didn't even realize I was looking into the face of my old friend until he pulled out details of my family. The wolf had gone cold.", Dak said, his words ringing with cold finality. "His heart was gone, and before long we were well within the tangles of battle. No one walked away unscared...though I did learn of his current place of habitants. In Sarnes.", he said. "He now rests in the swamps." Pausing again, Dakota shifted slightly on his haunches. His green eyes flashed in deep regret, full of the responsibility he took for their encounter. "The thing of it is, I think I probably could have saved him. He must have joined Sarnes right around the time I was venturing into Deor for the first time - which shamefully was done so on the tail of a young female I'd grown close to. I think though, had I not been doing that, I could have been doing something much more important...that is keeping my friend away from the ties of those swamp snakes." Story done for the most part, Dak's mouth clamped shut as he took another full breath of air. There was only one last bit to tell.

"Before we left the battle scene, I thought a saw an old spark in my friend's eye. Something that suggested he could still be revived, returned to his former self. It was because of this that I promised him then I would come for him. That when the time was right I would come and take him from the swamp lands. It was shortly after this that Deor's drappa found me in my misery. Her shoulder was free to lean on and I soon found myself spilling out the entire story. She then offered me a returning journey to the pack...for she'd remembered me from my first stay. In that time I have come to rely on her for many things and that is why I stay. This life is perhaps what will bring me the strength to find my friend agian." The words were done, drained from his body like an emotional cleansing. Dak raised his head slightly, meeting the dark eyes of his friend with a steady gaze. "That is in past though...", he said quietly, attempting to regain the nonchalant attitude of before. "In time the pain will be nothing by a memory."

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[Kai]

He offered a short chuckle to Dakota's joking tone. "I'd say you're up to standard," he said, a smile playing on his lips as light danced in his bright eyes, "It's reassuring to know that pack life has at least kept you busy so you don't succumb to laziness and lethargy." It felt good to laugh again, and for the first time in a long time, he had let his guard drop, wiped the veneer of protocol clean from his face and mannerisms so that he might, for once, rejoice in his carefree ways of old, at least for a little while. "Oh, you don't look too worse for wear," he teased, feeling his old playfulness coming back to him as he heckled his friend. The banter was all in good fun, and he knew that Dakota would not mind, for Kai could see the same harmless mischief flickering in his emerald eyes.

As Dakota spoke of the second chance and renewed life Deor had offered him, his words were painted with sincere gratitude. Kai, too, owed much of what he had become to Koran and the security he had found there. It made him wonder though, of the contributions he had offered as a member of the pack, as Beta, and more importantly, what he would offer in the future. As was inevitable for the ebon male, his heart and mind sank as one into the old doldrums of self-doubt and worry. What had he offered thusfar to secure his place and prove his worth to the place he called home and the wolves he called family? In truth he had taken little initiative to even get to know each member of Koran; more often than not his presence was absent from the valley and meadow alike. Turning his attention back to the emerald orbs of his companion, the smile had vanished from his maw as well, and for a moment, the two shared in a silent reverie of unspoken concerns. Time ebbed the dark thoughts away and within a moment, they had passed completely, leaving the two brothers smiling once more.

A chuckle spilled forth from his maw to rival Dakota's own bubbling laughter. "Maybe so," he grinned in accord with Dakota's comment, "But without your reckless guidance, I would have lead a sheltered life, more vole-like than Varg." It was true that he owed much of his adventurous side to Dakota's daredevil antics, though some credit was also to be given to the wandering habits bestowed on him from the late Zhentee. Combined, these adopted traits made his absences from Koran more frequent than perhaps would be expected from an admirable Beta. Nonetheless, his gallivanting was one of the few things that had come to define him, and unfortunately could have very well been the one thing he was known for best, in place of more noble trait such as bravery or integrity.

Wrapping his tail around his paws, he made himself comfortable as Dakota set into his story. It was not surprising to him that his friend had stumbled upon another wolf and had learned to call him 'friend'. What was surprising was the demeanor of the other wolf, for Dakota had painted a picture of a hermit, a social outcast, though perhaps he should not have been so stunned that it was Dakota who had been able to reach out to such an individual. Dakota's countenance had faded in less time than it had taken for the two of them to regain their smiles. The same emerald pools that had shone so vibrantly now stared vacantly past Kai's muscular form, and into the trees behind him. This new friend he had acquired, whoever he was, was causing Dakota great strife. Though he had seemed healthy and happy enough at the start of their encounter, the initial charm of their rekindled friendship was no longer enough to mask the sorrow that the Ebon Knight had been concealing.

It pained him to hear the weakness in his friend's voice, the almost desperate ache for something that was no longer there. Knowing of no other way to help, Kai simply sat and offered his full attention to the mann, allowing him to pour out the contents of his heart that perhaps no other being had had the fortune of hearing. "Dakota," he said softly, when the time was right, "You cannot continue to torment yourself with guilt for this misguided soul. We each have our own path in life to pave and follow- you cannot punish yourself for doing something which we all must. As grim as this may sound, not all friendships are meant to last forever. Sometimes, well, sometimes I believe, it is possible for each party to walk away from a friendship with something that they would otherwise never have found. Perhaps such has been the case with you and your friend." The explanation sounded right enough to his own ears, though after mulling over the tail of Dakota's explanation, he was forced to rethink his philosophy on the situation.

"Of course..." he began again, doing his best to consider things from his friend's perspective, "Sometimes things fall to pieces and the hope of restoration rests on the shoulders of all who are involved." He moved to peer into his friend's jaded orbs, no longer giving him the option of looking past his problems. "The strongest warrior could not hope to rebuild such a thing by himself." From the way Dakota had been talking, Kai suspected this was the case. His misguided friend, having fled to the swamps, seemed to want no part in the ebon mann's desire to start anew. "Sarnes, you say?" His voice held a tone of disbelief, for he could not imagine how one could view such a cesspool as a place of refuge. "He is troubled indeed, though not necessarily lost forever. You were young, Dakota," he offered a reassuring smile, "You had other things to think about than constantly looking after this friend. Self-reliance is something that we, as Putnar, must all learn for ourselves. That is where your friend has failed himself."

Despite Dakota's harbored turmoil, it appeared that he had finally found someone to confide in. A part of Kai wished that he could have been by Dakota's side sooner, relinquishing his ideas of guilt and shame earlier on rather than so far after the fact. He supposed that he should listen to his own advice, and accept that he had been busy too, with his own life, though he still thanked the gods that he could be by his friend's side today. "She sounds like a fair Drappa indeed, to have consoled you so. You are lucky to have such a dedicated family- I would love to meet them sometime." After speaking of his Drappa, Dakota seemed to have found renewed strength, though it also appeared to Kai that he was trying too hard to re-mask the disagreeable feelings that had finally breached the surface. "Memories, yes" Kai agreed, "But are they memories you wish to keep? I am not saying that your friend is beyond saving, I believe that you may still stand a good chance if you are as passionate as you seem, though I would hate to see you embarking on a fruitless venture."

[Dakota Spirit]

Kai's careful attention to Dak's story was uplifting for the male. He no longer lived the life as a kerl, flitting from place to place with no one to talk to. Yet he'd missed this friendship, the comradery that resulted from years of growth and memory with the same person. It is this bond that Dak had originally hoped to rekindle within Dane, that he still hoped possible. But as they stood there, face to face, Dak felt the wounds of his past close slightly. The throbbing in his heart stilled for a moment, offering the briefest measure of mercy. Tittling his head slightly, Dak's emerald eyes narrowed at the new feeling. For the first time he considered the possibility of being misguided in his quest. The possibility that his passion stemmed from a life of feeling left behind, down and out, and not fully from his desire to save Dane. If perhaps by chance, Dane had become the unwitting supporter of all Dak's lost dreams. A sigh shook his body as the feeling passed and he was once again treading on the thin path of redemption and damnation. For whatever reasons, the male's life was tied up in the future of Dane's. The grip of such a force would not be easy to break, and Dak knew that in the end, despite any new realizations he had, he would be making the trip to Sarnes all the same.

His broad head nodded slightly at Kai's words, taking the advice the best he could. "It seems you understand my situation...", he said slowly in a voice that was regaining it's previous passion. "And for that I am thankful. I've learned in my recent years, that everyone is not as understanding as I may hope them to be. It is because of that, that moments like this become truly rare. Thank you, Kai. Inclining his head slightly before the dark wolf, Dakota gave respect and possibly conveyed what his words could not. It had been long since he'd had a peaceful meeting with one of his old friends, something he had desperately craved. Like so many others in the past, it was possible Kai would never quite know the depths to which Dak's appreciation extended. At his continued words, the male lifted his green eye to meet the amber gaze of his companion. Wise words spilled from his mouth, proving just how much childhood partner had grown. "You are right.", Dakota answered. "In many respects you are right. Though when one side chooses not to bear the weight of his burden, it is the strong that must stand up...for there is no one else who can. The weak would be lost without the strong there to guide them. For that, it seems not my choice to make...deciding whether or not a venture is worth my time. Rather perhaps the fates, though forsaken they may be, made the choice when our paths first crossed. I cannot help but feel responsible." The thought was troubling to him, the idea that he could not control his emotions in these situations and yet Dakota knew it to be true. In the face of danger and resistance, the male had never been able to turn away. This, perhaps more then anything, had spelled out the downfall for his spirit and confidence. As would have been predicted by any bystander, it hadn't taken him long to get wrapped up in situations that simply could not be salvaged. The realization, when accepted on occasion, weighed heavily on his mind. This like the previous thoughts though, was forever labeled as something that could not be helped. Dak was destined for it, for bringing hope to the hopeless...even when he knew the situation to be beyond his control. "No.", the male blurted as Kai finished. "I would not keep these memories I have. They do me no good, for I have not learned my lesson from the past. Though perhaps that is the lesson in itself. We all must bear the deeds that we do...and I will carry these memories for as long as they are mine."

Lifting his head higher, the male offered a smile to his old friend. Do not worry of me, though.", he said. His voice was at last back to it's normal tones, resonating deeply from his throat. "As you said, I am lucky for what I've got. Regardless of what trials may present themselves to me in the future...I am no longer as supportless as I once might have thought. You are part of that, you know." As was his custom, Dakota winked one orb quickly and flashed his lopsided smile before stepping to his feet. "Come!", he called heartily. "Allow me to show the land that has become my home."

[Kai]

To Dakota's words, Kai offered a small grin. Both sad and kind, he felt a sort of sympathy crawling into his conscience for his old friend. Dakota had not changed, he was still the same bold soul he had always been. Perhaps Kai's sudden realization of these traits came from the tenacity with which his friend spoke. The force of his words left little room for a counter-argument, for Kai could tell that the passion for the matter at hand ran deep within his friend's being. It was not that Kai didn't understand the willingness to help others, for he himself would all-too-often cast himself aside in order to tend to the needs of others. However, it was easier to see the faults of such a lifestyle when observing them in someone else.

"You have no need to thank me, Dakota. I know you would do the same for me, my brother." He offered the dark male a customary wink; a sort of tradition that had followed the two since puphood. "We all have our own crosses to bear; those that you may find undependable may not be so out of choice. It takes a pure heart and an unclouded mind to be truly understanding; many of us, unfortunately, are without either." His statement proved true for himself as well. It seemed his heart was always heavy, the strings suspending his soul always sagging from the weight. His mind was anything but clear, for his disorganized, worried thoughts constantly muddled his head. Still, he mustered the energy to be as patient and as understanding with his friend as he always had been. They had, after all, gone ages without speaking or even seeing each other. Such a separation, though not stemming from hostility, merited courtesy and consideration none the less. Kai was almost relieved to be playing such a consoling role again, for focusing on the problems of his old friend gave him a much needed moment's rest from his own troubles.

Dakota seemed truly thankful for Kai's lending an ear. Kai knew how suffocating it felt to have no one to speak to of your deepest concerns, though his concerns were buried so deep within him, or deemed too inconsequential to mention, that he had no burdens of his own to share. This served to benefit the both of them though, for Kai was offered the chance to listen and finally be of help to another when he could be of no help to himself, and Dakota was afforded the opportunity to release some of the vexation that he had harbored for so long. Within Dakota's next dialogue, Kai found conflict, and while it was not nearly enough to raise his hackles or start an argument, he still felt the need to speak against it, however feeble and controlled the attempt might be. "While it is true that some souls need assistance when they stumble from their path, I believe it also stands that those who choose to stray and resist the path to salvation have made their own way and must follow it as long as they choose, no matter how ragged and self-sacrificial it may be." For once his words seemed not his own; they were much darker than anything else the young Beta had shown. It was not very often that he took a stand against something, especially the words of a friend, though something within him felt discomfort in sitting idle while there was such an opposition to be made. Oddly enough, he was unsure if he fully believed the stand he had taken. Was a wolf that was so self-sacrificing and interested in the preservation and salvation of others, fit to speak on behalf of such a seemingly self-interested, every-mann-for-himself sort of mindset? He knew the downfall of chasing foreign problems and embarking on fruitless ventures; he knew of the time and energy it took to constantly set himself aside to make way for burdens that were not his own; he knew how draining it would become. "Dakota," he spoke softly, as if realizing, in part, the mistake he had made. "Forgive me if my words seemed harsh, it was not my intent... But you said yourself that we all must bear our own deeds... Your friend is in need of help, but perhaps you are not the one to give it to him. How can you help someone who would not help themself? I just don't want to see you lost..." He dreaded the long silence to come, and feared a retaliation from his friend more-so than the tension.

The mention of Deor seemed to lift the thickening atmosphere from the backs of the two brothers, sending their disputes and their worries to a far away chamber in their minds and locking them away for distant musings at a different time. "Yes," Kai replied, his voice cracking from the sudden recovery. Relieved at the change of subject, he cleared his throat, "Yes, I would love to see the land that has adopted you once more. I am eager to see what some call the boldest pack in all of Transylvania, and I am looking forward to meeting your Alphas as well." Rising to his feet he returned his friend's renewed joy with a grin of his own as he anticipated their trek to the land of Deor, and hopefully, a more comfortable scene that included welcoming shade and cool water.
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-CLOSED-
This plot is being continued in Deor; The following thread can be found here