New Sunrise and Season [Stoli]

[Dakota Spirit]

It was quite when the wolf emerged from the dark stand of trees. Morning was just beginning, the first rays of orange light striking vibrant slashes across the sky. He watched as this happened, the light reflecting brightly upon his face, eyes open wide to the newness of the day. His head turned, taking in the scenery around him. For the moment at least, he seemed alone. Alone save for the birds that called softly overhead. Moving forward, the wolf took measured steps along his path. The steps were sure and confident, marked only by the occasional hitch in his stride. The slightest indication of an old injury that flared up from time to time. His body was toned and sharp, muscles rounding out firmly beneath his skin. A pelt of pitch black covered the male and eyes of bright emerald shone from the dark features of his face. A kindness lived there, sparked from the depths of his soul and betraying the otherwise stoic manner in which he moved. There was no indication of his mood, nothing for the passerby to see. And yet there was something about him, something that suggested no menace lurked in his heart. That evil was something he fought rather then cherished and that he'd felt the effects of such evil in his life. That because of this he would never bend to taste the spoils of such dark possibilities.

A small pond existed just ahead, it's waters offering a cool respite to all that passed. It was here that he was headed, wading through the tall grass as it waved softly against his body. Pausing at the water's edge, the wolf gazed down at it's crystalline surface. His features were reflected back at him, skewed only slightly by the slight rippling of the water. Three cuts ran jaggedly down the left side of his face and he turned slightly to inspect these. The skin was healing, pink and new as it grew to cover the red beneath. For a moment the wolf lived in the memories of where these scars had come from. His eye's closed briefly, the skin of his forehead drawing together in quite anguishe. But it passed, and again the bright orbs appeared from beneath their dark curtains. A slight smile cross his face then, as the male's thoughts turned to happier times. To the future and all that was promised. To his mate and the pups that now struggled to make their entrance into the world. He had much to live for now, much to savor. And more reason then most to be wearing a smile. Still he had the occasional moment of regret, of grief for all that had happened....and it was in these times that he could deal with them properly. That he could drive them back to the corners of his conscious.

Wearing the smile a moment longer, the wolf finally bent his head low to savor the taste of the waters. Cool relief flowed down and over his throat, causing his eyes to close again but this time for a different reason. For the simple joy of experiencing this day and savoring it. For having it to do with as he pleased. The wolf pulled back to his full hight and took a few steps away from the tranquil lake. He looked again to the skyline, admiring how the newly added reds and yellows mixed in with the already dramatic show. With sudden inspiration he tilted his head back, dark maw splitting as the first notes traveled up from within him. The howl was deep and rich, vibrating off the trees around with the musical qualities that were born into his species. It was not the mournful howl of a lone wolf left on his own, but rather the smooth tones of one hanging onto the life he could finally be proud of.

[Stoli]

The small branches and leaves swayed back and forth is the cool morning breeze, the skies were colorful and mixed together exploding with beautiful orange and reds; it was Stoli’s favorite part of the day. Early morning, when only a few birds’ songs could be heard and most other creatures remained in their own dreams, whether they were happy or sad. They fae lay curled in a circle under a large tree, enjoying its cool shade. Her large auds were perked, rotating back and forth picking up every sound that surrounded her. Her muzzle was placed under her long tail, leaving her amber orbs the only thing showing, almost glowing in the dark shade. Her pelt was a mix of reds, blacks and browns, with a cream colored underside, she was a red wolf, a species much smaller than most wolves she had seen while wondering Transylvania. In fact most vargs thought she was much younger than the two winters she was, but she didn’t let it bother her, she just laughed and moved on. Stoli had been through many hard times in her life. She was stolen from her family while she was just a pup by human, and carried over seas where she traveled from town to town in some sort of show. Finally, 2 years after her capture, she was able to escape leaving her all alone in this strange place. She also didn’t let this bother her for once again she was free, something she would never take for granted again.

Slowly the fae began to move, it was time to get on with what seemed was going to be a bright and gorgeous day. Her tail unwrapped itself, and she rolled onto her stomach, the tip of her tail flicking back and forth. A large yawn overtook her, causing her white daggers to glisten in the sunlight that began to escape through the leafy trees, her pink tongue curled up in a semi-circle and once the yawn was finally complete she shook her head back and forth briefly to push away the sleepiness. Stoli than rose to her paws, she bowed down, digging her sharp claws into the ground and stretching from her night’s sleep. Licking her chops, her mouth was dry and sticky; she needed a fresh drink to quench her thirst and she knew just the place to get it. Slowly she began to make her way to small pond she knew about just a ways up from where she temporarily called her home. Her muzzle was only inches from the ground as she made her way towards the pond hoping to pick up some scent of maybe a small rabbit or rodent to subdue her morning hunger, but no such luck, it seemed that most were still asleep. Little did she know, but someone else was up bright and early with her.

Soon see came to the ponds edge, she lowered her muzzle to the cool water, her pink tongue barely touching to surface she began to lap up some water cause small ripples to form in the calm pond. As she drank, her amber orbs looked up. She stopped drinking immediately and froze, there across the pond stood a tall and dark mann with eyes of bright emeralds, his orbs were so bright that they were almost mesmerizing to Stoli. It was obvious to her by the manns stature that he was of high ranking, most likely in a pack nearby, so the reddish fae lifted her head to a normal position, lowered her tail and bowed her head once again in respect to the ebon mann so he knew that she was no threat. She began to wonder what made the mann roam from home so early in the morning…

“My name is Stoli,” she barked softly, “I hope that I am not intruding on pack lands, I am new to Transylvania and haven’t noticed any marked boundaries here, but if I am, I do apologize for not offering Tratto’s Blessing…”

[Dakota Spirit]

The sudden appearance of company shouldn't have surprised him. These days it seemed like whenever the wolf lifted his head for song, his singular presence in an area soon became compromised. That soon enough a visitor would emerge from the brush and quietly wait for him to finish. Of course, that wasn't to say such interruptions were always things to dread. His own mate had come to him in such an instance, the two of them joining on a river bank in quite symphony. And friends in the past, alerted to his position through echoing notes as they left his body. When one truly thought about it, there was something mystical about the way his species linked together through their voice. The way they called to each other and echoed back. He could not be annoyed but such a gift, regardless of how many times it succeeded in drawing strangers to his side. So he shouldn't have been surprised at the new wolf's presence, really shouldn't have let it catch him so unawares. And yet he was, both surprised and curious, because this wolf was different.

As the last echoing notes diminished from the trees and the male's head began to once more fall into it's regular carriage, he took his first real look at the newcomer. A fae, apparent by her voice body type, stood just across the pond from him. Her form was long and streamlined, long legs and fine bones. A pelt of mottled red stood out against the green grass, shades of browns and blacks mixing together until finally mellowing into a creamy undershade. Large ears stood up from her head and a pair of bright amber eyes completed the look. Watching with casual interest as the fae went through the motions of a respectful introduction, the male smiled softly. The red tinged wolf was new to the area, that much seemed clear even as she confirmed it. For it wasn't often that you met one out in the open lands who was so ready to bow for another, so ready to give up claim to a more 'dominate' stance. "Well Stoli...", the male said, speaking for the first time. "You needn't worry about Tratto's Blessing...these are Free Lands. You have no cause to stand on ceremony for me or anyone else who drifts by. Though..." He paused for a moment, winking one emerald orb in her direction. "The respect is appreciated. Sad to say that such things are becoming far less commonplace these days." The wolf's tone matched his stater, strong and sure, but underlined with an snese of safety and kindness. He spoke richly and with a regal air, but always with the intention of calming those in his company. Grinning at her again, the wolf took the few quick strides needed to bring him around the water's bend and closer to Stoli's side.

"I'm called Dakota Spirit.", he continued. "Though Dak is fine for such casual conversation." Falling back upon his haunches, Dakota took a relaxed position, his thick tail curling easily around his feet. "I hail from the Deor Pack, a family nestled in the woods not far from here. It's my position to serve as Beta..." His voice trailed off, as the wolf became unsure of how to continue. Listing his stats had always seemed to be the first step in polite meeting, but there was so much more to him now. A mate and family, a past and pain that eased with each bit shared. All of it swirled within him in a kind of collective fog, living just beneath his skin. It wasn't that Dak suddenly yearned to spill his life story to a fae he barely knew, but rather that her presence had brought a new understanding to him. He was not the simple soldier anymore, the kerl with only titles and deeds to color his name. These days listing his stats meant much more then that. This too, this sudden moment of epiphany should have come as no surprise to the male. For Dak was a true learner, craving new things at every turn and absorbing them at the same level of urgency. It was regular practice for his meetings, however short and trivial, to result in some kind of retained lesson.

"I am not new to these lands.", he finally added. "As a matter of fact, I grew up in these parts. Perhaps I can aid you in something along your travels? There are packs scattered all throughout the region, and prey should you look in the right place. Of course, there are also places that are best avoided. I'm sure there's something I can help you find..." Allowing his question to fall between them Dak sat silent, waiting as any true gentleman would, for the lady to speak.

[Stoli]

A spring breeze gently ruffled the reddish pelt of the fae, her muscles once tense from meeting a new varg, now began to relax as his words entered her large auds. A sigh of relief slowly escaped her chest, she was glad to meet another friendly face. Stoli had been lucky in these new lands she now called her home. Each new varg that she had met, had been a friendly one, but she knew one day her luck would run out, but for now, she was content with her company. She smiled and chuckled slightly at the ebon mann across the way as he winked her way. A charmer she laughed to herself.

“Well, I am very glad not to be trespassing on any pack lands, for it was not my intention. I just wanted to quench my thirst a little.” She paused for a moment and smiled, her tail swishing back and forth behind her, “I give respect, where respect is due. It is what I was taught as a young pup.” Stoli paused there and closed her eyes, her memory taking her back to a time when she was a young pup, her auds too large for her head and her long legs making her look like awkward and exactly like a puppy; she was at home in the den with her mother and father and siblings. She smiled again, good memories. “Sorry, sometimes my memories are so vivid I just have to close my eyes.” The ebon mann began to make his way towards her, his stride was one of chivalry and pride, now she was even more sure that she did the right thing by bowing to her fellow varg.

Following the mann’s lead she too relaxed even more and rested on her haunches, her tail flopping back and forth in relaxation and contentment. “Well Dak, if I may call you that, it is a pleasure to meet you. I knew you had to at least be a beta, for the way you hold yourself says that you carry great responsibilities with chivalry and you hold a great pride for yourself and your pack, Deor was it?” The fae began to wonder what else was going through the beta’s mind, what else lies beneath the skin so to say. Stoli was always curious about everyone’s past and present, what was truly important to them in their lives. She always wanted to listen to stories from them, but most of all, help where help was needed. Though she also knew that when they opened up to her, that she too in return would have to open up about her painful past to them. She had yet to have to tell a stranger about her past, for she was very new to the lands and fresh from escaping the human’s cruelty. She had only met one other soul in Transylvania, and that was a pup, much too young for her true story. For some reason, however, she felt very comfortable with Dak, and hoped that they would be able to share their life stories, or at least a little of them before they parted ways.

The fae’s amber orbs met the sparkling emerald hues of the ebon mann as he began to speak again. Nodding as he spoke, “Thank you Dak that is very kind of you. I believe you could be of great assistance to me. I know nothing about these lands, and have been very lucky to have remained on neutral ground, not running into anything that may cause terror in my life. Do you mind sharing with me what you know of these lands so that I can remain safe from harm’s way?” Stoli wanted to know much more than just that though, she did want to know about the lands and those who occupied the lands, but she also wanted to know about this noble mann before her. “Sir, if you don’t mind me asking, may I ask about your family? I am sure such a mann as yourself surely has some vargs to call family.” She smiled and bowed her head slightly to Dakota Spirit, “I hope that I have not asked too much of you. If you prefer not to share, I most certainly will understand and apologize for being so nosey.” She lowered the rest on her slender body to the ground, her auds perked to attention waiting for him to speak, her paws were crossed and her tail rose and fell with anticipation of the stories that were to come.

[Dakota Spirit]

Smiling at the fae’s words, Dakota nodded along with her sentiments. Respect was an important aspect to him, something he valued quite heavily in life. In sharing the same sort of feelings, Stoli was only further endearing herself to the male. As she closed her eyes in thought, Dak stayed silent, watching her. Given how often he was prone to moments of deep thought and ‘drifting’ the wolf was certainly in no position to cut short a similar experience for the fae. Laughing off her apology, he showed his white teeth in a broad grin. ”You needn’t be sorry about that either.”, he said. ”If there’s one thing I understand, it’s memories. My heart lives in the past more often then not.” For a moment the grin on his face faltered and Dak shifted his gaze away from Stoli’s face. Because though the wolf had his own share of happy memories, there was also much there he wish could be forgotten. Particularly now, with his life taking new turns, Dakota wanted his whole mind and heart on the present. Turning back to his companion, the male replaced the happiness on his face. ”Now you’ll have to excuse me”, he said with soft laughter in his voice. ”I can be quite the downer if someone provides me the opportunity.”

The fae spoke again and Dak tilted his ears toward her, nodding in encouragement as she spoke his name. ”Thank you.”, he said quietly, dipping his head in a quick show of respect. New to the area or not, this wolf definitely knew how to get on one’s good side. Dak was pleased that Stoli not only seemed comfortable with him but she seemed willing to take advantage of his offered assistance. It wasn't so much that the male saw himself has some great asset to all wolves in the land but rather he felt most comfortable in the service of others. It was here that he knew his role in life, what was required of him and in turn, what he could offer. "I can do that.", the wolf said softly as Stoli inquired about the surrounding territory. "From where we stand," he began. "You've got a pretty good point of origin - things more or less extend before us in terms of marked territory. To the left and across the river you will encounter the mountains, the vale and the castle told of in legend. However you are also far more likely to find trouble." Dak paused, watching Stoli for a moment. In those few minutes he recalled her gentle nature and quickness to offer him a show of respect...and he considered what would be done to her had someone else come along this path. Had she encountered someone wishing to take advantage of 'easy pray'. "Please don't go there.", he said, face showing the tenderness that was now so apparent in his character. "Or...", he amended gently. "At least not until you are more familiar with the area. The packs of Sarnes, List, and Balkar exist on those lands and they do so in varying degrees of danger to those around them. The Balkan wolves especially will kill you, or worse, without a second thought. List and Sarnes are not quite as bad but they too are not to be trifled with."

Taking a deep breath, the dark wolf offered another smile to the fae. With the matter of who to avoid behind them, Dak was free to expand on the truly great parts of Transylvania. "To the right", he continued, now tipping his blocky head in that direction. "Thing are much more hospitable. You've got Ge-Rad and Koran just east of here, both welcoming and friendly to those of the same mentality. Then further east, beyond their lands, rests my home Deor. We are situated in the thick of a tall standing forest while the other two packs expand over a mix of forest and grass lands. There are also stretches of unclaimed territory between them, such as this area we now stand in. Each pack though, prioritizes a different set of values. Deor for example, excels in boldness, courage, and kind spirit. Koran on the other hand is best known for their adventurous spirit and loyalty to allies. Do you know what kind of family you are looking for?"

As he finished speaking, Dak soon heard his last words echoed in the fae's voice. She inquired as to her family and for her part, seemed genuinely interested. The male's green eyes danced across her face, sparking with the same hesitation that often came with those questions. "I do have a family...", he said at last, allowing the words to ease from his mouth in a slow tempo. He didn't know why but Dakota found it easy to trust the red fae by his side. It seemed similar to the day he'd first met his mate - she had the same calmness about her, the same gentle spirit that made it easy to relate. "My mate, Mist, is the drappa of my homelands. She carries within her unborn young that will also share my blood...thought beyond that I have no live direct relatives. My family died when I was young, and for the most part I grew up alone. Though I was fortunate enough to come across a few wolves I now consider family, if not by blood then bond. One, Kai, is the Beta male in Koran. He was my first friend and most trusted advisor. While the other, Dane, was good for the time that I knew him. Though he was also troubled and no longer lives as the wolf I grew close to. Still...I do love him, much as any other loves their family despite unsavory deeds."

Dak's face creased in smile as he refused to let the 'bad' once more take his mind, to taint his encounter with the fae. "And Chalos.", he added. "The Alpha of my pack...and a most wise wolf. I've learned some of his background as he's learned mine and I've grown to trust him as more then just the leader in my life. He is benevolent and everything I might wish to be in the future. I am honored to serve under his rule." And he was. More then anything, the wolf valued having direction in his life. And the second chance given to him by the auburn Dragga. The opportunity to rejoin a pack he had previously cast aside. It was a dept that could not be repaid, and this too he knew. This too, drove him toward perfection. Following suit, Dak slowly eased his body to the ground before Stoli. "But what of you?", he asked. "Surely you didn't just appear in this spot. What kind of history does a fae such as yourself carry?" It was his turn to lean back and listen and he did so with full attention focused on the red fae alone.

[Stoli]

A gentle breeze blew rustling the still new and young leaves of the trees around the two vargs, closing her amber eyes she took in everything around her, while still intently listening to what the noble varg beside her had to say. “Well I will definitely stay away from the other side of the river at all costs, for as long as I can. Thank you kindly for all you have told me, I feel that you have saved me from a lot of pain and heart ache.” Smiling at the ebon mann, “Hmmm, I don’t really know what I’m looking for in a family. Though from what you’ve said so far, I’m kind of interested to hear more about Koran. No offense to your own pack, however, I’m just not a bold and courageous varg if you know what I mean. But loyalty I have.” Yes, loyalty is something Stoli cherished; she would always be loyal to her pack that accepted her and those allies that belonged to that pack. “I do hope that we can remain friends Dakota, it sounds like that won’t be a problem as long as I stay on this side of the river.”

She couldn’t help it, a gigantic smile came across her maw when the ebon mann mentioned his family and how he was a father-to-be. Stoli jumped up, “Oh Dakota! That is wonderful news! I am so happy for you. I just know you will be a great father. You have a kind heart, I just met you and I know this.” Her tail wagged happily back and forth as Dakota finished telling her of the rest of his family, both the happy and the sad. “Well it seems for the most part you have been blessed, and who knows, maybe one day the fallen varg may see the light. Your life sounds wonderful Dakota, I’m glad that we had the opportunity to meet. Maybe perhaps one day you could introduce me to your family? I’d love to meet them all.”

At the mention on her past images once again flooded back and a look of sadness entered her amber orbs but were briskly pushed back, for it was all in the past. “My past is not pleasant, but I hope that my future will hold much more happiness. I was stolen by humans when I was just a pup, grasped from my parent’s paws. I was put in some sort of show, and taken across the vast blue water only to arrive here where I finally escaped. I will spare you the horrid details of while I was captured for no one should experience them even through stories.”

A yawn crept across her maw. “Excuse me, I do not mean to be rude, it just seems that I am still exhausted from all the traveling. Would you know of somewhere I could rest? I shouldn’t ask for you have already been so much help, but I figure you would know of somewhere safe.” Smiling at the ebon mann, she looked deep into her emerald gaze. For some reason she trusted this mann, and would follow him where ever he should take her.

[Dakota Spirit]

Feeling the sudden breeze against him, the male lifted his chin slightly, allowing the cool air to whip across the warm skin of his throat. It had always been a pleasurable sensation for him, having the wind brush against his body. It was as if the gods themselves had reached down, brushing their fingers against him and offering the simple relief that made having such a dark coat bearable in the heat. Watching Stoli, Dak wondered if perhaps she felt the same. Dark eyes fluttering closed as he talked, the fae seemed to draw everything to her. As if in an effort to experience it in the fullest capacity possible. When she spoke agian, it was to confirm what he'd hope would be her answer. It wasn't that the left side of the river could be avoided completely and even if she stayed away, the likelihood that Stoli would meet one of their pack members increased with everyday she spent here. Rather, the Deorian only wished to extend that 'safety' period for as long as possible. So that when she finally did come upon them, the fae would have more to back herself up then a general lack of knowledge when it came to her new surroundings. Perhaps by that time she may even have pack members to back her up.

Smiling at her continued speech, Dakota began to nod his head slightly. "Koran is a good pack.", he rumbled softly. "A worthy choice for anyone looking to make a new start. With you there, I wouldn't worry too much over our continued friendship. They are allies with Deor after all and besides which, Kai resides in that area. I suspect we will run into each other often." Then, it seemed, sudden happiness registered on Stoli's face and Dak was met with words of joy and encouragement. I wonder..., he mused quietly to himself. If this is how I looked when Mist first gave me the news all those moons ago. Did my own eyes shine with such happiness? Still it took the wolf a moment to truly digest the fae's reaction as he was once more surprised by her genuine kindness and ability to see inside him. To judge his character after only a moment's meeting. "Thank you, Stoli.", he said warmly. "And you are right. It may have taken a bit of time...but it seems now, I am blessed. I have found the gods agian as perhaps they too have re-found me." Emitting a soft and gentle laugh, Dak showed his white teeth in bright smile. "Anytime you like.", he said in reply to her last question. "Next time you're in the area my Mist would love to meet you. Or perhaps, we may come visit you first. You and hopefully, your new family."

Discussion turned to Stoli's own past and quickly, a dark cloud followed. For a moment Dak's eyes darkened, shaded by their narrowing lids and the brooding anger just beneath the surface. Already being a wolf of quick temper, the response came doubly quick when it involved injustices such as those the fae had suffered. None the less, he watched agian as the sadness came and went from her eyes. As she displayed inner strength that anyone in similar situation was forced to develop. "I am sorry for that.", the dark wolf said at last. The world turns strangely at times...leaving us in places were we often do not belong. Were we must suffer. But it comes to straighten agian...eventually. And we all live for that moment. Your future will be bright Stoli, because that's what you deserve. I've known you only a moment...", he said softly, near echoing her earlier declaration. "And I know this."

Laughing away her maw splitting yawn, Dak took a moment to reflect on the time of day. Mid-afternoon if he had to guess, though the sun remained for the most part, blissfully hidden in the clouds. "Rest here.", he said. "On the water's banks, for as long as you wish. I will wait until you are ready and then, should you desire, it would be my honor to escort you to the territories of Koran." Returning her gaze, Dakota held it for a moment longer before twisting his head to face the direction of their travel. "Rest Stoli.", he whispered. "Your bright future awaits."

[Stoli]

Today was one of the red varg’s favorite days so far in the far away land known as Transylvania, for once she wasn’t looking out for herself, or after some lost pup, but for once someone was kind enough to keep her out of trouble and look after her; and for that she would be forever grateful. As all the lyrics left the ebon mann’s maw all she could do is smile and wag her tail contently from side to side. “Well it sounds as if though Koran might be the place for me, loyal and friends with you and your family; it will be nice having a family again if they so choose to accept me, but from the sounds of it I won’t have too much trouble.” Smiling again she looked off into the distance where her new possible home may be, closing her eyes and lifting her muzzle to the sky, her reddish nose twitched back and forth as if trying to take in the smells from Koran, but of course she just chuckled to herself for she didn’t know what smells she was looking for and her gaze fell again on the ebon mann before her as he began to speak once more.

A deep sigh rose and fell in her chest, “Oh Dakota, it would be dream come true to have a family again, one to love and care for and to have those things in return, it would bring an amazing feeling, one like nothing else in the world. Of course you know what I am talking about; you have the very thing I wish to have.” Stoli smiled sweetly at the ebon mann, “You are very lucky Dakota.” Turning once more to her past, she only let the smile be whipped from her maw briefly, “It’s okay, the past is the past, it’s in the past and that’s where it will stay. I can only move on to bigger and better things. Like Koran, you must tell me more of this place and of this Kai you speak of?” She wanted to know as much as she could about them before venturing to ask acceptance, she didn’t want to look like a complete idiot.

Another yawn escaped her maw, and she slightly shook her head back and forth. “I am sorry, please excuse me I just can’t seem to shake this sleepiness.” Dakota’s kind words almost brought tears to her eyes. He was so kind to her, especially for a varg he hardly knew. “I cannot thank you enough for your kindness, for I don’t think I will ever be able to repay you.” Stoli slowly walked over to a shaded place around the waterfall, pawing on the ground attempting to make some sort of bed as tired as she was; she circled once, then twice and a third time just to be sure before she collapsed on a bed of luscious grass. Looking once more at the noble mann, “We shall leave for Koran as soon as I wake from my short nap.” Resting her head on her paws, her eyes began to flutter asleep, but before she completely passed out from exhaustion the simple words, “Thank you Dakota…” left her lips, almost inaudible.