Night had come swiftly. The woods, generally painted in darkness the majority of the time, seemed even more so in the looming shadow of the mountains. There was silence in the air, not even a whisper on the wind nor the cry of an eagle. It was as though an unseen force had stopped time and the world ceased to turn. It was eerie, as though the whole landscape had succumbed to a deathly state. This, however, did not phase the ebony female that weaved comfortably through the myriad of trees and shrubbery. Her feet hit the ground silently, angelically enough to seem like she was floating. But she was no angel. A scar carved across her left eye and another ripped into her right shoulder, she displayed her wounds with little care. They were pink and damaged, never properly healing due to her masochistic nature. Sometimes they would even give a little sting, reminding her of their presence, and the fact she would never escape the past. She was a canvass of memories, and the only good ones were the tattoos she had carved into her flesh. Atop her left breast lay a strange symbol, known only as the Keyworks, around her right wrist was a pentagram, and her latest edition, something she had done herself with her own dagger in her suffering and self loathing, a snake wrapped around her left ankle. This was a constant reminder of the pain her once-upon-a-time coyote lover had given before he disappeared into the night – a night oddly similar to this one. No wonder she had such a deranged glint in her eyes.
Carrying on through the trees, her eyes fixed firmly on the ground, Lucia didn’t know why she had felt the need to explore. She had lived here for a while now, and the majority of it she had scouted. Something inside her had told her to walk, to explore, and now she knew why. There was a familiar scent in the air, something that could bring warmth to her cold heart and lust into her soul. And yet, there was little expression on her face to display such things. Still her head hung sullenly, shoulders sank, and eyes glued on the badly healing scar on her ankle. She wondered what others would think of her handiwork. In her opinion, it wasn’t all that bad – a little sore, but then again, pain helped to remind her she was alive.
It was during her journey into thoughtful corridors that she realized where she was. Her head lifted, eyes shining violently in the darkness that consumed her surroundings. She blended in beautifully, her dark pelt the perfect camouflage. This was where she had met Zalen. A bizarre, but beautiful meeting of a male who almost changed her mind about everything. Ever since Snake, her hatred had grown rapidly, she was bitter and fragile. And yet, she never found it easy to hate Zalen – even to this day, part of her still couldn’t manage it. What would she do if she saw him again? What would she say? The last time they had seen each other; there had been passion, lust, and a strange connection between them. Why was that? What did they share that nobody else could see or touch? Was fate trying to tell them something? It confused the coal-furred woman immensely.
With these thoughts firmly on her mind, Lucia paused. Glancing around, she could almost recall how it felt to have his hand in hers. How it felt to taste his lips, and stare into those viridian eyes. For a moment it was as though she missed it, but this quickly evaporated. The time between them had been long, and she hadn’t got any better. If anything, the hatred had increased, the anger more explosive, and the instability an active volcano waiting to blow.
Scoffing loudly, Lucia sat casually at the base of a tree – the same tree she had used when she had met the unusual male. A cigarette already in her fingertips, she quickly lit the end. Inhaling deeply, a small hiss escaping her lips, she closed her eyes. She just wanted to forget everything, everyone... especially him. Why couldn’t she do that? Why was her heart so stubborn? Slipping back into her thoughts once more, no longer acknowledging the world around her, Lucia continued to drain the cancerous stick. This was all she ever wanted… poison, solitude and complete silence. Was that really so much to ask for?
Shut up, it was great! And prepare yourself for the longest post I have ever written o.o oh and Zalen is in Lupus form, he'll shift though if needed.
He watched the night fall like a velvet curtain around him. Fiery dusk had turned to inky night and it all had been reflected in his olive eyes. He was resting at the mouth of his den where he had been for the last several hours, unmoving. His eyes were open but he barely saw the changing world, he had been entranced by his widow companion elegantly wrapping a moth with her silken strands. He had watched as the moth flew around his cave lazily before getting caught in her web, watched as her beautiful onyx form came slowly towards it as it struggled before pouncing and ending its short life. Sometimes he felt like the moth and sometimes he felt like the spider.
Zalen’s mind had been astir after arriving back to his territory no more than two days ago. He had been away for a week in the burned lands to the east. After being attacked by the golden wolfess and aided by the pregnant coy-wolf he had decided to wander to set his head straight. But what had occurred to him in those desolate lands did nothing more than to add to his anxiety and bitterness.
He had been angry, infuriated to learn that his mother had kept the secrets of his past and lineage from him. He had also learned that she had been weak and a coward in the time before his birth and he was ashamed, not only of her but of himself for not having found and taken up his birth right. If things hadn’t had happened as they did, if his family hadn’t abandoned this place, then he would have been alpha of a great pack, a formidable leader, and then he would have something to offer…
Zalen sighed and stood to stretch. He needed a walk. As he moved past he could see Widow watch him with eight glittering eyes as he disappeared into the brush just beyond his clearing. Like a shadow he moved through the trees. He was in deep thought and with each step he could feel the tight spot on his back where his bite wound was. Now it was no more than a scab, Gemma’s medicine had worked wonders. At times he felt bad for the way he had treated her but he could not find any love in his heart for coyotes.
Suddenly his mind was taken away from the thoughts by a familiar scent in the air. He slowed, keen eyes reflecting in the dark as he looked around him, why was this place so familiar? He had explored the majority of the area surrounding his one square mile of territory but the trees here, the brush, something struck a chord in his heart and he couldn’t quite place it. Then, several yards away, he saw the glint of a lit cigarette.
Lucia…
For a moment he stood there frozen. The ebony demon of his dreams was only yards away. Could he face her again? Did he have the strength to? He desired her greatly, wished he could take her as his mate, wanted to expel all of her pain with a single kiss, but he was afraid. She both frightened and excited him and she had become like an obsession, an addiction that had plagued his mind and body in his time in the burnt lands and when he had been visited by that fearsome spirit, her eyes, her eyes! They had been Lucia’s!
Zalen’s heart pounded and his blood boiled as he stepped towards his female mirror. He felt meek, both in spirit and in form, her slender body making his quadruped one look awkward and miniscule in comparison. But looking upon her he suddenly found confidence and strode right up to her, but did not speak. He knew he looked good, he had recently bathed, reapplied his mark which now seemed to glow blood red, and he was toned from his journey. Two crisp, golden and speckled hawk feathers were attached his mane now, something that he had learned was a tradition in his family. He stared into her eyes, piercing and fierce, but said nothing.
Amazing post! Absolutely great to read! It is no issue that he's in Lupus form. I may shift Lucia a little further into the thread.
It was during her time of hollow thoughtfulness that Lucia heard a disturbance not too far from where she sat. Opening only her left eye, the scar wrinkling with the movement, that single orb fell across a sight that made her wish she had not come out on this unusually still night. Having decided minutes before that it was a small creature that had sought out her company, maybe an owl, Lucia’s posture had remained the same. Back leant firmly against the base of the tree, legs outstretched, but as soon as that soft eyelid peeled back, everything shifted. She felt the hackles in her neck rise, her pulse begin to race. There, like a bat out of hell, stood a black wolf. Though she knew instantly, the figure was not as ordinary as she had hoped. It was Zalen, presented in his Lupus form; the painted red mark on his face more visible to her than anything remotely closer to her.
Both eyes shot open, a cold glimmer dancing within them like liquid fire. He was silent, strolled towards her with an air of confidence. In all honesty, as he came closer, she admired his form. His rippling muscles, the way his paws hit the ground in unison as he walked, the way his eyes never moved from her body. It almost made her want to shift, but she remained as still as the darkness around her. There was a strange tension in the atmosphere.
As he came upon her, now only paces from her frailty, Lucia flicked the cigarette into the distance. A small fizzling sound whispered outward, assuring the dark female that no fire would be caused tonight. Bringing her eyes back around to face the male companion, she watched him for a moment. Part of her expected him to speak, perhaps even wanted him to, but he did not. He was as tight-lipped and stationary as she had been only moments ago, save for the movement of her hand to her mouth. He seemed different somehow, something about him felt changed, perhaps pieces of him burned away and floating away into the sky like ashes. Lucia couldn’t place what it was she felt exactly, but she knew there was something – that was bad enough.
Remaining seated, not wanting to tower over the male before her, Lucia tried her best to smile. Instead it displayed itself as a small grimace, her mind whispering cruel thoughts and distorted memories. This partly reminded her of their first meeting. She had been knelt before him, staring into his eyes, and even though they now displayed two different forms, she felt herself almost doing the exact same thing. Her ivy eyes flickering over him, taking in every detail, as the silence continued to plague them.
She noticed two distinct feathers in his mane. This was something he must have recently sported, for in her mind she could not recall them being there before. It looked good. Well, he looked good regardless, but it was a nice look for him. Added character as such, and she was always a sucker for individuality. It was whilst admiring the addition to his already alluring appearance that the dark female heard herself speak. It had been automatic almost, and most certainly unexpected. She had prayed it would be him to break the ice, but as time had often told, she barely ever got what she wanted. It was no surprise that tonight would be no different.
“What are you doing here Zalen? Why do you look so… different? The feathers, well…” She paused, trying to find a reason to take her eyes off of him. She failed. Their eyes remained deadlocked, perhaps a staring contest in the making. “You look good as a four-legged…”
The snake. It coiled around her ankle. He had noticed it moments after arriving by her side. It was a tender fresh wound, self-inflicted. He wondered why she had done it, what would cause her to mar herself in such a way. The stylized tattoo on her breast was elegant, the scar on her eye was not of her doing and neither was the small symbol on her shoulder. But this, she had done this to herself, marks dug into flesh with sharp instruments, slightly sloppy and grotesque. He could see her blood dried there, wet pink dermis revealed to the harsh air. He could hear her speaking, asking why he was there, complimenting his appearance, he hardly heard her, he was just focused on that wound.
A snarl came to his muzzle and he licked his curled upper lip before bending his black head down to her ankle to lick her wound. The taste of metallic blood hit his tongue and it caused his whole mouth to tingle; he had not tasted Luperci blood since the golden wolfess. His smooth, pink tongue moved up and down the snake, cleansing it. He did not know why he was so compelled to do this, why it angered him so. He was not angry at her, just angry in general, at the world. After a few moments he stopped, his features smoothing to stoic apathy once more. He sat on his sable haunches and looked at her.
What could he say to her now, after what he had been through? Part of him wanted to rage and another wanted to break down and cry in her lap. He took a deep breath and leaned towards her, rubbing his head against her shoulder affectionately. Despite his mood he was very glad to see her, she was as beautiful as he remembered, even more so now that she was sober and fully awake. Her fur was like a mink's in softness and as dark as a starless sky, he once again was mesmerized by her. Lucia… you are like a dark angel tonight. He looked up at her. He remembered their parting kiss, had it really been only a month ago? It seemed like he had been away from her for years. Why have you done this to yourself? He looked back down at the snake and his lip nearly curled again. What was it about it that angered him so?
Lucia had been so focused on her male counterpart that it had not occurred to her that she too sported a slight difference. Hers, however, was somewhat more permanent, and very badly healed. She had left it without care as to enjoy the pleasure it delivered from the pain it created. And yet, the more disturbing factor was not that she had done it herself, nor that it had begun to scar horrifically, it was what it represented. A snake firmly wrapped around her ankle, reminding her every day of what she had lost. It seemed fitting, and maybe it would scare her nightmares away.
Zalen, however, didn’t seem to find the whole ordeal that amusing. He had been staring at the patterned wound for a few minutes now, having not responded to her compliments. This frustrated the obsidian woman greatly. Why should she go to all that effort to be nice if he couldn’t even listen to what she had to say? Crossing her arms angrily, perhaps like that of a spoilt child, Lucia watched as Zalen started to move. His head lowered, and before she could acknowledge exactly what he was going to do, she felt the warm wetness of his tongue on her ankle. This shocked Lucia greatly, for she had not experienced such kindness since the time in Inferni when an older woman, Kaena, had bandaged her wounds from the beating she received from Snake’s admirer. The only scar remaining being the symbol carved into her right shoulder. She should have known on that day that Snake would never truly belong to her.
Her leg twitched, wanting to move away, but it remained still. There was something strangely enjoyable about that salivary warmth crawling over her healing wound. She wasn’t sure whether it was because aftercare wasn’t exactly her speciality, or whether it was simply because of the male who delivered the licks. Curling her lip in confusion, and perhaps disappointment, she watched as he lifted his head. Throughout the unusual cleansing, Lucia had remained silent, unsure of what to say or how to feel. He always found a way to put her in places she didn’t want to go, or as he had done tonight, places she had never been before.
As he stared at her, now seated, Lucia wondered what was going through his mind. It was obvious that he did not approve of what she had done, but at the time of the deed, it had seemed like a brilliant idea. Add that to the excessive alcohol she had consumed, almost to the point where she could have died, and this was the end result; a carved up ankle and a continuous reminder about her former lover. Lucia could think of better things she could have done, but that was then and this was now. There wasn’t anything she could do to change the past, so why bother with the brain power?
Shoving her thoughts away, Lucia turned her attention back to her shadowy companion. He had taken it upon himself to deliver affection. Rigid and unsure, Lucia simply watched as his head rubbed neatly against her shoulder. Trying her best to smile, perhaps in a strange way of saying thank you, her ears flickered as he spoke. He told her how she appeared in the midnight; no doubt he found it particularly unusual that she was sober. Lucia had little idea why this was, but seemed grateful enough. It kept her mind level and her thoughts controlled. That was good enough for now.
However, the compliments didn’t last. He spoke of the serpent-like scarring, his eyes almost seeming to glare at it. It was as though he was trying to erase it with his sight. At this, Lucia shifted her leg uncomfortably, tucking it beneath her and now partially cross-legged. She wasn’t sure what to say, how to explain. She didn’t even know if she needed to. It wasn’t technically his concern, was it? He didn’t own her, control her… or maybe he did. Maybe the obsession had come to a point where Lucia couldn’t even lie to herself anymore. These were terrifying thoughts, and as such, Lucia gave the simplest reply she could, trying to block out the paranoia that had begun to rear its ugly head. “It seemed like a good idea at the time…” Tone blank, voice quiet, and eyes now firmly on ground in front of her. She felt ashamed, maybe even filthy for her deed. She was a worthless nothing. This was what she told herself as the self-loathing came out to play.
You know, Kaena and Zalen are related? Somehow... Kaena's mate Zulifer was Ruby's brother and Ruby is Zalen's grandmother so... their related through mateship then I guess. Random tidbit of info.
Zalen cocked an ear as she spoke and couldn’t help but shake his head at her statement. She probably had been drunk at the time, assuming the state he found her in last time was the norm. Alcohol could drive one to do dumb things without thought; the loss of inhibition could sometimes be freeing and sometimes damaging. In her case it had been the latter. Zalen couldn’t help but let a small whine escape his throat as he looked at the serpent carved into her, but soon he accepted it for what it was; an unchangeable part of her. He might as well learn to love the snake, because it would be there for the rest of her life, and if, God permitting, he were to know her for that long, it could not continue to bother him so.
Coming to this realization a smile finally found its way onto his ebon features and he looked at Lucia with a slight chuckle, You are something else you know that? his tail flapped lazily against the ground as he spoke. Remembering back to her comment about the feathers he looked back at them. Red tailed hawk feathers they were, a rusty golden color with brown bands. They had nearly been dropped at his feet like a gift by the raptor flying in the air above him just as he exited the burnt lands. He had taken them up immediately and fastened them to his mane. His mother had worn owl feathers and his grandmother had worn eagle. He neither had the wisdom of an owl nor the strength of an eagle, but he had the cunning and speed of a hawk, so it suited him well. The feathers… they mark the end of a journey I have just returned from… I went to the burnt lands. He wondered if she knew about those lands but assumed she did, it was difficult to miss them unless you skirted to the west of the Halycon mountains in entering Nova Scotia, like he had done when he had first arrived. Those place were desolate, fire scarred, but there were signs of renewal beginning to blossom on the outskirts. It amazed him how the earth could cleanse itself, given time.
Slowly, and nearly without warning, Zalen began to shift, much to his own surprise. It was only a mere thought that had started the transformation, but it was as if his body yearned to take on the same form as hers. It happened quickly, much faster than he had anticipated, and therefore, much more painful. He grimaced as bones lengthened and cracked, muscles twisted and stretched. But soon it was over, and he sat beside her now more than triple in size; his form was no longer meek. He smiled apologetically, sometimes he felt like the shift was a private thing, but he could not help himself but to do it before her this time.
He reached up and pushed that silly strand of hair from her face and he could feel his heart begin to pound, that tingling sensation returning. She was so ethereal that he could barely stand it. He wanted to taste her again, hold her, make love to her. This thought had shot into his mind without warning and it caused his heart to skip a beat. He was somewhat frightened by this, he had never experienced such physical desire, he had usually avoided any kind of intimacy with women. He in fact was still a virgin, fresh and new to the ways of love. He was glad she could not see his skin flush under his dark fur.
Yay! I'm bacccck! Misseeed your awesome posts! (And Zalen of course!)
With eyes still glued to the ground, Lucia had missed the shaking head of her companion. She had briefly caught his whine, but it didn’t settle long enough in her brain to cause a reaction. Instead, she continued to stare silently at nothing. It was easier for her to do this, easier not to look at the judging eyes of the male she was beginning to feel a strange desire for. It was in that moment that Lucia decided one day she would tell Zalen of her former lover, of the coyote who haunted her mind and had indirectly forced her to carve a symbol of his existence into her flesh. She wasn’t sure when this day would be, nor if it would come soon, but it would happen. The urge to be honest with him was overpowering, and though she would undoubtedly fight it out of instinct, one day it would overpower her. One day he would know.
It was with these thoughts that Lucia’s emerald coals found their way back toward the other dark wolf. His words whistled into her ears like comforting music. Her feelings of being judged by him now floating away like they had never existed in the first place. “Thank you.” The words hollow, emotionless. She had little energy for emotion right now, her mind a racetrack of crazy thoughts and desires. Though, if he were to look into her eyes, he would see the genuine appreciation for the bizarre compliment. She was glad she was different, glad that he seemed to still want to have her around despite her foolish actions.
Listening intently as he spoke of the feathers, Lucia’s eyes travelled over them once again. They really were flattering to his appearance. He seemed more wise or something to the ebony female. She couldn’t place it completely, but she definitely knew that it was an improvement. “Ah, the burnt lands… I know them. A strangely beautiful place…” Lucia replied quietly, thinking momentarily on what she had seen there. She had passed them many times. On her way here, on her way out, and on her way back again… Their image of desolation and degradation reminded Lucia a lot of herself. They were scarred lands, burnt from the soul outward. Though there was hope. With each new blossoming plant or living creature, there was hope that the lands would recover. Lucia prayed this was the same for her. Maybe, if she was lucky, Zalen was that budding plant peering out from the ashes? She could only hope.
Wandering through her twisted mind, pondering the idea that Zalen could be that shiny new hope she needed, she almost missed the fact he was shifting. Raising an amused brow, Lucia stared silently. The cracking and stretching of his body was a sight to behold. She had rarely seen another shift in front of her, nor had she shifted in front of anyone. It wasn’t because she didn’t want to, but more that she rarely felt the need to. It was not often that she portrayed her true four-legged form. Life seemed much more enjoyable on two. There were so many more options, so much more to experience. Perhaps Zalen felt the same way? She made a note to ask him one day.
Eyes trailing after her male companion, she watched as he took a seat beside her. A small shiver trickled down her spine as his fingers moved a strand of hair from her face. She hastily dropped her gaze, unsure of how to direct the conversation. This whole ordeal confused her. She wanted hate and anger, she thrived off it. Surely that was who she was? Why didn’t she feel like that? Why didn’t she want to run away anymore? What had changed? So many questions, not a single answer… that was always the way.
Still greeting the earth with her gaze, Lucia’s mouth parted. “I’ve missed you.” She spoke quietly, timidly. She regretted the words as soon as they rolled off her tongue. It was a moment of honesty for the female, and in her mind, a moment of weakness. This really had to stop.
HOMG I TOTALLY DIDN’T SEE YOUR REPLY HERE! *cries* I fail so epically!
He was still in the throes of embarrassment when she spoke; three little words that just filled him up. He had missed her too, irrevocably so, without her he had felt incomplete and she had haunted his dreams. Being with her now was almost reminiscent of those dreams but so much more tactile that it nearly overwhelmed him. His tail wagged a bit more fervently, I missed you too, Lucia. He never wanted to be apart from her again, and the thought of her turning to leave hurt.
Suddenly something about the grove of old trees they sat amongst seemed ominous, foreboding, and not at all suited for the subtle joyful mood that was set in his heart. Here they had met; they had kissed and then parted. He did not want to relive this again; he did not want their relationship to be so meaningless. He knew it would take time but he hoped eventually Lucia would open up to him. Zalen wanted to tell her everything, of his past, of his recent journey, of what could have been if things had turned out differently.
Zalen took one of Lucia’s hands into his, they seemed so dainty in comparison to his large paws. In fact Lucia herself was quite a willowy creature, and in this form he was quite robust, but they complimented each other well. If you would, I’d like to show you my den. It will give us a comfortable, safe place to talk. It’s not but a short mile away. He continued to hold her hand. He very much wanted to show her where he lived, to see if she approved or if he had to find somewhere more suitable if eventually he could convince her live with him. He knew for a fact she didn’t live far off herself, he encountered her scent more often then not when he was patrolling the outskirts of his territory.
Sorry for the wait. It's been a hectic month. Uni's starting, holiday... gears of war 3... I'll keep more up-to-date now!
As the dark male spoke, Lucia’s eyes lit up. There was nothing atop her lips, but her eyes said it all. She was glad he had missed her. It would have torn out her heart if he hadn’t. And yet, she still fought within herself. There was still that unmistakable hatred she felt for the male species, there was still that looming cloud of distrust. As she stared quietly at Zalen, Lucia toyed with the idea of leaving again. As much as she wanted him, wanted to stay, every time she saw him the confusion ate her alive. It was cancerous, spreading faster and faster each time they bumped into each other. How could she be expected to deal with this? Was she strong enough? It was times like these when she wished Snake had never been in her life… it was times like this she often wished she had never been in her life. The self hatred was easier.
It wasn’t until he spoke once more, requesting a change in scenery, that Lucia realized she hadn’t left. Her mind had simply wandered elsewhere as it often did. Smiling slightly, as to hopefully throw Zalen off any inkling that something was bothering her, Lucia nodded. She could feel his touch, but didn’t dare look. That would make it all too real again, and she wasn’t in the mood to be emotional. She didn’t want to cry today.
Giving Zalen another glance, she stood up hastily, pulling her hand away. Brushing herself down, as to give reason to why they were no longer touching, Lucia kept her eyes busy, avoiding his handsome features at all costs. “Let’s get going then, shall we?” Her voice was empty, straight to the point. She needed to shake off the thoughts again, needed to get Snake and those pesky coyotes off her brain. She was torn between herself, and who she thought she needed to be. It wasn’t easy, and with everything, she couldn’t allow anyone to know her suffering. Not even Zalen.
Hope you don’t mind I PP a little to get them to the den quickly. Yay I missed you!
Zalen watched her beautiful face and wished he knew what she was thinking. Though her features seemed at ease her emerald eyes held a different emotion; they seemed to glint with frustration and confusion and Zalen’s heart nearly stopped at this. But when she turned to him again and asked him to show the way he lived again. However, the smooth way in which she released her hand from his made his stomach drop once more. What kind of witch was this girl to set such a spell upon him that in one moment he felt as if he could fly and an instant later he fell to the depths?
Trying to shake the conflicting feelings of he began to move swiftly through the woods, glancing back every so often to make sure she was still right on his heels. Not but several minutes later the two of them came into the small clearing that housed his den, which was set into the side of a fern and moss covered berm. There was the small cave like entrance that held his den, the vines of ivy draping over the top like a natural curtain. He moved these aside, Watch your head, it’s a low entrance. And also, try not to disturb Widow, she just made her web fresh this morning. He pointed to the glistening, dew covered spider's web attached to the corner of the entrance, in which sat like an onyx pearl the black widow spider.
Once upon entering Zalen quickly produced an old green candle and managed to light it with only one match much to his surprise; he had just recently figured out how to use the small hume fire starters. On the floor he had places several layers of dry ferns and cypress bows for comfortable places to sit and lay, which he did, sitting on one and resting his back against the cool stone of the cave wall. He smiled at Lucia sheepishly, he wondered what she thought of his little abode. It was not much, but it was warm, dry and comfortable. The light from the candle glinted off the rainbow of glass bottles situated around the cave and it gave the room an eerie glow. Well, it’s not much, but it’s home. He shifted in his seat slightly, wondered what Lucia would say.
Absolutely great to read! It is no issue that he's in Lupus form. I may shift Lucia a little further into the thread. 
