surviving. [p]
#1
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cypressson <3


She had ridden through the AniWayan territory, unseen by some sort of miracle. But when they were beyond the fence, no one came to follow her. No one chased after the lone rider and the Dreamer felt for the first time that she would survive to see her home once more.


The horse continued, but she faded. The fatigue had caught up to her, the wounds that she had ripped open when shifting so she could sit on the horse and the lack of water were taking it toll on Anu. Her neck was bare of fur, the rope had worn it away. Her limbs matched the same burns and she felt the bruises of her mistreatment with each step of the steed she rode. Her exterior looked ragged, and inside her body fought with each beat of her heart and each intake of oxygen.



The Sun rose, bringing her a light to guide her along the path. They headed East, and Anu knew that they would touch the borders of her home. Her arms clung to the horse's neck, her head lowered with eyes closed until the scent passed over her nose. She closed her panting mouth, head rose and her eyes blinked against the Sun. The scent of Crimson Dreams enveloped her, she breathed it in so deeply her chest screamed in pain. The woman lifted her torso up, ever so slightly and she looked to find a familiar setting. Her arms shook, and though the horse moved slowly she found it hard to stay balanced. Her head tipped, a long howl cast to the air.


Fingers clung to the mane, elbows trembled and Anu watched the world she loved pass by her ever so slowly. She was in the mists of Crimson Dreams lands; they had come home. The horse slowed, and stopped. The woman leaned down onto it again, her fingers brushed against its fur in a weak appreciative pet.
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#2
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<333

With each passing day that come and gone without the warmth of his mother’s presence Cypress had become more and more restless. His body had become even leaner as the weeks had passed. Muscles had become toned from the near constant border patrols and countless hunts despite a decrease in his own appetite and while he overall he had grown leaner and thinner, his shoulders had grown wider and more defined. His body shedding its appearance of adolescences.

The morning air was brisk and the birds that had not already started their migrations had yet to wake. Leave the forest eerily silent as the predator stalked through the trees, looking for his morning meal before the sun had even managed to creep over the edge of the horizon. It’s faint glow only beginning to leak into the darkness of the sky.

By the time the fingers of the sun’s light could be seen drifting through the forest canopy, Cypress’ hunt had taken him a fair distance from the manor. He was hot on the fresh scent trail of a rabbit when the call broke through the still morning air, bring the young man to an abrupt halt and his heart stopped in his chest. He knew that voice and his heart hammered in his chest once it resumed its beating. The scent trail instantly forgotten as dark paws carried him as swiftly as possible in the direct of the call.

Mother!

The call had not been far at all from where he had been hunting and he slowed as the horse came into view his mother’s form slumped over on it’s back. He held back the urge to rush forward and call out for her, instead urging his body into the change as quickly as he could manage, he rose carefully to two legs and approach cautiously not wanting to startle the horse. ”Easy now.” he cooed softly to the horse. ”Mother! Mother, are you okay?” His hand resting gently on her shoulder as he came to stand beside the horse his other hand on it’s neck. Concern flooding his blue eyes. When he had first spotted her he had been so relieved just to have found her that her injuries had not yet registered with him. But now they were too bold to miss and his heart broke at the sight of her and his rage boiled for what they had done to her. The fur of her neck and limbs was gone and skin irritated and raw. That was just the worst of what he could see. Who knew what other injuries littered her pelt. ”Come now, lets get you home.” he said as he gently tried to coax her from the back of the horse and into his arms. "I've got you, Mother. Your safe."

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#3
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Anu could feel the horse grow tense beneath her. There was a change in the deep rhythm on it's heart, and her own ears took in the sound of a voice. It was close, so very close to her. She was not scared or startled, and turned her head to see the face of the speaker. She smiled at the sight of her son's eyes. He was different, his hair was long and dark. It hung in his face and made him look older. Had he grown since she was away? He touched her, and Anu winced only slightly. Cypress. She spoke, his name a crumbled word along her dry throat. She felt a warm sense of happiness, as ecstatic as her worn body would allow her to be to see her son. She let him bring her down from the horse, who stood beside them as vigilantly as it had brought her back to her home.


His words were backtracked through her thoughts, yes she agreed she was home. Safe? Yes, she finally felt safe. The woman felt the softness of her son's arms, the bare parts of her skin didn't even hurt as they touched it. He was strong, though her form was lighter then it had ever been, and she felt as if she floated through the air. They still have others. She told him, of those Dreamers that were still missing. Young wolves, like Savina's son. Softly she added, But, I got away. Released by two rebels. Anu would have to thank them again, perhaps when she was stronger...


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#4
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Feel free to pp Cypress taking her into the manor, or up to her room even <333

Cypress’ chest felt so tight with the swell of emotions in his chest. Relief and joy at his mother’s return, yet hearting breaking sorrow for her condition. Her hoarse voice had cracked saying his name, with a roughness that should not belong to her. She felt so light and frail, practically a feather in his arms. For a moment he simply held her, his arms adjusting gently beneath her weight to insure he had a sturdy hold on her as he held her to his chest. He wished to touch her face, and gently brush her cheek with dark fingers, but they were preoccupied. All the youth could do was gently touch his nose to the top of her head. ”We will get them back, rest now.” He said in a reassuring voice that somehow portrayed a confidence he lacked.

Cypress gave an unsure look over his shoulder at the horse as he began walking towards the manor. He wondered who the horse had belonged to and what was he was suppose to do with the creature anyway. Anu was more important and so he had simply left the creature to follow them or head back to AniWaya on it’s own accord. He figured if it followed that Alder would like know what to do with it.

Perhaps Cypress was getting better in optime form, that or he was simply to distracted to think too hard about placing one paw in front of the other, but he never faltered once as he carried Anu home. ”There it is, Haven Manor.” He whispered as his leaned down to once again touch her comfortingly with his nose. Raising his head he gave out a short call, announcing the return of the Praetor and beckoning for Cambria or Amata to come tend to her.

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#5
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Had she left without them too easily? During a moment of clear consciousness she had thought back to those she had left and wondered if she had left without them far too quickly. They were all hurting, and all scared. Anu had been one of the first prisoners, but that did not give her any right to be freed before them. Yet the rebels had let her go, and given her the means to get home. It had to be for a reason.


Though her thoughts were now focused on Cypress. Strong arms carried her as if she weighted no more then a feather, but the gentle touch of his nose to her head was familiar and comforting. She had done it to him many times, as well as her other pups. She felt the connection, the comfort and was put at ease as easily as a babe. Anxious thoughts were put to rest for now.


It was his voice that brought her back once again, and she opened her eyes to see the house she had longed for. The Manor stood before them steadfast, the light of the Sun shining through to brighten the windows as if to welcome her home. Cypress carried her through the door, and up the stairs. She hoped someone would hear his call, for her wounds would continue to fester without care, but as he lay her on her bed Anu felt the gentle cradle of the soft fabric and grew comfortable and relaxed.


It was a feeling that couldn't be broken by the memories of her imprisonment, and she knew she was safe and finally home. A hand reach up to touch his dark face, but a smile was all she could give him. The feeling overwhelmed her so, and no words would come.


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#6
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Even though his mother's gaunt form was light he could feel his body starting to tire as he carried her up the stairs of the manor and carefully through the doorways to lay Anu gently upon her bed. He knelled down next to the edge of her bed, dark fingers coming up to rest gently against her hand at his cheek. She was home at last and now that she was safe and comfortable in her own bed it finally began to sink in. She was home, really home. He blink his eyes repeatedly trying to drive away the water gaze to his vision and the burning from the corner of his eyes.


An easy silence had settled over them and it was several moments before Cyp felt compelled to break it. "I love you, momma." He said softly. His barely a whisper. Reluctantly he rose to his feet. He would sat by her said for hours, but she needed a healer and some water at the very least. "I am going to go and get you some water, is there anything else you want me to fetch for you, Mother? Alder is here too." He said with a forced smile, though he knew mother would surely be happy to see him. Cypress expected it was only a matter of time before the eldest made it in from his patrols.


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#7
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Anu smiled, the words of her son bringing warmth to her heart. She was happy to be home, and as she always felt; Anu was proud of him. Her weakened state made it hard for her to see the change in him, to notice the forced smile as he gave her Alder's name. All she could do was pause, and hold his hand before he could leave her side. There had been many moments where she was panicked that she would not see him again. She had feared that she would never take a breath inside the walls of their home, and yet here she was. I love you Cypress. She replied, squeezing his hand to emphasize her words. She then released it, folded the two paws onto her stomach and gave a heavy breath before closing her eyes.

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