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Private for Vark  Playing it out as if Conor treated the burns the day Vark joined Dahlia and he is visiting Vark to check how he is doing. Let me know if you want anything changed
Conor could not forget about the young male with hatred in his heart. While he could understand why rage was eating away on one of Dahlia’s new members – Vark, he still thought it very sad that he was so haunted by what had happened. Conor had put a salve made of a soothing fusion of herbs and clean on the young male’s burn marks the day he had arrived. Now was a good time to check up how the healing process was going. The golden male cared for those around him; cared for Dahlia. He suffered with those who carried pain within their hearts and he joined in with laughter when happiness was found for others. He had observed the dark cloud of emotion hanging over the slightly younger male and had felt a gentle ache in response. The Soul boy was concerned though; for he knew that Haku would not hesitate manipulating the boy in the quest of ruining Inferni as a whole. His father brought death and despair to the lands and the cinnamon and gold coated yearling felt the injustice build up. It was unacceptable, yet he did not lift a finger. Perhaps that should change. Courage was something he yearned for.
The young male simply followed the new Dahlian member’s scent and was pleased to realize that the new boy had chosen to remain close by. A thin smile was present at the yearling’s lips as he stepped up to the door of the building where Vark’s scent was strongest and gently knocked on the door. He had not brought his medicine bag for now – had determined that Vark most likely would not need a new round with bandages and ointment.
Table credit: Alli/Anu[/html]
(OOC: This is great thanks )
Vark snuffled around the back rooms of the house. It wasn't incredible luxury, but it was better than the living conditions he had been used to with his family. There was a couch, a bed, and all sorts of things he wasn't sure even of how to use. The place was built to accommodate wolves in the form his father most often used, and so therefore were still next to useless for Vark. He had already caught a snowy rabbit and had eaten it on the spot. Blood still stained his neck and ruff. He hadn't noticed the blood yet, and it had dried, blending in with the dark colour of his coat. He had attacked and killed the rabbit so viciously that some of it had been rendered inedible, but the kill had been somehow... satisfying.
Vark leapt up onto the couch. At times, he had thoughts looking back on what he had just done, or just thought. And was scared. When ever he remembered the scent of his mother early in the morning, or the sound of his father going out in the evening to hunt, he seemed to automatically cloud his memories with thoughts and actions of rage and violence. The memories that hurt the most were those of what things looked like. Already, those memories were becoming to few. His eyes had stopped hurting, and his burns were healing. Some had already been reduced to mere pink scars, and the pain had reduced significantly. His vision, though, despite the efforts of the young healer whom Vark rather liked, had become a thick grey mist. He could only make out vague shapes and shadows. He remembered the motion of a tree swaying in the wind. He remembered the way the sea lashed the shore. He remembered the way the wind brushed leaves up the path. But he was beginning to forget what his parents looked like. The colour of his fathers eyes. The gleam of his mothers nose. Images of blood and death and violence swamped Varks senses, and he let out a growl, claws digging the couch.
He was broken from his bought of rage by the knocking on his door. Vark walked to the door. Because of his inability to use handles yet, he had wedged all the doors open with various blocks of wood. To his severe annoyance, he was still unable to change form, even the Secui form. He was still just a wolf. There were times he wondered if his blood had been tainted. Both his mother and father could change form. But he couldn't.
His head spinning from emotion and over contemplation, Vark nudged the door open with his marred muzzle, to be met with the friendly face of his healer. A smile broke rebelliously out across Vark's features
"Hey Conor." Vark said. He stepped back, to let the other young male in. "Good to see you again."
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Whee 300+
A vague hint of blood teased the young male’s nostrils and ears flickered gently, though it was not the life blood of a canine he scented. Moments later the door was nudged open by the new member and Conor immediately regretted that he had not chosen to take his four legged form to visit. It would be little effort to change shape, but the golden male could possibly get use for well formed hands and brushed away that thought. They were the same nevertheless. He was pleased to see the other young male break into a smile and copied that same smile to lie across his maw as well. The other male stepped away from the threshold and the cinnamon hued council member took it as a sign that he could enter Vark’s home. ”Hey Vark, it is good to see you too,” the yearling said with sincerity in his calm voice. ”You look much better.” It was far from difficult to detect the dark crimson spots in the youth’s neck and ruff, but it was not uncommon to spill a little while dining on freshly caught pray. He was glad that the boy had settled enough to go hunting.
Violet eyes danced to the grass coloured eyes of the other and he was determined to go to Susquehanna about this matter. It was noticeable that the fellow’s eyesight was not perfect and it troubled him. It was very impressive that he had managed to hunt in such a condition, especially now when the long eared game shared the same colour as the twinkling white snow. "It seems you’re doing well.” he said, kneeling to come down to Vark’s level and eyeing the healing injuries. It looked very well. ”Mind if I take a look at how your injuries are doing?” he asked lightly, already suggesting by his cheery tone that it was looking good even without proper investigation.
Table credit: Alli/Anu[/html]
A small spike of envy flashed through Vark as Conor walked into the house on two legs. But it was quickly gone and past. Vark presented his left front leg to Conor when he asked to inspect the injuries. His left paw still had several burns on it, which still ached and weeped a bit. Because all the doors were wedged open, the cold wind whistled in through the gaps, creating freezing draughts. Vark also had the inability to make a fire, and so the house was bitterly cold. Vark gave an involuntary shiver. He had been worried about the condition of his wounds, but the tone and cheerfulness in which Conor talked suggested that he had nothing to worry about. Vark liked Conor, having a male close to the same age as he. He had a distinct scent, influenced by the various salves and herbs he came into contact with everyday. Vark felt a bit awkward in the silence, and so voiced a question that had been bothering him ever since he came to Dahlia de Mai.
"My mother said that Haku hated coyotes, and that he would protect us." Vark said. "I have heard stories of how terrible he is in battle. And out. Does this pack fight coyotes a lot?"
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300+
The young male’s eyebrows lifted somewhat as he observed a shiver go through the other youngster. Was it discomfort or the lack of a decent temperature? He did not like to see that some of the burns still released some liquid and hoped that he had brought his bag with basics after all. Most of the burns were doing just fine, and although Conor certainly could have continued to treat them, it was not necessary. It would be best to leave them alone and let the body deal with it on its own. Lilac eyes took in the few marks worth continuing treating before he was finished with the brief inspection.
He took in the room they stood in and Conor thought that although it was a good choice of accommodation, it was still hollow and cold – so very unlike the house he shared with Alexey and the children. Did not wolf packs originally sleep at the same place? He thought it sad that a young wolf that so recently had lost his family stayed all by himself when there were other options. Conor’s train of thought was interrupted by Vark and his gaze and attention returned to the boy, listening and feeling dread as Haku’s name was included.
Who could Haku protect? Conor knew there were stories far and wide about his dark hearted father, but he had always thought they were dark and full of his cruelty and evil, bringing the man no compliments. ”Dahlia has been in war with Inferni twice now.” It was often considering the pack’s young age. Wars should not happen at all and before the pack had managed to turn two years old Haku had already forced them into war the second time. ”The first war happened before I was born, and now history is repeating itself.” Conor said sadly; wishing he could have enjoyed the peace better than he had when it was there.
”What do you think of Haku?” the golden male wondered lightly, though feeling somewhat reluctant to hear the answer. So many souls followed the demonic Alpha these days, and though he loathed his father, Conor too was one of them.
Table credit: Alli/Anu[/html]
Vark flicked his ears in a gesture of recognition at the name Inferni. He vaguely remembered the name as one often heard in stories along with Haku Soul. They were the largest pack of coyotes. Vark felt a tremor of anger and hate briefly shiver down his spine. But war, this was something Vark had only heard of in great tales. Ever long conflicts, with much death on either side of the board. Vark bowed his head as more emotion poured over him as the memories of his family and his coyote attackers were again brought to the surface. Vark looked up as Conor displayed a sad and regretful emotion as he explained that this was the second time that there was conflict between the two packs. Despite the rage and violence Vark felt attempting to consume him from inside, he didn't like conflict. The useless spill of blood the occurred in feuds between packs was a waste of life.
There was silence for a while, before Conor asked of Varks thoughts on their leader. Vark went to speak, but stopped. In truth, Haku was, well, put bluntly, scary. Vark realised after he had left the presence of the hulking male, he had come very close to death. But he was now part of the man's pack. He was his follower. But Vark still felt a shiver of terror when in Haku's presence.
"He smells of blood. And death. And violence." Vark spoke finally. After an awkward pause, Vark said, "But he is my leader. I would do what he would ask of me." Vark felt a strong loyalty to Haku, being the one who had accepted him. Vark wanted to learn how to be as powerful as Haku, and fast and as strong, from the man himself. He wanted to kill coyotes. But there was a part of him still left intact after his traumatic event, that spoke in his ear, telling him that that path is nothing but blood and violence, and that he was a peaceful wolf. Vark had found that that part of him was louder and stronger when ever he was with Conor, and Vark felt more at peace, and happier. Weighing up both arguments in his mind, he felt confused.
"I don't know." He said, shaking his head sadly. "I feel... bad... around him. But he is my leader. And I will learn from him." Vark repeated, though, in his heart and in his voice, there was a faint trace of doubt.
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500+
He sensed emotion rise within the other and politely averted his gaze and refrained from witnessing whatever feelings went through one of Dahlia’s newest members. While he certainly could sympathize with Vark he could claim to know how the young male was feeling. Conor had never had any family as many had. His mother was a stranger and his father was a monster. It was clear though that Vark had lost those closest to him and it saddened him, perhaps more than it should. Varks suffering was not really the golden male’s business, but he was so easily affected by those around him. He had been born to Dahlia de Mai and he cared so for the pack and its members. He thought it horrible that Vark was living in a cold and lifeless house, coping with his enormous loss alone. Solitude was often desired while handling such traumas, but it was important that the male did not isolate himself from others or let his mind be poisoned by hate.
The answer that the other came up with fitted well as a description of his demonic father. Lilac eyes slowly travelled back to Vark’s form, touched by the light curiosity his body too displayed about the youth’s thoughts. ”Hmm,” was the only reply Conor could come up with there and then. It was a good thing that Vark respected the hierarchy and the leadership – he just wished it had not been Haku up there with a blood stained crown that should have been pure and untainted. Conor himself too was struggling with his own thoughts. He followed Haku because he was the alpha, but he was questioning the alpha’s sanity more and more these days. He knew the blue eyed male almost as well as the dead victims of his crimes. His childhood had been haunted by Haku’s dark rage and punishments. Cercelee and Cwmfen had managed to keep Haku calm back when they were leading the pack, but now Haku was on the top alone and there was insanity dancing in his eyes.
”Yes, he is our Alpha and we are required to follow him.” the male started slowly, unable to find a better way of going on about the matter. His mother had spoken cruel words about his father when he had been at the borders of Cour de Miracles, and even if her words had been tainted by bitterness and her grudges against Haku, he thought that there was some truth somewhere as well. ”But don’t learn from him.” he now stated firmly, making the point bolder by seeking eye contact with the other. ”Haku is not a hero – there are many that consider him a monster that refuses to let us find peace.” This was true, or so the young Dahlian thought. Haku had been a prominent piece in the first war as well and Conor had heard the horror stories about the woman and the child he had so cruelly butchered and put up on display. Madness. It was madness.
Table credit: Alli/Anu[/html]
(OOC: I apologise for my recent absence, I have been snowed under with work. I’m sorry  )
Though Vark couldn't see Conors face clearly, He noticed the same struggle of thought that he was going through was displayed briefly on Conors face. The struggle between what Varks opinions, and the loyal duty to his pack leader. Vark swallowed his uneasiness, as Conor reassured him that Haku was their leader. Varks thoughts and feelings wandered. Haku Souls fame preceded him. Fear was instilled into the young of tales of a demonic wolf, who would come to eat you if you didn't eat your greens. Vark didn't believe he was real until his mother told him so as they began their flight to the Dahlia de Mai, now Varks home. Vark jerked back to the present with a guilty flick of his ears, as Conor said some thought of Haku as a monster. Vark had been thinking exactly that thought, and tried in vain to hide his guilt from Conor. He quickly passed the ball back to Conor.
"Refuses us our peace?" Vark asked a little incredulously. Haku was said to be horrible, but he was the pack leader. He pointed that out to Conor.
"As leader of the pack, he would protect us, keep us from harm?" Vark said, though uncertainly.
Using the word 'us' felt a little alien to Vark, though he told himself he would become use to it. Us was not a word he felt comfortable with. It reminded him of his parents.
A particularly evil and well timed draught whistled through the house. Vark shivered. He had wanted to ask this for a time now, but didn't want to intrude on Conors privacy. But, the thought of staying by himself much longer was frightening. And he liked talking to Conor. It distracted him. Vark looked up at Conors face, struggling with which words he should use.
"Conor?" Vark asked furtively. "Can I stay at your place?" Vark hurried to explain himself. "Just until I get settled. I can even sleep on the floor, if there isn't room... and I can get my own food, and everything...." Vark trailed off hopefully.
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500+ Don't worry -- you're always faster than me to reply D:
Haku Soul was certainly an infamous creature within these lands, but that was only through cruelty and not all seemed to understand what that meant. All was well if a group was lead by a strong leader. While Conor did not enjoy violence, he acknowledged that it was a necessity at times. Haku sought violence and conflict – he was certain of it. A cruel man hungering for blood should not hold a position where he was free to grant his own wishes. Dahlia de Mai was one of the longest standing packs and it was going to be torn apart – or so Conor feared. Vark was young and had such amount of sadness and hatred in his life already. The golden boy knew that his father would attempt to exploit this and strengthen the taint within the boy. He did not want to see that happen, because he already appreciated the careful boy with the weak eyes. Perhaps he saw part of himself in Vark, they were both orphans in each their way and they both carried emotional scars.
Vark’s question brought an almost fragile expression to briefly flash in the Dahlian’s violet eyes. ”He brought us this harm – he kills people for his own amusement,” the monster’s son said with a hushed voice. Ears folded backwards towards his golden skull and he could feel his tail instinctively dance between his legs nervously. It was dangerous to speak openly about such things. Conor’s face turned away from the other, down at the wooden floor and letting shadows settle in worried creases in his face. He had only heard stories, but he had never actually seen his father do the dark deeds that were spoken of. He did not doubt it was true, though, for his father was a horrible, horrible man. The yearling’s mouth opened, though no sound escaped other than the air whistling down into his lungs. ”Be careful. Don’t let him play with your mind – hate and violence will not help you.” Ah, such a fragile subject to touch. The young boy held his breath now, uncertain of how fresh and horrible the recent loss of his family was for the other.
The other words were received with appreciation and compassion. Conor had wanted to ask, but had not yet brought the topic up for consideration for the young Dahlian before him. His ears flicked dismissively as the male started to explain himself hurriedly – it was not needed. ”We’ll find you a bed and we will share our food with you,” the slightly older boy announced with a small, yet sincere smile. It was already hard enough to hunt for himself, Alexey, Emwe and Mew’s children, but the two other adults helped contributing to keep the family fed and he knew by the hurried words of this male that he was capable to hunt despite his limited vision, so he would be able to contribute as well. ”I wanted to ask you to come stay with us for a little while anyway, so I’m very glad you asked.” Smile widened and lilac gaze had found Vark’s face again.
Table credit: Alli/Anu[/html]
Varks ear quivered in astonishment. He listened as he heard that it was the pack leader that he was loyal to was the one that had brought the Dahlia de Mai harm. It was he who had brought the war. Vark suddenly felt very vulnerable. He had begun to feel safe again, but he realised what Conor was saying was true. He subconsciously drew closer to the other boy. All the horrible things that he had heard of the chocolate demon in charge of the Dahlia de Mai. Of the death and destruction. And worse. Vark looked up againto Conors face as he warned Vark. Again he was astounded and impressed by his friends wisdom and foresight. He had been feeling those exact needs, for rage and vengence. He had even hoped to learn from their leader, in the art of death. But the more Vark thought about it, the more he realised it most certainly sounded better than it looked. Killing for fun, or sport was wrong, his father had told him. Over and over. Enjoying others pain was wrong. Vark had nodded, frightened by his fathers intensity, and had vowed never to enjoy another's pain, nor kill out of sport. Yet in most recent times, Vark could think of nothing but the mutilated corpses of the killers of his family. Vark turned away, to hide the grimace that came to his face, and to wipe away the tear of bitter sadness and loss.
Vark's sadness was forgotten though as his friend said he could stay. Vark bounced around like a little puppy, wagging his tail and his tongue lolling out.
"Thank you Conor" He said still bouncing. "I can help you get food. Or anything you need help with!" Vark stopped bouncing, having realised how silly he probably looked, acting like a puppy.
"When can I come over to live at your place?" Vark asked, addressing the wall slightly to the left of Conor's very blurry head.
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300+
Breath hesitated before it was let out between slightly parted lips. He was not particularly fond of revealing grave news in such a way, but to witness ignorance and see it take lives was outright wrong and not an acceptable option. Conor was devoted, and though he had yet to work up the courage he needed to ensure the pack’s safety by taking proper action, he still did his best to try to serve Dahlia and keep it safe. It was hard to see the misery catch up with the boy so close to his age again and while Vark turned his face away, Conor did the same in respect. He wished there was some form of cure for injuries of the soul, but he knew of no such thing. The short silence made the situation awkward, but joy was thankfully found when Vark learned that he could stay with the odd family few houses away. Wolves lived in packs for a reason, Conor knew, and there was no resentment in any form in Conor’s made choice. He did not wish for Vark to live alone in a cold house with such pain corrupting his young heart. Alexey had not been counselled, but he knew she would not disapprove of this. The golden male and the latte female cooperated in every way, though his heart still ached for her to love him.
”It would be appreciated greatly if you helped us with food and other tasks,” the lilac eyed yearling confessed, smiling wider now. ”We have three greedy puppy mouths and Emwe, my brother, has this extraordinary appetite as well.” Conor actually laughed as he thought of his somewhat chubby brother and his ways. Vark’s reaction had reminded him so of his sandy coated brother. He was certain that they would get along – who did not go well with Emwe? ”You can come today if you want - it’s a large house with enough space for everyone,” Conor said merrily. ”We can gather your things and later today I can introduce you properly to Alexey and the children.” Perhaps he should take a quickly lap around the snow coated lands in pursuit of a larger meal, as they needed to have some kind of welcome meal. Special occasions also meant special treats.
Table credit: Alli/Anu[/html]
Vark hesitated, embarrassed. He didn't have any possessions. He had come with only his skin. He didn't yet have the ability to use any tools, come to think of it. His face burnt with shame when the fact that he still couldn't shift form struck him, yet again. He glanced around behind him, to his house. He felt incredibly lucky, to have been allowed to have a place of his own. It was his only possession. And he couldn't exactly take it with him. He fortified himself with the thought that when he was bigger and.... well... braver to live by himself, he would move back. Maybe even refurbish the place. Vark took a step towards the door.
“I don’t have any things.” Vark said quietly to Conor. He glanced up, a slight tear in his eye. Vark quickly dashed it away, quickly telling himself it was because of his injured eyes, not the painful recollection of his stupid puppy toys he had left behind. “Just me.” Vark walked out of the house into the street. He glanced back only to see if Conor was coming, not to see his house. Or so he told himself.
“So I can come over now, if that’s ok.” Vark smiled.
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300+
The golden furred yearling waited patiently as the other seemed to hesitate a moment. The lilac eyed male could not have guessed the reason why until the quiet voice of Vark revealed that he did not actually have any things. There was nothing odd about that, so instead of offering some soothing words to take away some of the embarrassment, Conor merely nodded. Conor owned few things, though he did not count with the books he so eagerly collected and read through whenever he had the time. It was not before the children had arrived and Conor himself had started to rise in rank that he had realized how busy his life could turn. In the past he had spent whole days reading through human literature and stories, but now the day consisted of hunting and puppysitting as well as the general pack duties, which had increased as he had made his way upwards in the hierarchy. He missed his lazier days, but he was no longer a child, and so he had to look forwards and appreciate what he had there and then.
It was just as well that Vark had no possessions, for this meant less effort gathering items and move them. All they would have to do was to walk over to the Alexey’s house and find a room that Vark could call his for now. There were two full floors with several rooms vacant, and Conor’s space was actually the attic, where he had cleaned and made a great spot that he could call his. It also secretly pleased him that the puppies seldom dared to go up the long, dark stairs to the attic, so he usually got his peace when he needed it the most. ”Alright then,” the male cheerily spoke as he turned to the opening where he not too long ago had entered when his quest had merely been to take a look at the young male’s burns. Vark was already waiting, no doubt eager to turn his back to the cold house. Strange how meetings stretched and bended to become something quite different from what one could have anticipated.
"I hope you like puppies,” the gold and cinnamon male chuckled lightly, doubting the other would last long in this household if he had a short temper.
Table credit: Alli/Anu[/html]
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