Blackfeather Woods In my field of paper flowers

@Atshen ♥

The speckled beauty was confused. Everything was changing, shifting, and she simply couldn't keep up. She hated Damien and yet loved him for what he was - she hated her brother and yet had lied for him to protect his position and the respect he was given. She had promised not to care anymore, but that was a lot harder than it first seemed. It angered her, not being able to let go, and yet she clung to the same hopes as before. Those petty dreams and emotions were keeping her afloat, safe in the clutches of the grey where nothing was fine. Not even pain released her of her worries, her thoughts about everyone that had hurt her, and she couldn't stop anymore. It was driving her mad - the itching, the yearning for a comforting touch of a beloved. She was holding her last breath and knew it damned well.

She missed the winter - the time before this all - and wanted nothing more than to go back. She could've stopped Damien from leaving. She could've told her mother just exactly what was going wrong. But time had stitched her lips together, afraid to spill and end up even more dead than she already was. They would judge her - blame her for her own problems, and she did not need that. She just needed a whisper - a voice telling her that everything was going to be fine. That she was safe here and had nothing to worry about. In the end, they were all doomed to die.

Wandering over the blood-stained borders, Nyx was looking roughed up and tired. Her silky soft fur was messed up slightly due to her having rubbed her shoulder wound on a nearby tree. She had not taken Sheo's advice - had not attempted putting the stinging plants in it like he had suggested moons ago. She would, one day, but without proper herbs just yet it was too risky. Besides, it was healing up nicely - even if it had been a rather deep wound from a rock in the tunnels down below. It would not scar, not much, and for that Astrid was thankful. She did not want to lie once more.

Thanks for starting! <3

 
Despite Atshen's nature, he had felt the need to reach out to his sister after she had defended him from Nemesis' prying nature. Since their interaction, as Atshen was not accustomed to doing kind things for his siblings, he had been wondering about just what he could do to repay her and show his appreciation. This kindness was a rarity in the Silencer's character, but, something deep within urged him to do this for her. 

After some time of thinking, Atshen's mind traveled to the prospect of food, and it was then that his idea formulated. Though he wasn't the best hunter, the ash-colored man sought a meal for his sister. He tracked the span of the territory until he happened across an old rabbit. Taking advantage of the situation, Atshen interviened quickly and ended the rabbits life. 

With the meal danging from his mouth, Atshen sought the second part of his plan: finding his star-kissed sibling. Triversing the territory, the Silencer caught wind of the Apprentice and followed after dutifully. It did not take him long to clear the distance between him and his steps hugged the blood stained borders tightly. When she was in sight, Atshen paused and dropped the body onto the ground before lifting his head once more to call for Astrid with a low wuff. If she were to turn around to face him, she would be met with the sight of both him and the present at his paws. Much to his nature, his expression was emotionless, yet, there was an odd sense of excitement to his demanuer.

Perhaps it had not been to defend her brother; perhaps it had been to protect her former desires to touch her brother - make him love her as she had loved him. She had been confused, ignored, and Atshen had been one of the ways out. It was shameful to think of what she had tried to force upon him, making her feel worse in the process of thinking and wandering. It was as if she was not in control of her actions - that everything was just her clashing against others as if she were some bouncy ball. She hated it - she hated being toyed with. She wanted to run - why couldn't she?!

The sounds of swift footsteps stopped her - the slight flopping sound and his call perking her speckled ears as she slowly turned her head. Over her night sky back did she spot him; her brother, a gift laying at his feet. Her mouth was in the shape of an "o", eyes wide like never before. What was he doing? Was he not supposed to hate her? His face revealed nothing, something that did not alarm her - he seemed to only have two different moods: Angry and acting as if he felt nothing at all. Nyx knew better than to call him a heartless monster though; he was simply a spoiled brat that, apparently, was handling life well.

After a few seconds of dead silence did her body follow her head, turning fully to face him as the shock wore off. She knew not what to think, knew not what to feel; how had he learned how to hunt? When? Had Miraak taught him? Nemesis? Father, perhaps? She inched closer, daring to look in his flaming eyes like so many moons ago. It was funny how she couldn't remember him with blue eyes - it was as if he had been this... dangerous from birth. She knew this not to be true, but still.

Atshen? She questioned softly. What... what are you doing? It was the first time her words came out unsure - shocked. Was this some kind of trick? Something to make her care?

Her silence was jarring, yet, he did not showcase to her these feelings. Instead, he stared on, indulging in the silence as he normally did. He only moved as he was questioned, reaching down to the morsel so that he could nudge it closer to her. "For you," he said as he lifted his head from the prey, offering limited sustenance to his intentions.

Disbelief showed in her calming eyes, vulnerability hidden neatly underneath as he nudged the catch closer. She dared not assume anything - dared only to watch his every move as if she was expecting for him to explode. A little volcano did he resemble - unpredictable and deadly, surely to cause chaos. If her brother was a volcano, what was she? ...Why? She asked him, expression not doubtful; just confused.

How did you-... Her question got cut off by herself as she knew the question to be a stupid one.

Atshen's affections were met with confusion from the receiver of such presents. Unlike their previous run-ins, Atshen knew that there were no games to be played in this interaction. Instead, he was aware that there was only peace to be made. "You protected me," Atshen reminded her, his tail swaying behind him as he clued her into his motives. If it had not been for Astrid's hatred for their mother, Atshen would have felt the wrath Nemesis' ways. Though Atshen was strong, he was surely not prepared whatever that entailed. 

To her next remark, Atshen smirked mometarily as he cast his eyes to the ground. "I killed it," he said, pride shining in his deep baritone as he returned his eyes to hers.

Her ears dropped half-way and under her midnight fur her cheeks grew rose-coloured. She had not expected kindness from her older brother just because she hadn't wished to reveal their little secret, but suddenly she was very glad for lying. She'd rather have Atshen as an apprentice than an enemy of some sort. She didn't care if she lost her mother in the process - she had never been there, beside her, to strengthen their bond. In an attempt to show no weaknesses to her brother, she lifted her muzzle a bit. Do not get used to it. She said with a hint of playfulness.

She took a small step forward - slightly respectfully - to take a closer look. Where did you learn? She asked carefully.

He smiled at her retort, his eyes dancing as amusement tickled his fancy at that moment. He knew it was not something that he should grow accustomed to, yet, he found himself enjoying the fact that they were getting along. He would never disclose this information and, instead, he'd keep it tucked away for a rainy day to recall upon fondly. 

Atshen felt himself perk as she drew herself closer to her present and he watched Astrid carefully as her curiosity was voiced. "It's like killing anything else," his voice perhaps too nonchalant for the subject matter. He shrugged as if pushing the question aside carelessly.

Ever since their... unusual fight, Astrid had never even dared of looking at her brother the same way as when they were kids. That child-like wonder and mutual respect had left them, she had noticed, but it was as if they were finally getting along again. She knew not to pin herself to it just yet, finding her brother rather unpredictable when it came to these kinds of things. For now, she was fine with what they had now; it was something mother could never take from them.

A slight chuckle left her maw - a frown on her face not long after. How many had he killed already? She shook her head, eyes staring up at him now that he was closer. I can not seem to catch one myself. She admitted, not the least bit embarrassed about her lack of skills as a young hunter. There was always time to learn, she found, and she was certain she'd get it someday. ...Thank you.

When Astrid had admitted to not being able to catch one, Atshen nodded in response as he did not have much to offer in reply. After all, he wasn't as skilled as he seemed to be in the craft of hunting. Had he have been better, he would have offered her a lesson or two. But, given his lack of skill, the Silencer did not want to embarrass himself. 

He was thanked for the meal and quickly, in response, he countered her. "No, thank you, Astrid,"  he offered, his ears fanning down to the top of his skull. "You saved me, you know." he admitted carefully, looking to see the star-kissed woman's reaction to such words.

The woods had sheltered her; had protected but also blinded her. Miraak and Damien were the only two souls that had taught her things she still held close to her heart. The rest of her view on the world was entirely her imagination and morals and, as much as she wanted to, she knew she'd never get to see all of it. Her place had been decided far before she was born she now realized; her place was in the woods, whether alone or not. Perhaps, someday, she would scout the Teekon for both herself and her pack - but that day was as far as the actual stars in the sky.

Her ears perked, eyes growing slightly wider when she blinked it off and shrugged bashfully. A light chuckle - as a rose pedal drifting on the wind - left her maw. From what? A hard talking-to from Nemesis? She asked rather playfully. Atshen was the favourite; everyone could see that in Nyx's opinion, and she doubted "Mother" would ever harm him.

For the first time in their relationship, Atshen took the joke with a hint of a smile. Unlike previous occasions, where he found himself sickened by her company, Atshen found himself able to joke about the subject matter. "You wouldn't want to see her when she's angry," he teased darkly as mischief flashed in his ember-like eyes.

It was strange to see her brother smile. It wasn't something one would expect from him - from any of the oreos, if Nyx was being honest with herself. Strange, how they didn't allow themselves to have fun in the moment very often. I do not want to see her at all. She partly joked, rolling her eyes with the smallest of smiles - puffing her cheeks out in a strangely cute manner.

He smirked at her comment, his tail giving a wag in response. Though he was usually a stickler for giving respect to the Dark Master, he let this slide for staying in his sister's good graces. Looking at her, his eyes danced with emotion that they had lacked for so long. "Yeah," he agreed, knowing of the obvious rift between them. "Do your own thing." Atshen seldom gave advice, yet, this seemed to be the only thing that he could express in that moment.

[table width=80%][tr][td]A knowing smile replaced the other suppressed one. It probably wasn't very smart to speak bad of their "leader", but this was her brother. Just as she hadn't done, so would he not tell anything. It was not a promise set in stone - more of a mental one. Strangely enough, Atshen was the only one she truly trusted; for he had seen that his secrets were safe with her too. Why no one else had reached this kind of trust with Nyx wasn't her problem; she had her big brother and that was all she truly needed to feel somewhat comfortable in these woods. She chuckled; a foreign sound with a slight accent.

I am Astrid Nyx Apaata - doing my own thing is in my blood, I suppose. She said proudly with a quick twitch of her eyebrows. The disowned daughter of Nemesis, the one fluent in two tongues, the only female of a litter soon to be torn apart, the little sister of Atshen the silencer and the tongue collector of the Teekon Wilds![/tr][/td][/table]

Nyx declares her life's meaning at that moment, and Atshen nodded simply, not having anything to add at that moment. Never being one for lengthy exchanges, Atshen finds himself suddenly lagging on the social front, wishing not to speak any longer. Even with these innermost feelings, he finds a rarity amongst his conscious: to continue his time with Astrid. 

Thinking quickly, Atshen brings himself to his paws. "Do you want to patrol with me?" He asks suddenly, smoothing the delicate hairs along his chops with his tongue as he waited for an answer, hoping that she would agree to this. He would feel less inclined to hold a conversation then and, perhaps, ask her to talk about whatever she wished.

[table width=80%][tr][td]It had been a weird comment, she knew but necessary nonetheless. It was time for her to understand who and what she was to the dark woods and its members and that was a valuable player in this game of emotions and silent partnerships. For a moment did she wonder what name Damien had given her brother, given that he never spoke of it and probably preferred the name Nemesis had given him at birth.

Her ears perked at his question, eyes glancing from the rabbit to him and back again. She wasn't a border gal, but she'd hate to miss out on possible conversations with her brother. Let me first hide this, I will not be long - no peeking! She said, not wanting him to follow her around to where she stored all her valuable items. She smiled gently as she picked her brother's gift up and trotted off, storing the item in the blink of an eye. As she was on her way back, she hoped Atshen had simply stayed put.[/tr][/td][/table]

Despite his curiosity, Atshen lingered as Nyx moved to gather her present and hide it away for the moment. They had only just become friendly again, and Atshen had a feeling that this rekindling would only lead to prosperous things. Nyx held the intelligence that he far lacked, but even with his unintelligence, the Silencer knew that their powers combatted together could only result in greatness. She had easily swayed him from mother, convincing and conniving as she was, and Atshen knew that it was in his best interest to do as she said. 

Taking a seat, Atshen set his eyes in the direction that she had melted into the shadows, waiting until she arrived again.

[table width=80%][tr][td]Nyx, despite being happier than normal, did not carry a bounce in her step nor a swaying tail of speckled night behind her. Her happiness was for her and her alone and no one had to know how she was feeling. Showing was weakness, and if there was anything that she wasn't it was "weak" - or so she liked to believe. She returned without a smile, the only hint of pleasure a light in her bi-coloured eyes. She was glad he hadn't followed her - perhaps she had to reward him for that later, as to encourage this behaviour.

Lead the way. She said with a nod to the borders.[/td][/tr][/table]

Doing as he was instructed, Atshen pulled forward with a slight lead. Even with how he was feeling, Atshen only felt fair that he would disclose some information about his frequent patrols to his star-kissed sibling. "These patrols aren't what you expect," began Atshen, mischief gathering in his fiery eyes as he turned to look at Nyx briefly. "They are to find something to maim." Atshen had a lengthy track record of scouting out whatever was unfortunate enough to cross his path and bringing terror upon it. In most instances it was rodent, but in some rare occasions Atshen happened across a raven or even wolves who strayed too close to their borders. These run-ins were what the ash-bellied Silencer fantasised about and he hoped that he and his sister would run into something interesting. 

"Keep your eyes out for something we can play around with," instructed Atshen after a beat, licking his chops out of both excitement and anticipation.

[table width=80%][tr][td]Nyx followed swiftly - barely any rustling coming from the woods bedding beneath them as she sought something to focus on other than her brother. When he began explaining what exactly he did on such a patrol, she turned to look at him - slightly intimidated by his fiery eyes for a brief moment. It was strange how she almost trusted Atshen with her life and still did not feel a 100% comfortable near him. It was fair to say that every blackfeather member had some form of what they had; twistedness and a desire to suffer or see suffering. How come she did not know better? She had no idea. Strange - I always thought we did it to protect our home. She commented nonchalantly, truly meaning no harm with her words. She knew not much about patrols, but everything she had seen thus far had not pointed at what her brother was suggesting. Perhaps it was his own style.

Alright then. She agreed, breezy eyes now scanning the ground as they neared the blood-marked borders of their land.[/tr][/td][/table]

Atshen did not take offense to Nyx's words and as such did not react negatively. His skin had grown thick since becoming a leader, and he felt that there was no time to waste on hurt feelings. "That usually is the reason," began Atshen, his eyes scanning the land before them as they weaved along the borders, "but I have found that our walls usually suffice when it comes to protecting us." With their protection, Atshen had found it rare for anybody to breach their borders. 

"Of course, when somebody does come through I take care of them," he shrugged then as if indicating that the previous statement was a given. "But, most times, it's rather boring without a little entertainment." With his eyes on the trodden road before them, Atshen felt silent, allowing their soft paw steps to be the only noise that occurred between them until Nyx replied.

[table width=80%][tr][td]Atshen wasn't wrong; Blackfeather Woods had quite the reputation given the twistedness of its members. No sane wanderer would look at their blood-marked borders and go "yeah, that place looks fine". She shook her head in a way that meant "fair enough" and kept following him, feeling that the argument(?) had ended right then and there. Besides, she now knew what actual border-walking was and not just the way her brother did it. Nice. See, this was the kind of teaching that she could get around with; Miraak could learn from Atshen, who would've thought that?

One note of a chuckle escaped her at the nonchalant statement, though it didn't last very long. It was a slight break of her usual character, but Atshen always did that to her. She wouldn't have saved anyone else's ass but his and perhaps Damien. The rustle beside her made her freeze, eyes scanning the woods' grounds until she scented it. It had to be a rat or something - maybe a mouse. Honestly, Nyx got them mixed up a lot. So, without another word did she alter her path and walk straight through where she thought the little thing was hiding. With a peep did it run out; straight for Atshen if she wasn't mistaken.[/tr][/td][/table] 

With their conversing seemingly over for now, or so he thought, Atshen felt contempt in falling into line at Nyx's side. The peace that was held between them did not last long as disturbance pulled his star-speckled sibling fro, the trodden path they followed. Instinctively, Atshen pulled from the trail to where Nyx's curiosity had led her. Only realizing that something had led her to where she stood rather than a need for a change of scenery, Atshen's focused on the foliage just in time to see a figure break out from the protection of it. 

There was something instinctual that stirred within him as he watched the figure dart away from them. Succumbing to his gut feeling, Atshen turned sharply and sprinted off in pursuit of the rodent. Like Astrid, Atshen hadn't gotten a good enough look at it to determine it's species, but despite this, the Silencer was hell-bent on bringing down whatever it was. In his outburst, Atshen hadn't even realized if his sister was following or not, but he didn't dub that matter as important as the chase at hand.

[table width=80%][tr][td]For the first time in quite a long time, Nyx felt at peace with herself and her brother. No longer did they bicker or fight for a more dominant position; when they were together, they were equals. Though Nyx found it unfair that Atshen had been granted a high rank at such a young age, it was clear to see that her brother was growing into the role. She trusted his judgement more than she did her mother's and she knew Atshen respected her opinions as well. Why else would he have made an effort to thank her for not spilling their secrets?

Atshen went after the rodent with thundering paws - luckily, Nyx was far more agile than her brother and she scampered after him, catching up just a slight bit. She did not question him, merely followed to see if the thing would hurry and turn quicker than her bulky brother.[/tr][/td][/table]