Tulok made his way slowly down the beach, the breeze from the water making his thick coat stand up in weird ways. The days were getting warmer but the water was still frigid as it rhythmicly moved over his paws as he walked.
His fur was already damp from when he washed away the scent of blackwater after leaving the island. He considered going for another swim, though; the icy sea water was shocking against his skin, but he kind of liked it.
For now, he continued his wandering.
Kyn and his beautiful wife Simmik linger along the coast in search of their sons. Hopefully, their search is not in vain. He remembers Fury mentioning that the boys travel a lot, maybe they’ll catch them at the right time.
And it seems he does. For just when he’s about to go take a break and find Simmik so they can go get food he sees something — someone. He starts moving closer in a brisk trot and that’s when he’s sees the unmistakable pattern of his middle son’s pelage. There’s no doubt that it’s Tulok and instantly a smile is blooming on his face.
He makes his way over to him. “Tulok, my son.” He calls out heartily, a laugh falling from his lips. He would move in beside him, probably accidentally startling him, especially with his announcement of his unexpected presence. “You’re alive and well I see.”
Tulok was always aware of his surroundings, and so he heard the approach of his father before the words reached him. At first he couldn't place the scent but then the memories came flowing back—father.
He turned to look at his dad as the other man arrived at his side. Father,
he said, surprise painting his tone. Yes, of course I am alive,
he answered. Kynareth had trained them well.
Is mother here too?
he asked. He missed her and he thought it unlikely that she wouldn't be wherever his father was.
Kyn isn’t surprised to see how healthy his son looks, but he is surprised to see how much he’d grown up even in those few months away from home. He’s definitely thicker with muscle and he’s a touch bigger than when he saw him self. Oh, his son’s have been growing so positively fast — almost makes a tear come to his eye. Although he wouldn’t really cry over something like that, he does feel the sentiment expand his chest as he looks at Tulok and thinks of his other son, Alduin, as welll.
So a wide toothy smile contorts his face at his son’s surprise of his presence and chuckles softly when he acknowledges Kyn back and asking for his mother.
“That is good, I wouldn’t want it any other way.” He says humorously to Tulok’s ‘of-course-I’m-still-alive’ statement.
Next Kyn nods easily at his next question. “Yes, your beautiful mother is here too.” Only he tilts his head after. “And how is your wild brother? A little, pale birdie said he killed somebody?” He asks with hardly veiled interest.
Alduin has been somewhat problematic,
Tulok answered truthfully. Of course his father would be proud that his brother had killed someone; the demon could hear it in his tone as he spoke of the act. Kynareth didn't even stop to think whether Alduin's actions aligned with their plan. He was beginning to feel like he was the only one truly dedicated to their mission. Yes, he killed a random stranger without any thought to how it might affect our mission here.
It was clear that the speaker was not happy with the situation.
We can't afford to draw attention to ourselves. I have tried to tell him that, but he does what he wants.
Tulok would defend his brother against whatever enemies he made for himself, but he felt like his brother never took that into consideration. It seemed like all he considered were his own wants and whatever the sickness commanded him to do. He is sick,
Tulok added. There is something wrong with his mind.
He wondered if their father already knew this.
Alduin has been somewhat problematic.
That that Kynareth doesn’t even display surprise. He knows somewhat of his firstborn’s troubles. A lot happened to him when he was young. Though they have fought, Kyn obviously still worries about him and the anger that takes control of him. It seems his second born has been reaping those consequences trying to keep him in line. Though the chocolate brindled man knows Tulok could probably do it better than him, but even then he knows Simmik would do a better job at leashing their dark, wild boy.
So Kyn would hum out an unimpressed noise, but would otherwise allow Tulok to continue.
He goes on by confirming the kill Alduin made and Kyn listens dutifully as Tulok expresses his concerns. Yes, he is proud that Alduin took a life just as seamlessly as he would, but he does agree that his mind must be more focused on the success of their mission — not the glory in between.
But after Tulok continues with the well known — or at least suspected — illness that plagues Alduin. His anger, his mind — the being he speaks of…the one that follows him.
Kynareth’s nods then, looking off into the ocean for a moment before meeting Tulok’s two toned gazed.
“Yes, Alduin must learn where his priorities lie. Perhaps his mother could speak sense into him about needlessly killing those who do not benefit the mission.” He continues on with Tulok’s last sentence with a shake of his head. “I know. He has not confided in me as much about it though. He’ll soon go mad and I haven’t the slightest clue on how to stop it.
It seemed no one knew how to help his brother; it was not surprising news. He considered bringing up the listener and her promise to help rid Alduin of his sickness, but then he would have to reveal that blackwater existed, which was against his rules regarding the druids. He did not give away information to anyone outside of the pack, not even to his own father.
Though it was fine to mention the pack existed, he realized. He just wouldn't go into detail on the druids or their beliefs. As the speaker, it was his responsibility to keep that knowledge safe and out of the hands of those who had not been accepted as a druid.
I thought maybe this mission would help, but he seems to get worse as time goes on.
How long would it be before he was no longer Alduin anymore. What would he do then? He didn't want to think about the possibility of taking out his own brother.
How is Atka?
he asked, eager to change the subject.