Totoka River turn of the tides

@Astaroth. Dated April 29th. Dusk, patchy clouds.

The transition was complete. From loner to pack again. Months ago, Tzila would hardly have considered such a shift in her lifestyle even a remote possibility. In fact, she would've downright turned her nose up at such a preposterous idea. But here she was, trying to set out on a new path, should fate allow and all thanks to a little influence of a friend. Friend. It used to be such an odd term to her. Tzila had never truly formed any close connections with anybody. Only offered the illusion that she did, so in the end she could achieve her goals. This was different. No game of expending them until she saw fit to toss them away. This was...genuine. How she had let one wolf shift the balance of her life thus far was beyond her. 

The last rays of the dying sunlight broke like shards through the patchy network of clouds. Casting the inland deltas in a soft golden glow. Much like the fuzzy warmth that licked at her insides at daybreak, soon arisen a smoldering flame. It was for this sudden, unexpected onset of her heat, that the once and always Shadow Queen stole away from Yuèlóng before she even had the chance to settle. She did so regrettably, but with purpose. Immersing herself now in a group of strange wolves while her instinctual passion burned, was not recipe for ideal first impressions. With such timing of her choice, Tzila inadvertently missed the injection of @Astaroth into the fold. Having come all this way, she naturally assumed that she would stay and he, favoring the loner lifestyle, would part to adventure with his pale friend.

Unaware of the tragedy that had unfolded between he and the sisters, resulting in the change of dynamic, Tzila busied herself with more...practical business. Still so very accustomed to inland life, she hovered around the waterways in search of prey she was more accustomed to eating on a regular basis. Beaver were a likely option and perhaps even Elk, as the hooved animals often took to water for safety from predators such as herself. Having a little food stock of something that reminded her of the comforts of the forest would help her psychologically get through the first few toughest weeks.

since his official acceptance into the island pack, astaroth had spent the majority of his time in search of a den, one spacious enough to hold ying and her expected litter. it had taken him roughly a day to discover the beginnings of a possible burrow, and another day to actually expand it to the point of use. it was exhausting, but he did it. he was proud of the little home he'd created for the pale mother, but knew it was yet still missing a thing or two. perhaps he'd use the knowledge kukutux had shared with him and line her den with comfortable furs.

eager to complete his task, he set off inland with the hopes of killing two birds with one stone. if he could snag himself a decent size meal, then not only would he gain a pelt, but the caches would be filled as well. and so as he strolled near to the familiar creek where he'd first met ying at, the all too well-known scent of a woman in heat drew his attention away. he would have ignored it completely if it wasn't for the fact that he knew the name behind it's source. tzila.

some surge of longing lead his feet astray from the path he'd been taking. he was anxious to see his shadowy friend yet again, curious how she'd been doing during his time away from the coast. eventually after a few minutes passed, her inky silhouette began to materialize in the distance. once close enough, he let out a friendly chuff to catch her attention, tail swaying happily behind him as he made his approach.

 Closer and closer she edged to a nearby channel of water. Her slender muzzle lowered to hover over its undisturbed surface, silver eyes peering down into the depths. Watching for the slightest movement of a furry hide or a wedge-shaped tail. Even searching for the signs of loose debris left over from gathering the building material. She drew her head up slowly, glancing to her right. Farther out, to where these waters emptied into the ocean. Her prey, if it had been here, would not have gone that way. Beavers were animals who preferred fresh water, not salt. The quarry would have moved further inland. 

An indecisive swish of her tail only fanned her tantalizing scent further, while she gazed to her left. Clearly contemplating on whether or not venturing further inland, away from the pack, was worth the effort for the prize she had in mind. Shifting her weight from one paw to another, fidgeting from the flames that brushed at her skin. Mercifully, an amicable and most familiar voice chuffed to her. Spinning around with the slight motion of a play bow, Tzila was soon facing her friend, Astaroth. 

Tail held high, she approached him swiftly on stiff legs, practically vibrating with excitement. She surprised herself with her behavior while in estrus. Normally, she would be inclined to be snippy. Temperamental and unpredictable. It was still possible - her hormones were ricocheting all over the place and who knew what could happen. The corners of her lips twitched into a slow smile. "Back so soon? I didn't think I would be seeing you for a while after we parted." She tipped her head, expressing her curiosity. If only she knew so much had changed so soon.

after the last rough few days, it did him good to actually see someone in high-spirits. his smile mimicked her own, and as her lips parted to question him, he moved to brush gently against her shoulder in a silent greeting. "i wasn't expecting to be back so soon myself, if i'm being honest." he'd hoped to have stayed atop the volcano for a while longer before escorting ying back to her home, but obviously that wish had come and gone with so much as a gust of wind.

he sucked in a breath, debating whether or not to share the details of what had transpired. he knew it'd do him well to at least get some of the weight taken off his chest, and so opted to explain the short version of what had happened. "my best friend, ying, had a bit of an accident", he started as his golden gaze briefly darted to the floor. "physically she's ok, mentally though...", he assumed tzila would get the idea.

"so, i brought her back home to be with family." and that was where the story had left off. oblivious to the fact that his pale friend had slipped her way past the borders, astaroth hoped their tale would have a happy ending. it was wishful thinking really, but he liked to remain positive even as uncertainty loomed around him.

Their happy little reunion quickly took on a more somber mood the moment those first words left Astaroth's mouth. She could practically feel it in the way he spoke. Hinting at something wasn't quite right. He was fine physically of course - she saw no wounds, no smell of illness or infection. Ears pricking attentively, she fixed him with a patient silver gaze.

She listened silently as he explained what had transpired since they were last together. His friend...the one he had told her about. The one Tzila had hoped to meet one day. There had been an incident, one severe enough to render her different in mindset. Her dark brows furrowed, concern reaching her eyes. "I'm..." She swallowed. She had never been put in this situation before, and her heat wasn't helping. "Gosh I don't know what to say. I'm sorry, I was never good with these things. Fate, if you can call it that, can just be so terribly cruel." Tzila looked him square in the eye, familiar with those burnished gold orbs by now. "But she is alive. That is what matters. I didn't see her back at the isle, but with family is the best for her, I'd imagine." Although Astaroth opted to give her the simplified version of what happened, Tzila was still curious to learn of the details. And the pointed look though lacking in any severity said as much.

she said fate could be cruel, to which he silently agreed. she went on to speak more, some of which he heard, others bits which he did not. even as she looked at him with that curious gaze of hers, all he could offer was a forced apologetic smile in return. he didn't want to think about this anymore, not right now at least.

he selfishly sought her comfort and aimed to bury his face into the fur of her neck should she let him. he sucked in a breath, the intoxicating scent helping to dull his senses and blur the memories that pained him. he was sure of it then, that a woman in heat was the most powerful drug he knew, and astaroth, desperate for relief, was slowly becoming an addict.  

All her silent inquiry got in return was an apologetic smile from her friend. Ears swishing back, Tzila felt only a slight tinge of disappointment. She shouldn't force it out of him. Not now. The time wasn't right. His nerves...his emotions, they may still be too raw from the damage sustained by this terrible turn of events. Later, a quiet voice in the back of her head reminded herself.

Momentarily forgotten, the burning fire under her skin roared to life again as he stepped close, forcing her heart to pound against her ribcage. Confusedly, she gazed at him as he made to bury his face into the soft furs of her ruff, taking a single, hesitant step back. Some opposing force that she couldn't quite name compelled her to reach out to him like a magnet. I shouldn't. This isn't right. He cares for her differently than me. She tried to convince herself, unknowing of the true dynamic between him and the pale Ying. Yet it felt good to be touched, to have someone pay attention to her like this. For the very first time in her life. His scent, which she noticed for seemingly the first time, was comforting. Musky...strong. Intoxicating. Releasing a quiet breath, Tzila stepped into his touch, draping her chin over the gunmetal lined furs of his neck. Nudging an ear, she preened at the delicate skin with careful clips of her teeth. She needed Astaroth to know she was there for him, but also that she too, needed what only he could provide.

he took note of the hesitant step away and considered backing off himself. she wasn't ying, though truthfully, that's who he wanted her to be. he wished for the comfort he'd so easily sought in the pale sea-woman so many times before. but then tzila took a step forward and filled the hole ying had left behind, and he so easily fell into the comforting embrace she offered.

he closed his eyes as she began to work her way along his ear, a hushed hum of approval echoing in the depths of his chest. carefully, he moved to do the same along her nape, slowly making his way downwards until he began to nibble at the thin fur along her spine. she was a distraction away from the chaos, an excuse to not think anymore. and so he didn't, choosing to dig a hole further down to avoid his problems rather than climb out and face the ones he'd already created.

If she could fill the gap that Ying had created, though unwillingly, then Tzila would do so. Not out of selfishness or greed. But for his sake, if that's what made him feel better. She found his well-being important to her. And Ying's too, although they may never be able to retrieve his friend again. Flames licked down her spine, making her quiver. Damn the timing of this! Why, why now?! Sometimes Tzila really didn't like what spring did to wolves, messing with their hormones. And this extra dash of drama...it wasn't needed.

Issuing a low, rumbling growl of approval, she craned her neck, reaching for his own where she sifted through his fur, teeth clashing gently. His ministrations were appreciated, lighting electricity under her skin, making it twitch and quiver under those hairs. Her tail lashed, fanning that addictive drug-like aroma towards him. Engulfing him. Turning to press her flank upon his opposing side to form a ying-yang sort of formation, she reached for the junction of his hipbone and lower spine, mouthing him softly.

she encourage him onward with a rumble and sway of her tail, and so he continued, slowly mimicking her posture until he too was placing affection nips along her hipbone. similar in the way he'd done so with the nameless beauty he'd met not long ago, astaroth began to brush his nose long her thigh, drinking in the bewitching scent to drown out the senses.

his time with ibis had been driven out of lust, while his time with tzila was born out of loneliness. would there be next? he didn't know, what he did know was that this was what he wanted in the moment, this is what he needed. to touch, to feel, to be accepted. there was no passionate desire or budding attraction on his end, just a void that desperately needed to be filled. and so after a minute or two of silence held between them, he stopped and turned to glance at the inky female, silently asking permission to continue.

Sweeping round his other side, Tzila took extra care to brush her body up close alongside his. Feeling his frame, really feeling him. Getting to know and memorize every line, every muscle and the fine way in which his body was structured. As she completed her arc, bumping her nose up under his chin to nibble and press at the vulnerable expanse of his throat, her tail left a searing trail alongside his shoulder. Tzila wasn't exactly a stranger to copulating. She had indulged twice before. Once with a nameless stranger who she had promptly finished off afterwards. And then with Abbadon, the bastard son of Vengeance. Both times had been out of lust, for pleasure and personal gain. This, with Astaroth was none of those things. It was different. Blinded by neediness, comfort and primal instincts that clouded her better judgement. She was enjoying him.

Catching his golden eyed glance and the meaning behind it, she only smirked slightly. Her answer was to spring towards him, leaping up to wrap her front legs around the sturdy expanse of his shoulders while burrowing her cheek into the warmth of his ruff. Quickly then, she released herself, bounding away fleet footedly. Tail raised to reveal the source of that potent fragrance, she cast a coy look his way. He wanted her? He'd have to catch her.

each touch was like a brush stroke, each breath a surge of electricity. he let out yet another satisfied rumble, this one lower than the first, more primal. she pounced, catching him off guard and he stumbled back a few paces, a playful growl escaping his lips. he watched as she bounded away, a spectator as history began repeating itself once more. these girls and their games. why was he the one always giving chase?

he thought about the answer behind his question for no more than half a second before he was dashing off after her. he was a fish caught on a hook, and at this point she was just reeling him in. he lunged, purposely aiming to miss. this type of game was all too familiar to the inky ghoul, and one he played far too often.

Having long since forgotten why she had come out all this way to begin with, she weaved a tantalizing path for him as she raced ahead, leaping nimbly just out of his grasp. Dark paws skirted along the edges of many a water way, splashing carelessly in the shallow depths, leaving droplets to twinkle in the dying light. Ebony and rust colored fur tussled be the breeze and his prodding, she spun around to face him head on again.

Dipping low into a play bow, front legs splayed wide, she eyed him intently. Her tail little more than a rapidly beating blur in the air, raised above her hips. This game was new to her. So different, so foreign. She didn't fight the instincts that guided her, for here out in this open expanse, it was just the two of them. No past, no future. Only the here and now. No sins, no regrets. Just them. Waiting like a coiled spring as if she might bounce away at any moment, she let him come closer. That one extra step aroused from her an animated little whirl, dust, dirt and grass kicking up in her wake. Then slowly, deliberately she turned away, openly exposing herself for him to come savor.

drops of water splashed upwards as he continued to give chase, their game of cat and mouse eventually coming to a standstill as she turned to face him head on. if this was a challenge, then he'd accept. his tail lifted to mirror her own as he took one step forward, and then another. she didn't run, but rather lured him closer with so much as a spin on her heels.

he slunk near, nose briefly drifting along her thigh before he swung a leg eagerly over her back. a pause seeking permission, and then a greedy nip place carefully along her spine as he hooked himself around her hips. he knew the dance and kept to a steady rhythm at first, only to find himself instinctively longing for more. he placed tender nibbles along her nape and shoulder blades as their sensual dance came to it's grand finale.

satisfied, he felt the muscles in his legs give way as he slouched atop her. affectionately, he aimed to place several intimate kisses where he could. he did care for her after all, and wanted her to know as much.

Poised, her pair of inviting silver eyes peeked over the curve of her shoulder. Silently, eagerly beckoning him closer. The burning ache that spread from the core of her body needed to be satisfied, to be tamed. Only he held the cure. She knew the dance well, just as he did. Distributing her weight evenly on her paws, she adopted a sturdy stance as his legs hooked around her waist, tail still fanning. Tipping her head back to angle her muzzle to his jawline, a gentle touch assured him that he had won the right to hold her as he did. She shifted the barrier of her tail aside, giving herself to him freely.

In her chest rumbled soft growls of thunder and feverish whines slipped out from between clenched teeth. Lost in the ever-encompassing bliss of this singular moment that stretched on and on, she butted her dark crown up and against the crook of his exposed throat. Tensing, her world was overcome in a blinding white light and then as if all the energy had been drained right out of her body, her blurred vision cleared again. Her legs felt like putty, her footing unsteady. His weight atop her remained like a warm security blanket, each kiss soothing away the last dying embers that had dotted her body. Eliciting a soft whine, the likes of which was hardly suited to her usual nature, Tzila let herself collapse beneath him in a tangled mess. She doted on him with tender sweeps of her tongue and tender love bites, conveying to him without words that the level of care she felt towards him was mutual.
Fade