Lost Creek Hollow forget about me and all of my dreams.

last post for me! <333 I am going to miss Ilya so much. Also, my tablet has made a mockery of my spelling skills >___>

Harlyn bowed her head after a moment of watching her packmate who laid weakened upon the snow. Harlan fought beneath it all in anguish, desperate to put an end to this, to save her friend whim she had grown to love like a sister. She was a friend, she was family, she was pack - deeper than blood. But the druid reminded her calmly that those were exactly the reasons that it had to be Ilya. The gods had given to Harlyn with both hands all she'd ever wanted; leadership, a strong, loyal pack, a devoted mate, and three beautiful pups. And what had Harlyn given back? Nothing. She had neglected her duty and kept her worship silent, not sharing with those who were under her tutelage. She had given nothing of her sustenance, of her worldly possessions. All she gave was inward prayer and thanks, and Harlyn knew better than to think they would think it acceptable reciprocation for making her dreams come true.

Harlyn could not fault them for sending Shardul as their vessel of retribution. For what else could he be? Three of her closest loved ones had been struck down by the beast now. Her mate, her best friend, and her most loyal packmate. There could be no other reason for the monster to have come against them. He was punishment for Harlyn's lack of devotion, her distraction, and for her failure to demonstrate her gratitude.

But no more.

"My father, my mother.. brother and sister..." Harlyn murmured, her voice strong and soft, "Forgive me for my failings. I am unworthy of all you have given. You are great and I am but a humble servant to your will, and that role is one I am not even worthy one." She began to move, slowly lowering herself towards the ground in a crouch, her head bowing deeper. She paused as Harlyn fought again, and there were tears in her throat when again she spoke though her tone remained strong and determined.

"What I lay before you is most cherished by my heart. My soul aches without it, my spirit shall crumble as I leave it behind. My life is ever changed for this being removed from it," she paused to take in a shaking breath as the tears came to her lashes, "I give to you in thanks for all you have given, and in desperate hope that you will take no more, though it is your right to do so. I pray that this offer may please you and satisfy your hunger for repentance. No more shall I stray. Your word shall be the only upon my tongue. I shall raise my children to know your goodness, and I shall teach my family of your virtue so that they too may become your vessels."

Harlyn paused then, finishing her sentiments silently before her eyelids parted and she gazed upon Ilya with watery eyes. The deed was nearly done, and so the druid relented to allow Harlyn one last moment before the end. The alpha crept forward with a soft whine, curling around her and pressing her muzzle against the girl's temple with a pained whine. This always had been the worst part.

"Ilya, my sister... forgive me," she murmured, knowing how much worse this would be for her considering she knew nothing of devotion to a greater power, she would not understand the need for her sacrifice, and she would not be glad to give it. She would feel betrayed, terrified, and helpless. She had no idea what wondrous piece of the universe she played. "Please know that I have loved you, and that you go now to serve a greater purpose for those you have loved in return."
 
Silas. Pip. Lark.

She laid a moment longer, smoothing her tongue across the girl's cheek as her tears fell freely. Finally, the druid returned and it was time. The dark woman lifted herself and stepped away from Ilya with one last pained glance at the wolf she would soon never look upon again. Her heart in her throat, she turned and raised her muzzle to the sky then, letting her voice ring low across the downs, calling to the beast.

She had been careful in drugging her packmate - meticulous in ensuring she had given the correct dosage that would allow them to get fat enough away from the Hollow that no one would hear her call. The gods would cover her tracks, ensuring their vessel would return home to spread their word and none would question her story - how she'd gone to Ilya and discovered her missing, she'd followed her trail out beyond the Hollow, how the trail had disappeared and she'd returned home with nothing but the feeling of dread in her heart to assure her that their gamma was gone forever. She would be safe from their suspicion, safe from their judgment. They would not understand the need just as Ilya would not. The would not understand that because of her, they all would be safe.

Harlyn lowered her muzzle in one final prayer - that with this sacrifice, their beast of vengeance be sated and leave what remained of her family in peace. Harlyn begged to rush to Ilya again, to Stay with her and protect her from her fear as her time drew to a close. but the druid would not relinquish control again. Silently, she moved away, into the snowy downs towards the tall trees that bordered her horizon. Away from her betrayal, away from her sacrifice, away from the piece of her heart that always would remain there in the meadow, though not ever away from the anguish, the guilt or the regret for what she'd had to do.

Silas. Pip. Lark.

The snow began to fall.