Big Salmon Lake Someone Said They Left Together

Here we go! Let me know if I need to change anything! @Etephyr 

Omnium had not dared to close his eyes throughout the darkness of the night while he lay beside Etephyr. A primal instinct instructing him to keep his yellow eyes open to ensure they were left alone. A deterrent to anyone brave enough come to burst the bubble of peace that had settled around them when the night had died down. He had shared his warmth with her well through the early hours of the morn, and the chill that spring still held was no match for the long fur covering him. The bulk of his head rested upon her back, and it was only lifted occasionally to peer between the reeds for the source of an odd sound.

The sun had slowly began to rise above the horizon. It whisked away the fog that had rolled over them in the night, and it bathed them in a warm light through the shadows of the reeds. Omnium lifted his head from her once more before deciding it was warm enough that he felt comfortable to leave her in search of a prize to return with. A meal to wake her with. A hope that he would return, and she would still be where he had left her to accept.

He lumbered down by the water, and it was not long before he grabbed a spawning salmon from the shallows closest to the shore. It flopped in the brutes jaws before he gave one last crunch to ensure it was truly dead. He began to make his way back to where he had left the sleeping beauty with his prize in tow. 

Although he was composed, he found his mind wondering. The past hours had changed his perception of himself, but he was unsure of the positive or negative consequences. Omnium was no womanizer, nor was he the type of wolf to leave after sharing intimacies with another. Lost in the passion of the moment, he had neglected to dig deeper and get to know the wolf he had shared the night with, but the brute had hope that Etephyr would share the same morals. That their dalliance's would not end so quickly, but he had left the reeds to give her the opportunity for escape had she wanted it.

He stilled before the entrance to their abode to leave the fish a decent distance to ensure they did not muddy a comfortable sleeping area. A smoky voice hoarse with misuse spoke, Etephyr. It was a beckoning to the wolf he hoped still resided within.

Sleep was hardly difficult to come by but every once in a while, she would rouse, peeking out from behind her lids to see if her fling had flown the scene. To her surprise, he was still there, still captivating her but sleep always lulled her back into its bliss before she could enjoy it. 

Morning came sooner than Etephyr would have hoped, rays of light illuminated the womans lids to wake and inform her the warmth she fell asleep with was gone. The cold spot felt fresh, her body had yet to adapt to the lack of protection. Eteph laid still, her mind already replaying the nights events. His soft caresses echoing on her skin, as if he was still there, it felt dreamlike. Differing from anything she had felt before, it was his lasting imprint. Something she'd carry with her for some time. Sighing, Etephyr rolled to face the water, trying to peer through the thick blur that coated her vision.

Finally blinking away the blur she heard rustling of some kind, then, 'Etephyr?', Omniums whiskey voice blessed her ears.

Emerging from the reeds, her eyes met intimately familiar eyes. He stayed, even bringing her a meal. Gingerly, Etephyr left the entrance of their quarters, confusion lightly gracing her expression. "You stayed." She finally spoke, her voice but a mouse's whisper. It sounded meek and pathetic but really it was relief. A strong desire to run her muzzle across his chest sank into her chest, fluttering her heart. Eteph searched him through and through, silently yearning, seeking permission. She took a step but harshly decided against it, wary of crossing a boundary he may have. 

Distracting with the fish. "Thank you." Eteph pulled it close with a paw. "What do you plan to do? I do not expect you to stay." She stated frankly, preferring to get to the point quickly. She hardened her gaze in anticipation of firm rejection. She didn't want him to see her bleeding heart, he didn't agree to be her muse, it wouldn't be fair. Yet Etephyr couldn't hide it from herself. She loathed the idea of being a passing memory, she didn't wish for him to be one either. She wanted to explore more than just his physical, he was worth much more than temporary pursuits.   

Quick edit as I just got on my PC and realized there was a bit of word vomit!

He felt relief when she came to him from the safety of the reeds. It confirmed that the past night had not, in fact, been a dream. Omnium leisurely went to a sitting position in front of her as she confirmed that he was in fact still here. Perhaps Etephyr really did not know enough of him yet either, and that was evident when he saw the conflict in her eyes before she grabbed the meal between them.

I plan to make good on my promise, if you will have me. How am I to call your name if I am to leave? The gentlest of tones conveyed his words. He wished to understand how to console her, but while passion came easy, emotions were a foreign object in the eyes of such a wolf. He had long since found difficulty in voicing his feelings. Omnium’s fear of rejection was still palpable in his own mind, so he spoke again to try and clarify his implications.

I can escort you to your destination should you wish to part ways, or you could always come with me. South. Though, I’m not sure if you have already been there. The last sentence carried a sheepish admittance, an odd statement by the brute he appeared to be. If you are upset with the events of last night, I will go. I only wish to know more of you before I do. Although a rough way of getting his point across, Omnium's words were genuine. His feelings around her were a confusing agenda he hoped to one day understand, but he could not navigate them so soon. All the brute knew was the beauty in front of him was still captivating, even after the night had come and gone.

Omnium planned to make good on his promise but Etephyr was wary of his words, she didn't say the things she did to trap him. They were just words that got caught up in actually meaning something to her as the night progressed. She let her guard down and a thief slipped past. Although his words felt genuine to her, it was challenging to separate her feelings and his words. The droop of her ears, the parting of her lips and the defeated breath of broken words, conveyed her conflict.  

As if he could read her mind, Omnium began to elaborate. Inviting her south, Etephyrs head and ears raised but her brows slightly furrowed, still on the cusp of uncertainty. Taking a deep breath, Ete let the man finish speaking his mind. Swallowing hard before speaking. "I am far from upset, I'm-" She stalled. Etephyr wasn't any better with speaking her emotions aloud. "I would like to know you too." She tentatively tried again, a lump in her throat nearly stifling her words. Eteph hoped Omnium could read between the lines, she hoped he could see all that she wanted to say. She wondered, perhaps it was asking too much.

Not wanting silence to creep in, Eteph spoke up again. "But I do not believe south is where you," She paused to correct herself, softly seeking Omniums eyes. "where we should go." A quiet smile tugged at the corners of her lips, genuine enough to reach her eyes. She knew it was a risk to be with him, it was a chance to crash, and burn for it but for a change, she wanted something different. She needed the risk. "A plethora of packs reside within the mountains and plains, one even inhabiting a caldera. Your domain would be under constant challenge."

Etephyr's words brought his eyes to watch her with a careful glint to them. He had truly only known this she wolf for one night, but he had no reason to suspect that she might be trying to deceive him. Perhaps this could all be a big mistake to throw atop the pile of mistakes he had already made in his life time, but Omnium felt a shred of optimism in their meeting of chance. A thin one, but if it was enough to change the day in and day out isolation of travel, he felt he should seize it in the moment. His generally motionless tail gave way to a little thump on the ground as Etephyr confirmed she, too, would like to dig deeper still. A risk he was willing to take.

Omnium mulled over her words thoughtfully and moved to stand on the highest area on the embankment beside the lake. The mountain range seemingly surrounded them, and it had become a familiar friend during his recent travels. The first connection he felt when leaving his homelands. Perhaps Etephyr had a point. The paths of wolves crossed constantly here, and he wished for a calm area to call home. He looked to her black and white figure over his shoulder, searching for her eyes. Where would you recommend we go? I have been to the coast, and I know it's a bit crowded there as well. Perhaps East or West would be better suited for us? We. An odd sentiment.

Where all have you traveled in these lands? Omnium inquired curiously as he meandered back down the bank once again to near her. He lightly brushed his tail on her shoulder as he bypassed her. A small sign of affection and companionship. An unspoken invitation for touch in future should she want to reciprocate at some point that he hoped was well received. Omnium now looked out over the lake to the Eastern mountains in thought. He had never put more thought into his travel in the Teekon Wilds other than South. 

Short(ish) post, brought to you by Tired Brain LLC

He seemed receptive to her. Already trying to formulate a plan for their new destination. Omnium stood on the peak of the embankment, looking out into the vast wilderness that laid before them. Etephyr took a moment to admire him, the sun shimmering perfectly off his fur. Further, she wondered what adventures they would find along the way. Omnium queried where they should go next but Etephyr was just as lost as he. Except she had no real long term plan, she wasn't even expecting to make it to old age. The woman shrugged, meeting his gaze with eyes that echoed the same sentiment as her shoulders.

He moved on to ask her where she had been, a question she could finally contribute to. "My time here has been limited, these lands are still foreign. I traveled west for a time but did not stay long enough to properly scout the area." Etephyr glanced at the west mountains as Omnium brushed against her. "As for the east, well, I've never been. I suppose we can start searching east." She suggested. The morning gift suddenly popped into her mind and Eteph finally decided to lay down. She tucked one paw beneath the head of the fish while the other held the tail. Before she began to work on its scales, the woman spoke again.

"Omnium," She set a new tone to bring his attention to a fine point, if it wasn't already there. "Before you make a decision. Tell me, why has a maverick such as yourself decided to humor company like mine?" Etephyr genuinely wanted to know why she was so special. "It cannot simply be due to a promise made in a heated moment, can it?" Perhaps she was repeating herself but she wanted to know any hidden truths. 

You're all good! This one is only long because of all the words! Also, I'm still working on my writing/posting style here so excuse if it changes a bit overtime!

Omnium ingested her words, but he did not turn to her. Instead, his eyes continued to survey the horizon to the East of them over the lake. It was thought provoking to try and concoct a new plan of action, but he was grateful for the assistance. The brute just wished for lands to live out his days in peace. A place to remain undisturbed by the mundane, repetitive things that others brought. Religion, pack life... It was enough to make him want to pluck the eyes out of others. He was happy to have avoided a long journey that would be a fruitless endeavor in his current heading.

He turned to her as she spoke his name and was brought out of his thoughtful silence. Maverick. Well spoken as he was, it was a word that Omnium did not know. It is not for humor, Etephyr. I did not always travel alone. I have an... estranged sister whom used to journey with me, and I have been on my own for some time now. All those days of lonesome travel have given me time to contemplate what my soul craves. Although I am happy to be a lone vagabond that traipses through various lands, I slowly came to the realization that being alone leaves a part of me unfulfilled.

Omnium's neck ached from the head thrown over his shoulder, so he turned to face the female before him. I am not saying that you fulfill a part of me, as we just met. It would be odd if you were to already nestle into that role after one night, but I believe companionship is what I crave for after these long months. A platonic relationship wherein we can both benefit from another's company. He realized quite quickly that those words could be misconstrued, so he chided himself for his lack of literacy before adding, 

It does not have to be entirely platonic, if you wish. I find you... alluring. Last night was evidence of that, and I can assure you I do not go about romancing women often. Traveling East also gives us something to do, does it not? The brute inquired of her after his genuine words, and there was a lilt of the lingering smooth yet smoky tone as he referenced their midnight dance. The journey to the South had been his purpose, but it shifted to the East. A task that might keep him on his toes and entertained as they explored together. Omnium was excited for the opportunity of another to travel with. Especially someone other than his sister.

If you don't mind me asking, why did you agree to come with me? His large head tilted ever so slightly as he waited for her reply. Maybe she, too, had secrets to keep.

Alls good! I can definitely say the same, always trying to improve but I dont mind the read at all! (Posts may be short/discombobulated today and sunday, clinicals keeping me busy & tired but I wanna keep things going) 

More details emerged, a few unspoken questions finally answered. Etephyr was grateful but his explanation also produced other questions. Such as his estranged sibling, Eteph wanted to know the story behind their parting but it wasn't her place. She held her tongue for now. The man continued talking, Etephyr kept her ears fowards except when a astray sounds pulled them back. She also took the time to dig into the salmon, her belly reminding her of its importance with a stern growl.

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Omnium spoke of the possibility their relationship extending past platonic. That got the womans attention but she kept her expression neutral, not wanting to make him believe he said something outlandish. It wasn't far from her imagination they something more could blossom from their chance encounter. "Traveling east would give us time to know each other before putting a name to this companionship." She clarified, giving a healthy smile, trying to reassure him she knew what he meant. 

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She was asked her reasons for going with him. "For much of the same reasons as you, I've been alone for enough time that I have forgotten what another breathing soul could do for oneself." She admitted. Her last connection of any kind was over a year ago, when she still had some semblance of a healthy life. She still dreamed of him but they were mostly nightmares. 

.

She waited for his response and would respond if needed before continuing, "Well, shall we leave while the sun isn't at our backs? Or would you prefer to stay awhile and leave come morning?" Etephyr had her fill of the lake, the prospect of new land was enchanting on its own but with a companion, it was all the more.

No worries! I am actually going to clinicals later this year if I get accepted into a program I've applied for. Talk about slave labor. Would you perhaps interested in starting the next thread on their adventure?

The brute nodded to her clarification. A confirmation that he was thankful for after his earlier ramblings. He had spoken much more than usual today, but Omnium was still thankful the appropriate message had been able to be deciphered from the words. He attempted a smile to return her own, but a grimace was all that surfaced from months of misuse. Perhaps a stony expression was a more fitting arrangement.

Omnium still felt the repercussions of the sleepless night before, but it was not hinderance enough to waste a day of progress if they were to journey East over the mountain range. He loomed closer to her to peer down at the remains of the fish to ensure she had eaten before speaking. I believe it would be in our best interest to seize the day, if you are willing. It will take us some time to get to the mountains where we are going, and the lands here are a bit unforgivable if the weather turns.

He was not the type of wolf to take a day off from his conquests, even if the weather turned bad, but he did not feel the need to speak of it. Sturdy paws had carried him through many rains and snows just fine, but Omnium did not want to push her too fast lest she tire of the traveling and his company. He reached with his front legs into a stretch that consumed his whole body, topping it off with a wide yawn. Omnium was ready to go.

Ugh, tell me about it. 12 hours of it! Lol I'll toss up a new post when I can. Feel free to archive once you've read this. (Assumed slight power play was okay, please correct me if not!) 

It was decided. They were to move out before the sun began to harsh the fur on their backs. If the weather held, they would have a relatively easy journey but Etephyr never thought easy was reliable. Knowing Omnium was likely running on nothing, not even sleep, Eteph tore a filet off the salmon and kept it for him. Although not full, she didn't wish for him to go without. He could eat it immediately or save it for later. 

Through a mouth full of salmon, Etephyr managed to mumble. "Let us not waste another minute." Turning, she and Omnium left the lake, headed east towards the mountains, towards intriguing uncertainty.