December 02, 2024, 08:59 AM
Etienne went further than he had in some time. He followed the river and it had cut it's path. But he had not seen hide nor tail of his nephew. It was as if he just vanished. he thought of his sister's tear stained face. He thought of his nephew stranded and alone. probably scared and sad and he gasped softly as his own heart broke and he stumbled. Paws weak from constant searching. Heart sick and sore and weary. He could not find him. He could not find his nephew. He had found the babies of Druid, at least a few, he had found Anselm when he searched. Etienne always found what he was looking for.
He cried out as his body and his legs simply gave out and he fell forward. Long choking gasping sobs. He wanted to find his nephew. He wanted his family whole. He wanted someone anyone to love him and he could love them too. But he couldn't. His heart was as stubborn as the sea and held tight ot things out of his reach. Things he couldn't have, shouldn't pine for. Again a sob, wrenched from his chest.
He leaned against the nearest tree. Thought of his golden nephew. And he begged and pleaded to any god that would listen to bring him safely home. Anyone. Just to bring the baby home. Etienne was drifting. Too tired and to weary to move on. So he allowed himself a gentle moment of reprieve. Just a moment. Then he'd look again. As his golden eyes shuttered closed, the tear tracks down his masked face.
He cried out as his body and his legs simply gave out and he fell forward. Long choking gasping sobs. He wanted to find his nephew. He wanted his family whole. He wanted someone anyone to love him and he could love them too. But he couldn't. His heart was as stubborn as the sea and held tight ot things out of his reach. Things he couldn't have, shouldn't pine for. Again a sob, wrenched from his chest.
He leaned against the nearest tree. Thought of his golden nephew. And he begged and pleaded to any god that would listen to bring him safely home. Anyone. Just to bring the baby home. Etienne was drifting. Too tired and to weary to move on. So he allowed himself a gentle moment of reprieve. Just a moment. Then he'd look again. As his golden eyes shuttered closed, the tear tracks down his masked face.
December 04, 2024, 01:21 AM
The sound of a cry stopped Winter’s Wake in his tracks; the discordance of sobbing drew him near.
The snowpanther padded towards the sound to investigate. These woods had seemed favorable to him so far, but it would be a hard thing to stand if the impression he would be left with of this place was the weeping of wolves.
It did not take long to find the collapsed figure: a heap of brown fur that smelled of Swiftcurrent mixed with the salt of fresh tears. Wake kept his distance and cleared his throat to draw the other’s attention.
The snowpanther padded towards the sound to investigate. These woods had seemed favorable to him so far, but it would be a hard thing to stand if the impression he would be left with of this place was the weeping of wolves.
It did not take long to find the collapsed figure: a heap of brown fur that smelled of Swiftcurrent mixed with the salt of fresh tears. Wake kept his distance and cleared his throat to draw the other’s attention.
I apologize for the intrusion…he offered gently.
I heard crying.Was it more rude to interrupt a good cry or to ignore it entirely? He was prepared to find out.
A Vile Hunger for Your Hammering Heart—
Is My Very Nature That of the Devil?
Is My Very Nature That of the Devil?
December 06, 2024, 10:46 PM
Etienne was almost asleep. So exhausted, so emotionally wrung out. He was unsure whether half of the last few days had even been real. He shot up, ears lifted in quick sucession at teh clearing of a throat. He got to his legs and swung to study the wolf that had spoken. Eyes bleary with tears and sleep.
Etienne nodded his head.
He always seemed to be interrupted when his weakness was showing. But well that was just the way of things then. Etienne was an emotional wolf. A wolf that wore his heart on his fur and he did not make excuses for this. If someone did not like it. Well.
Etienne nodded his head.
Yes. I be lookin' for my nep'ew 'e 'as gone missin' 'e just a Ti piti Sorry, just a little one. I be Etienne.
He always seemed to be interrupted when his weakness was showing. But well that was just the way of things then. Etienne was an emotional wolf. A wolf that wore his heart on his fur and he did not make excuses for this. If someone did not like it. Well.
December 08, 2024, 06:04 PM
Eyes of softgold, swollen from crying, swung up to meet Wake’s stilled gaze. His ears flicked forward at the sound of an accent that was both familiar to his ears and somehow different from what he was used to. A different dialect, he guessed, but he could not dwell on it. The rogue’s head tipped sympathetically.
It is a great sorrow to hear that,he remarked softly.
Unfortunately, I have not seen any young wolves for over a season now.Though Wake held no fondness for the younger generations, he could acknowledge how terrible it was to lose a loved one—especially in such a manner as disappearance, where there were no answers, only the gaping wound of their absence.
This is a woeful way to meet, Etienne. I am Winter’s Wake,he introduced himself solemnly.
You are from the Creek, yes?Lestan’s Creek.
If you tell me what they look like, I will remain vigilant for a sighting.
A Vile Hunger for Your Hammering Heart—
Is My Very Nature That of the Devil?
Is My Very Nature That of the Devil?
December 08, 2024, 09:05 PM
(This post was last modified: December 09, 2024, 10:24 AM by Cambria.)
His wound had almost fully mended now, thanks to Etienne’s care. Cambria tried to repay his kindness—and demonstrate his ongoing affection—by dropping off some small game at the borders every now and again. He never lingered too long, disappearing back into the wilderness and finding plenty to occupy his time until their next rendezvous.
His tracking led him south today, across a dormant meadow. He sniffed around for rabbits, muttering a word that sounded a lot like “jackpot” under his breath two ticks before a distant wail made his ear twitch. Cambria lifted his head, heart quivering when he realized he recognized that cry.
Now it hammered against his ribs as he galloped even further south, into a deep wood. There, he not only found a crumpled Etienne but a large, pale stranger. He caught the tail end of the latter’s introduction as he distractedly stepped up beside Etienne, telegraphing his intention before thrusting his nose against his cheek.
Speaking of which, his mismatched eyes cut over to the man as a queer feeling sprang up within him. He couldn’t help but notice this situation was very much like their meet-cute. Was this Winter’s Wake as struck by Etienne’s vulnerability as he himself had been? The Dragonling knew he had no right to the jealousy which speared through him, though he couldn’t quite help the hairy eyeball he gave the mimic.
His tracking led him south today, across a dormant meadow. He sniffed around for rabbits, muttering a word that sounded a lot like “jackpot” under his breath two ticks before a distant wail made his ear twitch. Cambria lifted his head, heart quivering when he realized he recognized that cry.
Now it hammered against his ribs as he galloped even further south, into a deep wood. There, he not only found a crumpled Etienne but a large, pale stranger. He caught the tail end of the latter’s introduction as he distractedly stepped up beside Etienne, telegraphing his intention before thrusting his nose against his cheek.
What’s happened, Eti?he asked, yearning to wipe the tear stains from the healer’s face but aware that was probably too intimate, particularly with a stranger looking on.
Speaking of which, his mismatched eyes cut over to the man as a queer feeling sprang up within him. He couldn’t help but notice this situation was very much like their meet-cute. Was this Winter’s Wake as struck by Etienne’s vulnerability as he himself had been? The Dragonling knew he had no right to the jealousy which speared through him, though he couldn’t quite help the hairy eyeball he gave the mimic.
December 10, 2024, 11:09 AM
Etienne shifted. Trying to put a little distance between himself and the situation. Even if it was of his own making. He was the one that went sround crying so much lately. But he dipped his head to Cambria with a small smile.
Etienne cleared his throat.
I was lookin' for my nep'ew. And was overwelmed
Etienne cleared his throat.
'is name b3 Requin but 'e goes by s'ark. be a golden tan boy like de sun. 'is eyes be like sea storms. And 'e be so little. We fear de river took 'im, but I be checkin' just in case.
December 10, 2024, 08:26 PM
Another wolf appeared in the corner of Wake’s gaze; a pale specter of the woods glided to Etienne’s side. Though this newcomer appeared familiar to the other wolf, the Creeker seemed to shy away from him—perhaps embarrassed by the comfort—and the winter naga watched the pair of them carefully for anything to prey upon.
Wait… was that a glint of jealousy in the nameless snowheron’s eyes?
What a splendid look! Sublime! An excellent gift for his starving ego; it warmed his sinful heart to see it. Now suddenly this mournful occasion was one of fond memory. And though not expecting to find such a leer in this moment, he’d seen the green eye enough times in his brothers’ and cousins’ and colleagues’ eyes to know the look on sight.
His ears flicked at Etienne’s description of the missing boy, and he laboriously dragged his thoughts from its vainglorious mountain to catalogue the narrated features for future use.
Wake looked to the distrustful one.
Wait… was that a glint of jealousy in the nameless snowheron’s eyes?
What a splendid look! Sublime! An excellent gift for his starving ego; it warmed his sinful heart to see it. Now suddenly this mournful occasion was one of fond memory. And though not expecting to find such a leer in this moment, he’d seen the green eye enough times in his brothers’ and cousins’ and colleagues’ eyes to know the look on sight.
His ears flicked at Etienne’s description of the missing boy, and he laboriously dragged his thoughts from its vainglorious mountain to catalogue the narrated features for future use.
If such a boy crosses my path, I know where to bring him.
Wake looked to the distrustful one.
Are you of the Creek also?
A Vile Hunger for Your Hammering Heart—
Is My Very Nature That of the Devil?
Is My Very Nature That of the Devil?
December 10, 2024, 08:49 PM
The instant Etienne croaked out the words about his nephew, Cambria looked at him in dismay. Requin must be one of Suzu’s children. He was missing, feared lost to the—did he mean the same small river for which the pack was named? The yearling’s heart sank in his chest.
Wake said something but Cambria only dimly registered his words. His eyes were fixed on Etienne’s face as he tried to think of what to say. The question posed to him was met with several beats of silence before he realized Wake had spoken to him directly.
He shook his head but still didn’t look away from the healer. He badly wanted to pull him into a hug, though he wasn’t sure if Etienne wanted that. Cambria would’ve asked, if not for the witness.
His mind whirled back to that first conversation and something struck him: was Requin named after Reiki, his uncle who had survived being grabbed by a golden eagle? Even if the similarity was coincidental, it reminded Cambria that all hope was not lost.
Wake said something but Cambria only dimly registered his words. His eyes were fixed on Etienne’s face as he tried to think of what to say. The question posed to him was met with several beats of silence before he realized Wake had spoken to him directly.
He shook his head but still didn’t look away from the healer. He badly wanted to pull him into a hug, though he wasn’t sure if Etienne wanted that. Cambria would’ve asked, if not for the witness.
I’ll help you look for him,he said heavily.
Tell me what ground you’ve covered and I’ll try in another direction.
His mind whirled back to that first conversation and something struck him: was Requin named after Reiki, his uncle who had survived being grabbed by a golden eagle? Even if the similarity was coincidental, it reminded Cambria that all hope was not lost.
Think of Reiki, Eti. Don’t give up hope.
December 25, 2024, 10:52 AM
Etienne just wanted a bed now. he had run himself into the ground and he was tired. But he must find his nephew for his sister. Or at least share the boy with anyone who could find him. He must. he looked to cambria and then the new wolf. Glad that at least one he knew was here. he smiled softly and nodded.
Then he looked to Cambria.
He could not think of all the places he had been. Countless in the last days. His paws sore and weary. His heart sick and sore.
Tank you.
Then he looked to Cambria.
I been all trew dey forest and dey creek. I talked to dose wolves dat are eatin' all dey caribou too. Dey keep an eye out. Dat is it for now.
He could not think of all the places he had been. Countless in the last days. His paws sore and weary. His heart sick and sore.
December 27, 2024, 12:05 AM
His tail swished, and his eyes took notes.
The gold-and-blue-eyed stranger hovered close to Etienne and couldn’t bear to look away from the bereft Creek wolf. Fascinating– a gesture worth cataloguing. (If only because he figured it must be very difficult to focus on another wolf while he was in perfectly plain view.)
Wake bobbed his head.
No longer could he suffer the lack of attention to himself.
The gold-and-blue-eyed stranger hovered close to Etienne and couldn’t bear to look away from the bereft Creek wolf. Fascinating– a gesture worth cataloguing. (If only because he figured it must be very difficult to focus on another wolf while he was in perfectly plain view.)
Wake bobbed his head.
It is no trouble.Besides, returning a missing child could only benefit him at the end of the day. He listened to the rest of what Etienne could give before motioning to take his leave.
No longer could he suffer the lack of attention to himself.
I must continue my path, but I shall remain vigilant for your nephew,he told the uncle.
Keep faith, Etienne. Stranger.He looked between them both before turning to trot on his way. And may Aion bless me to shepherd your missing soul home.
A Vile Hunger for Your Hammering Heart—
Is My Very Nature That of the Devil?
Is My Very Nature That of the Devil?
December 27, 2024, 03:50 PM
He scarcely acknowledged Wake’s departure, giving him the briefest glance before retraining his focus on Etienne’s face. It was wrenched not only with pain but also exhaustion. Cambria drew in a breath. Now that the interloper was gone, he gently pressed his nose to the other man’s cheek.
How he wanted to stay and coax Etienne to rest, then do whatever he could to comfort him. He looked so rundown. But the yearling knew the best thing he could do for his friend was resume the search. The sooner they found Requin, the sooner he would relieve Etienne—and his family—from this nightmare scenario.
One last time, he ruffled his nose through the furs on Etienne’s head. Then he drew out of reach, though his eyes lingered worriedly. Cambria wondered why the world seemed determined to beat down someone so wonderful and rob him of the things he loved. Etienne deserved so much better.
The forest and the creek,he repeated, mulling the other details in silence.
How he wanted to stay and coax Etienne to rest, then do whatever he could to comfort him. He looked so rundown. But the yearling knew the best thing he could do for his friend was resume the search. The sooner they found Requin, the sooner he would relieve Etienne—and his family—from this nightmare scenario.
Oh, Eti,he murmured, pressing the whole of his muzzle against Etienne’s temple and closing his eyes for a few seconds before drawing back.
We’ll find him.Or die trying, his inner voice added.
But also remember you can’t pour from an empty cup. Make sure to look after yourself while you’re looking for him.
One last time, he ruffled his nose through the furs on Etienne’s head. Then he drew out of reach, though his eyes lingered worriedly. Cambria wondered why the world seemed determined to beat down someone so wonderful and rob him of the things he loved. Etienne deserved so much better.
I will check in with you soon,Cambria assured, swiveling slowly to depart. On a note of fond sternness and finality, he reminded,
Take care of yourself, Eti,and then he was gone.
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