Thread: Whispers From Wolves (Raziel99 & darkangel76)

Carys felt her breath catch as Rylais eyes locked onto her own. Somehow she was able to sense that he wasnt overly happy with either Lukes or Orrins behavior. Even in his wolf form, she was able to sense this from him. And, quite honestly, she didnt blame him for being upset, even if it was only a little bit. Luke and Orrin were loners, had chosen to stray from their packs and prides. Their devotion to Carys had been a higher priority to them both and even more so the day she became exiled and forced to roam the Calder Mountains with no protection. They knew full well she wouldnt last a day in the wilds by herself. She was soft, her thoughts driven by emotion and impulse. As such, they knew they had to stay with her and would do so until she no longer wanted them around. Both animals feared that day and hoped it would never come to truly pass. Carys knew Lukes and Orrins fears. Though theyd never spoken of it, she knew. It was why they always stayed so close, why they could sometimes be over protective to a fault. Yes, they both meant well. She knew that wholly and completely, not a single doubt in her mind. She just hoped this shifter would understand. Or, at the very least, come to understand. Given the way he interacted with his pack, she allowed herself to hope, that hed forgive them for their passive aggressive outbursts. Especially Lukes, since she was well aware that the two could easily communicate with each other. Just then, Carys saw Rylai get up. His expression, though on the face of a wolf, made it plain that hed overheard everything as well as confirmed her initial feelings shed been sensing from him since theyd arrived at the cave. But the shifters overhearing had been Lukes intent from the start. It was his way. It was also why she felt so embarrassed. Hed been sizing up this Alpha, wanting to see how hed react, how hed accept them all despite having conceded that he was the one in charge. Swallowing, she found that hope for understanding and forgiveness bubbling up from within as she watched him stalk closer and closer to them all. Please forgive them. Please, Carys thought to herself as she watched Rylai approach, her hands trembling ever so slightly. The moment Rylai stopped before them, Carys immediately opened her mouth to apologize on behalf of her companions. But, before she could get a word out, the Alphas growls filled her ears. He wasnt overly upset, from what she could tell, but he definitely wasnt happy either. Biting down on her lower lip, she looked away from him and found it more comfortable to stare at the fire instead. This shifter definitely had a presence and she wasnt about to cross it. Rylai let out more growls, growls making it clear to Luke that he had no intention of taking Carys away from him or Orrin. Though his words were firm, she knew how Luke would interpret it. Hed know it was the shifters way of telling him that they were welcome and free to be as they were, a unit of three with her as their charge and no one elses. It would also mean that this shifter would gain both animals respect. Luke nodded at Rylais growls and nuzzled his head closer in Carys lap. He seemed satisfied, which placed Orrin at ease. Rylai turned to leave then, telling them all to eat more if they were still hungry. He then twisted his body back around and locked eyes with Carys. Licking her lips, she felt a surge of adrenaline wash over her. Yes, this shifter made her nervous for some reason. Reasons she couldnt even begin to explain. Now tell me, what has brought you here, into my domain? Surely the Huu-mans arent as cruel spirited as I thought they were? Or have they turned completely on one of their own? I wouldnt be surprised if they did, Rylai growled out. Carys allowed one of her hands to stroke Lukes back. Averting her eyes once more from Rylais, she let out a sad and mournful sigh. Im no longer welcome in my village, she began. I was going to become a healer and priestess of Eire. But her voice trailed as it began to falter slightly, quavering as tears began to well in her blue eyes. But, I can do things that frighten them. Things that arent accepted. Furiously, Carys brought a hand up and wiped at her eyes. She then sucked in a sharp breath and let it out forcefully. She wasnt going to cry. She wasnt. Oh, but it was too late. She already was. Luke and Orrin nuzzled closer to her, pressing their warm bodies against her in hopes to give her some sort of comfort. Decades ago, there was an attack on Eirys. One made by wolves. Many were slaughtered. Women, children. Carys paused a moment as she sniffled. The wolves had been ordered to attack the village by one of its own. An animal whisperer. Someone like like me. Carys didnt even try to hide her tears any longer. It would be impossible. They were flowing freely down her cheeks now, though she managed to stay composed to speak and explain. When it was discovered what I could do, I was banished immediately. They knew I wasnt skilled in the ways of the wilds and figured I wouldnt last a week. They hadnt expected me to have help from these two. Carys gestured toward both Luke and Orrin, who growled and purred beside her. When they found out I was being helped and protected, a bounty was placed on my head. Again, she paused and again, she wiped at her tears. Im marked for death. They want me dead.