Thread: Whispers From Wolves (Raziel99 & darkangel76)

It had been nearly a year since the ordeal, since that horrible and dark time in her life when everything she knew had suddenly changed. Never had she known such darkness, such hate. Never had she expected her people to turn on her so easily. Shed nearly become a child of Eire, the patron goddess of her mountain village of Eirys, so named for the divine lady watching over them all. It had stung deeply at how quickly theyd forgotten. How quickly they could push such notions aside. And all in the name of something she couldnt control Carys heaved a heavy sigh as she looked out into the distance. The air was bitingly cold and the winds blew hard in between the Calder Mountains. Pulling her heavy cloak tighter about her slim body, she gripped her staff hard, her hands nearly hurting from doing so. Shivering just a bit, she knew shed have to turn in soon. Dark would be upon her and with that, she could sense that a small storm would be passing her way. Shed need to find shelter in a cave or something similar, at least for the night, until the storm left the vicinity. Taking in a deep breath, she knew it would be short lived. She could smell it. Besides, Eleni had told her as much. Its a small storm, lady. Wont last but the night. Elenis words were clear in Carys mind and the great bird of prey was never wrong when it came to the weather of Calder. Not ever. The great reptilian like bird was old, had seen many suns and moons in her time. It made Carys grateful to have befriended her. And though shed only known the bird for a few short months, it seemed like much longer and that was something she found great comfort in as well. Just then, Carys heard a low growl, two of them to be precise. One definitely that of a wolf, another definitely that of a cat. She turned her head to face the direction of the soft snarling sounds. In the shadows, only feet behind her, she could make out the lean and muscled silhouettes of both Luke and Orrin. Luke was the first to move, his wolf like body slinking stealthily toward the young woman. She gave him a smile as his eyes glowed a brilliant shade of blue. Dont worry, Luke. Itll be all right, Carys whispered as she reached out a delicate hand to stroke the wolfs back. Luke let out a growl of approval and nuzzled against Carys leg. Its not the storm I worry about, Rys. Theres something else. Carys quirked a brow at Lukes odd thought. The wolf is right, came another thought. It was Orrin. Slowly, he stalked forward, approaching Carys from the other side. Orrin purred loudly as he rubbed his strong body against Carys. His black fur shone sleek and silky in the moonlight. Carys then removed her hand from Lukes back so that she could reach over and stroke the large cat affectionately. Her fingers found his scaled back first before they moved over the rest of his body, which was soft and furry and warm. Luke and Orrin had been with Carys much longer than Eleni. The young woman hadnt met the great bird until well after shed left her home. For good. Banished forever, never to return unless she wanted to face death. As it was, she still faced it. Every day. The rangers of her home sent out scouts nearly every week now since learning that she didnt travel alone. Their goal was to search for her in hopes to cleanse the mountains of her once and for all. It hurt badly that the people she once loved could act so brashly, out of anger and lack of understanding. She supposed the fear of the unknown could be rather overwhelming. But these people had known her, had loved her. Surely they had to realize she wasnt the same as the villager from the legends of old, the other who whispered to animals. Whod orchestrated the near massacre of her people in order to gain power. Carys heaved a heavy sigh just then, but quickly pushed her memories of the past aside. There was a storm coming and both Luke and Orrin seemed ill at ease. She needed to know why. Why do you say that, Orrin? Carys asked, her one hand still gripping her staff tightly. Something in the air is off. And it isnt the snows or anything else Ive ever smelled before, Orrin answered. Luke made a gesture that could only come off as a nod. I sense the same as the cat Only I find something vaguely familiar in the scent reaching my senses. I see, Carys answered. I guess we best seek shelter for now then. Just then, Carys peered out into the distance, readying herself to take leave of the area. The clouds were thick as they rolled in beyond the horizon, turning the dark sky an odd shade of blackish gray. The two moons that circled the world of Fuin were slowly being concealed and the winds howling between the Calder Mountains were getting stronger. The storm was approaching. At that, a loud shrieking screech resounded. It was Eleni. She was circling the three companions overhead, keeping watch from above. We must leave, Rys. Now. Not a moment to lose, came Lukes thoughts. Carys could tell he was sensing something right then and there. But what? It was clear that whatever it was, it bothered him greatly. Orrin growled then and nudged at Carys, urging her to move back into the woods. She knew she needed to find shelter soon. The storm was approaching fast and flurries were already starting to fall from the night sky. Gripping her staff and clutching her cloak, she followed Lukes and Orrins commands and began to move. It was difficult traveling through the mountains at nighttime, especially with the air so bitingly cold. Again, she heard Elenis shriek and it made her heart skip a beat as fear and adrenaline threatened to take over. Suddenly, both Luke and Orrin let out deep rumbling snarls causing Carys to stop dead in her tracks. Something was wrong. She knew it. She sensed it. Trembling a bit, she whispered, Whats going on? Quiet woman! Orrin projected. Luke glanced over at Orrin, a growl of a different sort sounding in his throat. He was angered. Shes frightened, cat. As she should be. Eyes glowing, he snapped his head around suddenly. And moments later, darted off into the darkness without a word. Carys eyes went wide. In the distance she could hear the sounds of howls. Shrill shrieks of other wolves roaming the area. That was what Luke had heard. Obviously, he didnt seem to like them and went to investigate. Were they hostile? Oh by the light of Eire, she mumbled, her hands shaking. Just then, Orrin darted off too leaving Carys alone. She knew she had to stay where she was that whenever she was left by herself she was to stay where she was and wait. Both Luke and Orrin had made it plain that theyd never leave her alone and unprotected for long. That they would always come back for her. Terrified, the winds blowing harder, the snow coming down faster, she wondered if theyd be all right venturing out into the dark like they had. Orrin Luke? Carys called out after several long minutes. Orrin? Trembling, she felt hot tears begin to fall down her pale cheeks. Luke? Suddenly, there was a growl. Carys heard it coming from behind her and she could instantly tell it was neither Luke nor Orrin whod made the frightful sound. Swallowing, she slowly turned around. Standing before her were two very large wolves. Their eyes didnt glow blue like Lukes and it made her wonder why, how they were different. Licking her lips, Carys reached out to the large animals with her mind. Hello? she began. I Im Carys Illonia. I mean you no harm. The two wolves only howled, their eyes fixed on Carys'. You talk to animals, bitch? How convenient, the one growled. Itll make her screams that much sweeter as we tear her limb from limb, the other growled back. Carys began to back away from the two, fear gripping hold of her heart and twisting without mercy. Your friends are gone, pretty one, the first wolf snarled. No one to protect you now. The other wolf made a gesture that came off as a nod. Yes. Our pack will take care of them. At that, he let out a loud howl and readied himself. Carys let out a scream and turned to run. As she ran she heard the two wolves begin to pounce. Filled with horror, terrified of death, she wasnt watching where she was going and suddenly tripped on a tree root. Tumbling, staff still in hand, she fell onto the ground with a hard thud. Glancing back, she saw the two wolves bounding forward. No!!! Carys screamed as she covered her head with her arms, fearful shed never see the light of dawn.