Thread: Whispers From Wolves (Raziel99 & darkangel76)

Carys stroked Lukes back as she finished up her story, Rylai lying down and listening intently. She wiped at her pale eyes as more tears formed and began to spill down along her cheeks. A year had nearly passed and the sting was still just as fresh as when her exile had happened. Shed tried so hard to keep her ability a secret from the others. But, shed always allowed herself to hope that one day shed be able to tell them, to bring forward what she could do and how she could help them. Sadly, such a time never came to be. Luke and Orrin nuzzled Carys as she sat there, doing their best to keep her calm. Both animals hated to see their charge upset or sad. Their love and devotion to her ran deeply and both felt responsible for her predicament. Orrin especially. Autumn had begun to claim the mountains, leaving Eirys riddled with breathtaking colors. Orrin had come to Carys, excited about the unicorns that had come to the forests lower down along the mountains slopes. Such things were rare and hed happened upon one. Unfortunately, in his excitement, hed forgotten the superstitious and narrow-minded ways of her people and it was discovered that she could talk to him. In one brief moment, hed altered her life completely. Destroyed it. Had placed her in severe danger. Carys looked over at Rylais wolf form as he listened. When she finished up, he seemed to nod in understanding. He then began to tell her a small bit of his own tale. She made sure to give him her full attention as he spoke, not wanting to miss a word. As she listened, she felt a pang of pain course through her at his own experiences. She could relate and sympathize. Sitting there, Carys found herself having to avert her eyes once more. She couldnt explain it, but something about Rylai made her nervous. It wasnt fear or anything of that sort. It was his presence and manner, the way he carried himself. She wondered if he had this same presence when he was in human form. If she had to guess, it was probably stronger. Feeling a wave of adrenaline wash over her again, she gave Lukes fur a tiny tug. The wolf turned his head to look up at her and nuzzled her hand before resting his head in her lap once more. Biting down on her lip, Carys then caught Rylais next words. He wanted to travel with her. With Luke and Orrin and Eleni. He offered his protection. She tilted her head at the request and nodded. She knew that her animal companions would leave that decision ultimately up to her. Yes, they were her protectors, but theyd not interfere with such things unless they felt the situation dire. Given Rylais hospitality and aid thus far, she knew theyd consent. Carys was just about to answer Rylai when he suddenly sat up and looked at her. His gaze, even in his wolf form, made her tremble a little. He looked like he was scrutinizing her, studying her. It made her uneasy, embarrassed. I Carys began. But her words were cut off before she could continue. Rylais growls suddenly resonated in Carys ears, his words and thoughts making her cheeks flush a deep shade of red. And I have noticed, you have moments where you act weirdly with me. Surely, you have not gone into heat? I have heard tale that huu-mans have done it as well. I uh oh my, Carys stammered. Rylais bluntness took her off guard, not to mention the topic of his question. She suddenly became very aware of her body and had a strong urge to hide it. Yes, the shifter made her nervous and in ways she couldnt explain or describe, but At that, her cheeks burned brighter. Im sorry, she continued, her voice shaking. Luke and Orrin sensed Carys discomfort and became more alert. Luke especially. He tilted his head and looked over at Rylai. Hed caught the words, but being an animal with an animals heart and mind, his thoughts were different than his charges. In heat? Carys then asked. Oh my her voice trailed and she shifted uncomfortably where she sat. Luke and Orrin had to move a bit to accommodate her, both glancing up into her reddened face as she sat there completely flustered. Carys knew the expression Rylai had mentioned. Though not experienced in the wilds, she did live among rangers when she still resided in Eirys. Often times, theyd spoken of such things when it came to animal breeding. It was a females time of need, their time in which they were most fertile. Why did this shifter think this of her? Had she done something? Oh by the light of Eire, she felt so very embarrassed. Perhaps it was her time and she merely didnt know. As a human, her senses were surely dulled. And then there was her inexperience when it came to female need. I I dont know Carys finally said. She then moved her hands up to her face to help cool down her cheeks. But she knew it was to no avail. Her blush had reached beyond her face by that point, extending down her neck and across her chest. Squirming, she moved to kneel. I Im sorry. I need a moment, she added as she moved to get up. Luke and Orrin let out soft growls as Carys stood up. She gave them each a pet and nodded toward Rylai, though she was unable to look into his eyes. Those eyes. Again, she touched her cheeks. They were so hot, burning. Im so sorry. Carys moved quickly and made her way to where shed laid her things. In her pouch, she retrieved a canteen filled with water. Hands trembling, body shaking, she opened it and took a sip.