Under the Mistletoe [Aleu]

- I'm a bit dusty, so forgive me, m'lady.

On fleeting ash paws, the wolf ran steadily further and further away from the commotion at camp. Winter was settling in small doses, but he was not prepared entirely for the details that would follow and set into the minds of his peers and packmates. Already was he beginning to see signs in his own masters, a sign of weakness to the faes and them in return - which he would never comprehend, or at least not at this age. With bubbly intentions, the season did however lift his spirits in a rather odd manner, misplacing it with the love for the cold rather typical hormonal stages of life displaying in his youth. Fairing well in fact, he grew tall, quite tall, actually. He almost hadn't begun to notice the changes in his height until he noticed he'd be peering down at his teachers rather than up at them like before. However, not the tallest in the patch of daisies, he was certainly not the most average of the pack's heights, nor the lightest either. Toned legs and a broad chest with shoulders to match soon developed along with him, and greatly at that to provide him a handsome transformation from young apprentice to mature adulthood. Privileges would be given soon enough, all he had to do was survive the winter and keep up with his given tasks of training each morning like always. Signs of maturity also seemed to change in his voice, the once slightly rasp tune now blossoming into that of a truer brute's which represented strength and no remorse, much like his father's. More agile on his feet, he elegantly strode forwards with a high chin and waving tail. His ashen pelt shimmered pleasantly over his growing mass as he moved through the lands, the scents shifting from his pack to the neutrals, the scent of his neighbors decreasing as the scent of fresh springs was enriched into his wet nostrils.

Paws crunching against the crystal-blanketed forest floors, Striker slowed his stance and collected his surroundings before pushing faster into his journeys till he was satisfied. Every so often, he'd find himself a bit lost, but sure to find a scent or two lingering against the rocks or the trees to where his destination was. Continuing his trip, he eventually met amends with his ideal spot and caught his breathe that lingered in icy puffs of air. Shuddering and shaking out his thickened coat, which made him bigger naturally for warmth, the young adult fastened a skeptical stare towards the area. The falls were completely thickened with ice, a foot deep from his observations in fact. Oddly enough, the neutral land did not feel as welcoming as he had expected, for there were little to no lingering scents in the area that could indicate a recent visit from other wolves. Perhaps they were far more busy courting their mates to go out for a stroll, which he didn't complain, he enjoyed the silence and the lack of smells in one place. It resulted in a clear mind and a happier Striker. Exploring quietly in small steps, he noticed the melting of icicles connected to a nearby bush in which was coincidentally facing the sun. The light made for an excellent shine upon the winter-y background, but the life of the crystal weapons would soon die to its original, liquid form soon enough. Taking the opportunity, he used the melting icicles as a source of a quick drink, sure to get enough in his system to satisfy him for the quick moment. When finished, he'd investigate the frozen over lake and peer to the fish beneath the thick layers of ice that swam freely in their homes. He made sure to test if the ice was thick enough to withstand his weight before completely stepping onto it. It was strong and suitable to fit about three wolves, he had guessed roughly.

Hopping off and back to safety, he shook out his glossy pelt and peered to the white skies with his dark hues. With an odd feeling in his chest, he huffed and howled out into the open to summon his friend Aleu out yonder. Lasting long enough to stretch for miles, his deep low and powerful now to overcome such distances, he silenced himself once more. As a way of busying himself, he sniffed the ground for any resources useful to return to Agavos to the healing den. Perhaps there would be some good left over, he thought, never minding to what may lurk or what was there to badger him with.

Guest

Slowly Aleu pushed herself through the shallow snow around the border of her home pack, head low as silver orbs calmly scanned the thick forest around her. In the war with Erenyx, Helidos had taken a bad hit, losing many wolves and most of it's upper ranks, including the Alphess and both of Aleu's adopted parents. Since then the young pup had distanced herself from nearly everyone in the pack. She had first went to recover the body of her adopted father, laying him to rest at the top of a hill under a tree, where one could look out and see the gentle curves of the valleys and streams below. But Aleu couldn't bring herself to visit it again. Not yet. Aleu had also never returned to the den she had shared with the Beta's, as the scents of her now lost family were too much for the poor thing to handle. For the first few days after the war Aleu had felt nothing. She'd wake up only to lay in her makeshift den on the outskirts of the pack clearing, or pace the night when no one would bother her. The days after seemed to return emotions to the poor pup, as a dull rage began to set in. Aleu hated nearly everything. She hated the Alphess that didn't let her fight, she hated herself for not going anyways, she hated the caretaker that had stopped her, and Erenyx for following the monster Teren, and at one point she even tried to hate Marrok and Juno for leaving her, after all they had promised. But no matter how hard she tried to be mad at them, to curse them for leaving her all alone, the thought of those she had loved so dear simply crushed her heart, filling her chest with a pain worse than any fang could cause.

In more recent days the Apprentice had begun to venture out of her den during the day. And while she still avoided the other members of her pack quite thoroughly, her patrols along the border at least got her mind off of things for a short while, before the nearly endless depression set back in. As the fae began to close on the end of her patrol the loud and sudden song of a familiar wolf would echo through the tree's, it's message quite clear to the summoned fae. Lifting her head only slightly to perk her ears to the direction of the sound she would honestly have to ponder on whether or not she was going to go. She had always been close to Striker, and he had always been there to comfort her, but she had nearly lost him once already, and if she kept allowing herself to get close to him, he would only die or leave her too. Pinning her ears back against her head Aleu would make up her mind, turning from the worn patrol path in the snow to venture across the border and into the neutrals, the tip of her tail just barely hanging above the snow as she pushed towards the source of her summoning.

Before long the large form of a barely recognizable wolf would come into view, his dark black coat contrasted so beautifully by the snow around him. As she got closer Aleu could feel her pace pick up slightly, closing the distance to the brute rather quickly, the fae getting as close as she could before making her presence known "Hey there!" she barked, her tone almost playful as she allowed her mind to escape for a few short moments. Striker had always been a source of joy for the pup when she was down, and she had to admit she was excited to see him again, especially with the recent events that had brought her down. As Aleu finally stepped out onto the bank of the river, now only a few feet from the large male. Slowly the Apprentice' gaze would move from the center of his broad chest, or perhaps a bit lower, all the way up to his bold features. He looked so grown up now, so strong. It made it rather hard to believe this was the same friend that had laid in that field of grass after she was left in Helidos. It seemed so very long ago. Though as the pair got a moment to inspect one another, Striker would easily notice he wasn't the only one who had grown. Aleu hadn't grown much taller since their last encounter, since she had been a rather tall, lanky wolf then. However, she had certainly grown into her size quite well. Her legs had gained enough muscle to match her large paws, and her thin, lithe form had filled out quite nicely, while maintaining those sleek, attractive curves of her gender. In addition to the changes in her form, the girl's face had changed slightly, her narrowed muzzle filling out more as a thick layer of fur formed around her cheeks, the fae's whole head seemed to have grown with her figure to match her once over sized ears, only seeming to accent her defined feminine form.

After a brief moment of silence after her first words Aleu would let her gaze settle on her friend's dark blue orbs, the usually quite bold fae seeming taken back for just a moment, before a few soft words finally managed to escape her muzzle "Wow...You're all grown up Striker." she would smile, the pain in her chest temporarily fading as she felt her heart race slightly. It was odd to the girl, that she felt so excited just to see her friend again, but it felt different than excitement, in an odd sort of way.

[OOC: Sorry for the delay, depression stole all of my muse and I wanted it to be good. Hope it was worth the wait.]

With round, large ears to which framed his broad face, they'd turn forwards, pointing at the top of his head to the sounds which mustered through the trees behind him. Lifting his gaze from the ground, he looked out into the open with no intention of seeing movement, but feeling the sound in his paws through focused eyes and stilled actions. He had assumed she had heard him from the far, though it was quite possible any wolf would come running to the opportunity if taken as an invitation for all the right reasons. It was winter, after all, in which irked him mostly throughout this time of season - he dreaded what twitterpated individuals could conform to during this time of year. Within seconds, his thoughts had been confirmed as a running dot of grey came rushing towards him and full speed. He observed the creature grow larger, more feminine as it would near more so into his vision. The fae was none other than his trusted companion - Aleu, a friend he had faith and a soft side for in the sense of him ever having earned a friend in such a dark, young place in his life. There was certainly a pain in himself that hit home every time he'd speak with her, but it had good intention, he would've guessed. There was no feeling much like the one he could compare to when with his only friend that he could rely on - in which made the hint of a smile grow at his lips in the effort of a kind hello when welcomed with her presence. The awkward mass of a brute stood in waiting, the chill rolling casually up his spine in which caused him to shudder as she'd move into his area of scent. She smelled radiant, certainly a new type of odor she wore, which he could quite put his paw on. It wasn't as compelling as he had initially thought, but it had its fondness to him.

Like a painting was to the eyes of anyone, it appeared more beautiful the closer it got. The outline of her figure became more in tuned with the rest of her and her features certainly fit the idea that she had aged well in their absence. He could only imagine what he looked like now versus was he had months prior to this, only being able to use the slightest puddle or a pond for his reflection in the case if he looked groomed or not. With dark blue roaming eyes, he flashed a quick analysis of her body before peering to her tan orbs with a small smile, "Mornin'." He ensured, the darkness found through his irises increasing in shadow as they formed a twinkle within them. His tone matched perfectly with his well developed body, deep and soothing in all the right ways, though oddly enough, he could've sworn there was a hint of flirtation behind his pinched little smile and peering hues. Perhaps it were just the cold, but a rise in temperature beneath his fur covered cheeks seemed to warn him of something as well as she'd compliment him. It seemed unlikely of him to blush, causing himself to fumble enough to make words. He covered this strange difficulty with a tinge of silence before he cleared his throat and offered her his gratitude for the splendid welcome, "I could say the same for you." Striker noticed the longevity of her stares upon his form, in which he intentionally tried stiffening his form and raising his chin to his fullest potential to prove the change in height he had underwent while they were gone. It seemed their visits were becoming much more distant of each other - he could only hope that it would chance in the next few months for one another, the difference in pack was surely an obstacle. His ears turned backwards as he fought the urge to speak, to split the silence which followed him to an annoying degree, "-Ahem, um.. how have you been, if I may ask?" With manners as fine as they come, he took whatever influences he had from his mother along with him, as well as Desoto's ways of speaking too in order to meet formal confrontations. It was clear that Aleu would be one of the only few people he would ever have the ability to use this type of speech on, hopefully that much would change when he'd be crowned a warrior of the pack. "-No trouble in Helidos.. I would assume?" Clueless, yet curious of what he was getting into, he peered to her quietly, his body composed well with the drawing winds of cold air against his side. His thick, fully developed winter coat surely did him some justice this time around.

Guest

Aleu honestly couldn't believe this was the same small pup she had grown up with, the same one she had spent the night trapped in a cave with. It was almost surreal to see him as an adult for the first time. While she knew he was still a warrior, in her eyes he was no longer the puppy friend she had once known, but a strong independent brute. And the part that seemed even more odd to her, was that she didn't feel below him, like she did with other adults. Of course they were the same age, and that would certainly contribute, but something in her mind had made a connection, and she couldn't quite place what it was yet. The feeling was similar to how she had felt last time she saw him, holding all of the excitement of seeing her friend back from the dead, and yet now it almost seemed better, causing her heart to race slightly as the butterflies in her stomach fluttered, anxiously trying to escape. Finally allowing her gaze to move away from the large brute in front of her awkwardly, as much as her eyes protested the action with her mind, the fae would allow her gaze to settle on the frozen falls behind him as if she needed an excuse to look away.

After her initial words had been spoken, and the much longer than she would have liked to allow look up Striker's body, her eyes locked to his for the remainder of that shared moment. What was going on?! It was like her brain forgot how to talk to him. This was her best friend! She had always told him everything, so why was this massive, strong, amazing brute in front of her so hard to talk to! As the long moment of silence between the pair was broken, Aleu would be rather thankful of the moment to collect herself. Smiling slightly to his words she would allow her gaze to move back to him, the fae shifting to rest on her haunches as she returned her attention to him "Thank-you... I imagine you are as excited for your rank as I am." she said, tail wrapping around her paws gently. As silence fell on them once again Aleu would notice how the brute seemed to posture himself to show his true size and bulk, and Aleu had to admit it worked, causing those butterflies in her stomach to dance their little hearts out.

As the silence was once again broken by Striker the fae's gaze seemed to grow dark, her eyes quickly darting to the snow next to her, as if the painful reality had been blocked behind a dam, which now came crashing back against her. Clearing her throat loudly Aleu would try to think of the best way to deliver this news, without sending her back to the dark places she had been just before his summon. "There was a war....with Erenyx." she began, unable to bring her gaze back to his, not wanting him to see her like this "We lost our Alphess, and many other wolves....Including both of my adopted parents, Juno and Marrok." she said honestly, slowly turning her head back to him, turning her eyes upwards with head still held low for only a moment before continuing "I'm an orphan again...and I don't want to get close to anyone else, because everyone I'm around dies, or leaves me." she said honestly, finally forcing herself to lift her gaze to him "You won't leave me, will you Striker?" she asked, trying so hard to mask the pain that was still so raw against her heart. She didn't care if it was a lie, she just needed to know she would at least have one friend who wouldn't leave her.

But perhaps that was a very selfish thought, if all of those around her either left or died. Would keeping him around really end his life? It was possible, and she could never live with herself if something did happen to him. But he was her best friend, her only friend, and the thought of losing him was more than she could bare right now.

When his compliment was returned for her gratitude, he nodded a tad sheepishly to her disposal, meeting greater ends of means which could only result in more silence. "Quite, yes.. perhaps I'll be made even more of a greater asset to Agavos in due time after I have graduated from my apprenticeship. I can only wish you the same fortune too, in Helidos." Granted, Striker wasn't the most easy-going male around the forest, but he tried to make his efforts to his dearest friend more concerning than what he truly intended. It wasn't like he didn't care, if anything, he cared too much than what he wanted, and in dong so, he treated Aleu with more respect from an outside source than anyone else asides his former mentor, the Exile, and partial brotherly figure - Samael. He'd then watch how she'd seat herself comfortably atop the paw-numbing forest floor, quickly changing his view so that he didn't make his observations too obvious to what may make her uncomfortable around him. These foreign feelings angered him, confused him to a great deal, to which would only be shoved back down to replace with obliviousness to such a change in bodily functions and mixed emotions. White dancing specks of ice would then carefully fall down as they were since morning came, twinkling and prancing through the air with all their might before joining with the rest of their brethren amongst the ground. Where they would melt come later afternoon if the sun was in the proper position. The clearing of Aleu's throat to speak made his ears point and face forwards to her words, his eyes darkly fixating on her own before they'd fearfully turn from him. He assumed the worst.

The first few words were enough to make his lungs collapse and his stomach drop from the inside, his throat growing dry at the revelation of how there was a war among both rival packs. The apprentice would try to focus in her tragic experience with the loss of her own protectors, but not even he could bring passed his selfish needs to do that, for his first thought was his own blood rather his dearest friend's misery. "Mother..," He mouthed, his eyes growing dark with rage as he'd look towards the nearest tree for some strength in ignoring the sudden change of thoughts. Striker would deny all chances to say he loved his mother, but he knew he'd be lying if he said he hated her. In fact, he adored her in several ways, however, his stubbornness tended to get in the way of his affections, that going for anyone, even his friend. When born into Erenyx rule, he became immune to such affectionate ways, that it no longer phased him to receive none if wished for. This hardened the pup months after birth, and has simply become apart of him. Samael had learned that truly enough during their time of reunion, and he liked to believe Aleu was informed of such a hard shell around the apprentice, too. "I apologize for your loss.. Aleu..," Bringing himself out of his own thoughts, being there was no proof or not if his mother were dead yet, he turned back to the fae with a soft expression, projecting his sympathy through a less tense atmosphere and a loosen stance. "Is there anyone to care for you now? There's still time, I assure you. Come to Agavos if it be the right option for your safety. Perhaps running from your problems may not be the answer, but your life depends on it. These are times to be selfish when most vulnerable." He said through stronger, powerful words of encouragement, his voice a calm muster between strength and concern. Speaking too soon, he realized how Aleu's mother was a warrior of the pack, and wondered what ties they'd leave off as together. But Striker knew to protect her, he had promised that the day he trained with Samael. Whether she knew or not, the apprentice had made a deal to be her soul protector through whatever case may be, even if he may be this small and helpless - he had the determination to do so for her, only her.

"I would never leave you, Aleu." He promised.

Gazing deeply into her eyes, a mask of concern washing through to his bold features, Striker stared in silence for just a tad longer. His body never trembled as the wind grew stronger, pressing madly into his side, for his attention laid soulfully on her. "Run away with me to Agavos." The male demanded, his voice growing darker as his more superior side began to take over. This side of him was different than his usual bossy edge, but he learned to life it, he cared for her too much to see her safety be threatened again.

"I'll protect you."

Guest

As the young fae returned the compliment to her best friend she would take some deal of pleasure from the sheepish look she was given in response, before silence fell between them once more. As Striker began to speak again Aleu would smile softly, quickly replying "I'm sure you will rank up very quickly in Helidos. The Alpha would have to be foolish not to see your potential and strength." she smiled, taking this moment to allow her gaze to move to his broad chest, and solid frame. The young fae still couldn't quite wrap her head around how big he had gotten, and how strong he looked. He truly was becoming an adult now, and while she wasn't all too familiar with her own reflection, she could only imagine she had started to look grown up too. Soon she would be given a rank, and responsibility. She could do her part for her big sister, and defend her pack as she had been longing to do. Aleu wondered how it would affect her friend when they were warriors of different packs. And even more so what if he took a mate. The thought seemed to strike a nerve in the fae's mind, as if someone had pulled back a branch in front of her nose and let it swing back to hit her. But why? She should be happy her friend found a wolf to make him happy. And yet, somehow the thought hurt her, as if she were jealous. But why would she be jealous.

After several moments Aleu would snap out of the thought quickly, making a note to talk to Rose about this as soon as she could. When the conversation took a more grim turn, Aleu at first wouldn't notice his darkness, as she kept her gaze off the brute to hide her own pain. But just as she caught the first sight of her friend the thought would strike her. Striker still had family in Erenyx, as far as she knew. Without a word Aleu would lift herself from the snow, taking a few steps forwards to close the distance between them before pressing her head softly against his neck, eyes closing as she simply held a gentle embrace with the brute. Lowering herself onto her haunches gently Aleu would allow another short moment of silence to fall over their embrace before speaking once more "I'm sure your mother is fine Striker...Erenyx lost very few wolves, and I don't believe they lost a healer." she admit, feeling quite confident she would have heard the name at least once if she had been killed.

Allowing the silence to fall over them once more Aleu kept her place pressed against his chest, unless he cared to withdraw. As the fae sat pressed against the strong neck and chest of the near adult she allowed her ears to press back against her head, the soothing sound of his heart beating gently in his chest, and his warm fur pressed against her own gave her a sense of safety she had never known before. For a moment she wondered if this was what having a father was like, being able to close your eyes and know that as long as they were holding you, nothing could cause you any harm. Or perhaps this was a feeling only Striker could give her, the way her mind could wander, but never escape the thought of him, and this feeling of true safety she had in his presence. It was as if the whole world had stopped around them, and only they continued to exist.

As Striker spoke once more it would take Aleu a long moment to return from her state of near Nirvana against him, actually a bit reluctant to allow herself back to reality, as for a brief moment she had actually begun to feel happy again, as if maybe her life could turn out okay. A rather stark contrast to the thoughts that had haunted her mind lately. It wouldn't be until after Striker had spoken once more that Aleu recovered herself enough to answer, though still pressed gently to his chest as she did "Thank-you Stiker. But yes, my Mentor is the pack's new Alphess. And while she is rather busy, if I needed anything I know she would help me. And I know she would never allow any harm to come to me." she admit, smiling softly at his suggestion "And thank-you, but I simply can't leave my pack now. Our Alphess is like a sister to me. She has put a lot of work and effort into training me, and right now, especially after the war, she needs me there. I can't leave her when she needs me the most.

As Striker made his promise to her, Aleu would pull herself back from his chest, looking up into his gaze as she felt her heart skip a beat. She had never for a moment doubted he would answer any other way, but even if it was a lie, Aleu needed to hear it. Though she never for a moment doubted his word. As the brute's gaze met her own Aleu would feel no shame in letting herself sink into his orbs, tail starting to swish gently behind her. As he spoke once more the helidos wolf seemed rather taken back by his tone, her head lifting from his chest as she paused for a moment "Striker...I...I can't." she said softly, before an idea suddenly came to mind. "You can come to Helidos with me... I have my own den now, so you could live with me until we get you one. And we can train together and spar and go everywhere together. I mean, how often do you get to train with an Alpha? And the best part is you'll never have to leave my side!" she said, her tone seeming so cheerful at the thought of having him there each day. Slowly calming down Aleu would lean her head forward again, nuzzling into his neck before whispering "And then you can protect me forever." she almost whispered, her voice trailing slightly against him, hoping he would accept her offer, even if every part of her knew the chances were almost non-existent.

» Day In and Day Out [Samael, Aleu]
» Narnia [Aleu]
» Balance [Aleu]
» Seeking {Aleu}
» Aleu Joining Profile

Under the Mistletoe [Aleu]

Under the Mistletoe [Aleu]

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