Stitches [Tundra]

The days were becoming shorter. The snow had already fallen upon the lands, driving the packs to scavenge for food as often as they could. He had heard of the war that had occurred between Helidos and Erenyx no longer than a few weeks back. He had not been able to get in contact with Tundra or the little apprentice called Piper. He was worried about them, for Tundra was the only family he had according to himself, and young Piper was the daughter of his alphas. The thought of hearing news about the death of either one of them would crush him, as well as some others. Who he considered family in the lands were few. Only consisting of the white Guardian and the male who he now serves under. He considered Magnus to be a fatherly figure, almost. He had been through much more than the hill brute had in the span of no longer than a year or two that separated them by age. Nevertheless, Magnus was far more superior than he, and Malachai was well aware of it. Perhaps, he would become good friends with the brute. It would certainly be something new to the while Delta and he would learn a lot more from Magnus than some of the others when it came to knowing ranks and orders of the packs.

Winter was setting in, and with this time of year, Malachai was in his element. The brute was large, and his coat protected his body from the cold. With the clean slate of white on the forest floors, his coat perfectly settling into the blank space. He was truly one with the forest when it came to winter. The light colors were more appealing to him than the darker colors of fall or the vibrant colors of spring and summer. The winter was blank and one color that screamed beauty to everyone who happened to lay their eyes upon the lands. Although winters were tough with food being scarce, he could not help but love the season for it's sheer blank beauty. It was cold, and days were shorter, but not even the struggles could deny the beauty of the show and chilled lands. Peering in front of him, he realized his paws had led him to Isle De Muerto. He had never been in the area before, but it was quite magnificent to gaze upon. There was snow layered on the rocks that surrounded the peaks. Although the curiosity of mind desperately wanted the brute to wander up the sloped and into the valley of rocks, he knew that bad things could come of such an adventure. The snow could be covering up something that could end his life. A hole or a drop from a cliff that could suddenly take him by surprise. Rather than venturing his way into the mountain tops, he remained at the base, gazing upon the rock formation was was nothing short of true nature. A small cliff that was no more than a five to six foot drop caught his attention. It was small, but far enough up to see over the trees and not large enough to kill him if he slipped. Climbing up into the snow that covered the slightly icy rock, he say himself down to take in the view that he had discovered. He could see over most of the trees and through the branches of the rather large trees. Giving him the view of the entire valley. It was absolutely magnificent to the male. Looking out, he then realized that he was waiting for company. Hoping, that the Guardian would arrive to the scene.

She limped aimlessly through the snow covered forests, eyes blank and unfocused. Weak sunlight filtered down from the icy blue sky that stretched high above. However in the distance she could see thick, heavy white clouds gathering. There would be more snow soon. Everything around her glittered magnificently, the snow one big glimmering blanket and icicles dripping from the trees as the light shone through them. Did death and destruction always do that? Cover itself with a pretty mask to lure its prey in. One could be shocked upon finding out how much of an affect beauty had on them, how they were so irresistibly drawn to it. Her leg was absolutely killing her yet still she forced herself to continue moving, not wanting to stop. She wished she could just go and go and go until there was nowhere left for her to wander in the whole world. Yet they couldn't because they were cursed with such needy, fragile bodies. Considering how life was such a sacred thing, it was kind of surprising to think that life was kept in such a fragile box. As if to remind her, she hit the paw of her injured leg and grit her teeth as agonizing pain shot up it at an incredible speed. Her injuries would be healed like everyone else's by now if she'd gone to a healer but she hadn't, in fact she had spoken to no one since the war- seeming to have resided into a shell of sorts. Her fur was dirty and matted, dry blood still crusting the top of her torn ear although some was beginning to flake away itself. Her leg wasn't broken anyway, she could put weight on it without it completely buckling but the pain was terrible when she did so she just chose not to and hobbled on through the snow covered lands silently.

Her eyes were narrowed and cold, body stiff and tense as slight shivers ran up her spine with some of the stronger, cutting winds. She didn't like the way some of the male eyed her back in Erenyx, she knew females were thought to be weaker and males were the superior in Erenyx and as far as everyone else was concerned, she was mateless so that left her an option for some to make unwanted advances which she did not want. Although the fact that she was Teren's Guardian probably helped keep some away in fear of angering him. She huffed slowly, breath visible as it puffed from her nostrils with each exhale. She craved Samael so badly, wanted to be near him and feel the heat radiating off his body as he pressed close to her in these cold times but it was irrational. Any pups conjured this Winter would surely die, no, for the sake of future generations Tundra would remain aloof this Winter. Another she had not seen in long time was Malachai, she didn't even catch his scent around anymore. She'd seen Piper a few times but hadn't gotten to speak to her, but Mal was just gone. With everything she'd been concentrating on she hadn't even noticed until after the war and now she felt guilt hanging from her, what if something had happened to him and she hadn't noticed? They were supposed to look out for each other. She wanted Sam, missed Mal and was angry at herself for enjoying seeing Fen's face when figuring out about Quinn's death. Her joy at his pain, lust for his blood...She was falling backwards and she couldn't let that happen, for the sake of Sam, Mal, Piper and the future of Erenyx. She would not be the next Teren. Growling softly with frustration, she moved at as quick a pace as she could without doing her leg too much harm. She was so angry at herself, felt it burning deep in the pit of her stomach. She had come to the magnificent slopes of the Isle De Muerto, yet another danger covered up by beauty and she pushed on forward without a moments hesitation. She hadn't even noticed that she'd crossed the borders of Erenyx and was now deep in the Neutrals. However before she could be caught up by her scarily dark mind she was distracted by a familiar scent. Her heart seemed to flutter hopefully as if it had ceased beating since the war and she'd simply been a ghost floating about, to be honest she wouldn't be too surprised if that were true.

Not caring about what a mess she must look with her fur sticking up and knotted, eyes wider than usual, dried blood crusting her ear and other places- standing awkwardly as her leg was held above the rocky ground, she caught sight of the brute she saw as a sort of brother now. "Malachai!" She called hoarsely as she stumbled forward towards him and when reaching him, pushed her muzzle into his fur briefly in a platonically affectionate greeting before leaning back, finally letting her battered body rest for the first time all day. She ached. Last time they'd seen each other they had both been Warriors, she was about to open her maw and tell him how she'd been successful and was now Teren's Guardian when she caught the unfamiliar scent wafting from him. That was not Erenyx. Stunned, she blinked and tilted her head- frown present. "That's not Erenyx" She simply breathed out, embarrassed and guilty for not knowing he had left. The wind picked up and she shivered.

The lands were quiet until he heard something coming from behind him. A sudden shock rushed through his body as he saw the white Guardian approaching him. HIs hear skipped just to know that she was alive, that his non-biological sister was alive. As she quickly walked up to him, nuzzling him quickly before moving away, he could tell she was injured. He wondered who she had battled that had left her the nasty injuries all over her body. Looking to the Erenyx female as shock flowed over her features, he nodded. "I left with Magnus and Chiara. I now loyally serve Pyrvanthros of the North. We now consist of thirteen wolves, which is small, but growing. Chiara appointed me as their Delta." His face was calm and relaxed as he explained where he had gone off to. Looking to the female, his gaze was apologetic. He had no chance to tell her about his leaving before the war. He lowered his head. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you I was leaving before I had." Cyan eyes were dim and clouded. "How are you? Has anything happened in Erenyx? What about the war? Who died? Is Piper okay?" He had so many questions for the bruised female. His white body was clean and sleeks with the winter showers of snow. His life activities had been slow, as the winter months slowed his pack in their work. The cold was not a problem for everyone, but some in the pack clearly were not fond of the snow and blustering winds of winter. Fading from the clouded apologetic agony, his eyes were concerned for those who he did not entirely hate within the pack of Erenyx, and those of Helidos who he knew of. His mind swirled with thoughts of who could have died. Piper? Yuki? Drogo? He couldn't only think of a few names of those who he remembered. He was concerned for the safety of the innocent, but hoped to hear that the black shadow that reigned over Erenyx had fallen. He hoped, although he knew it was not likely. It was only a matter of time before Samael would take his place and return the pack of Erenyx back to what it used to be. He looked over the body of the Guardian, wishing that he could help her. It was clear that she was still sore in movement from her battles only weeks previous to their meeting at this time. Looking around, he couldn't see anyone else in the area, which wasn't us usual. Not most wished to be wandering the cold snows when they didn't have to be.

He waited patiently for his friend to respond to the news of his leaving of Erenyx, and to hear what had append when it came to the war. He wanted to make sure that Piper and others were okay. That's all he cared about then and there. To hear that not many died.

Words of battle filled through the neutral lands. It was between the two original packs. One pack had lost, the other won. He had heard rumors that Erenyx won, but he was not sure. Tundra had not come to the neutrals for him. He had half a mind to go to Erenyx itself and seek her out. He was beyond worried for her safety. He had wandered all over his lands, but he would not stop until she was safe. He could barely even sleep at night. But he had to tell himself not to go to Erenyx. If he did and he found her, the both of them would not be alive for long. So he waited and waited until he could wait no longer. Samael moved from his home, whatever that was, and headed for the neutral lands. Once outside of the Rogue lands, he knew he would have to be diligent and smell the scents from all over. He headed for the first lands, running through them without a trace of Tundra. He could feel his heart dropping more. Surely she would come to find him. But then it occurred to him that she could have died there, and he would never know. But through everything, he had to know. He still had to try. He pushed himself through the climate, the dropping in temperatures and whatever it took to make himself be re-united with his mate, his love. Samael finally climbed a tall portion of the short ranges. He climbed to the very top and looked down to see a white wolf headed for another. "Tundra!" he called out. But she couldn't hear,or it wasn't even here. He grumbled to himself but forced himself to run full force down the slope. At one point, he found himself sliding down, no longer running. The white powder covered his sides as it pushed through the fresh powder.

When he came to a stop, Samael's bi-colored eyes could see the two wolves embrace. A growl erupted from his throat. His tail curled over his spine as if he were an Alpha of his own pack. He had seen his father do it over a thousand times. It just felt right to him. His eyes stared to the male who had showed his mate affection. Though they were not officially mates within the same pack, in their hearts, they knew they belonged to one another. No fae would try and take him from her and no brute better try to take her from him. He was much larger than the male and he allowed his great voice to sound. It rumbled through his throat and slipped between clenched jaws. He rolled his lips back, exposing his blood-stained teeth and blackened gums. His tongue slid over his maw, looking fierce as ever. He snarled and growled, showing the other that he was not afraid of him. His hulking frame was nothing without his attitude. Immediately, he could smell the scent coming from his mate. She was in tune with the season, which forced Samael to feel even more protective than ever before. If this male thought he was just going to slide into his space and be with his fae, he had another thing coming. Immediately he took his stance between Malachai and Tundra, his back to her. His bi-colored orbs stared to the white male, still snarling as he commanded the male, "move away from her, now!" The fur along his spine stuck straight up and his back arched with anger. If this male wanted a fight, he was going to get it. "I don't know who you are, or what pack you hail from... But if I ever see you touch Tundra again, I will rip you to shreds. I will sever your heart from your body and use it as a chew toy. Do I make myself clear?" He could smell her, she was so different than before. It was tantalizing and strange, but Samael could only feel it building the rage within him. If he was smelling it, he knew the other male was smelling it as well.

Her features remained empty and unreadable as he spoke, not a muscle seeming to twitch anywhere within her body. Magnus and Chiara....she had heard rumors of a new pack but she hadn't known it was those two that led it. So Malachai had gone with them, made sense she supposed, he hadn't exactly tried to hide the fact that he disliked Erenyx from her. It still stung slightly to think that he hadn't even warned her but she sighed and ignored any emotion as always- gaze distant as it fixed itself on his identical white pelt. Her ears flicked as she read the apologetic tint in his azure gaze but otherwise did not seem to react at all. She simply shrugged and nodded in his direction. "I don't blame you, I wouldn't mind a break from Erenyx myself" She huffed tiredly, body calmer than it had been a while but now that she wasn't feeling so lost and freaked she was suddenly just landed with a shockingly heavy weight on her shoulders- exhaustion taking its toll on its easy victim. Her paw remained raised slightly from the snowy ground, icy breezes trying to cut through the matted, blood stained fur with little joy. "Congratulations on the rank, you deserve it. That reminds me, as you can probably tell by the fact that I am still standing here alive- I succeeded in-" She cut off and swept her hazel gaze over the rocky landscape, nose twitching and ears perked. However there was no evidence of anyone close enough to hear their conversation so she turned back and continued on, voice dropping to a whisper just in case. I succeeded in tricking Teren, he thinks Samael is dead and I am now his Guardian" She stated with a small streak of pride for it had most definitely not been an easy thing to do but she'd gone and done it.

She glanced away from a random spot in the snowy landscape she'd been resting her gaze on and instead rested it on Malachai as he spoke, questioning her gently. The question brought a sharp laugh from her maw. "Never been better" She would mutter, eyebrow arched as the sarcasm dipped words floated into the air bitterly. What a mess must she look, fur sticking up everywhere and old wounds not properly tended to. Shivering lightly, she let her features switch back to a more familiar, serious look as she replied for a second time. "In all seriousness I'm tired and hurting but I'm alive so I feel I have no right to complain" She answered simply, voice empty and unwavering as she stretched out her neck slightly to let the sharp wind cut through the dirty fur. "Since you've left its been quite quiet siding the normal shit that goes on here. Of course then there was the war. You see, Teren killed Quinn's sister which caused anger in Helidos and alas a war was started. Piper is fine, a warrior now actually but we did lose a few lives. None I was too familiar with though, I think I accepted one at the border a while ago though. Poor chap." She shook her head and went silent for a few moments before speaking again. "It ended when Teren killed Quinn....Quinn is dead." She watched him closely, not going into any details to do with her part in making Teren successful until she took note of the reaction gotten from this much of the story. However before she could think anything else, an achingly familiar voice cut through the cold winds and emptied her mind. She spun around to spot the dark pelted male she loved before he growled and suddenly launched himself forward at Malachai.

She instinctively stepped back as he pushed himself between her and Malachai, aggression like no other coming off of him in waves. She growled angrily, lashing her long creamy tail. It was a different type of aggression to the one she had seen on his face in past arguments, that had been a cold and hard intelligence. This was just wild and reckless and she knew very well why, this time of the month really messed with males. An irritated noise escape her as she ignored the electrical feelings sparking through her when standing so close to Sam and instead stepped around him so that she was facing him- gaze fixed and annoyed. "Lay off Samael. He's a friend who knows enough to get us both killed so I'd suggest keeping him in the good books hm?" She'd snap and before he'd have a chance to reply she'd begin again- ignoring the pain and exhaustion now simply radiating from her battered, dirtied body as she raised an annoyed brow. "And what the hell are you doing in the Neutral territories? A wolf from any pack at all could be here, I do not fancy us both being slaughtered because you fancied a reckless and suicidal stroll!" She leaned back, strength finally giving out and tongue hanging from her maw as she panted heavily, shutting her eyes briefly before reopening them and fixing them on the two brutes. "Malachai, Samael. Samael, Malachai" She muttered emptily, giving brief nods in the directions of each wolf as she spoke its name before falling silent again- staring at the two intently as she awaited a reaction. She wanted to stand up and press close to Samael, feel the heat radiating from his body to cease her shivering but she remained seated stubbornly until he found it in himself to calm the heck down.

Listening to her speak of the war and how she was healing slightly hurt him. He was not there to protect Tundra when Samael couldn’t. Although he was well aware that she was not helpless, it was natural for him to worry about those that he truly cared about. “As long as you’re alive, that’s all that matters.” He nodded to the Guardian. Relief flushed over his body to hear that Piper was okay. He would then be able to return back home with good news for his alphas. He would expect them to be glad to hear their daughter was safe and was now a strong warrior. It warmed his heart to think of the little apprentice following her dreams of being a great warrior. “The little lass deserves it, with what she’s been through. Her parents will be glad to hear that she is doing well. I would hate to return home and give them bad news of their only surviving daughter.” Home. He had just realized that he had called Pyrvanthros his home. A wave of joy spread through his body. ‘Home. I finally have a real home.’ His own deep voice echoed in his mind over the thought. He had a home and a true family that valued him. The next that fell from Tundra’s mouth was shock to him. “So that flea-bitten mutt started a war that could have killed far more many than there had been. Figures.” Shaking his head, his heart was saddened to hear the murder of Quinn. He was sure that it was not her time to die, and she was only avenging her sister’s untimely death caused by the malevolent beast that wished to contrail the lands. "Quinn’s… dead? Helidos sure lost a great leader. She was small and mighty, from what I heard of her. But, now that’s Quinn has died, who’s ruling Helidos? If you have any idea, that is.” His curiosity grew about the war. Who had Helidos and Erenyx lost? Who killed them? What was next to come between the two rivaling packs now that Quinn had been slain? Surely, Teren was not finished with Helidos yet. Even though his life-long goal had now been accomplished. What could possibly be his next move?

As his attention was torn from the Guardian, he saw the figure of the Exile before him. Chuckling with a smile on his maw, he spoke “Hello Samael. I’m sorry that you got the wrong idea of myself and your mate. I promise you that I have no romantic interest in her. I consider her a sister. I assure you that I consider her nothing more than a friend, as I currently have interests within my own pack.” He looked at the larger brute, no fear to be detected within his body. “She has trusted me with information that I’m sure you’re well aware of.” His cyan eyes covering the brute’s body. He was not afraid of Samael. They were on the same side, he just did not know it yet. “Pardon my manners. I am Delta Malachai. I serve in Pyrvanthros under Alphess Chiara and Alpha Magnus. I followed them from Erenyx after the pup wars, where I had witnessed your attempt to take down Teren. I must say that was a brave move and I agree with your thinking. I have been assisting Tundra in trying to find a way to make Teren fall so the both of you could take your rightful places as Alpha and Alphess of Erenyx.” Peering to Tundra, he shook his head and stood to his paws. He was not sure what to say at this point. He had spoken to the Exile politely and with the utmost respect. He did not dare to get on his bad side, nor wanted him to cause any sort of problems between himself and Tundra. He knew all too well that they were together and he was in no place to take that from them. “She really does love you. If she didn’t she wouldn’t be risking her life for you. I admire her for such an act, and I must say, you’re a very lucky brute to have someone to care about you that much. You don’t find wolves like that very often anymore.” The Delta knew exactly what he was speaking of when he talked to the male. He did not fear the larger, black brute. Looking back toward Tundra, a smile broke surface. The Exile was about to be chewed out by the smaller female. He did not say anything, other than reeling a small chuckle from his maw as he watched the pair.

He listened to her words, reassured by his own. His hot breaths seeped from his agape maw between clenched teeth. His jaws snapped tight against one another. This wolf, he did not know. Perhaps maybe a long time ago, but not now. Samael had lost everything in his life and he was not going to allow some fluffy white blob to come and take away all his hard work and dedication. She was the reason he still breathed and forced himself to better himself. Tundra was all that mattered. He swore to himself that he would make their lives better, one day. It just wasn't time yet. He was not ready. For the single fact that she stated this white male had known enough to get them both killed, Samael knew she told him. She told him the lies she told Teren. Now another wolf was endangered because of her actions. But he was not going to speak on the subject. Instead, he kept his eyes on the wolf before him. His lips were sealed. Even when Tundra started to rip into him about being in neutral lands, his ears did not move from their upright position. She was just as worried about him, as he was worried about her. It was an incredible thing to be a part of. In all his time with both of his parents, it always seemed like their love was one-sided. Everyone knew that Steele loved Esmeralda more than anything in this world, and when she left, she took everything decent out of his heart and his soul. He was left an empty shell, void of all emotions, and looking for the one thing to make it all work. But not even his own son, Samael, could not do such a thing. The large wolf stared into the eyes of the other, blue and strange for a white wolf. Then again, blue eyes were a rare trait, he knew this, but not as rare as his own bi-colored gaze. "So we have an understanding then.. Good."

Samael turned his head from the wolf and looked behind him to see his mate. It was the first time he had seen her since he didn't even know when. Even with all the cuts and wounds, she was just as beautiful to him as ever. Perhaps this new look had even shed a new light and revealed just how much she meant to him. If he ever found the wolf that did this to her, he would kill it. He spoke not a word, instead nuzzled his large head against her pearly coat. He inhaled deeply, collecting every ounce of her scent that he could. Along with the disgusting stench of Teren, laid her own beautiful scent, stronger than anytime before. It was strange and yet familiar, like he had smelled it before, but not on her. Then he recalled the last winter. He had received a bit of knowledge from an old friend, detailing the necessities of mating and whatnot. He smelled it as he approached and on the inside, he knew what it was, but it was as though he wanted more time to analyze it. Of course, he could not do such a thing with this unwanted guest standing around them. "I heard about the war, and I was more than a little worried. I needed to make sure you were okay. If any of Teren's minions found me, I would kill them. I am not worried about them, as much as I worry about you. Did you expect me to sit and wait?" He pulled himself back from her, looking over her wounds carefully. He licked a few of them, cleaning anything that might have clung to them. He lifted his gaze to seek her amber eyes. "What wolf gave you these marks? I will find them and I will kill them. Nobody is to lay a paw on you. I failed to keep you from harm, so now I must fix what I have done."

She was relieved to feel some of the tension leave the air, Malachai of course knew who this was and remained calm and Samael was slowly beginning to relax at her words. He still seemed tense, and she shut her eyes for a few moments as a brief spell of dizziness washed over her before she reopened her hazel gaze and exhaled sharply- breath a little puff of visible air drifting away with the breeze. Her body wasn't physically capable of holding her for much longer and she shuddered from both the cold and physical weakness. It frustrated her, made her feel helpless and despite the protestant aches throughout her body, she forced herself to remain sitting upright and tall. Her mind wandered back to the words Malachai had spoken before Samael arrived and forced herself to tear her gaze away from the Exile she loved so dearly and instead focus on her close friend, Malachai. She was happy to hear he still cared for Piper and made a mental note to converse with the new Warrior at some point and see how things were going for her. She winced at his evident sadness at Quinn's passing, of course he would be. Quinn had been a known and respected leader throughout the lands, and had been erased so easily by the demon everyone hated so much. But if she hadn't distracted Fenris and let him help her…she could still be alive. Shifting her position uncomfortably, she pushed the thoughts away and instead frowned thoughtfully at Mal's question about who was ruling Helidos. "I'm not sure…Fenris is still alive as far as I'm aware but I don't know if he'd wish to continue leading after the loss of his mate.." She forced herself to not let her voice waver at the mention of Fenris' name by keeping it flat and empty, a skill she was awfully good at. "I heard that one of the Beta's, the male I believe, was slain by our Lead Warrior female. The other female Beta was taken captive by Teren himself." She shuddered at this, letting the rare emotion of pity flicker inside her at the thought of what that poor fae was going to suffer. "So I'm guessing it must either be Fenris or possibly their Elite…or maybe even their Guardian." She murmured thoughtfully, refusing to meet Malachai's gaze as she felt shame burn under her pelt due to her knowledge of it being partially her fault that Helidos was going through this. Fenris was going to hate her, and that wasn't going to help Samael when he took over. The worst thing was…she'd enjoyed it, enjoyed the feelings that came over her as she fought him- keeping him from coming to the rescue of his mate. That was the her she was trying to push away for Samael's sake but past habits never truly left did they?

She fell quiet, gaze resting on dark pelted Samael as Malachai spoke to him, small smile gracing her features at the words. She cared for Malachai a lot, all platonic of course but sometimes platonic love was just as strong as real love. But then again, who was to say platonic love wasn't real? When one says love the first image to come to mind is a brute and a fae together as mates but love is everywhere, the love for your parents and soon your own pups, the love for siblings, friends…it's all the same and always just as strong. Love is seen as weakness to some but she saw it as a strength now, she hadn't before. She used to fear getting attached but now she realized that love is what kept the world going around and what made them unbeatable as a race. It was also what Teren lacked and this would soon go against him. With love, they could beat any obstacle that stood in their way. She gazed at Samael, watching him as he watched Malachai, he had yet to speak and she was slightly worried. He hardly thought she was betraying him for another male, did he? Malachai was a friend, a sibling, what she felt for Samael was completely different and would not be stolen. She continued to smile as Malachai spoke of her love for Samael, it was such a strange thing to hear someone say aloud but strangely pleasant. She'd never thought she'd ever love someone enough for others to notice but even she wasn't naive enough to deny what she felt towards Samael. Someone had managed, how he'd done it she didn't know, but Samael had managed to break through barriers, lift masks and reach her guarded heart.

She trusted him, she realized. And although she'd known she trusted him at the back of her mind, properly acknowledging it still sent a ripple of shock through her. She trusted Malachai too…Maybe there was hope for her after all. There was silence now and she watched Samael intently, he hadn't said anything to her words either and was completely focused on the other brute. She wanted to step towards him, bury her muzzle into his soft fur and inhale his comforting scent but stubborn as always, she remained seated where she was. Finally he spoke and she was relieved to see him back down, the thought of them fighting sickened her. She would never let that happen but she was in such a weak state she wasn't sure if she would've been able to stop it. She simply blinked as Samael turned and properly acknowledged her presence for the fist time since his initial entrance, she remained completely silent- simply meeting his bi colored gaze and holding it quietly. His gaze was both assessing and worried, of course, what a mess she must look. Her fur was knotted and dirty from days of neglect and her wounds were still nasty looking due to her refusing to treat them. She couldn't even come up with a valid reason for why she'd treated herself this way, in fact all words failed her at this moment as she was overwhelmed by cravings to be near him.

She shut her eyes as he moved towards her, his muzzle brushing along her fur as he nuzzled into her. She winced slightly but she didn't want him to pull away so she tried to conceal her pain as much as possible, everywhere in her body hurt. There didn't even have to be a visible mark there for it to hurt. Her mind was an empty place now, she was floating on nothingness and all there was was Samael, his smell, his touch…She leaned her forehead against him as he inhaled, her soft white fur mixing with his dark black fur. When he finally pulled away she was jerked back into reality sharply, blinking a few times as she twitched her ears. Her gaze fell on Malachai and she felt her ears fall back slightly, it felt weird someone else seeing her and Samael embrace for if it was anyone else viewing this it could mean death for the two of them. This reminded her of the danger they were in being here, anyone could come to these lands, even Teren himself and she felt her instinctively sniffing the air as she scanned the area carefully in search of someone spying. But the three seemed to be alone up here yet she could not relax and remained on edge.

She sighed as he spoke, shaking her head slightly. "Well I am worried. What if you don't see them? They could easily spy and head back to Erenyx with the information that you're alive and then I'll be in for a nasty surprise when I get back." She murmured, shutting her eyes slightly as she felt him move to lap at some of the more noticeable wounds splitting her fur. It was the first time she'd let anyone near them and she wondered idly were they infected. She'd let herself remain dirty without trying to clean and left open wounds untreated…what was she trying to do? "And you don't need to worry about me I'm…fine" She was unhappy with herself for letting her voice wobble slightly on the 'fine' and took a deep breath to steady herself, feeling her body tilt slightly with another wave of dizziness. She was exhausting herself. She reopened her eyes as he lifted his own gaze to meet hers, she stiffened at the question he asked. It was inevitable of course, he was obviously going to ask who did this to her but she was hoping somehow that asking would slip his mind. She opened her maw and shut it a few times and then finally readied herself to speak. She shifted her gaze to Malachai, wanting to tell him too and hoped he wouldn't feel out of place just because Samael was here. She was happy to be with the two wolves she cared about most in this messed up world. "It was Alpha Fenris but…" She sighed heavily "It wasn't his fault it was mine. He didn't want to fight me, he even told that to me. He just wanted to get to Quinn and save her from Teren but I…I don't know what was wrong with me. I wouldn't let him, I remained a barrier between him and his mate so he had no choice but to fight me. And I fought him, kept him occupied until Teren killed Quinn..and then I laughed at him. If it wasn't for me he probably could've saved her, and that's not even the bad part. The bad part is I enjoyed it, I enjoyed bloody all of it! I was slipping backwards, feeling a lust for blood I thought I'd left behind…"

She trailed off, the words having drained what little energy she had left and she was subconsciously resting all of her weight on Samael even if she was now refusing to meet both his and Malachai's gaze. What they would say next she had no idea and only hoped she'd get another chance..because all life was was counting your chances until there was none left.

[I had to rush the end ahhh.]

Listening to the creamy female speak of Malachai and scolding Samael for his actions, made him chuckle. He loved seeing them together, he truly did. It was almost like they had known one another forever and found love and hope within the other. It was a magnificent thing to see between two that have, quite literally, put their life on the line for the other. He nodded to Samael as he now understood that Malachai was in no way trying to take Tundra from him. "Of course. All is forgiven. Besides, I don't blame you for your reaction. Hell, I'd be pissed too if I saw my own mate embracing with another male I didn't know." He spoke quite honestly with his calm words. it would be foolish for him to say such a thing that he would not be furious as well, or at least very concerned at the least. It was not Samael's fault that he mistook Malachai for trying to get with Tundra. It surely could have seemed that way from a distance, and not knowing their platonic relationship where they were more like siblings than anything. Although, in Malachai's mind, Tundra was the only family he had. The only one he knew he could completely trust without a doubt. With that, he knew he could trust Samael as well. They were in this together now that they all knew of what had taken place between them and Teren. They had no choice but to trust one another. A suggestion sparked in his mind. It would not be likely that the black male would be accepting of it, but he knew he had to at least let him know he had somewhere to return to if he so wished. "Samael, if you ever need somewhere to take shelter, you're always welcome in Pyrvanthros. I know Chiara and Magnus would be welcoming of you. You do not have to take the offer, but if you ever need it, you have a place. As well as you Tundra. If things go south with Teren at any point, we'll have a place for you both. I know it's not exactly my place to just welcome you both into a pack I do not run, but as friends, I offer that chance to you. If either of you ever take it up and there's a problem with my alphas, I will do anything to make sure you're both safe." Although he was not entirely sure that Magnus and Chiara would welcome them, he knew it would be a more than likely chance. Samael had tried to stop the pup battles, keep his alphas young from being slain. Tundra had been keeping track of their surviving daughter, making sure she was well. They were both important to him, and surely they would be important to his alphas if ever came the time for them having to elope from the dangers of Teren. Perhaps, Piper would take notice of her parents good fortune in their own pack, and willingly leave Erenyx to have a proper mentor.

He cheery attitude slightly faded away as he was suddenly cut from the conversation. Although he knew that the two were just concerned for one another, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of rejection as Samael entered their meeting. His memory then reverted back to the war. Not knowing the previous alpha of Helidos, he was not sure how well he took death. If it wasn't so positive, then he was sure that the male was slowly withering away into insanity with the loss of his beloved. A shattered heart was never something that could be mended. He truly felt sorry for the male, as he could not imagine losing the love of your life to the one you hated most. It was a heart-wrentching though in his mind, and he knew something similar was bound to happen to him at some point in life. It was only a matter of time before Malachai was exposed to the real threats of the world, and more and more emotions than he had ever known to cease in his body.

There was a sudden change of mood between the trio. Tundra was speaking of the war and who had given her the scars and bruises that were hidden under her furs. She fought Fenris? A wave of disbelief rode through his body. She enjoyed it? He closed his eyes shaking his head, really then thinking of why she did. Teren was there. If she did not stop Fenris and let him try to save Quinn, Teren would have hurt her for not helping him. He would obviously consider it treason. With what courage he could muster from his body, he moved towards Tundra and nudged her shoulder with his head. "I don't blame you for what you did, Tundra. Teren would have hurt or even kill you if you didn't do what you did. I know you're no proud of it, and I can't say I wouldn't feel the same way. But we all know that Teren wanted to kill Quinn, and he killed anyone who got in the way of that. Including you and Fenris. I understand how you feel about enjoying it. That feeling is hard to get rid of. It's really damn hard to forget that feeling in the midst of war. It'll take time. It really will, but I promise you that once Teren is dead and gone, everything will be okay again. It's only a matter of time." Nudging her again, he smiled. Looking to Samael, he hoped that the male wasn't planning to rip his throat out. Malachai was only trying to comfort his sibling. He was not going to get in the way of their love, since it was clear that Malachai and Tundra love one another as sibling, nothing more. He wanted to keep it that way and make sure Samael knew that as well. "I know things are rough, I know you're stressed. I think all three of us are in the situation we're in, but the only way we can get through it is if we stick together. If we don't, things will go to shit and I think we're all aware of it." His eyes looked to the two beside him. He wanted to trust Samael, he truly did. It would take time before the two males even remotely got along in the sense of being friends or brothers.

In this place, Samael could tell that Tundra was feeling torn. Not because of the war, well perhaps that played a part in it. But mostly she was torn between the two males she actually cared about. He knew she loved him. But he did not understand her consideration for the other male. Yes, he was here, but when was the last time they had been together? Was she crazy to think he would not risk his own life to make sure that she was safe and sound, living and breathing? He could hardly believe she had scolded him for something so foolish. In these last months, Samael had done all he could to follow his heart and every now and then, he had half an idea to march to Erenyx lands and call upon their Alpha, challenging him for his rightful place as ruler of Erenyx. It was his bloodline that was to lead, not some stranger from other lands who knew nothing of the lands or the pack as a whole. Samael looked between the white wolves, thinking to himself. Does she love him as she loves me? It was saddening for him. Even with his nurturing attention to her wounds, she seemed to be not there. She was somewhere else in her mind. Perhaps she was retreating from them both. But then the white male began to speak. He spoke of an interesting place to hide. Pyrvanthros. Yes, Samael had heard of this pack forming, knowing full well that Magnus and Chiara had fled shortly after he did. He could not blame them. They lost many pups that fateful day.

"It was a mistake for you to be brought into this. This little secret should have been kept between the both of us. And as kind as your offer is, I will not accept it. Neither will Tundra. If she leaves the pack, after their victory over Helidos, Teren will know something is up. He is probably already aware of the fact that two of his high ranked wolves fled to start a new pack. He will come for her, and he will not be pleasant when he finds her, whether his discovers me alive or dead. I am sorry she pulled you into this. She never should have told anyone about me. How do I know you can be trusted? This is the first time I am meeting you, but you were in Erenyx before, this I know. Tell me, where you there the day my father was killed, murdered before the whole pack?"

Samael was trying his very best not to be agitated, but there was no fighting it. He had held in so much for so long. He did not want anything to happen to the love of his life. He did not want word getting around that he was alive, for they both would be hunted. In Samael's eyes, he didn't know if this wolf was a true friend or a gimmick to get something from them. But what could he want from them?

He moves. He thinks. "He speaks."

T A G: --
M E N T I O N E D: Tundra & Malacha
N O T E S: Sorry I took so long to reply..

**For those wondering, Samael was given permission to join this thread when he did.**

Let's set fire to our insides, for fun.

She remained still and silent, not a sound to be heard from her siding the occasional pant of labored breath as her body took the opportunity of her resting to attempt to shut down. A half hearted grunt sounded from her as she shifted her position weakly on the cold ground. She still clung onto that sliver of pride and was grateful that neither of the males had gone too far into why she was still as bad as she was, for most others affected by the war were already moving down their roads of recovery at a steady pace. But here she was, chipping away at her own life bluntly as two other wolves who cared for her- risked their own lives to keep her safe. She was being selfish, and it pissed her off. She hated having to feel this way, feel bloody guilt for hurting herself! It made no sense but any emotional walls that still stood after letting Samael break so many down, had fallen temporarily due to pure exhaustion. So now here she was, an emotional mess. She fought back the urge to growl with annoyance, didn't want to arouse their suspicions of her possibly being unstable. Samael watchd her for a while and just as the silence became too much to bear, Malachai spoke and drew his attention away. She let her eyes shut as the brute's conversed, ears picking up the words that she did not need to see. Her body had given up on holding her in place and she was now leaning wih almost all of her weight on the dark pelted brute without even noticing. If she was focused enough to notice she would probably hold some of her weight herself for the mere sake of her pride but she was gone past noticing such small things like what held her up and pushed all her energy into listening to the words spoken between males. Malachai spoke of the new pack, Pyrvanthros and how they could take Samael in. She fantasized her and Samael leaving all this shit behind and finding a comfortable spot within Pyrvanthros were they could be safe. But she knew it could never happen. Samael would never be content living in another pack when Teren still led what was rightfully his.

Plus, they'd only be putting that pack in danger and that was something she could not do. This was their problem now, they'd gotten themselves too deep into this situation to ever be able to get out. They would not be able to live an ordinary life again until either Teren was dead, or they were dead. It was going to end one way or the other and she could only hope it would be Teren that ended up lifeless- if not for her sake than the sake of others tormented by the demon. Malachai then took in her own words about what had happened during the war and her tail flicked uneasily as he rested his azure gaze on her- trying to read him but her only recently opened eyes were too blurry to focus and she gave up, gazing dropping to rest on her paws. She appreciated his trying to comfort her, appreciated it a lot. It's what Malachai was good at wasn't he? He had a calming presence that helped soothe ones nerves. But right now Tundra could not believe what he said, didn't think it was true but she would still just nod along in silence, ears flicking back against her head. These wolves thought she was good, decent. Okay she was much better than she had been, she'd give herself that. But not for one second should one ever think she was 'good'. Because she wasn't, she'd merely figured out how to care for one and that was an interesting emotion for her and for now it kept her at bay. But would it last forever? She was surprised when Samael made no comment on what she'd said, and it left her feeling an increased amount of uneasiness. What did that mean? He was too disgusted at her actions to even speak of it? She couldn't think of any good reasons for him to remain silent but she didn't push it, not wanting to stay on such a subject anyway.

Samael spoke up now in reply to Malachai's first words about Pyrvanthros, his voice strict and business-like. She stiffened angrily as Samael spoke saying she shouldn't have told Malachai. Frustration prickled across her pelt as he seemed to indirectly scold her for her actions through talking to Malachai and then proceeded to tell Malachai's that neither him or her would be taking up his offer. She hadn't been going to anyway, what Samael said about that was right but she still did not like him talking for her after ignoring what she'd just said a moment ago. Had he forgotten she was there or something? She growled softly, a reminder of sorts. It took her a few tries to actually speak for she needed to build up her energy to be certain that her voice would come out strong and certain. The last thing she needed was to sound like a little mewling kitten. "I decided to bring Malachai into this because I trusted him. And that means something does it not? I'm not exactly the most trustworthy wolf going. He chose to be a part of this when he allowed me to tell him and promised to keep it a secret. Samael, if you don't trust him then you are not trusting me. Because I am telling you now, he is my friend and can be damn trusted!" She was easier to piss, emotions running high due to her state and she tore herself from Samael's side roughly. Angered at her own lack of strength however her body was not prepared for this sudden movement and a gasp sounded from her as she accidentally leaned on her injured leg only for it to buckle beneath her and her body crumpled uselessly to the ground. A low groan sounded from her as she pulled her working limbs beneath her- growling angrily. Her defenses flared up and although neither of them had been given a chance to speak, she still snarled an angry "I'm fine!" as she managed to push herself back into a shaky sitting position. She was really pissed now, pissed at this stupid world, pissed at these stupid situations, pissed at Malachai for being so nice which made no sense, pissed at Samael for being so protective that he needed to doublecheck everything she did and mostly pissed at herself for being such a bloody failure. She lashed her tail and turned away- gaze stony as it focused on a far point where the cliffs fell away to the far lands. If only she could run and run forever.

[Sorry to keep you's waiting so long!]

» When Does It End? [Tundra]
» Here She Comes (Tundra)
» Two Hearts As One [Tundra]
» Tundra's Absences
» Little Bird [Tundra/Open]

Stitches [Tundra]

Stitches [Tundra]

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