Romance Fan Fiction / Original Stories Fan Fiction / Fables/Fairytales Fan Fiction ❯ Slowly Disapear ❯ So freaking long, over 10,000 words ( Chapter 10 )

It was a quant bustling town with thatched roofs topped with lichens and mosses of every kind, varying from deep green to a vibrant blue green. Smoke billowed and wound like a snake from fires, slithering across the blue sky. Merry town's people could be seen traveling through the streets laughing and carrying on with other fellow townsfolk and Ari couldn't help but stare.

 

Right smack dab in the middle of town was a great barren structure, its walls made from thick slabs of wood and gargoyles perched on jagged ledges; their jowls open in false screeches, waiting for the sun to go down to prowl the streets protecting from the darkness in everyone's souls. It stood higher then all other buildings in Alva, with a winding spire rising up from its walls looking out over the sky and clouds.

 

Eoin noticed her stare.

 

“That's the Wolf tower. And the building is the Wolves hold. Long ago Alva was the only Fea city containing an organized Pack, wolves have a strong impact on the lore and legends, and we are still a large part of every day life here in town. As pack leader it's my responsibility to uphold traditions and to protect the very village itself, working side by side with all the other Fea including those gargoyles. We will be going there today to retrieve an item of importance for Sir Mallot, you may stay in the courtyard if you like, and Sir Mallot has told me wolves frighten you.” They still walked down the hill, Eoin slightly in front of Ari, his voice raised just a bit for her to hear him.

 

He missed the scowl that passed over her face.

 

“Thanks but no thanks; I think I can manage to keep my fear at bay.” Slight sarcasm dripped off her words and the scowl remained firmly in place. She walked past Eoin in a faster pace, making it down the hill in record time standing just outside the edge of town, it seemed to be bigger from closer up.

 

Eoin made down the hill to stand next to her a slightly amused look on his face, his straw curls blown askew.

 

“I meant nothing by it Miss. No need to ruffle your feathers.” He said with the amused look still firmly in place.

 

“You're right I'm sorry I don't what's come over me, I haven't been myself since the fever.” Ari sighed and lowered her head in apology. Her eyes met Eoin's.

 

He was staring oddly at her now, his expression unreadable.

 

“What?” asked Ari.

 

“Nothing,” He replied sweeping his blond hair back from his forehead with a tanned and work hardened hand his expression troubled and clouded, “No reason for you to apologize, I shouldn't have mentioned it anyways these streets are no longer as safe as they once were. Thieves and wanderers run amok and prey upon innocent looking woman.” He started to lead the way through the many streets and alleys, pausing to grab a stick of roasting beef and handing it to Ari.

 

She whispered a thank you and let the innocent looking comment slid, his withdrawn expression and confusing stare completely put out of mind.

 

Her teeth tore through the meat as she followed after Eoin not really paying attention to the path they were taking, her eyes were plastered on the many surrounding buildings.

 

They passed a bookstore called `Crones shop', through the front glass window she briefly caught sight of old hard bound books with frayed edges and weird symbols on their spines, some appeared to be so old as to be made from animal skin. Behind a counter in the back of the store was an old lady, hunch backed and wrinkled, her hair was long and grey and she looked out watching the passerby's. Her gaze grasped Ari's and a sharp chill ran down her spine and fear tingled in the back of her mind.

 

She hurried quickly after Eoin now, putting as much distance between her and the old crone as possible.

 

She kept her eyes trained on Eoin now, frightened of what could happen if she lost sight of him. His Brown tunic slightly floated behind, lifting in the breeze, his leather boots made tracks in well trodden earth and his curls blew away from his face. He looked like a guy on a mission.

 

They passed many other shops and vendors on their pilgrimage to the Wolves hold. Several time Eoin and Ari stopped to scratch a tethered up dog behind the ears.

 

And then it was there before them the great Hold. Its walls and tower casting shadow over them, giving off a slightly forbidding presence. Up close it was apparent how much detail and work had been put into this one building. Runes with no name were carved deep into the stone and legends and lore were played through with pictures. Many were off the moon, the silver ball in the sky that drew across it like a traveling fire ball. There were weathered and worn steps leading up to two identical wooden doors resting in their iron arch frames. There was a knocker shaped in the form of a roaring dragon, flamed were etched into the wood work on the door bringing the image to life. Eoin stepped up to it not, his legs carrying him lithely up the creaked stone.

 

He knocked briefly, the thumps seeming to resound through the noise streets. Eerily one of the old doors open and a hooded figure stood before them its hands folded inside the long bell sleeves, the face was shrouded in darkness and no light bounced off the dull black.

 

It advanced and Ari backed up slowly even though Eoin held his ground.

 

“Um, Eoin?” Ari called bringing attention to herself, the hooded figure made a beeline for her, the back of the cloak dragging in the dust, one hand lifted and stretched towards her mere inches from her and advancing. Suddenly is slumped forward with a slight oomph doubling over in mock pain. Eoin could be seen behind it doubled over body a look of annoyance upon his face and a canine bared.

 

“Jeremy just what in the hell are you doing, the day for the dead has passed. And apologize to Ari.” He swung his arm again palm open and smacked the hooded figure lightly up side the head.

 

Laughter came from inside the hood and Jeremy reached up his clothed arms and pulled it back revealing a grin split face obscured by straight brown hair swept forward. His canines flashed brightly and he smelled of Chocolate and the scent of bark. A kind face was fitted with brown eyes and strong eyebrows, a straight nose and an ever-smiling mouth. But no matter how merry he looked no one could ignore the look of death Ari was giving him.

 

Jeremy noticed and bowed.

 

“Jeremy Skyle at your service, lovely Ari,” He grasped her hand and slowly pressed his lips to the knuckle before being whacked in the head by Eoin again, Ari quickly swiped her hand away rubbing it against Ashlin's dress absentmindedly while Jeremy burst into another fit of laughter, “You'll have to excuse Eoin behavior; he doesn't understand the word flirt. Sorry if I scared you earlier I was digging through some of the old storage rooms in the tower and when I found it and heard that Eoin would be coming in today to pick something up I couldn't resist having a little of fun.”

 

Jeremy's eyes crinkled in laughter and he backed away from Eoin who was slowly pulling up his sleeves.

 

“Just don't ever kiss my hand again. Nice to meet you Jeremy, I'm Ari Larim, I'm staying with Sir Mallot for the time being.” Jeremy bowed again and Eoin laughed.

 

“Why I do believe my good Jeremy you have finally found someone that wont fall for your charm.” He laughed again and faintly you could hear him mumble, “It's about time too.”

 

“Whatever.” Jeremy muttered sullen and moody making Ari laugh on the inside, fighting to keep her expression trained, “Come on lets go.” Jeremy sulked back inside the Hold leaving the door ajar for Ari and Eoin to follow.

 

Eoin stepped up the stairs, turning to beckon Ari up the stairs. She followed close behind pausing just inside the door way to let her gaze wander around in awe.

 

A beautiful courtyard took up half the space spreading across to reach as far as the base to the tower. Flowers were in bloom, yellows and purples popped brightly among the many pink and oranges. The stone cobbled ground was broken and cragged giving the feel of going farther into the reaches of time itself.

 

Ivy crept up the walls and around arch ways and through paths. The one bench in the whole courtyard was surrounded by flowers and covered from leg to bars in vines of the thick growing wonder.

 

Tall trees with skinny white trunks and pale gold leaves dotted the corners of the courtyard, codling's hanging from their branches and adorning the fields of long grass below.

 

Eoin cleared his throat and looked at Ari, his feet already starting to move to follow Jeremy into the wide arch entrance of the tower.

 

“Follow us and stay close behind, it's easy to get lost in here.” And with that he was off trailing behind Jeremy, Ari quickly followed.

 

Once inside she could see why someone could get lost. She murmured a quiet wow to herself as she gazed at the stone walls encrusted with various gems and spots of flaked gold. A wide winding stair case was attached to the wall to her left and to the right a long hallway stretched opening leading off and closed doors appearing here and there. The ceiling was high, reaching all the way up to the top of the tower the side of the staircase could be viewed all that up. But where it leaded and led off to was unknown; a constant fixation of the imagination.

 

“Not as small as it looks from the outside is it now?” Eoin looked at her with amusement at her child like wonder and smiled kindly at her when she looked at him with saucer eyes.

 

“How can it be so big? And with all theses doors and stuff, it's not possible, the courtyard itself took up almost half of the room inside the walls.” Puzzlement colored her voice as she directed her questions at Eoin, but it was the kind faced Jeremy who answered from down the hall to the right; his voice echoing loudly on the closed stone, the huskiness of his voice intensified.

 

“It's enchanted, those Runes's carved into the wood wall surrounding the Hold weren't just for show. They were carved in years ago bye Elves before they sailed the sea and disappeared. No one knows how they work exactly but the protect the hall, make it as big as it is needed for the current generation; for example last week I discovered a new bathroom, completely furbished, and we're constantly finding old stuff from the past packs. It's truly amazing.” He grinned again at Ari who muttered a brief thanks down the hall as Jeremy turned his still mussed head towards Eoin, “Nick is down this way, Eoin. As soon as we find him we can go up and get what Sir Mallot needs. Then we'll poke around for some clothes for Ari as per Sir Mallot's instructions.”

 

“Alright, sound like a plan.” Eoin responded and hurried after Jeremy who was waiting for them to catch up. Ari trampled after them both catching up with then one the turn of the corner. Someone's voice could be heard whispering through the hall.

 

Ari wondering who is was when they rounded another corner and saw at the end of the passage way a slightly stronger built male wolf kneeling on the floor talking to a brown haired blued eyed boy who was watching him intensely.

 

Snatches of his conversation were caught by their ears and he seemed not to notice them approaching; the boy made no move to signal him, instead he just smiled innocently and watched the man, his eyes darting up every once and a while to track their progress, the light hitting his eyes and revealing the gold tint of wolf.

 

“And you just put your other claw into here and bingo, you have successfully picked a lock.” Said the name, holding no knowledge of the Alpha and two wolves standing behind him, the Alpha, Eoin holding a displeased look on his face and Jeremy with a smirk and laughing eyes.

 

“They're standing right behind me, aren't they?” The man asked the kid, who in turn smiled wide and nodded.

 

“Well off with you then.” He shooed the boy away watching him run down the hall before slowly rising and turning to face his fate.

 

“You didn't hear any of that” Were the first words out of his mouth as he grinned nervously.

 

Ari giggled, and Eoin sighed.

 

“You're lucky you caught me on a good day.” Eoin said but he still held his displeased face until Ari gently touched his shoulder silently asking him to introduce her to the man who was now sighing in relief.

 

“Oh right, Ari this is Nick, Nick this is Ari. He's Jeremy's trouble twin.” Eoin's hands moved between them in the introduction and he feigned whispering when he called him and Jeremy trouble twins.

 

Nick and Jeremy, looking quite the twins, both covered their hearts with open palms and feigned hurt. Tumbling and stumbling they leaned against each other and sank to the floor their heads together, hair intertwined mock expression exactly identical.

 

Ari couldn't help but laugh openly at such a display, an airiness breaching the whimsical edges of her laugh carrying it higher into the tower; echoing off walls and tickling ears. All three men looked at her queerly.

 

“Oh, sorry I didn't mean to be so loud.” A heavy blush of embarrassment snaked up from her neck and spread across her cheeks, livening her Emerald eyes; making them flash beneath coal lashes.

 

“No, no, don't apologize it's just that we've never heard such a beautiful laugh before, almost childlike. And besides up till now, you only uttered but a few words, and always in your softened tone.” Came Jeremy's voice from his hair covered head, his dark bangs blocking all visual of his face except for his strong chin.

 

Ari's blush worsened, but for a different reason this time and she calmly stood there, her mouth shut and smiling.

 

It took several moments for the Men to pick themselves up off the cilice rug surrounding the door Nick had supposedly not picked the lock too.

 

Their hands pushed off the floor as they both rose on steady knees, Nick looking like a giant compared to Jeremy who was Ari's own size.

 

Nick's face was framed in short black hair, light bouncing off it revealed a blue sheen. His hair swayed into his face but you could clearly make out bold black eyebrows hovering over striking grey eyes rimmed in thick lines of black coal. A Nose fitted nicely down against his slightly angled jaw and thin lips flowed into a strong chin. Dimples rose and fell every time he smiled, crinkling the skin around the corner of his eyes. His skin was tanned but not dark. The difference between Jeremy's and Nicks scents was almost impossible to catch, where as Jeremy's was sweet and musky, Nick was spicy with red wood and mellowed with fresh mountain spring water.

 

Nicks hand was reached out now towards Ari, who placed her smaller hand in his; his grip was strong but not hurtful as they shook hands and made introductions.

 

“Hey nice you meet you miss, my names Nick Skyle. And I'm the better half of Jeremy.” His eyes crinkled together as Jeremy took a playful swipe at him, completely denying him even being his other half.

 

“Ari Larim, I'm staying with Sir Mallot for the moment and I'm so sure that you're the better half.” She smiled her sarcasm filled with friendly warmth. They released clasped hands and continued down the hall following Jeremy as he briskly walled past another door and around another corner, his steps echoing hollowly against the cold hard stone.

 

They walked silently, gazes ahead, Nick followed closely behind Jeremy, Eoin in the middle and Ari slowly bringing up the rear her gaze still wandering from door to door. Examining the many wounds and scars carved into their aged surface, silent tales never to be told.

 

She found herself wishing to know more about tales of the old. They fascinated her, carried her off to a time when things were wise and old, where things were so different.

She stumbled on her footing catching under the beginning of a new rug, a green one this time embroidered with gold thread weaving intricate designs; she managed to barely recover in time to not trip. No one noticed as her foot landed soundly on the stone, much to her relief.

 

They had come to the landing of a second staircase, its berth wide and furbished with polished Oak wood. The banister was toped with wood but simple stretches of rusty metal twisted down and connected stair to rail as it continued up, stopping but short of the sunlit tower roof.

 

Many stairs they climbed forever in silence, almost unbearable silence. Ari's hand trailed up the banister, her hand riding the curves and etches in its skin enjoying the feel of the polished wood against her hot palm.

 

Finally it appeared as if they had reached their destination. Everyone stopped before a wide door, its wood dull and encrusted with bright red rubies which created a pattern, revealing a clearing and a tree; oddly reminding Ari of the Elder tree and the kindly Ashlin.

 

Eoin turned to her.

 

“Wait out here, we may be awhile so your free to explore the tower, if you manage to get lost just find a staircase and travel the many steps down to ground level, your bound to see us if we come down. I apologize for having to make you wait around here but only members of the pack can walk past this threshold.” His face mirrored his apology and Ari simply nodded at his fleeting back as they entered the room; leaving her by herself in the cold hall, grey light bouncing and reflecting into her red hair dulling its shine.

 

Û°Û°Û°

 

The girl sighed; the hot air fluttered the hair sweeping across her face. Her green eyes became half lidded as she lifted her head to look down the barren hall. The door adorned with the tree stood in from of her cold and harsh and stone stood to her right, a tiny window made from the clearest glass but tinted purple showed her the outside world. The town remained as bustling as ever but none of the energy managed to penetrate the thin glass, only stale light floated through showing the path of swirling dust and heat.

 

Ari sighed again, this time running a hand through her short hair, her lips pulling back in boredom. She could explore, take the risk of losing her way. Now anything seemed better then waiting here watching the dust swirl around and float on invisible breezes. She set out to her right, traveling silently, her feet bare but unnoticed. She clasped her hands behind her back passing a worn door to her right, a bounce in her step; hair floated up and landed down creating a rhythm. The dress's skirt circled and swished around her legs near silent but a slight brushing could be heard.

 

She walked past several more windows each giving her a different view and perspective of the town. Several time she spotted a tail or horn just out of site and range of the window, no doubt being the gargoyles upon their perches. The carpets seemed to be made in ever changing colors ranging form mud stained white to the deepest black swirling depths of darkness.

 

The halls seemed never ending and as predicted she lost track of the way back amid the endless alcoves and braches stretching forevermore to branch off again. The only constant thing about the hold appeared to be the cold grey stones it was made from, the images of the stone seemed to burn their way into Ari's mind, being the only thing to look at for sometimes yards at a time before another marred and arched door would appear in the grey mass.

 

Her feet hurting and her eyes crossing from all the grey, Ari walked slower now. She had not seem a single soul in all the time that she had been walking and she feared she would never find another stair case.

 

Finally it appeared she had it a dead end, in front of her stood another stone wall similar to the one where she started out at. But things appeared differently the closer she advanced upon it; wood framed it from top to bottom holding a sheet of wall length glass in place. Outside the sky was grey with clouds blending in so well with the surrounding blocks of stone.

 

Briefly lightening zipped across the clouds racing in and out of the mass, Ari realized she was seeing the clouds that were still on the move from last nights storm.

 

It was a wonder to watch the lightening bolts dance and swirl around themselves, the rain clouds spewing water onto lower cloud that only seemed to soak up the falling droplets like immense abysses of condensation. Ari was standing right next to the window now, everything else around her out of mind, suddenly the air seemed warmer then before and she lightly pressed one hand palm flat against the window; shivering from the cold that shocked through her arm tingling and light.

 

The lightening danced closer and closer the bolts shinning ethereally with a yellow encased blue, tiny little zaps racing mere inches away from the window pane. Ari made to pull her hand away for fear of being shocked but a bolt struck, and the glass shimmed briefly and began to hum in a high pitch.

 

Ari's hand pulled back quickly and a streak of blue jumped from her finger and the window. Frightening she waited for pain but none came, her hand before contained one zap of lightening small as her finger nail it danced on her palm hovering and hyper.

 

She could feel it against her palm, tingling and tiny pinpricks of energy, heating swelled and fell, licking against her arm and fingers but not once did she feel an ounce of pain.

 

Her emerald eyes were open wide now in amazement and fascination to the tiny little piece of nature. Before her eyes if jumped out of her hand and hummed back through the window and returned to it's brother among the rain darkened clouds.

 

Still in shock as to the strangeness of the event Ari reached out her hand, the dress fabric crinkling and unfolding, to brace herself against the wall, but to her surprise she nearly toppled over, but she managed to catch herself her nails digging in painfully on the solid stone. Blood seeped unnoticed from her pinkie who's nail had been completely upturned and ripped off a little too far it, the piece of dead cells fell deafly through the crevice in between two stones.

 

Ari breathed a sigh of relief and cursed quietly as she picked her self up. She turned to examine what she had fallen into.

 

It was a dark dusty stairwell hugging the stone wall leaving room for only one small person to fit through at a time. Spiders made homes in the creases of the stairs and stale light traveled in from one opening, free of glass and wood; just a hole in the stones. The clouded sky made it hard to see in the dark but Ari had wolf eyes and it was not hard to see that this particular stairway had not been used for the past several generation; perhaps forgotten and unneeded, or perhaps just unnecessary.

 

She rubbed her scraped hands against the soft fabric of her skirt as she gingerly stepped one foot onto the first stair, her toes rubbing in the years of dust and grime that had accumulated due to absence of use. She continued up one stair at a time her hand braced against the wide column of stone, her fingers spooking away spiders and bugs. Curiosity lapped at her mind, keeping her form turning around even as she traveled past the gap and was hit with a gust of damp and chilly air; the foretelling of how far up she was. She stepped further on even as the dim light grew darker and darker, even as a chill seeped into her bones, the air beginning to become so cold as to form tiny ice crystals in the air, appearing as billows of mist swirling around her nose as she breathed out.

 

Finally it became completely dark, all light lost around the curves. Here even spiders did not nest, abandoned mice homes dusted over, all signs of living things forgotten. She walked up the stairs several more pace, foreboding creeping into her mind the longer and farther she went with no sign of a window. Then up ahead up the stair, if she lifted her head and pushed back her sweat dampened bangs she could light cracking underneath the space between a door and the stairs beginning.

 

Ari rushed up, almost beginning to feel claustrophobic after being in the confined stairwell for so long. She stood before the rotting door for a moment her nose drowned in the scent of rotting wood and old age, her breathe came a little bit quicker now and she prayed to all gods that there was no one on the other side, wither dead or alive.

 

Her hand brushed splintered wood and her nails dug into century old crevices as she pushed hard on the door, it was heavy and rusted needing strength and muscle for it to be pushed open wide enough for her to fit through. After many moments of loud squeaks and one long bone chilling scrape against the carved floor and she had it open a narrow width. Thanking her luck of being small for a seventeen year old, she slipped through ignoring all things but the door which she pushed back closed against common sense.

 

Finally she turned around and discovered the most calm sight.

 

Û°Û°Û°

 

It was a circular room seeming to be at the very top of the Tower, if not higher. Instead of stone walls as had been the layout set down in the rest of the Hold, wood walls lined the bottom half of the room, it was a rich and lushly lined Cedar wood. About halfway up the wall the wood ended lined in a strip of ivory colored wood which became the base for many sheets of clear as crystal glass that stretched completely around and all the way up to the only thing familiar in the room, a stone ceiling bowling up into a twisting cap; the top of the Tower.

 

The room itself was filled with stale air, but oddly it was warm and cozy, with the ability to make you sleepy just by walking into it.

 

On the south side of the room sunk into the wood was an open square surrounded by brown and red bricks, a fireplace long devoid of fire and wood; black ashes lay forgotten and solitary, darkening the very air around it. Lying tipped over near it was low standing chair, made of wood but cushioned with a gauzy red fabric.

 

On the north side stood a large book case completely covering the wall and glass behind it. Filled with leather bound books with titles in words forgotten long ago. Ari walked over on the wooden floor boards with caution before walked around a huge circular table rested right in the middle of the room; it's surface scratched and scared. She reached the books and raised out a hand to lovingly stroke a random spine, knowing without a doubt that their last owned had indeed taken good care of them, relishing what they held between cover and back.

 

She trailed her hand across the spines one last time before stepping over to a custom made writing desk that was curved with the wall. A spilled inkbottle laid forgotten the once white feather quill pen blackened and stained. Several pilled volumes of every sort were stacked one or around the desk, no chair rested before it. A piece of parchment, torn and yellowed with age lay folded and sealed with black wax long ago melted in the heat of sunlight, destroying the sealers symbol. Ari touched it gingerly with just the tips of her fingers, her nails scrapping off layers and layers of settled dust. It contained no address, out of curiosity she picked it up slowly bringing it to her pink lips and blowing hot out across it's surface, dust billowed up and got caught on the lashes above her eyes. More dust to add to the air.

 

She turned it over observing it shape and texture, her finger flicked over the wax absentmindedly and before she knew what had happened it began to un-scroll the black wax lying in bit's on the dusty wood floor.

 

She rolled it down one hand holding the top while the other held the bottom to prevent it form scrolling back up. Her Emerald eyes darted over the cursive script, feeling jealousy at the perfect arches and curves, written by a skilled hand.

 

She moved her eyes back up to the top and began to read.

 

 

Dear Reader,

 

If you are reading this then I have indeed passed on into the

plains belonging to Death. In this room is contained the lost

knowledge I have spent the bulk of my life collecting, these books

contain lost texts and forbidden thoughts that were never meant to

be read by those other then the Chosen. If you have found this room,

you are chosen, as I was chosen before. I had no letter to read, no

one to tell me what to do with this knowledge, so I will do you this

favor. The chosen is a protector, a controller of elements, and lastly

someone who feels and loves as any other creature does. You will

hear the books call out, and many a night I remember sitting awake

book in hand, the fire dwindling; as I'm sure you will experience.

As the protector it is your job to see that these realms are peaceful,

to see that wars are ended not started. It is a heavy feat to put upon

even the strongest man. Read the books, they will help you grow.

Before you do anything read the Codex of AleriCis, it is the code

your life will live by, even without your knowledge. Remember, you

have been chosen, make your decisions wisely. For even the tiniest

person making the tiniest decision could change the course of the very

Future. Live well, live long Chosen one, as I did.

 

Sir Mallot Dragon Friend, previous

Protector.

 

 

Ari scrolled up the parchment and held it in her hands, a look of puzzlement on her face, her eyes gazing off in to the distance but not focusing.

 

First thought that ran through her mind was how ludicrous it was, being chosen; protecting the realm. I the scroll collapsed under the weight of her hands squeezing absentmindedly, her eyes narrowed and focused now.

 

The many volumes pilled high around the burgundy desk were heavily dusted and reeking of age and dry air, their very backs taunting her telling her to believe something so strange.

 

Had Eoin not told her about Sir Mallot's name sake, she may very well have thought the person who had written this was Sir Mallot himself the one she is being housed by.

 

She puzzled for several moments over what to do, head downcast; hair tickling the line of her jaw from its spot tucked behind her ears.

 

Clouds rolled by the windows, more lightening completing its dance to and fro occasionally leaping to the branches of a tree, burning leaves and leaving the air split with the sweet and husky smell of burnt wood, ash falling freely from the blackened branch. Rain pelted against the window in a soft pitter patter that echoed and resonated through the circular room; gently swaying Ari farther off into thought, the sound making her yawn.

She lifted her hair and walked silently towards the window facing the brute force of the thunderhead, the cloud itself being a wall of blackened blue that fell in tints and shades revealing where it held the most rain, the most tears. Like a weeping being it let loose its torment of rain upon the earth, in turn the earth thankfully soaked up the rain and protected life and souls.

 

Such a feat being bigger then the realm itself, something not meant for her. Yet it was intriguing, too believe you would have to take on the role of the earth itself growing with rain and wilting in the fire but always remaining a constant variable. Impossibly strong would the person chosen have to be, incredibly caring and enshrouded in large soul of light, there heart containing room to love even their enemies. To think those things would be to live a fantasy.

 

Sighing in defeat, her soul torn in wanting, Ari reached up a hand and pressed it flat on the glass slowly bringing her head to join it, her forehead pressed flat and hot contrasting vividly with the bone chilling cold that could be seen with every exhale that spread through her gapped lips and licked at the clear sheets. The rain still fell but softer, the once large drops decreasing in size until they resembled the size of a ladybug, light reflected differently through each orb that formed a tear. Lines of water ran down the glass passing through her view and disappearing over the edges of her eyes view, falling steadily down the tower to the court yard below, it's once dusty and dirty stones now rain washed and as harsh as ever. In some ways Ari thought the rain reminded her of her, falling through every possible scapegoat only to hit a boundary, to her the boundary was her dreams, dreams of impossible wishes and happiness, dreams that until recently she had kept locked away far from the eyes of her Father and old pack mates; because surely they would have found some way to dangle them in her face and break her soul as they had broken her heart.

 

Her eyes closed, lashes fluttering and sweeping against rosy with heat cheeks. She sighed again, thinking silently to herself, not noticing the cloud of air hit the window and condensate into tiny rolling drops of water.

 

She drew away from the window, briefly opening her eyes to make sure she didn't trip over anything, walking across the wood floor a short distance she slumped down into the desk chair the dark cushion situated on the hard and still Pine chair emitting a hiss of dust that swirled down and down in circles until it reached the floor where it rested gently. She hardly noticed, worrying not for her dress which never soiled.

 

Finally after many more moments of sitting in silence, her heavy breathing the only show of life out of her she opened bright eyes, no longer clouded with confusion; her mind made up. To think such things would be to live in a fantasy, but she knew to shove away such a bounty full opportunity would be to live a life of wondering and questioning, a life of ignorance.

 

Quickly she jumped up from the chair, the rattle of its legs resulting from the back of her knees hidden in green skirt, pushing against it. The clouds outside we're thick and opaque, but the room seemed to be lit by some other source for not did she have trouble reading the names of the spines of the leather bound books, searching for the Codex of AleriCis, handing brushing over worn cover and creases in too long opened spines. Her nails scrapped across rough animal hide and her feet shuffled soundly as she wandered among the piles.

 

Each volume contained weird names and symbols, written by some author forgotten before her time. It was not long before she had searched all the piles surrounding the desk, even those that rested on the desk itself, pushing the desk further into the wood under the monstrous amount of weight.

 

She huffed in frustration almost forgetting the huge bookshelf containing many books, as many as those that adorned the odd nooks and crannies of the room. A shadow cast over her as she walked to stand before it, bare feet savoring the feel of the wood below.

 

Her eyes traveled along the six shelves, each shelf nearly 5 feet in length. The bookshelf itself stood taller then she would ever hope to grow and to reach the top row would be futile short of shimming up to it. No Codex on the top shelf, she moved eyes to the second again traveling over the hard bound spines and titles, still no codex.

 

Her eyes hit the third shelf, half way through stopping in a flash. She had found it, the Codex of AleriCis.

 

Reaching up, hand at eye level, she inserted to fingers above the book and the roof of the piece of wood. Just barely having enough room to wiggle it out an inch before she grasped at it with both hands and pulled; removing it from the crowded shelf, the surrounding volumes falling to fill the space their spines crashing softly together.

 

She pulled it closed and turned it over to examine the aged piece of timeless knowledge.

 

It was old, older then most of the books she had rifled through to find it. Its cover was black, tanned and dyed hide worn with age and dust, faded and creased. The corners of the Codex were bent and worn no longer straight and strong, they moved freely when bent. No writing adorned the cover, just dust. She turned it over to look at the spine. Written in silver script, almost identical to Sir Mallot dragon friend's handwriting, the arches of the c leading off into the other letters flowing and becoming the Codex of AleriCis, no name followed to pertain as author. No one claimed the Codex of AleriCis, it remained solitary in its eternal youth.

 

Almost in fear Ari cracked open the cover, eyes glimpsing yellow and frayed edges, and again it's title but in black well ink. The book had been written by hand. Just as she was about to flip the page gingerly her hand mere inches away from its dog-tailed corner when light dimmed and the room became several shades darkened, almost ominously spreading shadows where once light had been.

 

She closed the Codex soundly and hugged it close, the edges digging slightly into her abdomen , her pale and bare arms rising in goose bumps, sudden fear gripping her mind; its origin or reason unknown.

 

She brought her head up and looked out the glass panes, only now noticing the darkened shadows of the sky, the once wall of dark cloud burning bright with blood red from the setting sun. She had to hurry, not doubt the stairwell was blacker then the darkest shade of the land of the dead.

 

She spun around, her dress swishing through her legs which started in a flurry of motion towards the door; only to stop.

 

She stalled, her hair swinging forward in momentum, her eyebrows creased and a canine chewed on the flesh of her lip. Her arms still gripping tightly at the book, making indents into the palms of her hands. Her eyes lowered down to it briefly and she battled over whether to leave it to age and rot more in the stale are of the tower room, or to take it with her, back to Sir Mallot's. She turned several times each time thinking she had come to a decision only to turn back the other direction. Finally she stepped towards the door and holding the volume in one hand, she drew open the door using a large amount of strength and slipped out into the stairwell, her only source of light disappearing when using the balls of her feet she pushed the door soundly back into place with her shoulders and back, the wood cold and harsh beneath the material of her dress.

 

Behind her in the room the air returned to its stale and unmoving nature, the visitor it had just received already forgotten.

 

Û°Û°Û°

 

The blackness stretched forever, overcoming her powerful eyesight. She stumbled deafly down the many stairs, her toes now numb and cold occasionally brushing a hairy or hard object, wanting no knowledge of the object she continued on.

 

In what seemed forever, her arms became cold, her eyes became obsolete and she stumbled enough times to thoroughly scratch her toes and numb feet.

 

Light ahead pushed her on, she emerged out of the cramped space, fresh air and warmth brushing her face and caressing her arms, she have never been happier to see the rugs and endless masses of grey.

 

She faced the wall length window once more, observing the clouds as they drifted farther to the east.

 

Rain no longer fell, instead the empty shells, the clouds swept upon the wind, traveling to its next unknown destination. The sunlight stained it a red, but as it roamed over the surface tints and shades appeared, pinks ran through crevices blending into oranges that sank off the edges and fell into oblivion.

 

A rising moon could be seen, silver and waning, an orb of mystery and intrigue; always there was forever out of reach. The stars began to gather around it seeking tales of wisdom, light coming far and wide to caress the earth in a single solitary dot each.

 

“Oh sweet mother moon,” Whispered Ari, “I don't know what to do anymore.”

 

A silent pleading struck in her voice and light reflected off accumulating pools of crystal tears. One fell from it emerald home and trailed hot, burning like ice down to the arch of her lip where it rested shining briefly before her tongue flicked out to catch it just as it was a about to fall. Its tastes rolled around her mouth, sweet but tangy like salt water, a tears taste.

 

Ari blinked her eyes rapidly, hearing approaching footstep, belonging not to Eoin, Nick, or Jeremy. There was a slight limp with every other step, and Ari discovered she could hear heavy breathing as they advanced upon her.

 

She remained stationary, facing the window; praying to the moon that the person, whoever it was to turn down a different branch of halls. Their steps only came closer. The turned the corner and a pause could be heard it the person stride.

 

“Well now, isn't this a surprise. Wish I could say it was nice to see you again stray.” Came a voice from behind her.

 

Ari knew who it was even before the word stray had left his mouth, the way his voice drew out the l's and shortened the e's, giving away his identity. It was Alex Wiser. Ari turned around now, stiff backed and tight lipped, discontent mirrored in her expression.

 

He stood about 3 feet from her now, a cocky lopsided grin one his face, eyes filled with malice. His hands were in the pockets of his jeans and he carried himself with an air of confidence and arrogance. His blue eyes sparkled dangerously in the setting light, deep pools of blue marred by hate and a vengeful spirit. He wore a black shirt which fit snuff like a second skin, showing off muscle and tanned skin, but no matter how good looking he tried to make himself nothing could hide his rotten spirit. Ari pitied him greatly.

 

“Alex Wiser. Tell me is there anything you know besides hate. Compassion is a wonderful emotion you should try it on for size.” There was a growl to her words low and fierce, and her words stung a bite with considerable truth. It was not a wise move instigating him, but he had insulted her without knowing her, a mistake on his part.

 

His hands were out now, revealing their smooth texture, not the hands of someone who was man enough to work for what he wanted. Dirty un-kept nails were jagged and sharp as they dug into the palm or his hands as he fisted them in anger. Blood dripped, one drop of ruby colored fire at a time, landing on the floor, the only sound between them.

 

“You think you're so smart, sucking up to Sir Mallot and befriending Eoin. We'll let me tell you something, you had better watch your back, it just might be shoved into a premature grave.” His eyes danced and his smirk was cruel but, to Ari it seemed he was all talk and no action. She was about to say so when she noticed where his eyes had fallen.

 

“Oh you can read who would have known. You don't deserve that book, where you got it from. It should belong to me, hand it over.” With each word he stepped closer, his smell of sweat and grease over powering making her stomach churn with acid. He was before her now, his rotten breathe suffocating her, lack of air making her sight dizzy; her pools of emerald danced with disgust.

 

“You will not touch this book.” Doubt snaked its way into her mind, squeezing her confidence until it popped and she was left with a mess of jelly strength and fear. But her stance remained strong, the air around them crackling with energy as they stared off, each with equally hateful gazes.

Quick as lightening Alex's hand shot out grasping the exposed upper half of the Codex feebly gripped in Ari's arms in a weak hold. Her arms feel away gripping air as he tore it from her arms, the edges of the book leaving large welts on her arms making them sting.

 

Ari growled now and lashed out, managing to land a punch on Alex's jaw bruising it, and her knuckle. He fumbled , shocked, and dropped the book. She quickly snatched it up off the cold hard stone and backed away her feet moving quickly over the rough surface of the stone. But she was not quick enough.

 

A loud smack resounded through the room and both stopped. Alex's hand fell back to his side, his lips were gapped as breathe came heavily through them; a bruise already forming on his jaw outlined in sickly yellow.

 

Ari's head had snapped to the right with the force from his hand slamming into her face, his nails trailed thin lines of blood where they broke skin, and her eyes misted over in hate and pain.

 

Blood dribbled into her mouth and she could taste the metallic zing swirl around her tongue and slid down her throat. Her hair swept across her face covering one eye completely leaving the other to glare at Alex with all the hatred she held. She growled again louder this time, it rumbled through her throat like gravel running over ridges; the volume forgotten she advanced, death in her eyes.

 

Just as they were about to go at a voice resonated through the hall, calling her name.

 

“We're not finished here.” Were the departing words Alex left her with as he strode back down the hall, the way he had come, disappearing through a door just as Eoin and Jeremy came into sight around the corner at the end of the hall.

 

Û°Û°Û°

 

The red head stood there, teeth clenched, and lips gapped. You could her breath as she breathed heavily, paying not heed to the blood that coagulated on a split lip. Her eyes were misty, but they were not tears of sadness. She clenched a book in her hands, extended nails biting into the leather, leaving large indents never to be removed. Her red hair was strewn as though the wind itself had ripped about her in a cyclone. Large red lines extended over one cheek, while the other was red with head and hate.

 

Eoin stopped as soon as he caught sight of her, his wolf begged to get out and tear someone to shreds.

 

He rushed to Ari, followed closely by Jeremy who was growling low under his breath, curse could be made out from the sound.

 

Ari vaguely felt Eoin's claws travel lightly over the cuts on her cheek and she winched, the stinging only just now reaching her mind, which was still black with hate. Calmly she breathed, answering none of Jeremy cursed filled questions, her hands still gripped tightly onto the Codex, her anchor of piece.

 

When she managed to shuffle the sea of emotions and calm both herself and her wolf she turned her gaze to Eoin, who was in the middle of saying something, she missed the first half.

 

“-Nick, wasn't it? I can smell him on your falling blood.” His normally welcoming and friendly eyes were transformed into harsh cold walls of stormy blue. She felt her hate return.

 

“I tripped.” She said stiffly, her shoulders rigid and her eyes defiant, refusing to let them fight her battles.

 

Eoin stared unrelenting, hoping she would crack give him some kind of confirmation. But nothing, her eyes remained locked and as harsh as his, finally he gave up and sighed.

 

Bringing up a hand, he swept it through his hair sighing again in defeat. If she refused to tell him then there was nothing more he could do about it. So instead he opted for lightening the mood, because obviously the still cursing and threatening Jeremy wasn't going to do it.

 

“Well next time tell the floor it needs a manicure.” He meant it light and cheerful but the rage was still prominent and weighed it down heavily.

 

“Oh what the- You don't actually believe her do you!” Exclaimed Jeremy in astonishment. His hand flung wide and moving animatedly, his faced a deep shade of red from rage.

 

“Jeremy.” A warning, firm but holding more emotion then his eyes as he turned and glare at Jeremy.

 

“Right, shut up, got ya'.” Jeremy sighed dejectedly before slumping against the wall behind his back, the stone grey clashing with his brown hair.

 

Û°Û°Û°

 

They walked silently now, Jeremy and Eoin flanking her sides, Eoin with a hand clasped on her elbow protectively. They hadn't said a word about the book and Ari would happily leave it that way.

 

They traveled back down the stairs down to the landing, where they exited while Jeremy broke from his spot next to Ari to grab something. Eoin walked her over to the Ivy covered bench and seated her down, sitting besides her, they sat in silence, waiting for Jeremy to return.

 

Û°Û°Û°

 

The moon shone silver light down on the pair on the bench. The grey stone of the courtyard glowing with brilliance, it cracks and crevices shadows under the moons gaze. Slowly stars began to appear, blinking into existence with the suns fading rays as it sunk over the edge of the mountains that rose in the distance, their silvery slopes glimmering with trees and snow. The air was warm and crickets could be heard signing to each other, talking.

 

The ivy on the bench twisted and turned, the underside of their leaves silver and tinted green, a breeze blew through, taking the last bit of cloud with it.

 

The grasses of the courtyard shrank into shadows, their masses becoming seas of darkness spotting the glowing stone.

 

A deep roar was heard as the Gargoyles awoke from their slumber, together they stretched stiff wings and legs, many flew off rising into the sky like black blobs on blue, flying into the mountains to feed. The few that stayed behind leaped off their perchings and prowled the streets for wrong doers and thieves.

 

Û°Û°Û°

 

Ari watched their blundering flight, their bodies too big for their ungraceful wings. She watched as they managed to make it too the crests of the mountains, and she watched as they became nothing more then shadows among the green painted black tree covered side them.

 

She could feel Eoin's gaze upon her, a slight tickling on the back of her neck as the hairs there rose, told her so. Not only that but, there was this way, this kind of aura about him that just alerted Ari to his gaze, a minuscule caress of whispers and air.

 

The moon was high above them now, the year was early; fall only just now beginning to crispin the air, adding a chilly bite that lashed at exposed flesh and sent flesh to bump at apprehension for a long winter.

 

Shadows danced along the courtyard as a breeze ripped through shaking the branches of sleeping trees and swirling the courtyards occupants' hair askew. The world was painted in black and white, silvers and grays falling like the tails of comets in lengthy, and willowy narrow seas. The moons bright gaze shone done and revealed a different world, a world of silence and sleep, somberness; so unlike the exuberant nature of the sun, that sheds light and energy. The stars had all revealed themselves now, beacons in great blue and black oceans, like tiny little ice crystal beautiful yet unattainable.

 

Ivy tickled Ari's leg, its leaves coarse and hard. She exhaled a long sigh taking in the beauty of the world, her world now. A leaf danced in front of her flashing green silver and spiraling upwards into the sky before landing softly into the soft patch of grass, the breeze letting it go to take higher to the sky.

 

Eoin shifted slightly next to her, his legs stretching out and his toes pointed up.

 

“I suppose we'll have to run back to Sir Mallot's, its getting rather late.” A low murmur in the silence, and yet it sounded so loud and shattering.

 

“Yeah, I guess so.” Whispered Ari, her gaze was still fixed on the courtyard and distant mountains. She arched her back forward and rested her elbows on her knees, head in hands; the only sound that accompanied her movement was a whisper of fabric as it brushed against her bare skin, the Autumn air cooling her overheated body.

 

It was then that she realized she still held the Codex on her lap, the edges indenting upon her stomach as her elbows unknowingly moved it further back towards her body. She sat back up bringing her hands to the cover, brushing lazily against the soft leather. She gathered courage before turning slightly to face Eoin.

 

Û°Û°Û°

 

He was lounging, arms folded and hands behind his head nestled in his straw curls. He had his stormy eyes closed off to the world and his face was relaxed; he looked like he was sleeping.

 

“Eoin?” Ari whispered, almost sad when he opened his eyes and revealed troubled depths. He gave her his attention as he brought his legs in and lowered his arms, his eyes gliding over her face in a caress of blue and he followed Ari's movements as she moved the book into his view, hiding the spine.

 

“I found this in a room near the top of the Tower, and I was wondering if I could borrow it for some light reading to keep me occupied. I hope you don't mind that I took it out of the Tower.” She didn't meet his gaze, for fear of his displeasure at her actions. Her voice was a light whisper, quieter then scuttling mice.

 

“Yeah of course, just make sure not to damage it. As long as it's returned it won't be a problem.” He said his voice light and carefree.

 

Her head snapped up in surprise, her eyes gazing confusedly at his smiling face and anger free eyes.

 

“You mean- just like that, no questions asked?” Her voice was full of amazement but lying below excitement could clearly be made out in the slightly husky tone caused by the chill in the air.

 

He laughed now, his stomach quivering and his strong voice bounding through the courtyard disturbing the night's silence.

 

“Why, is there anything I should worry about? Are you hiding something that could get the book destroyed? Or maybe it's that you're a cleverly disguised thieve who goes running for days on end, just to fins somewhere to stay and, here's my favorite part, she has to run again because she steals a book!” He laughed again at his own joking; taking joy in poking fun at her insecurity. A fact in which she didn't appreciate at all.

 

“So what are you saying Mr. Smarty pants, that I couldn't be bad? Are you enjoying poking fun at me?” She huffed, but a smile slid in to her lips, quirking the muscles and pulling the flesh against her teeth; his laughter was contagious and she found her self letting out a couple of chuckles.

 

It took several moments for both of them to sober up.

 

Ari leaned back against the ivy covered boards her arms still gripping the book holding it now to her chest; fingers splayed wide across the cover. She tipped her head back, red hair swinging freely now in the air; and on her smile still hung the remains of her smile, fitting nicely on her full lips.

 

“I don't know what it is about you, but you're extremely easy to trust. So I trust you, I would even trust you with my life if I had too, so don't worry alright?” He joined her in her conquest to find a comfortable position as he spoke, his voice jumping and breaking as he moved around, occasionally bumping hard against the back of the bench.

 

Ari opened her eyes now to look at Eoin besides her; she was forced to crane her neck slightly to meet his eyes.

 

“No one has ever trusted me before, it means a lot thanks. I'll always have your back. Got it?” She returned his kind smile, her nose scrunching up and moons beams making her emerald eyes come alive and dance in a fiery twinkle.

 

“And what about me, who's going to have my back? I see how you are Ari, stealing all the good protection whilst all I'm left with is Nick, who couldn't watch my back even if it was naked and dancing in front of him wearing a skunk pelt.” Jeremy's face came into Ari's view just as he began talking, the intrusion of his voice startling Ari back to herself. She turned her head back straight to gaze up at him as he leaned over the back of the bench, her upturned head between his hands as they splayed long fingers through the ivy, disrupting its floral pattern.

 

She burst out in laughter, forced to straighten her neck from the strain of the air passing quickly through her curved windpipe, as a hand flew in from out of her view and smack soundly against the side of Jeremy's head. Eoin could be heard as laughter snorted through his nose; fighting to not laugh out loud.

 

Ari turned around, picking herself up off the bench and stretching taunt muscles; watching Jeremy and Nick's antics.

 

“Hey! What is it with everyone doing that today, first Eoin and now you? Where did you pop out from anyways? You're worse then a woman.” Barked Jeremy as he rubbed the sore spot on the side of his head, his brown hair sticking to his hand as he pulled it away in static. The ending remark earning him another bop in the head.

 

Ari giggled and the grinning Nick shifted his laugh crinkled eyes towards her.

 

“Ari, nice to see you again.” He bowed his head in greeting, bouncing his black hair into his eyes before he brushed it away with a calloused and clawed hand.

 

Ari's eyes crinkled in a smile and she revealed a row of pearly whites as she looked at him. Jeremy was standing back up now, a hand absentmindedly rubbing his head where it throbbed in slight annoyance. His brought his other hand up, his fingers holding on to a small metallic box that shined like fire in the moon light. Recognizing it for what it was, with a brush of fabric Ari brought her hand up and traced along the still bleeding streaks winching just briefly in pain when the beginning of a scab covered in coagulated blood came off on the smooth skin of her fingers. It fell unnoticed to the ground lying still on the ivy sea.

 

“Here's the aid kit. The only one we have, sorry I took so long; it wasn't where it was supposed to be.” Jeremy gave a nervous laugh and refused to mention where it had been left. He handed it over to Eoin; whose claws made a clicking nose as he grasped it in one hand, using the other to open the locks with a screeching sound.

 

Ari sat herself back onto the bench letting Eoin get to work cleaning up her blood. She remained still as he moved efficiently; only flinching when he disinfected it. Soon he was finished, and handing the box back to Jeremy.

 

“I would love to stick around but as it is late I have to be on my way.” Jeremy said as he took the box, walking towards the Tower he turned around and waved as Ari called out a goodbye to both him and Nick who was right next to him; Nick called a goodbye back before disappearing into the shadows of the entry archway.

 

Û°Û°Û°

 

Their padded feet thundered on the ground, dust swirled up and they flashed through like lightening. Black and white, as opposite as day and night yet as unchanging as the earths crust; side by side they raced forever onward running up the worn dirt path; tails swishing side by side.

 

Their tongues hung on the side of their jowls pink strips of muscle each leading up to a pair of shiny teeth that shone like pearls in the moons light. The white wolfs fur cloudy with dust, a faint tint of green, her tail was raised high the tip of it illuminated white her whole body strikingly contrasted against the deep black of the forest that was highlighted by dark brown trees and midnight green vegetation.

 

The Alpha male ran next to her, keeping stride with her paws; his fur was midnight black with shines of pale grey and dark blue as it waved through the wind and air that raced along his back. His eyes darted through the dark beacons of light yellow, but uniquely accented by a stormy grey that flashed in the moons light, the shines pure white back-dropped by coal black pupils.

 

The forest flashed by, mixtures of green and black; giant Rowans and Maples stood tall and proud their weaker limbs swaying eerily in the air, making patterns of shadows and pools of light on the forest floor. The air around them smelled of decay and rotting bark. Streams whittled away at the landscape near by, the sound of their trickling could be heard over the night life shifting around in search of food.

 

Their strides became shorter, their breaths harsher. No longer did they pick up dust, finally they came to a halt, side by side; black fur blending in with the harsh shadows and the white female glowing like a ghost, bright and appearing translucent around the edges where her fur thinned.

 

Both had identical and opposite pairs of ears perked, picking up sounds of a roaming pack passing through the forest headed straight for them. Each wolves individual smell passed over their senses and the two's snouts moved quickly in a flurry of motions as they lifted them to the scent carried on the wind.

 

At first it was hard to shift through the rotten earth that overpowered the packs but soon the smell of musk and dirt mixed with an animal twinge imprinted it's self in their minds. They remained alert as howls began to drift to their ears echoing through the forest giving no indication as to their range.

 

Several more tense moments passed and the two wolves found them selves shuffling closer and closer together guarding each others backs; facing opposite ways. Their furred brushed and mingled together in their close proximity

 

The advancing packs howls became steadily louder and the fastest runners and the alpha couple emerged from the line of trees and plants to their right.

 

Û°Û°Û°

 

Eoin and Ari slowly surveyed the emerging pack with steady and weary eyes.

 

The air thickened with a swell of power as the alpha male moved forward, stepping in front of his pack; declaring his power and his position as alpha.

 

His fur was a deep brown spotted with streaks of white, knowledge and show of his many years roaming the world of the living. His eyes held a weary sheen and the once vibrant violet color had since long been dulled and dimmed with age, his teeth no longer contained the sheen all baby cubs are born with, instead they were stained permanently with the blood of rabbits and other animals that roamed the wild.

 

The pack held not one single Wolf ling, only complete wolves, born wild and remaining wild for all time.

 

Eoin's power brushed through the air pushing back the other Alphas influence, the air picking up an electric quality as the invisible swells battled for territory and protection of their companions.

 

The Alpha wolf held strong against Eoin as the rest of the pack raced across the gap in the forest where the road had been placed. Each ones profile and appearance different and contrasting with each other. Few raced their slow enough to get a good look at, the only constant variables in the clearing being Ari, Eoin, The pack leader, and the leaders mate; who stood behind him and off to the left keeping a steady one both the pack and her old mate.

 

She too was weathered by time and distance. Her once luscious coat of tan fur is now spotted with patches of wispy grey thinning fur, her shining black nose rested on long white fur spreading around her muzzle like threads in and intricate puzzle; mixing in and blending with tan fur only to reappear along her underside and sweeping down her legs to rest on black painted paws. Her jowls were closed and a calm aura surrounded her reaching out and silently calming her mate, inadvertently caressing against Ari muzzle. Her eyes caught Ari's.

 

They were a beautiful charcoal rimmed grey; in their depths Ari witnessed weariness and serenity. Their connection broke, leaving Ari with a perplexed mind and an earful of howls as the pack began to move one. The tan wolf gave a short calming growl at her mate, her voice touched with gravel and made up of husky tones, before quickly jumping over the pick flowers of the Dragon head bushes growing in abundance along the edge of the road; she disappeared into the silence and shadows.

 

The Alpha quickly followed his power retracting and pulling out of the clearing, and exiting howl roared from his throat and for several long moments they could hear the thunder of his feet.

 

It wasn't long before they were on the move again; they raced side by side once more. The scenery passed by quickly and as they were breaching the last hilltop Sir Mallot's Cottage came into view; nestled in the crevices of a valley, surrounded on three sides by dense forest clouded in shadows and it's only open side being branched off of the worn path.

 

A stream of winding silver smoke rose from his weathered chimney, lights shone bright and yellow against the night; spilling through windows the light flickered and danced against the window panes. Soon Ari and Eoin were racing down the hillside, dust telling the tall-tale of their passing. Closer and closer the cottage loomed until both Eoin and Ari were sitting rested on their haunches, the light resonating through the windows driving away the surrounding shadows; the sounds of chirping bugs and hooting owls filled the empty clearing.

 

Eoin separated from Ari to walk behind some near berry bushes, the backpack adorning his back swaying precariously, the black of the backpack becoming near invisible.

 

Ari quickly transformed.

 

Slowly her hair bleed red and shrank back into her body, the black colored fur lining her eyes falling back and creating coal eyelashes, her eyes sank back into emerald depths of endless distances. The green dress flourished out and around her the skirt spilling to her knees before stopping in a sway of fabric and air. Her hair was dulled with a slight layer of dust and dirt from the clouds their feet had kicked up.

 

Û°Û°Û°

 

Eoin appeared from the bushes with bed head just as the front door opened, spilling light in a wide arch around them, a shadow in the doorway, short and stout.

 

Sir Mallot looked at them with a smiling face, his hair slightly mussed and sticking at odd angles from underneath a sleeping cap customary to dwarves.

 

Heat rolled out and licked at Ari who unconsciously shivered in the cool air as it passed on to dissipate.

 

“Ari, Eoin; please come in both of you, you've been gone all day; and I've saved some dinner for you. But eat quickly; we have much to talk about before sleep. Eoin you may stay with me tonight if you like, there's always the couch free now that Ari's taken the spare bedroom.” Both Ari and Eoin entered the cottage with Sir Mallot bringing up the rear, his rambling making Ari blush and Eoin chuckle at the sight of the heat spreading over her face.

 

Sir Mallot oblivious t Ari discomfort continued to ramble about what he made for dinner as Eoin leaded Ari to the kitchen, Sir Mallot followed.

 

Ari hadn't noticed just how hungry she was until the delicious smell of smoked turkey and boiled potatoes with onions and smothered in butter reached her astute nose. Her stomach grumbled loudly, only feeding the heat still firmly painted on her face.

 

“My my Ari it appears your stomach would like a word through Sir Mallot's ramblings.” Eoin voice broke up in a gaggle of laughs only to be silenced the minute his stomach grumbled mimicking Ari's, only difference was that his was louder and silenced even Sir Mallot.

 

Ari laughed full and hard as he looked down at his stomach ashamed, Sir Mallot's gravely baritone laugh over powered Ari's as he patted Eoin heartedly on the back, the force of his thumps making Eoin lean forward just a minuscule inch.

 

Still laughing they settled down in three rickety chairs.

 

Sir Mallot watched patiently as they gobbled down the leftover food with haste, neither stopping to breathe. Soon both were down; and with full bellies they sat back, their backs against the wood planks, watching Sir Mallot's impassive face.

 

“They start with the simplest of terms. Ari I am appointing you keeper of Storm Pearl, you two shall always be together. You will feed her and help her grow; when the time comes you will also be the first to ride her. She has informed me that she chooses you because you make her peaceful, a thing she hasn't been since her mother died. Do you have any arguments against this arrangement?” He stared questionably at her now, his eyes searching through hers; allowing her the opportunity to turn down the arrangement, it warmed her heart.

 

So with excitement pulsing through her vein and happiness blooming like a flower across all she could do was nod numbly; her red hair swishing around in wide arches. To imagine riding a Dragon was a fairytale that no one has gotten to experience in many long eras.

 

Eoin winking at her now, and his words came back to her `I wouldn't be surprised if he made you her guardian.'.

 

“Would you like the tale of how she came about the forest now or would you prefer to wait till morning?” Asked Sir Mallot as he masked a yawn with a spread hand, the short blunt nails embedded with dirt.

 

Eoin looked at her and the shared a knowingly look before he spoke; Ari tried to hold in her own yawn that clutched at the back of her throat and pulled it open, her neck inflated with waves of air that she stubbornly blew out her nose.

 

“It would be best to wait till morning Sir Mallot. I'll take the couch and you can weave us the tale with masterful words over a refreshing breakfast. How's that sound?” Spoke Eoin his legs already lifting him wearily off the pine chair, his boot scuffing briefly against floor before he stopped shuffling, looking at Sir Mallot expectantly.

 

“Oh yes of course. Just one moment though did you bring back the items and did you get Ari some clothes?”

 

The forgotten backpack was swung around and rested on the circular oak table now, it's flap flipped open and a weather paper wrapped object was deposited in Sir Mallot's awaiting hands; it's size was no larger then his hand although his hand weighted down and sank, so it must have weighed quite a bit.

 

Sir Mallot quickly shoved it inside a pocket adorning his night gown.

 

Bidding them adieu he excused himself from the kitchen and shuffled down to his room, the last sound being heard from him was made as he closed his door with a quiet click.

 

Û°Û°Û°

 

“In here are your clothes and the book you borrowed. You may keep the backpack, I have plenty others.” Eoin handed over the black bag and waved a quick jerk of his hand before he too excited the kitchen, traveling down the hall in the opposite direction of her and Sir Mallot's separate rooms; his footsteps echoing dimly through the hall, only making it to her ears through the doorframe.

 

Swiping the backpack up and making a mental note to thank him in the morning Ari crept soundlessly through the hall and passed her door, turning around she closed the ajar door with a click and a whisper of air that fluttered her red bangs.

 

Pulling open the flap on the pack she quickly swiftly riffled through and pulled out a pair of night breeches and a light pale purple summer tunic. Discarding the dress over the lip of the chair situated in the far corner of her room she was soon clothed in the sleep clothes and snuggled under the covers, the moonlight being her only light as her eyes drifted shut closing off the grey and shadowed world, a dreamless sleep taking over her; her breath drifting steadily through the room.

 

 

A/N I am sooooooo sorry for the long chappie but you guys are 30 pages behind, over 10,000 words behind and there's more coming. And besides I'm going to discontinue this story cause no one reviews, I know kinda mean but look at it from my view, I would actually like to know what ya'll think. So review please.