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Post by Sarah Raven on Jan 18, 2009 4:22:07 GMT -5
I ran with two people at my heels, my sister and my girlfriend. My brother was stranded behind, told us to run while he held them off. I didn't want to think what was happening to him, poor, sweet David. We ran through the forest, the sounds of footsteps behind as we paused, jumping into a small gulley so we could think of our options. Zooey, my sister, was looking around for berries, while Myla, my girlfriend, stood next to be, her tee shirt splattered with blood. Guilt flooded my body, over taking adrenaline that surfaced while we were running. It was my fault we were here, if only I didn't shift- "Sarah." Myla's voice snapped me from my thoughts, her body close to mine. "My fault." I look towards the ground, feeling her soft fingers upon my chin to tilt my head back to hers. "No." Her arms wrapped around my body, holding me close to her. I wanted to cry, to just stay there and sob and wash my pain away, but I couldn't. They would be upon us soon. Zooey had kicked a stone, her frustrations echoed my own as she came over to us, before sitting down. But then, they were there, their crossbows pointed at us, faces painted with streaks of black army paint. Their clothes were black as well, with a strip of black material tied around the foreheads.
Their leader aimed at me, my eyes widened as he shot, the arrow raced through the air, and my death was fast approaching. Faster than lightening, Myla had twisted us around, so she was facing the guys. The arrow hit her neck, angled down into her shoulder blade and severing veins. Blood splattered from the wound as she struggled to breathe, her eyes locked on with mine. "No!" I scream, holding her and not letting go, even as her blood poured upon my like a crimson river. "Stay with me, I love you. Don't die on me! Please, don't die." I cry, Zooey stood and changed, in her place was a stormy colored lynx. She jumped and hit the leader in the chest, weapon sprawled on the ground. Her teeth ripped into his throat, while I continued to hold onto Myla, her death coming fast, like her blood leaving her body. The others retreated, and I knew if they saw me again, I would die. I was nothing but a contract. Shifting into my lynx form at the wrong time, I was caught by a few men who hunted for sport. Rich men. And they wanted me. Well, more like my fur. "Myla, don't, please." I whisper, my tears falling and mixing with her blood. "I love you." Myla choked on a smile, before her body was limp in my grasp.
Numb, I set her down, as Zooey chased away the others. Padding over to me, she licked at the wounds, trying to heal Myla, but it was too late. The werecheetah, my lover, was too far gone. I ripped off my jacket, leaving a black singlet, with blue jeans that were sprayed with blood, and I placed the jacket upon Myla's body before sitting next to her in the dirt. I held onto her, not caring that I was getting covered in her blood. A furious desire for revenge cut my like a hot knife, and I growled low in my throat. My eyes shifted to yellow, things become more sharper, more clearer. Myla's blood was more sharper and pungent in my nose. "Myla-" My voice broke as I looked at her dead form upon the ground.
I wanted to turn and run, to leave the scene and hunt down those bastards. Zooey changed back, running her fingers through Myla's hair. Suddenly, I felt lost, and alone, despite my sister. "Leave." I snap, Zooey looked at me with startled eyes. "Get away from me." I look away so I didn't have to see the hurt in her eyes. "They are after me. Don't you understand?" I scream, "Myla is dead because of me. And you could be next. Just go." I heard Zooey stand, her breathing rapid. "I love you Sarah. You are my sister, flesh and blood. I will only leave unless you give me word that you will return when its safe." How could I promise that? I look up as she hugs me, and I mumbled that I promise. Soon, her human form was again the lynx as she ran through the woods.
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Post by Syren Loup Garou on Jan 18, 2009 4:48:00 GMT -5
While the others stayed with the Luna, days after the celebrations had ended, I'd told Cole my plan. I needed to fulfill this curiousity of Tempest Hollow. I stopped briefly by Arwen's cabin, leaving some of my bread for them when they returned. I ran through Tempest Hollow, a streak of white to the human's eyes. Yet every sight and sound was etched into my mind. Running back through the forest, I closed in on the abandoned factory I'd passed on my way from Arwen's to the institution. As I neared the old place, I smelled blood on the air. I growled low, lips pulling back from my teeth. I followed the scent past a ravine, the scent of man mingling with the scent of shifter and blood.
Feet running, away from the smell of blood. I moved into the shadows, my only hope of staying somewhat hidden in the dark. Blending in, camoflauge, is not easy for a white wolf. I was tucked along side of the factory when 2 men, all in black, obviously hunters judging by their weapons broke through the trees. Death clung to them, they'd recently killed, and lost one of their own men. Lynx...and cheetah, those were the shifters who's scents followed these men. At a guess, the cheetah no longer lived. Another growl bubbled up from my throat as I launched myself into the open.
I stood before them, snarling, daring either to draw a weapon. The first to appear was a knife, easy enough to avoid. In a single leap I'd taken him down, the knife skittering off in the distance. I could hear the voice of the other man as I tore into this one's throat. "Shit, oh shit, shit!" Yeah, shit's right...I thought as the one beneath me died. I stared at the other man, frozen halfway in his scramble for his fallen comrade's knife. "You'll never reach it in time." I snarled to his mind. His eyes widened in shock, and I grinned with malice as I stalked him. Closer and closer I moved, though he seemed rooted to the spot. I called the munin to me as I charged, not to change, but for more strength. My jaws locked around the meat of his chest, over his heart. Using the power of the munin, I shoved my muzzle clean through his ribcage, gripped his heart in my teeth and bore down. As the organ surrendered it's life's blood to me, the hunter died. Those who they'd hunted were now avenged.
I licked my muzzle clean, thanking the munin for thier aid as I ran toward the scent of blood. Someone had fled, a lynx, yet the scent of another was still mixed closely with cheetah, blood, and death. There was a small incline, and as I crested it, I saw the lynx, her eyes were animal though the rest of her appeared human. At her feet lay the fallen cheetah. I whimpered, giving the lynx soft eyes as I crept toward the dead she mourned. I pressed my nose to the cheetah's cheek, licking her once and bidding her spirit good journey. Then I met the other woman's eyes. "Those men, who hunted you, are dead. I smelled blood on them, her blood, her death, and could not let them pass me. Forgive me for intruding, you loved her a great deal, did you not? I am truly sorry for your loss." I bowed my head in respect, then met her eyes once more. "I am Syren Loup Garou, Lupa to the clan."
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Post by Sarah Raven on Jan 18, 2009 5:13:04 GMT -5
I remembered the good times, laughter through the air when we ran together, played together, slept together. Often we stared at the moon through our window, falling asleep as it lulled us and calmed us. I loved her, Myla, she was the only one I ever loved, a battle for it happened too when our parents disapproved of it. But we made it, and lived together with my brother and sister. Now she was dead at my feet, gone. It was her sacrifice that saved me, otherwise I would be lying dead and she would be mourning me. It didn't make things easier, only worse, as I began to think of a future without Myla. Shuddering, I took deep breathes before the scent of another filled the air. Snarling, I look around, sheilding Myla from any others but relaxed slightly when I realized the scent had shifter mixed in. A wolf, colored white, was before my eyes, which were still yellow and not my normal color. I didn't care, I would never care.
Words were in my head, for a moment I thought I was going crazy, until the white wolf introduced herself. I felt anger as I heard the hunters were dead, because of her, the wolf. I wanted to kill them dammit! I wanted to be the one to tear their lives from their body, as they had done to Myla. But reasoning took place next, and I knew if they had lived, more would be sent after me, and possibly David and Zooey. "It's fine." I mutter, keeping my hand upon Myla's own hand which was growing cold with the passing time. I moved forwards, ripping the arrow out, spraying more blood. Meat clung to the arrow head, but I didn't mind. I wasn't squeamish. Putting the arrow next to her body, I close her eyelids, and if I could fool myself into thinking she was sleeping, it made the pain lessen, until I remembered and then it hit again in full force.
"Yes. I love her." I retorted, before I continued. "Why, is that against your laws too huh? That a creature cannot love one thats their same gender, or oppsite shifter?" I sneered without meaning too, but the hurt and resentment from my own mother stabbed icy daggers, and I vented without meaning to. "She was my lover, and I don't care what you think." I was angry, more angry than ever as I stared into Myla's dead body. Half of me felt bad for tearing into the wolf, who introduced herself as Syren, but the other half relished in it. Hurting someone else meant I didn't have to continue holding the pain inside at her death. Yet even though it felt good, I forced myself to calm down, I did remember that she had killed the hunters, but even so, that didn't install much comfort. I had lost everything.
"Syren. My name is Sarah Raven. Call me either, I don't care." I look back at Syren, wondering what clan she was going on about, but I couldn't muster up the energy to ask. Before all this, I would be asking questions, like a kitten, but now things seemed to matter very little. "I should be the one apologizing. For my outbursts." I trailed off, voice silent as I closed my eyes to take calming breathes. I didn't want to feel this pain, I wanted Myla alive, why, why did she have to die? I whimpered again, wishing for Myla to just wake up and grin like she normally did, but that was impossible.
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Post by Syren Loup Garou on Jan 18, 2009 5:37:46 GMT -5
Anger radiated from the lynx, though I could hardly blame her. If my mate lay at my feet dead, I would be lashing out as well. "I did not mean to rob you from your vengence. Part of my clan lives near here, and we consider this land our territory. Hunters are not allowed here. But those men...something tells me others will come. Your chance to avenge her death is not entirely lost to you." I sat back on my haunches, not leaving her with her dead loved one. I shook my head, sorrow and compassion filling my eyes. "No. Our laws do not dictate who you love, whatever they be. Our laws are sacred, love being prominent. We would not comdemn one for their love of another." I longed to take this lynx into my arms and hold her, comfort her while she mourned her lover. "Never be ashamed of your live. No matter what others have lead you to believe. She loved you dearly, that much I know."
It was as if some small part of the munin stayed with me, allowing me the knowledge that her mate now rested without pain, without regrets, and that she still loved the lynx and would be watching over her. "She will never leave your side, nor your heart, Sarah." I moved closer to her and sat back down, gazing up at her. "We are the Loup Garou, a clan of wolves, gypsies cursed long ago. We live peacefully, hunting only what prey we need, always giving revence to nature. Hunters, destructors of nature, are an abomination. Though we do not like to kill humans, we will not hesitate to eliminate threats to our kind. And by our kind, I mean all shifters." I wondered, briefly, if those who were after her were involved with the happenings at Tempest Hollow, but decided it best to discuss the events with Cole first.
I shifted, the transition from wolf to human woman swift and painless. "Sarah," I stood, moving closer to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "We should leave here. Others may come. Please, come with me. The cabin isn't far. We will be safe there for the night." I couldn't take her back to the Luna, not this soon. But I knew that Arwen would offer her cabin to us for the night. I closed my eyes and called to Cole, letting him know I was safe, and would be staying at Arwen's cabin for the night. "I can carry her if you like." I offered, gesturing to her lover's cold body. I wouldn't leave her behind. We could retreat to the cabin and bury her mate, if that's what she wanted. I would make sure she ate, offer her a warm bath and some fresh clothing. I would comfort her as if she were my own child while she mourned. I would not abandon this lynx, Sarah, in the midst of her misery.
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Post by Sarah Raven on Jan 18, 2009 6:16:05 GMT -5
"Yea, they want me." I choked out, barely able to talk from the grief and pain. I couldn't stop my mind from saying it was my fault, I had brought them here with me. "Those who try will be destroyed." I was talking about any other hunters that tried to finish what their friends started. "Good." I loved this girl with all my heart, and it was nice to know I wasn't going to get railed on for loving her. "I'm not ashame. I fought hard for our love, we both did, when others tried to stop it." I caressed her cheek, imagining that it was warm and inviting instead of cold. When she spoke again, I clicked my jaw, wondering how the hell she knew, but fresh waves of pain overrode that, as I thought of my lover on the other side, watching over me. Dammit, I didn't want her over there! But even if I could bring her back, I doubt I would want to. There were stories that revolved around people bringing back their loved ones from the dead, and they were never the same.
"I know, but how do you know?" I ask, hoping my voice didn't sound too demanding. However, she spoke and I nod, listening to what she had to say. All hunters should die, didn't matter if they were men or woman. Those that hunted creatures like us should all be killed, let them feel the pain we feel! I look over as she shifts, from the white wolf I met her as, to the human woman before I felt her hand upon my shoulder, and her words flowed into my hearing instead of my head. There were a few reasons why I didn't want to leave. One, this was where Myla died, and two, what if Zooey came back to find me? I gritted my teeth and sought to agree, Zooey could change and find my scent if she needed too. "Alright. As long as we are safe." I look up into the womans, Syren, eyes while I said it, I wasn't going anywhere that wasn't safe, and all I had was her word. Hopefully, it was all that was needed.
Standing up, I let go of Myla's hand and stretch, letting my limbs free before I carried her. Yes, Syren offered, but I couldn't let another hold her. I wanted to be with her until the end, where she was buried. "I can carry her." My voice was a little bit harsher than intended, and I apologized almost immediately. "Sorry." My eyes cast downwards. "I mean, thanks, but I can carry her." I kneel down and place my hands underneath her body, one at her neck and head, the other under her knees. Standing, I stood upright with Myla in my arms, and again I couldn't help but think she was sleeping. Then I saw the arrow wound and reality crashed into me again. "Can we, bury her?" I ask, beginning to walk. I would let Syren lead the way since I had no idea where the cabin was, but now that we were on the move, it felt like I was leaving a little bit of the pain behind, and questions formed in my head.
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Post by Syren Loup Garou on Jan 18, 2009 8:34:51 GMT -5
I simply smiled at her. "I know because the spirits of the munin, our ancestors told me." I longed to hold her, but would wait until she felt more comfortable with me for such actions. "I promise, we will be safe there." I smoothed her dark hair back, and laid a gently, motherly kiss on her temple. I couldn't help it, it was instinct. Her quick words didn't alarm me, no matter how angry she sounded, I knew her anger was not with me, but for those who took her mate from her. "Do not apologize for your grief. I only wish to help you in any way I can." Of course she would carry her lost love. I moved away from her and watched as she lovingly took her lover's body in her arms. "Come, it's this way."
My bare feet were silent upon the path, the animal trail Arwen and my sons used to run this forest. "Of course. If that's what you'd like. She'll have a proper burial." I held some of the unruly branches back as Sarah passed by, her love in her arms. The forest thinned as we neared the cabin, and soon we were in the clearing upon which it sat. "Here. Come inside." I lead her through the door, grabbing one of Nyta's quilts from the closet and laying it out upon the floor. "This quilt was wove with skilled hands and much love. We can lay her here. Please, make yourself comfortable as well." I went into the kitchen and retrieved a large bowl, filling it with warm water. Taking the bowl and a few rags, I returned to the living room.
I knelt beside the cheetah's body and began to clean off her face, tending next to her wound. Once she was free of dirt and blood, I reached for Sarah's hand. "As she was loved, so she loves. For those that have passed through the veil are never far from us, and always remembered. Each day she will live on in your heart, she will breathe in your memories, and she will sing in your soul. You are never without her, and she is never without you. She gave her life so that you could live on, a noble sacrifice only served by the greatest of loves. Do not despair, child, for she is not gone from this world, only her physical form leaves us now." A tear fell, making it's wet trail down my cheek. Death was never an easy thing, but I would do all in my power to help Sarah through this plight. I rose, collecting the bowl and rags. "I will leave you with her for a moment."
I washed the bowl, dried it, and replaced it for Arwen, tossed the rags into the laundry bin, and went outside. Arwen often buried animals that came to an untimely end on the eastern side of the cabin. I found a patch of dirt that would serve the purpose of committing Sarah's lover to the earth, channeled the munin, and began tearing at the earth with my claws. Magick and spirits aided me as I dug the grave, giving haste to my actions. With their strength, it took me mere minutes to dig a hole large enough, and deep enough for Myla's body. When I finished, I thanked the munin once more for their aid, shifted back to human, and reentered the cabin. While Sarah stayed with her mate, I rinsed my hands before joining her. "We're ready. I've prepared a place for her rest. When you feel ready to....to say goodbye, we'll take her outside." I knelt before Sarah, taking her face gently between my hands. "Sarah, know this, you are welcome here, anytime. Because Myla rests here, you have a right to visit this place whenever you wish." I brushed a few tears from her cheeks. When she was ready, we'd bury her love, and then I'd care for her until morning. Then I would decide if she should follow me back to the Luna.
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Post by Sarah Raven on Jan 18, 2009 9:06:39 GMT -5
I nod simply, unable to say much as I stared at Myla, my feet began to walk on their own accord, there was nothing I could say, everything seemed to fall short. I stared at Myla, my mate, my lost lover, and felt lost all over again. I followed Syren through the trail, nodding a thanks when she pulled branches away so I could carry Myla without getting smacked in the face. I sniffed the air, missing the smell of Myla, but knowing I would remember it for years to come. "Thank you." I whisper, concentrating on not dropping Myla as we continued to walk to the cabin, her dark hair falling over my arms. No longer would I inhale her scent and bury my face in her hair before sleep, no longer would we talk or chat late in the night. Zooey would tell David, and they would mourn in their own way. Whatever they did, I didn't mind. They would probably shift and go to our parents. They would probably be happy that we were no longer together, not caring how I felt. Fresh hurt rose up and I swallowed the lump which was forming in my throat.
The forest thinned to a clearing with a cabin bang in the middle. I followed without a sound, walking into the door and smelling new scents, which were obviously Syren's friends, family, clan, whatever. Syren grabbed a quilt and lay it down where I gently placed Myla down, grabbing her cold hand and looking at her with nothing but love and tenderness in my eyes. The arrow wound was still there, reminding me of what happened. I went to talk, but nothing came so I fell silent again, hearing a noise as Syren came back with rags and water to clean the dirt and blood. Her words stung in my head, and I shake my head, dark hair falling into my eyes. "How though? Despair is all I feel right now." I whimper, shaking slightly. But as I thought about it, Syren was right, but still, it was hard. I heard Syren stand up, talk before heading into the kitchen. "Myla, I will never forget you." I whisper, moving forward to kiss her forehead. Even though she couldn't feel it, I felt like I should still do it.
It seemed like moments before Syren was back, and she knelt down beside me, before taking my head in her hands. I blink, feeling the tears clinging to my eyelashes and running down my cheeks in silent rivers. My knees felt numb from sitting, but I forced myself to listen to Syren. "Are, are you sure?" I ask softly, my voice felt weak, my throat felt raw. "I guess so otherwise you wouldn't have said it." I nod again, feeling sick of nodding because it seemed to be all that I did. Before I realized what I was doing, I was hugging Syren, holding onto her tightly before I sobbed, chest heaving with the pain and agony of losing Myla. Gripping onto this woman who had come across the scene of death and helped me, I couldn't help but trust her. Sniffling, I stand up, wiping my hand across my eyes before picking up Myla again, holding her against my body. "I'm ready. The longer we wait, the less I wish to do this."
I began walking towards the door, outside, and finding the grave that had already been dug. I lowered her down, moving her hair from her eyes and standing back up. "Myla, we knew each other for years. When we were just kittens roaming and romping. I love you more than anything, we endured so much. But-" My voice cracked. "But I know you are with me in spirit." I pulled off my singlet and slipped from my jeans before I shifted into my lynx form. My ears were tipped black, fur longer on the tips and the bottom of my feline face. Stormy gray coloring with black pieces. Eyes shone yellow as I let out a howling lynx shriek that rocketed to the sky. Felines all around the vicinity would know the pain laced cry, but it seemed proper I said goodbye in this form since we first met as lynxes. Afterwards, I shifted back, pulling on my jeans and singlet, staring down at my lover for the last time.
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Post by Syren Loup Garou on Jan 18, 2009 9:41:43 GMT -5
When her arms wrapped around me I felt relieved. Relieved that I could comfort her in some way. For shifters, of any breed, touch was an integral part of life. Small touches, simple gestures did so much to soothe our souls. I returned her hug, stroking her hair as I held her. "Shhhh, sweet Sarah. It's going to be alright." I whispered to her as I held her. I knew there would be more tears, she wasn't over her loss yet, and wouldn't be for a long time to come. Losing a mate is a devistating thing, so heartbreaking you feel alone and lost. I was glad I could be here for her, she shouldn't be alone now. I let her go, and stood to hold the door for her while she gathered Myla into her arms again.
She laid Myla's form in the fresh dug earth as I began to hum softly. A sweet, forlorn melody often sung by others in the clan when we buried or burned one of our own. My hand reached for her, resting on her shoulder when her voice broke. As Sarah began to undress, I knew she planned on shifting. I still wore no clothes, though it didn't bother me at all, so shifting was easy. As magick stirred in the air, signalling Sarah's change, I also changed, and echoed her cry with my own howl. My howl began as her shriek ended, and echoed deep into the night. I held off on changing as she shifted back. "In our clan, it's customary for the loved one of the deceased to sprinkle the first handful of dirt over the grave." I allowed her the time to take up a handful of the fine dirt and cast it over Myla's body.
"Do not be alarmed by what you see. It's still me." For the last time this night, I channeled the munin. Instead of wolf or woman, I stood as a mix, somewhere between the two, and far beyond both. I hunched over and began shoving the dirt over Myla quickly. It took less time to fill over the grave than it had to dig it. I shifted back to human, lowered my head in a moment of silence, thanking the munin and asking that they watch over Myla. I brushed the dirt off my hands, slung an arm around Sarah, and lead her to back into the cabin. "I'll make tea and something to eat. Would you like a hot bath first?" I brushed a lock of her hair from across her face as I settled her on the couch and sat beside her.
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Post by Sarah Raven on Jan 19, 2009 0:34:06 GMT -5
I hear her words again, in my head, as she is back in her wolf form. I gulp, leaning down to pick up a handful of dirt within my fingers, mushing it between. "I'll never forget Myla." Memories of our last kiss lingered on my lips, it was before we had to run. Her eyes sparkling, and glinted in the light. Breaking free from the trance, I give a shake of my head, clearing my thoughts. The movement also sent my hair into my eyes. My free hand reached up to push the hair behind my ears, the other hand, the one with the dirt, I sprinkled the dirt over Myla's form. The last of the howl, curteosy of Syren, lingered in my ears, a sound I would never forget, as long as I lived. It was allot different from my own lynx shriek.
"Alright." I replied, looking as she changes, not a woman, not a wolf, but a mix. Despite my horror at losing my lover, awe washed through me as I saw the change. That awe soon faded as she began covering Myla with the dirt, encasing her in the soil, and I couldn't speak since the lump had formed back in my throat. Her body was quickly covered, and then, it was over. Bowing my head, I stared at the grave with blurry vision; Tears had begun falling again. I would cry a thousand tears for her, and I would cry a thousand more. I felt Syren slip her arm around me, and slightly cuddling into her, I walk back to the cabin, wishing I could join Myla in the afterlife. Then again, that would defeat the whole purpose of her sacrifice. Syren began speaking again, and I looked up her as I sat down upon the couch.
Looking down, I see the blood from her wounds, knowing a bath would be really helpful. And the sound of food made my stomach rumble, I had barely eaten today, since after we began the chase, it wasn't like we had stopped for food. "Okay." I felt my voice feel a bit shaky, but glad it had lost its hostility towards Syren. Well, I wasn't directing it at Syren, mostly my hurt and stuff, and she was the only one around. I thought about the bath again, and it sounded like heaven the more I thought about it. "A hot bath sounds lovely, thank you." I look up at Syren, glad that I didn't have to go through this alone. If I was alone, I probably would have lost myself to the grief.
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Post by Syren Loup Garou on Jan 29, 2009 4:27:11 GMT -5
I hugged Sarah too me. I felt for her, so much. I only wished I could do more to ease her grief. "You just rest then while I draw you a bath." I kissed her softly on the forehead and moved to the kitchen, filling Arwen's teapot and setting it to boil. The bathtub downstairs was massive, I plugged the drain and started filling it with hot water. I tempered the water a bit, so that it would be warm, but not too hot, and added a splash of Arwen's vanilla lavender salts. The scent would calm Sarah's nerves a bit. While the tub filled, I hunted through Arwen's pantry, fingers grazing over bundles of drying herbs, bottles and jars of the same. I grabbed a teacloth, muslin, and began to pinch small amounts of certain herbs into it. I was going to make my own blend for Sarah and I to enjoy.
Once the tub was filled I returned to Sarah. "Come now, the bath's full. I'll have tea waiting when you're ready." I smiled softly to her as I helped her off the couch and lead her into the bathroom. She didn't need my help, but I felt some sort of comfort by doing things for her. It brought out the mother in me to tend to her. I pulled a large, fluffy towel from the closet and laid it neatly on the countertop. "I'll bring you some clean clothes too." Leaving her to undress and slip into the water, I scavenged in Arwen's room for clothing. I picked a pair of jeans almost identical to the ones Sarah wore, and a black singlet. They smelled faintly of wolf, but they were clean, and hopefully Sarah would be comfortable in them. I knocked once on the bathroom door before slipping in to lay the clothes near the towel. "They should fit. I'll wash these in the meantime." Gathering her dirty clothes, I started a load of laundry, finding enough for a full load by going through my boy's rooms as well.
By the time the wash was started the teapot called shrilly. I rushed to it and removed it from the burner, pouring the hot water over the muslin into two teacups. I added a pinch of sugar, some honey, and cream to both, hoping Sarah liked her tea as I did. I hadn't bothered to find clothes for myself, seeing as I wasn't self conscious especially around other shifters, and Sarah hadn't seemed to mind. I took pen and paper from Arwen's desk, and settled on the couch to write her a letter. I thanked her for the use of her cabin, explained how I had found Sarah, including all the little details. Everything from the burial to making tea and doing a load of wash. Arwen wouldn't mind at all about the use of her things, in fact I knew she'd have done the very same. I signed the letter with love and left it on top of the notepad as I returned the items to her desk.
I heard the bathtub draining soon after and went to the door. "Sarah?" I called through the door. "How are you doing honey?" I peeked inside, then took the towel up and held it open for her. I took a smaller towel and began to dry her hair with it. "I've made tea. I hope you like it with cream." I fussed over her hair for a moment, combing through it with my fingers after toweling it dry. I left her to get dressed and refreshed my cup of tea, adding a dash to hers as well to keep it warm. If she felt up to talking, I wanted to hear about Myla, her lost love. Sometimes it helped to talk of the loved one you lost, to relive the memories that brought you together. If she would rather stay silent, then I would sit with her in silence, enjoying her company, and doing what I could to ease her grief.
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Post by Sarah Raven on Jan 29, 2009 5:28:20 GMT -5
"Okay." I whisper, totally unsure on what else to do. Did my mother ever be like this? No, she never cared, especially when she found out that her second daughter was in a relationship with a girl. My father didn't care much, but he was unable to say anything because my mother was very commanding at times. I've always wondered why their marriage lasted. But that really wasn't my most pressing issue, I was better off without them. "Mom, you'd be happy now." I was angry again and this was good. Anger was much better than darkening depression. At least with anger, I could direct it towards those that were supposed to support me without the crushing weight of knowing I would never love again. "She was my everything and all you did was bitch because I didn't find love with a guy. I'm not like you." I snarl, venting all my emotions out on the one person that deserved worse. Mommy dearest could rot in hell for all I cared, and did I care? Nope, not really.
Eyes flicked up as Syren reentered the room, I dimly hear what she says, nodding as I stood up, my steps slightly shaky, before Syren helps me walk towards the bathroom. "Okay." I reply softly as she leaves, I slip out of my clothes which were bloodstained, putting them in a pile before I clutched the sides of the bathtub, one leg carefully touching the water. The warmth touched my toes before I submersed my foot, than leg, before clambering fully in. Water washed over my body as I sank into the bath, the bathsalts used sent images washing in my head, calming my nerves which I thought would never stop firing. Thinking about Myla was less painful, and I began to feel tired from the events of the day, it really had wiped me out. "Myla, at least your not in pain." I forced myself to think of the good times we had, to think of her memory the way we shared it and not the death. It did make me feel better, and I was no longer sobbing with no control. Sure there would be nights were I cried myself to sleep, but that was expected and completely normal.
Getting clean and pulling out the plug, I watched the water drain away, the sound of Syren was once again in the air and I turned to look at her. "I'm better, thanks." I listened as she spoke about the tea. "Perfect, just the way I like it." I got out of the bath, the last of the water trickling away as I walked into the towel, letting Syren fuss over me since it was something new and I felt lost, hence the quiet. When she left so I could dress, I pulled on the jeans and the black singlet, the smell of wolf was so faint, it barely registered. Yet I didn't pull the clothes off or get all snippy. I wanted to meet the girl who wore these clothes so I could thank her, knowing she was a shifter like I was, like Syren. Besides, a wolf scent was new to me, since I was a feline shifter. Feeling more better than I had all day, ever since the run for my life thing, I smiled softly before heading out to find Syren.
"Thank you. I can never thank you enough for what you have done. Without you, I probably would have lost myself." I pause, taking the cup of tea and taking a mouthful. Mmmm, it was delicious, and I had to take another sip. It was refreshing. "I'm not used to adults being to kind, being with Myla pretty much killed any affection my own mother had, which resulted in others treating us differently." Shaking my head, my hair falls into my eyes yet I keep them there as if I was trying to hide myself. Taking a seat, I look through the curtain of hair at Syren, not knowing what else to say. "Your kindness is overwhelming." A bitter laugh rose itself, and I tried not to give in. How pathetic I was, and to distract myself, I look at the ground and drink more tea. The flavors bit at my tongue and I gave in completely and took another couple of mouthfuls. "I'll always be forever in your debt mom." The words flew from my mouth before my brain registered what I had said, and shock coursed through my entire body. I doubt she wants me calling her that, I'm even more pathetic that I thought! I berated myself, but part of me wished, and it wished very hard, that I could be like a daughter to Syren, to call her mom and have her look at my as if I was her own flesh and blood. But the other part reminded me she probably already had a family.
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Post by Syren Loup Garou on Jan 29, 2009 5:46:37 GMT -5
"I'm glad I found you, and that I was able to be of some help." I smiled softly to her. I wanted nothing more than to have the power to reverse the nights events, and if not that, than to clear away her sadness forever. But that is not how nature works, and it would never be my place to work such miracles. In my eyes, she had nothing to thank me for. I listen to her, keeping my silence until I felt I must speak. "A mother's love it supposed to be unconditional. I am so sorry you've suffered pain over the affections, or lack there of, from your mother." If her mother had been within reach, I'd have slapped her silly. It's your duty as a parent to love your children, to support them in all their endeavors, to teach them and help them when they fall, to lift them up and inspire them to greater heights. This woman, Sarah's mother, had failed. She had no right to call herself mother to Sarah in my mind. I supressed a growl, knowing it wouldn't help Sarah.
I smiled, laughing slightly. "Overwhelming? Well, thank you. I didn't see it as any more than what is necessary. I would do the same for my children, and they would have done the same in my place." I wasn't speaking of Midian and Synge alone, I included Arwen and Stryker as my children as well. I didn't bother to brush the hair from Sarah's face, knowing that with it draping before her eyes, she could hide in a sense. I'd often done the same. The bath and the tea seemed to be working, soothing her in ways that I could not.
Tears welled in my eyes at her next words, my heart bursting with warmth for this lynx. She barely seemed conscious of calling me mom until her body tensed. I slipped an arm around her, the other hand tilting her chin to look at me. I let the tears fall as I gazed at her, smiling. "You have no idea how much warmth that simple word instilled in me, Sarah. I would be honored for you to call me such." I pulled her to me and hugged her, feeling that all my wishing, all my hopes that I could do more for her were fulfilled. I would be a surogate mother to her. If she wished, I would take her with me to the Luna, and she could learn of our ways. Her brother and sister would also be welcome. But never her mother, never would I allow one who turned against their own child into my pack. I cuddled Sarah to me, placing her head on my shoulder, keeping her close. "If it will not hurt you, I'd very much like to hear of Myla. Tell me of your happiest times with her." She could paint a picture with words for me, of her love, and in that way Myla would be very much alive.
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Post by Sarah Raven on Jan 30, 2009 1:43:52 GMT -5
I couldn't speak, my body was tense and ready for anything apart from what Syren actually did. I half expected rude words and told to get out, before I remembered that I was allowed here since Myla was buried here. Tensing even more when she slips her arm around me and tilts my head. I look at her, tears hit my eyes and I let them fall freely, like salty rain, down my cheeks in silent rivers. Through blurry vision, I saw her own tears fall before we hugged, my arms moving around the other woman and holding on tightly, burying my face in her shoulder. "Thank you." I was reminded of a lynx kitten, cuddling into their mother when they were born. It was comforting, and hearing her words, I nod, feeling rather numb at the turn of events. It was weird, 24 hours ago I never would have thought I would be in this position. "Okay." I took a deep breathe, ready to keep myself calm so I could talk.
"We were young, around 16, when my mothers friend came over with her 16 year old daughter. Our eyes met, and confusion was what I felt because I was falling for her, love at first sight. But my mother was preparing me to wed a male werelynx who was rich. But seeing Myla, I couldn't. A few days later, when we were alone, we spoke to each other. Thoughts became muddled, and a few years later, when we were sure of what we were feeling, we told out parents. My mother went psycho and refused us to see each other, but Myla and I ignored them and fought for our relationship. I knew then that Myla and I were destined for each other." I let Syren go and take another sip of tea, shaking and feeling all shivery which had nothing to do with the present but the story. I hated my real mother, I wanted nothing more to do with her, and was glad I never had to see her again. Syren was now my mother, and I her surrogate daughter. Syren was the complete opposite of my mother, while Syren was kind, caring and didn't care I loved a female who was a different shifter, my mother was cold, cruel and hated it as if it was some disease.
"My brother and sister were happy for me. They helped us get a place sine my mother refused to give any money. Often we would just sit under the moonlight, talk into the morning hours, shift and run together. She was always faster, but we loved it, and often we would tussle." I thought of her cheetah form, running free and wild in the forest, her sparkling eyes watching me from afar as I struggled to keep up. Then we would plough into each other and tussle for hours on end, our endurance and stamina were higher levels than those of normal humans. Sometimes I pitied them, until I remember it was a normal human that had taken her life. That pity was destroyed, anger overriding that emotion. "She was the life and soul of everything, always making you happy when you were down. Myla always had a knack for making you laugh when you really needed it." I pause, collecting myself and my breathe. "Falling asleep with her beside you, you knew you were safe. Even in the middle of a forest."
I look at Syren again, taking a sip of the rapidly cooling tea that slid easily down my throat, and warming my insides. My nerves were calm, despite my story. I think it was because I knew Syren had wanted to hear it, and there would be no judgment. Being around Syren, my surrogate mother, I felt like I could be myself without having to hide or be ashamed. So, with that in mind, I give Syren another hug, knowing I would always be forever in her debt for her kind, caring and loving nature.
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