Her breath was wheezing, everyone an effort much larger than it should be. But that was true for everything: her shaky, limping steps; the occasional lift of her head, to make sure she was still moving in the right direction; even the slow swiveling of her ears that told her she was still alone, nothing to hear but the wind howling. The forest around her had thinned, the hilly landscape smoothing to a uniform, downward slope.  It didn't matter much; she hadn't been up a hill to orientate herself since her last attempt, a number of days ago, had ended with her slipping on some loose rocks, sliding a good ways down and twisting her leg painfully. She should have known better than to try another climb, her starved, exhausted body too weak to have any chance of accomplishing the feat. But her desperation had driven her and as a result she'd lost yet more days, having to rest her sprained hind-leg.

Now she was on the move again, blessedly having grown so accustomed with these cursed woods that she needed no more vantage points to keep her southern course. Soon the trees started thinning, growing lower, narrower and further apart, and by midday, when she stopped by a small stream to drink and rest, she was able to spot the sun through the young canopies above. A shaking sigh of relief left her at the sight, tears pressing behind her eyes; Finally..! She had a clear beacon to guide her home, and as she started moving again, the sun slowly moving towards the horizon, she kept its amber rays on her right.

She cleared the last trees just as the final sliver of sun disappeared behind the mountains, and before her, the landscape continued to slope down into a familiar valley, covered with flowering blackberry bushes. She was ready to cry, legs shaking under her as she breathed in deeply, filling her emaciated chest with the familiar, soothing scent; I'm almost home, I'm ALMOST home! A wave of dizziness forced her to sit down, closing her eyes and breathing heavily, she needed another rest. It was infuriating, to be so close and yet not able to move on, but if she pushed herself too hard now, she wouldn't make it; Just a short break, then I can continue...

Word count: 389

Thoughts ”Speech”

Burtn @DA & Dawnthieves.de

speech

It was almost dawn when he awoke. Once again, the large, dark, beast of a man had entered the pack den late only to catch a few hours of sleep and wake up early the next morning for another day at the borders. He had no trouble with the routine. It felt good to know that he was keeping the pack safe. The guardian rarely, if ever, left his sanctuary that were Woodland borders but today..he almost felt a restless urge to go. But go where? Pacem was back, Mirren and Kite were home as well, but Miccah wondered where was Aideen? The woman had been a friend to all, and really his only true companion in the pack. He had barely realized that he had grown feelings for the woman when both her and Pacem had gotten lost. It was no surprise to learn that the feelings were still there.

Selfishly, he had wanted them to go away. Anything was better than having these stupid feelings when the woman in questiom was nowhere to be found. It was too much like his situation with Ashanti. Though there was one clear difference. Ashanti had chosen to leave, where Aideen had not. Aideen worked hard and loved this pack. She never would have abandoned the thickets they had called home. At least not willingly. Miccah sighed softly, got up and stretched his tense muscles. To get away from these lingering thoughts, Miccah headed to the borders. They never failed him to give him solace. And now, the man desperately needed some peace. He had to face the fact, now more than ever, that Aideen could possibly never come home.

Once again, the man felt that tug to leave the borders and go...somewhere. This was foolish! Where would he go? Miccah barely knew anything besides the thickets. As the minutes ticked by, the urge grew stronger. Almost like he was being led, the man found himself leaving the borders and the comfort and security of the thickets. Miccah reasoned that he would only be gone a short time. The pack was slumbering at this early hour. The man only hoped he wouldn't get lost. The guardian soon reached a familiar black field and he almost growled. This was where that tug had led him? To enemy lands? But that was when he saw it. A flash of red in the early morning hours. A familiar coat. His breath left him as his eyes tried to comprehend what they were seeing. He took a few tentative steps forward, still a few wolf lengths away from the she wolf. She looked like Aideen...but at the same time different. This woman was so frail, so broken. There was only one way to find out. "Aideen?," he questioned in his low baritone that sounded even more gruff now due to the fact that the man had just awakened. He hated the hope that had barely leaked into his tone. His deep blue gaze ran over the woman, waiting for her response.

Burtn @DA & Dawnthieves.de - Table by PuppyThief

She kept breathing deeply, a steady, slow rhythm, lunges pressing against her ribs every time she filled them. Gradually, the dizziness subsided, the earth righting itself beneath her shaking paws; There we go... Still, she remained still, eyes still closed, continuing her regular inhales, as much as she wanted to move on, she could feel her body trembling at the mere thought; How am I gonna get home like this? She was at the edge of collapse, was this really the end? Was she gonna perish here, so close to home?

Then her next inhale added another, familiar scent to the blackberry perfume in her nose. Her eyes shot open, head jerking up from where it had sunken in her exhaustion. For a moment, her sight was blurred, then she focused, copper gaze falling on the large, dark form coming towards her from the field below. His voice filled her ears, and she jumped to her feet, fatigue forgotten. "Miccah!" She called, voice hoarse from lack of use and cracking with emotion. She wanted to run to him, to throw herself against his strong chest and never let it go, but any attempt at such a feat would send her tumbling down the hillside. Instead she started limping down the slope, the slow progress aggravating, breathing now disintegrating into shivering gasps as water filled her eyes.

When she finally reached him, she collapsed against him, burying her face in his ebony scruff. The tears were flowing freely now, no strength left in her to hold them back; and no need, she was home now, as long as she was with him, she was home. "Oh Miccah," She whispered through her weeping; "I knew you'd find me! ...I knew you'd find me."

Word count: 291

Thoughts ”Speech”

Burtn @DA & Dawnthieves.de

The woman's head shot up, and as that familiar copper gaze connected with his, Miccah knew it was Aideen before she spoke. But how broken she looked, so fragile - it hurt him. He hadn't protected her. He had failed her. Now was not the time to wallow in his migivings though, for she was coming to him now. As she made her way to him, so slowly, the large man took a few steps forward. He ached to help her, but he didn't know how. As soon as she could, she made it to him and collapsed against his form. Her voice was thick with emotion, and her words made him freeze. How could she have put that type of trust in him, when he had failed her?

The man slowly wrapped her in his embrace, his muzzle smoothing her fur to provide her as much comfort as he could. He growled softly, almost a croon, letting his tense form relax. She was home. Aideen was safe. He had to remember that. Miccah may have failed her once, but never again. They needed to get home. He knew now that that "something" had led him to Aideen, finding her so he could bring her back home. She had struggled through much, and all he wanted was to get her home so she could get better. She needed food, rest, and time to heal. He would make sure that Aideen got all of that. He pulled away slowly, finding himself reluctant to pull away from her slight form. "We must get home," he rumbled softly, his blue gaze gentle.

”Speech”

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She felt his strength draw her into a firm embrace, and her body relaxed in his hold. She wanted nothing else than to disappear against him, to be one with his warm, muscular form and never separate from him again; I won't have to, NEVER again! They could have been sitting there for hours and she wouldn't have noticed, mind foggy in her exhaustion, all she knew was that he was there, and that was all she needed. When he finally pulled away, it was as if she was aroused from a wonderful dream, the cold air against her making her feel like a new born whelp, thrust into the big, merciless world for the first time. She wanted to pull him back to her, to hide again against his shoulder, but she knew that it was no use, and with a small sigh she drew her muzzle free of his fur and leaned back her head to look up at him.

When she met his sapphire eyes, the tears welled back up in her own coppers, and she had to blink them back, a quivering smile on her lips. She could feel his voice vibrate through his chest as he spoke, the deep timbre carrying easily through the spring air. Her eras flicked, eyes growing distant for a second as she gazed over his shoulder. "Yes, home..." She mumbled, feeling another wave of dizziness come over her. Closing her eyes, the delicate lass had to lean back into the ebony man for support as her head spun, chest rising and falling in rapid breaths while she fought to regain her balance.

Once she felt the earth settle under her paws again, she blinked her eyes back open, peeking out at the black berry bushes through his black hairs. With another, heavy sigh, she straightened a little, stroking he head against his. She noticed his ear suddenly leveling with her eyes, and without thinking, she stretched up and nipped it lightly, tongue smoothing over the short fur of its edge before she pulled away a bit. She looked at him with a weary smile, eyelids heavy, and her voice was a little slurred when she said: "I'm gonna need a little help with that." As if to underline the words, she swerved a little on her feet when she sat back on her hunches, finally removing all of her weight from him. She led out a short, breathy laugh; With how much bigger he is, he could almost carry me like a pup... She mused incoherently, eyes fluttering exhaustedly, it wouldn't be much longer before she collapsed on the spot.

Word count: 440

Thoughts ”Speech”

Burtn @DA & Dawnthieves.de

His blue orbs narrowed as he watched her look over his shoulder, her eyes somewhat distant. She was saying something but even though they were close, he had to lean down to hear her better and even then the dark man could barely make out the words. Something about home. He didn't have any moment to respond, for in the next instant Aideen seemed coherent enough to use him as a sort of pillar. Miccah knew she was weak and not in her right mind, so as he felt her slight weight on him, the guardian forced himself not to show any reaction. This meant nothing. She was just tired, that was all. He couldnt help but to look down at her though, and nor he could help the small smile that curved the tip of his muzzle upwards. Once, he had thought his feelings for her were a weakness. And maybe they were, but at this present moment, this weakness was worth it if it meant having her in his embrace.

His orbs were filled with confusion as she seemed to stir and recuperate from her dizzy spell. The large beast lowered his head so that now they would be at the same height, but instead of speaking like he thought she would, she brushed her head against his, and as her muzzle touched his ear, the man couldn't control the tension in his mucles at her touch. It was something completely foreign, and the usually stoic man jolted slightly as she nipped him, relieving the slight sting with her tongue. Frustrated that he no longer held control of his emotions like he usually did, the man straightened slightly but not before catching Aideen's slurred words. Finally, the healer pulled away from him and Miccah cleared his throat, his face a mask of his customary nuetrality. They needed to get home. Him to the borders, and her to the infirmary. "Lean on me," he stated, the words coming out a little harsher than he intended in his rough baritone. Mad that he was taking out his own personal frustrations out on the weak woman, his jaw clenched before his orbs softened, apology clearly shining in them. He sighed lightly, lightly touching his muzzle atop Aideen's head in silent apology. "Come," he urged her softly as he pulled away, nodding towards his form. If she placed most of her weight on him as they made their journey back to the Woodlands, then she would have to do little work and preserve what little energy she had.

”Speech”

f0x0r @DA, Tumana-stock @DA  & Dawnthieves.de

Completely unaware of the emotional war raging within her dark knight, Aideen watched him with shimmering eyes. Her thoughts were mostly an incoherent haze by now, trailing down one path to then suddenly jump to another, drawing her limited attention away from the reality of the situation; I knew he'd find me, of course he did! I knew I wouldn't end up like Coal... If he'd wanted to come back he could have, just like me! I made it! I have to forget about him, I WILL forget about him! Normally so observant, the weary healer didn't even notice the stiffening in the black man's body, nor the, almost overly, neutral expression that crept back on his face. Miccah's here now... Miccah! Oh how I've missed him, so, so much! Did I tell him that? I gotta tell him..!

The sudden sound if his gruff voice snapped her out of her babbling thoughts, surprise registering on her haggard face. She looked at him wide eyed, not understanding why he'd suddenly growled at her like that, she had just been thinking such nice things about him. He seemed to be glaring back though, and she turned her gaze down, feeling heat rise to her cheeks as if she'd been caught doing something bad. "Oh uh yes, of course..." She muttered, trying not to let the hurt affect her; We DO need to get home... He was probably just worried about the approaching darkness. Her many excuses didn't matter much though, she still felt wronged like a pup having been told no for the first time in her life.

She heard him stir and glanced up under half closed eyelids, expecting to see annoyance on his face. The expression she found was completely unexpected though, and it took her breath away. There was such warmth in his eyes, a tender glow that seemed amiss on his stoic face. But to Aideen it felt like the real Miccah had returned, her Miccah, who's eyes could communicate so many emotions without the smallest change in the rest of his expression. The hurt feeling was instantly forgotten, and at his soft touch she felt her chest flutter, a sigh of her own falling from her dark lips. She nodded and smiled softly at his gentle word, fighting her way back onto her legs which quivered under the weight. She leaned into him heavily, panting a little at the effort, but with his strength supporting her, she felt like she might just be able to make it home. Smile gone, mouth now clenched into a thin, strained line, she gazed sideways up at him,  nodding once, determinately; Let's get home!

Word count:444

Thoughts ”Speech”

f0x0r @DA, Tumana-stock @DA  & Dawnthieves.de

The hurt in her gaze, glassy as it was, could still be seen. The knowledge that he was the cause of her hurt emotions made him want to flinch away from the stab at the core of his being. She hadn't deserved his harsh tone, especially not in her logy state. Aideen being Aideen though, somehow forgave him and as Miccah gazed at her smile, he felt a small, uncontrollable twitch at the tip of his muzzle. The storm of guilt that had started brewing in his heart cleared, and though his face was soon once again reverted back to its nuetral facade, the warmth in his deep blue orbs spoke differently. Miccah was a man who, for the most part, showed emotion only when it was truly neccessary. He chose who he wanted to open up to and in his life, those wolves had been few and far between.

Looking at Aideen now, determination shining so bright in her fiery orbs, Miccah knew he didnt have a chance at ever burying these feelings he had for her. The colossal beast just had to take it all in stride. With Aideen placing most of her weight on him, Miccah began the short journey home. He was glad for it, because Aideen looked like she would fall at any moment. As they made the slow journey, Miccah's intense gaze roamed around their surroundings, ever watchful. They were near enemy lands, and the gaurdian would take no chances with Aideen. They needed her back home. He made sure to keep in tune with Aideen's pawsteps for if they ever faltered, the guardian would slow and make sure she had a chance to rest. Keeping his gaze on his surroundings, his gaze briefly flickered to the woman at his side before going back to the darkening land before them.
"Much has changed," he rumbled. He didnt want to land her with the bombshell just yet. She was getting delirious but he wanted her to be at least a little prepared once she found out of Koda and Iopah's betrayal when they arrived back home and she got some rest. It wouldnt take long at all before she noticed.

”Speech”

f0x0r @DA, Tumana-stock @DA  & Dawnthieves.de

She saw his smile, however brief, and it managed to shine through her fog of fatigue, just for a moment. She felt suddenly awkward in that moment, leaned heavily into his dark fur - though her 'heavy' was probably only a small burden to the strong guardian - the warmth of their closeness enveloping her and bringing a fresh blush to her cheeks. She also knew that it was a necessity however, there was no doubt that she could no longer stand on her own; I just hope he doesn't mind? Or did she? Maybe she wanted him to mind, just a little bit, to feel the touch of her hip against his flank burn the way she did.

Her delirium was returning, she could almost feel the cloud settling back around her, making everything fuzzy and distant, sounds, smells, and even what she saw before her reaching her with a lag, like it had to pass through thick fog. When they started walking, she moved instinctively, leg taking one step, two steps, as if controlled by an outside force. Somewhere deep in her mind, she knew Miccah was watching out for her, sharp senses scanning the fields and forest for any possible threat. But she herself was not aware of anything other than the distant touch of her paws against the ground and his bulky shoulder against hers.

They progressed slowly, a few pauses taken now and again for the exhausted healer to regain her breath. When the sun disappeared, somewhere above the canopies, they were very close; To HOME! The familiar scent cleared her mind a little, and she was deeply frustrated when she had to stop again, panting heavily; We're SO close! Of course, the Woodlands wouldn't move if she took another pause. As if sensing her more conscious state, the black man by her side suddenly spoke, after what could have been hours of silence. His words made a tired smile curl on her face, and she closed her eyes, leaning into him again, safe in his embrace; "I bet." She breathed lowly. It was spring after all, and spring meant change. She couldn't have ever expected the change he was referring to though, when she thought of the home that was so near now, longing for familiar shadows of The Thicket, she thought of @Iopah and the close connection they had formed, and of Nina's three sons, filling the Woodlands with joyful noise.

Indeed it was those very thoughts that tugged at her when she signaled to her supporter that she was ready to proceed; Almost there..! Then she could sleep, safe and happy, back home.

Word count: 441

Thoughts ”Speech”

f0x0r @DA, Tumana-stock @DA  & Dawnthieves.de