You Found Me

Hope you don't mind this thread. Nina misses her best friend.

Day time. Partly cloudy. 79 degrees F

In a way, she almost felt it was wrong to want the comfort of @Sloane instead of her own mate, but it had been so long since they had seen one another and Nina’s paws itched to see him once again. She was having a hard decision with leaving her kids for a few days, but she knew that the coming weeks would not be any easier for her and that she too needed a breather. So finally, one day, Nina cast her muzzle to the sky and called for @Koda relaying the message of how she was going away for a few days…towards Whisper Caverns. The golden brown alpha then strode out, her stride purposeful and demanding. She had pushed through the days, the weather treating her nicely for once. It took her awhile, but eventually she got to the lagoon, a safe haven for herself all in all. Taking a quick breather, she settled down next to the water source, her mind wandering to places of its own in thought.

Would her friend be angry at her for coming to see him? Surely he wouldn’t be….they were best friends, nothing had been able to separate the pair before…until he had fallen in love. Of course, Nina could not have expected her friend to stay with her for her whole life, though it would have been nice to know she could depend on someone besides the creamy male that she had fallen in love with. She watched her defeated features in the reflection of herself, letting her mark wash away with the sun that peeked between the clouds every once and awhile. The life of an alpha and mother was a taxing once, and it made her mind wander to other thoughts. Did Narimé and Sloane have their children? Were they healthy? Surely Simaea had checked up on them after her lesson, right? The motherly part of her caused her shrunken body to twitch, knowing that she wanted to be the one checking up on her best friend’s children…even if the woman checking on them was the sister of her most trusted Guardian. It. Still. Wasn’t. Her.

It seems when you're around, my life is complete.

The huge russet male traveled silently and swiftly southward. He was feeling a bit restless having not strayed far from his mate and their young and the warmth filling his muscles with the exertion felt good. He was killing two birds with one stone so to speak. He was freeing himself form a slight case of cabin fever and hopefully, if he was lucky and patient enough, he would bring home some fresh fish for his love. He just hoped that he could be still enough with the excess energy that filled him.

As he made his way towards the lagoon another scent drifted towards him. One that was very much out of place, but definitely not unwelcome. Nina. He wondered what she was doing so far from home and quickened his pace. All sorts of scenarios went through his head and his brows furrowed with anxiety. Some of that anxiety left him as his bright amber eyes fell upon her golden brown form laying by the lagoon.

He made his way over to her, his tail wagging unconsciously behind him as he got closer. He made no effort to hide his approach and couldn't keep the smile from his face as he saw that she was unharmed as far as he could see. He nudged her shoulder and asked, "What are you doing here, friend? Is everything all right in the Woodlands? With Koda and the children?" He could smell them on her and he felt a wave of joy for her, finally getting her piece of happiness.

Knight of Honor

At the sound of approaching paw steps, Nina did not tense, for the familiar pitter patter of paws on the ground alerted her of the exact man that she had been hoping for. His scent also blew towards Nina, gracing her with what could have been a smell from the Gods. The golden brown woman felt a small smile curl at the corners of her lips, before flattening down once again in a neutral gesture. When the russet Guardian pulled up beside her, she nodded to show that she knew he was there, the familiar scent of Narimé and other unfamiliar ones stood prominent on his fur. Glancing over at him, she caught him staring at her with a thoughtful expression, before launching into a series of questions just like he usually did. The sound of worry that rang through his voice almost made her move to reassure him, but she remained planted firmly in her place. Flicking her ears, she took a moment of silence to think over his questions before answering.

"Everything is quite alright…but I won’t lie, it’s different without you there," she muttered this quietly before continuing, "The children are fine. Koda is steadily gaining his memory back, and I have three healthy children… Tacoma, Ashton, and Danica." She let her tail flick behind her and she looked back down at her reflection on the lagoon, letting her body stretch out next to the body of water as she lay. Fixing her gaze back on Sloane quickly, she spoke with much ease, "How about you? Are you pups and everyone else healthy?" She tilted her head at him curiously, her green eye staring into that of his own amber ones. Upon his arrival she was definitely much more relaxed and carefree. She no longer had to put up a front when others were around. She could finally be herself again.

It seems when you're around, my life is complete.

Sloane saw her nod at his presence. She didn't seem surprised in the least. She looked a bit relieved to see him though. He continued to watch her thoughtfully as she considered his questions before answering. The worry that had begun to rise to the surface once more was laid to rest with her words though and he was relieved that all was well and that her mate had begun to regain his memory.

The russet male knew that Nina often put on a strong front around others and he was glad to see the subtle signs of her relaxing in his presence. The golden brown fae had a heart of gold, but she often appeared more fierce than her true gentle nature. It was the nature of the beast, he supposed. She had to be strong and look the part or others might try to take away what she'd worked so hard to built. A secure for her family. Those related by blood and those that were adopted into her heart. He knew that she was like a mama bear protecting those that she loved, but with him she could let her guard down.

She knew that she was safe with him and that she could relax. As the apparent tension left her shoulders he nuzzled her soft fur and lay down beside her with his hulking form a few feet away, but still curved around her in a protective manner. Her family was safe and healthy and that overjoyed him. Ashton, Tacoma and Danica, eh? They were beautiful names and he was sure that they were beautiful pups, just like their mother and dashing father.

The she asked after his family and he couldn't help the silly grin from plastering itself all over his face, followed by a slight frown. "Narime' is doing better, but the sickness which ailed her during her pregnancy is slow to abate. However, she is gaining weight back now from her stomach troubles. Now... the children! They are a wonder to me! I've two sons and a daughter as well. Titan, Malia and little Yuka. All are well and growing stronger by the day!"

Knight of Honor

Nina was absolutely sure that her former partner knew that she was extremely comfortable around him and acknowledged the fact that she did not mind opening up to him. He however was much more of a talker than she ever was; it was one of the reasons why he and Narimé got along so well, in her opinion. She had been much of the voices in full pack meetings, but when they were alone, it was much easier for her to just be herself around him and not put up a certain air. They had been friends for a while now and Nina would not give do anything to risk giving up their friendship. She liked hearing about how his time was going in his recently developed pack and was happy to hear that their formation was well. It did not mean that the woman did not worry though and at the mention of Narimé’s illness, a small frown made its way onto the Secret Woodlands alpha’s face. Why had they not come to her for help if the woman was ill? Nina was sure she could have helped if someone would have come to ask her. Simaea had not mentioned such a thing when she had come to a session of training earlier.

Eyebrows drawing forward, she let her ears tip forward at the mention of his pups’ names. It was no surprise to him that the names that he picked out were those of power. The names of Sloane’s brother and sister just proved as much, along with his own name, and a small smile came upon her lips. She was not able to control her teasing voice and words that came out of her mouth, "Before we know it the Thorben name will be royalty along all of the Lore." Nina had to also take into account, Sloane’s mate, along with his three children and two siblings already in the area. It felt nice and relaxing, their bodies not on end as if something would jump out of a bush nearby or something. She did not have to worry about putting up her own mask in front of her friend, as she had learned to let her guard down in front of him a long time ago. Flicking her tail, a small grin came across her face as she asked the question she was highly curious about, "So how are the caverns compared to the woodlands?"

It seems when you're around, my life is complete.

He saw her relax, as completely as one of her station would and he couldn't help feeling good that she was so comfortable in his presence. They both knew that he'd never let anything happen to her and they'd known each other since they were both underlings in their former Creek pack. Now they were both leaders of their own packs with families of their own. How far they had come! She seemed healthy and was happy enough to tease him about his growing family.

Her words were said lightly, but he couldn't help a twinge of a strange emotion... a mixture of pride in his heritage and sadness at the loss of their old legacy. Perhaps she wasn't so far off and one day the Thorben name would be as well known and proud as it had once been, reborn here in the lore. His siblings and his children were certainly a strong foundation. And Narime' was a glory to him. Strong, smart and loving. The perfect mate and mother to his beloved children.

He felt a comfortable heat creep up his neck at her teasing and a lopsided grin lit his face. "Perhaps we will one day, perhaps we will! For now, I'm just happy to have my little family and my dear friends" With that he gave her another gentle nudge. They lived so far apart now, but their bond was deep and unbreakable.

Then she asked about the Caverns and he grinned widely and said with a laugh. "Well, I have room to move now!" It was no secret that the close confines of the Woodlands had hampered him with his enormous bulk when he'd hunted the fleet-footed rabbit vermin. He had sworn that they laughed at him in their own way, seeming to taunt his repeated failures to catch them.

Knight of Honor

For once she really truly was comfortable, there was no air coming up around him and she felt as though she did not have to have any more weight put on her strong, small shoulders. As usual, their playful banter did not cease and Nina enjoyed herself, letting a small grin spread across her face. Unfortunately with his last comment her smile wavered and her dour mood threatened to form in her head once again. At least you have two eyes to see where you are going…some don’t have such luxuries. She did not voice her thoughts though, having always been the one to try and find the positives in everything around her It was good knowing that everything t seemed to be going according to what their long terms goals had been. If she were to have looked back months from now, she never would have agreed with anyone if they would have said that she would become alpha one day. Now that she was on top, she couldn’t think of anything else that she could ever want. She had her mate, her children, her family. She could not have asked for anything more.

She was glad to hear that everything seemed to be going right for him and she nodded her head, pleased with the way some things had turned out. "You know…you haven’t visited recently. Hollow and the others miss you…Kashi…is still gone." Her voice held deep sadness at the memory of her smaller friend from the Creek pack. Sloane and Nina had sent him on a mission quiet awhile ago and still he had yet to return. It put much stress on her shoulders fearing that the worst had happened to her small friend. He had been one of the first wolves that she had met when coming to Copper Rock Creek and he was one of the ones that had led her to Copper Rock Creek. It felt like everything had happened so long ago and in truth it had. She just hoped everything would be alright in the future.

It seems when you're around, my life is complete.

When it came to Nina, Sloane didn't miss much and despite her smile, he saw a shadow pass over his friend and wondered what he had said wrong. A nearly silent whine left his maw and a look of concern passed over him for her. Was all well with her? She appeared happy and healthy and it certainly brightened his day to see her so.

When she made mention of Kashi, a blanket of sadness fell over him. He had not been as close to the small healer as Nina had, but he called him friend and was truly saddeded that after all this time the other male had not returned. It did not mean that something bad had befallen him, but it did not look good either. He could only hope that one day the kind man would return to his home and their fears would be laid to rest. With her words his large head lowered and the light in his amber eyes was dampened. He nuzzled his green-eyed friend once more and said, "I am truly saddened to hear that. He may come home yet. Don't lose hope, Nina, for Kashi is ever resorseful." That was certainly true, but the state that Kashi had come to them in after the disbandment of Copper Rock Creek and before Nina's pack had been fully established had not been a good one. The life of a loner did not suit Kashi. Perhaps a fae had stolen his heart and led him on a merry chase....

"The others? How are they?" He otfen wondered about his old pack. He hadn't been intended to be their permenant leader, but he had still formed attatchments to them, especially Hollow. He had been remiss in keeping in touch, but they lived so far away that there never seemed time. Yet, Nina, a new mother, had made the time. Making a mental decision, he nodded his head briskly. "Once the pups are just a bit older and Narime' more herself, perhaps we shall all journey north for a visit." He knew that Narime' would be thrilled for the chance to really stretch her legs and explore territory beyond the borders of their own cozy home. She had always loved to venture long and far.

Knight of Honor

It was nice to just spend time with her best friend, but even the shadow that passed over her mind dampened her good time. She had no blue as to why her thoughts were getting so dark all of a sudden. It was like she was a completely different wolf than the happy carefree one that had originally come into the lore so long ago. This was her home now and she knew the land well, never once had she questioned her loyalty and not once had anyone had any chance to question it. Now the stress the was becoming much. On top of leading and having two more mouths to feed, Nina always found herself doing some kind of work. Trying to repair Ashanti’s damaged frame did not help either…speaking of which, Sloane didn’t know about. Biting the inside of her cheek as she listened to what Sloane had to say, she thought about the best way to tell him the next amount of information that she was about to share. In the end, she knew it didn’t matter, as her words were either going to sound confusing or plain weird in the end.

Clearing her throat, she spoke calmly, "Well a pup was born by Ashanti…she was….taken by voice outside of the wards. I was going to come sooner…but I was too far along. I needed to tell you this face to face." She did not know if Ashanti had made her own little trip to talk to her former alpha or not, but none the less, Nina wanted to make sure that the Whisper Caverns alpha understood what she was saying. Then she continued quietly, "Everyone else is doing fine, for the most part." If one looked close enough they would be able to see the deep circles underneath her eyes and the dark shadows which floated in her orbs. It wouldn’t surprise her if Sloane could see it but inside, she kind of hoped he wouldn’t.

It seems when you're around, my life is complete.

It seemed that his query after the welfare of the rest of the pack darkened Nina's mood somewhat, rather then lightening it. His confusion over the change was quickly abated as she told him of Ashani bearing a pup. Normally that would have been grounds for immediate banishment.... if not more. But her pregnancy had apparently not been the result of some passionate misguided fling. She had been raped... taken by force and left to fend for herself and her unborn child.

Rage filled the huge male and hatred for such a lowlife washed over the normally peaceful male. Unconsciously, his teeth bared and a growl escaped as he choked out in a snarl, "Who!" Ashanti might not be his pack mate any longer, but he's sworn to protect her.... and failed. The fact that he hadn't even been in the north eluded him. He still irrationally felt responsible. He would kill him. He would hunt him down and kill him for what he'd done.

Through his haze of anger, he realized that he was growling and snarling at his friend and not the perpetrator. Slowly he regained his composure and lowered his lips to cover his long and lethal fangs, calming himself forcibly. Nina certainly didn't deserve it. Knowing her, she'd already worked through her own share of anger and perhaps even guilt. He wouldn't be surprises if she'd led an attack herself, although her words of her own pregnancy at the time finally registered as well. "I'm sorry, my friend. I just hate that the poor girl went through such an experience. She has already been through so much with her birth family and her sister disappearing. How... how is she adjusting to the aftermath?" He couldn't imagine waves of love for a child conceived in violence... but pups, whether born of love or force were the innocents.

A fleeting thought crossed his mind for Tempest. The first and only wolf that she'd ever killed had been trying to do the very same thing to her. What if he had succeeded? How would she have coped during the aftermath of the takeover and a pregnancy by assault. He could only be grateful that she had not had to live through it as Ashanti had.

Knight of Honor