Thicket of Secrets Brought the flood

@Catori

Loss was his constant companion, following the Reinier's every move. First it had taken Tacoma, the eldest of his siblings. He could still remember the lifeless body of his brother broken against the Earth. The image haunted him still, forcing the horrid scene into his brain over and over again. It was maddening the way he'd wake in the night to find himself shaking with fragments of the nightmares still in his eyes.

Then it had been Koda; The lousy father who should have been there. Did he even know how hard Tacoma's death had hit them? Did he care? Ashton had already learned long ago that Koda wasn't to be trusted. His own father was a waste of skin as far as the dark male was concerned. His absentee father was no longer worth even the slightest thought.

Last, was his sister. Danica had taken off in search of herself; Something Ashton understood all too well. The Thicket was no place for such a good heart. She had to get out, that way they couldn't drag her down. As for himself, well he was already sinking. The struggles they had dealt with in their short lives were too much. Too hard. It was enough to break his spirit, everything that he had been.

Gone was the snow that had nearly taken them all, with the scent of spring already in the air. Maybe it would bring with it a new start, a fresh outlook on life. Even though he didn't have his siblings to stand beside him, life would go on. Time would continue on in the same way it always had, unforgiving, apathetic. Another day would pass, and the young prince wouldn't let it pass him by. He was Ashton Hervok, and he would live; If only for those he had lost.

Three days. Three days away from that pathetic excuse of an existence and Catori was already beginning to feel alive again. Yes, She could finally breathe. What was she to do with her new found life? She wasn't too sure she even cared. Not the same sort of 'I don't care' she felt in the pack either, this feeling was far more exciting. She scoped around her new surroundings. This was the first time she's actually taken a good look. "It's.... so lively here." she exclaimed, taking in every inch of what was before her. Truly amazing. "This is where I belong." She'd spend quite a chunk of time around here.

After what seemed like hours of exploring, Catori decided to check out the distant sound of running water. It had been a very long time since she's been able to do any sort of divination, and what better a way to find guidance in this new beginning? She took her time getting there, still admiring such strange new tree's and plants. How different the sky looked here. She was in no hurry. That was, until the air began to thicken with filth.

The closer she got to her precious source of water, the dirtier the energy she sensed around her. Something or someone was 'disturbing the tree spirits'. Something or someone was ruining what was supposed to be her fresh new start, and suddenly she felt nothing but rage... Well,a bit pleased as well. Months of feeling absolutely nothing, it was almost like rage was completely new to her again! She had to find the source of the disturbance. They where sure to pay for this. She sniffed vigorously at the forest floor. Probably looking like an idiot. She got closer, and closer, and closer, and.. There he was! It had to be! A wolf romping about the forest like he's the only thing that could possibly matter! How could he disregard the feelings of the spirits so easily? She scampered up to him in an uproar. "AND JUST WHAT?!?! HOW COULD?!?! EXPLAIN YOURSELF RIGHT NOW." She couldn't control what was coming out of her mouth necessarily. She was far to thrilled to be having this fight.

He could smell her approach, carried on the breeze toward him. She was not of Secret woodlands, and the familiar disappointment ran along his spine. Maybe he was searching for home now, but he'd never admit it. The scent grew stronger, at a pace which could only suggest she was running? Confused, Ashton turned, catching a glimpse of her dark pelt only seconds before she was in his face. The girl screamed at him, begging for answers he did not have. Her voice chorused in his ears, and he was simply taken aback. What could he have possibly done to this fae, when he'd never even seen her before. "I.." He stuttered, tripping over the words he planned on saying. What was her problem? Honestly, it seemed as though girls just hated him without cause. First the older wolf he had met, then the one in the cave and now this?

Then he remembered who he was. Ashton Hervok, prince of Secret Woodlands, and no man or woman would ever talk to him like that. "Listen, I don't know what loony rock you crawled out from under, but I suggest you return to it." He was proud of himself; Thinking how clever he was. If only Tacoma were here to see that one slide past his lips. Who was the smart brother now? A smug smile fell across his lips as he awaited her answer. Of course it wouldn't be as good of a retort. The satisfaction was already going to his inflated head.

(This post was last modified: Apr 07, 2014, 03:12 AM by Ashton.)

"L..Loony rock. LOONY ROCK?!?!" The boy in front of her had no regard towards how the tree spirits felt, AND he wasn't going to give her a proper explanation to WHY.. But INSTEAD resorts to calling her CRAZY? No. Terrible. This would NEVER do. She frowned. "Poor, poor thing. You are just SEEPING negative energy aren't you?" She paused, if only she where to of made it for a quick scrying visit as planned. THEN she might know what to do in this situation. She concentrated her thoughts. If negative energy was the case, then the blunt rudeness of the boy was not completely his fault. How to fix this, how? Negative energy... Get rid of the negative energy.. Take away.. Clean the grime.. clean.. CLEANSE. "That's... THAT'S IT!!! YOU MUST BE CLEANED!! Hurry!! I heard running water earlier.. THAT WAY!!" She twisted around towards the direction of the water source, looking over her shoulder to the boy only to make sure he was just as excited as she was about this 'cleansing'. Didn't look like he was, but maybe he was? Could it be he somehow knows she has never actually done a cleansing before? She knows how.. Or at least she thinks she knows. She heard the elders of her old pack mention it a few times, she has the gist of it. No, it couldn't be that obvious could it? There's no way he could know that. Then why? Maybe he's not good with showing emotions. She could somewhat sympathize with that. That had to be it. No worries. "We'll fix you right up!!" she smiled.

Her voice did little to ease the tension, as hot breath puffed across the air between them. Anger boiled in his veins as he planned his next remark. When nothing came to him, he figured he'd feign indifference; Leave before she caught on to his game. After all, girl was completely bonkers. Sputtering some negative energy garbage. What was she even talking about? Ashton was completely sure that his aura was excreting nothing of the sort, and she was just a basket case. He moved in an effort to leave the girl behind, rambling to herself. Unfortunately she turned back to face him, now much more excited with this brilliant plan of hers. "A cleansing?" The term was foreign, lost on the young prince.

His interest was piqued, and although he was sure this idea of hers would hold nothing good for him, her expectant gaze drew him in. Of course he wouldn't let her know this, and released a long, drawn out sigh for good measure. "This better be good." Heavy paws crashed against the Earth once more as he followed her, unable to see the problem in his step. He still had no idea what had caused her rapid mood swings, but this might prove to be interesting. After all, Ashton didn't have to find his way home just yet. He could take a little detour, and to be honest, he missed the company of younger wolves. This girl was certainly no Danica, but it might just satisfy his inner cravings for companionship.

Hearing that the boy agreed, she yipped in excitement. Her day was now back on tack, sure he made it a little rocky for her, but he's willing to accept her help and that's completely perfect! He will be a normal wolf in no time! She listened for the running water sound and began walking a little fast, but light enough to not upset any of the spirits around her. "You need to walk a little softer, think of a feather!" She smiled. "It will come easier to you after the cleansing.. I think... Yeah it will!" There was a bounce in her step now. The closer they got the happier she was! Or was she nervous? She really couldn't tell. "You know, I'm glad I ran into you before it was too late..... Wait.. I never got your name? Tell me your name boy!!" ha. That was a demand. Demanding is a pretty strong way to express yourself. When was the last time she did that?

As they approach what seemed to her to be a creek, she gasped. This was not at all what she expected it to be... There was... A fire? A big fire. It had to of been. She's only ever seen fire maybe once or twice in her life... But she's seen what it can do. Destroy. Whilst where she stood there was plant growth everywhere.. The other side of the creek had nothing but.. Well.. Everything was basically gone... How could this have..? "What..... What happened over there?" That was a stupid question.. She just came to the conclusion that it was fire.. But maybe he'd have the whole story? This was truly upsetting to her, and she made a mental note to gather food as an offering to the spirits that may still reside on that side of the waters.

He hated criticism, but something in her words caused a smile to cross his lips for only a second, before vanishing forever. Think of a feather? What did she even mean by that? Feathers were just that; No extremities to speak of. "Feathers don't walk." His voice was achromic, holding no emotion within its depths. After all, he was simply stating a fact, and nothing more.

Her tone was sharp, much higher in octaves than he would have liked. Great, now she was demanding things of him. The prince did not appreciate being bossed around, but just this once he decided to let it go. "Ashton Re.. Hervok. Prince of the thicket, and yourself?" He was curious to know what gave her the right, or what she thought gave her the right.

The sound of running water grew stronger as they moved, and suddenly he understood what she meant. He needed to take a bath? Anger laced his features, as he contemplated the fact that he might not smell good. Just as he was about to give her a piece of his mind, the girl spoke, turning his attention toward the other side of the river. It was barren; Only small bits of growth appearing here and there. "I don't know. I've never been to this part of the forest before." How strange that one side of the creek could be so lush while the other remained empty. An eerie chill crept up his spine, as he considered the possibilities. "I don't think we should go over there."

Catori rolled her eyes. "Of course feathers don't WALK.. It's an expression. Wait, Have you ever even heard of such a thing? If not I feel bad for you." She spoke only with sarcasm now, giving him a crooked smile and turning her head back to the tree's in front of her. She didn't quite appreciate his shot to make her sound stupid. She was not a stupid wolf.. But she'd let it slide. This boy needed her help after all.

"Oh, Well I'm Catori of course! Catori Algoma! I didn't already tell you?" She was sure she had, then again, she wasn't very good with proper introductions. Especially in situations like this. "You said you're a prince? That's interesting. What makes you think that?" She held back what would of been a booming laugh.. Didn't need the 'prince' to cause an uproar after all. He's done enough damage. Though she was pretty sure that this guy was far from what he claimed to be. Princes are supposed to be elegant, are they not? This one was a pig.

"Oh.." Sorrow filled her gaze. She was disappointed that he didn't know a thing about the disaster, but it couldn't be helped. "Don't worry. You won't be going over there if you don't want to." Though she had somewhat hoped for some company after being alone for so long, She knew there was probably no chance in changing his mind. "Still, it's sad though... Anyone would agree...." Why was she still speaking about it at this point? The cleanse hasn't even happened yet. He couldn't give a damn about how sad this was and she knew it. "Let's get this over with as quickly as we can. Get in the water boy-er... Prince Ashton." She did her best to address him in a way she thought he'd appreciate most. He was better to cooperate that way.

(This post was last modified: Apr 08, 2014, 03:40 AM by Catori.)

A lynx has left behind the remains of a deer. +5 Health

Indignation spread like wildfire through his veins. Of course he knew it was an expression. "Well it was a dumb one." Mossy eyes glanced away from her then, trying to remember which way he was headed. This girl had already messed up his plans, insulted him more than once, and he was done. He barely paid any attention when she poured her name all over the place, seemingly without even enough pause for a breath. It was enough to cause a slight pounding against the back of his skull.

"I don't have to explain myself to you, but if you must know, I am the last heir to Secret Woodlands." The name would mean nothing to her, but pride still flowed through him. Tacoma may have been the first born; The true heir to all that was now Ashtons', but it didn't lessen his claim. His brother was gone, taken by death's cruel fingers, and now he must carry on alone, conquering everything within his grasp.

He offered no pity, though something about it did seem rather sad. "No." He would not be crossing the icy waters with her, nor bathing in the river. He had to get home, and this silly game no longer amused him. "You can't tell me what to do." There it was, the stubbornness he'd been born for. The very thing that made him who he was. Then the scent hit him, something he had been longing for, for days now. "Food! There's food somewhere." He searched for it, locking in on it like radar, only to be filled with dread. It just happened to be on the other side of the river.