Wild Cherry Orchard My Last Commitment

For @Naia - I was hoping we could say they agreed to meet in late summer instead ^^;

- Morning, Partly Cloudy — 64° F/18° C

Fall was threatening, its icy fingers already starting to darken the leaves of the trees around her, coloring them red and orange and brown. The sight might have been considered pretty, the long rows of stubby trees crowned with gold, viridian and crimson, and dotted with dark fruits, but the sable wolfess had little eye for the beauty of autumn, all she could think about was what came after; Winter! The mere thought of the approaching cold sent shivers down her spine, and she constantly had to assure herself that she was only imagining the freezing fingers grabbing at her legs. To say that she was worried would be putting it mild. You could say it was a bit early to start worrying about winter - even considering the severity of the last cold season - but Evann had her reasons for fearing the cold. Huddling up in a small recess below the trees, she fluffed up her fur and enjoyed the warmth of her plentiful fat-reserves; the sun was just rising above the mountains to the east, and she was looking forwards to another day in its warm rays; Enjoy it while it lasts... She'd spend the last couple of days in the orchard, passing the days by hunting birds and rodents, and worrying. Once again, she found herself alone while winter drew near, and she had no wish to brave another one alone. She needed to find another home, a new pack that would take her in and give her shelter and purpose; And friends... Maybe? But before she could go searching, she had a last obligation to fulfill, and that was why she was here, waiting. She had agreed to meet Naia of Cut Rock River here, in the orchard, and though Hollowheart Keep was no more, and so their plan was no longer needed for, she would still honor her promise; I just hope she comes soon! She couldn't wait much longer. Word count: 326 Thoughts”Speech”

Burtn @DA & Dawnthieves.de

PLOT WITH ME!

|| Thanks for waiting on this—the thread I was waiting on has kinda gone stagnant, so we can just get this started. I’m tagging @Inali into this too, since she’s part of Naia’s original plan to solve the HK/CRR issues.

Mily- this is going to take place the day after the meeting with Minka. I figure that no matter how that thread turns out, Inali would at least want to escort Naia to the cherry orchard—especially if there’s an “important meeting”. We can just leave it vague if Inali is joining Naia for the whole journey. Of course, I’m expecting this thread to change Naia’s plans to reunite HK and CRR pretty drastically..||

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Naia felt like a half of one complete being with Inali running next to her; she the right paw and Inali the left. The timber lady had spent many evenings lounging under the stars with her lover, but this was the first time they had really run. Though they covered the distance to the orchard at an easy lope, Naia’s chest was a frenzy of shallow breaths and pounding heartbeats, barely under control in such close proximity to the Downs beauty. The pair slowed as they neared the copse of cherry trees, and Naia shivered as the high from the run wore off. Her bright honey eyes met Inali’s gaze, communicating her pleasure in a way words could not. The scent of ripened cherries brought back sweet memories—two shadows dancing in the moonlight beneath the blossoms—and Naia wondered if Inali was remembering as well.

“We’re looking for a female named Evann,” Naia told Inali, reminding herself as much as her partner that that they were not necessarily alone. ”She looks like..” The pair rounded a particularly large tree trunk and there she was. ”..That.” Naia smiled a greeting to her acquaintance from so many months ago. ”Evann,” she said warmly as she approached the woman, ”I hope summer has found you well?” Even as she asked, Naia could tell something was troubling her friend. Naia’s tail twitched, as it usually did when she was anxious about something. ”This is Inali, from Black Thorn Downs. She’s here to help the cause. Inali, this is Evann from Hollowheart Keep.” The introductions complete, Naia cocked her head in concern. Evann hadn’t looked exactly peachy when Naia first met her either, but it was high summer now. What could possibly be troubling the swarthy lady?

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speech Inali hadn't felt right with Naia going on alone in the mission in the first place, and decided to at least be given the chance to escort Naia to the edge of her lands to gain some semblance of peace. Inali almost snorted. There was no way she would find peace again until she laid eyes on Naia herself, safe and sound. Her throat seemed to close as she ran beside her lover, as if she couldn't take in much breath. Partly because of Naia's close proximity as well as the fear that this mission held every chance of going wrong. She wanted to stop her beloved, but knew this could both benefit Cut Rock River and Black Thorn Downs in the long run. So she forced herself to keep in step with her honey eyed lover, getting closer and closer to a meeting with an individual she had never met. Naia seemed to trust her, but Inali would withhold her judgement until the end. They came to a stop, and despite her worry, the scout couldn't help the grin that spread across her maw at the pleasure in Naia's eyes. Her grin morphed into an intimate smile as they gazed at eachother, no doubt remembering the same moonlit night. Naia's words snapped her out of the foggy haze Naia's close proximity always seemed to effect her with. Inali had to remember they were on a mission and they weren't alone. Unconciously the woman had taken a step closer to her beloved and Inali took a step back and walked along the River woman, stopping as they turned again and met the individual Naia had been describing. As the tawny woman introduced them, Inali smiled and nodded a greeting at the ebony woman. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Her observant eyes flicked over the strange woman, who seemed slightly anxious. Then her eyes naturally flicked to Naia's form, and she watched as her beloved's tail twitched - a sign she had come to figure out that Naia was anxious about something. Her curious blue orbs flicked to Evann and wondered what kind of information the woman was holding for her to seem so anxious. And for some reason, making her lover become anxious as well.

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The brown girl was watching the shadows around her slowly dissolve, pondering on what to do in the day's light, when the sound of approaching paws made her ears twitch. She froze up, turning her head in direction of the sounds as they grew nearer. A voice sounded among the trees, and Evann's ears twitched at its familiarity; then a tawny form appeared out of the paling shadows, and she felt a smile spread across her face. As the river wolf greeted her, Evann rose from her little nest, crooked tail waving behind her in joy at the reunion; "N-Naia!" She replied warmly, momentarily forgetting her troubles in her delight; You came..! She realized then, that part of her had not believe she would. Then Evann noticed the rust colored female following her friend, chocolate eyes turning to study the unfamiliar woman. The sable lass tail stopped its waving, smile narrowing a bit, as always when meeting strangers, she felt anxiety creep over her, and she felt awfully self-conscious. Naia introduced the dame as Inali of Black Thorne Downs, a pack Evann had never heard of before, but her wonderings were quickly interrupted, when the river wolf went on to present her as being of Hollowheart Keep. She felt a knot in her stomach, sadness and worry filling her eyes. She managed to keep smiling though, as the reddish fae politely greeted her, and Evann nodded back; "Yo... you too." She assured, daring to wag the twisted tip of her tail in a friendly way. "Th-though... It's j... just Evann, now..." Her voice turned solemn, gaze heavy as she turned it back to Naia; "Hollowheart K-Keep is n... no more." She saw no point in drawing things out and beating around the bush, the fact needed to be stated so that they all could get on with their lives quickly; Very quickly! Still, saying it made her feel embarrassed, like it was somehow to blame on her that her pack had disbanded, and she found herself unable to keep eye contact. Instead, she looked down at her paws dejectedly; more than anything though, she felt sad. She had started a new life in the Ghastly Woods, and though it might not have been perfect, Hollowheart Keep had been her home. Now she was alone, again. Managing a small, melancholic smile, Evann glanced back up at her friend; "So... I g-guess you have n... no need to w... w-worry anymore." The threat was ended, and Naia could return to her pack with the information that there was no longer reason to fear a conflict with the wolves of Hollowheart Keep; There is no more wolves of Hollowheart Keep... Word Count: 447 Thoughts ”Speech”

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(This post was last modified: Sep 18, 2014, 09:41 PM by Evann.)

PLOT WITH ME!

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Naia’s tail waved in delight at Evann’s warm greeting. The last time they met the sable lady had been wary, which was understandable considering they belonged to enemy packs. How lovely it had been to discover that friendship knew no pack boundaries, and behind enemy lines resided wolves just as trustworthy and loyal as those in Cut Rock River. Naia’s eyes flicked to Inali as she drew up beside her—how lucky she was that love transcended pack lines as well. She was luckier still that Black Thorn Downs was allied with her own family, and she would need not be torn between two loyalties.

”You came!” Evann exclaimed, just enough surprise in her voice to make Naia feel a little guilty. How long had the Keep woman been waiting here? Her detour up to Black Thorn Downs had put her behind a few days, but attempting to secure Inali’s help was worth the setback. There was no telling how event would develop at the Hollowheart Keep border, even with Evann working toward their cause.

When Evann spoke though, her words changed everything. Hollowheart Keep.. is no more? Though she would be ashamed to admit it out loud, her first reaction was relief. There would be no uncomfortable meeting at the Keep border, no shaky truce to tiptoe around.. she was a little disappointed in never knowing if her plan would have worked, but returning home early, unharmed, and with good news was more than she had dared to hope for.

Evann spoke once more with a somewhat forced smile, commenting that Naia had nothing more to worry about. The River lady’s stomach sank, her friend’s melancholy tone reminding her of what Evann had just lost. ”No, nothing..” Naia echoed, her brow furrowing, ”Nothing, except for you.” Naia knew exactly what the former Keep lady was feeling—it wasn’t so long ago that her home, Pitch Pine Trail, had met a similar end. Naia was grateful that back then she’d at least had some direction, and though she mourned for her lost family she had a destination in mind: Cut Rock River, where she would reunite with the other Trail refugees. What did Evann have?

”Evan.. I’m sorry..” The agouti lady took a tentative step toward her friend. ”I undertand.. I’ve been through it too.” Naia’s nose wrinkled with emotion, and her eyes drifted to the ground. It had been a year since Pitch Pine Trail fell apart, but the shame and grief was still there. ”You’re not alone,” she assured Evann, bringing her gaze upward once more. ”Please, come home with me. Or if not the River, then maybe the Downs..?” Naia tossed a sideways look at Inali, hoping that she wasn’t overstepping. Evann was no lone wolf at heart, Naia knew this. If she still distrusted Cut Rock River, the Naia would at least rest better knowing that she was safe in the Downs. ”I insist,” she pressed. Evann would not be the first Keep refugee Naia had vouched for, and she felt certain the pack would welcome this new addition just as warmly as they had welcomed Karpos.

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speech Evann greeted her with kind, albeit shy, words and a small, friendly wag of her tail. Inali reciprocated her shy greeting with a warm confident one of her own. A smile krept across her maw and she wagged her tail in a friendly fashion at the stranger. Her excitement died though as Evann brought the news - Hollowheart Keep was no more. The light in her eyes dimmed as she saw the sadness in the sable woman's gaze. Then she turned to Naia and her heart twisted painfully at the clear grief in her lover's gaze and body language. Why hadn't she told her? Inali would've done anything to take the pain away from her beloved's eyes right then and there, eager to wipe away the painful memory she knew nothing about. Inali wanted to pull her into her embrace, but they weren't alone. Her attention was forced away as Naia spoke to Evann, offering her a home in Cut Rock River and maybe even the Downs. As Naia looked at her questionably, Inali jut stepped forward, closer to the sable woman. Her blue orbs were warm as she opened her maw to speak, to reassure both ladies. "Naia is completely right. If you need a home, even for the time being, there is room for you in the Downs. Please, take either of our offers Evann." This was Naia's friend, and Evann didnt seem to be a bad woman. Once she got the basic information she needed, Inali would vouch for this individual for she had earned Naia's trust. And for now, that was enough.

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SOrry it took so long @Naia and @Inali - this last month has just been URGH.

Naia's face was impossible to decipher as she took in the news, soft golden eyes alight with thought, though what kind of thoughts it was impossible to tell. Evann felt how she slowly retracted into herself, it was done, the information had been passed on and now she was on her own; Where should I go? She needed to find a home before the winter, but she knew nothing of the land, what options did she have. She considered asking her agouti friend for advice, but it wasn't a pleasant idea; she didn't like asking for anything, didn't want to be a burden. When Naia spoke again, the brown-mottled girl looked to meet her eyes, surprised to see the pain there, like a reflection of her own. She was even more surprised when the River wolf went on to indicate worry about her. Her first reaction was to retreat, shock running through her; Why would she worry about me? I'm not a threat! But the angst was quickly quelled by her common sense, she knew Naia wouldn't consider her a danger, they were allies; Friends... But then what did she mean? Evann's brows furrowed in confusion, her mind reeling as she tried to find sense in her friends words. It came when Naia spoke again, what she said once more surprising the hefty lass; Sorry..? The multicolored lady was offering comfort, saying that she too had tried losing a pack; she understood. Finally realizing what her friend's concern had been about, Evann felt a fuzzy warmth spread within her. It was such an unfamiliar thing, to have someone care for her, be worried on her behalf, it almost made tears flood her eyes. She managed to hold them back though, tilting her head as she looked into the other woman's face, sadness marking her features. Then Naia looked back up, the sudden fierceness in her eyes and voice making the former Keep wolf back up half a step. But the fire was not anger, her words confirmed as much; Not alone... NOT ALONE! She hadn't even thought about it, though she regarded Naia as a friend, determined to always stand by her when she needed it, she'd never considered what it meant to have that friendship reciprocated; I'm not alone? She wasn't! The proof was right here, right before her. Naia was offering help, she was offering support... No, she was offering more than that. Evann's mouth almost fell open, chocolate yes growing wide at the other's words; Come home WITH YOU?! I insist! Insist. Not only was Naia offering her shelter from the encroaching winter, a place where she could maybe, finally , find a home; she was insisting! Evann was momentarily speechless. She hadn't in her wildest dreams imagined to find answer to her troubles at this meeting. She had come as a courtesy to Naia, to honor their agreement; Because we're friends! Friends. It seemed she was finally discovering exactly what that meant. The sable lassie was still staring at Naia when Inali stepped forwards, assuring that there was a place for her at Black Thorne Downs aswell, if she wanted it, and again insisting that Evann take either one of the offers; Please... PLEASE?! "I... It... Uhm..." For maybe the first time in her life, her stammer was not what made it hard for her to express herself, she was devoid of words. Looking from Naia to Inali, Evann desperately tried to straighten out her thoughts enough to say something, her tail unconsciously oscillating bay her hocks in a mixture of agitation and elation; I can go with them... Finally finding her voice, the brown fae focused her chocolate gaze on Naia, meeting her friends warm eyes with tearful wonder; "Th... thank you I... I can't even t-tell you h... how much that means! B-but..." At this point she glance back over at the golden wolfess, her posture deflating a bit as she retracted slightly; "I d-don't want to i... i-impose... I'm sure I c-can find a place o... on my o-own." She looked down to the side, ears pressed back flat against her skull; she wanted nothing more than to accept that offer and go with them, but she didn't want to be a burden, a charity case; I can handle my own..! Word count: 717 Thoughts ”Speech”

AustriaAngloAlliance @DA & Dawnthieves.de

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The sideways look from Inali did not escape Naia, and she held her lover’s gaze for an instant before turning her attention back to Evann. It was never Naia’s intention to hide her past from Inali—she was just always so happy to be with the blue-eyed beauty that the sad stuff never came up. Who wanted to dwell on the heartbreaks of the past when new love was blooming? Relief swelled in Naia’s chest as Inali confirmed Evann’s welcome in the Downs in addition to Cut Rock River. It was nice to see two friends getting along, but first impressions alone were not often enough to win an invitation to a pack—the River scout knew that Inali was putting trust in Naia’s judgment as well as her own. She gave Inali a small smile of thanks, ears flicking forward to catch Evann’s response.

Evann looked truly surprised at their offers, and not for the first time Naia wondered if the timid she-wolf had ever had anyone show her kindness before; she seemed so unused to the feeling. Even after Naia inisisted, the sable lady still tried to turn down the offer although it was obvious by the tears in her eyes that she wanted to say yes. The River scout waited patiently for Evann to finish stammering her refusal—she had the feeling the ex-Keep wolf got cut off a lot—before she answered her with a simple, "Nonsense.” She had been expecting Evann’s refusal, and was ready with her argument. "Cut Rock River is in need of able-bodied wolves. Like you.” She said the last part with emphasis. "I would be a poor scout if I let a potential member slip through my paws.” If Evann wouldn’t come with her for her own benefit, maybe she would consent if she knew it would help Naia out. "I could use a friend like you.” Her use of the word friend was casual, but Naia had a hunch it would mean a lot to Evann.

”You don’t have to decide now. I’m not on my way home quite yet.” As much as she wanted to rush Evann home so her friend could start living her life with Cut Rock River—a real family, not the exiguous substitute Hollowheart Keep had provided—Naia knew she would be in trouble if she did not visit the Mountain of Dire herself to confirm the truth. The scout trusted her friend at her word, but the other wolves of Cut Rock River might not be so quick to believe news delivered from the mouth of a Hollowheart Keep wolf. Maksim would want to know she double- checked. ”Either or both of you are welcome to join me on a trip to the Mountain..” Even as she offered she knew it was unlikely Evann would accept; the sable lady had already said goodbye to her home once, and Naia understood better than any how painful it would be to go back. ”If this is goodbye though, I will expect you at the River border before next moon.” Naia said to Evann, her matter-of-fact tone leaving no room for argument if Evann thought to try to turn her down once more. She wasn’t taking no for an answer.

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Speech.

The sable woman seemed to be in shock of their words. It made Inali sad, that this woman seemed to not see much kindness in her lifetime. The fae was about to butt into her words, for she was speaking clear ridiculousness. Why would she think she would be a burden to them? They had offered her a home themselves, of course they wouldn't think that! But as eager as Inali was to diffuse her new acquaintance's worries, Naia beat her by speaking up first. Her line of thought was more or less what Inali had been planning to say anyway so she only backed her lover's words by her tail wagging lightly in agreement and a kind, open smile on her face. Hopefully it would get through Evann's skull that they were genuine in their words and hopefully she would accept one of their offers. Naia's tone didn't leave any room for argument anyway, and the thought almost made an amused smirk slip upon her features. Her lover seemed to be a force not to be reckoned with.

Naia spoke of heading to the mountains, offering them both an invitation to come along. Inali would gladly go, but she didn't think Minka could spare her for that long of a trip. She turned her blue orbs to Naia, opening her maw. "I must speak to Minka first," she told her beloved. This wasn't just some ordinary one-day mission. To get to the foothills themselves was a three day journey, and Naia would maybe want to go even farther, to gather as much information as she could. Not to mention how long it would take her to come back. The woman, with warm eyes, turned back to Evann to hear her final decision.

FINALLY wrapping this up! :) You guys can either get in a last post or go ahead and archive. - I'm gonna inactivate Evann once this last thread has been ended, I just don't "have room" for her atm. (Just thought I'd tell you @Naia)

Naia stood firm on her offer, brushing off Evann's weak protest with swift logic. She assured that there was good need for new members in Cut Rock River, and Inali backed up the sentiment with a confident smile. The young shewolf felt warmth rise in her face as she listened with downturned eyes; Of course they could use me. If she hadn't been so caught up in herself, she would have realized this as soon as Naia made her proposition; no matter how much she liked her, she would have never suggested something like that if she thought Evann would be more of a burden than an asset. The agouti woman went on to mention her own responsibilities to her pack, and finally appealed to their friendship; really, she left absolutely no room for refusal. So the sable girl lifted her head to finally meet her friends golden eyes, shaky smile quickly growing wider, tail starting to wag enthusiastically. Naia proposed she spent some time thinking about the idea, saying she had some things to do before turning home; one of which was investigating the mountain. Evann's lips closed over her teeth, but the corners of her mouth were still turned up. She understood; Duty. And it seemed fitting - though Naia posed the possibility of Evann joining her on the trip - the brown lass needed time to think, collect herself before once again standing before an alpha; Especially the enemy of my former pack! So she nodded firmly, happiness clear on her face. "A... Alright. I'll come!" She felt a light fluttering in her chest as she said it, the crocket tip of her tail tingling, but her voice was confident. Happy! Turning her eyes from the River wolfess to her golden companion, she added; "Th-thank you, b... both of y-you." She bowed her head at Inali, wanting to show her gratitude for the offer, even if she'd chosen differently. Then, sensing the light tension between the two others, Evann started to leave, stopping only briefly to shout back at her friend: "S-see you then!" And then she was off, with every intention of meeting Naia at Cut Rock River borders, no later than a month from the day. Funny how things like that can go. Word count: 378 Thoughts ”Speech”

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