Heartleaf Creek the truth runs wild

@Hecate <3

As winter progressed the slender shadow was becoming restless. He adored his family and the pack he had grown up in, but it no longer felt like home. There was too much change happening and it worried the shadow prince. Morganna he trusted; Skoll… he wasn’t sure what to think about his brother’s rise to power. The change could potentially be beneficial for the Ridge wolves, but Greer was not sure he wanted to stick around to find out. There was so much more waiting for him outside the willow trees…

He hoped that there would always be a place for him among the Ridge wolves if he decided to return in the future. The boy knew that his mother would understand; however, he was unsure of where the rest of his family would stand. Their opinion mattered little to him, even despite their positions within the pack. His mother had always been his number one and her opinion would always outweigh theirs regardless of rank. It wasn’t like he was going far—the mountains on the edge of the Ridge territory had been calling to him ever since he had encountered the little princess, Kyna. They would be neighbours and it wasn’t like he couldn’t visit… unless his brother did not approve of his departure.

His lips were drawn into a tight line as he walked along the edge of the creek, his large paws moving expertly over the rocks as he headed South to his (current) home. He had slipped out of the Ridge just before the sun made its first appearance above the horizon in order to clear his head and think more clearly about his decision to leave. He knew he would have to meet with his mother soon in order to discuss his plans with her… along with Hecate. They had discussed leaving many weeks ago but Greer did not know if the ghost would follow him to the mountain. She was growing more comfortable in his birth pack (and more comfortable around his brother); she was making a name for herself, why would she leave now? Although they had not seen each other recently, the shadow still felt the need to discuss his plans with her… just in case. His pace quickened at the thought, his silver eyes focused on the path ahead of him. This whole leaving business was a lot more complicated than he had anticipated.

Hecate Liar

The second her eyes laid upon him dashing through the snow, she knew what he was here for. Hecate's heart dropped, hanging by the mere threads of her veins and artery's. She had purposefully kept her distance from the dark prince since her little meetings with Skoll. His speed noticeably increased; as if he was nervous or anxious. Surrounded by snow, she was camouflaged perfectly. "...Greer?" Her voice came out cracked, the muscles tensing in her shoulders. Unconfident if her words had even reached him, she spoke again. "Are y'planning..?" The sentence was unfinished, brows lifted in angst. "O-on leaving?" She knew deep down in her heart that, at least for now, they would never work. He wasn't ready for her; he was full of potential and could not be dragged down with her problematic desires.

Where would he go? She wondered if he would alliance with a pack or live as a loner. Depending on where he stepped, there could potentially be a benefit to his hometown, The Ridge. Even if he was leaving, she would make note to stay in touch. She understood if he needed space, and as long as she stayed with The Ridge; she would see fit that there was a place for him when he returned.

the armed queen

There was recognition in the Liar’s eyes as she approached the slender shadow—she knew exactly what he was going to say to her. Forcing himself to keep his dove grey gaze focused on her stark figure, he swallowed—hard—and remained statuesque before her. The longer Hecate remained in Willow Ridge, the more suited she became for the hardened wolves. She was not the same wolf who had promised to leave with him many weeks ago… this was her home now, and would remain her home until she made the decision to leave. Greer could not force her; he would not. She was far more suited for this pack—these wolves—than he was. It was unfortunate, but the shadow knew that leaving wouldn’t be easy; it never was.

Her voice cracked as it sliced through the air, sending a shiver down his spine as he observed her quietly. She was upset, yes, but she would not mourn his departure for too long—she had his brother, after all. “Soon, yes.” He responded simply with a formal nod, his lips tight as the silence fell once more. There was no need to ask if she would be joining him; he already knew the answer. It pained him to think that she would not be exploring more of Relic Lore at his side. The connection they had made had come as a surprise to the recluse… but it had been warmly accepted. But, he understood. It was not Hecate’s time to leave Willow Ridge. Maybe it would never be “her time”, and Greer was okay with that. He would always be a hop, skip, and a jump away—close enough to still stay in touch, but far enough to distance himself from his past.

A young deer has been separated from the rest of its herd. Hunt Opportunity

Hecate Liar

He knew that she knew, and it was all coming crumbling down around them. He kept his distance, but she quickly closed the space between them; her eyes stinging and chest heavy. Get a hold of yourself. Her inner mind snarled viciously. It's not like we've known each other for years. Still though, she was quick to recognize that they were similar in personality and heart. Hecate reached out with her slender nose, resting it under his before sliding it into the thick fur at his chest. She sighed deeply, her green eyes prickling again as the familiar scent of damp grass and winters wind clogged her throat. She had always been the one to offer up conversation, start something to cease the silence. But she would make him understand differently this time. She stayed like this for a while, resting under the curve of his neck and jaw; leaning on his chest for support. She expressed herself openly, molding into his frame as to say, "I know".

the armed queen

<3 <3 <3

His lip twitched as he observed the ghostly female. The silence betrayed him; it suffocated him, weighing him down as it grew longer. Like tree trunks, his legs remained rooted to the spot, unsure of what to say or do next. He did not like this… Feeling so much. It was strange and left the slender shadow feeling uncomfortable in his own skin. Greer did not know how to handle situations like this—situations involving any kind of emotion.

Without a word, she approached, closing the unwanted distance between them. He inhaled sharply, sucking the cold air between his teeth as she pressed her nose beneath his. The moment her milky fur mixed with his, white clashing against black, he exhaled. Comfort—another strange subject, one that he was equally unfamiliar with. Blinking slowly he nestled the Liar in closer, his lips tight as he allowed the silence to grow thicker; dense, like the fog. Her presence, while it soothed him, it also troubled him. It was making him doubt his decision, but he would’t change his mind… Willow Ridge was no longer home for him. At least, not now. 

Hecate Liar

She wanted to cry, so deeply that her throat was starting to spasm. But she refrained for it would push him away and make it all awkward tenfold. She wanted a smooth exit for him, no regrets or hanging threads. It had been him that had captured her heart first, that would always be his. More than once she had pondered if she was making the right choices. Dashing between the brothers with no real commitment; bound to hurt someone. It was different being with Greer than it was @Skoll. The man she was with now was gentle, kind and shy. But the man she had seen only hours before was aggressive, passionate and frightening. If only they were the same person with all of the qualities, but this was being young, right?

Through the soft fur on his chest she whispered gently. "I understand.." The wetness around her eyes was swept away by the sea of black plush, he wouldn't have to know. "I am proud of yer... just know if y'ever decide to come back... thing won't ave' changed on my end." That would be enough for him hear for now, she didn't want him turning away from any decisions that he had already settled on. She rocked with him, letting him be the one to break away if he chose, but the feeling of warmth around howling wind was purely comforting to the woman.

the armed queen

Having kept to himself most of his childhood and refraining from making friends, Greer had never been introduced to ‘good-byes’. What was so good about them? Clearly this was the complete opposite of good, considering it was obviously causing the alabaster girl pain—along with doing a number on his own emotions. He was conflicted. As much as he wanted to leave and see more of Relic Lore, part of him desperately wanted to stay among the willows with the ghost.

Unfortunately, staying was not in the cards and leaving was not in Hecate’s. He could never force her to leave. He knew that in the future they would cross paths again, reuniting as though they had never been apart. But, for now, they couldn’t be together. Greer was just thankful that the ghost understood that and was being just as selfish as he was.

Pressing his nose into the fur between her shoulders he pulled back—only slightly, ensuring that their fur was still intertwined. She had broken the silence once more, her voice growing stronger with each word that fell from her tongue. A soft smile teased the corners of his lips. “Greer visit… Greer can’t leave Hecate.” His voice was small, just barely above a whisper. As much as he hoped that she would change her mind in the future, Greer could not force her—nor would he ever. But, he would stay true to his word and visit Hecate as much as possible. She was a key element to his home in Willow Ridge—he couldn’t leave her behind completely. She was far too important to him. “Proud of Hecate also. Hecate doing good here.” Doing far better than him, that was for sure.

Hecate Liar

The two remained in their embrace for quite some time, only breaking apart to get staggering words out. Her heart felt like a piece had torn out of it; a similar feeling from when she lost her father. She wondered silently just how much heart was left to give. His promise about visiting made her stomach relax a little, the muscle tight and coiled like a spring. "It woul'be much appreciated." She half laughed half cried out. burying closer into the stoic figure curled around her. A burning question rose in her mind, how soon was he thinking? "When Greer.." She hummed, would he stay for winter? Maybe spring? Another inquiry bubbling to the surface, one she kept silent. If he visited after spring... then he would find her more off the deep end than he had expected. The thought appealed to her that he might find someone else as well. A newly ignited flame licked her throat, it was a possibility. But, she had done worse; so who could blame him? Her anxiety was through the roof thinking about the future that she had left the present. Standing there unresponsive and glazed over.

the armed queen

<3

He hated this. However, as much as he wanted to stay to relieve them both of feeling like this, Greer knew that he wouldn’t be happy if he stayed. Right now this was where Hecate belonged—perhaps even forever. She was doing much better here than Greer ever could… and Skoll… he could offer her so much more. Stability; comfort; power. The Archer prince was nothing but a recluse; a shadow; an assassin, lurking behind the scenes.

Mimicking her actions, the yearling pulled her in close, resting his muzzle in the space between her shoulders. The pale Liar would always be an important part of his life, even if he was miles away; he would do whatever necessary to maintain their relationship. ‘When?’ Her voice disrupted the silence once more, but it was welcomed—even if he didn’t want to answer her question. “After winter,” he responded in a low voice, his mercury pools closing as he inhaled her comforting scent. “Spring… maybe. Greer still looking.” Things weren’t going exactly as planned, but that was okay—the longer his absence was delayed, the more time he got to spend with Hecate. And he could use all the Hecate Liar time he could get before he finally left. “Hec—Hecate be careful?” The words bubbled off his tongue before he could stop them. He chewed on his lower lip as he pulled back, studying the pale girl with his stone-coloured gaze.