Hearthwood River Fairytales Are Not Found

"Face the odds against us and run into the fear we run from"

The river was a strange thing, constant, yet ever changing. Watching it for ages, you would keep seeing something new, carried along on the swift torrents, ducking under in falls of foam and reappearing further downstream. It was almost like a story, unfurling before the eyes of those who watched. Of course Kyrios could never sit still long enough to reach the ending, he adored stories, but what was even better was to live them himself. So he didn't simply sit by, watching things unfold, sticking close to the den like a good boy. He moved!

There was plenty of adventure to find along the banks, mud and dug up dirt and washed up sticks to chew on. He'd get swept away, just like the things on the stream, jogging farther and farther away without even noticing. He'd been growing rapidly over the past weeks, lanky legs taking ever longer steps, carrying him to new places almost every day. It was exhilarating. But the awkward legs were hard to get used to, especially when paired with big, clunky paws, he had stumbled more than once, trying to get control over his limbs. It didn't slow him down much though, he wanted to explore more, needed to get out there and see all he could of the world!

Kingsfall they called it, named after the towering sequoias – apparently they were bigger than normal trees, though around here it seemed like the few scattered birches and other deciduous trees were dwarfs, as the redwoods were the norm. There was a story there too: Kings fall. But the curious Aegina pup was not yet old enough to ask about it, didn't fully understand the connections. He focused on simpler things, like the river, rushing through the forest with a constant current. Where did the water come from? He wondered, and where did it go. So far his trips up and down the banks hadn't yielded any answers, but he kept going.

Eventually he paused to drink at a muddy bend, panting a little from his trek. Soon he would have to turn around, always the worst part of the day; Though at least he would be coming home to Beany and Atty, and Moma and food. But he wasn't quite ready, as he lifted a dripping wet muzzle he stared out over the water, ears perking at the sight that met him. He hadn't been this far before, the wide curve of the river spreading it out wider so that it flowed lower and more slowly. And poking out of the steady stream, like dark spots in the aqua foam, were a number of rocks, sprinkled across the widest part of the river, a path leading to the other side. Kyrios' tail wagged behind him, eyes wide as they followed the trail laid out before him. He'd never been to the other side of the water. The boy's hunger for adventure send a tickle along his spine, his whole body poised, could he make those jumps? A quick gaze was cast down the long, pale legs, they were so long now. With a grin, the pup hesitated no longer, backing away from the water's edge to make room for a good run. He gathered himself up, pressed into the mud and flew forwards, taking off just before hitting the water and flying out towards the nearest stone.

Word count: 564

"Speech"

(This post was last modified: Jul 02, 2016, 06:46 PM by Kyrios.)

overdue father/son thead :D <3

Where Atropos was almost a mirror image of Lachesis when he was her age, Kyrios was Naia’s personality to a T. It pained the ghost that the scout would never get to see her children grow, but he knew that Naia would always be there in spirit. She was Kyrios’ adventurous spirit and Atropos’ determination. She was Lachesis’ patience when he attempted to reign his children in and subdue their crazy antics. Some days the ghost felt guilty that he had survived and not her. She wanted them as much as he did — without her they would not be here. XIX would forever be grateful for the scout and he desperately wished that she could be here with them. They were a hodgepodge family and without her presence everything felt… incomplete.

As his children grew XIX knew that he could not stop them from wandering away from the den. In fact, he encouraged their adventures for he was envious of them. They were able to experience everything for the first time; they had the whole world at their paws. Lachesis did not want to hinder them in any way. There were limits, of course, as boundaries were necessary with children, but there would also be freedom.

Despite his leg still hurting from the rank challenge with Kjors he pursued his son’s scent, nose pressed to the ground as he followed closely behind. There was a throbbing in his cheek as well where the bite marks were slowly fading away but he ignored it. There were far more important matters than his healing injuries — like figuring out precisely where his son was going. While he knew that the Aegina would return XIX was curious as to what captivated his son’s interest. Kyrios remained close to the river’s edge, much to Lachesis’ relief. It was much easier to track him along the water than it was among the trees that engulfed Hearthwood.

Even with his limp it did not take him long to catch up to his son, who had just flung himself at the nearest stone in the river as Lachesis approached. “Where are you off to?” He asked curiously, his voice holding no anger as it disrupted the still air. 

stick with those who stick with you

Shallow water has trapped several fish in a small pond. Hunt Opportunity

"Face the odds against us and run into the fear we run from"

Flying through the air, he felt freer than ever before, with the wind in his fur and the foam of the river spraying up against him. All too soon it was over, paws touching down against wet rock, the last on slipping against the edge, skidding into the water. The pup swayed, wobbling on three legs and waving his tail to keep his balance. Small waves lapped about the edges of the stone as the stream pushed against it, wetting the boys paws and adding to the slippery surface. In the end he managed to find purchase with the misplaced hind paw, shaking his head and shoulders vigorously in relief; One down!

To his surprise a voice suddenly called out, easily recognized by the lad as he turned his head to grin at the ghostly figure on the shore. "A'venture!" He proudly announced at his father, wagging his stubby puppy tail wildly. Like the heroes of his favorite bedtime stories, Kyrios was heading out towards new horizons. One particular horizon. Still bluish eyes returned to the water, glowing as they zeroed in on the next stepping stone, glistening dark against the greenish froth. Hearing the roar of the stream in his ears made his heart beat faster, a strange thrill rushing through his veins at being completely surrounded by the river.

Clenching his teeth, he drew back as far as possible, collecting his spindly legs beneath him. There was less room for running this time, but that didn't deter the kid, determinately pushing off against the wet rock. There was less jubilance in his second leap, legs stretching forwards almost desperately to reach the next landing, as he gained less height this time. In fact, the water came up towards him much faster than he would have liked and it was with a touch of panic that he landed against the stone with his front paws, scraping at it with dull claws to try and drag himself forwards. But to no avail. A lot more than just one paw ended up in the water this time and Kyrios had to cling to the rock with his front legs while the rear ones kicked in the water, the entire back half of his butter submerged in the raging rapids. He surely was getting himself an adventure!

Word count: 385

"Speech"

Despite the ghost wanting to fling himself forward and steady the clumsy Aegina, XIX remained where he was. Kyrios would not learn unless he figured it out himself. Only if he was truly in danger would Lachesis intervene — until then, he would observe from the river’s edge.

As the boy steadied himself he turned to answer Lachesis’ question, a wide smile plastered across his little snout. “Adventure, huh?” He responded, head falling to the side as he studied his son’s disproportioned figure. Just like his late mother, Kyrios was determined. There was a scout somewhere in there — perhaps a few adventures would bring it out. The ghost fell silent once more as he observed the pale boy’s cautious movements as he prepared himself for his next leap. Even before Kyrios flung himself to the next stone Lachesis knew that he would not make it, but he did not move. If Ky needed him, he would plunge into the cold water and pull him to safety — but, until danger reared it's ugly head, the ghost would merely observe.

As anticipated, his son did not make it. Kyrios’ tiny body clung to the stone, his hind legs kicking furiously in the water. Lachesis stepped toward the edge of the river, his heart beating faster as he prepared himself to jump. “Pull yourself up, Ky! Use your legs and pull!” He shouted, his chartreuse gaze never once wavering from his son’s pale figure. 

stick with those who stick with you

@Lachesis

"Face the odds against us and run into the fear we run from"

The current was fierce, tugging at the pups legs while they fought to find purchase on the slippery rocks. He gritted his teeth, pushing his front claws into the rock to try and grab on to even the smallest crack. Behind he could hear his father's voice, though the words drowned in the roar of the river. It was advice he didn't need though, he was already pulling with all his might. The rock was slippery from the splashing water, spots of algae snaking up its sides, seeming to cling on much better than poor Ky, it was only a matter of time before he slipped into the stream. For a moment he even considered letting go, allowing the water to carry him wherever it was going, a small part of his heart longed to do so. But the rest was full of determination, and that was what won out. He would get back on the rock, he would conquer this river!

A small growl slipping between grinding teeth, the Captain dug his claws into the nearest stripe of green, sprouting in a fissure in the rock. Finally he was able to stop his sliding back, using this hold to steady himself while he found footing below the water. Then he pushed against the rock, pulling forwards with all his strength, and managed to slip free of the river's grasp. A triumphant: "Ha!" Escaped the lad once he stood securely on the stone, his tail wagging so intensely it made his whole backside vibrate, shaking the worst liquid from his fur. With a wild look in his eyes and broad grin on his face, he turned his head to look al Lachesis on the bank, waving his ears jubilantly. He'd done it!

This part of it. His gaze turned back to the opposite bank, the remaining stones practically a glowing bridge in his vision; There were only three left, four more jumps and he would accomplish what he had set out to do. The smallest shiver of fear ran down his neck, but it only fueled his excitement. Glancing back at his father, Kyrios began backing up, careful not to slip. There wasn't much rock to get a good start from, but the adventurous pup didn't care, the next jump was shorter – as far as he could tell – and he would do better. "Here I go!" He proclaimed, turning his head forwards to gauge the distance one last time before he pushed off, tail held high in confidence. Nothing could stop him.

Word count: 422

"Speech"

His body tensed, poised and ready to spring into action as he watched his son struggle against the river. The rushing water was no match for the long-legged healer, but for a pup — nothing but a mere tuft of fur — it was a different story. While his heart was racing and had made a nice home in Lachesis’ throat, he knew that Kyrios would be able to push himself onto the stone. They were wolves of the river; they would never succumb to the rushing water.

Just as he was about to throw himself at the river Kyrios had managed to pull his lanky body onto the rock. He exhaled a breath he did not know he had been holding as a soft, crooked smile worked it's way onto his pale maw. One rock down, three more to go… he thought tiredly to himself as he studied the triumphant expression on the little Aegina’s face. It was remarkable how different Kyrios was from his sister. She was Lachesis’ little shadow, following his every move and hovering behind him as he tended to his infirmary. Ky, on the other paw, was constantly seeking out adventure — and appeared to never be satisfied with the adventures he found for himself.

As the little ball of fluff glanced back at him Lachesis gave his son an encouraging nod as he prepared himself for another jump. It was not as far as the previous jump; the Stark expected nothing short of (almost) perfect execution from little Kyrios. ‘Here I go!’ His breath caught once more as he watched the little ghost launch himself forward…

stick with those who stick with you

"Face the odds against us and run into the fear we run from"

He flew. Such a paradoxical thing, both so right and so wrong, freer than he had ever felt on solid ground, but with the water rushing underneath, calling him down where he  truly belonged. It would be so easy too, to pull in his legs and drop, like a rock. But as much as his heart longed for the river, it would be a way of giving up, he'd fail in what he'd set out to do. No way!

Paws connected firmly with the rock, a small jolt rattling up through his body. Perfect landing. The boy threw up his head cockily, tail a proud banner above his back. This time there was hardly any pause, no time taken to look back at his father and the bank growing more distant. Instead he immediately zeroed in on the next stone, a longer jump but a bigger surface to land on as well. He didn't bother with calculations, drawing back and hurling himself forwards again, a fierce smile on his face.

He'd put all his strength into the jump, knowing that he needed every bit to make it across. Now he was flying again, low and fast, the spray from the churning water touching his belly. This was better! He glanced down, imagining that he saw his reflection in the waves below, a pale figure conquering the stream. His feet touched down before he'd expected, claws scrubbing painfully along the uneven rock. It was the largest on his route, but also the most jagged, and as he stumbled across it, he felt his hind paws sipping again and again, propelling him further forwards. Victorious grin shifted into a determined grimace, teeth grinding against each other has he fought to find his footing. There, finally, he felt one paw sink into a secure spot, then the other. Now it was only the front. He scrambled, so close. And then the stone suddenly disappeared beneath him, his feet skidding out over its edge, and he tumbled into the water. Darkness closed around him, his heart quivering an uneven beat, that small part of him feeling at last truly at ease.

Word count: 357

"Speech"

sorry for short/crummy post :x <3

The initial jump had been flawless; the pale Aegina flying through the sky effortlessly before touching own on the rock. Relief had flooded through the healer’s body once he saw his son connect with the rock, a triumphant grin perched neatly across his creamy maw. Pride replaced the feeling of relief almost immediately as XIX gave an encouraging woof. Without hesitation the boy prepared himself for a second jump, his little body wriggling with excitement. Lachesis remained where he was, watching his son patiently; once Ky made it across safely the ghost would follow, as he did not want to rush the boy.

This jump was different. The rock was shaped oddly, making it difficult for the Aegina to get a good grip. Lachesis stood at the edge of the river, his breath hitching as he watched his son grab frantically at the stone. You can do it, he encouraged silently, his chartreuse gaze glued to Kyrios’ pale body as he scrambled at the rock.

As soon as he saw the pale fur dip beneath the surface Lachesis lunged forward, hopping expertly from rock to rock. There was uncertainty in his movements; he moved only with determination. Once he reached the spot where Kyrios had fallen, XIX plunged beneath the water in search of the Aegina’s limp body. He should have watched the boy more closely; coached him from the sidelines… he had been too careless… As soon as the thoughts entered his mind, Lachesis gave his head a quick shake to dismiss them. Ensuring his son was safe was his biggest priority; he did not have time to fret about things he could no longer change.

The ghost cut through the water with ease as he reached for Kryios. His chest grew tight, the desperation for air settling in quickly… he could only imagine how badly Ky’s lungs were screaming for air. His teeth reached for his son’s scruff, pushing through the water desperately before they made contact. Once his grip tightened, the healer flung himself (and his son) forward, hoping to feel the cool sting of fresh air against his fur…

stick with those who stick with you

No I loved it! <3

So cold. The water wrapped around him in an icy embrace, as if welcoming him, finally. Darkness pressed in on him from all sides, squashing his chest. The pain threatened to send him into panic, lack of oxygen clouding his brain. But a strange calm settled over him instead, the throbbing in his throat was like burning fire; Giving him strength instead of lulling him to sleep. Forcing the darkness back the captain opened his eyes, struck by awe at what he saw. Colors swirled around him, the light flittering down through the waves painting vivid images in shades from deep blue, over vibrant turquoise to a green almost as soft as his father's eyes. His father, who'd watched him fail, and sink into the river like a rock; Dad… I'm sorry. The darkness was returning now, creeping in on the edges of his vision, crushing the beauty of his river like it was crushing his lungs. But at least he felt at peace here, ending up as part of the river he loved so dearly. Or maybe not. New pain shot through his body as, first he was grabbed and pulled, torn out of his tranquility; And then his lungs once again filled with air as he was yanked away from his precious water. Soaked, gangly body slammed against a bigger - but almost as lanky and just as drenched – and then they both crashed to the ground. Safe, dry land now under his sprawled legs, Kyrios coughed violently, leaning his head back against the wet fluff at his father's side. His chest heaved, eyes searing from the water and he blinked rapidly to be rid of the pain. "Damn," He finally managed to wheeze, looking out over the rock path that had led them across the water. Golden eyes rolled up to try and find his father's above; "I almost made it." Shame too, right in front of the healer's eyes. Though, it was probably good that he'd been there; "You move fast." He noted, voice still hoarse and slightly breathless, but a glimmer of admiration in his gaze. Word count: 351 ”Speech” Thoughts

Burtn @DA & Dawnthieves.de