Bramble Falls Back and Forth

          The D'Oliva still didn't take a bite out of Sloane's offering. Sloane remarked what a lovely name she carried, and can only return the kind remark with a ginger smile. Sloane proceeded to introduce Ecco to Nina, in which Ecco could only flash her dull amber eyes toward the one eyed female and give a slight nod of her muzzle in acknowledgment. The two exchanged a warm, heartfelt introduction. Nina wasted no time in seeking for the herbal aid that would heal an upset stomach, as her soothing words bode Ecco to remain still as Nina fetched her herbs of choice for the matter. All Ecco could do at the moment, without a word, was nod toward Nina. Nina's kind words certainly helped relax Ecco, despite the smell of the fish caught between the Earth and her paw pad making her stomach churn, and the fishy smell actually bringing about a waft of mild sickness again instead of hunger.

          The fish Sloane caught for her finally fell limp in defeat of life. Ecco couldn't bring herself to take a bite (even though she was hungry on the inside, but her symptom was preventing her from enjoying the meal). There was an awkward silence radiating from the lone female, unsure of what exactly to say in Sloane's company up until Nina returned. Ecco retained her amber gaze down at her paw, just surveying the fish in silence before Nina finally regrouped with the two and dropped an interesting pile of herbs before her paws. Ginger. Ginger was naturally strong, and the taste overbearing. Her nose curiously sniffed at what Nina left, her ears pricking forward at the instructions Nina was giving in order to put the ginger to its full effect. Something was telling her otherwise to pass this up, but both Sloane and Nina did so much help thus far to provide with food and healing that Ecco couldn't be disrespectful.

          Gingerly (no pun intended), Ecco chewed lightly on the ginger. It was strong; strong enough to cause a reflex of spitting it out, but put on her best grateful grin and swallowed with a wince. There was no room for Ecco to whinge, no matter how terrible it tasted. Healing was healing. "The fish probably tastes much more pleasant, but thank you anyway for your help thus far. Will do." Ecco said meekly, with a grin directed toward both of them. Although looking forward to munching down on the remaining ginger made Ecco want to gag, it was necessary if she wanted to prevent any other diseases creeping up on her. She really was thankful for this chance meeting deep down, and Ecco remained silent while Nina asked Sloane how he had been fairing lately. She silently wondered if they were from a pack long ago, were a part of one now, or were just friends on the outside.

          Ecco didn't interrupt their conversation, instead began picking off the scales from the fish on the ground, listening and watching the two conversate. Ecco had a feel to contribute, but something of a half-shy, half-embarrassed nature prompted her to keep her muzzle shut.

As expected, Nina became all nurturing business when it came to healing. In no time at all, she was off, ostensibly to find a cure for the miserable Ecco. Stomach ailments were definitely not at the top of the 'fun' list and her continued discomfort was evident. Add to that the fact that she seemed a bit shy and uncertain and he couldn't help but be concerned for her. He slowly made his way to the shore and simply sat, watching her with a kind expression for a while.

"Nina will know just the trick to make you feel better." He left his words open for her to respond to if she wanted, but he would be a bit surprised if she did. He wondered if catching a fish for her had been the best idea. She seemed to be teetering between looking voracious and nauseous when she looked at it. Before long the water dweller gave up it's battle for breath and lay still beneath her paw.

Soon after, Nina appeared carrying a strong smelling herb. He couldn't help curling his own nose at the scent and then giving Ecco a weak, but encouraging smile as she was instructed to eat the stuff. For a moment he felt even more sorry for her as she struggled to get the potent herb down and promised to follow Nina's dosing instructions. He hoped that it helped quickly for he could tell that it had not been a pleasant experience choking down the medicinal herb.

As Nina inquired after his well being, he walked over to her and gave her a nuzzle on the cheek and a gentle bump on her golden brown shoulder, careful not to unintentionally knock her off balance. "I've been well, my friend, thank you. And you? How fare you with the recent changes?" Nina was a strong wolf, despite all that she'd been through, but he still worried about her when he wasn't around. She often forgot to take care of herself in the stead of caring for others. Her weight looked good and her lush pelt seemed shiny and healthy. Apparently, she'd been eating well at least!

(This post was last modified: Jan 07, 2013, 02:45 AM by Sloane.)

Knight of Honor

She knew the herb didn’t smell or taste pleasant…though she didn’t think much of it as she had placed it in front of the girl. The smell she had grown quite used to, so it was just a familiar scent on her nose, along with the taste…she used to pick it up the stem but eventually moved on to caring the actual ginger, for it was a much easier task to do because it was easier for her to carry more. And it was one of the reasons why she hadn’t warned Ecco of the taste, which she probably should have, but too much was already going through her mind to process what was happening. Her one good eye looked up at the sky briefly before turning back towards the other loner. The golden healer spoke to the other, "I suggest that you don‘t eat until after nightfall…to let the herbs fully kick in."

She didn’t command for the lady to do anything, for it was not in her control, but it was clear her advice was for the greater good. Her head then turned towards her large friend, accepting the nudge with a grateful smile as he spoke to her. She listened silently, her ears twitching at every few words. With a sigh she answered him quickly, unsure of how she wanted to come across, "I have definitely been better, but things could always be much worse, and so, I am content." She nodded her head towards him before she turned her head back towards Ecco, a curious glint in her eye… "So what is your plan in Relic Lore?" she quickly asked her question, her tail swaying behind her quietly.

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

          Nina suggested the rest be eaten after nightfall, to which the D'Oliva silently nodded. Ecco had not been the nocturnal she-wolf she used to, so her activities after hours usually prompted her to slumber. Indeed it would be a perfect moment for the herbs to take their full effect on a resting immune system, and while Ecco held more than less avidity in looking forward to taking the recommended dosage for her illness, Ecco didn't necessarily want to risk catching something else in the process.

          The taste of the fish upon her tongue was better than it smelled, for the lone female felt herself growing more frantic at nibbling off supple muscle from the flanks of the fish. Sloane approached Nina in a friendly nuzzle, noting something about recent changes. Recent changes could have meant anything for the two, although Ecco was curious in the back of her mind to know what exactly changes could have been for the both of them here. It didn't appear as if they were all too bad, as Nina brushed it off. Before Ecco knew it she felt Nina's one eye gleaming her way, suddenly including her in the conversation. Ecco swallowed what she had in her mouth, licking her lips half nervous. What's my plan in Relic Lore?

          This was the first time Ecco heard of the entirety of these lands called by a name. Relic Lore. Unfortunately that was the only advice she knew or had something to work with. Her amber eyes casted down to the Earth, embarrassed she couldn't muster a better answer than what she would say. Her voice sounded defeated, wishing her answer was more precise. Ecco had been a lone wolf for so long, any long term goals were non-existant. "I guess... looking to pick life back up where it left off. To find a greater purpose again. Somewhere." Ecco's dark shoulders raised in a shrug. There was no particular skill she had at the moment due to malnutrition, although she was unusually fast on her paws when it came to running. She knew the basics of wolf anatomy and basic healing from her parents, but nothing extraordinary. Ecco never really had the opportunity to shine in the past, both from circumstances and her place in the pack hierarchy from her birth pack.

The large male kept silent for the most part as Nina gave further instruction to her patient and then he awaited her answer. She seemed a bit on edge, compared to her usual self, but he supposed that was the result of no longer being in a true pack. That and she was in the process of taking up the mantel of leadership for the remnants of their old pack. The stress might be weighing her down. He really needed to stay closer to her and make sure to take more of the burden off of her shoulders. She had a penchant for forgetting to care for herself in the stead of caring for others.

She then asked Ecco of her plans and the girl seemed a bit unsure, but her answer pleased him. Wanting to be a part of something bigger was a healthy goal for any wolf. Come to think about it, that was much his own mindset when he first landed himself in Relic-Lore. Surviving as a loner held a certain sense of satisfaction, but it was a hollow one, in his opinion. Being a part of a family, part of a team was deeply fulfilling. He gave her an appraising look and a kind smile.

Then he gave Nina a questioning look, wondering if she would invite the promising young fae to join them. He hoped so. As his golden amber eyes met her emerald one, he gave the slightest of nods, that he knew she would understand. This girl, he approved of. It was up to her though.

Knight of Honor

She would patiently wait for the other female to answer her question, just as she always had done with other wolves that she encountered. The answer to her question would determine much for Nina, though it would leave plenty of things unsaid at the same time. When she did answer, a small smile spread over the golden female’s lips as her good eye slid towards Sloane’s large form. Their eyes locked, and if Nina would have had both of her eyes she probably would have winked, just to tell him she got the message, but instead she nodded to him, before her head turned back towards Ecco. The words she was hearing were all wise ones, and she liked wise words that came out of young female’s mouths. It was something that Nina thought highly of…someone who knew what they wanted and had goals they wanted to accomplish.

With this in mind, Nina offered the other female something she hadn’t offered many, "My forming pack has room for another female. We welcome all with warm hearts." Her tail flicked behind her, wondering if Sloane had anything else to add on. She had made her decision quite clear. If this female wanted to join them, she would be accepted without hesitation. Though is she came with them, trust was something that would have to be earned. It was what Nina fed off of and went off of. If there was no trust then there was no close relationship. Blood would certainly be relative, but loyalty and trust is what would make family.

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

If we want to do one more round in this, we'll wrap it up and I'll post in the gathering. <3

          Ecco suddenly felt in the center limelight, put on the spot before Sloane and Nina. It was just as uncomfortable for her like it initially was trying to be socially contempt again after what was many moons without contact with any other wolves. There was no judgmental air to come from the both of them, for their presence was terribly welcoming and kind thus far. Sloane kept quiet, but Ecco felt his gentle grin and warm eyes upon her as Nina did the majority of the talking amongst the three of them. She noted the questioning look Sloane gave to Nina, as if the two of them already held some sort of invisible connection to speak to one another on what they were conjuring in this moment. Ecco didn't realize what they were conjuring (in her own ignorance), and decided to not react in any way toward their silent gestures to one another. Instead, Ecco waited like a young pup receiving orders from her parents, when to respond and when to speak appropriately.

          Suddenly, Nina offered something that perked her ears up all of a sudden, her heart skipping a beat. Her eyes adverted upwards now to look into her single jade eye, an expression of confusion, surprise, and bewilderment. Is she serious? A confused glance was also given to Sloane. Room for another female, an offer for a pack. It had been that easy in this moment, as it was sweetly asked of Ecco to take the offer if she wanted. For someone like the D'Oliva who had went months without contact, all of a sudden she got cold paws. It was doubt, fear, exhilaration that was telling her, for some reason, to consider this offer. Consider it?! Are you seriously doubting this right now? This is quite possibly the easiest offer you're going to get! Ecco was having a visible war with the words in her mind, and then she shook her head. This is all you got. This could be your only opportunity.

          Breathing out what felt like a breath that nearly suffocated her, there was a creeping grin stretching across her dark muzzle. Her muscles (of what she had leftover) quivered in adrenaline excitement. Ecco didn't want to come off as too ecstatic about this offer, but it literally made her want to break down in tears of happiness. Happiness that hadn't been felt in a long, long time. "Yes, yes." Ecco responded, almost beggar-like. The D'Oliva collected and corrected herself quickly, as to not come off as too needy, but she was purely overjoyed. "I mean, I'll do anything to help. If you need anything, I'll be there." There was a sparkling tone of joy in her voice, the stomach pains suddenly disappearing. There was also a newfound light sparked in her amber eyes, which were once dull, but now reignited with hope.

          Her new potential pack mates, standing before her. Sloane and Nina. Ecco was too overjoyed for words, and quivered with excitement.

Nina, too, seemed pleased with her answer and the golden fae also caught his message. He approved of Ecco becoming one of their pack and it appeared that she did as well as she extended the invitation. The girl's words were the right ones, but he knew that her actions later would truly earn his friend's trust. He tended to trust unless given a reason not to, but it was a bit different with Nina. Aside from one incredibly tragic event, he'd led and wonderful life, filled with love and trust. She'd been raised completely different and hadn't even been able to trust her own brother, who had nearly killed her in cold blood. That kind of upbringing led to serious trust issues. He'd proven himself to Nina with unwavering friendship and support and Ecco and the others would have to do the same in time.

For now, the offer of a family and protection was on the table for Ecco. At first she seemed shocked and overwhelmed, almost ready to bolt. When she had looked back to him with a dazed expression, all he could do was smile and nod encouragingly to let her know that the offer was real. After processing the words for a few minutes, they seemed to sink in and a beautiful smile of gratitude lit her thin face. Her first words of acceptance were effusive and almost desperate, but they were heartfelt and made the over-sized wolf grin, especially when she followed them up with a much more responsible and practical sounding answer. Personally, he much more enjoyed her enthusiastic, "Yes, yes." But he grinned nonetheless.

Approaching her, he gave her a gentle lick on the cheek and then walked over to Nina to nuzzle her affectionately. "We should probably be heading south, Nina." He would have preferred to stay a bit longer with Ecco, but at least she would have the fish to eat for now. Then he remembered something. "Ecco, enjoy the fish for now, but if your tummy feels up to it, there is a fresh kill of mine a bit west of here. Perhaps that will revitalize you enough to catch fresh game soon." He was confident that the gaunt fae's nose would lead her to the easy meal. Then he waited for Nina so they could depart to their loved ones. They had a long journey ahead of them, after all.

(Sloane out! You can PP him walking off with Nina, or whatever works!)

Knight of Honor

Feel free to archive

At first, she was greeted with silence, and Nina feared her words might not have been clear enough. Sometimes it was hard for other wolves to understand her way of speaking, because most of the time, her words had a hidden meaning to them, and if one thought about it for too long, it might have confused them quite a bit, and that was something Nina tried not to do, but sometimes she had no control over her words. They came out in a flow and it felt like recently she was channeling her past mentor. Sometimes she wondered about him, but her past was now behind her, and she was going to have a new family, and this time she would be the mentor.

When Ecco’s voice finally graced them, her ears pricked towards her, the first glimmer of a smile dancing upon her lips as the girl’s enthusiasm. It didn’t last long before it quickly got replaced with something that could have been called a mask. It was something that would have to be broken down though, eagerness was a good thing, and the golden female didn’t want anyone holding back from their true emotions. This would be learned in time though, and at the moment that was what they had. Time to complete their lives and live their lives to the fullest every step of the way.

Nodding her head to Ecco, she approached her, rubbing her muzzle gently against the other’s, happy that she would be sticking with them, until she looped back around to stay by Sloane’s side. She then nudged his side gently to indicate she was ready to head out. Before turning, she faced the newest member of their family head on, “If you need any one of us, feel free to find us. I will be around the thickets, up north from here.” She pointed with her nose in which direction before turning and walking, Sloane’s walking close to her side. She knew what they were getting themselves into and she knew it was going to be a long ride for them all, but she knew Sloane would be by her side. They were best friends for a reason…

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

          Sloane and Nina appeared pleased with Ecco's response. Sloane padded over to give her a lick on her cheek, a gesture of welcoming and of affection for a new bond that instantly materialized. Ecco might have not been entirely official in this moment as a titled pack member, but the emotional response and respect was instantly there. Her grin expanded from ear to fuzzy ear when Nina came over to nudge her gently in another gesture of affection of a new member to their circle. With excitement welling up inside her, Ecco couldn't wait to discuss new opportunities and ethics of their pack until both Sloane and Nina were bound to take off together to fulfill responsibilities they needed to complete as leaders. Ecco understood their welcoming support, giving a nod to both of them.

          Wasting no time taking off to the next journey, they would leave her with Sloane's caught meal for now. Her stomach pains and weakness seemed to disappear completely in the moment, although once Ecco got to eating the fish completely to the bone, the feeling temporarily returned again. Still, with stomach pains or not, Ecco finally had something to be happy about again and look forward to. In the meantime, the D'Oliva would relish in her fish meal and also follow the advice of Nina for her stomach illness (which in reality would disappear by the next several days). There was a little more pep in her step, and as Ecco would find somewhere to retreat close by for the following nights until officially initiated to the new pack, she couldn't wait that now was the time that she finally could start her life over anew.

          Fate wasn't going to let her suffer all along anymore.