Time Together Whilst Time Lasts (Monkey)

[Relairah]

It was sunset, the sky filled with a range of colors from brilliant yellow to fiery orange and red to softer hues of pink on the edges of the light furthest from the sinking ball of fire on the horizon. No matter where a being was or how many sunsets he or she had witnessed, it was always a sight to behold. Each sunset was ever beautiful and unique in its own right.

From one of the many ledges rising along the Northern Mountains of the Noctre Imperii Packlands, the view was breathtaking. A pale wolfess lay near the edge, the light giving various hues to her coat and the wind at this height toying with her luscious fur tipped in both silver and the faintest of blues. If anyone might have questioned how she even got to this ledge, the answer would soon be found in the large pale feathery wings that were folded against her lithe body. It would have been easy to climb up, given the slope below... but flight was certainly faster. She gazed at the floating clouds above her, their hues gradually changing as night would soon be fallen. Her blue eyes reflected the light. Antarctica released a soft sigh.

She was one of the wolven who resided in these lands that had been a part of it since shortly after they had first laid claim. She had not been a part of the first war in which the Druin who had once resided and governed the isle once known as Giaku had been banished there. Nor had she been a part of restoring the purity to the spirit lake that had once been corrupted. Still, she had arrived to the lands not long after and it was then she had met her beloved Icewulf, the one who had showed her the true meaning of strength and responsibility. Of love and devotion for family as well as brothers (that is in friendship or packmates). Regardless, she was now quite aged since then, and life had shown her both joy and tragedy. So much had happened.

And yet, in some ways, it was like not much had changed. For she still had her family, and many of those who had once united as the Defenders still remained in a new form to guide and protect the newly formed Empire. And even further still, many of the wolves that had been around were still residing in these lands, calling it home. It was still somewhat surreal to her that her very own son was now the leader of all of them. But she was proud of him.

Her thoughts shifted toward her mate. Where was he? He had left her some time ago, claiming he needed to stretch his legs and walk a bit. He had done so with more and more frequency as of late, and she had become more and more worried. She had already lost him once. And during the Demon War had almost lost him again. The thought of losing him was impossible for her to bear, so she didn't even think of it. She knew he could never truly retire... and that if anything threatened the pack, he would, as he always had, fight to protect it. Especially now with Zefirino as the Emperor and Gjelu as an Archus. She knew Icewulf would die to protect those he loved. But evenso... she desperately wanted to cling to him as long as she could.

Antarctica was not too surprised her daughter had not yet returned to her concerning the whereabouts of Icewulf. Aelariah had always been especially fond of her father and she suspected it was more likely that once Aelariah had found him, she had chosen to accompany him. This pale wolfess merely uncrossed her paws and made herself comfortable, curling her long bushy tail about her haunches. Silently, she hoped Icewulf would return to her soon. She missed him.

[Mokobo]

The final moments of the day always seemed to teem with the movements of the living. Many a creature scurried beneath the foliage of the forest, rushing to find their shelters before the night fell. Within the boughs of trees songbirds sang their lullabies proudly, each song clashing against the neighbor's. Other beasts began to stir, preparing for their nocturnal lives. The voice of one particular bird turned from song to a screech of fright in the distance, followed shortly by the pleased hoot of an owl. Even at the foot of the great northern mountains the forest of the Imperii never truly slept.
Where the edge of the timbers fringed the slopes of the the mountains a figure strode. Bright white fur drank in the final rays of sun that screened through gaps in the leaves. Each strand of the pelt seemed to be tipped in the faintest hue of blue, giving the creature a color similar to ice glittering in sunlight. Such a dazzling plumage was broken in several places by the scars of battles fought long ago. Yet it was not a scar that was the most prominent mark upon this wolf. Upon his right foreleg sat a golden mark. Yellow metal raised up from flesh, forming a sinister dagger with a serpent curled around its length. With each step eventide light glittered off the gems that were the eyes of the metallic reptile. Beneath this curious mark was the largest of the male's scars, a long ropy line that ran the length of his leg to his paw.
It was with a determined sort of march that this creature passed beneath the trees. In his age he found his stamina had started to decline. Such was a weakness that in his homelands would have meant death. Yet these sprawling lands were his home now, and had been for many a year. Old memories linger in the darkest corners of the mind however. The first time Icewulf had tired on his way to the great spirit lake was when he resolved to maintain his old training. Every day he walked for miles, usually with no particular destination in mind. Such wanderings also brought the perfect excuse to handle old business. The lie burned in the back of his throat each time he left his mate with the less than genuine excuse.
Today had been one such adventure. A dream had plagued his mind the night before, full of specters from the past. He had woken in a fright, shivering from the cold within his dream. Before the first light of day the veteran had gone hunting, returning to the home he and his lover shared just as the sun had crowned the peaks above. Hunting seemed the last practical act left to him, and Icewulf relished in the feeling of his muscles straining as he ran down prey. After their breakfast the wolf had announced to his beloved Antarctica that he was going for another of his rambling marches. For hours it had been just that, an aimless wander through woods. The dream had lingered all through the morning however, and soon he had turned toward the Hall of the Vorlfur to confer with an old friend.
It was there he had been found out. Not by one, or two, but all three of his children. Pride welled within Icewulf each time he saw the offspring he and his beloved had brought into the world. Zefirino had his mother's caring disposition, tinged with a fierceness from the father. Gjelu choose to imitate his father's icy demeanor, shielding himself behind calculated courtesies. Aelariah however -
Where did she go?
After Icewulf had left the caves beneath the mountains, he had been certain his daughter had followed. For the entire march from the Hall, he had been far ahead of her. Yet the scents that drifted up from behind hinted that his most willful of children had followed. It was not done from doubt or deceit, but rather caring and concern. His children hated the little lies he told their mother almost as much as he did. Often he found that his solitary strolls were far from just that. It was almost customary for him to continue one, not being able to bring himself to scorn his children for something he would do in their place. Now though, the veteran wolf could no longer detect the scent that had followed. The wind had shifted as he reached the final edge of the forest, rushing down from the heights of stone above.
It was that change of wind that brought a smile to the wolf's lips. Quickly he turned cold blue eyes toward the cliffs above in search of the source. It did not take long before he saw his mate lounging upon a ledge above. For a moment the wolf lowered his frame, muscles coiling as he prepared to leap into the air. However, even as the scarred flesh between his shoulders twitched in anticipation, a small sigh escaped Icewulf. He always seemed to forget he no longer had wings, even if the battle continued to frequent his dreams. With a soft snort of derision he would shake the thought from his mind. It was then, with heavy paws weary from the day's travels, the wolf began his slow ascent up the mountain-side.

[Relairah]

OoC: Omg it feels so great to roleplay these two legacies XD It's like a trek back in time for me lol I remember chatting on PM or MSN making them frolic and be silly XD Now they're old farts! n.n Poor Icey *snuggles*

iC:

As she was upwind of her beloved, she did not smell his approach. But often there is an unexplainable sense when approached by another... particularly one so intimately close. Perhaps she had seen white from the corner of her eye. Or perhaps she had heard his paw steps... perhaps even a few rocks crumbled to the ground beneath the warrior. Whatever the case was, crystal blue eyes turned to look to the form of the approaching male. He was climbing... and she felt her face soften.

She would never forget the day when his wings had been taken from him. She had wept for him, wishing she could give him hers instead. Her dear children had tried to keep it from her... but how could she not find out? She had tended to him, of course. But even so... they could not be returned. At least to her knowledge.

Antarctica rose, not waiting, but rather leaping from the ledge and going to meet him. Her paws covered the ground swiftly.

"You took longer than I expected," she said with a smile, touching her nose to his face. As soon as she reached him, she waited to see if he would accompany her back to the ledge, or if they would journey elsewhere. Antarctica was not oblivious to Icewulf's internal troubles. She simply had determined that if he wished to talk with her about it, he would. Until then, she would wait. She did wonder sometimes, though, why he seemed to keep so much to himself... even after so many years together.

But these thoughts were not on her mind at the moment. Rather, she was reflecting on how they had only seen each other that morning and yet she had missed him in his time away. How dearly she loved him.

[Mokobo]

Barely had Icewulf begun to climb the stones at the base of the mountain before the scent of his mate grew stronger. He paused then, raising his gaze from the precarious terrain to watch her approach. The mere sight of his beloved caused Icewulf's heart to swell within his chest, banishing all sense of gloom. Slowly the wolf's tail began to sway as he rushed to meet her approach. As he returned her embrace the very mountain seemed to disappear for a moment. The veteran took another step forth to bury his snout in the fur of her nape, inhaling both her scent and words for a moment. With a sigh Icewulf would end the embrace, offering Antarctica a soft smile as he sat to rest a moment.
"Hawke found me soon after I left here. He wanted to show me more of those cave carvings of his."
Lately he had been wondering if his weariness was not brought on purely by his advancing age. It had always been within this wolf's nature to shoulder not only his own burdens but those around him. Such was a trait that had raised him quickly through the ranks of his first 'pack'. So many of his fellow draftees had looked up to him, followed him, and even died for him. Self sacrifice was an endearing feature in a leader. He was no longer a leader, but still he found he spoke in more half-truths than others. Even his previous words held a certain shroud about the truth. With a sigh Icewulf would lower his gaze for a moment before resolving to divulge more.
"The same carvings actually, after five years that fool continues to stare at stones. He's convinced they are important some how- I'm convinced he spends too much time underground."
That at the least was a small secret released from its cage. Yet even that statement held more mysteries beneath its surface. The current story regarding the conduct of the Cordus was that he was studying arcane arts in the safety beneath the mountain. Another half-truth concealing more secrets. True, the study of ancient languages could be considered arcane, but the hint of powerful magic was meant to keep others from following the golden Defender on his excursions. It would not go well if one of the Vorlfur were to stumble across Hawke's 'friends' who resided deep beneath the earth. The demon war had changed much in the politics and positions of the pack.
"Of course this isn't the first time he's made some 'astounding' discovery-" Here he paused, lifting his gaze once more to match his mate's once more. As he spoke his next words a glimmer of worry would pierce through those icy walls. "-He found The Mark. Four years ago he found that eye tattooed on him, you know the one. Now..." Icewulf's voice drifted away from his lips softly. For a moment he had lost himself in his words, but now he looked around them slowly. The wind still blew down from the mountain so it was up to his sight to make sure there was no one else to hear his next whispered words. "Now he has found the mark of the Elite. Cruder and worn from the elements it's in, but without a doubt the same."



OoC: I know! >.<  It seems like it's been an age since we rped these two xD I think it's time Icey spilled a few of those secrets

[Relairah]

OoC: Pssh... more like give poor Antarctica even more confusion! Those answers were so cryptic! DX lol

iC:

For a moment, Antarctica was content to enjoy the embrace of her mate. The feeling of warmth surrounded her and she simply took pleasure in the feel of his head and his fur against her own. As he spoke, the familiar sound of his voice was also pleasant, but the words sunk into her heart. She could sense it. How could she not? She knew him so well... they had been together for so long and been through so much. She could sense him keeping something back.

Crystal blue eyes looked up at him. She smiled as Icewulf admitted what Hawke had wanted and his feelings on the matter. Perhaps he was right. Though perhaps there was more. She still remembered when Hawke had gone with the demons far beyond the Halls of the Vorlfur and had discovered more than even he had bargained for. So it was easy for her to know what Icewulf meant... at least to some degree.

She knew the very Mark Icewulf spoke of, yes. And at the glimmer of worry, her brows furrowed slightly. What exactly did all this mean? How she wanted to know. But she didn't press him. She at least was following along what Icewulf was talking about. He was indicating that there was something important... something that was going on beyond their knowledge or control. Something was coming. Or at least that was the indication. It would be foolish to try and write it off as mere etchings on the walls... mere stories... mere speculation... or any other brush of the matter.

But she recognized the look in his face and the weariness about him. She was perhaps the only one that saw beyond his icy exterior. The one he presented for everyone else.

Antarctica smiled softly again, touching her nose to his and letting it move along his face, tracing the ever familiar feel of his fur and skin. Couldn't she take some of his worries away? Always, he had born so much on his shoulders. Always he had tried to stand so strong. "Walk with me..." she murmured, rising to walk past him back down the mountain and toward the trees which he had just come from. As she did so, she brushed along his body, letting her tail sweep about his neck. "I trust you, Icewulf," she murmured, loving the feel of his name on her tongue as much as the first time she had said it. "I am certain that whatever troubles Hawke... and you... that you both will find a solution and will overcome it. You always have."

[Mokobo]

At Antarctica's request to join her on a stroll, Icewulf would rise from his seat of stone. As she passed by him slowly, brushing against his side, the wolf let his icy gaze flutter shut. The moment was brief, her tail whisking away after brushing against his face. Quickly he would open his eyes at the last touch before hurrying his pace to match her own. Soon they were striding beneath the sparse boughs at the edge of the forest. Silence held Icewulf as he listened to his mate's reassurances, drinking in her words as earnestly as he had her presence. There was comfort in what she said, and he relished in the feeling. Always had his beloved been confident in his abilities, even during the times he had not. For a moment he remembered feverish nights after his wings were removed. Hazy dreams full of old nightmares had reduced Icewulf to a shaking mess. Yet even then his love and whispered to him, and from her words he had taken strength. Now was no different. As Antarctica finished her words, Icewulf took a deep breath. He walked at her side, their chests practically touching, and so it was with a soft whisper he uttered what was on his mind.
"I'm not so sure it is my solution to find. You should see the chamber my love..So much is carved there, and it's all so old. Hawke thought it was a history of some forgotten people, the first ones to live by the lake perhaps-"
Nearby a raven let loose its harsh cry. The echoing note caused Icewulf to pause in both his speech and step. For a moment his head turned upward to search through the branches and leaves that canopied above them. Whether such was brought on by the bird or by an indecision was hard to say. For a moment the veteran gazed thoughtfully at one particular leaf. Yet his pondering was brief, and soon he lowered his gaze back to his beloved. A warm smile escaped his lips.
"Well, Hawke thinks a lot these days. What interests me is what you have been up to today."
With that he would begin their walk once again, the soft expression still upon his lips. He continued to match his mate's pace, staying as close to her side as possible. Heavily his paws would fall on the ground as he held his silence to hear her own tale of the day. For the moment he attempted to push the concerns from his mind, even though the thoughts buzzed inside his head like a nest of angry bees. Every moment he spent with his mate was precious to him though, and it was with a certain diligence that he gave her his entire attention. Twice he had almost been taken from here, once being far closer to eternity than he ever cared to be. It was for those reasons that he would always dote upon his beloved's every whim, and also why he tried to hide so much of the painful truths of the world.

[Relairah]

As they walked, Antarctica felt a certain ecstasy at the feel of her mate beside her. They had long ago learned how to walk so close without it affecting their stride. She listened in silence as he divulged more about these markings and where they were. Now she became curious. Though it had been a long time since she had walked those halls... A very long time, indeed. She paused a moment. He changed the subject. Was it because he no longer wanted to dwell on the matter?

It suddenly dawned on her... what if there was more to the inscriptions? What if Hawke was on to something? What if there was a message that they needed? She doubted Icewulf would be keeping these thoughts from her if he was having them. "Love..." she said softly, continuing in her trek forward, "Perhaps there is something to them. Perhaps they are a prophecy. If what you say is true, that they are indeed that old, and the marks of both Hawke and the Elite are inscribed..." she paused, then continued, "Maybe it has something very important you need to know."

She paused once again, her thoughts somewhat scattered now. "Perhaps I might accompany you to where it is you speak of next time?" she offered. Maybe she could help. And even if not... she wanted to be a part. She had always been. And now would be no exception. At least in her opinion.

These lands were indeed very old. Even the oldest ones that had been here did not know its full and true history. Who knew what sort of beings had been there before them. And what sort of power they might have once held.

Since Icewulf had asked her about her day, she told him, a moment of silence afterward. "My day was not very special," she said with a pleasant smile. "After we parted, I ventured about the lands a bit. I saw Zefirino earlier, briefly. He has grown so..." she trailed off for a moment. "Otherwise, I found myself near the mountains and as it was nearing sundown, thought I'd enjoy the view as I waited for your return."

[Mokobo]

At the mention of prophecy a visible cringe would creep upon the face of the wolf. The very word always seemed to live a bitter taste on the tongues of those who spoke it. Icewulf was not comfortable with such a concept. That the events of life were preordained was something he would never accept. His life had been forged by his own paws, and even with his own mystical experiences he felt he was the one in control. He had to be, else there could be no way for him to protect those he loved. Yet his mate had broached the very same topic he had argued with Hawke over for the past year. Icewulf found it disconcerting that Antarctica, whose opinion he valued above all others, had jumped so quickly to that conclusion.
However the veteran was spared the topic for a moment. Sincerely he listened to his mate talk of the events of her day. Patiently he listened to her words, the grimace he wore quickly disappearing. At the mention of their son, a twinge of guilt crossed through his heart for a moment. He had seen all three of their children earlier in the day and they all scolded him for leaving their mother to her own devices. Perhaps the time had come for this veteran to release his shoulders from the burdens they bore.
"All our children have grown so much.."
Such was true. Every day Aelariah reminded him so much of her mother, both in her ferocity and caring nature. Zefirino was no longer the mischievous pup that Icewulf still saw him grr. Nor was Gjelu the fragile soul he had been in his youth. It was the last child of his that concerned him the most. It was in the very chamber at question that his son had reappeared in. From Hawke's many interviews with the youth it had been found that Gjelu had found the grotto before. However further questioning had caused fear to take the youth at the time, and Icewulf had demanded the subject be laid to rest. He could not help but wonder how much of it Antarctica knew.
Secrets within secrets.
"Perhaps you should see these carvings. We can go there on the morrow. Just, please, don't jump to conclusions. Hawke-"

Whatever Icewulf thought of Hawke and his theories would have to wait. His words were cut short by a rustling of foliage nearby. Quite suddenly a bush near the two aging lovers burst open, spilling forth a panting golden figure. Almost as if his name had summoned him, Hawke panted heavily to catch his breath. Golden, silky fur glistened in the final light of the evening. A soft scent of ash and mildew accompanied the wolf. His bright yellow eyes were wide as he looked directly to his once leader. Between heavy breaths the wolf spoke, and it would become apparent that he was quite flustered.
"Icewulf- It's incredible- I can't- There's a- I-" For a moment Hawke paused to catch more of his breath. That golden gaze of his finally took note of Antarctica, widening in shock. With a nervous glance to Icewulf, the male would finally manage a full sentence. "I was just going to the lake, fancy seeing you two here."

[Relairah]

She could sense his uneasiness at her comment without looking at his face. She looked anyway, though. She knew Icewulf didn't like thinking of such possibilities... and she bit her lip a moment. It was the reason she had begun hesitantly. Still, she couldn't ignore the implications...

As they talked of more pleasant matters, she nodded at her mate's words about their children. They had indeed grown. Perhaps to even more than either of them could ever have hoped for. But they were certainly proud of each of their children in kind. They were no longer pups to be trained and cared for. They were fully capable of much now... including having their own pups... The very thought brought a warmness to Antarctica's heart. Perhaps they would someday...

Then he once more mentioned the carvings. Her ears turned in his direction, her gaze tender. She opened her mouth to respond, when suddenly the very one Icewulf had spoken of was bursting through the bushes. Antarctica's gaze snapped, partially from surprise, toward the golden wolf. She blinked slowly.

If it wasn't for the fact Hawke had done such a poor job of trying to cover his tracks, Antarctica might have been more serious. She playfully rolled her eyes. His last phrase did not make any sense with his flustered words and the manner of his entrance made the first broken phrases far more believable. She laughed. "Hawke... you clearly knew Icewulf was here... our scents are both drifting down wind. Though I'm surprised you only now noticed me." She did not, however, tell Hawke that Icewulf had already told her the truth of what they were doing in the caverns below the mountain. She hoped her beloved would tell their old friend that whatever it was he was so excited to tell... could be said to her as well.

[Mokobo]

For a moment the golden wolf did naught but dart his wide-eyed gaze between the other two. The breath he drew became more steady after a moment as did his train of thought. Quickly the aging male thought of a way to mend the mistakes he had made. Icewulf had commanded him to keep the subject of the grotto a secret from all. The easiest part had been starting the rumors of powerful magics being studied beneath the mountain. Youths were always prone to gossip, and a few whispered words in the Ludus had started a firestorm of speculation. The grotto itself was protected by the labyrinth of tunnels that honey-combed beneath the stone. Only after years of exploration and help from his family had Hawke finally come to know the tunnels himself. Some of the oldest passages extended for miles from the mountains, ending in some of the most curious of places.
It was through such a tunnel that the wolf had come. In his haste to share the news of his latest discovery there had been no time to make for the surface. To find most creatures in such a way would usually be impossible. Yet the impossible was the thread on the loom of Hawke's life. Under the surface of the world there was no wind to blow scents, but it was no such sense that had led him to Icewulf and Antarctica. The golden marks both veterans bore had more powers than the fear they once instilled in the innocent. Always did the marks pull toward each other, a constant buzzing in some corner of the bearer's mind. Most of them were gone now. The remainders were scattered to the wind while only Icewulf and Hawke remained. One had been approaching for months now, and it was that matter which Icewulf hid behind to avoid Hawke's studies. Such thoughts had clouded Hawke's mind as he stormed from the hidden tunnel a short distance away. Now with his latest discovery there could be no denying the importance of the grotto.
With Antarctica's laugh and mild scolding Hawke would offer forth a warm smile. Quickly he slipped into a nonchalant demeanor. "As you say my lady, I was lost in thought as it were. There's a small matter of the Vorlfur. Perhaps I could steal your mate for a moment?"
"Enough. Speak plainly Hawke."
Hawke knew that tone. It was the same one that was used to issue orders for years. Rather than question the decision, he simply nodded his head. No longer was there a smile on his lips and his tone was somber. "It's the grotto. I've found something."
Obviously. But what is it to not wait till the morning?
The thought did not pass his lips, replaced in with a soft sigh. Whether the sigh was from weariness of this subject or frustration at Hawke's lack of information was hard to tell. For a moment the grizzled arctic wolf would lean gently against his beloved. He presence gave him strength that he lacked after such a long day. Even now the final light of the evening was starting to fade into twilight. Above a few of the brighter stars of the night's sky began to shine. The sun was going to rest, but it seemed no such respite was in store for Icewulf just yet. For some time he had been ignoring the pulls of his Mark, otherwise perhaps he would have been better prepared for this arrival. One was approaching from the south, it's soft pull a constant foreboding dread to the veteran. The last report of his nemesis had been to the west, not the south, but that had been several years ago.
It was too late to turn back on his word to Antarctica. The very idea of doing so did not settle well with him either.She had as much a right to know the truth, perhaps even more so. With a soft nudge, Icewulf would turn to face his mate. For a moment he would gaze warmly into her eyes, letting the icy walls he shielded his thoughts behind melt away. Whilst he gazed at her he spoke, but his first words were directed toward his comrade. "I suppose words will not suffice either? As usual. You could have let me rest a moment." Icewulf paused to let a smile creep upon his lips to show his scorn was a mere jest. His next words were toward Antarctica as he held her gaze. "Well, my love, would you care to join us? The night is young. I'll warn you though, it could be midnight before Hawke here finishes explaining whatever it is he's found."

[Relairah]

OoC: Argh you keep surprising me with stuff that I have to work in to what Antarctica may or may not know! DX lol...

iC:

Antarctica regained some seriousness, and listened as the two interacted. She had long grown used to Icewulf resting against her at times, and did not falter in the slightest when he did so. He was larger than her, of course... but she also had her own strength. At first, her gaze moved back and forth between her mate and their old golden friend. While Antarctica did not entirely understand what it was Hawke was talking about, she knew in due time she would find out.

As Icewulf moved so that he now faced her, his gaze letting her see into himself, she met his gaze back also. There was something she specifically loved about gazing into his eyes like this. Had it been different circumstances, she might have found her heart racing as much as she had when they had first been falling love. But instead, she merely enjoyed the moment, continuing to listen to his words and his comforting voice.

"I am not worried about staying up for long hours at night." It was something she had done many a moon before as this beloved leader's mate. "I would love to, darling," she said with a smile, her tail swishing behind her softly. "I am more than ready to learn about whatever it is that is troubling you both."

[Mokobo]

For a moment Icewulf held his gaze locked within his mate's. It was apparent that she was excited and pleased with the turn of events. His heart grew heavy as he wondered for how long she would maintain that outlook on the subject. To hide his own despair, the veteran turned his head toward the other male. With his voice full of resignation he spoke. "I suppose one of your tunnels is nearby then?" A curt nod from the golden wolf was given in response. "Well by all means." With those words Hawke would rise to all fours and turn about. Icewulf would turn to Antarctica and offer a small, sad smile.
As they would begin to follow Hawke, Icewulf would remain at his mate's side. The pace they set now was faster than the stroll the two had enjoyed before. As such he strode a little further away from Antarctica's side, but he remained close enough that they could speak in low voices. What the veteran had to say was best not spoken too loud. The gloom of the forest was growing, and there were many places for eavesdroppers to overhear anything but a soft whisper. "Hawke tells me that even his new family did not know of the grotto until Gjelu returned all those years ago. The carvings are all old, but the ones in the chamber itself are the oldest. The newest of the marks are in the tunnel that leads into the grotto." He paused for a moment, letting his cool blue gaze wander between the trees. "Hawke had one of his family speak with Gjelu many times. His 'cousin' can see what others dream. With the right practice he can make others dream things, things from the past. We discovered that Gjelu found the chamber when the pups were young-" Another pause, but it was too late to hold anything back. He returned his gaze to his beloved, his eyes watering as he looked upon her with a pleading gaze. Whether he was pleading for forgiveness or for her to not make him say anymore was hard to tell. He did continue however, his voice a soft whisper now. "He spoke of bright lights and of a harsh wind. Then he grew violent in his dreams, started thrashing all around. I made them stop then and the boy hates to talk about the whole thing."

A short distance ahead of the couple Hawke led the way through the forest. He kept his silence as Icewulf spoke with Antarctica in hushed tones. What had made Icewulf decide to bring his mate into the fold was beyond Hawke. Yet he could not say that he was not glad with the decision. Of late his friend had become prickly with any mention of prophecy. Hawke had requested another interview with Gjelu for years. He was convinced that the younger wolf knew something more of the chamber, even if it was buried deep withing forgotten memories. However, with another mind upon the puzzle an answer might appear. So it was that Hawke held his silence. Ahead he could hear the sound of running water, hinting to him that they were near the tunnel he had emerged from earlier.

OoC: xD sorry about that. the marks pulling toward each other is old lore though, and the one approaching is a hint for things to come in the future xP

[Relairah]

Antarctica moved forward, keeping pace easily. As Icewulf began to talk, she listened still, ears perked atop her head. There was so much he was telling her now... so much he had held back for so long. How had she not known this before? Even some inkling of it? She had known there were secrets... more to what everyone said had happened. Even from Gjelu. But she had chosen to let everything go for the sake of moving forward.

Icewulf explained what the grotto was... when they had found it... the information he knew of it. When he gazed at her with those pleading eyes, she said nothing. She felt uncertain, but still curious. In truth, hearing this now tore at her heart. Especially concerning the things concerning Gjelu's first disappearance... and reappearance. It had been hard on the whole family. But especially on her. He had been just a baby. Her baby. She was glad Icewulf had made them stop... though at the same time, she supposed the others wanting the information made sense. Gjelu was the only one who knew the answers, perhaps. But still...

Despite Icewulf's warnings, of the past and what that implied of now, she still felt she wanted to know. And was also glad that Icewulf was telling her. He was her mate, her beloved. And regardless of what happened... she wanted to be by his side. She had since the beginning. She had also known what she'd signed up for from the moment he had first lead her to the Hall of the Defenders. She still remembered that day... when the other Defenders had shown up all of a sudden and a fight had almost ensued between Icewulf and one of the brothers, Kindare and Luke. So much time had passed since then. Still, she knew what she was getting. And not once had she wanted to not be a part of it. Already the family had been through so much. It would tear her apart to miss anything important... even if it was only minor. Who knew how long she had left with them. Regardless of the implications, she was fully, wholly, completely in.

[Mokobo]

Icewulf could see in indecision and hurt within his beloved's eyes. How could she not feel distraught at what he had told her? A flush of shame crept into the male's cheeks. How could he have ever justified keeping such a secret from the mother of his children? Had it been fear, or some misconceived notion of protecting her? For years he had shouldered the weight of this secret, but now that he shared it he could not think of why it had been a secret to begin with. Had he simply been a coward? No, this news would cut a wound either way. That I kept it myself so long is what hurts. The flame of shame within his cheeks deepened, causing a tinge of red to take to the pure white fur at his cheeks. With a soft sigh Icewulf would turn his gaze to find their guide.
However, when he looked away from his beloved, Hawke was no where to be seen. They had come to the side of a babbling brook that cut through a small foothill of the nearby mountains. Dense foliage covered the ridge of the far bank, surrounding a large, old willow tree. The boughs of the willow hung low, a few leaves drifting peacefully in the water of the stream. Gnarled old roots poked out from the curtain, creeping toward the refreshment of the water. A frown crossed Icewulf's lips. From the pull of his mark he could tell that his comrade was near. However this place was strange to him. So much of the underground was a mystery to the veteran. Sunlight and fresh air were his preferences, and every time he journeyed to the grotto himself he needed a guide. If there was a tunnel here he did not know where the entrance laid in hiding.
"Hawke, where have you gone?"
"Over here."
Hawke voice had resumed his usual amused, paced tones. He called out from beneath the boughs of the old willow where he sat upon a bed of old leaves. The golden wolf had felt it prudent to allow the couple their space and time in dealing with this matter. That his comrade was sharing so much was not a surprise to the wolf, but the time it had taken to get to the revealing did. Each time he had petitioned for another interview with the son, he had asked if Icewulf had told the mother yet. Such questions were met with cold looks and evasive questions, but Hawke knew better than to persist. When it came to the subject of his mate Icewulf was the prickly protective sort. It should not be a source of shame though, for the scarred leader had his own reasons. A sort of bemused smile would settle on Hawke's lips as he watched his friend let Antarctica cross the stream first before following.
When the couple joined him beneath the limbs of the willow, the golden wolf would gesture toward the trunk of the tree. The old roots lifted from the ground like the fingers of a withered hand. Apparently the stream had once flowed with a vigor, for most of the dirt had been swept away from beneath the roots. A small dark hole marked the entrance to the tunnel. It was relatively new, only a few centuries old. He knew through his studies that the catacombs beneath the mountain reached much further back into time. As the other wolves would approach, Hawke raised his right foreleg from ground. Upon his shoulder was the golden mark he and his brother-in-arms both bore. Shadows played across the yellow metal of the serpent, almost giving it a life-like movement. Beneath said mark was another, a black rune shaped like an eye peeking through the golden fur. Yet it was the golden bracelet he now turned his attention to. The stone set within it was cracked and ruined, and yet such was his most precious treasure.
With a soft whisper to the bracelet the crack of the stone glowed a soft golden light. Quite suddenly a tiny wisp of gold would float out of the stone. The ball of light was half the size of the stone it came from, but it did not lack for energy. "A trick a friend taught me." As the tiny orb circled around his head, the smile on Hawke's lips broadened into a grin. Quite suddenly the light would shoot toward Antarctica, hovering over the tip of her nose. "Phoebus. Come." Whether the last word was to his companions or the light was up for speculation. However with the beckoning the golden wolf would rise and stride through the entrance of the tunnel. The little golden light would soar after him, lighting up the darkness within as it bounced merrily through the air.

[Relairah]

OoC: Aweeee! I felt nostalgia and delight reading Phoebux XD oh the adventures!

iC:

Antarctica's ears perked in the direction of Icewulf's voice as he called to Hawke. She hadn't realized her thoughts had so consumed her attention. Her gaze swept over the area where they now stood, the old willow and the brook. It was beautiful, serene, and wild. Both touched and untouched. Had they not been here on a mission already, she might have felt the urge to explore a bit more. But instead, Hawke responded quickly to Icewulf's question, and they were heading below ground.

The scents and the air changed, becoming denser and more earthy. Antarctica was amused at the light that Hawke summoned as it danced about her nose and then seemed to obey Hawke's orders. What was it, she wondered? It was clearly not a spirit... at least not the usual ones that came from the lake. This one was something different. Hawke had said Phoebus. But the way he had said it indicated a name. It still didn't indicate a... what.

As she continued further, Antarctica found herself gazing at the walls of the tunnel. It was yet untraversed by herself before and she wanted to become more familiar with it... even if this was not a path she would be taking often. "Icewulf... have you been this way before?" she asked softly, not wanting her voice to be louder than necessary given the closed space and the echoing nature of being underground.