Time Together Whilst Time Lasts (Monkey)

[Mokobo]

The tunnel was earthen at first,. Large roots of the willow above ribbed the walls and ceiling near the entrance. Thin, shriveled tendrils curtained from the largest root, catching the golden glow of the wisp as it passed. Icewulf took note that Hawke was already ahead of them. However the little ball of light bobbed along its own meandering path onward. Occasionally there would be a glimpse of the golden wolf's tail, but otherwise he rushed on just ahead of the couple. His friend's restlessness brought a wave of disquiet over Icewulf. Whatever this new discovery was, his long-time friend was rather anxious to share it. However of late the things that were so fascinating seemed to leave a sour taste in the back of one's throat. To stir his mind away from such thoughts he would turn to gaze upon his beloved.
For that brief moment she was gazing upon their surroundings as they descended into the earth. Her attentions turned Icewulf's own, and he noted the gravel and stones packed into the walls of the ever plummeting passageway. With a quick glance, the wolf saw that the dirt gaze way to solid stone ahead. The fluorescence of their curious guide seemed to reflect brighter off the stones as it weaved its wandering way on. There were shadows too, long and fleeting that brought back that feeling of unease. Yet his attention was taken from their location as Antarctica spoke aloud. His own words came quick in their reply, uttered with a soft whisper that the shadows seemed to devour hungrily. "Never. Usually when I go this deep I enter through the Domus. I've used tunnels like this as exits before though, with Hawke."
Quite suddenly they had come upon a junction of sorts. They had emerged into the side of a much larger tunnel, running perpendicular to their own. Here large stalagmites and stalactites sprouted from the floors and ceilings light great fangs. Some had grown together to form pillars looming out of the darkness. Except the stone wasn't entirely dark at all. As the golden globe of light floated away a glow remained. Scattered around the damp walls and pillars within the hallway was a vast array of fungi. Large fan-like mushrooms sprouted from stone trees, much like their cousins did to wooden ones above. These apparently did not have their own glow, but instead lit up from the light the wisp offered. As the ball passed by on its path, the growths left behind slowly dimmed. Others remained lit, however their source was from small stalks that grew beneath. Green and blue and violet auras began to twinkle out from the growing darkness.
For a moment Icewulf forgot all about their errand. The wonder around them captivated him. With soft steps he would move closer to his mate as he studied a nearby patch glowing a deep purple. When he felt her against his side the arctic wolf would let a smile take hold on his lips. "Cave flowers, I've never seen so many in one place." Their silent chaperon was bounding slowly among the 'cave flowers', seemingly content to wait on their leisure. However the soft padding of Hawke's paw-steps was absent. Apparently he was confident in the golden wisp to lead them on their way.

[Relairah]

Antarctica nodded as he answered her question, her gaze continuing to take in their surroundings. As they came upon the opening and stalagmites and stalactites filled their vision, she found herself also as enamored as her mate. If he hadn't of moved closer to her, she would have to him merely for the experience. She lowered her head, gazing at the fungi on the floor around them more closely, and then raised it as well, letting her gaze wander around freely. She wanted to take it all in. It was beautiful.

At Icewulf's comment, she smiled back. For all that he had experienced, she had probably experienced half as much. She was certainly blown away. "I'm really glad to be sharing this with you," she said softly as they continued moving forward. It was probably best they at least keep their companion and his light in their sight line. Though she had a feeling even if they couldn't see him, Icewulf would know where to go.

"If it weren't so important for us to be at a certain place, perhaps we might even explore these halls together," she murmured... meaning the venture as more of a secret for just the two of them. Free of their responsibilities and life's troubles. Though those moments were certainly few and far between... even in these days it seemed.

[Mokobo]

The soft smile upon Icewulf's lips broadened as he listened to his mate's musings. Quickly did he reply, his words following a soft chuckle. "Would that we could. From what I have heard, we could spend the rest of our days exploring and still not see it all." For a moment the white wolf turned his gaze to a large pillar of stone they were passing. He allowed himself to contemplate what it would be like to abandon all cares and troubles. How sweet it would be to disappear from the hustle of the world with his beloved, the two of them wandering without worry until the end of their time. Yet a shadow loomed over such a dream, the nightmare of their current task. In an attempt to distract himself from the sense of foreboding each step brought, Icewulf began to describe some of the wonders that lay in the deep.
"I've seen a few of the rivers that run down here. Supposedly there is a whole sea somewhere beneath these mountains." Once more the veteran wolf turned to face Antarctica. The smile which had faltered for a moment was back, and his tail twitched slowly with an almost childish excitement. "Maybe one day we'll go find it, just the two of us. We can-" Yet whatever sorts of ideas of relaxation the wolf held would have to wait. Quite suddenly the small golden wisp was flitting anxiously around the couple. The orb of light seemed agitated as it bounced through the air in front of the wolves. After such a curious display their silent guide would shoot toward the wall of the tunnel. In the blink of an eye the glowing sphere disappeared behind another of the massive stalagmites sprouting from the floor. Its passage illuminated the mouth of yet another passage. "We must be getting close by now. The grotto is in a maze of sorts. Stay close my love, and don't lose sight of the light."
The tunnel they found themselves in now was menacing compared to the beauty of the 'cave-flowers'. A lower ceiling and uneven walls gave the impression that the passage-way was shrinking. Indeed at some points the walls would come so close together than they could only pass in single file. At each of such places Icewulf would allow his beloved to go first, the golden light of the wisp bobbing impatiently at each slowing of their pace. Not only was the going here more cramped, but it was far less direct as well. Often did their path cross other equally cramped shafts, even more often did the light lead them down one of the turns. It would become impossible to keep track of which direction they were heading in, their path seeming to double back on itself several times. Icewulf thought of how time was equally burdensome to mark with no sun or moon to mark the passage of the day. He could not even say how much time passed before he spoke again, his words a whispered reassurance. "Surely we are almost there."


OoC: Next up, the grotto =O

[Relairah]

Antarctica smiled at Icewulf's response and she brushed against him as they walked a while longer. As he began describing some of the wonders of the deep, she met his gaze, watching his face for his expressions. "It sounds magnificent," she said, now truly wishing they could merely escape in such a fashion. But reality had a way of forcefully bringing them back to it, and as he orb of light bounced about them, she turned her gaze forward through the tunnel.

The pale wolfess nodded at her mate's words, following him through the next passage closely. She kept close, just as he had instructed, and wiggled through the tighter passageways. Truly, this was a maze of sorts and she wondered what had even made these tunnels in the first place. They were unlike normal mountain tunnels and it was a wonder Hawke knew his way through so well. Especially considering he had come all the way through here, supposedly, to find them in the first place.

She brushed the thoughts aside. Her ears flicked as Icewulf mentioned how much further it might be. "I'm sure that Hawke would not have lead us so far needlessly," she said, ever the optimist. She offered her beloved a smile and nuzzled against him, which was not difficult giving the close quarters they moved in.

[Mokobo]

Could they have gotten lost?
In his haste to arrive at their destination, Hawke had rushed on ahead and left the wisp he had summoned to guide his companions. The golden glow had quickly faded in his wake. However, as his friends discovered, the underground was not entirely pitch black. Even if it had been the golden wolf would have been able to find his way. His first few years beneath the surface had been full of exploration. Some of the stones seemed to becoming old friends, the ones near the grotto some of the oldest. Time passed in a funny sort of way in the deep. Concepts of day and night and even the seasons started to feel foreign. The winter before the Demon War had entirely passed before Hawke had gone to the surface that year. Despite being one of the founding members of the Vorlfur, he had declined the rank of Primus. His current rank left him far more time to divulge in his studies deep beneath the earth. Below ground he could protect those he loved and be of service to his close friends. There were other reasons Hawke preferred the deep, but those were the dearest to his heart and the most guarded.
Perhaps I should go find them.
Anxiously was the golden wolf pacing at the yawning mouth of a passageway. Here there were fires, much like the ones in the Hall of the Vorlfur. While their cousins were set into walls, these fuel-less flames burned in small sconces cut into the stone floor. The warm light burned surprisingly bright, casting thin shadows that danced with the flickering of the flames. From either side of the entryway a line of fires ran toward the walls that progressed deeper. There they turned and led into the depths of the grotto. The entrance was granite, the quartz in the stone glittering occasionally in the light of the fires. The old stone was crudely carved in the likeness of the roots of some giant tree. Gnarled stone limbs curled around the curve of the corridor before flowing to the floor in twisted pillars. Ancient runes ran the arch of the entrance, set deep into the bedrock roots. Even from outside one would be able to see the entire hallway was covered in carvings which flowed up the walls that curved to the ceiling. It was between those monolithic columns that the wolf paced an increasingly agitated tread. With each turn his tail whipped behind him, his pelt of spun gold dancing in the firelight.
The light would not lead them astray, but would they stray from the light?
Three separate shafts converged at the entrance to the grotto. Hawke's pacing was to observe all the passages as well as ease his restlessness. Quite suddenly the wolf would pause in his pacing. Fierce yellow eyes turned toward one tunnel where a soft golden light was lighting the stone of a corner. With an sigh of exasperation he would set out to meet the others, muttering softly to himself. "Finally." The wisp was the first to round the corner, shooting away from the couple to return to its summoner. Hawke would ignore the ball of light as it bounced between his ears, continuing his determined pace forth. Soon Icewulf and Antarctica would round the corner and be able to see the roots of stone ahead. Hawke raised his voice as he waited near the exit to the narrow corridor his companions walked. His hurried tone would express his eagerness to proceed. "Excellent, what I've found is in the chamber itself, so if you two will follow me-"
"No. I want you to explain all the facts before we look at this new mystery. And please, no speculations."
Of course.
Earlier he had wondered why Icewulf had finally chosen to bring Antarctica into the fold. Whilst he had waited upon their arrival he had pondered the subject. The only conclusion that had seemed likely was that his old friend might finally be accepting the theories he had denied so vehemently for years. As he heard his friend's latest request, Hawke solidified this belief. He could see it even now in how Icewulf remained ever at his mate's side, looking at the entrance to the grotto with an odd look in those icy blue eyes. Was it apprehension, or was it dread? Hawke hoped it was the former, and not the latter, for he had always viewed his former leader as a well of strength and persistence. If that grizzled bastard was feeling some oncoming doom what did that foretell? The golden wolf had no such time for such ruminations though, especially now that he had to give a full tour. With a small roll of those golden eyes, Hawke would turn back toward the firelight in front of the grotto. He made no attempt at hiding the frustration that bubbled in his voice. "Very well, this way if you please."


OoC: I had to type this post out twice because I accidentally closed the browser halfway through the first typing Dx Sorry if it seems a bit off-pace

[Relairah]

It wasn't much longer after she had spoken that they were rounding the corner to an impatient Hawke. How long had he been waiting? She hadn't realized he had been that far ahead. It was seemingly brushed aside quickly, however. She female wolf glanced between her mate and their old friend as the interaction took place. Clearly, Icewulf was set on all the information. No more secrets or uncertainties. She stayed with him, keeping their contact. There was nothing for her to say, so she didn't. Instead, she continued to take everything in, observing. She was curious, and ready. What was it that lay ahead, she wondered?

OoC: WOO! Sorry this took so long DX

[Mokobo]

No speculations? What does he think I do with all my time here?
The group would not go far before Hawke would bring them to a halt. His golden furred paws carried him swiftly to the entrance, his flicking tail causing one of the fires to flicker as he passed. Despite being eager to be done with this farce of a tour, he would pause to let the others get closer. From just below the stone roots carved into the walls and ceilings they took on a life-like appearance. Perhaps it was just the shadows created by the small flames, but the tendrils almost seemed alive. They seemed to be slowly reaching toward the group and the floor, and yet the rock remained still. At this closer distance a large crack could be noticed, starting from the split of two earthen limbs to shoot toward the ceiling. Hawke would gesture with his snout as the wisp of light shot forth to illuminate the first carvings. Set into the curved walls was a band of ancient runes that circled the inside of the stone roots. Compared to some of the more elegant depictions that could be seen further on, these runes seemed crude and out of place. They were set deep into the bedrock and the large crack even seemed to originate from one of said symbols. "I appears that these-"
However he was cut short by a curt cough from Icewulf. For a moment Hawke gave his old friend a fiery look of frustration. Yet the white wolf simply remained by his mate casting his own cold stare. The message was clear, no speculations. For a moment the agitations bubbled up once more inside Hawke. This all seemed like a huge waste of time to him, and the restrictions only served to make it worse. He was not one to be deterred however, and an idea took hold. His friend would not allow him to fill in the gaps with his conclusions, but he would not be opposed to cold hard facts. The turbulence left the golden wolf as he turned back to the ancient runes. "These carvings are the most recent, but I can safely say they are hundreds, if not thousands, of seasons old. I actually have found similar symbols used in sealing rituals. That magic is crude and ancient, involving the use of blood. I can not say if these symbols were used for the same purposes." He added the last comment with an almost patronizing glance to Icewulf. Yet the look was brief and soon the couple's guide would move on.
The entire vaulted hallway was covered in a flowing mural. Dyes of a surprising array of colors had been set into the carved stone. Over the years the colors had lost some of their luster, even peeling away in some places. However the effect was not entirely lost and they seemed to be passing beneath a colorful swirl of history. The first section seemed devoted to the telling of some long-past war. Violent scenes of battle and slaughter were depicted in startling detail. Wolves fought against demons and dragons and even primitive humans upon mountains and meadows and deserts. From the ceiling mysterious faces shrouded in clouds frowned down upon the carnage on either wall. "These carvings were done about the same time as the runes at the entrance. Despite being the newest additions, it appears that these events are the oldest-" Another warning cough was issued from Icewulf, but Hawke chose to ignore it and instead continued on. "We can assume this from the flow of the events which proceed further down the hall. This section tells of an ancient war with a devastating outcome." As if to elaborate its master's point, the tiny golden wisp would float toward the last scene in the series. This battle was fought upon the sands of some forgotten desert. The golden and crimson dunes were covered with all manner of beasts locked in combat. The battlefield flowed toward its conclusion, two figures grappling atop a stone hill surrounded by carnage.
By this point the last faces on the ceiling were contorted in a startling rage. However the procession of angering visages and bloody battles ended abruptly in a storm of fire and clouds carved into the very stone. The detailed deluge covered a band that split the first section of the carvings from the others further ahead. Hawke would pause here, turning to face his companions once more. "I've found several ancient recordings of similar wars in the forgotten ages. None of them agree on when this war happened or even who fought it. Yet all the accounts say the gods were angered by all the death they saw and sent a great storm to purge all the bloodshed from the lands. I believe that is what this mural is showing us."
"You also believe squirrel tastes better than hare, but it doesn't make it any more true."
Hawke's reply was a simply shrug of apathy before he continued further down the passageway. Beyond the storm the carvings became less continuous. What seemed to be entire stories of individuals were crammed into the small spaces between larger worldly events. None of it seemed to have they story-like appearance of the war before the storm. While some of the frames would continue into their neighbor, more often than not each scene was independent of the others crammed together upon the wall. "This is what I call the Mystery. On their own these carvings might have made sense. Yet few of them seem related to one another and some of the scenes seem insignificant." The truth in his words would quickly become apparent. Battles were mixed in with simple landscapes, and there were even scenes whose meaning was not apparent. Occasionally one of the faces from the ceiling behind them would make an appearance. The most prominent of such instances was in a drawing that showed a wolf atop a pyramid. The canine's head was held high in an eternal howl toward the moon which bore the crudely drawn face. Other appearances were featured in some of the oddest of the pictures upon the halls; a serpent battling an owl, a star falling across the night sky above a mountain, and even the simple image of a lake. A hunched silhouette made many appearances as well, walking across terrains or surrounded by various creatures in some of the battles. Only in one scene did the silhouette appear with a face, the visage scowling with the same anger that had accompanied the storm as the figure below sat beneath a giant tree.
He would not linger long in the Mystery. His eagerness to reach the actual grotto had grown into a bubble of excitement within his chest. This tour still seemed pointless to the wolf. However by now it would be apparent that he felt a certain pride in the work he had put into deciphering the riddle. His pace was no longer hurried and he even allowed his companions a few moments to absorb the collage of chaotic images. He had his own theories as to the purpose of the Mystery, but Icewulf had forbidden him from divulging anything other than cold, hard facts. Hawke could think of no way to twist the words of his theory into facts. Instead he allowed the others a few more moments to gaze at their surroundings before moving further down the walls.
Hawke would turn his head to look toward their destination before explaining the final section of the mural. The fires which lit the hallway ended abruptly at the entrance to the grotto. Despite there being no fires within the chamber, a soft glow of purples and greens and reds lit the room. The path entered the room before ending in a circular dais ringed by dark waters. Even from this distance one could see the walls and ceilings within were covered with even more carvings. The time to enter the grotto had not quite arrived however, so instead the golden wolf would turn to face the final section of the carvings.
Compared to the anarchy of the Mystery, the final portion of the mural stood starkly out in its clarity. Once more the different sections of flowed together toward the chamber beyond. Each scene held a startling amount of detail, as if their carver had focused intently on perfectly depicting each setting. The silhouette from before was featured prominently, surrounded by an ever growing group of beasts. Several scenes seemed to occur within similar areas, showing dens beneath hills and families striding through forests. Others showed a pack striding across a desert, a druin chained to a massive boulder and even a vast tundra wilderness. The latter carving flowed up the right wall ending right at the edge of the grotto. This tundra held many scene of battle that spread out into the desert and forest terrains. "This area is perhaps the most interesting to our situation. These lands are shown often, and the spirit lake makes an appearance as well." To demonstrate this point he motioned to a scene where two white wolves sat upon the shores of the Imperii's famed lake. "These events seem more recent than the others, and this is the only area where a druin is shown. Even so these are the oldest of the carvings other than those in the grotto. We can be tell this by the wear on the stone and how the dyes have faded. Although as there is no rain or wind underground I can only guess as to their true age. The detail here implies that whoever carved them was intent on discerning details."
With those words he would turn to his old friend, expecting some sort of rebuke for his final statement. However Icewulf had wandered a few steps further, the first time he had left his mate's side. The grizzled veteran was staring intently at one of the final scene, a slight frown upon his face. A mountain rose from the tundra landscape, massive and imposing in its detail. All about the mountain different scenes took place. Families poked their heads from dens set into the mountain's base. Wolves milled around the slopes in a wide variety activity. However Icewulf's gaze was locked intently on a battle between two canines atop the edge of a cliff. So intent was he with his stare the fact that Hawke had slipped escaped his attention. A polite cough from Hawke snapped his friend from his reverie. Quickly the white wolf would return to Antarctica's side where he maintained a stoic silence. As if embarrassed by intruding on some private moment, the golden wolf would lower his head. His intention become clear however. After a soft whisper directed to the golden band upon his foreleg the wisp of warm golden light would shoot toward the cracked jewel. In but a moment they were left with just the light of the fires and the glow from the grotto ahead. The ambiance of the area shifted, the carvings dancing with the shadows from the fires.
"Fascinating stuff no? Now, before we continue on to business, is there anything I might explain further before we proceed?"

[Relairah]

As they stepped into the hall and began to see the carvings etched into the stone, Antarctica became quite silent. She was somewhat mesmerized by it all, captivated by the stories that were depicted. She could see for herself why Icewulf was troubled and why Hawke might spend so much time here in speculation. Her gaze traveled slowly over each image on the wall taking each one in before moving to the next. Her ears flicked about as she moved, listening to the two others speak intermittently... though Hawke moreso as he explained the drawings. Now and then, she glanced toward the golden wolf before returning her gaze to the stone surrounding them. At some points, she stepped closer to Icewulf, and then found herself drifting slightly as one image might hold her attention longer than another. She was amazed at how this could all be. And they certainly did arouse question, uncertainty... curiosity. Such as who might have made the carvings? And for what purpose? Merely to tell the stories? It was possible. It wouldn't be the first time old stories were discovered in such a fashion. But there was certainly something more here... she could sense it.

She realized the others had moved past her and she trotted quickly toward them. As the light suddenly was gone and their eyes had to adjust to see the soft glow ahead, Antarctica lowered her head slightly. It was all indeed, very fascinating as Hawke had said. She glanced toward Icewulf, wondering if he had any questions. She also wondered how much of this he had already seen. But she didn't ask at this moment. Instead, she turned her gaze once more upon their old friend.

"I don't, Hawke," she murmured. She had taken her time in coming, and she was not prone to forget things easily. Besides... she had a feeling that now that she had been lead here, she would be able to see this more often if she really wanted to. Or she could ask Hawke at any time, she thought. For the moment, she simply waited with a slight swish of her tail.

[Mokobo]

By this time the anticipation of their errand had grown into a dread foreboding that welled within Icewulf's chest. He hid this sense of dread behind his usual cold, collected countenance, but this alone would be enough to indicate he was indeed disturbed. A tremble had taken hold of the wolf's frame, barely noticeable unless one were to touch his quaking flesh. He could only guess whether this spasm was due to his trepidation toward their task or simply from the weakness of age. When Antarctica cast him a quick glance the grizzled canine determined to steel himself. After offering a smile to his beloved and a murmur of dissent to his friend, Icewulf let loose a long exhale. As he emptied his lungs so too did he purge all thoughts from his mind. An old trick, one he had often used before battle. When he drew in his next breath it was to a still body and mind, the icy mask he wore becoming a true reflection of within.
"Excellent! Follow me please."
Hawke blessedly maintained a short silence as the small group entered into the grotto. Their path ran to the center of the circular chamber, ending in a dais ringed in stepped grooves. All around was fresh spring water, its otherwise glass-like surface rippling slightly with their close passage. The dais in the center seemed an island upon a dark sea even though mere inches separated it from the walkway. The walls sprang up from the waters, cutting a cylinder to the domed ceiling. The lower half of the walls were devoid of carvings, and in their place were hundreds of cave-flowers. Groups of purples and red and greens and been artfully attached and arranged upon the rough stone of the walls so that their colors blended together. The desired effect had to been to acquire an atmosphere similar to natural light, but the colors stood out from one another. Even so, these cave-flowers illuminated the carvings upon the upper portions of the walls and ceiling well enough.
The luminous mushrooms had become a passion of Hawke's, and Icewulf had heard his friend talk of them almost as much as he did the grotto. So it was that while the golden wolf began an animated lecture of collecting spores and breeding new species, Icewulf began to wander toward the circular platform at the center of the room. By instinct he turned his gaze to the carvings that surrounded him from every angle. Crude outlines of wolves had been carved into the bedrock, almost primal compared to the elegant epitaphs of the hallway. Each of the carved canines had their maws pointed upward, curving lines emitting from their snouts and trailing to the center carving. A band of runes ran between each figure which resembled the same dialect carved into the stone roots at the entrance. Strings of runes stretched from this band, mingling with the curved lines etched into the ceiling. Yet all of this led the eye to perhaps the oldest and vaguest depiction so far. A shadowy figure loomed above all, surrounded by the patterns and runes that snaked from below on all sides. At some angles this carving looked canine, at others demonic, and every way Icewulf looked at it made the tremble from before return.
"-other properties as well! The green ones work wonders for indigestion while one of the purple blooms can give the deepest, most peaceful sleep. Too many will kill, however, and I have heard terrible tales from those who survive an overdose."
"Hawke, while I'm sure Antarctica is fascinated with your bowels, can we continue the botany course later?"

At times like this it was a blessing to have a pelt of his coloring. The lustrous gold of his glossy plumage was the perfect shade to hide the flush that came to his cheeks. For a moment he was unsettled by the quip his friend had made, his jaw slackened slightly as he tried to recompose his train of thought. Quickly Hawke recovered, licking his lips slightly before offering a somewhat nervous chuckle. Sharp golden eyes watched Icewulf as he approached his mate, making note of how the other's tail quivered slightly and the way their gait halted mid-step. Rather than take offense to the brusque jape, he saw instead his friend assuming the same attitude he bore before entering battle. Hawke had never been fond of violence, despite finding himself in many a desperate situation, and he remembered how in their youth he had often asked his friend just how he stayed calm when battling for his life.
To fight to your fullest you must be at your emptiest.
"Just so, although it was to your bowels that I make the prescription. Either way! Let us move to something more interesting." With those words the golden wolf strode the few steps to the water at the side of the path. Small waves stirred seemingly from the movement of air, lapping softly over the edge of the rock. "You may be wondering as to why I went to all the effort of growing these cave-flowers here. If you look to whence we came, you will see the fires we've lit end at this chamber. Their magic does not take hold between these walls, nor does any magic we have tried as of yet." As if to demonstrate this point, Hawke raised his right paw. Quickly he bent toward the golden circlet he bore, whispering the word Phoebus as he had before. However no playful orb came forth, and the polished metal simply glittered from the glow of the fungi. "I have a theory that this is because of the spring, but that's not even the most interesting thing about these waters." For a moment he let that statement hang between them, noting how the suspense drew Icewulf closer to his mate's side.
With no hesitation Hawke lowered his teeth upon his raised paw. A quick jab of his fang achieved the desired effect, drawing forth a few drops of blood. With a flourish he exposed the small wound to his companions, letting a large drop form between the toes of his paw. Once he felt satisfied with the amount a quick flick of his wrist dropped the blood into the placid waters. Almost instantly the blood seemed to disappear, rather than diluting into the water. As he wiped the excess upon the stony path droplets left from the small waves earlier absorbed the smears of blood. Even while it lingered isolated on the path, the tainted water soon cleared and once more attained its pure appearance. Rather than try to explain this anomaly, Hawke instead turned his gaze toward his friends with an almost childish grin upon his lips.
"Absolutely fascinating!"

[Relairah]

OoC: LOL! I love that despite our brainstorm you still managed to keep secrets and surprises. I can't wait! *rubs hands together*

iC:

She stepped forward more cautiously now, head lowering. She took in the cave flowers, but did not fail to notice the carvings as they continued. Antarctica herself was beginning to feel a disquiet in her soul... a subconscious sense within her being. Despite Icewulf's efforts to hide his own troubled thoughts, she could feel it. Antarctica sat on her haunches, simply gazing around. She hadn't even realized how little she had spoken since they had begun looking at all of the carvings. Her throat felt dry and hoarse. But despite her desire for a lap of water, she had a bad feeling about the spring in the center.

She allowed herself to focus on Hawke as he spoke, explaining the flowers. She found it somewhat ironic. These cave flowers were beautiful and bright against the foreboding backdrop of the carvings they illuminated. She had always found herself the voice of reassurance for Icewulf. Despite tragedy and hardship, she had remained an optimist. She smiled at Hawke. He seemed so excited about his success with the cave flowers. She even entertained him as Icewulf wandered in his own thoughts, asking Hawke questions about the different colored ones.

Antartica gazed suddenly toward Icewulf when he interrupted the conversation. She looked over her mate. Yet any questions she had for him at the moment were brushed aside as Hawke resumed explanations of the grotto. Resuming silence, Antarctica observed his demonstration, finding herself both fascinated and worried. Her blue gaze stared at the ripples of water a while after it had already absorbed the blood left by Hawke's paw. She had felt it before. But was certain of it now. Even if magic abilities were somehow blocked here, water was like a kin to her. And she could tell this water was different. She found herself taking a step back from it.

"Hawke... I'm not sure you should be doing that. With your blood I mean. While it is fascinating, it also isn't good." Her words were soft, her brow furrowing. "I know water, Hawke. And this is not something you should be toying with." She lifted her gaze to the ceiling, taking in the runes and the group of wolves that all seemed to point to the figure a distance from them. Antarctica didn't let her gaze linger on that particular etching, however. Instead, she met Icewulf's gaze, searching his face. Perhaps Hawke really was on to something. She turned her gaze back to Hawke, wondering if he was going to get to the reason he had first approached them when they had been walking beneath the trees. Was this bit about the spring what he had intended on showing them originally? Or was there something else? She waited for Icewulf to speak, rather than asking. Just being here caused that same disquiet within her. She definitely felt there was more than what they were seeing.

[Mokobo]

From the start this whole impromptu errand had seemed to have been torn from the pages of Icewulf's checkered past. Before his group exodus to these lands, their work had often been planned and executed on short notice. Often it was the message from a single scout, much like Hawke's uncanny timing in delivering his hasty message. As this thought crossed his mind, he wondered if his friend's appearance had not been entirely by mistake. Before, their enemies, or victims, had been full of surprises just as this accursed grotto did. The only difference was that this enemy had no tangibility other than the dread which hung over his shoulders, a black shadow looming all which he held dear.
Yet through that shroud of doom a ray now pierced through. All the hesitations Icewulf had about bringing his mate to this conniving chamber were dashed away as she spoke her displeasure. Her admonishment of Hawke's careless shedding of his own blood struck a true cord. Yet it was the statement made of the waters that brought him a sense of pride tinged with a new worry. In truth he had not considered the significance of the water. The only points of interest concerning the liquid had been his inability to freeze it, and the demonstration Hawke had just made. That little discovery had been made one of the times Icewulf had slipped and cut himself of the stone while he aided his friend in the work. That his beloved was astute enough to point out this possible danger made the wolf swell with pride, and then deflate in shame that he had not revealed all sooner. Still, the doom all around seemed slightly less foreboding now. Softly the arctic canine would stride up to Antarctica's side, offering a wordless embrace of appreciation by nuzzling her softly for a brief moment.

It seemed to Hawke that this demonstration had an adverse effect to that which he wanted. He had briefly considered the danger of a water which so readily drank up every drop of blood, but it seemed a baseless fear. The grotto itself seemed to prevent all forms of magic, and that aside the spring was fed from a tributary to the nearby lake. Only the oldest, most forgotten forms of magic seemed likely to be of any danger. While he could not put a date on the carvings of the cavern he was sure they were no where near as that. For these reasons he showed no concern at Antarctica's warning, and he waved them off with a flick of his paw, sending a few more drops of blood onto the wet stone below. "The waters of are little consequence. It's what lies below that I brought you here to see." Perhaps that enigmatic statement would serve to instill the sense of wonder he had hoped this little tour would hold.
Hawke felt a certain pride in the grotto, even though he was not its creator. Years had been spent in its study however, and the cultivation product had revealed far more than was expected. With a quick stride the golden wolf move to the center of the dais, stepping over the shallow, curved rut of water that separated it from the walkway. While that gap was only two steps of the terraced platform, more continued further out. These had been a major focus of study for some time. Their were thirteen steps set a paw's width apart and down from each other. The thirteenth marked the edge of the dais, roughly four feet beneath the surface of the spring. From their the dais cut straight toward the ground. Despite the clarity of the waters and the light from the mushrooms, the bottom of the spring was still murky with shadows. Yet it was upon that floor which held the newest fascination the grotto had to offer.
The golden pelted male first gestured back the way they had come, and to the left of the walkway. "Set onto the floor of this curved well are more depictions. These are no carvings though, but are instead raised symbols. It's not surprising that they took so long to notice as they were covered in silt from years of the walls eroding. I have since endeavored to reveal them." It was also a small wonder that Hawke had noticed the first marking, the one he now gestured to. It was an almond shaped eye, exactly like the black tattoo on his own flesh. Rather than being made from black ink, however, this eye was made of solid gold and looked to be a good foot across. "All together I had found six of these set into the floor, but until now this was the only one which had any record or familiarity." He began a zig-zagging path from one side of the dais to the other, gesturing to each golden symbol in turn. There was the eye, the antlers of a deer, a gnarled talon, a pine-cone, a curved leaf, and finally the peak of a snow-capped mountain. The quick procession led them to the very end of the dais opposite the entrance. With an exaggerated flourish Hawke would lower his head toward the waters once more. "Finally, what I have dragged you both down here to see."
Set into the floor of the spring was another symbol made of the same gold as the others. This one however had one major difference. it being nigh on triple the size of the others. The rubies set into the massive metallic serpent were the size of bird eggs, and they seemed to glare up at the group which peered down to it. There on the floor was the Mark of the Defenders.

[Relairah]

OoC: LOL! I love that despite our brainstorm you still managed to keep secrets and surprises. I can't wait! *rubs hands together*

iC:

Antarctica didn't like the way Hawke so easily dismissed her words. The pale wolfess felt that she was right... that there was more to it than they realized. She glanced toward Icewulf when he gave her a nuzzle and she found comfort in her mate's embrace. She even moved closer, brushing herself into his neck. A smile found its way onto her lips, at least for that brief moment. Truly their hearts were joined. But soon, the moment was over as Hawke continued his explanations.

Antarctica stepped away from Icewulf now, following Hawke's movements as he mounted the dais. As he began pointing to the different depictions on the floor, her eyes followed his gestures. Her brow furrowed in a wolfish way as she studied each design. There must be something significant to each symbol. But what it could be she didn't know. Their only clue was the eye which clearly matched the symbol embedded in Hawke's golden fur. But the last symbol... the one glistening beneath the water. She had to wonder how it even got there. Unless somehow it was there before the water was. Which lead to only more questions.

Icewulf's mate remained silent, somewhat in shock as her eyes traced over the Mark of the Defenders embedded in the stone floor over and over again. Truly, she understood now Hawke's sense of urgency, the way he had burst in from the brush on her and Hawke. Slowly, her gaze rose to their golden companion and finally to her mate once more. Her blue eyes searched his face, his eyes, his expression. What did this mean? Surely, there was something. Something of significance. Perhaps Hawke was more right about this indicating something to come. Briefly, she remembered her mention of prophecy on their trek and Icewulf's quick dismissal. Perhaps he just didn't want to acknowledge it. She did not so easily bring it back to attention. But she was wondering what he could be thinking.

"Hawke..." she stared into his face now, "What do you think it means?" she asked. He had been the one studying all of this. The one that had made the discoveries. She felt he probably had a theory. And she wanted to know what it was.

[Mokobo]

"I'll tell you what he thinks it means."
For most of the proceedings Icewulf had held his silence, omitting the occasional interjection. After all, he had resolved to fully include Antarctica in the secret which had weighed so heavily upon his shoulders. Guilt and pride had held his tongue thus far, but no longer did he feel the need. Annoyance had festered into an animosity that broke his reverie. Remaining at his beloved's side, Icewulf too turned his cold blue gaze upon Hawke. His next words were spat in a venomous way, the vehemence of his words hinting of long-held frustration. "Hawke believes this cave is a prophecy of the return of his god. If I let him, we will lecture you for weeks on how the hallway explains that. What's more, he thinks the bastards who kidnapped us were a divine sect and that-"
"Peace Icewulf..." The utterance was muttered in a whisper of a breath. Beneath the questions and accusations of the couple Hawke's pride had quenched as a fire would before the storm. No longer did he compose himself with the energy and excitement of before. Instead his gaze was distant, while he settled his hind on the ground in the relaxed position of one who accepts his sentence. Even now Hawke could see the rage hidden behind his friend's usual cold stare,. Rather than balk at that gaze he simply bowed his head slightly before speaking in the same soft tones. "I simply did not want you to startle our guest...pray continue."
It was the perfect way to defuse the anger which had reared up from the darkness of the unknown within. Hawke's final words seemed to take a hold of Icewulf, and he too took a seat upon the damp, cold stone of the dais. Bright blue eyes turned toward Antarctica, as if he almost needed to remind himself of her presence. The rage had been so unexpected, even to himself, that he found himself drained from the experience. With a soft sigh the male wolf would finish the sentence he had left unfinished before being interrupted. "He thinks we and our old comrades are the prophesied disciples of this god- And that Gjelu is his messiah."



OoC: I try to keep things interesting >=D That being said, this post was a little tough as I want Hawke to be close to the truth we discussed, but not entirely spot on D=

[Relairah]

Antarctica sat back herself, the mere weight of what she was being told a sort of abstract sort of burden. She listened intently to every word spoken. Clearly, Icewulf felt Hawke was wrong. But she wondered if deep down, his frustration was because a part of him sensed some sort of truth. Some sort of denial about the reality of the implications. Her gentle gaze turned toward Hawke as he diffused Icewulf's wrath and then her attention was once more on her beloved as he settled and finished. Both of them seemed so burdened, she thought. And it all made sense.

Still, the last words Icewulf spoke... it all did seem so grandeur. So... crazy. How could that be? That would mean that so much thus far had been largely out of their control. It didn't feel right. But if Hawke was right... on some level... somehow...it didn't feel entirely wrong either. Especially given the history of the Defenders.

Antarctica herself felt a tangle of emotions. She felt perhaps they were both correct in some way. Yet there was no way to be certain. At last she allowed herself to truly consider the final thing. Gjelu. Given all that had happened with him. If this were all true... what did it mean for them? Did it mean they were meant to be torn from her in the end? Or something else? Was this a good thing? Or a bad thing?

Antarctica closed her eyes a moment, settling her mind. She moved closer to her mate, once more seeking physical contact, as if to reassure him, and to also reassure herself. "My beloved," she said softly, though in this room of stone no matter how softly she spoke she knew she would be heard... "perhaps it would be wise to consider Hawke's thoughts... given everything here... of the past... his devoted time to this place." Her ears swiveled back, and she touched her nose to his maw.

[Mokobo]

Antarctica's softly spoken words seemed to further Icewulf's sedation from the previous outburst. The golden pelted wolf noted from how warmly his friend received his mate's embrace that he was pacified for the moment. This, and the advocating answer that Antarctica had spoken, seemed to offer a worthy chance to explain himself. Hawke would clear his throat, the noise echoing off the waters and curved walls in the stiffening silence that surrounded their small assembly. His words were spoken gently, but with a firm conviction that denoted confidence in his findings.
"We know that this chamber and it's carvings are the oldest. I believe the murals leading from this room are a prophecy of some doom to come. We can find the figure shown on the ceiling at many parts of the carvings, occasionally leading armies into battle. I fear for our war-torn lands if this is true, but this chamber gives me hope. I first found the Eye, the mark of my family, by mere chance. It was a familiar shape that stood out to me, and it is a symbol rich is history. My blood has always been viewed upon by the gods, and we- I even had a spirit-guardian of sorts as was tradition.." Hawke's voice broke for a moment, his eyes glossing over as if peering at some figure in the distance. His next words were just as abstract as his gaze.
"Even Icewulf will admit we don't know why we were kidnapped as pups, but without a doubt there had to be a purpose. As the Elite we numbered close to a dozen, but our ranks have dwindled to naught over the seasons. Some of us had different experiences before we were joined...rituals in some cases even. Before-" Another hesitant pause, accompanied with a quick gaze toward Icewulf. "Before the betrayer left our brotherhood, I had the chance to hear his own account. Most of it was broken memories, for even then his mind was warped. Even so, it was enough for me to feel that something powerful was at work. Now I am of the opinion that a spirit was bonded to him by force in such a way that it scarred both victim and host."
"Get on to what this has to do with our son." These words held no anger, but rather a somber acceptance. Whether it was to his mate's insistence to hear the tale or the implications that brought on his return to a collected nature was hard to say.
"It all ended in the same, our band of brothers being branded with a golden symbol just like the one I have shown you submerged on the floor there. Our marks have their own magic in that they always draw toward each other. In our initiation we were taught this made us brothers, not of blood but of a godly bond. Why would this mark be featured so prominently in this chamber if it were not of some great significance? Why is it that your child was the one to break the seal of this grotto? I can assure you that the denizens of this underground had no knowledge of this place until Gjelu returned to us. There is his hidden memories to consider-"
"Enough..that's enough Hawke. You've made your point." During his friend's tirade, Icewulf would have move closer toward his mate's side just as she did to his. No longer did he try to hide the slight tremble which once more had taken a hold of his joints. He still told himself that this was most likely due to the hour of day. However there was no denying the ominous tones in which the chamber echoed Hawke's predictions to the huddled couple. Yet a small reserve of determination remained to the arctic veteran, just as there always was. After a brief glance toward Antarctica to bolster his hope, he would simply and sternly speak. "Gjelu has no part in this."