Druids of a Feather

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Was Esha safe? It was the first words from his mouth. It made the elder druid gush with warmth for a fleeting moment. It also did well to remind her of why she was doing this. Her great bear head nodded, her lips curling not in a snarl but a smile almost. As much as a bear could smile, she tried to convey that the wily female was indeed well. As least she hoped. She hoped the woman had not moved to find her mate. Luyu did not pull away when the younger man took her bear head in his bloody hands. Truly and honestly thanking her. It made her remember a time she'd forgotten. A man she once loved. Her mossy eyes just looked at the younger male. She nodded again when he mentioned her dagger. She'd not forgotten about it. Even in all this chaos. But their reunion was dashed by the sounds of yelling, clanking of metal, and the thundering of horses hooves.

Both took notice and bolted, Luyu gave a loud grumble to Arkadi. Throwing her head for him to follow. She led him into thick brush which scraped and clawed at her fur. She knew this would be more painful for him but she needed to loose the men on horse back. Through this thick brush they could not follow. Mossy eyes looked back to the other's hesitation. She roared urgently, almost pleading with him to follow. She moved again, hearing his painful grunts as he threw himself into the brush. She winced to herself, knowing the pain had to be somewhere near unbearable. But yet still he moved on. Wide mossy eyes darted back as she heard the men shouting and screaming at their steeds. But the brush was too thick, the branches and bushes too low for the horses to follow.

Branches cracked under the bear's force and tangled bushes grabbed and clawed at her fur. But her thick hide protected her from most of the harm, save for her face. The bear trampled blindly through the brush. But she didn't need to see, with a nose that would put any hound to shame she knew the way. By smell alone she knew the way. They ran on and soon Luyu's jaws came around Arkadi's arm ever so gently, tugging him west ward. The sound of the river getting louder and louder. The ground near them wetter and wetter. She let him go just before they came to a shallow river. She roared at him to follow as she followed only a few more feet up stream. The huge ursine jolted to a stop as she looked back, wild mossy green eyes looking into the darkness. She sniffed the air, trying to smell past the wounded druids blood. Trying to pinpoint the garrison of men. Close. They were very close.

She turned towards Arkadi, her head gently knocking him into a bush hidden from view. His look of confusion was not lost to her. But she didn't have the voice in this form to explain. Her next actions might have made her look as though she was rabid. She heaved a bellowing roar that echoed through the forest. Birds chittered as flew from their roosts. She made more raucous roars as she attacked a near by bush. The sound she made were those that she made in the ring. Meant to intimidate and frighten. She bit down on the helpless bush and thrashed her head from side to side. She stopped and in an instant she turned into her human form. Dusty grey blonde hair a mess, splattered with blood. She screamed as if she were being attacked. A helpless fearful scream, nothing like the hardened warrior she really was. Hastily she grabbed a broken branch and smeared the tip with blood. She looked to Arkadi. "Stay hidden!" She hissed as she fell to her feet in a crumpled heap. Just then the men burst from the bushes. "Lady Ox!" They called to her, aiding her to her feet. "I am well… I am well… That bear…" She gasped as though she'd just defended herself from a huge ursine.

"Did you see a druid man come this way? He is vicious!" But Luyu scoffed as she sat on a nearby stump, glancing over hoping Arkadi would remain hidden. "I thought he was naked and bloody to be honest." She said looking down. "Yes I saw him. He ran down the river to the east just before that damn bear attacked me." With those words most of the men set out to give chase east down the river. Away from where Esha was hidden. "I will stay with you, Lady Ox." One man said. She laughed warmly and patted his shoulder. "You'll need all the help bringing that bear down. Go with them. I am tougher then I look." She motioned for him to go. After much hesitation he left her alone. With Arkadi. Her elbows on her knees she gave a great sigh as she took a moment to rest.

Luyu breathed the fire from her lungs as she sat a moment, her tension faltering away with the sounds of the guards. She was happy that they'd never brought their hounds or they never would have lost them. Her body was battered and blood, but not as much was the Tomineete warrior. She heaved a sigh, eyes sliding to the warrior as he halfway crawled back to him. She had her elbows on her knees, hands hung between them, soaked in blood. She was hunched over, her heavy breaths began to slow. That warm almost motherly smile took over her weary blood stained face. She sat straighter and took the dagger back. A chuckle bubbling from her as her smile only widened. Her thumb wiping away the blood that soaked the bear paw print carved into the hilt. "I haven't had a battle like that in… Hmph. A long time." She said, her face showing the warrior in her almost enjoyed the deadly battle.

As she spoke, Arkadi took notice of a shall dropped by one of the men. Quickly using it to cover his wounds. A pain in her side made her remember the vicious bite the behemoth druid let her. She winced and held her hand to the bite on her side. So her surprise the young mauled warrior walked to her and with out hesitation he picked her up. Part of her wanted to protest and demand to be put down. But Luyu was rather wounded, and he was such a handsome druid. She could pretend for just a few moment he was sweeping her off her feet. Even though she knew very well that was not the case. She made sure to stay still as he steadied his grip on her. "Oh! Well… Alright then… I won't argue with this." She mentioned as she took the moment to rest. "Just follow the river… I'll tell you more when we get close." She no longer looked to the sky, they were safe. There was no point.

His voice but a whisper but she could clearly hear him. "How long have I lived here? Oh dear now… A while now? Ten years or so… Longest time I've been in one place." She said with a sigh. Her hand gripped his skin in the one place she could find that wasn't torn or bleeding. Much to her surprise the Tomineete warrior said she reminded her of his mother. This pulled a chuckle from the elder druid. "I'd hope your mother was much better behaved then I was. I've become quite calm and docile in my age." She mused to herself. Thinking back to wild an rambunctious youth. As they moved the forest became thicker. With thick sturdy and old trees. But there would have been a welcoming feeling surrounding the druids. As if going home. This was a very old part of the forest, possibly one the humans didn't venture into. He then asked why she looked to the sky.

An annoyed scoff escaped Luyu as she glanced to the sky. Thinking back to her strange stalker Divinigos and why he never showed up. He was so keen on 'studying' her as he liked to say. More like irritating her then anything. "I told someone to meet us. To help in our escape. The bastard never showed… As you can see. Stupid lizard…" The last words were mumbled but still understandable. Why hadn't Divinigos showed? What was he doing? Oh she was going to be fuming if he was still in his under pants. She briefly wondered if he might have cooked stew. Most likely… Not.

They came to an old and ancient tree, the very same one Esha passed. Clearly old and having the look of magic and mystery. It sat on the edge of a cliff where a small waterfall rushed past. It's gnarled roots twisting and snaking out of the rocks. Moss hung from the trees webbing branches. Still hiding the secret entrance. "This is the tree. Put me down please. We'll never fit like this in the tunnel." She waited and steadied herself as her feet touched the ground. "Thank you." She said sweetly as she patted his shoulder. She walked to a mass of roots, what looked like an impenetrable wall. "This is a safe and sacred place. Druids once flourished here… But the human encroachment drove them further away. But some of the forest still has their enchantment on it. These roots are like trying to bend iron… But with a druid's touch…" She reached out, moving the roots aside as if they were limp blades of grass swaying gently in a summer breeze. "They bend to our will… I believe this was a druid sage's sanctuary. Come. Follow."

A druid sage was the spiritual leader of the tribe. They harbored much more magic then the warriors or hunters. Able to commune with the forest it's self and their ancestors. It's even said the could hear the Forest Mother's voice. Often seeing visions of the future they guided the chiefs and kings of the tribes. If what Luyu suspected was true, this was the place where the sage would pray and heal others. A truly holy place for druids. She led him down the same dark path as Esha. The elder sniffed the air with a smile. "The smell of fruit tells me she came the right way." Luyu said with reassurance. She could feel the anxious power of the male, and did her best to quicken her pace. Once she came to the end she stepped aside, letting Arkaid pass.

A calm feeling took over Luyu, and she gave a sigh of relief as she looked around the grotto. The hole of sorts somehow was brighter then the night out side, even though trees hung over the hidden place. Seeing around the place was not a problem. Her eyes took in the ivy and morning glory that crawled up the stone sides, lavender and white flower showered the sides. She looked to the shack and back at the waterfall. It didn't take her long to realize Esha was bathing in the cool healing waters. She raised a brow and realized she'd need to get the pair some clothing that didn't have blood soaked in. Meanwhile she'd yell at that stupid oaf for not helping her.

The Rockridge huntress had not heard them enter. Just before they came through the entrance she'd submerged her entire body under water. Under the water all she would hear was the soothing rush of the water fall and the faint beat of her heart. She held her breath a moment, allowing the cool water to ease her many wounds. She held her breath longer then she normally would, coming up with a small gasp for air. She noted how clean the air felt in her lungs as if soothing her from the inside out. Standing up in the high waist deep water she brushed her now clean sandy colored hair from her tan face. Eyes closed, her fingers running through her hair, lips parted so as to breathe through her mouth. The cool water trickled down her cut and bruised body. She wasn't directly facing Arkadi and Luyu, but the Tomineete warrior would see a full view of her naked upper body. Her fingers gripped her hair, trying to squeeze the water from it. She was still unaware that Arkadi was seeing her.

The dark hair warrior's body trembled as he dropped to his knees at the rivers bank. His heart beating so hard and fast he could barely breathe. Chief Urin pushed past him and looked desperately to the other side. Rhaon scowled as he came behind the gasping warrior. "Rest now." He said calmly as he gripped the man's shoulder firmly. He stood and walked to his chief's side, looking on. He scrunched his nose at the lingering and pungent smell of death and decay that lingered in the air. His heart sank with the smell. Heavy erratic breath not from the weary warrior drew his attention. Urin was on the verge of a break down. The smell making him think the worst. Before the alpha warrior could say something Urin bolted to the river, jumping in quickly to inspect the other side. He was now trespassing.

"Urin!" Rhaon yelled at his chief. The other's moved to follow but the grizzled warrior was quick to stop them. "Halt! Do not follow him! You will break the pact." He snarled at them, his warning heard and they all stepped back. His dark eyes looked back at the chief having now reached the bank. He curled his lips in annoyance and groaned before moving to follow Urin. "No one follows me!" He snarled as the men nodded. Urin moved frantically and bolted for the over powering pungent smell. "Urin you fool! What are you doing!?" Rhaon seethed behind him. But he didn't care, a shaky hand shoved back the brush. An opossum hissed dangerously and jolted away from the rotting carcass of the boar. A shuddering sigh left the chief as he fell to his knees. It was not Esha's body.

Rhaon only looked a moment, it was not the smell that caught his attention now. It was the tale on the ground. He crouched and inspected the foot prints. To an untrained eye it looked like nothing more then a dusty spot. But the trained warrior saw a re-enactment of the events. Paws changed into foot prints, another came from behind. His eyes furrowed, but there was a scuffle. Esha fought bravely. This amused the warrior. His eyes watched the invisible dance to the tree, slowly he paced until a sharp pain bit into his toe. He hissed and sneer as he pulled his foot away, picking his foot up to see a trickle of blood spot his toe. "What manner is this…" He knelt lower. Glass? His fingers pulled the broken bottle up. Someone else was here. Urin sniffed the near by bushed in an animalistic way. Ale and fabricated cloth hit his senses. He stood up when Rhaon hissed. "What is it?" He walked to the elders side. "Glass…" Rhaon smelled the glass and looked as though he was drowsy. He shook his head and stood up. "Sleeping powder… Tomineete have her alive." He deduced.

"No. The scent is faint but it doesn't lead to them. But away." Urin stated as he looked around. A deep growl rumbled from his throat as he looked to his chief. "Look at the signs. She's been taken." He tossed the broken shard to the side as he focused on the frantic leader. "Yes but… I'll follow it."

"What? No. The line is drawn here! Leave her to her fate and get the tribe prepared for winter." The elder's voice held no comfort, no asking. He was telling. Challengeing. Urin turned to face him, a growl seething from his throat. "I am the chief! What I say goes! Gather those men and bring them. We hunt them down. We will find Esha. Where ever she is."

Rhaon was appalled and shocked. He looked to the bank at the group of hunters and warriors that traveled with them. If Urin brought them, the tribe would have no one to protect them and no one to hunt for them. They'd surely die. His one eye narrowed on the man he once called friend. "You would condemn our tribe to death!"

"To find her I do what it takes!" Urin shot back. Rhaon knew then, there was no turning back. Urin's mind was lost. There was only one thing left to do. Only one thing that would save his tribe. It wasn't something he wanted, never did he want this. But it had to be done. He squared his shoulders, standing taller as he looked down at the chief. "You are not fit to govern our people. I challenge you as chief!" There was a chorus of gasps and shudders from the other bank as Rhoan had just challenged Urin as chief. Urin just stared in disbelief, unsure if he really heard Rhaon correctly. But the elder male stared to pace around the chief, and his challenge was clearly not a bluff.

Cut hands trailed her bare skin as her head leaned to the side, allowing the calming feeling of this place to take hold of her body. Orange eyes opened softly to the faint voice. So faint and timid she wasn't sure she ever heard it. Her hands rested behind her neck as she looked up. As if a static zap hit her, she inhaled sharply with eyes shooting wide. Mouth open unsure of what to say. She was shocked that Arkadi was standing there seeing her from the front. She made a squeak as her cheeks shot red and her hands clasped her naked breasts to hide them from his view. "Arkiadi!" She gasped again as the stunned Tomineete warrior lost his footing and fell in. The splashing water made Luyu look back as she walked to the shack in the wall. She gave a snort of amusement before opening the rickety door and walking inside.

Esha jolted down so that the dark water covered her chest, though she still held onto her breasts to hide them from view. She should have been fuming that he was staring at her. She was sure she should have wanted to gouge one of his eyes out for even looking at her. How long had he been there? But all she could do was laugh. Her warm laugh that in no way should come from a brutal warrior or huntress. Truth be told she was happy to see him. And angry at the same time. Angry that he'd just ran off like that. "Serve you right for just gawking at me!" She said shoving away the giggles. Trying to sound honestly pissed. "How long were you standing there?" She snapped at him with more ferocity in her voice. She moved an arm to cover her chest. Her free hand reached out to splash water at the disoriented warrior. She wanted to both hug him and punch him. Considering her lack of clothing she decided it best to not do either.

"Don't look at me like that. I'm also pissed at you for just leaving like that! You could have been killed." She scolded as she tried to scowl at him. Curling her other arm around herself as she looked at him. Luyu moved quickly to find them more clothing. Darting in the small hut and to another rickety door. She flung it open and darted up the stairs into the main part of her house. Her home was much more modernized as far as druid living goes. And it looked more like a cozy cottage then a druid's den. Much to her annoyance Divinigos the white haired man was gone. His absence was a relief and yet an annoyance. Where the hell was he? Stupid lizard. She found a clean pair of brown pants, holding them a moment. Knowing this meant he was still running around in his underpants. The thought made her shudder and shake her head. She then searched briefly to find a tan leather one piece dress. It was not proper attire for winter nights as it would not cover her shoulders and stop at her thighs but it was what she could find at the moment. She darted back down the stairs and back down through the small hut and to the lake.

"I know your angry with him but think to the future. The past cannot be changed so why worry over what happened. He is here now and so are you. And so is a set of dry clothing for you both." She said to Esha, trying to calm the angry woman's wrath. Esha shot Arkadi one last annoyed look before she stood once more walking to the bank. She still hid her chest from him, arms coiled around herself. Her cheeks blushed deeply but it didn't matter what he saw now, seeing as he was staring at her for some time. Or so she thought. She did turn away from him so he could not see her naked lower half once she stepped from the water. Showing him only her naked back side. "Thank you…" She said softly as she took the tan leather dress. Her hand moved over her own skin to dry it as best as she could before she stepped into the dress. A single leather string came from the front to be tied behind her neck so as to keep the dress from falling off her.

Luyu folded Arkadi's new pants and placed them on the bank. "I will start you a fire and get medicine for your wounds." She said as she started to walk away. Esha called to her. "Luyu… I… Thanks. For everything." She said almost emotionally. The elder female smiled and shook her head. Esha closed the space and gave her a warm hug, which was returned. "Your welcome." She said beaming as she finally pulled away. Leaving them along once again.

Esha gave a deep sigh as she walked to the bank once again. Giving Arkadi a playful scowl as she picked up her clothing. Kneeling by the water's edge she dipped them in the water and began to wash away the blood. "I'm glad your well though…" She added softly after a moment. Orange eyes chancing a glance at the other. Her smile faded slightly as she watched the blood wash from his body. "Well you needed a bath anyways… Right?" She said trying to crack a smile. But the devastation to his body made it hard for her to do so honestly. Her hands squeezed her clothing wringing out the water. She looked them over with a soft frown. The crimson liquid was already stained in and would never come out. She sighed and placed them next to her. Her eyes looking over Arkadi's form once more.

Even wounded the moon light cast him an alluring light. The water only helping to accentuate his defined muscles. Her cheeks flushed once again and she looked down. She moved to sit on the edge of the bank, letting her legs dangle in the water. "Come here. Let me help you wash the blood off." Her voice was gentle but demanding. Once he moved closer she cupped her hands and gently poured water on his back. Washing away the blood that coated hi, wincing at the full damage done. She gasped and cooed to him. "Oh Arkadi… Your back…" Her fingers touched his shoulder as she looked at the devastation with a deep frown. Her fingers gently rubbed the one unharmed spot. "I have avenged you at least… That bitch is dead…. Very dead…" Her voice took on a dark tone as she poured more water over his back gently.
 
"Do not lose sight to him. He and the other will hang, damn what Ironbeard says."

Anger Filled Arkadi as he listened closely, to the conversation, no matter what was said, he'd made a vow. No harm would come to these men Luyu valued in some way or another. Where he had hidden, he rose up, he kept on the chase, his breath never leaving him, or at least that is what he wanted to believe. He paused once to achieve the open area and see the return to a Familiar Friend: Luyu. Arkadi slid to a stop, his direction changed, quickly did he run to her with one person on his mind conveyed as more than a simple comrade by his question. His eyes did a double take around Luyu, to see whether she was alright and to search For his one, yes, she had to be. His heart pounded like no other toward Esha, everything about her.

"Esha...she is safe?" His head nodded slowly, still questioningly. He reached Forward, his hands touching her big bear Face, affection like a child to a mother. His head tilted to the side, emerald eyes watching those lips curl up in what Arkadi took as a smile and he Felt her head nod within his gentle grasp meaning....Esha was safe. He let out a sigh. "Thank you Luyu, thank you. I have your dagger, to be returned once we are elsewhere, I am sure you have not Forgotten it as I have not Forgotten my own." His head turned at the noise around them, the metal clanking, voices seemingly all around, yelling. "Time to go." The Tomineete warrior commented, Arkadi ran at Luyu's direction to move on, they would be leaving the township etching to the outskirts. The woodlands held a very apparent scent now, one belonging to Freedom. Arkadi thought he could hear the running water, a water source.

It made him yearn to go home desperately as the Feeling pertaining to his homeland and Father had not died down. Something was wrong. At the pressing time, the thick brush where Luyu lead him towards made him hesitate, there was no where else to go. His bare back and naked upper body would suffer. Arkadi glanced to Luyu, heard the roar, looked into her eyes. Should he not Follow then those men would no doubt catch up to them. He threw his weight down onto his stomach coming behind her, his crawl hasty as the shouting came ever so close. Esha. Esha. The warrior still thought about her. Relentless branches prickled at his skin drawing blood and making him clench down on his teeth, Arkadi moved regardless, his one hand grabbing at dirt, the other placing the dagger hilt in his mouth to navigate with both. A slight groan escaped him. One branch pierced his back, blood poured out heavily From the sensitive skin. He smelled the water. It was close. How much Further?

The warrior grimaced. Another branch struck his waist. It was when he stopped a spell that Luyu's jaws enclosed over his arm, this made him look at her, she tugged him to move westward and so he did, toward the hard river Flow matching the beating to his heart. Determination to see Esha. Arkadi well anticipated her either attacking him, most definitely scolding him, something along that nature but he couldn't wait to see her...in a time when they weren't captive or running. A small smile tugged at his lips. His hands embedded in the moistened dirt, a clear indication they were close to the riverm ge didn't mind her grip on his arm. He turned to look at her when she let him go, the roar meaning to continue Following her. One last branch stabbed at his back scraping the skin up, Arkadi contained a curse coming to a clearing where the moon above shined through the trees onto the stream. He now crouched walked. The dagger was still in his mouth. As he was ready to stand properly, Luyu stopped abruptly, she looked beyond him into the darkness, he looked at her. She knew something.

The druid Female knocked him back into the bush where he landed on his side. Why? The Tomineete Warrior looked at her in question, her next actions, his eyebrow raised, chest rising up and down at her vicious roar. Were they not to be silent? Those men were not at a distance. He rolled onto his stomach keeping hidden in the bush as she went on a rampage to the nearby bush. Arkadi remained silent, there had to be a reason behind this and within seconds the young one understood. He diverted his eyes when Lyuy changed to her human Form, the screaming alarming in some sense, he took this as a sign to remain hidden because no sooner that she played her rouse, the pursuers emerged, concerned. Arkadi went still, the dagger was still in his mouth, his chest rose up and down. He closed his eyes at the moment. The hypnotic spell worked well, he was unsure how long those men would attempt to pursue him. He listened to Luyu tell the men a False sighting to where he'd gone, one wanted to stay with her, and Arkadi could see how much they meant to her, a Family. He was certain, that in her position, he would've Felt the same way. His striking green eyes shot open, he saw legs moving, Footsteps on the brush heading another direction and when sensing there to be no more danger, he pulled out the brush rolling ever so lightly as not to anger his bleeding back.

The young man knelt, his breathing hard, the dagger in his mouthm and eyes set on the druid whom did not have to help them. She risked a lot. The male crawled near her. In the moment he stood close to examine her. She was injured too. He'd not Forget anytime soon the great battle in the arena, against the druid behemoth. She was as bloody as he, her elbows on her knees, a smile written on her Face reminding him about his own slain mother. Taking the dagger in his hands now, Arkadi presented it back to her. "It helped me to protect her. Thank you." He listened to her. This battle...she hadn't had one like it a long time, then that meant, she'd been through others, seen many things. She was a warrior, there lied no denying it. "You saved our lives, thank you, there is no debt I could think that would do it justice other than you have a second home, in Tomineete, I promise."


The young man took notice to a shawl dropped by one of the men. Instantly, Arkadi grabbed it, he wrapped it around his back wincing slightly and tying the ends to his neck, now he was with Luyu once morem turning around, his long arms stretching out to grab around her body. He'd carry her on his back. To seek out Esha. He rose taking a secure grip on her. He let out a chuckle at her comment. "It is time that I take care of you For a little." He nodded his head. "Follow the river. Alright." Arkadi then ran, his voice lowered to a whisper, up the stream. "How long have you lived here? With the others?" The stars glistened in the sky heavily leading northbound, the moon still protective in the womb above, he raised his head to look up at them. "Ten years? That is a while. This means you've traveled too. This is the second time I've been away From Tomineete, the First being with my mother, and the second not by my choice....you remind me of her....my mother, in many ways, though, she was not From Tomineete in the ways I gathered From my Father." His head turned back to her touch, trying to be as gentle as possible in not touching his injured Flesh. "She placed everyone's needs before her own, she did not hesitate to help another. You did not have to help us but you did....earlier you were looking up several times....were you looking For something?"

Indeed she had.

According to Luyu, a bastard, someone to have helped them. His eyebrow rose when her words trailed, he caught the stupid lizard, and assumed the person she mentioned as another druid, a mate? He didn't ask. It wasn't his place but one can only take a guess. He slowed down as he heard the water rush. The river drew near and his grip on Luyu, held tight. He eyed the ground, there were indentations in the grass as though someone else had come this way too and he thought he smelled Esha's Fruit scent lingering in the air. Arkadi went Forward. His eyes settling on a massive oak tree, a tree he regarded as sacred with many branches coated by thousands of leaves. The roots embedded up and below the ground, it sat alone on a sloped cliff edging down. Where was this?

This was....the tree?

Arkadi heard the other's words, his head turning slightly, eyes on the roots pushed aside. He stopped, set Luyu right, nodding at her thank you. By this time, the blook soaked through the shawl now, his back was a wreck and on Fire.

"Druids Flourished here?" Arkadi asked watching Luyu walk upon the roots but the humans drove them out....

"A druid sage's sanctuary....." Being here, it brought a calmness to him, one he had Felt in a while. This place, what was it that made him Feel this way as though he had the energy to move on. The druid woman moved aside the roots urging him to Follow her, down the same path Esha had taken, through the pitch black tunnel. It was uncomfortable to say the least, due to his size. The water sounded like it was coming From above or all around to his ears and Luyu confirmed what he could smell. The Fruity scent. Esha. She came this way. His Esha. It only served to make him continue on, it seemed like time kept them apart For a long while, an eternity. He touched the sides, crouched, and grunted to move along the tight crevice Fueled by that same scent and that to nature in general. Arkadi had to get out quickly. The same llight glimmer Esha had saw at the tunnel end, emerald eyes witnessed as well until.....
He saw beyond Luyu.

He was met with the moon, above, shining down on the crystal clear lagoon, the grasses green, abundant and the source to the water he heard coming From a waterfall pouring into a hole, surprise Filled Arkadi. Never had he seen anything like it before. A heaven on Earth. The druid way, a sacred realm untouched that is what he thought it to be. He closed his eyes to the various smells all matching Tomineete's then let out a sigh, a smile graced his lips, one Full. Where was this? Reopening those hues, scanning the rocky walls, he noticed the wooden shelter built there, someone's home. Luyu perhaps? Looking around, he saw the pule near the edge, bloody. Esha's clothes. He hadn't seen when the elder druid woman moved, Arkadi moved at them, clutching the Fabric in his hands, now standing properly to look around. Her clothing but not a body to be in them, no Esha. He dropped the garments. Where was she? He glanced to the water......

One eyebrow raised.
He spied her.
She came to the surface...

He didn't move, the Tomineete Warrior. He turned, to completely look at her. Cleansing her body with the water, washing away their Fight to survive previously. The moonlight captured her in a trance not even he could escape.

He'd seen the Female body. Many times, the loose Tomineete women, in efforts to nab mates, would Flaunt themselves near the waterside, always when Arkadi went to hunt. To say he wasn't attracted physically would be a lie but it had never been enough to warrant him wanting to be with them in lust nor to have as a mate. Now...Arkadi crouched, his eyes on Esha, bathing over her body, his head turned to the side and realization came he could not leave her side. He HAD to be near her, with her, like a one, his mate, the one he'd been seeking all this time without ever truly knowing. He watched the water trickle down her bruises.....
His heart pounded.
Muscles contracted. Emerald eyes stole a look to her breasts, soaked by water. She was beautiful, he wondered whether she knew this. Arkadi looked down a moment, many thoughts swirling in his mind now. Yes, he thought about her as a mate, considered it now more than he had prior, especially at the thought to something happening to her during the time they'd been apart. He wanted her....physically too. He shook his head knowing that should he continue to look at her the lust would take him and it wasn't just about that. He valued her as a comrade, a warrior. Friend. A mate...the mother of.....

He stole one last look at her, her hands running through her hair. He would call her so she didn't catch him as he was to think he simply wanted to look at her.

"Esha..." Her name barely came out in more than a whisper. "Esha."
He looked at her again.

Those hands residing to the back of her neck...

About to turn, all became too late, her orange eyes opened wide and they stared at one another. Arkadi's Face darkened some, only because he was caught in this situation, staring at her. "Esha..." He tried to explain seeing as she covered her breasts, what could he say? He took a step Forward but ended up tripping and Falling into the water. Damn...

He resurfaced, his hair naturally rinsing From the blood, it rested on his own naked shoulders. The sound he heard was not a cursing Female rather one laughing, laughing? The sound was welcoming, though he still expected to be attacked...

"Gawking?" He now let out his own nervous laugh. "What were you doing in broad moonlight, out and about to have someone looking at you so? What am I suppose to do? Tell my eyes they cannot view the surrounding?" The water Felt nice, he decided to take a a sip, lowering his head down, still looking at her, remembering what he saw. She wanted to know how long he'd been standing there.

"Enough to see the blissful expression on your Face." Her snap only making him smile some, even more so when she splashed water on him. "Thank you, I needed that...Esha listen...." Oh, nope, she wasn't having it. She was mad, she had every right to be in a way as he really didn't tell her about his plan so he let her give him hell while remaining calm, grateful that she was alive. He swam a little closer.

"I am sorry, I should have told you what I wanted to do but you would have tried to stop me or want to help in a way, I know I could've been hurt, my only thought was to make sure you were not nor Luyu. Your needs have become my own." His own pants came to drift away From his body to the surface heavily stained at this point. He gave a side glance to them then returned his eyes on Esha, how she tried to scowl at him. "I would change nothing given the choice again." Arkadi confessed. "You are my priority, you can be be mad...but I did it For you." As he would always. Arkadi Followed the new voice to the conversation, Luyu, he hadn't realized she wasn't around until he saw her coming to the lake, carrying something, and pleading his case.

He could see Esha shooting him a look which he countered with a calm one, the druid woman had brought them clothing, it wasn't wise to stand now considering he was naked save For his shoes and even now he was trying to take them off, he turned in the water as Esha rose, hiding her skin....that beautiful flesh. When he thought she was dressed, he looked only to see her backside, he took a deep breath diverting his eyes elsewhere, leaving the two women to their conversation however brief it was. He coughed swimming under the water, the wounds would heal but the scars were lasting, especially his back. Damn Kee....


Underneath the water, he stretched, holding his breath, to loosen the cloth shoes. Only when his Feet were Free did he return taking a breath of air. Esha stood near Luyu is a tan leather dress.

"You look....beautiful." He did not wait to compliment her when they were alone. "Thank you." The young man swam near the edge to admire the pants while at the same time grabbing his old ones, slinging them on the ground with his shoes. His appreciation directed to Luyu much like Esha to the Fleeting elder woman whom mentioned starting a Fire and gathering medicines. Before she departed the strong Rockridge huntress gave her a hug, Arkadi watched all the while silently. He concentrated on the water, rubbing it against his hardened stomach, chest, the ache in his back doing a number on him but like a man, he kept it hidden looking back at the precise moment Esha gave her playful scowl. Arkadi looked away, a smile safely known by him.

"I am glad that you are glad I'm well." He commented. "Agreed, the water Feels nice, I'm sure you can't argue with that." He sunk under then rose up nearby to the edge, curious about what she was doing with her own clothes. "You do not need to worry, I have a tough hide. You're worried." He stared at her, it was only natural....wait...was she ill? Her cheeks were reddened some. Why? Ohhh...

He stilled his body in the water. The woman moved to the edge to sit, her legs in the water, and gave her gentle demand he come to her. He moved, he turned with his back to her, his Face outward staring at the water, she would see what Kee had done. The acid attack wounded him greatly. The Flesh was torn and bleeding as well as red, eventually once healed it would scar, become somewhat like a ever present tattoo. Right now the water cooled it, but also stung. His head turned at her sounds.

"It must look worse than it Feels...." Arkadi took a wet hand up to grasp her own on his shoulder holding on. "And I thank you For that. Dangerous huntress, Formidable and caring." He let out a sigh to the water turning around Fully after it rinsed over his back, the blood and pus going with it. Emerald eyes stared into orange. What could he do to tell her....? There were many things. He didn't want her to turn away From him nor hurt her. "My back will heal.....not now....it will." He examined her Fingers curling them up.

"....I was lost not long before we entered the arena, your song brought me back...the scar I have, I don't think I told you. One of the men whom tortured my mother gave it to me, surely on that day I thought I would die when he tossed me off a cliff...." The young man smiled. "Here I am though, with you, by all standards my enemy." He massaged her Fingers. "Though that is not how I view you. I should apologize, For how I treated you, trespass or not, I should not have done the things I've done to you. Esha, I'm sorry." He kissed those Fingers quickly then released them. He edged closer.

"I am thankful that we can be here as we are now and I hope you know I never meant to hurt you...." Damn it, were these the right words to say, to tell her? Did she understand what he was trying to say? It was best he show her, in their time together, he'd come to....yes. There was no mistaking it. Arkadi scooted near her other side, he rose out the water in all his naked glory. He wasn't ashamed especially considering he only wore pants 100 percent of the time, but now he was urgently wiping the water From his body sneaking in a sly look to the lovely lady.

Once he dried off as best as possible, he reached to grab the cloth pants, a dark blue color, they slanted down From his waist a bit. He squeezed the water out his hair, it made it a dark color temporarily. Hopefully he looked somewhat decent to her, he wanted to have his daggers to give to her but the damn stupid bastard dwarf did something with them. Arkadi looked elsewhere, it could be told he was thinking, really hard, though he said nothing. He shook his head crouching down close beside her, his back hurting, his eyes stared into orange as to grasp not only her heart, her soul. Arkadi mentally called out to her. Chose her. To become his....
Mate.

Not many Tomineete men nowadays used the old relics to choose their lifemates, perhaps it was a reasoning on why many split or were unhappy, Arkadi wanted to give her a gift, so since he had none then he'd give her him. His last mythical old method. His head lowered, eyes piercing into hers deeply, he brought his battle-worn hands to cup her cheeks gently not breaking their eye contact.

No one would be around, only them, in their private world. His hands slid down her neck pulling back abruptly, the man was on his Feet, pulling her up to. He still looked down into her eyes wiping hair away soothingly. He spoke her name. "Esha." One arm stole her close, protectively in a slight dance against him.




"So, what do you plan on doing Tolm?"


About to answer, Tolm's eyes narrowed darkly, the others gathered around the Fire looked at him. They knew that look. He grimaced crouching down low like a predator, his big hands cupped dirt tossing it upon the Fire to null it, casting one last look at the gathered group of men and women. Something was amiss.

"Something lingers nearby." Tolm brought a Finger to his lip.

"The chief?" One questioned.

"No....we search the area. Go quickly. Have your weapons ready." He spat the order. He ran in his crouch positioned with two Following him. He damned Arkadi's Father, For not having better protection. They'd searched all the areas near the river, there was nothing important involving Arkadi or so he thought. The warrior's teeth clenched down. He stopped near one big tree giving the signal behind him to the two. Flank a position to the right and left, he would continue north.

The Tomineete men nodded, each clutching daggers and a sword. They moved in stealth, becoming one with the trees. Should there be someone trespassing on their territory, chief or not, he would not hesitate to kill them. Tolm straightened up, he slammed his back to one tree looking out once then started running again. He was one with the trees, blending in and out of them until reaching the spot near the river. He paused to hear the last conversation end:

You are not fit to govern our people. I challenge you as chief!

What the hell...?

He looked out to the darkness nearly surrounding two individuals, one taller than the other, both males clearly. Their skin....Faces....he knew to a tribe on the other side with people as such. Rockridge, they were breaking the treaty. Tolm's Face darkened, surely this was not the chief invading on Tomineete land and if so then why? What possible reason did they have to be here unless they were hunting.....

Should that be the case then they made a grave mistake.
This land would be their graves. He'd collect their heads as trophies. He would see First what the two had in store.....



"Chief Aleix((don't think I named Arkadi's Father))!!!"
The loud voice startled Arkadi's old man whom had nearly settled down to go to a troubled sleep. He dropped the sheets running to the outside where he met a young woman, one of the ones whom had been with Tolm's group but did not agree with what was being discussed, she ran all the way back to Tomineete when the others went to explore.

Aleix looked bewildered.
"Girl, what's the matter?"

She could barely breathe. "They were making plans to overthrow you! Tolm...they went to see about something, near the river...."

Aleix's eyes narrowed. He waved his hand to some loyals standing nearby. "To the woodlands." He wondered whether it also had something to do with his son. "Hurry!"




Arkadi twirled Esha around. She most likely would wonder what he was doing but he'd not speak until he Finished. He balanced her back with his hand sinking her low as he made a crouched motion, his eyes on her, the moonlight on them and the lake, this entire sacred area. He brought his other hand under her back pushing her up when he rose. The druid raised her, in his arms, up off the ground with ease, they would turn together, he raised one hand to caress her Face gently looking down once he put her down.

The most crucial thing was never to lose eye contact. His breath seemed to disappear. Grasping her hand, he lowered her to a sitting position while it seemed like he was crawling towards her, like one staking their claim, proposing a mate. His hands graced her Face, Arkadi cautiously brought a kiss to her Forehead pulling away to run his hands down her shoulders and arms until his Fingers etched between hers, a thing never done between one of Rockridge nor Tomineete, taking her hands, he placed them to his heart meaning one thing he couldn't say in his words.
He belonged to her.
Should she want it....

He crawled to her, eyes still on orange, and laid down on the soft grasses beside her, on his stomach. He still held onto her hand.

"....I can never leave you...."
 
"You are not fit to govern our people. I challenge you as chief!" Rhoan's voice echoed through the forest. Disturbing nearby birds and causing a chorus of shocked gasps from the other river bank. Urin just stared in disbelief, unsure if he really heard Rhoan correctly. But the elder male stared to pace around the chief, and his challenge was clearly not a bluff. The blonde chief squared his shoulders and faced his threat. Both were still unaware that Tomineete drew closer and could hear their words. "You think you have what it takes to lead our people?" At this Urin laughed as he paced with the elder warrior. "You said it yourself. You'd make a terrible chief."

The elder warrior narrowed his one good eye on the younger male. A deep seething snarl rumbling from his throat. "At this time, I'd make a better chief then you. You'd let our people die. Just for one female." The comment did what it was intended to do, enrage the already unstable chief. He let out a deep cougar like scream and gave a mock charge towards the elder. "Do not speak of her in that way!" Rhoan knew this was hard for the chief as well. For all their head butting they were like brothers. It hurt him just as deeply to challenge Urin.

Suddenly with out warning Rhoan lunged at his chief, shifting into a grizzled grey and black panther. Teeth bared aiming for Urin's throat. The chief acted quickly, gripping the fur of his attacker and throwing him to the ground. Shifting himself into a cream and white panther. He tried to counter attack but Rhoan knew him all too well. His claw sank into his shoulder and tossed him off him. Rolling with him the elder bit down hard into the lighter cat's shoulder. Bellowing snarls and roars surrounded the area as the two fought. Urin managed to kick Rhoan with his back legs, at least kicking him off him. Crimson blood stained his pretty pelt.

Both males rolled and wheeled around face one another. Wasting not a moment to charge one another again. Claws lashed out, raking at each other fur. Coating the area in a whirlwind of dust, fur and blood. All of the Rockridge hunters and warrior stood on edge. This was a battle of the titans. Their two strongest members fighting for the title Chief. There was always play talk of who would win. Rhoan or Urin. And now those mock talks had become reality. No person spoke. No inclination of who they rooted for.

"Father!" A mans voice called out. A young man Esha's age bolted from the forest. The resemblance to Rhoan was uncanny, the man bolted for the river. His mind on helping his father win this battle. But before Rhoan's son could charge in he was stopped by several others. "Stop, Bhura! Their fighting for chief!" One said as he tried to hold the strong man back. Bhura shot his eyes down at the man, confusion riddle his face. "Rhoan challenged Urin! You can't interfere!" Another said quickly. The young man winced as he watched the battle.

The bloody battle ended with the darker elder slamming the lighter cat to the ground, his jaws clamped down around his throat. Both covered in blood, nicks and cuts. Urin stopped moving, tensing up waiting for the crushing blow the break his neck. But it didn't come. Instead Rhoan gave one last rumbling snarl before he let go. As he shifted into his human form he snatched the chief's tribal necklace from his neck. In Rockridge this dragon bone and dragon tooth necklace was the sign of being the chief. He tore the necklace from Urin, standing as he backed away. Urin shifted back into his human form, eyes shakily looking to Rhoan.

Rhoan was his mentor. His friend. His brother. And in all the years he'd known him, Rhoan had never shown mercy. Never shown restraint. But he did just that by letting Urin live. The younger male shakily touched his blood and saliva covered throat. "Go. You are no longer Rockridge. What ever your choice. We will not come to your aide." The elder said darkly as he tied the loose fitting necklace on his own neck. Urin thought this all over. Rhoan had him. Could have easily killed him. He was defeated even if not dead. But this act of mercy would allow him to find Esha once again. Still this stung his pride like no wound ever. Weakly he pulled himself to his feet. Cradling his mauled arm as he took one look back at the group of men still on the bank. He watched Rhoan swim back over, washing the blood from his body. He scowled deeply as all the men knelt to their new chief. "When I find Esha. I will be back to claim my title and tribe." He yelled out at Rhoan. The elder sighed. Glancing back at his lost friend. "You can try. If you like." He retorted as he turned to leave.

The Rockridge huntress had not heard them enter. Just before they came through the entrance she'd submerged her entire body under water. Under the water all she would hear was the soothing rush of the water fall and the faint beat of her heart. She held her breath a moment, allowing the cool water to ease her many wounds. In the underwater serenity her mind flashed back to all the days events. Even giving a fleeting memory of her little brother's face. Was he alright? Was her family eating well? They had to be worried over her. She held her breath longer then she normally would, coming up with a small gasp for air. Standing up in the high waist deep water she brushed her now clean sandy colored hair from her tan face. Eyes closed, her fingers running through her hair, lips parted so as to breathe through her mouth. The cool water trickled down her cut and bruised body. Her fingers gripped her hair, trying to squeeze the water from it. Cut hands trailed her bare skin as her head leaned to the side, allowing the calming feeling of this place to take hold of her body.

Orange eyes opened softly to the faint voice. So faint and timid she wasn't sure she ever heard it. Her hands rested behind her neck as she looked up. As if a static zap hit her, she inhaled sharply with eyes shooting wide. Arkadi was standing at the river's edge, no doubt looking at her. How long had he been there? She made a squeak as her cheeks shot red and her hands clasped her naked breasts to hide them from his view. "Arkiadi!" She gasped again as the stunned Tomineete warrior lost his footing and fell in. The splashing water made Luyu look back as she walked to the shack in the wall. She gave a snort of amusement before opening the rickety door and walking inside.

Esha jolted down so that the dark water covered her chest, though she still held onto her breasts to hide them from view. She should have been fuming that he was staring at her. By all accounts she would normally have shifted as a cat and mauled him where he stood. But his comical fall into the lagoon made her laugh. Her warm laugh that in no way should come from a brutal warrior or huntress. Truth be told she was happy to see him. And angry at the same time. Angry that he'd just ran off like that. "Serve you right for just gawking at me!" She said shoving away the giggles. Trying to sound honestly pissed. "How long were you standing there?" She snapped at him with more ferocity in her voice.

She tried to remain furious, even at his reply and nervous laughter. "I'm bathing!" She retorted, somehow finding a bit of angry to coat her voice. "When I started there was no one here. And no. You should have looked away when you saw me like this." She scolded as she moved an arm to cover her chest. Her free hand reached out to splash water at the disoriented warrior. "How long were you standing there?" She snapped at him with more ferocity in her voice. She wanted to both hug him and punch him. Considering her lack of clothing she decided it best to not do either.

She only scoffed at his claims of seeing her blissful expression. He didn't give a clear answer as to just how long he'd been standing there. Splashing water on the Tomineete warrior did nothing, then again it wasn't meant to. He started to talk but Esha wasn't having excuses. If he had died… Well she didn't want to think about that. Even as a seasoned warrior whom had to take death as a possibility, she didn't want to think about that. "Don't look at me like that. I'm also pissed at you for just leaving like that! You could have been killed." She scolded as she tried to scowl at him. Curling her other arm around herself as she looked at him.

He was right. She would have tried to help him. His reasoning only made her scowl more. "Of course I would have helped you. Because we made a promise that we both had to make it out of that. Not just one… And-" Her cold expression softened to slight surprise when his pants floated to the top. Orange eyes looked at the pants then at their owner. She opened her mouth to speak, eyes threatening to try and sneak a peek at what the waters hid from her view. But she caught herself and looked at his handsome face and those captivating green eyes. She had completely forgotten what she was about to say to him. Her silence allowed him to further explain himself and though she was still cross with him, she couldn't fault him for what his heart clearly told him to do.

His words touched her heart, words no other man could ever prove or say. But she tried to remain angry with him. She huffed and looked away from him, her eyes avoiding his. Mainly so that she'd not look upon his face and forget about being angry. But part was so that she'd not accidentally see what the waters hid. However a voice of reason drew the Rockridge huntress's attention to the bank. "I know your angry with him but think to the future. The past cannot be changed so why worry over what happened. He is here now and so are you. And so is a set of dry clothing for you both." She said to Esha, trying to calm the angry woman's wrath. Esha shot Arkadi one last annoyed look before she stood once more walking to the bank. She still hid her chest from him, arms coiled around herself. Her cheeks blushed deeply but it didn't matter what he saw now. She did turn away from him so he could see only her naked back side. "Thank you…" She said softly as she took the tan leather dress. Her hand moved over her own skin to dry it as best as she could before she stepped into the dress. A single leather string came from the front to be tied behind her neck so as to keep the dress from falling off her.

The huntress only softened her look when Arkadi submerged under water. Luyu folded Arkadi's new pants and placed them on the bank. "I will start you a fire and get medicine for your wounds." She said as she started to walk away. Esha called to her. "Luyu… I… Thanks. For everything." She said almost emotionally. The elder female smiled and shook her head. Esha closed the space and gave her a warm hug, which was returned. "Your welcome." She said beaming as she finally pulled away. Arkadi rose from the water as Esha was smoothing out the wrinkles from the dress. No doubt in her youth Luyu was a woman with figure. Not to say she didn't have it now but just less of it. The dress was strangely well fitting. It even fit Esha's wide hips. Both women looked to Arkadi when he spoke, one smiled as the other one stopped a smile and looked away with the faint tint of pink her cheeks. "Your welcome." Luyu said softly, giving one last glance at Esha before she walked away leaving them alone once again.

Esha gave a deep sigh as she walked to the bank once again. Giving Arkadi a playful scowl as she picked up her clothing. Kneeling by the water's edge she dipped them in the water and began to wash away the blood. "I'm glad your well though…" She added softly after a moment. Orange eyes chancing a glance at the other. Her smile faded slightly as she watched the blood wash from his body. "Mm. The water feels… warm yet soothing at the same time. There's something about this place that is… familiar? I donno I can't explain it." She stated, not knowing what Luyu had told Arkadi. That this used to be a druid sage sanctuary. Thus it simply was a druidic holy place. A place of spiritual energy and healing.

She smiled faintly as he tried to reassure her. It didn't work much though. Not when the clear water was stained with his blood and puss. "Well you needed a bath anyways… Right?" She said trying to crack a smile. But the devastation to his body made it hard for her to do so honestly. Her hands squeezed her clothing wringing out the water. She looked them over with a soft frown. The crimson liquid was already stained in and would never come out. She sighed and placed them next to her. Her eyes looking over Arkadi's form once more.

Esha was used to seeing males of all body types. She'd been courted by many males. From the more powerful warriors to even the chief. But none seemed to hold a candle to the male before her. Even wounded the moon light cast him an alluring light. The water only helping to accentuate his defined muscles. His shoulders and chest looked like he could take the weight of the world with ease. Even his face, hardened warrior and yet hints of e gentle lover were hidden in his weary features. Her cheeks flushed once again and she looked down. She moved to sit on the edge of the bank, letting her legs dangle in the water. "Come here. Let me help you wash the blood off." Her voice was gentle but demanding.

He quietly obeyed her soft command and faced the open lagoon. Her hands cupped in the water and poured it on his back to wash away the rest of the blood, wincing at the full damage done. She gasped and cooed to him. "Oh Arkadi… Your back…" Her fingers touched his shoulder as she looked at the devastation with a deep frown. Her fingers gently rubbed the one unharmed spot. She gave him a playful knowing look when he replied. A true warrior would not admit his pain, and Arkadi was quick to claim it didn't hurt as bad as she though. "So you say." She replied with almost a smile. Her mind flashed back to the one who caused this. And her faint smile turned into a dark and devious smile. The horrible cried the woman Kee let out only assured the druidess that she did everything right. That she had repaid the pain. "I have avenged you at least… That bitch is dead…. Very dead…" Her voice took on a dark tone as she poured more water over his back gently.

Esha smiled more behind him as he touched her hand, his words explained her exactly. "Believe it or not… I had to learn to be formidable." She said with slight amusement. Killing prey and killing an enemy were two very different things. One was done quickly to minimize the amount of suffering the act out cause. The other required a savage, ruthless approach. Often meant to cause suffering. "I know it will heal." She admitted with a sigh. "Everything heals with time. I just… Wish I could have stopped it from happening." Her voice faded off with thought as he turned to face her. Looking into those emerald green eyes made her heart beat a little faster. Her thoughts were no longer coherent. Her eyes only looked down when his did. Looking to her own hand as he examined it. Hands that she witnessed causing bloody devastation to their foes. But now were incredibly gentle. She pulled the hand not being held into her lap.

He spoke about a song she had sang, and at first she only gave him a curious glance. What song? She didn't remember… Then she did. When the acid poisoned his mind as well. She glanced into his eyes as he massaged her fingers. Her smile faded as he explained the scar on his face. So his mother had been attacked. Killed. But her expression was not one of pity. She did not pity him. What had happened had to be horrible. Watching your mother die and nearly being killed in the process but he clearly was a stronger man because of it. "It's strange how the horrible tragedies make us who we are… I'm glad the singing help… I didn't know what else to do." She curled her scar bitten shoulder closer to her. The memory of which she spoke was not the bite Arkadi had given, but the now long dead warrior.

For a fleeting moment in Esha's eyes they were two druids. Trying to figure out their feelings for one another. But Arkadi reminded her that they were supposed to be enemies. The thought made her look down and her brows furrow slightly. These feelings or no, her tribe would not accept this. She looked up when he said he didn't view her as an enemy now. "I can't see you as an enemy now…" She admitted and quickly shook her head as he kissed her hand. She bit her lip but allowed her heart to guide her movements. Her now released hand touched his face gently. "Don't apologize." She said softly. "You were only acting upon the pact… But I'm glad you didn't kill me." She said with a chuckle as she brought her hand back into her lap.

He moved closer and his scent filled her senses and clouded her mind. Her heart beat just a little faster. She heard his words but couldn't find the right words to say. "I know…" She stumbled out finally. "I'm sorry too." She added with a blushing smile. But her tinted cheeks only got worse when Arkadi surprised her and got out of the water. He shamelessly didn't try to hide anything. To say Esha wasn't impressed with what the water hid would have been a lie. She cleared her throat and looked away, trying to pretend she didn't see his manhood basking the glory of the moonlight. Looking clearly away from him and blindly grabbed the clean pants brought to him and nonchalantly held them up for him to take. She didn't look again at him till she felt him closer, and she could feel his eyes upon her. Why was he getting so close now? What was he… But as she turned and looked at him she was taken by his eyes.

He wasn't just looking at her, but into her. Looking into her heart and soul. And though his lips did not move she heard him. At first she was confused. Never had anyone looked at her this way. No man, not even the chief claiming his heart belonged to her. There was no doubt or confusion of Arkadi's mental words. His message was clear but she wasn't sure how to react. Like a moth caught in the enchantment of fire light, she didn't look away. Not that she wanted to. She didn't move, just stared back never breaking eye contact, not even when his strong hands touched her face. A drying stray hair slid next to her eye, which Arkadi softly moved away. His tender touch sending ticklish shivers over her skin. But before she could react he gently pulled her to his feet. His voice made her skin feel warm, it sounded… right when he said her name. "Arkadi." She replied with but a whisper for his ears only.

Her eyes never left his but a looked of confusion took over her face as he danced with her. Her hands finding their place against an unwounded place on his bare shoulders. He twirled her around and balanced her back. What in the Goddesses name was he doing? There wasn't even any music. But suddenly his dance became familiar. When he picked her up and twirled her in his arms it hit her like a snow buffalo. This dance. She'd seen it before. But never was the dance given to her. Images flashed in her mind. Warm fond memories.

A young Esha sat on a wooden chair, not the woman she is now but one coming into her teenage years. She sang a jaunty tune to the year or so old baby boy in her lap. "When the sun comes uuup all the elk go too graaaaze~" She sang holding her hands to her head imitating an elk's antlers. Baby Keno giggles and held his hands up too. "In the morning mists is what the hunterss fave~" She sang waving her hands in her face like mist. The baby tried to imitate her but adorably failed. Standing over a cooking fire was a woman, holding many of Esha's current features. She swept away her copper blonde hair as her pumpkin orange eyes gleamed brightly at her children playing. Esha was so involved with playing with her baby brother she didn't notice her father come walking up behind her mother.

He was a shorter man, well shorter then the warriors and hunters anyways. He was not built like one either, slighting stalky frame which was pudgy but not fat. His sandy blonde hair was always an absolute mess and freckles seemed to take over his cheeks and arms. Freckles his little boy seemed to have acquired as well. His expression was that of always warm and bubbly. He made his way silently behind his wife, nuzzling his round face against her neck as he too beamed with pride at his children playing. "What are you cooking Ellu?" He cooed with somewhat of a drawl in his voice. Ellu smiled warmly and turned to face her husband. "The delicious salmon you caught today, Miko." She replied warmly as she placed her hands on his shoulders.

From there Esha heard them say nothing. She always thought her father liked to smoke too much of the sage's spiritual herbs but now he was dancing to… well nothing. There was no music. And he didn't break eye contact with her mother. Her mother only got that gross love look in her eyes as she danced with him. He brought his hands to cup her cheeks gently not breaking their eye contact. His hands slid down her neck pulling back abruptly. He still looked down into her eyes wiping hair away soothingly. He spoke her name. "Ellu." One arm stole her close, protectively in a slight dance against him. Miko twirled Ellu around. He balanced her back with his hand sinking her low as he made a crouched motion. Ellu laughed flirtatiously. "Oh Miko. You need not win what you already have." She said between giggles, her cheeks almost threatening to blush. Esha's father just had that charming grin on his face. "I just like to make sure I still have my moves." He replied in a suggestive tone. Both laughed as they drew closer to one another. A groaning scoff drew the parents away from one another. "Oh my goddess you guys. Me and Keno are right here!" Esha said sassily giving them an annoyed look.

Esha frowned when they got that look in their eyes. Mischievous and flirty as they looked at one another. "Urgh never mind. Theres no sense in telling you guys to stop." Young Esha huffed and she hoisted her baby brother on her hip. "C'mon Keno. There gonna work on making us another sibling." She drawled with annoyance and she walked from the wooden hut. Rolling her eyes at her mothers laughs that seemed to follow her as she left.

Simply put, Miko had nothing of value that he could offer. Well perhaps his fishing pole or fishing net. But when he was courting Ellu, those offerings didn't hold a candle to the objects the others offered. Not even the priceless family dragon bone necklace Rhaon had offered her. The only thing he could think of to offer Ellu was his heart. Just as her father had nothing, neither did Arkadi. His daggers gone and far from home. He was offering Esha the only thing he had. His heart. Her curious stare turned into disbelief. Was he actually giving her that dance? Even as he sat her down and crept towards her like a predator stalking it's prey she could only stare.

Ellu loved her husband very much but she was near relentless in urging Esha to find a mate that could protect her and provide for her family. To choose a mate not because of love. The rivers didn't give as much food as hunting in the forest would. And Miko was no warrior, he could never hope to even spar with another warrior with out receiving damage. Because of this Esha turned down every suitor, knowing they were not strong enough. But Arkadi, he had proven himself in combat. He was a strong male no Rockridge warrior could ever hope to be. Her heart automatically accepted his offer but her mind was sending panic over her body. She gasped trying to find words but none came. No Rockridge warrior could be what he was because he wasn't Rockridge. He was Tomineete. Her tribes rival. Her enemy. At least he was supposed to be.

Her mind screamed at her to look away but Esha always let her heart rule her actions. Thus her eyes never left his. She could only look on as he tenderly touched her face, bringing those lips to her forehead in a soft kiss. His hands sliding over her cut and scraped skin till he held her hands in his own. Pulling them to intertwine with his own. He didn't have to say anything. She knew what he was saying with his actions. He belonged to her.

She watched him as he lay beside her, her hands still in his. She still kept her eyes looking into his. Her heart ached with the thought of the choice she'd have to make. Her mind was telling her to turn his offer down. He admitted he could never leave her and it made her eyes water up. "That's… That's the most beautiful thing anyone has ever offered me." She said to her warrior as a single tear escaped from her eye. Her hand quickly pulled away to wipe away the tear as she finally looked away, if even for a moment. Once the tear was gone her hand sought out the Tomineete warrior's hand. Gripping it tightly.

"Arkadi…" She said painfully as she looked back. Could she tell him no? Could she deny her own heart what it already felt? "We… We are not the same tribe. Tomineete and Rockridge are mortal enemies… I…" She stumbled over her words as she tried to say… what ever it was she was trying to say. "Though you could convince your tribe to follow you because you are a prince… I have no such pull… If I was a sage or princess we could be the union that brings our tribes together… but I'm just a hunter." She didn't even know what she was trying to say. But it didn't stop a tear from rolling down her cheek. She pulled her hand away to wipe it away. She opened her mouth to decline his offer but she simply couldn't. She exhaled deeply willing the tears away, her free hand rubbing under her eyes to make sure to more tears were coming. But her other hand held onto Arkadi's. Her grip tighter and tighter as she tried to say what she didn't want to.

A memory flashed in her mind. She was with her father trying to learn how to fish, it was the summer Keno was to be born. "You know Esha… All the odds were against me." He mused and he nudged his daughter. She looked at him curiously. "Technically I shouldn't have had a chance in hell with your mom. I mean she's the tribe top huntress. I'm just… a fishermen." Esha smiled and giggled lightly as she tugged on her pole. "Yea mom says it was your dance moves." Miko laughed and shook his head. "I had to have the guts first to even approach her." He said looking back with a smile. Young Esha looked to him again curiously. "I know your mom goes on and on about you looking for the 'right' mate but let your old dad give you the best advice." He looked to his daughter and for the first time, her gregarious father gave her a very serious look. "Always listen to your heart. It will never guide you wrong. And if it seems wrong… Well it will always work out in the end." His serious look faded into a warm smile.

Always listen to your heart…

His words always had stuck with her. And they gave more meaning now then ever before. She sighed and sought out his hand again. Leaning towards him to lay her fore head on his. Orange eyes avoiding his green for a moment before glancing up. "I don't know what I'm trying to say… But… I don't want to leave you either…" She said looking at him again.
 
The loud voice startled Arkadi's Father whom had nearly settled down to go to a troubled sleep. He'd been carring sheets to make up his padding when hearing his name summoned. Frantically spoken. He dropped them running to the outside where he met the young woman, a silent partaker in Tolom's group, the decisions made were not to her agreement.

She'd run all the way back to Tomineete when the others went to explore. Aleix looked bewildered at the same time to questionable. "Girl, what is the matter, what's wrong?" His hands held up against her shoulders as she heaved in and out, taking lasting breaths as she could barely talk. Arkadi's Father continued to look at her, waiting patiently.

"They were making plans..." She spoke Finally.

"Plans?"

"To overthrow you! Tolom..."

Aleix's eyes narrowed. He waved his hand to some loyalists standing nearby. At once, they were at his side, concern crossed their own Features yet the time was not to ask any questions without knowing Fully what was going on.

"They went to see something near the river, there were noises." The girl gasped.

"To the woodlands." Aleix heard all he needed to know. He wondered whether it also had something to do with his son. "Hurry!"

"Yes sir!" The loyal men sprinted ahead on Foot, some arming themselves with daggers, weapons to be used should there be no other choice, they disappeared in the night's darkness, Aleix gently ushered the girl back toward a hut. His look told her she should remain. It was not long that he Followed behind the others whom were advancing ahead. He may have been a lot older than them but he could very well still keep up. His mind raced as hard as the beating organ in his chest, the thought that there would be news on his child.

He prayed this to be true but then he'd have to deal with Tolom's yearn to take Tomineete as his own. Aleix lead this tribe through good times and in bad, any leader thought on decisions they made before acting upon them and also included those he protected. Tomineete was nothing without it's people. He slowed his breathing, head turning to the trees lining the darkened path as well as the Footsteps ahead. He wanted nothing more than his son to be alive, home. "Arkadi....where are you?"


The warrior Tolom's teeth clenched down. He stopped near one big tree giving the signal to the two behind him. Flank a position to the right and left, he would continue north. The Tomineete men nodded, each clutching daggers and a sword. They moved in stealth, becoming one with the trees. Should there be someone trespassing on their territory, chief or not, he would not hesitate to kill them. Tolom straightened up. He slammed his back to one tree looking out once then started running again. He was one with the trees, blending in and out of them, calling upon nature to protect him until reaching the spot near the river. He paused to hear the last conversation end:

|You are not fit to govern our people. I challenge you as chief!|

Tolom's eyes narrowed. What the hell...?

He looked out to the darkness nearly surrounding two individuals, one taller than the other, both males. Their skin...Faces...he knew to a tribe on the other side with people as such. Rockridge. They were breaking the treaty. The muscular man's Face darkened, surely this was not the chief invading on Tomineete land and if so then why? What reason did they have to be here unless they were hunting. Should that be the case then they made a grave mistake.

Tomineete would become their graves. He'd collect their heads as trophies but First he would see what the two planned on doing. They'd come a long way, brought themselves on the wrong territory and to have a disagreement no less. His Face darkened more to think what his own chief would do. Talk with them most likely, get a better understanding, endanger Tomineete, no, this trespassing tribe needed to be taught a lesson. He pressed up against the tree more, surely by now, the others were in their own positions, listening to those Foreign, intruding on their land....


There was a whole group of them....

You think you have what it takes to lead our people? You said it yourself. You'd make a terrible chief.


At this time, I'd make a better chief then you. You'd let our people die. Just for one female.

A Female...?
Tolom trained his ears to hear every word. That was what this intrusion had been about? A Female? Did this have something to do with Arkadi's disappearence? Had he been killed by a Rockridge Female or......
Something more...?
Where was Tomineete's golden boy?
There was something really wrong here.


His thoughts became interrupted as the deep cougar like scream echoed through the woodland area, Tolom watched as the younger male seemed to charge at the elder one.


Do not speak of her in that way!

A Fool he would have been not to have noticed the emotion in those words. There lied more to the story, the elder warrior was more inclined to not care about this Female while the other, the complete opposite, he, himself could only string together that their land had been intruded upon much more than at the present time. He slacked in his common knowledge to pick up the signs. Arkadi must've encountered this....still....the only real way to know anything was to hear his own words but he put Tomineete at risk.


Aleix was nearly breathless by the time he reached a stopping point, where his loyal tribesmen awaited him. They were silent, uttering no words as what sounded like some great conflict had come into play. Moving between the trees, Arkadi's Father narrowed his eyes, bypassing two, as his own hearing picked up vicious snarls, heated words. The voices drifted within the distance and yet he did not recognize them. He cast a look upon the group nearby to him, capable in seeing them in the dark. A Finger pressed to his lips. Hushed words soon Followed. "Tomineete must be protected at all costs, whatever the issue, it shall not spill to our homes, our children. Do you understand?"

They all nodded in agreement.
"Yes sir."

"Advance quietly, we know not what we will come upon." Arkadi's Father took in a deep inward breath to release it moments later. "Come...."

The group began to move once more.


And a battle began...
On the very ground which Tomineete claimed as their land...

Tolom's eyebrows raised, he glimpsed the elder male, Rhoan, lunging at the younger one. "Rockridge warriors...dangerous...." He slid down in a crouch when seeing the grey and black panther take stage. Their true Form. He'd seen a Few when but a boy, now, those memories came back. The stories. Legends about the enemy tribe just on the other side of the river and close enough to kill. As the men under his charge watched, those Rockridge ones witnessed their chief and the second in command go head to head without interruption From either side. Until.....


Tolom raised his head.

Father!

Someone called out From the enemy camp, he couldn't be sure whom the affection was directed toward nor did he care by this point, regardless to whom was killed, the entire group would be slaughtered, he'd seen all he wanted to. His big hands slid over his dagger holsted away, he brought his body up against the tree hearing growls, teeth sinking into Flesh and conversation at the ones watching, waiting to see some Finish. He was like a lion, stalking with ease in the surrounding Flank, coming across a comrade.

"Can you believe this bullshit? What the hell is going on?"

"Wait until they are Finished," Tolom spoke coldly. "Strike them down, there is a group standing nearest to the river, keep them surrounded, we will close in. Leave the heads, I will personally put them on a stake to riddle Rockridge's land with."

"But won't their chief be pissed?"

"Have you not been listening? The younger one seems to be chief, he has invaded our land on some whim....it doesn't matter....it is treason."

"Only Aleix can make that call..."

"Aleix is not here now is he?"

"No...."

"Then you will do as I say. Kill those beasts," Tolom pushed his comrade to view Rhoan's panther Form. "That one is mine, his head will become a trophy...." The talking ceased, the dark-skinned comrade crouch-walked to another tree with Tolom remaining behind, his back once more to tree, he turned only when the two Fighting warriors rolled around and charged at one another with a resloution shortly. The younger male, Urin, had been slammed to the ground in what appeared to be a soon death attack, and although it didn't come, the victor was clear.


Go. You are no longer Rockridge. What ever your choice. We will not come to your aide.

Now...

"An act of mercy..." From the shadows brought on by night, Tolom emerged, his hand attached to a dagger, his movements quick, like the Followers here with him. With the battle ended, the bushes rustled, bodies appeared, weapons held tightly. The white-haired muscular man was at Urin's side like lightning, bringing the dagger blade to the very same throat where Rhoan's jaws could've easily broken mere seconds ago. "How unlucky you are." His Free hand wrapped around that mauled arm adding intense pressure. "To be here," He whispered with supreme venom. "On Tomineete's territory." Turning his attention on the warriors on the bank, he shouted. "Do not move! Stay where you are!"

His men lined up accordingly, on the left and right sides, each glaring to Esha's tribe mates, prepared to attack when prompted.

"This land belongs to Tomineete," Tolom snapped. He twisted Urin around kicking him in the backside where the other may or may not have Fallen to the ground. He hovered over him, the dagger skidding along the Former chief's rib cage. "It is punishable by death to trespass....you all will regret ever coming here, starting with this bitch here." About to stab Urin Fatally, Tolom's raised dagger-clutched hand is seized. His head whirled to the side, anger clouded his war-torn Face. His eyes burn into Aleix's emerald ones....so similiar to Arkadi's.

The Tomineete chief's lips are pressed in a hard line. His grip is relentless. He knocked the dagger aside letting it slide nearby. "What are you doing Tolom?"

"....Destroying the threat to Tomineete, what does it not look like? Had you been here then you would've seen what we have witnessed," He threw his other hand up at the tribe across the bank. "They invaded our territory, this one is littering our soil with his Filthy body. They battled on our very land. Rockridge."

Aleix eyed him then Urin. He brought his eyes on his men coming through the trees and those under Tolom's command. Lastly he took a look at Rhoan and the others, the man said nothing.

"Are you blind?!" Tolom screamed. "Let us destroy them!"

"Is that your answer?"

"Yes!"

"You have brought men here as though you are chief, made decisions without my knowledge, I know what you aim to do and as long as their is breath in body, you will not."

"What are you-"

Tolom's Face turned upon abrupt Force brought on by Aleix's back hand. The attack drew body to trickle out split skin on his cheek. Caught by surprise, he looked back at the chief, angered.

"You are not chief nor will you ever be. My son will succeed me...." The elder man announced. He looked at Rhoan now. "I do not know what is happening here, what you are aiming to do, but the pact is to have neither Tomineete come upon your land nor Rockridge on ours, however, the decision to attack was not my own. Winter will approach soon, at this time I believe we cannot afford to battle now," Tolom's eyes widened. "And I will not battle." Aleix knelt beside Urin examining the injured arm. "One belonging to you is injured, take him home. We will Forget this matter."

"Are you mad man!" Tolom was beyond Furious. "This is not the Tomineete way, For all you don't know, they could've had something to do with Arkadi's disappearence yet you let them simply leave!? No, I won't accept that! You are Fucking old, you have not made a right decision to benefit Tomineete!"

"I suggest that you take heed in how you talk to me." Aleix replied calmly practically ignoring him. "You will need to have that wound treated..." He told Urin. Tolom rose, he raised his leg back and with a quick blow, struck Urin's side.

The chief was angered. He stood up.
Both Faced one another.

"Your son is dead." Tolom spoke viciously. "Rockridge has killed him, the very same enemy you show compassion to, murdered your child. Your heir."

"Arkadi is not dead!"

"Why do you think we were here?" The younger man began to walk around Arkadi's Father. "To defend Arkadi's honor." The men that Tolom had gathered spoke no words, the others gasped not sure whether they should believe it. "They admitted it...they did not care. They came looking For the one whom took away your son. He is dead and your ability to make decisions in this tribe has been lost, you're not thinking properly. You never have, you are not Fit to be leader."

"My son is not dead." Aleix glared at the liar. "That is where you and I are different. When you have children they become sewed in your heart, it is not something to which will ever change. My child lives in my heart, he breathes still, otherwise....otherwise I should simply lay down and die. Your lust to become chief has clouded your own stability and I cannot have that in my tribe."

"Your tribe?"

"Yes," Aleix nodded. "My tribe. Anyone not happy with how things are is more than welcome to leave but you will not step back in Tomineete as long as I live."

"Then, I am the First to change that." Tolom brought his head against Aleix's in a blow. The elder man stumbled back, he staggered, tripped, and Fell to the ground with a thud. "When I am done with you, Tomineete will destroy Rockridge, that will be my acting decision as chief."



"Gawking?" His own laughter came, though nervous. "What were you doing in broad moonlight, out and about to have someone looking at you so?" Her laughter, surprisingly, was welcomed and warming to his heart. "What am I suppose to do? Tell my eyes they cannot view the surrounding?" He sighed. "I should have looked away....but I could not to speak the truth. I have been here long enough to see the expression on your Face. Calm and tranquil. It was rather relaxing to me." The water Felt nice, he decided to take a sip, lowering his head down, still looking at her, remembering quite well what he saw. Her snapping only made him smile some, she was angry but then at the same time, there was something else. His smile broadened when she splashed water on him.

"Thank you, I needed that....Esha...listen..." Nope. she wasn't having it. She was mad and had every right to be in a way as he really didn't tell her about his plan so he let her give him hell while remaining calm and grateful she was alive. He swam closer.

"Listen....I'm sorry, I should have told you what I wanted to do but you would have tried to stop me or want to help in a way....I hope you can Forgive me." Arkadi paused, she was still pissed. Best to let her get it all out. His head turned to side some.

"I wasn't aware I was looking at you in any other way...I can't help but look at you....I know I could've been killed, my only thought was to make sure you were not nor Luyu. Your needs have become my own. I have not Forgotten the promise...I just needed you to be safe. Call it selfish...." His own pants came to drift away From his body to the surface heavily stained at this point. He gave a side glance to them then returned his eyes on Esha, how, in her time of being pissed at him, she was scowling, trying to though his attire leaving him silenced what she would have said. Little did he know that she was trying not to look at him as he'd done with her.

He continued. "I would change nothing given the choice again. You are my priority, you can be mad, I will accept that, but I did it For you." As he would always. For her. "Anything I do From now on out will be For you..." The Tomineete warrior Followed the new voice to the conversation, new but Familiar at the same time. He had not realized Luyu wasn't around until he saw her coming to the lake, carrying something, and pleading his case to Esha as he tried to do. Arkadi was very...interested...to say the least in how this Female druid acted, unlike any other. She was still annoyed, he could tell, the looks but at the same time a Feeling came to him, maybe perhaps she was not as mad as she wanted to seem.

He rather, secretly enjoyed, trying to guess what she was thinking when shooting him looks which he countered with his own calm one. Luyu brought them clothing, standing now did not seem like the wise thing to do considering he was naked save For the cloth sandels and even now Arkadi was trying to take them off. He turned in the water as Esha rose, hiding her beautiful skin. When he assumed that she was dressed, he looked only to see her backside, this caused him to take a deep breath diverting his eyes elsewhere and leaving the two women to their conversation however brief it was. He coughed swimming under the water, the wounds would heal but the scars were lasting, especially his back.

Damn Kee...

Underneath the water, the Tomineete male stretched, holding his breath to loosen the cloth shoes. Only when his Feet were Free did he return to the surface taking a breath of air. Esha was with Luyu...clothed...in a tan leather dress.

"........" Emerald eyes trailed over Esha, her Face....hips...the dress made her, no, she was naturally beautiful, the dress complimented what he was on the verge to telling her despite them not being alone. "You look...beautiful." Eyes resided on him now, his rested on her. Esha. The Fact she turned away wordless, Arkadi shook his head some.

"Thank you." He told Luyu swimming near the edge to admire the pants while at the same time grabbing his old ones, slinging them on the ground with his shoes. He heightened his appreciation to the elder druid woman with a smile as she mentioned starting a Fire and gathering medicines. Before she departed the strong Rockridge huntress gave her a hug, he watched all the while in silence. He concentrated on the water, rubbing it against his hardened stomach and chest, the ache in his back did a number on him but like a man, he kept it hidden looking back at the precise moment Esha gave her playful scowl. He looked away, a smile safely known by him.

"Well then I am glad that you are glad I'm well. I worried a moment that you wanted to skin my hide." He commented. "Agreed, the water Feels nice, I'm sure you can't argue with that." He sunk under the water then rose up nearby to the edge. "Familiar....oh...Luyu told me something." The young man began to explain. "This was a druid sage's sanctuary. You Feel the calmness? Like home....our homes which we will return to...you don't have to worry, I have a tough hide....yes." She was still worried, no amount of words would wash that away, Females were as such, they worried about their......
Wait...but...

Arkadi stilled his body in the water. The woman moved to the edge to sit with her long legs in the clear liquid and gave a gentle demand he come to her. He moved, turning with his back to her, his Face outward staring at the water, she and anyone else there would see what Kee had done. The acid attack wounded him greatly. The Flesh was torn and bleeding as well as red, eventually once healed it would scar, become somewhat like an ever present tattoo. Right now the water cooled it but it also stung. His head turned slightly at her sounds.

"It looks worse than it Feels...." He took a wet hand to grasp her own on his shoulder holding on. Yes, to not worry her more, he would not admit how it hurt him. "Yes, I do say and I thank you For that, dangerous huntress, Formidable and caring." She had to learn to be Formidable...

The....attack...

Arkadi sighed when water rinsed over his back, blood and pus going with it. He turned now in the water, his emerald eyes staring into orange. He wanted her to Feel better. "My back will heal, not now, but it will," He shook his head. "Don't do that. You did everything you could, look at me please, I would not have made it out the arena had you not been at my side, I was lost not long before we entered it and it was your song which brought me back, your song." He looked down a moment. His hand examining her Fingers curling them up.

He looked back up to her, telling her about his scar, the memory relived when poisoned. "Tragedy does not take us....we continue on....and yes the singing helped. Your voice, brought me From a place I do not want to go again and here I am, with you, by all standards my enemy." He massaged her Fingers. "That is not how I view you though, I should apologize, For how I treated you, trespass or not. I should not have done the things I did to you Esha, I am sorry." He did the only thing he could do, kiss her Fingers quickly then release them. She could not see him as the enemy either. Arkadi held his breath to her released hand which came to his Face, inner turmoil swirled in him. What he wanted to say, tell her, do...she told him not to apologize. Arkadi edged closer.

"A stupid pact......Esha....I can't...imagine...you dying...I am thankful you are here, we are here as we are now and I hope you know I never meant to hurt you, I would never want to hurt you." He cursed in his mind, she understood, but could she really understand him? He really wasn't making any sense or so he thought.

"You don't need to apologize either." Damn it all to hell, were these the right words to say, to tell her? No, it was best he show her, in their time together, he'd come to....yes...there was no mistaking it. Arkadi scooted near Esha's other side, he rose out the water in all his naked glory without the least bit of shame. He was looking at her the whole time with a sly look, while urgently wiping the water From his body. The pants she held to him, he took, once dried off, putting them on, they slanted down From his waist a bit. He squeezed the water out his hair hoping he looked okay to her. The plan had been to give her his daggers but the stupid bastard dwarf did something with them. He had nothing physical to give. She deserved everything but all he could do was....

Emerald eyes looked elsewhere, he was thinking, hard, he did not say anything. Shaking his head, he crouched down close beside her, eyes staring into orange as to grasp not only her heart, her soul. He mentally called out to her. Chose her. To become his mate. His one. He was giving himself to her.

And she looked at him.
He did not want to confuse her.
Or scare her.
Least hurt her.

He had no gift to give her other than his own being. His last mythical old method. A dance. His head lowered, eyes piercing into hers deeply, he brought his battle-worn hands to cup her cheesk gently never breaking their eye contact and she looked into his eyes, a look that made his heart rupture though he remained calm and Focused. No other woman would ever have him as Esha did. A Rockridge Huntress.

No one would be around, only the, in their private world. His hands slid down her neck but pulled back abruptly, the man was on his Feet pulling her up, wiping hair away From her eye soothingly. "Esha." He called out her name. His arm stole her close to him, protectively, he held her as she spoke his name like no other.


He twirled her around stopping when seeing the confusion on her Face. He gave her a smile, one to be reassuring. To trust him. He would tell her his words when the time came but now, his muscles contracted under her touch to his bare skin. He balanced her back with his hand sinking her low as he made a crouched motion, those eyes on her, the moonlight on them and the lake, this entire area. He brought his other hand under her back pushing her up when he rose. The druid male raised her, in his arms, up off the ground with ease, turning together. He could see the look in her eyes. She was thinking. He as well.

Thinking on how to properly provide For her. All the things he never considered prior. Arkadi raised one hand to caress her Face gently looking down once he put her down, he never stopped looking at her, and she him. His breath seemed to disappear. Grasping her hand, he lowered her to a sitting position while it seemed like he was crawling towards her, like one staking their claim, proposing a mate. His hands graced her Face and with caution, he brought a kiss to her Forehead pulling away to rung down her shoulders and arms until their Fingers etched together, something never done between a Rockridge or Tomineete. He placed her hands to his beating heart.

He belonged to her.

He crawled to her, eyes still on hers, laying in the grass beside her, on his stomach.

"....I can never leave you..."

Arkadi looked at her. Water swelling in her eyes....
Had he....done the right thing...?
Shit...
"Esha...don't cry....I..."

She told him, what he did, was the most beautiful thing anyone has offered her. He sighed. Relieved. The water, a tear, drained down her cheek, and as she put her hand up to wipe it away, Arkadi covered the huntress' hand, Following her movement and then pulling back only to have her take his hand again.

"When you say my name like that, I Feel as though the world is my own, the radiant energy to keep me sustained pumps heavily into my heart..." He became quiet, listening to her speak her confliction, their conflict, thoughts which lingered at the back of his head too. Their tribes. The history. "I am druid more than a title which I did not ask into, my decisions are my own, as much as I love my Tomineete, my people..." He paused, making sure to look at her.

"I will not give you up so easily, huntress, sage, you are Esha. You. I called out to you..." He did not know what it would be like in her tribe, what they would do to her, treat her. The moonlight made the tears she shed glimmer and the notion to protect her even stronger. He woud not give her up. Not now. Never. Perhaps...he should be more clear on his words. "Esha, don't cry." He turned on his side unaware what she was thinking. What could he do...? Say to make her Feel better. He was trapped in his own thoughts too until she gave his hand warmth with her own and leaned more into him, their Foreheads touching.

She didn't know what she was trying to say...
but she did not want to leave him either.
They would not leave one another....



Tolom stood above Aleix. His Features indicating that he considered him to have won, that he could be the next leader of Tomineete, his own men stood watching not disruption but also the Rockridge warriors on the other side, ready to attack. Those having come with Aleix nearly attacked Tolom but they saw their leader rising up slowly, wordless, emerald eyes similiar to his son's staring back at a once student. Aleix shook his head in disapproval. "You are obsessed with power, the ability to control, and take reckless decisions without thinking how it may affect others. That is why you will never be leader, I taught you better, but it seems my lessons have Failed you. I won't allow you to attempt to bring war upon us at this time."

"Won't allow me?" Tolom smirked.

The elder man remained calm. "I did not stammer my words boy."

"Boy?"

"Or perhaps I should refer to you as a child? Once more, end this nonsense ot it won't bode well For you."

Tolom retrieved his daggers, gasping could be heard, he took a defensive stance against his own chief very intent on killing Arkadi's Father. Aleix turned sideways, he placed his arms behind his back, head raised, and disapproval still evident. Tolom pulled all his strength in a dash. He twisted his daggers in hand turning the blades down, the hilts were held tightly. Murder Flashed in his eyes. He struck downward. Aleix stepped aside quickly, narrowly missing being struck. Both he and the younger man turned together, Tolom still attempting to stab him with little success. No one else moved, Tomineete at least.

Aleix ducked low. He brought his right leg out swiping it against Tolom's. The bigger man dropped quite heavily. He rolled away to avoid a Foot to the chest. His pride was wounded some.

"Is this how you show your strength?" Questioned Aleix with his hands behind his back still. "Brute Force? Killing First? A great leader is always willing to listen to all viewpoints, what would I be should I blindly charge into battle without knowing the Facts?" The man took a wide step back as his opponent regained standing again, daggers in hand.

Tolom wiped his lips.
"What if I told you I killed Arkadi, that he begged For you to help him?"

A goad. Aleix did not Flinch. In his heart he knew better.

He was lunged at. He stepped aside, one arm coming up, a hand taking point on Tolom's elbow. A quick seize. There was nothing the younger man could do. With direct accuracy, the Tomineete chief smashed his the bone in the elbow causing a loud scream to emerge From the victim. Moving back, Arkadi's Father stepped too late, in a rage, his adversary used his good arm to slam the remaining dagger into the leader's stomach.

Blood spilled upon the ground....


He took a deep breath, Arkadi, he held it inside not wanting to move From where he lay. Side by side with her. Their Foreheads touching, the moonlight upon them in their sacred haven.

He merely wanted to simply look at her. See her in not a moment where they'd be Fighting to survive but a time like this. Peace. He rolled again, with her laying down and him, not entirely on her but his body at her side slightly, his head on her shoulder, emerald eyes looking up at her. He took a hand to reside on her stomach.

"Regardless to who we are, where we have come From, where we will go, let it be together. No matter what we must overcome, let it be not simply you nor I but us...as we have gone through what we did back in that hell. We survived. Together." His hand stayed on her stomach a little while longer then roamed up her arm then shoulder taking a rest on her cheek, he caressed her, as gently as possible.

"What I wanted to convey to you...the words do not come to me properly, to tell you, but know that I am...yours. I will Fight beside you. With you. For you, never against. I will protect you. The answers may not always come to me as I am still learning." He takes her chin, turning her Face. "But we can discover them together. No titles. Simply Esha and Arkadi. Us. We can Figure the problem out...together. I still have something I wish to give you...let us be the ones, the union, to bring our tribes together."

He ran a hand through her hair, a small smile on his lips.
"I will ask your permission...."


"Can I kiss you?"
 
The discord rippled throughout the tribe. The anger, sorrow, and pain felt by everyone. The energies sent out affected everyone. Blind eyes watched in silence as the chief and Rockridges alpha warrior had words. It was normal for Rhoan to challenge Urin. As this was their way but this quarrel was different. Rockridges elder sage was an incredibly old woman. Her hair grey and white, always in flowing robes of leather and fur skins. Her old hair braided and adorned with beads, feathers and drake scales. Her weary old face like a wrinkled map drawn ages ago. Her eye sight long faded some time ago. Elder Gaio turned her withered old face to the young girl beside her. The old sage gave a weary sigh, her old bones shaking slightly as the turned to her hut. The girl beside her was just over the age of sixteen, not yet old enough to partake in her right of passage. She wasn't the elders daughter nor was she kin, but she cared for her just the same. The girls cerulean blue eyes watched her mentor.

Her long straight raven hair swayed gently in the cold wind. Hair that held a gleaming shine, iridescent almost from the magic the resided in it's owner. Just as her elder, the apprentice sage's hair was also adorned in beads, feathers and braids. A leather weaved head band pulled her raven locks from her delicate face. Her body was lithe, far more delicate and skinny than the hunter and warrior Esha. Her leather and fur robes covered much less than the elder, but more than most Rockridge people wore. Her robes were adorned, just like the elder, with shiny stones, jewels, and scales. A sign she was a sage. A person of holy importance in druidic tribes. Heralds of wisdom and magic. The true guides to the tribes. "This doesn't bode well." She said softly was she opened the leather flap of the elder sages hut. The old woman shakily sat down. "No… This does not." She said on a weary creaky voice.

"Tell me Muri… What have you seen of this?" The elder said turning her head towards the young girl. Muri looked up, kneeling before her mentor. Looking into her sightless eyes. "It… It doesn't make sense Elder Gaio." Gaio shook her head as moved her hand dismissively in a slow motion. "What have you seen?"

Muri looked to the fire, remembering her dream. So real yet so distant at the same time. "The Forest Goddess showed me… The savannah. Far from any woodlands or forests like we see now. A barren land…" She paused looking at her elder again. Gaio nodded, silently asking her to finish. "Two prides of lions were at war… fighting over territory but two… One male and one female. They came into the midst of it all. Stopped the chaos. Stopped the blood shed… Uniting the two prides… Lions don't act that way." She added but she tilted her head to the grave look on the elder's face. "You have been given a vision I have not… The Goddess chooses to speak through you now." Muri's eyes became wider, her mouth opening not sure what to say. If the Forest Goddess chose her then that meant Gaio time on this plane was nearing it's end. This meant the sixteen year old would now be the sole wisdom for the entire Rockridge clan. She shook her head but Gaio stopped her.

"There is no time." Her voice cracked with urgency. "You must follow the warrior party and stop them. Be their voice of wisdom." Muri backed away yet still on her knees. "Elder Gaio I'm not ready!"

Gaio interrupted the girl. "You are ready. Other wise the Forest Goddess would not have spoken to you. Muri you are wise beyond your years. You path is before you. Walk it with sure steps." Her old hand tenderly reached out searching for the girl. Muri moved till the woman touched her face. The young sage closed her eyes, nodding softly before looking at her elder again. "Now go child. Go with the Goddesses blessing." Muri touched the blind woman's hand as she swallowed hard. Nodding quickly. "The wind will carry my steps. I'll return." She let the elder's hand go and tentatively stepped out of the hut. Rhoan and Urin were already gone by this point so the girl had to move quickly. But no one in the tribe could match her speed.

Muri dropped to the ground and shifted instantly into a shimmering sleek black panther. With the body type closer to a cheetah then a panther like everyone else. Her black iridescent coat was lined with dark grey stripes up her legs. Her long legs carried her with incredible speed as she bolted towards the party.

She followed in silence, allowing the magic of her coat to blend in with her surroundings. If she stood still, one would see nothing. Her body would use the forests magic to conceal her. But now she ran. Fast, the wind making her steps lighter. Her cerulean blue eyes darting as she followed the warrior pack. From a distance she watched. Listened to every word. Hiding from Urin and the others. Once Rhoan and Urin crossed across the river she did the same. Her lips blowing gently on the water before she took a step. Her grey paws walking on the water with merely a light ripple. Making her way to the other side and still Muri watched. Her form still it made her invisible. She almost jolted between the men as they circled one another but her heart told her to wait. She knew, some how knew Urin and Rhoan needed to fight. She watched with baited breath as the males fought for the title of chief.

She wasn't sure if she liked the thought of Rhoan coming out the victor. He was brash, violent, and blood thirsty. But still she watched from her silent point. To her shock Rhoan held back. Showed mercy and allowed Urin to live. She couldn't believe her eyes. Rhoan had never shown mercy yet he allowed Urin to live. Rhoan left leaving Urin looking dumb founded. She'd not seen Tolom or his warrior pack arriving. She been so wrapped up in her own tribe troubles to notice. Suddenly another druid rushed out of the brush. Muri twitched her body to stop them but it was all too fast. The other man had her former chief at dagger point, the sharp weapon gleaming in the moonlight.

Urin had just started to turn away but the sudden capture kicked his senses in high alert again. He snarled as he gripped Toloms arm. Eyes snapping back to try and look at them man. His words were drown out but the painful yell between gritted teeth. The sound caused Rhoan to snap his head back around. His eye wide he stared at his former chief. For all his faults he still cared for the man like a brother. Now Rhoan and Bhura moved as one, both jolting towards their captured comrade but both stopped at the same time. "Urin!" Rhoan called after the man. Seething anger filled his one good eye as he narrowed his gaze. The words shouted by Tolom stopped them in their tracks. Almost knee deep in water father and son were when they shot their gaze back at more sounds.

All the Rockridge warriors and hunters, save for Rhoan, Bhura and Urin shifted. Panthers of various colors snarl and hissed deeply at the men surrounding them. Rhoan slowly turned to face the men across the bank. Rhoan watched helplessly as his brother in arms was kicked, the former chief staggering his steps as he landed against a tree. He whirled around to face the man, not moving when the dagger sliced across his chest. "Technically your men are on our side now." Rhoan said with a growl as he pointed to the bulk of Rockridges warriors on the other bank.

Urin lashed his hands out, an action that would have caught the dagger but it fail to dig into his side. Suddenly a hand shot from nowhere stopping the blow from coming. Urin could only assume this was the Tomineete chief. Why had he just stopped this attack? A bark like roar came from Rhoan as he watched the action, fear that his brother in arms would see his end. But no, someone stepped in. Urin was pinned against the tree, eyeing the two men arguing. What an odd coincidence this was, both tribe having a tribal conflict over chiefs. He watched in silence, sliding his back down the tree as he came to a crouching position. It was a submissive posture, Urin wanted to avoid unnecessary blood shed if he could.

Urin watched and listened in silence as the two argued. Suddenly a leg trust out towards him, a vicious snarl left him as his jaws snapped in retaliation. Missing his intended target but he'd not meant to bite him. Not now anyways. "You lie!" He bellowed from his submissive stand on the ground. "We came seeking one of our own lost! The only thing dead is that boar!" He spoke quickly with anger.

"A huntress of ours made a fatal mistake trespassing. A warrior of her caliber… I can only image their absence means they are both dead." Rhoan called from across the bank.

"Silence Rhoan! She's not dead!" Urin bellowed back with rage. Tolom and Aliex came to blows, vicious words exchanged. This time taken Urin moved quickly away from the men. Rockridge becoming increasingly uneasy. "Stand your ground!" He called to the warriors and hunters across the bank. It was habit but one that needed to be broken. "They will not listen to your commands! You are no longer chief." Rhoan reminded him. "They come closer rip their fucking hearts out." He said deeply from his position in the river. Loud ferocious roars bellowed at the men circling the pack, the men ready to leap into battle at Rhoans single command.

" A great leader is always willing to listen to all viewpoints…"

Those words caused the old chief to look at Rhoan but he wasn't listening. He was poised for battle. Waiting on baited breath for a prime time to attack. Urin knew what the elder male was doing. Biding his time. Waiting for a chance to attack. The men would no longer listen to him. His words would fall on deaf ears. There would be blood tonight.

Muri sat wide eyed watching it all take place. She was so confused, lost and seriously intimidated. She didn't know what she was supposed to do in this situation. She was trespassing too. She could be killed. But something gave her the strength to listen. To wait and watch all the events take place. She gasped as the Tomineete leader stumbled, his blood spilling on the ground. It was then that she knew, she had to make sure Aliex lived. No words spoken to her just a knowing. Like the bird knowing where to fly for warmer weather. She knew. Now or never.

Her body bolted forward from her spot once invisible. Her black pelt gleaming in the moon light like a pearl in the sun. Shifting instantly into a human, her arm shot upwards toward the sky, a fierce look in her young cerulean blue eyes. Her fist curled and suddenly the roots on which Urin sat erupted from the ground, knocking the old chief to the side with a surprised yelp. Roots snapping up to grab the attackers hand that embedded the dagger into the belly of the rightful Tomineete chief. "Stop!" Her child like voice bellowed in the night. She ripped her hand in a downward motion and the roots pulled Tolom to the ground, away from the older chief.

"Sage Muri!? What the hell are you doing here?" Rhoans furious voice called form his place on the bank. "Stupid girl! Let him finish the chief off!" His strong fist raised as he yelled at the girl. Throwing his fist aside as if his move was going to make her back down. Urin scrambled to a crouched position as he wheeled around to face the action. His eyes shooting open in surprise. The apprentice Sage? She'd only be here if it was the will of the Elder Sage. The Goddess was watching out for them this night. Her will shown by the young sage stopping the blood shed. Urin could no longer challenge Rhoan's choices but she sure as hell could. Apprentice or not. She was still a Sage.

A smile slipped across her face as her cheeks turned a shade of pink. She never tried to remove his hand upon her stomach, rather embraced it. His touch was warm and comforting, soothing. Looking up at him her fingers traced his own. The union that brought their tribes together? It wouldn't happen. Perhaps Urin could make it happen but Rhoan would never allow it to happen. The grizzled warrior was fierce in his stance on the other tribes. He always urged the chief to just eliminate the other tribes just to get rid of the threat. But to say Esha listened to her mind and reason before her heart would have been a flat out lie. His hands, the same ones that had stabbed and broken their way to freedom, so gentle now as he touched her face. But… Could they be just them? Just Esha and Arkadi?

Her eyes looked away painfully from him for only a fleeting moment. Her hand touched his, longing and tenderly. "Can Esha and Arkadi over come the war between two tribes?" She said more to herself then to Arkadi. Looking up at him, her other hand reached up to touch his face. Rugged and tender at the same time, her fingers tracing his eye brow then tracing his jaw. "Your right." She said softy. A smile twitching at her lips. "This feels… to right to be wrong… The Goddess had to have placed me in your path that night." Her hand tenderly pushed aside his hair, her wish to see those green eyes looking into her. "Together." She said with a warm smile. "We'll over come this together."

Her eyes looking deep into his. She'd not given him a real answer yet on if she accepted his offer to be her mate. But they both knew the answer. She shook her head after thinking, what did he mean give her something? Perhaps something important to him. "You don't have to give me anything. You've given me something far more precious than any object." Her hand moved from his face to his chest. Her hand lay delicately over his heart. "And… you already know this but… I accept." She cooed as her cheeks blushed even more. Her answer was in him asking her to be his mate. Normally she'd decline a male's offer right away but Arkadi had more then proven himself.

She looked to him once again. Curiosity crossed her face. What could he be asking permission for? His tender fingers pushing away her hair from her orange eyes. A blushing smile graced her face as he asked to kiss her. Very wise of him to remember what happened the last time he just acted. Her face reacted like she had to think about it. Eye lashes batted as she looked away, moving her arms to lay beside her. Softly she sat up on her elbows, eyes only looking up when her face hovered close to his. "I suppose. Since you asked nicely." She teased. She softly licked her lips between a flirty smile as she leaned closer.

Softly at first her lips brushed against his. Holding them there for a little while. She glanced at him before she kissed him again, this time pressing her lips against his fully. She inhaled softly at the touch of his warm lips. A taste which she couldn't recall before. Something about his touch and smell made her want a little more. But not the more need of lust or want. But to be simply near him. His touch, from lips or finger tips, brought an enveloping comfort which she couldn't even begin to explain.

She pulled back, her cheeks a rather elegant shade of red as her orange eyes met his. She was lost in the tender moment. The thoughts of being a traitor far from her mind. Like Arkadi suggested, the moment became just the two of them. Just Esha and just Arkadi. Butterflies danced in her stomach making even her beaten and bruised body feel like it was floating on air. She couldn't recall feeling like this ever with anyone else. Even the chief Urin who claimed she held his heart. Esha rolled her body towards Arkadi, curling close to him as she nuzzled her face against his. A soft chill breeze nipped at her skin and she coiled to Arkadi for a moment of warmth. With a soft sigh she looked up at him. "We should go inside. Luyu said she'd have a fire going and medicine for us." She spoke in almost a depressed tone, a soft smile pulling at her lips. She didn't want the moment to end but she didn't want to stay hungry and cold.

Reluctantly she coiled away from her new mate, brushing the grass from her leather dress before she offered her hand to Arkadi to help him up. Once he was up Esha curled her fingers with his as they walked together to the small hut built into the crater wall. The wooden hut was visible but was nearly taken over by the morning glory vines that called it home. The soft purple flowers standing out against the brown wood and green vines. The door opened with a soft creek and revealed an small inside. Too small Esha thought for one person, roughly 180 square feet in a rectangle shape. But it was quite cozy for it's small size.

Across from the door Esha and Arkadi entered was another door. To the left of them was a table lined with various decorative objects. Dried flowers, animal skins and stones and a few medicinal items. To the right was a bed built into the wall. Large enough for bear Luyu to lay down and look completely comfortable. More then enough room for two druids. Esha recognized the massive white pelt covering the bed as the skin from a snow bison. Thick wooly fur that was also quite soft once it was cured properly. On the wall with the door just opposite the bed was a warm cozy fire. A short table on the far wall held what Luyu promised, more than enough bandages and ointment for both wounded warriors to fully doctor one another. From the other mysterious door wafted the smell of cooking food. Seasoned meats and what Esha thought would be the smell of rice.

Perhaps the door led to where Luyu lived? It was clear that this room was nothing more then a relaxation room for the elder druid, not her actual room that she regularly lived in. Esha smile to the cozy room, small though it may be. She walked to the bed, grabbing the snow bison pelt and pulling it closer to the fire, and to the table of medicine. She sat down with a weary sigh, curling her legs to the side under her. Her hands touched her cut and bruised skin as she bathed in the fires warmth. Her orange eyes looking to Arkadi a moment before she glanced at the medicine. "Come. Sit here. Luyu gave us plenty of medicine." On her knees she moved to grab the bowl of bandages and ointment.

She waited till Arkadi sat in front of her before she gently pulled his hair to the side, scooping a generous amount of ointment into her fingers before she gently spread it on his horribly scarred back. She wince at the damage, glad once again she sought revenge for the Tomineete warrior. Her stomach audibly grumbled as the food assaulted her senses. "What ever she's cooking smells wounderful." She commented as she applied the medicine. "I'm sorry if this hurts." She apologized, her fingers touching his shoulder gently. "Oh Arkadi…" She said softly looking at his back. "This will take time to heal…" She said as she leaned to the side trying to look him in the eyes.

Stupid girl, he should let her fate come to her. If it were anyone else, Rhoan would not have come to their aide. But Sage Muri was to be their next sage once Elder Gaio passed away. Even a warrior knew the sage was to be protected at all costs. Even if she was stupid. "Stay here…" He said in a low quiet voice to his son beside him. Only a glance with his eyes said he understood his father command, no other movement was made. Suddenly Rhoan shifted into a black panther, a single leap was made and his paws touched the other side of the bank. He gave a sharp boisterous snarl slashing his devastating claws at anyone that came between him and the young Rockridge sage. "Stand your ground! Let them make the first move!" He heard his son call behind him. Bhura was always second in command as far as the warrior pack went so listening to him came naturally.

"Rhoan! Stand down! Do not cause unnecessary blood shed!" Urin hissed from his new found position on the ground. His voice of reason was met with a mock charge as Rhoan threw his weight around. The fallen chief snarled and punched the elder in the face. A gasp jumped from the girl behind them. And once again the two males eyed each other warily. Urin knew he'd crossed the line this time, Rhoan's single dark eye dilated. This time his charge was not false. Quickly Urin shifted into his cream panther form as the stronger male leapt upon him ferociously. The more powerful Rhoan pinned the injured Urin again, jaws snapping at the one under him. The lighter cat held his attacker at bay with his massive paws, then used his back paws to kick the new chief.

The two cats brawled ferociously, bellowing snarls and roars erupting from one another. Muri had enough with another upward movement a root lashed out knocking both into the river. "Stop it!" She shouted uselessly at them. Both cats tumbled down, hitting the shallow water with a splash. The act took Rhoan off guard and he was unable to devastate Urin like he wanted. His claws embedded into the youngers flesh, Urin whirled around to slash his brother in arm's face. Slashing the cloth from his blind eye. The act caused to other to let go. Urin wasted no more time, Rhoan would not listen to him anymore. And it would take much more then voice of reason to quell the rage within his once friend. The old leader bolted down the river, kicking up a trail of water behind him as he fled the scene. Urin prayed the young sage would be able to defuse the situation. Instead now he focused on the only thing he could. Finding Esha.

Urin now chased off Rhoan now turned his sights on the other men. Rhoan was not just blind in one eye, but it had been savagely ben ripped out. An injury received long ago, it still was scared and still gruesome. Blood pooled from his face as he stalked back up the river bank, moving towards the silly girl. Stupid sage. He'd have the Tomineete chief's blood spilled even if she didn't wish it. He'd make this an example of why other clans should now fear Rockridge.

Muri looked to her new chief, the rage evident in his eye. She shot her blue eyes back at the others. Tolom and the fallen Aliex. She swallowed hard and dug up the courage to speak. "Winter is coming…. Would you risk your tribes hunters just to slaughter ours?" she spoke to Tolom. She hoped she could speak reason into both chief's minds. "Leave his fate o us and we will leave your territory. With no blood shed." She said eyeing the black panther stalking towards her. His head snapped to her and it was clear, he didn't agree with this idea. Muri was unsure if her words would affect his choice or not. Would Tolom leave Aliex's fate in the hands of another rival tribe? For all reasoning this would mean his certain death. Though Muri had other thoughts in her mind. She knew Aliex was to live.
 
He took a deep breath, Arkadi, holding it inside not wanting to move From where he lay. Side by side with this woman whom, in a short time, had become incredibly precious to him. So dear in Fact, he was willing to throw away caution to the wind, do anything possible in order to be with and near her. Arkadi had to wonder whether this is what attracted his Father to his mother, the overwhelming sensation coursing through one's body when it came to another. Putting their own needs ahead.

His Forehead touched Esha's, the moonlight upon them in their sacred haven. He merely wanted to simply look at her. See her in not a moment where they'd be Fighting to survive but a time like this. Peace. His body rolled again, with her laying down and him, not entirely on her but his body at her side slightly, his head on her shoulder, the semi-wet hair spread about her, emerald eyes looked up at her. Arkadi took a hand to reside on her stomach. She was thinking something, he could tell, even when she looked at him, thoughts resided on her mind. Either her eyes would look away or her body gave a small indication that though in the present, her mind resided somewhere else.

"I will never leave you." He vowed once more. "Regardless to who we are, where we have come From, where we'll go, let it be together. No matter what we must overcome, let it be not simply you nor I but us...as we have gone through what we did back in that hell. We survived. Together." His hand stayed on her stomach a little while longer then roamed up her arm toward her shoulder taking a rest on her cheek. He caressed her, as gently as possible, to have her look at him. Arkadi held onto everything she did, watched her curiously From her chest rising down to the very way it Fell. He brought his head up, eyes closed a moment to the touch he now relished, it meant that besides his own Father, there was someone else out there who needed him, like he needed them. He let her touch him as she pleased, his brow, jaw.

Would she say something? To say he wasn't anxious would be a lie. She could easily tell him he was mad or turn away but deep down in his heart Arkadi knew she wouldn't. A smile turned his own lips upward, a smile reflecting Esha's own. Her next words. She agreed. The sensual moment between them, it Felt right. "I am thankful that she did." His words came out mummered. His head turned as that hand pushed his hair aside allowing him to better see orange eyes.

"Together." With a nod. "There is nothing we cannot do. Ah, what I wanted to convey to you...the words did not come to me properly, to tell you, but know that I am....yours. I will Fight beside you. With you. For you, never against you. I will protect you Esha. The answers may not always come to me as I'm still learning." He takes her chin again. "But we can discover them together. No titles. Simply Esha and Arkadi. Us. We can Figure the problem out together." The druid paused a moment. "I still have something I wish to give you.....let us be the ones, the union, to bring our tribes together. I apologize, I've been talking too much...." He hadn't let her speak a word in edge wise, to tell him more on her thoughts or whether she actually accepted his, more or less proposal, in becoming mates but there needed no real words. The more he thought about it, she'd told him her answer earlier, they'd travel this road together. That was significant. She told him he did not have to get her something but...no matter how long he had to travel to reclaim his daggers, he'd get them back and place the hilts in her warm hands, the same warmth moving From his Face to his chest now, it covered his beating heart.

Now....

Arkadi rarely smiled in a manner that showed his Feelings but...

'And you already know this but... I accept.'

The Tomineete warrior's lips departed, his teeth, as white as pearls, could be viewed even at night, his own excitement evident by those simple words. She accepted. He knew, this was official, and yet he had no one to tell, to shout this news. His Father would be understanding, the other tribesmen....not so much....especially Tolom whom was designated in underminding both Arkadi and Aleix at every corner, yet he did not care, she accepted, that was all he cared about. She was his mate as he was hers, his heart belonged to this woman, now and Forever. The smile dwindled down to a small one, he ran a hand through her hair. "I will ask your permission...." Arkadi pushed some of her hair away.

"Can I kiss you?" Oh, not even a moment went by that he did not notice her blush, the contemplation to think it over considering the last time he just acted. Arkadi wanted to let her know that he was not trying to hurt her, he valued her, her opinion. The warrior eased aside some, emerald eyes on her body movements, her Face. When she sat up on her elbows, he rolled over on his backside, cautious to not have his back make contact with the ground under any circumstance, he ended up on his elbows too, hair dangling over his bare shoulders, the young man scooted on his knees, one arm under her own with his hand pressed to the grass. He leaned closer to her. His Esha. The way she was allowed to be herself, without the Fighting, the struggling to survive. She was calm. Arkadi strived to have more moments like this. Silence took him, not that he did not want to talk to her but he Feared it would break the moment and however long he could hold it, he would.

Closer did he lean, his eyes drawing to a close, head angled to the side with the hair lightly brushing Esha's neck as their lips pressed together tenderly. The young warrior did not breathe nor deepen the kiss, like her, he kept his lips to hers, the hand previously on the grass enclosed involuntarily, reflecting the thought to it's owner, it raised more to open with a Final resting place on the Rockridge Huntress' shoulder. Arkadi brought his eyes to open, he stared at her, his bare chest rose, something knocked his stomach From the inside....what? Nerves. No woman had ever made him Feel in this manner, that those oh so dreaded talks with his Father meant something, gave him thought about a Future.

Emerald pierced orange in the crossroads. Leaning against her, Arkadi showed her the high worth he thought her to be through the kiss, their lips pressing completely against the other. He wrapped his arm around her neck. Lust was there however the need to have her close outweighed it. He just wanted to touch her, show her, no other woman would take him. The kiss came to an end, he unwrapped his arm, now grasping gently her Face before she pulled away, he ran a Fingertip along her upper lip all the way down to her chin breathing in her Fruity scent, the warrior's open eyes stole another peek at her, a sly smile on his lips now. "I adore you, my treasure...I Feel as though I've been winded." He whispered laying down with her once again, the memory etched in his mind.

"What are you thinking?" He wanted to know when she rolled towards him, becoming smaller than he imagined. He trailed his Fingertip in a circular motion around her shoulder and soon her arm. The welcomed breeze brought her closer and he held her, his hand coming to rub her back up and down. "I could look at you Forever." Versus how they'd been in the blasted cage, the thought made him laugh. "I remember telling you not to look at me...a Fool I was....not realizing it then, the blessing to be right in Front of me....yes," His excited tone drained at the mention about going inside, to Luyu's home....being with his one made him Forget entirely, about where they were, only that they were together.

"We...should go inside...." Disappointment riddled his words yet the sharp pain coursing in his back reminded him why they should seek out medicine. But. Arkadi snuck his hand through her hair pushing it out between his Fingertips eying her all the while that she moved away, taking with her, the warmth he desired. Besides that, his stomach growled to let him know that hunger was invading the land. The night's events had tired him and taken with it the Food Luyu provided them.

Arkadi sat back up. The smile still on his lips. When that hand came out to him, he took it without a second thought rising on his own weight to stand close to her, their Fingers locked together. They made their way to the hut built in the wall, the air was refreshing, the view-Esha-breathtaking. Arkadi's eyes slipped on her head more than once but there lied something more creeping into his happiness. Yes, he was happy, but the pain in his back was searing, much more than it should even though it had been treated with water. Something was....wrong. Not here. Emerald eyes tore away From Esha to look elsewhere. He Felt it deep in his stomach and being one to not make her worry, considering all which they'd been through, he kept his thoughts hidden. Not maliciously. It was a mate trying to protect another. Arkadi kept his Fingers locked with Esha's giving no sign about his mind wandering to Tomineete, more importantly, his old man. They'd been gone a while, the man must've worried so. It was the same when he and his mother had gone out on that terrible day. He remembered being rescued by Aleix, how the man clutched him, told him he'd never let anything happen to him again. Arkadi worried about the latter. There lied one soul in Tomineete he did not trust in his absence, Tolom. The warrior always held his own ways in dealing with things......this Feeling he had.....he wondered whether it dealt with his Father in some way.

'Father....'

Approaching the hut, eyes went to the vines which shrouded around the area adding to the protection against unwanted guests. One would have to be rather close to see the escape in it's entirety. Arkadi massaged Esha's Fingers with his own distracting his thoughts. Raising his Free hand, the warrior touched one of the purple Flowers easing out a loose one to examine it more. He brought it to Esha now, placed in her hair. They walked through the door into the cozy, yet small insides. His head turned in every direction. Luyu lived here? Silence overtook him. He kept at the huntress' side. Another door across From the one they entered was opened allowing them to go through.

"I wonder where Luyu is...." Arkadi spoke up, not to anyone in particular. He noticed the table and the contents on top. The dried Flowers, animal skins and stones also, the medicine. He Found the nature scent opening him, like one upon the rain. There was a big bed built in the wall that looked rather appealing to get some sleep, course, he'd have to lie on his stomach. There was a Fire going opposite the bed and the Far table held medicines, everything Arkadi and Esha would need to treat one another. The druid was not unaware to the smell coming From one unopened door, Food, his stomach gave a slight growl, what was being cooked? Meat? Rice? He was tempted to Find out....

His hand departed Esha's, he turned around to see the smile on her lips as she walked to the bed grabbing the snow bison pelt, the woman brought it closer to the Fire, the table holding the medicines, like the angel she was. Arkadi's whole attention came on her as she sat down, her legs tucked underneath her. His head tilted some. He watched her touch the bruises sustained during this whole ordeal. Nothing he could do to change it. He moved at her words. His long legs making a short stride to where she sat, how he would see her many times, whether they both hunted or not. The warrior sat in Front. His own legs crossed, hands on his knees, he leaned Forward letting her pull his hair to the side. Arkadi merely stared into the dancing Flames, the pain hurting him, he'd have to wear a shirt more now, not that he liked doing so. "Eh..." His muscles Flexed at contact with his back, the ointment. He sat up some wincing. His head turned slightly. "Agreed, I am hungry again. Do not worry...." He attempted to deter her From thinking it hurt much, it did.

"It's Fine. Time heals all things Esha." A small smile coated his lips. "It will heal and become a massive scar or perhaps like the tattoos my tribesmen brand their bodies with." He moved, stopping his own healing process, to be able to look at her now. "The one responsible is dead, she can do no more harm to anyone and I am most certain where she ended up is not pleasant. This back will heal, I'm not worried about it." His legs were still crossed underneath him. He reached out grabbing her ointment-saturated hands passing the medicine onto his own. The warrior's eyebrow rose some. "Look at you...as bruised as I am...what a mate I am to have let it happened." Arkadi began to treat Esha's wounds, cuts, gently pressing his Fingers to them, slowly. "I want to spend more time like this...with you." He spoke low.




"An act of mercy...." From the shadows brought on by night, Tolom emerged, his hand was attached to a dagger, his movements quick, like the Followers here with him. With the battle ended, the bushes rustled, bodies appeared, weapons were held tightly. The white-haired muscular man was at Urin's side like lightning, bringing the dagger blade to the very same throat where Rhoan's jaws could've easily broken mere seconds ago. "How unlucky you are." His Free hand wrapped around the mauled arm adding intense pressure. "To be here," He whispered with supreme venom. "On Tomineete's territory." His attention turned to the warrior's on the bank, he shouted. "Do not move! Stay where you are!" His men lined up accordingly, on the left and right sides, each glaring to the Rockridge warriors, prepared to attack when prompted. He glanced at Urin viciously, his white teeth shown through the snarl brought on his lips. "I said do not move!" Tolom snapped at Bhura and Rhoan. "I will send him to you in pieces!" His own eyes glanced around to the opposing tribe's shifting into panthers, their true Forms, the hissing chorus sounding out through the makeshift battle area.

"This land belongs to Tomineete!" Tolom snapped again not backing down. He twisted Urin around kicking him in the backside where the other staggered before landing against a tree. Oh, Tolom was enraged. He came at the other man at the precise moment the former chief turned around. Tolom's dagger skidded across the other's chest. "It is punishable by death to trespass, you all will regret ever coming here, starting with this bitch here!" He paused when hearing Rhoan's declaration, about the Tomineete warriors lining the bank to attack.....yes....they were trespassing as well. He gave a low curse underneath his breath, oh well, to hell with it. He was going to do something. Something like killing Urin. That would teach these wretches then their blood would stain the water red giving a message to all other tribes, Tomineete was not to be messed with. About to Fatally stab Urin, Tolom's raised dagger-clutched hand was seized. His head whirled to the side, anger clouded his war-torn Face. His eyes burn into those belonging to Aleix....so similar to Arkadi's.


The Tomineete chief's lips are pressed in a hard line. His grip is relentless. He knocked the dagger aside letting it slide nearby. "What are you doing Tolom?"

"....Destroying the threat to Tomineete, what does it not look like? Had you been here then you would've seen what we have witnessed," He threw his other hand up at the tribe across the bank. "They invaded our territory, this one is littering our soil with his Filthy body. They battled on our very land. Rockridge."


Aleix eyed him then Urin. He brought his eyes on his men coming through the trees and those under Tolom's command. Lastly he took a look at Rhoan and the others, the man said nothing.

"Are you blind?!" Tolom screamed. "Let us destroy them!"

"Is that your answer?"

"Yes!"

"You have brought men here as though you are chief, made decisions without my knowledge, I know what you aim to do and as long as their is breath in body, you will not."

"What are you-"

Tolom's Face turned upon abrupt Force brought on by Aleix's back hand. The attack drew body to trickle out split skin on his cheek. Caught by surprise, he looked back at the chief, angered.

"You are not chief nor will you ever be. My son will succeed me...." The elder man announced. He looked at Rhoan now. "I do not know what is happening here, what you are aiming to do, but the pact is to have neither Tomineete come upon your land nor Rockridge on ours, however, the decision to attack was not my own. Winter will approach soon, at this time I believe we cannot afford to battle now," Tolom's eyes widened. "And I will not battle." Aleix knelt beside Urin examining the injured arm. "One belonging to you is injured, take him home. We will Forget this matter."

"Are you mad man!" Tolom was beyond Furious. "This is not the Tomineete way, For all you don't know, they could've had something to do with Arkadi's disappearence yet you let them simply leave!? No, I won't accept that! You are Fucking old, you have not made a right decision to benefit Tomineete!"

"I suggest that you take heed in how you talk to me." Aleix replied calmly practically ignoring him. "You will need to have that wound treated..." He told Urin cautiously listening to the words, by all accounts, his enemy spat. They were seeking out someone lost....before he could ask more on it, Tolom rose, he raised his leg back and with a quick blow, struck Urin's side adding to the conflict. Aleix was angered. He stood up, his mind wrapped around hearing Rhoan's words, a huntress of theirs trespassed here.....and Arkadi his son.....must have come into contact with her. "Both dead? No...my Arkadi is not dead." The elder man shook his head.

"He is right," Tolom spoke viciously. "Your son is dead. Their Rockridge Huntress has killed him the very same enemy you show compassion to, murdered your child. Your heir."

"Arkadi is not dead!"

"Why do you think we are here?" The younger man began to walk around Arkadi's Father knowing Full well the danger present. "To defend Arkadi's honor." The men that Tolom had gathered spoke no words, the others gasped not sure whether they should believe it. "They are lying to you. This one you have saved From my dagger's blade admitted they did not care. They came looking For this huntress, the one whom took away your son. They are the ones lying! Arkadi is dead and your ability to make decisions in this tribe has been lost, you're not thinking properly. You never have. You are not Fit to be leader."


"My son is not dead." Aleix glared at the liar. "That is where you and I are different. When you have children they become sewn in your heart, it is not something to which will ever change. My child lives in my heart, he breathes still, otherwise....otherwise I should simply lay down and die. Your lust to become chief has clouded your own stability and I cannot have that in my tribe."

"Your tribe?"

"Yes," Aleix nodded. "My tribe. Anyone not happy with how things are is more than welcome to leave but you will not step back in Tomineete as long as I live."

"Then, I am the First to change that." Tolom brought his head against Aleix's in a blow. The elder man stumbled back, he staggered, tripped, and Fell to the ground with a thud. "When I am done with you, Tomineete will destroy Rockridge, that will be my acting decision as chief."


Tolom stood above Aleix. His Features indicating that he considered him to have won, that he could be the next leader of Tomineete, his own men stood watching not disruption but also the Rockridge warriors on the other side, ready to attack. Those having come with Aleix nearly attacked Tolom but they saw their leader rising up slowly, wordless, emerald eyes similiar to his son's staring back at a once student. Aleix shook his head in disapproval. "You are obsessed with power, the ability to control, and take reckless decisions without thinking how it may affect others. That is why you will never be leader, I taught you better, but it seems my lessons have Failed you. I won't allow you to attempt to bring war upon us at this time."

"Won't allow me?" Tolom smirked.

The elder man remained calm. "I did not stammer my words boy."

"Boy?"

"Or perhaps I should refer to you as a child? Once more, end this nonsense ot it won't bode well For you."

Tolom retrieved his daggers, gasping could be heard, he took a defensive stance against his own chief very intent on killing Arkadi's Father. Aleix turned sideways, he placed his arms behind his back, head raised, and disapproval still evident. Tolom pulled all his strength in a dash. He twisted his daggers in hand turning the blades down, the hilts were held tightly. Murder Flashed in his eyes. He struck downward. Aleix stepped aside quickly, narrowly missing being struck. Both he and the younger man turned together, Tolom still attempting to stab him with little success. No one else moved, Tomineete at least.

Aleix ducked low. He brought his right leg out swiping it against Tolom's. The bigger man dropped quite heavily. He rolled away to avoid a Foot to the chest. His pride was wounded some.

"Is this how you show your strength?" Questioned Aleix with his hands behind his back still. "Brute Force? Killing First? A great leader is always willing to listen to all viewpoints, what would I be should I blindly charge into battle without knowing the Facts?" The man took a wide step back as his opponent regained standing again, daggers in hand.

Tolom wiped his lips. It wasn't about Rockridge anymore, rather, Tomineete, to see who should lead the tribe....no....whether Aleix had the right to live.
"What if I told you I killed Arkadi, that he begged For you to help him?"

A goad. Aleix did not Flinch. In his heart he knew better.

He was lunged at. He stepped aside, one arm coming up, a hand taking point on Tolom's elbow. A quick seize. There was nothing the younger man could do. With direct accuracy, the Tomineete chief smashed his the bone in the elbow causing a loud scream to emerge From the victim. Moving back, Arkadi's Father stepped too late, in a rage, his adversary used his good arm to slam the remaining dagger into the leader's stomach.

Blood spilled upon the ground.



"Nggh...." Arkadi released his gentle hold on Esha in attempt to treat her own bruises. His medicine-coated hands shook some, were open, his arms raised out. His unwanted Feelings prior to coming to this haven returned completely. The worry about his Father. Emerald eyes widened. He was not looking at anything in particular. Silent, he brought his hands to his bare stomach. The overwhelming pain much more than simple hunger. He paused some. He wasn't trying to worry Esha but the worry about Tomineete could not be hidden. He rose, pacing with unease, around the room. One hand on his stomach. "Hannah wein coreth jarg....something is wrong. Something is wrong." The druid spoke low, he continued to pace the room.


Aleix's eyes trained on Tolom's unrelenting Face. The dagger in his stomach causing immeasurable pain. Both were in pain, Tolom's arm rendered useless but with the other, he still had a grip on the dagger in the chief's stomach. Gasping could be heard From the warriors that Aleix brought, to see their leader like this, that tribe would be split as so. Tolom dug the dagger in deeper, his teeth clenched down. Aleix let out a pained groan. "Arkadi....."


Arkadi stopped near the burning embers. The pain in his stomach not subsided even with his hand to the Flesh. "Father...."
Something was terribly wrong...
Yet he knew not what the source to be.
He'd been here.

"My Father," The warrior began. "He told me, a Few months down the road, about knowing something was wrong, about my mother and I. He Felt it. I didn't understand what he meant at the time, being a child. I did not want to worry you. There is something wrong in Tomineete, I can Feel it." Arkadi looked back to his one. "I don't know what it can be."


"Yes...call For the one not here." Tolom taunted the elder leader. "Know that his name will be the last you utter as I strike your useless body with my blade. Die in obscurity." He winced away his own pain. "Don't worry, I'll lead Tomineete as intended."

"Aleix!" Herard shouted. "You stand back Tolom!" The red-haired man screamed. He was of the men the chief had brought with him. The group began running now, to save their leader, even should they have to fight their own tribesmen, they did not care. Their intent to save Aleix stopped however, something black bolted onto the scene, black then suddenly it vanished, and before their eyes was a human girl, where had she come From? Surely not their own. They paused as did those Tolom manipulated. Aleix spit out blood, he was stunned to move, he prepared For what might be the end though....

Something happened.

The thick roots....moved.

Urin's yelp startled Tolom to look back tiredly, he saw the other knocked over. He gave a 'what the hell' expression, especially seeing the cause moving. "What sorcery is this? Ugh.." He was captured, the roots wrapped around his hands, he let out a loud grunt at the exploding pain in his broken arm. "Agh....!" He heard the child-like bellow, he looked around, trying to see who the voice belonged to. He saw only a glimpse to Sage Muri. Tolom didn't know who she was. He was brought to the ground with a thud, his intended target not murdered. Aleix struggled to keep standing, his own hand came on the dagger in him.

'Sage Muri?!'

Rockridge knew.

Emerald eyes resided Faintly on the newcomer. What was going on here? He waved his hand to the men Tolom brought. "Do not advance Further...do nothing," His voice was strained, he dare not attempt to pry the dagger out at his own hands as it would cause more blood to be spilled. The men seemed to be deep in thought, the one they'd Followed here, was now on the ground. Tangled with roots. Tomineete became on edge when Rhoan returned to their side in his Form, they were poised to attack though Aleix spoke again. "Don't."

"Fool!" The grounded Tolom screeched. "Can you not see what is happening? They're a savage race." He weaved his good hand to rake through the roots tangling him, his other arm hung limp, mangled. He rolled to his Feet seeing Urin and Rhoan once more brawling with one another. The time to strike their enemy was now. He'd not only kill Aleix but...he wanted Rhoan's head. All their heads. He shouted to his men. "Kill them all! Now!"

"No!" Aleix countered. "You'll bring a war to Tomineete, winter approaches, would you have your Families in danger? Make no moves or I'll strike you down!" His hand covered the dagger hilt.

"Don't listen to this senile old man!"

The battle between Rhoan and Urin heated up, both trying to devastate the other with onlookers caught in between, Aleix and Tolom had their own private battle. As soon as Urin had put a halt to the violence with Rhoan, Tolom was now standing, watching the cream-colored panther leaving, he was on cue to chase him, gouge out his innards but the latter's speed proved to be too much so he settled on Rhoan, the scarring doing nothing to turn him away. He clenched his teeth down. He wanted Rockridge blood spilled. Tonight.


Aleix collapsed to his knees, his words slowing to a whisper, blood draining on his robe whether he liked it or not. His head hung low, he had made mistakes as a leader, he did not want his people to suffer. For the First time in a long while, he was at a loss to what should be done. Words shattered the battleground, the young one, Muri speaking to the raging Tolom whom backed down in his position.

"Who the hell are you?" Tolom demanded. "Speak not to me you little bitch, I will do you harm like those mongrels you reside beside....risk? We will cut you all down before you even breathe properly, presume not that we cannot do so, worry not about what Tomineete is suppose to do in winter. I want the black panther...."

"No." Aleix shook his head.

"I am not talking to you!" Tolom snapped.

"She is right, how can you become chief when you are willingly putting your people at risk. Should battle them here now there is a strong chance no one will survive, where will that leave both Tomineete and Rockridge? The best hunters dead while winter approaches, is that what you really want?"

"......."

"....You wish to take my place...then do it right...." Aleix's Face had grown pale. "Return to Tomineete, prepare the people For winter."

"Are you now seeing who is best as leader?"

The older man said nothing. He only thought about preserving Tomineete even should it mean being in the enemy's hands, he'd been spared From death, he took this as a sign.

"Leave his Fate to you?" Tolom mocked Muri. "Take him, what do I care, though he best reign in death, he is as useless as his son, what ever happened to Arkadi though I suspect death has overtaken him. Do not consider this a peace by any means, Rockridge will die, once winter has passed we will destroy your territory, I can promise you that....what leader would listen to a child let alone a Female? Pathetic....." He shook his head turning his attention From Muri to Rhoan, the other Rockridge warriors then lastly to Aleix. "You will never come back to Tomineete, your Fate remains in their hands, however it should be, I am now chief, Tomineete will prosper." He appeared confidant.

Aleix's head hung low. He'd not reply. For all Tolom's idiocy, he knew the young man would indeed protect Tomineete, in the meantime Arkadi had to be Found, moreover, he had to treat his wound should he wish to look upon his son once more.

His child was not dead....
 
At first their lips brushed only with the slightest touch. His warm lips touch just a taste called deep to Esha, calling for more. She hovered close to him, breathlessly. Her hand touched his chest as she held her breath, her fingers curling against his skin. Curling fingers not meant to claw but out of desire as she glanced at him once more. She let her breath out as she coiled closer to him still, this time pressing her lips fully and completely to his. She inhaled his scent falling into the kiss, the touch of his lips like no one that came before. His touch, his smell, his very being, it was like she wanted more but could not get enough. No this was not lust, although the desire was there. This was something deeper and much more profound that the desire for sex. A deep longing that Esha had not felt before.


She pulled back, her cheeks a rather elegant shade of red as her orange eyes met his. She was lost in the tender moment. The thoughts of being a traitor far from her mind. Like Arkadi suggested, the moment became just the two of them. Just Esha and Arkadi under the moonlight, on a rather cold night. Esha rolled her body towards Arkadi, curling close to him as she nuzzled her face against his. A soft chill breeze nipped at her skin and she coiled to Arkadi for a moment of warmth. Her eyes trailed up to meet his as he asked what she was thinking. A chuckle left her as she thought about the question, batting her eyes away from his as she searched for an answer. "What am I thinking?" She repeated with a giggle. She leaned her head back and tossed her head to ride the stray sandy blonde locks trying to cloud her vision of the man before her. "I'm thinking…" She started out saying avoiding his gaze for the moment as her fingers traced his skin gently.


"I'm thinking I've never felt like this before." She replied softly as her orange eyes finally met his green. Her heart thundered in her chest as she spoke the words aloud. A smile tugged the corner of her lips as she looked into him. He replied that he could look at her forever and the words made her feel warm, even as the cold wind nipped at her sore body. She looked away briefly as she smiled. A quiet laugh escaped her as he reminded her of when they first met. "I remember saying something like 'I'll claw your eyes out'." She giggled as she nuzzled her face against his. She looked back to him with a sweet smile upon her face. "Well you can look at me all you like now." Her words ended in a shudder as she replied flirtatiously, the cold reminding her that there was a hut and a warm fire awaiting them. With a soft sigh she looked up at him. "We should go inside. Luyu said she'd have a fire going and medicine for us." She spoke in almost a depressed tone, a soft smile pulling at her lips. She didn't want the moment to end but she didn't want to stay hungry and cold.


Reluctantly she coiled away from her new mate, brushing the grass from her leather dress before she offered her hand to Arkadi to help him up. Once he was up Esha curled her fingers with his as they walked together to the small hut built into the crater wall. The wooden hut was visible but was nearly taken over by the morning glory vines that called it home. The soft purple flowers standing out against the brown wood and green vines. Once the door opened it revealed a cozy room although very small, too small for Luyu she thought. But closer inspection led Esha's eyes to a door, which she only could assume was more or another room. Since Luyu was not in this one. Despite her absence there was a warm fire blazing as well as a small short wooden table with enough bandages and medicine for both of them. She paused a moment, another blushing smile finding its way upon her face as he placed the purple flower into her hair. Her stomach grumbled as the smell of seasoned meats and rice drifted from under the door that led into the wall.


She walked to the bed, grabbing the snow bison pelt and pulling it closer to the fire, and to the table of medicine. She sat down with a weary sigh, curling her legs to the side under her. Her hands touched her cut and bruised skin as she bathed in the fires warmth. Her orange eyes looking to Arkadi a moment before she glanced at the medicine. "Come. Sit here. Luyu gave us plenty of medicine." On her knees she moved to grab the bowl of bandages and ointment. She waited till Arkadi sat in front of her before she gently pulled his hair to the side, scooping a generous amount of ointment into her fingers before she gently spread it on his horribly scarred back. She winced at the damage, glad once again she sought revenge for the Tomineete warrior. Arkadi mentioned Luyu, speaking aloud the question Esha herself had. "Where ever she is her cooking smells wonderful." She replied.


Reluctantly she allowed her fingers to slip from her mates so that she could walk to the bed. Dragging the snow bison pelt closer to the fire before tucking her legs under her bottom and sitting on them. Her hands touched her cut and bruised skin as she bathed in the fires warmth. Her orange eyes looking to Arkadi a moment before she glanced at the medicine. "Come. Sit here. Luyu gave us plenty of medicine." On her knees she moved to grab the bowl of bandages and ointment. She waited till Arkadi sat in front of her before she gently pulled his hair to the side, scooping a generous amount of ointment into her fingers before she gently spread it on his horribly scarred back. She winced at the damage, glad once again she sought revenge for the Tomineete warrior. "I'm sorry if this hurts." She apologized, her fingers touching his shoulder gently. "Oh Arkadi…" She said softly looking at his back. "This will take time to heal…" She said as she leaned to the side trying to look him in the eyes.


She tenderly applied the gooey ointment generously on his back, making sure every seeping wound was cover. But suddenly Arkadi turned to face her, causing her to pause as she looked at him. Her head tilted curiously a moment as she listened to him. Her tender face turned into a scowl as she glanced down, lowing her medicine covered hand a moment. "I'd kill her again if I could." She replied darkly. "For what she did to you." Her clean hand moved to softly touch her new mates shoulder, her eyes looking over the damage he sustained in battle. But just as damaged as he looked, she didn't fair much better. Her own body riddled with bruises and cuts just the same as his. But a smile found its way back to her face as his own hand enveloped her own. Mushing the ointment between their fingers. She laughed as he seemed to feel bad about letting her get as bloody and bruised as he. She shook her head and coiled her face close to his.


His own hands now applied the medicine to her own cuts. She smiled softly as she savored every gentle touch of his fingers, despite the slight sting it caused. She winced only slightly but the smile remained on her lips. "I am a warrior, not a den mother. Everyone of these scars is a victory to me. And I would have been furious if you didn't let me fight for us." She said softly but with stern tone. He admitted that he wanted to spend more time together, like this moment of tenderness. She smiled softly as her medicine covered hand moved to apply the ointment on other cuts and scrapes that were on the Tomineete warriors body. "I want our entire world to be about these moments." She cooed as she drew closer to him once more, her lips softly pressing against his once more.


Suddenly Arkadi made a horrible sound and slumped over, breaking the kiss. Esha shuddered and stared at him with deep worry. "Arkadi! Are you alright?" Fear and worry riddled her voice as she watched him stand and moved to the fire place. She watched his face intently, seeing his strong hands touch his own stomach as he stared into the burning flames. Pain struck his face in such a way but there in his eyes was something deeper. Fear. What was happening? Esha stood up and walked to his side, moving so she could see in his face. "What is it Arkadi?" She spoke softly as she listened to him. He recalled that his father knew what had happened to him and his mother. It reminded Esha of the she was attacked, the night she was forcefully taken by another warrior and given the scar on her shoulder. Her mother claimed to have known something was wrong. She didn't put too much thought into it but could this be what Arkadi was talking about? "Tomineete? Oh no…" Her voice dropped to a whisper as she looked away. If something was happening with his tribe, could it be the result of Rockridge? She hoped she was wrong.

~

All watched as the tension mounted. Rhoan and his son Bhura stood in the water, both wanting to aide their fallen old chief. Muri held her breath hidden in the foliage by her magic and Urin seemingly caught right in the middle of it. Vicious words and actions took place between Tolom and Aleix. There was a deep treachery taking place within the Tomineete tribe, one that no one in Rockridge wanted to challenge. No one but the young sage Muri. When that dagger embedded into the elder chief she knew then. Knew as a bird knows the path to take for warmer weather. This was the moment she waited for, she had to save the life of the old chief. Her body bolted forward from her spot once invisible. Her black pelt gleaming in the moon light like a pearl in the sun. Shifting instantly into a human, her arm shot upwards toward the sky, a fierce look in her young cerulean blue eyes. Her fist curled and suddenly the roots on which Urin sat erupted from the ground, knocking the old chief to the side with a surprised yelp. Roots snapping up to grab the attackers hand that embedded the dagger into the belly of the rightful Tomineete chief. "Stop!" Her child like voice bellowed in the night. She ripped her hand in a downward motion and the roots pulled Tolom to the ground, away from the older chief.


"Sage Muri!" Rhoan bellowed in rage as she shot of from the darkness. "What the hell are you doing?! Stupid girl! Let him finish the chief off!" His strong fist raised as he yelled at the girl. Throwing his fist aside as if his move was going to make her back down. Stupid girl, he should let her fate come to her. If it were anyone else, Rhoan would not have come to their aide. But Sage Muri was to be their next sage once Elder Gaio passed away. Even a warrior knew the sage was to be protected at all costs. Even if she was stupid. "Stay here…" He said in a low quiet voice to his son beside him. Only a glance with his eyes said he understood his father command, no other movement was made. Suddenly Rhoan shifted into a black panther, a single leap was made and his paws touched the other side of the bank. He gave a sharp boisterous snarl slashing his devastating claws at anyone that came between him and the young Rockridge sage. "Stand your ground! Let them make the first move!" He heard his son call behind him. Bhura was always second in command as far as the warrior pack went so listening to him came naturally.


Urin scrambled to a crouched position as he wheeled around to face the action. His eyes shooting open in surprise. "Rhoan! Stand down! Do not cause unnecessary blood shed!" Urin hissed from his new found position on the ground. His voice of reason was met with a mock charge as Rhoan threw his weight around. Once again the two brothers in arms came to violent blows. Both shifted into their feline forms and fought one another. Muri's young face scowled and with a flick of her wrist a huge root jolted from the ground, tossing both warriors into the shallow river. Urin gave one final slash, slashing the eye patch from the old warrior, an action that stunned him for just long enough. The old leader bolted down the river, kicking up a trail of water behind him as he fled the scene.


Muri narrowed her eyes on the fallen Tolom still entangled in her roots as Rhoan began to stalk back towards them. She moved closer towards the elder chief, Aleix. The wind making her raven iridescent hair dance. Muri shot her blue eyes to the one speaking to her, Tolom, narrowing them as he did so. She hesitated a moment, almost saying 'apprentice' before her name. "Sage Muri. I may be Rockridge, but I am still a sage!" She said with building confidence. "You should at least listen to my words." She swallowed hard and dug up the courage to speak. "Winter is coming…. Would you risk your tribes hunters just to slaughter ours?" she spoke to Tolom. She hoped she could speak reason into both chief's minds. "Leave his fate to us and we will leave your territory. With no bloodshed." She said eyeing the black panther stalking towards her. His head snapped to her and it was clear, he didn't agree with this idea. Muri was unsure if her words would affect his choice or not.


"We both take the forms of black panthers. You'll have to be more specific." She retorted in a defiant tone. Rhoan snarled deeply as he eyed the sage, rage boiled his blood and he shifted instantly into his human form. He was furious, out raged that she'd even consider taking the treacherous elder Aleix with them. In an instant he closed the gap between them his strong hand gripping her tiny neck. His ferocity caused a choking yelp to escape her as he nearly lifted her off her feet, only her thin tippy toes touched the ground as her lithe hands gripped his single massive have. "Leave his fate to us!? I'll kill him now as I should kill you for even suggesting such treachery!" The force of the warriors grip made her gasp painfully for breath as her hands gripped his. "The full.. mass of Tom..ineete is here… You would risk.. our hunters to kill theirs.. We would stare… to death." Her pained words choked out. But Muri knew everything or at least almost everything that the elder sage knew. "Keno.. would die. Do you… want that for.. Ellu?" Muri knew her name would bring the warrior to his senses.


Rhoan's vicious face slowly changed, the sneer faltering away as he stared in to her. Ellu. If he could have had any woman, it would have been Ellu. Esha and Keno could have been his children but it was not meant to be. They might not have been his own blood but he still watched for them just the same. His grip loosened as his one eye shifted to Tolom, then to Aleix bleeding on the ground. Then back to his own son wading in the river and finally to his fellow warriors poised for his command. Then it hit him like an enraged elk stag, he'd nearly cost the tribe a deadly price just for his own blood thirst. He abruptly dropped Muri whom gasped for breath as she held her own neck. She nearly fell to the ground but managed to stagger to her feet. A deep shame took over the warrior though it could not be seen. He whirled around to face Tolom, a finger pointed in his direction. "I will spare you tonight. But the next time we meet, I will bathe in your blood." His deep cold voice promised The new Tomineete chief as he turned to the fallen chief. He gripped Aleix under both his arms and began to drag him towards the river, towards Rockridge soil.


"Wait! Beofre you kill him-" Muri started t plead as she walked after the new Rockridge chief. "His fate is not mine to decide." He snapped quickly looking at her. Taken aback by those words Muri could only follow. "Bhura. Grab his legs." Rhoan commanded, which his son quickly obeyed. He rushed over and grabbed the chiefs legs and held him out of the water. Once on Rockridge soil he was placed back on the ground, not aggressively but not gently either. The lack of tenderness caused Muri to glare at Rhoan but never the less she knelt down neck to Aleix, her hand tenderly touching his wound. "Cut some trees down. We need to form a way to carry him." He said watching the men Tolom commanded, waiting for them to leave.


Muri's thin hand touched the bleeding wound, allowing the blade to sit between her middle and ring fingers. "Shh. It's alright, relax. What was it they called you? Aleix? I am Sage Muri." But Rhoan quickly but in as he was giving orders. "Apprentice. You are not yet a full sage, child. You'll do well to remember that next time you want to stop a battle." But instead of cowering she glared in defiance. "The Goddess is now speaking to me. In her eyes I am a Sage. You do well to remember that." She quickly retorted. Rhoan scoffed and stood on the bank to watch the bulk of Tomineete leave. The young sage turned back to the man before her, his physical pain evident. "I can take this out and stop the bleeding here with magic. But it will take herbs and medicine to keep you alive and heal you." Her hand touched his own that held onto the hilt. "Let me take it out. It will be painful but it will be easier on you when we take you back." She said looking into his eyes.

~

Esha touched Arkadi's shoulder as she looked into his eyes. Holding himself as though he were in pain yet he had no wound on his stomach to suggest so. The words he spoke, was he feeling what his father was? This pain? If so, then that did not bode well. But what could they do now? She was at a loss on what to do. "Arkadi… I… I am sorry… I wish we could be there with them. But we are in no condition to travel tonight. Our only option is to pray for his safety and get an early start in the morning." She said as she move close to him, compassionately touching his face with her clean hand. "After we kill Iron Beard for your daggers that is." She said, remembering the value of the daggers to her mate. Still unaware that he intended to give them to her.


As they worried below Luyu was above in the main part of her cottage, quickly cooking a quick meal. Grumbling to herself as she did so. "Where is that idiot Divinigos? Useless lizard, why did I even trust he could do something so simple!?" She said as she stirred the rice. Suddenly the door opened which caused the taller woman to turn and look. "Where the hell have you been!?" She yelled as she faced the man walking in. But then there was a long pause. Divinigos upon the untrained eye could pass as a high elf. Being tall, elegant and slender with pointed ears much like an elf. His straight hair fell past his shoulders and midway down his back, which shimmered an icey blue. This thin pale skinned face tilted curiously as his cold blue eyes looked at her.


The reason for Luyu's pause was the attire Divinigos wore. Not the brown cloth pants she told him to put on, but one of her own simple blue dresses that she wore for the rare occasion that she attend the town's various galas. He'd not look so daft if he wore robes, but this was clearly a woman's dress. "Goodness Bear Bear! I could say the same to you! I was forced to start cooking, ugh." He replied flippantly as he walked in. Luyu's mouth moved but no words came out. "I started to cook seasoned boar but I didn't know what else to add with it… Oh rice is a nice touch."


"What… the hell… are you wearing?" She stammered as she looked him over completely. He sampled a bit of the meat before looking at her. "Hm? Oh I found this in your wardrobe. One piece of clothing made more sense than multiple." He concluded. There was another pause by Luyu. "That's… a woman's dress… That's my dress!" The dumb founded look upon his face suggested he didn't understand. "Men don't wear dresses!" She yelled at him. Divinigos looked confused and paused before he replied. "Well that just seems silly." He replied plainly. Luyu thrust up her arms as she gave up."Fine. Whatever. Where were you tonight? I ask that you meet me at the area in your form… And you didn't show. I could have died!" She said with a bear like huff.


The man contemplated this for a moment before frowning. "I would be so bored if you died Bear bear. I have no other druids to study." Luyu gave a loud gruff growl of annoyance as she tossed rice and meat into the two bowls. Divinigos reached for the bowls but the elder druid snatched them away. "These aren't for you!" She snapped quickly. Divinigos held his hands close as if offended by her attitude but that very quickly faded as Luyu began to walk away. Curious the man followed her. Luyu came to a book case against the wall, carefully she balanced both bowls on one arm. Her free arm pushed the case aside revealing a hidden staircase that led to the room where Arkadi and Esha stay. She walked down and knocked softly on the door. "It's Luyu. I have some much needed food… for you." The pause was Divinigos looking curiously over her shoulder.
 
"Ugh.." Arkadi felt as though he had been stabbed through his stomach with something, a sword, a dagger, it made no difference. Vomit threatened to spill from his mouth so as not to have an accident occur with the woman near him, he released his gentle hold on her. The medicine, coated on his hands, he treated her bruises with, shook some. His entire body actually. He became trapped in a void where all he could see was his father staring back at him. Unwanted feelings, like when they were fighting, for their lives, came back to him, ruining the haven they shred.

Arkadi was worried, greatly so. His emerald eyes widened. Not looking at anything in particular, silence overcame him, he brought his hands to his bare stomach. The pain was more overwhelming, much more than being hungry. He paused some. His intentions were not to worry Esha but what he felt could not be hidden. The warrior rose, the vomit still at his throat, he paced with unease, around the room leaving one hand on his stomach. That aching stomach. "Something is wrong, something is wrong..." He mummered.

"Back home." The druid replied to no one in particular. Only when his one approached him did he stop, standing completely still, anxious. He looked into her eyes. "Something is wrong," He told her quietly. "In Tomineete. I don't know what but..." With a hand still covered in medicine, he took hers, brought it to his stomach where the sharp pain etched in and out. "This hurts, as though I've been stabbed with my own daggers. I think....I think something is wrong, with my father." Not wanting to say the words, his head dropped to the touch on his shoulder. This brought him closer to her, to inhale her scent bringing him back to the now. The present. "Esha..." His head raised, chin touched the top of her smooth forehead.

"I know, I know we've been through a lot ourselves, we would probably do more harm than good." Her words weighed in the truth. They couldn't travel home tonight, the road would most likely be filled with peril, and the bastard dwarf still had what he cherished: his daggers. "I know not what could be happening with Tomineete, my father, but I worry as there is one within the tribe who has long sought to power, to be something he clearly cannot. A warrior named Tolom. Aggression is his game." Arkadi's hands rubbed together, he returned to massaging the medicine in her wounds, like before. "He and I have never liked one another, it has only been now which has me thinking about him, what my absence may ensue." The Tomineete warrior's face turned in her hand, heat radiated between them.

"An early start means much needed rest tonight and no, we can't forget about those nor Ironbeard's head on a stake." he smiled some, the present, to be given to her to seal their union. The pain slowly subsided or his mind refused to give into negative thoughts, worrying only made matters worse especially being where they were, at a distance from their home, besides, that was yet another challenge to overcome once there. His mind filled with her. The need to touch her, decently. Arkadi's powerful arms circled Esha's waist, he brought her closer to where their lips would touch being. He gave that look, the one to mark his one, let her know her importance. He lifted her, turning with his one, spinning her in the air several times thinking he heard a shout somewhere close. He set her down. The medicine on his hands was gone, he rubbed them all along her arms to stretch them open eventually taking her smaller palms into his. He spun her around slowly, she radiated.

"You are so beautiful." He whispered low, mind on her and her alone. "And mine..." His body touched hers then moved outward the more he danced with her around the room. "You are a queen, a huntress, the other half of what I aim to be. Looking upon your face, I find my freedom." He turned her again, deep down, wanting to continue their kiss. He drew his hands to rest on those cheeks and about to kiss Esha, the knock on the door put a halt to that. Arkadi smiled some, he brought his lips to his one's forehead, with a quick stride, he was at the door, opening it.

"Luyu." Before she mentioned food, Arkadi's stomach smelled it, eyes peered into the bowls catching a glimpse to rice mixed with meat. His stomach let out a loud growl. "Thank you." He stepped back, a little embarrassed not to mention curious, there was someone behind her he could barely see. Arkadi moved more to allow them both to come in wondering who the other was. "For all which you have done, thank you. We can never repay you....." His eyebrow rose to see the other male wearing.....a dress? Well...

Arkadi coughed, arms crossing. "Coma tah...(How interesting...) Hello." He acknowledged that one not sure what to make of the situation, clearly famished.



"Leave his Fate to you?" Tolom mocked Muri. "Take him, what do I care, though he best reign in death, he is as useless as his son, what ever happened to Arkadi though I suspect death has overtaken him. Do not consider this a peace by any means, Rockridge will die, once winter has passed we will destroy your territory, I can promise you that....what leader would listen to a child let alone a Female? Pathetic....." He shook his head turning his attention From Muri to Rhoan, the other Rockridge warriors then lastly to Aleix.

"You will never come back to Tomineete, your Fate remains in their hands, however it should be, I am now chief, Tomineete will prosper." He appeared confidant, uncaring to the broken communication in Rockridge, as far as he was concerned, one problem was taken care of.


Aleix's head hung low. He'd not reply. For all Tolom's idiocy, he knew the young man would indeed protect Tomineete, in the meantime Arkadi had to be Found, moreover, he had to treat his wound should he wish to look upon his son once more, however, his fate was pressing. He'd not see Arkadi in this condition, lingering close to death, moreover, he was concerned about the little one, the one introducing herself as Sage Muri, angering everyone with profound words halting his death. Aleix could do nothing at this stage, lying on the ground, holding his wound, bleeding. Tolom sneered, to Rockridge, he'd forgotten Arkadi's father lying there, the opposing tribe's problems lay out like a fine bear skin. To him, it was amusing and thoughtful at the same time. Their weakness was exploited, some. When Tomineete struck he'd remember every detail. Now, Rhoan had his attention, the threat made clear, there was no peace between these tribes. "Is that right?" Challenged the foolish one.

"Then you'd better make sure I'm completely dead because one error and that hide will become my whore's coat." He let out a laugh, his men joining in with him. They remained, eying Rockridge cautiously. Aleix let out a pained groan, he raised his head, staring at Rhoan. He'd not beg, to have his life spared, let the pieces fall where they were meant to.

"Uhm." He was taken up, by Rhoan, dancing on death's tightrope, unsure what would happen. He remained calm as any leader should in a situation where control left them. He observed Rhoan closely. His head turned. Tolom stayed behind only to see Rockridge leave, at this time, his muscular arm waved overhead, calling his men to follow suit, back home. Those having come with Aleix did not move, they watched to see their former chief being taken away.

"Come," Tolom called out to them. "Unless you would like to stay here, I'd gladly give a traitor to Rockridge. Come, now."

"Go." Aleix told them. "It will be alright, return home, brave the winter. Do not worry about me."

They looked at one another edging back, eventually disappearing in the trees. Good, for now, the chief could concentrate on surviving, this did not mean he didn't worry about his people. He focused on these warriors, their names, faces, perhaps it would come to be useful. His legs were grabbed by one he came to understand as Bhura. Aleix was taken across the water onto Rockridge land, his body placed on the ground somewhere in between not aggressive nor gently. The elder man let out a ragged cough, his own blood seeping through his shaking hands, it wasn't until the little one joined his side that he looked over. He smiled at her weakly.

"I do not think we have been formally introduced, you have saved my life young one, for that, I am in your debt. Yes, my name is Aleix and you are Sage Muri-" Arkadi's father stopped speaking, Rhoan's voice interrupting anything they may have said further, the knife was still embedded into him although it was at an angle between the girl's fingers. Aleix closed his eyes, sweat began to bead around his forehead, his own hand on the dagger's hilt thinking any sudden movements would rupture his insides. He couldn't relax, not yet.

"You have spirit," He told her. "Never lose that, it is how others will respect you. The decisions you make, stand by them, support them even should you be the only one to trust in them." His eyes opened again, to look into her own. "You foresaw this happening, our tribes meeting here then you must know more..." The man coughed, his bloodloss being great. He needed to survive this, he would. "Then do what you must, I hold faith in you, Muri."​
 
As Arkadi descended into panic all Esha could do was coil close to try and comfort him. He motion to his stomach and said it hurt as though he'd been stabbed. Well he had been in the arena but the sensation shouldn't feel like it had just happened. Then he spoke of his father and how he believed something to be wrong. "Shh Arkadi." She cooed laying her head on his chest, trying to calm her warrior. He medicine cool against her bruised and cut face. She raised her head as he spoke her name, allowing his chin to sit atop her forehead. "Theres no sense in going out now. We are both far too wounded to make such a journey. Let alone to fight against anyone once we got there. Yes we would be more harm than good." She said pulling away to look him in the eyes.


"Tolom…" She repeated the name to no one in particular as her eyes drifted from his face a moment. What little bit the Tomineete warrior told her she didn't like. This 'Tolom' sounded like trouble. She wondered if this threat would have the audacity to attack his chief. His hands cool with the medicine brought her thoughts to the moment before her and only her eyes winced from the sting as his hands smoothed over the various cuts. But the pain quickly gave way to soothing heat from his hands and the cool tingle of the medicine. "Does your father have no other strong ally to stand at his side?" She was thinking in terms of Urin and Rhoan. The alpha warrior was the chiefs right hand man and she knew one would never betray the other. They were almost like brothers, despite never seeming to get along. But then it dawned on her. "You the strong ally that is needed by his side. Aren't you?" She said looking at him with worry in her eyes. Tomineete's situation did seem foreboding.


But a smile did creep upon her round face. A smile at Iron Beard dead was worth smiling for. "Mm with his innards strewn everywhere." She cooed almost romantically as she looked up into his face, he so tenderly holding hers. Her smiled widened as Arkadi's strong arm coiled around her and drew her in for a soft kiss. Her hands moved up his chest to drape over his shoulders. Smiling as she pulled their lips apart to nuzzle his nose softly against her own. Before she knew it she was lifted into the air and twirled around. A girlish giggle jumped from her as he placed her hands on his shoulders to steady herself. She could honestly say no Rockridge warrior would be so dashing and charming. But her giggle faded as she too heard voices, looking to the door as she was placed back on her feet.


Again he caught her off guard as he complimented her beauty. She honestly blushed and turned her face away from him, teasingly pushing away. "Oh Arkadi." She giggled again. "Even with these cuts and bruises?" She said coiling against him once more, knowing already what his answer would be. "Mm and you mine. Fierce and gentle at the same time." She said to him. But one word took her off guard. Her face in slight shock and her eyes widened as he took her face in his gentle hands. Queen. What was it with men wanting her to be queen? At least she was in love with Arkadi but that didn't mean their tribes would get along. Besides, she'd not know what to do as queen.


Those thoughts chased away along with the warriors sensual lips as the knock on the door came. She would have liked the kiss but considering the thought of being queen she'd take this distraction any day. She simply smiled as Arkadi kissed her cheek and left to open the door. Savanna grasses tickled her senses along with… something else. It was almost like the great pines that covered her mountain range but in the cold of winter. But these smells were on top of… A drake? A reptile of some sort. But that was inpossible as he was or looked like a man. An elf almost and no drake could shape change. Someone new? But she didn't not expect to see a man in a dress. She tilted her head in confusion.


Luyu did her best to block Divinigos' view but she knew he'd eventually see around her. "I brought you both a hearty meal." She smiled and paused. Being generous was out of the norm for her and she could feel the confused look on the dress wearing man's face, even from behind her back. "You're welcome. And… I think both of you alive is enough payment."


"You mean the grumpy Bear bear can feel compassion and give kindness? Interesting… Why have you been nothing but rude and callous to me?" His voice sounded sharp behind her. Luyu gave a classic frumpy look as she handed the bowls off and looked back. "You're annoying! And won't go away! You're like a flea that keeps biting me no matter how much I try to get rid of you." She sneered looking back at the two.


Divinigos slinked past her in a flash and came closer to look at the two, sniffing them much like an animal or druid would. This promted the huntress to step closer to stand beside Arkadi should this… man pose a threat. "MORE DRUIDS!? Oh how lovely! Bear bear you brought me more druids to study! Fantastic! Oh tell me are you a mated pair? Your people are so rare I'd love to see how you bre-" But his words were suddenly silenced as Luyu grabbed him by the collar of the dress. "That's enough out of you! Sorry… This is Divinigos. The incredibly annoying. His people have tasked him with 'studying' the druid people." She uses her free hand to make quotations when she said 'studying'. The strange man yelped in and tried to pull her grip free. "Out you damn lizard. They'd been through enough they don't need you badgering them!" With that she shoved him up the stairs, even as he shouted against it. "Bear bear wait! I have so many questions! Where do you hail from!? Can you shape change!? How long does it take you to lay eggs!? I MUST KNOW!"


"We don't lay eggs! I told you that you idiot!" With that Luyu easily shoved him up the stairs and shut the door to give the druids much needed peace. Esha was speechless. "… Did… Did he just ask if we lay eggs?" She said looking up at Arkadi.


~*~


Even as they carried the wounded former chief both father and son looked back to the men almost refusing to leave their fallen chief. Rhoan could at least respect that, Aleix must have been a fine leader to have such loyal men. Only when he told them so did they reluctantly leave. He and Bhura dropped the chief on the ground as they reached Rockridge soil and he began to bark orders to make a make shift gurney to carry the wounded Aleix in. Muri coiled close to the wounded chief, her thin hand touched the bleeding wound, allowing the blade to sit between her middle and ring fingers. "Shh. It's alright, relax. What was it they called you? Aleix? I am Sage Muri." But Rhoan quickly butt in as he was giving orders. "Apprentice. You are not yet a full sage, child. You'll do well to remember that next time you want to stop a battle." But instead of cowering she glared in defiance. "The Goddess is now speaking to me. In her eyes I am a Sage. You do well to remember that." She quickly retorted. Rhoan scoffed and stood on the bank to watch the bulk of Tomineete leave.


The lithe girl tenderly held her hand on his wound, the dagger between her fingers. She smiled, laughing a little as she looked away. "Spirit or child-like defiance?" She mused with a smile as she looked back up to him. "But your words… They remind me of Sage Gaio… Elder Sage now I suppose…" She said thinking of the immense weight now placed upon her young shoulders. Her smiled faded into something more serious as he mentioned her seeing this. Yes her vision, Muri nodded softly. The vision of the lion and lioness bringing two prides together to stop the slaughter of both. She dared not say it in front of Rhoan should it rouse if rage once again. "I saw something of this yes… But I'll will tell you in time. Now let me take this out and stop the bleeding here with magic. But it will take herbs and medicine to keep you alive and heal you." Her hand touched his own that held onto the hilt. "Let me take it out. It will be painful but it will be easier on you when we take you back." She said looking into his eyes.


She nodded as he told her to do what she must, taking a deep breath she murmured sacred words. Her hands began to glow a soft leaf green and the feeling would have numbed the pain and soothed the angry wound. But before it could heal completely she pulled the dagger out with a quick thrust, a bit of his blood spraying on her hands. Quickly she clasped the bleeding wound and spoke more loudly in the sacred tongue. The numbing and soothing feeling intensified as the bleeding stopped and the insides healed slightly. She became weary as if tired from a days work, pulling her hands away from the wound. "That will do for now." She said looking up at the old former chief. "Once we get you back to the village then I can properly heal you." She said to Aleix.


It didn't take much longer before saplings were cut down and a make shift gurney was made. Made long enough to hold all of Aleix's body and wide enough to cradle him, reinforced with more twigs and made slightly more comfortable with leafy branches. Rhoan and Bhura once again came to the chief, lifting him into the wooden gurney. More gently this time.
 
With a quick stride, Arkadi was at the door, opening it back. "Luyu." Before she mentioned food, his stomach smelled it, peered into the bowls catching a glimpse of rice mixed with meat and it was soon that his stomach let out a loud growl. "Thank you." He stepped back a little embarrassed not to mention curious. She didn't come alone, there was someone behind her he could barely see. The druid moved more to allow them both to come in wondering who the other was. "For all which you have done, we thank you. We can never repay you..." One eyebrow rose to see the other male wearing...a dress. A dress?

That wasn't truly unusual, however, it did range under odd. He coughed, head tilted low, arms crossed, and the native tongue surfacing once more. "Coma tah. Ah, hello." Came his acknowledged nod not cetain what to make of the situatuion though he noticed Luyu trying to shield that one from eyesight.

Was he her lover? Thoughts faded away to her introducing the food which wanted so badly a place in his stomach. It continued to growl. "Regardless, thank you." Arkadi joined his one, standing at her side. He looked at Esha when the man spoke sharply. Both he and Luyu engaged in short conversation. It still wasn't clear whether they were lovers or not, maybe friends?

Was the man another fellow druid? Questions rose through his mind, ones he wanted to ask but kept silent. No, they weren't lovers, body language spoke it. Hungry. A welcomed smile touched Arkadi's lips when Luyu handed them the bowls, looking closely tempted his stomach more until the male entered, sniffing them. His head turned, blonde hair moving, arm drawing around Esha's waist on instinct to protect his one. He leaned down, when given the chance, returning to gesture, sniffing Divinigos as well.

He had a rustic smell, nature even, not as good as Esha, no where near. Arkadi pulled back eying the curious one, a snarl swallowing.

"Druids to study?" He questioned. "Yes, she is my one," He answered truthfully. "Have you a mate?" Since questions were being asked, green eyes resided on Luyu a moment to seemingly ask whether she was such a mate.

"Divinigos...I am Arkadi and this is Esha." The other was strange to say the least so as long as he kept his distance, they'd be alright. Luyu seemed quite annoyed with him, ushering him out the room. The Tomineete warrior eyed his one, trying to balance his bowl, and not be rude as to not answer the questions. "Tomineete," He called back in return. "My people cannot but we are naturally in tune with animals, our words can bring about a hypnotic state....why are you wearing a dress? Eggs?" Arkadi heard and saw the door shut, Luyu and the strange man gone.

"Indeed," He nodded to Esha. "He was wearing a dress, not sure why, must be a custom...among his people. Come, let us not let this good food go to waste." Arkadi was sure that the strange one at Luyu's side would not be the last time they saw him. At least his mind was distracted, from what could be happening with his Father, Tomineete. The warrior lead his love to be seated where they were earlier. He sat close to her, eyes on her orange ones, staring into her Face. Hunger took the backburner. They might not get another chance like this, to actually enjoy themselves without conflict.

He set his own bowl down, careful hands reaching up to take hold to her face, craddling it.

Aleix held faith in the young one named Muri just as he held that same faith which told him his son was still alive somewhere, his second in command. He'd not do anything first without knowing his son's fate, only then could he adequately reclaim Tomineete from under Tolom. The elder leader did not want to promote more violence but it seemed the only way to strike at the foolish latter meant a swift removal, perhaps even death. He wanted not to harm his people in any way. He turned to Muri.

"You have spirit." He settled into telling her at the same time trying to avoid coughing up more of his own blood. For the first real time, his age was getting to him. He wounded greater than he did before when in youth hence why he trusted no greater man than his son, Arkadi. "Sometimes, others may consider it to be a defying moment but in those times you must stand firm as to what you believe in. You may stand alone, others may deem you unworthy but if it is truly something you believe," He smiled. "Never falter. Your kin," He suggested Rhoan.

"Sooner or later will come around. It's just that we strong warriors, even the greatest, can be stubborn." he looked into her eyes, she had beautiful hues reminding him of sight to the entire world. He wondered faintly what she'd seen, what she knew, obviously something of great importance if it involved Tomineete, saving his hide. One would do wise to heed what she spoke, even the youth of the druid were wise in their own way. Aleix had no doubt she could heal what currently ailed him, the stabbing, the dagger.

"Very well." Arkadi's father agreed. He worried about her, with her tribe, the way the one known as Rhoan treated her but it wasn't his place to intervene, not yet. He would place further hostility on him should need be. "I trust you young one." The true Tomineete leader responded. His eyes stared to the trees above, the night sky, thoughtful, and to the warriors near in the area. They were all different, strong, tending to their own. He glanced a Rhoan a moment, not longer than he should already bearing witness to his rage earlier. Aleix's hands still held onto the dagger, they were soon joined by Muri's own, to remove the dagger. He stared at her, her glowing hands, nodding, the words she spoke he'd not understand. What she did made the intense vibrations of pain stop, this child was indeed special, did the others not know this? In a matter of moments, the dagger was out and within the trees, somewhere, came a loud scream or so it appeared. Strange. The former chief's eyebrow raised slightly, the focus to stop any more blood loss. Muri's hand covered the wound, her profound unknown words coming again. The pain came to nothing the more she spoke.

What she was doing was of consequence, he noticed as his own pain numbed, the young one appeared tired. Drained. He would tell her to stop if she continued, she did enough, more than enough, already, however, she stopped when he is pain was gone. Aleix edged closer to her, pressing his forehead against her own. He spoke in the ancient Tomineete language, the words holding meaning to soothe her own fatigue. The act could be seen as a father comforting a daughter, nothing violent. When she spoke, that is when the former chief pulled back.

"I thank you Muri, you've done more than enough. I want you to not endanger your own well being, for me when we reach your village. You are far too important to worry over an old man like me." Meaning there most certainly would be ensued anger at his presence in Rockridge, he didn't want to promote any harm to her. His head turned to the saplings being cut down, a makeshift gurney made, most likely to carry him. He was grateful.

And that scream sounded once more...

One Rockridge warrior pointed in the direction leading back to the village. "It sounded that way," He called out to Rhoan and Bhura. "Almost to the village, if I recall, it sounds like..." He stopped speaking, brought into silence. By this time, Arkadi's Father was lifted onto the wood gurney, gently. "Thank you." He told Rhoan and his son, hoping to quell some of the anger, maybe speak on his thoughts concerning the scream. "....A woman, in danger?" He spoke more to Rhoan.


Long green hair behind a cotton head dress, flowed out evenly as she ran further into the trees, away from Rockridge. The wide bang littered around her forehead contained two short braids latched in white beads, they struck her heart-shaped face as she ran with two bell earrings sounding in a sweet tune. Oval shaped orange eyes peered at the area ahead, around, and behind. Nothing. Her bare feet touched the ground, made her sprint faster. Her white cotton baggy pants were clearly to big for her curvy lower bottom and the top, she dawn a purple wool garment underneath a simple white and green open shirt.

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Her heart beat into her chest. Looking above, she heard movement in the trees, the leaves rattled. Her mouth opened, the familiar scream sounded like a banshee disturbing all forest life attempting to sleep and more than likely the Rockridge residents. Emolen, the screamer, they called her. Ferocious in her cat form but more so with her scream. For a moment she saw a shadow moving, closing in. She dodged in a right direction but the attacker leapt from the trees landing on her. Both tumbled into a ball rolling. Emolen screamed again. Her attacker grunted some abusive language when they finally stopped rolling.

"Shut up!" The masculine voice thundered. "The hell you screaming for? You want to wake the dead?"

"You shut up!" She was laying out now, the one she talked to hovering over her, one arm behind his back, the other in a push up just beyond her head. He was rugged, his muscles showed it spread out of the dark gray cloth shirt. Scars riddled his arms, some fresh under bandages, others not. His spiky black hair stretched down his back. Thin eyes stared at her.

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Emolen stared up at Drake in silence, her chest rising, breath trying to return to normal.

"Why did you do it?" Drake demanded, his white teeth snared, vicious, cheeks were red due to slight intoxication.

"Because I knew I could." Her response.

"You..." He was furious as he lowered his face to hers, she screamed again, distracting him, causing him to roll over cursing. "The boar was mine....you didn't have to eat it..."

"I was hungry!" Emolen leapt to her feet. "You should've brought your ass home, cooked me something then maybe just maybe that boar would be in your belly sometime next week, besides," She launched her foot to his thigh. "I'm..." Her head whipped around hearing a crackle somewhere, it put an abrupt end to what she wanted to say. Now, she ran, heading in the same way the Rockridge warriors would be coming from. Drake snarled twisting on his back before raising his legs high in the air to be brought to his feet.

"We're not through! I come home from a hunt to find you mouth deep in the boar I caught, how the hell am I suppose to feel?" He ran at a tree throwing his full weight at it, strong hands gripped the sturdy bark allowing him to climb to the thick branches above. He was fierce. Death from above using the trees as a cloak to travel, to be unseen on unsuspecting prey, his best asset when it came to hunting. Drake threw his body from tree to tree swinging on the branches, the more stable ones connected to his feet while the beyond fragile ones were ignored completely. The dark haired one could see her traveling below, he'd leap on her again, drag her home kicking minus the screaming.

And once more, her mouth opened, she screamed.

Why...?

"I don't regret eating that boar." She called over her shoulder. In the coming clearing, she came upon her kin with the Tomineete chief in tow. Skidding to a rather staggering stop, she bypassed the warriors in front smacking into Rhoan, her head hitting his chest. The impact knocked her down. "Ow....oh...oh..." Wide eyes stared at the entire group no doubt looking at her now. "Hi, what's going on here? Is that food you got there on that make shift gurney? I'm starving."

"Who the hell are you talking to?" Trees rattled, Drake landed right in the middle of the group on his knees. He was brought into silence. "Ugh...."

Aleix sat up as best he could to see what the ruckus was about.

Emolen sat up quickly, jumping at Rhoan's side, pointing to Drake. "I told you, I don't regret eating that boar, I'd do it again, even in front of you, while I savor the sweet meat between my teeth."

"You...." The youth cringed. "I was delayed because not only did I hunt but-"

"Where's the damn meat then?"

"Well...."

"You don't have it, you never had it..."

"Shut the hell up," Drake hissed. "It doesn't matter about the meat, I was going to ask your screaming ass to marry me, why do you think it took me so long today? I needed to clear my thoughts, make sure I did everything right but oh what do I find when I get home? The boar bones, picked clean, you can forget about me asking your greedy carcass anything. Marriage with you is probably like a long dragged out death..."

"And I would've said no anyway you bastard," A scene ensued. "You don't have a choice now anyway," She crossed her arms. "I'm with child, the main reason why I ate the boar!"

"You're...."

"Yes. It's yours too...marriage with me is like a long dragged out death huh? I'll claw your insides out...."​
 
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