Secret Lives (Taken)

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Luke returned from his walk just a little after dinner started, he looked a little surprised when Des told him that they'd started without him. "I d-d-don't see why you'd wait on-on me..." he said nervously. Acting as if he didn't know how to feel a part of the family. He was quickly seated by the children and given a plate of food. He amused himself with the children, they continued to ask him questions and he continued to play along. This time he did not let his eyes rest on Aeroa for too long, he sensed that she was becoming uncomfortable. Perhaps he could just ease his way into her heart... it would make it all the more simple when he killed the stupid human. Besides, it wouldn't be that hard to make it look like an accident. Especially when his pack came.

The days passed in relative ease, Brandon began to feel much better and could walk short distances without much help, he also was able to pull his arm from the sling after just a week. It was strange to Brandon but the medicine that they gave him was quite strong. That and Aeroa seemed to constantly be about him, putting him in a good mood. It wasn't hard to smile around her and Granny Sophie had always told him that a happy person healed faster than a sad one. Which made sense to him. Brandon had decided to go offer whatever little assistance he could to Arthur in the field for the day.

Luke approached Aeroa while she was in the house, he knew that she could sense something around him. He didn't want to tip her off, but he hadn't made any overt moves towards her over the past week. He figured he might be on decent terms with her now. Perhaps he could start easing his way into her heart. However he knew that he would have to act quickly, he needed to make sure that the others in his pack knew that this mate was his. Before he went on his walk he wanted to make a small move.

"A-A-Aeroa?" He said quietly as he walked into the room, "I-I-I realized s-s-s-something today. I haven't p-p-properly thanked you f-f-for helping me..." he seemed to collect himself before he spoke. "Thank you."
 
Aeroa spent the most of the week next to Brandon, and her reluctance towards Luke diminished as he left her alone. It was nice to almost forget he existed and attempt to forget her suspicions. Aeroa helped out around the house, and she was joyed to see Brandon feeling better and even walking around, more or less. Aeroa could see them moving on soon, able to wander, though it seemed to be too quiet around here. If it continued to be safe, Aeroa could see no reason to protest staying here. But it was just odd, she wasn't use to the silence from the werewolves.

Aeroa happily, but worryingly watched as Brandon went off to help Arthur with the field work, she wanted him to rest, but she knew he would need to do things to get back into better condition. Aeroa wasn't doing much, simply brushing her hair out with one of the brushes she had been allowed to borrow. She had kept it untangled the last few days thanks to brushing it. She wasn't expecting Luke to walk in when he did, and she slowly stopped brushing her hair and looked at him.

The words that he spoke were stuttered and struggled as usual, it almost made her impatient with him, almost made her feel sorry for him. The only words he said with any confident it seemed were "Thank you." Aeroa didn't really know what to say to that, usually the response would be you're welcome, or no problem, or even anytime but she didn't really feel like replying with any of those. She wanted to shrug and just not say anything. She wanted to pretend his existence was still minimal.. It made Aeroa question why he was still here anyway, surely he wasn't hurt.. but then again, she needed him here, to question.. eventually.

"You're welcome." She said, almost looking down to the floor as she spoke, but she kept her eyes up enough to see if he made any moves. His presence made her uneasy, but his words made her less guarded. She almost asked him why he was following her, but she didn't want to ruin the real questioning before it even started, she would wait a little longer.
 
There she was, in all her glory. Her hair was freshly brushed and though Luke knew it was a lie he told himself that she was doing that for him. Making herself beautiful for his eyes. He imagined for a moment running his hand through her hair, her lips upon his own, locked in a passionate embrace as she gave herself to the superior being that was Luke. She could not resist him, not forever, he was stronger, faster, more handsome, and could certainly understand Aeroa far more then the pathetic human ever could. Everything that a woman could ever want from a man resided in Luke. He was sure that she knew it, sure that she would warm to him eventually. It was only a matter of time.

Brandon returned from the field, his leg no longer supported with a crutch or splint, his arm was hanging freely at his side. While they still were sore and his leg bothered him mildly he knew that there was little he could do about it. He was just glad that he was feeling well enough to work. It had been about a week and a half since he'd first started heading out with Arthur to handle some of the farm work. It had been good for him, helped to stretch out his muscles. Besides, after being couped up inside the house for as long as he had Brandon began to realise just how Aeroa felt when she had wanted to leave Gratanis. Laughing he made his way into the house greeted by Des and the kids. Arthur walked in right afterwards and scooped the children into his arms. Des gave him a kiss on the cheek, it was something sweet and sentimental that only a family could manage. For a moment he wondered if that was what he and Aeroa would look like one day. Back in Gratanis... Brandon found that that idea strange for a lot of reasons and yet not altogether out of the picture.

Looking around Brandon quickly greeted the children who had decided it was great fun to wrap themselves around his good leg and try to ride him into the kitchen. Brandon just shook his head at their antics but decided to play along. Laughing with them as they squeeled at his strength. It probably wasn't the best thing to do with one leg not fully recovered but he didn't mind. It was only throbbing mildly at this point. Once again Brandon looked around the house and didn't see Aeroa, "Des, where did Aeroa go? Into town?"

The night was upon them, this town had no idea that the wolves awaited at their very doors. Not as many as Luke had hoped but the town only had three guardians. He laughed and smiled walking back to the house. He'd told his brothers that there was a bit of unfinished business back at the home. After he'd returned the town was fair game. There was a slight rush however because one of the young women of the town stumbled out into the woods. Now she was lying in a pool of crimson warmth, a regrettable loss, she was beautiful, but she couldn't have been allowed to live.

Sniffing the air slightly, Luke caught a whiff of the aroma he'd been waiting for all night, smiling he knew that Aeroa was finishing up fetching some water before the men got home from the farm work. Rounding the corner he smiled as he looked at her, she was in a beautiful outfit, once again Luke envisioned that Aeroa was dressing for his eyes only. "Aeroa," he called her name, this time there were no games. No falsehoods he had to keep... she would be his and the human dead. "Aeroa, I can hold my feelings no longer... ever since I first lay eyes upon you I have desired you." Walking towards her, he kept a brisk pace so that she had no place to run. "And tonight, I shall have you..."
 
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Night had fallen and Aeroa was happily getting some water as had been requested of her, before Arthur and Brandon's return. Then sun was shining and the birds were chirping, there was still a slight chill in the air, but it felt nice. Aeroa began to feel like Des, waiting on the man to come home and helping cook and clean. Though, getting water was an easy task, she was like a wife. The thought made her smile and laugh at herself. Hers and Brandon's relationship had been an odd one from the start. And when she was finished, she heard her name. She didn't recognize the voice at first, but then she saw him, "Oh, hi there." She wasn't expecting to meet up with Luke out here.

The look on Luke's face was something she hadn't seen, confidence, he obviously felt okay with the world. Something about him had changed though, how he walked
closer, how he stood. All of it, he seemed like a new person. The confidence reminded her of Brandon on their first encounter. Seeing Luke step towards her made Aeroa uneasy. She didn't like the turn of personality. The words rolled off his tongue with ease, he told her that he had desired her and that tonight she was going to be his, there were no stuttered words. His voice didn't falter. Aeroa had a difficult time swallowing, and it reminded her of her first meeting with the werewolves. How she had been claimed, how she didn't have a choice. Aeroa froze for a second, unsure of how things were going to turn. She had a choice now, she wasn't going to be Luke's. She knew there was something wrong with the guy upon meeting him. She was Brandon's. Not the werewolve's, not Luke's.

Luke began walking towards her, and she felt her back against the well. She looked to the sides, trying to see which way would be the quickest escape. Fighting seemed a little unfair. Aeroa was suprised when Luke had gotten close enough to touch her. Aeroa felt her heart begin to pound. The look in Luke's eyes was keen, determined. Aeroa went to take a step to the side, to allow herself space between the two of them. He reached forwards and grabbed her forearm, it was a firm grip, but not in a way that would hurt. Aeroa tried to pull it away.

Luke was sure that Aeroa would change her mind about him, all he had to do was show her his feelings. Show her how superior he was to the human. Luke didn't let go of her arm but pulled her in closer with it. Looking at her, he gave a sweet smile. Her eyes were just so beautiful, her skin soft, her hair was so long. She was beautiful, and it was for him. Surely, it was for him.

Aeroa tried to step back, but the grip on her arm remained, Luke put a hand to her side and leaned in to kiss her. Aeroa felt his face growing closer, she heard the door open. Her mind panicked. She felt his lips touch hers, and she felt dismayed, upset, angry, as she shoved the unexpceting Luke away from her and sent an open hand across his face. She watched him put a hand to his face, and turn his head to look at her. He looked angry, upset to be rejected. Aeroa was vexed that Luke would try such a thing, had he not seen she was Brandon's? That, that was who she was in love with. She stood for a moment staring at him, as he looked at her. The anger written on his face. She turned to see who had walked out.
 
Luke's thoughts, his entire being, his purpose that night and all those weeks he spent pretending culminated into the few precious moments that were before him. He had come on strong tonight, taken her by surprise, it was to be expected that she would be a little reluctant about the whole night. She would be reluctant to be with him... but not once did he hear her say stop. She wanted this, secretly he was sure of it. Brandon was just an obstacle, nothing more. She was his. Oh the feeling of her lips upon his own! How he had waited for the softness there. It took him a moment to fully appreciate what wonderful lips that she had and the brilliance that was Aeroa. He drank her in like a sip of fine wine. For a moment she did not fight him any longer, she was giving in, it was only natural for her to give in to the superior.

Then he heard the unmistakeable sound of a door opening behind him and felt urgent hands upon his chest pushing him away. Stumbling backwards Luke felt himself lose balance. Even before Aeroa's sharp open palm came flying across his face he knew that it was a losing battle. Flailing his arms in a desperate fight to stay upright he looked into the face of his beloved Aeroa. What he saw before him displeased him. In those precious seconds that he could gaze upon her face he saw anger, confusion, annoyance, everything that seemed to indicate the exact opposite of what he was sure of moments before.

Brandon had walked outside to check on Aeroa, it had been almost an entire day since he'd seen her and to be frank he was desperate for her gaze. Her calming and peaceful presence. What he saw was far from it. Aeroa was being held by an unlikely character, holding however seemed to be a minor thing. Their lips were crushed together and Brandon could see the look upon Aeroa's face. She was disgusted... wasn't she? Quick to shove Luke to the ground Brandon watched with his mouth partially opened, "What is going on?" the confusion in his voice hung in the air.

A laugh came from Luke, "Ah I see now..." he looked over at Brandon and then back to the angered face of Aeroa. "You make that face because of him... because he has seen you with a true mate!" Quickly coming to his feet Luke stood there, between Aeroa and Brandon, facing the beautiful Aeroa. "You hide your feelings behind a mask of anger, but you were not so quick to deny me, to deny that kiss! Not once did you tell me to stop..." Reaching a hand up he touched the cheek she had struck gingerly, wincing at the pain. "It's alright Aeroa, I will take care of you like that human never could... love you like that human never could."

"What is going on?! What is wrong with you Luke? Have you lost your mind?" Stepping forward Brandon felt his anger boiling within him, the look on Aeroa's face told him everything that he needed to know. This Luke was pressing himself upon her, he'd completely lost his mind. Something was very wrong about all of this but Brandon didn't know where to start. As he got closer however Luke turned on him. A fist connected with the right side of Brandon's head and Brandon's entire body reeled backward from the blow.

Luke was quick to close the distance and wrap a hand around his neck, lifting Brandon up into the air with a strength that could not belong to a human. A smile was on his face, "Take a good look... you have been bested, she is mine now, and by the end of the night it won't matter to you anymore." Lowering his voice to a threatening whisper. "You'll be dead."
 
Aeroa stood watching, her mind still trying to figure out what had just happened. She heard Brandon's voice, she could tell he was displeased, confused. She could see Luke talking to her, she could hear the words he spoke, but it was as if they were empty words, that meant nothing to her. Nothing seemed to register and she wasn't sure why, nothing had threatened her life, she was still standing there unharmed. "Mate"... "true mate"... It was almost as if she had stopped the time for herself, and everyone else was continuing on. Aeroa watched Brandon step forward, Brandon would take care of it, wouldn't he? Tell Luke that was a stupid move. She was Brandon's she wasn't his to claim.

Then, the world did stop, everything seemed different, she was standing at the entrance to her home, watching the werewolves charge in. He said,"Mate"... She heard herself speak, say something to her parents. They told her to get inside, but she didn't move. Then one of the males came to her, there was a smile on his face, similar to Luke's, he claimed her. She watched as everything was burned to the ground, she watched as her parents were taken from the home. She couldn't go anywhere if she had wanted to, she'd been claimed. She was in the arms of a man much stronger than herself, and transforming wouldn't help her now. She watched, as the world burned down around her. As her life was taken from her. She wanted to scream, and cry, and run. But she couldn't. She tried breaking free, she even tried transforming, but there was four wolves surrounding her once she did. It was hopeless.

It took a few moments to gather herself together, she heard the low voice of Luke, before she saw him. He said someone would be dead. Who? Aeroa blinked a couple times before realizing she wasn't watching her family burn, she was watching Luke choke Brandon. Somehow she knew she watched the punch that connected to Brandon's face, she could even see the mark now, but she wasn't there for it. Aeroa moved before she could think, she was telling Luke to stop, she was racing towards him. She stopped beside him, telling him to let Brandon go. He wasn't. Aeroa closed her eyes before mimicking Luke's earlier movement, connecting a fist to Luke's jaw.

"Love you like that human never could." Aeroa watched as she ran forward, determined to tear through the werewolves, determined to save her family. They were crying to her, she was crying to them. There was fire everywhere. Various people were screaming, fights were everywhere, blood dripping from almost every body. She heard the male yelling orders. She didn't care what they were, she wanted to die with her family, she wanted to be put out of her misery, she didn't want to face this moment for the rest of her life. She managed to break free, running up the werewolves that was about to inflict more pain to her mother, she reacted without thinking striking them, much the same way. She cried out as her mother fell to the ground.. run.. run. Aeroa felt herself seized, things only got worse from there.

Aeroa stared at Luke for a moment. She hit him, she took a step back, shaking her head, bringing herself to reality again. "Brandon.." She spoke softly. Hoping she had freed him from Luke's grasp, hoping Luke would not persist. Not yet realizing if she had accomplished anything, not yet able to register if anything had even happened. Why the flashbacks? Why now? Aeroa's hands went to her head, trying to rub the problems away, trying to make sense of it all. She felt herself shaking, she looked up. It was confusing, emotion provoking, painful. "Luke, stop." Aeroa shook her head, trying to regain her senses, trying to be apart of the real world again. 'Luke is a were.. mate.. true mate.. human.. he's a were..'

Was it noticeable? She acted, she moved, she breathed, yet she felt so far away, and at the same time felt the pain of Brandon. The choking sensation around her neck, though it was a different kind, one of raw emotion. She was scared of losing him. She was scared of losing him in such a similar way.

"Why?" She asked, to no one in particular. Trying to figure out what the words Luke had said meant, she didn't recall knowing what he said earlier, it hadn't clicked in her head, they were meaningless words, but her mind somehow understood it, put meaning to the words. "...by the end of the night it won't matter to you anymore." What did he mean? She felt torn into her own reality, where nothing actually happened, where everything was dark. She shook her head, hoping it wasn't noticeable.
"Run.." The words were soft, hardly a whisper, barely audible. Remnants of the flashback, remnants of her will to leave, a reminder telling her she couldn't stay right now, telling Brandon that Luke wasn't joking. She realized why she had been followed.
 
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Grasping the hand around his neck he could think of little else. Both of his hands wrapped around the arm which was holding him aloft, there was a strength there that was far greater then a human. It felt more like the strength of there werewolf he'd fought in the forest when he was looking for the herb needed to heal Aeroa. Looking into Luke's eyes there was a mixture of hatred and jealousy. Brandon felt his eyes widen as he began to put everything together. The words which Luke had spoken earlier began to come to the forefront of his mind. The way he'd referred to Aeroa as a mate, the fact that he'd been following her, the uneasiness that he'd felt surrounding Luke, and now the inhuman strength that he bore Brandon aloft with. Suddenly the threat that by the end of the night it wouldn't matter anymore began to become more and more real...

In an instant a fist connected hard with Luke's face. Breaking his vice-like grip upon Brandon's neck. Tumbling to the ground Brandon rolled and landed on his back, reaching up he began to clutch his neck and cough. It felt so painful to gather in air through his throat but his body demanded gasping breaths to allow the oxygen to flow once again through his body. Coughing for a moment he looked up at Aeroa, she was clutching her head, rubbing her head as if she were being tormented by her thoughts. Her eyes held concern and yet they also seemed to be looking at something else. Something that wasn't there. Distant. "Aeroa?" He gasped out weakly but he was sure she had not heard him. Instead she responded, not to his question but with her solution to the problem. Run.

Hitting the ground hard Luke almost began to laugh, instead a chuckle managed to trickle it's way out of his mouth. Looking up at Aeroa he realized that she was trying desperately to keep this façade up. Perhaps the human had taken control of her mind. Human's were pathetic! But it was no matter. There was more then one way to kill them all... and take what he desired above all. Chuckles became closer to barks as his body became more lean, muscled and tense, fur sprouted all over him, as he knelt down. Legs and arms became paws and the limbs of a wolf, brown, and black splotches of color covered his body like mud and dirt. The freeing feeling of his true form was manifest as he howled into the night.

The piercing sound thundered next to the small house and bounced around the forest against tree and bush. Thirty sets of ears became taunt and stood at attention. In unison they seemed to turn towards the source of the noise, gathering where it was coming from. It wasn't the direction that was important but the message that such a simple sound carried with it. Like a flash the leaves and twigs snapped and crackled under the weight of a pack of wolves, their reply laced into a return howl as they descended upon the small town.

After the howl was finished Luke's wolf like head lowered at the form of Brandon, he would kill the human and then take Aeroa... whether she wanted it or not. She would warm to him eventually or spend the remainder of her life unhappy. Either way he would have what he desired before the rest of the pack could have a pick! Rushing towards Brandon Luke leapt through the air, teeth bared in an effort to rip the throat out from the human.

Still trying to get his breath back into him Brandon watched as the wolf leapt through the air, reaching up he shielded his face and neck in a desperate effort to give Luke the fight for his life. Yet the blow did not come, a large black dog sailed through the air and tackled the wolf. Taking him by surprise the dog made quick work of Luke while he was still in shock and watched as the life bled from him. Quickly the dog barked loudly three times, which was met by three more barks, and then another three after that. Once the sounds of a few screams could be heard the townspeople were quick to gather their spears in defense of their home. But the wolves would make difficult targets in the night.

Brandon did not waste the time that he'd been given, he knew why the wolves were here in the town and he knew that the wolves would stop at nothing to get Aeroa and Brandon. Running he took Aeroa's hand. She seemed pretty distracted before but he hoped that if he could touch her it might just snap her out of it. "Aeroa, we have to go. If we can leave hopefully the wolves will try to follow us and leave this town alone! Hurry!"
 
Aeroa wanted to move, but she still felt stuck, when she looked up she saw Luke mid-leap, aimed at Brandon. She tried to do something, anything, but it wouldn't come. She forced herself, willed it as much as she could, and her legs began to shake. She watched as he got closer, almost as if the world were moving in slow motion. Then she tensed, felt her whole body prepared to transform, jump on the wolf. She was going to, finally she could move. Or so she thought, as soon as the message had reached her limbs, she saw a dog take charge at the wolf, saving Brandon from his fate. And there she remained, motionless. She heard the cries of the weredogs, she heard the sounds of fighting.

She had told Brandon to run, she had told herself to run. Neither had been accomplished. She looked around, the world was continuing on without her again, this time it was going to be the second place burned to the ground, she could already smell the fire. She could already feel the smoke, but there was nothing around her. Her mind kept bouncing from the past to the present, it couldn't be happening again. How could she cause so much pain and so many problems for everyone? It was her curse. Aeroa wasn't going to let it happen again. Glancing over she looked at were Luke and the Arthur had been, she assumed Arthur went to fight the other werewolves. How would they fare?

Aeroa heard Brandon, if she and he left, would they follow? Aeroa doubted it, she doubted all of it. She felt Brandon take her hand, and it took all of her will not to yank it away. He was urgent trying to get her to move. Much like her parents had been. Urgent. She shook her head, and despite his attempts, she could only move slowly. She was moving at a walks pace, reluctantly, almost being dragged. She quickened her pace little by little, not thinking, not knowing where they were going, trusting Brandon. Then she saw the edge of the woods. They were leaving, like she said, and looking back, no one had followed. Aeroa looked at Brandon before swallowing hard. She pulled her hand free and gave Brandon a light push forward, telling him to run, then she turned around.

Aeroa didn't look back, she went towards the village, transforming, turning her pace into a full tiger-sprint. She kept telling herself she wasn't going to let it happen again. The werewolves weren't going to tear another village apart, they weren't going to be able to get away with it this time. Not if she could stop it. By the time she reached the first werewolf and tore through it with her claws, something had clicked in her head. She stared down at the unsuspecting victim, the wolf, fresh blood pouring from its wound. She couldn't stop them all on her own. Running wasn't going to help. Staying and fighting wasn't going to help. There was nothing that she was going to be able to do.

She couldn't fight the whole pack, she wanted to roar. Make herself known, be followed. But she couldn't there was no way Brandon could run fast enough. She had to think of him now, she wasn't on her own anymore. She hesitated, she had left him at the edge of the woods. Had he followed? Surely he couldn't run as fast as her, but as she stared at the body she could tell he was probably coming to get her right now. There'd be no way he would leave her there. He always took her. Always. He loved her. Aeroa shook her head. No, this wasn't going to be the incident with her family all over again, she still had the one she loved, and she had to protect him. She had to get them both out to safety. She had to... He had to, she doubted she was capable of it. Aeroa knew they couldn't settle anywhere again, but maybe one day they could come back, and pray that Arthur and his family was still alive.
 
There! That was it, they were almost to the forest! The edge of it was within his sight and he knew that they'd be able to make it out of there alive. The wolves would see them and they would follow. It would simply be a matter of outrunning the wolves but to Brandon it meant that the townspeople would be safe from the attack. They wouldn't have to deal with Aeroa and Brandon's problems. He wasn't quite prepared to see his art shop go up in flames again. He wasn't prepared to see someone else's life become burdened with his troubles. The wolves wanted them... Aeroa and Brandon. That was all they needed right?

Aeroa pulled her hand free of Brandon's, he felt it slip through with such force like he was a parent trying to drag his child away from their favorite toy. This was no toy, it was a battle, a war, why was she trying to stay? As he turned he felt her hands heavily upon his chest as she seemed to push him off into the woods. Looking into her eyes which seemed still distant he was confused as to what she meant to do. But after the push and the silent go she gave him she turned and never looked back. "Aeroa, what are you doing?!" He shouted as she began to run back towards the town. Majestically she transformed into the royal form of the white tiger which somewhere lay within her.

Looking back he saw the townspeople fighting for their lives, the wolves doing their best to tear them down. It was then that he realized that Aeroa intended to fight. She wanted to help in any way that she could. What was Brandon doing? Running? Like a frightened orphan boy on the streets of Gratanis. Was that his solution to everything now that they were on the run? These people had nursed him back to health, taken them in when there was no other... as much as it pained him to see Aeroa running back into danger he understood what she was doing and it just made Brandon feel like a coward. Looking around he realized that the wolves weren't following them as he'd planned... they were just running.

Watching as Aeroa disappeared into the town Brandon looked down at his hands and shook his head. He couldn't leave... not after that epiphany... not after what they'd done. And Brandon was surely not going to leave Aeroa behind. Taking off at a full sprint he leaped over a wall towards the blacksmith. A beautiful sword lay in it's scabbard, missed in the commotion for the easier to wield weapon. The townspeople weren't trained soldier, but Brandon was a trained swordsman. Laying hold of the handle Brandon drew it and heard a step behind him. A wolf growled, it's head low to the ground and before Brandon had a chance to ready himself the beast closed the distance.

Setting his feet he pivoted, the blade was already free of it's home. A light military rapier it sang through the air with a thrum and felt like it was cutting through nothing at all. The blade was truly a piece of deadly art and Brandon suddenly began to wonder why the blacksmith had made such a blade. That thought only had time to cross his mind before disappearing into the depth of Brandon's subconscious as he brought the sword to bear on the wolf. It took them both by surprise, Brandon because of the speed which he was able to wield it and the wolf was surprised as the blade cut through him before he really had a chance. Using both hands Brandon shoved the creature off his blade as the beast fell to the earth with a thud.

Taking a moment Brandon looked down at the blade in awe, it was a beautiful weapon... that was when he heard a tiger. "Aeroa." The thought stopped his mind and focused it on a singular task. It took him only moments to follow the noise to where the beautiful tigress was. They had her cornered, Brandon knew that she was smarter then that however. He'd seen what she'd done to the men back in his home in Gratanis. However a little help was sure to be appreciated. Taking a moment to steel his leg from the pain before he leapt in. It took only a minute to drive the rapier point first through the back of one of the wolves skulls. It seemed to slip through the beast and exiting the other side. The surprise attack would only work once however as the wolves turned to face the fresh attacker.
 
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Aeroa looked over as Brandon had emerged from the smoke and ruins, a smile crossed her face, though as a tiger it was hard to express, it was replaced with a look of concern. Of course he had come for her, but she wanted him safe, she wanted him to be back in the woods.. She knew she couldn't expect it from him though. After engaging in battle, she wanted to run, she wanted to just run with him, have herself followed. Then as the wolves turned towards Brandon her focus was centered again. Growling as they looked at her beloved, she charged at the one closest to Brandon. Sending claws forward, she cut the wolf, near the throat it seemed as blood began to pour out. The beast softened her impact as she felt the bones beneath her break. 'Hardly a fair fight,' she thought. Though she knew wolves could be fast, sometimes even faster than herself. Aeroa glanced at Brandon to make sure he was still safe as she stepped in front of him, baring her teeth at the wolves. There was no way she would let them hurt him.

The next moment the two remaining wolves lunged forward. Standing her ground she prepared, trying to figure the best plan of action. Everything happened so fast. She lowered herself to the ground, as the wolves came towards her. She waited, then let her attack connect. She raised herself up for a moment, sending her claws into the face of one of the wolves, just barely missing being bitten. Although Aeroa was much against biting while in her tiger form, she turned her head sinking her teeth into the other wolves shoulder. Whimpers were heard from them both but the wolf she bit attempted to sink its teeth into her in return as she felt a small amount of blood trickle down her fur. It was just a scratch. She let go from the bite, using her paw to throw the wolf off of her. Then she ran towards it slamming a paw into it's chest.

Though her defense had not gone unnoticed, other wolves had started watching, giving some of the people fighting them a slight advantage for a moment. When she looked back, the battle had begun again, the wolves had been decreased in number than the start, though it seemed they were less motivated than before. The wolves that had conquered their battle slowly walked towards Brandon and Aeroa. She walked back to where Brandon had been standing, she knew he wasn't useless, she knew he could fight. And after long contemplation realized she couldn't keep him from fighting alongside her. Aeroa was slowly getting used to having someone to do things with, and realized how much she was doing with Brandon rather than alone like before.

"We should leave. Lure the wolves out of town and go. We should.." She said slowly, "But.. maybe... if you take the Alpha-male. Then get on my back and we'll leave. Few will follow, if any at all. The rest will leave to regroup and dispute leadership... " Aeroa said, motioning with a paw to a wolf that was closing the distance between himself and them quite quickly. She knew him as the Alpha male because she had saw him in the center of the action before herself and Brandon joined the battle. "I'll fend off the others.. I love you." Aeroa said before looking around at the other wolves that had followed their leader to this section of the battlefield. There wasn't many he could spare it seemed, the rest were still trying to oppress the villagers. Growling again Aeroa kept herself near Brandon. She wouldn't let any of them interfere with Brandon's fight. Glancing back every so often to make sure he was still behind her, she began fending off the others.

Various whimpers came from all over the battlefield, screams from humans, grunts of pain. Smoke could be smelled from the burning buildings, almost enough to block the sun. The scent of it could be picked up from the ground even as it billowed towards the sky. Homes were gone in an instant. Aeroa could hardly think of the destruction they had caused as she viciously slashed at any wolves that came near, most jumped back dodging, none trying to leap to her. She kept her teeth bared as did they. Aeroa felt her claws connect with one of the wolves, slicing it's underbelly. A wolf took it as an advantage to jump onto her, another followed. Aeroa backed up slowly, raising herself up to shake the wolves before they could bite her. She turned, slashing at them with her claws. A wolf lunged toward her side, but she turned letting pass by her as she sunk her teeth into it's neck. Aeroa ran, pouncing on a different one, the wolf weakly tried gnashing its teeth at her as blood pooled around it's skull, the bones breaking under her force. She turned to face the last of them. The fight seemed to carry on forever. Aeroa was panting before too long, hoping the alpha would be slain soon, she continued fending off the wolves.
 
There was a moment when Brandon was suddenly wondering what he was supposed to do next, the wolves had turned their attention to him and even with his new blade and limited combat experience he realized that the battle was going to be bloody. It was then that he realized he wasn't alone. He wasn't some boy on the streets, left alone, and orphaned. There was now someone with him, at his side, constantly. She quite literally had his back and he hers. As soon as the wolves turned their back on her she used that as an excuse to pounce. Brandon was frozen in place with the beautiful tiger crushing the wolves in front of him. Mesmerized by the ferocity that Aeroa was showing. It was strange because he couldn't see it in Aeroa the human. The quiet one that barely spoke a word until he'd managed to get her to open up. Perhaps Aeroa the tiger, the protector, was a different sort of person entirely.

After the wolves were finished there was a short howl which seemed to pierce the night like an arrow. The sound traveled through the thick air mixed with smoke, blood, and sweat. Looking around Brandon coughed a little as he noticed how thick the air seemed to be. Yellow eyes pierced through the smoke and he could hear Aeroa talking about the Alpha-male. It made perfect sense, cut off the head and the rest of them wouldn't quite know what to do with themselves. It seemed that the Alpha had the same idea in mind as his teeth seemed to bare themselves in a sadistic grin. The wolves gathered around their leader as he waited for the right moment to strike.

Taking off at a dead sprint the Alpha closed the distance between himself and the two prey. His pack was with him, they were outnumbered, and the sheer feral might of the wolves would make quite work of a human. The tiger might be a bit of a problem but the Alpha thought for a moment about how much fight she'd have left in her if her precious human mate was taken from her. The Alpha quickly flanked around the tiger and let his team flank the other way. The tiger went for the bait, taking on the pack rather than the one. This would be much easier then he thought! With a leap the Alpha was confident the human wouldn't stand a chance, but what he hadn't witnessed was Brandon's capabilities.

Raising his sword Brandon placed it in between the wolf's mouth, the other hand came up and grabbed painfully on the blade cushioning the blow. It forced the wolf to close it's mouth however it also knocked Brandon to the floor. Cursing his own foolishness at not realizing that he was not wearing duelist gloves Brandon was quick to get the weight off of the gash that was now deeply cut into his hand. With a heave and a push he threw the wolf off of him and quickly got to his feet keeping his sword pointed towards the Alpha. The wolf rolled and got back to his feet as quickly as he could and growled bleeding a little bit from the mouth where the sword had pressed a little too hard.

They both took a few steps in a circle before the Alpha decided he'd waited long enough. Closing in, this time he kept close to the ground, trying to knock Brandon over so that he could kill him on the ground. Brandon however was not about to let him get close enough. A few well placed swipes made the Alpha reconsider placing himself that close. The Alpha moved back for a moment giving the situation just a little more thought. But Brandon wasn't about to let him think on it, Brandon then pressed the attack and pushed the wolf backwards, forcing him wherever Brandon wanted him. Brandon smiled once the wolf was cornered in a small pigsty, the Alpha realizing it was corner began to press the attack but it was already too late. Kicking one of the support pillars for the sty Brandon jumped back as the flaming roof caved in on the Alpha. If it hadn't killed him with the force then the flames would quickly enough.

The wolves seemed distracted in that moment that a mournful howl went out. Within minutes they had abandoned what they had been doing and instead making their ways back into the safety of the woods. The townspeople looked around and saw the tiger in their village along with the strange man that had come with the strange girl. They saw that he had killed the Alpha, Arthur and his brothers stepped out from behind housing not sure how the townspeople would react. Arthur ran up to them placing a hand on Brandon's shoulder, "Are you two alright?" He asked hurriedly, motioning for some bandages to cover Brandon and Aeroa's wounds. "I see that you weren't kidding that the wolves were after you but I suppose I should thank you for sticking around to fight them off for our sake..." He seemed confused because he knew that the wolves had come there for Aeroa and Brandon and yet the two of them had done more then their fair share in defense of the town.
 
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To Aeroa it seemed the wolves never stopped, it seemed like there was too many of them. She fought and fought and it seemed as if there were always more. They were fighting for their Alpha, she was fighting for the one she loved. Aeroa glanced back to see how the fight between Brandon and the Alpha was going, the strongest of the pack, made her worry. When she saw that Brandon was pushing the wolf backwards, he had been cornered. It gave Aeroa a sense of accomplishment, together they would drive back the pack, protect the city. They weren't just running from all their troubles, they were giving the wolves a piece of their minds. Aeroa kept the last of the wolves preoccupied. She'd need them focused on her while Brandon finished off the Alpha.

It had only taken a moment of distraction for a wolf to come towards her. Aeroa could see it as she turned back around, she distance between herself and the wolf, just in time for its teeth to graze her left arm. She slashed at the wolf, before hearing a howl break the sounds of battle. Each of the wolves she had encountered growled at her as they backed away, carefully retreating into the forest. Aeroa remained a tiger as she glanced around the town, making sure that the wolves had left, and the townspeople were now safe. The retreat had brought a smile to Aeroa, Brandon had won, the wolves gone. Turning back into a human, Aeroa ran towards Brandon. Arthur had gotten there before her, and was sharing some words with him. She wrapped her arms around Brandon. "You did it." She said softly before pulling away and checking him over for any injuries. Aeroa nodded to Arthur, in response to his question.

Aeroa could feel the small amount of blood tricking down her back from her shoulder blade. She glanced at her arm as she put her opposite hand over it to cover it. 'Nothing serious.' She thought to herself as someone arrived with bandages to wrap Brandon's hand and her wounds. Aeroa felt they were small enough, not really needing to be covered, but the sweet lady persisted. Aeroa was anxious, taking Brandon's hand, and sitting down on the ground next to him while he stood. She could still feel the fatigue from her tiger form. She wanted to leave, she didn't want to stay around and look at all the damage they had inadvertently caused. She didn't want the flashbacks to return. But they had won, hadn't they? Unlike the past. But the similarities made it hard to swallow.

Aeroa looked up at Brandon, then stood with him, "Can we leave?" She whispered, remembering her condition from before the battle. She was out of it then, and she could tell the feeling was due to return if she stayed. Looking at the ashes, and the smoke, the destruction made her stomach curl. Seeing the wolves she had slain made her less certain of herself. She was able to do that. To protect someone she loved. And at the same time she didn't want to see Arthur, she was happy they were still alive, but he had disregarded her caution of Luke, who tried to kill Brandon. Arthur couldn't have foreseen the degree to which the wolves wanted them dead, but his presence still made her uneasy. Aeroa would have ran by now, if she had been on her own. She wouldn't have stuck around for congratulations, she would have been gone with the wind. That was just her, that was how she was. But now there was someone she was bound to, who was with her every step of the way. Who protected her, and whom she protected. Aeroa was full of mixed emotions, which made her head swirl. She wanted to sit down, she wanted to rest, but most of all she wanted out of this place.
 
Arthur was still torn between his feelings, yet he had to be blamed as well. He never would have suspected that Luke was a were... a wolf, on of the ones that was hunting down Aeroa. Why hadn't he smelled it on him? Why hadn't Luke stuck out to him like other weres did? Yet it was Aeroa and Brandon's presence that drew them there, that brought the wolves down upon their fair village. Homes, livestock, and especially peple had been lost in the brutal surprise attack. As he looked towards the townspeople he could tell what they were more concerned about. It was something that they would not easily be able to let go and Arthur knew that Aeroa's question might be the best option for them all. "I... I think that might be best..." Arthur said this with a heavy heart. It seemed that his brothers had known the decision because they came back far too quickly with their packs. Giving them their things Arthur looked at both of them then he smiled slightly.

It was pretty easy to see that things would not be so warm after the battle had died down, Brandon took his pack easily and slipped it onto his shoulder. As much as he wanted to help the town to rebuild after the harrowing experience he knew that the longer they stayed the more of a target the town would become. There would be only be more death and more destruction. Taking the military rapier which he'd wielded for the battle, holding it out to Arthur. Arthur placed a hand on the blade and then pushed it back towards him. "The blacksmith won't mind where he's at..."

Taking Aeroa's hand in his own they began their long walk out of town, it was odd to leave a town so publicly. Brandon could literally feel the eyes on the back of his neck until the both disappeared into the woods. There wasn't the same sense of lose that Brandon felt when he left Gratanis, it only felt as if he were leaving friends. Good friends... no, they were great friends. Perhaps Brandon was getting used to this wandering business.

It was dark out, though the moon wasn't too high in the sky Brandon knew that they needed to put some distance between themselves and the town. There would be no fire tonight, it would attract attention. However Brandon knew that after the tiring battle, mixed with a day of work, and even if there was no other reason he could tell that Aeroa was exhausted. Besides something had bothered her about that whole battle. Finding a secluded area surrounded by a few rocks and built into a hillside Brandon felt like this might be safe enough for the night. There were trees outside the rocks and it was obscured from view. "How about here for the night?" He said, trying to be pleasant but failing miserably and instead sounding beaten from the days events.
 
It didn't take long for Aeroa and Brandon's belongings to be returned to them, and for them to be sent on their way. Aeroa was comforted by the feeling of Brandon's hand with her own. Aeroa shook her head, there were so many things that she felt were her fault. Brandon couldn't be blamed for them, he hadn't been acquainted with the wolves to know. Aeroa on the other hand had seen their tactics first hand. She was kicking herself for allowing themselves to reside in that town and not ushering them forward despite the wounds.

Aeroa felt a weight being lifted off her shoulders as they set off into the woods again. It was her home, and being out in the wilderness was far more appealing to her than endangering a town, which is why she acquainted herself with the woods early. Too few clouds were in the sky to block the lazy moon, so the light it reflected lit their path. Aeroa felt exhausted, so much had happened in one day. Scenes from it replayed in her mind, she let her mind wander, and it seemed to wander so far off, she didn't realize when Brandon offered a nice little place for the night. Aeroa stopped, and unsure why she looked around and upon noticing the little cove Aeroa nodded as if automatically knowing what Brandon had said.

Aeroa smiled gently before getting into the little hide-away. She sat herself down on the ground. She wondered what Brandon thought about something like this, he had been adapting well to the new life she presented him with. He left with little problem, guided them into the forest despite the unfamiliar territory and he found them a place for the night. She watched him closely, she could tell he was exhausted, she was too, and to show it a yawn forced its way out. She sleepily blinked, shaking her head she tried to think about what had happened. Everything seemed so disconnected to her.

After a long moment of silence Aeroa's eyes found Brandon's and she looked into them. "Was it all a bad dream?" She asked tilting her head a little. She could only remember the flashbacks and pieces of what had happened, as if she had awoken from a bad dream. Aeroa sighed, remembering the destruction and damage the wolves had caused, it saddened her to think about the condition the town was left it. It was her fault, and her mind began to go in circles again.
 
It was such a relief to Brandon to actually find the small dwelling, he was trying to remain pleasant. Not to focus on the day's events... just that morning he'd ben helping Arthur out in the fields. That familiar feeling of coming home after a long day, it was strange how he thought of Arthur and Des' house as their home. They'd only lived there a few weeks. Yet they had become so friendly. And of course there was Luke, he was a little odd but Brandon did not have the nose of a beast or the knowledge of how they acted. Yet Luke fooled them all and the village had paid the price. They'd paid the price because Brandon considered it his home, considered Arthur a friend, because Brandon hadn't perceived Luke as a threat.

Brandon looked over at Aeroa, no longer trying to put forth a façade he shook his head slowly and sat down next to her. "No, I wish it had been just a bad dream, but..." It was both scary and comforting to know that he didn't have to pretend with her around. Yet the way he felt and the way that he knew she felt it didn't feel right. It didn't feel right to blame themselves for the attack on the town. They'd defended the town hadn't they? Brandon had personally killed their leader, but was that enough to pay for bringing the wolves to the town?

James friendly advice came into his mind as if James was only a couple of feet away and talking to him. "You can't control those around you, they will by what they will buy, what you can control is yourself and how you present things to them." Brandon's mind began to process just what he meant. Applying it to the situation at hand. Brandon couldn't control the wolves they had decided to pursue Aeroa and himself. They had stayed, fought, controlled what they could control. They stayed, defended those that they could and perhaps some lives were saved because of it. "what you can control is yourself..." the words came from his mouth softly, just above a whisper and loud enough for them both to hear. Though Brandon hadn't really meant to say it. Then he looked over at her, still exhausted but smiling a little bit at least. "We did our best Aeroa," Pulling out a little bit of bread from their pack he looked at it, this wasn't the same bread that he'd placed in there. It wasn't stale or dry, it seemed almost fresh. Smiling he realized Des must have placed it in there. Taking off a little bit he held it out to Aeroa before eating some himself.
 
Aeroa was hoping it had been a dream, hoping that none of it was real. But she almost knew it was real, and Brandon had confirmed that. Brandon seemed conflicted, trying to be more positive, but lost in something. It wasn't until that he spoke, what felt like random words that she realized he was lost in thought. Aeroa knew she controlled herself, but she stayed quiet, letting it sink in, nodding slowly. Had they done their best? Could they have done better? Aeroa wasn't sure, and she felt as though the emotions would burst from her. IT was stressing, always being followed. She just wished her life wasn't like this. Brandon pulled a piece of bread out for her. Aeroa smiled politely before taking it and eating it. She was famished. It had been such a long day.

Aeroa leaned her head on Brandon's shoulder. "I'm sorry." She started. "For. hesitating back there." She wasn't sure if she should say more or not. She wasn't sure how Brandon felt about the whole situation, it was obvious he was exhausted, and from the comment, it seemed he was trying to reason through everything and comfort himself, and her. Aeroa rubbed her eyes sighing a little. Things had gotten complicated when she decided to bring someone with her. But it felt nice to have him here with her, to be able to count on him. She smiled. She loved him, that was just how it worked.

Aeroa was taken back to when she had left Brandon's house wounded. How he had followed her, and how she felt. She wanted to be alone, she didn't want the responsibility of another person, someone she cared for. But at the same time, she didn't want to be alone. She loved him. She envisioned the lake. It was beautiful, the whole night with Brandon had been beautiful, everything was so perfect in Gratanis. She missed that. Aeroa wanted a life with Brandon, she wanted the life they had, but better.

"Those werewolves.." She muttered discontented.
 
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Those words, though few in number gave him comfort and with that the exhaustion in his body decided to catch up with him. Waiting for just the right moment to pounce and when it did it just lay on him. He heard Aeroa's words, apologizing, for what he wasn't sure but he knew that they were together. It was what they would do for one another. They didn't have too many other people to rely on, so they were practically it. He then felt her head on his shoulder leaning against him yet it was soft, kind, a gesture of her comfort and he was touched by that. The exhaustion was doing it's best, working hard on him and he felt his eyes beginning to shut. He wasn't quite sure why but Aeroa's head gave him a sense of contentment. That all was right in the world as long as she was right there, sharing his warmth, being close. Absentmindedly his arm slid around her waist allowing her to be as close or as far as the dwelling would allow her. The last words he heard muttered, werewolves, sank onto his mind. They couldn't live like this anymore.

Brandon's dreams were filled with a life back in Gratanis, the music, the dancing, the food, and the night. The way the town seemed so soft and so beautiful against the contrast of the sky. He'd had dreams like this before, it was almost like painting with memories. Trying to remember the finest details as they came into view. Just like painting a real picture it relaxed him. Yet there was something different about the night he was painting now. There was a new figure, standing next to him. Her petite and lithe form outlined perfectly in a white dress. Accented with black the white stood out against the soft light of the fires. There was warmth coming from this woman. Her hair hung loosely around her shoulders and as she turned she smiled so beautifully. Her face was perfect, soft, and attractive. Yet the eyes, they were like ice and showed that this was not just some young woman. But someone who had lived, had experience, they were not cold, but they were wise. Her hair framed her eyes and matched her dress so that she stood out even more. There was none quite so stunning as this woman, none so familiar, none so comfortable, and none that he could call by name as affectionately as Aeroa.

They spent the night together dancing, staying close, eating sweets, and enjoying each others company. As the sun started to rise over the horizon Brandon could swear that he felt the sun's warmth even in his dream. It was then that his eyes pried themselves open and he realized that it was the sun. The blissful night in Gratanis was over. Instead he had the very real and still very beautiful Aeroa beside him. Smiling he leaned over and kissed her, softly, barely brushing his lips on hers so he wouldn't wake her. They were still as sweet as he remembered and more than even his dreams could imagine. Laying back he finally felt rested as he thought about the dream, trying to immerse himself in it as long as he could while it tried to fade from his memory. They would have a long day ahead of them but that didn't scare him as much anymore... what scared him more was what was at their backs. The wolves would be on their trail once more.
 
Aeroa could feel Brandon's muscles relaxing and him slipping into a sleep. She smiled. He was exhausted, they both were. It had been a long day, and that was why Aeroa's mind was still racing. The werewolves, Arthur, Des, Luke. Those people that had an impact on her life. The most important one, Brandon she thought about the most. How they fought the wolves, how she ran back. It didn't take long for Aeroa to draw the conclusion that if she became that spaced out again, it would be detrimental for the both of them. Emotions picked at her, swirled around inside her. She was frustrated with the wolves, she was scared she would freeze again, she was disgusted at the flashbacks. She hated how she hesitated to help Brandon when Luke attacked.

Aeroa shook her head slowly before closing her eyes, dwelling on Brandon's warmth and support Aeora hoped for good dreams. It didn't seem like a very long time before she woke. She hardly felt refreshed and didn't very well remember what she had dreamed about. Yawning she looked at Brandon who was awake. "Oh, good morning love." She said softly as she kissed his cheek. Aeroa reminded herself she was still out in the open, it was weird not waking uo in Arthur and Des' home. It was weird not seeing the children or smelling breakfast. Aeroa chuckled, even being a wanderer she could get used to a home life.

Aeroa examined the entrance to their shelter, carefully looking for any signs of an examiner. She knew they would have to move soon, though she wanted to make herself comfortable the prospect of wandering enticed her. The nature that surrounded her always captivated her emotions and mind, and she guessed that would have a positive impact on her nerves. "How are you feeling today?" She asked Brandon, hoping to inquire if he was sore, hurt or ailed in any way. She wasn't going to force him on a long journey to no one knew where if he wasn't up for it yet. She felt ready to leave, the world tempted her to just get up, take Brandon's hand and just walk. Running a hand through her hair, Aeroa smiled at Brandon. Was there anything for her to complain about with someone like him around?
 
As nice as it was to hear the concern in Aeroa's voice Brandon knew that if anything was bothering him he'd need to deal with it on his own anyway. Honestly it wasn't bothering him that much either, just a little more sore then normal, his leg wasn't quite used to the strenuous action that it had been put through the day before. The fight had taken it's toll but he had to say that he was altogether impressed with himself, he'd fared much better then he had before against the wolf. Though it helped to have an actual sword rather then a sword cane. Looking around a moment he wondered where he'd placed the new weapon, he'd been so exhausted the night before they he hadn't actually thought about it. The blade was resting, easily accessed had their been an emergency during the evening.

"I'm doing well..." he said as he placed his hands upon the tops of his knees and then edged his way forward and out of the dwelling in a standing position. The night had been warm with Aeroa so nearby. "My leg isn't bothering me much. Don't worry." he knew that was the real question on her mind. Walking out he smiled and for a moment he saw her dressed in white, but she was standing in front of him. Reaching out he touched her cheek affectionately but knew that they were on the trail, wanderers, not at some inner city street party. Taking his hand away he just smiled at her. "Come on, I'd like to get as far ahead of those wolves as we can." Looking out through the trees and towards the horizon Brandon thought that he could see the beginnings of storm clouds on the horizon towards the mountains. It was the start of winter and snow wasn't uncommon. They would need warmer clothing, or a better place to stay at this rate.

The snow started to fall that evening, luckily Aeroa had managed to find a somewhat covered area from the snow and they just stayed there for the night. Brandon collected as much of the wood as he could while it was still dry and untouched by the snow. It must have been a strange sight to the animals in the woods that night, the fire glowed in their sanctuary and the night was warm. However the outside world only seemed to get colder. They awoke the next morning and had to push a little of the snow out of the way, it had covered the ground like a thick white blanket. The wind was whistling through the trees softly, which was the only sound that could be heard. Brandon wrapped himself around Aeroa as they walked, they could at least share body warmth. It made travel a little difficult at first but they got used to it quickly.

As the day went on the weather only got worse, the snow was beginning to blow and gust into their faces, piling up along the side of trees. The wind was now drowning the crunch of their feet in the snow. However hope was in sight. A small hunting cave, how they came across it Brandon will never know. Perhaps it was some of the knowledge that Aeroa knew. If she'd said something he was sure that he could have missed it in the chilling cold winds. Hurrying to the single room log cabin, it was dark, but more important to Brandon it was dry and would provide some break in the wind. These caves were common near the mountains and provided a place for the hunter to stay while stalking his prey. They were usually bare however it seemed that the hunter who'd occupied this cave planned ahead. Wood was laid off in the corner it was perfectly dry and would hopefully chase the chills from the cave. After a few tense moments Brandon had fanned a flame into existence with some flint and tinder given to them by Arthur and Des. He thank them silently for their generosity and continued to build the fire as best he could. The chill in the cave was still present and he shivered slightly. Looking over at Aeroa he smiled for a moment, a thought warming his heart at how close they'd been over the past few days just trying to keep warm. "There we'll need to keep it fueled and hopefully the storm will die down enough that we can get more as it runs out..."
 
Letting a sigh of relief escape her, Aeroa stood with him, and felt the warmth of his being when he touched her cheek. She nodded as his comment. They would need to get ahead of the wolves. It would be better that way. She smiled with him before walking alongside him, his presence always filled her with cheer. The weather fascinated Aeroa, she had been a wanderer long enough to know when things were going to happen, and judging by the sky, they would at least have a nice blanket of snow to join them on their path. Aeroa pictured the cold months she had spent alone before, and now able to compare her life with Brandon to how it was previously, she reached for his hand, and took it possessively, before smiling. He was always right there with her.

As Aeroa had guessed, snow began to fall, which she found quite beautiful. She loved how the white fluff fell from the sky in such a graceful manner, but before long it seemed more like a blanket falling from the sky in multiple layers. Knowing that it would only get colder, she wanted to find shelter for the two of them. Looking at the sky only confirmed her desire, as the signs of a storm were prominent. Seeking out shelter, made it relatively easy to find. She was able to lead them to a little underpass. The trees had become sparse in a small radius, and a dirt hill replaced them. It provided an overhang. With few thick trees standing guard around. It provided just enough protection from the snow that she believed they would be fine for the night. Aeroa cuddled up with Brandon once he returned from gathering wood. She stayed close, being sure to share warmth. That was one thing she didn't have before. Someone to share the winter nights with.

The next morning, the white blanket was as far as Aeroa's eyes could see, it was a beautiful spectacle, but it was a cold one indeed. Staying close to Brandon as they walked, it was something she had never tried before, but was easily picked up. Aeroa knew they would have to find better shelter, the wind and snow only became more threatening. Trying to see through the thick snow was difficult, but Aeroa was able to pick up enough cues to know a general direction they should follow. Having spent many nights alone, she had been able to track down caves that could be used as shelters. Taking in the details of animal tracks, the nearby mountains and the previously trekked path, Aeroa was able to get a rough estimate of the nearest shelter. Hoping she was right, shivering far too much, and trying not to let her teeth chatter, Aeroa did her best to guide their path.

Thankfully, she did find a shelter, she wasn't exactly sure what they were used for, but she had encountered them before. There was dry wood laid off to the side. Aeroa watched admiringly as Brandon struck a fire. She hadn't known him to have skills such as those. But she supposed his history would leave enough room for it to develop. The pack seemed full of goodies they would need, which made Aeroa more grateful for Arthur and Des' kindness. After the fire had been struck, Brandon looked at Aeroa and smiled, it felt like it had been far too long since the last one. But she returned it happily. Though the chill didn't die down Aeroa was thankful for the warmth of the fire. Aeroa first began to warm her fingers, which had become numb during their trip. She then rubbed her ears, and nose. Aeroa nodded as Brandon's suggestion before scooting closer to him. "It got really cold.." She said quietly, because she wasn't sure what to say. She almost laughed at herself, it had been a while since she last felt unable to find a topic for conversation. But after a little hesitation, "I'm sure a tiger could help keep you warm, and the fur would help me." She said, convinced it was a good idea for later in the night. She stared into the fire, with its grace and majestic form it almost mesmerized her.
 
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