The Call of Nature.

[Silvert0ngue]

Kivanos
Age: 320 years
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 140 lbs

Kivanos in elf form

In wolf form

He had been tracking the orcs for several miles. He had discovered their mass deforestation and felt the rage of the wild surging through him. The trees wept for their fallen brethren, and they spoke to him. Any creature who thought that trees didn’t speak would be surprised to hear that some of them spoke in such a way that would make a mariner blush. He had given them his vow that blood would be spilled to nourish the saplings.

Kivanos knelt and put his fingers into the damp earth. His head swam with the power of the earth even as he extended his senses into the soil. His vision extended through the soil, through the roots, and even the mighty ironwood trees of the area lent him their vantage point. Brief flashes of anger and pain crept into his being. Three sensations he managed to translate into words. Fire. Teeth. Corruption

He combined this with the visions in his head. The orcs (the corruption) was burning and cutting a swath through the underbrush toward the sacred grove. If the orcs had something to fear from him, they had no idea what awaited them if they dared to attack the ancient, sacred trees in that grove. Beings of immense power lay slumbering within those trees. Embodiments of nature herself; the Dryads. He could not let those beasts of darkness enter the forest.

Retracting his senses from the earth he focused inward to his own body. The image in his head, a great wolf with silver fur and savage fangs was clear as day. He locked it in, focused on it with everything he had. Already his senses grew sharper, he could smell the musty earth, hear a rabbit nesting off to the right of him. He pushed the air out through his nose to clear the smell of orc sweat from his nostrils. Dropping to his hands and knees as his bones began to shift, the muscles and ligaments twisted and slid into a new formation. His skin grew long silver shafts of hair, and his ears shortened and became wider. His jaw elongated, and his nose shifted to become one with his snout. His mouth was filled with long, razor sharp teeth made for ripping and tearing. The final change was his hands, which became large padded feet with claws of their own.

His transformation complete, he let out a great howl. His companion and pack mate Khan’li responded in kind as the two wolves leapt in the direction of the sacred grove. He was able to cover ground much more quickly now that he was a wolf, and the trees zipped past them in a blur. The two wolves ran side by side, and he felt the thrill of the hunt racing through him. There were times while in wolf form that he found it hard to maintain his elven mind. It had been known that some of the great druids spent so much time in animal form, that some of them simply became a great beast. They surrendered to the call of the wild and became completely one with nature.

There were many paths that the druids followed, he had chosen to focus on melding shape shifting powers with a great many talents. The results was a terrible, powerful beast that could speak with an elven tongue and even wield the power of nature magic while in shapeshift form. He would devastate these invaders, and feel their warm blood flow down his throat. The idea of it alone made him growl with excitement, a sentiment Khan’li shared.

They reached the outskirts of the sacred grove, and the sheer power of nature was enough to make him come to a halt. All the hairs on his great muscled body were standing on end. He could tell that Khan’li shared the feeling. The great wolf whined softly and went down to all fours in a gesture of submission. Even animals did not enter this grove without showing reverence.

Kivanos sniffed the air, and let out a low growl. They had managed to beat the orcs to the grove, but not by much. The elf also detected the scent of a female. They were near her tree, so he padded over toward the base of her tree. Careful not to enter the grove he spoke, but his words didn’t have their normal grace and lilting pattern. There was a feral, growling nature to his tone.

“Great one, I beg permission for my pack mate and I to enter your sacred grove. There is a large orc party heading this way, destroying every tree in it’s path. I offer you myself to defend your sacred tree.”

The words were sylvan her native tongue, but not very well. He was still using the vocal chords of a wolf after all. If she chose not to respond, or not to grant him permission he would not willingly enter the forest, even if it meant his death. Dryads were creatures to be revered, almost demi-gods in nature. One did not simply stroll onto their territory.

He heard the orcs getting closer, and he spun on his paws to face the oncoming party. The shapeshifted elf sat on his haunches and began chanting in a rhythmic pattern. The dryad would easily recognize that he was casting a spell, calling a storm and lightning down from the skies above. Not a small feat. Clearly the druid had skill.

With the spell complete clouds rolled in seemingly out of nowhere. The wolf stood with his muscles tense, ready to pounce, just as rain began to softly trickle through the leaves.

 

[GypsyGirl84]

Name: Riado
Age: ????
Height: 5'1"
Weight: 99 lbs
Appearance

----

There was no flash of lightning, no blinding light, no transitory phenomena. One instant she was not there, the next she was. She was petite, dressed in greenish-white robes that were loose and yet still revealed a womanly form underneath when she moved. Her dark hair with green highlights (for lack of a better description) flowed freely about her, ending just below her waist. There was a softness about her features, a playfulness in her eyes and in her smile, as she knelt in front of the wolf. She put a finger in front of her lips and gently shushed him, then reached up and gently scratched the wolf between his ears.

Then the band of orcs that the wolves had been following appeared. The soft green eyes of the woman instantly become the dark slate gray of storm clouds. The young woman pivoted at her waist and pointed at the orcs. Again, there was no sound, no light, nothing. Where the orcs had been, there were now moss covered mounds that looked as if they had been there for decades, if not centuries.

The woman turned back to the wolf, her smile returned, her eyes the green of the leaves of the grove around her. She tilted her head to one side, and tapped the wolf gently on his nose. She stood up and walked back toward the center of the grove. She turned around and motioned for the wolf to follow her with a single finger.

 

[Silvert0ngue]

Khan’li turned to the Dryad and happily trotted into her Grove. The wolf that was an elf however completely froze. Druids had very little in the way of organization. One was taught by an elder, but there were no schools, no books. There was simply the words of your elders, and nature was your teacher. The power of the Dryad had been told to him, but more like passed down from druid to druid as the Dryads rarely invited visitors into their sacred places. When he saw her, he was not prepared for what he witness.

She shushed him with a single gesture, though truth be told she could have silenced him with her countenance alone. She was perfection in every way. He was grateful to be in wolf form so that he did not need bother stumbling for words. He watched in awe as she dispatched an entire raiding party of orcs with a flick of her wrist. The only thing about her that changed was the look in her eye. The orcs had not been destroyed. The only way he could describe it, would be that she accelerated the forces of nature so that centuries had descended upon the creatures in a heartbeat. They went from living, breathing creatures to dead, then to decayed, then renewed life, then century old life with a gesture. It was terrifying, and amazing.

When she tapped him on the nose he finally got an honest scent from her, and the smell was nearly intoxicating. All the muscles in his body rippled in a sharp shiver. He had to get out of this form before his sense of smell drove him mad. He saw the change in her eyes as few things escaped the keen eyes of the wolf.

She strode to the center of her home and crooked a finger at him. Strange, he had the impression that it was a gesture of amusement, yet at the same time there was something of a sirens call in it. He tilted his head and for the first time he truly looked at her, not with awe, but as a man. He felt a twinge of guilt in doing so, but with her scent blazing through his nose he could not help himself. She could have passed for an elven woman, if not for the way nature simply seemed to spring from her hair. She did not have green died in her hair, it was almost like she was part of a tree, or had blades of grass in places where her hair should be. Not quite, but that was the best description he could muster. She was beautiful, and he contemplated not coming out of wolf form at all, so that he would not have to think of something to say.

He did as she requested and entered her forest. He sat near her, at her feet and focused on his humanoid form. The transformation that began looked painful, but it had long since cease to be so. He had become a master shifter and the first thing you learn is how to do it without putting stress on the body. It actually rejuvenated the druid. Healing minor wounds, and leaving his skin radiant.

His muscles, bones, and tendons twisted back to a humanoid appearance, even as his eyes lost the wolf coloring and shape. His ears elongated and thinned, and finally the hair receded from his flesh, in its place was sun darkened skin, a leather jerkin and pants reinforced in vital areas with iron bark, a scimitar hanging on his belt and a sling hanging from the other side. A small pack slung over his shoulder bulging with the necessities.

He stood, waved his hand and spoke the word of command that dismissed his conjured storm. He had no need to rain lightning down any longer. They had been turned to moss. The rain trickled to a halt and the clouds slowly dissipated. He was still looking at her, looking down at her really as he was a bit taller than she was. He was staring, and he finally realized it. Finally he laughed.

“Forgive me. I don’t know quite what to say. A battle that may have taken me ten minutes or so, and could have ended with my death or the death of my friend here, you ended with a flick of your wrist. Nature is truly bonded to you. It is an amazing thing. I am Kivanos. Thank you for allowing me to enter this place. It is an honor.”

He was a bit worse for the wear. There was dirt smudged on his face, covering the tribal tattoo on his forehead and making it unrecognizable. His hair was in a disarray from running at top speed through the forest.

His wolf companion looked at him and let out a heavy sigh. Laying down and covering his face with both hands. The two locked eyes for a moment . It was clear the two were communicating without ever saying a word. Finally the wolf gave what could only be described as a grin. Kivanos chuckled with a mock glare. “I’m not the only one who needs a bath, you know.”

The wolf whined and darted behind the Riado as if he could hide from the impending trip to the stream.

 

[GypsyGirl84]

Riado tilted her head back and laughed. It was a musical sound, that contained the promise of spring, of buds turning to blossoms, of butterflies emerging from their cocoon. She turned to face Khan'li and playfully tugged on his ears, then scratched his cheeks, before pointing in the direction of a stream that laid not too far from the grove.

She then turned to Kivanos, and gently instructed him in a soft voice that spoke of zephyrs slipping through the leaves and water running over moss covered rocks. "Go with your companion. Let the water cleanse the burden of your day. Hunt if need be. Run if the wind calls you. Then return here and rest. And afterwards, we will talk."

 

[Silvert0ngue]

He wasn’t sure what to expect, but somehow the playful nature combined with such warmth seemed to fit her, and settled across her like a warm breeze. He smiled at her and bowed, speaking softly, and warmly.

“You are very kind, thank you. He really does need a bath.”

He flashed her a playful grin, but Khan’li was not too happy with that shot. He turned and gave Kivanos a playful growl and a nip at his fingers. The elf laughed and ruffled the young wolf’s fur. “Hey, I tried to tell you not to roll around in the stink weed, but would you listen? Noooooo.” The two walked off acting more like a pair of brothers than Master and pet. They were a pack, but that did not mean it was all serious.

The two reached the river, and while Khan’li dove in head first, romping, and darting after the fish without any hope of catching them, the elf began removing his leather armor. Very few creatures would venture into a Sacred Grove, so he left his weapons behind, and stripped down to nothing. His body was littered with scars, blades, arrows, even a few bite marks. His skin was smooth, but showed the signs of living a hard life out in the elements. Most of his skin bore the suns kiss in varying degrees.

He pounced on the wolf and the two wrestled and played in the water for some time. The wolf being the stronger of the two, got the better of the game, and by the time they were done both were soaked and had a few bruises, but were thoroughly exhausted and entertained.

Still nude the Kivanos walked over to his pack, and the wolf sat down next to him expectantly. He dug around for a moment, then pulled out some preserved deer meat, and a handful of berries that radiated a slight aura of magic. He had created them with the simplest of spells. Eating the handful was enough to fill the belly and nourish the body as if a full day of food had been eaten. The river offered their water, so he held both up. “Pick one Khan’li.”

No surprise, the wolf went for the meat. With a shrug the elf downed the berries. The two ease their hunger and drank their fill. Kivanos dried himself and slipped on a set of brown form fitting breeches and a matching shirt. He affixed his weapons to his pack and stowed away his armor. Reentering knowing her presence was a sign of trust. He knew two things for certain. If she wished to destroy him, she obviously could, and that such creatures were rarely aggressive, unless hostility was brought to them.

He entered the clearing where he had left her and began spreading out his bedroll.

 

[GypsyGirl84]

A smile tugged at the left corner of Riado's mouth at the return of the druid and the wolf. Her sister Vowno would undoubtedly chide Riado for her informality with the elf and the wolf, when next the sisters spoke. Part of that was because Vowno's own grove was situated high in the mountains, which lent itself to a certain gravity. And part of it, of course, would be Vowno invoking the privilege of the elder sister to instruct the younger.

Riado did not mind. It was always done with love. It was always a joy to listen to the wisdom of her sisters' voices, to draw on their strength, and have them draw on hers. And, in truth, Riado took a certain pleasure that her sisters would dote on her, since she was the youngest.

She was sitting cross legged when the elf and wolf returned. She patted her lap for the wolf to come lay his head on, as a whispering wind meandered through the upper limbs of the trees of her grove. She knew the druid would have a tale to tell her, and she would need to converse with her sisters about the words he gave her. She suspected something would have to be done, perhaps something drastic.

But that was for later. For now, she would watch over the elf and wolf, and let tomorrow bring what it would bring.

 

[Silvert0ngue]

The young wolf did not need much coaxing. For such a wild, majestic, and powerful creature, he may as well have been a trained pup in her hands. It appeared the druid was not the only one who realized just how powerful their hostess was, and he could sense her kindness. The wolf lay his head in her lap and settled down. His attention was drawn to the elf briefly, the two exchanged brief words with their telepathic bond, then the wolf yawned, and closed his eyes.

The druid on the other hand stared quietly at Riado for a moment and smiled. She was really quite enchanting. Being the embodiment of everything he revered certainly didn’t hurt that impression at all. After a moment he tried to focus elsewhere, the power in this place still made him tingle. He realized it might be hard to sleep in a place like this, the raw power tickled at his senses. Out of reflex he started to cast a protection spell, got half way through the third word, then stopped. Maybe it wouldn’t be hard to sleep here after all, his brain was fried. He pulled off his shirt and slid between the fabric. He turned to look at the pair and couldn’t help but chuckle.

“You know, it is high praise for Khan’li to be so relaxed with you. He bit me five times before we bonded, drew blood three of those times. He hates just about anything humanoid. His entire pack was slaughtered for their pelts. To this day any time we encounter humans I have to use magic to keep him from attacking. Even other druids. Wolves have long memories, and they don’t forgive easily. With you though, he acts like a newborn pup.”

Says the guy who can barely keep his eyes open. The warmth of the covers, and the sense of serenity in this place was washing over him. “Thank you for your kindness” He mumbled sleepily before sleep finally overtook him.

 

[GypsyGirl84]

An impish smile came to Riado's lips at the elf's compliment, but otherwise she remained silent until he too fell asleep. She gently petted the top of the young wolf's head, humming something indistinct as she did so, sending soothing thoughts into Khan'li's dreams. She hummed louder as the elf fell into slumber, to send healing thoughts into his dreams as well.

Riado watched the two drift deeper into sleep with a wistful smile on her face, before her humming turned into song. It was a song sung in ancient words long forgotten. It began with a seedling pushing through the soil, then became a flower, one that sang its own song to lure bees and butterflies to its bloom. Rich honey flowed in the song, and meadows burst into bright greens and a myriad of colors. Birds nested between the notes, and young squirrels leaped from limb to limb, chattering at foxes that lurked in the lower chords. The leaves turned red and gold in the next movement, with tart apples adding a lively counter rhythm. The final coda brought all to a close, with winter and ice covering the land.

Except they weren't the final notes. The song ended with the seedling once again pushing upward as the snow receded and spring returned.

With the song ended, Riado closed her eyes and walked where beings such as her go to dream.

 

[Silvert0ngue]

His sleep was deep and soothing despite the fact that there were troubling aspects to his dreams. Perhaps it was her song, but he began to dream about his own life, and how he came to be. A child of a great elven nation, from a family that had nothing. Each day was a struggle to survive with a city that had plenty of money to feed those who could not feed themselves. His father had died early on, and his mother worked herself to death trying to feed him and getting paid next to nothing for her work. When she finally perished he became an orphan, and eventually turned to thievery to pay off his debt. When he had finally been caught he had been given a choice. Execution, or banishment was the punishment for thievery, for him the choice had been simple. Most would have chosen to be executed but in his mind his people had given him nothing but hardship, what did he care for the great culture they had built?

On his own he managed to join a band of outlaws. He made a meager living drifting from place to place. Soon enough he encountered a man traveling with a black bear. The prospect was almost ludicrous. What could a man, and a bear have in common that they would walk the same roads, the man having a one sided conversation with a bear? The bandits had decided to try and rob the man, yet the young Kivanos had called out to him, warning him of the impending doom.

With surprise not on their side the druid had easily defeated the bandits. He owed a life debt to the boy, and so he gave him the only thing he could, knowledge. The elf had a knack for druidic power, and had picked up a good deal of knowledge of the natural world living as a traveling thief. The two had been fast friends, and he became like the parent he had never really had. Old age unfortunately stole the human druid and bear companion from his life, but the lessons he had taught lived on to this very day. The sapling continued to weather the winter storms and bloom again.

He woke and found himself along with Khan’li. The wolf padded over to him and gave him a nuzzle. The elf stroked his fingers along the young wolfs spine and sat up. It appeared that the Dryad had vanished. If it had not been for the tremendous power he could sense all around him he would have called it a dream.

Not knowing how long his hostess would be away he slid out of his bedroll and took stock of his spell components, then he looked around the area until he found a holly bush. He plucked a few flowers from the bush reverently and then as recompense he pulled out his water skin and poured some water around the base of the bush.

 

[GypsyGirl84]

"To act in balance is the only worthy way to live." a quiet voice said behind him. "To reject this is to act with greed, and for greed, all of nature is too little."

Riado had reappeared as if she had stepped out of thin air. Her attire was the same as she had appeared in the night before, though tiny leaves now clung to her hair and her gown. She knelt in front of Khan'li with a grin on her face. As she rubbed her fingers across the bridge between his eyes and nose, she told him "I was very tempted to roll in the stinkweed myself, for there is a joy in the Now that we must embrace, even if it means a good dunking in the future. But I knew we had to talk, the three of us, so I decided to put that pleasure off for later." She leaned forward and hugged the wolf's neck, before standing up and facing Kivanos.

"I am Riado, youngest of my sisters, and I am glad you have found peace here. You and your companion may stay as long as you wish and depart when your heart tells you it is time to leave. And if you have words that need to be heard..." Riado again sat cross legged, as she had the night before "...you will find me a patient and willing audience. And perhaps I will even be able to provide good counsel."

 

[Silvert0ngue]

She appeared as if she were an apparition. It was remarkable. Even as he was trying to figure out how she did it, he soaked in her words. ”Can she planar shift at will?” the thought rolled over the surface of his thoughts. He smiled and turned toward her. “Wise words. A lesson that I am ashamed to admit most people find hard to learn. It was not hard for me, but for my people it seems they have become as greedy as dwarves. For me it was simple, as I came to nature with nothing, so it was a simple thing to act without avarice.”

He watched her stroke the wolf, and his eyelids flutter closed in pleasure. The druid chuckled at her words and shook his head. “That would be a sight to see. I might even be tempted to join in under those circumstances. At least the company would be better.” Khan’li and the wolf locked eyes, and the wolf gave what could only be described as a grin. Kivanos laughed and retorted playfully. “I dare you. Pee on my bed and you will find yourself the next morning fixed.”

The wolf’s ears lowered and he let out a whine.

He turned his attention to the breathtaking creature again as she spoke. He smiled at her words, a smile that reached his emerald eyes. To stay here as long as he desired? That was an offer worthy enough to make him consider settling down here. This place was pulsing with life, and the more he stayed here, the more intoxicating it felt.

“I am honored to meet you Riado. I am Kivanos formerly of the realm of Quel’Sar. Now I am just Kivanos.” His words finished with a grin. “I thank you for your offer, and I will take you up on it as long as time allows. However I am afraid these orcs are just the start.” That grin faded now, and he showed his exhaustion as he spoke again. “I’m afraid those orcs were just the start of a greater force. They were a group of workers, mass deforesting for lumber for fuel, and siege engines. Quel’Sar and the orcs have been at war for many years, but the war is finally coming to the elven capital.”

He knelt down and looking between her, and the earth he began to sketch a map in the loose soil. He outlined a large patch to the east, and a few crude buildings to the north. A few x’s to the south and then he spoke again. “The orcs are advancing from the southwest, a huge mass of them. They march on Quel’Sar which is to the north west of us. The orcs are going to use this forest up. They will turn it to tree stumps and kindling. I have been hunting raiding parties for weeks, trying to keep them out of the forest. Their commanders have been sending larger parties in response. I have not been able to contact the other druids in the area. I can only assume they have been as occupied as I am, or that they have become one with the earth mother.”

He stood up and looked into Riado’s eyes. His features were frustration, grief, and worry. “I have tried to speak to the elves, to convince them to combine their forces with the force of nature, but I cannot enter the city to speak to the leaders without them taking my head. I doubt they would listen anyway. They pretend to have a love for nature, and they do after a fashion, but when it comes down to hard facts they would rather protect their precious city behind their walls.”

He looked into her eyes, and there was steel behind his gaze. “I have been doing everything I can to protect this forest, but I am not enough. They have never made it this far in before. If you had not intervened there is a good chance I would not have survived.” Despite his determination it was clear he was exhausted. He was pushing his body to the absolute limit and beyond.

He closed the distance between them and clasped her hand in his. “Please understand I am not trying to drag you into a war. The raiding parties are getting larger. In the next few days I will take my place with the earth mother. I cannot continue to hold them back.” Khan’li padded over to nuzzle his nose into his side and whine softly. “I would gladly give my life for this forest, and for you and your home. When we are gone there will not be much of a barrier between you and an entire army of orcs. Not that I have proved to be an effective one so far. I.. I just wanted you to know.”

It finally dawned on him that he had just reached out and snatched her hand. He let go in shock. “Please forgive me. I am not thinking clearly. That was rude of me.”

 

[GypsyGirl84]

Riado gave the druid a winsome smile, almost identical to the one she gave him when they first met. And she gently shushed him, again in the same fashion as when they first met. She stood up and moved to the center of the grove.

"This place is sacred, and will exist as long as at least one of my sister draws breath," she said. Her body slowly lifted off the ground, and a faint light radiated from within her. "And the woods around this place will also be safe from the darkness of their greed. But the forest beyond..."

The light from her body had grown slightly brighter, making her robes translucent, showing the shape of her form beneath.

"The forest cannot be protected from this place," she continued. "And the voices that can be heard cannot, shall not, be silenced before their time. Take your rest, my friends," she told the druid and the wolf as she hovered a half a dozen feet above the ground. "I must seek the counsel and wisdom of my sisters on this matter."

Riado hovered over the ground, slowly spinning in place, a warm light radiating from her. It was not a blinding light, but it had rendered her robes transparent, revealing the body beneath them in all its glory. Her body was revealed to be slender and firm, her skin flawless, her breasts large and full, sitting high and firm upon her chest, her light green nipples pointing forward. Her stomach was flat and her smooth, shapely legs were parted, revealing her bare nether lips.

Riado's eyes remain closed, her features serene and her lips moving silently as she turned in place, suspended in the center of her grove.

 

[Silvert0ngue]

The last time she shushed him he had been surprised by how a simple gesture could stop him in his tracks. This time he was grateful to her for it. He had let all of his emotions, his burdens, his fears roll out of him for the first time in a long while and once he had started he found himself unable to stop. He had pledged himself to die protecting her forest! Not that he would not have done that anyway, or would go back upon it now, but that was a bit direct to tell someone you just met. ”Oh, hello. I know we just met, but I wanted to tell you I am interested in dying to protect your house, is that cool with you?” IDIOT!

He listened to her words, and just the sound of her voice seemed to soothe him. As she began to radiate light his eyes grew wide. What exactly was going on..? His features did not mirror terror, no quite the opposite, he stared at her with wonder. She was a creature beyond his understanding, and she had yet to cease to amaze him.

She started to levitate as she claimed their friendship and bade them to rest. By the Earth Mother he was tired. He had not realized until just how tired he was. It suddenly hit him like a physical blow. The toll of sleeping an hour here, three hours there and then tracking at high speeds, intense combat with a never ending foe, the strain of using his magic; his body was near a breaking point.

He continued to gaze at her as the light radiated off of her body. The gown that had never truly hid her supple body began to become translucent. Even as she spoke it continued to hide less and less of her body. He felt shame for so openly admiring her figure, but he could not tear his eyes away with the blade at his pack, let alone with will power alone.

She levitated higher and higher and began to move her lips in what appeared to be silent conversation. Transfixed he watched as her robe turned completely sheer and did not so much hide her figure but accentuate what he could only describe as perfection. She was small and slender, except for her quite ample bust which continued to draw his eyes again and again. His eyes did wander, taking in her supple thighs, and even the delicate flower between them. Unable to help himself a subtle growl took root in his throat. When realization finally sunk in he shook himself free of his hungry gaze and busied himself with laying out his bed roll, all the while trying to ignore the swelling, aching bulge in his leather trousers.

The wolf and Kivanos made eye contact and the wolf bore a trademark grin. The elf glared at him and chanced a whisper, hoping his hostess did not hear the conversation. “Oh quiet you. I have not so much as seen a woman in months, let alone one that looks so…perfect. I couldn’t help myself, now leave me alone I’m going to try to get some sleep!” He flashed one final look toward Riado and quietly groaned. Slipping in between the layers of his bedroll he watched her communion with fascination born equally of awe in her power, and for the aching in his groin. He had not expected to sleep, the bedding had simply been a way to hid his arousal. Exhausting had other plans and sleep ambushed him.

His dreams were unclear, flashes of imagery, scents, tastes; the dreams of the wolf. He could smell her scent again, it was on the wind, all around him embracing him like a lover. He could taste her flesh beneath his lips, over his tongue. All the while in reality his body was on fire with need, he let out a quite moan in his sleep. He felt her hair rush through his fingertips, while her slender fingers drew over his skin. Lower, lower until she reached the source of his ache. Just as in both reality, and the dream he had been about to reach his peak a set of slender fingertips touched his skin. Emerald eyes snapped awake glazed with lust, pleasure, and confusion. He had been so lost in the dream that he had really been about to ‘arrive’ in reality. He did not even know if the touch had been a dream, or real. Deep gulping breaths were enough to give him clarity and focus, even if they were filled with her scent.

 

[GypsyGirl84]

Her sisters had not been happy.

There had been the usual discussion, concerning the manner in which guests were to be received in their homes. Each sister had her own opinion, and each sister felt the need and the right to instruct Riado on this matter, since she was the youngest. It was an old ritual among her siblings, and comforting in its own way. And in the end, Riado would, like all her sisters would, do what she considered right and proper.

It was the encroaching darkness and the method of dealing with it that had made her sisters uneasy.

Her home was safe, as was the woodlands around it. She had her own strength, the strength of her grove, and that of her sisters to draw on. The greed and the rage of the orcs would crash futilely on that rock.

But beyond...

Beyond would fall to the orcs' all consuming appetite. And what purpose would her grove serve, what purpose would she serve, if her haven was but an island in a sea of desolation?

The solution was simple. She would have to go out and confront the darkness.

The answer was not one without precedent, but then it was not a choice to be taken lightly either. Here, in her home, in communion with her sisters, she was as the Cadmean Vixen, a force that could not be overcome.

But beyond...

Beyond she would become part of the cycle that governed all creatures, until she returned to her grove. And it would be possible for her not to return to her grove.

She had proposed the choice with equanimity. Her sisters had resisted her arguments at first, for she was the youngest and the dearest to them, but in the end, her logic prevailed. And so with a sadness that bordered on despair, her sisters gave their blessing to her plan.

Riado's body ceased emanating light as it lowered itself to the ground. She looked around to find her new friends asleep. She moved over to the elf, about to waken him, when she stopped. He seemed to be having some feverish dream, the nature of which was strange and indiscernible to Riado. She thought to waken him from it, but uncertainty prevented her from moving closer. She stood there, frozen in place, before she turned to the druid's wolf companion.

All the confusion she had been feeling earlier disappeared as she knelt in front of the wolf. With an impish smile, she gently woke the wolf by scratching his cheeks.

"We need to talk, my friend, before the druid wakes," she told the wolf. "I am going to journey with you, and so we must have rules. The first is that I am allowed to hug and cuddle with you as much as I please," she laughed, leaning forward to wrap her arms around the wolf's neck before stepping back. "And if we roll in stinkweed, for the sake of the druid's nose, we will have to bathe soon afterwards."

"The second is that you must keep your anger in its place. I grieve for your kin as well," she added, tears appearing in her eyes. "But we will need all our strength to stem the flow of darkness. I understand the torment that the sight of those who walk on two legs causes, but I ask that you set this aside while we travel together. I know it is a sacrifice," she added, hugging the wolf again, "But it is one I need you to make."

"And the last matter is that it is very possible that I will die when I journey with you." There was no sadness in her voice when Riado said the last; merely acceptance. "If that time comes, then you must accept it, and must ensure that the druid accepts it. And, if possible, bring my body back to be buried at this grove. This will help my as yet unborn sister when she comes to take this grove. But do nothing that will uselessly endanger yourself or the druid." She looked the wolf deeply in the eyes to emphasize the last point.

As she stood up, she added, "I know he is your brother, but it would be best if you kept these things to yourself. For now, why don't you wake him, and all three of us can discuss our journey."

 

[Silvert0ngue]

As Riado approached the wolf his ears flicked showing that he was aware of her presence but he did not stir. Creatures of nature recognized one another, and knew when one was a threat, or a friend. It was not until she touched his soft fur with her delicate fingers did his eyes slowly slide open. His jaws cracked wide and he let out a high pitched yawn. He stood slowly and stretched his front lets out, then his haunches. As she embraced him his tail wagged lazily, and he tucked his nose beneath her arm. He drew in her scent, then pushed it out again roughly, not in disgust, but in the manner that a canine does, to clear the scent from his nose to make room for others. He listened patiently, when she talked about stinkweed he flashed her a wolfish smile. It was all relaxation until she talked about his blood debt. His entire body went tense. He did nothing for several seconds, as if he was weighing the options. Finally he shifted his muzzle so that he could reach her face. He gave her a single lick on the cheek, and offered his paw to her hand. The pact had been sealed.

Only one thing remained now. If she was going to run with the pack she had to become part of the pack. He had to lean up to do so, but he brought his face beneath hers and gently nipped about two inches back from the point of her chin. This was him accepting her into the wolf pack, she would always be welcome in their den, and to run with them as long as the moon was in the sky and there was still game to hunt.

When Riado talked about waking the druid the wolf hesitated, not for the nature of the dreams or his thoughts, but the wolf could feel his exhaustion. For the first time the wolf hesitated, then he sniffed the breeze and let out a sigh. Walking over to the druid he started pawing at the bedding.

------------------

Confusion gave way to focus as he realized that though Riado was close by, it had been Khan’li who had woken him. He growled lightly at the wolf, but promptly embraced him and ruffled his fur. Looking up at the Dryad standing above him he had the good sense to blush from his cheeks all the way to the tips of his ears. Though it was subtle since his skin was tanned by the sun, his skin only turned a shade darker and a touch crimson. His voice croaked from sleep, and maaaaaybe a touch of embaressment. “Oh, forgive me, I had no intention of sleeping. I guess I was more tired than I thought. What’s going o-“

He looked at the wolf sharply, shock registering in his features. The two of them obviously sharing words through their telepathic bond. “You did WHAT?!?” For a moment he slipped back into his natural language and began mumbling some pretty vile curses. Then he remembered the company they were in. He went stock still and looked up to their lovely companion. He looked like he had just been struck between the eyes with a hammer, or perhaps he was suffering from a brain aneurism. Nope, just bone deep shock and embarrassment. “It has come to my attention that Khan’li has been telling you things that he should not be telling you. I am appalled and please let me say that some things are just automatic. The truth is it has been a long time since I have… seen to certain things and simply put you are the most amazing and beautiful woman I have ever met. I-“

Another sharp look at the wolf, then a low feral growl came from Kivanos. “One of these days I’m going to shave you and cover you with honey and leave you tied to a tree, you meddling little mongrel.” There was no malice in his words, just sheer mortification. The good news is, arousal was no longer a problem! He was too embarrassed, angry, and mortified to sport an erection. He stood up with one final glare for the wolf and then cleared his throat. “It seems my friend has been playing a game with me. He tells me you will be traveling with us for a while. You are welcome to of course, but will that not be putting you at a substantial risk? I do not know much of your people, but I do know that the bond to your grove is very important.”

 

[GypsyGirl84]

She wasn't sure how to respond when Kivanos called her beautiful. It was not a word she was accustomed to, at least not when thinking of herself. She didn't think of herself as ugly. She simply was. She knew that she evoked different reactions from those whom she revealed herself to, when they were allowed to enter her grove. But beautiful was a first.

She put the word aside for the moment. It seemed Khan'li had been having some kind of jest with Kivanos, and she couldn't help but smile. They were brothers, close brothers, and that was the way of siblings.

"it is not so much a bond as it is a part of me, or I a part of them," she answered, gesturing toward the grove around her. "It is as much my heart as the one that beats here," she added, laying her right hand between her breasts. "Leaving this part of me behind for even a little bit is not something that is not lightly done, but it is done, if there is a necessity. And what you have described makes me accompanying you a moral imperative."

"Doing so, however, is not without peril," she explained. "Here, I am complete, and stand with my sisters. Elsewhere..." She shook her head before continuing. "But the darkness is not here, it lies elsewhere. Even so, I believe you will find me a worthy companion in your battle. And I can keep pace with you brothers, though if you wish a sister to travel with you..." one instance, a wolf stood where Riado had been, and in the next instance, Riado reappeared again "...I can accommodate that wish as well," she said with a grin.

Her robes transformed instantly, changing into a simple skirt that extended to past her knees, a button up blouse with long sleeves, and a hooded cloak. All were a mottled green and brown that shifted slowly as she walked around.

"I must confess to an ignorance of the world, and what actions we should take. Would the elves of Quel'sar listen to any words that I might have for them? Is there some action the three of us could take to stem the flow of the orcs? I do not know. I will rely on your counsel on this, my friend," she concluded, giving the druid a slight bow of her head. "But for now, shed the weight of the days past from your shoulders, and gather your strength for the days to come."

 

[Silvert0ngue]

He listened as she corrected him on the nature of her relationship to this place and he nodded his head. That made sense, as much as it could to him anyway. He had never really had much of a place that he called home. He had roamed far too much to ever set down roots. He inwardly chuckled at the unintentional pun.

“I understand, as much as one like can. I have never had a place to call home for long, even in my younger years. Though I suppose talking in strictest terms, my grove is right here.”

He reached down to stroke the wolfs grey fur. They were as much brothers as they were two parts of the same soul. “He is my family, my friend, my teacher. Just as I am to him. That is as close an approximation as I can come I’m afraid. Still I understand the choice you make, and the risk it poses. I cannot promise success, but I can promise that we will stand against anyone who threatens this place, or the forest, no matter which force they wish to call themselves. Balance must be preserved.”

He watched as she changed her form to that of a wolf, and through the bond with Khan’li he felt the wolves reaction, a mixture of shock and fascination. The elf let out a quiet chuckle, even as he admired her skills. Of course her ability to change her form would be flawless. She was the embodiment of nature, and everything he ever could hope to be, would never reach her level of skill in this place. “I think Khan’li would prefer you as a sister.” It was the elven man’s turn to smirk at the wolf. Then he continued. “There may be a time when traveling as a wolf will be easier, and better for hiding our passing.”

He watched how her clothing simply changed to whatever she wished. An idle thought skittered across his consciousness, was the fabric simply an extension of her being?

As she spoke, he pursed his lips in thought. For a moment his face darkened, and then he spoke, all mirth and joy drained from his otherwise musical tone. There was steel in his words. “I do not have much faith that my people will step from behind their crystal walls to help the forest. They will likely express their sorry at the loss of it, but not lift a finger. However with the knowledge that you dwell here, that may change their tune. Even my people have sense enough to heed the words of a Dryad. I hope. However there is also a danger that they will try to bind you to their cause. I want you to come with me, but on a single condition. Do not allow yourself to be drawn into this mortal conflict. Protect what is yours to protect. The elves will try to ensnare you with puppet strings. You may not notice them at first, as they will be woven with fine strings.”

He paused and spoke softer, looking into her eyes. “There is also a risk that they will execute me the moment I step through the front gates, but I cannot be party to risking less than you would be willing to risk. My people take a hard stance on crime, and they think their society above all others. I was banished from my ancestral home for stealing food. I cannot return under pain of death. Still this is a risk we must take. It is a smaller risk than trying to stop thousands of orcs.”

He was quiet for a long time, his features troubled. His green eyes were the color of stormy seas. Khan’li pressed his frame up against his and nipped lightly at his fingertips. He absently stroked the gray wolfs fur. Then he forced a smile and nodded. “Okay, I think I will take advantage of this time to wash. If you want some company while I am gone you can speak to Khan’li. I have an item here that temporarily gives him the ability to speak telepathically with other sentient beings. Though he hates to wear it, I’m sure he has plenty to say.”

Kneeling he pulled a small leather cuff from one of the pouches at his hip. He fastened it around his front left leg just above his right knee joint. The silver runes were sewn into the leather and when the object was latched the runes began to glow brightly, then they dimmed. “Be good?” He whispered to the wolf. The wolf nuzzled against him, then the elf gave Riado a smile and turned toward the sound of the water.

A voice unfamiliar entered her thoughts shortly afterward. “He’s right. I hate this thing, but it has uses. He does not mean to be… what’s the word? Rude. Yes that’s it. Rude. We are brothers for many reasons. Loss, and hatred bind us just as much as respect, love, and blood. The elves took everything from him, then cast him out like rotted meat. His pack had little to offer them, so they used them up until they could no longer follow the wind on this world, and their heart no longer thundered with the chase. When he was alone and starving he took just enough to live, and they banished him from the pack, and the den. He hates them for this, and his heart sobs at the thought of going back to the den. Still he does this for the mother, and for you. I do not know how much of the pact we made I can keep to you. He is as hard as stone in his heart about keeping you, and the trees safe no matter the sacrifice. My brother can be stubborn. Like a willful pup who will not listen to the wisdom of the pack.”

 

[GypsyGirl84]

Riado laughed in delight as the sound of the wolf's thoughts.

"Oh, that is an amazing thing," she smiled, kneeling in front of the wolf to study the cuff. Standing back up, she continued, "But if it displeases you to wear it, do not do so for my sake. I am not burdened by the limits of this form," she explained, motioning at her body. "I can taste the wind, hear its stories in the scents and sounds it carries. Especially here, in my heart."

Riado disappeared, her visage appearing in the trunk of every tree in the grove. She then reappeared before the wolf, and sat before him, cross legged.

"I must confess, the ways of men and elves confuse me, and what your friend has described, confuses me more," she said with a furrowed brow. "Strangely enough, I understand orcs more easily. They are driven by the darkness that always rages behind them. But elves and men, and especially elves, should know that this darkness must be fought." Again, Riado shook her head in disbelief.

"For this place, though, there is no need for your brother to worry. Even in my absence, my sisters stand here, and the Protector's hand itself is laid across it. And if I fall before the darkness, then so be it. This place will stand, and you and your brother will return here to tell my new sister the tales of our adventures."

"Come, rest your head here," she said, patting her lap. "I have to ponder the things you have told me. I do not doubt a word that you have told me, and yet, it is inconceivable to me that your brother could have been so ill-used by his own, or that elf or man could deny the wisdom of fighting the darkness. It would be as if the sun rose in the west on its own volition."

 

[Silvert0ngue]

Unlike the elf, the wolf was not surprised by the power of the Dryad. They were creatures of the earth, of nature, of the natural world. Nothing was beyond them and it was that simple. He did not however make any move to remove the cuff.

“This would be an insult to my wolf-brother. He spent hours making it, and weeks more pouring his essence into it. Aside from the ability to let you hear me, it comes with other benefits that are not so easily seen. If we are going to fight the orcs, I should be used to wearing it.”

As she offered her lap to him he padded over and let his head rest in her lap. “Two legs a mostly foolish. They spend too much time hiding thoughts and feelings, and playing games that have no point. Changing pack leaders, murdering their pack leaders for what Kivan calls ‘laws’. The elves know they should fight the orcs, and they will. They are just scared of the orc. They know the orc is stronger and greater in number, so they hide like pups from a storm. They hunt the orc, but they do not understand what it is to have fire in your heart, and the blood of the kill in your mouth.”

The wolf let out a heavy sigh, looking toward the water. “Even wolf-brother acts too much like an elf sometimes. He hides his feelings too much. Not about the elves. What he said about them is true. They will try to kill him, and trap you. What he does not say is that he would have you as a mate. We have argued about this. I have tried to tell him he is being too much an elf, but he says it is an insult to you to feel this way. Elves make my head hurt. One thing I know, Kivan sees nothing but darkness ahead, now that he knows he must go back to his old den.”

 

[GypsyGirl84]

Riado idly scratched the wolf's ears as she let her gaze linger on the rune covered cuff. It intrigued her, not so much because of what abilities it might convey to the wolf, but because it let her see how the druid perceived the world.

The druid revered the natural world, and she realized that his deference to her, and his willingness to defend her, even if it cost him his own life, was in part because she represented the natural world. But he saw himself as something separate from it. She, on the other hand, so no distinction between herself or the world around her. He had called the grove her home, as if it was something apart from her, but in truth, this grove was as much a part of her as her fingers or hair.

"I would not wish to distress or insult your brother," Riado replied, as she gently stroked the wolf's head and back. "And I am happy to be reminded there are many ways to move around this world besides my own," she chuckled softly.

Her face took on a serious countenance as the wolf explained the possible perils that the elves represented. "If the druid comes to bring them aid, why would they wish him harm? And what benefit do they think to gain by trying to trap me? I am what I am. Could they bind the wind, or the sun, or the waves? And if they did bind me to their will, are they not concerned with angering my sisters?" She shook her head, confused by all of this. "If there were time, I think I would ask your brother to make me a talisman such as you wear, so that perhaps I might understand them better, and they me."

Riado frowned thoughtfully when Khal'li talked about the elf wanting to mate with her. "Truthfully, I had never thought of that possibility. I could not say what I desire. I will have to ponder this."

Leaning down, she hugged the wolf's head as she added, "Your brother is right. There is darkness ahead of us. But there is light beyond that. It is how things are. Spring always returns."

 

[Silvert0ngue]

She could feel the animals strong muscles ripple in pleasure as she stroked over his skin. Still he looked off to the water as he spoke to Riado. His concern was obvious, his brother was hurting.

“As I understand it, Kivan is like an old Alpha who can no longer be Alpha. The pack has exiled him, and he cannot return to the den. If he does he will be greeted with fang and claw. The reason does not matter. It is just the way of things. He was a wolf without a pack until he rescued me. Now you are our pack sister, so he has you as well. This is good for him. He would not seek out a pack if it was left up to him, there is too much hurt in his soul.”

“As to why the elves would try to put you in a cage, I do not know. I can guess that it is because you are strong, and they are weak. I do not understand magic the way wolf-brother does. If you wish a talisman, wolf-brother could make a weaker, temporary one for you. It would be a marking of power. Instead of always working like this one, it would have a single use. I have seen him do them before on himself. When used the marking disappears. It is like the one on his head. It is a protection ward that activates when he is injured badly.”

The Khan’li looked up at Riado and then put his head back in her lap. “Kivan does not see light, he sees darkness, the ghosts of his ancestors, and the teeth of his old pack.” He looked up at her and placed a paw on her hand. “I cannot help him in this Tree Goddess. He needs your wisdom. Without it what lies ahead of him is teeth, blood, and his final hunt. Mine too, as I will not leave his side like the cowardly elves. Our pack is small, but we are strong. You are part of our pack now.”

 

[GypsyGirl84]

"I think I shall forgo an enchantment from Kivanos," Riado responded, lightly scratching the bridge of the wolf's nose "I suspect the difference between how the elves and men see the world, and how I choose to be part of it, is too great a chasm for a spell to bridge. As for the rest, when your brother returns, I will see what I can show him."

"As for the elders of this city..." Riado pursed her lips in thought. "I would suggest we meet outside the city, but I feel this is too simple a solution to work. You are correct in this, my friend. Elves and men desire to make things more complicated than they need be. Sometimes all one needs to do is bask in the sun and wait for the seasons to change."

 

[Silvert0ngue]

The wolf listened attentively to her words. She had declined the enchantment, they had agreed there was more to this situations to the elves than meets the eye. There was nothing left to do then. So he did what any intelligent beast would do, took advantage of the time to get attention. He rolled onto his back so that his belly was exposed to her, presenting it for her appreciation. He bore a long scar along his abdomen where the hunters who had captured his family had started in on him. Only Kivanos’ quick rescue had saved his life.

-------------------------------------

Staring into the water he glared at his reflection. The one thing he never wanted to do, and he was about to set off to do it. His people no, not his people anymore the Quel’Sari had taken everything from him; his family, his freedom, and eventually the city itself. They thought themselves to be perfection, to be better than men, orcs, even nature itself. They would not heed the advice of a banished druid, even when he spoke sense. They had powerful arcane magic, and their Gods to protect them. If Riado was not careful they would bind her with so many magical chains she could not sneeze without their permission. He could already see the whole thing falling apart, and it terrified him. What made it worse was this was their only choice! Fighting the orcs was even more dangerous than getting his head chopped off by his own people. Gaia save them! This was madness, but the only other choice was to abandon the forest and its denizens and hide in Riado’s grove. It simply was not an option.

Tired of staring back at himself he decided to make use of the water. He slowly peeled off his clothing, the shirt first. It had been quite some time since he had a proper bath, even the one taken last night had been a quick splash of water, and more wrestling with Khan’li than actual bathing. He lay the leather jerkin down on the grass. He was glad to have the privacy, even as images of Riado flashed through his mind, right now he just wanted solitude, and besides, he did not want her to see the toll life had taken on his body. His torso was smattered with scars, that was well before he had discovered the power to heal his own wounds, and those of others. The life of a bandit was not exactly safe. Still, if she could look past the scars, perhaps..? He shook his head, foolish thoughts that had no place in his mind.

He was a lean man, not without muscle, but it was not bulky. Despite his exile, he had the natural grace, and fair features of his people, even if they were hardened somewhat by life in the wilderness, and a life time of struggle. Next came the breeches. Also unlike a human, he was not covered in hair. He always thought human males looked a touch too much like apes for his taste. It boggled his mind how much body hair they had! What use was hair on his privates, or on his ass? Even the facial hair didn’t make sense. It was not enough to actually offer protection, so why was it there?

There was freedom in his nudity, and he took those few chances he got to let the sun kiss his skin. His face, neck, and hands were a shade darker due to the fact that they were always exposed, but he did make sure that he found time to soak in the sun. Not so much these days though. There had been no time for pleasure lately. So he slipped into the water and let out a sigh of relief as it rushed gently around him. He scrubbed his skin with a vengeance, until he was satisfied that he was clean. He lingered in the stream for some time before exiting the soothing waters.

Still nude he fished around his meager possessions and found some oil extracts that were often used for spell components or healing mixtures. A few dabs here and there and he actually smelled pleasant for the first time in over a month! He knew Khan’li would tease him to no end; some biting comment about two legged mating rituals. That was not even the whole of it, he just felt like doing this to clear his head. A mixture of lavender and sage did wonders to chase away the scent of sweat, and help relax and sooth the body and mind. If Riado happened to appreciate the scent; so much the better. He lay on the bank of the stream for some time letting the sun and the wind dry the water from his body. He really could stay here, in this place, he wished that he could. However there was a job to be done, and he had inherited his mother’s work ethic. Still not completely dry he struggled into his pants, but just slung his pack and his shirt over his shoulder. There was no way he could get it on while still dripping with water as he was. He made his way back to the center of the grove to see Khan’li soaking up the magical touch of the Dryad. He smiled at the pair, but it did not touch his eyes, nor his voice. Running his fingers through his damp hair he spoke softly.

“So, I suppose it is time to plan our next move.”

 

[GypsyGirl84]

Riado looked up at Kivanos' return and smiled. If she noticed his cleanliness or scent, she made no comment.

"I think your friend's plan is to stay here and receive belly rubs for the rest of his life," she laughed as she continued lightly scratching the wolf's underside. "I am sorry, dear one, but we do need to make plans," she told the wolf, giving his chest a light pat before standing up.

"Before we begin our plans, Kivanos, may I show you something?" she asked.

 

[Silvert0ngue]

He watched her interact with Khan’li and a small smile passed his lips. It was rare to see the wolf bond with anyone, he almost instantly hated any humanoid on sight, yet somehow she had managed to find a way through his defenses and now he was rolling about, getting his stomach rubbed. She was quite the creature. “That certainly sounds like one of his plans. My dear brother has no subtlety. He thinks it is a trait for humanoids, and that even they use it too freely.”

He tilted his head curiously at her question. It had been a touch unexpected. “Certainly. Lead the way, Riado.” It felt strange to be using her name so freely. A creature of myth and legend, and they were on a first name basis. It was bizarre to him.