Wild Life

[Tseranc]

He stood there, relishing her second offering of passionate kissing, their tongues playing lazily. “Mmm, if you'd like to cook, I'd be willing to sit back and watch this time.” He smiled at her, faces still close. His hands slid down her back, hinting at what it was he'd really be watching.

Latro moved over to the bed and stretched out, never taking his eyes off her beautiful body and the way it moved. Again he was simultaneously reminded of how she was changed, yet the same. Her movements still held a captivating grace, though now that grace seemed less of a hunter, and more of a dancer. He never once doubted she would still be perfect at the hunting...but for the first time he wondered what dancing with her would be like. At that , he smirked at himself, inwardly laughing. Like he could dance. More likely to step all over her feet.

His mind wondered as he he continued to admire her, which world it would be they ended up in. They had a task approaching, he knew. He also knew he'd follow her to the ends of the earth just for another kiss. To the depths of hell for another sight of her.

Latro could honestly say his love fro the woman who had changed had very much survived her recovery.

 

[PaintaPicture]

Brogan smiled back at him as she got her answer. She walked off and got a few pieces of meat thinking that Hymi and Isan would want a little snack as well. Scewering them and putting them above the fire for them to start cooking. She brought the fire up a little with a small hand movement but then looked back over at her lover. She then looked over and summoned some water into her hands and drank it from her hands as some of it dribbled down her chin and she chuckled slightly. A thought popped in her head that she had previously thought about but never said anything. This time she decided to bring it up.

"Latro...I was thinking that, you seem to know a lot about me...well not a lot but more than I know about you. I feel like dont know you as well as you might know me. I know about the war, and we dont need to discuss that further since i'm sure you dont want too."
She paused and turned the meat a little and then walked back over towards him and sat down on the bed next to him.
"I just want to know more about my Latro. Family? Your Town? Previous Loves...if there were any."
She took another pause and then thought about the other question she really wanted to know. What drove him out here? Why did he really not like other people? She smiled at him again and pushed some of his hair off his forehead.
"But I also wanted to know why you decided to seclude yourself from everything and live out here? Dont get me wrong, I'm glad you did since you basically saved my life and stole my heart."
She kissed his lips softly.
"I was just curious..."

She kissed him again and then stood up and turned the meat again. She knew she could do this all with magic but it just seemed to weird to do that. She needed to ease herself into her magic use again. Too much and she knew she'd get tired fast but little things she seemed to be okay. She was really hoping he wouldnt get mad about the questions or anything but she was genuinely curious. She smiled and kept adjusting the meat until it was done and she took it off and she saw the pups trot in obviously having smelt the food cooking. She put their pieces down for them and then put hers and Latro's on plates giving him a soft smile.

 

[Tseranc]

He stared at her, part with disbelieve, part irritation, but both melted away to understanding. She had a right. Truth be told, he owed this to her long ago. He sat up on the bed, leaning over with his elbows on his knees, slightly hunched over but looking up to address her inquiry.

“In a way it was the war, what made me come out here.” He began, slowly. Long pauses between his sentences at first. “I was young when I left to fight, and I saw things no one should have to. I thought for certain that I had seen the worst of people out there on the battle field. But the thought of one woman kept me going. We had promised to wed once I returned. But the war drug on fro years, and I returned to find not the sweet girl I remembered every night. The war changed her too, it seemed. She said she thought i had died, since it had been so long, and she moved on. In my eyes she moved on a lot, bedding several men, trying to determine the most profitable husband, and most enjoyable. In times of fear and doubt, I guess we all seek out what security we need.”

He let out a sigh, for the first time in a long time looking back on that girl. He found now though, talking about it, he had no where near the hatred for her as he did in his younger days. She looked after herself when there were so few men left in the villages. With several years and a good deal of perspective he found he could only pity her, not hate. “At the time, I took it to be the greatest of betrayals, and I ran from the town. I spent several nights in the woods, which was not so difficult as sleeping out on the battle fields. In fact it offered a good deal of peace. So when I went back to town, I packed up, sold off what I couldn't carry or didn't need, and set out to explore the forests.”

He shrugged, as if he couldn't assign a value to that decision made long ago. Smart or foolish, it was what it was. “Of course that first winter proved to be a slap in the face. Alone in the woods was nothing like a tent and large fires of an army. I had to stop and stock up supplies, work to make warmer clothing. It was not too far from here that I spent that first winter, a cave where I first met Hymi.” The wolf's ears perked up at the sound of her name, looking at him curiously. He looked back and smiled at his first friend. “She too was an outcast it seemed, having no pack to call home. My guess is she was chased off, after not bearing pups; since she's never had them since I've known her and she sure enjoys Isan's attentions. But I can only guess of course. We shared that cave all winter, at first near enemies, competing for the cave, then allies, then friends. The others came along in their own ways joining our pack of misfits.”

He shrugged again, returning his full attention to Brogan. “The next summer I found this spot, and decided to make my adventures permanent.” It was all he had to offer. The rest he never bothered to question, and just lived his life as best he could, respectful of nature, and thankful for it. Hunting what he must, gathering what he could, growing other items. Some things he traded to the town, she knew, but that was rare enough, and only for things he could not himself produce.

 

[PaintaPicture]

She listened to his story and nodded along not interupting him. It was emotional she could tell and felt a little bad fr asking, but it was something she needed and wanted to know. His story ended and she walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"I am so glad you made things permanent here."
She said softly in his ear and then kissed his cheek. She then took his hand and led him over to the table and sat down hoping the food she had prepared was good. Her cooking was no where near as good as his was, and she was convinced of it. But it didnt bother her, he had had more practice at it.

She started eating and by them Hymi and Isan had finnished theirs and looked over at the humans to see if they had finnished yet. She smiled down at the pups and ate. She ate in silence not really sure what needed to be said next. Should she just remain silent and hope he'd say something? Change the subject? She wasnt quite sure. She loved this man and didnt want to bring up a bad subject for him but at the same time, they needed to know about each other.

Brogan finnished quickly and looked at her lover wanting to be close with him. Not nessecarily sex, but closeness. They had both lost a lover, in different ways and she never wanted to lose him.

 

[Tseranc]

Latro ate, after enjoying her attention following his story. He was glad he came out here too, more so now then ever. But as liberating as sharing their pasts with each other were, it also served to remind him of their pending future, and her opinion that he was not going to participate in her struggled.

He got up after finishing his meal, thanked her, told her how wonderful it was, and cleared off the carved wooden dishes. These were quickly cleaned, then her returned to reach down and sweep her up into his arms. He carried her to the bed, got in it, and laid her against him as they sat up, her in his lap leaning against him. Holding her seemed pleasant enough, but even as he kissed her neck playfully, he knew that the bigger subject needed addressed, and that now that it was in his mind, he could not let it go.

“It's getting warmer, soon spring will be in full bloom....” A hint at to where he was going with this, before barging right in. “If you still plan to go, we'll have to start preparing now. It will take time to gather enough for the road for all off us.” He thought that was subtle enough.

 

[PaintaPicture]

The stories were over and the silence set in. He finnished eating and took all the dishes and cleaned them off putting them away. She sat their and smiled at the thanks and praised he gave her for the meal cooked. Next thing she knew she was in his arms and she grinned as he brought them to the bed where he sat holding her against him. His lips found her neck and she craned it to the side to let him have better access and then closed her eyes. No words were needed in that moment. But he must have disagreed with that as he spoke. What he said wasnt something that went along with the mood and made it less comfortable.

He mentioned "the plan" for later on. What they should do as it warms up. She didnt say anything when he finnished. She was going to return and stop the corruption...but she wasnt letting him join her. She was not allowing him to come with her and potentially have something bad happen to him. Brogan didnt want to ruin that moment by telling him that she was going to go alone and leave him there. She still didnt have her plan all together and when it was ready, she probably still wouldnt tell him. She loved him so much and she didnt want anything bad to happen to him on her account.

"I love you."
She then looked at him and kissed him. She let her body relax onto his. Her torso twisted so that her chest was against his, and her head rested on his shoulder. Her legs were curled up next to and on his. She meant it when she said she loved him, and wanted him to know that before she would have to leave. She'd need to perfect her magic and make sure that she wouldnt pass out if she tryed something more difficult than throwing fireballs. She saw the pups and invited the onto the bed as well. They quickly took the offer and jumped up curling up with the two humans. They were an odd little family, but she liked it, and she was sure latro did too...and she never wanted anything bad to happen to her new family.

 

[Tseranc]

Spring had come, and they had spent many days together wondering the woods, gathering supplies, and just enjoying their time together. He seldom mentioned her choice, but as time passed he figured she was less set on going. She did practice her magic, usually alone, but he knew she was honing her craft well.

Then a day came that he could not believe.

He woke, as most any day, with the sun on his face intruding from a window that lacked a large enough curtain. But she was not there. At first he thought nothing of it, figuring that his Brogan when to find breakfast, or practice her arts some more, or even a swim. He waited, but she never returned. So he searched, but could not find her anywhere, even with the help of the wolves.

After a day of searching he knew she had left, and he was pretty sure he knew why. She;d been extra attentive to him the night before, now that he looked back. She left him to go fight her fight. Rage, sorrow, fear, and betrayal all mixed into a pool of poison in his mind, leaving him in a fit; unsure of what to do.

The next morning his head was clear. She had a two day head start, and was obviously using a means of travel not available to him, but he packed up and set out, locking his cabin up as best he could. Hymi and Isan were with him, and just as determined to find her. Together the three began their hike back toward civilization. She might be able to transport herself or fly, or walk on water, but he knew there were few places in the world that housed such schools as she spoke of, and he was determined to search every one of them until their family was reunited, and she was safe.

 

[PaintaPicture]

Spring came swiftly and so did her time to depart. She had practiced magic, and helped him with everything around the house to have him be well without her and played with the wolves often. She wanted them to know that she loved them too and she hoped they would understand why she left. Finally the day came where she had to leave, it was a now or never situation. The night before she reminded him that she loved him many times and made passionate and sweet love to him. It would just as hard for her to go as it would be for him to realize she had left. The following morning she woke up silently, gathered some things in a leather satchel got dressed in a shirt he had made her, leather pants, and sandals.

She then departed running along tree tops to the closest town, not daring to look back. When she finally got to the town she came down from the trees and walkedin calmly. She sold a few things enough to get a normal looking pair of clothes and with a bit of magical persuasion she managed to get herself a horse. She wanted to travel in a normal fashion and not fly through the air - it would attract to much negative attention. She then rode off back towards her home town and towards the school. She had lived by the academy which made that very convenient for hiding out, she'd find her family and let them know that she was alive.

The first day she rode and rode and got close but had to stop and camp the night. As soon as the sun was up, so was she and she galloped forward, pushing herself, trying not to think about the lover she had left behind. She hoped he'd stay there, be smart and stay out of a fight that he didnt need to be in. When she approached another town she asked where she was and she was a town away from her childhood home. That night she slept again in a cluster of trees with her trusty steed who she named Ty. The next morning at sunrise she did the same thing, and ran to the next town as fast as she could. She had made it...finally and she nearly cryed. Not much had changed. She kept her dirty cloak on with the hood up. It wasnt quite dusk, but she didnt want people to recognize her. She asked a few people where her brother, Seoras, was, and they pointed it out. He had moved out obviously since he was older and they had said something of her mother. She didnt say anything to the people who she was except she was an old friend.

She made her way to his place and hopped off her horse tying the reigns to a tree branch and knocked on the door. She pealed her hood back as he opened the door and both of them looked at each othe in shocked silence for a moment before he grabbed her holding her close and she did the same. She cryed and she could tell he was holding it back.
"I thought you were dead....Mom and I both thought you were...What happened?"
He asked, finally letting go of her and looking her in the eye and then quickly inviting her inside.
"It's....a long story..."
She went in meeting his wife, Lana, who she had known as his girlfriend and hugged her warmly. They all sat down and she shared her tale of being in the woods with Latro, the wolves, explaining the situation but leaving the big details of the whole war thing out. That she would explain later in more detail. They didnt have an extra room in their small home so she would sleep on a couch like thing.

They ate and she was exhausted she'd have to start her plan the following day. Lana had some extra clothes for her, but they didnt fit very well since Brogan was slightly taller, but it wasnt toooo bad. She ate and quickly went to bed after taking Ty and bringing him to the small barn in the back and giving him food as well. As much as she wanted sleep she kept waking up thinking of Latro and how much she had hurt him. It was killing her on the inside to know what she had done to him, but she did it to protect him because she did love him so much. She would explain everything to him when she went back...if he'd take her back.

 

[Tseranc]

By the third night he was already cussing at her, furious she left without him. The rain that would not let up did not improve his mood. The soaked wolves to his right and left, muddy and mangy seems to share his ire over the issue. But not once did he think of leaving her to her own devices.

On the fifth day he came into town, looking more like a drowned rat then a man. As always the small village was a flurry of activity due to his presence. Some looked forward to his goods, some thought him dangerous, others thought him outright evil. He questioned all that would talk with him, which were mainly only the people that bought something or sold something to him, as he traded fine furs and carvings for food – his own garb seemed to hold up better on the road then anything they had to offer.

It was here he found that nearly a week before a girl, dressed oddly like him, traded for new clothing and a horse. That was the first pang of futility that hit him. How could he catch up with a girl who traveled in a day what took him 4, and then she traded up fro a horse?!

Several of the wifes in the village insisted he rest, but he would have none of it. Besides, few of the men trusted him, and on learning he was looking for a run away girl many had it in their head to remove the dangerous man from the girls trails....she must obviously be running away from him.

Latro narrowly escape the village that night, making his way from tree to tree out into the woods, as all the roads out of town had drunken brutes waiting for him. Once again, he reminded himself how little his missed 'the civilized world'.

His beard grew back over the long days that followed. He and the wolves followed the roads, but kept off them, preferring the woods they cut through. Occasionally they would cut across the wild lands, and make better time then the roads the avoided them. Still, it was no way to gain on a magical woman with a horse and at least a week ahead.

But Latro pressed on, never giving up. Each fire he set for camp was that much more lonely, giving that much more resolve to get to her and see her safe.

 

[PaintaPicture]

The following day she spoke with her brother and Lana. He had to unfortunately explain to her that their mother had passed. She had fallen ill after hearing that her only daughter had gone crazy from magic and ran off into the forest and slowly her body shut down. after hearing that Brogan burst into tears...she had wanted to see her mother one last time to explain what happened. She loved her mother and missed her so much and hearing that was so hard for her. Both him and her new sister-in-law were there to comfort her and give her a shoulder to cry on...she deffinately needed it. Seoras would have stayed longer to be with her that morning but he had to get back to work, "horse shoes wont make themselves" he had said and went back to his forge.

Lana was there for her but did have to do some cooking and such. Brogan helped with some of the cleaning as they continued to talk. She had always like the pretty blonde girl and was glad that she had married her brother. Lana explained that Seoras was sad that she hadnt been there for the ceremony but then again they thought she was dead. Brogan nodded her head and started getting ideas about how to get back her old 'crew'. There were a few friends she knew 100% for a fact she could rely on and they would deffinately help her. But then Lana asked about men in her life and she mentioned Adano briefly and then moved onto Latro in more detail. The man that saved her life, stole her heart, made her happy, and kept her safe. Lana noted that he sounded like a good man and she would want to meet him...and the wolves if they were as kind as Brogan had said. That day and a few others went the same. She helped Lana around while Seoras ran the forge. And in her head she formulated plans and rarely left the house. After a few days she got in touch with a few people and convinced them it was her, she wasnt crazy, and told them of the real story of what was going on.

3 were already on her side and they would all meet at Tamia's home since they all lived in the same town, and she had grown up with them. She told them every detail she knew and everything about Latro, and if they saw such a man to alert her immediately. They agreed and all the planning began. Everytime she mentioned latro or even thought about him her heart ached. She longed to be with him and it was killing her not to be close with him. But as soon that the whole 'mess' was taken care of, she'd be with her lover again and all would be well. What would be hard is leaving her brother alone once again. But all that would come later...she needed to stay in the moment.

 

[Tseranc]

The pack of three continued one, pressing though several days march through a thick forest. He had manage to procure a map from a merchant who's wagon had gotten stuck. Latro helped him, and even repaired the wheel in exchange for the valuable parchment. There were few villages in this region, and fewer large cities hosting schools of the arcane. His direction was clear.

But clear directions did not ensure easy trips. His rations were running low, and every moment taken to hunt and clean a meal was a moment wasted in his pursuit. So he tightened his belt, and pressed on, only stopping long enough for the wolves to find what they needed, and he further rationed out his remaining cheese and berries as he came across them.

After fourteen sunrises, he stumbled into the first large city, and something, perhaps it was desperation, told him he had arrived. The refined folk of the city would greet him no better then those of a rural village, so he chose to remain hidden in the surrounding woods, taking one day to replenish his stores, and then moved into one of the parks in the large city.

From trees and rooftops he listened, watched, and got his bearings. Latro had never seen such a vast city, except when he was in the army laying siege to another. But this was different; thriving, busy, people moving about without a care in the world.

It did not take the woodsman long to discern who the arcane scholars were, their intricate robes making them as clearly as he could ever ask for. They led him right to their massive academy, which also had plenty of parks to hide in. Brogan would come here, and she too would need to hide in some way. He explored all the places one could conceal themselves. He spied.....again.

 

[PaintaPicture]

Plans were going well and her friends continued to visit the school and act normal doing the things they would normally do. Brogan couldnt go inside since if she was caught, the gods only knew what would happen to her. Since her town was east of the city she would ride into the city when she had to go in and keep herself as hidden as possible. She wore average clothing that made her look like a farm girl and a dark hooded cloak. Her friends would keep her informed on what days were best to ride in and what days werent. She kept helping her brother and sister-in-law around and the following day she got Ty ready and went into the city.

She rode in and blended in perfectly like she had every other time. She stopped at her friend's home and spoke with them for a moment and then went into the market, doing some shopping for Lana who had recently not been feeling well. Brogan dismounted and walked holding the reins and picking up some fresh vegetables and fruits and listening to what people were saying. Apparently wolves had been spotted on the edge of the woods and her ears perked up. It could be Latro, Hymi, and Isan but she wasnt going to jump to conclusions.

She got a few more things and she could feel him there. It was him...and she pulled her cloak around her tighter. She slung her bag over her shoulder and got back on Ty. She rode back through the city and mumbled to herself
"You should'nt have come."
Like she was talking to Latro. If he had seen her he'd be able to follow her back to her brother's house. She was sure that the wolves could track her smell and the scent of her horse. But she sniffed the air and it was about to rain and picked up her pace getting back home. It started half way back and she got back to the barn putting Ty in his stall and trying to dry him off and then fed him. She put her tack up and then ran into the house giving her brother the money that wasnt spent and the food she had gotten. She was torn between two things and her brother must have sensed it as he asked her if she was okay and then reminded her to go change before she catch cold. She was torn between wanting Latro to come find her at her brother's home and wanting him to go back to the woods. She loved him and she was hoping for the first option more despite everything else.

She went to see Lana who was resting and Brogan changed out of her soaked clothes into dry ones. Lana had made her a few things to wear and brogan was greatful. She then went back to see her brother who was chopping up vegetables to put in a stew. She sat down in a chair running her fingers through her short hair that had been cut again for her to blend in better. Seoras then walked over giving her a cup of hot tea and rubbing her shoulder, not needing to say anything and she just looked up and said a soft 'thank you'.
"I'm your big brother and now I can take care of you like one since I never got to. I'm here if you need me."
He pet her hair back and then walked back into the kitchen. They never got to have a super close relationship. He was taken off to war and she was taken to the academy. Both held scars from it...his just happened to be large and very visable while most of hers couldnt be seen. She sipped her tea and wished everything wasnt so complicated.

 

[Tseranc]

He grinned, perched high up in a large tree, as she pulled her cloak around her, attempting to hide the features he'd already made out clearly. He scurried away, as if she knew he was watching, and trying to hide again.

Not this time.

He did not hurry, there was only one village within a day's ride of the city down the road she had taken out of town. He and the pups made their way through the woods, avoiding the roads and the chance of being seen. Within a few hours they made the edge of town, but waited in the rain until night had set, and gave them shadows to hide in.

Hymi was the first to pick up her scent, stopping at one barn, refusing to move on to another. Latro came over to her, and Isan joined, seemingly agreeing with Hymi. “Ok then. You two go hide somewhere, I'll go do the people thing.” He made his way around to the front of the farm, to approach by the road, and head for the door like any normal person might. Any normal person wearing hand crafted clothing of leather hides, and soaking wet from hours in the rain.

He was rather obvious about his approach, and knocked firmly on the door, stepping back before the door was opened, not wanting to appear threating in the least. He knew there would be much to discuss, and she might not be in the most generous of moods at seeing him.

 

[PaintaPicture]

Brogan had finnished her tea and listened as the rain came to a stop but the tree's continued to drip water onto the roof. She pulled a knit blanket around her shoulders that Lana had made and looked out a tiny window that had been constructed and into the black night. She sat quietly with Seoras after he had checked on his wife who was still feeling unwell. She seemed to be in a trance as she stared off into nothing. But then a noise quickly brought her back to life and into the moment. She looked at her brother who was just as startled as she was. The knock at the door was unexpected and her brother gave her a look letting her know that he wasnt expecting a visitor.

She stood and he did the same putting a knife in his back pocket and she just stood there taking the blanket off her shoulders. Her brother opened the door to see a man that looked like he had seen better days. Brogan stepped forward to look and she saw her lover. Her lip quivered and fists clenched. She wanted to hit him and kiss him all at the same time. She looked at him and Seoras must have put two and two together and not wanting anyone to stand out in the slightly chilly weather motioned for Latro to join them inside.
"Please friend...come in and warm yourself."
Brogan made no move to stop him and as he came in she just wasnt sure what to do. Seoras excused himself for a moment to make sure Lana had not been startled and let her know who was there. He came back and Brogan decided introductions should probably be made.

"Seoras, this is Latro...the man I had told you about. Latro...this is my brother Seoras..." She looked away from Latro again knowing she would break down if she looked him straight in the eye. Seoras once again saved the moment from being awkwardly quiet and offered him a seat and got him a blanket wanting him to get comfortable and warm. Brogan was still uncomfortable but she was sitting now. Her brother decided to make more tea and put some of the hot herbal drinks in cups and gave one to his sister as well as the man she said she loved. He then decided that maybe they needed a moment and he poured more tea for himself and Lana and went into the room where she was resting.

Brogan finally looked up at Latro and a tear rolled down her cheek. But she wasnt direct and decided to say other things.
"I suspect that Hymi and Isan are here somewhere..."
She sipped her tea and ran her fingers through her much more tame hair.
"Are you hungry? Seoras made an excellent stew...and I'm sure he and Lana would'nt mind you staying here if you need a place to sleep. Lana is his wife by the way...she's ill at the moment or you would have met her."
She paused and took a deep breath.
"You will need rest since you will be joining me in this...I cant stop you unless I were to physically restrain you...which I would never do..."
She looked away and then back at him.
"I never wanted to hurt you and if you got that feeling I'm sorry...I left so that you wouldnt have a chance to get hurt. I love you and I always will..."
She grabbed the blanket that she had been using earlier and walked over puting it over Latro who still looked soggy. She kissed the top of his head and then moved her hand over his cheek. She moved away and sat down on the couch like bench that was her temporary bed. Where they would go from there she wasnt sure. It was his move and she didnt know how he was taking all of it. So she sat in silence and stared at the floor.

 

[Tseranc]

He listened, sipping the provided tea, and wrapping the blanket around him. He relished the small his and touch of her hand, but did not move to stop her as she left to sit on her bed. Once the tea was gone, he just smiled warmly at her, and began to answer her questions.

“Yes, the wolves are about, making their night in the woods. The horses would not care for their presence, and I doubt anyone here would like to draw attention to this house.” Much of his beard was back, and his hair a mess, looking more like the rough man she had first met, then the one she left, and had tamed somewhat.

After a long silence he finally addressed the large issue that filled the space between them. “It did hurt. Even as I knew your intentions were not to do so. It was not the reason you left that hurt, but the idea I might never see you again. That if something were to happen, I would never know, could take no vengeance, could not know how successful you were. You stole any hope of closure, should the worse happen.” He put up his hand to stop her response. “We lived in the wild, facing life and death each day. I know the stakes. Just as I know you must do this. It is the would of your past that must be healed before our future can go forward. I understand that, but I will not sit back and wait, hoping you return one day. We face it together.”

Seoras rejoined them a moment later, inviting Latro to stay, which he accepted, gratefully.

Soon he was stripped down to a pair of loaned pants, and dry. He pulled a blanket over him, while laying on a fur rug in the center of the room, but offered up a hand for Brogan to come down and join him, hoping she would accept. He needed to feel her in his arms for this to be real to him, and not some day dream he might wake from.

 

[PaintaPicture]

He answered her questions...even the one that made the room feel more uncomfortable. He didnt seem angry with her, despite what she thought he would feel. She was convinced he wouldnt want her back and wouldnt forgive her. Now that he was here and what he said she felt so much better. At first she didnt want him to come for fear of losing him but now she was feeling a little better about the situation as a whole. Seoras then came out offering his home to Latro and he said yes which made sense. Unfortunately the wolves couldnt join them for the reasons he explained but she would go venture to see them in the morning.

Latro was given dry clothes and some blankets to sleep on and she was so happy that her brother and sister-in-law were so welcoming. She knew they would be friendly, especially to someone who she called her lover. Seoras said that he'd be working early in the morning and he appologized if he woke either of them up and then left, going back to his room to sleep. She then looked at Latro who was laying down and offering her his hand to come and lay with him. She gave him a smile and took his hand laying down with him and quickly moving in as close as she could to him. His arms quickly embracing her. As soon as she felt his skin next to hers, it was like her stress melted off of her. She felt safe and strong in his arms and wanted that feeling to last forever.

Both quickly fell asleep and slept all through the night. She heard Seoras get up and go to work in his forge and then Lana a moment later. Lana convinced Brogan she was feeling better and wanted to make her and Latro breakfast. She helped Lana cut vegetables and some meats and then Lana started cooking. Brogan let Latro sleep knowing he needed it desperately. She then took the scraps of meat and left to go find the wolves and feed Ty in the barn. She walked out into the woods but not to far, whisteled and knealed waiting for them to come. Both trotted over, Hymi looking annoyed that she had left and Isan excited. Isan licked her and went to eat a piece of the meat she had set down for them. Hymi than came over and ate licking her as well. Both seemed happy to see that they were okay.
"Alright you two, I'm gonna go do some chores and i'm sure Latro will come later..."
She scratched their heads and head back towards the barn and they trotted off in the direction they came.

She went to the barn and fed Ty who was spooked by her since she smelled like wolf. She calmed him down and groomed him while he munched on his grain and hay. She gave him more water and looked at Seoras working, who seemed to be rather busy. She hoped Latro had gotten to sleep more and met Lana who was a very friendly small woman. She loved taking care of people and was dieing to be a mom. She could spin wool into yarn and made blankets to sell, and she was very talented. Brogan took a few deep breaths of the fresh morning air and then went back inside to talk more about the plans with Latro and eat some of Lana's delicious cooking.

 

[Tseranc]

It was a long, pleasant rest, made possible by brogan being once more in his arms. Their reunion was far more comfortable then the blankets and warm, dry home her brother had shared with him. Seoras and Lana were great people, and it was obvious that the nature of family would creep back into his life, should they survive the coming battles. Latro definitely had mixed feelings about that. He had left his family behind to live in the wild, but could eh ask the same of Brogan? No, of course not. Unlike him she was here to face her demons in society, where he had decided to run.

He went to help Lana cook, but noticed how week she was, remembering that she was ill last night. Without warning he took her wrist in his hand, while his other hand probed her neck, and under her jaw. He inspected her eyes, and then began to search her kitchen area for what was available. He found nothing of use to him and so, without a word, left.

Latro spent the day wondering the woods outside of town, eventually meeting up with his canine friends. Together they searched for herbs and other plants to help Lana’s illness. He knew it would flare up again, he’d seen it often enough in the war.

The sun had begun to drift down behind the hills, dust setting over the land when he made his way back, carful to remain unseen. On his arrival Seoras seemed rater irritated with him for groping and scaring Lana. He tried to explain he was trying to help, and showed the object he gathers, and what to do with them – making hem into a tea for her to drink several times a day, for a week. “I’m an odd man, as are my methods, but I’ve seen this before, and know what to do.” He didn’t add that if she didn’t get better soon, she would never recover.

 

[PaintaPicture]

She worked in the barn and then rode over to Tamia's home to inform her of what was going on. She told her that Latro had come and that if any of the others saw him not to be alarmed, and if they overheard anything from neighbors or townspeople about him or her to let her know. Also...to not tell Latro what their plan was as of that moment. They didnt have much planned but she didnt want him to know. She would tell him what was going on once it was all figured out. After that she went into the city quickly to get some more vegetables and spices.

On the ride back the sun began to set and she wondered what Latro had done all day. She'd find out soon enough as she brought Ty back to the barn took care of him and then walked inside with her puchases to see Lana, Latro, and Seoras. She pulled the hood of her cloak off her head and looked at everyone as she set down the sack. Lana looked ill and Seoras must have seen the confused and concerned look on Brogan's face and quickly explained.
"Lana was feeling sick again and Latro was explaining his rather...unique..way of medicine. And helping Lana in that same fashion."
She smiled slightly and looked at her lover then back at her brother and sister in law.

"As strange as it may seem...it works. He knows what he's doing."
That seemed to comfort Seoras some as he helped Lana to bed so that she could lay down. Brogan walked over to Latro and moved her arms around his neck and just stood like that for a moment. Holding onto him for a moment. She loved how he helped Lana, an he barely knew her. Guilt for leaving him hit her hard in that very moment. He cared for her everyday and yet she had left him and he still continued to take care of her and her family. She stood there longer with her arms around his neck. A moment later she let go slightly and looked at him and whispered.
"I'm sorry I hurt you..."

She took a breath and then decided she would cook dinner to distract herself and step back from that moment.
"I'm gonna try to cook something...I see you've already made some tea I'm guessing it's for Lana."
She muscled a tiny smile and then moved off to take out vegetables to cut and meats to prepare. It wasnt that she was that hungry just needed something to do. Seoras came out a moment later to get more of Latro's tea for his wife and looked nervous. He looked at Brogan, standing there with no shirt in just pants saying that Lana was cold so he gave her his clean shirt. Big scars covering his chest, shoulders and a few on his back. It was just another reminder to Brogan of the war that hurt her family...as well as her 'wild' family. After getting the tea he went back in the room and came back a few minutes later after noting that she had fallen asleep and insisted on cooking. Brogan tryed getting him to just sit down and let her do it but he wouldnt have it, saying that she needed rest more than him.

She let him and then sat down on her 'bed', not sure of what to say or do.

 

[Tseranc]

Latro came to sit beside her, wrapping an arm around her comfortably and smiling. “They don't like to let me work much either...I don't believe your family knows how to relax any better then we do.” He smiled back at Seoras, who despite his reservations was beginning to warm up to Latro a bit.

“Lets go see what the pups have been up to, I haven't seen them since morning when I went out with them to scout around.” He tugged Brogan up to her feet, and led her outside, past the barn and the fence and into the woods. Of course when he knew it was a distance that was safe for the wolves to approach he stopped and leaned against a tree, pulling Brogan practically on top of him as he kissed her hard. This woman he loved, had come looking for, and worried about, he felt restrained in showing it in his own, more animal ways, around her family.

When their lips part, he looked at her with a mix of worry, pride, and all combined with love and lust. “I missed you, I worried. I've never felt so alone, even with the wolves around, they felt it too....the family was incomplete.” He sat down still holding her hand, looking up at her. About then the pups cam trotting up, Isan with a fresh rabbit in his mouth, very proud of his kill. Latro chuckled, petting each of them even rubbing foreheads, then they ran back off a little bit to enjoy their meal.

Still he looked up at his woman, his mate. The only one he wanted to run through the woods with. But this trip into civilization had him worried. Meeting her family was great, but also a reminder of the world he left behind. He lightly tugged on her arm, wanting her to come sit in his lap. “Once this is done, what happens then my love? If the civilized world is where you need to be, I will not stop you, but I truly do not know how I could fit into it again. I want us to continue being a family...”

 

[PaintaPicture]

Brogan nodded her head and walked outside with Latro to see the pups. She has missed them and wanted to see them again. I twas weird to move back with her brother, and not have wolves in her everyday life. They walked out and he quickly pulled her to him for a much needed kiss. After that passionate moment, Hymi and Isan came over looking very proud of their captured rabbit. They trotted off to enjoy their kill and Latro sat down wanting her to join him. She stood and heard what he said and didnt respond right away. What he said hurt...but in an odd way.

She sighed slightly and sat down in his lap and her fingers fiddled with his long beard, just like she had when she first met him.
"I dont want to talk about what might happen, or if this will ever be done."
Her eyes looked up into his.
"I dont want you to change, or be unhappy, but change is occuring. I love you as the wild man that you are, and I will never ask you to be someone..or something you're not. But we both need to adjust while we do this. I dont want to discuss this much more since I need to keep my mind clear and focused on the objectives of winning this insane battle."
She then kissed his lips, kind of to keep him quiet and leaned against his chest enjoying the breeze.

After sitting there for a moment, the pups came back after finishing their meal and she pet them and then the two humans decided to go back and eat. It was much darker and they got back to the house just as Seoras was putting it on plates for everyone. Brogan thanked her brother and he just smiled as he ate some himself and saved some for Lana incase she woke up and was hungry. After eating the wonderful meal she helped clean up some and then laid down on her small bed looking at her lover, wishing the tension in the air would go away.