Luna's Haven~closed save for invitees.

[Firmhanded_Daddy]

Never having formally been invited that he could remember he respectfully stayed on the borders of her domain. The wind carried his scent but he hoped that he would not intrude upon her haven. A small basket with contents was set against the base of a tree carrying a scent of its own.

A candle , a bottle of lavender oil, and a note

Miss Luna,

I hope that the items here have a soothing effect. I am sorry to hear of your illness and I am sending love and prayers your way for a speedy recovery.

Your friend,
FD

 

[Erlind]

"Nonsensical crap does punctuate the twelve hour day. Mostly however, I walk, watch, and see the same thing over and over again. Most of the people I can talk to, to pass the time, I don't want to. The crap that provides a sad respite is often brief and mostly annoying. Move this. Fetch that. Help him move there. If there is something that occupies more time and requires my full attention, it has been a bad day."

I'm really enjoying just having her against me. It feels good like I've missed it for a long time.

"Jokes and bright spots to the day, when viewed in a wider lens, only make me feel sad that those little things are what I look forward to each day. My particular job does not attract the best of the best, so my coworkers don't always provide any relief. A break would only be sitting somewhere else instead, I can't really go anywhere and I don't smoke."

"The worst part of it all is that I'm not particularly good at my job. It isn't difficult, but the simple skills required don't come naturally to me. Simply trying to do good work puts me above many, but no pride comes in being above them. I feel like I am meant for more, but how can I be if I do not excel at the simple things put before me now?"

I shake my head again, dismissing the dark thoughts that always accumulate when I rant on something like this.

"Its not all bad. I've adapted well. Its not difficult work and I'm being paid. Having enough to provide for us both means my other half can work on things that she has needed to do for a long time. I try to think of my work giving her the chance to use her time well and with purpose. My work now is that of preparing for later, when things will be better."

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

A hand curls round the nape of his neck as I listen to his words.

"I know. Trust me, I do know. Sometimes it feels like your life is a waiting game...or that you are stuck in a holding pattern. The best thing about it is...it won't be forever and you know it.

As for your other half? Well, doing what you do does have a few bright spots as you have just so aptly pointed out. And though I know it doesn't make everything all better NOW, the future is worth present unpleasantness."

A small kiss to a rough chin..

"I know you shaved today...so is this your five o'clock shadow??"

A small smile, a warm hug.

"Life has NOT been easy, recently. Sad but true BUT you are accomplishing lots and having pride in a job well done, even if it's not done to your own personal satisfaction, is nothing to sneeze at..."

Another small sniff as a hint of lavender drifts through the house...maybe a Lady's Daddy has dropped off a gift? I make a mental note to check...once my body stops feeling so very weary.

I cuddle closer to him, pleased that he trusts me enough to vent, even if it's just a little.

"I wish I could be your own personal Genie in a bottle. I'd blink and make things way more entertaining for you...."

 

[Erlind]

Even when she's sick to the point of answering the door naked without realizing it, she's the one comforting me. Of course. Its who she is.

I laugh when comments on my chin. "If I leave it for a day or two I end up with stubble that can just about shred skin. Maybe it should be more trim than I let it get in the past, but when I next have the chance, I have a face that was meant to have a beard."

In some ways I'd like to say more, but the nature of things means I shouldn't. In some ways I don't like what I've already said. My life is good in the grand balance of things and I don't want to show anything otherwise.

"You would make a very interesting genie, Luna. I think though simply running into each other one day, even without magical aid, would prove very entertaining at the least."

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

Hysterical giggling that ends up in a coughing fit.

"I have been known to traipse clumsily over other people's toes while being completely oblivious to the fact. Imagine how awesome that would be for you~getting trod upon by five feet nothing of muscular girl who is so dizzy, she doesn't even notice you!!!"

Strokes a small hand over rough chin...

"Now I am imagining you as a handsome Grizzly Adams..."

More laughter...and a sneeze.

"I think, in the RW, that my theraflu is finally beginning to kick in...which means I will be fading to black soon"

Whispers

Took me three tries to type the above sentence with no mistakes...

"So if I nod off, thank you for coming to cuddle me and spend some QT...I know it wasn't what you had planned for your evening...but I am glad you did it, nonetheless..."

 

[Erlind]

"Your theraflu has very good timing. I promised myself I'd get off the computer and at least try to settle down for sleep about now."

I carefully and regrettably extract myself from the warmth of the her and our spot on her couch. I make sure to keep her fully bundled up so as to not let any of the warmth we had made escape. Finally disentangled, I find myself fully clothed once again. I quietly make my way towards the door as I'm sure she may be falling asleep even now. Right before I exit I have a few more soft words to share.

"How do you know how I wanted to spend my evening?"

I am gone.

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

I am awake.

I don't know WHY I am awake, just that I awakened near 45 minutes ago and find myself unable to return to Morpheus' arms.

It sucks.

also, I can't breathe.

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

All my writing for today is caught up. I decide, after a moment's thought, to work on a piece for the cavern. Maybe Celestine...as she does angry, very, very well...

 

[DarkWarrioress]

In the rays of the moon, the air swirls. Naught that is human can be seen. A hand appears from the ether to leave this small return gift for the Wolfling's continued thoughtfulness to me and my own. It seemed not only appropriate but reminded me of the Wolfling in more ways than one. A small envelope lies against the canvas along with a solitary rose. Inside, a note and thus reads:


On behalf of FD and myself, I wanted to thank you for your thoughtfulness, Lady Wolf. When I saw this, it reminded me of you. I'm sure you'll understand why once you see it.

Be well. Moments are fleeting considering our lifetime. They will pass. Things will be better. You will feel better.

FD & Cait~

The hand is withdrawn. The air stills. All is as it was before.

 

[yeishia]

I materialized at the very edge of the clearing clutching the decadent double chocolate chip fudge cookies that as an afterthought I had baked before I had left home. I knew that Luna was partial to cookies; these were huge and moist, filled with chunks of both dark and light chocolate, they were vaguely reminiscent of the duality that represented the special unique woman I was about to visit.

I glanced around and taking a deep breath I finally slipped up to the front door relieved that nothing had accosted me, I knew she that had a pet I sensed that it was watching me from the shadows. The thought which should have unsettled me strangely enough did not, I sort of felt that it had accepted me ...somehow.

I wondered if I should have waited for Rider... maybe she already had a visitor…maybe I ...my heart was racing and I took a calming breath.

Determined I knocked and waited.

It was almost a relief she no one answered, when she wasn’t home. Yet I didn’t flee, not this time, instead I curled up on the doorstep the tin of cookies clutched to my chest to wait for her return.

At some point I must have fallen asleep…

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

Home. Back to my haven.

Stepping into my clearing, I see...a yee-she.

She appears to be resting, looking so adorably lush and sweet that I want to cover her kisses or pick her up and carry her inside.

After a moment, I decide upon the latter.

She is so very small.

Almost a featherweight.

And I...I am not zaftig nor rubenesque..but not so very small, no not at all, And strong. The strength is most important to me.

Much better than being small or thin.

I want to look like I can whip an ass if needful, because I can.

So, small feet proceed softly, until I am on the porch of my Haven. Leaning down, I scoop her up and carry her into the confines of my home. After a moment's hesitation, I deposit her upon my couch and retreat to pick up the cookies she had brought along.

Finally, I an done with moving about. Grabbing my lap top, I sit just before the fireplace and prepare to write until my gorgeous visitor opens her eyes.

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

It is then, right then, that I notice the gorgeous picture.

I love it. And as soon as I see the handwriting upon the note, I know that it is from a Lady.

I slit the envelope with a small dagger and read the few words written upon the parchment.

My eyes fill with tears.

Then, rising from my chair, I pick up the picture and smile.

The picture is hung, above my fireplace.

 

[yeishia]

My eyes fluttered open and I stretched smiling my hand automatically reaching out for my Rider but finding...

I think it was at that moment it came flooding back and my eyes popped open, wide like saucers... within seconds I had scuttled along the couch my eyes searching this unfamiliar place in which I found myself.

Luna Wolf!

She was seeming so normal, sitting before her fireplace laptop across her knees. I visibly relaxed my eyes drawn to hers as she calmly watched me.

I wondered what she was thinking.

Realizing I was staring I felt myself blush and lowered my eyes.

“Hello,” I whispered from a throat suddenly gone dry.

My small tongue slipped out to slowly moisten my parched lips before habitually I drew in my lower one to worry on its soft flesh my eyes once again watching her from beneath my long lashes.

Say something I told myself anything she will think that you are daft.

I said nothing instead I smiled softly across at the enigmatic woman letting my eyes speak in my stead.

My goodness she was so beautiful, I could feel her strength wrapping around me like a fortifying blanket.

Without being fully aware I gradually relaxed from my crouched position and tucked my long legs under me, breath held, simply waiting…

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

After a night spent dozing before my fire, I awaken.

Yee-she is also awake and looking just a wee bit terrified.

"Good morning, beautiful."

My voice is soft~

"Thank you for the cookies...I ate some last evening..."

Honey brown eyes gaze at her.

"I didn't think you would EVER come a calling. I am pleased that you have...."

 

[yeishia]

She finds me beautiful, I rarely believe it when someone tells me that but somehow I find that she thinks so… delightful.

She doesn’t tell lies, black and white, I choose to believe her.

My smile widens.

“I am so happy to be here…I have meant to come ...I have watched from the clearing on more than one occasion…I do not trust easily …I “ My voice trails off as I realize that I might have said to much.”

I try again.

“The flowers you left were breathtaking I do hope you liked the cookies, I baked them myself.”

I find myself watching her carefully now that she is so close I find myself almost overwhelmed, so many conflicting thoughts and emotions are swirling around my head.

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

Small. She is tiny. Almost ethereal in her beauty and not nearly as confident as she should be, as I would be, in her place. Rising from my seat, I place the lap top down and move with no apparent haste, toward her...settling on the opposite side of the couch.

"Trust should NOT be given out, all willy nilly. It should be offered to those who prove they can be loyal. It should be given ONLY to those who earn it..."

My small hand beckons her, closer.

"I won't bite, little one. Promise. Come nearer...and yes, the cookies were VERY good. Since I am dieting in the Real World, the only cookies I can enjoy~cept for Saturdays~are here. And yours were soft and chewy and good."

Patting the couch cushion next to mine, I smile.

"Now, come closer, yee-she...let me see you."

 

[yeishia]

Trust should NOT be given out, all willy nilly. It should be offered to those who prove they can be loyal. It should be given ONLY to those who earn it...

I solemnly digest her words, I had always been berated for my lack of trust here on Lit, yet in real life, my limited experience had been that trust should be simply given rather than earned. I had been badly burned because of this by one who professed to love me. I was skittish and I knew it!

Her voice is soothing almost hypnotic in its quality and so I found myself sliding closer along the couch my eyes never leaving hers; honey brown, wolfen and something more…

Let me see you, somehow I feel as if she means to peel away the layers of who I am piece by piece, I shiver slightly… with anticipation or trepidation I could not honestly say which.

As I slide to sit beside her my back straightens and I smile shyly perhaps hopefully.

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

I see her take heed of my words, measure them against her experiences. She looks vaguely unsure, and yet, her body flows from it original position while she thinks, until she seated hip to hip, beside me.

Fingers reach, curling around the nape of her neck.

"I am very pleased by your coming to call."

Eyes watch as a slow tide of color builds it's way across her flesh.

"I don't know you as well as I should. Some of that is my own doing. I chose to hear what others said and heed what others felt. It is a failing of mine. If someone is my friend...my pack... I will protect them to the detriment of all others. THAT has made getting to know you....a very difficult thing from my point of view."

A sad husky sigh...

"But watching you, with my friend Rider and with those few others you allow close...has made me want to know you...and thus...my words from before...and my interest in you, now."

I pull her a little closer and shift so that my knee is touching her hip. Honey brown eyes search her face, alighting on each feature and storing it away for later perusal. She is very pretty.

"But what brings you here...now. As I made my offer long ago..."

 

[yeishia]

I listened carefully digesting her every word. At least to my mind she had valid reasons for mistrusting me, she was protecting family. I had protected my son with every fiber of my being allowing my own spirit to be almost snuffed out, her need to protect her pack I could well understand. Many here on Lit simply followed like sheep where their leader would go disregarding the individual who was trodden down in the process, me or some hapless other.

It had taken every once of who I was to begin to find and to love and accept myself just the way I was warts and all. It had taken a strength I did not realize I possessed to stop trying to change simply to please people I barely knew in order to be accepted here on Lit. I chosen to remain here in my sanctuary of choice despite the fact that I did not truly fit.

"But what brings you here...now. As I made my offer long ago..."

This woman would require total honesty, could I open myself up again; she was right many in her circle did not care for me, some of whom were newly returned to Lit. Life in the real world had become stressful and I had used that as an excuse perhaps to withdraw from Lit and by default this moment

My eyes held hers as I spoke my voice soft yet firm. I might look ethereal but I had a back bone of pure steel that I simply did not reveal to many.

“Mmmmm, how to begin there is so much which could be said...

Rider and I took such a long time to build our friendship and cultivate our love, mostly off Lit so as not to hurt a special member of your pack. I was there for him and he for me when so many deserted us both, our love was inevitable I think. It has always pained me that his friends would in all probability never be mine, that most never took the time to even know who I really was. I even gave him his own thread so that he could entertain them if he wished separate from us. I would never have him choose and so I simply endured what was. So many times I have wished to be by his side when he visited you. It saddened me when his visits became less and less and his room was left to gather dust. I knew in my heart this was subconsciously because of me.”

Unconsciously I picked up one of her small hands in my own my voice becoming earnest.

“As you became more accepting of me I could feel him relax and watched with a smile on my face as once again he freely had fun with you in the lounges, it warmed my heart, it brought me joy. I so want my dark angel happy I truly do, I would deny him nothing.”

My voice dropped lower and trailed off as I sought to explain my hesitance in visiting even though finally I had been invited. I had become a bit of a recluse in my real world and unfortunately on Lit also, first steps are always difficult , no excuse really but...

My eyes turned sad as I spoke again…

“ I was afraid I guess of crossing over into a world where so many do not care for me, yet something deep inside called out to me, I had to come … I ….I read your post in your Den by accident I do not usually poke my nose in there. I..your pain was so real I could feel it as if it were my own , the words resonated as if I had written them myself...I understood so deeply what you were saying.

I am not of your pack but because of my Rider you have always been family to me....

I knew in that instance that it was time, that I had to come and damn the consequences. I had to be a woman of courage, I needed to get to know you finally.”

I lowered my eyes wondering what an earth she would make of my words. I could feel my heart beating out of my chest and when I realized that I was holding her hand I dropped it as if burned my eyes flying to hers again.

Oh Lord how I wished I didn't blush so much...

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

I hear a strength most don't when they think of silly little yee-she. The flighty, flirty girl who cherishes a false love instead of getting a real one. The woman who tries to arrange everyone's life to her own personal satisfaction.

Or so that is what I heard, that is what I thought I saw For long days, that is all I ever thought, if I allowed myself to think of her at all. Because she had hurt one of my own...and then caused another of my own to pull away from the world and fall into something else. Something I would never see as healthy. Or right.

Her voice was strong, her eyes glancing into my own with a forthrightness I could hardly credit. No wonder friend Rider adored her so, if that was the strength and side of her that he had gotten to know.

"I did not stop being his friend, rather I turned more to soothe the ache of my own little lost love...and that meant letting a friendship lie fallow while I tended to her. I am an Alpha female. I do not try to be. I am."

A shrug as I hear more of her words, filing them away, letting them fill me up with her rhythms.

"In other words, you did not want to intrude. I do understand. For the most part, those I considered pack are no longer MINE. They are long gone from here and from me. My sweet red one had a real life, with VERY real issues, that no amount of make believe could fix. As for the other one who had made speaking to you a thing I could not do? She is also long gone...doing who knows what, who knows where, with who knows who..."

A slight smile, a light shrug, honey brown eyes filling with tears that were dashed away one handed.

"The second one proved that I could not trust her word. After THAT? I knew that what I believed was NOT true and I had to fix it. BUT how to fix it when I never really spoke to you? That was more difficult. I watched and waited and read and thought and dropped off gifts.

Not because you terrify me...but because I allowed my love and care to blind me to a reality concerning you and yours. And I had to make amends. Something I am not good at."

She had dropped my hand and I smiled as I saw the blush rise upon her cheeks. I reached for her slender fingers, entwined them with my own and spoke once more.

"For the first bit, I ask no forgiveness. I am an Alpha and she was MINE to protect. If that meant allowing others to wait for me while I cared for her, so be it. For the second, I offer my humblest apologies. You were always very sweet to me and mine, even when you felt we did not care for you. You deserve an apology for my abruptness..."

Empty hand reaches for her hair, fingers stroking the locks lightly...softly, before twisting a handful...and pulling her close enough to place a soft kiss upon cupid's bow lips.

"I hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive me my trespasses and allow me to know you in the same way I know your Rider. He is my friend. A true one, a real one. And it pleases me that you make him happy..."

 

[yeishia]

Once again I listened intently to her heartfelt words, my head tilting as I pondered who the second person she eluded to might be, it was not whom I had been thinking about of that I was very sure; nor was Luna the one I was thought of as having abandoned my dark angel.

That didn’t really matter now, one could not undo the past I knew that more than most; nothing mattered beyond today, this single unexpected moment.


Moving forwards

New beginnings…

She would find out who I was first hand.

For better or for worst in sickness and in health that I was dependable, that I never abandoned the ones I cared for...EVER!

Tears quickly dashed to one side…

My tender heart melted as this expressive woman, this true Alpha, continued to speak words I had never even hoped to hear. I knew that such admissions didn’t come easily, I understood and treasured her every word as if they were precious jewels.

No apology was necessary, not now, not ever...

I would have placed a finger to her lips but she had gathered my trembling hands in hers and held them captive.

Fingers stoking my wavy hair, heart beat slowing, pure unadulterated bliss filling the places where before there had been anxiety.

Amends?

Not necessary, this single moment was enough for me.

Breath caught in mid inhalation as a handful of my tawny tresses were caught and twisted as she brought my face closer, her exquisite lips unexpectedly touching mine.

Feather soft, flesh against flesh, toes curling in delight.

My candid eyes smiled into hers before they fluttered closed, my senses heightening into vivid awareness as time stood still for but a single instance.

As her lips left mine I fell into her welcoming arms and hugged her close tears of happiness falling from hazel eyes now turned the deepest of emerald.

I hadn’t spoken, words had simply not been needed...

They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul and I had offered her a glimpse into who I truly was this day. I had thrown the shutters wide open to allow her access if she so wished...on more levels than she might ever truly know.

It had not been easy but I had done it!

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

I hug her to me, pulling her into my lap, holding her.

She is such a tiny thing and so bereft sometimes that I think it a wonder she has not flown apart before now.

I had started this dance with the hope that I could know a tiny bit of what my friend sees in her. I had started this quest for knowledge with a few people, in just this way. Because in my small world, they matter.

For yee-she, it was Rider.
For others it was my twin...
and in one particular case, it was for myself.
My wrong-headedness.

My fingers stroke the locks that lay upon her cheeks and allow myself to relax, fully.

Her heart beats in tandem with my own and for this space in time, it is more than enough. The rest I will learn as we travel the roads of friendship. The rest I will learn whenever she allows me to delve into her mind and see what ticks there, like Rider has.

The rest I will learn.

"Thank you for coming, yee-she and for opening up...for just this little while. I appreciate it and you, immensely...you are welcome here. Just like him, you are always welcome here.

My home will never be closed to you."

Another light kiss, lips brushing her forehead with infinite tenderness.

"Now, off with you pretty girl...as I have writing owed and a new thread to start..."

A wicked smile, honey brown eyes gleaming...

"unless you want to stay here in my lap while I attempt to type, however I must warn you...I tend to get distracted by pretty girls...and nothing gets finished..."

 

[yeishia]

As she cradled me in her arms I too relaxed, content to memorize the plains of her unique face so that I would not forget a single feature even if I were to lose my sight. Our hearts beating as one in the silent room made this orphan think longingly of belonging…

Her home would never be closed to me, my heart sang as I digested her words, they rang of truth and sincerity.

I slipped from her lap to kneel at her feet my head resting across the lap I had just vacated, throat totally exposed, before I took one hand and pressed it fervently to my lips head bowed. The significance of these simple acts I knew would not go unnoticed; it was simply how things should be between us...it felt right!

These were my parting gifts to her, my love, and my complete and utter trust!

With no real effort I flowed upwards to my feet head still bowed before lifting my face to smile shyly... my happy eyes finding hers once more.

I blushed once again at the wicked smile found in her sparkling eyes. To my surprise I found myself very much wanting to stay and be damned the consequences, yet I knew right now I needed time alone to process everything, to file away the small treasures I had been afforded while in her strong arms, to speak of this with my dark angel…

Could I ? I wondered blushing more as I felt my insides melting, desire causing my lower belly to do flip-flops at very thought...

“Thank you so much Miss Luna, your acceptance of this girl means more than you could ever know, I shall reluctantly leave you to your writing.”

Not able to help myself I leaned forwards and kissed her luscious lips mere seconds before I whispered “Que Sera Sera,” and was transported back to Solliquiuim.

A single blood red rose floated down to take the place I had vacated upon her lap.

Not a single thorn adorned its slender stem.

The gift of more would be hers to give if she choose…

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

She had knelt to me.

Her beautiful head bowed, her eyes down, lips on the back of my hand. This thing...between us...had become almost tangible in a way that I could see, hear, sense.

A silver line, from her heart to my own. The first strands of friendship, of trust. I would endeavor to make her not regret it.

Her simple statement of thanks makes me smile...just as the blush I see as she thinks on what I offer, if she ever decides to try it.

I am NOT always so gentle.

I am not always so sweet.

She knows that, if only in passing.

I watch her, the smile never leaving my face and when she fades, as she so inevitibly does, my fingertips find the thornless rose she leaves behind. I rise from my seat and place the bloom in a clear crystal cut vase.

Her lips had held promise.

Soon, I shall have to draw her in and see where it goes. Soon.

WIth another smile, I turn my hand to the writing that hadn't been accomplished in our twilit time together.

I will find her again, or she shall find me...and for now...that is more than enough.

The sounds of typing fill my abode.

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

A gift from a yee-she...

I frame it and hang it next to the picture from a Lady.