The Outlook

[Luna_Wolf72]

Returning to her side, I drop down, curling my wet body around the slender form she wears when she is trying to fit in

"It has been too long, Linden. Are you well?"

 

[Katiesub]

She looks down to the base of the rock and answers softly. "It has indeed been too long, Miss. I need to transplant to near your cabin, I think. I've been too long in my sister Ash, too long taking on her brittleness."

"My branches are hanging limp lately. It will pass, but at the moment, my roots are shallow while the blues are deep."

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

Pulling her into my lap, takes but a moment. Arranging her so that my muscular places and bony hollows do not cause harm takes only a few moments more. My voice is deep, resonant. Alto, through and through, verging toward a sweet husky tenor. The notes of the wolf.

"Ah, sweetness, we shall find you a better home then. One that moves and bends but is not weak nor brittle."

A quirk of one dark eyebrow...

"I often think of you as a willow. Alas, deep in my wood there is no stream. No willow to shelter you in her embrace. No worries, we will find something."

I snuggle her then, fingers moving up to twine in the length of her hair...and tug...once, twice, again.

 

[Katiesub]

She snuggles deeper into the comforting arms, surprised but loving the rumbly voice resonating within the wolf's chest.

"We lindens are not quite so limber as the willow, but nearly so. Our roots can find water deeper, though, so are more adaptable, even to your woods. There are many springs there, just below but not breaking the surface, that the trees drink deeply of."

"How have you been?" Looking up, she notices the beautiful wolf/woman seems a bit worn around the edges today. "Are you well? Would the shade of my tree give you some comfort, like your arms are a comfort to me?"

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

My voice is quiet, almost a whisper against the rising breezes the sea inspires. I laugh, just a bit before answering her query.

"In the Real world, things have happened that have caused a lack of faith in most of mankind. I am very thankful I am wolf and not really so human."

Silence.

"No matter. I am tired and abused, but not broken. I am wolf kin. I am stronger than most would think."

I snuggle her then and allow the quiet to grow, my eyes focusing on my wolf as he runs in and out of the waves...

 

[Katiesub]

Me lies quietly until other responsibilities call too loudly to ignore.

"I'd prefer to stay here with you, but ... I can't stay longer, Miss. Before I leave -- may I transplant my linden somewhere in your woods ... close but not crowding your cabin?"

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

I hear her quiet words and release her.

"Yes, dear one. Please move your home closer to the clearing. I want your comfort. I shall see you very soon?"

 

[Katiesub]

Quietly gliding away, she nods in reassurance. "I'll be closer ... and awake more often in my own tree. Thank you."

Blowing a kiss, she slips into the fringe of trees and disappears.

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

Silent footsteps lead me back to the Outlook. I have an idea to work on, a post due. So I need the quietude here. I need the waves. They soothe me. Help me to focus. Ideas flit through my brain. Focus, Luna.

 

[Veroe]

I haven't been to the outlook in a while. But I miss the breathtaking view, the smell of the sea in the breeze, and the warmth of the sand between my toes. I sit on the beach a bottle of beer in hand and soaks in the beauty of this place.

 

[The_gladiator]

It was the place that initially drew him to this board. The peace of the sea, the tranquility of the waves. He had spent many a day and night here, with friends, in Kate's arms, teasing Thyri, where he had it out with Avellan.

A slight smile comes to his lips at all the memories, some most good, some bittersweet. Life circumstances and life choices have kept him away from this place for a while... what had it been at least a month now? probably more? Did any here still remember him? He suspected some did at least. He had been contacted by at least one, prompting this return. He realized he had left many friends hanging, and so thought it was time to return, at least for a visit.

He walked the beach, the sand squishing up through his bare toes as he walked the water's edge. He carried his shoes so he could feel this connection with the earth as he walked.

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

From the distant space, in the woods, a well missed friend drags me from my home to the Outlook. I see him there. Tall, strong, silent, barefoot. Glad. The warrior. I shift from four foot form to two small feet and silently make my way to his side. One small hand touches his shoulder, bringing him from his reverie.

"Hello handsome. So glad to see you."

 

[The_gladiator]

From the distant space, in the woods, a well missed friend drags me from my home to the Outlook. I see him there. Tall, strong, silent, barefoot. Glad. The warrior. I shift from four foot form to two small feet and silently make my way to his side. One small hand touches his shoulder, bringing him from his reverie.

"Hello handsome. So glad to see you."

a soft touch on his shoulder brings the elf out of his own thoughts. A slow smile covers his face as his green eyes meet hers and he opens his arms to one of the friends he has missed. "Luna." he says one word echoing her utterance of his name but that name full of warmth for a friend.

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

I embrace him, my small body pressed tightly to his taller form. He feels different. More care worn. I worry for him, about him. I know that I very rarely say it...after all, I have my own worries, my own fears...but glad? He seems so different. Less here, more pieces of his eternal self...just gone.

Strong hands sweep upward, over the pale expanse of his back.

"You ok?"

Voice is low, husky, soft. Just that edge of tiredness that all sick pups have when their bodies have had enough of running and just want to drop. Golden brown eyes focus up at green, mouth turned down into a small frown.

 

[The_gladiator]

I embrace him, my small body pressed tightly to his taller form. He feels different. More care worn. I worry for him, about him. I know that I very rarely say it...after all, I have my own worries, my own fears...but glad? He seems so different. Less here, more pieces of his eternal self...just gone.

Strong hands sweep upward, over the pale expanse of his back.

"You ok?"

Voice is low, husky, soft. Just that edge of tiredness that all sick pups have when their bodies have had enough of running and just want to drop. Golden brown eyes focus up at green, mouth turned down into a small frown.

Head nods slowly. "I am pretty well, better than I was before I left in fact. been busy been different. I find it sad now because this place doesn't really feel like home anymore, that saddens me. It seems so often that when we gain something we lose other things.. life sometimes doesn't seem fair, you know?" He holds her close hands stroking over her back pressing the familiar shape close. "I've been so out of touch that I missed one of my best friends birthday last wednesday, she said it was fine, but I feel so guilty... how could I abandon everyone like that? even if I did get busy in the rw and rapped up with other things, people like you and thyri have been there for me when I had no one else, how could I just leave and not even know it was her birthday?"

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

I tug his hand, pulling him to a seat in the sand, next to me.

"The Blessing does not worry about what can not be changed. She worries about what will change. You missing her birthday? A small thing. You being away without a word? That is a big thing. You shouldn't beat yourself up over missing her birthday. I missed it too...and felt like shit once I realized that I had. But the Real World always takes precedence. It does for you and for me and for the Blessing...as it should."

I glance over at him, taking in his profile. Very handsome. Very noble. Very sweet.

"And I do understand about places no longer feeling like home. Most lounge threads no longer feel like home to me. Even my Den stopped feeling like home for reasons I won't go into. Things change, even fantasy land. And that is as it should be. Humans and elven kin change, even when they don't mean to."

A shrug.

"It is what is. So what is new with you, my friend? How has the real world been treating you?"

 

[The_gladiator]

I tug his hand, pulling him to a seat in the sand, next to me.

"The Blessing does not worry about what can not be changed. She worries about what will change. You missing her birthday? A small thing. You being away without a word? That is a big thing. You shouldn't beat yourself up over missing her birthday. I missed it too...and felt like shit once I realized that I had. But the Real World always takes precedence. It does for you and for me and for the Blessing...as it should."

I glance over at him, taking in his profile. Very handsome. Very noble. Very sweet.

"And I do understand about places no longer feeling like home. Most lounge threads no longer feel like home to me. Even my Den stopped feeling like home for reasons I won't go into. Things change, even fantasy land. And that is as it should be. Humans and elven kin change, even when they don't mean to."

A shrug.

"It is what is. So what is new with you, my friend? How has the real world been treating you?"

I nod slowly at her words, wondering if she has spoken to Luna about me. Figuring yes, but also the wolf has amazing intuition as well. he bows his head, "You are right. I should have contacted her more, I do feel bad for that..."

nodding at her next words as he sits beside her, "I meant lit in general not feeling like home, but yes I know what you mean."

He seems to ponder his response to her next question, "I got 2 a's for my summer classes. they were pretty intense, and I start again on the 29th. I have been spending time with friends, two of the closest of which are going away for PHD programs, so I won't get to see them. it makes me sad for my circle of close friends is not that extensive, so to lose them to the demands of the rw stings a little. Fortunately we are the type of friends that we can go months without seeing one another and pick up like no time had passed when we do see each other, so that makes things a little easier. True friendship stands the test of time I guess." He takes a deep breath, "I have started the task of dating again. i've had some bad and some good experiences. Its harder than I expected it to be. I for so long loved one that it feels weird not to have one love to turn to, but I can't move too fast I can't let myself get too attached to anyone too quickly, I know I fall hard and fast, and I don't want to do that again, it rarely goes well when I do in the end..." He shrugs.... as I said whenever I take a step forward in one direction I feel I take a step back in other directions, but overall I am growing, trying to change, keep healing, adapting."

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

His words cheer me and make me sad. Poor glad. Always evolving, even when he doesn't really WANT to. I am the same way. I relish change and fight against it, all the time, all at once. Every day.

"I am sure that Blessing gets it...and when she sees that you have been here...she will be thrilled. She is awesome at forgiving and understanding things...and even better at friendship than most...even here in fantasy land. I am so proud that she considers me a friend...and you are too, I can tell. Really, that is all we have to hold us here. Those few rare instances of people who hold on and won't let us go...even when they should.

Blessing is one of those rare few, for me. You are one of those, as well. I don't interact with men very often or for very long. The few that I do reach out for? They prove whether or not they are worthy by their actions. The one's that are? I keep. The others? I forget. Time and again, you have shown yourself to be a good man, a good friend. I like that. So, I like you."

Silence. For just a moment. My head drifts towards his shoulder and finally, I rest it there...

"And your life sounds mega busy, which is good. My own has been just as intense between my Real Life Daddi, my kids, my job and the trials of dealing with Bi-polar mood swings. It is what is. I am glad though that you are dating again. Holding a piece back for yourself. Is the smart thing to do. Giving your all, all at once...can get your heart broken. Even if the person breaking it doesn't know the depth of it."

 

[The_gladiator]

His words cheer me and make me sad. Poor glad. Always evolving, even when he doesn't really WANT to. I am the same way. I relish change and fight against it, all the time, all at once. Every day.

"I am sure that Blessing gets it...and when she sees that you have been here...she will be thrilled. She is awesome at forgiving and understanding things...and even better at friendship than most...even here in fantasy land. I am so proud that she considers me a friend...and you are too, I can tell. Really, that is all we have to hold us here. Those few rare instances of people who hold on and won't let us go...even when they should.

Blessing is one of those rare few, for me. You are one of those, as well. I don't interact with men very often or for very long. The few that I do reach out for? They prove whether or not they are worthy by their actions. The one's that are? I keep. The others? I forget. Time and again, you have shown yourself to be a good man, a good friend. I like that. So, I like you."

Silence. For just a moment. My head drifts towards his shoulder and finally, I rest it there...

"And your life sounds mega busy, which is good. My own has been just as intense between my Real Life Daddi, my kids, my job and the trials of dealing with Bi-polar mood swings. It is what is. I am glad though that you are dating again. Holding a piece back for yourself. Is the smart thing to do. Giving your all, all at once...can get your heart broken. Even if the person breaking it doesn't know the depth of it."

a slender fingered hand comes up to stroke through her hair holding her close as tears shimmer in green eyes at her kind words. "Thank you Luna.... that....means a lot to me that you think so highly of me shocks me and makes me feel wonderful at the same time." his voice catches a little and thinks of looking away but refuses to, he won't hide honest emotion from this friend this strong wise soul who has helped support him through some of the darkest days he can remember. "Thank you." he whispers again. "Life is busy, sometimes it feels like we don't have time to even catch our breaths before we are thrown back into the current, you know?"

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

a slender fingered hand comes up to stroke through her hair holding her close as tears shimmer in green eyes at her kind words. "Thank you Luna.... that....means a lot to me that you think so highly of me shocks me and makes me feel wonderful at the same time." his voice catches a little and thinks of looking away but refuses to, he won't hide honest emotion from this friend this strong wise soul who has helped support him through some of the darkest days he can remember. "Thank you." he whispers again. "Life is busy, sometimes it feels like we don't have time to even catch our breaths before we are thrown back into the current, you know?"

One small hand rises, capturing the clear crystal wetness that courses from one emerald eye.

"Life does what it does. So do people. Those of us who have been betrayed or felt like the world doesn't get us and never will? We accept that perfection isn't attainable and try to surround ourselves with those who honor truth...a little more than most. Even some of those that I dislike deserve a measure of respect...if they are truthful.

And the current rages, pulls us under. Tugs at us. Breaks us~ sometimes. But if we are strong? if we are wise? There is always a hand out...a shore...some place that will get us away from the raging waters. I can count on two hands those here in fantasy land who have been my hand up out of the raging, swirling abyss. And that is far more than most people ever get.

I have been lucky. So have you. We should be thankful for that, you know?"

Head raises and full lips brush one high cheek bone.

"You make my heart happy. I love to see you, talk to you. You remind me of why I like men who can be soft, who can give up control. That is a rare thing...even more rare these days, than before."

 

[The_gladiator]

He nods at her words feeling her fingers capture the tears. and covers her hand with his own holding it to his face for a moment.

"I try not to be too soft," he says with a shrug, "But I am coming to learn I can't change who I am, aad maybe that's not always a bad thing, maybe I'm a good person just the way I am, and people like you and Thyri, and my other close friends appreciate me for who I am. I am eternally greatful for your friendship, for the hands that help keep me afloat in the raging rivers."

a slight smile, "It can't be that rare a trait, can it?"

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

I grin at his soft words, his large hand engulfing my own.

"Your softness...is. I relish that, as much as I relish the few men who can put me on my back and make me take it. And no, it isn't a rare trait. Only my appreciation of it has diminished, due to things beyond my control. The fact that I still see YOU as someone who can protect as well as someone who can use protection? That makes you valuable to me. "

My own eyes drip wetness...I hadn't thought I would ever say this out loud...

"Only one other ever inspired that in me...and he broke me. Without ever trying really...or even acknowledging that he had done so."

I shrug, a throw away movement to mask my own hurt.

"I gave up then...I mostly still have...so when I get to spend ANY time in your presence? It makes me think of happier things. It makes me remember WHY I relish that sort of softness...and what I gave up when I no longer wanted to be hurt by it."

A stifled laugh, one that catches on a sad sigh

"Enough. We are too maudlin by far. Anyway, I have a haven now. I am extending an invite to you. Very few men get one...but you are special. If ever you need a place to sit and think...as long as I am on line...you may come there. The rules are posted...so that my Haven doesn't end up like my Den...but please come whenever you've a mind to."

 

[The_gladiator]

he is humbled by her words by her honesty. He holds her close fingers wiping her own wetness away lips lowering to brush her forehead, just as she did for him the last time she held him. He too chuckles, "Yes we are a bit depressing huh? But..." and here his hand turns her face gently gazing into her eyes, "I am glad we shared this moment my friend, glad that level of trust still exists between us. I thought I had lost your friendship long ago, and to learn I have not... is wonderful to me... Thank you." he says softly before he lets his hand slip down from her face to rest again in his own lap the other still rubbing circles on her back. "Where is this haven? I didn't see a link to it in your siggy?" he asks softly.

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

Smiles up into emerald eyes...

"I am gladdened as well...and look."

A small portal opens...showing just a hint of the woods that surround my Haven.

"That is the entrance to my new home. It very rarely gets used. Not like the Den. But I am much happier this way."

a small yawn...

"I need to sleep. AM sick and my daddi will come back and yell if I am not in bed when she returns...come find me, soon?"

 

[The_gladiator]

Smiles up into emerald eyes...

"I am gladdened as well...and look."

A small portal opens...showing just a hint of the woods that surround my Haven.

"That is the entrance to my new home. It very rarely gets used. Not like the Den. But I am much happier this way."

a small yawn...

"I need to sleep. AM sick and my daddi will come back and yell if I am not in bed when she returns...come find me, soon?"

a tight hug for the wolven one. "You sleep dear one, and feel better soon sweet Luna, I will come visit you soon, I promise." he says softly, knowing she can count on that for even in fantasy realm the elf doesn't make promises he can't keep. He rises slowly offering her a hand up before he turns and departs for the real world for a time.