Mutual Salvation (Closed)

[Asa]

I can not ride on your back I could run with you...

She laughed a little at his offer for her to ride on his back. She could not imagine doing that. She knelt down to look into his eyes...

Tell me this plan and good luck trying to hide anything from the moon.

With that she kissed his muzzle and waited for their answer.

 

[degrepski]

The wolf growled, though not in a threatening manner.

I will be plenty enough to support you, he said.

He seemed to grow in size, reaching that height between the man and beast.

Trust me, Moon Child, it pleaded. We want to show you something and you cannot run as fast as us.

 

[Asa]

She bit her lip and moved to sit on his back unsure of this but held tight to him as she did.

Okay what do you want to show me?

She felt strangely calm being that close to him her eyes closing as she relaxed waiting to see what they wanted to show her.

 

[degrepski]

To some, it might have been comical to see a grown woman on a wolf's back. But it was a matter of perspective. When you looked at them, and realized how small the woman seemed to appear on the back of the wolf, you realized just how big the wolf had to be to carry her.

Hold fast, the wolf told Kalina. You will enjoy this, I think.

With that, the wolf took off. Faster than the wind, it practically flew over the hills and valleys. The wind blew in their faces, caressed their cheeks, and made hair and fur fly.

The wolf had what almost seemed a satisfied grin as it loped of hill and dale, through forest and glen. Inside, Connor delighted, still getting used to his new found camaraderie with the beast inside.

Look up! the wolf called. Look up, Moon Child! Feel the world challenging you as you fly as freely as the Moon!

For indeed, to anyone else witnessing this spectacle, it was as if Kalina was riding on an incredibly fast cloud, zig-zagging across the landscape.

And the moon, so high overhead, rose in front of them, as if it were their destination to run to the moon.

 

[Asa]

Her eyes closed her head tossed back the winds whipping around them as she smiled. Her hair blowing out behind her as she held onto his neck and fur. Slowly her eyes opening seeing the moon she smiled it felt like home as she rode on his back under the moon.

She took a deep breath wondering where they were running to or if the run itself was the "destination" It was all wonderful no matter what they were doing just that it was them together. Her eyes falling closed once more in perfect calm and peace.

 

[degrepski]

The wolf finally came to a stop beside a worn down mountain. Once part of a great range, this tiny, rocky hill couldn't have been taller than two of the Vilki's tents. Still, despite it's small stature, it loomed with the weight of what it had been before.

The wolf signaled for Kalina to dismount and returned to "normal" wolf size. He padded his way to a small opening in the side.

This, Moon Child, is the first resting, the place where I and the man-pup's ancestor's first created the compact, he said. Every year, we return to this spot, and this spot alone, to renew the compact with the entire tribe.

He looked up at Kalina with moon filled eyes. But the Vilki are not the only ones to have made compacts. Winter that year was harsh and wild, and many other tribes made compact with the beasts of the world.

The Wolf paused to bite at a rather urgent itch on his flank. When he was done, he returned attention to the woman. As the moon waxed and waned, the Vilki encountered these other tribes. The Miej, Filut, and other small tribes made compact with bear, fox, and others.

The wolf bowed his head. These are the allies we shall call upon. For a threat to the Vilki is a threat to all who live under the compact. With such friends as these, why should we fear?

 

[Asa]

None have been able to kill him. They say he can't die.

She looked deep into the wolfs moon filled eyes looking through to see both of them. Grizwold... He strives to find people willing to sway to aid him in his conquest... WIll the elder give in to him?

She bit her lip that was her biggest fear.

 

[degrepski]

The wolf shook out his fur, and thought in silence.

He is a member of the pack, he said simply. He would sooner betray his arms than he would the tribe. And the wolf that is in him is also loyal. He could not fight against him, should he try.

Connor scoffed in the wolf's head. Loud enough for Kalina to hear.

Either way, Connor said. No one of the Vilki would side with him. We're a stubborn people, in case you couldn't tell.

Connor gave the mental equivalent of a wink.

 

[Asa]

NO... could not tell at all...

She laughed.

You hide that trait well. Just you both know he scares me and I am sure he knows it. Grannook does not seem to be able to die... I know that can not be but...

She shook her head.

He and his men have battled many yet their numbers and their leader seem to remain the same. How is this possible? And how can you stop something like that...

 

[degrepski]

The wolf rose.

There is a saying among wolves, he said. No deer was ever hunted that was caught when the hunter feared. If we do nothing, then we have already lost.

He looked over his shoulder, his ears perked, nose twitching.

Come, he said, insistently. We must return, swiftly!

He returned to the size of a small horse, and knelt for Kalina to mount him.

Hurry, Moon Child! It is not safe!

 

[Asa]

She did not argue simply getting onto his back again she nodded unsure of what the wolf sensed but did not wish to argue the point as she awaited him to begin running.

What do you sense?

SHe held on tight but not tight enough to hurt him as they ran.

 

[degrepski]

It smelled like the soldier from the woods! the wolf said, bounding away. No one knows how to find that place, unless they're looking for it.

They ran as fast as they could back toward the camp site.

I just hope they haven't found the main camp.

 

[Asa]

The wind picked up with her fears raging and roaring around them pushing them faster as they ran. If they found them it was all her fault Perhaps Griswold was right in them sending her away. Was it too late now?

 

[degrepski]

They broke through the woods and back into the clearing. What they saw was frightening.

Soldiers. Covering the plains. Their twisted metal shapes and their bloodlust apparent to the wolf's nose.

It seemed hopeless. There was no way just the Vilki could fight off so many, or even survive.

No. Look! Connor called.

Indeed, the Vilki were fighting. Several warriors had already fallen, but the strength of the pack kept them from breaking. Behind them, the women and children were breaking off, disappearing back into the woods with what warriors could safely break free to protect them.

We must catch up with them, the wolf said. We must make sure they are led away from any more forces. Moon Child! Do you think you can lend your aid? It may be the only way to keep the Vilki from falling! Just concentrate as much of the moon as you can and they'll feel it.

 

[Asa]

She was already in action her eyes were glowing with the moon itself it seemed. The winds around them all seeming to grow and rage blowing the unwelcome ones back off their balance. Her anger that the vermin had found this place boiled deep and violent and the night winds and skies mirrored ever degree of her rage.

All she said is Howl to them... Bring that vermin's attention to me and away from the others.

 

[degrepski]

He howled. A howl to shake the moon itself. A howl of challenge, of triumph. A howl to wake the dead.

It struck fear into the heart of the soldiers, as the Vilki transformed before their eyes, becoming their worst nightmares realized.

The Vilki fought with ferocity, tearing through the soldiers. As men, they were stronger than five of Grannook's men. As beasts, as wolves of the Vilki, they had the strength of twenty.

Many soldiers in the army started to break off, retreat away from the creatures out of song.

The women and children heard the call, knew they were fleeing the wrong way. They changed course to join Connor and Kalina, their white wolf and their moon child.

 

[Asa]

She stood there pointing to one of Connors people and then to one of Grannooks men...

Bring him before me.


Her eyes were glowing she was pulling more than she ever had before and it was taxing her as she was trembling standing there. The soldier was flung at her feet as she stood there staring down at him.

Vermin where is your master... Where is the Coward who sends you fools to your death but dares not attack by your sides. Where is he?

 

[degrepski]

The soldier quivered, unsure whether to speak. A growl from the wolf let him know he better talk.

"East!" he cried in fear. "He travels east, taking the full force of his men. We were just the peacekeepers..."

Then, he looked quizzically at her. "Kalina?" he asked. "Is that you?"

 

[Asa]

Her own growl this time.

How do you know who I am?

Anger and that strange uncharacteristic command was starting to crack at this soldier knowing her name.

 

[degrepski]

"Kalina!" the soldier declared, removing his helmet. "It's me! From your village! Don't you recognize me?"

He had curly brown hair and a square-ish face. He had the markings from her village, and seemed familiar.

Moon Child, the wolf growled. Do you know this man, or should I tear out his throat?

 

[Asa]

If you are who you say you are... Why are you helping that Monster... why are you attacking these people? Tell me now!

The markings she knew but that did not mean that Grannook had not brainwashed them into more of his minions which means they would be better off dead.

 

[degrepski]

"We had no choice!" the man pleaded. "It was either that or be killed, especially after you left. We had to survive. Under that demon's terror, we had to do what we could to survive. We're not strong, like you! Or these...these monsters you've allied yourself with."

He fell on his face before her. "Please, show us mercy."

 

[Asa]

All of you attack me and leave me for dead because I refusedthst monster an now you have the gall to ask for mercy. My sway with the moon did not scare them but help them....

Winds raging around them hiding the moon behind the clouds. Her rage as well as the power she was pulling to help them she began shaking. Pain rage energy it was all starting to overwhelm her mind and body.

 

[degrepski]

The wolf growled.

Shall I kill him, Moon Child? it asked.

No, wait! Connor called out. If we kill him now, then anyone else trapped in the army will continue to fight instead of laying down their weapons. If we spare him, have him spread word about our mercy...

You would take a coward into our tribe? growled the wolf.

No! Never! Connor argued. But the more men we get to lay down their arms without a fight, the more of Grannook's army is swept away!

The wolf pondered this. It's your choice, Moon Child. We either kill the betrayers or we spare them. Personally, I think they should all have their throats ripped out for attacking kith and kin.

 

[Asa]

Her voice roared...

All of you beat and left me for dead but now your fate is in MY hands... Leave these lands leave that monster to his fate and NEVER return and I may ask those you fight now... MY people My new home to spare you but I would advise you RUN NOW...

The power she was pulling was overwhelming her and fueling the more rage driven warriors nearer still to frenzy as her eyes sought out the one who had healed her... needing help once more.