Mutual Salvation (Closed)

[degrepski]

The little man ran, stinking of fear. The wolf couldn't help grinning.

You are becoming accustomed to your power, Moon Child, it said approvingly.

Connor was silent. Yes, he said. Just...don't let it go to your head, ok?

The wolf stretched, Kalina lurching on his back. Well, I believe our work here is done. We need to get to the elders and warn them that our allies may already be under attack.

 

[Asa]

She was not getting accustomed to so much power attaching itself to her rage and emotion as she felt like her mind and body were on fire she was shaking and she could not shut it off... She could not calm at all.

Zsaman... She was trying to call for their healer as everything was beginning to spin violently around her to her.

 

[degrepski]

The wolf caught Nadya as she collapsed onto him, and made his way quickly and carefully to the Szaman.

She awoke to the swaying motion of a horse drawn cart, Connor looking down on her with concern and relief.

"Hey, easy, now," he said. "How're you feeling?"

 

[Asa]

She opened her eyes slowly looking to Connor and smiled weakly.

Alright I guess... Conno I could not stop the energy... the power was pulling in too much power from the moon and the rage winds... It was all overwhelming... whats going on?

She tried to sit up but that decision was quickly stopped by an old woman Szaman had helping Connor watch over her with a firm hand on her shoulder and caring but determined eyes on her as she shook her head no to Kalina

 

[degrepski]

Connor smiled at the woman, letting her know it was alright. She stepped back with a huff, but acceded to him.

"We're on our way east," he explained to Kalina. "After you collapsed, I took you to the Szaman. While he took care of you, I told the elders what we had found. Even stuffy old Griswold couldn't argue anymore, and agreed that we had to honor our sacred oaths. You've been asleep know for three days."

Stretched out over the land was the Vilki caravan, steadily making it's way towards the now rising sun. "Another two days, and we should reach the first of the allied tribes; The Miej. If Grannooks men ran just from the sight of wolves, I can't wait to see how they react to the bears of the Miej." He chuckled.

 

[Asa]

She smiled to him and tried to move once more to curl closer to him. It was almost instinctual not really a conscious thought just needing to be close to him. She felt so weak... so tired and that scared her a little.

I need to be out under the moonlight Connor...

Her eyes closing for a moment as the weakness seemed to wash through her again.

 

[degrepski]

Connor watched her for a while as she began to drift to sleep. An amazing woman, strong, beautiful, intelligent. She was just so scared...

On impulse, he kissed her forehead, hoping to banish any lingering anxieties.

"She's a good girl," the old woman said. "Strange, but, then, she is foreign."

Connor chuckled softly. "Your right. I can't believe she's wrapped her head around the idea of us being....well, what we are."

The Old woman nodded sagely. "It's a rare woman, indeed, who can look past the faults of a man to the true one beneath." She winked at him. "And that's without the Vilki's gift." She patted Kalina on the head. "I'll get some shut eye myself. It ain't easy taking care of so many wounded. And people think my husband has the hardest job."

Connor smiled. "I'm sure the Szaman appreciates all you do."

"Hmph! He better," she answered gruffly, before falling asleep herself.

The cart rolled on for most of the day, continuing it's journey ever east.

 

[Asa]

By nightfall she was awake again and struggling against the old woman as she wanted to get out of the wagon and into the moonlight. It was the only thing she could think of to beat this weak feeling and regain some of her strength... The old woman on the other had was determined rest and medicinal stew were all that could do it.

 

[degrepski]

Connor had only left to get something for Kalina. He didn't expect a power match in the cart when he got back.

"Ach," he said in confusion and disgust. "Let her go. She needs to get out in the moonlight."

The old woman looked up, a challenge in her eyes. Then she gave a shrug, and stepped aside. "She still has to eat the stew."

Connor nodded. "Of course." He helped Kalina out of the cart.

The moon was continuing it's waning passage, but was still bright and full. The wind was starting to pick up, bitter in it's hint of winter's chill. Connor put a fur coat on her shoulders.

"It's been getting colder," he said. "Figured I'd get you this."

 

[Asa]

She shrugged off the fur coat for now and began to tentatively walk around. She closed her eyes holding her arms out feeling the chill to the air and smiled. Taking in just a little of the power the moon washed over her. She closed her eyes feeling a little better.

So how much further till your bear allies?

Walking back to him she curled into the fur and his embrace with a smile snuggling close as she rest her head against his chest.

 

[degrepski]

Connor chuckled. "My, aren't you the impatient one?" He smiled at her, and held her close. "We're nearing the edge of their lands, but whether they are near the border or further in, we won't know till we get there. It is likely their scouts have spotted us, though. Hopefully we'll be able to convince them of the danger."

His eyes stared off into the distance. "When you first told me about Grannook, I'll admit I wasn't too concerned. No one knew about us, about our secret, we'd done such a good job keeping hidden. Warlords have come and gone in the centuries past, but the Vilki have endured."

He looked down at his hand. "This time, though...I think this time we're going to have a real fight on our hands."

 

[Asa]

Then it is my fault he came to your lands and found all of you... it has to be.

She curled closer against him she would always blame herself for that it was all she could do. She wanted to help protect them all... perhaps it was her fate to live the rest of her life at that monster Grannooks hands. She fell silent as she thought wondering how she would leave the camp without being seen and save all of them.

 

[degrepski]

Connor took her face in his hands. "Hey," he said. "That's not true. Men like Grannook aren't satisfied until they rule over everything. Whether because of land or because he knew we would make good soldiers, he came for us, the Vilki, not you."

He wrapped his arms around her. "And if it wasn't for you, we would have had no warning that he was even coming. If it wasn't for you, we'd have been wiped out without a fight. And, most importantly, who you are gave my people the strength they needed to fight and win."

He kissed her hair. "And that, Kalina, is a good thing."

 

[Asa]

She stared up into his eyes wanting so much to believe that but she was still scared that it was in fact her fault.

I hope you are right Connor... Before Szaman's wive sends him to get us we should get back to the wagon I guess...

Pointing out the two of them by the wagon him stopping her from storming over with a bowl of the healing stew and her about to punch him in the nose.

 

[degrepski]

Connor laughed. "She's a good woman, once you get past her stew fixation."

They walked back to the caravan, arm in arm, as Connor and the Szaman both tried to convince the Szaman's wife that more stew was not required.

"I don't care," she said. "She's too skinny!"

A few days passed as the caravan continued it's journey ever eastward.

 

[Asa]

Days of traveling and only getting short times under the moon she was growing weary of this so when they finally arrived she was relieved. Slipping from the wagon she stretched her arms and legs a little and walked around close to the wagon as she was unable to wander far due Connor and Szaman.

 

[degrepski]

Connor walked over to Kalina. "We should be seeing some sign of them any day, now." He gave her a sideways hug. "Sorry the trip hasn't been too exciting for you."

The moon shined down on them as the tribe made camp. "Still, it's good that we have these moments. War is coming."

 

[Asa]

She is over protective because of my powers... and because of you.

It will be alright and yes I enjoy moments like this though I do miss simply running in the moonlight

She curled against him with a smile her eyes closing feeling the moonlight and hearing his heartbeat. It was all so relaxing and soothing to near forget who they are dealing with and what he is capable of.

 

[degrepski]

Connor folded his arms around Kalina. He looked toward the Szaman, who was busy hustling his wife back to their own cart.

"I have an idea," Connor said suddenly. "Quick, while she's gone." He grabbed up Nadya and ran toward the nearby forest.

The speed of his run had improved greatly with the merger of man and wolf. Kalina seemed light as a feather in his arms. So soft, yet so powerful.

When they got to a clearing and the moon was shining down upon them, he set her down.

"Hey," Connor said, hands raised in mock defense. "She only said you couldn't move around too much. She said nothing about me carrying you!"

 

[Asa]

She laughed and danced around the clearing feeling increasingly better the longer seh was able to draw the power of the moon into her.

This is true... she can't complain and I am sure he will eventually get through to her... probably by the time we are their age but I have hope.

 

[degrepski]

Connor just watched her as she played in the moonlight. It was getting harder to remember that girl he'd found almost dead on the plains. It was getting harder to remember her as that shy, fearful girl who was sure everyone was out to get her. It had only been a week or so, and already she had found a small measure of peace, a clan that would fight for her, and someone who would be forever loyal.

Does she realize that? he wondered. That I am loyal to her, and only her, forevermore?

He just smiled. There were enough questions that this one could slide for the moment.

 

[Asa]

Moving back over to him she smiled. Staring up into his eyes.

What are you thinking Connor?

She snuggled close against him with a smile.

 

[degrepski]

Connor blushed faintly. "I'm thinking I was incredibly lucky that I met you. And I hope you realize that. Every time you talk about how it must be your fault for what my people are going through, I think about the fact that, if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be able to help them at all. And what you did for them when the army attacked..." He smiled. "If it wasn't for you coming to us, the Vilki would be just another lost tribe."

He looked into her eyes, her face so near, yet so far.

Just tilt my head down a little...

 

[Asa]

She smiled to him staring into his eyes seeing him lower his head a little towards her. She closed her eyes and curled closer to him. His words were a comfort to her as she thought on them.

 

[degrepski]

Their lips touched, a delicate kiss backed by the emotions of their shared adventures. Connor's hand reached up and cupped Kalina's cheek and his arm wrapped around her soft body as the kiss deepened.

She was incredible. Tantalizing, innocent, pure. Having been an outcast since he came of age, Connor had never experienced anything like this in his life, and it was starting to become well worth the wait.