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 Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2007 7:12 pm
~~~~~~~~~~
Exactly an hour later, Occam stumbled back into the clearing, his entrance much less graceful than his departure. The neck of a dead deer was clamped between his jaws, and he very awkwardly dragged it with him as he walked. Not only that, but he was limping, and had a nice hoof gash on his left side.
The damn deer had put up a good fight.
Dropping the thing and collapsing beside it, he rolled onto his back and stared at the blue, blue sky, tongue lolling as he caught his breath.
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Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2007 2:58 pm
When Occam pushed his way through the clearing, doe in tow, there were two sets of pricked ears and anxious eyes staring at him. His awkward gait, from both wound and prey, had completely demolished any stealth he once possessed. Any surprise of his return had been lost long ago, the rustling of the surrounding woods quite the dead give away.
Amarii let her gold eyes stare at the prey.
"OCCAM!" She shrieked with giggles, red tassel wagging wildly behind her. His limp and wound had gone unnoticed by the white and red pup, excitement of his successful return taking precedence over anything else. Yes, Ravii occasionally returned with such a bountiful kill but . . . lately. . . luck hadn't been with the cream and violet wolfess.
So to see a feast lain down before her, Amarii couldn't help but squee in excitement. "Is this really for us, is it? Is it?? Momma, look! He came back just like he said he would!" The pale pup beamed up at Ravii, before scampering over to Occam, wildly licking his cheek and face. "I knew you'd come back, I knew it, I knew it, I knew it!" As delighted as she was to have such a feast in front of her, it was obvious she held more pride in the black male because of his promised return.
"Mayrii!! Hurry! Come see! See what Occam brought us!" She called out between licks and nuzzles. Her pink and white spotted sister couldn't possibly sleep through the thought of food!
With a wistful whine, the girl bounded from Occam's face over to the leg of the dead deer. Her ears went back, tail low, and she looked at both adults, begging to chomp in the feast. There was enough to last them days. "Can I . . . eat?"
Ravii was very pleased to see the black and red wolf's return. She was impressed that he'd managed to bring down a deer by himself. Ravii herself had difficult fighting the swift beasts, and with two puppies to care for, she felt more caution while on the hunt. If something happened to her what would become of her children?
The thought was unbearable.
Yes, Ravii had managed to survive all these years on her own. But Mayrii and Amarii? Where would they go? Who would look after them? Would they be as successful as she. . . .? Many a pup died on their own....
Ravii feared her puppies wouldn't be so lucky.
Pulling herself to her paws, Ravii only then noticed his limp. As he dragged himself fully in to the clearing, collapsing on his back, there was a scent of blood that wasn't deer. Oh no, Ravii's nose picked up the differences between wolf and deer. He'd been hurt, and it took but a moments assessing to discover his gash.
Oh no! Instantly her heart skipped a beat.
Ears falling back against her head, the delight and relief that had shone in her blue eyes vanished. Concern and fear now entered as she bridged the space between them in a single bound, food and hunger forgotten. "Occam!" She mimicked her daughters cry, except the joy was now replaced with anxiety. "Your leg..." She began, unsure what to say and feeling her heartstrings twist in fear.
He'd gone out to fetch them breakfast and, though he'd succeeded, it was not without a price. Head lowered, Ravii was practically besides herself with concern. Though Occam had survived the initial blow, there was such a thing as infection and disease. If he didn't keep the gash clean then who knew what would happen?
A soft whine as she reached out at him with her paw. Part of her wanted to apologize but the wolfess could only choke on the words. So instead she did the only thing she knew how to do - settling close beside him, she began to groom some of his fur. It was a motherly twist on a reassuring gesture. Oh, yeah, all right - Occam looked far from panicked but raising two pups had changed the gentle female's outlook on the world.
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Posted: Sun Jun 24, 2007 9:46 am
Chuckling at little Amarii's behavior, he looked at her, the she was a little odd upside down. "Yes, sweets. You may eat. That's why I got it."
His side ached something terrible, but seeing her so happy made the wound seem mundane. The black male was about to say something when Ravii commented on his side, but than he felt the soothing touch of her tongue on his fur and grew quiet, his eyes slipping closed.
That simple touch made everything in the world better. His pain meant nothing. Not when this purple stained, warm hearted female was by his side.
But he wouldn't tell her that. It was too soon. Too soon after that flea bag had left her. Her heart was still broken, and though it seemed to be healing, he didn't think there was any place in it for him.
That knowledge made him ache, but it was an ache her touch wouldn't soothe. But he would take what he could.
Looking over at her, he watched her with his blue eyes, words escaping him. He didn't trust himself to speak anyway. He would more than likely make a fool of himself.
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Posted: Sun Jun 24, 2007 10:35 pm
The cream and violet female groomed the dark furred male, taking delicate pride in her task at hand. She couldn't help but feel awful by the fact he'd been wounded, and all because he'd insisted on feeding them! Was it perhaps the fact she looked so underfed that drove him to the suggestion? Or perhaps was it that he merely felt pity for her foolish mistakes. . . . Whatever the reason, it mattered not. He'd gone and fetched them a feast, only to have himself wounded in the process.
Ravii wasn't often a pessimist, but she couldn't help but imagine the close calls that COULD have happened. His bones could have been crushed, his body mutilated and broken. Occam could have died out there, and all for what? A foolish mother and her hungry puppies?
Blue eyes fell only on the dark wolf before her. He'd been so kind and ever so thoughtful and generous. He'd let her cry all last night, he'd even stood guard. . . .why? Even as a friend, it wasn't his responsibility or place. Even as a friend, he needn't have done anything. . .
But oh how Ravii adored him for it.
Taking pains to make sure his neck and shoulders fur was properly in place, cuddled close but careful of his side, Ravii paused to nuzzle his face. She just couldn't help it. "You could have been killed," she scolded gently, taking a moment to lock her own blue eyes with his own. There was no anger behind her gaze, only concern and fear, her imagination painting pictures stained with blood. "Next time. . . . Oh, just be careful out there!" She practically begged him, voice desperate.
It was obvious that it hurt her to see him hurt and oh how that ever was the truth. He was her friend, he was. . . she could never repay him for his generosity and kindness. "If something were to happen to - " She stopped, face half buried in his neck.
She was mothering and fussing again, wasn't she?
. . . crap. He probably felt smothered and disgusted. Who was she besides a concerned friend to tell him to take care? Pulling her face away, gaze drifting off him and over to the wretched hoof of the deer, Ravii gave an apologetic if sad smile. "I'm sorry. Here I am fussing and I haven't even properly thanked you."
Oh what a fool she was.
The point was to keep her friends, she reminded herself, not terrify them off with maternal smothering and affection.
Amarii was completely oblivious to Occam and Ravii. At the dark wolf's approval to eat, she hesitated not and pounced on the rump of the beast. Sinking her puppy fangs in to the flesh, she tried her hardest to rip and tear at the deer.
. . . it didn't really work.
The most she managed was a mouthful of short fur that tasted of sweat and dirt.
Blech.
Where was the meat!?! Changing positions, she gnawed madly on the hoof of the deer, tugging and pulling, snarling madly at the creature. She'd kill it, she would! Ooooh - just let it try to keep its meat inside! "I'mmagunnaeatcha!" she slurred through bared fangs.
Oh, this was an absolutely glorious morning!
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Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2007 3:25 pm
Occam didn't know what to say. He wanted to laugh, and smile, and tell her that she needn't worry about mothering him. There was no way the thoughts he was having right now had anything to do with his mother. In fact, his mother would probably scold him.
"Ravii . . . It's alright. I wanted to hunt for you. I knew the risks. And because I knew you were back here, waiting for me with little Amarii, and took less risks than I normally would. Because of you, I was more careful."
The black wolf paused, wondering if he should tell her the rest of what tagged on after those words. It took him only moments to decide yes; maybe it would make her see that no matter what, he was here for the long haul. Even if she didn't want him.
"Before you, I wouldn't have been as careful . . . Because, before you . . . I had no reason to eeven be here . . . "
He raised his head, his tongue reaching out in a small lick across her muzzle. Then he rolled to his belly, waiting for her reaction. The look on her face almost made him want to laugh.
Almost.
But his heart was waiting for her to send him away.
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Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 10:48 pm
As Occam began to reassure her conscious, the cream female did her best to relax. She mentally repeated his words, reminder herself that he HAD known the risks and he HAD been extra careful. The gash in his side could have been a lot worse. He was lucky the deer hadn't kicked in his skull or broken through bone. . . .
Just the thought of a trampled Occam made her shudder.
Ravii didn't like those thoughts - not in the least!
Blue eyes drifted up to capture the orbs on the heart-stained male before her. She studied him with a reserved regard, the initial panic beginning to fade and transform in to a more gentle form of concern. The fear was settling - yes he WAS going to be ok - but Ravii wasn't entirely convinced.
What if next time he wasn't so lucky?
. . . . . but, she remembered, it was a risk every hunter took. She took it everyday she went out to fetch a meal for Mayrii and Amarii. Her daughters would someday take the same risks and have similar results. To survive, to hunt, the sacrifice of a meal occasionally meant the sacrifice of comfort, of health, of life. How often had wolves (even hunting in packs) suffer wounds?
Ravii had her share of battle scars and close calls. . . .
But that was just the way of things.
Before the cream and violet femme had a chance to respond, the black wolf continued.
And Occam's next words stunned Ravii speechless. Blue eyes still focused only on Occam, the female's concern suddenly melted in to a wall of blankness. What. . . . What had he said?
Oh no. The wolf's heart went to her throat, choking her words from reaching her lips. Her throat felt dry, her stomach suddenly in knots, and her mind and heart a mass of confusion.
"Occam. . . " She whispered, suddenly dropping her gaze to stare hard at the ground.
She was reading too much in to his words, wasn't she? She was taking what he was saying and twisting it into some imaginary fantasy, wrapping his speech in to something she wanted to hear. All he'd said was because of her, he had no reason to be here. . .
And all that came down to was because of a friendship, because of a slight obligation to see to her well being, he wouldn't be HERE (as in near the den). Which was true. If it weren't for Ravii being a wreck the night previous, if it weren't for her tears, Occam would be gallivanting to his hearts content elsewhere.
"Don't say such things," she whispered, feeling the brush of his tongue against her muzzle. Violet ears pinned back and she shyly glanced back up at the male.
. . . . . he didn't mean anything by them, really.
And that lick? Yeah . . . he meant nothing by doing it, really. Why should it mean anything, anyway? That was her heartache speaking, echoing a yearning for companionship and taking it out on the first wolf to give her two minutes of time.
Ravii couldn't do this to Occam or to herself. It wasn't fair to him. He wasn't going to be her rebound, she wasn't going to ruin her tender friendship with the black and red male just because . . . . just because. . . . well, just because she cared!
Oh hell no.
He was too important to her to let her scare him off by LETTING him know she cared. Besides, her care was just that of a friend. . . . right? Well . . . maybe there was a little more to it then that, but was it real or just residue from Eros?
They'd only met once before. . . .
She'd be a fool to think there was anything but friendship between the two.
Besides, she wasn't, she couldn't go through that again. Not a second time, and not with someone as wonderful as Occam.
Forcing a smile, she gave a soft laugh and pawed gently at the male . "I'm quite sure I'm not nearly as important as you claim. . . there must be other reasons for you to be here in in these woods. Perhaps . . . Perhaps you've just not discovered them yet?"
A spot of poetry, perhaps?
There were a million things Ravii could think about her friend, a million beautiful reasons why the wolf could or should stick around the woods. But Ravii knew for a fact (in her heart and opinion solely) that she was not anywhere near the top of the list.
Occam was just being nice.
Licking her nose, she lay her head down on her paws, still curled up against him. She probably should move. . . . but. . . . her muzzle still felt funny from where he licked her. A good sort of funny. Ravii was so very afraid that if she moved, if she disturbed this comforting moment, she would never again get to cherish it.
Occam wasn't Eros. . . .
But he was a very dear and wonderful friend. And to not be like Eros was a very, VERY good thing indeed.
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Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 1:36 am
Sighing, Occam looked to the blue, blue sky. How to explain it to her? A part of him didn't want to. She already worried about him; if he told her of his many dark thoughts that surrounded his lack of a need to live, it would only further darken the heart and soul of this beautiful wolf, who had already had to deal with so much.
"Ravii, I . . . " Unable, or maybe unwilling, to find the words, he simply rolled to his belly and nuzzled her neck reassuringly. "Pay me now mind. I hurt, and thus I'm rambling."
Though he hid it, the broken-hearted male had slipped back into the darkness that had pursued him for so long, but this was a first in many a week since meeting Ravii and her water cure. His heart felt cold, his chest hollow. Breathing seemed an effort, but he started to panic, which made it worse.
He did not want to go back there again! Not here, not now! He had to be strong for Ravii; he wanted to be strong for her. It wasn't an obligation or a duty. But would she ever see herself as something other than a burden on others?
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Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2007 1:42 pm
Ravii shifted beside Occam, scooching a hair closer to the dark furred male. It was good to be with company, good to know she held companionship with a dear friend. Occam had been nothing but sweet to her, nothing but kind - how did she repay him? How did she thank him and let him know just how much he meant to her?
Part of the cream female felt as if she'd done something wrong, as if she'd missed a step. But where? What? Was it just her paranoia taking hold? Oh bother. . . .
A soft whine, ears still back against her head as Occam nuzzled her. "No, no," she softly chastised, rubbing her head against his own. Even if she couldn't ever let him know, even if she couldn't ever properly express herself at least she could let body language speak for her. She appreciated him being there, adored the comfort he gave, and was only too willing to give him as much support as he had her. "I'm sorry that you hurt," the sincerity in her voice practically caused her throat to tighten at the thought. Tears were never far from Ravii lately. Swallowing she continued with a whisper, " . . . but please, don't apologize for talking or opening up to me. I may not be able to do much but. . . but if you ever need to talk, if you ever need anything, remember that I'm here for you."
Her tongue flicked out as she kissed his neck, tail flopping over to rest atop of his own. She wished he didn't hurt, wish there was some way to cure his pain and take away the hurt. "Just take it easy, rest here a bit," she assured, oblivious to the panic within his soul. The only hurt he showed was the wound from his side. . . how could she know the war within his own soul?
Amarii was, again, oblivious to the conversation between the adults. Prancing over the deer the girl did her best poking at the deer, pouncing its legs and ripping at its fur with her tiny teeth. It wasn't easy being a pup . . .
Muzzle bloody, she let the two discuss whatever it was that adults talked about. All Amarii cared about now was filling her belly. The longer Occam and Ravii spoke the more it meant for her!
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Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 7:24 pm
Occam felt his soul ease at Ravii's words. He looked at the amazing wolf before him, feeling tears gather at the corner of his eyes. How he loved this purple stained female. She didn't deserve someone like him, but he wasn't going to leave.
Scooting over towards the dead deer, he grabbed one of its legs in his teeth, and with his waning strength, dragged it closer to Ravii, eliciting a little squeak from her pup.
"Eat. Eat first, and then I'll rest. Deal?"
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Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 9:53 pm
Ravii eyed the deer leg placed closer to her, the scent of its blood intoxicating. Her stomach snarled, twisting in knots and demanding food. It wasn't that she had stopped eating. . . just. . . her appetite had waned. Caring for two young pups on her own was quite the task and more than once food had been tight to go around.
When was the last time she'd had a good meal?
Her mouth began to water and her blue eyes slowly tore away from the meat to the black and red savior before her. A small smile cracked her features, almost playfully as her tail tip wagged in joy. "Deal." Oh, and if Occam thought he was getting out of his end of the bargain he'd be sadly mistaken. She'd tackle him to the ground and drag him back to the den herself if he so much as tried to flee or leave without rest.
The poor boy had exerted himself for her expense too much today. Oh no, the cream and violet wolfess would not let the black and red male leave. Not this soon. . .
Still settled beside the wolf, the femme began to tear in to the meat, savoring every moment. This might very well be the last meal she received in a long time, especially if her hunting luck vanished! It only took a moment for the blood to settle upon her tongue before the female forgot about past woe and future worry. . .
She had food here, now, and could gorge herself silly! For a moment the female didn't have to worry, for a moment everything seemed quite well.
Amarii found the leg she'd been fighting pulled out from under her. Licking her blood stained maw, the girl smiled radiantly up at Occam. Tail wagging, she tore off the smallest chunk of meat and fur and hobbled over to the male.
Dropping it before him, she pawed at his paw before leaping up and attempting to lick at his face. "I hunted for you!" She announced proudly, red tassel wagging happily behind her.
And what a huntress she was, wasn't she? Chest puffed out in pride, the girl waited but a moment before turning back to the kill. Who needed Eros when they had Occam?
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Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2007 8:06 pm
Knowing that Ravii would make him keep his word no matter what, he settled back and watched her eat her fill. The poor wolfess was ravenous, and with good reason. A warm feeling settled in his chest as he made a silent vow to keep her and her pups fed as long as he was able.
A wet tongue on his nose tore him from his thoughts, and he looked down upon the smiling face of the adorable pup. Glancing at the small piece of meat, he smiled warmly and leaned forward to give Amarii a loving n** on the ear. "Thank you, little princess. I'll enjoy it all the more because it's from you." With that, he took it between his teeth and made a show of chewing it long and slow, savoring the taste of blood and salt and spice that exploded on his tongue.
Who cared if it was a little furry?
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Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2007 8:43 pm
Amarii giggled in delight at Occam's response, leaping up happily and almost tripping over his front paws. Catching herself, she whirled around, nuzzling herself in to his chest before scurrying over to where her mother ate. "Didja hear that Mommy!?!? He called me a princess~!! And he ENJOYED IT! I'm the best huntress ever, aren't I?" She pleaded, red tassel wagging crazily behind her.
Nuzzling her now blood stained mother affectionately, Amarii didn't wait for her mothers response. Remembering that there was an endless amount of food before them, the little pudgy-bellied pup resumed her attention on the kill.
She was stuffed. . . . but a few more mouthfuls wouldn't hurt. Besides - what if they ate it all before next time? Oh yes, despite her growing weariness from a full stomach, the little pup refused to give in to fullness quite yet. . . . .
Pausing in her feast to offer Amarii a few loving, protective licks, the wolfess smiled down at the pup. She seemed so very happy and excited~! That was what gave her purpose to go on, that was what gave her the ability to wake up and not give in to hurt or tears - her daughters.
For all the mistakes she made in her life, at the very least she had them. And nothing could ever take them, or their love, away.
Violet eyes glanced over her shoulder, smiling over the wild pup to grace Occam with a bemused but ever relieved smile. The fact that her daughter was so happy, so pleased, and all thanks to the black furred male beside her. . . .
It did her heart good.
Such a blessing he was - she hoped she could someday repay him.
Her stomach rumbled, reminding her that she could thank him properly later - after she ate. He was tired and needed rest. . . But if he was going to keep up his end of the bargain, she had to keep hers first! Licking some excess blood off her muzzle appreciatively, the partially-starved wolfess returned to her gorging.
She'd finish up shortly though - she'd long since learned the art of fast eating.
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Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 12:54 pm
Grinning at Amarii, Occam turned his attention to his wound, gently nosing the area with only short, sharp breaths showing where it hurt. It wasn't bad, but he would be sore and short-winded for a few days.
Finally, he stretched out, blue eyes flicking back and forth between Ravii and her daughter, watching as they ate. As much as he wanted to watch over them, and make sure nothing happened, he couldn't stop sleep creeping up on him. It was all he could do to keep his eyes open, and after a while, he lost the battle, drifting to sleep with a quiet huff of breath.
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Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2007 8:17 pm
It didn't take long for Ravii and Amarii to eat their fill. With a full grown deer at the mouth of the den, there would be food to go around for a few days at least! And it would certainly ease one stress off the cream femme's back for a little while. . . .
Licking the blood from her muzzle, sky blue eyes drifted over to the sleeping black male. Ravii couldn't help but smile, pleased that sleep had finally knocked the black and red patterned male out. It was good for him. . . . There was absolutely no way that the male couldn't be exhausted from the past few days events.
"Sweet dreams," she murmured, allowing herself to ever so carefully inch closer.
The little white and pink pup yawned, her stomach full and happy. Red tassel wagging, she clambered over Ravii happily, only to settle herself gently agains Occam's side. The little girl was careful of his aching wounds, but made sure she was snuggled up nicely against him.
Whoever the black furred stranger was he was OK by Amarii. He had brought them food and been gentle with her mother - that was all that mattered to her! He surely was no Eros. . . .
Reaching out a paw, beckoning her mother closer, the little girl settled down for a nap.
Ravii smiled, pleased that her daughter had taken so kindly to the male. That was good. . . now if only Mayrii would visit. Ravii's ears twisted, attempting to locate her daughter and assure herself that she was content. It took but a moment but the mauve femme was in no danger. . .
Snuggling as close to Occam as she dare - no need to disturb his sleep or his wound - she nuzzled Amarii affectionately. Her daughter sandwiched between the them, the black and heart-stained wolf in a good sleep, Ravii couldn't have been more blessed.
It was with such happy thoughts that Ravii herself drifted off to sleep.
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