Innocence beneath the moon

[iPandabearz]

Many years ago, The gods roamed the earth freely. Hunting, Building, fighting and quite often.. breeding. These gods, or godesses would choose a partner in secret, releasing their desires on the humans of earth. Most were very careful.. but sometimes they would slip up.. Causing an unwanted pregnancy. Artemis (the Hellenic goddess of the hunt, wild animals, wilderness, childbirth, virginity and protector of young girls, bringing and relieving disease in women) fell in love with a beautiful driad male, loosing her self to lust and pleasure. Several weeks later, to her disgust her belly began to swell. She ran away to the village of Vandora, a small, remote village built infront of the trees of a large, vast forest. Here, she could birth her child and stow it away without the other gods around to bring her shame and punishment. When the baby was born, She was given to a barren wife with the name Callista. With beautiful white hair and stunning silver eyes.. this baby was anything but ordinary. Any life around the child blossomed, all livestock lived long,stayed fat and gave birth to many offspring. All the crops and plants on her families farm were much larger than average, and produced doubled the anual crops. The familys sheep dogs followed her non stopped, almost as if in a dazed trance. More than once, they had saved her from unwanted attention. But this wasnt the most out of the ordinary trait about the girl. On her eighteenth birthday, small nubs grew from the back of her shoulderblades.. covered in what looked to be scales and white feathers. With each passing night, they grew larger. She covered them in a cowl, looking to be a hunch backed women. Callista was ashamed of herself, and kept to herself for the most of her life... haunted by her abnormality. Her and her family thought of her as safe from harm.. little did they know they were wrong.

__________________________________________________

"Wake up dear"

A voice rang out through her head, but the only responce it received was an irritated groan as the girl on the bed turned to her side, pulling the wool blankets over her face.

"Callista, Wake up. The cows need to be fed for the morning"

The young girl sighed, pulling the covers off her body. She was slender, well curved and a bit on the short side. Only topping in at around 5'3 and 120 pounds, she was light on her feet. It was what made her such a good hunter. Callista was gracefull, quiet and had a deadly aim. Her family was always so overjoyed when she brought home the plumpest bucks from the forest. Lately though.. she had been having a hard time finding deer or elk, she blamed it on the wolves. As their population grew, its seemed her catch lowered. She could only sigh, not looking forward to the days work.

"Come now child. The traders are here today. If you feed all the livestock quick enough, Ill give you some coin to go get yourself some new furs.. then Ill sew you a new dress"

Her foster mother had such soft eyes, and she loved this child like should would love her own, if she had the ability to birth her own that was. She could only smile, Watching a warm grin spread across Callista's face. It was her favorite day of the month, Seeing all the furs, the fresh deer and exotic leathers. She never really did get time to go, so the offer brightened her up.

"Really?! Oh thankyou mother. Ill go feed them right away!"

The voice of the pale girl was so soft.. so serene. It was beautiful, angelic almost and yet it had the slight underlaying harshness of a grown she-hunter. It seems she got most of her traits from her real mother. The sweet voice the ring of a giggle to it as the girl raced out to feed the cattle. It didnt take long, as the delight of the trade filled her mind. She imagined the smell of fire-roasted meet, the touch of bear furs.. the rattling of shells and pearls as she worked. It made time go by so much quicker, and she raced back to get her coin. But of course, before she could leave.. her mother piped up a warning as she always did. Callista never understood why her mother was so paranoid. As if someone would take her right there in the street.

"Now Callista, Dont go out of sight of the villagers.. dont talk to strange men and keep your hood up."

A light hint of greif washed over the girls face as she traced the small, ever-growing wings that come from her back. They wouldnt let her go see the village healer.. she was so eager to learn what was wrong with her. No, Instead she covered herself always. It was shamefull, but she wouldnt let it ruin her special day. Pulling the black fur coat over her head, she took the coin and dashed off to the town center.

The trade was everything she thought it would be! Handsome, rugged men and a variety of furs, shells, roots and meats. She stood back and took a glance at the carts and boxes of items, immediatly settlng on one particular booth displaying a beautiful white pelt. The pelt would make a lovely pair of boots. She dear hoped she could afford such beauty. Walking up to the man behind the counter, she smiled.. making sure the top of her head and her eyes were hidden in the shadow of her hood. Of course.. that would hide nothing from this man. Little did she know.. but this was no ordinary man. He would be able to smell her.. The intoxicating scent of earthly magic, the wonderful smell of a winters pine tree and of course.. that smell that brought a predator into the thrill of the hunt.. inviting him.. encouraging him to begin his stalking.. to bring the beast to light. After all, she was a daughter of artemis.. and the dryad blood lines only added to her earthly scent. Of course, she acted so casual. She had no clue anything was out of the ordinary. She was just in the town center, trading with the hunters from the forest. There was nothing wrong with that, there couldnt be. With that cheery, beutifully soft tone, she spoke to this strange man.

"Such beautiful furs! I cant keep my eyes off this one!"
Her delicate finger raised and pointed to the white pelt.
"How much do you want for this one?"
She asked, keeping her voice low.

 

[FoxWriter]

the Pelt traders came with the other traders, once a month, every month a different one every time. to the villagers, the men appeared o be with the traders, to the traders, they appeared to be with the villagers, they where both wrong. the fur traders where actually from the forest, they lived in the Wild, untamed woods where humans where afraid to go. the rumors of haunted woods, had been started by the pack to keep the hunters out, and anyone who went in, never came back out, save for a few, lucky special few who went in to gather berries and herbs... go in with a weapon though, and sometimes your body was found by the scavengers. the villagers didn't know what was doing it, but rumors of witches, ghosts, and other unpleasant creatures where full in the air, especially during the Trader Night, as another body had been discovered. the local womanizer, no one was truly all that sad to see him go, he had boated for days about how he was going to go into the woods and slay whatever creature was tormenting them, not realizing that the village wasn't really being tormented at all. you could go into the forest as long as you weren't carrying a weapon, nothing bothered you. the men of the village where just too stupid to realize that. whatever was in the forest, it was only defending itself... really the only one who seamed to go into the woods, and come back out without a scratch, no matter what she did, was Callista.

one of them was there that day, selling Fur, and dried meats from the forest, which held some exotic animals, not that the villagers would know that. feathers, and down, fur and meat, and even some eyeballs and organs in special glass jars to preserve them. in winter, those that could afford it, a Liver an a heart could be life saving for all the extra vitamins and protein inside. the Trader that day was a rough, handsome young man by the name of Ronan, he apparently had no last name. he had soft golden blond hair, and deep green eyes that a woman could drown in, or a man of Ronan was feeling frisky. he had laid out a very special pelt, that he had hunted down in the mountains several hundred miles away. it was pure white, and so very soft and thick, and he smiled as a young woman in a black pelt came over to his stall to run her fingers through the Fur.

"it's the Fur of an Albino, very rare." he admitted, studying the young girl who was almost completely hidden, his nose twitched and he barley managed to slam a cap on his Beast, which raised it's head inside of him and howled, and snarled and growled. it, and he, wanted this woman, wanted to pin her tot eh ground, then and there, mount her, rape her, take her, forever have her... but instead he prodded the white fur. "i have three more in the back." he admitted, his voice low, looking amused. "tell you what, i'm in need of a Milker." he admitted simply. "Rumor has it that you have the best Livestock? get me a milking cow, and i'll let you have this white pelt, three others from my shelves, and..." he paused, glancing around and plopped one of the jars of organ meat onto the counter. "and two livers. sound a fair trade?" it was certainly more than fair, the organs themselves where expensive enough to buy a baby calf with, the organs and the white pelt together where definitely enough to but a full grown cow, and the extra three pelts, well, they just sweetened the deal, most people would eagerly accept, with Fur like that, they could just buy a new cow afterwords. none of the other tanning Stalls had hides so perfect, unmarred and so well tanned that they where so very soft. Ronan's stall was the best, and he really did need a milking cow... getting this young woman's attention... well, that was what he was really aiming for.

 

[iPandabearz]

Undamaged, soft and rich. Each and every fur was beautiful, and silken to the touch. Callista spent several minutes running her fingers through different colored and different textured pelts. A bear belt, A dear hide, A mountain lion and.. She paused at the white fur. She couldnt make out what it was. But It was so whole and so perfect, she couldnt help but to wonder what weapons this man used to capture the prey to leave it so whole. Perhaps they were caught in traps and then poisened? No.. Then how would he get the organs from them? They were animal were they not? Being a hunter herself, she had so many questions. But she saved them all, It was rude to bother the traders and mother had always told her she talked too much.

"An Albino? Ive never seen one."

Callista stated, quite a bit of curiosity settling in that rich tone of hers. She raised her eyes and took a glance up at the man, only to lower them immediatly. The pelts werent the only beautiful things at this stall. She wondered how soft that golden hair was. Was it as soft as his pelts? The question floated around her head as her fingers continued to examine the white pelt.. She had to have it.

"Oh yes!"
She perked up a bit, looking away from the furs. So he had heard of her? Or atleast of their farm.
"Our livestock is the best. The milk produced form our cows is rich and creamy. And they will keep producing for years to come!"

One cow for four furs? And two livers! Mother would love to have the livers, she always made the best stew out of them. Father liked them too, though she never saw him much. He was head of the hunters in the village, the livers would surely help him stay strong and fit. Not to mention she could have a whole new outfit with four pelts, a new coat even. Longer, softer and more beautiful than any other.

"You are a kind man.. and a skilled hunter. I will bring you one of our best!"

She turned and began to walk back towards her home, her gate smooth and light in her excitement. Their barn was one of the largest of the village, and sat on a property on the very outskirts. A small cabin was built a few yards away from it, were they took up resident. Callista's mother would be in the barn, were she headed to tell her of the good news. She would be so happy with her.

 

[FoxWriter]

he smiled a little. "Albino are very rare." he admitted simply. "their white pelts make it impossible to hunt or stay hidden, so they die quickly. this Albino was a large Snow Cat, even rarer." he admitted indicating the pelt. "do you see the darker patches? those are it's spots, most can't see the spotting, but those few with a very good eye can see it. hunters normally, or people who do a great deal of tiny stitching." Ronan admitted with a small chuckle. "it would make you an excellent cloak, or a pair of boots and gloves." he admitted smiling at her. "the fur is very warm, good for in winter." he made no mention of how he had captured, caught, or killed the creature though, and so that was a question that would remain unanswered. not that she would beleive him anyway, as hunters, they went for the throat, or they caught the animals they intended to use for skins in cages or traps, and killed them with sharp blows to the head before skinning them. sometimes they where lucky when hunting, and got the animal around the neck to kill them, instead of damaging the pelt.

"i will set these aside for you." Ronan promised, smiling at her as he took the soft white pelt and told her that she could pick out the other three pelts when she returned so that she could take her time choosing. his mouth nearly watered at the thought of being able to have Milk whenever he wanted, Milk was a rare treat for him and his pack, they'd never had a chance to buy a cow before... he wondered why he hadn't thought of this before? ah well. he watched her leave, and gently folded the pure white pelt into a small basket with the livers, humming a little tune to himself as he made several more sales, several people asking for the white pelt that they had seen only moments ago. they where severely disappointed to realize they had been too late with their coin, and where even more furious to find he had TRADED it, for a COW! but there where other rare pelts, and fancy feathers, and he had no problem turning their disappointed anger, into excited Glee as he gave them 'better' things to spend their Coin on. he was still humming, and was working on something when she returned, using a sharp knife to skin a rabbit he had been asked to skin for a few coins.

there was a small crowd gathered, watching the master skinner at work, the blond using no less than three, different sized knives to loosen the fur, then, amidst claps, he slipped the skin effortlessly off the rabbit, and butchered it up, throwing the inedible to a local stray, he gave the rabbit and it's skin back to the boy who had paid him for it. "Ah! there you are!" he chirped, pleased as he saw the Cow, abandoning his stall to carefully lift the Cows head to examine it's dull, stupid, but unafraid eyes. "this will bring great joy to my people." Ronan admitted with a grin as he scratched the Cows head as if it was a dog or a cat. "Milk is rare where i'm from, i shall be hailed as a Hero!" he admitted grinning at her. "please, choose your pelts! any kind you please!" he promised, indicating the shelves that he had his pelts stored, letting her choose anything from buckskin to bear, to even the softest of winter-fur rabbit to some strange pelt of a creature he called a 'Zebra', there where even tiger and Lion pelts! the Cow was tied to the Horse he had out back, and he watched her choose her pelts with a critical eye, steering her wfrom some of the 'less fine' merchandise, and closer to something he felt was worthy of her beauty.

 

[iPandabearz]

She found her parents in the barn, both of them.. as was unusual. Callista's adopted fathers was a rugged, and rather bitter man but he was a great leader. He was always the one to deal with trouble in the town, and gather food with the hunters. The man was never pleasant to the adopted daughter, hating her for being what she was.. and not his own child. He could not love like her mother, and never did accept the child. Not that they would ever tell her they werent her real parents. For now, she assumed she had done something to cause the man's anger.

Her steps were quiet as she entered the barn, feeling the tension that hung in the air.
"Father, Its nice to see you at home!"She announced sweetly, moving to embrace him in a hug. The man was angry though, she could tell by the way he held himself. Something had gone terribly wrong. Stepping back away from the two women, he rest his eyes on his wife.

"I swear Ill find who did this.. The village is depending on us to solve the problem. Once I find the person responsible, their wont be enough peices left to indentify them"
His voice was harsh and angered, and he glared at his daughter, blaming her with a stare. He wouldnt ever say it out loud.. but ever sence she was brought to them.. his life was introduced to more and more madness. Was it her fault? Probably not.. but he needed someone to blame.. for his resentful bitterness needed to be justified in his mind. With that said and done, He walked out of the barn in a hurry.. taking their two coon hounds with them.
"Who was it this time?"
Callista piped up once he was out of view, hiding the feeling of rejection from her mother. She knew why he was angry, for it had been going on for quite sometime. Their hunters were going missing. Any that wandered into the forest, showed up cold and rotted along the edge of the forest. A horrid series of murderes.

"Gerald this time"

Gerald, A self-centered oaf of a man. He was strong, handsome and well built.. and about as intellgant as an ass. He stalked all the women in the village, forcing himself upon them. Many times, He had tried his hands at Callista.. cursing and teasing her when her dogs chased him away. She couldnt say she felt bad he was taken.. or that she would miss him in the slightest, but it was true the murders were getting out of hand. If anyone could track down the suspect though, it would be her father.

"Dont worry mother, Father will take care of it. Oh! Theres a trader in town who wants to give us four pelts and two livers for a milking cow! Oh the pelts are so beautiful, and undamaged. They could make us both new coats and boots. We would be the most stunning women in the village"

She tried, without luck to stear her mothers attention away from the worry that clouded her mind. She nodded, none the less. She knew they would be needing new clothing soon and father would love the livers. Besides, their cattle had produced twins last year.. they definately had one to spare. The women took one of the younger females from the stall, attaching a rope to the bell collar around the neck. Holding it out for Callista, she used her other hand to form a sharp whistle. A large, older cattle dog trotted into the barn soon after.

"Here, But take Adda with you. Its getting more dangerouse around the village. I dont want to loose you. Be careful alright!"

She could barely finish her sentence, yelling out the last few words. Callista was already on her way back to the town center, skipping happily with the cattle dog barking at her heels behind her. She came back just in time to watch the handsome man skin a rabbit. Such grace and precision in those rough hands! It was too bad he didn't live closer to the village.. she would love to have him teach her some skills with a blade. She was alright herself, a strong grip and graceful swing.. but he was much more skilled than she. She clapped with the crowd, and handed over the cow.

"Oh and the best milk you will have! Your people definately have a treat awaiting them. Youll be praised until the day the cow is too old. And trust me, she has many years ahead of her."

Oh yes, any animal near her grew to its upmost potential. It was part of the natural magic that come off of her. She skipped back over to the furs, listening closely as he named them off. Her eyes widened at the Zebra. She had never heard of a Zebra, he must have traveled far for it. She immediately wanted that one. And soon after she picked up the furs of a bright, orange and white tiger and then the shining pelt of a panther. Her fingers study each one, fascinated by the brilliant colors and patterns.

"You must put so much care into the skinning and washing of these hides. Though the animal is gone, there is still so much to be told in the fur! I love it! Its too bad you dont live closer to the village.. you could sure teach me a thing or two"

She giggled, looking down as the cattle dog brushed against her legs.

 

[FoxWriter]

Roran chuckled a little as he watched her, smiling a little. "i travel far and wide." he admitted. "sometimes, other traders will have the animals with them to sell to rich people for pets. some of them die on the way, and i buy them, and sell their meat and pelts as luxury items. rich people are strange that way, they like odd food and strange fur." Roran admitted, shaking his head. "do not get the Zebra pelt, it is pretty, but the hide is thin, good only for skirts, and will only last you a year before it rips through." he warned touching the Tiger pelts. "the Tiger is best, it has a very strong hide and the fur is good and warm for the coming winter." winter was on it's way, in another month and a half, there would be snow covering everything. in three months, it would often be too cold to even go outside. "the Panther pelt is good for summer, the Fur is soft but thin. and is also very strong. you have to cut Panther fur off the skin, you can't pull it off like you can with deer and rabbit." he admitted, smiling a little.

"i'm afraid i don't live very close by." he admitted shaking his head. "but the Traders are here for another day, i can show you a thing or two while i'm here." he promised, ignoring how the old dog she had brought with her was cowering away from him. all dogs where fearful of a Wolf, and Roran wasn't just a wolf, but a very strong Alpha. the Dog was much more loyal than he had expected, clinging to the woman instead of running off to hide under something, but he didn't mind, the dog wouldn't dare bite him. and if she commented on it, he made the excuse of the strange smells of the pelts, even showing her a massive Wolf pelt that looked far too massive to be natural. he told her stories of his travels, and about the time he'd nearly been eaten by a Lion, he was only exaggerating a little, and sent her home with the fancy warm pelts she had chosen, and the livers, and promised if she returned the next day, he would show her some tricks to skinning and hunting.

if she returned, he was true to his promise, and showed her how to handle a knife, and showed her several tricks on how to skin a pelt, and cure it without so much damage to the fur or the skin as usually happened when an amateur cured a hide. the following Day however, he, and all the other traders where gone without a trace, same as always. and for two weeks, nothing happened save for another attack. this one survived just long enough to warn about a 'border' he had come across. it had looked like a dug ditch, he had ignored it and as soon as he crossed it, he had been attacked. he had managed to crawl back over to the other side of the ditch and the attacks stopped as soon as he crossed again. then, the man died without giving any more information save for wailing howls of terror about 'the monsters! the monsters!'

Roran, waited impatiently for two weeks, fidgety and snarling as he paced his territory relentlessly, attacking any hunter stupid enough to ignore the signs. he wondered if he was going to have to stop being so subtle about it, clearly the ditch, the cleared trees, the animal blood, the piss and scat, and everything else wasn't going to work. he was agitated and annoyed, more and more hunters where coming in, and now they where actively hunting for the 'murderous' Wolves. if the stupid humans would just stay out of where they weren't allowed there wouldn't be a damn problem!... even more... he couldn't get that damn woman out of his head... or out of his nose... it was as if the winds where draggign her scent deep into the forests to torment him... finally he could take it no longer, he headed for the farm where he could always smell her, and watched from the edge of the woods in his massive Wolf form. he was almost as large as a full grown human male in that form, his glowing green eyes watching with fur as yellow as his hair. he flexed his claws into the dirt, feeling the soothing sensation as he studied her from a distance... she was as beautiful as he remembered, that soft silver hair and those gorgeous clear eyes and that scent that could drive anyone mad...

 

[iPandabearz]

Callista listened with curious ears as he went over each pelt. So this Zebra skin was not very durable, she could only guesse it was a prey animal.. and equine judging by the pelt. She did as he suggested and picked up another tiger, A bengal this time.. the beutiful black stripes on the white fur would go well with the albino pelt. She held up the albino fur, the two tiger and the black panther furs to her chest, letting her hood slip off her head so she could rub her face in the furs. So soft.. and their smell. Oh she just loved the smell of a pure, untamed animal. Something about them brought a thrill to her body. Big predators were her favorite. She often hoped her father would bring her on one of the great bear hunts.. though she doubted that would ever happen. But this man traveled far and wide.. had seen and taken many wild animals. She had to say, his life sounded like a dream.

"Oh, Your life sounds so exciting. It must be very rewarded to be such a skilled hunter.. able to travel to many exotic areas.. take on the largest and the most brutal of animals."

Her eyes widened as he continued, offering to teach her some of his tricks. She paid now attention to the cowering dog at her feet. Adda was scared yes, but she did not leave her side. If Callista was paying attention she would have found this to be a warning.. Adda was a very wise old girl. But no, The young huntress was too excited at the idea of learning from an older.. and very handsome hunter. She immediatly excepted his offer, running off back home to get her chores done.. with the promise of arriving bright and early.

Working all night, there were no chores to be done in the morning. Fastening her corset around her chest, pinning her wings to her back.. she covered them both in a leather shirt and a fur coat over it. Mother wouldnt let her take any chances, making her cover her wings the best she could. It was uncomfortable, but Callista was convinced they were too much of on oddity.. they made her self consciouse. She knew dad hated them, and it made her feel rejected and ugly. Not letting that get in the way, she hurried over to rough looking trader. She followed his teaching very closely.. she was extremely focus. Her eyes did travel every now and then.. when a muscle flexed or the light hit that beautiful golden hair. She would never admit it, but she enjoyed his company so greatly. It was a great dissapointment when he left, but he had sparked a new inspiration in Callista.

In the next weeks to come, the young huntress worked on her chores and on the new pelts she had but when she was not working, she snuck off into the forest. One day, she noticed an over-accumulating amount of scat and the high musk of a male. Judging by the size of the scat, she knew there had to be some large creature by the edge of the forest. Bodies were showing up even worse then usual. Callista was not warned away by the signs, for they only sparked her curiosity. She had the town blacksmith make her blade, and she wondered into the woods every night hunting this large creature.. but never once did she find it. The furs that she had been working on were crafted in a new way. Tight leather pants, with padding around the knees and ankles were made from one of their older bulls. With the leftover leather, boots were made, padded with the fur of the bengal tiger. A leather hunting top was made, and behind her mothers back she cut slits in the back to slip her wings through. It was lined with the black pelt of the panther. Bracers were made with a combination of left over tiger pelts and scraps of leather. Last but not least, the coat of the albino hung over her for, covering her shoulders all the way up to the hood that was placed over her head. With her bow and arrow slung around her back.. she was ready for some real practice.

The next night, Callista stayed awake long enough to watched her mother and father go to sleep. And as the night turned pitch black, she snuck through the curtains on her window, making her way back towards the barn. The young girl scaled all the way up to the top and pulled her coat off, hanging it neatly by her side. A sigh of releif escaped her lips as her pale white wings unfurled from their cramped state, stretching out at around four across per wing. Unsheathing her bow, she docted and arrow an took aim. As soon as she released, the horrid sound of rock burrying into flesh filled the air as it met its mark. About an hour or so went by before she finally climbed down to collect the bodies. She would pull out the arrows and wash each one. As for the bodies, she would toss them to the woods and blame it on wolves.. they had plenty of chickens to spare anyway... and they made perfect target practice.

 

[FoxWriter]

Roran watched, always watching as the girl did her chores, and worked on the pelts he had given her. he felt swollen with pride as he watched her in the woods each day, he had told the others not to go near her, that she was Pack, and not to be harmed... they knew what that meant, it meant she was allowed in the territories. the other humans, given warning by the one that had gotten away, now took head of the ditch, and avoided it like it was cursed... no more human deaths occurred, and the human village had started to settle down. he was very pleased with how she had worked the Pelts into some sort of Armor, it was good to do. the Wolves themselves barley wore clothes at all really, but he wondered if she wouldn't mind fitting them, once she calmed down of course. he barley restrained from killing the man who sometimes lived with her, his clear dislike for Callista made Roran want to rip the man's throat out, but Roran never left the safety of the forest, his sharp, amber eyes focused only for the girl he now stalked, unable to help himself any longer. he wanted her, needed her.... at any cost.

as she neared him with the dead chickens, he suddenly growled, sliding out of the woods, staring at her, another low growl making it's way out of his throat as he blinked at her, nose nose quivering in delight... chicken... it was rare that they got chicken, they stayed away from domesticated animals, to avoid angering the humans. he took several steps forward, wondering if he would be afraid of her, shaking out his massive pelt, he stepped out into the light so that she could see him perfectly, all three hundred plus pounds of Wolf Pelt, just like the one he had shown her back at the trading tents. his eyes fixed on her, he lowered his head and scooped up a chicken by the neck, bones crunching under his sharp teeth as he picked it up, Emerald eyes never leaving hers but for once, to glance at the other chickens still in her hands, as if asking for them. the unusual intelligence in the massive wolf's eyes where probobly enough to tell her that he was not just a massive Wolf, but an intelligent one as well. he sniffed at her, and nearly moaned in delight at her smell, a low whine falling from his lips as he slowly, cautiously started to wag his tail.

now, normally, Wolves did not wag their tails, it simply wasn't something they did, but his tail was raised high, showing off his Status as highest in the wolf pack, and it wiggled back and forth, unused to the motion, but he hoped it would put her at ease, and realize that he was friendly. he dropped his chicken and took a few steps closer, he was still a good distance from her, if she decided to run, he would not be able to catch her before she got to the house. he hoped she didn't run, then he would have put his pack in danger. if she did run, he would simply melt back into the forest, and return the next morning and night to continue watching her, waiting for his chance to take her... if she didn't run, he would sit, barley five feet away from her, and cock his head to the side like a curious puppy, and study her intently before whining again and dropping into a laying position, much like the coon hounds did when they wanted attention and pets. ridiculous things anyway, not a lick of smarts in their moronic little brains anyway.

 

[iPandabearz]

Callista came closer to the border, raising the chickens above her head.. readying herself to toss them. As she searched for a good place for them to land, she decided the ditch dig near the trees would be a good place. The men seemed to fear it, they would not question a predators dealings in the death of her chickens. She tossed the first one, taking a second one. Before she could release the limp body, her eyes were drawn to a peculiar glow in the trees. Too bright, and too green to be a glowfly.. no this was larger.. and coming right towards her. In one smooth moment, she dropped the chickens and withdrew her bow.. and arrow lay docked on the string moments after, aimed between the two eyes. She heard the growl, but did not step down.

Fear washed over her as the canine stepped into the light, the beautiful golden fur shining with the rays of the moon. The pelt would look wonderful above her bed. It was odd, The body read wolf but the eyes.. there was wisdom in those eyes. This was an intelligant creature and immediatly rumors of werewolves filled her mind. Was this what they were talking about. Another question arose, one she was positive was a yes. Was this the creature who had murdered many of the village hunters? Her legs shook in fear, but she did not let it show. Her posture was light, fluid and flexible. The second he moved, she would too and let her arrow fly straight into the beasts brain. Little did she know the animal was probably much faster than her arrow.

The wind picked up, causing the two pale wings at her back to brush forward, sending her scent towards the creature.. Earthly magic, feminine musk, winter pine trees and of course the best thrill of all.. the thrill of the hunt. Her smell was urging the wolf on, to hunt her down and take her as his own. Callista had never known a man in any way.. mother was always so careful. Besides, she was positive shed be cast aside as soon as one caught a glimpse of the deformities at her back. No, She was fresh and unclaimed it was shown through smell.. sweet and delicate. A flower at a perfect bloom, its pedals outstretched to their full beauty. It was almost begging to be picked.. and yet it was hid behind so many thorns. One of wich was pointed at this creatures.

Even as the creature began to wag his tail and whine, she did not waver.. she only stepped forward, stalking the creature. Her movements were so fluid they could not be heard amongst the dirt. The hightened tail did alert her, for it was a sign of dominance.. and she could smell the musk from here. This animal was powerful, an alpha is she was reading the signs correctly. She wondered how father would feel if she brought him this trophy. Certainly he could reject her then. Her fingers lightened up on the arrow just a bit, her eyes narrowing.. Callista was ready to take her prize.

 

[FoxWriter]

he did moan this time, smelling the sweet, sweet smell of her wings, aiming his head forward he let the smell carry him into euphoria. he HAD to have her, he just HAD to. but he stayed sitting, watching her stalk him with her silly toy, as if some Bow and Arrow could hurt him, it was ridiculous. he had half a notion to change right then and there, reveal Ronan to her, but it was too soon, she would run for certain then, and then his pack would have to find another town to trade in... again. he snarled as she took a step forward, and in an instant, he was on his feet, over her head, and behind her, his head striking her back hard enough to send her sprawling, setting a single foot on her back, pressing her down into the dirt while the other effortlessly kicked away her bow and arrows, point in giving her another chance to attack him. he growled again, his mouth full of razor sharp teeth barley an inch from her neck, but instead of biting, as rumor would state, he licked her and got off of her, standing in-between her and her weapons, the Wolf stared at her with emerald green eyes, it's long, thick dick peeking out, showing it's sexual excitement at her smell. but she was a virgin, he would not tear the petals of her flower off with his wolf cock, oh no, she'd never forgive that... he had to be patient.

he hated being patient...

how to make her understand? how could he make her see? ... why had he not thought of that Sooner? he settled his mind, and calmly 'Projected' it was a Wolf Trick, he could cast his voice out of him, much like a Ventriloquist could, only all around him and it wasn't a simple trick. so far, he was the only one in the pack that could do it, but he was trying to teach others how to do it as well, clearly the human's needed more warning than the dug ditch... idiots.

"You need not fear me." Rornan spoke, the words husky and low, not at all like his warm, soft human voice. "you are always welcome in our lands, Pack Sister." this was practically purred as he stared at her, letting her get over her shock. "you do not belong with those humans, they do not understand, they do not accept. We, who are your brothers and sisters, welcome you always to our Pack, and to our family." Ronan admitted, blinking at her. "For you, we have not killed the stupid man, who travels with the stupid dogs, that sometimes dens with you." so for her, the werewolves had not attacked her father, or anyone her father was with!... her father was NOT going to like that. just another thing that made her strange, different from him.

"Come with us, Callista... be welcomed, and at peace. wear your wings, and your beautiful starlight hair with pride, and the power you deserve." he stated calmly, his head tilted to the side as he watched her. "you do not belong with those humans. they are not right for you, and it is not right for you to hide who you are, simply because of their fear." he leaned forward, smelling deeply of her scent, before he suddenly stood up again, and bounded forward faster than she could scream, to catch a single, loose feather before bounding away, vanishing into the woods once more, his voice echoing back to her. 'Join us, Pack Sister, and be at peace... but always will you be welcome here." he had his feather, for now, he could be content. though for her, the trouble was just beginning, because from that point on, no matter if she was in the fields, or at the house, if she looked up at the edge of the woods, she could see the massive golden wolf's eyes... staring at her. he would try seducing her first, and then, if that didn't work, he would kidnap her.

 

[iPandabearz]

Callista cried out in shock as the wolf was suddenly behind her, pushing her into the grass. She tried to grab for her bow, to spin around and shoot the animal.. but she was much too far away from it. The foot that held her to the ground was so heavy, she couldnt even manage to raise herself. But she did not give up.. no, Callista would never except defeat. The creature errupted another sharp growl, his hot breath falling over her neck, she couldnt help but to shiver.. frozen in fear. She wasn't ready to die.. there was so much left for her to learn. She was shocked to feel his hot tongue on her skin instead, releifed to stand back up as he lept off her.

The girl did not go for her bow this time, but rather stood her ground.. trying to think of a way out of it. If she ran, the wolf would think of her as prey and chace her down. If she went for her bow, he would certainly be on her. Instead she stood her ground, glaring at the animal with her hand tight to her side.. ready to withdraw her blade should he step forward again. And it was then she noticed it.. the member that peeked out from the wolf's groin, excited and aroused. Callista shivered and stepped back, hoping he did not intend to use that on her. It would tear her virgin self apart, she would certainly bleed out before she could find a healer. The girl was completely obliviouse to the earthly magic that would heal herself.

'You need not fear me'

Callista jumped at the words, searching for the source of them. They were to husky to be one of the villagers, too inhuman. As it spoke again, she accepted the fact that this wolf was speaking to her. Pack sister? So there was more than.. and they considered her apart of them? But she had never met then! Other then tonight she had never seen them! She did not belong with the humans? But she was human, was she not? The girl was confused, she did not understand. They did not kill her father because he meant something to her? She had always thought of her father as strong.. but these animals spared him?

"I.. I dont understand"

It was almost a whisper, not directed at anything in particular. It was all she could think to say. So much to learn in one sitting, what could she say? How did she now this wolf was not lying? Manipulating her into coming with them. Who knows what they would do to her.. what HE would do to her. Just the small bit of his member showed his intentions, and it scared her. She could only watch as he slunk back beneath the trees, she wouldnt dare let her words out now. Instead she backed up until she was close enough to her home to walk in through the door. That night, she could barely get to sleep.. keeping her eyes on her window for those golden eyes. When she finally drifted off to sleep.. she drempt of him.. her dreams were filled with wolves.

Her dreams were interupted with the sound of her door being thrust open, her father stepping through with harsh steps. He ripped the covers away from her, waking her immediatly. Callista sat up, staring at the man with wide eyes .
"Whats wrong fa-"
He interupted her before she could even finish the word.
"Dont Call me that!"He yelled, she had never seen him so angry."You have brough us nothing but grief since we have found you. You do not belong in a village, you belong in cage!"
The words hurt, and small tears formed at the corner of the young girls eyes."I dont understand"
In one quick step, the man was infront of her. He raised a hand, and brought it down to her face with a smack. He waited to see a bruise arise.. and when the red faded away within seconds he growled.
"I Knew it... I saw you with him last night. It was you all along wasnt it. Tell me, what do you offer the wolf in return, witch? You are not to leave this room. I will return when I decide what to do with you." Leaving her with that, he left. The girl could do nothing.. so shocked, so confused... so hurt. She curled up on her bed, bringing the blankets over her.. and wept.

Later that night, when all was sound asleep, her door swung open once more. Callista backed up against her headboard, fearing for the worst. The man closed the door behind him, a soft click telling her that he had locked it. She said nothing to him, looking away from him in shame.. waiting to hear what he had planned for he. But the man did not speak, only inched his way closer to her.. crawling over her bed towards her. A hand clutched her hair, and he forced her face to turn towards him."I wonder.. how much the traders would pay for you? Once I am done, I bet Ill fetch a pretty penny for you. And with you gone, the wolf is sure to be on his way as well. Its a win for everyone.. except for you of course, but you do not belong in this human world anyways" That was the second time someone had told her she did not belong, and she let it sink in.. maybe she didnt. She closed her eyes and prepared for a beating.

Her eyes snapped back open as the sound of rustling clothes came to her ears. The man before her began to strip off his clothes, bringing his already aroused member out of his pants. She cried out, begging him not to do this to her. It did not stop him though, tossing his own clothing off the bed his hands moved to hers.. fussing with the leather top as he pulled her face in. His sloppy, frustrated lips met hers and forced his tongue down her throat.. she couldnt take it, it had to stop. Callista closed her jaw tightly, wincing in disgust as the crimson blood began to fill her throat. The man screamed, holding a hand over his mouth... she had taken it off. Callista got to work fast, spitting out his mangled tongue along with all of the blood she could manage. Swiping his keys from his pocket as he screamed in pain, she ran out of the room and off of their farm.. tears soaking her face.

She ran until her legs gave out, hiding in a thick mass of trees. What would she do?! She didnt have a home left to go to.. that man intended to rape and sell her! He claimed he was not her father. Did that mean mother was not hers either? Why did he hate her so?.. she knew the reason before she even asked herself. It was those damn wings, the deformity that marked her as different. She could never belong in a human world with them. Taking her blade from the strap around her pants, she took one of the white feather wings in her hand.. bringing the blade as close to the base of them as she could. Shutting her eyes, she brought the blade down.. letting the red fall down the feathers and painting the grass beneath her. Something stopped her though.. the wings were healing, driving the blade out of them and sealing back up. Callista cried out and tossed her blade to the ground, bringing her hands over her eyes. She was cursed with these abnormalities forever...

 

[FoxWriter]

Ronan knew nothing of the pain he had caused her, he would never have approached her if he had known. he was trying to protect her, not torment her. but when he heard the screaming, he knew something was wrong. the man was screaming, Ronan did not like the human man, he hated Callista for reasons that Ronan did not understand. he watched the girl flee the farm and turned to the house, slipping inside, his massive form barely fitting through the doorways as he nudged the girls mother with a massive paw, speaking before the woman could even scream. "Your Husband has done wrong tonight. justice will come on Swift Wings, should the Sister demand it, i will kill him, should she ask it, i will spare him. let him know, his life, depends on her." and with that, Ronan was gone from the mothers bedroom as if he had been a dream, leaving only the screams of the man in pain as Ronan fled the farm, smelling blood, HER blood.

he growled as he stepped into the clearing, and settled just out of her reach, wary of her deciding he would make a lovely new fur coat. "I am Sorry my Queen..." he muttered softly. "i did not know my approaching you, would make the Human man..." he hesitated as he studied her. "you should not mangle your pretty wings so... they are what make you so wonderful... you are not human, you never where." Ronan admitted simply. "we did not come here to find you, but find you we did, and we wanted only to make you happy." Ronan admitted, sighing a wolfish sigh. "now, we have ruined your life, and put you in danger..." Ronan blinked at her for a moment. "Ask what you will, Pack Sister, we will give it to you, if we are able. we shall kill the man, if you ask it of us, or leave him alone if that is what you desire... the Mother has been informed that he has done something bad." Ronan admitted. "we will protect her from him if we must, she who honestly loves you." there was already a younger, smaller wolf waiting at the farm, watching to see what Callista's mother would do, all too ready to kill the Father if he tried to attack, or harm the Mother.

"You are always Welcome in our Home, Pack Sister... you could be at home in our Dens, with our Mothers, and our Pups." he assured her. "never would you be harmed or hurt." he promised her. "the Traders come through often, we could easily provide for you, even taking you to faraway places, anywhere you would want to go." Ronan promised her. "you will never be happy with humans, they are only there to destroy all things that are good in this world." Ronan admitted simply. "you where never meant to be with them, please, join us in our Dens... at least for the night while you calm down and think of what to do." he pleaded softly. "We of the Pack are not the only dangers here in the night, we would keep you safe this night, and all nights that you would have us..." he hesitated and then stood, moving forward, running his warm tongue across her face, drying the tears, or trying to anyway. "settle onto my back, i will carry you to our dens... or i will stay with you through the night, my fur is warm, and will keep you from the chill." he promised her, laying down right next to her, waiting for her to either climb onto his back, or lay next to him, letting the decision be hers... or at least, letting her think so.

 

[iPandabearz]

Large, heavy footsteps sounded through the patch of the trees were Callista sat, her blood littering the ground beneath her.. but were her blood had fallen, flowers began to bloom. She paid no attention to them, but stood up straight and reached for the blade she had tossed away, bringing it up to her chest. The wolf again.. She sighed and let the blade slip from her fingers... knowing it would do her no good. Had he come to beat her too? Rape her and use her. A pained sigh escaped her lips as she stared into those golden eyes again.
"Have you come to punish me too?"
She tried to sound angered, mocking even.. but her voice was too shattered, too shallow. What a suprise it was to hear the wolf apologize. He thought of this as his fault? No.. If it wasn't for the wolf, her "father" would have found another reason to get rid of her. She knew he hated her.. despised her and now she had known why. Callista was not his child, and it pained him.. he wanted his own.. and he wanted a son. His heart must have been shattered when he found out his wife could not have kids, perhaps that was why he was always away?

"Wasn't your fault"
She stated, lowering herself from the rock she sat own. Her body froze, listening to him as he continue to speak. Did he truely think her wings made her wonderful? The things that had haunted her adult-hood, made her wonder away from people of her own kind. Yet here he told her she was not human.. never was. Before, she would never have beleived it, but hearing that her parents found her.. werent related to her at all. Hearing over and over that she did not belong with them. Then again, just last night she had confirmed that there was other species living on this earth.. was there even more. Perhaps her place was with them instead? These monsters.. What did she have to loose now?

A decision had been made.. she would meet these wolves and see what the knew of her kind. If they knew nothing, perhaps they would help her figure out were she fit in this world.. even if it was with them.. the "pack" as he called it. She didnt know, she was scared.. so worried, but if there was one thing she knew, it was that right infront of her was something that had no intention of hurting her. A living creature who offered her a place at his side, if only for the night. She wasn't ready to put herself at risk and follow him away but a warm side and a soft comfort for the night sounded so wonderful. Callista did not want to think about anything.. not her adoptive mother, and not the man who had every intention of using her body until he received coin for her. She only wanted comfort.. and the sleep that would follow.

Forcing her feet to move once more, she moved infront of those golden eyes. A delicate, and shaking finger moved over his head, down through his neck fur and tangled in the golden hair at his side. The look in her eyes gave him a warning.. though they thanked him. She was grateful for even that little bit of company. Even if in the end he intened her harm.. she didn't have much to loose now did she? Lowering herself onto the grass below her, she leaned into the warmth of the canine, letting her aching legs spread out across the ground. Shutting her eyes, she felt his chest rise and fall with each breathe.. enjoying the warmth that radiated off his body. Her lips did not move to speak.. for she had no clue what she would say. All she wanted was to drift off into sleep, let these emotions fade away.. tommorow she could start with a fresh, clear head. Or so she hoped.

 

[FoxWriter]

Ronan gave her a wolfish smile when she came closer, and he ran his smooth tongue along her arm a few times, trying to comfort her, he had younger pups already packing up her things, everything she owned that was hers was being taken to the Dens. Ronan had cleared out a Den just for her, he had even found a bed for her... it was mostly just a huge piece of soft pelt, sewn together and stuffed with all of the softest Down he could find, but it was soft, and comfortable... he had given up trying to keep the pups off of it, he hoped Callista didn't mind that it smelled sort of puppyish. he closed his eyes and leaned into the soft hand that was stroking his golden fur. he blinked at the look in her eyes, and simply laid his head on his paws and closed his eyes, all too ready to simply go to sleep, and as she drifted off, he wished her sweet, moon filled dreams.

when she woke, she was NOT where she had been... a good thing actually, because it was pouring the rain. thick wet sheets where falling, hitting the ground so hard that it was creating mudslides back at the village. she was laying on a large feather stuffed pelt, a soft canine of some kind by the look and feel of it, Dog maybe? but it was so very well stuffed that the chill of the cave floor didn't bother her at all... or maybe that was the half a dozen Wolf pups that had curled around her, some of them barley old enough to walk. all of her things from her house that could be carried, had been brought to that rather well sized cave, and they where stored in wooden boxes that smelled wonderfully of Ceder and birch. as she woke up, another Wolf moved into the Den, sopping wet, it's dark gray fur clung to it's heaving sides as it stepped over to her and settled something on the ground out of reach of the strange human that their Alpha had brought... it was a sopping wet puppy, not even old enough to have opened it's eyes. it whined piteously as the mother nuzzled it, cast a terrified glance at Callista, and rushed back out into the rain to fetch another puppy while one of the older pups gently nudged the newly soaked one to a place by Callista's feet.

should the girl look outside, she would see the problem. the River had risen, and groups of men, women, and wolves where struggling to keep the water out of the lower caves. the Golden furred Wolf was racing back and forth, trying to be everywhere at once, and the men and women where trying to build walls to keep the water out of the pup dens until the puppies could all be evacuated. the den was so small, that only one female could go in at a time, which was leading to a frantic air that had the pups in Callista's cave whining in terror. the strangest part though, was that Callista would recognize several of the men. all of them had been in the village many times, peddling furs and trading meats and war stories. the one on the far right was one of the men who had gone missing from one of her fathers hunting parties, not dead in the least. and before her very eyes, two of them transformed, going from man to wolf so effortlessly, and so quickly, that it was almost a shock as they started easily digging 'flood trenches' to drain the water away from the dens. Callista didn't have to worry about her cave flooding, she was up on a high hill, her Den was in the highest point in the Territory, which was why all the puppies where being put there.

 

[iPandabearz]

Nightmares filled the girls head.. but were they really nightmares at all? They were filled with wolves.. and angels. She stood by the side of a golden wolf, though she was different.. taller and older. A bow, a dark ashen bow was held between her hands. Feathers and blood decorated the ground beneath her, but they were not her own. The red that stained the ground was smeared across her face. Men.. men an anglels lay before her.. their bodies scattered and broken. Was she evil? Those pretty wings at her back, so commonly associated with the angels.. could they be a deception. No, This is simply what she thought of herself.. what HE had though of her. Evil, horrid and murderouos.. dealing with the devils pets. No, it couldnt be her. It couldnt be!

Callista awoke with a panick attack, tears dried to her face as she stood up from the bed. Wait.. a bed? Instinctively, she backed up.. her hands bumping into to something soft and warm. Turning her head, she lay her eyes on a six or seven dogs.. no, not dogs. Large younglings, wolfs even. Her heart immediatley soften, stroking one of the pups as if they were her own livestock. Being the daughter of the godess of nature, she could not help but to love every living thing. How small and helpless these little things were.. sleeping so soundlessly next to her. The young girl relaxed, laying back into the pile of pups, bringing a hand over each and every one.. codling them like a mother would a child.

She wasnt able to go back to sleep, for the sounds of heavy.. wet footsteps sounded through the cave. Callista immediatly thought the golden wolf was coming for her, and she stood up.. ready to greet him or sprint away. But it was not the male that came to her den, but a smaller.. darker wolf, quite a young pup in her maw. The poor thing was soaked, barely able to walk. Callista was certain it would catch namonia if it wasnt helped. As soon as the larger wolf left the den, she rose up and scooped the whining animal in her hands. Taking her jacket from her dresser.. she paused, realizing that her own items had been brought to this den. Organized like her room at ho-back at the farm. Odd, she could only wonder how they got her belongings and on top of that.. why they were so sure she would stay here. Callista would surely question the one who took her when she had the time, but for the moment she worked on the young one in her hands.

Cold, wet and shivering the pup was at risk and the young girl was quick to wrap it up in her furs, trying to dry the thing while slowly bringing up its temperature. It almost seemed as if her fingers glowed as she brought the pup in close to her chest.. and began to sing. Her voice was soft and beautiful, ringing like the softest of bells as she almost hummed to the little one.. a song she was sung as a child. When wolves were all but a fantasy, loved instead of hated.

Oh winter, oh midnight
A wolf howls in the mist
Down there she stands under the cold
Midwinter
Midwinter sky

Now she is alone
Deep in the forest with her lullaby
In the cold midwinter
Searching for warmth
The end is close

 

[FoxWriter]

the pups she snuggled and nuzzled, whined rather pathetically as all young things tended to do when their sleep was disturbed, it wasn't unhappy whines, just simply 'i feel that what your doing there!' sorts of things. several even blinked sleepy eyes at her and huffed in annoyance that the strange 'not prey' one was touching them, before going back to sleep, while others tried to crawl into her lap and snuggle her. as she took care of the tiny pup others where brought in, those ones where mostly dry, and they where quickly taken in by the two 'teen' wolves who where quietly settling other pups down for a good long tongue bath to dry their fur and keep them warm. as she sang, the world seemed to still, and most of the puppies woke and moved to lay as close to her as they could without squishing each other, the tiny one in her hands suddenly morphing into a tiny little human baby with hair as white as it's fur, like snow in the winter, it's thumb was tucked firmly in it's mouth and it was sleeping ever so peacefully. one if it's tiny, rather chubby little fists was locked tightly around a lock of her hair, and as the gray wolf came back in, it paused as it sat down another just slightly damp pup.

then, where the gray wolf had been, a woman now stood, nearly nude, she wore only a very large nightshirt, indicating she had been abed in human form when this mess had occurred. "that is Erin, my Runt." she explained, smiling at him fondly. "the others have all opened their eyes, but he has not... he could not crawl away when the waters rose, and he nearly drowned, i was very lucky to have caught him before he was swept away." she admitted, watching Callista cautiously. "Alpha says you are of the Pack... but you have wings..." she admitted, sniffing at the air. "and you smell like Hunt... he says you are not Prey..." she frowned, confused. "if you have wings as a bird, and smell like Hunt, how are you not prey?" the woman asked, setting the whining puppy down and letting it scamper off while she counted puppies. "all the pups are here... safe, good." she muttered, sounding relieved. "i am Tarin." she admitted suddenly. "Alpha asked me to tell you to please wait here, he has many things he must deal with, and he wants to speak to you before you decide whether to stay, or to leave..." the woman examined her intently and then nodded, seemingly pleased with what she saw before she turned back into a Wolf, as did the tiny little Erin, the tiny Wolf pup trying to snuggle right down Callista's shirt as the mother vanished into the rain...

it wasn't long before the massive Golden wolf came into the cave, so soaked he looked more like a drowned rat than a wolf so large he could swallow a human teenager down without even chewing. he sneezed once, twice, clearing the water out of his nose and then shook hard, sending every bit of fur on edge as water hit the walls, but amazingly, did not hit anything else. he sat down and blinked at her, his head tilted a little. "you sing like an Angel." he stated softly. "your soft words brought calm to my panicked Pack. thank you." he gave her a wolfish grin. "the rains came in the night, and i couldn't wake you, the shock to your mind was too strong... i think. i know little of how a persons mind works." the Alpha admitted. "i brought you here to keep you dry, as i had brought the things from the human home to keep them safe from the Mad Man." the Wolf admitted. "i hope you will not be angry with me..."

 

[iPandabearz]

Callista giggled as a few of the pups huffed in annoyance, their ears twitching in their sleep. Adda the cattle dog had done the same as a child, sometimes even running in her sleep as though she hunted an otherworldly hare. Pulling her hand back up to the one pulled to her chest, she smiled and let the little ones sleep.. humming as she shut her eyes herself. The girl payed little attention to the teen wolves as long as they stayed their distance. A bit of fear still hung in her pretty eyes, she did not trust these wolves. And thought the little ones may be cute and harmless.. their older, much larger family was not. Callista drifted off into a daze, stroking the young one in her hand. She only woke when the all to familiar wet footsteps entered the cave once more, a women in its place.. and a child rather than a pup in her hands. She frowned.. she perfered the child as an animal, not that she would ever say it out loud.

"Erin"
She repeated, looking down at the tiny hand that grasped her hair. She wondered if she should put the child down, realizing that these wer her pups. Pity filled her body, for she new that often the runts of the litter never lived very long.
"I meant them no harm, I promise"
She reassured the mother, fearing that the she-wolf would be angered that she had layed her hands on her youngsters. It was odd though, She could have sworn shed seen this woman before.. perhaps with the traders? Every now and then a women would come with the traders, selling exotic herbs and tees. Then a question popped in her head... were all the traders wolves? Tucking it away, she decided to ask the golden wolf later.

Her back stiffened, the hairs on her neck standing up as she felt the women's gaze wash over her. She was examining her, finally telling Callista that she seemed like prey. A frown spread across her pale lips, her observation wounding her pride. She had always wanted to be a great hunter.. hearing that these large wolves would consider her prey if not for the golden one stung immensley. Lowering her head, she sighed.
"I couldnt tell you why your alpha has taken interest in myslelf. But I am NOT prey"
It took all of her effort not to growl at the women, she knew she didnt mean it in such a way. She was an animal afterall.. and deep down she knew the women could overpower her in seconds if she so chose.
"A pleasure Tarin, You may call me Callista if you wish to call me anything at all"
Her voice went back to being calm, dismissing the previouse comment. A sigh of releif escaped as she vanished back into the rain, the child in her hand taking the shape of a wolf once more.

It wasnt long before the golden wolf took her place, his fur soaked and sticking in every direction. He looked rather silly, but she did not laugh, only sat patiently and waited for him to speak. The first words from his lips made her blush. She tried to keep her singing low, not wanting the others to hear. But an angel? Is that truely what he thought of her singing? Instead of responding, a smile played at her pretty lips, clearly pleased with his comment. Listening to his reasons of dragging her off to his pack, she sighed, choosing to forgive the wolf. Whether or not that was the true reason he brought her here, she did not know. But she was here now, she minus well try to make the most of it.. though she would be ever so careful while she was here.

"No, I am not angry. A warm bed and lots of company is better than wet grass and a high fever. And I suppose it was a good idea to bring my belongings, I wouldnt have been able to go to the farm safely to get them anyways. Im only suprised he has not burned them by now."
A bit of sorrow lined her voice.. not being able to call the farm home anymore. She was positive she wouldnt be accepted back anyway. There was no way to tell what rumors the man had spread of her, or what she had told her adoptive mother. For all she knew, the whole town thought of her as a witch.
"Is everyone all right?"
She finally said after a few moments of silence.

 

[FoxWriter]

Tarrin snorted a little. "if you had tried to hurt them, the youngsters would have stopped you." tarring admitted, indicating the half growl wolves who where amusing the playful, hyper puppies who weren't napping. "Alpha also said, you would bring no harm to puppies, that you can be trusted... i do not trust you... but i trust him... he says you are safe, i beleive him." she admitted simply. "no, you are not prey... you only... feel, like it..." Tarin admitted, her head tilted. "i feel... conflicted, about you... my Beast cannot decide if you are Pack, or Prey..." she huffed in annoyance at her own instincts and shook her head as she left, muttering about strange humans that where not humans, and weird prey smells that where also Alpha smells...

Ronan grinned when she promised that she was not angry and he shook his head at the mention of the man burning all of her things. "we did not give him the chance. he was still bleeding and screaming when the youth of my Pack got your things. i did not want them to be damaged by his hatred." Ronan admitted, shaking his massive head as he sniffed at the air. "you have met Tarin, good. she is our Midwife, and our healer." Ronan admitted. "the rains are settling, and the danger is over." Ronan admitted, sighing as he looked out at the water. "we did not pick a good spot for our Dens..." he complained. "we will have to try again, the soil is bad here... the water comes and washes us out..." he growled, sounding annoyed. "the waters did not do this last year." he complained, annoyed by mother nature. "the Woman Who Loves you is still well, the Mad Man is as healed as he will get." Ronan tilted his head. "he talks very strangely now, no one can understand him." he admitted simply. "the Pack is all well, save for one..." he admitted bowing his head. "The Elder Ashwind will be greatly missed." he admitted.

"she drowned before we knew of the flooding, she had the lowest den." he admitted. "she will be buried in the morning." he turned and blinked at her, holding little Erin. "that is Erin, Tarin's runt." he admitted, grinning. he was not supposed to live past First Moon. but he has lived two!" two months old, he should have been crawling around by now, wailing like his brothers and sisters and seeing the world for the first time... Erin seamed to desire nothing of the sort. he was perfectly content to sleep in Callista's arms. "you have questions, do you not?" he asked finally, blinking at the woman. "you want to know many things, i can see the thinker in your mind whirling away like a spinning top." he teased, sounding amused. "speak your mind Pack Sister, there are none in this pack who are above you." he admitted simply. "ask what you please, and do not worry about insult."

 

[iPandabearz]

Callista was releived to hear that the danger was over, the tension in her body relaxing.. taking the chance to let her mind be at peace. Content that the youngster in her arms would be alright, she sat him down among the other pups and rose to stretch. A grimace touched her faces as she let her arms rise above her head, for she smelt of mud, tears and wet dog. On top of the smell, dirt, grass and other debri clung to her body.. as well as long strangs of canine hair. She would need to shower, clean away the dirt and smell. But it would wait to later.
"Im sorry to hear of your elder. Im sure she lived a long.. eventfull life"
She offered her words as comfort to the death of their pack member. Wich answered one of her questions, no.. werewolves were not immortal. It was silly of her to think they were, but the stories that traveled had many different versions. Great, immortal beings was one way the werewolves had been described, words of a madman she concluded. Yes, she had many questions.. who wouldnt? She had only confirmed the existance of another species two nights ago, and now here she was surrounded by them all. But she held them back until she was given permission to ask, smiling as he spoke of the runt. Her gentled hands stroked the tiny pup on the bed, chuckling to herself.
"Yes, His mother cares deeply for him. Im sure she will see to it that he to lives a long life."
And of course, with Callista here.. he would. She brought life to all things of nature. No, she could not bring the dead back to life and cure life-threatening wounds but she could heal (not that she was aware of), and the simple magic that radiated from her urged all things to grow and prosper. Yes, with her attention.. this pup would grow strong. Taking attention away from the pup, she walked forward and stood infront of the Golden wolf.. an excitement lit up in her eyes as she was given permission to speak her questions.

"Yes, I have many. First, Why have you taken such an interest in me. You say you only wanted to make me happy. Why? There are so many other women in our village. Smarter, Taller, Better hunters and much prettier. You couldnt have possibly known for so long that I was not human.. I didnt even know. And now that I am here, What do you expect of me? On top of that, You referred to that women as a midwife of the pack. With a normal pack of wolves, the alpha is the only one who mates and chooses a mate for life."

Some part of her hoped that he had no women to call his own. That he would only pay attention to her.. make her feel cared for. It was selfish thinking, but didn't every girl dream of a man to take care of her? Then again.. this was not a man. Or was it? She had not seen his human form.. Callista did not even know his name.

"But first.. What is your name?"

She asked, a sweet curiosity playing in that angelic voice.

 

[FoxWriter]

he chuckled a little and nodded. "she was about a hundred and fifty years old... a very eventful life." he admitted simply, well aware that was going to only raise more questions in her mind. "such an interest in you?... you do not realize your worth." he complained. "why would i want some silly, frail, week, pathetic human slut in my pack? she would sully our bloodlines and ruin or ways. humans are good only for destruction. to allow a human into Pack Ranks is tantamount to suicide... you, are not human. and you are far more beautiful than any of those silly human stick women." he complained with a disdainful sniff. "AND they STINK." he complained hotly. "i have known for a while now, that there was a girl in the human village that was not human, that she remained well hidden. that is why we chose that village to settle and Trade in." he admitted simply. "it was not until very recently that i saw you personally for myself, and knew you had no place in the Human tribes."

he paused for a moment and then. "a werewolf pack, is not like humans, nor like Wolves... we are.. a combination of the two i suppose. "Men and women mate and marry as they please, but they do not do so for stupid reasons as humans do. werewolves mate, only because they are in love. it is said that She who made us, always made two wolves with one soul, so that we may always find who we belong with." Ronan admitted. "many wolves never find who they are destined to be with, and settle for a lesser love. a few wolves, like Tarin, find the wolves they where destined for, and live with such love." he chuckled a little. "i myself, have settled for no love yet." he admitted. "as have many of the Wolves in my Pack." he admitted turning to look at her, a wicked glint lighting his eyes.

"ah, but you already know me Little Hunter." he admitted simply. "after all, i did spend an entire day, showing you how to skin." he teased, shifting before her very eyes into Ronan, the trader who had given her the wonderful, wonderful pelts. "and you where right." his voice was human, warm and comforting. "i was nearly trampled when i brought that Cow to the Pack." he smirked. "the elders nearly got into a fight over who would get the first taste of the Milk." he admitted with a laugh. "the poor cow is so bewildered, that she can't even be afraid of all the wolves around!" he admitted with a smile as he watched her, his top half naked, letting his skin glow and gleam in the dusky light of the Den, his dark leather pants only making his firm muscles all the more evident, his emerald eyes sparkling as he watched her. "as soon as i saw you, that day in the market, i knew you where not human.. i struggled for weeks to not approach you, but in the end, i could not help myself... i am drawn to you... the Pack is drawn to you." he admitted softly. "like we where made, just for you." he admitted smiling softly at her. "you... fill us with so many emotions, that they conflict, which drives us mad... but it's alright, because you bring Sanity with you wherever you go..." he admitted softly. "you have more questions?"

 

[iPandabearz]

One hundred and fifty years old? Callista couldn't say she was surprised by there elongated life but it was an impressive number. The average human only live to around seventy if they were lucky and had a good access to medicines. Callista herself had never been sick, her body seemed to adapt to any weather condition and immune to all natural-born diseases and her village was not advanced enough to start biological weapons. She was expected to love long and healthy, maybe even longer due to her inhuman bloodlines. The young girl looked human but was anything but, taking her looks from her mother side as well as the wings, the dryad from her fathers side only enhanced her earthly magic. Still, she listened to him.. and his words brought new confidence to her. She was thought as as higher than a human being though she had tried so hard to be one of them.. and she had to admit she missed them, her mother mainly. Perhaps while the golden one was sleeping, she would sneak away to see her.

She listened to him intently as he described the love life of the werewolf village. Much like humans, the married whom they wanted but not for childish reasons.. and above all they beleived there was soul partner for each and every being. So then, the women she had met earlier had met her soul match. It must be so nice, to be with one specifically designed for you and perfect in every way to meet your needs. Callista could only imagine how happy the couple was and though she would not say it, she envied her. She would love to feel like she belonged, like she was right even if just for that one person in every way possible, as written by nature it self.
"Thats wonderful"
She whispered, leaning against the wall of the cave. A sense of releif washed over her once he stated he had not found himself a partner. There was more time for her to saturate her own curiosities, have him teach her in their ways without distraction or limitations. Free as the birds in the sky, much like herself. Some never find their soul match? A frown lined her lips. It would be devastating.. knowing that there was a perfect fit for your soul and not being able to have it. It would be like dangling a warm slab of meat in front of a starving dog.. just out of reach.

Pale, white hair fell over her shoulders as the girl tilted her head, looking for some sign of recognition. She knew him? Certainly she would have remembered meeting such a large wolf before two nights ago. Even if in human form there had to be SOMETHING to give it away. And there it was.. The handsome, skilled hunter who took a whole day to teach her a few tricks, inspired her to do more than hunt elk and dear. Of course, how didn't she recognize it. It was so fitting that the golden haired hunter would be the golden furred alpha. She cursed herself for not realizing it sooner. But she was too exciting to let it get her down. He could teach her more now! She could learn more of the blade, go and hunt the rarest of animals and have many more pelts. Callista couldnt imagine what she could give in exchange but he had to teach her! With his guidance, she would be able to stand with the best of hunters.. Compete in competitions!

"I should have known it was you. I.. I was sad to see you go. I want to learn more! Would you teach me, take me in as an apprentice? Oh, But I never even got your name!"

The girl was almost glad he came back for her, though the admission he gave her... of how strongly he was drawn to her made her fear what he expected of her. And the pack too.. would they cause her trouble? Would they come for her too?

 

[FoxWriter]

he smiled at her mutter, she was such a girl, so romantic. "it's also said that if you don't find your true love in this life, then you are reborn again and again until you do find them." he admitted simply. "it is the Promise we where made, that we would not ascend into heaven without our Soul Mates. it is a promise that no matter what, we will always find our Other Soul." he smiled at her. "so even though Ashwind is dead, and has not found her other Soul. she will be reborn as a new pup, in a new Pack, to continue her search for her missing half." he admitted chuckling a little. "which is why it does not hurt so badly when we do not find our Soul, we know we may still find them in another life." he admitted, nodding.

he laughed at her excitement over recognizing him, and he grinned at her happily when she didn't immediately hate him for being 'an evil beast'. not that he was really Evil, but that was what humans thought he was. unnatural... how could they be unnatural, when they where of the earth? it was a ridiculous nature. he grinned at her and shook his head. "of course i'll Teach you Callista." he promised her, chuckling a little. "we take turns leaving the Territory to find rare beasts and pelts." he admitted. "i don't normally leave, since i have to protect the Pack, but i think it will be alright with Tamboy in charge, he's old enough now, and in a few more days he'll be able to Thought Project. he'll make a good Sub Alpha." he admitted nodding. "the others are not sure what to make of you, but they won't hurt you." he promised, blinking at her as he took note of her fear. "we are drawn to you the same way we are drawn to the wilds and the forests. you are, like a place of safety and food and warm places to den and many puppies." he admitted smiling at her. "you are like all the best places, and all the best prey, and all the best hunts." he admitted. "they'll smell you a lot, and crowd you no doubt, but they won't hurt you... the thought of hurting you, it is a thought that makes us cringe, like trying to hurt one of our own pups..." well, at least they wouldn't try to eat her...

 

[iPandabearz]

The words he spoke, were those she had only hear of in fantasies. Could they really be true then? Callista was eager to beleive in it all, but she had to keep a smart head about her. She still didnt trust these wolves, fearing they had their own agendas for her. Certainly he wouldn't drag her to his pack simply for her company. Still, She couldnt help but to be excited.. knowing that this man had so much he could teach her. The young women almost jumped when he agreed to teach her more.. She could be more than a lost oddity. A great hunter... like she was destined to be. It was only natural for her to take after her mother, hunting and living with wolves. It seemed all too fitting didn't it?

It was such a releif to hear that his pack would not harm her... but still, the fact that they were drawn to her worried Callista. While she was here with this pack, for she still planned on leaving to find others like her, she would stick around Ronan. Even if he had bad intentions about him, he would keep the others from having their way with her. And speaking of smell..
"Were might I go to bathe myself? I have not had a bath in days now"
She admitted shyly, turning away as she spoke.
"I dont even want to think about the layers of dirt and debri stuck in my clothing"
Brushing a hand through her top, she watched as a few flakes of dirt fell to the ground, proving her point. Her hair was also a mangled mess, tangles and leaves stuck in her silked strands.

 

[FoxWriter]

he smiled at her a little and nodded. "i'll get one of the women to show you." he promised. "we Wolves are not embarrassed by our bodies, but humans are... i think." he admitted shaking his head. "in any case, i wouldn't want you to be uncomfortable while bathing." he admitted. "we have a Den for it, it's up in the forest a ways." he admitted. "nice and private." he promised turning and heading out into the Rain in Wolf form. he seamed more comfortable on all fours instead of in human form. but as promised a younger woman appeared, drenched as well but smiling as she looked up at Callista with awestruck eyes. she was around nine, maybe ten, or appeared to be anyway and she beamed happily at Callista. "Hi! i'm Anya! i'm going to take you to the bathhouse, i'm ten!" she chirped happily as she bounced on her toes. "i just turned human on purpose for the first time last week! isn't that exciting!?... oh... Mama says it's not nice to babble, i'm sorry, i just never met someone who looked so pretty and smelled so good and had such amazing wings!" she beamed at Callista.

"Can you fly? i bet flying is fun, will you teach ME how to fly!?" Anya asked hopefully as she skipped along the muddy path that led upwards. there where men up ahead laying thick planks of wood down to control the mud, most of them where completely covered in the thick mud, but most of them where just rolling in the flooded river to wash themselves up. "you have such pretty hair! can i brush your Hair?" she asked hopefully as she led the way into a massive natural Cave, it was all made of rock and stone and inside was a massive pool of water that was fed in by a clear creek from the back, the rocks cleaned the water and a large rock heated up in a fire, which was sitting in the corner, heated up the water. there was a skin for scrubbing with, and a bar of scented soap that was probobly worth more than the Cows she had raised. there was even a bottle of honey scented natural shampoo, which again was just as expensive as the soap was. with or without permission, Anya carefully started picking the leaves and tangles apart, humming as she carefully 'groomed' Callista, muttering about how soft and warm Callista's hair was, and how it smelled just like moonlight!

 

[iPandabearz]

Pale eyes watched as the golden wolf faded back into the rain, probably to go assist his frantic pack. It sounded like a bit of damaged had been caused by the heavy rain, she could only be releived her took her to place up high.. untouched by its effects. A smile touched her face a small child bounded her way into the gave. Though soaked from head to toe in water, a cheerful and innocent aura radiated off the little one.. Callista couldnt help but warm up, offering the child a her name in return, a cheerful bounce to her voice.
"A pleasure to meet you miss Anya!"
She tilted her head, listening to the all so proud girl as she told her she had finally turned human on her own will. So then, It took them till their tenth year to learn to control the shifting ability. She tucked the bit of information in her head.
"You must be a talented little wolf!"
She giggled and offered her hand to the child as the walked out of the cave and out to the den. Her laughter only picked up as the child told her how pretty she was and how good she smelt.. and how amazing her wings were. Clearly, they had never seen one like her.
"Not as pretty as YOU are."
Running a hand through the girls hair playfully, she looked out to the rest of the dens. There were many of them, and wolves and humans, most of them that she had seen among the traders, ran up and down the rows. She could see the damage.. the mud that lined the dens. Did that mean the pups would stay with her until they were dried out?

Could she fly? Funny, she had never tried. Her mother had never let the girl out of her sight, fearing someone would find those wings and either take her or claim her as a witch. She was so protective, covering the girl in layers and keeping her always near the farm. On many occasions though, Callista would sneak out to hunt or just to run and be free. Never once had she tried to fly, she doubted the muscles in her white wings were strong enough to carry her. Maybe one day, they would be capable of holding her up.
"No, Im afraid I cant fly just yet. But maybe you can help me! We'll have to go out into the forest some time and have some girl time?"
She hoped the child would like that, children always seemed to love going out and doing new things.. though she did not know whether or not her mother would appreciate her following Callista along and suddenly she became self consciouse.. walking umong the wolves shyly. Would they accept her? Would they hate her? What would the males do? She had seen the way the golden one was aroused just by her scent, would the other males come after her while he wasnt around?

Her thoughts washed away as they came to the cave enterance. The heat that rose out of water came over her skin, relaxing her muscles as she closed her eyes to enjoy it. She glanced around the cave, making sure there was no males around to see her exposed body.. not wanting any to lay eyes on her form. No man had ever known her body, and she was much to shy to expose herself now. Confirming that there was no males in the den, she stripped herself of her clothing, folding them neatly by the edge of the pool. Turning back to the girl, she smiled.
"Of course you can! Its terribly knotted. But I bet you can make it soft and pretty again"
She said sweetly, stepping in to the warm pool. A sigh of pleasure left her lips as the hot water washed over her cold skin.. releasing the tension in each and every muscle.