Hope Revisited( A MissKitty and BlackHeart Collaboration)

[MissKitty19]

She'd been a surprise. A day old in utero when they'd been put to sleep. Her mother had been examined before put to sleep, and there were no medical signs of pregnancy. At least that was how her father told it. If there had been any sign. Her mother would have been left behind.

It wasn't until after, she started to show a few months after coming out of cryo and gave birth shortly after. The doctors among them theorised that the first trimester had been extended in cryosleep and as a result the second and third had been much shorter, her gestation had taken three thousand years and six months, no one had known what would come out of her mother, her birth had been a moment of great trepidation.

They were shocked when she came out a healthy, beautiful baby girl. With no visible difference from any child, save for a mark, in the shape of a crescent moon tucked into the outline of a full moon on the back of her neck.

Ki was the first child of the new world. Treasured by, not only her parents but by the entire community of people. The first child born in the new world. There were others, a breeding program had been established before they were put to sleep. But, she was still the first. Her parents loved her of course, her mother, a civilian, her father, a skilled military leader. Hadn't expected a child in the early days of settlement, especially when things were so rocky and uncertain.

As a result she grew up with their civilisation, matured in strife and blossomed into full womanhood on the run.

The cryosphere had been attacked when she was in her early teens, and they had to leave afterwards. That's when they were really tested. The land, they had prepared for the worst, but in the cryosphere they had gone soft, secure in the safety it provided, now that first year, deaths were abundant. Water. The most precious resource was scarce, and they had to learn quickly how to preserve it. On top of that, food was just as scarce, the wooded they had settled in around the cryosphere had been infested with winged insects dangerously close to the hive. So they had to escape in the opposite direction. Quickly they were slammed into a barren wasteland. Little food and water if any, and more died, there was still hope though, and it came, when one of the older woman gave birth, to a healthy and happy baby boy, soon, he wasn't the only child travelling with them and Ki was relieved not to be the only hope for new life.


Sweet children, faced with the harsh reality of the world they then had to struggle through.

She rose for the day to a camp disbanding around her, pulling down her shelter she used a bit of water to wash her face. Washing was wasteful. But she couldn't stand the stink of not washing, the musk of unwashed skin made her want to gag. She was always the first in when they did come across water, to jump in.

There hadn't been water for days though, but it was there, on the horizon, the signs, fresh vegetation, green.

Though she knew that with the green came other things. Dangerous things, deaths, more horrifying then starvation or dehydration, you could stop dehydration with water, could stop starvation with food.
The things she couldn't stop. Scared her. Every hopeful step they took. Terrified her.

It was midday when they reached the river. Though she waited until nightfall her light sitting at the waters edge as she waded in, the deepest part was only to her waist, but she splashed water over the rest of her, bending to wet her golden locks, pleased as the dust of travel fell off her, she lifted the hair from the back of her neck and washed the dirt from there as well.

Ki looked up. The river was right at the edge of the wooded area, and though it fed the greenery and brush. It had no real coverage itself. She could see the sky just as well here as she could in the desert. The moon made her light almost pointless as it glowed down on the water, the stars like lanterns against the inky black.

She could see herself reflected like a shadow against the rippling surface. Intricate features like her sweet grey eyes and the cherry like stain too her pouty lips, blurred in the waters motion, but the glow of her tanned form as the curve of her back into her bottom and the flat plane of her stomach, the soft rounding of her breasts, covered by one of her slender arms, to keep warm against the nights chill, as much as for modesty.

Awed by the beauty of the fresh, untouched land around her, the time passed and she couldn't help but feel blessed. Not only to be clean, finally, but to see the recreation of the world as she had thus far. Surprised out of her thoughts as she heard her mother calling her name. She'd been gone far too long and worried the woman.

Dressing in her clothes, a bit dismayed to be covering herself in the filthy rags after finally getting clean. She would have to take care of that tomorrow.

 

[BlackHeart]

***

They wasn’t certain on where, or how they came to be. They had stories, legend of the Great Sun. a Sun that rose out of the Earth and killed all on the Earth.

Almost all.

From the ashes arose a new species. Intelligent, adaptable…a new dominate species. Wolfen they called themselves.

Covered in fur, walking on digitigrade legs, they knew what they was…what they called each other…but what they where was, wolves. Both human and wolf. Human and animal. Human intelligence and wolf cunning.

Mutants, a mutation that didn’t take millions of years, but a mere three thousand. The fastest ever. The fallout radiation, doing evolution’s work.

They was healthy, strong, pack and family even having their own language and culture. A rich life that was structured and loved, their souls in tune with Sister Moon and Brother Sun and the Mother Earth. Everything was usable, plentiful…one just needed to know where to look.

But then the last hundred a sickness took them. Killed many and now, the females was becoming sterile. A new disease . It killed many Pups, what few lived died soon, wild, their minds gone, the 1 in 50 that was born had a high chance of being sterile.

It happened after a rouge came, told them that he had passed through the Forbidden lands. Places of twisted steel. A dead and diseased place. He had spread the sickness he had caught to a female…and it was like wild fire….

They was in danger of dying and they believed nothing could save them….

Not until the Shaman of the Mamtoi Tribe, had a vision. A vision of a strange hairless female part of a new tribe….no…not new…old…the first. They just had been sleeping. They awoke…not long ago…mere months. The girl child born as the first into a world different then what they had known.

A girl child that could save them.

Bands of warriors was sent out to find these new old creatures…to find the girl. To know what they was looking for, the child would be marked with moon. Sister Moon had touched the girl and left her mark.

It took years….and no luck, though…the Wolfen did learn something….these creatures…while smart…was fragile…they could only hope that they wouldn’t be too late….


**************

The hot sun beat down on the small band of Humans as they camped near the river and debated on whether or not to chance it in the Jungle that they saw not even a full mile away or stay by the clear river that was full of fish and early that morning they had spotted the strange two legged deer like animals in the vast open meadow. It seemed no one wanted to go back out in the desert, not with more then half of them weak and sick. Already two people had died last night.

The boy was sitting on the rock as a sentry, he was tanned like the rest and young, yet his brown eyes was keen and sharp, not likely to wonder too much. In this world…they couldn’t afford to. Not when there was predators bigger then they was.

 

[MissKitty19]

“ We can't go back.” Her father insisted as he and a few others discussed their options. She listened in on the conversation as they tore down the camp.

“ There's concern about safety, at least at the sphere there was structure.” One man argued and she felt anger rising in her. She was always the quiet sort, but her emotions, bubbled to the surface, like a painting on her pretty face.

Didn't they see all the loss they have suffered? All the people they had lost? The years they had used to get here? Was it all a waste. She picked up the washing and went down to the river again, washing the clothing. It was dirty work, but she wanted to get it done before they travelled more. She about half way through she stopped and tied up her soft blonde locks.

“Ki!” The young man calling to her made her turn, her heart skipping a beat in her chest as the man approached and bent as he offered to help. He was older then her, significantly, even at18, with the age difference between them nearing15 years. But had one of those baby faces. He was kind, capable, and it didn't hurt that he'd saved her butt a few times in their travels. She smiled as he helped her, her heart swelling in her chest. A naive part of her hoping he was spending time with her because he felt the same.”It's nice to have a water source so close isn't it?”

She nodded. Feeling at a loss for words. Willing herself to say something witty, anything, to make him look at her again, gathering the now clean clothes they turned to head back to camp,as she did, she felt a hand at the back of her neck, the touch brushed along the hairline, and against the purple birthmarks upper edge.

“ A leaf.” He said and she smiled, nodded her thank you.

Thankfully the men seem to have decided to send a small party into the wooded area, along the rivers edge, her father was one of the ones that volunteered to go, and find a home for them. She knew he'd tell her to stay, which was why she didn't ask. Though a curious part of her wanted to see what they would see.

It was late two days later and they still hadn't heard anything, until one of the men cane back, wounded and weak, whispering of death as he passed out. Ki cleaned his wounds and bandaged him, in hopes he would give hope of her father's survival. He was feverish though, and when he did speak it was of the pain he felt. The pain she could do nothing about.

He sat up and screamed at some point that night and as she rushed forward to settle him back down, change his dressings and sooth his fever with a cool cloth. There wasn't much else she could do.

“So big! Different..... Not safe, run!” At the same time, someone called her away. She found her mother at the river, along with a large group of others, looking around, grey eyes bewildered, why had they called her away this time?

 

[BlackHeart]

The sentry had seen something.

Something large and moving through the tall grasses. A group of them heading right to them. Slowly and steady the movement in the ten foot tall grasses.

Then….they all got the shock of their lives when creatures, seven feet tall stepped out onto the banks. Looking like wolves, they stood like me, holding primitive weapons such as spears and bows and even swords with wide curved blades. They was even dressed in leather chaps, breeches and loin clothes. Vests of bones and copper and even feathers decorated their person. The ones from before the Sleep, of the Old world, could swear these Creatures was mirroring ways of Natives, of Cavemen…it was a step back in time. Eyes of yellow, gold, green and blue stared out at the humans.

They was not animal’s eyes.

No. Intelligent, cunning…..calculating.

They stared hard at the ragged and thin band of humans.

One, what was clearly a male stepped forward then. He had fur of a white and a gold red hue. Icy blue eyes stared at them and then grunted. Words soon following. “Arcesso an commodo.” he said in a low deep voice.

“It can talk!” someone hissed in fear and surprise.

“What do they want?”

“What ARE they!”

Voices mingled together until a hush came over them when they saw two of the Creatures walk forward carrying Ki’s father on a stretcher. His right leg was heavily bandaged and his left arm in a sling.

---

The sentry had seen something.

Something large and moving through the tall grasses. A group of them heading right to them. Slowly and steady the movement in the ten foot tall grasses.

Then….they all got the shock of their lives when creatures, seven feet tall stepped out onto the banks. Looking like wolves, they stood like me, holding primitive weapons such as spears and bows and even swords with wide curved blades. They was even dressed in leather chaps, breeches and loin clothes. Vests of bones and copper and even feathers decorated their person. The ones from before the Sleep, of the Old world, could swear these Creatures was mirroring ways of Natives, of Cavemen…it was a step back in time. Eyes of yellow, gold, green and blue stared out at the humans.

They was not animal’s eyes.

No. Intelligent, cunning…..calculating.

They stared hard at the ragged and thin band of humans.

One, what was clearly a male stepped forward then. He had fur of a white and a gold red hue. Icy blue eyes stared at them and then grunted. Words soon following. “Arcesso an commodo.” he said in a low deep voice.

“It can talk!” someone hissed in fear and surprise.

“What do they want?”

“What ARE they!”

Voices mingled together until a hush came over them when they saw two of the Creatures walk forward carrying Ki’s father on a stretcher. His right leg was heavily bandaged and his left arm in a sling.

 

[MissKitty19]

Ki's eyes widened as she approached the group of men and woman, at first she was just as shocked by the creatures as the rest. Though when she spotted her father she pushed forward. she didn't want to be rude, but she was starting to think it would have been easier just to go around the group. When she reached thr front of the throng her lovely eyes widened and she made a move to rush to his side.

"Stupid." A man murmured holding her back. " Did you see the size of those things! Do you want to get hurt?"

She pushed him off and sank to her knees at her father's side. Concern plain on her lovely features, she was joined by her mother as well. both woman acutely aware of the danger but the concern for their family plain.

" What happened Daddy?" He was out of it, but lucid. her hand moved to his forehead as her mother gripped his uninjured hand. No fever, good, but what had the scouting party run into? Was it these things? Did they attack the scouting party? If so, why would they bring her father back, and treat him? She was confused. and worried and strangely appreciative. His wounds had been treated, with care.

They had no real leader, they operated on a majority vote, surely, with this, she doubted they would venture further, doubted they would continue to grow. This whole thing was a step back. Fear was crippling.

Swallowing, she told her mother quietly that he was okay. That they had treated her father. Her mother spoke out loud.

" It doesn't make sense to heal someone you have attacked. They didn't do this did they?" Her mother's gaze rose to the creature who had spoken, the horde behind them was quiet when she spoke again. " Thank you,"

They were shocked. Though her mother was wise and intelligent, she was trusted among these people. So they all were shocked when she reached out a hand, offered to the creature in friendship.

"He's my husband, and a father. There were others with him, what happened?"

The older woman waited, and Ki looked up at her mother before her father spoke. she leaned forward to hear it.

" They helped when we were attacked." Ki nodded and hushed her father, insisting he rest, wondering if they would be able to speak to these creatures. She asked two men to take her father to the medical tent, where the other survivor was. and was about to leave herself, to leave the talking to her mother and those that made decisions for the group. As she turned though she felt something grab her arm. Drawing her attention and the attention of all the people there. Her free hand gently pushing the offending....paw? Off of her.

" I have to see to my father." She said softly before leaving , as she turned, they got a glimpse of the purple mark, that would have been hidden bu her hair, had it not been pulled up due to her efforts that day.

 

[BlackHeart]

There was a low and excited mummer from the creatures, they shifting and straining forward to look at the retreating girl until what could be guessed as the leader snarled at them, baring long fangs and the Creatures stepped back. “Addo Zendonii.”

A gray male nodded and then turned and took off running back into the tall grasses as the leader turned to the human female that still held her hand out. He then moved up and dropped to one knee and took her much smaller hand, all eyes once again on them, and brought it up to his mouth and a soft warm wide tongue ran over the back of her hand, a soft growl at his throat. He then released her hand and stood up and touched his chest. “Keanu.”

 

[MissKitty19]

Ki's mother grinned, Introductions were.... A start. She made a face at her hand, but avoided wiping it on her clothes... for fear of offending. she retracted her hand and touched her chest in the same manor, repeating her name. She took her time to explain that the girl that had left was her daughter, and that the man who they had brought back was her husband.

When the others realised that these creatures weren't here to hurt them, most of them lost interest though some still hung around, those that had been scientists, and soldiers mostly, scientist astonished by the rapid evolution and the soldiers assessing the strength to the creatures. Tentative, but welcoming Ki's mother offered to share their meagre communal meal, a few rabbits had been roasted and some safe vegetation had been collected. They had seeds to plant for crop but they wanted to wait for permanent settlement. The fires made the creatures seem all the more menacing.

" What do they want?" A particularly burly man asked the woman.

She shrugged, unsure she'd be able to find out. She would continue to try. These creatures seemed sturdy, and had knowledge of the land they could use. To prevent another disaster.

As a wife, she should be worried, about her husband, but she knew her daughter would take good care of him.


---

" They did great. I would love to know what plant they used as an antiseptic, it seems to have prevented all infection in your wounds and you said they had you chew it for the pain?" she asked her father and he nodded his response, she searched for paper to write down what he told her, and as she found one she was distracted when he groaned trying to sit up.

"Daddy stop moving!"

" They helped us, you need to tell your mother that! There's others, they are caring for at their camp. There are so many things they could teach us."

She would. She muttered as she tried to get her father to sleep.

Once he was, she left the tent and made her way to her family tent to bed down.

----

Hours of back and forth one phrase was made clear. Ki's mother now knew what the wanted, and she tried to hide the horrified look in her etes, as a sympol was drawn in the dirt, and one of the creatures spoke.

" Want for wife." The symbol the same purple mark on her daughters neck. " Will help if wife."

 

[BlackHeart]

This came from a grizzled old wolf, a female. Her fur was thin and brittle and grey and white. The mane that flowed from her shoulders was snow white and long. Blind in one eye, she still had a spring in her step as the young grey warrior lowered down and the leader, Keanu, helped her to take a spot by the fire.

She had introduced herself, Zendonii, and what shocked them all the more…she seemed to know a bit of English, she called them Wolfen. She kept drawing the same symbol into the drit with a long sharp bone that she had pulled from her hair.

“Help you live….survive. Wife for Threon.” her ears flicked and then drew more symbols into the dirt. “No wife…no help…you die.” she said as she pointed to where the woman’s husband lay, the Wolfen making it clear that they did need their help in this new land, new time, if they wanted to survive.

 

[MissKitty19]

The shock reverberated through everyone , in fact there was utter outcry by a few, disgusted. Though most were just shocked that they wouldn't have a choice, some felt bad for the girl, who seemed to have no clue her fate was being decided.

"Th-that should be her choice shouldn't it?" Ki's mother was shocked as well, along with the parental feelings of potential loss of a child. Ki was her daughter and a part of her wanted to refuse solely for that fact.

" C-can we get back to you about..... Give her time too... " The older woman was now at a loss for words. She couldn't even think any more.

Once they had parted ways the woman went to their familial tent, and saw her sleeping daughter. The surprise blessing that had given so many of them hope, and her only child. The elder woman moved forward and as she lay down next to her daughter, pulled the smaller girl close. She'd have to tell the girl in the morning, and her husband, and then the decisions would have to be made... Her arms tightened around her daughter as her shoulder shook with sobs.

She knew it would be the right thing to do, with giving up her daughter, they could not only save lives, but forge an alliance with these new creatures that could help them get a foothold out here in this new world.

- - -

Ki stirred when she felt herself being embraced and turned to find it was her mother holding her, tears in her eyes, She didn't ask, recognising her mother just needed silent comfort.

Morning came and she woke tending to her father as the camp of people came to life around her. She got some strange looks on her way to get something to eat. She was in the middle of eating when she almost choked on her food. He was standing there looking at her all concerned. but her heart fluttered just because he was looking at her, he was coming over, making small talk.

" Pretty wild last night."

Her head tilted as she passed what was left of her portion to one of the children running about.

" Hasn't anyone told you?" She must have looked more confused because he continued. " Oh, it isn't my place, but you should speak to your parents."

--
"No." She shook her head as she looked at her mother and her father, after her breakfast encounter she had interrupted the two of them discussing the situation at hand.

" Ki, you don't understand... We all nearly died, that could have been you, could have been your mother. If we work together, there's much we can learn from them , and...It can't be so bad." She looked at her father, ready to cry out of pure anger, they had already decided for her. She could tell.It wasn't fair. Of course she understood the reasoning but she didn't understand why it had to be her.

As she left she could feel everyone's gaze turn to her, even the gaze of the Wolven that still lingered around there camp. she needed to get away, so, following the river, she started to run, her bare feet, unsure on the new terrain, but certain enough that she made it quite a distance before, bent over out of breath, she came to a stop. The river ensured that she wouldn't get lost, would be easy to find her way back out by following it. The grass was shorter here, only to mid calves, the trees were tall, lower branches littered with a few leaves but not nearly as much that blanketed the roof of the forest in a canopy of shade above.

Settling at the river's edge, the damp ground soaking the bottom of her clothes as she sat and gazed at the water.

As it grew later in the day, she could still be found there, even as the forest grew dark around her. She'd stay there all night if she had to, while trying to work out her thoughts.

She'd show up the next morning, clearly not having slept, stone faced, secluding herself away from prying eyes. Not before telling her parents she would do it.

 

[BlackHeart]

***

The Wolfen could tell it was a blow to the Humans as they called themselves. They wasn’t ignorant of the scents, body language and sounds they had made when Zendonii had told them what they wanted.

They didn’t tell them however, that even had they not seen the girl, they would have help either way.

Seeing that the Humans needed time and space, they had pulled back and camped out of sight, yet a few stayed on the edges of the camp, watching and studying them.

It was Keanu that followed the girl as she moved along the river, he following, downwind from her, her scent filling his nose. He followed her out of curiously and honor.

If and when she and the Humans agreed to the deal…it would be HIM that she would go to.

He followed to watch and to protect her.

When she stopped at the River’s edge and sat down to stare into the water, he stopped and watched her, watching over her, his scent keeping away many animals that lurked in the grasses.

His ice blue eyes moved over her form. So strange….but exotic in a flat footed flat faced way.

Keanu knew of her thoughts, of her despair and her torn sense of duty, but right away, he could tell she would choose the right thing and it made him respect her all the more.

 

[MissKitty19]

On her way to her parents, he stopped her again, this time he had a strange look on his face. He must know what she had decided.

"You aren't going to say yes?" She didn't need to speak for him to find his answer, she just made move to try and get around him, as she did he stopped her, his hand grabbing her arm, firm at first but his grip then softening. Oh how she had wanted him to touch her before today. How is it you always got what you wanted too late? " You CAN'T. Its disgusting!"

She made a face. That same thing, had plagued her for much of the night she'd never even been intimate with a man and she was sure that as a wife... it would be expected of her.

" I have to." Duty threaded through her usually sweet voice, as she drew herself closer to the man. He looked surprised, as she reached for him. It wasn't a threatening move, and it was not the friendly embrace that they were both used to sharing. Ki moved onto her toes, and guided his surprised face down to hers, her lips, barely brushing over his. A sweet kiss, the first between them , and the tears, splashing down her cheeks marking it as their last. her heart pounded wildly in her chest, celebrating and breaking all at once.

She pulled away, before his own hands could deepen their embrace, and left him shocked as she backed up.

" Everyone will understand eventually.... Even if they don't know it now, we need them, we need co-exist with them." Her last words to him, and a sad smile. As she went to her parents. After some time, to finish crying and dry her tears, an embrace from her mother, half of one from her father and she was ready to inform their new Wolfen companions of her decision

"Who?" She asked when faced with their new... friends? She'd bathed and changed into simple, deep green long sleeved dress. The fabric light, and the hem, at her knees but breazy enough to move in. It was her mother's, the outfit she had awoken in and the nicest clothing she had, she didn't see much in the way of clothing on the creatures before her, save for those covering their sex. She couldn't see much of a difference between them, save for age and... The elderly female with them was clearly of different sex , she wondered if they saw them the same way? Would any of the woman have suited their needs? Was she chosen just because she was the youngest?

She made a face, more at herself and shook her head to rid herself of those thoughts. Her blonde curls, fresh and clean catching the light of the now setting sun.

She'd chosen her fate.

 

[BlackHeart]

The elderly female moved forward at her question and then put her hand on the girl’s shoulder. She could smell the fear, the wariness, so she tried to smile as gently as she could without scaring too much due to her long fangs. She then swept her arm out. “Great, great, Grandson….Threon Keanu.” she showing her that it was the leader of the group, the white and red gold Wolfen.

Keanu moved up slowly to her and held out his large paw like hand, his icy blue eyes staring down at her calmly yet intently.

 

[MissKitty19]

Ki nodded and offered her own hand. Without her mother's courage, her hand trembled. Looking tiny in his. More so then was typical in the gender differences. My he was big!

She guessed conversation was moot she couldn't understand a word he said and she doubted he knew much more then his name. With her other hand also shaking, all of her must be shivering like a leaf in the wind just now. She raised that hand to her chest, and pinted to herself.

"Ki." The introduction rough, and as soon as she finished, both her hands dropped with her own grey gaze away from those eyes. Her attention back on the elderly female with her paw on Ki's shoulder. Their wedding ceremonies, had gone from simple, to elaborate in the past. in the cryosphere they had been as simple as the two parties co-habitation after an exchange of trinkets. While they travelled it was much the same. She didn't really have anything to give. Nore had she had any time to prepare something.

"How?"

She hopped they had evolved beyond the known mating behaviours of there kind. What she had read in the cryoshere's database, was all public urinating and fornicating and biting. As she thought of this, her cheeks pinked. She wasn't even sure she wanted him to touch her, let alone that way... let alone in public with an audience.

 

[BlackHeart]

He still stared at her but then a smile broke out on his face. While it bare teeth, the smile was also in his eyes. Still holding her hand, he touched his chest. “Keanu. How….you.” he asked, it seemly he had been listening a lot. The barrier was still there. But it seemed it could be broken. He then gently ran a claw along her cheek. “Ki. Beautiful.” he told her softly and as gently as he could in his deep voice.

“Ki, Child. It time. Leave. Go village. But be back soon.” Zendonii told the girl. Yes, she was to go with them, but they would return now and then to help the Humans as part of the deal and the old wise woman wasn’t deaf and dumb to know that she would want to see her mother and father again.

 

[MissKitty19]

She flinched slightly when he ran his claw along her cheek, and her whole body stiffened as a reaction to the touch. She recognised that he was trying to be kind, what with the smile on his face, though she couldn't help the reaction.

"Leave?" Panic clear in her eyes as they widened and she turned to look at her mother. Now? But... That didn't leave her much.... Any time for goodbyes with her family! Didn't they need to be there for a marriage ceremony? Would she be alone in a group of wolves? She threw herself at her mother and the woman hugged her. Ki found herself crying again as the woman squeezed her tight.

" It's okay." The woman spoke, petting her daughters soft curls. She waited until her tears had subsided before pulling away and agreeing to leave with the Wolfen. She returned to her tent and packed her belongings, A change of clothes, a notebook and a refillable charcoal pen. Meager belongings compared to what their race once had. for what she knew of history They were proficient at gathering, belongings. It was then she wondered, just how these creatures lived.

She travelled with them, slowly and silently, noticing how Keanu and The elder stayed close to her. She wondered if they thought she would run. Where would they expect her to go?

Sturdy, having travelled across the barren desert with the others, it took a lot to tire her out, but it was almost evening when , with aching feet and heavy eyes, she wondered how much furthur they needed to go.

 

[BlackHeart]

They had traveled through the forest, strange animal calls sounded around them until they came to a clearing and she saw the first of the Wolven’s homes.

Unlike the wolves of the past, these Creatures lived in homes…in lodges….log homes….it was all rustic and yet….it wasn’t holes in the ground but actual homes. There was Wolfen of all ages and colors running around. Dark little naked Pups and tall proud warriors and their women. Females that was dressed in dresses or bands of soft deerhide and deer hide skirts. Clothes that was dyed and beaded. There was a huge fire pit in the middle of the village and looms of blankets and furs and racks of meat was being tended to. Beyond the village, in the fading light, she could see fields of crops that was being tended. A wolf of grey and white went around lighting torches.

Then they saw that they had returned and that they had brought with them the strange human girl, they all gathered around, soft paws reaching out to gently touch her skin, her hair, Zendonii having her hand on Ki’s back to steady her.

 

[MissKitty19]

Her eyes widened as she looked around, fascinated that they seemed to live a very modern life, especially since she'd been envisioning the worst There weren't many children running around. She could see that plain as day, in fact there had been more children in their group and considering the casualties they had suffered from, that seemed strange.

What was even more strange was that they kept touching her. The first time, she was shocked, but when another did, it called her attention and she turned her gaze, only to do it again. it was after the fourth or fifth did it, with the old Wolfen pushing her forward that she lost her cool, and when the next paw reached for her, she lifted her hand and knocked the paw away. Again to the next one, until those reaching for her stopped. A part of her told her she may be offending them but another thought insisting that they should be more sensitive to the fact that she had been plunged so suddenly into this situation.

She stayed with the older female through the throng, the whole Village looked sturdy, well established. The fields looked healthy and lush. she wondered how long it had taken to get such a foothold, How long it would take for the group of humans left to do the same?

Her grey eyes looked all around. Amazed and curious, until they accidentally met the icy blue of her intended. Then, she cast her gaze down at her feet again, as if avoiding the potential there was for it to happen again.

"Ah..." She realised she didn't know the name of the female wolf, but thankfully the sound got her attention. "Where?" She asked meaning where where they going. She didn't like not knowing what was going on. She didn't miss the looks of curiosity and interest at the sounds she made.

 

[BlackHeart]

Zendonii understood her stress and anxiety and when the curious hand became too much she sent them on with a growl. The female lead her on, pointing to one cabin that had wind chimes and dream catchers and furs on the sides. “Keanu’s hut.” she pointed out his home but she didn’t take the girl there, she kept guiding her until she came to another hut and ushered the girl in. inside, she saw that it was a one roomed home, but there was screens of animal hinds that was painted with such beautiful scenes separating the room, making private arias. From the high ceiling gourds and bones and drying herbs hung. On the walls was furs and weapons. Against the far wall was a fire place with a cozy warm fire blazing and a copper pot and a leg of some animal roasting. On one side of the cabin, she could see a bed that was covered in furs and on the other side was another bed with furs. Both had a trunk at the end of the bed.

The old Wolfen then pointed around the home. “You stay here. Zendonii’s home. I Zendonii.”

 

[MissKitty19]

" Zendonii." She sound out the name, it felt a bit foreign on her tongue, and she wondered if she was saying it properly, the elder seemed satisfied enough with the way she said it. Ki looked around her hand pressing down on the bed, eyes widening when she discovered just how plush it was. After years of sleeping on the ground it seemed like a gift.

" How long?"

How long would she get to stay here before living in the home with chimes and dream catchers? How long until she was supposed to be his wife? How long until she saw her parents again?

She must look like a pathetic little waif, questioning and unsure. She didn't like it. Her hands touching the paintings. They seemed to have a rich culture too, art having an equal part in their society. She guessed that came with comfort, when every day wasn't as much a struggle, they could relax into other pursuits.


Sleeping was a strange thing that night. Though comfortable. she wasn't used to being cradled in such a manor and she was fretful, tossing and turning most of the evening and struggling to fall asleep. just when she had, if felt as if that was when she was woken. She observed the elder as the aged Wolfen readied for the day. did her best to mimic the straitening of the bed and such, trying to be a good guest. She was unsure about what was expected of her so most of her time was spent watching. She would, when prompted, attempt to assist the Wolfen and was caught more then once repeating her words, trying to ascertain the understanding behind them. It was clear the elder was a spiritual leader of sorts, a healer perhaps? Was she the one that had healed Ki's father?

That thought made her suddenly quite sad, used to seeing her family daily, and now to be so alone in such a strange environment.

 

[BlackHeart]

“You….Ki?”

The voice was soft and female, and when the Human looked up a young Wolfen female was in front of the girl. Her coat was of cream and white, she having dark green eyes. There was braids in her hair and a beautiful necklace of carved bones and copper and teal rocks was around her neck. She wore a long flared fringed beaded skirt and a tube like top. She hunkered down on strong legs. She looked down at the grain that Zendonii had set Ki to grind. She then giggled. “Mother….make you grind? She make me grind when younger.” she then guided Ki’s hand to show an easier way to roll the copper and stone grinding wheel. “See? Not too hard.” Her English was a lot better then Zendonii and much more then Keanu’s.

 

[MissKitty19]

Ki tried to continue the grinding and discovered it worked much better now, and it was easier. At first she though that female was teasing her, for doing something that was a child's task. but upon discovering it was easier, she grinned, the smile was innocent in it's glee. Just happy that this was something she could do to help and do well.

The female looked young, and she was pretty. Or at least she guessed that she would be considered attractive. If they had woman, they why did they want her?

Ki was just glad to have someone to talk to, someone who looked closer to her age.

" I don't mind, I like to keep busy. Feel useful" A look on her face as she held back the rest of her thought. That keeping busy kept her mind from wandering to what was going to happen next. She talked to the female as she worked, clippingher words a bit to ensure that she didn't confuse the female. She tried to keep talk to anything but why she was there. Asked if she knew what the herbs that had treated her father were.

Eventually she asked about Keanu, wondering why they insisted on her again, why couldn't he take a Wolfen wife. Long after the grinding had been finished and she'd been set to another task.

 

[BlackHeart]

All the while the female, Fralia, who was the granddaughter of Zendonii, followed her and helped her out. She explained to Ki, that only he and her grandmother, whom raised her as her birthmother died in childbirth to her younger brother, spoke the most English, it having been taught to them when a Human had stayed with them, a wandering Human. Keanu , her cousin, spoke a little, but he was mostly the silent type.

Fralia frowned when Ki asked about why she was wanted. Looking down at the ground as they patrolled the rows of corn, to chase away animals that snuck in, she wondered if it was her place to tell her. She then just pointed to Ki. “You are special. You are needed. More then wife. You….save us. We save you.” she told her then.

 

[MissKitty19]

She'd been shocked to know there were others. They had known there were other cryosheres... However since no one had reached out they had guessed they were the only one to survive. She should know better, it was arrogant of them to think they were the last of the human race.

She would save them? What? Fralia's answer did nothing but leave her more confused then before she asked. She guessed she should be glad her intended spoke a bit. She jogged ahead when she saw something, a rodent. Her movement scaring it off. She grinned again, looking back at her new friend, proud of herself for such a simple thing.

"Keanu.... What is he like?" She asked in a quite moment some time later. Concern on her features again, coloured a bit with a sort of far away look in her eyes. She was thinking of the kiss she'd shared after making her decision, her heart still ached when she thought of it. She wanted to scream and fret and throw a fit, but instead she was calm and collected, because she needed to be. because she wasn't sure her new friend and her cohorts would understand. Because if this was to be her home and her family. She didn't need them thinking she was crazy.

She avoided asking too many questions, not wanting to overwhelm her new friend as they returned from their chore, her eye catching a glimpse of the red and white colouring of her intended as she intentionally looked away. She didn't want to see him even if she was a bit curious. Right now, looking at him all she saw was her choices being taken away.

 

[BlackHeart]

Fralia smiled at her as she chased the rodent off and then she giggled as they moved on through the large crop of corn. It seemed while they looked like primarily carnivores, the Wolfen had evolved to be omnivores, it seeming that they enjoyed and loved watermelons and tomatoes the most. The young Wolfen then led her to a stream where she cupped her hands and lifted water to her muzzle and drank, not lapping. The more and more she spent with them, the more she saw that while they had some animal behavior….they was almost human like….

She then turned her head when she too saw and smelled her cousin, Keanu. “He watch over you.” she said then. “Keanu… is….” she struggled to describe him. “He quiet, watchful…. was funny and fun when no worries. Strong….he…understands your dislike. He gives you time before ceremony.” Fralia then cocked her head and taking her by the hand led her though the encampment to another cabin. Pushing the heavy curtain of animal hide aside she led her into the cabin.

This one was a lot like Zendonii’s with the beds covered in the furs and herbs. She had Ki to sit down and she opened a trunk and pulled out a bolt of silvery white hide that was so soft. Then pulling out furs of brown, black, and red even white, she placed these beside her. “Must….work on dowry…but can be fun. I teach you to cut, to sew, to make. We gather and work and I teach you to talk…and you teach me to talk Human better.”

 

[MissKitty19]

" I don't dislike him.... I don't know him." Ki clarified with a frown.

A dowry? The act was an ancient one by human standards from what she had been taught, it was originally done by fathers, to ensure their daughters were taken care of should something happen to them or the new husband. It evolved into a method of purchasing a husband and eventually went both ways, the bride and husbands family coming to settlement terms for the couple.

It was replaced in human culture by wedding gifts and pre nuptial arrangements later on. and when wealth became irrelevant in society, it faded completely.It only made sense that a new society like this start over and the furs were lovely.

" What are we making?" She smiled.

She knew a bit of sewing so the process wasn't as difficult. What was harder was wrapping her tongue around the language. Fralia seemed to pick up English much easier, though explaining things like two words with the same meaning, but one having more of an impact, seemed a bit difficult. Ki excused herself when she laughed with frustration and said that something like that would have to be explained by a teacher, as it was to her.

She noticed a pattern to the words she was being taught and quickly guessed that it had something to do with the ceremony. She was fussing with the sewing and clearly getting frustrated.

"Okay, say it again, I'll get it this time." She muttered with a smile. At least she was better at sewing then she was at speaking. They hadn't been at it long and they were close to being done. They took their time, and broke the work up. she guessed that was for her benefit. To give her more time. She enjoyed gathering the herbs for drying, and asking how they were used and prepared. That was much easier then the sewing and language.