Blood & Fur [BurningWillows/DementedRabbit]

[BurningWillows]

Eira Inkeridóttir, daughter of the infamous Inkeri and her loving partner and mate, Grimr, was just cleaning her dagger from her latest kill. The arrow had pierced its chest from her bow, but it was her dagger that ended the young elk's life, and would serve to feed her family for a fortnight. She sheathed her blade and pulled at the rope tied to her belt, kneeling as she bond its legs together for easier travel, the wind pulling at her hood, threatening to expose her fiery red locks to the cold winter air. Tugging the ropes tight she sighed, then heaved the beast across her back, carrying it by its antlers so only its rump rubbed the snow. She tugged her hood down tighter, keeping her ears from the bitter cold and breathed out warm air. She had been hunting for hours, and easily traveled a mile North hunting the elk, but she had won. With a triumphant yet tired smile she started on her way home, knowing very well the forest in these lands, like the back of her hand.

Her white leather snow boots crunched in the snow, tied tightly to her feet to keep the bitter cold out. The skirt of her dress was sullied from hours of leaning or kneeling in the mud and snow, but it was an old hunting dress anyways, faded dark green, with stitching that had begun to fray. She would have to ask her mother to resew it, or her father to replace it. Eira was freshly eighteen years of age as of a week past. Her gift had been a small ritual book from her mother, a beginner's guide to the magic within her blood. Inkeri was a shaman, and a profoundly skilled one at that. It was why she had moved her mate and two children to the middle of the forest, safe from any clan. Here she could practice her magic in privacy, and grow it. When Eira was only a wee child she would watch her mother work and want to mimic her, but she had been told it was not time. Every few years she would ask, and her mother would tell her to wait, that she would come into her own when she was ready. Iskeri believed she was now, and Eira prayed to the gods above she could prove her mother right.

Patting the small book tucked in a pouch on her hip, her bronze colored eyes surveyed the trees, watching for signs of life. On a sunny day they often seemed more gold, and on the cloudiest of days, they could be mistaken for brown, but Eira had dazzling striking eyes of bronze, just like her father. Her younger brother, and only sibling, looked striking more like their mother, despite the fact no magic coursed in his viens. It had only past down to her daughter, to Eira.

She reached the bottom of a hill that blocked her view from her home, knowing when she reached the top she could see the crest of the roof of their cozy cabin in the distance. Holding the elk tight she started the up climb, her muscles neither tiring nor sore under such weight. For like most in these lands, she was a werewolf, blessed with strength and senses, yet cursed with blood lust and undying servitude to the moon.

As she reached the top she let the elk go, taking a breather and drinking from her waterskin. She looked out over the horizon at home, trying to pick it out of the trees. It wasn't that hard today...the billow of smoke was a dead giveaway.

What? NO! She stared at the dark smoke as it billowed and rose in plumes, and suddenly the elk became her last priority. She left it in the snow, knowing it would preserve it long enough if this was just a false alarm. Picking up her skirts she rushed down the hill and into the thick of the forest, knowing her path well enough that she could run at her full speed, which was faster than any human could. It easily shaved off half her run home, though that still took a good length of time. In it, all she could do was panic and worry that something terrible had happened, or that she was making a fool of herself rushing back to find it was nothing more than an accident, or a bonfire for their dinner. The more she thought about it, the more she convinced herself she was simply paranoid, but it did not slow her run. Not only she heard a voice.

"Oi! Is that the last of them?"

"No! She had a daughter, ripe of age I heard."

Eira stopped in her tracks, hiding behind a tree and peeking out. She was still too far from her home, but the voices were unfamiliar and strange, and their scents were too close to ignore. She hid as they passed by, then continued on her travel, slower now and carefully quiet. As she got near enough for the trees to break and the sight of her home came into view, she had to throw a hand to her mouth to stifle the scream in her throat. The cabin she had known since she could walk as home was burnt to the ground, embers still hot and smoke still billowing. Tears pricked her eyes and she stepped towards it, praying her family had not been inside. But another voice from around the corner spoke up and she nearly fell as she hid behind a large pine, listening.

"Were they all in there?"

"No, we got word there was a fourth member of the she-witch's family, a daughter. She turned of age."

She could hear the perverted smile on his lips just from his words, "I could use an untouched cunt for myself. Where's the little wolf?"

"Out. She wasn't in the area or the home. Just the she-witch and her mate, and their boy."

"May all three burn in their after-life. And so will her daughter if she doesn't kneel for me."

Eira shuddered, holding herself and crying silently. Her family. Dead. And she hadn't been here to even try and save them. Mother how did this happen? Why did these men attack? Why did you not defend yourself? Your family?

They didn't smell like anyone she knew, none of the wolves who traveled to visit Inkeri. The nearest clan had a long and good standing with them, sending their sickly or their needy to her mother to help them. These men did not smell of these lands or of the clan though. They must be from another. But mother warned me never to trust other clans or strangers. They will try and make the worst of us.

She stared on at the burning cabin, at the home she had always known, wondering where in the rubble her family lay, scorched and perished, without her goodbyes? She was so focused on the cabin and the men chatting behind her, she did not see another stepping through the trees till he cried out, "HEY!"

Her eyes snapped up and locked on to him, and for a moment time stopped as her heart jumped to her throat and she realized her mistake. Then, from out of nowhere he produced a horn, polished and cleaned from some creature they ate long ago and blew into it, calling to his fellow men that he found her. She grabbed her hood and tugged it tightly down as she raised her skirts and flew up, peeling off into the trees, two of the men already hot on her trail, soon to be much more. She glanced over her shoulder, staring at their odd armor and unfamiliar crest and knew she had been right. This was a distant clan, come to...what? Invade these lands? Rape and pillage? Eira didn't want to find out. Instead she raced on, her lungs beginning to burn, her legs already tired from the day's activities, but she ran on, eastward, towards the only safety she knew. The clan. If she reached them in time, maybe, hopefully someone would help her.

Protect me mother. Give me the strength to make it there. Let me live so I may avenge you, my family.

 

[QueenVampi]

In the hills of Daska, a land of beauty and danger, the Trees that cover the landscape keep the darkness within as snow slowly drifts from above as a mist rolls into the land. Daska was home to the Darksummers Clan and one of its own sons had been out this gloomy day, to chop wood for his clan. The men of the clan where a hardy bunch and built for the harsh land, none of them wore boots or shoes and only wrapped there feet by leather strips, exposing their toes due to the sharp claws, no boot or shoe would last long with nails such as there own. With dark layered pants that was held up by a rope belt outlined his muscled thighs. The Son of Darksummers wore no shirt only a full Bear Cloak, white as the snow, leaving his lower chest and abs exposed and revealing his tattoos along his body. A full beard and long dark brown hair outlined the mans strong facial features as his steel grey eyes focused on chopping wood for his families warmth.

The ax he used was one of a pair, passed down by his father and his father before him, and some claimed them twins that never left each others side... they where something of a legend around the Darksummers halls. Sulfuras , Golad had become a part of this one warrior with in the clan, Using Golad to channel his might into each swing, ker-chunk was the sound of each cut into the dark wood that was starting to make a pile. The Son of Darksummers takes a pause as he smells something different, something not of this land, the large man takes a breath and exhales as warm air mixes with cold before him, he simply looks up and sniffs the air a few times before gripping both Golad and Sulfuras to take a walk toward the strange smell.

The Land was thick of snow as the dead of winter was upon the land and trees with shrubs made the track hard to journey, Each step was plowed before the brute of a man as snow was pushed aside like little children grasping for attention. The Son of Darksummers paused to listen, using his senses to find the odd scent... to hear something off in the faint distance, at this point the snow was starting to fall a heavy curtain. Making his way up a steep hill, he reached the top to set his gaze on a home burning and the outline of men that are unknown to him. With both Axes lay across each shoulder, The Son of Darksummers quickens the pace to reach the old shaman's home.

Half way there his scent caught something familiar, someone who he knew of, the shaman's child... He would spot her just crossing his path heading the direction in which he came and followed by the men who burnt her families home down. Watching the little wolf make haste over the same hill and back down, he spots two men behind her and three others coming from the burnt house to chase. A deep growl bellows from his gut and gives chase to men who are unaware of his presence, quickly the snow parts from his legs and sooner than most would achieve there goal, The Son of Darksummers place both ax in one hand to use his free large paw to smash the unknowing man's head into a tree trunk of dark oak, the sound of a water melon giving out was heard by the man closest to you and stops to turn and see what feel his friend. Looking back the adrenaline rushed as he pulled out his sword and yells at the son of Darksummers before charging forward, and in some foreign tongue yells out something to him, as the sword swings the son of Darksummers steps aside to let the momentum thrust the warrior past him and into one of his fellow clans men. With all four men on one side this would make it easy for the Son to handle, as one charged head first with sword at point, the clans man would miss and meet his end with an elbow to the face and blood would splatter along the snow and trees, in pain he would drop his weapon to hold his face. Another clans men would swing only to have his sword parried with one ax and his neck catching the blade of the other, thunk, a wet noise as blood drooled from the cut till the Son of Darksummers pulled free, the clans man fell to his knees with a dead stare and fell over as blood pooled out marking the snow red. The last two men at this point moral had dropped and fear kicked in, both ran, and both would not make it far, Golad was thrown at one and pin his head to the dark oak splitting his head in half, the last was slow in the snow and the Son of Darksummers ran to him with ease and knocked him down into the cold snow in front of the burning house. The son of Darksummers grabs the man by the back and head and pulls him to the house and presses his face into the burning wood... his screams would only last but so long till his body would go limp....

With all but one dead the Son of Darksummers tracked his steps back to pluck out the ax inside a tree and head of a clans man and to find where the last clans man had slinked off to...

 

[BurningWillows]

Eira ran, even when she heard the first sound of swinging axes, she did not stop. It wasn't until she smelt blood that she even looked over her shoulder, and saw a massive man in a fur cloak attacking her would-be pursuers. She slowed a step to watch him take out one then the next, but there was still more coming. Turning she continued to flee, heading for the Darksummer's clan. She could fight if she had to, a bow slung over her shoulder, a dagger at her waistband, but she had only ever killed in a hunt. She had never shed the blood of another wolf. And Eira wasn't sure if she could.

The clan came into sight and she waved her arms, hoping one of the standing guards would see her and let her in, not bar her from entering the protected clan from the man catching up behind her. She was close enough now to yell for help, but as she opened her mouth to cry out her boot caught a rock in the snow and she felt herself loose all balance, tumbling into the snow and filling her mouth with the cold powder. Coughing and swallowing, she tried to get up and only managed to get to her knees when clawed fingers dug into her hood and caught a fair chunk of hair, only narrowly missing her scalp. She screamed as he wrenched back her head, producing his own short sword to her throat.

"Please," she begged, tears rolling down her cheeks as his grip tightened and she whimpered, his sword ice cold against her neck, nicking her flesh, "Please don't."

He grinned, licking his lips, "Maybe we can come to an agreement?"

She winced, struggling for only a moment to see if she could break free, but his grip was tight. She was still too far for those in the clan to recognize her face or her scent, so no one came to help, not sure if she was ally or foe.

 

[QueenVampi]

The edge of the sword pressed against Eira's neck the fear of this man ending the life a young wolf so soon... would not be this day, The Clan's man spoke the last words from those ruff lips only to feel the tight grip of another around his own wrist holding the sword. Eira heard the deep rough voice of another, " Men like you don't go to Valhalla, so send my regards to Hel." The two men struggled and at this point Eira was free, The Son of Darksummers slowly brought the Clan's man own sword to his head as the other hand gripped the scalp to hold him steady. The Son of Darksummers then eyed the young wolf to see what she would do. " Shall I kill him now little wolf or do you want to end the man who burnt your home?" Both men struggled one to flee the other to keep in place a man who did wrong.

At this point some of the guards from the town have now descended down from the guard posts to see what was going on, most had dressed in red garb with chain mail and holding ax with shield. As The Son of Darksummers held the Clan's man down, the big wolf spoke once more. " Make your choice little wolf before this choice slips away from you."

 

[BurningWillows]

Surprise crossed Eira’s face as the sword began to pull away from her neck and from the corner of her eye she could see a hand on the wrist holding said sword. The grip on her hood loosened and she pulled, falling back into the snow, her cheeks cold from winters bite but she was free. She whipped around, her hood sliding off and revealing the bright fiery red hair hidden beneath, loosely curled and falling like a waterfall from her small porcelain face. Her eyes locked on the man before her, holding her attacker at bay. What? Who is he? Oh, Thank the gods.

“Please k-kill him,” she begged him, scuffling back, fear in her eyes. She was to scared to do it herself. She had never spilt wolf blood, not in her life.

The man roared then and twisted in this strangers grip, trying to get the upper hand, his arm popping with veins as he brought it up between the two and gripped the strangers throat, almost popping his shoulder to do so. Now it was the stranger who was in trouble, their entanglement keeping them frozen in dance.

“Stop! You’ll kill him!” Eira cried out, kicking snow towards him but the cruel outsider laughed.

“Just as we killed your cunt of a mother and bastard of a father. And that wee snivelling one you called a brother. What’s one more dog added to the list? Don’t worry little flower, your next. Maybe I’ll rape you good before I cut your throat, so you know what a real man feels like.”

Eira couldn’t hear another word. Her heart pounded in her ears, blood rushing to her head as pure fury filled her. She roared, her voice high but nevertheless full of hate and she pushed off the snow fed ground, lunging at him, her hand gleaming bright. The dagger embedded itself deep into his back, blood spraying her hand and face, reaching and piercing his heart as bloodlust raged inside Eira for the first time. How dare he speak ill of the dead! How dare he mock her fallen family and his wicked deeds! How dare he threaten her purity with his disgusting body!

She roared in his ear, but her eyes came up and locked on the stranger. They pierced right through him too, digging into his soul, sharp and beautiful. She did not break her stare until the man went limp between her and the stranger, the silver dagger killing him well and fast. The hilt was made of oak and wrapped in leather, keeping her flesh safe from the silver, and her grip strong. As she dragged the dagger out he slipped and she jumped off, falling on her ass in the snow, her hand coming up to her mouth in horror as she realized what she had done.

“I...I...I killed a man.”

 

[QueenVampi]

The Son of Darksummers watched the little wolf held back with fear mixed with the innocence of youth, He knew she was troubled and standing in an unknown situation. As the Clan's man words roared out from his lips taunting the little wolf with his dark words, The Son of Darksummers knew what would come next and with a tight grip held the man in place for the little wolf.

“Just as we killed your cunt of a mother and bastard of a father. And that wee snivelling one you called a brother. What’s one more dog added to the list? Don’t worry little flower, your next. Maybe I’ll rape you good before I cut your throat, so you know what a real man feels like.”

The Clan's man's face was blood red from a broken nose and his crooked smile toward the red head was a sight to see as his words poured from his lips, The Son of Darksummers could see in the eyes of the Red haired maiden the anger funneling up and watched her release her dagger only to plunge it into the man, a quick wet thunk was the sound of silver entering a man's body, blood slowly dribbled around the edge. Eira's eyes where cold watching the Clan's man life fade, that spark leaving his soul and knowing he would be the last thing she see. As the Clan's man body fell limp and the wound coloring the snow red, two guards men make there way beside the son of Darksummers.

" Take the body to our lord and see what he wants to do." Son of Darksummers told the guards.

As the two carry the body to the town, The large man with a bear cloak over his shoulders walks over to the young wolf and squats down before her. " You have two choices Red, you can come with me and find a new home with Clan Darksummers... or." The large man pauses points over his shoulder back to where you came, into the dark forest. "You can return back to the home you once knew." The Son of Darksummers stood up and waited for the young wolf's reply.

 

[BurningWillows]

Eira stared up at him still in shock, tears in her eyes. His words brought her back to reality, looking out at the trees then to him.

“Why did you save me?” She asked, still in shock, “I don’t even know your name.”

She wiped blood off her cheek and snivelled, drawing herhood back up, “I have no home to return to. Only their graves. Please... don’t leave me out here. Who...whoever you are.”

 

[QueenVampi]

The Son of Darksummers gave a grim look to the young wolf and without hesitation scooped her up to cradle her in both arms. Pushing through the deep snow Eira could smell the man for the first time as he gave off a leathery woods smell, The man did not speak for a moment before saying one word to her. "Sigurd" The large man said nothing more for a moment as he closed in on the town, old wooden and iron doors gave way to let the two inside.

"Sigurd is my name little wolf and for the night you can stay with me till we figure out what to do with you."

The Town of Darksummers was an old town filled with history dating back many generations, red flags clap with the wind that adorn a silver wolf insignia, half way down the main road of the town Sigurd stops and leans into a door giving Eira a first look of his home, it was small but cozy, a fire pit was the main focus as it sits in the middle, benches and chairs surround the stone pit, with a cauldron hanging over a fire if there was one, a large wooden tub sits next to the window and off to the far corner lay would could be a bed but it was nothing but straw and thick fur blankets. Sigurd placed Eira down on a bench and began to light the many candles and then the fire for the pit, this gave light and showed off the many hunts Sigurd had slain over the years, from bears to wolves, rams, and elk... Eira also noticed a great many weapons about, from spears, swords, and axes... this was a mans place and it seemed to have no woman's touch about it.

"Little wolf stay here, warm yourself, I will return with food if you are hungry... if not, more for me."

With that said Sigurd left the red haired maiden to his house...

 

[BurningWillows]

Sigurd. Her saviours name was Sigurd. She committed it to memory as he carried her through the unfamiliar streets, and while normally she would oppose of a stranger touching letting alone carrying her, she couldn’t help but find comfort in his strong arms after all she had gone through in the past hour. Resting her head on his shoulder she breathed in the scent of him, wood and leather. It was comforting.

“Thank you Sigurd,” she spoke softly, still trying to process what she had done, but needing to thank the wolf, “My name is Eira, if that matters. But you can keep calling me little wolf.”

She blushed. What a stupid line. She wasn’t thinking straight. Who could when they saw their family burnt and dead, only to be chased and attacked by madmen? She didn’t speak another word till they entered his home and he slipped her onto the bench. She tugged her winter cloak and hood off, staring around at the cozy little home, the home of a hunter as she could see. Indeed not a trace of a woman was within it, though she still wondered if he had one.

“Thank you,” she mumbled as he turned and left, watching him go. She stayed on her bench by the fire, pulling her soaked fur boots off and placing them to the side. She noticed the blood stained on her hands then, and then on her dress. She touched her neck and felt wet droplets there too. Shuddering she looked at the tub across the room. If he is going to hunt food I should have time to bathe quickly. It would be rude to sit in his home sullied in that mans blood anyways.

She fetched water and filled the cauldron, and as it warmed she fetched more, filling the tub with half cold water, then finishing with the hot boiled water. She stripped her dress and waist band with its pouches, standing bare naked before the window out into the town, a town she had never been in or seen before. Foreign to her. And she was alone. With tears in her eyes, Eira climbed in the tub, wanting to wash the dirt and muck off her skin before he returned. She didn’t use his soaps, instead just scrubbing herself clean with her bare hands, crying into the tub. She would never see her family again. Never hold her brother and read him a story again, never help her father hunt dinner again. Never sit with her mother and meditate again. They were dragged from her life, without any warning, and it broke her heart into pieces, like someone had dug an arrow into her and was twisting it, causing her agony. She had been numb before, being chased, attacked, saved, then...killing. But now she wept openly and alone, letting it all out till the water had turned cold and she knew there was little time left to waste. Her dress would have to stay stained, until she could clean it.

Stepping out of the tub and onto his fur rug she looked for a means to dry herself, her milky skin illuminated by the warm candlelight. She found a cloth and dried herself then dressed quickly, not wanting Sigurd to return and find her nude in his home. Leaving her boots still by the fire drying she emptied the tub then braided her firey hair and waited for him, wringing her hands as tears continued to prick her eyes. It would be a long time before she wouldn’t feel pain thinking about her family.

 

[QueenVampi]

Entering his home to find the fire already crackling under the cauldron and a wet red little wolf drying her eyes, placing a basket next to her before he dumped a large pot of strew into the cauldron. " Little wolf, that is clothing you can have, it belong to a shaman we once had long ago before th..." Sigurd stops mid way and slowly sits down in the big fur chair to wait the stews bubbles. "Those men who did you wrong do you know them? or did your mother have any dealing with them?"

Sigurd's eyes danced over the red haired wolf's body as she braided her hair....

" You are a beautiful woman you know little wolf, I would hate to see you fall pray to the wrong side of things... "

Sigurd paused leaning over to grab a large wooden spoon to stir the pot.

" To be honest you are the first woman in my house, I have no idea what that means or what..."

Sigurd finished a stir before placing the spoon along the rim of the pot.

" When you are ready, and able we will need to take a trip to your home and find out what happen between those men and your family... you can come with me or stay here."

At this point Sigurd stood up, his feet thumping as they hit the old oak wooden floor, reaching for two large bowls on a shelf. The man filled the first bowl and handed it over to Eira and then a spoon to follow. He sits in his chair eating from his own bowl watching the little wolf and to see what she says or does next.

 

[BurningWillows]

Eira looked up as he entered, pausing on her hair. She smelt the cold stew and her stomach grumbles, watching him pour it into the pot. Her eyes glanced at the clothing he brought her, wondering what this old shaman wore. Her mother had always been modest dressing but still wore paints and often head dresses when working with her clients.

“Thank you,” she murmured, finishing her braid and leaving it resting over her shoulder, taking him in. He was quite a handsome wolf, though she was intrigued about his tattoos and scars. She had never met a wolf like him before, though the men and women who visited her mother had often been in worst condition than most.

“I’ve never seen nor smelt them before, and mother never dealt with outsiders of your clan. We may not have been members of Darksummers, but mother kept us loyal for protection.”

She felt sad talking about her mother but she bit back the tears. His next words distracted her, and brought a blush to her freckles cheeks.

“Thank you,” she got out, her tongue almost stuck to the roof of her mouth, “You are quite handsome yourself Sigurd.”

The blush reddened and she quickly added, “Your home is cozy too. Thank you for allowing me shelter for the night.”

She looked around, not too surprised he did not live with a woman, but with his looks rather shocked he hadn’t had any before her within. He continued to speak as he stirred and she fiddled with her hair, not sure what more to say. Thinking about going home so soon, just the idea made her eyes well and she had to swallow hard to keep from crying in front of him. She was glad for the soup, another distraction from her grief.

“This is delicious Sigurd. Thank you,” she hummed after a bite, her eyes flickering up to him then quickly back down, eating her stew quietly. He is too kind. Rescuing me in the woods and providing me food and shelter? How does he not have women tripping over themselves for him? A wolf like him, would he not be mated?

What am I thinking? Why does it matter to me if he’s mated or not? I should be grieving. I am grieving. I should not be thinking about Sigurd.

“May I have more please?” She asked, stifling her thoughts for her empty stomach, her bowl already emptied.

 

[QueenVampi]

Sigurd noticed the little wolf reaching out to him, but not physically, but through spirit, This man would see the redness of her cheeks the heat from her body growing and the boldness of her words... He was familiar of such things and was hurt by another through these same actions, But She was not part of the politics within his house.

"You can have as much as you like... or as much as the pot has little wolf."

Sigurd dipped his own bowl into the cauldron to fill and then took Eira's bowl for the same, as the large man handed the bowl back to the red haired lass she would see his eyes light up, one blue and one yellow, Turning to face the door Sigurd knew what was coming and seemed none to pleased as deep growls bellowed from his lips. The door flung open revealing a man of the same size as Sigurd perhaps some what taller, blond with a braided beard, finer clothing of red and silver.

"Brother! you took the pot from mother and now eat alon.... ohhh you have company and she is... she is the shaman's daughter?!" The blonde male spoke to Sigurd before he paused looking over the young Eria.

" She has had a busy day, Brother, Keep your distance for she is grieving for the lost of her family, the shaman that I will remind you, saved your life once." Sigurd spoke sharply as to interrupt and warn his brother if he kept pushing."

" Very well... I will do as you ask, this time, but mother will want to see her if you chose to make her your mate..." The Blonde haired man walks out the door and closes the door but just before he does, words leave his mouth. "The Last wolf you brought in... keeps my bed warm now brother, will this be number two for me?" The Blonde man shuts the door quickly as Sigurd throws his bowl full of stew at him, painting the door in meat and potatoes. Sigurd shakes with anger and punches a shelf along the wall breaking the wood and pushing the wall as to almost crack through it.

" Little wolf understand that I may have put you in more harm that you once where if things go badly tomorrow... The night is near, you can sleep in my bed tonight, if you wish."

Sigurd in anger threw his bear cloak against his chair, and pulled his pants off, revealing a naked Sigurd, you could see every muscle and every scar followed by the tattoos that painted his body... and at a glimpse you catch a tattoo along his cock...

Sigurd curls into his giant fur/hay bed and will have a restless night...

 

[BurningWillows]

"Thank you," Eira replied, her voice soft from grief yet sweet like the song of a bird, and calm like a morning breeze. Her mother had always told her she had a pleasant voice, and the clients who came that the shaman couldn't save, Eira sang soft lullabies too, to ease their pain as they passed. Even her small words to him were kind to his ears, as they were to anyone's. As he rose to refill his bowl and take hers she edged along the bench closer to help take it back, and found herself lost in the gaze of the man who saved her, realizing only now he had two colored eyes.

"Your eyes...they are..." she didn't get it out as his face turned and he growled at his front door and instantly fear gripped her, thinking back to those men in the forest. Had more come and snuck into the city? Were they here to finish the job? But as the door flung open she was met by a man who did not bear the crest of those strangers and smelt vaguely familiar, though not enough to remember. He had a handsome face and body, much like Sigurd's, but as he burst into speak only to catch sight of her she found her eyes still drawn to Sigurd, wondering if he was alright with the interruption of their meal.

"It's Eira," she murmured, not wanting to be reminded of her mother, her body curving into itself a little more, hiding some of her feminine features under the plain forest green dress, her eyes moving to stare at the fire. Sigurd was all too right that she needed space. But that her mother saved this man? It explained why he smelt familiar to her.

Her head snapped up hard at the mention of mate. Her eyes glanced at Sigurd then to the man in shock, not quite sure what to say to that. Is this why Sigurd is being kind? Was he only rescuing me to take me as his own, without question? No...he has been kind and not tried to touch me other than carry me here. I am not here to be his mate, I can see the kindness in him. His brother must think him lonely, or desperate.

No, it seemed he thought Sigurd weak with women. His departing comment insulted even Eira, claiming he could have her if Sigurd messed up, as if she was an object to be tossed from man to man. Eira had not even kissed a wolf before, she surely wasn't looking to be thrown to one she had never met. The insult to Sigurd was much deeper, and obviously tore at an old wound, as her host began to angrily break and slam things that made Eira jump and twitch, pulling her legs up a little to make herself smaller and unseen.

"More...harm?" she asked, lowering her legs, her bowl still full and untouched, "Sigurd, what is happening tomorrow? Why would I be in more harm?"

He didn't answer her and that worried her more. Her fingers shook but she got half her bowl of stew finished, having to toss the last away. But before she could she was treated to quite the sight as Sigurd flung off his cloak and began to undress, and did not stop till he was fully nude. Red faced and flushed, Eira tried not to look but got a good look at both his tattoos...and his hanging member. Nothing about his body was missing an inch of muscle. She opened her mouth to speak, to even ask where he might sleep, but he answered it as he crawled into his large bed and curled up, leaving half for her. I...I have to sleep next to him tonight as well. Will he think me promiscuous to do so? Will I lead him on? Do I wish to? No...I shouldn't. I don't. He is a handsome wolf...but he must think of me as a child.

Turning her gaze away she cleaned and washed her bowl, then his, then found herself cleaning the cauldron too, tidying up his home and the ware they had used to eat, then snuffing out the candles and the open flames, leaving only embers to warm the home and give her light. She did not dare undress and lay beside him naked, instead taking only her belt and placing it with her cloak and hood on the bench, her boots finished drying. She crawled into bed in only her dress, still modest and warm, but comfortable. She faced away from him, her cheeks so hot they must have been the color of her hair, too embarrassed and to ask him what his motives are with her. Instead she fell uneasily into sleep, growing colder throughout the night, with a loss of blankets not able to warm herself and lay shivering in his bad well past the hour he should be up.

 

[QueenVampi]

Eira would feel the movements of Sigurd as he had an uneasy sleep as it seems his brother is a thorn in the man's side, during the night Sigurd turned covering the little wolf as she became the little spoon in this situation. Sigurd's body heat would be more than enough to stop Eira from shivering, and as the night went on it seemed in Sigurd's sleep he was her guardian as he covered her as he slowly calmed down from her touch and smell.

Eira could hear the deep growls as he slept as his face was buried within the young lass red hair. As the sun rose and the rays touched the inside of the home slowly reaching Sigurd's toes first... Eira would then feel something new, it seemed the man that had wrapped himself around her little frame had now become aroused and she could feel his member grow against her body.

As he reached full mass the wolf rolled over on his back pitching a tent in the fur cover...

 

[BurningWillows]

Eira had struggled to sleep, her body still cold from the snow, grief keeping her awake and crying, and the dying embers only keeping the house warm, but not warm enough. It was no easier when her bedmate was tossing and turning, keeping her up and aware of his movements. She had never slept next to someone before. It was almost nerve racking, but if he would settle and she could find warmth, maybe she could sleep.

She got both those wishes, but not as she planned. He rolled over hours into the night and practically onto her, his leg and arm strapped over her, giving off heat. She froze in place, having been lying on her side away from him, aware his body was pressed to her back, naked. The only barrier between them being her dress, and the fur cover he slept under. His face was in her wild locks, and his arm grew tight around her. Eira wanted to wake him, but thought he would roll over in a minute like he had for hours. He didn’t. To her surprise he settled, wrapping tighter around her as his breathing slowed. There was the choice to wake him, and Eira certainly didn’t want to give him the wrong idea, but the comfort of his arms was undeniable. They warmed her cold skin and made her feel safe. Her tears dried as despite her efforts not to, she succumbed to his warmth and touch and fell asleep, her dreams a mixture of both good and bad. His soft growls did not wake her, the young lass fast asleep now in the strangers embrace, her own arm curled over his, sapping warmth from his hot skin.

When morning came Eira was still too tired to wake at dawn, and as light peeked in she slept on, pressed tightly to his chest, his face still in her luscious hair. In her dreams she was in Sigurds arms again, but they were in a lake swimming and laughing, enjoying a sunny day. She felt something poking her behind, pressing into her and feeling quite big but she swatted it away, thinking it a fish or some lake thing in her dreams, not quite understanding what was happening in the bed at that very moment.

 

[QueenVampi]

The door to the house flew open, Bang!, the noise echoed through the house... "Brother! mother wants to see you and Re... Brother! hahahaha you did not waste any time in making this little one your own huh!" When ever his brother was around Sigurd's eyes seem to light up, as if there was always a thing between the two men, this rivalry between brothers.

"Tell mother I shall be there soon... no get out..."

Sigurd then collapsed over the little wolf moving his body into her space, if she was up now, she would feel that "Fish" was back pressing against her sexy little body, His face once again planted into her gorgeous red locks, he then attempts to talk to her...

" Today will... b... rough, as mi mother is not one to take kindly of this situation, some would say she is very protective of her boys, but do not fret little wolf, as long as you want me to be your guardian.. I will."

Sigurd then rolled over giving the little wolf all of the blankets and let to cool air grace around his member as if to let it slowly recoil from its once strong state.

 

[BurningWillows]

Eira woke with a start. Something loud had crashed and caused her to jolt from a most pleasant dream of her and Sigurd swimming naked in a beautiful clear lake, soaking up a clear sky and warm sun, being held in his arms...

Her face was entirely red upon waking, both because of the voice calling in and the pit in her stomach, a pit she only felt when she had those dreams, dreams of romance, arousal, and lust. They came rarely to the young red head, as she knew few in her life to even fancy over. But Sigurd, he had been kind. He had rescued her. Eira told herself last night her draw to him was only in that, but now she was unsure. And she would have no time to ponder the dream, as the voice barging in was the same as last night, Sigurds brother. Who at one glance reminded Eira she had fallen asleep in the large wolf’s arms. She wanted to bury her head in embarrassment as, worse, he called it out and retorted to her again like a trophy, to be claimed or stolen. Eira felt herself getting furious and sat up a little, opening her mouth to tell him she wasn’t, that what he was seeing it wasn’t...that. But she didn’t have the courage to cut him off, and Sigurd had already risen to guard her and force him out. Alone once more, he returned back to his spot, his arm dragging her down with him, pulled tight and crushed under his body, and yet still comfortable. She was very much awake now, however, and indeed realizing what she had felt in her dream had been quite real, and not a fish at all. Her cheeks flamed and she closed her eyes, surprised and shocked at his lack of awareness to what was poking her soft rump. Is this a sign of wanting, or did it come from him dreaming of another? Do I bring it up, or ignore it? How can I ignore it, it’s massive.

He rolled off suddenly and she gasped in air, flushed and overheated, her face and chest red as tomatoes. She rolled onto her back and peeked at him, stifling a giggle as she saw the cover tented high yet slowly dropping.

“Your mother will not like that you saved me?” She asked, having to know, “or that you sheltered an outsider in your home from the cold?”

She sat up, her bronze eyes gazing at his calm face, will those beautiful two toned eyes to open and gaze back, “Sigurd, please know I mean no trouble. You’ve saved me from death twice, and given me food and bed. I appreciate your kindness, but I don’t want to stir any trouble for you with your family. It is not my place. We hardly know each other.”

But she wanted to know him. He was fascinating to her. Despite trying not to show it, the little wolf wanted to know more about the clan wolf and his life, to learn about the warrior who saved her life.

 

[QueenVampi]

Sigurd's eyes open and peered into those bronze eyes for the first time, his large hand placed on her shoulder and pushed her back into the bed as he climbed on top of her. While balancing on one arm he was free to use the other and push away red locks from the little wolfs face.

" My mother... she only wants the best for her children, and ... what makes her happy, sometimes she becomes way to protective, or pushes her favorite child onto the others life, stealing what was once his... This family you are in with at this moment... are not all that great, but we are a family none the less, I would give anything to rip my brother apart for what he did to me, but as my mother's wish I will not..."

Sigurd stood up and climbed out of the bed naked, the heat steamed off him from the cold, it gave Eira a sight to be hold.

" I will say this Eira, it would make....." The man paused at it seemed to be troubled with what ever was going to come out of his mouth."

" It would honor me, errr... It would please me if you stayed, with me... as I would like to know the wolf behind those eyes little wolf...."

Sigurd put on his pants and quickly tied the belt before sitting down and wrapping his feet and pants with leather wraps.

" A history lesson little wolf, the woman my brother is with, was once mine... so be careful as to what you say around her or my brother, and especially my mother."

Sigurd stood up, wrapped his bear cloak around his massive body and walked to the front door, but stops to look back at Eira.

"I will go talk to mother first and see what this is all about and find us something to eat."

With that the door closed leaving Eira to think about Sigurd's words...

 

[BurningWillows]

His large hand took up almost her entire shoulder as he pushed her back down, moving atop her to keep her pinned. Her breath all but stopped, eyes wide and watching him for his next move. But all he did was talk. And for that she was grateful. Eira wasn’t ready, she wasn’t sure for what, but she knew the pain in her heart needed mending first.

Still as he rose and dressed, the little wolf watching the steam roll off his naked body with keen eyes, his words gave her much to think over. It wasn’t normal for a woman, unless related, to stay in a single mans home. Unless there was relations between them of one kind or another. Sigurd did not know her or owe her anything. They were not siblings, or any form of family. She was a stranger he rescued in the woods, the shamans daughter. People would recognize her for the latter, but there would still be questions of why he was sheltering her, this was true. Many would assume he had taken her to be his mate, her choice or not.

Sigurd didn’t seem like he would force himself on her though. If he wanted to, she had been in his arms all night, but he had only rested. And Eira wasn’t ready to make such life decisions over a stranger she had known less than a day, after losing her entire family. She needed time to grieve. Only then would she have room in her heart to fall in love with another...at least she told herself.

He left for food and to speak with his mother, and she got up and moved to the basket of clean clothes he had brought her. She lifted one and grimaced. The previous shaman obviously had less worries over modesty. She sorted through the rest, looking for the most modest she could find, to cover her body. Her father had taught her thus, that exposing her flesh was asking men to follow her with their eyes, and could lead to dangerous encounters with wolves. Her mother dressed more brash than her or father however, saying it connected her to nature and her rituals better. Eira never quite understood, but tended to follow her fathers path more as a teen. Now she was a woman, and it would seem that fates were tugging her in her mothers direction at last, though Eira wasn’t certain her attire should be the first to modify.

Sighing, she rose to change, then stopped and stared at the door. Sigurds brother had already barged in twice, would he a third? She did not want the tall blonde to see her undressed, she felt he would simply take advantage of that, as he had threatened the night before. She felt no interest in him, even if he was handsome. He simply held no favor or hers, nor swayed any want. He had not even been in her dreams once last night...though she couldn’t admit to herself who had.

Moving back over to the bed, and furthest from the door, she began to undress and change, carefully trying to put the pieces on without a long struggle, knowing each passing minute either brother could barge in and see her half nude, her breasts soft but cold in the open air.

 

[QueenVampi]

With Eira body exposed, cold air caress her body only to be interrupted with a door slamming against the wall and the brother of Sigurd stands in the frame, a cocky smile and a look s pleasure enters his persona.

"Well well well... naked and ready, just how I like my women, and those tits... so perky and wanting my love, how did you know I would be back to want you, us... fucking to make little ones."

The Blonde brother was arrogant and full of himself as he struts toward Eira. " lets be hasty though my brother could come back soon and not like that I have taken another from him, he becomes very violent, and if its anything like last time, it wont be something the weak can withstand. So my little red flower lets start with you sucking my cock shall we, come here and kneel before your master."

The Blonde man stood waiting for you, his face was pleased to see the naked little wolf and wanted to bed her as his cock grew inside his pants.

 

[BurningWillows]

Eira has just gotten her skirt on, a sheer white silky piece that unfortunately in her opinion had slits up both sides to her mid thigh, exposing her pale but unblemished toned legs. It at least hid what it had to, and she was working on getting the top on when the door burst open and she jumped, flinching and whipping around to face the intruder before realizing her breasts were exposed and hiding them with her arms, quickly turning away.

“You! He’s not here! Get out!” She snapped before he even spoke, her cheeks aflame. But he ignored that. His words made her skin crawl, that he both knew Sigurd was out and that she was alone, and his intentions for bursting in was for her, not to torment his brother.

“Stop,” she cried, his words making her stomach churn, “stop looking at me like that! I was changing you buffoon. Get out!”

He was speaking of deflowering her. And impregnating her. She backed up till she hit the wall, covering her chest with the top piece she had yet to pull on, trying to hide her body from him. The look he was giving her made every hair on her stand on end. And he was strutting towards her, haste in his steps.

He wanted to steal her from Sigurd. Not that Sigurd had claimed her yes, and it was clear his brother knew that. Wolves mated for life. Once a wolf chose their mate, the only way for them to be another’s was if their mate perished. Typically males didn’t fight over mated females, unless they were desperate. It was also uncommon for a male to have more than one mate, seemingly rare, but it seemed Sigurds brother was one of those exceptions, his appetite surpassing his instincts to love a single woman. Eira never wanted to be taken by a man who saw her as property though. Her father called her a romantic, her mother called it hopeless day dreams. Eira wanted to be courted, to find a man who worked his way into her heart before working his way between her thighs.

Sigurds brother was not her idea of either romantic or courting. He downright disturbed her with that wicked smile, openly admitting his willingness to steal from his brother. He had already stolen one woman from Sigurds life. Now he planned to again, whether Eira had interests in Sigurd or not.

But the little redhead was not to be bullied any longer. She straightened her back and stared him down, mustering every nerve she had within, reminding herself that she had survived yesterday. She had killed. She wasn’t about to let him touch her.

“I said get out,” she repeated, pointing at the door. When he didn’t move, and his pants continued to tent she stepped forward and leaned up on her toes, the slapped him hard across the face. Just to shock that smug smirk off it.

“How dare you come in and demand I kneel,” She snarled, putting on her most confident face she could, while her insides knotted in fear, “I am the daughter of the great Inkeri. The shaman of the woods. A witch who saved your life with her magic. Don’t make me undo it.”

She couldn’t. Eira didn’t have the power in her...yet. But she could summon a ball of light to her hand and she did so now, faking that it was the spell to undo his healing and replace the deadly near fatal wounds he had had that fateful day when her mother saved him. It was a fib, but one that would save her dignity.

“I am not a broodmare to be bent over and impregnated at your whim,” She snapped, “I am a wolf as much as you are and I deserve the respect as such. You will leave this home, apologize to your brother, and never speak of seeing me nude. You will go home and love the wolf you stole from Sigurd, and treat her like the mate of yours she is. Or you will feel death clawing out your chest again. Do you understand me?!”

She had never been this brazen. This bold. But it felt good. To have the power, the control. She might be lying about her gifts, but he did not need to know that. All he saw was Inkeri’s daughter, furious and ready to feed him back to death. She was small and cute, but she wasn’t to be messed with.

At least that was what she hoped he saw. Within she was a anxious mess, having never been this courageous. She just wanted him to leave before Sigurd returned. Why she didn’t want him to know his brother had seen her half nude, well she couldn’t admit that to herself yet, but she knew this would cause untold chaos within the family if Sigurd caught his brother in his house, looming over the little wolf.

 

[QueenVampi]

The slap shook the Blonde brother from his lusty mood, and instead turned to anger only to growl from within turning hands into claws... eyes glowed as ears grew out... Then a pause, thinking about the spell and how it could reverse itself to kill him... But then a voice from behind.

" Gunnar the things you do as of this moment are out of place, see to it that the wolf with in stays... with in, or this town will suffer another fate." The voice came from behind, Gunnar knew who it was and reverted back to his human form, picking up his cloak to walk out, Sigurd stops his brother with a big hand on the man's shoulder. " Enter my house again without me inviting you and we will fight to the death, and if you ever bother Eira again... your life will be forfeit." Sigurd retracted his hand to let Gunnar pass, and watched him walk down the road.

Sigurd then turned his attention toward the little wolf still holding a light spell in her hand and cocked an eyebrow.

"Does this mean something? does Magic flow with in?" Sigurd questioned the red head as he closed the door and walked to the cauldron placing a pot over the fire and warm fluffy biscuits on a small table. His eyes dimly glowed a blue and yellow looking her over.

" Dress little wolf, the day is young and food is ready." Sigurd sets up the bowls and spoons as his mind wonders over that young body, that perky body... licking his lips as he caught a glimpse of those perfect round orbs, placing both bowls down Sigurd pointed the chair before him and asked.

"Take a seat little wolf, breakfast will be soon, and now will be a good time for you to ask me anything you wish, before we finish here and set out to the home you once knew."

 

[BurningWillows]

Thank the mother moons, Sigurd is here. Eira wasn’t sure she could hold out the confident act much longer, and when the blonde man had started to shift a scream had bubbled up, moving backwards till she hit the wall again. Now she leaned on it in shock, staring at Sigurd as the door closed as she let the magic die, before realizing she was still exposed. She squealed and tugged her top back up, then turned around quickly to drag it on. It was a loose top matching her bottoms, the collar almost too low, showing her cleavage no matter how she tried to fix it. It fell to her skirt, billowing around her stomach so if she even lifted her arms it would rise and peek at her stomach. The collar on the top was metallic and engraved in ruins she did not know. The cloth clung to her places she wish it didn’t, hugging her curves and leaving little to the imagination.

“Thank you Sigurd,” Eira exclaimed turning around to face him, “he barged in, I did my best to defend myself, I didn’t mean for him to see...”

She sighed, not able to finish the sentence and stared at her hand, “Magic can flow genetically yes, but it is picky of whom it chooses. At least my mother told me so, explaining why I had her gifts, and my brother did not. It is not easy to understand or control. There are rituals, spells, incantations, many pieces to pull the magic from within. But it takes years of study and I know but one spell. And only have this.”

She pulled the book from its pouch still attached to her belt now laying with her dirtied dress, she rubbed it, holding it to her breast, “it’s all I have left of her now.”

She sat as instructed, hungry and happy that his brother, Gunnar, was gone.

“Breakfast smells good,” she commented, staring at the pot, “we are going to the, the cabin? What of your family? Didn’t your mother request for you? I’m...I’m not causing you trouble am I Sigurd? I promise, I have no intentions with your brother, I do not fancy him I fancy...”

She blushed and looked away, changing the topic quickly, “I may need a thicker cloak if we are heading into the woods. This dress is hardly going to keep me warm. I must look ridiculous in it...”

 

[QueenVampi]

Sigurd listens to the little wolf talk as he fills her bowl of food and biscuits, licking his fingers of food caught from serving the little wolf he nods keeping his eye contact to her as the man shovels food into his mouth, As the little wolf finishes only to trail off, Sigurd stops and leans back into his chair before speaking.

" Let me ease that mind since it seems to be running about, and let me be very clear, you are not causing any trouble, second, my mother already had a word with me, who do you think made the food we are eating now and last night? To be honest my mother is quite happy that we are together."

Sigurd pulls up a hand to stop Eira from saying anything.

" I know, in my mother's world she already thinks we are together, I made the mistake of jumping into a relationship way to fast on the last wolf I meet and it ended up costing me..."

The man before Eira paused, bit into the biscuit and gave Eira a smile.

" My mother wants to meet you, so do not worry Eira... in time you will, but as for today, the two of us will be heading out to the cabin you once knew home, why? To find clues of these Clans men and where they might come from, so that my house can prepare if they come here. Perhaps we can bring the family back here and give them proper graves in town, would that be okay with you Eira?"

Sigurd finished his meal, leaned back into his chair once more and in thought... before realizing he was day dreaming of becoming lost in a wolf's red hair...

"Eira, I have a heavy cloak for the trip that should fit, and that dress, trust me when I say this, is beautiful, but... its only that way due to the beauty its draped on."

After that cheesy line Sigurd walked over to a closet, unlatched a lock and pulled open the doors to fetch a pure white cloak, the cloak had the head of a snow lion, a rare beast in these hills.

" This will do." Sigurd hands the cloak to Eira. " This will keep the warmth inside, no cold will touch the skin of the little wolf while she wears this."

Sigurd placed the snow lion cloak into her lap, the large man then placed the bear cloak over himself and started to walk outside, stops just before leaving.

" Finish up little wolf we have a great day a head of us, by the way... I know how it feels to want someone, I will protect, guide, and give shelter till it is no longer my time to be around the lovely wolf who stays with me."

Sigurd leaves his place leaving Eira to finish the meal and ready for the tip at hand.

 

[BurningWillows]

Eira stopped eating to listen, blushing deeply at the compliment. Was she that beautiful?

The thought of meeting his mother had almost sullied her mood, worried she would be disappointed in finding out her son was not indeed mated, or perhaps worse, like her son Gunnar. But the compliment saved her, getting that beautiful smile on those rosy lips back and she dipped into eating again, watching him like a hawk as he rose and fetched her a gorgeous cloak.

"Thank you Sigurd," she replied, taking it in hand, watching him dress himself. How he wore no shirt in the winter cold was beyond her understanding.

She opened her mouth as he left, blinking in surprise. Did he think he omissions was about another wolf? You have given him no reason to think your interest lies in him. C'mon Eira, what are you thinking? That after a single night he's the one for you? I mean he is handsome, well hung, kind and protective...but I hardly know him! Maybe he leaves me flustered, but that's just his gaze. I can't help it. I...

Her thoughts were bouncing back and forth, getting her nowhere. She didn't know what to think of her situation, but at the very least, it got her mind off her mourning. Finishing her bowl she cleaned it in a bucket of soapy water along with his, yet again tidying his home and extinguishing the fires before she left. She met him outside, pulling the cloak tight around her body, hiding the hugging outfit underneath. She made sure to attach to her skirts belt her pouches with her book and coin, and her dagger for safe measures. Now out in the open air, the sun peering on her face he could see the soft freckles on her cheeks, dotting the porcelain skin. Her hair looked like fire dancing down the back of the cloak and as she stood there looking at him on where to go, already a few eyes had been drawn, curious of the new face no one knew. Newcomers to town were a rarity.

"I would like to bury them here, yes Sigurd," she murmured, having thought about his offer, "I want to know my family has found peace."