{Fleeing To Zeltiva} Misunderstood Relations

[Thayer]

Flashback - Timestamp: 84th of Winter, 512 AV Thayer never imaged having to travel through an endless array of foreign woodland. She never imaged having to flee from her hometown, her birthplace because of some infiltration of beasts. She'd never thought something so abnormal could happen to her perfect life. But her perfect life had been shattered and left lying on the barren floor back at her families tented campsite. She'd lost her mother, her father was no where to be found and her brother could have been killed for all she knew. She was utterly alone and terribly unaware of where she was and what was going on. The trees all looked the same; bare and dark toned from the lack of water and sunlight. Her fur was all matted and coated with a thick layer of blood from other animals. She was wandering aimlessly through tree after tree until she wound up back at yet another unfamiliar place in the never ending forest. Everywhere she turned it felt as though she'd been there before, her stomach growing tight and an uneasy feeling filling her intestines. She felt ready to wretch up her previous breakfast from all this strange anxiety she was feeling and wasn't used to. But instead her stomach growled loudly, startling a flock of birds from nearby. Only it wasn't her stomach that had growled but a deep howl, tainted with fear. Thayer's blood ran cold as recognition kicked in. It sounded like a pack of angry wolves, hungry for the meal they never received back at her family's campsite. That or they were hankering for a tasty desert. Had they been the one raiding her family of forest creatures or was it just her imagination, vividly playing practical jokes on her? Where they the large shadowed figures that loomed out from the anonymous darkness and snatched up innocent hares and field mice? Thayer would never know, for a thick branch crackling upon large, gruff paws and a sickening chuckle was the last thing she heard before her lack of awareness kicked in and took over her body.

[Silvia Rose]

‘What way was it again? Was it North? Was it South? Maybe it was East? But then again maybe West? What way was it to Zeltiva!?’ Circling round and round while bright amber hues looked up towards the sky, tree branches covered most of the sky leaving it hard for her to figure out where she was. She was already lost within this forest and her not being able to see the sky was just causing her to become more flustered, she didn’t knew what to do anymore.

Kneeling down the female closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She needed to calm down, chase the flustering thoughts away and relax. Being flustered and already lost would only lead to bad decision-making, and this was the last place to start calling out bad decisions. ‘Take this road; do not move off this road if you want to get to Zeltiva. You’ll come to a forest, do not take the left road once you get there it will take you down a different path and you’ll never get there by going that way.’

“Maybe you should have taken that bath Silvia; at least you would be in a town or a city by now and get the correct directions…” Shaking her head and messing up her raven hair slightly before opening her eyes again the female would look around again. All the trees looked the same, smelled the same… She needed to get to the city, her studies needed to continue, her curiosity needed to be satisfied. Sniffing the air Silvia caught whiff of something, the fragrance was like no other… blood. She couldn’t tell if it was fresh though, but the fragrance was moving and fast.

Quickly Silvia rose to her feet and followed the fragrance, bringing her deep within the forest before she was able to pinpoint where the blood was coming from. Was it a good idea to follow such a smell? Wherever it was coming from or whoever it was coming from could be dangerous, but then again maybe it was some hunter who just killed their dinner and was on their way out of the forest. What her amber hues spotted though was nether. It was a Lynx… a Lynx? Did they live in such areas?

Taking carful steps as she watch the big cat glance around, it seemed to be wondering aimlessly within this forest just like she was… but where did the blood on its fur coat come from? ~Snap~ Silvia froze at the same time the Lynx did at the sound of a twig, or branch snap under the females’ weight. ‘Nicely don’t Silvia….” She thought to herself for a moment, what would she do now? She didn’t want to scare off the creature before her… but then again it didn’t run at the sound of the twig.

Carefully she moved forward, the twig crackling under her weight more till she was off it and slowly moved into the Lynx line of sight. “Sorry about that…” She said while holding her hand sup to show that she meant no harm… that is if the Lynx saw her and did not run in fear away from her or at her in rage.

[Lexa Maze]

Lexa was well and truly lost now, but she didn't care. She just walked, strangely numb to everything. It was nothing but habit, instinct that kept her leaden legs moving. It had been a season today since her mothers murder. She could still feel it. She felt his eyes on her where ever she went. Paranoia was something that she was used to by now. Everything was a threat. Not that it mattered. She could badly find the will to protect herself anymore. If she had someone to protect. Something to live for. If she wasn't burdened by regret every waking minute, then maybe she would care that she had walked into somewhere unfamiliar, most likely dangerous.Still her feet plodded on. It was cold. This registered quietly in the back of her mind and her hands responded by pulling the black cloak tighter around herself. Her moments were mechanical, disconnected. A sharp pain on her back was now dulling. The jagged scar sometimes came open, even though the hands that had stitched it were skilled. It was ugly. At least it was covered completely by her cloak in winter. She would never answer someone who asked about it kindly. No matter what their intentions were in asking. The tree's were beginning to blur together now. The sun shone, but not enough to reach past the canopy and warm her. Lexa wasn't even sure what the time was. She had stayed in Sylirus a while after her mothers murder. She had to heal and rest. She had been in no shape for traveling. Then she had gone to Nyka, unable to stand living along in a place that once housed her mother as well. Now she was on the road again, but going where she no longer cared. A howl in the distance made her lift her head. Strands of raven coloured hair fell across her eyes and she lifted them back with her right hand. That was a wolf. More howling. A pack of wolves then? This was bad. What if she had stumbled into their territory unknowingly? They could all attack her then. Lexa moved her hand to her katana, that was held in place at her belt, and quickened her pace, moving what she hoped was away from the sound. She had a feeling they were closer than she would have liked. Lexa kept her face void of fear. Animals smelt fear more strongly than anything else. If she was unafraid, or appeared unafraid, she would have a better chance. After a while longer of waiting and listening, trying not to move too quickly and come across as prey, Lexa saw her first glimpse of fur. Her heart rate accelerated and she tightened her grip around the hilt of her blade. But it wasn't wolf fur. This was a Lynx. A dark grey Lynx with piercing blue eyes. It had blood all over it's fur but didn't seem to walk with a limp. She watched it for a moment then winced as she heard the wolfs again. They were still far from her location, but close enough to provide discomfort. To Lexa's surprise, another woman stepped out into the Lynx's path. She held up her hands in a submissive way and apologised. Lexa hid from sight, willing to wait out the big cat's reaction before doing anything rash. She couldn't avoid them, she did not have time to alter her path. But then she realised that the pack was upon the. She had misjudged it's size. The far off howls she had heard before were still present, but she could feel the presence of pack members, much closer. Fortunatly, Lexa was in a good position. She was hidden. There was a possibility that if she didn't let herself do something stupid, like attempt to warn that woman she saw ahead of her of the impending threat, she would not be discovered. But Lexa knew she had to. "Hey!" She yelled, from where she was, peaking her head out from behind the tree that sheltered her from view "You need to get out of here, can't you hear the wolves?!" needy eyes snapped their attention onto Lexa from the shadows they hid in, and Lexa didn't see the point in remaining in her hiding spot now. So she took tentative steps forward, mildly wary of the Lynx, and directed her gaze towards the woman "Nevermind what I said. If you run, they will kill you. They surround us" Lexa brought out her Katana and dropped into a stance that was ready, and balanced, expression cold, focused.

[Thayer]

Thayer’s heart beat like the incessant thunder of a snare drum. It was only a matter of time before the wolf or pack of wolves made themselves known, coming out of the trees and into view. Time ticked by, and what was probably only mere seconds seemed like long, endless hours. All of Thayer’s knowledge about the unknown of the woods and its beasts, and all of the warnings she had received from both her father and brother about always been on guard at all times vanished into thin air, leaving Thayer’s mind for the time being. Half of her wished for the wolves to just jump out and take her; snap her neck with their gargantuate jaws, sharpened to razor point and end it right there and then. For all she knew and could comprehend, her father was out missing, either lost of lying dead in a pool of his own vital fluids. Her brother could be captures as a snack for later, or eaten alive on the spot if he were to be caught in his animalistic form as a small rabbit. Her mother had been taken in the middle of the night, assumed to be murdered in cold blood on sight. The chilling realisations of what was becoming of Thayer’s life and family pulled at her heart strings, threatening to release a fall of unpredicted tears. The other half of her, however wanted nothing more than to be rescued from this nightmarish hell of uncertainty and loss. She wished she could have some sort of being be of company to her and to tell her that everything would be alright even if it was as clear as day that it wouldn’t be. All she really wanted, deep down inside, was a friend to go to in times of need; someone that would listen to her and understand her feelings. At times all she thinks about now that these horrid events have happened is the possibility of breaking out of her new-found gloom and in finding a hand to hold and a chest to hug, no matter how defiant her heart would be. All her ravishing thoughts were soon settled when a tall female of young age appeared out of the barren trees’ shadows. The snapping of the twig’s farewell had been debunked by what looked like a woman hunter. By what Thayer could see, she wore no hostile equipment or weaponry, which instantly rose her suspicion. Why would a lone traveller come into the forest baring no gear or weapons? “Sorry about that…” she apologised, stating her presence and walking cautiously forward, her hands extended in the air as a sign of unthreatening relation. Thayer leant back onto her haunches either way, straightening her back and baring her teeth until it looked as though she were giving the stranger a menacing, malevolent grin. But something was off about this newcomer. Something about her, the way she carried herself, the way she moved and the way she spoke gave a hint of curiosity that the being before Thayer might not be all that human. Thayer continued looking the traveller up and down, remaining in her defensive position until her ears perked up, having heard a disturbance of the rustling of weeds from near by. “Hey!” The calling of yet another female voice arose from the patch of shrubbery in the distance. “You need to get out of here. Can’t you hear the wolves?” The voice’s warning tone to that of the other human near Thayer was coming from somewhere close. The position was heard to find and happened to distract Thayer’s intent vision on the apologetic traveller. Never take your eyes off your prey, came her father’s advising tone. Whether this stranger was prey or not, she couldn’t be trusted. The rustling of leaves was quickly followed by the vision of dark hair and a figure of humanness female form. The voice now had a body and Thayer now had answers. They were hunters and they were trying to capture her! With either woman on both sides of her, Thayer had limited her options of escape. This new human had a pretty thick blade attached to the holster of her belt and it screamed torture. If these were the beasts as said before, chasing and capturing the wild game of Thayer’s previous home, then they had a brighter plan of attack for Thayer. But at least it was better than a slow annihilation by the fangs of demonic wolves. The new visitor came closer, shaking her head and speaking quickly. “Never mind what I said. If you run, they will kill you. They surround us.” Then she grabbed at the tremendous blade at her hip and started to withdraw it from its hold. Thayer’s mind started creating multiple situations out of the current action, but the one that won out of all was the very thought that this hunter was going to assassinate her. The way she dropped into a deep horse stance, her knees bent into ninety degree angles and her shoulders tense and even- it was all a threat to the eyes of a small wildcat. Of course she’d been close at escaping deadly events before, but these humans were too close and there were multiple. Thayer shrunk back, unable to move, her mind spinning as if it were a top. She couldn’t change into her human form, for it might be a startling image- a nude girl from the form of a Lynx. If she were to change, she would also lack the normal protection from her elongated teeth and enhanced claws. She knew it was a possibility however, and that she may have to use it if necessary. But what if what these people said was true? What is they were novice travellers, nobly giving warning to one another of the danger of the wolves’ calls? But Thayer kept still, shrunken back, looking as though she were a cowering puppy, forgetting all her hostile, defensive training taught to her by her parents and brother and instead, awaited for the humans’ next moves. But she kept watch on the woman carrying the fatal katana. She would use force if provoked or a plan for a hasty retreat if necessary. There was something odd about that other lady though. The way she looked, the way she moved and the way she spoke was a little unnerving and strange in the least. She just couldn’t put her finger on it, so she waited, hoping to see the reaction of person verses person, traveller verses traveller. As the howls grew nearer and louder, she knew that it was too late to run. A fight was about to unleash its rage in this very spot of the now desolate forest. And Thayer was in the middle of it, cornered by complete and total strangers.

[Silvia Rose]

“Easy there, I mean no harm to you. I see no limping when you move; the blood is not yours from the smell. But then again this is my first time seeing a Lynx.” The female stated as she stopped moving closer to the blood covered animal before her. There was so much blood where had it come from? A gently smile framed her lips only for a few moments before someone’s voice rang out. “Hey!” It started out before her head jolted towards where the voice had come from, it was female from the one she caught. “You need to get out of here. Can’t you hear the wolves?”

Wolves? Well yes she had been hearing the howls but she never thought much about it till now. It was a forest after all one of their natural habitats it was only natural to hear them… “Shit.” She mumbled as a thought formed, they didn’t get too close to their den did they? If so they’re all in trouble. As much as she hated to do this, with the Lynx seeming to already be in a defensive stance, the female quickly made her way over to the other female that came into view. Staying out of the females reach, katana and all, she would look around and listened closely for the different tones from the wolves.

“Did we get too close to a den?” She asked the female as she looked to the Lynx as if she was asking the animal as well. Being this close to both the Lynx and the female her back pack was now visible, along with the two small sheathed daggers attached to the back of her hips. How was this going to play out? Silvia could easily shift into her fox form after taking off the backpack and her daggers to run or climb a tree till the wolves left, but leaving the other two venerable along with her belongings. “I don’t want to harm the wolves if we don’t have to…” She mumbled to herself.

Would they have to? One of the many animals she had run into and studied the wolf was among her favorite. Proud animals that protected their kin with their very lives. ‘If we are close to a den we need to try and move out of the forest.’ She thought to herself before glancing back to the Lynx. “Do you know a way out?” She asked, most likely to the other female next to her Silvia must sound crazy but it was worth asking. Though the answer might be the same as Silvia’s, the Lynx seemed to be just as lost as she was when they had found one another. With her thoughts scattered one idea had come up, if the alpha male showed up she could… just maybe she could change his thoughts about harming them. But the alpha would have to show, if they are too close to the den he most likely would.

Till then she would have to wait, wait for the wolves to come out and show themselves and wait to see if the female that stood next to her was as friendly as she seemed. Not too worried about the Lynx bringing harm to her but she would keep a close eye on its movement as well, can’t bee too careful not can ya?

[Lexa Maze]

The other woman swore at her words. She didn't seem to be armed. She would just be dead weight in a fight if that was the case. Lexa cursed herself for breaking out of her perfect position near the trees for this. Right now she was her fathers daughter. She was relying on his teachings, his expertise for survival. Her eyes were colder than ice, and she was alert, and focused. She was ready for a battle. The pack was close enough now that she could here scampering feet. This was probably the alpha, or pack leader. Lexa still refused to let fear show, but she had to admit to herself that this wasn't good. This was herself and a whole pack of wolves. The Lynx over there would fight to protect itself and then, when it had the chance, flee. This little girl over here who was so reluctant to hurt the wolves, Lexa thought wouldn't be any help at all. "Yes, probably" Lexa replied to the woman, ignoring the part about not harming them. Her head turned back to the Lynx "Hey big cat, I'm not here to hurt you, I have bigger problems right now" She had a hunch this was not just an animal. She could see more in it's piercing blue eyes. She could see flickers of comprehension as the two women spoke around it. She had met few Kelvic in her life, so this was only a very misguided guess, but it was worth a shot, all the same "You have claws and teeth, I would appreciate a little help" She shot back to the Lynx, just in case "Maybe i'm just talking to an animal right now..." She muttered to herself. The woman asked if she knew the way out. Lexa shook her head gravely "I've been lost for a while now. this all looks the same" She huffed, disappointed with herself for not paying closer attention. She wished the damn alpha would just hurry up already. Lexa was sick of waiting. It was as if the time went in slow motion. Except for her heart, which was thumping in her chest so loudly it was a wonder the whole forest couldn't hear it. When they got there, Lexa would not just in recklessly. That would be a stupid move that would get her ripped to shreds. She had a feeling she might doom the other woman as well, as the two of them would be no different in their eyes. Threat. Trespassers. That is what they were right now. The first few wolves poked their heads out of the trees. They weren't the pack leader. They were just underlings. She could tell from the way they held themselves. Their heads were low to the ground. They growled deep in the back of their throat. A menacing sound the struck fear into the warriors heart. She spared a quick glance at the woman beside her, and then at the cowering Lynx, here eyes wide. They then narrowed again as she looked at the wolves. She braced herself for snapping jaws and razor blade claws as the wolves circled their prey. Lexa could feel her breathing speed up and her heart rate accelerate at the sheer number of them. And then the alpha made an appearance. He walked into the clearing, the others making way for him to get throughout. "Shit, shit, shit" Lexa muttered, trying to control the fear so they wouldn't seem like easy pickings. What to do, what to do. The beast wasn't attacking yet, it seemed to be sizing them up. This was going to be bloody if they decided to attack. Especially for this harmless looking woman. "Listen, if they attack, stay behind me." Lexa hissed at her.

[Thayer]

Thayer watched as the first woman of bright amber hues realised the graveness of the situation. It was much worse than first predicted. The wolf pack sounded far larger than what Thayer had thought and from the look in the woman’s eyes, she had the same gut wrenching feeling as well. The other woman however remained unfazed. Her hand was still grasping the sword with such frightening tension that the veins in her knuckles looked as though threatening to escape their wired connection with her nervous system in her hand. Her eyes were stone cold and determined. Thayer knew this woman was a fighter, a warrior, from the first time she laid eyes on her, but at the time she was only judging on her appearance. Now it was clear as day that she had been trained and by masters of the arts of defence and offence. “Did we get too close to the den?” That question rang a latent bell in Thayer’s mind. If she was in fact trespassing on wolf territory, then there was no excuse for her actions. Negotiation was a highly questionable option, in the least bit reasonable with a pack of mighty wolves, but it was the only chance they had. The sound of the wolves calls was nearing quickly, and if she had any thought in survival, running was out of the question. Sure, she was quick, but wolves were natural born predators, far more violent and aggressive and determined than a small Lynx like herself. Perhaps if some of the wolves were of Kelvic race, then they would have common sense to seek out the best way of figuring out the problem, but it was highly doubtful considering the forest they were in and the previous disaster Thayer had been through. The unarmed woman whom had first showed herself to Thayer out of the two spoke of not harming the wolves if not threatened. This struck a chord in Thayer’s heart. This lady had some passion for nature and its animals, and the way she spoke to Thayer and held up her arms in a friendly gesture, showing her that she was unarmed, made her feel important. This woman was growing on Thayer and she immediately felt regret for growling at her and threatening her with her offensive stance before. And then she looked down at Thayer and asked politely, “Do you know a way out?” And it almost made her cry. This was the first time in a long time that someone so normal at first appearance had been so kind to her. That or she was a complete and utter nutcase. The other woman, of darker hair and tone spoke up her ideas of what she made of the situation. “Hey big cat, I’m not here to hurt you.” So far, all was trusted, but things could change in the blink of the eye and Thayer knew that from past experience. “You have claws and teeth,” she acknowledged, looking down at Thayer’s miniscule claws in comparison to the immense talons of the wolves. “I would appreciate a little help.” Latently, Thayer nodded her head. If she was going to make it out of these woods alive, she was going to need all the help she would get, and by the looks of it, these travellers would need some help too. Some more mutters came in the direction of the weapon holder as she eyed the forest before her. If only the wolves would come out, so I could just talk to them, though Thayer solely to herself. And then it happened. At first a few novice beginners made themselves known, furry heads peeking their way out and into the small clearing to which held three female creatures, all unknown to one another. Next came a few higher ranking warriors, poised in appearance and posture, their heads held high and fearless. Thayer’s mind racked as she finally saw the sight of the Alpha, dark coat, shining in what sun was to be seen, poking itself out from over the canopy of leaves overhead. Cussing was heard from beside her as she realised the fear in the tone of the woman whom had looked so fierce and professional. But Thayer didn’t concentrate on the terror in her voice, for it would only bring discomfort and bad thoughts to herself. Instead, she took in the wolves appearances and continued to think for herself, ignoring the advice from the stranger to stay behind her. The wolf’s eyes were like black orbs that bored into all souls of the females before him. He looked as though he were sizing them up, or predicting his next moves. And then he took the first basic step before the attack. And that is where Thayer jumped in. “Sir please,” she growled, eying the leader and his newly formed perplexed gaze. “We mean no harm. We had no intention of passing through-” “Silence!” He barked, sending a rippling effect of cold ice down Thayer’s spine. He continued his walk, stretching his stride beyond possible until he was nearing Thayer’s position. “I’ve heard this story thousands of times before and I already know how it ends.” “But you don’t understand!” Thayer tried, continuing to negotiate with the beast, but all was at loss. He had already made up his mind and was now standing only mere inches from Thayer’s muzzle. “You disrespect my request of silence, little girl. Perhaps its time for you to learn some manners.” The Alpha’s teeth, like the blade of a dagger, grew more visible until Thayer was picked up from the ground and thrown to the side by a colossal paw full of razors. She hit a tree to the right with such speed and momentum that the world went black around her, clearing up after a while of blank anxiety. Blurs of objects and the fuzziness of confusion circled round her head like fireflies that pestered the dawn of night on the fourth of July. Pain found their way through her body, erupting in her veins as she struggled to breathe, watching the two women as they looked attentively at the wolves from her direction. War had begun.

[Silvia Rose]

‘They had finally shown themselves…’ Silvia thought to herself as she slowly moved behind the female next to her. This was looking bad; the aggression shown by the alpha male as he came out from behind the underlings was nerve-racking. She had seen this before from other alphas, the wrath of loosing a pup one too many times to humans and others that passed by in their home. She felt bad for the pack that held so much wrath, but now was not the time. The Lynx had a look in her eyes, maybe there was an idea playing out in its mind?

Maybe there was, but it had placed the Lynx in the very center of attention… and danger. It was the perfect time to make her move. Silvia kneeled down, still hidden [or hopefully is still hidden] behind the other female. Quickly but quietly she started to strip her pack, daggers and shirt off her frame. Loosening her shorts before placing the shirt over her back, she was going to shift forms and try a less violent approach. With the shirt covering her back, her items placed before her upon the ground and her shorts loose there would be no problems with her shifting, and the silks would hide the swirling lights as she dissolved and reformed within an instant.

A soft peep sound could be heard only by the female human because of how close the two were, getting her bearings and wiggling her way out from under the shirt a small silver fox now took the once second female human. Peeking her head between the females legs she looked to see what she missed, the alpha was more then half way to the Lynx by now Silvia had to be quick. Getting low to the ground she would begin to crawl up behind the Lynx, with all eyes fixed upon the big cat the small cinereous and black furred fox would go unseen.

It wasn’t till being close enough to the alpha and the Lynx that she could understand what was going on. The alpha had heard the lies before? Someone had come face to face with this beautiful and dangerous creature before? Stunning. But once the Lynx had been lifted up from the ground by the massive paw and tossed aside did Silvia act. She was just behind the Lynx when this happened, no more then a foot from the hind legs to be exact when Silvia had started to cast her spell; Hypnotism.

Hypnotism is a discipline of personal magic centered on the control and manipulation of others. Unleashing their own Djed thought their personal charisma and force of will; they use any means of expression such as eyes, voice, presence and mannerism, in order to induce effects in the minds of those around them. For Silvia it was her eyes, her bright amber hues always attracted attention and for the wolf it was no exception. She really needed to act fast after his attack upon the Lynx, before he could give out his deep howl to order the attack.

Inching closer to the alpha she would begin the next step into her spell now that he was caught in her gaze. “We really mean no harm; such powerful and graceful animals like yourself hold more of a threat to us then we to you. Did we come close to your den? We are just trying to get from one side of the forest to the other without trouble.” Even if the alpha had a comment to say it did not stop her from shifting once more from her fox form to her human. Her naked frame being shown, just her back side to the human female and even then her feet covered her for the most part, did not bother her. It was natural to a Kelvic after all. But did this shock the alpha? If not then her next movement might.

As if she was a wolf herself she showed respect to the alpha, she did not stand higher then him but rather lowered herself but keeping her eyes locked on his. “I wish to make you an offer; a skilled hunter, a proud and power animal that truly is placed on the top of the food chain wouldn’t mind a challenge? Point us in the right direction out of the forest and give us a head start before hunting us down.” She was ready for anything this alpha could do or say, for an example; for any attacks he could make she would simply sift back into her fox form and run back to the other female.

[Lexa Maze]

Lexa was completely lost for a course of action. The Lynx had placed itself in obvious danger. Lexa didn't know what was happening, all she knew was the Alpha of the pack was getting closer, it's cold black eyes were boring their way into those of the Lynx. And that went on for several seconds. The pack leader got closer until the two animals were muzzle to muzzle. Then, before Lexa could react, the alpha lashed out, bringing on a chorus of howls and snarls from it's followers, as if they were egging their leader on. Cheering for him. Lexa backed up a few steps. It wouldn't take long for the creature to turn on her and the woman behind her. And then things got even weirder. A small grey fox peeked it's head out from between her legs and then went towards the Alpha. Lexa looked behind her and the woman was gone. It took a long moment for the warrior to make the connection. When she realised that this was the same woman. This fox was her other form. Then the woman changed back, into the young lady,now completely nude, and Lexa's already bulging eyes widened further. The woman started to talk to the wolf, bowing her head respectfully. Was he a kelvic too? Why was this place full of animal/humans. Lexa averted her eyes from the girls nakedness, and used the opportunity to run to the Lynx's aid. She placed a hand on the torn flesh and it came back sticky with blood. Lexa pursed her lips "It's okay. I'll stop the bleeding. Thats a nasty bite." Lexa took off her black cloak, and began ripping of long bandage-like strips of the black fabric. Hoping dearly that the fox woman had the alpha distracted well enough that her turned back and lack of focus would not get her killed, she wadded up the strip and put pressure in the weeping wound, mopping up the blood already there, and trying to cut off the flow. "I assume you are a kelvic too?" She muttered, not sure if the Lynx was fully conscious or not "It's not so bad, you should still be able to run. I'll just stop the bleeding." This Lexa was not her fathers daughter. The wounded Lynx had drawn out her humanity again. Her mother would have done the same, in fact, she was an actual healer, someone who could have probably done a better job. Her eyes had lost some of their coldness. But she was still rigid, aware of the peril that fox woman could be in, not to mention herself, when she was in such a defenceless position. She felt venerable, and rightly so, as there were many unfiredly eyes trained on her. Once she had tied a strip around the bite wound, and momentarily ceased the flow of blood she tuned her head so she could see what was happening, and stood again. "Stay there a moment." Lexa instructed. The Alpha seemed to be considering the woman's challenge. Even if it succeeded, Lexa didn't like her chances of outrunning a wolf pack, these two would be faster than her. If they could cross whatever invisible line that marked the wolf territory, they would be safe and in the clear, but Lexa didn't like the way the wolves were looking at her. She could see hatred in their eyes, deeper than the usual kind. Lexa wondered if this was hatred because of her race. She was human, and humans’ actively hunted creatures like wolves. Even their cubs. Was she being eyed like one such hunter? Despised like she had personally wronged these wolves? She had a feeling that the kelvics had a chance at escape, but the pack wanted to see the human die, she could see it in their beedy eyes. their bared teeth made it look like they were smirking. Lexa didn't understand the wolfs reply. But all of the other wolves were looking at her hungrily. Lexa became more and more fearful of the minutes ahead. Every eye seemed to be staring at her. Lexa made her way into the middle of the clearing, and looked at the alpha who was staring at her, barking and growling. They could probably smell her fear, and this wasn't helping her case. So Lexa toughened her stance and glared right back at the alpha wolf "What does the wolf say...?" She asked anyone who would tell her. She gripped her katana tighter, ready to defend herself from the wolves vicious attempts of ending her. She supposed, maybe it was only fitting, dying on the same day a season later, that her mother had died. At least it wouldn’t be him that killed her.

[Thayer]

The scenes before Thayer's eyes blurred on unfocused lenses. She kept trying to look in the direction of the women, to see their initial reaction to the previous scene of her flight that played out before their eyes. But when her vision cleared enough to see the travellers, one was missing. She left us for herself, that bastard, Thayer thought through unintentional grit teeth. I thought I saw something in her. Something genuine and original and more unique than that of a simple human’s traits, but I guess I was wrong. I was played with. Instead, she noticed an ashen grey fox, black tones of colour annexed in the beautiful fur coat, standing in the place that had once held herself. Thayer blinked, trying to figure out what was going on. The most reasonable solution was that the fox was trying to do what she so failed at: Negotiating with the wolves. Thayer blinked again, slowly and surely, determined to clear her thoughts. This time a vulnerable young woman, no fur nor clothing to cover up in, was crouched in front of the main Alpha leader. Thayer was so intrigued by the female’s transformation, so exasperated that the traveller too was a Kelvic, and her suspicions of originality were supported that she had no recollection of the other female squatting near her side under the shadows of the tree’s cover. Wet liquid had found an exit out of Thayer’s body and was now building up in a small pool of blood on the fur near her shoulder. The huntress knelt down on one knee this time and began pulling at her black cloak that hung around her shoulders, stripping off bandaged sized pieces of fabric before she started to wind it around the feeble lacerations. “I assume that you’re a Kelvic too?” she asked Thayer, having a wide-eyed, conspicuous Lynx as a present conversational companion. Thayer nodded her head, barely visible, but as some form of acknowledgement. Should she really explain herself? These women were still strangers to her after all. But this kind traveller was helping her. She had no confirmed knowledge that Thayer was indeed a Kelvic, yet she was tending to her wounds formed from the claws of the Alpha like a mother kissing a scrape on her own child. Perhaps Thayer had misjudged her before. Perhaps this lady had a difficult past that haunted her, much like the past of Thayer. Perhaps this lady only seemed so tough and strong on the outside, but on the inside was dying from the sadness and sorrow of the invisible scarring she’s gained through bad times. Perhaps they had more in common than Thayer had initially thought. Suddenly, the woman stood, commanding Thayer to stay in her place. Strangely enough, Thayer had changed her mind about running away. She knew that the wolves had no quarrel with her as they did with the humans (or previous humans). She could have just gotten up, turned and ran, or slumped for the matter that the pain of the cuts were hard to bare. At least she’d get out of this horrible situation alive and not have to worry about the wolves for a long while to come. But this kind female had gone out of her way, exposed herself and let down her defences just to help heal Thayer. Admiration welled up inside of Thayer’s messed up heart, and it was as though she thought she had to owe her some sort of debt. No, she’d stay and help fight with these people against the wrath of the wolves. “What did the wolf say?” Thayer’s healer’s question hung in the air like the smell of rancid milk. But no one could answer her, as much as she would have liked. The fox lady, now skin as bare as could be, was still slouched down, trying to convince the wolf their need for survival with so much eagerness that it looked like sorcery. But Thayer saw dullness in the Alpha’s eyes. He wasn’t one to be reasoned with. She saw the warriors behind their leader and the tension that wished for emancipation. Some were releasing their anxiety through whines of curiosity and anticipation, which chilled Thayer’s bones. They were eager to kill. And as if predicted, seeing the future through assumption, she saw the line of beasts lunge forward. They knew the Kelvic girl was using some form of mental trickery but the sudden hesitation of their master and felt the urge to protect him. Wild fans and untamed claws started grabbing at the ground, as the wolves threw themselves out of the forest. Thayer somehow deemed enough energy to hoist herself up in time to wade into the oncoming stampede. She was still in morbid pain and in terrible condition to fight, the feeling like acid being poured onto her shoulder’s muscles, but some sort of caring emotion controlled her to move. It controlled her to fight. And until something happened, or if the other Kelvic woman’s powers reigned true, there would be no backing out of fighting for her life.