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Post by LAD on May 31, 2015 19:53:59 GMT -5
As many characters as I have, this is a place where I'll get to roleplay my characters together with each other or just keep journals of them - and even roleplay with others if they want... That and I figured there's no better time than now to do this I suppose x:
LAD and Her Donovan's
Orpheus stood upon the throne of Meurtrier, claws curled around the edge as he watched his pride. His and his brothers. Gaze flickered across the lands, landing upon those that they recently took in. Jocelyn, curled around little Jade, whom had Asesinato curled around her as they dozed in the sun. Kyali was not far from her aunt and uncle, chowing down on a hare. Off to the side, Devyn watched his kids with a loving eye, watched his mate even. Ali and Malluce were not far away from their half brother, keeping an eye on him and their nieces and nephews - and keeping an eye on another. Orpheus followed their gaze to Vespera, who was curled with Vitanali for the first time in the longest time. His head raised as he observed them thoughtfully and wondered about their health, about their mental state of mind.
Having lost all of their family must have been harsh and possibly the only thing that brought the young two females together once again. But he wondered about Neraine, and found her standing a few yards away, watching them. He wondered about her too. She was off on her own awfully a lot these days and he wondered about her more than he would ever say. Especially as the power that came underneath her paws. It was with that power that Neraine sent the two a small burst of herself to them. A sense of peace to the two females she grew up with, that she'd considered friends for the longest time. And from her position, before she turned and walked away, she could see them both relax. Peace filled her as she left on her own once more.
Alistair stayed hear his family, deciding it would be the best thing to pounce on his uncle's tail, young but full of life. There were times he wondered about his mother, but most times he'd go about his day as if it were normal. DarkMoon was curled within her father, Kadence and Fiona not far from her. DarkStar sat behind them, his eyes gazing upon three young boys whom sparred against each other. Darian, Darius and Shaw were proving to be an incredible team at a young age - one that would continue to grow with each other and support each other. Leo watched over his siblings from just outside the den - a perfect outlook to outside, and inside the den. It was tempting to crawl back in, but it felt too good outside. In the Eastern Veldts, Donato watched over the Calivers to the best of his ability, as was asked of him. Always loyal.
Outside of Meurtrier borders, Mystic was saying good bye to her uncle Kaden, Adalyn and Kasteo giving her hugs as well. Remark blew a puff of air at his mane as he watched and he snorted when he was told to take care of himself - settling down in a pride had never entirely been his thing. In the opposite direction, Kurai II stood over Adhemar and Menacia as they sparred against each other. They were equally matched, knowing one another inside and out. Flame II walked side by side with Brynn as they began traveling themselves - with promises towards Orpheus to return if they felt like it was their home. They ran into three others, Sepheral, Icondoit and Apawi. The five of them sat down to really speak to each other for the first time in ages before they walked off together to explore. Kyleus and Kinei had just run into each other - among their third sibling, and talks of finding their mother started up.
Cyber watched over the woman he was falling in love with along with her cubs, Shakkou landing on his tail while Cyber pretended to be surprised, and continued to entertain. Reno II was holding his own council these days. His uncle Cyber was an amazing help - but so were Casey and Diezel. Still, he had to think things through for himself too. Had to figure things out for himself and the pride. Zane and Elyssia were off with their mother, Raius with his own. Neither of the three knew the other quite yet. And Reno would soon meet his new siblings and nephew.
Ramses wandered off on his own for months and months before he ran into two others - London and Saku. He didn't know them and they hadn't known him. But they learned each other real quickly on that day. Among finding out that he also had a brother in Shunti - brother and cousin, as Shunti's mother was also a Donovan. It was a pleasant surprise to know he still had other siblings. Maxine walked with Rose II - even though they'd gotten off to a real rocky start, Rose couldn't leave the young girl behind when everyone disappeared on them both. It didn't sit well with her conscious. Murtaugh had found his newest little brother - Felix and his mother. He would be spending quite a bit of time to get to know them before much else. Aaron got caught by his uncle and aunt twins - and had gotten quite a bit of a beating for being rude and the likes. The Mother of DarkFire's kids didn't take disrespect well.
Dakota, Forice, and Forrest had found each other - and other Xeiroz kids, and had taken really well towards one another. Avrilla and Vami however, had found an aunt of theirs, Sollek. They hadn't quite known each other at first, but they knew each other now. Sollek walked between the two sisters, laughing and talking as they did so just like they'd known each other all their lives. To them, it felt like they had. Specifically because Vami and Avrilla did know each other all their lives, being sisters, and Sollek was their aunt. They kept up with sparring with each other and kept up all sorts of skills.
It was all of this that was absorbed by unnaturally red eyes and normal amber eyes. The red pelted ess stared down from above at all of it, surprised by the display of images that occurred and narrowing her gaze on some of them.
"I won't remember any of it?"
"No. Nor will you be known by the name they know you by."
"But I'll have a similar name, right?"
"Of course. I've taken you from this world early, my darling, and you've had an incredibly long rest. It's time you are restored and given the proper life you deserved. The life I failed to give you years ago."
Those unnatural red eyes turned back to the multi-colored ess beside her. "And I'll look like this? Not... Not as I did before?"
"Yes. This is your new appearance, Misty. You still look like you, but you've wings, and your eyes no longer blue. That is all, if you so choose to return at least."
Misty drew in a long breath as she returned her gaze back down to everyone else... And her gaze saddened. "I'll miss them all. Will my memory ever return?"
LAD pushed her nose against Misty's shoulder briefly in comfort. "Yes, m'love. If you have a strong torrent of emotions regarding something familiar, it will return to you, though it will take a maelstrom of emotions for that. I have granted you that much."
Misty, red pelted, red winged, and red-eyed, took another breath before releasing it in one half laugh. "Alright then. I accept." And the two felines touched noses.
"Just know, even with your memory gone, that your loved ones are well taken care of." And before Misty could question this, LAD was gone. It took Misty all of two seconds to realize she was no longer standing on solid ground - and that she was falling. Her wings failed to work - panic took over her. And then she blacked out.
When Misty awoke, her eyes snapped open with a gasp before she began coughing as life seemingly (and literally) breathed back into her.
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Post by LAD on Jul 29, 2015 20:08:38 GMT -5
The days drew by slowly, the heat was insufferable. But more than that, the pain of losing his brother had settled deeply into the pits of his belly and had forced him into a silence that was unusual - even for the normally stoic Orpheus. He didn't understand how they had gotten Odysseia, Carnal, Vincent, Abyssia, the twins, and Morgan back - only to lose a whole slew of others - his brother included. It had hurt him. Left a hole where it once had been filled. Orpheus hoped that his brother had not left because of the differences that they'd had recently. They were two peas in the mega pod - but now... Now Orpheus wasn't ever sure he'd see his brother again. He'd immediately gone searching when his brother wasn't in the dens, or the throne, or near Odysseia. He'd immediately flew over the lands, called for him - but never received a reply.
And it was heartbreaking.
That night, Orpheus mourned his brother as if Daemon had passed away. That night, Orpheus curled into his sister, Dirge and held her close. That night, Orpheus didn't sleep, but slowly shed the idea of working with another from his mind and slowly began to realize - there was no brother team any longer. There was just him. No longer Kings of Meurtrier. Just King. Orpheus Donovan was it. No, he would not have to lead alone - Circa was there, Zalui and him had bonded, and Odysseia was back now.
But it was just him. Orpheus Donovan, current sole King of the Meurtrier Pride.
Irida Faire stood at the tip of the grassy hill, her eyes sweeping over the lands before she slowly turned her head to the side. Behind her approached another, large, towering over her form - but Irida did not feel threatened. Instead, seeing the figure warmed her heart and she lifted her head to touch noses with the feline as he dipped his head forward to meet her.
"Mother."
Irida smiled softly, her wing stretching out to gently stroke his shoulder before her gaze turned over the lands once more. "Soon, Ceril. Soon we will have them at our paws." She murmured, so softly, so sweetly. Ceril lowered his head to rest atop of hers gently, his eyes closing as he envisioned what his mother had told him thousands of times before. Faires would certainly rise again if given the proper chance - and truthfully, Ceril couldn't be any more excited for his mother than she was for his future.
Angelica paced back and forth as she stared at the lake before her. She wished for a sign, for a place to go. One that was not tainted by lesser creatures. She'd only been a week or so among the pride and yet it was not something she knew immediately had yet to go anywhere. Beryl sat not far from her friend - they would never admit they were truly friends out loud of course - watching her pace. She had the same mind set as her, but neither one of them would admit it aloud to Ixis Rae. The female was a good leader. She was charming and held the purity direction that they wanted - but.. Besides them and a short few others, no one seemed up to joining. No. They'd heard of a pride called Chavliodontas - and that was the pride that seemed to be garnering all the attention. Among Hellions however, there were HellBeasts - and halfbreeds of other sorts. And that pissed the two Hellionesses off.
Persia and Leroux had shared many a looks over this revelation as their mothers seemingly got along far more than they ever did, it was quite scary really, and only Victoire kept his calm about it. Seeing this union was better than seeing them banter. Vanadi had taken to ignoring them all however. No matter that he was close to Angelica or not through her sister, he found it petty and tiring. They would never find the right pride by their standards and part of him wondered why they didn't just make one of their own. But it would have started the whole issue up again about how one was not better than the other. Exhausting. At least Persia and Leroux didn't take too far after their respective mothers. Prim and proper perhaps, and more than certainly the best pairing ever with how well they got along for Hellions with the proper amount of respect, they were a pairing that Vanadi found fond of, and like Victoire, constantly protected against the two before them.
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Post by LAD on Nov 9, 2015 20:58:21 GMT -5
It was December when I returned home, nearly two years ago. I had lunged at my father's unsuspecting back and my sister had come running over immediately. It was the best. Her father had been so confused - had called her by her mother's name. A blessing really, to be united under such circumstances. There hadn't been much to worry about - not when I knew I had my family back, even if my father was hard-headed to recognize what was right in front of him. Nothing could break my good mood. Not on that day.
It would be two days after her return that Iris noticed something peculiar. The day of her return, she'd spent the majority of time getting re-acquainted with her sister and father. But not even two days later, she saw it, clear as day. Perhaps it was because she was an extraordinary observer - she had to be with the life she'd grown up in. Her sister and her had spent plenty of time together over those days, yes, but there was another that was a constant near presence, and Iris knew him. She remembered him clear as day, a young male from her childhood - Osic Donovan. She remembered his brother too, Devyn, but she didn't care for him. Just this male. Still... What better way to see what Osic was like than to get to know his brother? Or try to. So that night, she sought him out, pausing when she found him, and taking a large breath before realizing something - he was watching them too.
It was constant, watching those two together, the love beyond sickening. In the beginning it was ridiculously annoying, too much and yet still incredible. Devyn shook his head as he crossed his paws and laid down on them. Osic was his brother and he loved him, but still, talk about mushy. He'd heard the stories after all - who the hell professes their love in the middle of a battle? Still, it was indeed quite something. And then he'd heard a soft laugh close by. Too close. His head shot up and his eyes fell upon the soft purple-gray fur of Circa's sister. "Can we blame them? Honestly and truly blame them for how they are?"
Devyn's jaw clenched in annoyance and he rolled his eyes. He saw the past few days how Circa was around this chick and yea, it was great that she had her sister back, but why should he care? And what right did she have to come bother him in the midst of the night? "What are you talking about?" Devyn turned back forward, turning away from him but suddenly not knowing why he just gave her a chance to engage him in conversation.
Her yellow eyes sharpened as they snapped towards him with a glare. "Don't play dumb Devyn." His fur prickled at the way she said his name, but he snorted at her reply and she sighed. "Osic and Circa deserve every moment they can get, don't you think?" He didn't reply, closing his eyes and honestly wishing Iris would just go away. Instead, surprise flitted through his very being as the grass rustled and something - that felt suspiciously like fur - brushed against his own fur and he jerked his body opposite of where she'd lain, glaring at her as she intruded his space. But the words he'd prepared to say disappeared on the tip of his tongue as he caught sight of her expression. Iris was staring after her sister and his brother - where they'd last been before he himself lost sight of her. "With war at our doorstep it's a blessing that they found each other and have a love so deep it'd be unbreakable - even in death." She stated softly and Devyn lost all will to tell her to get lost. He instead, found himself sinking back into the grass, eyes still on her face.
For the briefest of moments, he actually wished she'd stop looking so... So forlorn. So he said the first thing that came to mind. "Don't tell me you're jealous of them, Iris." He forced his tone to be a light tease but the chuckle he'd been about to push out of his mouth died instantly as she looked at him.
"Yes. Yes, I am. Happy for them sure, but I am jealous of what they have. Of the connection they have. I'm jealous of Osic for knowing my sister better than I. I'm jealous of all the time that was lost, of the times I should have been there for her and wasn't - but he was. He was always there. In some way or another, he'd been there for her. And I hate him for that." Devyn flinched.
Her gaze flicked away to look at the sky, the moon fighting to shine fully through the few wisps of clouds there were and Devyn couldn't help but continue to watch her. Wondering, waiting for what she would say next if anything at all. For the first time, he found himself willingly listening to someone he hardly knew for their troubles, for their shoulder to lean on. He shifted almost uncomfortably though as the silence went on, wondering if she disliked Osic for that reason, or if she even disliked him. But she couldn't right? She'd laughed with Osic just the other day and she was this close to him now. She couldn't dislike either of them with those counts. Right...? And then Iris sighed and gave a soft shake of her head. "And now I couldn't be more grateful to him for those same reasons. Because at least... At least my sister had someone at her side while I was still finding my way home. She could lean on someone as times got tough - someone we've both known since we were cubs." She sighed again and Devyn had to look away then.
He shifted slightly and turned his gaze to where Osic and Circa had once been moments ago and in that split second, understanding flooded him. Those two really did have it lucky, and yes they deserved every moment they could get.
"I wasn't always in Meurtrier either." His voice was quiet, so quiet that had she not been as close as she was, she would have missed it and her head snapped up to look at him in surprise. She'd not thought he would actually respond to her. Just listen to her rambling or pretend really. But he wasn't looking at her and she found her breath catching as she watched him swallow and take another breath, readying himself to speak again. "I missed a good portion of both Osic's and Carnal's life and when I got back, I had a hard choice to make. Hang around for my siblings... Or go after my mother. A choice my second brother I knew, already made. Either way, I was losing family." He murmured.
Devyn wasn't quite sure why he was telling her this, but with everything she had just said.. Why not? "But same as you, when I got back... They both had someone. My sister with Kazbek. And Osic with Circa. I may not have been there for them, but they were. And I can't blame them for taking every possible chance. Either of them. In a world where we can lose each other five minutes to five moons from now... I'd take every chance I could get too."
And Devyn turned on his sisde to curl away from her as he laid down. Iris felt her breath hitch momentarily before she smiled at his back. A soft genuine smile before she too, turned and pressed her back to his. They listened to the breath of the other for the longest time, the sound lulling them to sleep.
She was something else. I didn't realize until I woke up the next morning that I'd actually slept peacefully - and that she'd actually knew about Osic and Circa, something only myself and Edmund knew about. I didn't know whether she guessed it or Circa told her, but it made me want to keep an eye on her - we didn't know if she could be trusted and I wasn't about to risk my brother's life because one slip of a girl couldn't keep her mouth shut. No matter that... That something had gone down last night. Understanding or whatever it was. I would rather face Circa's sadness and Zalui's wrath after the fact than let this secret out. So keep an eye on her it was, even if it meant letting her close.
Never would have guessed that Devyn was so distrustful of me with the way things seemingly fell into place. I wouldn't have guessed it. It seemed Devyn was as good as I was when it came to being observant and hiding things. Because I knew for a fact that I was keeping tabs on him, and never would have thought he would be keeping tabs on me.
It was a few days after that conversation where they found themselves side by side once more. The morning they'd fallen asleep had left them hesitant to approach the other, both having had a moment of weakness and revealing too much. Iris had woken alone that morning truth be told and she'd understood - but now... She found herself beside him once more and not really knowing how to act. But he didn't mind her presence it seemed. He had glanced at her, granted her a small half-smirk, and then looked forward to a spar between some other members. Immediately, she felt at ease and relaxed at his side, turning her gaze to watch the spar as well. "You came with a little one, didn't you?"
Shocked, her yellow eyes snapped upwards before she grinned, as if just remembering she'd had company with her when she arrived. "Yeah, her name's Niko, but she likes being called Nikki as well. She's a pawful." A small laugh escaped her maw and Devyn raised a brow at her. Her eyes instantly flicked to the ground. "I found her shortly before I hit teen years - she was so young. I couldn't help but think of how young I was when the Lady found me."
"The lady?"
"She never really gave a name. It was always ma'am or Gran. She said once it reminded her of when she had her grandcubs around." Iris said, her grin widening a little more as she glanced up at Devyn who chuckled in reply. "And so I brought her back with me. It was probably one of the best memories I have with her - besides some other things that Gran taught me." The fondness that was on her face had Devyn's lips quirking upwards slightly. She shifted then as her gaze turned back to the spars before them. "Devyn?"
"Hm?"
"Could you... Tell me everything that you know of that's gone on in Meurtrier? I can't... I mean... I don't wanna-"
"You don't wanna be left in the dark." Her gaze snapped up to meet his, with that half-smirk on his face, and she gave a bashful grin.
"Yea..."
He gave another chuckle and stood then, flicking his tail for her to follow. "Not a problem. C'mon. I'll tell you everything I know." And so started the next week and a half filled with details and her trying to learn them all, committing them to memory as she did so.
So keep an eye on her I did. But it turned out to be the start of a friendship I never would have expected. Or maybe I did in some ways - after all, one couldn't have their siblings be together and not be friends themselves. Or at least tolerate each other. But as the days rolled by, she turned out to be okay and we found ourselves understanding of one another more than what could be considered normal.
Nothing could prepare either of the two what would happen on this day when Osic came to fetch them. But they rushed forward none the less and as Iris slipped into a that was surprisingly away from camp, Devyn was dealing with Osic's teasings - they both found out something incredible. They were aunt and uncle. It was then and there they knew, without a doubt, both would do anything for their respective sibling and they would follow them to the ends of the earth - even if it meant putting up with each other against any danger that came through. But it wasn't much longer before things seemingly blew over easily enough. Regarding Osic at least. And Devyn and Iris continued to speak to each other, their talks of Meurtrier's history and their own turning into personal thoughts, experiences, opinions and teasing jokes. They'd become friends easily enough, going off on patrols together or hunts.
It wouldn't be long before trouble really brewed. On the one nightly patrol that they had not gone off together, disaster struck and struck hard. Iris had been watching over her sister's cubs when Caitlyn Caliver came storming in, screaming of an attack on Funeral. Odysseia ran to the scene as Circa returned and she rested her head upon Circa's shoulder. What she learned broke her heart. She'd immediately wished to go to Devyn's side but found herself frozen with Circa's cubs as the announcement came. They all heard the issues that followed Cocaine's kingship. It wouldn't be until late in the night where Iris moved to comfort him, and the two curled into one another, Iris offering a steady motor of a purr as she comforted him. But trouble wasn't done with the lot of them, not one bit.
A few weeks later, Caitlyn, Evangeline, and Novocain disappeared. It was long enough for Cocaine to have noticed and send a patrol - where Iris was once again separated from Devyn. And when they came back... It was hell on Novis. It wasn't the Devyn she'd come to know. It was an emotionally wrecked one that lacked a Caliver. And she couldn't help him on this one. She knew it in the bottom of her heart she couldn't help him because as the patrol returned - without him and without Caitlyn - with Cocaine's roar at his children and the tension that filled the air. She knew something had gone terribly amiss. Even more so when she couldn't get answers from Donato. And it wasn't until it was all over that she fully understood. Devyn had gone and fucked up. Caitlyn's life for Najisi and Rajari, his mother and sister.
She didn't see him for another few days. And when she did, she slapped him. Paw across the cheek. Head snapping to the side and all. Devyn was sure his neck cracked. "What the hell where you thinking?" She hissed at him before leaping up slightly to grasp him on the ear and dragging him off to the side. He gritted his teeth, a hushed murmur of 'ow, ow, ow' falling past his mouth and it wasn't until they crossed behind a mountain pass that she released him. "Devyn please, just... Tell me what was on your mind when you decided to be an idiot and take your own mother and sister?" She hissed.
Devyn stared at her, surprised, appalled. But before he could open his mouth he really took in her expression. Her eyes were teary, her expression worried, upset. And he softened, his entire body relaxing before he lifted his paw to pull her against him. "I was an idiot. I have my moments just like my brother. The whole situation drove my crazy and my only regret is my cousin Caitlyn got caught in my bullshit... And that I made you worried." She pressed her forehead into his chest, allowing his hug and returning it as she pushed her head against his chin. "I'm sorry Iris."
To where we both learned, that perhaps friendship wasn't the only thing that was going on between the two of us - and we completely did not know that the other may have felt the same. Because how could she like an idiot like me? And how could he think of me as anything more than a friend?
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Post by LAD on Nov 12, 2015 15:30:22 GMT -5
We'd stayed together that night. Curled around one another in that mountain pass, furthest place away from everyone else. We stayed, in silence, words not needing to be spoken yet loudly understood with nothing but a look. Until we fell asleep.
That morning, Iris woke up to the soft gentle licks on her shoulder from Devyn. A purr of content escaped her maw and she stretched leisurely before turning to look at him with a soft smile. The look shared was nearly unexpected but they both knew they had to part ways. As if on cue, Devyn spoke. "I have to go soon."
Iris reached over to touch her nose to his briefly before pushing herself to her paws, shaking her pelt out. "I know." When Devyn didn't move, her brow furrowed and she reached out to swipe his mane to the side. "Hey... She'll be all right. She's not a Caliver for nothing, ya know. And she definitely won't let La Morte of all prides bring her down." Iris murmured softly and Devyn sighed. "She's Cocaine's daughter, Devyn. She's strong of heart, and of mind." Iris flicked her tail against his shoulder and Devyn pushed himself to his paws to pull her into a hug.
"I hope so."
They returned, fur brushing, to Osic and Circa's den - to their home - soon after where Iris bid him a safe trip before slipping into the den to tend to her nieces and nephews while she awaited his return.
And what a return it was. It took longer than expected, but no one could say that it was welcome. Caitlyn's tiny form between Cocaine and Nerante was heart wrenching, her pelt shaggy on her frame, matted horribly, and her sight seemingly blind to the world as she mumbled incoherent things under her breath. Iris couldn't help but watch in shocked, grim silence - like most others it seemed. But she did not see Devyn or Osic. Her paws kneaded the dirt beneath them as burning anticipation roared through her veins and slowly the minutes ticked by, turning into hours. Osic returned. Devyn did not. Fear crept into her heart and so with both parents around the children, Iris slipped into the fray and slid into the shadows to remain unnoticed, making her way to where she'd seen Osic come from. The Grotto was empty aside from Jasper Crimson's silhouette and she dared not approach the Crimson at this time. Not for fear, but because if they were back, he'd been delivered the news. It was out of respect more than anything. So Iris turned to the only other place Devyn could possibly be - the last place the two of them spent.
And sure enough, there he was, curled into the tiniest ball she'd ever seen. "Devyn?" He said nothing. Didn't even move. but patience was something they had gotten good at when it came to each other, so she waited, forcing herself to remain still as she waited for an acknowledgement.
It came in the form of a shuddering breath. "It's my fault. It's all my fault. She can barely stand, let alone walk. She barely eats. She can hardly tell what's real... And the screams, her screams in the middle of the night. Iris..." His voice cracked and Iris lunged forward to his side as he trembled violently. She draped her form over his own, curled herself around him and held him tightly as he cried.
Minutes passed before Iris gathered herself enough to not break alongside him, because to her, it was heart-wrenching. "Caitlyn Caliver made it back home, Devyn. With your help, and Osic's. She is home and she survived. She will survive this. She will come back to us all. I told you before she's strong, remember?" She murmured gently to him, keeping her voice low and soft. "It is La Morte who is to blame. Not you. La Morte." Although that thought would be a long time in acknowledging. But with those words and with her presence, Devyn found himself pulling back together. They stayed here for the day, Iris continuing to murmur soft spoken words in his ears.
It was a week and a half later when hell seemingly broke loose. Caitlyn's screech, Donato's roar, and a blinding ball of white light that could only be magic were the obvious give aways. The pride could only watch as Cocaine and Nerante fought and Iris could only stare from a distance as Devyn supported Caitlyn - for the first time since having come back. It was a struggle that she couldn't help him on but she watched him calm her and felt something flicker through her. Caitlyn and Devyn's relationship was far more different than she'd thought. Family, yes, but more than it had been that was for sure. Iris knew his attention would be split between the two of them now and she wasn't sure how to feel about it. Petty, silly, and yet holding true.
Time passed quickly since then however. Since Nerante's death. Devyn found himself helping Caitlyn as much as possible until one day he'd noticed Iris with Circa and Osic's cubs and he remembered that he had nieces and nephews. All at once, he felt as if he'd neglected the lot of them and guilt gnawed at him momentarily before Caitlyn nudged him towards them. She said she'd be fine and he needed to tend to his family, simple as that. Surprising as it was, Devyn knew she was right. That day he returned to his family, only for Iris to pull him away once more. Surprise wouldn't begin to describe what Devyn felt in that moment as she pushed herself against him in the privacy of their mountain pass and he pulled her to him just as much. A sigh escaped him then.
"What?"
Hearing her soft voice brought a smile to his maw and he chuckled. "Nothing really. It just... It seems I've forgotten how this felt. Being here with you." But his joy was momentary as she pulled away from him, and surprise crossed him again in the span of a few minutes when he saw sorrow cross her gaze.
"You know... I thought you had forgotten, with as much as you'd been away." She murmured, and it didn't take much for Devyn to understand her meaning. His entire being softened and he pressed his forehead against her own.
"Iris. I could never truly forget you. You brought light into my life when at one point I thought it dull. Had you not been there for me those past months-"
"- and yet, you've never done anything to show it." She cut him off. For the briefest of moments, Devyn was stumped as he stared at her. "Devyn, I've seen you beat yourself up over your brother. Over Caitlyn, your mother, your siblings in La Morte. Over decisions you've made and what you could have done. I've been there through it all it seems. At least ever since I've come to Meurtrier." She shook her head. "And you've been there for me to but you're such an idiot, Devyn." She reached a paw up to brush his mane aside, noting the furrow in his brow and the confusion in his eyes. She laughed, almost bitterly and it merely served to put a frown on his face. "You can't even tell how much I care for you."
His jaw dropped in shock before it snapped close and irritation pricked at him. Just what was she getting at? "That's not true, Iris, of course I can tell-"
"I'm in love with you, Devyn." She cut him off again, and the expression on his face was priceless, but she took a paw step back. "I've been in love with you and you haven't so much as-" She cut herself off with a choked laugh as she shook her head. "You never even suspected, did you?" But still Devyn stared at her in shock. Instantly, fear of rejection began to set in, but she forced herself to wait a few more seconds before it became too much and Iris took another step back. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything."
And Iris turned away.
Or tried to.
Because as soon as she made to leave, an arm wrapped around her shoulders and she was yanked back against a wall of fur. "Where do you think you're going after saying something like that?" His voice was deeper than she remembered all of a sudden and her breath hitched. "I never suspected because I couldn't imagine why you'd ever like an idiot like me. Because seriously, for me to not have noticed any signs... I really am an idiot." He murmured gently into her ear before he released her a little, enough to pull her around to face him once more. But when she wouldn't look at him, he smiled, he couldn't help it. "Iris look at me."
Slowly, her yellow gaze drifted up to meet his own and he gave her that crooked smile that she loved so much.
"I've love you too."
It's amazing to know that three little words can seal the deal on something so grand. Can change lives really. But we changed each other lives in more ways than those words ever would have - it merely boosted us in the right direction.
We spent the next several days, weeks really, with our siblings and their cubs. Sleeping beside them, getting to know our niece and nephew and sharing many more moments together that shall remained unspoken of. Until the day came where Reno was brought to Meurtrier. The things that followed after where quick. Change was in the air and it would be another two and a half months before understanding would find it's way to everyone. Reno was murdered. And Meurtrier was expanding. Zalui was appointed the first Lord of a 'house'. And...
And we were expecting.
More so than that... Niko was gone. Iris had never forgotten the little girl that she'd practically raised before they came to Meurtrier. To her, it seemed as if Niko was settling in fine. They'd spent time together and Iris had even introduced her to Circa, had teased her about her friendship with Atryn, Cocaine's son. But on this day, where it was declared that allies were no longer... Iris knew she had to find her. And Devyn was with her on this. A quick congratulations to her father was followed by a swift search for Niko - who's scent was highly intermingled with Atryn's own. Iris didn't have to follow their trail for long to know they were gone. And she'd cried. She'd lost her little girl.
A few days later her father called for his children - she knew it was his youngest ones, but she needed a distraction. Patrols became her life along side Devyn, or spending time with Circa and Osic, or their niece and nephew. It was all they knew among spending time together. Shared words were little, speaking was unnecessary when they learned that they knew what the other wanted to say with a look. Alone and their time together increased. One was almost never without the other. And Iris was glad for it, for another month after Reno's death, they were out on patrol with Donato when they caught movement on the horizon.
La Morte was there, near their borders. Devyn was frozen, staring with shock and fear and she felt the faint stirrings of fear herself, as she began to pray Devyn would not lose his mind. Devyn, however, didn't seem to hear a thing. Barely feeling with Circa was suddenly at his side and barely registering anything else around the area. Iris heard her sister's words to Devyn's frozen frame and could only dip her head and press herself against Devyn's side. Iris was half expecting Osic to come rushing forward himself, but still no sign of him. For a long moment, it seemed as if everything was still.
And then Odysseia was there. The order she gave was final. Devyn was off before she could even blink, running from her side towards his mother. She knew as soon as he did so what his decision was, even as she called out his name in shock, and she nearly took off after him until she noticed Circa's frozen frame. Her gaze flickered upwards and her jaw dropped. Osic. The brothers... Would they forever be breaking her and her sister's heart? Iris seemed to dart forward in sync with her sister.
It was shortly after the burst of energy filled them all that everything came to a halt it seemed - Devyn stumbling over his paws to stop running, Osic shooting into the air and Carnal slowing down. The large creatures of La Morte did not go unnoticed, but she nor Circa stopped in their path, their minds all too set on the respective brother. And that is where she parted from her sister, as Circa rushed to Osic and she to Devyn. Iris grasped Devyn's scruff, the fear she felt fading to fury.
Devyn felt himself being jerked to his paws, but couldn't find the heart to resist, still reeling from the shock that Victor and Zelophehad sent through him at their close encounter. But still Devyn could barely bring himself to face Iris - especially after seeing the fury in her gaze and instead sought out his brother. It was short lived, however, when - so reminiscent of when he'd taken his own mother captive - his ear was yanked on. He growled this time in response, once was a shock, twice was annoying. But Iris didn't seem to hear him, or she ignored him, and it was like this, with his head twisted painfully to the side, that they walked - trotted really - back to Meurtrier lands, or at least part way. For Circa's words at Osic hit Iris and Devyn and she stopped, releasing his ear as they turned to their siblings.
For the briefest of moments, Iris and Devyn both flinched at Circa's harsh tones - for very different reasons. It may have been just in time for when Circa turned back to her husband - it may not have been. But both looked at each other with a new knowledge, one that was almost fearful as suddenly what Circa said seemed to hit them harder than it should have. The two of them shifted, almost uncomfortably so, and Iris looked at Devyn with a near tearful gaze and Devyn didn't need to hear her say another word. His arm went up, wrapping around Iris as he pulled her into a hug. While it was the worst moment to realize it, they both knew. Devyn had made a ridiculous decision that day - and it only just hit him after the fact, that yes, he was going to be a father. And Iris was the mother.
(A near direct quote from the roleplay thread "Broken.")
Even more months passed when I gave birth to our first litter, with new kings-in-training declared Orpheus and Daemon, and us settling in. We are mates. Have been for a while, but only now made official really. It was not unexpected, but it certainly had not been set in stone. Neither of us could be happier. Three little girls, and one boy. What else could possibly go wrong?
We would soon learn a lot could go wrong. Our kids were teenagers when it happened - thank goodness, but they were still young, and nothing could prepare us for what was to come. Not when the earth ripped apart underneath us and lava flew at us like meteors in the sky. Terrifying was the only way to describe that day - but all of our children were still with us, and we still had each other, our siblings, and they had their kids. It was a relief and a blessing. If only other families could say the same.
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Post by LAD on Nov 19, 2015 22:45:36 GMT -5
So this is a little something, that with the consultation of a good friend of mine, I decided to post. It's something that I am pretty sure was the block these past few months between me and this very special character of mine, and we both need to get off our chests.
Orpheus' blood red gaze sought the striking blue mane he knew so well. It did not take long to find, as he knew generally she was with his nephews and niece. And when he did find her, he called her name softly. "Samara." Her eyes immediately sought him out and she stood instantly without beckoning. The two began to walk with no hesitation in their movements, moving as if they'd been side by side all their lives and it took a long moment for either of them to speak.
"You've certainly grown, Orpheus. I can hardly recall the last time you came to find me." It was Samara that would break the metaphorical ice, her tone as soft as it always was with a gentle tease, an off-handed comment. But it was Orpheus' sigh, as if weighted with knowledge that was far greater than any given meaning could have been, that had Samara realizing her statement held more truth than she had meant. He knew she'd not meant it seriously, but she was significantly shorter than him, it was one of the first things that he'd realized to begin with on the surface of her comment. And then there were the deeper meanings of her comment. He'd grown to not need her guidance, her care, he'd stepped out from underneath her. He'd learn so many more things than perhaps she herself knew. He was far more aware of things than she would ever know. He knew things that an ordinary pride member was not aware of. He had forgotten her, on some level. All of them meanings from that tiny little comment - and yet, she truly did not mean them. It just was.
A sigh, soft as the wind, escaped his maw once more and Samara tilted her head to look at him. "You were always more than my care-taker, Samara." He murmured gently after a long moment.
"I know."
And she did know. For even as harsh as her words could have been, as harsh as they were, she knew that Orpheus was not being harsh or cruel. He was grown. Truly grown. And he was busy.
"But you are still like my second mother - even if you are my niece." To which she shoved him with a laugh and Orpheus could not help the small smile that pulled at his maw at hearing her laughter. To know that she could still be at ease with him. It wasn't long before Samara calmed though, and when she did, she struck true, even if she remained light-hearted.
"So tell me, my son, what ails you?"
A chuckle escaped his maw and he shook his head briefly in amusement before the weight of it all pulled on him once more and, once more, he sighed heavily. "I miss him." The words spilled forth from his maw before he could fully comprehend what it was he wished to say. Samara remained silent, however, staring ahead and moving forward as they continued to walk. It was an action that surprised him but he did nothing to prompt her. Not at first at least. But as the silence continued as he waited for her reply, his patience began to wear thin and something akin to heat welled within. "Daemon, I mean. I miss him."
It was a poor attempt at trying again, but still he was greeted with silence. Samara did not even look at him. Heat turned into embarrassment that pulled at him, and for the second time in his life, he felt like a child again and words once more began to spill from his maw. "All I can remember was how we'd gotten so off paw. We never had been at such odds before and then all of this happened. We became Kings. And it was as if everything since then slowly tore us apart and now.. Now he's gone." His voice cracked on the last word and Orpheus swallowed hard as he came to a stop. Samara walked a small while further before stopping herself, her eyes glued to the sky.
"Do you regret becoming King alongside him, Orpheus?"
"No!" Her words shocked him and the word tore from his throat before he even fully comprehended the question.
"Do you regret loving him?"
"No."
"Do you wish he'd not been your brother?"
"No! Sam-"
"Do you hate him?"
"Samara!" Her name fell from him in a whine.
"So why do you feel guilty for your actions?"
Orpheus felt himself stumped as her question processed in his mind and he realized, yes, in some if not all cases, he felt guilty. Samara looked over her shoulder at him, her red eyes glimmering in the night with something far more wise than he would have ever guessed before she made her way back to stand before him.
"Everything you have done since you have become King has been in, what you thought, believed, to be the best interest of the pride. He has done the same. Your relationships have come second, as they should. That is the way of a King, Orpheus. You two were young upon becoming of the throne - still are young, really. But you should not feel guilty for acting the way you believed you needed to as King. Perhaps the lack of communication is the only thing you both should have worked on - not just you. Not just him. No one could have predicted Daemon's leave, or any other member's leave. Certainly not you. It simply happened for reasons no one knows - and none of us can explain. Only they can - if even at that, judging by history's magic. Do not take it to heart, Orpheus, for you are certainly not at fault."
And like a child, Orpheus felt warmed within and he curled himself inwards at her words, pressing his head under her neck. Samara wrapped her arm around him, holding him close, as a mother would to her child. The two stayed in such a manner for a long while before Samara released Orpheus - at the exact moment that he'd begun to feel uncomfortable. She knew him well. Always had.
"Now... About that young lady medic. What is her name?"
"Samara." As quick as Orpheus had fallen to her motherly ways, he found himself deadpanning at her question.
She threw her head back and laughed in delight. "Come now, Orpheus, as if I did not see it!"
"I am not discussing that."
Another laugh wracked her body and Orpheus found himself sharply turning back to the pride. "Oh, come on! She's a beauty!" She called out to him, and he felt his ears burn.
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