oh dear!
#3 of the becoming
Oh dear !
Standing quickly I pulled on my wet leggings no longer caring about the stains or the cold wet that embraced me. As i Dashed for the trees my hopes of solitary were lost as Arindam took stride right next to me, it was crazy I was running as fast as I could already. As I weaved through the trees I found it astonishing that he didn't make a sound. Leaping high over a fallen tree the fur bristled on my neck from the memory of the last time I ran from him. watching him as I ran I saw him leap the tree just after me as if he only stepped over it, and still he did not make a sound.
Halting quickly I sat panting at the base of a tree, Arindam came next to me still sporting his loin cloth and hardly covering his large wolf hood. I showed my teeth and huffed in exhaustion
"It's ok, collie" he said in an easy voice trying to calm me. "He may be my lover but I would have just as soon offered him to you." I wasn't sure how to respond or why I felt so fucked up inside.
"Why would you watch us" I said unsure of myself and trying to catch my breath.
"Im sorry" he said "I liked what I saw... and... and if I had known you felt this way I would have left"
But something wasn't right, the way him and Collin had come from the same way, and used the same trail even.
"It... It was my first time with a male." I was now in control of my breathing and my mind was going over every possibility. Something was not right and this wolf would not take me for a fool.
"Why did you run?" he asked "were you afraid I would be angry?"
"I... I didn't want to be seen like that. By anyone" He took a seat in front of me, his massive body blocking everything out and his eyes, those beautiful blue eyes that penetrated your sole, those eyes I had stared into every time he captured me, and now he had captured me again.
Fear fluttered in me as our eyes met in momentary silence, and then he came at me. Panic stricken and helpless I yelped and fought to get free but he just held me, His massive body pressing against my own in a strong embrace. Giving in to exhaustion I Hugged him and held on tightly.
"Im sorry" he said gently. "I never meant you harm. The day I took you I... it was only to save you." As he pet my ears and held me in his arms something clicked inside me. Collin said it while we were making love: I have wanted you sense Arindam took you home for me. It could be that he knew he would have to kill for the hoard. Maybe he thought he could save one, but for him? It wasn't right. Maybe a friend in captivity is what he meant, I donno.
"You can explore more with Collin if you like, only do what you want." His words struck like a stone. Only do what you like. That's what Collin said, maybe, it wasn't so bad.
Holding me in reach with his strong arms he looked me in the eyes. He stared at me with those big mysterious orbs and a little warm smile. I wasn't sure what to think, I couldn't take the stress and something was horribly wrong with me, I couldn't figure out if I was sick or if it was because of the sorrow I felt every day.
We jogged on the way back to camp and he tried to be playful reaching for my tail and trying to knock me off balance, but each time I just hardly out maneuvered him. As we came up to the camp fire in stride with one another the day was once more late and the sun was behind the mountains to make another fire red sky. The smell of hare cooking over the fire was a surprise to us both.
"Oh! Who's hare?" Arindam questioned sitting next to Collin and the two exchanged glances before Collin lay back in his lap.
"This one is for you two love birds." As Lena held out a stick with a partially cooked feral hare on it for Arindam I remembered I had left my things at the river side. Standing up I turned to run for my things but was stopped by Lena who had grabbed ahold of my arm.
"Were ya goin', collie dog" she asked a little cheery.
"I forgot something by the river" I explained.
"Oh, Collin brought me the things you had collected. He brought them in this hollowed log; he said you and Arindam needed to talk something out. Did you need something?"
"Oh..." I hesitated and looked at the others "good so you have all you need there...heh"
"It's alright, blood thorn I think everyone knows. You're not the only one with a keen nose" She giggled tossing me the flat rock and hollowed log "so how's it work." She asked watching intently, but I knew she knew how. Stepping up to the fire I tossed a few of the herbs together on the flat rock and found a round one to crush them with. As I worked I looked to Lena.
"So how'd you get the rabbit" I questioned. She beamed happily and pulled something from beside her holding out a small bow and a few arrows. Taking the bow I examined it carefully taking note of how she had wrapped it with leaves using the tree sap to seal it. And the string made from what looked to be her fur and some kind of plant.
"How'd you make the string" I questioned suddenly recalling our agreement "I never did gather the things to make the string"
"I made it from a little shed fur and some of the long grass around". She replied smiling and wagging her tail. I could tell it made her happy to have found some common interest between us. Smiling back at her I continued crushing my herbs. Holding the flat rock to the firelight I checked to see the oil was pooling like I wanted, and suddenly a feeling washed over me of what seemed to be a relief as if some tension was freed inside of me. My mind roamed over what had happened today and was happy the large stains on my leggings could not be seen through the fire light. Taking a large leafed plant from the ground beside me I dabbed the crushed plants in the pool of oil that gathered and wrapped it in the leaf securing it tightly with the long grass that grew everywhere around us.
"So rub this on your fur and it should ward most effect and now that you know how you can make your own. If needed you can dampen the wrap and rub it in your fur and it will help displace the oils. "thanks ya, collie dog" she took the wrap and gave it a sniff before tucking it away. "So have you noticed how much those two go at it" she giggled whispering softly and looked me in the eyes "you poor dog you must be going as crazy as the rest of us". What she said struck gold in my mind and I laughed at myself just knowing all that had happened this day was all the maddening effect of heat.
I took off my leggings and wrapped my tunic about me shivering at the damp cold of night. Catching Collin's attention I motioned him to me and he took my leggings silently.
"I shall have them for you in the morning, Aliex" he pet my head fur and smiled down at me retuning to Arindam's side. I watched as they whispered back and forth and I could see the words on their lips but not enough to make out what was spoken between them, then as Arindam took a pouch from his side they both stepped around the fire to sit on either side of Lena and myself. I wagged my tail anxiously and thought it was odd to see, as they knelt beside us they each stopped and sniffed the air. Arindam handed me the pouch and took out a small wooden pipe from his pouch.
"Will you smoke with us collie" he asked. I sniffed carefully at the pouch knowing the herb that was inside was a common herb burnt around a night fire. Some hurtful memories passed through my mind at first, but I cast them away with the spirit of the herb to be happy and thankful for the moment to share and be social. Nodding at Arindam I handed him back the pouch.
"You know that can also be made into tee riding it of its numbing effects but making it instead into a sleep aid and may rid you of stomach discomfort".
"Eye collie, this herb I know well" he responded and took a big pinch of the ground herb and packed it into the bowl. "So you have smoked before then" he looked from me to Lena giving her a knowing smile and she pawed at him.
"Oh don't fool yourself this young fur knows of herbs as much as you and you know it" her words brought a smile to my face and I watched Arindam take a big hit from the pipe. Coughing and choking he passed it to me and I took it thankfully puffing heavily at the herb passing it next to Lena as the smoke burned in my nose and throat. Blowing out smoke I looked to Lena as she took a hit and passed it to Collin. Looking up at Arindam he seemed drawn to my gaze and we caught in each other's eyes. For a moment he just sat and smiled at me then he reached out and placed a massive paw to my cheek with a stupid little puppy grin on his face but, the oh so tender moment was broken as the pipe came back to him. Watching him toke on the small pipe I thought about how he had embraced me before.
I couldn't help the feelings that passed through me and I could feel my head swim as the herb took me. Taking the pipe once more I dragged heavily wagging my tail as my thoughts passed from whether I could accept having a male as a mate to why I wanted Arindam so. The thought stuck in my mind as I handed Lena the pipe, catching a lustful gaze from Collin as he and smiled at me wagging his tail. Laughing out loud I blew out smoke and cover my muzzle to hide my stoned blush.
"What ails you, Blood thorn" Arindam questioned giggling.
"Oh." I huffed "im just stoned" I then gathered my things to ready for sleep. "I think im good on that" I said walking to the other side of the fire lying out in the grass.
My dreams came quickly, unfolding as the thoughts I held and the feelings that held me. I saw visions of those blue eyes that captured me so, passing easily through the trees. Arindam seemed to overcome my dreams and I am suddenly running through the trees, we are hunting together and the chase is on. There I spot a feral deer not far ahead and just as I leap to make the kill, to close my jaws around the hapless animal's throat.
There was a crackle of fire and I was wrapped in cloth with the scent of Arindam and faintly of Collin. Looking around I saw I had slept in and was no longer the way I had fallen to sleep. Getting up I gathered the tunic that was draped over me and placed it with Collins gear that was next to me. I had been in Arindam's and Collin's bed the whole time.
Looking around I could find no one. Walking back to the place beside the fire I thought I had fallen asleep I looked around again and realized the rest of the camp had all been packed up. Walking back to where I had awoken I threw on my freshly cleaned leggings and made for the river's edge, were we had planned to make crossing. As I came near I saw Lena look up at me as she squeezed the water from her hair. I was confused not that she was wet or mostly naked but that she was now standing on the bridge we had planned to build.
"Oh wow great job guys did you just finish?" I said to her excitedly as I ran up to the bridge made from the old rope and a few old logs.
"Naww we actually finished about an hour ago at least. Arindam risked life and limb to cross while you slept in." I blushed looking to Arindam who pulled himself from the water just below the lowest part of the bridge. I watched every water droplet intently as it ran across his chest fur and down his naked body. I think this was the first time I had ever seen Arindam fully unclothed and I think the first time I had seen him without feelings of morning or hatred for our situation.
"Aliex, you ok?" Arindam questioned as he walked up "need a bath after last night?" his smile after the comment worried me, and I did wake up in his bed. As the thoughts passed through my mind I walked past the two drenched wolves and dove right in to the flowing current keeping a carful mind as to the flow of the water and position of the bridge so as to not get swept away. Coming up for air I didn't bother to open my eyes but just grabbed for the rope of the bridge and pulled myself to it. Washing the matting from my chest fur and lower regions I wiped the water from my eyes and looked up to see Collin on the other bank watching with ears held low.
Pulling myself from the water I came to stand next to the two soaking wolves and shook spraying water all about us then looked up at Arindam who pawed playfully at me.
"Arindam I think we need to go for a walk before we leave today." My words seemed to worry him for immediately his face lost its happiness and his tail dropped for the ground.
"What is it, collie are you ok?" as we rushed for the cover of the near trees I leaned against the rough trunk of a big tree and my heart poured over with sorrow as it all hit me at once. I shook hard to rid my fur of the water only for it to poor from my eyes and soak my cheeks.
"oh god, collie" Arindam immediately hugged me close as he saw the tears pouring from my eyes, and I tried hard not to cry but every time I tried not to, the memories of what should have been and thoughts of what is to be broke my heart once more smashing all hopes that the rain of tears would stop.
"Why did they have to die? Why did you take me? Why!!" I yelled and griped him tighter crying my heart out. After a few minutes of Arindam just holding me silently I looked up at him to see his ears held flat and his face just as wet as mine. As soon as our eyes touched we interrupted each other and I let him speak.
"Dear collie, I can never tell you how many nights sorrow has taken me, you can ask collin how many nights he has held me just as I hold you, as I pained him with my drunken stupor over the pain I caused and the lives I have taken. You were the end of it collie, you are my new becoming, you are what made me act against the horde, and what finally made us leave." I will only beg you don't bother Collin with it, it will stir his heart so.
More tears flowed from his eyes before my very gaze and I embraced him softly now. My heart seemed to have a small patch taped over the giant tare that had been made, but it would not hold less it be cared for so dearly.
"So I guess I'll make the subject a bit lighter then... how did I wake up in your bed and what happened?" I asked him with a small squeak in my voice.
The wolf smiled around his tears, it seemed my query had the right light about it to shine through his hurt. We smiled at each other for a moment before he spoke.
"After you lay down, Lena went to bed and me and Collin share the rest of the hare together, but just as we were ready to lie, Collin seemed worried you would be cold and said you were wet and unclothed. So I picked you up and carried you to sleep with us, and we kept you warm between us, that's all." His explanation seemed a bit lacking with the dreams I had but it worked and I hugged him once more embracing him tenderly, then a thought came to mind and I looked up at him drawing nearer as my body shuddered in his arms.
"ARINDAAAAM!!" Lena's scream shook us into the reality of the world and we burst in to a full run toward the bridge with Arindam taking the lead and quickly gaining distance. Stopping at the start of the bridge I saw Lena and Collin carrying a deer and I was confused but then I saw the arrows projecting from his shoulder and back. bolting quickly back to the old camp I gather a few round rocks and placed them in hot spots in the coals still red from the night before then bolted back toward the bridge.
Once at the other side of the bridge I neared cautiously to the group surrounding the wounded deer. My thoughts raced from why he was wounded and how to how we would dress the wounds.
"How many wounds?" I questioned taking my place next to Lena.
"Two arrow wounds "she responded her mind obviously racing "one in the shoulder deep and one in his back possibly damaging a lung"
Just then his limp body became tense "hold him down!" I yelled knowing what was about to happen. Just as we all got ahold of him his eyes shot open and he began to struggle .
"You're ok dear we are helping you" Lena tried to calm him but he wouldn't stop, then Arindam pulled a pouch from his clothing piled nearby and produced a small vile full of a foul smelling liquid. Wafting it under the deer's nose the animal froze then went limp. My mouth hung gaping as I stared at him with shock and once again my mind took note to keep watch of this wolf.
Lena grabbed ahold of an arrow and stopped.
"We have nothing to stop the bleeding" she exclaimed.
"I threw stones into the coals of the fire" I replied
"Ah that's where you went" Arindam chuckled "you are one smart pup eh?" as he spoke he hefted the unconscious animal in his arms being careful not to touch an arrow or be gored by his massive antlers.
As we neared the old camp I found a forked branch and fish out the hot rocks. Just as soon as the deer hit the ground we were in action, Lena rolled the beast onto his stomach and pulled the arrow from his shoulder. Blood gushed from the open wound and I placed the hot rock on the bloody flesh pressing it hard to the wound cringing as it sizzled. Next was the chest wound and Lena hesitated momentarily knowing what would become of the poor animal if it were in his lung. She yanked the long red and black feathered arrow from him and sighed with relief that it was hardly in, he was lucky.
After the ordeal Collin and Lena were left to care for the big deer as me and Arindam spoke of the situation but neither of us knew any more than the other. We dared near Lena as she cared for the deer dabbing gently at his wounds to clean them and pressed some herb I didn't know to them.
"Where did he come from?" I spoke up now wishing her a break from the stress of the situation.
"Collin spotted him at the tree line watching us and when we got close he just collapsed."
Collin appeared from the river bank hauling water to us with the small hollowed log I had used before.
Artist wishes:
Please comment. I hold dear your judgment, however please be mindful the feelings of others I am fragile.
If there are a lot of grammar errors, which im sure there are, please copy the sentence and pm it to me so I may understand the mistake and learn from it. Don't put it in comments I don't want that focus there.
Thank you all so much for reading.