FSE

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He slowly regained consciousness ... as he felt something refreshing wet slide slowly down his throat.

For a moment, the feeling made him feel good and even helped calm his thoughts from wandering in the darkness, but seconds later an old memory of something that had happened just a short time ago, something that was all to similar, flooded his mind and changed any good feelings to inhuman fear.

Without even thinking about what he was doing, the lynx tried to escape from the hands that were pouring the liquid down his throat, Ronod earlier had poured the contents of a bottle, a terrifying bluish white liquid, the exact same way... Something terrible had happened after drinking that liquid, something so horrible that he didn't want to remember it no matter what happened, let alone, to suffer the consequences again. So he tried to kick and claw against whoever was trying to force him to drink, but he did not have enough strength.

-Don't worry, it is only water -he heard from an unknown voice, which sounded strangely distorted to his ears -. Hey! Only water ... Loki.

At that moment, the lynx opened his eyes and let out a gasp of horror, sitting up on the couch and violently forcing those who had been helping him for some time to turn away suddenly, to avoid hurting him.

A few seconds passed before his eyes began to focus at all, and at first all he could see was unfathomable darkness, with deep and sinister shadows, that seemed to be dotted with hundreds of pin points of light. Slowly, the shadows dissipated and those annoying little lights began to leave, while his eyes were easily accustomed to the light level that prevailed there... where ever he was.

His breathing did not return to normal quite so easily.

He drew a breath spasmodically, and felt as if thousands of ice crystals were digging into his lungs with every breath he took, causing an excruciating pain in his chest. Besides, he was cold... so very cold...

The force that he had been accumulating for a few seconds mysteriously disappeared, causing his world to lurch violently. The lynx's head began to spin, while the cave again became distorted around him... It felt just like someone laid him gently down against his bed and covered him with blankets, letting out a sigh of concern.

Before that person left the cave, he had fallen back into a deep, dark unconsciousness...

The scene was repeated several times.

He would only periodically regain consciousness and suffer for a few seconds, sometimes not even that. Then, the tranquility of the shadows enveloped him and the pain disappeared to leave him alone... with only the darkness of his mind and the icy cold within him.

Sometimes he heard voices, snatches of conversation. But would not or could not pay too much attention; the words always seemed to be meaningless things, that he could not afford to think about at the time, too distant to really worry him. And ... when his mind was so weak that he could not even be himself, when his thoughts were losing strength and consciousness snuffed out like the flame of a candle, always to be reminded again and again the same feeling: the mortal cold that had attacked his body for so long, the icy feeling of anxiety, loneliness and closeness to death that had enveloped his lungs with a soft and delicate embrace that had been about to extinguish his life.

However, even in the cold, he could hear a voice... a voice telling him that he could bear it and to go on, that he had managed to endure so far, and he would survive ... He knew who that voice belonged to, the face kept surfacing in his thoughts, so many times he had secretly admired him, and he could never forget it.

That voice was light in the middle of the darkness, the warmth in the middle of the blizzard ... the lynx thought it was worth fighting to stay near that light, even though he knew that the cold was only a distant memory. Rukj's voice gave him strength... Rukj.

It was that moment when he recalled his name which also was the last time he regained consciousness, in a manner so abrupt it was almost painful.

For a moment, he could do nothing but continue lying on the cot, staring at the unfathomable blurred outlines of a dark ceiling, that almost seemed to be covered by a continuous darkness... Almost in a panic, he realized that he couldn't do anything because the rest of his body would not respond, however much he tried, he could not lift so much as a finger.

Distraught, he groaned, trying to escape the horrible weak feeling.

A strange face suddenly came between him and his vision of that fuzzy dark ceiling, watching and inspecting him for a moment.

-Don't worry -said the owner of that face, trying to calm him down -. You are too weak to make any effort ...

The lynx tried to say that he was wrong, and just needed to move so he could know he was still alive, but he could not even move his lips as he would have liked.

Someone asked something, not far from there but only a muffled voice came to his ears as he could barely hear it, however, he would have sworn that something warm awoke inside of him.

-Yes, just regaining consciousness again -the one bended over him replied, starting a conversation with that voice the lynx longed for so much -. I believe so. I think he has definitely recovered.

That he had recovered? What? How could that... strange being not be able to realize he had not recovered at all? He could not even lift a finger!

Another voice asked something from across the room ... but judging by the echo, the room increasingly seemed less like an usual room...

-Perhaps, Jarek. But until we know, I guess we'll have to take good care of him -then that strange creature gave him a long curious look, watching his face -. His eyes are ... interesting. The pupils are very long and ... big -he looked surprised, as if he had never seen a lynx before -. What are those long thin things that come out of his muzzle?

-They are called whiskers, Raon -the voice that had respond the Human for the first time replied. His voice.

The lynx made another attempt to sit up as he heard him, but was unable to lift his head. To keep his eyes open was all he could do and, indeed, it was getting harder and harder for him.

-Whiskers... -murmured the youth man to himself as he continued to watch his eyes carefully. He seemed slightly fascinated by them. At that time, he seemed to realize that the lynx was feeling bad because he had a worried look on his face, and somewhat restlessly asked -. Why, do you need anything? Would you like some water?

Water.

Liquid. Loki's memories returned abruptly as if someone had jumped on them. He could not suppress the nausea.

An involuntary impulse forced him to sit up quickly, as if moved by a spring. The young lynx made a great effort and turned his head to the side just in time to vomit in disgust, while his mind recalled images of bluish-white bottle that had forced him suffer so much, the horrible taste that made him try to gag still remained in his mouth, the delicate touch of poison sliding down his throat...

He could not remember ever throwing up so fast in his life, let alone while having so little in his stomach, but this time he did not have any time to think about it. Just let his body empty everything that it didn't need, trying to escape his memory of the nausea.

After throwing up one last time, and barely able to get anything out, he noticed that someone had grabbed him by the shoulders and held him steady. When he looked up, his pupils found in front of him the jet black face that he knew so very well, and two amber eyes that made him feel a little better.

He was not close enough to feel uncomfortable, maybe only a foot, but he still could not help but feeling a bit embarrassed.

-Are you okay? -asked that deep husky voice that he had come to rely on so much in recent days.

He wanted to answer, but his throat was full of the remains of vomit, so he slowly nodded, trying to hide that he was blushing.

-Take care of him, Raon -called Rukj, while he left the lynx and departed, heading steadily to the exit of the cave -. I'll look for something to eat; we are more now, we will need more supplies.

-I should go with you -he protested in a reproachful tone, still holding Loki's shoulders -. You're still not well.

There was a brief silence.

-Anyway, it does not matter, I'm not going to go alone -the black wolf finally said, still waiting at the mouth of the cave -. Hey ... Jarek.

-Yeah? -he replied, from the other end of the cave. He did not seem to feel especially happy about the fact that the black wolf had remembered his name.

-You are going to come with me to hunt.

-But ... but what if Raon needs help with the lynx? -Jarek protested without much conviction, and obviously looking for a way out.

-Raon can make do by himself, and it's time you learn to do something useful for a change -Rukj replied, acidly -. Show me you're a wolf and kill something.

That said, the black wolf left the cave and started walking toward the Beasts' Lands.

Loki still felt a little dizzy, but was only now beginning to understand any of the conversations that had been going on in the cave during those final seconds, as his eyes began to adjust to the darkness.

-He's an asshole... - he heard the other wolf say, remaining on the inside of the cave.

-Go on, Jarek -the one who held Loki suggested to the wolf. The lynx tried to gather enough strength to lift his head and look at him, but it was difficult -. He's right, now we need all possible help. And perhaps you will not hunt so badly if Rukj teaches you.

-I do not think that Rukj can teach me anything -he protested, somewhat annoyed. However, he seemed to think about it -. Are you sure you won't have any problems?

-Sure. Go on, hurry so you can catch up with Rukj ... his step is quite a bit lighter than mine.

The younger wolf cursed before rushing to leave the cave, and the two who were inside. Loki was thoughtful, still trying to connect the dots in his mind as he realized that, for now, his body was still helpless.

After a moment, he made an effort to speak and, though at first his throat seemed dry as a bone and his tongue felt like a rag, he could articulate three words.

-Are you ... Raon? -he asked, in a voice so weak and broken that gave him the willies.

-Yes, that's me -the Human said, surprised -. How did you know my name?

-R ... Rukj -Loki replied, having trouble pronouncing his name.

The other took his time before answering, while still holding him by the shoulders gently.

-I guess that he's the only one that could have told you about me -he realized, after a moment -. How ... how are you?

-Uh ... not well -he answered, but after a moment, he lifted his head a little -. But ... better ...

Raon blinked a few times, trying to understand.

-Not well but better?

-Better... than before... -the lynx replied, trying to lift one of his small claws. He succeeded, and knowing he had managed to gather enough strength to do that gave him more energy. Also, he had sit up before, right? Even if unintentionally, meant he now had the strength to move -. Where... am I...?

-In a cave -replied the Human, without giving much explanation -. Do you mind if I leave you alone for a moment, Loki? Think you will be alright by yourself?

The lynx thought for a moment, but finally nodded, hoping that he really was able to do something. When the hands of the Human abandoned his shoulders, he almost felt as if the world stagger under his feet, and his body trembled for a moment, but then steadied.

It was harder then, however, as the effort needed to stay upright began to increase. The world seemed to move too much beneath him; Loki just wanted it to stop so that everything would return to normal. But he had trouble balancing ... could not avoid finally deciding to surrender as his sight clouded...

-Hey! -the Human cried, grabbing him by the shoulders once more just before he again lost consciousness -. Hey ... I'm here. I brought you something to eat.

Loki shook his head slowly, appreciating the effort of the youth, but his stomach was a mess at that time, completely destroyed. He could not manage to eat anything even if he had wanted to...

-It will not be too bad -promised Raon, trying to convince him -. It's just a little jerky. You ... you have to eat something if you do not want to get sick again, Loki...

The mere thought of having to suffer what had happened days ago finally convinced him, so the lynx allowed the Human to approach him with a piece of dried meat over his muzzle and helped him put it in his mouth.

The first bites were the worst, and when it came time to swallow, the food seemed to be a ball in his throat. However, the Lynx finally managed to swallow the first piece of beef jerky, and for some mysterious reason, that sat quite well. For a moment, he wanted to move his arm and trying, he realized he had the strength to do it again.

Something in him could not help feeling immensely happy.

-Thanks... -Loki murmured, turning his head and looking back to that weird hairless face -. You ... are strange -he said, and the Human smiled as he watched his surprise.

-Yes, the same thing happened to me. I never imagined that a lynx had whiskers... and eyes so big with such large pupils. We ... are different, I guess.

Loki nodded slowly, still watching the Human. At that time he was aware that a trickle of vomit still hung from his snout, and made a quick gesture to remove it with one claw, somewhat embarrassed, which made the youth's smile grow widener.

-I do not know yet how you met Rukj, he has refused to tell me anything ... he preferred that you woke up before saying anything -he said gently -. But, anyway ... thank you for accompanying him. Even knowing that he protects a Human.

-That's the reason I follow him -said Loki, as he felt his nose in search of more vomit to clean, just in case. Although his voice was weak and broken, he began to talk with more clarity -. Well ... one of them -he recognize, reminding himself that he could not lie and blushing again.

Raon watched him curiously for a moment, wondering what exactly he was referring to and why he suddenly seemed so nervous, as if he had said something forbidden. Silently, the lynx took another small bite of his piece of beef jerky, looking away, staring at the mouth of the cave, as if waiting for someone to arrive here at any time.

They could not say how long they remained like that.

The young Human remaining deep in thought about the mysterious lynx, and the lynx staring at the entrance, trying to finish eating the meat pieces to regain his strength. It could have been minutes or hours.

At one point, Loki wrinkled his nose, seized by an annoying itch on his cheek, and raised his paw to scratch his face. When the tip of his claws stroked a hairless area, something like a shiver ran down his spine, his claws twitching in the air.

-Ra ... Raon ... -the lynx muttered, with a claw still gently resting on the mark that ran across his face, from his chin to the forehead, through his left eye -. What ... What happened to me?

The Human turned to him in surprise and his faced seemed to darken, as he figured out what he was referring to.

-When you came here, you had a very bad cut -said the youth, in a tone of grief -. I had to try to heal it as best I could think of... but I fear that the brand will stay forever, Loki.

This information came so bluntly that Loki felt dizzy again and almost lost his balance. Alarmed, Raon made a move of returning to help, but the lynx managed to raise a paw, silently asking him to let him recover by himself.

Just then, however, someone broke in the cave abruptly, forcing the Human to look up and stare at the huge black wolf striding toward him with a terribly angry look. In fact, for a moment he almost felt some ... fear. However, as he was also able to spot Jarek at the entrance of the cave with a similar expression, he understood what had happened.

-He is a burden -Rukj muttered once he drew close enough to him -. I do not know how you could stand him all this time... He is unable to move silently, and his stealth is almost as poorly developed as his cunning.

-What!? -Jarek exclaimed grumpily, infuriated as he had heard it at all from his position-. Sorry if I was not born ready to kill every living creature that appears before me! Forgive me if I'm not a murderer!

Rukj turned to him, and Raon could see his claws clenched in a gesture of utter exasperation. Bad business.

-I am not a murderer -said the black wolf, remaining calm with some difficulty -. I am a hunter, like any self-respecting wolf should. But even without being a murderer, and if I were the most innocent and cute puppy of all the lands ... -he gave a significant glance at the other wolf, with some irony -... believe me, it would be easy to catch you by surprise.

-Well, enough of this -Raon interrupted, earning a disgruntled look from the two of them. Both wolves glared at him with threatening eyes making him feel slightly intimidated, even though he knew both of them -. No need to argue.

-We are not arguing -Rukj and Jarek replied in unison, which just caused them to exchange another tense glare.

-Then I don't want to know what your concept of "arguing" is -Loki groaned, one hand on his head, still feeling a little dizzy and not only because Raon's previous revelation, but also from all the fuss -. Please. My ... my head hurts.

The expressions of the two wolves seemed to soften a bit as they realized that, along with Raon, the lynx seemed to be having a bad time. Jarek hesitated, as if he didn't know exactly what to do or where to go, until he finally went into the cave passing Rukj by without even giving him a slight look. However, the black wolf didn't seem to care.

-I'm sorry -Jarek said, after reaching the lynx -. Did ... did something bad happen?

-Yes -said Loki, after a while, trying to disguise a tremor in his voice -. I have ... I was a little surprised to wake up and find a scar on my face, but... I guess it could be worse, right? I mean... no... fortunately it did not get... um... my eye...

-Enough -Rukj gently interrupted him, then turned to Jarek, with a dangerous glint in his eyes -. Be careful and do not ask questions that will hurt him. He is obliged to always tell the truth.

-Why? -Raon asked, not understanding.

-Because of... this -Loki replied, taking the tourmaline stone in a paw and lifting it a bit so that the Human could see it shining, backlit. When he heard Jarek gasp, he could not help smiling to himself -. It's nice ... right?

-Yes it is -admitted Raon, while tilting his head -. But what exactly is it? And what has to do with ...?

-Do not overwhelm him, Raon -sighed Rukj, from a little further away, sitting next to the remains of the former fire and apparently wanting to light a new one -. First let him explain.

The Human paused, taken by surprise, and Loki could not help smiling a little at his puzzled face.

-It's okay -he tried to reassure him, while searching for the words to explain -. Let's say that ... it's simple. A member of the Kara' Cubs Order cannot lie, among other things. It is one of the strictest rules of the Order, and the punishment is quite severe.

Jarek scratched his ear thoughtfully.

-Does that mean you're always bound to answer what they ask you?

-No -said Loki, with a sigh -. I can refuse to answer any questions if I want ... and I can have secrets too -without anyone realizing it, he cast a quick glance at Rukj and tried to avoid blushing -. But ... we are not allowed to lie, among other things. That is one of the strictest rules of the Order, and the punishment is... well, quite harsh.

-I wonder if the punishment you would suffer from the Order would be harder than Ronod's torture -Rukj said at the time, giving him a long look -. I really didn't... expect that of you, Loki. I'm impressed. You are much stronger than you think you are.

Immediately, lynx felt the blood swirled in his cheeks and lowered his head, trying to keep Rukj, Raon or Jarek from discovering the blush covering virtually his entire face. However, the youth misinterpreted the gesture.

-Are you all right? Do you feel sick again?

-No -said Loki, inwardly grateful that Raon's second question had saved him from having to answer the first.

He dared not look up, but, noticed everyone had their eyes on him, and that only made him more and more nervous ... unfortunately he could not control his shyness even though it pained him.

-I should not have brought that up -Rukj finally muttered, with a hint of guilt in his voice.

-No! It is alright -Loki tried to reassure him, closing his claws tightly around the tourmaline pendant, trying to calm down -. Really ... I have no problem talking about Ronod's torture.... that was in the past.

Even with his eyes lowered, he was able to perceive the silent look of surprise the others exchanged, probably wondering where that reaction came from. <<Stupid >> he told himself, closing his eyes tightly until the eyelids almost ached. << Stupid, stupid, stupid. Why can't you calm down a bit and act like a normal lynx? >>.

-Rukj -he then heard Raon's voice, calling the black wolf -. As soon as you light the fire ... we can leave to go hunting, you and me. Jarek can take care of Loki, and it seems to me he is recovering well enough and should not have too many problems if we leave him alone.

-All right -said the black wolf, slowly approaching the dead branches with his muzzle and letting out a soft breath that fanned a little spark, too small to start a fire without help, watching it slowly grow into a little flame -. Loki, you should speak to these two ... about the Chain.

The lynx took a moment to understand what the black wolf meant, still somewhat stunned by his own timidity, especially considering that every time he heard that voice, he could not think too clearly... However, as he understood the meaning those words, a little light grew in his mind... A light that illuminated the mission yet to be fulfilled, a mission that, most likely, was about to end.

Ironically, it had been much easier than he had originally thought. He had not had to go the Beasts' Lands entirely in search of the two links in the Chain ... and, in spite of what had happened in Frostmoon, it was not as painful as he had initially thought ... Now, all he needed to finish his masters' task was...

-Oh, no -he muttered, as his hand reached for his waist and let out a gasp as he realized that his leather bag was missing -. No! -his heart stopped for a second -. My ... my bag!

-What bag? -Jarek asked, alarmed.

-The bag that I had saved everything the Order gave me for you! -cried the lynx, with a lump in his throat -. Without it I can not ... I don't know what to do! I don't know where to take you!

Rukj briefly looked at him, a look of concern crossed his face. Thinking a moment, he threw a few dry branches into the fire before getting up, his amber eyes reflecting the flames.

Meanwhile, Jarek and Raon exchanged a look of confusion, unable to understand what the lynx meant. Had he just said ... that the Order had given him something for the two of them?

-I left it in ... in the torture room -he realized, letting out a low growl -. Damn... I should have remembered to take it. I don't know how I could have forgot...

-We have to go back -said Loki, looking up and directing an intense gaze at Rukj, conveying his intense emotion. At that time, he could not think about how he felt about Rukj -. It's .. absolutely essential we recover that bag.

-But what exactly was in it? -Jarek asked, not understanding too well what the lynx and other wolf were talking about.

-I ... I'll explain when we recover it, -said Loki, making an effort to get up.

However, Raon kept him from rising grabbing his shoulder, and made him sit down again before he could fully recover. The lynx turned to him, ready to protest, but didn't even have a chance.

-You can't go, Loki -said Rukj, frowning. It was not a question or a clarification, it was a direct order, and the lynx almost felt a little embarrassed, despite wishing he could find the strength to contradict him in some way.

-But...

-Rukj's right -Raon interrupted the lynx, giving him a long look -. You may be able to keep up, but you are not up to making any strenuous effort. At least not yet.

-And you've suffered enough in Frostmoon -Rukj continued, still frowning -. Raon and I will go into town and try... to enter the dungeon somehow and recover your bag, if there is still anything left to recover.

Loki kept his pleading eyes on the wolf for a while, but eventually realized that Rukj's expression brooked no argument.

-I agree... -he muttered, falling back into place, with his shoulders hunched.

The black wolf's expression softened slightly.

-But first -he added, his voice less hoarse and with some sympathetic tone -, we should have dinner.

The waning moon seemed to smile from the sky, accompanying the two figures hiding among the rocks in the middle of the night.

The prey was confident, surely looking for an sprout to eat between the crevices of the mountains. Despite being of considerable size, their slender slim legs made sure it was a creature that was built mainly for escape, not for pursuit. Its thick coat would no doubt protect him fairly well in the cold, so the heat with some herbs must keep him alive during the colder seasons. However, it would be dangerous. The two large horns on either side of his head, which opened in a myriad of directions, seemed slightly threatening.

Raon had analyzed this all long before.

That had been the minor Beast he had hunted just a few days ago for its skin, which had managed to keep Loki warm. He remembered exactly the moment he saw one of them jump from one rock to another, and had known that it would be the appropriate prey to hunt. However, they were not so easy to hunt as he had initially thought.

At least, not alone.

Just then, Raon decided it was time to act. With a tightly gripped spear he came out of hiding and made a quick feint to throw his weapon toward the creature, who let out a snort of alarm before turning around and starting to run fast in the opposite direction. If he didn't hurry, the Human would end up loosing the trail, because his prey galloped away in that field, as if his life depended on it.

But everything was already prepared.

A dark shadow came between the prey and the way he wanted to go, and he let out a menacing growl that seemed to come from deep in his throat. The creature, confused, tried to turn back as he moaned in despair, without a clear idea of what to do. Raon took that moment.

The spear whistled through the air and just seconds later sank into the prey's neck, catching him by surprise, he did not even have time to figure out what had caused his death. Seconds later, the Human approached carefully jumping from rock to rock, and saw the lifeless creature's body had fallen down the slope of the mountain like a stone.

He walked up in silence towards the body that would be their food for almost a week, then bent down to retrieve the spear, the tip of which was stained by the thick, sticky blood, watching from the corner of his eye as Rukj approached him, still staring at the dead creature.

Neither had exchanged a word, they didn't need to make that game plan, nor need to break their silence. One look was enough to understand and, again, one look was enough to make sure they both knew what each other was thinking.

The body of the prey was still warm to his feet, while they sat on the rocks watching the stunning scenery that opened at his feet: the snowy plains of the Beasts' Lands, and completely starry sky in which the waning moon hung like the horns of a bull.

The cold night wind caressed their bodies while the sky grew darker and darker, until Rukj's fur was almost indistinguishable from the blackness of the night.

-Are you sure? -Raon then asked, as he pulled out the knife and began to sharpen it against a piece of leather, directing a brief glance at the wolf.

He took a few seconds to answer this.

-Actually, no -he said -. I do not think it's a good idea to visit Frostmoon, after what happened last time.

-You haven't told me yet about it.

-It was not ... nice -Rukj admitted, tilting his head and repressing a shudder -. But I imagine that, by the state that Loki arrived in, you've come to your own conclusions. Raon did not respond. He continued watching as the sky gradually darkened, remaining silent until he dared to ask:

-What exactly is there in that bag?

-I don't know -the black wolf answered -. I know it's important to Loki and ... for you two.

-For we two?

Rukj frowned, not knowing exactly how to answer that.

-There may be a lot about yourself that you do not know yet, Raon - he murmured, looking away -. People like you, and different people, people who think differently and whose circumstances have forced them to adapt ... usually end up doing something great. And you and Jarek meeting together was not an accident.

-What do you mean? -Raon asked, alarmed -. How was Jarek and I meeting each other not an accident?

Rukj smiled, slightly bitter, before rising slowly, and after one last brief look at the sky, replied:

-You keep asking too much, Raon. And this time ... I don't know how to answer.

The Human did not know how to respond to that. Something about the black wolf's voice told him that it would not be nice to continue insisting on answers.

A tense silence settled between them at that time.

-Let's have dinner and go to Frostmoon as fast as before -continued Rukj. His voice was slightly hoarser than usual -. I would not want to delay our raid much.

And, without even waiting for Raon to recover from the effects of his previous words, he crouched down to his prey and hoisted it over his shoulder, without any signs of effort. Still somewhat confused, the youth stood up and started to follow him, wondering to what extent things had changed over the past few days ... and what had Rukj discovered, that was so terrible for not wanting to talk about it.

-Are you sure you'll be okay? -Jarek asked, with a hint of concern in his voice, while Raon cleaned the spear with snow from the mouth of the cave -. I feel bad having to stay here. I ... would like to accompany you.

-It's too dangerous, Jarek -replied the youth, with a sigh -. I'd rather you to stay here, with Loki. He could get sick again, and then we would need someone to take care of him.

-That's not true -Jarek muttered, causing the Human look up and stare in surprise at him -. I'm a burden, right? I can not do anything useful. So you prefer me to stay with Loki to not hamper your attempt to retrieve his bag.

Raon kept staring at him for a few seconds, too stunned to speak.

-Jarek... -he began, after a moment -. That's not true.

-Yes it is! -cried the copper furred wolf, somewhat annoyed -. I do not know how to hunt. I can not light a fire, or even keep one burning. Please, I wouldn't even have known how to keep Loki alive if it had been all up to me! Do not deny it, I know what you are thinking.

-Even if that was true, and I really believed you are useless -Raon said, while fitting the spear to his belt with a quick movement -, what makes you think I would not want you to be here? -he paused -. At no time have I regretted you're with me, Jarek. Never. I still want your company and, believe me, if I didn't want it, we would have separated long ago. So what if you know how to light a fire or not?

-But I feel useless! -Jarek groaned in exasperation. His face was stained by a horrible expression of despair, for the first time since Raon had known him, and Human was seriously worried -. I want to do something for you, Raon ... more than just keep you company.

At that time, Rukj appeared from the mouth of the cave, carrying something with him: something that initially that neither of them was able to identify at first, but then Raon suddenly recognized. Jarek, seeing the black wolf had just appeared, crossed his arms and frowned, somewhat offended.

-Have you already done it? -Raon asked, surprised.

-It didn't take me much time. It will have to do -the wolf murmured, watching the results of their work with care.

Jarek stretched his neck a little, to see over Raon's small figure, what the other wolf seemed to hold with pride. He almost shuddered in disgust as he realized what it was.

-A skin? -he asked, in disbelief -. That .. is our dinner?

-Only the skin from the head, actually -Rukj informed him, trying to calm him down a bit, but did not succeed -. You will understand, Raon has no fur ... and though his fur cloak camouflaged him in the snow, it will not do so in a city of Beasts.

-That's true -the copper furred wolf realized, much to his regret, because he was agreeing with... the other wolf -. Are you sure you will not have any problem?

Raon smiled slightly.

-Do not worry -he said, as his hand rested against the spear and he gestured with his head toward Rukj -. I'm also well protected.

Jarek almost felt jealousy gnawing at him inside.

-Well ... -he replied, trying to calm down and seem quieter than he actually felt -. I suppose so...

-Raon, we have to go now. It will take about two hours to reach the city -Rukj informed him, making it even more difficult for Jarek to contain his anger.

-Well -replied the Human, giving him a brief look, before adding in a low voice -. I have to leave. I believe the content of Loki's bag has something to do with us, but still do not know what. Don't you want to find out?

-I can hold on if finding it puts you in danger -the wolf murmured, staring into his eyes and taking one of his hands between his paws, then gently squeezed.

Raon momentarily stopped breathing, first from the strange sensation that seemed to weave between them when their skin touched, and secondly by the excitement contained in those fascinating emerald green eyes. Somehow, he found himself lost in his gaze and ... for a moment, he wanted to stay there forever.

But the moment ended more sooner than he hoped.

-Raon -Rukj called eagerly, and quite far from the cave.

The Human very clearly heard the low growl of rage that left Jarek's throat, and smiled slightly, while his soft paws departed from his fingers. Immediately, that wonderful feeling of complicity and empathy disappeared ... and found himself wishing that he had not lost his touch, ever.

-I'll be back -he promised the wolf, without the slightest hesitation -. And I'll be back with answers.

Jarek smiled back and looked uncomfortable for a moment, as if uncertain what to do. Raon was able to sense his discomfort, but was not quite sure how to react to it ... if they had to react in any way. Still somewhat confused by the strange feelings lately the copper furred wolf woke inside him, the Human turned around and started to follow Rukj, but not before turning his head back and saying goodbye again to Jarek:

-Please, be careful! -he asked -. And take care of Loki too!

The wolf did not answer, but nodded with some restrained emotion.

From the entrance of the cave, he saw the Human and Beast that had raised him since he was young slowly receding, enveloped by the night, as if they were one. He had to admit that he still was envious of the relationship between them two, but ... for a second, just a second ... he had believed he had perceived something in Raon's look, when he had looked into his eyes and had taken his hand between his paws ... Maybe it was ... Fascination?

<<Please Raon, don't you dare not to return>> he anxiously thought <<. I do not want to lose sight of that sparkle in your eyes... I promise I'll keep it alive... whatever it takes>>.