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THE RAURIM SAGA

The Kedos Mountains were cloaked in a thick fog that afternoon. Whitepaw kept a close eye upon the army movements of the Eska (Orcs) who were nearby. They had taken to invading through Tam Pass while it was still open before the next winter storm. "How close?" Big Paws asked from behind. He was dressed in a leather jerkin with leggings, the crest of Leon etched on his jerkin. "Too close, I've already sent word to Marshal Ryn, his forces will be ready by the time they get to the exit, and hopefully it'll be enough." "Are we staying on recon? Or are we actually going to fight this one?" Big Paws replied "We're joining them." He put down his pair of binoculars. Big Paws walked up next to him and the two felt their paws entwine. They held together for a moment as they watched the Eska forces continuing past in the valley below. "You ready to hit them from behind?" Big Paws asked "I was planning on it. You are one of our best archers, we'll show them who the read dead-aim is." Whitepaw smiled. "I'm sure, and it would give you a chance to test your wind magic on them?" Big Paws grinned for a moment. "Maybe, we'll see, either way we need to move if we're to get behind them without being seen." Whitepaw replied. "C'mon let's go." He let go walking back into the small outpost to gather his supplies. Big Paws picked up a medium sized satchel that was filled with a couple potions, scrolls, and a few extra supplies. He swung it around his side and walked from the room reaching for his bow and quiver. He exited the structure and began his climb down the mountain side where he knew he could not be seen. Whitepaw watched a soft smile on his lips as he saw him descend below. He knew he'd have to make contact with Ryn before the battle began, with that he closed the door and turned to the wall where a mirror sat. He reached up with his paws and drew a sigil. It lit up and on the other side of the mirror Marshal Ryn appeared. Ryn was a large Bo'ri (Wolf) cloaked in blue and gold battle armor. His helmet left off revealed an old grey face that had seen many years of service. "Well what do my two finest scouts report?" he growled "The Eska are on their way. They'll be there by nightfall, and they are carrying far more mages and archers than we expected, they make up the back of their army." "That's alright, I thought they were going to have siege weaponry but it doesn't look like it?" "Not at the moment no, unless...." He heard a loud horn blare outside. He turned and rushed the door opening it just a crack to look outwards. "Damnit no they do... a lot of it..." He glanced outside further. "Catapults, ballista, they are going to try and break the army and then besiege Elon after." "Well, now that we have that confirmed..." Ryn motioned his head to one of his other lieutenants who walked up. The two spoke in hushed growls, all the while with Whitepaw watching. "Follow Big Paws, you're one of our wind mages, if we can take out their magi and archers, then their siege weapons won't have that extra protection, since I know the Eska have no cavalry whatsoever." "Agreed, I need to move then, if things go sideways I'll send up a signal." "Understood and good hunting." Marshal Ryn saluted him. Whitepaw returned the salute and exited the room. The siege weaponry had already moved through. Maybe they didn't have nearly as much as he had first seen? It mattered but he had to move quickly if he was to catch up with Big Paws.

The fog had started to lift, it was mid-day now. Marshal Ryn and his forces were situated at a large encampment near Davan Pass, which was the only way through the mountains and into Leon, the Bo'ri Kingdom. Ryn walked through the camp, sword at his side, speaking with various soldiers, his lieutenants following him everywhere carrying out his orders. Now that it had been confirmed that the Eska were bringing siege weapons, the Bo'ri were to answer with their own. Specialized siege craft, multi-firing catapults, ballista, and two of Leon's deadliest weapons, Howlers, and Earth Mages. The Howlers were Bo'ri who used magic to amplify their howls, they had been dispersed throughout the mountains to howl, which would then trigger avalanches. Yes it was deadly, but this Eskan army had to be stopped. The Earth Mages were unique to Leon only, though with their abilities to lift massive hunks of earth from the very ground itself was impressive nonetheless.

He could see Big Paws climbing up the mountain side off to the west. He moved fast trying to find the perfect vantage point. Whitepaw followed close as he could without being seen by the Eska. Big Paws noticed him down below climbing up onto the rock face. The two climbed quickly despite the snowy conditions. They reached a heavy ledge about a fifth of the way up and stopped to catch their breaths. "How high up do you wanna cast?" Big Paws asked. "The higher the better, but if it's too high I might hit our forces too. I know we have Howlers throughout the mountains, I worry I'd endanger them as well." Whitepaw stepped back against the mountain rubbing up against it for a moment. "I am tempted to use my ice magic, make things even more difficult for them." Big Paws smirked. "I know, it is up to you, a combination of wind and ice would make their lives hell, since they don't see too well in this. If we get started right now we might be able to prevent the battle?" Whitepaw asked "Maybe..." Big Paws "I don't know if we did, it might stop them, but it also might not?" "They claim to fight better in the night, let's take away that advantage, if we hit them, they might turn back?" "Yeah, and then they'll return in summer with twice as many numbers. We would have to destroy them, not just make the rout." Big Paws remained focused on the ground below watching the enemy forces move through the area like a slow winding weapon. "Well let's get started, maybe if we split up, I go across, follow that mountain trail?" Big Paws spoke turning back to see Whitepaw looking upwards. "It's a heavy climb if you wanna go up further." "I know." Whitepaw said in a hushed view. There was a moment of silence, the battle horns below blaring as they marched. The two wolves embraced hugging one another, they held close for a moment. "See you soon." Whitepaw said "You too, good hunting." Big Paws replied Big Paws stepped back and turned to start climbing back down the mountainside. While Whitepaw turned to climb upwards to get a better vantage spot.

The sun was setting; its last rays were hidden behind clouds. The winds had picked up from the south and east, cultivated by Whitepaw's wind magic. The blizzard that was forming was icy, brought on by the heavy snowpack and narrow pass that the enemy marched through. The Eska were prepared for the cold and snow, but the increase in winds wasn't something they expected. Their army remained undaunted as they marched, they had come with purpose and bloodlust coursed through them, they would destroy Leon, and all the Bo'ri within it. The Commander was only known as BloodTooth, he was an Eska with dark red skin, eyes that burned like the sun. He was massive in comparison to his cohorts as they marched, huddled with warm furs laced underneath their armor. BloodTooth wanted vengeance for the great famine that destroyed his peoples' native homeland. It was a famine he believed the Kingdom of Leon had caused using the Earth Crystal. It was a famine that was severe enough to where cannibalism was considered. Six years would pass before the famine abated. By then the Eska were reduced to almost nothing, their entire nation was crippled by it. It was in that moment when BloodTooth seized power, promising vengeance and revenge for all those who had died. They would invade Leon, conquer and steal the Earth Crystal. Restore their lands and leave Leon to suffer and rot just as they had left Eskal-Del to ruin.

Whitepaw was perched atop a high Cliffside, the massive Eskan army was down below marching, their green and yellow torches lighting up the dark night sky. The great three moons Tova, Geran, and Salia illuminated the earth; the stars brilliantly shimmered down upon the battle that was to take place. It was now or never, he only hoped that Big Paws was in position. His dear love was one of the best archers in the kingdom; he knew he wouldn't miss the targets he had marked with dove dust. The winds were harsh from where he stood. It was now or never, they'd be at the front line in less than an hour. He let out a stretch and waved his hands in the air in a state of trance, feeling the energies flow around him. White and silver energies flurried around him as he channeled with great focus. Extending his arm he let out a burst of air energy that knocked the various torches out with a heavy gust. He let out a loud howl as he felt the energy escape him and travel downwards bringing about a blizzard of energy that cascaded down the mountain in the form of an avalanche. The main columns of Eskan troops were too far ahead to turn and react as the avalanche hit the middle of the pass effectively cutting off the siege weapons and a small portion of the mages and archers. He grinned howling once more. It was a faint sound, as he heard the other howlers nearby, releasing their own auras of energy that cause other avalanches to progress in various parts of the pass. The Eskan forces started to run forward trying to escape being hit by the snow. From his position Big Paws noticed the avalanches, he smiled proud of his love's magical talents. Now it was up to him. He pulled out his bow and took aim. He had to destroy the siege weaponry that he had marked. The dove dust was angelic white in color and it sparkled even amongst the snow and the chaos of those who were trying to dig themselves out. He loose an arrow, and then another, and another, his aim steady and direct as he fired. The various arrows flew amongst the wind and hit, snapping different ropes and pulley systems that brought the catapults and ballista to a crash amongst the snow inoperable. He loosed more arrows hitting the Eskans in the neck where their armor didn't protect them. A great deal of blood spilled out onto the snow, turning it black in color. Those few left alive attempted to light torches bring some order to the chaos. Those who did were targets for his arrows. The blizzard continued as he ended his rain of arrows for a moment. There was a loud clash of war drums. A burst of bright red light barreled across the night impacting and destroying the crippled siege weapons, but it had come from behind. Big Paw's eyes grew wide as he saw the Eskan Demonarrs push through into the remnants. BloodTooth was just the vanguard. They were being led by the Eskan prince Eludas. He was a muscular Eskan with shining red eyes, he was cloaked in black but he was visible even in the dead of night, his aura exuded hate and death. "Big Paws..." Whitepaw thought to himself. He too saw Eludas marching through, pushing aside the siege weapons and the dead, they were failures to anticipate this, because of it, and death was the perfect punishment for their stupidity. Big Paws pulled out a mirror. Marshal Ryn appeared on the other side. "BloodTooth is the vanguard, Eludas is leading them. We have him cut off but it's only a matter of time till he reaches you." "We know... our forces are in battle now." Ryn concentration broke. "We can't get anyone to you, it's up to you and Whitepaw to hold the line till we can..." his image vanished from the mirror. The battle on his end had to be intense.

The howls stopped. The wind remained furious, but started to die off. "Whitepaw..." Big Paws thought for a moment, could he have been hit? Eludas had been using his own archers to snipe the howlers in the area. What if Whitepaw had been hit? The thought terrified him but he had to hold onto hope that his love was alive, Whitepaw was stronger than he looked, and both of them knew this was a possible truth of battle. He put on a pair of spectacles, the snow and wind turned away as he peered into the darkness. He could see Whitepaw climbing down the mountainside slowly. He had to reach him; if they met up they could go after Eludas's forces together. He fastened his bow and started to climb down from where he was to catch up. He had to be careful though, even in the dark Eludas's archers could smell their blood. His breath was hot as he reached the bottom of the mountain. He turned watching as the Eskan forces were still pushing through the area, pushing aside the ruined siege weapons, they were digging, starting to remove the avalanche. He knew it'd take them a while without weapons or heavy magic to break through it though. He smelled the air, cold and heavy he knew Whitepaw was close by, perhaps on the other side, but at least on the ground now. Big Paws blew a breath of air into his paw and cloaked himself and moved through the Eskan lines slowly, trying to not be seen or heard. The Eskan were loud as they spoke, grunting, raging as they slammed against the snow with their fists. Eludas sat on a makeshift throne made of bones, his eyes red with hate, his minions were doing their job, but it wasn't to his liking. He stood up and extended his arms, he started to pull in energy around him; he would break through that icy barrier. The two of them met up just off to the side in the shadows where the moons were hidden. "We're alone, Ryn's forces are tied up, it is up to us..." Big Paws said "Figures, but its Eludas, the two of us against him and his forces, we won't last long." Whitepaw looked down nervous and uncomfortable. Big Paws reached out and embraced him holding in a long hug. "Don't worry my love, we will win, he's never encountered us before. I think it's time to put down the bow and break out my ice magic, what do you think?" Big Paws asked "I think we will give em' hell," Whitepaw grinned. Big Paws nodded sheathing his bow around his back. He looked forward, watching Eludas's forces push through the snow, they would break through soon it was only a matter of time. "What if we combined our powers?" Whitepaw asked "That could work, but do you feel ready?" "No but, I know we will do a lot more damage to them if we can combine..." He looked away slightly nervous. Big Paws reached out and placed a paw on his shoulder, their eyes met nodding. It was time to have confidence in themselves and what they believed in. "How do we do this though?" Whitepaw asked "Like this..." Big Paws held his paws in Whitepaw's and closed his eyes, Whitepaw followed suit feeling the energy rise in his body, the air around him beginning to conduct itself more. The energy began collecting around them like a bubble, the wind whispered to Whitepaw and the ice sang to Big Paws as the two maintained their energy focusing it. Slowly it started to expand outwards. Eludas's black skin and dark red eyes noticed the energy increasing. His soldiers were oblivious to it. He growled harsh and stepped off his makeshift throne. With a screech he began to mutter his own dark bloody magic. An aura appeared around him as he started to resist the bubble. He growled muttering curses and dark energies began to spew out of his aura. The two Bo'ri were amateurs to the Eskan prince's magic, but they had to try, his force was large enough to crush Marshal Ryn and the defenses of Leon. The auras connected, green and blue energies circling Whitepaw and Big Paws, their magic shielding them as it moved outwards to affect nearby soldiers in the darkness. The sky grew colder, the wind howled as it reached the enemy. Many Eskan dropped amidst the cold, shivering and freezing, others stood against it, holding to their armor as a source of heat. Eludas's energies peaked as he fired a blast of red energy at the two of them. It was a shining moment as their energies connected, the two holding close together, as their shield held against his dark magic. Silence enveloped them as they held fast, their magic straining itself, knowing if they dropped it, it would be their end. Eludas's raged, his soldiers had stopped digging out of the snow as they watched the whole area lit up in the night, energies swirling as the wind and snow raged all around them. At the center, Whitepaw and Big Paws, holding together their energies focused all their thoughts and feelings on one another and their homeland, to defend, even if it was to the death. The barrier was holding, but for how long? "Kill them!" Eludas roared. Eskan forces closed in on them. The wind and snow whirling around, the cold and ice building thick as it collected on their heavy armor. They reached the shell's energies, some of the Eskan turned to try and flee the cold becoming unbearable. Others raised their weapons and tried to strike the shell, their weapons becoming stuck in the hard ice. "I love you" was their thoughts and it only served to harden their shell. Eludas roared firing another blast of energy in their direction. It impacted the shell, knocking them back but they remained attached to one another, their hands holding firm. The shell remained, though heavily cracked. Eludas screeched and motioned for his forces to pull back from them. He summoned his forces and pulled them in for a conference. They broke formation and returned to try and unbury the snow if they couldn't break the two Bo'ri they'd break their kingdom instead. A small group of Eskan along with the prince moved towards the shell, he used his magic and erected a shield of his own to protect his forces from the cold. Eludas looked at the two of them. It was a loving source of magic that kept their shield up, and kept the storm around them raging. He knew his magic would not crack that shell their love repulsed his hate. Another Eskan soldier let out a howl of pain. Eludas turned noticing a pack of howlers on the nearby mountains they had broken through to reach the two Bo'ri. They moved fast, arrows flying as they raced on all fours knocking out Eskans as they pushed through. Eludas's eyes darkened as he fired a blast of energy hoping to hit all four. It was a stray ray of red and black energy that escaped his hand, it flew. Missing three of the four, the one farthest behind was struck. He let out a howl as he felt himself implode, entrails and other unmentionables went flying everywhere in a bloody mess. The other three remained undaunted and reached the icy shell that was cracking more and more. "Let it go! Marshal Ryn's forces are on the other side of that wall of snow, they'll break through any minute!" one of them bellowed. Whitepaw and Big Paws remained focused and silent; they had heard their comrades' words but remained undaunted with the task at hand. Slowly the other howlers found themselves being drawn into the shell, protected by it as Eludas began to fire off another round of energy volleys that flew against them. Each impact hit the shell, causing it to crack more and more. The three howlers huddled around the two of them watching as the energy blasts became heavier and heavier. Whitepaw was starting to weaken, his energy slowly spending like sand. He knew he couldn't give up he had his love to see him through. Big Paws growled feeling the shell crack more and more, this was dangerous, if it shattered, the reverse flow of the impact might kill them both. He broke the seal and stepped back, his right paw holding Whitepaw's left. The two turned forming another barrier, their eyes opened as they stood in the dark, their shimmering light making them visible for all to see. The other howlers took positions and began to fire off arrows at enemy forces that were headed straight for them. A heavy crash could be heard, the break in the snow had hit as Marshal Ryn's forces cascaded into the area. Ryn walking forward holding the head of BloodTooth, he let out a loud howl and watched as his forces charged into the battle combating against Eludas's forces and his personal guard. The other howlers broke and flew towards the battle on all fours once more. Whitepaw and Big Paws stayed close to one another, their barrier slowly fading as Big Paws stepped forward gathering up a heavy ball of icy blue energy. He let it fly directing it towards forces that were still headed their direction. Upon impact it froze them. "I... I don't feel good..." Whitepaw collapsed to the ground. Big Paws landed right next to him catching him in his arms. "It's alright my love... you'll be alright, just rest, and close your eyes..." Big Paws replied holding him close, nuzzling his cheek with a lick. He looked at the other forces, watching as Eludas's men turn and run, upon which if they did, Eludas would strike them dead with a blast of energy. Ryn's troops clashed hard and heavy, the snow was nothing to them as they pushed inwards, their mages and archers firing in almost every direction. Eludas raged as he saw Ryn charge forward, sword drawn. The Eskan prince met him in open combat, raging at him with a large black staff with red runes etched on it. The two dueled while the armies fought on in the close cold darkness. Big Paws didn't let go he held onto Whitepaw tight, his warm breath, his beating heart, he would never let him fall. The wind around them turned colder. They shivered. Whitepaw's breathing slowed. Big Paws held tight, watching as the battle continued. The darkness was dripping into his eyes, he wanted to sleep. He felt its cold embrace coming for him and his dear love. "Hold on my Wonderpaw..." he whispered. His eyes closed, the sounds of battle fading in his ears. Raska Eskaa Serua....

Big Paws eyes opened he sat up shrieking "Whitepaw!" he looked around the area. He was in a room, and in a bed. Sitting by the fire was Emir, Leon's best general. Emir was a young Bo'ri with warm brown and gold fur, with eyes of rich teal. Big Paws attempted to get out of bed; his feet hit the floor before he felt himself fall back onto the bed. Emir smirked and stood; he walked over and placed the sheets and blanket back over Big Paws. "Where is he? I need to see him!" Big Paws growled "You will, don't worry, he's safe, and alive, just as you are. Our magisters got you and him here just in time." Emir's voice was warm and rich. "You're both very lucky, any longer and you both would've been lost." "Who won?" "We did, it's alright, and we smashed the Eskan force but, captured their prince." "I need to see Whitepaw, now" Big Paws tried to get back out of the bed. "Rest, soldier that is an order." Emir reached out and grabbed one of his paws. "I don't want to rest I want to see him, please..." 'You will, I promise, for now you need to rest, tomorrow you may see him." Big Paws growled and pulled back hiding his paws under the sheets. He wanted to see his beloved, but he could not refuse the general. "You are lucky, you both are, you both nearly died, whatever you did bought our forces time to hit the Eskan before they could even reach the pass entrance. We captured the prince but..." "But?!" "He refuses to talk to anyone, from what we saw it looked like he was under a blood curse, it has worn off. He's completely different, almost like a scared child." "I doubt it; he is just waiting to strike." "Maybe... I want you to talk to him." "Me sir? Why?" Emir walked around the bed slowly, shrugging. "I don't know, he said you for some reason. I do not want to torture him, that's the last thing he needs." "He needs to be beheaded," Big Paws growled. "No, we need information first. Do this request for me and I will give you all the time you want with your love." Big Paws froze, staring at him with fear in his eyes. "You know?" he asked "We all knew, we don't hate you for it, we don't condemn you for it, we..." Emir looked off to the side. "If anything it is that very love for him that saved both of you, you two have a bond that heals one another and helps show that love comes in all shapes and forms." Emir walked over to the fireplace. "When do you want me to talk to the prince?" Big Paws asked "Later today, rest some more, when you feel ready, have me summoned, I'll make sure the nurses care for you." Emir walked over to the bed once more and bowed. He then exited the room leaving Big Paws alone. The silence fell on the room; the crackling of the fireplace was all that there was. Big Paws fell back against the pillow, and slowly he began to drift back to sleep and dream of his love.

The dungeons of Castle Atlas were well lit and surprisingly clean. It was constructed with limestone and other metals that gave almost a soft metallic glow. Big Paws walked along the corridor quietly, his mind focused on what he would say to the prince. The dungeon was mostly empty, only the most serious criminals were ever kept there. He watched as the guards opened a door to another wing, which held the same features as the room he had just been in. He was escorted along until he reached a cell where the prince was. The prince was lying on the makeshift bed they had in there for him. The guards turned and walked off but remained nearby to keep watch. Big Paws stared into his cell, the prince was awake, but remained comfortable on the cot. "Finally, the great hero shows himself." The prince looked over at him. "They say you will only talk to me." Big Paws replied "Indeed it is true." The prince responded. He moved off the bed and stood walking over to him. The redness in his eyes had dimmed, even his aura had vanished. "Blood curse didn't last as long did it?" Big Paws asked "BloodTooth never could get that right... though I know he's dead... good riddance." The prince said. He looked away. "I'm the second eldest. My father is gone, my older brother is imprisoned, after Blood Tooth seized power, it was a coup that most of my people didn't want, but they didn't care about it enough to stop it either, it shouldn't be so-" "Stop." Big Paw put his paw up. "You're rambling, either you're afraid or very, very smart, why talk so much?" The prince stepped back and sat on his cot. "I'm not who you think I am. I'm... a coward. My whole life I was raised to be a warrior and I am just not that. I'm a scholar. I felt a sense of responsibility to my people you did curse us with famine and barren lands." His speech was eloquent for an Eskan; even Eskan royalty was not well known for it. "Impossible." Big Paws replied "How?" the prince asked "The Earth Crystal never would allow it; it is a sentient force of the divine. It never allows us to misuse its powers to punish other nations. It is meant only to bless and protect, give bounty and plenty to the world. We are just its keepers; we do not control what it does or does not do." Big Paws replied. The prince tilted his head for a moment; a loud crack could be heard. He looked at the Bo'ri and nodded solemnly. "So if it isn't you then this war is just a lie and..." his face frowned. "Means that someone or something else is behind our nation's decline?" he asked Big Paws shrugged, unsure of how to answer right he said, "It may be just a poor harvest in general, your lands aren't exactly fertile to begin with..." The prince smirked and then began to laugh. It was a small chuckle that was small but it quickly turned into a loud laugh that was pushing into insane. Big Paws stepped back from the cell. The prince launched forward hitting the bars; he stuck his face against them and grinned, his large tusks glimmering in the lighting of the room. "The Kana descends and burns our world and we so too shall burn yours to the ground, you will never be free from our hatred, we will hunt your race to the ends of creation and beyond!" he roared in a rage, his eyes turning brilliant blood red once more, the curse had returned. Big Paws stepped back and looked at the four guards who had approached and surrounded him and the cell. The prince may have been strong enough to break through the bars, but he didn't appear to be trying, he remained enraged, but had backed off enough; the guards however remained postured for a fight if it came. Big Paws shook his head in disgust and turned away. He walked from the room slamming the door behind him. The howls and roars of the prince could even be heard as he reached the second floor just above the main level of the castle. General Emir was standing close by he turned to look at Big Paws, his teal eyes connected with Big Paws. "He's insane, deranged lunatic, and we should've killed him, that blood curse returned." "I'll get Master Sven in here; he'll help remove that from him." "I was told he had it done before I went in." "Well it didn't work, more to the point he told me that his father had been overthrown and he was forced to go by BloodTooth who is apparently his uncle, but his elder brother still lives at least and with BloodTooth gone it means his brother will take over." "Alright, well we'll go deal with the curse, you go and see Whitepaw, and his room is down the hall from yours, second door on the left." Emir nodded his head and turned to watch Big Paws leave his side. The general smiled to himself and turned to head downstairs to deal with the Eludas.

The door to Whitepaw's room opened gingerly, Big Paws stepped inside to see his Wonderpaw sitting by the fireplace, nursing a wounded foot that had apparently been hit with an arrow after they'd both collapsed. He turned to see Big Paws and his whole face lit up with a smile, the pain in his foot barely noticeable as he tried to stand. Big Paws rushed over and hugged him gently licking his cheek with sweetness. They held one another in their eyes, no words were spoken. It was just a moment of pure happiness. Whitepaw licked Big Paw's cheek softly as their embrace remained close and loving. "My Wonderpaw... I'm so glad you are safe." Big Paw whispered into his ear as he held him. "And I you my Darkfur..." Whitepaw remained close but his words ended with that line as they held one another. Silence filled the room as they remained embraced. After a moment Whitepaw stepped back letting go as he returned to sit down on the chair once more to nurse his foot. Big Paw walked around him and sat down in the chair that was situated next to his. He reached out and the two held their paws together, staring into the warmth of the fire their thoughts silent, they were just overjoyed to be with one another once more. The room's silence was broken by a knock on the door. Big Paw let go for a moment and walked to the door, he opened it and spoke to the person, accepting a package. He nodded and closed the door. "Who was that?" Whitepaw asked. "Just a friend, he brought something by for me." Big Paw replied as he walked back over to the chairs and sat down next to him. Silence once again filled the room as the two stared into one another's eyes. It was a peaceful moment before another knock came at the door. Big Paws got up and walked over, it opened suddenly and the First Druid Nim walked in. He was a short Bo'ri dressed in green and silver robes, he had specks of dust on his face, and a somewhat goofy smile. "Arch Druid, what do we owe the honor?" he asked. "I was hoping you were both feeling better. Tonight the two of you will be bound together. The moon is full, and you are both in due the honors you deserve. Here" he walked over handing Whitepaw a strange blue paste ointment. "This will help your paw heal faster so you can be dressed properly. I'll see both of you tonight at main garden square." The druid left the room, leaving Whitepaw and Big Paws stunned into silence. Slowly their eyes both widened as they found themselves overcome with joy and happiness. It was a moment that no words could describe to them. In a rush the two hugged each other hard their tails wagging ecstatically. "I guess this means we should get ready?" Big Paws said "Yes." Whitepaw could not stop smiling. "I'm nervous, but happy." Big Paws replied "Me too, but, this is a wonderful occasion, let's make the most of it." He licked him on the cheek. "Now go, let's get ready for the best day of our lives."

The moon shimmered brilliant white in the clearing. The air was slightly chilly that evening, but it did not deter the festivities that were to take place. Under the great tree of Syldra the Bo'ri gathered, all those who knew Whitepaw and Big Paw were gathered to witness their bonding ceremony. It was a joyous occasion because the bonding of two males was rare, rare, and very special at the same time. It was often thought that the spirits of the world were brought together within two males, and it meant that they had a special destiny, one that would benefit the entire kingdom as a whole. The grove where they were to be bound to each other had a few rows of chairs on either side for guests, mostly friends and some family to arrive and witness their bonding. A soft melody began to dance through the air, as it played, the trees around the grove began to dance in a way, their leaves and blossoms of fall came to the ground and were swept up with the melody. It flowed around the grove as Big Paws and Whitepaw entered. They were both dressed in their finest attire, robes of rich colors. The two held their paws together as they walked down the main aisle past all those who knew them best. The music continued as they walked slowly, this was their moment, their first steps as they would spend the rest of their lives together. The Arch Druid Thondril Riverfall stood before them, the aged Bo'ri cloaked in rich emerald and silver robes. He held his staff tight as he saw them approach. The music ended as the Thondril spoke. "Tonight, under the great moon of Rel, we bring these two Bo'ri, Whitepaw, and Big Paws, together to be bound. These are two of the bravest Bo'ri ever, they both grew up in harsh homes, but they thrived when they left, they always held the greatest importance of never giving up no matter what. Their love for each other and their bravery helped us to win a battle that if not for them, we would have lost. I have known both of them for many years. They have found comfort and love, to say even the sense of soulmate between them both. Tonight we honor their love, their bravery, and the great kindness they have shown to one another and all of us who are gathered here. Tonight, in the presence of all, we bind them together. Have you both the pendants?" He looked as another druid walked up between the two of them. Holding a pillow there were two pendants. Big Paws picked up the first pendant it was crafted out of sturdy emerald green and coupled with beautiful oval shaped orange tourmaline. He placed it over Whitepaw's head. "To you my love, my soulmate, my best friend, my brave and strong Whitepaw; I am yours now here and forever, eternal. I long for us to have a life of adventure and happiness, always together." Whitepaw remained silent, nodding softly with a smile as he grabbed the other pendant from the pillow. Big Paws pendant was made out of sturdy silver and had several emerald cut sapphires and diamonds that were laced along the silver chain of the pendant. Whitepaw placed it over Big Paws' head. Whitepaw remained silent for a moment. "To my loving Darkfur, I have loved you from the moment I first set eyes on you. You, my brave love, had shown me that it was okay to not be afraid, that our relationship, our love was special and meant to be. I will gladly spend my whole life loving you, even into the end of things. I hope that throughout each life and eternity we find one another, over and over, forever in love." The two, still holding paws turned back to the Arch Druid. "By the grace and love of our kingdom, I bind the two of you together. May your love spring eternal, and give hope and care to all those you know..." The Arch Druid then began to speak in ancient Bo'ri. As he did he placed a pair of ribbons over the two who stood facing one another, an orange ribbon over Big Paw's wrist, and a blue one over Whitepaw's. He continued to speak in ancient Bo'ri as Big Paw leaned forward and kissed Whitepaw's forehead between the eyes. Whitepaw did the same returning the kiss, as they held one another close. The small gathering of people erupted from their chairs, clapping with robust as Whitepaw and Big Paw turned to slowly walk back down the aisle. The crowd followed behind clapping and laughing as the music began to play once more. The two left the grove towards a large clearing where a nighttime festival in their honor had been set up to celebrate their union. There was a large table with a large cake sitting at its center. It was covered with fine foods, fish, grains, fruit, and other delicious foods that would make this a night to remember. The music struck up louder as people began to eat, and dance around the clearing. Warm lighting made the setting festive and full of energy. The two bound together would come to cut the large cake. It was seven different layers of rich delicious chocolate. Whitepaw and Big Paws each fed one another a piece of that delicious cake. The various celebrants clapped once more as the party went into full swing. "We are going to have a wonderful life together." Whitepaw said. "Yes, this is just the beginning of our great adventure." Big Paws replied with a sweet kiss to his cheek.