Oddities of Nature

So this is what it has come down to? So be it...

"Why are you my comrade one season, then my enemy the next?"

This is what I asked of the Pack Alpha, however... the response was rather distasteful. It brought nothing more than a fight in which I would have no part of. There was no honor in that fight.

Huntress, is going to be extremely disappointed. What has happened to the Wolf who showed such leadership in the Tavern not weeks ago? He acts like the love child of the Former Pack Alpha and Former owner of the Wraith Tavern. Is this what comes to Sykala's Call? Forgive me Forest Father... for I do not understand how such a man could even consider himself Alpha. He shows little wisdom.

I returned to the Fields, nurtured my wounds and went about my life. I failed to see the point in the Pack Alpha's assault... I am constantly called Ignorant, which is something I will not disagree with. I am Ignorant... Though I have seen that the Humans are just as much.

What oddities of Nature... Unnatural Love Children taking leadership roles, Humans destroying rather than learning... And yet, Sykala's Domain still goes unbalanced. Please, Forest Father... Come to us... Lead us... for those here are far from understanding the Big Picture.

Journey into the Stone Cage

I was not sure which terrified me the most... Stepping though those cold iron bars into the Stone Cage or the attention that was received in my short time there.

"Wouldn't it be best to know your enemy?"

She had a point. The Humans would corrupt and destroy this world, and she had good point to learn of them in case they tried to cause war. I could sense a heavy burden upon my shoulders when I stepped in. A gloom and disgrace that hovered about the stone walls of the Cage that I could of cut with a knife. And oh... the smells... such a foul place indeed.

The first thing I noticed about the Stone Cage, were the rats the Cage Dwellers live with. Large rats that could easily be picked off as sizable pets. They were just left to roam free along the docks the Humans use. How could anyone live in such filth?

Huntress took me farther in, showing me the place that was left to her. It was a large construction, still... the walls within seemed to close in on me without much warning or delay. However, the one thing that did fascinate me was what Huntress called a 'stove'. A small, metal box... which held a fire within and a cylinder tunnel that sent the smoke that would build, out of the building. An interesting object, indeed.

The end of my Journey into the Stone Cage, was at a place where two roads crossed... like an intersection. There were several benches, but also several humans. Their attention that was directed to me left me a bit uneasy... even worse when a child came up and poked my arm. Such a foul smelling race... I couldn't seem to get the smell of the Human off my arm.

The Cage Captain wandered in upon us, eyeing me as if I was a potential hostile. In a way, I could be... With such evil and destruction that pours out of the city and onto Sykala's Domain... I can see why I would be assumed as an enemy. In my eyes, they are my enemy.

Unfortunately, this is a war that I cannot win by brutality. This is a war that all I can do is sit back and be a milestone for them. They have to decide to change and it doesn't matter how much they suffer. In the end, if the Humans fail to realise the Wilderness is a Gift... then they will be the cause of their own destruction.

-Forest Father... Please, I beg you... Shine your wisdom upon them. Forgive them for they know not what they do... If there is but one who understands, I pray that you do not destroy them.

Betrayal

"A victim of my own pride?"

That is what the Alpha accused me of being... a victim of my own pride... No, I am not a Victim for following the Forest Father with a devoted heart. I refuse to fall into the Greed of Man and become a prisoner to the Evil the Cage Dwellers spew from their gates.

Forest Father... Forgive me for I have lost my respect for this Kin... These Cage Dwellers will have me die if I do not pay Homage to their ways. This is something I simply cannot do. I refuse to pay Homage to anyone other then the Forest Father.

"There is no room to forget who you are."

Those are the words that the Alpha has told me months ago. The same words I had him remember. I will continue through this feeling of Betrayal. I cannot even begin to understand what had possessed the Alpha to speak such to me.

Regardless, I will go on. Sykala has Blessed me and spared me from death. To deny him would be to dishonor him... A dishonor I cannot carry. Thank you Forest Father... You have opened my eyes and spirit... Forgive me for going astray from your Will and Presence ... I will keep my spirit clean.

Times Tested

"I grow tired of his dishonor, Hunteress."

So tired of it... The Tir does not know how much Huntress protects him... and yet accused her of Corruption. He would not last a moment by the Laws of my People. His constant threats of imprisonment and constants tales of how I am a criminal have gone on long enough.

"The Tir bowed before me, then tried to arrest me for not beating him into a stain. What was I suppose to do? ... It was either kill him, or be arrested for not killing him... So I spared him and obeyed this lands laws by walking away."

Huntress at least understood. As well as the Alpha... and the other Kin who are bearers of the Argent Cloak. I had unneeded permits for the wild, unneeded Stone Cage documents ... I never step foot into their cage... and yet have their papers.

"Please, let me handled this by my Laws... This matter could already be over with."

A fight... that is what my Law would of brought this too. After the first day of this... a Fight would of been Challenged and the Master of Challenges would of named the rules. I'm tired of his dishonor and deception... Cage Dweller Laws are proving more and more fruitless to me. Even the underlings are under minding those of authority. How dare he accuse Huntress or the others of Corruption when he himself cannot obey those above him.

He makes it so hard to resist calling a Challenge. The Tir wouldn't last in the Pit of Trials... Mind yourself little Tir... My patience as well as the others is growing thin.

Forest Father... Shelter me from the Monstrosity that is this place. Hide me away in your fields and trees ... keep me from destroying these creatures for they do not see the blight they cause. My patience is being tested ... please keep me and guide me... help me resist giving in to my wrath.

Now I Understand

"Balkoth, do you mind telling me why you are on the Cloak's Most Wanted list?"

Was that a good thing or bad? I honestly did not understand what Huntress meant. Well, until she told me of the Tir that reported me as committing five crimes. What was he charging me for really? Having an Axe in the fields without a permit even though I do have a permit for the Stone Cage that I never enter? Trying to arrest me for walking through the fields?

I couldn't help but wonder what exactly this Tir was trying to do. He offer me his head... which is something I did not expect. Towards the end, I understood why Huntress wanted me to Join the Rangers...

"If that is our best, I hate to see our worse."

Huntress was not at all pleased with the turn of events... At least, I got away without anything hostile going on. I was already getting edgy about the Tir's aggression. He was wearing a Cloak, if I would of taken his head... I would be caged like the rest of them. I know he means well, but Huntress is right... He needs to be educated on the Laws of his Stone Cage.

I tried to explain to him that I did not need a permit for what I was carrying. I held an axe and walked along the road... I am committing crimes for walking now? What is next... Am I going to be accused of deception because I snore in my sleep? I must be hiding something... -Sigh- Forest Father... I just want to live in peace. Why won't the Cage Dwellers leave me alone?

A Turn of Events

The Pack is reunited? So it may seem for the time being. I can't say much for their new Alpha so far, but I can say I am proud of his words. In a few short hours, he rallied them ... all of them... well, almost all of them. There is still one we know of that may be more trouble than good.

"I hate it when you are right."

Huntress' comment couldn't do much other than make me grin. Patience... that is all that was needed at the time. Continue to fight for the Forest Father and have patience that one will come. I told her Sykala would not allow things to go unchanged. Even the Humans... as fruitless and greedy as most appear to be... have at least done something to discourage the mindless onslaught of Sykala's Domain that they are giving. At least there are some that understand enough to know when to hold.

"The Sacred Wood but go untouched... I care not what the Crown allows... by that forest is far too sacred for anyone to harm. Permitted or not, the trees and wildlife will be brutally defended."

I warned the Huntress... She wishes me to join her and the Rangers... but Sykala comes way before any of them. The Humans and other races have plenty to be appreciative of in the east and west... But the Sacred Wood must go untouched by any means necessary.

Forest Father... I thank you for the blessing you have sent your children. I will strive to help them as they need and continue to give my spirit to you. You have shown mercy and spared my life when the Dark One came to destroy. I pledge myself to your Will and Guidance. Thank you for nourishment, comrades, and most of all... just knowing that you are there... Your Presence is a blessing me to, Forest Father.

Cries for Repentance

-What have you done?-

That is the thought that goes through my mind whenever I see them now. What has possessed them to be so cruel? So ignorant... So... Murderous... Everywhere I look now, I see the dead. Rabbits, Deer, Fox, and even... Wolves. They are killing everything... I saw it... The lightning striking the ground, the rage of his voice in the wind.

"I will speak with the General about this. He will understand, he has a level head."

At least... That is what Huntress believes. I pray she is right and can convince them to stop. At this rate, the Humans would have left the Fields and Forests barren by late Spring. If they can be taught, then life can be renewed... If they cannot be taught... Then it comes down to what Huntress calls Barbaric Logic. Sykala is my Keeper, my God, and his Domain is a place I call home. How long until the very live the Humans take to survive... turns against them? They are foolish to believe what they do is a victim-less crime. They owe Sykala everything... Do not steal from him.

"If they cannot respect the gifts Sykala gives, then why should they even receive?"

This is our home... Sykala does not go into their Cage and lay waste at their feet. What gives them the right to practice their skills upon the live out here and leave it to rot mindlessly? They must be stopped, either by teaching or harsher means... The Forests must be protected... Sykala will not be disrespected.

Forest Father, I am yours. Guide me, mold me, teach me... You are who give life to us, nourish us, and give us a home. I thank you for your mercy and abundance. You are the one True Alpha.

Revelations

The first is done. Built, inspected, slept in...

"I am glad you like it... it's yours."

Yes, I gave her the first one built. She deserved to be here, she has placed an equal share of blood and sweat for it. Besides, I want her near... Giving her the construct wasn't just about seeing her pleased... I wanted her to stay.

I laid there, looking up at the smoke-flap above and it finally came to dawn on me. We were making this happen. Even now, she rests up against me... No, she is not my mate... She is a comrade and a dear one at that. In this land, I do not have my Tribe... I do not have my allies... I have Sykala and her. The only two I really need. But... What do the others mean to me?

Dark Hair... How I wished what he spoke of was false... But alas, the Red Wolf had fallen. Huntress was against going into the mountains to seek him out... Desperate to not have to tolerate those who had betrayed her...

"It is foolishness to go up there. If he has died, then it is a moot point to find him. His body will be returned to Sykala by the animals that eat him."

I know what she said was true... but something in me would not let it be. He had to be found... secured... and laid to rest...

"If it was you, would you want me to leave you there? Would you want me to not give it a second thought? I know... this is dangerous and yes... anyone could die. But I do not feel right leaving his body up there for the Dark One to feast upon. I have to find him."

Yes, low blow... I know it was. But in the end, it's not how they treated me... it's what I did to honor Sykala and treat them fairly. I'm not pack, I'm not Kin, I never claimed to be either... I am something different...

Who else have I encountered? Yes... the Seari... She called me 'Hay'. What can I say about her, I saw her just briefly. At first I had mistaken her as a Human... though she didn't act like one. At least not the Humans I have encountered. She is an oddity all in her own... Maybe I can examine her mind closer for better understanding...

Alas... There is Tiny Shay... She left. Huntress' heart goes out to her, but she understands why she left. You cannot ask anyone who's spirit has been broken to endure the mindless onslaught for the pleasure of seeing them. It's simply... not right. I only saw her once, but she was a good Human. Spooked easy, but after what both she and Huntress told me... I understand. Be safe, Tiny Shay... Come home to your sister... She will be waiting.

Veils Lifted and Time Thinned

Everything is set for the first to be built. Poles, Skins, Vines... The land surveyed and building finally beginning. Thankfully, Huntress gave me a hand... And she wonders why I love her so. She's valuable... Not just for what she can do... but she has also helped my mind. Things here are not as pleasing as one would think. The Humans still leave me confused. However, one has left me wondering what really lies underneath.

She is Tiny, bearing cubs. I met her along the beaches, trying my hardest to fight through the panic I feel when I try to consider entering the Stone Cage. Mentally, she seemed frail and even started to cry. That was more confusing than the Human with a spear that wonders around the fields. What is something I said? I do not think I will even begin to understand the Humans soon, perhaps it is best to just sit and watch for now.

Now, my time becomes thinned. Am I irritated, no... not at all. Huntress needs my help, I would not of offered if I wasn't sure I wanted to. She has done so much for me, the least I can do is pick up the slack as well. A gift received is a gift given. Taverns, Sisters, Former Pack, Sykala, Rangers ... Huntress cannot go on with such weight. She would soon become exhausted. I will help as much as I can.

What bothers me the most is the wolf I had to put down. I spooked her and she became aggressive. I didn't want to, I tried to guard her while she rested to regain her strength... but it did not end there and I was forced to put her down. At least... I was able to make it quick. Huntress tells me not to feel guilty, but am I wrong for feeling such? I am no Kin, and she was of Sykala. The least I could do, was return her to him and pray.

Surveying a New Home

"I must rebuild."

The Huntress seemed a bit skeptical by what I said, not fulling understanding... So I explained. My Tribe has fallen. In honor of them and for hope of survivors, I must rebuild our home, but where? I must keep them away from the Humans, that is a war in which no one will be the victor. The Humans are much different than us, take what they want and care not for what happens after. Selfishness has no place with my people.

"If water and game is what you need to supply your people, I know where to go."

The Huntress' words held promise and she took me deep through the fields and into a forest. It was perfect, tranquil, secluded... Sykala be praised. Thank you for such a blessing. There were streams, game, food for my people... and Sykala in the middle of it all.

"The land is fertile, wild, abundant... Thank you for showing me this, Huntress."

This place is beautiful. The Darkness subsiding, life flourishing... I will rebuild here... For my people.

Visions of Dispair Part 2

"Show me."

I wanted to see, but a part of me didn't want to watch my people fall. My vision began to blur, shifting back and the Village was now before me. Late Darkfall, snow still covers the grounds. It's quiet, too quiet. No birds, no deer, no snow rabbits. Nothing, but several paw size tracks in the snow. In the distance, I saw them, barbed wolf after barbed wolf. This was not random, this was organized, functional, Dozens of them surrounded the village and barring any form of escape.

"The Dark One..."

It's all I could say at what I saw leading them. The pack leader was massive, a monster of a creature. My gaze shifted to the One Eyed Wolf that stood beside me.

"This is why you sent me away?"

(Yes. I saw this coming.)

My attention turned to the village as the demons attacked, no one had a chance. Our warriors fell, hunters, then our families. Our Tribe was small, they could not handle such a mass. The sounds of cries, screams, the sobbing of our young, and the breaking of our homes. Before my eyes, I watched as my people fell.

"I could of helped them."

I could of... I could of fought for them, just as they would of fought for me. I could of thrown myself into the fray, made an opening for other to flee. I could of saved at least a few.

(You are helping them.)

Sykala's voice entered my mind once more and I couldn't help but stare at him. I am helping them? It did not make much sense at first. What did he mean? I had left for the mainland, and my tribe had fallen.

(Stay where you are. Rebuild. You will have the mate that is needed. Give her the honor and respect she deserves.)

"I understand, Forest Father. You Will shall be done... Thank you."

He was right.

Visions of Dispair Part 1

"I'm sorry, but my people come before me."

That is what I told her. I was returning to my Village. She took it well, at least on the surface... but I saw the shattering devastation it left behind her eyes. She wanted me to stay. I won't argue, I would of stayed... I wanted to. She was a blessing that Sykala had given me. But alas, I am not human and I understand that survival is not of one but of many.

I returned with her, to her tent, and spent what might of been my last night there with her.

"Lay next to me, Huntress."

A bold request, but not dishonorable. I had no intention of mating with her, not when I knew I was going to have to abandon her in the morning. How wrong I would be to take such advantage, and leave without even a 'maybe' in the means of returning. I just wanted her near. Sleep caught up to me quickly, but it was in that sleep that I heard his voice... Sykala's.

(There is no village to return to.)

I was confused, not sure what it exactly meant until my dreams led me to a clearing within the woods that bordered our Village. Before me... The One Eyed Wolf. He was massive for a canine, lean and built to destroy. Was this my God?

"Forest Father?"

Of course is was Sykala, why was I even questioning it. I could hear his thoughts in my mind, his whispers upon my ears. I begged he would show me... force his Will upon me and place me where ever it is he wishes. My attention shifted about the dreamed woods, everything was the same. The Rabbits, Foxes, Deer. But I did not understand what he meant...

(The Village is no more.)

His voice entered my mind again, and I couldn't help but stare. How could the Village be no more? It was prospering greatly when I left just a few weeks ago.

"I do not understand. What do you mean the Village is no more? It was doing well when I left..."

(I will show you.)

I began to follow him, noting the size of the tracks that the One Eyed Wolf left in his wake. This was not just any wolf, but from the size... a Dire Wolf. My dreams led me to my home, or at least what would of been... everything was destroyed and in this moment... I could not tell is I was going to break and fall into pain... or go berserk with barbaric blood.

"No... What... What has..."

I couldn't even finish my question, the shock of the sight left me speechless. Bodies, limbs, shattered braces for teepee's, everything was in ruin.

(Happened? The same as I predicted would. The demons overcame them.)

I stood beside the One Eyed Wolf, horrified by the sight and after a moment... was finally able to break my gaze from the onslaught. The Tribe... My Tribe... My People... were gone.

Relationships Made

We've come a long way in a short time, that is for sure. We went from casual conversation, to bitter truths, and now... Just enjoying the time we share. If there is one thing I have learned about her, it's how hard she is on herself. She feels as if the world could collapse if she didn't shed every ounce of blood and sweat in her body in the name of Sykala. How do you explain that blood isn't all there is to being a member of a pack? How do I get her to just... let her hair down so to speak?

When was the last time she went to the Den? All these questions, all the situations... and not a one of them is mine. Well, maybe they are mine as well. I watched her that night, the night I made her the deer jerky. She was happy. Happy just to sit down and talk about nothing at all. Idle chit chat. She had a different aura about her, one that signified that everything there is... is not what she wants to end with.

-I love you too...-

I only said it jokingly, but there was more truth to it than humor... She is right. If anything is the be built, cultures will have to be set aside. Can I say she is stronger than me? In a way... it's her fleet of foot that over powers me. I've seen her move, like a hurricane with a pointy shaft.

-I can still kick your ass from Milford to the Beaches and back!-

True, she could beat me... but then again, I could make a vial to put you down just the same. We both have our strengths. But is now truly the best time to think about a mate? Along with the Kin that returned, the three of us have laid waste to the Dark One's Presence in the fields and forests. Sykala Domain beginning to once again prosper with our assault. There is still more to do... Our Forces are growing stronger with morale... I can see Sykala moving through the fields.

May your fury course through our veins as the blood flees from theirs, Forest Father. Unite those of your heart and return your Domain to its former glory.

Decisions to be Made

-Would you join the Rangers?-

I wasn't quite sure what that meant exactly, glancing up at the Huntress. Her gaze seemed rather determined, as if it was more of what she wanted than anyone else. Or perhaps, a means of getting a better feel of each other.

-Think about it.-

I will admit, the reasoning the Huntress gave behind joining the Rangers was well supported. Human Authority would be with me, but I didn't even understand the Humans enough to think their authority mattered in my life right now. I have Sykala and my tribe. Sykala's leadership and my Culture. Maybe in time I will give her an affirmative answer but right now... I can't even understand their tongue.

Now, I have the wolves looking at me. Why I have drawn their attention is something that somewhat puzzles me. I'm only a Skrel'eth. Yes, my cultures and traditions range closely with theirs, but it's by Sykala that we even hold together. Everything and Everyone has a place and time.

-If it was offered, would you accept?-

I would. The offer would never be made unless it was from Sykala. I hunt for him, bleed for him, nurture for his own when they are hurt or dying. He is my Keeper and I those he sends to me. Such beautiful creatures, strong, fierce. The Dark One cannot stand a chance against them. Yes, I will accept it.

A wolf lead me to the mountains, showed me the might of Sykala's Fury. Impressive indeed, though the demonstration left them wounded. I took the hollowed skull and bone I carried out, mixing up a mottled green liquid to assist His Chosen. Within moments, they were healthy once more. Yes, Sykala. I will accept your path. Send me to them, I will help them.

A Gnashing of Thoughts

Humans, Languages, Comrades, Tribe, Sykala, Traditions, Cultures ...... So much to focus on and yet too little to spare. Everything seems to be falling in on itself, but where do I begin?

-Will you be returning to your Tribe or staying here?-

Good question, I have to admit. I know I do not belong here, I can't even understand the humans that inhabit this land. Though, as time progresses I feel Sykala's pull to keep me here. I can hear it in my ears, feel it coursing through my veins. Is this what he wants of me? To have me remain here, splinter a new tribe in these lands? But with that, one must have a mate by my traditions.

-Would you accept it?-

Yes, I would. I'll accept anything that Sykala places within my path. I know him, he wont place more than he knows I can bare. I just wish he didn't trust me so much.

And now, there is another that comes. A Human, one who knows my Comrade it seems... though my comrade claims little knowledge of them but enough to sit idly and visit. How does she do it? How can she sit in that stone cage and visit with humans? I do not understand why Humans like cages. The buildings look like nothing more than a spacious cell. Where is the wildlife, the brisk air, the grass... Where is Sykala?

Perhaps that is where I should begin... With Sykala. My tribe is always on my mind, but I would dishonor them if I did not place the Alpha first. Sykala and Tribe... Those are the most important. This is where I will begin.

Troubled Thoughts

It's been a few days since I felt the plague leave my body. My harch comrade giving me what looked to be an apple and simply telling me to take a bite. I had no idea it held the cure, I simply trusted her. With that, both our strengths are returning and the thoughts of my tribe's ritual falling far from reach.

"If we are to make anything of this, we have to put our cultures aside."

That is what she said to me. It is true, but can that really be? We both understand well that proceeding any other way would be impossible. Step away from our teachings and prosper, or latch onto our traditions for dear life and throw everything away? I'm not near strong enough, though as time goes by, my strengths are increasing daily; feeling the gift of the Gods present itself within my veins.

However, this is the least of anyone's worries. The fields have become littered by the Dark One's taint and each is having their head removed by my axe. -Sever the head and the body dies- How right you are, Shaman. How very right you are.

You have my arm, God of the Hunt. I shall pick up the slack where your chosen have become stretched thin. You have always saw me protected, now I shall do my best to protect them. But... Wars are stirring within. The Pack failing to come together, actions turning to betrayals and greed casting the pack into destruction. Do they not understand? It is not about each individual member, it's about all of them. First will become last and last shall become first. You have to sacrifice for each other in hopes of survival... I just wish the Pack could learn what it seems they have forgotten.

Sykala, Immortal Wolf, Master and God of the Hunt... I beseech thee. Bring something to reunite them before all is lost.