Nightmares, become reality.

[Tadie]

<sup>The forest awoke at night, came alive. Those that slept during the day rose out of their caves and dens to greet the night with eyes that shone in fluorescent colors, eerie against the black of the darkness.

To some creatures in this world, the time when the moon reigned in place of the sun was their daytime—their hours to roam and frolick and.. play.

There's been days I've fallen
And walked away the times I should have stayed.
I looked away, yeah looked away ... so far away -
and when you asked I said I'm not afraid.

In the middle of the forest lay the hidden City, secret, and yet known by all. It was not hidden, but yet a mystery to those who cared to ask about it in the city of Dreizhenstadt. None but the maestra herself could tell you exactly what lay within the boundaries of that territory.

At the moment, not yet an hour after the sun had set, the leader of this modest town lay within her chambers, captured in the realm of sleep, tormented by her dreams.

But now I can't hold it - hold it
Flash a frozen smile when it boils down inside.
No now I can't hold it - hold it
Just a little crack ...
And then the walls come tumblin' down

The flash of memories, pictures from a life she had never known played strobes across her mind, torturing her with thoughts and ideas which her waking mind had the power to suppress.

With a moan indicating pain, the woman turned onto her other side, pulling the covers tighter to tangle about her body and letting her amber and honey hair spill over the pillow. Her face was scrunched in concentration, trying to puzzle out the images that her mind caught, images which her eyes had never seen.

A slight sheen of sweat from exertion shone on her toned body, gleaming over light caramel skin as she sought to find a physical position comfortable enough that she would drift into a comatose sleep and cease to be plagued.

And I Feel It. It's my time don't try to steal it.
Feel it. Reach inside
Feel it. If you ask well I won't conceal it.
Feel it. I used to wonder but now I finally know ...

Though her room was built of stone bricks, thick enough to keep out the sounds made in her sleep as she tossed about, struggling with her mind, her subconscious sent forth her aura with a plea.

”Help me!” she cried, reaching for someone—anyone who could wake her and free her from this trap, this whirl of nightmares.

Papa said the sun it also rises.
But when I turn it's falling from the sky.
It slips away - yeah slips away So far away.
And leaves me staring only at the night.

And who would answer her? Who would save her, now that she had pushed everyone away?

Who would disobey her and come to her rescue, after she had so adamantly demanded in the past to be left alone with her own thoughts?—those self-same thoughts that sought to destroy her sanity, now.

No one was there.. no one cared.. and she buried her face in her pillow, willing the horrors to cease.

Watch the walls come tumblin' down ...</sup>

[Kev]

Seth stood at the window of his room looking quietly out onto the dark slashes of forest below. There was a knowing hunger in that gaze as his mind drifted into shadow, that primal force within him that was never silent, always restless. He closed his eyes briefly and sighed onto the pane. How good it would be to feel the grasses, the texture of earth and the pull of the moon in its pregnant state. He had denied such urges since setting foot in this place, and not even the forceful action of the pale orb had yet risen to it’s height.
He opened his eyes. Noise from outside world, faint and distant, interrupted the still air. It was the city that called with a voice, not a heart—it was what had brought him here after-all, away from his land and his kin. That lure of seeking places full of deeper shadows and threaded secrets.
Because there was more here, and as if to accentuate this point a cry that was felt and not heard (for this is one motion he knew well) wafted like a feather on a breeze. It was carried in no direction—like the omnipotent God no one acknowledged, it was merely there. Seth felt it, heard it, turned slightly towards it as if someone had been calling his name. And, just as naturally as the vibrant message was received, Seth felt its master’s aura laced within every wispy fiber of energy.
Although he followed no trail like the beast he may be, Seth turned away from the window and passed through his room within the Mistresses dwelling, escaping into the hallway that connected his room to a plethora of others. Even though he had not just arrived he still found himself meandering far too often and remembering far too little. This time, however, his steps were unfaltering as they led to her closed chamber door.
Curling his knuckles, he rapped gently against the heavy wood.

[Tadie]

<sup>Even in her sleep, Kaela could feel him, feel him approaching, his aura mingling with hers.

Now, when she needed someone to save her from herself, who would she trust more? He was loyal as any, and--she had to admit--was closer to her than most human friendships could reach. He was connected to her by their shared blood of the wolf. Different people from different places they may be, but in this one thing, they were the same.

Though she heard the sound of his request for entrance, she could not bring herself to speak and her hands gripped the sheets with white knuckles.

Why couldn't she cry out? What was wrong? She growled, but it was the sound of a wolf in pain, a predator warning away that which hunted it, using its last breath to confirm what a killer it was.

From the tossing and turning during this scenic nightmare, her hair was plastered to her forehead with sweat and her body was taut with tension. Only in the throws of a prophetic nightmare would something this powerful affect her. Only when it was a mystical matter would she be so deeply entranced.

She knew who he was, and that he could help her, but she could not call out, could not beckon him forth except with a small tendril of power, urging him to come into the room and wake her in any way that he could, just to end the flashes of horror behind her eyelids.</sup>

[Tadie]

<sup>OoC: Man.. that is poetry in itself!!!

*sniffle* ... Darn allergies. I swear it's the cottonwoods!

Well, I don't have time to really answer you now, but I promise that I'll reply later today. I have a doctor appointment today, but I will be back after that and think up a worthy response, okay?

Love and Peace!

Tadie</sup>

[Tadie]

<sup>OoC: It's not too kind if it's the truth...
And... I wish you was on IM more often.
I miss our... interesting chats.


BiC:

From the moment that his hand had brushed her cheek, she had not awakened, and yet, she was conscious. She calmed, breathing slowing to normal and fists releasing their grasp on the sheets. Her brow smoothed and she let out a sigh.

She reached for his power and drew it around her, borrowing it as a shield to thrust away the harmful magic that cause her to remain in the comatose state, plagued by images as she attempted sleep. She used him, and yet, it was an honour, a common sign of trust to believe in his abilities to help her so.

Navy irises met his own as she opened her eyes and smiled lightly. The moment that she realized where she was, that expression turned into a grimace and she turned her head slowly to watch him, cascade of honey and espresso curls twirling about her shoulders with the sheet clutched to her bosom, even if she did have the barest clothing on which would hide the important parts from sight.

"Seth.." she whispered, and yet it was a small release of tension, as if she was glad that he was here to help, to keep her safe in a way that only a trusted fellow lukoi could do.

The smile returned, and it was a grateful one. For a reason she could not explain, she felt... kind, wishing not to snap at him, or cry or shout.

Her hand hovered in air for a second, wavering in indecision, and then it settled on his own hand which he had placed inches from hers. She could tell that he resisted comforting her fully, and while she knew she would have attacked if he had, part of her was disappointed. Being seen as a leader, any emotion was weakness in her mind, and that included strong friendships, or even love. She could never have that--not if she intented to rule the animalic shape-shifters.

With a wry smile, she nodded, cheek rubbing on the mattress cover, for she had now kicked the pillow off in her recent struggle.

"Aye... bad dreams... but they seemed so real.. I do not understand."</sup>

[Tadie]

<sup>OoC:
Wow... I hate you.

How the heck am I supposed to reply to that? Nothing would be good enough!!

Dang... I'll come up with something.. I hope.. eventually.

I'll just... go cry and try writing something....
*sniffle*

Ugh... no.
I love you.. er.. your writing style and abilities.
You're awesome.

Oh.. and don't be sorry for it. It's not like you did it on purpose.. is it? *cries*

*shuffles off depressedly*</sup>

[Kev]

OOC: A writer is only as good as his muse...in this case, I'm only as good as those that inspire me ;p -L- You promote writing...so not only do you match it, but you surpass it to give me fuel.

But...thank you..I'll gloat in my ego now ;p

[Tadie]

<sup>OoC: Oh, come ON!
It even rhymes at the end!

BiC:

All it took was the sound of his voice and she was calm, taking in the scent and prescense of a fellow lukoi. That was all she needed to be comfortable, to realize that the world was fine and that such dreams could do nothing more than torment her mind.

She took in a deep breath and pushed herself into an upright position, pushing the sheet off and leaning against her one pillow. She could hear what he was saying, and it made sense. There was no real reason to be afraid, and so she smiled gratefully at him. Just having him there was enough to help her relax and be comfortable. It was unexplainable, the effect that his company could have, but she was able to look beyond the exterior, and see there in him a being so alike herself, one that she could trust with her secrets, and know that his own soul was now entertwined with hers. She could no more harm him than harm herself.

"Yes.. merely dreams.. though more likely the fault of the troubles you mention."

Her honeyed hair spilled over her face and with one hand, she gathered it and dropped it over her shoulder. He had asked, and she would tell him, would pour her most horrific visions into his mind, seek his guidance on this matter.

"I was... running, through the forest. Dodging trees and limbs, ducking under branches and leaping over a fallen log. I pass through a land with no trees. I feel a pain in my shoulder and I'm caught. Many hands hold me still and.. I start to fade and I cannot hear what the men say, though I can hear their voices, but I am slipping away, falling, and I cannot cry out.. cannot run for help. I am held down by my mind. And then.. the scene changes."

The words flowed from her mouth and she fiddled with a string from her shirt as she talked, but her eyes were unfocused, all of her concentration centered on her dream as she relived the terror of it.

"I am in a land of fog, and I cannot see anything in front of me. There is no forest.. no trees. The fog is dark and smothering, and I cannot move without seeing where I am going. And th-then.. I see.. a face, his eyes glaring at me. He knows! He will find me!"

She took his hand and held it tight, trembling with the power of the dream. It had seemed so real that now, as she recalled it, she was almost there, almost alone in that sea of clouds where the air smothered her. Her heart pounded, her breathing as shallow as if she were choking on the foul air.

Her eyes widened and she turned to face the loyal friend at her side.

"It cannot be a prophecy.. I do not want to die!"

Her lips turned white from how hard she pressed them together. Though she knew it was not real, it was so life-like that she could feel each sense as though it were truly happening, and she clung to Seth as though he were her lifeline.

No matter that she was not quite herself at the moment, and her expression was not one that displayed thoughts so soft, so calm, yet eloquent--she trusted him to keep her safe, including from herself.</sup>

[Kev]

"Oh.," He breathed, his eyes full of glossy concern in the soft light of the room. He rose from his knees through his paused response to place himself on the bed adjacent to her; the pliant mattress sighing lightly under his added weight. "They are but shadows. You who dwell in such should know them best." He replied, and not without a touch of good nature. Yet, when he saw that she should not be placated with simple words, his arms--thin yet strong--found themselves open to her, his form moving slightly to offer an embrace to her without hesitation.
And why should he not? Others may not have been moved to do so, but respect was not akin to fear. It was the former that even propelled him now--that, and yes, some adoration as well. Few things could be so simply expressed through a wordless gesture, and Seth sought to aide her with soundless comfort.
But what of her dreams? Were they just empty phantoms of a troubled mind? There was no way for him to be sure of his words, and there was a twist in his stomach at the horrid images Kaela had conjured. Only one thing passed through his mind, a hopeful wisp to ease her suffering. "I am here now.."
But the statement sounded weak to him, a fragment of what he truly meant. What followed next was his careful promise, a foundation laid.
" I would not let you be so alone, I would not let you die."

[Tadie]

<sup>It was not the fact that he had come her when she had reached for him that caused such a hope and a feeling of safety to well in her heart, though that was definitely a good enough reason for most.

It was also not the fact that he sat next to her and saught to comfort her with words or an embrace, though that might help any other chase away their nightmares.

When it came down to it, the reason that she slipped so easily into his arms and onto his lap, head leant against his chest as she closed her eyes and merely breathed in his scent, clinging to his shirt as though she would fall through the floor if she did not.. it was because she knew that she could trust him, that he would not take advantage of her situation for his own benefit and use her as so many others did.

At the moment, she knew that he would not use her and discard her. She had spent the longest time after meeting him pushing him away and closing herself off, but he had never betrayed her trust, never taken from her without giving oh, so much of himself, and she truly was grateful. So grateful, that she could not think of words to say to thank him for all he had done, but even as fear gripped her, she thought of him.

A small whimper escaped from betwixt her lips and she trembled as the images replayed in her mind.

And still, she heard his voice, heard his promise and the binding vow behind it.

"I would not let you be so alone.."

Since the day she had met him, she could not be lonely. Alone, perhaps, but now she knew that she only had to reach out to him and he would be there--and she now knew that what she had taken so long to figure out, her subconscious already knew. Even if her waking mind might not completely trust him, her soul did, and her beast did.

The wolf within her, though able to survive on its own, had found a like animal to run to in times of need. She sat on his lap, huddled against him, pondering this and wondering just what metaphysical reason there was that she was so comfortable..

..but the answer was so easy.

He was pack. He was her Beta.

He was home, no matter where they went, for she knew he would be there for her.</sup>

[Tadie]

<sup>Such a soft, simple caress worked magically to chase away her fears. Her pulse had slowed to a regular, calm beat and she turned her head to meet his gaze with eyes that gleamed with contentment that as of late only his company and peaceful presence could bring her.

”Let us not talk of the shadows,” she replied.
”There are enough of them in this world without allowing them to sneak out our words and escape from our mouths.”

Just like that, without anything more than his words of comfort and the feel of his arms around her, an unspoken promise to protect her, should the need arise. She was grateful, more than words could express, and yet the only way she knew to thank him was to give back that same quiet promise of strength.

She sat up straighter and her posture spoke of confidence, but she did not yet leave his lap. Even that small physical contact gave her peace and and she knew that she was being selfish, reluctant to relinquish that last link to her wolfish brethren. If he asked her, though, she would not think twice about sliding off of his lap, but until then, she enjoyed this rare moment.

She thought for a few seconds before she responded to his question. More than simply thinking, she seemed to be probing her mind, searching for an instance when she had come across a fellow bestial shape-shifter, trying to recall when she had last met a were.

”Aye,” she replied. ”There is aught ye can do for me.”

Her eyes narrowed to slits in concentration as she mentally organized her thoughts before she spoke again.

”What would ye say if I suggested that we offer… shelter to those other weres what cannot support themselves?”

At the moment, she could only sense the panic of being chased and the lust for meat of a lone werewolf who was on the hunt. Now that she was calmer and her shields had dropped slightly. She reached out to read that hunting wolf, her whiskey-coloured eyes dulling with a far away look.

”She needs me. They need us,” she corrected with a whisper, a crease forming between her brows, marring her peaceful expression of earlier.</sup>