Returned To Fight

[Felypsa]

oOc| I know, seriously...all this -drama-! Sheesh. I think I've been watching one too many romantic movies...even comedies get to me...[/color]

"What?" Istariel was truly surprised. To think, after all this, that Hawk was still insecure about being with her, just because of her status and species and appearance...hadn't she made her intentions clear? "I thought I deserved what I wanted," she began to say, but Hawk had already run away. "No, Hawk! Wait!" She began to follow him when she became aware of Ammolite's presence. She paused, staring at her friend. "Ammolite! You're up! Oh, I'm so grateful. I...how much have you seen? Oh, this is terrible. I'm afraid you've caught me at the wrong time. Poor Hawk is suffering from a low self-esteem...or so it appears...Ammolite, will you come with me to help cheer him up?" She put on a brave smile for all her babbling, though she really wanted to find Hawk on her own.[/color]

In response, Ammolite just stared at Istariel as if not believing she was there. "Bad time?" she repeated incredulously. "Istariel...I thought you were my friend...I thought Hawk was my friend...I can't believe it, but you...you just proved me wrong..." Tears were rising in her indigo eyes - indigo for loneliness. "I thought I had you at least...I thought I could trust somebody...I never thought...I never believed..." She could not speak anymore, unable to get any words past the lump in her throat. She, too, turned and ran away, although she had no idea where she was headed. She raced through the tunnels, taking any turn that came, purposefully getting herself lost. Why? Why can't I trust anyone without being hurt?[/color]

[Monkey Monk]

It was not long until Hawk found himself in his chambers. He looked about at the elegant arabian silk and magnificent trinkets he had collected from the childhood he barely remember. The warrior looked at all of this and sighed forlornly. He stood over the pool in the center of the room, looking down into the crystal clear waters. Tears poured forth from his eyes and into the water. The oils from the droplets could be seen in the once pure water. After a moment of gazing at his "hideous" face, the mascu could stand it no more. Slowly he looked away and walked over to the pile of furs. After laying down, Hawk did something he had not done since the day he had been kidnapped years ago. He let all the sorrows and hurtful events pour forth from him in deep sobs. The very sound of his cries of agony and sorrow were meledious, and yet chilling at the same time.

Zues let out a grunt as he was unexpectantly run into by Ammolite. He did his best to keep both of them from falling as he shook his head. The mascu had been exploring the tunnels which fascinated him so. He had been so lost in looking at a formation of crystals that the femme had snuck up upon him. Now, in the after math of their collision, he looked at her with concern. Slowly he backed up slightly, feeling as if she desired space. Those fierce yellow eyes of his seemed to soften slightly in a friendly manor as he spoke. "My my Ammolite. Why are you so distraught? We're all back in one piece and your father is still with us, thank the spirits for that. Yet you seem so...melancholy."

[Felypsa]

Istariel stared despairingly after Ammolite but did not follow her. Moments ago, I was standing by Hawk, and everything seemed perfect. Now, everything's fallen apart in just a few minutes. What's going on? She stood there, indecisive for a moment, then decided to seek out Hawk. She had a hunch she knew where he was going, and so followed the route there. It was not long before she came into the Hall of Defenders again, though this time she was not delayed by admiration of the artifacts and architecture. She hesitated on the threshold of his room, hearing deep sobs from within. She had never imagined him to be so distressed. "Hawk?" she called tentatively. "Hawk, please. May I come in? It's Istariel. I just want to...to..." To what? "Tell you that you're the handsomest wolf I have ever known. I know you'll disagree, but I can look beyond physical appearance. You may have scars, but that only bespeaks of your inner strength. Please...will you let me speak to you?"[/color]

Ammolite didn't see Zues coming, and was startled when she unexpectedly ran into him. "Oh, I'm so sorry!" She said, truly meaning it. But tears were coursing down her cheeks, and she couldn't stop them. When Zues mentioned her melancholia, she hiccuped and stared at the walls. "Oh, I should be happy, shouldn't I," she said sadly. "I have no right to be so...so stupidly unhappy." She sank against one of the tunnel's walls, her tears shining in the fungi glowlight. "I am so grateful my father is alive, and everyone else is alright. But...but...I feel like I've just lost three of my closest friends. One of them wasn't even my friend at all, and he's really dead, and the other two...I just..." She choked, but somehow managed to get the words out. "I just...feel like I can't trust anyone anymore..." She looked up at Zues, as if just realizing he was there. "Oh, listen to me babble on ridiculously. You hardly know me at all. Never mind me. I'll...I'll get over it." She made an effort to rise, but lost the energy and sank against the wall again.[/color]

[Monkey Monk]

At the sounding of Istariel's voice, the mascu ceased his sobbing. He felt a joyful feeling surge through his veins. Does she desire to be with me? Why else would she come after me? Unless..unless she just wants to be friends. Yet her words, they are so caring. Slowly the mascu rose his head to look at her softly. He whiped his tear stained faced into the soft furs he laid upon. The mascu let a smile pull at his lips as he gazed back up to her. He nodded to her request to join him in his home. Slowly he shifted on the plush bedding area so that she could join him on the softness if she so wished. After a moment he spoke out in a hoarse voice that still held the warm tone. "I-I am sorry for back there...it's just...I've never felt this way before..I don't know what to do Istariel..the last thing I want is for anyone to be enfuriated or hurt by my feelings..."

Zues watched as the femme began to let her sorrows flow forth. Innocently he stepped forth and whiped the tears from her eyes with the tip of his tail. Gently he nosed her chin so that she would look up. He gave for an infectous smile, hating to see anyone so upset. "There there. Some times we all need to babble on about what's on our minds." Slowly he sat before her, offering forth his friendship and comfort. "Now. Tell me what plagues your mind so. Who is it you should be happy for? And I am quite sure you have not lost any friends dear Ammolite. If anything, you have gained a few over these past few days. Why should you not be able to trust? Just because an evil soul seeking vengeance on your father used you in an attempt to get said revenge? Do not let that keep you down Ammolite. We all suffer evil acts upon us during our lifes. You can't let Spectre's actions upset you."

[Felypsa]

Istariel slowly came in when he allowed her to, and seated herself on the plush cushions. She listened to his defenses, and could not help but feel a thrill of emotion when he said he'd never felt this way about anyone before. Well, neither had she. But her face fell a little when he said he didn't want anyone hurt by his feelings...she decided now was not the time to mention Ammolite's own breakdown of sorts. She spoke to him, a smile in her voice and eyes. "Hawk. Don't be ridiculous. I understand your concerns, but...you must look at what matters most. You must do something for yourself, for once, without worrying about how it will affect others. I have fallen for you, and you for me. I do not 'deserve' anyone more than you. We belong together." So that was a little bold. Istariel didn't care if she was being overly assertive. She merely smiled at Hawk and touched her tails to his once again, clearly conveying affection.[/color]

Ammolite managed somehow to smile through her tears. "Zues, you are so kind," she murmured. "But...Spectre...I never viewed him as anything but a friend. He helped me, he liked me, I trusted him...and he destroyed that in me. I will try to get over it, but...it is just so hurtful to imagine that some people aren't what they appear at all." She paused a moment before going on. "And...Istariel and Hawk...I should be so happy for them. They are in love, Zues. In love! Imagine that. I just felt like...I didn't see it coming...and it's all so sudden, and they're both my good friends, I...feel like they should have told me something...I don't know. It doesn't make any sense. I don't understand." The poor, naive wolf couldn't even recognize her own feelings for what they were.[/color]

[Monkey Monk]

Hawk looked at her softly at the words she spoke. They may have been bold, but they spoke the truth. He felt her tails upon his and smiled softly. Slowly he again let his apendage curl about her multiple ones. The mascu shifted upon the furs so that he was close to her. It was true. He had fallen for this princess. And it was not due to her looks, or her rank, or her specie. She was so kind and affection. The mascu mused to himself how she appealed to his every need, every desire, and every sense. Softly he reached forth and let his cheek rub to her's. He was not uncertain this time in his affections. At that moment, he felt oddly complete. Almost as if his whole life he had been missing something. "You are right Istariel. I have fallen for you. All I desire at this moment is to be with you. Not just for these few minutes, or the next few days, or even a few seasons. No, I want to be with you for the rest of my life, if not the rest of eternity."

Zues could easily see into her emotions though. Gently he leaned forth and offered the comfort of the inside of his wing to her. He tried his best to soothe her with his words and touches. "Shhhh. Spectre was not a true friend to you. He wanted to use you. Anyone who wants to use you is not a friend. And I am sure that Hawk and Istariel were not certain about their feelings to one another. I am most positive that they would have said something to you when they were positive about their emotions. They are your friends. They would never intentionally hurt you Ammolite. I would have thought how fiercely they fought for you would show that.." He paused for a moment and looked at her with a friendly look. "You like him don't you? That's why you feel so betrayed isn't it?"

[Felypsa]

oOc| oh my god...this is both really happy and really sad at the same time...-squee-[/color]

Istariel moved closer to him, allowing herself to be surrounded by his warmth, rejoicing inwardly. Her eyes shone as she met his. Rose met gold. And as he spoke the words of his affection - no...his love - she could not help but feel a rush of emotion in return. She sat there, wrapped in his embrace and his words of love, overwhelmed by the rising tide of feelings from her heart. "Hawk, you know...you know that as long as I have a breath in my body, I will stay with you for as long as you desire. As long as we desire. I believe I have quite fallen in love with you." She pressed her face into his side and smiled into his golden fur. Yes. This is what I want. This is what I've always wanted. And now I have it. Like a dream solidifying...[/color]

Slowly, Ammolite calmed down and leaned against Zues's wing, her tears drying as she listened to his wise words. Spectre was not a true friend...yes, I know that now. But how I am supposed to know what a true friend is, if people are not who they seem at first? But she did not voice such a concern to Zues. Instead, she listened as he spoke of Istariel and Hawk. She deflated, knowing he was right. "You're right, Zues...I've been really stupid. Of course they're my friends. I just...I don't know what came over me..." At his question, she jerked her head up suddenly, her eyes wide. "Like him? Of course I do! He's such a good friend...oh..." She blinked, understanding the implication suddenly. "You mean...romantically? Oh, absolutely - " She was about to say "absolutely not," but she couldn't be sure of that. The realization dawned on her. It made sense. "Absolutely," she finished. "I guess it was obvious to everyone else but me...I just never felt that way about anybody before, so I didn't know and...well, I saw him and Istariel and..." She blushed hotly at the memory. "Oh, I've been such an idiot."[/color]

[Monkey Monk]

Hawk felt as if he was about to fall over from the intense joy and passion that ran through his body. The feeling of her face buried within his golden fur nearly made him melt. Gently he leaned his head so that it rested atop her own. His golden eyes shut softly as her sweet voice cascaded upon his ears. Come on Hawk. You can do this. The mascu was silent for some time, something obviously on his mind. He was trying to think of the right words to voice whatever it was that possessed his attention. Finally he spoke up, gently whispering into her ear. "I have fallen in love with you as well my dear Istariel..I wish to be with you forever. So...so all we have to do is make everything official." Slowly he bit his lower lip, not knowing if she could detect the question laced into his words.

Zues continued to offer her his comfort with the strokes of his wing tip and his soft voice. The young warrior smiled at her friendily and looked at her with those fierce, yellow eyes. "I know Hawk very well. He is like a brother to me. And I know that he is a good friend and would never intentionally upset or hurt anyone. I can not fathom how you feel to know that Hawk and Istariel are intimate with one another, but I assure you they did not do it out of spite for you. Remember, friends are sometimes the only things we have in thise world..." At that moment the Defender grew silent and somber. Yet this temperament was soon purged from him as he again let a smile pull across his lips. Slowly he took his wing from the femme, seeing that she no longer needed such contact.

OOC: I know! I'm both happy and sad at the same time. It's a weird feeling acually. Edit: I just said the same thing as you basicly.

[Felypsa]

Istariel was merely content to sit there, rejoicing to be so close with her beloved Hawk. And when he spoke, she could sense the query behind his words, and her heart nearly stopped with surprise and ecstasy. Oh, my...is he really...? She removed her face from his fur so that she could look deeply into his eyes. What she saw made her shudder with sheer bliss. I believe he just did, Istariel. "Hawk, you know...you know that my answer is yes. I am in control of my life, and I want this as much as you do. So yes. Yes. Definitely, always, completely, yes."[/color]

Ammolite took a deep breath as Zues removed his wing. "I know. You're right. They wouldn't. They wouldn't do this intentionally to hurt me. They couldn't have known. Even I didn't know!" She forced a laugh, but it was far from happy. "I love them both, I really do. I'm so glad to have them. I've got to be happy for them. I know it. They're probably really happy together, and I can't imagine a pair to go better than they. They deserve it, too. My two best friends, in love! Imagine...what if they mate? Hawk will be the prince of the cave-demons! How exciting!" She seemed to be getting some of her old enthusiasm and color back. It was impossible to know now if it was a facade, or if she was truly feeling happy for her friends' good fortune.[/color]

[Monkey Monk]

Hawk smiled at her lovingly before embracing her. His golden wings spread out before enveloping them both warmly. The magical fires that lit the room shone dully through his golden feathers. Gently those golden eyes of his looked down into her gaze. At that moment he felt as if he was lost to her will. His own pools of vision were liquidy and translucent, windows into his very soul. Slowly he leaned forth and kissed her lips as only a canine could. After the lover's embrace, he gently pressed his body to her own, glee and joy surging through him. She is so perfect. She is my love. My mate.

Zues looked at the femme oddly, quirking his brow as to her actions and words. Slowly he shifted in the spot upon which his haunches rested. Those fierce yellow eyes looked upon her as he let a friendly smile continue to pull at his black lips. "I am glad that you are happy for them. I know it would mean alot to the both of them to know you approve of their love. Yet for some reason I find it hard to consider Hawk any kind of authoritive figure." The mascu let loose a laugh of amusement. He entertained himself with thoughts of him bowing before the golden wolf in a most comical fashion.

[Felypsa]

Istariel fell into her lover's embrace, feeling ready to burst with a tide of ecstasy. His warmth spread through her and she could not stop smiling. When he kissed her, she felt as if she were in a dream, and everything thereafter took on a dreamlike quality, surreal and fantastic. She returned the kiss, which lasted like a blissful eternity. When it ended, she moved even closer to him, rejoicing in their togetherness. My love...my prince... She closed her eyes, surrendering to the wave of glee that engulfed her.[/color]

"Approve of their love! As if I wouldn't!" Ammolite beamed at Zues. "It's strange to get used to, but once you do, it's wonderful. As for Hawk as a prince...well..." She giggled at the image conjured up. "He'll get used to that, I'm sure. He probably won't have to do anything really princely; Istariel likes being in control. She's so...so..." Ammolite searched for the right word and finished with, "so regal."[/color]

[Monkey Monk]

Hawk was similar to her in the tidal wave of euphoria that washed over his soul and body. His own smiles was endless upon his lips, even during their kiss. Oh how strong and joyful he felt at that moment. Slowly those glowing, golden eyes of his slowly shut as his wings continued to hold her close to his lean chest. Tenderly he leaned forth and rubbed his cheek into her own. His tail curled tighter about her own multiple ones. After a moment he let his voice speak up softly, not directed to anyone in particular. "My Istariel..my princess...my mate." The very words sent him into shockwaves of love that possessed him with a most passionate of feelings.

Zues chuckled softly, seizing the opportunity to keep the mood of a light mood. Slowly his tail flicked beneath him as he closed his brilliant yellow eyes slowly. The black and red pelt of his moved fluidly across his figure with each and ever breath as he enjoyed the silence for a moment. A smile pulled at his lips slowly. "Still. Any decisions Hawk makes are bound to be comical at best. Spirits willing Istariel won't even let him think of being royal. Come to think of it, I doubt it will even dawn on Hawk that being her lover will make him such. Unless of course someone points this out to him."

[Felypsa]

Oh, desire. Istariel had never before felt this way. It was enough to carry her away into a fantasy world, enough to make her forget everything else around her. There was only this. Only love. Only Hawk. She heard his words as if they were spoken from far away, but they still carried the full passionate meaning of the lovers and sank into Istariel's heart as she rejoiced. This is what true delight is. "I am yours," she whispered in his ear, "and you are mine. We belong together, to one another. Forever." The last word made everything official and real, and she was enthralled by its finality. She repeated, "Forever," as it tasting the implications of the word, allowing herself to bask in its glory.[/color]

Truth be told, Ammolite did not really feel like sitting here in a tunnel making sport of Hawk. But it was all that could be done. She had to shove her deeper feelings aside for now and relax, have some fun, even if her heart wasn't really into it. "Let's not point it out to him," she said with gleeful mischief, "let him figure it out on his own, if he does. If I know Istariel, she will neglect to remind him. How fun!" She looked ponderous for a moment. "I wonder what the king and queen will think of him," she remarked. I wonder what they'll think of Istariel's decision. They let her rule her own life, but they always expected she would mate one of her subjects, a cave-demon. How great their surprise will be when they find that their son-in-law is a wolf![/color]

[Monkey Monk]

Hawk let loose a most joyous of sounds at her words. Even though he already knew what she stated, it made him feel complete to hear the words flow across her own beautiful lips. Slowly he sank down so that he was lieing upon the furs. He waited for his mate to do the same. When and if she did such an action, he would let his head rest upon the bedding beside her's. Gently he rubbed his cheek into her's as he let a most dreamy of sighs pass from his maw. For once he felt free. For once he felt complete. He wished for this bliss to last forever, and he knew as long as he had Istariel it would.

Zues chuckled lowly at the mentioning of the queen and king. "I would wager anything they will be shocked. For one, their daughter will have fallen for a male they have never even heard of. And another thing, he is not even of the same specie. Gah! Imagine the children. Come to think of it though, any spawn of their doing would turn out like you would they not? For your father is a demon and your mother was a wolf no? Just imagine a few fluffballs calling you aunty." Again the mascu let his chuckles pass his lips and echoe throughout the tunnel.

[Felypsa]

Istariel swooned in utter ecstasy, joining Hawk on the soft furs, full of warmth and heat and joy and lightness...her heart was as a feather sojourning through the limitless sky on a breath of wind...As she lay beside Hawk, she felt herself soar, though she had never seen the sky in all its glory. She was allergic to the sun, but she rejoiced in the warmth of being beside her lover and mate. She wanted this moment to never end...and it never would...oh, Hawk...she might have even murmured his name, such absolute bliss was hers. The line between reality and fantasy was blurred, and she could not tell if this were a dream or the truth. If it were dream, she never wanted to wake up. Ever. And so time passed while she was in this trancelike state, and she hardly noticed its passing. Time flew by, as her heart flew.[/color]

Ammolite gave a somewhat forced smile at Zues's musings. "They will be shocked at least, but I think overall they will not protest. They will see that Hawk is admirable and honest and that he possesses great integrity, and they will respect him for it. He is a good choice for Istariel...worthy of a princess..." Not someone like me. I'm just a friend, and that's all he'll see me as. But don't be so bitter or harsh, Ammolite. Be glad you have his friendship. Be glad he has found his happiness. And I am. Oh, I am. She chuckled a little as Zues mentioned their children, though the thought of such pups pained her. Yes, they'll be like me, only hopefully not like me. Hopefully they will have a father in their life, and a mother who does not die. Hopefully none of their souls will be stolen for vengeance against the parents. Ah, but she was pitying herself, and ceased immediately. Or tried to. "Yes, like me. Half-demon, half-wolf. And I turned out okay, right? Well, relatively. Except for my weird eyes. Still...'aunty', huh? Now that's an experience I've never had before."[/color]