Howl-n-Run [Sanct] [M]

Zero · March 04, 2019, 07:41:51 AM

Howland did his best to remain still when Niusha used his arm to steady herself. Instinct wanted him to wrap her back up in his arms protectively. At least she didn't recoil from him. He wished he could bathe with her; he wanted to run his hands all over her and gently soothe all her aches and worries away. The water was too cold to be soothing, and he doubted his touch would be all that soothing either. It was a painful thought, to not be pleasing to his mate.

All he could do was step back as she undressed. If he wanted to earn the right to be a source of warmth and love to his mate then he needed to give her space and let her decide to accept him. Earning that acceptance was his burden to bear; it was his most important trial.

Steeling his resolve, Howland managed to actually turn away from his mate. He had to focus on the things he could do to actually make her more comfortable. The water was very cold, and though his body and fur produced plenty of heat, his mate was unlikely to relish the thought of cuddling with him any further just yet. A fire would make her more comfortable, so he could build one for her to warm herself next to once she felt cleaner.

All while he busied himself with gathering up kindling and making a small fire pit, Howland found his stormy blue-grey eyes drawn back to watch his mate. She played with her hair a lot. It was a gorgeous mane that deserved a lot of attention.

Maybe she would like presents to decorate it with.

Howland had been capable of shifting back to his human form since he had pulled out of his mate, but had clung to the wolf-man form as a sort of buffer. His mate might react very differently to the man than she did to the wolf. When she asked him who he was it seemed like hiding was simply not really feasible any longer.

She deserved answers and to know who her mate was.

Transforming between forms was a smooth and swift process. Fur melted and faded away as his body became smaller, though still a large and well-muscled figure was cut in human form. He was still naked, but that was nothing to him. Animals didn't wear clothes, why should he be embarrassed or modest about his body? He always had a very nice one.

"My name is Howland. You're Niusha, and...did I hurt you badly? I never wanted to hurt you, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to." Well, he didn't mean to hurt her, but he had absolutely meant to mate her.

SanctifiedSavage · March 04, 2019, 08:45:50 AM

Niusha had grown up in the middle of a frozen plain. She knew cold water and could certainly tolerate when necessary. It wasn't like they'd always had the luxury of heated water all the time, certainly not for bathing in her family of three children and however many kittens they might be raising at the time.

So cold she could handle, in whatever doses she had to.

When she was certain her legs wouldn't just... give out on her once she actually went in the water. It was all about efficiency. Ensuring she was as clean as she wanted to be in the shortest amount of time. This gave her something else to focus on, something real, something to do. No reason to think about anything else besides how cold things were, how quick she needed to be.

Everything else would come with time, as she needed to deal with it.

Her pale, almost iridescent skin had some faint bruising but it could've been worse. She'd had worse from hunting trips and training bouts with the Izotz Katua that her family raised. All in all, as she took stock of herself, she was ok. Physically. Aching and sore, certainly in places she'd not been before, but she was ok.

Given his size, that could not have been the case if he hadn't been mindful about what he was doing. His strength alone would likely have broken bones, never mind how easily he'd bit into her shoulder.

Niusha could objectively recognize this. It was easier to sort through what had happened with a clinical, detached observation then try to think about what had personally happened to her. That... that was still not being processed fully. Not being exactly accepted, because she couldn't even get past the why of it, let alone... the rest.

It was after he'd started gathering wood for... a fire?... that the wolf that she knew melted into what appeared to be a human. Niusha climbed out of the water as he did, wrapping her arms around herself against the chill and looking him over as she might a suspect. Searching for similarities between him and the wolf he'd just been.

When he did speak, a lot of words tumbled out. A rush. It'd have been endearing were their situation not so somber and serious. When he reiterated that he hadn't wanted to hurt her, she nodded a little and turned her attention to the ground at her bare feet. "N-no. I'm fine." The stammer wasn't anything emotional, she was just cold. "Mostly c-confused, to be honest. I... I have n-no idea who you are or w-why this happened."

That was the heart of it. What was screaming around in her head. Why. What she wanted to know. Her gaze returned to him, waiting for some manner of explanation she hoped she could understand while she stood, shivering some. The cold mattered so little when compared to her question.

Zero · March 04, 2019, 11:34:21 AM

His mate was cold. Her being uncomfortable was unacceptable and a failure on his part to provide for her properly. That was his job. It was a sacred duty - doing it well was an honor, while doing it poorly was a disgrace. At least to those of his kind that still cared about such things, it was sacrilegious that some seemed to have forgotten the old ways or evolved differently. At least some of them still held to following the path Luna had laid for them since the dawn of their kind.

Howland kept focused on his task, while wincing at the way Niusha stuttered with chill. Watching what he was doing also kept him from having to look into her pretty pale eyes with his guilt and shame. She wanted answers and that was her right. It just didn't make it any easier. He wondered if she as really fine, as she claimed.

The friction method, spinning a stick rapidly against another with the right fuel, was the easiest and most likely to be successful.

"I am Howland Hart, second son of Mingan Hart, a werewolf, devotee of Luna the Moon Goddess, and currently a bit of a homeless drifter." He neglected to mention mate of Niusha, because that was a much harder conversation and questions galore awaited down that road.

Who was a much easier question than why.

The bits of kindling began to smoke and Howland careful fed that until enough of an ember existed to start putting slightly larger sticks on top. It was almost a soothing sound, the crackling of flame. Most animals were afraid of fire, even wolves did not like it, but the human in him found it comforting.

"Why this happened is both very simple and very complicated..." Howland signed and settled down to tend the fire, gesturing invitingly for her to sit close to the flames as well. On the other side of them, if that was what she preferred. "Please, you'll feel much better if you're warmer while we talk. I would hate for you to suffer more because of me. I promise I'll answer any questions you have as best as I can. It happened because you are my mate and, shamefully though it happens to us all and I could not help it, I lost control when I found you. I was completely overwhelmed with emotion and primal instincts."

SanctifiedSavage · March 04, 2019, 12:07:31 PM

Niusha knew how to make a fire, but to have him make one for her was a... nice... gesture. Especially considering both her state of dress and, well, their entire situation.

So she appreciated that.

She likewise moved toward the fire just as it started. Her fingers and toes in particular were cold. With no real good way to be near it and warm herself without further exposing herself, she crouched with her legs together and her hands outstretched, palms toward the fire.

To hear him explain it was... odd. It certainly explained his actions, why he'd done what he did, she wasn't entirely surely how she'd come to be his mate. What that really meant. So she let that sink in a moment before asking, "How'd... that happen? I've never met you before..." Of that, Niusha was certain.

Nevermind a tiny part of her was infinitely curious about what a werewolf was. He was the first she'd met, as far as she knew. There'd be time for that later, she supposed.

As her fingers warmed, she scooted a little closer. She had more clothes back in the village – where her Izotz was waiting for her return.

Zero · March 04, 2019, 01:24:07 PM

"If we had met before this would have happened then. For my kind, we know our mate immediately, and we are driven insane with the need to claim them. That bite will scar and signal to other males that you are mine. We don't choose who our mate will be; we just know when we catch their scent. I was running in the woods when your scent drifted to me and after that...Well I really stopped thinking rationally until I woke up after our...mating." Howland grimaced again. It was the truth. He couldn't reason with the wolf when it got like that, and it would not be refused its right to claim his mate.

"I really didn't want to hurt you. The wolf in me didn't want to hurt you either. We just became too excited to control ourselves. We can't love anyone like we love our mates, so we go a little crazy when we find them. My instincts to try to protect you demanded that I claim you so I could keep you safe. I know it probably sounds stupid after everything." It wasn't like he didn't know it sounded a bit like a lame excuse.

He had to hurt her so he could protect her. Even werewolves thought it was a bit much, but they couldn't control it. Howland didn't know why Luna made them go insane when they found their mate, but he still had to live with it.

SanctifiedSavage · March 04, 2019, 02:34:10 PM

It was a lot for Niusha to take in. Mate. Claim. Mating. Since that's what it had been. Or what he was calling it. Then there was the mention of love and crazy and instincts. It really was just a lot to process.

At a base level, she supposed it was a much more physical, visceral thing like a Resonance. What really concerned her in that regard, of course, was what could she do now? Tell him no? Walk off? Certainly not without clothes, not without her stuff back in the village, and not without Thaljia.

She chewed on her lower lip a moment before glancing up at him. "I see." It was the most she could say at that moment. What else was there?

With her fingers warmed, she combed through her hair and pulled it forward. It'd be wet for some time, though it helped to put it near the warmth of the fire.

After a moment, she started with, "How about I go...back for some clothes, then? I have my things, too..." Niusha glanced around. What was she going to do now? Just... stay there? With a werewolf she didn't know, who professed he was her mate now?

One thing at a time.

Zero · March 04, 2019, 04:48:16 PM

I see.

Howland kept his eyes lowered to the fire, unable to look up at the beauty sitting by the flames as she warmed herself and tried to dry her hair. It was impossible to read her. Niusha didn't seem interested in sharing much of what was on her mind, at least not yet. He couldn't blame her, but it certainly left him hanging in a state of uncertainty and dread.

He raised his head when she started talking about going back, for clothes and her belongings. Of course she wanted her things. Howland knew she would. It stood to reason she wanted to return to the village he had plucked her from and likely wanted to remain there – or move on to somewhere else.

She probably wanted to go somewhere far away from him.

"Of course, I will take you back to the village. This place is...when I took you I brought you here because I felt the need to provide you with shelter. I don't stay here; this was just somewhere I thought was safe while claiming you. It was very much a wolf brain decision. You're not my prisoner or my property. I know it doesn't make any sense, but I love you. I don't have a choice in that, but you aren't obligated to feel anything for me." She wasn't a wolf, if she was she would have felt the mating pull as strongly as he did and they would probably be making love again right now, and for several days. He didn't feel cheated out of having a wolf mate, but it did make everything much...heavier.

"Let me know when you're ready to go. I know your clothes are torn, but they might keep you modest at least. I'm very sorry about damaging them. I'll replace them, if you let me." He would do anything he could for her until she forced him to leave and never bother her again. It would kill him to lose her, but he couldn't force her to love him.

All he could do was try to earn her affection.

SanctifiedSavage · March 04, 2019, 09:45:05 PM

It really was a lot to take in. Niusha would've thought it a cruel joke if she didn't know better, but she did. He was serious. This entire thing was... He sounded earnest and desperate and afraid. Which was also laugable, given that he was the one who had run her down and carried her off.

Even so, it oddly soothed her to know that he wasn't lording it over her or the like. This all seemed messy to him, too, though Niusha wouldn't say he had it as bad as she. He'd not been the one bent over.

Her sharp, pale gaze studied him after he'd said he loved her though. Niusha wouldn't say that was impossible, because she knew better. Elves who had never met before could find their Resonance just from the first conversation. But he wasn't an elf. Which either meant this was all wrong and her entire future was going to be shit, or... Or it was harder to hear from him because he wasn't an elf.

Niusha, being a bit more open minded than another might, was willing to consider it. Consider. It was either that or call him a monster and walk away from this whole thing, and she knew... however she knew... that he wasn't a monster.

Which just left her more confused and frustrated, really. She should hate him. Should want to be as far from where she was as possible. Likely find someone to hunt him down for what he'd done... Except she didn't.

Niusha was upset. Sore and hurt, yes. But she wasn't murderously so. Not enough to involve anyone else. Not until she had some time to think about everything he was saying and really see how this... all of this... worked out.

He seemed earnest in what he was saying, which meant something to her. He wasn't trying to lie, and if there was any manner of truth to it all...

Then what?

Niusha eventually sighed and stood, now that she was dry, and moved to the tatters of her clothes. It would keep her modest, but anyone who looked at her would know something terrible had happened. It'd draw attention and, really, she didn't want any of that. So, instead, she returned to the fire and resumed her crouch. Without looking at him, she eventually said, "Maybe.. it'd be better if you... got me something of yours to wear back into town? I'd draw attention if I came back in something so torn, and in such a way..." As her words trailed off, Niusha looked up at him. Studying him a moment. Then, because she was curious, she asked, "Can you transform... whenever you want?"

Zero · March 05, 2019, 05:15:44 PM

Howland didn't consider how it might look for Niusha to return in tattered and dirty clothes, so was surprised when she mentioned it. He was also more than a little surprised she suggested wearing clothing that belonged to him. The idea of his mate wearing his clothes, even more surrounded by his scent, was giving him a heady sensation.

Of course it made sense when he considered it. She wouldn't want him to root around in her things to bring her fresh clothes. The only issue was he was as naked as she was. He had left his belongings behind during their mad dash into the forest too.

"My belongings were left behind at the village." He hesitated for a moment. "I can go get them and return to you here. You can dress in some of my spare clothing and then I will return you to the village safely."

That was provided that if he left to fetch his things that his mate was even still here. What if she tried to slip away while he was gone? It wasn't as if Howland would struggle to track her, but hunting her down yet again when she so clearly wanted to be away from him felt more than a little wrong. Niusha was not his possession, no matter how possessive and protective he felt towards her.

What if she was still here when he got back? She might insist that she leave by herself. He couldn't let her wander the forest alone, but he also couldn't force himself upon her.

Not again.

Maybe she would let him escort her back to the village and then would demand he leave her alone. The pain that lanced his chest at the thought was intense, but Howland pushed it aside. He would just have to worry about it if it came to that.

"Is that okay? Will you wait for me here with the fire?" At least she would be warm while he was gone if she didn't run away.

SanctifiedSavage · March 05, 2019, 05:46:09 PM

Niusha watched him while he formulated his answer. Struggling, it seemed, with a way to answer her. She figured he must have something somewhere, since she doubted he ran around everywhere naked. She naturally assumed he would have to go get whatever it was she might wear, and in all likelihood, dress himself at the same time. That would mean he would have to leave her.

In a way, Niusha was testing just how much of what he was saying before was true. She wasn't a prisoner, he wasn't trying to keep her against her will. She had absolutely no desire to run off into the woods, naked or otherwise dressed in tatters, so she fully planned on waiting for him. She just wanted to know if he would leave her alone.

It amused her, a tiny bit, that he seemed so concerned about being around her though. At least that was in keeping with what he said, provided it was because he cared about her and not because he was concerned she'd tattle to the villagers and they'd break out torches and pitch forks.

A small, humorless smile tugged at the corner of her lips when he asked her, just to make sure she'd wait. One of her hands continued to comb through her hair while she nodded. "Yes, I'll wait. I've no interest in running around the forest naked." Niusha might be able to navigate her way back to the village while he was gone... but she really didn't want to in her state of undress.

Honestly, there was likely no one in the village that would be able to do anything about a werewolf that wanted to get at her. Maybe her Thaljia, but she'd not risk her companion in that way either. Especially when he wasn't being aggressive. Thus far, he was... this all was confusing, and the only person he'd hurt was her. Niusha wouldn't unleash a werewolf on the village because he would want to get her back.

Zero · March 07, 2019, 05:48:01 PM

That made sense. Howland didn't much care about his state of dress, but humans were particular about what they called modesty, and it seemed his mate also did not like being naked around others. If she said that she would wait for him to return, then there really wasn't anything he could do except trust her word.

If she left his only option would be to find her. The wolf wouldn't let him not go after her. He had to make sure she was safe, even if she didn't understand why.

With his mind made up, although it had really been made up before he had even asked if she would wait, Howland nodded and stood from the fire. His body shifted again and he dropped to all fours in the form of the true wolf. A huge beast, his sable pelt was a bit coarse, but the undercoat was downy soft – not that she would know or want to find out. He gave his mate one last helpless look before darting off into the forest, back towards town.

Howland shifted back to human form when he approached the village. He went back to the place where his belongings were hidden and found that the pants he thought would be lost forever had been neatly folded nearby. The women from earlier must have put it there for him. It would have been a sweet gesture, if it didn't remind him that he'd been with two females shortly before finding his mate.

That was enough to make him angry and ashamed of himself. He had not waited to find her; he'd followed his baser urges and slept with any who were interested. She, on the other hand, seemed to never have been with another if her behavior was anything to go by.

Forcing such thoughts from his mind, Howland dressed hastily, even shoving on his boots, before gathering everything else up in his bag and jogging back to where he'd left his mate. He felt anxious that he had left her all alone out there in the forest. What if something came along that hurt her? It wasn't lost on him that something already had, but he didn't want to think about that.

A wave of relief coursed through him when the fire came back into sight. His gorgeous, pale as moonlight, mate was still there. She had waited for him. It didn't matter that she had done so only because she didn't want to wander about naked, he only cared that she had.

"I am a bit broader than you, so my clothes will be loose." Howland rummaged around in his pack and pulled out a spare shirt and breeches for his mate to put on and held them out to her.

SanctifiedSavage · March 08, 2019, 12:47:56 AM

So it seemed he shifted between various forms at will. It was something Niusha made note of. Not that she'd mistake him for some wild wolf. There was definitely an otherworldly intelligence in his eyes when he glanced back at her, over the fire, before darting off and into the forest.

Leaving her alone.

Niusha considered what her options would be, once he came back, while she babied the fire in his absence. She could just go home. Retrieve Thaljia and just... go back home. But that tasted and felt like some sort of defeat. No matter what had happened, she didn't feel like it was the end of her journey. Bruised and certainly violated, Niusha was oddly detached from the situation.

Perhaps it was still the shock of it all. That it hadn't really sunk in that a werewolf had come crashing into her life, hauled her off, and mated with her. Just like that. Her violet and blue eyes watched the fire, occasionally prodding it. Keeping it alive.

Niusha couldn't even imagine trying to explain to her opo or bibi how they'd met, who he was... Which meant she couldn't really go home. Not yet, anyway. An exasperated sigh hissed through her sharp teeth. Her brothers would likely try to kill him and... For whatever reason, Niusha didn't want that either.

Another thing that frustrated her. Something was off about him. Maybe he'd also put some sort of spell on her? She wouldn't have known if he had...

It felt like he returned in no time at all. Niusha heard him before she saw him, or just... knew it was him. Her gaze caught his over the fire and she stood, stretching, now that he was back. Cold but not overly concerned that she was naked. Maybe she should've been, all things considering, but he hadn't made a grab at her since all of it had happened... Maybe Niusha was stupid for feeling so confident.

"Thank you," she murmured when he offered the shirt and pants. They'd hang on her, but that'd be a vast improvement over something torn and tattered on her. With some manner of cloth on her, she was able to retain some warmth too. Having dressed quickly, she looked back to him before gesturing with one hand. "I guess... I'll follow you back?" Niusha held no reservations about trying to return on her own. He didn't seem too keen on leaving her alone.

That should bother her.

Zero · March 10, 2019, 04:56:36 AM

While Niusha dressed, Howland busied himself with putting out the fire using dirt. It didn't smoke like it would if he tried to douse the flames with water, and soon the embers were covered in rich, moist soil so they wouldn't be in danger of starting an out of control blaze. The last thing the werewolf wanted was the guilt of a forest fire resting on his shoulders. He had enough damage to fix already.

"If you know the way back then I can follow you, or we could walk together. I just want to make sure you're safe." He didn't expect her to believe him or trust him. Not after what he had done.

Howland shrugged his shoulders and started walking back the way he had come, towards the village he had stolen his mate from. She would want her things and the cat he smelled on her clothes. The wolf crinkled his nose at that. Why did his mate have to have a bloody cat? Well, she probably loved the creature, so he'd just have to learn to live with it. He hoped this misadventure hadn't caused the damned thing any harm. The cat probably missed its mistress, though they hadn't been gone long enough for the animal to starve or anything.

It was most likely fine.

"When we get back to the village..." It was an easy sentence to start, but not so easy to finish because Howland had no idea what they would or should do when they reached the village. There was a very angry man somewhere in the town that was unlikely to be pleased to see him again, and his own mate had every right not to want to see him either. "I just want you to be safe. It would kill me if anything happened to you."

Safe and happy, what more could a wolf want for his mate?

SanctifiedSavage · March 10, 2019, 01:48:37 PM

Niusha couldn't help but quirk a brow at his response. Again, wanting to make sure she was safe. Were there monsters about? Something she should be worried over? Or was he just... paranoid? Rather than press the issue, she shrugged a shoulder and made her way out of the cave. He could walk where he wanted. Niusha wasn't petty enough to demand he walk behind her, even with everything that had happened. Realistically, she couldn't command him at all. The werewolf had proven he was quite strong.

Her attention shifted back to him when he started again, about the village. When we get back... Niusha didn't plan on saying anything to anyone. She had no friends there and had already decided, while he was gone, that involving them seemed cruel and unnecessary. So, before he could get any ideas or work himself up, Niusha clarified, "I just want to collect my things and we can go." It was said matter-of-factly, not like she was desperate or terrified.

It was just the thing they should do. In and out, as quick as she could be, so she didn't have to explain... Well, anything. Her state of dress, her new companion, why she was suddenly leaving when she'd paid for an extended stay... Any of it. Niusha didn't want to have to say anything to anyone.

The rest of the walk went swiftly, but quietly. She had a lot to think about, to piece together, and while she didn't object to his presence near her – for whatever reason – neither did she want to say anything to him while she was still sorting through her own thoughts.

Getting to the quiet, peaceful village actually made her chest hurt. It seemed so peaceful and quaint, but now it was... Well, now she had to leave it. For once, Niusha was relieved she was a stranger and hadn't made any real friends thus far. While she certainly received a couple odd looks, it wasn't any different than the other odd looks she'd received before.

The owner of the inn she was staying in wasn't around, likely taking care of personal matters since it was a quiet place and they didn't expect to be needed then, so she walked to her room and opened the door. Thaljia was curled on the bed, where she'd left the giant Izotz katua. She was fully grown, and dominated the single bed. Her large head lifted, catching sight of Niusha, before furred ears pressed back against her skull and a low, rumbling growl emanated from her chest.

Then, Niusha hesitated before entering her room, alone, to gather her things. She could introduce Thaljia to her new... companion... outside. Rather than the cramped space where the Izotz would likely feel trapped and lash out. Since she didn't have much to collect, it didn't take her long before she left her room with Thaljia collared, muzzles, and leashed.

This was going to be interesting....

Zero · March 15, 2019, 11:28:12 AM

We can go.

The words kind of bounced around inside Howland's head for the rest of the walk. He was too scared to question her, instead brooding silently as he walked as close to his mate as he felt confident doing so. It felt like walking on eggshells around her, except she didn't seem to realize he was painfully treading broken glass.

Niusha was going to leave the place she had been staying. Howland knew it was entirely his fault. He wished he knew what was going through her mind, but again, couldn't find the courage to actually open his mouth and ask. Why would she agree to go with him? Did she not want to stay at the village any longer? Of course she was leaving because of him.

But why?

A possible answer did flicker through his mind, and it made his heart clinch. He was a werewolf, he had clearly claimed her, against her will, and she probably worried what he might do if she wanted to remain where she was. She probably thought him terribly violent and uncontrollable.

Howland couldn't blame her, after his behavior, but it still hurt to think that his mate might hate and fear him.

When they reached the village she didn't demand he stay behind or to leave her alone, so he felt compelled to continue following her. At least until they reached the inn. Howland didn't follow her inside. He felt far too restless and distressed to want to enter human dwellings just then. His wolf wanted out again, especially when his mate left his sight. It was ridiculous and he told the wolf warring inside himself that much. Their mate was just inside getting their things. She was safe and had not rejected them.

Yet.

All he could do was wait outside for Niusha to reappear with her things.

SanctifiedSavage · March 19, 2019, 10:48:07 AM

The large cat could tell something was off, either because of how Niusha was behaving or the scent of wolf all over her. Either way, Thaljia walked down and out of the building next to Niusha with her ears back and body tense. The Izotz were quite protective of those they perceived to be in their 'pack', their family, and Niusha was certainly that.

Getting outside with Thaljia was easy. The Izotz wanted to be with her and was already trained to be led on a leash. That was part of bringing them around other people not part of the family.

Seeing Howland waiting for her made Niusha pause, her pack slung over her shoulder, but she didn't stop to explain. Or even have Thaljia greet him there, in the small street. Best to get out of town. That way, if something did happen... Well, there was no need for something to happen in the small village. The fewer people involved in the whole affair, she felt, the better.

Since the village was so small, leaving it was easy. She picked her way through the same path she had earlier that day, to where Howland had scooped her up to begin with. Her sketchbook had been left behind in the... rush of everything... and she didn't want to leave it behind. That also put them comfortably outside of town by the time she crouched to pick it up. Without looking at him, with Thaljia having never left her side, she said, "This is Thaljia. I've raised her since she was a kitten."

Then, straightening with her sketchbook, Niusha looked at him and tried a small smile. "It will likely take her some time to get used to you, but... If you'll give me your hand?"

The entire walk, Thaljia had been ignoring him as a Izotz ignored anyone. That is, head straight ahead, tail twitching, and ears back. Fully aware he was there but not looking at him. Now that Niusha was interacting with him, though, the ice blue gaze of the large feline met his and regarded him as one predator might another. He might appear human, but to the Izotz he reeked of wolf – so he was a wolf. That didn't naturally make the Izotz hate him, it just meant he was not a neutral, two legged creature. He was a predator too. Something to be watched.

Zero · April 01, 2019, 10:04:41 AM

A wave of relief washed over Howland when Niusha reappeared from inside the inn. Part of him had been irrationally afraid that she would simply hole up in her room and refuse to come back out in an attempt to dissuade him. It wouldn't have really worked, and his mate probably wouldn't assume that it would after everything else that had happened between them so far. She was still being unnervingly calm and reasonable about everything.

Despite his pleasure at her not trying to reject him thus far, it also made him a bit wary and suspicious.

There was also the fact that she had a giant leopard with her now, and animal he shied away from as it appeared. He wasn't afraid of the cat. The werewolf was quite sure the beast was no match for him if it attacked him, but he wanted to avoid fighting with the other predator if at all possible. His mate would be upset with him if he harmed her pet.

Howland wordlessly followed Niusha as she lead him out of the village, back to the clearing that he had snatched her from only hours ago. He watched her pick up a book, completely unaware that she'd dropped it before. There had been only one thing on his mind at the time, so he wasn't surprised that he hadn't noticed it before. All the while they were walking he had kept his head down, only giving uneasy glances towards the large cat that seemed content to ignore him.

Now he brought his head up as his mate finally spoke to him. He wasn't sure he understood her correctly. She wanted the beast to get used to him? Did she really want him to give her his hand?

Hesitantly Howland stepped forward, being slow and non-threatening as he extended his hand towards his mate; it would suck if the cat tried to lash out at him now. "Are you sure you want her to get used to me? I thought that you would..."

He trailed off and cast his eyes down. "I thought you would want to be rid of me as quickly as possible."

SanctifiedSavage · April 01, 2019, 11:18:31 AM

He was right, of course. She should make attempts to get away from him. Part of her knew that, but this entire time she'd just been... coming up with reasons not to. Keep the villagers safe, he'd just find her anyway, she hadn't wanted to leave her things. All sounds reasons, in her opinion, but it smacked of excuses not to do something. A desperate person wouldn't have cared about any of that. Given how they'd met... She should be a desperate person.

But she wasn't. Niusha wasn't... happy. She ached, there were bruises along her pale skin, and there was a sense of indignation at having been snatched up, but it was muted. Like having a spat with her brother – it wasn't serious agitation, just... There. Something that'd go away with time, something that she could shrug off.

That didn't particularly make sense to her either, but she wasn't in a hurry to send him away. No matter the excuse or reason.

She just didn't... know... why.

Niusha shifted her weight and looked just about anywhere but Howland. "I... At first, I was just trying not to think about it. And maybe that's still it? Some shock. Not really processing what's happening... But... I don't think... you're... dangerous." It was hard for her to get out. Not because she didn't actually believe it, but because it sounded... silly... saying it aloud given how they'd met. She should think him dangerous.

Niusha should think him a monster.

At that, she frowned a little. "I... I don't really have a good answer." At least that was honest. At that, she looked up at him. Searching his expression for any trace of something violent or dangerous. He just looked... put out. Sad. So she took his hand and gingerly pulled him forward. No matter the reason, she didn't want Thaljia trying to maul him, or them getting into a fight while she was sorting things out.

The Izotz perked up some when she was presented with Howland's hand. A proper introduction, showing her that he was fine. Letting her take his scent as something to be known, and not something that was just around. After a moment, Thaljia rubbed her nose along both Niusha's and Howland's hands before she laid down where she'd been sitting. Calm acceptance, which made Niusha smile.

Zero · April 05, 2019, 02:33:29 PM

Howland kept his eyes down for the most part, but he couldn't stop sneaking furtive glances at his mate, still absolutely enchanted by how ethereally beautiful she was. That's how he could tell she was trying very hard not to look at him. Niusha seemed happy to dart her eyes to the ground, to the trees, the grass, the cat, but not him, and that made his chest clench painfully. It would take time for him to earn the right to her trust, but he still hated that she was so uncomfortable with him. Her words were so hesitantly spoken, as if she wasn't even sure how to say them.

Of course his eyebrows shot up a little, and that heaviness in his chest eased just slightly. His mate didn't think he was dangerous? Howland felt the smallest glimmer of hope swell in him that perhaps he hadn't completely destroyed his chances with the gorgeous elf standing so close to him. She sounded so confused; it pained him because he wanted so badly to reassure her and knew that he really couldn't.

His heart stuttered and skipped a beat when Niusha finally looked up at him. Moon Goddess, but he could get lost in those eyes. Howland's breath hitched when she did take his hand. He didn't even care that it was to introduce him to a damn cat. She was touching him, willingly, and he relished the feel.

Howland wasn't sure how he felt about the giant feline rubbing her nose against his hand, but honestly it was hard to think about it when Niusha's warm hand was still against his. He watched Thaljia lay down seeming completely at ease, despite what he was. Did that mean the cat was okay with him? He wasn't sure if he was really okay with the feline, but anything that made his mate smile like that couldn't be too bad.

"Does that mean she's okay with me?" He asked, looking down at Thaljia and tilting his head curiously.

SanctifiedSavage · April 05, 2019, 11:41:31 PM

Niusha wasn't aware she was still holding his hand, but she nodded. A ghost of the smile still remained. "Yes. It seems even though you're... sometimes a big wolf... she doesn't mind you." It was only when she looked at her hand holding his did she release it.

She sighed a little and looked around. "If we can't stay in the village... and I'd rather not stay in the cave... do you have somewhere we can go?"

Niusha should suggest she just go home. Would he even let her? Trek all the way north and into the cold? What would she even say if they did? Thoughts for another time, she supposed. If she could get through... well. This. Whatever this was. She didn't particularly want to sleep on the ground while dealing with all this. In fact, a nice good, deep sleep would be wonderful...

Some place warm. And if he didn't have an idea, well, they could always go to a different town that didn't have any idea of who they were and start over there. All of it seemed like a lot of unknowns, and putting quite a bit of trust and time with him, but the alternatives were... things that weren't going to happen.