Burning in Memories long ago [PRP; NB, Me]

[archer]

Prison gates won't up for me, on these hands and kness I'm crawling

The female looked around, the scent spiking burning pains in her head. She knew it and she knew who it belonged to, but why was he here? What did he want here, in Arnlan? All the questions seemed to have lost their value since she had arrived here. Cota was certain that this was her son's trail, her little boy was alive! With that, she managed to keep going and had finally caught up to him. The images of the little pup crying over her dead form wiggled into her mind and she unable to think about anything but Archer. A smile was on her face, and it was inviting friendly; however, she was worried how her son might take to her. It had been too long, too many years had it been since that day Sallin had attacked her and brought her to death's door. She had survived, and still was loving and kind.

Oh I reached for you, I am terrified of these four walls

Cota looked around, and whether it be instinct or some other need, she knew that her son was close, but where? She walked slowly, her mind reeling and her fears uncertain. The mother took a left, and there was a log, fallen and rotted, but covered in Archer's scent. He had been this way. With a resolve like steel and a hoepful heart, she pranced over to it.

These iron bars can't hold me soul, I scream for you,

"Archer? My son?"[/color] Her voice shook as she questioned the air on whether or not here little wolf was near. Though not little, he was her son and she loved him more than she had ever cared to admit, although, her words her unconsciuos, the fear upon her lips, the words only a whisper. "Do you still feel the compassion only I gave you, or have you forgotten, my son?'

Meanwhile, Archer was walking, walking in circles. Something was nagging him. What was it, he did wondered. There was a weird need to turn around. His feet stopped as a distantly familar scent flowed through the wind to him. His hackled raised as he almost instantly comprehended it? It couldn't be, she was dead, right? Out of nothing more than sheer desire to know, he turned on his heels and ran toward the source. His mind was moving faster and faster, his feet moving quickly over the earth.

Show me what it's like to be the last one standing, teach me wrong from right

He saw a figure in the distance, her black coat almost like hers He shook his head and then stopped, the scent hitting him like high school textbooks. The heavy weight of realization was overwhelming and he was frozen stiff, his voice crackling and his throat dry. "Mom?"[/color] He didn't dare move, for fear it was a dream. He even held his breath, his chest aching for the air that it could not find, the need sucked dry from his lungs. He was shocked into shock

[archer]

[bump]

[nightblood]

Crowded streets are cleared away... One by one
Hollow heroes separate... As they run

An icey sliver of the moon shone through the darkness. Arnlan, as always, seemed deserted as rain clouds rolled in. On this night, it seemed that the only two awake were uncomfortably separated.

You're so cold
Keep your hand in mine

From the cold comfort of her cave, NightBlood had slowly drifted into the confines of her mind. She lay in a twisted sphinx-stlye, her forelegs stretched out before her in a slight oval, her paws turned onto their sides and not touching. The Sentry had been looking at the bare rock floor before her as though it might vanish if she moved.

Wise men wonder while strong men die

She was seemingly trapped within her own mind, having another dispute with herself. Although, since her mind had broken free from the trained agression of Draviria, the fights were less violent. Night was faintly considering the one thing that she had barred herself from even thinking she could possibly do, and that one thought sent doubt raging through her mind as if it were a mad grizzly.

Show me how it ends, It's alright
Show me how defenseless you really are

-I can't! I've taken too many lives! How the Hell am I supposed to give it!?-
-Barely KNOW Archer! And I'm thinking of WHAT?!-
-The Hell happened to 'Women don't HAVE to be Homemakers'?!-
-Fighter: Yes, Lover: Sure, but MOTHER?!-
-Don't even LIKE the whining brats...!-

Satisfied and empty inside

Blood cringed at the truth that barreled over her. It was yet other thing she had not allowed herself the right to even think about. She had broken her vow never to love outside her own family. What would BrokeBone, her father, say? Well, she knew that: 'DISHONOR! TRAITOR! FILTH!'

Well that's alright
Let's give this another try

But what would BayRun, her mother, say? Blood wished for an answer, but only the vaguest of sorts came. RogueBane, her uncle and BayRun's brother, had told her on one occasion, that his sister was the kindest being in Draviria. And with that, she was the strongest in mind, for she had broken away from the trained mind of a fighter in an early age. That was all that could be revieled before Night had to get back to her own training.

So what would BayRun have said?

As she pondered the question, a gust of wind rolled into the cave. On it was the sweet scent of Archer, her ebony love. She inhaled it deeply as she turned her head and gazed upon the empty floor to the right of her where it seemed that just a few moments ago, her mate had been dreaming. She allowed herself to sigh, but not to whine for him. In the coming years, there would be times when they would be apart longer than this, and though she hated that knowledge, she would have come to accept it.

If you find your family
Don't you cry

It wasn't long before NightBlood's nose picked up another scent. This one was much like Archer's, but she knew it as female. Curious... perhaps a sister or cousin? ShadeBlood shared her own scent... Perhaps one of Archer's relatives had tracked him here.

In this land of make believe
Dead and dry

The prospect intrigued the black-and-tan female. As she stood up, NightBlood cast another glance around her: nothing but empty shadows, as much of Arnlan was. Another thought came to mind: perhaps with this new arival, she would learn more about Archer. With this new consept, she took a slight leap forward and trotted out of the cave.

You're so cold
but you feel alive

It was a new habit, letting her mind wander while she was alone in the darkness. Blood soon began to see how selfish she had been. Ears pulled back at the realization. As she learned more of Archer's past, Archer would want to know more about her own. No matter. No secrets were to be kept between mates, but knowledge would come in due time. For now, they would enjoy eachother's company.

Lay your hand on me
One last time

Blood found her love near the border, about a half mile inside Arnlan. She gave a smile in greeting, though she knew he might not be able to see her yet. She stopped a few meters away, taking in the sight. The pair seemed to be mirrors of eachother. Yes, deffinatly related in some way... but what was this strange twist upon the female's scent? Something conecting her to Archer, surely.

Show me how it ends, It's alright
Show me how defenseless you really are
Satisfied and empty inside

NightBlood sat down where she stopped. She was not so tactless as to come barging in to this meeting. She would approch only if obviously sighted by the female or if called to by Archer. Until then, she would watch.

Well that's alright
Let's give this another try

[archer]

Brown eyes meet, a shadow of memory looming in the air like a stormy clouds to filled with rain to withstand the burden, breaking apart like a storm, the air creaking with the scent of another. Archer stood still, his eyes set on the female he had not seen since those years so long ago. Was she a ghost, as he had heard haunted the cemetary on the border? Well, he guessed it had to be true. His own senses could not have lied to him and her stood the only mother he had ever known, somehow returned to him. It was too good to be true, right?

Cota remained still, frightened into a frozen state. Her nerves felt raw, as if they had be burned from the inside out. She felt two things: firstly, happiness. It bloomed through her as a flower after a storm. Second, hesitation. How could she be certain that this was indeed her elder child and not an Arnlan spy? Though, this male seemed shocked to move and his breathing not to be heard. Both were silenced by the shock of seeing one another once more. She smiled kindly, taking a step forward. How was she to find out if this was her son or not if she did not dare the risk? It was something she had to do and would find nessicary. "Archer, do you know who I am?" Her brow was creased in concern, seeing the still healing injuries.

Archer heard the soft footfalls of a wolf about his size. He knew almost immediately as the scent washed over him, his tail subconsciuosly moving on its own accord, wagging a faint greeting to her. Then, Cota spoke directly to him, using his taken name. How she would not if she was not his mother, he could not have guessed. Her tone, a slight italian undertone, almost like the bass of a drum in music. It was soft and welcoming, yet he was not sure. Slowly, nodded, then sat on his rump, giving Nightblood permission to enter with a soft bark.

She watched him, her eyes mocked his in color, but they seemed sad. Had he forgotten her, she wondered. It made her want to cry out as the possiblility slipped into her mind. As he nodded, deftly, she nodded again, the silent language of fear. "I am someone from your past, someone you needed, someone you thought dead." She grew in volume, until the end of her words, pausing for only a moment. "your mother, Comatose, or Cota"

Archer gasped, springing to his feet and then backing away. His mind was turning, grasping that this was who he had thought it to be, but in all his time as an wolf, he had never seen the dead rise. Though for now, her very prescene be it ghost or real, would be enough. The male let out a low rumbling growl, but ceased as she snarled, her tone threatening, but motherly. "Archer! Show me respect." Her control over him was amazing, as he instantly relaxed, but was growling softly.

Cota stepped forward, closing the gap between them. Archer could only watch on in silence as she moved forward. His mouth formed words, yet they escaped him grasp. When loving paws reached around him and pulled him into a hug, Archer gasped, but out of surprise this time. He struggled against her touch, unsure, but as soon as she spoke as he had done, addressing him by the name only she had for him. "Arrow,shhh" It was a friendly wrap to the brain, causing memories to seize his thoughts. He pinned his face to her , bringing his own paws up, so happy to see her again, to know she was real.

"There is someone I want you to met. Nightblood, come here please."

[nightblood]

NightBlood lowered her head and stood up at the sound of Archer's bark. She took a step forward, but stopped, not wanting to look too eager to intrude. She was curious, yes, but not clingy... at least... she didn't think she was.

"I am someone from your past, someone you needed, someone you thought dead." She grew in volume, until the end of her words, pausing for only a moment. "your mother, Comatose, or Cota"

No... Archer had told her she was dead! But even he seemed surprised. Understanding enveloped her mind. When she had first been attacked by a rogue and lost the sight in her eyes, NightBlood had fallen from the blood loss. The loner had left her for dead, only to be thoroughly amazed and horrified upon her return to finish the fight.

Blood reveled in the memory.

-Good times, good times...- she told herself with a grin.

Night returned her attention to the situation at hand. Archer was now growling at his own mother, obviously mistaking her for a ghost. She did not blame him. Hell, she had thought the same when ShadeBlood first arrived.

"Archer! Show me respect."

Her son was instantly obedient, but Night could still hear his softer, more suspisious and warry growls. She smiled as Cota approched him, secretly invisioning herself in Archer's place, wishing to be confronted by her own mother. Then, a new consept. She saw herself in Cota's place, interacting with her own son or daughter.

Ears lowered and pressed back against her skull. Sitting down as the two embraced, Night gave a sigh, knowing that niether of her visions could possibly come true... not for her.

"Arrow, shhh..."

At that, NightBlood turned her head away, not wanting to be tempted to look upon the mother and son, to fearful of the things that could never be. But her avoidance was not to last.

"There is someone I want you to met. Nightblood, come here please."

She stood up once more, as obedient as he had been a moment ago. Keeping her head down, she lumbered slowly forward. Night looked upon them from a distance as one ashamed, not worthy to look at the pair. However, as she came closer to them, she managed a friendly smile, surprised at how fast it grew into a joyful grin. She was happy for Archer, and in her own time of sadness, it was enough to cheer herself up.

Again, not wanting to come between the two as she came closer, she nudged Archer's should as she sat down beside him. Their sides and shoulders brushing, she tried to give him space at the same time she tried to show their relationship. It was a delicate ballence, but she thought she had been doing a good job. She brought her head upwards. It was impossible to keep it below Cota's for very long, being almost a foot taller than her. She would have gotten a crick in her neck. Still... the best thing to do was to try and stick to a more submissive stance while she was the non-family member intruding upon their reunion.

Her brain sent messages to her vocal chords, trying to make her speak to the older female. NightBlood, however, could not think of anything to say that would be meaningful. The best she could manage was a soft smile as she faced Cota.

"Hello."

She shouldn't have said that. Her mear voice was a tragity. What mother would approve of such... tone? Her deep, slightly raspy voice was enough to send an elephant into shock... she was probably exagerating, but still... it was surprisingly deep even for a female of her build and stature.

She fired a desperate look up to Archer, her eyes pleading for help as she tried to hide her expression from Cota.

-What should I say?-
-What should I do?-
-Am I good enough in her eyes?-
-I'm not worthy!-
-Let me leave!-
-HIDE ME!-

Her hidden self was screaming like a pup, not wanting to leave the comfort of the den. She was fightened and scared of what Comatose would think of her. Now was one of the pivotal moments in which she desperatly needed Archer's strength.

[archer]

As a female she did know approached her, Cota stiffened, but the lingering smell of Archer on this wolf's fur told her not be afraid. She took note of the name, Nightblood. It was a fine name, something she herself admired. What was it that she had once been tolf? Never judge a book by its cover, never judge the appearence on one wolf to be their whole frame. Yes, that was it. It was fitting how the pair seemed so close, but as Nightblood approached, she seemed weary. Then, she saw the surprise, yet hurt in her son's eyes. This made her curious, causing her to sigh softly, then explaining to them she was indeed alive. "I was attacked by the Sallin wolves, but you aunt, Aine saved me. She was an experienced healer and brought be back from death's den." She had a soft voice, sweet and kind. Cota seemed to be kind of wolf that would except anyone.

Archer could sense his lover's unease. It was like a veil over her, and he looked at his mother, pleading silently with the brown eyes he had received from her, both of them nodding. Cota lowered her head, releasing the male and backing off. Cota felt the needed to let them speak, but also to so respect to this wolf who so apparently had a deep connection with Archer. She smiled, speaking again, but this time to Nightblood. "I feel I have been disrespectful, figlia. Please excuse me behavior for a ranking wolf as yourself." Archer's eyes widened as she used the word she would have used for his mate. Daughter. It was meant to say she felt they were mean for each other.

Figlia?As in Daughter? You mean you approve?" His tail thumped back and forth and he refrained from pouncing on his mother and hugging, though his tail beat the ground firmly, furry rear wiggling. Then, Archer lowered his head below his mother's, instantly granting her permission to raise her own above his. He held it there for a moment before the black and white female moved, her nose under his chin. She looked trustingly in to is his, then Nightblood's. She smiled, and then saw the worry in the female, turning to Archer sharply.

"Hello."

Cota smiled, bowing. The elder female, then wagging her tail. It was a mirror, Archer and her looked so much alike. She was black and white, the souce of his black pelt and dark earthy eyes. She was beautiful, her looks turning Archer from a round little ball of fuzz into a large and handome wolf. She then noted the necklace, her eyes settling on it, then a smile crept onto her face, a small laugh emitiing. Archer blushed, but laughed as well. Then, Cota looked with a large grin on her face at the pair. "Nightblood, my daughter. You are in love with my son. I must tell you that I approve and from this moment forward, you have my blessing and I will forever help you. Besides, you are going to need help raising those pups you so much want. I can see it in your eyes, darling."

Archer looked as if he might fall over, his mouth curved into a smile sa his jaw lowered itself into a slack. He pounced forward, landing in front on Nightblood and hugging her with one arm and his mother with the other. Cota leaned against her male, shooting a laughing glance at the surprised look on his face. [color-limegreen]"Never lies, you never lie. Mother, I have something seriuos to tell you."[/color] His ears dropped back against his skull. He then looked at Nightblood for help. They could not be truly mates until one was beta, but they were willing to work for it.

[nightblood]

"I was attacked by the Sallin wolves, but you aunt, Aine saved me. She was an experienced healer and brought be back from death's den."

So that was the reason for Cota's return to life. Sallin... those beasts will pay for the pain she felt. NightBlood would push them farther than just to death's laughable den! ... If she ever got the chance...

"I feel I have been disrespectful, figlia. Please excuse my behavior for a ranking wolf as yourself."

NightBlood looked with consern at Archer, not knowing what the word 'figlia' meant. Then she turned her head and stared into Cota's eyes, mirrors of her son's as they were.

"You, the mother of Archer? You have done nothing in which I view as disrespectful. And take no notice of my rank, it is but a mear title."

She meant, by those words, that she held more respect for Cota than she could ever show. Here was a wolf who had been thrown into the black abyss that was death, only to come back and realize that her son had gone from her side. She herself would have gone mad in the search for him, but no... Cota had shown more strength than NightBlood could ever hope to have.

"Figlia? As in Daughter? You mean you approve?"

Had she not been so surprised by the meaning of this new statement, NightBlood would have jumped and joined Archer in his fit of happiness. But, like him, she attempted to contian herself as she sat down beside him and greeted Cota, giving up on trying to keep her tail from wagging as if it had it's own mind.

"Nightblood, my daughter. You are in love with my son. I must tell you that I approve and from this moment forward, you have my blessing and I will forever help you. Besides, you are going to need help raising those pups you so much want. I can see it in your eyes, darling."

Eyes widened as she drank in the words. For one, Cota had confirmed that she viewed NightBlood as her daughter and accepted her as Archer's mate, giving them both her blessing.

Tears welled in her eyes from her happiness, but dissapeared when Archer jumped up and hugged her. She laughed at his antics, placing a paw on his torso to hold him up and keep him from falling forward as he stood awkwardly on only his hind legs, his other arm around Cota. Although he seemed comfortable this way, she was still warry.

NightBlood looked at her new mother as the rest of her words sank in: "Besides, you are going to need help raising those pups you so much want. I can see it in your eyes, darling."

So they had the same skill. It should have been obvious to her, but alas, NightBlood had been unalert to this fact, wearing her thoughts in her eyes again. She lowered her ears and head, not ashamed, but slightly embarrased.

"Am I that obvious?" she asked as a joke, grinning.

Crimson eyes moved to Archer as he spoke.

"Never lies, you never lie. Mother, I have something seriuos to tell you."

The happiness in his voice had faded during the statement, and Blood knew his next words instantly. They were on the tip of his tongue, but he was unable to say them. His head turned to her, their eyes locking, his pleading for help. She nodded her understanding and took over for him.

"Only Alphas and Betas can mate. I am but a lowly Sentry, here in Arnlan. Archer, a subordinate."

Blood turned to Cota again, her eyes saying the rest. They wanted the rank of Beta, both of them did, even though it was likely that only one needed the rank. They would not overthrow Karolek and Sofika, they would not mate until they were either out of the pack or had reached their goal, refusing, also, to break the laws of Arnlan.

[archer]

It was clear why Archer hated Sallin with as much predjudice as one could muster. It was a sharp blow to the soul to know that only a few of the most cherished ones in your life was no longer alive, snatchd by death's cold and heartless hold. It was a beat like no other, mysteriuos but feared. Alas, Sallin could have been considered death's den if they so much as wishd to set foot on Arnlan. Archer and Nightblood would defend it, that much he knew was true. Cota, although quiet and loving, was also trained in the arts of the fang. Despite this, she was kind with a mind full of knowledge and heart stong enough to carry her through the pain she had endured, all the loss. It was almost too much for someone to belive that a once accepted as dead family member as truly alive.

"You, the mother of Archer? You have done nothing in which I view as disrespectful. And take no notice of my rank, it is but a mear title."

Cota brought herself back up full height. She was strong, that was sure. Her soul and mmind alike were still together and never would have they shattered in the search. She listened to Sallin once, after they had heard of her half-son, Blackrage. She had been able to beat him, but in her own way. She could fighter, but also was a healer. Deadly Nightshade could have dealt the last blow, but she showed mercy on the wolf who had beaten her son. Instead, she allowed him to leave, but forced him to tell her where he son was and why he was there. Cota had faught back and never given up in the fight.

"Figlia? As in Daughter? You mean you approve?"

She looked with happiness upon the pair, both tails wagging with all mighty power. The sheer strength of joy she felt for them was enough to make her stand tall again, her tired out form looking better, faster than before. She was not nearly as tall as Archer, but she was his mother and like any good maternal, she would defend her children with only the hate of the mother toward an enemy. "Yes, Archer. I do"

Archer heard for the first time the laugh of his chosen mate. It was beautiful and angelic, a sound that only could come from an angel, his angel. She helped him remain upright as he hugged hem, sitting awkardly on his hindlegs. Slowly, he unwrapped his legs, landing gently back down in an natural pose. His head rested on Nightblood's shoulder. At this angle, she seemed taller than he did. Though a moment later, she seemed embarrassed, but Archer nudged her kindly with his nose. "Love, it is all right. I have been pondering the same, but know the laws well. I wish it was otherwise."

Cota stepped away for a moment to give them some peaceful time together, but stopped as soon as her son spoke. So, there was something of grave importance? She paused it mid step, looking at then both. After her son had said his due, she then turned to listen to the female she had just given her blessing to.

"Only Alphas and Betas can mate. I am but a lowly Sentry, here in Arnlan. Archer, a subordinate."

A moment of surprise caught her off gaurd and she looked at the two with her eyes widened. Slowly, she managed to gain control. "Got to start from the bottom." She said, looking at Nightblood. "Become what you must, but promise me you won't loose yourselves along the way"

It was vow not let themselves be ruled by power, rather, strength and skill, and knowledge. Archer nodded. "We have been through so much already. Though mother, we refuse to break the laws and will prove ourselves however we can. I vow on this" His voice was bright and happy, but with an understone of seriiuosness to it.

[nightblood]

"Love, it is all right. I have been pondering the same, but know the laws well. I wish it was otherwise."

NightBlood leaned into Archer and sighed deeply as he tried to comfort her. She didn't know why she cared so much about having pups. Before this, before Archer ever came to Arnlan, she would have laughed maniacly at the idea. Now she had come to the realization that she had seen and done just about everything else: Fought, waged war, killed, murdered, maimed... She was in the other extreme now, having finally learned that there was more to life than violence.

She turned back to Cota, informing her of their situation.

"Got to start from the bottom." She replied, "Become what you must, but promise me you won't loose yourselves along the way."

"We have been through so much already. Though mother, we refuse to break the laws and will prove ourselves however we can. I vow on this."

Blood nodded her agreement. It was true, they had been through a lot, most of it on the night of her acceptance to be Archer's mate. She almost growled at the very memory of it. Mortilitas Umbra was innocent. It was his trained side that had savaged her lover. He had no control, but Night found it very dificult to forgive him as she looked upon the black wolf's injuries. She let out a small whine and gently licked one of the deeper cuts on his shoulder, quickly turning to Cota afterwards.

"Arnlan needs help. We are secretive, even to our own. There is more to being Betas than just being able to mate. I was once Heir to Draviria. Archer tells me he was a Beta once as well. We are both qualified, but their may be someone else just as likely to claim the rank."

She took a breath, still not accustomed to speaking this much. NightBlood was usually silent, prefering to hear others speak, taking a long vacation from her previous job of barking orders to the lazy members of her birth pack. Yes, she was good at... motivating others to get to work or help out. Call it a gift of sorts...

"My father was one to let power get to his mind. To my knowledge, I havn't inheirited that particular trait. But Sofika and Karolek might think different."

At mention of her current Alphas, Night reminded herself of one very important fact. Something that, in her mix of emotions, she had overlooked. Cota was not yet a real member, even though Night and Archer could consider her as such. So, she would quickly go over the formalities of acceptance.

"Forgive me, but we are getting ahead of ourselves. Cota, as I said, I am a Sentry. I have the ability to accept you, but our leaders would look poorly upon such a swift acceptance."

She paused, frowning while she tried not to speak too quickly. Standing up, she took a more authoritive stance and pressed on.

"You speak of hate towards Sallin and have lived through an attack by them. Arnlan can use your strength and whatever knowledge you have gained of them through the battle. You may be asked to fight again, but this time you will be defended ruthlessly by your pack."

Halting her words again, she let a kind smile cross her muzzle. Her blood red eyes softened into a strange reflection of Cota's own brown ones.

"Welcome to Arnlan, Mother."

It was strange. NightBlood had never used that word as a name for someone before. But, even as she did, it felt approprate.

[archer]

There was nothing more peaceful then the sight that Archer found before him. His mate said deeply, leaning against him as he did to her. For so long, he had never thought that anyone could love him, one of hostile reasons. It was that thought that had made him come to Arnlan in first place, to be around those that hated and felt anger as well, but it was new to him. He had not seen the change in himslef at first, but it was wide open now, he was much different.

Archer had been so lost in thought that when something warm and wet licked his shoulder, he jumped. Cota, realizing what was wrong gritted her teeth together. "Why didn't you say anything? You know I am a healer. Archer" Her voice was soft at first, but as his name passed her lips, she let him know she was not going to take no as an answer. He rolled his eyes, earning a soft thump to the back of the head. The black wolf growled, telling her in his own way he was fine. "I am not a child anymore, mother. I can take care of myself. Remember, teacher never let you heal me after a beating. I can deal with the pain"

"Arnlan needs help. We are secretive, even to our own. There is more to being Betas than just being able to mate. I was once Heir to Draviria. Archer tells me he was a Beta once as well. We are both qualified, but their may be someone else just as likely to claim the rank."

Cota understood, but she was a little confused by her son's actions. He was being stubborn, but she knew how to fix that. Removing herself from his grasp, she turned her eyes on Nightblood. "Forgive me for what I am about to do. If he wasn't so stubborn I would need to" Archer had begun to back away, his teeth showing. Though, his size hindered him and before he had taken three steps, Cota had gotten to him, on leg hitting him firmly in the stomach. Archer bent over her arm for a moment before crumpling to the ground. She sighed. "Why?" He asked, teeth gritted through the sheering pain in his gut. Cota was smaller, and was even faster than Archer! No wonder he was so fast.

"My father was one to let power get to his mind. To my knowledge, I havn't inheirited that particular trait. But Sofika and Karolek might think different..

As she listened, Cota delivered two short blows to Archer's shoulders, causing him to go limp. Poking him once, Cota nodded to her. "The alphas see everything, and they will see you for what you are." As she said this, She xamined each wound carefully, tsking her and there, in other places pulling his fur aside to check on the smaller cuts.

"Forgive me, but we are getting ahead of ourselves. Cota, as I said, I am a Sentry. I have the ability to accept you, but our leaders would look poorly upon such a swift acceptance."

"The good of the alphas is the good of the pack. Nightblood, I need you to carry him to your den. Those deeper cuts are going to need to be treated. He ignores pain and can block it out, refusing to allow my help. I hated to do that to him, but I had to."

"You speak of hate towards Sallin and have lived through an attack by them. Arnlan can use your strength and whatever knowledge you have gained of them through the battle. You may be asked to fight again, but this time you will be defended ruthlessly by your pack."

The two females shared a softened gaze, her eyes not leaving the other females. Archer let out a soft groan, muttering something that sounded like I hate you. Cota laughed at her son's stubborness.

"Welcome to Arnlan, Mother."

Cota snapped her gaze back to Nightblood. "You will need to move him quickly. If I don't stop the infection and the damage being done to his shoulder and leg, it is likely that he could loose it. Now, Archer shut up and listen to us for once. You are not to lie to me or her about anything envolving the wounds. If you do, prepare for a long series of treatments, some of which are too painful to stand." Her threat effectively shut Archer up, his brown eyes pleading to be left alone. Glancing at Nightblood from the ground, he spoke softly, but with an undertone of anger. "She doesn't lie. I have been in more pain that I have admitted to. Those tests, I have seen them, and they have had even me screaming in agony.'

[nightblood]

Night couldn't help but chuckle to herself as two very different sides of two very different conversations were thrown back and fourth to eachother. She bit back a laugh at how simple it was for Cota to paralize her son, trying to remind herself that she could do the same to her.

As she looked upon Archer, laying helplessly on the ground, she realized how much Arnlan really needed Cota. Many of its members were wounded and healing after their daily activities. Night herself needed Cota not only for her support, but she may be able to heal her leg more fully, if at least to dull the pain. She could always keep the scar.

Sighing, NightBlood lowered her head and bit down on the scruff of Archer's neck, much like she would have done to one of their pups. She lifted him up, knowing he could do nothing to ward her off. She took note of each wound, trying to keep herself from biting into them. She tried desperatly not to bite down too hard, but he was much too heavy.

An idea formed in her mind. If she let go, he could do nothing to try to escape. According to Cota, he was fully immoble. She through her head up, letting go of him at the peak. With all the swiftness she could muster, Blood lowered her head faster than he fell and let his neck land on the back of hers. With awkward rearaging and shifting, he was soon dangling half-and-half across her shoulders. His nose nearly touching the ground.

She looked to Cota, worry strained in her eyes. She had never transported a full grown wolf like this. Usually the cargo was dead and she would have help moving pieces of the body. How was one supposed to move a live wolf?

[archer]

Archer could not have registered the thought of his mother firmly immobilizing him before she had done so. He was a little more than surprised as his knees crumpled under him causing him to fall. Never in his life time had she ever shown him what she was truly capable, and now that he had seen her speed, he knew that there was alot about her he had never known. Well, know they had time to learn that.

Cota picked up the scent of fading blood, not on Archer, but on Nightblood and gave her a stern warning look, silently telling her she was next. Archer saw it, and made to move, all of his muscles not over refusing to listen to him, but they had. What exactly had she done to makle him feel so horrible suddenly? With this in mind, the male ignored the feeling of every possible muscule in his body cramping and struggled to get it up. Though as he did, he was lifted with gentle care by his love, despite his rather dislike to being made into cargo.

Archer woofed audibly as Nightblood threw him, and he saw her speed, a match to his own and wondered about her and how fast she was. If that was the least of her power, then he would need to find out what she fully capable before he made any assumptions but from what he knew, she was strong and fast.

Cota heard him woof and wag her tail, ingoring the muttering she heard from her son's mouth, swearing all sorts of mean things. She simply rolled her eyes. "Males with their pride. Just relax and the pain will stop." For a moment, she allowed her worry to show on her face before stopping it and looking at Nightblood, her son half and half on her back. Archre stopped his muttered and before anything else could form, he relaxed, thus following into sleep. His breathing evened out and Cota nodded. She faintly heard him speak, but it was to Nightblood, not her. "Let her help you, too"

[nightblood]

Ears flew back again when Cota stared at her. She lowered her head until it was an inch below hers, nearly sitting down in her fear of that look.

"Whaaaaaat?" she asked febely. Blood looked into Cota's eyes and saw what she did. A tiny dent on a black and red forehead. NightBlood's own frehead. A flash of a giant tree burned in her memory.

"Oh...," she said softly, repeating the same word that she had said upon seeing the tree the first time. She lifted her head once more, shaking the memory away. Night would allow Cota to heal her, but only after Archer was cured. He was in more danger at the moment.

"Males with their pride. Just relax and the pain will stop."

Blood looked at the black and white female and frowned. Males weren't the only beings with pride. All fighters had it. Her mind set changed as Archer grew limp. Well, perhaps humility wasn't a bad thing to have as well.

As Cota nodded, NightBlood moved forward, nose aimed in the direction of her cave. She bucked and came to a sudden stop as a horse would when Archer's voice again rang in her ears. She had suspected him to be asleep.

"Let her help you, too."

"I was planning on it," she softly growed back to him. At the time, she had wanted to throw him off and into the nearest tree for giving her orders while he was immoble, but she thanked herself for not doing so. Instead, she allowed Cota to help in anyway she could before pressing on.

{{That -is- what Cota was referring to, yes? The bump NB got from smacking that tree in 'Follow me!'?}}

[archer]

[yep]

"Whaaaaaat?"

Cota titled her head to the bump on the female's head, as if saying that was her reason. She watched Archer try to get u, but to no avail. He was immobile, but not for long. It would wear off soon enough, but if he tried to get up again, she would not hestiate to pin him down. He knew better than to resist her and her attacks, even if they were meant for the best. Archer looked away, the annoyed glare on his face not hidden from Nighblood, but his bangs over his eyes hid the black male's face from his mother, silently thanking her for the bangs she had passed down to him. Archer closed his eyes, and curled into his head, blocking out the humiliation he felt.

Archer muttered a few words of unhappiness, but as soon as Cota raised one eyebrow in anger, he shut up. Her control over the male was amazing and nevertheless effective. Archer really did respect her, but now that she was with him, she needed to remind him that she was not going to take crap from anyone anymore.

"I was planning on it,"

Ok, Archer settled comfortably into a light slumber, his body becoming lighter now that he wasn't tense because of pain. Cota smiled as she saw the light smile on her son's face. He seemed so different now, so peaceful and young again. After all, he was barely an adult, only just now three years of age.

Cota walked slowly behind them, the thoughts of what the pups might look like flashing through her mind. "Its been so long since he has been that relaxed. Durochen never was a great place for pups, and he was no exception. Though, the poor thing has been really torn up over the loss of the pack. He needs you." Cota spoke to Nighblood, Archer anying nothing, not hearing.

[nightblood]

"Its been so long since he has been that relaxed. Durochen never was a great place for pups, and he was no exception. Though, the poor thing has been really torn up over the loss of the pack. He needs you."

Blood was walking slowly forward, trying not to go so fast that Archer would be shaken off, but trying not to go so slow that they would not make it in time to save is foreleg. Balence... the whole world was based on balence...

"We are one in the same. Draviria was a death trap. Blood feuds everywere. No one could trust, but no one could say or think that they didn't."

She paused in her words, burying herself in her thoughts. She couldn't say why or how, but there was an empty space in her that, for some strange reason, longed to be back there.

"I know it seems unreasonable, but part of me misses it," she said truthfully.

Blood broke off, Cota's last statement lingering in her mind. 'He needs you.' Niether Night nor Blood understood the reason, but they both knew it was true. And she needed him. NightBlood, first making sure that she was not about to run into anything, turned her good eye back to Cota.

"Why...? I have accepted it, but still don't comprehend. Why do we need eachother?"