Unforgotten [Taggr]

[Ina]

"It's like before." whispered, breathless.

The weather was pleasant enough. He could recall the days when snows entrenched him and his friends, casting to them a harsh reality of the pack in which the live. Ah yes, those early days before he had even so much as considered the life he'd taken and the path of destruction on which he walked. The steep cliff before him looked insurmountable. He was no longer the youngster he'd once been and although he was capable of most tasks, he had to wonder if this was one he'd have to give up on. He glanced upward, hoping for an instant, in a flicker of memory, to see her standing there, to see her smiling down at him as if nothing had changed. His green eyes glazed over and he slipped into his mind. The memories was hazy as if he were examining it from far away. He could see her faint red and black as she weaved between the trees, and then, she'd spotted him and another wolf, who's name had been lost to time. She'd walked up and demanded answers from them in the pouring rain. He smiled sadly. If only such days were still at hand. Perhaps then his existence would have held some deeper meaning.

He shook his head, dispelling the bittersweet memories of his previous time in Arnlan. The male wolf moved a little closer to the cliff's side. He placed on black foot on it and then another. The ground tumbled slightly beneath his feet and dirt clods came loose here and there, as if to test his resolve. His dark brows knitted in concern for his own safety as he leaned forward. He shifted his weight to his front and then, he dragged his rear upward. The results were satisfactory. He repeated this motion and moved another few yards. Archer's green eyes came to gaze at the crest of the hill. He snarled in effort and tensed his muscles. For a moment, the ground felt soft and treacherous under foot. He stilled. The entirety of his weight was frozen as if he were made of glass. He dared not breath, he thought not to move. Instead, he stood as silent as stone. Everything around him lost its focus and he finally released a breath. He felt his legs tremble with tension and his shoulders were corded tight. The wolf moved suddenly and with grace he'd long forgotten he'd had. Heeding the ominous feeling in his gut, the black wolf jerked forward. His front feet landed on the edge of the cliff.

Green grass was beneath his feet for but a moment and the grateful smile fell away as he began to slip. He whined softly and dug his claws in. He gritted his fangs, lips becoming taut. His teeth glittered in sharp contrast against his coat. Archer recalled the landslide, the day that he'd thought he'd lost her. His green eyes could see the forests within his grasp, but he had to first reach the pinnacle. He groaned with effort, old scars aching from the use of abused flesh as he forced himself to shift. His chest and then stomach made it over the edge and he lay on the grass panting. He had done it! Archer allowed himself a cheeky smile. After all, he had just proven himself wrong. He stood slowly, carefully. The black form blended well with the landscape surrounding it and his body seemed as natural three was the trees. He looked as if he had always called this place home. And even more so, he had an aura of strength and wisdom, of confidence and trust. He growled low in his throat -a habit he'd coincidentally never been able to shake- and lifted his head the sky. From his lips came forth a howl. It was majestic and distinctly tenor in tone.

Archer had come home.

[nightblood]

NightBlood would have been proud, Zuka thought to herself as she trotted along the well-used hunting trail that snaked its way through Arnlan. A large raven hung limply in her jaws, her first bird. Ever. Granted, it had sported a broken wing and a twisted beak before she'd killed it, but still- a bird! And even if it wasn't exactly cause for praise, there was an entire list the brown wolfess knew her mother would be praising her for right now. For one thing, she wasn't dead. Orem, Khai, and Dakarai were already reunited with her, having lost their battles with sickness and famine. Zuka, however, was her mirror every way. Well... Except the fur. BloodBound looked more like Mother than she did. However, the fur pattern her coat carried made it very clear whose daughter she was. Not to mention her eyes. Her eyes reflected the same feelings and emotion that once radiated from NightBlood herself.

The tan female was walking headed back towards her mother's den when a new figure caught her eye. She stopped in her tracks, her form partially hidden by the shadows of the trees around her. Quietly, she laid her catch down on a root and sniffed curiously at the dark wolf near the cliff. He was an older male and smelled faintly of Arnlan, but she'd never seen him before. At first, she had thought it might have been one of the illusive alphas, but she reminded herself that those two were only ever seen when they allowed themselves to be seen. From what she could see, this male didn't sport Karolek's green muzzle-spots. By the look of him, he was much leaner than the alpha male anyway. A bit scruffy-looking...

Finally, Zuka's curiosity got the better of her, though it showed itself in hostility. She growled as her neck-fur spiked, making her look all the more threatening. In the soft light from the shadows, her eyes blared red beacons toward anyone who looked at her from the right angle. Her lips curled as she showed her fangs. Though she wasn't a high ranking member, her ears and tail stood on end. If either of the alphas were around, they'd either be outraged that she'd take that stance or silenced, seeing how much she looked like NightBlood in that very instant. All she lacked was a darker coat and her mother's fang necklace, which was securely attached to Kuruk at the moment. Oh, how she wanted that necklace. She'd kill for it. But her little brother would kill himself before handing it over.

The spawn of NightBlood set a paw forward into the light and gave another powerful growl, imitating very closely her mother's posture for when interrogating new members.

"Who're you?"

[Ina]

There was movement. He could hear it. He could hear the footfalls in the forest. His ears had yet to forgot the training that had been forced upon him. He could picked out a scent. It was wolf. He relaxed some. If it was an Arnlanian, then there was little to worry about. He waited, somewhat relaxed and calm. Where had his friends gone? He didn't smell Mortil and he knew Nightblood was no longer among the living. He'd heard of her death in a far off place in a different time. Oh how he'd mourned her. If he had known the truth -a truth that was far bitter a tale than he'd ever had heard before- he'd have been overtaken by emotion and sought out the blood of those responsible. He felt partly responsible for her death. He had left her. Perhaps if he had stayed, he would have been able to protect, able to save her from the horrible fates that had encompassed his beloved before her death. Archer snapped himself from his reverie. He closed his green eyes and listened closely. The steps were lighter and shorter than those he had allowed to be cemented in his memory, so that left him wondering. Who could this stranger be and where they someone he needed worry about?

And then, he saw the young female. His jaw fell open and his eyes narrowed. He took in the markings and the scent. It smelled similar. Archer was left speechless, unable to so much as utter a coherent sound. The stance was the same, the looks had changed some. He noticed something different. The necklace, the one that had been given to him some time ago, was gone from the graceful neck. Archer moved closer, despite the sheer aggression in the female's pose. His mouth was dry and his mind was milling over a million and one thoughts. It wasn't possible, it couldn't be who he thought it was. After all, Nightblood was dead and gone. She wasn't ever coming back. Yet, here before him stood a female of the same description. As he walked calmly forward, he was able to see clearly the familiar features. He smiled broadly. His tail began to wag of its own accord, simply moving back and for the wildly behind him in a gesture he knew was probably quite laughable. Archer lowered his head a little, his green eyes sparkling and full of merriment. His ears drooped a little at the question.

"Who're you?"

"Nightblood?" He whispered in that same voice he had once used with her. It was a sultry tone and it was dark. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. He then remembered that she had asked something of him. He had ignored her question. Somewhere within the depths of his mind, he figured that was rude of him, and so, he answered. "Archer." He answered slowly, annunciating his letter slowly and precisely. His slight bangs slipped down over one of his eyes and they glittered at her again. He took in the smaller form at that moment and his tail began to slow as he finally analyzed the voice. It was different and the coloration was a little different, too. He cocked his head to the side. At that same moment, his eyes closed and he fought the urge to scream aloud. He had allowed himself a flicker of hope and in the end, had only end up hurting himself. The male wanted to slap himself. He knew that Nightblood was dead, so why had he done that? Simply. He had loved and love still had its hooks in him.

"You're not Nightblood." He breathed. It wasn't a question, it was a statement. He was saying what he knew to be true. Yet, a question had been formed. Just who was this she-wolf? She bore the looks of the deceased lover he had once known. Yet, the appearance, if he looked close enough, was different. And the scent had been altered, too. So, was this a child of hers? His heart again jerked in his chest and he had to bite his tongue to stop the swear that came up within his throat. He came a little closer to Zuka. He but a foot from her. "I am no enemy of yours." He purred seductively. The way he managed to say it with such fluid and such passion would have earned any other wolf the title of a lecher, but not Archer. He knew it wasn't right, but he didn't care. He couldn't be bothered to care that he was flirting. After all, he had to let go of the past, right? What better way to do so than to find himself a lovely female. He smiled as sweetly as he could. "I once lived here and now I am back to stay. So, what's your name?' Again, that sultry tone of voice was used.

Archer's game was set.

[nightblood]

"Nightblood?"

Zuka shook her head in shock. That was the last word she had expected to come out of this stranger's muzzle. Her guard faltered as she stepped back, confused. Her ears sank and folded, tail drooping and almost touching the forest floor. Her aggressive tone was lost as she grasped for words in her mind, but the very idea that someone outside her very tight-nit family had known NightBlood was beyond comprehension. Just who was this ebony male, anyway?

"Archer."

Well now they were getting somewhere. Strange name, but it was something to call him. As if the fact that he had known her mother's name wasn't enough, now he was eyeing her, approaching her curiously and wagging his tail as if he were a pup. What was wrong with him? Her maroon eyes locked with his. He looked strangely like Armageddon, only without the necklace and bent muzzle. There was a softness in his appearance despite his scruffy looks. She saw age in his eyes, so many memories locked behind that stare so deep she was sure she'd fall in at any second. She jerked her head back when she saw a new, agonized look in those eyes. Had they had voices, she would have been deaf by their pained screams. It was so torturous, that she had to blink and look away for moment. What was that?

"You're not Nightblood."

The shadows. Zuka realized. It was the shadows that made her look darker, more like her mother. Yes, NightBlood would have been proud to see how much pain she had caused this stranger. Her heart sank at his statement, her muzzle gaping open from the newest surprise that had graced her ears. The male now seemed downtrodden, as if something had been confirmed to him, something that he had just now hoped could possibly had been real. She lowered her head and cast her eyes downward. It was at this time that she missed her mother the most. She wished deeply that she could comfort the dark stranger and tell him that she knew where he could find her. But alas, there would be no comfort in knowing where NightBlood was now.

"I am no enemy of yours."

Zuka's ears perked up as her eyes now stared directly at Archer as he glared back at her. Only a foot away from him, it was amazing that she hadn't reverted back to her more hostile tone from before. It was plain to see that his first word had shaken her up quite a bit. The tan wolf tried to shake it off and closed her gaping mouth shut, but was unable to do much more for the surprised look on her face. His tone had changed. It was more soothing, dark, even. ... Was he flirting with her?!

"I once lived here and now I am back to stay. So, what's your name?"

"Zuka."

As hard as she tried, NightBlood's daughter could not stop herself from asking the next question. It was inevitable, but she had thought that she could give herself more time before asking. Her muzzle seemed to have a mind of its own, however, and the question escaped without hesitation.

"How do you know my mother?"

[Ina]

Speaking of the fallen seemed to have a profound affect on the youngster. The dominate stance she had held second before bled from her and instead, she looked shocked and submissive, as if the word had been a physical blow. Archer winced mentally. This wasn't the way he intended for things to go. He took a few steps back, as if the distance could apologize for somehow harming her. He wasn't sure he had done anything wrong, but he felt the need to assure Zuka that she was in no way going to be hurt by him. Archer read her posture, a talent that came with the skills of a previously trained assassin, and noticed quite clearly the inner conflict. It was painfully obvious in the way she held herself. And indeed, Archer had known Nightblood well. He had been closest to her, had allowed her deep within the reaches of his soul and allowed her to paint a rainbow on the tainted black of his life. She had chased away his demons, had held him when he had been no longer able to deny the harsh reality of his younger days, and had sworn to protect him her dying breath. Archer only wished that he could have done the same.

He gave her his name in the same second he realized that this was not his deceased mate. His sadness was palpable, but it faded for a moment as he noticed something quite peculiar out of the corner of his eye. She was examining him as he had done to her. He wondered how she was able to read him, and then he reminded himself that he no longer fought what he felt. His emotions were in those eyes of his, those deep, expressive eyes that were like caverns of experience and thought. He had noticed she had jerked her head back. He whined low in his throat. Things were not going well. Also, how could a mere child know what he felt? It irked him slightly -something that both annoyed Archer and lighted his curiosity anew- He placed his ears back against his head as he thought. Green eyes were hazed over. Truly, he looked scruffy, but he had always looked so. It never bothered him and if anything, it was an advantage. It kept him warm and kept him dry. And despite the handful of scars that crisscrossed his body, there was a gentleness about him and his gaze. He seemed more fatherly than he once had.

"I'm sorry. I-I thought you were someone else." Archer said, stammering a little bit and trying to redirect the conversation and end the awkward silence that had come over the pair. Archer sensed her sadness. He didn't even have to look hard to see it. Archer than made a decision that would have earned him a good ass whooping had he attempted it at any other time, but he felt the female could use a pepper up. He closed the space between them, his left paw gently coming beneath her chin and he lifted her head from its downward position with a gentle grasp. He tilted her head back, noting the features now that he was so close to them. It seemed that her deep wish to comfort him had been turned about and it was instead, he who comforted Zuka. "Do not look so sad." He said, making eye contact. Usually, it was a challenge when a wolf did it, but with Archer, with the way he was gazing down at her, it was more of a reassurance, a gentle, loving look that once typically expected from a lover or a close friend when they were troubled.

"Zuka."

"And a lovely name it is." She said, letting go of her. His touch had been so light and so gentle he knew she was probably wondering just how and what he was. Tenderness had never been Archer's strong point in his youth, but age had given him the gift to be incredibly patient and trustful of others. It had given him a chance that he had never had in his time as a young wolf. He smiled at her. The name was quite interesting. Zuka. It sounded both beautiful and strong. It was a suiting name for a female such as her. She seemed to be strong physically and yet, held the grace and power of a female. And to answer her, of course he was flirting with her. Archer was always an opportunist, after all; who would he be to pass up such a chance to talk with such a pretty little wolf. He then noticed that she was eying him. She seemed to want to say something. Archer's ebony ears twitched forward in the perfect picture of alertness and curiosity.

"How do you know my mother?"

It was as if someone had dumped ice water on him. Archer's flirting ended then and there. He started at Zuka as if he was seeing her for the first time and he had to wonder if he was looking at his daughter. After all, he and Nightblood, they'd... Archer took a deep breath, vaguely aware of the fact that he was almost panicking. Almost. After gathering his wits, he was finally able to answer her. "Nightblood, your mother and I, were mates. I was her first." He leaned down to whisper to her. "She once gave me a necklace, one with a fang draped on it. I left it behind, I left it here. Who has is now?' There was a kind of desperation to Archer's voice, a kind of startled awareness as the old memories of love and moments of secret compassion rose up from the river bottom that was his mind. He glanced down at Zuka again, and there was a question on his mouth now, on the very edge of his tongue and before he could stop himself, he asked it.

"Do you know who your father is, Zuka?" Archer was shaking a little.

[nightblood]

"I'm sorry. I-I thought you were someone else."

She chuckled a little in her mind. There was no need for Archer to apologize. She enjoyed being mistaken for her mother. She did not, however, enjoy hurting others by the same mistake. It brought nothing but sadness, both parties searching their memories for traces of NightBlood and her familiar antics. She distinctly remembered her loving nature, having only been able to view her aggressive side during the planned fight between her and Mortil.

It was at this point that her muzzle rose quite suddenly. Archer's head had appeared under it, raising it slightly. She shivered under his touch, but said nothing. Usually, the only physical contact she experienced was from her siblings as they sparred in the training grounds. This was new.

"Do not look so sad."

Mother had known this strange wolf? It seemed odd that she had associated with such a kind individual. Then again, she had known Ravenshard and Crow. Armageddon himself wasn't exactly the warrior type, yet she had taken him as a mate before her death. It was odd how many wolves in Arnlan remembered NightBlood as a warrior when Zuka thought of her as a loving mother. The female took a step back when she looked up at the dark wolf's comforting gaze. It was bizarre, for some reason. Perhaps it was how much he looked like her stepfather that made her feel like she could trust him. But the question still remained. And she had asked it.

"Nightblood, your mother and I, were mates. I was her first."

The news struck her as if it had been a physical blow. NightBlood had loved someone before Armageddon? For a moment, the thought came to her mind that maybe her mother had taken her stepfather for a mate because he looked so much like Archer. It would certainly make sense, but she wasn't about to tell that to Armageddon.

"She once gave me a necklace, one with a fang draped on it. I left it behind, I left it here. Who has is now?'

Zuka cringed. She didn't want to hurt this male even more by telling him of her mother's second litter. Perhaps it would be too much for him. He would find out eventually though, since he was a member of Arnlan. Best to get the pain over with.

"Kuruk, my little brother has it. She gave it to him when she died since he was with her at the time. He's... He's Armageddon's son."

"Do you know who your father is, Zuka?"

There it was. The question she knew was lingering somewhere. At the back of his mind, Archer had harbored the hope that he maybe had more than memories to link him to his old mate. He was about to be disappointed. Again...

"NightBlood was ordered to breed with Anek, a male built for war like she was. I'm from that litter, her first litter. I'm sorry, Archer. There's no one here from your blood line."

[Ina]

Ah, but there was a reason for him to apologize. Always the gentleman, Archer loved to please and he found her little chuckle as his antics to be heart warming. It had been so easy for him to mistaken her for her mother. After all, the differences were subtle and in between. His eyes took in her form and he produced a lopsided smirk that caused one side of his mouth to rise a little as he stood there. She was truly Nightblood in a younger package. The personality, however, seemed different from what he had seen thus far. Where she had been harsh and violent, this girl seemed to be calmer and more logical. Yes, they shared looks, but he could see little resemblance to the mother. So that left him to assume that the father was perhaps more like Zuka, or was it the other way around? Was Anek placated and reasoning, such as his daughter was? And truly, as he examined the little bits and pieces of things, the little moments that now were the only connection to his lover, he laughed aloud at how she had had glared at him once when he had brought up the topic of children. She didn't want them, yet here stood her daughter. How ironic.

"I just remembered how you're mother once told me she didn't want children. The look of disbelief on her face was hilarious at the time." He paused, then. "So many good, sweet memories of her lay in this place. This is where I met here in fact, this is where she accepted me into Arnlan for the first time." Archer said slowly, the tone of his voice like liquid gold as he remembered fondly that day, that moment not so long ago. A slight movement, a shiver, ran through Zuka at his touch. Archer froze for a moment, looking at her with worried eyes. He was practically a stranger, yet through the common thread that was Nightblood, they were connected. Both wolves had seen her as a more of loving figure and less as a fight. And yes, Nightblood had done more than merely associate with Archer. She'd been the one to accept him into the black forests of Arnlan. He'd come to trust her and come to love her fiercely. And standing in the very place they'd met brought him a since of sorrowful nostalgia. It was as though someone had hit the rewind button as he stood there with N- Zuka. He reminded himself. It was Zuka, not Nightblood.

His words carried the impact of truth and he watched her take a step back from him. He got the feeling that she trusted him. He felt honored. Maybe it was bizarre for Zuka, but for Archer, who'd been through hell and high water, it was a fact of life. Things like this tended to happen to him. Little did he know that the wolf that Nightblood had chosen for her mate was someone who looked far too like him for it to be just chance. The den would come when he would meet Armageddon and when he did, they would be an interesting exchange of words and perhaps a few insults here and there. Although kind and gentle, Archer was a fighter by birth and blood. He had no qualms about saying a few harsh words if it meant defending the goodness of what he and Nightblood had shared. He knew that, as her former mate, he would be blamed by those who had known him then and newcomers for much of her sadness and possibly her death. He had known this, yet he had returned even with this knowledge. It was fault of his. Archer had always been loyal and it was something that's he never be able to change. He'd always have that. Archer noticed her cringe and cocked his head to the side. Why? Was it something unpleasant?

"Kuruk, my little brother has it. She gave it to him when she died since he was with her at the time. He's... He's Armageddon's son."

"If it was her dying wish to give it to her son, then I will let him keep it. I was only hoping to be able to reclaim a little of what I once had." Archer was being completely open with Zuka. This was not something that happened regularly. He just had this feeling that he could be completely honest with her. His eyes landed on her face and there was a brief flicker of emotions in their green depths. Jealousy and disbelief were there, just there was no anger, no rage. However, there was something bothering him. If she had given it to this male named Kuruk, then she must have died here in Arnlan. He had always thought she had died in Sallin. Archer closed his eyes. The question he wanted to ask was one that went deep into the heart of Nightblood's death and he wanted to know the answer desperately. He held in his question, biting his tongue as he weighed the options set before him. "Zuka, I know this may be an awkward and strange question, but was your mother buried here in Arnlan? If not, then I'd like to know where she died so I can say a few things." Archer had obviously loved her greatly.

"NightBlood was ordered to breed with Anek, a male built for war like she was. I'm from that litter, her first litter. I'm sorry, Archer. There's no one here from your blood line."

Archer's face fell instantly. His mouth formed words, but they seemed to be caught in his throat. He growled and slowly turned away from Zuka. However, there was a trembling in his muscles and a tension in his body that had not been there a few seconds ago. The wolf kept his head low and his voice even, controlled. "Ordered?... W-w-What kind of madness is that?" Archer managed to croak. His voice cracked. He was both furious and annoyed. Archer kept his back turned to Zuka. His reaction was to be expected. He had spent the better of his time in Arnlan with the female. He had bled and cried for her. And now, to hear that everything he had worked had been taken away was as if someone was tarnishing the pack's name and beliefs. "I'm sorry, Zuka, I shouldn't get so upset in front of you." He managed as he sat down. His body was lax. A paw was over his face and he was fighting not to cry. And to have that last little bit of his hope, his dreams, taken from him, to know that no one of his family still resided in Arnlan, it was a heavy loss. He bit down on his tongue, stopping the sob and relishing in the pain for a moment as it helped him to get control over him wild emotions.

"I can't believe Karolek and Sofika would have such a thing in mind. Nightblood wasn't just a weapon that they could use for war and to better themselves. She was a living breathing being, she had feelings, had thoughts and dreams, hopes and fears just like they did!" He spoke harshly and his hackles were on end. Archer spoke again. "I came back in the hopes of perhaps finding old friends. I hoped against hope and I allowed myself to believe that I'd find something here; I was trained as an assassin. I was raised with the belief that love was a feeble, weak emotion. It made you weak and those who even so much as thought about love were brutally handled. My own brother died for it. He died because he had compassion. And now, to see such a line of thought reflected in the minds of my alphas makes me tremble. I have to wonder if anythings change, if there's any reason for me not to turn tail." Archer said softly, allowing his anger to overpower his tears. His eyes were blazing with fury and the sight presented to Zuka was no doubt starling. Archer's entire body seemed ready to attack, his hackles on end and growls spitting forth from between clenched teeth.

And now, it was up to Zuka to stop a rampage.

[nightblood]

"I just remembered how you're mother once told me she didn't want children. The look of disbelief on her face was hilarious at the time." He paused, then. "So many good, sweet memories of her lay in this place. This is where I met here in fact, this is where she accepted me into Arnlan for the first time."

Zuka looked around the area quickly, taking it all in. NightBlood had met this male here? Just like she had? It was a strange, yet comforting feeling to be in the same paw marks as her mother. The exact same paw marks.

"If it was her dying wish to give it to her son, then I will let him keep it. I was only hoping to be able to reclaim a little of what I once had."

The female sighed in relief. Kuruk would have torn this male apart if he had come looking for that necklace. It was a part of him now. Nothing would take it from him. Heck, she even doubted he would give it up in the last throws of death. Even so, she had already laid claim to it in that event. He had not disagreed.

"Zuka, I know this may be an awkward and strange question, but was your mother buried here in Arnlan? If not, then I'd like to know where she died so I can say a few things."

"Her body was gone when I was taken to see her. We assumed the Sallinians had come back to take their trophy. If you'd like, I'll take you to where she fell."

Now was the moment she wished hadn't come. She had to tell Archer about the circumstances of her birth. Her mother never loved Anek, but she loved the pack. This was the only reason she had allowed her and her brothers and sister to be born. The news seemed to hit Archer like a boulder.

"Ordered?... W-w-What kind of madness is that?" Archer managed to croak. His voice cracked. "I'm sorry, Zuka, I shouldn't get so upset in front of you... I can't believe Karolek and Sofika would have such a thing in mind. Nightblood wasn't just a weapon that they could use for war and to better themselves. She was a living breathing being, she had feelings, had thoughts and dreams, hopes and fears just like they did!" He spoke harshly and his hackles were on end. Archer spoke again. "I came back in the hopes of perhaps finding old friends. I hoped against hope and I allowed myself to believe that I'd find something here; I was trained as an assassin. I was raised with the belief that love was a feeble, weak emotion. It made you weak and those who even so much as thought about love were brutally handled. My own brother died for it. He died because he had compassion. And now, to see such a line of thought reflected in the minds of my alphas makes me tremble. I have to wonder if anythings change, if there's any reason for me not to turn tail."

His body was generating anger in all forms. For a moment, it seemed that she had tripped a wire in his brain, like Mortil or Orem. It was almost exactly like that, except he was trying to keep calm when the other two let it happen. She took a step forward and hesitated, having been on the receiving end of one of Orem's rages before. But if he wasn't willing to bring the rage out, perhaps there was a way to calm the tension, ease the anger away. Zuka walked cautiously up to the dark wolf and sat down beside him. She wasn't used to these emotions that pulsed in her mind. Fear, empathy, compassion... It was all new to her. But she had seen the way NightBlood had handled an upset pup. Perhaps the same actions would help here. He lowered her muzzle and nudged his jawline gently, letting him know she was here as she leaned her shoulder against his. Next came the soft words. She hoped she'd chosen them correctly.

"It wasn't as much of an order. More like a request. And the Alphas didn't voice it lightly. The threat of Sallin was great then and there were little to no warriors in the ranks. They had no other choice. Arnlan wasn't as popular as it once was and they weren't getting new members every day. NightBlood held no love for Anek, barely knew him, in fact. And he wasn't a very good father after she had give birth to us. But she loved the pack, Archer. She wanted to protect it. That's why we're here. To protect what she loved so dearly..."

[Ina]

Ah, to tame the fire. Zuka and Archer, a miscellaneous pair. One was battle-scared yet capable of great compassion. The other, a young female who was quite reflective of her mother. Indeed, the paw marks were the same and for Archer, it was as if dancing an tango of memories and sensations. Things hadn't changed, he had thought when he had arrived, and now he stood with the daughter of a dead lover. He glanced at her again, this time a little closer and he could see subtle differences. He had to look close, but he could see them nevertheless. Her smaller size, her obvious intelligence gave her away as thoughts of a different time came to pass in the male's mind. There seemed to be so kind of tension in her shoulders, he observed. Archer refrained from the urge to gently rub her back. He knew that kind of contact was seen as intimate and he did not want to frighten her. And it was another thing that caused him to wonder. Why did he feel that he could be so open, so true to himself, with Zuka? He didn't understand it, but he knew that it was a good thing. He had no idea what had become of his old friends and perhaps it was time for him to make more recent ones.

"Her body was gone when I was taken to see her. We assumed the Sallinians had come back to take their trophy. If you'd like, I'll take you to where she fell."


Zuka had sighed and then relaxed. So, she had been worried about something. He smiled kindly at her and there was a sense of peace in his expression. He was glad to know that she was still somewhere within his reach, that she wasn't gone from this world completely. What Archer failed to see was that Nightblood would never be forgotten so long as she had existed and existed she had. She had been warmth and love and comfort. Her strength, her courage, and her tears... they all remained untouched in his memories. Each one captured a little more of Archer's heart until he found himself completely and utterly in love with. Pulling himself out of his reverie and remembering what he had requested of her, Archer shook his head slowly. His eyes lost that glazed over look that they had taken. He sighed. The rush of air as it left his body allowed him to focus and pulled him away from his thoughts. Nowadays, he tended to get lost in thought and reminiscing about older days. Then, the black wolf opened his mouth to answer. "I would like that very much, Zuka." He spoke as calmly as if he were discussing the weather and the placated look spoke more than he'd ever be able to. It was as if he knew something now that he hadn't before and that had knowledge had brought him serenity.

And then, that serenity, that calmness was shattered as he learned the true circumstances surrounded Zuka's birth. He looked at her as if seeing her for the first time, as if he knew her to be a liar. The truth was a painful thing and for the black male it was as if someone had kicked him square in the face. He reeled back as it he had been actually harmed. The emotions raged within his skull and the battled for dominance and in the end, he settled for rage and anger. It was the one that he was most familiar with and it was the one that he as most likely to cling to. That was one thing that hadn't changed about the wolf. He had kept that fiery temper and that dependence on his emotions for strength. Some said feelings made you weak, but in the case and point of Archer, they only served to pour fuel on the fire. His eyes shut but he heard her move closer slowly. He could almost taste her hesitation. He wondered why was she was cautious. Had she been told of his split mind? He doubted it. And then- it hit him. She had seen it before. She had seen someone else with that kind of mind. Well, Nightblood had had her two halves as well, as did Mortil. So, he assumed as much.

What Zuka did not know was that Archer was no longer a raving lunatic that craved violence and lusted for blood. He was no longer a beast that fought with unrelenting cruelty and lacked mercy. During his time away, Archer had made peace with Arrow and had somehow managed to destroy that part of his mind. From the ashes came his new personality. He had gone through an entire mental make over. Archer felt a close presence and opened his eyes. When had he closed them? Green eyes stared at the female sitting close to him. Their depths were full of confusion and uncertainty. He made to scoot closer, wanting the physical contact, but then he hesitated. Archer glanced back at her face as if asking for permission. He suddenly felt the press of a cold, wet nose against his jaw. Her touch was like a balm to his anger, dissolving it. He could only gasped as his anger fled. How was this happening? It didn't bother him. In fact, it was actually quite comforting to know that there was someone who could handle him. And then, she spoke. Her words were like gentle whispers across his ears that served to flush away the horror that had tightening itself into a ball in his heart.

"It wasn't as much of an order. More like a request. And the Alphas didn't voice it lightly. The threat of Sallin was great then and there were little to no warriors in the ranks. They had no other choice. Arnlan wasn't as popular as it once was and they weren't getting new members every day. NightBlood held no love for Anek, barely knew him, in fact. And he wasn't a very good father after she had give birth to us. But she loved the pack, Archer. She wanted to protect it. That's why we're here. To protect what she loved so dearly..."

His breathing felt less tight and he felt sort of cold emotionally. He, although somewhat bigger than Zuka, leaned down and pressed his forehead into where her shoulder met her neck. He inhaled her scent. He knew she'd be able to feel the battle toned muscles beneath his fur and perhaps the roughness of a scar hidden by midnight fur. He stayed like that. His tail moved ever closer to her and he draped it over hers. It wasn't anything sexual. In fact, it was more like a friendly gesture of trust than anything else. Archer had just had his entire world turned upside down. He was shaking a little as he tried not to cry. He didn't want to. He knew it was all right to show that he was upset, that he was bothered by it all. After all, it proved he was alive. Yet, he found himself not wanting to let it go, wanting to hold onto it all. Archer took a deep breath, green eyes closing. He took a deep breath, and then, he exhaled. He did this a few times. Each time, he felt more and more in control. He was practically boneless as he sat beside Zuka. He then was able to remove his head from her and looked at her thoughtfully.

He continued to do this until he leaned forward and nuzzled her cheek. There was a single, gentle swipe of his tongue across her cheek and his hot, moist breath on her face.

"Thank you."

[nightblood]

"I would like that very much, Zuka."

The female brightened, only by a fraction. Visiting her mother's death site wasn't exactly the highlight of her day, but it was what she did every morning and every night. It was much easier to imagine her walking along beside her, nuzzling her when she was sad, fur bristling when she was angry, skipping around, even on her bad leg, when she was happy. This was not so, obviously. NightBlood never -ever- skipped. Not even on a good day. But it was funny to imagine her doing just that, when the most anyone would usually get out of her was a slight tail wag and a bump on the shoulder from her own shoulder or her head, as was the way of the great NightBlood.

Next came the tricky part. Zuka didn't have too much practice at comforting souls, usually leaving that up to Delerath or Tamarah. Her best role was getting spirits worked up, be it for training or just a friendly spar. Her attempt worked, however, and she would have heaved a great sigh of relief had she been able to catch her breath while watching Archer calm down from his enraged state. She'd calmed the beast, but for how long?

"Thank you."

His lick almost made her melt and she had to turn her head and cough to fight off any blushing that might have appeared on her face as she tried not to smile too much. At least now she knew she -could- calm him. If there -was- a next time, she'd worry about it then.

"You're welcome," she said quietly, leaning her head against his slightly.

She didn't know what had possessed her to make such a loving... mushy move, but there it was. It felt right. Weird, but right. For the time being.

[Ina]

His words, for once, seemed to have a minimal affect on Zuka. So, she wasn't too pleased by the idea.. or she just didn't care. Archer guessed the latter. After all, she lived here in Arnlan -but so did he, at least now- and she had to deal with the fact her mother was dead every day. If he only had the capacity to imagine what the female before him was, he would have laughed at the silly images of Nightblood skipping. His lips would have twitched into a smile and peals of deep laughter would have arisen from his throat. But alas, he was unable to.

Instead, he could only guess by the glimmers of emotions in her lovely eyes and the tension or lack thereof in her body. And then, as if her touch was the light, it chased away the darkness within him. Archer's calm mind overtook his body once again and he blinked owlishly at Zuka. It may not have been her area of expertise, but at least she had been able to sooth him effectively. He glanced at her with deep, green eyes that appeared to be emerald in tone as he scanned her frame. Truly, she had calmed his demons. To answer the unspoken question, he gently, almost inaudibly whispered to her. "I'm different." He said, seeing relief fill her limbs and the sound of breath as she gently partook of air she had denied her lungs for the briefest of seconds. His tone had been soft in order not to frighten her, to assure her that he was in complete control of his actions and his thoughts.

This urge to comfort her was not a new one to Archer, at least. He had felt this same tenderness and same care for her mother. Perhaps in the future, this would led to many an argument over why he insisted on being with Zuka, as she was the vision of Nightblood. But let come what may. The future was a time that he had no control over, and no living being could predict what was going to happen; even that Shaman's of older days had sometimes failed in accuracy. Yet, it left it wondering why she had been able to chase his anger and his frustration away with merely words and touch. No one else he could remember had ever accomplished that. His jaw hung loosely from his mouth for a moment as he stared at her in shock, and then, he made a move that could be considered off for a wolf of his age. He licked here and the response he got from it was one he'd only heard about. She blushed and although her fur was dark, he could still see it there. He leaned against her, letting his presence be felt fully as well as give her support.

"You're welcome,"

And then their heads touched. It was probably an odd moment of dejavu, but who gave a damn. Archer looked into crimson colored eyes and sighed, his breath tickling the fur on her cheek because of how close they were. He was only four inches taller than her and it made this kind of affection so much easier. He smiled sweetly at her and he scooted at little closer. He glanced at her once, then twice, his head moving just a little closer to hers as he bumped his nose against hers in the usual fashion of wolves. "Zuka..." he breathed, almost pleading. He felt overwhelmed by a sense of protectiveness, a sense of connection. And, there was something else. Given that he was two years older than her and more experienced, Archer felt that he would be the one to take the initiative. He lowered his head, his lips brushing against hers.

Archer had just kissed Zuka.

[nightblood]

Had she not known who this male had been, Zuka would have attacked him right then and there. The first reason, for being so unbearably close, and the second for the action which had just occurred. That wasn't the case here, but a whirlwind of thoughts ans scenarios exploded into the young scout's head just the same. This was her mother's old mate! She couldn't have feelings for him! Then again, it would protect him. Armageddon didn't have to know exactly who he was if she ended up being with him. They could keep his secret this way and he'd still be able to mourn for NightBlood with her without her stepfather knowing exactly what was going on.

These thoughts ran through her mind, of course, only after she had pulled back in shock. She had to admit, she did in fact, hold a special feeling for this wolf. It was small, and probably was only there because of the link he carried with NightBlood, but it was there just the same. Perhaps he liked her for the same reason. In that respect, at least they had a common bond. Still, Zuka was never one to act upon any feeling short of anger and aggression. It wasn't like her to even be this close to a male outside her family. The only reason she had been comforting him was the simple fact that she was scared for her life and she wanted him to calm down so she could ask him more questions about NightBlood. At least, that's what she was trying to tell herself.

The tan wolfess shook her head to clear out the thoughts and confusion running around and try to make sense of the situation. She liked him. Okay, that was enough right now. Archer had made the first move, that was obvious. Even if he had only moved because of the link she shared with his old mate, it was still a move. It was time for a reaction. Anything. Even a flick of her tail. But she couldn't program anything to even twitch. After a moment, she growled out of frustration, then cut it short. He'd think she was growling at him. She folded her ears, blood rushing to her face how of embarrassment at her confusing actions. She turned away from him and clawed the ground, not sure of what to do.

Finally, she stood up and, without looking at him, turned in the direction of the site where her mother had fallen.

"I'll uh... take you to her death site..."

[Ina]

It wasn't awkward, really. Not for Archer. Sure, he could be charming and sexy if he wanted to be, but where was the fun in letting her fall so suddenly? He'd take his time and get to know her, even though both his mind and his heart were calling him names and yelling at him to do something. Anything. He didn't know Armageddon, but when he came to the know him, there would be sparks. Archer would call the other wolf a carbon copy, say that Nightblood had only gotten together within because he was nearly identical to Archer. No doubt that "Army" would have to say something about Archer being irresponsible and a lowly bastard who'd best stay away from his little girl. Archer almost grinned. Almost. The corners of his lips did twitch into the beginnings of a smile. He plopped down; as he did so, he wrapped his tail about his front feet and stared at Zuka as if he found her terribly amusing and interesting. Truly, that was how he felt. She was new to him and he was too new to her, yet oh-so-familiar in a way that was almost painful.

Regardless of her reasoning, Archer knew she was shocked. He had just kissed her. He had liked it, but had she? He recognized the stitching of a relationship forming when he saw it, but was he ready for that again? Bloody hell, he'd just kissed her. He might as well start preparing himself for it. Archer knew how to comfort and calm those that were scared and hurt, but the game of love -although he'd been there before (and he had been rather bad at it then)- was one that was full of risks. Did he want to take that risk? Yes, he did. He didn't have to ask himself it. He simply knew the answer. Yes. Yes! He wanted to be with Zuka. He leaned forward just so, just so that their heads brushed. His black bangs dashed across her ears for a moment. It was a terribly intimate move for him to make. He was good at soothing the filly, but there was a worry on his mind: he was a little bit older than her. She was Nightblood's daughter, too. It was almost incest. And to make matters worse, he didn't have the greatest track record when it came to all of this.

He then waited for her response. When he finally noticed she seemed to be frozen, he smirked a little. "Zuka," He asked, stepping closer and then laying a paw on her cheek. Her reaction was amusing. "Breathe, Zuka" He whispered. His eyes were trusting, searching. He took a few steps back. He was worried about her. Had he made a move too soon? He'd only known her for a few minutes and he'd already screwed up! He cursed at himself and then noticed that her cheek had heated up a little. She was blushing... she was blushing! Archer watched her try to sort out her own feelings and get a reaction that she deemed apropos. Archer stared a little bit longer and when she finally was able to sort herself out, he sighed softly. His gentler nature from just a moment ago rose again and he pressed his paw against her cheek. He smiled softly, green eyes gazing lovingly upon her. "Alright?" He asked, his breath stirring her fur a little bit.

"I'll uh... take you to her death site..."

She rose without looking at him, clawed at the dirt a little. Archer nodded. "Okay." He kept his voice soft. He was now really upset. Had he done the wrong thing? He had never been an expert on relationships. He wasn't good at them, he screwed things up more than he'd like to admit. He developed fears and worries that he couldn't dissipate. Instead, they consumed him and caused him to run, just as Archer had done before. He stood up and then shook a little. "I'm ready to go." He said and then padded to her side. Archer was mindful of the fact she probably needed some space right now and he did his very best to respect her bubble. He had acted on impulse earlier and now he was regretting it. He hoped it didn't show in his face. He didn't want Zuka to think she'd done something.

Love was crazy...