Be My Oblivion

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden watched as she had stripped, seeing the look in her eyes, and hearing the tone in her voice. He knew they'd come with weapons ready, but they wouldn't disobey orders. His eyes grew wide as he witnessed her change, a torrent of shivers trembling down his spine as her bloodcurdling scream turned into a desolate howl. The glittering eyes he looked into now were those of an animal, but for a moment, he thought he recognized those same eyes he had seen when she was human. His hand gripped a blade with knuckle-white strength, his body tense. Had he expected her to attack as well? Maybe in the recesses of his mind, he had considered the possibility. The longer he held her gaze, the more certain he was that she was still aware of herself to some degree. He slowly nodded his head to her, and looked to the walls of his tent. He stood, a weapon in each hand. "I know you're out there. Stand down, and return to your tents. Captain's given me orders to keep her here with me." he called out to who ever was close enough to his tent to hear. He glanced down at Ember, and then back to the tent walls. His eyes darted around, his ears strained to hear the movement of footsteps outside.


"Lieutenant. Give her back to us. We're bored without our entertainment." Someone's voice echoed into the tent as the distinguished sound of metal scraping metal seemed to surround them. "Stand down, Corporeal. I want no trouble from you." Aiden snapped, clutching his weapons, ready for a fight. "You know Captain dislikes fighting among the ranks." he growled, hoping he could talk through this and not have to fight. He was outnumbered, and Ember wasn't in a shape to be of much help in this big of a fight. The Lieutenant as he waited for a response, straining to hear what they were doing outside the tent.

 

[FieryAngel]

The fear in his eyes and white knuckled grip led the wolf to whimper softly and roll upon the ground upon her back. It was a true sign of a wolf submitting to that of another which held higher rank. It was a sure sign she wasn't about to harm him. Though her size was far larger than the girl she was, seeming to be a normal wolf otherwise, and her legs bumped into things once she was sure Aiden had calmed enough and understood that he was safe from harm. Those on the outside, however, not so much. Hackles rose at the one man's comment, teeth bared as a snarled rippled from the pits of her belly. It was a warning to those to remain outside.


Rising to her feet, she closed the short distance between herself and the Lieutenant, licking his cheek as a thanks before taking a protective stance before him. Bodies closed in on their safe haven, the shadows of men holding weapons dancing across the thin walls as fires flickered to life around them. There was no intention of backing down, those monsters determined to gain what they thought was rightfully theirs. A few, however, had begun to scatter, not daring to take on the wolf girl in full on beast form without the safety of an electric fence. They were smart, and even tried to reason with the rest, sadly to no avail. Where was the captain when turmoil was breaking loose?

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden glanced, once again, to Ember, now standing in what seemed a protective way between him and those that surrounded his tent. He blinked for a few moments, and then turned his attention back to the people around. A weapon lifted into the air, and then froze. A voice rang through the silence that ensued. "Stand down!" the new voice yelled, from what seemed a decent distance. "Any who disobey that order will see themselves shackled for execution! I will not tolerate insubordination in my company! I don't care who or what you think you are!" snarled the new voice, and several men yelped, and weapons were sheathed. "Captain..." Aiden said softly, his teeth gritting. "I don't want to know what this is going to cost me." he sighed, shaking his head. He looked at Ember, and waited for the Captain's next words.


"All those who wished to attack my Lieutenant are now required to take the morning scouting mission. Get to bed and get some sleep. You're not to return until dinner. I want to know what's surrounding us!" he snapped, and then there was silence. Men growled profanities, and more weapons were sheathed. "Tonight isn't the only night, Lieutenant." snarled the first voice that had spoken to them. "I will get that wolf girl. You won't always be around to protect her with your rank!" the voice hissed, and then was gone. Aiden stood, still tense, as he listened for any more trace of a threat.

 

[FieryAngel]

Ember held her position as the men closed in on them, snarling turned to snapping of jaws in warning to stay back. However, her ferocity wasn't needed, and she had looked to Aiden in question as the new voice barked orders. One by one the men dispersed, the hackles that stood at attention slowly sank, smoothing out her shoulders. Her head shook violently with agitation, and after pacing back and forth, she finally flopped to the ground in a huff.


The threat was gone for now, and she finally relaxed, her blue gaze focused upon the Lieutenant to gauge his next reaction. It would be a long night, for certain, and there was no way to tell just how long the Captain's orders would last. The men of the camp were bloodthirsty and cruel, seeming to not want to give up until they've reclaimed their trophy.


As the last man settled down for the night, the only sounds that Ember picked up were crickets and owls, other creatures of the night that hunted in the dark, and the soft breath of slumber that surrounded them. Her ears twitched once in a while, always on alert for some strange sound that was far too near for comfort. Danger wasn't detected, and so she laid her head upon the tops of her paws. It wasn't her intent to make Aiden any more uncomfortable, so her attention wasn't focused upon him, paying him no mind now that the commotion was over. She figured he'd need space, and would let her know when it was no longer necessary.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

It was a long while after the last of the men dispersed before Aiden relaxed, sitting down on the edge of his bed with a heavy sigh. "One night down." he muttered, setting the blades on the small table beside him. He looked over at Ember, watching as she settled, and even began to relax. Exhaustion tugged at his eyes, and he ran a hand over his face. "I sure got myself into a mess this time." he scoffed softly, shaking his head. He laid back on the bed with a sigh and stared at the ceiling until sleep overcame his exhausted form. He slipped into a dreamless sleep, fully clothed, and not even properly on his bed.

 

[FieryAngel]

As sleep overcame him, she turned to look, able to admire him in his sleep even in her wolf form. Even though it was quiet, she vowed to watch over him the entire night and lay beside his bed like a well trained guard dog. Only once in a while did her head raise from the ground to check on him, or to better hear a noise that rustled the brush nearby.


The night went on without further incidence, and as dawn approached, Ember finally drifted off to sleep. By morning, she was still in the same place that she parked the night before, right beside Aiden's bed to guard him from harm as he had so kindly done to her. Though now she was curled up naked upon the ground as a human, all fur being shed as the sun began to rise higher in the skies.


Men rustled in their tents, groans of protest as coffee was brewed and poured into mugs to awaken each that was ordered to scout at such an hour. Some grumbled at one another, pointing fingers for the trouble they tried to cause at the rise of the moon. Others remained silent and kept eyes upon the grounds. The captain was no where to be seen, but no man dared cross his orders just yet. Eventually, they headed off into the forest to scout the area, searching for whatever dangers lie beyond their perimeter.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

As the light filtered into his tent, Aiden blinked and shifted. He groaned softly, and sat up, sore from remaining in the same position for so long. He looked around, catching sight of Ember, curled on the ground beside the bed, naked. He shook his head and stood, carefully moving away from her prone form. He unlaced his boots, and slid them off, then removed his shirt. He moved over to the bed, and stooped, lifting Ember off the ground. He tucked her under the blankets, and then climbed onto the other side of the cot, remaining above the blankets. He turned his back to her, and tucked his arm under his head, letting his eyes close to drift back to sleep. The luxury of being Lieutenant being that he didn't have to really do much if he didn't want to, and the Captain hadn't given him orders.

 

[FieryAngel]

Tucked into the warmth of the Lieutenant's bed once more, a much more restful sleep overcame the wolf girl, but the division of the blankets wasn't enough to keep them apart. Being a part of a pack had her used to snuggling with others, though usually in wolf form, and without even realizing it, her body rolled, nose nuzzling into the back of his neck. Even in sleep and aware of where she was or just what she was doing, being snuggled so close to a beating heart was beyond comforting and brought a sense of peace Ember hadn't felt in such a long time.


The morning soon came to pass, sun rising to peak in the sky, and the heat and light that came down upon the tent was enough to make her stir. Eyelids fluttered as she regained her sight, arms rising above her head to stretch out the soreness of her muscles. It was then that her conscious mind began to realize there was another body beside her. Recognizing the copper hair, she quickly realized it was Aiden who she snuggled so close with, and warmth instantly kissed her cheeks to bring about a rosy red. The worst part was, she was naked, and suddenly rather embarrassed of that simple fact. Gently sliding out of bed, it was her attempt to not wake him, searching for the clothes she had been given the day before to hide the parts of her body that shouldn't be seen by just any male eyes.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden shifted as the bed moved, ever so slightly, the weight beside him that he had adjusted to suddenly gone. He cracked his eyes open in time to see Ember searching for clothing. He yawned, and rubbed his face, sitting up in the bed. He shifted to the foot of the bed, and reached into the trunk, pulling out a sun dress that was neatly folded. "Here." he said, holding it out to her. His eyes focused on the tent wall in front of him, his first attempt to give her a bit of privacy since the previous morning.

 

[FieryAngel]

Surprise came from hearing his voice, her face reddening further as she covered her naked features with her hands. What did it matter? He had seen her naked number of times before, but it was now that she was so aware of herself. A sundress within his grasp came as another surprise, though this one pleasant, and she was more than happy to accept the fabric. It would be far more flattering than the previous outfit she had worn.


Slipping it on, it seemed to fit rather well, though it was just a bit big in the waist. That was large in part due to her malnourished form. It was far more comfortable than baggy pants and oversized shirt, the fabric less scratchy and breathable. The v-neck dipped low upon her chest, but not exposing too much for wandering eyes. The skirt flared out from the waist, painted with patterns of flowers and vines, something delicate and truly feminine. "Again, your kindness is much appreciated." Giving a nod, the skirt rose up and flared further as she did a little twirl to show off, mostly enjoying it for herself, before coming to rest upon the opposite side of the bed. "Apologies for waking you. I didn't mean to disturb you."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden glanced at her when he caught the twirl of fabric, and momentarily froze, staring. He shook himself, and looked away finally as she sat upon the bed. "Don't be sorry. I was close to waking anyway." he said with a shrug. He rubbed his hand over his face again, stifling a yawn. "Lucky me, I don't have to do anything if I so choose not to. Unless the captain gives me specific orders." he chuckled, and laid back on the bed. He was still physically tired from his journey, so it was nice to just kick back and relax. After a moment, he sat back up, and stood. He located a clean shirt and slid it on, buttoning up the front, and folding the sleeves to his elbows. "Come on. Let's grab some breakfast and go for a walk. You seem strong enough for some exercise." he said as he laced up his boots. "I don't like cooping myself up in my tent day after day, and I'm sure you could use some fresh air. Just stay close to me." he explained, straightening himself once his boots were secure.

 

[FieryAngel]

Lips curled into a smile as her company relaxed and spent a few minutes fully waking, keeping herself on the edge of the bed to give him plenty of space. "Well, I'm glad you have some time to enjoy the world around you, then. All work and no play is certainly not the way to live." Speaking of, ears perked at the mention of breakfast and a walk, eyes quickly cast to the entrance of the tent. Was it safe to leave her refuge? As he rose and got dressed, her heart began to pound in a near panic, worried that those beasts out there might do something foolish and entrap her once again.


It was silly to worry, as Aiden had proven himself worthy of protecting her, and her lungs heaved deeply. "As long as you think it's safe, I would enjoy a walk with you." It was her turn to stand, long dark locks cascading down her back and seeming to flow with the gentle movements of each step. Standing at the entrance, she froze and peered through the crack, checking for sings that the coast was clear, and deeming it safe, slid just outside the opening, and refusing to go farther without her escort.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden followed her out of the tent, putting a hand in the air to block the sudden glare of the sun until his eyes were able to fully adjust. He paused a moment, "Hold on." he said, opening the tent flap again. He motioned for her to hold it open while he ducked back inside and slipped several daggers in strategic places over his body. Lower back, tops of boots, hips, and just inside his folded sleeves. He, then, stepped back out and let the tent flap fall closed. He nodded for her to start walking, keeping her to the side and slightly ahead of him so that no one could sneak up on her. His eyes darted around as they walked through the camp.


As they neared the tent that boasted a sign reading mess hall, the crowd of men seemed to have thickened. Cat calls, and jeers were thrown out, but it seemed no one was willing to make a move in broad daylight. Aiden glared at a few they passed by, and pressed on to where the cooks stood, serving out the meal. Aiden stepped forward this time, picking up two trays. Both were filled with the normal rations, and then Aiden directed Ember to a table in the farthest corner. He set the food down, and sat, motioning for Ember to do the same. "Just ignore them. You're reaction and fear is just making it fun for them to keep acting like fools." he said gently, lifting his fork.

 

[FieryAngel]

It quite quite a pleasant surprise to see normal food that was still edible before her at the table, and cautiously she picked at it, sniffing each item to be sure it was safe. Not that she didn't trust Aiden, of course, but it was the others who clearly made her ill. Their glares pierced her back, the chill in the room not from impending cold weather. Taking the suggestion, she cleared her throat and sat up straight, holding her head high with dignity and pride. Raising her fork, she began to eat, taking small bites and going slow as to not risk upsetting her already weakened belly.


Men shuffled about the tent, some coming and others going. Ember kept her ears open, relying on sound to alert her of any threats in the area. A group of men not far from their own table sat jeering in their direction, disgusted with the wolf girl eating so casually among the rest of them. Taunts were thrown this way, comments about preferring human flesh and bone over what was on her plate. She didn't budge, pretending they didn't exist while she finished her meal. A ballsy one picked up a hardened dinner roll, and dared to throw it at Ember. It smacked into the back of her head, a flash of ice crossed her eyes, and a beastly snarl began to rumble in her throat. However, she didn't budge, nor look at those who mocked her.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden ate slowly, also ignoring the taunts, and sneers thrown their way. It wasn't their decision to decide who he held as company and who he didn't. After a while, he glanced up just as a soft thud sounded in Ember's direction, and caught the ice in her eyes. He looked to the floor, seeing the discarded dinner roll. Anger seared through him, and he stood, slowly. He walked the few, minor steps it took to reach the other side of the table and bent, lifting the roll off the floor. He tossed it in his hand for a moment, "Who threw this?" he demanded, his eyes glued to the roll in his hand. Silence. "I demand to know who threw this!" he snapped, gripping the roll in his fist, crumbs breaking off and falling to the floor.


Finally, a man raised up from his seat, "I did, sir." he sneered. Aiden looked up, "Then I hope you enjoy washing dishes and cleaning latrines." he snapped, throwing the dirty roll onto the man's plate, and returned to his seat. He lifted his fork, and looked around the room. "Any others want to join him? I'm sure I can find equally grueling work for you all." he stated, biting into his food as he waited. No one seemed to say anything more, and continued on with their meal in silence.

 

[FieryAngel]

Pivoting in her seat, she wasn't about to miss a second of Aiden moving about in search of the culprit. As one man rose and admitted his fault, Ember's lips curled up in a snarl, the wolf within eager to hunt him down. At least he'd be getting what was deserved, his face stuck in toilets the rest of the day and hands pruning of nasty water filled with dirt and grime. It was enough to satisfy her for now. One by one, her icy glare met every single pair of eyes that dared to stare in her direction, each one seeming to shiver in their seats and look down to play with the food upon their plate.


Satisfied, she turned around and continued to pick, finally full and satisfied after what felt like weeks of waiting for a decent meal. Her concern was on the man before her, fully aware of the risks he took to ensure she was treated like a human and not some uncivilized beast. Leaning forward, hands folded gently upon the table, a look of sorrow crossed her features. "I trust you're aware a mutiny may be upon you soon. The tension is far too thick in this camp to even breath. I appreciate all you do for me, you've been so kind. But, is it worth the risk of your men rising against you?"

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden looked up from his plate at Ember, his eyes full of recognition of her words. He knew it. "Yes. Anything is worth not losing my humanity." he stated simply, and stood. He left his plate on the table, and waited for Ember to follow. "I'm well aware of the risks my actions are begging for." he sighed, and left the mess hall tent, once again to the side, and slightly behind Ember to watch for trouble. He directed her toward the edge of camp, "We'll walk just outside of camp to keep off prying eyes." he noted, smiling softly.

 

[FieryAngel]

It wasn't until they reached the edge of camp that she finally let herself loose, leaping to latch onto a low branch and swinging carelessly. Oh how it felt so wonderful to feel the forest beneath her feet! She even began to peel with laughter as she danced and weeds tickled bare legs. Her display only lasted but a few minutes until she remembered Aiden was with her, pausing and regaining composure with a blush upon her cheeks. "Sorry. I got a little too excited. Never thought I'd see the forest again. Even if this may be the last time I get to feel the presence of home, I thank you from the bottom of my heart."


She wasn't fully convinced that death wouldn't visit soon on swift wings, even if Aiden wouldn't order it, then most certainly would deliver. She only hoped he wouldn't suffer the same fate. His earlier words still rang fresh in her memory, and stepping forward, drew in a deep breath as she studied his face. "I hope you remember what you said. Never lose your humanity. War can lead a man to knowing nothing more than death and destruction. I've seen it so many times. You're far too kind to lose yourself."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden watched her as an excitement settled over Ember, making her laugh almost joyously. Another memory flashed through his mind, and he stamped it down quickly. He smiled warmly toward her when she stopped, and shook his head. "Don't apologize. Were I in your situation, I'd have gotten excited also." he chuckled and continued to walk further away from the camp. He froze when she began to speak again, about war, and humanity, and how death affects men. He sighed, and shook his head, "Death can change people. Be it for good, or for worse." he said softly. He moved on through the forest, as if leading her somewhere.


They were a decent distance away from the camp when Aiden veered off the game trail he had been following, pushing through the thick underbrush of the forest floor's thick foliage. He continued on in silence until they came to a thinning of the trees, and rushing water could be heard babbling ahead. Soon, a small river came into his view, and he smiled. "Here we go. I knew I remembered it was out here." he chuckled to himself as he walked to the waters edge and sat, his legs folded under himself.

 

[FieryAngel]

As they veered off the trail to a rather overgrown path, which would be unnoticeable to those who didn't know it was already there, she was rather puzzled. There was no difficulty maneuvering through the brush, or as twigs cracked beneath her bare feet she'd find little discomfort. Silence carried them on their way until they arrived to his destination, and she stood in awe at the glorious sight before her. "A special place of yours?" It had the energy of something special, and she took a seat beside him.


After moments of watching the water ripple and flow over rocks of various shapes and sizes, their vibrant color shining in the sunlight, she turned to Aiden with concern. "I sense something is troubling you. There's often sadness in your eyes, I can sense your pain. And the way you speak of death. Tell me, what troubles you?"


Leaning forward on hands and knees, she dipped her fingers into the edge of the river, letting the water dance around her digits. It was cool, but felt rather good against the warmth of the day. A family of ducks swam nearby, three little babies in tow of their momma. She smiled sweetly, finding beauty in their surroundings, and a gentle breeze ruffled the long mane that hung down around her shoulders.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden smiled at the water, "I find this place makes it easier to think." he said simply, taking a deep breath. "It brings me a peace I can't find when surrounded by the others in the troop." he added, his eyes shifting along the length of the river before settling on Ember as she turned to him, and asked what had been troubling him. He was rather impressed with her intuition, but then again, she was a wolf at heart. Or something along those lines. He found himself chuckling softly at the thought, and shook his head. He watched her for a moment, watching her dip her fingers into the cool water, and the smile that graced her lips.


"It was three years ago." he began finally, looking at the moving water again. "Three years ago almost to the day." he sighed, closing his eyes as the memories flooded back to him. "I was returning home for a bit of rest after a long mission with the company. I was allowed to return to marry my fiance, who had only a few months prior, given birth to a child." he said softly, opening his eyes again as he stared at the water. "She was beautiful, and kind. She cared for any injured creature that crossed her path. It was rather irritating at times. Coming home and finding a new dog, or cat. Even some wild creatures." he laughed, one quick short release of breath, a smile playing on his features.


He lifted his head and looked at the sky, blue and nearly cloudless. "I got to spend all of three days with them." he pressed on, swallowing down a thickness that had formed in his throat. "Our home was attacked. I haven't any idea why, as we kept to ourselves and tried to leave as little damage to the surrounding nature as we could manage." he closed his eyes again, the more painful memories flooding his mind. "It was dark, and I was caught off guard. My weapons weren't with me, and it was only my small family and I." he sighed, shaking his head. "Wolves attacked my home." he growled, an anger bubbling to the surface he had long suppressed. "Why I had been spared, I can not fathom. All I remember is the beginning of the attack, blacking out, and then waking to find my home burned and bloody. The only reason I can say, without doubt, that it was werewolves that took my family from me was because there were human corpses that weren't my fiance and child." he shivered at the memory, scrunching his eyes closed for a moment as he took a deep breath to steady himself.

 

[FieryAngel]

As his sorrow grew, so did hers, and she righted herself beside him, even daring to place a gentle caress upon his shoulder for comfort. "I'm so sorry that happened. While I know nothing of losing a mate or a child, I know loss. While it gets easier, it never fully fades, grief threatening to overtake you at the worst possible times when you need to be your strongest." She too looked to the sky, shedding a single tear in place of his own that flowed freely down her cheek into the green grass below that tickled her feet. There were no words that could make it better, nothing that could undo the past. All she could do was sit by his side and offer him comfort if he so chose to have it.


"Sadly, there are wolves who simply enjoy the taste of human flesh, and kill without a second thought. Most of them have lost their humanity, living only as the wolf. We can actually change at will, did you know? Some prefer to never see their human for again, but it comes at a great price. The longer you remain as an animal, the more animalistic you become. We're not all like that though. I'm forced to change by the full moons light because I rarely do otherwise. If I balanced out the two halves, I'd never have to suffer the force of a shift again. I just enjoy my human nature so much I never feel the need to take shape of a beast." Shoulders lifted and fell as her attention turned back to the water, finding peace in the gentle bubbling of the brook.


After several quiet moments passed, she sighed and removed her hand from his shoulder. "I have nothing left in this world. My entire village was slaughtered, homes burned to the ground. I have no where to go, no purpose. It's strange, really. However, seeing as how you've suffered by the hand of my kind, and you've done me a great service, I vow from this day to protect you and yours. If you find another love, I'll be there to keep them safe. No wolf, no creature will ever lay hands upon whatever you hold dear again." There was a warmth in the depths of her blue hues now as she turned to gaze upon him, sincerity the only thing detectable. She was determined to keep this promise, and kept her smile soft and gentle in hopes he would truly believe her.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden took a deep breath, holding it for a moment, before releasing it slowly, feeling the calming effects slowly releasing the tension of his muscles. He hadn't ever spoken of his loss before, and somehow, in some way, doing so now seemed to ease the pain on his heart, however minor. He appreciated her words, and was relieved as she didn't make any excuses for his family's deaths. It was surprising to hear that the wolves could change at will, as it wasn't common knowledge among humans. He turned his gaze from the sky, and looked at Ember, momentarily shocked by the depth of sincerity and warmth in her gaze.


"Thank you, I guess." Aiden finally managed to say, a small smile settling on his lips in response to her own soft smile. "You're nothing like I though all wolves were like. I guess I fell into the stereotype to easily. I apologize for my assumptions." he said gently, nodding his head toward her. "I haven't been completely kind in my thoughts." he chuckled, shaking his head. He looked at the river again, his thoughts drifting back to the camp, and the unrest of the men. "You should leave while you have the chance." he said after a moment. "While everyone is on scouting missions. Take the river and they won't be able to track you." he continued, glancing at Ember. "I may be a Lieutenant, but I can't keep you alive much longer. You said it yourself, and their resentment is palpable." he sighed, "In two days the Captain will be gone from the camp. He has to report to his higher rankings. If my murder is to happen, they'll wait until then." He explained.

 

[FieryAngel]

Ember took no offense, and only chuckled as he apologized. "It's quite alright. Not many in the human world understand us. They often hear horror stories of our beastly counterparts that refuse to tap into their humanity. It's all they know, it's all you knew. Because of that, most refuse to sit down and see that we're just like you, just with something extra. You're one of the few humans I've met in my many years that has been calm in my presence. The other few were those who joined our family through marriage. It's rare, but humans and wolves have been known to get together." She smiled and gazed upon the ground, a memory flooding her thoughts. "I think it's the loyalty that attracts those few. Wolves mate for life, and find nothing of more importance than their mate. We'd die for the one that pulled at our heart, taking it for themselves. We'd do anything, be anything. At least, that's what I heard from my sisters husband before they were killed."


Even though it was a memory full of sadness, it didn't overcome her, and happiness radiated through her as she thought of them. "I will miss them terribly, but I know they are still with me in spirit. I can feel their presence even now."


To her surprise, she thought of running at his suggestion, imagining the feel of the wind rushing through her fur as she did. How could she abandon Aiden at such a time, though? He saved her, and she owed him the same favor. But, if she returned, things could be far worse. It was a rather difficult decision to make. "I'm not sure what to do here. I mean, my freedom is the greatest gift you could offer, but I couldn't live with myself if you met your demise because of my existence." Rubbing her forehead, she heaved deeply, gaze distance as she pondered what to do. "Come with me. I can keep you safe."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden looked at her for a long while. "I would only slow you down. You're a wolf, and I am not." He chuckled, shaking his head. "Though the idea is tempting. No. If I don't return to camp, they'll think something happened, and come looking. If I do go back, I can keep them from following you for a while and give you a batter chance to get away." He pressed, looking back at the river. He sighed, and thought. He found himself surprised that he actually wanted to escape with this wolf girl, to get away from the slaughter and hate.