Be My Oblivion

[FieryAngel]

She was overwhelmed with sadness as he refused to run away with her, and the harsh reality that she'd be alone hit her like a brick in the face. However, it would be foolish to return to a place where death would be upon her in a matter of days. The smartest thing to do would be to run. She couldn't hold back tears as they now streamed down her face, leaning in to place a gentle kiss upon his cheek. "I'll never forget your kindness. I wish you all of the luck in the world." Rising from the ground, she stripped from the dress, making sure it was returned to it's rightful owner, and cast a smile over her shoulder.


Leaping into the air, she shifted so easily into a wolf, no pain or suffering came with this transformation. It was easy, and as she erupted in black fur that shimmered and shined like her own human hair, four paws landed in the brush and pushed her forward. Running at alarming speed, she was out of side, the sound of her massive form lost in the trees in a matter of seconds, leaving Aiden to himself. Though, the wolf didn't feel at all right about leaving him behind.


Pausing in her tracks, she looked over her shoulder towards where she came, shaking her head in attempt to rid herself of the guilt and pain. Her head tilted back, muzzle to the sky as she let out a longing howl filled with sorrow, one that echoed for miles through the forest. From them on, it was silent, not a sign of her to be seen or heard as she slunk about the forest, and her direction took back towards the camp, being sure to remain well hidden in the shadows.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden watched her run off, stunned by her lips against his cheek. That he hadn't expected. Nor had he expected the tears. He slowly stood as he heard the mournful howl, and held the sun dress in his hands. He shook his head, and tossed the dress to the ground. He couldn't let it be seen. If she had truly escaped, then the clothing would have been torn to shreds.


He readied himself, and took off at a hard run back to the camp. As he neared the edges he started yelling. "She's escaped! She's gone!" He yelled at the top of his lungs. He had thrashed through the underbrush, his pants and shirt deshelved thanks to the hard branches and thorns. He even bore a few scratches. He had discarded a few of his knives as he had run. He came screeching through the camp, yelling of the beast's escape pointing them in the opposite direction she had actually run. He was breathless when he came to a stop near the captain's tent, doubling over to catch his breath.


"Captain! The beast is gone!" He called, breathless. "I tried to stop her, but she overtook me. Her strength returned faster than I expected." He panted. The captain didn't even bother to leave his tent. "Everyone gear up. Go after her. Kill on sight." Came the simple order from within. "Lieutenant, you are confined to your tent until we have apprehended and killed the beast." Came the second order. Then all was silent.


Aiden gulped down air, nodding. "Yes, sir." He said, defeated, and trudged back to his tent as every able bodied man in camp rushed to get their things. Each and every one leaving in the false direction Aiden had supplied them with.

 

[FieryAngel]

Crawling on her belly, she came to rest beneath a large bush that kept her well hidden in the shadows, blue eyes piercing the camp as she heard the shouting of men who thought they were out to catch a beast. The one she wanted to find was no where to be seen, though his scent was strong, catching a whiff of blood from various cuts and scrapes he had gathered. Hair stood on the back of her neck, knowing full well it was dangerous, but she couldn't just leave him to face possible death.


Spotting him walking to his tent after speaking with the captain, she gave a soft whimper, wanting nothing more than to carry him off away from this danger. He was a man of honor, and knew he'd never forsake his duty, and kidnapping him was out of the question. With a huff, she slid from the bushes, confident that he'd be safe for now, and headed off towards the river, where tracking her would be far more difficult.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden waited quietly as the sounds of the camp emptying fell into silence. Then he started to move. He packed a small travellers bag, a change of clothes, his fiancé's brush and comb, and the small pink baby blanket. As well as the heavy purse of his savings. He threw his cloak over his shoulders and peered out of his tent. Everyone was gone. All save for himself and the captain. He slipped from his tent and made his way to the chicken pens they used to raise a small flock of chicken to feed the troop. He picked a heavy hen, carrying it back to his tent.


"I'm sorry, and I thank you for your life." He said softly to the hen as he stood in the middle of his tent. He raised blade, and slaughtered the bird. He made sure to make it look as convincing as possible that he had been attacked and drug off in yet another false direction, shredding his tent and destroying what he could. Then, he ran for the river. The least he could do was keep himself alive. After all, she had she'd tears for him when no other, save his fiancé, had done the same.

 

[FieryAngel]

The beast didn't run, finding no need to hurry as danger was long gone in the other direction. Instead, she found a quiet little spot beneath a weeping willow beside the brook to rest. It was well shaded, her dark fur blending in to keep her position secret, much like a shadow in the night. Though her human still felt sorrow, she couldn't cry in this form, and simply lay there whining like a puppy. What would happen to the Lieutenant? She feared his life would come to an end, having heard the instructions from the captain to remain in his tent. She'd go back, would have to go back to make sure he was safe.


Rising, she paced back and forth, debating on what to do, until she was beginning to pant heavily with thirst. Coming to the edge of the river, her head dipped down, long tongue reaching out to dip into the cool liquid. It tasted good, each mouthful cooling her down further until she was fully satisfied and no longer panting. A deep inhale gave a good idea of the creatures about, smelling dear and rabbits, squirrels, and birds. Easy prey should she choose to hunt. Flopping down with a groan back in the shade, her paws crossed as her head came to rest upon them, simply watching the peaceful scenery before her.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden reached the river, breathing hard. He paused to catch his breath, listening hard for any signs of unwarranted pursuit. When only the sounds of the surrounding nature reached his ears, he heaved a sigh and straightened. He looked around, spotting the discarded dress from earlier. "They haven't been through here. Good." he said breathlessly. He stooped and lifted the dress, folding it and tucking it into his pack. As he adjusted the pack over his shoulder, he stepped into the river.


Immediately, his boots were sodden, and the cold chill of the water surrounded his feet. "I'll walk the water a few miles, and then I can hit land on the other bank." he told himself, sighing. He started walking, dragging his feet through the water to make as little noise as possible. He needed to keep his ears alert for the approach of any other person. He was thankful that he was moving downstream, the flow of the water helping his feet move rather than causing resistance. Occasionally, he would pause, cupping his hand in the river water, and lifting it to his lips before pressing forward.

 

[FieryAngel]

For just a few moments, Ember drifted into sleep, allowing dreams to flood her mind in hopes to drive away the nightmares that were all too real. It wasn't until she heard the unusual and gentle splashing of water that she awoke, ears twitching towards the noise, and her head lifted groggily to see. It was Aiden, the one person she didn't expect to see, and out of excitement, she was off the ground and leaping through the water playfully in his direction. Her fur was soaked as she splashed about, creating ripples in the river where each droplet fell. Ducking her head down low and tail held high, she wiggled her backside in a playful manner.


She was eager to go with him, leaning over and nuzzling his arm, or more like she wanted him to go with her. Either way, she wasn't about to let him wander off alone. Yelping, she took his sleeve in her mouth and began to tug him along trying to hurry him out of the water into the shade at least, just to give her enough time to transform back into a human.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden's eyes widened as the large black wolf leaped playfully toward him through the water. He held up his hands to block the splash of water from his face. "Why haven't you run farther?" he asked, his tone seeming upset, though his face held a smile. "They're searching for you. You should have run." he sighed, following her to the shore. He dropped his sack on the dry ground, and flopped down as well, his limbs exhausted from the sudden journey. He eyed Ember for a moment, and grabbed his bag, pulling the dress back out. He set it to the side, and turned his back to her, allowing her time to change. "They're headed the wrong direction for the time being, and I faked my death, giving them a second false lead. If we hurry, we should be able to put plenty enough distance between us and them." he explained, stretching his arms above his head and arching his back. He kept his back to her and began to rub the sore muscles of his legs. "If it hadn't been a dangerous concept, I should have gotten my horse." he sighed, shaking his head.

 

[FieryAngel]

A shiver across her skin rippled through her body, and quickly she was back in human form, albeit naked once again. Accepting the dress, she slipped it on, all the while scowling at his attempt to escape. "I vowed to watch over you. I will not run when your life is in danger. I wanted to make sure you were safe, though I never saw you faking your own death." She gave away that she snuck back to the camp, and immediately rolled her eyes. "Yes, I followed you, lets not dwell on that, shall we?" She was sure he wouldn't at all be pleased.


Lips puckered in thought as she tried to quickly plan an escape. "Well, I can't offer you a horse, but have you ever ridden the back of a wolf?" She could hold his weight easy, though sneaking about might be just a tad more difficult. If it spared his muscles, she'd be willing to try anything.


Her head snapped up, the sounds of footsteps and breaking branches echoing through the trees, and not too far away. Unsure if his human ears could detect it, she thought it best to tell him now before it was too late. "Seems your diversion didn't work. They're not far, and heading this way. So, you better make a decision, and quick."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden scowled, but knew they had to escape. There was no point in attempting to argue over something that had previously happened. "That doesn't matter, my fake death, your return to camp. It's in the past." he said hurriedly, clambering quickly to his feet. "As for riding the back of a wolf, never done it, but if you think you can carry me, we better go." he said, shouldering his pack again. The sounds of approaching men began to reach his ears, and the skin on the back of his neck prickled. "Let's get out of here." he nodded at Ember.

 

[FieryAngel]

Ember chuckled softly. "You're right, it's in the past." At least she wasn't about to get an ear full. As he agreed to her idea, she simply nodded, seeming not to be worried about the load she was soon to be carrying. "You will be a feather compared to the prey I've hauled back home." She was truly getting tired of clothing, now that she was taking off the dress again and throwing it at him. Arms reached up above her head, pale skin even seeming to glow in the darkness of the tree. It only lasted a moment as she trembled and transformed, upon all fours and covered with silky fur before his very eyes. Whimpering, she nudged him with her nose and lay upon the ground so that he may climb on. Voices were now within earshot, her heart beating rapidly as she feared not for her life, but for the man who saved her.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden caught the dress, and rather desperately stuffed it into his pack. He'd worry about folding it later. He glanced in the direction of the voices, and climbed onto Ember's back. He laid along her shoulders as he would a horse's to help allow for streamline, and tangled his fingers into her fur to hold on. He took a deep breath, and readied himself for the mad dash away from danger. His heart beat rapidly in his chest, tightening with fear for not only himself, but the wolf girl he had put his neck on the line for. He risked a glance over his shoulder and just as they disappeared through the trees, a group of men broke through to the small clearing beside the river. He heard someone shout. They had seen the last bit of their retreat, which meant someone would be running back to tell the rest of the company. "I'd advise running until you can't any more. We need as much distance as we can put between us. They'll go back for their horses, which gives us a head start." he said, leaning his head close to her ear so he didn't need to yell in case there was someone, somehow, able to hear his words.

 

[FieryAngel]

Once he was securely on, she took off, darting quickly through the trees far faster than a normal wolf. Maneuvering wasn't so difficult once he lay upon her back, enabling her to duck beneath logs, leap over rocks, and bounce between the trees. Leaves rustled in their wake, leaving a trail of dust. It seemed to natural and easy to her. Her tongue lulled out as she panted, not from exhaustion, but exhilaration, and her movements were nearly fluid. She could go on for miles like this, running for hours at top speeds with nothing to slow her down.


However, the human upon her back would surely need a break, and she suspected he might be near the point of panicking if he watched the forest whizzed by. After quite a while, she eventually slowed, finding a dark cave to seek shelter in. The sky was darkening overhead, a storm brewing off to the east. Lowing herself to the ground just on the outside of shelter, she gave him time to climb off before rising and shaking out her fur.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden rolled himself from her back, catching himself with his arms as he met the ground. He grunted, and slid his knees under him, pushing himself into a sitting position. He put a hand to his head, the world feeling as though everything slammed into slow motion. "Well, that was certainly different." he finally managed as the world returned to normal for him. He shook his head, and pulled his pack from his shoulder, and pulled the dress back out. He smoothed the wrinkles with careful hands, and then tossed it to Ember before standing. He moved for the cave, his eyes searching for any signs of other inhabitants, and he had to laugh softly at himself. He was in the company of a wolf. If there was any danger to this cave, she wouldn't have stopped here.


He looked to the sky, "Good. A storm. That will hold off their search, and wash away any trail we may have left." he said, smiling. "That gives us some hope that we've escaped." he added, moving into the mouth of the cave and finding a place to sit, his back against the cold stone. "If we're lucky, the captain will call off the search if the storm lasts long enough." he chuckled, rubbing his face with his hand. He could already feel the beginnings of stubble making his skin feel scratchy.

 

[FieryAngel]

She snickered, though it only sounded like a serious of grunts and huffs, as he had to take a few minutes to gain composure. Ember, however, was rather satisfied with the romp, and stretched out legs both front and back. As the dress lay upon the floor, she picked up gently with her teeth and strolled into the cave, deep enough into the darkness to shift and get dressed. A wolfy yawn turned into that of a human as she yawned mid shift, quite an interesting sound as they blended together. Sure that her human legs were stable to hold her, she slipped the dress on and marched out to meet with Aiden, wearing a proud little smirk upon her face.


She looked at the sky, sitting back, weight held with her hands. "It looks like a strong one. I sensed heavy rains, which is why the cave seemed perfect." Silence overtook her as the gentle sound of rain slowly reached the cave, little droplets bouncing off the greenery and landing upon the ground. A rumble of thunder roared overhead, flickers of lightening reaching from far in the distance. "I suppose you're right. The captain will probably call off the search, at least for a little while. We should be safe here for the night. "

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden found himself chuckling softly under his breath at the sound of the yawn, and shook his head. "If it's a strong storm, it should rain well into tomorrow. Soon as it let's up, we will want to leave here and gain more distance." He said with a yawn. He fell silent, listening to the rain as it picked up and soon there was a sheet of gray at the entrance to the cave, the greenery beyond that a blur of color that was barely decipherable. He sighed, "So much for a fire while the rain was here. At least it's early summer and the nights aren't so bad." He smiled, and scratched his head.


"I guess from here, we should decide where to go now." He said thoughtfully, watching the sheet of rain that fell. He shifted, retreating further into the cave to avoid the water that pooled at the mouth of the cave. "Escape is pointless if we don't have a destination in mind." He chuckled, settling in a new spot and stretching out on the ground. He was exhausted, enough that he hadn't even noticed the hunger that had begun to grow in his stomach. "Get some rest while you can." He said with another yawn, and tucked his pack under his head, his eyes falling closed.

 

[FieryAngel]

Ember had no clue where to go, never having to plan where to spend her time. "Well I guess I could take you home, or anywhere you'd like to settle, even visit." She had no one to tie her down, no possessions to worry about, it was just her. She'd probably live the rest of her days, however long that was as wolves lived far longer than humans, in the forest. "I guess it's up to you, really. So, decide on where you'd like to go." As he lay there to rest, she remained at the mouth of the cave to enjoy the sight of the rain and the sounds of the storm. However, she was hungry as well, and knew they'd both need to eat.


Once he was asleep, she stripped and shifted back into her wolf, making it far easier to hunt. With a glance behind, sure he was save and asleep, she darted off into the pouring rain, coat quickly becoming matted and soaked, and set off to find some food. Most of the animals were hiding fro the storm, but it didn't keep her from sniffing out a rather large buck that was hunkered down in the brush. Nostrils flared as they filled with his scent, and nearly crawled upon her belly until she was in leaping range. In a flash, she was on him, quickly putting the poor thing out of his misery, making sure he barely felt a thing. Satisfied with the kill, she drug him back to the cave, leaving him to rest just out of the rain. She was trying to remain quiet, but had to shake her fur out, sending water flying in every direction. Now she feared it would wake him.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden slept dreamless, his body relaxing completely. It had been a very long time since he had allowed himself to slip into such a deep sleep, and his body eagerly slipped deeper. His mind was blank for the most part, his body to tired to bring his dreams to life. After a time though, his mind swirled with color.

The sun was rising upon the crest of a hill as Aiden rounded a bend in the wheel-rutted dirt road. His cloak was damp with the light rain that was falling, and his hair, which was long and in a ponytail at the back of his neck, matted to his head. Colors swirled and the image blurred. A small child sat within the warmth and strength of male arms. Another blur, and a woman, young and beautiful, long dark brown hair cascading down her back and holding a small feline with a bandage around it's foot. A smile played on her lips much like the smile that had played on the wolf girl's face at the river.

"She's only a kit, Aiden. Can't we keep her long enough to heal? Her foot was cut."

the soft voice swirled around his mind. The image swirled again. Darkness. Growling and snarling could be heard.

Aiden fidgeted in his sleep, restless. His head fell from the makeshift pillow that was his pack, and he tossed to his other side.

The moon was hidden behind clouds, casting a small home in darkness. A baby's cry. Aiden sat up in his bed, groaning softly. He stood, and moved through the house. A shadow passed the window.

"Who goes?"

he snapped. The visage blurred, and then there was red. Red pooled beneath his head, his mind pounding with pain. He shifted, moved. There was a stale metallic scent to the air.



The floor was slick with something sticky. Aiden looked up, his eyes focusing. He screamed. His home was ablaze, and there was so much blood. A body stared at him, shadowed by the blaze. He stumbled forward, and that brown haired woman lay lifeless. Hot tears burned his eyes. Her throat torn out in shreds. He looked around frantically. There was no sound of a child. Where was she? His daughter. Where was she?



Aiden's eyes flew open in a flurry, his body cold and damp. His chest constricted, his breathing ragged. He sat up quickly, staring around, a look of horror on his face. Slowly, recognition came back to him as his mind adjusted back to the reality around him. The sound of the rain and thunder. The flash of lightning. There was a smell to the air, a familiar scent. Metallic. Blood. Blood!? His mind panicked, and he forced himself to stand, frantically searching for Ember. When he spotted the wolf, shaking water from her fur, a buck laying dead just outside the lip of the cave. Relief flooded him and fell to his knees, breathing hard.

 

[FieryAngel]

The panicked breaths coming from further into the cave put her on edge, hackles rising as she dove towards Aiden as the big black wolf, whimpering upon seeing he was ok physically. With danger not present, she shifted, human hands reaching to provide him comfort, shushing gently much like a mother would a weeping babe. She stood naked, dripping wet, but didn't care as she stood there shivering. Hands ran through his dark copper locks, her own knees coming to rest beside him as she brought her eyes level with his own. "Are you alright?"


The sun began to set, the sky painted an odd color through the darkened clouds that poured buckets down outside their little haven. The storm was growing stronger, thunder crashing just a bit off into the distance, lightening flickering faster, illuminating her sapphire eyes filled with concern. "Is there anything I can do?" She felt helpless, unable to do much more than offer a hushed voice or a gentle touch. "I'm so sorry if I startled you. I thought something to eat would be a good idea."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden shook slightly, his breathing slowly returning to normal. He closed his eyes for a moment, breathing deeply, and opened them again. He met her gaze, and sighed heavily. "I just had a nightmare." He said softly, his voice shakey. "When I woke, I smelled blood. I thought," He paused, falling silent. He gulped, taking another shuddering breath. "Yeah, food is a good idea." He said quickly, nodding. He shook himself slightly, pressing the memory and the nightmare to the back of his thoughts.

 

[FieryAngel]

He was ok, at least on the outside, but Ember wasn't so sure. She could only guess what the dream was about, but it didn't take much to figure it out. "You thought what? Talk, it will help. I can assure you, though, that they are only memories now, and no one is hurt." Drawing away, arms wrapped around herself as she dripped a puddle upon the cave floor, and though it was warm, she was cold, the cave being cooler as it was always shielded from the sun. Not wanting to ruin that beautiful sundress either, she left it off, remaining in the buff until she'd be dry enough.


There was a problem with dinner, as the deer was raw, and there was no fire to cook. With the forest wet, finding dry wood would be nearly impossible. She finally chuckled at herself and looked to her present company. "I guess I didn't' think things through. I'm used to feeding wolves." Night was quickly falling upon them, the cave growing darker until it was rather difficult to see. She had no lantern either.


An owl hooted in the distance, and as the rain slowed to a drizzle, crickets began to sing. It was the sounds of the forest on any typical night, the same sounds that often lulled her to sleep. The full moon cycle was even over, allowing her to enjoy it as her normal human self. Once Aiden quit shivering, she headed to the mouth of their dwelling and leaned against the wall, watching the steam begin to rise out of the earth from the cooling weather.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden felt a chuckle bubble in his throat when she made a comment about not thinking through dinner. He looked toward the entrance of the cave and took a deep breath. "If your cold, just put the dress on. Water isn't going to hurt it." He said softly, smiling. He was silent for a long while, and leaned against the wall of the cave. He pressed his forehead against the cold stone, "When I smelled the blood... it brought back memories. I dreamed of the night they died." He sighed, and slowly began to explain his dream.

 

[FieryAngel]

Eyeing the dress upon the floor, she shrugged and plucked it from the ground, slipping it on over her wet form. It clung to her body awkwardly, accenting the curves of her hips, bones in her shoulders, even the roundness of her breasts. It felt rather awkward, and she tugged on it in various places, desperate to make it settle just right. Her long raven mane continued to drip, not at all helping the situation, and with a disgruntled sigh, gave up. It warmed her up, but only slightly, and not enough to keep her from shivering.


Moving towards her kill, she bent to examine the damage that was done, figuring which places were best to cut and cook. It wasn't a skill she had learned, as her family did most of the hunting while others did the cooking. A wrinkled nose expressed frustration as she debated on what to do. Guilt wracked her brain, as she felt it was her fault for his unpleasant nightmares, and hung her head in shame. "I really am sorry. I didn't realize, didn't think. " Rising, she walked over to stand before him, hands cupped innocently behind her back. "I know it's not my place, but, that was a few years ago. It's hard, I know, but would the love of your life really wish you to suffer for the rest of your days in anguish? Wouldn't she want you to find happiness and live? It's never good to dwell on the past, especially when a bright future is right before your very eyes, often when you least expect it."


Speaking her peace, she turned and moved towards the mouth of the cave, looking out into the fog that was overtaking their hideout. "I need to find dry wood somehow. I'm not sure how, but we're going to need a fire. I'm cold, and since you can't exactly eat your dinner raw, I need to figure out how to cook it for you. Unless...." she laughed and shook her head. "I doubt you desire to be like me, not that I'd wish it upon anyone. I'll return, and hopefully with wood."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden shrugged, "Don't apologize. I don't know why I had that reaction. I've smelled blood before." he sighed, shaking his head. He watched as she adjusted her dress, and examined the buck. He could tell she didn't know what to do with the creature. He pondered her words about his sorrow, of course she wouldn't have wanted him to suffer. She never wanted anything to suffer. Two legged, or four. Didn't matter. "The densest places in the forest. Where the tree canopy is thick. Should be able to find some items that aren't water logged." he started, pushing himself up from the ground. He took his cloak off, which had still been wrapped around his shoulders, and walked over, dropping it over Ember. "You can use my cloak. It should help." he said, and looked out through the rain. "There also might be pieces of wood and things under rock overhangs." he continued, and pulled a long knife from his boot. "I'll clean and gut the deer." he offered, and approached the carcass.

 

[FieryAngel]

Just as she was about to step out into the growing darkness, a warmth surrounded her, hands coming up to grip the cloak and wrap it around the front of her body. She turned, wide eyes grateful as she smiled so sweetly. "Thank you. I'll return it as soon as I come back. I won't be long." Glancing left and right, she listened for sounds that were unnatural in the forest, and deeming the coast was clear, darted off into the night.


A normal human would have a much harder time hunting down dry wood in the darkness of the trees that hid the moonlight, but her wolf senses were as strong as ever even in human form. She sniffed the air, used her feet to help find dry areas, and eventually found enough sticks and twigs, a few logs even to gather up and take back, if she could find her way so easily. With the thick fog and the darkness, she nearly lost her way, being gone from the cave at least an hour before finally returning.


Setting them down with an audible thump, she quickly began to arrange them for a cozy little fire, meanwhile searching the darkness for her friend, if she could consider him that. It was hard to say, but it seemed a trust was beginning to develop, and that was more than she could ask for. Sparks flew as she scraped two rocks together, a few finally igniting some dry twigs that slowly glowed, a few breaths blown finally alighting a flickering flame that grew slowly with each passing moment, and gradually put off heat.