Be My Oblivion

[FieryAngel]

Just as her hand was taken into his, her cheeks grew warm, the tips of her ears reddened, and her heart began to pound within her chest. Such a strange reaction, she thought! Though she's familiar with emotions, tapping into such a human side isn't something that she experienced all that often. She'd never stayed in a place such as this before, and was thoroughly impressed with his ability to gain the things they needed for the night. It wasn't until they were sitting safely in a corner and food had been brought that she finally brought herself to speak. "So, this is a tavern. I didn't know they had beds and baths." At first she stared at her plate, sniffing at the food similar to a canine before finally picking at it. Her distrust of humans had her cautious, and praying it wasn't poisoned!

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden smirked, watching the way Ember acted. He picked at his food for a moment, before eating. It was delicious. "It's a way house for travelers. People passing through who need a bed for a night." He explained, smiling. He ate for a little while in silence, watching the goings on in the tavern. "This place is rather small, so I doubt we'll hear any big news floating around." He commented, pushing his empty plate away from him.

 

[FieryAngel]

Seeing that her meal was quite safe, and delicious, she began to nearly devour, scarfing down bite after bite until she got about halfway through it. Her pace slowed, instead of forking it down she began to pick. It was her first complete meal in weeks, other than what Aiden had so kindly given to her at the camp. She'd never forget his kind gesture, but this was gourmet compared to that. Satisfied, she leaned back and stretched. "It may be small, but it's still bigger than where my pack lived. Sometimes it's the smallest places where the biggest news can be heard." A thought crossed her mind as she looked up towards the ceiling, thinking about the room now. "So, a bed. Don't laugh, but I've never slept in one before. We always slept on the floor together, or had pallets of furs. The more I learn about you humans, the more out of place I'm beginning to feel."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden chuckled softly, "True. We may actually find a bit of a diamond in the rough, as one could say." He agreed, sipping what remained of his drink as he looked about the tavern room. He glanced back at Ember as she mentioned never sleeping in a bed. "Ah. But you have. You slept on the bed back in my tent. Yes, it may have only been a cot, but it was still a bed." He chuckled, setting his glass down.


They sat together for a little while, Aiden listening to the comings and goings of the small village. Eventually, when there was no trace of their hunting party in the gossip, he stood and stretched. "Come on. Let's not linger much longer." He said, motioning for Ember to follow him. He lead her out to a small slightly enclosed area in the back of the tavern where several large metal tubs sat with makeshift curtains cutting the different ones from sight. There were two that steamed, with cotton robes sitting on a chair beside each one. "Looks like their nice enough here to launder guest clothes. No wonder the baths were a little more expensive than most." He chuckled, walking over to one of the tubs. He tested the water with his finger and grinned. "Perfect." He chuckled, and drew the curtain that blocked his bath area from the rest of the area. "Bathe quickly. In case anyone else orders a bath." He explained to Ember through the curtain as he undressed and the soft splash could be heard of him getting into the water.

 

[FieryAngel]

Ember pondered for a moment and nodded, blushing from embarrassment as she failed to remember that little detail. "oh yes. I'm not sure how I could have forgotten. You were rather kind to let me sleep on your cot." Toying with her drink, she ran her finger around the rim mindlessly as she gazed into the distance, completely lost in thought. After moments, as if coming back to life, she picked it up to suck it down until there was no more.


Rising at the order, she followed him to the baths, smiling now as the opportunity to remove the dirt and grime was finally present. Her sundress was rather dirty after being worn for a few days, and being taken on and off to transform into a wolf. Stepping inside her private little area, she was quick to shed it, water splashing around the rim upon hastily climbing in. An audible moan eased through parted lips as she settled into the warmth, head tilted back and her eyes closed with comfort. It felt wonderful on her sore muscles, the warmth reaching her bones and taking away the chill that had settled from the night. "I could really get used to this. We didn't have baths in our village, normally using the stream. But this is wonderful."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden chuckled from where he sat in his own bath, "It is certainly a luxury." he agreed, relaxing some. He sat in silence. enjoying the peacefulness of relaxing in a warm bath. After a short while though, he sat forward in the water and began to wash himself down, scrubbing the past day's dirt and muck from his skin. When he had finished, he climbed from the bath, and was happy to find someone had left a razor and a mirror as well. He shaved the stubble from his face, and then dried himself with the towel before pulling the cotton robe over himself. He moved to his pack that he had set down, and pulled out his spare pair of pants, and pulled them on as well. Once dressed, he stretched, and yawned. "You finished over there?" he called to Ember.

 

[FieryAngel]

Dipping beneath the water, her hair was wet, dirt rolling off her body the longer she soaked. Perhaps the way she nearly played in the tub was a bit childish, splashing a bit and bobbing her head in and out. While Aiden's bath seemed calming and soothing, hers was a bit more noisy, complete with an occasional giggle. Time flew so fast that it came as a surprise when he called out to her, and she flinched, though feeling ridiculous about. "Yes, I suppose so." She was clean, that was for certain, and gently climbed from the rather large tub. Water ran down to the floor below, a puddle gathering at her feet as she fetched the towel. Drying off, she was eyeing the rob, rather thankful it was there since the dress she wore had grown quite filthy. She'd need to wash it sometime before their departure, or gain a new one.


Essential oils had been provided, and she took time to smell each one, some making her sneeze. There was one that tickled her fancy, something floral but unable to tell the exact aroma. With a shrug, she rubbed herself down, including her hair, enjoying the way it softened her skin. She smelled great, was clean, and shrugging into the rob, she peeked around the curtain. "I'm finished. Where to next?"

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden chuckled, "Well, I'd say we could go check out the village, but we should wait until our clothes are washed." he said as he turned to head back into the tavern. An elderly woman stood just inside the doorway, a basket of soiled clothing in her arms. "Good day." Aiden greeted her warmly, "Might I add mine and my companion's things to your load?" he asked. The woman smiled in a motherly fashion, "By all means, young man. A lady can't be wearing a soiled dress." she said, her voice somewhat crackly with age. "Thank you." Aiden said lightly, placing their soiled clothes in the basket, and handed the woman a coin. "For your troubles." he said lightly, and then lead Ember through the tavern again. He moved to the stairs that lead to the next floor, "This way." he said, and moved up the stairs.


The room he had rented was a small room, but it was still decently sized. A bed sat in one corner, large enough for two people to share comfortably, a writing desk was placed beneath the window for easy access to the natural light of the sun. Beyond that, the room was bare, aside from the large floor rug that helped protect bare feet from the cold of the wooden floors. "I can rent a separate room, if need be. I just thought it'd be best that we not room alone. Even in small villages there can always be trouble." he said, moving into the room. He set his pack down on the writing desk, and removed the few items he had brought with him. Clothes, the brush, the comb, a small hand mirror. He refolded the clothing, tucking it back into the pack as they had become a jumbled mess during the journey. He tucked the comb in next, but left the mirror and brush out, setting the pack on the floor before moving over to the bed and sitting down with a soft groan.

 

[FieryAngel]

He was right, going around town would probably not be wise in such attire. Being human around humans was almost daunting at times, always having to think of whats appropriate and what isn't. She nodded in agreement, but sighed at the same time. Seeing new things was always fascinating, but again she missed the freedom of a home that no longer existed. As the elderly woman seemed more than happy to add their attire to her load, Ember offered her a small smile of thanks, but kept herself half hidden behind Aiden much like a shy child.


Getting to their room, she'd relax once the door was shut, taking in the sights of the small space and finding it quite cozy. At his suggestion, she lofted a brow. "Do you require separate quarters? I won't be offended. Or, I can simply sleep upon the floor if you wish. I wouldn't want you uncomfortable. But you are right, we should stay together as much as possible until you decide where to settle your new life." The air was filled with the smell of meals cooking below, potatoes and broths and even beef. Inhaling deeply, she walked to the window to gaze upon the bustling village, observing their way of life in such a town. People greeted one another on the street, vendors traded for their goods. It seemed the market had quite a variety of things! From her view, she saw plenty of produce, animal skins, clothes and basic jewelry often wore by women with more coin in their purse.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden yawned from where he lay on the bed, "I'm fine with sharing quarters, but I won't be cruel and make you sleep on the floor." He said, staring up at the ceiling. "As for where to settle, I'm not so sure there is a place I want to stay." He sighed, and sat up. He watched her at the window for a moment before standing and walking over to stand behind her, peering out the window over her shoulder. "Anything you see that you like?" He asked, chuckling.

 

[FieryAngel]

She chuckled, but never pried her eyes away from the window. "Do you already forget who you are talking to? I'm used to the floor. However, I will not refuse a warm bed. If you are comfortable with sharing, of course." Details of the items upon the tables were rather hard to see from out of the window, but curiosity clearly burned in her eyes as they were lit up with excitement. "I'm not sure. There seems to be an abundance of items. How could one possibly ever choose what they like the most?" Knowing he was standing right behind her, she slid over to give him a better view, not wanting to hog the window space! Her head turned to look him over, admiring his clean shaven features. "Well, if you're unsure of what human village to settle in. There's always the woods, though I'm unsure if a primitive life is what you desire."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden chuckled, and shrugged, "I've been living fairly primitive ever since joining the military." He said off handedly. He looked out the window for a moment longer before turning and moving back into the room. He pulled his coin purse from his pocket and checked how much he had still saved. He nodded to himself, and moved for the door. "I'll be right back." He said over his shoulder and slipped from the room. I'm not sure what I'm doing. he thought to himself as he trotted down the stairs. He checked on their clothes, which were still being washed.


He slipped from the tavern and was gone for only a short while. He returned with a small package wrapped in paper. He went back up to the room he had left Ember in, and set the package down, then went to his pack to change into his spare shirt. "That's for you. Hurry and change. We'll go look around." He said with a smile. "Come down stairs when you're dressed." He added, and slipped from the room again.

 

[FieryAngel]

Humming thoughtfully, she mused over it, and realized that the military probably did live rather primitive. Perhaps he could be happy in the forest, but she didn't know. Her desire was only to see him happy no matter the cost. Even if he retired to a human life and she was forced back into the woods alone. Knowing he was safe would be worth it. Turning, he was vanishing out the door, and the wolf grew rather nervous. She paced the room, biting at her fingernails anxiously to keep herself at bay. Sure, it was dangerous to be separated, and she was puzzled as to why she was overreacting. There was no sign of danger.


As he returned, she sighed with relief, about to ask questions until she spotted the package. "what is this?" Get dressed. The order rang through her mind, fingers plucking at the package only to reveal a beautiful sundress all her own. It had a touch of elegance the other didn't have, the top a halter that tied behind her neck, skirt nearly floor length that tickled her toes when she walked. It was dark in color, a rich green much like the forest floor she loved so dearly. Twirling, the skirt flared out just enough as it hung loosely from the waist down. Putting her hair up in a bun using ribbon in the room, she felt beautiful for a change, and walked from the room with a brilliant smile.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden waited near the base of the stairs, and was struck frozen for a moment when Ember came down. He smiled, and offered his arm like a gentleman. "Do you like the dress?" He asked curiously, glancing down her form before settling on her eyes.

 

[FieryAngel]

She loved the dress, excitement clear in her eyes as she watched his reaction, one that brought about that deep rosy pink to kiss her cheekbones. "It's beautiful. Thank you." Like a lady, she accepted his arm, though noticed the wandering gazes of those in the tavern. One man upon a bar stool whistled in her direction, while others simply stopped and stared. It was a strange reaction, one that sort of had her on edge, but at the same time made her want to sing. She wasn't being feared or threatened, but for once admired, and it was a pleasant feeling. "What's the special occasion for such a gift? Are we going somewhere?"

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden shrugged, "You looked like you wanted to go explore, so I thought why not?" He smiled, leading her from the tavern. He held the door for her, and walked with her along the street. It was still early afternoon, so the market street was in a hustle and bustle of vendors selling wares, and people going to and from. "Go on. Look around." He urged with a small chuckle.

 

[FieryAngel]

Carts rolled by, clattering noisily upon the dirt road towards the market where they seemed to be headed. "Well of course. Who wouldn't want to explore a village such as this?" Words were selected carefully, not wishing to give any a thought as to who she was or what she could become. The last thing she needed was someone finding out and hunting them down. They might even grow to suspect that Aiden was of her kind, too, and she couldn't put him in such danger.


Reaching the vendors, she was nearly like a child in a candy shop, bouncing in place and pointing at various items. The scent of leather filled the air as they walked by, something Ember had a deep appreciation for. The various produce would catch her eye, finding a nice shiny apple that one of the towns people was so kind to purchase for her. Each and every vendor had something to pique her interest, though it was often something shiny that grabbed her eye.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden followed after Ember, a look of amusement on his face as he watched her bounce from vendor to vendor. He thanked the villager for purchasing the apple, and continued on after her as they looked around the market. It was almost hard to remember she was a wolf as he walked along, enjoying her company. Maybe they could continue to be companions? He didn't have anywhere he wanted to go, and she had no where to go herself. There were other humans who lived in harmony with wolves. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad? Even with the dangers it brought along, he wasn't concerned by them at this point in time.


As they walked, a shiny rhinestone bracelet caught his eye. It had been somewhat hidden under some other wares, and when it was revealed it almost sparkled in the sunlight. He paused, glancing toward Ember who was a short distance ahead of him. He inquired of the piece, and eventually had it purchased. "Ember." He called to get her attention as he jogged slightly to catch up to her. "Hold your arm out." He said lightly, smirking. As soon as she complied, he clipped the bracelet around her wrist.

 

[FieryAngel]

She was currently mesmerized a few vendors ahead, face nearly planted against a painting. It was exquisite, each brush stroke so smooth and even, carefully placed to bring the picture to life. She hadn't seen anything quite like it! The meadow in the painting reminded her of home, with the beautiful blooming wildflowers and birds sitting in the trees. However, just as she about moved on, Aiden grabbed her attention.


"My arm?" It seemed such a silly request as she headed over, but did so anyways, only to be amazed at the dazzling jewelry placed upon her arm. Silently she watched it, twisting and turning her wrist to make it glitter brilliantly in the sunlight. It was, perhaps, the most beautiful thing she had seen. "I... I don't know what to say." Far too excited to contain herself, she leaped up, wrapping arms tightly around his neck in a full on embrace. "It's so beautiful, thank you!" Realizing just what she did, Ember was quick to back away, tucking arms behind her to keep them contained. "Sorry. I got carried away. Thank you. I only wish I could get something for you in return."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden grinned as he watched her examine the bracelet, and was momentarily surprised when she suddenly embraced him. His face flushed slightly when she backed away, and he reached up to scratch his head, laughing slightly. "It's alright. Don't apologize." He said with a smile. "Take it as an apology. For the way you've been treated." He said, scuffing his foot on the ground. He had been careful not to give details for prying ears to pick up on.

 

[FieryAngel]

Ember chuckled and slowly relaxed, finding humor in the way he reacted himself. "Apology? You've been so kind to me. You saved me from death, and have treated me far better than a man could ever treat a woman like me. I truly believe you've made up for it by now." She clutched the apple tightly in her hand, though began to ponder if it would be of value anywhere. Sadly, she had no money, but it was her desire to do something kind and generous for him. "Please, tell me. How can I repay you? There must be something I can do."


Another cart wheeled by, this one loaded with tinkering bottles filled with the finest ales and wines, heading straight for the tavern. It would seem they were stocking up on booze. As the day grew on, the market became far more crowded, even some vendors shutting down as they'd appear to have sold out of everything. She was thoroughly enjoying herself, finding gadgets and trinkets and other items of interest to toy with at each place, until they finally got to one with a pile of furs. At first, she admired them all, as they reminded her of home. It wasn't until she glanced up to find the pelt of a wolf hanging out for the world to see that she shied away, anger welling in her heart. Fists clenched at her sides, and she violently began to shake. She was on the verge of losing it. While it wasn't one of her kind, it triggered a painful memory of the night she lost her family, watching humans dare to skin one of her sisters as she was forced to watch.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden had been enjoying the day with Ember, even going as far as to purchase some of the smaller trinkets she seemed to have taken a fancy to. He insisted that she need not worry about repaying him, for it was his pleasure to buy the items for her. As they approached the cart of furs, something made his stomach flip. He glanced at her when she shied away from the cart, and begin to shake. He followed her gaze, sighting the wolf pelt, and it clicked in his mind. He stepped between her and the cart, haggling the vendor for a moment over the price of the pelt, and eventually handed over most of what had been left in his savings and took the pelt down. He gently folded the pelt, and then took Ember's hand, leading her out of the market. He took her back to the tavern, and up to their room, closing the door behind them.

 

[FieryAngel]

It took all of her composure to keep herself from changing right then and there, a strong desire welling up inside to destroy the human responsible for such a thing. It wasn't his fault her sister suffered a grizzly fate, and she was forced to stare at what was left for days at a time. It was a good thing Aiden was able to drag her back to their room, because the moment she crossed the thresh hold, her dress and bracelet were upon the ground, and a wolf stood in her place.


The beast paced back and forth, snarling and snapping it's jaws at the wooden planks below it's feet, almost seeming as if she were talking to herself! It lasted a good long while before she finally collapsed upon the floor with a rather loud huff, the rant and rage finally coming to an end. Instead she whimpered and whined, curling into a ball where she remained for a good long while.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden watched her warily as the black wolf paced back and forth. He slipped around her to set the folded pelt on the desk, and let her have her fit. When she hit the floor with a huff, he moved again. Carefully, he knelt beside her head, hesitantly reaching out and stroking the fur of her head. "I'm sorry." he said softly, sitting fully on the ground beside her. His fingers moved through her fur, though not like a man petting a dog, but as if he were simply stroking her hair to comfort her. He glanced over at the pelt, curious if it was one of her kind, or not. It was smaller than most of her kind that he had seen, so maybe it was a normal wolf. He turned his gaze back to Ember, curled in a ball and whimpering. His chest ached at the sight, which confused him momentarily, but he shook it from his mind. He had to admit to himself, he had somehow attached to this wolf girl, though he hadn't a clue why.

 

[FieryAngel]

Agonized whimpers slowly turned to groans, her head now nuzzling against his hand. His comfort helped, though didn't take the images from her memory. Though she was a massive wolf, she often still acted like a pup, and after being lulled into ease, she rolled on her back, legs up in the air. Her tongue stuck out the side of her mouth, nose bumping against his arm demanding attention.


Finally, she'd rise to her feet and shake out her fur before planting her backside upon the hardened floor. Trembling, fur gave way and seemed to melt from her body until it vanished into nothing, leaving not a trace. Left in it's place was Ember's usual human form, crouched down, naked, and looking quite ashamed at her behavior. "I'm sorry. I'm not sure what came over me." She did, but it wasn't a memory she wished to discuss, and left it at that. Rising, she was no longer worried about him laying eyes upon her, and sauntered across the room to gather her new possessions. In a moment, she was dressed and proper, hair pulled back and bracelet upon her wrist. It was almost as if nothing happened. Now she sat upon the bed, her turn to flop backwards, and stretched her arms above her head.