Fantasy Reversed Roles, for Emmadagood

[Renia]

Life in their pack was rough in many ways, and not only for the omegas. Lumaria knew most alphas could care less what an omega thought of anything, but even the alphas were suffering these days. The pack he had been born into had the ill fortune to have been founded on failing lands with too little prey. And relocating was impossible, thanks to their leader's tendancy to make enemies. The other packs in the area would never allow them to tresspass, even if only to leave this land behind. So there was only one hope for him: what was generally termed 'mating season'. The one time of year when wolves who had recently come of age would be permitted to leave their territories with no consequences in order to seek new packs. It was his only ticket out of this place, and it was very likely that it could turn out even worse than what he had here.

Lumaria knew that, as an omega, the instant he left the protection of this pack he would be at the mercy of whatever alpha happened to take an interest in him. One bite to the neck, and his freedom would vanish. And since alphas typically considered themselves better than omegas, most of them treated their mates rather poorly. It was a hazard of being born a smaller, weaker wolf. But then, Lumaria knew that a few alphas were better than that. And he had his eye on one in particular.

Omegas and alphas weren't allowed to play together even as pups, so Lumaria barely knew the alpha he was following. At least, he'd never been permitted to speak to him. But he'd watched him, and listened to what the alpha said to his friends. He knew this one was different. He actually cared about something more than just his own survival and comfort. He had ambition to create a future that no other alpha had thought to seek. It was impossible for Lumaria to resist the admiration he had developed for an alpha who dreamed of something better for his kind.

And that was what had led to this... interesting turn of events. It was the beginning of mating season, a time when he and all other young wolves who had come of age were turned out of their packs to fend for themselves. Young alphas were out searching for mates to claim, and omegas should be scurrying for hiding places to ensure that they had some control over the type of alpha who eventually found them. But Lumaria was /stalking/ an alpha instead.

He held in a string of curses as he tried to move silently through the brush in the direction his alpha was headed. Lumaria truly wished that omegas had been allowed to learn to hunt alongside the alphas. If so, then he would have been better at this. As it was, he was afraid at every soft rustle of leaves and snap of twigs underfoot. So much noise, and it was likely to call the attention of any alpha who happened to be around. He needed to catch up to his alpha quickly, before he caught the attention of the wrong one. He stopped briefly to shift unruly white-blonde hair out of extremely pale-blue eyes. It was unfortunate that he had yet to master transforming at will... He could have caught up to his intended mate in minutes if he could run on four legs instead of two. And it was such a warm day. No breeze disturbed the forest, making the humidity nearly unbearable. Not to mention the lack of wind made certain that any rustling was his fault entirely.

Lumaria shifted around a tree, trying to do so without shaking the branches of the bush that grew too close to it, and pushed out into a small clearing. A smile spread quickly over his lips. Just ahead was the wolf he was seeking. His alpha. He'd finally caught up to him. Now... all he had to do was convince him to take Lumaria with him.

 

[Eliasdagood]

Karminos hums, deciding to take a moment to rest. He’s been walking for a while, after all, and he has longer still to travel until he’ll reach any unclaimed territory. He turns his head slightly, reddish brown hair flicking to the side as he hears something. He takes in a long, deep breath, and is… rather confused, actually.

If it had been another alpha following him, it would make sense. Perhaps wanting to join his pack, or take him out of the competition early. It’s not unheard of. But an omega… why would one be following him? He turns the rest of the way, hazel eyes taking in the smaller male.

He tilts his head slightly. He’s seen this one around, but he never really had the opportunity to speak with him. He’s a pretty one, too. A smile tugs at the corner of his lips, and he takes a couple steps toward the other young man. “Well, this is interesting. Can I help you with something?” He asks, raising an eyebrow.

He would normally wait until he had a camp set up to start looking for a mate, but if this one is so eager to get close to him… hm. An attractive little thing, certainly.

 

[Renia]

Instincts surge to the surface as the alpha takes steps in his direction, but despite the urge to retreat, Lumaria limits his reaction to a very slight shiver. Alphas were always intimidating to omegas, but the entire reason for Lumaria's pursuit lies in the fact that this one is different. And the way the alpha speaks to him seems to reinforce that belief. So Lumaria takes a daring step forward of his own, light eyes seeking to meet hazel ones.

Nodding his head in affirmation of the alpha's question, Lumaria looks determinedly into the face of the slightly taller wolf. "My name is Lumaria," he murmurs, making certain his voice is loud enough for the other male to make out in the hush of late-spring air. "You are going to create a new pack, aren't you? One that will be too powerful to be preyed upon. I want to join you. You're going to need an omega eventually. I would like to fill that role.."

 

[Eliasdagood]

Karminos raises his eyebrows, surprised at how brave this omega seems to be. He knows other alphas would probably not want such a trait in a mate, but personally, he finds it valuable. “I… see. I am Karminos. And the fact that I have yet to claim a territory? As it stands, if I wanted to keep you safe, you’d have to be with me at all times, Lumaria.” He says, not wanting his omega to have any false expectations. The beginning of this will be hard.

“I am indeed in need of an omega. And I think you would be a good match. But I will not offer you anything but the truth. If this is going to succeed, it will be dangerous, and it will be difficult.” He finishes, now very close to Lumaria. He can smell him better now. Some fear, but… Karminos takes a deep breath. He will control himself, and wait for an answer.

 

[Renia]

"Karminos..." Lumaria repeats the name aloud with a slight smile. He rather likes that name. And it suites the alpha so well.

He blinks suddenly, having been distracted enough that the alpha's easy movements forward had not bothered him until he was almost too close for comfort. But still, Lumaria merely gazes up into those piercing eyes with determination. "Territory or not, I will still feel far safer with you than any other alpha," he states calmly even in such close proximity to the more dominant male. Karminos is at least honest and in control, two qualities that most alphas lack entirely. Lumaria leans closer still to the alpha with a hint of a smirk. "I'll stick close... but not because I am afraid of the danger. I know this venture of yours is going to be difficult. Nothing worthwhile is ever without a trial or two."

The thought of facing dangers would never appeal to any other omega, Lumaria feels sure of that... So why, when faced with the thought of facing opposition alongside Karminos, is he filled with anticipation instead of dread? Well... his mother always said he was a strange omega. Why fight it now?

 

[Eliasdagood]

Karminos takes a deep breath, a wolffish grin settling on his features. “As you wish.” He purrs, leaning in closer to breathe in Lumaria’s scent. “I suppose the first thing to do would be to make sure no one else will try to take you.”

He reaches up to gently touch Lumaria’s hair, instinct driving him to claim his mate as his own. “I really do like you. Quite a lot.” A low, possessive growl enters his tone. “I will not allow anyone else to lay a hand on you, Lumaria. If you wish to be mine, then hold still, and I will seal it.”

Gods above, this control is difficult. Karminos has been trained well to keep his composure when instinct calls, but right now, all he wants is to pull this omega tight to him, and bite into him for everyone to see. He’s not sure he could let Lumaria go now, if he did decide to back out.

 

[Renia]

Lumaria's smile only turns a little more satisfied. That tone in his alpha's voice, the look in his eyes, and those words... Lumaria is so inherently proud that this alpha seems truly interested in him. He had followed Karminos, hoping that he could somehow convince him to take him for his mate. But never had he imagined that he would be lucky enough to have the gorgeous and kind-hearted alpha actually value him.

The soft, gentle touch to his hair is contrasted by the deep and possessive growl or the alpha, only making Lumaria smirk a little more. He can see that his alpha is fighting to keep that strict control and give Lumaria one final chance to backtrack. What alpha would ever put himself through that, but this one? He chuckles as he lifts one hand to cover the alpha's own within his light blonde hair and press it deeper, encouraging the touch as he leans into it. His other hand rises to his own neck to drag longish locks back and expose his neck. Tilting his head invitingly, Lumaria fixes his gaze back onto those pretty eyes and smiles once more.

"Hurry, then.. before some other alpha turns up to claim me, hmm?" he teases lightly. He's pretty certain that any alpha who knew anything about him would avoid him like the plague... but if it encourages Karminos to make this official, then Lumaria is happy to pretend for a moment.

 

[Eliasdagood]

That gets another grin out of Karminos, and he presses his face into Lumaria’s neck. He remembers what his mother said about this. Bite hard, or the venom might not get in properly. You’re not being kind by just nipping at your omega.

He takes a deep breath, pulling Lumaria close to him, and going for it, his teeth growing and sharpening, before he bites down into Lumaria’s neck. He’s careful to avoid any arteries, or Lumaria’s windpipe, but the bite itself is hard, and deep. He keeps his mate there for a long moment, wanting the bite to be clean. He holds Lumaria’s neck and shoulders so he won’t thrash around and make him hurt the omega.

Karminos laps at his mate’s blood, a low, satisfied hum in his chest, as he slowly pulls his teeth out, and continues cleaning the wound. “You’re mine.” He purrs between licks, insanely pleased by that fact. Lumaria is his omega, and no one else’s. And he came to Karminos wanting this. That’s the best possible boost to the young alpha’s ego.

 

[Renia]

He had been ready for the pain, or so he had convinced himself. Yet the sudden stab of elongated fangs into his neck nevertheless had the omega gasping as he tried to control the ridiculous instinct to struggle and free himself from what his inner wolf misinterpreted as an attack. His throat was his most vulnerable weakness, something to be guarded at all costs. But Lumaria forced his body to remain stone-still while those fangs punched deeply through his skin, and limited himself to a shudder as he felt the searing heat of his alpha's venom begin to burn its way through his blood. It was a warming sensation at first, but soon enough turned boiling under his skin, resulting in a physical fever as his very genetics were rewritten and the magic within him was structured to mirror that of his alpha's. The connection between them was threading together now. He could feel it, like an invisible line weaving together between them.

But ignoring the discomfort and pain of the process, Lumaria allowed himself to relax as soon as the bite was delivered. And his focus instead turned to the comfort of being held so securely, and the feeling of an almost apologetic tongue attempting to soothe the wound away. He can only chuckle, though, when his alpha proclaims him his. That possessive streak is rather endearing.

"Wolves mate for life," he reminds his new mate with a grin in his soft tone. "Which means you belong to me, as well. You're mine, Karminos," he states with a playful little rumble of growl in his voice. He's more than a little proud that he managed to get exactly what he was after. As far as Lumaria is concerned, Karminos is the best alpha in existance. So claiming him makes Lumaria a very lucky omega indeed.

 

[Eliasdagood]

Karminos grins, immensely pleased that he somehow earned the affections of such a spunky omega. Once the wound is cleaned to his satisfaction, he rests his forehead against Lumaria’s, eyes closed contentedly. “All yours.” He agrees, feeling warm and happy.

His mother wasn’t the alpha of the pack, but she was up there. She was also his sole parent after his father died of disease. She was a very respected alpha, but her dislike of many of their traditions meant that she was looked down on by some other wolves. Karminos is determined to be a son and a leader she’ll be proud of.

He’s aware of how other alphas see their omegas, but his mother taught him that even if they’re smaller and weaker, you should show respect to your partner. An omega is to be cared for and protected. That is the job of the alpha. And if one ever wants to be the strong leader Karminos aspires to become, one must learn to treat other members of their pack with the respect they deserve.

He nuzzles his mate gently, his eyes still closed as their scents mingle. “We should probably get moving, hm? Find a nice place to make camp, so we can spend the night together.” He really wants to do that. Just curl up next to Lumaria, and hold him close.

 

[Renia]

He's not certain if it is the fever, or simply a blush that warms him as Karminos actually agrees to his claim. Part of him had always assumed that this would go wrong... Lumaria had known that it was far more likely that he would be claimed by another alpha before he could track down Karminos. And the fact that he had never been allowed to actually speak to the alpha had naturally caused some doubt in him that he actually knew Karminos as well as he hoped. But this had played out so much better than he had hoped for. He actually felt safe and wanted with this alpha's forehead pressed to his own.

"You're right," he agrees, though hesitant to pull free of this close proximity to his alpha. "We should find a safe place for the night. I would prefer we have at least tonight to get accustomed to one another, without any rouge alphas causing trouble for us. Let's make sure we find a good place tonight, hmm?"

 

[Eliasdagood]

Karminos grins, kissing Lumaria’s forehead quickly, before pulling back. “Mm, I think I know a good place. How good are you at climbing?” He asks, nodding his head toward a rather steep looking cliff. “The other alphas from our pack aren’t good enough to get up there, but I can. There are a couple good places to set up camp.” He explains. “We should be safe.”

He strokes back Lumaria’s pale hair, wanting nothing more than to kiss him desperately, and stay here like this forever. He’ll just have to wait a little bit for cuddles, but cuddles will definitely be had. He’s just too affectionate right now to not want cuddles.

 

[Renia]

Lumaria is most certainly an omega, and the craving for those little touches is almost annoying to him. He finds himself growing distracted by Karminos' ever little caress, wanting only to press his forehead against those fingers as the alpha strokes his hair away from his eyes. He should really be paying more attention to his words...

"I was never allowed to leave the pack," he admits with a slight amount of shame. "Omegas aren't allowed to explore or learn to hunt. So I am not sure I have any aptitude for climbing. But if you show me how, I will make it," he states with more certainty. "If it means finding a safe place with you, I'll do whatever I need to do to get there."

 

[Eliasdagood]

He sighs. “I really don’t understand that rule.” He mutters. “It certainly won’t exist in my pack. He takes Lumaria’s hand, seeing how much he enjoys these touches, and walks toward the cliff with him, before stopping.

“Would you like me to find something for us to eat first?” He asks. “I know you weren’t allowed to hunt with us, but I’m sure you must be hungry.” He adds. He knows there are goats further up, but the climb could be difficult on an empty stomach.

 

[Renia]

Lumaria takes comfort in the connection of their hands. His body still aches from the venom, but he knew beforehand that the process would be painful. Truth be told, scaling a cliff while his very blood is still burning isn't something he's looking forward to, but the prospect of being safe tonight far outweighs his discomfort. And besides, he has absolutely no wish to seem frail and weak in Karminos' eyes. Complaining would not change anything. But holding his alpha's hand gives him a bit of relief, knowing that he isn't alone. The thought of being without Karminos is already beginning to frighten him. He must truly be bonded to his mate.

"You know," he murmurs, because talking seems to distract him from the venom a bit. "I cannot wait to see the pack you are going to create. I've wanted to experience it since I first overheard you speaking about your dream, years ago. It has become my dream, to be a part of it. But it looks like if that is to happen, you are going to have to teach me to hunt~" he smiles. "Not today, though. I'm a bit too tired to chase prey around the forest, I think. And having you run off without me would probably panic me right now. Lucky for you, I thought to bring this along."

Lumaria pulls a leather satchel around from where it hangs at his hip and shifts the flap aside to reveal the few supplies he managed to bring with him. As an omega he did not have access to much, allowed only the barest of essentials to take along. A thin blanket, flint to start a fire, and a few bandages and salves from his mother's supply were the best he had to offer, along with enough food to get them through the night and the next morning, so long as they were careful. Salted meat, cheese and bread. Probably not what an alpha liked, but omegas were used to it. And he hoped Karminos would agree to it for now. Alphas were accustomed to fresh foods, though, so he wondered if his mate might decide to go hunting anyway.

 

[Eliasdagood]

Karminos grins, kissing Lumaria’s cheek. “It seems you’re far better prepared than I am. All I thought to bring was camping gear and some tools with me. And my knife, but that doesn’t count.” He says, resisting the urge to hug him again. “That means we shouldn’t need to hunt for a little while.”

He looks up at the cliff, smiling at the challenge. “Shall we then? I’ll carry you if you need me to, don’t be afraid to ask.”

 

[Renia]

Lumaria chuckles at the offer. "Thanks, Karminos. But what good am I to you if I cannot keep up? I can make it on my own power. Just.. go slowly, so I can mimic you, please?" He brushes against Karminos as he moves past him, taking a good look at the cliff they are about to scale. There are plenty of hand and foot holds, but Lumaria is a bit mystified as to how to tell if the are strong enough or not. He decides to let Karminos show him the way, and only use the holds his alpha chooses for them. That should be the safest way.

 

[Eliasdagood]

Karminos nods, and approaches the cliff, pulling out a rope, and tying it around his waist, before tying the other end around Lumaria. “This way I can try to catch you if you slip.” He explains, looking worried. He doesn’t want to lose his omega so soon, but this is the only safe place he knows.

 

[Renia]

Lumaria is a bit shocked and worried as his alpha ties a rope around his waist that will anchor them together. He glances up at the cliff with a new sort of horror. What if he does fall? He could end up pulling Karminos down with him. He looks back to his alpha and opens his mouth to try to refuse... but ends up clamping his mouth closed. Omegas are never supposed to argue with their mates. Whatever the alpha decides is law to an omega. Not that he will be able to stop himself from voicing his opinions much further into the future, but at least today he wants to make himself appear to be a good mate. He sighs, and then gives the cliff a more determined gaze.

"I am not going to fall," he fairly growls at the cliff defiantly. Then he aims a teasing smirk at Karminos. "Lead the way, then, gorgeous~ I'll follow your lead." Omega or not, Lumaria just cannot stand to seem overly docile, especially not with Karminos. He's likely going to get himself into trouble.

 

[Eliasdagood]

Karminos grins. “Good. Of course, the same goes for if I fall. So only one of us should actually be moving at a time. Wait until I have a secure grip, then come up till you have one. Then I’ll start climbing again, and so on.” He explains, and finds a good place to start.

He jumps up to grab onto the ledge, scrambling with his feet, before climbing up onto it. “Alright, your turn, beautiful.” He says with a grin, excited to see if Lumaria can do this.

 

[Renia]

The way Karminos describes climbing the cliff makes Lumaria fear that this is going to take all day. He truly wants nothing more than to rest, but first he has to make it up a the steep face of a cliff... and he silently resents how nimble his alpha is with that first jump. How ridiculous is he going to look attempting this?

Perhaps hearing the alpha return the teasing was what put Lumaria into a better mindset. He'd follow that alpha anywhere... So, pacing slightly as he tried to find the best angle, Lumaria lunged upward and caught the ledge with both hands, grunting at his own weight dragging him down. He's never attempted anything like this before. Still, he's stubborn enough to not allow himself to hang there, scrambling for purchase with his feet until he manages to push himself up. There is a moment when he feels as though he might slip back down, but luckily he has his alpha to help steady him. Before he knows it, Lumaria has climbed up beside Karminos, and his first shaky steps as a rock-climber have been taken.

"You made that look entirely too easy. This is what I get for choosing the best alpha as my mate, I guess," he playfully grumbles. "But climbing cliffs is going to be the easy part of this adventure, I'm sure. I'd better learn swiftly."

 

[Eliasdagood]

Karminos grins, very pleased. “You did really well. And actually, yes. I was thinking a mountain range would be a good beginning to the territory, since most packs can’t climb very well. It’ll help protect us till we’re strong enough.” He explains, starting to climb up to the next ledge. “It gets easier later on, it’s just the first bit that’s hard.” He adds, making sure he’s steady on the next ledge, and pulling in the slack, before nodding to Lumaria. “Alright, go ahead. I’ve got you.”

 

[Renia]

"So this is to be my life now," Lumaria sighs with a laugh as Karminos climbs to the next ledge. "From wolf to mountain goat in a single day." But he's smirking. Truthfully, if he did not feel so worn down, he would likely be trying to test himself at climbing. Being allowed to try is exciting, and Lumaria has always envied alphas for their freedom and their strength. Now, with Karminos changing the rules, he wants to know just how weak he is as an omega.. and just how much of that weakness was simply due to being held down.

He waits for Karminos' to give him permission to climb, but this time it is more for safety than due to his rank. He finds it much easier as he leaps this time to catch himself without jarring his muscles, and he is finding ways to balance himself and make the climb less strenuous. Maybe.. just maybe... he might have the makings of a mountain wolf after all?

 

[Eliasdagood]

Karminos grins. “Excellent! You’ve got some good muscles for this.” He compliments Lumaria. “Come on, one more good jump, and we’ll make it to the path.” He says, waiting for Lumaria to say he’s ready, before running and jumping for the last ledge. He grabs onto it with his hands, and starts to pull up, before stopping short.

This viper does not look particularly happy to have it’s nap disturbed. It’s about three feet from where he grabbed on, and it’s unblinking eyes are focused on him. Karminos swallows, trying very hard to keep from moving. “Lumaria.” He whispers urgently, his eyes not leaving the serpent. “There’s a knife on my belt. Can you reach it?”

 

[Renia]

He can only grin at the compliment. Lumaria had often dreamed of getting this wolf's attention and approval, but having it in reality was so much better. He hoped he could continue to make his mate proud. And he would do anything possible to make sure of it.

His alpha was so well-practiced at scaling this cliff that Lumaria could barely keep himself from simply watching Karminos move. He head to remind himself to follow and mimic those movements, and he felt so clumsy by comparison... He was just about to get ready to reach the ledge Karminos had leapt to, assuming his alpha would be up it without issue, when he saw his mate freeze in place and knew something was wrong.

Sharp ears heard the whisper clearly, and Lumaria did not know if answering might be a bad idea, so he kept as quiet as possible and reached up to try and retrieve the knife. Standing on the tips of his toes, he could just barely lift the knife out of its sheath. He'd never held a true weapon before, and this knife felt very different from the ones he and the other omegas had used to prepare food for the alphas all his life. He was not certain he was read to handle it correctly and it made him nervous.

"Karminos," he whispered softly. "What should I do?" He wasn't certain that Karminos could reach down from that position, hanging there as he was, to get the knife, but Lumaria was not certain leaping up with it was a good idea either. And he still did not know what it was that was up there that had made his alpha so cautious. He did not want to end up causing the situation to worsen.