,Wishing on a Shooting Star, :MB:

((I ish sleepy... so I might glaze over some parts of this post to keep it coherent.))

Vaarak returned to see Link comforting Cinder with Balthier hovering nearby, placing cobwebs on her wounds, and Exodus and Fran were gone. Zelda was talking with Rodion, but he still didn't see Morgan... or Tom. He wondered where they were- not that they couldn't take care of themselves.

Carefully coming up beside Balthier, he placed the plants, surprisingly with more webs, down and said, "Brother, here's what you want... or what I can find. I don't think some of these are the right plants..."

Balthier contained a sigh. He couldn't blame his brother for not knowing the herbs very well. Instead, he said, "It's ok. You haven't been trained as a healer. Even if you don't know how to use them, being able to identify the basics herbs as well as some more tricky ones is a great help, especially when I don't have enough time to search myself." He glanced at the state of his brother, making sure his younger brother didn't accidentally pick up a poisonous plant that was in the pile of herbs his brother brought... or in his mouth still...

Nothing seemed wrong, and his brother wasn't stubborn enough to not tell him if anything felt wrong with his stomach. Nodding, he said, "Take a break and relax; wander around. After all the traveling we did, you'd know how to get back here." Pausing, he said before Vaarak left, "Later, would you check in on Exodus? If anything major comes up, Fran would probably find me, but I'd also like to know how she's holding up."

Vaarak nodded and turned to leave. It felt nice to not have to focus on anything, since he wasn't used to doing so much yet. He broke into a light jog, getting into the mindset as if he were scouting, although it would have been more fun with his brother. Balthier always made up interesting scenarios to amuse him. He laughed lightly before continuing his exploration.

He found it quite enjoyable to finally settle down in a pack, despite being very far from his family's packlands. Perhaps after another summer or two passes, he'll finally realize what makes wandering so likable to Balthier. Perhaps his eye for interesting things kept the older brother moving. Vaarak loved his brother, although he could be very weird... he was confident, yet doesn't show off; quiet and calm, yet always finding time to play with Vaarak; a healer, yet willing to sneak into unfamiliar territory if something catches his eye to take. The pilfering only occured when they were still in their homeland and during the beginning of their travels after they left their home... according to Balthier himself.

He was never sure if his brother was truthful on that, but... he always did tell the truth unless he said he was joking afterwards... He did remember one time when he woke up in the morning, when he was much younger, and saw a small, shiny, circular object with four tiny holes and thin stingy material sticking out of them ((a button, btw. haha)). It was grasped in the jaws of his brother, who almost half-dragged him for quite some distance before they paused to rest. It was then Balthier taught him a bit about humans and to stay away from them, especially ones called hunters who camped out during the night. Still, his brother never really said anything horrible about them, just saying only the bad ones come out into wolf lands, but it's just safer to stay away from all of them and their civilizations.

He was just about to reminisce more, he caught the scent of an unfamiliar wolf. ((Time to see if Vaarak can handle controlling Braeden. Haha)) He wagged his tail, but stopped soon after, wondering if he should approach. He could call Zelda or...

Vaarak grinned, and walked ahead, pausing when he saw her collapsed, right next to the border. Perhaps he should take caution? He was a little scared to act, but he wanted to show his brother, even more so than he ever had, that he could take care of himself for sure. He took another step before calling out, "Hello? Are you ok?"

Balthier nodded painfully. Being an efficient healer required empathy while being able to remain stoic. He had been sucessful at it, even while facing the most horrid of injuries... until now. And it wasn't life-threatening. This injury that would affect all around her. "I'm sorry I had to ask," he said, softly, "I'll be as swift as possible and stay within your sight as much as i can." In this case, it was impossible to keep his tone neutral. It would imply he didn't care, yet he did, and he didn't want a distrust towards him for it, else her injuries became infected.

He saw Link approach, sitting nearby, very concerned. Then Cinder seemed to be trying to move towards him. It made him wonder... Then he said, "Link, it might be best that you reposition yourself right next to Cinder. Just be careful of her wounds."

Then Exodus appeared, questioning. He took a few steps towards her and said, "I know of two ways. But we can't do anything about it until later, when we're sure." He offered a smale smile, "One of the ways I know of will make it appear to be a natural accident, no herbs involved." After he was finished, he noticed her turn away to talk about her father.

Turning back to Cinder, he took some of the cobweb and gently pressed them against the wounds to make sure they'd stay before he moved off. Later, he'd apply some of the herbs his brother would bring back to ensure their healthy recovery. He was slightly hesitant because of Link. From the corner of his eye, he'd seen the actions taken, but didn't blame him. Legend deserved it. Balthier said, "I'm going to stop the bleeding on your neck. When my brother returns, I'll need to go over your wounds with a poultice, but it'll also be fast because of the cobwebs already there."

Vaarak sniffed the ground, searching. He knew there was a patch of some of the herbs he was looking for. There were two similar looking plants, clearly different. Tilting his head, he sniffed both before mentally shrugging. His brother would know which one was the correct one to use, so he took a few of each, sorry that he'd be taking away unneeded plants from this area. In time, though, he knew they would grow again.

Fran looked at Exodus when she spoke up, "Cinder is fine... at least, her physical injuries. She appears quite shaken up, though, so mentally, I can't say." She added, "I think Balthier is finding this to be a difficult experience- healing her. But, I've actually met him once before, and he's an excellent healer." When Exodus asked if she was in love, Fran paused. She answered while the other was cleaning up, "I don't know if it's love, but I had have to admit, I do respect Balthier as an older brother, although I doubt he remembers our encounter outside these lands very well."

She, after picking up the lavender, followed Exodus when she ran off towards the pack, probably seeing what became of Legend after his exclaimation of pain, flinching when she saw the extent of the injuries. She was a normally peaceful wolf who didn't like to see severe injuries, but wondered if it really was deserved this time...

After Balthier and Exodus spoke a few seconds, she looked around at what the rest of the pack was doing. Next time she looked at Exodus, she was heading away, saying she wanted to lay down. She glanced at the pack once more before following. Despite that fact she came from a dark pack, she was still a wolf and was affected by her brother's actions. She, too, needed support and friendship, and she wouldn't deny that.

It was a soft set of footfalls that woke Exodus up. She could smell the familiar scene of Fran but she didn't move quite yet to acknowledge it. She heard the dirt move and knew she would have company now. "Is Cinder okay?" she asked. Her voice was scratchy and she knew that she probably smelled horrible. Blood and throw up, a great combination for a skunk to love. Her ears pulled forward as a familiar but unknown named wolf came forward and offered her the sensation of herbal calming. She would take it. She watched him lay it down and she smiled.

This was the only thing she really knew about herbs. Was the scent part of them, the rest was blank and she wouldn't know how to heal a scratch. She was glad of this though, that she hadn't learned from Petra, because then she'd be relied on, and obviously, with today's events, that was a horrible thing for others to put on her. She'd let them down. "I need to make sure she's okay... I feel horrible." She felt herself lift up, it was automatic. "Have you ever been in love Fran?" her words were soft, she wanted to make conversation. "I need to wash..." she could smell her own vomit and it brought another wave of nausea to her belly.

One foot after the other. She had to wash, it kept replaying in her head. The stream wasn't too far, and she walked into it. She looked down the current and saw her own blood and stomach contents go flowing away. She felt the wounds begin to wash out and it burned. She sucked in a deep breath and closed her eye plunging her head into the water. The stream wasn't deep so she could fall in and not have to worry about being swept away and so she did. Her whole body sunk under and she tried not to panic.

Her head came out first and she gasped for air, she stood there shaking for the water was cold. She turned, eyes locking on Fran. "Maybe that wasn't such a good idea" she walked towards her, the only warm parts on her body were the blood streaked lines that now fell along her pelt. She had opened some of the closing wounds again. She limped back over, the scar that had been re opened hurt the worst, and the many other marks that were cut along her body. She wanted to know what the verdict was on the pack's choice with Legend.

Her eyes found Fran again and she sighed. "I'm trying to make conversation to keep my mind off of everything. Off of how guilty I feel" She looked down at her paws, Legend's blood was gone from her pelt and only her own stained the ground where she stood. She was about to sit when a loud yelping, a continuous yelp broke the little silence. "...Legend..." She caught her own breath and pushed herself forward. The pain was enough to make her pass out but she had to go forward. She limped as fast as she could breaking from the brush and seeing the most hilarious sight ever.

A laughter broke from her maw as she saw her brother laying there yelping, his leg was broken beyond repair and he wouldn't get to have any power in his hind quarters like he did today ever again. She stood there, looking at him, laughing, and she felt insane. "Now he got you too" was all she said, and she turned to look at Cinder. Her eyes then found the bru and she limped over leaving her nice trail of blood. "Is she going to be okay?" she asked softly, not wanting to upset Cinder. She knew what was on all their minds, and she instantly felt guilty.

"I'm sorry to be so forward, but is there any way to stop it. To stop what's been done so she doens't have to give birth to the pups if it takes?" She held her eyes onto the bru helping her. She wondered how Cinder felt about this. And having opened her maw she would be the one to clear the tension and just bring out the truth. "If it takes...and she has them..." She swallowed big, keeping the truth down, they would all know it though. Legend would be back one day, with more then himself, wanting the whelps. Or something. He would involve their father, the dark lord of Jabbar... She wondered how he would present the situation that Legend brought back... And her head turned to see the brute with the broken leg gone, his trail hinted to him heading back to Jabbar... oh this was going to bring forth trouble...

Exodus looked back at Cinder, then to Zelda, then to Link, then Rodion... "He'll come next... Damean..." fear etched her face, she didn't know how else to tell them. She didn't know how he'd react to this, and she didn't know how he'd react to Cinder... "Keep her in the open. Link, whatever you do... when he comes, don't piss him off, please. Cinder, look as helpless and pathetic as you can. You know Damean, just do it, when he speaks to you...be honest, please." Her eyes flicked to Zelda, she knew the fem didn't like her father, no one did. Her face went blank and she looked down. She felt faint. "I need to go lay down. If he comes...someone get me..." She turned, not knowing if Fran would be her company again or not. She wanted to just lay down for a moment, she felt too faint to even breath.

Her anxiety was up way past normal. Her adrenalin was at it's peek, and all she wanted to do was dissapear. She sat down farther away from where she threw up, then she laid her front end down. Her head went on her front legs and she took a deep breath and released it. Finally...

Cinder

Cinder felt the rhythmic grooming and heard Zelda's voice. "It will be okay..." Cinder applauded her inside for the brave front but she really didn't know if it would be. She sighed heavily, closed her eyes, and whined softly on the exhale. The comforting scent she had been waiting for was there. Link. She was almost afraid to open her eyes, afraid of seeing disgust, blame, or hate even on his face. She felt like she had been stupid and this had been all of her own fault. Another tear rolled down her ebony nose and her silver eyes blinked open. Her gaze caressed his form starting at his paws and working it's way up. Silver orbs closed once more, strange how even now in all the pain she wanted him. She felt that he could take it al away. The hurt, the pain, the fear.

Quicksilver jewels opened and looked upon his face. It seemed to be set in stone. Worry clouded her face and she opened her dry cracked lips. "L..Link..." Like moth's wings the whisper came and she moved as to make the motion to sit up to reach for him. She longed for his touch, his scent, she wanted to meld herself into him as if doing so would make this all go away.

Cinder

Amongst the downpour of her tears Balthier's voice came to her again. She looked up pain evident in her eyes and not just from her torn body. He was asking the question she didn't want to answer and she knew that Bathier was struggling to ask. She looked down in shame, tears leaking from her eyes and gave a nod before a sob broke from her maw. She tried to calm herself and listen to what he was saying. She knew this was a wolf she could trust but she felt so uncomfortable with his presence being so close, just because he was male. Amongst the scent of blood and fear her heat scent was still lingering. She trembled. She quickly lapped up one pile of poppy seeds. She needed something to calm her and she would have eaten both to drown everything out if she hadn't wanted to see Link so desperatly.

She trembled again and shivered as Balthier placed the lavander by her head and she nodded at his words. She inhaled deeply several times and the scent was soothing. It helped calm her wracked breathing and settle the sobs into mere hiccups of sadness. The tears still rolled down her cheeks but she felt even more numb now. The poppyseeds were taking their effect. Her body was relaxing slightly and she let her head rest, her ears less tense weren't pinned as harshly to her head and she exhaled. "Link..." she said her voice barely a cracked whisper and another tear rolled down her face. She held still. Waiting for Balthier to begin treating the cut on her cheek and the ones on the back of her neck. She also had furrows raked on her sides from Legend's claws and then of course her innocence had been mutilated. Her mind was hazey now. This seemed like a bad dream, oh how she wished she would wake up and find herself in Link's embrace, but it wasn't a dream...it was real.

Vaarak came back with just a few plants grasped in his mouth. He ran to Balthier, who was next to Cinder, saying, "I only picked these for now... didn't know how desperate you are. I'll get some more now. "Find some lavender if you can- the scent will help."

Balthier was actually quite concerned, which didn't happen often. His brother had come back with a small collection of herbs, not enough, but it was a start. After he replied to Vaarak, he thought the lavender might keep me calm, as well... which would be a great thing right now... might stop my future headache from this chaos that a single darned canine caused... He settled down near Cinder, lowering himself to her level. He had heard the hurt in her voice and said, "I sent my brother for lavender. Their scent will ease the mind, reducing stress, somewhat.

He lowered his voice so only she can hear, "I'm sorry if this will be hard to answer, and I don't want to ask, but... did he...?" He had noticed Legend's interest in Cinder slightly when they had first arrived while the pack, mainly Zelda, was dealing with Exodus. He looked towards the stream, but not with anger. He wasn't mad at her. Balthier had seem her gentleness with Cinder just earlier, and knew the corrupt darkness that gripped many in those lands hadn't yet claimed her. Maybe a different kind of darkness resided, but he could live with that.

He looked at Cinder, and said, "I'm just going to treat the scartches on your face right now." It was clear that she was still shakened up by being attacked, and she wasn't in critical condition... physically, so it'd be more comfortable for her to start with injuries that were in plain sight. She would be able to see his every movement.

He didn't see any signs of infection, but didn't want to take the chance. Looking down at the small pile his brother brought, he noticed cobweb... something he'd seen all too many times. He placed a leaf in front of her with two tiny piles of poppy seeds he carefully placed, saying, "If you want to stay awake, but not feel as much physical pain, eat one of the piles. If you want to go into a light slumber, eat both piles. I'll tell you now, though, that I need to do a quick examination, and I want your consent beforehand."

Vaarak came back with just lavender. Two bunches of the plant and quickly passed them to Balthier and a pause to hear his brother's request before heading off again, not wanting to disrupt any conversation. He quickly learned that his brother didn't like conversations between him and his patient overheard unless a wolf close to the victim, or family wanted to listen.

Balthier noticed the haste his brother had, and was proud, despite Vaarak's normally goofy antics. It was good he could be relied on during the serious times while still keeping most of his silly nature. Before his brother left, he said, "Give one bunch of the lavender to Exodus if she accepts them as well as some of the cobweb. Give the cobweb to Fran. I'd assume she knows enough to know what to do with it. Then ask if she needs more on top of what more I need. Try to find some comfrey, yarrow, and peppermint if you remember what they look like."

He didn't exactally need all those other plants, but they would be nice, since they didn't sting the wound like horsetail, nor did they have a displeasing smell that would counteract the lavender. In fact, some of them would aid the lavender. Back to Cinder, he placed the lavender near her head, saying with a smile, "For smelling only, not eating." He breathed in some of the plant as he moved it, already feeling the scented plant starting to calm his mind, causing his focus to sharpen.

Vaarak traveled down towards the stream and placed the lavender with some cobweb on the ground. "Fran? My brother asked if you needed the cobwebs and the lavender. He said something to me once about it calming stress, I think. I'm getting more supplies, and I'll come back with what my brother doesn't need after I gather them." He turned to leave again, unsure if he can remember what the plants looked like. Luckily, most of those his brother asked for had a scent that he could recognize from when he brother treated him and some others with them.

Ooc - That's fine Akka, but whoever finds her must be willing and able to physically control her, as she is going to be a little bit crazy for a while. XD Although of course she is very weak for the moment.

Cinder

Cinder's silver gaze looked up and watched. Her eyes glazed she blinked slowly as she saw Link heading to attack Legend. Her protector, her hero, she wanted Legend dead and here Link was about to grant her wish. The only thing she would regret was that her teeth weren't the ones to drain his life. Then she felt Exodus move and her jems followed her and watched as she stood between her brother and Link. At first Cinder was hurt but there was wisdom to Exodus's words. She was looking out for them...their pack, which in Cinder's view was Exodus's also. She stared blankly the rushing blood through her ears making words hard to hear but somehow she knew what was being said. Her throbbing body ached and she lay her head back down and saw Exodus cast her a small smile as she drifted by.

Cinder was so tired. Her vision blurred, she was feeling faint again and tears leaked from her eyes. Another noise came to her and she closed her eyes and after a moment opened them, hoping they would focus. Her gaze shifted and found the voice that now called her name. "Balthier" her mind said and she opened her mouth. Her voice barely a whisper. "Please..." she said. She wanted something to take it all away. The pain, the memory, the feeling of Legend's body upon her back. Something that would drown out her dreams. Tear's began anew. She felt as if she was an endless raincloud pouring her sorrow. She felt so helpless and all she wanted was to bury herself in her one comfort...Link.
She tried not to think about him and if he could look past her soiled body. She clentched her teeth and trembled. Her claws flexed digging into the soil for a moment but even that hurt and she whined softly.

Fran heard Exodus thanking her before wandering into the trees. Concerned, she followed her until the reached a stream and saw, mainly through her actions, the changing of emotions until Exodus' body couldn't handle what was going on and threw up. She had some healing knowledge, but only for external wounds. Fran didn't know which plants would help sooth her internal organs.

She walked closer to the weary one on the ground and sat next to her, offering a silent companionship. In times like these, words couldn't help unless it was advice or sharing a story, but Fran wouldn't talk about herself unless asked first. In this way, she was good company when others didn't want sympathy from friends. It wasn't sympathy Fran offered; it was an ability to understand and just be there without being a hindrance to mental healing or being a nuisance.

Balthier looked to Rodion in slight surprise. "You're quite good at picking out abilities, aren't you? I'll get to work then." He turned to Vaarak. "I need to check the conditions of those injured, but can you get the basic plants I use for surface injuries? I'll find others as I need them." He didn't like the impressions that he got from the fight and everything that happened, and he feared something really bad happened to Cinder, but... he had to do his job.

So he made a bit of noise as he approached Cinder, so he wouldn't scare her. He said gently, "Cinder? If I may ask, do you have any injuries that require herbs?" He paused and continued, "If you have any requests for scented plants like lavender to reduce your mind's stress, I'll also be glad to get that for you." This whole situation wasn't his style. It was a bit difficult for him to talk to wolves who have been traumatized or close to it. True, he was a healer, but that didn't mean all his social skills were up to par. He glared towards Legend then looked back towards Cinder, not really wanting to ask what happened- perhaps Exodus might, since she apparently was the first one there. Thinking of Exodus, he took a glance in the direction she headed off to with Fran following behind. He wasn't sure how wounded she was, either. He hoped his brother would bring back enough supplies.

Vaarak looked around, surprised to see Link seemingly ignoring Rodion's words, and instead, trying to kill Legend now. When Balthier told him to get herbs, he nodded, getting the feeling his brother thought this may not end pretty. Although Vaarak did want to fight once he was trained enough, he still didn't like the idea of killing for revenge. So he turned away and said, "I'll be back soon." Then he was gone.

((Vaarak can find Braeden later on another scouting trip for herbs if no one else finds her.))

Exodus could hear all of them speaking. She wanted him to leave. Or just be dead, maybe, who knows. She just wanted all of this over with, she needed sleep. And not only that, but some healing time. She didn't know how to heal herself, or tell them what to do. She knew the easy of tasks but... nothing she would need. A deep sigh came from her maw and she listened to Cinder as she spoke 'No'. It was strange, but a smile washed over her maw. She hadn't really ment she needed to be killed, just that she was done, she felt so done with all of this.

It was the movement of Link that caught her eye. He was being so forward towards all of this. So silent. And then he lunged. Legend wasn't paying attention. He was shifting from the loud bark in his ear. Exodus kept the smile on her face until Link smashed into Legend. Her brother went flying outwards and smacked into a tree. He yelped and whimpered as his one good eye searched around for the next attack. Exodus was tired, she was done. She was very exhausted and she didn't want to do this anymore. "stop..." she said in a soft whisper. She knew she wouldn't be heard, so she had to show.

She stepped from over Cinder and moved as fast as she could up towards Link. Legend was trying to stand and he couldn't. He must be hurt well enough to be still for the next attack. She stepped infront of him and looked and Link. Her head was down and her body was limp and relaxed. He could shove her aside if he wanted but right now she didn't want to deal with this anymore.

"Link, Please. There is someone here that needs you more in alot of ways then he needs you to kill him" Her eyes slowly turned to Cinder. She could feel Legend breathing behind her, and she blinked turning her gaze back to Link. "I want him dead as much as the rest of you. But there are many more worse things he could endure, like my father." she was being honest. Damean didn't stand for this sort of thing. "I just want this to be done with. So do as you feel is right. But think of yourself a little better then him. If you kill him, trust me...worse will fall on the pack then a scorn from my father."

She stepped away and she knew she had made an impact on Legend. She looked back at him and he watched her, no, glared at her. He knew she was right. She didn't stay near the pack now. She didn't want to see Link kill Legend if he so chose to. (which is fine, you choose Silent. Kill him, or keep him alive =D Ooo....a choice! HAHA) She just wanted to sleep. She wanted to die really. Her body was in so much pain.

She looked at Cinder as she passed the fem. A weak smile slipped along her lips and then she let it fall. Her eyes were barely open and she looked at Fran. "Thank you for your kindness." Another weak smile and Exodus stepped into the trees. She didn't go far at all really. She would still be able to hear everything, but her legs were in too much pain to move. A little stream ran beside her and she bent down letting the water wash over her tongue. It was too cold and she drew her head back and looked at the mashed up figure of her reflection. Oh...he had done a number on her. She wished she could see the rest of her body. She knew that the pink thick scar from only a while ago was torn open again, she felt the warm blood still slide along her pelt.

What a rude wolf. What a mean wolf. What... was wrong with this world... And she felt her legs give way and her body flopped onto the ground. Hot tears began to burn her dry eyes. She didn't want to cry, but she was in so much pain. Physically it was to hard to even breath, but emotionally. Cinder...and with the thought of her name Exodus felt a rush of guilt come and smack her again. She felt sick, and she sat up slightly throwing up the last of what could be in her stomach. It was nasty but she didn't care. Her body fell back down in her own vomit. She deserved it, this, all of it. Poor Cinder. She knew it was a horrible...

And now she maybe pregnant with Legend's whelps... She needed to speak with her father now. At this very moment. But her eyes closed and Exodus felt the warm welcome feeling of sleep take over her. She only wished that the numb of sleep would numb her body and mind. As she lay there, the nightmares came. The fire, the teeth. Her taking the blow for Cinder the first time, and this time. The falling over her family... she defended the pures and the darks...what type of wolf was she?

((I've been in an interfering mood lately, but I promise I won't do too much... yet... Plus, I'm tired, so my post might be a bit... off...))

When Exodus was done speaking, Fran appeared from the shade of the trees. She had ran over, reaching there moments after Rodion, but had lingered, unsure whether to interfere. Automatically, she positioned herself next to Exodus, noticing she was swaying. She said gently in a soft tone, "Peace. I apologize for not welcoming you earlier, but others approached, and I'm not one to talk much around groups. Even one who guards needs support, else she falls. Lean on me to conserve some of your strength if you wish." She offered Exodus a smile- one that was real. "I, for one, do not judge you. Don't listen to your brother."

As Legend was lunging, Vaarak darted a little closer and barked... loudly in his ear. He had to admit, this was one good outcome about chattering nonstop- powreful lungs. He wished for the chance to fight, but wasn't sure if we should, even if the other wolf was attacking. So, he settled for a compromise- trying to scare Legend off course and land on the ground. He looked at Rodion, and figured he'd be able to dodge the attack... but it was so... FUN! Especially when it looked like this dark wolf deserved it. He took a few steps away, but turned back to Legend, to see what would happen next. Then, for good measure, he started to growl, something he had practiced quite frequently while he had still been traveling with Balthier. Speaking of who... Vaarak was surprised his brother wasn't stopping him. He glanced back, surprised his brother was actually nodding lightly.

Balthier had arrived before his brother, and looked at Cinder, who was being protected by Exodus. He glared at Legend, knowing there was no other who'd attempt anything. Then Fran appeared next to Exodus, probably offering support, as Legend lunged towards Rodion. He saw his brother dash past him and almost doubled over in amusment when all Vaarak did was bark... loud enough that even his ears twitched in discomfort. Then Vaarak retreated a bit, but not too far away and started to growl. He made a move to pull Vaarak back, but... not this time. He was to be trained to fight, so he should be near the action if not in it.

Also, his energetic brother was showing some restraint, so this would be his reward from Balthier. He nodded at Vaarak when his brother turned, muttering to no one in particular, "My brother must really be annoyed by this being..." He was abotu to say canine, but mildly wondered if the others would get it confused for a reference to a dog, so he decided to be very vauge when referencing the offending wolf.

She heard the words but she was watching Legend with harsh eyes. He was being so mean. So...unlike Damean. Exodus turned as Cinder fell back down sobbing to no end. "Oh Cinder" and she turned her back. A mistake she knew, but there was nothing else she wanted to do since Link was not around. She heard Legend come up quickly behind her and she spun around, a deadly look in her eyes. She lifted a paw and smacked it on his face hard. She heard him yelp, and he fell back rubbing his paw on his eye screaming. "Kill him for all I care" her eyes had landed on Rodion now and she looked hard.

Exodus limped over to Cinder and sat down by her head. "Shhhh, Cinder, shhh. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have let you go. I'm so sorry." her pink and blood stained tongue came out and she licked Cinder on the top of her head. "shhhh, shhh" she nuzzled the she wolf on her face and head trying to calm her down. "He's an evil wolf. And he's going to get what's coming to him. Damean wont stand for this. None of it. He's more kind then you think. He'll kill Legend, or ban him. He'll do something worse then anyone else here or anywhere else could do" she breathed in Cinder's pelt and exhaled in her neck. "Shhh"

Again she licked the fem softly. "Rodion is here now. Link is coming. Zelda, the whole pack will be here, and he'll pay for what he did to you" she felt the guilt coming to smack her again. "I should have came sooner. I'm so sorry Cinder. I'm so sorry." she sighed and laid her head over Cinder's neck. Where was Link. He could comfort her better then she could. "I'm glad Legend tried to attack you once in Jabbar. I wouldn't be who I am right now without you. Thank you Cinder" she felt tears fill in her eyes and spill out on Cinder's head. "Look at us..." she felt a light laugh come from her maw. "We kinda look silly" she felt the smile dissapear and she felt herself feel sorrow for the young fem. "I'm sorry Cinder. You don't deserve this. I shouldn't have let you go..." again she felt a powerful slap of guilt.

She had saved her life again, but Cinder had lost something so much more to her... Something she could give to someone else. And instantly Exodus wished it had been her... her in this spot and Cinder had come to her rescue. Through all the physical pain Exodus felt right now, it was nothing compared to the emotional pain Cinder had. She shouldn't complain. And Exodus closed her eyes, wanting to pass out. She had to stay awake though. Her auds twitched here and there trying to catch coming sounds but she heard nothing. "If I die. Tell Link I'm sorry... I tried to get here faster. Tell him to kill Legend one day, someone...kill him. Slowly. As good as I want to be. I have an evil outlook on death for him..." and her voice fell and she went limp on Cinder's body.

She felt awake...but she felt dead... She wasn't blacked out. She was alive, but she was no longer here mentally. She felt herself slipping and she didn't want anyone to wake her up. "I'm sorry" she wanted to die... she needed this. "Shhhhh. It's okay. Just stay close Cinder. Everything will be okay... I promise my life on that now. I owe you everything" Her words were only clear enough for Cinder to hear. "I'm sorry" she said again. But the voice of her brother made her body come back and she tensed. "kill me now..." she said softly and she pushed herself up on all fours. Her body shook and she stood over Cinder. If Cinder moved it would cause Exodus immense pain. She hoped she wouldn't. Exodus locked her legs and she held herself upright looking at Legend.

"You've caused enough harm. And I hope these wolves rip you apart limb from limb. I hope they make you so weak I look better then you when their done. And then I want them to turn you over to Damean, and you can explain to him why you're so mangled. We all hate you Legend. We all want you dead. I want you dead. I want them to kill you. I want to kill you. I hate you..." her words drifted slowly away and she felt herself sway over Cinder. "As long as my life is still here, you will never touch her again. No one will. I swear on my very soul that she'll have a guardian for the rest of her life." and a small bit of life lifted in her and she brought a lip upwards. White fangs were shown right to her brother. She didn't take her eyes off his one eye. He would be blind in his right eye now. She had gotten him right good. He was watching her as best he could. And then he lunged. He would need some practice, for his target had been ment to be her, but it was headed right for Rodion...

Cinder

Cinder flinched from Rodion's touch, not realizing it who it was at first. She had been consumed in the pain, the guilt, the horror of what had just happened, even the sounds of Exodus and Legend had been drown out by the pounding of blood in her ears. She looked up her silver eyes glazed over and everything was like a horrid nightmare. Rodion's figure was comforting but then as she focused she heard his accusing words to Exodus. No...she thought...NO! It's not her. She licked her lips, her tongue felt dry and swollen. She struggled to stand and heard Exodus' angry words spitting back at Rodion. Cinder didn't blame her for that but the way she had spat out ""All I did was follow my heart instead of my head and instead of going to see Zelda I came and saved 'HER' hide AGAIN! and what do I get.." Cinder felt a stab to her heart...she knew Exodus was angry but she had also thought she was a friend and with those words it made Cinder feel as if she was a horrible burden to everyone. Her hide was worthless and she sank back down to the soil...tears welled anew at the corners of her eyes. She listened to the rest of Exodus's angry words and how she hated Legend. You aren't the only one. Cinder thought to herself. She struggled to a half sitting half laying down postion, swallowed and then exhaled. She was about to speak when she caught Legend's hungry look and her legs trembled and she looked away. I HATE YOU. she thought with all her being.

"Stop...Rodion." Cinder said in a dry cracked voice. "Exodus did nothing....please...she did nothing wrong. It was always HIM." Her silver orbs burned in Legend's haughty direction and her legs began to grow weak and with her last words she collapsed into sobs again. She couldn't stand to look at him any longer. His very presence made her feel dirty and ashamed. Oh Link...Link..where are you? she thought and her vision wavered again. But in the same breath she didn't want him to see her like this...didn't want him to know that Legend took her. She hoped he didn't think she wanted it or she liked it. Her body wracked with sobs once more and it made the blood run through her ears again. She throbbed with pain and tried to curl up into a fetal positon but she was too weak now. If she only knew how to fight...she would have killed him. Someday she vowed she would.

The breaking of twigs was music to her hears. Legend had turned with a harsh smile towards her and Cinder. Exodus would lay her life on the line for this fem, this...pure fem whome she had befriended through saving her life once already. And now she failed. Guilt slapped her in the face again but she held her posture. "Legend, stop it!" she screamed at him. His body was advancing forward but it was soon stopped by Rodion bursting into the scene. She heaved a great sigh and relaxed a little. Rodion was bigger then Legend, so this was okay. This was perfect.

He comforted Cinder and she saw from the corner of her eye the look on his face as he realised what happened. Again. Guilt slapped her in the face harder then before. It was then that with the slight ease of a fight on her part ended the pain began to come. She whimpered a little wanting to be able to step aside and lay down. Her body hurt beyond anything she ever felt. Her eyes felt blurry, and she blinked tears from her way of sight. They slid down her face and traced a clean line through the blood streaked mess on her pelt. She felt alot better now that Rodion was here.

Her body swayed to move from the front line when his words hit her ears and she straightened up instantly. A nasty growl ripped through her throat and ripped into the air. She swung her head around and glared at Rodion. "Exodus...what is the meaning of this..." the words he said were repeated but they were said with a nasty note of malice in them. She heard Legend laugh and her head snapped in a quick motion, which they could obviously see caused her enough pain to yelp and she glared right back at her brother. "Shut up Legend. You did this. You did ALL OF IT!" she was yelling now. Her voice was broken by sobs and she cursed at him so they all could hear. "Fine! FINE! Sure. Exodus, what did you DO!. I didn't do S.h.t.!" her voice was high, and she heard the laughter from her brother die off quickly.

"All I did was follow my heart instead of my head and instead of going to see Zelda I came and saved 'HER' hide AGAIN! and what do I get... a haughty attitude from you" the last word you slithered from her maw and sat in the air like a heavy smog. "See. Exodus. I told you they judge everyone. They judge everything. You're no good here or anywhere. You don't belong in the darkness cause you're too soft. And you don't belong to the light, because they judge you from where you're from. Might as well just go kill yourself sister"

Legend stepped up towards his sister and she snapped at him, sending him to step back again. "Careful, you may have rabies" He laughed and looked at Rodion. "Who am I... I'm Legend Jager. Son to Damean Jager. He sent me here to cause as many problems as I can. Starting with her" his eyes shifted to Cinder. "Should have stayed with lover boy." he smirked and stepped back again. "And as for her. Oh. She's my sister. Exodus Jager" he smiled a very evil smile. "How does that make you feel. The princess to the darkest lands is living here in your lands. Will she betray you. Will she tell our father everything she knows of this land and the wolves within it. How do you decide who to trust and who not to. Poor Zelda let me even stay next to her lands, and look where it got her. Where it got you" his eyes looked at Exodus, and then to Cinder. When he looked at Cinder his pink tongue came out and he licked his black lips in a nasty sexual way.

Eyes were filled with tears. Tears of hate, tears of guilt, tears of truth. He was right. Legend was so right it wasn't even funny. She was judged, specially by that one fem here who now was gone. Zelda trusted her. And... Cinder. But now look. Her own brother had done this. He had taken the only thing Cinder had to give besides her love to Link that had been held up so long, and he had taken it. And she was to blame. She hadn't stopped Zelda from just letting him stay at the boarder. She hadn't said ' no, chase him off. Chase him away, far away. Keep a constant watch. He's not to be trusted.' Exodus let her head fall in shame and she whimpered. Legend was...right...

She looked at her own paws. Had she been better she would have killed him with these. Another whimper and she lifted her head again through the pain leaking through ever vein in her body. "I hate you" she said towards her brother. "I have always hated you." she whispered these words, but they were loud enough for them all to hear, not just her spiteful brother. "I'm sorry..." and then she went silent. She didn't feel like speaking, or feeling anything. Exodus wanted to trade places with Link and just be a mute. Then she couldn't voice whatever she was feeling. She felt a silent sigh go from her her chest to the air. She felt the need to leave. But Legend's laughter brought her back up and she eyed him with no emotion. What was his deal...what was his problem! She wanted him dead, but there was nothing she could do. He'd kill her. Oh...maybe it wasn't a bad idea...