|As the {i n k} *BLEEDS* t h r o u g h| (Private)

[Sivoncé™]

The twilight was cold, heartless and unflinching as it cloaked the forest with a fresh bite of the changing seasons. Mists shifted and swirled, thin whisperings echoing through the domains of the funeral woodlands. The chill alone was not enough to excite the local specters. Not this much, at least. As the hours slanted away and gave way to later ones, and as clouds of gray blotted out an inky, starless sky, wolven pawsteps thundered through the splintered brush. Unearthly limbs flexing and moving with glittering elegence across the earth...
Thunder.
A resounding roar shattered the diseased sleeping of the captive, her head snapping back hard against the mud. A splitting sered through her forehead, a crack in her dazed mind.
"Toss her." The voice was like one she remembered from long ago, buried in her darkest memoirs....some of her first memories at all. The voice of the she-wolf of white, coming to take her mother away. The voice of sleet and ice, coming to rip her family away.
Lightning.
"What are we going to do with her?"
Crash.
No....not you.
Tell me it isn't you. Not the other one...
"Well, Snare, didn't you say you wanted to play a game?"
Stormy, silver, blue-gray optics began to shift, straining to blink open, afraid of the forms she would see before her.
"I do love games.....and the best part about it is when you start them so young.....they never forget how enjoyable it is. Children love games."
Breathe.
Her eyes were wide now, but all she could see was endless gray, two dark smears coming closer to her body, which for some reason, would not react at all to anything to screamed at it to do. Air came in shallow gasps, a rank smell blossoming through her nostrils cut her supply of oxygen to the bare minimum. I have to look now. I have to know what they've done to me... The two forms were getting closer, features could be made out as blurry but certain through the fog. But the pair of fear-filled eyes were away from them, locked on something elsewhere.
Blink.
Her legs looked like the fallen, scorched tree branches she recalled in the clearing of Twilight, the place where twilight had once been thought of as a good thing. Blood and soot caked them thick, and as she sent another surge of desperate effort travelling through her nerves--
Thunder.
Lightining.
Pain exploded through her legs, a startled, weak cry escaping her maw as her head fell back from the effort.
"Hello, Annelise." The voices sounded as one, and yet many other harmonies wove through them, harsh, hypnotic laughter followed.
A face was suddenly close to her own, black skirting flowing out from her primaliy white masking. But those eyes.....those eyes were the only thing that truly matched the voice she could know as Verlust's. Eyes of pure, unloving ice. Though her tone was different now, Verlust and this she-wolf might as well be one in the same.
"What, truly, is the value of bloodline? Siveria got lucky. This one did nothing by trun out as a useless healer."
"My mother was a brave leader!" She hissed, ribcage groaning in protest at the movements of her mouth.
"Perhaps it is so...but it is matterless, you hear me? Twilight watch over you, you say?"
"Twilight, my wolven brethen, will not allow you to stay here long, Babylonia." Annelise snarled.
"Oh, but you forget, Annelise. You have all forgotten. And now we are hear to remind you...."
Babylonia rose as a Snare let out a hungry, bold cackle.
"So what really, is bloodline, Annelise? Where we came from? How we were made? Or is it the pride and honor that runs through our veins? Wolves used to say that bloodline was nothing more than my first saying. But you have forgotten the mist, Annelise, you have all forgotten the Mist. And if bloodline is the thing of honor, the thing you live by, then you forget yourselves even more. I am here, we are all here, to remind you that this valley does not belong to the Siverian, Destinian, Yozoran, or Sheeran packs. Nor do the Twilight Wolves interefere with the true watchers now...."
Snare chuckled darkly. "This valley is that of the Golden Wolf you have chosen to ignore. And in the agony of seeing his creations turn against and mock him, he flees this place. Where he has gone remains to be seen. But Blood Mist have not gone. And in time, perhaps even Night Mist, Storm Mist, and Shimmering Mist will learn to join us here. But make no mistake....this is not your valley."
"Bloodline is nothing at all...." Babylonia laughed. "But the past, now that is what carves out the present and future."

[.Rabid Lycan.]

Tiny paws scrabbling for a hold on the charred and darkened wood, the small wolf narrowing his eyes in frustration when he slipped off the fallen log and into the soot below.
Oh man... Euphrates is going to kill me if I don't get back soon.
Sneezing black swirls of ash, Sumer shook his black-streaked pelt and glanced over his shoulder. He was supposed to meet his older brother for a hunting trip soon, but he had wanted to explore a bit first.
And now I'm lost. Great. Just great... and I can't call for help!
Sumer kicked the ground angrily, crouching seconds later and making another attempt to leap onto the large log in front of him.
Grunting softly, he managed to scramble to the top.
Finally!
He glanced around, trying to see some familiar landmark... but to no avail. There was too much smoke in the way.
I'm dead.
Just as Sumer was about to settle himself down and wait for Euphrates to come looking for him, his ears- being his sharper sense- caught a voice.
A voice that was both unfamiliar... and nearby.
...could it be an intruder?
Abandoning all fears, Sumer jumped down from the fallen tree and crept into the fog, silent pawsteps carrying closer and closer to the voices...
Until he saw them.
Eyes widening, Sumer ducked under a fallen tree branch, peering out with flattened ears at the scene. He had no idea who these wolves were- except perhaps Annelise, who carried a Siverian scent and seemed familiar from one of the gatherings Sumer had attended.
...wait, of course! That's the Siverian Healer neophyte! But... but what's going on...? Why is she here....?
He had been too young to remember the faces of the others... too young to remember the face of his own mother, who now stood a few feet from his hiding place.

[Sivoncé™]

While Babylonia's low murmurings and taunting of the healer continued, the air around Snare began to taste and morph into something new. Or rather, something new entered the essence of the area. Babylonia might be a shimmering glory, clad in her unscladed pelt, but there was something else the Tartarus denizen lacked that Snare held at her advantage ; she was adapted to sensing things through smoke.
Though Snare had not spent her entire demise in the hateful flares of Hellfire, she had been there long enough to earn the marks and changes. Bayblonia had might as well not existed, being thrown into nothingness.
But now, a new prescence caught the attention of the rough she-wolf. She narrowed her eyes, slinking along the brush, Babylonia's words suddenly cutting off as she eyes her companion, contemplating.

Snare's eyes came to rest on the form of Sumer, and they turned from slits to wide orbs of pleasant surprise. "Babylonia....." she called, turning to switch stands with the other she-wolf.
"What is it, Snare?" She asked, a bit irritated.
"There is someone you should see. I will watch the mutt. Just....go to him."
Babylonia's crystal eyes narrowed as they flickered down to the long, black scar that snaked over her stomach, then to the heap of fur that was Annelise's unconscious form, and then they finally came to rest on the smear in the smoke. Slowly, her pawsteps carried her forward, forward until his form was in a clarity quite sharp and clear, and her jaw dropped to gape at the image before her.
One might as how she knew, after all of her time as a dead she-wolf, after how much had happened since the night she was murdered by the mother of the healer she had stolen, but a mother always knows. It is another instinct, given to a mother alone.
"M-My son.....my glorious son...."

[.Rabid Lycan.]

((Dude!-- she sounds like Zira from the Lion King 2!! XDXD))

...God... o-oh god...
Sumer looked up, seeing a shadow through the smoke. He couldn't see the figure's eyes, but he could feel her gaze burning into his face. And then, all of a sudden, the sensation was allieviated.
...m-maybe she didn't notice me...?
Babylonia loomed over him, staring down.
At her words, the small, tan wolf shrunk back, eyes huge and fearful.
He made a soft, half-whine from his mouth, but no other sound could be heard. It wasn't like he could scream or anything.
...WHAT!? SON!??
His pupils now tiny dots on his eyes, Sumer retreated slowly, only to bump into a tree, which startled him into a small jump.
Who is she??

[Sivoncé™]

At his fear, Babylonia's gaze of winter turned to the gentle sky blue of the summer heavens. She closed them, hanging her head, ashamed. Pain contorted deeply in her chest, the never-dying agonies building up again, burning through her, but not creating the anger that usually roamed within her. Instead, she felt only the great sadness draping itself over her shoulders once more. An ancient longing that never ceased. She looked up to Sumer once more as he bumped into the tree, the pain, the longing.....the love there plain and clear.
And it was moments like these that made her such a mystery to the rest of the world.
And it was not because Snare and Annelise couldn't see her now. No, not at all. She did not care who was watching when she let her soaring tenderness bleed through into the open. The object of her affection was typically Ashur, the only beloved wolf she had left.
But once upon a time, Babylonia had been the sweet of the Grey Mist Pack, once upon a time, she had been a dazzling angel of the light.
So why, now, that she had gone so far down a path tangled with the vines of anger and darkness, could she still feel such a deep love?
Some things never fade, but rather, show through in the most unexpected ways. And in this way, the inkings of Babylonia's past life had never really left her completely.
"Do not fear me, love." She sighed, sitting down where she was. "You will not remember me....." She blinked, watching him thoughtfully, then nodding in rememberence.
"Sumer, I named you.......and you could not speak."

[.Rabid Lycan.]

Sumer froze in his tracks, heart pounding in his chest. He stared up at the wolf who looked on him in such a-- to his great surprise-- loving and affectionate way that it only served to feed his confusion.
...I don't understand...
But then she spoke. She told him the answer to his question. And he could only gawk in a mixture of shock and awe.
She's my... mother!? But... who is she...? Maybe she's lying... but then how would she know...?
Sumer took a slow step forward, fear fading and slowly morphing into bewilderment and curiosity.
...she knows my name...

[Sivoncé™]

Snare did not watch for or attempt to listen to Babylonia's words with her son. Instead, she sharpened her already briar-like claws against a broken, charre tree trunk. Now and then, she would blink disinterestedly at Annelise or off into the fog, wondering if Babylonia would bring Sumer with her when she returned. She, herself, didn't much care for others. She didn't understand the bonds between some wolves, but she didn't try to, either. Just let the freaks be, and I can have my own fun.

Annelise stirred slightly, trying to stay conscious for more than a few minutes was definitly proving a struggle, but it was better than giving up and laying there, at the mercy of her captors. Really, she knew it wouldn't have much effect either way, she was starting to form a theory in her mind. A reason behind why she was still alive if they had her at their claws.
And she didn't like the thought of it one bit.

Babylonia watched Sumer with an intense interest, eyes on his always, taking the stance of his gaze as a prod to continue. "I don't remember how it came to be that I was seperated from you, dearest....or your young sister, Assyria, nor your brother Lust. The fate of your older brother, Tigris, is unknown to me, and as for Euphrates...." her voice grew strained, agonized, torn. "I know he does not look at me as his mother anymore. He looks to the packwolves....he has become what I once was. And I pity him." She told him sadly.
In time, maybe I can tell him my name....but if the packwolves have held true to their word, he will flee me as soon as he hears it. And I will not have them rob me of my children any longer...
No. Euphrates may take some work, but I will reassemlbe my family. And no wolf will stop me.

[.Rabid Lycan.]

Sumer perked his ears, listening to every word that his supposed mother was saying.
She knows Euphrates... dear Lupus, she must be my mother-- EUPHRATES!
He stiffened suddenly, swiveling around and staring into the fog.
He had nearly forgotten-- Euphrates would have been expecting him a while ago now! He would be looking for him--
She wouldn't hurt him, would she?
No... no, of course she wouldn't... she's his mother!
But she said that he didn't think about her...
He looked at Babylonia with a worried expression on his face, silently wishing that he could speak.


Just outside the Destinian camp sat a russet brute, flexing his claws anxiously and swishing his tail back and forth. He stared with futile intensity into the wall of smoke, sighing softly when no sign of his little brother appeared.
Looks like I'm going to have to find the little guy he thought to himself, mildly irritated but-- above all-- extremely worried.
Jumping to his paws, he started off in a quick trot, catching a faint scent trail-- which was mostly clouded with soot and ash-- and following it into the woods.

[Sivoncé™]

Babylonia frowned deeper at his expression, wishing, too, that he could speak, but certainly not voicing this. "I've upset you, haven't I?" she winced, a flicker of pain singing her as she sifted through his eyes once more. "Perhaps, you, also, would not wish to think of me now....what you know is your life among the Destinians. You would not wish to know anything more....not wish to know of this family and how we were driven apart such as we are now," she looked to her paws. "I suppose I do understand...."
It was in her nature to be deceptive, but she was not so, now. To others, it may seem so, but that was not at all her intent.
I'm too late.
Damn them. Damn them all to the deepest pits of their own Tartarus!

[.Rabid Lycan.]

Sumer blinked.
...I really need Euphrates here... he knows what I'm saying. But she can't-- ugh, this is so frustrating!
The small wolf paced back and forth, looking from Babylonia and back into the fog. He was shaking his head as he did so, wondering how he could communicate with his mother.
How can I ask her why she didn't stay with us...?

"Sumer!"
Euphrates paused at the edge of a dead log, sniffing the air to find a fresh scent. Sumer's scent.
So, you're close by...
"Sumer, get over here now!"[/i]
His voice was loud, strong, and very serious. The problem with having a mute brother was knowing that Sumer could not answer him back, and might as well be dead or captured if Sumer didn't hear him or take him seriously.
Right now, he wouldn't have Sumer mistaken him...
And seconds later, Euphrates happened upon a newer scent. The scent foriegn yet familiar, but at the same time not from his pack.
Intruder... oh no.
"SUMER!" Euphrates howled.

Sumer stopped, tilting his head and staring into the smoke.
Faintly, he heard the ringing of his brother's voice through the trees, and the young neophyte was able to relax a little.
He's close.

[Sivoncé™]

Seeing Sumer a bit frustrated now began, strangely, to give Babylonia a trickle of hope. Perhaps there is more to be said but only not a way to ask....
And then she heard him. Her son...Euphrates.
She fidgeted nervously, knowing that she would not leave now, she could not leave now, and whatever the Destinians did, she would not harm either of her sons. But if it came to Euphrates leaving to get a patrol...
I will go and return later, if I must. She thought mournfully.
But she was resigned and determined to make things work; to complete the task at hand.
To let them know it's not I who left them. It was their precious little guardians who killed me. And to at least enlighten Euphrates the slighest bit....
She waited, silent, nerves creeping up and down her spine.

[.Rabid Lycan.]

Sumer stood up, reaching out and scoring the nearest tree, claws digging into the bark before breaking away. The crackling sound of dried and dead bark breaking filled the air, and Sumer waited for his brother to appear.

Euphrates perked his ears, hearing crunching noises.
Sumer... ahh, he's alright. He's calling me.
Relaxing a bit now, Euphrates slowed his pace to a brisk walk. It only took a minute for Sumer to come into view.
"Sumer, you need to be more careful. I told you to stay by the--"
Breath caught in his throat, Euphrates stared at Babylonia with huge, confused eyes.
"...w-wha...?"

Sumer slid down to all fours, approaching Euphrates and nuzzling his brother's chest, trying to get him to move.
But Euphrates wasn't responding-- he couldn't stop staring at Babylonia. Staring at her like she was a ghost.
Not that she wasn't.

[Sivoncé™]

Babylonia held her breath as Euphrates stared her down, the same emotions of love and loss swimming through her eyes as they had when they were set upon Sumer. After a few moments, she forced herself to inhale deeply, to calm her rapid heartbeat and flying nerves.
This is my son...I love him. Why should I fear this?
But she knew it was not her own love she was anxious of, it was the fact that it may not be recipricated any longer.
"Euphrates.....you've grown into a fine wolf," she murmured finally. He voice sounded relieved now, perhaps glad to break the silence.
"Life has treated you well. And Sumer, you, too, have grown into a fine wolf yourself."

[.Rabid Lycan.]

Sumer trained an eye on Babylonia when she began to speak again, but continued to press against Euphrates' chest for comfort in the warmth that he find there. The familiar warmth that he found reflected in Babylonia's eyes...
He had the strange feeling that if he wanted to, he could cuddle up beside his mother and feel just as safe and secure.
Euphrates, however, was responding differently.

Although he had once loved his mother... although he had at one time been a part of her family, he couldn't help but recall the things that his packmates continuously reminded him: Verlust is evil, and Babylonia is too. They cannot love. They cannot be trusted.
Deep in his heart, he knew that the middle part was complete and utter bullshit. Babylonia's eyes right now told that story, much to Euphrates' discomfort. But he had begun to believe his friends... and now looked on his mother with a mixutre of accusation and horror.
"...what are you doing here?"

Sumer lifted his head to look into Euphrates' eyes, wondering what he was doing.
Don't say something that you might regret...

[Sivoncé™]

She did not flinch, though it took a great amount of effort, even for a wolf like her, not to do so. She felt her hopes sinking slightly, but swallowed hard, remaining level headed.
"Why wouldn't I come here, Euphrates?" she murmured softly. "What would you do, dearest, if your family were fed lies by your enemies and taken into their ranks? What would you do if wolves you loved dearly don't even know your face?" She looked from him to Sumer, pained. "I have come because I am your mother and I love you. Or have they told you that I couldn't do that?" She looked sick with the thought, then eyes flickered again to her stomach, the black scar that twisted over it.
"I did not have children because I wanted troops for Verlust. I had them because I wanted and loved them. And I wanted them to be what nature intended them to be, not wolves bound by things that do not exist." she murmured the last part softly.
"And I didn't have you so I could stand by and watch you die, either," she said this mostly to herself.