F R E E D O M (closed)

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    || F R E E D O M ||
    "i was lost before i met you"


    The eyes of those she had loved now looked upon her with disdain. Adira flinched beneath their gaze, the shame of the situation washing over her. She had gotten what he wanted. At the front of the crowd, Adira saw the mixed pelt of Miyah brushed up against the wolf she had come to love more than life itself. He had watched the fight, stood idly by and watched as Miyah took advantage of an injured wolf and taken the male who was suppose to be her mate. She knew that Miyah didn't love him, her only desire was to be Alpha female. But she had achieved her goal. Bleeding and bruised, Adira was now casted away from her pack and there was no turning back now.


    TWO MONTHS LATER.


    Snow had begun to fall. The cold nipped at her thick pelt as Adira braced the powerful gusts of wind. Winters had always been a time of struggling, whether in a pack or not. Although her pelt was as white as the snow falling from the sky, Adira had never experienced a winter alone before. She had relied on her pack, hunting together in a group and hunting their prey. Over the two months she had spent alone, hunting by herself had been a challenge. There were no flankers to drive in the game and without the extra sets of paws, Adira found herself a scavenger. She picked at whatever remains she managed to find or hunting smaller prey. Rabbits barely sufficed her hunger and now, she would be lucky if she even found a rabbit.
    Night was starting to fall, the angry grey skies weeping an endless snowfall down upon her. Adira had not eaten today due to the heavy snowfall. She had tried tracking prey, but the tracks led her to a old trail. She had given up and decided that finding shelter for the night would be more beneficial than a meal. Her energy was running low and her muscles ached, begging for rest.
    Squinting her eyes, Adira spotted the dark figure of a cave ahead. Relief flooded her as she sped up, anxious to settle down for the night. Once she reached the cave, she stopped at the entrance. It was smaller, probably only enough space to fit two to three wolves but it would suffice. She parted her jaws, sniffing the air for any signs of a previous owner. Her nose was numbed by the cold. But as far as she could tell, the cave was vacant. Entering, she headed toward the back which was slightly warmer and she laid down. She huffed, her muscles immediately relieved of the aches she had been feeling all day. Her wounds, healed for the most part, still pained her on the occasion. There was a few missing turfs of fur where she had been scratched and bitten. The bitter cold made them hurt a tad bit more than they usually did. Hopefully, if nobody turned up, she could rest in this cave for a few days.



    Just jump in!


    Rasper's dark coat was powered with snow, winter was a desperate time for everyone. However, it wasn't too bad for him. Rasper was crouched by a stone and he had been tracking a herd of deer all morning. It was tiresome but needed. Rasper curled his lip as a wave of cold air ruffled his fur the wrong way. The one female doe lifted her head and blinked rapidly, she seemed a bit winded. This is my chance! He thought with triumph. He dug his hind claws into the dirt under the snow and pushed. The herd squealed and began to flee. The doe was joining them but Rasper already had one leg in his mouth. It was a lot tougher doing this alone but that didn't matter. No pack was going to change his mind. He crunched the leg and it popped, he then tried to at least claw at it. The doe managed to get out of his grip and hobble away. With a curse he jogged after it, waiting for it to fall and die. She hopped a while until the doe realized she would die. Lucky! He grinned and watched as it took rest out in a clearing. He sank his fangs into it's neck and watched it kick before laying limp. This had been his first success in months. He dug in right there. Blood and gore everywhere but that didn't bother him one bit. It was good to eat.


    Deciding to head home, he grabbed the mauled deer body and dragged it. It left a bright red and black stain but he was confident he could fend off anyone who dared come to his den. After a half an hour, he made it. He hadn't been in his den for a few days because he was always traveling for food. He also always covered his tracks. Rasper showed up to the cave and lugged the body in. He dropped it and it made a dull thud. He noticed a shape, no not even, a wolf shape. Hackles raised he slunk in to inspect the wolf who dared to come. The wolf was curled and missing a few tuffs here and there. Scratches galore. I'll try to have a civil conversation. He decided. He didn't think any pack wolves had manners so he was hoping that this one was a loner. "Hey.. HEY," He nudged the stranger. "Who are you." He continued to nudge in aggravation. He just wanted to eat his meal alone.

    (Thank you!!)


    Adira had been oblivious to any sounds outside the den. With her muzzle settled neatly on her paws, she had closed her eyes in attempts to try and rest. After countless days of pushing through the snow and barely finding anything but scraps to eat, the weight of her exhaustion had started to take a told of the she-wolf. It only felt like a brief second since she closed her eyes when something was nudging her. Slowly, Adira peeked open her eyes to make out the shape of someone standing in front of her. She immediately raised her head, jaw slightly parted in shock. It was a wolf, a large male by the looks of it and it didn't look to pleased to see her there.


    "I.." Adira struggled to find the words to say. She was caught off guard, which was unusual for someone like her coming from a pack. She blamed it on her lack of rest. "I found this den and I claimed it. Why? Does this den belong to you?" She got to her paws, her body aching in protest. Adira ignored it though, So far, this male wasn't showing any real signs of aggression but loners could get defensive over their territory.

    -{No problem!}


    The wolf stirred to life and he watched as it unfolded itself. The wolf raised it's head and he scanned it. It was a female and she looked rather battered up by the looks of it. Rasper looked Adira before shifting paws. "I...." she was struggling to get words out. Rasper felt a pang of sympathy. It was pretty shocking for everyone. He wasn't pleased to be here with her but the snow was starting to kick up more. "I found this den and I claimed it. Why? Does this den belong to you?" Her voice carried a bit of calmness but also a dump-ful of exhaustion.

    "Yes. This den is mine, actually I've been out for a while." He shrugged towards the dead deer at the den way. Adira got to her paws and looked as if she was going to collapse. "I don't blame you or anything." He huffed and turned away from Adira. If she were to attack he would have her flat on her back in five seconds anyway. He grabbed the deer's hoof and dragged it closer. "Just stay." He grumbled. "Have some." He quietly commanded. The black male twitched an ear and sat in front of the cave, he turned his head towards the outside and squinted when a gust of wind blew too close. He looked at her and growled when she didn't make any moves. "Eat and get yourself back in shape." He eyed her healing woods and scars.

    Adira pricked her ears in surprise at the male's response. All her life, she had been used to meeting defensive loners. None of them were like this male. He didn't seem to disturbed with her presence and actually let her stay. Relief swept over her at that. Adira couldn't imagine being forced back out into the blustering cold. She wouldn't survive a second out there in the condition she was in now. When the black furred male dragged his catch toward her, a doe, Adira felt her stomach growl with hunger.


    "Thank you," she replied when he told her to eat and get back into shape. She sniffed the deer, her mouth watering. It had been a long time since she had anything close to a deer. Adira took a bite, red staining her white muzzle. She licked her chops, glancing back up at him. "I'm grateful for all of this, really." She turned back to the deer, taking a few more hungry bites. She didn't want to eat his whole catch. He had already been generous enough by letting her stay. With one last bite, she backed away to let him eat.


    "My name is Adira by the way," she said, figuring it would be nice to introduce herself. "May I ask yours?"

    He didn't say anything. All Rasper did was watch as she dug in like a starved animal, which is what she is. It was rather odd to have stumbled upon her because no sane wolf was out alone unless it was him. Maybe she was in a pack? That would make sense. Packs kick people out all the time. He pondered on his while he began to lay. She finished, her muzzle decorated with bright crimson. Rasper thought he was doing better than most and he was right. It must have been recent because she looks freshly mangled. He huffed to himself. "I'm greatful for all of this, really." Adira thanked him and that honestly shocked him. Never in his life had he been thanked before. He kept quiet still, he looked outside once more before getting up. The female introduced herself as Adira. Odd name but I can't judge. He comically thought. "The name is Rasper, you better eat more." Rasper nudged the dead deer towards her. "I've eaten my fill for tonight, plus I don't need any other wolves trudging in." Rasper rasped as he made himself comfortable on the flat dead grass that was made as his bedding originally in the spring. He had first came here earlier in the year and he was just trying to do what any other wolf would.

    He wanted a family and a pack of his own. Sadly, none of those things ever did happen.

    Rasper. Adira made a mental note of this as well as the surprised look on his face after she thanked him. Considering he was a lone wolf, he most likely didn't share meals or a den like this. When he urged her to eat more, Adira didn't argue. She continued to eat, a little fast this time as she devoured the remains of the deer. Eventually, she was too full to take another bite. It was a feeling that had become foreign to her over the time she had spent alone. She never went to sleep on a full belly since she as with her pack. Suddenly, a pang of yearning surged through her. She hadn't thought about her pack for a while. Adira was always focused on food, survival, and shelter.


    Adira cleaned her muzzle, swiping her tongue across her face before she laid down in the spot where she previously was. She couldn't help but examine this wolf. He defiantly wasn't like any loner she met before. "That was quite a lucky catch," she found herself murmuring. She laid her muzzle down on her front paws. "Since the snow started to fall, I haven't been fortunate enough to find a deer."

    Rasper laid his head down and lazily flicked his ears. He was glad that she took his offer and continued to eat, he wasn't heartless. He was only heartless to those who deserved it. He would never do harm unless needed. The doe was slowly marring away. The blood on the floor would be a stain and he would have to keep his guard up for a few days, this wasn't a silly rabbit kill but rather a deer. He had been wandering and tracking long enough to know where the sweet spots were. It was sort of nice having company. He hadn't had that in so long. He nipped at his shoulder and cleaned the spot. Ticks were still a thing.

    "It was a bit lucky, yeah." He shrugged. "I've been tracking their whereabouts lately. Deer are stupid enough to make the same trip 5 times in a row." He snorted. "I know where they all reside. Better than any wolf you'll know, I'll be the best at it." He smirked and stretched out. "I've been doing this for so long." He remarked with a sigh.

    "So what brings you to this neck of the woods?" He light heartily proposed.

    At Rasper's words, Adira found her tail wagging in amusement. Now that was true. Deer weren't the brightest of animals. They perferred to remain in the same areas unless danger made an apperance. It should be easy for Adira, considering she was trained since she was first able to walk how to hunt. It was because she was weak and she was in unfamiliar territory that deer were a challange for her. Due to Rasper's kindness though, Adira would hopefully be able to regain enough energy to start hunting for large game again.


    Adira blinked at him when he asked her what brought her here. Her first instinct was to make up a story but this wolf was genuine. There was no reason to hide it. With a soft sigh, she shifted herself before responding.


    "Nothing in paticular," she began. "I was in a pack a while back but I found myself challenge by another female and I was driven from my pack. I don't really know what I'm doing, just trying to survive I guess."

    Rasper noticed that she was a lot looser now and it pleased him. It was hard to make friends even acquaintances. Rasper knew he was going to get a genuine answer, he was told once that he he had such a presence. It was calming, someone had said. Calming enough to share their story.

    Rasper tucked himself as he rose his head and listened. "I understand." He shrugged. "Being alone for the first time can be a tough thing." He grunted and narrowed his eyes. He looked outside and noticed that the sun was finally setting. The gray skies were darkening and it signaled the end of the day already. He yawned and lashed his tail. "Stay as long as you like." Rasper shrugged and made himself comfortable.

    Adira couldn't agree more. This was a life that she had never expected herself to live. In a pack, she was used to being surrounded by the comforting scents of her packmates and family. Once she was thrown out into the world for real, Adira had learned the hard way that life was not always on her side. An example being the harsh winds and thick snow of winter. She couldn't imagine being born a loner, struggling to survive everyday and never knowing when the next meal was going to be. She barely survived the past two months!


    "I really appreciate it," she said once more. Adira was truly grateful for this wolf's kindness toward her. Rasper didn't have to help her at all. He could have chased her off or killed her if he wanted to for trespassing in his den but instead, he fed her and offered to let her stay. "It's funny. Growing up in a pack, we worked together for whatever we got. I never being alone was this hard, especially in winter."


    Adira glanced outside the den, watching as the snowfall begun to lighten up a little. The chilly breeze ruffled her pure white pelt, causing her to shift. "Have you been a loner all your life? If you don't mind me asking of course."

    Rasper opened one eye to look at Adira, she looked truly grateful. He hadn't seen a face look at him like that since she died. It wasn't often that he would get a true 'thank you'. The scent of Adira was cozy and something that he often missed. It was a longing for companionship and trust. Something he had never really truly had. Winters were always colder when there was no one around, no one around to snuggle up close and chat. No one to reassure each other when a blizzard is roaring at the entrance of the cave. Reality sinks in quickly.

    "Don't mention it." He closed his opened eye and hummed softly. He didn't mind helping others but it was difficult to help. Every hackle is raised at a time like this. He could be a killer if he wanted to. Nothing would stop him. He perked his ears when Adira quietly chuffed to herself about how packs are. "That's the problem. You get too comfortable." He sighed and yawned once more. "You rely on others and that isn't such a bad thing, ya know?" He started, "it just doesn't help after you've been abandoned."

    The snowfall began to lighten but the sky was still an angry gray. Hopefully, the snow would ease and stay soft. He didn't need any ice. When Adira asked him about himself he felt a bit uncomfortable, mainly because he just didn't want to think about it. "Not entirely. I was raised in a pack." He cleared his throat. "However, everyone died."

    He opened his eyes and stared directly at her. "Another pack had it out to get us." He murmured to her. "It was just myself after that."

    Adira listened carefully, ears erect and attention focused on Rasper. She knew he was right, about her getting to comfortable. She had relied on the ways of the pack since she was a pup and now, she got a taste of a life she never pictured for herself. She wondered what the others would think of her if they saw her now, a pitiful excuse of a wolf. What surprised her though, was finding out that Rasper had been a part of a pack.


    The story made her heart drop with sympathy for him. So they both had lost things, especially the wolves that they cared about. After that he spent his life the way hers would be for the rest of her life, alone. Adira woofed softly. "I'm sorry to hear that," she murmured. "Losing family isn't easy, and for you, I can't imagine. I can't..."


    Although she was banned from her pack, they were still alive. She could, if she really wanted to, challenge Miyah for her spot back in the pack. But... she couldn't. She could see his face still in her dreams, the face of the wolf she had loved until he turned his back on her. Adira shook her head, pushing the thought out of her head. No, this wasn't the time to think about him. Not now.

    Rasper spent so long trying to become strong after that. He was only but a pup when that happened. He spent so long fighting others. He would start fights left and right. He was angry and wanted revenge on anyone he could grab. Rasper winced at that thought and sighed. Those were darker times for him. "It's alright." He nodded and shuffled his paws into a neater position. "You get used to it." It had been a long time. It wasn't really his priority.

    He had lost so many people dear to him. Everyone who got too close would die.

    You get used to it.


    The thought travelled around her head for a while. Adira, after all these months, found that being alone had been extremely hard. Would she ever be able to get used to being alone? Rasper seemed to, but she doubted that being from a pack created a sense of loneliness every once in a while. She let of a soft huff, closing her eyes. Right now, she didn't want to think about the years of her life that she would spend on her own. Right now, she was happy to have shelter for the night and a full belly.


    "I hope I can," Adira found herself murmuring. "I suppose I'll get some sleep now. I'll see you tomorrow I suppose?"


    (Time skip?)

    (Yeah why not :P I'm assuming for tomorrow )


    Rasper woke with a sudden chill. His spine hairs rose and he blinked open his eyes. Light filtered into the cave and amplified how white the snow looked. He squinted and yawned. His lips curling and tongue elongated. He snapped his jaw shut and rose to his feet. He looked over at Adira and shook his pelt before walking to the entrance. He couldn't tell if she was awake but he had to leave before the herd disperse or worse: figure out a new path. They were stupid but they knew when to stop at times.

    For the first time since she left her pack, Adira had dreamed. Since she had left the pack it had been impossible to dream. Her slumbers had been blank all until this night. She had been back with the pack, the familiar smells of her fellow packmates surrounding her. Pups raced around her legs in a mindless chase, their parents watching with amusement. Adira's tail wagged and she let her tongue loll. Suddenly, someone sided her. Adira jolted finding herself looking into the amber colored eyes of Garen, the wolf she had loved. His fluffed light brown fur blended into the dry grasses of the forest, his tall stature admirable. Garen was the Alpha's son, the wolf who would someday be forced to inherit his father's intelligence and led the pack. Adira felt her heart beat as she gazed into his eyes.
    "What are you so happy about, Adi?" Garen asked.
    "The pack," she replied, nudging her muzzle toward the running pups. "I just... It's wonderful, you know?"
    Garen looked as if he were smiling. "I know what you mean. Someday, this will be all mine. It's... Hard to fathom. But it could be..."
    Garen trailed off.
    "Could be what?" Adira inquired.
    "It could be yours, too," he said quickly. "If your willing."
    Adira's heart pounded against her chest. What in the world was he saying?
    "Are you... Asking me...?" Adira slowly replied. She was unsure of his words.
    Garen took a breath. "Adira I..."


    And in a moment, the dream was long forgotten. Adira jolted out of her sleep, her brown eyes wide as sunlight bleared into them. The pure white of her pelt gleamed in the light as she lifted her head from the ground. For a moment, she forgot where she was until the rocky walls of the den forced her into reality. Adira let out a soft sigh, slowly getting to her paws. That was when she noted the black pelt of Rasper. She hurried after him.
    "Wait!" Adira gasped. "Wait where are you going?"

    {sorry for not replying! My life is a mess :P}


    Rasper let out a sigh and watched it billow out into white smoke. He jumped, his hackles risen as Adira shouted. Rasper looked at her stricken face with surprise. He had never experienced anything like this in a long time. Her warm breath and red fur. Her dark eyes gleaming and beaming in his direction.

    She was his light.
    She was his everything.

    He blinked rapidly as he got himself back together. "Can't wait forever." He shrugged. "The deer are stupid but they sometimes figure things out." Rasper casually explained and padded outside. The snow delicate and smooth. It glistened and coated every spot in the forest. "Would you like to come?" He cleared his throat and sniffed.

    (It's okay! I understand! :) )


    Adira trotted after him, energy radiating off of her. After a night of rest and a belly full, there was a significant difference in the she-wolf's composure. The idea of hunting deer sounded amazing to her. It had been a while since she had a good chase and besides, she had another wolf to hunt with. With a flanker by her side, Adira was confident they would be able to take down a big catch. Her tail wagged as she skipped outside into the powdery snow. Her gentle white pelt blended in with the pure snow. She beamed at Rasper.



    "Would I like to come? Of course I would!" Adira woofed happily. "It's been a long time since I actually had the energy to even walk this much! And besides, I owe you anyways. The least I can do is help you hunt after what you have done for me."



    Adira was a wolf who always felt necessary to repay the debts she owed. If it weren't for Rasper and his generosity, she was pretty sure she wouldn't be alive to see the morning sun. She had to do something to thank him.