IIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Original Author's notes:
Greetings!
Apologies for the wait: rewriting, editing and publishing took a while.
I have no idea if this chapter will make up for the last.
Again, thank you all for clicking into my story, spending the time and eye strain to read my work.
Action, deep discussions and erotics included.
As always, enjoy!
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IIIIIIIIIIIIIII
===Chapter 44 Welcome Visitors
Thin fog attached with renewed sunshine flowed through the forest.
First light trickled into Aspen territory, waking lupines and wolves alike. The village grew steadily as more and more of its occupants became aware of new beings, approaching their Alpha's home.
Cloaked figures arrived at the large structure and they knocked, detecting footsteps nearby.
Wolves gathered behind them, curiously yet warily watching. Their noses caught ancient magic, a peculiar scent which one race in particular emanated.
Born in the light or shadow of great houses, holding much sway in this world's politics. The epitome of near perfection in all aspects with their ways of life. Many were jealous of their natural beauty, longevity and prowess in unworldly blessings. Enhanced only by their abilities to thrive prosperously, unmatched by any other civilization.
This would come at a cost however, enabling vagabonds and other races to grow envious of their wealth. Thus forcing their own people to isolate from the rest of the world.
A collective history spanning thousands of years now kept hidden away due to constant harassment. They hardened themselves and learned from their mistakes, ensuring their bloodlines to stay knowledgeable of the world surrounding their cities.
The elves knew better than to trust anyone who revealed kindness in a sly manner.
Lupine and elven relations were particularly well-off, until Sköll became a nuisance and ruled with hostility. With no other options from unprovoked attack by wolves, the elven council designated the Mjolnir Pack as a dangerous faction. As well as cautioning citizens to stay away from lupine territory in the meantime.
The Aspen Pack was well known for their friendly hospitality towards their kind, especially because the current Alpha had mated with one.
Anna was a close sister to Idril and they both cared for one another. Fenrir had transformed her during winter's full moon, turning the royal blood to match his own. Although still storing elven magic through her veins, she lost a substantial amount due to her transformation.
Idril was furious by her sister's death, demanding her own court intervene and seek retribution for unfair blood. They refused, unwanting of an escalation in conflict and further desecration of relations. They remained vigilant however, keeping eyes and ears to their wolven counterparts for further changes.
The bitter elf hadn't figured out who killed her sister. She asked Fenrir for information but he was worried about his Pack and daughter.
A clever, feisty and adorable pup who later discovered her own transformation into another form.
Idril adored the small child and played a vital role as surrogate to little Aurora. The elf hoped to see her again after following her own family's duty and prayed for the safety of the young lupine.
Large doors opened and Idril along with her companion were greeted by a male with gray hair. His body was in fit condition with a few scars healing over. A noticeable slice wound across his gut was still fading away.
"Ah! This is a welcome surprise. Fenrir and Aurora will be pleased to see you again." Zane led them inside and strode away to inform his Alpha.
Idril sat down in a chair located near a table, setting her bow and daggers on her lap. Her companion stood next to her and waited for the Alpha to appear.
A few minutes went by and Fenrir appeared, dressed in a traditional robe. He sauntered over to Idril and she opened her arms, welcoming a hug. The aged lupine gladly accepted and gave her a warm embrace.
"It has been too long, Idril, my daughter has grown into a beautiful lupine. She has also found her mate, our Saviour." Fenrir backed away and stood proud.
Idril wanted to see Anna's daughter again but still had a task to complete.
"I agree, it has been far too long. I wish I was there to watch little Aurora grow but I had my duties to attend. Who has she chosen?" Curiosity shrouded her mind, wondering if Aurora's mate was part of the native populace.
"A human named Amarok Orion. Him, along with his friends killed more than hundreds of Mjolnir wolves and brought us their Alpha, Sköll." The Aspen Alpha informed and observed Idril's ears twitch slightly.
"Humans? This far in your territory? I don't know if such presence is good for your Pack Fenrir." A smile answered her doubtful statement and the Alpha gently waved away her caution.
"These humans...are unlike most. I have my own opinions for their kind but these ones aren't like most we've encountered."
Hesitancy from both elves showed Zane and Fenrir their reluctance to believe such words. It would take more than another's assertion in a group's behavior to convince them. The Aspen Alpha was lupine and partly human but pure blood humans were deceitful, far more than anyone else.
"Were the cries and horribly cut corpse, which now stains your grounds, his doing?" She asked with concern present on her face.
The lupines shared a confirming nod with each other and Fenrir spoke up.
"Sköll chose to challenge Orion in a battle of strength. I allowed it and the human fought excellently against his foe." Finishing with a smile.
Idril couldn't believe what she was hearing. This was no simple man, he had single handedly maimed Sköll and come out with barely a scratch. His treatment with the defeated left an undesirable chill down her spine.
"He's dangerous. I worry for your daughter."
Fenrir's expression sharpened.
"Indeed. When I first spoke to him, he was respectful and cautious. Almost as if he was appraising me." Fenrir sat down, opposite of Idril.
"As was I." During the aftermath of the most recent slaughter, Aurora's father had sized Orion up. In the brief moments shared together, the human soldiers displayed a protective nature for each other as well for those who they deemed worthy of care.
The hunting pack informed their Alpha of the tense stand-off between themselves and those soldiers. How calm and steadfast Orion remained in the heat of danger, restraining himself from resorting to more lethal means. He was even understanding of his mate's unease and hesitancy to help.
Aurora spoke and made it known to her father that they weren't aware of what was happening and helped Sköll to gather more knowledge. She was forthcoming with everything that happened during their battle. Including a delay in counter attacking the hostile lupines, giving Aspen wolves time to retreat behind them.
Whether it was done out of self-preservation or a sense of honor, the humans hadn't faltered and finished off the rest of the Mjolnir attack team. Aurora's mate further proved his abilities by taking the brunt of a sneak attack aimed for Fenrir.
It was one incredible first impression and spoke volume on what the human would do in crisis. Only time would tell more of his behavior and actions for his daughter and Pack.
