Requiem for a Wolf

Chapter Eight: Night and Day

"I don't want you overdoing it this first day," Daphne said to Velma when she and Shaggy caught up with Fred and Daphne, "plenty of skiing time tomorrow. One trip down Hemlock then we'll head to the B and B for some rest. Doctor said he wanted you in a hot tub and I think that's a good idea. We can come back and take in the apres ski scene."

As Tom had promised, Hemlock was challenging without being overwhelming and Velma and the gang enjoyed the last run. Velma did have a problem with the moguls, being dumped once but at least it hadn't been a yard sale.

"You'll do better tomorrow," Daphne helped Velma up, "come on, that hot tub is sounding better and better."

Velma agreed, even if she wasn't looking forward to sitting in a hot tub and being compared to Daphne. She was feeling the effects of skiing, her leg muscles felt heavy and sore, maybe the hot water would feel good. Besides, with "doctor's orders" behind her, Daphne would accept no excuses unless Velma broke her leg.

Velma had found a pretty one piece swim suit with a flowered pattern and one over the shoulder strap that accented her curves without drawing attention to her small frame. With the idea of being first in the hot tub, (she wanted some time alone to think), she slipped her suit on under her apres ski clothing.

The resort offered lockers for its guests; the gang took advantage of this service so they wouldn't have to go back to the Baxter's to change from swimsuits to more appropriate apres ski clothing. Velma stripped off her outer clothing and was indeed the first to enter the hot tub area.

Located in a large separate room, it was encased in windows to allow spectacular views of the mountain while relaxing in the bubbling water. Surprisingly, there were only a few couples and several singles in the hot tub when Velma stepped into the hot water.

Locating a seat, Velma sat down and stretched her aching legs, already feeling the bubbles relaxing her sore muscles. She closed her eyes, leaned back and thought this had indeed been a good idea. She had wanted some time to reflect on today and why Tom Baxter would want her on Hemlock and Sky Line.

Hemlock had been challenging but she knew she would have to conquer the slope if she was to improve and become a better skier. She was lost in this series of thoughts when she heard some one say, "Hey, pretty lady, may I sit here?"

Velma opened one eye to see Shaggy standing over her. "Of course handsome, I've kept this seat warm just for you. Where are Fred and Daph?"

"Right here, how's the water?" Fred held Daphne's hand, assisting her into the hot tub.

"warm and relaxing, thank you Daph for insisting on this; good idea...Daph, I do have a question, what was that bump that spilled me?"

"Those bumps are called moguls. They're made up of ski instructors who volunteer to be a mogul for the day. They're there to help new skiers to become better skiers." Fred, Velma, and Shaggy looked at Daphne unbelievingly but dared not say anything.

"What? It's true, don't you believe me?"

"Oh, sure!" they said together but couldn't look her in the eyes...before all four started laughing.

After taking advantage of the resorts shower facilities, the four dressed and met for dinner at the resorts restaurant. Nothing fancy here, but the food was excellent with good service. Their waiter suggested they take advantage of the lounge; live music for dancing or just relaxing after dinner.

-------------Xxxxxx

When Velma woke the next morning, it was like night and day. She had come to this B and B depressed, mad at the world and Aunt Abby for leaving her. This morning she felt...'relaxed, that's how I feel' Velma thought, 'not just physically but totally relaxed'. She felt Shaggy move beside her, a movement that told of a restless night.

"you awake?' she whispered, cuddling close and placing her arm over his chest.

"Yeah...you?"

"No, I'm sound asleep. Thank you for what you said last night."

While at the lounge, an unordered drink had arrived, the waiter saying it was from a gentleman admirer.

"Not jealous are you?" Velma had asked Shaggy. "Not at all, I take it as a compliment, that someone thinks you are as beautiful as I do." Velma had sent the drink back, "Tell the gentleman thanks but no thanks."

"Just telling the truth," he lightly kissed the tip of her nose.

"You missed, want to try again?" He didn't miss the second time.

---------Xxxxxx

Shaggy wasn't the only one to have a restless night. Scooby's shoulder had pained him to the point that sleep eluded him until pure exhaustion had taken over. The sun had risen several hours before Scooby opened one eye to find Rose sitting peacefully at the entrance of their lair. He rose and walked slowly toward this wolf, whose eyes had captivated him.

"Why didn't you wake me?" Scooby sat beside her.

"You hadn't slept. You needed the rest. Besides, you're kinda cute when you're asleep." She nudged him, careful of his wounded shoulder.

"How much further?" Scooby inquired.

"Not far, but we'll take it slow and easy. Are you up to it or would you like to rest a while before starting?" His answer would determine if she went hunting or not. She knew that he needed to eat something but his digestive system would probably reject any thing she could catch. She hadn't eaten since finding Scooby on the trail and would have to hunt before long regardless.

"Where ever my Master is, there is my home. I want to go home."

"Then let's get to it." She rose and with Scooby walking gingerly beside her, started the days journey. She saw but ignored the shadows that kept pace on either side of their trail. The shadows were no longer enemies, but wolves that flanked their passage. They would have no unwanted surprises with this provisional guard. Travel was slow with many stops to let Scooby rest.

Rose was surprised when she saw a wolf coming toward them. She could tell as he grew closer that he was an older male and big enough to cause her a lot of trouble; if trouble was on his mind. Just as a precaution, she stepped in front of Scooby.

"I came to warn you, there is a blockage across the trail ahead," the wolf announced, Rose relaxed her guard, "My friends will be honored to show Scar and his Lady a way around."

"I was about to start downward. I need to get him to 'High Reaches' and help. Do you know the way?" Her voice quivered.

"I know the way, Lady. I knew your mate, Blaze. My name is Dom. Scar, if you ever need help, my friends and I will be at your disposal." He turned his attention to Rose, "The trail will be well marked." He turned and was gone.

The trail left by Dom and his friends was well marked; picking the easiest path to accommodate Scar's wounded shoulder. It was mid afternoon when Rose stopped and sat, waiting for Scar to find a comfortable position.

"Your home, 'High Reaches', is just over that rise. This is where I must leave you."

"So it ends here, eh Bright Eyes? Sure you wouldn't like to come with me?"

"I'm sure. Your life is over that rise, mine is here."

She stood and watched as Scar limped slowly toward the rise. She continued to watch until she saw him begin the laborious climb up the rise, disappearing from view; she turned and began to hunt, she was hungry from not eating since this journey had begun.

It was Christmas Eve.