FRIEND OF WOLVES
It was several days until they saw even signs of people. The smoke from chimneys told them that there was a village situated in the foothills within the forests. As they landed by the edge of the forest, Aelwyn made sure that his cloak hid anything he didn't want people to see. Namely, his torc and his sword. He kept the spear hidden in his pack. He turned to Arian.
"Hopefully, I shouldn't be long. Go ahead and hunt in the forest, but keep alert. Try to stay close enough I can contact you if need be." Arian nodded, nuzzling him softly.
Stay safe, little one. With a mighty beat of her wings, she took off, vanishing over the tops of the trees. A few short minutes of travel through the woods brought him into the village.
It was fairly normal, for the lands he was in. The houses were constructed differently from what he was used to. They were square or rectangular, instead of round. As he walked, he made sure the wool cloak was tightly closed. People were going about their daily tasks or talking. Some looked up as he passed, but most didn't pay him more than a glance. He noticed what could only be a tavern and headed for it.
As he opened the door, the smell of beer and the loud sounds of chatter and laughter filled his ears. He couldn't help feeling somewhat bewildered. It had been so long since he had spoken to another person. He sighed as he closed the door and entered the tavern. As he looked around, he took notice of the language the people spoke. He was very relieved to find it somewhat familiar to his ears, although some words were a little unusual. It was obviously a dialect of Silthían, which he was thankful he spoke.
"Welcome, young fella!" said a deep voice. Aelwyn looked up at a bearded man standing behind a counter, wiping a tankard asked as he filled the large mug with beer and handed it to a customer. "Where ya from?"
"From . . . up north," he said, truthful enough. The man raised an eyebrow at his peculiar accent, then blinked and smiled.
"So, what can I do for you?"
"I am in need of leather to make a saddle for my mount," Aelwyn explained. The bearded man nodded.
"Well, you go outside and turn left and go to the big building with stone walls. His name's Ebrick." Aelwyn smiled and nodded. As he turned to go, a thought struck him.
"By the way, you wouldn't know where I might find a map of the area, would you?"
The bearded man looked thoughtful for a moment.
"Wait right here . . ." he said as he went over and stooped, rummaging under a counter for a moment. He returned in a few moments with a yellowed roll of parchment. "Here," he said as he handed the scroll to Aelwyn, who bowed his head in gratitude. As he reached for the pouch, the man stopped him. "Don't worry about it. I don't use it, so you might as well have it." Aelwyn smiled and nodded before turning and heading for the door. As he walked, he unrolled the map and looked it over. The lettering was unusual, but he was able to make most of it out. He looked at the name of the country.
"Alagaësia . . ." he said softly as he rolled the map back up. Well, at least he now knew the name of the country he was in, even if he had no idea where it was. He put the map away as he entered the house the tavern owner had indicated. The inside of the large building was lit by oil lamps. Skins of leather hung on the walls everywhere. A man stood behind a counter of polished wood, working some piece of leather. The man looked up at Aelwyn and smiled as he stood.
"Welcome, newcomer. What do you need?" The man was tall, with thick, burly arms that gave the impression he might have been a blacksmith at one point. His sandy-blonde hair was short and he wore a mustache.
"You are Ebrick, I take it?" Aelwyn asked. Ebrick nodded.
"Aye."
"I need some leather to make a basic saddle," Aelwyn said as he looked at the hides adorning the walls. Ebrick stroked his mustache as he regarded Aelwyn.
"For what kind of horse?" the man asked. Aelwyn kept his calm demeanor as he replied.
"A drafter." Ebrick nodded as he went into the back. He reemerged a few minutes later with three rolled up hides. Aelwyn opened his pouch and brought out four silver rings, keeping the gold ones out of sight until he needed them. Ebrick looked the rings over, biting one with his teeth. Ebrick smiled at him and reached out, taking his hand and shaking it.
"Well, if you need anything else, let me know . . ." Aelwyn realized Ebrick was waiting for his name. He hesitated for a few moments.
"Aelwyn," he said. Ebrick smiled.
"You take care, Aelwyn." Aelwyn nodded as he left the shop. With that, Aelwyn rushed to leave the village, relieved that it had worked out. Once out in the woods, he looked around at the still-snowy forest. It was quite beautiful, if strange.
Arian? he called.
I'm coming. He sighed as he made his way through the forest. By the time he reached the edge of the woods, Arian was waiting for him. He smiled as he strode out of the trees. She looked at him and the hides he carried. You were successful, she observed. He nodded as he climbed onto her back. He told her about the events of the day as they flew. She gave a soft growl as they followed the mountains. They landed in a small clearing in the forest as night began to fall.
The next morning, Aelwyn set to work making the saddle. He used the knife and even the short sword to cut the leather, always being careful to measure carefully and mark before he cut anything. As he said, he was no saddle maker, but he knew enough about riding to know what was needed. First off, it had to be comfortable for both of them, so he carefully adjusted it on Arian's back, constantly asking her if she was uncomfortable. Second, he had to make sure it was adjustable, as Arian was still growing. To that end, he fashioned many elaborate knots and loops in the straps to make them as adjustable as he could. Third, he had to make sure it would hold him in if she needed to roll or do other aerial maneuvers. This was an easy one. A line of straps in place of stirrups on each side would bind his legs in.
The work took the whole day, but, when Aelwyn at last stood back and admired his handiwork, he couldn't help a proud smile. The saddle was a bit rough, and not pretty, but it would work. It fit perfectly, and was comfortable. His smile widened into a proud grin as Arian flexed her shoulders and growled her satisfaction. She looked at him and grinned, revealing long, sharp teeth. You did very well, little one. Let's try it out . . . He gladly mounted up and strapped his legs in. Once he was secure, Arian took off into the waning light. He yelled out in glee as she rolled and banked. The gravity made him a little woozy, but he bade her put the saddle through its paces. She performed loops, tight turns and spins, all without him leaving the saddle, or any straps loosening. When they landed, Arian roared with glee. Aelwyn smiled at her exuberance. His legs were a little wobbly at first, but he quickly regained his proper balance as he stood on firm ground.
As they sat by the fire and the moon rose high, Aelwyn set another piece of wood in the fire as Arian finished the last of a deer she had killed, the bones loudly crunching. He took out the map and sat by the fire, studying it. Arian looked over his shoulder at the yellowed map. From what he could tell, they were in the midst of a mountain range the map referred to as "The Spine". To their northeast over the mountains was a large port city called "Kuasta". Due east over the mountains was a large lake, "Leona Lake" by name. To the south was several islands.
"Hmmm." Aelwyn frowned as he looked the map over. He carefully thought on where they should head next. He wasn't very keen on the idea of going too close to cities or towns. He scratched his head as he thought. Arian hummed as she settled behind him.
Don't worry, little one. We're free to go anywhere we wish. He looked up at her. As she gazed into his eyes, she saw the moonlight shimmer in them, revealing flecks of gold in his slate-gray irises. He smiled softly at her. Arian returned the smile as he rolled the map up and put it away.
You're right. Thank you, my friend. Arian hummed in response, using her tail to pull him close. He smiled as he settled back against Arian's chest, sitting between her front legs.
They continued their journey south, keeping along the mountains and the coast. As they went, Aelwyn noticed that the climate was getting warmer the further they went. Since the mountains weren't as snowy now, he asked Arian to fly over the mountains, instead of just following them. She did, delighting at the peaks and valleys and flying through them. They landed among craggy rocks and twisting trees. Usually, it was Arian that explored while Aelwyn watched the camp. This time, it was the other way around. He wandered through the forest until he came to a cliff. He looked down and saw a shining lake at the base of it. It was a good hundred feet down to the water below. He looked out at the mountains and the beautiful line they made, dividing the sky and the earth with a jagged blue-green line.
He looked back down to the lake below and grinned. He backed up to get a good start. He took a deep breath and ran as hard as he could, leaping as he reached the edge. He tumbled through the air, twisting and rolling in a grand somersault before he straightened out and plunged into the water. He swam back up and threw back his head as he broke the surface.
What a rush!
Look out below . . . Aelwyn's eyes grew wide as he looked up, just in time to see a curled silver form hit the water with a thunderous splash. Arian roared happily as her head broke the surface. How refreshing . . . She looked around and found Aelwyn. The surprised youth was hanging from a tree branch that hung out over the water, both hands gripping it tightly. He stared at her with wide eyes, hair dripping. He suddenly burst out laughing as he hung there, laughing so hard, he lost his grip on the branch and fell into the lake with a loud splash. He surfaced a second later, laughing harder than ever. He laughed until he had tears in his eyes, Arian laughing with him.
As the sun hung overhead at noon, they sat by the lake, Aelwyn's clothes drying on some rocks as he lay against Arian, dozing. His chest was bare. All he wore was his brown trousers that he had worn since they met. Her tail was resting on top of him, keeping him warm. Her head rested next to him. She watched him with shining silver eyes as he slept. She gazed fondly at his pink skin. He had kept her warm when she was a hatchling, keeping her safely nestled against his warm flesh at night. She had never felt frightened or lonely, only warm and cared for. Now, she gladly returned his kindness and warmth. She hummed softly as he moved in his sleep, his head resting against her brow. He was so precious to her. He moaned softly in his sleep and stirred. She was careful to remain quiet, so she didn't wake him. When he didn't wake, she softly hummed. He looked so peaceful in his sleep. She spent the rest of the afternoon just watching him sleep. His muscles were slim and sleek, his shoulders broad, yet slim. His whole physique was wiry and lean. She hummed softly. He was beautiful to her.
My little one. My sweet little one . . . As if in response to her thoughts, Aelwyn softly murmured in his sleep, gently draping his left arm over Arian's nose. She smiled happily as she felt the warm day lull her to sleep.
The next day saw them travel further into the Spine. Aelwyn was quite fond of the mountains and the forests. Arian had also developed a liking for the mountain woods, as game was rather plentiful. Aelwyn had them land near a peak of rock and look for a place to camp, as well as explore the forest. They could hear the sounds of a raging waterfall somewhere in the forest. Aelwyn smiled at the familiar sound. They carefully made their way through the forest, stepping over dead trees and brush as they neared the sound. As they grew closer, Aelwyn thought he heard something. He stopped and listened. Arian looked down at him, her mind questioning. What is it, little one? He frowned. He had thought he had heard something. He shook his head as they continued on. As the trees grew thinner, he heard it again, this time more clearly.
It was an agonized shriek.
He stopped, as did Arian. The sound wasn't from a human, but that hardly made him feel better. Something pulled at him, and, before Arian could question him, he dashed forward, leaping over a fallen tree covered with moss and lunging ahead as Arian tried to catch up. Aelwyn had exited the trees and was standing on a dead tree that spanned a rushing river, looking around as Arian caught up. The shriek sounded again, this time as loud as anything. They both whirled and looked down river at the source of the noise.
Two wolves stood on the shore, yipping and barking at something in the water. The shriek sounded again, and Aelwyn looked out into the river. His blood ran cold when he saw a lone wolf cub in the rushing water, clinging onto a rock and wailing in fright. The desperate wolves howled in dismay, unable to do anything as their cub fought for its life. Without hesitation, Aelwyn leaped from the log into the rushing water. Little one! Arian quickly rushed along the side of the river as Aelwyn swam through the raging current towards the terrified wolf cub. Just as he was about to reach the wailing cub, the water splashed, sending the frightened cub back into the river. Aelwyn swore as he swiftly swam after. He looked up, and felt his pulse pound when he saw the mist of the edge of the falls coming up fast.
Doubling his efforts, he managed to grab the screaming cub tightly in his grasp. On shore, the wolves were howling with fright and desperation. Aelwyn could feel their fear for their cub as he tried to swim towards the shore. The current was strong, and he was pulled towards the falls much faster than he had thought. He fought frantically as he glanced back. He was less than twelve feet from going over. He kicked and swam as hard and fast as he could, but could feel the river was winning. He looked back as he swam, his vision clouded by the mist of the waterfall as they neared the edge. The wolves on shore howled in despair as they saw their cub and his would-be savior about to go over the falls.
At the very last second, just as they were swept over, something grabbed the back of Aelwyn's cloak and tunic. Got you! He sighed with relief as he looked up, and saw Arian holding onto him with her strong jaws. She lifted him over and deposited him on the shore with her. He smiled up at her before looking down at the terrified cub in his arms. The poor little wolf was a deep blue-black, and shivered with cold and fright. Aelwyn gently wiped some of the water from the cub. The sound of a whine drew his attention. He looked up and saw the two wolves approaching, wary of him and Arian, but determined to protect their cub. He smiled as he ruffled some water from the cub. He looked at the wolves, a soft smile adorning his pale features.
"Brother and sister wolf, I mean neither you nor your cub any harm. He is safe." With that, he set the cub down and gave him a soft nudge towards his parents. The cub shivered for a moment, looking back at Aelwyn before running to them. The wolves yipped and growled in happiness at their cub's return. They then looked up at Aelwyn and Arian. Aelwyn reached out with his mind and could feel the consciousness of the wolves. Although their thoughts were not like that of a human, he could feel immense relief, coupled with gratitude and confusion. He tried, as he had when Arian was small, to use feeling to convey he wished them no harm. Their ears were directed at him, their glittering eyes fixed on him. He lightly bowed his head. The wolves watched him for a moment, before barking softly. He knew it was a thanks from them. The cub stared at him with soft blue eyes. He smiled as the mother grabbed the cub by his scruff and carried him off. The father remained, staring at Aelwyn with intelligent yellow eyes. He could feel the wolf's gratitude, but the exact thoughts were hard to decipher. After a long moment, the wolf gave a low howl before turning and leaving. Aelwyn sighed, his hair dripping wet, as were his clothes.
Are you all right, little one? He looked up at Arian.
Yes. Relief flowed from her. She then gave a growl.
What were you thinking?! You could have gotten yourself killed! Aelwyn was surprised, he had never seen her truly angry before. Least of all at him.
I couldn't just let the poor thing go over the falls! he retorted. Arian growled louder.
You could've asked me to help it, instead of risking your life like that! she thundered. Aelwyn frowned as he looked down at the river. He felt Arian gently nuzzle him. He looked into her great, silver eye. Don't do that again, all right, little one? Her tone was soft and gentle.
Aelwyn smiled and nodded. Arian looked up as they heard the howls of wolves in the woods. She looked back down at him, her eyes glittering. I think you've made some new friends, little one . . . Aelwyn gave a soft chuckle at that.
That night, Aelwyn sat by the fire, his clothes finishing drying by the fire. Arian was finishing what was left of a stag she had caught earlier. She finished with a loud crack as the bone was snapped by her powerful jaws and sharp teeth. As she licked her jaws, she saw Aelwyn looking at the fire, his face unreadable and his mind just barely open. He was idly fingering the curled ends of his torc as he watched the flickering fire. With a soft snort, she drew closer. Are you all right, little one? He looked like she had startled him out of a daze for a moment.
Fine. She knew it was a lie. She settled behind him, her front legs on either side of him.
I'm sorry I was so terse, little one. I was just so worried. Aelwyn looked up at her before he shook his head.
You don't need to apologize. I wasn't offended. Although this comforted her, it also confused her. He could feel her confusion through their link. I was just lost in thought is all. Thinking on where I've been, what I've done and where to go from here. Arian hummed as she folded her wings over him in a protective and warm embrace.
We can go anywhere we wish, little one. Aelwyn smiled as he leaned back against her, comforted by her warmth and the soft vibrations of her humming.
I guess it hardly matters, as long as we're together. . . he said softly as he closed his eyes.
Arian hummed in response as the sound of the howls of the wolves echoed in the night.
