Big Wolf, Big Problem

[ahowltolightthedark]

WHO: Remi and Fluttershy
WHERE: Remi's Forest, outside Birchpointe
WHEN: A time long past
OPEN/CLOSED: Closed
WARNINGS: little bit of blood in the opening here


"A werewolf can't heal from silver."

The words of the hunter echoed in the werewolf's mind as his eyes opened to a sky filled with stars. Remiel lay on his side, breathing heavily as blood seeped from a wound to his ribs. He silently cursed himself for letting that hunter get away - nothing in this forest could simply be taken, as if it were mere sport. He was their protector, and that hunter had overcome him.

"I'm sorry..."

The huge wolf's softly whimpered words stirred sleeping birds, prowling owls, and small nocturnal rodents scurrying about on the forest floor. After so long under his protection, even if he scared them, they couldn't let it end like this. They were going to find whoever they could to get him help. It wouldn't be long before the whole forest was abuzz with worry.

Comments

[ahowltolightthedark]

Remiel swallows hard, trying to suppress a whimper. He blanches, but then takes the medicine and downs it as quickly as he can, before quickly grabbing a massive bite to try to overwhelm the bitter flavor. He's got so much meat in his mouth he can barely chew it.

[strengthinkindness]

She has to hide her look of amusement behind her hand as she goes about cleaning up her supplies.

[ahowltolightthedark]

After a few moments of chewing Remi manages to swallow.

"Do you need any help?"

[strengthinkindness]

Glancing up at him, she smiles. "No, I'm all right, thank you. There's not a lot left here."

Since he had been recovering so well, she's needed to use less and less of her supplies. So there was less to put away each time.

[ahowltolightthedark]

"Are you sure?"

Before she answers, he eats more, now able to really savor the flavor of the meat after the harsh bitterness of the herbs.

[strengthinkindness]

With a giggle, she nods. "See? I'm already finished..."

Indeed, all her stuff was returned to her bag.

"With you healing as you are, there's no need for the rest of it."

It probably wouldn't be long before they had to part company, though the thought made her a bit sad.

[ahowltolightthedark]

"That's good, isn't it?"

The werewolf isn't certain, because he can tell, somehow, that there's something she hasn't said.

[strengthinkindness]

She nods. "Mm, it's very good..." She hesitated a moment, unsure if she should continue with the rest of her thought. But the words were out before she could stop them.

"Soon I won't be needed much...So I suppose I will probably have to head on my way..."

[ahowltolightthedark]

"Why don't you stay here?"

Remi's said it before he's even thought about it.

[strengthinkindness]

She blinks, turning to him in surprise. "Huh...?"

[ahowltolightthedark]

"There's no reason you couldn't, is there? The animals love you, and you can take care of them much better than I can. I'll keep them safe, and you keep them healthy!"

His tail is wagging now, as the excitement at the thought gets to him.

[strengthinkindness]

She tilts her head as she listens, considering the idea. It wasn't impossible, really, and...to be honest, she did like the thought of remaining in the forest.

But...

"Where would I stay?"

[ahowltolightthedark]

"We could build a house for you. There's a tree near here that has already grown large, and some animals have used it as home already. That's where you could live."

The thought obviously has the werewolf quite enthused.

[strengthinkindness]

She thought a bit about that. "I've never...built a house before..."

But it was easy to see she was considering the idea.

[ahowltolightthedark]

"Maybe first we'll hollow out the tree, and then we'll add on. For now, there's a city near here where you could stay, until your house is done."

[strengthinkindness]

"A city...?" That would at least be a good place to restock her supplies.

[ahowltolightthedark]

Remiel nods.

"They call it Birchpointe. I know it only from travelers, because I don't go out from the trees, but I'm sure they would welcome you for a short stay, with your knowledge of medicines."

[strengthinkindness]

She nodded. "All right...How far is it from here...?"

[ahowltolightthedark]

"I will show you. Just follow me."

The big werewolf's tail is whipping back and forth as he stands to beckon her onward.

[strengthinkindness]

She couldn't help a smile smile as she followed. The idea of staying in such a beautiful and peaceful forest was just as exciting to her, and she couldn't help wondering what it would be like to stay there.

[ahowltolightthedark]

It doesn't take terribly long to get to the treeline, where Remiel hangs back.

"They don't like to see me, but the city is just beyond," he says, gesturing down the path. "But I should show you where your new home will be, before you go. Then you will know where to find me."

[strengthinkindness]

She nods, looking towards were the town lay. It didn't seem too big, really, mostly several small buildings and what looked to be farms. But still she wondered what the people would be like.

"All right..."

[ahowltolightthedark]

"It's not far from the treeline, though you would never guess that if you didn't know it already."

Only a few minutes later, he brings Fluttershy to a small clearing, in the middle of which a huge tree stands. It's easy to see that it's healthy enough to survive becoming hollow, as its bark is thick and strong, and its roots run deep. A stream runs close by, the water clear and pure.

"What do you think?"

[strengthinkindness]

She's silent a moment, glancing up at the tree. Slowly she walks up to it, placing her hand on the sturdy trunk.

"A-Are...you sure it would be all right...? Making this tree my home...?"

[ahowltolightthedark]

"We would only do what we needed to...unless you would rather just build your home next to it?"

There's certainly enough space for a small house there.