Hearth and Home

[Asher Mossa]

Night had become day, and day had dipped into night once more by the time Asher and Alvida had found their way back across the lake which would take them back to her home. Their home. His eyes could not stop stealing glances of the blonde woman especially after what had taken place at the tree. In the moment the idea that what they had done could be blasphemous or sacrilegious had never crossed his mind. It only barely tickled his mind now. What was worse is that Asher was already looking forward to the day he showed Alvida the stone altar and the eternal flame of the Mandragora. His lips drew to a smirk thinking about what may transpire there.

A cold breeze had picked up over the lake. Asher should have expected it, but still it had managed to surprise him. The water is what made it cooler, though rowing had kept him busy and warm. There was no question that Asher would be the one to row them across the lake as the sounds of the night echoed across the water. They were different from the sounds of the village and feast hall. Each and every animal calling out with a unique sound and symphony of order and chaos. It was wild nature, the sounds Asher was accustomed to as the woods had always been a home to him. Today he had known why. Nothing could ruin his mood.

“We are getting back late. This won’t be a problem will it,” Asher had asked Alvida before they began to cross the lake. The idea of returning Rikhard’s daughter to him late was not something he saw the alpha wolf appreciating very much. It was the one thought at the front of his mind as Asher and Alvida made the trek back to the village he now called home.

Orange flames appeared as simple orbs flickering in the distance as the massive fires which marked the door of the gates beckoned night travelers to a safe haven. This was Asher’s only way of knowing where they were heading had Alvida not known the way intimately. His hand was in hers as they walked through the cold grass already beginning to wet with dew. The two had been out far too late, and likely had missed the entire feast which would have been their dinner. Asher’s stomach gurgled at the thought, reminding him that he had neglected it for other delicacies.

It was quiet as the pair drew closer to the gate. The sounds of music and laughter from the night before did not rise above the sounds of the night or the crackling fires which they now stood next to. The gates seemed to open of their own accord as the night watch was the two approaching. They had not even made it far into the courtyard of the large estate when a gruff sound greeted them. Asher’s met Rikhard as the wolf cleared his throat with more than disappointment burning in his eyes. They had been gone much longer than expected or anticipated. His nose ruffled as he tired to determine where Asher’s scent ended and Alvida’s began. The difficulty in doing so only made the fire in his eyes grow wider.

Asher stood silent. He knew this was a moment not to speak.

[member="Alvida Osulf"]

 

[Alvida Osulf]

Skógur Heim | [member=Asher Mossa]​

​

Trouble lies just within your doorstep.​

Their trip to visit the tree had gone on far longer than Alvida had planned, but she couldn't think of a single moment spent in its shade that she regretted. Everything would be seared into her memory in the fondest of ways for as long as she lived. The young wolf sat nestled between her lover's legs, back turned against the chilly breeze that rolled from the crystal clear water surrounding them. Being anywhere near him felt as much a home now as the four walls of her feasting hall, the soft sheets on her bed, the entire world surrounding them. She lent forward, plump lips searching out the tanned skin on his forearm into which she pressed three soft kisses. After allowing herself a content sigh her wild golden curls settled against his chest, not seeming to mind the way her head was gently moved each time he tugged the boat forward.

A smile drew on her face, though it was not the warm or wild smile Asher would be used too. It held just a hint of anxiety, a hint that perhaps it would be a problem. Though he didn't technically say the words, Alvida knew what he meant by it. Their potential problems would arise from a person. A person they couldn't handle with swords or magic or ignorance. 'I do not think it will be a problem that we are getting back late. It is a problem that I told Pabbi we would be back and we were not.' Alvida shrugged her shoulders, already a slave to her fate. She did not need to be a seer to know the storm that headed in the young couple's direction. 'Do not worry though, saetur einn. I trust he will be more upset by the boat being on Dyr Gudis for so long.' An alabaster hand reached up to rest delicately against his thigh. The gesture, along with the tone of her voice, was meant to be reassuring. Neither seemed to do the trick. Alvida felt they hadn't even approach the calming emotion, yet still, she had tried. 'He will be fine with it, I am sure.'

Once the boat was tied up safely on the shore they began their trek across the hills toward the village. Ordinarily the journey seemed to go slowly, but that was because Alvida was ordinarily excited to return to the hearth she called home. The gate drew nearer and Alvida's heart beat faster. On the soft breeze that drifted across midnight blue skies the scent of her Father carried strong. Her step nearly froze mid-way to the ground, but luckily Asher's hand wrapped around hers was enough to motivate them to continue. 'He is already waiting for us.' She whispered into the wind as the gate creaked open slowly to the sound of their footsteps crunching on the wet grass. No words were shared between the couple from that point on. Alvida knew Asher was wise enough to realise that it was best if she did the talking. Just as her boot hit the solid stone surface that made up the courtyard, the bright orange flame casting them in light was suddenly cut short. Her sea-foam eyes did not need to look up to know who it belonged too, but they did.

Rikhard only grunted in response to the bright green eyes that went wide with the sweetest, most genuine gaze a daughter could muster for her Father. Thick, wiry black curls gathered on his chin as he jutted it toward the house. The alpha wolf was wise to the little wolf's ways. With his sharp command issued, the great beast dug a boot into the crudely crafted cobblestone that led toward the massive wooden structure she called home, his lack of words spoke more than his booming voice could ever. As he placed a behemoth hand on the door leading to the main house Alvida let out a slow, controlled breath of air. For once she did not turn to look at Asher, but she did squeeze his hand gently as she set them off on the path to what was sure to be a long night. A slim crack of firelight broke through the partially open door and Alvida was relieved to see that the large shadow of Rikhard was joined by another smaller, slender one. At least her Mother would be there to mitigate the damage, somewhat.

 

[Asher Mossa]

The way Alvida tried to assure him seemed to lack the usual confidence with which she approached life. In fact the more she tried, the more Asher was convinced Alvida was more confident her father was going to be angry about everything. He stayed quiet in the moment. Asher understood far better than Alvida could know as he knew what it was to be a father. While Asher had been for a brief time, he would have been mad as hell had his son not returned at the agreed time, and if his reason had been the same as the one he shared with Alvida, it would not go well. Family was important, and from what Asher had gathered thus far, it was an extremely important part of the culture he had been thrust into. Asher was going to be spending the rest of his time trying to figure out to appease the angry wolf regardless of what Alvida tried to say. The only comfort was the way she leaned against him. She knew he was going to be angry, and yet she still chose him, even more she let him choose her. It was all spoken in the way she nuzzled against him, leaning against him as he rowed. The work was more difficult with her there, but Asher would not have it any other way. Regardless of what Rikhard thought, Asher knew this was his life. Alvida was always going to be there.

Her hand squeezed his as Rikhard jutted his chin toward the house. Asher could feel the tension building between the couple and the massive wolf. No words were spoken to either of them, just the stern anger and disappointment of a spurned father. It was worse than Asher had thought, and not going to go as well as Alvida thought. Asher was certain they were about to yelled and cursed at in multiple ways and languages. After all, Rikhard did not look like the kind of man that was going to handle this indiscretion with a gentle hand. It was not until Asher saw Alvida's mother that he returned the squeeze to her hand. Now he was a bit more under the impression Rikhard would be tempered. Alvida also seemed to express relief, though Asher did not look to her. His gaze was still fixed on her parents.

"You are late," Rikhard said as Alvida's mother put a hand on top of his attempting to calm him even before he could finish his thoughts. The look in the wolf's eyes told Asher he was not going to be quenched until he said his peace. "And when you do return it is well past the first watch, and the two of you smell like each other." His eyes turned to Alvida, refusing to look at Asher even though his hand gestured to him as his words changed to its native tongue. "Hann er ekki einn af okkur og dú myndir gera það sem ekki hefur verið gert ádur?"

Rikhard seemed to huff. Of all the things that he could be upset about it wasn't even that Alvida had slept with a man, but that Asher was not a Lupine, that he was human. How far they were from the things Asher had seen in his visions, and the things Alvida had seen in hers.

They were off the island, and Asher was shocked to find he could still understand what was being spoken. Fadirin had done more than give him a vision, but being in his presence had unlocked something for Asher. He kept his expression stoic not wanting to give away the fact he could understand. Clearly Rikhard was not keen on the fact his daughter had chosen to be intimate with one of the Dúsundir. Whether it was some rule or not, Asher was picking up on the fact that this was something that was not done. In fact Rikhard had said as much. There was only explanation to offer, and Asher could not be the one to give it. The Father had chosen this for them long before they even knew it. Why deny what the gods wanted, and what Fadirin himself had arranged. Regardless, what had been done could not be undone, but Asher knew that from this point forward it was going to be known. The community was too close. The pack would know.

Alvida's mother gently squeezed the hand of her husband who had managed to be on his feet again somehow. She simply looked up to him. It was always the women that seemed to be able to tame the most aggressive of beasts, and Alvida's mother was no different. In fact, as Asher looked on her, he saw the same strength and confidence which he saw in Alvida. It almost brought a smile to his face had the moment been right for it. Instead Asher paused, noting that he would comment on it with Alvida later. He knew there was going to be a later.

[member="Alvida Osulf"]

Spoiler

"He is not one of us and you would do what has not been done before?"

 

[Alvida Osulf]

Skógur Heim | [member=Asher Mossa]

Truths are hidden behind angry words.​

'Yes, we are late...' Alvida could feel the anger radiating off him. Wave after wave of a rage so deep it made her all the more grateful for her Mother. There was no part of her that could fathom how the scene would have played out if the silver-haired wolf had not been present. Bright green eyes followed the alpha's hand as it gestured in the direction of Asher. Up to now the only thing Alvida had felt was the pounding of her own heart against her rib cage, it was so violent it seemed as though it would burst through the fragile bones. Yet the second the sea-foam orbs came to rest on the sculpted, sun-kissed jawline of her lover it stilled. She was reminded of the reason they were late. She was reminded that there was a guiding hand that had seen their lives entwined as one. They had done nothing wrong. As a result confidence of some kind crept back into the young wolf's soul. '...Bu-..' Once again she was cut off by the bellowing voice.

Rikhard roared, and it seemed this time not even the ginger touch of his wife could quell the rumbling shouts. 'I do not want to hear your excuses Alvida!' A bright scarlet blush had begun to creep over Alvida's cheeks. When she spoke next her tone had done away with timidness, replacing it for a sharper edge. 'Pabbi, would you ju-...' The raven haired man waved his hand through the air, practically cutting through it with the heavy weight it carried. 'You know the rules! Do you understand the weight of what you have done?! Skilur þú afleiðingar hvers og eins sem þú gerir?' His words cut deep. The once milk-white woman had now turned an angry shade of red. It was one thing to be yelled at, but to be blamed so harshly for something that wasn't even your choice? Yes, perhaps some things could have been helped, but that hardly seemed to matter in the grand scheme of things.

The little wolf felt brave. Braver than she had any right to be. For the first time since they had stepped off the boat Alvida released Asher's hand. Her steps as she crossed the thick wooden floorboards were less than subtle. For such a small woman she could make a lot of noise when she wanted. When she arrived at the foot of the alpha wolf her head tilted back, her neck craning at an almost impossible angle to look into the raging onyx eyes. The calamitous chorus of voices in her head only urged her to continue. They were not afraid of the black holes of rage that sat tucked beneath her Father's bushy hair. 'LET ME SPEAK.' The moment she spoke everything felt wrong. Her mind scrambled to try and figure out why. Why were the words that left her mouth not the ones she had planned to say? Why were the words shouted at a volume that rivalled the wolf's who towered over her? Why had the sound of her deep and threatening growl followed?

Alvida knew she had made a mistake, but her expression remained completely unchanged. Backing down now would likely cause a bigger fallout than the shouting could ever do. The voices laughed wickedly at the mere idea of it, but some part of her hoped he would be impressed by the sudden display of aggression. What Rikhard did was a million times worse than anything she or the voices could spin. He sat heavily on chair next to his wife, a perplexed look on his face. 'I have no words...' The young wolf winced, not just because she knew he had many words, but because of the shift in his demeanour. His tone had progressed from a deep rumble to a calm baritone that frightened her more than any level of rage could. 'I had never imagined you would do something like this, Alvida. When I agreed to allow you to buy that blasted ship... The idea had never even crossed my mind that you would be so reckless with the privileges afforded to you. Við vitum ekkert um þennan mann.'

It was at this point Alvida's Mother piped up. With an expression on her face that only a wife could muster, she set her blue-grey gaze on Rikhard. 'Elskan mín...' The great alpha grunted in response. She barely got a word out before he shook his head slowly and sighed a heavy sigh. 'Fine... Speak.' He set the two black pearls on Alvida with a glare that froze her blood. 'Fljótt.' It was at this time the voices decided to play a trick, which was not a rare occurrence in itself, but the timing was particularly cruel. As she parted her lips to do as the alpha commanded, no words came. As she stared back at her Father the voices reminded her just how much his raven eyes mirrored her Grandfather's. Angry, cruel and merciless. Waiting to hear an explanation that she knew would get shot down the moment the words left her throat.

Where could she even begin? It seemed like a bad idea to jump straight into the personal details of their relationship, and an even worse one to tell him that Asher now had a seat at the table in the meeting place. Alvida turned her head to glance back at Asher, a pleading look in her sea-foam eyes. The idea that she could have tackled Rikhard on her own, without him by her side, seemed ridiculous now. Before it had felt like his involvement would only make things worse, but now she realised. He was involved. Their stories had been entwined since before Asher and Alvida could even remember and there was no use in shying away from that fact now. They were one, and she needed him.

Spoiler

Skilur þú afleiðingar hvers og eins sem þú gerir? - Do you understand the implications of anything you do?
Við vitum ekkert um þennan mann. - We know nothing of this man.
Elskan mín. - My love.
Fljótt. - Quickly.

 

[Asher Mossa]

Asher felt as though he did not exist in the moment. The only thing which kept him tethered to the fact he was there at all was the steady hand which did not leave his grasp. He knew the fight was about him and what Alvida had done. Rikhard was angry because of what it represented, and while Asher could sympathize to a degree, he could not understand. One look at the two would tell anyone they were happy, and not just happy, but that they truly were two halves of a whole. For Asher there was no longer room to deny any of it. A few deep breaths were taken in as the man tried to keep himself calm. There would be no use in getting angry when facing off with a large man that could turn into a wolf and rip him to shreds. Asher was not dumb enough to set him off.

All the talk of rules was infuriating. Were they not allowed to mingle with the humans despite living among them. It seemed as though they had set themselves up to lord over the human population, and while Asher could not find any evidence of mistreatment, he did find the notion troublesome. Why could they not mingle, or was this truly more about how Alvida's behavior made Rikard look. In truth, the two had been joined physically from the moment they had met, and had Rikhard known that, Asher imagined this would have been much worse. They were lucky they had not been caught in the guest room earlier as well. There were so many thoughts running through Asher's mind he had not noticed Alvida's hand slipping from his. Her booming voice drew his attention to her and the scene which unfolded after.

The disappointment in Rikhards voice was devastating. It quieted the room. Taking a couple steps forward, Asher attempted to reach for Alvida's hand before the stern, yet gentle, look of her mother warned Asher to stay still. She seemed to command more of the room that either of them, and her wary eye was all to keen as to what was truly happening here. Alvida and Asher meant change, and it was not going to be taken easily. Their entire way of life was threatened by his presence, and while Asher understood this, he also understood this was what the gods wanted. They could not remain hidden from the galaxy, and they could not survive if the did not adapt. Others would come for them, and they had to be ready.

Asher turned his attention toward Alvida. His eyes looked to her as she was finally given the permission to speak. She tried, but was silent. Desperate eyes turned to find his, and despite the warning of her mother, Asher moved to take Alvida's hand back to his. Without a word he kissed the top of her hand, as if to confirm what her father had been implying. Yes, they had been intimate, but he needed to see them together. A small spell was muttered under his breath and with a slightly demonstrative wave of his hand, the torches grew in their intensity.

Sapphire eyes met Onyx in an almost defiant gaze.

"Í stad þess ad tala um mig, tala vid mig, ef þú vilt breyta því ad þú veist ekkert um mig."

His tongue spoke directly to Rikhard finally betraying that Asher knew the language of his people. Asher was tired of being talked around as if he were not part of this conversation, merely the subject of it. He could feel the eyes of everyone in the room settle on him as he spoke. Had it not already felt hushed after Rikhard's disappointment, it would only have felt even more so now. Suddenly he felt as though he had to speak further. His comment only committed him to voice his thoughts, and now that everyone was looking at him there was no backing down. Asher adjusted his shoulders, and stood as tall as he could manage. After all, Rikhard was a larger man, but Asher was not about show he was intimidated. That was likely a mistake, but at the same time, Asher was not about to show the father of his lover that she had chosen a weak and wounded man.

"It has been clear every step of the way on my journey that nothing had happened that the gods have not willed. As much as Alvida promised me the harm, the hurt, and the scars my body bear, could never be of their doing, all of it was. Their hand in my life has even brought us to this moment because they guided Alvida and I to the same place at the same time so I could be found and brought back to my home. Their hands still move, and Fadirin still guides. He has shown me things. I am not just here to rejoin the Dúsundir. Dúsundir, Húdbreytingar, I have come home to both, to live among both, and to serve both. The gods do not play by the rules of men, and love does not either. I may still be a stranger to you, but in time I hope that will change... in time... I hope you will see me as much as part of your family as Alvida has made me feel. Where I had no home she has given me one, and where I once had no people, she showed me who mine were. My loyalty and devotion will always be to her first, above anything or anyone, because of it."

[member="Alvida Osulf"]

Spoiler

"Instead of talking around me, or about me. Talk to me if you want to change that you know about me."

 

[Alvida Osulf]

Skógur Heim | [member=Asher Mossa]

Change is scary for everyone.​

Once they were joined again, all felt right. It was like the last piece of a puzzle sliding into place to reveal the final picture. No matter what happened now, no matter how harsh her Father's words grew, Asher was here to stay. As they had spoken to each other in hushed tones under the tree, he was hers and she was his. Having found her confidence as his lips pressed against her hand, Alvida opened her mouth to speak, but was surprised to find Asher's voice filled the room instead. Pride was the first thing she felt. The accent sounded at home in his soothing voice, the words seemed to fit on his tongue like they were always meant to be there. They were always meant to be there. Alvida gave his hand a squeeze and glanced in his direction, but Asher wasn't looking back. Instead his eyes were locked on to her Father's with a glint of defiance reflected back at the hard ebony rocks that glared back.

Rikhard vibrated with rage. From the moment Asher had spoken fluently and confidently in their mother tongue it grew more and more aggressive. Alvida had already braced herself for the alpha to interrupt, but she was pleasantly surprised to find he had the good grace to let Asher finish. Still, by the time he had finished Rikhards movements were threatening to wobble the nails right out of the chair he sat in. Were it not for the rapid taps of wood against wood the room would have been silent, all six pairs of wolf eyes on the man who had made himself the centre of attention. One bright green pair belonging to the youngest wolf held him in awe, with a hint of disbelief at the sheer bravery he presented. The only thing that stopped her jaw from hanging open was the confident, but neutral, expression she had adopted after her outburst.

The first to break the tension was the silver-haired woman who had mostly remained silent til now. 'We cannot argue with the Gods.' A deafening crack was the only response she got, made by the massive fist Rikhard slammed into the arm of his chair. 'Damn the Gods!' Shock was instantly written on both Alvida and her Mother's face. For the first time since the couple had entered the hall, the alpha wolf addressed Asher. His words came fluently in their mother tongue, there was no point in using their broken basic now they knew Asher could understand. 'You know nothing of this place, nothing of the rules or the laws, or the history that upholds us. Don't pretend to interpret the will of my Gods, I know nothing of you and they have not deemed you worthy of making you known in anyway. Don't presume to enter our home, our lives and ju-...' A clear, high cough cut him off, coming from the mouth of the perplexed silver-haired woman sitting beside him.

'Rikhard.' Her tone was firm, with a sharpness that spoke far more than words could. 'You go too far. You yourself said the boy is clearly one of us.' The alpha turned his head to regard his wife with an expression that was only softened for her benefit. 'My love-..' She shook her long, straight hair swiftly with the motion of her head. 'I do not want to hear it. You offend our guest, you embarrass yourself as leader of this pack in front of the daughter that will follow in your footsteps, and you damn and question the Gods will as well? You remind me of your Father.' It was her turn to be disappointed, to use the soft but deadly tone that mothers honed as their toddlers turned to teens. Alvida clutched a little tighter to Asher's hand, it felt remarkably grounding to feel his skin against hers. With her mothers soft tone still alive in her ears, she sought out the courage to speak up. 'I saw it.' Her clear, sweet tone had finally found its voice again. 'If you question what Asher tells you then believe me instead. Have I ever been wrong about a seeing before?'

Tamed by his wife's words, Rikhard simply shook his head. Alvida continued. 'What he says is true, he was taken from his home, for me. The Gods gave him all these scars, for me. Everything he lost and gained away from here, they made him gain for me... All so I could bring him home when we needed him.' She felt a little sick at the thought. Perhaps it would have been enamoured if it weren't for the fact that Asher didn't get a say in any of it. Part of her was coming to the realisation that given the choice he wouldn't have willingly allowed himself to be taken from his home, to be sold into slavery, to lose his wife and child. 'Fadirin knew I would want to take us further than we've ever gone before, and they knew we would need someone to guide us just as we guided the Dúsundir all those years ago. Asher is that one. Not only does he belong here with us, and he will be staying, but he is to join us at the meeting place. To stand for the Dúsundir as we take our first steps in the Galaxy. The very reason he stands before you right now is because it is his will. Fadirin crafted him to be the one to help us navigate a new chapter for our people... One where people do not die because traders do not pass by often enough with bacta, one where we can afford to bring in more meat for the winter, one where we can make a proper name for Skógur Heim and her people.'

Alvida's Mother shifted in her seat, glancing quickly from Rikhard to Asher, then back again. The tension in the room told her Rikhard still wasn't pleased, so she spoke before he could. 'It seems we must welcome you properly, Asher.' The tone she used meant there was little room left for anyone to argue, but not all seemed to think so. The alpha said nothing, staring only at Asher. It was clear his thoughts did not mirror his wife's. 'You have done nothing to earn my the right to invite yourself into my family.' He rumbled, anger still apparent in his tone. 'No amount of time or talk could make this...' His great hand gestured to the couple linked arm in arm. '...acceptable. Perhaps you are here to join us at the meeting place lead the Dúsundir. Perhaps you will guide us to a new age. Perhaps you really were moulded by the hands of Fadirin himself to do all this. But where is your explanation for disrespecting me like this.' Rikhard stood from his chair and approached the couple, head craning to keep in eye contact with them both as he moved. The act itself made Alvida so tense she unknowingly dug her sharp talons into Asher's skin. It was threatening, and for once in her life she wasn't afraid of her Father. Not the voices, or the wolf, but Alvida. She was ready to do the unthinkable, ready to pounce on the great beast of a man should he even hurt a hair on Asher's head. But he did nothing of the sort.

Now close enough to him, Rikhard spoke in a low tone that couldn't have been a whisper even if he were trying. 'Do you always introduce yourself in such a way? Defiling a man's daughter and disrespecting him by announcing it in such a way? Or did the Gods guide you to do that as well?'

 

[Asher Mossa]

Asher has not known where the courage, or foolishness, had come from to confront Rikhard the way he had. The moment he did, Asher knew it was not the best way to handle himself. Every eye on him felt like a weight settled in his stomach, each for their own reason. Rikhard was the easiest to understand. He was angry, pure and simple. Alvida seemed to be impressed, though Asher wasn’t certain. The mother was the one he could not read, and decided he didn’t want to. She was the only one who seemed to be neutral in all of it, and her words rang clear. How could they argue with the gods?

Yet Asher wanted to. How they had done many things to him that never should have been. His entire life has been for a purpose he had no say in. Were it not for Alvida, the woman whom he had become attached to, Asher would have been cursing the gods. Fadirin was benevolent despite the cruelty Asher had seen. The reward and payment for the struggles had been a wolf, a partner, and a mate. Her presence was enough to wash away every memory which had haunted him, and her love was more than enough to make it all worth it.

Rikhard’s response was expected, but it still rattled everything inside Asher. He fought the urge to launch into another verbal assault against the man. The words stung. The day before he had been welcomed as a lost son, and now he was being treated as the stranger Asher had know he was. At least they were no longer speaking in broken basic. Everything would be stated clearly and exactly as everyone meant it. There were questions to answer, but it seemed Alvida’s mother had taken her side in the matter. Whether she was happy, she had chose to believe them.

When Alvida spoke, Asher rearmed his clear eyes to her. A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. Since their time at the tree Asher could not look at her without smiling like some love sick pup. The gods had brought them together in such an intimate way that Asher knew they were two halves of a whole. His hand squeezed hers as she defended him, shared the facts about what she had seen. Nothing seemed to change Rikhard’s expression. The edifice of his countenance was unmoved. A small sigh escaped the man as his eyes turned from Alvida to face the black stone gaze of the giant wolf who still accused him of wrongdoing.

What was Asher supposed to say? For what seemed as an eternity he stood with his mouth almost agape. Had he just insinuated that Asher had purposefully defiled his daughter and made this a habit. How dare he? Asher watched him, his eyes never moving as the giant wolf of a man left his chair and came close. Looking up to him, Asher seemed defiant in a way, challenging the man’s assertions, showing no fear to the threatening tone his voice seemed to take. Asher had experienced harsher abuse than this, what would Rikhard do that had not been done to Asher before, kill him?

“I have not defiled your daughter. Do you smell her on me, and I on her, I have no doubt. Is it for the reason your mind suspects? Yes. Was it out of disrespect to you or your people? No. You are a skin changer yes? Then you of all people know the wolf is as much part of you as the man you are now. It craves and wants. The nighmother of the Mandragora whom I serve is a skin changer. Her former lover is a skin changer. You are not the first I have known. You speak as if I have acted alone, and acted out of wicked intent. I have done nothing of the sort. I love your daughter, and whether it is according to your tradition or not, I will have no other as long as I draw breath. I am hers.”

His eyes moved to Alvida. Asher didn’t know what to say next but his expression indicated that he was satisfied with his answer. He knew Rikhard was not going to be happy with anything Asher could say, so he closed his mouth and looked back to the man. What was he going to do? Would be back down? Asher was not going to.

[member="Alvida Osulf"]

 

[Alvida Osulf]

Skógur Heim | [member=Asher Mossa]​

He speaks of you as if you are a child. Perhaps you are.​

This time, it was the little wolf's turn to rage. Blood boiled in her body, turning her face a shade of crimson that could have easily rivalled the alpha's tunic. She was so angry she had even forgotten that her Mother sat across the room from her, with the same livid look on her face that Alvida wore. Alvida let Asher speak first, for fear that if she opened her mouth it would not be words that followed but a scream of frustration directed in Rikhard's face. Despite his sweet words filling her and quelling some of the anger, she couldn't bare the embarrassment her Father dared to put her through. 'How dare you.' The young wolf snapped, voice shaking as her jaw crashed and the sharp words flew from her tongue. 'Alvida...' Her mothers voice drifted above the tension in an attempt to calm the golden haired girl. Rather wisely, perhaps the first wise thing she had done since they'd come together in the feasting hall, Alvida took her Mother's unspoken advice. She drew a few breathes of warm air into her lungs and held them there for what seemed like forever. When she finally released them, the irrational anger seeped away with it.

'Do not speak of me as if I am still a child.' Even she surprised herself with the calm tone she projected. 'Am I not a part of this family as much as you are? Do I not have the right to invite people into it as much as you do? All this time I've been under the assumption you were teaching me to take your place one day, but it appears you were only teaching me to be an obedient pup?' Rikhard twitched as if he were going to raise a hand to strike the insolence from her face, but the only indication of the brief thought was the barely perceptible movement. 'It might be your place to tell me how to act, how to speak, how to lead, how to fight... but it is not your place to tell me who I can and cannot love.' The alpha laughed, placing a hand on the swell of his stomach as the rumbling tone filled the hall. 'What do you know of love, child?' The response, which came in the form of a tut from her Mother, could be heard from all corners. 'Rikhard. How can you even say this? We were much younger than either of them when we fell in love, were we not?' The laughs stopped immediately, and Rikhard turned to his wife with a deathly stare. 'Is this what you want for your daughter, Siv? For her to be the shame of Skógur Heim, the first in four generations to break an unspoken rule?'

The snow-haired woman rolled her eyes and shook her head so firmly strands of hair fell into her face. 'You said the words yourself, Rikhard. Unspoken. Who is to say how the other alpha's will react when they hear the news? And who is to say that they will be disappointed or ashamed of Alvida for falling in love?' Siv raised a grey brow, as if waiting for the alpha to dare challenge her logic. She allowed him little time to formulate a response, continuing on despite her brief pause. 'I can hardly imagine anyone will say a word against it. Especially not if you show your support for it.' Rikhard's jaw dropped, mouthing words that he couldn't seem to put a voice too. 'If you would just take the time to get to know him. You would see how much he's given up for me, for us. How much he-...' Once again the alpha's hand silenced Alvida before she could finish. He moved heavily back to the chair and sat himself down, defeated. Alvida's quick eyes glanced from one parent to the other, unsure of whether or speaking was a wise idea. Her Mother shook her head gently, with a subtle motion of her hand that directed Alvida to the door that lead to the main house.

A spark of liveliness took hold of the little wolf, she did not need to be told twice. The hand that held tight to her lover tugged softly as she took the first cautious steps toward the exit. The alpha wolf did not look up from his lap, even at the sound of the floorboards creaking under her weight. With the assurance that he wasn't going to stop them, Alvida pulled Asher a little quicker. The journey from the chairs to the door felt like the longest she had ever been on, but once they had slipped behind them and she had heard the click of the lock as it caught, the relief was immeasurable. At first she wasn't sure what to do with herself. Did she hug him? Did she say something? Would he say something? The best could manage was a rather sheepish grin that came coupled with a soft blush that crept over her milk-white cheeks. The adrenaline would clear soon, as would the shock, but for now...

Alvida found her grasp on his hand tightening as she made her way toward the staircase. As her foot found the first step, she craned her neck to glance at Asher with wild sea-foam eyes. 'You can sleep in my room tonight.'

 

[Asher Mossa]

Asher knew there was nothing more for him to say. Anything else that would come out of his mouth was only going to make a tense situation even more tense that what it already was. His intent had never been to cause such turmoil among the family which was housing him, but Asher also refused to deny his feelings and desires when it came to the blonde woman he had spent almost every hour of his life with since they had met. The past several days had turned into more than a week, and perhaps their wants and feelings would have developed slower under normal circumstances, but these were not normal circumstances. Asher was still unsure about how he felt about the gods having a hand in all of it, but one thing Asher was certain of was that he feelings and intentions toward the blonde were authentic and genuine. She had a unique way of making him want her in ways he had not wanted any other before.

Alvida's reaction forced Asher to look at her. There was a possessive ferocity to the way she defended her actions and her choices. It was clear she refused to be seen as a child and was demanding to be made an equal in the house. Asher felt a pang of sympathy for Rikhard in that moment. While Asher had seen his own son die, the thought of having to let go of a child before you were ready was hard. Asher suffered the pain of having to outlive the only child he had, and it was from that experience he could empathize with the position Rikhard found himself in. It did not make Asher any less upset that the giant wolf acted in the manner he did, but at least he understood it.

His face took on a shocked expression when Rikhard asked what Alvida knew of love. It was low, even for him, and Asher could feel his anger surging within him once more. Wisely Siv spoke before either the young wolf or the man could speak their minds on what just happened. Her rebuke was strong and drove to the heart of what truly bothered Rikhard. The unspoken rule which did not seem to be upheld by the other packs, and if it was, no one spoke of it, at all. This was an opportunity for leadership, to change something that needed to be changed. Aside from not wanting to overtake the humans what reason was there for such a segregated and racist rule? Why should one limit love to one's own when love did not play the rules of sentient beings.

Siv seemed to see things Asher's way and voiced his own thoughts. His eyes turned to the silver haired woman and simply nodded his appreciation to her. Whether she had a positive opinion of him or not was unknown, but she seemed to be taking their side on the matter.

Alvida began to speak, though a hand from Rikhard stopped her. It was the second time his hand raised to silence her with Asher hoping he dare not try and strike her. A few whispers under his breath, or the swift movement of his lightsaber would ensure Rikhard never attempted to lay a hand of violence on his daughter. Even though she was a wolf and did not need Asher to protect her, Asher still wanted her to know that she was safe and secure with him. Suddenly it was over. Rikhard returned to the chair he had been sitting in looking defeated. His face bore the expression of a proud man that had been wounded, and Asher feared that a wounded wolf would not let this matter be finished. This would likely be revisited.

Asher drew in a deep breath as he felt Alvida's hand pull along his and draw him out of the room. He did not look back. There was a defiance in him which made Asher want to say something as they left, but he kept his mouth shut. The only sound which came from him was the sound of his boots echoing off the walls with each step and the clicking of the door latch as Alvida pulled it closed. Even then it was quiet between them. What was there to say, and who was going to break the silence? There was truly only one question on Asher's mind, and as he was about to ask it, Alvida provided an answer.

'You can sleep in my room tonight.'

A small nod was his only reply at first as his lips drew into a smile. Asher waited for her to turn back up the stairs, and once they reached the top, he picked Alvida up and threw him of his shoulder as if she were a sack of grain or vegetable. A chuckle escaped his lips as he carried her down the hall to where she had shown him her room was before.

"I will not be sleeping tonight," he said with grin. "And I will be in your room every night from now on."

As his words drifted to silence once more, Asher crossed the threshold and shut Alvida's door, locking it behind him as he did. If Rikhard was worried about what others would say, the breakfast table was certainly going to be awkward in the morning.

[member="Alvida Osulf"]

 

[Alvida Osulf]

Skógur Heim | [member=Asher Mossa]​

​

Freedom comes at a price.​

​

As they made their way up the creaking staircase, Alvida found the shock had been replaced by excitement. They had braved the beast, together. It was a task they ought to be proud of. Alvida had seen greater warriors than either of them shy away from Rikhard when he was angry, but Asher had not. He had been brave for her, so she had found the courage to be brave for him. No words would ever express her appreciation, so she would save herself the bother and thank him with actions instead. It seemed Asher had the same idea, because as they reached the top of the stairs, he swept her off her feet. A squeak of surprise and delight filled the silent hallways, followed by a sweet laugh that carried on as he made the journey to her bedroom door. She accepted her fate, willingly, gladly, eagerly. Asher was her past, present and future, and as the door closed behind them Alvida swore she would make this known to him. Whether it took them an hour or all night, by the end of it they would truly feel as though they were one.

________________________​

​

Morning comes quickly when you spend all night awake. Alvida had only just allowed her heavy eyelids to close when bright rays of sunshine chased away the darkness she sought in them. A soft groan was all she could manage as they begrudgingly opened to the invasive yellow light. The first thought on her mind was how badly she didn't want to get out of bed. Not because of the impending doom of breakfast, but because the thought of disturbing the peaceful sleep of the man beside her was painful. But it was already way past dawn, she had plans to take him to the meeting place. Originally this hadn't been a part of her plan. Asher didn't really have any need to see it, but now it would be part of his life just as much as she was. She wanted him to see the history on the walls, to feel the power the simple table and chairs held, to get a feel of what it really meant to be sat there with the fate of Skógur Heim and her people just at your fingertips. Ordinarily she perhaps would have worried about him being overwhelmed by it all, especially with the excitement of the past few days. Yet, somehow she knew he would be able to handle it.

The wild haired blonde finally drew herself up, draping a hand over her lovers chest. Mostly due to the slumber still heavily present in her tone, her words came as soft whispers. 'Saetur einn...' Alabaster fingers reached out to stroke his jaw line and cheek gingerly. He seemed so serene in sleep, and she was loathed to disturb that serenity, to wake up to face an anxiety inducing breakfast. More than anything she wished that she could simply tuck herself against him and drift back off to sleep. It was cosier in her room than it had been in the room Asher had spent his first night in, a fact that only made her long to remain even more. But she knew they couldn't stay hidden away forever. The sounds of breakfast were already drifting up through the floorboards, the longer they delayed the inevitable the more awkward the outcome would be. To soften the blow of waking him up, and to assuage some of the guilt she felt for doing it, Alvida pressed a gentle kiss to his lips. 'Good morning, my love.'

 

[Asher Mossa]

Sleep had eventually come for Asher, but not well after the activity of the two lovers had ceased for the night. His mind had been far too active despite the fact his body was tired from the events of the day. The late night before, a full day at the tree, the journey there and back again, layered onto what had awaited them when they returned late, had left Asher spent. That had not seemed to matter in anyway as the two had made good use of the adrenaline the fight had sent coursing through their veins. Asher's sleep was simply a result of several different chemicals in his body crashing at the same time, and a thing he could not avoid once his mind quieted.

His thoughts replayed the events of the day many times over, most of them focused on the reality of what Fadirin had presented to him. The visions finally gave way to the moments Asher wanted to hold onto forever, the ones which involved Alvida. Their day at the tree had been filled with more than just visions of what had been, was, and would be. It was as if their act of love at the base of the symbol of Fadirin himself had been a consummation and acceptance of what they had seen, and ultimately of what they were to each other. That is why Asher had the courage to stand up to Rikhard the night before. Asher had known that no matter what anyone would say or try to do, Asher was hers, and Alvida was his. They had been made for each other, a plan set in motion of divine importance. It was not that Asher refused to argue with the gods, he simply had already opened his heart to the woman they had made him for.

Asher felt the kiss on his lips before the yellow light seemed to dance across his closed eyelids. He stirred, naturally wrapping his arms around the bare and warm flesh of the woman next to him. She moved with him as he stirred to open his eyes to the morning. He vaguely remembered hearing her endearment for him before feeling the kiss, but his mind was no longer as alert as it had been when it was keeping him awake. Asher mumble something indiscernible as he rolled toward her and finally opened his eyes.

"Good morning," he said before returning the kiss she had offered as payment for waking him up.

His hand reached up her back, caressing her spine along the way, until it came around and rested on her cheek. The calloused thumb of his left hand brushed along the porcelain flesh for a moment as the smell and sounds of breakfast wafted to his ears. The last thing Asher wanted to do was leave the comfort and warmth of Alivda and her bed, but he also knew after what happened the night before, the confrontation and the defiant way the two ensured the entire house knew of their relationship, they had to make an appearance. It was time for them to face the day.

"They will be expecting us. I suppose it would be even more of an offense if we skipped entirely?"

Asher began to stir, pushing the covers and searching for where his pants had fallen to the night before.

[member="Alvida Osulf"]

 

[Asher Mossa]

double post

 

[Alvida Osulf]

Skógur Heim | [member=Asher Mossa]

Perhaps you should give breakfast a miss.​

Alvida couldn't help but laugh as he rolled from the bed to search for his clothes. 'I do not think anything we do now will cause more offence. We have reached the peak.' The young wolf propped herself up on her elbow, resting her head in the palm of her hand as she watched him. Even through the haze of late nights and lack of sleep, she could tell he was a little nervous. He had every right to be. 'We will not stay for long.' Finally, with all the motivation she could muster, Alvida threw the sheets off and dragged herself from the warmth of the bed. With slow movements that shook away the stiffness in her body, she swanned over to the chest of draws to find something to wear. 'I want to take you to the meeting place. Aksel will be interested to meet you.' A bright blue dress cut through the air as she pulled it down over her head and flicked her wild golden curls out till they settled against her back.

When she moved toward the polished metal mirror hung on the wall, she did so with the energy of an excited puppy, something that confused even her considering the night they had shared before. But Alvida was immensely fond of Aksel, the carpenter and overseer of the meeting place, the thought of visiting him was . 'I bet he already knows all about you. He is the one that performs all the rituals before the alphas gather, and he carves our history on the walls. He is human, like you!' The last part seemed to excite her. So far Asher had only really been introduced to other skin-changers, she hoped meeting another of the Dùsundir would make a pleasant change. She ran a comb through the tangles haphazardly, giving up before it could make an ounce of difference to the unruly curls. When she turned to face Asher again a comforting smile had calmed her expression. 'We will be fine. He cannot stay mad forever. And I saw-...'

She cut herself short, humming softly to distract from the unfinished sentence. 'Never mind what I saw, but it will be fine. He will forgive us one day. I am not sure when, but he will.' Of course, Alvida would have loved to tell Asher about the details of her vision at the tree, she would have loved to see the feeling of joy on his face and hear the tone of excitement in his voice. But she wasn't sure she would receive any of that. The memories of his wife and son, especially after all he had given up in Fadirin's temple, were bound to be fresh. He had not mentioned them once since they'd reached the tree but he didn't have to. Alvida knew. Yes, they were sworn to each other. Asher and Alvida belonged together, just as the moon and stars did, but grief was always there. It would always be there. One day it would hurt less. One day he would be able to remember them with a smile in his heart instead of the clutching sensation that knotted up his stomach. One day she would share the tiny glimpse of their wedding day that the Gods had gifted her, but it wouldn't be today.

The young wolf moved to the door and rested one hand on the polished silver handle. The other she stretched out toward her lover. 'Come on.'

 

[Asher Mossa]

Asher chuckled with a lazy tone to his laugh as he stepped into his pants. He was not sure whether her words were meant to make him feel better or not, but the thought they had already reached the pinnacle of offense so early in their relationship was not a settling thought. Perhaps the chuckle was a bit more nervous than full of humor, but Asher still let the thought slide. “I did think for a moment your father was going rip me apart for a moment...” he paused as he buttoned his pants back up and walked over to the shirt which was on the other side of the room. There would be none in the house who hadn’t known what happened.

His eyes watched Alvida as she moved to the chest. The blue gaze could not help but drink in every inch of her. He lost track of how many times his eyes wandered over her form before she pulled the dress over her body which prompted Asher to put his own shirt on. A smile pulled at his lips as she spoke of their plans for the day.

“The meeting place, so soon?”

Asher knew what the the visions had shown him, and he knew the parts their visions they shared. There was really no time like the present to start, and Asher was eager to know what this truly meant for him. It was a new world and system, and the fact another human was there, it was inviting. Asher’s smile softened, but news no less happy.

“Another human like myself in the meeting place? What better person to learn their history from then. I have so many questions, things I need to know if I’m going to not disappoint. We need to start as soon as we can.”

He waited for Alvida to finish with her hair, choosing to pull his hair into a messy bun. Her eyes were full of hope and excitement when she turned around to address the issue of her father once more. His arms crossed his chest as the thought was not finished, and single brow arched upward asking a question he knew she would not answer. Asher sighed.

“I know enough of our future to know after what happened last night he will have to come around yes. We did not see the same things, but I know what the gods have destined for us, my love. When the day comes I hope all of us are as happy as you and I are now. Even more so!”

She stopped at the door and reached out to him. Her hand extended to his as an invitation. Asher gladly placed his larger and rough hand into hers. A smirk played at his lips as he pulled her away from the door and into his arms. “Not yet,” he said before kissing her lips. “Now we can go,” Asher said as he pulled her toward the stairs, following the scent of bacon and sausages which had been cooking below.

[member="Alvida Osulf"]

 

[Alvida Osulf]

Skògur Heim | [member=Asher Mossa]​

​

Though it will not do you any good, we wish you luck.​

Though they had only been together for a short period of time, Alvida knew Asher inside out now. Whether it was a gift from the Gods or through her own merit, she didn't care, but she knew him. She could tell the laugh was a nervous one, she could tell his mind was whirring with thoughts that he would likely not express till they had left the awkward tension and palpable atmosphere behind. 'To be honest...' Her voice broke briefly as the sky blue dress covered her mouth. '...So did I.' Despite their attempts to keep it so, it was no secret now that the two were a pair. If nobody had known or realised it before last night, they certainly did now. There was a tone of light amusement in her voice when she spoke next. 'But you never know. He still might.' Despite the ugly connotations of the word, Alvida flashed Asher a grin. She knew for a fact that Rikhard wouldn't hurt him, not without hurting her first, and he simply wouldn't do that.

Asher questioned her decision to take him to the meeting place, he seemed nervous about the idea of it, but she knew it would benefit the both of them. 'Yes, so soon. Watching over the Dúsundir is the God's demand of you, if you are to be a part of this world you should see where we accomplish this.' A smile crossed her expression at the sound of excitement in his voice. She knew the idea of another human would be appealing, more so another human that they could get to know personally. 'Yes. Askel is the one to ask about history, about the God's will. More so than the seers, though the would be loathed to know I told you that.' When the final tangles had been freed from her hair she turned to glance her lover up and down for a final time, before the dove out of the frying pan and into the fire. He was as handsome as ever, even more so considering the reasons why his deep brown hair was as wild and tangled as hers had been.

Entirely enamoured by the way his skin caught the sunlight, she almost missed what he said entirely. 'I am almost certain that we will be. Once the other alphas are aware of your presence, and they know what you have come home for... It will all work out.' When Asher placed his hand in her own she moved to open the door, but his firm tug drew her back. A squeak of delight filled the quiet room as he tugged her close. Alvida melted into his embrace. This was where she belonged, and where she would have stayed if life had at all permitted it. He captured her in a kiss that sent her heart beating at a wild pace, a kiss that she returned with equal amounts of tenderness and love behind the action. There was little time to relish in it though, Asher had already begun to drag them out of the door and down the stairs. Alvida had assumed her heart rate would have slowed down the moment his lips left hers, but it did nothing of the sort. In fact, the closer they got to the double doors that lead the way to the feasting hall, the harder it seemed to beat.

At the bottom of the stairs, Alvida paused, body jolting forward as she dragged Asher to a halt too. A few steadily breaths of cool morning air found their way into her lungs. 'I...' A sheepish smile curled her lips up as she shook the blond curls quickly. The grip on his hand tightened slightly as she spoke, following her words with a deep sigh. 'I am nervous.' The words sounded silly, now she said them out loud. There was rarely a time when Alvida would admit she was fearful or nervous in front of another, but Asher was different now. He wasn't just another person, he wasn't a stranger any more. If anyone could calm her nerves, it would be him.

 

[Asher Mossa]

Asher nodded as Alvida spoke. A nervous chuckle escaped as she eluded to the idea her father may tear him to pieces yet. She was joking, but the idea was not as humorous to Asher considering the anger Rikhard had displayed. Alvida had seen their wedding day, but Asher has not. His lack of knowledge dampened the humor he would have found otherwise. Still, Alvida was worth everything he had faced thus far, what was an angry father who stubbornly refused to understand.

They were more concerned about the future. The gods demanded Asher prepare Alvida and the others for the future her curious and adventurous ways would bring. The world of science and technology would threaten their way of life, and it was Asher who had lived a balance between the two for so long. It was sad his hermit says had prepared him for this, but what else could have? Truly the gods had known all along what was needed, though Asher wanted to curse them for every scar on his back. It was the evidence as to just how cruel his own mind could be to one another. Perhaps Asher would have cursed the gods had it not been for the lesson he knew his back to teach. Cruelty such as this would never happen on Skógur Heim as long as his lungs drew breath. All would be free.

“A human who knows more than the seers,” came the sudden question from Asher’s lips, “Consider me intrigued.”

Naturally there was much more to be said about the council and the others. Asher would learn it all in time, and whether they wanted to or not, Asher would be accepted by the others. It was weight he shouldered, being the first, and also given as a bridge between the two species. Rikhard has spoken it plainly, it had not been done before. Asher and Alvida presented within themselves a change. It was only right she felt nervous as they reached the bottom of the stairs and neared the wooden doors they had escaped through the night before.

His lips pressed a kiss to the top of her head. Blue eyes locked with hazel as Asher simply mouthed the words “me too,” before opening the doors and leading them in.

The clamor and commotion died the moment the pair stepped into the hall. All eyes were on them, then to Rikhard. There was not a single one who had not heard the passionate and loud cries both had made well into the early hours of the morning. A few of the children began to giggle and were quickly shushed by their mothers. The dark eyes of the large alpha wolf bore deeply into the couple for several moments. His disappointment for the method of their defiance was written about his face, it his body seemed to present a form of acceptance. Alvida’s mother placed a hand atop her husband’s as her own eyes gave off a small agreement with Rikhard’s sentiment. Perhaps Asher had been petty, but it had been done.

A large hand motioned for the two to take their seats. The twins were moved and a chair set next to Alvida’s where Asher was motioned to sit. Whatever the disagreements from the night before, Rikhard seemed to be making an effort to accept what the gods wanted. A small nod was offered by the sandy brown haired human as he squeezed Alvida’s hand. He leaned over to his lover and whispered in her ear. “See no reason to be nervous,” he said as they sat down, and the hall roared to life once more.

Plates of fried meats were set before them, and fruits which had been a gift for Asher were given to them as well. Even though Alvida was a carnivore, Asher presented a piece of cantaloupe for her to taste. It was moist and tender, perfectly ripe.

“I take it you slept well,” Rikhard said to them causing Asher to nearly choke. The wolf grinned, not fully, but his peace offering had been made.

[member="Alvida Osulf"]

 

[Alvida Osulf]

Skògur Heim | [member=Asher Mossa]​

​

Now you've done it.​

​

The kiss, placed gingerly on her pale forehead, was enough to quell the nerves that ran rampant in her mind. Alvida barely had enough time for them to worm their way back before Asher had swung open the set of double doors leading into the feasting hall. Immediately, the smell of warm breakfast and the gentle hum of heavy conversation smacked her in the face. Asher was eager to get started, and Alvida hung from his arm as they crossed the threshold into throng of a busy meal. The silence that followed was deafening. Mostly the young wolf had grown used to having all eyes on her, she often made it her business to be the centre of attention in her own strange way, but this? At least it never lasted long, not with the voices growing steadily and replacing the hum of pleasant chatter with more sinister words. They spoke of shame and embarrassment. Some even whispered that she had gone to far with her desire to break the mould of what was expected. For a moment, she almost believed them.

Perhaps it was the sweet, innocent laughter of children, or perhaps it was the subtle but accepting form her Father presented as he gestured to their seats, but the clamour stilled as the couple reached the table. As she settled into the carved wooden seat she couldn't bring her sea-foam eyes to look up at the black holes in her Father's weathered face. She knew they would wear an expression that reflected what the voices had whispered, even despite his attempts to show some form of acceptance. Instead she focused solely on the plate of tender meats placed on the table. Ashers words did seem to bring back a hint of the usual smile she wore, his gesture was sweet but she knew her Father better than that. Nothing could have made her grin widen more than the statement her Father boldly declared over the breakfast table. It didn't garner the same reaction from Siv, who gasped and swatted her slender hand against his stocky shoulder.

The wild blonde wolf did not look up from her meal as she graced her Father with a reply. 'I didn't sleep at all.' Rikhard had set out to embarrass them, and she could tell that he had accomplished this task with Asher. Unfortunately for the alpha wolf, Alvida wasn't so easily embarrassed. Not by cheap shots like that. She knew it meant he was trying his best to come to terms with Asher's presence, but she couldn't resist biting back. There were many a nights when she had heard other people doing the same thing, echoing the hallways so violently she thought the wooden supports would crack under the pressure. Why should she and Asher be treated differently? After the third or fourth mouthful of her food, Alvida looked up at her Father with eyes that dared him to challenge her again. Despite the awkward atmosphere her words had created, the amused smirk remained on her lips.

He could only laugh. One of his trademark chuckles that saw his belly rumble and the hall shake around him. There was still a hint of Fatherly malice in his glare, especially for the man who sat beside his only daughter, but he seemed to be much more sated than the night before. Alvida had no doubts it was mostly to do with the silvery haired woman who sat behind him. Siv wore a rather regal smile, and could only shake her head softly and tut at Rikhard's jovial tone. Once again she Mother had been their saviour, the voice of reason in a heavy storm of turbulent emotion. Now that the tension had dissolved with the chuckles that still died down over the din of breakfast, everyone's stares seemed to bear a lot less weight. In fact, Alvida found she rather liked them. The couple represented change in everything they did. Their very purpose was to shake the foundation of Skógur Heim. To bring about a new age that would put them on the map, but change had to start from within, and Alvida now wore the first of these drastic changes like a badge of honour.

With the last dregs of her meal lingering on her plate, Alvida threw down her fork and stood from the table. One of her hands reached out to drag Asher up too, but the sound of her Father's voice stopped her dead in her tracks. 'Where do you think you're going, litil villt hlutur?' For a moment, the blonde wolf paused. Her face wore a confused expression, which she directed toward her sire. 'To the meeting place... Why?' The great alpha wiped his greasy face with the edge of his sleeve and pushed his chair out from the table. 'Perfect, I am coming with you.' Alvida's fingers tensed around Asher, the only indication of any panic that might have settled in her mind. Her bright green eyes narrowed slightly, just enough to be obvious. 'Why?' Rikhard laughed and shook the mass of thick black hair on his head. 'You sound like a pup. Why, why, why.' He slipped the belt that held his sword round his waist and tightened it as he spoke. 'Why? Because I have called a meeting.'

The change in Alvida's stance was immediately noticeable, her shoulders tightened and her fingers pressed so hard against Asher's they turned paper white. 'But Pabbi...' He cut her off much like he had done the night before, with a great hand that swept through the air in front of him. 'No buts. It is needed. The other alphas need to know as soon as possible. There will be no surprises.' The young wolf furrowed her bright blonde brows, concern written in every inch of her face. 'Fine.' She spoke firmly and began to move away from the table again. 'We'll find something else to do today.' A rumbling growl that was likely meant to be quiet came from within the alpha's chest, immediately putting pause to any further movement from Alvida. 'You are not getting out of this one, Alvida.' Even Siv seemed to agree, the silver waterfall hair shifting on her shoulders as she shook her head. 'Alvida, you need to stand up for this if it is what you truly want. Do not hide from your decisions.'

If her form had been that of the wolf, Alvida would have bared her teeth in protest. She had met the other alphas many times before, but she had never been allowed in the meeting place while they had been gathered there. Beyond that, she had never known the alphas to gather there outside of the regular meetings they held every three months. The fact that her Father had called the meeting was something Skógur Heim had never before seen. It seemed Asher and Alvida were bringing about more change than just the idea of a skin-changer and a human together. Defeated, Alvida could only nod in her Father's direction. He took this as her answer and gestured toward the double doors leading out to the village. 'We will take your sky ship. I have been dying to try it.'

 

[Asher Mossa]

Asher watched the exchange between Alvida and her father with a keen interest. Usually he would have an opinion on what should happen, but it seemed having any such opinion would be futiile. Despite Alvida's attempt to protest the meeting which had been called, and to keep her father from joining them, Rikhard's mind was made up on the matter. Asher could only show his support for the woman at his side by reaching for her hand and giving it a soft squeeze. It was meant to reassure her that he would be there at her side for whatever they would face. This was the same action he had offered the night before, and the same she had offered to him when he faced the tree or the other priests. It was a comforting gesture, one which reminded Asher he was not alone, and it was meant to be the same for Alvida. In this adventure, she was not alone.

Since it seemed they had no choice, Asher simply shrugged. However, there was one comment that seemed to terrify him, or at least cause him to sweat.

"I hope this means he is not asking to fly the ship," he leaned over and whispered to Alvida. Of course Asher had forgotten the Lupine's had excellent hearing, though he was not sure if it only worked when they were in wolf form or not. He smiled as Rikhard seemed to be following them out the door. His hand still in Alvida's. It did not seem to make any sense to hide his affection for Alvida from Rikard any longer. It seemed his challenge was to now prove to the man he was more than adequate for his daughter. Was it a different relationship than what he had hoped, absolutely. There was going to be no denial from Asher that Rikhard had different expectations. However, neither of them had sought the relationship. It simply happened and grew deeper with every day that passed.

Asher had to admit to himself he was suddenly more nervous than he had been in his life. Dealing with Rikhard was one thing, but a room full of three Alphas, all who would likely want him dead for various reasons. How was he supposed to walk into the room and claim that the gods demanded he represent humanity in a gathering of Lupines, skin changers? There was a declared equality by them which Asher certainly did not perceive, how could there be? The skin changers were stronger and faster. Their physical prowess could not be matched by any human, and yet Asher was supposed to help lead the way into some new kind of future where everyone was on a level playing field.

His eyes darted to Alvida as they made their way to the ship. The blue hue of his oceanic eyes said it all. Asher felt inadequate to the task and wanted nothing more than to run in the opposite direction. This was not a mantle he had asked carry, yet he would because it was the will of the gods. Asher knew his life was made for something now, and and scared as he was, he would not back down. The transparency and honesty was simply for Alvida's sake. She deserved to know how heavy it all suddenly felt. They were partners after all, and they would carry each other through this new adventure.

[member="Alvida Osulf"]