Wolf-Shifter

Dancing among the Stars part 10

Namid was woken up by the sounds of activity outside. Sitting up, she was surprised to find Rakab's arm protectively around her waist. Sliding out of his grasp, she yawned and found herself still clad in her dancing attire from the other night. Chuckling, she hurried to find something for to wear; she searched in a trunk and found a loose white shirt along with some plain black breeches. Making sure Rak was still asleep; she tentatively slipped off her skirt and quickly put on the breeches, finding them to be a little long. "No matter, I'll stuff some of the pant leg in my boots so they won't drag." She muttered.

Shrugging, she put on the shirt and rolled up the sleeves to her elbows and ran her fingers through her hair to neaten it. "Now, where are those pesky boots?" She rummaged in a trunk and cursed, "None in there…" Sighing, she rolled up the legs of her breeches, shifted her legs and feet to wolf form and opened the tent flap to exit. Bright sunlight met her eyes and she looked away, shielding her eyes as she walked outside. Senka was by the fire, stirring a pot and Sheila sat talking with him.

Walking over to them, Namid tried to hide her embarrassment but Sheila laughed, "I found these," she held up a pair of brown boots, "Left in my tent last night and figured you'd want them back."

Senka laughed as Namid snatched them with thanks and quickly slipped them on, stuffing the legs of her pants into them. "Have a good sleep, princess?" Senka said, gesturing to her borrowed clothing.

"Don't tease her, Senk!" the emerald boa glared at the jaguar before tuning back to the she-wolf. "We're going to pack up and move for Wyvern's Court soon." Sheila explained, sitting down and giving her a pack, "It's clothing for when you arrive at the Court, formal dresses and the like." "Proper fitting, too."

Namid went to sit by a large tree and found the shade soothing. Sighing deeply, she leaned against the trunk of the tree and closed her eyes, meditating. Namid sat in comfortable silence before a hissing in her ear caused her instinct to kick in and her body to shift to her silver wolf form, leaping to her feet.

A man stood before her, arms crossed over his chest, "Well, well, well…we have the lady she-wolf on our hands now?" "Rak must've kept you to ease his pains!" he chuckled and Namid met the man's eyes, a familiar stormy-blue, and took a step back, baring her teeth.

"I am not here to fight, Ralon." She said, recognizing the man.

He sighed, leaning against the tree, running a hand through his dark brown hair, "Why hang around lowborn thieves when your riches lie someplace else?" He walked towards her; his movements slow and deadly, "Why stay with us, noble?"

"I wish to." She replied, eyes challenging him.

The man sneered, "Don't be pert with me she-wolf!"

"And why not?" she growled, sticking out her chin stubbornly, hands on her hips.

"I could easily just kill you." The man clenched his fists and raised his hand as if to strike her.

"Well Rakab wouldn't—" She couldn't finish as he slapped her clean across the cheek and grabbed her by the collar of her shirt, "I don't care," he hissed, eyes flashing, voice harsh and soft, "What that damnably annoying man thinks. You don't belong here and neither does he…go home where you belong mutt!"

With that he dropped her and stormed off, leaving Namid in shock-surprise. A hand came into her line of vision and she looked up into Alida's kind brown eyes, "Don't mind Ralon." She said, voice soft as she helped Namid up.

"He's just jealous." Elita scoffed, coming towards them. "That was some good banter you put up. You should have seen his face!" she laughed, clapping Namid on the shoulder.

"He's always been jealous." Yrel replied, handing the twin's each a bowl of porridge.

"Of whom?" Namid asked, confused.

"Rakab" a female voice replied. Branwyn stood staring into the direction that Ralon had gone. "Ever since Rak took leadership of this group, he's been planning something…" the raven's voice had become distant as she spoke and the raven shook her head to clear it. "Never mind him, as long as we've got your back, nothing bad is going to happen." Branwyn turned her gaze to the others who nodded in agreement.

Namid looked to see Rakab behind the raven and met his eyes with a guilty expression. His own gaze was soft yet his face was set. "How could you let him do this to you?" his hand reached up to touch her swelling cheek and Namid leaned into his touch, "It was my own fault entirely, Rak." She whispered.

Her friend's face was a mixture of anger and love, "He will strike you again, and I know him well enough, to know this…" Rakab paused and he averted his gaze, "And… I won't always be here to protect you."

Namid felt a pang in her chest, and tilted his chin to meet her eyes. "I know." Her words were soft and she hated how hollow they sounded. Taking a deep breath, she tried switching the subject, "Shall we eat?"

But before Namid could leave, Rak turned her face to his, "Promise me, Namid, promise me you will protect yourself when with the prince…don't let him hurt you. Do you promise me?"

"Rakab…?"

"Do you promise me?" his voice was fierce and his eyes pleading.

Namid sighed and closed her eyes for a moment, opening them again she nodded, "I promise."

Rakab hugged her and kissed her forehead, "I just can't stand the thought of you gettin' hurt, that's all." He murmured. Rakab took her hand, "Now we may eat." He replied, chuckling and heading towards the fire pit to get a bowl.