Beautiful Darkness

➵A Gentle Reprieve

"We aren't far from the capital. The best course of action would to push ourselves until we are completely out of the Dark Forest. Its treachery will only continue to slow our progress." Daniel hypothesizes. A fierce look has set in his eyes, one I can only assume has seen many wars. Despite what he has seen and been through Daniel still manages to show compassion in abundant forms- especially towards the fiery redhead beside him. Roman is silently nodding in agreement while looking over maps of the surrounding area.

"The forest deceived us when we first arrived. How will we know when we are truly free?" She asks the question everyone has been thinking.

"I am not entirely sure." Daniel confesses.

"There's a lavender field towards the end of the territory. I remember it... from something. The border ends somewhere in the middle of it." I blurt out. I don't know where the memory comes from but somehow I know the field. I remember the smell of pollen. I remember the white pine and lavender beaming in the summer. I recall the sunlight dancing off of the purple flowers and reaching across the endless area.

I shake my head at the confusion the remembrance brings. Daniel looks at me with uncertainty.

"I am aware of how delusional I sound, but it's real. I know it is." Distress is evident in my voice.

"I guess that settles it. We will continue West until we come across the field. If we keep a strong pace we should reach it by morning." Roman directs. The commander inside him comes forth.

"I'll pass along the message to the wolves." I agree. I leave the circle we had formed for discussion and head towards the gathering of now fully clothed people.

Curious and prudent gazes linger on me as I go to speak to the female wolf from earlier, Ruelle. She seems like the dominant type. I have had very little interaction with werewolves throughout my life at the castle. With no familiarity, the tattoos on their skin and slightly glowing eyes fascinate and confuse me. Ruelle must notice me looking.

"The tattoos are markings. Each wolf is born with them. The designs and intricateness vary with each set. The location of the markings depend on the wolf's status and dominance. They change when they meet their mate. They then form into patterns that fit together like puzzle pieces. It's actually quite beautiful." Her eyes glaze over at the thought of having a mate, I assume.

"I've never heard of anything like that." I say in awe.

"Wolves are the most unique and complex creatures. Although, I am biased." She smiles.

"The glowing eyes also have to do with dominance. If the wolf feels threatened or unsecure the glowing represents a challenge for control. They are basically intense staring competitions occurring until one of the two looks away. This act establishes dominance through one of the wolves submitting." Ruelle continues.

"I remember learning that dominance is a major aspect of culture with the wolves." I recite. Thinking back to the days when I was an innocent child being taught by a tutor causes my head to float. I find it difficult to believe that life was ever that simplistic.

"Yes. It is vital for order among our people. Without it, there wouldn't be a pack."

"I find it inspiring how closely your race relies on each other." I confess.

"You would think that would be a good thing, but most of the time it ends in disaster. The elfin species in particular intrigues me the most. Skin color divides your people completely despite being identical in any other way. Vengeance is a trait claimed by the wolves, but obsession involving power is common amongst your kind." Ruelle trails off.