Eternity

Chapter 5

   Aulay had then proceeded to direct him around and out of the camp. She led him out across the East Winds territory, to a place on the border of the two packs. Yet, this location was rarely patrolled, as prey was nonexistent in the permafrost plains. There was also tall, bluish grass that was easy to hide within.

"This is where we'll meet, every week. I'll get what I can spare. Nothing more, nothing less, and only until the snow clears, or your pack returns to strength." She stated strongly.

He nodded his head. It was reasonable. "Agreed. And- thank you." He added.

"Very good. Now I advise you to be going." She said curtly, turning back in the direction of her own camp.

"Very well." He said before trotting off in the other direction.

He returned to his den that night with a sense of satisfaction. His pack would be fed- if Aulay held to her word. He had the feeling though, that as a wolf of honor, she would. However, there was no way of knowing till that day came.

And so the aforementioned day came. It could not be said that Erlendur was not just a little bit anxious. The day both seemed to pass to slowly and to pass not quick enough.

As the sun began to set, and the moon began to rise, taking the night and stars in tow, Erlendur's excitement rose with it. As the night finally claimed the sky, Erlendur set off on his mission. He snuck past the sentries, the misty snowfall creating a cloak of disguise perfect for his task.

The moor hills were blanketed in snow, ranging from a paw's to half a wolf's height in depth. Although the journey was a struggle, he raced and pushed and plowed forward with all his might, leaping and bounding over the heights of snow and across the moor.

Soon enough, his destination was in view. The permafrost plains and their stunted green grasses poking through the layer of snow was soon in view.

He slowed his pace, growing nervous. Would the she-wolf not show? Would she truly keep her word? Was this actually an elaborately designed trap for him, so that he maybe he would be captured and bargained for land? Such practice was not uncommon, though dishonorable. Or perhaps she would simply not appear at all, nor the prey.

These thoughts tumbled around his head like a midwinter's storm. Yet his nerves were calmed by the rustling of tall grass, which then parted to reveal Aulay. Aulay, who in her jaw dragged the leg of a small deer. His chest welled with joy. She had indeed proved to hold her word.

"Thank you, Aulay. This is very much appreciated. My gratitude to you is indescribable." He said after inspecting the specimen. He did not worry about the preys scent betraying its origin; dragging it through his packs territory for the few hours of the return journey would see it adequately reset.

The brown wolf stood there for a short while, her wide green eyes studying him. He eyed her curiously in return, his head cocked just a slight.

"For my honor." She said simply, and in less than a heartbeat from her having said it, she was gone. He looked after her for just a few long moments after, before turning to begin hauling the load. Such a prize would well feed at least a half dozen wolves, and rationed, could double that count.

He hauled the deer across the border, feeling relieved to be safe in his own grounds again. As he reached the rim of the first hill in moor, he set down the prey and glanced back, to see the lean figure of Aulay racing across her flatlands, the winds whipping through her fur, towards her camp.

After watching her run for perhaps a few moments longer than he should have, he forced himself to look away, pick up his prey, and continue along his course.

~~~

Weeks passed, turning to fortnights, which soon passed along as well, and led to months. Every meeting, she would say that same thing, "for my honor." and vanish into the night. Yet on the meeting of the first month, Aulay dared say something more:

"Erlendur, have you a name?" She asked, her eyes curiously searching his own.

Erlendur froze, closed his eyes, and turned his head away. He was well of age to have a name, and surely she carried one too. "I have not a name." He replied.

Although he could not see her, Aulay cocked her head just a slight, and said in return: "Nor I, Erlendur of the East Winds."

Surprised, he opened his eyes and turned to look to her. But by the time he had, she was already gone.