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       #Post#: 1671--------------------------------------------------
       Breaking the cycle
       By: Minyaagar Date: February 24, 2026, 9:24 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       —first—
       In the sands of Durante, is where the sand Dwellers live. A
       lawless land where only those strong or smart enough to survive
       would. Across the sands tribes would fight for resources that
       were lacking- sometimes the winners absorbing the other for
       labor.. or some simply killing them off for ‘mercy.’
       In a small oasis would be a single woman that had managed to
       make it to 19, Eden -was sleeping at her small oasis, it became
       a haven for her.. or least enough to live. The young woman had
       her arms folded her blade in hand. It became  habit for her, she
       had dealt with things in her life assisted by her tuning of the
       elements that she managed to learn in her short time of her
       master.. all she had was a magical pack that allowed her to hold
       things without being cumbered, and slept under only the stars.
       Her hood tugged low over her head to let her blend in with her
       surroundings. She woke up with a start to yawn, her mask hiding
       her eyes from the world. She went to get water before looking
       around as usual to see if anyone would be coming. She was a bit
       jumpy. She was use to seeing snow at this point, and
       occasionally what looked like one hell of a large man that would
       visit the oasis as of late just for water.  She took some in her
       hands to sip it and wiped her face a bit after she tugged her
       mask up enough before pulling it back down..
       Mean while down a bit of ways, laid a nomad tribe that had been
       on the move for some time. Their resources long since depleted..
       and were on the hunt for food as they were attempting to find
       another oasis.
       It was a dawn of a new day, in the camp, as scar began to stir
       and hear a commotion among the ravagers. He sighed knowing full
       well what it was. It was another argument right before the hunt.
       He separated the two, sighing deeply.”enough! “ he bellowed.
       “This isn’t the time to be fight in’ we got mouths to feed- get
       your asses moving or you won’t!” He snapped.
       He managed to get the group that was going moving as he called
       for snow, hoping he’d take control of the ravagers while he was
       gone.
       —-fin—-
       -----
       The sounds of the camp were already far behind Snow. The white
       haired, golden eyed ravager didn't spare a look behind him as he
       climbed out of the sand dunes and headed to the oasis a few
       leagues away. Having gone the route so many times, he knew where
       to step and avoid the sand from sliding under his feet.
       Finally the oasis was only a few feet away and he moved to hide
       and watch the hooded female as she moved around. She seemed far
       jumpier than normal and wondered if it was because his visit was
       delayed, or if someone had attacked and made her more wary than
       normal.
       Not wanting to add to her nerves, Snow let out a whistle to
       signal he was nearby. Then he slowly moved closer, and grinned
       broadly flashing his teeth at her. "Miss me Red?" He asked.
       ---
       Hearing Scar's call for Snow had the giant Einar shooting a look
       at his shorter mate, Hama.
       "Scar, Snows not here. Think he snuck off again," Hama spoke up
       with a sigh.
       ----
       -----
       It had been over a fortnight since Adan had been captured,
       trussed up and hauled off by a trio of fanatics. The bodyguards
       he'd had with him hadn't stood much of a chance against them,
       sent to deaths door in mere moments.
       The sight of his former friends' deaths had been shocking to the
       young nobleman. He'd never seen death like this before, nor felt
       the spray of warm blood on his face. The fanatics roughness when
       they'd tied him up hadn't been necessary as Adan was still in
       shock and numb from his experience.
       They'd traveled tirelessly, prodding Adan along with their
       spears for what felt like thousands of miles. His feet didn't
       just ache, they throbbed with every step and he could barely put
       one foot in front of the other.
       "Sit, drink and rest," came the now familiar grunted order as a
       water skin was tossed at him.
       Adan sank to the ground, his body shaking as he undid the top of
       the water skin and gulped down a mouthful and gasped.
       His face felt far too hot and he was sure he was sunburnt and
       looked like a lobster by now. He panted a bit before getting
       another drink then doused his head with some as well trying to
       cool off his burning head.
       Again he had to wonder why he of all people had been targeted
       and taken? He wasn't all that special. Just the son of two dead
       noble borns and the foster son of a general. What did these
       people want him for?
       Adan was a dabbler in most skill sets, being fairly good but in
       no way an expert. Sure he was good with history and studies of
       dead people and their ancient ways, but what good was that
       knowledge?
       He was starting to think his foster father had given up on
       looking for him. They'd gone so far and he's lost track of how
       many sand dunes they'd gone over. Not having any landmarks to go
       by, Adan knew trying to escape would be futile. But would death
       by desert be better than the fate that awaited him?
       ---fin---
       The hunt had been going on for three days now. Skoll was
       tracking a family of boar. He didn't feel like he was making any
       progress so he decided to take a break at the top of a rocky
       outcrop. The lone wolf pulled some jerky from his pack and was
       munching away when he heard some raiders settling at the bottom
       of the outcrop.
       He couldn't help himself and peaked over the edge to see and
       spotted the very sun burnt prisoner. Having been a prisoner
       himself, he didn't even give what he did next a second guess as
       he finished off his jerky.
       The mountain of a man stood to his full height before he
       *jumped* landing on the crown of the head of the raider that was
       about to smack the shit out of the prisoner, killing the man on
       impact. His claws of blood began to form as he stole the blood
       leaking from his most recent victim to rip apart the other two.
       Once all were dead, Skoll absorbed the blood before turning to
       the man who was held against his will.
       "Rescue, me Skoll" he grumbled in his broken language. He didn't
       speak to anyone ever in the years since the ravages had
       abandoned him, so he had lost most of that skill.
       Without another word, he scooped the defenseless man into his
       arms and left his hunt for now. Getting the man on the road to
       recovery took priority. Given how strong the sun was, he used
       his cloak to entirely incase the man in his arms.
       After a good three hours, Skoll found a cave he deemed safe
       enough and set the man down before gathering food and water for
       the guy and even getting his bed roll out for the man to have a
       comfy place to lay down.
       "Rest, Skoll keep safe," he assured.
       ---
       It had been almost a week since Blade had fled to from the
       forest to the unforgiving desert. Without the knowledge or skill
       to survive, it was shocking he had made it this long before
       collapsing. He was barely aware that someone had found him but
       the people hauling him through the desert now had barely givin
       him any water so he was steadily growing weaker.
       ---fin---
       Scar made a deep sigh at the sound of snow sneaking off- along
       with a panicked feeling. After losing skoll the man was double
       protective and prone to be impulsive.”Hama einar- keep them in
       line- figure out which one is dealing with the hunters-I’m
       finding snow.” Said the man in a deep baritone. He wondered just
       what was making snow sneak off the way he had been.. as he
       stopped  at the direction where he heard that snow often would
       sneak off did he notice the fanatics making their way to make a
       disgruntled sound.
       The tribe was known to be ruthless- stealing the young for
       labor, and killing those that opposed them. It seemed they were
       on the move, as he was about to move on.. given they were not
       going close to his tribe to grant a pause, it looked as if a
       scrawny teen was being hauled off. His frown deepening. He
       cracked his knuckles as he couldn’t quite just walk away.
       His foot dug in the sand as he noticed them stopping and pulling
       the boys head up by the hair to give whatever water they could
       and one taking a break. The brawly man made a toothy grin. For
       his size he couldn’t exactly hide.. but, they hadn’t noticed him
       at the distance.. yet. He opted to go around a large dune
       finding the man relieving himself around the rock he saw before-
       to snag him by the neck and using his gift to snap his neck
       quietly. He drew his blade out as he peered with his blade of
       the two. Once one seemed to walk a bit of ways, the other
       seemingly trying to wake blade, would be met with a blade- the
       blood flinging away,  the rippers made an unnatural sound as
       they went for the large man for him to grab blade. He tapped
       into his abilities again for the second use to knock one of the
       rippers down his foot stepping down on its head crushing it. It
       was enough to rattle the other creatures to run off in a panic
       -the third that had walked off had turned at the chaos decided
       scar wasn’t worth it to run off himself.>>>
       ^^^
       Scar groaned.”snow if they’re around you should know better!” He
       complained to the absent man in a general direction.”first let’s
       get you taken care of.” He said to the teen that dangled from
       his arm. He didn’t take long to walk back as he headed for his
       tent to get the boy settled on the bed to go to his water
       bladder. “Come on kid-“ he said as he shifted blade up.”just
       don’t drink fast you’ll get sick..” he warned once he had signs
       of the teen being conscious.
       ———
       Eden was about relaxed until she heard a familiar whistle. It
       was that of snow- the man seemed to have been coming around
       since he had found her. She assumed he was some scout and had
       been nervous at the idea of being forced into labor for a tribe
       she didn’t know, or kicked from what she considered home all
       together. But as time had gone- come to find out he was looking
       for someone.
       She saw him approach with his usual caution, her hand resting on
       a blade as she heard his greeting and the pearly whites that
       matched his hair. “I’ll just say yes if it keeps that smile on
       your face.” Said Eden with a toothy one of her own.
       The woman was still quite cautious- after what she had dealt
       with in life- it finally seemed to have settled into some
       semblance of peace. “So what is it your doing today ravager?”
       She asked before she turned her head some to see the giant of a
       man lugging a much smaller one. “Guess he found a friend..”
       mused the redhead as she sighed.”your no longer the only
       visitor- granted that giant just comes for the water- I..was
       gonna ask if he’s from your tribe-“ she told Snow.”granted
       yanno- been seeing me off and on- figured another might be bound
       to find this place.” She said.
       —fin—
       Adan felt a shadow fall over him and gulped as he looked up at
       the tallest barbarian that had grabbed him. From the way the
       other's arm drew up, he knew instantly what the other intended
       and shrank back trying to cover himself before the other started
       beating him.
       Only the first strike never came, just the sound of crunching
       bones and something hot hitting him. He glanced up and let out a
       gasp of shock at the sight of a huge man standing on the bow
       crushed barbarian's body. It was a gory mess to behold, making
       Adan tremble and cover his eyes as more grisly sounds came next.
       The grumbled rough words made Adan pull his hands away to stare
       in surprise at the giant man in obvious shock.
       "You...you're here to save me?" He questioned back in the
       stranger's own tongue. It was actually a rather common core
       language he'd learned long ago so it wasn't all that hard to
       distinguish.
       He let out a startled sound as he was suddenly scooped up into
       the other's strong arms, covered in a cloak and then carried
       off.
       For the first few miles, his body was tense in the other's arms.
       Then his tiredness took over and he passed out, slumbering until
       he was laid out, offered food and then told to rest.
       "Thank you...Skoll." Adan said softly, eating a bit of the food
       and downing more of the water.
       He glanced around the cave, feeling a bit unsure of how safe it
       could be. Most times animals used these places to hide or nest
       in. Finally he curled up on the bedroll giving in to his
       exhaustion and falling asleep.
       -----
       "ay, will do Scar," Hama agreed instantly.
       Einar nodded, a grim look settling on his face as he looked over
       the men closely. To think one of their own might be working with
       the hunters was a grim thought indeed.
       "Send the first to the interrogation tent," the stoic Einar said
       before stalking off.
       Hama knew his mate hated having to deal with this side of things
       but didn't argue. "I'll do it," Atreyus insisted coming out of
       his own tent, his sharp brilliant blue eyes sliding over the
       suspected cohorts. "That one first," he pointed out to a
       fidgeting man on the left.
       Einar shot a grateful look at the younger man and hauled the
       suspect into the tent used to question their enemies.
       Soon the sounds of screams and begging filled the air.
       -----
       Snow was quite aware of "Red's" wariness of him and kept a bit
       of a distance between them. As of late he'd started to realize
       he was more than attracted to her. He had feelings for her, even
       though all their encounters were little more than exchanging
       barbs and a bit of flirting. There was just something about her
       that drew him in, something he could quite explain or name.
       "Ah, feeling in a good mood today then, glad to hear it," he
       said winking at her.
       Her question had him shrugging and sighing. "The same as usual,
       looking for signs of my lost friend. I'm not going to give up. I
       know he's still out there," he said softly. He'd never outright
       said that Skoll was more than a friend, though that was what he
       had felt.
       They'd only been together once. Once had been enough for him to
       never give up hope that Skoll was still alive somewhere.
       Snow's gaze to followed Eden's and fell on the Giant man. He
       frowned slightly, getting a rather strange sense of knowing the
       tall stranger. There was something about the way he moved that
       was familiar.
       "He's not one of ours, as far as I can tell from this distance.
       I make sure I'm the only one allowed to come here," he added
       frowning a bit.
       Snow watched the giant man disappear into a nearby cave, getting
       a flash of concern shooting through him.
       "Whoever he was carrying was covered up, perhaps they need help.
       We should go see if there's anything we can do for them. Plus,
       they might need the protection of a group. It's not easy in the
       desert alone with all the fanatic raiders all over," he added.
       "You coming Red?" He asked shooting her a challenging look. "Or
       you going to stay here?"
       ---fin---
       "Skoll protect," the mountain of a man reassured as his guest
       ate the last of what food he had. He would have to go find some
       food again soon, maybe the oasis had fish? He would likely have
       to focus on smaller game until he had enough to keep the
       stranger alive until he could get a proper hunt to feed himself.
       He knew he could go weeks without food so he wasn't all that
       worried for the time being.
       Once the man was fast asleep did Skoll start going back through
       his supplies until he heard a sounds outside of his cave.
       Someone or something was aproching. He began to make a growling
       sound that echoed in the cave making it sound like some kind of
       terrifying beast lay within the cave. The sound was enough to
       cause a desert fox to bail on it's hiding place along with a few
       birds flying off deeper into the oasis.
       It seemed the crunch of sand continued, causing the feral man to
       bite into his wrist like many times before to get the blood he
       needed for his ability to control blood to activate. He formed
       the blood into massive and deadly claws, ready to shred anyone
       who attempted to enter his cave.
       ---
       A pained noise had left Blade when his hair was pulled, giving
       just a taste of the liquid he desperately needed. Then,
       suddenly, everything was chaos as a massive man drove off those
       he hadn't killed before the adolescent dragon found himself
       scooped up and was practically a ragdoll in the man's hold as
       the guy cursed someone named snow. He nearly passing out on the
       track back to the ravages camp. Groaning when he was laid down
       on the most proper bed he had in a long time.
       He disregarded the man's warning on not drinking too fast as he
       snatched the water bladder and guzzled the contents, letting out
       a sound of relief at finally having some water. "More...
       please... if... if there is a place I could submerge I'll be
       fine..." He tried to mumble out as he fell back onto the bed as
       his eyes threatened to close from the heat exhaustion.
       ----
       Scar sighed as he felt the thing taken from him as the boy drank
       it desperately. “Told you easy!” He said. He heard what he said
       next as he made a thought.  He got up and began to think. He
       sighed at himself as he made a silent decision.”I’ll give you
       more to drink- I’ll send scouts shortly to find a place you can
       soak boy.. just rest.” He said before yelling for einar and
       Hama. “I want you to try two clicks south.. if snow went that
       why- must be a big reason why. I know we’ve sent people that way
       that never came back but him- find out why.” He told them.”if
       there’s an oasis though turn back and tell me- this boy.. he’s
       different- maybe waterborn.. how he’s here I don’t get it but he
       needs it soon.” He told them.
       ——-
       Eden noticed snows gaze again.. it seemed to come and go- it was
       clear he was attracted -but due to her own walls kept her
       distance. She gave a chuckle a bit at his response and wink.
       She felt a warning whisper inside.
       *don’t get involved…*
       “So he’s not?..”she asked ignoring the voice- before hearing
       what the man said next “help? Looks like he’s already helping.”
       She started before hearing the rest. Her arms folded to hear the
       last part.  Her hand went to her mask that dangled over her
       shoulder course she heard end itching in her mind that it was a
       bad idea- only to be ignored again.
       But Eden being the softer of the two sighed.”yeah yeah ravager.
       Just know when he comes attacking I’m out!” She stated to
       follow.  She then heard.
       *you seriously ignoring me?… don’t cry to me if things go
       wrong…* Eden heard as her head turned almost looking to her
       right. “Shut it..” she mumbled before continuing to walk.
       Of course when they got closer did she hear growling and her
       breath caught.
       *telling you this is a bad idea..* end said once again.
       Eden sighed and then decided to call out into the cave.”hey big
       guy! You’re the one that’s been going for water right? “ called
       out the woman.>>
       “Noticed you were carrying a hurt guy- need help?” She called
       out her hands resting on her blades as she looked at the
       entrance, her head turning a bit toward snow, thought clearly
       was listening.
       —-
       Ezra and Khali were tracking when they had found what looked
       like a scene of a slaughter. They were sent when adan didn’t
       come back in the time alloted to go to the desert.
       They didn’t find Adan among the dead- during their travels to
       dropped items.. and the magic that was given in a form of a
       paper acting like a compass to where adan would be.  Had he been
       dead once they activated the thing would have it burned.
       They came across some dead rippers and fanatics to conclude the
       man was saved somehow but.. still no signs.
       Khali sighed as he heard Ezra complain about how it’s taking too
       long.”even with all the magic it’s going to take time- at least
       we have a direction.” He told the man as he shifted to adjust
       his mask. Before they continued to walk.
       —fin—
       Scar's return had the ravagers relax a bit despite the cries
       from the interrogation tent Getting louder. Haha and Einar were
       quick to report to Scar's bellow for them. They exchanged looks
       when their leader ordered them to go where Snow often
       disappeared to.
       Though they'd never asked and Snow had kept quiet about why he
       often went there they both had an idea why.
       "Yes Scar, we'll head out right away," Hama replied.
       Einar gave a nod of his head and they turned to go, and paused
       seeing Atreus heading towards them and Scar.
       He gave his report to Scar about the man he'd questioned and
       where the hunters were holed up. "If you two are headed out,
       I'll go along too." Atreus insisted.
       The three were soon heading out, leaving the camp behind them.
       "Hey Atreus, what kind of races are waterborne?" Hama asked
       after they'd gone a good pace away.
       Atreus shot him a quizzical look before answering.
       "Well..typical ones are merpeople or sirens, or other water
       races. Of course there are also water dragons, water nymphs and
       other fae water creatures too."
       -----
       Snow's grin got wider hearing her chuckling. "Well...maybe I'm
       just a bit curious about them. Finding out more about them
       wouldn't hurt," he reasoned. "I'll draw him away, keep him away
       from you," he promised when she said she'd leave if they got
       attacked.
       He could hear her mumbling but didn't mention it. Given she was
       a loner, it wouldn't surprise him if she often talked to
       herself.
       The growling that came from inside had him pausing for a moment
       before he moved in closer, standing near Eden as she called in
       to the man they'd seen earlier.
       "Hey big guy, we don't mean you or your friend any harm. Here,
       I'll put my blades down," he said and took off his belt with his
       swords and tossed them into the cave, adding his dagger next.
       "There, I'm unarmed, can I come in?" He asked, using a soothing
       calming tone.
       ----
       Hearing a feminine voice offering help gave Skoll pause, even
       more so when a familiar male voice followed. Seeing the weapon
       made him even more curious and drew him to the mouth of the
       cave.
       "Come, if lie, will shred," Skoll growled out, deciding to trust
       the familiar voice. His claws of blood still raised as all hair
       on him bristled as the sound of sand crunching resumed before a
       very familiar face appeared. A look of shock came to Skoll's
       eyes before he mentally told himself it couldn't be *him*.
       ---
       With Scar's promise of more water, Blade was soon passed out and
       snoring away, finally feeling safe enough to let go of the
       waking world.
       ---fin---
       Eden heard the voice called out almost primitive. Her head
       turned to take movement first and walked in to see how he seemed
       to look at snow.”yanno- I think he is one of you.. bet it’s your
       friend.” She said. Before hearing end making a comment about how
       a good fuck he’d be to make a face.”shush.” She mumbled again as
       end was clearly was beginning to be more mouthy from the norm
       inside. She usually kept quiet- to know she had a type was
       definitely new.
       She moved her head to see a man laying down. Her face gained an
       empathetic look.. least from the mouth seen. She had tugged her
       hood a bit more to hide her hair.”I’ll help him.” She said as
       her hand went to her pack slowly to show a green stone to skoll…
       then doubled back to look at skoll to notice the blood
       claws.”that’s new..” she said as she wanted a closer look- but
       she knew she needed to hold up her words as her hand shifted to
       the man that clearly had some burns on his skin that looked
       worse. “I’ll heal what I can- but the rest will naturally work-
       I got some aloe to help with the burn.” Said the woman as she
       took care of the worst parts and pulled out a small compact
       wooden container with aloe inside. She rubbed where she could,
       before she saw Adan’s face. Course as she did so she inspected
       parts of him. It was clear the man lived a comfortable life-
       till he came to the desert. She blushed a bit.
       *great.. fine.. you can have your boys as long as I get mine*
       she heard as she went as a tomato.”your making this awkward you
       know.” She said as she finished up.
       ——-
       The two traveling guards were just about to an oasis.. it was
       clear with the wildlife they were beginning to see, to run into
       a group of three men. The two tend to be levelheaded- if they
       attacked they would defend themselves- but it seemed they were
       on their own search. “Mmm.. seems we are getting closer..” said
       Khali as he took in the paper turning a color of yellow.. a sign
       they were just about to an area to really look.
       —fin—
       "No need to shred," Snow reassured the speaker and followed Eden
       into the cave. Her comment had him shake his head until he saw
       the man up close. His eyes widened at seeing the very familiar
       eyes of the other man.
       "Skoll? Is...is it really you?" He breathed out in shock.
       The blood claws was more than enough of a verifying clue to the
       others identity.
       "I knew you were alive. They all said you'd died and I should
       give up on finding you," he said shaking a bit, wanting very
       much to hold Skoll in his arms again. "Guess I can't call you
       Tiny anymore," he said taking in how much Skoll had grown since
       he'd last saw him.
       He was far too distracted with Skoll to pay much mind to what
       Eden was doing to help the other guy.
       -----
       Adan slowly woke to the sensation of something being rubbed on
       his aching  burning body. He was still a bit out of it, his gaze
       taking in the veiled woman rubbing his body with some sort of
       cooling gel.
       "Are you an Angel? You kind of look like one," he murmured.
       He blinked at her saying he was making things awkward.
       "Am I? Sorry. Is...Skoll okay? Did something happen to him?" He
       asked and tried to sit up to look for his rescuer.
       -----
       It was Einar who first spied the two strangers and motioned to
       Hama and Atreus that they had company.
       "Probably be best to just avoid them," Hama suggested eying
       their outfits.
       Atreus ignored this, moving to intercept the two. Their uniforms
       had a memory of his past flash through his mind. The sight of
       the paper changing color had him realizing they were tracking
       someone down.
       Einar heard Hama muttering darkly about Tre not listening and
       followed a few feet after the blood speaker.
       "Tracking someone or something?" Atreus asked, his eyes looking
       over both of them closely then settling on the younger of the
       two. "There are many dangers out here, we'll assist you in your
       search," he insisted, his tone of voice brokering no arguing on
       either parties side.
       His eyes suddenly flashed as sensed the blood that Skoll had
       manipulated. "It's this way," he said before heading towards the
       cave near the oasis.
       ----fin----
       #Post#: 1672--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Breaking the cycle
       By: Minyaagar Date: February 24, 2026, 9:52 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Having the woman slowly coming in put Skoll on edge even more,
       at least it did until he heard the familiar face say his name.
       All focus was on the white haired man in that moment.
       "Snow..." He said in astonishment as his guard was entirely let
       down as he let the blood claws return to his body leaving just
       the trickle where he had hurt himself to cause the claws in the
       first place.
       He rushed forward and pulled Snow into a hug, kissing the man
       deeply. He had missed the man who had stolen his heart for so
       long and to hear the man never gave up looking made his heart
       flutter.
       The relief and calm was sullied when Skoll heard more
       approaching footsteps and pulled Snow over to where the woman
       and his charge were and reactivated his claws to growl even more
       fiercely than before. Going to the mouth of the cave with his
       blood claws already out. He was not loosing Snow again.
       +-+
       Eden had heard the words of the man as he stirred causing her to
       blush even more. End who *was*babbling had stopped and seemed to
       be flustered as well. “Angel.. hardly..” said the woman.”and
       skoll is fine- just.. catching up with an old friend.” She said
       to turn back and got an eye full of a hot kiss between the two.
       *oh sweet gods..he was flirting with us- maybe we **can** have
       both.*  Eden covered her face immediately to peek through some
       fingers. Least till she turned back to Adan.
       *or all three … one for each h-*
       “Shut it!” Eden said clearly flustered. She paused.”was talking
       to someone else.” She tried to cover for her outburst.
       Meanwhile, Ezra who saw the paper heard someone speaking to turn
       to see one of the three approaching- the other two *clearly*
       looking a bit mad.”we are.. just routine- been having people
       disappear and well someone got nabbed that didn’t come back..
       and we will be fine.” He said as he walked anyway with the man.
       There was something different that drew him in. Somehow.. he
       kinda reminded him of Adan.. just way more tattoos.  As they
       approached did he hear the growl.”oh greaaaat we got a feral.”
       Said Ezra flatly as khali just said.”I’ll handle it from here.”
       He said as he looked at the three strangers. His eyes gave a
       soft glow as. A reflection of him  and  appeared .Of course the
       fake khali went in to see skoll and seemed to stay put and
       looked around.
       Eden who had heard more feet gotten more on edge. She hated
       closed spaces, she was already pushing it with three hot guys
       nearby- but she didn’t expect to see the figure of a nightmare
       of her past. She tugged her hood low almost immediately.
       “Oh thank god you’re alive Adan..” said Khali with relief in his
       voice. “I take it you saved this man?” He asked the group as
       was.
       Eden kept her hood down as she clarified.”it is the big growling
       man that did… “ she said pointing.
       >>>>
       ^^^^
       The Anubis guard looked back at the one that looked ready to
       attack.”Adan.. think you can tell me what exactly happened?” He
       asked as he saw the woman shift to move to another part of cave.
       That’s when she took notice it was an illusion.  She didn’t dare
       look out of the mouth of the cave, her hands keeping her hood
       down along with her face almost as if she was trying to act
       invisible.
       —fin—
       Snow practically melted under the onslaught of Skoll's lips on
       his. He wrapped his own arms around his first crush and lover,
       his heart pounding wildly against the others chest.
       Their long awaited reunion was quite suddenly ruined by the
       sound of more footsteps outside the cave. He let out a
       frustrated groan at the fools that Skoll was now growling at,
       looking like all he wanted to do was rip out their throats.
       ------
       "You really know nothing about the desert or what dangers you're
       about to face," Atreus called after the two and shook his head.
       "We should go find Snow now," Hama said trying to redirect Tre.
       "Yeah, well pretty sure that's exactly where they are going. I
       can feel Skoll, Snow and a few strangers in that cave," Atreus
       replied shooting Hama a strained look. "People really ought to
       listen to me instead of brushing me off," he added brusquely and
       followed after the two  jungle guards muttering under his breath
       about how stuck up jungle folk were.
       "I'd highly advise against engaging Skoll or Snow," Atreus said
       after catching up to them, his eyes suddenly flashing a bright
       blue.
       -----
       Adan blinked at the woman's response, noting the blush that
       showed on her cheeks. "Okay, you may not be an angel in body,
       but you definitely have the soul of one. Thank you for your
       kindness," Adan said softly as he sat up to get a better view of
       Skoll. His own eyes widened at the sight of the two men
       embracing and kissing one another so passionately.
       His attention was drawn back to Eden at her strange outburst,
       his eyebrows furrowing a bit in confusion. It was almost like
       she was having a conversation with someone that wasn't there.
       Then things took a turn for the worse, the footsteps outside
       aggravating Skoll immensely making him act more like a beast
       than a man. His eyes widened at the appearance of one of Khali's
       fakes.
       "Khali! Thank God! You found me. Skoll it's okay, try to calm
       down. Khali's a friend of mine. He won't hurt you unless you
       attack him."
       Adan had planned on explaining what had happened when he
       suddenly froze a vision hitting him suddenly and rendered him
       speechless and motionless as he was stuck in a horrifying scene
       of the future to come.
       ----fin----
       When the sound of crunching sand stopped, Skoll's hair raised on
       end. The suddenly seeing the man had him fully on guard. He
       could see through illusions easily. They never had a smell of
       made the proper sounds of a person.
       He stilled for a moment when Adan claimed the man as friend but
       when Adan was suddenly unresponsive, he went into full feral
       mind, seeing read as he embraced the berserker rage with a
       terrifying roar of "***LEAVE***"  causing the illusion to
       disappear before Skoll came barreling out like a bat out of the
       depths of hell itself with his red eyes as he charged for the
       two masked men, letting out a roar of rage every swing of his
       claws, causing illusions to dissipate.
       When Skoll quickly clocked Ezra as the weaker close combatant,
       Skoll focused on the man with the intensity of a mother bear
       protecting her cubs.
       +----
       Ezra heard atreaus’ warning when it started. “While I get it- I
       just want you to know your priorities and ours are different -
       that’s the queens grandson in there- our lives are *nothing*
       compared to his.” He said in almost an empty tone. “If We die-
       we die.. if we live we live- isn’t that the way the desert folk
       live anyway?” He had asked Atreus.
       Khali who had sent the illusion seemed focused as he ignored the
       warning. While he knew the man was t wrong- it didn’t mean they
       could walk away- to go back without adan meant consequences.
       He was seeing how adan was attempting to talk skoll down- to no
       avail he paled at the sight of adan freezing up- just before he
       heard the man roar right at his illusion to come out of it. Ezra
       looked baffled.”what was that!” Asked Ezra.
       “A very angry man- and adan is unresponsive- this is bad.” Was
       all khali could manage out, “Ezra watch it!” He heard as his
       blade went up, catching the attack of the beserker.”are you
       kidding me!?!” He started as the chaos began to unfold.
       Khali uttered brief instructions, as Ezra showed a bit more
       defense till he had to step in. “Told you to watch your left ya
       almost got hit!” He said as He knocked back one of the man’s
       blades.
       Khali compared to Ezra was clearly a seasoned fighter as the man
       backed up. It was clear the man was doing well against of a
       beserker of all things- as to the how- one wouldn’t know- but at
       the last second he saw a move he knew well- that was meant to
       take a limb. He flowed as he took a gash to the side to slide
       back.
       “Your good kid- I’ll give you that.” He said.
       Meanwhile in the cave Eden noticed how Adan had stiffened and
       skoll rushing out, her body moved back as something came back to
       her faintly.  She rushed over to pause when she heard a low
       growl. She looked at adan and slowly began to move to the side.
       Bringing the chimeras gaze. “Ah… shit.” Was all that came out
       before she felt the wind. Her instincts took over as she took
       off for the entrance of the cave.>>
       Of course a gust came at her back as she felt a violent gust.
       Ezra who had backed off saw a small frame fly out, and clearly a
       woman’s scream. Ezra made a noise as he didn’t think twice to
       get by skoll to catch the body and made a noise. The hood fell
       back as he saw just who was in his arms. His own mask had come
       off revealing his shocked face. A roar sounded from the
       cave.”chimera! “ said Eden.”the beast.. adan- he’s not moving!”
       She said rather panicked tone.
       —fin—
       --+--
       Hama and Einar held themselves back from entering the cave, the
       only ones to actually take Atreus' advice. They were far more
       familiar with that warning flash of his eyes.
       Atreus rolled his eyes at the dismissive reply from the younger
       guard. "This has nothing to do about priorities, you idiot," he
       said his frustration and annoyance with the man's response. "If
       you want to save your friend, you kind of have to protect
       yourself and think before rushing in!"
       
       Of course before he could explain further the elder created an
       illusion of himself and sent it in to engage and scout out the
       situation.
       "Idiots..." He muttered again, clenching his hands at his side.
       The sound of Skoll's enraged roar had the ravagers tighten their
       grip on their still sheathed weapons and shooting a look at
       Atreus.
       "I fu.cking told you this would fu.cking happen," Atreus
       muttered darkly, his eyes flashing brighter. "And that's not
       even the worse part,"
       "Should we go in and help them?" Hama asked, shooting a look at
       the younger man.
       "Don't engage just yet, if we try and gang up on him, it'll make
       it worse." Atreus replied and moved in to watch the two engaging
       Skoll and his mind going through possible scenarios that might
       work or fail in calming Skoll down.
       He shot a look at Snow when the man began speaking, attempting
       to calm the enraged Skoll down
       "Skoll, please calm down. They are only trying to help their
       friend. They don't know that you're a good one. That you've been
       lost yourself and need help. Please stop fighting." Snow
       practically begged, afraid that the boy he'd loved would kill
       the guards and bring a war down on the desert sands.
       Snow attempted a few times to pull Skoll back, but the feral man
       was too strong and stuck in his feral mind to stop his fighting.
       Atreus' gaze shifted suddenly to the back of the cave where the
       two strangers were standing...one frozen like a statue, the
       other much shorter wearing a hood over their...no her head.
       "Fu.ck..." He swore sensing the chimera seconds before it slowly
       came out of the shadow depths, it's scorpion tail swelling and
       swaying above its head.
       "Hama, Einar, time to engage," he announced calling on the magic
       on his blood, his tattoos starting to glow on his arms and the
       back of his hands.
       The chimera followed after the fleeing female, who ended up
       crashing into the younger guard. The man froze seeing her face
       revealed, not realizing the danger he was in. Atreus cursed and
       dove to land on top of them and roll them out of the path of the
       creature and off to the side. His arms tightened around the two
       for a moment before he pushed himself up and watched Einar and
       Hama drive the creature back with their blades and  double edged
       axe.
       "Snow! There's a chimera! Move!" He yelled.
       Snow felt the hairs on his neck and body rise at the roar and
       the other's warnings, his gold eyes flickering to the frozen
       jungle man left exposed to the creature as it moved towards him,
       deciding to go against an easier target.
       Even if he didn't know the guy there was no way he was going to
       leave him in a dangerous situation.
       Snow quickly glanced around for the blades he'd tossed into the
       cave earlier. They were too far away making him swear.
       Then he heard Einar yell, "Snow catch!"
       He twisted and jumped to catch the tossed blade and moved
       swiftly to attack the chimera and drive it back a few feet
       before it swept him off his feet and then grabbed both him and
       Adan into its mouth and race off deep into the caverns below the
       cave.
       Snow let out a pained cry as one tooth pierced through his arm
       and fought as much as he could knowing that once the creature
       stopped they were as good as dead.
       Atreus let out a dark curse and then let out a loud yell.
       "Enough fighting you two! Your man and Snow are in danger, let's
       go save them before they become dinner for the chimera's cubs!"
       He spat out, his eyes flashing once more as he moved to get
       between Skoll and Khali.
       -----
       A wicked Smirk crossed Skoll's lips when he finally drew blood.
       It seemed the one armed man was trying to teach when really they
       should have both been fighting for their lives. Snow's pleas
       fell on deaf ears as Skoll fought, at least they did until the
       chimera showed herself. He watched in horror as the men engaged
       the creature before the beast took Snow and Adan into the cave
       again.
       When Atreus tried to go past him, Skoll grabbed him by the back
       of his shirt. "**Back off**" he growled in warning.
       "Want live? Stay." Skoll demanded of the group before he went in
       on his own. The giant of a man went in the cave, boldly walking
       right into the den, though notably, his blood claws were not out
       anymore.
       Skoll planted his feet and gave an impressive challenging roar
       when he found her, causing the chimera to drop the to men and
       give it's own below in return. The barbarian kept a wide stance,
       that one might take if intending to grapple a larger opponent.
       With another roar, the chimera struck out with it's stinger
       repeatedly, Skoll barely dodging out of the way each time until
       the beast over extended itself and got ahold on the monster's
       singer.
       Before the creature could react, Skoll rushed forward, using its
       own tail to hogtie its feet and then held its head and stinger
       down in a bear hug to end all bear hugs.
       "Shhhhh, Safe," he soothed, not letting go until the beast
       stopped fighting. He then let go and went over to toss a man
       over each shoulder as the mother chimera gave Skoll a
       disgruntled growl getting a below out of Skoll that got it to
       back off.
       Soon he reached the outside of the cave and set the two men down
       to check them over, though, he didn't let anyone save for Eden
       anywhere close.
       ------
       Eden felt the connection with her brother as they were rolled
       away by another ravager- her face finally looking at Ezra’s the
       shock wore off- when she heard a ravager call a name- the first
       time she really heard his name. She never gave hers as she was
       still quite  unnerved. But seeing his form run off for the cave
       to only be swept up cause something inside to snap emotionally.
       The man that visited her.. made her feel less lonely was about
       to be chimera food.
       *told you… being close was not wise*
       The phrase seemed sullen and broken. End as much as Eden held
       some affection for the man- as he always seemed  to be there-
       even made her a bit less lonely herself and entertained when
       Eden seemed flustered.
       Eden about launched out of Ezra’s arms as snow had turned for
       her.. someone important to be yanked back by a hand. “That’s
       dangerous!” She heard as she started to yank in her twins grip.
       “Like I fu.cking care-“ flew out with a slap to the face
       sounding.”get a hold of yourself.” Eden heard before skoll
       reached Ezra’s ears.  He watched how the man practically moved
       Atreus before hearing the man’s demands.”see your best here..”
       he told the now very quiet Eden.
       She saw how his blood claws vanished.. End seemingly stilling
       inside from wanting to murder the twin that just slapped them.
       Eden yanked her arm free to rush to follow. Never one to really
       listen.
       “Ayla!” Flew out as she flat out ignored that as she came across
       skoll when he was grappling the fearsome creature. Her lips
       parted in surprise.  The creature ambling off as she backed off
       with a rather slight blush at what she saw. She saw the two sat
       down as she checked over adan- it seemed snows actions kept him
       from being terribly roughed up.  The man was still out. She went
       to snow to  see his leg.
       “How do you feel snow?.. are you off?” She asked using his name.
       She used her stone as she knew she could use it for the poison
       if there was any.. and healed the wound as far as her abilities
       would allow.>>>>
       ^^^
       Her breathing was starting to already sound deep and laborious
       as she was now reaching her limit.   Her body slightly trembling
       as she seemed gearing to just to try to heal snow. She stopped
       as she dug in her bag for a bandage as she went to treat what
       was left as she was trying to hold what emotions was rolling
       inside that seemed to have hit that she really cared for the man
       that bothered to come and visit her- a lonely woman- at the
       oasis
       —fin—
       Atreus didn't argue with the now giant-sized Skoll when the man
       stopped him and told him to stay if he wanted to live.
       "Fine, just hurry on bringing them back. That creatures teeth
       and claws are extremely poisonous, they won't have long if you
       want them to survive it!" He called after Skoll's disappearing
       backside.
       Einar and Hama looked quite alarmed to hear this news.
       With nothing else to do but wait, Atreus turned to watch the
       younger, rather good looking guard talking to the young woman,
       trying to convince her it was best to stay where she was.
       He backed up as she flew by a moment later to follow after
       Skoll. "She'll be back," he predicted dryly and then noticed
       that both the jungle guards had been wounded.
       He sighed and then moved to heal the two guards' wounds,
       muttering under his breath about how they should have listened
       and given him more time to explain why.
       "None of this would have happened if you'd let me finish talking
       instead of brushing me off like I didn't know what I was talking
       about," he grumbled. "You jungle folk think you know everything
       and everyone else is beneath you."
       Hama sighed crossing his arms over his chest, shooting a look at
       Einar.
       "Atreus, please calm yourself," Einar said in his deep voice,
       attempting to soothe the younger man and keep him from getting
       more upset.
       Atreus pulled away from The elder one, clenching his teeth as he
       held back the rest of what he wanted to say, his tattoos still
       glowing in the darkness of the cave.
       "You have any wounds?" He asked glancing at the younger, his
       features blank though inside he was admiring the others long red
       hair and handsome features. Maybe if the guy didn't grate on his
       nerves, he might actually take his chances at wooing him.
       -----
       Snow and the still frozen man had been dropped in the middle of
       the chimera's nest when Skoll confronted her with a roar that
       nearly shook the walls of the cavern.
       The poison had already taken affect, paralyzing Snow so all he
       could do was watch his lost love wrestle the chimera and get it
       to submit to his immense strength. Snow blinked, amazed that
       Skoll merely subdued the creature and then released it. He let
       out a groan as he was lifted over Skoll's shoulder and dangled
       there helplessly.
       He let out a grunt as he was laid down and Eden came over to
       work on him, asking him questions about how he felt.
       "Breath...breathing is get getting har-hard," he managed to get
       out. He watched as she used her stone and felt the tingle as
       his wounds were healed. Despite the poison messing with him, he
       smiled faintly happy that for once she'd used his name instead
       of the colorful names she usually used.
       "Skoll, let me help Snow, he's not going to make it if you don't
       let me," Atreus told the other, worry starting to fill him as he
       listened to how Snow's breathing was getting worse. "Remember
       when I saved you from that snake bite when you were twelve? The
       chimera's poison is ten times worse than that snake's," he
       explained to the stubborn possessive Skoll.
       -----
       Seeing Eden and Snow seemingly getting weaker, Skoll was
       starting to feel panicked before he turned his head when Atreus
       tried insisting on helping Snow. Skoll put a steading hand on
       Eden's shoulder before letting out a sigh.
       "Fine..." was as the man said, allowing the healer closer. It
       help being reminded of the past when the man had helped him.
       ----
       The red haired man shook his head.”I’m fine- I can heal myself
       believe it or not. But thank you for healing Khali he’s pretty
       stubborn half the time about stuff like that” he had said.
       He couldn’t get over the man’s insistence of the fact of being
       listened to and talking about high horses.. he wanted to snap at
       him a little bit-he simply rolled his eyes in silence as he knew
       khali would just lecture him if he lashed out.
       Eden’s face turned toward snow as she worried. The thing she
       hated most was knowing just how weak her tuning was  in some
       cases.. just like this one.
       She heard Atreus begging the man to help save snow before
       feeding the steady hand of the giant of a man on her shoulder.
       She just had to work harder.. she thought quietly to herself.
       —-fin—
       Atreus had given the younger guard a slight nod of the head,
       glad he could reserve his healing ability for the moment. He
       very nearly called the other stubborn in return but held his
       tongue. Fighting wouldn't help the situation they were currently
       in.
       Einar seemed a bit distracted and signed to Hama to keep an eye
       on everyone and headed outside. Atreus didn't think much about
       it, far too focused on convincing Skoll to let him help Snow.
       The moment the half wolf man agreed, Atreus was moving quickly
       to place his hands on Snow's chest and began speaking in an old
       language.
       **"Dii creationism intus venemun desruunt animam purificant  et
       creaturan  fraternae vivant, hoc ego a te pelo,"**
       ||Gods of creation, destroy the poison within, purify and
       restore vitality to my brother, this in humbly ask of thee.||
       Atreus's tattoos began glowing even brighter after he'd changed
       and a surge of power from the gods coursed through him moments
       later, eliminating every bit of the poison that had been
       attacking and destroying Snow's body from the inside out. Then a
       golden glow emerged from his hands and engulfed Snow completely
       as the damage was reversed and Snow was made whole.
       Atreus pulled away with a sigh of relief, and sent a prayer if
       thanks to the gods for aiding him.
       Seeing how Eden was struggling and having a rough time had him
       reaching out to take her hand next.
       **"Dea fortitudinis, Natham renea, auge sanitatem, da
       benedictionem tuam,"**
       ||Goddess of strength, rejuvenate your daughter, enhance her
       healing, give her your blessing||
       A soft blue light left his hands, his tattoos changing to a
       white glow as the gift of the goddess was channeled through him
       and into Eden. After a few moments the flow ended and he gently
       pulled his hand back, his gaze flickering to Adan's frozen state
       and frowned.
       "Tre...can you help him too?" Snow asked sitting up and taking a
       hold of Skoll's hand and squeezing it gently.
       "I think so, but it's going to take far more concentration,"
       "You're going to get quite a lot of time for that," Einar
       announced as he came back into the cave, his brow furrowed
       slightly.
       This got the attention of everyone, Snow shooting a questioning
       look at the man.
       "There's fanatics all around us and a storm headed this way," he
       said grimly. "And we are out without any sort of supplies. We'll
       need to head further back in the cave for safety." He added.
       Snow sucked in his breath, shooting a worried look up at Skoll,
       wondering how they'd deal with the chimera mother and her cubs
       if they got attacked again. They were in her territory, but with
       the storm arriving and Adan still frozen they didn't really have
       the option of going out into the storm and chancing getting
       caught by the fanatics.
       "Sounds like we're stuck here then." Snow sighed not seeing any
       other options to suggest.
       ----fin----
       Seeing Snow being fully healed and the man even helping Eden,
       Skoll felt he could trust the man to an extent. A deep frown
       came to his lips at the mention of bad weather and raiders.
       "Follow..." Skoll grumbled as he scooped up Adan before leading
       the ground deep into the cave. When they got close to the den
       the mother roared out as she leapt into view.
       The mountain of a man dumped Adan into Snow's arms before he
       stood protectively in front of the group and let out a matching
       below before the chimera and Skoll but heads hard enough to make
       the Chimera take a few wobbly steps back, Skoll roared once more
       and she sulked off the curl around her kittens.
       "Fix," he said to Atreus while pointing at the frozen man.
       -----
       Eden felt her hand taken to automatically look hella
       uncomfortable. While the man clearly had good intentions due to
       her not knowing him- felt like an overly familiar way of helping
       her.
       Though her mouth fluctuated in interest at the glow. It seemed
       the man had powerful healing magic- even for someone that was a
       few years older than she was.  Some how it was a mix of wanting
       to know how he managed to get this powerful this young; at the
       same time a bit salty that it wasn’t her doing to have healed
       snow completely.
       It seemed the man was now a fixture of the group as a healer.
       Eden remained quiet as she was still feeling unnerved and
       crowded by more strangers. The sound of fanatics sent a familiar
       chill down her spine as she tugged her hood right back up to
       look at Ezra.. or what seemed to be as she turned her
       head.”cover your head.. while the ravagers clearly hold no ill
       will toward you nor I- most the desert sees red hair as curses
       and signs of the end. Especially the fanatics…”Said the short
       woman as she tugged it further. “Much different from being
       herald as a hero in the jungle.” She added as Ezra reacted a
       bit. He never did like the center of attention- but the idea of
       being killed over a hair color didn’t settle well.
       She followed further to see how skoll managed to get the chimera
       to back off her focus going to the beasts that were considered
       dangerous. The cubs playing made her wish she could simply pet
       one. It seemed the others were focused on each other as she
       seemed to be lost in thought.
       Khali now feeling much better followed inside and passed by
       tre.”thank you for the healing- quite skilled for someone your
       age.” He noted, though he felt there was a good reason why the
       man would be.
       Once it seemed skoll was focused on getting adan fixed looked
       over at the now grown woman. He could still remember her face
       and how she was left. She wasn’t meant to ever come back. But
       there she was fawning over animals as he had remembered her..>>>
       ^^
       Ezra fixed his hat on his head after the warning. From the tone
       it sounded as if his sister knew from experience. Renewed guilt
       and anger settled in his own frame. His father having claimed to
       gone back and claimed her dead in an effort to gain control
       didn’t work- and now that he knew she was alive- didn’t think
       his father would stoop that low. He sighed audibly as he leaned
       against a stone wall far from the chimera that he had issues
       with. His nerves forming.
       —fin—
       Atreus followed after Skoll, not minding the blunt demanding way
       giant man spoke. Snow was quick to follow, not paying much
       attention to Eden speaking with the jungle guard.
       "Just how many groups did you see out there Einar?" He
       questioned in a lower voice as the man moved to walk close to
       him.
       "Too many for us to fight off," Einar replied bluntly, worry
       showing in his bright blue eyes. "If we can get a message to
       Scar he and the others could help us," he added thinking of
       Snow's bonded hawk Pyr.
       Snow nodded, his mind going to thinking the same as his fellow
       ravager. "I can call him after the storm let's up. It's too
       dangerous for Pyr to try and get through a sand storm,"
       Atreus glanced at the elder guard frowning slightly at the
       other's thanks and comment of being so skilled at his age.
       "What I did for you was under my ability. The others...that was
       the gods. I can become a conduit for them and focus their gifts
       and blessings on those I pray over," he explained.
       He came to a halt at the sound of the chimera growling, his
       eyebrow rising at the realization that Skoll hadn't killed her.
       It was quite impressive to watch Skoll subdue the chimera's
       protective instincts and make her back down with a few roars.
       Snow softly swore at the gift that Skoll had over the  massive
       predator and clutched the frozen guy in his arms until he heard
       Skoll once more insist that Atreus fix him.
       Einar and Hama pulled off their cloaks laying them on the stone
       floor and Snow laid the younger man on top of them. Atreus moved
       to fold his legs under him and settled his fingers gently
       against the temple of the dark haired nobleman.
       His eyes widened slightly after he'd connected to the others
       blood, hearing a familiar sing to it. He couldn't dwell on the
       fact there was a family connection between them at the moment.
       There was far too much going on inside the man at the moment.
       After he'd cleared the slight bit of poison in the other's
       system, he began chanting a prayer.
       **"O magnidi somniorum et providi rerum, solvat hoc unum,
       somnunque tuumque precipe nuntiom, eum mittat ducem ut odiuvet
       eum opera quae abeo petis,"**
       ||Oh great gods of dreams and foresight, let this one loose,
       gift him sleep and insight on your message. Send him a guide to
       help him through the tasks you ask of him||
       He kept up repeating the prayer over and over, a bright purple
       light slowly emitting from his hands and flowing around the fae
       prince's head.
       It took several hours of concentration before he heard the
       others breathing  grow lighter and the other relaxed as he fell
       into a deep restful sleep.
       Atreus slowly pulled his hands away and moved his legs out from
       under him rubbing the now tight tense muscles slowly.
       "What are your names?" He asked, coughing a bit at how dry his
       throat felt after so many hours of chanting. He glanced over at
       the guards and the female he had yet to be introduced to.
       "The gods have released him from the visions they sent him,
       he'll be sleeping for a bit while his mind deciphers them." He
       explained and winced as he stood up to stretch out.
       "Visions? That's what made him freeze like that?" snow
       questioned looking a bit shocked.
       "Like me, the gods use him. Only..they send him sights of what
       may happen to us and our world," Atreus explained.
       ---,fin---
       #Post#: 1673--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Breaking the cycle
       By: Minyaagar Date: February 24, 2026, 10:23 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       While waiting, Skoll couldn't help but pace around, almost like
       he was patrolling a barrier to keep everyone but Tre away as the
       man worked. It was difficult for the ferral man to not just kick
       out Ezra, Khali, Hama, and Einar. Holding Hama and Einar in
       slightly hight regard than the jungle fae.
       Once Adan was declared to just need rest, Skoll started making
       preparations closer to the mouth of the cave, just out of the
       sandstorm reach to make a fire and get things situated for the
       night, even making beds out of pelts for Snow and Eden.
       "Rest," was all he said as he warmed himself by the fire.
       ----
       Eden just seemed to shrink a little more at the idea of several
       groups. Course the sound of more of snows tribe while-
       understandably for backup. Felt overwhelming to the quiet woman.
       Khali listened and was honest.”even if a conduit of god- it
       takes enormous amount of faith.. you should take a little pride
       in that in the least.” He said rather softly. “Gods knows I lost
       mine a long time ago.” He sounded as he keep his respectful
       distance.
       Of course when he heard atreaus question he yawned
       lightly.”khali. Head guard of the ‘dreaded’ north outpost.” He
       joked. “No last name- I was technically removed.” He said as he
       sat back. “This is Ezra.. the rebellious boy that changed his
       name to escape his father.” He said as Ezra shot the man a
       glare.”hey!” He started as khali chuckled.”face it- we are stuck
       might as well be honest about it, and chuckle.” He said before
       going for his water bladder to toss it atreaus way.”go ahead.
       Can understand how the chanting can make one thirsty.” his head
       moved to the woman that had been keeping her distance.
       Her head moved slightly to the stranger frowning clearly to turn
       back.  Least till she heard skoll mentioning rest- she was still
       guarded with the amount of men around.
       She scooted her way over to snow that felt a bit more familiar.
       And safer-She finally spoke.”Eden…” she said. “And just so you
       know- for the future- I don’t  listen to anyone.” She said
       pointedly. Hearing atreaus grumble the whole time felt like she
       needed to warn him. Of course she promptly seemed to lay right
       on snows lap almost as if he’d just keep her safe- least it felt
       that way..
       —fin—
       Einar and Hama could sense Skoll's wariness about them and moved
       to the far side of the cave, putting space between them, the
       chimera and the jungle fae. They didn't want to cause Skoll more
       distress than they already were.
       Snow gently moved Adan closer to the fire and then settled on
       one of the fur pelts that Skoll had laid out. "I'll sleep, just
       too much on my mind right now," he explained to Skoll softly,
       sitting and watching the dark haired man slumbering, his chest
       rising and falling slowly.
       Atreus didn't respond to Khali's saying he had a lot of faith
       for such a thing to work. In reality, it had taken a lot of time
       to trust in the gods after what he'd survived as a child.
       He glanced up at the answer and names supplied. Ezra's complaint
       had him wondering about the reason why the other man might have
       ran from his father.
       He caught the tossed water bladder in one hand. "Thank you," he
       said simply and took  two small  drinks from it, not wanting to
       take too much. Who knew how long they might be stuck in the cave
       for?
       He moved up to drip a few drops on Adan's dry lips then  moved
       to find a spot to lean against the cave wall between Skoll's
       small group and Khali and Ezra. With Skoll being more at ease
       with him, he had the feeling that if he played advocate for
       them, the half feral man might not toss them out into the storm.
       He raised an eyebrow at Eden's response and chuckled when she
       laid out in Snow's lap. "That's your prerogative, I don't judge
       the choices others make. To each his own," he said with a shrug
       and closed his eyes.
       Snow sat there a bit shocked at Eden's actions before gently
       running a fingertip over her forehead as he looked down at her.
       "Tre's just overly cautious, he's gone through a lot of terrible
       things in the past. He's really not a bad guy. Just...not the
       type to trust or open up to most." He told her softly. "Go ahead
       and sleep, I'll keep an eye on you,"
       -----
       A string of jealousy tugged at Skoll Seeing Eden snuggle with
       Snow like that. Though given how grumpy the feral man was, it
       was hard to tell there was any change in his mood save for the
       way he looked at the two while they slowly went to sleep.
       He stayed awake through the storm and night, watching over
       everyone sleep when the did finally do so. When morning came,
       Skoll dug through a few of the packs everyone brought to put
       together a simple meal for all in the cave. The sent of cooking
       meat filling the cave.
       Even the chimera cubs were wresting around his feet while their
       mother slept. He couldn't help himself in giving a few scraps to
       the babies.
       ----
       Khali nodded and was happy to see the man was keeping sure that
       Adan had some water. Eden felt a soft touch to her forehead as
       she laid there, she felt instant calm with him so close.
       Her impulsive thoughts verbalized as she reached up touching his
       lips.”while I get it- I saw how he was to my twin and former
       teacher.” She finally slid out. The two seemed a bit surprised
       she finally was speaking of them familiarly. A soft yawn came
       out as her fingers slid off his lips.
       Ezra seemed to settle.”so your not..” he started as Eden gave a
       deep sigh.”angry? Pissed? “Eden listed.”maybe back then but
       certainly not now- Ezra right? You were barely 13, life was
       different then from now.” She said as the man’s eye widened.
       “Besides.. while this place is dangerous.. and fighting to stay
       alive every day..” she said as she shifted to her side. “I’ve
       never felt more free.” She said  as Ezra blinked a bit.
       Eden was beginning to feel sleepy as she turned on her side.
       “If you’re worried about me murdering both of you in your
       sleep-just so you know it wouldn’t be you Ez..” She joked in the
       most lighthearted fashion clearly not serious about it.
       Khali sighed just a little as it seemed the girl drifted off to
       sleep.”Ezra you should get some sleep- I can keep watch first.”
       He told him. Ezra made a face.”your the one that got injured you
       should slee-“ he started to see the rather familiar warning
       look.”okay!” He said as he went to lay down as Khali took off
       his mask to lay it down and push his hair back.
       —fin—
       Snow got the feeling someone was watching and glanced up in
       Skoll's direction. He felt rather torn and worried that he might
       have caused Skoll to be angry with him. If her were honest he
       wasn't really sure how he'd deal with his old feelings for Skoll
       and the ones growing for Eden. While he'd seen other people with
       multiple partners, he had no idea how they might work. Or if
       Eden and Skoll would be okay with sharing his attention.
       That though would have to wait for another day to be addressed.
       His attention went to Eden when her fingers pressed against his
       lips and made a thoughtful sound at her comment about Skoll. It
       surprised him a bit she named one of the jungle men as her twin.
       He was quite exhausted from everything he'd been through and let
       out a soft yawn while half listening to Eden's banter with her
       twin and the one armed man she'd called teacher.
       Once she'd slide off him and onto the fur and moved to lay down
       next to her and quickly dozed off.
       Einar and Hama chose to take turns sleeping, more out of habit
       than anything. It wasn't that they didn't trust Khali to keep
       watch, though they did feel a bit wary of him. They'd had their
       own bad encounters with other jungle guards in the past, some
       being corrupted by greed and worse.
       Atreus dozed off and on, an internal clock of his making him
       stir every few hours to check on Adan and kept him hydrated. At
       one point his fascination with Ezra's long hair won over and he
       quietly moved to braid it without disturbing the sleeping man.
       He couldn't quite understand the compulsion but Everytime he
       gave in, it calmed him and eased his mind and quieted the
       thoughts that often plagued him.
       Dawn was approaching and he watched Skoll raid everyone's packs
       to start cooking breakfast for what he assumed was everyone.
       Atreus couldn't help but smile at the sight of the chimera cubs
       playing at the man's feet as he got up and slowly moved past
       him.
       "I'm going to take a quick look around and find a spot to empty
       my bladder."
       Atreus pulled his head scarf in over his face as he headed out
       of the cave. The storm was still around them, keeping the
       fanatic raiding parties from seeing him, though he could feel
       them close by. From the look of it, the storm might last a few
       days which was a bit worrisome. They had little food and not
       just a group of people but a chimera and her cubs that would
       need food. He really didn't want to think of the chimera going
       after one of them to ease her  and her cubs' hunger.
       Atreus headed back inside and unwrapped his covering and found
       an area out of the way to relieve himself.
       "Looks like the storm may be around for a few days at least," he
       informed Skoll with a sigh.
       "You and I may need to take the chance of hunting in the storm,"
       With his blood reading ability and Skoll's blood manipulation
       gift, they'd have a better chance at finding any holed up prey
       than the others would.
       -----
       Adan's eyes fluttered as he came to and blinked at seeing the
       rocky cave ceiling. He slowly turned to spy the woman that who
       had helped him the day before. There was a white haired man next
       to her, with an arm draped over her.
       "Skoll?" He called out, the others face flashing through his
       head. He started to sit up and and froze spying baby chimera's
       playing nearby.
       "It was a mother chimera...explains why it was so aggressive,"
       he muttered and sat up slowly.
       The remnants of what he'd seen was still going around in his
       head and he tried to make sense of it. He had kept the fact he
       had visions from everyone knowing it would have his grandmother
       keeping him locked up in her castle.
       "Something smells really good," he said inhaling the scent of
       the cooking meat.
       ----fin----
       "Careful," was all Skoll mustered in response to Atreus as he
       worked on the food slowly. His not moving from the fire until he
       heard the returning footsteps. A grunt of agreement left Skoll
       when the man mentioned them likely needing to go and find food.
       "Hunt later, rest." He told the man before his head quickly
       turned hearing Adan call out for him. Skoll made sure the food
       wouldn't burn before going to the man's side to help him sit up.
       "Better?" He questioned with clear worry for the noble fae mix
       in his eyes.
       -----
       Ezra slowly woke up from his slumber. He rubbed his face a bit
       to slide up. He paused as his *hair* felt quite different. He
       blinked to feel as he heard Khali chuckle. “Looks good- you
       should keep it that way.” He told Ezra as he had a look on his
       face.”okay better question *who*..” he started before he
       motioned to atreaus.”clearly meant no harm but was amusing
       watching him braid your hair.” He said as Ezra just seemed to
       stare at the man a bit. He smelled the food to blink at the
       rather tall feral fellow. His stomach grumbled as he blushed a
       bit.
       ——
       ✧ ✧ ✧
       Eden seemed to wake up in the cave..the sound of the wind and
       dust storm as no real change. But when she looked around… it was
       as if there was no one around.
       She shifted from the furs as she heard her name… and a familiar
       voice from the sandy winds. Eden paused at the sands as she
       could hear the voice outside, her hand slowly going up toward
       the dust that moved in front of the opening.
       That was when she heard from behind her.”how many times have I
       told you going out in that would be dangerous young lady?”
       She paused before her head slowly turned .. till she saw her
       master…”jalal..” slid out. She heard the familiar click of his
       tongue. It often was his way of chastising her for not
       listening.
       “Listen to the lesson child.. you still have a long ways to go.”
       She heard the man as he moved from his seat his size towering
       about near skoll’s.
       She watched as he cut his hand with her knife that seemingly
       vanished from her side- it dripped.. dripped as he said.”test
       your limits- build up and strengthen..”
       She watched as the chimera moved as she saw her master seemingly
       having trouble healing as he never would. “If you don’t.. death
       will be certain..” was all that came out before seeing the
       chimera mid pounce on her master
       ✧ ✧ ✧
       Eden’s body just about launched from under snows arm. She seemed
       to swivel her head around at the faces above the cave.. no
       longer empty. The sound of the sand storm deafening as the dream
       as she got up. She went to the entrance to watch it and turned
       to look behind her as if expecting someone.. or something to be
       there. Her head dipped as she seemed to turn back to the sand
       storm her hand going out to let her hand feel the sting of the
       dirt that flew with the wind.
       Khali watched her behavior and wondered what it was about.
       Watching her move back and saw Adan was awake.”oh good- sleeping
       beauty is awake.” Said the red head. “Name is Eden.” She said as
       she moved toward the food to take just a little to enjoy the
       taste.
       —fin—
       "I'll rest up," Atreus replied with a nod to Skoll. He knew
       quite well hunting in a sandstorm would take a great deal more
       out of him than normal. He moved to settle ina new spot that
       gave him a better view of the slumbering chimera mother. He
       wasn't quite as trustful of her. Wild animals were far too
       unpredictable., especially in confined areas with humans. While
       he hoped Skoll could control her, he still didn't want to chance
       she might go after someone in desperation.
       He didn't sleep, but let his body relax and rest which wasn't
       usually the norm for him. He preferred to be on the move or
       working on something. If his hands were idle for too long, he'd
       start getting antsy.
       Hearing the frozen Adan finally waking had him turn his
       attention to the young man and his conversation with Skoll.
       Adan flushed a bit at how attentive Skoll was and rubbed his
       head after sitting up. "I'm all right, just have the normal the
       headache I get after those visions," he admitted. "Probably
       could use a bit of water, that usually helps,"
       Adan glanced around the cave and a look of relief filled his
       eyes seeing that both Ezra and Khali were in one piece.
       "Thanks for not hurting Khali or Ezra. They're kind of the only
       friends I have," he admitted.
       Atreus' attention shifted over to Ezra as the man woke and
       discovered his hair had been braided. His eyes twinkled a bit
       amused at the other's reaction and then staring at him. He
       glanced away after a moment and slide his arms behind his head
       and let his eyes close.
       ---
       Snow was rather abruptly woken when Eden launched herself from
       under his arm. He yawned and stretched out a bit, glancing
       around to take in where everyone was.
       He started to move up when the chimera cubs chased one another
       around him. Then one climbed up to get away from the others,
       clinging to his shoulder and gave a cute barking sound as if to
       warn the others away.
       "Come on, settle down munchkins," Snow chuckled and gently
       pulled it off and set it down.
       Adan's was a bit wide eyed watching the chimera cubs and the
       white haired man playing with them. Hearing the angel woman's
       voice calling him a sleeping beauty had him turning to look at
       her, his face getting much darker red. "nice to meet you Eden.
       I'm Adan Tennere," he replied. "Perhaps the rest of you might
       introduce ourselves too?"
       "I'm Snow, that's Atreus up on the ledge, then Einar and Hama
       are over in the corner." Snow spoke up and pointed the others
       out. "So what exactly made you freeze? We were nearly chimera
       cub food if it hadn't been for Skoll,"
       Adan sighed and explained about having been plagued with visions
       and images of the future since he'd been really young. "I don't
       always understand them right away though. Most times it takes
       weeks or months to figure them out, and a lot of research.
       Though this time, I remember very clearly that you were all
       there and helping me.  There was ..a ruins of an old temple that
       we were going through. That part is very clear," he explained.
       "There are a great deal of ruins in the desert, if you can
       recall a statue or carving we could probably find it easier,"
       Atreus spoke up.
       ----fin----
       With Adan, Skoll behaved far differently, as if the slightest
       bit of rough presser might break the seemingly fragile man.
       "Water," Skoll repeated before making a sound at the mention of
       Ezra and Khali that told just how he felt about their presence
       without words.
       The mountain of a man only pulled away long enough to grab a
       water bladder and a bowl of the soup he had made. "Make strong,
       eat," he insisted. Once he had Adan eating and got food out of
       the pot to feed everyone, Skoll then took it off the fire and
       waited for it to cool before offering the remainder of their
       food to the chimera mother, who was a purring excited mess like
       one would expect out of a house cat.
       When she had her fill, Skoll exchanged some growls with the
       beast before seeming quite pleased. "Mama help hunt," he
       informed Atreus as the massive animal moved to the mouth of the
       cave to wait for them. Skoll scooped up the kittens to dump all
       five in Snow's lap.
       "Snow, watch, safe," he said looking between the kittens and
       Adan. "Eden, Help." He said looking at the redheaded woman,
       clearly not trusting anyone else.
       Once that was done, Skoll didn't exactly give anyone a chance to
       protest, before he grabbed a few supplies before he pulled
       Atreus up by his arm and dragged him along, settling the man on
       the back of the chimera before bracing himself as the new trio
       headed out into the sandstorm.
       Surprisingly, Skoll only wanted the chimera along to haul their
       catch and carry Atreus, not wanting the man blown away. He
       seemed just as frail as Adan.
       With Atreus' abilities, they were able to find several hidden
       pray items a few small antelope like creatures before Skoll had
       a major throw down with a basilisk. He won, but at the cost of
       being poisoned, which he didn't let Atreus even know about until
       they were back at the cave with their kills.
       Skoll unhooked all the rope from the chimera, who picked up one
       of the antelope and brought it to her kittens. Skoll having to
       take a knee, breathing harder.
       -----
       Eden listened to Adan speak of visions and images of the future
       as she frowned a bit.”it explains a lot- master had visions of
       the future - it sounds like you may need to take up meditations.
       It helps if you want more details or clues of where you’re
       heading-” Said the red head recalling asking why the man
       meditated so much.
       Her head turned to the ever ready to help atreaus. She couldn’t
       help but think there was something up with a man that could
       trust so easily.
       Khali listened to the man talk with Ezra with a serious
       look.”seems we may just have to stay.. if he’s going to do
       this.” Said Khali thoughtfully. Ezra turned his head.”but the
       queen..” he started about his other friend before he heard the
       man speak.”she will understand eventually- if she knew of this
       earlier she’d not of let him go off exploring.. he’d be locked
       away.. you know it and I do too.” Said the man.”just know Adan-
       given things it makes you in command- I may put in words of
       suggestion but take it as you will and choose what you feel is
       best as a royal.” He said settling back.
       ——
       Eden had seemed to leave the conversation to listen to skoll
       ‘growl’ to the mother as if talking. It piqued her interest as
       she listened before hearing how they were going to hunt before
       seeing the man dump the kittens in snows lap.
       Eden heard him ask to protect the chimera as she lifted one
       practically grinning.”okay.” She said listening for *once*
       granted it was more of her giving herself an excuse to pet the
       chimera babies. She chuckled at the comical look of the large
       man dragging off the over friendly one off as she watched how
       snow was with the cubs to blush a bit.
       Eden saw skoll coming over after a long hunt, the woman had
       dozed with the cubs again, only being awakened when a cub moved
       from under her head to smack on the stone floor. She was rubbing
       the back of her head to hear skoll breathing rather hard… like
       snow was when he was poisoned. She approached skoll.>>>
       ^^^
       Her hand went to his skin feeling how clammy it was and was able
       to figure out the guy was poisoned.”damn your tough.” Said Eden
       as she slid her hands around the big guys face. She pulled him
       down and made him lay down the best way she could- his head in
       her lap.
       she grabbed her green stone. She tapped into her abilities as
       she focused toward the poison- or least tried to. Her hands
       rested on his chest as she settled in a mode that seemed like
       she shut out everything but what she was doing.
       —-fin—-
       Adan got a worried look at the sound Skoll made when he
       mentioned his guards. "You don't have to like them, but please
       give them a chance at least." He asked softly.
       Adan accepted the offered water, taking a few drinks. He could
       hear the storm outside and knew that they probably had a limited
       supply of water. He might not be a true survivalist, but he knew
       enough to conserve resources when in bad situations. "Thank you
       Skoll," he said giving the giant a grateful look before slowly
       savoring the soup he'd been given.
       Atreus' mind had been brewing over when to tell Adan about his
       ability and what he'd felt when he had worked on him. He kind of
       thought it would be better to wait until he got the other alone.
       If Adan was royalty...it was quite possible he had royal blood
       in him. But he really wasn't ready to face that just yet. It
       also made him wonder why no one had ever come looking for him in
       all the time he'd been lost.
       His attention was soon distracted by Skoll conversing with the
       chimera mother. It was more than a little amazing to see how
       Skoll had adapted and evolved while on his own.
       The other ravagers along with Snow looked rather shocked and
       amazed themselves. Snow shot a look at Tre when Skoll brought up
       going on a hunt, his attention on the the tattooed blood
       speaker.
       "I should go with you, or Hama or Einar should," he spoke up and
       then sighed when Skoll came over and dumped the chimera kittens
       in his lap and insisted he watch over them and Adan.
       "It's better you all stay here, visibility is limited, with my
       ability I can find prey easily and point them out to Skoll." He
       explained. "Plus the kits like you already," he teased a bit.
       While Hama and Einar didn't like this news, they knew better
       than to argue with Atreus or get on Skoll's bad side. They
       however didn't get a chance to say anything with how quickly
       Skoll stole Atreus away. Atreus used the last few moments to
       pull his head wrap around his face to keep the sand out.
       "be careful" Adan called after them, a bit of worry showing on
       his face.
       He was quite curious about about what ability the tattooed
       Atreus might have. There also seemed to be something familiar
       about Atreus but he couldn't figure out why.
       Adan was more than relieved that no one thought he was crazy and
       accepted that his visions so easily. Maybe his fear had been
       unwarranted.
       When the others left he considered what everyone had told him.
       "Meditation probably would work Eden, just...I'm not so good at
       focusing on my own. I have so much in my head, it distracts me."
       He sighed heavily. It got him to thinking that what he might
       need was a meditation guide. There had been a few in the fae
       kingdom, but he'd stayed away from them in the past.
       He was still a bit uncertain of being the one in charge when it
       had always been Khali or one of the noblemen his grandmother had
       put in charge of his schooling or training. "Khali, I would
       appreciate any insight you can give. I really don't know what to
       do, just that I need to follow this vision through." Adan said
       softly. He couldn't help smiling watching Snow and Eden playing
       with the kits.
       "It's a good thing their poison doesn't show up until
       adolescence," he commented recalling what he'd read about the
       creatures. "If you get them familiar enough with you
       though...they won't think humans are their enemies..which could
       cause problems," he added feeling a bit conflicted with taming
       wild creatures.
       -----
       It was Einar and Hama who were soon grabbing a pack and saying
       they'd go deeper into the cave to see if they could find a water
       source. "If we don't find anything in an hour of looking we'll
       turn back around," Einar told Snow and made a torch so they
       could see in the inky darkness.
       "Look for drafts of air, water eroded stones. You might have to
       dig down to it. Large cracks in ground areas also are
       indicators," Adan offered, more of his hidden knowledge coming
       out.
       "Thanks," Einar said looking impressed before disappearing.
       ------
       Hours passed with Adan and Snow growing increasingly more
       worried over Skoll and Atreus taking so long. Snow shot a few
       looks in the direction the ravagers had gone but somehow knew
       that they'd be all right.
       Atreus was pleased but quite worn out by the time they got back
       to the cave. He felt slightly overextended after using his gift
       so much out in the elements. He slide off the chimera's back,
       swaying on his feet a bit and moved to lean against the wall as
       he unwrapped his head scarf, coughing out the small amount of
       sand he'd picked up.
       "Skoll? Are you okay?" Snow asked softly and moved over to where
       the man was breathing funny. He reluctantly moved back when Eden
       took over, pulling out her stone and working on healing the man.
       "The damn basilisk got you didn't it?" Tre asked, looking
       annoyed that the stubborn Man hadn't spoken up about it.
       Atreus moved over next to Eden watching her as she attempted to
       work the poison out of the man.
       When he realized her method wasn't quite doing what was needed,
       he knelt next to Skoll and gently took one of his hands and
       focused his own ability, enhancing the white blood cells to
       fight off and destroy the poison in his system. With both of
       their efforts the poison was soon gone from Skoll's system.
       "You're going to need to rest and eat something to feed your
       blood cells. After all this, you're likely to feel sluggish and
       a bit tired. That usually happens after a blood speaker does
       extensive healing or eliminating poisons ," He explained, not
       wanting Skoll to freak out over his body not acting like it
       normally did.
       Adan had been freaking out a bit seeing and hearing Skoll doing
       so poorly. It was rather shocking and surprising to watch Eden
       and then Atreus working with her to heal Skoll. The ravagers
       mention of blood speakers had his eyes widening and a gasp
       escaping him. He stared open mouthed at Atreus, remembering that
       blood speakers only came from the royal line.
       ----fin----
       #Post#: 1674--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Breaking the cycle
       By: Minyaagar Date: February 24, 2026, 10:31 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       When Eden came over and took his face into her hands, the wolf
       kin couldn't resist her guidance and practically curled around
       the woman when she forced his head to rest in her lap. He closed
       his eyes as the she tried to heal him before Atreus stepped in
       to help.
       "Skoll, fine..." He murmered before snuggling more against Eden
       as he fell asleep, too exhausted from everything over the past
       few days. He had already been running on empty and no sleep, so
       he would be an unmoving, snoring, mass at this point.
       ----
       Eden was focused until another pair of hands came out of nowhere
       and her mouth frowned. Seemed like the tre person often threw
       himself to help, even with as much as he done not only earlier
       but the day after-but she couldn’t help but notice he was way
       more tired- that told her he didn’t know when to stop. Course
       hearing what he was made sense why he was so powerful as Khali’s
       gaze shifted to the man.”a blood speaker. Ezra seemed to open
       his mouth to see Khali shaking his head firmly. Having this
       knowledge was one thing- but he had a feeling any suggestion of
       taking Atreaus would be met with a fight. He had a feeling this
       would be something to talk about in not a closed space. His
       glance went to Adan who gasped to sigh as he had hoped to keep a
       lid on it.
       Eden who felt the snuggle of the wild man blushed a bit before
       she finally collected herself.”atreaus yes? You need to rest as
       well-.” She said as her hand rested on skoll’s head. “Keep going
       you’ll pass out yourself.” She said bluntly toward the man.
       Khali intervened a bit as he asked.”how long have you lived out
       here atreaus?”
       —fin—
       Snow let out a sigh of relief after Atreus stepped in to help
       Eden heal Skoll from the poison plaguing his body.
       He was quite shocked by Tre's slip up and revealing he was a
       blood speaker when he was surrounded by strangers. They all
       looked very stunned, making him wonder what they might know of
       Atreus' kind. The man was quite tight lipped about his past,
       often saying the past didn't matter.
       Snow rose from Skoll's side after the giant murmured he was fine
       and smiled, happy to see him relaxing and snuggling with Eden.
       "Sleep then, I'll take over keeping everyone safe," he promised.
       Maybe it was possible to have a relationship with both of them
       got close and liked each other as well.
       -++++
       Atreus shot a look at Ezra, letting out a sigh and running a
       hand over his face. He mentally berated himself for letting it
       slip, a wary on edge look filling his eyes as he slowly rose and
       stretched out.
       He paused at Eden's rather blunt way of telling him to rest.
       "I'm quite aware I need rest. I don't normally push myself this
       hard," he explained and reclined on the empty furs nearby and
       shot a guarded look at her. "I do appreciate the concern, but
       you don't need to worry about me. I only take risks when there's
       no other way. I know how much my body can take."
       Hearing Khali's question had him think for a few minutes. "I've
       been with the ravagers for...about ten years I think. Before
       that I was on my own for awhile,"
       The vague answers did nothing to fulfill Adan's need for
       details. If they were related he wanted to know how they were.
       He knew he'd had a great uncle that had given up his prince
       title nearly a century ago. Could this be his great cousin? If
       so, Atreus could potentially take the throne he had no wish of
       having. Though given the man lived in the desert among the
       ravagers without using his royal status meant Atreus probably
       didn't want the crown either.
       Adan bit his tongue, holding the questions he wanted to ask
       inside. Eden was quite right about the man needing rest he
       thought watching the other sway and move to lay on the furs
       closest to him.
       "Weren't Einar and Hama supposed to be back by now?" Adan asked
       instead,  glancing at the tunnel that led off from the cave they
       were in.
       "They were," Snow sighed glancing towards the tunnel his thick
       eyebrows narrowing as he scowled. "Might have to go look for
       them soon,"
       Yet having promised Skoll he'd protect everyone had him holding
       back on rushing off to find his friends. "Let's give them a
       little while longer. If they found a water source, carrying back
       full water skins would make it take longer. especially if
       walking is all uphill." He added.
       "That is true," Adan agreed and then forced himself to relax as
       best as he could.
       ------
       After their descent into the dark tunnel the two ravagers found
       themselves climbing up and over larger stones to go in further.
       It has taken a good hour of traveling and exploring before Einar
       caught sight of a trickle of water coming from the side of the
       cave walls. After Searching and climbing upwards they found a
       small waterfall and tested it before pulling out the various
       water bladders to fill up. They'd gotten halfway done when
       Einar's blessed dagger began glowing a bright green.
       While he sighed at the complication, Hama grinned at the idea of
       a fight, his eyes flashing  eagerly.
       "You really do have bloodlust," Einar said with a bemused look.
       "You should know that by now, lover boy," Hama grinned back at
       his mate. "When we get back to camp, I'm having my way with you
       in every way," he promised.
       After a very intense fight with a massive cave troll the two
       patched each other up, made out for several moments and then
       went looking for the troll's hole. They found a few things,
       weapons mostly that they took back with the water.
       It would be about twenty past the agreed two hours when their
       flickering torch announced their return to the waiting group.
       "Sorry to worry you, ran into a stupid cave troll while
       collecting water. He's quite dead now. Hey Snow, found a blade
       and a arm bracer, and a shield that you might try out," Hama
       said as he deposited his share of the water skins near the
       supplies.
       Snow moved to check them both over closely before hugging them
       and then looking over the weapons they'd brought back. "They
       look like a set, troll must have caught a knight unaware," he
       mused.
       ----fin----
       Eden heard the man’s words to go very quiet for a few moments
       before saying
       “I honestly would still suggest to exercise  caution- if the
       fanatics are about- best conserve cause they will take
       advantage.” Said the woman her hand tugging at the hood down a
       little further.  She didn’t know why she felt the need to really
       say anything. It wasn’t like she was apart of their tribe..
       Her face turned a bit to snow and back to skoll. These two were
       lovers anyway- she shook her head from them thoughts that was
       starting to feel a bit of doubt.
       Khali listened a bit to the man talk as he seemed to be in
       thought.”on your own hm? “ the man mentally factored in the five
       years he knew atreaus had to have survived with someone-given
       the man looked to be in his 20s.he could see Adan already
       thinking. He knew the man had no real wish for the throne but
       given circumstances was stuck.
       At the question did Khali take note to turn toward where the two
       men had walked off.”If need be I can scout.. probably be faster
       to if the need arises.” Said the man.
       Eden began to feel uncomfortable after a bit. She began to
       wriggle a bit out of her hood to slide from under skoll to place
       it under him folded so it would be more comfortable to move. She
       made no announcement of going- far as she knew she was
       responsible for herself. She slipped away out of sight where she
       could to take a few minutes before coming back.
       She listened to the men talk about a troll and felt impressed
       that the two managed one on their own. She remembered how strong
       they were despite how dumb they acted.
       It was then she started her way out -intending to leave.
       Compared to the rest she could handle the sandstorm she had
       before, when it hit the last time.
       When she heard movement and a growl of a chimera,to pause to
       back up when two men entered the cave and the sound of one
       spitting sand out.
       >>> ^^^
       Fur of a wolf adorned the back of one- the other dressed
       similarly to khali and Ezra.  Eden practically backed up right
       toward skoll and snow.
       “Ugh it had to hit.. least we found shelter.” Said the man
       before he paused at the sight of a chimera to clam up a little
       bit. Least till he saw he was surrounded by people inside .. and
       a single red headed woman, clearly wondering how the hell the
       group managed shelter and not be attacked by a chimera.
       -fin-
       Evey hair on Skoll's body stood on end when a familiar sent hit
       his nose. A mix of his mother... and death. His eyes snapped
       open and moments later the Chinera was having a similar reaction
       as it began growling at the new comers.
       The mountain of a man got to his feet, still groggy but growling
       menisingly. Clearly ready to launch himself at the new comers,
       his natural claws out before the blood ones formed.
       If anyone tried to hold him back, he would yell, "wearing my
       mother!" He would snarl out.
       -----
       Atreus had already closed his eyes when he heard Eden continue
       her insistent babbling. He was far to tired to give her his
       normal reasoning and simply sighed, saying. "your concern and
       thoughts are noted, do you mind if I get some sleep now?"
       Snow was surprised that his friend had spoken without any
       sarcasm or annoyance in his voice. He shot a look over at Eden
       noting she was pulling her hood down more.
       "Living with a group is much different than being on your own
       Eden. Tre wouldn't use so much of his abilities if he didn't
       trust that the rest of us would have his back," he explained.
       "There's a great deal more strength in a group, than one
       individual, " he pointed out. "Though I know it's hard to trust
       others like that. Trust takes time to establish,"
       Khali's question had Tre groan a bit darkly. "Leave it be. I
       choose to not dwell on the past, for good reason," he grumbled
       and turned over to face away from everyone.
       Adan got the distinct feeling that the man avoided the past to
       keep his mind free from the memories. Not that he blamed him. He
       had his own terrible memories that tended to hit him randomly or
       after he was forced to talk about his past.
       Snow looked relieved at Khali's offer to scout, some of the
       tension in his shoulders easing away. "I'd appreciate that," he
       said eyeing Skoll, Adan and Atreus. With Skoll down and Atreus
       recovering from all the healing he'd been doing , he was going
       to have to trust the jungle guards to help in protecting them.
       Eden he knew would more than likely find a way to sneak off.
       She was quite capable of protecting herself he knew, though he
       hoped one day she might let him stand by her side and work
       together. That day probably was a long way off, not that he
       judged her for it. He was still earning her trust.
       Being distracted by the return of his friends and Hama's more
       exciting retelling of the troll fight, he didn't notice Eden
       head to the cave entrance. If he has, Snow would have gone after
       her and asked her to stay.
       The growl of the chimera drew the ravagers attention
       immediately, and they reached for their weapons. Adan froze and
       let out a gasp at the entrance of the two men. Though Khali was
       inclined to following what he wished, Adan knew these two
       wouldn't. They'd often treated him rather harshly in the past.
       Even locking him in irons so they didn't have to watch him.
       When Skoll rose suddenly, Snow sheathed the new blade and rushed
       over to try and talk him down. At least at first. When he made
       out the snarled words that one was wearing his mother, Snow gave
       a look at Einar, who had a loose hold on Skoll.
       "Let him go. That one killed his mother. Who knows what crimes
       the other had done. If Skoll wants revenge for his mother, then
       let him take it,"
       Einar dropped his hand and then turned to glare at the new
       comers. "If you want a fighting chance you'll have better luck
       against the storm,"
       Atreus had just slightly moved to watch what was happening. If
       he hadn't been so exhausted he would have done more to help.
       Though...not to help the two intruders.
       "Could just let the chimera eat them. Bet she's more than
       willing to rid us of them," Hama suggested with a smirk.
       -----
       #Post#: 1675--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Breaking the cycle
       By: Minyaagar Date: February 24, 2026, 10:48 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Khali recognized the guard himself- while the man was nearing
       his sixties could hold the best of them that he could remember.
       He motioned to Ezra to move to where Adan was to sit by the man.
       Eden moved out of skolls way when she heard his growling to
       realize who he was pissed with.  She made her own noise of
       discontentment as it just felt that more crowded. The man with
       the fur about recoiled - a hunter and a noble of sorts that had
       the guard for his safety. He saw khali and Ezra to make a
       face.”are you not going to help?!?” He asked as Khali being the
       one above Ezra said.”I have my charge. Besides.. your wearing
       his mother’s fur- and the man is right- you would fare best in
       the desert.” He started as the guard moved as he predicted.
       The panicked man tossed the fur to the dirt ground as faces
       would fall to it. Eden spoke up immediately.”well guess your
       gonna die- that’s pretty shitty to do to the dead.” She
       commented as khali went over and gently shifted the fur up and
       seemed to act a bit more respectful.”think for the mother should
       make a grave.” He said quietly.”what was it you said Izmar?” He
       asked.”every action has a consequence? “  he said to move out of
       the way and place the mothers fur on one of the ‘beds’
       Course the moment skoll would be released was when the guard
       Izma would move- he cared more for his own life than his charge
       to watch as skoll would tear him limb from limb.
       The man looked around wildly- assumed Eden was apart of their
       group to aim to snag her arm as she was watching the carnage
       herself, and yanked her over thinking that somehow having one of
       theirs would make them back off. But a few moments later would
       feel a prick.
       >>>> ^^^
       Eden just grinned as she felt the grip loosen as the man fell
       over.
       “Chimera venom-“ she said with a chuckle.”just enough to make
       you not move- but not enough to kill ya.. took a lot of
       experimentation during my time alone- suprisingly when they lose
       the nail it doesn’t lose its potency..“ she said and leaned
       over.”just because I look helpless doesn’t mean I am.” Was her
       words as her foot went up. Her stone on her neck that was her
       wind flashed brightly,  as she put it a well placed kick boosted
       by wind- right to the chimera. “Well so much for that.” She said
       as she then realized she lost her chance to sneak off.
       — fin—
       To say the berserker saw red was more than an understatement as
       the moment he was released, he began to move forward, his eyes
       going wide seeing the pelt tossed to the ground. Skoll bit into
       his own hand, causing blood to trickle down before the signature
       claws of blood formed. He was too engaged to do anything but
       growl and snarl as he tore the nose fae apart limb from limb,
       relishing in his screams before finally snapping the guys neck.
       The blood from the corpse seemed to seem out and add itself to
       Skoll's own blood, draining the body by the time he was done.
       He then dumped the bodies to the chimera who was happy to take
       the free meat.
       Skoll then went to sit by his mother's fur, the rage in violence
       replaced with sorrow as tears raced down his cheeks.
       ---fin---
       There was no pity on the ravagers faces as Skoll dealt with the
       one responsible for his mother's death. Adan couldn't bear it,
       hiding his face in Ezra's shoulder from the carnage. Once the
       sounds ended did he finally look up and then promptly let out an
       angry cry seeing the guard grabbing Eden.
       "You're out of line Izmar!"
       Einar and Hama started to move towards the guard, stopping when
       they noticed Eden's grin and then chuckled as the man fell over.
       Snow had felt rage come over him at Eden being threatened, but
       was certain she'd be able to protect herself from an old
       desperate guardsman.
       Once she'd dealt with the guard, he eyed her and the  mourning
       Skoll, trying to decide who to approach first. It was Adan that
       made the first move, going to the crying Skoll and gently
       patting the other's back gently and comforting him.
       "Cry as much as you want, let it out. I know how hard it is to
       lose a loved one," Adan said softly and brushed some hair out of
       the other's face.
       "If you feel like talking I'm a really good listener,"
       Snow inhaled slowly, trying to hold back the jealous feelings
       that were rising and moved towards Eden.
       "I understand if you're needing space, it's not easy adapting to
       having so many people so close. If you really need to go  not
       going to ask you to stay longer. At least let me get you back to
       the oasis safely though,"
       Adan couldn't help but hear what Snow said and his head jerked
       up. "No..you can't leave now. I've seen what happens if you do.
       Just stay one more day and the storm will be over and we can all
       leave together. Please trust me. It'll be really bad if you go
       now,"
       Atreus had been quiet up until now. "Care to elaborate on this
       bad occurrence that you saw?"
       Adan gulped and let out a long sigh. "There's some mad
       incarnation of a king that wants her dead. At least that's what
       I saw. We can't let him do that,"
       Atreus sat up slowly, eying Adan closely. "Then..we won't.
       There's something I should tell you. When I healed you
       before...I felt a connection to you. A familial one. It's very
       likely we are related. Not that I recall much about my parents
       or who they were. I lost a lot of my memories,  so I can't
       really tell you much."
       "I can tell you what I know of your father, Alekur and mother
       Zemira. It's not much. Once they left the court ages ago, not
       much else is known." Adan admitted.
       "I'd appreciate that. At least I know I've got family still,"
       Atreus said with a yawn. "Let's talk more later,"
       Then he was falling into a deep healing sleep.
       ----fin----
       Ezra let Adan hide his face.. he never in all his life seen such
       ferocity and anger in such a form. And more still how his sister
       handled herself. He was about to move to take care of the
       problem as well when he witnessed what she had done. The first
       sound of the man’s cries filled the cavern before the sickening
       gurgle that would reflect in the faces of the two guards.”well
       that happened..” said Khali to turn to Eden who clearly showed
       absolutely no remorse in what just happened.. and almost seemed
       to be reveling in the guys pain.
       Eden went to move to leave a bit after, she felt for skoll but
       this showed her she couldn’t just stay- a man just about grabbed
       her in an effort and no real exits-but she was stopped by snow’s
       words.
       Her head turning to hear him. Her arms circled around her form a
       bit to step back just a bit. His request to take her back to her
       oasis made her blush a bit. She stepped a bit closer as her head
       was dipped a bit. Her hand going to the edge of her mask that
       dangled over her shoulder, playing with it.
       “Well mean.. it’s sweet.. but skoll needs you right now.. he has
       had a great loss.. you just found him- he needs your comfort...”
       she started softly- to make her way to the entrance. But before
       she gotten to the sound of the sandy wind drowning out the
       sounds outside-Adan interrupted with his words.
       She paused at his words her head tilting from left to right
       before a chuckle would come from the woman.
       “A crazy king wanting me dead?” Eden asked  before chuckling
       even more in denial of the idea.
       “I think it’s terribly sweet of you warning me.. Adan.” She said
       as her back turned from the entrance to hear the two speak of
       their relation.The redheaded  woman her fingers tapping on her
       chin.
       She shook her head from the change of topics.  Khali saw her go
       to grab her arm.”you shouldn’t go, Adan’s visions isn’t one to
       brush off.” She heard to stare at the entrance.>>> ^^
       “It’s not so less of brushing it off- it’s more like I’m feeling
       trapped- and suggest you let me go or you’re gonna be the next
       meal for the chimera.” She said flatly.”would hate for Adan to
       lose a friend.” She warned to see the hand come off.
       —fin—
       "Skoll not good talker... alone too long..." the wolfkin said
       with a heavy sigh before leaning on Adan.  The tears continuing
       to flowed. He tried a few times to express himself to the man
       before just giving up on trying and grumbled and growled to
       himself.
       Skoll flinched when Adan jerked and then was put in the spot.
       The grumble Skoll rather possessively pulled the man into his
       lap to snuggle like a body pillow.
       "Eden... Stay.... morning better..." He told the women from his
       spot snuggling the nobleman.
       ----
       Adan made no objection when Skoll pulled him into his lap and
       cuddled him like he was a pillow. It wasn't quite what he
       expected but let the man do what he needed to cope with his
       loss.
       In a last ditch effort to keep Eden there he recalled how she'd
       enjoyed playing with the chimera kits and watched as one headed
       over to her.
       "At least stay for the kits, it's not likely you'll ever get to
       pet one or hold one after this."
       The kit plopped down at her feet giving her a slow blink with
       its big adorable eyes and let out a small kitty roar as it
       agreeing with him.
       "If you are feeling trapped go exploring in the caverns. There's
       a lot to see, Hama and I didn't actually go a that far," Einar
       and suggested in his very deep voice.
       Snow eyed Skoll who had latched onto Adan and didn't seem like
       he'd be letting go anytime soon.
       "I could stay with Skoll, but looks like he's got his arms full
       at the moment. I'll go with you whatever you decide. Hama and
       Einar can keep everyone safe until I get back. I'm sure the
       guards are capable enough to lend a hand as well," he added.
       ----fin----
       Eden heard skoll to grant pause. First it was the long haired
       one- and now big tall and wild.
       Course Adan had to mention the kits as her mouth changed
       immediately.”what a dirty trick to use Adan.. “ she said as she
       heard the roar. She shifted to pick the thing up. Her face
       nuzzling the fur ball of fluff.”but the good kind..” she said
       with a chuckle.”and quite adorable being snuggled like that..
       bet your… comfortable.” She said in a tone that was flirty.
       Her head turned to einar to tilt her head almost curiously.”it’s
       bigger?” She seemed to think again as she snuggled the kit as it
       made its second roar to get a giggle out of her.
       It seemed most were convincing her to stay. Snow seemingly just
       bent on staying close till she was safe. Her mouth held in such
       a way as she was ‘thinking’
       *mean.. might as well.. don’t get a whole bunch just asking us
       to stay.* End thought as Eden’s head tilted.
       *be a chance to find out why snow is so attached..*
       Eden’s head tilted the other.”alright I’ll stay.. but snow- you
       and me are going back in the cave.. a little bit.” She said as
       she walked by, snuggling the thing to put it back to its
       mother.”then I’ll snuggle the big murder kitty.” She joked.
       Khali sighed rather deeply as Eden finished.”I’ll talk to you
       later- don’t know why *you* bothered. After all your one of
       three that ditched me to die.” She said as she walked off
       grabbing snows hand to take him with her to the caverns.>>>>^^^
       Every step she took her nerves ramped a little. She never really
       intentionally would go with anyone alone.. not since the
       betrayal with Twyla.
       “I must be crazy..” she said offhandedly.
       *more like we are.* end retorted
       Her face made a small frown at ends retort.  She mentally told
       herself this would be the last time she ‘trusted’ to be with
       anyone.. being abandoned or felt like it for her over so long…
       Once she managed to stop when she felt they were far enough..
       let go of snows hand.
       “Snow.. why…” she asked.”why are you so adamant to stay close?”
       She asked. Eden stepped closer. The fact she was being braver
       than the norm would show.
       Her hand grabbed his collar and pulled him down to her level.
       Her emotions felt all over the place actually touching someone
       that wasn’t meant to hurt or defend.
       She covered his mouth with hers. Almost as if she just couldn’t
       resist it that much longer. Why did he affect her this way? She
       wondered.
       ——
       Khali and Ezra watched her walk off as the man sighed and sat
       down with his blade. The man just couldn’t bring himself to
       admit he felt guilty. He had as much control as Ezra in the
       situation. It was their ways.. and in a way karma came to him in
       a form of losing his arm.
       Ezra shifted a bit to see tre sleeping as he made a face.”too
       bad he don’t have long hair… like to get him back..” he
       grumbled.
       —fin—
       It wasn't long before Skoll moved to lay down, refusing to let
       go of Adan, especially when he went to sleep, a growl leaving
       him any time anyone tried to move the man from his arms, and if
       Adan tried to move away, his grip tightened. The desire to keep
       the man safe was too deep rooted, and his fear of being
       abandoned not letting him let the man go. It was hard enough
       watching how Snow had moved on, the way he spoke to Eden made
       the wolf kin jealous but kept it to himself. He had been gone,
       of course the man would move on.
       Snores filled the cave as the giant finally slept.
       -----
       Adan didn't look the least bit apologetic when Eden told him
       he'd used a dirty trick. As long as it kept her from walking out
       and into danger he would do whatever it took. He relaxed a great
       deal more when she added it was a good kind and chuckled while
       nuzzling the chimera kit.
       Adan's face flushed at her saying he looked adorable being held
       by Skoll and then flirted with him about it. "At the moment I
       guess," he replied, clearly not used to being used as a pillow.
       It didn't feel bad, he just wasn't used to anyone holding him
       like this.
       Both Snow and Adan were curious to hear the cavern was much
       bigger than they'd thought.
       "Ay quite big. Could even go on forever," Hama grunted with a
       grin and gleam in his eyes. "Didn't see an end in sight,"
       Einar shook his head looking exasperated by the others over
       exaggerating the size. "It goes down quite a ways..I couldn't
       hear the stone I dropped. The back of the cave does end, his
       eyes just didn't catch it,"
       "Ye saying I'm blind now?"
       Einar shook his head again. "No, but your eyes are nowhere near
       as sharp as mine. That's been proven before,"
       Hama grunted looking a bit annoyed but didn't argue further.
       Snow hadn't actually expected Eden to stay, though he had wanted
       her to. He was far more aware of her moods and why she didn't
       care for crowds. Not that he was going to reveal that to
       everyone.
       A pleased smile filled his face at her agreeing to stay and
       nodded at her insistence of him going with her into the cave.
       "There are a few things we could talk about," he replied in an
       agreeable tone.
       Eden's comment to Khali and Ezra had the ravagers and Adan look
       rather shocked. Snow eyes narrowed a bit and he looked like
       there was a great deal he wanted to say to the two, but was soon
       being led off by Eden further into the cave.
       -------
       "and they say the jungle folk are the civilized ones," Hama
       grunted shaking his head.
       Einar bore a rather intense look as he thought over what Eden
       had said in passing as she'd led Snow off.
       Now confined in Skoll's string embrace without anyway of escape
       all Adan could do was shoot questioning looks at Khali and Ezra.
       He felt conflicted and more than a little dismayed that the two
       he'd trusted and thought of as good people could do such a
       thing.
       "You will tell me what happened. Either now or later, the truth
       is going to be told."
       After a few attempts to get out of Skoll's embrace, and failing
       Adan gave up settling to rest his head against Skolls chest.
       A part of him reasoned it was the wolf kins self conscious
       attempt to keep him safe. He took the time to work through the
       vision he'd gotten and then rested, the snores keeping him from
       actually falling asleep.
       -----
       They'd only gone a little ways into the tunnel when Snow heard
       Eden saying she must be crazy.
       "You think you're crazy? I don't think you are." Snow said
       softly.
       A little ways further Eden stopped and let go of his hand and
       then turned to ask him why he wanted to be close to her.
       "Ever since our first encounter, I've felt this attraction, and
       something much deeper that draws me to you. You're not like
       anyone else. There's something deeper and more intense about
       you. I can't quite figure out what it is exactly,"
       Snow knew quite well that Eden was pushing herself past her
       comfort level by moving in closer and curling her fingers into
       the collar of his shirt.
       He followed her lead, and gently responded to her kiss, pressing
       in slowly to return it. He lifted one hand to slowly caress her
       face as he let his feelings for her pour into their first kiss.
       ------fin-----
       Khali face a slow exhale as Ezra seemed to be the one to open
       his mouth.”Adan.. ezra was never apart of that- after all he and
       Eden were 13 when it happened- he had absolutely no control.. “
       said Khali to the man as he watched semi amused at the man
       trying to get out- he knew better to just let the beast cuddle
       the brains.  “Far as Ezra and I knew- we were told she had died,
       as you know the Anubis isn’t exactly sunshine and rainbows- mean
       you’ve been through the sword practices yourself.” He told Adan.
       Ezra shut his mouth a bit as his eye went a bit wide.
       “For the Thunder family it ran much deeper and ended up being a
       big tangled mess.” He explained to Adan. “Their ways require to
       be in the desert to learn the ways of the land and come back-
       but Eden was considered a problem- and given the Thunder name
       and how he was - he lied to Ezra of leaving her behind to learn
       a ‘lesson’.. granted it wasn’t a pretty way of dragging him off.
       Reality was- he was wanting a good reason to leave her behind.
       She didn’t fit his idea of what an Anubis guard was suppose to
       be..”He admitted as Ezra just looked down.
       “I was apart of the group with the old dead one over there. “ he
       said.”honestly I should have said something but.. even I felt my
       hands tied due to familial obligations. All I could do.. was
       leave what provisions I had on me and hoped she’d survive.” He
       said quietly. “I know I’m no good-“ he said as his hand went to
       his right arm. The memories of having to deal with one of the
       exiled came to his mind.  The fight and lost arm, he almost died
       hadn’t it not been for the healers. “Guess me stopping her ..
       was my way of not repeating the past.” He said quietly.  Ezra
       turned to the man that taught him and taken care of him after he
       was shoved to the post and sighed.”besides after Eden was left
       and told she died I ah.. gave dad hell after.” Said Ezra. “I
       couldn’t forgive that my twin was gone- so by the time he had it
       with me- just threw me to the outpost.” He said flatly.
       >>>^^^
       “I couldn’t entirely leave though- that’s why I often visited
       your grandma- after all that’s how we met honestly.” Said Ezra
       at his own memory.
       ———
       Eden made a soft noise at the press of his lips against hers..
       the deepened kiss suprising her.. though her mask hid the
       expression on her eyes. His fingers against her face seemed to
       melt into the passion of the kiss. She parted hearing those
       words from him, she drew him in for another, her foot going
       behind his to force him to his ass so she could fall on top,
       letting her body lean against his. Clearly getting lost in the
       heated kissing.
       —fin—
       Adan was relieved to hear Ezra wasn't apart of what Eden had
       gone through. The more Khali explained and told him, Adan began
       thinking of what he might need to do to help right the wrong
       done to her. Not that he was going to let them know his plans.
       It would be better that way.
       "Thank you for telling me what you know. You did what you could
       at the time. If you weren't remorseful over it, you would be no
       good."
       Adan could tell from Ezra's  words that he was still wrapping
       his head around his sister being alive. He'd gone through  a
       great deal of trauma and needed time to adjust to this new
       reality.
       "I'm glad that you stuck around, you...you were my first friend
       after all," Adan said with a soft sigh. "My Life would have been
       boring without you. I don't mean to judge you or Khali, I was
       just shocked by what Eden said." He added.
       ------
       Snow had a few moments to catch his breath before Eden was
       crashing their mouths back together then forcing him down on the
       ground. Snow let out a groan feeling her body settle on top of
       him.
       After they'd made out for a rather long while, he slowly and
       gently moved her off of him, despite how his body had reacted.
       "That's ..that's all I will do right now. I have feelings for
       you and Skoll. I don't want to hurt him or you. I need to talk
       to him...and try and figure out where to go from here. Plus...I
       think I am not made to be in a monogamous relationship," snow
       said softly.
       ----fin----
       Khali nodded his head softly. “Thank you for your words Adan.
       Just know if she speaks I’ll let her. Far as I’m concerned I
       deserve it.” He said as he shifted to his back on the floor. His
       eyes peered at the ceiling as he felt sleep taking hold.
       Ezra heard Adan to give a chuckle.”your fine really. And I’m
       glad you still believe us friends.. just glad she still regards
       me as her family.. even if she changed her name.” He said with a
       sigh as he realized… they both had E names.
       ——-
       Eden couldn’t help but rock against his body. It was the first
       contact with anyone she really had, her hands roaming and
       pushing his shirt open. As she was about to reach and let loose
       of her top felt his hands on her arms to still.
       Her ears caught what he said as she felt a sense of pouting.
       First time in a long time she let anyone near and she got
       rebuffed.
       Course it sounded as if he was mixed and chuckled hearing his
       confession of not being monogamous.” If that’s the case- means I
       won’t feel guilty if I pursue skoll? Maybe even the cutie he’s
       cuddling?” She said with a small grin. “But skoll seems like the
       type that words won’t work… “ she said her arms crossing. An
       idea came to mind as she smiled.
       *oh you naughty girl.. your going for wild man in the morning
       aren’t you?* she heard in her head.
       *well you did say you wanted him yes?* Eden thought back her
       head tilting.
       Eden heard absolute quiet as a grin spread again as she felt the
       flustered feelings of her other half. “It’s fine- but don’t
       expect me to wait too long.” She said to snow.”been a long time
       since I let anyone play with me…” she said with a flirty smile.
       —-fin—
       #Post#: 1676--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Breaking the cycle
       By: Minyaagar Date: February 24, 2026, 10:58 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Adan gave a nod to Khali and yawned lightly. "All right, just
       hope no blows come out of it,"
       "All right Ezra. Just give yourself time, don't try to rush. You
       both are going to need time to figure out where to go next," he
       advised and yawned again.  "Night then. Can't seem to stay awake
       any longer," he mumbled before falling into a restful sleep
       cocooned by Skoll's strong embrace.
       -----
       Snow was momentarily surprised when Eden mentioned pursuing
       Skoll and Adan. Then he grinned and ran a hand down her back
       slowly. "I wouldn't mind if you did, just let me settle things
       with him first," he told her. "I'm not sure how open Adan would
       be, but at least words will work better with explaining things,"
       He chuckled a bit at Eden's telling him to not make her wait too
       long. "It'd be more fun to have all of us at once. A little
       patience and a private tent would be better than a cave where we
       are stuck with other people," he pointed out.
       ----fin----
       The morning rolled around and Skoll was still sleeping hard,
       refusing to let Adan up, even when the chimera kittens started
       pulling at his hair, ears and wolven tail.
       ---fin---
       Ezra gave a soft nod, he watched as the men fell asleep.. he
       decided he’d stay awake and let khali rest.
       ——
       Eden felt the soft touch down her back, causing the needy tingle
       down. “Alright.. and well..won’t know till we flirt with him?”
       She asked almost bemused.course she couldn’t help but
       understand.”your not wrong.. though I don’t mind fucking out in
       the open.. “ she joked a bit before moving.
       *your still doing that morning hunt aren’t you?*
       *don’t worry - just call it getting to know skoll- but no
       fucking.*
       *ah come on!* end shouted in her head as Eden just chuckled her
       way to find a spot to sleep.
       —fin—
       Snow chuckled at Eden's response. "I'm not really into
       exhibition, but given the right crowd or group I could be
       convinced," he said with a wink. "Who knows, maybe we can
       convince Prince Adan to join us and Skoll. Now that would be
       fun," he said with a rather serious look.
       They were soon back where they'd left the other's. By now only
       Ezra and Einar were awake and watching over the sleeping group.
       He gave both a nod before going to rest against the wall near
       the entrance.
       When morning broke the sound of Adan trying to get free filled
       his ears.
       "Please Skoll, my bladder's gonna explode!" Adan was begging and
       trying to wrestle free.
       Snow got up and moved to lean over Skoll, placing a deep kiss on
       the wolf kins lips, not caring if anyone saw it.
       "Hey sleepy wolf, let Adan up. You can cuddle me for awhile," he
       offered with a grin and brushed the hair out of wolf's face.
       Adan was wide eyed at seeing Snow kissing the other and gulped.
       Why was he thinking of how amazing it would feel to be kissed by
       Snow all of a sudden?
       Einar and Hama were pulling in their gear and chuckled at the
       sight. "We'll be right back. Gonna check on things outside.
       Khali you feel like joining?"
       Atreus looked pleased by the display of affection and snuck a
       look over at Ezra. He was betting the guy would be insisting on
       finding somewhere to hide.
       -----
       The feeling of lips on his own had Skoll's eyes flutter open,
       seeing that it was Snow who next promised to cuddle. Thoughts of
       more than cuddling filtered into Skoll's mind as he finally let
       go of Adan, pinning Snow down under him in the man's place as
       his hands began to roam, slipping under the man's clothes to
       tease the skin underneath.
       Soon he was pushing Snow's top of as his lips and tongue began
       to explore his long missed lover, moving lower and lower, not
       caring if they had an audience.
       -----
       The sounds of ruffling around woke khali and Ezra up to see snow
       walk over and kiss the man. Khali sighed.”yeah - better than
       seeing where this is going.” He joked a bit as he followed the
       two giants, he gently took the fur of the mother.”mind aiding me
       in making a grave?” He asked as he walked out with the two.
       Ezra who was bright red saw Eden slowly waking up and her
       sitting up rather quickly.”maybe we should give privacy.”he said
       as she waved him off.”you go- he’s seen me fuck a few girls
       before- it’s only fair.” She commented before seeing Adan now
       freed.. his face told her everything.”he does kiss quite well…
       should kiss him when you get the chance..” flirted the red head.
       She rocked back on her heels at the thought of him under her..
       but now other thoughts started fluttering in her head..
       —fin—
       Snow wasn't all that surprised by Skoll pulling him down and
       then pinning him down and deepening the kiss. He moaned happily
       running his own hands over Skoll's. He'd been thinking about
       being with his lover since they'd first reunited with one
       another.
       "If you don't want to watch, best leave now," he warned the
       others and git a good hold of Skoll's of long hair. "Gods I
       missed you Skoll. Think...it's my turn to be on bottom this
       time," he added thinking back to their last time together. "Oh
       gods that feels soo good,"
       ------
       Adan hurried quickly off to relieve himself before coming back
       to see Snow getting stripped by Skoll and flushed at Eden's
       comments to Ezra and him. Then flushed dark at hearing Snow's
       warning.
       "I think you're the only one really wanting to leave," Atreus
       commented coming up behind Ezra and putting hand on the other's
       shoulder. "Let go check out the cave, let them have their fun."
       He suggested and gave Eden and Adan a wink before leading the
       jungle guard off.
       Einar and Hama both nodded at Khali following him out of the
       cave. "Don't forget my promise Einar," Hana said shooting his
       lover an intense look.
       Einar smiled. "How could I? You kept reminding me every few
       hours. Relax. We'll have our fun. Where did you want to make
       this grave?"
       -----
       A low rumble of approval left Skoll hearing the man wanted to be
       taken this time. "Skoll miss Snow," he practically purred as he
       ripped away Snow's pants before taking his lover's member into
       his mouth getting him nice and deep in his throat before moving
       lower to shove his tongue inside of his lover. He head the
       people talking behind him to give them a raised eyebrow as it
       seemed Adan and Eden intended on staying to watch.
       A possessive sound left Skoll as he pulled his lips away. "Get
       wet, then Skoll claim," he told his lover with a lustful gaze.
       ---fin---
       Ezra blushed hotly to immediately rush the other way - where
       atreaus was suggesting- intending to not witness what would come
       next. But one thing did hit him- Eden was different. Seemed she
       grown awfully comfortable with sex and more it seemed as he
       heard the rattle of belts coming off and Eden’s few words.”snow
       I swore you said you’d be talking… guess this is talking?” She
       said in a tone that clearly was turned on- but mixed with some
       jealousy.
       Her head shifted to Adan who looked about sucked in as she was
       to smirk a little bit. “Kinda hard to look away huh? I get it..
       could .. ‘talk’ to you like snow is ‘talking’ to skoll..” she
       flirted. “Never taken a *man* before..” she said in a seductive
       tone. Her face keeping in observation of just how receptive Adan
       might be.
       —-
       Khali heard the two talk and blushed a bit.”believe I saw a tree
       this way.. if you two are wanting your fun.. you’re welcome to..
       I can.. do this myself.” He said as he felt a faint longing in
       his own heart. “Excuse me.” He said as he went to do his work.
       ----
       "I've missed You too Skoll, so damn much," Snow replied, far too
       turned on to fight the others need for intimacy.
       His eyes closed and he let out a deep moan of pleasure as Skoll
       worked over him and then worked that long tongue deep inside of
       him.
       "Want to come up here so I can take you?" He asked shooting a
       lustful look at Skoll. "Feeling weak as already from that tongue
       of yours," he added with a flirty wink.
       He glanced up at Eden whom looked a bit jealous of how things
       had turned out. "you think I can control what Skoll wants? One
       doesn't argue with him all that much,"
       Adan gulped and looked up at Eden his face flushing a bit darker
       at her suggestion to talk like Snow and Skoll were.
       "Uh...umm... I've never actually done it before," he confessed
       looking a bit embarrassed and glanced down at his hands. "I
       wouldn't be opposed to trying, but I'm not sure I'm ready to go
       all the way."
       -----
       Atreus took in Ezra's blushing face and led the younger man
       further into the cavern. "Whoa, be careful," he said and pulled
       Ezra away from a lizard on the wall.
       "One touch of that thing will paralyze you for ten hours," he
       warned and then kept ahold of the other's hand as theu continued
       on.
       "Looks like I'll have to teach you what to avoid in the desert,"
       he said with an amused grin. "So...what do you do other than
       guard Adan? Do anything for fun?"
       --------
       "it can wait," Einar insisted shooting a look at Hama.
       "The anticipation makes it far more satisfying," he added with a
       grin, getting a groan out of Hama.
       The two followed after Khali to the tree where they helped dig a
       hole for the wolf pelt.
       Once they'd finished the task, the three split up to look around
       for signs of the fanatic raiders.
       -----
       The two behind Skoll barely had the man's attention and his
       cheeks flushed at Snow's desire to take him. He moved himself
       closer to Snow's face to take a fist full of the man's hair to,
       rather gently push himself into Snow's mouth, a hot moan leaving
       in.
       Once he had decided he was wet enough, He moved to pinn his long
       missed lover's legs back before he slowly eased himself inside
       of that needy hole, moaning out hotly as he tried to refrain
       from moving until he had permission.
       The moment he had that permission, Skoll was plowing into Snow
       like he might never get this chance again, letting out *all* the
       pent up feelings he had to fuck the man at a mind blowing and
       wild pace until he exploded hard, filling his lover.
       The wolfkin panted hard as he held himself over his lover and
       kissed the man deeply as he pulled out before falling onto his
       back next to the man quite content.
       -----
       Eden raised a brow at snow at the comment of not being able to
       control what skoll wants.
       “Mmhmm I’ll remember that wh-“ she started what would have been
       her being a smart ass till she saw Skoll’s  size to have a small
       jaw slack. “Oh… oh ho ho… now I see what you mean.. by not
       arguing….”Said Eden with a bigger grin before she heard Adan.
       Seeing him all flustered the way he was, made him all the
       adorable in her eyes. Her head tilted the other way.”you a
       virgin… oh damn that’s not good around here.. pretty as you are
       someone’s bound to take it..” said Eden with a light tease.
       “Guess I’ll just settle for a first kiss- and making out
       again..“ she said in a tone her hand sliding under his chin
       before she pulled his face in for a soft kiss. She could feel
       the difference of how Adan’s lips and snows felt. Between making
       out and seeing snow being railed and coming undone was causing
       the needy feelings she stuffed down to rise again.
       she sat back after a little with Adan to parting. “Quite the
       kisser...“ she said as she watched snow being laid back having a
       nice eyeful of the pale man
       . The  pent up woman sighed.”well.. snow better recover- Adan
       you stay put- it was fun- but in all seriousness - if a fanatic
       gets ahold of you, it’ll be bad..snow will keep an eye on ya .”
       She warned as she checked to make sure she had everything. “I’m
       going to go hunt.” She said thoughtfully. Figuring the hunt
       would take the brunt of her frustrations of holding off. “Skoll
       if you still got your legs you can come with- probably need
       enough for everyone- big as you are probably carry it compared
       to me,..” She mumbled as she headed out.  She only said as much
       to keep snow in place.
       —
       Ezra felt the pull away as  to blush a bit as he stumbled a bit
       close to Atreaus before he felt his hand taken. “I know what to
       avoid thanks.. just.. don’t do well with what happened.. is that
       uh..common?” He asked as he referred to the sex just happening
       on the spot.
       >>> ^^^
       “And just about anywhere?” He asked as he flushed a bit more.
       Ezra never really thought of just letting anyone in. But now
       that they were alone.. he did have a question that weighed on
       his mind.”were you… hiding what you are?” He asked
       softly.”mean.. being the queens relative..” he asked as he
       looked at his hand that was being held.
       ——fin—
       Snow let out a soft groan at his hair being grabbed and opened
       his mouth wide to take the massive shaft in his mouth. He sucked
       and took every inch of it, moaning out his pleasure.
       He was more than ready when Skoll finally pulled away and moved
       his legs up and pushed slowly inside. "Oh god yes," Snow groaned
       out, his hands moving to grip his lover's hair and down for more
       kisses while his body adjusted to Skoll.
       "Please fu.cking take me now," he begged a few moments later.
       "let it all out, I can take it!"
       Snow was soon crying out loudly as his body was claimed so
       roughly. He came several times before he was filled with a huge
       load of hot cum.
       "That was incredible," he panted out before he was kissed
       deeply. He sighed happily and once Skoll had pulled free reached
       over to play with the other's hair. "God I love you Skoll," he
       murmured and moved to curl up against him.
       -----
       Adan couldn't help but flush dark at hearing Snow and Skoll
       going at it, and gulped a bit at Eden's saying him being a
       virgin wasn't a good thing. "I don't plan on letting it be just
       anyone," he replied glancing down.
       "I want it to be someone I love," he admitted a moment later.
       Adan shivered a bit at her hand on his face and then closed his
       eyes when her lips found his. It took a bit before he was
       kissing her back and lost himself in her taste and the feel of
       her hands on him.
       Adan caught his breath when she pulled back and flushed when she
       said he was a good kisser. "So so are you,"
       Adan was once again frowning when Eden talking about fanatics
       getting a hold of him. "You be careful and don't get grabbed
       yourself." He replied and moved to go watch the sleeping kits.
       He was fairly annoyed she kept treating him like little more
       than a kid. At least that's what it felt like.
       Snow pulled back from Skoll with a sigh of his own, seeing how
       Eden's words had bothered Adan. "Keep track of where you go," he
       told Skoll knowing the wolf kin would follow Eden. "I'd hate for
       you to get lost again,"
       Snow got redressed and went over to talk with Adan and find out
       what was bothering him.
       -----
       "Mm hmm right," Atreus replied with a grin. "You're inquiring
       about orgies or just having sex in public? Not normally. In Snow
       and Skoll's case though...they've been separated for years. They
       couldn't really hold back anymore. Most ravagers keep their
       trysts to the privacy of their tents,"
       Atreus glanced over at Ezra's question about hiding who he was.
       "I..I didn't know I was royalty until I read Adan's blood. Like
       I said, I don't recall anything of my childhood or if my father
       ever told me about our ancestry. If I'd had known I probably
       would have still  stayed with the ravagers. I like having the
       freedom to choose what I want to do,"
       ------fin-----
       A pleased hum left Skoll when Snow declared his love and got a
       wide smile out of him. "Skoll love Snow," he said in agreement
       as his eyes closed as his love curled up against him.
       He felt Snow pull away after hearing Eden invite the wolfkin to
       go hunting with her. He sat up, grinning. "Will try," he agreed
       before getting to his feet and throwing on his clothes before he
       followed after Eden.
       He remained silent as they walked away from the oasis, soon,
       getting on his hands and knees to sniff at the ground and air.
       "Prey," he murmured to Eden as he got to his feet and went in
       the direction of the smell.
       #Post#: 1677--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Breaking the cycle
       By: Minyaagar Date: February 24, 2026, 11:05 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Eden gave a rather soft chuckle at the positive response of
       skoll as she checked and made sure what she had.  She heard his
       words of her being careful.”…yeah there won’t be a second time.”
       She said softly to herself. She could tell he looked a bit
       annoyed and felt a bit bad. But after seeing the guy freeze and
       almost get eaten- didn’t want the guy to deal with worse.
       Eden heard snows words, she couldn’t help but faint a gentle
       look.
       “Don’t worry- I’ll be there so there’s *no* way we will get
       lost.” Said Eden haphazardly trying to ease snows worries.
       She strode out with skoll in tow her ears keeping tabs on the
       noises. The desert  sands  blowing among the dunes as they
       reached the edge of some rocks when she heard skoll mention
       prey. Her foot steps went softer as  she broke from skoll enough
       to see one hell of a boar. Eden made a grin as she slowly slid
       her blades, she knew she wouldn’t have time to connect them..
       but the moment the beast heard a noise did it take off. “Ah
       shit!” Flew out as her feet dug in the sand, the woman felt her
       foot slide as she hit the edge of the dune.
       She watched the beast roll down rather hard down to end up
       going down herself, with skoll and rushing after their prey..
       managed to get distance that even Eden wasn’t accustomed to. She
       managed to get to the prey when it heaped near a dune due to its
       broken leg. “Ha!” She said with a chuckle. She did what she had
       to make sure the meat was good given the boar was a male rather
       quickly. Once done she shifted and looked back at skoll.
       “Alright.. guess we should head…. Back…” said Eden, her head
       clearly shifting different directions.”mmmm think it was this
       way?” She said to walk a few steps.”Nono… must be this way.” She
       turned most assured she *had* the right direction.
       She wondered just.. how she was going to talk to this wild man..
       *come on say something.. we got buck wild with us.* Eden heard
       “I don’t know how to talk to him.. just..”Eden mumbled.
       >>> ^^^
       *just what?!? Just tell him that your greedy and want him and
       snow* Eden heard in her head.
       “How the hell am I suppose to do that?” Eden quipped as end
       seemed to get aggravated naturally. Somehow the intense emotions
       of end with skoll and wanting to make herself known caused a
       switch.
       ‘Eden’ seemingly paused. Her head swiveling around to lifting
       her hands.”well.. that’s new..” said end with a chuckle flexing
       her hands -as she felt Eden wondering what the hell happened
       inside.
       End looked at skoll as she fell back to finally just out with it
       the best way she felt the guy would understand. “Skoll - I want
       you.” She said the best way she could explain.”like you want
       snow.” Said end as she could feel Eden already panicked inside.
       —-
       Ezra blushed a bit.”ahh that explains what happened.” He said to
       listen more.”if you want me to keep this a secret I can- just
       know your abilities are direct lines to the queen- such as Adan
       and his omnilinguism.  You two are very important people.. if
       the queen knew she’d probably bring an army to get you back.” He
       said honestly to sigh.”and I rather you enjoy your freedom..
       Adan has no real out.. we let the guy have his time.. he wanders
       off sometimes but- usually we are assigned.. this time though-
       he was sent with some real as.sholes.” He said with a sigh as he
       stepped a bit more. “Honestly if I wasn’t so mixed in either I’d
       get away too.. dad’s kinda back in my life and trying to throw
       me in an arranged marriage to a friend of mine.. honestly- I
       have interest in men- don’t think he’d be happy about that..” he
       mumbled with a sigh.
       —fin—
       "are you all right Adan?" Snow asked softly picking up the
       frustration ebbing off the noble man.
       Adan's lips tightened as he watched Eden head off with Skoll
       having mixed feelings.
       "I suppose she doesn't treat you like a child," he muttered.
       "Seems like everyone treats me with kid gloves, like I wasn't
       trained to fight, Or can't handle myself. It's more than a
       little frustrating. I'm almost 19, not 8. At some point people
       need to let me just experience life instead of holding me back
       all the time!"
       Snow listened to Adan vent and reached out to squeeze his
       shoulder gently.
       "I can tell you've got a lot of pent up feelings on this, just
       don't judge her too harshly. Seeing you freeze like that
       probably scared her. It's not like any of us in the desert has
       seen anything like it before. Don't hold it against her and I'm
       sure you'll have many chances to prove yourself. I mean, we are
       going to be trying to figure out your visions after all. We
       can't really just ignore them,"
       Adan let out a sigh, Snow's words reassuring him him a bit. As
       well as making him realize that he might have judged Eden too
       quickly.
       "Really? You will?"
       "Well we'll have to convince the others to go, but I think we
       can manage that,"
       ------
       "I would appreciate it if you can keep it a secret," Atreus
       replied.
       His eyebrow twitched a bit thinking of what else he'd found in
       Adan's blood that Ezra and the others didn't know yet. Was it
       possible that Adan himself had yet to find out that he had other
       abilities? Well...he'd have to find a moment to tell his cousin
       what he'd found.
       "I'm sure she would," Tre sighed.
       It was nice to hear that his cousin was allowed some freedom.
       "So if Adan decided he wants to follow his vision, will you and
       Khali follow him? It's likely Snow will insist we help him as
       well," he speculated.
       Atreus found himself a bit more intrigued hearing that Ezra was
       more interested in men than the arranged marriage set up for
       him.
       "Probably would change his tune if it was a man of high rank, or
       nobility." He said thoughtfully. "Would you be interested in me
       at all?"
       ----
       The hunt was on and Skoll was locked in. Any thoughts of keeping
       tabs on where he was were out the window as he gave chase to the
       boar. Hunting along side Eden was very fun and he was on quite
       the hunting high once they finished cleaning the meat and
       packing it up to haul back.
       He watched Eden for a long moment when she mentioned heading
       back and tilted his head when she turned to go another way
       before she began to argue with herself.
       The questioning look became even more puzzled when Eden's entire
       demeanor changed after arguing with herself.
       Then he watched her fall back into the bank of the dune before
       addressing him, saying she wanted him like he wanted Snow. "Eden
       want Skoll? Skoll love Snow... Snow be sad?... Skoll not want
       Snow sad, Skoll want Snow Mate...." the wolfkin said, saying
       likely the longest string of words he had in a long time.
       ----
       Ezra listened a bit to the man,  as he walked he heard his
       question.”pretty much will- Adan is considered important due to
       the fact he can go into any ruin and translate it without
       issue.” Said the man.”being he is the highest of law as of
       current- we listen to him.” He said as he walked.”ha! Doubt
       it..“ he started till the next question caused him to stop
       walking all together as his face went red as he tugged his mask
       down. Seemed the man noticed his stares.”be lying if I said you
       weren’t attractive..” admitted the male.  He stepped forward to
       almost not see a pit to stumble and leaned into tre.”sorry..” he
       said as he realized they were damn close.
       ——-
       End chuckled a bit as she shifted up. “Snow not be sad- snow
       wants Eden like snow wants skoll.. and mate? “ end seemed to
       stew on the word.”I want mate.. but I am not Eden- I am end.”
       She said softly. She seemed to think as she grabbed a rock.”
       End.” She said to one. She grabbed a different weaker
       rock.”Eden.”  She put a giant circle in the sand to place the
       rocks inside the circle.”Eden, and end.. we.” She said as she
       attempted to explain her split personality.  “Not one am two.”
       She said her second finger going up.
       “We greedy..“ she clarified as she looked at him hoping she got
       through.
       ——
       Gin had made it to the oasis as he sighed. It felt like ages
       since he walked there.. the place looking empty. “Hmmm…” he
       sounded before shifting for the water. He didn’t waste time to
       get some before he went to set up camp. He was waiting for
       someone.. his brother told him long ago there would be a time
       he’d need to be here. As he was meant to teach someone .. how to
       tune.
       —fin—
       Atreus nodded, relieved that the guards would follow Adan's
       orders. It was likely that this saving the world business would
       require many people with unique skills to accomplish a good
       outcome.
       He couldn't help but grin a bit wider at Ezra's shy reaction and
       tugging his mask over his face.
       "I guess we'll just have to get to know each other better," he
       said with a wink and then wrapped his arms around the man when
       he nearly fell into a pit he hadn't seen."no need to apologize
       Ezra, we're just getting to know one another," he flirted a bit
       before leading the man over to a rocky ledge and pulled him down
       to sit next to him.
       "You know kissing is another way to get to know someone. If you
       want to try that,"
       ------
       Hama and Einar had taken out several fanatic raiding tribes that
       they'd found camped out then headed towards the Ravagers camp.
       They were only halfway there when they heard the piercing cry of
       Snow's red tail hawk Pyr and waited for the bird to land on
       Einar's pack.
       "Guess Scar decided to send you out looking for Snow." Einar
       spoke softly, offering the bird a piece of meat from his pouch.
       "It has been two days since we set out looking for him, and the
       oasis. Scars more than likely worried," Hama pointed out.
       Einar pulled out a piece of parchment paper and wrote out a
       quick message and tied it to Pyr's leg.
       "Take a message to Scar first, then come back to Snow," Einar
       urged gently.
       Given he was actually the son of a hawk woman, the bird could
       actually understand him. Pyr screeched and set out back towards
       the camp, giving the two ravagers the correct bearing.
       Pyr was back landing on Scar's should a short while later and
       pulling in the man's hair, impatient to get back to Snow.
       The message when taken off would read: *found snow and Water
       source for visitor. H and I will be back to camp for full report
       in an hour,*
       Listening to End, Skoll found himself listening to her
       explanation before a look of true surprise came to his eyes as
       the woman explained to him that she was two people in one, and
       he was speaking to End. "Skoll talk to End now? Eden want Skoll,
       Snow... together too? All mates?" He questioned, making sure he
       understood her.
       "Skoll be greedy too," he answered moments later before he
       closed the distance between them and kissed End deeply once he
       was sure this was what she wanted. Pulling back after a long
       while.
       "Back now?" He questioned as he looked around with no bearing on
       where they were.
       ----
       Ezra felt the arms and blushed harder before he let the man lead
       him to a ledge to kind of cling more cause of the fear of
       heights. “Kissing yeah.. sure…” he said in a voice that was
       trying to ignore what was below. Course once he felt lips did
       the fear melt away into a spark that he never thought would
       ignite in his life.
       —-
       “Yes speaking to end.. “ she said and grinned as the flustered
       feelings surfaced from Eden at the very word of mate as end just
       sealed the affirmation with a blush on her face the only
       evidence of Eden reacting from inside. “Yes Eden wants skoll and
       snow… together… mate..” she affirmed before hearing the words of
       skoll being greedy. Normally end would have reacted to the
       sudden distance between her and a man- how many times she had to
       move Eden’s body away from possible assault.
       End felt the kiss for the first time.. course she could
       ‘feel’inside but being there and in the moment was so much more.
       She groaned audibly into the rough mouth. She knew once she got
       a hold of snow and let him know she got skoll to understand-
       maybe he’d do more… with the wild man.
       She heard the question to clear her throat.. she looked
       around.”ah…I think… we’ve  gotten us lost.” End said and
       sighed.”best figure out how to find water.. if we know snow- and
       god knows we do- he’s going to come looking..” she said as she
       could feel the embarrassment from Eden.”should of brought
       someone with us..” she grumbled a bit.
       ——
       #Post#: 1678--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Breaking the cycle
       By: Minyaagar Date: February 24, 2026, 11:27 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Scar was waiting and worrying as his usual- the sandstorm didn’t
       help at all when he wanted to find his men and kept trying to
       kee blade from dehydrating. Once he saw the note did he get a
       sigh of relief.  He went to the tent with blade and said
       gently.”just a bit longer kiddo- they found water- just gotta be
       submerge yes?” He asked.
       —fin—
       Atreus hadn't realized that Ezra was afraid of heights until the
       man was clinging tightly to him. Yet he couldn't bring himself
       to moving back, at least not until he'd gotten a few kisses out
       of the gorgeous red haired man.
       When Ezra gave his consent to kissing, Atreus slid a hand gently
       under the others jaw and lifted his face up and brushed his lips
       gently against Ezra's.
       The first taste of Ezra had his heartbeat rise and he let a soft
       moan, pulling back to smile at the other. "Want some more?"
       Then their lips molded back together and he was teasing Ezra's
       lips with his tongue. "I can't get enough of you," he murmured
       with a pleased sigh.
       -----
       Once Pyr was freed of his message he was taking off and heading
       back over the sandy dunes, soaring and letting out piercing
       cries and reaching out with his bond to find his master.
       Snow and Adan were starting to pack up the supplies and
       preparing to head off once the others returned. It didn't escape
       Snow's attention that Adan kept sneaking looks at him and
       chuckled to himself a bit.
       "Just how far is your camp from here?" Adan asked and then
       frowned hearing a strange bird cry.
       "Pyr!" Snow exclaimed, his face brightening and headed out to
       the entrance and reached out with his bond pulling on a glove
       and caught the red hawk a few moments later.
       "Hey there buddy, I missed you. Come meet a new friend of mine,"
       he said gently caressing the hawks chest feathers before turning
       to motion to Adan to come out.
       "This is my bonded animal, Pyr, we've been together for a long
       time now," he said with a grin.
       Adan headed over, blinking as an image from an older vision
       filled his mind. An older version of Snow with Pyr overlooking a
       battlefield, an army of winged warriors and winged horses with
       Calvary behind him.
       "He's beautiful Snow," Adan said with a small smile. He wasn't
       sure if he should tell him what he'd seen just yet.
       ----
       Einar and Hama arrived in the ravager camp at the time they'd
       predicted and headed to Scar's tent.
       To tell him if what had happened with Snow and those they'd run
       into.
       "We were given permission to use the oasis to help the boy. We
       should head out now, oh got some water that you can soak him in
       during the trip too," Hama finished.
       ----fin----
       A deep rumbling laugh escaped Skoll at the news they were lost,
       of course they were, but the way End spoke of Snow coming
       tonlook for him kept him at ease. At the mention of finding
       water an idea sparked in Skoll's mind.
       "Skoll smell water, Skoll smell back?" He suggested in
       excitement before he began to sniff the air, catching the sent
       of fresh water before he scooped End up and dumped her onto his
       shoulder before he took off in the opposite direction of where
       they had come from. He made it to a new oasis within a few hours
       and looked around. "Water... not same..." He complained.
       ---
       A groan left the dying dragon halfbreed when the tent door was
       opened. "Yeah... under water...." Blade mumbled out, delirious.
       -----
       Ezra let a moan slip some more, he was smitten as he said…”yes”
       he leaned in more as he got into the kissing his hat knocked off
       to settle on the ledge as he let his hands wander.. it felt so
       different yet - so right to him.
       ——-
       End flushed a bit.”you can smell water?” She asked before making
       a small noise of the scoop. Being on his shoulder felt like a
       whole new experience and ended up at another oasis.”yeah.. it’s
       not the same.. the one I was at had purple flowers..” she said
       seeing the pink ones. “Least we can be stationary till someone
       finds us.” She said as she slid off his shoulder.”ugh.. it’s
       hot.” She complained as she finally just unclasped her top
       pulling the thin fabric off to toss in her side pack she had
       stolen a ways back. Given the magic allowed it to hold almost
       anything. She got to the water to take a drink before wiping her
       face.”drink skoll.” She said as she splashed her face a little.
       ——
       Once Hama and einar arrived did scar chuckle.”permission hmm?
       Wouldn’t matter - long as it’s close enough to help the kid-“ he
       said as he was use to fighting and taking over the place. “Let’s
       get going- blade ain’t gonna last too much longer!” He said as
       he got everyone to prep to move.
       —fin—
       Atreus grinned and they got back to making out, the intensity of
       each kiss getting even more with each passing moment.
       Soon his hands were sliding up Ezra's chest and around his back.
       The hands on his own body stirred up deep feelings he'd never
       felt before, making him want much more.
       "Are you wanting more than just kissing Ezra?" He asked pulling
       back to look the man in the eyes.
       "Cause If we do more, I will start courting you earnestly, and
       make you mine for good," he warned, his tone completely serious.
       -----
       "It's not far," Einar replied. "But really the one that lives
       there isn't one you want to tangle with. She's a very deadly
       tuner. You don't want to get on her bad side. "Oh, and we found
       Skoll too." He added.
       Between the practiced hands of the ravagers, the camp was made
       mobile in less than an hour. Einar led Scar and those carrying
       Blade while Hana brought the rest at a slower pace.
       With dousing the poor boy every few moments they managed to get
       him there in under an hour.
       ----fin----
       A grunt of agreement left Skoll before his eyes went wide seeing
       End ditch her top, unable to take her eyes off of her. He
       finally snapped out of it when the woman demanded Skoll drink. A
       smirk crossed his lips as he decided he could do some teasing of
       his own, stripping out of his clothes and jumping into the
       water, entirely soaking End.
       He couldn't help but laugh as before he went under the water to
       pop back up even farther out. "Join?" He questioned, splashing
       in her direction.
       ---
       The sudden hussle and bustle of the camp had Blade more awake
       than he had been, the occasional splash of water on his dry skin
       keeping him from entirely succumbing to the dry heat.
       The moment Blade touched the water he pulled away from those
       holding him to dive deep under the water, surfacing a good five
       minutes later in his dragon form, the water bringing him back to
       life. It would take time to be back to himself but this was a
       damn good start.
       ---fin---
       End was getting up when she heard the sound of clothing to look
       over, to get a face full of water. She heard his laughter to
       give one of her own.”aren’t you such a naughty boy.” She teased
       to let her belts off with the swords. The pants coming off
       leaving the shorts. She splashed in to splash at skoll unaware
       of the danger that was heading their way. Her arms circled
       around the big guys shoulders as her mouth went for another
       kiss,just wanting to feel the man’s mouth.. least until a rope
       shot out to snag Eden’s neck to feel a drag back. A noise came
       out before shifting her head to realize there were fanatics. She
       tuned quickly to knock the one tugging the rope to shrug it off.
       “Fu.ck.” Came out as she took a breath and went under before the
       whole oasis shifted with her water tuning as she swept two of
       the warriors in the water.
       ——
       Scar wondered who that man was.. what he didn’t expect was to
       see a man with a green eye covering. Scar could feel something
       off of The stranger  as he turned to see a dehydrated blade.
       Gin,Being a dragon himself didn’t hesitate to move out of their
       way as he sat down seemingly waiting.
       Scar shook his head to look around.”so.. where are those two.”
       He asked as he wondered about skoll. He hadn’t seen the boy in
       so long.. and he had a lot to apologize for.
       —
       Ezra was getting into the touches and kisses, the feeling of
       just time being still- and enjoying the moment.. how he’d love
       for it to last forever.
       He breathed a bit deeply as atreaus had stopped and made his
       warning as Ezra felt this would be a good way to finally just..
       be apart from his father. Bonus being the guy seemed to like him
       and him showing interest back.”then court me all you want, and
       make me yours.” Said Ezra.”atreaus..” was all that was said
       before the kissing started becoming needy and wanting.
       ----
       Ezra's response had a thrill go through Atreus. His eyes got
       darker and then they were really making out hotly. His hands
       became much bolder as the explored the other's body.
       Soon he was moving back from the edge and finding a flat surface
       to lay his and Ezra's cloaks down before he was stripping off
       the others pants and his own. "Is the rock too hard?" He asked
       his hands sliding down to grope Ezra and tease him as he moved a
       knee between the others thighs.
       He moved down to suck and make a light mark on Ezra's neck.
       ----fin----
       Seeing End drop what was left of her clothes had Skoll smirk
       wider, gladly holding her close as she kissed him. The moment
       was ruined when End was suddenly pulled away by a rope and gave
       out a deep growl seeing what they were doing.
       The berserker was quick to swim to shore and made a cut on his
       arm with one of his k9 teen before his blood claws appears and
       he went about tearing about those that End didn't take care of,
       even fighting right by her side as they got ride of the
       annoyance. "Hurt?" He questioned as he worriedly checked over
       End when the threat had past.
       Once he was satisfied she was okay, he went back to the water to
       try a second attempt at relaxing and cleaning himself up.
       ---
       It was a good half hour before Blade finally came back to shore,
       walking out in his dragon form at first before shifting back to
       his human form. "Thanks for that... feel a lot better..." He
       told the people who had aided in saving him.
       ----
       Ezra felt himself laid back in their cloaks to see the man
       fumble with his belt and chains as he felt himself exposed to
       the ravager, course… right after did he see the man strip
       himself as his eye went a tad wide. The hands teasing places and
       groping caused a soft gasp. “Not at all.. “ he groaned before
       watching the man slide down more to make a soft breath in at the
       anticipation. His turn on pretty clear. “Just be gentle.. “ he
       asked as his hands wandered the man’s form.
       ——
       End managed to grab one of the swept warriors to hold him under
       to come up for a breath once it seemed that one had drowned. She
       felt the yank. Back in of another as the second man witnessing
       what happened  dared to try the same- only to end up stabbed.
       After a bit of a fight. Did she felt hands pull her over- skolls
       worried eyes, and his fingertips running across her skin as if
       checking out for wounds as she gave a gentle smile.”I’m okay.”
       Once it seemed all was calm and the bodies least dumped out of
       the water did she relax. Being alone, she felt it was almost all
       over again that she had found that oasis after running.. her
       head shifted to skoll as she went over and slid her nearly naked
       form against his back. Least this time she wasn’t alone.. she
       thought softly to feel Eden not feeling so great.”stop feeling
       down… it’ll be okay.” She told her softer half. Her mouth
       frowned gently in worry as she could feel her depression. She
       went back to gently kiss skoll letting her body relax against
       his, wondering if it was him that made her so adamant on wanting
       to come out.
       ——-
       Scar was starting to grumble clearly as he was about ready to
       leave someone in charge again.. it took a voice of a teen to
       take the edge off.”it’s okay my name is scar.. “ he said in a
       shocked tone to see a dragon of all things.. he began to fuss
       like a father as he adjusted the teens clothes and said.”are you
       hungry?” As he felt he was looking at a younger snow all over
       again. >> ^^
       "And what’s your name kid?” He asked as he took in the strange
       clothing to settle.
       —fin—
       "Gods, you are beautiful," Atreyus purred taking in the golden
       skinned man's perfectly sculpted body.
       "I'll be very gentle," he promised and slowly trailed kisses
       down the man's body.
       His lips and mouth finally found the other's hard arousal and
       began pleasuring the other, taking great care to give him all
       the attention Ezra had yet to experience. Soon he had the
       other's legs on his shoulders as he moved to use his tongue to
       loosen his soon to be lover's body to take him.
       "Might take a good deal of attention before you can take me," he
       murmured pulling back to shoot a look up at Ezra. "you doing all
       right?"
       ----
       Feeling End come up behind him and hold the wolfkin like that
       had him leaning into her. His eye cracking open when she spoke
       to herself. "Eden worried? Is okay, Snow find," he reassured
       before finding lips on his own to melt against the woman,
       content at the moment, though his own stress and worry over
       being found just below the surface.
       ---
       The last thing Blade expected was for his tough looking muscular
       rescuer to fuss over him after giving his name before asking if
       he was hungry. When the man stopped touching him, Blade drew the
       water from his clothes with his excellent control over water
       and let it drop into the sand.
       "Blade... I could eat... take a picture it will last longer..."
       He grumbled, not knowing he was in the past and the words would
       have little meaning to his savior.
       His ensemble being a t-shirt with the logo of AC/DC on it, torn
       up skinny jeans, and several studded belts hidden by his hoodie
       tied around his waist. His piercings glittering in the sunlight.
       "Sooo where is here?" He questioned looking around.
       ---fin---
       Ezra blushed at the compliment.”your one to talk.” He said as he
       felt the hands wander over his form before the lips. The hot
       mouth surprised Ezra as he made a sound, “oh god atreaus.. “ he
       groaned. The feeling of the swirling and bobbing and more just
       was so much. It was the latter that caught him by surprise. The
       idea of receiving made him nervous, but the attention relaxing
       him. His mouth twitched softly. “I-I’m fine.. just don’t stop..”
       he said as he looked at the man with the expression of ‘why did
       you stop?’
       —-
       Gin listened to the interaction as his ears caught a few words
       to tilt his head. Scar made a strange look toward the
       boy.”what’s a picture?” He asked as he fiddled a bit with a tear
       to fix it by tying it. “Here is  Durante, “ said scar.”must be
       so dehydrated didn’t realize where you were- where do you hail
       from? Solstair maybe?… no… perhaps Audora?” He asked as his eyes
       roamed the teen.
       “That boy is removed from time.” Gin said finally opening his
       mouth.”and clearly someone with quite a bit of water tuning
       power.” He said as he moved closer for scar to get between the
       two- the man clearly a stranger to scar.
       Gin tilted his head.”I do not intend to harm- I am here to
       teach.” He said before his masked face went to blade- almost as
       if… observing. He could smell the dragon in him- and a very
       young one at that compared to him.
       —fin—
       Atreus grinned at Ezra's flirting already intoxicated by the
       other's taste and sounds.
       "You sure? If you'd rather me ride you, I don't mind. I like
       both," he replied picking up on the other's nervousness. "You
       being a virgin and all means I'm going to pause and make sure
       you're feeling good. I'm not about to stop though. I do very
       much want you. In whatever way you're ready for,"
       -----
       When Scar asked what a picture was, Blade looked at the man like
       he was an idiot and raised an eyebrow as the man said names of
       places he had never heard of before. "Place I'm from is called
       the lost valley of the enchanted...." He started before the
       dragon gave his two cents. Blade bristled at the feeling of the
       powerful stranger dragon approached before a look of shock came
       to his face at being told he was removed from time.
       "That fu.cking military bi.tch did it... the machine actually
       worked... that must mean... I.... mother fu.cker... now I gotta
       fu.cking find their bi.tch as.ses," Blade began, having a bit of
       a tantrum of curse words leaving his mouth before he looked past
       the edges of the oasis only seeing desert in every direction.
       "Fuuuu.uuuck..... I don't even know where to start looking..."
       He grumbled to himself when he realized just how out of his
       depth he was and began wishing his parents were there. The
       sobering reality that they were dead in his time, and if his dad
       was around in this time, the man wouldn't know him. It was
       enough to make him go quiet with the desire to cry but held it
       in, pushing those feelings down.
       ----
       The look on scars face at the name he heard-“that place doesn’t
       exist.” He said as he sighed.”only in children’s fairy tail..
       it’s said to hold the last of the kind of dragon, the fabled
       unicorn, and it’s ruled by a fire that never dies.” Said the
       man. Course his head turned to the side at military and
       sighed.”I’d suggest waiting.. you need proper training to
       survive a desert especially being water born.” He told blade as
       he took the young man’s arm- clear that he wasn’t ‘afraid ‘ of
       blade in the least to sit him down.
       Gin on the other hand quietly took a deep smell. It reminded him
       of a cousin he was close to in childhood. He grinded his teeth a
       little in thought. “Leader of the ravagers - let me train this
       one.. he’s lot like I am.. can make you.. more powerful..
       besides I have to stay till the others show up anyway.” He said
       offhandedly as he looked at blade.
       ——
       “I want it..” said Ezra with a heated look.”best I try and if I
       don’t like it I’ll let you know.” He said softly. He pulled tre
       down into a soft kiss before he felt the fill. It was a new
       sensation to say the least. But after being given enough to get
       use to that feeling.. and telling him it was okay did a new
       sensation rose. “Oh fu.ck me…” he moaned hotly.
       ——
       Khali having finished the patrols was on his way into the cave..
       to hear noises. “Not done yet?” He mumbled to see Adan and
       snow.. to hear further down a familiar voice and blushed a
       bit.”mmmm.. seems everyone is in heat today.” He said to wipe
       his face. Though he noticed a lack of a giant man and the short
       woman to get a mild look.”where did skoll and Eden go?”  He
       asked before seeing a kit hit his leg to smile just a little.
       —fin—
       Atreus gave a nod and slowly moved up following Ezra's pull and
       sank into the kiss as he slowly pushed himself inside. He let
       out a moan at how tight the man was.
       While he waited for his new lover's body to adjust, he trailed
       his hands up the other's body while they made out. Then he was
       trailing kisses up Ezra's jaw and neck, giving him gentle
       nibbles and sucking on him making faint marks.
       "As you wish my Amir," he murmured and began to slowly move, his
       thrusts a very steady rhythm as he continued marking and kissing
       the man. "You feel incredible,"
       ------
       Snow glanced up as Khali strode in grinning a bit while Adan
       flushed at the question.
       "That would be Ezra and Atreus...though if Adan wants I
       could...ease him into it,"
       Adan's face grew even darker. "Maybe another time," he murmured.
       "You could always have Snow send a message to your lady friend
       so you don't feel left out," he added.
       Snow chuckled, rather pleased that Adan hadn't outright turned
       him down. "Oh..lady friend? What's she like?" He asked
       curiously.
       He got a worried look when End and Skoll were mentioned. "They
       should have been back by now. They went on a hunt a good hour or
       two ago. I should have insisted on going with them. Skoll
       doesn't have a good sense of direction, and I'm not sure how
       good Eden is either. Especially when she's distracted," he
       sighed.
       "I'll send Pyr out to look for them, and we can trail after.
       Probably should wait until those two are done first,"
       ------fin-----
       When Scar said that place didn't exist and was a fairytale,
       Blade looked downright offended. He yanked his arm away from
       Scar and shoved the man growling darkly. "I had to watch the
       last of the unicorns and the Phoenix who watched over them be
       slaughtered along with me parents don't you ***DARE*** try and
       tell me they weren't real. My father was one of the last of his
       kind... hunters have wiped out nearly all magical races in the
       lost Valley..." He snarled out.
       The teen was about to turn to go back into the water when the
       older dragon spoke up. A scandalized look at being told he could
       make this man more powerful. In his very angsty teen way, Blade
       just growled and went back into the water diving deep under to
       get away from the adults.
       ----
       Scar blinked and watched the nasty reaction he got back. His eye
       went a bit wide.”blade..” he said before he heard the dragon man
       make his word known. Gin watched the tantrum as he now knew. His
       head turned to scar who looked ready to jump in the
       water.”please let me.” Gin said as he sunk to the bottom where
       blade would be pouting. *the place does exist.. in my time
       blade.* said the man as he settled by him.* the others don’t
       know of it.. being its a protected untouched wild place- I
       should know- I came from it after all.* he mentally told the
       teen. *to know that one day.. it’ll be all in ruin.. is truly..
       shocking. * came out before he would shift and encircle blade.
       *my name is gin- if you desire help I shall supply it- if you
       desire to go home I can help.. but in turn- let’s try to save
       your future.. but to do that you need training.. your far to
       weak.*
       *I’ve lived in this desert for a long time.. I know ways of
       survival for you and I.. if you’re willing to learn.” Said gin.
       ——
       Khali flushed a bit as he heard snow as he was about to let him
       know he couldn’t just casually ask a prince that- least till
       Adan gave a form of an answer that caused his brow to rise.
       But when he heard he could find Thesia pulled an letter he had
       been writing for a while- he sat on the stone ground to find a
       page to write directions and where he was before handing it to
       snow with her description, “be best.. it’s his first time after
       all..” he said with a noise as he sat down.
       —-
       Ezra heard the name as he felt the thrusting a spot hit to give
       a moan.”feels so good…” he moaned as he clung to atreaus.
       Hearing his pet name for him made him want atreaus that much
       more. He kissed back, his need growing as he moaned.”harder.. I
       can take it..”
       —fin—
       Adan wasn't all that surprised to see that Khalil had already
       started a letter to his lady friend and chuckled. "Figured you
       might have a letter started," he teased. "So... Snow, is it
       normal for ravagers to have more than one partner? I get the
       feeling that Eden and Skoll may also want to get closer to me as
       well,"
       Snow took the letter and attached it to the hawks leg. Then he
       talked to Pyr for a moment, letting the bird go with
       instructions to find Eden and Skoll. "When he spies Eden and
       Skoll he'll let me know. Then head off to the jungle and look
       for your lady," he said with a wink.
       Adan's question had Snow smile a bit more. "It's more prevalent
       out here for people to have more than one lover. It's kind of a
       pack type of mentality I suppose. More protection for the women,
       or partners in general. And no one judges you for who you love.
       I'm pretty sure they are interested in you as much as I am.
       You're quite handsome and very intriguing. We can take our time
       though, the last thing we want to do is rush you,"
       -----
       Atreus groaned back and moved much faster at his lover's urging.
       His hips thrust savagely into Ezra, and marked up him with
       darker harder bites. "As you wish Amir," he purred a bit darkly.
       -----
       A low growl escape Blade when the older dragon approached but
       soon quieted at the man's mentally spoken words. *"I have no
       home to return to... only people left are the woman that brought
       me to this time... and a witch named Moyra... she... is like a
       sister to me... Wren... brought us here to change the future...
       to... break the cycle.... not entirely sure what that means but
       she said she needed us to accomplish that... I... I suppose I
       will have to get stronger if I want to find them..."* he
       relented, finding an odd comfort in being with his own kind. The
       man brought a soothing comfort to him much like his own father
       had. The man even smelled similar.
       *"if you are from the lost Valley... do... you know my dad?"* he
       questioned next.
       ---
       While enjoying End's company, something in the sky caught
       Skoll's eye, causing him to pull away and go to the waist deep
       water. He then put his hands to his lips and made a bird call
       drawing in the hawk's attention before it flew off. "Snow find
       soon." He stated before returning to the water to grapple End
       and smooch the woman.
       ---fin---
       Gin listened to the boy talk, it was clear he was emotional, and
       hearing that they were sent back to break the cycle tilted his
       head. *then I can help you* he sounded as he wrapped behind
       blade to look at him with an eye. *perhaps in this era… you
       smell familiar..*his eye closed.*our kind can live long lives..
       I know I have a cousin far older than I..* he said as his body
       shifted to his human self, the covering over his eyes as he drew
       close to blade.*the cycle you speak of is of heroes and great
       evils.. both sides seen death but yet it continues.. the god
       blessed, and the cursed god have yet to know the truth.* he said
       as his hand went to his mask.*boy keep my eyes burned in your
       mind- only you have seen my true eye..* he said yanking it off.
       There two bright orange orbs would show.  One would swear they
       were glowing embers if one looked close enough.*you are my
       student and you will listen..* he said before tying the covering
       over his eyes. His hand went out to blaze.* are you willing to
       start?*
       ———-
       End couldn’t get enough of skoll’s attention, it caused the
       sensation of being needy- but listening to Eden’s urging to not
       go further kept it where she felt was okay. Her head shot up to
       see a bird that skoll called her mouth formed an O fashion in
       recognition.
       She and Eden could remember the bird.. it had a distinct pattern
       on its feathers. “That snows?” She asked as memories of seeing
       the hawk initially circling .. to coming closer.. to the point
       where Eden thought she won it over.
       Course after it felt like the thing left tools and things she
       needed as a light bulb went off in her head.”so.. helping all
       along..” she sounded softly.
       She felt herself brought back in the squeeze in places causing a
       noise.”skoll!” She said with a chuckle to kiss deeply.
       ——
       Ezra’s head fell back as he felt the pounding his noises growing
       ever the more as he felt himself build up. “Ah.. mm .. yes!
       Right there!” Flew out until he felt himself cum and make a
       complete mess to blush.
       Meanwhile Khali trying to ignore the sounds listened to snow
       explain a few things to chuckle. He was happy enough that maybe
       Thesia would come. “What can I say… she’s my night sky.” He said
       in a soft voice.
       “Adan does this mean you plan on running off and getting mated?”
       He asked in the most joking tone. He couldn’t help himself. He
       knew the man was fairly shy- to see him so curious about having
       another was reminding him of his youth.
       —fin—
       #Post#: 1679--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Breaking the cycle
       By: Minyaagar Date: February 24, 2026, 11:44 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Atreus was too far distracted with how amazing Ezra was to think
       about the others loud moans and cries carrying back to the
       others. The cave amplified them even more, making the cries
       resonate and ring in his ears as he let loose, taking Ezra and
       claiming him until he felt his Amir's hot seed hit his body.
       Seeing the man come undone and blushing had him moving down to
       kiss the man deeply as he moved one leg up higher and thrusted a
       bit more roughly until he exploded and filled Ezra up.
       "You're mine now," Atreus murmured and nuzzled Ezra's neck.
       He let Ezra rest for a long few moments before he slowly pulled
       free and moved slowly down to lick his Amir completely clean.
       "Should probably head back here soon," he sighed as he settled
       on his side and played with a few loose strands of the other's
       red hair.
       -----
       Snow's answer had Adan redden quite darkly at the thought of
       having several lovers, though the idea did rather appeal to him.
       Having grown up with only his grandmother, he had a strong
       desire to have a big family. Why not make it as big as he could?
       Though..he had the feeling he'd have a tough time if he took
       more than one wife. His grandmother would probably not agree or
       accept it if he showed up with more than one bride.
       "I appreciate that Snow. I've been attracted to men but never
       really thought of having a male lover until now, or more than
       one," he admitted.
       He felt his face heat at Khali's teasing about running off and
       getting mated.
       "I've been thinking a lot about it. Grandmother has been talking
       about setting up a political marriage and I really don't wish
       for a loveless marriage. I'd rather find a bride of my
       own...and...lovers that might stand with me. I know one day I
       will have to take the throne ..or find away to walk away. Either
       one i choose, I know I'll need help to do so," he admitted.
       Snow felt sympathetic towards Adan, it sounded like a great deal
       of pressure was on the young man. "It'll take a great deal of
       strength to do either. I'd be honored to stand by your side when
       you make that choice. Until then, may I be your friend and...
       potential boyfriend?"
       Adan flushed again, rather surprised at the other's boldness.
       "I..I'd like that. You aren't jealous that I like Eden and Skoll
       as well, are you?"
       Snow shook his head at this. "Not in the slightest, we'll talk
       to them once we find them. I'm pretty sure they are already
       interested in you too."
       A moment later he stiffened slightly, his eyes widened and
       glowing briefly as Pyr sent the image of Eden and Skoll swimming
       in the water.
       "And Pyr just showed me where they are," he said once his
       glowing eyes started to fade back to normal.
       "I'll go tell Ezra and Tre we're heading out. Sounds like they
       finished,"
       He left Adan and Khali to hurry to the cavern and call out for
       the two to get dressed.
       "Yo guys, get moving. Skoll and Eden got lost, we're gonna head
       out to get them and head to the new ravagers camp," he called
       out.
       Pyr had also updated him on the camp moving to Eden's oasis
       during their mind link.
       ------fin-----
       The way it sounded, it seemed like Gin was in fact Blade's
       relative even if it was a distant relation. He gave a quizzical
       look at the older dragon when he began to explain the cycle
       before shifting into a human form, telling him such a strange
       order.
       While Blade didn't understand why the dragon was so particular
       about anyone seeing his eyes but when he saw the burning orbs
       his was mesmerized. Shaking his head as if snapping out of a
       trance when Gin recovered his eyes claiming Blade as his student
       before offering his hand and asking if he was willing.
       The teen dragon just stared at the older dragon for a long
       moment. He was very sure he didn't actually have a choice but
       extended his hand to take Gin's. *"yes..."* he told the man.
       Unsure of what his future would hold now. He knew, even if they
       succeeded... he likely would never see his home again.
       ---
       A deep rumbling laugh left Skoll as he engaged End in what he
       considered play, behaving much like a frisky teen than anything
       else. His hands occasionally wandering End's body, the thin
       shorts she wore the only thing really keeping things from going
       too far.
       To say Skoll couldn't wait to reunite with Snow again was the
       understatement of the century. While he had his fun with his
       love that morning, End's now constant teasing was driving him
       *wild*.
       ---fin---
       Gin  took the teens hand.*you can rest or come with me to hunt
       if you wish, I’m getting hungry and pretty sure the tribe is
       too-.. might as well do it as a thank you for your life yes?*
       thought gin to blade.
       ——-
       Ezra got cleaned up with a little, help.. from a man’s tongue to
       end up scarlet.  Course snow coming to tell them about two
       people missing earned a scarlet blush and him hurrying to get
       his clothes on. He came out walking  a tad funny. He was sore
       but happy.
       It wasn’t long till the group headed out to find eden, and
       skoll. Thanks to snow and his directions, would they come upon a
       sight, it looked like Eden was grappling or trying to with skoll
       in the shallows to manage to get him down.”see I’m tough
       enough.” She said with a grin. She heard Eden’s name called her
       head moving as she said.”don’t tell them it’s me.” She said with
       a chuckle as she sat on the man.  Her head swiveled to see Adan,
       snow and the two guards. Her smiles seemed to drop at the sight
       of khali and Ezra.
       It went back as she saw snow to get out of the water and came
       up. Course.. end couldn’t help it, her hands slid on the smooth
       pale skin, tracing to his collar. For sure felt nice to feel
       this man under her hands.”found us.. sorry for getting lost.”
       End said with a mild grin as she seemed lost in touching snow..
       and seemingly glancing slow at Adan as her hands traveled down a
       little.
       —-fin—
       Adan was quite shocked and stunned by the sight of Snow's sudden
       glowing eyes and announcement of Pyr showing him where Eden and
       Skoll were. He was frozen for a few moments as the tall man
       hurried past to yell at Ezra and Tre that they needed to leave.
       "Khali, you saw his eyes right?" He asked a bit unsure if he
       should say anything to the ravager about it. When the guard
       confirmed he had, Adan shivered and ran a hand through his hair.
       "He's a lot more than anyone here knows,"
       Adan didn't have the time to say what he knew as snow and the
       other two rejoined them and they divvied up the remaining packs.
       Snow grabbing two heavy ones plus his new weapons and led the
       rest of them off into the sandy dunes outside.
       "Adan, here, use this to cover your head. Wouldn't want you to
       burn again," Atreus said tossing the fair skinned nobleman his
       shirt hooded cloak to use.
       Adan gratefully took it, eyeing Ezra's funny walk but made no
       mention about it.
       "Atreus, what do you recall of Snow as a young kid? How old was
       he when he came to the ravagers?"
       Atreus eyes him with a bit of a grin. "Curious about him huh? I
       met him after he'd been with the ravagers for a few years. Think
       he was around 8 when they found him. If you want the full story
       you'd have to ask Scar. Snow doesn't really remember anything
       before the desert."
       Adan went quiet thinking about that as they traversed the sands.
       He was quite relieved when they finally spied Eden and Skoll in
       an oasis, rolling around in the water.
       "Eden!" He called out, a smile brightening his face as they drew
       closer.
       Snow flinched at Adan calling out. "Next time try not to call
       out so loudly, it can draw attention of other people out here,"
       he said softly to the noble born.
       Adan gulped and glanced around, now quite worried he might have
       caused problems for everyone. He hadn't even thought about more
       of the strange fanatics trying to grab him.  Ever since he'd
       been rescued he'd let his guard down way too much.
       Atreus moved to put a hand on his cousin's shoulder as Snow
       slowly moved towards Eden and Skoll.
       "He doesn't mean to frighten you, but loud sounds can echo out
       here. His own heart sang with relief when he saw Eden too. He
       just has had a lot more experience living out here is all,"
       Adan nodded slowly and flushed at how close Eden was getting
       with Snow. Her hands moving over the other's chest and down had
       him thinking of what he'd imagined while she'd been making out
       with him just a few hours earlier.
       Snow shifted on his feet,this eyes following the hands show slid
       over his body as she apologized for getting lost. At first he
       thought she was doing it to distract him and keep him from
       getting angry with her getting lost with Skoll.
       Then it hit him when she got much more handsy than normal. This
       wasn't Eden. She had never been this bold or forwards.
       Snow reached out to quickly take her hands in his gently and
       looked her in the eyes. "That's enough of that. Who are you and
       what have you done to my Eden? I've known her long enough to
       know you aren't her," he stated calmly and without an ounce of
       judgement. "Are you another side? Like an alternative
       personality? What's your name?"
       Tre went silent at this, knowing why Snow would ask these
       questions. But didn't say anything as he didn't want to scare
       off Ezra after just finding him. Maybe he was being a bit
       selfish, but he wasn't quite ready to reveal the darker side
       that he kept hidden.
       Adan looked quite shocked at the questions, but said nothing,
       waiting to hear Eden...or no, the other personality's response.
       -------
       It would be several hours of flying later when Pyr would locate
       the dark skinned jungle guard on her massive panther mounts back
       doing their security sweep of the castle grounds.
       The red hawk let out a cry to announce his arrival then swooped
       down to land on the arm brace that the woman offered him.
       "Well hello there beautiful one," Thesia spoke and offered Pyr a
       piece of dried meat and a few strokes on his chest before taking
       the letter off of his leg. "Rest a bit, Sion won't mind," she
       said moving the bird to the saddle ridge in front of her.
       The huge panther barely reacted to the small hawk, it's tail
       flicking lazily as his rider read the letter. Thesia face grew
       softer and flushed at what her love Khali had written.
       "All right, looks like you and I are going to have us a proper
       adventure Sion. Just have to square this away with her highness
       and gather up supplies. Rest up more Pyr. We will head off
       together soon,"
       ----fin----
       When End finally manged to pin Skoll, the man was already a
       laughing cut up, so when she hopped of to meet Snow and get
       handsy with his lover he just rolled over in the water to watch.
       When Snow almost immediately knew that she wasn't Eden and even
       seemed to pick up on what End was, Skoll was about dying
       laughing where he was before sitting up, the water hiding his
       lack of clothes.
       "Tell, trust Snow." He managed to say when he stopped cracking
       up.
       ---
       A huff left Blade at the suggestion of thanking the men who
       saved his life before slowly nodding. *"I... suppose I do owe
       them my life..."* He thought a bit more quietly before letting
       the older dragon lead him back to the surface.
       -----
       Khali saw the glow of the man’s eyes to give a soft nod.”if I’m
       right.. it’s an empath ability.. but if that’s true the man is
       from Audora..usually the gift is gifted  from the king himself-
       being the man can talk to animals.” He said thoughtfully to
       Adan, he heard the next set of words.. it hit him without Adan
       really having to reveal it as he clutched his blade a bit. He
       could remember letters from Audora asking for help for finding
       their son, but he suspected the man - their general extorting a
       country for their money and not exactly looking.
       He pulled his hat down, listening to atreaus talk, and when the
       age came out reacted a little.
       He made the same mental note to talk to scar as well. Just to be
       sure of his own suspicions.
       The man also made a face as he went on alert.. Ezra keeping an
       eye out for anyone that might come in.. to fall on the bodies of
       those that had attacked Eden and skoll earlier piled rather
       unceremoniously at the bank of the waters. The two looked at
       each other before they drew closer.
       End was about down to snows stomach in fascination when she felt
       her hands grabbed, her head shifting up- her masked eyes taking
       in his serious ones,”what ever are you talking about?” She
       started- course hearing skoll laugh and him telling her to tell-
       and snow seeming to actually ask about her .. prompted her to
       sigh.”split really.. I am end.” Said the woman pulling her one
       hand out to brush his jawline.”honestly I’ve never been out this
       long.. so being able to actively feel of my own volition- is
       new.” She said before pressing her near bare body on purpose to
       snow- to feel Eden wig out. Not that end really cared- but she
       was testing to see if it would bring Eden back to the surface.
       She did feel intense emotions before the raging want to show
       herself- just maybe… she thought before end felt the strange
       sensation of being snatched to *fighting* for the same space.>>>
       ^^
       Eden forced the body back with a mumbled sorry- and realized
       that she had some control back.. granted with end fighting to
       remain known managed to gain some form of control by being able
       to speak and take over movements.. so when Eden moved back- end
       not wanting to move  came in the form of the left moving back
       while the right remained stationed- resulted in them falling
       backward to grunt a bit.
       “You shouldn’t do stuff like that- I want snow-- he said he
       wanted to wait! Then We could be mates with him and skoll!”Said
       Eden grumpily as her head shifted to her left almost as if
       talking to someone that was there.
       “You won’t get far without being a little more forward- I keep
       telling you- besides it’s not like he’s complaining.. a.” Said
       end the head shifting automatically to the right, her hand
       shifting as she motioned to snow.
       Both went a bit quiet.
       “Did we just hold that conversation *out loud?*” came out from
       end.
       “I… think we did but some of them are looking at us like we are
       nuts.” Said Eden as her head shifted left.
       Her head shifted to the middle as if thinking.”well since we
       both can come up- could always mate skoll and snow  at the same
       time…” joked end before the head would turn to her left with
       Eden heaving a sigh.”sorry.. she’s always like this.. just never
       out *loud*” she said.
       —fin—
       Snow lifted an eyebrow when he heard Skoll's cracking up and
       then smirked when the man told her to trust and tell him.
       He waited patiently her to reply, letting out a soft sigh when
       the woman replied saying she was End and touched his jaw,
       seeming to enjoy touching him so boldly. "Nice to meet you End.
       I can understand that this is all quite new to you."
       He was rather surprised when she was suddenly pulling back and
       then seemingly having a conversation between both personalities.
       It was a rather unusual thing to witness, and Adan looked quite
       shocked by it. Snow looked more amused than alarmed. Atreus
       looked very intrigued, thinking about how it would be if he
       could do the same thing with his alter personality.
       "I really don't mind if you like Skoll. Honestly, I was planning
       on talking to you both. No need to apologize for End.  Let's
       shelve that talk for later though. Tre, let's get these bodies
       buried and then let's get moving."
       Adan was very red faced, his mind imaging what End had
       suggested. How could anyone take both men at once? He'd seen
       just how big both were.
       Atreus nodded, dropping his pack and grabbed one of the bodies
       to carry it off a ways to start digging a hole to bury it. "Best
       hurry this along, there are other raiding troops around," he
       warned the others.
       ----fin----
       Seeing End fess up and then the display of the two fighting over
       control got a concerned look out of Skoll as he finally came out
       of the water to the shore in all his clothes glory, though
       Snow's calmness aided in his choice throw on his clothes before
       moving to place his hands on Eden and End's shoulders before
       picking her up to onto her feet. "Mate later,  back now," he
       told the woman before giving her the clothes she had discarded
       hours previous before moving to pick up the butchered meat they
       had gotten.
       Once everyone was ready and the bodies buried, the group headed
       back, the wolfkin on high alert as his ears swiveled at every
       sound, even giving a growl a few times at particular sounds only
       he could pick up.
       When they arrived back at the oasis he and End had gotten lost
       from his tail began to wag excitedly seeing and smelling so many
       familiar faces, even giving Scar a massive bear hug when he saw
       the man, swinging the guy around like he was a rag doll. Last he
       had seen the father like figure he was nearly half the man'
       height and now he towered over him. "Skoll back! Skoll happy,"
       he said cheerfully, practically behaving like an excitable puppy
       when he felt safe.
       ---fin---
       Eden and end’s head tilted up at snow listening to his words.
       Eden blushed a bit at his comforting words of not having to
       apologize. Course ‘talking’ came up with end looking smug- now
       that she could talk - wouldn’t have to egg Eden in to say such
       thoughts of hers.
       “Talking?” Said end as she smirked and leaned back. Khali was
       looking away due to her level of exposure while Ezra was
       increasingly feeling agitated .. but concerned at how his sister
       could have changed so much.
       “Like how you ‘talked’to skoll before?” Asked end. Her grin
       went wide.”after all.. I don’t mind being talked that way.” She
       teased before hearing snow wanting to shelve the idea.”yeah
       yeah..” she sounded before feeling skoll help them to their feet
       and caught their things.
       Their faces went serious as they pulled on their pants and got
       their belts on fiddling with the clasp once they were sure the
       bag wouldn’t come off, though they didn’t bother putting a top
       on.
       “Your not going to finish getting dressed?” Asked Ezra as Eden’s
       voice clearly came out as it shifted left.”I am dressed- it’s
       too hot right now to throw a top on- stop being so behind the
       times.” She said before end just chuckled. “Alright.. how are we
       going to do this?” Asked end her head turning right.”for now let
       me have control.” Said Eden.”we can switch a bit after half
       way.” She said as end grumbled to agree.
       The walk felt long, the woman tripping a few times when the
       other side got antsy to wanting out.
       By the time they arrived back at their home.. so many people
       cause them to stop. Ezra paused to see how Eden put her hands in
       the middle of her chest. Her masked eyes taking in the large
       group of men.
       Scar who was waiting for gin and blade heard a familiar voice
       and felt the big hug. “Skoll!…” he said happily.”you got big.”
       He sounded as he felt set on his feet.
       His eyes went over to see snow to smile.”there you are too-
       swear I’d go gray with you.” He said flatly.>>>>
       ^^^
       He noticed the smaller woman among the group with three
       newcomers
       Ezra seemed a bit shy himself- his body near tre as Eden was to
       snow.
       Scar then realized.”so that’s why.. “ he sighed as he watched
       her head turn and her face falling.
       It was clear who resided in the place. His eyes went to her red
       hair, as he recalled what Ocea had told them the last she saw
       her. He gave a soft frown. His eyes traveled to Ezra to soften
       neutrally.
       It was then a dragon would land dropping more meat as Eden’s jaw
       slacked a little. She shook her head and felt small compared to
       the rest.
       End feeling the same took over to go to
       skoll.”shoulder..please?” She asked as her mouth fluctuated in a
       nervous fashion. Once granted did she feel better. Her arms
       crossed over her chest as she started acting more like herself.
       Gin shifted to sigh.”thanks blade this should be enough…” he
       said trailing off as he saw the red head atop the shoulder of
       the giant of a man.
       His head tilted.”there she is..” he muttered as he told
       blade.”our teaching will be tough. But you won’t be alone in
       your training. “ he told him as his hands shifted as the waters
       of the oasis moved. He took care in not sweeping others.. he
       could feel from his senses of who could tune.. but he would
       address the fledglings later.. it nailed Eden as scar
       whirled.”hey what are you doing!?!”
       Gin seemed to frown.”I told you I was waiting on someone- she’s
       one of the students needing to be taught.. “ he said as Eden hit
       the sandy ground to grunt. Her head moved.”student! Like hell-I
       only answer to one master and he died!” She snapped.
       The sands shifted as she felt her hands sink in with her feet to
       tug.”hey!!!”
       Any who attempted to get close or help would have their own feet
       stuck as he walked over to tug her face up. His fingers trailed
       to her mask.”don’t you dare!” She snapped as his hand grasped a
       dangled part.”mmm “ he sounded to find the sun symbol
       embroidered on it.”jalal…” he murmured for her to stop
       struggling.>>>
       Her face turned his way as he let it drop.”young lady what is
       your name?” He asked as Eden relaxed to sit on her legs. She
       frowned as she finally said.”Eden..”
       “Indeed- who I am looking for.. you and a few arrivals show
       signs of tuning.. you guard.” He motioned to Ezra. “You… “ he
       said and stepped to Adan.”you…” he stopped at snow.”you.. all of
       you can.. but you are optional.. quite the gift I feel.” He
       said.”I’m usually easy in the beginning to those that *want* to
       learn.” Said gin.
       His body swiftly moved as flames erupted over his form and
       didn’t burn him causing Eden to stare.. the flame the hottest of
       hot and blue. End sounded rather eager.”I wanna learn..” Eden
       just as fascinated.
       “Of course you do.. will be testing what you know given you’ve
       done it since the time you saw jalal. Same with the boy. Given
       he knows his power well by now I suppose..”He said as he assumed
       as he looked at blade. He didn’t put it far past his cousin to
       not train the boy as soon as he could. He felt it merited to
       test and see.
       Eden went quiet as she listened as she seemed to settle in the
       idea she had a new teacher.
       “F..fine but did ya have to do it this way?” Asked Eden.”If you
       just talked…”
       “If I tried to talk - you’d have run off.. - I had to make sure
       you’d listen.” Said gin before he got her to look up again.
       ”just know it won’t be easy… girl.” She heard.
       “Don’t care! I’ll do it!… anything.. just to be stronger!”said
       Eden as the man who was near her face slowly got up satisfied
       with her answer.
       The sands released  those around Eden and herself. The girl
       tugging her hands out to flex a bit before she dusted herself
       off.
       Her head gently turned to the men before she ended up back on
       skolls shoulder more so to gain her and ends barings again.
       “Eat rest.. you start when the light barely shows.” Gin said as
       he turned to get through meat ready.
       “Come blade.. let’s get the meat drained and prepared.” Said the
       dragon with a smile.>>>
       ^^
       Eden sat back on her heels her hands now freed.. her mind going
       elsewhere as she stared where he went.
       —fin—
       Adan's eyes widened rather huge when Skoll emerged from the
       water, showing off his amazing physique. His face was quite red
       as the group worked together to get the bodies taken care of.
       Just how did Eden/end think it possible to take both men? It was
       this thought that stayed in his mind as they headed back to the
       oasis.
       It was rather amazing to find so many people waiting to greet
       Snow and Skoll. He moved to stand near Atreus and his guards,
       unsure of how to deal with all the looks everyone was shooting
       his way. Soon he realized that a great many of those lecherous
       looks were also being sent Ezra's way as well.
       Atreus moved, wrapping an arm around Ezra's shoulders in a
       rather possessive manner, shooting pointed glares at any and
       everyone making eyes at the jungle guard.
       "I'll say it once, so you best all listen," he said coolly
       looking around at everyone. "Leave Ezra be, or you will really
       piss me off."
       Once the whole interaction with the dragon was over, leaving
       both Snow and Adan shocked at being told they had untapped
       tuning abilities, Atreus drew Ezra off to his tent to get him
       settled.
       "Not too surprising that you have abilities like your sister's.
       Do you plan on going to the training in the morning?" He asked
       as he set his own pack down to one side of the tent entrance.
       After a quick perusal of his stacked up belongings he began to
       get things set up how he liked. "It's probably best if you stay
       here with me for now. If any dare bother you tell me and I'll
       deal with them appropriately,"
       ----
       Snow was quite surprised by the dragon man's tactics in dealing
       with Eden. While he didn't interfere with what was going on, he
       wasn't all that sure that he wanted to subject himself to the
       dragons instruction.
       He motioned to Skoll to follow and moved to tug the still
       stunned Adan after him to his tent. "You all can stay with me,
       I'll find a spare tent for Khali to use," he said, smirking a
       bit seeing that Tre has already dragged Ezra off.
       Adan blinked, his face getting a bit red at the thought of
       staying in one tent with the three people he was crushing on. It
       seemed that the others didn't mind the arrangement though.
       "So...Eden, I've only read about tuners but there's not a lot
       known about them. How..does one find out what element they can
       tune?" He asked curiously. If he could find out more before the
       morning training thing that would help him get his mind around
       it a bit better.
       "Also, I thought only Terranians could tune..." He added
       glancing at Snow and Skoll curiously. "I'm not really sure about
       my father's ancestry, all I've heard was he was a wayfarer that
       my mother fell in love with. She was a full blooded fae," he
       added.
       -----
       #Post#: 1680--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Breaking the cycle
       By: Minyaagar Date: February 25, 2026, 12:06 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       "Scar small now!" The giant of a man said teasingly before he
       backed up a little. The contrast on his spoken words more than a
       little evident to anyone who knew his younger self. The
       wolfkin's ears perked as his eyes went to the sky before seeing
       the two dragons appear, the black one nearly a quarter of the
       size.
       When End came to Skoll wanting up, the wolfkin easily scooped
       her up to grant her desired wish without a second thought. He
       could *feel* the stress wafting off of her, practically smell it
       so his body tensed as if waiting for something to happen.
       Blade landed near Gin once his own catch was tossed down and and
       shifted back into his human like form, giving a thumbs up rather
       than a proper answer when the man claimed they had gathered
       enough.
       "Found whoever the fu.ck it was you been looking for?" The teen
       dragon questioned as he bored watched what would happen next.
       The wolfkin's hair bristled at the massive amount of tuning
       suddenly present and let out a surprise noise when an attack
       came for her when while she was on his shoulder. To say Skoll
       took it personally was an understatement, but the moment he
       tried to come to End's aid he sunk into the ground and was held
       there.
       He wouldn't be able to pull free until after the dragon had led
       the younger dragon off to butcher the meat they had gathered.
       He fell flat on his face for his efforts before hurrying over to
       End to make sure she was unharmed. Not understanding most of
       what had been said, it stressed the Wildman.
       At the long ingrained hand signal was given, Skoll scooped up
       Eden/End and followed after Snow to the man's tent. His head
       having to be ducked to be inside. "Mmmm Skoll big, Skoll sleep
       out." He answered as he put the redhead back on her feet.
       The giant had grown to dislike tight inclosed spaces due to his
       size. "Skoll watch," he added as if trying to put a positive
       spin on the thought. If the others insisted he sleep in the tent
       he would, but was more worried about the three having space.
       ---
       A grumble left Blade at Gin's instructions. The young dragon
       moving to grab one of the largest prey bodies they had gotten
       and hauled it away from the camp. He didn't think twice about
       getting it's leg caught in some branches of a tree and shifted
       his hand to a claw to slice the neck to blood could drain, doing
       this over and over until the pair had taken care of all the
       prey. His control over his shifting more advanced than most even
       full grown dragons.
       ----
       Ezra felt the wrap around his shoulders to blush a bit. The red
       head looked at Adan as he was being drawn away- khali just
       chuckled rather lightly at the situation before he went to go
       find a spot to sit.. scar sitting by the man.
       Of course the dragon doing what had done rattled khali to the
       core. Seeing Ezra approached made him wonder- if the man was
       what he felt he was.
       Ezra.. who was swept to a tent settled down. His belt coming off
       as he let his blade lay before tugging his anubis mask off.
       He heard atreaus speak to him.”like my sisters? Hardly.. mean I
       been fighting to figure out what I was this whole time.. now I
       feel like I’m the one behind.” He said to see furs as his shoes
       came off as he went to sit and cross his arms.
       “I promise I’m not helpless Atreaus.. if there’s anything khali
       and I dislike is the idea we can’t defend ourselves.. they try
       they’ll learn the hard way.” He said with a small grin of his
       own. He wondered about Eden’s mask.. he wondered if it was cause
       she figured out what she was… he sighed deeply at the idea of
       needing to speak to his sister.. alone.
       Ezra fell back as his eyes took in the top of the tent.”If I am
       going to be out here- means I’ll have to adjust a little bit..
       Khali managed to break me from being the noble fighter I was
       trained to be.. given your opponent won’t care about honor.” He
       said before he rolled to his side his head on his hand. “So
       yeah.. I’m going to go learn.. maybe I can catch on fast
       enough.. I won’t be at the level she’s at right now.. and god
       knows that dragon is leagues above us.” He said with a
       thoughtful look.  His hand went to the sand as he began to draw
       in it.. the sign of the Anubis as his father entered his head.
       His hand missed the shape as he seemed to make an irritated
       look. All he could think was how he wished he could see the
       man’s face to see Eden alive… hell more so when his father would
       realize  that he’d never come back. >>>
       ^^^
       His eyes went to Atreaus.. they had mated on what he would call
       a whim. But he wondered if the man would grow to love him as he
       was. The man seemed so free spirited -even if he acted fairly in
       charge.. he assumed it was due to his natural instincts with his
       lineage. But now seeing what he did questioned his own true
       parents. His eyes closed softly.. imagining water flowing a bit
       as his arms rested softly.
       “Atreaus.. when did you realize.. you could blood read?… and ..“
       he paused as his eyes open half lidded.”how did you handle it?”
       He asked in a soft way.
       Was it an intimate and personal question? It was, but given they
       laid with the promise of being each others.. it felt right to
       know *everything.*
       ——
       Eden was slid softly from her perch and made a soft look.”I’ll
       sleep with you outside..” said End coming out as her head tilted
       right. It shifted left as Eden seemed to agree.”sleeping under
       the stars is okay..” she said with a sweet smile. “Besides snow
       wants to talk- no sleep now- can listen.. then go sleep
       outside.” She said to cross her arms over her middle a little.
       All her jabs.. and talks of mating.. she was waiting. Her crass
       behavior just a result of lack of communication. She just wanted
       snow to finally out with it.. once finished she felt they could
       take their time to the next step. Her fingers went to her strap
       of her mask.
       While waiting it was Adan to speak as her head slowly turned his
       way. She gave a soft chuckle. Her behavior turned in a way that
       one wouldn’t think of her as crass.. but knowledgeable given it
       was in a field she was familiar with.. even if she was taught
       only the basics.. been reading as much as she could during her
       time alone…
       “Anyone can tune Adan.” She said as she decided moving outside
       was best for the conversation. They didn’t move far.. just
       outside the tent so they could sit. Eden reached for her bag to
       open it up a fur being produced from such a small side pack as
       she smoothed it out to sit on it. >>>>
       ^^^
       She then produced a leather notebook, it looked aged and barely
       being held by a blindfold that was a soft brown color. Eden’s
       smile forming awfully softly.
       Her hands being careful.. opened the book, the language fairly
       old.. but the alphabet clearly written in the common tongue with
       the letters.. as she shifted for a paper she been working on
       translating herself..granted slow.
       “Tuning is an art form, it’s not bound to any race or beast as
       they are the building blocks of life.” She read. “As long as
       they are born in these lands- means they have the ability to do
       so.” She read from her scribbling to shut it between her hands a
       bit more firmly,and put it back in her pack.
       “From what I was told though it depends on where you’re born to
       do it naturally.. I know waterborne can do it that way.. stones
       tend to boost their abilities to be much stronger than how you
       feel it.” She told Adan as her hand motioned to the man.
       “like that asshole of a master dragon.” She said her head
       shifting to the man that was giving Blade  some praise at his
       attention to properly prepping the meat.
       “he held no stone as he naturally tunes water.. had he have a
       stone it would amplify it to be stronger or allow for even more
       precise control.” She explained.
       “Terranians are completely different.. .. but where we are born
       or raised determines our dominate element. In my case it’s
       wind.” Said Eden.”as well as end being stone- well sand- but
       same thing.”
       Eden  leaned  back on her hands as she seemed to look up at the
       stars that were beginning to show as the sun was  showing signs
       of dipping. “Terranians can *feel* the elements all around.” She
       said softly. “It’s only then would they find their true eye- “
       she said her
       Hand going to her mask softly. “That eye lets us see the
       invisible elements - wind.. light…the currents flow.. the health
       of a plant..” she said to move as she crawled her way to Adan
       close where he sat.>>>
       “As we learn and grow.. so do our senses… we can smell rain way
       more potently than most.. . the feeling of beginnings of static
       gathers before the lightning strikes.. “ she said softly her
       face getting a bit close. “And so much more the longer we live.”
       She said as a strap slid over her shoulder. She seemed to think
       a bit.”honestly I can use weaker forms of the two dominates
       without my stones..with them I can be a hell of a force with
       what I got.. cause of my precision.” She said.
       She settled back a bit. “This is just the ways of things.. as
       for you and finding out how?” She dug in her bag to get much
       smaller stones to lay it out.
       “Go ahead.. touch each one.. you’ll know if you can if it
       breaks.. their weaker and usually it’s a good indicator of what
       you know you can do to what you can’t.” She said.
       —-fin—
       Atreus listened as Ezra explained how he'd been trying to figure
       out what he was and that he felt so far behind. "most people
       struggle figuring out who they are, some never fully figure it
       out. I'm sure in time Eden will help you catch up..just give her
       some time to warm up to you. She's pretty much been in her own
       until now."
       Tre finished getting things set up and moved to sit down next to
       Ezra, grinning slightly at the other's assuring him he wasn't
       helpless. "One of these days you can show me your skills as a
       warrior. I imagine you are quite an excellent one,"
       He nodded as Ezra went on about needing to adjust. "I'm sure
       Snow or some of the other warriors could help you with adjusting
       and teach you other techniques if need be. Don't try to rush
       through the training though, just do your best." He suggested.
       Atreus watched Ezra writing in the sand, not quite making out
       what it was. He got the feeling though that the guy didn't
       really want to talk about it.
       The question wasn't all that unexpected due to what Ezra has
       just experienced. "It's actually more like I heard it speaking
       to me. It didn't start until I was about ten..as far as I can
       remember. It took a very..traumatic experience when I was twelve
       before I actually started using it to heal. I was quite freaked
       out at the time, and thought I was some sort of demon at the
       time. It took years for me to get a handle on it and another ten
       years to learn how to control my ability," Atreus explained.
       Not being able to hold back anymore, he moved to lay behind Ezra
       and wrapped an arm around the man's middle. "Are you still
       feeling sore? Can I help you feel better?"
       -++++---
       Snow glanced up at Skoll when the man spoke about sleeping
       outside. "if that's what you want to do Skoll. I'll work on
       making a taller bigger tent that doesn't feel so small,"
       While Snow got the feeling that Skoll wasn't good with tight
       enclosed spaces, he knew at some point he'd need a bigger tent,
       even if only temporarily. It didn't really surprise him when
       Eden said she'd join Skoll outside.
       "We could all sleep outside  tonight, it's supposed to be a
       clear night," he suggested. "And you can join the watch if you
       want Skoll. We usually have teams of four on the perimeter of
       the camp. If you and Eden want to join my slot, I don't think
       the others would mind,"
       Snow fell quiet as Adan started asking Eden questions, a few
       he'd been wondering himself.  He followed after the others, he
       stood above the others as they sat down close.
       Adan gasped looking a bit surprised by the ancient book in her
       hands, the urge to read it becoming quite strong. He wisely kept
       his hands to himself, leaning in to read what he could over her
       shoulder.
       He bit into his bottom lip once she had put the book and roughly
       translated piece back in her bag.
       He frowned a bit at her explanation of those that could
       naturally tune vs those that used stones and then got even more
       detailed.
       "Ah...okay. sounds quite interesting and involved." He reached
       to touch each of the rocks, taking his time until the fourth,
       started to hum and shook under his fingers.
       "This one...hums and shakes," he said picking it up to look at
       it closely.
       "Snow you want to see which one speaks to you?" He asked
       glancing up at the man above him.
       Snow reached to to pluck a white and blue swirled stone from
       Eden's hand. "Kind of felt this one the moment you pulled it
       out..let me guess...a water stone?" He asked. His eyes widened
       slightly as he felt the stone go icy cold in his hand. "Feels
       super cold too..."
       +++++
       Having first Eden and then Snow and Adan offering to sleep
       outside with him had a massive grin grow on Skoll's lips, easily
       settling on the furs Eden had set out. Nodding his head at what
       little he understood of Snow talking about doing watch. When the
       redhead began to answer some questions Adan and Snow had, Skoll
       was so lost on even what subject they were discussing.
       He didn't become fascinated with the stones Eden pulled out,
       watching as they seemed to try and get the pretty rocks to
       react. When his potential mates finished, Skoll decided he would
       have a turn and scooped all the stones into his hands.
       He didn't expect them to react so strongly to him, startling the
       giant of a man when they all began to pop in his hands like
       fireworks or popcorn. He was quick to drop them and give a
       stress and apologetic look. "Skoll sorry, Skoll break..." He
       said clearly upset with himself over breaking something he
       didn't want to break. "Skoll go, Skoll break," he said quite
       distraught in that moment as he went to stand.
       -----
       “Very.” Said Eden as she watched him touch the small stones. She
       saw no reaction to most.. till he touched the stone. “Mmmm earth
       huh? Not bad.” She could see the faint gold dust that wafted off
       him.. like a sand man bathing someone into it to bring great
       sleep. Her fingers reached out some as she explained- her
       fingers seemingly dancing with nothing- reality with what she
       saw she was disturbing the aura to see how it dispersed- like
       sand flying away with the wind .
       “Honestly, given, it shook and hummed for you means you’re more
       prone to use the stone side of things. Sands.. stone.. rock..
       had it been the other you would have felt like you just made
       yourself even better in healing-“ said Eden before her head
       shifted right.
       End gave her own grin as she peered at Adan to say.”I can always
       lend you some tips... “ she said with a flirty  chuckle that
       wafted out.
       A clear to her throat came when it was snow next that decided to
       grab a stone.”water indeed.. the fact you went cold means you
       are in fact rare for this region.. probably can freeze to ice..
       maybe even make it snow?“ she said as her head tilted as she saw
       an aura of frost.. her fingers drifted some on his face as she
       could feel the cold off of him.
       “It tempts me to cuddle you… feels so nice… and cool…” she
       purred a little before her hand drifted down,as she took note of
       how his eyes .. seemed to go cloudy..
       She got so highly distracted that she felt a bunch of weak
       stones get scooped from her occupied hand. Her head shot up to
       see it go off. A soft gust of wind.. to feeling her sweat lift
       off.. her lips trembled a bit more at the overwhelming sight of
       them all busting.
       Her head shifted up to see the flares of the elements among the
       red aura that was about him..the sandy glow.. to the frost.. to
       it almost looking as if it was oozing off. Her gasp apparent at
       the sight.
       >>>
       “Wait skoll- it’s not your fault.” She said to make her way over
       to get in his lap- an assurance in her mind to keep him there..
       her eyes running over as her hands went up his chest, almost as
       if she was trying to sooth him.
       Her head  moved slowly up to the man that looked stressed.. the
       aura pulsing its way out as a way of telling her. “When they pop
       for us it means -you very strong!..… I can always find more.”
       She said her hands going to his face.”so don’t worry.” Eden told
       him to feel the nudge of end. She drew him down in a much softer
       kiss than her wild side.
       She parted to smile.”see not angry.. “ Eden said before end took
       over for a more firm kiss, her tongue sliding in running around
       his mouth some, before parting.”not at all..”
       She turned to snow a bit.”patrol huh? I guess.. it’ll take for
       some getting use to..” she said as she snuggled skoll some
       giving the man some attention. It would be an adjustment for the
       woman that slept lightly and kept her blade close.  Her masked
       eyes looking his way a bit.”now snow.. don’t you have something
       you should talk about?..” she said as her hand went to the edge
       of her mask.. her fingers tracing the sunset like symbol that
       laid upon it.
       ———
       Ezra heard atreaus words on his sister. A soft sigh slid out.”I
       may still talk to her- just.. gonna be hard- I should have
       looked for her at least..” he said in his own regretful tone.
       To the grin did he chuckle.”I don’t mind.. maybe a nice bet in
       the mix of who ends up on top?” He asked with a sly smile.”be
       some fun- the guys use to bet money sometimes- or a lunch. I won
       2/3rds of those fights.” He said with a chuckle.
       “They’d be willing to train? Even with what I was?” He
       asked.”meant I know you had issues with the fae guard.. but
       doesn’t others?” He asked as he played with a bit of his own
       hair.
       Ezra made a sympathetic look when he was told how it was
       discovered.”that must of been scary.. but at least you managed
       to learn how to use it.. when did you manage to realize it
       wasn’t a demon?” He asked.
       Ezra who was enjoying the conversation felt an arm, and heard a
       question.”a little… and you can if you want to..” he said his
       head turning a bit as he peeked back up at the ravager.
       He wondered why this guy was acting so drawn to him, mated him..
       and acting as if they were mated for a long time.. there was so
       much he had to learn of atreaus.. and others that lived in the
       ravager camp.
       -----
       Adan was  quite pleased when Eden told him earth was his
       element. The odd movements she made with her fingers made him
       wonder if she saw something everyone else couldn't. He recalled
       reading it hearing somewhere that terranians could see others
       auras.
       Her explanation that it was more stone and sand made sense to
       him. "Rocks do resonate at different frequencies, especially
       when from tectonic plates in the earth. I suppose if I trained
       enough, I could manipulate those as well," he mused out loud.
       He flushed bright at her flirty offer to give him some tips.
       "I'll take whatever advice you have. All I know about tuning is
       from what I've read," he admitted. "There's really not much
       written down. Oh, and if you want help translating your text, I
       could give you a hand. I'm really good at that sort of thing. I
       know a lot of the forgotten or lost languages too,"
       Snow was a bit surprised by Eden's saying his tuning ability
       rare. "Freeze things and make snow?" He echoed, a sudden memory
       flashing through his mind.
       Children laughing, twirling under a blizzard of white flakes and
       catching them in their tongues.
       Snow shook his head , frowning slightly and rubbed his temple.
       Where had that come from?
       Eden's fingers on his face had him drawn back to the present and
       he smirked, slightly raising an eyebrow at her purred words.
       "I don't mind if you, Adan or Skoll does, but anyone else and I
       will not tolerate it," he said rather seriously.
       Both Adan and Snow watched with amazement as the stones popped
       and exploded in Skoll's hand.
       Snow reached out to gently touch Skoll's arm while Eden climbed
       into the wolf kin's lap and reassured him that he wasn't in
       trouble. Watching her kiss Skoll did make him feel a little
       jealous and reminded him about what he'd been planning on
       talking about earlier.
       Adan felt a bit left out when the talk of patrol came up. He
       knew the others weren't about to ask him a long. He was sure
       Khali would insist on him staying safely ensconced in the camp.
       Snow gave her a grin and reached to pull Adan over, getting a
       startled sound out of the nobleman as he was pulled into Snow's
       lap and held against the other's broad chest.
       "Yes, let's just get this all out in the open. There's no need
       for any of us to be jealous of one another. Skoll and I are
       lovers, but I'm open to having others, and sharing them with
       Skoll as well." He said more for Adan, then in simpler terms
       told Skoll.
       "Eden/end and Adan can be our lovers too Skoll. If they would
       like. And lovers to one another,"
       Adan's face was quite a bright red at this proposal, especially
       with Snow practically wrapped around him. "I..I am interested,
       but...I don't really have any experience," Adan admitted,
       feeling a bit embarrassed.
       Snow smiled and tilted Adan's head back and kissed him gently on
       the lips. "Don't worry about that, I'll be very gentle, and Eden
       can be too. When you're ready for more, then you can explore
       more with Skoll, End and me," he said with a wink.
       Adan shivered at this. "All right, that would probably help,"
       "Anytime you want to stop just say so. We're not going to force
       you," Snow added stroking Adan's cheek gently.
       Adan nodded and then pulled Snow down for a kiss, moaning
       softly. Suddenly he didn't care if anyone saw him making out.
       <-------->
       "sometimes doing the right thing is the hardest thing to do. You
       were a young child when it happened right? She probably doesn't
       hold that against you."
       Atreus lifted an eyebrow at Ezra's wanting to bet who ended up
       on top in a fight. "Perhaps you won't against those in your
       tribe,  but ravagers don't really fight with any sort of rules.
       Least not from what I've seen. I'd rather not bet, especially if
       you end up hurt. It's not that I doubt your abilities, it's more
       I don't trust the others to not use really dirty tactics against
       you. If you want fair minded teachers, Hama, Einar and Snow are
       your best choices. They all fight in different styles. And
       they're the least likely to hold your past against you," he
       added.
       Ezra's sympathy was strangely not annoying. Most times he
       brushed off those that expressed the emotion. He preferred to
       not have others knowing about his past. Pitying looks pissed him
       off far too much.
       "Oddly enough, when I met  a real demon. He laughed in my face
       when I told him I was one. Told me to read his blood and compare
       it to my own. There were no similarities at all. That was an eye
       opener for sure. I started reading others blood and figure out I
       could tell the ancestries and races each person had. Also when
       females were pregnant. Sometimes I can even pick up on gender,
       though that kind of confuses me. Maybe it's just an insight from
       the gods,"
       Atreus moved in closer at Ezra's reply to his question. Seeing
       the shorter man peeking up at him, had Tre pulling Ezra into a
       gentle yet passionate kiss. His hands slowly moved over Ezra's
       body, massaging the areas that might be sore before moving to
       pull his mate closer.
       After a short while he pulled his lips back and trailed his
       fingers slowly up the side of Ezra's face.
       "Do you believe in reincarnation at all? I'm pretty sure we've
       been together in a past life, perhaps more than one lifetime,"
       he said softly, hoping he wasn't scaring Ezra. "I feel as
       though, we were meant for each other,"
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