Malon

Malon made his way to the ranch the male sniffing around. He could tell the ranch pets were no longer here. He knew as well of the large hounds that resided here now. He sighed softly and made his way through the desolate land sadness and depression penatrating the large hybrid. Malon was Aralyn's dog. The woman had come here awhile ago seeking a place to stay but no one but the pets had answered her calls. Now all the pets were gone, his friends were lost and he had nothing now. Only Aralyn. She had new dogs thought so he was nothing to her anymore. He was a nobody as he had been raised.

Timber

Timber's wound had begun to heal, but never would his heart be mended fully. He had lost everyone he had grown up with now. His siblings, his friends, parents, and now even one of his 'invincible' masters. The other two masters were gone, and Timber thought they'd never return; he couldn't possibly know they were only at the hospital, and would return later.

Seeing the other, Timber gave a soft, half-hearted growl. What was there to protect now? His past was gone, and it was never coming back. He wished now that he had died instead. He wished he could go back in time and save all those he loved. But that was wishful thinking, and Timber knew it. As the collie eyed Malon, he thought of Rihanne. Martha. John. Oh, there were others... they would have to be his new reason to fight, although his shaken heart was no longer open to recieve anyone. Well... no, there was one... but like the others, she was probably dead as well. His dear Shimmer.

"Who are you?" Timber said at last, staring levelly at the other, his hackles part way up.

Malon

He turned to Timber and said softly "Where's Rihanne? And Rusty? Where is everyone?" He looked about once more and knew without Timber telling him that they were dead. All dead. A heart wrenching tug of grief washed over him but the shepherd didnt show it. He had liked Rihanne and he had even brought a gift for her this time. But now she was gone. Wasnt she? A soft whine escaped him, his only showing of emotion. Softly he said "I'm Malon. Aralyn's dog. She came here once. No one was around so she left again. But I came back every now and again. Just to see Rihanne. I always hid in the bushes though. She wouldnt have wanted a scruffy mutt like me." His words were the opposite of what Malon really was. The dog was a light tan and quite tall and fierce looking but one look into his eyes you know you would have a friend. He was a fighter for what was right. Not for the good of being bad. He turned to Timber and said "I came to late to tell her didn't I?"

Timber

Much to Timber's own surprise, a faint, almost unnoticeable smile tugged at his dark muzzle. "There is good news yet, for you at least. Rihanne is a survivor, though I don't know where she is at the moment." Rihanne was a lucky one, like Timber. ...if 'lucky' was the word to call it. Alive; that was a better word to use. But how long would that last? Now his smile faded, his features takin on a solemn, despairing look, "The rest have fallen. Even... one of my masters."

Rihanne

Rihanne came trotting slowly to the sound of Timber's growl. She too, was half crazed with grief, and was now thin for preoccupation with the whole event. Becca had been her first friend at the ranch, Mark had been kind and helpful to her always. So many dead...

She brought herself up to his side, growling herself for a moment before recognizing Malon. Shifting her weight in surprise, she attempted a smile that didn't quite work, speaking softly. Hello, Malon. Many months I've not seen you. How are you?

Malon

He stared in awe at the beautiful fae for a moment then he cleared his throat and looked down drawing his gaze to the ground. "I am sorry for you loss my friends." Relief had flooded through him when he had heard that Rihanne was still alive. Stupid wolves. They had told him that everyone but Timber and some new large breed dogs had been killed. "I am doing well now that I see you are still among the living." It was almost a cruel thing to say. Almost as if he was glad that the others were dead and she were alive. But he hadnt known the others. He barely knew Rihanne. But at least she was alive. Maybe now he could tell her how he felt. How much he wanted to be with her.

Rihanne

Rihanne smiled softly, just now realizing how much she had missed Malon. But her eyes were sad, thinking. If she had only been in time... The one time her masters needed her most, she hadn't been there. But she forced her eyes to assume a calm mask, still standing close to Timber. She knew he loved Shimmer, but he was still a friend, and needed comfort the same way she did. Yes, I am living, my friend. Thus far those... And her voice choked with anger. Those.. fiends... haven't been able to lay me. Not that they haven't tried. And she seemed to seep out of her own eyes, her mind drifting far away to when she had first come here. So young then... and yet she had barely made it here... She shook her head against those memories. I am glad to see you doing well. I wish I could offer some comfort, but it seems like we are sort of short on that right now.