Darkeyes

Alphen stared up at the moon, smiling softly. He could never watch that iridescent orb without thinking og his love. Still, a smaller, younger moon hung ever in his mind. Guilt flooded him and he sought to banish it, without success.

There was only one thing for it. Sighing, he threw back his head and let loose a howl toward the heavens, calling his mate. He had driven Artemis from them, and now he must seek her forgiveness.

Moon Phase

Silver snowed vixen lifted her dial at ther mates call, harks twitching at the distint tone. With a yawn and a stretch her bod rose off the earth, spheres bright and alert as pistons began their motion towards the sound. Within time, her form became apparent, and her plume swayed at the sight of her male companion. Her motion hastened some, bringing her close to him.

Darkeyes I go... to seek out Artemis. I know not whether she will return with me... but I must try to... apologize.. for my offense. I reacted instead of thinking. I realize that now. I must go see if she can possibly forgive me. And his eyes fell soft upon his mate. I bid you... stay here with Taipa. I would not deny you the sight of our daughter... he hastened to add, only... well, we've given the humans no reason to love us. If anything should happen... And his eyes met hers. I wouldn't want Taipa to be without a mother, too. I can understand the speech of the humans, thanks to something they did to me when they helped Taipa, and write in their language. I hope that this ability may help me to survive. But in any case... I must go.

He didn't speak it, and tried to hide the look he knew was showing in his eyes: guilt. He felt that he was mostly responsible for driving Artemis away. Only her forgiveness could free him from that haunting shadow. But he kept deep brown orbs on Moon Phase, begging her to understand, and at the same time trying not to show his pain.

Moon Phase

The silver goddess nodded solomnly. "I know you must go... It is something that must be done..." Her speech trailed off as a zepher seemed to spear through her. On it was carried the scents from the ranch... one which contained the smells of blood... and Apollo. Many other scents were mixed in, some of her fellow killers such as Taijya. Her eyes widened, and she retuned to look at her mate, now more worried. "The ranch is under attack again..." Her instinct told her to run after the fight, to help Taijya and to find out how her son was involved. But it was what Darkeyes had just said tht kept her still. Taipa. Her daughter could not go without both parents. Her bodice shook slightly, a battle raging inside. She knew if she went, she would do more then just protect her son. She would feel the need to help her allies, even though her own flesh and blood had been saved by the two legs.

Darkeyes

Darkeyes felt the shiver almost as a physical thing. He smelt the tinge of blood, and knew exactly how she felt. Their son had to be protected, but he knew that he could not change in a day. He might still attempt to attack the humans. He sighed, knowing how hard this would be for her, finally making a decision. Here now, Moon Phase. I will go look after Apollo. At least I have no allies among those who are there. And I can understand the humans now. Perhaps I will stand a slightly better chance. And he looked her straight in the eye, his voice soft. Promise me you will still be here when I get back.

It sounded like an odd question, but ever since their family had been rent asunder, Darkeyes had known true fear: fear that the rest of his family would disappear. It was something that haunted all his waking moments, and even his dreams. He wanted, needed, her word that she would not disappear.

Moon Phase

Moon Phase Listened, orbs to the ground, yet meeting his right before his last request. Like a reflex she leaned forward, and tongue lightly kissing his cheek before moving back. Her lids shut, and she nodded. She could see the worry in his eyes, so for both him and her daughter, she could stay behind.

Darkeyes

Darkeyes released the breath he had been holding. A soft smile grew on his face as he returned the kiss. He used his muzzle to raise her eyes to his, a promise. I WILL come back. And he closed his eyes, turning abruptly to go while he still had the courage.