ends of the earth

With his mother Ox had known from a young age to give her what she wanted. Though he wasn’t the perfect little boy always, and when he couldn’t perform with a much more mature wolf’s precision he had been punished. Many times severely. Of course the boy had blamed himself for the shortcomings instead of realizing that Nysa’s expectations were much too high for a pup of his age. That hadn’t stopped him from trying, and time and time again Ox fought for his mother’s praise and approval. Rarely he got it, but when he did it was enough to get him through the harsh criticisms until he’d manage the next one.

He took much too long to realize the detriment to himself his mother’s treatment caused him. Only a season ago had he really started to realize how much she prevented him from being free. Now he didn’t have to worry, he’d escaped her and he was his own man. Oxide against the world. He’d been raised to believe there wasn’t anyone in his corner but his mother, didn’t realize that she was the one who put him there. Now that he was rid of Nysa.. he’d live with the effects of her until he died.

Riva had been picked up, after Nysa had left her to die. She had a bright blue ribbon to match her eyes and a name, and that was all. She hesitated before asking about their whereabouts. ”Here and there.” It wasn’t a real answer but they never lingered in one place for very long. ”We traveled mostly, taking what we needed.” Often from lazy packs instead of from the land. He’d always been a vagabond.