I’d Trade All My Tomorrows For Just One Yesterday
Hell, Allen thought, he was old. He was what, ten years old now? Not only that, but he was alone. He’d never felt more alone in his whole life. His son was believed dead, his broken body discovered at the rapids… though Allen cursed himself now for not verifying. Had Bass found Noen’s broken form? Had he buried his dear delicate child? Besides that Nona was definitely gone… illness had taken her away. As for Alna, well, his little girl was missing. He had no idea if she was still alive or dead… and that scared him. Gods above that scared him.
When Allen approached Abaven’s borders today it was not to seek forgiveness. Allen had long since accepted that he couldn’t be forgiven. That his word meant little. Yet here he was. Here he was coming upon the plains as he’d once done so many times in the past. His friend, if he could still call Bass that, deserved to know what had happened. Why once more Allen had broken his word and became a traitor to Abaven yet again.
The thought made his heart heavy. Allen hadn’t wanted to do anything that might hurt Bass, Gods above he hadn’t wanted to hurt his friend! Weariness, mingling with worry, flashed across Allen’s face as he paused, setting his paw down slowly.
This was going to be no easy talk… but he wanted to at least make peace with Bass.
Before it was too late.
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Allen dipped his head to his old friend, a form of respect that the man had for him even now. Even though Allen had made his mistakes, taking twists and turns through life, he still deeply respected his old friend. Bass had been a leader for Abaven for as long as Allen could remember and his friend for about that same length of time, right? It was not something so easy to throw away.
“I’m sorry, Bass.” Allen’s dark gaze returned back to the pale man as a soft sigh passed his lips. “But I’m… afraid that I come as a bearer of bad news all the same.” Allen closed his eyes, gathering his will to speak.
“I saw Noen’s body by the rapids one day, Bass. I lost it… I lost control of everything. I… I just ran.” There was a lump that had formed in his throat. “Nona and Alna came after me… and Nona… she…” Allen shook his head, opening his eyes again. Tears had begun to form within them as grief began to take over his form.
“My son and wife…they… they’re gone, Bass… There is no way Noen could have survived being twisted by the rapids like that… and Nona…” He gave a deep whine. “I don’t know where Alna is either. I’m lost, Bass… and I don’t know where I’m going anymore…” The older wolf looked away.
“I didn’t come for forgiveness…” He added. “But… you had the right to know…” It was here Allen fell silent, letting Bass digest the information he’d given him.
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“It’s alright my friend…” The calico brute managed a small, sad smile. “Even with all this bad news… there is a bit of good news to gladden this old heart of mine. You’re alive. Abaven still stands. It is a reason to keep smiling. To have hope. Who knows? Perhaps it will be Alna who shows up on your borders next.” Even as he said the words though Allen’s smile began fading.
“I’ve missed you.” Allen confessed. “It’s been hard… and I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately. I’m really glad that you’re still around, Bass.” He looked towards the lands beyond Abaven, giving a soft sigh of his own. “I’ll be lingering in the East. If you need me… or want to see me… just give a howl and I’ll come running.” The old brute shook his head before looking to Bass again.
“I won’t pretend things are the same… but my loyalty still runs with you. I will do whatever you ask.”
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“Don’t give up, Bass.” There was a spark in Allen’s eyes, a spark of life and fire. “Your pack needs you most right now. When things are at their bleakest. Don’t walk away from them. Stand strong, and show them that Abaven will overcome.” He offered his old friend a smile. “Things are tough, sure, but you’re not alone.” The calico-esc brute winked. “Maybe it’s time to start kicking some tails and getting the pack moving again, eh?”
His gaze shifted again, turning towards Abaven’s lands. They had been a home to him for so long… he let out a sigh. “I don’t know how you do it Bass… but I’m glad that you do. I’m sure there are those who appreciate what you’re doing for the pack, even if they haven’t been vocal about it. Keep fighting for your home, keeping it safe. Someone will recognize that effort… and work to do the same.”