Despair had taken hold of the small wolf. Don't get her wrong, she was insanely happy the those closest to her in life were finding happiness. It was just difficult to swallow the fact that happiness would never be hers. She'd had her chance with Yrione and, thanks to her faulty reproductive system, had lost that chance. He'd found her inability to reproduce to be disgusting and blasphemous. The small healer was convinced that that had been her one shot. The world would pass her by, supplying happy endings to everyone around her, but she would forever be forgotten.

Depressed and grumpy, the woman had dumped the contents of her healing pack on the stone floor of her temporary den. She had filled the pack with gourds full of her own honey mead. Without a word to the rest of the pack, she left, carting the heavy pack along with her. The contents of the pack sloshed, making her trek awkward, but she sucked it up, knowing that the trek back would be a lot lighter.

Iolaire went to the land of sweet grasses. The ground was soft here and the wind was gentle this eve. The sun would be gone shortly and the skies promised a clear night. The moon would be at half mast, but both it and the stars would provide ample light. As she waited for the moon, she might as well get started.

Throwing herself on her back, the little lass pushed her pack away just enough to give herself some rolling room. She soaked up the scent of the sweet smelling greenery, eyes closing as she did so. This was going to be a day to herself. A day to forget for a while just how miserable she actually was inside. Reaching inside the pack, Iolaire extracted one large gourd. Flicking the cork out of it, she brought the opening to her maw and drank heavily of the sweet liquid. "Wooooo..." she exclaimed after the drink. It was strong. Very strong. That was good. Io wasn't large by any means and she'd be nice and intoxicated before she could blink an eye. The tiny woman continued, drinking the gourd down to the dregs over the next half hour. One little hiccup was given before she looked up to the darkening sky. "Bye-bye sun. Hello moon." Pulling paws up to her chest, the little lady watched the sky change.



"World-breaker..."

Rhythm couldn’t help but dwell on her sorrows, she could only hope that when she reached Abaven they would be lessened. Misery loved company, and she knew her family there was feeling the loss as keenly or more than she was. The blind woman didn’t keep regular hours, especially now after the news that Shaye was gone reached her. Sleep was fleeting and hard to grasp. Thus far she had avoided the tempting pull of alcohol, though she felt the desire now not to drown her physical pain but the emotional. The old Destruction woman knew it was no remedy but the desire was still strong.

Instead the old woman made her way on a walk, the basin was nice for her old paws. The soft ground was easy on her arthritis and the gentle breeze was nice on her face. The evening was pleasant compared to many before this and the warmth was nice to relax into. The cold was awful on her old bones and she wondered if she would make it through the next winter. Thoughts of death swirled in her mind regularly and even Tyrian’s bright personality had difficulties boosting her up. She held onto the hope Abaven would hold her answers and healing.

Thoughts of Shaye and the afterlife filled her mind as she walked through the sweet grass. Sh might not have noticed the stranger were it not for her words on the air. Rhythm swiveled her chocolate ears, which were now flecked in silver with her advanced age, to catch the inebriated words. She could smell the strong alcohol and her discipline slipped away ass her salt and pepper legs brought her close to the unknown wolf. ”Your brew smells lovely.” The old woman spoke softly, her creamy eyes settling near where Iolaire’s form lay on the grass.

Iolaire didn't even hear the woman approach until she spoke. Age seeped through the earthen wolf's tones and Iolaire grinned, head lolling to the side to look at her slightly fuzzy form. The woman's voice was low, but filled with mirth."Why thank you for the compliment, grandmother." The title was a term of respect where the tiny wolf came from and so she used it when looking upon the geriatric dame.

Rolling to the side, the tiny wolf dug within her pack, pulling out another corked gourd since her initial one was now empty. "Would you care to partake? It's my own spiced hibiscus mead. Crafted from petals, honey and a whole slew of other herbs." Pulling the cork with small, brilliantly white teeth, she took a slug. "Gives you some pep in your step. Makes you forget." She stared at the dried gourd, it's mottled exterior slightly blurry in front of her drunken eyes. "Makes you remember too." She shrugged that bit off and her head tilted to the side again, looking to the woman once more. Would the woman get shit-faced with her or would she be forced to drink alone? Not that she wasn't used to being alone, but dammit... it would be nice to not be alone for once.

She could hear the stranger shift slightly in the grass after she offered her not quite greeting. The return reply was sweet, a term of endearment. Rhythm managed to smile, but was reminded of the grandchildren she would see soon within Abaven. This easily reminded her of their loss and she felt despair embrace her easily. The reclined woman was quick to offer the liquid up for Rhythm’s enjoyment. She explained the ingredients and Rhythm know the mead would taste good going down.

She was heavily conflicted, she wanted so badly to accept the offer, the scent was divine. The stranger was obviously sloshed already, this stuff was potent. Rhythm wondered how much control she really had over her problems with alcohol. She didn’t have much life left, did she really have to completely avoid the beverage. No one would make her over drink either. The ancient Destruction woman was convincing herself to indulge this once. To forget a little, to remember a little, and maybe get a good night’s sleep before the return to Aabaven with Valentine.

Valentine. Her heart beat quickly at the thought of him finding her with a gourd in her paws. She wasn’t an alcoholic. She was an old woman who was allowed to make her own decisions and take responsibility for her actions. She could enjoy a nice drink in remembrance of Shaye.

”I would like that.” Rhythm finally decided, hesitantly moving forward on silver speckled paws to lay in the grass near the young woman. She didn’t have to get drunk. Tentatively she pawed at the ground to find the location of the gourd. After finding it the old woman took a luxurious sip. She purred happily and sunk into the grass as the warmth slid down her throat and into her belly. She could control her actions.

”My name is Rhythm.” She offered softly her cloudy eyes staring over the horizon. Her chocolate hued ears were pointed in Io’s direction though, her attention obvious. ”Can I ask what you’re forgetting tonight?” She almost asked about remembering, but the way she said it didn’t seem like she wanted to be pressed. Rhythm resisted the urge for a second sip.

SHIBA KLEIN

Shiba moves through the grasses, scanning the surrounding area for herbs. She had nothing in particular in mind as she had no injuries or illnesses that needed to be treated, she had no bag to carry them, and no permanent home to store them. Settling was not an option for her at the moment, but her endless wandering was beginning to wear on her. It had been quite some time since she had last seen any familiar faces and cursed herself each day for having allowed herself to lose track of them. They had to be here somewhere, though where they had settled themselves still eluded her. A hint of guilt and grief had begun to work its way into her heart, uncertain of the fate her brother had met that day, not knowing if he had succeeded in gaining his freedom or not, but her face would not betray the emotion. A scowl had worked its way onto her lips and her gaze was cold and hard.

A strange but tantalizing scent hit her, drawing her in closer. The two women laying in the grass were easy enough to find, though the woman was unsure of what exactly she had intended to do once she reached them. The pair seemed relaxed, but there was something heavy in the air around them that gave her pause. "Sorry, I didn't mean to intrude..." She glanced back the way she came, but she was hesitant to walk away, her gaze flickering back to the two, towards the alcohol they seemed to be sharing. She had never indulged in the drink, having seen how it caused some to lose control of themselves, though she had always wondered what it might be like to allow herself to let go, even if only for a short period of time.

"Speech."

'Please don't leave me alone,' was the small wolf's first thought as the earthen fae hesitated. Though she was currently rather inebriated, Iolaire could see that the woman was visually impaired. It was the simple way her head swayed and her milky eyes never fixed on anything in particular for too long. Blind or no, it didn't bother Io. She just didn't want to be alone, lest her drunken happiness turn into ugly crying.

Joy lanced through the dark woman as the elderly wolf agreed to stay for a sip. "Thank you," she said aloud and waited until the woman settled herself nearby to carefully offer the mostly full gourd. The sound of pleasure that the woman released brought a grin from Io. She was proud of her brew and knew that it tasted delicious. It went down quite smoothly too. The old woman gave her name and Iolaire gave hers in return. "Iolaire Akeldama. Ambassador to the Ashen Armada." She took the gourd back and took another drink. "And I'm trying to forget everything. At least for a little while." She was trying to chase away loneliness and the knowledge that she was destined to live her days out in solitude.

It seemed that luck was on her side today as another wolf stumbled upon her grassy resting place. The woman instantly apologized and Iolaire laughed aloud, glassy green and gold eyes sparkling as she did so. "No need, no need. Won't you pull up a patch of grass and share some mead with the two of us?" Iolaire gave the gourd a little shake, the contents threatening to slosh out of the hole.

The stranger thanked her for staying as Rhythm settled down beside her. She hadn’t suspected that she was so eager for the company, but the changes in her voice made it obvious that her words were truthful. She was thankful for another’s presence. She took her name and gave her own, though Rhythm wasn’t familiar with the pack she said she was a part of. Rhythm didn’t often keep up with the goings on of the outside world.

Iolaire didn’t give her any specific thoughts she was trying to forget. Everything was as good an answer as any. Rhythm felt the same way, though she had to keep her wits about her. She would not backslide. Before she could answer Io another wolf appeared. Dark chocolate ears swiveled to take in the pawsteps and then words of the newcomer.

Rhythm wore a welcoming smile on her maw as she silently invited the third woman as well. Though she would wait on her next sip of mead, the first one had given her limbs a lighter feeling. Her sorrow dulled a bit with the liquid. ”Welcome,” she said softly as she nodded her head.

SHIBA KLEIN

At her apology, the smaller of the two women began to laugh, sending a heavy bundle of resentment into her gut. If there was one thing the Klein woman was not used to, it was being laughed at, and for a moment she regretted having approached the pair, but the words that followed the laughter dispelled those unpleasant feelings, replacing them with a tinge of embarrassment. She’d been wandering on her own for so long it seemed she had begun to forget how to interact with others. She smiled at them as they welcomed her, inviting her to join them. "Thank you." She quickly stepped forward, taking a long drink of the mead offered to her. Relishing in the warmth that slid down her throat and pooled in her belly, she stepped back and found a spot in the grass to lay with the two.

Having missed the first part of this encounter, Shiba had no idea if the women knew each other, or if they were just as much strangers to one another as they were to her. It didn’t matter much to her, she was perfectly content with their identities remaining a mystery to her. Her eyes slid closed and her head tipped back towards the last few rays of sunlight as the warmth spread through her body, loosening the stiffness in her limbs and her spine. She felt a lightness that she had never known before and suddenly the laughter that had come from the smaller woman made sense to her. Thoughts of her family fluttered through her head, and while the faces of those she had lost had been a constant, throbbing ache in her chest before, she now wanted to laugh at the thought. She wanted to laugh until her lungs burned and her throat was sore, until there was no sound left within her body that she was capable of expelling from her mouth. She had survived the drought, the illness, she had traveled countless miles to find her family, only to lose them once more. She had survived, but without them, what did she have left to live for?

Despite the desire to laugh, she stayed silent, her eyes opening once more, glancing over to the women. Was this a celebratory drink for them? A way to relax and unwind after a long day? Or were they just as lost as she was? She turned her head away again, hoping that neither had noticed her lingering gaze. She was capable of taking care of herself, but she was not emotionally cut out for life as a loner, and sitting here in the company of others and allowing herself to relax brought back bittersweet memories, and served only to remind her of the things she no longer had to look forward too.

"Speech."

The stranger looked as though she would flee initially, but seemed to think better of it. She took a hearty swig and found her own patch of soft grass to lay upon. "You keep that one," she instructed the newcomer. Reaching into her pack, she pulled out the last gourd. "Rhythm and I will share this one." The tiny wolf scooted a bit closer to the elderly lady so they wouldn't have to reach as far. Settling upon her back in the sweetly scented grasses, the little healer sighed with pleasure. "And I am Iolaire," she gave her name to the newcomer.

"So tell me, where do you ladies hail from?" She hadn't seen either of them around before, though there was something familiar about the younger of the strangers. Her scent was tinged with familiarity, but Iolaire was already so tipsy that scent, sights and even memory meant next to nothing. She was feeling good for now. If she kept up this level of inebriation, the night would be smooth sailing. She would most likely have to have Sirius come and drag her home to make sure that she didn't walk off of a cliff, but she would be in a great mood.

The sun had set, it's last rays tinging the sky a plethora of oranges and purples. Despite the volcanic clouds that still littered the sky, the night would be clear. The stars would sparkle. If it became too chill, she could make a fire, though the others would have to help her scrounge up some wood. They could burn the gourds, but... alcohol.

The third woman to be added to their party seemed hesitant at first, not that Rhythm could see her. However she seemed to take the invitation easily and thanked them as she made herself comfortable and enjoyed the brew. The stranger remained quiet and Rhythm wondered if she wished to forget as much as herself and the brew master beside her.

Iolaire moved a little closer to her silver marked form and the old woman smiled softly. Allowing herself another swig with the newcomer she sipped gently at the draught. She wasn’t over doing it, the brew had given her a light feeling and the emotions she struggled with were put at bay. Iolaire kept the conversation going and asked where her companions were from.

”Many different places.” She started, her age obvious in the way her fur was marked with grayed hairs. Rhythm lived in many different places before arriving here. She was on her way to an old home now. ”I’m about to head to the eastern pack, Abaven.” She spoke softly, her sightless gaze shifting from Iolaire to the newcomer. ”And you, Iolaire?”

SHIBA KLEIN

The small woman invited Shiba to take the gourd with her to her spot in the grass, and while she questioned if it would be wise of her to continue to indulge, she took the offering without complaint. From the woman’s words, she learned the older of the two was named Rhythm, and the smaller one quickly introduced herself as Iolaire. "I’m Shiba. It’s a pleasure to meet you both." Iolaire then asked for here her and Rhythm were from, indicating to her that the other two women must also be strangers. Rhythm claimed she was from many places, but was currently heading East to a place called Abaven. "I come from a place very far from here… And I don’t know yet where I’m headed." She looked at Rhythm then, thinking about what she had said. Shiba had spent her entire life in once place until tragedy struck, uprooting everyone and everything. This one move had turned her entire world upside down and she was certain that once she found home once more, she would never leave it again.

As the older woman asked Iolaire of her origins, Shiba took another long sip of the alcohol, trying to push down and subdue those memories that threatened to swell in her mind at mentions of her past. After she was sufficiently numbed to her own thoughts once more, her gaze returned to Iolaire, wondering what her story was, what both of their stories were. Perhaps it was the drinking that did it, but she found herself far more invested in the little details of these strangers personal lives than she ever would have expected, but it made for a good distraction. Her mind kept her wanting to drift back to her own issues, but with the other women talking, it was easy to refocus her attention back on them.

"Speech."

The tiny wolf room another swig of mead when the gourd was handed back to her.  She couldn't really feel her lips anymore and her mind was fantastically fuzzy. This was what she needed.  This was why she came out here all on her own.  To drink away her sorrows,  forget about her past and refuse to think about her future.

Rhythm answered her question first. Iolaire had heard of Abaven, but hadn't heard anything in particular about them. If the elderly wolf was headed that way,  perhaps the dainty fae would pay her a visit later on.  Just to make sure that she arrived,  of course. She asked after Iolaire's own origins and the small woman replied,  her words just a little slurred. "Far, far away.  I've been a part of many kingdoms. Here's hoping that Ashen is the last." The dark fae raised her gourd to the sky before taking a hearty swig. 

The younger of the strangers spoke next and Iolaire listened.  She seemed to be a bit distant. Her path was hidden from her and she didn't know where to go. "If you're lost,  you can always come back to the Armada with me.  Perhaps from there you can find your way." She had been alone in the world for a long time.  It wasn't a good feeling.  She made the offer genuinely and somewhat hopefully. Having a newcomer would give her something to focus on other than her fucked up life.

The third comer to their little crowd seemed a polite young woman. The scents from both she wolves were vaguely similar, but it didn’t seem like they knew each other. Her answer to the question wasn’t very telling, but it was only because she didn’t have the answers. ”Are you searching for something, miss Shiba?” Rhythm asked curiously. Unable to help her certainly, but she had lived a long life. Perhaps she had more specific wisdom to share.

Ashen was Iolaire’s current residence but much like herself it seemed the woman lived many different places before. Abaven would likely be the last. She went on to offer a bit of a respite in a return. Rhythm smiled as she declined her third sip. Her silver flecked ears swiveled from Io to Shiba curiously. She recognized the emotion within the former as similar to her own had she allowed herself to drink more heavily. Her life was different from Io’s but she had lived through her share of terrors.

Rhythm leaned against the dainty woman, knowing that she couldn’t offer much more help than a warm side to lean against.

SHIBA KLEIN

It seemed that Iolaire had also lived in many places, though she seemed to be tired of uprooting her life, and that was something Shiba could relate to. She had spent quite some time wandering on her own, and while she had only ever called one place home, she was eager to find her family once more and find a single place to reside once more. As Iolaire raised her gourd and took a drink, Shiba joined her in taking another sip or her own drink, hoping for the woman’s sake that she would not have to find a new place for herself again.

The small woman then offered for Shiba to come with her, to join the Armada she was apart of. She could hear the hint of hopefulness in the woman’s voice, and for a moment she was tempted to accept. She didn’t know this woman well, but so far she seemed to be pleasant company at the very least, and Shiba was quite tired of being on her own. As much as she wanted to settle down again, to be done with her travels, she couldn’t give up on her mission. "As much as I would enjoy having such ready access to your company and your mead, I’m afraid I can’t join you. At least not now..."

The older woman Rhythm spoke then, asking Shiba if she was searching for something, and the question sent an aching pain through her chest. For a moment, she couldn’t find the words, but she forced the answer to form regardless. "My family. Last time I saw them my brother was fighting for his freedom, and in the chaos I got seperated from them again." She had only just found them again before losing them, and she still didn’t fully understand how she had managed to get so turned around.

"Speech."

Shiba turned down her offer politely and the dark woman gave a light shrug, a smile still on her face. If she wasn't ready to join a pack, then she wasn't ready. No big deal. Io wiggled a little, getting comfortable and leaning against the older wolf. This made her happy. Girl time was a nice thing and something that she was in sore need of. There was Zee, of course, but the woman was busy. Not only that, Iolaire didn't see her as the kind to let loose. It was a pity. Io was a fun drunk.

Ears perked as Rhythm questioned Shiba. What exactly was she after? Family, it seemed. Understandable. Family was an important thing. After taking another sip of mead, the little woman asked, "What's your surname? As Ambassador, I come across many wolves from all over the land. Perhaps I could point you in a direction."

SHIBA KLEIN

Iolaire didn’t seem to be bothered by her declining the offer, which she was grateful for. Maybe her own sense of vulnerability had made her a bit more sensitive to the feelings of others, or perhaps it was a fluke due to the alcohol, but she found herself relating to both of the women. She returned her smile, though the expression didn’t reach her eyes. Her sorrow ebbed and flowed like the ocean tides, washing over her in one moment, and then quickly receding, only to crash back into her moments later. This loss of control over her emotions was what she had feared, but she had also secretly needed it. Once the trio separated to go their own ways, and she found herself alone once more, she would have nothing left to distract her from the things she was so desperately trying to avoid thinking about.

As she explained she was looking for her family, Iolaire asked for her surname. She explained her role as an ambassador and hope began to build in her chest, squeezing her lungs while lessening the weight she felt pressing on her shoulders. "Klein. I’m Shiba Klein." Her gaze stayed trained on the small woman’s face, searching for a flicker of recognition, hoping with every fiber of her being that this woman would be able to give her some trace of information that might lead her to her family.

"Speech."

While waiting for an answer, the small, dark wolf continually sipped from the gourd. It was now half full. If she kept drinking, she was going to be more than a mess in the morning. Hell, she might even vomit in her sleep. Who knew what adventures the night would hold? At least she wouldn't be sad. At least she wouldn't be wallowing in her own misery.

Rhythm seemed to go silent, the woman just relaxing in the soft grass. Iolaire corked the half full gourd and sat it nearby. Her vision as incredibly fuzzy and her brain was two or three paces behind her thoughts. She was feeling fine. Cool, relaxed and comfortable. Just what she wanted.

When Shiba answered the question, stating that her last name was Klein, Iolaire's glassy, green and gold eyes went wide for a moment before squeezing shut. The woman laughed aloud, pure amusement on her face. In her drunken state, she rolled in the grass a few times, bouncing right over the half full gourd in the process. When she stopped her roll, she fought to catch her breath, giggles still sneaking from her mouth though she tried to hold it together. "Gods, Shiba... Are you ever in the right place."

The tiny fae slowly worked herself to her paws, wobbling her was towards the pale faced fae. Once there, she swayed where she stood, but she kept it together. "The Ashen Armada is affiliated with the Ashen Empire. The Ashen Empire is run by the Empress Deathbelle." She grinned, pristine white teeth flashing. "Deathbelle Klein. There are loads of your family very nearby." Unable to stand any longer, the drunken healer sank to a seated position. "Congratulations, Shiba. Your search is over."

Rhythm fell silent as the woman spoke between themselves. The old lady didn’t know the names spoken nor was she familiar with the Empire. She had been present when the woman’s brother was taken from his pack for the first time but she had not been when Hannibal challenged for Erovare.

The old Destruction jumped slightly as Iolaire suddenly started to bellow laugh. Her dark chocolate ears swiveled in her direction and she wondered if she had succumbed to her drunken stupor. Still Rhythm listened to the information given, she learned a little about the Empire at least. She wasn’t sure where the information would become helpful but it didn’t matter much. ”You are the lucky one, it seems.” She commented softly, wondering if she needed to take responsibility of the tiny drunken woman. If she was alone the rest of the night she could be in danger.

SHIBA KLEIN

As she spoke her name, Shiba watched Iolaire’s reaction. The woman’s eyes went wide before shutting, and then she began to laugh. She laughed and rolled in the grass, and it took some time for her to regain any amount of composure to explain what it was that had been so funny. Shiba frowned as she watched, confused. This was certainly not the reaction she had expected. Finally, she spoke, claiming Shiba had come to the right place before she stood and began to walk over, swaying as she went. The Klein stayed quiet, watching her move closer. When she spoke again, she explained that the pack she had offered to bring Shiba to was one affiliated with the Ashen Empire. At first the words meant nothing to her, but Iolaire quickly filled in the gaps, explaining that Deathbell was the Empress.

Shiba’s jaw dropped slightly, surprise rendering her speechless. She said they were close, her family was near enough to her that she had accidentally run into someone within their pack without even realizing it. The woman congratulated her, telling her that her search was over, and she almost couldn’t believe it. It had been so long and now she would finally be able to go home. "Where?" She rose to her paws quickly, ready to head straight to where the woman told her to go, but the world began to spin and tilt and she started to sway.

"Speech."

Shiba seemed terribly surprised and excited about the revelation that Iolaire shared. Rhythm commented but the drunken woman's ears were throbbing and she felt as though they were filled with water. Everything was just. So. Damn. Amusing! Once again the small fae sank to the ground in a fit of giggles. She laughed harder when Shiba rose quickly, only to almost fall down herself. "Calm down there. I'm not sure how good of a healer I'd be at the moment." It wouldn't do to put poison on a wound rather than healing herbs. Entirely a possibility at the moment. Everything looked like fuzzy blobs.

Reaching out from her prone position in the sweet grass, Io patted Shiba's paw. "Redwater rocks." She pointed in a direction. "Thattaway. But... It would be better to wait until morning. Don't want to reunite with them while you're drunk." Sage advice from a slushy mess. "Sleep it off. Belle will be there in the morning." The pack wasn't ready to move quite yet. There would be time.

Occasional giggles would erupt from the girl. It seemed as though she'd been successful in forgetting her problems for a time. "I should probably call my brother to take me home, do you think?" She asked no one in particular, but looked towards Rhythm as she did so. Not that the woman would see. Raising her muzzle upwards while she was still laying on the ground, Iolaire tried to howl, but kept lapsing into laughter as she did so. Rather than one smooth note, it was more along the lines of " Aruuuu-huuu-huuuuu-haaaahahahaha-uuuuuu." By the end of it, she had her face buried in her crossed legs, laughing like a lunatic.