Turn the Page
Fall Seasonal
12-31-2020, 06:39 PM
Milo sat up on the roof of the derelict resort, basking in the cool autumn air of the early morning. Dawn had broken over the lands, the morning sun rising across the eastern sea, just starting to bathe Boreas in its light. His dark teal eyes watched out over the lands as golden light chased away the shadows, staring in wonder at each terrain it illuminated. There was still so much to this land he had yet to see, and all the time in the world to explore it! Lungs inflated with the late autumn air, tasting the crisp chill it brought with it. Winter would soon be here. While still young, Milo was no stranger to surviving winter on his own. He thought back on how far he had come, from the day he was chased from his birth pack to the events that led him to his perch atop the old human structure. He had seen so many new lands, met so many new wolves, and visited more ruins and found more artifacts than his mind could have ever comprehended! He had been chased by those who wished him harm and welcomed in as a brother by others. Life as a nomad had its ups and downs, but the tawny brown brute was just happy to still be alive. His lips turned down into a ghost of a frown while he brought a paw up to the thin silver scars veiled beneath the dense fur covering his shoulder, paw pads tracing each calloused mark on his skin. It was a grim reminder of the cruelty that dwelled in the hearts of some wolves, and a testament to where he had started. It was easy to appreciate life when it had been so nearly torn away. That felt like a lifetime ago, rather than a short year. Milo wondered how his family were doing. Did they miss him? Did they regret what they'd done to him? Or had be been written off as dead, buried and forgotten? Was his name spoken with remorse or resentment? Was his name even spoken at all...? The frown on his lips deepened as that notion passed through his mind like a wraith, filling his head with poisonous thoughts. He knew in his heart that that bridge had been burned long ago; there was no use in wondering what ifs that could only bring him hurt. It wasn't all bad, however. After all, it had finally given him the push he needed to be his own man, to venture out for his own passions and purposes rather than conforming to some grand design. His frown slowly shifted into a faint smile as he thought about all the experiences he'd had in the aftermath of that terrible night. He'd seen distant lands smothered in snow and ice, forests so vast with trees so tall they kissed the sky, rivers and lakes and oceans and seas. He'd met wolves and creatures of all shapes and sizes. He'd participated in festivals and celebrations with them, shared meals and drinks, learned form them and taught them in turn.He'd also gotten to explore more ruins of the Lost Species than he ever imaged he could! From the towering structures filled with artifacts to the smaller ruins and remnants left in their wake. He'd seen and smelled and touched things he never knew could exist! And now, with Boreas and Auster teeming with even more ruins and treasures waiting to be discovered, Milo felt as if he had found his Atlantis! But the best part? He wasn't alone. Nausicaa had welcomed him to these new lands far more warmly than any reception he had before! Being around her was like chasing a herd of wild stallions; it was liberating, exhilarating, breathtaking! She seemed to genuinely enjoy being in his company and helping him with his research. A part of him dared to dream that their companionship would continue for a long time—perhaps eventually the two could become renowned researchers together! She had committed to traveling with him and taking him to the ruins she knew of as a guide, but she was quickly turning into far more than that. He had no way of knowing if the feelings were reciprocal, nor did he have the courage to just up and ask her, lest he ruin their partnership, but he could daydream. Life had been such a rollercoaster for the young male, and the ride was far from over. But at least he wasn't riding it alone anymore. The sun had just about finished rising over the horizon, making its way up the lightening sky. Birds chirped from the trees surrounding the old resort, and Milo imagined the rest of Boreas was waking up in a similar fashion. It was time to head back to the mainland and continue their adventures. Of one thing Milo was certain: this was where he was meant to be, and he was turning the page on the next chapter of the rest of his life. He rose to his paws, giving his coat a quick shake before making his way back tot he stairs that led down into the resort. Time to get Nausicaa up and start the swim back. With an eager smile on his face and a glint of resolve in his eyes, Milo was determined to make this next year the best year of his life, even if it was only a day at a time. WC: 914 "Speech" | Thoughts
|