A Rake's Progress
Yeah on my way, whatever that is. I can't help feeling there's a reason I've come here. You wouldn't come here for the easy life, that's for sure. There's something. Something pulling me South I don't know what it is. Could it be that breath of spring air.
Spring air. Is there anything so fine. No perfume can compare in its delight. Intangible. Swept away by the wind in a matter of seconds but reaching to something primeval in the heart. A smell that stretches back thousands of years but you can never pin down. Organic, earthy, budding, pregnant with potential. If somehow there was life after death but in that life you were separated from your senses for all but one second for every million years, you would always choose the smell of spring coming for that second.
Spring certainly needed in this place. Cold here on the ground. These gnarled old trees shut out the sky. I can just make out the azure blue above. You know, it would be very easy to climb these trees, they are twisted and leaning on each other. Climbing up might actually be advantageous - get an idea of the upcoming terrain from the view Plan my next move. Who am I kidding - what plan!
Yes I'm going to climb up. Who knows there may be others around. Willing people who I can charm into helping me out. And if charm doesn't work.....
Nura knew her twin to be found in the northern continent, for what reason Nura knew not. Even bonded as the pair was sometimes her sister was as much a mystery to her as the ways of the mortals. As for what drew Nura to the cold of the north, she wasn't quite sure. A wolf of lesser belief might have claimed the will of the gods, so maybe it was safe to say she simply willed herself to be here, a goddess wandering the world that should have been hers. The coolness of the climate helped to ease the physical pull of her heat though and maybe that was reason enough. Pale, sightless eyes turned skyward for a moment, the heady scents of the thick foliage told the woman where she was and she could almost feel the heavy branches pushing in from above her. The scent of another, distant, worried her not a bit. She was a goddess upon the earth and though she possessed not the sight of many she saw no visions of violence in her immediate future. Besides of which it would only be a fool who messed with one of her line, any mortal who did so would undoubtedly find their flesh suddenly torn and scattered to the far reaches of the planet, some of her siblings might even eat them, just for the fun of it. |
| Art by Sam2015 |
Boy that was true for any wolf that wants to survive. You have to know when someone is on your tail. They call it sixth sense - its probably a combination of the other five working at a subconscious level. Whatever. Someone is watching. Yet this feels different.
I've crossed paths with a few wolves now on my journey, they seem a pretty harmless bunch. These are harsh lands. But wolves are obviously surviving in them. Which means there are pickings to be had. Wolves who can do the dirty work for me. Let me lead the life of luxury I deserve.
Yes there she is. Hmmm interesting looking. Interesting in a bad way or a good way? Is there actually much difference between bad way and good way? Interesting was better than boring whether bad or good.
Her gold fur certainly has its appeal. Seen it before on one of the wolves back in the old country. And the gold bangles seem to say she is someone important. Or thinks she is. Well I can mix it with the best of them.
As I approach she stands firm. Interesting. Lets see if she lets me get closer. She must know I'm here - yet doesn't look at me. Cool customer eh. Well your dealing with the coolest of them babe.
Just a body length apart. No sign of recognition. I wonder. Those clouded eyes. Beautiful but I wonder - are they sightless. Guess I can only ask.
"Hello. Forgive my rudeness, but I'm intrigued, can you see? If not its a tragedy, for you'll never be able to see what a work of true beauty you are. Unfairly, nature has given me that opportunity, I feel almost embarrassed at having that advantage over you. My name is Eadred and I would be pleased to be of service to you, as my way of repaying the debt I have for allowing me to witness your golden radiant beauty"
The presence of the stranger was evident to the oracle, even as she couldn't see him, the scent of him and the sound of his movements told her he was approaching, drawing ever closer. Nura stopped, sweeping empty gaze over the world in front of her. Her senses told her he was close, perhaps even pushing his luck a bit but she would give no outward signs of discomfort or hostility. He spoke and Nura cocked her head slightly to the side, the only outward sign she had even heard him. "You need not feel any pity for me." She began, her tone mostly empty, perhaps the barest hint of confusion in her words. "I get along fine and I have other... senses that compensate. I'll never know what I am missing, and neither will you. " In truth she would never understand how mortals could stand not knowing their futures, her family were all divine in their essence so they were already destined for greatness but the mortals were so... breakable. Had she been born a mortal she'd have much preferred knowing what was going to happen. Still... there was a chance the man could prove useful... "But if you insist, what do you offer? " She settled onto her haunches, an ear flicking as she introduced herself. "I am Nura Abraxas." |
| Art by Sam2015 |