oh mother, speak to me now

@Faust

---

There was much to do. But even as Tamir longed to begin their checklist, Faust was right in his means of getting the man food. The familiar rumbles and rolling of his stomach were never a feeling Tamir had felt, he was perfect. Perfect in the sense of image, but his mind remained crippled despite all he let on. Especially now, and in his state, it was no surprise his pieces were drifting apart. Nevertheless, he needed the sustenance his body craved, not only to give him energy but to ease his mind some and fall back into a routine.

His survival depended on one.

As the two continued to walk, it got to the point where Faust's assistance wasn't needed any longer, Tamir's steps growing stronger the more ground they covered. He was grateful for his friend even still, but he wasn't so helpless he'd need Faust to fetch his dinner for him. It was then that the swift shuffle of hooves against blades of grass caught Tamir's attention. Light and daint in their steps, he assumed it to be something small but still with enough weight that the two might be satisfied.

“Ivestragon nyke, lēkia. Skoros hen īlva kȳvana? Are we to stay?” — Tell me, brother. What of our plans? His tone was soft as his steps lightened in pursuit of his prey, though the question had been weighing on the man since they'd left his humid awakening. He wanted to know everything. Every plan the other held, every detail about their supposed new home, he wanted to be prepared. While his undying faith lay in the Star Mother, there were things in play that even Her soothing couldn't ease. His thoughts too powerful, his doubts too broad.

There was a moment's beat before Tamir was back looking ahead, ears strained forward as he lifted his head above the brush separating him from the beginnings of a moor. There, just short of the pair, grazed a roe deer. Small enough to suit the both of them on their short travel, he'd concluded. Though, still, he turned to Faust to gauge his approval. It was almost natural.

Instinctual.

the staff team luvs u

The journey back was not nearly as rough as he imagined it to be. With Tamir at his side, Faust felt momentarily indestructible. Despite his handicapped state, they were still relentlessly built males. He supposed the wolves from home were simply different. The other men he had met couldn't compare. Not to their size, nor their pedigree.

Faust had done a brief study of the direction of the clouds as they made their way down the cliff sides and hills. He watched where he stepped, missing a few along the way, lost in thought. But it was worth it. The clouds continued to travel in one direction and one direction only. Interesting.

Tamir broke away from him eventually, gaining leverage on his own feet. At his question, the furyborn would nod. "She guided me here. I think it was fate." He followed Tamir's distracted eyes then, too, noticing the deer a league away. His stomach rumbled.

"Arc hasn't shown up yet. But I don't see a reason for us to leave." His head cocked to the side, "Ȳdra daor ao pendagon?" — Don't you agree?

Faust's eyes glanced towards Tamir's build. The state that he was in. He wondered if he was in shape to run— to start the chase. "Kostagon ao dakogon?" — Can you run?

the staff team luvs u

There were certain things Tamir could agree with, and he was never one to tamper with the fates bestowed by their Star Mother but the idea of settling and beginning a new life without Tove, Arc, and Mia seemed...wrong. There was nothing even remote they could do, but even still, were they not worth a moment's peace? Faust's words beckoned Tamir to stare at him a moment longer, disbelief but also a weird sense of pride harbored in the man's hues for his friend. He knew Faust was struggling under the burden of their lost just as much as he, and with the overwhelmingly good news of his sister's arrival to the living again, he was sure the man's mind was everywhere else.

So it was why he chose to drop it, a solemn nod answering his brethren's rhetorical question before he was back staring ahead. There was no plausible reason for them to leave, that much he knew. “Gaoman hope iksā paktot.” — I do hope you are right. Tamir could only hope that everything would fall into place the way they both hoped it would.

When the almost dreary subject lifted, Tamir took note of the blatant once-over he was given by his friend. He knew Faust worried, he did as well. Nevertheless, a strong man didn't quit. So long as the man could feel his legs, he'd be fine, the chase would be set. “You walk long time, Faust.” His lips quirked into a cocky grin. “Kostilus ao should sit bisy hen. Let man handle it.” — Perhaps you should sit this one out.

the staff team luvs u

Faust couldn't help but roll his eyes. A 'tsk' left his throat when Tamir offered to let him sit this out. No way. Faust's muscles ached to be used, ached to be useful. While it was true he had been consistently on his feet for the duration of days, he was built for it. His body acclimated just as quickly as his mind had.

"Daor ñuhoso," — No way, he'd scoff under his breath, playful words light on his tongue. "Iksā mērī half vala, mirreñuhoso," — You are only half a man, anyways, it was his turn to have a cocky grin.

Before Tamir could offer a reply, Faust leaped to his feet and into a sprint towards the deer. Feet flying, he didn't have a second thought about anything. He couldn't be happier, really, with his friend at his side. Their playful nature, banter, all of it. It was the building block of who Faust was. Without them, he'd fear he would be lost. A dying star amongst the brightest lights. With them, he could shine just as brightly.

So cocky on his feet, his head would look backward toward Tamir, sticking his tongue out as he did so. "Gaomagon bē!" — Keep up! he'd call, still barreling towards the deer. It only began to notice them as it grazed peacefully, entirely unaware of the fate it was about to endure.

the staff team luvs u

“Half?!” Tamir was utterly insulted by Faust's blatant disrespect for the body he'd worked so hard for, even if it was a little...ragged now. He'd just need food and he was sure his body would regain the strength it'd lost. Nevertheless, the man's paw came up to wipe the cockiness from his friend's face, but he'd been gone before Tamir could even notice. “Cheat!” The man called with a laugh, legs stretching behind him before he was chasing after the tail of his brother.

As his pace picked up, Tamir could feel the familiar burn in his legs, exhaustion pouring off him in waves but the tingle was what he focused on. It reminded him of the days he'd spent alongside his family, running through fields, and laughing in their youth. Their joyful faces kept his legs moving when all he wanted to do was stop, their laughs kept his mind steady when all he wanted to do was scream. His heart yearned for his family, and he feared that would never go away.

Faust's voice registered within the man's head with enough force to push everything else out. His feet quickened and his maw parted with a broad grin. The burn in his limbs only seemed to blend with the pain he already had with the more force he'd use to catch up to his friend, side bumping into the other's the moment they were shoulder to shoulder. “Thought ao could ojughagon nyke?” — Thought you could lose me? His grin only seemed to widen as he turned his head back forward, eyes narrowing as the deer finally took notice of the hurried sound of their footsteps. The sound alone was enough to have it up and moving, spindly legs carrying it away from the two men.

the staff team luvs u

It was moments like these that Faust craved. The solidarity that he felt with his brother here. As they ran shoulder to shoulder after the deer, Faust's muscles ached and were fueled by the rush of adrenaline supplied by the depths of his chest. He laughed and hollered, shaking his head as Tamir made a sly comment.

"Se mērī run ao sagon losing iksis bisa arghugon." — The only thing you're losing is this hunt. Faust would continue to challenge, his head turning back to hone in on the deer.

His feet would dig into the ground. Faster. The dirt would respond to him, and his paws would adjust. The softer the ground, the softer he would accelerate. His paws felt no heat as they were buffered with heavy callouses from the ridgeline. "Softpaw!"

Faust would call, a deep laugh following suit.

The deer was getting closer now. As the two men came barreling forward, it held no true route of escape. As a hunkering heap of muscle and mass, the two of them were, they were unstoppable. Faust could taste the kill in his mouth, the freshness of blood on his tongue, and the sweet reward of a meal. He didn't know when he had eaten last. But he sure hoped that it would be soon.

the staff team luvs u

Tamir could feel the burdens lightening on both the men's shoulders the harder their strides became, the more labored their breaths became, and the louder their laughter echoed. He needed this—needed the distraction. He needed it with his brother, his fortitude. His smile only seemed to widen as he turned his head back forward, determination creeping in place of those tingles of pain he could feel sprouting in his limbs.

The echo of a challenge from Faust was enough to spur Tamir into overdrive, the prickle of awareness tugging at the back of his neck. All he could see was the deer, all he could hear was the thumps of their paws against the terrain. Every grain of dirt was his focus, every snap of a twig beneath their limbs he'd heed but his focus would never wander. This is what he'd missed. The thrill of a hunt, the drive of a job. The shadows were his home, but even Tamir enjoyed the ruckus a good chase would bring. His head jerked to Faust.

Another name-call. Tamir would chuff to himself internally, but his grin only seemed to widen. Faust was stronger, and faster on occasion, but what he lost, Tamir gained in stealth, agility, maybe even endurance. The land was unfamiliar to him, but that meant little to someone who was meant to adapt. It was his job, after all.

Tamir's shoulders rolled as the duo lessened the distance between them and their meal, mouths watering like wolves famished. It'd been too long. He could feel it now, the quake of his stomach a low rumble. With his attention honed in on the only thing he wanted at that moment, it wasn't long before the distance had lessened to what the two men would deem suitable. He could see that their prey sensed it too, the fate their Mother had decided upon, another blessing bestowed. It was then that Tamir launched himself, front limbs outstretched until they collided with the middle back of the deer, an almost feral grin crafted upon his features.

the staff team luvs u

Tamir launched himself towards the rear of the doe. The movement was quick, fast, and thorough. Tamir had always been like that. Precise. He was exacting in his movements, clear with desire and urgency. He didn't give it much thought, but Tamir must be downright ravenous.

He could see it in the way his limbs darted out, tackling the doe to the ground. Faust watched him, head over his shoulder, quick to reflect the urgency. His brother needed to eat. What could be more impossible than that?

Faust waited until the deer had been knocked aside. His weight thrust forward onto the fore-end of the deer. Towards its shoulder and neck, he barreled down and it hit the ground harshly. It mewled in protest, but it stood no chance against the pair of males.

They were brutal. Vicious creatures. The depths of their stomachs knew no end, but Faust would make sure to harvest those feelings. This deer would be one of many, but the kill would not be wasted. He'd wait next for Tamir to make his move.

---

we can drag this out for another post for more points

the staff team luvs u

A jest would've been on the tip of Tamir's tongue had he not been so caught up in the frantic movements of the doe beneath his heavy frame. Despite being the obvious winner, he had to admit the pair worked well together. But it'd always been like that. Inseparable for as long as he could remember, the men alongside their platonic female companions were a force to be reckoned with. It was only something additional that Tamir could pride himself on. His family was strong.

Tamir's chest heaved and a muffled grunt left his closed maw as Faust finally made an appearance, disrupting the urgency the doe held to escape his grasp. With it pinned beneath the two men, the realization of its fate set in and its incessant kicks ceased. Soft words left the he-wolf, thanks bestowed as he slowly withdrew from the small body to inch his way up to their face. With its large brown eyes frantically searching his face, Tamir dipped to press his forehead to theirs. His native tongue licked his words with a deep faith, “Nyke ūndegon ao syt aōha blessing. Lēda gratitude se appreciation, kostagon muña guide ao lenton.” — I see you for your blessing. With gratitude and appreciation, may Mother guide you home. Gracious for a meal provided, Tamir was quick with the doe's death, teeth closed around its throat with enough force to send it sputtering for a mere moment before its movement seized. When its last breath fell through a parted jaw, the man, despite it being a blessing, was remorseful and his regret brimmed the charred edges of his heart.

He'd pray away his sorrows later, but for now, with his tongue leisurely licking away the ichor that painted the little fur around his maw, he'd turn to his fortitude. With a mildly stained smile, his words left him in another rumble. “Your dinner.” If not only to jest more but to further rub salt in the wound regarding his win, Tamir dipped his head into a low bow, a chuckle leaving him.

the staff team luvs u

Faust held it down as it continued to writhe. Combined with their strength and mass, it truly stood no chance. Faust would wait, listen carefully as Tamir ushered a soft prayer against its neck.

He always admired his devotion to their Star Mother. Faust would never say such a thing aloud, but there had been moments when he doubted her truth. Her guidance. When Savan had perished at the hands of their father, he had lost all hope. In their Goddess, it had been like he was never a worshiper.

Until he ended up here.

So, Faust would say no teasing phrase or hum any form of resilience. He'd simply watch and feel the deer die beneath him.

He'd roll his eyes at Tamir's comment. He stood up from the crunched position over the deer. Faust nodded his head towards the fresh corpse. "Ao ēlī. Kostilus." — Your first. Please.

the staff team luvs u

Tamir looked down at their accomplishment, his hunger a distant memory now that the job had been done. Instead, his mind was tasked with the next piece of their plan, another problem they'd need to fix in a home so strange. “Skoros hen īlva sir? skoriot kessa īlon umbagon?” — What of us now? Where will we stay? He turned his head to the side, lingering gaze resting on the otherwise stagnant environment. For a brief moment, everything was still—an unsettling quiet hushed over the land.

His shoulders shook with an odd and uncomfortable chill. The man wanted answers and to explore all the same. With a deep sigh and the penetrating gaze of Faust searing holes in the side of his face, he bent his neck and took his fill of the corpse. All the while, he was contemplating how dirty he'd get given he decided to take what was left wherever they went. He had no doubt they'd run into other wolves, ones who resided where they'd been thrown. An offering was the least of their concerns, but they'd have one if their charming words weren't enough to sway.

Tamir's eyes lifted to the other to gauge a reaction to his question before it was turned back to the doe. Given silence, they'd figure it out elsewhere—along the way, he presumed. After all, he was sure Faust was as clueless as he.

the staff team luvs u

'Where will we stay?' A good fucking question. At this point in time, Faust had no real plan. But when Tamir had asked him, he shrugged his shoulders lightly, Savan appearing in the depths of his mind. "Kesīr," — Here, he would conclude, taking a good look of the Vale.

"Konīr iksis daorys kesīr," — There is no one here, he stated after having observed the area for himself. There was no lingering scent of a dominant pack, a leader. Nothing was there. It was empty— a bare land for the taking. what more could he ask for?

"Eman naejot umbagon. Savan iksis kesīr," — I have to stay. Savan in here, he breathed, voice light as he mentioned his now living sister's name. He had to wrap his head around that, still. Saying her name still stung, the news of her death had still been fresh in his mind. But she was here. Really here.

A moment of vulnerability bled through Faust's voice. "Kesā umbagon?" — You will stay?

the staff team luvs u

Here? The idea nearly made Tamir choke. His head lifted to look around them, gaze lingering on the parts of the roost they still had yet to even explore. He supposed the idea wasn't dreadful, but others certainly would've been better. They knew next to nothing here. Settling...well, it'd take them some time, time Tamir didn't know they had.

The shadowman knew of Faust's responsibilities, knew of the duty he felt he had to the land they'd been dropped into. A blessing, it was. Tamir had to believe it too, because what else could the answer be? A curse? No...he refused to admit Mother would do such a thing. Not after bringing back Savan. As if on cue, Faust's mention of the dappled blue wolfess was no surprise, he had lost her once before, and Tamir knew it wouldn't be done again. And himself? Tamir wouldn't leave his family a second time, either.

The answer came easy when the question was asked. Would he stay? “Yes.” It was simple, easy—there was no question about it. Wherever he was, he was fine so long as his family accompanied him. Crumbling mountains, drought, floods, he'd stick by their side. He was nothing without them, and he'd admit it.

the staff team luvs u