Chapter 222

The foreign incursions of the so-called divine aren't something to be heralded as a blessing, and that you think I might have been excited to hear as much says much about your intelligence. Pray tell, have you forgotten the title of my people? We do not consider ourselves to be your cousins, as you consider us, and every Word that leaves your mouths is an omen of the end of times.

- From the letter of response from Lord Ferrah of Harandal in response to the continental address of the Veratocracy

The swarm fell together in the small artificial clearing Ana led us to. We had been allowing ourselves some rest every day, so we weren't anywhere near the collapse we'd driven ourselves to, but we had been working hard and traveling hard, while still fending for ourselves and feeding ourselves. Suffice to say, there wasn't a single soul who complained about the extended break we seemed to be getting for now. Arwa's children had grown nearly to an adult size at this point and they were already bigger than the Wave Wolfstags. Joral had named them all, but I hadn't cared to learn any of the others' names, and when Joral wasn't leading them, the Wave Wolfstags had begun circling around Sybil, and they always left at least one of their number behind with her.

To my surprise, Sybil seemed to enjoy their company, and worked with Joral to continue training our furry companions. He was their leader, but near as I could tell, all the wolfstags considered her to be their queen of sorts. She had gotten to the point where she could communicate and give surprisingly complex commands to the creatures: "Seek deer", "Scout in that (points) direction", "Defend me". That last command led to all twelve surviving Wave Wolfstags circling around her, Sybil in the center and protected on all angles. It was pretty impressive, all things considered.

"How did you do it?"

"They are simple creatures–tell them what to do, and they do their best to accomplish your commands. They are much better to work with than you hardheaded reptiles." Sybil smirked at me. "I did not even have to offer to mate with them."

"That came later than our cooperation began, so far as I know. And it's been long enough," I grinned and leaned closer, "that I may need a refresher."

"Well… I do not think we want me to end up gravid and having to leave eggs behind before we can raise them." Sybil leaned forward and tenderly nuzzled at my shoulder, near where it joined with my neck. It sent the primal, involuntary remembrance of exactly how long it had been down my spine, and I half considered taking her right then. I suspected she wouldn't mind, either, given how she continued to flirt with me. Sure, it was also probably some sort of subtle declaration of her position in the swarm to any that might have been wondering about how likely it may have been for them to sneak into my bed, but I didn't really care. I just wanted her… but I wasn't so foolish as to give in to mere urges. Just as I was able to gather my thoughts and attempt a comeback, Sybil slunk away, the wolfstags falling in step as she went.

"I would like to have some, though." I called out, and Sybil turned and looked at me.

"Like Trai?"

"Like Trai." I confirmed. "She's… good to have around. She makes me happy, and I would like to have what Foire has with her."

"I concur. When we finally have a home once more, I will look forward to the rearing of new life. And the creation of it." Sybil flicked her tail teasingly as she walked away and began to confer with Shemira.

I watched, and began to look for Foire, but instead took the time provided to rest. I missed the wolfstag pelts we'd tanned, and settled onto the ground, finding the softest position I could as I laughed at my petty desires to indulge. Just days before, I'd been running for my life, and now I complained about the bedding? I laid my head on a tuft of particularly long grass as I succumbed once more to sleep.

For the first time in a while, I dreamed. The riot of battle filled my head, the shrieks of dying keelish, the wet sounds of claws and fangs finding purchase in flesh, the coughing explosion of magics clashing. All around me, though, were beautiful mountains, herds of creatures, and happy keelish. I couldn't hear anything but the clamoring chaos of warfare, and the strange combination stunned me. I couldn't do anything but watch the idyllic scene as my mind raced with the possibilities presented by what I could hear. Sybil approached me, her walk casual and comfortable, and she twined her tail with me, the intimacy from her action somehow gone. I couldn't feel anything but dread and my blood boiling. 

Trai's whimpers woke me. She was laid nearby, and she twitched fitfully in her sleep. Foire was asleep nearby her, and I stepped close and rested my hand over the convulsing body of the child. She slowed and stilled before waking up and looking groggily up at me. I managed a smile, and she rested her head back down on the ground, her voice quiet as she asked in the tones of the still sleeping, "But Alpha… how can… we live…" her words faded off, lost to the oblivion of sleep. Even so, I felt the discomfort in my stomach surge at the meaning of what little I'd understood. My continued thoughts were torn from my mind as Ana approached. 

All the Moonchildren had only ever worn loincloths and short, leather skirts, so far as I had seen, and Ana was no exception. Until now. For the first time, I felt that Bloodpriestess Ana presented herself as a dignified representative of a divine being. She wore what seemed to be a ceremonial robe of some sort, the moon in all its phases ringing the collar. Her breasts remained exposed, subtle attention being drawn to them in the curve of the lapels of the robe. The robe itself was silver and red, with motifs of birth and mothers nursing their children subtly shimmering into being as the robe fluttered in the wind. Somehow, the robe gave her a mystical, ethereal quality, and I stood tall and stepped away from most of the sleepking keelish to speak.

"How can I help you? I thought we were going to be resting for now."

"Fahvalo Ashlani Indraymaf," she intoned, "I apologize for the interruption. The Allmother is ready to see you. Come now to witness her and serve at her leisure. Do not compel me to use force."