Doomsday

Liutheri

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"If I gave you the truth would it keep you alive?"

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@Ira and any other vander wolf. Also feel free to make assumptions/say or think whatever of npc mama wolf

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The small puppy waited in his shrub, night had fallen and it was starting to get very cold. He waited for mother. She had sniffed the air and told him bad guys were afoot and that, again, it was time for him to hide until his super hero of a mom chased the bad guys away. Sometimes he could hear her, other times she skulked off. The latter was this current situation. She had been gone for so long he almost got up to look for her...almost.

The sound of something caused his fluffy ears to perk and the low woof of his mother telling him to come out could be heard. Wiggly out of the pokey shrub he saw his mother. A long pale wolf with pinks eye and pads and nose. He always thought it was funny. She said she was an albino, more like an excuse for looking so silly. Tail wagging, he wobbled over to his mom and then froze. "Ma-mah?" Liutheri squeaked out. There was so much red on her fur, it was getting all over the ground. Unbeknownst to him, his mother had led a cougar away from his hiding spot and paid an awful price. The strong smell and the oddity of the situation, the discomfort on his mother's gentle face. It told him something was amiss and so he looked up at her for guidance.

She returned a gentle smile. "Mommie is sorry for taking so long Luey." She said and gently nuzzled him. Her warmth and smell brought a comfort he had been lucky to know since his birth. All too soon she lifted her head away, looking sad. "And I hate to say this but we need to keep moving. I know we've been walking a lot. But...we're almost there now it seems." She explained and waited for the usual antics. Of Liutheri protesting and whining. Since they been here they've been walking around nonstop. He hated it and just wanted them to go back and get his brother. It was boring without him.

Yet seeing his mother look so sad and tired...he could not find it in him to be a hindrance. Instead he nodded his head and started to walk forward. He wouldn't even ask her to be carried this time. He was trying to be cool and reliable in this moment, just like his mother. This action a premonition of the kind of character he wanted to be. Empathy and consideration was beginning to develop and install itself upon his brain. However, on his own paws he was not the fastest and often just stumbled as he tried to waddle. A smile broke upon his mother's lips before she picked him up and begun to carry him. Well, he tried at least.

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It was the evening of the next day now. He had fallen asleep while being carried and was surprised to wake up and realize he was still being carried. Mother was walking slower than usual too. Normally they would have had more breaks, be more cautious, but his mother seemed to be in a hurry, lifting her head up to sniff the air frequently. Where was the rush? She was moving slower than usual too. "Ma-mah...why no break?" He asked, but was ignored. His mother seemed focus on a distant point, but there was nothing but hills as far as he could see.

It was now that an eerie sense of dread would begin to creep through Liutheri. Mother was moving slower and slower, her breathing getting odd. Something was seriously not right. And in a few minutes of thinking that, his mother fell upon the ground like a blanket of snow, dropping a very surprised Liutheri in the process who tumbled unceremoniously onto the ground. "Ma-mah!" He yelled as he rushed over to her grounded figure. He put his small paws on her, trying to risen his mother. She was hot to the touch. He proceeded to wrap his body around her. She must just need a nap.

He didn't know how long he was there for, but his mother never rose again, the intense heat being replaced with an intense chill. He would later learn that this was the chill of death. That she became rigid because and started to smell of spoils because she was no longer alive. Birds cawed ominously around him as he rose and again tried to help his mom get up. Tears were beginning to fill his eyes as the world began to look like a scary place without his mother's presence, without her comfort. Suddenly a large bird landed on his mother, causing him to jump back. It took Liutheri a moment to realize it was pecking at his mom's wounds/red areas. The disrespectful act caused the pup to boil inside. With an adorable yap that was suppose to be a snarl, he leapt at the bird who flew off, having not expected the sudden fluffball to run into it like that. The pup proceeded to snarl (bark), at the birds. She just needed rest, they needed to leave her alone. Needed to leave them alone. Unbeknownst to Liutheri, his mother with the last of her strength had tried to get him as close to a pack as possible. A last ditch effort to save her last remaining pup. Someday he would realize his mother's diligence to him.
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With meat slowly being introduced to her brood, it gave Ira an excuse to wander from her den, to stretch her legs, and for @Hieronymous to spend some time alone with his children. All five had been progressing well enough, though she still had her concerns about Rea. The eldest out of all of them should have been most eager to feed, but perhaps meat would change her mind. She had planned to find something fresh, though to her surprise, not long in her descent of the narrow slopes would the scent of blood hit her nose.

The metallic tang in the air was...fresh though it did seem as if it had been in the air for some time. If she was lucky, it was a wounded creature she could finish, granting them both a favor. As she followed the trail though, it would soon become clear that neither would be so fortunate. A body laid on her mountain, birds already attempting to pick and pull at the flesh for an easy meal. A weary traveler had met an unsightly end, though it wasn't her that drew her eye...but another. A boy with a darkened body and bleached head was doing his best to fend off the offending scavengers, but a pup so young posed no significant threat. It was a wonder if he even held the teeth to carry through with his light threats.

What mattered now though, was that he was alone...and she smelled no other that might come to claim him. The roan queen was slow in her approach, the start of a growl rumbling in her throat too as she quickly aided in what the boy failed to do. No child should have to see their parent like this. Death was inevitable but picked apart piece by piece was despicable. Golden eyes watched as the birds scattered, ensuring they took to the skies or nearby trees instead of trying their luck any further. Once she was certain their annoying pecking was done, for now, she looked down to the boy and lowered her body until she too laid on the ground. “It seems you've found yourself on my mountain, boy.”

To no fault of his own of course. Her gaze flicked once more to the deceased woman at her side. It wasn't nature that claimed her life, but rather a battle. Something with great claws had taken its toll on her life, and already her mind wandered to that of the mountain lion who had passed through some time recently. Rather it was that man or not, she felt wise in her decision to send them away when she had, even if it had brought this woman to an early end. “Have you a name?” If it had not been his mother, it may have been her own children that were preyed upon. If this was the price she paid, then she would at least be grateful for her sacrifice. It seems, as another mother, she had also done her job in keeping her son alive. Age was hard to tell so young, but he wasn't that much older than her own. Perhaps t'was even fate that he ended upon her land in his misfortune. She knew too well what life was like losing your mother.

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The birds seemed puzzled by Liutheri at first. But gradually they realized such a puffball was not worthy of their anxiety. They would continue to try to feast, flapping away a few feet from an angry Liutheri before walking back over to the carcass. This morbid game of chase was quickly exhausting his small body. He hadn't had a chance for meat or milk (which was becoming quite the rare treat these days), since his mother told him to hide. About a day which was not much for an adult wolf, but for Liutheri, even all the naps in the world wouldn't be able to help him keep going. Pink tongue out as he panted, watching the birds crowd and devour a body that had shown nothing less of love and warmth for him. He felt his defiance grow, he had one more attempt. Trying to show his puppy teeth he snarled at the birds, except this time his snarl sounded strong, terrifying. He even scared himself. The birds quickly flew away in alarm.

Liutheri was in awe of the accomplishment until he realized it had come from another wolf once he looked above to see the large beast hovering over him. Seeing the large form of the stranger he found himself immediately puffing up and trying to back away. He stopped scuttling and puffing however once she fully laid down, seeming not as intimidating to the small child. It had been the first wolf he had ever met that was not his parents or brother. He blinked at her words with large owlish eyes, so she owed this hill? That meant she had to be strong and tough right?

It was hard for the child to process the correct course of action in an already bewildering situation, but he did his best, deciding that meant complying with the other even if they were a bit scary. Having a tight frown on his face, he spoke, his eyes wandering around the silver blue fur features as he studied her, eyes lingering on her scars. "I'mah...Liutheri." He answered back, finally settling down to a more rational level.

He looked up into her yellow eyes. "Ma-mah is sick. How do I make Ma-mah better?" He asked with the clumsy speech of a child. It was quite the independent manner in which he was alluding to. He did not expect this wolf to help his mom herself or make his problems easier. He hoped that she held knowledge that he could use to make everything better. It was clear he was not strong enough for his mother these days. He needed to grow up faster so he could help her.
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A frown tugged at her lips as he made his innocence known. To him, he simply believed that she was sleeping struck by some awful disease, but the harsh truth was that nothing could be done for her now. She was gone, as for where, well that depended on what she believed she supposed. “Liutheri, how unique.” And it was. The name was unfamiliar on her tongue, though parts of it could be broken down to something more familiar. Perhaps he too had been born a nordic man.

Ira could feel him staring at her scars, a frown plastered to his own features as he scrutinized them, though she made no effort to hide the marks. They were a part of her and told her story. It was an honor to wear them and hiding them now would not make them disappear next time he gazed upon her. “Your name suggests you are a warrior. Is that what you are?” In the truest sense of the word, there was no way of course. He was far too young for battle, nor should he ever be the one to brave the front at this point in his life, but children were funny that way. They never saw how small a contribution they were, only what they could be.

“I was born a warrior as well. I earned the marks on my skin. They share my feats and tell of bravery.” With a slow tilt of her head, Ira would gesture to the fallen woman. “It appears your mother is also a warrior...but I am afraid there is nothing I can do for her now.” Crossing her front paws, she glanced back to Liutheri to see what he made of it all. Surely he would have more questions before he reach any form of understanding, and frankly, she hoped that he would not understand now. “Do not fear for her, she does not feel pain. In fact, I'd say you have already helped her.”

A stretch if anything, but she meant what she said in part. “In this existence, those who fight bravely are rewarded for their courage. Those of heart and honor are cherished and favored by the gods. Particularly those who grow weary in battle. When they grow tired, they move to a new home where the gods bless them with a feast and comfort for life. A nice place to be, you would agree?” Of course the kicker was yet to come. Those who pass those gates do not return to them, and this would be the last he saw of her until he too earned his place in Valhalla.

“She has already gone to meet them. She will be safe.” A smile graced her lips, believing every word she had spoken. Death was sad, but there was no point in mourning. He should be happy to know that she had fought well for what she loved and celebrate her for her achievements. “She may not respond as she used to, but she can still hear you. If you speak out to her, she will be listening.” Should he come to an understanding then perhaps she could even place a stone atop her grave so that he may speak with her after she has completed her journey. Traditionally...graves were only marked for those of the accomplished who had earned it and she never knew this woman to know if that honor was to be bestowed upon her, but any wolf knew they would not survive the wounds she bore.

She knew what was to come when she openly decided to trespass into her claim. A mother to the very end...and at the very least, she could respect that. “Tell me Liutheri, what is her name?”

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Liutheri's ears instantly pricked up upon hearing his name from the other while he studied them. It was a bit jarring to here his name from a stranger, but it did not seem...wrong. It was a name he did not hear too often, his mother often dubbing him Luey unless something serious was afoot. His brain refocused as she talked about him being a warrior. The words were a little odd to him, but he understood the basics. Strength was the subject. Liutheri would try to stand straighter after this, to hold his head high and look strong like his mother. "Yes! Ma-mah said strong are the ones' who ackhnowhl-edge the stronger and still walk by their side." He said proudly, feeling quite smart for mimicking his mother's teachings even if didn't really understand them himself.

Things would grow serious again as the stranger spoke. He could believe it when she said she was strong as well. Stronger than himself no doubt. He waddled a little closer, eager to hear her teachings. Eager to be made stronger for this scary situation. However, her words surprised him greatly. He figured she could just solve everything. Crestfallen was an appropriate way to express how he looked as he turned his head to examine his mother. She did not well. Liutheri stumbled over to his mother's side again, examining her himself as he tried to figure out the answer. It was up to himself to fix her. Yet as he sniffed and tried to move her, her condition began to look only worse and worse to him. She reminded him of the dead rodents she would bring back sometimes. And just having that thought brought guilt, like it was an insult to such a cool and capable wolf.

As if on cue, the stranger comforted him. Being told he had already helped her meant a lot him. It brought a reassurance that he was doing something right, that he wasn't just being a dumb pup. He looked up at her with big sad eyes, wanting more guidance and structure. She gave it to him, explaining of something he felt he would only hear during story time. It was hard to wrap his head around all of it, no matter how hard he tried to follow it. But it sounded like a nice place. And that it seems like his mother had somehow left even if she was still here. And that she was safe. A double-edge sword for the pup. For if she had left why did she not take him with her? He knew he could sometimes be a burden, that he had always butted heads with her with their travels. He hated traveling all the time. She must have thought he would not want to come with her.

He focused back on his mother. She could still here? "Ma-mah...Im sorry if Iy made you mad. I won't come-plain anymore, please come back and pick me up...Ma-mah." He finished, feeling his eyes grow wet as tears came out. He felt like he was in an extreme version of time-out.

One last question was asked of him, he did not turn to address her, absorbed with the sight of his mother still. "Audumla. But Dahd called her Audy so I'm not sure..." He squeaked out as best as he could. She had told him it was a strong name given to her because she looked like a pup covered in milk among the rest of her brothers. But father never called her that so maybe Liutheri was missing something. Someday he would reflect on this and ponder of fate.
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For a moment he seemed to be distracted, prideful even for the words his mother had shared with him. It was a wonder though if he truly knew the meaning of them, but it was not her place to ask, not here and now. Eventually, the truth must be reached no matter how painful it would be, and it seemed he had just about come to the realization that she would not be returning. Wide eyes turned away from her to the fallen figure, tears welding under lid as he asked for her to take him with her.

She should not have expected any less, but Ira would shake her head all the same. “She would have taken you if she could, but the gods, they would not have allowed you to enter. You are too young and still have much to do here. I'm sure she would have waited if she could, but the gods are not always patient. When we are called to join them, we must answer. Until then, you must stay strong.” It was strength that would grant him the access he sought should he still wish to join her side later.

Ira was sure now, there was no mistaking it with a name like Audumla. He too was Norse, but it brought her comfort knowing that what she had just explained his own mother would have as well. Certainly, she had made her passage to the great lands beyond and would continue to watch over her son as only a mother could. “Audumla...Very well.” Your son will carry on. Ira worked her way to her paws, a brief shake of her pelt given to straighten misaligned hairs while she stepped closer to the fallen woman. “Would you allow me to prepare somewhere more comfortable for her to rest? When I am done, only a stone will remain, but it will be that which you may speak freely by so your words may be carried to her.” Of course, she would always watch over, not just when he visited, but the stones made that connection stronger.

“When I finish...you may stay here. You will never be far from her, but as I said before, this will be the last you see of her for some time.” Truthfully, rather he agreed or not she would not let him leave the mountain. He would not survive on his own. The boy was far too young and it was a wonder if he could even hunt for himself. He may not be her own, but he was close in age to her brood, Raising him along side her own would not be any more troublesome as they walked through similar stages together.

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Liutheri felt himself grimace as he was told he would have to wait before he could be with his mother again. It seems like everyone in his life he would have to 'wait' to see again. And for a moment, a flash of temper made him protest, turning to look at the other with defiance. "Why am I always told to wait? I dont wanna wait anymore. I been waiting an...now-everey one' gone...it's not fair." He whined, ears flat as he continued to sulk and look at his mother. Bitterness. Confusion. Fear. Grief. Odd emotions he could not convey fully at the moment overwhelmed him.

And so he would shut himself off from the world, if only for a minute. As the stranger rose, it snapped his attention again. She asked him about what to do with his mother. Liutheri greatly appreciated being treated like an adult, being asked for his say in something. And though he felt upset, he knew he could not ignore something that had to do with his mother, and the stranger's kindness moved him, made him break down the walls he wanted to build around his heart. "...Yes please Miss..Um Stranger Ladey. I want Ma-mah to feel comferat-able." He requested meekly.

She told him this would be the last time he would see her for a while...and he had that suspicion forming within. When someone leaves you don't see them. Trying to be strong, he walked over to the nape of his mother and nuzzled into it, trying to find that last idle strand of familiar comfort, to ingrain her scent and touch into his brain. "Ma-mah I love you..." He said in a hush tone. If she could indeed hear them, that meant she heard him making a fit. He wanted to leave on a more positive note.

Liutheri then separated himself, took one long last look before waddling over to sit by the stranger. He was so tired from all the events, he was practically leaning all his weight onto the other as he fought to keep his eyes open, to be an adult and continue to hold responsibility for the situation. He didn't know what this exactly meant or how much his future would now change. He just simply couldn't think that far ahead yet. He tried to stifle a yawn.
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It seemed the childlike dilemma began to sink in as the boy whipped to face her again, a question on his lips as he protested how it was unfair that he would have to wait. “It is not fair.” She agreed solemnly. She knew it was much to ask of from someone so young. She had gone through the same, even if she had been told later down the line, it did not make it any easier. The only difference was she had the option to let him live in bliss or to wake up and face reality now. Waiting would do no good, she remembered the feeling all too well when she found out the wrong way.

Luckily, between all the emotions, Liutheri seemed to be bubbling down more towards sorrow than anger. Ira could hear it in his voice and feel it as he moved to lean against her. Even she could feel a pang in her heart as she watched him say his goodbyes, but as she had said before, dwelling on it would do him no good. “Come...You may call me Ira. I am the High Queen here and this land belongs to Vanderfell. There are some wolves I think you will want to meet.” To the best of her ability, Ira would attempt to herd him away from his mother and back towards her den. She would have to return after he had been situated with Hiero to take care of the body, but she would not make the boy watch her dig his mother's grave.

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last from me I think

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Liutheri looked up as the stranger gave herself an identity. Ira the High Queen of Vanderfell. His eyes couldn't help but widen from such a fancy introduction. "Iy-rah..." He tested the name to the best of his abilities, trying to associate the identity with her. It seemed he was going to go somewhere now. He didn't like the idea of leaving mom, but being left alone now felt truly like a worse fate. Albeit he still hesitated in movement until Ira nudged him, instinctively causing the small fluffball to turn away into the ushered direction. Almost relieved to be told what to do, to be guided. Not another word left him as he parted from his mother to a new way of life, letting hills claim another loved one in exchanged for its bounty.

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Can end here.
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