Through Heaven's Eyes (P2)

He watched as vows were exchanged and then as his mother came forward and lifted her voice to the heavens in a howl of rejoicing. Cricket lifted his muzzle to follow suit like the others, but his voice faded sooner than the rest. He hoped the pack would be too caught up in their own pleasure to notice.

Today was a day of love and celebration of life, meant to give all Aryn the strength to carry on. And Raphael was meant to be a steward of that gesture. To make this day a day truly worth remembering for his Brother and Kane’s bride.

And by the One, he was trying.

But Cricket felt black inside, knowing that it was all for naught. No matter their belief in one another, Aryn would not find Merrill because they had been deceived. By Adrian, and now him, as well. In keeping silent, he was lying to all of them… a crime incalculable.

And yet, if it was the only way to ensure Merrill survived… how could Raph make any other choice?

His gaze found Adrian’s in the shadows, but Cricket quickly looked away again. Shame and fear arced through him every time he looked at his mentor, a wolf he had once respected… but now? Raph was sure it was cowardly, but he could not bear being in Adrian’s presence, after what the Master Vicar had revealed. The secret they both shared.

Amara was so excited for the ceremony that when Athena stepped forward again to howl as was ritual, Amara followed suit with Raphael and threw her head back in a howl, rearing like a wild horse to announce her joy at the proceedings.

She ended her howl before Athena, cutting her voice so she could listen to the remaining pack as they sang. Amara’s heart swelled with pride and love for her family, letting those feelings chase away the despair and desperation she still felt.

Her green eyes zeroed in on Kane and she smirked mischievously. Time to dance fluff ball!

Her voice rang out, the first and last of the chorus, and then she stood and stepped forward, Kane and Eden on either side of her. “Let all present stand witness to the eternal bond these two now share. Brothers and Sisters, we rejoice and revel in the blessings placed upon us. Let us feast in body and spirit upon our bounty.”

Hopping down from the stones, Athena led the way down towards the river, where the Coursers had brought down a young boar and several smaller pieces of game for the ceremony.

Kane’s heart was beating fast in the best way possible. It even felt like his heart was skipping a few beats here and there. He could hear the words that were coming from his Aunt Athena, and the howls that echoed throughout the whole group of wolves. The howling of rejoice was strong and proud, but all that Kane was looking at was the beautiful sight of Eden before him. 

His tail was wagging the whole time, as he looked into her deep yellow eyes. He didn’t have any words to say, and all he could do was walk up to her, and gently place his forehead with her’s. The moment that they stood together, Kane felt the most at peace than his entire life. He never knew of the whole that needed filling, the wolf that needed to be by his side, and the wolf that he was going to love for the rest of his life. He kept his forehead with her’s and gently whispered to his beloved. “I love you Eden, now and forever.” He then gave her a kiss on the cheek, smiling the whole time, and feeling like a new wolf.

The group started to move towards the fresh food that was presented by all the coursers that day, and Kane watched as everyone was rejoicing over the happy moment. Kane stood up, and stood by his mate. “After you, Eden.” He offered in a mood of pure joy, wanting to stand by his mate for their first moments together.

Amara wagged her tail at the announcement from her alpha and as the pack moved to the river , Amara danced to Athena’s side. She bowed her head hastily to her alpha before whispering to her.

“Will there be dancing my Lady? I have been teaching Kane the art and I believe it will help the pack enjoy the night further!” Amara said, a wag in her tail as her feet shuffled bashfully. Her eyes darted to the male and his bride and she smirked mischievously.

She will make sure someone in the pack ended up dancing tonight, even if she had to sing songs herself!

          She wagged her tail when Kane kissed her cheek, her heart soaring as she looked around at her pack, taking in their happiness for her and her new mate. She could see Amara speaking to little Riga - her new daughter! - and Nero and Tzuriel and all of the wolves she could ever have hoped to see at this moment, this special time in her life.

          There was one she sought out, though, and it didn’t take long to find him. Raphael’s face had a strange look on it, almost a forced happiness, but his eyes were dark. They always seemed to be dark these days. He’s taking Merrill’s abduction really hard...Eden thought, her heart aching for the young Vicar.

          She tried to catch his eye, knowing that he was supposed to say something about the event - though what, she wasn’t entirely sure. She knew Seven was going to say something, too. She looked around and spotted Seven, offered a small smile to her friend, and then turned to nuzzle Kane, her gaze shifting back to Raphael.

          When the pack started to howl, Kane politely offered for her to take the lead. Eden beamed at the large white wolf and tipped her head back, letting out a noise of pure joy. Aroooooooooooooooooo!

Everything was happening so fast, it made Riga almost dizzy.

Once her alpha began their native song, Riga thrust her muzzle to the sky and gave her first howl as much effort as possible. It came out a ragged and sharp squeak. It came out cute. But now Riga didn't care, it was time to rejoice!

A feast! Oh how elated the pup was! Her whole tiny frame wiggled in excitement as she galloped towards the river.

But wait! The pup skidded to an abrupt halt and loped towards her newly wedded parents, “Mama! Daddy!”.

The pup dashed into their paws and and smothered them in happy kisses.

Echo couldn’t stop smiling as she glanced around at those gathered as the ceremony began to wind down. Her ears pricked up as she caught the quiet banter coming from Shoshana, Tzuriel, and Nero, who were sitting a little ways in front of her, and she gave a quiet chuckle. The Courser could also hear the excited yips of little Riga coming from somewhere at the front of the crowd and her smile grew larger at the pup’s enthusiasm.

Lady Athena then stepped forward and rose her head to lead the pack in a celebratory howl. Echo looked to the sky and lifted her voice with the others, her heart soaring with the magical sound of the many unique voices of her family joined as one unified song. Her ear twitched as she felt one voice fall away early and she opened her eyes to glance around as the rest of the pack began to quiet down. She was able to pick out Raphael sitting with an expression Echo wouldn’t call happy and she wondered what could be the matter with the young Vicar. Before she could make her way towards him, however, the pack began to move towards the river for the highly anticipated feast and Echo lost him in the crowd. She hoped he was ok.

Getting to her feet to follow her pack mates towards the river, Echo caught sight of Raghaalr at the edge of the group and her eyes lit up. She hadn’t had the chance to visit with the older female recently and this would be a good chance to catch up over a meal. Bounding up to the Warden, Echo wagged her tail in greeting. “Hi Raghaalr! How are you? May I join you?”

It was not impossible to notice the bitterness beneath, but most of the pack seemed to boast a genuine joy on the outside. In recent days the shaggy-pelted Warden had spent her time trekking the lands and beyond in search of the missing child, and so her sense of loss was as fresh as the day Merrill had been snatched away. However, she was fortunate enough to be able to overlook her grief for the sake of the newlyweds. They, at least, deserved all the warmth and love their pack could give them.

Athena’s buoyant call drew the elder wolf’s gaze, and she rose to her paws at the word ‘stand’, briefly taking it literally. Though, within moments, the pack was directed towards the feast. A short walk took them to the banks of the river, where a rich display of game lay, waiting to be devoured. Raghaalr licked her scarred muzzle in anticipation, plodding heavily along near the back of the group. Despite her hunger, she was prepared to wait a short time as the others descended on the food. There was, of course, plenty for all.

A thudding of pawsteps announced the approach of a packmate, and Raghaalr swung her head around, her ears pricking up. Face to face came Echo, all smiles and tail wagging. Her jovial greeting made the Warden’s tail swish as well. “Hullo Echo,” She chuffed, a loose grin stretching over her jaws. “I’m well enough! You may certainly join me!” She bobbed her head and stepped forwards again, towards the array of carcasses. A small doe had yet to be torn into; Raghaalr approached on steady paws.

At his Mother’s urging, the Vicar threw his head back and howled with sincere joy. Afterwards, he watched the other members of his family break from the circle and get interested in other parts of the event. His blue eyes watched Amara engage in the thing she called ‘dancing’, and a smile crossed his muzzle. Forgetting his brother’s dour mood, Tzuri turned his mischievous grin to Shoshana.

“Dance with me!” he barked happily. He playfully butted his head against her shoulder like a pup, repeating his request, then, “Let’s leap about like silly pups and laugh in the face of woe!”

It might've been a bit daring and a tad much to chance the forces of Darkness, but he hadn't laughed in so long, he felt like a wolf parched, and he wanted to see those gorgeous green eyes sparkle once more. He bowed down his front and wagged his tail exaggeratedly. His tongue lolled as he chuckle at the brown female.

Wagging her tail harder at Raghaalr’s acceptance to her request, Echo fell into step beside the older and larger female. Following her over towards a small doe, Echo let the Master Warden approach the meal first, showing respect to her higher rank.

Sitting to the side as Raghaalr ate, the Courser watched some of the younger wolves join in with Amara’s game of ‘dancing’. It was great to see them having so much fun after how glum everyone had been in recent weeks. Merrill’s plight and the urgent need to find her was never far from Echo’s thoughts but the young female lived mostly in the moment and in this moment right here, she was needed to help support her pack mates in celebrating a special day and this dancing thing was quite the way to do that. Echo soon found herself laughing harder than she had in a long while as she watched her dancing pack mates.

"Ahem, ah, excuse me... I uh, I'd like to say a few words before we begin." Raph swallowed nervously as several members of the pack turned to face him, a wave of attention sweeping over the pack. He had spoken before them all at the Full Moon Festivals and Holy Days... but always with traditional words. Never his own. Now he was supposed to make this day a day to remember for his Brother Kane and Sister Eden, with his own voice. And that meant putting aside the black despair in his heart and finding some joy to share with his family.

"We're... we're all here today because we believe in something." He began, eyes darting upward as he tried to recall the prepared words. He hoped his fur wasn't bristling. "We believe in love. That it can conquer anything." Can it? Wondered the Vicar bitterly - was he just repeating the things he'd been told as a pup, and lying to Aryn yet more. "Kane, Brother... Eden, Sister.... today you've sealed an eternal bond and-" Unbidden tears stung Raph's eyes. He fought to keep them back. "And that is something truly divine. I could not be happier for you." In his heart, he wanted to be happy for them, anyway.

"Eden, you are a vision of perfection. Not even the sun can outshine you. This day is yours." He turned to his cousin, "Kane, I don't know how such an obnoxious optimist like you could win the heart of such a fair maiden, but the One works in mysterious ways, don't they? Probably best not to question it too much." Raph smiled wanly, implying his attempt at humour. "They say that as the heart desires, so it becomes. And loving Eden has made you a better wolf, I know that everyone here can attest the same."

"In both of you lay the souls of true Arynians. Your devotion to one another, to the pack, and to the One is inspiring. When I was young and frail... neither of you gave up on me. I would not be the wolf I am today if the Great Spirit had not placed both of you in my life. It is an honor to speak on your behalf today." And this part was true, even the pain in Cricket's soul could not wipe it out.

With another deep breath, Raphael bowed his head. It was easier now. "I would like to recite the prayer of journeys to you, that your future be filled with blessing, 'Guide them, Great Spirit of ours and our ancestors. Let their Path lead them to peace, and may they go their ways in safety. Rescue them from our foes who would deceive us,'" Cricket gave a faint wince, "'and spare them from punishment. Bless their steps, grant them grace in Your eyes and the eyes of others. You hear our Song because you gave us the voice to sing it. Blessed be the One.'"

"Let us feast, and be at peace." Shaking out his nerves, Cricket relaxed as the pack reacted and their attention fell away from him. He came up to Kane with a smile that did not looked forced and gave his Brother a tight embrace, and then kissed Eden politely on the cheek. "I love you guys." Glancing at Riga, Raph smirked, "And parents already! Fortune favour you both."

As he watched Eden join in on the joyous howling, Kane did so as well. The entire pack was howling, and it made Kane’s heart feel as light as the clouds above them. This was a day that he was never going to forget, and he felt that his life was going into a new direction, of having love that he never knew about in his life

As the howls of the pack ended, Kane looked at Eden, and gave her another kiss on cheek. He then looked over to his daughter, as she started to run towards the feast, but then turned around, and shouted for her new mother and father. She embraced the two larger wolves, and laughed as she showered her parents with tons of kisses. Kane returned kisses to his dear daughter, his tail wagging in happiness and joy.

Riga favoured the moment. She had found salvation in a family she held dear. The moment passed when a small and thin looking wolf called the pack to attention. He looked very much like Athena in build and color, but much more spindly. The she-pup listened to the male's words carefully, his words were kind and proud but Riga could see the nervous glint in his eyes and could not help but feel sympathetic. Small chuckles bubbled from Riga when the cricket like wolf tossed a few teasing remarks about her father and mother. Riga could easily see the large white male being the biggest dork in the world.

The pup noticed the wolf making his way towards them. When he hugged Kane, Riga laughed at the size comparison. It looked like a cricket embracing a big fluffy cloud!

So Raphael is his name.

Riga gave her uncle a playful nudge.

She had began dancing in the corner, watching as the others joined in, others ate, and still more of the pack kept coming. Yet all obeyed when Cricket cleared his throat and began to speak. Amara obediently sat and listened to the best man speech, tears springing to her eyes as she watched the scene unfold.

In this dark time, Raphael had given them hope. Amara knew that Adrian and Raphael were hurting the most at the kidnapping, the anger still burning inside of Amara at the hurt of her family, yet if they too can put aside the pain for the betterment and joy of others then she too could put aside her rage for this one day and this glorious occasion. Once said and done, mischief reared his head and Amara grinned widely, if not crazily and pranced over to Kane and Raphael.

“Wonderful speech brother.” Amara complemented kindly to the young Vicar before turning her mischief green eyes to Kane.

“Well master warden, it is time to do what you have trained to do. Ready to dance?” Amara asked innocently, before nosing Kane and Raphael to the dance floor, grinning like a madwolf.

          Raphael’s words touched Eden deeply; the respect and esteem she held the Vicar in rendered his words to be incredibly important to her. She smiled and the fur along her back prickled with happiness, and when he finished speaking, she let out a brief howl of jubilation. “Thanks, Raph,” she murmured, touching her nose briefly to his shoulder, before turning back to her new mate.

          Kane was being nosed away by Amara, who was grinning a little unsettlingly. Eden smiled, remembering the ‘dancing’ she had spoken of, and bounded out to join her mate. “Come on, Kane; show me how to dance!”

When Amara approached the four wolves, the pups tail waved from side to side. Amara had an almost maddening smile as she pushed Riga’s parents and uncle towards the grounds where they most certainly will dance.

Riga loped after them, “I wanna dance too!”

After Amara had first explained it to Riga, she had been anticipating it. She was excited to try something new amongst her new family. Energy vibrated profusely throughout the pups small body, by the end she would be a sleepy bundle of fur.

The dark prince’s head snapped to look at his brother over Shoshana’s form, and he might’ve frowned lightly had it not been because he caught the slight tone of mischief in his tone; but, deciding against replying simply out of a desire to avoid hypocrisy (he had just been staring at the female for chatting), Nero returned his attention to the ceremony.

And once his mother began to howl, he joined in, his voice gruff and with little to no harmony; it sounded ill, because air passed through his maw rather than melodic sounds, but he couldn’t completely hear himself above everybody else.

When Echo’s voice died down, his followed, leaving behind a feeling of tranquility and joy. Raph’s words made his chest glow with pride and admiration for his older sibling, who he had never grown to know closely but who had never ceased to impress the younger wolf with the kindness of his soul.

He watched some of his packmates engaged in an odd activity Amara had labelled as “dancing”, and somewhat spooked by the looks of it, the Warden quickened his pace to reach the river where some would feast, greeting Raghaalr with a courteous and respectful bow, same with Echo and those present.

Oh lord, this was the perfect opportunity for Shoshana to make a fool of herself; but she was too caught up in the joy, a giggle reverberating in her throat at Tzuriel and Nero’s brief interaction; it was amusing really, how different they both were.

She sang happily, falling into silence a good few seconds before Athena did, afraid of going over the top with the howling; green eyes flickering excitedly, Shoshana observed the circle dissolve and Nero step away, with that absurdly squared walk of his that made her blood boil with mockery.

But, her attention was drawn back to Tzuriel at her side, eyebrows shooting up at the invitation.

“Dancing? What is-” her questioning became interrupted by the laughter that nervously left her lips at the male’s insistence, raising to her paws and wagging her short tail lightly.

“Alright alright, I’ve never done this before though” she agreed, sideglancing at Amara who seemed to be the leader of this peculiar activity, before nudging the Vicar up softly.

Riga bounded after Amara and observed. This “dancing” was breathtaking. She gazed over the group of wolves expectantly. The pup studied their movements closely and noticed every wolf was picking a partner. She searched through the crowd of non-dancing wolves and spotted a rather slightly disheveled wolf observing from the shadows.

Regardless of the other wolf's posture, Riga approached him in a daintily jog. She smiled up at him kindly and sat beside him.

“Hello mister!, would you like to dance with me?”

Her eyes sparkled with curiosity and warmth.

“You look lonely and I have no one to dance with…”

When she said this her voice softened and her ears lowered.

The dark she-wolf looked guiltily out upon the crowd, her heart heavy.  Disappointment in herself clouded Storm’s gaze.

Since Merill’s kidnapping, Storm had become unresponsive.  Somehow, she’d managed to become even more distant...more reclusive.  Mother Teia had only barely managed to convince the Ranger from her den, and not without great effort and patience.  Getting Storm to the wedding ceremony, even so late into the proceedings, was almost a miracle.  

The intense contrast between the wedding and the kidnapping was a struggle for the sensitive Ranger to handle - hope and despair so adjacent to each other.  How could such things exist, so close in happening to one another?  Trying to reconcile it tore her apart.

As Storm gazed into the scene, Teia stood behind and beside her loyally, waiting patiently for Storm to be able to take the first step and emerge into the clearing.  Take your time, precious child of the One, the Grand Vicar thought, but said nothing out loud.  Storm was quiet, and she needed the time to make the decision for herself.  Verbal encouragement might only distract her; patience was the modus operandi here.

Teia turned her sight from Storm’s profile and into the crowd of wolves.  The going-ons were enthusiastic, exuberant, and joyful.  Gleeful howls broke out, celebrating the union between Kane and Eden.  Teia’s eyes softened, wishing she could join them, and knowing it was her duty to be there - but right now, Storm needed someone to help her, and that was Teia’s duty as well.  To be there for the wolves who hurt too much for them to handle.

Storm remained motionless, and the Grand Vicar carefully side-eyed her once more.  She could almost see the cogs turning in the young wolf’s brain, thoughts and feelings struggling to band together and bring the Ranger out of the darkness.  For a moment, Teia feared maybe Storm would never find the nerve to step out - but then, silently, the she-wolf moved forwards.  Placing one paw in front of another, almost robotically, the dark wolf emerged from the shadows and entered the festivities.  Teia felt as if she might weep...but right now was the time for celebrating, on more accounts than one.  Her own step livening, the Grand Vicar let out a joyful bark, calling out to the Aryni that she was finally here.