DoTW - Commendation

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Sveta stalked across the camp, head aloft and expression resolute. The sun was heading for the center of the sky, it's rays broken as lazy clouds drifted across it's path. Summer had finally relented it's hold, the autumn breeze sweeping in from the lowlands. The lavender princess longed for winter, and eagerly awaited it's return. The sun never did her any favors, her charcoal pelt soaking it up with unpleasant efficiency. But her mind was preoccupied for the moment. Icy gaze narrowing, the Meister let her eyes wander, seeking out a particular pelt. Lifting her elongated muzzle, she took in the scents, pinpointing her target.

Flowing forwards, the royal rounded a rocky outcropping, ears pricking as a cream pelt came into view. "Yuaei," she announced calmly, approaching the young she-wolf on graceful paws. She immediately felt a sense of ease flow through her limbs as she entered the Havirian's presence. No matter the circumstance, Yuaei always had an aura of serenity about her. It complimented her pretty face and soft personality beautifully. She had grown into a fine she-wolf.

"I caught wind of your promotion." She began, having to tip her muzzle upward slightly in order to make eye contact. She couldn't recall when the pale youngster had outgrown her, but it came to no surprise. Her brother was a bear of a individual. They certainly had prominent genes. "Congratulations" Sveta added, voice softening with an uncharacteristic warmth. She had known the Meister since her pup-hood, having assisted in her training and formed a close bond with her in the process. Adopting Havir's culture had only strengthened it, and now Sveta would gladly refer to her as family. And so in the light of Yuaei's new position, the princess was genuinely proud.

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Yuaei was in a clearing near the main den site of Highvalley, laying some herbs gently on a rock in the sun in order to dry them out. She looked up at the sky to assess the gathering clouds. She hoped they would pass soon so the sun could do their work on these herbs! But either way she didn’t mind too much if she had to postpone this task, after all she was feeling on top of the world. She was recently promoted to Gamma, an affirmation to the good job she was doing with treating and helping a variety of her packmates. It felt good to excel. She only wish her mother was here to see it…

‘Yuaei’ The Havirian Princess didn’t have her mother, it was true, but she did have Sveta. The young female turned to her mentor and she felt a rush of warmth at the very sight of her charcoal pelt. She could see already that Sveta was proud. She must have heard the good news. Yuaei didn’t even try to contain the happiness on her face. “Sveta,” Yuaei returned the greeting, bowing respectfully before trotting up to the dark Princess, leaving her herbs for the time being. She stopped before her, lowering her head a bit so they could be more at eye level. Yuaei may be taller now, but she was still the subordinate!

‘Congratulations.’ The Princess was a deep individual, Yuaei was well aware. She was not generous with her smiles, or her kind words, or her affection in general. Yuaei had once been but an irritating stranger to the dark royal. But time had passed, the Gods pushed them together, and they had formed a bond as close as any Yuaei had ever experienced. The young she-wolf had expected no less, but regardless she felt humbled each time at Sveta’s gift to her. The greatest gift a wolf could give her, the gift of friendship and love. She respected Sveta more than any wolf after her mother, and she loved her so dearly as well. At her words, Yuaei lowered her gaze and smiled shyly, often an instinctive gesture she did by courtesy when given a compliment, but this time it was completely genuine, as evident by the slight pinkening of her golden freckled white cheeks and her soft voice when she answered. “Thank you, Sveta.”

She lifted her pale blue gaze to meet Sveta’s icy eyes, noticing the uncharacteristic warmth within their stony depths. Yuaei’s own face held a gentle adoration for the older female, “I couldn’t have done it without you.” she said.

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I couldn't have done it without you. The charcoal female shook her head,
"Nonsense." She retorted cordially, "Guidance only get's one so far. It's your own skills and intuition that ultimately led to this. You should be proud. I am certain your parent's are." Sveta added, raising her head and addressing her companion with a steady gaze. They were no longer a mentor and student, but equals. Yuaei had proven herself countless times; the very rate of her recovery since her mother's passing was a testimony to her strength.

Straightening, the princess clicked her tongue. "Come, walk with me." She chimed, taking a few graceful steps away, tail flowing. Leading the younger she-wolf from the densite, Sveta's paws set her on a steady pace towards the Narrow Valley. It had been far too long since she had walked through the lowlands, heat often driving her away. But in the cool embrace of autumn, the forests were a magnificent sight. "How have you been faring? Any new developments?" She queried.

As she had aged, the Havirian's independence had increased tenfold. The pair spent time together, but ultimately Yuaei was creating her own place in the world. Taking initiative and leading her life. Of course, the princess wasn't bothered. Unlike her sister, she was quite content with solitude and encouraged her student to spread her wings; learn to stand on her own paws. But she wasn't ashamed to admit that the young Meister's company was enjoyable. She was one of the few who had earned that privilege.

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Yuaei lowered her head, smiling broadly, her freckled white cheeks warm from the praise. Yuaei didn’t hold many wolves on the same level as herself, but Sveta was as close as one could get. “I hope they are…” she said softly. Of course she knew they were proud, but still to see their faces, the look in their eyes… she wished she could. She had never met her father in person, and her mother had long passed, and though she met them both in her dreams and in the wind and rain and sun and stars, she still yearned to feel her mother’s warm fur against her again. And her father’s for the first time. Someday… years from now if the Gods will it, but soon. She reminded herself with a smile.

She nodded when Sveta beckoned her to walk. Yuaei followed after the dark Princess, her steps energetic and expressing her light heart. She glanced at Sveta as she asked the question, ruffling her wispy fur against a chilly breeze. “I’ve been faring well! Hm, well, I have a Steward now.” Yuaei said, “her name is Calumina, perhaps you’ve met her.” Yuaei looked up at Sveta, eager to hear what she thought about it.

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"A steward?" She repeated, voice rising in interest. Although the other's name didn't ring any bells, she found the news pleasing. "Very good." the princess stated, nodding her head in approval. "A new responsibility, but I have confidence in you." Sveta flicked a tufted ear as the pair strode away from the pack. The air was cool and sharp, the day clear.

"You have truly found your place here." She added strongly, knowing full well there were some who were angered by the Havirian's presence. Her own brother being one of them. But Tilika's brood had long since overcome the initial disdain and earned their place among the Highvallians. In her opinion anyway.

"And your brother?" She asked casually. Although she and the brutish male hadn't began on good terms, she respected the dedication to his family. That was probably the one thing they had in common. "How has he settled?"

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Yuaei beamed, glad at the praise and honestly just happy to show off her new Steward. Calumina was bright and kind, Yuaei had a feeling they would grow quite close, if all went well. “Is there a reason why you don’t have a Steward, Sveta?” Yuaei would think that the Princess ought to have one! But Sveta wasn’t always very fond of other wolves, so she wondered if it could simply be that Sveta prefered to be alone most of the time. And besides, Yuaei did act as a sort of assistant when she was working under Sveta, and she hoped that they would still work closely together, and she was still Sveta’s subordinate too, eager to help in any task the Princess asked, so perhaps she had no need of one anyway.

Yuaei was happy to hear that Sveta thought she had a place here. Sometimes she still felt a bit isolated, though it was her own doing more than others she figured. It was not always easy being in such a high place (in her opinion) as the daughter of a Havirian God, it was sometimes lonely. But she had friends here, she was respected here, and liked to think she got along well with all she met. So she couldn’t ask for anything more. Highvalley wasn’t Havir, but it had raised her and taken her in as one of its own. Regardless of her own affiliations, Highvalley would always be a part of her.

She smiled when Sveta brought up her brother, thinking on the large male affectionately. “He is doing well! Training hard to become a great Keeper. He is top of his class, I hear.” Yuaei said proudly, though she assumed it more than she actually heard it. Mohawk wouldn’t claim so but sometimes Yuaei liked to watch the training sessions, though she only had eyes for her brother there so of course he seemed the best to her. It would only be expected from the son of Tilika and Saurugol after all.

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Sveta cast a brief side-long glance at her companion. She pondered over the question for a moment, her brows knitting together in deep thought. The prospect of taking on a steward had come to mind...but she had never acted upon it. The princess finally came to the conclusion that she valued her privacy too much. A steward would require her constant attention, and be at her beck and call every moment. The female would ultimately find it exhausting. Dealing with her pack-mates was tiresome enough. "Seclusion." Sveta finally answered, "You may have noticed, I am not the most sociable of royals. " The princess pursed her lips, "I enjoy a particular company." Although somewhat vague in her answer, the fundamental reason was a need for solitude. Having another wait on you day and night would be intrusive to say the least. There were plenty of individuals, like Yuaei, who were better suited to the task. With higher tolerance. She mused silently.

The female didn't miss her former apprentice's broad smile. The affection she held for the Keeper was undeniable. She snorted softly, "I don't doubt it." The mountain of a wolf may be a brute, but his skills and strength provided a great service. Both of them did, in their own unique way.

"It makes me wonder about my own brother." She added, somewhat to herself. Of course, Yuaei would assume she meant Vladimir. He was the only brother of her's whom she had met. But she seldom questioned his welfare; her prince spoke with her frequently enough to keep her mind at ease. It was her estranged brother she privately fretted over. "Although, you never met Klaus." Or Fia...

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Yuaei nodded, already having guessed such an answer. Sveta was far from she when it came to being social, she had always prefered to keep her own company. For the most part anyway. I am the particular company… Yuaei thought to herself, feeling a familiar glow of pride that the secluded princess has set her apart from the rest. Or most of the rest… of course she was not alone in Sveta’s small sphere of affection… however glad she was that Sveta thought so much of her, she was also eternally disappointed that she had to share such prestige, and have less of it than others, for that matter...some of those others Yuaei herself was not particularly fond of… though of course she couldn’t have Sveta knowing the truth depths of her feelings toward one wolf in particular...

Speak of the brute… Yuaei looked over when Sveta brought up her own brother. She felt her heart raise a bit with hope. Sveta and Vladimir had always been very close, he was the closest wolf to her in fact. So for Sveta to be wondering about him… and to be confiding said wonderings in Yuaei, well… perhaps Yuaei was more important to Sveta than she thought.

”Although, you never met Klaus.” Though her expression didn’t change in the slightest, Yuaei felt a good deal of disappointed when Sveta clarified which brother she was talking about. It was not Vladimir, their relationship was likely as strong as ever. But it was Klaus… the lost Prince. Hearing more about him was quite interesting for Yuaei, so she pushed away her previous disappointment quickly. The white-and-gold she-wolf knew of Klaus, of course, and knew that it must have hurt Sveta when her brother abandoned Highvalley. But Sveta had never really spoken of Klaus before. So now Yuaei had to wonder… how much did it still hurt her beloved Sveta? “What was he like, Sveta?” Yuaei dared to ask, hoping that the Princess’ bringing up of the subject was permission enough for her to inquire more.

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What was he like? A shadow of a smile haunted her features for the briefest of moments. Although most would assume his name brought her nothing but pain, her memories of him were quite fond. Their early memories anyway...He had been a good brother, fun and charismatic. But that wasn't the root of their relationship. Despite being closer to Vladimir since the beginning, she had shared something different with Klaus. They had both carried an unseen burden, invisible to their littermates. Eadric.

The princess realised she had been silent for some time and took a deep breath inward. "He was a lot like my father. Strong-willed and determined. But he was unstable and....he had an immense amount of pressure on his shoulders." she explained carefully, "Having to live up to Rodwen's example. It can't have been easy for him." She was surprised at the sudden rush of empathy.

For so long, her memories of Klaus had been tainted with the bitterness that followed Fia's death. She had blamed him...but only because it had been so easy. But now that she thought more deeply, she truly understood the reasoning behind his decision. "Klaus reminded my father of his own father; Eadric." The name tasted sour on her tongue. "Perhaps that was why he was so hard on him. He didn't want Klaus to go down the same path..." Sveta trailed off, lost in her thoughts for a moment.

"But that was in his early adulthood. We were all very close as pups, not unlike you and your brother." She added steadily. "He and Ava were particularly close." She cast a sideways glance at Yuaei and added, "He was betrothed to Gwyndolyn. She was to be Queen when my brother became King."

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There was a silence, but Yuaei was not at all surprised. She glanced at her mentor and noticed the thoughtful expression in her eyes. She was lost in her memories, thinking back long ago to when her brother was still in the pack. Yuaei was patient, and waited, giving Sveta all the time she needed to answer, or not answer. Though Yuaei’s curiosity made her hope that Sveta would be willing to share.

Yuaei nodded at Sveta’s explanation, feeling a rush of disappointment, if truth be told. He was like Rodwen… if only he had stayed. Though at the same time Yuaei knew that such disappointment was not because of what had happened as much as because of who Klaus was. He may be as determined and powerful as Rodwen, but he was less fit to lead than his brother Vladimir if he didn’t have the strength to rise up to the expectations the Gods had placed upon him. It was a shame, a true shame. “Yes, there must have been quite a bit of pressure.” Yuaei agreed, able to appreciate the stress he had been going through even if she didn’t feel it a reasonable excuse. Though Yuaei was a natural leader herself, all she had even strived for was to be the best she could be in what was expected of her, so perhaps that contributed to her apathy.

Eadric. Yuaei knew little of the King before Rodwen, except for that he had lead the pack into the great war that had nearly torn Highvalley apart. She also knew that Sveta had inherited his dark fur. Either way, she could imagine that Rodwen would fear another King like Eadric, and that may have contributed even more to Klaus’ distress as Sveta proposed.

Sveta went on, explaining how Sveta and her siblings had been close in their youth. It was a shame that the only of those sibling bonds that had held was with her and Vladimir. Her ears perked with surprise as Sveta brought up Gwyn being Klaus’ betrothed. “Is that so?” she said rhetorically in her shock, “I didn’t know that Gwyn was to be queen…” Yuaei had many reservations about Gwyndolyn. But they were starting to lessen as she got to know the pale highblood more, and learn that she was not a threat, simply sharp-tongued and harsh. If I were set to be queen but snubbed by my betrothed I would surely feel resentment too. Yuaei reflected, understanding Gwyndolyn a bit more with this information. “Perhaps when Klaus left, you and Gwyndolyn were able to comfort each other?” Yuaei asked. Yuaei knew that their friendship had been strong in their youth but must have somehow broken and only recently rekindled. She wondered if Klaus’ disappearance may have helped or hurt the two she-wolves’ with regards to each other.

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The charcoal Meister flicked an ear, seldom surprised by the youth's shock. Klaus's very name was scarcely mentioned anymore, his betrayal to the crown leaving a black stain against Rodwen's name. Even Gwyn hardly spoke of him, although the princess didn't blame her. She was unsure of what feelings her pale cousin held towards the to-be King, but she could make her assumptions.

Yuaei's final statement awakened a deeply rooted guilt within the Highblood, one she had done well to suppress. It was true they had been close as whelps, closer than close. Sisters; more or less. Sveta had relied so heavily on the pale Seeker's friendship, feeling disconnected from the pack even then. But since Fia's passing and Gwyn's own loss, their relationship had been severed. One would think in such trial, friendships would be strengthened, but alas...Sveta's own bitterness and self resentment had prevented her from reaching out. She imagined her like-minded kin had similar reflexes, whether they were intentional or not. It was tragic, but like most things in her life, she had grown to accept it. Until a few short months ago, when they had braved each other's company. The Captain hadn't realised the gravity of her isolation until then.

If only that were so." Sveta finally uttered. "We are very similar, Gwyndolyn and I. And our coping techniques follow in suit...Which unfortunately meant we wanted nothing more than to be alone in our grief." The royal spoke with an even tone, but the turmoil running beneath the surface burned. It was one of her greatest regrets...not investing in their bond during a time where it was needed most. But that was in the past, and she was hopeful about the future.

"But that is behind us now." She continued briskly, "We have no control over what happened in the past, but the future is completely up to us."

If we can learn to avoid the mistakes that makes our pasts so haunting...

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Yuaei wasn’t surprised when Sveta explained the two wolves were similar. They were both very strong minds. But they love each other. Yuaei was happy that they had rekindled their friendship again. There was a time not long ago that Yuaei thought less-than-favorably about the pale Seeker, but as she had gotten to know her, Gwyndolyn had changed her mind. A wolf who spoke candidly was not necessarily a wolf who deserved no respect. After all, she could remember a time when she was a pup and Sveta had given some stern words to her, and she had nothing but respect for her mentor. Wolves like Sveta and Gwyn were treasures; beneath the thorns there were rare and beautiful flowers to behold. ‘Though still it would do Gwyn well to have some of those thorns removed,’ she thought with a secret tinge of residual scorn; her mind was changing but the words the Seeker had spoken those months ago still replayed in her mind every now and then, hindering the progression of a more objective opinion to form.

But Sveta was right. A wolf had no control over what happened in the past. In the future, however, she had control again. They all did. And what transpired from here was more important than the grudges of the past from when she was younger and more foolish. Yuaei was a wolf doomed never to forget, but the Gods had given her every skill necessary to look past, and reconsider, as new information was acquired. Even if it was hard. She smiled at her mentor’s hopeful note, even if the dark Princess had said the words with little sentiment. She veered closer to Sveta as they walked along, bumping her affectionately as she so often did, only with her loved ones. “It is. And we’ll make it better.”

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