Code of the Fallen Wolf

   “So...it wasn’t their doing at all.” Roanoke stood tensely as the wolves gathered around him drawing closer, each and every one of them with their fangs bared, their snarls echoing through the forest. In the midst of them stood a golden furred male. Roan’s eyes narrowed as the male approached him. “Varg was simply a puppet...obeying the commands of his master.” Roan’s words were soft muttered beneath his breath. After a moment of thought the red wolf raised his gaze to that of the golden male.
“The question is...who is the master? Afterall...we both know you’re not smart enough to plan all this. Right? Lyall.”
   The golden male snarled as he charged forward along with the rest of the wolves. Roan braced himself for the onslaught and the night air filled with the howls of hunters as blood stained the earth.

-----
   The sound of running water echoed in his ears as Roan let out a low groan attempting to open his eyes. Pain emanated from almost every inch of his body. Slowly, the red wolf lifted his head wincing before lowering it to the rocky riverbed. Heaven knows how he managed to survive. The last thing he recalled was going over the edge of the cliff, taking one of his assailants with him. He was unsure of just how badly his injuries were...the only thing he was certain of was that he had to find shelter and quickly. No doubt Lyall and the others would be looking for him. Once again Roan attempted to lift his head, slowly moving one paw to try and push himself to all fours. His strength had failed him however and all the wolf could manage was to shift ever so slightly causing a wave of agony to spread throughout his whole being. Letting out a groan Roan stilled, his eyes closing as he wondered whether or not this was the end.

   Normally when her business partner went missing, Adina didn’t think much of it. But this time she wanted information that pertained to her son, so off she went, wandering east in the hopes of tracking him. Little did she know that when she turned her head, she would happen to catch quite the sight. Two wolves plummeted straight off a cliff in the distance. Adina nearly laughed aloud. She trotted casually upriver to where they fell. Once close enough, she hid herself behind the brush near the bank, not chancing whether someone else wanted to see the bodies as well. “Oh…,” Adina muttered when she recognized the big, red-coated wolf. “Of course it’s him.” When Roan groaned, the coyote hesitated. Finally, she dashed over to him. “Can you stand?” Her ears swiveled at any noise as she watched for signs of other wolves.

Roan didn’t even hear the footsteps as Adina approached. Opening one eye he glanced up at her letting out another groan. Was he in hell? Not that the she-coy would be his idea of hell. It was only funny that she’d happen upon him while he was in this state. Showing weakness was something Roan rather preferred not to do...especially in front of a coyote. Slowly Roan lifted his head withholding a wince as the movement made his open wounds weep. His body was covered in deep lacerations, some no doubt would take months to heal. Yet, despite the mangled shape he was in Roan actually managed to rise to his feet, swaying unsteadily his head lowered as the world around him began to spin. “What the hell are you doing here,” he asked glancing up at Adina. His voice was raspy, his words spoken softly. Swaying Roan found himself losing his footing before he collapsed once again upon the ground clenching his teeth together to refrain from letting out a howl of pain.

Adina watched Roan rise to his feet, albeit painstakingly. She frowned at him but otherwise didn’t move much. She certainly abstained from showing the pity she felt for the large wolf. When he fell to the ground, she grimaced at him. Adina took in his state, considering his wounds, and wondered if it would be best to leave him to die or end him herself. Perhaps that would be more merciful. The coyote heard noises from other animals off in the distance, but it wasn’t anything too close yet. “Honestly, I have no idea what I’m doing here.” She scoffed at her own expense, and then ducked down next to him. “Now, get up again.”

Roan found himself glaring now at the She-Coy. Though it was oddly out of character Roan swore the Coyote was attempting to help him. Truthfully, the last thing he wanted to do at the moment was move but his ears still worked and heard the wolves just as well as Adina did. So once again Roan forced himself to stand, his teeth still clenched as he swayed unevenly. Just one look at him and anyone could tell he wasn’t going to be able to make it far on his own. Glancing over at Roan he gave her a look which clearly translated into, ‘Now what?’

The coyote sprung to her feet much more easily, of course, and she took a few impatient steps away from him. She oriented her body to the west, where they would be heading. Her ears and eyes remained always vigilant. It seemed she could still make comments safely, which she enjoyed. “I’d offer to give you a soft landing for your fall,” she told him, “but you would certainly crush me.” Adina secretly hoped her voice would keep him focused as well. She knew she would have to take off if the wolves gained too much, but for now Adina waited for Roan to move towards where she stood a little ways ahead.

Roan let out a chuckle which only made him wince in pain. Slowly the red wolf made his way toward Adina stumbling several times and collapsing once more. It would seem a bit of the males fighting spirit had returned however, as this time he rose to his feet without any form of “encouragement” from Adina. Once he reached her side Roan looked up at her. “I won’t make it far,” he muttered. He was shaking from fatigue, using every ounce of strength he could muster to stay on his feet.

When Roan laughed only to feel pain from it, Adina smirked and rolled her eyes. She could see him recovering, if not in body then in stubbornness. She eyed the wolf as well. “Well,” Adina said, walking ahead of him again, “you’ll just have to make it far enough.” She watched him struggle to move and listened to the pursuit -- still far but closer now. She wondered what element of all this would happen first and, at that point, what response she would have to make. She prepared for it all as she guided the wounded wolf towards the brush.

------
A few weeks had gone by since the attack and still Roan was too weak to care for himself. They had managed to make it far enough away, so that they would not be followed before Roan had collapsed. Another few days journey and Adina had found a small grove, sheltered by large bushes and close enough to a river so that Roan didn’t have to travel far. The She-Coy came and went as she pleased and though Roan did feel his strength returning he struggled. The walk alone to the river was hard enough on him. Any sudden movement would reopen his wounds. If not for the meals Adina brought to him he would certainly have starved to death.

Adina still could barely believe that Roan survived that day, or that she had been nursing him back to health for weeks now. The situation made her laugh, mostly at herself in the matter. Today, she stole most of a leg off a half-eaten elk. She got threatened by some eagles, but otherwise the owner of the kill didn’t show while she was there, so it was a lucky find. She ran back to their grove and dropped the limb next to Roan. She then ate some before leaving most of it for the bigger and injured one. Adina lied down nearby him and chuckled to herself. “Heh, you know, your dependency right now reminds me of my son.” She snorted a laugh, and then gestured with her paw. “Don’t take that the wrong way. He’s way cuter than you.”

When Adina returned dragging the half-eaten elk leg along with her Roan could hear his stomach growl. Slowly sitting up he eyed the meat as Adina ate her fill. At her words Roan let out a soft growl. “I didn’t ask for your help,” he stated. Though at the same token he hadn’t refused it either. Tearing into the elk Roan chewed, wincing slightly as even that caused his body pain. “Besides, I hear she-wolves like rough and tumble more than they do sweet and cute. Your son wouldn’t stand a chance against me,” Roan added glancing over at Adina a smirk spreading upon his lips. The fact that he could still joke was a good sign.

The coyote shot him a smug glare. “Hmm, I suppose it’s true then that those with good taste are the rarer kind.” Adina got up and paced near Roan. She stepped closer than she would dare with any wolf -- her son excluded, of course. She liked the power she felt to know he couldn’t hurt her. “I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for single females as well as the usual threats to our safety. What if one smells out your bad boy persona and throws herself at you? I’ll bet a wounded bad boy is even more irresistible to them.” Adina snickered at him and brushed his side with her tail as she passed.

As Adina stepped near Roan felt himself stiffen simply out of instinct. After all she was a predator and despite their short time spent together Roan didn’t trust her. Roan didn’t trust anyone. The movement caused his healing wounds to weep but Roan refused to show just how much pain he really was in. He hated weakness….hated having to rely on others for aid. “Well if you find one feel free to send her my way,” Roan replied a wry grin spreading upon his lips. “I’m sure she’d  be far better company,” he added half feeling bad about the comment especially since Adina wasn’t the worse company he had come to share over the years.

Adina noticed Roan stiffen and she exhaled out her nose before walking a little ways off. His jokes then made her more insulted than she expected from herself. She bristled and raised her voice. “Yeah, because when I see a wolf I walk up to her and advertise my single contacts. While a wolf could mean a mate for you, a wolf to me means almost certain death.” Adina huffed and showed a mean smile. “Oh, how about I fetch you the last company I found you with? You know, that wolf that called me ‘food.’ That one was a real winner. But hey, at least she’s smart enough to remember the food chain. I’m the idiot who keeps forgetting.” She turned and looked away from Roan and towards the river while trying to swallow her anger.

At Adina’s outburst a frown spread upon Roan’s lips. He hadn’t meant to upset her...well….he figured his words would upset her but not this much. Instead of apologizing however the red male simply scoffed. “Touchy aren’t you,” he muttered. “For what it’s worth…” he continued. “I owe you my life. You really have no reason to stick around but you did.” Roan rested his head upon his paws now his gaze remaining upon Adina. “Guess that means I now owe you a debt….what a pain,” he muttered under his breath.

Being called ‘touchy’ didn’t soften Adina’s mood. She flicked her tail and growled, but otherwise she felt tired and decided to try and leave it. The coyote lied down on a patch of ferns, half-facing Roan. “You’re right, there’s nothing keeping me here, nor did I have much to gain by helping you at all. At least you acknowledge that.” She shrugged her shoulders and gave him a sideways stare. “You don’t have to owe me anything. I didn’t ask for compensation, and I did what I wanted because I wanted to. So don’t whine about something you’re putting on yourself. It’s a pain in my ears -- which are bigger than yours, mind you, so do be considerate.”

Roan’s ears flicked at Adina’s response raising his head and looking towards the she-coy. “You misunderstand. I’m grateful for what you have done for me. My life would have been forfeit if not for you. I may not be the most honorable wolf but I do follow my own code. So until I decide otherwise my life and service belongs to you.” Roan stated. His tail flicked as he crossed his paws his yellow gaze remaining locked upon Adina. “You do have big ears,” he quickly added a small smirk spreading upon his lips.

“To me, ‘honorable’ and ‘wolf’ don’t really go together,” she said, stretching her front paws, “so you’re doing pretty well for yourself, I’d say. Anyway, though I don’t comprehend the logic overmuch, I also don’t see a reason to tire myself out by arguing with you. Do whatever makes you happy.” His comment about her ears made her roll her eyes, but also laugh just a little. “You are a funny one.” She shifted a little to face him, wearing a lopsided grin. “Out of curiosity, what exactly does your ‘life and service’ entail?”

“For now...the most I can do is talk until you find yourself having the desire to rip my throat open,” Roan replied to Adina. There really wasn’t much he could do for her in the state that he was in. “In the future, your safety will be my responsibility until such time I decide my debt is paid. A life for a life, in simpler terms.”

“I didn’t mean right now, you silly brute.” She cocked her head at him. “Ripping your throat out would be rather preposterous, considering the ‘keeping you alive’ and all. Besides, it’s been awhile since I’ve had proper company. Talk your head off, if you please.” She pondered, staring off in a particular direction through the grove. “Say, would this responsibility for my safety extend to my family? In particular, I have a son who might use a bodyguard more than I would. What do you say to protecting him?”

Roan’s ears drew forward now at Adina’s question. If he was being honest he hadn’t counted upon that reaction at all. “I….” Roan scowled a bit as he stared blankly at Adina. “Who is it he needs protecting from?” he asked when he found himself at a loss for any other words.

Adina cocked her head at his question. “Well, no one in particular, so far as I’m aware. If I knew a name, I would rip their throat out myself.” She sighed, looking out in the direction she knew her son was in roughly. “But the politics and volatility of wolves is unstable. I’m worried he’ll find himself caught in the middle, without me to guide him this time. He might have enemies now, so far as I know. I’ve been trying to spy on him, but the circumstances make it difficult.” Adina emitted a low growl. She hated not being able to protect and influence him.

Roan’s right ear flicked now as he listened to Adina his eyes narrowing as he focused his gaze upon the she-coy. “Something tells me there’s more to this story than you’re willing to tell. What reason would a coyote have getting involved with wolf politics…..unless this son of yours isn’t actually a coyote at all,” Roan replied his eyes narrowing even more as he watched Adina carefully waiting to see just how she’d respond.

She turned back to look at Roan, holding his stare and analyzing him right back. “When you’re a coyote, wolf politics dictate your life more than you would know.” Adina huffed. “But yes, my son is a wolf himself. He left my care and joined a wolf pack around a half a year ago now. It was my fault, he thought he was making things harder for me by being around. He has idealism, confusion, and fear in his head. I just want him to be safe.” Adina searched Roan for his response now. If he made her think he would harm him, she would end him there and then.

Roan was silent as Adina revealed more of her story. It was peculiar enough to know that she had decided to raise a wolf cub as her own, let alone was willing to go so far to ensure that said wolf’s safety. Roan wasn’t really big in the whole digging for information deal, whatever history Adina had that led her to this point really wasn’t his problem, less it ended up playing a part in what the future held for the pair of them. Silence grew between the two as Roan went over what Adina had said in his mind. At long last the red male gave a curt nod of his head. “Alright then, if this is what you desire. I’ll play guardian for this pup of yours. Until such time as my debt is played no harm will come to him. So where exactly is he located?” Roan asked tilting his head slightly in a questioning manner, waiting once again for Adina’s response.

While Roan took his time answering, Adina swallowed hard. Her expression softened a little as he finally nodded and spoke. She wouldn’t admit it to him, but she felt more than a little relieved that she didn’t have to kill him. “You once asked me why I cared about the affairs and safety of the Bloodypaws pack. Now you know.” Adina looked him in the eyes in a less hostile manner now. “I know this is for your own morality, but thanks for agreeing to protect him. It will be a huge weight off my chest.” She smirked now. “His name is Sekel, by the way -- lilac coat, orange eyes, and remarkably cute. You can’t miss him.”

At the mention of Bloodypaw’s Roan’s ears drew forward as he stared blankly at Adina listening to her continue her explanation. When she finished the red male remained silent though it was evident that the gears were turning in his head. Suddenly he began to chuckle withholding a wince as the movement caused him discomfort. Shaking his head Roan met Adina’s gaze once more. “Well then,” he said a grin spreading on his lips. “Looks like I’ll be returning after all.”

Adina couldn’t help but reciprocate his strange mood with a laugh of her own. “I’m glad you find this amusing.” She looked at him and sighed, trying to tone down the humor so Roan wouldn’t hurt himself. “This is the longest we’ve had a coherent conversation in a long time. I’m glad you’re getting better, but it’s late and perhaps you ought to rest. I’ll keep watch, as always.”

Roan couldn’t withhold a cheeky grin at Adina’s words. “It’s so nice to see just how much you care about my wellbeing,” he said with a slight nod of his head. In truth, the conversation had tired him out. Adina was right, it was the longest they had spoken in quite some time. Resting his head on his paws Roan closed his eyes for a moment before opening them so his gaze fell upon Adina once last time. “Out of all the possibilities, I would never have guessed it would be you…” he muttered closing his eyes once more as sleep tugged at his consciousness. Roan had thought about it quite a bit over the past few weeks. There were several others he may have suspected would be searching for him and yet out of all the wolves he had gotten to know over the years, none of them had chosen to search for him. No...instead she had taken it upon herself to find and offer her aid. A coyote of all creatures….the irony was almost priceless.

His comment caught her off guard, and although she usually hated that feeling, this time she sort of appreciated it. Adina didn’t have any words to follow up with. She watched him rest, and just as she relaxed as well, her ears twitched at the sound of his voice again. Adina wondered if she should feel insulted, but she couldn’t help but agree and understand where he came from. A few questions came up that she wished to ask him, but she stilled her tongue for both their sakes. For now, things were the way they were, they both could enjoy safety, and they both needed rest. Adina adjusted herself to a more comfortable position, which happened to bring her a little closer to Roan. She kept her eyes and ears alert, but she felt a little more at ease as she watched over them both.