VALE

The golden boy took off with a shot leaving a taunt behind him on the wind for Vale to follow but for a moment he was reluctant to leave the cover of trees, he felt like there was something he was forgetting, something he needed to do or remember. But try as he might he could not force a solid memory of that soft face and warm brown eyes. He sighed in frustration taking in a deep breath of pine needles and rich earth, his sides expanding with the breath, hoping the smell might trigger something again. But nothing happened the scent was just a scent. Again he sighed and flicked his golden eyes in sight of his guide, he waited a few more seconds for ground between them to widen before he too shot off, racing to catch up.


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They flew across the wilds streaming manes and tails like coloured banners. Long sleek limbs stretched out in front carrying the dark wolf forward as his heart beat wildly and his breathing sharper with every stride. But he continued to match the gold in front stride for stride, chaotic and childish he accepted the challenge, letting the adrenaline purge his veins of any weariness. All pretence of character was gone stripped away in the lashing cold air as muscles contracted under glossy flesh. This was what he lived for, the pure simplicity of his being; thoughts connecting muscles to blood to bones, all the way down to his hooves drumming a song against the earth. The ecstasy of his high shinning out through his golden eyes, illuminating the splintered crown atop his head.

The path began a slow and treacherous incline forcing a more careful stride to ascend, Vale slowed his way and his breathing it wouldn’t do to have golden boy here think he wasn’t up to the challenge. The two stallions traversed the path Vale following silently behind, more content to make sure his hooves were connecting with solid ground and not a loose stone or crack waiting to trip a careless equine. The wolf’s ears flicked forward as the gold speaks and Vale can’t help but let out a bark of laughter at the ‘blackie’ comment.


“I like you G…” He stopped himself before continuing “Thranduil, I can see you and I becoming fast friends, our friendship will be kept alive on the flames of awesome sarcastic remarks and brooding good looks” He dropped the pretence of a nickname, it wouldn’t do for his tour guide to decide to throw him off the side of the mountain for being too mouthy.

A wall of ice stretched up the mountain and Vale wondered vaguely how they were supposed to get through it, as he assumed this was where the gold had intended to take him. Before he could ask where they were going, Thranduil disappeared from view, seemly straight into the mountain itself. Curiously Vale followed, his unspoken question answered as he found himself entering an archway etched into the ice. As the jagged crown of his head lead the way he found himself assaulted with a blast of icy air, almost making him choke with breathlessness. He half listened as the golden boy warned to watch his step and spoke of guarding a sentinel or something along those lines, his interest was sparked again at “Lady” but his attention soon returned to assessing his new home.

He had felt it as they rose up the path but now here in the Basin he could feel the full force of the cold that seeped along ground and through the air, it seemed to cling to every part of him forcing its way into every crack and crevice. He shivered with cold and anticipation waiting for the ones Thranduil had called for.



"Talking"