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"NIF!!"
Her brown eyes turn towards his voice, not yet fully realizing what was happening beneath her feet, until she hears the cracking sound.
She suddenly realizes that the ice is too thin, not strong enough to hold her weight, at least not in this form. She looks around in a panic, unsure of what to do, and back to her companion, her One, the human, Igor, who she would do anything for. Cross oceans and galaxies, different dimensions, just to reach, to hold. To be his demon striking fear into the hearts of innocents, his angel guiding the way. His reason to find a calm in the storm or to descend into chaos. To be his sacrifice and his slayer.
As she looks at him, she notices his eyes widening in fear, his hands reaching for her, but it's too late. She falls into the frigid water, disappearing into the depths.
The world goes silent all around her. She doesn't struggle against the current that pulls her deeper into the dark abyss below. She knows she should be afraid, distraught even, but she isn't. Not exactly surprisingly, despite being in the frigid water. Instead, she feels a sense of calm wash over her, as if everything is finally falling into place.
She was never one to shy away from or to be frightened of the cold. She never once dreaded the winter months, always being the first in their home to greet the first snowfall.
She embraced the cold, feeling the chill seeping into her bones, relishing the numb sensation as it spread through her body.
To Nif, the cold meant that there was still a light, that hope remained. It still being there meant that love could overcome all. Sometimes the warmth would get to be too much, she would feel as if she is melting, growing sick, and laying beside her would be Igor, always reminding her she is safe and that he'll stay.
That no matter what, he will always be there.
As she sinks deeper and deeper into the icy depths, she can feel the warmth of Igor's embrace around her, comforting her and protecting her. She feels his heartbeat against her chest, and she clings to him, desperate to stay close to him.
As her dreams of what felt like many lifetimes consumes her, she closes her eyes, knowing that Igor is there. She is always still guided in this darkness. She never gives up, even as a human now herself, when every step still feels like broken glass against her feet.
Even in these cold waters she feels safe. The numb, chilling feeling protecting her, giving her strength. Her eyes become heavy, and she can almost hear a familiar voice, whispering to her.
'Wake up, Small One. You cannot keep on dreaming.' The voice is soothing, calming, and it slowly pulls Nif out of her reverie. She opens her eyes, and the first thing she sees is Igor's face, his own eyes filled with concern.
"Are you okay?" he asks, his voice trembling slightly. He places his hand across Nif's bulging belly, alarmed at how cold she is. "Please, tell me you're okay."
Nif takes a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. "I'm fine, Igor. Just a little cold and disoriented. Don't worry, I'll be okay." She smiles reassuringly at him, trying to ease his worry. She places her hand on top his. "We're going to be okay."
"You sure?" He asks again, concern still in his voice. She feels herself being pulled in closer to him, as if to keep her shielded from the cold, barren wasteland they are in, and she frowns at this. "You better be okay, Nif, or else we will turn back."
"Won't come back." She says, not even asking it because she already knows she is right. They both do. If they were to turn back, they would never return, at least only if Igor felt as if he were putting Nif in danger.
Even though its not exactly the right the thing to do, she sometimes wants to laugh, tease her beloved human about his worries for her. After all this time, shouldn't he understand by now? But she doesn't, because she knows that his care for her is genuine, and she loves him for it. She leans in closer, pressing her lips against his.
"Igor, I'm fine. I promise." She whispers, feeling his body relax against hers. "You don't need to fret over me. The water was ice cold but I'm fine."
Igor looks at her, his eyes softening as they always did when she kissed him. "I know, but now we need to get you some place safe from this storm. Especially when you're in this condition." He replies, a low growl in his voice. "It was too dangerous for you to come with me."
"You couldn't have done this on your own. You needed me with you." She counters back, gripping tightly to him. "You should know that I'm always safe whenever I'm beside you."
Igor pulls back, his eyes hard. "I'm glad you're so sure of that."
Nif feels him stiffen beside her, and she can feel the tension coming off him in waves. "What is wrong? Igor..."
She reaches out to him but he only backs away further from her. "You put too much trust in me. You always put your life at risk for me. Shit, even when we first met, you almost gave up your life to protect me." His voice is harsh and angry, but it's not really directed at her.
She can feel his pain in his words, and her heart breaks a little for him. "I'm sorry. I can't help it. It is not in my nature to only think of myself. If I had not done what I did in the past, then I would still be a stranger in my own body. I wouldn't have the courage to be proud of my own victories if I've given up on you."
"Don't act naive anymore to it, Nif. You can't pretend now that I'm one to be around under dangerous circumstances." He stretches out his arms, staring down at them, knowing what lies deep beneath his flesh. He has done this many times before, but the fear never fades for him, not even after coming face to face with what lies inside him, sealed shut and locked away for now.
"Igor, I don't have to pretend. You know me better than that." She says, a touch of sadness in her voice. "The very first human I've ever met, who treated me like an equal instead of a beast. Who helped me when I was reborn. Who made every painful, burning step worth it. Who helped me to be brave."
His lips curl into a snarl, shaking fists clenched tightly at his sides, his palms bleed from nails digging into them. He is not angry at Nif, no. His anger is always directed at himself. How can she still say and believe those words? They are not true, at least not until he goes through this purge that supposedly his parents left behind, his last task. Only then will he truly be free. He will be free of all the pain he has endured, free of the unstableness that runs inside his veins. There, just lurking in the core of his heart was the Dark Hand, which would always be a threat, a constant reminder that if he is at his breaking point again, he'd be corrupted again.
He looks at her, seeing the same fear in her eyes that he had seen so many times. It is not fear of him, but fear of the possibility of losing him. If he does not succeed in his final quest, what will become of her? Would she fade out like the stars, a flame on a candle going out, a wilting flower, drenched forever in sorrow. Without her there be no more life, no more innocence.
He sighs heavily. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell." He runs a hand through his shaggy, brunette hair, trying to find the right words. "Look, I'm not going anywhere, Nif, but you must understand. Just like you, I am the last of my own kind, the true descendant of Him. We may have been able to seal away the darkness, but His blood still remains. Part of Him is still in me. He can never truly be gone. I'll always be unstable."
She reaches up to touch his face, his scarred cheek. "You're still afraid of him." She whispers, using some of her magic to keep a snowflake on his skin. "Do not be afraid of His cracked reflection, Igor. We've learned that there is more to Him than just what the legends say. He is a part of you, and if you continue to fight Him, you'll only destroy yourself. You must listen to his tale, understand Him."
"And what has He done to prove that He is deserving of me listening to Him?! He has done nothing but made my life cursed! He almost killed you!" He growls, taking a step towards her, his hand grabbing her by the throat. "I do not want His blood in me, Nif. I do not want to be like Him. I can never understand a deity like Him, who seeks only to destroy...To never know the true meaning of love..."
Nif's eyes widen in fear, but she doesn't flinch, knowing that he's only trying to protect himself. "Then don't fight against Him, Igor. Listen to Him. He knows your pain, and He wants to help you heal."
Igor looks at her, his eyes searching hers. "How do you know that?" He whispers, his voice barely audible above the howling wind.
She shrugs her shoulders. "I just do."
He sighs, shaking his head. "This is all too much for me, too much, Nif." He slumps forward against her, her arms around him feeling like the sweetest ale he's ever tasted, drunk because of her very presence. "This quest is going to break me. I don't know how I'll be after it is over."
She kisses his forehead. "Just remember us. It'll give you strength."
He grunts in response, burying his face against her shoulder. He breathes her in, holding onto her as if she would disappear. He be lost again if she wasn't there. He'd be nothing but that outsider, that lonely orphan boy many years ago. Always thought to be strange. That because of what he was, he was deemed an inevitable threat, a toll of doom.
If not for the one, which is Nif, who'd been there through it all, he wouldn't have made it. He'd have fallen apart long ago, long before now. He is thankful to have found her. He'll take his pain, the nightmares, the fear, the darkness. Anything for her. Anything for the one who can break through his barrier, who can ease his pain.
His hands are around her waist, and he pulls her in closer to him. "Promise me."
She presses her forehead against his. "I swear it."
Unbeknownst to the two of them, an odd, small creature watches them. Its yellow eyes gleam with amusement, its bat like ears flicking forward. It has a squirrel like body, is white and dark grey, and its puffed up tail is decorated with black stripes. This creatures name is Jasper, an Ancient Jester Demon, who has taken the shape of a ring tailed zumi.
He cackles to himself, secretly pleased that Igor has finally found some comfort. He knows it won't be easy, but he hopes Nif can help guide Igor through this final quest. For now, he will watch over them, ready to offer his assistance when needed.
He sits upon a large wolf, a white spotted wolf, who was different from the other spotted wolves, who were grey. His name is Saggi, and he belongs to Igor. His eyes are a light blue, and one has a scar.
His fur is soft and silky, and his tail flicks back and forth with excitement as Jasper rides on his back. Saggi glances over at Igor and Nif, a soft growl coming from his throat. He too knows that this journey will not be an easy one, but he is determined to stay by Igor's side through it all.
"And so the wolf laid with the lamb." Jaspers says, getting the attention of the other two. "Ugh. My fur is still wet from almost going into that water with you, Nif."
"Sorry, Jasper. Kinda lost myself there for a moment." Nif apologizes, a slight smile playing on her lips.
Igor rises to his feet, his hands brushing against his leather armor. "We need to get out of this storm. We must find shelter." He turns to Saggi. "I will need you to guard Nif, old friend. Make sure she's safe."
The wolf nods his head solemnly, his fur slightly bristling.
"Yes, yes. You fawns are feather like, can walk across thin ice, but try not to get lost in that pretty head of yours. Especially in such dangerous terrain." Jasper replies back to Nif, staring out at the frozen landscape before them.
Igor's eyes narrow at him. The little rat. "So, you were fast asleep in Nif's pack."
"Hmm? Oh," Jasper blinks, tilting his head as he tries to decipher Igor's words. "You were saying? Okay! Anyway, are we leaving or what?" A small, sly grin tugs at his lips.
"And there I was thinking that you abandoned us, Jasper." He turns to Nif, telling her to get onto Saggi, worried that she may have been injured from before and doesn't want any further damage done. "If you weren't sleeping, then maybe that accident wouldn't have happened. You could've alerted her to the danger."
Nif nods in response, motioning towards Saggi. She swings her legs and leaps onto his back, her hands gripping onto his fur. The rest of her is covered by her cloak, her arms wrapped around herself, trying to stay warm.
"Oh please. Your fawn is still alive. Sides', even if I was awake, do you really think I, a Demon, could've snapped her out of it? It is not easy to do so with a fawn, especially one as lost and lonely as her." Jasper defends his actions.
Igor continues to glare at him. But, thankfully, there is no further bickering. "We really need to hurry, Jasper. It is too dangerous for Nif to be in this storm. Not when she's like...that..." He stares at Nif, who sits upon Saggi's back, her hands cradling her belly, and she seems to be whispering something. "What were you doing in her pack anyway? You know better."
Jasper snorts. "What kind of a question is that?"
"A relevant one, apparently. Don't lie to me."
"I have no clue what you're talking about." He is about to scamper away but is picked up by the scruff of his neck by Igor, and hung over the open ice.
"Now, either stop being an annoying rat, or else I'll let you drown with the fish."
"Whatever you say, your majesty." Jasper grumbles, kicking his legs and trying to escape. "Your girl needed protection, in case she fell behind. Got a baby in her cradle too. Gotta be on the safe side."
Igor shakes his head at his antics with a small smile. Even now, after so long of her being human, and being happy with him, she still sometimes misses that part of her. She can almost experience it again, but that's only once a year on the eve of Yule. She could never change back into a fawn, and he still feels regret for the way he handled their new relationship back then. That was before he awoke anew to his new existence, before he understood himself and why, exactly, he needed her.
He sets Jasper down in the snow. "Don't fall asleep again."
"I'll try not to." He runs away, disappearing almost immediately.
Igor turns to Nif, who is watching him with a small smile of her own, one hand resting upon her stomach, the other rubbing against Saggi's fur.
"Come on," He says. "Before the storm gets worse."
"This place doesn't frighten me." She returns to her quiet, sleepy state. Igor sighs, kicking a chunk of snow, and falls into step behind her. "It has always reminded me of you, the cold."
"I'm nothing like this place. This place, my home that I never knew, it is dead, empty." He stays close to Saggi as Nif rides the wolf, keeping an eye out for more spotted wolves like him. If they found them, it would mean that they are close to the Lady of the Lake. A statue, deity, created in honor of his mother, Kyria Silis Karov, deceased queen of Urica. "Still don't like the cold."
"It has a beautiful mountain range." She shifts slightly, her hand trailing up Saggi's neck to the bridge of his nose, and down again. "Snow all year round. It would be lovely."
"I don't see how you can see beauty in this place. This kingdom was built upon bloodshed. My people, they served a creator that only seeked to destroy. And for what?" He kicks a small chunk of ice into the darkness.
"Saying that, Igor, is like saying how could I ever find love and a home in you. My Dragon, please, do not continue to fight yourself. Have no more fear of Him, of the Dark Hand. He is not to be feared, but understood. I have gazed into his eyes when I helped to seal him shut, seeing the same pain I've seen in yours. The loss of something important."
She falls silent then, while Igor continues to trudge through the snow in thought. Only the crunch of the snow over his boots breaks his silent contemplation. "It is naive to think such things." He growls.
"Is it? Is it wrong to believe there is beauty in ugliness? That there was once something good in someone who is evil?"
Igor stands stolid, his gaze locked onto hers. For a moment, he doesn't react, quietly processing her words. But as she looks at him expectantly, he understands what isn't to be gained from argument this time.
"I'm sorry, Nif. I know I can be difficult to...well, to get along with. It's just, it is such a difficult thing to accept-" He falters, and is brought back to reality when she turns to him, placing her warm hands on his cheeks.
"You are anything but difficult Igor, you are worth it all."
The way she speaks to him, so truthfully and gentle, it shows that she deeply cares about him and wants to help him see the beautiful things about himself that he keeps hidden away, just waiting for him to be brave enough to find them.
"Stay close to me." He says while staring ahead, letting go of her hand as they continue to walk. "Some of the new spotted wolves will not recognize you."
"Oh, that's right." Jasper appears out of nowhere, jumping up onto Nif's shoulder. "Spotted wolves can tell when a creatures form is false. The new pups will be wanting a taste of...the most delicious meat..."
"Jasper." Igor warns, glaring at him.
"Don't worry, Igor. They won't harm me."
As the group continues on, Igor can't help but feel a sense of unease. He knows that Nif is right, but something about this situation feels off. Perhaps it's the danger lurking in the shadows, or perhaps it's his own fears and doubts. Whatever it is, he can't shake the feeling that something terrible is about to happen. The wind picks up, blowing the snow into their faces, and the clouds gather overhead, blocking out the moonlight. Suddenly, there's a piercing howl in the distance, followed by the sound of paws pounding against the ground. Jasper freezes, his eyes wide with fear, and Igor grips the hilt of his sword, ready to strike.
But before they can react, a figure emerges from the darkness, its body covered in fur and its mouth filled with sharp teeth. The spotted wolf leaps forward, its eyes fixed on Nif, and Igor lunges at it, his sword slicing through the air. The spotted wolf leaps out of the way, dodging the attack with ease, its eyes never leaving Nif. It growls, baring its teeth, and Igor sees that its mouth is stained red with fresh blood. The wolf lunges again, but this time, its jaws lock around Saggi's neck.
The wolf pulls back, dragging the other with it, and Igor hears Saggi's terrified yowls.
"No!" He shouts, rushing forward, his sword drawn. The spotted wolf lets go of Saggi, its eyes locked on Igor. It lunges again, but this time, Nif steps in between them, her hand outstretched.
"Stop!" She commands, her voice ringing out in the darkness. The spotted wolf hesitates for a moment, then lowers its body to the ground, its tail tucked between its legs. Nif sighs in relief, leaning down to check on Saggi's well being. Saggi's yowl turns into a whimper when Nif touches him, his eyes still locked on the spotted wolf.
"The pup won't hurt you anymore, Saggi." She coos, running her fingers through his thick, white fur. "It was blinded by blood lust."
While the incident with the spotted wolf has shaken Nif, it hasn't weakened her. She moves past the two of them, and Igor follows after her.
"What did you think you were doing?" He asks, grabbing her by the shoulders. "You could have been killed!"
"I know, and I'm sorry. But I couldn't let the pup hurt you."
"You can't keep putting your own life at risk to save me. Do you have any idea how much it scares me when you do that? Please, Nif, stop it."
Nif looks down at the ground, clutching onto the side of her abdomen where she can feel the scars from where the pup got her before Saggi could get them both out of harms way. "I wouldn't have been okay with myself if I've just stood by and did nothing. If I've not have commanded the pup to stop, the blood lust would still be in him."
Igor looks at her, his eyes softening. "I understand, Nif, but I don't want you getting hurt. You're too important to me."
"You'll never lose me, Igor. In another life, universe, a different world, I'd find you again. Even if you were to be someone else, have a different name, it'd still be you."
"Yeah, well..." He starts, wrapping his arms around her from behind, still wanting to take her away from this barren, cold wasteland of death. "I rather not lose you in this life anytime soon."
Nif leans back into him, feeling safe and secure in his presence. "It's alright. You don't need to be afraid anymore." She whispers to him, brushing her lips up against his cheek. "And you don't need to protect me from the cold. Why should I shy away from it when it is what guides me? Gives me strength. It is part of you, and that part of you has also found a home in my blood."
Igor tightens his grip on her, releasing a low growl from his throat. "I won't let that part of me corrupt you."
Nif laughs, lifting her head up and meeting his eyes. "Would you love me any less if I were deformed in some way? If I've let the darkness shaped me into someone strange and abnormal?"
He hesitates for a moment, his eyes searching hers for an answer. "Of course not," he finally says, his voice firm. "It doesn't matter to me which form you would take, Nif. Whether if you were abnormal, horrific in some way...Fuck, even if you weren't exactly the angel of my dreams, there be something special about a new you that I fall in love with. Always, I'll find, recognize you in another life."
Nif smiles, pushing a strand of hair from his face. "And I'll be waiting for you, Igor. Always."
She leans in, pressing a chaste kiss against his forehead.
"Hey, we gonna get going or what?" Jasper asks, getting their attention. "As much as I adore moments of romance, I don't want to exactly be on the menu tonight for the new pups."
Igor sighs, running his fingers through Nif's black, disheveled hair. "I suppose you're right. We should get going. Come on, Nif. Let's get you back onto Saggi."
Nif nods, pulling herself up onto Saggi's back, with Igor's help. As he helps her up onto the wolf's back, he notices the clothes beneath her fur cloak are ripped. He wouldn't have paid this no mind if it weren't for the bloodied claw marks on her abdomen, which only fills him with a deep rage and hatred.
"What happened?" He asks, his voice low and dangerous. "Did that beast hurt you?"
Nif looks at him, her eyes meeting his. She was worried he would notice. "It got too close, that's all. But we're fine, I promise." She tries to reassure him, but Igor isn't buying it. He tightens his grip on his sword, his eyes never leaving the spotted wolf, which still watches them from the darkness.
"Hmm..." Jasper examines the scars. "Those look awful. Luckily no further damage was done. Good thing you and the babe survived that."
Igor grits his teeth, his eyes still fixed on the spotted wolf. "It has committed a serious crime. No living creature, not even one of Saggi's own kind should get away with this."
"Igor, it's only a pup. It didn't know any better." Nif tries to reason with him, but he doesn't listen.
"It doesn't matter. I will hunt it down and punish it for what it's done." He declares, his eyes glowing with hatred. "Jasper, I need you to do something."
"Of course, my friend, what is it you need a lowly servant like me to do?"
"Get the pup's attention. Bring it to us."
"What? Igor, no!" Nif protests, but Igor ignores her.
Jasper who is perched on her shoulder, also shares in her worry. Igor is beyond any reason, his fear for his beloved, their child, overtaking him. His rage is not like a burning fire, but more like a blizzard, shielding him in a storm of madness and solitude. It threatens to break, to cripple him. Never can it kill him, for that would simply be a mercy kill that he is not allowed.
Jasper chuckles nervously, looking down at the spotted wolf. "Um, perhaps we should move on to our destination? Besides, we might anger the Were-King deity, this could surely be a test of his, don't ya think...Ah!" He stops when his tail is grabbed by Igor, and he is thrown into the snow. "Hey! A little respect for me in this form here!"
Igor ignores him, staring intently at the wolf. "If this is a test from my father then I shall show him what is to be done about those who dare to commit a crime against innocents. Against the Heart of Vestia."
Nif, who is still on Saggi's back, shivers as she feels the wolf tense up beneath her. She is scared for her Dragon, and knows if nothing snaps him out of his madness, he will once again sound out the bells that would awaken a horrible creature of destruction. A creature born from his own mind, from the sorrow and hurt he has experienced in his life. The ridicule from every stranger on the street, whispers of how he turn out to be. Doomed before being born.
Jasper nods, his face solemn. "As you wish. I will lure the pup out with a trick."
He begins whistling loudly, drawing the attention of the spotted wolf. As the wolf approaches, Jasper raises his hands, showing it his empty palms. The spotted wolf snarls, its eyes fixed on him. Suddenly, Jasper drops his hands and begins dancing wildly, mimicking the spotted wolf's movements. The spotted wolf seems confused, unsure whether to attack or flee.
The wolf seems to be torn. On the one hand, it doesn't want to attack a fellow creature, no matter how strange. On the other hand, it doesn't want to appear weak. It doesn't want to appear like it's unable to defend itself. It snarls, growling and showing its teeth, but it doesn't attack.
Igor draws closer to the wolf, who continues to follow Jasper's movements. He reaches out his free hand, wrapping his fingers around the hilt of his sword, drawing the blade. He grips it tightly, his knuckles white from the pressure.
"Come here, pup. Kneel before me." He demands in a low voice.
The spotted wolf whips its head around, staring at him with its golden, glowing eyes. Recognition lies within them, knowing this human, warrior, is above it, superior. It lies down on the ground, it's head bowed in submission to Igor.
Igor moves closer, kneeling down beside the wolf. The tip of his sword rests on the snow, next to the wolf's head, as if it's offering a hand to the creature. He strokes the wolf's fur gently, running a hand through its thick, coarse pelt.
"You're so young. The youngest of the pack are more prone to the blood lust, huh?" The wolf whimpers, but doesn't move away from its position. "You've made a grave mistake. One that is not forgiven easily. You are better off being made a meal for the scavengers."
"Igor, no..." Nif says, her voice trembling.
Igor ignores her, staring at the wolf in front of him, it's head bowed in the snow.
Both his hands grip the wolf's face tightly, and he searches deep inside of himself for a great, ancient power, power seen long ago, used to slowly break a less superior being completely. That power is one of a broken mind, a broken spirit. He finds it, and twists it, and draws on it.
The wolf's eyes widen, and its jaw drops open. It's howl fills the night, echoing across the plains. It shakes, its body shuddering as its head turns from side to side, the fur on its neck rising. The wolf's eyes glow red, as a terrible, terrible fire fills them. It's claws lash out, digging into the snow, as it tries to break free from Igor's grasp. But it's no use. The power is too strong.
The wolf slumps to the ground, motionless, as Igor stands, his breathing heavy and labored. He looks down at the wolf, his chest heaving, his eyes filled with sadness and regret. "I'm so sorry," he whispers, his voice hoarse. "I didn't want to do this."
Nif dismounts from Saggi's back, rushing to Igor's side. She covers the pup's body with her own, protecting it from the power that runs like electric shocks in it's veins. She cradles its head in her lap, stroking its fur gently. "It doesn't deserve this," she whispers, tears streaming down her face. "Igor, please, stop this!"
Igor hesitates, looking to her and then to the wolf. "Get out of the way, Nif. The pup needs to learn its lesson."
"If you're going to hurt it, don't. Hurt me instead, Igor. Its my fault that it attacked us. The smell of my blood was too much for it."
Igor looks at Nif, his eyes softening. "I would never hurt you, Nif. You know that." He takes a deep breath, trying to regain control of his emotions. "But the pup must be taught a lesson. That it cannot attack innocent people without consequence."
"It didn't mean to. It's too young, it doesn't know any better." Nif pleads, her voice cracking. "It's just like you when you were a child, Igor. It's scared, lost, confused...The others are not around to help it. Please, Igor, forgive it for what it's done, like how you would forgive yourself for all of your past mistakes because you were scared."
Igor looks at Nif, his eyes meeting hers. He can see the sincerity in her gaze, and he can feel the weight of her words. He lowers the sword, releasing his grip on it. He looks at the wolf again, who is awake, and trembling slightly against Nif's body. He is reminded of himself when he looks at it, it being out here to face the trials and dangers of it's homeland on it's own. He remembers how scared he was, and how hard it was to make the right choices. But he makes a choice now, one to forgive the wolf for what it's done.
He steps forward, drawing his hand through the air in a gentle motion. "I forgive you, young one. Go, get out of here. Go back to your parents."
Igor looks at Nif, his eyes clouded with grief and pain. He falls to the ground, weakened from using so much of his energy and strength, his mental state drained. "I'm sorry, Nif," he says, his voice hoarse. "I couldn't control myself." He pulls her into his arms, holding her tightly. "It hurt you and I just...lost it..."
Nif nods, understanding the pain and frustration that drove Igor to this act. She squeezes him back, feeling his heart beating fast against her own. "It's okay," she says softly. "I know this quest has been difficult for you, you're not sure which choices are the right ones. But know that despite how scary it may seem, you have to be brave. You must face who you really are, what's been in you all along."
"But how? How can I?" He asks, feeling like he is unable to go on anymore, sometimes just wanting to surrender and accept his fate, the ending that he knew would always come. His grip on his heart tightens, the poison seeping into his veins. Ever since they have arrived here in his homeland, Urica, he has felt His ghost nearby, that voice that always lingered in the back of his mind, trying to tempt him, urging him to come closer. "Tell me, Nif. What would you do if you were to face Him again, if you had to be the one to listen to Him?"
She holds onto him tightly, her gentle hands tracing circles on his back. "I'd be brave. I would remember the reason I decided to take on this quest. I admit, I would be afraid just as you are now, but there is a purpose for the fear, a meaning for it."
"Is there?" Igor looks at Nif, his eyes filled with confusion and uncertainty. "Is there really any reason for the fear, and suffering? What purpose could there be in it?"
She holds onto him, feeling the pain that's been in him all these years. They've never really stopped, have they? Whispers that still speak of the end, even after sealing away the darkness that threatened to turn all of Vestia, their home, into a graveyard. She leans in, her breath warm against his ear.
"It is to be learned from. To explore in." She pauses, looking at him with a gentle smile. "He'll show you."
He doesn't say anything in response, laying his head against her chest, his body feeling like it might collapse from the strain of his emotions. His eyes watch the young spotted wolf, who is now back on its feet. The golden eyes of the wolf watch them, and Igor can see that it is sorry for it's mistake. It approaches them slowly, its ears perked up and its tail twitching with nervousness. It stops in front of them, its head tilted slightly to the side.
"Nif?"
She looks down at him, her warm hands caressing him. "Yes, my Dragon? What is it?"
"Did you believe that? That there was a purpose for it, your suffering." His eyes seem to stare into some place else besides hers. She knows what he speaks of, that time in their lives when things were a mess, a nightmare to live through. "Please, tell me the truth."
"There was. It helped me to grow, to understand what it means to be in love." She takes his face in her hands, magic flowing from her fingertips and into his skin. The magic is a warmth that spreads through him, but never melting away the ice. It can only break through into him, wash over him like a wave but it takes care of him, singing to him a song that's been lost, that he can't remember. "What does it mean when you can't get rid of that ache? When you feel lost? When all you are left with is just memories?"
He listens to her, her voice taking him far away, far from this cold, almost lifeless place. He remembers the sea nearby, the adventures he was willing to take, no matter what danger lies ahead, the whispers long forgotten, though the wise, watchful eyes of his mentor always remaining ever so curious about him. His captain had wanted him to find a unicorn on that island that was like a paradise. None of the creatures having to worry much about humans coming to their home often, each one in tune with one another.
A safe haven for her.
He didn't find a unicorn on that island. He wouldn't have anyway, for her golden eyes would've seen one. If one of the most old and noblest beasts in all of Vestia had been there and laid eyes upon her, it would've made itself known to her. Violet, starry eyes curious about a small and lonesome creature, too fragile for the world beyond her home. The unicorn would be able to recognize her as one who is worthy of respect from humans, even it's own kind would bow down respectfully to her. She'd be perceived by them as a Deity.
Like the Diamond in the Sky, what God would be like to non magical human folk.
Jasper appears next to the two, keeping his eyes on the spotted wolf, which is laid on its back, Nif rubbing its belly. He hops back into her pack, where he deems is more safer than out in the open for him.
"The beast of the New Dawn had its prey in its sight. And there she stood, unafraid of what was certain death." Igor's voice is filled with sadness and regret as he recalls the tale of the New Dawn, but it is also filled with a glimmer of hope. He looks at Nif, his eyes filled with newfound understanding. "That's how it is with love, isn't it? It can bring you to your knees, make you question everything you've ever known."
"And the lamb smiled at the beast, embracing him as he fell into her. Wounded he was from his war, and finding her brought him a new strength." She smiles gently at him, taking his hand in hers. "I was once told that love is a strange thing. It can break and hurt you, it can bring joy and a home in another."
"I am sorry..." He whispers, his voice trailing off. "I'm sorry, Nif. For everything I've done. You were to remain pure and I tainted you."
"No, Igor. It was never your fault. Do not blame yourself." She brings his face closer to hers, her forehead pressing against his. "We were both lost. But we found our way back to each other."
"I still did wrong to you. I've gave you no reason to trust me, to stick by me all this time." All these years together, the memories that they've been through. The happiness, the fear, the doubt...Everything that they've been through was now a part of them, and what would fate bring them in the next life? A new story? "I can't promise you I'll always be there, Nif. You have me now, you have me in this life for as long as I breathe. In the next, it's hard to say, and I wish I could tell you that I'll still be there."
"There is no need to. No matter what, I'll find a way. I'll always believe. You know that I will."
He returns a smile of his own as best as he can, clinging on tightly to her. He hopes that she is right. That she'll be alright. She has to be, for he would never be able to forgive himself.
"Don't go back to your dream. Don't leave me alone again."
She shakes her head, her fingers running through his hair, stilling his thoughts. "I will not. I promise."
Their lips meet, gently at first, then more passionately as they both surrender to the emotions that have been welling up inside them. Nif wraps her arms around his shoulders, pulling him down, closer to her. They both fall into the snow as she does this. Jasper jumps out of her pack, running towards Saggi.
"Come now, friend. Why don't we go search for the statue of the Lady of the Lake while these two share a private moment?" He nudges the wolf's snout with his paw. "I've heard from Demons much more powerful than I, that the Lady's waters are quite warm too."
They are left alone by their companions, a silent understanding knowing this moment is needed. As they continue to embrace each other in the snow, Nif whispers softly to Igor, her breath forming tiny clouds around her lips.
"You're my everything." She cries out, feeling his hands grabbing onto her breasts. "I'll always find you, always."
He holds her close, his fingers tracing patterns on her skin as they explore each other's bodies. "You better."
He lies on top her, protecting her from the snow that falls around them. They should not be doing this, not here, not when she is this state. But her warm eyes send a silent plea to him, and he can't help but to caress her soft skin.
"I'm sorry," He whispers again, over and over, not sure what else to say.
"Shhh," she soothes, running her fingers along his jaw. "Just give in. Join me in what could be our last dance."
Igor kisses her again, more passionately this time, his heart pounding in his chest. He feels like he's on the edge of something, something dangerous and exhilarating all at once. As he moves closer to her, his hands running up and down her body, he feel a sense of relief wash over him. She feels so good in his arms, so warm and comforting. It's as if all the fear and uncertainty that's been plaguing him since that fateful night is now all melted away.
The pair continue their intimate moment as they lie entwined in the snow, their hearts beating in sync. Jasper and Saggi remain out of sight, giving them the privacy they desire. As they grow closer, Nif whispers to Igor, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I love you." She stares up at him through tear filled eyes. They are not tears of her past fears, doubt, and sadness, but tears of joy, of strength. To help him to move past the Dark Hand's shadow, to come to an understanding of what makes him cold. Igor looks into her eyes, feeling the weight of her words. He knows he should say something in return, but his heart is racing too fast. Instead, he leans down and kisses her again, pouring all of his emotions into that one gesture.