Chapter 14.1
I am not sure what anyone expects when comes a village that contain nothing but Lycans, but my first instinct was to be wow. It was almost hidden like a village of humans if you don’t notice the marks on the faces. But the village was beautiful, letting me believe I was winter wonderland. As Wolf guided me through the village, I noticed the trees were thicker around his parents’ homes as if hidden from the rest yet not. Looked like they built homes in the spaces that were available allowing the village to seem immersed in the forest. Hidden.
The snow on the pine branches made me want ran my fingers through the trees and dance again as it felt like the forest came alive yet frozen in time. The air cool yet already making my cheeks rosy from the damp air.
Wolf was right not seeing the place in decorate form rather seeing it in the normal state, as we continue walking through the village where trees lessened and houses become more. The people also become as we made our opening outside and I saw people gathering everywhere, doing duties as if they all work together to keep a pack up float. Wolf continued to point out area of the pack, such a school for the children to center hall for the pack to gather together if the weather was too much. As in if there was blizzard to a bad rain storm. It was making sure they kept one another safe, a big family looking after another.
He guided us down while being stopped by a few people, giving themselves introduction, such who they are. Helping me realize that they had onlookers for the front in case of attacks from outside. To personal helps to the Luna and Alpha in case some things became too much. The teachers would have to wait as they were looking after the kids. For once I did not feel overwhelmed rather, I felt joy and energy getting to know this people and who Wolf is a person. It gave a sense of family. A community close knit together.
We soon made our way down towards the banks where the snow lessens under our feet and icy water met the rocks on the beach. I looked over the water and saw shadows of boats out of the waters, but it didn’t look like they were fishing rather just on water.
“We do have fishermen, but sometime our pack members who are them want to escape the land and be on the water.” Wolf answered my unasked question that I only slightly thought of. He continues to lead me along the back pointing around the area such as where the pack likes to go on runs and stop by the banks to watch the village from afar. To showing where most the boats are on the waters.
It didn’t occur to me till I actually looked out towards the sea and saw two cliffs facing each other that created the opening towards the sea as we were behind it at the bay harbour. The sea pooling into a bowl. Wolf must have sensed my attention to it.
“We jokingly call it the gate to Hunters Forest as it looks like an opening.”
I nod in response as he turns us back to village towards the harbour.
“It gives a sense of privacy, as in people really have to look in order to find us.”
I nod again.
A cool breeze rips through and scratches against my face causing me instantly wrap the warm clothing around me tighter. Wolf takes notice and wraps a arm around me. I whisper a thank you.
“Yeah, the wind can get snippy closer to the harbour, it’s understandable.” He jokes.
We arrived at the harbour and seems like there are four docks, made of wood and concrete. Two big ones that seem to hold the main big ships and small one that hold variety of medium to small boats, either for personal use or that is someone’s home.
Wolf guides me onto the docks and introduces me to some of sailors that kept to shore, meeting them I still couldn’t get over how beautiful everyone Lycan marks are. From the variety I have seen, there are vines that wrap from ear to neck, or cheekbone to back the jaw, or subtle ones that are one chest up to under the chin or if they could get away with it just designs on the shoulders. It wasn’t just vines though, they ranges from roots to leaves and from the looks of it, sailors either by choice had wave designs on them.
At time I had to stop myself from reaching out and feeling the Mark that was just part of their skin ye tit was so beautiful.
When I looked back Wolf, I could now see the spiral intricate design of roots and vines yet no leaves. But it was very prominent that it was on the forehead to showcase that he was higher up then his fellow Lycan. Luckily, they are respected him for that. In generally all his pack members respected him. Which I believe is important.
I didn’t realize that time till Wolf pointed it out, but it was already later afternoon and Wolf thought it would be a good idea to get some food by the kitchen that laid it foundation by the harbour.
Apparently according to Wolf, it was a way for sailors to bond with other members of the pack so they don’t have to go deep into the forest. Luckily there were some fires going, and the nice lady served us hot chocolate knowing I was the one who was colder as it seems the cold winter doesn’t affect much of the Lycans here. Probably because they are half-wolf and can stand cold weather.
Wolf and I saw at a table bench sipping hot coco, allowing the heat to warm my insides, I bet on anything that my cheeks and nose were rosy as Wolf’s. For that I am forever now grateful for the fire that is beside us, keeping me warmed up. I did not realize how cold I was till I hummed in appreciation of the heat frying my body.
“So,” Wolf started, I brought my gaze to him, acknowledging that I heard him, “What do you think of my tour so far?”
I smile at him and look over my shoulder seeing the village still come alive just under my nose. “It’s beautiful especially in winter, and everyone here is so nice.”
“Well, that good,” Wolf chuckles again taking a sip from his mug, “It is a nice place to grow up the respect and the way we take care of one another is something else, you will definitely see a contrast whenever you begin to explore the Immortal world.”
I bring my eyes to him and nod, I wrap my finger tighter around the mug pressing the searing heat into my fingertips. Even though I was wearing gloves my hands are still cold.
Wolf shifts a little causing my focus on end back on him. “You okay?”
He nods not taking his eyes away from mine, “I just want you to be sure, from what you asked last night…as we were thinking otherwise.” He smirked but ended up with serious face.
I set down the mug I was holding and stared back at him.
“I am not sure if you trying to get out of this or something, but yes I am absolutely sure, beside it seems logical.” I chime the last part.
He sighs, but with a smile. “Okay, I just don’t want you to regret anything, but now we both a clear mind…okay I will take your word for it…and no” he chuckles through the next words himself. “I am not trying to get out of it, just requires a lot of intense focus, and know how much commitment it is going to take for you and me.”
I nod, “I understand.”
He grins and gestures his hand to me. “So, agreement, shake on it.”
I laugh at his statement and node, reaching my hand over to his and we shook on our deal, “in agreement” I replied.
A glint went across his eyes, and I could tell he was happy about what was to come.