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Running Fast As We Can; [Rahne]
Topic Started: Apr 19 2014, 06:56 PM (392 Views)
Mirage
Unregistered

April 17
Probably Too Early for Most People



On a crisp early morning, there was nothing better than an early run. Dressed appropriately she had been dying to do this for a while now with Rahne, so they could talk to one another about anything or perhaps share inner fears that could never be normally said out loud. When she arrived at Rahne’s place she knocked and stood back waiting to be pounced by an old friend.

The good thing about friends like Rahne was that no matter the time and distance between them they could always pick up where they last left off, good as new, two old friends. Sometimes she would tease Rahne telling her she would want the two of them to be the two old ladies in rockers, yelling at loud children, and saying inappropriate things that only the wiser and older generation could get away with. Now that Rahne was married and had a child, that would add a new interesting dynamic to their friendship. It wouldn’t be solely about Dani. There were two other loves in her life and yes, Dani was more than happy, but she wondered if she would adjust to it.

No more last minute late night plans. No off the cuff moments, Rahne had two other people to think about now. It made Dani feel there was no one better for the job of wife and mother than Rahne as a part of Dani thought she could never settle down long enough to even notice a man, much less get in a serious relationship. She was too restless and it wasn’t that marriage was some type of confining institution, it was that Dani happened to like her freedom too much. The freedom to go as she pleased and the freedom to do what she wanted.

Time would tell if she would change her mind. Now there were definitely attractive men at the Xavier Institute, but Dani was the worst when it came to noticing these things. She at least picked up on Sam Guthrie being attractive and that Piotr’s muscle mass index was appealing, but beyond that she never really thought about it much. It made her wonder if that was a sign of immaturity or disinterest in relationships in general.

“Rahne, come on lazy, we got to get going,” she shouted at the door until it opened, causing Dani to burst out in laughter. “Oh, no lectures, I know you’re not lazy. Just teasing, that’s all. Plus, who better to work out with you than moi?”

Hopping back she shrugged, a playful countenance still marked on her face.

She knew Rahne was the type of gal that would want to lose post baby weight and stay in shape, so who better than to trust Dani with that venture? What she wouldn’t do was discuss how much weight Rahne gained, because she had the sense whatever she didn’t like Rahney would mention it and if morning runs didn’t fix it, Dani could customize a workout for her later on, the way any good friend would.

“So are you ready?”
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Wolfsbane
Member Avatar
Wolf Form
Part of her dreaded this. It had been so long since she'd done anything truly intense, she wondered if she was capable of it. She felt fat and weak, out of shape and just altogether in bad form. Sure, on some level she knew it wasn't that bad. She had just never been in this position before, where she had been at a reduced level of physical activity for a good while, for any reason at all, much less for the reason of giving birth to a werewolf child.

But for the most part, she was excited, she was ready. It had been far too long since she had done this, had time alone with her dear friend, a woman who shared a part of her heart, a part of her soul, and unlike anyone else, a part of her mind. Jack had the baby for a bit, and he could handle it.

Rahne stood in front of the mirror attached to the closet door in their bedroom and stared at her reflection for a bit, contemplating herself. Even under the fur, she had reduced muscle tone. Her form was softer and a bit thicker than it was before. She turned around a bit, tilting her head to the left. Yes, she was ready now.

She heard Dani's voice call out, and that was it. The time was set, and there was no turning back now. Not that she wanted to. She was more than eager to do something a bit beyond basic cardio. She closed her eyes and affected a change she hadn't attempted in months. Out of practice as she was, it was difficult, and a bit stressful, and it definitely took longer. Posture creeped forward until her hands were on the floor, back lengthened a bit, head position straight forward on the neck rather than perpendicular to it.

Yikes. That was a bit tougher than I'd have liked, Rahne thought as she took one last glance in the mirror. All traces of physical humanity were gone now. Rahne Russell was a wolf again. For now. And she decided right then and there that was the last time she deliberately held one single form for such a long time. Shifting was much more pleasant when it was easy.

::I'm comin', Dani, but I'll need ye t' open the door for me,:: Rahne broadcast on their shared psychic link as she padded her way towards the front door. ::I'm afraid I dinnae have hands at the moment.::
Posted Image

[size0]Say the dog and butterfly,
in the air they like to fly.
Dog and butterfly.
She knew she had to try,
and she float back down to the warm soft ground,
laughing - she don't know why,
but she had to try, she had to try.
Dog and Buttefly.


Avatar by Natalie, signature by Olga. My graphics set is complete again! Thank you so much!
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Mirage
Unregistered

After Rahne requested for her to open the door, she swung the door open to see Rahne in her wolf form. Feeling the connection was one thing, but seeing Rahne as a wolf was a different experience. Letting her emotions get the best of her, she dropped to her knees and hugged her friend tightly. Rahne as a wolf was beautiful and no one could convince Dani of anything different. She loved the way Wolf Rahne smelled of earth and rain and how utterly soft her downy fur could be.

::Oh you look gorgeous.:: She then scratched behind Rahne’s wolf ears before hugging the majestic creature again with force. She loved this form of Rahne’s and looked into those deep soulful wolf eyes, as her fingers brushed her thick fur. ::You’ve got a belly on you.:: She even pat the wolf belly for added emphasis. “Nothing we can’t fix,” she said more to herself than Rahne.

Once the wolf and Dani were out of the house instead of giving detailed directions or mentioning goals, she simply ran. Sometimes for Dani it was best to go on instinct and she felt the wolf in Rahne needed to stretch her legs and feel her paws on the cool ground once again. See what it was like to run wild and free as if though nothing could stop her. Whether she ran behind Dani, faster than her, or circled her like an excited pet it didn’t matter. A part of her knew Rahne wanted to expel a certain amount of energy, which she couldn’t do so being the responsible mother and wife that she was.

Waiting until she felt the burn in her lungs she sent a quick message to her companion.

::This is good. I like this, you know. It always helps me clear my mind.::

They continued to run towards the wooded part of the grounds as Dani didn’t need a set running trail to make the best of a morning run. She had years of running experience and knew when to duck, jump, or simply get out of harm’s way when an unforeseen obstacle blocked her path. Her mind would usually settle into a peaceful meditation at this point, but instead too many memories of the past and regrets popped up making her cognizant of the fact that Rahne had peeked into her mind at a bad time.

::I’m sorry, I’m still upset about everything back in Colorado. I feel like I should have done more. I feel guilty and...::

Running seemed like the better option now, so she pushed herself further, not wanting to drag Rahne into her own mental woes. The truth was Dani hadn’t come to terms with her Grandfather’s illness. There was no way to save him and placing him in the nursing home was for the best, but she felt she had abandoned him. Intellectually, she knew she did the right thing, but spiritually, she felt empty as if though not being by his side was a form of betrayal.

Disgusted with her thoughts, she told herself to get it together.

::I’m sorry for that. I’ll try to focus on other things.::
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Wolfsbane
Member Avatar
Wolf Form
The full wolf form was usually a solo activity, or at the very least one without any conversation. She physically could not talk while like this, her mouth unable to form words to match the sounds. The best she could manage were growls, barks, howls, et cetera. Her mind remained capable of human thought, but her body unwilling and unable to reciprocate.

Lucky for her, Dani provided a way around that sticky little problem. Granted, the communication was very one-sided as it was a direct mental line between the two of them, but it was better than nothing. And when it was just the two of them, it couldn't have been better. They could speak in total confidence.

::Well, if ye're sayin' it, then it must be true,:: Resting her chin on Dani's shoulder as the woman went in for a hug. She couldn't help but breathe in Dani's scent, a scent that for too long had been absent, but now felt like it had been there all along. Funny how reunions could fill in gaps like that.

Rahne tilted her head to the left as Dani patted her belly. A quick dart forward of her head and Rahne got a quick lick in on the side of Dani's face. It was a normal, natural reaction in this form, and for this one person in particular, Rahne made no attempt to curb it. There were only so many people she could act like a wolf around and have it feel natural and comfortable. Her husband was one for obvious reasons, her baby another for even more obvious reasons, and Dani Moonstar, because of the nature of their friendship.

::Then let's get goin', coach,:: Rahne teased, and then they were off. As fast as Dani was running, and it was quite fast, Rahne had to bite back on her own speed, keep her run a bit more relaxed, lest she blur past her friend as they kept a pace. It felt exhilarating to move this quickly again, to feel the wind rush past her face, to churn four legs against the ground and propel herself forward.

::Well, no more guilt, Dani. I told ye - that's my thing, nae yuirs,:: Rahne thought back as they hopped over an upraised root upon getting into the woods. Oh, this felt glorious, and surely, she'd suffer for it later, but for now, she was reveling in the moment.

::One - ye did everything ye could f'r him. Where he is, an' where you are, is best f'r both of ye. Two - ye cannae be expected t' put yuir entire life on hold for him, an' if I know him as well as I'd like t' think I do, he does nae want ye doin' so on his account. An' three - we have a super sonic super jet that flies really really fast. The moment he needs ye - we'll be there. Hell, I'll even bring Greg along. Bet he'd get a kick outta that.::
Posted Image

[size0]Say the dog and butterfly,
in the air they like to fly.
Dog and butterfly.
She knew she had to try,
and she float back down to the warm soft ground,
laughing - she don't know why,
but she had to try, she had to try.
Dog and Buttefly.


Avatar by Natalie, signature by Olga. My graphics set is complete again! Thank you so much!
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Mirage
Unregistered

One of the decisions she made early on in Colorado was to join a sport group for caretakers. Dani’s experience was a bit mixed as there were others who were closer to the emotional breaking point for her, resentful at their new responsibility. Dani never felt that anger towards her grandfather and felt it was due solely to the fact that she owed him as he had saved her. Had he never taken her to Xavier’s she didn’t know what would have become of her life and she shuddered to think about in any great detail.

::No, you’re right. Guilt was never my thing, but it’s still a strange loss, to not be there by his side. He’s not gone physically, but his spirit left long ago, Rahne. Though I do like the idea of us hopping on the X-Jet to Colorado, because we can. Drive Scott nuts. Get us all kicked off the team for joyriding.::

Had she spoken the last words aloud she would have laughed. As she ran with Rahne it made her wonder how long the girl had been in human form and if she had a the chance to really run like the wolf she was meant to be. When Rahne was in wolf form, she became one with nature, and felt the earth, scents, and sights on such a different level, which Dani had the privilege of being a part of and she never wanted to hold back her friend. A quick burst of energy never hurt anyone.

::Go, run ahead a bit. Get it out of your system and then come back. No use in being a wolf if you’re restraining yourself from doing the one thing you love and that’s running out in the wild.::

As she waited for Rahne to make up her mind as to what she would do, Dani continued to run at a comfortable speed. One of the most valuable things she learned from her time at the support group was that each stage during the caretaking process, brought its own set of stress and responsibility. Even after letting go, things would never really be the same again. Rahne was one of the few people she would openly share her worries with as she didn’t know who else to confide in. Who else would understand her struggle, but her dear friend?

::I’m getting better though. Like you said, guilt’s not my thing, but it creeps up on me now and then. But what about you? How is married life? Wife. Mama Wolf.::

Skidding to a stop, she avoided the branches and other tangled wooden pieces that would pile up on the ground. Walking up to a nearby tree where most of the dead branches had fallen from, she knocked the trunk and hearing a hollow sound, pulled a large piece of bark off to reveal carpenter ants, which was a sign of decay or rot in the tree. She made a mental note to have the groundskeeper either sustain the life of the tree or have it chopped down to prevent further damage or injury to any of the Xavier kids who wandered this far off into the grounds. If it was a fungus of some sort the surrounding trees would be in danger and that was the last thing she wanted for this beautiful landscape.

::I hate it when this happens.:: She said after she tore off another large piece of bark from the trunk of the tree. Yes, signs were this was a fungus of some sort. ::Trees aside, is marriage and family life everything you ever wanted?:: While she kept poking at the tree, she waited for Rahne’s response. She didn’t know if she wanted to be a voyeur into her life or if she simply wanted to determine if that was the type of life for her. Happy as she was for Rahne it did make her wonder about her own life and what she wanted. Quite honestly, she didn’t know, but on the positive end she wasn’t stressed about not being a Mrs. or a mother. If anything, she was simply curious about this new stage in Rahne’s life and felt the trust was there that she could ask unusual questions about her life today without being judged.

::Because you know this is my very sneaky way of offering to babysit Greg. Oh, you know you want me too.::
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Wolfsbane
Member Avatar
Wolf Form
::Joyride nothin'. I may be over muh fear o' flyin', but that does nae mean I like it,:: Rahne sent back in a teasing tone. It didn't take long for her tone to jump right back into seriousness though. This was a heavy topic - the slow and steady deterioration of a loved one, of someone respected and adulated. There was very little of light about it.

::I can hardly imagine how it must feel, Dani - truthfully, all I know is what I get from you. I've never had... well, I'm sure I had grandparents out there somewhere, but I never knew 'em, but... ye know I'll be right there by yuir side, anything ye need.::

She knew Dani'd do the same for her, without question. And Rahne was the loyal type. It was natural to her, it ran in her blood. She'd stood by Avery when wanted and needed, she'd stand by Amara if the need arose - by Bobby, by Roberto, by Sam - any of her friends who needed her. And Dani was no different.

She glanced up at Dani for a moment, pondering the offer. The chance to really cut loose. To put as much speed through these legs as she could possibly handle - yes, she wanted that. She craved it. She needed it. That moment's hesitation was all it took, and she was off, a reddish brown blur speeding ahead in the distance.

In this form, few people were as quick as she was on the ground. Her raw velocity, as four legs pumped to propel her body forward at astonishing speeds, was an exhilarating experience. Her mind was open to Dani throughout this, and she'd be able to pick up the feelings, the thrill, the rush of running as fast as she could. She arced wide, going out in a circle that would eventually take her back. She barreled on, a spring in her step sending her soaring over a rabbit hole, preventing her from taking a nasty tumble through it, and continued along. She was turned back around now, speeding back towards Dani, and actually blurred right past her, going a bit quicker than she had intended. A hard stop that kicked up a bit of forest substrate turned her around, and she fell back into pace, breathing a bit heavier, tongue lolling out with panted breath.

::Och, Dani, that felt fantasic. I need to do that more often. S'been so long, I'd hardly remembered what it felt like,:: Rahne remarked before Dani came to a stop, doing so as well and tilting her head in some confusion as Dani peeled back a chunk of tree.

::Bluh, ants. Right nasty little buggers,:: Rahne shuddered a bit, recalling the last time she'd been a victim of an ant attack. Unpleasant experience, that was.

::It suits me quite well, I'd say. T' know I've always got him, by muh side, and knowin' he's always got me. Sure, the sex has come to a complete halt since... ye know. An' I do miss that, but... well, there's just so much t' be said for the connection he an' I have. An' t' know that we've done something as amazing as created a whole new person together...::

Rahne looked back to Dani, and paused in thought for a moment.
::Ye know, we've not had a moment yet where at least one of us did nae have direct supervision of him, now that ye mention. F'r anything, at all. We probably should do that at some point, aye?::
Posted Image

[size0]Say the dog and butterfly,
in the air they like to fly.
Dog and butterfly.
She knew she had to try,
and she float back down to the warm soft ground,
laughing - she don't know why,
but she had to try, she had to try.
Dog and Buttefly.


Avatar by Natalie, signature by Olga. My graphics set is complete again! Thank you so much!
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Mirage
Unregistered

::Of course you should do that at some point. You should have done it since yesterday, but better late than never. If not, we just need to get you out of the house, to celebrate with us irresponsible childless singletons.:: She grinned and burst out in laughter, knowing the teasing bordered on ridiculous. ::Besides, if Roberto thinks you don’t see the sun post baby and marriage, he’ll become more scared of relationships. You owe it to him to help his future wife out.::

Teasing over and done, she thought about what Rahne should be doing on a night out and even wondered if she were the type to have baby separation anxiety issues. Squinting her eyes in Rahne’s direction, she thought about what needed to be done and how to accomplish it.

::Three months and you’ll be back to your regular self, unless Jack likes those curves. I can figure out a way to save them.:: She thought back to how Rahne had a boyish figure in her younger days, but how that changed with pregnancy. The old friend imagined the Scottish gal had a beautiful glow to her during her pregnancy as she began to experience the miracle of life. ::What was the last thing you and Jack spent time alone-just the two you of? Date, sex, anything, really. Oh, come on Rahne, even in in your wolf form you look scandalized. Besides, I recall finding out the hard way long ago that you slept with him.:: Yes, she bumped into Rahne and Jack when they were sneaking back into the mansion, but that was a bit too much sensory overload.

Thankfully, Rahne had never had the misfortune of peeking into her mind after a sexual escapade as there wasn’t anything she would find. It amused her in some ways that the pure Rahne was now the more experienced one out of the two, and while Dani never intended for such things to happen it did. What naturally compelled most people, bored Dani as her priorities had always been elsewhere. It was easy for her to get distracted by the world around her and wanting to experience it on her own.

::You know, I want to help you. For practice. I realize I can’t stand still long enough to be a mother, wife, or even a date.:: She momentarily broke away from their mental link to speak the next words, “You must teach me the ways of being a woman,” she said in an exaggerated serious tone. Dani looked up at the sick tree and tried to gauge it’s climbing potential and how easily the branches would break off. She picked a random branch and pulled herself up, until she hung from it. Hearing the branch crack, she let go and dropped smoothly to the ground.

::I’ll help you with all my terrible influence and you help me stay still. You’ll love it. I have a plan with your name carved into it. The Corruption of Rahne Russell. Sounds like an amazing plan already, right?::
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Wolfsbane
Member Avatar
Wolf Form
::Oh, good Lord above, Dani... let's nae speak of poor Roberto settlin' down an' whatnot. 'Tis a rather frightening thought,:: Rahne could keep the teasing up, having learned a few tricks from many of the more joke-prone individuals in her life. Jamie Madrox, Bobby Drake, Jonny Harper. ::Can you imagine it? Roberto with a wee mini-Roberto toddlin' along after 'im? I can hardly... okay, wait, no, I can picture it. Is it bad that I think the odds are nae so terrible that there's already a Mini-Berto out there?::

Rahne barked a laugh at Dani's comment, or at the very least the closest sound to a laugh her vocal cords could make at this point in time.
::Honestly, Jack would like me however. Be I skinny as a rail or a big ol' blimp. I'm nae lookin' t' get back in shape for his benefit. I'm lookin' to be in shape f'r mine. Maybe it's selfish, but I dinnae want t' give up the good fight. I feel I've still got a lot to offer the X-Men, in terms o' skill an' prowess. And I'm nae yet ready to retire.::

A huff of breath hissed out from her open mouth, and she looked back to Dani.
::Ye know, Dani - was a time I'd have felt mortified at you askin' me that. At anyone askin' me that. But now?::

She'd been through a lot. All of them had, really, but whether it was the Brood experience, or the mindset and environment of the Savage Land, the freedom, the openness - maybe it was just having the commitment of a sanctified relationship to fall back on, but she hardly felt the shame in such things as she did in the past.

::I'd say we stopped makin love about three months in, when muh belly was so far out there that I missed muh feet. It was his birthday, an' I'd sent him an' Doug out to buy baby supplies so I could prepare a surprise dinner for him - well - figure out how to cook an' then surprise him. An' it went well, the food was good, an' we were in the mood so we pleasured each other thoroughly, but safely. So there ye go. Last time we did it.::

If she had been capable, there would have been a satisfied smirk on her face. She had to settle for the mental impression of it.

::Ha! Me, teach you t' be a woman? Despite technically nae bein' a woman a' tall right now? Well. I'll try.::

Rahne watched as Dani hoisted herself up onto a branch, cautious and curious. Climbing trees had never been her thing. She was a wolf, after all, not a cat. Wolves really weren't much for the whole climbing thing. She flinched as she heard the branch crack, and for a split second was concerned that Dani would fall and crack her head right on the ground. She shifted in position, moved to break Dani's fall, but that fall never happened, much to Rahne's relief.

::"Corruption". Heh. Aye, sure, sure. Ye'll corrupt me good. I remember when ye talked me into gettin' muh ears pierced. Several times in the one ear, even. How long did that last before it all healed away? A day? Two?::

She tilted her head to the left, observing Dani carefully.
::Honestly, Dani? I'd nae change a single thing about ye. You are who you are, an' I'll personally thump anyone on the head who says that's nae good enough.::
Posted Image

[size0]Say the dog and butterfly,
in the air they like to fly.
Dog and butterfly.
She knew she had to try,
and she float back down to the warm soft ground,
laughing - she don't know why,
but she had to try, she had to try.
Dog and Buttefly.


Avatar by Natalie, signature by Olga. My graphics set is complete again! Thank you so much!
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Mirage
Unregistered

“You really think that, aww.” She said speaking once again. Their mental link was strong and fluid, but sometimes words needed to be spouted out as there was something about the sound of one’s voice and their tone that brought layers and meaning to what could be a cut and dry conversation.

Feeling whimsical, which was a rare thing for Dani, she knelt down and pet Rahne lovingly, doing her best not to hug her, because she knew she could get carried away hugging her in wolf form as if though she were a teddy bear and not a sentient creature. There really was something about that beautiful brown fur of hers, which she hoped Rahne knew was absolutely perfect. Heck, she’d argue Rahne was the prettier wolf out of her and Jack, but then again, she doubted Jack cared about such things.

::Ok, so now that we’re back, I’m going to tell you my plans. I’m trying to readjust to the changes here, getting to know some of the kids, but I just want to live Rahne. That sound crazy to you? Sometimes, I just want to run out this mansion and experience something very new and exciting, like I’m 21 all over again, but I’m not.::

She sat down on the ground and did a few stretches, to keep her body busy, while she allowed her mind to drift into all of the possibilities she wanted to see herself entangled in now that she had returned. Some of it was basic training and involvement with the X-Men. Other goals lended towards reconnecting with old friends she may have neglected and most importantly, Dani wanted to let in new friends into her life. She felt with each new soul she encountered, the better she was for it. There was so much people could learn from one another if they only tried. After feeling the stretch in her calves she stopped and looked up at the she wolf.

::I don’t want to change that I agree on. Just, I think, or no I wonder if I should be slowing down a bit. Granted, I’m not in my 60s, but to always be so busy, without any downtime, I wonder if I’m missing out on life. I’m pretty happy now, though. There are still some rough days, when I feel terrible about everything, but that feeling passes and I’m able to carry on. It’s just what do I do now that I’m only responsible for myself. Maybe throw myself a party? Go on a date?:: Dani’s eyebrows waggled a bit at the silly suggestion as she couldn’t see herself going out of the way to date anyone, much less thinking about dating. She had crushes yes, heck she use to think Sam was cute, but she never bothered to do anything about it. All of the guys were like her brothers. Maybe that was the problem. She needed to meet a guy that she didn’t automatically place into the role of sibling.

::I just feel like the wind is changing Rahne, like things are going to change. I feel it-in my bones. I feel it inside, but I don’t know what’s going to change and if I’ll necessarily like it, but I feel like I’m ready for the next phase in my life. And mostly I’m glad I’ll be here with you, when I’m working on my next adventure, whatever it may be.::
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Wolfsbane
Member Avatar
Wolf Form
::O' course I really think th- oh,:: Rahne was not quite expecting the sudden gesture that Dani probably wasn't putting much planning or thought into, but she wasn't going to turn it away or anything of the sort. Reacting much like a dog would have, Rahne subconsciously leaned into the petting, tilting her head just a bit.

And then, just like that, it was back to business. Dani worked like that, moving quickly from point to point. And Ranhe wouldn't have changed a thing. Otherwise, Dani wouldn't be Dani, and that would be a true tragedy.

::We're all growin' up, I suppose. But well, nothin' says we cannae keep experiencing new things. Just... sometimes, those new things aren't what we expected them to be,:: Rahne sat there, watching as Dani stretched. She hadn't been in this form in so long, she had almost forgotten what sensory input was like. Vision wasn't so great, but hearing, smell - they were sharper than she had been used to, and she was very fortunate that her instincts were helping to compensate for the sudden shift. The way Dani sounded - her heartbeat, strong and steady, her breathing, smooth, rhythmic and strong in its own right - it was good to have her back again.

::Maybe slowin' down is nae so terrible. If'n ye dinnae slow down sometimes, ye miss things. Promise ye this though - we'll slow down where it matters an' speed up when we're gettin' restless,:: Rahne punctuated that with a quick wink.

Rahne stood, tail wagging. She was ready to keep going. She had more energy to burn, and having started, she was ready to get back to it. It felt good. So good.

::Well, things change all the time, Dani. An' luck you, ye've got a highly dedicated group o' change specialists at yuir side the whole way through. Ye want t' try dating? Wonderful. Ye want to meet more friends? I support ye all the way. 'Cause that's what we do. Heck, ye meet someone ye really like, feel free t' bring 'em on over for dinner sometime. I'll try nae t' be too hard on him.::
Posted Image

[size0]Say the dog and butterfly,
in the air they like to fly.
Dog and butterfly.
She knew she had to try,
and she float back down to the warm soft ground,
laughing - she don't know why,
but she had to try, she had to try.
Dog and Buttefly.


Avatar by Natalie, signature by Olga. My graphics set is complete again! Thank you so much!
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Mirage
Unregistered

Sensing Rahne was ready to run again, Dani was quick to get to her feet, so they could run once again. They both did so for different reasons, but ultimately the two women found joy in feeling their heart race, clearing their minds, and enjoying the feel of movement. For Dani, she always felt a sense of accomplishment after a good run and would bet that Rahne was the same way too.

As she set out to run again, Dani didn’t respond to Rahne’s encouragement and sage advice. It felt wrong to reply, because they were the type of words one had to mull over, before they became enmeshed within you. However, the idea of bringing a man over for Rahne’s approval sat well with her. She trusted her friend’s judgement and knew she could identify the terrible type, should she have missed all the warning signs.

::You’re the best support system any friend could ask for.::

Running at a moderate pace she thought back to Jack and Rahne’s early days and wondered from an outside perspective how Dani handled the beginning of their relationship. She missed a grand portion, but she also was able to see the early days, so she had something to hold onto.

::So was I the gatekeeper when Jack first set eyes on you or was I sweet as a lamb? I’d like to think I was quite friendly, but kept a wary eye and a neural arrow ready if he had done anything to hurt you. Heck, he hurts you now and he’ll have to deal with me. He does know that, right?::

A smile plastered on her face, Dani continued to run, allowing the pair to enjoy the exhilaration of the sport before adding anything else to the conversation. That was another reason why she adored Rahne so much. Even without a link, the pair could be together in comfortable silence for long periods of time. Speeding up to use her last burst of energy, she calculated her time mentally, thinking perhaps she slacked off a bit in Colorado. She could have run a few minutes longer and a few minutes faster, but that was for her to know and not Roberto and Piotr. Thankfully, she was still in shape, but there were long days caring for her grandfather and sometimes she was too exhausted mentally to exercise, which was the strangest form of exhaustion she had ever experienced in her life.

::Is there any other big piece of Rahne information I’m missing? New friends? New dislikes? Discovered a new flavor of ice cream so delicious that I would skip the gym just to eat it? Come on, let’s focus on you. I know you’re itching to share things with me.::
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Wolfsbane
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::'Tis entirely in muh best interests t' keep ye supported, ye know.:: Rahne jokingly bounced back to Dani as they got started again. ::After all, I make sure ye're in good standin', then you go an' do the same f'r me. Entirely selfish on my part.::

Of course, it wasn't. Rahne would have gone out of her way to look out for and protect her friend even if there was never going to be any reciprocation. That was how she operated, that was one of her philosophies. She had been at a point in her life, no matter how long ago it was, when nobody cared for her. Nobody went out of their way for her. She was just some skinny, quiet little ward of the church who was meant to be ignored.

Now she had a rich, full life, with friends and loved ones, with a few callings in life - educator and protector - and a husband and child. She had more than her childhood self would have ever dreamed of, and she did her best to make sure she earned it. That she deserved all these blessings she had been given in her life.

::Ohhhh, I do believe ye may have been more interested in teasin' me over bein' smitten like a schoolgirl than ye were in pushin' his buttons. But aye, there was a bit of... protectiveness. Honestly, though? Ye hardly need t' worry about Jack. Our son does more 'n enough hurtin' on both of us.::

Keeping the pace, she felt confident in her physicality again. She had been worried that she was too out of shape to keep up, too weakened to be a good running partner again. And she wasn't feeling quite as strong as usual, but she had clearly not given herself enough credit.

::'Course, I might be a bit more prone t' causing injury to any who hurt you than you would f'r someone hurtin' me. Keep the bandages ready,:: which was one thing that was always true of Rahne. She was protective, almost too protective, and that could cause... problems sometimes.

::Och, ye want t' focus on me, aye? Alright, alright. I know I told you about the bio-mum showin' up an' whatnot, gettin' t' know her and slowly... allowing her into muh life. Ye know, six months after we found out - after she told us an' we proved it - 'tis still hard f'r me to wrap muh head around it. So much I thought I knew - turns out I dinnae know much a' tall. I was always told mum was just some trashy prostitute, 'cause ye know - Craig does have his fondness f'r prostitutes - what abandoned me to the church, or died in childbirth, or whatever other stupid story he'd come up with. But no, she's alive, she's like me, and holds a relatively high rank in a bloody Druidic earth-mother worship... thing. Ye think ye know things, aye? Then ye find ye don't. 'Tis odd.::
Posted Image

[size0]Say the dog and butterfly,
in the air they like to fly.
Dog and butterfly.
She knew she had to try,
and she float back down to the warm soft ground,
laughing - she don't know why,
but she had to try, she had to try.
Dog and Buttefly.


Avatar by Natalie, signature by Olga. My graphics set is complete again! Thank you so much!
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Mirage
Unregistered

Hearing about Rahne’s biological mother only reaffirmed how fortunate she was to have her parents. For a while, she had thought they were lost to her, but was able to find they were safe and sound after the demon bear incident. She couldn’t imagine Rahne’s early years and only knew of details through things Rahne had shared and that which she was able to glimpse from Rahne’s mind. She grew up alone, abandoned for all intent and purposes and still found the capacity to love and be loved.

That was an amazing fete.

What bothered her was that Rahne’s biological mother was fine. That she wasn’t some poor trollop who took a wrong turn in life. Dani could understand a woman with no other means, a prostitute even, abandoning their child, but a high ranking Druid worshipper? What excuse did she have? The woman was lucky that Rahne even attempted to build a relationship with her. Dani was far too impassioned to forgive a parent for what she considered a severe transgression.

Rahne’s biological mother was lucky to have such a loving and forgiving child. Had it been Dani, there would have been no way in hell she would have let her into her life after those details were revealed.

::Maybe not odd, as much as unexpected. So you’re slowly getting to know her. What do you think of her so far? Do you see yourself letting her meet Jack or the baby in the future?:: That was one part concerning Rahne’s bio mother that Dani hadn’t been too clear on. Just what did the woman know and who did she meet, if anyone or was it a slow crawl to determine if Rahne could even consider the woman an acquaintance or friend.

::I know this is selfish and unkind, I get that, but Rahney, I have to say it. I just want you to be careful around her.:: To say Dani didn’t trust Rahne’s birth mother wasn’t simply a fact. It was more an embodiment of Dani’s protective nature coming out, not trusting one who would abandon their kin- their kind. ::I promise I’m not trying to start a fight with you, but you know how I feel about this. I support you in wanting to build a relationship with her, but don’t let her play you.:: That woman may have been Rahne’s reason for existence, but she had yet to earn the title of mother as far as Dani was concerned.

The woman could learn something from her daughter about the importance of mother-child relationships. One could only hope.
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Wolfsbane
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::Unexpected, aye, that's a good word for it,:: Rahne couldn't deny that. The last thing she had expected that day was the level of exposition that had had become leveled at her. It had momentarily turned her world upside down, and at the time she was angry. Very angry. But time eroded that anger, and she turned her attentions towards forgiveness. Because that was what she did.

::Jack was there when she told me. She spent a few months here, even, and... I think I understand why she did what she did. I'm nae so sure I could ever consider her a mum or anything like that, but... I dunno. I gave her a communications device. We speak every once in a while.::

Rahne glanced over to Dani as they kept their pace, and as of now, this was a pace she was glad to keep. She had had her sprint, her burst of high speed. Now she could keep a speed along with Dani. A nice, lower speed that didn't feel too much like holding back the throttle anymore.

::I know. I hardly think she's got anythin' t' gain from manipulatin' me or anything of the sort, but... I'll keep cautious. I promise,:: Rahne glanced over to Dani, knowing what Dani was getting at. Dani knew all too well that Rahne could lean a bit towards the naive, towards the too trusting. And Dani had always been one of the ones who could curb that tendency.

::Plus I always got you watchin' out f'r me, aye?:: That was what they did, after all. She for Dani and Dani for Rahne.

::Speakin' of parents an' whatnot, how's yuir mum an' da holdin' up these days?::
Posted Image

[size0]Say the dog and butterfly,
in the air they like to fly.
Dog and butterfly.
She knew she had to try,
and she float back down to the warm soft ground,
laughing - she don't know why,
but she had to try, she had to try.
Dog and Buttefly.


Avatar by Natalie, signature by Olga. My graphics set is complete again! Thank you so much!
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Mirage
Unregistered

::Parents? I don’t know. They’ve got good days, bad days, and then they realize their daughter helped the most with caretaking a grandfather. More than the actual child. I’m sure they feel bad about that. I dunno if I feel resentful or not. It’s like they couldn’t deal with it. It was very strange Rahne to see them so stressed about everything that they pulled back. I don’t know what they would have done if I didn’t come down.::

They ran a bit more and she reflected on her parent’s behavior and their inability to cope with her grandfather’s illness. In some ways they had it worse emotionally. In other ways, Dani lived through it with him, which was a different experience. After running a bit longer she slowed down to cool down doing a few stretches, her body at odd angles, that would have embarrassed any man around her. Which was better. She was so annoyed with Roberto’s teasing.

::I’ll tell you though, now that he’s at the nursing facility my parents seem a little less stressed. They’re not 100% back to normal, but maybe time will help.::

Done with her little impromptu cool down, she looked at the beautiful she-wolf.

::If things ever get too hard for you Rahne, let me know. Don’t pull a Dani and separate yourself from the world. I wish I would have reached out a bit more, but I didn’t. Too late now, but you have all these additional responsibilities and I need you know if you need a break from them, let me know. I will help you out, however I can. I'm bouncing back, but I know I could have used a break now and then, so I want to make sure you don't go through what I did. Breaks are good-for all of us with enormous responsibilities.::
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