[PRP] A Joyful Wraith (Bone Wraith x Joy Departed)

[Kyrieko]

Today was turning in to a fine day, if she did say so herself. First, she'd awoken during her customary time before the first light of the sun. Then spent some time down in the Pools. But it wasn't until she was moving through the ice caverns that she'd been hit with the closest thing she had to visions. It was very blurred, the figure that was reflected in the ice. But there was a "sense" of knowing. It wasn't urgent. But Bone Wraith was not one to question why the moon gave her tasks.

So, the infamous bone setter of the Moongate was on healer duty. And, per the Moon's intuition, she was to visit Joy Departed. Joyful. Wraith heaved a sigh. This was almost as exciting as when she had to listen to that obnoxious beast she called a mate. Which meant... not exciting at all.

Poor unfortunate soul, under her tender paw for care. But at least Joy wasn't sick. So there was no chance of her killing the shewolf. Just a check up. And... maybe something else?

Shaking her head, Wraith set out to find the female wolf. If the moon was blessing her this day, she wouldn't run in to Stormborn. At least not until her mate was back from his duties. Or Joy's mate, for that matter. Really, she didn't feel like dealing with the males right then. Not when the moon was calling her to Joy's side this day.

Shia bean

 

[Shia bean]

Much like every other day, Joy Departed woke to a cold and empty den. Stretching long on her side, a shiver sent tingles down her spine and a whining yawn escaped her. And much like every other day, what greeted her instead of Cloud was an all too familiar headache, thrumming in waves like the wind on a particularly violent storm. Or was it a migraine that attacked her? Perhaps this time it was a concussion? No matter. She came into consciousness sporting a wound across her left brow, the evidence and gift from her betrothed. Also, the proof he had been there, with her, at some point in the night.

As her sturdy form rolled to its belly, beneath it remained a crimson halo. All dried up against the den floor and pooled at where her skull had been resting, she remembered what Blushing Oath had said to her with a fondness to her gaze: Facial wounds often bled profusely. So it was no wonder so much of it had been left behind. He had apparently gotten her good, and although she couldn't remember the details, and some small part of her didn't really want to, a smile formed through the delirium all the same. Something about it was comforting... as much as it was painful.

Several hard blinks cleared away the fog but left the headache intact, and through it she thought: stand. But the den wasn't the only thing devoid of substance, and this turned out to be a regrettable decision as the red, which had once been prevalent, was covered by an electric yellow foam from the bile purged out of her unsettled stomach. A frantic moment would pass, eyes darting wildly to see who, or what, might have caught glimpse of her frailty, all the while she worked to recompose herself by swallowing the evidence. She would settle back onto tired haunches only when the task was done.

Like a delightfully morbid Groundhogs Day, this was unfortunately a regular occurrence for the Gatherer of the Moongate. A daily routine, as some would call it... and an objectively sad and sorry sight.

Reclined and stable, consciousness ebbed in and out of tangibility for Joy Departed. Her eyes would lift to the horizon, seeking her mate but finding a different face closing the distance. The day beyond her den always seemed a bit too bright at this hour... but any more sleep and she was sure the pack would notice.

It was queer, however... She wasn’t expecting guests.

Kyrieko

 

[Kyrieko]

There was a scent to the air that made her nose wrinkle and her lips peel back. A hint of anger burned behind her gaze, but Wraith kept it in check. There was no need to do something so rash as snap at the nearest wolf to come along her path. No, this scent was unfortunately familiar and only made the predator in her hungry. But it made the female in her... pity.

Shaking herself to be rid of the foul thoughts and smells - the latter of which would not disperse so easily - Wraith continued on towards the dens located in this portion of the mountains. Her paws knew this path well by now and there was a determined gleam adding to the fire in her gaze. It truly was a moonfully blessed day. She did not see or smell that idiot mate of Joy Departed.

"Sister of the Moon." Wraith said by way of greeting. She only gave pause at the entrance of the den to speak before entering with little regard to if she was wanted their or not. "Joy Departed. It is by the Moon's grace I am sent to perform a checkup on you."

The petite grey female took in the paler one's appearance, ears flattening as she saw fresh wounds that had healed over. The stench of the den hinted at other ailments, but Joy was upright. Barely. Her gaze narrowed.

Such a waste of useful wolf. Alas, she was not tasked with keeping their warriors in line (with the exception of Stormborn). And if the Moon and their King saw it fit to allow such atrocities to befall the frail wraith of a wolf before her to continue, it was not her place to say otherwise. No, she was only here to make sure Joy continued to breathe. And ease some of the Gather's suffering. Or so she believed, but the feelings she still held from her the moon's calling suggested there may be more she was to do.

"Joy, report. And don't give me that s**t about being fine!" Bone Wraith growled. "What hurts? How many wolves in front of you? What time of day is it?" She began her grilling for information.

Shia bean

 

[Shia bean]

Curling tail about thigh and straightening in place, as well as keeping her right side visible, Joy Departed readied herself for the 'care' to come. Fake it... Health and stability. Fake it all. Fake it well. Do not give her any reason to linger.



"Sister." Her head bowed, unable to keep steady. She tried to make the motion look intentional. "What an honor. You seem--"

'...don't give me that s**t about being fine!'

"Well." The growl made her shrink and wince all at once. She was conditioned to commands... trained to heed or be punished so the reaction was just as involuntary as the bow. It was followed by silence, in which she weighed all her options, looked long and hard at Wraith standing before her, and groaned. Mending the injury would upset Cloud. He enjoyed seeing his work. But Wraith was full of an infuriating good will that would not quit. Would complying get rid of her? It was likely. Joy Departed would suffer again later, but if it meant she could avoid suffering throughout the day... then...

She turned her head to the left and shrugged. "It isn't so bad this time. A flesh wound."

Kyrieko

I'm sorry for the delay! ;; Getting back into things!

 

[Kyrieko]

This was just... disgraceful. The petite grey wolf's lips peeled back once more, but not out of anger. Nor was it out of pity. It was as if she looked at a bug that dearly needed to be squashed or prey that lay dying and was only allowed to suffer a long, lonely and agonizing death. If they were lucky. Honestly, they should just put this wolf out of her misery...

Wraith huffed, grumbling under her breath before taking a deep and calming inhale of air. It was tainted by the smells permeating the den. But she had her head about her shoulders once more.

She met Joy's gaze with an unwavering one of her own, awaiting the female's report, daring her to lie. A small part of her wished dearly that the infuriating warrior that was the cause of all this would suddenly appear. She'd so very much like to sink her jaws into his flank. Much like she wished to sink her teeth in to that equally infuriating mate of hers...

Bone Wraith observed every minute movement of the other shewolf. The slight trembling, an inability to sit up straight. Her eyes seemed a little distant. Concussion? When the wound above her eye was exposed, Wraith sighed.

"You are correct. It is merely a flesh wound. Facial ones are a b***h. They bleed too much." This was said as she looked down at the dried blood of the den floor. "This wound does not concern me." The moontalker and part time medic growled. Yet, there was a small moment of pity and tenderness that was displayed as Wraith licked at the wound and cleaned it a little.

"Joy. Walk with me." Wraith did not leave room for argument. The ailing shewolf needed out of the shadows. "You need sunlight. Perhaps a bath to be rid of that vile stench." It was unclear if she was referring to the bile or Cloud's scent. "And no. He is not here. And will not see you." She added a little more gently.

Shia bean

o/ tags everywhere!

 

[Shia bean]

Suddenly she went catatonic, eyes flicking wide as they resettled upon Wraith; devoid of recognition and, instead, lost in a series of visions. Her silence held the familiar weight of dread that could not be quelled no matter the kindness shown to her. It hung heavier than any stench ever could, fantasy and memory fused into one clear message: this would be a bad idea.

Did Wraith have an ulterior motive? She was never known for being conniving, yet... it was possible. Anything was possible. But why make such a fuss now? Out of all the times? What was a little vomit? A little blood? A little drowsiness? At least compared to the usual dose of it all?

Of course...Joy Departed knew she would be reamed for rejecting the request as much as she would be for going. There was never an out for the small, insignificant girl. Either she would sit and wait for the inevitable, or comply, find distraction within compliance, and meet her maker head on much, much later...

When the long pause came to an end, a strange, manic smile filled out her delicately scarred maw. He wouldn't be around to see it, but he had eyes everywhere... she knew this, and still... through grit teeth replied:

“Sure! Where to first?”

Kyrieko