The hooded man knelt before a mangled corpse of fur and flesh as the rain poured from the heavens. Tears rolled down his face as his worn, dirtied hands ran through the matted fur of the beast that had passed from this world. For it had only seemed like moments before they were brawling in the forests to see whom was the stronger, testing each others mettle. The tuft of fur still missing from his neck.
The wolves grey fur had been torn and stained crimson, dirt spread across his body as he protected his friend, one who could have finished him, but chose to let him live. He stood alone, protecting the man from the bear who threatened the hooded figure. The beast fought violently and brutally, as if the creature before him was naught but a morsel to him, all the while knowing it would be his demise.
Cynraede closed his eyes, whispering softly under the rain as pain and sorrow filled his voice. "Friend of the wood, rest well in peace. You will suffer no longer my friend. Find peace in the great forests." He continued to kneel at his body as he began to place stones all around his body as he began to build his cairn.
The young man stood, tears rolling down his dirtied face that was splotched with blood. He took one last look at where his friend lay, before continuing to make his way to find his friend. Singing a soft song of mourning as he wondered through the woods, his head lowered and his arms by his side. A gentle breeze flowed through the air as he opened his hands, letting the soft wind blow against his now tattered and shredded clothing and armor. The trees rustling and groaning in reply as the hushed wind swirled leaves around the soft earth around the breath taking forests. Birds sang in delight as they relished in the lack of the downpour. A soft smile creased his lips as he pushed on even as the pain shot through his legs, his mind filling with the temptations to stop and rest. He knew he must press onwards, for she might be in trouble.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Many people often asked him why he traveled alone, why he would let no one into the dark abyss that took place of his soul. He quietly wondered to himself as he walked through the forests, hoping it would purge the pain and sadness from his mind.
She was one of the few who showed a true kindness to him, one who saw him for what he was. She knew the man before her was a troubled and tortured soul, yet she still showed compassion to him even though she could sense that he was not of the righteous few that she had joined with in the order. He was nothing of the sort, he sought the darkness not with light, but with something even evil could not foresee.
He saw their kind, nobles and those of noted birth walking around in gleaming armor and mail. Even worse was the pointed ears that boasted age and falsely presumed wisdom, all but one he had met thus far had been to his dislike. She was fair skinned, her hair gleaming as if it had been created in the suns likeness. Her smile instilled a light even in his soul, giving hope and peace to the swelling darkness within. She was one of the few whom he respected of the order, because her aura demanded it.
These people called this young woman friend, family. He knew it rested upon him to bring her to her people safely, he knew he could not falter nor fail. This is what pushed him onwards, this is what he fought for. He constantly reminded himself of an age old saying that he heard the guard once use. It brought him courage, and renewal as he softly whispered upon the wind. "Pain is but temporary, glory will be forever." He lowered his head, and pressed onwards.
