The wolf savored the feel of Morpheus against his chest as long as possible. How long had it been since another creature had touched him? He knew it had been since Berry died. It must have been. But if another had offered him comfort in those dark days right after their death, he had not felt it. It had seemed as if he was in a fog so dense it could not be traversed by any normal show of emotion, nor any normal wolf. What was different now? Was it this place? It surely could not be Vidar. He had not changed so drastically in the ten minutes since he had woken in the lake. No, there was really only one possibility. Morpheus pulled away from him, and as Vidar saw the look in the god's eyes, he knew it was not even a possibility. It was Morpheus who had made a difference. Morpheus and the strange feelings he kindled in Vidar's chest. only a divine being would have been able to pierce the thick clouds of misery that hung over his life. Only Morpheus.

Vidar was caught once more, momentarily at least, by the complete and utter beauty of the creature before him. Where previously he had seen only the exterior beauty, he was now eager to explore more of his inner beauty. Surely his kind words and comfort spoke loudly of a soul that shone as brightly as his coat. Vidar knew, with an intensity that shamed the sun in comparison, that he would love Morpheus for the rest of his life. Knowing he might one day become a god, he felt as if that life might rival eternity. Good. A creature like this deserved to be worshipped for all of eternity, just as Berry, oh his sweet Berry, deserved to be grieved and remembered.

Travel...

In the years before the pups had been born, Vidar had loved to travel. He had gone from land to land, pack to pack, telling his tales to a new audience each week. There had been joy and excitement in meeting new wolves and experiencing new customs, but his true love had been the journey. Beneath his paws, he had felt scorching sands and freezing ice. He had seen trees that stretched so far into the sky that the tops were invisible and plains of waving grass that stretched endlessly to the horizon. He had seen herds of great, furry beasts that numbered in the thousands and he had seen them dwarfed by whales that breached in cold grey waters. All of these disparate experiences had come together into one great journey, the breadth of which would span his entire life. Berry had loved to journey too, but they weren't growing any younger, as she had said. Finally they had settled down to have pups, but Vidar had always known that when they were grown enough the journey would begin again.

Now Vidar presumed he wasn't growing any older. "A journey," he said slowly, savoring the taste of the word on his tongue, "It would be good to see new sights again." Who knew what he would find here, in the realm of the gods? There were likely beasts and plants that h had never heard of, perhaps never even imagined. For a moment he felt excitement, almost joy, at the prospect. Then he remembered Berry. How could he be happy when she was not there beside him? When she would see nothing more than whatever realm her spirit had journeyed to after death? No, he would be alone. Alone, alone, alone. Always alone. Unless... Vidar wondered if Morpheus would not come with him. It was a big question to ask, especially since they were little more than strangers, but Vidar felt as if this wolf would always hold a place in his heart. Might he not hold a place by his side as well? "Would you -" Something stopped him. He was a fool. Morpheus had bee kind to him, that was true, but he had spent little time with Vidar. Over time, as always, Vidar would begin to grate on him. Kindness would turn to impatience and then dislike. It was inevitable. Besides, he was god, by the gods! Surely he had more important things to do than hang around with some a worthless wolf like Vidar. "Would you meet with me? After? To hear of my travels?" Surely that was not to much to ask. Surely Morpheus could stand to be around him just a little more.

tags: Lirriel
words: 771
notes: sweet!