le moins aimé; Gryffen

[Gryffen]

When the raven had taken flight to follow the little minnows adventure, he had quietly pursued it. Little did she know that he had watched from the shadows of the Meadow’s woods, the winter landscape and protection of shadows easily camouflaging him from her view. It didn’t seem like she would have noticed, so enraptured by her false sense of freedom to even suspect that he was stalking her. As if he would let her out of his sight and mingle freely with others. It was somewhat disappointing that she hadn’t been approached by anyone. He had been looking forward to an encounter, to wipe the smile off her face once more. To tauntingly lure someone into her only to steal her away. For she was his and would always be his, no matter where she went and what she thought. Soon enough, he is quietly following her home. As soon as they had crossed the border, the shadow bird left Minette’s shoulder and sought out it’s master. Talons find it’s usually perch, clawing into the scarred shoulder. He leaves her for a moment to sate his thirst and appetite. He knows he will not sleep tonight, knows he will be watching her. For he can sense her unease, had noticed the way she winced with internal pain on their way home. The child was coming. It’s not long before he is in view of the pacing mare, his red eyes watching her intently. She is in the throws of an internal and ancient struggle and he watches her with silent intensity. Birth interested him as much as death did. The two were tied to each other. He thinks of the homeless mare he lured from the meadow who met her agonizing death at Cellar’s hands…at his command. And now new life, life he had created, would be arriving. Strange the way that worked out. He knows she can see him, that he’s there. He doesn’t try to approach, a mere adjustment of stance making her scream at him in panic. It’s the only time he will allow her to scream at him, keep him away. She would pay for it later. But he is eager for this child. Gryffen has had many children before but none that he really cared about. This time he had plans for his children. He would mold them into something, use them to his advantage, create his own lasting legacy that would make sure the world never forgot him. The night wanes on but the moon refuses to show. Still he watches over them, listens to the pained grunts from Minette as she struggles to push out the child. Every now and then as she pauses for breath, he whiskers softly. A sign that she was not alone, that he was still there. There’s no warmth or love in his call but a simple understanding that they are protected. Nothing will harm what is his. His ears prick forward, hearing the noises of Minette moving and the sounds of labor had ebbed away. The ghost in the darkness stands over them all night, red eyes blazing. By dawn he can finally see what he has created. The child is suckling from her mother who looks beyond exhausted. It’s coat is darker than both of theirs combined and for a moment he wonders if it isn’t his… If someone had snuck in during the brief time he had left her alone. The ravens would have told him, would have warned him. No… This is his. Minette might try to chase him away but this time he would bare his teeth with a cold glare. It was time for him to meet his child. Red eyes look over the filly with a hint of disappointment. ”A girl.” He states quietly. Of course he would rather a boy but girl’s are not completely useless. He can use her. ”Her name?” He asks Minette, now directing his attention to the shaky mare. This time, she can choose. Gryffen - - - - - The Big Bad Wolf