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Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 

Morningstar: The Malaise - 7. Chapter 7 Patterns and Priorities

Mutual Admiration Society...

The Malaise

 

 

Chapter 7

 

 

Tobyn, with ears flicking at buzzing insects, yawned and stretched, luxuriating in the gentle warmth of the sun. He was laying back-to-back with the strangely-colored wolf, and the sublime contentment it provided only added to his lethargy. When he eventually garnered enough energy to force himself to rise from the sun-heated granite, so did Kellar. As nice as their playtime and siesta had been, there was still concern for Adelin, and the hope he’d found a possible answer for Tilly’s sister. Tilly. He’d forgotten her for a short while, and a twinge of guilt accompanied the realization.

He didn’t have to think too long about why. Tobyn understood what the guilt was about. As much as he didn’t want to admit it, he was attracted to this amazing man whose life he’d fallen in to. He enjoyed being close to him, and it was more than companionship his traitorous self was considering. He wanted to touch him, feel his skin, and that thought both excited and scared him. Waking up in those powerful arms had given him something that showed no signs of leaving. He needed to put such a dangerous desire into a box buried deep and leave it alone.

There was a desperate, frightened pack to save, and they were his priority. A group of shifters who were counting on him, ones he loved and owed allegiance to. And that included having pups and doing what he could to replenish the fast-declining numbers. Even if Kellar could help Adelin, he might have no luck with the malaise, in which case Tobyn’s mission would have to carry on. He had to believe there was another pack out there somewhere with answers. He had to find them before his kind perished and became just another extinct species. His very real shudder translated as a whole body shake in wolf form. He didn’t have a choice, and could not afford to lose sight of the big picture.

By mutual, unspoken agreement the pair began a steady lope back to the cabin, arriving as the sun reached the middle of the sky. Shifting, he was shocked when he checked his watch and did the math. He’d held his wolf form for more than two hours with no slipping back. Even before his senses had begun to diminish, that length of time was a stretch during the daytime. It must have something to do with the guy standing beside him. Again, hope flared the healer would find the answer, or maybe even be the answer. He quickly pulled on his Calvin Klein boxer briefs.

“Your wolf is beautiful. He has the same shades in his coat as you do… on your head, I mean.”

Kellar’s blush was something new, and it caused Tobyn to smile as he met his eyes.

The big man quickly changed the subject, his blush deepening further. “Ah, time for a shower. Do you want to go first?” He stood waiting for an answer with his clothes in hand.

“Thanks... your wolf is magnificent. No, you go. I’ll go after you. When do you want to leave, or do you still?”

“What do you mean? Of course I do. Hey,” Kellar said softly, “let me tell you something about me. I don’t do healing because I can... I do it because it fills a need in me. It’s who I am, okay?”

“Okay.” Tobyn internally squirmed under scrutiny that felt strangely intimate.

“Good. I’m glad we have that settled,” he said with a little smirk, finally releasing Tobyn from his searching gaze. “It won’t take me long to pack. I’ll need to gather all my herbs. That will be easy, though, because most of them are in containers. Are we taking both trucks?”

“Ah, no… that doesn’t make sense. We can go together in mine, and I’ll bring you back whenever you want.”

“Are you sure? If I take mine it would save you having to return here.”

For some reason, the idea of going in separate vehicles bothered Tobyn… and while he didn’t understand it, he certainly felt it. He was also disturbed by the thought of not coming back to this unique home. “Yeah, I’m sure. Bringing you back is not a problem. It’ll give me a chance to visit my friend.”

“Your friend? You know someone around here?”

“Duh. That’s you, man. We’re friends now, aren’t we?”

Kellar hit him with another of those brilliant smiles, looking like Tobyn had just handed him something precious. “Yeah, of course we are.” He bounded up the steps with the smile still in place.

Shit; how was he going to put all these stirred-up feelings in a box? He needed to be strong. It couldn’t be about what he might want at this moment in time. Keeping that in mind wouldn’t be an easy thing while he was in the company of such a magnetic man. What the hell was happening to him… seriously? Christ, the last thing he needed was to be gay.

 

Tobyn had trouble wrapping his head around the amount of dried vegetation the healer had. There must have been over a hundred species in total, and with the care they were being given as he packed them, there was no doubting their importance to him. A stack of wooden crates in the corner of the kitchen contained the majority of them. “Do you have every plant in existence?”

“Oh, hell no. These are only the ones that can be dried and still keep their potency. Some even increase their effectiveness with drying, so you need a lot less for treatment, but there are a lot of medicinals that lose their properties soon after they’re picked.”

“How do you know so much about them?”

“I study them. It’s all about the colors.”

“Oh... yeah... I know you say you can see colors, and it has something to do with your healing abilities, but what exactly does it all mean? You said you would explain later when you told me about saving the kitten.” He gave Kellar a questioning look. “I’ve never heard of anyone being able to see ‘colors’ in people before.”

“All right… the Cole’s Notes version? Every living thing has a color pattern, or array, or you might even say aura. It’s really hard to explain, but some of the patterns are pretty complicated, yet I can read them. Don’t ask me how or why because I don’t know. The morning I shifted was the first time I experienced it… colors… when I looked in the mirror. It was a quick glimpse that went away, and a few minutes later I shifted. After that I could see the colors in everything… trees, plants, insects, animals, fish, and people. And the weirdest thing is, no two patterns are alike, and… um….” Kellar hesitated, and Tobyn noticed a faint blush as he looked away.

“Well? Why did you stop?”

“Um, sorry about that… it’s just… my mind went somewhere. It hits me, how weird I must sound to you. I felt a little stupid for rambling on there.” If anything, he blushed deeper.

“You weren’t rambling. I asked and I want to hear this… and you don’t sound weird at all. What I’m hearing is you have a special gift.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. So keep going.”

“Okay.” He continued as he packed, still looking a little uncertain. “The thing is, I remember every pattern I see. It’s like it gets cataloged in my brain, and anytime I want, I can bring that pattern up. But the biggest deal is, each color, each shade, well, they mean something. No, that’s not right. A person’s aura is their aura, and it’s really their signature, because it never changes. I guess, in a way, it’s another kind of fingerprint... well, maybe not that, but... I keep reevaluating because I don't have all the answers." Again he blushed, and appeared even more unsure of himself.

"Go on," Tobyn encouraged.

"Ah, sure. As far as colors and healing, it’s more like… I can tell when colors don’t belong… when there’s something wrong. Sometimes, lately, I can even smell specific sicknesses. I think it has something to do with learning the odors of the herbs over the years. I don't know exactly....

“So anyway, for example, there is a dark shade of blackish purple that always means inflammation, and there are plants which have the same shade in their makeup, and they work on that particular irritation. So if I see that color in someone or something injured or sick, I reach into my brain catalogue and I know the plant I need. Did that make sense?”

“Yeah, it did. So, it’s the plants that do the healing?”

Kellar stopped what he was doing and rubbed his face. “See, this is the part I don’t understand. It’s not the plants. They don’t work on their own. It’s me. I’m like a conduit or something, and the plants assist me. They provide the raw materials for whatever it is I do.”

“And you don’t know what it is you do?”

“Yes and no. Sorry, it’s so hard to put into words. I know what I need to do. I focus, and I produce a kind of heat, and I can send that heat where it needs to go, and I can feel it… see it knitting, or dilating, or draining, or even destroying… argh… I can’t really explain it.

“I think the most accurate way to say it is I pour in energy and direct it. I can see, by the colors, whether there is a fracture, or swelling, or tumor, or even a mental problem like depression. The colors always tell me what I need to do, and I guess I visualize my energy doing it. If the offending color starts to fade or dissipate, it tells me it’s working, and when it’s completely gone, I stop. Sometimes I need to use more herbs if the improvement isn’t steady or it stops. It’s….” Kellar’s eyes were on Tobyn, but his explanation had stalled, and it was clear he was frustrated.

“I get it.”

“You do?”

“Yeah. Remember, I actually felt what you can do. I experienced the warmth inside my head, and I could feel you taking away my pain. You did something else too. I was scared shitless because of how bad the pain was, and I know wolves don’t always heal anymore, and all it took was your hand on my neck, and my fear left. I didn’t even know you, yet I trusted you completely. Your touch prepared me for whatever you were going to do.”

“Yeah, once I start my touch seems to always calm… frightened animals especially. I’ve never heard a patient’s side of it until now. I’ve heard their thanks and stuff, but no real specifics about what they experienced. Cool. And, I never tried to explain all this before, so it was difficult finding the right words.

“It means a lot you don’t think I’m a freak. Usually when I heal a person, they act different around me afterwards. It’s why I don’t let most people know where I live. I don’t want the townsfolk showing up with pitchforks,” he joked, but there was something sad and serious behind his words. He turned and went back to pulling some dried plants from hooks on a ceiling beam and wrapping them.

Tobyn took in the wide, strong back and fought the urge to wrap his arms around the man. He recalled their morning hug and what his skin had smelled like up close. “There’s nothing freaky about you, Kellar. I think you’re an awesome person, and I’m so glad I cracked my skull open yesterday. It was worth it to find a new friend.”

Kellar turned around in surprise, and Tobyn saw a twinkle of amusement begin to form in eyes that went from intense to soft in a split second. “There are easier ways to meet me, you know.”

“Now you tell me,” he responded with amusement.

“And here I thought all wolves were smart.”

“I must have done something right, Mr. Bunyan. I convinced you to come home with me, didn't I?”

An expression Tobyn couldn’t decipher appeared quickly, and was gone just as fast. “No convincing was needed… my friend. Nothing could stop me from going back with you… not now.”

He wasn’t sure, but there seemed to be an underlying message in those words. Was Kellar dealing with the same strong feelings he was? He had said he found Tobyn attractive. Determined as he was, he was a smart enough wolf to know that this could get very complicated, very quickly. Maybe separate trucks would have been a better idea after all.

“So… you think my wolf is magnificent?”

Oh, damn. It was a struggle to keep himself in check. He wanted to tell the man his was the most beautiful wolf, the most beautiful animal he’d ever seen. It was on the tip of his tongue, but instead, he just said, “Yes.”

My sincere thanks to my editor, Timothy M., and to all those who support this story.
Copyright © 2017 Headstall; All Rights Reserved.
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Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 

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Further intrigued by the neat explanation of Kellar's abilities. Also understand more clearly why Tobyn figures gay is the last thing he could be. His focus has been/is the future of the pack and it's repopulation. Then along comes this guy, and not just any guy, and throws him for a loop.
I am curious to see how he will deal with his feelings toward Kellar and his duty to the pack. Then there's Tilly, how will she figure into it all. I'm sure if she sees herself in the role as heroin (for lack of a better word) to the pack's survival, she won't likely be too welcome to Kellar, no matter what his abilities. But, it's early days yet..
For now I'm enjoying the easy open way that is Kellar's personality, and how he and Tobyn are naturally drawn to each other. Well, onward to the pack lands.. Help is on the way! I hope that Kellar doesn't find much worse than he's expecting..

 

I'm really loving this story Gary.. Great job..

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On 06/01/2016 02:00 PM, spikey582 said:

Well well well... We're starting to see what it is that Tobyn is facing and why he might be resisting what appear to be his natural inclinations. Though by all appearances this attraction to Kellar has pretty much blindsided him. This of course makes me curious if Tobyn has had any previous relationships of any kind, or if he's somehow just maintained a solitary existence in that area. Perhaps his mission to save his pack has taken all his attention and he has never stopped to consider what he really wanted.

 

I'm wondering if perhaps this relationship with Tilly has never really been about romance. It's been like "oh hey there's Tilly, I know her, I like her, she's a suitable mate for making little shifters to keep the pack alive." Now he has what appears to be what he really wants and needs and doesn't stop to consider that it's still possible to reproduce for the good of the pack and still have romantic love. I guess shifters might be really traditional?

 

Well these two adorable guys are further forging a bond, and I'm thinking that it's going to be like trying to fight a tidal wave for Tobyn. Also we got more information for how Kellar heals, interesting that he need the plants to act as a catalyst for his healing. Is that essential or just perhaps a crutch Kellar developed?

 

Anyway I'm hoping Kellar will be able to go do some good with Tobyn's pack. Will we be seeing from Kellar's point of view again soon?

Hey, spikey. Blindsided is a good word for whats happened to Tobyn. As far as any previous experience, we learn in his thoughts in chapter 5 how he engaged in mutual masturbation with his friend Hugh, a few years earlier as kids, and he had no trouble walking away from it. It was a period of experimentation. I'm sure back then, he was already focused on what his pack needed most from him, so your point is spot on. We also know that the pack numbers have dwindled so that further affects his decisions, but yeah, we learn more about Tilly in a couple of chapters. You're quite perceptive. Where Kellar is concerned, I think it makes sense that he needs 'raw materials' to work with... whatever reason is behind his abilities, seeing the colors plants are made up is... well, it has a purpose. I'm glad you find the guys adorable... that pleases me because they're already a part of me... and I think it's okay to answer your question. Much of the story is from Kelllar's POV, so yeah, we'll be returning to it... thank you for an awesome review, buddy... cheers... Gary...

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On 06/02/2016 01:56 AM, LitLover said:

I loved the explanation you gave for Kellar's ability. It gives us what his perspective is, but also leaves some mystery, because he doesn't even know why he can do what he does.

The internal struggle that Tobyn is having was also fascinating. I agree with jt_hooks who said that Tobyn really has the makings of an alpha. He's so concerned about his pack/family that he's willing to forego his own happiness and desires for the greater good. Don't get me wrong, I hope he finally allows himself to embrace his attraction to Kellar, but I can see it's going to be a struggle for him.

Another great chapter, Gary! Looking forward to their arrival on pack lands.

I'm glad you keyed in on the fact Kellar doesn't understand his gift or why he has it. It isolates him even further from others. My heart goes out to him... his life has been a lonely, uncertain one from the time he was a child.

Tobyn, yeah, is truly dedicated to his pack. He doesn't want any distractions or wrinkles in his life plan, and how he feels around the big man is a VERY big wrinkle. I'm gad you liked the explanation, too, of Kellar's abilities. I am trying hard to not commit information overload for the reader. Thanks for the great review, and the constant, never-ending support, my friend... it helps keep me going... cheers... Gary...

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On 06/02/2016 03:22 AM, Defiance19 said:

Further intrigued by the neat explanation of Kellar's abilities. Also understand more clearly why Tobyn figures gay is the last thing he could be. His focus has been/is the future of the pack and it's repopulation. Then along comes this guy, and not just any guy, and throws him for a loop.

I am curious to see how he will deal with his feelings toward Kellar and his duty to the pack. Then there's Tilly, how will she figure into it all. I'm sure if she sees herself in the role as heroin (for lack of a better word) to the pack's survival, she won't likely be too welcome to Kellar, no matter what his abilities. But, it's early days yet..

For now I'm enjoying the easy open way that is Kellar's personality, and how he and Tobyn are naturally drawn to each other. Well, onward to the pack lands.. Help is on the way! I hope that Kellar doesn't find much worse than he's expecting..

 

I'm really loving this story Gary.. Great job..

Thanks, Def. It's clear you understand Tobyn the way I do. Thrown for a loop is exactly right. His idealistic life plan could be in jeopardy if he gives in to his feelings. He's a man who has put himself under a lot of pressure. We'll meet Tilly soon, and that's all I can say.

I love writing Kellar, and I'm pleased you see him as easy and open... that is him in a nutshell... yet I don't think he would ever want to add to Tobyn's weight... the weight he carries on his shoulders. He's happy to have a friend. Thanks for loving the story, and sticking with it... I so appreciate it... cheers... Gary...

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I admire the well crafted , careful development and sense of mystery and unsolved problems. It's very easy to like both main characters and to want to see them blossom together. They are good hearted and really have the best intentions. I get the sense they are going to eventually realize they are life mates.
I can guess--only guess- as to future events--I think it will at some point be positive move for them to go back to the pack. Your story seems to be moving along to be eventually upbeat with issues along the way. You have given us lots to think about and yourself enough room to expand the story in many ways you see as right and develop the characters well. As you say--this is a journey.
Here is my thoughts about the near term plot growth. Maybe at least one might be in line with your thinking. Its your story so you must have the full plot worked out already. Thank you for letting me say a few words.
I wonder if the pack will be suspicious of Kellar at first? He is an outsider. So I suspect Kellar will save the young girl in the pack and that act has to be the key to having the pack and its leadership accept him. He might help others improve. Tilly could well have already moved on from Tobyn to another guy and that would clear a path for Tobyn and Kellar. Tobyn , once freed from an obligation he felt to Tilly who could be mated , could not feel any restraints holding him back from falling fully for the big guy .No one else who has left has come back so Tilly should be deeply worried and see a real need for an alternative mate after Tobyn left.
I wonder what the cause of the malaise might be. You description of Kellar's color sensing ability could be a useful tool for him to see what is out of place. He could scan the area and see a range of colors with some bothering him about the land or water or ?? and maybe find similar medical problems among the other wolves. Is it still going to be unknown or will Kellar find a possible key ? Perhaps the pack lands are polluted and harming the inhabitants--a distant closed out mill or abandoned silver mine that is feeding chemicals and silver into a stream and river and water table. Silver is can kill them and maybe very small doses are debilitating.
I wonder if anyone in the pack has an idea what and who Kellar really is. Is he a powerful healer or is he more?
Does Kellar have enough land to house the pack? The surrounding large area of crown lands would be useful for the pack for hunting and running and keeping out of the public eye. If the pack's land now is unsafe ( for any reason) will they agree to move somewhere else? The old leader moved to Kellar's lands so he seems to think this area is safe.
I enjoy reading your story. I can't wait to see what you say is happening next. You are a gifted writer.

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On 06/05/2016 09:11 AM, scrubber6620 said:

I admire the well crafted , careful development and sense of mystery and unsolved problems. It's very easy to like both main characters and to want to see them blossom together. They are good hearted and really have the best intentions. I get the sense they are going to eventually realize they are life mates.

I can guess--only guess- as to future events--I think it will at some point be positive move for them to go back to the pack. Your story seems to be moving along to be eventually upbeat with issues along the way. You have given us lots to think about and yourself enough room to expand the story in many ways you see as right and develop the characters well. As you say--this is a journey.

Here is my thoughts about the near term plot growth. Maybe at least one might be in line with your thinking. Its your story so you must have the full plot worked out already. Thank you for letting me say a few words.

I wonder if the pack will be suspicious of Kellar at first? He is an outsider. So I suspect Kellar will save the young girl in the pack and that act has to be the key to having the pack and its leadership accept him. He might help others improve. Tilly could well have already moved on from Tobyn to another guy and that would clear a path for Tobyn and Kellar. Tobyn , once freed from an obligation he felt to Tilly who could be mated , could not feel any restraints holding him back from falling fully for the big guy .No one else who has left has come back so Tilly should be deeply worried and see a real need for an alternative mate after Tobyn left.

I wonder what the cause of the malaise might be. You description of Kellar's color sensing ability could be a useful tool for him to see what is out of place. He could scan the area and see a range of colors with some bothering him about the land or water or ?? and maybe find similar medical problems among the other wolves. Is it still going to be unknown or will Kellar find a possible key ? Perhaps the pack lands are polluted and harming the inhabitants--a distant closed out mill or abandoned silver mine that is feeding chemicals and silver into a stream and river and water table. Silver is can kill them and maybe very small doses are debilitating.

I wonder if anyone in the pack has an idea what and who Kellar really is. Is he a powerful healer or is he more?

Does Kellar have enough land to house the pack? The surrounding large area of crown lands would be useful for the pack for hunting and running and keeping out of the public eye. If the pack's land now is unsafe ( for any reason) will they agree to move somewhere else? The old leader moved to Kellar's lands so he seems to think this area is safe.

I enjoy reading your story. I can't wait to see what you say is happening next. You are a gifted writer.

Hey, scrubber! I love this!! thank you so much for your kind words. I'm pleased you are liking the story so far. I absolutely love your speculation. Of course, I won't be giving anything away, though :) . I have a lot of the story written... working on chapter 23 right now... and I know exactly where it's going, but it's great hearing your thoughts. I hope you stick around and keep me posted as the story develops... next chapter on Monday... thanks for the awesome review... cheers... Gary...

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On 10/27/2016 03:55 PM, Geron Kees said:

There are signs already that these two don't want to be separated - isn't that one of the ties that bind Earth Mates? Tobyn's big concern is the welfare of pack - but he isn't single-minded about it when it comes to Kellar. He has time in his thoughts to consider what he is feeling - both in mind and body - for his new friend. That he is both puzzled and pleased is evident.

Kellar seems just as mesmerized (in his far less obvious fashion) with Tobyn. Kellar has a longtime loneliness at his back, and he seems rightfully excited that this may be coming to an end. Also fascinating is his need to heal - need, rather than willingness. These kind of functions in nature are less offered from the goodness of one's heart than by the fulfillment of some subtle need - what is that need in Kellar?

This is great stuff, man. I'll admit to a passing knowledge of the area of fantasy you're writing in, but this is a new take on the idea. I have, so far, been greatly enjoying the genteelness of it - these tales usually have a horror underpinning that makes them far less suitable as love stories. Can't wait to see where you go with it!

The question is, how deep is their attraction? Is it only that, or something more? I would classify Tobyn as confused right now... he knows what he's feeling, but it isn't something he expected... not by a long shot. As for Kellar... he wears his heart on his sleeve, and that need to heal is an intrinsic part of who he is... it affects all aspects of who he is. I appreciate you think this is great stuff... I never saw myself writing such as this, but once it was in my head, I couldn't ignore it. I didn't want to write the usual shifter story, though. There are too many superb ones already... you've made my day with 'genteelness'... I understand what you mean and can see that it applies although I never would have figured that out for myself :) . Thanks for the awesome support... I hope I can keep you engaged... cheers, my friend... Gary....

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On 03/07/2017 03:01 PM, MacGreg said:

I went to a chiropractor for the first time in my life about 8 years ago. I'd been suffering from neck and shoulder pain that had become unbearable, and I was right in the middle of a complete relationship breakdown, which added to my physical ill-health. This chiropractor (who I since became good friends with) had a "healing" touch. Nothing like Kellar, of course, but he had the uncanny ability to lay hands on me and "pull" the pain out. What was left behind were heat spots on my skin. Literally, my skin emanated with heat. I always had to sit in his office and wait to regain my senses before leaving. I felt like a brand new person afterwards. So, I could completely understand your description of Kellar's healer abilities - only, of course, his are twenty-fold more and include an innate sensitivity. You described his gift extremely well, in layman's terms, through Kellar's words. You avoided trying to sound scientific, because we didn't need it to be explained that way (and neither did Tobyn).

 

Anyway, I'm enjoying seeing Tobyn and Kellar move a step closer to one another. I'm looking forward to where this is going.

Loved hearing about your personal experience, Mac. I like when things I've conjured up proved grounded in reader's eyes. I have heard of others with the ability to heal through touch. I'm so pleased you found the description realistic and layman-like. That means a lot... I fretted a bit over it... thanks for your support and the thoughtful review, buddy... cheers... Gary....

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He, he, good luck with stuffing those unexpected feelings into a box and burying it deep. :rolleyes:  All your readers saw the writing on the wall, eh? :lol:  But how it would play out, now that is what keep us riveted.

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26 minutes ago, Timothy M. said:

He, he, good luck with stuffing those unexpected feelings into a box and burying it deep. :rolleyes:  All your readers saw the writing on the wall, eh? :lol:  But how it would play out, now that is what keep us riveted.

Definitely not an easy thing to do. He he. I have to say I loved the readers' varying reactions to the characters and their inner turmoil. It was exhilarating for me. :)  

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I love the healing powers that Kellar has and the way you have explain it to us. Man Kellar a very busy boy those 3 years before the story started.

Kellar sure isn't a slacker! It seems Tobyn is falling for Kellar who know maybe Kellar's is Tobyn soul mate we shall have to wait and see.

I just love the dialogue it comes off so real and believable.

 

Just a great chapter loving this story:thankyou::worship:

Edited by Albert1434
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2 hours ago, Albert1434 said:

I love the healing powers that Kellar has and the way you have explain it to us. Man Kellar a very busy boy those 3 years before the story started.

Kellar sure isn't a slacker! It seems Tobyn is falling for Kellar who know maybe Kellar's is Tobyn soul mate we shall have to wait and see.

I just love the dialogue it comes off so real and believable.

 

Just a great chapter loving this story:thankyou::worship:

Describing the healing part was very important to me. There is a mystery to it, and I wanted to have it tinged with that. Yet, we all had to understand it, and how it defined Kellar. And yes, Kellar has accomplished a lot while on his own these three years. He's built a life of sorts, but something is missing. Now he has a friend. :)  I'm pleased you liked the explanation and the dialogue... thanks, Albert! :hug: 

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The auras are explained!!  Yeah,  it was wonderful to read about Kellar's realization that no two humans have the same one and what that could imply. 

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40 minutes ago, danield said:

The auras are explained!!  Yeah,  it was wonderful to read about Kellar's realization that no two humans have the same one and what that could imply. 

Yes... this was an important thing for Tobyn to learn. Kellar has felt like a freak since his first shift, and it had nothing to do with being a wolf shifter. The ability and compulsion to heal has set him apart from every other living being. And yeah, individual patterns are important. Thanks, buddy... glad you're hanging in there with your reread... cheers... Gary....

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There are so many awesome comments!  I read in your hesitation to bury the reader in information overload, the careful intention you took in tone and dialog.  Dialog is a tool you wield with great effect, even where Keller cuts himself off or hesitates.  :)  It is so much part of the 'show-don't-tell' that adds to your awesome character development.  The strength of Keller's character (literally) shines through in how he holds back questions, crafts carefully those he does ask, as well as the struggles to convey what he's struggled to learn about his healing ability through his years alone.  (The gift of feedback in words from his patients is going to have more insight than the medical texts he's been gleaning from, I'm sure.)  The fact that neither of them went into this with a self awareness of being gay is affecting some of the giddy or awkwardness they both share in complimenting each other at times.  A kind of coltish way of conveying their attraction in fits and starts that they can't seem to control, yet don't want to put pressure on the other.  I will hope to write such layered and nuanced dialog one day.  :*)  ~ Ms. V

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5 hours ago, Y0rite said:

There are so many awesome comments!  I read in your hesitation to bury the reader in information overload, the careful intention you took in tone and dialog.  Dialog is a tool you wield with great effect, even where Keller cuts himself off or hesitates.  :)  It is so much part of the 'show-don't-tell' that adds to your awesome character development.  The strength of Keller's character (literally) shines through in how he holds back questions, crafts carefully those he does ask, as well as the struggles to convey what he's struggled to learn about his healing ability through his years alone.  (The gift of feedback in words from his patients is going to have more insight than the medical texts he's been gleaning from, I'm sure.)  The fact that neither of them went into this with a self awareness of being gay is affecting some of the giddy or awkwardness they both share in complimenting each other at times.  A kind of coltish way of conveying their attraction in fits and starts that they can't seem to control, yet don't want to put pressure on the other.  I will hope to write such layered and nuanced dialog one day.  :*)  ~ Ms. V

This is wonderful! I love writing dialogue... I hear conversations in my head so clearly when I start developing a story, and I try to put those on the page  with all the nuances I hear. I must admit I hate restrictions on them, but writing has some 'idiosyncrasies'... not the right word but I'll go with it... :P  that I try to be aware of. One of those is actual appearance. For example, too many ellipses 'looks' wrong, as does repeating of words. These are things that happen a lot in actual conversation, yet don't always translate well in writing, when we look at a page. The same goes for addressing someone by name too many times in a written conversation, yet it is actually used for emphasis at times in real conversations. What I'm trying to say is I try hard for balance, and that means sometimes resisting my dialogue 'instincts.'  What you are telling me is I have it right. :D  

 

Great point about the feedback Kellar will be getting from shifters... That is indeed new, and we already see the validation Tobyn gave him during their conversation. Another good point about them going into this without the certainty of their sexuality. Kellar has analyzed his in the way he does, but I think we see him getting real clarification form this new and handsome shifter. As far as Tobyn, he has been too driven in his need to build his pack to consider anything but producing pups. Some might be inclined to say 'silly boys' but I think we have enough knowledge to see what is happening is honest. :) 

 

I love how you put this... " A kind of coltish way of conveying their attraction in fits and starts that they can't seem to control, yet don't want to put pressure on the other." That is it perfectly.

 

Thanks for this, Ms. V. Writing is hard work, and if you couple that with desire, and the openness to learn you have, there is no reason why you can't develop your dialogue skills. Cheers, my friend... Gary.... :hug: 

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Kellar maybe physically capable of looking after himself, but his emotional vulnerability and loneliness  keep resurfacing throughout.

Almost a lifetime in the wrong sort of foster care has taught him to suppress his need for friendship. It's sad that he doesn't realise who Tobyn is referring to when he says he has a friend in the area. But true to form, the big man bounces back just as quickly, with that enigmatic smile of his.

The whole explanation of how all the colours and patterns work was really fascinating. But I wonder why Kellar abruptly stopped and blushed in the middle of it. Was he about to divulge the unique pattern of "Desire" that both he and Tobyn had been exhibiting. Perhaps something special happens when they overlap. That would certainly be one for the 'box'. 😘

Really looking forward to seeing the impact Kellar has, on both the health and the group dynamics of Tobyn's pack. I suspect things will develop quite quickly from here.

Edited by Bard Simpson
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6 hours ago, Bard Simpson said:

Kellar maybe physically capable of looking after himself, but his emotional vulnerability and loneliness  keep resurfacing throughout.

Almost a lifetime in the wrong sort of foster care has taught him to suppress his need for friendship. It's sad that he doesn't realise who Tobyn is referring to when he says he has a friend in the area. But true to form, the big man bounces back just as quickly, with that enigmatic smile of his.

The whole explanation of how all the colours and patterns work was really fascinating. But I wonder why Kellar abruptly stopped and blushed in the middle of it. Was he about to divulge the unique pattern of "Desire" that both he and Tobyn had been exhibiting. Perhaps something special happens when they overlap. That would certainly be one for the 'box'. 😘

Really looking forward to seeing the impact Kellar has, on both the health and the group dynamics of Tobyn's pack. I suspect things will develop quite quickly from here.

You're right. It defines the man, but I don't think it limits him. I would suspect that vulnerability enhances his healing with the empathy it gives him. As far as the loneliness, if you think back to the first chapters, he had no illusions he was loved. His whole time in the foster care system, he didn't feel it. He has accepted his lot in life, but meeting Tobyn has exposed how tentative that resolve is, exactly as you have stated. This friendship means more to him than we might imagine, and I would suspect he would do anything to protect it.

While most of the story is from Kellar's point of view, I thought it was important we get Tobyn's for these last two chapters. His internal musings at the beginning of this are important. We get to see his dedication to the pack, and hopefully, the reason for it. He can be a difficult character at times, which made him fascinating to write, so try to keep this insight into his reasoning in mind as we get further along.

I'm pleased you liked the explanation for Kellar's gifts, but remember, there is a part of him like really does feel like a freak, and meeting and talking to this new shifter has further exhibited just how different he is. And that gives him great uncertainty. Still, Kellar is Kellar, and bounces back, :)  It was hard for him to explain 'colors' though, in his halting way... but it turned out Tobyn was the right person to tell his secrets to for the first time.

I love the speculation... you eill be doing a lot of that as the story progresses, and I will be doing a lot of :X . :P 

Thanks, buddy... I'm reading right along with you, and enjoying hearing your thoughts immensely. Cheers... Gary....

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Hehe, it's funny as much as intriguing to see Tobyn struggling to keep himself  in check internally. Those two boys are getting smitten with each other. Oh goodness! I love this story. I especially enjoyed how properly Keller explained his healing abilities and the last part of this chapter got me grinning. It was so beautiful.💓😍🤗

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2 hours ago, Jasmine94 said:

Hehe, it's funny as much as intriguing to see Tobyn struggling to keep himself  in check internally. Those two boys are getting smitten with each other. Oh goodness! I love this story. I especially enjoyed how properly Keller explained his healing abilities and the last part of this chapter got me grinning. It was so beautiful.💓😍🤗

Lol. Yeah, Tobyn is having a hard time, but he's a man on a mission. As attracted as he may be to Kellar, it sounds like he will not be dissuaded from his purpose... we'll see. :)  It was rewarding for me to be able to finally explain some of Kellar's abilities. For such a confident and powerful man, he is adorably humble and unsure in this chapter. I liked the ending too, when he asked if Tobyn really found his wolf magnificent. He never forgets anything it seems, and that must have been on his mind the whole time. :gikkle:  So glad you're loving the story, Jasmine... cheers and thanks... Gary.... :hug: 

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I just love this chapter. Learning how healing works is very powerful:thankyou:

Great Chapter:hug:

Edited by Albert1434
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1 hour ago, Albert1434 said:

I just love this chapter. Learning how heal works is very powerful:thankyou:

Great Chapter:hug:

This was a chapter I felt I had to get right. Choosing to inform readers of Kellar's skills through dialogue was the key to providing the information without overloading the reader. Fortunately, I knew him inside out by the time I wrote this chapter. I think switching to Tobyn's point of view for the last couple of chapters also contributed to this working well. :)  Thanks, Albert... much appreciated. :hug: 

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