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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.
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Morningstar: The Malaise - 14. Chapter 14 Collars

Game faces.

Morningstar: The Malaise

 

 

Chapter 14

 

 

After another hug from the captivating Miss Sybil and a promise to visit again sometime in the future, Kellar was able to take his leave. Standing outside the door, his eyes swiveled to the man at the picnic table. Tobyn met them with troubled ones of his own. “How was your talk? Glad you listened to me?” A weak smile followed.

“It was… informative. You were so right about the lady being awesome.” He watched closely as the blond man rose from his seat and walked over to him. “Are you doing okay, buddy?”

“Yeah, sure. Why?” He looked away after speaking, and Kellar could see him swallow.

“I don’t know. You seem down or something. Did I do anything wrong?”

“No, of course not. I’m just in a weird mood. Whatever's going on with me, I’m pretty sure I disappointed the boys when I didn’t want to kick the ball around.”

“Why didn’t you? I thought you liked soccer?”

“I do and I… I have no idea. I’m feeling unsettled, so I just wanted to sit for a while and think.”

“Did it hurt?”

“Did what hurt?”

“Thinking.” Kellar laughed at the same time he dodged the punch aimed at his arm.

Tobyn laughed too. “Unfortunately, I must admit it did a little.” His laughter soon dwindled to nothing.

“Do you want to let me in on what’s got you unsettled?” Was this more proof of what he and Miss Sybil suspected?

“I would, but I don’t even know myself. Just a little bit of everything. My brain keeps going in circles and I can’t seem to focus. Anyway, don’t worry about it. Come on, let’s go get my truck so we can check out the marina. You’re going to love it.”

Kellar knew avoidance when he saw it. This was all going to turn out to be one hell of a kick in the teeth. “I’m sure I will, but what about the kids? I thought I was healing Dane’s tonsils and checking out the rest of them.”

“You are. Dane and Mace are rounding the others up and getting their parents’ permission. Everyone’s heard of what you did by now so it’s just a formality. They’re going to meet us at our place in a couple of hours. Is that all right with you?”

Our place? It sure had a nice ring to it, even if it wasn’t accurate. “Sure.” They walked a little further along the quiet road before he decided to speak again. “Can I ask you something?”

Tobyn looked wary as he responded. “I guess.”

There was no missing his reluctance to talk, but Kellar was trying to piece things together so he forged ahead anyway. “When you were first talking to the boys, when I was alone with Miss Sybil, you looked upset. I was just wondering if you were worried about the kids? I could, ah, see you through the window.”

Tobyn’s eyes darted towards him and then away, but the question was initially met with silence.

He was beginning to regret pushing when Tobyn finally cleared his throat and answered.

“No, I wasn’t worried once you told me Dane’s tonsils were no big deal. I’m not even sure what was wrong. Like I said, I was just feeling out of sorts. I think I’m letting the magnitude of what’s happening to the pack get to me.” He cleared his throat one more time, and now he sounded nervous. “And then there’s you feeling the need to leave, and I guess maybe I’m still processing that. I’m only bringing it up because you asked. I told you I understand, and I do, and I respect your decision. I’m feeling better now, so no worries. I'm chill now.”

“Good to hear. Sorry for pestering you, but I don’t like seeing someone ‘out of sorts.’ It brings out the healer in me.” He grinned, and Tobyn matched it.

“You didn’t pester me, and I’m fine… you can take that healer’s hat of yours off, okay, doc?”

“Consider it removed.” Kellar had found out more of what he’d been searching for, but he wasn’t sure how it helped him. In the end, knowing could just pile on more pain.

 

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Tobyn watched the big man walk ahead of him as they neared the rear of the truck and for a split second, unseen, he let his guard down. Running a hand over his face, he swallowed. Kellar’s questions poked the dragon a little more, and he had to face how not saying what was on his mind was frustrating the hell out of him. The subtle acknowledgements he’d given with regards to his feelings fell far short of what he struggled to hold back. He knew exactly what had been bothering him. He was crushing on the big man in the worst way and it seemed to grow by the minute… hell… by the second.

It was wearing on him to be around someone who made his palms sweat and his heart race, but he was finding it even harder not to be near him. He’d felt the loss the minute he left him with Sybil. Walking toward the boys and away from Kellar had caused all his emotions to churn. The fact was, he was a fucking mess.

How in hell could he accept being gay when he had a family life planned out with Tilly? They’d spoken of it in general terms for years and time was closing in on them. His responsibility had to be to the pack, and ultimately its survival. And yet, images of him and Kellar entwined, making love, refused to go away. Christ, it was all so fucking complicated, and as much as he wanted to open up and discuss how he felt, he knew it would be unfair to the big-hearted man. I have these massive feelings for you, but… arghhh.

He dreaded Kellar leaving, yet at the same time he expected things would get easier… hopefully for both of them. Being apart might turn out to be for the best. Just letting that thought come to the surface caused something to wither within, but at some point he had to believe the healer would return. Hopefully, they’d have a better handle on all these feelings by then. Tobyn refused to entertain the notion they couldn’t have a friendship. Separation had to be temporary.

He’d always planned to carry out his mission alone so that was what he would do. Someone, somewhere, would have answers, and he was determined to find them. In the meantime he could handle this. It was a situation he’d never envisioned for himself, but Kellar had already done great things for Morningstar and now he’d made the choice to leave. Tobyn needed to accept it… and he would. He'd put up a good front for his friend because he owed him that. He was the reason for his impending departure, after all. The pack would have a healer a few hours away, and that was so much more than they had two days ago. Releasing a deep but muted sigh before he opened the driver’s side door, he put on his game face and climbed in.

The hardest part was when Kellar looked at him. He saw interest and devotion in those eyes every time. He also saw glimpses of the poorly-concealed pain, at least to him, and it devastated him to be the one causing it. Knowing he was crushing on him just as strongly, and that he was attainable, made it excruciating to stay the course. The big man was doing it right now as they drove down his road. Oh, he tried to conceal it, but Tobyn knew. There was this connection between them that made it impossible to hide much of anything. He was fast becoming a believer in love at first sight, and that was a train of thought he couldn’t dwell on. But, it was love he felt, wasn’t it? Yeah. Fuck. Sometimes, life really sucked.

“So, did you get all you needed from Miss Sybil?”

“I’d say I learned more than I thought I would. Finding out there is a healer bloodline was mind-blowing, but the more I learn, the more questions I have.”

“Such as? Maybe I can help answer some of them.”

Kellar glanced over with an amused expression as Tobyn turned on the road to the marina. “Were-wolf movies?”

He welcomed the chance to laugh. “What the hell do you want to know about those god-awful things?”

“How they came to be, I guess. Was there any basis for them? Like, did any of us ever go on blood-thirsty rampages as wolves?”

“God, no. Is that a serious question?”

Kellar chuckled. “No, not really. Miss Sybil told me about the hunters of our kind, so I guess my real question is whether you think it’s the way humans would see shifters if they learned we actually existed? Would they consider us crazed beasts who would tear them apart and eat them, or turn them into monsters?”

It was clear to Tobyn the inquisitive healer part of Kellar was engaged. “I’m not entirely sure. It’s a good question, though. I could be wrong but I think it would be the end of us if the human race did find out. Maybe the majority would be fine, but there would always be those who saw us as aberrations and try to wipe us out. From what I understand, those hunter groups looked at us as vermin who needed to be exterminated. It was their mission and they used religion to justify our persecution and slaughter. We were supposed agents of the devil or some ridiculous shit like that.”

“Humans have a habit of doing that, don’t they? Using religion as a reason to be cruel. You talk like they’re part of the past. Do you think these hunters still exist?”

“Honestly, I would like to believe they are no longer out there, but that would be putting my head in the sand. All I know is we should always be on our guard. I don’t think they’re the scourge they once were, but I could be wrong. We’ve had shifters disappear without a trace over the years, and Esther’s murder was deliberate. Whoever killed her knew what they were doing. I know Fendral was always looking for some scent he'd detected from that day.”

“I can’t imagine the man’s pain. Sybil told me quite a bit about earth mates.”

Tobyn grimaced, and blew out a long breath. It was a sore subject for most shifters. “I think it’s good they’re a thing of the past. I don’t believe it’s beneficial to be so tied to another person.”

“Why?” Kellar’s head had snapped toward him, and now he was watching him intently.

“Well... because… look at where Fendral is now. He was such a strong man, yet he wolfed out after losing Esther. He tried to fight it for a while, but Mom says it became impossible for him to bear the grief. I feel terrible for what he’s gone through, but worst of all is he deserted the pack. Losing his earth mate destroyed both him and us.”

He couldn’t help his bitterness showing through, and it made him a little embarrassed to be talking about such a great man that way, but he had to be honest. “I don’t blame him at all… but it would have been better for him and for all of us if he hadn’t found Esther... I mean as a mate. It would have been better to have found her as a wife. He could have recovered from losing her then. With mates, you really can’t.”

His voice dropped to an almost murmur. “Maybe the earth mother did us a favor by taking them away.” He shivered after the words left his mouth, and he wasn’t sure of the reason. “And his kids never should have left on wild goose chases. Where did that get them?” He looked at his friend for a response, but he’d gone quiet and his gaze had turned away. Why did he feel like he’d gone too far? “Anyway, there’s only one thing those movies were even remotely close on.”

Kellar turned somber eyes back towards Tobyn without actually meeting his. “What was that?”

“Silver bullets. I don’t know how… it must be a coincidence, but silver does affect us.”

“You’re kidding right? Silver bullets?”

“Just about the silver part. Any bullet can kill us, but silver can prevent us from shifting.”

“You’re pulling my leg!” Kellar became instantly more animated, and half-turned in his seat.

“No,” Tobyn said, amused at Kellar’s reaction. “Seriously. It’s not a problem because shifters don’t wear jewelry for obvious reasons… rings and chains fall off or get broke… same with earrings and other piercings… but if you ever wore a silver necklace and didn’t remove it, you wouldn’t be able to change.”

“Holy shit. I never knew that. I wonder why it has that effect. Are you sure you’re not playing with me?”

Tobyn chuckled. “I swear to the great mother that it’s true. I recall listening to some of the old stories, and the worst ones told of wealthy lords who kept families collared with silver so they couldn’t change. They’d unlock those on the husbands and fathers so they could hunt game while they kept their families within the walls of their strongholds. We were nothing more than tools for them, and that was the life for most packs back then. Miss Sybil told me once about rebellions that happened where many of us were murdered attempting to escape, but sometimes enough made it to remote areas in small groups. They... we... were isolated, but we were free, and we lived that way for a few hundred years. Hunters, though, kept coming after us, picking us off in great numbers whenever they found a pack, so once ‘the new world’ opened up, many shifters made the trip. Apparently some great leader rallied the different packs to join and fight back, and make a better life in the Americas. I’m missing a lot of the story, but the end result was a mass exodus from Europe and the British Isles centuries ago. I’m sure there’s a lot more to it… we’re talking about the span of centuries here… but that’s all I remember. We really miss having a keeper. She would have been able to tell our history in great detail, but she died a long time ago.”

“Fuck! That’s incredible. There’s so much I have no clue about… this stuff needs to be written down by someone.”

“Yeah… but, we can’t. It’s too dangerous.”

“Not if it was written like fiction; a printed up and bound make-believe book. It’s all going to get lost without keepers. You wouldn’t know any of this if not for Sybil, and she’s a seer. Am I right?”

Tobyn had never looked at it in such a way before. “Yes, you are and I see your point. There’s a lot even I don’t know and that’s wrong. We can’t afford to lose our histories. I’m going to talk to Mom about this. The pack should reconsider how we look at everything now that all the old ways are disappearing.”

At his response, Kellar turned away again, and Tobyn was enveloped in a feeling from the man he couldn’t quite describe. Resignation, maybe, and sadness? Why the sudden change in mood? What had he said? The one fact that couldn’t be ignored was neither of them were even remotely happy. The sooner this was resolved, the better, no matter how much it was going to hurt.

“We’re here, doc. What do you think?” Kellar turned and smiled, and Tobyn understood he was putting on his best face. He would do the same.

“The lake is beautiful, man. I had no idea it was so freaking huge. It looks a little rough out there, though.”

“Yeah, it’s choppy today. I like it best when it’s calm and looks like a sheet of glass. It doesn’t happen often, though.” Small talk was good.

“Jeez, there’s a ton of people around, and I can count at least ten boats from here.”

“There are a lot more out on the lake system you can’t see. It’s a madhouse all summer long, and in winter there’s a lot of ice-fishing going on. We have forty huts we rent out. It’s damn good income for Morningstar. I work here whenever I can, and the thing I like most is a lot of our business is comprised of regulars who show up year after year.” More small talk, but it was working, and Tobyn started to relax for the first time since he’d walked out of Miss Sybil’s house.

They left the truck and strode toward the docks. Tobyn laughed when Kellar ran to stick his hand in the water; it was such a kid-like thing to do. He showed him the ins and outs of the business while they toured, introducing him to the shifters on site, and enjoying the reaction they had to the big man. He really was larger than life. It was such a pleasure to see how people were drawn to him as they made their way around the marina. Tobyn was reminded of the Pied Piper story he’d read as a kid.

Eventually they meandered up to the large campground, greeting the occasional happy, contented client. Kellar had relaxed as well, and the walk was again peaceful. “So, what do you think?” Tobyn asked.

“I think the pack has created a little bit of paradise here. The lake is amazing, and I like how all these campsites are secluded from one another. At the marina, I noticed some of the workers are tired, but I saw no serious health problems outside of inflamed joints in a few of the older ones.”

“Do you ever take time off from being a healer?”

“It’s who….”

“… I am,” Tobyn finished for him, and they both chuckled.

“I guess I’ve said that before, huh?”

“Yes, you have. You’re a pretty special person, Kellar Haylan.”

“Yeah?"

Tobyn nodded.

"Well, thanks… so are you, my friend. I… I love that you always put the pack ahead of yourself. I guess we’re not all that different. Like you said earlier... we both have to do whatever we feel we need to.” He stuck those large hands in his pockets and started to walk at a quicker pace, as if he was trying to escape the moment.

Fuck. So much for being relaxed. Tobyn was once again a storm of emotions as they made their way back to the truck. Fuck.

A big thank you to my editor, Timothy M., and to all those who read and support this story... thank you....
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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16 minutes ago, Albert1434 said:

Man I would love to give them both a damn good shaking and scream come to your senses:rofl:

I understand your frustration, Albert. Yet, there was a lot that happened in this chapter. I thought it was important to have Tobyn's POV for the last half of the chapter... he is really struggling to understand what's happening to him, but at least he is admitting to himself he might be falling in love. :) Cheers, my dear friend. :hug: 

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Well here I am Gary reading a... .cough, choke..... shifter story but it's good!  At chapter 14 and looking forward to your story.

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1 hour ago, LD Stratton said:

Well here I am Gary reading a... .cough, choke..... shifter story but it's good!  At chapter 14 and looking forward to your story.

Lol. It's an acquired taste. :P  Happy to hear you're enjoying it, buddy, and it keeps getting better... in my humble opinion.  Fourteen chapters and not a single 'like/reaction'? Man, you're a tough one. Cheers and thanks for leaving a comment, LD... G. :hug:  

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3 hours ago, Headstall said:

Lol. It's an acquired taste. :P  Happy to hear you're enjoying it, buddy, and it keeps getting better... in my humble opinion.  Fourteen chapters and not a single 'like/reaction'? Man, you're a tough one. Cheers and thanks for leaving a comment, LD... G. :hug:  

I'm so damn curious I have to read on and forget to 'like'. I'll try to do better. 💖

 

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27 minutes ago, LD Stratton said:

I'm so damn curious I have to read on and forget to 'like'. I'll try to do better. 💖

 

Thank you. :hug:  :kiss: 

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38 minutes ago, Story Reader said:

They hurt and I have a feeling that the hurt will be long until they find their happy place in life!

I tell most of story from Kellar's point of view, but I divided it up in this chapter, giving the last half to Tobyn. I think it was important for readers to get his thoughts... to feel his pain. You're right that both men are hurting. Tobyn figures he's got a crush on Kellar, but he doesn't want to accept it. Being gay wasn't in his plans, and he's seeing it as an obstacle to saving the pack. Yes, he's burying his head in the sand, but this is all really new to him. :(  Thanks, my friend... I'm reading this right along with you. :)  :hug: 

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Wow the talk with miss Sybil was just amazing and so much learned!

You build so many plans with in plan I just love it when you torture poor Tobyn I can't wait to see what comes of it!

I love this line. He knew exactly what had been bothering him. He was crushing on the big man in the worst way, and it seemed to get bigger by the minute… hell… by the second. so cool and if I may hopeful!

So many surprises for Tobyn yet to come, him not liking earth mates. So times you get what you ask for:yes:

I just loved the lake I wish I could camp there!

Thanks again Gary for a wonderful story:thankyou:💖:worship::2thumbs:

 

 

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56 minutes ago, Albert1434 said:

Wow the talk with miss Sybil was just amazing and so much learned!

You build so many plans with in plan I just love it when you torture poor Tobyn I can't wait to see what comes of it!

I love this line. He knew exactly what had been bothering him. He was crushing on the big man in the worst way, and it seemed to get bigger by the minute… hell… by the second. so cool and if I may hopeful!

So many surprises for Tobyn yet to come, him not liking earth mates. So times you get what you ask for:yes:

I just loved the lake I wish I could camp there!

Thanks again Gary for a wonderful story:thankyou:💖:worship::2thumbs:

 

 

I don't often do it, but I thought it was important to switch POVs halfway through this chapter. We had to know what Tobyn was going through. :(  The visit with Miss Sybil was important in more ways than one, and now both men are in their own quandaries. What you quoted shows how aware Tobyn is about his feelings for Kellar. He admits to loving him, and that has to be hard for someone who is so committed to the path he's on. Yeah, he has some surprises in store. :) 

The lake... and the whole grounds of Morningstar... is beautiful. I can picture every single thing about the place, and I'd like to live there too. :yes:

Thanks, Buddy. I'm truly enjoying this reread, thanks to you. :hug:   

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14 minutes ago, drpaladin said:

De Nile is a terrible river to attempt to navigate.

Lol. Yes, it is. I gave us Tobyn's POV partway into the chapter because I thought we needed to know how he was feeling about things. The man is a mess, and it is only his convictions and dedication that is keeping him on his path. Where will it take him? :huh:  

I was biding my time waiting to impart the information about how silver affects shifters. Their history is certainly a troubled one. :(  Hope you're enjoying this, Dr. P. Cheers! :hug: 

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The lack of a Keeper may explain why Tobyn is straitjacketed by his refusal to believe in earth mates and traditions of his culture. That he is thinking of ways to address the issue of a Keeper is encouraging.  I believe that lack of earth mates, and giving up gatherings out of fear are probable causal links in the emergence of the malaise (and possible solutions to its ending.)  Frustration was mentioned several times, so here is my homely analogy that expresses how I feel.  Watching these two struggle with their love is like looking at an egg hatch.  You eagerly anticipate the beginning, become excited when the first crack in the shell appears, anxious as you watch each attempt of the chick to break free, but you are so fascinated by the process you can't take your eyes off what is happening.  The only problem? It's going to take us a lot longer to see these break out of their shells than a tiny chick.  (How many more chapters until the road trip? 🤔)  However, I know we will all go, "Aaah, they are so cute," when it finally happens. (I warned you it was homely.)  

I'm still pondering the importance of silver as a clue. Also, reading your description of the lake made me realise that your talent at sensually placing your readers in setting is a long held skill.  I was enthralled.  I am also entrapped by this story.  Thanks Gary! ♥️

Edited by raven1
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5 hours ago, raven1 said:

The lack of a Keeper may explain why Tobyn is straitjacketed by his refusal to believe in earth mates and traditions of his culture. That he is thinking of ways to address the issue of a Keeper is encouraging.  I believe that lack of earth mates, and giving up gatherings out of fear are probable causal links in the emergence of the malaise (and possible solutions to its ending.)  Frustration was mentioned several times, so here is my homely analogy that expresses how I feel.  Watching these two struggle with their love is like looking at an egg hatch.  You eagerly anticipate the beginning, become excited when the first crack in the shell appears, anxious as you watch each attempt of the chick to break free, but you are so fascinated by the process you can't take your eyes off what is happening.  The only problem? It's going to take us a lot longer to see these break out of their shells than a tiny chick.  (How many more chapters until the road trip? 🤔)  However, I know we will all go, "Aaah, they are so cute," when it finally happens. (I warned you it was homely.)  

I'm still pondering the importance of silver as a clue. Also, reading your description of the lake made me realise that your talent at sensually placing your readers in setting is a long held skill.  I was enthralled.  I am also entrapped by this story.  Thanks Gary! ♥️

Entrapped? I like that. :D  Come into my lair... :) 

I love the speculation. This story does make us think, and it is really fun for me to watch as readers try to find answers. I love your analogy of an egg hatching. It works. And yes, you are right... it is more complicated than breaking an eggshell. Tobyn has some deeply entrenched notions, and you are right that the lack of a keeper has allowed him to formulate resentments to the histories... and to earth mates. 

I laugh at how many readers got frustrated that the road trip, once mentioned, didn't happen right away. It was rather fun for me. 

As far as silver, while I, from the outset, wanted to write something different form the usual, I wanted there to be some ties to old legends. The concept of collaring this race of good people is terrible, but haven't humans always been capable of such terrible things? 

Thanks for another thoughtful comment, my friend... I'm loving this... :hug: 

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Reading this chapter after the talk with Miss Sybil about Earth Mates, made a lot of the details of the chapter stand out.  Details a small as the changes in mood and emotions when one walks away or towards the other or larger like the fact they know how each other are feeling.  That Tobyn realized he is in love and believes in love at first sight, actually felt bittersweet.  Tobyn's talk with Kellar about Earth Mates took on a very different meaning to me.  Tobyn does believe in Earth Mates contrary to his statements.  I think he knows and understands that Kellar is his Earth Mate.  Part of his resistance to acknowledge this connection to Kellar is the dedication to the pack and his agreement with Tilly.  What I missed before is Tobyn is more than a little frightened of sealing the bond because of the experiences in the past with the Alpha's mate dying.  

One other detail that stood out was the end of Tobyn's explanation of shifter history regarding the use of silver to enslave shifter families.  

Quote

“Fuck! That’s incredible. There’s so much I have no clue about… this stuff needs to be written down by someone.”

“Yeah… but, we can’t. It’s too dangerous.”

“Not if it was written like fiction; a printed up and bound make-believe book. It’s all going to get lost without keepers. You wouldn’t know any of this if not for Sybil, and she’s a seer. Am I right?”

Is Kellar any relation to you Gary? Sure sounds a lot like you. :2thumbs:

Edited by raven1
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7 hours ago, raven1 said:

Reading this chapter after the talk with Miss Sybil about Earth Mates, made a lot of the details of the chapter stand out.  Details a small as the changes in mood and emotions when one walks away or towards the other or larger like the fact they know how each other are feeling.  That Tobyn realized he is in love and believes in love at first sight, actually felt bittersweet.  Tobyn's talk with Kellar about Earth Mates took on a very different meaning to me.  Tobyn does believe in Earth Mates contrary to his statements.  I think he knows and understands that Kellar is his Earth Mate.  Part of his resistance to acknowledge this connection to Kellar is the dedication to the pack and his agreement with Tilly.  What I missed before is Tobyn is more than a little frightened of sealing the bond because of the experiences in the past with the Alpha's mate dying.  

One other detail that stood out was the end of Tobyn's explanation of shifter history regarding the use of silver to enslave shifter families.  

Is Kellar any relation to you Gary? Sure sounds a lot like you. :2thumbs:

Lol... :X   I admit nothing, but I sure enjoyed writing that little piece. :D 

That point you missed about Tobyn being afraid of earth mates because of what happens when one dies is very key to who he is and how he handles things. He would prefer that part of shifter's legacy gone. Of course, that is a burying your head in the sand thing to feel. Still, he witnessed the demise of Fendral, who was so important to him, and it tilted his views immensely. 

Tobyn is turning himself onto knots over what he is feeling, but he is determined to stick to what he thinks is best for his pack. He's been on a mission, and any kind of movement off it is hard for him to entertain. 

Thanks for the great comment, Terry. Cheers! :hug: 

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Well, I just wish these two would wake up to the fact they need each other and always will!:heart: I can feel Earth Mother pushing them together wake up boys!

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Headstall

Posted (edited)

5 hours ago, Albert1434 said:

Well, I just wish these two would wake up to the fact they need each other and always will!:heart: I can feel Earth Mother pushing them together wake up boys!

I got really caught up in this chapter just now, and even did some editing of commas. :)  Both men are struggling, neither having experienced anything like this before, and I get the frustration. Can the earth mother steer their course? Hmmm. Thanks, buddy. :hug: 

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17 minutes ago, Dan South said:

Enjoyed the shift in POV!

I felt it was time we got Tobyn's POV. I think it helped us understand him better, and where he is at, and why he feels the way he does. Glad you appreciated that, Dan. :D  Telling an entire story from one POV is what I normally try to do now, but there are times the reader deserves that different perspective, straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak. :hug:  

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I have to admit that I was surprised by @Dan South' comment.  The shift in the POV was smooth and natural to the point that I didn't even notice it.  Tobyn is so entrenched in his responsibility to the pack, that although he seems to realize his bond with Kellar, he still plans to keep his commitment.  At some point Tobyn will reach a breaking point.  

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4 hours ago, raven1 said:

I have to admit that I was surprised by @Dan South' comment.  The shift in the POV was smooth and natural to the point that I didn't even notice it.  Tobyn is so entrenched in his responsibility to the pack, that although he seems to realize his bond with Kellar, he still plans to keep his commitment.  At some point Tobyn will reach a breaking point.  

Ideally, readers don't think about changes in POV. As much as I try to stick to one, at times it benefits the story to switch it up. Of course, the first chapter they meet was done in Tobyn's POV because it allowed me more freedom. I could have done it in Kellar's, but when weighed out, I chose Tobyn's voice. :) 

The insight into Tobyn's thoughts and feelings in this chapter let us understand him better. That's not to say readers aren't frustrated with his stance, but we can understand where it comes from... hopefully. :) 

Breaking point? Possibly... :X  

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