The Blind Guardian (Fallon and Saurugol)

Fallon allowed his agile body to swerve through the other pack members of Havir. He could smell each distinct scent, but one stood out the most, Saurugols'. He approached the alpha with confidence, holding his head high. He was all proud and cocky, up until the moment he could hear the alpha breathing and was standing in front of him. Fallon paused, quickly lowering his stance to a better, safer state of submission. "I would like to talk to you...about Gaurdian duties..." He stammered quickly and shyly.

It was a busy day in Havir. Pack mates were hurrying around camp, preparing for an upcoming storm that lingered on the horizon. Saurugol himself was busy moving a large branch from the camp’s floor to clear it way before it was hidden under the snow. He would not like a packmate to step or trip on the hidden object.

A snow white pack member made his way toward Saurugol, and the golden Alpha paused, placed the branch on the ground, and turned to face the confident youngster. It was Fallon, a young member of Havir. The male shrank into submission under Saurugol’s stony amber gaze, stating his purpose.

Saurugol frowned thoughtfully. Fallon had been taken in by his former Beta, Hravn, before he disappeared. The impression Fallon made on Saurugol’s close childhood friend whom he trusted greatly convinced Saurugol to accept Fallon as well. But for Fallon to take on a physically taxing task like a Guardian was not what the Golden Alpha expected from the blind male. ”You would like to take up the task of a Guardian?” Saurugol asked, his voice asking for an explanation.

Fallon paused, breathing heavily before lifting his stance to appear stronger. Future guardians are not weak. "Yes sir." He nodded, breathing the crisp air through his nose. He could feel the tingle of the gaze from Saurugol. He backed up a few steps, cocking his head to the side. "That is after, I grow some more, and finish learning the edges of the territory." He responded.

Saurugol watched the white wolf doubtfully, but then Fallon lifted his head, changing his stance to appear stronger and more steady. Saurugol lifted his narrow head, looking down at the small male curiously. There was a spark in Fallon’s expression that made Saurugol wonder….

Saurugol was never one to sugar coat a situation, ”You are aware of your disability, Fallon. These lands are not kind to those with weaknesses.” Saurugol paused. To hinder the boy would condemn him forever to a life where he could never reach his full potential, where he would lay in the den site in boredom and misgivings, always wondering what his destiny could have been. Saurugol had to give him the chance to prove himself. The Gods had delivered him to Havir. Surely he was delivered for a reason.

But Saurugol would be careful, reluctant to allow the blind male to leap headlong into a task as dangerous as a Guardian’s. ”Very well, Fallon. I trust that the Gods will guide you along your desired path. But you understand that we must proceed with caution. I shall speak to Fume. We shall give you individual training to assist you in overcoming your disability.” Saurugol wondered whether his training should be with just one mentor, but Saurugol did not want him to be restricted. All Guardians must be aware of their brethren's handicap and be able to fight alongside him as effectively as possible. The training of Fallon would be a pack wide effort. ”Do you understand?” Saurugol asked.

Fallon's white coat flickered through the wind, and his expression was filled with joy. "My disability, shall not hinder how much I will put into this training." He shook his head in joy. "I understand that Bears, and other packs, and loners would all pounce and kill me the first chance I show weakness." He began to go on and on about how dead he would be if he appeared weak, and if his blindness hindered his survival. He paused, taking a gasp of fresh air. "I will stand tall from now on." He gave a slight smirk to Saurugol.

"Speaking to Fume, and any others about training me would be a gift from the gods. I fully understand the chances of me becoming a full guardian." Fallon tried to keep a calm expression, but the twitching happiness seemed to beem out his face.

Saurugol let himself smile at the juvenile's joy. He was even more sure he had made the right decision now. It could be dangerous for Fallon, but with the right training and with careful guidance Saurugol had faith that the Gods would guide the young male along his path.

Saurugol nodded, pleased that Fallon understood the challenges he would face. ”Yes. It will not be easy. Not at all. But Adezevah has lead you to Havir for a reason. Let us see where your path leads next. Allow me to speak to Fume about your training. In the mean time try to meet some of the current Guardians and get comfortable with them. You will soon know them well.”

Fallon nodded, his small tufts of white on his face bounced up and down each head shake he gave. He stood up from his scared stance, and stood tall. Although he was a lanky juvenile, he showed possibilities to be strong and agile. I, thank you and the gods. I won't let you down." With a smile spread clear across his face Fallon leaned in to nuzzle Saurugol.

The Alpha accepted his nuzzle with the small smile still on his face. He knew that Fallon would not let him down. He had a long road ahead, but with the Gods by his side, anything was possible.