A Wolf's Howl, A Fairy's Wing

Just as he left the palace, someone caught up with him. It was Enkai.

"Erik!" he greeted to get his attention as he jogged up to him from behind.

Erik looked over his shoulder and halted in his steps. "Hey, old man," he greeted back, a curious eyebrow raised. "What can I do for you?"

Enkai's powerful body came to a stop next to him. As usual when not in combat, he wore traditional Maasai clothing. Two pieces of red shuka cloth covered his body, one around the waist, and one across the right shoulder. Several beaded decorations also hung from his neck.

His skin dark and hair black, he wore a short, well-trimmed beard beneath a pair of brown eyes, the signature colour of werelions.

Although his status as a third-ranked Runebound had straightened out any wrinkles, his age remained obvious in his eyes. He'd likely been just about to pass down Audumla's medallion when the awakening came around, having been on the verge of being too old to progress past the first rank, like Naeku's grandparents.

Enkai greeted him with a not unfriendly nod. Although he still didn't like the concept of Erik's rapid rise to power, especially considering his young age, he also had little to criticise him for.

"Before I get to that, how's Naeku?" he asked, a bit of anxious concern in his voice. Despite the lack of blood ties, he was as good as family to Naeku and her family.

"She's fine, old man," Erik answered, a small, teasing smirk appeared on his lips. "I assume you can do without the details of last night?"

Enkai's nose wrinkled in disgust. "Brat…" he growled. "I hope for your sake you treated her well…"

"You can ask her later," Erik chuckled, knowing there was no way he would. "She's resting now, though. I convinced her to meet with Nobuntu and Kudzai, which took a lot out of her."

Instantly, a frown appeared on Enkai's brow. "How did that go?" he asked, his voice deep with concern.

With pursed lips, Erik shrugged. "About as well as could be expected, I guess…" he said, and started telling Enkai the details of what happened.

When he was done, Enkai sighed and nodded. "Do you think a visit from Ankhur will help?"

Erik nodded back. "Couldn't hurt, I think. I was going to tell him later. Naeku will probably be asleep for a few more hours."

"Good," Enkai agreed. "I think that's for the best."

As they talked, Erik had continued walking, and Enkai came alongside him. It was getting to be late in the evening, but the streets of Enkare Nkai were still busy, as most people were enjoying their free time socially.

As they engaged in the bustling streets, Erik's and Enkai's imposing figures were easily recognisable. Erik, especially, stood out, as he still wore nothing to cover his chest, and his skin was pale even for a European. Most Enkarians kept a respectful distance, even nodding or lightly bowing, while others actually came up to them with gifts of food and drink.

Erik was becoming increasingly used to this kind of treatment, and he enjoyed it—not just because he was getting respect, but because he felt like he earned it. Both he and Enkai basked gracefully in the people's admiration.

"Anyway," Enkai continued, after their conversation about Naeku dried up, "I want to talk to you about something."

"Go ahead," Erik nodded, having expected this.

Enkai sighed. "The thing is, some of the more influential family's children have been missing for over a day now. They were not present during the ceremony yesterday, and haven't turned up yet." His face darkened a little. "My, uhm, my son is among them."

Erik raised an eyebrow. "You have a son? I don't think I've had the pleasure yet."

Enkai immediately noticed Erik didn't seem particularly concerned about the missing people, so he narrowed his eyes for a moment. Still, he quickly relaxed again. "We… don't get along so well," he sighed reluctantly. "I made some mistakes in the past, and—"

Suddenly, he shook his head and glanced at Erik at his side. "But that's not important right now… I'm hoping you can help track these kids down…" a flash of suspicion appeared in his eyes, "…or maybe you have some information already…?"

Erik smiled lightly at his insinuation as he continued walking. They passed through the heavily populated areas of the city and reached the outskirts. The city was truly massive, and currently, only about a third of it was populated. Most of the citizens congregated in the area between the palace and the main gate.

"Don't tell me anyone thinks I had something to do with this?" Erik asked innocently as Enkai started to wonder where they were even going. "Did the disappeared not like me?"

Enkai looked at Erik sombrely as he became increasingly certain Erik was involved somehow. "Well, that's the weird thing, I suppose…" Enkai muttered, his eyes narrowed. "Only young people disappeared, and they were all either your supporters or your critics. Only those without a firm opinion either way are still there, having no idea where some of their friends went."

"I see," Erik answered, smiling mysteriously. "Admittedly, this is probably related to me, although I don't really know the details."

"Colour me surprised…" Enkai grumbled under his breath.

"Hmm?" Erik hummed as if he hadn't heard every word.

"Nothing…" Enkai sighed, before putting a hand on Erik's shoulder to stop him. Turning to look at Enkai, Erik raised an eyebrow.

"They are coming back, are they not…?" Enkai growled with a hint of a threat. Although a little estranged, he'd fight Erik to the death if anything happened to his son.

"Well, like I said, I don't know the details," Erik smiled, unconcerned with Enkai's threatening tone. "But I believe I'm about to go to where they are, so why don't you come with me the rest of the way?"

Enkai stared at him sombrely for a moment longer… then released his shoulder and nodded. "Fine…"

They continued walking, and Erik raised an eyebrow. "So… is your son a supporter or a critic?" he asked, curiously.

Enkai took a moment to respond, as if reluctant. Finally, he grumbled softly, "A supporter… I think it started off as a way to defy me back when I was particularly opposed to your presence, but it became more earnest with time."

A teasing smirk appeared on Erik's lips as he glanced at the man beside him. "Back when…?"

"Hmpf," Enkai snorted grumpily. "You haven't been as bad as I expected yet, and that's all I'll say…"

Erik chuckled. "I'll take it. I know your opinion is important to Naeku, so I want us to get along."

"Not important enough to stay away from you…" he grumbled under his breath once again.

"Hmm?" Erik hummed again.

"Nothing…" Enkai sighed.

"I see," Erik nodded.

It was silent for a few seconds, until Erik raised an eyebrow. "So… supporters and critics, huh? I was under the impression the families generally approved of me."

"Hmpf," Enkai snorted dismissively. "The family elders approve of being alive, you mean. Plus, they've realised your presence changes little to the status quo of power in the kingdom, and they're happy with that. It's just that the young ones, like you, are a little more rambunctious."

Ignoring that jab at his age, Erik smiled and nodded without a care in the world.

They walked for a little while longer, in silence now, until they entered a truly abandoned area of the city. Here, Erik walked up to a seemingly empty, stone building and stopped. "Here we are…"