Give In To The Night

[shadow]

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A shadow crept along the dark undergrowth and ice. Kasumi, better known to some as The Black Mist had been tagging around the Koga Ninja Dog territory for quite a few days now, but only in the safety of the night. She knew that not too far off from here was where the dogs were located... yet she had not gotten the courage or piece of mind to go and talk to their leader yet. Her paranoia was overflowing her mind, making Kasumi expect only the worst outcomes for herself. Surely, they would not be so close-minded as to not let her be trained by them?

"Pull yourself together Kasumi," she growled to herself. She padded towards the edge of the territory, peering out over the horizon in a place where no one would be able to scent her from the inside of the territory. Of course, standing on guard was the same, gigantic canine that Kasumi had seen everyday she tried to enter the territory. She let out a faint growl, wondering just what he was up to. Surely, he had seen or scented her at least once the days she'd passed by. It seemed awfully strange that he didn't act upon it.

Strange enough to finally put poor Kasumi over the edge. It was about time she got the answers she needed. Besides, perhaps this giant lug would be able to take her to the alpha of the pack. An uneasy feeling settled at the pit of Kasumi's stomach, but she ignored it as she agilely leapt up to the trees. She jumped along them, careful to be as silent as possible, getting closer and closer to the giant dog keeping watch. Carefully, she waited for the male to move closer to the trees, her legs tensed and ready to leap out for action. A silent snarl escaped Kasumi's lips as the dog got up and started to idly walk towards her hiding spot....

***

Tzila let out a groan of annoyance. How much farther was Zehel going to be leading her? They'd been traveling almost nonstop since they took down that boar and made their ridiculous bet. "Really, why in the world would you take a job assassinating someone so far from your home?" Tzila complained. "It seems like a total waste of time. I don't see where you benefited from it. Eh? Zehel, are you listening?"

But the male Nin-ken was either ignoring her or focused on something else completely. His ears were up and alert, and his nose was sniffing the air wildly. Something else was here.... and obviously something Zehel didn't like. One moment before now, Tzila had been tired and complaining, but the thought of a new fight immediately revved her up. She grew silent and followed Zehel's gaze to the forest. Clearly, something was there.... and that something was most definitely canine....

[★Ryuujin★]

The sun had just barely set on the fourth day since they had left the spot of their meeting, sending a soft chill upon the wolf-dog as he padded through the snow. Many things weighed on the dogs mind, including the bet he had made with the female. Zehel was indeed quite confident with himself – how hard could living in a city be? Certainly the wild was more of a challenge – you had to hunt for your food, keep an eye out for bears, rival packs and other creatures that would be out for your hide and find ways to maintain yourself. Living in a city to Zehel, was having life handed to you on a silver platter. Sure, there was the threat of humans and their cars, but if you were careful enough, they were easy enough to avoid.

Despite having the concept of “never underestimate” pounded into his head all his life, Zehel may have been underestimating the situation he had gotten himself into. Then again, so had Tzila. He was sure that she had thought living as a Koga would be a piece of cake – but did she know about daily life for them? Training, hunting, rounds – it wasn’t always a walk in the part, but they did have fun too.

A small, rather sadistic smile graced Zehel’s maw at the thought of her learning. It would certainly benefit the female, and give him a good laugh. Seeing as how she complained when she climbed something as simple as a tree – this would certainly be good. Of course, he would help her out, but he couldn’t do everything for her, she wasn’t a pup after all. Then again, not even the pups of the Koga - when they came, wouldn’t have life on a silver platter. From the moment they would be able to stand, their training would start, for every Koga had to be ready to protect themselves.

"Really, why in the world would you take a job assassinating someone so far from your home?"

She really didn’t understand, did she? He was trying to reform the Koga pack, not to former glory, but to a glory of greater heights. He wanted their glory to rival that of Ohu – and to do so, they had to be there and ready when others needed them. Assassinating an imposter who was using the name of Ohu for evil purposes was one step on a staircase. Koga was rising indeed, as his nose told him. Scents of dogs from all over, of different shapes and sizes and breeds filled his nose as his maw parted, allowing him to collect more information in his new pack.

It made his pride swell, the thought of having his own pack, here, waiting for him to return.

"It seems like a total waste of time. I don't see where you benefited from it. Eh? Zehel, are you listening?"

Of course he had been listening, did she really expect a reply to every question she asked? It was common courtesy, he supposed, but how could he focus on everything she had asked when he had so many other things racing in his mind. Seeing his brother again, Kurogane and Fai – not to mention all the new faces, falling back into place in his pack where he belonged and even relaxing for the first time in weeks. Zehel felt a shudder run down his spine at the thought of actual relaxation. He couldn’t get it often, didn’t want it often – but after a long journey and a successful assassination – Zehel felt that he deserved it.

His concentration and thoughts were suddenly shattered as a new scent filled his maw, his eyes closing on the far away shape that he knew instantly was his brother. His tail wagged softly before he paused, every inch of him freezing almost instantly. Deep blue eyes worked their way up the tree he padded under, a warning growl escaped his maw as they landed on a rather shady looking dog above his brother. Normally, Zehel wasn’t one to just rush in without asking questions or taking a closer look – but to him, he had more than enough information than he needed. The dog above Raziel was hunkered down on a fairly low branch, a silent snarl on her maw.

Anything threatening his brother was more than enough of an excuse to attack. He would give his life for his brother, he would risk everything – he would kill every dog he had to – all to keep his brother safe. A deep snarl ripped through him as he bolted forward, every muscle in his body tensing as he pushed against the ground, soaring into the first tree of the line. His claws gripped the bark of the tree as he landed in the branches, hind paws meeting the same line with forepaws as he pushed off that branch and flew into the next tree, landing gracefully once again. Now above the female, he pushed against the branch he perched on with all his might and flew downward, slamming into the female.

They hit the ground hard, Zehel using her unprepared state to quickly pin her with a deep growl. His face was shadowed by the moon as he hovered over her, dark blue eyes almost glowing with the deep warning in his voice as he spoke coolly. “And what do you think you’re doing to my brother?”

[shadow]

Kasumi watched the dog before her, her bright blue eyes intent on where he was going to stop. He was close, but not quite close enough for her to leap out. Still, she was rethinking this situation. Attacking may not be the best course of action, especially when she was trying to get some training from these unique dogs. Regardless, Kasumi was still poised for attack, just in case she went with her gut feeling after all....

And of course, Kasumi really had no time to make up her mind, because a weight fell on top of her, sending her plummeting into the snow. She didn't have time to see if the large dog standing guard had noticed her, because her attention instantly snapped to her attacker, who had her pinned quite well.

I didn't hear him approach at all, Kasumi thought as she let out a defiant snarl. He must also be a ninja dog.

“And what do you think you’re doing to my brother?” the canine said smoothly. His tone was not of anger, but Kasumi could sense the bite behind his voice. Still... the she-dog was not going to be bested. This mutt wasn't the only one that knew how to fight....

"How do you even know I was going to do anything?" Kasumi retorted. Before Zehel could answer though, Kasumi kicked up with her back legs, making Zehel stumble. This of course gave the she-dog enough time to struggle out of his grip... rather ungracefully, but at least she was no longer so... vulnerable. Of course, because there were so many things going on at once, Kasumi didn't even notice the third dog appear from behind Zehel.

"Aye you bitch! Don't even try to attack ninja boy!" Tzila growled. "You've got a genuine legend standing in front of you."

"As do you," Kasumi replied smoothly. Her tail twitched in annoyance at the female. "I am known to many as The Black Mist. Now, don't make me fight you. I merely came here to--"

"Shut it. We could tell you were trying to attack that dog over there. Zehel's brother I presume. What do you have to say to that?" Kasumi snorted at that and then bared her teeth. She really didn't like this female. At all.

It didn't take long after that for Kasumi to be attacked again, this time by Tzila. Kasumi held her ground, and quickly dashed to the side, letting the other female fall to the snow. It was then that she turned her attention back to Zehel. Most normal dogs would see that Zehel was not forwardly attacking Kasumi, but to the she-dog, he was a threat. She wouldn't allow Tzila and Zehel to team up, because if they did, Kasumi would certainly be doomed. Kasumi didn't waste any more time thinking though, and rushed forward while Tzila regained her composure.

Zehel stood his ground, waiting for the chance to best Kasumi, and it came right as she was about to close in on him with her massive canines. He seemed to vanish into nothingness before her, and then reappear behind her, ramming her in the back and causing her to fall to the snow yet again. This time, when Zehel pinned her, she was face down, and could not use her legs to aide her in getting free.

"Serves you right!" Tzila exclaimed from a ways off. Kasumi let a deep snarl erupt from her throat, but said nothing in response. She was more interested in what Zehel was going to do to her.

Fortunately, or maybe unfortunately, the fourth and final dog joined the commotion. Raziel, the giant dog who had been at watch, finally rushed onto the scene. He hadn't wanted to interfere before, because he was torn on what to do: help his brother, or help the female he was infatuated with from afar. The choice was clear to him now though. With a burst of speed, Raziel tackled his own brother off of Kasumi, pinning him down in a similar fashion that he had done to the she-dog the first time around.

"It's okay Zehel," Raziel said in a kind voice. "I don't think she's a threat to us. She's been around here the last few days."

At that, Kasumi stared up at Raziel, her eyes surprised, but mostly suspicious. So, he did know she was wandering about. Why did he do nothing about it? Raziel got off of his brother, and glanced over his shoulder at Kasumi, letting out a rather goofy-toothed smile. Kasumi sat down in the snow with a huff and turned her gaze to the skies. Maybe he's just weird.

Raziel didn't stop to stare at Kasumi for very long, because the being in front of him was much more important at the moment. A huge grin made its way onto his face, from ear to ear, as he shouted, "ZEHEL! MY LITTLE BROTHER! I WAS WORRIED ABOUT YOU!"

He landed with a plop on top of the smaller ninja-dog, smothering him with his snout. Kasumi watched with a very confused and perplexed look, and Tzila started laughing so hard that she fell over backwards in the snow, kicking up her legs.

[★Ryuujin★]

Dark blue eyes focused on the female below him as she slowly came to realization that she was indeed caught and pinned. There was no excuse for attempting to attack his brother, no. Though, if the did manage to scrounge up a good excuse, he would be lenient on her. Though, if was a strong word.

"How do you even know I was going to do anything?"

Zehel narrowed his eyes at this. No reason for herself, not even an excuse. How arrogant was this female? He released a growl and opened his maw to speak as one of her hind legs lifted and caught him in the lower stomach. Pushing against her, Zehel lifted himself into the air to get away from her paw – he knew what claws could do to an unprotected underbelly, and he didn’t want to experience it firsthand. A deep rumble tore through Zehel as he focused on her again, watching her scramble out from under him rather ungracefully. He didn’t wait and watch long, as the moment she gathered herself onto her paws, Zehel was already prepared to attack again.

But, plans have this funny way of changing.

Rapidly.

"Aye you bitch! Don't even try to attack ninja boy!"

He froze, instantly. As much as he hated to admit it, in his plight, Zehel had forgotten that Tzila was with him. He shifted his gaze to fall on her as Kasumi addressed herself by her title. Legend, huh? Then how come he had never heard of her? Was she boasting something that didn’t exist to anyone but herself? No. The name had to come from somewhere, right? But it didn’t matter, not to him at least. A name is but a name, it didn’t matter in times like this where wit, strength and speed reigned. Words were cheap, and Zehel suddenly found himself wondering if the had the gut and power to back her mouth up.

He lowered himself to the ground, ready to leap at her again when a flash of black fur raced by him. No! Zehel stood up suddenly, maw parted slightly as Tzila raced at the other female. Her actions were brave, but in vain as she crashed into the snow, Kasumi standing inches aside from where she once was. A deep snarl tore through him at this. These feelings, where were they coming from? He usually only felt this way about his brother, occasionally Kurogane and Fai as well… but Tzila? A friend?

Blue eyes focused on his own and he held their gaze, his own blue eyes cold. As he had expected, she rushed at him suddenly, teeth bared. He stayed still, studying her movements, the way she carried herself when she attacked. Seeing her maw part, Zehel began to gently slide his paws in the snow, preparing himself. The moment she would have been on him, he pushed against the ground, leaping into the branches above. He wouldn’t allow her any time to recover, not with the possible danger she presented them with. If she continued on this path, Zehel would be resented to kill her, to protect his brother, and his pack. And, if she were lucky and didn’t fight, Zehel would make her death swift.

Leaping back down behind her, Zehel shifted his weight, using the motion from his jump to hit her to the ground and in moments, he once again had her pinned.
“Serves you right!”

Zehel couldn’t help but to let a small smile play with the corners of his lips. Part of him found this humorous, but the other part – the part that held him so reserved, told him it was dangerous. He laid his ears back as she snarled, “Your little show was admirable, but if you would have simply answered my question.

His head shot up as a rumbling grew closer to him, his brother running through the snow, straight toward him. Zehel curled his lip back suddenly as he looked fiercely at his brother. What the HELL was he doing? Opening his mouth to retort to his brothers actions, Zehel found his breath cut short as Raziel slammed into him. Zehel slid in the snow, belly up with a snarl, his lungs gasping for air. Instinct told him to get up as soon as he could, but instinct was beaten as his brother quickly pinned him. Ears laid back as he opened his eyes, looking up at his brother with a growl. “Get off of me!”

"I don't think she's a threat to us. She's been around here the last few days."

Zehel narrowed his eyes suddenly, feeling rather annoyed. “You could have told me that instead of trying to crush me! I CAN’T BREATHE!”Zehel pushed against Raziel with his forepaws as he got off of him, panting as he slowly sat up. His lungs burned. If his brother was good at anything, it was crushing. His massive size was all he needed in a battle. Fall on an opponent and they were surely done for.

"ZEHEL! MY LITTLE BROTHER! I WAS WORRIED ABOUT YOU!"

His ears suddenly rose as he looked at his brother, eyes wide. “Oh… oh no…” He moved to dash away, but was once again beaten to it as his brother plopped ontop of him. Zehel released a groan as he struggled to get out from underneath his brother as he was nearly nuzzled to death. “I uh…” he managed to get out between gasps for air, “I missed you too, Raziel.”

[shadow]

“I uh…” Zehel managed to get out between gasps for air, “I missed you too, Raziel.”

Raziel's grin grew ever wider and he nuzzled his brother affectionately, pushing him deeper into the snow. Tzila, being the sadist that she was, could not stop laughing at the scene before her. Really, this was just too good. A ninja being crushed by what looked like a giant oaf. Still, looks were not everything. Tzila knew that well. She was a prime example of that herself anyway. Raziel was probably a great fighter in his own regard, as beat up as he did look.

Kasumi on the other hand was not amused, but not unamused. This was... odd. Very odd. Never in her life had she seen such affection, but at the same time, a torture technique. It was... perplexing. Was he trying to suffocate Zehel or greet him? The more Raziel pushed his little brother into the ground, the more Zehel choked on air. It finally got to the point where Kasumi was sure that if this went on, there might actually be some damage done to the smaller dog's bones. "Uh," she spoke up, her voice not threatening for once. Raziel's ears pricked at the sound, and immediately his eyes fixated on the she-dog. She stared at him for a few moments, her eyes betraying thorough confusion before saying, "I think you might want to get off of him. He's gonna suffocate in the snow...."

She trailed off, staring at the ground and lowering her ears slightly. This was... awkward somehow. Kasumi couldn't really describe just how, but.... it was. Talking to other dogs as if they weren't a threat was new for her. It took absolutely all of her willpower to not let her paranoia show through.

Raziel blinked several times before everything Kasumi said went through his thick skull. Suddenly, he leapt off of Zehel, exclaiming apologies over and over again. Even after all these years, Raziel had forgotten how much larger he was then everyone else. For some reason, he had gotten a mutated growth gene... or something. That combined with his weight made him all the more threatening, especially when.... sitting on people.

"Uh," he said again after Zehel got to his feet. "Sorry Zehel." Zehel shot Raziel an unamused glance before shaking the snow off of his fur. The elder of the two brothers shot out another huge grin before remembering that they had more company then just each other. "Whoops, how very un-alpha like of me," he muttered. Kasumi nearly face faulted at that. He was an alpha?! He did not fit the picture. Well, his looks did, but surely not his personality. "What's your name?"

Kasumi didn't respond, unaware that the question was directed at her. She glanced over her shoulder back at the forest. Was it really worth her time to be here? She quickly shook off those thoughts though, as she knew exactly why she needed to be here. She needed the training of the ninja dogs if she wanted to stand a chance against her old owner.

"Uh, miss?" Raziel tried again, this time prodding Kasumi with his paw. Kasumi, who had been too busy lost in thought, did not even see the large male approach her. She leapt back, immediately ready to get into another battle. A deep snarl erupted from her chest. Raziel was taken aback. This female was... certainly on edge. Didn't she realize that they weren't going to do anything? Perhaps just talking was not good enough to show that he wasn't threatening. He was rather huge....

"I'm not going to do anything," Raziel tried again. Kasumi let out another defiant snarl. How was she to know that? The co-alpha of the ninja dogs let out a sigh before dropping his weight and falling to the snow. He rolled over, showing his belly; he was submitting. "I don't really feel like fighting with you."

Kasumi blinked, her vicious demeanor leaving her all at once. Was he insane? What kind of alpha submitted to a random dog on their territory? No....What kind of dog randomly submitted just because they could? Still, the sign was clear. He was not trying to be threatening. Kasumi understood that much.

"Don't insult me," she muttered. "If you're an alpha, act like one. I came here for a reason."

Raziel smiled, and got up immediately, his stump of a tail wagging, "I'm not the only alpha here. I'm just the more playful one of the two. Right Zehel?" Tzila, snickered to herself, knowing this would be a great way to make fun of ninja-boy later. Her attention shifted however, when the older brother spoke up again. "I'm Raziel," he started. "What's your name?"

Kasumi took a step back, still clearly nervous to be around so many dogs. Were they really being genuinely friendly? Still, she shook her head. If she let her doubts get to her now, she would never get anywhere. She needed this to settle her vendetta. "I'm Kasumi," she replied emotionlessly.

"Pretty name," Raziel responded almost immediately. Kasumi was once again taken aback, but did not say a word as he turned to address Zehel and the other female. "And I see you have a new friend, eh Zehel?"

The question behind his tone was clear, even to Tzila. She couldn't help but chuckle to herself at the prospect, but she was curious as to how Zehel would respond before she introduced herself.

[★Ryuujin★]

Feeling himself further pressed into the snow by his brother’s strange affection, Zehel growled. He tried to speak to Raziel, to tell him to get off before he killed him, but he found himself lacking the air in his lungs to do so. He was doomed, unless if his new friend, Tzila, decided to help him. But, of course she wouldn’t, she was too busy laughing at him. Figures. And Zehel had no plans on Kasumi helping him, especially after he had just pounced on her. Not just once, but twice. He certainly wouldn’t help him if he were her.

But to his surprise, she piped up, causing his ears to raise, blue eyes focusing on her.

"I think you might want to get off of him. He's gonna suffocate in the snow...."

Studying the female, Zehel suddenly became rather curious. This female had been wandering around his pack for days now, or so his brother had said, and his brother had been watching her yet, he did nothing? Why? Of course he had told them all to be welcoming of strangers and newcomers, but he didn’t say not to do anything. If the female had been around for that long, wouldn’t his brother have confronted her. He was sure he would have if she were any other dog. That was it. Any other dog… this dog, was a female, and his brother hadn’t confronted nor touched her. Then, when Zehel took action, his brother seemed oddly protective of her.

A wicked smirk suddenly played on Zehel’s maw. How sweet… Oh yes, he had figured it out, it wasn’t that hard to do, especially since this was his brother he was talking about, he knew him better than any other dog around.

His brother, had a crush.

Finally released from his brothers crushing presence, Zehel pulled himself out of the dog shaped imprint in the snow, lungs once again burning for air. But this time, he didn’t mind it, no, he was more focused on the fact that his brother was falling all over this female, as it seemed. Words of apologetic standards reached his ears, half of them floating right past, blocked out by thoughts.

“Uh. Sorry Zehel.”

Narrowing his eyes, Zehel shot a rather unamused look at his brother as he stood up, feeling the blood rushing to his limbs. The sudden feeling made his legs shake a little, but unaffected strength to stand none the less. Finding his center balance, he shook the excess snow from his pelt before stretching his squished muscles, listening in to the exchange his brother made with the female. Or rather, attempted.

She seemed almost paranoid, he didn’t blame her, betting that it was because of him. One couldn’t blame Zehel for acting the way he did though, his brother was all he had left, he couldn’t afford to lose him. But, it was in the next moment that sealed his suspicions of his brother having a crush, and surprised the hell out of him. He watched, wide eyed, as his brother went belly up to the female. Was his brother insane? Laying his ears back, Zehel let out a soft growl. They barely knew this female, and here his brother was, submitting to her? WHAT THE HELL? She could easily tear into him at any moment!

Thankfully, she didn’t even make a threatening move to his brother, lucky for her. Zehel wouldn’t have hesitated to make his move if her lip had even twitched back to reveal an inch of her fangs.

"I'm not the only alpha here. I'm just the more playful one of the two. Right Zehel?"

Zehel released all malicious thoughts from his mind, returning to his stoic being as he nodded. “Co-alpha’s… if you will. Though, I seem to do more of the dutiful work.” The teasing was clear in his voice as he gently poked his brothers side. He could feel himself starting to relax already. Making note of her name as she spoke it, he couldn’t help but to snicker softly as Raziel complimented her name. Oh yes, he could totally use this later, though it was against his character, he couldn’t help but to tease his older brother now and then.

"And I see you have a new friend, eh Zehel?"

Looking at his brother, blinking a couple times, Zehel found himself feeling slightly lost. Friend? Turning his head to face Tzila, Zehel mentally kicked himself. Lost in the thoughts of teasing his brother, being crushed into the snow and the “introductions”, he had forgotten about her. Laying his ears back, he couldn’t help but to feel a little guilty for doing so. In turn, he stood up and padded over to her clearing his throat. “Raziel… This,” He shot a quick look to the female next to him before looking back at his brother, “This is Tzila.”

[shadow]

“Raziel… This,” He shot a quick look to the female next to him before looking back at his brother, “This is Tzila.”

"The Shadow Of Shibuya," Tzila finished. Raziel let out an honest smile at the title, but didn't comment on it, much to Tzila's disappointment. Besides that, Zehel hand't reacted in an amusing way at all, which made the female even more ticked then usual. Well, maybe not. This was Tzila we're talking about after all. She was always angry about something or another anyway.

"And what brings you ladies here?" Raziel asked, turning and looking at Kasumi again. The other female shifted uncomfortably in his intense stare, but managed to let out a grumble. "What was that?" Raziel asked.

Kasumi looked up, her eyes filled with fury and determination, enough to make her look as if she was ready to attack again, and yes, she felt the urge to leap forward at these mutts again, but she held it back. She needed their help. Badly. "I came to ask the Ninja Dogs for help," she repeated in a steady voice. "I need training in your arts."

Raziel nodded, and then turned to Tzila, "And you?"

Tzila smirked, her tail twitching in absolute amusement at what she was going to say, "I came to cream your little brother in a bet we made."

"A.... bet?" Raziel asked, blinking at Zehel. "That's... new." Regardless of his surprised answer, a lightbulb went off in Raziel's head about Tzila and Zehel. Perhaps it wasn't a clear attraction yet, but there was something there.... definitely. Perhaps they just needed a little push in the right direction. A vile smirk came over Raziel's features as he concocted a plan.... After several moments, he shook off the feeling of mischief, and let out a chuckle, "Good luck Ms. Shadow Of Shibuya. My brother is pretty crafty."

Tzila snorted, but didn't respond. Despite everyone's doubts in her abilities to beat Zehel, she was not discourage... rather, she was annoyed. Honestly, she couldn't wait to see the ninja dog padding along beside her squirm on the streets and choke in the smog. A smirk made its way to her lips as she lost herself in blissful thoughts of sadistic challenges he would have to meet.

Kasumi meanwhile padded along beside Raziel, her mind racing. She was being led into a territory... with other canines! It had been so long since she had been in such a large group.... the last time was during the days she was The Black Mist. Idly, Kasumi remembered that her long lost brother, Kiki, could be among the pack. He had said something about going to train before he left, and what better place to go then here. The problem though, was remembering his smell, his sight, anything. He'd escaped her master's clutches early in her puphood.

"Look for blue eyes," she muttered aloud to herself. "Mom's blue eyes."

"What was that?" Raziel asked. Kasumi jumped, suddenly aware that she had been talking to herself. With an embarrassed huff of air, Kasumi muttered something as an excuse, but it was unintelligible. Raziel smiled warmly, but underneath his gaze was a far off look. He too remembered his mother, though, his memories were not the fondest. She too, had striking eyes. In an attempt to comfort Kasumi, Raziel stated, "Our mother walked these lands in her youth. Our father too, but he is long gone."