Death's Vulfs

Of the same pack but not the same litter, Rayva and Salan stalk the twisting corridors of the Tunnel of Memories, hounding spirits to Death's Judgment. Rayva the elder, Salan the younger, they walk together as Light and Darkness.

~excerpt from The Forest Temple by Acolyte Ler Ama

Research:
Death's Vulfs

by reseracher Yvazhare

In this Research Document:

all images by Shanda Nelson
unless otherwise stated

Attributes

The vox is often considered the symbol of Death, since it is the only known animal to naturally inhabit both Talis and the Evenacht. However, Rayva and Salan are nearly as popular, and perhaps more important, since they are the Guardians of the Tunnel of Memories.
Nature raised Rayva and Salan for Darkness, meaning for them to act as protectors against his predecessor and enemy, Rezenarza. They became a shield against the Beast, who hated them with passion. In time, they took on other roles in the Forest Temple.
Rayva is a patchwork of white, dark brown and black, with hints of gold through her fur; Salan is as black as night. The coloring is intentional; Rayva, in ancient Aristar, means "Light", and Salan, in island Bo, means "Darkness". They, as the syimlin for which they are named, walk together through the mist-shrouded forests of Talis.

orig canine photo Jusdevoyage, Unsplash

The vulfs:

• are shoulder height to Darkness (who is taller than average)
• have long legs and large paws
• fangs longer than a normal vulf's
• stronger, craftier and more intelligent than other vulfs
• very shaggy, prompting lots of brushing
• have Gift of Life, so immortal
• they may have a mantle, but if so, no one knows what it is

In the past, Rayva and Salan used their size and strength to scare spirits into the Tunnel and intimidate warriors who brought battle to the Forest of Death. In the present, they accompany the Champions of Darkness on patrol when they want to go for a walk, but otherwise keep to the Temple and the Tunnel.
While uncommon, attendees glimpse them at syimlin functions, like the ascendancy of a high priest or the blessing of a new temple.

Nature has Gifted Rayva and Salan with Change. Normally used by fauns to shift into animal forms, the vulfs use the Gift to alter their size. Depending on the spirits who traverse the Tunnels, they are tall and menacing, or small and cuddly puppies. They are especially gentle with the ghosts of children, and have been known to play hide-and-seek to the Seat of Judgment or carry them on their backs for a fun ride.
They have special carry baskets for babies and bypass the Tunnel to deliver them to the Finder custodian at the Evengates.

Guardians of the Tunnel

While Rayva and Salan were primarily protectors of Darkness, during the Beast's reign they accepted another task; that of Guardians of the Tunnel.
The Beast was not a fair judge, as apt to punish spirits who did not deserve it as he was to take the worst offenders as minions. To combat the corruption, Darkness created a new ghostly judgment; the Tunnel of Memories. He designed it as a test of spirits and sent only those who deserved punishment on to the Seat of Judgment. The rest either entered the Evenacht, or, if their living selves committed horrendous acts, Darkness himself carried out their afterlife punishment rather than let the Beast honor them.
As he had other duties beyond guiding ghosts to the Forest Temple, Rayva and Salan became the Guardians, ushering spirits into the tunnel, then chasing them to either Judgment or the Evengates.

The Beast hated Rayva and Salan, who returned it with gusto. He often attempted to harm them, retrieving his giant axe and swatting at them when they accompanied Darkness to his seat of power.
The vulfs, too quick and crafty to fall to his attacks, would often streak past his defenses and snag something from him of import; a jewel from his belt or dangling necklace, or honorary staves right from his fingers. Furious after years of failure, the Beast stopped wearing ostentatious adornments to Judgments, knowing he would lose his beautiful decorations if he did so.

Erse Parr

Once Erse Parr donned the mantle of Death, Darkness stayed more often at the Forest Temple, taking up traditional responsibilities the Beast had usurped. Rayva and Salan stayed with him, continuing their Guardian duties.
Death grew fond of them, and they loved her in return. She saw them as valuable assistants in an overwhelming job, and appreciated their company, especially during difficult Judgments.
In time, they spent as much time with Death as they did with Darkness, so much so that they became symbols of both syimlin.

Ancient ghosts who died before the creation of the Tunnel of Memories think of Rayva and Salan as strong, protective vulfs who represent the friendship of Darkness and Light. Most did not have contact with them before reaching the Evengates, so their impressions come from religious texts.
Younger ghosts who died after the creation of the Tunnel think of Rayva and Salan as terrifying creatures who are their introduction to death. They not only force the deceased to relive their memories, but they also herd them to the Seat of Judgment to meet the most terrifying syimlin--Death.
So, despite being guardians of Darkness, they have transitioned in the popular imagination into Death's enforcers. They represent her Will and Justice, for they never allow the willfully evil to go unpunished.

Rayva and Salan are very much into being petted. When favored visitors enter the temple, they will bring them a brush and patiently wait until they are brushed/petted. They will follow beings who have not brushed them when they wished, whining and using sad puppy eyes until the guilt trip becomes too much to bear. They've even brought Death the brush during judgments, and refuse to leave even when she demands it.

Rayva and Salan love Light. Light is allergic to their fur.
They still bring him the brush. He still brushes them, with sneezes and a drippy nose. Often, they feel guilty afterwards, and bring him small gifts as apology.
He has saved every twig, stone, and feather, and dried the flowers. He keeps them in a special display in his room at the Jero Senae Temple on Talis.