alright 2 days passed... I want this thread LOL
Toad gazed on, ears perked forward intently, gaze hungry. Easthollow. It was the place Merrick had told him of, their enemies, just beyond the territory- a threat to them and their peace within this place. A bug that needed to be stomped. Many would've desired power in a pack, but Toad was not one of them; being a pawn in a great plan brought him joy. He was eager to assist, even if it meant putting himself at risk- that was what purpose meant, right? Having something worth putting your life on the line for.
How do you plan to do it? Something specific?
He inquired conversationally, gaze settling somewhere in the distance as if ready to imagine whatever the king would describe.
note to self: big tree discovery thread
Old man. Children. Toad was not one for fancy words or pleasant manners, nor was he one for mindless bloodshed- and so he was Merrick's hound, ready to do whatever the leader wished. But the dark man made it clear which he preferred- and Toad prepared himself mentally once again, knowing such things would require the ability to shatter his moral compass.
Merrick quieted then, and Toad felt his soul become heavy with the screaming thoughts that he tried to brush into shadowed corners. No more. Something lighter, then, after a moment of silence-
Do you know this whole territory well? I mean, um- you- you're from here, right?
He questioned this time, thinking back to Merrick's words of the old king that had reigned since he was a child. If not here, then certainly nearby.
So he knew it well, but like a distant memory, washed away in some places by time and the changing seasons. Of course the land was bound to change over time too- Merrick was about two years old; Toad wondered how many storms and fires and whatever else the earth might conjure had wracked this place since his birth. A place he did recall: and Toad nodded eagerly, Sure. Lead the way?
He offered, falling into step behind Merrick.
let's pretend toad is creative LOL
There stood a great tree. Toad was no born naturalist, but that was something that would certainly be impressive to anyone- entangled roots hid spaces beneath them, and while some great branches stretched high upwards, others fell heavy to the ground with the weight of years and years.
Merrick looked to him, speaking of a name.
Toad's jadegreen gaze flickered back to the great tree, studying it for a moment.
Omen... Omensong,
Toad suggested in a murmur, shifting his focus back to his dark companion. The boy wasn't especially the edgy type, but he thought a name like this might appeal to his leader...