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+--- Thread: Starglow Basin that long black cloud is comin' down (/showthread.php?tid=66195)
that long black cloud is comin' down - Riddle - July 30, 2025
Note: A few days following this. Evening of August 2nd, ish.
From afar this place had appeared to shine like starlight in the dawn. By the time he'd crossed to meet the presumed second oasis, he saw the truth of it. The sun had set at this point, and the micah in the earth no longer glittered like the most refreshing of waters. A trick by nature herself, his father might've cajoled with him. Riddle was unamused—but there was nothing to be done about it, really. He couldn't exactly summon water by the force of his will alone.
Besides, he thought, looking beyond the saguaro keeping his company, to the darkening sky: at least I get to sleep beneath all'a that.
It looked as if the glittering of the earth had died down, certainly, but to Riddle's estimation it was as likely those tempting lights had lifted free of moorings, perhaps gone to dance along the igneous horizon as they settled for the night, above. He couldn't summon water, but for a moment he could imagine that the stars now flickered awake for him as consolation.
RE: that long black cloud is comin' down - Arslan - July 30, 2025
On occasion the wanderings of the lion brought him back to the basin Verapaz once called home. He had liked it far better than the pass, yet he understood why the pack had opted to move. There was water to drink, land for the green, and it was closer to the other packs that they relied on for business - though Arslan often worried that would bite them down the road.
He was not alone tonight, a figure stood as a silhouette in the moonlight. He had to wonder if it was a lost member returning, but upon closer inspection there was nothing he recognised about this one. Maybe they were just a scavenger.
Find anything worth keeping?He opted to call out, tail managing a single swish before lifting.
RE: that long black cloud is comin' down - Riddle - July 31, 2025
The long midnight walk would have to wait. There was a voice in the dark. As he drew closer, the face of a man came in to focus. The darkness gave way to a leonine figure which Riddle easily compared to some kind of hellcat. He drew a breath, figuring his mind was playing tricks beneath these stars. It was only a man.
Can't eat the dark.
Riddle relaxed a bit. Although he didn't know hide nor hair of this stranger, he chose to trust this wasn't some foolhardy ambush. The night was too quiet to suspect anything nefarious.
Gatherin' the little things. Y'know? Those are what really matter.
He smiled wide, then considered that the darkness could hide a lot.
RE: that long black cloud is comin' down - Arslan - July 31, 2025
This one wasn't as aggressive or obviously nefarious as the others Arslan had met on his nighttime wanderings, somewhat of a disappointment, but he talked a little funny in a way that almost reminded him of Beau.
Fair enough, cowboy.
After a brief pause, Arslan opted for an inspection of the stranger; a hop, skip, jump, for a quick circle of him to decide what he thought. He was certainly big, seemed to be taken care of.
Where did you come from, ah? Not very many wolves in the lowlands anymore.Except Verapaz. It was undeniably quiet these days.
RE: that long black cloud is comin' down - Riddle - August 01, 2025
I noticed.He replied.
Been traveling a while myself, from a place pretty much like this. Bit more tree, though not many. More people for sure.Riddle considered all that had been left behind. He didn't stop a bit of emotion to creep through his voice as he spoke. Why not be proud of where he came from?
Regarding the man against a backdrop of stars, Riddle couldn't stop from wondering about the stranger's circumstances.
You look like you're doing pretty good for yourself. Know some desert secrets?
RE: that long black cloud is comin' down - Arslan - August 01, 2025
I know where the herds are, sure.That and his pack did a good job of keeping their runner fed. A hungry stomach would slow down business.
Do you want me to tell you?
Despite his words, it was quite clear from Arslan's smug face that he wouldn't let it be as easy as just telling the stranger where to find the herds Verapaz relied on. Though, Arslan himself wasn't so sure what the catch would be yet - maybe a spar, a fair trade, a story, he hadn't decided. In the end he would likely send the man towards the flatlands if he decided he liked him; prey was far easier for a lone wolf there.
RE: that long black cloud is comin' down - Riddle - August 01, 2025
The stranger was accommodating, to a point. Riddle clocked a gleam to the stranger's expression; either the starlight caught the eye, perhaps the tooth, either way he knew the look.
What'll it cost?He wasn't so trusting it bordered being a proper idiot, as personable as he could often be. Nothing in life was free — not anyone or anything.
Overhead one of the stars streaked by, but neither man was likely to see it.
RE: that long black cloud is comin' down - Arslan - August 01, 2025
A moment of thought passed them by before Arslan responded.
I want you to take a walk with me.There wasn't much more for him to want tonight. He was fed, well informed, and frankly he wasn't all that into the idea of a friendly spar.
Trotting ahead towards the old path up to where Verapaz dens used to sit, he did not wait for a response.
It's your first time in the lowlands?He guessed, though he quite well had his answer already.
It's a good place if you have others to share it with. I would have left a long time ago without company.
He was used to desert settings, but that was always the trouble with them. If you were alone you were unlikely to survive long, even if you knew the territories by heart.
RE: that long black cloud is comin' down - Riddle - August 01, 2025
First time through it, aye.Riddle confirmed, although it was probably obvious given the inherent wonder he carried.
It felt good to have company, he figured. If a warning bell should've rung in the back of his mind, it would arrive as the sound of his father's voice—going to a secondary locale? Risky business, that. If such a doubt entered his mind at all, he gave no sign.
Lived just about everywhere. Seaside moors. Shale cliffs. The sorts of forest you could get lost in for weeks—think those are called labrynths, or some such.He'd certainly traveled more than his fair share.
Haven't found a favorite yet. Ma always said it'd happen eventually; happens to everyone, 'ventually.
A tug at the corners of his mouth, and he's smirking again. This time it was for Riddle himself.
RE: that long black cloud is comin' down - Arslan - August 01, 2025
You've done better than me.He grunted, though it came with a clear smile.
Places like these have always been my home, travelling from my birth pack to here has been my furthest trip.What had it taken him? Two weeks or so?
There's more outside of the lowlands, I know that. I've gotten to travel through some of it.
If everyone found their favourite eventually, then maybe Arslan already had. He was stuck to the western half of the lowlands like glue.
You might not have found your favourite, but you know what you like don't you?He asked, eyeing the man.
Arslan realised now that they had begun their walk, he was yet to ask for the strangers name. Did he usually ask, anyways? He thought calling him cowboy was just fine.
RE: that long black cloud is comin' down - Riddle - August 01, 2025
There's always more to see.He quipped. The stranger hadn't gone much farther than this, which was baffling to Riddle. He chose not to question it too hard; different strokes for different folks.
As for what he liked, well—
Its the little things. I said that before, but its true.
I like the spray of the sea, and the storms that brew far-off. I like the challenge of the mountains, too. Then there's the... what'd'ya callit, mystique...? Aye, that, of the deep forest where you can't hear nothin' but your own breath, or the trees shiverin', and you can't much tell either apart.
As he walked with the stranger, he thought further back.
I miss things sometimes. Pa's jokes, Ma's belly-aching over them being not right for little ears.He huffed a small sound, not quite a laugh.
What sorta things you like 'bout this place? The quiet and the peaceful can be mighty fine, till you've had almost too much.
RE: that long black cloud is comin' down - Arslan - August 01, 2025
A man of variety. Arslan could understand that, he liked variety too.. just in different things.
Speak of parents brought a subtle dip to his expression. How long had it been since he thought about his own? How were they doing now, did they miss him?
I like the brutality.He answered after some thought.
Everything I do requires some level of thought out here, I can't be careless or act purely on instinct. Everything in balance, you know?He could test limits freely, but with the risk that it could cost him.
If you like variety like you say, you should go north. There are mountains, forests, seas, maybe you'll find the right mix.He offered, finally slipping some information.
The lowlands has pronghorn, sheep, and bison that my pack feeds on, but you'll have a hard time alone. The flatlands have plenty of good prey though, do you like mule deer?
RE: that long black cloud is comin' down - Riddle - August 01, 2025
What was it about men and the seeking of brutalism? Such themes were commonplace among their sex. Common enough that it didn't phase Riddle one iota to hear about it; he didn't loathe the idea of violence, neither did he seek it out unjustly. To live was to war, and all that. He recalled a lesson from his father which amounted to just such a result—and remained thoughtful, contemplative.
Although the conversation moved on, and so Riddle flowed with it. He'd decided he liked this man, whoever he was. A little tricky, given there was some quid-pro-quo required, but not unpleasant.
I like anything hot n' red!He sounded like his father, there.
Food is food, aye? Been living off bits an pieces for a while now, and it does me just fine. Figure if I wanted somethin' more I'd have to posse up.Riddle flashed a look to his companion as he said this.
Not that I'm incapable, but y'know its easier to take down the big ones with backup. Whoever you run with—they got a name? Or does that cost somethin' extra?
His smirk lingered, somehow unreadable.
RE: that long black cloud is comin' down - Arslan - August 01, 2025
So he wasn't picky either, not a bad trait in the least.
We're Verapaz.He responded.
But, I'm not sure our business is for you. You seem like a good man, what we do.. is not.He could still remember the hostages and the blood and the carefully constructed lies. The difference now was that their enemies were far, they could send Arslan to do the lying for them.
But, I do like you cowboy.Hard to deny that. It was a refreshing breath of air from the quiet and gruff Verapaz men.
Passing by the small caves, he was sure he still remembered which had been his - had he left anything there? If he had, it would have to be retrieved another time; their walk would soon be coming to an end.
RE: that long black cloud is comin' down - Riddle - August 01, 2025
It was rewarding to get what he'd been after. Verapaz—odd sounding, but not utterly unfamiliar in make. Maybe they were related to the coyote-people further south? The very consideration of a link there made Riddle reconsider his next path; for now he'd bask in the attention and good company of this man while he could.
The caves almost spawned out of the night like eyelids, fluttering. Yawning empty sockets.
I try to be,he replies.
A good man I mean. Takes effort some days—but I figure, takes effort to be bad, too.A shrug of his shoulders follows. It isn't in his nature to judge other men too harshly; everyone had choices to make.
There's a lull, there. The stranger looks almost expectant towards the cave mouth and as he passes it, Riddle gets a queer feeling like he's being baited. He doesn't know towards what, but he gets the distinct feeling that these caves should be avoided.
He hastens to catch up to his companion and manages to overtake them along the trail, but slows readily enough.
Suppose I don't find what I like out there? Maybe I'll ask around for your Verapaz.He turns over one shoulder, his smile catching a dull gleam of starlight.
RE: that long black cloud is comin' down - Arslan - August 02, 2025
The reached the next dip to the bottom of the basin, signaling for Arslan that it was time to go home.
I'd like that, cowboy.He responded. A selfish part of him now hoped that he never would find just what he was looking for.
Enjoy your stars, yeah? Maybe I'll see you again soon.
Bumping his shoulder to the others, the lion swiftly took his exit.
RE: that long black cloud is comin' down - Riddle - August 05, 2025
The man from Verapaz was amicable to a possible reunion. It appeared Riddle's escort had reached a limit; but he was courteous enough as the stranger jostled at him, and with a grin Riddle watched as they turned and departed. He did not linger long himself—what point was there, without company? There were places to be, people to meet, and stories to tell.
Off he'd go, then.