Blackfeather Woods Can you turn my power off?

Anyone welcome. Possibly someone Mikasi hasn't met?

 His soul felt so empty nowadays. This place had certainty changed a precious part of him. The ability to care for others. Usually anyone who crossed his path would be treated with friendliness, but things change. He only cared for the wolves that shared this territory with him. That is why he wanted to work through the day nonstop. Work, work, work. That as all that flowed through the mind. It was a good deed itself, but on the inside it was terrible for his mental health. There was never the need to rest anymore. Busy little robot: that's what he was.

 Today was no different either. He had been trotting along the borders. Once in a while he would stop to listen for anything, then went onward. Oh, how he desperately needed someone to stop him. At least just for a little while.

hihi ( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉ

It was far from uncommon to find the Inuit trailing along the borders. It was his job to do so, after all, and he took a great deal of pride in his work. As of late, however, he found himself being driven by a new motivation, though he'd yet to realize it. Everyday he would set off with the unconscious intent to locate Nemesis, but to realize the reasoning behind his actions was somewhat impossible. Never could he figure out that it wasn’t only his need to protect his homeland that drove him to patrol everyday, but the possibility of seeing a familiar face, too. Even if he were to realize what he was doing, the man would be loath to admit it. There was nothing that should cause him to seek the company of the dark woman, thereby allowing him to deny the budding emotions that currently laid dormant in his heart. No, he would not admit to something that was impossible; that is, if he ever came to realize it was happening.

That morning, the male had not set out to perform his almost-ritualistic duties. Instead, he’d allowed himself the chance to sleep in, before seeking out the known form of his son. The boy was nowhere to be seen, however, which didn’t surprise him too much. The male had yet to learn of what transpired during the boy’s last trip out of the woods, which prevented him from fully understanding the younger Inuit’s most recent change in behavior. It was strange to go so long without seeing his son, but he did not test the boundaries by seeking the other out and forcing his way into Xan’s life. They were not the same, though father and son, and he would not pretend as if they were. Kove would continue to give the other space until things got too far out of hand, and that was that. It was a decision he’d made, and something he would not go back on.

Before long, the sun had reached its peak in the sky and began hovering there for a little while, informing the pallid wolf that the evening had arrived. Knowing he’d skipped out on his morning patrols, the man decided it would be best to at least complete an evening session of work. After making a beeline for the borders, he continued to trek along and remark them when necessary, body and mind in a constant state of vigilance. Never would he allow anyone to get past him, nor would he hesitate in chasing away any threats or purposeless travelers. It was that very same attentive nature that had earned him his trade, as would it allow him to gain his very own specialty—that, however, was for another time. Presently, his focus was pulled elsewhere as the sound of unfamiliar footfalls reached his ears.

Every creature, both as a species and as an individual, had a specific gait. It was something that Kove had learned to identify others by if the wind wasn’t blowing to his favour, though he knew it could not always be correct. The way someone walked could change, after all, as well as be manipulated. The scent that then filled his nose worked as a confirmation for his belief, however, for the scent was not one he knew. It was partially wonted, the scent of Blackfeather’s claim noticeable, but the wolf himself remained unknown. It was someone Kove had never met, but he was about to change that. With his steps as light as ever, he lessened the distance between himself and the stranger, remaining silent as he observed him for a moment. Something about the new face seemed off, though the Inuit felt no need to verbally point that out. Instead, he fell into stride beside him, disinterested in slowing him down if he had a specific place to be. “Where are you heading?” he elder wolf questioned, though his voice was somehow devoid of curiosity. Perhaps it was strange to others, but he was often reluctant to let even the simplest of emotions slip into his tone.

There was a sense of someone there. Someone watching him as he took his dead steps through the woods. Instead of turning around and investigating, the presence was almost ignored. There was no scent of a lone wolf or anything other than that, though that didn't keep him from keeping a look out.

 Out of nowhere came a pure white wolf, falling into step with him. His fur was thick and eyes were bright shade of color. Side by side, him and Mikasi seemed like two different wolves. He glanced over to the stranger before answering, "Oh, nowhere in particular. I've just been patrolling for awhile now." He then tuned his gaze to the similar land, not saying anymore. The man couldn't think of anything to say. It had been awhile since he last spoke with someone.

There came an answer almost immediately after the question had been posed, which was something the pallid guardian favoured. A simple answer for a simple question, nothing was made complicated or prolonged. He suspected he might like the other, with time, which came as a surprise considering his thoughts after meeting Oli. He had assumed that many of the newer members would act in such an immature manner, but the agouti male proved that assumption to be incorrect. It was a realization Kove was glad to have made, especially considering he'd previously allowed for himself to make silent accusations based off the actions of an individual. He knew to think in such a manner was rather close-minded, and so he was concerned by the fact that he'd thought in such a way.

"How long have you been out here?" the Inuit asked, curious of just how late he was to the "party". Of course, it didn't really matter at what time the patrols were done, just as long as they were completed regularly and thoroughly. Still, Kove liked to think himself to be on top of things, and didn't want to come off as being a slacker to the members that were unfamiliar with him. It was not because he cared for their opinion, really, but more because he wanted to present himself correctly and not give the wrong impression. As long as he acted as himself, he expected the same in turn. Such behavior would allow for him to decide who he liked and who he didn't, as well as figure out which of the new faces were worthy of his trust.

If Mikasi had known Kove's thoughts of him, it would bring a smile to his face. He had good manners, well, to an extent. At most times he felt like a child stuck in a grown wolf's body. He was always willing for some fun, that's probably why he loved to be around youngsters so much. They were always fun to hang around with and listen to.

 "All day," he replied, not thinking much of it. To him, it felt fine, but in reality he needed rest. Fatigue would surely yank at him soon enough. "My Name's Mikasi, by the way."

The answer given came as a surprise to the older male, and concern began to slither its way into his system. Outwardly, he showed not even an ounce of what he was feeling, but on the inside his mind was working feverishly in an attempt to come up with a reason to justify the other's actions. Of course, in the end, there was no way to condone the strain the male was putting on himself. It was enough to have the pallid man discreetly quicken his pace, that way he could get ahead and cut the agouti fellow off. The expression that had taken over his features made it clear that he was not permitted to take another step, or else there would be some sort of consequences.

"Well, Mikasi, you're done now," the Inuit voiced, leaving no room for argument. He was a calm individual, quicker to talk information out of another than torture them for it, but he could not stand by and let the other work himself to death. Not only would it harm him physically, but mentally as well. Plus, the harder he worked without rest, the less effective his labour became. He would be quicker to miss things, as well as unlikely to be capable of holding his own against any trespassers. "If you continue like this, all you'll end up doing is making yourself exhausted and possibly even sick." He'd yet to give his own name, feeling it was far more important that he get the other to settle down before doing anything else. If it came down to it, he would use force to restrain the other, even though he was not keen on performing such acts. Even so, if it was necessary, it would be done.

At first, he could only slow his pace. He had the need to keep walking, but had to admit he was getting tired, so eventually he took a halt. "Well, if you insist," he replied. The man wasn't aiming to be sick, first of all. Second of all he was in no mood to get in a scuffle. Besides there was no reason to. The male had nothing he wanted.

 He sat down onto the earth, taking in some calming breaths for a moment. "So, how long have you been a member of this place?"

It pleased the Inuit when the other obeyed and ceased his movements, even going so far as to sit down. He had not been interesting in forcing the other to stop, so it was satisfying knowing that a simple comment about a health risk could provide decent results. Still, he eyed the other carefully before settling back onto his haunches, determining that the other's posture was honest. The pallid man could not pick out any factors that might suggest Mikasi was planning on running off which, once again, pleased him.

"The answer to that question isn't so simple," he voiced. "I joined a while back, climbed the ranks and earned myself a place in the Dark Brotherhood." Kove could still remember the first time his shoulder had been marked as if it were yesterday. It was a truly memorable event, and something he'd always keep with him. It'd solidified his place in the pack, as well as gave him a whole other family. "But then I met a woman and, after gaining Meldresi's permission, left to start a pack of my own. Some things happened, but that doesn't matter. What matters is that I returned with my son, and intend on staying here until the day I die." Never would he leave the woods again. Nothing good ever happened for those who believed it to be wise to depart from the dark forest, as he'd learned first hand. "What about you?" the ghost said, turning the male's question back to him.

The answer was indeed not so simple. Nor was it simple to get an understanding of. He only knew small details of the Brotherhood and this Meldresi was unknown to him. Mikasi had shown up probably right after her death, therefor never got to know her and never will. "Sounds like a hell of a struggle," he stated, "But it's great to hear that you're so loyal. I respect that."

 "Oh, well, before I found this place I had traveled with my sister. But then we, no I decide to part ways."

@Mikasi wanna wrap this up soon? o:

"It was," came his simple response, the words themselves rather curt and direct. He did not wish to linger on past events, knowing well he could neither change nor alter them. Decisions had been make, actions taken, and that was okay. In the end, he had returned to the woods. He had returned to his home, and never again would he leave it. No matter what events might transpire, he was there to stay, and never again would something be enough to change that. "Without my loyalty, I would have nothing." Not quite true anymore considering he had children, but once upon a time it had been. Despite that, it was still a code he lived by and honoured, as was the way of his family.

Kove raised a brow at the male's response, slightly curious of it. "So you abandoned your sister, your flesh and blood?" In his homeland, such was an unimaginable crime—one that was, in some cases, worthy of so much more than death. After all, family was everything, so he found himself negatively interested in the other. If he had been able to leave behind someone of his own blood, who was to say his loyalties within the pack would remain over time?

yep! Fade next post?

 He nodded slowly. "I felt bad at the time, believe me," he started, looking at the other male. "But leaving her was probably for the better. I found a place better than anywhere I've been. Somewhere I belong. That's here. So I can thank her for that." He was attached to this woods and the wolves that lived in it. He barley even leaves the place. Mikasi came to adore the dark woods. So, leaving Migisi was a blessing more than a curse.

 The male stood up, ready to leave. "Welp, I think I'll be outta your hair now. It was a pleasure meetin' ya." With he word of departure, the male was gone in a flash.

For the better. Somehow, the male found that hard to believe. It was, perhaps, the curse of his upbringing. He'd made a similar mistake with Burke once before, jumping for the throat before a threat was even made. In his mind, family was everything, even in the worst of conditions. It was for that reason that he said nothing further to the agouti fellow, still suspicious of his intentions. Without even realizing it, it seemed, Mikasi had earned the watchful gaze of the pallid man. Such began right away, too.

The younger male offered his farewells, excusing himself from the encounter. As he departed, the fiery gaze of the Inuit trailed after him. Even after he'd left his line of sight, Kove's eyes lingered on the direction he'd gone in. He would have to watch for the other, search for signs of disloyalty. With those intentions fresh in his mind, the northerner carried on with his patrol of the borders—after all, he couldn't very well possess a right to weave out unfaithful beings if he didn't pull his weight around the pack.