Redsand Canyon My brains bruised from all the bad news

Setting: Evening — 18:47, Sunset.
Weather: 72F — slightly cloudy, humid.
Location: Internal Location #1 - Healer’s Pass.
Tags: @Leigh
Other Info: Backward dating to August 26th. The day after Donovan brings her up back to the Canyon.

Donovan pads through the field of wild flowers, surely to die soon with the shifting weather from summer to fall. If they haven’t died already from this ridiculous flooding. The sun is bright and he finds himself squinted canary eyes that rival the flaming hot sun. The light plays off of his striped coat beautifully. The muscles beneath shining and dancing with the play of the suns apricot rays. 

He remembers promising Leigh to a nice little tour of his beautiful canyon. He won’t soon forget the shewolf’s pretty face and luscious dark coat. Wasting no more time, he tilts his massive head back and releases a deep, baritone howl from the pit of his chest. Calling for his newest member to join him at the field of wildflowers.

The rest had been wonderful.

To be completely honest, Leigh was so exhausted that she barely remembered even arriving the night before. She wouldn't be surprised if she had half-stumbled into a den before passing out into a coma. The journey had indeed been a little rocky, but she was glad to be here.

There was no missing Donovan's deep howl as it carried across the wind. The she-wolf followed the call until her paws touched the edge of the field of flowers. She could spot the male's massive form, but she didn't run towards him right away. Instead she opted to take a moment, her eyes taking in the sight of the world of wildflowers. They felt so familiar and the woman couldn't help but think of home. There, an array of flowers had grown nearby too.

But this was no time to dwell on the past. With a smile lifting her lips, she trotted through the field towards her friend, careful not to trample too much of the life below her paws. The bright and warm sun felt nice, it's rays cascading down her small form. She could see why the pack chose to claim such beautiful territory.

"You called?"

Donovan sees the wolf joining him out of the corner of his eye, catches a hint of her sweet smell through the breeze.
Familiar yet unfamiliar, that’s how he knows it isn’t one of the other females of his pack. He’s turning towards her and watches as the sun beats down onto the mix of pale chocolate and midnight black of her coat. The twinkle of light off of her fiery orange eyes. He’d be lying if he says he didn’t shamelessly take in her beautiful form as she pads up to him.

He’s smiling back to her, a potentially teasing upwards tilt of his lips. “Evening, darling.” He greets easily with an upwards tilt of his chin. “I was wanting to give you a little tour. Follow me.” 

With that he’s trotting off closer to the hills taller rock formations in Healers Pass. Dropping into dips and climbing rock, both steep and rolling, to finally end up on a tall plateau like rock overlooking the canyon of red. It’s a truly beautiful sight and for a second he pants, unusual black tongue lulling out to catch his breath and cool himself down. 

“This is Redsand Canyon.” He hums to her when she joins him. It’s almost magical.

After greeting the wolf, Leigh followed closely behind as the two traveled across what was for the she-wolf, an unfamiliar world. The faint smile never leaving her face, she stepped lightly upon the ground, once again careful not to fall behind.

The path was definitely more difficult than expected. Climbing the rocks and watching her step, she followed Donovan's lead. First watching where the male stepped, she chose the same rocks as she assumed they could support her weight if they could support his. As they made their way towards the top, the woman couldn't help but notice Don's rather unusual pelt. Now that it was sunny out and she had a fuller view, the strange stripes were nothing she'd ever seen before. But the unusual pelt matched the somewhat unusual wolf.

Coming to a stop and resting beside her friend, she overlooked the canyon in awe, smile widening and eyes shining.

"I've never seen anything like it. Oh Donovan, it's beautiful!"

They stand up in the mountainous rock, lion kind style, and gaze out into the blood red canyon of sand. The bright orange color of the sand beating bright as the suns rays bounce off of it. The bodies of water close enough to be within ones eyesight from this distance shimmer, the teal hue of the clear water contrasts beautifully with the crimson sand that surrounds it. 

He turns to flit his golden gaze over her face. She’s smiling, pearly whites gleaming. He chuckles at the mention of his name as she seems amazed by the sight he’s given her. Oh man does she have another thing comin’. She doesn’t even know how Donovan or the Saints operate. She’ll find out soon enough. He’ll be nice and tell her he supposes.

“It is isn’t it? This could be your new home. No pressure of course.” He chuckles at his own little joke as he lowers his haunches into a sit. “I think I should tell you more about myself and the Saints. So you know what you’re getting yourself into.” Comes his mysterious yet casual reply.

No matter how long the she-wolf stared, there was always more to see. The canyon was indeed red in color, but there were so many different shades and hues scattered around like splotches of paint. Leigh never removed her eyes from the sight, though her ears did twist to face the direction of Donovan's voice as she picked up on his words. Yes, this could be her new home. It would be a beautiful one.

But the excitement and awe slowly fell away from her face as she heard the wolf speak up once more. Despite no concerning words being spoken, she could tell by the tone of his voice that something was wrong. She needed to know what she was getting herself into? Well, then what exactly was that? She had left home to start a new life, rid of the chaos and leave old memories behind. But it seemed that it only followed her here, just in a different form with a different face.

Donovan can tell she dreads what is to come from him. Her aura changes. He can feel the air between them thicken. He doesn’t mind it. If she is to stay, he should be truthful. If she leaves, then so be it. 

He smiles to her. An attempt to comfort, but truly he doesn’t try all that hard. The news he gives to her is normal for him; something he craves — chaos and death. Though not all are like him. Truly unfortunate. Still he begins. “The Saints are brutal, territorial. We don’t hesitate to take another’s life. Or at least I don’t. Others in the pack do. They are softer than I am.” He sighs and gazes our into the distance. “We have enemies and if they challenge us we will fight back. We fight for our allies as well, Ursus. Treat them as one of us and they should do the same.” 

He looks to her now, gauging her reaction. Eagerly awaiting a response.

The smile was somewhat comforting. On one hand, Leigh was still aware that something was off, and that the news to come probably wasn't good. But if the smile indicated a friendly relationship, she was at least reassured that she'd be safe. For now.

She listened, refusing to interrupt until the wolf was finished. He spoke in such a calm tone, and in some ways it was rather unnerving. It was only until he finished did she have thousands of questions running through her mind. The Saints were beginning to sound... like home. Her first home. Great, just what she needed. Travel for months and get nowhere.

The she-wolf stared aimlessly at the canyon, and although it was completely irrational she hoped that it may give her some of the answers she was searching for.

Leigh knew that she was brought here for a reason. She didn't know which reason, but she walked non-stop to get here and that had to mean something. When she first heard Donovan's words, she couldn't help but wonder if the world was trying to change her back to what she once was. But perhaps she was the one who'd change the world.

Donovan stares at her for a long moment. Golden hues bright enough to rival the sun, he flicks them over her facial features. Taking in her deep amber eyes, the cute spot on her cheek just beneath her eye, her dark pelage but cheerful personality. She’s interesting. He would love to keep her. Yet, that is not his option.

He finally stops looking at her and decides to focus on a spot off in the distance. It’s still silent; she hasn’t said a peep. He decides to break the ice once more. “You’re free to leave as you wish.” He offers. “There’s nothing keeping you here.” 

"No, there isn't."

The she-wolf inhales a deep long breath. Her eyes are no longer consumed by joy, but neither do they display anger or frustration. She's merely thinking, taking in her options. If she were to leave, perhaps life would be more peaceful and she could live the way she had planned to. But if she were to stay, perhaps every day would be filled with excitement, something interesting and never would she grow bored of living.

Leigh came here for a reason, and she doubted it was so she could leave.

Turning to face Donovan, she offered a faint but visible smile.

"I'll stay."

He allows her the time to think. He’d give her as long as she needs. He’s beginning to become incentive to the members of his pack leaving. With Colin and Auriel gone to god knows where, he might as well get used to it. Something he’s not used to with his previous pack. They were all rude or die for each other. Not here it seems.

Though he is pleasantly surprised at her answer. We’ll see. Comes a darker thought that butts past all the good ones. His face betrays nothing though. A smile on his maw and his brows twitch upwards in mild surprise. “That’s great, dear. We’re happy to have you.” Comes a soft reply. 

The he toes over to the edge of the rock from the way they climbed up. A playful, mischievous smirk on his maw now. “Alright, Leigh.” He drawls smoothly. “Let’s see how good you can fight then. Follow me.” 

With that he jumps down from the ledge and pounces down the rest of the way. Muscles shifting beautifully beneath his pelt. He’s a massive man, a powerful monster. He’s dangerous. Yet here with her, he would be gentle. Only if she wishes of course.

He’s bounding off into the flowers once more and spins around quickly. Curled tail waving on his hips and he drops his lower body into a play bow. Dangerous fangs gleam white in the setting sun and he has a challenging look in his eye. 

“Come on girly, let me see what you can do.”

Leigh was glad to see the wolf's face light up. He had kindly invited her to his home, offered her a place in the pack and the she-wolf didn't plan on squashing those gifts any time soon. But upon hearing his next comment, her mind filled with a bit of concern. Though she returned the smile to match her friend's, worried thoughts floated around in her head as she watched his larger form travel down the rocks.

She followed, once again making sure to keep up but her steps were more timid than before. Leigh wasn't opposed to a spar, but her history with fights wasn't something she was necessarily proud of. Besides, it had been a while, and her skills were rusty and weak. But this wasn't the time to spill out her heart and explain why she wasn't in favor of two wolves beating the heck out of each other for fun.

Stepping foot back into the flower field, the fragile little forms of life brought her at least some feelings of calmness. Leigh wasn't going to back down though. She'd fight, just for something else. To get out of the mess all together if she could.

"What I can do? What I can do is act civil and avoid a fight in the first place."

She follows him diligently down the sloping rocks. As does she meet him in the field of wildflowers that paint the canyon a beautiful mix of colors so different from the usual red of the sand. He’s smirking at her and chuckling softly at her response. 

“But what if you have no choice but fight, darling?” He asks with a quick of cream brows. “You must learn to be strong even if you think you won’t need it. It will protect you.” Comes his almost wide response, confident in his ways of the warrior. 

“Imagine I’m trying to kill you. Which I will not actually do.” He adds comically. “Defend yourself, dear. Don’t be afraid to give me a few scratches.” He hums with a wink before lunging towards her. 

He’s slow enough, but not so much so for his attack to miss. Perhaps he’s gotten her by surprise. It doesn’t stop him, for he rams his heavy head into her shoulder. Not enough to hurt too bad, but just enough to push her back a few steps. If he’s being honest the movement is closer to playful than an attack.

Leigh listened to his words, and she knew that there was no way to escape this little spar. With a sigh and small grumble, the she-wolf gave in. Though, she did remember to take note of Donovan's injured leg. She wasn't mean enough to use that as a huge advantage, especially since it was already beginning to heal, but perhaps it'd at least show him down a bit.

Regardless of his speed though, the female definitely wasn't expecting him to charge her way. He was still a large wolf, and the hit was more than enough to push her back a few steps with a stumble. The pain was not sharp, though Leigh was sure that'd her shoulder would be sore later on. Shaking off the attack, she quickly spun around to face her friend.

Was this the time to truly fight back? She assumed he could tell if she wasn't putting any effort into the spar. She was very very rusty, but perhaps this was a good opportunity to completely earn her place in the pack. The woman had to move quickly, but she took a moment to look her oponent over, contructing a plan of sorts for her own attack.

Flattening her ears against her skull, eyes softening, she slowly trotted up to the wolf.

"Donovan, please, is this necessary? Besides, you're already hurt."

Averting her gaze down to his leg to further emphasize her point, she glanced back towards the brindled male before circling around to his side, still keeping a slight distance.

She allowed another few seconds to pass before she struck.

Using her long slim legs, she sprinted forwards as quickly as she could, ramming herself into Donovan's side to knock him over as she (softly) clamped her jaws around the wolf's scruff. Twisting her neck just a tad to meet his eyes, she passed him a playful smile.

His previously pumping blood is just beginning to slow once more as she brushes off his attack easily and looks to him so innocently. Her ears flattened against her crown. Soft, calming eyes and the way she tiptoes closer to the striped male has him raising a brow at her. Though as she comes closer, a sly smile reaches his lips as she asks so politely if this is truly necessary. Her pretty little face is tempting and he can’t help but inch forward. 

He’s completely snared in her trap and he could care less.

Then she’s circling around him. Canary orbs following her intently, smirk still plastered on his maw. He’s about to say something when she finally pounces. The surprise is enough to have him rolling over into the thick meadow of flowers. Only to open his eyes with her right up in his face, teeth on his neck, and those fiery amber gaze looking back to him. 

He laughs about it, the sound low and quiet. Rumbling through his chest like tiny vibrations he shakes his head to her.
“That was sneaky, but well played, darling.” 

He’s curling up his hind legs and practically launching her off of him. Choosing to stand and take the full brunt of her next hit with an excited smirk. “Come at me, baby” He challenges shamelessly, a wink following the reply.

The she-wolf releases a faint 'huff' upon being shoved off, stumbling a bit to regain her balance as her focus remains on her oponent. She could tell that Donovan wouldn't let this go until the fight was over, though she was unsure when exactly that'd be considering they weren't actually trying to murder one another. Nonetheless she'd continue to entertain the wolf.

Despite having been pushed away, she was much closer than she previously was before her attack. There wasn't enough space to get another running start, so she instead opted to take advantage of smaller space between the two. Perhaps this way she could give him a real scratch.

She launched again, aiming for her friend's cheek before snapping her jaws.

Donovan realizes the fire the shewolf has, she just needs to use it. More often at least. He’s being gentle though. He can tell she wouldn’t, or so he thinks, be able to survive a true attack from the brute unless she is faster than him. Which could most definitely be the case. 

Even as she rakes her teeth on his face he smirks, whipping his head around and snatches up just under her jaw. Though the movement is quick, surely it’s startling, but his bite is surprisingly soft.

It was true that Leigh rarely used such fire, especially in recent years. And although she probably wouldn't survive an attack being this rusty, she was sure that she'd have a fair chance if she ever did decide to start training again. That wasn't likely, though.

The she-wolf did her best to soften the bite the best she could as it wasn't her intention to seriously injure Donovan anyway. But he still wouldn't give up the fight, and she hoped a few more scratches would end the spar soon. That was until her oponent swiftly took hold of her neck.

There was a slight moment of panic. Leigh didn't fear for her life, but she was completely unsure what to do next. Assessing the situation, she knew it wouldn't be too difficult to release herself from the wolf's grip, especially with such a soft bite holding her in place. At least he had aimed underneath her jaw, so instead of being held down she was in a way being lifted up. It'd surely leave a small scratch, but the woman wasn't concerned about that. In one quick motion, though with a bit of a struggle, she yanked her head back and out of his grasp.

The she wolf is easily able to remove herself from his clutches. He’s only taking a soft step back and smirking to her. “That wasn’t bad for someone who doesn’t want to fight.” He offers for a compliment. 

His coingold orbs dance along her face. He’s quite obviously staring at her. Everything about him is shamelessly flirty. “You okay, darling?” Comes his genuine question. Confirming that he didn’t actually hurt her.

Leigh can't help but allow a faint smile to appear across her soft features as she hears the wolf's compliment. A part of her wondered if Donovan was only saying such things to flirt, as she didn't think she did too well during the spar. But perhaps he was right, maybe she wasn't as rusty as she thought.

Giving her pelt a light shake she turned her gaze back towards her friend, shooting him a curious look. He was staring and he didn't hide it well. That wolf had no shame.

"I'm fine. You?"

Physically she was perfectly okay, aside from a small scratch and perhaps a broken fucking shoulder. But although there was no way Donovan could have known the reason why, she still wasn't too happy about the fight in the first place. She had given that up a long time ago and didn't plan on returning to that life. Maybe her weak preformance here would persuade the brindled wolf to give up on her.

Donovan’s smile is his most prominent feature, at the moment it isn’t teasing it caustic, it’s merely charming and flirtatious. He would be daft not to flirt with the beautiful shewolf anyhow. Unless she gets pissed off, what’s he got to lose.

So he’s chuckles at her simple response. “I think you might have almost killed me.” He jests, then walks closer to healers pass to flip down beneath the shade of a tree. 

“You like to hunt, Leigh?” He asks simply.

Despite Donovan's shameless flirting, the she-wolf happily returns the smile. As irritating as her friend could be, she had to admit that the male was rather charming. She wouldn't have been surprised if he had won the heart of several wolves around the area. But that was also the exact reason why Leigh refrained from falling into such a trap.

A faint laugh managed to escape from her lips upon hearing the comment and she swiftly followed before taking a seat beside the wolf. Glancing down at Don as he spoke, she replied with a nod.

"I prefer hunting over fighting. Though I'd rather not hunt alone."

She left it at that, a bit ambiguous.

He lazily gazed up to her. Leaning on an elbow with his hind legs kicked out in front of him, he’s the definition of straight chillin’ right now. He nods at her reply, his smirk becoming a bit more teasing now. “Then it’s a date. Let’s go hunting tomorrow, yes?” He jumps time the conclusion of a planned ‘date’ more as a joke and to see if it would fluster his company.

Leigh noticed the subtle change in the wolf's expression, his smile switching to a teasing smirk and she could tell he was about to throw a flirtatious comment her way. She instantly regretted her choice of words as Donovan spoke. A date?

Although not flustered, the she-wolf was indeed a tad surprised. When she said she prefered not to hunt alone, this wasn't exactly what she had in mind. But considering how their previous hunt had gone, Leigh had to admit that Donovan's company made catching a meal much easier.

She wasn't going to give her friend the reaction she assumed he was hoping for. Maintaining her calm posture, she simply smiled.

"That would be nice. It's a date."

The male is standing at her confirmation of a date. His brows lightly raised and a sly smile in his maw. “I was hoping you’d say that.” He chirps back, quickly rising to his feet. “Now, I can’t just sit on my ass all day. The Grandmaster has to do some work too. Gotta go patrol.” He informs.

He nudges his nose to her shoulder as he trots by. “I’ll see you then, dear.” Is all he gives in a smooth voice as he pads away through the field of flowers. Tail curled high and body rippling with hard muscle.