evening phase

@Fang - I set Ivev a little ways from the borders, so she isn't too intrusive ;P

My first impressions of this place instigated a warm aura that filled my tendons with new life. Nothing harmful had reared its' ugly head, nor did I feel subjugated and belittled by the bloodthirsty Abendrot; whose only goal was to terrify and reap the profits of conquest. Perhaps now I had been bestowed the tarnished and crooked key of freedom.

The ground was soft and springy with each of my steps as I fanned out across the small meadow that bordered the woods. I had departed for a brief wander from the band who called themselves the Tartok, and I was apt to affiliate myself with my new homeland. I was already enjoying the wide range of landmarks, from mountains to sprawling flatland to spruce-lined bluffs. The monotony that clouded my pelt was not present in the vast habitat that stretched from me. The grass was sparse and the dirt moist, with clumps of sturdy heather and wildflowers brimming in the dying light. I hadn't realized what direction my toes had taken me, merely only basking in the hazy afternoon glow that burnt the mountains a gold hue. There were woods ahead of meet, their ground covered in old vegetation and decay, with trunks bare and straight. I stopped, my white tail swishing at my ankles and my nose pointed into the dark depths. I could sense the pull of life deep within the trees, and by the smell, a small family had probably settled here.
I didn't dare to draw closer. Even if I could be classified as a healer, or a spiritualist, I wasn't taught to heal wounds by pasting plants onto them. It was my belief these wounds were infected with bad blood... and this crimson could only be removed one way. So there was nothing of value inside this forest, except perhaps poppy or the datura plant, and I had no reason to collect those yet. In fact, only my blue eyes relentlessly seeking the shadows of the woods gave any reason to why I had wandered this far from the group.

Border patrol, it was a demanding task on a new formed pack, ensuring the surrounds are marked clearly to prevent any 'accidental' transgression on the dark woods they claimed. For the moment the half-breed was simply walking the perimeter scoping out their claimed area as much as protecting the land within. Of course the claiming howl that rained down earlier was almost a summons to others. The interest at a new pack forming seemed to draw interlopers and loners in like a moth to a flame. It didn't surprise him when the unfamiliar waft of a stranger lingered nearby. It wasn't a plateau wolf, or anyone he recognized from elsewhere. His own curiosity piqued and he crossed the lines to intercept the perpetrator of the scent. Soon enough he stumbled across a creature draped in white, regarding the dying forest with what appeared to be curious disdain. Moving into view he spoke. These woods are guarded. He gave no significant sign of dominance in this case. The creature wasn't at their border, just nearby, this was a warning, for now. Speech thoughts

I had reason to be weary of woods, having been born under the open sky of the north. Even if a pup was removed from it's birthing den, the earth had already staked its claim on the young life and no doubt the creature would feel forever bound to its natal territory.

I heard the rustling before I saw him emerge from the fingers of the forest, their shadows releasing his scruffy golden and white pelt into the dimming light. I couldn't help but peer closer.. This was not a true wolf. What a delight to come across such a specimen!
I had only heard the rumors of domesticated dogs, but such a mix... My legs danced my lean white frame closer to the male as my curiosity was piqued. He held all the traits of a wolf, with rounded ears, a strong jaw and a narrow chest, but his markings and coloring. Normally my reluctance for any sort of conversation with strangers was crossed out by this alluring brute. But as he opened his mouth, I immediately halted in my tracks, my banner slowing it's pleasant wave to a small, raised flitting with its tip pointed earthwards.
The strangely beautiful male had decreed a warning, something I heeded as I stood tensely in the grass, my eyes finally parting from the exotic canine.

Golden eyes opened in surprise as the white creature moved closer in an excitable manner, until he spoke. His head tilted to the side as he tested the air, no words were forthcoming after his warning and as such they seemed to be sizing each other up, albeit for different reasons. As it turned its gaze away Fang stopped his trek, standing a short distance of. This was definitely an unfamiliar being to him. The options prevailed, chase it off, or get to know it. He opted for the second, for now. I am Fang, and you are approaching Blackfeather Woods. Explain yourself. The last was a demand, as much as he was trying not to it seemed a natural behaviour Speech thoughts

His golden pearls had found mine, and no doubt he was curious about my movements. I had, myself, stopped to reconsider what force drew me closer to the beast, for it was something deeper than curiosity. He stooped on the fringe of the woods and I open the open plain; a quiet reflection of two different spirits.

His words, I am Fang, and you are approaching Blackfeather Woods, thrummed a steady note in my ears as they flattened backwards. So it was pack. I had already decided to affiliate myself with a different group who had gathered far north of this forest, settling briefly in a small wooded canyon as they awaited their next move. It was revealed that if I stuck with them, I would be a part of a pack of clever and sly mountain-dwellers.
My bright pools returned his gaze, and my shoulder muscles were rigid with nervous adrenaline at the quiet challenge.
I am known as Ivev, with a current tie to Tartok. There. I had spoken my title. Would this Fang feel intruded upon by that name, or would he continue to react in a calm but concise manner?

It seemed the female would finally speak, naming herself and the title of a pack Fang was oblivious of. He simply nodded once accepting her introduction. However he remained standing at his present location, waiting for further words to follow. When there were none forthcoming he let out a slight huff of irritation. Well, Ivev of Tartok, what brings you so close to our lands today? Was this creature an outrider? a scout? it was possible either way. Speech thoughts

His rumble of speech was laced with slight annoyance, and I couldn't help but fidget my ears backward. It was true. I was wasting his time with my nature to absorb his unique physique into my memory, just to prove my legends false. My tail swished with more idleness than propriety, and I dipped my skull low to the coppery male.
I am merely wandering from our campsite, exploring this beautiful land. I had been convinced now of the male's intentions, and he had stuck by them. This Blackfeather Wood was his land, and his defensiveness would now ward me away from a prospective territory. I had gleaned much from my short visit, noting that their aroma wasn't a strong presence, but Fang had been quick to note my arrival. With a steady blink, I knew that this realm would not be open to scavenging for some leftover meal, which my stomach was beginning to clamor for.
I see you hold your pack in high regard. I will take my leave and bother you no further, I spoke, and retreated from the shadows cast by the trees. I turned back onto the highlands without another word, unwilling to provoke the hybrid any further.

@ivev sorry for the delay in replying, also mind sticking around for a couple more posts. Just want to hit the 10 reply mark. :P

Exploring seemed to be a dangerous endeavour, he'd stumbled across a few less than friendly creatures though most were pleasant enough. When she'd spoke her last the hybrid tilted his head, was it such a surprise that he protected the borders of his home, after all it was shelter, food, and companionship all in one. As the creature turned to walk away Fang made a few steps to follow her. You say that like its a surprise, I'm sure if I were encroaching on tartok's borders you'd treat me with the same regard, no? Though he followed her steps he remained a safe distance away, she was moving away from the borders so threats weren't needed. There's also the question of what a lone creature, from a pack i've never heard of is doing exploring this close to our borders, are you planning to live nearby? Was he trying to make small-talk now? Speech thoughts

of course, I should've extended it >.< sorry xP


I glanced over my shoulder as my body was turned back out to the sprawling wilderness. The male had left the boundary a bit, and I flattened my ears. At first, the following was a form of intimidation and I felt a little defensive, turning around to face him. But the brute's orbs held a different light, one I could imbue was an inquisitive glow. I stopped, the breeze tugging on my fur in small fretful, fistfuls.
I could imagine that if I met you on my border, I'd show you the same courtesy as you do now. But then again, I'm no warrior, I could help but to respond, the gentle prodding of his question bringing a small smile upon the copper wolf mix. Fang remained a respectful distance away, and I left out a soft breath and readily continued to talk.
The Tartok are currently far north of here. I just wandered here. Are there many packs in this place?

He continued after the female until she stopped and replied. a small smile tugged at his lips when she responded, claiming she'd do much the same. Though the mention of being a warrior was a nice admiration from a stranger. Fang had no illusions of his ability to be a fighter, or even that he came off as threatening. The half-breed was small, and generally quick. He was not a natural fighter. Neither am I. He offered. He listened intently as she spoke of her pack, though vague on the details it seemed they weren't going to be setting up shop nearby, whilst he didn't have any objections, it was a relief that there was one less pack to keep an eye on. He thought for a moment when she asked about other packs nearby. Many? I wouldn't say many. The one nearby just seems to have a lot of. ..memorable wolves. A slight chuckle escaped, he was yet to come across one of the wolves from the plateau he'd call forgettable. Speech thoughts

Memorable? I echoed, glancing at the stretch of trees that stood behind him. Perhaps there was some feud brewing between Fang's pack and other groups, ones that perhaps accounted for the low membership of Blackfeather Woods. But I didn't know, as my knowledge of the Teekons was fresh and sparse.

I glanced over my shoulder, the highlands dropping away as they curved into a blurry valley, on which the far side rested Otter Creek, the first landmark I had come across upon my arrival. He was one of the first wolves I had a conversation with, of which I was curious to know more.
Not a warrior? My tail curled slightly with interest, ponderous blue orbs trained on him. Would he be a herbalist like Ukiuk, or perhaps leaning to the spiritualist side like I was called to? For one could only hope a stranger would share a similar interest that would spark conversation.

For a moment he thought, what was the best way to explain his harmless encounters with the neighbouring pack, it was definitely memorable, but without going into details would be hard to elaborate. They all seem to share a rather wicked and fun sense of humour. He nodded as if to confirm his opinion. Again he was struck by the keen interest the female showed, his own tail giving a slow wag as he began to explain himself. Certainly not a warrior, haven't got the strength for that. I just watch the borders, I'm pretty quick you see. That and I tend to explore about. He rolled his shoulders in a shrug. Outrider and warden, seemed to sum him up. Although I am trying to learn more about the weather patterns, and general behaviour of the skies, try to help organize when to hunt and when to sleep I guess The hybrid trailed off, naturalist was his next task, though watching the moon and weather was dull, it still intrigued him how much a full moon could aid, or hinder, a hunt. Speech thoughts

Observing the male, I noted his tendency to delve into the topic he was talking about, and it made it a pleasure to listen to the exuberance dripping from his voice. Certainly not a warrior, haven't got the strength for that. I just watch the borders, I'm pretty quick you see. That and I tend to explore about, he explained, his scapulars pushing through his short fur in a shrug. My ears attentive, I mulled his answers. Although I am trying to learn more about the weather patterns, and general behaviour of the skies, try to help organize when to hunt and when to sleep I guess.

I couldn't help but respond to this, my own banner waving slightly. In these lands, they referred to them as naturalists, but it correlated with the training I had received as an adolescent. It was known as becoming a Dreamer, one who interpreted anything from a leaf falling to symbolic dreams as ways of the spirits communicating to the overworld. I flicked my ears and smiled.
I could say I know some things about the cycles of nature, I replied modestly. However, they are different here. For example. Deer replace caribou, but I think I'll be able to figure out their patterns with some close studying.

Listening as the ivory female she spoke of odd things [i]Caribou[i] He assumed it was some sort of deer like creature but had until now never heard of such. His eyes fixed a hard glance on her as she spoke, She at least seemed to know something of the days and night cycles, though he was new to learning of such it wasn't that hard to start working it out. Sun came up over there, went down over there, things change and it gets cold and animals leave. Simple. He let out a small "hmm" when she finished. Turning his head, he looked back on the border they had recently left, it wasn't the wisest choice to venture far at the moment and this one seemed to want to venture. A frown found its way to his muzzle as he turned to look at her again. Indeed. Well, Ivev, Forgive me but I have a border to watch. Though I would like to talk to you further about the nature of things. With that he nodded, turned around and would head back to the woods, listening for any departing words, or the possibility she'd follow to talk more. Either way. Speech thoughts

to the archives! :D great thread~ we can plan another one soon, if you'd like? in a different location, just pm me?

He was right; Ivev's paws were itching to return to their meanderings. But she was still vaguely allured to his warm coppery pelt, his unique muzzle shape that belied his genes. No matter their brief discussion on natural patterns or the like; he was enough without words to spark thoughts. The white wolf dipped her head.

You seem busy. I won't bother you anymore, she responded with a laugh tainting her voice. But perhaps we will talk some other time. Her crystalline pools watched as he disappeared back into the forest, the shadows seeming to wrap their hands around him like an old friend and draw him in. She turned back onto the treeless plains and started off again.