Whitewater Gorge he told me to sing

for @Virion or @Ryzhov!

Aulus had grown accustomed to a constant stream of noise. Whether that be the rhythmic marching of soldiers paws or their boisterous off-duty chatter. A general’s commands rising above the shrill chaos of battle. Blood pounding at your ears and rushing through your skull. Now the only thing that could be heard was his heart’s drum, the only thing left of his past. Everything else was silent, and he sat within it, still but alert.

Assuming this to be right after Virion and Ryzhov parted ways, but they won't be far in distance in case Ryzhov would like to post in as well. ^-^

A distance had been made between Pakhan and Usluga, but close enough so if one were needed.

The paler of the two now walked with a limb. Every limb ached in some way, muscles feeling as though they were tearing with any step taken. Sure, he'd been used to frequent beatings, but none like this.

Off in search of a healer, he was. Though, it would come as a disadvantage that he knew little of this region. It would likely be many days time before either individual or pack would be found that could offer assistance. Virion was prepared for this.

His ears twitch to the left when the sound of footsteps could be heard. They were uneven. He’d recognized this more clearly the louder they became. As the seconds passed and the steps grew closer, Aulus turned to stare at the man.
You’re injured. He barely noticed the thought slip onto his tongue. Nor did he know if the man could hear him from where he sat, or if he’d even noticed him. Regardless, Aulus kept his gaze level towards him, and he waited.

A stranger's voice tickled the man's pruned auditory. 

His sharp gaze swiveled to the side, searching to find where the tune had come from.

Eyes then narrowed, Virion hunched his shoulders, scoffing. Really? I hadn't noticed. He drawled in retort to the very obvious statement.

The stranger turn and addressed Aulus with sarcasm on his tongue. And it was then that he realized how trivial the observation was. A thought best left in his mind. Now he was locked into conversation.
Who attacked you? Aulus’s question had purpose. Too many wounds littered his coat to have been the work of one assailant. Either this man was a lousy fighter, or he was ambushed by a group of sorts. Or both. Either way he’d like to know. It’s crucial to know who to steer clear from if he were to wander these lands alone.

"Who attacked you?" The markings upon him were questioned. 

Though it was unknown as to why the man cared to know, Virion could not stand to hold out with childish behavior and act a fool, for it would only prolong the interaction. He still needed to find a healer, and soon. There was work to be done and he couldn't do without the proper strength and appearance. 

I was betrothed to a woman. On the eve of when we were to be wed, she fled. About a territory across, that way.. The man gestured from the direction he'd come from, past a set of hills. she has found herself a hideout within some pack. The intent was to approach calmly and plead for her to come with me so that we may start a new life together. However, instead of letting me speak, she attacked me and called for her pack-mates to do the same. A portion was a lie, but he did well to conceal the difference between what was true and not. 

I fought to the best of my ability, but I must admit that the odds did not favor myself. There were too many... hence, all I could do was flee. There was no sympathy sought in return for the tale, but Virion watched curiously for the other's reaction and response nonetheless. 

He’d expected names and that alone. He got a whole story. A bride to be who fled. He’d followed her, begged her to return, only to be attacked. Jupiter knows why the man would do this. Aulus himself didn’t wish to know, only thought the man a lovesick fool for practically throwing himself into the jaws of an entire kingdom. All for a girl. How storybook, how juvenile.
Aulus expressed none of this however. His face stay emotionless. His voice even more so. 
And you did this alone?

Alone. Virion confirmed briskly,.. coldly.

What was the purpose of these queries? What was this man playing at?

Why is it that you give a shit anyway? He eventually voiced what he'd been thinking, spitting the question back in his face. Last I checked, I haven't the slightest fucking clue who you are, nor you I.

”Alone,” he says.
Aulus silently pondered to himself, even as the other man spat obscenities, ones that veiled questions that were quite understandable. Ones that needed to be pondered.
And after a moment’s thought, he spoke; I was a soldier once. I belonged to an army, but that army is no more. Now I wander alone. Nothing more than a sellsword.
His words came to a pause. He cast a long, thoughtful gaze across the gorge. Then his eyes returned to the man.
I am no sellsword. I am no nomad. I am a soldier. That is who I’ve always meant to be.
This year alone had taught him that. The realization came so suddenly then, and with it came a sense of desperation. It gave him a voice he otherwise did not have. It gave him the will to keep talking to this man he’d otherwise walk away from and deem a fool.
If you are to throw yourself at a kingdom’s gates, you ought to have an army at your back. Wolves like myself. Allow me to pledge my skills to you. I am Aulus Corvinus. He bowed his head.

So sorry for the overly long wait!

The newly, but not so strange man told his tale with a voice firm as any. 

Aulus seemed overly confident with his words. There was a realization within them to himself. Part of Virion felt as if he'd been talking to himself, rather his company. But it was all perfectly understood. The Russian had a similar point in his own life. So who was he to judge?

"Allow me to pledge myself to you."

Hearing that was definitely unexpected. 

The dark one so readily leapt to join Virion's cause. Why?

Was he that he felt alone? Perhaps he was a spy sent by Aquene's guardian pack? No.. maybe he simply felt an empty side in him that demanded he take up a life and purpose he was born to. 

It was too soon to pass judgement.

Let's make one thing clear. The kingdom I intend to build is a strict one. We live by ways that many will protest. Once you have walked our path, there is no turning away. The only escape you will find, would be your death. To swear your allegiance to me is to swear your life in full. Are you prepared for such a commitment? The Russian waited in silence, a curious gaze befalling Aulus.

no worries! we can fade w your post if you’d like :D

The man issued a warning. Many would be turned off by it no doubt. The terms and conditions were quite radical. But Aulus was not phased. He was built within the same environment the man described.
Aulus  rose from his bow. I am. His voice firm, his nod even more so.

Any who joined this to-be pack had a death wish. Hell, Virion knew that better than anyone, and he would be its founder.

Aulus seemed understanding of the terms, so why press further?

So be it. He replied with a grating tone.

You will soon be Usluga, and I your Pakhan. May your next steps be cautious and prudent, for rocky travels lie ahead of us all. A grand, final speech. The last warning Virion would give before announcing the newest of his soldiers.

With all said, the Russian turned to depart, motioning for Aulus to follow.