Blackfoot Forest A Dragon Amongst the Shadows

Though the moon had claimed her place in the sky, the yearling did not cease her journey. She was determined to press forward, to reach a space suitable to spend the night in, but had been met with nothing thus far. She traveled over numerous terrains with her companion, the most recent one having been a span of flattened out land. There had been nowhere to settle down at there, as she’d expected, and so she’d insisted they keep moving. Had it been any other day, the young Draconid may have suggested they slumber out beneath the stars, but the clouds that dwelled in the sky had suggested that being a terrible idea. While it was not certain, yet, if they held the threat of rain, Asterr had not wished to tempt their chances. Though she hadn’t drained of energy, her companion had, and she requested they settle somewhere quickly, even if it was not ideal. They’d managed to locate a space that was relatively welcoming, but it was too small to house both of the lupines. Having possessed the most energy out of the two, the dark being had made sure her partner hunkered down in the den for the night, meanwhile she continued on. There was a promise made, that the elder would catch up once she’d been able to get some rest, and the younger trusted her friend’s word.
 
Asterr had not made it far before realizing that traveling alone was not enjoyable. She didn’t like not having her friend at her side, another presence to keep her company during their travels. Still, she did not turn back to return to her friend’s side. Doing so would have solved nothing, and perhaps would have caused even more problems. Having shaken such thoughts of turning back away, the willowy maiden proceeded further into the unknown lands, pace slowing only after she’d entered a wooded area. It’d taken a mere second to notice she was no longer out in the open, as the branches of the trees blocked out majority of the moon’s light. That left her with two options. To continue through the forest, uncertain of what hid within the darkness, or to retrace her steps and take another path. The choice was easy to make, and she gave a slow shake of her head at her own foolishness for having even considered going around. There was nothing to fear in the shadow-filled forest, especially when she herself was as dark as any shadow in there.
 
Within moments of her having decided to stay within the unknown woods, she was met with a sound unlike any other. It was as if the darkness was screaming at her, trying to frighten her and then shrieking with laughter when it succeeded in making her head turn. It didn’t take a genius to figure out that the noises were nothing more than the calls of the foxes, which, once again, had her shaking her head in displeasure. They were loud, smelly creatures, she knew, but she also found some of them to be breathtaking. With bright red coats slinking through the underbrush, it looked almost as if Draco had blessed the land with his flame-filled breath. A small smile pulled at the corners of her lips at the thought of that, before she returned her silver gaze to the path in front of her. Her legs started moving, carrying her in the direction of an unknown place—if there even was a land at the end of the forest. Every now and again, her eyes would slip off to the bushes and trees surrounding her, attempting to catch another glance at the flame-coated vulpines.

this is crap but ey i replied

How long had she been travelling for now? It'd only seemed like yesterday when Faith had stumbled across Bearclaw Valley and had been reunited with her old packmate, Kove. But then she'd left yet again, departing due to unspecified reasons just as she'd left her other previous packs. It seemed as though the fae could barely reside anywhere for long, and even though she longed to return to the Moonlit Cave pack where she had grown up, she just couldn't bring herself to go back. 

As the pale female glanced up at the starry sky, she continued to tread on a path to nowhere. That was all she'd been doing for as long as she could remember; allowing her paws to lead the way as she ambled across numerous lands. It was what had brought her to Bearclaw Valley, and also what had led her away. Since then Faith hadn't encountered any other wolves, nor packs. She'd almost forgotten what pack life was like.

She, too, heard the loud screeches of vulpines nearby as she passed through the territory. Long had it been since she's encountered any foxes, and these ones were making their presence very obvious. An encounter with such creatures would potentially end in an unwanted skirmish, so Faith made sure to avoid such a scenario. 

Suddenly an almost foreign scent wafted into her nostrils; another wolf. Excitement shot into her chest at the prospect of another canine being nearby, but then she remembered that not all lupines were exactly too friendly. For all she knew, the owner of the scent could be a rogue and would be more than happy to deal some damage to the female. She held the disadvantage when it came to fights, what with her small physique and lack of battle skills. Faith padded on with more caution, now being more aware of the other wolf though still continuing her way.

Shhhh, your post is fine, you noodle

 
Deeper and deeper into the woods she went, giving no hints as to just how alert she was of her surroundings. She had to stay cautious, if only for the moment, as the wind was not moving to her favour. It blew from behind, carrying her scent past her and straight towards the noses of anyone—or thing—that may be lurking ahead. For some creatures, it could serve as a warning of what was coming their way, but for others it could issue an unspoken challenge. While she posed no threat, the fact still stood that there were others out there constantly looking for another battle to get themselves into. Fools, really, but she dare not voice such thoughts, less she wish to fall victim to what such an insult could bring her way. So with her mouth closed and ears pressed forward, she walked, placing each paw against the ground softly.
 
Before long, her eyes locked onto something. A pale form in the distance, sticking out like a sore thumb in the darkness that surrounded it. As she grew closer, Asterr discovered that the form belonged to a wolf, another female wandering in the dark. She took a moment to observe the other, taking in her appearance and the way she moved. It was as if she was staring down her opposite, what with the stranger being coated in furs on the lighter end of the spectrum, while her own was far from it. The only thing that could make it better would be if the unknown wolf possessed eyes as dark as the forest they were in, but the Draconid doubted that would be the case. The more she watched the other, the more she started to believe she might not get to look her in the eyes. Despite the distance between them still, there was no denying the cautious step of the ghostly wolf. It was then that she became certain her scent had already reached the girl’s nose, and saw no point in keeping away any longer.
 
Without a second thought, Asterr allowed for her speed to increase slightly, but only long enough to shorten the span of earth that laid between them. Deeming herself close enough, the girl returned to her previous pace and let a gentle chuff escape her maw. For a second after, she waited, before her jaws parted and she began to speak. “Hello,” she greeted, voice soft, yet clearly audible at the same time. “I mean no harm, I promise you that.” The lighter wolf's steps had betrayed how attentive she was from meters away, leading the obsidian figure to believe that the actual presence of another may be surprising for her. Wishing no harm to fall upon either herself or the stranger, she’d felt making sure that her lack of malicious intents was known right from the jump would be the best of choices. Patiently, then, she waited, watching the other wolf with a curious glint in her pale gaze.

Somehow it was no surprise to the female as she sensed the other's paw steps quickening in pace, and what more, in her direction. Faith remained calm, not allowing too much fear or dread to take over her. She dared not turn her head to look back at the individual heading her way, instead also adding speed as she trod on through the terrain. 

Too late. Before she knew it, the distance between the two had somehow lessened in the short space of time from when she took notice of the wolf to now. When the wolf spoke she was surprised to hear the gentle voice of another fae, greeting her, showing no signs of aggression, and reassuring her that she was not the enemy. Of course Faith knew that this could always be some sort of trick; a trap ready to spring at any moment. It was those sort of situations that she could barely anticipate, that she dreaded falling into. However it was when she turned her head to steal a glance at the wolf that the canine could really determine that she meant no harm. 

The fae had the appearance of a young wolf, one half her own age or possibly younger. Not only that, but her build was willowy and gave away the fact that she probably didn't pose as much of a threat in terms of physical danger. It was her eyes that interested her as well; beautiful icey pale orbs that held so much depth to them, and contrasted greatly to her dark pelt. Faith continued observing the wolf wit her pale golden optics, unsure of whether to speak or not. 

After a few heartbeats, she opted for greeting the canine back. If she really did mean no harm, then surely it would be safe to speak with her as they trekked on. "Hello," Her voice still betrayed caution, though she was able to speak with a gentle tone and mirrored her words. "I mean no harm either." The confrontation of a peaceful fae was a scenario she had deemed unlikely.

Asterr had noticed the increase in the other’s speed, the time between each footfall having lessened. Instead of turning away, the motion had only made her own pace increase, closing the distance between them. The girl was observant enough to catch the glance tossed her way, and return the favour by keeping her own gaze locked on the stranger’s form. She was observing her, mentally assessing the likelihood of something breaking out between them, and what the results of such a skirmish would be. When it was made apparent that the elder was not going to look away, she took to examining her face, bringing their gazes to mingle for a fleeting second. So far, she saw nothing out of the ordinary, and deemed the woman to be friendly—or as friendly as a seemingly skittish wolf could be. She got the sense that the unknown being was not nearly as relaxed as she was, which proved to be true when she opened her mouth. There was an undeniable hint of caution in her tone, something that even a child could most likely catch.
 
Nevertheless, her greeting was returned, as was the promise of no harm being intended. The Draconid girl appreciated that quite a bit, having not wished to risk getting into a tussle with a stranger. “My name is Asterr Draconid,” she introduced, a trace of pride lingering in her words as she voiced her family name. She was not an arrogant girl, far from it actually, but she had been raised to take pride in her family. She was a dragon, after all, and a dragon would never speak lowly of those who brought them into the world and raised them. “What might your name be?” Interest surfed along through her words, as she was genuinely curious about the other. Perhaps such a feeling was pulled to the surface by her want to speak with another wolf, or maybe she was just looking to learn about someone who, surely, came from a place different than her own. Either way, her tone did not falter or change, and was even accompanied by a trace of a smile.
 
The girl awaited her answer, and then for her to finish her sentence, before speaking once more. “Are you from around here?” she asked, clearly looking to get some information from the elder. Asterr bothered not with hiding her intentions, either, as doing such would be somewhat like lying, as well as completely unnecessary.

bleurgh

The name was a fairly unusual one to the fae, though her own name was probably just as odd to the younger wolf. By the pride laced in her voice as she informed her of her identity, it appeared to her that she probably came from a family with noble roots. For some odd reason it reminded Faith of her old friend Kove, but he had nothing to do with the situation.

Well it would've been rude if Faith wasn't to introduce herself to the lupine, especially since she had given her her own name. "Faith..." The female's voice had lost the majority of it's caution now that she deemed Asterr to be of no threat. However her facial features remained incredibly neutral despite any protests from the fae's usually amiable demeanour. Back when she lived in a pack there was usually at least a trace of upturned lips and joyful eyes. Nowadays there would be lingering frowns and expressions of worry in stark contrast.

"No... I've been travelling alone for quite some time now." From what she could infer, the girl, too, seemed like a foreigner to the area. "And you?" Was she also searching for a place to call home? Though Asterr appeared to have a family, seeing as she did possess a surname, it was likely that she may have separated from them or had gone through circumstances leading her to this moment in time as a solitary wolf.

Hardly a trace of caution remained in the pale woman’s voice, which Asterr was rather grateful for. She understood why many felt the need to show a great deal of hesitation, to be reluctant in exchanging any sort of information with an unknown being, but that didn’t make in any less disappointing. The yearling was friendly by nature, more or less, and for someone to view her as a potential threat to their wellbeing was never appreciated. Though she held no official title, that did not make her any less of a healer—a wolf who worked to mend the broken, rather than fracture everything placed in front of her. That side of her was pleased by the change of tone, even if she did not show it. The neutral expressions that remained had her hoping the elder would ease up more with her presence, but she would not press the matter. Positivity was not something meant to be demanded, it was made to emerge all on its own.
 
“Faith,” the dragon repeated, testing the name out. It had a nice ring to it, she noted, though it was an entirely new thing to her. Never had she met a wolf, or any creature for that matter, by the name of ‘Faith’. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” A friendly smile kept its place across her lips, rather enjoying the company spent with the stranger. Her knowledge on the woman was borderline nonexistent, but even still, she enjoyed the chance to speak with someone. She nodded, hearing the answer, and added it to the list of things she did know about the other foreigner. “I, too, have been traveling,” Asterr began, entire essence absent of uncertainty. “I left my homeland with a close friend of mine, though we were eventually forced to temporarily part ways. She needed to rest, and so we made arrangements to meet back up later on. I’m not quite sure how long we travelled together.” In all honesty, she hadn’t kept track. At the time, it didn’t seem important, and it continue to be lacking in the significance department. “Have you been travelling through this land for long?”

Pippin let out a groggy sounding grunt as the females were chatting away. Why was it when he wanted to take a nap always these damn wolves were making so much noise?! If they weren't howling then they were talking loudly. Pippin had more than enough of it. He silently creeped down the tree into another which had pinecones. The raccoon moved without rustling a leave, reaching for a pinecone. 

Then he raised his front paws up and threw the pinecone at the female. "Others. Like. To. Sleep," he huffed at her and grabbed another pinecone in the ready to throw another at her. Maybe he should collect rocks next time. That would surely hurt. Next time. Next time.

The two had been carrying on with their conversation with voices of moderate volumes. Not a whisper, but not a shout, either. It was simply the way one would speak when in such a close proximity to another. However, it seemed even that had not been enough, as they were eventually cut off by something soaring through the air. An unforeseen attack, courtesy of an unknown assailant. While the weapon of choice was far from something of deadly proportions, it had still been enough to spook the elder of the women, sending her off on her merry way. It was disappointing, all in all, but the young dragon was incapable of holding it against her. She’d been weary from the start, and though her nerves had settled considerably while speaking to the obsidian vessel, a layer of caution must have remained, still, hidden away from prying eyes. Asterr’s gaze trailed after her, witnessing the girl disappear into the night like the phantasm she appeared to be. The was a twinge of worry that struck a chord within her chest, its tune going out to the acquaintance she’d been left behind by just moments prior.

A breath exited her lungs as the remaining traces of the apparition of a wolf faded away, though her optics did not leave the direction she’d disappeared into. Perhaps she would have remained like that for a longer period of time, too, had the memory of why Faith had left not hit her. Slowly, the dragon turned herself around, the motion fluid and done with ease. She allowed for a silence to wash over the area, bringing forth an eerie atmosphere when amalgamated with the darkness of the forest. Even she herself seemed to blend with the woods and its deafening quietude, her silver eyes being the only thing to stand out against the shadows. They were trained on the culprit, the one who’d thrown a pinecone and then had mentioned something of sleeping. “You are a raccoon,” she stated, voice devoid of the warmth it’d previously held, but not especially cold, either. It was as if a whole other being had taken over her body, purloining her jovial nature and leaving behind a solemn creature in its place. “You speak of enjoying the act of sleeping, yet your species is nocturnal by nature. Explain yourself.” The tone of voice she’d taken on made it clear that she would not stand for anything less than an adequate answer to her query. It was also, of course, the least the smaller mammal could do, given he’d frightened away her chance at acquiring another traveling companion.

Pippin threw another pinecone at the female. He really didn't care nor was listening to what she said. He wasn't fond of wolves and he just wanted them gone, far away from his tree. He collected a few others, holding them close to his plump body. He was ready to throw more. "Go away!," he called out to the female wolf. He held a pinecone up in the air as a threat. Maybe that would help. He wasn't going to back down until the female would leave. One already fled so that was a success. Now the black one needed to be gone too.

Another pinecone came soaring towards her, but she was quick to move in order to avoid being hit. The cone-throwing was more an annoyance than anything else, given that being hit with one did not harm her. Despite the lack of pain, she still did not wish to have one bouncing off of her body, finding the moment too serious to allow room for comedic displays. Her silvery eyes remained locked upon the raccoon, her features twisting in order to form a scowl. The expression was not one she used often, if ever, but the ignorance of the lesser creature was enough to drag one onto her face. Never had she harboured hatred in her heart, the emotion far too heavy and venomous for her to bother with it, but in that moment she felt something similar towards the assailant. It was not a pure, burning hatred—she was most likely incapable of feeling such negativity—but it was a deep-seated dislike for the troublesome animal. “Someday, perhaps, someone will come along and eat you whole—then you may understand that actions all have consequences,” the girl announced, malice in her tone, though it was not her own. Later on, she would look upon her behavior as something worrisome, a time in which she let her concentration down just long enough for the Dragon God to use her voice as his own.

“May the dragon’s flames engulf you and eat away at your body, leaving not even ashes to remember you by.” As the final word slipped from her mouth, she could feel the pressure in her head lessening, signaling Draco had said all he’d wished to. In that moment, Asterr blinked, the glare leaving her ghostly eyes, though her gaze linger on the raccoon for a second or so longer. Without so much as a word of farewells, the young dragon turned and trotted off, giving a gentle shake of her head as she did so. The focus and control she’d held since birth found its way to her once more, thus allowing her to travel onwards in peace. While she did not enjoy the sensation of being suppressed by another presence in her own mind, she did not regret the words spoken with her voice. The raccoon was a vile creature, after all, its coat the colour of metals—metals meant to be controlled by the great flames of a dragon’s breath.