Cedar Sweep Black swan

Crinkling his nose at the clear pleasure she took in his reaction, the earthen wolf took a moment to collect himself. He shouldn’t be rising to her bait, entertaining as it was. He had better self-control than this. So why was he responding so sharply?

Raising a brow at her mocking remark, he replied coolly, That would require a lady to be present. All I see is a dirty little wisp of silver, vastly different things, I assure you.

Straightening his posture, he shifted his gaze away from where she worked, pointedly refusing to offer her more attention than she’d already stolen.

With a snort, he added dryly, I could say the same. Just because I seek out excitement doesn’t mean this wasn’t intentional. It’s awfully dangerous to be wandering alone out here.

His thoughts drifted to her, that gaze, deep as fresh-spilled blood.

You never know what, or who, you might find.

The comment came quieter, that gnawing feeling in his gut returning with force. Odd. She was very odd.

Dirty little wisp of silver- Well- y'know what? She'd been called worse. She let this one roll off her shoulders, a touch amused by the creativity and that oh-so-certain way he spat his venom. She liked it. Found herself wondering if he could use his brawn half as well as his words.

Not your fight to pick, wretch. Though... perhaps she could've lead him to someone his own size... What a devious, nasty thought!

An entertaining one too, but a fair bit of a walk away. She'd mull it over, see if he pissed her off some more.

Its soooo dangerous. Isn't it a good thing you've got company? I'll protect ya, so you don't have to worry your little head about all the scary monsters in the dark. She winked, taking her herbs back into her jaws and skipping off into the woods again, following the sound of a flowing river.

He didn’t follow her immediately, hesitating as he weighed the idea of wandering off on his own again. The thought was tempting. And yet, he couldn’t bring himself to leave. Curiosity held him in place, his attention fixed on the strange little creature.

With a quiet huff, he finally started after her, his pace unhurried. His eyes tracked her carefully, watching as her slight, peculiar form skipped toward the sound of flowing water. At the very least, water was cleaner than the dirt she’d been rooting around in. Not that it would do her much good, but one could hope.

He muttered to himself, Yes, of course. Protection from monsters. How kind of you. The words were laced with dry amusement, the sentiment anything but sincere.

She had covered distance quick, already plopped down by the edge of a quick-moving stream, washing off her bounty.

She didn't look up as he followed, albeit, slowly, her attention remained focused on the purging of filth, including the dirt which now caked the underside of her nails, and stained the ivory white of her forepaws.

Eek! It was cold as she slipped them under, freezing, really, but the water did its work washing away the mud. As soon as she could, she was quick to pull them back and press them to the fur of her underbelly, a shiver rolling down her spine and clicking of her teeth against one-another. She looks down to her collection, meager pickings, though the season dictated that.

Didn't frustrate her any less.

Well this is a pathetic haul. Did you see anything else on your way? She casts a look over her shoulder, unmoving from her languid state, her legs kicked out from under her.

She wasn't hopeful, in two facets, one, that he would give her an answer at all, and two, that there was anything more to find out here.

Winter was a merciless killer. she found herself inspired and loathed to it all the same.

Hesitation still lingered in his movements as he slowed to a halt, stopping a good ten feet from the she-wolf. He watched as she scrubbed at her paws, trying to rid them of as much mud as possible. His gaze flicked to her little collection, and he silently agreed, it was meager.

Her reaction to the frigid water pulled a smirk to the corner of his mouth. Deserved, he thought, shifting his focus to the rushing current instead. He’d had enough of looking at her for now, still stubbornly clinging to the pretense of indifference.

Hm. I’m a hunter, not a gatherer, he mused. I’m sure I’ve seen plenty of things, but whether I could identify them... He shrugged, unbothered. I suppose you’ll have to settle for disappointment. Not that that’s a new experience for you.

A low chuckle rumbled from his throat, amused at himself, and at the thought that the wretched creature across from him was, as expected, disappointing.

She kept her paws close to herself a little longer, siphoning what little heat her body had. You could at least try to be useful. She huffs lightly, shifting and pulling a paw out to brush over her face and muzzle.

World's'a disappointing place. Envy made the observation easily, the weight of history made sure of that. Her shoulders rolled beneath her fur and her figure leaned into a casual stretch, one she would bounce out of as the tension in her muscles snapped, rolling seamlessly right back to her usual skip-trot. She circled him again, let her tail slid along his side, her face halting in front of his own. S'pose I should stop expecting men to be any different.

Accusatory, she spoke with a bite to her tongue, rolled her eyes and then slithered back to the riverbank to pick up her supplies, casting a shrug his way. Y'don't need to follow me if you don' wanna. Go off an' hunt something. I can find what I need without you.

She wasn’t wrong. The world was full of disappointment. Ker knew that better than most.

I thought I was here to entertain. A smirk played at his lips. You never did say please.

He wasn’t pleased she had drawn so close, but he didn’t let it show. His posture remained relaxed, his expression unreadable as he watched Envy with a crooked brow.

Or maybe you just need better company. He shrugged, casual yet pointed. Men are nasty things, I won’t argue that. But I get the feeling you attract an... unsavory crowd.

When she turned back to her sad little stash, he let out a low chuckle.

Is this your way of dismissing me? Am I not fun enough? His voice held an edge of mockery, though his gaze lingered. You seemed so eager before.

A part of him welcomed the chance to leave her behind. But curiosity, damn thing that it was, kept him rooted. For now.

Ah! Manners!

Frivolous things. Silly, she thought, especially when she was used to getting her way without them most times. Bat some pretty lashes, show off her smarts-

Make them nervous. Sometimes it was on purpose but not always! Not always.

She got down, rolling onto her back and exposing stark white belly fur Oh pretty please mister, won't you help a poor soul in need?

She was up in another moment, shaking the snow from fur and assuming an air of nonchalance.Unsavory is one way of putting it. She lingered on the thought a moment, a bit of amusement spared to the clear trends. Part of it was her own fault, a moth drawn to the kindling of a flame, licked by its burn.

Going back for more. Hungry, always hungry.

S' my way of seein' if you would take it. Since you're still here, clearly I'm not as bad as you're pretending. She snickers, dramatically tossing her head back with a gasp 'Unbecoming.'

Amusement flickered in his eyes as she threw herself into her theatrics, baring the tender flesh of her stomach in a mock plea. He could appreciate the humor in it.

See? Was that so difficult? Amazing what one little word can do. His voice dripped with sarcasm, his gaze tracking her as she rolled back to her feet. At least you’re aware of it. I’ve met some who embrace denial with open arms. Perhaps there’s hope for you yet.

He certainly didn’t believe that, but the banter was far too entertaining to admit as much. With a slow, exaggerated roll of his eyes, he lifted a paw, inspecting his claws with feigned disinterest.

Unbecoming indeed. Shame on me, he murmured, clicking his tongue.

Herbs back in her grasp, she would carry on further downstream, lingering by its side, hawkish eyes scouring every nook, she seemed almost to be in a different world entirely. The only thing to prove otherwise was the idle swivel of sharp, tattered ears, keeping her attuned to the rest of the world.

The tang of mint was one instantly recognized by her nose, feint, as was any herbal scent in this snowy hellscape that had swallowed the land. She set to work sourcing it out, softly digging through powdery white to unveil a dormant patch. ...So if yer' a hunter. How's that going for you when you're on your own? She asks idly, removing a few leaves and burying the rest back beneath the snow, where it might've been shielded from the harsh bite of winter air.

She knew that she was the weird one, preferring to memorize, to solve puzzles; to stick her paws into warm innards and mend what blemishes might've torn them asunder. Still, she wondered what drove someone toward other paths.

Wondered where she might've been driven if circumstances were different. Then again, she'd been born with this fascination, she was it and it was her. N' don't say 'none of your business'.She puts on an impression of his voice, lowered and dumbed-down, a teasing lilt to her tone.

As he watched her move, scanning the surroundings with unwavering diligence, he couldn't help but admire her determination. She was completely absorbed in her task, a clear sign of passion. He respected that. In a world where so few took their responsibilities seriously, it was refreshing to see someone so dedicated.

Do you have herbs memorized, or are you just bluffing and hoping to find something worthwhile? His tone held no sarcasm, just genuine curiosity. It was fascinating to watch her work, so sure-footed and steady.

Aw, where's the fun in that? he teased lightly.

Her focus didn't waver, so he shifted the conversation. What is there to say about hunting? It goes as well as it can. I don’t have trouble finding meals, if that’s what you’re asking.

He paused for a moment before continuing, his voice quieter, more reflective. It’s thrilling, the chase, the capture, the kill. It’s… freeing.

Careful not to reveal too much, he let the words linger, allowing just enough of himself to slip through.

Course I have them memorized. She huffs, as if the question itself was offensive. Their scents, too. pride laced her tongue, this work, as natural to her as the breaths that filled her lungs. I know where to look, but it's a toss up whether or not there'll actually be anythin'.

Hunting was no difficulty, he said, and she believed, he was not bone-thin, not like she was when she faced the trial of a rogue's path. Then he spoke of thrill, and her attention flitted back to him.

There it was. What she was looking for, even when he retreated back in, betraying nothing of his deeper intricacies.

All the better. Envy liked to dissect.

It is, isn't it? the corners of her mouth spread into a devious grin, a beaming, knowing stare met with his own, big red eyes looking as if they were trying to peel back each layer, fur, skin, muscle, bone. Each piece down down down right to the marrow. I'm a half-baked hunter at best. She admits with a shrug. But I like catching em'. Rabbits, foxes, coyotes.

Liked doing more than just catching them, but this, she would keep quiet.

It felt good to be strong. Something she got few tastes of.

That's fair. I suppose it's no different from memorizing prey scents, trail markings, identifying weaknesses... His voice trailed off, lost in thought as he considered the similarities. But he wasn't her. No, that much was clear.

Odd. She was very odd.

His gaze flickered over her face, studying her features in silence. Those damn red eyes. A shiver crawled up his spine, one he forced himself to suppress, he wouldn’t give her the satisfaction. The last thing he needed was to hand her more ammunition.

We all have our strengths, he mused, his tone shifting. You can't help being a little silver wisp, after all. The warmth in his voice turned sharp, teasing. Catching them is the real challenge. These creatures can be clever. You never quite know how far they'll go to survive. He paused, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. I have to give them credit for that.

aaaa i am so sorry for the delay!

Memorizing. Identifying. No different. She just stared at him while he debated her status on normalcy, and a shudder ran down his spine at the thought of sharing something in kind with her.

A shame then that already, she felt the pull of something kindred, locked away in those words he didn't want to say. Say them say them say them, her eyes plead. but she quickly dismisses this look with a laugh at his musings. Of course she couldn't help the furs she was born with. She was no chameleon.

Hardly clever. Mostly just desperate, I think. She remarks idly, beginning to walk south towards the distant morass. I'm not giving something credit for givin' me a hard time. She puffs, her tail flicking as her tone lightens to one laced with a snicker. But it does make it feel better when you outwit em'.

Made her feel better.

The look in the eye of something staring down death.

No worries <3

Something about her words unsettled him, as if there was more beneath the surface, an implication he couldn’t quite place. A quiet unease crept into his thoughts, but he pushed it aside. Now wasn’t the time to dwell on it. He needed to stay sharp, not get caught up in speculation. Thinking could wait.

Perhaps, he said, his tone carefully indifferent. He offered a shrug, though the tension coiling in his muscles told a different story. Electricity crackled along his nerves, warning him to stay wary.

With a slow stretch, he tried to ease the growing ache in his limbs, then flicked his gaze back to her. I take it your pack is nearby. You don’t seem the loner type, too desperate. His voice held a knowing edge, probing.

His ears flicked back slightly as he continued, words laced with quiet disdain. Which way should I avoid? I can’t say I’m eager to meet more of your kind.

The thought of more red-eyed demons sent a chill down his spine. Hers was certainly a pack he had no desire to encounter, of that, he was certain.

Whatever shiver crept along his spine was one lost on her.

It was probably a good thing he chose to stay wary. She was a serpent, primed and keen to swallow the world and all it was worth, and be unsated still. Now imagine what she did to any who dared to get

close

Desperate?! She halts, dropping her herbs, her eyes demanded explanation. She would take the friendly road no longer, if she even had at all.Says you— I even gave you the opportunity to go and ya' didn't! Too lonely? So desperate y'follow a stranger you don't even like just for crumb a' their time? She mocked him now, put on a sad voice and inched closer closer closer, smothered.

Recognition, a kindred flicker in the red of her eye, even if she was remiss to accept it.

Sou-th. She annunciated, pulling back a few steps. And you're lucky I'm being honest. My kind are pretty mean round' the borders, but they're not all like me.

Her head tilted to the side. She would leave this one up to interpretation.

And there it was, the delectable reaction he had been waiting for. A sly grin tugged at Ker’s lips, smug satisfaction flickering across his face.

You are... entertaining, I suppose. Mostly disappointing, but there’s some merit to you. After all, you initiated this little exchange, must I remind you?

He shrugged, tail flicking behind him in quiet amusement. With slow, deliberate steps, he began circling her, maintaining just enough distance to keep her on edge while stoking her frustration.

South, hm? Noted. Much appreciated, stranger. Though tell me, can you really trust the words of the devil?

He arched a brow, watching her closely as he continued his measured prowl. She would be quick, he had no doubt about that. He needed to match her speed as best he could, despite his larger frame. If she decided to test her teeth against him, well... part of him welcomed it. But reason urged caution. She was an unpredictable force.

Entertaining. Then disappointing. The wretch opts for an indifferent scoff. She was not indifferent.

Not indifferent.

Ah- you're not special. She huffs, raising her chin. Maybe I thought company would be a pleasant addition. Shame you didn' fall in the river before I showed up.

Couldn't be alone, this one.

She sat quiet, scratched at the ground gently, ...I dunno. Do you think you can? She says lightly, almost playfully, detached from whatever prickle had infested the furs of her spine. Her eyes follow him as he circles, when he goes round the back, her head cranes upside down to keep him in her sights.

Rattled, angry, he could prompt a taunt, prompt a bite, he could circle her all he wanted and still it would never spur the cold touch of fear to grace her senses.

She found herself facing a terrible temptation, antici

pation on the ivory white of her teeth.

Would his blood taste so foul as the last?

Playing with fire.

He felt the heat, scorching, searing, singeing every breath he took. His mind screamed danger, but he paid it little heed. Instead, a low hum rumbled from his throat as he circled, slow and mocking. How far could he push her? What cracks might form in her carefully held composure?

A dangerous game.

Satisfaction licked at the edges of his mind, feeding off what he had already drawn from her. But was there more? His steps finally stilled before her, copper eyes alight with amusement.

No, you cannot. His voice was velvet laced with thorns. Devils deceive. They prey upon the ignorant, the listless. You’d like that, wouldn’t you?

A dismissive shrug. Then, he turned to leave.

Not south. Anywhere but south.

These woods were tainted. He felt it now, an unease twisting deep in his gut. Instinct drove him away. There was nothing for him here.