Swiftcurrent Creek Float like a butterfly

@Fox -- Spar?

The edge of the wetlands bordered on firm ground, and was far less soupy than the heart of the area. This was where the warden had taken to lingering in between his patrols, but that would soon be at an end. With the rise of activity around the borderlands Njal felt inclined to never take breaks; however, after a full morning of constant wandering and observation, he found his mind drifting away from the latest vagrant to pass too near the creekland.

He moved south along the waterway and towards the first major bend in the creek - keeping himself upon the west bank as he tread. The river stones were slick with moss and water, which provided Njal with something to focus on as he marched. A few times the burly man slipped and nearly fell in to the river, but nothing so dramatic took place. When he finally came to a halt it was to stare wistfully toward the horizon, his gaze trailing near the trees that marked the location of his sleeping wife. In the distance he saw grey, and hoped that the storm upon the wind would pass them all by without issue.

I should be asleep, but I took a Midol with caffeine waaay too late in the day. @_@

Fox had returned from Blacktail Deer Plateau completely exhausted the night before. It wasn't only physical exhaustion, either. The emotional exhaustion was overwhelming and had drug her down further than she wished to admit. The loss of Bones was still heavy on her heart, and her trip to see Perry had done nothing to alleviate the pain. If anything, it had made her feel worse for failing and telling somebody about it. Wasn't telling somebody supposed to make her feel better about the situation?

Having slept restlessly, Fox arose in the late afternoon. Cutthroat had already vacated the den, but she was certain he was being watched by the rest of the pack. Now that Njal and Bazi were helping out with things, Fox thought it a good idea to give herself a break from the borders. She had been the sole leader since Jinx had left them, and she knew the help would relieve some of the stress from her life.

The fiery girl took short strides toward the creek, seeking hydration and perhaps companionship of some kind. With so many among their ranks, finding the latter should be rather easy. Not to be disappointed, Njal stood on her side of the creek, and she greeted him with a chuff before making her way to the bank and lapping up some water.

He caught the sound of another wolf before he noticed the scent; probably because the land was so heavily perfumed by Fox already. The man turned and watched her for a moment as she pranced along the edge of the river. When she paused for a drink, Njal took the opportunity to approach. Wide paws made quick work of the river stones, and while he attempted to do so as quietly as he could, there was no amount of stealth that could hide his boxy figure. When he was standing nearer to her he gave a low rumble - not exactly hostile, although the crackling sound of his deep voice could easily be misconstrued - and proceeded to playfully prod Fox's bum with his nose. As the man passed to her other side, he planted his own bottom against the wet earth and took on a placid expression, as if to suggest his innocence.

Spar thread: http://wolf-rpg.com/showthread.php?tid=2248
Action 1 (Attack - 7): Fox attempts to gently bite Njal's front leg.

The rumble that Njal emitted caused her to snap her head back at him, but it was in interest, not in defense. When he touched her leg and then sat down, Fox wriggled in playful anticipation. She and Njal had sparred before, and she was definitely not opposed to doing it again. It was what had brought them closer together in the very beginning. And while Jinx seemed to think that Njal was a threat, Fox thought the opposite. Despite the way he had dealt with Tuwawi in the very beginning, she had become one of the creek's most valuable assets.

Feeling herself starting to get amped up, Fox attempted to clasp her jaws lightly around his front leg, hoping to pull him into a bit of a playful spar session.

Action 1: (Dodge - 2): Njal waddles around to try and avoid being bitten.
Action 2: (Attack - 1): Attempts to grab one of Fox's ears.

Not knowing what to expect from the little fireball leader, Njal thought that her response was hostile at first; he was reminded of his brief madness upon entering the territory, when he was desirous of his wife. This moment was similar but far more playful - and Fox's reaction, he realized a moment later, was part of the game. When she dove towards his legs he tried to step away from her quickly, moving his limbs away from her teeth. As a countering move Njal used his height and her close proximity to reach for her ears, hoping to grab one of them and tug.

Action #1: (Attack - 4) When Njal's grab for her ear misses, Fox backs away and attempts to shove him with her front paws.

Her teeth made contact, though she did not clench her jaw upon his leg. Instead, she backed away, a playful growl rumbling through her chest. Releasing her grasp on his front foreleg, she backed away, only to be met with Njal's nipping at her ears. By some miracle, he missed her entirely. But perhaps he just wasn't trying very hard. The yearling grinned, taking another staggering step back before moving herself toward him once again.

Fox's movements were slow and playful, not wishing for their spar to get heated or intense. It was far too hot for that kind of thing, and there were no hard feelings between the two. This time, when she moved forward, her paws searched for his massive chest, hoping to push and shove him around a bit.

Back and forth they went like this for quite some time. They took friendly jabs at one another, and in the end, Fox flopped to the ground in exhaustion, panting and squinting her eyes. She wasn't sure who had won, but she wasn't terribly concerned. Eventually, her breathing slowed and she drifted into a restful slumber.