Blackfoot Forest just get no blood on the dope

Located at the Blue Springs Cave area.

Autumn was hasty in her homecoming. The conifers seemed unhurried in changing of the flags of their leaves due to the weather being significantly warmer a couple of weeks back. Summer attempted to get one last heatwave in before coming to its expiration for this cycle. Quick to claim her place in the equinox, Autumn’s crisp temperatures were refreshing and invigorating. With the sun setting in the west, the Blackfoot Forest grew considerably darker than the lands around it. The shadow of the mountain range aided in this. The travel-worn Mackenzie scrambled down the mountain toward the cover of the forest. The turf was particularly jagged and with paws already tender from roaming, the lone female decided to find a semi-extended temporary refuge here.  
 
She had no choice but to as clambering down the mountain led to a chipped nail in a forepaw.
 
Wincing at the inconvenience (more so annoyance) of the broken nail, she did well to travel far enough to put distance between her and her potential stalkers, but this was a fallacy she would harshly criticize herself over in such times. Streaks of her blood were left on the rocks she scrambled down. Seeing as how the nail fracture discharged a considerable amount, Zsuzsa had to set up an encampment for the night to lick her nail and rest the paw. A small opening hidden amongst the trees surrounded by moss-covered boulders caught her eye. Could have been the den of a cougar but there was no immediate scent left behind. This would be satisfactory, as she sat down outside the mouth of the cave although she blended in near perfect with the darkness looming inside. She would explore the interior soon enough, but time for a rest.
 
The equinox encouraged to give thanks for life’s bountiful harvest, although Zsuzsa couldn’t necessarily agree with that in her situation. The seasons were often cheerful, marking the passage of time and mirroring the seasons of one’s life. With that came acknowledgment of self, and what could Zsuzsa really say? She was alone. In some cases, life was better off that way. The only suspense was a broken nail and it was the only which pained Zsuzsa more than broken relationships.

Kynareth’s obsessed with caves. He loves exploring, he loves finding what horrible shit is in them. Not only are they mysterious, they’re fun. Like playing Russian roulette with your life sometimes, but fun nonetheless. Tonight is no different, he’s stalking down his mountains and exploring the nearest valley. Tiptoeing in his Jordan’s all the way down to this spectacularly eerie forest. 

Though he doesn’t come here knowing this cave exists, he’s just wandering. He’s naturally padding towards it, until a fresh enough scent to rouse his suspicions. So like any intelligent individual walking through a spooky area, he follows it. Walking carefully, he’s quiet, but not completely silent, no– he’s much too big and flashy for that. 

What finally causes him to halt in his tracks in the cave he sees. Not yet seeing her darker form lying about the floor he begins heading closer and closer. Surely by now she’s noticed him and he’s noticed her. His golden hues practically glowing in the night much like the shimmering stars above. “Evening.” He hums. “You live here?” He asks softly, not wanting to intrude on her territory.

Contemplating on slipping deeper into the depths of the cave, it wasn’t long before the metaphorical land sharks of the Wilds would be drawn by the shed of her blood. The male approaching did not see her at first as she was merely two floating silver eyes in a dead space of black. Physically he was burly, perhaps the largest encounter of a male she came across so far. The closer he approached, his color pops of cream outlining his façade, neck, and chest were distinct fur patterns, unlike anything Zsuzsa had seen occurring in nature before. She had not yet been familiar with the wolfdog hybrids (unknown that this male was just that) so he was an instant abnormality to her. Holding broad shoulders and broad neck, there was a peculiarity to the way he was physically structured.
 
As if she was the gatekeeper at the entrance of this unknown cave, she fluidly rose to her paws to stand. She felt the throb and sting of her nail wound, but it didn’t deter her. She was still two silver eyes, now floating slightly higher than where they were in the darkness of the cave’s entrance. Whether seeing the faint outline of her figure, her eyes, or by the scent of her blood alone, he inquired if this was her residence. ”For the meanwhile, yes.” The Mackenzie cooed back in confirmation. It wasn't solely her cave, but for the night it was. That small inquiry led her to assume he wasn’t familiar with these parts, but Zsuzsa had other questions to ask about him. ”Your tail… how, why… is it curled like that?” It sounded like a demand, but there was a slight fascination in her voice. It was by far the most perplexing feature about him.

As expected, he hardly saw her before he spoke. Though as she stands he realizes that she too is just so fucking tall. He’s impressed truly. For he is quite the beast, so finding others — Nyra for example — that are just as y’all or taller then him. He’s not used to it. So his brows raise the slightest bit when she comes to her full height. Then just as fast he’s smiling at her comment about his tail.

His smile curls pleasantly as his own golden orbs meet her twin moons. “I’m part dog — akita specifically.” He hums to her easily. “You’re tall for a female wolf,” He hopes she doesn’t take it the wrong way. “it’s a pleasant change. Quite beautiful actually.” He offers experimentally with a quaint, charming smile. 

Her long, stilt like legs are quite a spectacle, he can’t quite help swiping his hues over her form once more. Making his attraction to her a bit more obvious. A quick motion that he hopes she doesn’t catch, and if she does, hopefully she doesn’t skin him afterwards.

Akita. It sounded like another canine lineage entirely. Zsuzsa came from a land of pure-bred wolves through and through. The only mention of dog was a slur to her growing up, amongst the disorderly males. He complimented her long, lithe figure. The Mackenzie was taller than most but cared little to highlight her gifted aesthetic. ”And you’re big for a part dog.” She retorted, saying it in a way that was just as speculative with a small smile invisible in the dark. A dog to her was imperfect, a mongrel. He definitely didn’t fit that description and was clearly an outlier. ”How did the conception of you even come to be?” She thought wolf and dog together as unusual and didn’t think the dog would last long against the feral nature of the wolf. She was all of a sudden compelled to learn more about this dogwolf (or wolfdog... she wasn't sure which version to use).
 
Feeling the suggestive sweep of his yellow gaze over her figure, the subtle gesture left her unmoved. Admiration from afar wasn’t a crime in her book unless it was contact unwanted. She would allow him to gaze upon her with an interested gleam if he so wished, for it was not in her authority to command how a male would act upon his carnality. He's definitely more doggish. Male wolves were more courtly about such things. She saw the obviousness in him but it didn't bother her like it would other females.

If anything, she let her own gaze linger upon his build, intrigued in his different anatomy. The throbbing sting of her broken nail brought her back to her own body. ”I have no kill here, for the record.” Zsuzsa mentioned matter of factly, having a sense he was drawn to her by her blood. The shadows of the cave hid the reality of how spindly she was, which probably added an additional illusion to her height.

And you’re big for a part dog. Comes her own retort and he can’t help but smile at it. He loves himself a woman who he can go back and forth with so easily. Then she asks how he even came into this world and a small fit of laughter bubbles past his lips. “My father, a wolf, met my mother, an akita, he accepted her into his pack. She had her own few followers that were also mostly part dog, some of them full dog. They merged packs and then I was created.” He informs simply.

He makes a mental side note that maybe she didn’t catch him staring for she hasn’t done anything rash to him yet — something he’s used to. Though her form is so dark and the thick canopy above them provides zero light to the substrate below. He can hardly see her. She does mention that she has no kill, and yes while he did smell blood, that isn’t what he came her for. 

Kynareth tilts his chin to the cave behind her. “Even if you did, I didn’t come here to steal your food.” He hums casually. “I have an obsession with caves. Came to explore this one actually.” He almost asks if she’d like to join him. He pauses, contemplating it — giving in. “You wouldn’t want to explore it with me would you?” Comes his slightly hesitant inquiry, a charming smile on his maw.

Zsuzsa was absorbed in his brief explanation of his conception, captivated to know a wolf would integrate anything other than a wolf into any pack. Where she originated from, the “lesser” canines of coyotes, foxes, and dogs were always secondary. It made her sum up her own upbringing, her father assaulting her mother within an inch of her life nearly every single day, even when her mother was a beautiful pure-bred with strong genes. Unfortunately, Zsuzsa thought of that as a common practice from a violent upbringing. ”So what happened after? Did your father dispose of her once you came into the picture?” It was a serious as a heart attack question. This was the reality she grew up with, so assumed perhaps it was the same everywhere else. There was no disrespect made toward his mother by any means. She was genuinely bewildered how such a different sub-species relationship could prosper.
 
Relieved he wasn’t drawn here by means of her blood or otherwise, she didn’t have to worry for the time being on dealing with that confrontation. He had an admiration for caves and wanted to explore this one. Zsuzsa slightly turned her head behind, glancing into the void of further darkness. Who knew how far back it went and where it went specifically but she felt confident in meandering through the cave with him. His charming smile was just as electric as his eyes. ”Sure. Could use a strong guy like you to help a lady with a broken nail in the dark.” Zsuzsa said in an entertaining voice. Even though her smile blended near perfect with the dark, her eyes shone with an amused glint.

Her immediate question isn’t surprising at all. For his upbringing was also violent and dangerous. Surprisingly his father was good to his mom. He would kill any who looked at her the wrong way — something he’s actually done before. Still Kynareth chuckles a bit. “No, he didn’t. He was very much so in love with her surprisingly. Even though my father was a brutal man, he was a sucker for her. She convinces him that dog could be just as strong if not stronger than some wolves. Which is true — I am an example of such proof. Many of my followers were dog in my previous pack as well.” He informs casually, not taking offense to her question at all. Happy to share the happier memories he had from his past.

Then at her last sentence Kynareth’s can’t help the laughter that bubbles up past dark lips. “I’d be honored, dear.” He hums to her, a charming, confident smirk on his maw. Teeth gleaming blue in the sickly, dim light of the surrounding forest. “Shall we?” He asks as he begins walking into the mouth of the cave. Claws tapping gently onto the uneven rock surface below. 

“You are alone out here?” He asks curiously, starlike eyes flicking over to her own beside him.

He spoke about his father as a doting figure to his mate. A pang of what felt like guilt struck Zsuzsa. She remembered faint memories of her mother, how warm and secure she was. Always gentle, reminding her of the season of spring in both personality and disposition. She never understood why her own father disregarded her so harshly. The topic of mating, in general, seemed more like a transaction than something of a gratifying union. ”I see.” The Mackenzie responds, not really having much else to say on that topic. When he spoke of the strength of dogs, her ears flicked in the dark. ”Would you say the Akita is the strongest? How many dogs are there exactly?” Whether it was another serious question or unintentionally brushing up his ego, Zsuzsa concluded Akitas had to be on the bigger end of the dog spectrum. In his case, his Akita genes actually blended quite nicely with that of a wolf.
 
Obliging to being escorted into the throes of the cave, Zsuzsa remains a wandering shadow of a poltergeist beside him as they make their ways inside. The darkness was so vast that the silver of her eyes began to dim slightly. Night vision kicked in for her senses and was a hazy gray navigating through the cavern. The atmosphere immediately began to change, the air becoming less moving and fluid than the outside. He questioned her isolation. It was a double-edged question. ”Not just here. Been alone for about three moon cycles.” Zsuzsa responded, glancing at him then forward into the cave. ”You?” The Mackenzie shot back, even though she felt like she knew the answer. He seemed like he was in prime shape, with no malnourishment and pristine appearance. He was definitely a looker.

She flatters him by asking if the akita is the strongest of Dogs and he sadly must deny it. For he’s seen even bigger than him! Meatier and tall, floppy lips and drooping eyes. There’s some interesting combinations out there. So he chuckles quietly and shakes his head no. “No sadly, I’d love to take that trophy though. I believe it is a matter of experience, training, and physical features.” He offers his insight on the matter to her. Overall hard work and perseverance always trumped no?

Then as she continues on he raises his brows at her admission to being alone for so long. “That’s unfortunate. No I am not alone, basically have never been alone.” Where he was gazing ahead he flicks his golden orbs into her gaze curiously. “Though I could give you company if you wish...” He hums with a light smile.  It could sound suggestive and if she wants to take it that way he is more than happy to oblige. Though he does mean the company of his pack if she wonders so, he will clarify.

Surprised to hear Akitas weren’t the strongest or largest of the domestic dogs, Zsuzsa could only imagine how many other breeds there truly were in the world. She certainly couldn’t imagine anything grander in size than he was. The darkness of the cave engulfed them entirely, so she couldn’t exactly give him another tall drink in a glance at his features to confirm this. She couldn’t speak more on this subject, as interesting as it was, for she did not know what other breeds existed. ”Could've fooled me. You have me convinced about Akitas now." Zsuzsa said with an entertaining tone in her voice. For a brief moment, the atmosphere of the cave brought her attention back to it. They were just two travelers wandering deeper into the blankness that was the inside of the mountain. There was something about this that made them seem so exclusive to the company of each other. Deep down, she enjoyed this rather spontaneous encounter, even though it was with no light to be found anywhere.
 
So, there had been others he was connected with. It wasn’t a surprise judging by her initial first impression of him and his physical features of health. Offering the hospitality of company to her, it would be easy to assume he would mean such a contribution in a provocative way. For a part wolfdog, dogwolf, whatever you wanted to label it… he was fairly appealing to the eye. Such matters of attraction often flew over her head. She had not personally been romantic enough to catch on to hints of what suggestiveness really was, although for an attractive male like him, the thought was entertaining enough and did stir something of feeling like she was in the company of someone who gave her positive attention for once in her life. Her invisible smirk stretched the corners of her muzzle although it went unseen in the dark. ”Had a feeling you wouldn’t be far from any company. Is it your family, a pack?” Her tone of voice spoke with a lilt of genuine interest in learning more about him.

The cave only sucks them further and further into darkness, their faces hardly becoming intelligible. Especially the beautiful one of the shewolf beside him, her fur being so pitch black that he can hardly register the soft plains of her face as she smiles to him. He even offers his own soft laugh at her comment of Akitas and dogs. “Oh just wait until you see me in action, dear.” He hums comically, speaking of battle but also his naturally dirty mind can’t help but suggesting the other way.

Yet, when she asks her next question he shifts his gaze from in front of them over to her own. The barely distinguishable line of her smile has his lips spreading out into his own toothy smirk. He’s almost disappointed she doesn’t take it in the other way. “Yes, my pack is nearby. Not relation, but family nonetheless.” He comments easily, in a charmingly conversational tone. “But you,” he starts. “you are alone much too often, no?” He drifts closer to her, a muscular shoulder brushing her own. His golden eyes glowing even in the low light. “I can be good company. It depends who you are.” He laughs the last sentence. Then he becomes more serious. “Would you hate being whisked away with us?” He wonders aloud. She probably would considering the war they’re in. Or almost war, he’d say. As well as his violent and often chaotic attitude. It usually drives weaker wolves away. Truly sad.

Ugh, terribly sorry for the wait. Studies have been beating the hell out of me this semester. ;_;

Seeing the Akita in action would be fascinating to her, in both real-time and perhaps in a carnal nature. The thought of such crept as a small afterthought in the back of her mind, as a smirk remained apparent on her muzzle in the dark. There was much that would be left to the imagination about him, especially in this dark cave, but perhaps this was the conventional way of getting to know someone beyond the aesthetic. Zsuzsa may not have realized herself she was sapiosexual but would be worth exploring later on. This seemed like a good start with her concerning the Akita.
 
So his pack was nearby, in keeping up with his charming tone. The focus shifted back to her and with that shift came the shift of his warmth closer in proximity to hers. She could feel the tingle of her hairs raise at the sudden closing presence of his, which was a dead giveaway that yes, she had been quite lonely in some time now. The touch was electric, sparking something in her to keep her shoulder steadily against his, welcoming the gesture. He spoke of good company, rich in his tone. The prospect of being whisked away by his enchanting offer was actually taken seriously by the Mackenzie at this moment. Silence and the taps of her claws against the hard, cold ground beneath them filled the air at first. She was thinking this through. ”It depends what the pack consists of.” Zsuzsa then responded, countering his light jest of being selective. ”What can you tell me about it?” She would be calculative about her next moves, but he had her full attention on what he could potentially sell.

You’re totally okay! I understand! ;D

The cavern goes silent, the sounds of claws tapping as they delved further and further down into this dark abyss. Water droplets filling in the silence as well, until finally she speaks. He can tell she’s peering at him and the curiosity in her tone makes him smile. He won’t lie to her when he describes the Saints. After all, there’s no room for wolves who aren’t like him. Who’re soft around the edges and too scared to kill or fight.

So he begins. “I won’t lie to you, we’re a fairly aggressive bunch to outsiders. To each other though, we try to be as family as one can get with others not related to you. We’re tight knit and we have no room for wolves who aren’t willing to fight or kill. Such is the way of life. We’re territorial and defend our own with out  hesitation.” With that he looks to her, hoping she isn’t terrified by the idea of him being a cold blooded killer.

The Mackenzie was all ears as the Akita explained the dynamics of his pack. Appreciative of his reputability of how his pack functioned, it reminded her of when she briefly joined the ranks of the Etruscans before coming to the Wilds. They functioned in the same manner; hospitable to those who displayed loyalty and a sense of service to the members but preserving and fortifying their namesake and lands without a doubt. Zsuzsa was used to this sort of nature already, and it struck a familiarity with her as, she too, acted in the manner of being an iron fist in a velvet glove. She could learn more skills in fighting, defending herself if need be. He wasn't seen as a cold-blooded killer. He was seen as a canine who embraced all the dynamics of his nature.
 
It seemed to pull at her interest genuinely. He seemed robust enough, confident enough, and she wanted to survey the pack lands for herself, just to be sure (as there was so much that can be talked about in this dark cavern) “I can fight alongside, provide a means of protection.” There was confidence in that statement within her voice. She had the history outside of the Wilds, if he so wanted her to elaborate on what she could do, but of course, knew she would have to prove herself later. ”I can hunt and do anything required for the survival of others.” Zsuzsa further eluded. ”I can provide those things in exchange for adequate security and resources of food.” It was then her steel eyes glossed over with uncertainty, remembering her father’s band in pursuit of her to bring her back to them, dead or alive. She wasn’t about to go without a fight.

When she mentions her only desire is to be protected and have a secure source of food he chuckles confidently. Hawk yellow eyes flicking to her oh so beautifully. “That, my dear, is much too easy.” He sings with a cute tilt of his massive head. “We’d do more than protect, I’d love to slaughter any and all who came to try and kill you. It’d be an honor.”

Then he offers an impressive once over of her tall, midnight black form. “I’m sure you can fight and your build says that you are definitely good at hunting. I think you’d have a swell time with us. I’d love to have you.” He hums the last sentence almost suggestively, an obvious and shameless flirt he is.

”We’d do more than protect, I’d love to slaughter any and all who came to try and kill you. It’d be an honor.”
 
His statement could be the declaration that would solidify it for her. It could have been his enticement to sway her, but it meant so much more to her. There was something about him that seemed sincere in his conviction beyond his magnetizing nature. There was also something about him that was a fresh concept: learning the ways of the wolfdog, fighting alongside a hybrid, becoming a part of something that actually provided a sense of security. He was willing to offer a chance with her and she would be willing to take that blind leap of faith herself. There was an instant gravitational pull she felt toward him. She could not put her paw on it but felt like this was the direction fate was guiding her next.
 
Who knew how far they wandered into the cave at this point, as Zsuzsa was briefly reminded of where they were traveling, seemingly into a space of infinity. The sting of her nail briefly recaptured her attention along with the pitch blankness of black. Something within told her she did not want to be left alone to herself with this cavern once they made their ways back out of the mountain. At his cheeky acknowledgment of luring her to his lands, her tail flicked as she retorted with her own reply. ”Actually, I might be willing to accept… if it includes a nice den with a welcome meal from a charming Akita.” Zsuzsa said with a honeyed tone. Her terms and conditions were simple.

He can see her weighing her options. It’s always good to do so, he doesn’t blame her. It’s a hard decision, especially when it comes to joining a whole pack. Especially one like his, but something tells him that she’s going to get along just fine. After all, she seems she can definitely take care of herself. She’d be perfect for the Saints and he can help but wag his curled tail back and forth on his hips. 

He releases a sharp bark of laughter at her confirmation. “I thought you’d never ask. I could give you that and then some if you so wish, dear.” He charms shamelessly. His golden orbs lighting up with personality. “Really though, I do believe you’ll fit in just fine. If I do have to kill whoever hunts you, I have zero problem spilling their blood or mine to protect a pack mate. You have a spot in the Saints for as long as you’ll have us.” He ends seriously. A strong promise in his tone, pride accompanied along side it.

For the first time in a long time, a broad grin crosses her muzzle. Her grin was so immense it wouldn’t be a surprise seeing her pearly whites even in the dark of the cavern. ”The Saints.” Zsuzsa repeated. It was a virtuous moniker, holding a nice ring to it. As the word saint was typically regarded as being in heaven after death in definition, it was a fitting sentiment for herself and everything she dealt with up until this point. She could only imagine it was the same belief for the rest of the pack. There were those who protected their pack, and there were those who protected their pack and integrity. He sold her on both from the way he worded it, but she knew he meant everything he said.
 
Her steel gaze, which mirrored a callous glint for so long, suddenly ignited with a newfound sense of purpose. ”I’ll take the chance, Akita.” Zsuzsa remarked, nudging her shoulder into his. She didn’t know his name yet but didn’t need to even if they didn’t get around to formally introducing each other until the dawn of the morning. Something about this just felt like the right thing to do. Her tail wagged. What a way to be inaugurated into a new pack, by the secrets of this cave in pitch darkness. Even if she couldn’t fully see him, his presence enough held a gravity that was reassuring. Everything about this was suddenly just so sure.

Kynareth’s laugh resonates through the cave, letting anything that is in there know it isn’t the only thing in there anymore. Get smile is brilliant agains the stark blackness of her lips and he peers at her knowingly. “The Saints.” He repeats gleefully back.

Then he’s scoffing in jest as she calls him akita. “Call me Kynareth, dear. Kynareth Deagon of the Abbey, Grandmaster of the Saints.” He introduces his extravagant name with a charming grin. “You?”

The cave seemed infinite before them. Suddenly Zsuzsa lost interest in exploring further. She was eager to get back to territory borders, to her new home. There was a newfound purpose in her life now and she wanted to get a head start on learning everything about the territory like the back of her paw. ”What say we turn around? I am eager to see our home.” Home wasn’t muttered on her maw for many moons, and the mentioning felt good to say again. "And more of you in the moonlight." She suggested as they have been conversing through the dark. She was also eager to see her leader in the light finally. 
 
The grand male had a grand rank to go along with his disposition, the Grandmaster. Now knowing him by his true designation as Kynareth Deagon, Zsuzsa would keep the Akita label for use in future banter. There was a bit of pride knowing she was recruited by the Grandmaster himself of the pack. She vowed to herself she would not disappoint in her allegiance and commitment to himself and the Saints. ”You can call me by Zsuzsa. Previously of the Or’ard Weald south of these Wilds, but they are no more to me.” Firm in her conviction of letting her prior faithfulness go, she was a Saint now, through and through.

At her mention to turn around he couldn’t agree more. He too is eager to see her in the ivory light of the moon. Especially since he can hardly distinguish any hard features due to her pitch black fur. So he laughs a, “Couldn’t agree with you more.” Before he’s moving to do a tight u-turn and head towards the mouth of the cave once more. “I’m sure you’re just as beautiful though, dear.” He compliments easily, smiling at her. A hint of white teeth as he smirks to her and another bump of their shoulders. “Me? Lord, I think I’m a bit ugly in the light.” He jests horribly. The joke much too obvious for he isn’t ugly in the slightest and he damn well knows it.

Though when she tells him her name all jokes aside he lets loose an impressed whistle. “Very interesting name. Can’t wait to say it more often.” He teases with a delightful wink.

I think this is a good place to wrap up! I'll archive from here. :]

The two wolves would turn around to wander their way back out of the dark cave and into the moonlight. Perhaps witnessing Zsuzsa in the moonlight would be something ordinary but she would take delight in seeing Kynareth for who he really was. What was once a prejudiced belief of wolfdogs to her now made an impression to learn more. She would learn further things on his escorting her back to the Hideaway Strath where the Saints called home. She found his cheeky nature rather entertaining and amusing, and for the first time in a long time, felt lighthearted enough to laugh some in his company. Perhaps that was the magic that he had over many others but there was something beyond his deviant nature that wanted her to get to know him better. At least now she would have that opportunity and was fortunate for him to have chosen her to join the ranks of the Saints.