A Song, Or A Prayer [Ray]

[Kenren]

I n sorrow, in waves, the truth here but lays in a dreary little pond for all of its days." The voice that said the words was lilting, not-quite singing, a musical tenor if there ever was one. The eyes, above such a tongue, were silver as a mystery and unfathomable as the sky. Between them, it was almost enough to overlook the rest, at least at the first. But after taking in the gaze, the tilt of the mouth, eyes then travel beyond, and lower. Easily visible beneath his dulled spring coat were ribs, flesh pulled tightly between the bones as if reaching inside, trying to find the sustenance it lacked. It would find none - if asked, Fial'hin would not have been able to say when he had last eaten. He would look back, surprised, as if just then noticing the incredible ache in his body, screaming for food. He would laugh. Fial'hin had never been quite normal, quite like others. His mind worked in a different way, priorities far different than those of any normal creature. But to him, he was just himself. He did not see others as strange, but he simply couldn't bring himself to be like them. Not that his mother hadn't tried, for a time, but she knew a lost cause when she saw it. So instead of tracking down some dinner to feed his starving body, Fial was wading in the blue waters of Crowberry Lake, reciting his words and musing quietly to himself. The water rippled around him, but there was no sound as he moved, the surface dragging lightly at his bedraggled fur. His face... his face, though gaunt, showed still the shadow of beauty that he could possess. But when he looked into the water, at his reflection, he saw only the distraction of the wispy clouds above and the red flash of a cardinal as it flew by. "Said the lady as she flew, my wings are just for you. Little bird, I am..." He trailed off, watching as a fawn stumbled up to the far edge of the lake despite his voice carrying across the water. "Brave one," he whispered, and was content to watch it for a time. Ray <3

credit to nat of adoxography.

[Ray]

DIONYSUS avonarte my heart is like a stallion, they love it more when it's broken It was a quiet day by the lake, peaceful and pleasant as the weather had been for close to a month. What with spring coming into full bloom and wildlife practically coming up under his paws, Dionysus had decided to settle in the area of Crowberry Lake for several days on the way up from a week-long jaunt in The Rainforest. He'd spent most of his time at the lake ensconced in the warm yet shady forest that circled the large body of water, lounging around and picking off rabbits and fat little stoats. Squirrels were more effort than they were worth, really, all that running around only for the little rodents to dart up a tree? Far too much trouble. At the moment, though, Dimi was watching the lake with noticeably more interest than he'd shown it the entire three days he'd been there. Most days he would be perfectly content to stay ashore, especially now with no lack of land creatures for food that Dionysus would find himself driven to take a plunge in the still-chilly waters. But right now, about thirty lengths upwind of where Dionysus was hidden in the fringe of trees just at the edge of the shore, stood another wolf nearly chest-deep in the lake! who showed no sign of any discomfort or disinterest at all. In fact, had Dionysus not immediately shivered at the thought of being in the cold lake in the first place, he'd even venture to say the wolf seemed to be enjoying himself. Looking closer, however, it was very quickly evident that the other wolf (male, lanky, thin) hadn't been having much luck with food - his skin was stretched taut across his bones under a strikingly-coloured coat that lacked the distinct well-fed shine most wolves acquired during the springtime. Perhaps that was why he was wading around in the shallows like a stork? Maybe the skinny wolf preferred fish to small woodland creatures? He could just barely pick up on the soft tones of a pleasantly mellifluous voice, though he was too far to catch any words, which had to belong to the one down in the lake. Still, as Dionysus kept his attention on the other wolf for a period of time, it was soon apparent that the male in the water was not, as he had previously surmised, fishing. He moved about the shallows in a slow, thoughtful way, yet it seemed his path through the water was directionless. Dimi was distantly intrigued. Then, as the larger wolf continued to watch, something across the lake caught the attention of the wolf in the water. A young deer, one of many born during the birthing season, tottered along the far bank. "Are you not hungry?" Dionysus murmured to himself, his pale green eyes flicking from the wolf to the fawn and back again. It wasn't exactly in Dimi's nature to sit back and watch, especially in such an odd situation, but it looked like the other male could definitely use some food. He didn't want to get up and immediately chase the fawn away by approaching, but he was beginning to wonder if the other wolf would even pursue the fawn at all.

[Kenren]

F ial'hin kept watch on the fawn for some time, weaving very lightly in the water and humming the sounds of the wind and brush of the grass. The small creature looked up, once, to see the predator across the lake - but Fial made no advance. Truly, there was a bit of pity for it, all alone, with no mother in sight. Abandoned, orphaned, it would not last long in this world. Too innocent by half, with no chance in the slightest at seeing adulthood. Sighing in his melancholy, Fial never considered that he could be the one to put it down, to make it his nourishment. It wasn't that he shied from a kill - he just never thought of it first and foremost, not in a situation like this. Turning from the fawn, Fial'hin stepped forward once, twice, to leave the lake. Stumbled, hard, when he was in a foot of water. He couldn't see it, but the splash had startled the fawn, sending it leaping in an uncoordinated manner into the trees. Out of sight. Chuckling a breath, Fial righted himself, walking the rest of the way from the water. Now, in the breezy air, he noticed the chill he hadn't before. One tremor, then another, shook his frame. The water dripped from him, ran down thin legs. There was muscle once, he thought hopelessly, and only then did his folly come to mind. He'd gone... too long, perhaps, this time. He'd forgotten. He shook again, but determinedly took another three steps so he could collapse in a more controlled manner to the earth. It was his idea, not his tortured body's. But he fell all the same, limbs curled half under him, and those silver eyes looked around half-dazed and wondering. Well, he would need to... find something to eat. Even from his position he could see a rabbit quietly nosing around at the treeline. It was, perhaps, only thirty feet away - but even that seemed a monumental distance just then. He would rest, then, to regain his strength. Because he wasn't quite sure his legs would hold him if he stood, let alone ran, just at the moment. But a short rest, that would help. And then he would hunt, and he would be fine. Probably. Ray He's so useless omg

credit to nat of adoxography.

[Ray]

DIONYSUS avonarte my heart is like a stallion, they love it more when it's broken Growing more restless with each minute that passed, Dionysus continued to keep both eyes trained attentively on the little scene before him. The fawn picked its way unsteadily back and forth along the water's edge, even raising its head midway through its little expedition to take in the slighter wolf still situated in the shallows. Yet, the more time went on the more it was obvious to Dionysus that the soggy male wasn't going to approach, and probably never would. Dimi flicked his ear in vague confusion. This was very strange. The wolf looked to be visibly younger than him, though at this stage of malnourishment it was anyone's guess whether the poor creature's underfed form added to or detracted from his already-young impression. Regardless, young or not, the wolf would need to eat something sooner or later before he became life-threateningly emaciated. Without really realising it, somewhere between pricking his ears toward the movement down at the lake and settling down to watch, Dionysus had somehow attached himself irreversably to this situation. He was in for it now - once Dimi was invested in something, no way in hell was he going to leave til it was resolved. Just then, the younger wolf began to make his way out of the lake. He took two steps towards the lakeshore and then, as if in slow motion, stumbled forward with a loud splash. The fawn bounded off and away in a directionless panic and it was like Dimi's decision had been made for him. Dionysus got to his feet in a rush, concern twisting his face into a frown as he lingered a final few hesitant moments in the cover of the tree line. The sodden male tottered a little further up the bank, wavering with each step, before finally falling in a heap a painfully short distance from the water. That was the last straw. Casting his eyes about hurriedly, Dimi's gaze fell upon a pair of complacently fat rabbits grazing contentedly just a little ways away, as if his frantic movements had gone completely unnoticed. It was hardly a matter of seconds for Dionysus to dart in and close his jaws about the spine of one of the rabbits, the other one legging it halfway across the grassy bank and disappearing into one of the many burrows littered about the area. Later, Dionysus probably wouldn't admit running the short distance to the other wolf, but that was what he did. Up close it was clear that the silver-eyed male was trembling quite strongly - it might have been spring, but there was definitely still that distinctive winter chill spiking the air. Almost skidding to a halt, he dropped the rabbit right under the younger's nose, nudging it encouragingly even closer. "Eat something, you damn fool," Dimi gasped, unthinking in his urgency, then thought better of what he had just said and clicked his jaws shut - regretfully just a little too late. He really hoped the male would overlook his choice of words in favor of the actual recently-live rabbit he'd brought. "I'll go bring you another if you like," he started to say, making as if to leave before hesitating again. Maybe the wolf wouldn't even want the food, dripping wet and shivering cold as he was.

[Kenren]

H is jaw cracked in a massive yawn, lined with a whine that clipped upward at the end. His eyes closed for the duration. Perhaps it was that distraction that kept him from hearing the approach of another, but really that would just be an excuse for lack of attention. As it was, when there was suddenly warm fur pushed beneath his nose, his head came up sharply. Well, that was unexpected. His mouth watered instantly in response to the sight, the smell, and a voice sounded above him: "Eat something, you damn fool." Fial looked up curiously - because, of course, a dead rabbit hadn't placed itself there - and saw a wolf standing above him, towering over him. He didn't feel threatened, though - he had no sense of aggression from this one, regardless of his size and bulk. The rabbit was, unsurprisingly, momentarily forgotten in favor of staring indiscreetly at this stranger. After a moment, the wolf took a step back. "I'll go bring you another if you like," came the slightly unsure words, and Fial'hin smiled. "No need to go through the trouble for me," Fial said frankly, after another moment of quite blatant observation. He turned first his head, then his eyes, to the kill. He placed one paw on its hide, then made short work of it - nothing wasted, bones and all, disappeared in a few quick swallows. It was like water in the desert, though appreciated in a different way - realization of a need and fulfillment of it within minutes. His body ached with relief, added to every other ache, at even such a small prize. He licked his paws, his mouth, then remembered that he was likely being quite rude. With a final swipe of tongue on lips, Fial pushed himself to sitting, propping himself on forelegs. They only trembled a little, he thought. "Thank you, ah... friend. I will return the favor sometime." His voice was a bit rougher than when he was in that whimsical trance where words flowed in cadence and reminded of song, but he rarely spoke conversationally. People came, and went. Fial came and went as well, and was alone more often than not. He, who asked nothing. Who could offer very little. Ray --

credit to nat of adoxography.

[Ray]

DIONYSUS all i know is everybody loves me

The thing about seeing individuals in need was that Dionysus had always felt a distinct sense of righteous responsibility regarding the general survivability of the majority of his species. Which, of course, tended towards eventualities where he came off a little overzealous with how much he felt wolves deserved to live. So when there were wolves in trouble, Dionysus felt hard-pressed to not do as much as he could to make things easier for them. Thankfully it didn't apply to every single situation without regard for actual circumstances - he did possess some kind of common sense in that blocky head of his - but regardless that meant that in this particular situation, Dimi was already a little more than ankle deep. There was a long pause as the other wolf looked up at him, and Dionysus suppressed a faint shiver as his silver eyes seemed to not only gaze at him but what felt strangely like through him. But then the other wolf spoke, which quickly pushed that odd skin-prickly feeling out of mind. "No need to go through the trouble for me," he said, and with that he finally laid his attention on the rabbit Dionysus had brought. It was gone quickly, reduced to nothingness in a few efficient seconds. Of course, a rabbit was hardly more than a morsel - there was a big difference between what one rabbit meant to a wolf who'd been eating them all day and a wolf who probably hadn't eaten anything at all for days on end. Relief was visible in the younger wolf's eyes as he cleaned himself up a little, then struggled slightly to sit up and thank him, as well as to offer a favor. The poor thing was visibly weakened from malnourishment, Dimi noted up close, worry creasing his brow as he hastened to mimic the other's position. He was suddenly aware of exactly how much larger he seemed, even with the other wolf sitting up now, and didn't want to appear ridiculously intimidating. "A single rabbit is hardly enough, though," Dionysus began, remembering just how quickly the younger had put away that rabbit just a minute ago. "You been doing alright?" He finished lamely. He was finding it a little hard to figure out exactly how to ask about the wolf's situation without being outlandishly insensitive, and in the end had to settle for that. Usually he'd shove himself in and finagle his way about caretaking til it seemed like the situation had stabilized, but somehow that course of action didn't really seem like it'd fly here when he wasn't even sure why the poor wolf was having so much trouble feeding himself coming up on the peak of spring. "Don't worry about returning favors for now. We can talk again when you're feeling better." What he'd done didn't even amount to requiring a favor in return, in Dimi's mind, but discussions about that were better saved for when others understood why he was happy to do what he did.

image credit furlined@da I apologise for late! o<-<

[Kenren]

W hile he could often be oblivious to the minute cues of other wolves, Fial'hin did notice the way the big male pushed himself back, seating himself in the grass. Fial tilted his head, contemplating - and had the fleeting urge to get closer, inspect those silvered scars that crossed the male's muzzle and gave him his own unique bit of artwork. He didn't rise, though - not that he wouldn't make that inspection later, but for now he still didn't trust his strength. And he'd rather not fall flat on his face in front of this new friend. "A single rabbit is hardly enough, though," came the deep, rumbling tones, pulling Fial's attention back to his face. It was true - still Fial's stomach ached angrily, perhaps even moreso now that it had gotten a taste. But this was something that Fial did, at least, have some experience with. He half-shrugged a shoulder - he knew that if he ate too much, in this condition, he may just end up getting sick. "You been doing alright?" He was vaguely startled, somewhere in the back of his mind. Fial wasn't used to someone - well, fussing was the wrong word, but not completely the wrong word - over him. There weren't many people that went out of their way to speak to him, to be honest. It didn't bother him in the least, but this difference in attention was notable. Given that, the question had him at a bit of a loss. "I.. I just forgot," he blurted, and for the first time felt a bit of heated embarrassment. When he was alone, it was one thing - just a blip in his life, a mere inconvenience, when he found himself on this side of malnourished. But admitting to someone else, aloud, that he'd forgotten to eat? Even Fial had the decency to feel ashamed of voicing it. And so he didn't clarify, instead shifting his attention. "Don't worry about returning favors for now. We can talk again when you're feeling better." It settled a little heavily in his gut - he didn't like being indebted. Call it a quirk of his psyche, but he was adamant on it. "Yes, when I feel better, we will hunt. A big doe, all for you." His voice took on that dreamlike quality, and his smile was rather serene. Completely forgetting his earlier reservations, Fial moved a bit closer to the other male, legs a bit stronger after the bit of rest. "My name is Fial'hin, friend. Just Fial, for the most part." There was a persistent, aching tiredness dragging at him, but he refused it for now - it had been a long time since he'd much conversation at all, and he was clinging to it like a child at bedtime. Ray --

credit to nat of adoxography.

[Ray]

DIONYSUS all i know is everybody loves me

The answer to Dimi's question came shortly, but it was hardly the answer he'd been expecting. "I.. I just forgot." Not that forgetting was any more surprising or strange a reason for not eating as any other - certainly one that raised different kinds of questions, but it seemed clear to Dionysus that the other wolf wasn't interested in elaborating, so he too let the conversation shift to other things. It definitely wasn't in him to poke and pry, as much as his concern made him wonder what else lay beneath the simple reply. "Yes, when I feel better, we will hunt. A big doe, all for you." Oh, boy. Dionysus's face creased regretfully at how his earlier choice of words had led the other wolf to misinterpret his intentions. It probably hadn't been the best way to phrase his reply, but the stocky wolf wasn't exactly known for his smarts anyway. "Oh no, please don't misunderstand. That's not what I meant to imply." Looks like it was time for that discussion he was putting off after all. Dionysus wrinkled his nose apologetically, taking a second to try and gather his thoughts before launching into a quick explanation. "You don't owe me anything, I'm glad to be of service. Other wolves don't usually take to me offering.. free assistance.. very easily, so I don't like to argue it at first meeting." He finished with a remorseful smile, green eyes sliding down and to the side in contrition before darting back up as the other male drew nearer to him. The gentle voice offered a name, finally, for Dimi to put to the face before him with its gleaming silver eyes. "My name is Fial'hin, friend. Just Fial, for the most part." Inclining his head politely in acknowledgement, Dionysus allowed his repentant expression to give way to his signature handsome, lopsided grin. "Mine is Dionysus, but you can call me Dio. Or Dimi." Most wolves in his old pack had called him Dio out of convenience, but his littermates and mother would often call him Dimi. It was a nickname he hadn't heard in quite a while since leaving his birthplace but had attributed to himself in his mind for many years, and it was a sudden longing to hear it again that caused him to bring up the old name from his dusty memories.

image credit furlined@da

[Kenren]

fial'hin heilt

The shadows, they dance and they cheer up this place

Fial listened, in and out, while the other wolf spoke. His attention was wandering, as it was quite apt to do, though he made a conscious effort to drag his eyes from the water's surface and back to his companion. Ah, for a brute so large, he truly seemed to wear his heart in the open. Fial chuckled quietly to himself, then scooted a bit closer, reaching his muzzle up to lick the male's cheek, as a child might do. "You are an odd one, Dimi. But you are kind, so I will accept that kindness with my thanks only." After all, kindness was somewhat foreign to Fial. His family had not... been kind. Or rather, his mother had made an effort, but it was all a shallow attempt at normalcy. His father had not been a patient man, and a bit violent at that. Out here... well, strangers rarely acted as Dimi had. With a happy sigh, Fial stood, walking to the water's edge as if their interaction was the most normal thing in the world. For him, in some ways, it was.

Fial looked down into the water, still silver eyes looking back at him. The young male inclined his head back toward Dimi, but his attention stayed slightly unfocused as he watched the lake. "I will be staying here for a time, I think... but what of you? Do you have a plan, or do you simply drift?" There was no judgement in his tone - after all, if there was every a drifter, it was Fial'hin. He couldn't deny there was a faint hope in his words, but he would not ask. He would not pressure.

"speaking"

table by lexx

[Ray]

DIONYSUS all i know is everybody loves me

Dimi's eyes traced the younger wolf's face with bemused acceptance as Fial'hin's attention drifted, slowly understanding that though the other's focus meandered in a manner similar to that of a leaf on a lazy stream, there was no ill will in his ambling mannerisms. It seemed to be simply an unusual, but harmless mannerism of the other wolf that lent him a strangely innocent charm. Fial leaned up then, licking his cheek and Dionysus nudged him under the chin with his muzzle in response, a soft smile touching his lips. "You are an odd one, Dimi." Dionysus inclined his head indulgently as if to agree, eyes sparkling. Odd was certainly a better thing to be likened to than what other wolves generally expected of strangers. "But you are kind, so I will accept that kindness with my thanks only." The smile spread into something genuinely pleased for several moments before he replied. "Glad to hear it," he said in that blunt way of his, feeling much more comfortable now that they had reached an equilibrium of sorts. As Fial'hin rose from beside him and began to approach the lake again Dimi couldn't help but dart a quick glance in his direction, just to make sure he was steady enough now to move about. Though the rabbit had been but a morsel, it seemed that it and the short rest Fial had taken had been at least enough to return some energy to his limbs, which was a relief. Worries abated, Dionysus listened attentively to the other's pleasant voice as he spoke again. "Let's see... I've been on the move for quite a while already. Been exploring the South, but I think I like the central lands a little better." From his seated position Dimi lay down in a heap with a contented sigh, turning a little on his side. "I'd like to stay, would you mind terribly?" He asked with a playful half-grin. He could barely detect the note of hopefulness in Fial's voice but nevertheless, the brute couldn't help but tease.

image credit furlined@da

[Kenren]

fial'hin heilt

The shadows, they dance and they cheer up this place

"Let's see... I've been on the move for quite a while already. Been exploring the South, but I think I like the central lands a little better." Fial flicked an ear back, smiling in agreement. The south may have been where he was born, but he wasn't terribly fond of the area. It was... unforgiving, each land in its own way. "I'd like to stay, would you mind terribly?" The smile on Fial's face when he turned was probably best described as radiant. His tail wagged a bit sluggishly, but the joy was there regardless. Fial'hin, as a rule, wasn't fond of others. They were pushy, they were secretive, they tried to force a square peg into a round hole to change him. But he couldn't change. Perhaps he wasn't capable of it. But he also just didn't want to. He liked... him. Dimi was different, though. He didn't ask him to do anything he didn't want to do. He didn't push, didn't prod. He really was kind.

"I'd like that very much."



"speaking"

table by lexx

WOOO we can probably call this adorable party done?