A Clear Mind [Joker]

[Heika]

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Kenren

I hope you don't mind that I picked up where our last thread ended!

Isn't it pretty to think so?

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Brier woke to the sounds of birds chattering overhead and a pleasant breeze bustling through the leaves. Where am I? She panicked for a moment, eyes shooting open as she scanned the unfamiliar terrain, muscles tensing as she searched for danger. A moment later, however, she relaxed again, memories of what had happened coming back to her. This was Shore Woods, she had found Jory, and she was safe for as long as she stayed. But, Brier reminded herself brusquely, she wasn't sure she was staying.[break][break]

Recalling that Jory had told her to find him when she got up, Brier got to her feet in a steady motion, one that was much more sure and fluid than when she had first arrived in the area. Lifting her muzzle, she scented the air, and, after picking up on his scent trail, followed it through the woods. Sometimes, Brier would stop, glancing about in confusion; the trees all looked similar to an untrained eye, and Jory seemed to have run about his territory often enough that his scent seemed to overlap itself everywhere. Moreover, without a blanket of snow on the ground, the smells of the forest rose to mingle together in a musky odor, one that kept distracting Brier as she trudged through the underbrush. She didn't want to give up, but even she knew when it was a lost cause. Completely and utterly lost, Brier pawed at the ground nervously, scanning her environment in hopes of any clues to lead her where she needed to go.[break][break]

At least I haven't stumbled upon any scent markers, she reassured herself that she hadn't yet stumbled out of Shore Woods. I'll find him somewhere. I just need to focus.

ulla

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[Kenren]

joker er rai.

On his own, Joker got to take some time to wrap his head around the events while his feet took him aimlessly through the trees. It all seemed a bit surreal, like it could just have been part of a dream, but he knew it was not. Perhaps it shook him so much because Brier was the first wolf from his... his other life to crash into his current one, and it put him off balance. He knew it was more than that, though, an infatuation blooming from a place where it had been buried deep in him, but he also couldn't pretend the time apart was nothing. He hadn't known her then, and he hardly knew her any better now, but he couldn't help the edge of excitement at the possibilities nonetheless.

Some time passed, and Joker made good on his promise. By the time he heard movement rustling nearby and got a line of her scent, there were two slightly-cooling rabbits at his feet. "Here!" he called out, stepping away from the kills and busying himself by licking the blood that had dripped onto one foreleg. The sun had started its descent and the shadows were long - the air had cooled considerably from the morning, but there was an hour or two yet until it was completely dark.

Given that the pack's member base had thinned to a skeleton force, dark didn't necessarily mean sleep for Joker. There were not enough members to keep a patrol on the vast woods, so he had to cover as much ground as possible on his own, as often as he could. It wasn't just about keeping out intruders, or looking for other wolves - he had to keep track of the prey, check the water sources, look for hazards and potential signs of disease. Particularly the last - it had not been too many years since the woods had been afflicted by a debilitating disease, and the risk of resurgence was always in the back of his mind. What sign exactly he was looking for, ho couldn't say - perhaps other animals sickening, though he did not know if that had happened the last time. So few had survived.

Rgardless, he had a long night ahead of him. However, even knowing that, he couldn't help himself from taking this time with his newest member. Only being polite, of course.

Heika

by neverland of adoxgraphy 2.0.

[Heika]

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Kenren

Isn't it pretty to think so?

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Brier's ears pricked up when she heard Jory's voice ringing through the trees. Heading in the direction from which it came, she smiled to herself, relieved, once she caught sight of his mottled pelt amongst the hanging leaves. Picking up her pace, she was about to emerge into the clearing where he was waiting, but suddenly stopped just at the edge. Luckily, Jory was busy cleaning his leg and didn't notice how she stared at him as though searching for something.[break][break]

Earlier, when he had first revealed to her his status, Brier hadn't had the energy to really consider what that had implied; her mind, as scattered as it was, was in no position to process that information. Now that she'd been able to rest, however, she was struck by just how different Jory was. From the way he held himself — taller and more regally than before — to the way he had spoken to her, everything about him screamed about a newfound sense of maturity and purpose, no doubt connected to his pack. Both were positive traits, and didn't worry Brier. But, at the same time, she had noticed that his eyes no longer seemed to shine as brightly as they had in the White Forest. Now, they were just a little duller, as if weighed down by discomforting thoughts unspoken. And, maybe responsibilities unwilling accepted, Brier reflected, recalling how Jory had reveled in the freedom being a traveling loner permitted him. Like he had told her earlier, however, it wasn't her place to ask. And, even though it may have been just a bit selfish of her, the sun was setting; it was her favorite time of day, and Brier just wanted to enjoy the brilliance of it in peace. So, with a deep breath, she stepped into a pool of light, fur set aflame by the scarlet rays, before Jory had the chance to notice her hesitate.[break][break]

Opening her mouth to greet him, she stopped short when a tantalizing smell wafted through the air. Glancing down, Brier noticed the rabbits at Jory's feet and her stomach rumbled in response. "Do you mind...?" she asked, padding closer while motioning at one of the rabbits. She was absolutely famished, and certainly would appreciate a good meal.

ulla

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[Kenren]

joker er rai.

The sound of rustling underbrush brought Joker's attention up from his paws as Brier stepped into the small clearing, and he was suddenly grateful for her eyes traveling down to the kills. Did she realize how vibrant she looked in that moment, lit with late sunlight that turned her into a winter's flame? Probably not, but that was the impression he got nonetheless. Smiling to himself, and at her question, he made a gesture and stepped away from the rabbits. "All yours. As long as you don't mind me talking at you while you eat." He sat a few feet off, gathering his thoughts briefly before launching in.

"I'm not saying you have to stay here, or that you even want to, but you had mentioned wanting to work for your keep and I just... you don't have to, you know. You could just be my guest, for a time. But if you still feel the need, I won't turn back an able body." He wouldn't offer up, not outright, how depleted his pack was. How open to siege they truly were if a larger pack were to try and intrude. How he could hardly turn away help if it was offered. He felt a hint of shame even speaking the words, but it was soothed a little knowing that it was likely how she'd want it anyway. Brier was no fair damsel, content to rest on her laurels and be catered to. But he at least wanted to offer her the option, because it felt like the right thing. He wanted to be able to do that for her, if she chose.

Heika

by neverland of adoxgraphy 2.0.

[Heika]

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Kenren

Isn't it pretty to think so?

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Nodding at Jory gratefully, Brier knelt besides one of the rabbits and began eating. Despite her insistent hunger, she held back the urge to tear into the tender flesh. You weren’t raised as a savage! She admonished herself and retained enough self-control to keep her bites neat and carefully measured. At the same time, she listened as Jory spoke, considering his words as she chewed. Brier had no interest in taking advantage of his kindness, so willingly offered, and she had prized herself on her contributions to the pack when she lived in the White Forest. There was no hesitation as she resolved to pull her own weight for as long as she stayed. No, the question lied in exactly how long she planned to remain here. Brier had been realizing just how ill-planned her journey to Shore Woods was; she had arrived practically dead on her feet, with no back up plan in case she had never Jory, and with no idea how to proceed afterwards. But, you can figure that out later, she reminded herself as she finished the last scraps of the rabbit. Glancing up, she met his gaze and noted dully that his eyes lacked the excited playfulness she had grown to associate with Jory. You know what you should do for now.[break][break]

Getting to her feet, Brier stretched out her legs — discovering delightedly that the soreness days of traveling had induced was slowly ebbing away — and said, “Don’t worry, Alpha,” with an open smile and a teasing glint in her eyes. “For as long as I'm here, your wish is my command.” It may have been somewhat strange for her to be so… lighthearted, but this was her way of testing the waters. She wanted to see if the Jory standing before her was really still the same Jory she had met a year ago, or if his status as pack alpha had changed him. Depending on the answer, it might just affect her decision to to leave or stay.

ulla

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[Kenren]

joker er rai.

Joker didn't stare as Brier ate the rabbit, though he did feel a sense of contentment at the knowledge of it - he might not be much of an alpha, but he'd always been a bit of a caretaker. At least that was one thing that had stayed the same, all these years. When the pale female stood, Joker found his gaze drawn back to her of its own volition. A grin tugged at his lips before she even spoke, the minx - her limbs made long lines in the shadows, stretching lithely in the dying light. "Don’t worry, Alpha." Ah, that tone. It sparked his interest in a new way, and he found himself standing once more. One step forward, then two. "For as long as I'm here, your wish is my command." His mouth opened with an immediate reply, something cordial, but he stopped himself short. His eyes narrowed just a little, and he moved closer - perhaps even a little too close. Likely within her personal space, to be sure. "Now Brier, that's quite a promise." It was said a little carefully, brittle as fall ice, fragile. A careful dance, suddenly sparked from nothing, but it brought an immediate fire to him. Even if it was a delicate thing.

Belying his bold words, Joker paused, a little worried about pushing his boundaries. Then he flashed her a smile, face close to her own. Let out a sigh and chuckled. With only the flash of his eyes as warning, Joker snapped toward her, teeth clicking shut just on the tips of the fur of her cheek before he let out a laugh. "And what is your wish? I must admit my imagination fails me." If his voice was a little lower than before, perhaps it could be... overlooked.

Heika

by neverland of adoxgraphy 2.0.

[Heika]

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Kenren

oooOOOOoohhh things are heating up!!

Isn't it pretty to think so?

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Brier sensed the sudden change in Jory's mood before he acted, but nothing could have prepared her for the sudden turn the conversation took. With his every step, the world around them seemed to shrink in size, until, when Jory finally stopped, Brier was intensely aware of the underbrush behind her as well as the walls of trees looming in on either side. The close contact felt stifling, and she wanted nothing more than to escape its oppressing reach. But, just before she was ready to turn tail and bolt, Jory began to speak and, as she forced herself to glance at him, she found that she had nowhere to look but into his eyes. It was then, as she stared at those pools of molten gold — How could she have ever thought they were dull before? — that her stress began to alleviate, because, deep in the forest of a strange land, standing toe-to-toe with an even stranger wolf, Brier found a novel sense of intimacy that put her worst fears at ease.[break][break]

"Perhaps," she breathed in response, her every word measured as she feared speaking the wrong one would completely and utterly shatter the moment. "But, it's a promise I'm making you nevertheless."[break][break]

Watching carefully for his reaction, Brier stood stock still as Jory smiled, about to return it with one of her own when she saw a sudden flash of white before his jaws clamped shut mere centimeters from her face. Hardly daring to breath, Brier was unable to stop an involuntary shiver from traveling down the length of her spine as Jory laughed and spoke, his warm breath wafted against her fur. While she was able to chalk her rapid heartbeat up to the jump scare she had received, she did not find a reason for the hot flush of her skin beneath her pelt as readily. For now, it would remain a mystery unsolved, as she gathered her wits and spoke.[break][break]

"But you know my wish," Brier murmured, voice low, almost shy, as if not to disturb the frailty of the universe around them. "And you have already fulfilled it. I asked you for a safe haven, and you have offered me one. What more could I ask for?"

ulla

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[Kenren]

joker er rai.

She could have run, but she did not. He was hypersensitive to her every move, every hitch of her breath - ready to back away if she didn't want him there. But she did not back away. She didn't shy back, and the look in her eye when their gazes met rekindled something in him that had been quietly dormant for a long time. Something that appealed to a part of him other than duty, and responsibility, and worry for others. He felt more than heard her startled intake of breath, the way she momentarily tensed - but it wasn't fear he saw in those eyes. He swallowed, hard.

Her voice was quiet, almost uncharacteristically so, and his own expression softened. A safe haven. For him, Shore Woods had always been a prison, though a well-furnished one. The home of his father, who had never loved him as one should love a son. Now he could hunt and swim and... well, do anything he wanted. He was Alpha, after all. Except, perhaps, leave. He knew it was only temporary - once he found those he could trust in his stead, he would be able to travel further beyond the boundaries, if only for short periods of time. But even then, he would never be truly free, and that stifled him every day, every moment, every breath.

A safe haven.

He sighed, something weary and yet almost peaceful. While it might not be that for him, he could at least acknowledge that his duty wasn't altogether bad in moments like this. "I won't make you false promises. There are things I cannot do. But this will be a safe place for you, always. That I can, and do, promise." His words grew more fierce until the end, when he pulled his head back so they were eye-to-eye, noses a mere inch apart. Him, looking just a little down to meet her eye. If that was all she wished, then he would keep her safe.

Heika

by neverland of adoxgraphy 2.0.

[Heika]

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Kenren

One last post before I go!

Isn't it pretty to think so?

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As Brier watched Jory's expression soften, watched the faint traces of an alien emotion fade from his eyes, she couldn't help but wonder exactly what was going through his head right then. Despite them being the same age, she noticed details about Jory that suggested that he had aged greatly in the year they had spent apart. From the resignation etched into his face to the way his shoulders would drop every so often, as though he carried the weight of the world upon then, all of these signs were subtle hints that Jory had evolved from the wolf she had met four seasons ago. But, Brier decided, that didn't necessarily have to be a bad thing.[break][break]

While he spoke and made her a promise in turn, Brier listened carefully for any signs of hesitation, for anything to tell her that she was unwelcome and make her decision for her. It was when she found nothing that she truly relaxed. Gaze mellowing, a faint smile spread across her lips and her tail wagged faintly as she stood and closed the distance between them.[break][break]

"Thank you," she said, pressing her muzzle into his chin. It was a sign of submission, a physical acceptance of his position as the alpha, as a better. But, it was also just a motion; for reasons Brier had yet to understand, she felt an urge to grow closer to him. And, for all her impressive self-restraint, she had to admit that Jory had always had a way of weakening her resolve. That was one thing time hadn't changed.[break][break]

Breathing in his scent, she paused for a moment before backing away almost as quickly as she had approached him. Too caught up in the moment, they had missed the swift passage of time, and the sun had almost set completely, save for the faintest rays of light that illuminated the barest edges of the forest before fading away. "Sorry for keeping you," she spoke, voice plain and even. To a stranger, she would have appeared to, once again, be all business, a stick in the mud. Yet, Brier knew that the fire in her eyes would betray her true beguilement. And, she also knew that Jory would be one of the few to be able to pick up on it. "But, don't you have duties you need to attend to?"

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[Kenren]

joker er rai.

She watched him, searching. He felt incredibly nervous, irrationally so given it was a simple conversation, but his heart beat quickly nonetheless. He knew it wasn't just her proximity - though that, of course, was affecting. It was, he realized later, that he was anxiously seeking approval, and she was poised on the edge of giving it. It wasn't something he actively sought out, but it was also something he wasn't... used to. His breath caught when she finally stepped forward - perhaps deciding what she saw was good enough - and placed her muzzle to his chin. He swallowed hard, closed his eyes momentarily, and replied with just a faint pressure. An affirmation, a thanks, for her trust in him. It was their first contact, and his skin felt heated where they met.

When she stepped away, he let out a shaky breath and cleared his throat, the trace of a smile on his own lips. Her words were easy, carefully nondescript, and yet he could see that she was as affected as he was. Whatever this was, it was carefully blooming between them. However, it was still fragile, needing careful cultivation. "Yes, I do unfortunately have pressing matters." His tone was a bit sarcastic, but not at her - at his own, plain, nightly ritual. Later, when she was settled, they'd discuss her own role in the pack. But he was determined to let this move slowly for now. As he turned to leave, he said, "Feel free to explore as much as you'd like. I'll see you soon." In the meantime, Joker knew exactly where his thoughts would be.

Heika

I figure we'll have another thread when Crys and Lexx's boys join? Perhaps another one focused on issues with her power if she is having problems :D

by neverland of adoxgraphy 2.0.