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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2014 22:24:25 GMT -5
The chill morning air ruffled Eirlys’ fur, the remnants of her winter coat keeping the worst of it from bothering her. The sun was just barely beginning to show and faint stars still dotted the sky. The low roar of waves upon the shore had alerted her to the ocean’s presence some time ago, and now her nose wrinkled at the tangy scent of salt water that swept in with the breeze, obscuring what she truly wished for—any sign of suitable prey. The long lonely trek from her eastern birth lands had left her thin and hungry, though she was yet far from being on her last legs. Still, it would be unwise to go without a meal for much longer and Eirlys felt she had little hope of finding one on a beach.
Turning from the scent of the ocean, the wolf padded back toward the shelter of the woods. She slipped through the thick vegetation with ease, keeping a constant ear out for company or food. Eirlys often ran across other wolves in her travels, but the scent of one wolf in particular had become almost familiar to her with how often she ran across it in this forest.
Sudden movement caught her eye and she froze, ears alert and keen gaze focused on where the movement came from. It was a rabbit, foraging for food in the early morning light beneath the trees. It was small and wouldn’t provide much, but it was desperately needed food. Now was not the time to be picky about meals. The rabbit had yet to notice its watcher and so Eirlys sunk low to the earth, carefully stalking as near as she dared toward her prey. The world surrounding Eirlys had ceased to exist and between one heart beat and the next, she burst forward in a sudden surge of speed. Her prey took off a half second later and the chase was on.
Paws pounded across the ground in a furious tempo; she had to catch it soon. Tired and weak as she was, the fleet-footed little thing would easily outrun her in a matter of seconds. Her breath sounded harshly in her ears, the cold air making her lungs ache before rushing out in soft clouds as she dodged trees and vegetation. She was close, so close to her first meal in days. The rabbit took a desperately sharp turn in one last ditch effort to shake its pursuer and Eirlys closed the last bit of distance between them just as she made the turn herself—only to suddenly lose sight of her prey when the rising sun’s light hit her directly in the face. Stumbling, she let out a surprised bark at the sudden and painful blinding, turning her head and blinking her eyes furiously in an attempt to force the white spots out of her vision.
ooc: I'm just now getting back into RP after a few years, so I'll probably be a pretty slow writer. xD
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Kenren
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Post by Kenren on Jan 10, 2014 23:07:11 GMT -5
Embarrassingly enough, Joker had not been awake long. While some males might spend all of their time waking with the sun and scoping out their territory, Joker was decidedly abnormal. He slept when he wanted, woke when he wanted, ate when he wanted. Such was the life of a male on his own. Perhaps he should be more vigilant, but there wasn't really anyone to reprimand him. As it was, the cool breeze ruffled through his fur and he deeply breathed the crisp, slightly-salted air. Even if he was by himself, this was the land that best soothed him. Because even when he was by himself, the scents of others always reached him, and he felt less like he was ostracized from the world. Plus, one couldn't deny the woods' beauty.
He heard the rabbit before he saw the female. It was crashing frantically through the brush, and seemed to be coming toward him. He crouched on instinct. The rabbit burst into the small clearing, the wolf behind it. The sun blinded her and drove her to a halt, and the rabbit didn't slow. It seemed so caught up in its pursuer, actually, that it didn't even notice the predator downwind. It was almost too easy, really; one well-timed pounce from his position and his paws immobilized the wriggling creature just long enough for Joker to snap down on its neck. It all happened in a matter of seconds, then everything was quite still. The female was trying to get her eyesight back, and Joker looked up at her with curious eyes from the kill. After a moment, he picked up the rabbit, carrying it toward her. He placed it on the ground, then took a meaningful step back. "I believe this is yours," he said lightly, licking the blood from his lips. It wasn't pity, though he could see that she was indeed on the thin side. In all honestly, she had done the work; it wouldn't have fallen in his lap that way if she hadn't scared it into a frenzy and tired it out.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 12, 2014 0:52:06 GMT -5
Eirlys squeezed her eyes shut, at last ridding herself of the white spots and instead creating a different sort of blindness. Frustration unlike any she’d felt in weeks welled up inside at the missed meal but she refrained from releasing the irritated snarl that wished to escape. She couldn’t afford to let this failure get to her; having a fit of temper over it would only reflect badly on herself.
Her chest expanded with a deep breath—and amber eyes snapped open at the scent that hit her. Another wolf stood before her, muzzle bloodied and a rabbit dead at his feet. Muscles automatically tensed beneath her fur, ears pricked forward and alert. There seemed to be no aggression in his gaze but it would be foolish to discount him as a threat from that alone. Her watchful gaze tracked the male as he began to approach, her one-time prey hanging limply from his mouth. Did he mean to taunt her with it? The very thought put a sour taste in her mouth.
He halted not far from her, dropping the rabbit before—of all things—stepping away. Confused, Eirlys’ tail lowered slightly. She glanced at the offering, frowning, before he spoke and her narrowed eyes shot back toward him. Bitterness and shame rushed through her at his words, but her head lifted in fierce pride. “Hardly,” she said shortly. “It is not as if I actually killed it. Take your meal and enjoy it someplace else.” She did not need a stranger feeling sorry for her! This unknown wolf felt he needed to….to look after her like some sort of pup! Distantly, Eirlys knew she would not usually take such a statement so badly. But hunger and her seeming loss of dignity made her already sharp temper worse.
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Post by Kenren on Jan 16, 2014 18:02:02 GMT -5
Joker could immediately tell that his gesture had not been taken well, and he couldn't blame her really. While he was the sort to take anything offered him, pity or not, not everyone felt the same. Joker effectively had no pride, so he didn't feel the need to nurture and protect it. "Hardly," came the terse word. "It is not as if I actually killed it. Take your meal and enjoy it someplace else." He smiled instead of being offended, as if they were having a friendly chat rather than a tense one. "A word of advice? Bellies tend to appreciate food more than kept pride. If I was hungry, I'd eat it. I'm not, so think of it as a gift." His words had finality to them; while he was not proud, he could be infinitely stubborn when he wanted to be. Shifting his attention, he glanced slowly around him.
"You've been through here before, right? I don't know if I've seen you, but your scent's been around, I think."
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Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2014 19:32:01 GMT -5
Her blood burned at the gentle reprimand, more so because his words were true and Eirlys knew it. Frustrated though she was, she couldn’t ignore that he seemed genuine, nor that she truly needed the meal. She always liked to think that she wouldn’t let her own pride be the death of her. Perhaps now would be the time to prove it to herself by swallowing her own cursed anger and not ignoring her good fortune.
Eirlys said nothing but bent to pick the limp rabbit up as he continued speaking, retreating a few steps away from the male in order to eat. She kept a close eye on him as she tore her first mouthful from the still warm carcass, swallowing before she answered. “I have, though I have not been here long.” Her words were stilted, but she owed him this conversation he seemed to be seeking. “You must spend some time in these woods; your scent is familiar as well,” she added before pausing briefly, giving a significant glance to the rabbit. “And thank you. It has been some time since I had a meal.” Her voice was probably still too tense—enough that some wouldn’t accept the acknowledgment behind them—but the words were honest and would have to do.
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Post by Kenren on Jan 30, 2014 15:07:46 GMT -5
Though she didn't seem happy at all, she didn't argue with what he'd said - he felt a sort of triumph when she took the rabbit, but he didn't show it. He'd met a man once who had hated liars in any form, be it words to others, actions, or pretending to be something they weren't. He had been awful to be around, because he'd ferret out the truth and make you see it as well - perhaps he'd picked up some of those mannerisms. He winced.
She spoke, ending it with thanks for the meal, halted though it was. He appreciated the effort, though he hadn't really been expecting it. "You're welcome," he said cheerfully, sitting down. "And I live here. You could say I guard this place, more than anything. Its leadership has been passed down for generations." He couldn't help the slightly sour face as he said the words, thinking again of the responsibility he wished he didn't have. He turned his mind away from those thoughts, since it was the same self-pitying cycle. It wasn't like he could do anything about it now. He focused on her instead. "My name is Joker, by the way. Did you travel far before you came here?" He yearned for news of travel, really. He missed it, and if he could only live vicariously through others, then that would have to do. He didn't seem to notice or care that she'd rather not be talking to someone like him.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 3, 2014 19:22:47 GMT -5
The wolf sat down and Eirlys had to refrain from rolling her eyes when he continued speaking, not seeming to pick up on the fact that she would rather not be having this conversation. Were she not already in a bad mood, Eirlys might be more willing to participate. Nevertheless, she listened with a close ear as he spoke of this land being his territory, wondering if there was an entire pack taking up residence here. The somewhat disgruntled look that crossed his face caused her to frown, but the expression passed quickly enough and she held her peace.
She sighed internally at his question, licking blood off her lips at she debated just how much to tell Joker—enough to satisfy him but hopefully not so much that it spurred more questions. "I came from the east. A long journey, as I am sure you can imagine," she said shortly, unwilling to expand on her reasons for taking such a long trek. And then she did sigh out loud--a short puff of air before she offered her name, finally giving in to a conversation she did not see herself escaping anytime soon. "And you may call me Eirlys." Her gaze shifted briefly from Joker to examine their surroundings. "If this is your ancestral territory, then where is your pack? I met none nor did I come across the scent of another." Her tone was only politely interested, but Eirlys supposed she should at least make some sort of effort.
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Post by Kenren on Mar 11, 2014 17:57:00 GMT -5
Every word she said was a small triumph, mostly because he was so desperate for any type of attention. When she spoke briefly of her travels, he held back the urge to nail her with questions - the black coast was as gorgeous as it was perilous, and the dove hills were as open and comfortable as a predator could want. He wanted to relive his days exploring them both. However, he refrained, as she was seemingly retired to the conversation enough to speak without his prodding. She gave her name, then asked him a question that he completely deserved. If he was going to make her uncomfortable by continuing the conversation, she was allowed to ask him a biting question. "Ah, well... This is my family's home, but I've spent a lot of time traveling recently. When my father died, the pack here somewhat dispersed before I came back." He paused for a moment, then gave as much of a shrug as a wolf could. "Aside from my family, there have never been a ton of permanent residents here. People come, and go, as they please."
He didn't add that every time someone left and went on their way, he ached to follow them. He enjoyed transient relationships, but starting over all of the time became taxing after awhile. "Since I've asked where you're from, Eirlys, I supposed the next logical step is to ask where you're going."
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Post by Deleted on Mar 17, 2014 15:56:07 GMT -5
Her gaze flicked back to Joker once he started speaking. He was also a traveler, but it sounded as if it wasn't out of necessity, as it was for her. She never experienced the desire to stretch her legs and explore the world around her. The comfort of home and familiar faces were enough for her to find satisfaction. She certainly wouldn't be this far from eastern lands if she felt she still had such things. But this explained the lack of any other wolves in the area, at least. Why stick around when there was no clear leader? The annoyed part of her was perhaps even more cutting. If this was his ancestral home, then he should have honored his duty to his pack and never left. It was only the remains of the rabbit in front of her that kept Eirlys from voicing that particular thought out loud. She considered asking after his family, if they were the few who called this land their permanent home. But it seemed a bit of an invasive question and so she refrained.
He spoke again, and perhaps it was the result of a full belly, but Eirlys allowed a slight smile. It was nothing more than a quick upturn of the lips before disappearing, but it was there nonetheless. She didn't know why the words amused her, but they did. "That would be the next logical step, wouldn't it." Her voice was somewhat lighter, but she hesitated for a brief moment before continuing. "But I'm afraid I have no answer for you, Joker. I don't even know where I'm going myself." She studied him, remembering his comment on his own travels. "Did you ever have a destination in mind?"
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Post by Kenren on Mar 20, 2014 20:29:36 GMT -5
The flash of a smile was enough to pull yet another from him, with the thought that it made her face much softer. Physically, she was lovely, but it had been somewhat thrown off by her wariness. As she began to relax, however, he noticed it all the more. She looked, for once, as if she wanted to ask him more, and he was a little grateful she didn't - while he wouldn't take back his decision to travel, his relations with his father had been incredibly strained, and he had not been there when the man had taken sick and died. He didn't think of it often, but it didn't sit well with him that they parted on such awful terms.
The words she did speak were a blissful reprieve from his suddenly troubled thoughts. He gave a short, genuine laugh. "No, I suppose I never did. I was always chasing dreams and legends rather than any specific place." After a moment, he stood, looking toward the sun that had risen higher in the sky during their talk. He looked back to her. "Well, until you decide, feel free to treat the Woods as your own." He paused, looked at her a little sheepishly. "To be honest, it's been awhile since anyone other than me has been here. So I'd enjoy the company." He felt foolish, kind of like a lonely child, but he'd said it all the same and there was no point in trying to take it back now. He shuffled uncomfortably for another moment, then said, "But anyway, let me know if you need anything. There's a clearing near the shore I normally camp out in."
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Post by Deleted on Apr 1, 2014 21:08:45 GMT -5
The sun was no longer blindingly bright, having instead softened as it rose higher above the horizon. Joker's laugh was easy and Eirlys thought it strange that an alpha was so open with an outsider. Snagging a rabbit for a hungry stranger and brushing off her less than civil tone was a kindness, and one she knew would not be given by every alpha out there. As the heat of the sun warmed her, she found herself becoming more and more regretful of her initial reaction to him. She couldn't know if he was a good pack leader, but his actions so far had at least proved him to be a good wolf and she had repaid that terribly.
His talk of chasing dreams and legends was a little too childlike for her tastes, but he seemed honest with his offer for her to treat this territory as her own. It was far more than she expected. He seemed uncomfortable though, and Eirlys found herself wanting to soften whatever embarrassment he was feeling. It was probably the least she could do after her less than stellar performance earlier.
She paused, collecting her thoughts so her words might come out sincere and without the bite of annoyance. “I can understand the desire for company. Even if said company isn’t the most agreeable.” She allowed a wry smile, a silent acknowledgment of her own behavior even as she considered his offer. Should she linger for awhile? It sounded nice, but what would she do once she outstayed her welcome? Behind her were wearying days of travel and before her was the ocean. There was no where else to go, and she was so very sick of wandering. “I think I would like a chance to rest,” she said slowly, mind occupied by a half-formed thought that was quickly becoming solid. She paused, unsure how her next words would be taken, before forging ahead with a confidence she did not feel. “But to be honest, I’m tired of traveling. I would stay here permanently, if you would let me.” ooc: I figured I'd have her go ahead and join so I can get her out of loner status. xD Do you want me to post in the pack thread?
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