Fishing for Fault [Open]

[Deleted]

Nico



"Well... That worked out how I expected."

Head lifted out of the water as the sigh rippled out of his mouth. It was cold and almost difficult to breathe through the chill that rushed through his body, but he realized he was on the right track. Somehow, he had managed things to work in the favour that was most preferred. Mouth curled up, and he found himself wanting to babble; it was a feeling of hopelessness that trotted on his heels. Well hell, there was a reason that hatred followed him around - if there had been enough wolves around, they would have been laughing at him. That would have caused him to go into one of his red-eyed rages, and none would have made it out alive.

As it was, the banked water had given out beneath him as he leaned forward moments before, and he had sensed the ground shifting a moment too late. It had been hopeless, not as he would have chose, and his shoulders rolled as he pushed himself up. Soaked, his tongue darted out to remove the drop that tempted to fall off his nose.

Shaking his head, his eyes glanced over the water that splayed out before him. The sight of his reflection had him almost wanting to bark a laugh - if it wasn't for his eyes, well; it was quite obvious. He looked like his father, broad head and more than capable looking. He looked like a beast straight out of the pits of hell, and the coated face in water looked almost black. His face, after all, was darker than the rest of him. Once, he had found one of his father's living victims. They had cowed in horror, and screeched.

It was like he was Zarek, but he was simply inverted. He broke the rules of the standard size of his breed, an enigma that could not be denied. His tail, half the length it should have been, had been chewed off by his frantic and inexperience mother. His right ear also suffered the same fate, but he had never been quite strong enough to make things up to her for it. He had never loved his mother, but he had never harmed her for choosing the appearance of his brother over him.

As the brute hauled himself to his feet, he fought the growl. It started low in his chest as he skimmed around, tasting the faint scents of the bears. Oh, they were lingering. One on one with a large grizzly, he would never survive. If he found a smaller one, perhaps a female, he would have been able to down her. He was over confident for sure, but he also knew his limits.

His paws were steady as they manipulated the slippery rocked, starting up the river delta carefully. Ears swung on his head, and he found himself looking hopefully to the sides. If he could have conjured his twin with a meal in that moment, he would have, but somehow he expected it would be the normal. They would never be quite the best pair of hunters without the ability to work together.

[Deleted]

Xanthus strolled along the river bank, taking his own sweet time in travelling. He never rushed anything - he was deliberate about every motion, every thought, every emotion. He was in control. Always. Anyone who dared threaten him on that point, simply learnt the hard way. If he was in a forgiving mood, the offending speck of dirt might live. Mostly he stayed to watch the blood trickle from the bodies, listening to the cawing of the crows that were always attracted to his whereabouts. Well, his and Nico's. He grinned at the thought, sharp teeth glinting in the meagre autumn sunlight. Oh yes, he and Nico had done their fair share of feeding crows and scavengers. On the subject of his brother, the tall male was currently looking for his sibling. Whilst they were perfectly able at functioning on their own, he liked to be close to kin. Perhaps it had to do with their upbringing, perhaps just because they'd been attached all through their development...whichever the cause, he liked to know of Nico's whereabouts. It had been a walk in the park to track the lupine along the river. The faintest sound of splashing came to him on the air, and amber orbs narrowed as they gazed in the river. Why, what on earth was Nico doing?!? If he wanted to fish, then causes a miniature tidal wave was not the best way to go about it. His brother wasn't always the sharpest bulb in the box, but honestly, he knew better! He picked up his pace a little, the leisurely amble moving into a lithe stride that covered ground easily. Nico had better not make a fool of himself! What would others think? He couldn't have the actions of one wolf reflect badly on their family. That would be blasphemous! It wasn't long before he'd made it to the dripping wolf, a sardonic smile twisting his features as his brother scrambled back onto the bank. "That's hardly a way to catch fish, brother" he remarked, smooth vocals dancing in the still air. "Please tell me you were just taking a swim..." "Speech"

[Deleted]

Nico

It was only a matter of time before his handsome brother found his whereabouts. The notion made him smile, before he ever turned to the haughty sounding voice. Oh, Nico loved his brother; if there was anyone in the world that could move the large wolf to want to act on emotion other than amusement, it would be him. His orange-red eyes twisted to look up at his mimicry brother, and the beastly looking wolf grinned. He was soaked, he looked ravishing. There was just so much to deny about the words that rung out on the airways.

"Wouldn't you like to know what my intentions were?" Delighted voice sang in the air, tail swished behind him with a readiness that could not be denied. His eyes sparkled with mischief even as he turned his features back down to survey the sloshing waters sourly. "I had meant to survey where there seems to be a bigger group... I've not achieved that yet." If it mattered that much, it would be carried out in a timely manner. While he was not the wisest, he carried a determination in him that drove him all out.

Tail swished behind him, and the irritation scraped across his face. As he turned himself a bit, he managed to eye his brother doubtfully. "I see you've returned empty pawed... so much for my fantasy of you taking down an elk or something by your lonesome." Brisk voice grumbled, although he wagered he was speaking to the wrong one. His head tipped to the side, and his tongue flicked out of over his lips again. Yes, he was prepared for the backlash, but he balanced on a few rocks, then hopped a bit more central to the river.

"Seen any nasty bears?" Curious voice mumbled, offering a hint of laughter as he waded out into the water. "The scent is rich all over the place... sickening with it, it seems." The disgusted tone was not something that could be ignored. Yes, he was enraged with the readiness in his head, and his tail lifted high into the air as he ducked his head, still listening for the sound of his brother's words as he submerged his face into the water.

[Deleted]

One ear stood erect upon his skull, ready to catch his brother's reply. Its mangled companion only managed to stand half upright, the upper part flopping uselessly downwards. If his incompetent mother hadn't made such a literal pig's ear of things, then his good looks wouldn't have been ruined. The only saving grace was that Nico suffered the same indignity. He supposed they made quite the impression when they were on the scene together, all fierce and terror-inducing with matching crooked ears. "Your foresight astounds me, Nico" he drawled lazily, his lips quirking upwards in a dry smile. "Next you'll be telling me there are more fish in the ocean."

He shook his head mildly, amusement painted across his features. Ah, his brother was something entirely special! He stood himself at a safe distance from the other wolf, well aware of the water clinging to Nico' coat. Xanthus wouldn't put it past his brother to try and get him soaking wet with one monstrous shake. His lips curled back as a faint growl of warning rumbled through his chest. "You and I both know that I'd have succeeded in so trivial a task" he answered lowly, pinning his brother with a steely look. "You should have mentioned you weren't up for a little blood-letting. I'd have been happy to arrange something for you." He wrinkled his nose at the very thought that his brother wouldn't be up for a hunt. The two of them were always up for a hunt. Except, maybe, if a pretty little lass erred her way into their web. Then good manners would dictate that they spoil her before demanding payment. He grinned privately at the thought - oh, it had been a while since he'd tarnished the innocence of youth.

"Those stupid brutes are polluting the freshness of the air" he agreed readily, a scowl marring his aristocratic features. A thought had the temerity to wander into his mind, asking courteously to be considered. Satisfied with the obedience his mind was showing himself, Xanthus examined the idea. A feral grin blossomed upon his features, his head lowering a little and angling towards his brother. "It'll be winter soon," he began conspiratorially. "And soon those pesky beasts will be looking for nice places to hole up for over the cold months. But there'll be too many of them for the few caves and there shall be strife and bloodshed among kin..." he let his story tail off in mock horror. "Why, it would only be fitting if we did our part in solving the issue, no?"

[Deleted]

Nico

Worried eyes drifted down through the water, the sound of his stomach rumbled fruitlessly in his ears. The male was large, he was bulky. He was more than his brother in appearance and less in the mind; but it made him all the more ruthless. He could go through the day without thinking a single one of his actions over, not daring to prevent himself from doing something regardless of the consequences. It was why his brother was better tempered than the Nico was, who considered himself to have a hair trigger. It really could not take much and he would be off on a mad rampage through the valleys. Those who had strayed ended up facing the wrath of his hunger.

Ears swayed on his head loosely, and the smile ended up blunt and delighted. There was a warmth that could not be denied, and his body shifted restlessly, laughter in his eyes. Yes, his brother knew his line of thoughts quite well. Bears were never welcomed, and the scent of winter on the air was enough to remind him that there was a time for treason. His eyes turned up, meeting the amber one's of his brother as laughter bubbled out into the air with mirth. Oh, there was a time for everything that could be desired!

"There's a reason you're known as the smart one, dear brother." Handsome features, albeit they were sharp and coarse for most tastes, turned back down. Fish was an easy prey, bear meat was forever a luscious pleasure. Would they be hid, would they be wounded? There was always that chance, and his mouth turned up. Paws pushed into the ground and he found himself heading towards the bank of the water. With a frustrated show on his features, he scrambled up onto the solid ground. It made a mess, mud coated the back of his legs.

"It is our noble duty to make the proper events occur this winter." Grand words pulled out of the wolf, offered a smile as he glanced at his dirty, dripping coat. Hell, he looked a sight, that was so. His tail lifted lightly and he stepped away gradually from his brother, before he gave in. His shake was violent, almost throwing himself off his own paws as water and dirt sprayed everywhere.

[Deleted]

At his brother's reply, Xanthus chuckled lowly. It wasn't a nice sound. It was dark; soft as velvet and blacker than the deepest cave. It was a sound that would send chills down the spine of the unwary, tuning in to their subconscious and warning of terror to come. He was not a nice guy. Not when it really came down to it, and the dark-coated wolf was more than happy with the fact. There were enough pansies in the world, singing and dancing and gushing over colours and pretty flowers. Only one thing in life was certain: death. It was a beautifully simple end to everything. It was final; it was unavoidable. The only power to be held was to govern the taking (and giving, he supposed, though he wasn't so much into that) of life force. Yes, there would come the day when he too must meet death. But he wasn't scared. Oh no, on the contrary. When it was his time to go, he'd welcome the Grim Reaper with an open heart. They were, almost, best friends after all.

"Of course" he agreed haughtily, smirking at the other wolf. Nico never failed in stroking his ego. It was, perhaps, one of the many qualities that made him love the brute so. Nico could see through the mask of honey-coated sincerity and still approve of the beast within. Then again, they were of the same mould - it'd be a little alarming if they couldn't appreciate each other's tastes. "I'm certain there were some tracks a little further upriver" he remarked, ruthlessly demanding his memories to relinquish the information. It would have been better stated as 'fairly certain', only that would make him sound less sure of himself. And boy, he didn't doubt himself one minute - why should any one else get that privilege? He gave an approving rumble in his throat as his brother shook himself dry well out of reach. They rarely got into proper fights...but Xanthus was fairly sure he remembered one rather fierce altercation that last time Nico had managed to drench him with muddy water.

Casting one amber gem to ascertain the other wolf was ready, Xanthus moved forwards into a springy lope. His speed matched his brother's perfectly, though he needed to stretch his legs a little further to keep the same striding as his taller sibling. It had always amused him, how well they worked together. Like a well-oiled machine, they could tackle any task and emerge victorious. If something didn't work one day, then they'd return the next with vengeance singing in their blood. Alone they were formidable; together they were unstoppable! They travelled in silence for a while, as was their want. Or his want, to be more specific - Nico could blather on about anything for hours on end if he put his mind to it. 

He came to a sudden halt, retracing his steps until he found what he was looking for. "There we go!" he exclaimed, the barest note of excited satisfaction to his vocals. "They seem to cross the river though." The following comment was made clinically, his nose wrinkling in distaste at having to fjord the river. Still, the prize at the other end was definitely worth it. "See you at the other side, brother" he remarked, before making his way gingerly down the muddy slope. Just because he was going to get wet, didn't mean he needed to be muddy up to the elbows!

[Deleted]

Nico

It was his choice to face the tragedy that was coming in their direction. Oh, him and his brother had been well along, and she knew well enough that life owed them something. Those who realized who they were, and acknowledged that once upon a time strength had propelled the pair to attempt to be different, they winced. It was the face that evil could not be settled, it could not be harnessed. It was particularly clear in this moment of time, and the blood lust washed over his body and took him on the hunt.

Tail swished behind him, the irritation appeared inevitable as he remained silent. Somehow he held his tongue about his feeling, careful not to chatter up a storm. It would have caused wariness sin the prey, and that would have thrown him off course. Therefore, he managed to allow his brother control the situation, walking with his head even with his shoulders as he glimpsed the area around him, ravenous. Oh, the taste of flesh was singing in his ears, and he barely noticed when his brother stopped.

With a approving glance, he took in the noted tracks. It was fair sized was it not? Bringing his nose to the ground, he snuffed easily enough in attempt to bring something appropriate into his nose. What was he going to taste? What would be consumed by him? It was something that raged him to the point where his claws gripped the ground, and the pleasured sounding sigh rolled off his lips. All right, his brother would take the gentle way across. Sticking his rump in the air, the male broke the ground as he launched himself down over the bank, now aware enough that the water would not crush him.

When he bounced into the water, it flew everywhere, hitting the sides of the bank. The mud soaked up his feet, wanting to consume him, but he just cackled as he headed across the water swiftly. Oh, he appeared like a bull moose just charging through the water haughtily, making more noise than could be counted upon. But what did it matter? A good male bear was not about to run away like a coward, it would stand and fight.

That was why he hauled himself so effortlessly back onto the solid ground by the time he had crossed, glancing back at his brother taking his casual time. Yes, everything as always was painfully neat about him. Tidy, and the wolfish grin appeared across his features as he nodded in his brother’s direction, then started forward. It didn’t matter, he knew Xanthus would catch up. Nico always tormented his prey.

[Deleted]

It was typical of Nico to charge through the water as though the hounds of hell were on his heels. The sound of splashing was immense, the water flying in all directions and white-horses racing downstream all a-quiver. He made quite the sight, and his heart swelled a little with pride. Oh, he could be obnoxious and a right pain in the rear at times, but Nico sure knew how to get a job done. Smiling to himself, Xanthus picked his way gingerly through the water, ignoring the cold chill that the damp brought to his coat. Physical discomfort was to be ignored at all costs - that had been one of their first lessons. It was, he agreed, a valuable lesson as well. What use was a wolf who's concentration could be lost in the blink of a eye when pain wracked their body?

He reached the other side long after Nico had scrambled up the bank and headed off after their prey. He gave himself a brisk shake, his fur fluffing up in response. He spent a further second making sure that Nico had headed off in the right direction, before his powerful hindquarters propelled him forwards at a swift canter. He let the wind caress his damp cheeks, the coolness in stark contrast with the beating of his heart. The thrill of the hunt was humming in this veins, his tongue hungering for that first crimson droplet. They were upwind of the bears, but the golden-eyed wolf paid no attention to that. He and Nico didn't need the element of surprise today. A bear or two were no match for the pair of them!

He caught up with his brother when the ground sloped gently upwards towards a little copse that was filled with the sharp scent of brambles. Stuffing your faces, are you? he mocked in the privacy of his mind, a sidelong glance at his brother causing the two of them to slow down for a moment. What do you reckon, brother? Are there two or three in there?" Two for certain, one significantly younger than the other if his nose was serving him correctly. He let his broad form sink closer to the ground. swift and silent steps taking him towards the prickly barrier than separated them from their prey. Heedless of the scratches to his face, he pushed through the thorns until his gaze landed upon a large male and a smaller, younger female. A malicious smile curved across his features as he withdrew silently. 

"So, Nico. You wanting to give big daddy and run for his money whilst I deal with the little girl?" He paused, fairly quivering with anticipation. "Or would you rather take the first bite of tender, innocent flesh?" He waited patiently for his brother to decide, letting the off hang in the open. He had little preference, really. Both would spill blood, and it would take the pair of them to bring down the male in any case. 

[Deleted]

Nico

Paws padded along side the ground, and the delight played in his eyes. It was a backward shine, and his tail swished from one side to the other. Frustration boiled through his body, and his mouth turned up lightly at the edges. Oh, he loved the pleasure of having the taste on his tongue of death. When he found a moment of reassurance, the readiness blossomed through his features when he finally twisted himself back to look at the beast creeping through the bushes at a fair distance.

When the male stalled out, he purred in his throat at the mere scene if getting a taste of what counted the most. Two bears, it was better than the price of one ever thought of being. The readiness crawled up through his body, and laughter edges at the crazed feeling that washed through him. Death would fall like the singing rain, and it was all that could be counted on. Digging his paws into the ground, his head bowed lightly.

"Enough to make me want to roll in the scent of death for hours." Agreeable tone beckoned into the open air, prepared to face whatever was required of him. Tail swished to the side, and as he neared his brother, body brushed against his twin. It was almost hilarious, naturally they fell in step by step to have their ears lined up. The jagged edges from one could be noted to appear to fit with the other. Head lifted a bit, and the sigh rattled out of his lips.

Which one did he want, "You were always better with the ladies..." Voice grumbled lustily, offering the wolfish grin at his brother, before he faded from the side. Round he went the long way, giving his brother only a few fleeting moments to react. The large beast stepped into the wind, and his mouth cracked open, and the growl rolled up into the air. "Good day beasts." Voice trickled out into the open, and laughter played on his features as the wind ruffled over his features, and his body lunged from the spot, aiming for the larger beast.

[Deleted]

He grinned sharkishly at Nico's astute remark, watching the male slip to the side. He mimicked his brother's actions, forcing his way through the bush so that he arrived at the same moment as his brother. Mimicking the larger wolf's posture, they stood frozen for a split-second - their very appearance casting identical expressions of fear to cross over the ursine faces. The male's quickly morphed into one of rage - understandably, as far as Xanthus was concerned. The female was less idiotic than her companion, taking shuffling steps backwards as she prepared to flee. With a growl of glee, he hurled himself forwards, cutting off her escape route and baring his teeth  at her. "You can't be leaving yet, sweetheart. You'll miss all the fun!" he exclaimed with a vicious glint to his eyes. He sidled closer, barging into her personal space, watching the round eyes widen in fear. "You can't escape me, poppet" he breathed, inhaling the scent of her fear. Oh, it was intoxicating! 

With a low snarl, he pitched himself forwards and upwards, his front paws connecting powerfully with bear's shoulders. She raised one flimsy paw to stop him, the claws leaving a faint scratch on his flank that heightened his lust for blood. There was nothing better than the edge of pain, the reminder of how alive he was, to get things moving along nicely. He danced away from her, watching her head swing back and forth before he darted forwards. This time, she reared up to greet his leap. His bulk and greater momentum sent them toppling over, a whine of fear leaving her ink-coloured lips. "Don't worry. It'll not hurt....much" he soothed, avoiding the snapping jaws with practised ease. One diligent claw was inserted into her flesh cheek before a sharp jerk of his shoulder ripped the flesh open. The scream of agony was music to his ears, his head lowering to let his tongue rasp over the fresh wound painstakingly slowly. It was heavenly! "Hold still!" he commanded angrily when his quarry started thrashing about, loosening his grip and forcing him to jump to the ground. He didn't give her the luxury of peace, though. Before she managed to right herself, he was tackling her again, ploughing into her stomach with snapping jaws. The roars drowned the sounds of ripping flesh, but the hot rush of blood on his muzzle informed him of his success. He burrowed his nose more firmly in the cavity he had created, almost inhaling the blood as he sliced open the entirety of the belly. On frantic paw knocked him in the head, but he ignored the blow - his father had done worse on occasion. Still, it wasn't at all befitting of such a lowly creature to damage some precious brain cells. 

With a guttural snarl of anger, he left the belly. A well-aimed pounce landed him by the creature's neck. "Goodnight, darling" he whispered gleefully, sliding his jaws tenderly around her neck. His amber orbs stared relentlessly into the pain-infused brown of the bear's. He gently heightened the pressure of his jaws, feeling the body twitch and flail as the air was squeezed slowly....so slowly...and then everything grew still. He stood back to admire his handiwork. There wasn't even a puncture wound in her neck! He grinned, leaning forwards to tear the chest open. The blood that trickled forth was stoked into a veritable torrent when his questing teeth severed the aorta. Ah!!! He lapped up the flow, closing his eyes in bliss and blocking out the sounds of Nico's struggle. The other wolf was still in one piece, by the sound of it. He'd go and help his brother in a minute, but for now...Now he would indulge in the life that he had just terminated.

[Deleted]

Nico

Bears were a fascinating thing to play with. It seemed like a thousand years ago when he had met his first, and back then he had just been little. Finding a cub out away from its mother, just a smidge to far, had been one of his first kills. His mouth hung open, a wide wolfish grin on his features as he connected with the shocked bear. It was startling on the bear's part, but the shout of annoyance was enough to make the male wolf want to purr. It was delightful, and his teeth were snapping away with the fattening up skin. It was amusing, getting ready for winter, was he?

Winter was not going to come for the pair of bears though. Body pushed close and he embraced the ripping bear, feeling claws connect with his body. Well damn, the thing was moody. But it was enough to throw the male back. The last thing he wanted was his spine crushed, and so it became a dance. Coming at the feet of the male as he stood on his hind legs and swatted, attempting to duck down to get a charge in. The problem with the bear's plan, every time it reached for a charge, Nico was in his face. Tearing away at the facial flesh, watching the blood drip onto the ground.

Cackling, the wolf felt the blood in mouth when he found his cheek caught finally on a swinging claw. Oh, where was the fun if he did not come away bloody himself? It was only fair to give the bear a chance. And there was lines that would scar over other scars that proved that. Playing with his food was his specialty, and when the lifted foot proved enough to throw the bear off balance, the large wolf too it. Snapping at the bear until it tumbled backwards noisily enough.

Then it was a blink or two, and the laughing grey wolf was on the beast. Taking a ride as the beast rolled and attempted to thrash him into pieces. It was fun to be on top of the back of a beast, even as teeth sunk into the back of the neck. No, it was a slower away to try and have death meet either one of them. When the bear reared up again, Nico was sent scrambling, lock jawed on the back of the neck of the bear.

The smell of death was filling his nose, and the growl of approval rattled as he found himself wanting to shriek with glee. Well, his brother was quite the little hunter of innocent ladies! That was the way it had always been, and as he went in a half swing, loosing his footing, he felt the flesh come away in his mouth. The screech of pain was enough to tell him it hurt as he landed on his backside hard on the ground.

Bloody bear. Didn't the beast know it was time to die! But it's face was torn, and the neck was bleeding eagerly. That was what counted, and the male was back at the hind legs, ripping away merrily with a flurry of snarls and growls. Oh, he loved a good dramatic kill! Blood everywhere, it was a mess!

The final kick to the chest sent the wolf tumbling back, and the sigh that rattled through him with the pain was enough to know it was time to end it. Otherwise the male might have blacked out, and what fun would that have been. Glancing down at himself to make sure there was no gaping punctures, the male started forward with a snarl.

Whine his mouth hit the side of the neck, ripping into the hold of the throat, he felt the idle struggling. Paws were wailing in the air, batting him from one side to the other carelessly, but he was too stubborn to let go. Like a wolf guarding something with his life, he held on until the struggling stopped. When it stopped, the exhausted wolf slid to the ground with the beast, delighted in his prize that was decorating the area with a sheen of red brown.

ooc: Major powerplay on the bear. Win for buckets.

[Deleted]

He paused his activity to watch his brother, wincing in sympathy as one heavy paw impacted with the wolf. He rocked on his feet for a moment, prepared to aid his brother with a well-placed lunge or bite, before assessing eyes vetoed the desire to spring forward. His brother had simply absorbed the impact with a angry growl, dispelling the painful blow as a glancing discomfort and re-entering the fray. Xanthus could see, though, the heightened focus in his brother's movements. Nico was getting serious now, well-aware that his own body was beginning to betray the lust in his heart. With that knowledge, Xanthus settled down to watch the show, letting his bear's blood soak into his paws. Nico on the job, rather than just playing about, was a beauty to behold. There was a bull-headed determination that managed to make his broad figure look almost graceful as it soared through the air. The killing blows were dealt with a little less finesse than he would have employed...but that was just an expression of their different natures.

"Bravo" he commented when the ursine collapsed in a silent heap, his blood-streaked brother looking a little worn. "You make quite the figure as a bear-rider." He grinned at his quip, strolling forwards to press his nose briefly against his brother's cheek. It was a rare show of affection, but for Nico he'd make exceptions. "Enjoy your dinner" he commented, strolling back to his prey. He had always preferred younger meat - it was sweeter and more tender. As was his custom, he ate the heart first. It was deliciously moist with just the right spring consistency. The other organs had their own charm, but they were all slightly bitter with the high mineral content. Whilst healthy eating was definitely something he advocated for - how else was one to stay strong and have glossy fur? - the heart was simply exquisite. 

He took his sweet time, burying his face into the bear's belly to get the liver and kidneys. He left the stomach and bladder in tact, pulling away at the fatty meat that his excavating had laid bare. He was in the midst of tearing out a rib when a soft crackle of thorns had him freezing. Who dared disturb them during their feasting? He pulled back, his head jerking sharply to make sure it wasn't Nico making the noise. He tried to dissect the air, but their guest was downwind and the scent of death was heavy on the air. He held himself proudly, facing the direction he thought the sound had come from. He looked quite a sight, blood smeared along his jaws and cheeks right the way up to his brow. Still, it definitely gave them the edge - war paint, one might say.

[Deleted]

» The salmon had run well this fall, and Tree Rat was pump and sleek from the constantly highly-nutritious meals. With so few wolves living in the area this year, more of the salmon had gotten upstream to breed. This would hopefully mean even more bounteous salmon runs next year. Hopefully there would be a larger pack then, would benefit greatly from the salmon. As of now his pack was a pack in name only. With most of your members dead or missing, it's hard to be anything else. None the less he was confident that his father and brother's lands would remain his own. weekly he made his way around the borders, marking them with a quick squirt of scent. Always he was on the look-out for bears. He simply wasn't large enough to take on a big bull grizzly, especially not by himself. The salmon runs was a double-edged sword: they brought life-giving salmon and death-bringing bears. » He slunk silently through the brown reeds and cattails that covered his domain, his grey and tan coat simply making him meld in to the shadows. He had been born here, after all, and each step across it's lands had been imprinted on his heart. Well, lands was a bit of an understatement. Currently he was standing in a ditch filled chest-high with something a little to viscous to be mud but about as clear as a rock. Two scents intertwined, teasing his nostrils with thteir importance. One, the musky scent of bears hung low in the area, they preferred the areas with more quickly moving streams. Blood now, that should not have been spilled within his borders without his permission. Tree Rat's course changed and he picked up his pace, managing to trot fluidly through the water with little to no splashing. A fw frogs leapt away from him, but even the songbirds didn't seem to mind him much. Wildlife became scarcer as he neared the scent of the blood. » He paused for a moment, crouching in the thorns and watching. Two massive wolves were killing bears. Actually killing bears! They seemed cruel, taking more pleasure in the pain of the bears than the honor of the kill. They were not the type of wolves Tree Rat would ever want in his pack. And yet... At the moment, he didn't really have much of a pack, and a big reason behind that was needing protection from bears. He needed these males, brutish as they were, to help protect the pack members that may come in the future. All at once he stood and emerged from the undergrowth."I suppose I should thank you. Tree Rat wrinkled his nose in vague disgust as he noticed the blood that still coated the wolves faces. Disgusting creatures. "On the other hand, you are hunting in my pack's territory, which begs the question - why?" Tree Rat settled down, sitting with his frayed tail wrapped around his haunches. While every muschle he had was tensed, he wasn't really worried. Of course he could never beat these wolves in a fight, but if it looked like trouble was brewing they would never find him in the bogs once he slipped away

[Deleted]

Nico

The annoyance about being injured lingered absently, and it was not something that could be properly squished. Oh, what a bother! There was something to be said about his motions rolling hill after hill through his body. He could feel his own blood coming from his back, and when the exhaustion faded enough to peer at it, Xanthus had joined him. Eyes twinkled at his brother's affection, but the bumbling male made no move to open up his opinion on the matter. He knew he had done well, the dead male proved it sprawled out across the ground.

"It's why I'll never get a girl." Dramatic voice complained, mockingly at himself as he shoved himself to his feet and balanced. "I'm much too messy with my games." The complaint was not one to be taken into consideration, and tail swished from one side to the other. His brother's attention and affection was invaluable, but the male simply shrugged it off like it mattered little. This time was about feasting, and the scent of a third wolf knocked him in the side in a fairly brutal manner.

The male could have laughed merrily at the little male that appeared. Looking confident enough to face them though, he wagered that warranted something. Bleeding and well coated, his paw stepped over protectively over one of the bear's long arm. His tail lifted high in the air, and he curled a lip without much care. "What pack, little fella?" The voice grunted with a hint of laughter that could not be denied. No, he was hardly as gracious as his brother. Especially when his brother was around to do the manipulating. Nico preferred to be blunt, "You smell less stinky than these bears did - there isn't any other wolves on you though." The large male snorted, "None that would make me feel threatened anyway. Hungry, perhaps."

His eyes rolled back to his kill, and he played a loud sigh. The pained look crossed his features, "Too bad I like the taste of bear better. You've lucked out, little buddy." Nico turned, stepping over the bear as the blood spotted on the ground. Tail still high, he bowed his head half way, eye level to the wolf who had appeared and offered a wolfish grin. "Humor me though, I insist."

[Deleted]

The wolf that appeared from the thorns was a little anti-climatic. He was a good size smaller, coated in mottled tones of brown and grey that had him almost, but not quite, disappearing into the scenery. His words were spoken rather softly, and Xanthus wrinkled his brow ever so slightly at the situation. "Your thanks is accepted" he remarked smoothly, inclining his head ever so slightly. It wouldn't be befitting for him to do any more than the barest of etiquette required. His amber orbs widened ever so slightly when the male spoke of a pack, but Nico beat him to it. It took severe willpower on his behalf to exhale slowly and calmly. Seriously! Every time they were in a situation that required just a fragment of tact to begin with...Nico would speak and blow everything to smithereens. His claws raked the ground in a show of irritation at his brother's words. 

He knew better than to interrupt Nico mid-flow, no matter how much he wished he could cut the boy's tongue. It would reflect poorly on the two of them if they didn't hear each other out. So he waited for the first longer pause, his head twisting to give Nico a sharp look. "As my brother so uncouthly put it, we were not aware of the presence of a pack." His tones were dulcet, his features twisted into a veritable mask of humility. "We did not see the need for announcing presence or business to the lone wolf of the area." He forced his lips into an apologetic smile, though his golden gems remained cool and calculating. There was no denying that the eyes were a window to the soul. Just as the chap before him was a little...concerned at the amount of blood shed within the clearing spoke volumes of his sensibilities. 

"Brother...!" The word was spoken softly with a note of steel that forbade disobedience. There were times when Nico was more than welcome to chip in his own two rabbit-tails. But now was not such a situation. "To whom do we have the pleasure of speaking?" he continued smoothly, relaxing his posture and setting his rump on the ground. Even if this boy had a pack to boast of, there could hardly be enough to cause any danger. He also didn't look the type who'd willingly filch their prey. "I am Xanthus, and this is Nicostratus" he remarked by way of introduction. He fell silent for a moment, his formidable mind working feverishly to piece together the meagre fragments of information. "If the bears are a big enough problem to have you thank strangers for reducing their numbers before arguing about rights of passage, I gather your situation is rather desperate." He paused, fixing the male with a penetrating stare.