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Post by tesumi on Feb 22, 2008 13:56:10 GMT 10
Tes raised her eyebrow at Kavlin then sighed and turned back to Shad. "You'd be surprised how many people would be willing to take that risk..." she murmured, her voice filled with her ancient grief. "Perhaps if you knew how valuable my death would be, you would say different. I don't know much of Falsko, but money seems to rule all breeds...As for the risk of following you, my curiosity is the curse of my breed. I will always wear those shackles..." she whispered falling back into deep thought. Dammit Tes! Don't tell them more than they need to know. You need to get away from this guy, at least for now. Who knows how much he might make you spill!! She let out a deep breath when he walked off, it was just enough to give her space to stand. "Bit of a grumpy thing isn't he?" she whispered tilting her head to the side. She could hardly understand what was making him so mad, after all to her doing things like this was completely normal. If one of them dropped in on her she wouldn't be as angry, surprised maybe...but it would not be so unexpected. Tes stood up slowly, "You mind giving me my dagger back if your planning on stalking off. I don't carry that for my protection, I carry it for the protection of everyone around me...nevermind don't ask me to explain that..." she added the last part, speaking a bit too quickly. d**n this scent, d**n this feeling. I don't think I've spoken this much in years! She close the gap between her and the pair with a few strides unnaturally long and smooth for her height. She ignored the anger and tension coming off of Shad and focused on taking as little breaths as possible. "I suppose I should apologize...But I hope maybe we can meet again, on lighter circumstances." The corner of her perfect lips pulled up in a crooked but weak smile. She glanced over Kavlin again, noticing the blood smeared on his face for the first time. She wrinkled her nose at the sour Norsla scent. "Your hurt..." she pointed out, falling back into thought. After a few moments she smiled. "I don't expect you to trust me, I actually hope you don't. But perhaps you might....tolerate my presence further, so I can leave a parting gifts of sorts?" she asked. "Just to prove I have no intentions of harming you?" she added holding out her arms to Kavlin.
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Post by aftermidnight8 on Feb 22, 2008 14:09:06 GMT 10
Shad growled low in his throat and punched a nearby tree, releasing some of the building anger. He turned slowly to face Tes. "What do I need money for?" he asked. "As long as I have enough to keep clothes on my back, what else do I need? I hunt for my food. The animal skins make great blankets, pillows, and sheets. I live in the forest, so I can always find wood to start a fire. If not...well then, that would be a major problem. I have plenty of arrow heads and can make my own shafts for them as well as the fletchings. If push comes to shove, I can even make my own clothing out animal hides. So, please tell me what use I would have with the money that I would earn risking my life to turn someone else in?" His anger decreased as the flow of words left him.
He took a deep breath and stooped to pull Tes's dagger out of his boot. "Here," he said, handing it to her hilt first. "Look, Tes, I'm sorry. It's been a long day, but that's no excuse. You're welcome to come with us...for awhile anyway. We'll see. I will be watching though." Shad turned and headed off, not waiting to see if they followed.
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Post by fateandfaith on Feb 22, 2008 15:41:47 GMT 10
(Hope ya’ll don’t mind. I thought this might be a good place for the big, not-so-bad wolf to jump out and say ‘boo!’ Or something like that. ^_-)
Ceytravf ran, claws digging into the soft, moist dirt, helping him to propel forward with each stride. His mouth was open, tongue hanging out as he breathed the forest air deeply. Once in a while, he caught glimpses between the trees of running alongside him. They ran with him, simply for the hell of it, for the sheer simple pleasure. They had to run much faster to keep up with his longer legs and strides, with even the tallest among them a full foot shorter than he was at the shoulder. Unlike him, they were not Voskon. For some reason, he had always been well-liked by wild wolves, even when in his man-form. Pups, rogues, alphas, betas, subordinates--they had always treated him with warmth and a mild, almost amused curiosity and were much kinder than any strange humans had been whether they knew he was Voskon or not. He had hunted and killed and ate and slept among wild wolves on and off for over three years. He still could not figure out exactly what it was that made them trust him when their instincts should have told them to run from the crazy human or fight the strange, lone wolf. He was content thinking they were simply wise enough to know he needed them. He’d been alone for over three years, without family or friends, expelled from his pack by his own father. The wild ones and their eagerness to welcome him into their fold could make him forget how lonely he was, even if only for a little while. He glanced up at the sky as he ran, and realized that his time as a wolf was nearly up. He might have loved his wolfen friends and the thrill of an uncomplicated, ordinary life as a wild creature, but the last thing he wanted was to be confined to it. He gave a soft, growling bark at the nearest wolf, the pack’s alpha, and changed course. The pack did not follow him. Alone, he charged through the underbrush, picking up speed now that he was no longer concerned with others trying to keep up. He headed for the place where he had stashed his things that morning before he’d gone out to ‘play’ with the wolf pack for the day. He’d found a nice spot inside of a hallowed out dead tree to hide his clothing and handful of possessions. On top of that, it was nearby a decent sized cave, where he thought to spend the night. He hadn’t yet ventured inside the cave. One time too many he’d decided to explore a cave before he’d eaten and regained his strength and found himself cornered by an angry bear. Still bearing--no pun intended--scars from the encounter, he was determined not to repeat that mistake.
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Post by tesumi on Feb 23, 2008 13:14:25 GMT 10
Tes dropped her arms and placed her hands on her hips watching the strange Falsko stalk off again. You should really head back now...but...welllll it wouldn't hurt to see where he lived right? Probably not... Tes sighed knowing it would be pointless to try and stop herself now. Alright then, get moving... "I'll follow you there, but it would be safer for both of us if I didn't stay too long." she said in her whispery voice, smiling weakly to Kavlin. Tes took a step forward shortening her stride so she wouldn't catch up to Shad, she kept a few yards between them. She could still smell that strange scent from his blood but it wasn't as strong from the spot she was in. Honestly Tes what have you gotten yourself into? You came here for a reason remember? To try and find Ed? Hmm, well maybe the Fal..er Shad knows something. *sigh* maybe, but you won't get anything out of him tonight. Wait a few days...see if you can...er...trust him... Tes glance over to Kavlin as she walked eying the rat curiously. He's been in that form for quite some time...I wonder how long he can stay like that. An Easterner trick maybe? "Your shoulder and ribs...do they hurt?" she asked Kavlin her tone was a bit distracted. "I might be able to fix that..." she whispered staring intently at Reg again.
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Post by aftermidnight8 on Feb 23, 2008 13:26:51 GMT 10
Shad had really hoped that she wouldn't follow them, but he didn't let her know that. He was really starting to get nervous about others knowing where he was living. Wow, you've really done it now, Shad. What in the freakin world were you thinking? Oh, wait, apparently you weren't.
Shad quickly decided to take a roundabout way to his home, hoping that neither of his tag alongs would remember how to get back if they left, but the cave appeared way before he wanted it to anyway. As they drew closer to the cave, something caught Shad attention. He slammed on the brakes and stared into the night. "Something's not right," he said softly, notching an arrow in one swift movement. "Kav, still have my dagger? Stay behind me. Vo...Tes, you're on your own if it comes to you or him." He hoped his words didn't sound as mean to her as they did to himself, but he'd protect Kavlin long before her. She was obviously capable of handling herself anyway.
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Post by emmaline on Feb 23, 2008 14:01:06 GMT 10
(Sorry I haven't responded until now, guys. Sick + school + too much homework + homework = not much time for fun. :/)
Kavlin looked at the girl from the corner of his eye as she asked about his wounds, still keeping most of his attention on not losing his footing on the strange terrain. He had noticed her watching Reg as they walked, and it made him nervous. He shrugged at her question, taking in a deep, experimental breath and wincing at the tightness. He hid it, though, and gave her a small, fake smile. "I'm fine, really. It'll feel fine in the morning." --She's been watching me,-- Reg said, agitatedly. --The thief in me doesn't like that, and the rat in me likes it even less.-- Kavlin smoothed his hand over Reg's small side. It was a calming gesture, even though he felt nervous about the staring himself. They fell into silence again after that. Their travels became twisting, and Kavlin soon lost his sense of direction, unused to navigation in the forests. Which way was the town from their current position? If Shad and Tes abandoned him now, he would never be able to find his way back. When they approached a small cave and Shad suddenly slammed to a halt, Kavlin tensed. Wrong, the Falsko said? He listened intently but couldn't hear a thing. Reg was stiff as a board on his shoulder, hair lifting. He drew the dagger from where he had stuck it in his belt, creeping closer to Shad but far enough to keep out of the way. He was under no illusions of his usefulness in his condition, and most likely the things they might encounter in this forest fought quite differently from thieves on the street. Reg climbed down from his shoulder and scampered off somewhere into the brush--his mode of attack was surprise, stealth, and retreat, only to reappear somewhere else to do as much damage as a rat could.
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Post by tesumi on Feb 23, 2008 14:23:38 GMT 10
Tes let out a low throaty chuckle, "Liar, but its fine. I'll give it a shot when we stop anyway..." she sighed. She remained silent for the rest of the journey, occasionally glancing back over at Reg. She walked forward and let herself fall deep into thought, years of forest traveling allowed her not to have to pay attention to her feet. She did have to keep her speed in check every once in a while to keep from getting too close to Shad. Out of no where every muscle in her body went rigid, only a moment before Shad spoke. Her eyes dilated and she let out a quiet snarl. "Trust me I don't expect your help." she growled under her breath to the Falsko. Tes closed her eyes and inhaled nearly choking on her breath. She jumped forward in two quick silent steps closing the gap between her and the pair. She let out another snarl, this one louder...a warning growl. "Watch your backs, its a Voskon...a wolf..." she whispered under her breath just loud enough for Kavlin and Shad to hear. "Can Reg smell it too?"she hissed to Kavlin. Her mind whirled in every direction. On any normal occasion she would never be able to determine the exact breed of Voskon, but wolves where different. The years she spent with Kado had attuned her to that smell, something she feared and longed for all at the same time. Could it be one of Kado's? Could one of them have survived? she wondered before she could stop herself. She squashed the thought down immediately and focused on the fight she expected to take place in a few moments. "Can you handle this Shad or do I need to change?" she growled hoping the answer would be no, she didn't know how long she would be able to hold form without it becoming permanent. Her eyes darted along the darkness as she pressed herself closer to to Kavlin, keeping him in between her and Shad. Years of living like a wolf taught her to protect the weakness and youngest no matter what.
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Post by aftermidnight8 on Feb 23, 2008 14:44:49 GMT 10
Shad cursed silently at Tes's words. He hadn't seen Voskon's for years and he now had two to deal with. At least he knew one of them would be on his side in this fight. "I'll handle it. You stay with Kavlin, Keep him safe." Shad glanced back at them and realized that Reg was either gone or hiding.
Every muscle in Shad's body tense in anticipation of a good fight. His only wish that he was in the tavern where rules kept the odds even. There were no rules in the forest. He crept closer to his home, every brain cell on red alert. Maybe it will be friendly. Get real. Just because you've me one "friendly" Voskon, doesn't mean the rest of them are friendly. Keep your mind on business, Shad! Shad growled low in his throat, a warning to human or beast. He could vaguely make out the darker hole that made up the entrance to his home. A gray(?) shape stood in front of it, but Shad couldn't tell if it was human or wolf. Easier to fight a human form. Easier to kill an animal. Shad shook his head to clear the thought and advanced closer.
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Post by fateandfaith on Feb 23, 2008 16:29:41 GMT 10
Ceytravf didn't shift back until he'd reached his stash. The last of the jet black fur was just fading into his skin when he heard sounds in the forest behind him. Probably the 'owners' of the cave, he thought, disappointed, having hoped to have a roof over his head on this cold night.
His heart hadn't yet slowed to normal after the run through the trees, and though he was certain it was no angry bear this time, it still didn't help to calm his frantic heartbeats. There were three, at least, and none of them entirely human. One Voskon--or was it two? He could smell more than one animal. Something feline and another, though it was hard to pinpoint exactly what, as the scent was rather faint. The others Falsko and...a mixed blood. Whatever they were, three--or four--to one was not good odds.
He was not a well-trained fighter in his human form. He could generally get by with his ability to throw his hatchet with fairly good aim and his sheer size and strength. That, and his willingness to back down from a fight. Trouble was the last thing ever on his mind, especially if he couldn't take on his stronger, more aggressive form.
It was too soon to go wolf. He couldn't be certain that he'd be able to come back if he maintained it for any amount of time just yet. Besides, he didn't want to fight, and he would have to abandon his things if he simply ran. So the question wasn't wolf or man, it was weapon or pants. He'd been too lost in the pleasure of the run to notice them until the were more or less right on top of him, and he had just enough time to reach for and find one or the other.
In the end, he settled on more or less neither. He reached for his deerskin breeches, timing his actions by the footsteps, planning to just be hastily fastening them as the group came into sight. He figured he himself would be more embarrassed than aggressive should he find a big, half-dressed man in the forest. The thought actually made him smile slightly. He turned it into a nervous smile and tried to look as embarrassed as he could.
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Post by aftermidnight8 on Feb 24, 2008 3:18:16 GMT 10
Shad hated to fight, but he wasn't going to back down or allow someone to steal the things he had worked for. Not to mention that he had three charges now that he wasn't going to let anyone hurt...even if that ment dying to do so.
He shoved the negative thoughts away and moved closer to the shadowy figure. It appeared to be in human form, but he wasn't taking any chances. As he watched, the figure seemed to be fiddling with something. Probably getting his own weapons. Shad watched for a moment before he drew his bow back, settling the arrow in place. He let it fly, sending it close enough to the figure that he/she/it would feel the fletchings, but it would injure...unless he moved... The arrow inbedded itself in the rock of the cave front. You'll be reheading that one tomorrow.
Shad realized that he would soon be too close to use his bow, so he sat down, leaning it against a tree and pulled a knife from the small of his back. He decided that his best chance was to get behind the figure. A small ledge ran across the top of the cave entrance, so he quickly scampered up. If this one's as good as Tes...he may smell me before I get to where I want to be. If he turns around....Shad didn't allow the thought to finish. He leaped off the ledge, tackling the form neatly and settling his knife to the "creatures" throat.
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Post by fateandfaith on Feb 24, 2008 4:05:58 GMT 10
Ceytravf let out a muffled sound as he was tackled. He was well aware the Falsko was behind him, considering he'd already shot at him, but he was still trying to avoid a confrontation. He hated to kill unless necessary. He hoped, judging by the arrow's clear miss, that the Falsko felt the same.
When he felt the blade nick his throat, he had to hold in a snarl. The wolf in him was enraged, fighting him for control. The animal wanted to be unleashed, to sink fangs into the offender and rend flesh to avenge this insult. But he fought it, the man in him knowing better. His muscles tensed in anticipation of changing form, but he willed them to relax.
He focused all of his senses on his attacker, taking in every slight movement. He would feel and hear the knife move before it could do any real damage, and was prepared to go wolf if it did in hopes of throwing the man off. He also had a better chance of surviving a wound in that area in that form, his thick pelt like a makeshift natural armor.
His voice was normally deep, but with the wolf riding so close to the surface his words came out half-growl. There was no helping that though. "Ah, mate, if it's your cave, you're welcome to it. I haven't taken anything--I haven't even been inside. And I'm not armed." He spread his empty fingers wide, displaying that fact. After a moment, he added, almost jokingly, "I'm barely even dressed."
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Post by tesumi on Feb 24, 2008 4:51:29 GMT 10
Tes growled in answer to Shad and pressed her back against Kavlin, pushing him against a large tree. "Stay behind me at all times..." she snapped taking a defensive stance. Her golden eyes shined like little lamps in the darkness, focused on Shad's every move. Prepared to throw herself into the fight if need be. Now that Shad was a farther away her senses cleared and it was easier to pick up on the emotion drifting in the atmosphere. From what she could tell most of the tension was coming from Shad and herself, nothing to disturbing was coming from the other visiting Voskon. She didn't let herself relax however, it could be he was just very good at controlling his emotion...but then again wolves weren't normally known for that control. She cursed silently and took a few steps forward when she heard Shad tackled the Voskon to the ground. Idiot! Do you even know what your doing? Are you trying to get yourself killed? Wait...why do you care? Er...I don't...its just...if his blood is spilled there would be no way for me to control myself...right? Er..sure lets go with that. Tes took a few more steps forward, the energy in the air was still fine (a little irritated maybe) but she still expected a fight. Especially with the stupid reckless way Shad approached the other Voskon, actually she was surprised he wasn't dead already. Perhaps this wolf was friendly? Ha! The chances of that are very slim. Just because you happen to know a lot of friendly wolves doesn't mean all of them are like that! However her strong kinship with wolves was threating to revolt, bringing back hope that was sure to bring back some painful memories. Dammit Tes, he's NOT from the Itou clan, stop being stupid! Tes took a few more steps forward, still keeping Kavlin behind her. She tested the air again with her senses after the wolf spoke and let out another little growl. Everything was still generally calm and his words sounded sincere. Tes stopped moving forward and rested her shoulder on a tree, she was close enough to get clear view of newcomer. She couldn't stop her heart from sinking when she realized it was not someone she knew. She showed no sign of her deeply embedded pain and glared down at the wolf. "Ease up a bit Shad, let him loose. If he turns I can take him on myself, no problem." she said calmly, her voice a bit too even.
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Post by aftermidnight8 on Feb 24, 2008 11:32:20 GMT 10
Shad sat back on his heels, still staring down at the man on the ground. Only then did he realize that the man was only half dressed. He turned half of his attention to Tes as he continued to eye the stranger. "You left Kavlin!" he snapped.
He quickly turned his full attention to the man in front of him. "It is my cave. What are you doing here. What do you want?" He wasn't quite as willing to trust as Tes was. Years of living on his own had taught him to be wary of strangers, although tonight no one would believe it. Not with Kavling and Tes tagging along behind him. And although he lived wrecklessly, he didn't have a desire to die anytime soon.
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Post by tesumi on Feb 24, 2008 11:52:00 GMT 10
Tes rolled her eyes and snorted. "Tch, hardly! Kavlin's fine, your the one being ridiculous." she spat. Tes pushed herself away from the tree and sprinted to Kavlin and back before Shad had a chance to blink to further prove her point. "Honestly its a bit insulting you think so little of me. I'm not so cold as to leave him unprotected you know." she growled crossing her arms. Uh why are you arguing with him? Focus stupid! Oh yeah, oops! she thought turning her attention back to the wolf Voskon. She sniffed the air delicately and frowned, He's been running with wild wolves...thats...unsual to say the least. I would assume he has strayed from the East away from his pack? But for a wolf to leave his pack...well thats hard to believe... She dropped down into a crouch, leaning against a tree a little. "Its not often you see a wolf over the eastern borders, would you be willing to explain brother?" she asked her voice barely above a whisper. Her tone was not quite as harsh as Shad, more coaxing like the way she spoke to Kavlin in the inn.
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Post by fateandfaith on Feb 24, 2008 12:47:42 GMT 10
Ceytravf snorted in response to the Voskon-cat's comment about taking him on. He wasn't making a judgment either way, but he liked her spirit. His eyes never left the Falsko as he put his hands on the ground behind him and slowly, cautiously pulled himself backward just enough to be able to sit up.
"I'm here because I was looking for a place to spend the night. I didn't expect there to be anyone here. Maybe an angry bear at most. And, at the moment, all I want is the rest of my clothes, if you don't mind. It's a bit drafty." He nodded his head in the direction of the rest of his things.
(I was just about to submit a post when you posted Tes. ^_^ So...I guess we'll just say that Traf did the above, then Tes did her bit, and then Traf did the below? I think that'll work out, lol. ^_^)
Traf shook his head, tossing his hair back over his shoulders. The collection of glass beads and tiny bones and other bits he'd braided into his long black hair tinkled against each other with the movement. "Too long a story when out in such cold weather, kitten," he answered, the nickname said without a hint of teasing, it was just his good-humored nature. "Let's just say, I did something my father didn't like and I've simply gotten too old for a spanking." He shrugged, smiling slightly, though his thoughts were somewhat sad.
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