|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2008 5:53 pm
...that the day would never come
That my life would depend on the morning sun...
Black pads tapped lightly, gliding the creature feverishly from the current dark area. Daylight was spreading on the horizon, tinting the surrounding woods a hazy pink mingled with oranges and blues like tendrils from a flowering vine. His eyes were focused, hardly appreciating the brilliance of the morning, and if anything seemed to scorn the very light. The creature paused briefly, looking upward through the thick woods allowing the thin rays to reflect off his gray-blue orbs before blinking and continuing on his way.
Catacomb had failed in his escapade, his job, but regardless, despite the night ending he knew he would have to retry again in the later hours of that same day. It wasn't that he was incapable of accomplishing the job, it was that several factors hindered him along his path. For example, the appearance of multiple wolves around his target. For another example, the weather had turned stormy, prompting the other wolves to seek shelter and in their escape had lost Aguta. Once more the wolf would find their trail, he was sure of it, but it disappointed him that this little jaunt wasn't over yet.
Without thought, his paws froze, sticking to the dewy ground just before a lengthy fallen log he normally would have glided over flawlessly. Something had caught his attention. Narrowing his gaze, the wolf put his nose to the ground, discovering the end of his trail but the start of another. The stranger's scent was fresh, perhaps only a few minutes. A snort followed as the wolf searched to regain his composure, heading back on his previous scent trail, but at every turn he was lead back to the new found smell. It was almost as though his target melted into this new comer, cursing him to a failed job, mocking him deliberately.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2008 5:56 am
Nose to the ground, mis-matched eyes open wide, ears alert. Yes, he was tailing dinner. Unaware someone else had caught his scent, unaware of anything but the scent of his target. That's all he wanted right now. He remembered this, how to hunt and kill.
He stopped and looked up, snorting out dirt from his nose and then glanced around. His target had crossed the river. "Damn.." Muttered in a baritone voice. It seemed the doe he was tracking when right through the river; which meant it wasn't very strong. A plus. Blue swiveled ears caught the sound of something off in the distance. Twigs snapping and leaves crunching.
I'd better pick up the pace. And he was off, splashing through the river with speed and grace. He was older, not completely old, but enough to know to cross quickly and find the trail as soon as you could. Water often hid a trail for some time. He shook himself dry, big paws digging into the earth. No longer soaked, Backus put his nose to the ground again to try to find his target.
Finally finding it, he set off in pursuit and she finally came into view. But she was now with a buck. He ran low and then laid on his belly in the cover of some bushes, tail thumping unhappily. He now wanted the buck. He'd need help...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2008 6:44 pm
The wolf finally grew frustrated to the point a vivid growl ripped through the air. A paw slammed down, knowing that this mission for now as void, failed until completed, if that would be possible. Of course, he had never given up on a job before nor did he intend to start now, however, his body protested his pursuit any longer. His stomach gave its own growl, mimicking his own. A frown followed.
It was obvious he had to abandon his current project in order to feed himself, but all the same it frustrated him to be so coerced by physical means that dictated his life. There were times he'd forget that he was of the physical world, meaning he had restrictions along with every other living being. Flicking his tail he started forward, following after the interesting scent that so avidly attracted his attention.
What he came upon was an interesting sight. Though he couldn't see the hidden wolf, he could sense his presence, and more importantly, locked eyes with the very thing the wolf was hunting. Aguta's steely eyes focused on the buck whose head was hovering above the ground, plucking sweet grasses, for the time unaware of both wolves. Well, if this was the stranger's target, it would be Aguta's as well. Though he often took on prey himself, not in anyway dependent upon the assistance of another, it was proven that a buck was harder to take down than any doe. Though he had managed to fell the antlered creature alone before, he found it depleted his energy much too fast. Aiding another wolf and sharing the large meal seemed more ideal.
He only wondered if the stranger had noticed him. If so, would it be appropriate to give chase first in the hope that the other wolf would follow? Or was it his responsibility, as second on sight, to wait for the instruction of the stranger?
Hunger dictated his answer.
Expelling a great amount of speed, his black paws flung through the air, flying toward the buck whose head swung up while white tail flagged his distress.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2009 7:22 am
He was observing the buck now, growling low, hungry. God, he was so hungry... and something caught his gaze. A flash of paws and fur. A friend to aid in this hunt. That was the thought in his head currently. He didn't know the other, he didn't care. This buck was plenty big enough for the two of them.
Taking after the stranger like a bolt, he flew towards the buck, circling the side the stranger didn't take, stopping, leaves causing him to slide a bit before he ran again, changing direction to confuse. He'd learned this through many hunts, though he'd been alone. Backus lept, teeth flashing, aiming for the throat. Once his jaws sunk in, blood filled his mouth like the sweetest flavor he'd ever tasted. Oh, this buck wasn't getting very far.
That's what he thought before the buck bucked Backus off the throat, catching him with a hoof to the ribs, causing a howl of pain. He skidded, looked to the stranger, laying on his side for a long moment before he got up, wobbly. Oh, he'd feel that later; if it wasn't worse than what he had now.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2009 7:06 pm
The male watched the other out of the periphery of his eye, and as he observed the dark male sink his fangs into the buck, he also pulled back, rearing himself to attack and finish the animal. He never got the chance as the deer bucked the poor male off, injuring him in the process, but not pausing to find out the severity of the attack, the tan creature was quickly on the scene, taking over where Backus had left off. Without a moment’s hesitation he flung toward the beast, scrapping at its side and pushing it over with sheer force as they ran. Managing to knock the deer off its track, he suddenly flung up, jumping on top of the animal and toppling it to the ground, the wolf grappled as it thrashed its head about, attempting to get back up.
It didn't have the chance however, and as it died, the large male pulled away, letting nature take its course while he investigated the condition of the other male. Trotting up beside him, panting, he looked the stranger over, visually making sure nothing was particularly wrong. "Are you alright?" he asked. The question seemed almost foreign to him. Usually he would have left things as they were and made off with the food, but considering this was the stranger's kill just as much as his, he stood aside and made sure things were alright before proceeding further.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2009 6:13 am
He'd watch the other male finish off the buck and slowly sat back up, ribs aching. He didn't think anything was broken, but sorely bruised. Nodding to the words of concern, Backus let out a light huff with a wince. "I'm alright... A bruise that winded me, is all." He'd suffered worse, he thought, anyway. Unmatching eyes looked over towards the dead buck, smelling the coppery blood which caused his stomach to rumble loudly. Because the other finished it, Backus said the following, "Go ahead and eat first, friend. You finished what I couldn't."
That's the way Backus was. Never thinking of himself first. Plus, this new male gave off the air of someone who should be followed. Something that felt familiar. Had he had an Alpha once? Had he belonged to a pack? He wouldn't know until he found someone who knew the old him. Loud thumping came to his ears; his heart. It squeezed uncomfortably, but not enough to make him pass out. Oh, he'd over done it a little with this hunting. His breathing picked up slowly, which he tried to regulate quickly. Don't show weakness.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 1:19 pm
The large male continued to watch him, his eyes focused on how he was managing and carefully calculated his condition. Though he'd get over this pain, it was still difficult for him to move around it seemed. As he was given permission to go first, the male turned around fluidly and latched onto the carcass. Instead of digging in, however, he started tugging violently, wondering why it was that dead weight was the heaviest weight of all, and as he slowly pulled the meat forward, he positioned it before the other male. Even if he was going to eat first as an alpha should, he didn't want to make the trip to the meat any more difficult for the stranger.
This was his meal too, after all.
Weakness wasn't really considered as Aguta watched him. He seemed to be handling this well and the effort to appear alright was obvious in his mismatched eyes. Aguta's respect for him remained intact for now. The wolf bent over the meal without thought and started to tar at the meat, swallowing it down while bits of blood splattered his throat and muzzle. After a couple of mouthfuls he directed his head to the male. "Go ahead and start. There's enough here."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 8:10 am
When given permission to eat along side the obvious alpha, Backus bowed his head a bit and shifted closer. The pain was subsiding slowly. Bruised for sure, but not fractured or broken. But before he started to eat, he waited for the Alpha, to lower his head to eat, and then followed in suit.
All that could be heard from Backus right now was the tearing of meat and fur, chewing and swallowing before repeating. Blood covered his maw and neck, and he didn't care. He was eating as a starving wolf would. He wasn't starving, but he could admit it was a day since his last meal, and then it was only a fox. Not much for a male like Backus. Eventually, the black and blue male got to his paws to eat the higher meat, ripping and shredding into it with a little growl. It was so good.
Eventually, he'd had his fill and he stopped and stood back, going to the process of cleaning himself up. Those unmatching eyes looked to the red male and he bowed his head a bit. "I'm Backus. I've no pride, no family I can recall... But I'm searching." That was the only way he knew how to introduce himself. Perhaps if he could get into a pack, they'd cover land he hadn't been to. Maybe he'd find his family and know what he was, where he came from.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 04, 2009 10:10 pm
Aguta did the same as Backus, tarring, shredding, yanking, or rather, flaying the hide from the animal to get to the desired underneath. Both, cartilage, muscle and the like were crunched into, creating wave after wave of rippling snaps and pops only attributed to the destruction of something once living. It was a disgusting process, but for the wolves it was a wanted endeavor. This, thankfully, would last for a few days and give the wolf energy enough to function properly.
As he pulled away from the carcass, his light eyes followed along the darker male, observing his bi-colored specks and his unique markings. Aguta hadn't seen this wolf before, nor anyone of similar making which was reinforced as the male started to describe his situation. It was almost strange how he dove into formalities with a stranger; although, it was appreciated as it would have been equally awkward having shared a meal without so much as a name exchange.
"I'm Wraith," Aguta answered, pondering over the odd wording the male used. "You've no pride? Do you mean honor, or did you mean pack or homeland?" He figured it was the later, but was interested in seeing where this Backus was going. The fact that he was searching for a family he didn't seem to have was also an interesting topic. Would he be willing to settle down and give up on this family search, or was he a wanderer of sorts who would continue to search until he was satisfied with his findings? He sat and listened.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat May 16, 2009 4:11 pm
I have none of it. No family, no pride in myself...." he sighed softly and shook his head, brows furrowing again. When he thought about how alone he was, it made him wonder where he came from. Surly he had a mother and father. But, he wanted something else. A family, a pack. Something solid and real. This other male looked like he had some sort of authority. Maybe he was an alpha.
Were their packs near here? It made him wonder and long once again. A pack was family. Just like the human clusters, wolves did as well. If he got into a pack, could he stop his search for something missing? Or would he find what he was looking for?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue May 19, 2009 7:15 pm
So the answer was both? This was a unique case, something that Aguta found a little peculiar. This wolf not only had not a single known family member, but no pride in their own existence as well. Caution grew as he sat with him, unsure if bringing in such a lost individual would benefit his pack at all; that was assuming this stranger had any desire to join. Then again, maybe settling him in a home would give Backus a certain worth ethic, something that would spark his interest in keeping his new found home together. But what did he have to offer Tomkin?
"Well if you truly are alone then have you considered joining a pack? I've been looking for qualified members to join my pack, Tomkin. Are you interested?" he asked him forwardly. Aguta was never one to beat around the bush. Instead he shot straight forward, ready to fling into the qualifications this stranger had to offer as soon as a 'Yes' was to be heard.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat May 23, 2009 7:20 am
Blinking a little at how forward the was being, Backus swallowed a bit and flounder around for an answer. Of course he was interested. A pack would be something close to family, wouldn't it? And that's what he was looking for. Maybe something to end is search for answers he knew he'd never get.
But Backus' thoughts were quite the same as the alpha's; what did he have to offer? "I'd like to join. I consider myself skilled at hunting and fighting. In saving a friend, I fought of the human's dogs and helped her get out of the situation." Then he thought of Dru. What would she do if he joined a pack without her? Maybe he could talk her into joining as well.
"If you have room for one more, I think I know a female who would be willing to join.."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue May 26, 2009 7:30 pm
Aguta blinked slightly, nearly smiling as Backus revealed a second possible member, reminded of one of his first recruits and his interest being brought into the pack. Their stories were somewhat similar as well, though their personalities he was certain he would distinctly separate, already spotting the differences. He watched Backus for a moment, contemplating how fast this transaction was occurring and wondered if this was truly wise. He wasn't one to gamble usually, but in this case, he thought it would be interesting to see just how this dark wolf would take to living with a pack, and a pack of assassins at that.
"You qualification seem fine, however, are you aware of the purpose of Tomkin?" he paused, looking the male in the eyes, "Assassination. While not all members are mercenaries it is required you do not hinder the pack and its investments in any way nor would it be wise to be opposed to our line of work and then join. Are you interested in this line of work?"
He shifted slightly before continuing on with their conversation. "I admit Tomkin's population is lacking and bringing in new members is a priority of mine. I wouldn't mind meeting with this female, however, if you do not think she can withstand the objective of Tomkin I see no sense in wasting time in meeting her. If you think she will also be a qualified asset then I would be pleased to have you bring her to me," he smoothly asserted before continuing in a mellow tone, "That is, if you still wish to join."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat May 30, 2009 6:52 am
His mind backtracked to that. Assassination. Somewhere in the back of his head, a bell went off, causing his brows to furrow for a moment, looking off to the side. He sighed and shook his head slowly. Dru wouldn't be good for Tomkin, and he wasn't sure if he was either. A part of him, something he didn't know was there till this moment, wanted to join. The thrill of the kill sang in his blood, but the main part, the part that he was right now screamed no.
"It seems I have wasted your time as well. I do want to be a part of a pack, but I am not sure.... if assassination is what I'm looking for or not..." He sighed softly and winced, breathing to deep still hurt him, but he'd be alright. He frowned softly and lowered his ears, looking apologetic.
"I am truly sorry. ....If it were just me, I would say yes, still. But I do..... I do not want to be separated from her. She's the only family I have.. She isn't one to assassinate. Her heart is just healing with me from deep wounds, you see?" He cursed under his breath. He knew he would want to stay with Dru as long as possible, to heal her, to make a family with her. And he just couldn't see her being happy in the pack. He didn't think of her as weak or anything. He just didn't want her hurt or worse.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 2:05 pm
Aguta's eyes focused on the male's expressions, reading his thoughts on the matter before he even uttered a word. Backus was easy enough to read. Before he stated his case, Aguta prepared himself for the answer, knowing the expression wouldn't so easily leave his mind. His tail shifted uncomfortably but tamely. "Ah," he muttered, listening as Backus explained himself as well as the female he had mentioned just prior. "I understand your decision. You do not need to feel apologetic, I enjoyed my time speaking with you."
Aguta paused, watching him breath, knowing his injury was still aching his body. If this was their last meeting he would have to direct him safely through his territory, knowing if Backus exited to the north or west he'd meet a compromising situation.
"I understand your decision to stay with the female. I admire your sense of duty; it's admirable. If you, in the future, are searching for a pack I invite you to apply for Tomkin once more."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
