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 Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 12:20 pm
There was an eerie silence in the forest near the mountains as a lone, dark colored wolf trotted through them. His foot falls were almost silent too, and the wolf it self was nearly invisible. This dark purple male had taught himself to stay with the shadows, to avoid being seen, or being heard. He wasn't one to want to cause trouble, and the best way he could think of accomplishing that was to not be noticed. Keefe was this wolf's name, and it seemed like he was looking for something. His black, wet nose was set close to the ground, nostrils flaring as he rolled through the smells that came by him, searching for one in particular, searching for her.
It wasn't too long ago when he and Nafeeza, his mate and one true friend, had been together. But seemingly they had gotten seperated. Keefe had returned to his alpha Feanaro in hopes of finding that she had returned as well, but he had found nothing there. So once again this wolf was off on a journey once again, tracing his steps back to where he thought he saw her last. Hopefully, she was alright. It was all his fault that she wasn't by his side at this very moment, and it worried him. If anything was to happen to her, he'd never live it down. It was essential that he find her soon.
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Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 1:00 pm
The rabbit was half covered in white fluff, spotted with tuffs of brown where his winter coat had either been torn out or hadn't grown in. Nafeeza had seen in while she was out with Keefe and hadn't been able to forget it. Without thinking about it, she had followed it, half hunting. Was she hungry or just curious? It wasn't clear. She made no effort to kill it, so it must have been for some other purpose.
Or that's what one might have thought if they didn't know 'Eeza. She was a frivolous, light-spirited sort of wolf, who acted much on feeling as she did instinct. She didn't follow the rabbit because she needed to. She followed it because it was interesting!
But after getting a ways off into the woods, she was beginning to get hungry. The rabbit made a tasty snack, as she sat in the woods and licked the bones clean. The uneven tuffs of fur scattered in the winter breeze.
When she had finished, she looked up. She had been just about to say something to Keefe, who was always by her side. He wasn't there. The words died on her muzzle.
"Keefe...?"
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Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 1:14 pm
Keefe began to grow frantic as time ran on, seconds turning into minutes, minutes to hours. His trot was no longer quiet, he wasn't worrying about being seen now. Above him, a small hoarde of crows flew effortlessly. There were only about ten of them as compared to Feanaro's usual flock. They flew above the canopy of the trees, cawing loudly and their feathers rustling as they flapped their wings. Every once in a while, a crow would swoop down and fly infront of Keefe, only to dissapear above his head minutes later. Keefe felt safer having the avians with him, almost as if the cheif was watching over him through the beady eyes of the birds, and he needed to do his alpha proud.
There was a voice gnawing away at Keefe, a pessimistic voice ringing in his ears, dampening his spirit, She's probably dead now, laying in a ditch, just because you lost her... Lost. Keefe shook his head violently, clearing the thought,
"Nononono"
His words were quiet and to himself, trying to negate what he had just thought of before. His troubled mind was teeming with guilt, and he couldn't get rid of it. It was then that a new scent floated his way. A strong scent of blood, something had made a kill not too far away. The shadow of a wolf paused briefly, his brow furrowing in worry, hopefully it was nothing dangerous. With a heavy sigh, Keefe pushed yet another thought out of his head and hurried on towards the source of the scent.
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Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 1:45 pm
It was such a shame that the pretty animal had to die. It had tasted good, fufilled the beginning of hunger that Naf had felt, but it was still a shame. 'Eeeza didn't want to look at it's meatless, bloody corpse any longer. Sitting up, she chose a random direction and ran. It felt wonderful to run, snow packing under her feet.
But she was worried about missing Keefe. He was usually not so far away from her. Her pawsteps slowed and finally stopped. "Keefe...?"
She shiffered, her furr fuffling and standing on end before settling slowly back down again. Being around Keefe had been strenuously lately, like she needed something from him. She didn't know what it was lately, only that it irritated her and made her want to rub against him more lately.
She had the feeling right then, though it wasn't completely because of the feeling. She just missed him, was worried. But it was silly for her to start freaking out. She would use her nose, as she always had.
Looking at the snow, however, she wasn't so sure. Trying anyway, she stuck her nose in the air and sniffed for him, asuming he was downwind.
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Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 2:40 pm
Keefe was on quite a different mind set than Nafeeza. Much unlike her, he started freaking out the moment something was amiss. Once he felt things weren't safe for his loved ones anymore the poor boy went into a state of sheer panic. A panic that was rising by the minute at the moment. The sky was growing dark and the temerature was sinking. Keefe wasn't exactly fond of winter, not that the other seasons were any better. A few meager flakes fell steadily from the blackening sky. They had no chance to settle on Keefe's dark coat, he was in way too much of a hurry.
Keefe's quick pace suddenly wound down as he came upon what he had sensed before. The meat stripped bones of a rabbit. Keefe set his nose to the ground and took to sniffing around the area. The male's dark ears perked up as he felt his heart flutter. She had been here, his beloved Nafeeza had been here, in this spot, not too long ago; the spot where she had lain was still warm. The purple male whimpered helplessly, he was so close. He was reluctant to leave the spot, but now he was hot on her trail. With a renewed burst of engery, Keefe took off, raising his head high and giving out a subtle howl for her to hear.
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Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 2:50 pm
The familiar sound of Keefe's howl sent 'Eeza bounding back in the direction she had come. She howled back, hers more high pitch than her mates. She knew how upset he could get when she got out of his sight, how he blamed himself. She hated to make him worry so. This is mind, she hurried along, stepping in her own pawprints.
"Keefe! Keefe, it's Naf! I'm here!"
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Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 3:00 pm
After his howl had faded into the cold air, another, more high pitched one sounded out from the opposite direction. Keefe screeched to a halt, snow flying in different directions from his paws. His jaw dropped a few centimeters and his ears pressed back to his skull. After his few seconds of astonishment, Keefe bolted off again and it wasn't long before Nafeeza's graceful frame came into view. Relief washed over Keefe at that instant, making him feel more out of breath than all his running did.
Pumping the rest of the strength from his weary legs, Keefe sprinted to his mate, skidding to a stop near her and instantly nuzzling her. He wanted to speak, but he couldn't match his tounge to his mind. Keefe simple whimpered happily, his head tucked into the fur on her neck. He was so glad she was safe and even happier that she was at his side once again. The seperation had been killing him.
After his initial excitement calmed, Keefe backed off, giving Eeza some space. He had a weary expression on his face, it was obvious he had been up worrying about this for a while. There was a slight grin on his face as he looked at her, eyes dancing with love.
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Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 3:12 pm
Unlike Keefe, Naf was jabbering away at the first nuzzle from him, unable to contain herself.
"Keefe! Keefe! IsorryIworriedyouIjustwasfollowingthisrabbitandthenIgothungryand.. oh it's good to see you, Keefe!"
The entire time she rambled, she was thoroughly nuzzled and loved up. Nafeeza returned the affection in full. She nipped gently, nuzzled, and buried herself against him. Even when he pulled away, she followed him, not letting him escape.
After her initial excitement and relief at seeing him, she waited for the urge to be rub into him to fade. It didn't. It actually seemed to grow stronger, until it wasn't enough that she be near him. She couldn't seemed to get close enough to him, her body suddenly feeling hot.
"I'm sorry, Keefe..." She repeated, more subdued, and licked at his muzzle.
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Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 3:30 pm
Keefe smiled in a lop-sided way, sitting down next to her, resting his head on her shoulder. He took a deep breath in, letting it out with a heavy sigh of relief. It was then that he noticed that Nafeeza smelled different, not that different, but her scent was surely stronger. It was almost intoxicating to the young male. He suddenly felt very defensive of her, more so than he had before. Regaining his composure, Keefe shook his head, he was thinking crazy thoughts, he needed to calm down, at least a little bit. At Naf's comment, Keefe looked her in the eyes, his usual serious expression showing,
"No Naf, don't be sorry, it wasn't your fault. The blame is on me, /I'm/ sorry"
Keefe's amber gaze softened a little at her soft licks and childish personality. At least there was no harm done. She was safe and sound and that was all that counted. With a tired smile the male stood, they should probably go about finding shelter for the night and they could return to Feanaro's packlands the next morning. Keefe tugged on Naf's ear playfully and sighed,
"Just don't get lost again Nafeeza, I don't want anything to happen to you, I love you, I really do..."
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Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 3:39 pm
There he went, taking the blame again. Her Keefe, he really took himself to seriously. She had been telling him that since they were pups. He only ever seemed to loosen up when he was around her, maybe because they'd been together so long. Still, there he went, taking the blame on himself.
Naf gave a playful n** at the air near his face, "It wasn't you. You're always trying to take the credit for my mischeif." She grinned dodgedly at him and laughed. She rubbed against him again, unable to help herself.
What he said nex though had her up and excited again, to a different degree. He loved her! He LOVED her, he said! Ha, her Keefe loved her! Of course he did! Keefie, Keefie, Keefie!! Suddenly, she was pouncing him, knocking him over into the snow and licking him fiercly, as though she might skin his muzzle with her tongue.
"I love you too, Keefe. I do. I do. I'll try not to get lost, Keefe, I promise I wont."
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Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 3:56 pm
At her comment, Keefe shook his head. He didn't agree with her comment, but he didn't want to argue. In his mind, Naf was perfect, she could do no wrong. Someone had to be blamed for everything, and he was a good object of his own blame. Keefe's gaze wandered, at first towards the now dark sky. The crows were perched quietly above the two, preening their dark feathers and resting from the long journey. Then his eyes moved around the dark forest, trying to think of a way to go.
Naf's pounce came as a surprise. He hadn't been expecting it in the slightest. Seemingly, his words had stirred quite a reaction from the female. Keefe hit the ground with a chuckle. He loved seeing her this happy and excited. The usually serious male grinned childishly and flicked his tounge out to lick Naf, missing most of the times he did so. It was hard to hit such a wriggly target. Nafeeza's words brought to him a warmth like he hadn't felt before. A very satisfyed and tingly feeling in his chest. Unsaid words had finally come out into the open, and he was glad she felt the same as he did. Slowly, Keefe wiggled out from underneath Naf and stood up next to her, licking her head before speaking.
"I'm glad Naf, I am.... We need to get going, find a place to rest, I don't think I have the strength to take us back home tonight, it gets too cold at night too...Come"
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Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 4:07 pm
Nafeeza was not about to argue with Keefe's logic. He was always right about these things. He knew what was best for her. Besides, she didn't want to spend the night out in the cold snow anymore than he did.
She hadn't noticed the crows until they started moving. They appeared to be following them, always staying in the sky and trees just overheard. 'Eeza remembered the hoard of crows that usually followed Faenaro. Were these his? Naf nudged Keefe as they moved through the darkening forest, looking up at the birds, "They yours?"
As far as Naf knew, Keefe was their alpha's beta, his second in command. It made sense that he might have given him the use of a handful of his birds. What exact use they would be, it wasn't clear.
Though it was sort of difficult to do so while they were moving at a walk and a run through the forest, Naf continued to take ever opportunity to rub against Keefe. The need in her had only grown stronger; she nearly burst with it. Keefe must have known it too, it seemed impossible they he could not feel it coming from her.
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Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 4:18 pm
As they started walking, Keefe's gaze once more rose to the crows as Naf mentioned them. His shoulders rolled with a shrug as they moved on,
"Not really, I'm not sure who they belong to... The cheif had them come to watch over me"
Thinking about Feanaro and the packlands got Keefe rather excited. Feanaro would be proud that Keefe had found Nafeeza, and all Keefe really wanted was for others to be proud of him. The dark male squinted in the dark, there was a cliffside coming up ahead, maybe they could find a nook or cavern amongst the rocks to take refuge in. That would be quite ideal. Keefe just wanted to sleep now, to have Nafeeza at his side, to feel her warmth against him. Absent mindedly, his head turned to her as they walked on,
"There's something different about you Naf, not in a bad way, did you get into something? It's nice though..."
Keefe was one to be frank with those he knew well, and this was one of those moments. His instincts told him why Nafeeza smelled so different, why she was being clingy all of the sudden, but his naive mind wasn't connecting the signs yet, he was young, he had much to learn.
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Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 6:36 pm
Naf looked at him, not in surprise, but in relief.
"No, I haven't gotten into anything but... I feel different, Keefe. I want to be close to you, but somehow that isn't even enough. It's weird... I've never felt this way before."
She nuzzled into his neck with the last few words. She was glad they had told each other the truth about how they felt. It hadn't really needed to be said, however. She thought, by now, they knew how each other felt.
"Keefe.." She murmured into his fur, sick with a desire she didn't even know the name of.
But they were still running and they needed a place to sleep.
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Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 6:50 pm
Keefe blinked absent mindedly, for once in his life with Naf, he was at a loss for words. He wasn't sure what he could do, her voice sounded so helpless. His brow furrowed, these were all new feelings for him too. His tone was hushed as he spoke, almost a low, raspy whisper,
"Don't worry Eeza, things'll work out... Maybe Fea will know what to do, he's smart. If not, I'll firgure something out, I promise"
His frown softened at her nuzzle, he was glad she was with him. Though she was making him feel rather helpless, he felt like a pup again, never knowing what to do. There was turmoil raging in him too, brought on by this 'new' Nafeeza, he couldn't word it, but it was there. He sighed and looked back ahead of him. After a while of walking, they finally reached the rocky cliff. He scanned the area closely. Not far from where they stood there was a formation of pretty sturdy looking rocks all piled up on one another. There was a fairly small hole, as make shift entrance to the cavern the rocks had created. Keefe nodded to it and smiled at Naf. Quickening the pace, Keefe trotted to it and stuck his head in, making sure it was clear and safe. Once his inspection was complete, he stood back,
"Go ahead Naf"
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