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 Posted: Wed May 22, 2019 9:44 pm
Her parents had asked more questions, since they had come to talk to their Spirit Touched daughter, than any wolf who had seen her since that day. Truthfully she had spoken to her father about her deeper thoughts but he had just chuckled and told her the spirits would settle everything within due time. There were things she quietly contemplated about these spirits. They liked to put her in awkward situations.
So for this night, she felt herself meandering alone for what had seemed a decade since she got a breather alone. It had been sunset and as she moved through the brush just at the water's edge the stone around her neck caught and refracted blue light prisms against the shadowed area before her. Distracting the young Spirit Touched for a moment. Making her probably prone for any sneaking Alphas.
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Posted: Thu May 23, 2019 9:15 am
He was quiet, reflecting on the events of the day. The Alpha had spent most of it catering to the whims of the pack, participating in the hunt to strengthen the bonds he shared with his wolves. He would need that bond to be unbreakable in the seasons to come, considering what it was he planned to do in the future. The hunt had been successful, and as his right Reflection had his fill. It was a subtle balance between displaying dominance and fondness, and Reflection was beginning to think he was getting it right.
The sun was beginning to set as Reflection made his way back towards his den. If not for the brilliant gem around her neck, Reflection would not have spied She Sings of Amber Autumns so easily. He couldn't help the slight smile upon his maw before he quickened his pace to walk alongside her. His steps were silent, and by the time he was by her side his expression had returned to neutrality. "Spirit-Touched," he greeted and announced his presence, his voice quiet.
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Posted: Thu May 23, 2019 6:47 pm
The Spirit Touched hadn't been in a hunt in almost a year since she came to the pack's main area to step into her rank the new Alpha had given. She had word that the wolves had been successful. Which steadied the young wolf's heart. She knew their pack would need the food. With another mouth to feed, she thought of Wisp the newest pup that had entered the land. She had considered getting her fill perhaps this night but she generally allowed even the Omegas to eat before she had.
It wasn't that she wasn't hungry. A wolf her age was hungry often but she knew that she would get her fill in due time. She felt that those wolves doing all the hard work were the ones who deserved their food first.
If she had seen his face before he stoically stepped beside her, she would have melted. However his greeting still crawled up her spine and danced on her shoulder blades. How did she get so smitten? How did this happen to her? Autumns knew only of a wolf who was levelheaded and calm with a side of humour. Reflection still managed to find ways to confuse the younger wolf. "Alpha." She said humorously, almost like she tried to erase the surprised jolt that bounced her paws on the ground. Moving to take a bow and turn her body to look at his frame. As much as she was smitten, his bright form still managed to spook her during the darkening time of day."I didn't expect to be joined this evening. But, congrats on your hunt. I heard you and the hunters caused a good wrack-us." (Ruckus. Boo.).
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Posted: Mon Jul 01, 2019 1:11 pm
He did not dissuade her from the formalities of a bow. Despite his friendliness towards her, he was still Alpha, and still expected a certain display of respect. It would do no good for the rest of the pack to see others treat him so informally. Most wolves naturally revered him, if only for the color of his pelt and what that meant to them. Reflection would keep it that way. The pack would be easier to rule in the hard times the laid ahead of them. "Wrack-us?" he inquired with a small lift of his brow. Once again, her heavy-handed attempt at a pun seemed to fly right over his head... even if this was her most obvious attempt yet.
Oblivious to the jest he continued with, "Thank you, every successful hunt invigorates the pack, and they will feed well on it." Absently he licked his maw to remove what traces of blood might have remained there. By now, he imagined the carcass would be nearly picked clean. The pack would have to hunt again soon, but that was the nature of having so many wolves in one area.
"The spirits have clearly showered their blessings upon us, I wonder if perhaps it is because they approve of our recent decisions," he mused, subtly plying her for answers that the spirits might have shown her. He was one of the few wolves who managed to mix business with pleasure easily.
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Posted: Tue Jul 02, 2019 1:10 pm
Of course if she didn't bow she'd give him at least a nod of her head. Even if she had girlish thoughts for the wolf she knew where her rank was. However, she would probably understand where his wishes would stand, for them to not give faith so blindly. She knew he was working hard though and saw beyond what the others suggest the spirits tell her. Whenever he didn't get her humour she actually giggled lightly under her breath. He caught on to the word though at least!? "It.. It cause a Ruckus and had a wrack of antlers? No? I thought it was clever." She explained and then her ears flexed to him.
"Pack morale is a good thing to keep up that is for sure." She wondered if the idea of new rumours surrounding her and the Alpha was a sort of morale? They all seemed to be cheered up about the stoic Alpha finding a friend in the pack. A friend. She wondered, if that's what she'd be to him. If not just a wolf in his pack with a rank that was to be respected. Was she his friend? Would she want more... Oh probably.
Recent decisions.. "Ah yes. The last meeting we have about deciding about what to do about overpopulation." She nodded in self-reflection. Then she blinked at him. "I think we should ask the scouts to look within the area they saw the last deer then? Perhaps there are more where it came from? The spirits seem pleased for sure." She stated before her ears flexed forward and her eyes noticed a dot of blood on his cheek. Moving in to lap at the blood to remove it off his cheek. When she noticed what she did she leaned back quickly and shot her ears down against her scruff. "Sorry. Uhm. Red shows up quite clearly on your pelt. I didn't think you'd be able to get that unless you dunked your face into the water."
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Posted: Tue Jul 02, 2019 1:30 pm
He briefly wondered if it was more awkward for her to have to explain her play on words than it was for him to realize he had missed it entirely. The embarrassment was likely equal, though he didn't take much comfort in that. "Oh," he answered with an awkward crack of his voice. "It was clever," he assured her quickly. Did that make him... less clever for not catching on? Probably.
Eager to dive headfirst into any other point of the conversation than that one, he latched onto her next words with a vice-like grip. "It has been improving, at least from what I have been informed of. Personal experience has shown that around me most of the pack would pretend that all was well in front of him. It had taken him some time to understand why, but at least he had a few wolves close to him that could speak plainly with him about the good and the bad. Autumns had begun to be one of those wolves, which is why he found himself valuing her company as much as he did. Well, that reason and among plenty others.
"I'll send a scouting expedition that way," Reflection agreed easily. He trusted that the spirits spoke through her, and her advice had yet to fail him. "I think that territory has a more forested appeal, I guess we will find out if they are occupied."
More words had settled upon the tip of his tongue, but never would they be ushered into the space between them. He forgot what he had meant to say the moment she licked his cheek. How forward was his first thought, quickly followed by the truth that it didn't bother him. Reflection paused in his tracks, turning his face towards her to stare at her. What could be read on his face was a mixture of confusion, embarrassment, and a very strong will to hide whatever else he had been feeling.
The Alpha did not think he could feel any more embarrassed than he did the moment she explained herself. So, she wasn't coming on to him. That was... good. Bad? "It's all right, you do not need to explain yourself." He cleared his throat and quickly composed himself. Reflection even managed to restrain the impulse to rub the his cheek. "So..."
So...
Hmm.
Reflection decided to barrel forwards before they both became stuck in an awkward pause, "Any insight you have to share with me about the pack? I do not get around to seeing all of them as I wish I could."
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Posted: Tue Jul 02, 2019 1:57 pm
Actually gave him a bit of a louder giggle. Closing her eyes in amusement as she giggled. Her green-faded-amber gaze returning to him for a moment to witness his embarrassment. Letting him change subject.
Perhaps it was the fact Autumns wasn't really from the main pack part. She was raised with the understanding she would be fulfilling the position of Spirit Touched so she was used to having a wolf of such a rank seek out information. Reflection was also a whole year older than the young two year old. Her parents have always been religious but they didn't quite believe in practically bowing to the spirits but speaking to them on a personal level. If she was someone who communed with spirits; she would want to be able to speak sincerely. Since he was to be a reflection of the Spirits she would speak to him sincerely.
"If.. There are meadows, deer tend to stick to those areas." She continued.
She awaited her own words to settle on her own tongue when she let her tongue ruin their conversation. Though it opened her to a more mortal-based insight on Reflection. She witness his emotions turn to confusion etc. Blinking up at him she tilted her head. Did he feel something about this Spirit Touched? Was she just hoping.. Probably.
As he said she didn't need to explain herself she drooped her shoulders a bit. Probably. "So.." She said after him. "No the only news is that we were spotted going away from the group alone together." She practically blurted out. "I-uhm-I spent the day making sure they.. didn't read into anything though.. Just in case that was.. a bad reflection on you." Flicking her eyes away from him for a moment as she watched her stone twirl on her leather string.
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Posted: Tue Jul 02, 2019 2:18 pm
Reflection had to mentally shake off the lingering effects that lick had on him if he planned to survive their conversation. He had read her intentions incorrectly, and it was better to swallow his shame than to let that slip out into the world. Such a task would be easier if she did not let slip the knowledge that the pack essentially believed they were eloping. Despite the brief panic that seized his heart, he did not let it show.
"Let them think what they will," he advised her with a shrug of his pale shoulders. "I am the Alpha, they will not judge me for present or future indiscretions." It did not bother him too much what the rest of the pack believed. In the past their were Alphas who had been far less modest than himself, and they had never been reprimanded for their behavior. After all, they had all won their position through strength of mind and body.
He had meant to put her mind at ease, but he wondered if it was not himself that she was worried over. "Unless it bothers you? I can make certain not to drag you away alone, if you fear that it may possibly stain your reputation." It was a considerate gesture, even if he loathed the idea of losing her company. She was a breath of fresh air, and he would like to keep breathing it.
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Posted: Tue Jul 02, 2019 4:14 pm
Autumns had of course gotten herself ready to talk to him about this conversation. Her original reaction got a curious 'Oooohh?' sound from her parents who had asked her first. She respected his conviction and ability to train his features still as they had been.
His shrug though made her tilt her head. Hm. Maybe her reading his signals was improper. She should have assumed such a thing; Reflection wouldn't probably want a tiny little Spirit Touched such as herself. "But they also gossip the most about you." She added almost nonchalantly. She wasn't sure of what the old Alphas acted like as Reflection had already been Alpha when she came to the pack's centre to gain her adult rank.
When he asked if it bothered her she actually let her own inner emotions show. "Why would it stain my reputation?" She tilted her head lightly. "I was more worried about it staining your white coat and rank.. You were so jittery about them considering us an eloping pair the previous time we were together." She gringled softly at him again. Letting her ears fling forward. "Thank you for thinking of my reputation but I do actually quite like you. Although I am required to act my rank and give you what the Spirits possibly will be to say. You seem to like what I have to say as well. Not just the Spirits.." She sheepishly smiled lightly. "I see you as a friend as well as my Alpha. I hope that's not too forward of me."
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Posted: Tue Jul 02, 2019 4:41 pm
"If I tried to stop them, I'd only make them gossip more and where I'm less likely to hear them," he answered with an amused tone to his voice. He did not want to unnecessarily give the pack fuel for their gossiping fires, and if he could avoid doing so he would. But, there were some things he could not prevent, and he would have to learn to live with it. He was a young Alpha and there were many trials ahead of him. If he couldn't handle a few salacious rumors he would not be fit for the job.
Absently, Reflection looked over his shoulder to see if there were any curious eyes cast their way. With a meal as large as the one they had just caught, he did not expect many wolves to be up and about. With their stomachs full most would be resting. It also meant he had a brief reprieve from his duties, though he would not stray away from them for long.
He thought over her words with a soft hum, a deep and rich sound at the back of his throat. "I suppose that was not the proper way to put it. I hope, rather, that the pack does not think your attention too divided by me." She had other duties to attend to, after all, and Reflection had distracted her on a few occasions already.
The laughter, next, was soft enough that it could barely be heard. "I was, but I have grown far more comfortable with this, and far less caring towards what they make of it." Her words were starkly honest, enough that it gave him pause. She was far more open with him than any other wolf in his pack. It was nice, and he would not allow his thoughts to elaborate on that further. "It is the right amount of forward, She Sings of Amber Autumns. I appreciate your company deeply, and even when I greet you for business it is nice for it to not be... all business, I suppose. You are valued, more than I think you know."
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Posted: Tue Jul 02, 2019 5:50 pm
She nodded lightly, "I could see how that wouldn't help personally." She realised then she had fallen not only for his looks; but for his brain. So this was it. The levelheaded and calm Spirit Touched like the borderline stoic Alpha.
When he looked over his shoulder she tilted her head again. This was probably a habit of Citrine Peridot's that she had developed from them. As he returned his gaze and she heard his hum she felt it up descend down her spine as his greeting had rocketed up it from her rump to her shoulders she now felt it move its way up back to her shoulders. "I uh.." She swallowed. "I am here to report to you in the end, am I not? The spirits wish to talk to the one that is of their own the most." Or was that just her? She could tell him a small fib. "But most of the wolves at night seek shelter from my close relationship to the spirits."
His laughter made her almost sit her rump on the ground firmly. She could hear it on the edge of his words. She knocked her ears back down. "Oh good. I often wondered if I just annoyed you with my horrible punny ways.." She said in all honesty. His last words made her actually give him a soft slight whine to her words. "Reflection, you aren't aware how your words move me. I am happy to have found a close friendship with you.." She breathed out. "I have been wanting to get to know you more and more beyond our ranks since I came here.. So in a way you are valued more than I think you know as well." Her words rang soft at the end and absent of the whining pitch. Funny how just touching him would make them open such a conversation between them. First it was about her future puppies and now about how much the other benefited from their mutual friendship. "You should laugh more." She insisted in the end. Even though part of herself damned her for saying it. "You're far more friendly than you let yourself give off." Autumns finished by saying, probably oblivious to the fact that his friendly approach to her was because of something entirely different.
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Posted: Tue Jul 02, 2019 6:22 pm
"I am glad that you are the vessel they have chosen to commune through," he answered in a tone that was subtly warm. One could mistake it for polite pleasantries instead of the earnest honesty that it was. His green eyes settled on her, reading the slight changes in her posture, taking in the visage of the dark female. "I did not doubt it, from the moment that you came to the heart of the pack, that the spirits had shown you their favor. There are many who have felt their embrace, yet cannot interpret its meaning or open themselves completely to it."
The corner of his mouth quirked upwards in an amused smile, and even though the expression quickly dissipated it did not negate the fact that it had been there. "What puns?" the Alpha had been mostly oblivious to them. He may have heard a bit of wordplay here and there, but the majority had flown right over his head and into the sunset. Reflection clearly was not the perfect audience for them.
His ears flicked towards her at the soft whine in her voice, unmistakable and hard for him to ignore. For a moment, he truly understood that if he was not careful around her she would do him in. He'd be a fool not to admit that he found her presence appealing beyond her duties as a Spirit Touched. But, he was an example for others to follow. Her words were too honest, too humbling - how easy she could disarm him without even trying. Reflection considered ending this conversation early, but he did not want to be rid of her presence yet.
"Careful now, anyone overhears that and you'll be handing over more than enough ammo for rumors," he teased. "She Sings of Amber Autumns, your honesty with me is humbling. I value you as Spirit Touched and as a friend, do not ever let me convince you otherwise. I may not be great for friendship, but I promise to do my best." He leaned over towards her, as if to touch her, express his fondness for her better... but at the last minute thought better of it. Even he could realize how forward that sort of action would be.
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Posted: Sun Jul 28, 2019 1:48 pm
Autumns shifted her glance up at him. That was not fair, although she had wanted to get to know all sides to her Alpha. She felt it was not fair on her life for the Alpha to be so kind. She had heard of packs, even the Swamp Lurkers themselves, who have or have had Alphas who were ruthless or not exceptional. How did she end up with one that turned her stomach in such ways? Her golden green eyes travelling up to his face to look at him properly without a challenging glance. "I am also glad the spirits have given us one of their own to lead us through these times. It reflects well on them." She let herself settle more into her own habits.
At his questioning over her puns she let herself buckle a little back and then let out a genuine laugh at him. Her laugh was a feminine burst of amusement. Her darker tail flickering and thumping a few rhythms in a happy tone. "I have a unique way of making many puns. But you don't need to worry about them. They are never negative on you. I wouldn't allow it." She hummed in good nature. Perhaps him being the worst audience for them was what Autumns sought in a partner.
She gave him a soft side-eye. "I mean, that would only mean I did a good job of catching the eye of the Alpha." The Spirit Touched beamed in amusement. Fully unaware of the feelings that she was given in response to her own. This duo was totally a lost cause. How would they ever figure out to tell the other. His next statement made her smile softly again and softly allow a ghost of her whine enter her voice. As he leaned towards her, her face looked surprised again, her ears flicking up towards him. The Alpha didn't touch anyone really. Not that she'd ever seen with her watchful ways. When he didn't though she flexed her ears. Smiling bashfully now as she let her eyes return to the dancing light that faded more and more as the sun had set not to long ago behind them. Her eyes looking up towards the skies as they were streaked with reds and purples and dancing oranges.
"Time really gets away from us." She whispered between them in a tone not often heard by others.
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Posted: Mon Aug 05, 2019 12:58 pm
The one true universal constant would be that Reflection would never catch on to all of her games of word play. Even when the words were obvious, Reflection seemed to take them at face value. "Perhaps that is why I am named so," he answered thoughtfully, having failed to catch on that Autumns had phrased her own words intentionally. The Alpha was a lost cause on the subject. He was far too literal and direct with his own intentions. It was, what he believed, expected of him.
The sound of her laughter was downright charming and surprisingly effective at breaking down what few barriers he had placed up around her. Very few wolves would dare to be so open with him. They treated him with a similar reverence to how they treated the spirits, and he was genuinely surprised that they did not wear their masks in front of him. "I will trust you with that," he admitted with a sincere smile. His gaze had softened in her presence, and it was easy for Reflection to forget the very reason he had sought her out. Had he possessed a reason at all, or merely been happy to see her?
He was relieved that his thoughtless almost-action did not manage to make things awkward. They both seemed to recover quickly, though Reflection kept his gaze trained on her face for the minute shift of her smile. Eventually, his gaze followed her's up to the sky and he chuckled softly with embarrassment. "It seems I have held you up for quite a while. My apologies, She Sings of Amber Autumns." Her words had been gentle, and settled over him like a blanket that made him want to do anything but leave.
"I should let you rest before your day begins anew," he told her, reluctance clear in the tone of his voice. If he were not Alpha, but instead some young wolf caught up in the throes of passion and love the situation would be quite different. He would not have left without her, and if that meant staying until the final moments of the sun rising over the tops of the trees he would be there.
But Reflection was who he had always been meant to be. "Rest well, I will see you later." He stretched out his front legs in front of him, dispersing the tranquil atmosphere to instead take his leave of his wordy companion.
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