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Aela loped along happily across the plains. Kishi, her young wolf companion, easily kept up with her. She turned to him and smiled happily. She had been ecstatic to learn that the sentient wolves she'd been breeding had come to fruition at last. Over many, many years, her ancestors had managed to create a sentient breed of wolves. Aela was the one who had introduced the wolves into the area around the border of Feretris. She had especially wanted them here, where they could watch for any raiding parties. Kishi happened to take a liking to her and had decided to follow her. She reflected vaguely that to the other wolves they must seem like mates. But -- though she could transform into a wolf on occasion -- she was human. And he was not. But that didn't stop her from enjoying his company. She spoke into his mind, grateful again that her gifts allowed her to speak to her animal friends. So, Oh Great One, where are we heading now? Her mindvoice was full of ironic amusement. And it only grew as the black wolf responded.

Insolent pup! His lips curled back in a mock-snarl. We're heading exactly where my nose tells me to head! He sniffed derisively.

She giggled and asked. And where would that be?

Kishi's eyes grew serious as he looked back up at her. There are strangers meeting close to the border. It bothers me. They are not Demere. And I do not recognize them. He cocked his head slightly. It could be that they are friends...but maybe not.

Aela sighed. She was actually supposed to be the animal translator, not any type of scout or warrior. But since it had been her idea to install their wolf companions here (and she was the only one who was truly adept at talking to them) she was sent on these types of missions often enough. If it dealt with an animal, she was generally sent along at least, if not put in charge of the entire mission. It was all truly annoying, but what could she say? Soon enough, she saw what Kishi's nose had already picked up. Two people sat in the tall grass that was so common to the plains. They're bodies were totally hidden to normal eyes. But Aela had Kishi to help. She contemplated just walking up to them, but one of them was a Kiyap Turea. And they were not known for their hospitality. So she decided she'd better be discreet about this. She closed her eyes in concentration. There was a second or two of disorientation before she was assalted by an overload of sounds and scents. She had transformed into a wolf. This was easiest for her, having spent so much time with Kishi over the years. As well, it would give them both a fairly legitimate disguise. Two completely ordinary wolves, wandering the plains. Her wolf, though based on Kishi's form, still carried bits of her human form. Her fur was not midnight black as was Kishi's whose very name meant "night". It was a more dusky black, with red undertones. Her eyes were not golden but a chocolate brown.

Let's go. She took the lead and they trotted casually to a safe distance from the other two humans. Aela tried to study them without seeming too intelligent. She was, afterall, supposed to be an ordinary wolf.

Aela and Kishi chose not to follow as the two left. She turned to Kishi and flashed a canine grin which he immediately returned. I think I feel like checking on those ants. How bout you? Wicked amusement filled her mindvoice.

Ah, sister of my heart, you have made me very happy today. He trotted to the south a few steps before turning back to her. If we are to catch such elusive prey, I believe an ambush will be needed.

Aela sighed. She could probably stay in this form for another few hours at the most. Any more than that and it would become increasingly harder to change back. Still...this was an opportunity she didn't want to miss. Still grinning, she followed Kishi to the preordained spot to wait for signs of activity.

Aela was a tad irritated that her intended prey seemed to have disappeared. But her interest was piqued by the man waiting in such an uncomfortable position. They both halted immediately upon seeing the stranger. Aela scented the wind, but she hadn't been in her wolf form in quite some time and was unsure about what his scent told her.

Kishi shifted uneasily. I do not like this. There is far too much activity than can be explained away by normal events. I fear that there is something afoot. The young male took a few steps closer to the man hidden in the grass. His stance was aggressive and spoke of disturbed wildlife. To humans, it might look like he was staking a claim on his territory. But in truth, Kishi felt uneasy with this young man around Aela. He was very protective of the girl, whom he considered his packmate. The thought of a strange young male around her brought his instincts into focus.

Aela was unaware of the shift in Kishi's attitude. But she, too, was concerned about so much movement on the plains. I think you are right. Perhaps we should scout him, instead. The other will probably take forever. And I need to change back to human before then. She followed Kishi as they both crept closer: two wolves stalking potential prey.

Kishi immediately started growling visciously. He stepped forward and in front of Aela. The fur all along his back bristled and stood on end. If he attacks, I'll distract him. You try to get behind him.

Aela sighed. If she'd been human, she would have rubbed her temples in consternation. Well...we could have been more discreet, I suppose. Her stance remained unaggressive. She merely peered curiously at the boy. After a few minutes, Kishi relaxed his stance as well, though, he continued to growl in an undertone. She crept a bit closer, warning Kishi to stay where he was. Only this time, her body language spoke of idle curiosity and not threatening at all. You win more flies with honey... Her mindvoice was full of amusement, as usual.

Aela giggled to herself. This boy was so much fun! She had always been a mischievous girl, and today was no exception. Her tongue lagged in a lupine laugh. She pranced even closer. By now, she was quite close enough for him to touch if he exerted himself a bit. She decided to try and ease his mind. She lay down, still panting a bit, and licked his shaking hand.

You are incredibly foolish. Kishi's mindvoice was full of irritation and grudgingly resigned. If he kills you, I'm not even seeking vengeance. I'll just mourn the passing of my idiotic sibling. He stayed farther away. It might be noted that his body was still tense and he, at least, did not lay down.

Aela looked back at him for a moment. The boy is scared. If I can convince him to make friends with me, perhaps he'll talk to me to calm himself down. If the young man could have seen her eyes, he might have noted a spark of cleverness and cunning that -- noble as they are -- no wolf could have possessed. Or at least, no ordinary wolf. Kishi merely snorted and continued watching carefully.

Kishi choked on a bark that -- if he was human -- might have been construed as a laugh. Yes! Yes! A pet! I absolutely love it! His muscles relaxed slightly as it became evident that the boy was not going to harm Aela. His tongue hung out in amusement.

Aela turned and growled at her companion. That is not funny! Should we follow him...? I really need to return to my form.

Kishi shook his head. Better the rabbit in the fangs...

--than the deer in the brush. I know, I know. Alright. We'll follow him for a little bit. We are supposed to be scouting. And I suppose he counts just as much as the other. She heaved herself to her feet, careful not to startle the young man beside her. She cocked her head and tried to look as sweet as she knew how. She trotted a few steps and looked back at him, encouraging him to go where he would.

Well, dearheart? It's now or never. Kishi trotted forward until he stood shoulder to shoulder with Aela.

Aela shook her head. Fine. Let's make this quick. And if anyone even thinks about trying to catch us, we're high-tailing it out of there. They both took off in a deceivingly easygoing lope, catching the boy with ease. Once they were sure he would not give them the slip, they chased each other, nipping and yelping at each other. They hoped that this innocent play would lend credence to their disguise as regular wolves.

((ok. ^^))