Ashtiel
Licking the blood from his chops, the spotted pup sat down, glancing around. So consumed with the thought of catching the squirrel, he hadn't stopped to take stock of his surroundings; he didn't have a clue where he was. Being full didn't make the situation any better, because all he wanted to do was curl up in a tree hollow somewhere and sleep away the frigid night. The fresh coating of white powder was like sugary hell on his poor paws, numbing them with cold, and the stiff northern wind made him shiver, his nose twitching at the lack of smell. The only thing that assaulted his snout was the cold.
Yawning, he nosed the last scraps of the carcass at his paws, searching for anything else edible, but he had picked it clean in record time. When there wasn't a sure chance that he would even get a meal, he usually scarfed it down in mere minutes if he happened to make a kill.
That thought suddenly made him freeze, a soft whine falling from his throat. His father must have said those same words as he eyed the dead chicken, sitting out in the open, just ripe for the taking. And then he had died, the poison the farmer had laced the bird with working it's deadly magic swiftly and efficiently.
"Humans," he snarled, suddenly on his feet and shaking himself roughly, refusing to think about it, which was easy when he heard a soft chuffing noise. All other thoughts vanished, except one; If it's a female, so help me . . . He was sick of females. They reminded him of the thing that had abandoned his father and him when he was barely eating solid food . . .
RonsoStryder
Winter.
Snow.
Where was summer?
Tasubaa wrinkled his muzzle as drifting snow from the boughs above fell lightly, it's powder texture and unwelcomed, chilling sensation drizzling upon his ears and head. He furrowed his brows and rumbled deep in his throat with a sight displeasure.
"I hate the snow."
The fiery beta was a wolf who enjoyed the scorching hot temperatures of summer and one who found pleasure in cooling off within the small river banks. But Winter never did allow Tasu to partake in the same activities that were relaxing and acted as an outlet to his restless mind and his weary paws. This winter's cold spell was longer, harsher and unforgiving more than usual; prey was scarce in some regions and one would have to venture almost to the outskirts of nowhere just to get a decent meal or sink low to spilling anothers blood just to soothe the growls of an empty stomach. Winter was heartless- and it always was known that the two-leggers thrived in sustaining themselves by killing many wolves in benefit to their own survival.
Flicking his metal clattered ears backwards, the male cringed slightly. "I'd be damned if I see a human around here," he growled, his voice thick and deep.
Loss.
Memories.
How could he forget what they did to him? Those strange humans, their pale skin and strange language, that had invaded the natives land had taken everything from him and his pack. The howls of the past still haunted his memories and the remembrance of the blood that saturated the air so heavily knotted his stomach.
Such recollections of the past never did ease.
Tasubaa shook his head as his jagged, tapered locks of hair swayed to the side and sighed softly as he continued to wander forlorn within the woods. Passing along at his right side, Tasu glanced over with his single, right eye towards a small pup but didn't think much of it. He'd seen it all too often; pups who were abandoned and lost within the woods due to separation, parents who were killed or by the works of humans.
It didn't hurt to see if it was okay, right?
"Are nasty, vicious creatures," the fiery wolf added to the pups snarled conviction. Padding closer to the small male, Tasubaa tilted his head slightly and sat down upon his haunches. "And what would a small pup be doing out where humans have ventured?"
Ashtiel
"Maybe the small pup is waiting to sink his teeth into any human he comes across," Deimos growled, his grin more like a baring of glistening white fangs. He dipped his head a little in the presence of the older male, instinctively putting himself lower. "And what is a large male doing out wandering in the middle of the night in a cold that can kill? You look like you enjoy the cold as much as I enjoy humans."
He tilted his head almost the same way, without realizing it. He liked this male for some reason; maybe it was because the male reminded Deimos so much of his father. Belatedly, he remembered his minimal manners. "My name is Deimos."
RonsoStryder
Tasubaa shifted his forepaws, the anklets clasped upon each one clanking against one another as he sat and studied the young pup. Where had he come from? His brows knitted in a slight perplexion of thought as he tried to rethink the many packs within the area to whom the pup may have scampered off from but none came to mind. There were countless packs that were hidden within the shadows of the woods and packs scattered throughout all of Telk that, these days, it was hard to trace where a puppy had come from unless they knew their Alpha's name or where they were from.
But that was diverted when the runt began to speak.
"If I were you I'd watch your tounge, pup," he snarled, flashing his own fangs and stiffening his posture with a lash of his tail behind him. "Speaking like that to a wolf who ranks above you can get yourself into sheer hell and a likely way to die."
Who was this kid? The beta hackled deeply within his throat, his single eye narrowing upon the pup before him with a wicked, twisted gleam within his eye. The last thing to ever get his emotions riled and his anger kindled was to be disrespected and Tasubaa was a wolf who was quick to lash at those who couldn't have the decency for respect for another and especially one that was much higher. His muzzle wrinkled with spite as his ears pinned backwards. "Why I am here is none of your god damn business, runt. And the cold's deathly chill is the least you should worry about," he added with a hint of malice.
Sitting back, there was a rather strange fondness that sparked interest within the fiery male. Even though the kid was getting on his last nerves, the pup held a vile and aggressive nature that could only make Tasubaa smirk.
Tasubaa could have use for him.
"Name's Tasubaa," the beta spoke with a gruff tone, his maw holding a slightly crooked grin. "Where's your pack Deimos?"
Ashtiel
Seemingly unconcerned by Tasubaa's reaction, Deimos simply shrugged. Inwardly, he was both angered and afraid, the former because he felt the latter so strongly. He knew he was only a mere puppy, and if this male grew fed up with him, he would become little more than a midnight snack to warm Tasu's belly. It was than that a plan began to form in his mind.
Tasu's quick temper could work to his advantage, and it helped matters that he was growing more fond of the male as the minutes passed.
Deciding that his best chances for survival at the moment would be to get on the male's goodside, he dropped to his belly, ears flat to his skull. He tried to ignore his ever present anger, not liking what he was having to sink to, yet knowing that it was for the best.
"Forgive me. I am tired and hungry, and haven't seen another wolf in so long. You see, I have no pack. My father was poisoned by the humans, simply for wanting to feed me . . . "
RonsoStryder
Tasubaa arched a brow and merely chuckled. How amusing! And the cleverness of Deimos! The pup was trying to submit to him- groveling at his feet and attempting to weasle in good favor. Why was it when wolves who were deadlocked with no escape and on the verge of facing a possible death felt so inclined to seek forgiveness or try to persuade the one they had offended? The fiery male gritted his teeth and swaggered his illusioned tail of fires behind him.
Deimos wasn't the only one formulating a plan.
"Get off the ******** ground," he swatted at the pup, his right forepaw colliding into its side with a harsh sting. Perhaps this pup didn't have the potential yet Deimos was still so young- Tasu could cultivate this pup into a mastermind and add another wolf into his small yet slowly growing pack. "If you want to be taken seriously and seen as an equal than you better stand up and have some damn courage to look another in the eyes."
The beta rolled his eyes and snorted a sharp breath. Excuses, excuses...
"Don't give me that s**t!" He snapped, his single, right eye narrowing towards the pup as he stammered his left forepaw into the depths of the snow underfoot. This last resort that Deimos was pulling off was only creating a deeper set tension between them. Yet that didn't in any way throw out his plot.
There was still hope.
"You're father must have been a damn fool to seek food from humans. I wouldn't be surprised if you see his pelt sported around one of their kind as a prize." Rising up onto his paws, Tasubaa began walking small circles around the pup, watching him and still formulating a devious plan.
"I'll give you two choices: I can put an end to your tragic, pitiful life and eat you or you can come with me. Make a choice."
Ashtiel
His side stung, but Deimos pushed the pain away, lifting his cerulean eyes to watch as the male stalked around him. A silent snarl curled his lips, and he didn't hide it. Nor did he hide the derision in his voice when he spoke, softly but clearly, "When I see an equal, than maybe I will act accordingly. Until then, I guess I have no choice but to join you."
Maybe having two loners as parents made him stupid, and too cocky for his own good. Or maybe he had a death wish he didn't know about. Either way, Deimos knew that he wasn't going to get out of this unscathed, but he wouldn't be dead. He was almost sure of that. Tasubaa seemed like the kind of wolf that didn't like to waste possible potential, and if he wasn't wrong, Deimos guessed that the glint in the older male's eerie crimson eye was caused by a spark of cunning interest and quick formulations.
Tasu had plans for him. Of that, he was positive.
RonsoStryder
A broad, almost malicious, twisted grin slid across his maw as his single eye narrowed upon Deimos. The pup was a bit arrogant- almost seeming as if he yearned to wage war upon the world and everyone else he came across, but Tasubaa was going to break this pup into submission and formulate him into a ruthless, power-hungry male who wouldn't be the common, starving, begging wolf within the woods. No, the fiery male would take this young rebel under his wing and refine his upmost hatred into leadership, strength yet make him civilized and not a pitiful waste of fur, flesh and blood.
If he was lucky, he could probably make him quite the charmer and at least spare some expense of helping him with a bit of chilvary.
"You'd make damn sure to see me as not an equal but your superior and overseer, pup, or I'll be the one tearing you limb from limb and make sure that you experiene every ounce of pain and suffer through every moment." Tasu never was this cruel, nor could he even mercilessly tear a pup to shreds but, in this case, he needed to set the standards clear that his words were not to be broken and, if the were, the price would be grievious.
Small, deep hackles rose from his throat as he lowered his head towards the pup. "You have a choice: Stay out here and die within the hour or come with me. I'll break it down even more- if you come with me, you'll live and learn the tricks of the trade but stay out here and you'll be another wolfs next meal. They say that there's cannibal wolves out here and I've seen the carcasses to prove it."
There was no telling of what the small pups future would be if he went against the warnings of the older male. Death was certain but by what means and method seemed almost unpredictable. But Tasubaa saw great potential yet, at the same time, he'd have to be the one constantly berating and nipping to get the runt in line and in shape; to mold him into the perfect combination of aggression, dominance, and a charm.
Even the strongest and ruthless of wolves held some dignity and charm towards the ladies and Tasu believed that it was the very key in helping a desiring terror to get support and a foot within a pack. Any wolfess whose heart that could be won played a vital role in asserting dominance and building a pack as well.
Snorting a sharp breath from his nostrils as a wreath of fog emitted around his muzzle, Tasubaa began drifting deeper towards the woods. Shaking his head as his tapered, jagged hair swayed and his tail swayed with pride within the air, he glanced back.
"Coming runt?"
Ashtiel
Snorting, Deimos followed. Occupying Tasu would keep him from boredom at least, and he might actually be able to sleep somewhere warm tonight. Shaking his cold stiffened fur, he stretched with a deep groan, and trotted after his would-be teacher.
As he walked in the older wolf's literal footsteps, his mind continued to plot and guess, for guesswork was the only thing he could rely on at the moment. That, and every little nuance he could pick up from Tasu's speech and body language. It was imperative that he pay attention to every single minor detail that arose, if he wished to survive past puppyhood. A single twitch or a murmured word could mean the quick end to his short life.
Still wondering exactly where he was, Deimos questioned in a bored tone, "Where are we going?"
As he walked in the older wolf's literal footsteps, his mind continued to plot and guess, for guesswork was the only thing he could rely on at the moment. That, and every little nuance he could pick up from Tasu's speech and body language. It was imperative that he pay attention to every single minor detail that arose, if he wished to survive past puppyhood. A single twitch or a murmured word could mean the quick end to his short life.
Still wondering exactly where he was, Deimos questioned in a bored tone, "Where are we going?"
RonsoStryder
Knitting his brows as a rather pleased smirk curled upon his maw, Tasubaa slowed his pace, gradually coming to walk beside the rebellious pup. Hmm, Deimos was still risilient and cocky...that would have to change. Silently and with great curiosity, the fiery beta studied the young pup- watching his motions, his body language and even trying hard not to laugh as this pup was certainly easy to read.
Why was it that Deimos was so concerned with attempting to decipher what exactly he was up to? Even the greatest of masterminds didn't spend nearly as much time as trying to predict ones opponent or rival, no- they spent their time forging and manipulating countless other opportuinities to allow and allot time for the perfect set up of fool proof proportions and experiments.
Tasubaa had seen it all.
Looking back at the runt, the fiery male chuckle with a deep rumble rising in his throat. "No use letting you starve, right? Might as well get you full rather than dying of hunger." Tasu wasn't all that heartless. True, he could be cold, insensitive and brutal in physical and mental attacks but, whether he would ever admit it or not, he had a soft spot for the one mysterious wolfess, Shanti, and held a sense of chivalry and dignity.
"Sooner we get out of these woods the better," he mumbled as his muzzle wrinkled with discontent. "You never know who or what is watching you."
Why was it that Deimos was so concerned with attempting to decipher what exactly he was up to? Even the greatest of masterminds didn't spend nearly as much time as trying to predict ones opponent or rival, no- they spent their time forging and manipulating countless other opportuinities to allow and allot time for the perfect set up of fool proof proportions and experiments.
Tasubaa had seen it all.
Looking back at the runt, the fiery male chuckle with a deep rumble rising in his throat. "No use letting you starve, right? Might as well get you full rather than dying of hunger." Tasu wasn't all that heartless. True, he could be cold, insensitive and brutal in physical and mental attacks but, whether he would ever admit it or not, he had a soft spot for the one mysterious wolfess, Shanti, and held a sense of chivalry and dignity.
"Sooner we get out of these woods the better," he mumbled as his muzzle wrinkled with discontent. "You never know who or what is watching you."
Ashtiel
Was Tasu trying not to laugh at him? Bristling indignantly, he laid his ears back against his skull in anger, a harsh retort on the tip of his tongue. However, the mention of food made his mouth water and his anger fade back into the black hole within him.
Yet he remained wary. There was no reason for Tasubaa to be doing anything for him, and Deimos had to remember that. His life was at stake at all times. It was a simple fact, being nothing more than a pup.
"I'm not helpless. I've been feeding myself for weeks now," he growled softly, quite proud of the fact. After all, he should have been dead by now, by all rights.
Yet he remained wary. There was no reason for Tasubaa to be doing anything for him, and Deimos had to remember that. His life was at stake at all times. It was a simple fact, being nothing more than a pup.
"I'm not helpless. I've been feeding myself for weeks now," he growled softly, quite proud of the fact. After all, he should have been dead by now, by all rights.
RonsoStryder
"Helpless?" Tasubaa stretched his neck out slightly and stiffened his muscles, his head tilting slightly as his eerie green, glowing eye seemed to stare down the pup. "I never said you were helpless. Besides, if you're alive now then it means you must of done some damn good hunting to keep yourself alive."
His shoulders slumped as his anklet encased paws seemed to almost drift across the fresh powder underfoot with ease. Deimos was interesting but he was growing fond of the kid. Somehow, the pup reminded him alot of himself when he was young; that fresh, rebellious attitude that too often got him into trouble. Deimos had potential to live a better life and make a name for himself and the fiery beta was only performing a good deed in seeing that the pup would succeed.
Was that such a crime?
"Listen, kid," the older male spoke with a soft sigh, his tone less gruff yet deep, "I'm not gonna eat you or kill you, kay? You got potential but you've got a hell of a cocky attitude that won't get you anywhere. If you wanna make it out here then you better damn learn and test yourself, push yourself past your own limits and stop trying to act like you have the world by the string. I'll teach you everything I know and get you in shape physically and personality wise."
Glancing to the side as his tail swayed behind him in a casual manner, Tasubaa grinned.
"What do you say?"
His shoulders slumped as his anklet encased paws seemed to almost drift across the fresh powder underfoot with ease. Deimos was interesting but he was growing fond of the kid. Somehow, the pup reminded him alot of himself when he was young; that fresh, rebellious attitude that too often got him into trouble. Deimos had potential to live a better life and make a name for himself and the fiery beta was only performing a good deed in seeing that the pup would succeed.
Was that such a crime?
"Listen, kid," the older male spoke with a soft sigh, his tone less gruff yet deep, "I'm not gonna eat you or kill you, kay? You got potential but you've got a hell of a cocky attitude that won't get you anywhere. If you wanna make it out here then you better damn learn and test yourself, push yourself past your own limits and stop trying to act like you have the world by the string. I'll teach you everything I know and get you in shape physically and personality wise."
Glancing to the side as his tail swayed behind him in a casual manner, Tasubaa grinned.
"What do you say?"
Ashtiel
Deimos considered the possibilities. He had done fairly well for himself all things considered, but there was always a chance that his luck could run out in the next 5 minutes.
What surprised him somewhat was the honesty he heard in Tasubaa's voice. The male really didn't want to hurt him, and that knowledge made Deimos pause. He used his brazen attitude as a protective coating, but he suddenly found himself with no need for it.
Unable to keep his tail from wagging, the spotted pup grinned. "Show me the way," he said, multiple meanings behind the simple sentence.
Tasubaa wan't all that bad.
No.
The older male walked beside the small, rebellious pup, Deimos, and hung his head slightly lower as his toppled spikes and array of tapered, brown hair jostled in all directions. In all aspects, Tasu was a very different wolf compared to others; he was a rebel yet, conflicting as well, he was one who upheld the belief in chivalry, trust and alliances. His old Alpha, Valex, had took away his sight and had his own pack brethren turn against him in a quest to take revenge upon his life and eliminate him.
Valex! Even the recollection of such a cruel, twisted and malicious wolf made him hackle deep within his throat as cause his blood to boil. But he was safe within the woods yet time was short and there was no telling if the Alpha and his lackeys would ever find him here.
Drawing his gaze upwards to where a small pathway snaked around and towards a small, snow hidden cavern within the slopes of the woods, Tasubaa smirked. "Over here," he called out as he began leap through the deep sea of powder beneath his feet, snow almost creeping up towards his legs and causing him to cringe.
Crouching low as for a few moments he immersed his lower half deep in the snow, the fiery beta lunged upwards and landed on a slightly elavated flat rock face. Just behind him resided an entrance to a small den that was perfect for a wandering wolf and even a small accomplace.
Promptly sitting down on his haunches, Tasu waited for Deimos.
