.fading light. [o]

[MORRIGAN!]

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[bg=eae4de] WORDS: 360 - TAGGED: T.T - MUSE: WHAT MUSE What was she doing here? Noel was reaching the end of her rope. She had been wandering all over these lands (okay, so she was not quite brave enough to trespass on pack territory and she had spent a lot of time hiding scared) for almost a year now and she had not managed to get much further in her search for her father. How hard could it be to find one wolf? Of course, she had thought of the easy method of simply howling and hoping he would hear it and answer, but Noel was far too worried that her howl would reach undesirable ears. What if something, or someone dangerous answered her? What if she walked right into the jaws of one of those...wolves? She shivered at the very thought. Something about them just creeped her out and she never wanted to run into one of them. Ever. With a weary sigh, Noel flopped down on the lush (wonderful feeling) grass at the top of the steep hill, fresh rabbit kill dropping at her paws. She began to eat as she gazed at the land before her. From here, the view of the land below was spectacular, especially with the midday sun shining down. But it only served to show the vast amount of land she had not yet explored – and that was only the half of it. The hope of ever finding her father had begun to dwindle, but there was no way she was ever going to give up. Finding that solace in her life was the only thing that kept her going. Suddenly, the she wolf lost her appetite, and she looked at the kill with remorse. “Ugh.” She felt bad for wasting a kill, as the old adage goes, ‘waste not, want not’, but she just couldn’t force another bite with this doubt weighing on her mind. “I have to find him. I will find him...”, she reassured herself as she moved a bit away from the fresh meat, allowing the circling crows to finish off the carcass. She sat looking out over the lands, shakily repeating those words to herself like a mantra.

[Mad hatter !?]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 440px; height: 600px; background-image: url(http://i47.tinypic.com/2enm801.png); -moz-border-radius: 250px; border-radius:100px 100px 100px 100px; border: 3px solid #ffffff;] [/style] [style=width: 300px; height: 250px; overflow: auto; background-color: aeaeae; opacity: .7; -moz-border-radius: 50 20 0 0px; text-align: justify; padding: 8 8 0 8px; line-height: 90%; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 10px; color: 000;] The smells draws him, it is an impulse, a pang- moving him. Yet the smell disguists him, for who could find death a pleasurable thing? It is sustenance yes, but it is also cold. It is dismal, blank. Verdain can feel a shudder approach, it crawls, slithering throughout his body and he decides to forget the topic. He is scared, though. Scared of the creature that might own such a kill; scared that it is the strange ones. Only once had Verdain seen them, but they reminded him much of death. The cliffs however, were something easy for him. He carries himself with assurance, almost a steady march. It is often that Verdain leaves the qauint life of Aserio to venture, for he is still naturally a loner. Much preferring the silence nowadays rather then the drawl of an opinionated leader. I have to find him. I will find him... There it was, a voice. Find who? Verdain snickers, his laugh loud and boisterousness. For it is a female, and now he feels the utmost of stupidity for thinking she was a threat. The man moves forward, now his arrogance flourishing. You found him, he purrs, his eloquent voice soft and yet audible. Verdain pulls himself forth, slithering into sight of her, the brown tawny painted dame. What is a beautiful miss like yourself doing alone? It's dangerous here. He is not actually concerned for her safety, but the jackal plays the act well, his polite side allowing a gentle smile to reach his lips. His eyes, waver and dance, watching every tense of muscle, wondering what exactly brouht her so close to Aserio lands, even for a female she could have ulterior motives. there can be only one mikey! of caution 2.0

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[.:DOORMOUSE:.]

The free lands. Home of rogues and infected beings, disgusting in it's manner. Perhaps once Aserio had settled, One could expand his lands. Dip deep into enviroment, contain it, control it. Those pure and untainted could follow in his foot-steps and the rest could go to Firea. The more in that damned place, the more satisfying it would be when he watched it burn to ash.

As of now, the only reason why he dare to risk impeding on his nervous condition by going outside of his claimed lands, was to gather seeds of herbs and flowers. As soon as he collected them, he would be back. Start a garden that would be tended. Wounds could be healed and perhaps a more dignified reputation would grow from those actions. Not to mention the probability of injured warriors and herbalists wandering to lie underneath his wings increased tenfold.

He was blessed, truly, to have a mind as wonderful as his. Something that not even that Vixen could muster up. Vixen, a promiscuous name for a badgering, clueless tyrant. Yet, One. One signified the first, a sign of power and wisdom. A name so rare, for who would name the child after a number?

He ran his pink tongue over his teeth, clucking to himself as he observed some array of plants. They did not grow too well over here, roots torn apart by rocks and the lack of shade that came from other trees. This made them durable and the need to harvest them filled One.

He had thoroughly washed a human cloth, pale in color washed from the amount of scrubbing the wolf had gone through to secure it's cleanliness. He would not be seen as a fool for using a human tool that dared to have a trace of the disease. Tapping the flower's head from underneath the black seeds joined red seeds and with careful teeth, One picked up his package and turned briskly.

The hills dipped and turned but One was getting used to the lay of the land. Yes, it would be easy to claim this when his territory would need of expanding. He walked fluidly, calmly as though he were merely out on a stroll, not already planning the demise of his enemies, who no doubt had realized they had nicked the Alpha's ego.

With a quick turn of his head and synchronized twitch of tail and ears he heard voices. Softly, he walked towards the voices, sliding softly with little sound as the figures came before. He recognized one, the flirtatious, green-eyed guardian. The other was new. The scent of kill was now stronger and the idea of attracting maggots, flies, larvae disgusted the alpha. Another thing to add to his kingdom, a compost system and some sort of herb to keep the pests away.

Lowering his head so his little array of seeds would not spill into the dirt, he raised his head and recalled perfect etiquette, something the guardian would need a lesson in. Now, now, you aren't scaring off any guests are you? He called gently, pleased with how friendly and elderly he sounded. Like a grandfather kindly reprimanded his grandson. Beautiful. He watched with kind brown eyes, the spark of hidden malice hidden beneath layers of manners and some etiquette for the shaky female.

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[MORRIGAN!]

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[bg=eae4de] FOUR SEVEN EIGHT - VERDAIN&ONE - A'IGHT “I have to find him, I will find him. I ha-" A laugh... “You found him.” What the- ?! There was no controlling it. The brown wolf’s body acted of its own accord, tensing, jumping, and twisting around to face this newcomer. She mentally berated herself as she briefly met eyes with the white brute, – those emeralds were almost hypnotising – not only for this display of cowardice (just because she was scared, didn’t mean others had to know), but for the fact that she had been so easily surprised by the males approach. That was the last time she would ever try to reassure herself in such an intense manner, she determined, and hopefully the last she should ever need to do so. However, this was probably not the topic on which she should be focussing right now – the brute was most likely waiting for an answer to his rather...eloquently worded query. “Um...I...” Words were tumbling about in her head, making it entirely too difficult to form anything even halfway coherent. She was trying to get more words out, to do something other than fumble about like an idiot, but damn it if she accidentally raised her gaze back up into his and lost whatever train of thought she was barely holding on to in the first place. Why were sentences so difficult? It didn’t help matters that her paws were still shuffling from one to the other because she had to do something to hide the fact that her body was still shaking from the earlier scare. Even as she cast her gaze downwards once more, concentrating hard on stilling her body and actually saying something, Noel could feel the derisive stare (maybe his wasn’t, but she was far too accustomed that look, especially when she was acting a fool). There was never any way she could get away from that. Okay, okay. Calm down. Think. Words. Yes, “I’m just...uh...I’m not doing a-“ “Now, now, you aren’t scaring off any guests are you?” If her skin was not firmly attached to her body, Noel would have jumped right out of it. Of course, that might just be preferable to the mini heart attack she was now experiencing. That just wasn’t fair! Why did everybody insist on sneaking up on her today? She had been perfectly happy just minding her own business before this. She had had about enough; it wasn’t like she had been doing anything wrong. So, flicking her eyes around in case anyone else decided they wanted to see how high she could jump, Noel put on her best brave face... “Who are you? W-what’s going on?” ...it failed – the shake of her voice and the fact that her tail was stuck between her legs probably gave her fear away. The questions were directed towards either one of the wolves, but she really didn’t care if they answered or not - she’d much prefer they left her alone.

[Mad hatter !?]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 440px; height: 600px; background-image: url(http://i47.tinypic.com/2enm801.png); -moz-border-radius: 250px; border-radius:100px 100px 100px 100px; border: 3px solid #ffffff;] [/style] [style=width: 300px; height: 250px; overflow: auto; background-color: aeaeae; opacity: .7; -moz-border-radius: 50 20 0 0px; text-align: justify; padding: 8 8 0 8px; line-height: 90%; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 10px; color: 000;] She was a mess, Verdain thinks; grimacing at the way he has made her jump in surprise; for it startles him too. What a jumpy one. Even more so, she cannot seem to form words, and Verdain grows impatient easily, eyeing her as she makes incoherent words. And, to make it all much worse, almost on cue- One steps on the scene, almost immediately chastising him. Verdain can only return a look of sombreness, his once gentle and almost playful manner now vanishing all together. But of course, the Jackal puts on a show so easily. He bows his head I am sorry for scaring you, I'm Verdain. Try as he might, his voice is shaky and unsure now, although apologetic. He is uncomfortable with the presence of the alpha, which in turn cracks the shell that encases the warrior. Verdain struggles for his composure, lifting his head to study her once more. He is certain that introducing himself first is not the best of choices, subordinates should simply follow suite with the leader, not the other way around. Albeit that fact, Verdain had come across her first, correct? Yet, Verdain also knows his place and thus he decides it best to remain silent, sitting slowly. Yet he has his eye on this timid girl, for it could all be a ploy- and if she makes a move to attack either of them, the man would be prepared. there can be only one mikey! of caution 2.0

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[.:DOORMOUSE:.]

The scent of the kill upsets him, itching underneath his skin. In his mind, he can already track the movements of the bug. Nasty, disgusting six-legged freaks. He contained a shiver and smile as softly as possible to the frightened female. My apologies dear. I am One, alpha of Aserio.

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Perfect etiquette, he could only hope that the guardian had displayed the same. He would hate to have a tarnished reputation already. Nonetheless, he had substantial.. not hope, but rather confidence in his pack. This would be a perfect opportunity to recruit for his pack. Although she appeared jumpy, it was the nervous ones, the hesitant ones that were easy to be handled underneath a warm, fatherly wing.

I do apologize if I frightened you, I was merely collecting seeds for medicine. Is there anything Aserio can help you with?[/color] He asked smoothly, curling his tail tighter around his body. His gaze flickered to his pack.. pack-mate. He had to get used to the term. Just the slightest of hints. Not really to behave, for were there any members of his pack still alive that disobeyed and ruined One's not-so clear reputation? No, it was a hint to be charismatic, a gentle-man.

One had clear intentions hidden beneath his smile to win her heart. Perhaps not in this meeting but the next, or the one there-after. He was a patient man.
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[MORRIGAN!]

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[bg=eae4de] THREE SEVEN TWO - VERDAIN&ONE - BLEH Noel stayed silent as she listened to the two wolves talk. Their spoke so politely and very much like how he had spoken, that she felt her body begin to relax and her heart rate slow ever so slightly. They seemed nice enough, and the green-eyed one, Verdain he had said, had even apologised. Still she remained wary, just a little on edge, even as the small sigh escaped from her lips. Maybe they’d be nice enough to leave her alone? They did not seem to be hinting at going anywhere yet, however, and she was too polite to simply ignore them (and scared; she really didn’t want to risk pissing anybody off). She moved her gaze back up to look near them, not quite willing to look either in the eyes. Besides, Verdain’s still unnerved her for some reason. “I-it’s alright...” There really was no point in lying and saying that they hadn’t scared her at all in the first place, was there? “I’m, uh, N-Noelani. B-but please, don’t mind me. You c-can go back to your duties. I’m f-fine...” She really hoped that would be enough as she backed away a small step. There were things she had to do as well, and it was quite obvious that she was not at all comfortable in the presence of these two wolves. But then something that One –what a strange name- had said occurred to her and she perked her ears forward, suddenly rather excited. He had said he was an alpha – meaning that he led a pack, that they were both in that pack, presumably with others! “Oh..wait! You said-you have a pack?” Maybe this was some sort of sign. When she had begun to lose hope, these two wolves appeared. Two wolves from a pack, wandering about in the free lands. She did not want to raise her hopes too high, but Noel was getting excited at even the smallest possibility. “Do you...” Oooh, but she didn’t know if she could face it if they didn’t know him. Her heart was starting to speed up again. Closing her eyes, Noel decided just to ask. As quickly and as painlessly as possible. “DoyouperhapsknowawolfcalledVivek?” There. Done. Bracing for impact...

[Mad hatter !?]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 440px; height: 600px; background-image: url(http://i47.tinypic.com/2enm801.png); -moz-border-radius: 250px; border-radius:100px 100px 100px 100px; border: 3px solid #ffffff;] [/style] [style=width: 300px; height: 250px; overflow: auto; background-color: aeaeae; opacity: .7; -moz-border-radius: 50 20 0 0px; text-align: justify; padding: 8 8 0 8px; line-height: 90%; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 10px; color: 000;]He is patient as One speaks, in his warm earthy voice the one that Verdain so wishes to purge his ears of. One glances at him, if only for a second- and Verdain stares blankly ahead, not acknowledging the obvious hints. Was Verdain not kind enough? He had been sorry, but for what? For he has not been rude to the female, not shouted; barked or any such thing. Simply accidentally startled her. Noelani, what a wonderfully, exotic name He chimes, and in a rare occurance; actually meaning it. A name that rolls so easily off his tongue, Verdain can only sit in silence when Noelani continues on about Aserio; about the pack, and who? A wolf? the name was unfamiliar, and dread flashes on his face before he looks away. Verdain is glad he does not need to answer, that obviously it was One's duty to say such things, to break peoples hope. That's what leaders did, in his mind. They always stole others hope, in some for or another. there can be only one mikey! of caution 2.0

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[.:DOORMOUSE:.]

He waits with interest and baited breath. A part of One wants it to be simple, something he can easily solve with his abundance of knowledge. Perhaps a simple herb or something like that. Noelani is but a maiden after all, on a simple quest.

He twitches an ear, frowning slightly at the girl's question. He takes in Verdain's look and acknowledges that the guardian cannot assist by a simple twitch of the ear. It wouldn't matter any way if Verdain knew or not. It was the perfect time to test One's silver tongue, to persuade the frightened creature underneath his wing.

His chuckles are elderly, fatherly-like but the die off as he feigns to think it over. He ponders and muses despite knowing he has never once met or burned a wolf named Vivek. One prides himself on his memory and with a sorrowful sigh, he shakes his head. I am sorry m'dear. But I have not met a Vivek on my travels in this land.

[/color] Yet One is the king of false hope, of well-placed lies that sink underneath the skin.

But this land is large and there are many wolves inhabited within it. This Vivek you search for is surely just around the corner. Is he important to you?[/color] He asks, serious, concerned. He wonders slightly how Verdain will contribute to this conversation, for One barely knows the green-eyed wolf, therefore, cannot truly analyse him and run this conversation smoothly.

One fully believes that Noelani will remember this conversation, their kindness. Perhaps she will return with this Vivek and like-wise with all his members, welcome them with open arms. And if she does not find this Vivek, then One will certainly be there for comfort and support.

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[bg=eae4de] THREE SEVEN TWO - VERDAIN&ONE - FAIL Oh. Noel opened her eyes, only to cast them downward, and flattened her ears against her head. There were little tears forming at the corners of her eyes and she desperately tried to hide them. Perhaps she should not have gotten her hopes up so high – disappointment was a frequent companion along this road. And yet, the way One had seemed to think about it before answering, as if he had heard the name before - that was what had set her nerves on high alert. U-um... Her voice was shaky, unsure and wet with unshed tears. She really didn’t know what she should say. Even Verdain’s compliment, which at the time had left her both flattered and flustered, was all but forgotten. Luckily, she did not have to think the words herself, for One was already on the mission. On his words, Noel looked up at him, glancing between him and Verdain. The reassurance was...welcome and she thumped her tail once against the ground in something like relief. Of course she’d find him, and soon. Y-yes. Thank you. She shook the tears from her eyes and smiled up at the wolves. One seemed so kind, it made her relax just a little bit. Um, yes. He-he’s my Father. She wondered whether to leave it at that, or whether to elaborate just a little bit. Was any explanation necessary? A father was always going to be important to someone, but with a wolf her age, to get so worked up was probably a little strange. After all, most pups left their parents younger than her. Most wolves didn’t grow up with them. If she could find him, if she could just prove that he’s alive and make them wrong...Somehow she just felt that that would free her; from what, she did not know. He...he taught me all I know. He was the o-only one... I j-just need to find him! The only one who treated her with respect. who acted like she was actually important! Noel once again looked away from the wolves, turning her head to the side, sadness in her voice. T-the rest of my...of my family is dead. And if one was really listening, there was a hint of bitterness there, too.