. / / O d d - - - - - - *

[Kite]

Faltaera. It was here where he found himself most often; even unconsciously, his paws would lead him, his heart guiding every footfall of the way. He was unsure of the reason why this place seemed so compelling, and quite frankly he didn't care to know.

With white fur wavering in the light winds of the East, he stepped forward and made his way onward, his strides long and casual, his path set in no particular destination; he was simply on a leisure walk, a stroll before twilight. The male let the warmth of the sun soak into him, with the shadows of the landscape growing longer and longer as time progressed, there would soon be no such heat.

A grin broke through his placid expression and it was then that a flock of birds washed over him from above, their feathers falling gracefully before him. Despite his casual expression, his brow furrowed, bright eyes dancing across the terrain as he delved into deeper thoughts. It was faint, but he could smell a trace of smoke as a simple breeze brushed past him, the scent riding faintly along with it. Kite looked over his shoulder and searched the sky for any evidence of what could have been a fire, doubtful he'll find anything of the sort but... There. Just above the silhouettes of a terrain far off, he could see a small bunch of black clouds, slowly but surely vanishing.

Odd. It wasn't the time of season where dry brush would easily break out in a fire over such light winds and Kite was sure that, despite how many wolves lived not in Adair that very few, if not any, had the ability of fire.

[khanele]

Nose twitched. Beady dark eyes blinked once, twice— this way, that. A quivering tail, the only indication that something was amiss beyond the claustrophobic confines of the den. And behind the gnarled trunk of a larch, the golden eyes of a wolf watched and waited.

The predator was concealed from sight but not smell; the wind was wrong today, bearing the announcement of his presence to his prey. But still he waited. Experience had taught him thus. Under siege, the grass-eater's nerves would metastasize to fear, and fear brought its own distortions to the rationality of instinct, corrupting, steadily corroding, until disintegration drew the animal out, the death of hope having killed caution with it.

The wolf was ready. No sooner had the cotton-white tail cleared the threshold than he was volant, the wind of motion ruffling his fur as he passed. His frame, thin as it was, overwhelmed his prey easily. The one-sided battle was over in seconds with the pointed crack of a snapped neck. The hare's body now vanquished, Cassian turned his paws towards home and the pack, his prize clutched gently between his canines. The flesh felt strange, enervate, when it had been so vibrant only moments before.

Still, with it, the mantle of Venta responsibility was lifted from his skinny shoulders, if only for the day. He reveled in the freeing sensation. Time seemed to pause, slowing as if at his pleasure, the breeze wafting merrily past his nostrils. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a flock of birds rise into the air. Usually the sight was a majestic one, a display of feathery triumph, but there was something mechanic and desperate in the flutter of wings now. Just beyond, too, the figure of a wolf stood half-silhouetted against the horizon. As he drew closer, Cassian recognized a member of his pack, a bulky male called Kite. Cassian's head dipped in greeting; as he straightened, he saw taints of apprehension in the other's expression.

"What is it?" he asked, but as he did, the winds shifted and he too caught the faintest hint of what to him was an unfamiliar scent. Whatever it was, even he could sense that it was off, like a carcass that had lain too long uneaten. He looked expectantly to Kite, hoping the other wolf might know what he did not.

[Kite]

The Milede shifted his gaze to watch an almost cloaked figure come at him from the side. It wasn't long until his azure eyes were locked on who he quickly came to recognize as Cassian. A smile and a brisk bow of the head had returned the other's greating as his eyes retreated to the same puff of smoke that lay dissipating in the sky. Dargan... That's what, he said, slowly at first.

He probably sounded like a total nutcase but, the logic behind the fire only led to one conclusion, no matter the level of unpredictability. He smiled at the thought of seeing the Dark God, or any of them at that and blinked, innocently. Tell me. Who else wields the power to create fire? Sure, it wasn't impossible that there could be a wolf out there who had Dargan's magic but... Kite shook his head clear of these thoughts. It had to be him, and even if it wasn't, he was up for an adventure of some sort or another. I think we should look for him, there's nothing important going on and I think it'll be fun, Kite chuckled, his laughter light as a breeze buffeted his flank. What do you say, Cass? Not too busy are you?

Kite trotted a little ways away and looked over his shoulder with a mocking expression, You are coming, right?

[stryker]

Near a small pool of water that had collected in a ditch soon after one of the frequent Adair storms had passed, a white wolf with blue markings sat on his haunches and peered blankly at the surface of the water. To anyone else, he would probably look crazy due to the fact that he was just sitting there staring. There wasn't much to see right? Just water, right..? Wrong. In Stryker's eyes, a whole world opened up on the surface of the water. Anything in the surrounding area that he wanted to see, he would see.

And at the moment, he was looking for danger. As a Milede, it was his duty to keep the pack safe when the Venta were out hunting. With his ability, he was able to frequently scan the surrounding area for any threats, and at the moment he was picking up on some strange brush fire out in the Faltaera area. He began to peer closer into the image, trying to figure out what was wrong, but unfortunately a fish decided to hop out of the water and completely ruin the image with its splash. Stryker snapped back into reality with a heaved sigh. It would be quite a while before he could gaze into the water again and get a good image.

So, with no other option, he decided to go into active surveillance. The large wolf trotted silently towards the direction of the fire, and before long, two other wolves appeared in front of him. They seemed to have their eyes on the area too, and Stryker let out a low growl as he approached them. I think you have more important things to do then check out a fire, Kite. Stryker said solemnly, picking up on the last bit of their conversation. Don't you have duties back at the camp? Besides, if anyone should go check it out, it should be me.

Stryker then trotted past Kite, an obvious air of arrogance surrounding the large wolf. I've already seen the fire from a shallow pool of water, and I assure you there's nothing too interesting. But as the strongest of the Milede.. Stryker began, a slight challenging tone in his voice. I think we'd all be better off if I went to see what was going on. You should stay back at camp. he finished, keeping his icy blue gaze on the billowing black smoke clouds that were forming in the distance. The male was obviously trying to start something, though he didn't want to get in a fight. He merely wanted to express his "strength" to the two others so he could check out the fire alone. He hated being accompanied when he was scouting.

[khanele]

Cassian’s gaze followed Kite’s into the distance. The only distinguishable landmark, a dark knobby mass, seemed to fade into the threatening storm above, but even this far away the tendrils of smoke were unmistakable. Fire. Cassian nodded, his mind racing to catch up. It had to be Dargan.

No sooner had he reached this conclusion than the full impact of Kite’s words sank in. He took only a few seconds to consider, to weigh, to decide. If Dargan was acting up, the pack was endangered. If the pack was in danger, then it must be protected. Cassian let out a huff of breath. He wished he did not have to be in on the protection side of things, but his hunting was done. He had no excuses left. Besides, the other wolf’s eager outlook was infectious. Even if their definitions of “fun” didn’t mesh perfectly, it would certainly be interesting.

“Sure, I’m coming,” Cass growled, the words escaping around the hare’s limp carcass. “Does it look like I’m busy? Wait, don’t answer that. But I’ll bring it along, just in case.” With a grin, he fell in behind Kite, four lifeless limbs swaying to the rhythm of their steps. But before they could get more than a few paces beyond where they’d started, another wolf loped into view, wearing an air of authority. Cass thought he saw the back ahead of him tense, but that might have been projection of his own annoyance.

Cass waited until the interloper had finished, but as Stryker fell silent, he piped up. “My hunting duties are finished, so I could go with you.” It was plain, even to the naive Venta, that this wolf did not want company, but since when had that stopped him? He was just as entitled to reconnaissance as any of the Milede. He watched Stryker with narrowed eyes, watching for his reaction.

[Kite]

The white wolf simply nodded to Cass as he started in leading the way, his paws swelling with an immense amount of energy as yet another wind whipped by. Two footfalls more and a familiar (and rather unfortunate) scent hit him like a brick, his mood swinging from what was casual joy to just, well, Shit. He sighed in disappointment as he contemplated whether or not he should keep walking. He stopped dead in his tracks.

Kite's neck fur bristled at the very voice of Stryker. He turned around to face the Milede and, with much effort, tried his best to suppress what mock laughter had arose as he listened, to what insane things this arrogant troll spat.

As much as I would love to follow some real orders around here for once, I don't do the bidding of egoistic idiots. He chuckled in response, flicking his right ear. So, may we get going now, o' strong one? Chatting is good and all but it's really just a bother to reply, he growled, false amusement dead.

The smoke had completely vanished now and the winds had died down to nothing more than a slight breeze here and there and, Kite's patience was only wearing much more thin as time ticked away. We're going to the volcano outside of Adair. Should you choose not to follow, Stryker, you can always go protect a pup from getting stuck in a bush or something, back at camp. He turned away, not caring, in the least, if anyone was really following him or not. At least he'd be the first one there.

OOC:
Brain dead, total writers block.
Fried noggin + role-play = Poop.
Enjoy.

[stryker]

Stryker let out an irritated growl as the Venta, Cass, made it plainly obvious that he was going to go. Like Hell. He didn't exactly know why at this point, but he would stop at nothing just to make sure they didn't do what they wanted. But only because they seemed to defy him so openly. Other than that, he had no real argument as to why he wanted them to stay behind...

And though Cass's comment had been tolerable, Kite's incessant banter caused Stryker to flatten his ears in anger, a low growl escaping his throat. Even his enormous claws were now starting to show themselves as they dug into the soil impatiently. All that the other was doing was provoking him, which was a terrible idea in the first place! If they had just let out a flattering submissive comment or too, Stryker would most likely be on his merry little way. The ol' brute was a sucker for flattery.

But now, he definitely wasn't going to let them go that easily. Not so fast! The large wolf snarled as he leapt in front of the other, baring his fangs. The volcano is outside of Adair. Your duty is to protect the border, not cross it! he shouted, now turning to face the other Milede. Encroaching on the other pack's territory... that could put our whole pack at risk! And you would do it just to satisfy your pathetic puppy-like curiosity, huh? Tch. he spat, now sitting back on his haunches as if trying to be patient and calm, though it was clear as day that he was seething on the inside.

I'm not letting you pass. he spoke solemnly now, physically calming down but mentally going into rage overdrive. Your duty is to scout the borders and to protect them. And you! he stated in a scorning voice, now swiveling his head to face Cass. When you're not hunting, you should be back at the camp helping pups out of bushes as Kite so kindly pointed out. Now both of you, do your jobs! he finished, his final verbal attack in for now. The negligence of both of the wolves was comparable to pups. Though pups weren't to blame of course, they were young... but still! In Stryker's mind, their strange desire to see the volcano was completely insane! Or was that just his temper telling him that...

[/color]

[khanele]

[[OOC: So sorry for the late reply, it's relatively short -and- less than fantastic, but... -shrug-]]

Cass watched the tension between the two Milede escalate, the ghost of a smirk playing across his features, but he hastily discarded it as Stryker transferred his ire to the Venta. Eyes like fires in the night, lips distorted in a snarl, the Milede lashed out with words, and an unprepared Cassian faltered momentarily in his resolve. A stutter escaped his mouth, betraying his misstep, but the sight of Kite’s receding backside returned a modicum of strength to his own spine. Vertigreed ears flicked forward, back, in a gesture of irritation.

You’re not the Electin, you don’t get to order us around. Well, I guess you can try, he added with a sly grin. Can’t see as it’ll have much effect. I’m going with Kite. You do what you like, but last I heard, fire was a threat, and we need to check it out.

He neglected to mention the other, entirely selfish, motivation behind their stubborn insistence: the insufferable boredom of lying around camp with no purpose beyond sustenance and slumber. Not waiting for a reply from Stryker— in truth, he was afraid if the wolf pressed his case, he might give way, an outcome Cassian sorely did not want— he padded after Kite, his swift pace reflective of his eagerness to simultaneously flee from dullness and towards adventure.

[Kyle]

((ooc; I was wondering if Jey could join in. I thought it would be polite to ask ^^))

[khanele]

((OOC: I don't see why not. It's an open post as far as I know, so— the more the merrier? )

[Kyle]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,336,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true]

[bg=19152A] The scenery of the empty plain roared past Jey's ears as did the wind. His paw steps were not tripped with jagged rock this time for the grass was new, fresh, and smooth this spring. He did feel as if he had just been in a dream, a fantasy. But he knew inside it was real, he had met three of the four gods, Dargan, Trigo, and Arria. He had never know anyone who had met so many, and at the same time too. It seemed like a dream now, a fuzzy distant dream. The warm air and cool breeze whipped his fur in his run, dancing it about. A little ways in front of him the shapes of three wolves had appeared. He couldn't tell who they were for in his run his eyes had been blurred by the wind but he knew they were there. Wanting to stop he leaned back and pushed his paws into the soft grass. He had been going at quite a good speed and so he didn't stop as gracefully as he wanted. He ended up falling forward and tumbling, in a very clumsy fashion, about five tail lengths from the nearest wolf. He flipped over onto his front paws and stood up. He was tired though and couldn't do much except stand there with his tongue out trying to regain his breath and energy. During this time he was able to recognize the wolves. Kite, Cass, and Stryker. With a deep breath he was able to speak, "Well, Hello."He sat down to rest his muscles after such a run.

[khanele]

((OOC: I am -so- sorry. It's been a long time since I've roleplayed and I've managed to forget the conventions. I've deleted my post and will know better in future.))

[Kite]

Tension boiled around the trio of wolves. Like water over a stove, the situation just wasn't getting any better. His ears flattened as the brute before him intercepted his path, a cloud of dirt rising up as Kite stopped short in his tracks. What the--?

A loud rumble he fought hard to keep within his chest soon erupted, spilling smoothly out over his jaws. His eyes flashed with annoyance, Just who the hell do you think you are? Stryker had guts, the fact was beyond apparent (just like his over-sized ego) but at this moment he was outnumbered. You're really pissing me off, so if it'd make you shut up, you can you lead the way. Boss. Kite was really just done and over with the crap Stry was chucking and if this continued any longer someone else may just end up beating them to whatever awaited at the volcano.

It was then that someone, not already here, broke the tension. A relief? Hardly. Kite's ear flicked once or twice; irritated. Just when will we ever get moving? His eyes shot off of Stryker to who was approaching them, a gray-mixed and white Venta male... Cyan markings.... Jey? What in the hell was he doing here? Either way, the Milide refused to say another word, stubbornly turning his head in the opposite direction.

OOC;
This was either going to be an insanely long post or a fairly short one.

[stryker]

Stryker huffed irritably. What was with these pups and their strange inclination towards such a rash disposition? They were acting completely out of line in his opinion. So eager to go check out a fire that was clearly too dangerous for them to investigate. Well to hell with them! He tried to warn them that he was quite obviously the most fit to see what was going on, but they kept insisting.

Well fine. If they were going to be inconsiderate and indignant about a simple order, then who was he to stop them? Spite for the main wolf of this conflict, Kite, was driving him to attack immediately. Just to put him in his place. But no.. he was outnumbered two to one. He didn't know how honorable Cass was, but if they ganged up on him, there was no chance. Stryker turned his head towards Kite when he "offered" to allow him to lead the way. Stryker scoffed. I wouldn't even consider working with you he snarled, stepping away. I work with mature wolves, not anxious pups. he concluded, starting to trot away but then moving into a running pace. He didn't even so much as glance at Jey, who had then begun to walk up. He had no business with any of them. He was headed back to the camp.

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[OOC: Stryker Exits thread.]