Bramble Falls how to be a heartbreaker

Backdated to 12/09, two days after getting separated from Leo. For @Vasco only.

The avalanche had done a lot of damage, to the point that it took her a whole day to find the falls. They still flowed despite the freezing cold, too powerful to be stilled. The sound filled her with energy, and she hurried her descent. The mountain seemed to end at that highest shelf, a place she had stood before and was excited to get to again.

Standing right at a waterfall's source, leaning over their precipice, made her feel more on top of the world than the crystalline mountain slopes ever had. Maybe it was the motion and sound, the droplet haze, or even the simple novelty of it altogether. Loose stone shifted and tumbled away from her quick but steady paws, moving with all the confidence of an aging teen, as though none of her choices were dangerous at all.

His leg was feeling steadier, now able to carry him on small excursions to scrounge for food near his chosen shelter. But the immobility had taken its toll on the aging man, especially with the added hardship of winter, leaving his previously skinny frame gaunt and his fur brittle; a pallid ghost amidst the snow. Still, the villain remained undeterred in his mission, constantly sniffing for signs of the mountain wolves, on the lookout for opportunity. And today he would find it! He’d braved the lower slopes, wanting to test his strength and go beyond the scope of his past explorations. But he’d never imagined that he’d find fresh tracks, tainted with the Sanguine stench; And she’s alone! Finally, his luck had turned! Driven by newfound energy, Vasco hurried along the trail, perked ears soon filled with the rush of the falls. Finding himself on a ledge above the water, he spotted the yearling up ahead, trotting along with seemingly no care in the world. He debated his options for a few breaths before putting on a nervous smile and calling out: “E-excuse me!” Thoughts ”Speech”

Dawnthieves.de

The spell was broken as a voice cut through the rumble of the falls. She lifted her head and looked down the path she'd come, spotting a pitiful looking wolf approaching where she stood. Remaining still, Magg merely waited for him to reach her, watching him along the way to ensure his footing held true. She couldn't help an intrusive thought of looking away, and turning back to see nothing at all because just like that, he had fallen.

"Careful," she would call out reactively, as it were her own dear grandmother making her careful way across a ledge. Was he, injured, too? A skeleton of the wolf she might have otherwise recognized from her visit to the the Backwater, someone she'd only ever seen in passing. As of now, he was as good as a stranger.

Maybe he's seen Galen somehow...

He must have looked old and feeble, limping along like that, hardly alive. It was a horrid feeling, appearing so weak before an enemy – even a child – but it worked to his advantage now. As he closed in, the girl called out in worry, and it was all he could do not allow a smile unto his features; I’ve got you now! Vasco felt his paw slip on the icy surface – not the bad one, luckily – but he happily took nature’s cue, stumbling forwards when there was barely a length between them. Everything about him oozed of that same weakness, not a hint of threat to see as he cast himself upon her mercy, to steady him or let him fall to the ground, so perilously close to that deathly drop. Thoughts ”Speech”

Just when he was almost in the clear, he jerked suddenly, alarm throwing Magg's eyes open wider with a "hey!" stumbling off her tongue. She lurched forward to help him without a second though, prepared to grab his scruff and hug the wall if he couldn't recover his footing and took the fall. She couldn't imagine dropping so far, knew that the pool below had just as much stone in it as sand and water. A wolf his age and in his condition, he'd likely be dead the moment he hit any of it.

She didn't need something like that on her conscience!

So predictable! The girl had a soft spot for those in need, a terrible affliction that was all too easily exploited. Barely had his paw slipped towards the edge before her she was at his side, holding him upright again. It was almost too easy. “S-sorry,” He stammered hoarsely, letting a light tremble into his breathy voice; “Thank you… Th-That would have b-been… Quite the fall.” The sort of fall that might just kill a wolf. Vasco looked up at the girl with weary eyes, gauging her reaction, judging just how he might use her to complete his mission. Thoughts ”Speech”

He looked so awful, and she could hear her mom now, peppering him with questions as she hurried him off to home and infirmary. Magg channeled her now as she continued to look upon the stranger with concern shining bright in her almond-colored eyes, wondered how she could manage to both be a humanitarian in this situation and not have her freedom ruined by returning to the Cove too soon.

"How long have you been on your own? You really need to be out of the cold," she both asked and informed, even taking on Aquene's tone as the words came out. It just wasn't natural for Magg herself to really care about strangers, especially one who really had no kind of utility to her even socially.

She would look away, toward where they both needed to be headed. She would have to turn around now on this dumb, narrow-ass path.

"I think I know where we can go."

It mattered little to Vasco, whether it was her own conscience or the weight of a soft upbringing, driving her now. All he saw was the worry in her eyes, mirrored in her voice as she spoke. He had her right where he wanted, and the words proved as much, that all her focus was on helping this poor old man. He startled a little at her words, casting his eyes down before answering: “Many, many moons now…” Viorel’s instructions had been clear, and Vasco intended on doing all that he could to distance himself from the Backwater; I’m just a poor old loner, in need of shelter… Her final statement brought a pale smile to his lips, eyes glancing back up with a bleak look. “But where is not cold, in winter?” He asked in a melancholic tone, like someone who had been alone for several years, used to freezing at night. Thoughts ”Speech”

Man this guy was pitiful. Who one earth let their grandpa just roam around like this? Magg couldn't imagine @Moonshadow being in such a position, but apparently some families didn't take care of their elders the way hers did. She definitely hoped that she never ended up this pathetic... did he want better? Couldn't he at least join a pack somewhere?

"Underground," she couldn't help but answer with a hint of duh to her voice, but for the most part it remained a parroting of Aquene, even if a touch patronizing. Carefully she picked her steps, slowly making the turn to angle herself back the other way and lead the older wolf.

"Come on, sir. I live up on the mountain. Trust me, I know how to survive a little snow."

She successfully maneuvered, a small smile at her lips upon the success. She would look over her shoulder then, a touch sunnier now that she was more confident he wasn't wounded or sickly.

"I'm Magg, by the way."

He wasn’t blind to the overbearing note in her answer, so much worse than her pity, and he had to choke back the bile rising in his throat. Hearing this little twit speak down to him was infuriating, making the hatred boil red-hot in his breast. But it was a sign that his ruse was working, the youth seeing him as no threat, as she started out onto the narrow ledge. Finally, she was starting to spill some information, and Vasco managed another smile, ears flicking forwards at the mention of living on the mountain. Still his voice remained hesitant as he asked: “U-up there…?” He glanced towards the peak, high above them, shuddering a little; “Like, in a pack?” He put all the incredulity he could muster into the question, as if he couldn’t comprehend anyone choosing to claim a territory up there; Not hard to do… Slowly he began moving out onto the ledge after her, keeping close to the wall as he placed his paws carefully. His eyes only flicked back up from their path when she introduced herself, nervous smile still on his lips. “Rochus,” he answered, the name falling as easily from his lips as if it were his own; “It’s nice to meet you Magg.” This probably wasn’t his smartest move, but the bitter man couldn’t help himself, just for his own amusement; It’s not like she’ll ever get to tell anyone… Thoughts ”Speech”