Hollowheart Keep There Is No Sea Left For Me

Beren had recently made himself home in these eerie woods. He had found the remains of a pack here, he knew that due to the stale scent and the abandon den. Yet he also learned about the secret of death. He had crossed through the area, Cors Ossum, as it smelt of death. The bones of many creatures laid across the land. It seemed as if that was where things went to die. Just the thought of it had sent chills down his spine. It's looks and stench had been the reason he had mainly been sticking to the old pack den he had found.

The dark yearling had returned from one of his trips today. Empty paws and empty stomach. He was praying that some miracle would grant him with maybe even just a small nibble of something to satisfy him the smallest bit. So off he went, crawling pack to the old den.

It was as if some high being or some god of sorts had granted him that miracle. But it was more than just a small nibble. It was a half eaten elk. Although he should have been concerned with what beast had left the hat eaten creature close to the den he was calling a temporary home the savage in him was just happy to have the meat. Closing the distance between him and the dead elk his mouth was already letting out drool. Oh how foolish he must have looked to anyone around. Though whether anyone was around or not didn't matter.

Sinking his teeth into the elk's left hind leg his tail wagged. The meat wasn't old. In fact it was still fairly fresh. Delicious and perfect for the lone yearling. This was a treat for him, a delicacy for him. Especially since it showed up to a mere rogue wolf like himself.

Winter was almost upon the wolves of Relic Lore. Autumn had well and truly started; leaves were dying and falling to the ground, creating a thick carpet of browns, reds, oranges and yellows, baring shrubs and trees to the elements. It was beautiful, in a way, yet it also signaled the danger of the next season. The previous winter had been the harshest since the wolves had settled in this place, but each winter was always as deadly as the last. The Young Slayer Girl could feel the days shortening and becoming colder as her fur thickened in preparation for the three months of freezing and near-starvation.

Adsila padded through the Ghastly Woods, weaving around the gnarled fingers on the end of the branches that pulled at her fur, as if trying to drag her into the darkness. But she wasn't afraid. No, she had seen much worse than a spooky forest, hell, she'd been born in a forest that was just as spooky, filled with phantoms and a thick blue fog. This forest was nothing but a way to diverge the cowards and wimps of the world from the wolves that wished to hide away from company. A heavy sigh fell from her lips as she made her way deeper and deeper into the woods, ignoring the stench of death that clung to the thick shrub around her, which was slowly dying as winter neared.

The scent of another wolf set her on edge, and she froze, ears pricking as she strained her eyes to see into the darkness before her. Slowly creeping forward, like a predator stalking its prey, the Young Slayer Girl followed the scent until she came upon a wolf. The smell of elk filled her nostrils just moments after the wolf came into view, and she held her body still, scanning her eyes to see for any dangers. The wolf was built like a tank: broad shoulders and a barreled chest, the complete opposite of her willowy frame. Barking softly to announce her presence to the darkly furred male, Adsila kept herself wary from any attacks he might make, especially as she could see that he was feasting on the dead body of the elk. She didn't dare move closer however, and would rather have the chance to flee if needed.

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The scent and sound of another brought the dark yearling's head up away from the elk body. His muzzle only lightly stained with the elk's blood. Smiling wide an ivory grin he looked over the female quickly. She was thin, a slender build with long stilt like legs and a lean body with some muscles hiding. She was the complete opposite from his large tank build. Although they both held dark fur, except for his grey eye circles. Though when his eyes met her's for a quick moment he couldn't help but stare in awe and wonder. A silvery green color. It stood out so well and beautifully against her young face. To be honest, she was truly a gem in looks.

Noticing he had been silently staring at her he began to nervously panic. "I'm, uh, sorry miss. I didn't mean to stare." He quickly looked down to the ground at his own paws. His head rattled for something to say to her. Something to make him not seem to weird and awkward. "Please, help yourself to some of the elk. I wont be able to eat it all by myself." Perhaps that would do it. A nice offering to the female yearling might make things a bit more formal like he wished. Things were much better for the male when things were smooth or formal. At least that's how it had worked with Rook. Lifting up one paw lightly he stepped back from the elk as if it was his invitation to her.

"My name is Bérengère Dunn, but you can call me Beren for short."

The darkly furred male swiftly lifted his head and turned to look at her, a wide smile on his face, exposing ivory teeth with a light coat of elk blood. She could see light grey circles around both of his flame orange eyes, and it was like falling into a chasm of flames, except for the fact that it didn't burn with pain, but instead like a warm, comforting blanket. She couldn't look away, and it seemed to be the same for the male, until he nervously looked down at his paws while stammering out an apology for staring. She shook her head, a cautious smile on her face. If anyone should be apologizing for staring it should be her. "It's okay," she said softly and hesitantly, feeling a blush creep up her neck. She hoped her dark fur would hide it.

Her silvery green eyes widened in surprise at the darkly furred males' offer. Usually the wolf would either guard it carefully or chase her off, not invite her to share it with him. But it seemed the male was different from all the others. He seemed kind, yet nervous and like a young child, in a good way, just as she was on the inside when she wasn't hiding herself from everyone else around her. Slowly creeping forward once more, ears angled backward and laying close to her head, she made her way to the elk carcass, her gaze never leaving the darkly furred male in case if it was a trick. Though deep inside it was like she knew he wasn't leading her on. "Th-thank you," she stuttered as she stood on the other side of the elk, keeping it between them.

Taking a mouthful of the meat, she closed her eyes at the delicious flavour. It was still fresh, and it tasted good. The Young Slayer Girl glanced back at the darkly furred male as he gave out his name, and a shy smile crossed her face. "I'm Ad-Adsila Slayer..." she barked softly, still stuttering. It was unnerving her, being so close to a wolf that seemed her age who was so, so... nice. The only wolf her age she knew of that was so friendly and forthcoming was her brother, but he didn't really count. "It's nice to meet you... Beren."

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Beren stood back allowing her to get her fill of the elk. That was until she introduced herself. "I'm Ad-Adsila Slayer..." Her name was a truly interesting one. Adsila. It sounded so foreign to him but he was sure his own name was just the same. "Same to you Miss Adsila." She was so cute with her small stutter. The dark yearling wondered if she always spoke like that or if it was just something she did when meeting a new wolf like him.

"If I may ask you such, what brings you out here?" He was curious but wouldn't push it if she didn't want to tell. Though if she asked him he would more then likely spill everything. How he was looking for the herb for Rook, how he had made home here, and maybe even how he was looking for a home. Although that last one he might keep hidden till later in their meeting.

Taking a seat he looked at Adsila with friendly eyes. He was truly curious about her. She seemed like the type that might be hiding one hell of a story behind those silverly green eyes. Or maybe he was just hoping for too much. Perhaps she had a truly boring and normal story to tell. Beren personally didn't have too much of an interesting story. Unless chasing birds with Rook or watching young pups counted as interesting. Of course he had never given thought as to what one may consider of another's story.

Moving from sitting to standing Beren slowly took a step towards the elk. Stealing another bite from it. He could only pray that he wouldn't startle Adsila by moving towards her.

The Young Slayer Girl noticed that Beren stood back, giving her some space as she ate from the elk carcass, and she was thankful for that, even though she didn't voice her thanks. She was still cautious about him, and would be until he had proven to her that he could be trusted. But that didn't mean she couldn't act nice and try to become his friend, even if she didn't quite trust his intentions, if he even had any. When the darkly furred male questioned what she was doing in the Ghastly Woods, a slight frown pulled down the corners of her lips as her brows furrowed. It was one thing to exchange pleasantries with an unknown wolf, but it was another to explain what one was doing in said place at that very moment. She wondered whether she should tell the truth, that she was just exploring the area nearby her home (if she could even call it that), lie and say she was just passing through, or exaggerate the fact that if she went missing the members of her pack would search for her and punish those that stole her. She couldn't stop the smile that emerged on her face at that last thought, and she turned her head away until she regained use of her face muscles to dampen down the smile.

Adsila decided to go for the truth. "I'm just w-wandering around and exploring the territories around my home..." she said shyly, turning her head to look at Beren once more. It was hard to tear her eyes away from him; she just felt like she could fall forever into his eyes. But when he rose to his paws and padded over to the elk carcass she backed up a few steps, her ears threatening to flatten against her head. Though his movements seemed calm and relaxed without and hint of malice, she would still rather have a good amount of distance between them until she became used to his presence. "Uhm," she said quietly, hesitantly raising her eyes to meet his. "What, what about you? Why are you here of all places?"

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She answered his question and in return she questioned him. "I don't really know why I'm here to be completely honest." Shrugging lightly he yawned softly. "I just found an old den here abandon so I took shelter in it. I've been living here for a few days now. No where to go really." He answered her question fully honest.

Noticing how she had backed up he frowned slightly, his brows furrowing. "I'm not gonna attack you if that's what you are thinking. I could't even harm a fish if my life depended on it!" He chuckled hoping to add some humor to their conversation. The tension was so thick in the air that he might be able to run his claw through it. Honestly he didn't like having her so nervous around him but he couldn't blame her. He was merely a stranger that she knew nothing about except for his name. Of course the same was for him towards her. But at least he was being comfortable and relaxed towards her.

"You're more then welcomed to stay for the day for some rest before going anywhere else." It came out before he realized how strange that must of sounded. "I mean that is if you, uh, want to. Don't thinking I'm trying to force you into it. I promise I'm not that type of guy." His words fumbled out quickly obviously showing his nervousness. Beren couldn't help but let a whine escape his throat. Why was this meeting so awkward? All of his other meetings with wolves had run so smoothly and efficient. This one of the other hand though was a jumbled mess.

Adsila smiled a small smile, one that barely lifted up the corners of her lips, but it was there. So Beren was only passing through, staying in an abandoned den while he looked around before moving on. Sometimes she wished she could do that, but it would be hard for her to do it alone, after constantly being on the move during her younger days, never staying in one place for more than a few months. It had mostly gotten rid of her urge to leave a pack and just explore, but sometimes, now and then, she just wanted to break free of the rules and laws and just do whatever she wanted for a few days. Doing it alone was fun though, and she had no friends to do it with. So she just had to be content with imagining what it would be like.

"You know, an old pack used to lay claim here a few months ago before they disappeared one by one. Hollowheart keep, it was called." She had never gone into the Ghastly Woods while the pack was there, but when the pack scent had started to fade she became adventurous in checking it out. Another blush crept up her neck as Beren mentioned her backing away from him, but even through her shame she couldn't help the laugh that escaped from her maw at his comment with the fish. It was what she needed. Someone who could make her laugh even if she didn't feel like it. "Sorry, I'm just not used to being around wolves I don't know very well. I've kinda learned to be wary of everyone from a young age." The Young Slayer Girl splayed her ears apologetically, but there was still a sparkle of humour in her eyes.

Another giggle escaped at Beren's nervousness when he spoke before she could stop it. She couldn't help but laugh at him, and she knew it was wrong to, but she hoped he didn't take it the wrong way. "It's okay, I know what you mean," she barked out with a smile and a wag of her tail. "And I would like that very much... I'm sure my pack wouldn't mind too much if I disappeared for a night."

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Hollowheart Keep. He remembered a fellow Angier talking about his pack but the name wasn't Hollowheart Keep. In fact Beren remembered clearly what Angier had said. "Angier Lyall, Leader of Willow Ridge." Maybe one day he would take a trip to find that pack of Angier's.

"Do you know anything else about the pack? I mean they must have been real brave to live in these ghostly woods..." His head tilted upwards looking at the towering trees. The leaves and dirt on the ground rolled lightly as a rather harsh mistral blew through. It was almost like a sign. Perhaps the winds were shushing him to not speak about the past pack that lived here, as there end had seemed rather gruesome (or so he thought from the fainting smell of death).

The yearling couldn't help but bark happy when she agreed to stay with him. It seemed loneliness would be the least of his worries tonight. "I'm glad. Though let's just pack of your's doesn't decided to come chasing after me for taking their stunning princess." He grinned and let a wolfish wink cross his face. Although he knew not if she was truly the princess of the pack she stayed in but he said it with more flirting intentions then he did looking for her ranking.

Licking his ink lips he shifted his weight lightly though. "My stunning princess, may I be so gracious to offer my skills as your shinning knight in armor for tonight?" A wide smile painted his features exposing his teeth in a friendly manner. Deep down inside he was begging that she would play along. Even if it was just for tonight.