Fireweed Rise traveler's rest

Mostly Cloudy — Current Temperature: 55° F/13° C

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/bluepups/RaisTable2.png); background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; padding-top: 100px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; text-align:justify;">A cool breeze rustled the red flowers that blanketed the rise. It was around noon, and while the sun was high in the sky it was frequently veiled by the clouds slowly crawling across the sky. A marbled grey wolf cut through the vibrant covering of blooms, almost looking like a tiny cloud that had wandered too low to the earth, drifting eastward. Rais was up to his eyes in the blossoms, and occasionally he had to lift his head above the plants to see what was ahead. But each time he looked he only found there were even more flowers.

Rais had a lot of excitement in his first few weeks in the Lore. It was more than his rascally heart could have ever hoped for, really. He laughed at the thought of the giant lazy frog he had run into at the marsh, and the extraordinarily grouchy wolf that he had succeeded in making laugh, even if it was just a single chuckle. Things hadn't gone so well after that though, and Rais wondered if the stranger were just a chronic grump. Rais thought that that was a miserable way to live. Why waste time on being boring and withdrawn, when life was already so short? Rais lived to get what he wanted and have fun all the while, even if it might be at another's expense.

Eventually Rais made it to the top of the knoll and looked towards the foothills of the mountains, Riddle Heights, he recalled. That had been one of the first places he had visited when he entered the Lore. It was a ruggedly beautiful place, especially the view from up there. But they still looked nice from down here, as well. Rais leaned his weight back in a cat-like stretch, then lay down on the ground, almost hidden by the flowers. His front legs were stretched out in front of him and he rested his chin on them. He wasn't tired, and he wouldn't sleep, he just wanted to take a break from walking for a little bit. Since leaving home, he had never walked so much in his life.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/bluepups/AshTable.png); background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; padding-top: 250px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; text-align:justify;">The day was nice and cool, the breezes ruffling about disturbing the flowers and bees that were now having frequent troubles with trying to collect pollen. The sun was shining brightly in the sky, but clouds never ceased to disappoint the many animals and critters running around trying to get some source of the sun. It was always a pleasant feeling to have the sun on ones back whilst laying in a flowery clearing, the vegetation cleansing the nostrils of many, while giving some a common cold and headache. Luckily, most wolves around Relic Lore didn’t seem to have the same problems others did in a different land. Everyone is different, no?

Today seemed to be a lucky day for Ash though, for he didn’t like the sun as much as others did. It just made his coat feel even heavier than it already was, giving him extra weight that he didn’t want. At the moment, he couldn’t help the large smile that would stretch over his handsome brown and white face. He was officially joining Poison Path soon to be with his wonderful mate, Treena and he was generally excited. He had been away from his love far too long, even though he had gotten into a fight that had broken his paw, she had too been there, but it didn’t shake the unfortunate events that had happened in the time being.

The brute had found out that his sister was alive and that her last name was no longer Hervok. . .meaning that he could no longer carry out his oath to his father. . .the oath had been broken. That meant that soon word could possibly get out to his father and then he would be forced to leave and then join the Hervok clan himself. . .but now that he had found what he had been looking for his whole life, he couldn’t bring himself to leave. There was always hopes that maybe his father wouldn’t seek connections, but the thought was doubtful, one way or another, he would hear that Nina no longer held her surname, and he would come to hunt Ash down and bring him back to his clan. . .but this time, Ash wouldn’t have it. . .his plan was to stay with Treena and protect his pack.

It seemed that today on his peaceful stroll, he would not be alone though. For as he walked through the many different flowers, another scent washed near his nose. The scent was male, and it was, in fact, nearby. It wouldn’t be bad to meet someone new. After all, he should probably start meeting some more wolves. He hadn’t been introduced to anyone new in quite awhile. His ears twitched slightly as he sauntered towards the scent, a slight limp in his step as he walked. When he neared where the wolf should be, he did see a wolf, one that seemed to be quite smaller than himself. He then stepped forward hesitantly towards the wolf, clearing his throat politely.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/bluepups/RaisTable2.png); background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; padding-top: 100px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; text-align:justify;">Rais found the place relaxing, a feeling he hadn't often indulged. He was always on the move and up to something, and simple rest was an alien indulgence. He was watching the flower blooms over his head swaying rhythmically in the breeze, with the background of white and blue sky behind them. He was hypnotized by the gentle motion and just stared off into nothing.

However, the distant sound of something moving through the grass caught his attention. He focused on the sound, flicking his ears back towards it. The wind was blowing the wrong way and he couldn't smell what it was from here, but he didn't let it bother him. If it were prey, surely it would have smelled his wolfish scent on the wind and would be headed away. If it were something more than prey, a wolf or a bear perhaps, Rais would deal with it if and when they showed up. The sound of the creatures footsteps seemed to be coming closer, and finally Rais lifted his head from his paws.

As if on cue a small cough sounded from behind him, someone requesting his attention. Rais looked back over his shoulder towards whoever it was, to see a tall, brownish wolf standing there. If Rais had a sense of manners he might have risen to meet him, but he kept his place resting on the ground. "Hello there!" he greeted with a grin, and his tail flopped against the ground twice in a lazy wag. He did like to meet others.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/bluepups/AshTable.png); background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; padding-top: 250px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; text-align:justify;">It seemed as though the younger male had, indeed, heard him approach, but what shocked him was that the male seemed much younger then he had first sought him out to be. Soon enough, the young one turned his head in Ash’s direction and the larger male was pleased to see that no submission was given to him. Good, he thought. He didn’t like it when other wolves acted afraid of him, it was a sign of weakness. He had remembered many others who had submitted to him in the past, they had grown to be friends but the other male always thought that they were weak, like they didn’t deserve meeting him if they were going to act afraid.

It probably would have been of different circumstances, say in the pack, or in border patrol, he would have done things differently, but here, right now, nothing mattered about any stupid law that wolves were suppose to follow. They were two wolves, who might even engage in a friendly chat. When he inspected the male closer his eyes stopped briefly on the eyes before quickly averting his gaze. Those eyes. . .they were so familiar, but from who? He knew those eyes, he had memorized those eyes, but surely, this male would not claw another’s eyes out to have the same eye color, it had to be a coincidence that the wolf had similar eyes to someone he knew.

With a quick, smug smile he replied to the younger wolf, "Hello, I am Ash Hervok. Pleasure to meet you, young man." His tone was respectful and kind to the yearling. He was not much older than a year old, but he was sure he wasn’t as pitiful as he might pretend to be. He had learned that from other young ones that he had met. They weren’t quite mature yet, neither were they as foolish as pups, but there was something about the yearlings in their teenage states. They were mischievous and secretive and could easily plot something to do that would cause trouble in a seconds notice and that was why, Ash didn’t let his guard down.

Sorry it's a bit short, I've been a little busy lately!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/bluepups/RaisTable2.png); background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; padding-top: 100px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; text-align:justify;">The older male gave his name with a smile. Ash looked older and stronger than the young wolf, but Rais wasn't worried, as Ash's approach was friendly. Even if he wasn't so friendly, Rais was confident in his own abilities anyways. Getting a kink in his neck from looking back over his shoulder, the boy pushed himself up to a sit and angled his body towards Ash. He was glad this wolf was more talkative than the grumpy one at the marsh. As difficult as others could find it to get along with the little nuisance, Rais did like socializing. "Hey there, I'm Rais," he beamed up at the male, a silly grin on his face. Often Rais avoided giving his last name, disliking the connection it had to his loathsome father.

Rais sniffed at the air, trying to read Ash's scent, but he wasn't familiar enough with the Lore's territories or packs for it to tell him much. All he could tell was that he definitely didn't smell like Swift River. "So, are you from around here? I'm not to familiar with here, myself." Rais asked. He looked genuinely curious.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/bluepups/AshTable.png); background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; padding-top: 250px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; text-align:justify;">The small male in front of him seemed slightly uncomfortable with his position, one of which soon changed so that he was facing Ash, himself. He too introduced himself, and the large brown male’s ears twitched automatically. No last name? How interesting. . .that was definitely something new in the lands. The older man didn’t pry though, for he didn’t want to seem like a creep to the young boy. Though the small child’s next question shocked him greatly. Was he from around here? Yes, he would be from around here once Athena introduced him to her leaders. He couldn’t wait to join in on the pack and be with them for once. It wouldn’t be bad for him considering the things he had been up to recently.

With a small grin of his own, he answered, "Yes, I live close by here. Over the mountains and near the lake." It was all Ash would give the young man. He did not want to give Poison Path’s location to him easily. The pack was not an easy one to join, as he had found out. But after many encounters in the mountains, Ash’s pads were finally beginning to firm up. He hoped that soon, his paws would be rough enough to the point of when he walked on the mountains, they would not longer bleed. And that, would be a relief to him.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/bluepups/RaisTable2.png); background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; padding-top: 100px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; text-align:justify;">A single ear twitched to attention at the mention of the mountains, and for once Rais's constantly fidgeting body held still for a fleeting moment. That little tidbit of information did interest him, and he stashed it in his mind in case he might need it later. He hadn't realized there had been a lake up there, and it would be handy to know as planned on scaling that giant mountain some day. He wondered whether it was with a pack, or alone, that this wolf did live. From scent Rais could tell that he did not spend all his time alone, but that didn't mean much. As a loner himself Rais had already come in contact with several others, yet their scents did not cling as strongly to his pelt.

Rais, being the nosy boy he was, just had to poke around further. He would of course have to see this mountain lake for himself some time, but he might as well find out what he could before jumping into things headfirst. Nothing would discourage him, but he liked to be prepared for anything at least. He asked his question as if it weren't of particular interest to him, just as if he were making small talk. "Hmm, there's a lake? I didn't know there was one up there. Do you get the whole place to yourself?" He tilted his head slightly, a lazy smile settling on his silvered face as his bright eyes carefully watched the wolf. Hopefully Ash would not find the question too brash. He seemed to have a good nature though, so the yearling hoped for the best.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/bluepups/AshTable.png); background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; padding-top: 250px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; text-align:justify;">He watched the young male in general curiosity while sitting silently. Wheels in his head seemed to be spinning with the words that the large brown brute had given him. Soon enough more words escaped the younger male’s mouth. Ash surely wouldn’t talk about Poison Path in front of this male. He would simply answer his question with his own female’s name. Treena. . .her wonderful scent was heavy on his fur and it wouldn’t be shocking if it was the only thing another could scent on him.

So that was why when he answered it was highly simple, "My mate, Treena Rose, and I live together, along with other wolves here and there around. Most travel around though." It was a complete white lie but he had to do it. He wouldn’t speak of the pack to others who didn’t know about it. . .and this male obviously didn’t know about it. And so, for that, he would not speak of it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/bluepups/RaisTable2.png); background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; padding-top: 100px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; text-align:justify;">Whatever Rais had expected the older male to say, Rais certainly had not expected to hear his half sister's name come from the wolf's mouth. Rais jolted the tiniest amount in surprise, but quickly covered up the reaction by more of his restless squirming. What strange luck it was, that his sister was mates with a unfamiliar wolf in an even more unfamiliar land, that Rais had only happened to come across by chance. The random whims of the universe apparently had saw fit to direct Rais' paws along the same route his sister had taken when she left home.

It was just as well that things had worked out that way, and if he were to be sneaking up to the lake anyways, he could easily take a detour to seek out the woman. He wanted to put a face to the name he had only heard about from his father, though Rais wasn't sure how he would even recognize her when he saw her. It was entirely possible that there was another wolf, also named Treena Rose, that was not his kin. But Rais would only be able to tell once he did find her. It wasn't a mission, Rais didn't do missions, but finding her would be an entertaining game.

"Oh, is that so?" he finally responded, a playful light glinting behind his orange eyes. He stood suddenly, his weight leaning back as if preparing to leap, yet the boy remained grounded. Instead, he rocked forward onto his toes, then trotted towards Ash. While his action was seemingly strange and sudden, he was trying to sneakily fix the scent of Ash in his memory, so that it might be able to find the lake and his mate easier. He skirted around the man rather than running into him, and moved around to his shoulder on the other side, getting as close as he might dare without entering biting distance, if the man wasn't up for his antics. He gave no explanation for the movement, and simply winked at the male.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/bluepups/AshTable.png); background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; padding-top: 250px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; text-align:justify;">The young man’s squirming continued, and Ash couldn’t help the odd glance that he continued to give him. The brown brute’s head raised in amusement as the male suddenly made his way towards him. The movement did not other him, but he simply watched the young male as an odd question escaped his lips. Ash’s head tilted slightly at the question though. . .it seemed quite odd that this small male was taking such an interest now that he mentioned his female.

Eyes narrowed in suspicion he opened his mouth to reply. "Yes. It is so." His tail lashed slightly at the thought of this male hurting his mate. That would not make him happy, and this male did not want to see an angry man out of him. Nina had seen that wolf and now he was sure that she hated him. It was a thought that he was sure that he would have to live with. . .and honestly, he had almost killed her. . ..he deserved this.