Larkcall Lowlands Don't call me out

(OOC: Anyone and everyone is welcome, as long as you can put up with Askan and his self centred nonsense :p) 

Askan didn't have to be alone anymore. In exchange for his loyalty and service, @Drestig and @Jessie has agreed to take him into their fold. They had deemed him worthy. And about time too. But as grateful as he was to his new found allies, that didn't mean he wanted to spend all of his time with them. They were good people, that much was obvious to him, but he didn't know them. Not properly. And even if he did, it was unlikely that he'd follow them about as though he had nothing better to do. He didn't follow his family around, so why would he start now? He had an image to maintain.

Not only that, but he also had responsibilities now. Drestig had asked him to keep an eye out for wanderers, possible members for his soon to be pack, so that was exactly what Askan intended to do. Sure, he wasn't very good at schmoozing , or socialising in general for that matter. But he had to at least try, and if worst came to worst then maybe Drestig would be able find another wolf.

Still, he figured he might as well get some practice in. Surely he could be persuasive if he really tried.Askan ceased his pacing and stared directly in front of him, as though there was a strange wolf right ahead of him. His first instinct was to be rude, prickly, but he knew that if he truly wanted to do this right,he has to lighten up. Hence his little practice session out in the tundra, where he was almost certain no one would come across him. And worse yet, embarrass him.

"Greetings, my name is Askan. I have a proposal for you." Askan said to no one.

Gods this was stupid. What was wrong with him? Why had he actually thought that this would be a good idea. Hell, why couldn't he just talk without having to deal with this nonsense. It was stupid, he was stupid.  Then again, he couldn't just give up. That would be shameful, weak. And he was not weak. Surely not.

"Ahem, yes. As I was saying....."

(This post was last modified: Jul 06, 2016, 05:25 PM by Askan.)

(Eee! I've been eyeing the little pack forming and wanted to thread with Askan! Forgive me if this is unrealstic, I figured parrie dogs could be found around the lowlands.)

A steady drip of blood fell from the light tan-brown tail, puddeling on the ground between dark paws. A young she-wolf with pale eyes like the setting sun stood silently, body tentative and ears focused forward. She was emotionless, yet held an aurora of focus about her. Her teeth gritted across the dirty fur of the prairie dog, still not quiet content. Denali staid ever watchful for a few more moments before she set her prey down into the hole, quickly covering it and rolling on top to flood the area with her scent. Surely no one would be gutsy enough to challenge a healthy young rouge such as herself, that was, unless they were of a pack.

Turning on her heels she set back out on an easy lope, using her nose and memory to guide her back. Considering she hadn't wandered far off at all, she found the little hustling bustling home of the tiny dogs once more with ease. It was a small break from the tall grasses, riddled with prairie holes and tunnels. Rather dusty little area, but more importantly full of life. Patience, Denali she reminded herself, eyeing a rather plumb critter sun bathing itself close to the outskirts. He was a good five to six feet away from her, hardly standing out from his surroundings with his dusty pelt. His main give away was a little chirp here and there, answering the other, more busy, bodies about. Crouching low into the tall grass she allowed her orbs to become useless, trusting instead in her dark nose. Keeping her training in mind she shut her lids, imagining the scent trail as a cone, then reopened them feeling ever so confident. The farther she was from her victim, the more spread out the scent, the closer, the more compact. Inching her way more and more, she slunk through the tall grass with agile movements. Deni was rather light on her paws, a gift granted with skill and practice.

Not a muscle moved, not even to breathe, as her orbs met what she desired. There the animal basked lazily on a small mound of dirt, dangerously close to the swaying foliage. Studying the situation the wolf attempted to access it from all angles. If she were to bolt directly towards the mammal, he'd have an easy escape to his burrow. However, if she approached it from the side, and made a beeline between it and safety, there was a chance. Her best bet though was to move in from behind the unsuspecting, and lunge out to grasp it. A voice threw Deni off, her ears perking up, the sudden distraction diverting her eyes for a split second. When they returned to her prize it was standing straight up, emitting loud warning chirps. A bubbling sensation of anxiety filled her as her muscles coiled back onto her hind legs, shut up! shut up! It seemed the male voice had read her thoughts, silencing just long enough for the prairie dog to consider relaxing. He didn't remain quiet long enough though, and Deni sprang into the air the moment her prey moved a paw. Her body bounced up as she sent herself in a dive, muzzle perfectly fitting into the hole. Teeth barely pinched onto the critter as she lifted it out, the poor thing barely held by the toes. It cried out shrilly in pain before swinging around to claw and bite the girl.


(Apologies if my writting is a bit rusty! <3 )

(This post was last modified: Jul 06, 2016, 08:09 PM by Denali. Edit Reason: Spelling errors )

(OOC, no problemo with me! And your writing is fine, can't fault it. :D)

Askan put his heart into everything he did. Failure simply wasn't an option for him, he wouldn't be able to withstand the blow of disappointment. He'd resent himself and worse yet, he would begin to question who he was. Was he really as skilled and as worthy as he claimed to be? Was he ever going to live up to- or better yet surpass- his Father?  Gods he hoped so. He had to, after all failure was not an option. He couldn't just be ordinary, he had to be the best, he had to excel in everything he did, otherwise he would be crushed. He'd be humiliated, mortified and he was certain that he wouldn't be able to go on, that he wouldn't even want to live any more. What was the point of even trying if he just faded into obscurity? His life had to mean something, so even if it meant that he would be an alpha's lackey- well that would be better than nothing. It would give him a purpose, a chance to shine and to be better. For now, that's all he could ask for.

He shook his head in an attempt to regain his focus. He was so easily lost in thoughts these days, he was so troubled and honestly he spent far too much time brooding. Not that he'd ever admit to that, or at the bare minimum word it like that. Askan was about to string together another set of words when his attention was snagged by a squeak and the sounds of struggle. 

He wasn't alone, and of course naturally his first instinct was to get angry, because that's the sort of wolf he was. 

Askan stiffened and his fur spiked up on its ends. They were spying on him?! How dare they! How mortifying! To be seen at his weakest.. Askan couldn't even comprehend it. Shame slammed down onto him like a strong and sudden downpour. What had they heard? Gods, they must have heard him muttering to himself like a fool. A crazed and rabid fool. Well he couldn't allow that, his reputation couldn't be tarnished. It wasn't too late, surely he could repair this... Surely he could.

His ears twitched at the continued sound of commotion. Obviously he hadn't been paying attention. He had gotten ahead of himself. Quickly, Askan stomped over to the source of the ruckus, but kept a wary distance. He was annoyed at being disturbed yes, but he hadn't thrown caution to the wind. This stranger could be a threat for all he knew, and so he had to evaluate them and react accordingly. He had just been about to demand an explanation, to ask as to why this stranger here had been following him (even then he was certain that they had), when he noticed the scene before him. A small wolf with a struggling prairie dog in mouth. Well... Maybe they hadn't been stalking him, but that didn't lessen his prickliness.  Askan always had been and always would be grumpy towards strangers. It was simply his nature.

This scene did cause him a little problem. The question on the tip of his tongue wasn't relevant now, he couldn't just accuse them of stalking him. It didn't make sense, so he said the next best thing. Or at least the next thing that popped into his mind.

"Could you please shut it? I'm trying to concentrate." Askan had never been eloquent in any shape or form, and now was no exception to that rule.

(My apologies, busy watching a tragic romance.  Good, haha and thank you, you're very kind! :) I'm curious to how @Askan will handle this! )

Prairie dogs were like little viscous demons, with their sharp claws and powerful teeth, and Denali very much knew so. Her muzzle stung with pain as the tiniest slits of blood formed. Using her head to think as quickly as she could she lifted off her front paws and tossed the creature into the air, claws raking across her delicate skin in a failed attempt to hold on. The fat rolly polly, football sized, rodent came down, limbs sprawled and neck exposed. The young she-wolf caught it skillfully within her jaws, however, she was still yet a beginner. The tactics caused the youngin to stumble backwards, landing with the quietest of thuds. Deni found her paws swiftly and with care finished the critter's suffering. Then the timber laid it to the ground and began a prayer of sorts, bowing over her kill in the process, "Mother of the Earth, provider of all, thank you for bestowing me with such a gift."

It was then that Denali rose to acknowledge the intruding male, smirking, letting out her sweet melodic voice, "Is that how men around here greet ladies?" The question hit the air as she took flirtatious steps his way, pale orbs glinting with mischief as she fluttered her eyelashes, "It's quiet odd you say that, because if not for your blabbering mouth, I would've made a clean kill in the first place." Denali's soft voice somehow managed to make sassy words sound sweet and polite. She striked a pose, head held neutrally, tail hanging limply, a small smile lacing her lips. Deni was no fool though, and kept her body centered over of that of which was hers, that of which she had earned. The Covox girl cooed to him, "My name is Denali, and yours, sir, may I know of it?" Despite the brash brute's greetings she kept her own manners somewhat in check. She had been raised to be proper, after all, and old habits were said to die-hard.

The small wolf awaited his reply patiently, despite the soreness her maw had to deal with, crimson red dried to her dark features. If one were to study her face long enough, it would appear as if she had dunked her chin in milk, and some had made it onto her cheeks. Her coat however was a goldish-tan, brown, and black mix with red hues. Light rain begun to fall, splashing cold upon her, droplets slinking down strands of fur. "Perhaps we should part now, I'm sure we both need to find shelter, sir."

(This post was last modified: Jul 07, 2016, 01:02 AM by Denali.)

(OOC: I'm laughing so much right now. Poor Askan.)

Askan hadn't known what to expect, but it certainly wasnt.... this, whatever this was. Naturally, he had suspected a confrontation of some sorts. Maybe some snarling, baring of teeth. But this was completely and utterly baffling. Askan took a step back, almost stumbling over his own feet in the process. Previously, he had some sort of plan in mind. Some biting words that would have been appropriate.He would have scolded the stranger, given them a piece or two of his mind and once he was satisfied and his ego sated they would have parted ways. But this? Gods, he had no prior experience with this sort of confrontation. If you could even call it such. 

She was right though (he was still caught up on the fact that she was actually a she. He hadn't thought to check her scent, such a rookie move), he had been rather rude. And it did seem as though his untimely intervention was the cause of most of the racket. She could have made a clean, quiet kill if he had kept his mouth closed in the first place. Blabbering. Ladies.Denali. It was as though he couldn't process what she was saying. He heard everything, he knew what the words meant but... Why was she moving like that? Why was she being so sultry? Askan wasn't sure whether he wanted to run away or stand his ground. Honestly, in that moment running away sounded like the better, more preferable option. Then again he wasn't the sort to run. His pride wouldn't let him.

"I uh....." He shook his head, as if ridding himself of a stupor and managed to speak, sounding somewhat more like himself. If not a little dazed. "Askan. Name's Askan."

Askan didn't know how to talk to other wolves. And girls? Gods, he had no experience with talking with girls. Sure, he grew up with three sisters but that wasn't nearly the same as this. They talked down to him, looked down at him. This wolf on the other hand was.... Also doing the same. Sure, she was smaller than he, but she did have a familiar haughty air to her voice. The sort that made his lips curl in irritation. Then again she was also rather.... Nope. Askan was not going there.  Not today, not now. Shaking his head, Askan gathered his wits and allowed his annoyance to flood right through him. He was used to this feeling, he gripped onto it and used it to ground him. He couldn't get freaked out if he was annoyed right? He hoped so at least. 

Glancing over her kill, he wrinkled his nose. Prairie dogs didn't make the best of meals, but beggars couldn't be choosers. And after weeks of starvation, he knew that he couldn't be picky. Not that he was all that hungry at the moment, working alongside his new found allies was an effective way of keeping the hunger at bay. He wasn't sure where the conversation was going to go after that. He had never been good at reading social cues, but this stranger- her name was Denali- had a sure way of scrambling his head. And from the way she kept batting those damn eyelashes she was doing it on purpose. What a shit. His eyes narrowed in annoyance, but he said nothing. For now. 

Or at least until she posed a relevant point.He didn't like being called sir, it made him sound as though he was old and greying, but she was right. It was raining, and no doubt it would get heavy soon enough. His first thought was to head back to the den and take shelter underneath the nearby trees.  But it wasn't as if he could just let this stranger wander around, so close to their soon-to-be/ potential territory. Especially when @Phoenix was at such a tender age. Sure, he wasn't a softy or nothing like that, but he'd be damned if he put her in harms way. He'd rather bite off his own tail. 

"I don't trust you. Where do you think you're going?" His voice was scathing, suspicious and yet despite that he took a step closer to her without even realising it. 
 

(This post was last modified: Jul 07, 2016, 01:44 AM by Askan.)

(Awwwz, he's cute when he don't know what to do. XD Trying to whip something up! Lol )

Denali failed to bite back the girlish giggle that erupted from her mouth as @Askan moved clumsily backwards. Though he hadn't quiet fallen over himself, the yellow eyed wolf's ears pressed forward in concern as she sobered up, a genuine look of concern crossing her features as her tail picked up a slow wag. Her worry quickly faded though as she realized he was, physically, fine. On the other hand though, maybe not so much.Askan What an odd, yet lovely, name...Denali smiled, intrigued, "Nice name, mister Askan." Her voice remained ever so sweet like, but a flirty hint was emphasised on mister.

Deni became rather distracted though, missing the male's look-see at her prize, for the rain was growing heavier. It made her antsy, uncomfortable, and forced distasteful memories upon her, but one could not tell. She remained a smiling, seemingly happy, little wolf before Askan. Denali could not stand to converse no longer though, as her innards seem to twist within her, and so she stepped back and reached for the plump little meal. She couldn't lie and say she wasn't proud of herself for catching such a tricky turd, and not one, nor two, but three prairie dogs throughout the day. The man caught her attention once more as she had taken but a few steps away. Denali turned to look at him, puzzled, "Askan...it's raining...." There was a slight crack in her voice, betraying her fear, but the proud creature regained herself, "I don't trust strangers either, so why should I tell you where I'm heading?" By now the prey was back between her legs. There was no hostility in her words, just a matter of fact tone. If it hadn't been for the rain, perhaps the young timber would've realized he was tainted with the scent of a child and his comrades.

Denali's eyes moved to his paw, then back to him, yet despite his size she continued to stand her ground. She found herself confused now, and the storm was messing with her focus, how could she out-wit him? What were her options? How could she finish this encounter without coming off as rude? Think, Denali, think. If there was one thing she had figured out about this man, it was that she made him squeamish. So, Deni approached him with rather graceful movements, confidence screaming with every movement she took. "Askan?" She questioned giving him the most innocent look she could muster, stopping just out of his reach as well.
(Eeek! I tried, her supposed to be poliet yet sassy character is new to me!)

At the compliment, Askan merely tsked and turned up his nose at her. She could flirt all she wanted, he wasn't going to be swayed by it. Or at least he wasn't going to give her the satisfaction of knowing that he was.  Because he was certain that's exactly what she wanted, and even though he had never had to deal with this before, he was rather familiar with other wolves trying to bend him to their will. It wasn't going to happen. He was his own man, and he'd be damned if he'd fall for any more of her feminine tricks.  He was better than that, he was certain of it. Or at least it was the mantra he kept repeating over and over in his head.

Oh. So she thought he was stupid then? How could he have not noticed that it was raining? He wasn't numb, and he knew what rain was- obviously- seeing as it rained all the time back home. So why did she point it out like that then? As though he wasn't wise enough to recognise rain when he saw it? Hmph. Askan's eyes slid over to her form and he watched, just for a moment. There was something amiss. He wasn't the best at reading others, but he knew nervousness when he saw it.  As a predator, he was wired to notice it, to pick up on it.  And oh wasn't Denali making it obvious. He posture had shifted in a matter of moments, she held herself tighter now, like a poised spring. And the almost frantic look in her eyes was oh so very telling. Askan couldn't help but ruffle with pride. Good, finally someone treated him with the reverence he deserved. He was by no means cruel or malicious, but he did quite like the idea of someone being scared of him.

That wasn't quite right though, was it? She had been fine moments ago, so she wasn't scared of him. It had to be something else. He took a moment to scent the air, which turned out to be fruitless. The downpour had smothered his senses, making it hard to smell anything that wasn't immediately in front of him.  So what was her problem then? The rain? It couldn't be, it was just rain. Who'd be scared of rain? Not Askan certainly.

"I suppose you have a point." He admitted begrudgingly, still eyeing her with contempt. 

And then she tried to turn the charm on again. She stared at him with those big innocent eyes and Askan wanted to bite something, hard.

"Hmph. Do whatever you want. I'd head that way, there's good cover beneath the trees." And if that direction so happened to be in the complete opposite direction to the den.... Well that was just a happy coincidence. Oh of course it wasn't. 

The bitter taste dissatisfaction creeped across her tongue, much like the flavour of bile or failure itself. A mere boy had turned his nose up at her? Had tsked at her? She had done her best to be nice to him, what was his problem? Denali inwardly sighed to calm herself, there were much more pressing matters on paw than the brutish fellow before her. Outwardly Deni was still smiling, a master of hiding most of her emotions...*Think of him as a challenge, Denali...*

Deni watched as his expressions seemed to change, a twinge of guilt stirring. Had her words offended him? Mentally she stepped back and thought over the last few shared words...of course. He probably thought she was talking to him like a child, "Oh, Askan, I beg your pardon, I didn't mean to say it like that." The young woman was sincere, but refused to admit to him that storms bothered her. They were smothering, they took from her with downpour the ability to see as well, the ability to hear as well, and they blinded her with a heavy mist of water. Not only that, she couldn't even feel the movement of life with her paws, instead the beating of the rain caused confusion. Denali was out of her elements when it came to storms, the disabled her ability to function, and her mind was in a scurry of scattered thoughts.

All of which split with his words as he drew her back in, and she nodded, glad he seemed to be relenting on her some. At the release of the pressure he had made her feel, Deni herself cooled. She backed up, returning his space to him, and snatched her prairie dog. He was not done though, apparently, but Deni could feel a little spark of pride at his annoyance. She had covered some ground, had wormed her way under his skin just a touch. A sly, if not cocky, smirk forced its way onto her lips. The timber turned her head to peer out through the rain, squinting, looking for the trees he spoke of and started considering her options. She could, perhaps, listen to him and place her trust upon a stranger, or she could be her own independent self...but where would that bring her? Aimlessly wandering through the storm? Maybe even acting like a muttering fool, like Askan himself? No, she couldn't allow herself such.

Denali sighed, meeting Askan's eyes with a pure sense of seriousness, "Thanks you very much for your guidance, Askan, good sir." With her words she bowed to him, once more having to pick up her dratted rodent afterwards. They must have been done now, for she was walking away from him towards the trees, keeping a steady rhythmic pace, but not too fast. It would be foolish to run when one could hardly scope out the land.

There are several fresh rabbit tracks in the mud. Hunt Opportunity

Her apology was sincere, but Askan- being the stubborn thing he was- didn't want to accept it. He felt as though she had apologised out of pity, that she felt bad for him, as though she was worried that she had hurt his feelings.  Well she hadn't, she couldn't. Askan was tougher than steel, no one could hurt him. Not unless he let them, or at least that is what he told himself, repeatedly, as though saying it over and over again would make it true.  It didn't, and despite his fervent denial he knew it. 

"Of course you didn't." Askan responded dryly. She could say what she liked, his position on her was routed firmly in place.

It appeared as though it were time for them to part ways. Good riddance. If he had known that she wasn't sure as to whether he had lied to her or not... Well, why would he have lied? Askan was many things, but a liar was not one of them. What was the point? What would he gain from it? A petty bit of amusement? Revenge for her being an annoyance to him? It would have been no use, fruitless, and so a waste of his time and effort. Besides, getting soaked to the bone wasn't that enjoyable, so he couldn't blame her for wanting to retreat and eat her fill in peace.

"Whatever." Once again, Askan was playing his aloof card. He wore it like a mask, and honestly it had been so long since had had taken it off he had almost forgot what he was actually was. Not that it mattered any more, the old Askan was dead and gone. It had died hungry and alone in the wilderness. 

The dark wolf watched her go for a moment. Finally, he could resume his practice. Then again... The thought of muttering alone out on the tundra left a bitter taste in his mouth. It was stupid, wasn't it? What had it even achieved? Nothing, except for shame and dismay. He didn't  feel any more confident now than before he had started. If anything, this had been a grand waste of his time, which was a troubling thought considering he could have spent it doing other, more productive things. What was done was done, and there was no use crying over it. And yet, as Askan glanced at the wolf retreating into the edge of the forest he couldn't help but.... Gods, he was doing to do something impulsive and foolish.

Askan trotted after Denali. He wasn't going to run, no he would seem too eager, but walking would have been too slow. Trotting was his happy medium. He knew the area fairly well, or at least well enough that he was confident of his steps as he made his way through the sheeting rain. It didn't take long for him to catch up to the smaller, eastern timber wolf. She was slowed down by her quarry after all and the fact that she was a stranger to these lands. Askan didn't even bother to explain as to why he had followed her, and even if pressed he wouldn't say why. He wasn't even sure why, not really. He was by no means impulsive, he prided himself on thinking things through. But now, he just wanted to follow her, so he had. That was all there was to it.

"Why are you here? You're not in a pack are you?" He asked, with squinting eyes. "Where did you come from?" He circled her, as though he had any right to do so. These weren't even his lands, but from the way he was acting one couldn't be blamed if they assumed that they were. 

(OOC: Don't mind Askan, he means well. Kind of. He just doesn't know how to deal with people/wolves)