Larkcall Lowlands I just want you to save me while there's still something left

for beloved @Reyes Just assume he's stomping through the snow, around the southern lowlands.

It wasn't that Askan disliked his sister, or anything like that, but he simply couldn't understand why she wouldn't leave him be. Why couldn't she see? She had eyes! And ears! He didn't care how many times she said it, or whether she battered her long eyelashes at him, he wasn't going to leave Wild Rye Fields. And he most certainty wasn't going home.Yes, he understood that his family missed him. Yes, he understood that Mother was distraught. And yes, he understood that Father was disappointed in him. But did that make him want to turn his back on everything he had worked so hard for? Hell no!

It wasn't as if he had asked for her to come all this way, so she had no right to try and guilt trip him into going home. But much to his frustration, nothing or no one could stop @Everly Selwyn when she got a bee in her bonnet. She was a smart woman, had a sharp mind ticking away behind her bright yellow Selwyn eyes, so why was she being like this? Why why why, dammit!

Askan snarled as he stomped along through the snow. He had no destination in mind, once again he was having some self imposed 'me time', which of course made Everly giggle, her laughter akin to the soothing clink of wind chimes. Not that he found it so soothing these days. Almost everything about his sister made him see red, once again much to her amusement and delight.She had never ever taken him seriously, so really Askan shouldn't have been surprised. He imagined she just assumed that all of this, his life here in Relic Lore, was just a phase, that he would grow out of it or change his ways if prodded enough. Well, he wasn't going to. And at the risk of sounding like a moody teenager, Askan simply wanted to scream 'this isn't a phase Everly, it's my home!'

Askan loved Everly and he supposed he didn't mind having her around, but when she pestered him like this it made blood boil and insides curdle. He wanted to bite, he wanted to tear. He just needed something or someone to vent his frustration out on. Because if he didn't he would surely explode!

The first attempts to find Victoria had been a bit of a bust – or they were in Reyes’ opinion, at the very least. He’d figure it out, one way or another, get Cottongrass where he needed to be and then… Well, there wasn’t really an answer to that ‘and then’ part, but the loner couldn’t muster the energy to work himself up about the ‘what ifs’ and ‘maybes’ drifting in the future like specters ahead. After all, he hadn’t separated from his traveling companion to just stew. There was plenty of time for that whilst the yearling prattled in his ear.

He’d broken away for some semblance of peace and quiet, to steal a few moments of ataraxia before returning to the grind of survival. Sometimes, he wondered why they even struggled so hard – what was the point when you’d end up dead and rotting in a ditch someday, anyways? – and it was these silent moments he needed, to just be, and try to allow his mind to settle to some semblance of normalcy before returning to life as usual.

It was, for that reason, a bit of a surprise to see Askan of all wolves, stomping through the snow like it had personally bitten him in the tail. The loner drew to a slow halt, his head tipping to one side as he studied the agitated wolf. “What crawled up your ass and died, chaco?”

Askan was in no mood for Reyes' smart mouth and witty quips.

Sure, they'd parted on decent terms. As in, they didn't loathe one another, but they weren't exactly friends by any stretch of the imagination. Or at least Askan didn't think they were, he could have been wrong though as he was no expert on these sorts of things. Reyes was an okay guy, sure he was attractive and all that, but Askan hadn't been hankering to see him again. He didn't cry at night, hoping that his suave Spanish sweetheart would prance along and sweep him off his feet. Or when he opened his eyes in the morning, he didn't pray that his gaze would be met with the heady sight of his grey moonstone eyes. Like shit, he'd do any of that. Askan wasn't a pansy, the mere notion of him doing anything like that was laughable. So ridiculous that the moon would sooner fall from the sky.

So yeah, to summarise Askan didn't mind him, he had no intentions of chasing the mouthy bastard off, but that didn't mean he wanted to talk to him right now. Not when he was so antsy and on edge.

"None of your business." He snarled, the fur along his spine bristling. "And nothing's up my ass,I've noticed if there was."

There he was with that second language bullshit again. Why, for the love of the Gods could he not speak normally? Yes, it was all well and good that he had another language. Good for him and all that, well done, but Askan just found it so frustrating. Like he was missing the final piece to the puzzle, he could see almost all of the picture except for one tiny bit. And being such a perfectionist it drove him around the bend and back! It was all the worse knowing that Reyes probably did it on purpose. Oh wasn't it great to have yet another wolf that took great pleasure from winding him up? Reyes was just as bad, if not worse than his sister. And coming from Askan that meant a whole damn lot!

The Rye wolf cast Reyes, a shady, resentful look and went on his way, stomping off ahead like a child throwing a temper tantrum.

(This post was last modified: Feb 01, 2017, 07:07 PM by Askan.)

“Would you, though?”

Sometimes Reyes had to wonder if the stick wedged up Askan’s backside was of a more permeant type of situation – they guy always seemed to have some kind of bee in his bonnet. Though to be fair, resting with the other male in the umbra of the weird, geological steps had been decent. Sure, he was mouthy, but he was quieter than Cottongrass, and once he’d finally stopped his constant complaining, the rest had been acceptable. Now, though-- Damn. He could be a bitch in heat, the prickling of skin and fur practically screaming agitation and restlessness.

His mouth twisted sideways at the thought, kept tucked away and private for a later time. Mentioning it now was like casually asking for the pack wolf to strip his hide from his flesh. But that was not enough to keep Reyes from minding his own business, oh no. With a remark like that? Never.

The stocky male loped through the snow, doing his best to plow it out of his way until he drew up beside Askan, throwing his shoulder into the man’s haunches. Don’t ignore me. He was lucky there were no teeth involved, quite frankly. “I need to toss you back into a river, puta? You were more agreeable when you were half-frozen solid.”

Askan's ears pressed down onto his forehead and he snarled in annoyance as he heard Reyes approach.

Hadn't he made it pretty clear he wasn't in the mood for his bullshit? How could it make it any clearer? Was he supposed to speak in his language, was that it? A bulky weight collided against his thigh and he had to stumble a little to regain his bearings and balance. Without thinking he snapped at the air in warning, his teeth sharp and white, and a deep, thunderous growl rumbled in his throat. He was in no mood for games, he couldn't make it any clearer. And what the fuck did Reyes- Askan pulled in a deep breath and closed his eyes as he counted to ten. These calming methods his Father had taught him years ago didn't really help, but as annoying as Reyes was he wasn't so bad he deserved to be Askan's punch bag. Or at least that was what he told himself, he still hadn't thanked the loner for helping him the other day, so this was the best he was going to get. Askan's restraint was Reyes' reward, he better damn appreciate it, or so help him.

"Yes I would." He grumbled through gritted teeth. "And no you don't need to do that."

Was that the loner's idea of a joke, or did he really think that Askan needed another ice cold dip? Maybe Reyes was the one in need of a bath, Askan was half tempted to drag his bulky ass to the closest river and toss him in, just so he could know how Gods damn awful it was. That would wipe that smarmy smirk off his face no doubt. Not that his smile was unpleasant by any means. In fact, it was very handsome- eye catching even- but when Askan was like this he just wanted to be left alone or for everyone to be just as miserable he was. If he had to suffer, why shouldn't everyone else? That's how he saw it.

"Why are you here anyway? Ain't you got better things to do?"

Surely he did, or at the very least there would be other wolves he'd rather be around. Askan wouldn't blame him, not really, not deep down. He knew what he was like.

(This post was last modified: Feb 02, 2017, 10:12 PM by Askan.)

Somehow, Reyes still had to doubt that, no matter Askan’s conviction on the matter. He was pretty certain that the other wolf had been born that way, or had at least been a victim of the stick-in-the-ass condition from a very young age. Probably forgot what it was like to be any other way, really. A smirk slid sideways across his face, and he bumped into the smaller wolf for a second time, intention written all over his expression.

The hell was this guy’s problem, anyways? It wasn’t heat – wouldn’t matter even if he was female, it was the wrong time of year for hormones to be driving everyone and their mother batshit crazy – and he couldn’t really blame it on the weather this time, either. The circumstances under their first meeting were much worse. Askan was, what? Just in a bad mood? Trying to take it out on someone?

Reyes’ smile grew positively wolfish as he leaned in again, nipping at the pack wolf’s ear. “Oh, yeah – life on the move is just brimmin’ with shit t’ do,” he snorted, skittering away before Askan could wheel on him. This was fun. “What’re you gonna do about it, chacarro, hm? Gonna keep wagglin’ your jaw at me like a big ol’ fish?”

As Reyes leaned in, Askan leaned away, his eyes narrowed in confusion. What the hell? Didn't this guy understand what personal space was? Sure, they- didn't cuddle- shared body heat the other day and so had to be close, but that was out of necessity rather than choice. And yet here Reyes was, leaning in as though he had every right to. At first, Askan wasn't sure how or what he was supposed to feel. Was he supposed to be mad? Infuriated by the loner's sheer nerve and blatant imprudence? Confused by the fact that Reyes didn't mind being this close? Revolted, as though he was repulsed by the loner's presence? Or stranger yet, pleased and appreciative of the fact that there he was so close that Askan could reach out and touch him if he so pleased. But nope, before Askan could even try and get a handle on the sheer unfamiliarity of the situation his ear began to sting and he registered the sound of clicking teeth.

Ow!

Did he just? Reyes just bit him!

His nip was nothing more than a pinch, not nearly enough to break the skin but even so Askan couldn't stifle the surprised yelp that passed his lips. It seemed as though Reyes did have some sense in that fat head of his because as soon as he was done, he reeled back and out of the way, just in time to avoid Askan's snapping jaws. It was instinct, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Except Askan intended to bite him quite a bit harder than the loner had, not only as rebuttal to this little game he clearly wanted to play, but as punishment as well. No one bit Askan-aside from Percy- and got away with it.

"That's not my problem you fuck!" Askan hissed, positioning himself so he could leap forward and strike again if need be.

What on earth made this seem like a good idea to Reyes? What about Askan made him seem as though he would be a suitable target for teasing? Was it because he was easy to rile up? That was certainly true, Askan knew that, but it wasn't exactly a bonus considering the fact he had little qualms about teaching them a lesson with his teeth. Either Reyes thought he wasn't serious, or that it was worth the risk. Did he truly not take Askan seriously? Did he think he was bluffing, that Askan would allow others to push him around like this? If that were the case, the loner was mistaken. Sorely.

His lips curled back into a snarl and his hackles stood on point along the line of his back, as did his tail. This was Reyes' last chance and yet he had a sinking feeling the fool wouldn't take it.

"I'm not fooling around Reyes." He spat his name as though it were an insult, as though it was dirty. A naughty word pups weren't allowed to speak. "I won't play your game."

(This post was last modified: Feb 03, 2017, 01:19 AM by Askan.)

He could have cackled in sheer delight when he heard the click of teeth near his head – too slow! For all that Askan snarled and snapped, the guy didn’t have the bite to back up his bark. Now, the loner wasn’t in quite the same state as the pack wolf, didn’t have the same pent up energy electrifying him from the inside out, but that didn’t mean Reyes wasn’t keen on a little physical exertion. Wasn’t keen on putting a smart mouth back in its place.

“Do I look like I’m foolin’, puta?” the loner replied, purring the crass nickname where Askan had spat his out. Ears rolled back against his skull as he peeled his lips back, delight in his grey eyes evident. Oh, Reyes had no disillusions about the Rye wolf’s intentions – oh no, he was rather counting on them. Violence was held so close to the man’s heart, after all, and his tail curled high above his back, thick, smokey coat standing on edge as he turned about, neck arced.

“You’re awfully slow on the uptake, aren’t you? I can bite you harder next time. But maybe you’d like it, huh? You look like you’re just beggin’ for a good tussle.” And oh, Reyes would be more than happy to oblige.

No, Reyes didn't look like he was fooling around. And much to Askan's frustration and dismay it was evident that he wasn't going to listen, no matter what the Rye wolf said or did. No, Ryes was just going to keep pressing his buttons. It was almost as though he wanted Askan to snap, like he was enjoying this. As though he got off on making Askan snarl and send callous looks his way. The Yukon wolf could hardly judge the hobbies  of others, as one of his favourite pass times was rolling in long grass with his legs flapping this way and that- when no one was looking of course- but this was too much. And perhaps a little weird, or so he would have thought if he had the mind to look at this situation objectively.

As annoying as being teased was, it wasn't the only thing that made his blood boil. If anything it was the lesser of two evils.

Reyes was underestimating him. And that thought made Askan sick. Did he really think so low of the Yukon wolf? Could he really see through his pretence? Did he know who he really was? Or was the loner just being a jerk and provoking the proverbial tiger for shits and giggles? As desperate as he was to know, Askan knew it wasn't going to happen. If he asked, he knew Reyes wouldn't tell him straight, he'd somehow find a way to twist his words and make Askan out as the fool. And to think Askan thought he'd been okay. How wrong he had been, so stupid to think that Reyes was maybe different,when in reality he was just another wolf that looked down on him, like he was less than dirt.

As if Askan was going to stomach that. Did Reyes really think he'd let that fly, that he'd allow the loner to spout such bullshittery without any consequences? He should have known damn well that Askan wouldn't have. No, he deserved an apology. Only that would extinguish the now roaring flames of his fury.

"Apologise now! Askan snarled, determined to get what he wanted. Whether Reyes like it or not.

Without warning, Askan lunged forward and clamped his teeth down on the scruff of Reyes' neck. Digging his feet into the snow, he yanked backwards and grinned with grim satisfaction as the taste of blood hit his tongue. He'd like to see the loner get out of this without making it worse, without making a right mess of himself. And sure, yeah Askan could have gone for the obvious, jumped for his neck. But Askan didn't want him dead, he didn't want him unable to talk, he wanted his apology and he wanted it now.

(This post was last modified: Feb 05, 2017, 08:39 PM by Askan.)

There is a deer that was killed by a lynx nearby. +10 Health