Drooping Willows Failing myself

OOC:@Enoki if you want to hop in.

When had he eaten last? It was a very good question Latif thought to himself. He had met some interesting wolves and then after that his luck had gone downhill. First it had been one missed rabbit here another there. Now it was a constant thing and he wasn't surprised anymore when he missed his mark. His ribs could be seen and anyone looking would know that he had missed more than just a few meals. Maybe it had been too soon for him to leave his home. He should have practiced more on the skills that he would need for survival on his own. Living in a pack had made it seem so easy and there was nothing easy about being on your own. A sigh slipped from his lips as he slowly walked, head low. He wasn't even quite sure where he was anymore. Nothing was familiar and after having a nightmare and panicking he was completely lost.

Another sigh. The sun was warm at least, for that he was thankful. Meandering through the trees Latif paused when he found a patch of sun. Why not stop and rest for a bit? He didn't have anywhere to go and his only goal was to get something to eat and there was nothing that he could see that was edible in the area. Maybe something would walk up to him and he could chomp on it. The thought cracked a smile on his face as he moved to lay in the sunshine. Of course the easiest thing for him to do would be to join a pack but as lost as he was he didn't know where to look for one. He pondered this as he thought of where he could go. What Latif didn't realize was that the border to a pack lay only thirty feet away.

Whispering Pines send my baby back to me

Ebony paws moved as silently as the snow blanketed landscape would allow, the soft crunch of collected ice crystals underfoot with each step serving as a sign that the energy the magpie would have used to distract her mind from the recent death of her dear friend and pack mate, Adele, by partaking in a quick hunt was having to be subjected to another en devour. A heavy sigh would fall from Enoki's lips in the form of a small cloud, the thin tendrils swirling their way upward into the air while her paws maneuvered about the collection of umbrella shaped timbers and avoided tripping over the intertwining root system yet to be entirely smothered under the piling snow.

Aimless walking eventually brought the piebald female closer and closer to the edge of the Archer kingdom, her mind yet to decide on a task to busy herself with while her ivory dipped tail hung low at her haunches. It's tip just shy of marking its own thin trail on the frozen ground between the set of faint paw prints. What was she to do now that hunting; her expertise and main role within the pack, was off the table? There had to be something out there to distract her from her grieving. Luckily for her a distraction; and a familiar one at that, was just beyond the horizon.

Movement off to the side in the distance triggered the woman's inner hunting skills and warranted amber irises to seek out the cause, swarthy lids narrowing slightly to better focus her gaze on the silhouette that stepped out of the shadows and into a patch of sunlight. A light dust cloud of snowflakes further piquing her desire to investigate and thus she did. A low chuff was pushed past her lips once she grew closer and the unmistakable silhouette of a wolf became more clear, unaware yet that she actually knew the silver dusted stranger.

Word Count: 323

Ashbash 2016 - Ian Schneider 

(This post was last modified: Dec 05, 2016, 07:11 PM by Enoki.)

His stomach was cold as the snow beneath him melted but his back was happily warm. Maybe he would take a bit of a nap after he figured out what he should do next. He couldn't just keep roaming in the state he was in but he still didn't know where he was. Being lost sucked he decided as he shifted to get into a better position to relax in stopping when he heard a sound. His eyes scanned around him uncertain before he saw a dark wolf shape aproaching him. Uncertainty filled him then, and he hated it. Hopefully whoever this was wouldn't try to push him around. There was little he could do to stop them though and he doubted he could run if things turned ugly. When had he become so negative? Maybe it was after realizing how weak he was.

Still unsure he let his ears fall against his skull as he lowered his head submissively. He lay still as he waited for inevitable meeting between the two of them. His breath coming a little bit faster as tension coursed through him. It wasn't until she came closer still that Latif recognized the marbled lady. How could he forget their duck adventure? Plus she had a such a distinct coat that he doubted he would mistake someone else for her. A smile broke across his face as his whole body relaxed while relief flooded him. Enoki? He questioned just to make sure that this was indeed her. Moving into a sitting position he glanced at her form checking to see if she was in as rough a shape as he was. She wasn't. It's good to see you again. Maybe she would be able to help him figure out where the heck he was and if she had any ideas where he could get something to eat.

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

Guardian Dem 1/3

you can't fight the friction

renier lyall

so ease it off

The cold breath of winter followed him on his rounds. Red, course hairs were raised against the chill, as swiftly his paws cut along the white ground. He was almost done completing the loop of the Ridge territory, but still sharply paused when a new scent arose. Why, there were not many trespassers he wasn't going to drop his guard. This scent, like many others was nothing to bring alarm. Onward he went.

Then there was something to force all the hair along his spine to rise. A loner far too close, and likely still here.Oh no you don't. Eagerly, he made haste. The loss of Adele had the pack was out of sorts. They were not weak.

A turn, and another around a large willow brought not only the lone wolf, but Enoki in his sight. Pale brows briefly brushed together. It wasn't clear what was going on. The huntress didn't look like she was going to attack. The silver and white fellow some how looked relieved to see her. Maybe, he wasn't going to have to sink his teeth into anyone. The rogue did not smooth his fur, nor lift his flattened ears. Stiffly, he drew closer from the side. Fierce, golden eyes on the scrawny stranger until he halted two wolf lengths away. He exchanged looks with Enoki, waiting to see if this man was welcome or not.

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(This post was last modified: Mar 07, 2017, 03:54 PM by Renier. Edit Reason: dem tag )

Whispering Pines send my baby back to me

Enoki? Rounded ears perked forward in response to hearing her moniker announced by this stranger's tongue, confusion washing over her dark features for a spare moment until realization of whom this was dawned upon her once the sound of his voice triggered tucked away memories of the day she and another had rescued an abandoned duckling near the Sacred Grove. Immediately her guard dropped to a degree, her ivory tipped banner lifting to wave above her spine in friendly greeting rather than dominance while a smile broke the inky lining of her lips. "Latif, it's good to see you again too." A question soon bubbled on the tip of her tongue, but the presence of another coming from the side halted any advancement in conversation between the duo.

Amber irises departed their gaze from her silver friend to instead focus them upon the approaching figure, the familiar pattern of russet and charcoal fur upon a base of creams undoubtedly signaling the arrival of her pack mate @Renier. His posture was stiff by the looks of it as he came to stop two wolf lengths away, golden eyes fierce as they examined the other male before shifting to exchange a look with herself that silently asked whether this loner was friend or foe. The magpie couldn't blame the Lyall man for being on guard after the recent death of their beloved Adele, the loss a devastating blow to the family oriented and sadly shrinking pack. "It's alright Renier, he's no threat." She informed, nodding her head once in her pack mate's direction before shifting her gaze back to @Latif.

A brief moment was taken on her behalf to examine the paler coated male, brows knitting together faintly at the condition he was in now compared to back when they first met. Lack of luster to his light colored fur, evident signs of weight loss. All indications that some time had to have passed since a proper meal filled the man's stomach. "What brings you out this way?" Enoki's voice generally curious about what had transpired to cause his paws to wander so near to her willow abode. Something she had no doubts was possibly on Renier's mind as well.

Word Count: 360

Ashbash 2016 - Ian Schneider 

(This post was last modified: Dec 05, 2016, 07:12 PM by Enoki.)

For a moment Latif wondered if Enoki had forgotten about there previous encounter. It was one he surely wasn't going to forget anytime some though. Some time had passed after all but the smile that crossed her face put those thoughts to rest. His tail slide back and forth against the ground as he watched her. It was good to see a familiar face in this new and unknown place. He wanted to ask more about how she had been and it looked like she was about to speak as well but the sound of someone else's approach had him pausing. Golden eyes found themselves landing on an unfamiliar wolf that seemed riddled with tension.

Latif's ears slid back against his skull, once more unsure about what he should do. He partially lowered himself to the ground again in order to silently appease the stranger. He really hated that he was so weak and that he was bowing his head to almost every wolf that showed up in front of him. What was he going to do when he met up with a more violent wolf? The thought made him tense as he eyed the stranger. For all he knew this was one of those wolves. Enoki's voice slid through the air once more and Latif glanced at her. They knew each other? Maybe this Renier wasn't that bad then but the pale man still held his lowered posture.

I'm actually lost. Latif admitted with a grimace. Had a nightmare last night and half asleep I took off running. Now I have no clue where i'm at.

Guardian Dem 2/3

you can't fight the friction

renier lyall

so ease it off

Why Enoki's words reached him, and he believed them he held his place for a moment. Eyes rested upon the lone man who sank closer to the ground. By that the Lyall decided he must have some manners, and brains. But, he wasn't much of a threat in his poor state.

Satisfied, the rogue continued forward, where he took a seat off to the side of Enoki. Why the silver man seemed to be a friend of hers, she seemed to wonder why he had come out this way. For this he stuck around. He would like to know if the lone wolf had a reason for traversing so close to their lands. If need he would gladly send him away.

A brow quirked. Lost? He wasn't sure if he bought it. What adult wolf got so disoriented they didn't know where they were? Did he think to stop? The Lyall didn't try to hide his bemused expression. It could have been brave of the fellow to admit such a thing, but he wasn't convinced. The borders were too close. Most were capabe of understanding their importance. Renier wasn't sure if he felt kind today or considerate. But, he kept his sharp tongue in check. Silver facade smoothed, and he simply stated. "You're in the Drooping Willows, very close to the pack Willow Ridge." He did not say more, knowing it would not be good. So he left it to @Enoki, curious if she would believe him. If she had told him about where she had come from.

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(This post was last modified: Mar 07, 2017, 03:54 PM by Renier. Edit Reason: dem tag )

Whispering Pines send my baby back to me

It would seem Latif's display of submission were enough to appease the Lyall for the time being as smoldering amber gaze watched the man padded himself over to take up an open spot on one side of the magpie, a friendly bump of her marred snout to his tawny shoulder offered once he made himself comfortable although she opted to remain standing. Soon enough, though, her attention returned to the paler male present and ebony ears pricked forward attentively to listen to his explanation for how he came to find this place. Apparently, according to Latif's words it was a nightmare that frightening him enough to run blindly ahead and nearly into pack territory. A look of empathy etched itself onto the woman's dark features and a quick glance to her comrade revealed a look of bemusement settled upon his mug. 

Enoki paid Renier's expression no mind, for she herself found the story a little unconvincing despite having witnessed a small glimpse into who Latif was due to their prior encounter. An ear then pivoted sideways catching the Lyall's voice break the air to fill the silvered wolf in on his current whereabouts and just how close he came to wandering into claimed lands without revealing anything further. At this the patchy woman nodded in agreement, finally deciding to lower herself into a seated position. "It's unlucky to hear that a nightmare had disoriented you so, but it's lucky you didn't venture much further or else this encounter wouldn't be going as smoothly as it is. You look to be in rough enough shape as is." Another sympathetic look was given. "When was the last time you ate a good meal if you don't mind me asking?" She asked curiously and quite bluntly for someone such as herself, an inky brow quirking.

 If he was open to the idea the ever kindhearted woman wouldn't mind securing a quick meal for the man before sending him on his way, unless of course he wanted stay which of course she was all for considering their near desperate need to bulk up their numbers. Yet, that was information reserved only for the pack itself to know and Enoki wouldn't be foolish enough to reveal the pack's potential weakness.

Word Count: 367

Ashbash 2016 - Ian Schneider 

Latif watched as this Renier seemed to stand down as he listened to the marbled lady. Was she potentially higher in rank than him? Or was it simply out of respect? Whatever reason Latif was grateful that he wouldn't have the other man breathing down his neck. He did however take a seat apparently wanting to listen in on the conversation. How considerate.

After explaining himself they both looked rather confused at his remark. He didn't blame them for it. Yet, they could see the state he was in. It wasn't that hard to come up with the conclusion that he might have gotten mixed up from being so hungry. Didn't some wolves start attacking others just so that they could try and get something to eat even if they knew that they were going to lose their life in the process? Latif wasn't near that point yet but if the little amount of luck that was with him ever ran out he knew that he would be done for. He could feel it in his bones.

Renier was the first to speak telling him that he was near the borders of Willow Ridge. Latif gave the other a simple nod in understanding. He would try to avoid getting any closer. In fact when this chat ended he was going to try to get away from it. Even if he might have a potential ally in Enoki as she explained that if they had found him in there territory this chat wouldn't have been so pleasant. Latif didn't know of any pack that was welcoming to invaders so why should they? He would have understood after getting over the sudden shock of being chased out of course.

You're right about that/ Latif responded quickly. I don't remeber my last good meal but I had a frozen rabbit maybe two weeks back. He wasn't quite sure on the time frame but he was pretty sure he was almost accurate. Vaguely he wondered where this question was going to lead them.

(This post was last modified: Jan 08, 2017, 03:07 AM by Latif. Edit Reason: misread post so i need to fix mine )