Presto Manifesto

@Arlette <333

Silence. It cloaked the darkened folds of the endless forest in such a way that it was like the sun didn't exist at all. The shaded floor was thick with senseless arrangements of strange shrubbery, rotting vines and fallen trunks of archaic trees. Mosses existing in never-ending, faraway shades of green lined the blunted edges of the creek's bank─if it could be called a creek. It seemed more or less like a glorified mud vein that slithered through the earth and couldn't possibly serve a purpose except to lead him deeper into this forsaken, labyrinthine place. The crags of a distant range had led him past the redwood realm of his upbringing, through a novel world of rolling hills and strange cypress-like trees, across a desolate stretch of flat, red sanded nothingness and finally to this dense, dark grove where there was only quiet and shadow. Here and there he would pass under meager openings in the shield of tree tops, and the feeling of summer warmth capering across the planes of his back was a short-lived reminder that at least somewhere in the world it was really summer. He wasn't lost─which would imply that he didn't know what he was doing or where he was going. There was an aim to his scattered navigation, and it was sensible to believe that following a waterway such as this...ridiculous one would lead him out of here and closer to somewhere he could find a better vantage point. He'd seen the mountain from the open margin before this forest, looming high in the distance, it's white-capped peak concealed by silvery streaks of clouds. Judging from what he could manage to see of the sun through the canopy, he was still on the right track, but at this rate it was unlike he'd manage to make it out of here by sundown. Thirst droned in the back of his throat and much of the ivory fur of his underbelly and nearly every inch of his thick legs was caked with mud or debris. The vivid russet, chestnut, and pewter hues of his coat was muted by dirt, and even the long whiskers on wide muzzle seemed dirty. What he needed more than to leave this particular woodland behind him, more than a little sunlight and fresh, dry air, was a drink and a bath. Food would be nice, too, but he couldn't quite imagine what wildlife the marsh here had to offer. One-eyed alien bug-rats, misshapen two legged deer-birds, giant slugs. Ugly, scaly horned vermin. A distant, unfamiliar avian caw echoed through the dimness as he sludged through a shallow mud puddle. With no end in sight, all there was to do was continue on and hope that the forbidden, hypnagogic brook would eventually or magically become a roaring river or pleasant pond. One way or another, he was drawing closer to a place he knew was real, where the creeks shone iridescently and their beds were adorned with coppery stones.

A r l e t t e You're a hard soul to save with an ocean in the way. The sun was breathing down upon the nape of her neck, forcing her mouth open to keep her temperature in check. Had it always gotten this hot? Craving a cool place there was a white shore with turquoise waters to the north, her body reminded her. A feeble smile that turned to a crumbling frown was her only response. The beautiful place would never be worth the price. Hardened steps pushed her onward, not knowing what she would find, but anything would serve as a distraction. She would walk a hundred miles just to forget for a short time. It made her miss her family, it made her miss having a place to rest her head feeling everything in her world was right. That was just part of growing up, she often told herself. Didn't everyone at this point leave home any way? Searching for their own? Meek and mild. It seemed all she was cut out to be, only a simple place beneath the rest where she wouldn't worry. Once and awhile the lady turned her head, yellow eyes searching across the Vale. Often Arlette felt she was being followed by more than just the sun. No one was ever there for her nose to detect, eyes to see. All the long walk she had her terrible thoughts for company. Should she seek Elettra out? Ask her if she knew anything? Take refuge in knowing the dark silver lady who had always been her guardian and protector. Those thoughts only made her think of Kade, of where his new family had settled and what awaited her in the blue, hazy woods. A lift to her chin for now she was staying on this part of the realm, and would sort one thing at a time. Being scattered, and shallow were not words she wanted to describe her. Following what had been a creek, it looks promising darting through ancient trees that rise in a strong century. Born on the mountain, but drawn to the forest. Shaking her head, with a faint chuckle she already felt better by the damp earth that met her nose. Mud, a summer remedy after water. If she didn't think really hard about it, exploring another uncharted area was an old fashioned adventure she needed. Arlette might get more than she bargained for. The lady had drifted farther into the shaded wood, finding the water had grown more murky with the lack of sun. It suited this dank place. A frog seemed to agree with her silent thought, but it was caw that had her snapping her head upward. Something about this sound bothered her. Suspicious she glared up at the canopy, but could not see where it was. "What do you want?" The white lady, painted with brown asked it.

(This post was last modified: Jul 01, 2013, 09:35 PM by Arlette.)

The caw call echoed hollowly into the forest in discernible waves, eventually dissipating into silence that rang in his ears. As eerie as the sound had been in quality and as shocking as it was after hours of quiet, as it faded it was a reminder that he was utterly alone. His peppered ears flattened, a scowl twisting onto his face. It wasn't that he was bitter about it. This was what he wanted. Wasn't it? No─what he wanted was to be somewhere breezy that didn't reek of swamp, where the mud didn't boil and the air wasn't stifling and thick and emp─ "What do you want?" He stiffened, caught off guard by the distinctly feminine sound of the voice he entertained he may have imagined, so close to his ears. If there had been a place to lose your mind in, it was this one. It wasn't just a voice, though─it asked the same question he asked himself only second before! He blinked incredulously, holding his breath as his heart began to race like a band of wild horses against the walls of his chest; was he really losing it? Of course not. Breathing in deep and quiet, the pewter-stroked boy quickly considered more reasonable explanations and the possibility that, maybe, he wasn't as alone as he thought. Surely no one else would be crazy enough to get stuck out here. His eyes darted about the dim forest, their fiery shades washed out by the veils of shadow. Mud squished beneath him as he shifted his weight, the tip of his dirtied tail flicking as he squinted to get a good look at anything out of the ordinary. Past a bank of dark shrubs he caught sight of her, the flawless alabaster of her long coat standing out like a mountain from a valley against the marshy shades of green and brown that surrounded them. A girl. Was it curiosity that kept his eyes along the plane of her shoulder, the gentle, slender curve of her back? "A cold drink and a beaten path, for starters─" His bright eyes focused astutely on the ashen stranger as he moved toward her in a few smooth strides.

(This post was last modified: Jun 27, 2013, 09:07 PM by Mirren.)

A r l e t t e You're a hard soul to save with an ocean in the way. The bird must want her to leave as most did, it sounded again for her to get a move on. Arlette scowled at it thinking what was the point of that? She was perfectly fine doing so, but rather not be followed by its voice, pushing her, mocking. What was she really hurting? There was no carrion for it to be concerned about her stealing. Keeping an eye upon it, she did not know she had spoken to other ears, let alone they were coming this way. Since someone was, and she was in her own little world again she was pretty shocked hearing a rather prominent voice of a young male answer. Pale eyes bore into the bird for a semi-second, her brows stitched with bewilderment. The squish of mud, brought her head whipping around, searching the forest till they fell upon the silver, and tawny male whose eyes she couldn't tell were brown or orange. What a daring one, answering her without skipping a beat. If she was more like her sisters she would have scoffed at him, put off immediately, acquiring her own forward stance. Arlette was only glad he wasn't a wolf of red with steel blue eyes. None the less yellow eyes had done a slow double check, taking in his features thinking he looked really familiar. Before she could remember, she realized how she was standing there staring back likely rather blankly. Gently blinking, turning her ears, upward, she squared her shoulders in his direction. "You do hmm?" She queried with a quizzical brow, still wishing she knew who he reminded her of so much. Caught between telling him what she wanted, and being helpful she chose the latter. "Not sure you'll find them here, but can help you look if you want." White crown dropped a few degrees, eyes reaching toward the ground before lifting up again. "Unless you like brown water, " she added with a wry smile, taking a moment to let her nose search to see if he was alone. He seemed to be, but he was too far for her to collect more information that would be in his pelt. Since they had just met, she met his gaze with interest, wondering what kind of wolf he was.

(This post was last modified: Jul 01, 2013, 10:49 PM by Arlette.)

It was like he was watching the girl's reaction from somewhere else, somewhere high above both of them─a bird's-eye view. He saw with objectivity the way she'd looked to the perched bird, the furrowing of her brows, and the wheels turning in her head as the sound of his footsteps squishing through the mud registered in her mind. He saw himself, watching her, wild-eyed as she spun to look him over and as he searched her unfamiliar, golden eyes for an inclination as to why she at first seemed a bit perplexed. You're right about that," he indicated concerning the whereabouts of his desires' locations. For a moment he was still, looking over the planes and angles of the girl's face. She seemed friendly, enough so to help out a complete stranger; what a rare characteristic to have, indeed. It seemed fortunate for him, then, not only to have come across, at minimum, a neutral individual but also to have help offered to him. Stubborn as he was, he really didn't feel inclined to accept anyone's help, a friendly, pretty girl or not, but he brushed it off like dead grass from the tips of his fur. "Brown water really isn't my thing. Besides, who knows what else is in there." He motioned to the stream. Her smile lingered in the folds of his mind, and for the first time he wondered what a girl like that was doing out here. Judging only from first appearances, she seemed mannerly, well-bred, and the soft, plush appearance of her coat suggested she probably wasn't the rugged, wandersome type. "─Can't say I'm in much of a position to turn down the help and company of a pretty girl," a rare, charming smile flickered across his dark features, like the fleeting shine of a silver blade turning beneath moonlight. "You from around here?" he asked, proceeding to move closer to the bank on his side of the creek, his eyes never leaving her.

A r l e t t e You're a hard soul to save with an ocean in the way. The look given to her, she felt her ears tip back, her eyes finding a faint yellow leaf on a near by bush more interesting. "Oh, I thought the erm bird was talking to me for a second...it..it's been a hot day," she attempted to explain. Thinking that sounded as bad out loud as it did in her head, she felt her cheeks puff up, slipping him a sheepish smile while letting out a smidgen of air. Soon her white face relaxed a degree, and she still found he was looking at her. Pale, yellow eyes unsteadily blinked not use to daring looks be they blue, gold, or orange. To kill the feeling she hated, she found her alto voice slipping from her throat. "Ah, so you're telling me that if I went the other way nothing would change?" She playfully questioned with a perked brow. Wondering why he was here if it wasn't what he had wanted. She had come here on purpose for a change, and he didn't seem the type to be lost. As her own eyes lingered over his coat of striking copper, masked in black and silver it was his unwavering gaze ,she couldn't quite look away from, that reminded her. A widening look of awe and surprise flashed across her face,and she quickly smoothed her features."You're a Tainn....aren't you?" The question fell in a composite of a declaration, and query. He was not exactly his father's clone, but mirrored the picture she had in her memories. It was a little strange when she was wandering to have run into not one but three Tainns. How many of them were there? A cock to her head she pleasantly listened to him speak again, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, probably something to make your stomach squirm." Briefly she shook her head with the shudder in her shoulders at the thought of an alignment most unpleasant. With it passed Arlette studied the yearling with equal interest, waiting for him to be too proud to accept her offer. He surprised her with every word backed with a dashing smile. She felt her right foreleg raise uncertain, as a soft smile grew on her white muzzle. He had accepted to join her, and she hadn't expected to feel this happy about it. "Alright, than I think we better head west. This must go somewhere," she made her head tip toward the stream before her eyes slowly pulled upward certain to be staring back into his amber pair. Sure enough they were, and she wasn't sure why it made heat rise in her cheeks. Why she almost didn't hear his question. Swallowing, with a brief wag of her tail she shuffled in place."Sorta, I lived on the far west side of the mountains. But now I'm hoping to find a new pack over here. What..what about you? You like to wander?"

(This post was last modified: Sep 10, 2013, 02:55 AM by Arlette.)

The seconds passed by and even from a distance he could see some of the tension bleed from her, like a weight taken off her shoulders, as small talk was expertly exchanged between them. In the moments that their eyes connected a strange and new energy seemed to course between them, like invisible lightning; her pale eyes were so bright with life that at any moment he expected sparks to fly from them and glitter the ground. "If you went the other way, I'd be utterly disappointed." Whatever that could mean hung in the air, as did the faint, honest kind of smile that curled at one corner of his lips. Her next inquiry was more of a statement of fact as it caught him off guard. His head lifted in surprise, the delight that, maybe, she wasn't so much of a stranger as he'd thought clear in his features. "Yes," he confessed, eyeing her intelligently. "I'm Mirren..." At this point, he was absolutely impressed with the ivory-furred girl. Who was she? And how did she know his family, and who did she know? A slew of questions were a flurry in his mind as his wide paws sank beneath his weight into the soft dirt of the creek bank. He wanted to ask her all of them, but settled on one that he thought would be the best step in the right direction, when the time was right. "Pretty and smart," he added. "What is your name?" She shuddered at the thought of what else could be in the waterway's murky depths and he chuckled. Really, the thought of even something nasty squirming in his stomach was sort of pleasant because he was awfully hungry, but he quickly forgot about the feeling when she suggested heading westward─just where he wanted to go. "West it is." For a moment her eyes fell to the liquid surface of the thick water, his own roving curiously over the angles of her face. When she looked up there was a warm expression there to greet her, and his tail wagged with hers. She spoke of a past to the west of the mountains and her plans for the future on this side, and he listened intently, eyeing a narrowing stretch of creek and making his way to it. Gathering his weight beneath him, Mirren effortlessly launched across to his counterpart's side. "You could say I like to wander. There's a vast world out there, and I plan to see all of its wonders, starting with this one." he said, nodding to the ugly brook, a gleam of humor bright in his eyes. It was true; for the most part he didn't like to stay in one place for long, and he'd wandered himself all the way to, well, her. Whether that was because of his age or because he was looking for something more remained to be seen. "You didn't like it there? In the west, I mean." If she was looking for a pack, did that mean she didn't have one? Or maybe she was like him, and wanted a life of her own somewhere new.

(This post was last modified: Aug 16, 2013, 04:18 AM by Mirren.)

<3

A r l e t t e You're a hard soul to save with an ocean in the way. "Well, lucky for you I'm not." Whether it was because she had liked Ruiko, or this yearling had such a sweet smile, the kind that sparked of mischief, but not thirst she found it easy to quip back. For a change her body didn't feel like a collection of tight nerves, little strings pulled tight. How Arlette could see how she had hit thrown him an unexpected curve. There was no dodging on his part, but what appeared to be a rather smooth catch of this information. In the moment he replied she envied how he didn't stammer, drop his eyes away, or leave the air empty for long. Arlette hated that ache in her chest, squelch in her gut worse than the empty parts. "Mirren Tainn," she tested, thinking it sounded fitting. The best way she would have summed the yearling up, yet to know more beyond his fiery eyes. "Son of Ruiko Tainn?" Brow quirked faintly, by her luck he could belong to another branch of the Tainn family tree, and she knew well enough to check. It didn't exactly matter, as she already felt lucky he had wandered in on her silly conversation. The company of wolves claiming more years upon her wasn't necessarily terrible, but she was starting to dislike how she was two years old and still a child they wanted to look after. While it always felt nice to have someone giving a care about her, the reasons behind the purpose mattered. Especially, since she wasn't in a pack. It didn't make sense for her well being to be any issue but, her own. She had to wonder, was that why he was out here wandering. Lettie should have known enough to see he would throw his own curve. She didn't. Face went hot, and she felt she was grinning like an idiot, with those silly white ears pressed to her head. In reality her muzzle was only slightly plagued with a hint of a pleased smile instead, the triangle fold of her ears just turned back. While her eyes, remained keen on staying on the marbled, young man. "Arlette Dieudonné Lyall," because it would just be rude to leave him with Arlette. "Lettie, works just as well and is short and sweet." The mattered settled on where they were going, and despite the humid air it felt very easy to breathe. Timidly, her tail would wag in tune with his, if only because there was a piece of her still hesitant on the whole idea. Mirren didn't seem to notice how she said more than the same word once, or didn't hold plainly still. A light laugh played in her throat at his comment. "Awe, so you're working your way to better places, saving the best for last?" The lightness in her laugh carried in her question as she began to walk, following the brook, making sure to keep with her company. The young lady took a couple steps, thinking she should have seen that question of all things. Time and time again she always came up with the wrong ones in her head. Forcing her eyes to remain on the trail, there was a quietness now. "I loved it there. But--I moved on, and so did the rest of my family." That was what it felt like, but she was living her life why would they stop theirs without her? Thinking this would only spark more questions, she continued, "I'm only over here looking for a friend because he knew why they left. He just didn't tell me all of what happened while I was gone." Lettie let out an inaudible sigh, thinking she should give up on finding Fenru. She was beginning to think she wouldn't see his face again, and even if she didn't think he would part with his story. "He's actually your cousin...I think?" She hoped that would take his eyes off her, because even though she had found a new travel buddy for the time being, she was reminded again how alone she would be later.

(This post was last modified: Sep 10, 2013, 03:39 AM by Arlette.)

He couldn't help but to notice the way she seemed to relax and he liked it, and relaxed, too. Living alone in the world was hard, and more often than not it was the disinterested ones he'd run into, or assholes. Mirren had certainly encountered some of them along the way. How refreshing it was to finally meet a girl with a gentle way about her, who didn't mind having a meaningful conversation. Well, it was meaningful to him, anyway; for all he knew she might've been put-off by his presence or questions, but for now it appeared as though the pretty girl was enjoying his company as much as he was enjoying hers. His name rolled off of her tongue and he perked up in a moment of surprise that she'd just said it like she'd known it all along. And then came the inevitable mention of his father's name, and he felt proud and glad to be on his own all the same. "That's right," he agreed, smiling softly. "You're really on a roll, you know..." It was true. She seemed to know more about him than he was sure he was comfortable with, but her girlish charm was magnificent enough to smooth over any awkward or unsure feelings that never really succeeded in surfacing. When she proceeded to introduce herself, Mirren was mildly disappointed that he'd never heard of, or had any knowledge whatsoever concerning, her surname. Either of them. Here she was, spouting off accurate guesses about who he was, and he didn't have much to play back. Nonetheless, he was totally enthralled with her. "Arlette Dieudonné Lyall," he repeated mindfully, comitting the name to memory. "Well, Ms. Dieudonné Lyall─Lettie─ I'm afraid I'm not rehearsed in your history as you are in mine, but perhaps you'd be pleased to know I think it's a pretty name." If she wanted to share it with him, he was eager to hear more of her story. "Awe, so you're working your way to better places, saving the best for last?" Come to think of it, was he saving the best for last? He knew where he was going─north and over the mountain, to the land of his birth─but whether his arrival there was going to be a good thing or a bad thing, he wasn't sure. His feelings about returning to Copper Rock Creek were mixed at best, and murky at worst. He just wasn't sure if he was making the right decision for his own well being by going back to a place where he'd almost died and had to leave behind because of his father. His brows furrowed for a thoughtful moment, but quickly relaxed as the contagion of Arlette's warm-hearted laugh caught on. His golden eyes swept back to her own and he chuckled the last of the breath he'd been holding, suddenly thankful for her. "I certainly hope so," he relinquished openly. The young Tainn listened astutely to her narrative, looking over now and then to watch the way her lips moved as she spoke. Arlette seemed resolute about moving on, and for the first time he noticed the air of maturity that encompassed her. When she mentioned that she was actually investigating why her family left, and that a certain cousin might hold the answer, his eyes brightened. He knew Ruiko's side of the family was from these parts, and perhaps was still here, but he'd never met any of them and honestly didn't think he ever would. He couldn't pinpoint the connection between his family and Arlette yet, but he was surely glad to know that he had family in the area and that he'd met someone who knew them. His own interests aside, Mirren bit back the notion of sadness he thought accompanied the fact that Lettie was without her family, and must have missed them if she was going through all this trouble to find answers to the question of what had happened with them. "My cousin? Really?" he questioned, a tentative hint of satisfaction subtle in his tone. "That's crazy─that you know my cousin, too─but I think it's pretty cool that he could help you find the answers you're looking for. It sounds like you miss them, your family...I hope that you find what you're looking for, Arlette." At this, his eyes did stray from her. The last thing he wanted was to make her uncomfortable or stir up any bad feelings, and he hoped that she could see that he was expressing interest in her search.

A r l e t t e You're a hard soul to save with an ocean in the way. Bright eyes survived him in a delicate way, hoping she wasn't hurting his ego or scaring him by her knowledge. Sensing none, she wanted to explain how she knew this. "I met him once when I was a pup. He told me about the river pack, and how he wanted to create his own. I guess he must have, with you here..." Lettie tried to smile confidently, but it was a little unsteady. She was still looking for discomfort. A sign she should shut her mouth. The last thing she wanted to do was to be alone again. White limbs stretched across the ground, and there was a happy sway to her tail. Her real smile had composed itself back on her muzzle by the strokes of his voice. She had always liked her name, and didn't know why or question how she liked hearing him tell her so. She just did. The young lady wasn't quite sure how to make amends about knowing more of him, than he of her. She didn't like to speak of herself. It wasn't a very flowing story. Walking, she quietly tried to think of a remedy. Could not yet collect the right words. So she listened, glimpsing him from the corner of her eye. With nothing bogging her down, she divided her attention to where she placed her paws, finding the ground a little more muddy in this area than she liked. Swiftly, looked upward to Mirren. "Is that where you are going? I mean back to that home?" There was a carefulness in the current of her words. She wasn't sure what state it was in, and knew all to well how old wounds could reopen. While she wanted to know, ask about his father, all that had happened she didn't. Instead, a sudden spark seemed to come to her gaze, and a nervous laugh peeled from her lips. "You know I don't think it's fair I know more about you. How about a game of truth? You ask me a question, then I trade off with one for you?" With the spark still in pale yellow of her eyes, she paused to meet his gaze. Wondering if he would take up on this offer or decide to pass. The steady way he took her words, she didn't know what to say. She was struck how he wasn't all self absorbed, but instead how he was thoughtful and kind. She would have almost thought him older by those attributes alone. "Yes, it is." First quietly, she agreed about Fenru's helpfulness. "Thank you, Mirren." For listening, and understanding. When she edged her sight from the ground, she saw he was continuing to lead them further along the creek. A simple action that meant a lot to dear Lettie. The moment of silence that came did not bother her, it was a peaceful sorta thing with the gurgle of the brook, and the skid of paws.

(This post was last modified: Oct 26, 2013, 04:13 AM by Arlette.)