Chasing Ghosts

The woodland was quiet. Through the hushed whisper of the breeze that snaked through the labyrinth of trees, the thunderous roar of fast flowing water could be heard. Angra's ears perked upwards and swerved to face the direction of the rivers serpentine hiss, flickering ever so slightly as he exacted its location. All of this was processed in a matter of seconds and in that time, his pale golden eyes had already begun to scour through the trees in search of a suitable path to take. Beneath the shaded cover of the trees and thick fog which hung like wraiths from their long crooked branches, his vision was poor. Dark lashes fluttered down as he glanced down at his paws which stood steadfast atop the hard soil, sharp claws kneading the surface of the ground with interest; just because he could not see a route to the river did not mean it was not there. His leathery black nose twitched and flared as Angra sniffed the dirt at his feet. He could pick out faint traces of other wolves that had crossed his wandering path; tracing ghostly footsteps which had once haunted these lands. With a quick shake of his pelt and ripple of lean muscles, Angra continued onward at a steady pace, swerving through the towering tree trunks.

The fresh scent of water teased him forwards, seduced his keen senses. Salmon-pink tongue swept eagerly across his charcoal lips as he grew more impatient at the thought of quenching his thirst. His limbs ached from the months he'd spent travelling, strategically travelling from one source of water to the next to keep himself satiated. His tail swayed in silent satisfaction as the roar of the river grew louder and the barrage of tress became more sparse along the horizon. The veil of fog still clouded his vision but Angra strained to make out the large carved shape of the rocks which caged the rapid waters turbulent torrent. His steps slowed as he neared the rocks, pale golden eyes scanning for a safe place to settle. Pausing to stand opposite a large sturdy boulder, Angra brushed his muzzle across its damp moss-laden surface, cautiously inspecting to see if it was safe enough to climb on. Large front paws were placed firmly on its flattest surface before his hind paws tentatively followed, sharp claws gripping onto the small cracks and crevasses which scarred the rocks exterior. His neck slipped down towards the river and no sooner had his charcoal lips touched the frothing water, did his tongue glide smoothly from his mouth to lap languidly at the cool clear liquid.

(This post was last modified: Jul 30, 2013, 07:46 AM by Angra.)

Slipping through the shadows beneath the canopy the Darkwater Leader stretched her legs, inspecting bits and pieces of her land as an excuse to limber up her bones. Of course she loved her dearest mate and children, but six of them in one den could get quite cramped sometimes, and only her longest route would ease the stiffness of her limbs.

She hadn't a purpose until a gentle breeze brought one forth. It was an unknown scent that drew her through the fog, her dark nose quivering as her tail rose instinctively over her back. The mist that shrouded their territory was thicker than she preferred it to be in such a time and as a result the she-wolf remained heartily on alert. Each paw was placed carefully after another, silent as the shadow she resembled while her amber eyes gleamed in search of who had come to pay them a visit.

As the thundering rapids grew nearer and nearer a shape made itself apparent through the pale haze, and it slowly became clear that the stranger was no more than a simple, worn loner taking a drink. Even so he was flirting with her border; though she could not detect any malice Ava was unwilling to turn away. More confident upon his identification the coal-pelted wolf strode forward at her leisure, watching the fog bend at her approach until she appeared at the opposite bank.

She could not decide if she was impressed or baffled that the male had chosen to brave the rapids for a drink, though they did last some time until the river relaxed. The gentle pool that drew away from the spitting waters was on her territory after all, and with four rambunctious pups constantly on the move she could not justify inviting a stranger over for a drink. He seemed to be minding his own very well but it was unwise to leave a loner at her border without a fuss. Plus, what if he fell in and died on her doorstep? That had to be some sort of bad juju or something.

She let her tail relax slightly, not needing to brandish her dominance if he had nothing to do with her own. Just so long as he knew she was there and respected that they could both be on their way in no time. If he'd some sort of hidden purpose she supposed he might voice it, but for the while Ava would remain a watchful mute.

art - threads

The creeping feeling that he was being watched caused a sharp tickle to shiver up his spine. Dark fur bristled high along the back of his neck and shoulders and his tail followed, curling up ever so slightly with suspicion. Charcoal lips paused to purse a fraction above the water, sending a cascade of tiny crystalline droplets dripping from the tip of his muzzle and chiseled chin. Black nostrils flared wildly as he tested the air, picking up on the potent scent of a females natural perfume. If he could smell her, the female could most certainly detect his roguish musk. Angra's ears flickered curiously as he listened out for any signs of movement whilst his eyes scanned up and across towards the other side of the raging river. There, entering through a thick curtain of fog, he glimpsed the movement of a shadowy figure as it approached. Bright amber eyes peered out to him from her cloak of onyx fur. Angra's cool golden stare eyed her with interest, calmly trying to calculate her intentions. For a moment the pair simply stood there on opposite sides of the bank, mute and motionless. The young male's tail twitched with mild irritation, concerned as to why he was being watched.

Hmmf.. Angra scoffed. A single brow raised and his lips tugged into a mischievously crooked smile, giving hints to his morbid humour. Shifting slightly on the boulder, Angra readjusted his position to allow him to stand confidently at his full height so that the female was able to get a better view of him before he settled down to rest neatly on his rear. Salmon-pink tongue tugged at the corners of his quenched lips, removing the last drops of water that still clung from his whiskers, before proceeding to groom his paws. Lifting a single front paw up off the rock, he ran his hot tongue along his hard aching pads to relieve himself of the discomfort caused after such a tiresome journey. Occasionally, Angra glanced up expectantly towards the female, holding her gaze for a few brief moments before continuing to clean himself. He was attentive enough to realise that it would be difficult (if not impossible) for the female to cross this part of the river to confront him head-on, so until she spoke up and addressed him, the young male was content to arrogantly linger in her presence.

(This post was last modified: Jul 28, 2013, 03:41 PM by Angra.)

Ava was not the only one to catch the scent so close to the border, so very close to home. The Darkwater Guardian kept a steady yet swift pace as he moved towards the source, catching onto Ava’s presence too. Seems she’d found it fishy, too, and gone to intercept. Half of Maksim went with the intent to get the stranger to back off a little whilst the other half went with the intent to protect his dark leader. Of course she could handle herself but lone wolves could be more than a little questionable and having one so close to the border without making his arrival known was more than a little unnerving. The scene he arrived to irked him. This loner seemed to not have a care in the world as he braved the fast moving river for a drink. Deciding to stay within the thick fog for now, Maksim cast his gaze to Ava and then back to the loner. What he saw caused a low growl to rumble in the brute’s chest. The loner stood at full height, an action that did not sit well with the Baranski. Why couldn’t he simply show respect? Was he socially inept? The more Maksim watched, the angrier he became. The loner sat, lifted his paw and he licked it. Enough was finally enough; Maksim was not happy to let this vagabond dirty his leader’s presence with such an air of arrogance. Appearing from the thick fog that almost recoiled at his movement, he scowled at the man for a few fleeting seconds before he raised his lip, teeth displayed in a very challenging manner, with a low grumble in his chest. It mattered not if Ava found Maksim’s behaviour unnecessary at the current time. The Guardian’s temper bubbled inside him, set alight by the cocky little shit’s slow grooming. Was he stupid? Could the fool not even smell the borders that he danced near? Could he not make the connection? The loner at their border irritated him like a dumb fly looping around his head on a warm summer’s day. Luckily, you could swat a fly. The younger male seemed like the kind of loner who thought himself king of the world, the kind of loner Maksim would enjoy knocking down a peg or two. “Who are you?” The guardian barked like a drill sergeant addressing a new recruit. No need for his, or Ava’s, introduction to come first. You did not respect those who did not offer respect themselves. MAKSIM BARANSKI “the only thing we’re allowed to do is believe we won’t regret the choices we make”

we are shining in the rising sun, as we are floating in the blue

It was not long that she stood there alone, alerted swiftly to the presence of another of her own. She remained motionless to Maksim's approach, letting her gaze flicker off-sides briefly so as to catch his green stare, pleased to have his support as a secret weapon thus far. Should trouble arise the brawny male was not only an intimidation factor, but a man of action as well. Sharp fangs were scary and even more so with blood dripping off. Not that there was need for any fighting... or was there?

The male rose to his four to give an unabashed presentation of his size, which Ava scrutinized with a furrowed brow, utterly confused by his self-expression. With a decided sniff of the surrounding fog she could sense the aggression beginning to churn in her shadow-cloaked Guardian as well. The loner's blatancy meant he was disregarding courtesy as boldly as he could, or that he was actually challenged in some way. Given two encounters with mental wolves before the black Queen was not apt to rule it, until he seated himself with an undeniable poise and lifted a paw to nurse his appearance. Her jaws parted narrowly to allow a hot grunt of disapproval, taking a step forward as her tail rose swiftly. The cyclopean Lore offered plenty of space for each wolf and she wasn't keen on being disrespected on the other side of her own border.

Anger reverberated through the mist as Maksim broke his silence and approached, flashing his teeth at their curious visitor. A smirk peppered with quiet pride adorned her dark mask at his protective show, letting her chin point skyward as she returned her amber gaze to the loner. She fixed him with an expectant expression, though one not without amusement, fully anticipating some more smart-assery in return. It wasn't like there was no way across the rapids here; in fact, she knew where the pass was that had brought them over in the first place. It would take perhaps a couple minutes to make it over to him and by then he could be long gone, but Ava first needed a reason to exert such an effort. There was a cap on her tolerance for a bedraggled stranger's nonsense - how soon did he intend to reach it?

art - threads

As Angra glanced up for a third time towards the shadowy figure of the female, a low ominous growl rumbled from somewhere in the fog, breaking through the silence like a fang through flesh. Pale golden eyes darted coldly across to the curtain of fog which lingered hauntingly behind the female and watched as it unfurled as a large male approached from behind her. It would seem that the two were acquainted as they shared fleeting glances of recognition, before the males reptilian green eyes focused on him. Angra stared at him, holding his gaze, unperturbed, which seemed to only cause the larger males to even more agitated and aggressive. A flash of fangs was shot towards him in challenge which caused Angra to stand again to full attention, the full line of hackles raising along his spine in recognition to the confrontational behaviour. For a fleeting moment Angra's eyes glanced back towards the female, who seemed to tolerate if not encourage the larger males display and was simply happy to watch. If she was just hang back and be a bystander, then the sides were looking a little more even - although the chances of him winning in a scuffle against the larger male should it erupt were slim. He would try and avoid violence at all costs.

Not wanting to feel outdone, Angra replied with a warning of his own. Thick tail stiffened and ears perked forwards assertively as he held the males glare, tip lip curling back to expose his set of pearly-white fangs, a grumble erupting from his throat. “Who are you?” The male barked as the female looked to him expectantly with disapproval. Angra pondered for a moment. "Why is it of your concern?" He replied calmly, a snarl laced within his words. Angra wasn't prepared to walk away just yet, he wanted to test them, see how far he could push them before their patience ran out. He wanted a reaction out of the dark female, who seemed could do nothing but watch as the situation unfolded, quietly observing. She intrigued him.

(This post was last modified: Jul 28, 2013, 03:41 PM by Angra.)

Respect was not a hard concept to grasp, nor was courtesy. It was something any wolf should be raised with as far as Maksim was concerned, as well as the knowledge of how to respect a pack and their borders, but the loner seemed to be clued up on none of it, as if he had suddenly appeared with no childhood or family to guide him. The Baranski watched as he bristled, standing as tall as he could, which caused a hot snort to erupt from the Darkwater member’s nose, like a bull about to charge. As if to add further insult to his inability to kneel, the stranger kept looking at Ava, who had thrust her head up to almost peer down her nose, for brief and fleeting moments. Having to restrain himself from stepping in front of her to block the loner’s view, Maksim let another snarl roll like thunder from within as the loner stiffened his tail. The guardian lifted his own tail, taking a step forward. His body screamed silent threats. Try me. I dare you. Give me a reason to come over there. I’d be more than happy to tear you a new asshole. The younger male remained cocky, with an additament of almost foolish rebellion to Maksim’s question. The guardian snapped his jaws. What an ignorant little roach, playing hard wolf at the borders he patrolled, ignoring questions any sane wolf would scramble to answer in the presence of an alpha and her guardian. “It is of my concern,” he spat as if his tongue were drenched in poison, “because you are quenching your thirst at my pack’s borders uninvited and unannounced.” Oh, if only the Darkwater guardian stood on the same bank as their arrogant visitor, he’d make the vagrant bow; he’d make him tremble and whine for the dark lady’s forgiveness before sending him off with a little lesson in the art of respect and more than a slight bruising. Maksim could, of course, be gentle giant with those who found themselves on his good side, but to those without two brain cells to rub together and an attitude he could be as savage as the bears he was mistaken for. “So, I’ll ask you again: who are you?” No “what do you want” or “how can I help”. Just a demand for a name to put to the idiot’s face. But if the loner came back with another smart arsed answer? Well, Maksim knew these Rapids just as well as Ava, perhaps even better. Those weeks in the den with her pups? The guardian spent those patrolling, learning, memorising. He knew of a few patches not too far from here that he could cross too. MAKSIM BARANSKI “the only thing we’re allowed to do is believe we won’t regret the choices we make”

we are shining in the rising sun, as we are floating in the blue

Hints of a sneer pulling grim on her lips would appear as the stranger raised himself against Maksim's reprimand, deigning to speak but only so far as to deny them any right to his response. She rolled her shoulders with confidence despite the words he snapped toward them. If not for the white caps raging between the Darkwater wolves and this loner she could imagine there would be a lot more quivering with his legs than his lip. The edge in Maksim's voice had even her heart beating faster. It was the first time she'd seen his fuse lit and she doubted his was long, and the younger male's flame-fanning words certainly didn't help it. How long could this stranger remain indifferent toward it?

Thus far she remained, at least outwardly, unperturbed toward his strange mannerisms. Each time those pale eyes sought her she refused to give him any more than her stare in return, letting the gleam of her amber gaze remain ambiguous. Truthfully Ava was uncertain that she'd ever been in a situation quite like this one and as the air grew more and more dense with tension she was beginning to wonder if he was testing her like she was testing him. Fine. It was his game, but surely she could play too.

She took two strides closer to the waters, taking her time to saunter with the full length of her dark legs. The spray of the river greeted her toes as she came to stand proudly against the mist. The fluidity of the raise of her tail and roll of her shoulders backward to straighten her spine was a threat not unlike those underlying the words that Maksim flung across the river, though she left her subtlety for his questioning. Her dark ears stood forward as Maksim demanded an answer once more. The silver and brown Guardian was everything a wolf was taught to fear. Layers of well-fed muscle and glittering fangs were a match for anyone. Why this loner refused to yield was beyond her; certainly it wasn't just the safety of distance that left him so bold?

Regardless of her amusement she wouldn't allow herself or her pack mate to remain a stranger's toy for so long. Ava did not raise her voice, letting the venom lacing her dulcet tones speak the volume she wanted. "Answer him," was all she gave, determined to hold his languid stare if he looked once again. The fire in her amber eyes was calm, but it smoldered intensely. How long until it burst into flame?

art - threads

Angra glared daringly at the larger male, whose tail stiffened dominantly above the smooth arch of his spine. His posture held warning; the threat of violence was growing more promising with every passing second. The young male had no intention of fighting. If it came down to it Angra would simply retreat back into the woodland and loose them in the maze of trees. Having a large raging river between him and the opposing pair of wolves had made him to believe (wrongly or not) that he had the upper hand: he could see no way for them to cross this portion of the rapid waters. To him all their threats were empty, and purely for show. Although the more he tested and pushed the larger male to him limit, the more a small pang of doubt caused an unnerving twist in his gut. He refused to let this uncertainly show however, and instead masked it behind a feigned display of confidence, trying his luck one last time.

Finally, Angra received an answer to his question - and indeed the whole situation. “It is of my concern,” The male spat, Angra lifted a brow in interest. “because you are quenching your thirst at my pack’s borders uninvited and unannounced.” The penny dropped. His jaw stiffened. It explained why the dark female had been watching him so intently and this larger male was acting so aggressively towards him. He blamed his tardiness for not noticing the pack's border markings down to tiredness and fatigue, it had been weeks since he'd last eaten a substantial meal. Dark lashes dropped a fraction, casting a contemplative shadow across his eyes as they narrowed in thought. A pack was what he needed. It was what he had been searching for out here in these foreign lands. If he were to join a pack, he would be able to put his past behind him. But here he was, in a slightly sticky situation. He had angered the packs members and behaved in an unfavourable manner. Surely they would think of him as nothing more than a dreck and there would be no chance of him being accepted into their ranks now? Well.. He mused, If I am to be chased off anyway, there would be no extra harm in trying.

“So, I’ll ask you again: who are you?” Angra remained silent for a moment, inwardly contemplating how he should go about trying to turn the who situation around to his advantage — but the dark female prompted him, leaving no time for careful thought. "Answer him," His pale golden eyes danced from one face to the other, settling on the larger males reptilian glare. Salmon-pink tongue swept across his lips - a display of nerves that was difficult to hold back. "Angra Dragomír." He answered plainly.

His gaze returned to the female. Angra pulled his ears back and lowered his tail and he faced her from the opposite side of the rapids. "Forgive me, Ma'am." The word in itself caused a line to crease up the bridge of his muzzle."I was unaware that I was encroaching on your lands - I shall make a note to be more attentive in future." His jaw stiffened. Apologies were not something that Angra enjoyed nor gave out lightly. But in this circumstance, he would grovel if he had to. He stood more neutrally now and allowed his tail to hang limply behind him - but his muscles were tensed, ready to spring into action should he need to make a quick exit. "Is it just the two of you then?" He inquired as to their packs numbers before pausing, with baiting breath in preparation for his next bold statement. "..It just so happens that I am looking to join a pack." He fought to hold his nerve, his eyes drifting slowly towards the large male who obviously held a strong disliking towards him already. Angra had asked for forgiveness, it was only a matter of time before he found out if they should grant him anything at all.

(This post was last modified: Jul 28, 2013, 03:55 PM by Angra.)

The whole situation seemed to fall into place for the loner, like he had been harshly pricked by a needle whilst on the brink of fall asleep, and Maksim almost had to bite back an amused, morbid grin as their guest’s face dropped, if only by a fraction. Hadn’t thought his little show through, had he? The guardian was willing to gamble he felt like utter dreck now, and so he should for acting the way he had in front of a leader. Perhaps, though, the pale eyed stranger still hadn’t twigged she stood at the top of the pack or perhaps he had now after her cold demand for him to answer Maksim’s question. The loner remained quiet for a few seconds, almost prompting Maksim to release another snarl but then, after a quick flick of a pink tongue across dark lips, a name was given that was almost monotone in presentation: Angra Dragomír. His posture dropped though Maksim’s remained rigid and dominant. Angra referred to her as ma’am which released a barely audible huff at. Looks like he’d fallen into the pile of muddled up debris that was his manners, then. At least he could see he had made a mistake and apologised, though he’d have to do a lot more than simply say ‘sorry’ if he ever hoped to have Maksim forgive his impudence. Appeasing Maksim generally meant appeasing the leaders and only then would he look at you without scorn in his eyes. A leader’s word was law, after all, and if law looked upon you with dislike then the enforcers of law would do so too. Angra inquired about the number of the pack, asking if it was only Maksim and Ava who walked the borders. What a ridiculous question, what kind of pack only had two members? “No,” he stated bluntly, green stare locked on the male, “there are more than just us.” There was Kade, Ava’s mate of course, and those who occupied the places of seconds in command. Then there was Lily, Isadora and the four healthy, curious pups. The children the guard spent the day protecting by watching and patrolling borders for the soul intent of chasing off trouble. “… It just so happens that I am looking to join a pack.” The guardian could not hold back the scoff and stepped forward to draw up beside Ava. He had some nerve. Maksim would sooner chase this idiot off than have him in this pack, though it was not his decision to make. Looking to his dark leader, the guardian remained silent, waiting for her to say her piece. She seemed to be a good judge of character; whatever she made of him, Maksim would hear her out though. MAKSIM BARANSKI “the only thing we’re allowed to do is believe we won’t regret the choices we make”

we are shining in the rising sun, as we are floating in the blue