little lion man

He could almost see the thoughts swarming through the she-wolf's brain as they faced off, the injured bunny behind her, and himself prepared to stay as long as it took to help her understand her error. The bloodied mess was a tasty morsel, a satisfying snack, anything but a creature to protect and nurture except by its own. Thus was the way of things, and thus Hati would remain with the wolf Eek and show her. Confusion still danced around in his own thoughts as to how she had become like this, but none of that really mattered since nothing could be done about it now.

The black female wasn't about to give up so easily, though, and Hati retraced his single step to the angry clicking of her glistening teeth. He sighed in exasperation, wondering if this whole endeavor was pointless, a waste of precious time. It was likely, he supposed, but the dark man wasn't going to give up quite yet either. He knew that the poor girl wouldn't last long if she rescued prey rather than ate it unless she somehow managed to trick a pack into believing she would be a strong addition to it.

Immediately, at that thought, a pang of guilt shot through the long-time loner. The same nearly went for him, it seemed, and yet here he accused another for not being perfectly fit for pack life. A sigh slipped through his lips and he hung his head just as the gruff voice of a strong male startled him out of his thoughts and brought him back to full attention, first on the crazy she-wolf and then on searching for the source of the demanding words. The large black man stood not far off, eyes roving between Hati and Eek, clueless as to the monstrosity, the abomination, that was taking place. Hati grimaced and motioned towards Eek, who had just completely destroyed her own case.

It would be unfortunate if this new black stranger also thought that poor injured bunnies should be helped and cared for. If so, a successful retreat was all he could hope for.

You'll never be what is in your heart

Triell saw the female was not alone, but her companion was quiet. He did not directly answer, but it wasn't hard to miss his expression, the way he looked at the female. If to say just look at what she's doing.

A rumble began in his chest, his own warning to the female if she dare snap at him, he would be biting back. He wasn't tolerant of being attacked without cause, and especially near his very home. Besides the Tainn was here to help, and held a broad stance, seeing if she would test it further. Since she didn't, he was quiet. Perhaps she had a change of heart, because instead of snapping further she explained the passing drama. The dark wolf's muscles relaxed, his guard not entirely dropped, but not raised to counter back.

A child? Dark brows drifted over his eyes while he looked down, seeing the rabbit. A small thing, and the child she must be speaking about. He hadn't met a wolf who was bothered by the age of a kill. Sometimes babes were the only meal a starving stomach could get. He had only ever killed young mice, and put a young deer out of its misery, but he probably wouldn't have thought much about a baby rabbit. He wouldn't have killed one simply because it was small and not worth the effort. Still, it clearly upset her and in this case he didn't want to heighten that tone.

"Oh," he managed to mutter, his dark mask changing to a thoughtful look. He might be confused with the other male, but he was going to hide that fact. "Well, is the child okay now?" He questioned, lightly meeting her silver gaze. He wasn't sure what else to say, but had a few things in mind to settle what had happened. Hati (though Triell would not know that was his name) had not committed a crime in the leader's eyes, but he was curious why it was in hers. Did she simply kill everything old and frail instead? "I think your companion's wondering, as am I. If you do not kill the young, do you eat at all miss?"

are you with me through it all?

They looked at her as though she were a bomb they didn't know how to diffuse. It perhaps gave her an edge, but boy was it ever a lonely feeling. They didn't understand, though the newest stranger was at least attempting to placate her. Eek wasn't sure what to do, if she should continue appealing to these two or if she should take the opportunity to flee. She did know that while it might be possible to reason with them in time, currently they were both immoral monsters. How could it even be a question in someones mind, how could one ever doubt the value of a child's life? As the vocal one asked her for information about her eating habits, Eek couldn't help but let out a soft snort. They weren't going to get it. Eek took a careful step backward, doing her best to keep the other wolves in her sights while attempting to check up on the dying rabbit below her. Its fur was matted with even more blood now, and its breathes were all but nonexistent. Panic fluttered through her chest. She didn't have time for this, she had to give this kit medical attention immediately! "No, it's dying," she informed him, her words breathless and rushed as she would answer his questions only so that she would be able to ask her own; "of course I eat, I eat those who are grown and have lived their lives. This child deserves to live. Please, both of you, leave us alone or help!" Her final words were desperate and pleading, and her actions next hung on how the two men responded. If they wanted to help, she would allow them, but they would have to be swift. If they caused her any doubt, she would take the child and run.

Render said it was okay to skip. :3

You'll never be what is in your heart

He had spoken too much aloud, as usual. It was not the time to eat his words. Questions needed answers, and he was trying to understand why it should bother her. Why he should help? Did she really think he was here to finish the rabbit? No, and he did not think the other would risk a fight just to kill the small rabbit. The dark wolf stood, trying not to let his body stiffen. Trying to think if this had a solution or if it would be a band aid fix.

It was evident the creature was perishing, and she must know this. Demanding help or them to leave, he knew the nicest thing would be to finish its life. This would upset the lady more, and he was certain neither male would get in a position to make it a possibility. With his ears turning back, and a breath heavy in his chest, he walked cautiously to her side. "Why don't you clean the wounds, and I'll try to find Ergot to see if we can stop the bleeding." Topaz colored eyes tried to convey his want to help. Understanding a little better why she was distraught over this he merely glanced at the other wolf, wondering if he would leave or not. He was a silent one, and Triell hated how that reminded him of Marsh. The red wolf who would have simply killed the rabbit, and fought with the wolf instead if need be. Triell was tempted to say if this did not work she should promise to do the humane thing, he shut his mouth and headed off in search. It was a long shot to find it, there was tall, dead grass and it would not hurt to check.

He fumbled along, letting his nose try to pick out the scent hoping he could even remember its specific odor. It had been long since he had had a lesson. Naira their last healer long gone, and this was not the familiar grounds of the Grove. He focused on the stalks, and sure enough beneath twisted decaying trees he was certain it was sprouting. He scoffed, thinking this might kill the rabbit, but bit at the base, ripping it from the ground. It would be a small miracle if it ate it. What else could he do?

(This post was last modified: Nov 21, 2013, 06:58 PM by Triell.)

are you with me through it all?

This was crazy. Hati found it disgusting to see his own species treat an injured bunny with herbs and love while his own stomach growled with hunger. His dark, scrawny frame remained right where it had been since the big black male had wandered in, single golden eye watching both wolves with mistrusting intensity, and eventually something snapped. As soon as Triell had disappeared searching for something to help the bunny a silent snarl parted Hati's lips and revealed shiny white teeth glistening with saliva. He was hungry, and that creature that laid behind Eek would not evade the appetite which gnawed at him. For several moments he remained still, glaring at Eek, obvious annoyance and dominance burning through his eye. Nothing would stop him from getting that rabbit.

A loud crack echoed once as his jaws snapped together, and in the same movement the black rogue had darted forward towards her. His expression was one of angered insanity, for Hati hoped that he could get his meal without too much fuss. If he could scare the pretty black female away from her post and escape before the giant brute returned he should have his prize. If all went well Hati would dart behind Eek and snatch up the rabbit, clenching it tightly and running for his life. If there was anything he could count on it was that he, smaller and more streamlined, could run faster than one so much larger and bulkier than himself. If that bunny ever found its way into his mouth he would be gone before anything could stop him.

@Hati @Triell ooc: a bit of a stretch timing wise, but planned with render to allow hati to exit. Relief swept over Eek like a bucket of warm water as the more regal stranger accepted her position on the situation and offered his help. Maybe, if he moved swiftly enough, this would all turn out alright. In accordance with the brief plan he had laid out, Eek dipped her head, and began the process of licking clean each puncture the poor hare was suffering from. It was only moments after the Tainn boy left that a tell-tale sound cut through the air, seizing Eek's attention. Her silver eyes instantly met Hati's, and with recognition returned the reflection of burning hatred. In one fluid motion, she crouched forward, and the rabbit was thus shield under the arch of her stomach. Her jaws clenched and her lips lifted, a raucous and threatening snarl ripping from her throat. Eyes darkening with venom, fur and tail erect, she looked the personification of impending violence. If he did not cease the charge, she would be all too willing to tear the skin from his skull. However, in that blur, a foil sound just managed to enter her attention. Soft and solemn, the rabbit below her took its last breath and faded into death. Instantly, the focus on Hati was discarded and she tuned in fully to the had-been life beneath her. She swung her hind end to the left, her forelegs still guarding the body but allowing predators to see. Moonlight eyes strained to focus through tears that demanded release, and she held her breath in futile prayer, but there was no movement on the rabbit's part. Its chest did not lift nor fall, and she knew it was dead. Suddenly, as was the pattern of this encounter, Eek completely dissolved. Backing away from the deceased child, sobs wracked her small frame as she tucked her tail between her legs and pressed herself closer to the ground. It hadn't been hers, she tried desperately to remind herself of that, but the grief was still so strong she couldn't contain the emotion. It held her so tightly that she lost all the outrage that she had held in the face of Hati's abominable actions, and may have even forgotten his presence entirely.

Render said it was ok to pp Hati as gone.

You'll never be what is in your heart

The Tainn returned and first saw the maiden in distress. It was not a surprise the creature's time was up, but it tugged at a piece of his heart how broken up the lady was over the incident. He assumed it might have been a deep belief to spare young and he wanted to respect that. Didn't everyone need a little understanding?

When fiery eyes moved from her there was no rabbit nor silent wolf. "You jackass!" He would yell, dropping the useless remedy, then following the trace of the loner quickly. He was in slight disbelief the other would be twice heartless. His call would fall on deaf ears. The dark wolf struck his nose to the ground, searching, but the other was long gone. A rumble in his chest he saw no point to give chase. The dummy wanted the rabbit that bad maybe he needed the small meal. Though it might be easier chasing him down than facing the sobbing woman.

Shaking his head Triell permanently put his scent with memory before slowly turning with little idea what he could do. Somehow he guessed she would shun his company and any comfort he may offer. Triangle ears pulled back, and he gently cleared his throat. "He took the rabbit. They're both gone." Gently the leader spoke thinking he had to try something. Wondering if it would be an action of regret, he pressed his muzzle to the top of her head.

(This post was last modified: Dec 05, 2013, 09:18 PM by Triell.)

are you with me through it all?

As she cowered deeper into her sadness, Eek crossed both of her front paws over top her snout, shielding her eyes which were squeezed shut in a vain attempt to stop their burning. She heard Hati's steps, and something faint within her knew that because of that very sound and his callous heart, she would not even be able to bury the child deep and keep its remains safe from the disgrace of being picked apart and tossed aside. It was simple time that soothed her raw heart and calmed her crying into near silent whimpers. Another presence, with all its noise and fighting compassion, registered distantly, but it wasn't until she felt his touch that Eek was pulled completely from her shell and forced back into reality, where it was cold and dark with storms clouds and where she really did not wish to continue what was occurring. It would do no good to talk about it, to accept his condolences and show gratitude for his vain attempts. How she dealt with misfortunes such as these was to wallow alone, and to forget completely. It was the only way; speaking of it, creating a tie with another because of it, would only cement the event into fact and force her to retain it. Running away allowed her to create her own fiction and erase the pain entirely. All with time. "I have to go home," she murmured, stiffly rising onto all fours. It was true; she needed to be curled up in the warmth of her makeshift den, on the opposite end of the Spectral Woods, so that she could begin her private process of grief. While she would keep his existence alive within her memory, grateful for the rare understanding he had graced her situation with, the emotion would not be voiced. If they were to meet again, it would be as though the child had never existed at all. Eek retreated, back pedaling slowly before turning herself around and trudging off with nothing more than a flick of her tail, head hung low with the weight of her sorrow. ooc: she's such an eeyore. hope you're okay with ending the thread, i figured things were pretty much finished. ^^ if not just let me know.